bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rapid optimisation of cellulolytic enzymes ratios in Saccharomyces cerevisiae using in vitro SCRaMbLE
Authors: Wightman Elizabeth L. I. , Kroukamp Heinrich , Pretorius Isak S. , Paulsen Ian T. , Nevalainen Helena K. M. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
For the economic production of biofuels and other valuable products from lignocellulosic waste material, a consolidated bioprocessing (CBP) organism is required. With efficient fermentation capability and attractive industrial qualities, Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a preferred candidate and has been engineered to produce enzymes that hydrolyze cellulosic biomass. Efficient cellulose hydrolysis requires the synergistic action of several enzymes, with the optimum combined activity ratio dependent on the composition of the substrate.

Results
In vitro SCRaMbLE generated a library of plasmids containing different ratios of a β-glucosidase gene (CEL3A) from Saccharomycopsis fibuligera and an endoglucanase gene (CEL5A) from Trichoderma reesei. S. cerevisiae, transformed with the plasmid library, displayed a range of individual enzyme activities and synergistic capabilities. Furthermore, we show for the first time that 4,6-O-(3-ketobutylidene)-4-nitrophenyl-β-d-cellopentaoside (BPNPG5) is a suitable substrate to determine synergistic Cel3A and Cel5A action and an accurate predictive model for this synergistic action was devised. Strains with highest BPNPG5 activity had an average CEL3A and CEL5A gene cassette copy number of 1.3 ± 0.6 and 0.8 ± 0.2, respectively (ratio of 1.6:1).

Conclusions
Here, we describe a synthetic biology approach to rapidly optimise gene copy numbers to achieve efficient synergistic substrate hydrolysis. This study demonstrates how in vitro SCRaMbLE can be applied to rapidly combine gene constructs in various ratios to allow screening of synergistic enzyme activities for efficient substrate hydrolysis.
Solid index versus intraoral scanners in the full-arch implant impression: in vitro trueness evaluation
Authors: Mangano Francesco Guido , Bonacina Matteo , Mandelli Federico , Marchiori Fabio 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Objectives
To assess the trueness of a solid index (SI) in the full-arch (FA) implant impression, and to compare it with that of two intraoral scanners (IOSs). A type-IV gypsum model of a completely edentulous patient with 8 implant scanbodies (SBs) was scanned with a desktop scanner (7Series®) to obtain a reference virtual model (RVM), and with two IOSs (CS 3700® and Emerald S®). Five scans were taken with each IOS. Based on the RVM, an SI (custom tray consisting of hollow cylinders connected by a bar) was fabricated and used to capture a physical impression of the model; from this, a second gypsum model was derived and scanned with a desktop scanner (D15®). The SI-derived and the IOSs-derived models were superimposed onto the RVM, to evaluate trueness.

Results
The overall mean trueness was 29 μm (± 26) for the SI-derived model, versus 42.4 μm (± 14.7) for CS 3700® and 52.2 μm (± 4.6) for Emerald S®. Despite its limitations (in vitro design, a limited number of models evaluated, RVM captured with a desktop scanner) this study supports the use of SI for FA implant impressions. Further studies are needed to confirm this evidence.
MRI guided procedure planning and 3D simulation for partial gland cryoablation of the prostate: a pilot study
Authors: Wake Nicole , Rosenkrantz Andrew B. , Sodickson Daniel K. , Chandarana Hersh , Wysock James S. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Purpose
This study reports on the development of a novel 3D procedure planning technique to provide pre-ablation treatment planning for partial gland prostate cryoablation (cPGA).

Methods
Twenty men scheduled for partial gland cryoablation (cPGA) underwent pre-operative image segmentation and 3D modeling of the prostatic capsule, index lesion, urethra, rectum, and neurovascular bundles based upon multi-parametric MRI data. Pre-treatment 3D planning models were designed including virtual 3D cryotherapy probes to predict and plan cryotherapy probe configuration needed to achieve confluent treatment volume. Treatment efficacy was measured with 6 month post-operative MRI, serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) at 3 and 6 months, and treatment zone biopsy results at 6 months. Outcomes from 3D planning were compared to outcomes from a series of 20 patients undergoing cPGA using traditional 2D planning techniques.

