bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
3D printed laboratory equipment to measure bulk materials in extreme conditions
Authors: Divis Jan , Hlosta Jakub , Zurovec David , Rozbroj Jiri , Kruszelnicka Weronika , Necas Jan , Zegzulka Jiri 
Published: October 2022

AbstractDue to relatively new solutions in the field of 3D printing, there are few studies on the possibility of using printed elements in measuring devices. The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of using instruments made by material extrusion 3D printing method for measurement of selected mechanical-physical properties of bulk materials. Study explores the feasibility of measuring bulk material mechanical-physical properties when there are obstacles for printing original or modified measuring instruments in common practice. To achieve the goals a series of experiments such as Schulze’s ring shear tests, Freeman’s FT4 shear tests, compressibility tests, and Flow Rate and Stability tests were performed with use of original aluminium or steel made instruments and 3D printed instruments from polylactic acid and acrylic styrene acrylonitrile materials, using lunar regolith simulants LHS-1 and LMS-1 produced by CLASS Exolith Lab as a sample material. The results obtained from tests with original and printed instruments were then compared. The compared values of tests showed applicability of the 3D printed measuring instruments in a 5% range of measurement deviation. The biggest advantages of the 3D printed measuring instruments were the lower weight, the ability to print on the spot, to replace a damaged part with a new 3D printed part on-demand if extremely fast results are needed or due to the logistical unavailability, customization of the standardized tests for better understanding the behaviour of the particulate materials, and cheaper manufacturing costs.
Differential metabolism between biofilm and suspended Pseudomonas aeruginosa cultures in bovine synovial fluid by 2D NMR-based metabolomics
Authors: Leggett Abigail , Li Da-Wei , Bruschweiler-Li Lei , Sullivan Anne , Stoodley Paul , Brüschweiler Rafael 
Published: October 2022

AbstractTotal joint arthroplasty is a common surgical procedure resulting in improved quality of life; however, a leading cause of surgery failure is infection. Periprosthetic joint infections often involve biofilms, making treatment challenging. The metabolic state of pathogens in the joint space and mechanism of their tolerance to antibiotics and host defenses are not well understood. Thus, there is a critical need for increased understanding of the physiological state of pathogens in the joint space for development of improved treatment strategies toward better patient outcomes. Here, we present a quantitative, untargeted NMR-based metabolomics strategy forPseudomonas aeruginosasuspended culture and biofilm phenotypes grown in bovine synovial fluid as a model system. Significant differences in metabolic pathways were found between the suspended culture and biofilm phenotypes including creatine, glutathione, alanine, and choline metabolism and the tricarboxylic acid cycle. We also identified 21 unique metabolites with the presence ofP. aeruginosain synovial fluid and one uniquely present with the biofilm phenotype in synovial fluid. If translatable in vivo, these unique metabolite and pathway differences have the potential for further development to serve as targets forP. aeruginosaand biofilm control in synovial fluid.
Evidence of and deaths from malaria and severe pneumonia co-infections in malaria-endemic areas: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mala Wanida , Wilairatana Polrat , Milanez Giovanni De Jesus , Masangkay Frederick Ramirez , Kotepui Kwuntida Uthaisar , Kotepui Manas 
Published: October 2022

