bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Analysis of Gene Expression in Fibroblastic Foci in Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and Pulmonary Sarcoidosis
Authors: Kamp Jan C. , Neubert Lavinia , Stark Helge , Hinrichs Jan B. , Boekhoff Caja , Seidel Allison D. , Ius Fabio , Haverich Axel , Gottlieb Jens , Welte Tobias , Braubach Peter , Laenger Florian , Hoeper Marius M. , Kuehnel Mark P. , Jonigk Danny D.
Published: February 2022

Background: Fibroblastic foci (FF) are characteristic features of usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP)/idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and one cardinal feature thought to represent a key mechanism of pathogenesis. Hence, FF have a high impact on UIP/IPF diagnosis in current guidelines. However, although less frequent, these histomorphological hallmarks also occur in other fibrotic pulmonary diseases. Currently, there is therefore a gap in knowledge regarding the underlying molecular similarities and differences of FF in different disease entities. Methods: In this work, we analyzed the compartment-specific gene expression profiles of FF in IPF and sarcoidosis in order to elucidate similarities and differences as well as shared pathomechanisms. For this purpose, we used laser capture microdissection, mRNA and protein expression analysis. Biological pathway analysis was performed using two different gene expression databases. As control samples, we used healthy lung tissue that was donated but not used for lung transplantation. Results: Based on Holm Bonferroni corrected expression data, mRNA expression analysis revealed a significantly altered expression signature for 136 out of 760 genes compared to healthy controls while half of these showed a similar regulation in both groups. Immunostaining of selected markers from each group corroborated these results. However, when comparing all differentially expressed genes with the fdr-based expression data, only 2 of these genes were differentially expressed between sarcoidosis and IPF compared to controls, i.e., calcium transport protein 1 (CAT1) and SMAD specific E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 1 (SMURF1), both in the sarcoidosis group. Direct comparison of sarcoidosis and IPF did not show any differentially regulated genes independent from the statistical methodology. Biological pathway analysis revealed a number of fibrosis-related pathways pronounced in IPF without differences in the regulatory direction. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that FF of end-stage IPF and sarcoidosis lungs, although different in initiation, are similar in gene and protein expression, encouraging further studies on the use of antifibrotic agents in sarcoidosis.
Bioactive Bilayer Glass Coating on Porous Titanium Substrates with Enhanced Biofunctional and Tribomechanical Behavior
Authors: Beltrán Ana M. , Trueba Paloma , Borie Flora , Alcudia Ana , Begines Belén , Rodriguez-Ortiz José A. , Torres Yadir
Published: February 2022

The use of porous titanium samples fabricated by space-holder powder metallurgy with bioactive coatings has already been reported to prevent resorption of the bone surrounding the implant and improve osseointegration, respectively. However, the presence of pores as well as the poor adherence and the brittle behavior inherent to glassy coatings affect the service behavior of implants fabricated from these samples. Therefore, they need to be optimized. In this work, 50 vol.% of porosity titanium substrates were manufactured with different pore range size (100–200 and 355–500 µm) spacer particles and coated with a bilayer of bioactive glasses (45S5/1393). The effect of the pores on the tribomechanical properties and infiltration of the bioactive glass 1393 along with the bioactivity of the bioactive glass 45S5 were evaluated by instrumented micro-indentation and scratch tests and the formation of hydroxyapatite in simulated body fluid. The results obtained were very promising as potential implants for the replacement of small tumors in cortical bone tissues, mainly due to the smaller pores that present an improved biomechanical and biofunctional balance.
Studies on the Structure, Optical, and Electrical Properties of Doped Manganese (III) Phthalocyanine Chloride Films for Optoelectronic Device Applications
Authors: Sánchez Vergara María Elena , Canseco Juárez María José , Ballinas Indili Ricardo , Carmona Reyes Genaro , Álvarez Bada José Ramón , Álvarez Toledano Cecilio
Published: February 2022

In the last few years, significant advances have been achieved in the development of organic semiconductors for use in optoelectronic devices. This work reports the doping and deposition of semiconducting organic thin films based on manganese (III) phthalocyanine chloride (MnPcCl). In order to enhance the semiconducting properties of the MnPcCl films, different types of pyridine-based chalcones were used as dopants, and their influence on the optical and electric properties of the films was analyzed. The morphology and structure of the films were studied using IR spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Optical properties of MnPcCl–chalcone films were investigated via UV–Vis spectroscopy, and the absorption spectra showed the Q band located between 630 and 800 nm, as well as a band related to charge transfer (CT) in the region between 465 and 570 nm and the B band in the region between 280 and 460 nm. Additionally, the absorption coefficient measurements indicated that the films had an indirect transition with two energy gaps: the optical bandgap of around 1.40 eV and the fundamental gap of around 2.35 eV. The electrical behavior is strongly affected by the type of chalcone employed; for this reason, electrical conductivity at room temperature may vary from 1.55 × 10−5 to 3.02 × 101 S·cm−1 at different voltages (0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 V). Additionally, the effect of temperature on conductivity was also measured; electrical conductivity increases by two orders of magnitude with increasing temperature from 25 to 100 °C. The doping effect of chalcone favors electronic transport, most likely due to its substituents and structure with delocalized π-electrons, the formation of conduction channels caused by anisotropy, and the bulk heterojunction induced by the dopant. In terms of optical and electrical properties, the results suggest that the best properties are obtained with chalcones that have the methoxy group as a substituent. However, all MnPcCl–chalcone films are candidates for use in optoelectronic devices.
The Assessment of the Usefulness of Platelet-Rich Fibrin in the Healing Process Bone Resorption
Authors: Niedzielska Iwona , Ciapiński Daniel , Bąk Michał , Niedzielski Damian
Published: February 2022

