bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Different lactic acid bacteria and their combinations regulated the fermentation process of ensiled alfalfa: ensiling characteristics, dynamics of bacterial community and their functional shifts
Authors: Bai Jie , Ding Zitong , Ke Wencan , Xu Dongmei , Wang Museng , Huang Wenkang , Zhang Yixin , Liu Fang , Guo Xusheng 
Published: March 2021

SummaryThe objectives of this study were to investigate the adaptation and competition of Lactobacillus plantarum, Pediococcus pentosaceus and Enterococcus faecalis inoculated in alfalfa silage alone or in combination on the fermentation quality, dynamics of bacterial community, and their functional shifts using single‐molecule real‐time (SMRT) sequencing technology. Before ensiling, alfalfa was inoculated with L. plantarum (Lp), P. pentosaceus (Pp), E. faecalis (Ef) or their combinations (LpPp, LpEf, LpPpEf) and sampled at 1, 3, 7, 14 and 60 days. After 60‐days fermentation, the Lp‐, Pp‐ and LpPp‐inoculated silages had lower pH but greater concentrations of lactic acid were observed in Pp, LpEf and LpPpEf‐inoculated silages. The inoculants altered the keystone taxa and the bacterial community dynamics in different manners, where L. plantarum, Weissella cibaria and L. pentosaceus dominated the bacterial communities after 14 days‐fermentation in all treatments. The silages with better fermentation quality had simplified bacterial correlation structures. Moreover, different inoculants dramatically changed the carbohydrate, amino acid, energy, nucleotide and vitamin metabolism of bacterial communities during ensiling. Results of the current study indicate that effect of different inoculants on alfalfa silage fermentation was implemented by modulating the succession of bacterial community, their interactions and metabolic pathways as well during ensiling.
A comprehensive library of fluorescent constructs of SARS‐CoV‐2 proteins and their initial characterisation in different cell types
Authors: Miserey‐Lenkei Stéphanie , Trajkovic Katarina , D'Ambrosio Juan Martín , Patel Amanda J , Čopič Alenka , Mathur Pallavi , Schauer Kristine , Goud Bruno , Albanèse Véronique , Gautier Romain , Subra Melody , Kovacs David , Barelli Hélène , Antonny Bruno 
Published: March 2021

