bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ichthyofaunal diversity of Senkhi stream, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh: a comparative status between 2004–05 and 2018–19
Authors: Koj Taro  , Tamang Lakpa , D.N. Das
Published: July 2022

An investigation was conducted during 2018–19 after a time span of 13 years in the Senkhi stream, an important hill stream that flows through western corner of the capital city, Itanagar. The present study aims to compare decadal changes in ichthyofaunal diversity, status, and abundance with reference to the impact of increasing urbanization in the capital city. The ichthyofaunal diversity assessed presently is restricted to 37 species spreading over 30 genera under 13 families which include four species more, not reported in the past. Thus, of the 37 species recorded, 33 species only could be compared, and noticeably resulted ultimate reduction of 14 species belonging to 11 genera under 10 families from the study area. It indicated that nearly 64% decline in fish abundance within stream zone under urban area and about 46% reduction in undisturbed area. The present study hitherto revealed the alarming rate of decline in fish diversity and also unfolded key factors responsible for crucial decline of fish diversity along with the possible mitigation measures.
Two new records of Lilac Silverline Apharitis lilacinus (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) from northeastern India
Authors: Gogoi Monsoon Jyoti , Ngulkholal Khongsai  , Biswajit Chakdar  , Girish Jathar
Published: July 2022

Lilac Silverline Apharitis lilacinus is a butterfly native to southern, northeastern, & northern India and northern Myanmar. In northeastern India it was known from a single record: H. Stevens from N. Lakhimpur, Assam in 1925. Four individuals were photographed on 15 May 2018 in D’Ering Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh, which is the first record of the species after more than 90 years in northeastern India and the first record from Arunachal Pradesh. The species was again recorded on 22 June 2020 from Dibru-Saikhowa National Park, Assam. The aerial distance between both records was 36.5 km. This species is legally protected under Schedule II, Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
First camera trap record of Striped Hyena Hyaena hyaena (Linnaeus, 1758) (Mammalia: Carnivora: Hyaenidae) in Parsa National Park, Nepal
Authors: Regmi Pramod Raj , Chetri Madhu , Acharya Haribhadra , Sigdel Prakash , Adhikari Dipendra , Subedi Naresh , Lamichhane Babu Ram
Published: July 2022

The Striped Hyena occurs in the Tarai and midhill regions of Nepal, where limited information is available on species distribution. A camera trap survey was conducted in Parsa National Park in 2016 (Feb–May) and 2016–2017 (Nov–Feb) to monitor tigers at 158 locations for 21 days (6,615 trap efforts in total).  This study successfully captured the 15 hyena images in 5 grids of eastern part (named as extension area) of national park. A total of 17 mammal species were captured simultaneously in hyena captured grid during the survey period. The presence of hyenas in Parsa National Park indicates the collective efforts of the government, conservation organizations and local communities in hyena conservation. A detailed ecological study of this species has been recommended for designing hyena conservation plan in the region.
Sex Differences in Endovascular Therapy for Ischemic Stroke: Results From the Get With The Guidelines–Stroke Registry
Authors: Demel Stacie L. , Reeves Mathew , Xu Haolin , Xian Ying , Mac Grory Brian , Fonarow Gregg C. , Matsouaka Roland , Smith Eric E. , Saver Jeff , Schwamm Lee
Published: July 2022

Background:

In 2015, endovascular therapy (EVT) for large vessel occlusions became standard of care for acute ischemic stroke. Lower utilization of IV alteplase has been reported in women, but whether sex differences in EVT use in the United States exists has not been established.

Methods:

We identified all acute ischemic stroke discharges from Get With The Guidelines–Stroke hospitals between 2012 and 2019 who were potentially eligible for EVT, based on National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score ≥6 and arrival <6 hours, according to 2018 American Heart Association/ASA guidelines. Multivariable regression analyses were used to determine the association between sex and EVT utilization, and outcomes (including mortality, discharge home, functional status) after EVT. Separate analyses were conducted for the 2 time periods: 2012 to 2014, and 2015 to 2019.

Results:

Of 302 965 patients potentially eligible for EVT, 42 422 (14%) received EVT. Before 2015, EVT treatment rates were 5.3% in women and 6.6% in men. From 2015 to 2019, treatment rates increased in both sexes to 16.7% in women and 18.5% in men. The adjusted odds ratio for EVT in women compared with men was 0.93 (95% CI, 0.87–0.99) before 2015, and 0.98 (95% CI, 0.96–1.01) after 2015. There were no significant sex differences in outcomes except that after 2015, women were less able to ambulate at discharge (adjusted odds ratio, 0.95 [95% CI, 0.95–0.99]) and had lower in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio, 0.93 [95% CI, 0.88–0.99]).