The main subject of this research was the use of PRF in dental surgery aimed at preventing changes in alveolar height and width after tooth extraction. Due to the large growth factor content, it seems to be particularly useful in bone loss management starting from the simplest loss occurring after tooth extraction through loss resulting from tooth resection ending with loss caused by large bone cysts. The study was performed on 50 patients. The extraction of two maxillary or mandibular homonymous teeth was carried out in each patient, where PRF was placed in one alveolus while the other alveolus was left empty. Then, the alveoli were surgically managed with a split flap technique. On the extraction day, after 10 days, and after 6 months, the alveolar process was measured, soft tissues healing was assessed, and imaging examinations were analyzed. It was proved that the healing of soft tissues in the PRF group was better. In the PRF group after 6 months from surgery, the newly formed bone had higher grayscale values in volumetric tomography (CBCT). Moreover, the reduced atrophy of the alveolar process at the site of the extracted tooth was proved in this study.
Interpretable Machine Learning Models for Punching Shear Strength Estimation of FRP Reinforced Concrete Slabs
Authors: Shen Yuanxie , Sun Junhao , Liang Shixue
Published: February 2022

Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) serves as a prospective alternative to reinforcement in concrete slabs. However, similarly to traditional reinforced concrete slabs, FRP reinforced concrete slabs are susceptible to punching shear failure. Accounts of the insufficient consideration of impact factors, existing empirical models and design provisions for punching strength of FRP reinforced concrete slabs have some problems such as high bias and variance. This study established machine learning-based models to accurately predict the punching shear strength of FRP reinforced concrete slabs. A database of 121 groups of experimental results of FRP reinforced concrete slabs are collected from a literature review. Several machine learning algorithms, such as artificial neural network, support vector machine, decision tree, and adaptive boosting, are selected to build models and compare the performance between them. To demonstrate the predicted accuracy of machine learning, this paper also introduces 6 empirical models and design codes for comparative analysis. The comparative results demonstrate that adaptive boosting has the highest predicted precision, in which the root mean squared error, mean absolute error and coefficient of determination of which are 29.83, 23.00 and 0.99, respectively. GB 50010-2010 (2015) has the best predicted performance among these empirical models and design codes, and ACI 318-19 has the similar result. In addition, among these empirical models, the model proposed by El-Ghandour et al. (1999) has the highest predicted accuracy. According to the results obtained above, SHapley Additive exPlanation (SHAP) is adopted to illustrate the predicted process of AdaBoost. SHAP not only provides global and individual interpretations, but also carries out feature dependency analysis for each input variable. The interpretation results of the model reflect the importance and contribution of the factors that influence the punching shear strength in the machine learning model.
Computational Analysis of Strain-Induced Effects on the Dynamic Properties of C60 in Fullerite
Authors: Lun-Fu Aleksandr V. , Bubenchikov Alexey M. , Bubenchikov Mikhail A. , Ovchinnikov Vyacheslav A.
Published: February 2022

A hybrid discrete-continuous physical and mathematical model is used to study what deformation characteristics cause the rolling effect of C60 fullerene in a fullerite crystal. The interaction of fullerene atoms with surrounding molecules is described using a centrally symmetric interaction potential, in which the surrounding molecules are considered as a spherical surface of uniformly distributed carbon atoms. The rotational motion of fullerene is described by the Euler dynamic equations. The results of a numerical study of the influence of the rate, magnitude, and direction of strain on the dynamic characteristics of the rotational and translational motion of C60 fullerene in a crystalline fragment are presented.
Pronounced Seasonal Diet Diversity Expansion of Golden Eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) in Northern Greece during the Non-Breeding Season: The Role of Tortoises
Authors: Sidiropoulos Lavrentis , Whitfield D. Philip , Astaras Christos , Vasilakis Dimitris , Alivizatos Haralambos , Kati Vassiliki
Published: February 2022

Golden Eagles are resident in Greece and known to feed mainly on tortoises when breeding. However, information on alternative prey is scarce, especially during the tortoise brumation, that roughly coincides with the eagles’ non-breeding season. We analyzed 827 prey items collected from 12 territories over five territory years and 84 records of eagles hunting or feeding behavior. Tortoises dominated the breeding season diet (71% of prey categories on average) and over half of all hunting/feeding observations. While no spatial structure was evident, habitat variables such as forest canopy cover were important associates in golden eagle diet seasonally. A significant seasonal pattern emerged in diet diversity, using a subset of six territories with at least 10 samples per season. Eagles shifted from a narrow, reptile- based breeding season diet dominated by tortoises to a broader non-breeding season diet, that included more carrion, mammals and birds. Breeding season specialization on ectothermic prey is a trait usually associated with migratory raptors in the Western Palearctic. The observed dietary diversity expansion accompanied by residency in the absence of ectothermic prey, highlights the adaptability of the golden eagle, a generalist predator. Tortoise populations in Greece are of conservation concern and land use changes as well as climate change, such as development and land abandonment may increase the prevalence of catastrophic megafires, exacerbating the threats to the golden eagle’s main prey when breeding. We discuss this and other diet related conservation implications for the species in northern Greece.
MRI-Based Radiomics Analysis for Intraoperative Risk Assessment in Gravid Patients at High Risk with Placenta Accreta Spectrum
Authors: Chu Caiting , Liu Ming , Zhang Yuzhen , Zhao Shuhui , Ge Yaqiong , Li Wenhua , Gao Chengjin
Published: February 2022