Background InformationComprehensive libraries of plasmids for SARS‐CoV‐2 proteins with various tags (e.g., Strep, HA, Turbo) are now available. They enable the identification of numerous potential protein–protein interactions between the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus and host proteins.ResultsWe present here a large library of SARS CoV‐2 protein constructs fused with green and red fluorescent proteins and their initial characterisation in various human cell lines including lung epithelial cell models (A549, BEAS‐2B), as well as in budding yeast. The localisation of a few SARS‐CoV‐2 proteins matches their proposed interactions with host proteins. These include the localisation of Nsp13 to the centrosome, Orf3a to late endosomes and Orf9b to mitochondria.Conclusions and SignificanceThis library should facilitate further cellular investigations, notably by imaging techniques.
Health‐related quality of life in hypothyroidism—A population‐based study, the WHO MONICA Project
Authors: Ellegård Lotta , Krantz Emily , Trimpou Penelope , Landin‐Wilhelmsen Kerstin 
Published: March 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo explore health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) among subjects with hypothyroidism compared to subjects without hypothyroidism in the general population. HRQoL is important in clinical practice. Hypothyroidism is prevalent, mainly found in women, and increasing with age.DesignCohort study of random population sample.PatientsWomen and men, n = 414 (39–78 years) from the WHO MONICA project, Gothenburg, Sweden, participated. Hypothyroidism was defined as subjects having levothyroxine supplementation or serum thyroid‐stimulating hormone (S‐TSH) >4.2 mU/L.MeasurementsHealth‐related quality of life was measured with Psychological General Well‐Being Index (PGWB), Nottingham Health Profile (NHP), Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF‐36) and a single item self‐rated health scale (0–100), and stress was rated 1–6. The results were adjusted for age, sex and comorbidity using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA).ResultsHypothyroidism was found in 70 subjects (17%). They scored worse HRQoL than controls regarding Sleep (p < .001), Social isolation (p = .01) and Total NHP (p < .05), and had more medication in general 2.7 ± 2.5 vs. 1.8 ± 2.1, p < .05. Subjects with levothyroxine (n = 40) showed similar results as the total hypothyroid group. Subjects unaware of their newly detected elevated STSH (n = 30) showed lower HRQoL in Sleep (p < .01) and Pain (p < .05) in NHP. HRQoL was similar in subjects with and without positive thyroperoxidase antibodies (TPO‐Ab) either in those with hypothyroidism (44% TPO‐Ab) or controls (9% TPO‐Ab).ConclusionMen and women with hypothyroidism in the general population reported having more issues with Sleep and Social isolation than those without hypothyroidism irrespective of TPO‐Ab. Scores were similar in all of the other HRQoL domains measuredAQ5.
All type II classic MADS‐box genes in the lycophyte Selaginella moellendorffii are broadly yet discretely expressed in vegetative and reproductive tissues
Authors: Ambrose Barbara A. , Smalls Tynisha L. , Zumajo‐Cardona Cecilia 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe MADS‐box genes constitute a large transcription factor family that appear to have evolved by duplication and diversification of function. Two types of MADS‐box genes are distinguished throughout eukaryotes, types I and II. Type II classic MADS‐box genes, also known as MIKC‐type, are key developmental regulators in flowering plants and are particularly well‐studied for their role in floral organ specification. However, very little is known about the role that these genes might play outside of the flowering plants. We investigated the evolution of type II classic MADS‐box genes across land plants by performing a maximum likelihood analysis with a particular focus on lycophytes. Here, we present the expression patterns of all three type II classic MADS‐box homologs throughout plant development in the lycophyte Selaginella moellendorffii: SmMADS1, SmMADS3, and SmMADS6. We used scanning electron microscopy and histological analyses to define stages of sporangia development in S. moellendorffii. We performed phylogenetic analyses of this gene lineage across land plants and found that lycophyte sequences appeared before the multiple duplication events that gave rise to the major MADS‐box gene lineages in seed plants. Our expression analyses by in situ hybridization show that all type II classic MADS‐box genes in S. moellendorffii have broad but distinct patterns of expression in vegetative and reproductive tissues, where SmMADS1 and SmMADS6 only differ during late sporangia development. The broad expression during S. moellendorffii development suggests that MADS‐box genes have undergone neofunctionalization and subfunctionalization after duplication events in seed plants.
Glial expression of DmMANF is required for the regulation of activity, sleep and circadian rhythms in the visual system of Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Walkowicz Lucyna , Krzeptowski Wojciech , Krzeptowska Ewelina , Warzecha Karolina , Sałek Joanna , Górska‐Andrzejak Jolanta , Pyza Elżbieta 
Published: March 2021