Conclusions:

EVT utilization has increased dramatically in both women and men since EVT approval in 2015. Following statistical adjustment, women were less likely to receive EVT initially, but after 2015, women were as likely as men to receive EVT. After EVT, women were more likely to be disabled at discharge but less likely to experience in-hospital death compared with men.
Machines That Feel and Think: The Role of Affective Feelings and Mental Action in (Artificial) General Intelligence
Authors: Deane George
Published: July 2022

What role do affective feelings (feelings/emotions/moods) play in adaptive behaviour? What are the implications of this for understanding and developing artificial general intelligence? Leading theoretical models of brain function are beginning to shed light on these questions. While artificial agents have excelled within narrowly circumscribed and specialised domains, domain-general intelligence has remained an elusive goal in artificial intelligence research. By contrast, humans and nonhuman animals are characterised by a capacity for flexible behaviour and general intelligence. In this article I argue that computational models of mental phenomena in predictive processing theories of the brain are starting to reveal the mechanisms underpinning domain-general intelligence in biological agents, and can inform the understanding and development of artificial general intelligence. I focus particularly on approaches to computational phenomenology in the active inference framework. Specifically, I argue that computational mechanisms of affective feelings in active inference—affective self-modelling—are revealing of how biological agents are able to achieve flexible behavioural repertoires and general intelligence. I argue that (i) affective self-modelling functions to “tune” organisms to the most tractable goals in the environmental context; and (ii) affective and agentic self-modelling is central to the capacity to perform mental actions in goal-directed imagination and creative cognition. I use this account as a basis to argue that general intelligence of the level and kind found in biological agents will likely require machines to be implemented with analogues of affective self-modelling.
The Philosophy and Politics of Dialogue
Authors: Köchler Hans
Published: July 2022

The essay analyses the hermeneutics of civilizational dialogue and identifies four basic principles, or requirements: recognition of the equality of the “lifeworlds;” awareness of the “dialectics” of cultural self-comprehension; acknowledgement of formal “metanorms” such as the principle of mutuality; and transcending the circle of “civilizational self-affirmation.” On the basis of these criteria, the essay investigates how politics will have to be reshaped – domestically, regionally and globally – to enable a genuine dialogue of cultures and civilizations that can also serve as a cornerstone of peaceful coexistence among states. Addressing today’s multicultural reality and its impact on the traditional nation-state, the essay underlines the importance of intercultural openness and “civilizational curiosity” – instead of “civilizational nostalgia” – and suggests a redefinition of “co-existence” in the sense of active mutual engagement. The paper further undertakes a critical assessment of the role of “dialogue” as a fashionable decorum of international politics and questions the instrumentalization of the civilizational paradigm in the context of international politics.
Doing Difference Together
Authors: Verran Helen , Christie Michael
Published: July 2022

Our essay begins with a story of a disagreement between a senior Aboriginal elder and an eminent Australian environmental scientist about whether two plants are the same or different. This highly specific disagreement, which occurred in the context of an attempt to exchange knowledge about land management, brings into focus what is involved in developing a philosophically sophisticated postcolonial dialogue as part of knowledge and culture work with Yolŋu Aboriginal Australians.

We propose an Australian comparative empirical philosophical inquiry (ACEPI) as an intervention located in such encounters to prolong the possibilities for “doing difference” before forming concepts, through which a specific “going on together” becomes possible. We explain why we aspire to dialogue and recognize the worth of ontic discomfort, which might offer resources for ontic innovation. We also briefly discuss a project using a contrived analytic archive of Yolŋu texts, generated over the past twenty-five years.
Play It Again Schumann
Authors: Clarke Robert
Published: July 2022

This essay explores the nature of absorbed experience which occurs when we are deeply immersed in a practical activity, such as when we make a work of art. This absorption is at the heart of all concentrated activity and reinforces those moments of engaged creativity when self-consciousness is freed from the calculations of the ego. Such occasions cannot be willed or predicted, but rather appear to arise spontaneously as in a stream of consciousness in which there is recognisable flow that is undisrupted by language. Indeed, there is evidence that in these engaged moments, language itself is held in abeyance and that embodied activity takes over as we lose ourselves in the practical experience of making. Both the literature and artists’ accounts of their practice have tended to overlook the nature of these experiences.
Restricted Dialogue
Authors: Su Feng
Published: July 2022

In continental China, the impact of modern Western ideologies such as Marxism and the anti-traditional movement at the turn of the 20th century continue to play a significant role in current debates in the visual arts. Specifically, the question of whether contemporary Chinese visual arts should preserve, reinvent, or react against their traditions has become a very controversial topic.

This essay attempts to show the relevance of dialogue with the past by focusing on a traditional theme – cloud imagery – and the ways it was used in the Mao Zedong era (1942-1976). In spite of the political and social radicalism that promoted a break from tradition, cloud imagery was reinterpreted to convey such a radical ideology. Hence, in a hermeneutical irony, by promoting the idea of a better “cultural present” severed from tradition the Mao era simply confirmed how vital it is as a principle to maintain a relationship with the past. However, whether such a re-appropriation for socio-political purpose can be called a dialogue remains open to debate.
Eternal Peace – Eternal War
Authors: Wohlfart Günter
Published: July 2022