Background: Gravid patients at high risk with placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) face life-threatening risk at delivery. Intraoperative risk assessment for patients is currently insufficient. We aimed to develop an assessment system of intraoperative risks through MRI-based radiomics. Methods: A total of 131 patients enrolled were randomly grouped according to a ratio of 7:3. Clinical data were analyzed retrospectively. Radiomic features were extracted from sagittal Fast Imaging Employing State-sate Acquisition images. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to build models using R software. A receiver operating characteristic curve and decision curve analysis (DCA) were performed to determine the predictive performance of models. Results: Six radiomic features and two clinical variables were used to construct the combined model for selection of removal protocols of the placenta, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.90 and 0.91 in the training and test cohorts, respectively. Nine radiomic features and two clinical variables were obtained to establish the combined model for prediction of intraoperative blood loss, with an AUC of 0.90 and 0.88 in the both cohorts, respectively. The DCA confirmed the clinical utility of the combined model. Conclusion: The analysis of combined MRI-based radiomics with clinics could be clinically beneficial for patients.
Detection of Splenic Tissue Using 99mTc-Labelled Denatured Red Blood Cells Scintigraphy—A Quantitative Single Center Analysis
Authors: Holzgreve Adrien , Völter Friederike , Delker Astrid , Kunz Wolfgang G. , Fabritius Matthias P. , Brendel Matthias , Albert Nathalie L. , Bartenstein Peter , Unterrainer Marcus , Unterrainer Lena M.
Published: February 2022

Background: Red blood cells (RBC) scintigraphy can be used not only for detection of bleeding sites, but also of spleen tissue. However, there is no established quantitative readout. Therefore, we investigated uptake in suspected splenic lesions in direct quantitative correlation to sites of physiologic uptake in order to objectify the readout. Methods: 20 patients with Tc-99m-labelled RBC scintigraphy and SPECT/low-dose CT for assessment of suspected splenic tissue were included. Lesions were rated as vital splenic or non-splenic tissue, and uptake and physiologic uptake of bone marrow, pancreas, and spleen were then quantified using a volume-of-interest based approach. Hepatic uptake served as a reference. Results: The median uptake ratio was significantly higher in splenic (2.82 (range, 0.58–24.10), n = 47) compared to other lesions (0.49 (0.01–0.83), n = 7), p < 0.001, and 5 lesions were newly discovered. The median pancreatic uptake was 0.09 (range 0.03–0.67), bone marrow 0.17 (0.03–0.45), and orthotopic spleen 14.45 (3.04–29.82). Compared to orthotopic spleens, the pancreas showed lowest uptake (0.09 vs. 14.45, p = 0.004). Based on pancreatic uptake we defined a cutoff (0.75) to distinguish splenic from other tissues. Conclusion: As the uptake in extra-splenic regions is invariably low compared to splenules, it can be used as comparator for evaluating suspected splenic tissues.
Loss of Single-Stranded DNA Binding Protein 2 Expression Is Associated with Aggressiveness and Poor Overall Survival in Patients with Invasive Breast Carcinoma
Authors: Park Hosub , Jee Seungyun , Son Hwangkyu , Cha Hyebin , Bang Seongsik , Kim Hyunsung , Shin Su-Jin , Cha Chihwan , Chung Min Sung , Myung Jaekyung , Paik Seung Sam
Published: February 2022

Background: Single-stranded DNA binding protein 2 (SSBP2) is involved in the DNA damage response and the maintenance of genome stability. Previous studies have suggested that SSBP2 has a tumor suppressor function or oncogenic function. Loss of SSBP2 expression has been reported in various tumors. However, the role of SSBP2 expression in invasive breast carcinoma has not been reported. Methods: Immunohistochemical staining for SSBP2 was performed on tissue microarrays consisting of 491 invasive breast carcinoma cases. The result of nuclear SSBP2 staining was stratified as either negative or positive. Then, we investigated the correlations between SSBP2 expression and various clinicopathological parameters and patient outcomes. Results: Loss of nuclear SSBP2 expression was observed in 61 cases (12.4%) of 491 invasive breast carcinomas. Loss of nuclear SSBP2 expression was significantly correlated with larger tumor size (p < 0.001, chi-squared test), higher histological grade (p = 0.016, Cochran–Armitage trend test), higher pathological T stage (p < 0.001, Cochran–Armitage trend test), estrogen receptor status (p < 0.001, chi-squared test), and molecular subtype (p < 0.001, chi-squared test). Kaplan–Meier survival analysis revealed that patients with loss of nuclear SSBP2 expression had worse overall survival (p = 0.013, log-rank test). However, loss of nuclear SSBP2 expression was not correlated with recurrence-free survival (p = 0.175, log-rank test). Conclusions: Loss of nuclear SSBP2 expression was associated with adverse clinicopathological characteristics and poor patient outcomes. SSBP2 acts as a tumor suppressor in invasive breast carcinoma and may be used as a prognostic biomarker.
An In Vivo Observational Histological Study of Peripheral Arterial Damage in Patients with Acute Limb Ischemia in SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Authors: Barac Sorin , Onofrei Roxana Ramona , Lazureanu Codruta , Barna Robert , Tutelca Adrian , Rata Andreea Luciana
Published: February 2022

