bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human Mental Workload: A Survey and a Novel Inclusive Definition
Authors: Longo Luca , Wickens Christopher D. , Hancock Gabriella , Hancock P. A.
Published: June 2022

Human mental workload is arguably the most invoked multidimensional construct in Human Factors and Ergonomics, getting momentum also in Neuroscience and Neuroergonomics. Uncertainties exist in its characterization, motivating the design and development of computational models, thus recently and actively receiving support from the discipline of Computer Science. However, its role in human performance prediction is assured. This work is aimed at providing a synthesis of the current state of the art in human mental workload assessment through considerations, definitions, measurement techniques as well as applications, Findings suggest that, despite an increasing number of associated research works, a single, reliable and generally applicable framework for mental workload research does not yet appear fully established. One reason for this gap is the existence of a wide swath of operational definitions, built upon different theoretical assumptions which are rarely examined collectively. A second reason is that the three main classes of measures, which are self-report, task performance, and physiological indices, have been used in isolation or in pairs, but more rarely in conjunction all together. Multiple definitions complement each another and we propose a novel inclusive definition of mental workload to support the next generation of empirical-based research. Similarly, by comprehensively employing physiological, task-performance, and self-report measures, more robust assessments of mental workload can be achieved.
Quantifying the Effectiveness of Defensive Playing Styles in the Chinese Football Super League
Authors: Ruan Lingfeng , Ge Huanmin , Shen Yanfei , Pu Zhiqiang , Zong Shouxin , Cui Yixiong
Published: June 2022

Establishing and illustrating a predictive and prescriptive model of playing styles that football teams adopt during matches is a key step toward describing and measuring the effectiveness of styles of play. The current study aimed to identify and measure the effectiveness of different defensive playing styles for professional football teams considering the opponent’s expected goal. Event data of all 1,120 matches played in the Chinese Football Super League (CSL) from the 2016 to 2020 seasons were collected, with fifteen defense-related performance variables being extracted. The PCA model (KMO = 0.76) output eight factors that represented 7 different styles of play (factor 6 and 8 represent one style of play) and explained 85.17% of the total variance. An expected goal (xG) model was built using data related to 27,852 shots. Finally, the xG of the opponent was calculated in the multivariate regression model, outputting five factors that (p < 0.05) explained 41.6% of the total variance in the xG of the opponent and receiving a dangerous situation (factor 7) was the most apparent style (31.3%). Finally, the predicted model with defensive styles correlated with actual xG of the opponent at r = 0.62 using the 2020 season as testing data which showed that the predicted xG was correlated moderately with the actual. The result indicated that if the team strengthened the defense closed to the own goal, high intensity confrontation, and defense of goalkeeper, meanwhile making less errors and receiving less dangerous situations, the xG of the opponent would be greatly reduced.
The Role of Chinese Language Learners' Academic Resilience and Mindfulness in Their Engagement
Authors: Liu Wei , Gao Yonggang , Gan Lu , Wu Jinwen
Published: June 2022

One of the growing area of interest in the educational area is student engagement which is the major construct of positive psychology (PP) vital in growing energetic, innovative, and pleasurable learning, but unluckily, all students are not engaged in terms of cognition, emotion, and behavior in learning. Another concept in the PP literature is resilience which emphasizes institutes' and people's powers and self-constraint to conform to accidental conditions. Furthermore, mindfulness as a significant term in PP has critical benefits such as improving working memory, improving wellbeing, and lowering tension. Considering the importance of mindfulness and engagement in academic environments and that such a notion in foreign language learning is neglected, the current study attempts to inspect the effect of mindfulness and resilience on the engagement of Chinese foreign language students. To meet this objective, 1,693 EFL learners participated in this study. They responded to the mindfulness scale, resilience scale, and engagement questionnaire. Subsequently, the Spearman Rho test was exploited to shed light on probable relationships. The findings indicated that there was a significant correlation among the variable of the study. Moreover, a linear multiple regression analysis was run to examine the predictor roles of mindfulness and resilience in learners' engagement. The findings revealed that both mindfulness and resilience are positive and reliable predictors of engagement. In a nutshell, the central position of resilience and mindfulness in language learning was verified, and based on the findings; a few suggestions are made considering the results of the research.
Fertility Histories and Heart Disease in Later Life in China
Authors: Wu Yuanyang , Pang Jiahui , Wang Jiahao , Wu Jing , Zhang Shuo , Zhang Siqing , Yao Yidan , Cheng Simeng , Tao Yiwen , Shen Zheng , Li Zhi-yun , Xie Lin , Yang Hualei
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Based on life course theories, health among older people is driven by a continuous and cumulative process that develops over the life course. To better understand the aging process, it is important to assess associations between parity and heart disease in older people of China.

Method

The associations between heart disease prevalence and number of births, number of boys or girls ever born were evaluated among 5,990 samples (mean age 64.1 years) using the Probit regression model based on the data from China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) conducted in 2013 and 2018. The model was adjusted only for rural or urban residents, and multivariate regression models were run separately by gender.

