bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multicenter Prospective Analysis of Hypertrophic Olivary Degeneration Following Infratentorial Stroke (HOD-IS): Evaluation of Disease Epidemiology, Clinical Presentation, and MR-Imaging Aspects
Authors: Schaller-Paule Martin A. , Steidl Eike , Shrestha Manoj , Deichmann Ralf , Steinmetz Helmuth , Seiler Alexander , Lapa Sriramya , Steiner Thorsten , Thonke Sven , Weidauer Stefan , Konczalla Juergen , Hattingen Elke , Foerch Christian
Published: July 2021

Introduction: Ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes in the brainstem and cerebellum with injury to the functional loop of the Guillain-Mollaret triangle (GMT) can trigger a series of events that result in secondary trans-synaptic neurodegeneration of the inferior olivary nucleus. In an unknown percentage of patients, this leads to a condition called hypertrophic olivary degeneration (HOD). Characteristic clinical symptoms of HOD progress slowly over months and consist of a rhythmic palatal tremor, vertical pendular nystagmus, and Holmes tremor of the upper limbs. Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) with tractography is a promising method to identify functional pathway lesions along the cerebello-thalamo-cortical connectivity and to generate a deeper understanding of the HOD pathophysiology. The incidence of HOD development following stroke and the timeline of clinical symptoms have not yet been determined in prospective studies—a prerequisite for the surveillance of patients at risk.

Methods and Analysis: Patients with ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes in the brainstem and cerebellum with a topo-anatomical relation to the GMT are recruited within certified stroke units of the Interdisciplinary Neurovascular Network of the Rhine-Main. Matching lesions are identified using a predefined MRI template. Eligible patients are prospectively followed up and present at 4 and 8 months after the index event. During study visits, a clinical neurological examination and brain MRI, including high-resolution T2-, proton-density-weighted imaging, and DTI tractography, are performed. Fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing is optional if palatal tremor is encountered.

Study Outcomes: The primary endpoint of this prospective clinical multicenter study is to determine the frequency of radiological HOD development in patients with a posterior fossa stroke affecting the GMT at 8 months after the index event. Secondary endpoints are identification of (1) the timeline and relevance of clinical symptoms, (2) lesion localizations more prone to HOD occurrence, and (3) the best MR-imaging regimen for HOD identification. Additionally, (4) DTI tractography data are used to analyze individual pathway lesions. The aim is to contribute to the epidemiological and pathophysiological understanding of HOD and hereby facilitate future research on therapeutic and prophylactic measures.

Clinical Trial Registration: HOD-IS is a registered trial at https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00020549.
A Longitudinal, Observational Analysis of Neuronal Injury Biomarkers in a Case Report of a Patient With Paraneoplastic Anti-CRMP5 Antibody-Associated Transverse Myelitis
Authors: Mizenko Christopher , Bennett Jeffrey L. , Owens Gregory , Vollmer Timothy L. , Piquet Amanda L.
Published: July 2021

Biomarkers are needed to guide therapeutic decision making in autoimmune and paraneoplastic neurologic disorders. Here, we describe a case of paraneoplastic collapsing response-mediator protein-5 (CRMP5)-associated transverse myelitis (TM) where plasma neurofilament light (NfL) chain and glial fibrillary protein (GFAP) levels were observed over a 14-month clinical course, correlating with radiographical and clinical outcome measures in response to treatment. Blood and CSF samples obtained at diagnosis as well as 7 and 14 months into treatment. At the time of initial diagnosis, both plasma NfL (782.62 pg/ml) and GFAP (283.26 pg/ml) were significantly elevated. Initial treatment was with IV steroids and plasma exchange (PLEX) followed by neuroendocrine tumor removal, chemotherapy, and radiation. After initial improvement with chemotherapy, the patient experienced clinical worsening and transient elevation of plasma NfL (103.27 pg/ml and GFAP (211.58 pg/ml) levels. Whole body positron emission tomography PET scan did not demonstrate recurrence of malignancy. Repeat PLEX and rituximab induction resulted in improvements in patient function, neurologic exam, and plasma biomarker levels. To our knowledge, this is the first described longitudinal, prospective analysis of neuronal injury biomarkers and association of clinical treatment outcomes in CRMP5 myelitis. Our findings suggest that clinical improvement correlates with NfL and GFAP concentrations.
Extended Visual Sequence Learning Leaves a Local Trace in the Spontaneous EEG
Authors: Ricci Serena , Tatti Elisa , Nelson Aaron B. , Panday Priya , Chen Henry , Tononi Giulio , Cirelli Chiara , Ghilardi M. Felice
Published: July 2021