Results
Forty men underwent cPGA. The median age of the cohort undergoing 3D treatment planning was 64.8 years with a median pretreatment PSA of 6.97 ng/mL. The Gleason grade group (GGG) of treated index lesions in this cohort included 1 (5%) GGG1, 11 (55%) GGG2, 7 (35%) GGG3, and 1 (5%) GGG4. Two (10%) of these treatments were post-radiation salvage therapies. The 2D treatment cohort included 20 men with a median age of 68.5 yrs., median pretreatment PSA of 6.76 ng/mL. The Gleason grade group (GGG) of treated index lesions in this cohort included 3 (15%) GGG1, 8 (40%) GGG2, 8 (40%) GGG3, 1 (5%) GGG4. Two (10%) of these treatments were post-radiation salvage therapies. 3D planning predicted the same number of cryoprobes for each group, however a greater number of cryoprobes was used in the procedure for the prospective 3D group as compared to that with 2D planning (4.10 ± 1.37 and 3.25 ± 0.44 respectively, p = 0.01). At 6 months post cPGA, the median PSA was 1.68 ng/mL and 2.38 ng/mL in the 3D and 2D cohorts respectively, with a larger decrease noted in the 3D cohort (75.9% reduction noted in 3D cohort and 64.8% reduction 2D cohort, p 0.48). In-field disease detection was 1/14 (7.1%) on surveillance biopsy in the 3D cohort and 3/14 (21.4%) in the 2D cohort, p = 0.056) In the 3D cohort, 6 month biopsy was not performed in 4 patients (20%) due to undetectable PSA, negative MRI, and negative MRI Axumin PET. For the group with traditional 2D planning, treatment zone biopsy was positive in 3/14 (21.4%) of the patients, p = 0.056.

Conclusions
3D prostate cancer models derived from mpMRI data provide novel guidance for planning confluent treatment volumes for cPGA and predicted a greater number of treatment probes than traditional 2D planning methods. This study prompts further investigation into the use of 3D treatment planning techniques as the increase of partial gland ablation treatment protocols develop.
Anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic in Kuwait: the importance of physical activity
Authors: Alsharji Khaled E. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
In Kuwait, as in much of the world, COVID-19 epidemic has been spreading since February 2020. The government of Kuwait has taken several measures to minimize virus spread. The epidemic and measures to contain it will likely psychologically influence individuals. This study investigated the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms in Kuwaiti nationals and expats. The study’s secondary aim was to identify the association between sociodemographic characteristics and physical activity (PA) engagement, with psychological disorders such as anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic in Kuwait. A two-section survey was used to examine sociodemographic characteristics and PA engagement, and generalized anxiety (GAD-7) and depression symptoms (PHQ-9).

Results
Results of this study indicated that 53.7% and 59.6% of the respondents experienced anxiety and depression. The multiple regression models significantly predicted anxiety and depression (P < 0.001). In addition, PA, gender, education, and age were significantly associated with anxiety (P < .05), while PA, gender, age, and marital status were significantly associated with depression (P < .05).

