bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Artificial Intelligence and Computer Aided Diagnosis in Chronic Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review
Authors: D’Antoni Federico , Russo Fabrizio , Ambrosio Luca , Bacco Luca , Vollero Luca , Vadalà Gianluca , Merone Mario , Papalia Rocco , Denaro Vincenzo
Published: May 2022

Low Back Pain (LBP) is currently the first cause of disability in the world, with a significant socioeconomic burden. Diagnosis and treatment of LBP often involve a multidisciplinary, individualized approach consisting of several outcome measures and imaging data along with emerging technologies. The increased amount of data generated in this process has led to the development of methods related to artificial intelligence (AI), and to computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) in particular, which aim to assist and improve the diagnosis and treatment of LBP. In this manuscript, we have systematically reviewed the available literature on the use of CAD in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic LBP. A systematic research of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science electronic databases was performed. The search strategy was set as the combinations of the following keywords: “Artificial Intelligence”, “Machine Learning”, “Deep Learning”, “Neural Network”, “Computer Aided Diagnosis”, “Low Back Pain”, “Lumbar”, “Intervertebral Disc Degeneration”, “Spine Surgery”, etc. The search returned a total of 1536 articles. After duplication removal and evaluation of the abstracts, 1386 were excluded, whereas 93 papers were excluded after full-text examination, taking the number of eligible articles to 57. The main applications of CAD in LBP included classification and regression. Classification is used to identify or categorize a disease, whereas regression is used to produce a numerical output as a quantitative evaluation of some measure. The best performing systems were developed to diagnose degenerative changes of the spine from imaging data, with average accuracy rates >80%. However, notable outcomes were also reported for CAD tools executing different tasks including analysis of clinical, biomechanical, electrophysiological, and functional imaging data. Further studies are needed to better define the role of CAD in LBP care.
Digital-Free Tourism Holiday as a New Approach for Tourism Well-Being: Tourists’ Attributional Approach
Authors: Hassan Thowayeb H. , Salem Amany E. , Saleh Mahmoud I.
Published: May 2022

Digital-free tourism (DFT) has recently attracted tourism service providers’ attention for its benefits in terms of enhancing tourists’ experiences and well-being at destinations. DFT refers to tourists who are likely to voluntarily avoid digital devices and the Internet on holiday, or travel to destinations without network signals. DFT has advantages for tourists in increasing well-being, mental health, and social networking during their journeys. DFT also has a benefit for tourism marketers in that they can consider it as a new tourism approach. However, there is a lack of studies into tourists’ locus of control (LOC) while experiencing DFT holidays. LOC refers to how individuals assign the responsibility of event outcomes—whether they assign it to themselves (internal LOC) or they say it is beyond their control (external LOC). Therefore, the current study contributes to investigating tourists’ LOC impacts while experiencing DFT holidays. The study relies on semi-structured interviews with millennial tourists who have experienced DFT holidays. The study findings reveal that millennial tourists with an internal LOC (vs. external) are more likely to perceive the DFT advantages (vs. obstacles) during and after the DFT holidays. However, millennial tourists with external LOC incrementally change their attitudes and perceive the DFT holiday benefits through their self-efficacy enhancement. The findings propose managerial strategies for developing effective DFT holidays for millennial tourists regarding their LOC.
Communication Disparities between Nursing Home Team Members
Authors: Farrell Timothy W. , Butler Jorie M. , Towsley Gail L. , Telonidis Jacqueline S. , Supiano Katherine P. , Stephens Caroline E. , Nelson Nancy M. , May Alisyn L. , Edelman Linda S.
Published: May 2022

Optimal care in nursing home (NH) settings requires effective team communication. Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) interact with nursing home residents frequently, but the extent to which CNAs feel their input is valued by other team members is not known. We conducted a cross-sectional study in which we administered a communication survey within 20 Utah nursing home facilities to 650 team members, including 124 nurses and 264 CNAs. Respondents used a 4-point scale to indicate the extent to which their input is valued by other team members when reporting their concerns about nursing home residents. We used a one-way ANOVA with a Bonferroni correction. When compared to nurses, CNAs felt less valued (CNA mean = 2.14, nurse mean = 3.24; p < 0.001) when reporting to physicians, and less valued (CNA mean = 1.66, nurse mean = 2.71; p < 0.001) when reporting to pharmacists. CNAs did not feel less valued than nurses (CNA mean = 3.43, nurse mean = 3.37; p = 0.25) when reporting to other nurses. Our findings demonstrate that CNAs feel their input is not valued outside of nursing, which could impact resident care. Additional research is needed to understand the reasons for this perception and to design educational interventions to improve the culture of communication in nursing home settings.
Transfusion Trends of Knee Arthroplasty in Korea: A Nationwide Study Using the Korean National Health Insurance Service Sample Data
Authors: Suh You-Sung , Choi Hyung-Suk , Lee Jeong Seok , Jang Byung-Woong , Hwang Jinyeong , Song Min Gon , Joo Jaeeun , Chung Haran , Lee Jeong Jae , Nho Jae-Hwi
Published: May 2022