We have previously demonstrated that, in rested subjects, extensive practice in a motor learning task increased both electroencephalographic (EEG) theta power in the areas involved in learning and improved the error rate in a motor test that shared similarities with the task. A nap normalized both EEG and performance changes. We now ascertain whether extensive visual declarative learning produces results similar to motor learning. Thus, during the morning, we recorded high-density EEG in well rested young healthy subjects that learned the order of different visual sequence task (VSEQ) for three one-hour blocks. Afterward, a group of subjects took a nap and another rested quietly. Between each VSEQ block, we recorded spontaneous EEG (sEEG) at rest and assessed performance in a motor test and a visual working memory test that shares similarities with VSEQ. We found that after the third block, VSEQ induced local theta power increases in the sEEG over a right temporo-parietal area that was engaged during the task. This local theta increase was preceded by increases in alpha and beta power over the same area and was paralleled by performance decline in the visual working memory test. Only after the nap, VSEQ learning rate improved and performance in the visual working memory test was restored, together with partial normalization of the local sEEG changes. These results suggest that intensive learning, like motor learning, produces local theta power increases, possibly reflecting local neuronal fatigue. Sleep may be necessary to resolve neuronal fatigue and its effects on learning and performance.
The Potential Use of Dynamics Changes of ctDNA and cfDNA in the Perioperative Period to Predict the Recurrence Risk in Early NSCLC
Authors: Zhao Xiaolong , Dai Fuqiang , Mei Longyong , Huang Depei , Shen Xudong , Zhang Hushan , She Xueke , Ma Zheng
Published: July 2021

Background

Postoperative circulation tumor DNA (ctDNA) is a promising method to predict the risk of recurrence. However, the amount of ctDNA in patients with early NSCLC is too small. Cell damages caused during the intraoperative period leads to a significant increase in cell free DNA (cfDNA). Whether cfDNA content is restored to the preoperative level within a short time after surgery may indicate the degree of surgical trauma. In this study, dynamic changes of cfDNA combined with ctDNA in the perioperative period of NSCLC were used to explore the possibility of them as a biomarker to indicate the risk of recurrence.

Methods

NSCLC patients who planned to undergo radical resection were investigated. 10ml of peripheral blood was collected before, during and 7 days after surgery. DNA concentration was measured, and a 23-gene NGS panel was performed to detect gene mutations. All the patients would be followed-up for at least 18 months.

Results

A total of 7 patients were sampled. The amount of cfDNA before surgery was 36.6 ± 14.7ng, and increased to 127.2 ± 52.2ng during surgery. 7 days after surgery, it dropped to 45.23 ± 9.41ng in 3 patients and rose to 173.7 ± 80.80ng in the remaining 4. Only 1 patient was ctDNA positive after surgery, with decreasing cfDNA, and he was the only one that relapsed and died within 18 months.

Conclusion

The use of ctDNA to predict the risk of postoperative recurrence of NSCLC is a very valuable method, and it may be more reliable if combined with the dynamic changes of cfDNA. The amounts of cfDNA are raised by the operation, but will be polarized after surgery in 7 days. Postoperative NSCLC patients with positive ctDNA and reduced cfDNA have a higher risk of recurrence.
Complementary Sequential Circulating Tumor Cell (CTC) and Cell-Free Tumor DNA (ctDNA) Profiling Reveals Metastatic Heterogeneity and Genomic Changes in Lung Cancer and Breast Cancer
Authors: Kong Say Li , Liu Xingliang , Tan Swee Jin , Tai Joyce A. , Phua Ler Yee , Poh Huay Mei , Yeo Trifanny , Chua Yong Wei , Haw Yu Xuan , Ling Wen Huan , Ng Raymond Chee Hui , Tan Tira J. , Loh Kiley Wei Jen , Tan Daniel Shao-Weng , Ng Quan Sing , Ang Mei Kim , Toh Chee Keong , Lee Yi Fang , Lim Chwee Teck , Lim Tony Kiat Hon , Hillmer Axel M. , Yap Yoon Sim , Lim Wan-Teck
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and cell-free tumor DNA (ctDNA) are tumor components present in circulation. Due to the limited access to both CTC enrichment platforms and ctDNA sequencing in most laboratories, they are rarely analyzed together.

Methods

Concurrent isolation of ctDNA and single CTCs were isolated from lung cancer and breast cancer patients using the combination of size-based and CD45-negative selection method via DropCell platform. We performed targeted amplicon sequencing to evaluate the genomic heterogeneity of CTCs and ctDNA in lung cancer and breast cancer patients.

Results

Higher degrees of genomic heterogeneity were observed in CTCs as compared to ctDNA. Several shared alterations present in CTCs and ctDNA were undetected in the primary tumor, highlighting the intra-tumoral heterogeneity of tumor components that were shed into systemic circulation. Accordingly, CTCs and ctDNA displayed higher degree of concordance with the metastatic tumor than the primary tumor. The alterations detected in circulation correlated with worse survival outcome for both lung and breast cancer patients emphasizing the impact of the metastatic phenotype. Notably, evolving genetic signatures were detected in the CTCs and ctDNA samples during the course of treatment and disease progression.

