bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting Treatment Outcomes in Guided Internet-Delivered Therapy for Anxiety Disorders—The Role of Treatment Self-Efficacy
Authors: Schønning Adrian , Nordgreen Tine
Published: October 2021

Aim: Guided Internet-delivered therapy has shown to be an effective treatment format for anxiety disorders. However, not all patients experience improvement, and although predictors of treatment outcome have been identified, few are consistent over time and across studies. The current study aimed to examine whether treatment self-efficacy (self-efficacy regarding the mastery of obstacles during treatment) in guided Internet-delivered therapy for anxiety disorders in adults could be a predictor of lower dropout rates and greater symptom reduction.

Method: The analyzed data comes from an open effectiveness study including 575 patients receiving guided Internet-delivered therapy for panic disorder or social anxiety disorder. Treatment self-efficacy was measured at pre-treatment. Symptom reduction was measured at 10 measurement points, including a 6-month follow-up. A mixed linear model was applied in the analysis.

Results: The results showed that high treatment self-efficacy was a predictor of both lower dropout rates and greater symptom reduction. Significant interaction effects between time and treatment self-efficacy were found for several of the nine modules that constitutes the treatment program, suggesting that treatment self-efficacy could be a moderator of symptom reduction. Three of nine modules in the panic disorder treatment and six of nine in the social anxiety disorder treatment showed significant interaction effects.

Conclusion: The results suggest that measuring treatment self-efficacy may be a valuable tool to identify patients at risk of dropping out, and that treatment self-efficacy could be a predictor and moderator of symptom reduction in guided Internet-delivered therapy. The implications of the results are discussed.
How Do Children Reason About Mirrors? A Comparison Between Adults, Typically Developed Children, and Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Soranzo Alessandro , Bertamini Marco , Cassidy Sarah
Published: October 2021

The information about what one can see and what other people can see from different viewpoints is important. There are circumstances in which adults and children make systematic errors when predicting what is visible from their own or others’ viewpoints. This happens for example when reasoning about mirrors. We explored differences among three developmental groups: young adults (N=60) typically developing children (N=30); and children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD, N=30). We used an illustration of a top-down view of a room with a mirror on a wall (Room Observer and Mirror Perspective test: ROMP). Participants selected (circled on paper) which objects behind the observer in the room were visible, reflected from the mirror and from a given position (viewpoint). For half of each group, the observer in the room was described as a teddy bear; for the other half, it was described as a child. Overall, there were many errors in all groups, which we separate in errors of ignoring the viewpoint (same response to all three locations) and inversion errors (choosing objects on the left instead of the right or vice versa). In addition to the overall task difficulty, the ASD group made relatively more mistakes of ignoring the viewpoint compared to the other groups and underestimated how many objects were visible in the teddy bear condition that is when the viewpoint was an inanimate object. We suggest that this is related to a delay in theory of mind (ToM) development.
Working Memory and Cross-Frequency Coupling of Neuronal Oscillations
Authors: Abubaker Mohammed , Al Qasem Wiam , Kvašňák Eugen
Published: October 2021

Working memory (WM) is the active retention and processing of information over a few seconds and is considered an essential component of cognitive function. The reduced WM capacity is a common feature in many diseases, such as schizophrenia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and Alzheimer's disease (AD). The theta-gamma neural code is an essential component of memory representations in the multi-item WM. A large body of studies have examined the association between cross-frequency coupling (CFC) across the cerebral cortices and WM performance; electrophysiological data together with the behavioral results showed the associations between CFC and WM performance. The oscillatory entrainment (sensory, non-invasive electrical/magnetic, and invasive electrical) remains the key method to investigate the causal relationship between CFC and WM. The frequency-tuned non-invasive brain stimulation is a promising way to improve WM performance in healthy and non-healthy patients with cognitive impairment. The WM performance is sensitive to the phase and rhythm of externally applied stimulations. CFC-transcranial-alternating current stimulation (CFC-tACS) is a recent approach in neuroscience that could alter cognitive outcomes. The studies that investigated (1) the association between CFC and WM and (2) the brain stimulation protocols that enhanced WM through modulating CFC by the means of the non-invasive brain stimulation techniques have been included in this review. In principle, this review can guide the researchers to identify the most prominent form of CFC associated with WM processing (e.g., theta/gamma phase-amplitude coupling), and to define the previously published studies that manipulate endogenous CFC externally to improve WM. This in turn will pave the path for future studies aimed at investigating the CFC-tACS effect on WM. The CFC-tACS protocols need to be thoroughly studied before they can be considered as therapeutic tools in patients with WM deficits.
Effects of Smart City Construction on the Quality of Public Occupational Health: Empirical Evidence From Guangdong Province, China
Authors: Cheng Hao , Wang Fan-Fan , Dong Da-Wei , Liang Ji-Chao , Zhao Chun-Fen , Yan Bei
Published: October 2021

