bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In vitro antifungal activity of Cinnamomum zeylanicum bark and leaf essential oils against Candida albicans and Candida auris
Authors: Tran Hoang N. H. , Graham Lee , Adukwu Emmanuel C. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractCandida infections are a significant source of patient morbidity and mortality. Candida albicans is the most common pathogen causing Candida infections. Candida auris is a newly described pathogen that is associated with multi-drug-resistant candidiasis and candidaemia in humans. The antifungal effects of various essential oils and plant compounds have been demonstrated against human pathogenic fungi. In this study, the effect of cinnamon leaf and bark essential oils (CEOs) was determined against both C. albicans and C. auris. The disc diffusion (direct and vapour) and broth microdilution method was used to determine antifungal activity of the EOs against selected strains (C. albicans ATCC 10231, C. albicans ATCC 2091 and C. auris NCPF 8971) whilst the mode of action and haemolysin activity of the CEOs were determined using electron microscopy and light microscopy. Direct and vapour diffusion assays showed greater inhibitory activity of bark CEO in comparison with leaf CEO. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFCs) of bark CEO for all tested strains was below 0.03% (v/v), which was lower than the MICs of the leaf CEO (0.06–0.13%, v/v) dependent on the strain and the MFCs at 0.25% (v/v). In the morphological interference assays, damage to the cell membrane was observed and both CEOs inhibited hyphae formation. The haemolysin production assay showed that CEOs can reduce the haemolytic activity in the tested C. albicans and C. auris strains. At low concentrations, CEOs have potent antifungal and antihaemolytic activities in vitro against C. albicans and C. auris.Key points• Essential oils from Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume bark and leaf (CBEO and CLEO) demonstrated fungicidal properties at very low concentrations.• The antifungal activity of CBEO was greater than that of CLEO consistent with other recent published literature.• The mode of action of CBEO and CLEO was damage to the membrane of C. albicans and C. auris.• Both CBEO and CLEO inhibited the formation of hyphae and reduced haemolysin production in C. albicans and C. auris.
Sex differences in ocular morphology in Caucasian people: a dubious role of sexual selection in the evolution of sexual dimorphism of the human eye
Authors: Danel Dariusz P. , Wacewicz Sławomir , Kleisner Karel , Lewandowski Zdzisław , Kret Mariska E. , Żywiczyński Przemysław , Perea-Garcia Juan Olvido 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
The horizontal size of the exposed depigmented sclera in Caucasians has been previously suggested to be sexually dimorphic, and the significance of this phenomenon remains unclear. Here we build on a previous study and extend it by (i) examining sex differences in other measures of ocular morphology and (ii) exploring the link between eye morphology and biometric markers of facial attractiveness. We used facial photographs of 100 Caucasians (50 men) from Eastern-Central Europe and digitally measured four ocular features. Eye measurements were tested for sex differences and associations with morphometric data on facial averageness and sexual shape dimorphism. We found that sclera surface is more horizontally exposed in men, even though the total surface area is similar in both sexes. We also found that eye fissures are rounder (less rectangular) in women than in men and that irises are brighter in women. We did not find any relationship between the examined eye features and two aspects of facial attractiveness: facial averageness and sexual dimorphism in facial shape. Despite being sexually dimorphic, eye features may be loosely linked with the development of facial sexual ornamentation. The role of sexual selection in the evolution of the observed phenomena is disputable.

Significance statement
It is often argued that because of their physical appearance, human eyes are crucial to interpersonal and social interactions. In many aspects, however, the significance of the human eye architecture is unclear. In this study, we examine sex differences in eye morphology and explore the link between ocular features and biometric measures of facial attractiveness in Caucasian men and women. We found that despite being sexually dimorphic, eye features may be loosely linked with biometric markers of facial attractiveness. We argue that the role of sexual selection in the evolution of the observed sex differences is disputable.
A review of the challenges in mobile manipulation: systems design and RoboCup challenges
Authors: Sereinig Martin , Werth Wolfgang , Faller Lisa-Marie 
Published: September 2020