Conclusions

A standardized sample processing and data analysis workflow for concurrent analysis of CTCs and ctDNA successfully dissected the heterogeneity of metastatic tumor in circulation as well as the progressive genomic changes that may potentially guide the selection of appropriate therapy against evolving tumor clonality.
Cross-Cultural Ethnobotanical Assembly as a New Tool for Understanding Medicinal and Culinary Values–The Genus Lycium as A Case Study
Authors: Yao Ruyu , Heinrich Michael , Wei Jianhe , Xiao Peigen
Published: July 2021

Ethnobotanical knowledge is indispensable for the conservation of global biological integrity, and could provide irreplaceable clues for bioprospecting aiming at new food crops and medicines. This biocultural diversity requires a comprehensive documentation of such intellectual knowledge at local levels. However, without systematically capturing the data, those regional records are fragmented and can hardly be used. In this study, we develop a framework to assemble the cross-cultural ethnobotanical knowledge at a genus level, including capturing the species’ diversity and their cultural importance, integrating their traditional uses, and revealing the intercultural relationship of ethnobotanical data quantitatively. Using such a cross-cultural ethnobotanical assembly, the medicinal and culinary values of the genus Lycium are evaluated. Simultaneously, the analysis highlights the problems and options for a systematic cross-cultural ethnobotanical knowledge assembly. The framework used here could generate baseline data relevant for conservation and sustainable use of plant diversity as well as for bioprospecting within targeting taxa.
Melatonin Alleviates Acute Sleep Deprivation-Induced Memory Loss in Mice by Suppressing Hippocampal Ferroptosis
Authors: Wang Xintong , Wang Zixu , Cao Jing , Dong Yulan , Chen Yaoxing
Published: July 2021

Objectives: Memory decline caused by insufficient sleep is a critical public health issues and currently lacks effective treatments. This study objective was to explore alleviative effect of melatonin on sleep deprivation (SD)-induced deficiencies in learning and memory.

Materials and Methods: A continuous 72 h SD mouse model, with or without melatonin or Fer-1 supplementation were established. The changes of cognitive function, iron homeostasis, lipid peroxidation and intracellular signal pathways in mice were detected by Morris water maze, antioxidant assay, immunohistochemistry, western blot, RT-PCR and Prussian blue staining. In vitro, we treated HT-22 cells with ferroptosis inducer (Erastin) to further explore the specific mechanism of melatonin in ferroptosis.

Results: Mice subjected to SD had significantly elevated latency and path length to reach hidden platform, as well as a decrease in number of entries and time spent in the target zone when the hidden platform was removed (p < 0.05). Nevertheless, supplementation with ferroptosis inhibitor (Fer-1) mitigated the memory impairment associated with SD. Further evaluation revealed an up-regulation of intracellular iron accumulation, transferrin receptor 1 and divalent metal transporter 1 expression and ROS and MDA production, and a down-regulation of ferroportin and antioxidant enzyme (GPX4 and SOD) expression in SD mice. SD decreased expression of MT2 receptor rather than of MT1, and inhibited ERK/Nrf2 signaling activation in the hippocampus (p < 0.05). In contrast, the aforementioned SD-inductions were reversed by supplementation using 20 and 40 mg/kg melatonin in SD mice. In vitro, melatonin pretreatment reversed Erastin-induced ferroptosis, abnormalities in iron transporter protein and antioxidant enzyme expression and suppression of ERK/Nrf2 signaling in HT-22 cells, however this protective effect of melatonin was blocked by MT2-, ERK- and Nrf2-specific antagonists (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Our finding suggested SD may induce ferroptosis, in turn leading to cognitive deficits. Melatonin alleviated memory loss and hippocampal ferroptosis caused by acute SD through binding to the MT2 receptor to activate ERK/Nrf2 signaling.
Sinensetin Reduces Osteoarthritis Pathology in the Tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide-Treated Chondrocytes and the Destabilization of the Medial Meniscus Model Mice via the AMPK/mTOR Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zhou Wenxian , Shi Yifeng , Wang Hui , Yu Caiyu , Zhu Huanqing , Wu Aimin
Published: July 2021

As a common degenerative disease, osteoarthritis (OA) usually causes disability in the elderly and socioeconomic burden. Previous studies have shown that proper autophagy has a protective effect on OA. Sinensetin (Sin) is a methylated flavonoid derived from citrus fruits. Studies have shown that Sin is a good autophagy inducer and has shown excellent therapeutic effects in a variety of diseases; however, its role in the treatment of OA is not fully understood. This study proved the protective effect of Sin on OA through a series of in vivo and in vitro experiments. In vitro experiments have shown that Sin may inhibit chondrocyte apoptosis induced by tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP); at the same time, it might also inhibit the production of MMP13 and promote the production of aggrecan and collagen II. Mechanism studies have shown that Sin promotes chondrocyte autophagy by activating AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway. On the contrary, inhibition of autophagy can partially abolish the protective effect of Sin on TBHP-treated chondrocytes. In vivo experiments show that Sin may protect against DMM-induced OA pathogenesis. These results provide evidence that Sin serves as a potential candidate for the treatment of OA.
Long-Lasting Orientation of Symmetric-Top Molecules Excited by Two-Color Femtosecond Pulses
Authors: Xu Long , Tutunnikov Ilia , Prior Yehiam , Averbukh Ilya Sh.
Published: July 2021