This article takes the Guangdong Province of China as the research object and uses the difference-in-difference model to evaluate the impact of smart city construction on the quality of public occupational health and intercity differences. The obtained results show that smart city construction significantly improves the quality of public occupational health, and it is still valid after a series of robustness tests. The effect of this policy is stronger in cities that belong to the Pearl River Delta region or sub-provincial level cities. This study indicates that the central government should improve the pilot evaluation system and the performance appraisal mechanism of smart cities from the perspective of top-level design during the process of promoting smart city construction, which aims to correctly guide local governments to promote the construction of smart cities. To achieve the full improvement effect of smart city construction on the quality of public occupational health, local governments should implement smart city strategies in a purposeful and planned way according to the actual situation of the development of the jurisdiction.
Industry Collaborations of Research Teams: Are They Penalized or Rewarded in the Grant Evaluation Process?
Authors: Öcalan-Özel Sıla , Llerena Patrick
Published: October 2021

This paper explores the relationship between the industry collaborations of grant applicant teams and the outcomes of a multistage grant evaluation process. We studied this relationship by focusing on two possible channels of impact of industry engagement—team diversity (or the diversity effect) and prior collaboration experience (or the experience effect)—and examined their influence on the evaluators' decision by using the proxies of direct industry engagement (i.e., the involvement of a company-affiliated researcher in the grant applicant team) and indirect industry engagement (i.e., joint publications with a company-affiliated researcher prior to the grant application), respectively. We analyzed data extracted from the application and reviewed materials of a multidisciplinary, pan-European research funding scheme—European Collaborative Research (EUROCORES)—for the period 2002–2010 and conducted an empirical investigation of its three consecutive grant evaluation stages at the team level. We found that teams presenting an indirect engagement were more likely to pass the first stage of selection, whereas no significant relationships were found at any of the three evaluation stages for teams presenting a direct engagement. Our findings point to the heterogeneity of the decision-making process within a multistage grant evaluation scheme and suggest that the policy objective of fostering university–industry collaboration does not significantly impact the funding process.
Associated Determinants Between Evidence of Burnout, Physical Activity, and Health Behaviors of University Students
Authors: Souza Rafael Octaviano de , Ricardo Guilherme Flavio , Elias Rui Gonçalves Marques , dos Reis Lucas Lopes , Garbin de Souza Otavio Augusto , Robert Ferrer Miquel , dos Santos Sérgio Luiz Carlos , Osiecki Raul
Published: October 2021

Risk behaviors and signs of burnout are associated with substantial health losses and university dropouts. Physical activity can be an effective approach to reduce these factors. The objective of this study was to analyze aspects related to health behaviors, physical activity, and signs of burnout in university students and their association with physical activity. The probabilistic cluster sample consisted of 3,578 regularly enrolled undergraduate students from UFPR in Curitiba, based on a population sample of 24,032 university students. The students completed the MBI-SS and NCHA II instruments. Descriptive statistics were used to identify demographic indicators and characteristics of the university environment. For the proportion of subjects with respective confidence intervals (CI = 95%), contingency tables involving the chi-square test (χ2) were used. The prevalence of signs of burnout was estimated in punctual proportions accompanied by the respective confidence intervals (CI = 95%). To analyze the associations between the independent variables and signs of burnout, the Hierarchical Logistic Regression was used through an analysis adjusted by the other independent variables involved in the models (CI = 95%). Results showed that the prevalence of individuals who showed signs of burnout was 40.4%. The hierarchical multiple regression model pointed to: female sex (OR = 1.30; 1.11–1.51); age between 20–24 years (OR = 1.51; 1.25–1.83); and 25–29 years (OR = 1.69; 1.27–2.24); being single (OR = 2.67; 1.01–7.10); presenting regular/poor health perception (OR = 1.59; 1.13–2.22), belonging to Human Sciences courses (OR = 1.37; 1.14–1.64); attending 2nd or 3rd year (OR = 1.34; 1.12–1.61); poor academic performance (OR = 5.35; 4.11–6.96); mean (OR = 2.08; 1.78–2.43). We conclude that academics showed a high prevalence of health risk behaviors and correlate and diagnose emotional problems and signs of burnout. Signs of burnout were significantly associated with the practice of physical activity in its three dimensions; however, in the adjusted analysis for demographic indicators, the characteristics of the university environment, and health behaviors, physical activity was not significant for the model.
Myocarditis and Subclinical-Like Infection Associated With SARS-CoV-2 in Two Cats Living in the Same Household in France: A Case Report With Literature Review
Authors: Chetboul Valérie , Foulex Pierre , Kartout Kahina , Klein Anne Marie , Sailleau Corinne , Dumarest Marine , Delaplace Manon , Gouilh Meriadeg Ar , Mortier Jeremy , Le Poder Sophie
Published: October 2021

