bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wavelength Selection Method Based on Absorbance Value Optimization to Near-Infrared Spectroscopic Analysis
Authors: Yao Lijun , Shi Xiaowen , Pan Tao , Chen Jiemei
Published: May 2021

Regarding absorption spectrum, high absorption corresponds to low light transmittance and relatively loud noise, whereas low absorption corresponds to low information content, which interferes with the modeling of spectral analysis. Appropriate absorbance level is necessary to improve spectral information content and reduces noise level. In this study, based on the selection of the upper and lower bounds of absorbance, the absorbance value optimization partial least squares (AVO-PLS) method was proposed for appropriate wavelength model selection. Near-infrared spectroscopic analysis of hyperlipidemia indicators, namely, total cholesterol (TC), and triglyceride (TG), was conducted to validate the predicted performance of AVO-PLS. Well-performed wavelength selection methods, namely, moving-window PLS (MW-PLS) of continuous type-and successive projections algorithm (SPA) of discrete type, were also conducted for comparison. The spectra were first corrected using Savitzky–Golay smoothing. Modeling was performed based on the multiple partitioning of calibration and prediction sets to avoid data over-fitting and achieve parameter stability. The selected absorbance ranged from 0.45 to 0.86 for TC and from 0.45 to 0.92 for TG, and the corresponding waveband combinations were 1,376–1,388 and 1,560–1840 nm for TC and 1,376–1,390 and 1,552–1,846 nm for TG. Among them, the waveband combination of TG covers TC’s one, and can be used for the high-precision cooperativity analysis of the two indicators. Using the independent validation samples, the RMSEP and RP of 0.164 mmol l−1 and 0.990 for TC and 0.096 mmol l−1 and 0.997 for TG were obtained by the cooperativity model. And the sensitivity and specificity for hyperlipidemia were 98.0 and 100%, respectively. These values were better than those of MW-PLS and SPA. Importantly, the proposed AVO-PLS is a novel multi-band optimization approach for improving prediction performance and applicability. This method is expected to obtain more applications.
Effects of (Pro)renin Receptor on Diabetic Cardiomyopathy Pathological Processes in Rats via the PRR-AMPK-YAP Pathway
Authors: Xiong Jie , Dong Xuefei , Li Shengnan , Jiang Fan , Chen Jing , Yu Shiran , Dong Bo , Su Qing
Published: May 2021

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a common complication associated with diabetes. The (pro)renin receptor (PRR) is an important member of the local tissue renin-angiotensin system and plays a vital role in many cardiovascular diseases. Yes-associated protein (YAP) also plays a crucial role in many cardiovascular diseases. However, the mechanism responsible for the effects of PRR and YAP on DCM remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of PRR in the pathological progression of DCM and whether PRR influences the pathological processes of diabetic cardiomyopathy through YAP. We first established diabetic cardiomyopathy rats model, downregulated the expression of PRR, and upregulated and downregulated the expression of YAP. The levels of myocardial inflammation and fibrosis were then measured and cardiac function was evaluated. In vitro, primary rat cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) were cultured with high glucose, with or without transfection with recombinant adenovirus expressing PRR, and GSK621 was used to observe the effect of AMPK. The levels of inflammation and fibrosis were measured in vitro. The results showed that PRR and YAP silencing alleviated myocardial inflammation and fibrosis. GSK621 blocked the effect of PRR on AMPK and YAP and improved CF inflammation and fibrosis. The inhibition of PRR expression offers a new therapeutic strategy for the treatment of DCM. The effects of PRR on the pathological process of DCM in rats may be mediated via the PRR-AMPK-YAP pathway.
Reducing N Application by Increasing Plant Density Based on Evaluation of Root, Photosynthesis, N Accumulation and Yield of Wheat
Authors: Zhang Xiangqian , Du Shizhou , Xu Yunji , Cao Chengfu , Chen Huan
Published: May 2021

