bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of events in developing the cultural side of a city: Assessing events organized by European Capitals of Culture
Authors: Coman Claudiu , Bularca Maria Cristina , Otovescu Adrian
Published: June 2021

People today are continuously searching for new experiences, and thus the events organized by a city can play an important role in influencing peoples’ decision to visit a certain city. In this regard, the title of European Capital of Culture can offer a city competitive advantage and it can help it improve its cultural as well as its social side. Hence, through the events organized while holding the title of European Capital of Culture, cities can better promote themselves as cultural cities, but they can also offer citizens and tourists diverse and interesting experiences and entertainment opportunities. Thus, we focused our research on the city of Aarhus. The purpose of our research was to assess the way Aarhus promoted itself through its events while having the title of European Capital of Culture in 2017, in order to extract some guidelines that could be further used as frame of reference by other cities in their development and promotion strategies. After analyzing one of the events organized by Aarhus- GrowOP - the only opera festival in Denmark designed for children, our findings revealed that the city used cultural events as a way to develop itself and attract tourists. The event was well organized, it was in line with the concept of the entire program of the city and through it, Aarhus aimed at integrating new and young audiences into its cultural life.
Cadet education in the Russian Federation: search for a management model
Authors: Toporkova Margarita
Published: June 2021

The object of research in the article is the system of cadet education in the Russian Federation. The study examined the structure of the system of military education, organizational-legal features and personnel, material-technological and ideological problems of providing cadet education in the Russian Federation of the present stage of development. The key problem is the lack of regular quality monitoring of this direction of education. An effective solution to this problem is propose - the development and implementation of a unique digital information and analytical system "Zvezda" for cadet education.
Senior Optimist pursues a better Future Beyond the COVID–19 Pandemic
Authors: Avny Amos
Published: June 2021

The author claims that the COVID-19 Pandemic signalizes that time comes for making some changes. In short, he calls us to care more about people and their needs, about Earth and Nature and their potential unknown threats, rather than concentrating on the obsolete Capitalist call of "making money."
Although nobody can assess the magnitude of these issues, the author estimates it as a very significant Issue. The COVID-19 pandemic clearly indicates how important and critical is the Public Sector in the fight against this enemy. Private funds were important but relatively less. The Author calls and offers a six steps strategy, for developing and inspiring people from all walks of life and all social classes. Finally, the Author believes that, it makes sense and justified to invest money and efforts in developing and empowering human-beings, as they are the keys and the leverage, the A and the Z, for every significant issue or project.
An Early Diagnostic Clue for COL18A1- and LAMA1-Associated Diseases: High Myopia With Alopecia Areata in the Cranial Midline
Authors: Wang Panfeng , Jia Xiaoyun , Xiao Xueshan , Li Shiqiang , Long Yuxi , Liu Mengchu , Li Yongyu , Li Jun , Xu Yan , Zhang Qingjiong
Published: June 2021

Background

High myopia with alopecia areata in the occipital region has been observed in patients with Knobloch syndrome caused by COL18A1 mutations. This study investigated other possible genetic causes of high myopia in patients with alopecia areata in the cranial midline.

Methods

Six patients with early onset high myopia and alopecia areata in the cranial midline were recruited. Targeted high-throughput sequencing was performed on the proband’s DNA to detect potential pathogenic variants. Cosegregation analysis was performed for available family members. Minigene assay and RNA Sequencing were used to validate the abnormality of possible splicing change and gross deletion. Ophthalmological and neuroimaging examinations were performed.

Results

Eight novel and one known loss-of-function mutants were detected in all six patients, including a gross deletion detected by RNA sequencing. Four COL18A1 mutants in three patients with scalp leisure in the occipital region; and five LAMA1 mutations in three patients with scalp leisure in the parietal region. Further assessments indicated that patients with COL18A1 mutations had Knobloch syndrome, and the patients with LAMA1 mutations had Poretti–Boltshauser syndrome.

Conclusion

Our study found that early onset high myopia with midline alopecia areata could be caused not only by mutations of the COL18A1 gene but also by mutations in the LAMA1 gene. To our knowledge, we are the first to observe scalp defects in patients with LAMA1 mutations. High myopia with alopecia areata in the cranial midline could be treated as an early diagnostic clue for ophthalmologists to consider the two kinds of rare diseases.
Creating a Supportive Classroom Environment Through Effective Feedback: Effects on Students’ School Identification and Behavioral Engagement
Authors: Monteiro Vera , Carvalho Carolina , Santos Natalie Nóbrega
Published: June 2021