AbstractMalaria and pneumonia are the leading causes of childhood mortality in children under 5 years of age. Nevertheless, the proportions and deaths of malaria co-infection among patients with severe pneumonia, particularly in children under 5 years of age, and characteristics of co-infection remain poorly explored. Hence, the present study aimed to collate the evidence of malaria among patients with severe pneumonia, severe pneumonia among patients with malaria, and the proportion of deaths among patients with co-infections. Potentially relevant studies were searched in six databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, Ovid, and MEDLINE to identify studies on malaria and severe pneumonia co-infections that were published until 21 July 2022 with a restriction for the non-English language but no restriction for the publication year. The quality of the included studies was determined using the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE). The pooled estimates, including the pooled proportion of malaria among patients with severe pneumonia, and the proportion of deaths among patients with co-infections, were estimated by the random-effects model. Of the 4094 studies examined, 11 studies that met the eligibility criteria were included in the review. Meta-analysis results showed that the proportion of malaria (2162 cases) among patients with severe pneumonia (9738 cases) was 19% (95% CI 12–26%, I2: 98.79%, 11 studies). The proportion of severe pneumonia (546 cases) among patients with malaria (10,325 cases) was 20% (95% CI 0–40%, I2: 99.48%, 4 studies). The proportion of deaths among patients with co-infection was 13% (95% CI 2–23%, I2: 85.1%, 3 studies). In conclusion, nearly one-fifth of patients with severe pneumonia have malaria, one-fifth of patients with malaria have severe pneumonia, and about 13% of co-infections lead to deaths. This information raised the clinical importance of diagnosis and management of concurrent infections. Patients with severe pneumonia should be investigated for malaria, and vice versa. Detection of co-infections might provide the information to inform the physician to manage and cure co-infected patients who live in areas where both diseases were endemic.
Real time monitoring of cold Ca2+ dependent transcription and its modulation by NCX inhibitors
Authors: Wang Hsin-tzu , Miyairi Shiori , Kitamura Miho , Iizuka Kosuke , Asano Yoshimasa , Yoshimura Takashi , Kon Naohiro 
Published: October 2022

AbstractReal-time monitoring of cellular temperature responses is an important technique in thermal biology and drug development. Recent study identified that Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX)-dependent Ca2+ influx transduces cold signals to circadian clock in mammalian cultured cells. The finding raised an idea that cellular responses to the cold signals can be analyzed by monitoring of clock gene expression. We found that Per1 and Per2 were up-regulated after culture at 27 °C compared to 37 °C in Rat-1 fibroblasts. In order to monitor cold-Ca2+-dependent transcription in living cells, we developed a luciferase-based real-time reporting system by using Per1 promoter, Per2 promoter, Ca2+/cAMP-response elements (CRE) or NFAT-binding elements. We found that benzyloxyphenyl NCX inhibitor KB-R7943 and SN-6, but not SEA-0400 or YM-244769 inhibited the cold induction of Per2. Our study established a real-time monitoring system for cold Ca2+ signaling which can be applied to evaluation of drugs.
Insights on the bacterial composition of Parmigiano Reggiano Natural Whey Starter by a culture-dependent and 16S rRNA metabarcoding portrait
Authors: Sola Laura , Quadu Emanuele , Bortolazzo Elena , Bertoldi Loris , Randazzo Cinzia L. , Pizzamiglio Valentina , Solieri Lisa 
Published: October 2022

AbstractNatural whey starters (NWS) are undefined bacterial communities produced daily from whey of the previous cheese-making round, by application of high temperature. As a result, in any dairy plant, NWS are continuously evolving, undefined mixtures of several strains and/or species of lactic acid bacteria, whose composition and performance strongly depend on the selective pressure acting during incubation. While NWS is critical to assure consistency to cheese-making process, little is known about the composition, functional features, and plant-to-plant fluctuations. Here, we integrated 16S rRNA metabarcoding and culture-dependent methods to profile bacterial communities of 10 NWS sampled in the production area of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. 16S rRNA metabarcoding analysis revealed two main NWS community types, namely NWS type-H and NWS type-D.Lactobacillus helveticuswas more abundant in NWS type-H, whilstLactobacillus delbrueckii/St. thermophilusin NWS type-D, respectively. Based on the prediction of metagenome functions, NWS type-H samples were enriched in functional pathways related to galactose catabolism and purine metabolism, while NWS type-D in pathways related to aromatic and branched chain amino acid biosynthesis, which are flavor compound precursors. Culture-dependent approaches revealed low cultivability of individual colonies as axenic cultures and high genetic diversity in the pool of cultivable survivors. Co-culturing experiments showed that fermentative performance decreases by reducing the bacterial complexity of inoculum, suggesting that biotic interactions and cross-feeding relationships could take place in NWS communities, assuring phenotypic robustness. Even though our data cannot directly predict these ecological interactions, this study provides the basis for experiments targeted at understanding how selective regime affects composition, bacterial interaction, and fermentative performance in NWS.
Oropharyngeal obstruction and respiratory system compliance are linked to ventilatory control parameters in pediatric obstructive sleep apnea syndrome
Authors: Bokov Plamen , Boujemla Imene , Matrot Boris , Spruyt Karen , Gallego Jorge , Delclaux Christophe 
Published: October 2022