Knee arthroplasties are strongly associated with blood transfusion to compensate for perioperative bleeding. The purpose of this study was to evaluate trends of transfusion associated with knee arthroplasties using nationwide data of the National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort (NHIS-NSC). Using data from the nationwide claims database of the Health Insurance Review Assessment Service managed by the NHIS, 50,553 knee arthroplasties under three categories (total knee replacement arthroplasty, uni-knee replacement arthroplasty, and revision arthroplasty) from 2012 to 2018 were identified. Overall transfusion rate, transfusion count, proportion of each type of transfusion, and cost associated with each type of operation were investigated. Overall transfusion rate was 83.4% (5897/7066) in 2012, 82.7% (5793/7001) in 2013, 79.6% (5557/6978) in 2014, 75.9% (5742/7557) in 2015, 73.1% (6095/8337) in 2016, 68.2% (4187/6139) in 2017, and 64.6% (4271/6613) in 2018. The proportion of each type of transfusion was 1.8% for fresh frozen plasma, 0.5% for platelets, and 97.7% for red blood cells. The average cost of transfusion was $109.1 ($123 in 2012, $124 in 2013, $123.3 in 2014, $110.6 in 2015, $100 in 2016, $92.9 in 2017, and $90.1 in 2018). In this nationally representative study of trends in transfusion associated with knee arthroplasty, we observed significantly high rates of blood transfusion among patients undergoing knee arthroplasties. Although the overall rate of transfusion had declined, the allogeneic transfusion rate was still high from 2012 to 2018 in Korea. Thus, surgeons need to develop various patient blood management plans and minimize the use of allogeneic transfusion when performing knee arthroplasties.
Executive Overconfidence, Digital Transformation and Environmental Innovation: The Role of Moderated Mediator
Authors: Zhou Peiyan , Zhou Shuya , Zhang Ming , Miao Shujuan
Published: May 2022

With the increasingly prominent energy and environmental problems, environmental innovation has become a critical path to achieving the goal of coordinating economic development and environmental protection fundamentally. This study aims to examine the impacts of executive overconfidence on environmental innovation and the mediating role of digital transformation. We conduct empirical tests based on the panel data of Chinese publicly listed enterprises during the period of 2007–2019. The results exhibit that (a) executive overconfidence can significantly promote environmental technology innovation but has no obvious effect on environmental management innovation; (b) executive overconfidence can significantly enhance digital transformation, and, accordingly, digital transformation can significantly promote environmental technology innovation and environmental management innovation; (c) industry competition and economic policy uncertainty can enhance the positive effect of executive overconfidence on digital transformation; and (d) a firms’ asset size can enhance the impact of digital transformation on environmental technology innovation; internal control positively moderates the impact of digital transformation on environmental technology innovation and negatively moderates the impact on environmental management innovation. This study not only breaks the stereotype about overconfidence and confirms its positive impact on digital transformation and environmental innovation but also provides insights for enterprises to improve environmental innovation through digital transformation.
Determinants of Quality of Life in the COVID-19 Pandemic Situation among Persons Using Psychological Help at Various Stages of the Pandemic
Authors: Chwaszcz Joanna , Wiechetek Michał , Bartczuk Rafał P. , Niewiadomska Iwona , Wośko Patrycja
Published: May 2022

This article presents the results of three surveys conducted during the initial stage of the COVID-19 pandemic, in March 2020 and in late June/early July 2020, when pandemic restrictions were in force. The surveys covered patients who had used psychological assistance before the pandemic. two were cross-sectional and one was longitudinal. The first survey involved 270 people (age: M = 29.59, SD = 10.74, women 79.3%), and the second one covered 117 subjects (age: M = 29.40, SD = 11.49, women 85.5%). The third, longitudinal, survey covered 83 subjects (age: M = 26.61, SD = 7.17, women 89.2%). In our research we used the Conservation of Resources Evaluation questionnaire, the abbreviated version of the Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced, the WHO Quality of Life Scale, and a questionnaire for collecting sociodemographic information. Our analysis of the quality-of-life correlates in the two cross-sectional studies leads to an observation that for people using psychological help, the constant determinants of quality of life during a pandemic are high gain in resources and little loss of resources. In the first phase of the pandemic, active strategies were not linked to the sense of quality of life. This sense, however, was diminished by a number of negative strategies, such as denial, venting, substance use, restraint, and self-blame. After 3 months of the ongoing pandemic, perceived quality of life was positively correlated with strategies related to seeking instrumental support and active coping. this most likely points to a process of adapting to a difficult situation. The results of our longitudinal surveys demonstrate increasing escapism. Our attempt at explaining which factors determined the quality of life after 3 months of the ongoing pandemic showed that the crucial factors are: a sense of quality of life before the occurrence of the pandemic, changes in the distribution of resilience-oriented resources, changed frequency of using passive strategies, and active ways of coping—but only after 3 months into the pandemic. The results thus obtained can be used both in prevention and in work with persons affected by the negative consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Developmental Origins of Health and Disease: Adolescence as a Critical Lifecourse Period to Break the Transgenerational Cycle of NCDs—A Narrative Review
Authors: Tohi Melenaite , Bay Jacquie Lindsay , Tu’akoi Siobhan , Vickers Mark Hedley
Published: May 2022