Previous research revealed the connection between students’ behavioral and emotional engagement and a supportive classroom environment. One of the primary tools teachers have to create a supportive classroom environment is effective feedback. In this study, we assessed the supportive classroom environment using the perception shared by all students from the same classroom of teachers’ use of effective feedback. We aimed to explore the effect of such an environment on students’ behavioral engagement and school identification. Using a probabilistic sample of 1,188 students from 75 classrooms across 6th, 7th, 9th, and 10th grades, we employed multilevel regression modeling with random intercept and fixed slopes. We explored the effects of both individual perceptions of teachers’ use of effective feedback and the supportive classroom environment on student engagement. The analyses identified that students who perceived that their teachers use more effective feedback had a higher level of behavioral engagement and school identification. Once we controlled the effects of these individual perceptions of teachers’ effective feedback, we still observed the effect of a supportive classroom environment on student engagement. So, in classrooms where teachers used more effective feedback creating a supportive classroom environment, students had higher school identification and behavioral engagement levels, regardless of their individual perceptions of teachers’ feedback. The association between variables remained significant even after controlling students’ characteristics (gender, nationality, mother’s level of education, history of grade retention) and classroom characteristics (grade level, type of school, number of students at grade level). Our findings support the potential of teachers’ feedback practices to foster students’ school identification and behavioral engagement to build a more inclusive school environment and value students’ diversity.
Risk Factors for Different Types of Pregnancy Losses: Analysis of 15,210 Pregnancies After Embryo Transfer
Authors: Yang Ai-Min , Xu Xiuhua , Han Yan , Wei Jian-Jun , Hao Gui-Min , Cui Na , Zhao Zhi-Ming , Wang Wei , Huang Xianghua
Published: June 2021

Objective

To evaluate the risk factors for different types of pregnancy losses after embryo transfer (ET).

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Reproductive medicine center.

Participants

A total of 15,210 pregnancies after fresh and frozen-thawed embryo transfer between January 2014 and June 2019.

Main Outcome Measures

The primary outcome was pregnancy loss (PL) throughout the entire pregnancy. Secondary outcomes were non-visualized PL, early miscarriage, late miscarriage, and stillbirth.

Methods

The effect of patients’ baseline characteristics and IVF/ICSI cycle-specific factors on the risk of PL after fresh and frozen-thawed ET was determined by multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

Compared to women under 35 years old, those between 35 and 40 had an increased risk of early miscarriage [odds ratio (OR) 1.49, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.22-1.83], while those after 40 appeared to have an increased risk of both early miscarriage (OR 3.82, 95% CI 2.65-5.51) and late miscarriage (OR 2.79, 95% CI 1.64-4.77). Overweight patients were observed to have a higher risk of late miscarriage (OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.16-1.65), while obese patients showed a higher risk of both early miscarriage (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.14-1.91) and late miscarriage (OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.33-2.44). Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) was an independent risk factor for late miscarriage (OR 1.58, 95% CI 1.28-1.96), and the detrimental effect of PCOS was independent of obesity status. Women with uterine factors had a higher risk of early miscarriage (OR 1.77 (95% CI 1.32-2.38) than women without uterine factors. A negative correlation was observed between the thickness of the endometrium and PL (OR 0.95 95% CI 0.92-0.97). There was an increased risk of PL after frozen-thawed ET versus fresh ET (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.01-1.24). Women who transferred ≥2 embryos showed lower risk of overall PL than women who transferred a single embryo, with adjusted ORs ranged from 0.57~0.94. However, women who transferred three embryos demonstrated a higher risk of late miscarriage than women who transferred a single embryo (OR 2.23, 95% CI 1.36-3.66).

Conclusions

Patients with uterine factors demonstrated higher risk of early miscarriage and stillbirth. Being overweight, PCOS, and transferring three embryos was associated with late miscarriage. Being aged 40 and over, obese, and using frozen embryo transfer was associated with early and late miscarriage.
Multi-Field Collaborative of Oil-Immersed Transformer for Distributed Energy Resources Temperature Rise Considering the Influence of Heat Transfer Oil
Authors: Huang Kun , Li Hua , Wang Wei , Zhang Lifeng , Feng Anhui , Li Xiaohua
Published: June 2021

The current calculation method of fluid–structure interaction (FSI) has a defect for oilimmersed transformers for distributed energy resources (DERs). In order to solve this problem, a calculation method is proposed for the temperature rise of oil-immersed transformers in this article. The vibration of insulating oil is considered in this method. Different from the temperature field model established by FSI, the effect of insulating oil vibration on the temperature field is considered. The structure field is introduced to establish the insulating oil vibration model. The temperature field correction coefficient is introduced by coupling the insulating oil vibration and the natural convection of the insulating oil. The result shows that compared with FSI, the results of the calculation method in this study are consistent with the experiment, and the temperature field distribution in the oil-immersed transformer can be calculated more accurately.
Molecular Characterisation of Soybean Osmotins and Their Involvement in Drought Stress Response
Authors: Faillace Giulia Ramos , Caruso Paula Bacaicoa , Timmers Luis Fernando Saraiva Macedo , Favero Débora , Guzman Frank Lino , Rechenmacher Ciliana , de Oliveira-Busatto Luisa Abruzzi , de Souza Osmar Norberto , Bredemeier Christian , Bodanese-Zanettini Maria Helena
Published: June 2021