Conclusions
Findings suggest that the COVID-19 outbreak may have a greater psychological impact on women, younger individuals, married people, and individuals with a bachelor’s degree. However, regular PA appears to be an important immediate and long-term factor in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression during an epidemic.
Antidiabetic and antiulcerative potential of Garcinia lanceifolia Roxb. bark
Authors: Bora Nilutpal Sharma , Bairy Partha Sarathi , Salam Abdus , Kakoti Bibhuti Bhusan 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundGarcinia lanceifoliaRoxb. has been used by many ethnic communities of Northeast India to mitigate various disorders like dyspepsia, ulcers, diabetes, etc. However, a robust scientific study on its antidiabetic and antiulcer potential is unavailable till date. The aim of this present study is to scientifically validate if the antidiabetic and antiulcer effects reported by the ethnic tribes of Assam has any scientific value or not. The effects were tested in adult Wistar albino rats using approved animal models for preclinical testing of pharmacological activities.ResultsThe hydroalcoholic extract of the bark ofGarcinia lanceifoliaRoxb. was prepared and its LD50was calculated. The LD50was determined to be greater than 5000 mg/kg body weight. The extract at doses of 250 mg/kg body weight and 500 mg/kg body weight was found to exhibit a very potent dose-dependent antidiabetic activity. The results were backed by a battery of test including analysis of serum levels of blood glucose, lipid profiles, in vivo antioxidant enzymes, and histopathological studies. Evidence of dose-dependent antiulcer activity of the extract was backed by robust scientific data. It was found that HAEGL induced a significant dose-dependent increase in the ulcer index in both alcohol-induced and acetic acid-induced ulcer models, which was evident from the macroscopic observation of the inner lining of the gastric mucosa and the histological evaluation of the extracted stomach.ConclusionThe results suggested that the bark ofGarcinia lanceifolia(Roxb.) has significant antidiabetic and antiulcer potential. Further studies with respect to the development herbal dosage forms and its safety evaluation are required.
Patterns of Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer Among Nigerians and African Americans
Authors: Holowatyj Andreana N. , Maude Aishatu Suleiman , Musa Halimatu Sadiya , Adamu Ahmed , Ibrahim Sani , Abdullahi Adamu , Manko Muhammad , Aminu Sirajo Mohammed , Mohammed Abdullahi , Idoko John , Ukwenya Yahaya , Carpten John , Chandler Paulette D. , Hampel Heather , Faruk Mohammed 
Published: November 2020

PURPOSE Colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence rates are increasing among individuals < 50 years of age (early-onset CRC) globally with causes unknown. Racial/ethnic disparities in early-onset CRC have also grown more pronounced, because Black individuals have higher early-onset CRC incidence and poorer survival compared with White individuals. We describe the prevalence and burden of early-onset CRC among Africans in Nigeria and African Americans (AAs) in the United States. PATIENTS AND METHODS We identified Black individuals diagnosed with a first primary CRC ages 18 to 49 years between 1989 and 2017 at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital in Zaria, Nigeria (Nigerians), and in the United States (AAs) using the National Institutes of Health/National Cancer Institute’s SEER program of cancer registries. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to investigate clinical and demographic differences between Nigerians and AAs with early-onset CRC, adjusted for age, sex, tumor site, and histology. RESULTS A total of 5,019 Black individuals were diagnosed with early-onset CRC over the study period (379 Nigerians; 4,640 AAs). Overall, approximately one third of young Black patients were diagnosed with rectal tumors (35.8%). Nigerian individuals with early-onset CRC were eight-fold more likely to be diagnosed with rectal tumors (odds ratio [OR], 8.14; 95% CI, 6.23 to 10.62; P < .0001) and more likely to be diagnosed at younger ages (OR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.86 to 0.89; P < .0001) compared with young African Americans in adjusted models. CONCLUSION Compared with AA individuals diagnosed with early-onset CRC, Nigerian individuals harbor distinct features of early-onset CRC. Additional investigation of the histopathologic and biologic heterogeneity of early-onset CRCs among Black individuals is critical for understanding racial disparities in susceptibility and outcomes, which may have implications for tailored early-onset CRC prevention, detection, and treatment strategies.
Performance Evaluation of a High-Precision Low-Dose Powder Feeder
Authors: Fathollahi Sara , Sacher Stephan , Escotet-Espinoza M. Sebastian , DiNunzio James , Khinast Johannes G. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Highly potent active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and low-dose excipients, or excipients with very low density, are notoriously hard to feed with currently available commercial technology. The micro-feeder system presented in this work is capable of feeding low-dose rates of powders with different particle sizes and flow properties. Two different grades of lactose, di-calcium phosphate, croscarmellose sodium, silicon dioxide, a spray-dried intermediate, and an active ingredient were studied to vary material properties to test performance of the system. The current micro-feeder system is a volumetric feeder combined with a weighing balance at the outlet that measures feeder output rates. Feeding results are shown as a so-called “displacement-feed factor” curve for each material. Since the powder mass and volume are known in the micro-feeder system, in this work, we characterized an observed density variation during processing via a “displacement-feed factor” profile for each of the fed powders. This curve can be later used for calibrating the system to ensure an accurate, constant feed rate and in addition predicting feeding performance for that material at any feed rate. There is a relation between powder properties and feeding performance. Powders with finer particles and higher compressibility show densification during their feeding process. However, powders with larger particles and lower compressibility show both “densification” and “powder bed expansion,” which is the manifestation of dilation and elastic recovery of particles during the micro-feeding process. Through the application of the displacement-feed factor, it is possible to provide precise feeding accuracy of low-dose materials.