(Aims) To clarify the mechanisms though which dense planting could alleviate the negative effect of the reducing N rate on yield, (Methods) an experiment with four nitrogen levels—0 (N0), 120 (N1), 180 (N2) and 240 (N3) kg N ha−1—and three plant densities—180 (D1), 240 (D2) and 300 (D3) × 104 basic seedlings ha−1—was conducted. (Results) Increasing plant density decreased the root length, root volume, root surface area and root tips of individual plant while it enhanced the aforementioned root traits in population. The chlorophyll content, photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance and transpiration rate of the individual plants were decreased with the increase in plant density and enhanced with the increase in N level. The increasing density and N application rate enhanced the leaf area index, photosynthetic high-efficiency leaf area and canopy photosynthetically active radiation of population. N accumulation per plant was decreased with increasing density and was enhanced with an increasing N application level. Within the same N level, the N accumulation in the population, N production efficiency and N recovery efficiency were consistently D3 > D2 > D1. A high N application rate with high density was not conducive to improving the NR (nitrate reductase), GS (glutamine synthetase) and GOGAT (glutamate synthase) activities. The yield could be maintained as stable or improved if decreasing by 60 kg N ha−1 with increasing 60 × 104 basic seedlings ha−1 within the range of N application in this experiment. (Conclusions) These results indicated that the yield of wheat could be improved with less N application by adjusting the compensatory effects from the plant density in populations.
Current Evidence of the Role of the Myokine Irisin in Cancer
Authors: Tsiani Evangelia , Tsakiridis Nicole , Kouvelioti Rozalia , Jaglanian Alina , Klentrou Panagiota
Published: May 2021

Cancer is a disease associated with extreme human suffering, a huge economic cost to health systems, and is the second leading cause of death worldwide. Regular physical activity is associated with many health benefits, including reduced cancer risk. In the past two decades, exercising/contracting skeletal muscles have been found to secrete a wide range of biologically active proteins, named myokines. Myokines are delivered, via the circulation, to different cells/tissues, bind to their specific receptors and initiate signaling cascades mediating the health benefits of exercise. The present review summarizes the existing evidence of the role of the myokine irisin in cancer. In vitro studies have shown that the treatment of various cancer cells with irisin resulted in the inhibition of cell proliferation, survival, migration/ invasion and induced apoptosis by affecting key proliferative and antiapoptotic signaling pathways. However, the effects of irisin in humans remains unclear. Although the majority of the existing studies have found reduced serum irisin levels in cancer patients, a few studies have shown the opposite. Similarly, the majority of studies have found increased levels of irisin in cancer tissues, with a few studies showing the opposite trend. Clearly, further investigations are required to determine the exact role of irisin in cancer.
The Migration and Invasion of Oral Squamous Carcinoma Cells: Matrix, Growth Factor and Signalling Involvement
Authors: Ellis Ian R.
Published: May 2021

The link between the migration of cancer cells and the spread of cancers has been established for many years [...]
Resection Margins in Head and Neck Cancer Surgery: An Update of Residual Disease and Field Cancerization
Authors: Pierik Annouk S. , Leemans C. René , Brakenhoff Ruud H.
Published: May 2021

Surgery is one of the mainstays of head and neck cancer treatment, and aims at radical resection of the tumor with 1 cm tumor-free margins to obtain locoregional control. Surgical margins are evaluated by histopathological examination of the resection specimen. It has been long an enigma that approximately 10–30% of surgically treated head and neck cancer patients develop locoregional recurrences even though the resection margins were microscopically tumor-free. However, the origins of these recurrences have been elucidated by a variety of molecular studies. Recurrences arise either from minimal residual disease, cancer cells in the surgical margins that escape detection by the pathologist when examining the specimen, or from precancerous mucosal changes that may remain unnoticed. Head and neck tumors develop in mucosal precursor changes that are sometimes visible but mostly not, fueling research into imaging modalities such as autofluorescence, to improve visualization. Mostly unnoticed, these precancerous changes may stay behind when the tumor is resected, and subsequent malignant progression will cause a local relapse. This led to a clinical trial of autofluorescence-guided surgery, of which the results were reported in 2020. This review focuses on the most recent literature of the improved diagnosis of the resection margins of surgically treated head and neck cancer patients, the pathobiological origin of recurrent disease, and relevant biomarkers to predict local relapse. Directions for further research will be discussed, including potential options for improved and personalized treatment, based on the most recently published data.
Models Explaining the Levels of Forest Environmental Taxes and Other PES Schemes in Japan
Authors: Takahashi Takuya , Tanaka Katsuya
Published: May 2021