AbstractMobile robotics is already well established in today’s production lines. Navigation, control and perception for mobile robots are vivid fields of research fostering advances in Industry 4.0. In order to increase the flexibility of such mobile platforms, it is also common practice to add serial manipulator arms to their yielding systems with nine degrees of freedom and more. These platforms are not limited to industry but are supportive in various field such as service, assistance, teleoperation and also rehabilitation. Due to the operation of such increasingly complex systems in less structured and dynamic environments - often in close contact with humans - more demanding challenges evolve in terms of systems design, control and sensors. These challenges are also reflected in the various RoboCup leagues. In this paper, we discuss state-of-the-art developments in mobile manipulation using developments and work done in the context of the RoboCup competition as design examples. Additionally, we elaborate on the recent challenges of the RoboCup Rescue League as well as on the RoboCup@Work League.
Patient satisfaction after breast cancer surgery
Authors: Leser Carmen , Tan Yen Y. , Singer Christian , Zeillinger Robert , Fitzal Florian , Lehrner Johann , König Daniel , Deutschmann Christine , Gschwantler-Kaulich Daphne 
Published: September 2020

SummaryBackgroundThis study investigated the impact of curative breast cancer surgery on patient satisfaction concerning cosmetic results and quality of life (QoL).MethodsIn this study 61 participants completed questionnaires to evaluate their QoL and patient satisfaction with cosmetic results following breast cancer surgery. Cosmetic outcomes were evaluated by the breast surgeon and an independent breast specialist using the Harris scale and the breast analyzing tool (BAT).ResultsOf the participants 71% completed all 4 follow-up visits, 38 (62%) patients received breast-conserving therapy (BCT) and 23 (38%) received a mastectomy. Surgery-associated complications arose in 2.6% of the patients who received BCT and 17.4% of patients who received a mastectomy. No significant differences in QoL between BCT patients and mastectomy patients were observed immediately after surgery, or after 6 and 12 months. Breast asymmetry, measured using the BAT score, and QoL scores were worst immediately after surgery. The surgeon rated the cosmetic results as better compared to the independent breast expert (p = 0.001). Furthermore, patients aged over 60 years old were less satisfied with the cosmetic outcome compared to younger patients at the time of discharge (p = 0.024). Patients who received a mastectomy were less satisfied when the resected volume was higher.ConclusionPatient satisfaction was lowest immediately after surgery but improved during the following months, despite continued breast asymmetry. For mastectomy patients, a lower resected volume led to a higher satisfaction with cosmetic results. Satisfaction is subjective and cannot be determined from the esthetic satisfaction of the surgeon or using an objective tool measuring breast asymmetry.
Multidimensional assessment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy patients. Usefulness of a comprehensive score system
Authors: Pilato Fabio , Calandrelli Rosalinda , Distefano Marisa , Tamburrelli Francesco Ciro 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Objective
Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is caused by cervical spine degeneration and surgery may be beneficial, but selection for surgery might be challenging. We performed a multimodal analysis to assess predicting factors that may be useful to help surgeons in this choice.

Patients and methods
We retrospectively evaluated clinical, motor evoked potentials (MEP), and MRI data of patients who undergone surgery for CSM. Seventy-six consecutive patients (46 males) were enrolled. The median age was 65.5 [IQR: 57–71] years, and the duration of symptoms was 11 [8–13] months. A multivariate analysis in order to assess predictors of outcome and ROC curve analysis were performed.

Results
Thirty patients (M:18, 39.5%) gained 6 or more points on mJOA and they were collected in good recovery group, whereas 46 patients (60.5%, M:28) showed a fair recovery. We developed a comprehensive score system (CSS) taking into account clinical, neurophysiological, and neuroradiological data. ROC curve analysis was performed to determine the discriminative power of four models derived from the multivariate logistic regression analysis for predictors of good outcome considering only clinical variables, MRI variables, and MEP variables or considering the comprehensive model, demonstrating a good accuracy of CSS model to predict outcome.