AbstractInstable ventilatory control is an endotypic trait of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). This study aimed to evaluate the relationships between the anatomical compromise of the upper (oro- and naso-pharynx) and lower airways and ventilatory control (measured by chemical loop gain) in otherwise healthy children suffering from moderate to severe OSAS (apnea hypopnea index ≥ 5/hour). The children underwent ear, nose and throat examination, measurement of impedance of the respiratory system that allowed characterizing peripheral lung mechanics using the extended Resistance-Inertance-Compliance model. Physiologically constrained analytical model based on tidal breathing analysis allowed for the computation of steady-state plant gain, steady-state controller gain (CG0) and steady-state loop gain (LG0). Medium-frequency components of the feedback control system were then deduced. Fifty children (median age 11.2 years) were enrolled. Oropharyngeal obstruction was associated with decreased CG0 (0.6 [0.2; 1.0] vs 1.5 [0.5; 6.6] L.s− 1.mmHg− 1, p = 0.038) and LG0 (0.4 [0.2; 1.1] vs 1.2 [0.4; 9.3], p = 0.027), while nasal obstruction did not modify ventilatory control parameters. In a multivariate analysis Medium-Frequency PG was negatively related to minute ventilation and respiratory system compliance. Both upper (tonsil hypertrophy) and lower (compliance of respiratory system) airways are linked to ventilatory control in children with moderate to severe OSAS.
Intra-specific variation in sensitivity of Bombus terrestris and Osmia bicornis to three pesticides
Authors: Linguadoca Alberto , Jürison Margret , Hellström Sara , Straw Edward A. , Šima Peter , Karise Reet , Costa Cecilia , Serra Giorgia , Colombo Roberto , Paxton Robert J. , Mänd Marika , Brown Mark J. F. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThere is growing evidence that pesticides may be among the causes of worldwide bee declines, which has resulted in repeated calls for their increased scrutiny in regulatory assessments. One recurring concern is that the current frameworks may be biased towards assessing risks to the honey bee. This paradigm requires extrapolating toxicity information across bee species. Most research effort has therefore focused on quantifying differences in sensitivity across species. However, our understanding of how responses to pesticides may vary within a species is still very poor. Here we take the first steps towards filling this knowledge gap by comparing acute, lethal hazards in sexes and castes of the eusocial beeBombus terrestrisand in sexes of the solitary beeOsmia bicornisafter oral and contact exposure to the pesticides sulfoxaflor, Amistar (azoxystrobin) and glyphosate. We show that sensitivity towards pesticides varies significantly both within and across species. Bee weight was a meaningful predictor of pesticide susceptibility. However, weight could not fully explain the observed differences, which suggests the existence of unexplored mechanisms regulating pesticide sensitivity across bee sexes and castes. Our data show that intra-specific responses are an overlooked yet important aspect of the risk assessment of pesticides in bees.
A mixed distribution to fix the threshold for Peak-Over-Threshold wave height estimation
Authors: Durán-Rosal Antonio M. , Carbonero Mariano , Gutiérrez Pedro Antonio , Hervás-Martínez César 
Published: October 2022