This lecture tries to show how ancient Chinese philosophy can help us to respond in a more peaceful, defensive way to the continual dangers of war and find a practicable way between outright bellicosity on the one hand and all-too-good pacifism on the other hand. The lecture begins with reflections on Immanuel Kant’s idea of eternal peace, followed by Heraclitus’ view on war as the father of things, and finally proceeds to Sun-tzu’s Art of War, that tells us how to defeat the enemy without fighting.
Cultural Obstacles to Political Dialogue in China
Authors: Chu Yingchi , Ruthrof Horst
Published: July 2022

This essay asks how we can explain why, in contrast with Western responses, a large number of Chinese citizens from all walks of life appear to have little sympathy with the spate of recent cases of dissidents having fallen foul of government regulations pertaining to public political criticism. The answer proposed in the essay is that there are cultural obstacles to the emergence of political dialogue in China beyond the well-canvassed official strictures on political critique. The essay addresses two of these obstacles under the headings of the Confucian meta-rule of obedience and normative nominalism, argued to be characteristic of traditional Chinese conceptions of language. The reasons why these two cultural features are able to contribute so effectively to the retardation of political dialogicity in China, this essay claims, are to be sought in their deep roots in Chinese thought and the political unconscious of China to this day.
Distant Voices: Amartya Sen on Adam Smith’s Impartial Spectator
Authors: Fraser Ian
Published: July 2022

For Amartya Sen, Adam Smith’s notion of the impartial spectator is a device that brings “distant voices” into our moral deliberations in order to prevent us from the parochialism that can limit our views on particular issues. Whilst recognising its importance, this article suggests that there are some problems with the way Sen uses this in his The Idea of Justice. Tensions arise around issues relating to his interpretation of Smith, a one-sided and undialectical understanding of the operation of the impartial spectator, an ambivalence in Sen’s approach between essentialism and cultural relativism, the capacity for people to carry out the demands of the impartial spectator and its efficacy in relation to real moral problems such as Smith’s case of infanticide. The conclusion is that in the search for openness, Sen leaves his idea of justice with insufficient grounding to forge a dialogue that can act as a challenge to entrenched beliefs rather than simply accept them in a limbo of fragile co-existence.
Trauma, Dislocation, and Lived Fear in the Postsecular World: Towards a First Methodological Checklist
Authors: Chan Stephen
Published: July 2022

This paper is a response to isolated but increasingly frequent efforts within the International Relations profession to approach questions of a postsecular world. However, such approaches are based on certain assumptions, chiefly that a mode of reasoning analogous to that of Critical thought can be transposed to the study of religions and spirituality; and that high normative thought is embedded in all religious thought. This paper cautions against such assumptions, and sets out a series of indicative pitfalls in what may become an ill-considered rush to enter the postsecular without proper textual and cultural appreciations; and particularly in thrall to the temptation that all religious thought can be considered as some kind of homogenous world ripe for selective and unjustified pillaging.
American Identity and American Gun Culture: A Buddhist Deconstruction
Authors: Wawrytko Sandra A.
Published: July 2022

While various groups argue about the cause of America’s ongoing gun crisis, any feasible solution must address the historical roots of taṇhā (thirst) that fuel America’s gun culture. Killers often identify themselves as outsiders, and many have been marginalized and bullied. Gun supporters perceive themselves as free and independent spirits, latter day Minuteman stalwartly defending the Constitution. Gun sellers, seemingly devoid of compassion, assume that like any savvy businessperson they are simply supplying what people demand. Buddhist epistemology exposes the delusory ātman at the core of our misidentifications as individuals and groups. When interconnectedness (pratītyasamutpāda) goes unrealized, ignorance disconnects us from the reality of Laṅkāvatāra Sūtra Suchness (tathāta), with devastating consequences. Buddhist texts such as the Awakening of Faith in the Mahāyāna and the Laṅkāvatāra Sūtra analyze the process by which deluded identities evolve along with consciousness, allowing us to deconstruct and realistically realign them.
Cultural Production in the Corsican Language: An Identity Field in the Making
Authors: Verdoni Dominique
Published: July 2022

Fields of language practice such as education, the media, the civil service, or, indeed, literature are all places where official, and therefore institutionalised languages, prevail. At the same time, they open up spaces of social values and recognition, thus offering the opportunity for declining minority languages to enter and permeate those spaces. This is why a strategy of active promotion of minority cultures is needed to ensure that they are not controlled by the dominant practices. The Corsican language is a case in point. This essay introduces three forms of identity-expression in Corsican literature – namely oraliture, militant writing, and Literature – and subsequently relocates the above issues within the cultural context of Corsica.
Projections of Hydroclimatic Extremes in Southeast Alaska under the RCP8.5 Scenario
Authors: Lader Rick , Bhatt Uma S. , Walsh John E. , Bieniek Peter A.
Published: July 2022