Thromboembolic events, such as acute limb ischemia, were reported worldwide in patients with COVID-19, suggesting that SARS-CoV-2 infection acts like a redoubtable prothrombotic factor in these patients. The aim of the study was to summarize the histopathological changes found in the arterial wall, intraarterial thrombus, and adjacent skeletal muscles. Considering the lack of evidence from in vivo studies, we performed observational histological research of peripheral arterial damage in patients with acute limb ischemia and SARS-CoV-2 infection. We investigated 22 patients with acute limb ischemia and SARS and harvested histopathological samples from those who agreed to this procedure. We performed histologic tissue harvesting during the revascularization procedure from the thrombosed area of the common femoral artery. Morphologic analysis was made on the hematoxylin-eosin (HE) stain. Special stains were also used—Elastica van Gieson (EvG) and Alcian Blue—Periodic Acid—Schiff (AB-PAS) and primary antibodies—CD45 and CD61. Our patients had significant risk factors for thrombus formation, since all of them had arterial hypertension, 81% had dyslipidemia, 73% were obese, 63% suffered from diabetes mellitus, and 45% were active smokers. The histological findings using immunohistochemistry (CD45 and CD68 reactions) or special and usual stains underlined the mechanism for ischemia production in SARS-CoV-2 patients. The main histological findings in our study were endothelial destruction and inflammation that were found in all analyzed structures.
Modular Point-of-Care Breath Analyzer and Shape Taxonomy-Based Machine Learning for Gastric Cancer Detection
Authors: Polaka Inese , Bhandari Manohar Prasad , Mezmale Linda , Anarkulova Linda , Veliks Viktors , Sivins Armands , Lescinska Anna Marija , Tolmanis Ivars , Vilkoite Ilona , Ivanovs Igors , Padilla Marta , Mitrovics Jan , Shani Gidi , Haick Hossam , Leja Marcis
Published: February 2022

Background: Gastric cancer is one of the deadliest malignant diseases, and the non-invasive screening and diagnostics options for it are limited. In this article, we present a multi-modular device for breath analysis coupled with a machine learning approach for the detection of cancer-specific breath from the shapes of sensor response curves (taxonomies of clusters). Methods: We analyzed the breaths of 54 gastric cancer patients and 85 control group participants. The analysis was carried out using a breath analyzer with gold nanoparticle and metal oxide sensors. The response of the sensors was analyzed on the basis of the curve shapes and other features commonly used for comparison. These features were then used to train machine learning models using Naïve Bayes classifiers, Support Vector Machines and Random Forests. Results: The accuracy of the trained models reached 77.8% (sensitivity: up to 66.54%; specificity: up to 92.39%). The use of the proposed shape-based features improved the accuracy in most cases, especially the overall accuracy and sensitivity. Conclusions: The results show that this point-of-care breath analyzer and data analysis approach constitute a promising combination for the detection of gastric cancer-specific breath. The cluster taxonomy-based sensor reaction curve representation improved the results, and could be used in other similar applications.
Imaging and Clinical Parameters for Distinction between Infected and Non-Infected Fluid Collections in CT: Prospective Study Using Extended Microbiological Approach
Authors: Skusa Christopher , Skusa Romy , Wohlfarth Moritz , Warnke Philipp , Podbielski Andreas , Bath Kristina , Groß Justus , Schafmayer Clemens , Frickmann Hagen , Weber Marc-André , Hahn Andreas , Meinel Felix G.
Published: February 2022

The aim of this investigation was to evaluate predictive CT imaging features and clinical parameters to distinguish infected from sterile fluid collections. Detection of infectious agents by advanced microbiological analysis was used as the reference standard. From April 2018 to October 2019, all patients undergoing CT-guided drainages were prospectively enrolled, if drainage material volume was at least 5 mL. Univariate analysis revealed attenuation (p = 0.001), entrapped gas (p < 0.001), fat stranding (p < 0.001), wall thickness (p < 0.001) and enhancement (p < 0.001) as imaging biomarkers and procalcitonin (p = 0.003) as clinical predictive parameters for infected fluid collections. On multivariate analysis, attenuation > 10 HU (p = 0.038), presence of entrapped gas (p = 0.027) and wall enhancement (p = 0.028) were independent parameters for distinguishing between infected and non-infected fluids. Gas entrapment had high specificity (93%) but low sensitivity (48%), while wall enhancement had high sensitivity (91%) but low specificity (50%). CT attenuation > 10 HU showed intermediate sensitivity (74%) and specificity (70%). Evaluation of the published proposed scoring systems did not improve diagnostic accuracy over independent predictors in our study. In conclusion, this prospective study confirmed that CT attenuation > 10 HU, entrapped gas and wall enhancement are the key imaging features to distinguish infected from sterile fluid collections on CT.
An Effective Clustering Algorithm for the Low-Quality Image of Integrated Circuits via High-Frequency Texture Components Extraction
Authors: Liang Zexiao , Tan Guoliang , Sun Chen , Li Jianzhong , Zhang Lijun , Xiong Xiaoming , Liu Yuan
Published: February 2022