Osmotins are multifunctional proteins belonging to the thaumatin-like family related to plant stress responses. To better understand the functions of soybean osmotins in drought stress response, the current study presents the characterisation of four previously described proteins and a novel putative soybean osmotin (GmOLPa-like). Gene and protein structure as well as gene expression analyses were conducted on different tissues and developmental stages of two soybean cultivars with varying dehydration sensitivities (BR16 and EMB48 are highly and slightly sensitive, respectively). The analysed osmotin sequences share the conserved amino acid signature and 3D structure of the thaumatin-like family. Some differences were observed in the conserved regions of protein sequences and in the electrostatic surface potential. P21-like present the most similar electrostatic potential to osmotins previously characterised as promoters of drought tolerance in Nicotiana tabacum and Solanum nigrum. Gene expression analysis indicated that soybean osmotins were differentially expressed in different organs (leaves and roots), developmental stages (R1 and V3), and cultivars in response to dehydration. In addition, under dehydration conditions, the highest level of gene expression was detected for GmOLPa-like and P21-like osmotins in the leaves and roots, respectively, of the less drought sensitive cultivar. Altogether, the results suggest an involvement of these genes in drought stress tolerance.
The Dispensable Roles of X-Linked Ubl4a and Its Autosomal Counterpart Ubl4b in Spermatogenesis Represent a New Evolutionary Type of X-Derived Retrogenes
Authors: Yu Changping , Diao Runjie , Khan Ranjha , Deng Cheng , Ma Hui , Chang Zhijie , Jiang Xiaohua , Shi Qinghua
Published: June 2021

X-derived retrogenes contribute to genetic diversity in evolution and are usually specifically expressed in testis and perform important functions during spermatogenesis.Ubl4bis an autosomal retrogene with testis-specific expression derived fromUbl4a, an X-linked housekeeping gene. In the current study, we performed phylogenetic analysis and revealed thatUbl4aandUbl4bare subject to purifying selection and may have conserved functions in evolution.Ubl4bwas knocked out in mice using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technology and interestingly, we found no alterations in reproductive parameters ofUbl4b–/–male mice. To get insights into whetherUbl4acould compensate the absence ofUbl4b in vivo, we further obtainedUbl4a–/Y; Ubl4b–/–mice that lack bothUbl4aandUbl4b, and the double knockout (dKO) mice also displayed normal spermatogenesis, showing thatUbl4aandUbl4bare both dispensable for spermatogenesis. Thus, through thein vivostudy of UBL4A and UBL4B, we provided a direct evidence for the first time that some X chromosome-derived autosomal retrogenes can be unfunctional in spermatogenesis, which represents an additional evolutionary type of X-derived retrogenes.
Oral Administration of Lactococcus lactis Producing Interferon Type II, Enhances the Immune Response Against Bacterial Pathogens in Rainbow Trout
Authors: Santibañez Alvaro , Paine Diego , Parra Mick , Muñoz Carlos , Valdes Natalia , Zapata Claudia , Vargas Rodrigo , Gonzalez Alex , Tello Mario
Published: June 2021

Lactic acid bacteria are a powerful vehicle for releasing of cytokines and immunostimulant peptides at the gastrointestinal level after oral administration. However, its therapeutic application against pathogens that affect rainbow trout and Atlantic salmon has been little explored. Type II interferon in Atlantic salmon activates the antiviral response, protecting against viral infection, but its role against bacterial infection has not been tested in vivo. In this work, through the design of a recombinant lactic acid bacterium capable of producing Interferon gamma from Atlantic salmon, we explore its role against bacterial infection and the ability to stimulate systemic immune response after oral administration of the recombinant probiotic. Recombinant interferon was active in vitro, mainly stimulating IL-6 expression in SHK-1 cells. In vivo, oral administration of the recombinant probiotic produced an increase in IL-6, IFNγ and IL-12 in the spleen and kidney, in addition to stimulating the activity of lysozyme in serum. The challenge trials indicated that the administration of the IFNγ-producing probiotic doubled the survival in fish infected with F. psychrophilum. In conclusion, our results showed that the oral administration of lactic acid bacteria producing IFNγ managed to stimulate the immune response at a systemic level, conferring protection against pathogens, showing a biotechnological potential for its application in aquaculture.
The Role of Anger in Motivating Leadership
Authors: Heath Iona , Stavdal Anna , Sigurdsson Johann Agust
Published: June 2021

As doctors, we see every working day the pervasive effects of different forms of structural violence and discrimination that undermine the hopes and aspirations of those on the losing side. This leads to powerlessness, fear and anger. Anger is not only forward facing but also directed toward, systems, institutions, governments—rather than individuals. At its best it is a protest against the status quo. We point out that leadership is one of the core values of our professionalism. In the light of what we see and hear, we have a responsibility to use the anger that this engenders within us to speak truth to power: this speaking is leadership. Our message is: feel the fear and the anger, use it to change the world, and enfold leadership in hope and the pursuit of justice.
Genes Linking Copper Trafficking and Homeostasis to the Biogenesis and Activity of the cbb3-Type Cytochrome c Oxidase in the Enteric Pathogen Campylobacter jejuni
Authors: Garg Nitanshu , Taylor Aidan J. , Pastorelli Federica , Flannery Sarah E. , Jackson Phillip J. , Johnson Matthew P. , Kelly David J.
Published: June 2021