Parts of southeast Alaska experienced record drought in 2019, followed by record daily precipitation in late 2020 with substantial impacts to human health and safety, energy resources, and fisheries. To help ascertain whether these types of events can be expected more frequently, this study investigated observed trends and projected changes of hydroclimatic extremes indices across southeast Alaska, including measures of precipitation variability, seasonality, magnitude, and type. Observations indicated mixed tendencies of interannual precipitation variability, but there were consistent trends toward warmer and wetter conditions. Projected changes were assessed using dynamically downscaled climate model simulations at 4-km spatial resolution from 2031 to 2060 that were compared with a historical period from 1981 to 2010 using two models—NCAR CCSM4 and GFDL CM3. Consistent directional changes were found for five of the analyzed indices. The CCSM indicated increased maximum 1-day precipitation (RX1; 12.6%), increased maximum consecutive 5-day precipitation (RX5; 7.4%), longer periods of consecutive dry days (CDD; 11.9%), fewer snow cover days (SNC; −21.4%) and lower snow fraction (SNF; −24.4%); for GFDL these changes were 19.8% for RX1, 16.0% for RX5, 20.1% for CDD, −21.9% for SNC, and −26.5% for SNF. Although both models indicated substantial snow losses, they also projected annual snowfall increases at high elevations; this occurred above 1500 m for CCSM and above 2500 m for GFDL. Significance testing was assessed at the 95% confidence level using Theil–Sen’s slope estimates for the observed time series and the Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney U test for projected changes of the hydroclimatic extremes indices relative to their historical distributions.
Representation of Atmospheric Water Budget and Uncertainty Quantification of Future Changes in CMIP6 for the Seven U.S. National Climate Assessment Regions
Authors: Sengupta Agniv , Waliser Duane E. , Massoud Elias C. , Guan Bin , Raymond Colin , Lee Huikyo
Published: July 2022

Observation-based climate model evaluation and future projections help policymakers in developing action plans for efficient management of water resources and mitigation of the impacts of hazardous extremes. Apart from this socioeconomic importance, the scientific value cannot be overstated, especially in light of the upcoming Fifth U.S. National Climate Assessment (NCA) report. In this study, we evaluate the realism of hydroclimate variability in the historical simulations of a suite of coupled general circulation models (CGCMs) participating in the fifth and sixth phases of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5 and CMIP6). Our results demonstrate systematic biases in the simulated seasonal precipitation—most prominently, wet bias over the mountainous western United States in winter, and dry bias over the U.S. central plains in summer. A distinctive feature of this work is our focus on the examination of the atmospheric water budget, in particular the relative importance of remote and local contributions—convergence of moisture fluxes and local land surface processes (evapotranspiration) respectively—in helping produce precipitation. This diagnosis reveals that the leading contribution of the remote influence in winter is overestimated by the CMIP6 multimodel mean (MMM), whereas the local influence, which is more influential in summer, is underestimated. Our results aid in understanding the drivers of seasonal precipitation over the United States, where precipitation will likely increase by the end of the century but with significant model disagreement for the summer and fall. In support of ongoing NCA efforts, our study aims to contribute a comprehensive, regional-level analysis of the moisture budget and emphasizes the importance of realistically simulating its major components in CGCMs.
Variability of Jakarta Rain-Rate Characteristics Associated with the Madden–Julian Oscillation and Topography
Authors: Lestari Sopia , King Andrew , Vincent Claire , Protat Alain , Karoly David , Mori Shuichi
Published: July 2022

Research on the interaction between the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) and rainfall around Jakarta is limited, although the influence of the MJO on increased rainfall is acknowledged as one of the primary causes of flooding in the region. This paper investigates the local rainfall response around Jakarta to the MJO. We used C-band Doppler radar in October–April during 2009–12 to study rain-rate characteristics at much higher resolution than previous analyses. Results show that the MJO strongly modulates rain rates over the region; however, its effect varies depending on topography. During active phases, MJO induces a high rain rate over the ocean and coast, meanwhile during suppressed phases, it generates a high rain rate mainly over the mountains. In phase 2 of the MJO we find the strongest increase in mean and extreme rain rate, which is earlier in the MJO cycle than most studies reported, based on lower-resolution data. This higher rain rate is likely due to increases in convective and stratiform activities. The MJO promotes more stratiform rain once it resides over Indonesia. In phase 5, over the northwestern coast and western part of the radar domain, the MJO might bring forward the peak of the hourly rain rate that occurs in the early morning. This is likely due to a strong westerly flow arising from MJO superimposed westerly monsoonal flow, blocked by the mountains, inducing a strong wind propagating offshore resulting in convection near the coast in the morning. Our study demonstrates the benefits of using high-resolution radar for capturing local responses to the larger-scale forcing of the MJO in Indonesia.