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, represent a significant and growing global health burden. To date, a primary focus has been on treatment approaches to NCDs once manifested rather than strategies aimed at prevention. In this context, there is clear evidence that a range of adverse early life exposures can predispose individuals towards a greater risk of developing NCDs across the lifecourse. These risk factors can be passed to future generations, thus perpetuating a cycle of disease. This concept, preferentially termed “developmental programming”, forms the basis of the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) framework. To date, DOHaD has focused on preconception, pregnancy, lactation and, more recently, paternal health at the time of conception. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that investment in the window of adolescence is perhaps the most critical developmental window. Adolescence is a period where lifestyle behaviours become entrained. Therefore, a focus on adolescent behaviours, health literacy and emotional development may afford the best opportunity to break the cycle of NCDs. As the next generation of parents, adolescents should therefore be considered a priority group in advancing appropriate and informed actions aimed at reducing NCD risk factors across the lifecourse. This advancement requires a more comprehensive community understanding and uptake of DOHaD knowledge and concepts. NCD prevention strategies have typically entailed siloed (and often disease-specific) approaches with limited efficacy in curbing NCD prevalence and breaking the transgenerational transmission of disease traits. Recent findings across various disciplines have highlighted that a lifecourse systems approach is required to establish a comprehensive and sustainable framework for NCD intervention. A whole community approach with a particular focus on adolescents as potential agents of change is necessary to break the disease cycle.
Predictive Models for Nurses’ Entrepreneurial Intentions Using Comparison of Competing Models
Authors: Kim Ye-Jung , Lim Ji-Young
Published: May 2022

There is a need to introduce predictive models of nurses’ entrepreneurial intentions that can identify which variables will promote entrepreneurship among nurses. This study aimed to explore the factors influencing nurses’ entrepreneurial intentions. We performed a systematic review and developed prediction models using factors identified and validated in a meta-analysis. Moreover, we individually tested and compared three models based on: (1) the Theory of Planned Behavior, (2) a meta-analysis, and (3) a combination of the two. Data from 386 nurses were analyzed using SPSS 23.0 for Windows and AMOS 21.0. The squared multiple correlation statistics of Models 1, 2, and 3 were 54.3%, 35.8%, and 60.0%, respectively. Model 3 provided a better explanation of nurses’ entrepreneurial intentions. Attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, entrepreneurial orientation, and need for entrepreneurship education are the most important variables to strengthen the entrepreneurial intention of nurses. The results of this study can be used as a theoretical model to explain nurse entrepreneurship intentions. In addition, these findings offer a useful resource for constructing a start-up curriculum within nursing colleges that fosters prospective nursing entrepreneurs.
Management of the Organic Fraction of Municipal Solid Waste in the Context of a Sustainable and Circular Model: Analysis of Trends in Latin America and the Caribbean
Authors: Ulloa-Murillo Leidy Marcela , Villegas Lina María , Rodríguez-Ortiz Alejandra Rocío , Duque-Acevedo Mónica , Cortés-García Francisco Joaquín
Published: May 2022

The main objective of this research is to analyze the most relevant aspects of the management of the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) and the Sustainable and Circular Production Models (SCPMs) in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). The bibliometric method was used for the analysis of 190 studies obtained from the Scopus and Latin America and The Caribbean on Health Sciences (LILACS) databases. The systematic review provided information on the main research approaches: identification and characterization; quantification; strategic and interdisciplinary management; and processes for treatment or valorization. Finally, an evaluation of public policies and strategies was performed. The results show that Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia have the highest number of publications on OFMSW. The findings also indicate that both research and policy strategies on SCPMs prioritize bioenergy and biofuels as the leading alternatives for the valorization of OFMSW. It also reflects the relevance of the Circular Economy (CE) and Bioeconomy (BE) as the main drivers of waste recovery and/or valorization in LAC. These aspects are of great interest to governments that are still in the process of implementing SCPMs. However, for those more advanced in this area, it provides valuable information on progress, policy effectiveness, and future actions for improvement.
Validation of an Academic Self-Attribution Questionnaire for Primary and Secondary School Students: Implications of Gender and Grade
Authors: Obregón-Cuesta Ana I. , Rodríguez-Fernández Paula , León-del-Barco Benito , Mendo-Lázaro Santiago , Mínguez-Mínguez Luis A. , González-Santos Josefa , González-Bernal Jerónimo J.
Published: May 2022