AbstractModelling extreme values distributions, such as wave height time series where the higher waves are much less frequent than the lower ones, has been tackled from the point of view of the Peak-Over-Threshold (POT) methodologies, where modelling is based on those values higher than a threshold. This threshold is usually predefined by the user, while the rest of values are ignored. In this paper, we propose a new method to estimate the distribution of the complete time series, including both extreme and regular values. This methodology assumes that extreme values time series can be modelled by a normal distribution in a combination of a uniform one. The resulting theoretical distribution is then used to fix the threshold for the POT methodology. The methodology is tested in nine real-world time series collected in the Gulf of Alaska, Puerto Rico and Gibraltar (Spain), which are provided by the National Data Buoy Center (USA) and Puertos del Estado (Spain). By using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov statistical test, the results confirm that the time series can be modelled with this type of mixed distribution. Based on this, the return values and the confidence intervals for wave height in different periods of time are also calculated.
Interlocking design, programmable laser manufacturing and testing for architectured ceramics
Authors: Yazdani Sarvestani H. , Esmail I. , Katz Z. , Jain S. , Sa J. H. , Backman D. , Ashrafi B. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractTough and impact-resistant ceramic systems offer a wide range of remarkable opportunities beyond those offered by the conventional brittle ceramics. However, despite their promise, the availability of traditional manufacturing technique for fabricating such advanced ceramic structures in a highly controllable and scalable manner poses a significant manufacturing bottleneck. In this study, a precise and programmable laser manufacturing system was used to manufacture topologically interlocking ceramics. This manufacturing strategy offers feasible mechanisms for a precise material architecture and quantitative process control, particularly when scalability is considered. An optimized material removal method that approaches near-net shaping was employed to fabricate topologically interlocking ceramic systems (load-carrying assemblies of building blocks interacting by contact and friction) with different architectures (i.e., interlocking angles and building block sizes) subjected to low-velocity impact conditions. These impacts were evaluated using 3D digital image correlation. The optimal interlocked ceramics exhibited a higher deformation (up to 310%) than the other interlocked ones advantageous for flexible protections. Their performance was tuned by controlling the interlocking angle and block size, adjusting the frictional sliding, and minimizing damage to the building blocks. In addition, the developed subtractive manufacturing technique leads to the fabrication of tough, impact-resistant, damage-tolerant ceramic systems with excellent versatility and scalability.
Combining OSMAC, metabolomic and genomic methods for the production and annotation of halogenated azaphilones and ilicicolins in termite symbiotic fungi
Authors: Hebra Téo , Pollet Nicolas , Touboul David , Eparvier Véronique 
Published: October 2022

AbstractWe gathered a collection of termite mutualistic strains from French Guiana to explore the metabolites of symbiotic microorganisms. Molecular networks reconstructed from a metabolomic analysis using LC–ESI–MS/MS methodology led us to identify two families of chlorinated polyketides, i.e., azaphilones from Penicillium sclerotiorum and ilicicolins from Neonectria discophora. To define the biosynthetic pathways related to these two types of scaffolds, we used a whole genome sequencing approach followed by hybrid assembly from short and long reads. We found two biosynthetic gene clusters, including two FAD-dependent halogenases. To exploit the enzymatic promiscuity of the two identified FAD halogenases, we sought to biosynthesize novel halogenated metabolites. An OSMAC strategy was used and resulted in the production of brominated analogs of ilicicolins and azaphilones as well as iodinated analogs of azaphilones.
Numerical simulation of closed plastic impeller molding process and its parameter optimization
Authors: Fang Mingyue , Zhu Zhaozhe , Zhang Zhendong 
Published: October 2022