AbstractDmMANF, Drosophila melanogaster mesencephalic astrocyte‐derived neurotrophic factor (DmMANF) is an evolutionarily conserved orthologue of mammalian MANF. This neurotrophic factor exerts many functions in the Drosophila brain, particularly those dependent on glial cells. As we found in our earlier study, downregulation of DmMANF in glia induces degeneration of glial cells in the first optic neuropil (lamina) where DmMANF abundance is especially high. In the present study, we observed that changes in the level of DmMANF in two types of glia, astrocyte‐like glia (AlGl) and ensheathing glia (EnGl), affect activity and sleep of flies. Interestingly, a proper level of DmMANF in AlGl seems to be important in guiding processes of pigment dispersing factor (PDF)‐expressing clock neurons. This is supported by our finding that DmMANF overexpression in AlGl leads to structural changes in the architecture of the PDF‐positive arborization in the brain. Finally, we detected that DmMANF also affects rhythms in glia themselves, as circadian oscillations in expression of the catalytic α subunit of the sodium pump in the lamina epithelial glia were abolished after DmMANF silencing. DmMANF expressed in AlGl and EnGl seems to affect the activity of neurons leading to changes in behaviour.
Comparative study of blood pressure and echocardiographic values of male cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis)
Authors: Orlov Sergey V. , Panchenko Andrey V. , Beresneva Olga N. , Karal‐ogly Dzhina D. , Kucher Anatoly G. , Ivanova Galina T. , Parastaeva Marina M. , Smirnov Alexey V. , Kayukov Ivan G. , Kulikov Aleksander N. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundPrimates represent a unique object for biomedical research, in particular in the field of physiology and pathology of the cardiovascular system. Echocardiography is the most important non‐invasive method for the intravital study of the heart structure and function, intracardiac and systemic haemodynamics. The available data on reference values of echocardiographic parameters in primates are limited.MethodsWe determined and described 29 structural and functional parameters in echocardiographic examination using B‐mode (two‐dimensional scanning), M‐mode (one‐dimensional scanning) and in various Doppler modes together with blood pressure in 17 male cynomolgus macaques with an average age of 5.7 ± 0.6 years. We compared available literature data on reference values of echocardiography in this species.Results and conclusionsEchocardiographic values in cynomolgus macaques depend on age, sex composition and the anaesthesia method. There is lack of presentation in the published studies of complete list of parameters that can be obtained by echocardiographic examination.
Controlling monopoly power in a double‐auction market experiment
Authors: Attanasi Giuseppe , Boun My Kene , Guido Andrea , Lefebvre Mathieu 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThere is robust evidence in the experimental economics literature showing that monopoly power is affected by trading institutions. In this paper, we study whether trading institutions themselves can shape agents' market behavior through the formation of anchors. We recreate experimentally five different double‐auction market structures (perfect competition, perfect competition with quotas, cartel on price, cartel on price with quotas, and monopoly) in a within‐subject design, varying the order of markets implementation. We investigate whether monopoly power endures the formation of price anchors emerged in previously implemented market structures. Results from our classroom experiments suggest that double‐auction trading institutions succeed in preventing monopolists from exploiting their market power. Furthermore, the formation of price anchors in previously implemented markets negatively impacts on monopolists' power in later market structures.
Attitudes toward pharmacy‐based HCV/HIV testing among people who use drugs in rural Kentucky
Authors: Duong Michelle , Delcher Chris , Freeman Patricia R. , Young April M. , Cooper Hannah L.F. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPurposeRural areas of the United States have experienced outbreaks of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections among people who use drugs (PWUD). Pharmacy‐based interventions may play a crucial role in prevention and entry into care, especially when traditional health care access is limited. The willingness of rural PWUD to use pharmacies for HIV/HCV‐related services remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to describe the factors associated with the perceived likelihood of participating in free pharmacy‐based HIV and HCV testing among PWUD living in rural Kentucky.MethodsBaseline data from the CARE2HOPE study in five Appalachian counties in eastern Kentucky were used. Participants were recruited using respondent‐driven sampling and completed interviewer‐administered surveys. Guided by the Andersen and Newman Framework of Health Services Utilization, we examined distributions and correlates of items regarding willingness to participate in free pharmacy‐based HIV/HCV testing using logistic regression. Analyses included individuals who reported being HIV (N = 304) or HCV (N = 185) negative.FindingsSeventy‐five percent of PWUD reported being “very likely” to participate in free pharmacy‐based HIV testing and 80% for HCV testing. Two factors were associated with being less willing to participate in free HIV testing: PWUD who previously tested for HIV (OR: 0.47, CI: 0.25–0.88) and PWUD who obtained a high school diploma or equivalent compared to those who completed less (OR: 0.50, CI: 0.26–0.99).ConclusionFree pharmacy‐based HIV and HCV testing was invariably acceptable among most of the rural PWUD in our sample, suggesting that pharmacies might be acceptable testing venues for this population.
The active repertoire of Escherichia coli peptidoglycan amidases varies with physiochemical environment
Authors: Mueller Elizabeth A. , Iken Abbygail G. , Ali Öztürk Mehmet , Winkle Matthias , Schmitz Mirko , Vollmer Waldemar , Di Ventura Barbara , Levin Petra Anne 
Published: March 2021