Impulsive orientation of symmetric-top molecules excited by two-color femtosecond pulses is considered. In addition to the well-known transient orientation appearing immediately after the pulse and then reemerging periodically due to quantum revivals, we report the phenomenon of field-free long-lasting orientation. Long-lasting means that the time averaged orientation remains non-zero until destroyed by other physical effects, e.g., intermolecular collisions. The effect is caused by the combined action of the field-polarizability and field-hyperpolarizability interactions. The dependence of degree of long-lasting orientation on temperature and pulse parameters is considered. The effect can be measured by means of second (or higher-order) harmonic generation, and may be used to control the deflection of molecules traveling through inhomogeneous electrostatic fields.
Sex Differences in Post-exercise Hypotension, Ambulatory Blood Pressure Variability, and Endothelial Function After a Power Training Session in Older Adults
Authors: de Oliveira Carpes Leandro , Domingues Lucas Betti , Schimitt Renato , Fuchs Sandra C. , Alhalimi Taha , Tanaka Hirofumi , Ferrari Rodrigo
Published: July 2021

Background: The efficacy of power training (PT) to acutely reduce blood pressure (BP) in participants with hypertension is controversial, and no studies have assessed the influence of sex on post-exercise hypotension and its mechanisms in older adults.

Purpose: The aims of this secondary, exploratory analysis were to compare the effects of a single bout of PT on post-exercise hypotension, BP variability, and endothelial function between older men and women with hypertension.

Methods: Twenty-four participants with hypertension (12 men and 12 women aged to >60 years old) took part in this crossover study and randomly performed two experimental sessions: power exercise training (PT) and non-exercising control session (Con). The PT protocol was composed of 3 sets of 8–10 repetitions of five exercises performed in the following order: leg press, bench press, knee extension, upright row, and knee flexion, using an intensity corresponding to 50% of one repetition maximal test (1RM) and 2-min intervals between sets and exercises. The concentric phase of exercises during each repetition was performed “as fast as possible,” while the eccentric phase lasted 1 to 2 s. During Con, the participants remained at seated rest on the same exercise machines, but without any exercise. Each protocol lasted 40 min. Office BP, flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), 24-h ambulatory BP, and the average real variability (ARV) of systolic and diastolic BP were assessed before and after experimental sessions.

Results: Comparing PT with Con, a reduced office BP after exercise was found in men (systolic BP—average post 1 h: −14 mmHg, p < 0.001; diastolic BP—average post 1 h: −8 mmHg, p < 0.001) and only a reduced systolic BP in women (average post 1 h: −7 mmHg, p = 0.04). Comparing men and women, a reduced systolic BP (post 60': −15 mmHg, p = 0.048; average post 1 h: −7 mmHg, p = 0.046) and diastolic BP (post 60': −9 mmHg, p = 0.049) after the first hour were found in men. In relation to 24-h ambulatory BP, ARV, and FMD, no statistically significant differences were found between men and women.

Conclusion: In older adults with hypertension, the office BP response after the experimental sessions was different in men and women, showing that the PT protocol is more effective to acutely reduce BP in men. Additionally, the mechanisms behind this reduction remain unclear. This finding suggests that sex cannot be combined to analyze post-exercise hypotension.

Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, Identifier: NCT03615625.
The Role of Epigenetic Changes in the Progression of Alcoholic Steatohepatitis
Authors: Kim Hyeong Geug , Cho Jung-hyo , Kim Jeongkyu , Kim Seung-Jin
Published: July 2021

Alcoholic steatohepatitis (ASH) is a progression hepatitis with severe fatty liver and its mortality rate for 30-days in patients are over 30%. Additionally, ASH is well known for one-fifth all alcoholic related liver diseases in the world. Excessive chronic alcohol consumption is one of the most common causes of the progression of ASH and is associated with poor prognosis and liver failure. Alcohol abuse dysregulates the lipid homeostasis and causes oxidative stress and inflammation in the liver. Consequently, metabolic pathways stimulating hepatic accumulation of excessive lipid droplets are induced. Recently, many studies have indicated a link between ASH and epigenetic changes, showing differential expression of alcohol-induced epigenetic genes in the liver. However, the specific mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of ASH remain elusive. Thus, we here summarize the current knowledge about the roles of epigenetics in lipogenesis, inflammation, and apoptosis in the context of ASH pathophysiology. Especially, we highlight the latest findings on the roles of Sirtuins, a conserved family of class-III histone deacetylases, in ASH. Additionally, we discuss the involvement of DNA methylation, histone modifications, and miRNAs in ASH as well as the ongoing efforts for the clinical translation of the findings in ASH-related epigenetic changes.
Importance of Nutrient Availability and Metabolism for Skeletal Muscle Regeneration
Authors: Blum Jamie , Epstein Rebekah , Watts Stephen , Thalacker-Mercer Anna
Published: July 2021

Skeletal muscle is fundamentally important for quality of life. Deterioration of skeletal muscle, such as that observed with advancing age, chronic disease, and dystrophies, is associated with metabolic and functional decline. Muscle stem/progenitor cells promote the maintenance of skeletal muscle composition (balance of muscle mass, fat, and fibrotic tissues) and are essential for the regenerative response to skeletal muscle damage. It is increasing recognized that nutrient and metabolic determinants of stem/progenitor cell function exist and are potential therapeutic targets to improve regenerative outcomes and muscle health. This review will focus on current understanding as well as key gaps in knowledge and challenges around identifying and understanding nutrient and metabolic determinants of skeletal muscle regeneration.
Transcriptional and Epigenetic Landscape of Cardiac Pacemaker Cells: Insights Into Cellular Specialization in the Sinoatrial Node
Authors: Mandla Ravi , Jung Catherine , Vedantham Vasanth
Published: July 2021