Verification is one of the core steps in integrated circuits (ICs) manufacturing due to the multifarious defects and malicious hardware Trojans (HTs). In most cases, the effectiveness of the detection relies on the quality of the sample images of ICs. However, the high-precision and noiseless images are hard to capture due to the mechanical precision, manual error and environmental interference. In this paper, an effective approach for processing the low-quality image data of ICs is proposed. Our approach can successfully categorize the partial pictures of multiple objected ICs with low resolution and various noise. The proposed approach extracts the high-frequency texture components (HFTC) of the images and constructs a graph with the correlationship among features. Subsequently, the spectral clustering is conducted for obtaining the final cluster indicators. The low-quality images of ICs can be successfully categorized by the proposed approach, which will provide a data foundation for the following verification tasks. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed approach, several experiments are conducted in the simulated datasets, which are generated by corrupting the real-world data in different conditions. The clustering results reveal that our approach can achieve the best performance with good stability compared to the baselines.
Water Limitation in Forest Soils Regulates the Increase in Weathering Rates under Climate Change
Authors: Belyazid Salim , Akselsson Cecilia , Zanchi Giuliana
Published: February 2022

Climate change is generally expected to have a positive effect on weathering rates, due to the strong temperature dependence of the weathering process. Important feedback mechanisms such as changes in soil moisture, tree growth and organic matter decomposition can affect the response of weathering rates to climate change. In this study, the dynamic forest ecosystem model ForSAFE, with mechanistic descriptions of tree growth, organic matter decomposition, weathering, hydrology and ion exchange processes, is used to investigate the effects of future climate scenarios on base cation weathering rates. In total, 544 productive coniferous forest sites from the Swedish National Forest Inventory are modelled, and differences in weathering responses to changes in climate from two Global Climate Models are investigated. The study shows that weathering rates at the simulated sites are likely to increase, but not to the extent predicted by a direct response to elevated air temperatures. Besides the result that increases in soil temperatures are less evident than those in air temperature, the study shows that soil moisture availability has a strong potential to limit the expected response to increased temperature. While changes in annual precipitation may not indicate further risk for more severe water deficits, seasonal differences show a clear difference between winters and summers. Taking into account the seasonal variation, the study shows that reduced soil water availability in the summer seasons will strongly limit the expected gain in weathering associated with higher temperatures.
A Knowledge Review on Integrated Landscape Approaches
Authors: Pedroza-Arceo Norma M. , Weber Norbert , Ortega-Argueta Alejandro
Published: February 2022

Holistic and multi-transdisciplinary approaches, where multiple goals are achieved in order to improve resilience in societies and ecosystems in the short, medium, and long term, are ideal, even utopian. Hence, science has come together with practical experiences that highlight the importance of working at a ‘landscape’ level. Landscapes, as socio-ecological systems, are key for sustainability and sustainable development, and they represent a realistic unit to interconnect local, national, and ultimately global scales. International efforts regarding holistic natural resources management approaches are not new; however, they are currently pointing to an Integrated Landscape Approach (ILA). Based on a documentation review and analysis, the present article review aims to promote the disambiguation of the ILA concept and provide an updated synthesis knowledge on the ILA. Especially for the forest sector, the ILA has been identified as particularly beneficial, strongly highlighted by the scientific literature, and with an infrastructure of organizations that are encouraging it. The paper presents the rationale of the science behind the concept, as well as the main principles, we identified a variety of definitions with some significant points of overlap, we highlight the inclusion of ILAs in the current international arena and the relationship of ILA’s and Jurisdictional Approaches, and we make a review of the ILA in a challenging world of rapid change. Our review recognizes ILAs socio-ecological management strategy to reconcile conservation, development, climate change, and human well-being goals. ILAs naturally have a social and idealistic construction behind it, which might be just as necessary andsignificant as the journey toward sustainability itself.
A Study of the Distribution of Forest Density in Inner Mongolia Based on Environmental Factors
Authors: Chang Chen , Feng Zhongke , Liu Ziye
Published: February 2022

With the intensification of global climate change, exploring the impact of environmental factors on tree density can provide technical support for sustainable forest management. In this paper, the random forest parameters nTree and mtry were optimized using a particle swarm optimization algorithm. The density, average temperature, soil thickness, forest water consumption, slope, slope direction, slope position, soil type, and diameter at breast height (DBH) of the dominant tree species in Inner Mongolia were fitted using random forest regression with a satisfactory fitting effect (R2 > 0.60). The results show that the average temperature, soil thickness, and forest water consumption were the main factors restricting tree density, and the influence of each factor changed depending on the stage of tree growth. Based on 2018 forest resource data of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, four diameter class models were used to calculate tree density, and Kriging interpolation was used to form a density distribution grid map of the main tree species according to diameter class toward providing a theoretical basis and data support for afforestation and forest management strategies that are justified according to the available environmental resources.
Factors Influencing Italian Consumers’ Willingness to Pay for Eggs Enriched with Omega-3-Fatty Acids
Authors: Palmieri Nadia , Stefanoni Walter , Latterini Francesco , Pari Luigi
Published: February 2022