The way in which students attribute causes to their successes and failures in school has important implications for their development. The objectives of our research were to validate the Academic Success and Failure Attribution Questionnaire (ASFAQ) and to analyze the gender and grade differences in the ASFAQ data for primary and secondary school students in Spain. For the construction and analysis of the psychometric characteristics of the scale, an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were performed. To compare the ASFAQ scores based on gender and school year, a parametric t-test for independent samples and a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used. A total of 562 students in the fifth (n = 228) and sixth year (n = 186) of primary studies and the first (n = 134) and second year (n = 94) of secondary studies participated in the research. The results showed the adequate factorial structure, internal consistency, and validity of the ASFAQ, in addition to statistically significant differences by gender and school year. This research provides scientific evidence about the psychometric properties of the ASFAQ to assess and understand attributional style in the educational context, as well as current and consistent empirical evidence related to gender and grade differences in the attributional patterns of academic success and failure for primary and secondary school students.
Early Return to Daily Life through Immediate Weight-Bearing after Lateral Malleolar Fracture Surgery
Authors: Lee Sang-June , Choi Youngrak , Choi Seongju , Lee Hoseong
Published: May 2022

Lateral malleolus fracture is one of the most common fractures. However, there is controversy regarding the rehabilitation protocols used after surgery. In particular, the initiation point for weight-bearing has not been standardized. In the present study, we investigated the prognostic difference between immediate and delayed weight-bearing on lateral malleolus fractures. The medical records of matched patients in the immediate and delayed weight-bearing groups (50 and 50, respectively) were reviewed retrospectively. All patients were treated with open reduction and internal fixation using an anatomical locking compression plate with a lag screw. In the immediate weight-bearing group (IWB), tolerable weight-bearing (i.e., what can be endured immediately after surgery with crutches) was permitted. In the delayed weight-bearing group (DWB), weight-bearing was completely restricted for 4 weeks after surgery. Ankle motion exercise was permitted in both groups, starting from the day after surgery. Radiographic assessment data and clinical outcomes were reviewed between the two groups. No significant differences in radiographic assessments and complications were found between the two groups. Significant differences in terms of a shortened length of hospital stay and time to return to work with the IWB rehabilitation protocol compared with DWB were confirmed (6.0 vs. 9.2 days, p = 0.02 and 6.1 vs. 8.3 weeks, p = 0.02, respectively). A significant difference in sport factor was observed in the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score at 3 months postoperatively (72.3 vs. 67.4, p = 0.02). We found no significant differences between the two groups concerning postoperative radiological outcomes and complications. The benefits of shortening the time to return to work and length of hospital stay associated with the IWB rehabilitation protocol were confirmed. In conclusion, immediate weight-bearing is recommended in patients with lateral malleolus fracture after anatomical reduction and firm fixation by surgery.
Effects of Tetraselmis chuii Microalgae Supplementation on Anthropometric, Hormonal and Hematological Parameters in Healthy Young Men: A Double-Blind Study
Authors: García Ángel , Toro-Román Víctor , Siquier-Coll Jesús , Bartolomé Ignacio , Muñoz Diego , Maynar-Mariño Marcos
Published: May 2022

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Tetraselmis chuii (TC) microalgae supplementation for sixty days on hematological, anthropometric and hormonal parameters in healthy young men. Forty-six men divided into a placebo group (PG; n = 16; 20.77 ± 2.7 years; 72.14 ± 7.18 kg; 1.76 ± 0.07 m), a group supplemented with 25 mg/day of TC (SG 25; n = 15; 20.40 ± 1.40 years; 71.28 ± 8.26 kg; 1.76 ± 0.05 m) and another group supplemented with 200 mg/day of TC (SG 200; n = 15; 20.83 ± 2.45 years; 72.30 ± 11.13 kg; 1.77 ± 0.08 m) participated in this double-blind study. PG ingested 200 mg/day of lactose powder. Participants underwent 4 assessments (baseline, month 1, month 2 and desadaptation) separated in time by an interval of thirty days. At SG 25 and SG 200, significant increases in percent muscle mass, erythropoietin, insulin-like growth factor 1, free testosterone, leukocytes, neutrophils and lymphocytes were observed (p < 0.05). Decreases in the levels of percent fat mass, platelets, hematocrit and mean corpuscular hemoglobin also occurred in these groups (p < 0.05). TC supplementation induced favorable changes on anthropometric, hematological and hormonal levels. In view of the data, it seems that the most effective dose was 25 mg/day of TC.
Applying Check-in Data and User Profiles to Identify Optimal Store Locations in a Road Network
Authors: Lin Yen-Hsun , Chen Yi-Chung , Chiu Sheng-Min , Lee Chiang , Wang Fu-Cheng
Published: May 2022

Spatial information analysis has gained increasing attention in recent years due to its wide range of applications, from disaster prevention and human behavioral patterns to commercial value. This study proposes a novel application to help businesses identify optimal locations for new stores. Optimal store locations are close to other stores with similar customer groups. However, they are also a suitable distance from stores that might represent competition. The style of a new store also exerts a significant effect. In this paper, we utilized check-in data and user profiles from location-based social networks to calculate the degree of influence of each store in a road network on the query user to identify optimal new store locations. As calculating the degree of influence of every store in a road network is time-consuming, we added two accelerating algorithms to the proposed baseline. The experiment results verified the validity of the proposed approach.
Genome-Wide Identification of the Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba L.) LBD Transcription Factor Gene and Characterization of Its Expression
Authors: Tian Yating , Han Xin , Qu Yanshu , Zhang Yifan , Rong Hao , Wu Kai , Xu Li’an
Published: May 2022