Results

Our results showed that more than three children or more than two boys ever born were associated with a higher risk of heart disease. However, the number of girls ever born had no significant effect on heart disease in the elderly. We further analyzed the group difference between urban and rural residents using the regression model. More than three children or more than two boys ever born were associated with a high risk of heart disease in rural areas. Compared to urban residents, rural residents were more likely to be suffering from heart disease due to high parity. When considering the digender difference the paper found that more than three children ever born were associated with a high risk of heart disease in the female group. Late age at the time of giving birth for the first time was associated with a poorer risk level of heart disease in the rural residents, because the phenomenon of early childbearing was serious in the rural residents. But after considering the impact on the physical health of using chronic diseases, the first birth and the last birth both increased the risk of heart disease.

Conclusions

Some policy implications were being put forward. Firstly, parents who were ready to give birth should be aware of the possible health loss of high parity. Postpartum nutrition supplements and chronic disease prevention were suggested to prevent heart disease in later life. Secondly, the elderly in rural areas should pay more attention to heart diseases. Participating in more daily exercise and physical examinations was a good choice to reduce the risk of heart disease. Thirdly, women who give birth prematurely have a higher risk of CVD. Based on our results, age at entry to parenthood was closely related to the risk of heart disease in later life.
Healthcare Provider Perspectives on Digital and Interprofessional Medication Management in Chronically Ill Older Adults of Turkish Descent in Germany: A Qualitative Structuring Content Analysis
Authors: Bird Rona , Özer-Erdogdu Ilknur , Aslan Meryem , Tezcan-Güntekin Hürrem
Published: June 2022

Medication management for chronically ill older adults with a history of migration can be associated with specific challenges, for instance language barriers. This study examined healthcare provider perspectives on interprofessional cooperation and digital medication management tools as approaches for increasing medication safety for chronically ill older adults of Turkish descent in Germany. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 healthcare providers, including general practitioners, pharmacists, a geriatric consultant, a hospital social worker, and an expert on digitalization in nursing care. The interviews were analyzed by means of qualitative structuring content analysis. This article presents selected results of the analysis relating to medication management, barriers to optimal medication management, interprofessional cooperation, and digital tools. Compliance was perceived to be high among chronically ill older adults of Turkish descent and the involvement of family members in medication management was rated positively by respondents. Barriers to medication management were identified in relation to health literacy and language barriers, systemic problems such as short appointments and generic substitution, and racism on behalf of healthcare providers. Additionally, the respondents highlighted structural barriers to interprofessional communication in the German healthcare system. Furthermore, two technology acceptance models presented in this article to illustrate the respondents' perspectives on a) a digital application for medication management to be used by chronically ill older adults of Turkish descent and b) a digital tool for interprofessional communication. The discussion highlights the implications of the results for medication management within the German healthcare system.
Neurological and Psychological Characteristics of Young Nitrous Oxide Abusers and Its Underlying Causes During the COVID-19 Lockdown
Authors: Wu Gang , Wang Shanshan , Wang Tingling , Han Jiali , Yu Anna , Feng Changqiang , Wang Yajing , Liu Suzhi
Published: June 2022

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has a serious impact on the mental health of the public due to its economic and social impact. And psychological effects have led to drug and alcohol abuse. After the city lifted the lockdown, we consecutively encountered several young nitrous oxide abusers admitted to hospital for neurological treatment.

Purpose

To inform physician decisions and social intervention, this observational study aimed at investigating the neurological and psychological characteristics of nitrous oxide abusers and its underlying causes during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Methods

The nitrous oxide abusers who sought neurological treatment at our hospital between May 2020 and June 2020 were enrolled. Clinical data including socio-demographic, physical examination, laboratory examination, electromyography and neuroimaging were collected. Their motivations for inhaling nitrous oxide, knowledge about the nitrous oxide abuse and the accompanying of family were investigated face to face. Psychological status was assessed by the Symptom Checklist 90 (SCL-90) psychological evaluation.

Results

Six nitrous oxide abusers were enrolled and the age was 22 ± 4.3. Clinical presentations included varying degrees of limb numbness and an ataxic gait. Laboratory examination revealed that all the patients did not have pernicious anemia, 4 patients had decreased vitamin B12 while 3 patients exhibited elevated homocysteine levels. MR of the spinal cord revealed that 4 patients had abnormal signals in the cervical spinal cord of high symmetry with splayed or inverted V sign after T2WI. Electromyogram (EMG) test showed 5 patients had peripheral nerve damage. The SCL-90 psychological evaluation results indicated that all patients had severe anxiety, depression and psychosis and they had severer psychological problems than ordinary citizens. Their motives for inhaling nitrous oxide are to relieve boredom, curiosity and buddy pressure. Their family spent <1 day per week to stay with them during city lockdown.

Conclusion

The enrolled patients caused by abuse of nitrous oxide presented with symptoms of subacute combined with spinal degeneration. They had more serious psychological problems related to the COVID-19 pandemic. These cases make us value the psychological problems of young people under the outbreak and take multi-layered measures from families, schools (companies), hospitals, and governments to address it.
Impact of Sprinting and Dribbling on Shoulder Joint and Pushrim Kinetics in Wheelchair Basketball Athletes
Authors: Chénier Félix , Alberca Ilona , Gagnon Dany H. , Faupin Arnaud
Published: June 2022

Background

While wheelchair basketball is one of the most popular Paralympic sports, it eventually causes shoulder problems and pain in many athletes. However, shoulder kinetics has never been assessed during propulsion in wheelchair basketball. This study analyzes the impact of sprinting and dribbling on pushrim and shoulder kinetics in terms of external forces and net muscular moments.