Conclusion
This study demonstrates that CSS model taking into consideration functional assessment by mJOA score, neurologic evaluation, cervical MRI, and MEP may be a feasible method to predict outcome in patients candidate to surgery, supporting surgeon’s decisions both for those patients candidate to surgery and for patients in whom a “wait and see” approach could be proposed.
Heterogeneous approach to nebulization of antimicrobial agents in mechanically ventilated adults in a German tertiary care hospital: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Pfäfflin Frieder , Stegemann Miriam , Suttorp Norbert , Uhrig Alexander , Achterberg Stephan 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThere is lack of standardization of practices and limited evidence on efficacy and safety of nebulization of antimicrobials. We sought to determine inhalation practices in one tertiary care hospital by performing a cross-sectional survey. Eleven adult ICUs were included in the analysis. Three units followed established protocols. Ventilation circuit filters were exchanged at least daily in all but one units. Dosages of aminoglycosides and CMS depended on indication and unit. Nebulization of antimicrobials was generally regarded as safe and efficacious. Our data indicate that approach to nebulization of antimicrobials may be heterogeneous even in a single center.
Efficient synthesis of γ-glutamyl compounds by co-expression of γ-glutamylmethylamide synthetase and polyphosphate kinase in engineered Escherichia coli
Authors: Pan Xinru , Yu Jinhai , Du Qinglin , Zeng Shuiyun , Liu Junzhong , Jiao Qingcai , Zhang Hongjuan 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
γ-Glutamyl compounds have unveiled their importance as active substances or precursors of pharmaceuticals. In this research, an approach for enzymatic synthesis of γ-glutamyl compounds was developed using γ-glutamylmethylamide synthetase (GMAS) from Methylovorus mays and polyphosphate kinase (PPK) from Corynebacterium glutamicum. GMAS and PPK were co-recombined in pETDuet-1 plasmid and co-expressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3), and the enzymatic properties of GMAS and PPK were investigated, respectively. Under the catalysis of the co-expression system, l-theanine was synthesized with 89.8% conversion when the substrate molar ratio of sodium glutamate and ethylamine (1:1.4) and only 2 mM ATP were used. A total of 14 γ-glutamyl compounds were synthesized by this one-pot method and purified by cation exchange resin and isoelectric point crystallization with a yield range from 22.3 to 72.7%. This study provided an efficient approach for the synthesis of γ-glutamyl compounds by GMAS and PPK co-expression system.
Synthetic biology, combinatorial biosynthesis, and chemo‑enzymatic synthesis of isoprenoids
Authors: Malico Alexandra A , Calzini Miles A , Gayen Anuran K , Williams Gavin J 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Isoprenoids are a large class of natural products with myriad applications as bioactive and commercial compounds. Their diverse structures are derived from the biosynthetic assembly and tailoring of their scaffolds, ultimately constructed from two C5 hemiterpene building blocks. The modular logic of these platforms can be harnessed to improve titers of valuable isoprenoids in diverse hosts and to produce new-to-nature compounds. Often, this process is facilitated by the substrate or product promiscuity of the component enzymes, which can be leveraged to produce novel isoprenoids. To complement rational enhancements and even re-programming of isoprenoid biosynthesis, high-throughput approaches that rely on searching through large enzymatic libraries are being developed. This review summarizes recent advances and strategies related to isoprenoid synthetic biology, combinatorial biosynthesis, and chemo-enzymatic synthesis, focusing on the past 5 years. Emerging applications of cell-free biosynthesis and high-throughput tools are included that culminate in a discussion of the future outlook and perspective of isoprenoid biosynthetic engineering.
An attempt to identify technologically relevant papers based on their references
Authors: Yamashita Yasuhiro 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIn this study, two indicators derived from references in papers were proposed to characterize the papers regarding technological relevance: (1) the number of reference papers that obtained citations from patents by the time of observation, i.e., the publication years of papers to be assessed (NR-PCP), and (2) the number of reference papers authored by the firms’ researchers (NR-FP). Next, the two indicators were applied to papers published in 2001 to assess their performance. The results obtained by the two indicators were evaluated by citations from patents until 2016 in various conditions: scientific field, institutional sector, and period of measurement. Results showed a robustness of both indicators in many conditions. NR-PCP showed better results in most cases than NR-FP, although its recall was inferior to NR-FP for papers in which all references were newer than 1996. Based on the result that NR-PCP was preferred as an indicator, the rationale of using reference papers cited in the patent by the period of observation (R-PCP) as an indicator was considered based on the papers’ potential distances from the border between science and technology, which was obtained from an extended version of the citation network originally proposed by Ahmadpoor and Jones (Science 357:583–587, 2017.10.1126/science.aam9527). Finally, issues to be addressed were discussed.
Sphaeropsis sapinea and fungal endophyte diversity in twigs of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) in Germany
Authors: Bußkamp Johanna , Langer Gitta Jutta , Langer Ewald Johannes 
Published: September 2020