Graphical abstract
Identification of Somatic Mutations in CLCN2 in Aldosterone-Producing Adenomas
Authors: Rege Juilee , Nanba Kazutaka , Blinder Amy R , Plaska Samuel , Udager Aaron M , Vats Pankaj , Kumar-Sinha Chandan , Giordano Thomas J , Rainey William E , Else Tobias 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Somatic mutations driving aldosterone production have been identified in approximately 90% of aldosterone-producing adenomas (APAs) using an aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) immunohistochemistry (IHC)-guided DNA sequencing approach. In the present study, using CYP11B2-guided whole-exome sequencing (WES) and targeted amplicon sequencing, we detected 2 somatic variants in CLCN2 in 2 APAs that were negative for currently known aldosterone-driver mutations. The CLCN2 gene encodes the voltage-gated chloride channel ClC-2. CLCN2 germline variants have previously been shown to cause familial hyperaldosteronism type II. Somatic mutations in CLCN2 were identified in 2 of 115 APAs, resulting in a prevalence of 1.74%. One of the CLCN2 somatic mutations (c.G71A,p.G24D) was identical to a previously described germline variant causing early-onset PA, but was present only as a somatic mutation. The second CLCN2 mutation, which affects the same region of the gene, has not been reported previously (c.64-2_74del). These findings prove that WES of CYP11B2-guided mutation-negative APAs can help determine rarer genetic causes of sporadic PA.
Crossing the Threshold from Adolescence to Adulthood in Eighteenth-Century Puerto Rico: The Baptismal Sponsorship of Enslaved Infants in Arecibo, 1735–1772
Authors: Stark David M. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThis study examines godparent selection patterns by the parents of 632 slaves baptized in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, from 1735 to 1772. The article broadens our understanding of baptismal sponsorship by using family reconstitution to re-create demographic patterns of behavior, including age and marital status, associated with godparenthood. Data regarding the godparents revealed considerable diversity in age, but most were under the age of 30. Godparents generally sponsored only one child of a slave parent or parents. There is a correlation between baptismal sponsorship and marriage. Godparents, especially women, often married within three years of the first time they were selected as baptismal sponsors. Serving as a godparent for a child born to at least one slave parent prepared adolescents for adult responsibilities. In agreeing to accept the spiritual and moral obligations associated with godparenthood, females demonstrated the ability to parent children, whereas males asserted their readiness to provide for a family.
Beyond virtual cultural tourism: history-living experiences with cinematic virtual reality
Authors: Marasco Alessandra 
Published: November 2020

Virtual reality offers unprecedented opportunities for creating cultural tourism experiences that tell visitors emotionally engaging stories about the past. This paper focuses onthe latest frontier of immersive storytelling rivalling feature films, cinematic virtual reality, which can immerse users into 360-degree films making them feel like living the story. Through a qualitative analysis of five projects, this paper explores how this new media form has been applied for cultural heritage storytelling and analyses the reactions of users to the historyliving experiences with an emphasis on their emotional responses. Based on the findings of the analysis, implications are discussed for the design of VR experiences in cultural tourism.
Evaluación y análisis de herramientas digitales en el yacimiento arqueológico de Empúries, Catalunya
Authors: Calzado-Sánchez Itziar 
Published: November 2020