Between 2003 and April 2016, 37 of 47 prefectures (i.e., sub-national local governmental units) introduced forest environmental taxes—local payment for environmental services (PES) schemes. These introductions are unique historical natural experiments, in which local governments made their own political decisions considering multiple factors. This study empirically evaluates models that explain normalized expenditures from forest environmental taxes as well as other PES schemes (subsidies for enhancing forests’ and mountain villages’ multifunction, and green donation) and traditional forestry budgets for Japan’s 47 prefectures based on the median voter model. Results demonstrate that the median voter model can particularly explain forest environmental taxes and forestry budgets. Specifically, the past incidence of droughts and landslides is positively correlated with the levels of forest environmental taxes. The higher the number of municipalities in a prefecture, the lower the amount of forest environmental tax spent on forests. Moreover, the number of forest volunteering groups, possibly an indicator of social capital in the forest sectors, had strong positive correlations with the levels of forest environmental taxes and forestry budgets. Other PES schemes and forestry budgets had unique patterns of correlations with the examined factors.
Change of Potential Distribution Area of a Forest Tree Acer davidii in East Asia under the Context of Climate Oscillations
Authors: Su Zidong , Huang Xiaojuan , Zhong Qiuyi , Liu Mili , Song Xiaoyu , Liu Jianni , Fu Aigen , Tan Jiangli , Kou Yixuan , Li Zhonghu
Published: May 2021

The climate oscillations of the quaternary periods have profoundly affected the geographic distributions of current species. Acer davidii is a deciduous forest tree species mainly distributed in East Asia and China, playing a dominant role in the local forest ecosystem. In order to study the potential changes of geographic distributions of A. davidii in climate fluctuations, we collected the relate geographical distribution data and six climatic variables, using maximum entropy modelling to determine the species distribution. The results showed that the Areas Under Curve (AUC) values of the working characteristic curves of the subjects in the five historical periods were all greater than 0.93, suggesting that the results of maximum entropy modelling were accurate. The simulation of species distribution showed that the suitable area of A. davidii was mainly concentrated in central and northern China in contemporary times. From the Last Interglacial Age (LIG) to the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), and then to the future (2050, 2070), the distribution area of this species experienced a decrease (LGM~Current; the high adaptability areas of central China became moderate) then an increase (Current~2050, the adaptation areas expanded to South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Siberia), and finally decreased (2050~2070, the suitable areas of South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Siberia shrank returning to China at latitude 25 °N). Compared to the LGM, the area of contemporary suitable area increased. Interestingly, the area of suitable growth range under future climatic conditions (2050) increased by half than before, and the suitable distribution area moved from Midwest China to Northeast China. This study on the change of species distribution can provide a typical case for the model study on the response of plants to climate change in the north temperate and subtropical zones of East Asia. Meanwhile, it can also give a basis for planting planning, species protection, and management.
Multi-Scale Organization of the Drosophila melanogaster Genome
Authors: Peterson Samantha C. , Samuelson Kaylah B. , Hanlon Stacey L.
Published: May 2021

Interphase chromatin, despite its appearance, is a highly organized framework of loops and bends. Chromosomes are folded into topologically associating domains, or TADs, and each chromosome and its homolog occupy a distinct territory within the nucleus. In Drosophila, genome organization is exceptional because homologous chromosome pairing is in both germline and somatic tissues, which promote interhomolog interactions such as transvection that can affect gene expression in trans. In this review, we focus on what is known about genome organization in Drosophila and discuss it from TADs to territory. We start by examining intrachromosomal organization at the sub-chromosome level into TADs, followed by a comprehensive analysis of the known proteins that play a key role in TAD formation and boundary establishment. We then zoom out to examine interhomolog interactions such as pairing and transvection that are abundant in Drosophila but rare in other model systems. Finally, we discuss chromosome territories that form within the nucleus, resulting in a complete picture of the multi-scale organization of the Drosophila genome.
Food Security Characteristics Vary for Undergraduate and Graduate Students at a Midwest University
Authors: Hiller Molly B. , Winham Donna M. , Knoblauch Simon T. , Shelley Mack C.
Published: May 2021