AbstractNearly all bacteria are encased in peptidoglycan, an extracytoplasmic matrix of polysaccharide strands crosslinked through short peptide stems. In the Gram‐negative model organism Escherichia coli, more than 40 synthases and autolysins coordinate the growth and division of the peptidoglycan sacculus in the periplasm. The precise contribution of many of these enzymes to peptidoglycan metabolism remains unclear due to significant apparent redundancy, particularly among the autolysins. E. coli produces three major LytC‐type‐N‐acetylmuramoyl‐L‐alanine amidases, which share a role in separating the newly formed daughter cells during cytokinesis. Here, we reveal two of the three amidases that exhibit growth medium‐dependent changes in activity. Specifically, we report acidic growth conditions stimulate AmiB—and to a lesser extent, AmiC—amidase activity. Combining genetic, biochemical, and computational analyses, we demonstrate that low pH‐dependent stimulation of AmiB is mediated through the periplasmic amidase activators NlpD, EnvC, and ActS (formerly known as YgeR). Although NlpD and EnvC promote amidase activity across pH environments, ActS preferentially stimulates AmiB activity in acidic conditions. Altogether, our findings support partially overlapping roles for E. coli amidases and their regulators in cell separation and illuminate the physiochemical environment as an important mediator of cell wall enzyme activity.
Contrasting effects of mammal grazing on foliar fungal diseases: patterns and potential mechanisms
Authors: Liu Mu , Mipam Tserang Donko , Wang Xingxing , Zhang Peng , Lin Ziyuan , Liu Xiang 
Published: March 2021

Summary

Plant pathogens and their hosts often coexist with mammal grazers. However, the direction and strength of grazing effects on foliar fungal diseases can be idiosyncratic, varying among host plant species and pathogen types.

We combined a 6 yr yak‐grazing experiment, a clipping experiment simulating different mammal consumption patterns (leaf damage vs whole‐leaf removal), and a meta‐analysis of 63 comparisons to evaluate how grazing impacts foliar fungal diseases across plant growth types (grass vs forb) and pathogen life histories (biotroph vs necrotroph).

In the yak‐grazing experiment, grazing had no significant effect on disease severity, and grasses experienced a higher disease severity than forbs; there was a significant interaction between pathogen type and grazing. In both the yak‐grazing experiment and meta‐analysis, grazing decreased biotrophic pathogens (mainly rusts and powdery mildew), but did not affect necrotrophic pathogens (mainly leaf spots). The clipping experiment suggested that grazers might promote infection by necrotrophic pathogens by producing wounds on leaves, but inhibit biotrophic pathogens via leaf removal.