This paper focused on eggs enriched with omega-3-fatty acids with the aim of understanding if functional eggs were of interest to Italian consumers, and analyzing which characteristics of table egg quality, consumers’ attitudes and socio-demographic characteristics affect the consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP) a premium price for eggs enriched with omega-3-fatty acids. We performed an online survey on 312 Italian consumers. The analysis was based on the Tobit regression model. The findings showed that unmarried females were more willing to pay a premium price for functional eggs than male consumers. Furthermore, the probability of showing a higher WTP for functional eggs increased among consumers reporting a higher income. Moreover, the WTP for functional eggs increased with the growing importance that people attributed to items such as the size of eggs, rearing type, feed given to chickens, and the provenience and brand of eggs. These results suggested that consumers need to have clear information about functional eggs. As expected, WTP for functional eggs decreased with increasing neophobia and food techno-neophobia factors. In conclusion, the findings showed an interesting potential for eggs enriched with omega-3-fatty acids, which seems to be a product with high possibility to be greatly appreciated on the market, especially if accompanied by a good, informative campaign for increasing people’s knowledge level.
Evaluation of the PLA-nZH-Cu Nanocomposite Film on the Micro-Biological, Organoleptic and Physicochemical Qualities of Packed Chicken Meat
Authors: Vergara-Figueroa Judith , Cerda-Leal Fabiola , Alejandro-Martín Serguei , Gacitúa William
Published: February 2022

This research evaluated the contribution of nanocomposite films based on different concentrations of nZH-Cu (1%, 2%, and 3%) to the microbiological, organoleptic, and physicochemical characteristics of packed chicken breast meat. Analysis of some meat quality traits, such as microbiological, chemical, and physical, were conducted on a laboratory scale. For this, small squares of chicken breast meat, weighing approximately 10 g, were aseptically wrapped with rectangular pieces of 5 × 10 cm PLA-nZH-Cu nanocomposite films, which were stored at 4 °C for 20 days. The microbiological results indicated efficient antibacterial activity (at any nZH-Cu concentration in the nanocomposite films) on the total viable count of groups of psychrophiles, aerobic mesophiles, Enterobacteriaceae, and Salmonella spp. until day 10 of storage (p < 0.05). No significant changes were observed in the organoleptic (color) and physicochemical qualities (texture, weight, pH, and acidity) until day 10 of storage at 4 °C (p < 0.05). The analysis of the experimental tests carried out determined that the PLA-nZH-Cu nanocomposite films played an effective role in the bacterial safety of the packaged chicken. It was concluded that the nZH-Cu nanocomposite films, at all concentrations tested, extended the shelf life of the chicken breast meat for up to 10 days in a refrigerator at 4 °C.
The Psychoemotional Stress-Induced Changes in the Abundance of SatIII (1q12) and Telomere Repeats, but Not Ribosomal DNA, in Human Leukocytes
Authors: Umriukhin Pavel E. , Ershova Elizaveta S. , Filev Anton D. , Agafonova Oksana N. , Martynov Andrey V. , Zakharova Natalia V. , Veiko Roman V. , Porokhovnik Lev N. , Kostyuk George P. , Kutsev Sergey I. , Veiko Natalia N. , Kostyuk Svetlana V.
Published: February 2022

INTRODUCTION. As shown earlier, copy number variations (CNV) in the human satellite III (1q12) fragment (f-SatIII) and the telomere repeat (TR) reflects the cell’s response to oxidative stress. The contents of f-SatIII and TR in schizophrenic (SZ) patients were found to be lower than in healthy controls (HC) in previous studies. The major question of this study was: ‘What are the f-SatIII and TR CNV dynamic changes in human leukocytes, depending on psychoemotional stress?’ MATERIALS AND METHODS. We chose a model of psychoemotional stress experienced by second-year medical students during their exams. Blood samples were taken in stressful conditions (exams) and in a control non-stressful period. Biotinylated probes were used for f-SatIII, rDNA, and TR quantitation in leukocyte DNA by non-radioactive quantitative hybridization in SZ patients (n = 97), HC (n = 97), and medical students (n = 17, n = 42). A flow cytometry analysis was used for the oxidative stress marker (NOX4, 8-oxodG, and γH2AX) detection in the lymphocytes of the three groups. RESULTS. Oxidative stress markers increased significantly in the students’ lymphocytes during psychoemotional stress. The TR and f-SatIII, but not the rDNA, contents significantly changed in the DNA isolated from human blood leukocytes. After a restoration period (post-examinational vacations), the f-SatIII content decreased, and the TR content increased. Changes in the blood cells of students during examinational stress were similar to those in SZ patients during an exacerbation of the disease. CONCLUSIONS. Psychoemotional stress in students during exams triggers a universal mechanism of oxidative stress. The oxidative stress causes significant changes in the f-SatIII and TR contents, while the ribosomal repeat content remains stable. A hypothesis is proposed to explain the quantitative polymorphisms of f-SatIII and TR contents under transient (e.g., students’ exams) or chronic (in SZ patients) stress. The changes in the f-SatIII and TR copy numbers are non-specific events, irrespective of the source of stress. Thus, our findings suggest that the psychoemotional stress, common in SZ patients and healthy students during exams, but not in a schizophrenia-specific event, was responsible for the changes in the repeat contents that we observed earlier in SZ patients.
Relationships between Willingness to Participate in the Nursing Clinical Ladder Program and Its Related Factors among Clinical Nurses
Authors: Li Yi-Hui , Chou Man-Chun , Lin Ling-Dai , Tsai Ching-Ching , Lin Mei-Hsiang
Published: February 2022