The study objective was to determine prevalence of food insecurity and its associations with socioecological model (SEM) characteristics for undergraduate and graduate students. An online questionnaire was distributed to a convenience sample of students aged 18–34 at a Midwestern university. Of the 938 responses, 675 were complete for analysis. Outcome measures included demographics, food security level, housing, food access barriers, coping strategies, and food assistance program usage. Results found that predictors associated with undergraduate food insecurity included non-White race, receipt of financial aid, lower self-reported health status, living off-campus, employment, and food cost (p < 0.001). Graduate student food insecurity was associated with Asian self-identification, employment, food cost, no time to prepare foods, and lack of foods for dietary needs (p < 0.001). Students with food insecurity were more likely to buy cheap food (p < 0.001). Almost 50% of food-insecure undergraduates asked friends or family to help buy food. Food-insecure students were more likely to want information on meal preparation and budgeting. More graduate students were likely to know of and use food pantries. Overall, food insecurity was higher among undergraduate than graduate students. Universities should consider institutional and policy changes tailored to the separate populations to mitigate the prevalence of campus food insecurity.
Impact of COVID-19 on Pediatric Primary Care Visits at Four Academic Institutions in the Carolinas
Authors: Brown Callie L. , Montez Kimberly , Amati Jane Blakely , Simeonsson Kristina , Townsend John D. , Orr Colin J. , Palakshappa Deepak
Published: May 2021

We aimed to determine how COVID-19 affected the number and type of pediatric primary care visits in April 2020, compared to April 2019, and which characteristics were associated with obtaining care in 2020. We performed a retrospective chart review of patients receiving care in April 2019 and April 2020 from four large, academic institutions across two states. The subjects were included if they were aged 0–18 years and were seen in a pediatric clinic in April 2019 or April 2020. We extracted the number of visits, visit type, and visit diagnosis; and the patient characteristics, including age, race/ethnicity, and insurance status. Logistic regression analysis identified characteristics associated with obtaining care in April 2020. We included 120,230 visits. Participants were 50% white and half had Medicaid. In 2020 there were significantly fewer visits for both well and acute visits with 42,670 visits in 2020 compared to 77,560 in 2019; 6616 were telehealth visits in 2020. Visits for chronic conditions were significantly decreased in 2020. Attending a visit in 2020 was more likely if the participant was black or Hispanic, younger, attending an acute visit, or had private insurance. During the COVID-19 pandemic, pediatric primary care decreased substantially for both well visits and follow-up of chronic conditions.
Relationship of Carbohydrate Intake during a Single-Stage One-Day Ultra-Trail Race with Fatigue Outcomes and Gastrointestinal Problems: A Systematic Review
Authors: Arribalzaga Soledad , Viribay Aitor , Calleja-González Julio , Fernández-Lázaro Diego , Castañeda-Babarro Arkaitz , Mielgo-Ayuso Juan
Published: May 2021

Due to the high metabolic and physical demands in single-stage one-day ultra-trail (SOUT) races, athletes should be properly prepared in both physical and nutritional aspects in order to delay fatigue and avoid associated difficulties. However, high carbohydrate (CHO) intake would seem to increase gastrointestinal (GI) problems. The main purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate CHO intake during SOUT events as well as its relationship with fatigue (in terms of internal exercise load, exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) and post-exercise recovery) and GI problems. A structured search was carried out in accordance with PRISMA guidelines in the following: Web of Science, Cochrane Library and Scopus databases up to 16 March 2021. After conducting the search and applying the inclusion/exclusion criteria, eight articles in total were included in this systematic review, in all of which CHO intake involved gels, energy bars and sports drinks. Two studies associated higher CHO consumption (120 g/h) with an improvement in internal exercise load. Likewise, these studies observed that SOUT runners whose intake was 120 g/h could benefit by limiting the EIMD observed by CK (creatine kinase), LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) and GOT (aspartate aminotransferase), and also improve recovery of high intensity running capacity 24 h after a trail marathon. In six studies, athletes had GI symptoms between 65–82%. In summary, most of the runners did not meet CHO intake standard recommendations for SOUT events (90 g/h), while athletes who consumed more CHO experienced a reduction in internal exercise load, limited EIMD and improvement in post-exercise recovery. Conversely, the GI symptoms were recurrent in SOUT athletes depending on altitude, environmental conditions and running speed. Therefore, a high CHO intake during SOUT events is important to delay fatigue and avoid GI complications, and to ensure high intake, it is necessary to implement intestinal training protocols.
Erratum: Peng, L.-P. Understanding Human–Nature Connections Through Landscape Socialization. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17, 7593
Authors: Peng Li-Pei
Published: May 2021