Methods

A group of 10 experienced wheelchair basketball athletes with various classifications performed four, 9-m sprints on a basketball court using classic synchronous propulsion, and four sprints while dribbling forward. Pushrim and shoulder kinetics were calculated by inverse dynamics, using a motion capture device and instrumented wheels.

Findings

Sprinting was associated to peak shoulder load from 13 to 346% higher than in previous studies on standard wheelchair propulsion in most force/moment components. Compared to sprinting without a ball, dribbling reduced the speed, the peak external forces in the anterior and medial direction at the shoulder, and the peak net shoulder moment of internal rotation.

Interpretation

The high shoulder load calculated during both sprinting and dribbling should be considered during training sessions to avoid overloading the shoulder. Dribbling generally reduced the shoulder load, which suggests that propelling while dribbling does not put the shoulder at more risk of musculoskeletal disorders than sprinting.
Advancing Policy and Practice in Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services Quality
Authors: Caldwell Joseph , Machledt David
Published: June 2022

This policy brief highlights recent developments and future directions in the Medicaid Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) quality policy and practice within the US. Background is provided about the structure of Medicaid HCBS within the US, the changing landscape of payment and service delivery, and implications for HCBS quality measurement and use. An overview of a HCBS quality framework is provided that was developed with stakeholder input. Frequently used survey tools, existing quality measures, and measure development are discussed. Actionable recommendations are made, including establishment of stakeholder input mechanisms, enhanced federal guidance on a core set of measures, improved data collection and stratification to address equity, multiple mechanisms to assess quality, and increased federal investment in HCBS quality infrastructure.
On the Intertwining of Cellular Agriculture and Animal Agriculture: History, Materiality, Ideology, and Collaboration
Authors: Poirier Nathan
Published: June 2022

This review essay documents continuities between (industrial) animal agriculture and cellular agriculture and raises key questions about whether or not the technology might be able to deliver on its promise of food system transformation. It traces how industrial history, connections to the livestock industry, and disavowal are extended through the innovation of cellular agriculture. In particular, it is shown that cellular agriculture has had connections to (industrial) animal agriculture since its very beginning and at nearly every step since then. I argue that cellular agriculture can be positioned as the epitome of (industrial) animal agriculture in terms of history, material practices, and ideology. Such a critique of cellular agriculture has become somewhat commonplace but while a number of papers have raised similar concerns individually, there exists no sustained focus on such similarities to make this point holistically. Such connections are important in framing the future of cellular agriculture and the fate of farmed animals and the environment. Carefully considering the continuities between cellular agriculture and animal agriculture is crucial when considering whether promoting cellular agricultural is a prudent approach to addressing problems associated with animal agriculture. The cumulative number and extent of connections covered in this essay leads to questions of who will benefit with the advent of cellular agriculture.
Pathogenesis-Related Gene Expression in Response to Trachyspermum ammi Supplementation Along With Probiotics in Chicken Salmonellosis and Insights in Drug Therapeutics
Authors: Haq Zulfqarul , Ahmad Syed Mudasir , Bashir Ishrat , Dar Mashooq Ahmad , Saleem Afnan , Khan Azmat Alam , Yatoo Mohammad Iqbal , Mir Shabir , Rastogi Ankur , Hussain Mohd Isfaqul , Shah Riaz A. , Bhat Basharat
Published: June 2022

Salmonella enterica serovar typhimurium (S. typhimurium) is the leading cause of foodborne illness. Since Salmonella continues to have a detrimental effect on public health, there is an ongoing need to develop more advanced methods for combating Salmonellosis in foods before they reach consumers. In addition, the quest for alternative natural products has recently intensified due to increasingly stringent regulations regarding the use of antibiotics as growth promoters and consumer demand for antibiotic-free poultry products. This study evaluated the effect of Ajwain extract (AJE) on immune response and antioxidant status in broiler chicks challenged with Salmonella typhimurium. The chicks were infected with S. typhimurium and were divided into the different groups, except for the control group (CON). The challenged chicks received different treatments with 3 × 109 colony-forming unit (CFU) AciproTM-WS probiotic (PRO), 200 mg/kg Ajwain extract (AJE), 200 mg/100 kg of enrofloxacin (ENR), and a combination of 3 × 109 CFU AciproTM-WS probiotic and 200 mg/kg Ajwain extract (COM). Five days posttreatment, the tissue samples (liver and spleen) were analyzed. The results showed that basal diet supplemented with Ajwain extract (AJE) and a combination of probiotic and Ajwain extract (COM) significantly (P < 0.0.5) reduced the cytokine expression in broiler chicks challenged with S. typhimurium. Our findings suggest that AJE can clear the bacterial infection, improve antioxidant status, and suppress the inflammation response. Additionally, AJE supplementation significantly mitigated the S. typhimurium-induced increase in the interleukin-6 (IL-6) (liver and spleen), interleukin-8 (IL-8) (liver and spleen), interleukin-17A (IL-17A) (liver and spleen), and inducible nitric oxide (iNOS) (spleen and liver) levels (P < 0.05). We conclude that Ajwain is an efficient feed additive with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The interaction networks developed in this study provide a novel lead that could be targeted for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Phenotypic and Molecular Characterization of Bovine Mastitis Milk Origin Bacteria and Linkage of Intramammary Infection With Milk Quality
Authors: Huma Zul I. , Sharma Neelesh , Kour Savleen , Lee Sung Jin
Published: June 2022