Lateral organ boundaries domain (LBD) proteins are plant-specific transcription factors involved in various transcriptional regulation processes. We identified a total of 37 GbLBD genes in ginkgo, and based on gene structure and phylogenetic analysis, the GbLBD gene family was classified into class I (33, with the largest number of Id genes (16)) and class II (4). The ginkgo LBD gene was also analyzed regarding its chromosomal distributions, gene duplications, promoters, and introns/exons. In addition, gene expression profiling and real-time quantitative PCR analysis showed that the expression of 14 GbLBD genes differed in six different tissues and three developmental stages. The GbLBD gene of class II were highly expressed relative to the class I gene in all tissues and developmental stages, while class Id gene were generally at low levels or were not expressed, especially in seed developmental stages. The expression pattern analysis of cold/drought treatment and IAA/ABA hormone treatment showed that abiotic stress treatment could significantly induce the expression of GbLBD gene, of which class II genes played a key role in stress treatment. Our study provides a solid foundation for further evolutionary and functional analysis of the ginkgo LBD gene family.
Pyruvate Upregulates Hepatic FGF21 Expression by Activating PDE and Inhibiting cAMP–Epac–CREB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zhao Yan-Yan , Zhang Li-Jun , Liang Xiang-Yan , Zhang Xiao-Chun , Chang Jin-Rui , Shi Man , Liu Huan , Zhou Ying , Sun Zhuo , Zhao Yu-Feng
Published: May 2022

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) functions as a polypeptide hormone to regulate glucose and lipid metabolism, and its expression is regulated by cellular metabolic stress. Pyruvate is an important intermediate metabolite that acts as a key hub for cellular fuel metabolism. However, the effect of pyruvate on hepatic FGF21 expression and secretion remains unknown. Herein, we examined the gene expression and protein levels of FGF21 in human hepatoma HepG2 cells and mouse AML12 hepatocytes in vitro, as well as in mice in vivo. In HepG2 and AML12 cells, pyruvate at concentrations above 0.1 mM significantly increased FGF21 expression and secretion. The increase in cellular cAMP levels by adenylyl cyclase activation, phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibition and 8-Bromo-cAMP administration significantly restrained pyruvate-stimulated FGF21 expression. Pyruvate significantly increased PDE activities, reduced cAMP levels and decreased CREB phosphorylation. The inhibition of exchange protein directed activated by cAMP (Epac) and cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) upregulated FGF21 expression, upon which pyruvate no longer increased FGF21 expression. The increase in plasma pyruvate levels in mice induced by the intraperitoneal injection of pyruvate significantly increased FGF21 gene expression and PDE activity with a reduction in cAMP levels and CREB phosphorylation in the mouse liver compared with the control. In conclusion, pyruvate activates PDEs to reduce cAMP and then inhibits the cAMP–Epac–CREB signaling pathway to upregulate FGF21 expression in hepatocytes.
Effects of RU486 in Treatment of Traumatic Stress-Induced Glucocorticoid Dysregulation and Fear-Related Abnormalities: Early versus Late Intervention
Authors: Lin Chen-Cheng , Cheng Pao-Yun , Hsiao Michael , Liu Yia-Ping
Published: May 2022

Central glucocorticoid receptor (GR) activity is enhanced following traumatic events, playing a key role in the stress-related cognitive abnormalities of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). GR antagonists are expected to have potential as pharmacological agents to treat PTSD-related symptoms such as anxiety and fear memory disruption. However, an incubation period is usually required and stress-induced abnormalities do not develop immediately following the trauma; thus, the optimal intervention timing should be considered. Single prolonged stress (SPS) was employed as a rodent PTSD model to examine the effects of early or late (1–7 versus 8–14 days after the SPS) sub-chronic RU486 (a GR antagonist) administration. Behaviorally, fear conditioning and anxiety behavior were assessed using the fear-conditioning test and elevated T-maze (ETM), respectively. Neurochemically, the expressions of GR, FK506-binding proteins 4 and 5 (FKBP4 and FKBP5), and early growth response-1 (Egr-1) were assessed in the hippocampus, medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), amygdala, and hypothalamus, together with the level of plasma corticosterone. Early RU486 administration could inhibit SPS-induced behavioral abnormalities and glucocorticoid system dysregulation by reversing the SPS-induced fear extinction deficit, and preventing SPS-reduced plasma corticosterone levels and SPS-induced Egr-1 overexpression in the hippocampus. Early RU486 administration following SPS also increased the FKBP5 level in the hippocampus and hypothalamus. Finally, both early and late RU486 administration inhibited the elevated hippocampal FKBP4 level and hypothalamus GR level in the SPS rats. Early intervention with a GR antagonist aids in the correction of traumatic stress-induced fear and anxiety dysregulation.
G Protein-Coupled Receptor and Their Kinases in Cell Biology and Disease
Authors: Cannavo Alessandro
Published: May 2022