The professional nursing competence ladder system can effectively inspire nurses’ work morale, improve quality of life, and avoid the issue of senior staff leaving the clinical setting. The aim of this study was to explore the willingness to participate in the professional nursing competence ladder system and its related factors among nurses. A cross-sectional study design with a structured questionnaire was used. Purposive sampling was employed, and 696 nurses who qualified to be promoted as N2 were recruited from a medical center in southern Taiwan. The results showed most nurses were willing to participate in the nursing ladder system. There were significant differences between willingness to participate in the ladder system and age, education level, as well as promotion experience. This study emphasizes the importance of intensifying internal encouraging factors and strengthening external encouraging factors to improve participation rates. Healthcare institutions could provide instruction on case report writing to increase nurses’ willingness to participate in the clinical ladder program.
How Fear of COVID-19 Affects the Behavioral Intention of Festival Participants—A Case of the HANFU Festival
Authors: Yang Jian , Luo Jian Ming , Yao Rui
Published: February 2022

The recovery of the tourism industry is an important issue that has attracted much attention during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sustainable and safe festival tourism is considered an effective way of aiding in the recovery of the industry. A face-to-face survey of participants in the Guangzhou Hanfu Festival was conducted to examine the relationship between fears of COVID-19, perceived risks, perceptual evaluations, festival attitudes, behavioral intentions, and crowding during this difficult time. Results clarified how fear affects behavioral intentions in festival research, and the mediation role of perceived risk and the moderation role of crowding was confirmed. A timely set of recommendations was provided to festival operators and local governments.
Impact of Biochar Amendment on Soil Properties and Organic Matter Composition in Trace Element-Contaminated Soil
Authors: De la Rosa José M. , Santa-Olalla Arturo , Campos Paloma , López-Núñez Rafael , González-Pérez José A. , Almendros Gonzalo , Knicker Heike E. , Sánchez-Martín Águeda , Fernández-Boy Elena
Published: February 2022

The application of biochar as an organic amendment in polluted soils can facilitate their recovery by reducing the availability of contaminants. In the present work, the effect of biochar application to acid soils contaminated by heavy metal spillage is studied to assess its effect on the quantity and composition of soil organic matter (SOM), with special attention given to soil humic acids (HAs). This effect is poorly known and of great importance, as HA is one of the most active components of SOM. The field experiment was carried out in 12 field plots of fluvisols, with moderate and high contamination by trace elements (called MAS and AS, respectively), that are located in the Guadiamar Green Corridor (SW Spain), which were amended with 8 Mg·ha−1 of olive pit biochar (OB) and rice husk biochar (RB). The results indicate that 22 months after biochar application, a noticeable increase in soil water holding capacity, total organic carbon content, and soil pH were observed. The amounts of oxidisable carbon (C) and extracted HAs in the soils were not altered due to biochar addition. Thermogravimetric analyses of HAs showed an increase in the abundance of the most thermostable OM fraction of the MAS (375–650 °C), whereas the HAs of AS were enriched in the intermediate fraction (200–375 °C). Spectroscopic and chromatographic analyses indicate that the addition of biochar did not alter the composition of the organic fraction of HAs, while Cu, Fe, and as were considerably accumulated at HAs.
Proposed Standard Test Protocols and Outcome Measures for Quantitative Comparison of Emissions from Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems
Authors: Hensel Edward C. , Eddingsaas Nathan C. , Saleh Qutaiba M. , Jayasekera Shehan , Sarles Samantha Emma , DiFrancesco A. Gary , Robinson Risa J.
Published: February 2022

This study introduces and demonstrates a comprehensive, accurate, unbiased approach to robust quantitative comparison of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) appropriate for establishing substantial equivalence (or lack thereof) between inhaled nicotine products. The approach is demonstrated across a family of thirteen pen- and pod-style ENDS products. Methods employed consist of formulating a robust emissions surface regression model, quantifying the empirical accuracy of the model as applied to each product, evaluating relationships between product design characteristics and maximum emissions characteristics, and presenting results in formats useful to researchers, regulators, and consumers. Results provide a response surface to characterize emissions (total particulate matter and constituents thereof) from each ENDS appropriate for use in a computer model and for conducting quantitative exposure comparisons between products. Results demonstrate that emissions vary as a function of puff duration, flow rate, e-liquid composition, and device operating power. Further, results indicate that regulating design characteristics of ENDS devices and consumables may not achieve desired public health outcomes; it is more effective to regulate maximum permissible emissions directly. Three emissions outcome measures (yield per puff, mass concentration, and constituent mass ratio) are recommended for adoption as standard quantities for reporting by manufacturers and research laboratories. The approach provides a means of: (a) quantifying and comparing maximal emissions from ENDS products spanning their entire operating envelope, (b) comparative evaluation of ENDS devices and consumable design characteristics, and (c) establishing comparative equivalence of maximal emissions from ENDS. A consumer-oriented product emissions dashboard is proposed for comparative evaluation of ENDS exposure potential. Maximum achievable power dissipated in the coil of ENDS is identified as a potentially effective regulatory parameter.
Pyrolysis Behaviors and Residue Properties of Iron-Rich Rolling Sludge from Steel Smelting
Authors: Ye Hengdi , Li Qian , Yu Hongdi , Xiang Li , Wei Jinchao , Lin Fawei
Published: February 2022