Cardiac pacemaker cells differentiate and functionally specialize early in embryonic development through activation of critical gene regulatory networks. In general, cellular specification and differentiation require that combinations of cell type-specific transcriptional regulators activate expression of key effector genes by binding to DNA regulatory elements including enhancers and promoters. However, because genomic DNA is tightly packaged by histones that must be covalently modified in order to render DNA regulatory elements and promoters accessible for transcription, the process of development and differentiation is intimately connected to the epigenetic regulation of chromatin accessibility. Although the difficulty of obtaining sufficient quantities of pure populations of pacemaker cells has limited progress in this field, the advent of low-input genomic technologies has the potential to catalyze a rapid growth of knowledge in this important area. The goal of this review is to outline the key transcriptional networks that control pacemaker cell development, with particular attention to our emerging understanding of how chromatin accessibility is modified and regulated during pacemaker cell differentiation. In addition, we will discuss the relevance of these findings to adult sinus node function, sinus node diseases, and origins of genetic variation in heart rhythm. Lastly, we will outline the current challenges facing this field and promising directions for future investigation.
Modeling the Effects of Elevated Temperature and Weed Interference on Rice Grain Yield
Authors: Song Jong-Seok , Im Ji-Hoon , Park Yeon-Ho , Lim Soo-Hyun , Yook Min-Jung , Lee Byun-Woo , Kim Jin-Won , Kim Do-Soon
Published: July 2021

A 3-year phytotron study was conducted in Suwon (37.27°N, 126.99°E), Korea, to evaluate and model the effects of elevated temperature on rice-weed competition. The dry weight and the number of panicles in rice were the most susceptible components to weed interference during the early growth of rice, regardless of weed species, while other yield components, including the number of grains, % ripened grain, and 1000-grain weight, were more susceptible to elevated temperature. A rectangular hyperbolic model well demonstrated that rice grain yield was affected by weed interference under elevated temperature, showing that the competitiveness of late watergrass (Echinochloa oryzicola) and water chestnut (Eleocharis kuroguwai) increased under elevated temperature conditions. Quadratic and linear models well described the effects of elevated temperature on the weed-free rice grain yield and weed competitiveness values of the rectangular hyperbolic model for the two weed species, respectively. Thus, a combined rectangular hyperbolic model incorporated with the quadratic and linear models well demonstrated the effects of elevated temperature and weed interference on rice grain yield across years. Using the combined model and estimated parameters, the rice grain yields were estimated to be 58.9, 48.5, 41.3, and 35.9% of the yields under weed-free conditions for 80 plants m−2 of late watergrass and 86.8, 64.3, 51.1, and 42.3% of the yields under weed-free conditions for 80 plants m−2 of water chestnut at 1,300, 1,500, 1,700, and 1,900°C·days of accumulated growing degree days (GDD; from transplanting to flowering, 89 days), respectively. The combined model developed in this study can provide an empirical description of both the elevated temperature and weed interference effects on rice yield and can be used for predicting rice grain yields due to weed interference under future elevated temperature conditions.
Genomic Prediction of Resistance to Tar Spot Complex of Maize in Multiple Populations Using Genotyping-by-Sequencing SNPs
Authors: Cao Shiliang , Song Junqiao , Yuan Yibing , Zhang Ao , Ren Jiaojiao , Liu Yubo , Qu Jingtao , Hu Guanghui , Zhang Jianguo , Wang Chunping , Cao Jingsheng , Olsen Michael , Prasanna Boddupalli M. , San Vicente Felix , Zhang Xuecai
Published: July 2021

Tar spot complex (TSC) is one of the most important foliar diseases in tropical maize. TSC resistance could be furtherly improved by implementing marker-assisted selection (MAS) and genomic selection (GS) individually, or by implementing them stepwise. Implementation of GS requires a profound understanding of factors affecting genomic prediction accuracy. In the present study, an association-mapping panel and three doubled haploid populations, genotyped with genotyping-by-sequencing, were used to estimate the effectiveness of GS for improving TSC resistance. When the training and prediction sets were independent, moderate-to-high prediction accuracies were achieved across populations by using the training sets with broader genetic diversity, or in pairwise populations having closer genetic relationships. A collection of inbred lines with broader genetic diversity could be used as a permanent training set for TSC improvement, which can be updated by adding more phenotyped lines having closer genetic relationships with the prediction set. The prediction accuracies estimated with a few significantly associated SNPs were moderate-to-high, and continuously increased as more significantly associated SNPs were included. It confirmed that TSC resistance could be furtherly improved by implementing GS for selecting multiple stable genomic regions simultaneously, or by implementing MAS and GS stepwise. The factors of marker density, marker quality, and heterozygosity rate of samples had minor effects on the estimation of the genomic prediction accuracy. The training set size, the genetic relationship between training and prediction sets, phenotypic and genotypic diversity of the training sets, and incorporating known trait-marker associations played more important roles in improving prediction accuracy. The result of the present study provides insight into less complex trait improvement via GS in maize.
Non-utilization Is Not the Best Way to Manage Lowland Meadows in Hulun Buir
Authors: Ji Guoxu , Li Bing , Yin Hang , Liu Guofu , Yuan Yuying , Cui Guowen
Published: July 2021