This report provides the first clinical, radiographic, echocardiographic, and biological description of SARS-CoV-2-associated myocarditis with a 6-month follow-up in a 5-year-old obese male domestic shorthair cat (Cat-1) presented for refractory congestive heart failure, with high cardiac troponin-I level (5.24 ng/ml), and a large lingual ulcer. The animal was SARS-CoV-2 positive on serology. The other cat living in the same household (Cat-2) never showed any clinical sign but was also confirmed SARS-CoV-2 positive on serology. Both cats were SARS-CoV-2 PCR negative. Cat-1 had closer contact than Cat-2 with their owner, who had been in close contact with a coworker tested PCR positive for COVID-19 (Alpha (B.1.1.7) variant) 4 weeks before Cat-1's first episode of congestive heart failure. A focused point-of-care echocardiography at presentation revealed for Cat-1 numerous B-lines, pleural effusion, severe left atrial dilation and dysfunction, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy phenotype associated with focal pulmonary consolidations. Both myocarditis and pneumonia were suspected, leading to the prescription of cardiac medications and antibiotics. One month later, Cat-1 recovered, with normalization of left atrial size and function, and radiographic and echocardiography disappearance of heart failure signs and pulmonary lesions. An extensive literature review of SARS-CoV-2-related cardiac injury in pets in comparison with human pathology is discussed.
Effect of Laser Peening with a Microchip Laser on Fatigue Life in Butt-Welded High-Strength Steel
Authors: Kato Tomoharu , Sakino Yoshihiro , Sano Yuji
Published: October 2021

Laser peening introduces compressive residual stresses on the surfaces of various materials and is effective in enhancing fatigue strength. Using a small microchip laser, with energies of 5, 10, and 15 mJ, the authors applied laser peening to the base material of an HT780 high-strength steel, and confirmed compressive residual stresses in the near-surface layer. Laser peening with a pulse energy of 15 mJ was then applied to fatigue samples of an HT780 butt-welded joint. It was confirmed that laser peening with the microchip laser prolonged the fatigue life of the welded joint samples to the same level as in previous studies with a conventional laser.
Potential of Marine Terpenoids against SARS-CoV-2: An In Silico Drug Development Approach
Authors: Sahoo Alaka , Fuloria Shivkanya , Swain Shasank S. , Panda Sujogya K. , Sekar Mahendran , Subramaniyan Vetriselvan , Panda Maitreyee , Jena Ajaya K. , Sathasivam Kathiresan V. , Fuloria Neeraj Kumar
Published: October 2021

In an emergency, drug repurposing is the best alternative option against newly emerged severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. However, several bioactive natural products have shown potential against SARS-CoV-2 in recent studies. The present study selected sixty-eight broad-spectrum antiviral marine terpenoids and performed molecular docking against two novel SARS-CoV-2 enzymes (main protease or Mpro or 3CLpro) and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). In addition, the present study analysed the physiochemical-toxicity-pharmacokinetic profile, structural activity relationship, and phylogenetic tree with various computational tools to select the ‘lead’ candidate. The genomic diversity study with multiple sequence analyses and phylogenetic tree confirmed that the newly emerged SARS-CoV-2 strain was up to 96% structurally similar to existing CoV-strains. Furthermore, the anti-SARS-CoV-2 potency based on a protein−ligand docking score (kcal/mol) exposed that the marine terpenoid brevione F (−8.4) and stachyflin (−8.4) exhibited similar activity with the reference antiviral drugs lopinavir (−8.4) and darunavir (−7.5) against the target SARS−CoV−Mpro. Similarly, marine terpenoids such as xiamycin (−9.3), thyrsiferol (−9.2), liouvilloside B (−8.9), liouvilloside A (−8.8), and stachyflin (−8.7) exhibited comparatively higher docking scores than the referral drug remdesivir (−7.4), and favipiravir (−5.7) against the target SARS-CoV-2−RdRp. The above in silico investigations concluded that stachyflin is the most ‘lead’ candidate with the most potential against SARS-CoV-2. Previously, stachyflin also exhibited potential activity against HSV-1 and CoV-A59 within IC50, 0.16–0.82 µM. Therefore, some additional pharmacological studies are needed to develop ‘stachyflin’ as a drug against SARS-CoV-2.
Plasma Lipoprotein(a) Levels as Determinants of Arterial Stiffening in Hypertension
Authors: Brosolo Gabriele , Da Porto Andrea , Bulfone Luca , Vacca Antonio , Bertin Nicole , Colussi Gianluca , Cavarape Alessandro , Sechi Leonardo A. , Catena Cristiana
Published: October 2021

Previous studies have shown that plasma lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) plays an important role in the development of hypertensive organ damage. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship of Lp(a) with markers of arterial stiffening in hypertension. In 138 essential hypertensive patients free of diabetes, renal failure and cardiovascular complications, we measured plasma lipids and assessed vascular stiffness through the use of pulse wave analysis and calculation of the brachial augmentation index (AIx), and measured the pulse wave velocity (PWV). Plasma Lp(a) levels were significantly and directly related to both AIx (r = 0.490; p < 0.001) and PWV (r = 0.212; p = 0.013). Multiple regression analysis showed that AIx was independently correlated with age, C-reactive protein, and plasma Lp(a) (beta 0.326; p < 0.001), while PWV was independently and directly correlated with age, and inversely with HDL, but not with plasma Lp(a). Logistic regression indicated that plasma Lp(a) could predict an AIx value above the median for the distribution (p = 0.026). Thus, in a highly selective group of patients with hypertension, plasma Lp(a) levels were significantly and directly related to markers of vascular stiffening. Because of the relevance of vascular stiffening to cardiovascular risk, the reduction of Lp(a) levels might be beneficial for cardiovascular protection in patients with hypertension.
Tungsten-Based Cost-Effective Gas Sensors for H2S Detection
Authors: Fasquelle Didier , Verbrugghe Nathalie , Députier Stéphanie
Published: October 2021