The editor and the author would like to make the following corrections about the published paper [...]
Oncogenic Role of miR-200c-3p in High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer Progression via Targeting the 3′-Untranslated Region of DLC1
Authors: Ankasha Sheril June , Shafiee Mohamad Nasir , Abdul Wahab Norhazlina , Raja Ali Raja Affendi , Mokhtar Norfilza Mohd
Published: May 2021

High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSC) is the most common ovarian cancer with highly metastatic properties. A small non-coding RNA, microRNA (miRNA) was discovered to be a major regulator in many types of cancers through binding at the 3′-untranslated region (3′UTR), leading to degradation of the mRNA. In this study, we sought to investigate the underlying mechanisms involved in the dysregulation of miR-200c-3p in HGSC progression and metastasis. We identified the upregulation of miR-200c-3p expression in different stages of HGSC clinical samples and the downregulation of the tumor suppressor gene, Deleted in Liver Cancer 1 (DLC1), expression. Over expression of miR-200c-3p in HGSC cell lines downregulated DLC1 but upregulated the epithelial marker, E-cadherin (CDH1). Based on in silico analysis, two putative binding sites were found within the 3′UTR of DLC1, and we confirmed the direct binding of miR-200c-3p to the target binding motif at position 1488–1495 bp of 3′UTR of DLC1 by luciferase reporter assay in a SKOV3 cell line co-transfected with vectors and miR-200c-3p mimic. These data showed that miR-200c-3p regulated the progression of HGSC by regulating DLC1 expression post-transcription and can be considered as a promising target for therapeutic purposes.
SARS-CoV-2 vs. Hepatitis Virus Infection Risk in the Hemodialysis Population: What Should We Expect?
Authors: D’Marco Luis , Puchades María Jesús , Serra Miguel Ángel , Gandía Lorena , Romero-Alcaide Sergio , Giménez-Civera Elena , Molina Pablo , Panizo Nayara , Reque Javier , Gorriz José Luis
Published: May 2021

Since the dramatic rise of the coronavirus infection disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, patients receiving dialysis have emerged as especially susceptible to this infection because of their impaired immunologic state, chronic inflammation and the high incidence of comorbidities. Although several strategies have thus been implemented to minimize the risk of transmission and acquisition in this population worldwide, the reported severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) seroprevalence varies across studies but is higher than in the general population. On the contrary, the screening for hepatitis viruses (HBV and HCV) has seen significant improvements in recent years, with vaccination in the case of HBV and effective viral infection treatment for HCV. In this sense, a universal SARS-CoV-2 screening and contact precaution appear to be effective in preventing further transmission. Finally, regarding the progress, an international consensus with updated protocols that prioritize between old and new indicators would seem a reasonable tool to address these unexpended changes for the nephrology community.
Prospective Study on Factors Associated with Referral of Patients with Opioid Maintenance Therapy from Specialized Addictive Disorders Centers to Primary Care
Authors: Guillou-Landreat Morgane , Levassor Philippe , Guerlais Marylène , Sebille Veronique , Victorri-Vigneau Caroline
Published: May 2021