Bacterial C-type haem-copper oxidases in the cbb3 family are widespread in microaerophiles, which exploit their high oxygen-binding affinity for growth in microoxic niches. In microaerophilic pathogens, C-type oxidases can be essential for infection, yet little is known about their biogenesis compared to model bacteria. Here, we have identified genes involved in cbb3-oxidase (Cco) assembly and activity in the Gram-negative pathogen Campylobacter jejuni, the commonest cause of human food-borne bacterial gastroenteritis. Several genes of unknown function downstream of the oxidase structural genes ccoNOQP were shown to be essential (cj1483c and cj1486c) or important (cj1484c and cj1485c) for Cco activity; Cj1483 is a CcoH homologue, but Cj1484 (designated CcoZ) has structural similarity to MSMEG_4692, involved in Qcr-oxidase supercomplex formation in Mycobacterium smegmatis. Blue-native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of detergent solubilised membranes revealed three major bands, one of which contained CcoZ along with Qcr and oxidase subunits. Deletion of putative copper trafficking genes ccoI (cj1155c) and ccoS (cj1154c) abolished Cco activity, which was partially restored by addition of copper during growth, while inactivation of cj0369c encoding a CcoG homologue led to a partial reduction in Cco activity. Deletion of an operon encoding PCuAC (Cj0909) and Sco (Cj0911) periplasmic copper chaperone homologues reduced Cco activity, which was partially restored in the cj0911 mutant by exogenous copper. Phenotypic analyses of gene deletions in the cj1161c–1166c cluster, encoding several genes involved in intracellular metal homeostasis, showed that inactivation of copA (cj1161c), or copZ (cj1162c) led to both elevated intracellular Cu and reduced Cco activity, effects exacerbated at high external Cu. Our work has therefore identified (i) additional Cco subunits, (ii) a previously uncharacterized set of genes linking copper trafficking and Cco activity, and (iii) connections with Cu homeostasis in this important pathogen.
Tight Binding of Plasmid DNA With Self-Assembled Tetramethylguanidinium Conjugated Polyethylenimine Suppresses Transfection Efficiency
Authors: Yadav Santosh , Sharma Ashwani Kumar , Kumar Pradeep
Published: June 2021

Here, we have demonstrated that on modification of linear polyethylenimine (lPEI, LP) with amphiphilic 3-bromopropyltetramethylguanidinium (PTMG) linker, the transfection efficiency exhibited by the modified polymers decreased while cell viability improved. A series of LP-PTMG polymers was synthesized by the reaction of varying amounts of 3-bromopropyl tetramethylguanidinium linker with lPEI (25 kDa). These modified polymers interacted efficiently with pDNA and formed nanosized complexes as shown by dynamic light scattering analysis. The size of the complexes in the series LP-PTMG/pDNA was observed in the range of ∼178–205 nm. The interaction of modified polymers with plasmid DNA was stronger than linear PEI as evidenced by heparin release assay which showed ∼83% pDNA release from LP-PTMG-3/pDNA complexes in comparison to ∼95% in lPEI/pDNA complexes on treatment with same amount of heparin suggesting the formation of self-assembled structures in modified polymers. The transfection studies in HeLa and Chinese hamster ovary cells showed a decrease in transfection efficiency of LP-PTMG polymers, the reason for this may be strong binding of modified polymers with pDNA due to accumulation of charge on the surface. This finding showed the significance of optimum binding of polymer and DNA to form polyplexes as well as release of DNA from the polyplexes.
LINC00470 Stimulates Methylation of PTEN to Facilitate the Progression of Endometrial Cancer by Recruiting DNMT3a Through MYC
Authors: Yi Tiezhong , Song Yicun , Zuo Lingling , Wang Siyun , Miao Jintian
Published: June 2021

Objectives

Increasing researches emphasize the importance of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the development of endometrial cancer (EC). There is wide recognition that LINC00470 is a critical participant in the tumorigenesis of cancers such as gastric cancer and glioblastoma, but its possible effects on EC progression remain to be explored.

Methods

We collected EC tissues and cells, where the expression of LINC00470 was determined, and followed by the Kaplan-Meier analysis of EC patient survival. We next examined the effect of LINC00470 and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) on EC cell migration, invasion, tube formation in vitro, and angiogenesis in mice xenografted with tumor after gain- or loss-of-function treatments. RNA pull-down, Co-IP, and ChIP experiments were performed to analyze the targeting relationships among LINC00470, MYC and DNMT3a.

Results

LINC00470 was aberrantly upregulated in EC and its high expression correlated to prognosis of EC patients. LINC00470 promoted invasiveness, migration, and angiogenesis of EC cells, and facilitated tumorigenesis and metastasis in vivo, but those effects were reversed by up-regulating PTEN. Functionally, LINC00470 bound to MYC in EC and that LINC00470 stimulated the binding of MYC to DNMT3a, and thus recruited DNMT3a through MYC to promote PTEN methylation.