Carex meyeriana lowland meadow is an important component of natural grasslands in Hulun Buir. However, in Hulun Buir, fewer studies have been conducted on C. meyeriana lowland meadows than on other grassland types. To determine the most appropriate utilization mode for C. meyeriana lowland meadows, an experiment was conducted in Zhalantun city, Hulun Buir. Unused, moderately grazed, heavily grazed and mowed meadow sites were selected as the research objects. The analysis of experimental data from 4 consecutive years showed that relative to the other utilization modes, mowing and moderate grazing significantly increased C. meyeriana biomass. Compared with non-utilization, the other three utilization modes resulted in a higher plant diversity, and the moderately grazed meadow had the highest plant community stability. Moreover, principal component analysis (PCA) showed that among the meadow sites, the mowed meadow had the most stable plant community and soil physicochemical properties. Structural equation modeling (SEM) showed that grazing pressure was less than 0.25 hm2/sheep unit and that plant biomass in C. meyeriana lowland meadow increases with increasing grazing intensity, temperature and precipitation.
Work Autonomous and Controlled Motivation on Chinese Employees' Work Performance and Innovative Work Behaviour: The Moderating Role of Financial Stress
Authors: Ren Feifei , Zhang Qian , Wei Xing
Published: July 2021

This study applied self-determination theory (SDT) to investigate the relationships between work motivation and work behaviour of Chinese employees and the moderating role of financial stress. Data were obtained from 245 employees of five organisations in China using a convenience sampling technique. The results indicated that autonomous motivation positively predicted work performance and innovative work behaviour, while controlled motivation had a positive effect only on work performance of employees. In addition, financial stress moderated the relationships between autonomous motivation and work performance and innovative work behaviour of employees. Specifically, the beneficial effect of autonomous motivation on work performance and innovative work behaviour disappeared when financial stress was high. The findings of the present study supported cultural similarities in the positive role of autonomous motivation and showed cultural differences in the role of controlled motivation. The implications of this study are also discussed.
Social-Ecological Predictors of Opioid Use Among Adolescents With Histories of Substance Use Disorders
Authors: Nichols Lindsey M. , Pedroza Jonathan A. , Fleming Christopher M. , O’Brien Kaitlin M. , Tanner-Smith Emily E.
Published: July 2021

Adolescent opioid misuse is a public health crisis, particularly among clinical populations of youth with substance misuse histories. Given the negative and often lethal consequences associated with opioid misuse among adolescents, it is essential to identify the risk and protective factors underlying early opioid misuse to inform targeted prevention efforts. Understanding the role of parental risk and protective factors is particularly paramount during the developmental stage of adolescence. Using a social-ecological framework, this study explored the associations between individual, peer, family, community, and school-level risk and protective factors and opioid use among adolescents with histories of substance use disorders (SUDs). Further, we explored the potential moderating role of poor parental monitoring in the associations between the aforementioned risk and protective factors and adolescent opioid use. Participants included 294 adolescents (Mage= 16 years; 45% female) who were recently discharged from substance use treatment, and their parents (n= 323). Results indicated that lifetime opioid use was significantly more likely among adolescents endorsing antisocial traits and those whose parents reported histories of substance abuse. Additionally, adolescents reporting more perceived availability of substances were significantly more likely to report lifetime opioid use compared to those reporting lower perceived availability of substances. Results did not indicate any significant moderation effects of parental monitoring on any associations between risk factors and lifetime opioid use. Findings generally did not support social-ecological indicators of opioid use in this high-risk population of adolescents, signaling that the social-ecological variables tested may not be salient risk factors among adolescents with SUD histories. We discuss these findings in terms of continuing care options for adolescents with SUD histories that target adolescents’ antisocial traits, perceived availability of substances, and parent histories of substance abuse, including practical implications for working with families of adolescents with SUD histories.
Love Your Country: EEG Evidence of Actor Preferences of Audiences in Patriotic Movies
Authors: Zhu Lian , Wu Yufei
Published: July 2021

Movie watching is one of the common ways to spark love for the country. A good patriotic movie can arouse love and pride, encourage people to stand by their countries, and reinforce a sense of national belonging. To evoke audience emotion and enhance patriotism, the choice of actors is fundamental and is a dilemma for film producers. In this exploratory study, an electroencephalogram (EEG) with a rating task was used to investigate how actor types (i.e., skilled vs. publicity) in patriotic movies modulate the willingness of audiences to watch a film and their emotional responses. Behavioral results showed that audiences are more willing to watch patriotic movies starring skilled actors than to watch patriotic movies starring publicity actors. Furthermore, brain results indicated that smaller P3 and late positive potential (LPP) were elicited in response to skilled actors than to publicity actors in patriotic movies. A larger theta oscillation was also observed with skilled actors than with publicity actors. These findings demonstrate that the willingness of audiences to watch a movie is deeply affected by actor types in patriotic films. Specifically, skilled actors engage audiences emotionally, more so than publicity actors, and increase the popularity of patriotic movies. This study is the first to employ neuroscientific technology to study movie casting, which advances film studies with careful scientific measurements and a possible new direction.