Within the scope of the evolution of technologies, there are more and more heritage and cultural spaces that include in their dissemination and mediation technological tools, specifically and significantly, those catalogued as digital tools. This study takes into account heritage spaces that have permanently included digital tools as mediation resources in archaeological spaces. To this end, the case of the archaeological site of Empúries, Catalonia, has been taken as an example, where an evaluation of these digital tools has been carried out based on their capacity to create and transmit knowledge to users, on the understanding of the material remains present in the site and on the satisfaction generated by these tools. This research is of an exploratory nature and has been carried out using a qualitative methodology. The aim is to establish to what extent the technological or digital tools (specifically, the audio guide and Virtual Reality) help to understand the material remains present in the archaeological site, and the extent to which the digital tools chosen in the mediation of the heritage encourage interaction between visitor and environment is analysed. The results show that it is not possible to say that digital tools significantly increase visitor satisfaction, since the average response of all visitors, regardless of the visit made, is positive.
High-throughput and uniform large field-of-view multichannel fluorescence microscopy with super-thin dichroism for a dPCR gene chip
Authors: Otuboah Francis Yaw , Zheng Jihong , Chen Cheng , Wang Zicheng , Wan Xinjun , Sun Liujie 
Published: November 2020

With the rapid development of digital precision medicine, the digital polymerase chain reaction (dPCR) deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) gene chip integrates more channels with smaller size and larger area, which leads to a higher technical requirement for commercial optical fluorescence microscopy. The multitime image splicing method is widely used for DNA detection. However, it consumes time and has visible seamless image results. This work has demonstrated the design and fabrication of a three channel reversed and reduced fluorescence microscopic imaging system with high-resolution and large field of view for one-time imaging. We introduced the super ultra-thin dichroic mirror into the space between the objective lens and the gene chip to achieve a uniform illumination and a strong signal for the large area gene chip. The fabricated new fluorescence microscopy can take a one-time imaging for the

28

×
18

m
m

dPCR gene chip with more than 20,000 multi micro-droplets within FAM, HEX, and ROX fluorescence channels. The optical system was designed with a numerical aperture (NA) of 0.106. Modulation transfer function (MTF) is higher than 0.675 at 70 lp/mm, and the function resolution capability is 10 µm with the whole magnification of

−

0.65

t
i
m
e
s

. The fly’s eye lens-based illumination system was tested with a uniform output of over 90% in the whole

ϕ

34.7

m
m

chip area. The design was tested, and the experimental results showed that this new system provides a fast, efficient, and professional optical imaging method for detection of the new emerged digital PCR gene chip, which has larger area and more channels.
Fresnel zone plate development for x-ray radiography of hydrodynamic instabilities at the National Ignition Facility
Authors: Do Alexandre , Pickworth Louisa A. , Kozioziemski Bernard J. , Angulo Adrianna M. , Hall Gareth N. , Nagel Sabrina R. , Bradley David K. , Mccarville Tom , Ayers Jay M. 
Published: November 2020

The study of Rayleigh–Taylor (RT) and Richtmyer–Meshkov (RM)
instabilities in a planar geometry at high energy densities at the
National Ignition Facility (NIF) requires high spatial resolution
imaging. We demonstrate the potential of Fresnel zone plates (FZPs) to
achieve resolution that would unlock such studies. FZPs are circular
aperiodic gratings that use diffraction to focus x rays and produce an
image with high spatial resolution. Taking into account the NIF’s
challenging environment, we have designed a specific array of five
FZPs for a zinc backlighter to take a radiograph of a target with
9 keV x rays. We measured a mean resolution for the FZP of

1.9

µ

m

±
0.5

µ

m

and a

±

1

m
m

depth of focus at an x-ray
calibration facility as well as a

2.3

µ

m

±
0.4

µ

m

resolution on a resolution wire mesh
shot on the NIF. We also performed an in-depth analysis of the image
quality to assess the capability to resolve the small features present
in RT and RM instabilities.