Significance Statement

Rainfall in Jakarta and its surroundings is highly variable and often heavy resulting in devastating floods. In this region, in the wet season, rainfall is influenced by large-scale climate variability including the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) characterized by eastward propagation of clouds near the equatorial regions on intraseasonal time scales. The MJO has been known to increase the probability of rainfall occurrence and its magnitude, but we show that the impact differs in varying topography. The frequency and intensity of rainfall increase over land areas including mountains even when MJO has not arrived in Indonesia. Meanwhile, once MJO moves through Indonesia, the frequency and magnitude of the rainfall increases over the northern coast and ocean as well as in the west of the radar domain.
Research on Key Competency Elements of an Excellent Front-Line Health Inspector
Authors: Liu Yan , Zhou Chunhong , Chen Xiaoling , Yan Yuzhong
Published: July 2022

In order to find out the competency elements of excellent front-line health inspector, and to improve the comprehensive quality and law enforcement level, we conducted this study. Firstly, key Behavior Event Interview (BEI) was used to find out the competency elements of front-line inspector. From May to September in 2020, 7 health inspectors engaged in front-line inspection and law enforcement work in the Pudong New Area Health Inspection agency were interviewed by using the method of key Behavior Event Interview (BEI). Meanwhile, the competency differences of front-line personnel with different performance levels were compared by analyzing the difference of the average grade score, the highest grade score and so on of inspectors in different performance groups. Then the method of expert consultation was used to verify the rationality of the extracted competency elements. Combined with the results of expert consultation and the results of key Behavior Event Interview (BEI), the prominent competency elements of excellent front-line health inspector were found out. The total 6 prominent competency elements were investigation and evidence collection ability, on-site control ability, legal awareness, career love, communication and coordination ability, teamwork ability. Cohen’s Kappa coefficient of the 2 coders was more than 0.6, which had high consistency. The key Behavior Event Interview (BEI) is scientific and reasonable method to find out prominent competency elements of excellent front-line health inspector, and the prominent competency elements found out will be helpful in the human resources planning and management of health inspection in the future.
Use of the ISU FLUture multisequence identity tool for rapid interpretation of swine influenza A virus sequences in the United States
Authors: Zeller Michael A. , Saxena Anugrah , Anderson Tavis K. , Vincent Amy L. , Gauger Phillip C.
Published: July 2022

Rapid and reliable identification of the hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) genetic clades of an influenza A virus (IAV) sequence from swine can inform control measures and multivalent vaccine composition. Current approaches to genetically characterize HA or NA sequences are based on nucleotide similarity or phylogenetic analyses. Public databases exist to acquire IAV genetic sequences for comparison, but personnel at the diagnostic or production level have difficulty in adequately updating and maintaining relevant sequence datasets for IAV in swine. Further, phylogenetic analyses are time intensive, and inference drawn from these methods is impacted by input sequence data and associated metadata. We describe here the use of the IAV multisequence identity tool as an integrated public webpage located on the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (ISU-VDL) FLUture website: https://influenza.cvm.iastate.edu/ . The multisequence identity tool uses sequence data derived from IAV-positive cases sequenced at the ISU-VDL, employs a BLAST algorithm that identifies sequences that are genetically similar to submitted query sequences, and presents a tabulation and visualization of the most genetically similar IAV sequence and associated metadata from the FLUture database. Our tool removes bioinformatic barriers and allows clients, veterinarians, and researchers to rapidly classify and identify IAV sequences similar to their own sequences to augment interpretation of results.
NLRC5 Might Promote Endometrial Cancer Progression by Inducing PD-L1 Expression
Authors: Zhu Su-ding , Zhang Jing , Liu Xiao-jing , Zhang Jun-hui , Wei Bing , Wang Wen-yan , Fan Yi-jun , Li Dan , Cao Yun-xia , Zhan Lei
Published: July 2022

Aims: The NOD-like receptor (NLR) family, caspase recruitment (CARD) domain containing 5 (NLRC5) was dysregulated in endometrial cancer (EC). However, the potential regulatory mechanisms of NLRC5 in EC remained unclear. We aimed to explore whether NLRC5 could regulate the programmed cell death protein ligand 1 (PD-L1) in EC. We also investigated the related molecular which led to the inactivation of NLRC5 in EC. Methods: The expressions of NLRC5 and PD-L1 in endometrium tissue microarray were detected by immunohistochemistry. Pearson’s correlation analysis was performed to detect the expression correlation between NLRC5 and PD-L1. Immunofluorescence staining, western blotting, and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) were used to detect the role of NLRC5 in PD-L1 in EC cell lines. The somatic mutation in EC patients was detected by whole-exome sequencing (WGS). Results: NLRC5 was downregulated in the endometrium of EC patients when compared to those in the normal endometrium. The level of PD-L1 in the endometrium of EC patients was higher when compared to those in the normal endometrium. There was a negative expression correlation between NLRC5 and PD-L1. NLRC5 could promote the expression of PD-L1 in EC cell lines. The mutations of ANKRD20A2, C2orf42, ADGRB3, AVPR2, GOLGA6C, and IPPK may lead to the downregulation of NLRC5 in EC patients. Conclusion: NLRC5 could inhibit the activation of PD-L1 in EC. Mutations of ANKRD20A2, C2orf42, ADGRB3, AVPR2, GOLGA6C, and IPPK may lead to the downregulation of NLRC5 in EC patients. Future study should investigate the mechanism of NLRC5 in PD-L1, as well as the mechanism of ANKRD20A2, C2orf42, ADGRB3, AVPR2, GOLGA6C, and IPPK in NLRC5.
Effects of moderate-continuous and high-intensity interval aerobic training on cardiac function of spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Suarez Pedro Z , Natali Antônio J , Mill José G , de Rezende Leonardo MT , Soares Leôncio L , Drummond Filipe R , Cardoso Lucas CC , Reis Emily CC , Lavorato Victor N , Carneiro-Júnior Miguel A
Published: July 2022