Over the past three decades, after Nobel prizes, Robert Lefkowitz and Brian Kobilka characterized G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) structure [...]
Bibliometric Analyses of Web of Science Illuminate Research Advances of Neuropterida
Authors: Tian Shuo , An Yuxin , Zhang Ruyue , Wang Liming , Wang Yuyu
Published: May 2022

Neuropterida is a relatively primitive group of Holometabola. There are about 6500 extant species. Many species of this group are natural enemies and can prey on a variety of agricultural pests. In order to understand the leading research institutions, researchers and research contents, and to predict the future research directions of Neuropterida, the Web of Science core database, from January 1995 to September 2021, was searched with the theme of “Neuropterida or Neuroptera or Megaloptera or Raphidioptera or Lacewing”. The results showed that the United States and China published relatively more publications than other countries. In addition, researchers from these two countries had more cooperation with other countries. China Agricultural University ranked the highest in the number of publications and centrality in this field. In addition, it was found that the early research focused on the biological control of Neuropterida by analyzing the keyword burst, whereas the more recent research focused on the phylogeny of Neuropterida. As the first representative chromosome-level genome of Neuropterida has been published, the future research of Neuropterida will focus on the genomic studies and molecular mechanisms of their morphological characters, behavior, historical evolution and so on.
Behavioral Therapies for Treating Female Sexual Dysfunctions: A State-of-the-Art Review
Authors: Mestre-Bach Gemma , Blycker Gretchen R. , Potenza Marc N.
Published: May 2022

Many possible factors impact sexual wellbeing for women across the lifespan, and holistic approaches are being utilized to promote health and to address sexual concerns. Female sexual dysfunction disorders, including female orgasmic disorder, female sexual interest/arousal disorder and genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder, negatively impact quality of life for many women. To reduce distress and improve sexual functioning, numerous behavioral therapies have been tested to date. Here, we present a state-of-the-art review of behavioral therapies for female sexual dysfunction disorders, focusing on empirically validated approaches. Multiple psychotherapies have varying degrees of support, with cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness-based therapies arguably having the most empirical support. Nonetheless, several limitations exist of the studies conducted to date, including the frequent grouping together of multiple types of sexual dysfunctions in randomized clinical trials. Thus, additional research is needed to advance treatment development for female sexual dysfunctions and to promote female sexual health.
Ocean Turbulence Denoising and Analysis Using a Novel EMD-Based Denoising Method
Authors: Chen Xue , Zhao Xiangbin , Liang Yongquan , Luan Xin
Published: May 2022

Ocean turbulence measurement in the wild sea has contributed significantly to improving our understanding of ocean mixing processes. Restricted by observation instruments and methods, the measured turbulence signal contains much information about the marine energy evolution mixed with a large amount of noise. Aiming at eliminating noise in deep sea exploration, a novel EMD-based (empirical mode decomposition) denoising method was designed. In this method, the collected ocean turbulence signal is first decomposed using EMD algorithm to obtain the intrinsic mode functions (IMFs). Then, the correlation coefficient between each IMF and the raw turbulence shear as well as the accelerations signal is calculated, which is taken as vibration reference signal. Finally, search for the proper IMF that has the following features (i) the correlation coefficient with the raw shear is larger than that with the accelerations signal; (ii) maximum difference exists between two adjacent correlation coefficients with the accelerations. IMFs that have these features are searched for signal reconstruction to realize the denoising of non-stationary turbulence. Turbulence signals collected with a self-designed autonomous reciprocating turbulence observation profiler (ARTP) deployed in the South China Sea (SCS) are used to validate the effectiveness and feasibility of the novel denoising method. Through comparison with the Nasmyth theoretical spectrum, the results show that the denoising method can not only effectively remove the noise component, but also maintain the detail characteristics of the effective turbulence signal under high noise, which offers a good theoretical foundation for the analysis of the ocean turbulent characteristics and energy evolution.
A Study on the Control Solution of Ship’s Central Fresh Water-Cooling System for Efficient Energy Control Based on Merchant Training Ship
Authors: Jeon Tae-Youl , Lee Chang-Min , Hur Jae-Jung
Published: May 2022

Large ships adopt a central fresh water-cooling system that indirectly cools waste heat with seawater to discharge the ship′s waste heat out of the ship. Such a central fresh water-cooling system is essential for future electric powered ships. Since 2010, shipping companies have attempted to save energy by applying variable-speed cooling pumps to the central FW cooling system, but due to the minimum-required discharge pressure of the pump, they have applied the existing 3-way valve system alongside. However, since the control systems of the variable-speed cooling pump and the 3-way valve are controlled by the same output variable, the two control systems collide during operation. Therefore, for efficient energy-saving control, it is important to accurately model the central fresh water-cooling system and find the optimal control method on this basis. In this study, a ship’s central cooling system was mathematically modeled and verified by comparing it with the actual ship′s operation data. A control solution method to effectively save energy for the central cooling system was proposed
Production of Purpureocillium lilacinum and Pochonia chlamydosporia by Submerged Liquid Fermentation and Bioactivity against Tetranychus urticae and Heterodera glycines through Seed Inoculation
Authors: Silva Daniela Milanez , de Souza Victor Hugo Moura , Moral Rafael de Andrade , Delalibera Júnior Italo , Mascarin Gabriel Moura
Published: May 2022