La première des vertus est le dévouement à la patrie.

Napoléon Bonaparte
Estimating the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Maternal and Perinatal Health Care Services in Italy: Results of a Self-Administered Survey
Authors: Cena Loredana , Rota Matteo , Calza Stefano , Massardi Barbara , Trainini Alice , Stefana Alberto
Published: July 2021

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is strongly changing the way most people live their lives, and disrupting specialist healthcare systems. Such public health disruptions have resulted in significant collateral damage with particular implications for vulnerable populations, including the perinatal population. This Study aims to estimate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Italian maternal and perinatal health care services. A questionnaire was designed to evaluate the COVID-19 impact on Italian maternal and perinatal healthcare facilities and their activities and provision of services from March to May 2020. The survey was completed by hospital-based and community-based Italian maternal and perinatal healthcare facilities. Most of these were located in Lombardy or Veneto (the most affected Italian regions). 70% of all facilities reported that the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic negatively influenced the functioning of one or more aspects of the perinatal service; only 28.4% of facilities all over the country continued to provide outpatient routine visits and examinations as usual; 23.4% of facilities became understaffed during the index period due to various reasons such as ward transfer and sick leave. This is the first Italian study, and among very few international studies that describe the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on antenatal and postnatal healthcare facilities and their provision of activities and services. Our findings confirm that healthcare systems even in high-income countries were not entirely prepared to handle such a global health emergency; indeed, specialized maternal and perinatal healthcare services have been disrupted by this global health emergency.
Serine/Glycine Lipid Recovery in Lipid Extracts From Healthy and Diseased Dental Samples: Relationship to Chronic Periodontitis
Authors: Nichols Frank C. , Bhuse Kruttika , Clark Robert B. , Provatas Anthony A. , Carrington Elena , Wang Yu-Hsiung , Zhu Qiang , Davey Mary E. , Dewhirst Floyd E.
Published: July 2021

Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) activation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease but the identity of the TLR2 agonists has been an evolving story. The serine/glycine lipids produced by Porphyromonas gingivalis are reported to engage human TLR2 and will promote the production of potent pro-inflammatory cytokines. This investigation compared the recovery of serine/glycine lipids in periodontal organisms, teeth, subgingival calculus, subgingival plaque, and gingival tissues, either from healthy sites or periodontally diseased sites. Lipids were extracted using the phospholipid extraction procedure of Bligh and Dyer and were analyzed using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry for all serine/glycine lipid classes identified to date in P. gingivalis. Two serine/glycine lipid classes, Lipid 567 and Lipid 1256, were the dominant serine/glycine lipids recovered from oral Bacteroidetes bacteria and from subgingival calculus samples or diseased teeth. Lipid 1256 was the most abundant serine/glycine lipid class in lipid extracts from P. gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, and Prevotella intermedia whereas Lipid 567 was the most abundant serine/glycine lipid class recovered in Capnocytophaga species and Porphyromonas endodontalis. Serine/glycine lipids were not detected in lipid extracts from Treponema denticola, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, or Fusobacterium nucleatum. Lipid 1256 was detected more frequently and at a significantly higher mean level in periodontitis tissue samples compared with healthy/gingivitis tissue samples. By contrast, Lipid 567 levels were essentially identical. This report shows that members of the Bacteroidetes phylum common to periodontal disease sites produce Lipid 567 and Lipid 1256, and these lipids are prevalent in lipid extracts from subgingival calculus and from periodontally diseased teeth and diseased gingival tissues.
The Effect of the Thermosphere on Ionosphere Outflows
Authors: Krall J. , Huba J. D.
Published: July 2021

The Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) Sami2 is Another Model of the Ionosphere (SAMI2) and Sami3 is Also a Model of the Ionosphere (SAMI3) ionosphere/plasmasphere codes have shown that thermosphere composition and winds significantly affect H+ outflows from the topside ionosphere. In particular, O density inhibits upward diffusion of O+ from the ionosphere F layer, especially during solar maximum conditions. In addition, winds affect the quiet-time latitudinal extent of the F layer, affecting densities at mid-to-high latitudes that are the source of plasmasphere refilling outflows. Evidence for these effects is reviewed and prospects for forecasting these outflows are explored. Open questions for future research are highlighted.
Analysis and Synthesis in the Design of Magnetic Switching Electric Machines
Authors: Shaitor Nikolay , Kelemen Michal , Yakimovich Boris
Published: July 2021

A systematic approach to the design of electrical machines is implemented by solving problems of analysis and synthesis in various combinations at different stages and stages of design. The questions of the formulation and implementation of synthesis and analysis problems in the study and design of modular-type magnetically commutated electrical machines are considered. They are aimed at reducing weight, size and cost while improving the performance of these newly designed machines. A complex method of parametric synthesis and an automated program containing a calculated mathematical model of an electric machine has been developed. On the basis of numerical full factorial experiments, the optimization parameter is determined, and a regression analysis is performed with the construction of an optimization model. It allows you to find a narrow range of variation of significant factors, at which the optimization parameter satisfies the specified conditions. On the example of studying an inductor generator of axial-radial configuration, new approaches to the formulation and solution of typical problems of analysis and synthesis of modular-type electrical machines are shown. The use of complex parametric synthesis makes it possible to significantly reduce the masses of the designed modular machines in comparison with drum-type inductor machines of the same power.
Experimental CanSat Platform for Functional Verification of Burn Wire Triggering-Based Holding and Release Mechanisms
Authors: Bhattarai Shankar , Go Ji-Seong , Oh Hyun-Ung
Published: July 2021