The aim of this study was to verify the effects of moderate-intensity continuous (MICT) and high-intensity interval (HIIT) aerobic training on cardiac morphology and function and the mechanical properties of single cardiomyocytes in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) in the compensated phase of hypertension. Sixteen-week-old male SHR and normotensive Wistar (WIS) rats were allocated to six groups of six animals each: SHR CONT or WIS CONT (control); SHR MICT or WIS MICT (underwent MICT, 30 min/day, five days per week for eight weeks); and SHR HIIT or WIS HIIT (underwent HIIT, 30 min/day, five days per week for eight weeks). Total exercise time until fatigue and maximum running speed were determined using a maximal running test before and after the experimental period. Systolic (SAP), diastolic (DAP), and mean (MAP) blood pressures were measured using tail plethysmography before and after the experimental period. Echocardiographic evaluations were performed at the end of the experimental period. The rats were euthanized after in vivo assessments, and left ventricular myocytes were isolated to evaluate global intracellular Ca2+ transient ([Ca2+]i) and contractile function. Cellular measurements were performed at basal temperature (~37°C) at 3, 5, and 7 Hz. The results showed that both training programs increased total exercise time until fatigue and, consequently, maximum running speed. In hypertensive rats, MICT decreased SAP, DAP, MAP, interventricular septal thickness during systole and diastole, and the contraction amplitude at 5 Hz. HIIT increased heart weight and left ventricular wall thickness during systole and diastole and reduced SAP, MAP, and the time to peak [Ca2+]i at all pacing frequencies. In conclusion, both aerobic training protocols promoted beneficial adaptations to cardiac morphology, function, and mechanical properties of single cardiomyocytes in SHR.
Seismic response law of suspension bridge-track system of high-speed railway
Authors: Yan Bin , Fu Hexin , Gan Rui , Zhang Gaoxiang , Xie Haoran
Published: July 2022

Taking a suspension bridge of (84+84+1092+84+84) m high-speed railway as an example, a nonlinear dynamic simulation model of long-span suspension bridge-tracks system is established. The seismic response characteristics of CWR system of railway suspension bridge under the action of multi-dimensional seismic waves are analyzed. The effects of design parameters such as initial temperature load mode and viscous damper on the seismic response of the system are discussed. Calculation results showed that the longitudinal seismic excitation has great influence on the steel rail stress on the adjacent bridges on both sides and the longitudinal shear force at the pier bottom, and the transverse seismic excitation has great influence on the steel rail stress on the main truss of the suspension bridge, the vertical seismic excitation has a great influence on the internal forces of the main cable and sling; the initial temperature load has a significant influence on the internal forces of the main cable and sling; by reasonably setting the damping coefficient and speed index of the viscous damper, it can effectively reduce the displacement at the end of the main tower pier beam and the bending moment at the bottom of the pier.
Association between migraine and cognitive impairment
Authors: Gu Lihua , Wang Yanjuan , Shu Hao
Published: July 2022

Background

Previous studies revealed inconsistent results regarding association between migraine and cognitive impairment. In addition, previous studies found inconsistent results regarding the association between migraine and risk of dementia. Thus, the study aimed to make a meta-analysis exploring comparison result in different types of cognitive function between migraine patients and non-migraine subjects. In addition, meta-analysis was made to explore the association between migraine and risk of dementia.

Methods

Articles published before June 2022 were searched in the following databases: PubMed, Web of Science, SCOPUS, EMBASE, EBSCO, PROQUEST, ScienceDirect and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Results were computed using STATA 12.0 software.

Results

Meta-analysis showed lower general cognitive function and language function in migraine group, compared to no migraine group (general cognitive function: standard mean difference (SMD) = − 0.40, 95% CI = − 0.66 to − 0.15; language: SMD = − 0.14, 95% confidence interval (CI) = − 0.27 to − 0.00), whereas the study showed no significant difference in visuospatial function, attention, executive function and memory between migraine group and no migraine group (visuospatial function: SMD = − 0.23, 95% CI = − 0.53 to 0.08; attention: SMD = − 0.01, 95% CI = − 0.10 to 0.08; executive function: SMD = − 0.05, 95% CI = − 0.16 to 0.05; memory: SMD = − 0.14, 95% CI = − 0.30 to 0.03). In addition, the meta-analysis showed a significant association between migraine and risk of dementia (odds ratio (OR)/relative risk (RR) = 1.30, 95% CI = 1.11 to 1.52).