Mastitis is a multi-etiological complex disease of dairy cows and negatively affects the quality and quantity of milk. Milk is a nutritious food for human being; milk quality is negatively affected by intramammary infection of dairy cows. A total of 300 milk samples were collected from mastitis dairy cows irrespective of parity and stage of lactation, 235 (78.33%) samples were culturally positive and yielded 1,100 bacterial isolates. Staphylococcus aureus was found to be the prime etiological agent involved in the mastitis of dairy cows, followed by Escherichia coli and other environmental pathogens. On the molecular characterization of isolates obtained from the milk culture, various toxic genes such as nuc, seb, hla, stx1, stx2, hly, and Sagl were found on different isolated bacteria. Milk somatic cell counts (SCC) were found to be directly related to the severity of mastitis. On drawing the SCC correlation with milk components, it was found that SCC had a significant negative correlation with fat, lactose, solid not fat (SNF), and ash. It was concluded that mastitis-affected milk contains numerous pathogenic bacteria, toxins, and reduced milk quality, which is unfit for human consumption.
Genotype F Mumps Viruses Continue to Circulate in China, From 1995 to 2019
Authors: Su Yao , Liu Jianyang , Liu Mingchen , Li Meng , Gao Fan , Li Changgui , Liang Zhenglun , Wu Xing , Mao Qunying , Wang Qian , Bian Lianlian
Published: June 2022

Mumps, a disease caused by the mumps virus (MuV), has been spread widely across the world, especially among children and adolescents. Recent frequent local mumps outbreaks were reported worldwide, which may be caused by the decline in the neutralization ability of the existing attenuated live mumps vaccines against circulating MuV strains which were different from the genotype A or B vaccine strains. There is an urgent need to understand the genotypes of MuV strains currently circulated globally and in China. The gene sequences of MuV strains circulated globally were collected and phylogenetic trees were constructed using different strategies. The results showed that the MuV strains previously circulated globally were predominantly genotype G, while genotype F was predominantly circulated in China, followed by genotype G. The molecular evolution of genotype F MuV strains circulated in China is at a low genetic mutation rate, and the analysis of population dynamics pattern indicates that the incidence of genotype F mumps in China showed a rebound trend. These findings provide a basis for the selection or design of vaccine strains, and the decision of the evaluation strains for immunogenicity and protective efficacy, which laid the foundation for the research and development, as well as the application of next-generation MuV vaccines.
Breast Cancer Survivorship Programme: Follow-Up, Rehabilitation, Psychosocial Oncology Care. 1st Central-Eastern European Professional Consensus Statement on Breast Cancer
Authors: Kahán Zsuzsanna , Szántó István , Dudás Rita , Kapitány Zsuzsanna , Molnár Mária , Koncz Zsuzsa , Mailáth Mónika
Published: June 2022

Follow-up includes ongoing contact with and health education of the patient, surveillance and control of the adverse effects of surgery, oncological therapies or radiotherapy, screening of metachronous cancers, and comprehensive (physical, psychological and social) patient rehabilitation, which may be enhanced by a healthy lifestyle. Primary attention should be paid to early detection and, when needed, curative treatment of local/regional tumour recurrences. Similarly, with the hope of curative solution, it is important to recognize the entity of a low-mass and relatively indolent recurrence or metastasis (oligometastasis); however, there is still no need to investigate distant metastases by routine diagnostic imaging or assess tumour markers. Below there is a list of possible sources of support, with respect to adjuvant hormone therapy continued during long-term care, social support resources, pivotal points and professional opportunities for physical and mental rehabilitation. Individual solutions for specific issues (breast cancer risk/genetic mutation, pregnancy) are provided by constantly widening options. Ideally, a complex breast cancer survivorship programme is practised by a specially trained expert supported by a cooperative team of oncologists, surgeons, breast radiologists, social workers, physiotherapists, psycho-oncologists and psychiatrists. The approach of follow-up should be comprehensive and holistic.
Role of Ionic Liquids in Capillary Electrophoresis
Authors: Ali Imran , Suhail Mohammad , Locatelli Marcello , Ali Salim , Y. Aboul-Enein Hassan
Published: June 2022