In this study, we present the Diverse Holding and Release Mechanism Can Satellite (DHRM CanSat) platform developed by the Space Technology Synthesis Laboratory (STSL) at Chosun University, South Korea. This platform focuses on several types of holding and release mechanisms (HRMs) for application in deployable appendages of nanosatellites. The objectives of the DHRM CanSat mission are to demonstrate the design effectiveness and functionality of the three newly proposed HRMs based on the burn wire triggering method, i.e., the pogo pin-type HRM, separation nut-type HRM, and Velcro tape-type HRM, which were implemented on deployable dummy solar panels of the CanSat. The proposed mechanisms have many advantages, including a high holding capability, simultaneous constraints in multi-plane directions, and simplicity of handling. Additionally, each mechanism has distinctive features, such as spring-loaded pins to initiate deployment, a plate with a thread as a nut for a high holding capability, and a hook and loop fastener for easy access to subsystems of the satellite without releasing the holding constraint. The design effectiveness and functional performance of the proposed mechanisms were demonstrated through an actual flight test of the DHRM CanSat launched by a model rocket.
Nondestructive Testing Model of Tea Polyphenols Based on Hyperspectral Technology Combined with Chemometric Methods
Authors: Luo Xiong , Xu Lijia , Huang Peng , Wang Yuchao , Liu Jiang , Hu Yan , Wang Peng , Kang Zhiliang
Published: July 2021

Nondestructive detection of tea’s internal quality is of great significance for the processing and storage of tea. In this study, hyperspectral imaging technology is adopted to quantitatively detect the content of tea polyphenols in Tibetan teas by analyzing the features of the tea spectrum in the wavelength ranging from 420 to 1010 nm. The samples are divided with joint x-y distances (SPXY) and Kennard-Stone (KS) algorithms, while six algorithms are used to preprocess the spectral data. Six other algorithms, Random Forest (RF), Gradient Boosting (GB), Adaptive boost (AdaBoost), Categorical Boosting (CatBoost), LightGBM, and XGBoost, are used to carry out feature extractions. Then based on a stacking combination strategy, a new two-layer combination prediction model is constructed, which is used to compare with the four individual regressor prediction models: RF Regressor (RFR), CatBoost Regressor (CatBoostR), LightGBM Regressor (LightGBMR) and XGBoost Regressor (XGBoostR). The experimental results show that the newly-built Stacking model predicts more accurately than the individual regressor prediction models. The coefficients of determination Rc2 andRp2 for the prediction of Tibetan tea polyphenols are 0.9709 and 0.9625, and the root mean square error RMSEC and RMSEP are 0.2766 and 0.3852 for the new model, respectively, which shows that the content of Tibetan tea polyphenols can be determined with precision.
How Do Different Cocoa Genotypes Deal with Increased Radiation? An Analysis of Water Relation, Diffusive and Biochemical Components at the Leaf Level
Authors: Suárez Juan Carlos , Gelpud Cristian , Noriega Jhon Eduar , Ortiz-Morea Fausto Andrés
Published: July 2021

The cultivation of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) is traditionally managed under shade because of its photosynthetic characteristics; however, its behavior can vary according to the genotype and environmental conditions where it is grown. In this sense, here, we explore the possible mechanisms of protection against radiation stress and how these mechanisms are affected by variation between cocoa genotypes. Therefore, we evaluate the effect of the radiation level (HPAR, 2100 ± 46 mol m−2 s−1; MPAR, 1150 ± 42 mol m−2 s−1; LPAR, 636 ± 40 mol m−2 s−1) on the water status and gas exchange in plants of different cocoa genotypes (CCN-51, ICS-1, ICS-95, LUKER-40 and LUKER-50), and the occurrence of photoinhibition of PSII (as a marker of photodamage), followed by a characterization of the protection mechanisms, including the dynamics of photosynthetic pigments and enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant systems. We found significant changes in the specific leaf area (SLA) and the water potential of the leaf (ΨL) due to the level of radiation, affecting the maximum quantum yield of PSII (Fv/Fm), which generated dynamic photoinhibition processes (PIDyn). Cocoa genotypes showed the lowest Light-saturated maximum net carbon assimilation rate (Amax) in HPAR. Moreover, the maximum carboxylation rate (Vcmax) was negatively affected in HPAR for most cocoa genotypes, indicating less RuBisCO activity except for the ICS-95 genotype. The ICS-95 showed the highest values of Vcmax and maximum rate of regeneration of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP) controlled by electron transport (Jmax) under HPAR. Hence, our results show that some genotypes were acclimated to full sun conditions, which translated into greater carbon use efficiency due to the maximization of photosynthetic rates accompanied by energy dissipation mechanisms.