AbstractAiming at the warping deformation and volume shrinkage of the closed plastic impeller, the relevant compression molding process parameters were optimized.Based on the theoretical equation of the pressing pressure for general sheet plastics, the theoretical derivation of the pressing pressure suitable for cylindrical cavities was carried out, and the theoretical derivation of the pressing pressure suitable for closed plastic impeller molding was derived, and the pressing pressure was calculated to be 15 MPa. The warpage deformation and shrinkage rates under different combinations of process parameters were obtained, and the influence of process parameters on warpage deformation and shrinkage rates, as well as the two combinations of process parameters that satisfy the best warpage deformation and shrinkage rates, respectively, were obtained by extreme difference analysis. A GA-BP neural network model was established for the prediction of the process parameters of closed plastic impeller compression molding, and the prediction curves were fitted into a function to obtain a set of process parameter combinations with optimal warpage and shrinkage at the same time by using the multi-objective optimization function of NSGA-II algorithm.
The effect of action contingency on social perception is independent of person-like appearance and is related to deactivation of the frontal component of the self-agency network
Authors: Hamamoto Yumi , Takahara Yukiko , dos Santos Kawata Kelssy Hitomi , Kikuchi Tatsuo , Suzuki Shinsuke , Kawashima Ryuta , Sugiura Motoaki 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThe detection of object movement that is contingent on one’s own actions (i.e., movements with action contingency) influences social perception of the object; such interactive objects tend to create a good impression. However, it remains unclear whether neural representation of action contingency is associated with subsequent socio-cognitive evaluation of “contacting agents”, or whether the appearance of agents (e.g., face- or non-face-like avatars) is essential for this effect. In this study, we conducted a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) task with two phases: contact (contact with face- or non-face-like avatars moving contingently or non-contingently) and recognition (rating a static image of each avatar). Deactivation of the frontoparietal self-agency network and activation of the reward network were the main effects of action contingency during the contact phase, consistent with previous findings. During the recognition phase, static avatars that had previously moved in a contingent manner deactivated the frontal component of the frontoparietal network (bilateral insula and inferior-middle frontal gyri), regardless of person-like appearance. Our results imply that frontal deactivation may underlie the effect of action contingency on subsequent social perception, independent of person-like appearance.
Influence of prenatal exercise on the relationship between maternal overweight and obesity and select delivery outcomes
Authors: McDonald Samantha M. , Mouro Steven , Wisseman Breanna , Isler Christy , DeVente James , Newton Edward , Hildebrand Jason , Kuehn Devon , Kelley George , Chasan-Taber Lisa , Broskey Nicholas T. , May Linda E. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractWomen with overweight or obesity (OWOB) have an increased risk of cesarean birth, preterm birth (PTB), and high birth weight infants. Although regular exercise decreases this risk in healthy weight women, these associations have not been explored in OWOB. Women were randomized at 13–16 weeks’ gestation to 150-min of moderate-intensity exercise (n = 131) or non-exercising control (n = 61). Delivery mode, gestational age (GA), and birth weight (BW) were obtained via electronic health records. Pregnant exercisers had no differences in risk of cesarean birth, PTB, or BW compared to control participants. OWOB exercisers had higher rates of cesarean birth (27.1% vs. 11.1%), trends of higher PTB (15.3% vs. 5.6%), but normal weight babies relative to normal weight exercisers. Controlling for race and body mass index (BMI), maternal exercise reduced the relative risk (RR) for cesarean birth from 1.63 to 1.43. Cesarean births predicted by pre-pregnancy BMI and fitness level, whereas BW was predicted by race, gestational weight gain (GWG), pre-pregnancy fitness level, and exercise level. Cesarean birth was predicted by pre-pregnancy BMI and fitness level, while maternal exercise reduced the magnitudes of the relative risks of cesarean birth. Maternal exercise, pre-pregnancy fitness level, and GWG predict neonatal BW.Trial Registration:Influence of Maternal Exercise on Infant Skeletal Muscle and Metabolomics-#NCT03838146, 12/02/2019,https://register.clinicaltrials.gov/prs/app/template/EditRecord.vm?epmode=Edit&listmode=Edit&uid=U0003Z0X&ts=8&sid=S0008FWJ&cx=77ud1i.
Antarctic aldehyde dehydrogenase from Flavobacterium PL002 as a potent catalyst for acetaldehyde determination in wine
Authors: Paun V. I. , Banciu R. M. , Lavin P. , Vasilescu A. , Fanjul-Bolado P. , Purcarea C. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractLatest solutions in biotechnologies and biosensing targeted cold-active extremozymes. Analysis of acetaldehyde as a relevant quality indicator of wine is one example of application that could benefit from using low-temperatures operating catalysts. In search of novel aldehyde dehydrogenases (ALDH) with high stability and activity at low temperatures, the recombinant S2-ALDH from the Antarctic Flavobacterium PL002 was obtained by cloning and expression in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3). Structural and phylogenetic analyses revealed strong protein similarities (95%) with psychrophilic homologs, conserved active residues and structural elements conferring enzyme flexibility. Arrhenius plot revealed a conformational shift at 30 °C, favoring catalysis (low activation energy) at lower temperatures. In addition to a broad substrate specificity with preference for acetaldehyde (Km = 1.88 mM), this enzyme showed a high tolerance for ethanol (15%) and several salts and chelators (an advantage for wine analysis), while being sensitive to mercury (I50 = 1.21 µM). The neutral optimal pH (7.5) and the stability up to 40 °C and after lyophilization represent major assets for developing S2-ALDH-based sensors. An enzymatic electrochemical assay was developed for acetaldehyde detection in wines with proven accuracy in comparison with the reference spectrophotometric method, thus evidencing the potential of S2-ALDH as effective biocatalyst for industry and biosensing.