Ionic liquids are a very important class of compounds due to their remarkable properties and wide range of applications. On the other hand, capillary electrophoresis is also gaining importance in separation science because of its fast speed and inexpensive nature. The use of ionic liquids in capillary electrophoresis is gaining importance continuously. The present review article describes the applications of ionic liquids in capillary electrophoresis. This article also describes the general aspects of ionic liquids and capillary electrophoresis. The use of ionic liquids in capillary electrophoresis, optimization of separation, mechanism of separation, and toxicity of ionic liquids, as well as their future perspectives, have also been discussed. It was observed that not much work has been performed in capillary electrophoresis using ionic liquids. It was also realized that the use of ionic liquids in capillary electrophoresis could revolutionize analytical science. Briefly, there is a great need for the use of ionic liquids in capillary electrophoresis for better and more effective separation.
Validation Study for Non-Invasive Prediction of IDH Mutation Status in Patients with Glioma Using In Vivo 1H-Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and Machine Learning
Authors: Bumes Elisabeth , Fellner Claudia , Fellner Franz A. , Fleischanderl Karin , Häckl Martina , Lenz Stefan , Linker Ralf , Mirus Tim , Oefner Peter J. , Paar Christian , Proescholdt Martin Andreas , Riemenschneider Markus J. , Rosengarth Katharina , Weis Serge , Wendl Christina , Wimmer Sibylle , Hau Peter , Gronwald Wolfram , Hutterer Markus
Published: June 2022

The isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutation status is an indispensable prerequisite for diagnosis of glioma (astrocytoma and oligodendroglioma) according to the WHO classification of brain tumors 2021 and is a potential therapeutic target. Usually, immunohistochemistry followed by sequencing of tumor tissue is performed for this purpose. In clinical routine, however, non-invasive determination of IDH mutation status is desirable in cases where tumor biopsy is not possible and for monitoring neuro-oncological therapies. In a previous publication, we presented reliable prediction of IDH mutation status employing proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) on a 3.0 Tesla (T) scanner and machine learning in a prospective cohort of 34 glioma patients. Here, we validated this approach in an independent cohort of 67 patients, for which 1H-MR spectra were acquired at 1.5 T between 2002 and 2007, using the same data analysis approach. Despite different technical conditions, a sensitivity of 82.6% (95% CI, 61.2–95.1%) and a specificity of 72.7% (95% CI, 57.2–85.0%) could be achieved. We concluded that our 1H-MRS based approach can be established in a routine clinical setting with affordable effort and time, independent of technical conditions employed. Therefore, the method provides a non-invasive tool for determining IDH status that is well-applicable in an everyday clinical setting.
Long-Term Exposure to Decabromodiphenyl Ether Promotes the Proliferation and Tumourigenesis of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma by Inhibiting TRß
Authors: Wang Xinpei , Cui Xiujie , Zhao Qian , Sun Feifei , Zhao Ru , Feng Tingting , Sui Shaofeng , Han Bo , Liu Zhiyan
Published: June 2022

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) have been reported to possess endocrine-disrupting and tumour-promoting activity. However, the effects of long-term exposure to decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE209) on thyroid tumourigenesis of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and the underlying mechanisms remain poorly defined. In this study, functional assays in vitro and mouse models in vivo were used to evaluate the toxic effects of long-term exposure to environmental concentrations of BDE209 on the pathogenesis and progression of PTC. MTS, EdU and colony-forming assays confirmed the chronic toxicity of BDE209 on the proliferation of human normal follicular epithelial cell line (Nthy-ori 3-1) and PTC-derived cell lines (TPC-1 and BCPAP). Wound and Transwell assays showed that BDE209 exacerbated the aggressiveness of PTC cells. BDE209 significantly promoted cell proliferation during the S and G2/M phases of the cell cycle. Mechanistically, BDE209 altered the thyroid system by acting as a competitive inhibitor of thyroid receptor beta (TRß) expression and function, which was further proven by public databases and RNA-seq bioinformation analysis. Taken together, these results demonstrated that BDE209 has chronic toxicity and potential tumourigenic effects on the thyroid by inhibiting TRß.
Blocking Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor Subtype 7 via the Venus Flytrap Domain Promotes a Chronic Stress-Resilient Phenotype in Mice
Authors: Estrela Karolyne A. R. , Senninger Lisa , Arndt Josephine , Kabas Melanie , Schmid Ferdinand , Dillmann Larissa , Auer Sophia , Stepfer Thomas , Flor Peter J. , Uschold-Schmidt Nicole
Published: June 2022

Chronic psychosocial stress participates prominently in the etiology of various psychiatric conditions and comorbid somatic pathologies; however, suitable pharmacotherapy of these disorders is still of high medical need. During the last few decades, research on mGlu receptors advanced remarkably and much attention was given to the mGlu7 subtype. Here, genetic mGlu7 ablation, short-term pharmacological mGlu7 blockade, as well as siRNA-mediated knockdown of mGlu7 were shown to result in an acute anti-stress, antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like phenotype in mice. Moreover, we recently revealed a prominent stress-protective effect of genetic mGlu7 ablation also with respect to chronic psychosocial stress. In addition, we are able to demonstrate in the present study that the chronic pharmacological blockade of mGlu7 interferes with various chronic stress-induced alterations. For this, we used the chronic subordinate colony housing (CSC), a mouse model of chronic male subordination, in combination with chronic treatment with the mGlu7-selective orthosteric-like antagonist XAP044 (7-hydroxy-3-(4-iodophenoxy)-4H-chromen-4-one). Interestingly, XAP044 dose-dependently ameliorates hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis dysfunctions, thymus atrophy, as well as the CSC-induced increase in innate anxiety. Taken together, our findings provide further evidence for the role of mGlu7 in chronic psychosocial stress-induced alterations and suggests the pharmacological blockade of mGlu7 as a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of chronic stress-related pathologies in men.
COX-2 Deficiency Promotes White Adipogenesis via PGE2-Mediated Paracrine Mechanism and Exacerbates Diet-Induced Obesity
Authors: Wang Chunqing , Zhang Xing , Luo Liping , Luo Yan , Wu Dandan , Spilca Dianna , Le Que , Yang Xin , Alvarez Katelyn , Hines William Curtis , Yang Xuexian O. , Liu Meilian
Published: June 2022