Conclusions

Our findings revealed that LINC00470 stimulated PTEN methylation to inhibit its expression by MYC-induced recruitment of DNMT3a, thus aggravating EC.
The Antitumor Activity and Mechanism of a Natural Diterpenoid From Casearia graveolens
Authors: Li Ying , Ma Jun , Song Ziteng , Zhao Yinan , Zhang Han , Li Yeling , Xu Jing , Guo Yuanqiang
Published: June 2021

Casearlucin A, a diterpenoid obtained from Casearia graveolens, has been reported to possess strong cytotoxic activity. However, the in vivo anti-tumor effects and the action mechanism of casearlucin A remain poorly understood. Our study revealed that casearlucin A arrested cell cycle at G0/G1 stage and induced cell apoptosis in cell level. Additionally, casearlucin A inhibited HepG2 cell migration via regulating a few of metastasis-related proteins. Furthermore, it inhibited tumor angiogenesis in zebrafish in vivo. More importantly, casearlucin A significantly inhibited cell proliferation and migration in an in vivo zebrafish xenograft model. Collectively, these results are valuable for the further development and application of casearlucin A as an anticancer agent.
Etiology of Severe Pneumonia in Children in Alveolar Lavage Fluid Using a High-Throughput Gene Targeted Amplicon Sequencing Assay
Authors: Li Fei , Wang Yin , Zhang Yuhan , Shi Peng , Cao Linfeng , Su LiYun , Zhu Qiguo , Wang Libo , Lu Roujian , Tan Wenjie , Shen Jun
Published: June 2021

Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic value of a high-throughput gene targeted amplicon sequencing (TAS) assay for detecting pathogenic microorganisms in alveolar lavage fluid (ALF) from children with severe community-acquired pneumonia (SCAP).

Methods: A retrospective study was performed on 48 frozen ALF samples from 47 severe pneumonia cases admitted to Children's Hospital of Fudan University from January 1, 2019, to March 31, 2019. All samples were tested by a multiplex PCR (Multi-PCR) assay and a TAS assay. The results of the TAS panels were parallel compared with Multi-PCR and Conventional Tests (CT) including culture, direct fluorescent antibody method (DFA), and singleplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results: The proportion of pathogens detection by CT was 81.2% (39/48). The 8 common respiratory viruses including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), adenovirus (ADV), influenza A virus (FLUA), influenza B virus (FLUB), parainfluenza virus 1–3 (PIV1-3), and human Metapneumovirus (hMPV) were found in 31.2% (15/48) of the 48 samples by DFA. With the criteria of CT results used as “Golden Standard” for determing of TAS results, the proportion of pathogens detection by TAS was 70.8% (34/48). The difference of proportion of pathogens detection between TAS and CT was not statistically significant (p = 0.232). The sensitivity and specificity of TAS for pathogens detection based on CT were 87.1% (95% CI, 71.77–95.18%) and 100.0% (95% CI, 62.88–100%), the positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were 100.0% (95% CI, 87.35–100%) and 64.2% (95% CI, 35.62–86.02%), respectively. While Multi-PCR results were used as “Golden Standard,” the total pathogens detection rate of TAS was 83.3% (40/48), which had a significant difference with that of Multi-PCR (p = 0.003). The sensitivity and PPV of TAS compared with Multi-PCR were 83.3% (95% CI, 69.23–92.03%) and 100.0% (95% CI, 89.08–100%), respectively. High rates of co-infection were proved by CT, Multi-PCR, and TAS. Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) and ADV were the two most frequently detected pathogens in all three assays.

Conclusion: Compared with the CT and Multi-PCR methods, this TAS assay had a good performance in detecting bacteriological and viral pathogens from ALF. More research is needed to establish interpretation criteria based on TAS reads or analysis platforms.
Comparative Analysis of Intracellular and in vitro Antioxidant Activities of Essential Oil From White and Black Pepper (Piper nigrum L.)
Authors: Wang Ying , Wang Liang , Tan Jin , Li Rong , Jiang Zi-Tao , Tang Shu-Hua
Published: June 2021

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Pepper essential oils have potential immunomodulatory, anti-tumor, and anti-cancer activities. Pepper exhibits the potential to prevent or attenuate carcinogenesis as therapeutic tools. However, the related mechanism remains unelucidated.

Aim of the Study: The present study aims to provide reasonable information for the explanation of the dissimilarity of the essential oils from white (WPEO) and black pepper (BPEO).

Materials and Methods: WPEO, BPEO, and their single active component, as well as synthetic antioxidants, were compared by the cell model methods and chemical methods, including intracellular antioxidant activity (CAA), total antioxidant activities (TAA), superoxide radical (SR), hydroxyl radical (HR), DPPH radical (DR) scavenging activities and inhibition ability of lipoprotein lipid peroxidation (ILLP).

Results: The median effective concentration (EC50) values (mg/mL) of the WPEO and BPEO of SR, HR, DR, and ILLP were 0.437 and 0.327, 0.486 and 0.204, 7.332 and 6.348, 0.688, and 0.624 mg/mL, respectively. The CAA units of WPEO and BPEO were 50.644 and 54.806, respectively. CAA, DR, and TAA of BPEO were significantly higher than those of WPEO (p < 0.05). The BPEO and WPEO can be differentiated as the former have higher correlations with 3-carene, α-pinene, β-pinene, and limonene while the latter has a higher caryophyllene correlation. The WPEO and BPEO show a good intracellular scavenging ability of reactive oxygen species in HeLa cells.