AbstractSphaeropsis sapineais the causal fungal agent of Diplodia tip blight disease of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) and other coniferous trees of relevance to forestry in Germany. In this study, the distribution and occurrence ofS. sapineaand accompanying endophytic fungi in twigs of healthy and diseased Scots pine was investigated on a spatial and temporal scale. Sampling of 26,000 twig segments from trees in 105 temperate coniferous forest stands in Germany resulted in isolation of 33,000 endophytic fungi consisting of 103 species identified based on morphological and ITS-DNA sequence analyses. Approximately 98% of the sample was represented by fungi in the Ascomycota, with only two species (Peniophora piniandCoprinellussp.) belonging to the Basidiomycota. Four species were detected in a frequency greater than 10% (Sphaeropsis sapinea,Sydowia polyspora,Microsphaeropsis olivacea,andTruncatella conorum-piceae) from the collective sample. A typical inhabitant of Scots pine twigsDesmazierella acicolawas isolated and additionally typical hardwood colonizers likeBiscogniauxiaspp. were detected.S. sapinea, an endophytic plant pathogen with saprobic capabilities, was isolated from more than 80% of the studied pine trees, but the majority of trees sampled showed no symptoms of Diplodia tip blight. No invasive, pathogenic quarantine fungi for Germany were isolated from healthy or diseased Scots pines. Advantages and disadvantages of isolation-based endophyte studies over studies using direct DNA-isolation are discussed. Knowledge of the fungal endophyte communities in twigs of Scots pine allowed for identificationS. sapineaand other potential pathogens of pines and other forest trees that may possibly contribute to increased disease under repeated periods of drought and heat stress in the future.
Spermatozoa induce transcriptomic alterations in bovine oviductal epithelial cells prior to initial contact
Authors: Reshi Qurat Ul Ain , Viil Janeli , Ord James , Lättekivi Freddy , Godakumara Kasun , Hasan Mohammad Mehedi , Nõmm Monika , Jääger Kersti , Velthut-Meikas Agne , Jaakma Ülle , Salumets Andres , Fazeli Alireza 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe capability of spermatozoa to directly influence maternal gene expression is already established. Indeed, some of the changes induced by spermatozoa may have a direct functional importance in the pre-conceptional period. Although the mechanisms underlying these sperm-maternal interactions are not well characterized, it is possible that they could involve ligands that are released from the spermatozoa. This study therefore aimed to test whether physical contact between bovine spermatozoa and bovine oviductal epithelial cells (BOECs) is a prerequisite for spermatozoa-induced gene expression changes. We used two co-culture models: a contact co-culture model in which spermatozoa interact directly with BOECs, and a non-contact co-culture model in which an insert with the pore size of 0.4 μm was placed between spermatozoa and BOECs. Messenger RNA sequencing analysis of BOECs by RNA-seq revealed ten differentially expressed genes in contact system and 108 differentially expressed genes in the non-contact system after 10 h of co-culture. Retinol metabolism pathway and ovarian steroidogenesis pathway were significantly enriched in the non-contact co-culture system. Q-PCR analysis revealed that transcriptional responses can be rapid, with increased expression of four genes (DHRS3,CYP1B1,PTGS2, andATF3) detectable within just 90 min of co-incubation, but with expression levels highly dependent on the type of co-culture system. The findings from our study demonstrate that direct contact with spermatozoa is not necessary to induce changes in gene expression of oviductal epithelial cells, suggesting that spermatozoa may be able to signal to maternal tissues in advance of their arrival.
Brief Compassion-Focused Imagery Dampens Physiological Pain Responses
Authors: Maratos Frances A. , Sheffield David 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Objectives
Affiliative processes are postulated to improve pain coping. Comparatively, compassion-focused imagery (CFI) also stimulates affiliate affect systems with a burgeoning behavioural, cognitive and physiological evidence base. Thus, the purpose of the present research was to investigate if engaging in brief CFI could improve pain coping.