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) plays a critical role in regulating innate immunity and metabolism by producing prostaglandins (PGs) and other lipid mediators. However, the implication of adipose COX-2 in obesity remains largely unknown. Using adipocyte-specific COX-2 knockout (KO) mice, we showed that depleting COX-2 in adipocytes promoted white adipose tissue development accompanied with increased size and number of adipocytes and predisposed diet-induced adiposity, obesity, and insulin resistance. The increased size and number of adipocytes by COX-2 KO were reversed by the treatment of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) but not PGI2 and PGD2 during adipocyte differentiation. PGE2 suppresses PPARγ expression through the PKA pathway at the early phase of adipogenesis, and treatment of PGE2 or PKA activator isoproterenol diminished the increased lipid droplets in size and number in COX-2 KO primary adipocytes. Administration of PGE2 attenuated increased fat mass and fat percentage in COX-2 deficient mice. Taken together, our study demonstrated the suppressing effect of adipocyte COX-2 on adipogenesis and reveals that COX-2 restrains adipose tissue expansion via the PGE2-mediated paracrine mechanism and prevents the development of obesity and related metabolic disorders.
Alveolar Basal Cells Differentiate towards Secretory Epithelial- and Aberrant Basaloid-like Cells In Vitro
Authors: Khan Petra , Roux Julien , Blumer Sabrina , Knudsen Lars , Jonigk Danny , Kuehnel Mark P. , Tamm Michael , Hostettler Katrin E.
Published: June 2022

In idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), keratin (KRT)17+/KRT5+ basal and KRT17+/KRT5− aberrant basaloid cells are atypically present within the alveolar space. We previously described the fibrosis-enriched outgrowth of alveolar basal cells from peripheral fibrotic lung tissue. Using single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), we here characterize the transcriptome of these cultured alveolar basal cells under different culture conditions. Methods: Fibrotic peripheral lung tissue pieces were placed in DMEM growth medium. Outgrown cells were analysed by scRNA-seq, TaqMan-PCR or immunofluorescence (IF) either directly or after medium change to an epithelial cell specific medium (Cnt-PR-A). Results: A fraction of alveolar basal cells cultured in DMEM growth medium showed close transcriptomic similarities to IPF basal cells. However, although they expressed KRT5, the transcriptome of the majority of cells matched best to the transcriptome of recently described KRT17+/KRT5− aberrant basaloid cells, co-expressing the canonical basal cell marker KRT17 and mesenchymal cell marker (VIM, FN1). A smaller fraction of cells matched best to secretory epithelial cells. Two differentiation gradients from basal to aberrant basaloid-like cells and basal to secretory epithelial-like cells were apparent. Interestingly, these differentiation paths seemed reversed when the cell culture medium was changed to Cnt-PR-A. Conclusions: Our results suggest that cultured alveolar basal cells have the capacity to differentiate towards secretory epithelial-like cells and to aberrant basaloid-like cells. However, due to the persistent expression of KRT5, a complete differentiation towards aberrant basaloid cells did not seem to be achieved in our culture conditions. Importantly, differentiation seemed reversible by changing the cells microenvironment. Determining specific factors influencing these differentiation paths may help to define novel drug targets for IPF therapy.
Nucleic Acid Aptamers Emerging as Modulators of G-Protein-Coupled Receptors: Challenge to Difficult Cell Surface Proteins
Authors: Takahashi Masaki
Published: June 2022

G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), among various cell surface proteins, are essential targets in the fields of basic science and drug discovery. The discovery and development of modulators for the receptors have provided deep insights into the mechanism of action of receptors and have led to a new therapeutic option for human diseases. Although various modulators against GPCRs have been developed to date, the identification of new modulators for GPCRs remains a challenge due to several technical problems and limitations. To overcome this situation, a variety of strategies have been developed by several modalities, including nucleic acid aptamers, which are emerging as unique molecules isolated by a repetitive selection process against various types of targets from an enormous combinatorial library. This review summarized the achievements in the development of aptamers targeting GPCRs, and discussed their isolation methods and the diverse functional features of aptamers against GPCRs.
Short O-GlcNAcase Is Targeted to the Mitochondria and Regulates Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species Level
Authors: Pagesy Patrick , Bouaboud Abdelouhab , Feng Zhihao , Hulin Philippe , Issad Tarik
Published: June 2022