Tungsten trioxide thin films were deposited on silicon substrates by non-reactive RF sputtering from a WO3 target at room temperature. The WO3 films were post-annealed at two different temperatures, 400 °C and 500 °C. The morphological and microstructural properties of these films were analyzed by using atomic force microscopy and X-ray diffraction. X-ray diffraction patterns only show WO3 oxide phases. The AFM images show different morphologies with smaller grains for the film annealed at 400 °C. WO3 sensing films and W heating elements were embedded in commercial cases for the fabrication of cost-effective gas sensors. The sensitivity and dynamic response of the sensors were analyzed under various concentrations of H2S, from 20 to 100 ppm, at SIMTRONICS SAS (3M Company, Saint Paul, MN, USA). A good sensitivity G/G0 of about 6.6 under H2S 100 ppm was obtained with the best sensor. An interesting dynamic response was observed in particular with a short response time. Additionally, the evolution of the sensitivity was studied, and a conduction model was proposed for explaining the conduction mechanism under H2S exposition.
Cardiothoracic CTA in Infants Referred for Aortic Arch Evaluation—Retrospective Comparison of Iomeprol 350, Ioversol 350, Iopromide 370 and Iodixanol 320
Authors: Pop Marian
Published: October 2021

Background: Computed tomography angiography (CTA) in infants is considered one of the most challenging radiological examinations due to difficulties in balancing start delay, contrast agent (CA) volume and flow in order to achieve optimal opacification of the large vessels. This study aimed to compare the contrast enhancement achieved by four CAs when taking into consideration CA injection parameters and patient characteristics. Methods: We performed a retrospective assessment of forty-eight consecutive cardiothoracic CTAs performed for aortic arch evaluation on children aged 0–1 year. All examinations were performed using the same 64-slice scanner and power injector using the bolus tracking technique. Axial 0.6 mm slices were used to measure large vessel enhancement using regions of interest at the level of the main pulmonary artery, ascending and descending aorta. The recorded variables included anthropometric measurements, CA type, flow rate, volume, and the average Hounsfield unit (HU) values of the blood pool. Descriptive statistics are presented as averages and standard deviations (SD) for normal distributed data or otherwise as medians and interquartile ranges (IQRs). Results: We found no statistically significant differences between age and anthropometric parameters when looking at different CAs. The median CA volume was 7 (IQR, 7–9) mL with the average flow rate of 0.94 (SD, 0.23) mL/s. Ascending aorta average HU values were 605.9 (SD, 177.23) for Iomeprol 350, 626 (SD, 183.83) for Ioversol 350, 530.83 (SD, 175.56) for Iopromide 370 and 354.91 (SD, 115.81) for Iodixanol 320. The difference in HU value for Iodixanol 320 compared to the other CAs was statistically significant. Similar differences were found for the other vascular structures. Conclusion: In CTA of infants suspected of aortic arch hypoplasia/coarctation, Iodixanol 320 provided up to 40% less enhancement of the great vessels when compared to Iomeprol 350, Ioversol 350 and Iopromide 370.
Advancements in Sustainable PVDF Copolymer Membrane Preparation Using Rhodiasolv® PolarClean As an Alternative Eco-Friendly Solvent
Authors: Russo Francesca , Ursino Claudia , Sayinli Burcu , Koyuncu Ismail , Galiano Francesco , Figoli Alberto
Published: October 2021

In this work, Rhodiasolv® PolarClean was employed as a more sustainable solvent for the preparation of poly(vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) flat sheet membranes via phase inversion technique by coupling vapour induced phase separation (VIPS) and non-solvent induced phase separation (NIPS) processes. Preliminary calculations based on Hansen solubility parameters well predicted the solubilization of the polymer in the selected solvent. The effect of exposure time on humidity and the influence of polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) and sulfonated polyether sulfone (S-PES) on membrane properties and performance, were evaluated. Three different coagulation bath compositions were also explored. The obtained membranes, prepared using a more sustainable approach, were compared with those produced with the traditional toxic solvent N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) and characterised in terms of morphology, porosity, wettability, pore size, surface roughness and mechanical resistance. The potential influence of the new solvent on the crystallinity of PVDF-HFP-based membranes was also evaluated by infrared spectroscopy. The adjustment of the parameters investigated allowed tuning of the membrane pore size in the microfiltration (MF) and ultrafiltration (UF) range resulting in membranes with various morphologies. From the water permeability and rejection tests, performed with methylene blue dye, the prepared membranes showed their potentiality to be used in MF and UF applications.
Confocal Fluorescence Microscopy and Confocal Raman Microspectroscopy of X-ray Irradiated LiF Crystals
Authors: Bonfigli Francesca , Botti Sabina , Cecilia Angelica , Montereali Rosa Maria , Nichelatti Enrico , Nigro Valentina , Piccinini Massimo , Vincenti Maria Aurora
Published: October 2021