Pochoniachlamydosporia and Purpureocilliumlilacinum are fungal bioagents used for the sustainable management of plant parasitic nematodes. However, their production through submerged liquid fermentation and their use in seed treatment have been underexplored. Therefore, our goal was to assess the effect of different liquid media on the growth of 40 isolates of P. lilacinum and two of P. chlamydosporia. The most promising isolates tested were assessed for plant growth promotion and the control of the two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) and the soybean cyst nematode (Heterodera glycines). Most isolates produced > 108 blastospores mL−1 and some isolates produced more than 104 microsclerotia mL−1. Microsclerotia of selected isolates were used to inoculate common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) seeds in greenhouse trials. All fungal isolates reduced the T. urticae fecundity in inoculated plants through seed treatment, while P. chlamydosporia ESALQ5406 and P. lilacinum ESALQ2593 decreased cyst nematode population. Purpureocillium lilacinum was more frequently detected in soil, whereas P. chlamydosporia colonized all plant parts. Pochonia chlamydosporia ESALQ5406 improved the root development of bean plants. These findings demonstrate the possibility of producing submerged propagules of P. chlamydosporia and P. lilacinum by liquid culture, and greenhouse trials support the applicability of fungal microsclerotia in seed treatment to control P. vulgaris pests.
Improvement of Ocular Surface Disease by Lateral Tarsoconjunctival Flap in Thyroid-Associated Orbitopathy Patients with Lid Retraction
Authors: Hsu Chih-Kang , Hsieh Meng-Wei , Chang Hsu-Chieh , Chen Yi-Hao , Chien Ke-Hung
Published: May 2022

There is a high incidence of ocular surface disease (OSD) in thyroid-associated orbitopathy (TAO) patients as a result of incomplete eyelid closure and chronic inflammatory eyelid status. This study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of a lateral tarsoconjunctival flap (LTF) in improving OSD in TAO patients from the perspective of correcting eyelid closures. As a study design, TAO patients were enrolled in this study to evaluate OSD perioperatively before they were scheduled for LTF surgery. Additional lid surgery was also recorded. The outcome was evaluated with perioperative OSD measurements and tear inflammatory mediators at baseline and one month and three months postoperatively. As a result, 42 patients (5 male, 37 female) underwent LTF surgery, and 13 patients received medial pretarsal support with collagen grafts. Eleven patients underwent blepharotomy, and 6 patients received Botox injections for upper lid retraction. The mean age of the participants was 46.4 years old, and the mean follow-up period was 10.6 months. Their clinical activity score (CAS) at the time of the operation was 2.1. Dry eye parameters, such as ocular surface disease index, tear breakup time, Schirmer’s I test score, and meibomian gland dropout were all significantly improved 3 months postoperatively. Tear osmolarity and inflammatory mediators in tear fluid, such as IL-6, IL-8, IL-18 and MCP-1, were also significantly improved after the procedures. After the surgery, all complications were mild and temporary. As a conclusion, LTF could provide TAO patients with both lid retraction correction and improvement of ocular surface disorders. Dry eye parameters significantly improved 3 months postoperatively. This method can serve as an alternative treatment option for lid correction in TAO patients.
Cross-Scaling Approach for Water-Flow-Regulating Ecosystem Services: A Trial in Bochum, Germany
Authors: Xiong Zhehao , Wang Yuncai
Published: May 2022

Water-flow-regulating ecosystem services (ESs) determine the regulation of hydrological flows on the ground’s surface. A lack of water-flow-regulating ESs would cause environmental problems such as heavy rainfall runoff and urban water logging, leading to floods affecting well-being, especially in dense urban areas. Research on water-flow-regulating ES supply–demand relationships in urban areas is urgently needed to better support the management of urban surface runoff. However, matching the supply–demand relationships of water-flow-regulating ESs remains challenging. In this contribution, a cross-scale approach linking the supply–demand assessment of water-flow-regulating ESs on a macroscale and the evaluation of the constructed urban environment on a microscale was developed. The approach was applied in the city of Bochum, Germany, as a trial of bridging the “science–practice gap”. Our findings show that the supply–demand budget of water-flow-regulating ESs in Bochum exhibits an urban–rural difference and is also partially influenced by land cover transformations such as vegetation degradation. In addition, further assessment of the constructed urban environment confirmed the result from the assessment of water-flow-regulating ESs based on the understanding of the urban hydrological cycle in Bochum. To account for the mismatch in the supply–demand budget, we classified the typical superior and inferior forms of urban water-flow-regulating ESs through field research on the same extreme areas to summarize the operable optimization, enhancement, and protection suggestions for urban construction decision makers. Finally, the cross-scale approach was approved as a possible way to bridge the “science–practice” gap for water-flow-regulating ES research in urban areas.
Testing the Bilingual Cognitive Advantage in Toddlers Using the Early Executive Functions Questionnaire
Authors: Beaudin Kayla , Poulin-Dubois Diane
Published: May 2022