Background: One of the most important issues for opiate maintenance therapy efficacy is the involvement of primary care physicians (PCPs) in opiate use disorder treatment, especially after referral from specialized units. This study aimed to analyze the progress of subjects in a specialized center and after referral to PCPs. Methods: This study was an observational prospective study. Recruitment took place in a specialized addictive disorder center in western France. All patients were evaluated (sociodemographical data, severity of substance use disorders through the TMSP scale, the quality of life through the TEAQV scale) by physicians during the 5-year-follow up of the study. Analysis focused on four main times during follow-up: entry/last visit into specialized care and into primary care. Results: 113 patients were included in this study; 93% were receiving methadone and 7% buprenorphine. Ninety (90) were referred to primary care. In primary care follow-up, the probability of the lowest severity score for substance use disorders remained stable over time. Conclusions: In daily practice, a center specialized in addictive disorders referred OMT management to PCPs for a majority of patients, and benefits regarding substance use disorders severity and quality of life remained stable after referral. Our results need to be confirmed.
Impact of the COVID-19 Italian Lockdown on the Physiological and Psychological Well-Being of Children with Fragile X Syndrome and Their Families
Authors: Di Giorgio Elisa , Polli Roberta , Lunghi Marco , Murgia Alessandra
Published: May 2021

On 10 March 2020, in Italy, a total lockdown was put in place to limit viral transmission of COVID-19 infection as much as possible. Research on the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted detrimental effects in children and their parents. However, little is known about such effects in children with neurodevelopment disorders and their caregivers. The present study investigated how the lockdown has impacted the physiological and psychological well-being of children with Fragile X-Syndrome (FXS), aged from 2 to 16 years, and their mothers. In an online survey, 48 mothers of FXS children reported their perception of self-efficacy as caregivers and, at the same time, their children’s sleep habits, behavioral and emotional difficulties during, and retrospectively, before the lockdown. Results showed a general worsening of sleep quality, and increasing behavioral problems. Although mothers reported a reduction in external support, their perception of self-efficacy as caregivers did not change during the home confinement compared to the period before. Overall, the present study suggested that specific interventions to manage sleep problems, as well as specific therapeutic and social support for increasing children and mother psychological well-being, need to be in place to mitigate the long-term effects of a lockdown.
Functional Constipation and Anorexia in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Korean Frailty and Aging Cohort Study (KFACS)
Authors: Jeong Eunjin , Kim Jung A , Kim Byung Sung , Lee Chang Kyun , Kim Miji , Won Chang Won
Published: May 2021

Anorexia is a relevant geriatric syndrome because it accounts for most malnutrition in older adults. Constipation has been suggested as a risk factor for anorexia. This study aimed to examine the association between anorexia and functional constipation in community-dwelling older adults. Data on 899 subjects aged 72–86 years were obtained from a follow-up survey of the Korean Frailty and Aging Cohort Study in 2018. Anorexia was assessed using the Simplified Nutritional Appetite Questionnaire (SNAQ), while functional constipation was diagnosed based on Rome IV criteria. Anorexia and functional constipation were present in 30.9% and 19.6% of the participants, respectively. Age, female sex, chewing problems, malnutrition, polypharmacy, low Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE) score, depressed mood, low serum albumin, and functional constipation were associated with anorexia in the univariate analysis. In the multivariate logistic regression, functional constipation was associated with anorexia (OR 1.478, 95% CI 1.038–2.104) after adjusting for age, female sex, and MMSE score. However, after further adjusting for depressed mood (OR 2.568) and chewing problems (OR 2.196), the relationship was no longer significant. This study showed that functional constipation is associated with anorexia in community-dwelling older adults, but this association is confounded by depressed mood and chewing problems.
Determinants of Physical Activity in Older Adults: Integrating Self-Concordance into the Theory of Planned Behavior
Authors: Stehr Paula , Rossmann Constanze , Kremer Tabea , Geppert Johanna
Published: May 2021