Radiation-induced color centers locally produced in lithium fluoride (LiF) are successfully used for radiation detectors. LiF detectors for extreme ultraviolet radiation, soft and hard X-rays, based on photoluminescence from aggregate electronic defects, are currently under development for imaging applications with laboratory radiation sources, as well as large-scale facilities. Among the peculiarities of LiF-based detectors, noteworthy ones are their very high intrinsic spatial resolution across a large field of view, wide dynamic range, and versatility. LiF crystals irradiated with a monochromatic 8 keV X-ray beam at KIT synchrotron light source (Karlsruhe, Germany) and with the broadband white beam spectrum of the synchrotron bending magnet have been investigated by optical spectroscopy, laser scanning confocal microscopy in fluorescence mode, and confocal Raman micro-spectroscopy. The 3D reconstruction of the distributions of the color centers induced by the X-rays has been performed with both confocal techniques. The combination of the LiF crystal capability to register volumetric X-ray mapping with the optical sectioning operations of the confocal techniques has allowed performing 3D reconstructions of the X-ray colored volumes and it could provide advanced tools for 3D X-ray detection.
Utilisation of Dental Services of Older People in Australia: An Economic Explanatory Model Based on Cost and Geographic Location
Authors: Kamil Wisam , Kruger Estie , Tennant Marc
Published: October 2021

The increased percentage of older people retaining their natural dentition was associated with a burden of poor oral health and increased service demands. This study analyses the dental service utilisation of the ageing population in Australia and develops a modelled cost design that estimates the dental expenditure required to cover dental services for the aged population. Using the Australian Census of Population and Housing, ageing population and socioeconomic data were mapped to geographic boundaries and integrated with dental service provision data to estimate a model for the utilisation of dental services. The estimated financial cost of dental services was calculated based on the mean fees as per the Australian Dental Association’s Dental Fees Survey. The utilisation of the services varied considerably across the states and also by type of service, with limited numbers using periodontic services. However, there was an increase in cost for replacement and restorative services (5020 million AUD), most evident in the socioeconomic deprivation areas. In addition, the average dental services utilisation cost increased noticeably in the lower socioeconomic deciles of all regions outside major cities. The geographic maldistribution of older people significantly affects the utilisation of dental services, especially among disadvantaged communities. A predicted cost model of 6385 million AUD would cover the oral health needs of older Australians.
Exploring the Relationship between Environmental and Economic Payback Times, and Heritage Values in an Energy Renovation of a Multi-Residential Pre-War Building
Authors: Jerome Adeline , Femenías Paula , Thuvander Liane , Wahlgren Paula , Johansson Pär
Published: October 2021

Cultural value and heritage have been identified as necessary for a sustainable living environment, alongside environmental concern and energy efficiency. In this study, multiple methods, i.e., life cycle assessment, payback, and questionnaires and interviews with tenants, and empirical data from a recent energy renovation of a multi-residential pre-war building with wooden construction were used to analyse the impact of the renovation on cultural and aesthetic values, environmental impact, financial payback time, and user satisfaction. In the energy renovation, the façade, which had been disfigured in an earlier renovation, was recreated to resemble the original architecture. The main questions are: What impact has the recreation of the façade on the environmental payback time in comparison to a more conventional renovation? What are the consequences for the user satisfaction and financial return on investment? The results show that the recreated façade has improved the building’s aesthetics without compromising the environmental benefits. It also resulted in better thermal comfort, which is highly valued by the tenants. The improved aesthetics are also appreciated by the tenants, but to a lesser extent. Financially, the renovation is estimated to be not viable. Results of this study can be applied in the decision-making of similar renovation projects.
The Hydrodynamic Characteristics Induced by Multiple Layouts of Typical Artificial M-Type Reefs with Sea Currents Typical of Liaodong Bay, Bohai Sea
Authors: Shu Anping , Rubinato Matteo , Qin Jiping , Zhu Jiapin , Sun Tao , Yang Wei , Wang Mengyao , Zhang Ziyue
Published: October 2021