Conclusions

In conclusion, the meta-analysis demonstrated lower general cognitive function and language function in migraine. In addition, migraine is associated with an increased risk of all-cause dementia, VaD and AD. These results suggest a significant association between migraine and cognitive impairment. Because of the association between migraine and cognitive impairment, neurological physician should be vigilant and effectively intervene in migraineurs with high risk factors of cognitive impairment to prevent the development of cognitive impairment.
Analysis of the causal structure of traits involved in sow lactation feed efficiency
Authors: Mora Mónica , David Ingrid , Gilbert Hélène , Rosa Guilherme J. M. , Sánchez Juan Pablo , Piles Miriam
Published: July 2022

Background

Feed efficiency during lactation involves a set of phenotypic traits that form a complex system, with some traits exerting causal effects on the others. Information regarding such interrelationships can be used to predict the effect of external interventions on the system, and ultimately to optimize management practices and multi-trait selection strategies. Structural equation models can be used to infer the magnitude of the different causes of such interrelationships. The causal network necessary to fit structural equation models can be inferred using the inductive causation (IC) algorithm. By implementing these statistical tools, we inferred the causal association between the main energy sources and sinks involved in sow lactation feed efficiency for the first time, i.e., daily lactation feed intake (dLFI) in kg/day, daily sow weight balance (dSWB) in kg/day, daily litter weight gain (dLWG) in kg/day, daily back fat thickness balance (dBFTB) in mm/day, and sow metabolic body weight (SMBW) in kg0.75. Then, we tested several selection strategies based on selection indices, with or without dLFI records, to improve sow efficiency during lactation.

Results

The IC algorithm using 95% highest posterior density (HPD95%) intervals resulted in a fully directed acyclic graph, in which dLFI and dLWG affected dSWB, the posterior mean of the corresponding structural coefficients (PMλ) being 0.12 and − 0.03, respectively. In turn, dSWB influenced dBFTB and SMBW, with PMλ equal to 0.70 and − 1.22, respectively. Multiple indirect effects contributed to the variances and covariances among the analyzed traits, with the most relevant indirect effects being those involved in the association between dSWB and dBFTB and between dSWB and SMBW. Selection strategies with or without phenotypic information on dLFI, or that hold this trait constant, led to the same pattern and similar responses in dLFI, dSWB, and dLWG.

Conclusions

Selection based on an index including only dBFTB and dLWG records can reduce dLFI, keep dSWB constant or increase it, and increase dLWG. However, a favorable response for all three traits is probably not achievable. Holding the amount of feed provided to the sows constant did not offer an advantage in terms of response over the other strategies.
Maize growth response to different Bacillus strains isolated from a salt-marshland area under salinity stress
Authors: Zakavi Maryam , Askari Hossein , Shahrooei Mohammad
Published: July 2022

Maize (Zea mays) growth performance has been hindered due to the high soil salinity. Salinity is one of the most severe abiotic stresses that has led to growth imbalance and profitability of harvests in arid and semi-arid regions. Plants have taken advantage of salt-tolerant bacteria as plant growth-promoters to enhance growth and reduce the adverse effects of salinity through the regulation of some biochemical, physiological, and molecular features. Preferences for non-chemical, eco-friendly, and economical approaches have caused the inquiry of theBacillusgenus as a joint group of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria known to alleviate salt-stress impacts. In the present study, halotolerantBacillusstrains were isolated from salt-marshland soil and characterized for their physiological, molecular, and biochemical properties. Twenty-four bacterial isolates collected from high saline fields of salt marshland were analyzed by MALDI-TOF MS proteome analysis, which confirmed the taxonomic affiliation withBacillus cereus,Bacillus subtilis,Bacillus atrophaeus, andBacillus thorngiensis. Applying the isolates on maize plants as bio-inoculant bacteria obviously increased the growth parameters (P < 0.01). Pot experiments showed that isolates 74 and 90 were the most prominent strains to minimize the harmful effects of salinity. Its effects are heightening the potassium/sodium ratio and K-Na selectivity in shoots and roots measured by flame atomic absorption photometry (AAS). Accordingly,Bacillus cereusisolate 74 showed a maximum increase in dry weights of the shoot (133.89%), root (237.08%), length of the shoot (125%), and root (119.44%) compared to the control condition. Our findings suggest that bacteria isolated from marshland may be an economical and simple means to increase plant growth and resistance to high salinity soil conditions.
Transcriptome-based gene regulatory network analyses of differential cold tolerance of two tobacco cultivars
Authors: Luo Zhenyu , Zhou Zhicheng , Li Yangyang , Tao Shentong , Hu Zheng-Rong , Yang Jia-Shuo , Cheng Xuejiao , Hu Risheng , Zhang Wenli
Published: July 2022

Background

Cold is one of the main abiotic stresses that severely affect plant growth and development, and crop productivity as well. Transcriptional changes during cold stress have already been intensively studied in various plant species. However, the gene networks involved in the regulation of differential cold tolerance between tobacco varieties with contrasting cold resistance are quite limited.