Conclusion: Generally, pepper oil has stronger activities than single components, indicating that pepper is a broad-spectrum natural antioxidant.
Design of a Multilayer Dual-Band Balanced Bandpass Filter on a Circular Patch Resonator
Authors: Xu Yanhui , Liu Zhengkang , Wang Shiyan , Tang Wanchun , Chen Junxin
Published: June 2021

This letter presents a novel multilayer dual-band balanced bandpass filter (BPF) design by using two perturbed circular patch resonators. The TM11 mode and TM21 mode of the resonator with odd-symmetric field distributions are explored to realize the desired differential-mode (DM) transmission and common-mode (CM) suppression. Two circular patches are properly coupled in the back-to-back form to realize a dual-passband balanced response by virtue of coupling apertures etched on the ground. In addition to the internal coupling, the above apertures are also further utilized for the undesired degenerate mode harmonic suppression. Besides, slot perturbations on the patch are introduced to perturb the TM21 resonant mode to independently adjust the center frequency of the higher passband, while the lower passband remains almost unchanged. Thus, two passbands can be flexibly controlled by simultaneously tuning the above slots and size of the patch. For validation, a dual-band balanced BPF prototype is implemented. The results indicate 18 and 26% wide fractional bandwidths centered at 5.5 and 7.5 GHz with return loss higher than 20 dB under DM operation and CM suppression higher than 40 dB over an ultra-wide frequency band.
Testosterone Increases the Emission of Ultrasonic Vocalizations With Different Acoustic Characteristics in Mice
Authors: Kikusui Takefumi , Sonobe Miku , Yoshida Yuuki , Nagasawa Miho , Ey Elodie , de Chaumont Fabrice , Bourgeron Thomas , Nomoto Kensaku , Mogi Kazutaka
Published: June 2021

Testosterone masculinizes male sexual behavior through an organizational and activational effects. We previously reported that the emission of ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) in male mice was dependent on the organizational effects of testosterone; females treated with testosterone in the perinatal and peripubertal periods, but not in adults, had increased USV emissions compared to males. Recently, it was revealed that male USVs have various acoustic characteristics and these variations were related to behavioral interactions with other mice. In this regard, the detailed acoustic characteristic changes induced by testosterone have not been fully elucidated. Here, we revealed that testosterone administered to female and male mice modulated the acoustic characteristics of USVs. There was no clear difference in acoustic characteristics between males and females. Call frequencies were higher in testosterone propionate (TP)-treated males and females compared to control males and females. When the calls were classified into nine types, there was also no distinctive difference between males and females, but TP increased the number of calls with a high frequency, and decreased the number of calls with a low frequency and short duration. The transition analysis by call type revealed that even though there was no statistically significant difference, TP-treated males and females had a similar pattern of transition to control males and females, respectively. Collectively, these results suggest that testosterone treatment can enhance the emission of USVs both in male and female, but the acoustic characteristics of TP-treated females were not the same as those of intact males.
Targets and Sources of Oral Corrective Feedback in English as a Foreign Language Classrooms: Are Students' and Teachers' Beliefs Aligned?
Authors: Ha Xuan Van , Nguyen Loc Tan
Published: June 2021

Recent decades have witnessed extensive research focusing on oral corrective feedback (CF), a key aspect of English as a second/foreign language (ESL/EFL) learning and teaching, but relatively little research has examined the relationship between learner and teacher beliefs about CF. The study reported in this article investigated the relationship between teacher and learner beliefs regarding the optimal targets and sources of CF in Vietnamese secondary EFL contexts. Data which were collected at four Vietnamese public high schools included questionnaires completed by 250 students, interviews with 15 of them, and interviews with 24 teachers. The findings showed that the students were happy to receive CF to all types of errors, including less important errors such as those not influencing their communicative success. The teachers were generally more selective in their choices of error types, but they sometimes faced some tensions between their overall teaching objective and the students' practical needs to learn the material that would be tested in subsequent exams. Regarding CF sources, the students preferred teacher correction to self-correction or peer correction although they believed that self-correction was effective for their learning and wished their teachers would provide them with training on how to conduct peer correction and self-correction. The teachers also thought that it was part of their role to be the main CF providers to ensure the accuracy of classroom feedback. Some teachers were skeptical about their students' ability to provide peer CF. Pedagogical implications are discussed.
The Effectiveness of Computerized Cognitive Training Combined With Whole Body Cryotherapy in Improving Cognitive Functions in Older Adults. A Case Control Study
Authors: Senczyszyn Adrianna , Wallner Renata , Szczesniak Dorota Maria , Łuc Mateusz , Rymaszewska Joanna
Published: June 2021

Objectives: Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD) and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) are common in elderly population, and constitute a high-risk group for progression to dementia. Innovative, complex, and engaging non-pharmacological methods of cognitive stimulation, implementable at this stage, are needed. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of Computerized Cognitive Training (CCT) combined with Whole Body Stimulation (WBC) on cognitive functions of older adults with SCD and MCI.

Methods: A 9-week single-blind pre/post case control trial was conducted. The study enrolled 84 adults aged 60 or older, allocated to one of two intervention groups: EG; CCT with psychoeducation, EG2; CCT with psychoeducation and 10 WBC sessions, or the control group (CG), which comprised patients receiving usual care. The primary outcome measures were cognitive functions evaluated with MoCA scale and several other neuropsychological tools. Depressive symptoms assessed with the GDS scale constituted the secondary outcome measures.