O-GlcNAcylation is a reversible post-translational modification involved in the regulation of cytosolic, nuclear, and mitochondrial proteins. Only two enzymes, OGT (O-GlcNAc transferase) and OGA (O-GlcNAcase), control the attachment and removal of O-GlcNAc on proteins, respectively. Whereas a variant OGT (mOGT) has been proposed as the main isoform that O-GlcNAcylates proteins in mitochondria, identification of a mitochondrial OGA has not been performed yet. Two splice variants of OGA (short and long isoforms) have been described previously. In this work, using cell fractionation experiments, we show that short-OGA is preferentially recovered in mitochondria-enriched fractions from HEK-293T cells and RAW 264.7 cells, as well as mouse embryonic fibroblasts. Moreover, fluorescent microscopy imaging confirmed that GFP-tagged short-OGA is addressed to mitochondria. In addition, using a Bioluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer (BRET)-based mitochondrial O-GlcNAcylation biosensor, we show that co-transfection of short-OGA markedly reduced O-GlcNAcylation of the biosensor, whereas long-OGA had no significant effect. Finally, using genetically encoded or chemical fluorescent mitochondrial probes, we show that short-OGA overexpression increases mitochondrial ROS levels, whereas long-OGA has no significant effect. Together, our work reveals that the short-OGA isoform is targeted to the mitochondria where it regulates ROS homoeostasis.
Cold Spray of Nickel-Based Alloy Coating on Cast Iron for Restoration and Surface Enhancement
Authors: Tan Adrian Wei-Yee , Tham Nataniel Yong Syn , Chua Yao Shian , Wu Kaiqiang , Sun Wen , Liu Erjia , Tan Sung Chyn , Zhou Wei
Published: June 2022

Cold spray is an emerging additive manufacturing process that allows particles to be coated onto the surface of a base material without melting. It is suitable to repair components made from temperature-sensitive materials, such as grey cast iron, which cannot be easily restored using conventional methods like welding or thermal spray. In this study, the nickel-based alloy Inconel 625 was successfully coated onto a grey cast iron (GJL250) using a cold spray process, and extensive experiments were carried out to study the effects of diffusion between the coating and the substrate after heat treatment at 400, 600, 850 and 1050 °C for 3 and 6 hours durations. The coatings in all conditions were dense (0.25% to 3%) and had defect-free interfaces. Under heat treatment, the diffusion layer increased in thickness with increasing temperature and duration due to atomic diffusion. The Inconel 625 coating is also shown to be effective against oxide growth as compared to grey cast iron. The hardness of the coatings is also stable at high temperatures. The heat-treated coatings at 600 °C achieved a peak hardness of around 500 HV, which is 30% and 60% higher than the as-sprayed coating and grey cast iron substrate, respectively, because of the possible formation of recrystallized nanostructured grains and strengthening precipitates. These findings demonstrate the potential application of using cold spray on nickel-based alloy coatings for restoration and surface enhancement of grey cast iron components, such as engine blocks and pump housings.
Contribution of Sheep Grazing to Plant Diversity in Natural Grasslands
Authors: Zhao Jiantao , Cao Jiamin , Che Zhaobi , Guo Yaya , Ma Chunhui , Zhang Qianbing
Published: June 2022

Global climate change and overgrazing have led to the degradation of natural grasslands and seriously threaten the diversity of grassland plant species, as plant species richness is very sensitive to natural grassland degradation. Therefore, we conducted a sheep grazing experiment in Zinniquan pasture on the northern slope of Xinjiang Tianshan Mountains to test the effects of grazing on plant species diversity in natural grasslands through the spatial and temporal characteristics of the foraging behavior of grazing sheep and the plant species composition on the grazing trajectories. Data on sheep grazing tracks were collected based on GPS, vegetation composition around the tracks was investigated and seeds were collected from sheep manure to determine germination rates by simulating rumen fistula uptake tests in sheep. We found that sheep grazing can bring seeds from agricultural fields to grow on natural grasslands, causing changes in plant species diversity and community structure. The results of this study provide new insights into natural grassland species restoration and offer a range of new strategies that can be applied to the management of natural grassland plant ecological restoration.
Marine Protected Areas Management in the Mediterranean Sea—The Case of Croatia
Authors: Maestro María , Chica-Ruiz Juan Adolfo , Popović Perković Zvjezdana , Pérez-Cayeiro María Luisa
Published: June 2022

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are widely used tools to conserve marine ecosystems and their services. They are complex socio-ecological systems where human activities and nature interact. Croatia has 409 protected areas, of which 19 are coastal-marine. The aim of this paper is to analyze the management model of MPAs in Croatia and to identify their strengths and weaknesses. For this purpose, three MPAs have been chosen: Brijuni National Park, Telašćica Nature Park, and Pakleni Islands Significant Landscape. The methodology used assesses 26 specific indicators to analyze the status of 4 key factors: management body, planning subprocess, public participation, and implementation subprocess. The results of this evaluation are 5 possible scenarios: proactive (1), learning (2), interactive (3), centralized (4), and formal (5) management. The results show that Brijuni presents a proactive scenario (1), Telašćica an interactive scenario (3), and Pakleni Islands a centralized scenario (4). A series of measures are presented, which can improve the score. In general, MPA management in Croatia tends towards a proactive model, where the management body is its greatest strength. There is a shift from a top-down to a bottom-up approach, which implies a greater involvement of the population in decision-making. However, public participation is not yet fully consolidated.
Multi-Image Compression–Encryption Algorithm Based on Compressed Sensing and Optical Encryption
Authors: Wei Jingjin , Zhang Miao , Tong Xiaojun
Published: June 2022