In conclusion, our three‐part approach revealed that intrinsic properties of both plants and pathogens shape patterns of disease in natural ecosystems, greatly improving our ability to predict disease severity under mammal grazing.
Knowledge Representation and Conversion for Hybrid Expert Systems
Authors: Chambers Terrence L. , Parkinson Alan R. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Many different knowledge representations, such as rules and frames, have been proposed for use with engineering expert systems. Every knowledge representation has certain inherent strengths and weaknesses. A knowledge engineer can exploit the advantages, and avoid the pitfalls, of different common knowledge representations if the knowledge can be mapped from one representation to another as needed. This paper derives the mappings between rules, logic diagrams, frames, decision tables and decision trees using the calculus of truth-functional logic. The logical mappings between these representations are illustrated through a simple example, the limitations of the technique are discussed, and the utility of the technique for the rapid-prototyping and validation of engineering expert systems is introduced.
Feature-Based Design Using NURBS Entities and Plex Grammar
Authors: Guan Xiaogang , Theodoracatos Vassilios E. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
A new feature-based design synthesis methodology is described. Features of various levels of complexity are created and classified according to their attributes. Each feature is represented as a single internal NURBS surface. A hierarchical structure of features with corresponding parameters is maintained to enhance the design efficiency. Plex grammar is used as a structure relationship descriptor to facilitate product concept analysis and geometric synthesis. Two product design examples are presented to illustrate the concept analysis and geometric synthesis process.
Genetic Operators for Catalog Design
Authors: Carlson Susan E. , Pegg Todd A. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Catalog design is the process of forming functional systems by assembling selected components from manufacturers’ catalogs. Generally, the engineer performs this design process in two steps: the selection of a basic system configuration, and the subsequent selection of specific components for that configuration. A genetic algorithm approach to catalog design will allow the integration of these two steps. This paper focuses on the four components of a genetic algorithm that must be developed for application to the catalog design problem. These operators include: a genetic representation of the design that includes its component parts and their connectivity, an initialization process for generating an initial set of designs, and a method for the exchange of the designs’ genetic information.
Analytical Solid Modeling Using Dual Kriging
Authors: Limaiem Anis , ElMaraghy Hoda A. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This paper presents a new method for representing analytical or parametric solids based on dual kriging. Complex solids may be represented with a single model without any limitation on the number of data points. The equations of the parametric model are derived in a simple and novel way by considering the combination of three interpolation profiles.
Dual kriging was successfully used for curve/surface modeling. It is a general method which incorporates several interpolation techniques in a single formulation, such as piecewise interpolation, cubic splines and Bezier curves/surfaces and solids. We will show that B-splines and NURBS are special cases of dual kriging. The model generated passes through all data points, and elementary shapes such as conics, cylinders are represented exactly. In addition, derivatives and linear constraints may be incorporated in the kriging model as well as uncertainties on data points.
Many applications, common to analytical solid modeling are possible, such as solid mesh generation in finite elements analysis, mass property calculations, composite material modeling and computer animation.
Optimal Layout of Shell Stiffeners With Frequency Design Considerations
Authors: Fu Yong , Gea Hae Chang 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
In this paper, a new method to design the layout of shell stiffeners is introduced. This new approach has been derived from a two-phase spherical micro-inclusions model and resulted in very simple closed-form expressions for the effective material properties. The “relaxed” topology optimization problem can then be solved by general mathematical programming tools. It is very common to experience the eigenvalue switchover when solving topology optimization problems with frequency design considerations. An incremental objective function formulation with two strategies were studied to reduce the oscillation of optimization solutions. Design Examples are presented and compared.
An Approach to Assembly Planning for Complex Products
Authors: Mukhanov Igor A. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
We have developed a novel, efficient approach for assembly planning for complex products. This approach allows us to reflect the required information for assembly planning efficiently. Our approach has also been successfully used for the mathematical presentation of technological knowledge. An algorithm for the automatic generation of feasible assembly sequences for a given product has been developed. Within the assembly process-planning, feasible sequences are determined depending on the sequential assembly stages of the product. This approach permits the use of different criteria for the selection of a rational assembly plan, and it also allows for the influence of technological system elements (equipment, tools and periphery) on the given part of the product during a interval of the operation. We have successfully applied our approach for assembly process-planning of a complex product, a worm gear box. It has allowed us to reduce computation time greatly and to arrive at the optimal solution to real automated assembly.
The Efficient Optimization of the Linear Variance Function
Authors: Webb Sean , Parkinson Alan 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
In this paper we discuss the properties and optimization of the linear variance function. The linear variance function is a measure of the how variation in variables and parameters is transmitted to design functions. By minimizing this function, it is possible to develop robust designs that are more tolerant of variation. We discuss general mathematical properties of this function as well as properties of the variance of quadratic functions. We show how these properties can be used to more efficiently optimize the variance function, and report test results on seven problems. An example problem of a fluid flow check valve is presented showing how robustness can be achieved by minimizing the linear variance function.
Robust Design of Square-to-Box Rolling of Steel Rods
Authors: Yoshimura Koji , Shivpuri Rajiv , Ishii Kosuke 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This study seeks a robust design of square-to-box rolling that leads to minimum variation in the geometric profile of rolled workpieces. Variations considered are the workpiece geometry, the roll diameter, and roll gap. The paper focuses on the variation of the workpiece width. The key is to define parameters that correctly reflect the physical characteristics of shape rolling. The study applies the Taguchi method to finite element simulation of rolling process using seven design and process parameters. Sensitivity analysis and comparison with empirical knowledge lead to design guidelines that reduce lateral spread variation in the square-to-box roll pass process.