Results: The results show evidence for increased performance in the assessment of general cognitive functioning in both EGs (p ≤ 0.05). Significant improvement was also visible in several cognitive domains, such as verbal fluency (EG1 & EG2), learning ability and immediate memory (EG1 & EG2), delayed memory (EG2), attentional control (EG1), and information processing (EG2) (p ≤ 0.05). However, only in the group with combined interventions (CCT + WBC) the participants presented significantly less depressive symptoms (p ≤ 0.05).

Conclusions: The results of the study suggest that CCT, especially in combination with WBC, might be a practical and effective method of improving cognitive performance. Moreover, this combination leads to a reduction of depressive symptoms.
The Dark Side of Fungi: How They Cause Diseases in Plants
Authors: Marcianò Demetrio , Mizzotti Chiara , Maddalena Giuliana , Toffolatti Silvia Laura
Published: June 2021

If you have ever kept fruits, vegetables, or even bread in your kitchen for a long time, you have probably noticed the formation of a grayish and fuzzy covering over them. But what exactly are those grayish-white filaments? Are they dangerous for us? They are living things and they belong to the group of organisms called fungi. These fungi grow on other organisms, using them as a source of nourishment. In this article, we introduce fungi and describe how they can attack plants, fruits, and vegetables.
Polymorphism of Selected Microsatellite Markers against Breeding Performance Indexes of Polish Large White and Polish Landrace Sows
Authors: Nowak Błażej , Mucha Anna , Moska Magdalena , Zatoń-Dobrowolska Magdalena , Kruszyński Wojciech
Published: June 2021

The study aimed to analyze 12 microsatellite markers located in the areas of quantitative trait loci related to litter size in 82 sows, including 45 Polish Large White and 37 Polish Landrace sows, kept on a farm in southwest Poland. Breeding documentation provided data on the total number of piglets born per litter and the numbers of live-born, stillborn and weaned piglets; the corresponding percentage values were also calculated. DNA isolation was performed from 15–20 hairs taken from live animals, and the markers used in the research were divided into four multiplexes. The influence of genotype at a given locus on the reproductive traits was analyzed only for genotypes represented by at least five animals. The results of the analyses for all the sows (treated as the maternal component and not as distinct breeds) showed statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05) differences between the genotypes and the values of the analyzed traits for markers S0008, SW160, SW245, SW714, SW1125 and SW2411. Among these markers, the breed-dependent analysis also showed significant differences in the Polish Large White breed for markers S0008, SW160 and SW1125, and in the Polish Landrace breed for SW245. Additionally, the breed-dependent analysis found significant differences in markers SW903 and SW1808 for the Polish Large White sows, and S0064, SW472 and SW903 in Polish Landrace sows. SW903 was the only marker for which differences in the analyzed reproductive traits differed between genotypes in both breeds (still analyzed separately), although in terms of different traits. The above results indicate the usefulness of microsatellite markers in researching the differentiation of litter size indicators. Although both breeds belong to the maternal component, they showed significant differences in terms of markers. This may suggest difficulties in finding universal (that is, working well for various breeds of the maternal component) markers, indicating the need to look for breed-specific markers, something that calls for further research into numerous animals.
Acidified Biochar as a Soil Amendment to Drought Stressed (Vicia faba L.) Plants: Influences on Growth and Productivity, Nutrient Status, and Water Use Efficiency
Authors: Abd El-Mageed Taia A. , Belal Eman E. , Rady Mohamed O. A. , Abd El-Mageed Shimaa A. , Mansour Elsayed , Awad Mohamed F. , Semida Wael M.
Published: June 2021

Drought is one of the major threats to global food security. Biochar use in agriculture has received much attention and improving it through chemical modification offers a potential approach for enhancing crop productivity. There is still limited knowledge on how acidified biochar influences soil properties, and consequently its influences on the agricultural productivity of drought stressed plants. The water use efficiency (I-WUE) of drought stressed faba beans was investigated through the effects of acidified biochar (ACBio) (a 3:100 (w:w) combination of citric acid and biochar) on soil properties, growth, productivity, nutrient uptake, water productivity (WP), and irrigation. Two field experiments (2016/2017 and 2017/2018) were conducted in saline soil (ECe, 7.2 dS m−1) on faba been plants grown under three irrigation regimes (i.e., 100, 80, and 60% of crop evapotranspiration (ETc)) combined with three levels of ACBio (0, 5, and 10 t ha−1). Plants exposed to water stress presented a significant decrease in plant height, dry matter, leave area, chlorophyll content (SPAD), the quantum efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm, Fv/F0, and PI), water status (membrane stability index and relative water content), and seed yield. Acidified biochar soil incorporation improved soil properties (chemical and physical), plant growth, physiological responses, WP, I-WUE, and contents of N, P, K, and Ca. Results revealed that the application of ACBio at 10 t ha−1 and 5 t ha−1 significantly increased seed yield by 38.7 and 25.8%, respectively, compared to the control. Therefore, ACBio incorporation may find application in the future as a potential soil amendment for improving growth and productivity of faba bean plants under deficit irrigation.
Validation of the Prediction Accuracy for 13 Traits in Chinese Simmental Beef Cattle Using a Preselected Low-Density SNP Panel
Authors: Xu Ling , Niu Qunhao , Chen Yan , Wang Zezhao , Xu Lei , Li Hongwei , Xu Lingyang , Gao Xue , Zhang Lupei , Gao Huijiang , Cai Wentao , Zhu Bo , Li Junya
Published: June 2021