Artificial reefs are effective measures to improve the marine ecological environment and increase fishery production. However, there are several geometries being investigated nowadays and their setup, including the spacing between groups of them, can provide dissimilar effects on hydrodynamics. To enhance the understanding of this topic, in this paper, the focus is mainly on M-Type artificial reefs that will be adopted in Juehua Island, Liaodong Bay, China. An experimental campaign was carried out in order to simulate the influence that M-Type unit reef groups may have on the local flow field and the Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) technique has been implemented to provide velocity maps. The results showed that with the increase of velocity’s current approaching the artificial reef, the height, length and area of the upwelling and the back vortex rise with the increase of spacing between the artificial reefs. Furthermore, when comparing different geometrical configurations with similar currents approaching the artificial reef, the maximum values of both upwelling and back vortex were obtained when the spacing between unit reefs was 1.25 L. Finally, the entropy method was used to evaluate the effects on the flow field under four kinds of spacing based on the hydrodynamic characteristics and the economic cost. The comprehensive score obtained for all the configurations followed the order 1.25 L > 1.50 L > 0.75 L > 1.00 L. Therefore, it is suggested that the original design spacing should be increased by 25% when the M-type unit reef is put into practice. Additionally, after having completed a comparative analysis, it is recommended to further change the reef group into four reef monocases. By executing this adjustment, the unit reef cost was reduced by 10%, and the influence range on the flow field increased by 10%, and this result can consequently achieve greater ecological benefits with less economic input. The results of this study provide a preliminary reference for the construction of artificial reefs M-Type from the perspective of theory and practice.
Modelling Returns in US Housing Prices—You’re the One for Me, Fat Tails
Authors: Kiss Tamás , Nguyen Hoang , Österholm Pär
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we analysed the heavy-tailed behaviour in the dynamics of housing-price returns in the United States. We investigated the sources of heavy tails by estimating autoregressive models in which innovations can be subject to GARCH effects and/or non-Gaussianity. Using monthly data from January 1954 to September 2019, the properties of the models were assessed both within- and out-of-sample. We found strong evidence in favour of modelling both GARCH effects and non-Gaussianity. Accounting for these properties improves within-sample performance as well as point and density forecasts.
Why Is There No Raising to Object in Spanish? A Study of Code-Switching
Authors: Heil Jeanne , López Luis
Published: October 2021

Raising to Object (RtoObj), like other types of Raising configurations, features a determiner phrase (DP) in a dual-clausal relationship with both the matrix and the embedded clauses. RtoO is possible in English and a few other languages, most famously, Icelandic. However, it is not possible in many other languages, such as Spanish. As far as we can tell, insight into what licenses RtoObj is largely speculative. The main goal of this paper is to limit the range of possible hypotheses by pinpointing the source of the cross-linguistic difference using code-switching data. A priori, we could hypothesize two possible sources for the licensor of RtoObj: it could be a feature in the matrix clause or a feature in the infinitival complement. In this chapter, we present code-switching data that support the second option: English TdefP is linked to the licensing of RtoObj. We find that early Spanish/English bilinguals overwhelmingly prefer code-switched RtoObj samples when the infinitival complement is in English and they reject RtoObj when the complement is a Spanish infinitival. This suggests that Spanish Tdef is either different or altogether missing.
Connecting the Lines between Old (Epigraphic) Arabic and the Modern Vernaculars
Authors: Al-Jallad Ahmad
Published: October 2021

This paper investigates three linguistic features—wawation, the 1CS genitive clitic pronoun, and the relative pronoun—that are shared between the ancient epigraphic forms of Arabic and modern dialects, to the exclusion of Classical Arabic. I suggest that these features represent the earliest linguistic layer of the modern dialects.
Analysis of the Anti-Inflammatory Capacity of Bone Broth in a Murine Model of Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Mar-Solís Laura M. , Soto-Domínguez Adolfo , Rodríguez-Tovar Luis E. , Rodríguez-Rocha Humberto , García-García Aracely , Aguirre-Arzola Víctor E. , Zamora-Ávila Diana E. , Garza-Arredondo Aime J. , Castillo-Velázquez Uziel
Published: October 2021

Background and Objectives: Nutritional deficiencies are one of the main triggers for the development of gastrointestinal diseases, such as ulcerative colitis (UC). Therefore, the objective of the present work consisted of determining the nutrients present in the bone broth (BB) and evaluating their anti-inflammatory properties in a murine model of UC, induced by intrarectal administration of 2, 4, 6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS), and acetic acid (AcOH). The BB was prepared from the femur of bovine cattle and cooked in distilled water for 8 h at 100 ± 2 °C. Materials and Methods: The BB was administered ad libitum to BALB/c mice for 10 days before the induction of UC. Colon samples were collected for histological analysis and determination of cytokine expression levels by qPCR. Results: It was found that amino acids (AA) are the main nutritional contribution of BB, 54.56% of these correspond to essential AA. The prophylactic administration of BB in the murine model of UC reduced histological damage, decreased the expression of IL-1β (61.12%), IL-6 (94.70%), and TNF-α (68.88%), and increased the expression of INF-γ (177.06%), IL-4 (541.36%), and IL-10 (531.97%). Conclusions: This study shows that BB has anti-inflammatory properties, and its consumption can decrease the symptoms of UC.
Epidemiology of Melanoma
Authors: Saginala Kalyan , Barsouk Adam , Aluru John Sukumar , Rawla Prashanth , Barsouk Alexander
Published: October 2021