Based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB), augmented by the concept of self-concordance (derived from self-determination theory, SDT), we conducted a study to identify the key determinants of physical activity in older adults. We applied structural equation modeling of telephone survey data from a random sample of adults aged 65 years and older living in Germany (N = 865). Relations of attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control (PBC) with intention strength and self-concordance of intention to be physically active were tested. Habit strength was analyzed as a moderator. Data analysis showed this model to be well-suited for explaining the intention to be physically active—especially for people with a weak habit. The influence of TPB components on intention would have been underestimated if we had investigated intention strength only, without considering the self-concordance of intention. While attitude and PBC had positive relations with a strong and self-determined intention, the subjective norm showed no relation with intention strength but, rather, with non-self-determined regulation forms. We conclude that the combined model provides a better theoretical foundation from which to explain physical activity intentions than does just one of the theories.
Addressing Smoking Cessation among Women in Substance Use Treatment: A Qualitative Approach to Guiding Tailored Interventions
Authors: Martinez Leal Isabel , Taing Matthew , Correa-Fernández Virmarie , Obasi Ezemenari M. , Kyburz Bryce , Le Kathy , Koshy Litty , Chen Tzuan A. , Williams Teresa , Casey Kathleen , O’Connor Daniel P. , Reitzel Lorraine R.
Published: May 2021

Intersecting socially marginalized identities and unique biopsychosocial factors place women with substance use disorders (SUDs) experiencing myriad disadvantages at higher risk for smoking and stigmatization. Here, based on our work with women receiving care for SUDs in four participating treatment/women-serving centers (N = 6 individual clinics), we: (1) describe the functions of smoking for women with SUDs; and (2) explore participants’ experiences of a comprehensive tobacco-free workplace (TFW) program, Taking Texas Tobacco-Free (TTTF), that was implemented during their SUD treatment. Ultimately, information gleaned was intended to inform the development of women-tailored tobacco interventions. Data collection occurred pre- and post-TTTF implementation and entailed conducting client (7) and clinician (5) focus groups. Using thematic analysis, we identified four main themes: “the social context of smoking,” “challenges to finding support and better coping methods,” “addressing underlying conditions: building inner and outer supportive environments,” and “sustaining support: TFW program experiences.” Women reported that: smoking served as a “coping mechanism” for stress and facilitated socialization; stigmatization hindered quitting; non-stigmatizing counseling cessation support provided alternative coping strategies; and, with clinicians, the cessation opportunities TTTF presented are valuable. Clinicians reported organizational support, or lack thereof, and tobacco-related misconceptions as the main facilitator/barriers to treating tobacco addiction. Effective tobacco cessation interventions for women with SUDs should be informed by, and tailored to, their gendered experiences, needs, and recommendations. Participants recommended replacing smoking with healthy stress alleviating strategies; the importance of adopting non-judgmental, supportive, cessation interventions; and the support of TFW programs and nicotine replacement therapy to aid in quitting.
Meaning-in-Life Profiles among Chinese Late Adolescents: Associations with Readiness for Political Participation
Authors: Lin Li , Shek Daniel T. L.
Published: May 2021

This study explored the association between meaning in life and readiness for political participation based on meaning-in-life profiles among Chinese late adolescents. A total of 1030 college students (mean age = 19.69 ± 1.47 years) in Hong Kong participated in this study. First, we used a cluster analysis to investigate meaning-in-life profiles based on two dimensions: “presence of meaning” and “search for meaning”. Furthermore, we investigated the association between meaning profiles and readiness for political participation. Results revealed three distinguishable profiles, which emerged in both male and female adolescents. Students with “high-presence” and “high-search” attributes and students with “low-presence” and “high-search” characteristics showed greater readiness to engage in normative and non-normative political actions than did those with a “high-presence” and “low-search” profile. Our research fills the research gap on meaning profiles in Asian adolescents and provides the empirical basis for an alternative account of youth political participation.
Universality and Normativity of the Attachment Theory in Non-Western Psychiatric and Non-Psychiatric Samples: Multiple Group Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA)
Authors: Alareqe Naser Abdulhafeeth , Roslan Samsilah , Taresh Sahar Mohammed , Nordin Mohamad Sahari
Published: May 2021