Iron-rich rolling sludge (FeRS) represents a kind of typical solid waste produced in the iron and steel industry, containing a certain amount of oil and large amounts of iron-dominant minerals. Pyrolysis under anaerobic environment can effectively eliminate organics at high temperatures without oxidation of Fe. This paper firstly investigated comprehensively the pyrolysis characteristics of FeRS. The degradation of organics in FeRS mainly occurred before 400 °C. The activation energy for pyrolysis of FeRS was extremely low, ca. 5.44 kJ/mol. The effects of pyrolytic temperature, atmosphere, heating rate, and stirring on pyrolysis characteristics were conducted. Commonly, the yield of solid residues maintained around 85 wt.%, with approximately 13 wt.% oil and 2 wt.% gas. Due to the low yield of oil and gas, their further utilization remains difficult despite CO2 introduction which could upgrade their quality. The solid residues after pyrolysis exhibited porous properties with co-existence of micropores and mesopores. Combined with the high content of zero-valent iron, magnetic property, hydrophobic characteristic, and low density, the solid residues could be further utilized for water pollution control and soil remediation. Moreover, the solid residues were suitable for sintering to recover valuable iron resources. However, the solid residues also contained certain heavy metals, such as Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn, which might cause secondary pollution during their utilization. In particular, the toxic Cr possessed high content, which should be treated with detoxification and removal. This paper provides fundamental information for pyrolysis of FeRS and utilization of solid residues.
Regular Oral Health Management Improved Oral Function of Outpatients with Oral Hypofunction in Dental Hospital: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Hatanaka Yukiko , Furuya Junichi , Sato Yuji , Taue Risako , Uchida Yoshiki , Shichita Toshiharu , Osawa Tokiko
Published: February 2022

This longitudinal study aimed to clarify the impact of regular oral health management for oral hypofunction on the oral function of older dental outpatients. The 68 participants enrolled in this study were older dental outpatients (mean age 78.5 ± 8.1 years). According to the number of declined oral examinations after the first exam, participants were assigned to the oral hypofunction group (Hypo group, ≥3), receiving regular oral health management with a leaflet at the dental clinic, or the pre-oral hypofunction group (Pre-hypo group, ≤2), which served as a control. At the second oral examination, after approximately 6 months to 1 year, the Hypo group showed significant improvement in the tongue-lip motor function (Oral diadochokinesis, ODK) /pa/, /ta/, and masticatory function, while the Pre-hypo group showed significant worsening in oral hygiene and oral wetness. Temporal changes in ODK /pa/, /ta/, and the number of declined examination items were significantly different between the groups. Multiple analysis revealed that the number of improved oral examination items were associated with presence of regular oral health management after adjusting for age, sex, number of visits, measuring period, and dental treatment. Regular comprehensive oral health management for oral hypofunction improves and maintains oral function among older dental outpatients.
Wheat TaTIP4;1 Confers Enhanced Tolerance to Drought, Salt and Osmotic Stress in Arabidopsis and Rice
Authors: Wang Yan , Zhang Yaqi , An Yinchao , Wu Jingyuan , He Shibin , Sun Lirong , Hao Fushun
Published: February 2022

Tonoplast aquaporins (intrinsic proteins, TIPs) have been indicated to play important roles in plant tolerance to water deficit and salinity. However, the functions of wheat TIPs in response to the stresses are largely unknown. In this study, we observed that transgenic plants overexpressing wheat TaTIP4;1 in Arabidopsis and rice displayed clearly enhanced seed germination and seedling growth under drought, salt and osmotic stress. Compared with wild type plants, Arabidopsis and rice overexpression lines had heightened water contents, reduced leaf water loss, lowered levels of Na+, Na+/K+, H2O2 and malondialdehyde, and improved activities of catalase and/or superoxide dismutase, and increased accumulation of proline under drought, salinity and/or osmotic stresses. Moreover, the expression levels of multiple drought responsive genes clearly elevated upon water dehydration, and the transcription of some salt responsive genes was markedly induced by NaCl treatment in the overexpression lines. Also, the yeast cells containing TaTIP4;1 showed increased tolerance to NaCl and mannitol, and mutation in one of three serines of TaTIP4;1 caused decreased tolerance to the two stresses. These results suggest that TaTIP4;1 serves as an essential positive regulator of seed germination and seedling growth under drought, salt and/or osmotic stress through impacting water relations, ROS balance, the accumulation of Na+ and proline, and stimulating the expression of dozens of stress responsive genes in Arabidopsis and rice. Phosphorylation may modulate the activity of TaTIP4;1.