Melanoma accounts for 1.7% of global cancer diagnoses and is the fifth most common cancer in the US. Melanoma incidence is rising in developed, predominantly fair-skinned countries, growing over 320% in the US since 1975. However, US mortality has fallen almost 30% over the past decade with the approval of 10 new targeted or immunotherapy agents since 2011. Mutations in the signaling-protein BRAF, present in half of cases, are targeted with oral BRAF/MEK inhibitor combinations, while checkpoint inhibitors are used to restore immunosurveillance likely inactivated by UV radiation. Although the overall 5-year survival has risen to 93.3% in the US, survival for stage IV disease remains only 29.8%. Melanoma is most common in white, older men, with an average age of diagnosis of 65. Outdoor UV exposure without protection is the main risk factor, although indoor tanning beds, immunosuppression, family history and rare congenital diseases, moles, and obesity contribute to the disease. Primary prevention initiatives in Australia implemented since 1988, such as education on sun-protection, have increased sun-screen usage and curbed melanoma incidence, which peaked in Australia in 2005. In the US, melanoma incidence is not projected to peak until 2022–2026. Fewer than 40% of Americans report practicing adequate protection (sun avoidance from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. and regular application of broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF > 30). A 2-4-fold return on investment is predicted for a US sun-protection education initiative. Lesion-directed skin screening programs, especially for those at risk, have also cost-efficiently reduced melanoma mortality.
Characterization of the Microbiome of Corals with Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease along Florida’s Coral Reef
Authors: Clark Abigail S. , Williams Sara D. , Maxwell Kerry , Rosales Stephanie M. , Huebner Lindsay K. , Landsberg Jan H. , Hunt John H. , Muller Erinn M.
Published: October 2021

Stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD) is an emergent and often lethal coral disease that was first reported near Miami, FL (USA) in 2014. Our objective was to determine if coral colonies showing signs of SCTLD possess a specific microbial signature across five susceptible species sampled in Florida’s Coral Reef. Three sample types were collected: lesion tissue and apparently unaffected tissue of diseased colonies, and tissue of apparently healthy colonies. Using 16S rRNA high-throughput gene sequencing, our results show that, for every species, the microbial community composition of lesion tissue was significantly different from healthy colony tissue and from the unaffected tissue of diseased colonies. The lesion tissue of all but one species (Siderastrea siderea) had higher relative abundances of the order Rhodobacterales compared with other types of tissue samples, which may partly explain why S. siderea lesions often differed in appearance compared to other species. The order Clostridiales was also present at relatively high abundances in the lesion tissue of three species compared to healthy and unaffected tissues. Stress often leads to the dysbiosis of coral microbiomes and increases the abundance of opportunistic pathogens. The present study suggests that Rhodobacterales and Clostridiales likely play an important role in SCTLD.
Interactive Effects of Epichloë Endophyte, Dormancy-Breaking Treatments and Geographic Origin on Seed Germination of Achnatherum inebrians
Authors: Chen Yaqi , Su Kaiqi , Li Chunjie , White James F.
Published: October 2021

Background: the cool-season grass Achnatherum inebrians (drunken horse grass) is an important species in the northwest grasslands of China. This grass engages in a symbiotic relationship with Epichloë endophytes, which affect host plants by increasing growth, repelling herbivores, and increasing tolerance to stressful environments. Methods: in this work, we evaluated the interaction effects of the endophyte on various dormancy-breaking treatments on A. inebrians seeds from six different locations. We used both endophyte-infected plants and noninfected plants and applied four dormancy-breaking methods to test germination. Results: our results showed that the germination rate of endophytic Achnatherum inebrians seeds from the Xiahe site (with highest altitude) was significantly higher than that from other sites when water soaking was applied (p < 0.05). Endophytic seeds had a greater germination rate, and soluble sugar, indole acetic acid (IAA), and gibberellin (GA) contents, under any condition. There was a significant interaction among the method, endophyte status, and origin regarding germination (p < 0.001); particularly, the effects of warm water soaking and endophyte infection on the germination of seeds from the Xiahe site was significant (p < 0.05). Conclusions: the infection of Epichloë endophyte is able to increase the content of soluble sugar, IAA, and GA, and stimulate the seed germination of A. inebrians.
Interaction between Grasses and Epichloë Endophytes and Its Significance to Biotic and Abiotic Stress Tolerance and the Rhizosphere
Authors: Lee Kendall , Missaoui Ali , Mahmud Kishan , Presley Holly , Lonnee Marin
Published: October 2021

Cool-season grasses are the most common forage types in livestock operations and amenities. Several of the cool-season grasses establish mutualistic associations with an endophytic fungus of the Epichloë genus. The grasses and endophytic fungi have evolved over a long period of time to form host-fungus specific relationships that confer protection for the grass against various stressors in exchange for housing and nutrients to the fungus. This review provides an overview of the mechanisms by which Epichloë endophytes and grasses interact, including molecular pathways for secondary metabolite production. It also outlines specific mechanisms by which the endophyte helps protect the plant from various abiotic and biotic stressors. Finally, the review provides information on how Epichloë infection of grass and stressors affect the rhizosphere environment of the plant.
Fe2+ Alleviated the Toxicity of ZnO Nanoparticles to Pseudomonas tolaasii Y-11 by Changing Nanoparticles Behavior in Solution
Authors: Yang Yuran , Zhang Can , Li Kaili , Li Zhenlun
Published: October 2021