Chinese Simmental beef cattle play a key role in the Chinese beef industry due to their great adaptability and marketability. To achieve efficient genetic gain at a low breeding cost, it is crucial to develop a customized cost-effective low-density SNP panel for this cattle population. Thirteen growth, carcass, and meat quality traits and a BovineHD Beadchip genotyping of 1346 individuals were used to select trait-associated variants and variants contributing to great genetic variance. In addition, highly informative SNPs with high MAF in each 500 kb sliding window and in each genic region were also included separately. A low-density SNP panel consisting of 30,684 SNPs was developed, with an imputation accuracy of 97.4% when imputed to the 770 K level. Among 13 traits, the average prediction accuracy levels evaluated by genomic best linear unbiased prediction (GBLUP) and BayesA/B/Cπ were 0.22–0.47 and 0.18–0.60 for the ~30 K array and BovineHD Beadchip, respectively. Generally, the predictive performance of the ~30 K array was trait-dependent, with reduced prediction accuracies for seven traits. While differences in terms of prediction accuracy were observed among the 13 traits, the low-density SNP panel achieved moderate to high accuracies for most of the traits and even improved the accuracies for some traits.
Managing Animal Welfare in Food Governance in Norway and Sweden: Challenges in Implementation and Coordination
Authors: Lundmark Hedman Frida , Veggeland Frode , Vågsholm Ivar , Berg Charlotte
Published: June 2021

A key issue in food governance and public administration is achieving coordinated implementation of policies. This study addressed this issue by systematically comparing the governance of animal welfare in Norway and Sweden, using published papers, reports, and legal and other public information, combined with survey and interview data generated in a larger research project (ANIWEL). Governing animal welfare includes a number of issues that are relevant across different sectors and policy areas, such as ethical aspects, choice of legal tools, compliance mechanisms and achieving uniform control. Based on the challenges identified in coordinating animal welfare in Norway and Sweden, relevant organisational preconditions for achieving uniform and consistent compliance were assessed. The results showed that Sweden’s organisation may need more horizontal coordination, since its animal welfare management is divided between multiple organisational units (Swedish Board of Agriculture, National Food Agency and 21 regional County Administration Boards). Coordination in Norway is managed solely by the governmental agency Norwegian Food Safety Authority (NFSA), which has the full responsibility for inspection and control of food safety, animal health, plant health, as well as animal welfare. Thus, Norway has better preconditions than Sweden for achieving uniformity in animal welfare administration. However, in Norway, the safeguards for the rule of law might be an issue, due to NFSA acting as de facto “inspector”, “prosecutor” and “judge”.
Transforming Building Criteria to Evidence Index
Authors: Fischl Géza , Johansson Peter
Published: June 2021

There is increasing pressure from developers toward architects and engineers to deliver scientifically sound proposals for often complex and cost-intensive construction products. An increase in digitalization within the construction industry and the availability of intelligently built assets and overall sustainability make it possible to customize a construction product. This servitization of construction products is assumed to perform much preferably in satisfying stakeholders’ physical, psychological, and social needs. The degree to which these products are performing can be evaluated through an evidence index. This article aims to introduce a conceptual model of an evidence index and test it in the programming stage of a case study. The investigation follows the evidence-based design approach and renders evidence through key performance indicators in the programming stage of the building process. For testing the concept, a case study investigation was performed by simulating a novice research assistant, and the amount of evidence was collected and appraised for evidence index. The case study showed that key performance indicators of a servitized project could be evaluated on a four-point scale. The quality of the evidence index generation depended on the level of expertise the evaluator has in research and the skilful use of scientific databases.
Experimental Validation on Intersection Turning Trajectory Prediction Method for Advanced Driver Assistance System Based on Triclothoidal Curve
Authors: Fujinami Yohei , Raksincharoensak Pongsathorn , Arita Shunsaku , Kato Rei
Published: June 2021

Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) for crash avoidance, when making a right-turn in left-hand traffic or left-turn in right-hand traffic, are expected to further reduce the number of traffic accidents caused by automobiles. Accurate future trajectory prediction of an ego vehicle for risk prediction is important to activate the assistance system correctly. Our objectives are to propose a trajectory prediction method for ADAS for safe intersection turnings and to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed prediction method. Our proposed curve generation method is capable of generating a smooth curve without discontinuities in the curvature. By incorporating the curve generation method into the vehicle trajectory prediction, the proposed method could simulate the actual driving path of human drivers at a low computational cost. The curve would be required to define positions, angles, and curvatures at its initial and terminal points. Driving experiments conducted at real city traffic intersections proved that the proposed method could predict the trajectory with a high degree of accuracy for various shapes and sizes of the intersections. This paper also describes a method to determine the terminal conditions of the curve generation method from intersection features. We set a hypothesis where the conditions can be defined individually from intersection geometry. From the hypothesis, a formula to determine the parameter was derived empirically from the driving experiments. Public road driving experiments indicated that the parameters for the trajectory prediction could be appropriately estimated by the obtained empirical formula.