Results

Here, we conducted multiple time-point transcriptomic analyses using Tai tobacco (TT, cold susceptibility) and Yan tobacco (YT, cold resistance) with contrasting cold responses. We identified similar DEGs in both cultivars after comparing with the corresponding control (without cold treatment), which were mainly involved in response to abiotic stimuli, metabolic processes, kinase activities. Through comparison of the two cultivars at each time point, in contrast to TT, YT had higher expression levels of the genes responsible for environmental stresses. By applying Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis (WGCNA), we identified two main modules: the pink module was similar while the brown module was distinct between the two cultivars. Moreover, we obtained 100 hub genes, including 11 important transcription factors (TFs) potentially involved in cold stress, 3 key TFs in the brown module and 8 key TFs in the pink module. More importantly, according to the genetic regulatory networks (GRNs) between TFs and other genes or TFs by using GENIE3, we identified 3 TFs (ABI3/VP1, ARR-B and WRKY) mainly functioning in differential cold responses between two cultivars, and 3 key TFs (GRAS, AP2-EREBP and C2H2) primarily involved in cold responses.

Conclusion

Collectively, our study provides valuable resources for transcriptome- based gene network studies of cold responses in tobacco. It helps to reveal how key cold responsive TFs or other genes are regulated through network. It also helps to identify the potential key cold responsive genes for the genetic manipulation of tobacco cultivars with enhanced cold tolerance in the future.
Shortening door-to-puncture time and improving patient outcome with workflow optimization in patients with acute ischemic stroke associated with large vessel occlusion
Authors: Yang Shuiquan , Yao Weiping , Siegler James E. , Mofatteh Mohammad , Wellington Jack , Wu Jiale , Liang Wenjun , Chen Gan , Huang Zhou , Yang Rongshen , Chen Juanmei , Yang Yajie , Hu Zhaohui , Chen Yimin
Published: July 2022

Objective

We aimed to evaluate door-to-puncture time (DPT) and door-to-recanalization time (DRT) without directing healthcare by neuro-interventionalist support in the emergency department (ED) by workflow optimization and improving patients’ outcomes.

Methods

Records of 98 consecutive ischemic stroke patients who had undergone endovascular therapy (EVT) between 2018 to 2021 were retrospectively reviewed in a single-center study. Patients were divided into three groups: pre-intervention (2018–2019), interim-intervention (2020), and post-intervention (January 1st 2021 to August 16th, 2021). We compared door-to-puncture time, door-to-recanalization time (DRT), puncture-to-recanalization time (PRT), last known normal time to-puncture time (LKNPT), and patient outcomes (measured by 3 months modified Rankin Scale) between three groups using descriptive statistics.

Results

Our findings indicate that process optimization measures could shorten DPT, DRT, PRT, and LKNPT. Median LKNPT was shortened by 70 min from 325 to 255 min(P < 0.05), and DPT was shortened by 119 min from 237 to 118 min. DRT shortened by 132 min from 338 to 206 min, and PRT shortened by 33 min from 92 to 59 min from the pre-intervention to post-intervention groups (all P < 0.05). Only 21.4% of patients had a favorable outcome in the pre-intervention group as compared to 55.6% in the interventional group (P= 0.026).

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that multidisciplinary cooperation was associated with shortened DPT, DRT, PRT, and LKNPT despite challenges posed to the healthcare system such as the COVID-19 pandemic. These practice paradigms may be transported to other stroke centers and healthcare providers to improve endovascular time metrics and patient outcomes.
Patient experience (PX) among individuals with disabilities in Japan: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Iwakuma Miho , Aoki Takuya , Morishita Mariko
Published: July 2022

Background

People with disabilities (PWDs) tend to be disadvantaged in terms of receiving preventive medicine and medical checkups. About 7.6% of the Japanese population is estimated to have a disability. Although patient experience (PX) is an effective measure of patient-centeredness, little is known about the PX of PWDs. The present study aimed to compare the PX of PWDs with those of the non-disabled both quantitatively and qualitatively.

Methods

The present study involved a questionnaire survey and a free-response question on the survey form. The quantitative part of the study involved a comparison of JPCAT scores between PWDs and non-disabled participants. JPCAT is composed of five primary care principles: First contact, Longitudinality, Coordination, Comprehensiveness (service provided and service available), and Community orientation. Descriptive statistics were used to assess age, sex, years of education, self-rated health status, and type of disability (for PWDs). Multivariable analysis was performed using a linear regression model to detect differences between PWDs and non-disabled participants in total and domain-specific JPCAT scores. The model included the following confounding variables: age, sex, years of education, and self-rated health status. The qualitative part of the study involved a thematic analysis of answers to the free-response question.

Results

Data from 338 participants (169 PWDs and 169 non-disabled participants) were analyzed (response rate of 36% for PWDs). After adjusting for age, sex, years of education, and self-rated health status, PWD scores were significantly lower than those of non-disabled participants for the Longitudinality, Community Orientation, and Comprehensiveness (services available) domains of the JPCAT. Qualitative analysis yielded six themes, each of which was further divided to have Disability-Specific and General themes.

Conclusions

JPCAT scores in PWDs were significantly lower than those of non-disabled participants for the Longitudinality, Community Orientation, and Comprehensiveness (services available) domains. Qualitative analysis revealed that PWDs shared several themes with non-disabled participants, but also to face unique challenges due to disabilities, such as the lack of a health care provider familiar with disabilities and the insurance transition at age 65, a unique feature of the Japanese health care system.

Trial registration

The study was a non-interventional, observational research trial, and thus registration was not required.