In order to achieve large-capacity, fast and secure image transmission, a multi-image compression–encryption algorithm based on two-dimensional compressed sensing (2D CS) and optical encryption is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the paper uses compressed sensing to compress and encrypt multiple images simultaneously, and design a new structured measurement matrix. Subsequently, double random phase encoding based on the multi-parameter fractional quaternion Fourier transform is used to encrypt the multiple images for secondary encryption, which improves the security performance of the images. Moreover, a fractional-order chaotic system with more complex chaotic behavior is constructed for image compression and encryption. Experimental results show that the algorithm has strong robustness and security.
The Modified Heat Flux Modeling in Nanoparticles (Fe3O4 and Aggregation Nanoparticle) Based Fluid between Two Rotating Disks
Authors: Zeb Hussan , Wahab Hafiz Abdul , Khan Umar , Ehab Mohamed , Malik Muhammad Yousaf
Published: June 2022

In this article, Cattaneo Christov heat transfer analysis in nanofluid (Ferro Fe3O4 and Aggregation) flow between two parallel rotating disks with different velocities determined. The relaxation time, velocity slip, heat convective boundary condition, and heat generation are also presented. The governing partial differential equation (PDEs) model is converted into a set of nonlinear ordinary differential equations (ODEs) system by similarity variables. The solution is computed of the resulting ODEs system by using the Runge Kutta (Rk) method. Here a decline is noticed in the tangential velocity for nanoparticles (Fe3O4 and Aggregation nanoparticle) for higher values of the porosity parameter (λ1), slip parameter γ1, magnetic parameter (M) and Reynolds number (Rer), while tangential velocity arises for higher values of rotation parameters (ß1). This reduces the temperature field for nanoparticles by higher values of Eckert number (Ec), Prandtl number (Pr), Reynolds number (Rer), porosity parameter (λ1), while increases for arising the values of thermal relaxation parameter λ2, and for both Biot numbers (B1, B2) nanoparticles (Fe3O4 and Aggregation nanoparticle). Further we compute the characteristics of physical quantities, namely skin friction and Nusselt number are presented.
Thermo-Hydro-Mechanical Coupled Modeling of In-Situ Behavior of the Full-Scale Heating Test in the Callovo-Oxfordian Claystone
Authors: Yuan Yilong , Xu Tianfu , Gherardi Fabrizio , Lei Hongwu
Published: June 2022

Within the context for deep geological disposal (DGD) of high-level radioactive waste (HLW), thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) coupled numerical modeling has become significantly important for studying the safe disposal of HLW. In this work, a 3D mechanical module is incorporated into the thermal–hydraulic (TH) coupled code TOUGH2, thus forming an integrated THM coupled simulator referred to as TOUGH2Biot. The Galerkin finite element method is used to discretize the space for rock mechanical calculation. The mechanical process is sequentially coupled with the fluid and heat flow processes, which further gives feedback to the flow through stress-dependent hydraulic properties (e.g., porosity and permeability). Based on the available geological data at the Meuse/Haute-Marne Underground Research Laboratory (MHM URL) in France, the improved simulator is used to analyze the coupled THM behaviors of the Callovo-Oxfordian claystone (COx) induced by thermal loading. The anisotropy of material parameters (e.g., permeability and thermal conductivity) caused by the bedding and of in-situ stresses are well considered in our model. The numerical simulation can reasonably reproduce the field observations, including changes in temperature and pore pressure at monitoring boreholes during the ALC1604 experiment. The modeling results indicate that the anisotropic effects are remarkable, and temperature, pore pressure, and effective stress along the bedding increase more rapidly than in the vertical direction. Insight into numerical results through the visual model is beneficial for helping us to interpret the field observations and to understand the complex THM problem in the COx claystone formation. The numerical method and the modeling results presented in this work can be effectively used in support of performance assessment studies of HLW disposal sites to build confidence in the safety of future applications of nuclear energy systems.
Motor Stator Insulation Stress Due to Multilevel Inverter Voltage Output Levels and Power Quality
Authors: Mirza Arshiah Yusuf , Bazzi Ali , Nguyen Hiep Hoang , Cao Yang
Published: June 2022

Multilevel Inverters (MLIs) are widely sought after in medium-voltage applications like electric ships, electric aircraft, and renewable energy integration due to excellent advantages like lower device stress, better power quality, and modularity. However, non-sinusoidal excitations from MLIs pose a serious problem to motor-insulation and lead to their premature breakdown. This paper investigates stress in medium-voltage motor insulation when the stator winding is excited by 3-, 5-, and 7-level multilevel inverter output waveforms. The effect of firing angle on insulation stress is also studied for each of the multilevel inverters. Results show that in addition to the number of output voltage levels, PWM wave shape is a critical factor which affects the insulation stress. Both these factors work together to impact the insulation health. A strong correlation is shown between the increase in the voltage root mean square (RMS) value and increase in dielectric stress when ignoring the dv/dt impact for a fixed DC input voltage and operating frequency of the inverter. Similarly, the dielectric stress in the stator insulation increased with an increase in firing angle for each of the MLIs. This paper shows a potential that both the RMSs can be optimized to reduce the insulation stress and improve the power quality of MLIs in medium voltage drives.