The present study aims to assess differences in executive functioning between monolingual and multilingual 23-month-old toddlers, both when dichotomizing multilingualism and assessing it on a continuum. It is hypothesized that multilinguals, individuals with greater non-dominant language exposure, and individuals with more translation equivalents, would perform better in the following domains: response inhibition, attentional flexibility, and regulation. No differences are expected for working memory. The Early Executive Functions Questionnaire, a newly developed parental report, is used to measure the four executive functions of interest. Multilinguals and individuals with greater non-dominant language exposure have significantly higher response inhibition; however, no differences are noted for any other executive function. Additionally, no associations between translation equivalents and executive functioning are found. Post-hoc analyses reveal that non-dominant language production had a positive correlation with working memory. The present findings support the notion of a domain-specific cognitive advantage for multilingual toddlers.
Evaluation of Plasma/Serum Adiponectin (an Anti-Inflammatory Factor) Levels in Adult Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Najafi Amir , Mohammadi Iman , Sadeghi Masoud , Brühl Annette Beatrix , Sadeghi-Bahmani Dena , Brand Serge
Published: May 2022

Background and objective: A variety of diseases, including obesity, type ‖ diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases are associated with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), and decreased adiponectin levels have been shown to be associated with an increased risk of these diseases. However, the association of blood levels of adiponectin in OSAS patients is a challenging and unknown issue with conflicting results. Therefore, we performed a systematic review and a meta-analysis to evaluate plasma/serum adiponectin levels in adult patients with OSAS. Materials and methods: A comprehensive search in four databases (PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library) was performed in literature dated older than 12 March 2022, to retrieve the relevant articles. Effect sizes were calculated to show the standardized mean difference (SMD) along with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of plasma/serum of adiponectin between the OSAS patients and controls. The software RevMan 5.3, NCSS 21.0.2, CMA 2.0, trial sequential analysis (TSA) 0.9.5.10 beta, and GetData Graph Digitizer 2.26 were used for data synthesis in the meta-analysis. Results: A total of 28 articles including 36 studies were entered into the meta-analysis. The results showed that pooled SMD was −0.71 (95% CI: −0.92, 0.50; p < 0.00001; I2 = 79%) for plasma/serum levels of adiponectin in OSAS cases compared to the controls. The subgroup analyses showed that the geographical region and the Apnea-Hypopnea-Index (AHI) could be confounding factors in the pooled analysis of plasma/serum adiponectin levels. The sensitivity analysis showed the stability of the results. The radial and L’Abbé plots confirmed evidence of heterogeneity. Trial sequential analysis showed sufficient cases in the meta-analysis. Conclusions: With sufficient cases and stable results, the main finding of the meta-analysis identified significantly reduced plasma/serum levels of adiponectin in OSAS cases compared with the controls. This result suggests a potential role of adiponectin in the pathogenesis of OSAS.
An Underwater Glider with Muscle—Actuated Buoyancy Control and Caudal Fin Turning
Authors: Wang Biao , Chen Yishan , Wu Yige , Lin Yi , Peng Sijie , Liu Xiaohan , Wu Shijian , Liu Sicong , Yi Juan , Polygerinos Panagiotis , Wang Zheng
Published: May 2022

Underwater robotic gliders exploit gravity and buoyancy for long-distance cruising with ultra-low energy consumptions, making them ideal for open ocean surveying operations. However, the gliding-based motion generation principle also prevents their maneuverability, limiting their use in the short distances that are usually encountered in harbors or coastal scenarios. In this work, an innovative underwater glider robot is developed, enabling maneuverability through the introduction of an efficiently actuated caudal fin with bidirectional turning capabilities. In addition, modular actuator units, based on soft actuated materials, are integrated to control pitch angle by dynamically shifting the center of mass from the center of buoyancy. As a result, the high energy efficiency feature of the gliders is maintained, while high maneuverability is also achieved. The design concept, modeling of key components, and framework for control are presented, with the prototyped glider tested in a series of bench and field trials for validation of its motion performance.
Approximation Hierarchies for the Copositive Tensor Cone and Their Application to the Polynomial Optimization over the Simplex
Authors: Iqbal Muhammad Faisal , Ahmed Faizan
Published: May 2022

In this paper, we discuss the cone of copositive tensors and its approximation. We describe some basic properties of copositive tensors and positive semidefinite tensors. Specifically, we show that a non-positive tensor (or Z-tensor) is copositive if and only if it is positive semidefinite. We also describe cone hierarchies that approximate the copositive cone. These hierarchies are based on the sum of squares conditions and the non-negativity of polynomial coefficients. We provide a compact representation for the approximation based on the non-negativity of polynomial coefficients. As an immediate consequence of this representation, we show that the approximation based on the non-negativity of polynomial coefficients is polyhedral. Furthermore, these hierarchies are used to provide approximation results for optimizing a (homogeneous) polynomial over the simplex.