Methods
Utilising a randomised repeated measures crossover design, 37 participants were subjected to experimental pain (cold pressor) following counter-balanced engagement with CFI or control imagery, 1 week apart. Salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) and questionnaire measures of emotional responding were taken: at baseline, following introduction to the imagery condition (anticipation), and immediately after the cold pressor pain task (actual).

Results
Participants exhibited increases in sAA levels in response to pain following control imagery but, no such changes were observed following CFI (i.e. there was a significant time-by-condition interaction). Pain tolerance (the length of time participants immersed their hands in the cold pressor) did not differ by imagery condition. However, sAA responses to actual pain predicted decreased pain tolerance in the CFI condition. Additionally, anticipatory sAA response predicted increased pain tolerance across both conditions. None of the emotional measures of well-being differed by imagery condition, nor by condition over time.

Conclusions
These data demonstrate that using CFI can curtail a physiological stress response to pain, as indicated by increases in sAA in the control imagery condition only, following pain; pain tolerance was not influenced by CFI. Compassion-based approaches may therefore help people cope with the stress associated with pain.
Cultural innovative enterprises: not just philantrophy
Authors: Guizzardi Silvia 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThis paper is focused on the “cultural innovative enterprises”, introduced into italian law by Decree Law 179/2012 on “Further urgent measures for Italy’s economic growth”, converted into Law 221/2012. It is about new innovative enterprises that deal to develop, manufacture and distribuite innovative goods and services of high technological value, operating exclusively in the fields of cultural heritage promotion and cultural services provision. These companies can contribute to reduce the Italian youth employment emergency thanks on one hand to the reduced entry barriers related to the technology developments needed to “begin doing business” and on the other hand to the widespread territorial distribution of the italian cultural heritage to which services and processes will be applied. Furthermore, the increase of the GDP in regions undergoing a state of economic difficulty is a goal at hand. From a more general point of view, the cultural innovative start ups are an important element in stimulating new forms of collaboration between public entities responsible for the protection of the artistic heritage and private companies involved in its promotion. This type of partnership can contribute to the promotion and dissemination of new essential skills within the public administration aimed at a virtuous evolution of the way the overall economic system works.
Operation and operation approval of high-altitude platforms
Authors: Nikodem F. , Kaltenhäuser S. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractRecently, the European Aviation Safety Agency and other civil aviation authorities introduced a regulatory framework for low- and medium-risk operations of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) where medium-risk operations fall into the ‘specific’ category. Other introduced categories are the ‘open’ category for very-low-risk operations and the ‘certified’ category for high-risk operations that are comparable to manned aviation. This framework has the potential to reduce the certification costs compared to manned civil aviation. This paper discusses the challenges for operators of high-altitude platforms who aim for medium-risk UAS operations in the ‘specific’ category. It also shows ways to obtain an operation approval in the ‘specific’ category and how to deal with the associated operational requirements to perform such long-endurance UAS missions. Moreover, problems the high-altitude platform operator has to face when applying SORA are discussed. The paper closes with a promising approach to further enable high-altitude operations and to face some of the problems that occurred in the applicability of SORA to high-altitude platform operations by the use of 4D-operational volumes and unmanned traffic management (UTM) services.