The negative effect of ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) on the biological removal of nitrate (NO3−) has received extensive attention, but the underlying mechanism is controversial. Additionally, there is no research on Fe2+ used to alleviate the cytotoxicity of NPs. In this paper, the effects of different doses of ZnO-NPs on the growth and NO3− removal of Pseudomonas tolaasii Y-11 were studied with or without Fe2+. The results showed that ZnO-NPs had a dose-dependent inhibition on the growth and NO3− removal of Pseudomonas tolaasii Y-11 and achieved cytotoxic effects through both the NPs themselves and the released Zn2+. The addition of Fe2+ changed the behavior of ZnO-NPs in an aqueous solution (inhibiting the release of toxic Zn2+ and promoting the aggregation of ZnO-NPs), thereby alleviating the poisonous effect of ZnO-NPs on the growth and nitrogen removal of P. tolaasii Y-11. This study provides a theoretical method for exploring the mitigation of the acute toxicity of ZnO-NPs to denitrifying microorganisms.
The Presence of Treponema spp. in Equine Hoof Canker Biopsies and Skin Samples from Bovine Digital Dermatitis Lesions
Authors: Marčeková Paulína , Mad’ar Marián , Styková Eva , Kačírová Jana , Sondorová Miriam , Mudroň Pavol , Žert Zdeněk
Published: October 2021

Equine hoof canker and bovine digital dermatitis are infectious inflammatory diseases of the hooves with an unknown etiology. However, anaerobic spirochetes of the genus Treponema are considered to be potential etiological agents. The aim of this study was to find a suitable way to isolate DNA and to detect the presence of treponemal DNA in samples of equine hoof canker and bovine digital dermatitis. DNAzol®® Direct and column kits were used to isolate DNA from samples of equine hoof canker and bovine digital dermatitis. The presence of Treponema spp. was detected using PCR and Sanger sequencing. DNAzol®® Direct is suitable for isolating DNA from these types of samples. Treponemal DNA was detected in equine hoof samples as well as in bovine digital dermatitis skin samples. In equine hoof biopsies, the most frequently detected was Treponema pedis (8/13). Treponema brennaborense (2/13) and Treponema denticola (2/13) were also found. In the case of bovine digital dermatitis, Treponema medium ssp. bovis was confirmed in 14 of 36 skin samples. Treponema pedis (9/36), Treponema vincentii (1/36), Treponema phagedenis (1/36), and Treponema brennaborense (1/36) were detected as well. DNAzol®® Direct was more appropriate for isolation of treponemal DNA because the columns isolation method was more equipment and time-consuming. The presence of several Treponema spp. was determined in the samples. In horses, the most commonly detected species was a T. pedis, while in cattle it was T. medium ssp. bovis.
Multi-View Optical Image Fusion and Reconstruction for Defogging without a Prior In-Plane
Authors: Huang Yuru , Liu Yikun , Liu Haishan , Shui Yuyang , Zhao Guanwen , Chu Jinhua , Situ Guohai , Li Zhibing , Zhou Jianying , Liang Haowen
Published: October 2021

Image fusion and reconstruction from muldti-images taken by distributed or mobile cameras need accurate calibration to avoid image mismatching. This calibration process becomes difficult in fog when no clear nearby reference is available. In this work, the fusion of multi-view images taken in fog by two cameras fixed on a moving platform is realized. The positions and aiming directions of the cameras are determined by taking a close visible object as a reference. One camera with a large field of view (FOV) is applied to acquire images of a short-distance object which is still visible in fog. This reference is then adopted to the calibration of the camera system to determine the positions and pointing directions at each viewpoint. The extrinsic parameter matrices are obtained with these data, which are applied for the image fusion of distant images captured by another camera beyond visibility. The experimental verification was carried out in a fog chamber and the technique is shown to be valid for imaging reconstruction in fog without a prior in-plane. The synthetic image, accumulated and averaged by ten-view images, is shown to perform potential applicability for fog removal. The enhanced structure similarity is discussed and compared in detail with conventional single-view defogging techniques.
Analysis of Pacing Strategies in AMRAP, EMOM, and FOR TIME Training Models during “Cross” Modalities
Authors: de-Oliveira Levy Anthony , Heredia-Elvar Juan Ramón , Maté-Muñoz José Luis , García-Manso Juan Manuel , Aragão-Santos José Carlos , Da Silva-Grigoletto Marzo Edir
Published: October 2021

Empirically, it is widely discussed in “Cross” modalities that the pacing strategy developed by an athlete or trainee has a significant impact on the endurance performance in a WOD in the AMRAP, EMOM, or FOR TIME model. We can observe at least six pacing strategies adopted during the cyclical modalities in the endurance performance in the scientific literature. However, besides these modalities, exercises of acyclical modalities of weightlifting and gymnastics are performed in the “Cross” modalities. These exercises may not allow the same pacing strategies adopted during cyclic modalities’ movements due to their motor characteristics and different intensity and level of effort imposed to perform the motor gesture. In addition to the intensity and level of effort that are generally unknown to the coach and athlete of the “Cross” modalities, another factor that can influence the adoption of a pacing strategy during a WOD in the AMRAP, EMOM, or FOR TIME model is the task endpoint knowledge, which varies according to the training model used. Thus, our objective was to evaluate situations in which these factors can influence the pacing strategies adopted in a self-regulated task with cyclic and acyclic modalities movements during an endurance workout in the AMRAP, EMOM, and FOR TIME model. Given the scarcity of studies in the scientific literature and the increasing discussion of this topic within the “Cross” modalities, this manuscript can help scientists and coaches better orient their research problems or training programs and analyze and interpret new findings more accurately.