This study tests for the first time the validity of universality and normativity assumptions related to the attachment theory in a non-Western culture, using a novel design including psychiatric and non-psychiatric samples as part of a comprehensive exploratory and advanced confirmatory framework. Three attachment assessments were distributed to 212 psychiatric outpatients and 300 non-psychiatric samples in Yemen. The results of the fourteen approaches of exploratory factor analysis (EFA) produce a similar result and assertion that the psychiatric outpatients tend to explore attachment outcomes based on multi-methods, while the non-psychiatric samples suggest an attachment orientation based on multi-traits (self–other). The multiple group-confirmatory factor analysis (MG-CFA) demonstrates that the multi-method model fits the psychiatric samples better than the non-psychiatric samples. Equally, the MG-CFA suggests that the multi-traits model also fits the psychiatric samples better than the non-psychiatric samples. Implications of the results are discussed.
Review on the Use of Superconducting Bulks for Magnetic Screening in Electrical Machines for Aircraft Applications
Authors: Dorget Rémi , Nouailhetas Quentin , Colle Alexandre , Berger Kévin , Sudo Kimiaki , Ayat Sabrina , Lévêque Jean , Koblischka Michael Rudolf , Sakai Naomichi , Oka Tetsuo , Douine Bruno
Published: May 2021

High-Temperature Superconductors (HTS) considerably accelerate the development of superconducting machines for electrical engineering applications such as fully electrical aircraft. This present contribution is an overview of different superconducting materials that can be used as magnetic screens for the inductor of high specific power electrical machines. The impact of the material properties, such as the critical temperature (Tc) and the critical current density (Jc), on the machine performances is evaluated. In addition, the relevance to flux modulation machines of different HTS bulk synthesis methods are addressed.
The Effect of Er:YAG Lasers on the Reduction of Aerosol Formation for Dental Workers
Authors: Grzech-Leśniak Kinga , Matys Jacek
Published: May 2021

Infection prevention in dental practice plays a major role, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to measure the quantity of aerosol released during various dental procedures (caries and prosthetic treatment, debonding of orthodontic brackets, root canal irrigation) while employing the Er:YAG lasers combined with a high-volume evacuator, HVE or salivary ejector, SE. The mandibular second premolar was extracted due to standard orthodontic therapy and placed in a dental manikin, to simulate typical treatment conditions. The particle counter was used to measure the aerosol particles (0.3–10.0 μm) at three different sites: dental manikin and operator’s and assistant’s mouth area. The study results showed that caries’ treatment and dental crown removal with a high-speed handpiece and the use of the SE generated the highest aerosol quantity at each measured site. All three tested Er:YAG lasers significantly reduced the number of aerosol particles during caries’ treatment and ceramic crown debonding compared the conventional handpieces, p < 0.05. Furthermore, the Er:YAG lasers generated less aerosol during orthodontic bracket debonding and root canal irrigation in contrast to the initial aerosol quantity measured in the dental office. The use of the Er:YAG lasers during dental treatments significantly generates less aerosol in the dental office setting, which reduces the risk of transmission of viruses or bacteria.
Yttrium Oxide Freeze-Casts: Target Materials for Radioactive Ion Beams
Authors: Kröll Eva , Vadalà Miriana , Schell Juliana , Stegemann Simon , Ballof Jochen , Rothe Sebastian , Lupascu Doru C.
Published: May 2021

Highly porous yttrium oxide is fabricated as ion beam target material in order to produce radioactive ion beams via the Isotope Separation On Line (ISOL) method. Freeze casting allows the formation of an aligned pore structure in these target materials to improve the isotope release. Aqueous suspensions containing a solid loading of 10, 15, and 20 vol% were solidified with a unidirectional freeze-casting setup. The pore size and pore structure of the yttrium oxide freeze-casts are highly affected by the amount of solid loading. The porosity ranges from 72 to 84% and the crosslinking between the aligned channels increases with increasing solid loading. Thermal aging of the final target materials shows that an operation temperature of 1400 °C for 96 h has no significant effect on the microstructure. Thermo-mechanical calculation results, based on a FLUKA simulation, are compared to measured compressive strength and forecast the mechanical integrity of the target materials during operation. Even though they were developed for the particular purpose of the production of short-lived radioactive isotopes, the yttria freeze-cast scaffolds can serve multiple other purposes, such as catalyst support frameworks or high-temperature fume filters.
Development and Characterization of Active Gelatin Films Loaded with Rapeseed Meal Extracts
Authors: Tymczewska Alicja , Furtado Bliss Ursula , Nowaczyk Jacek , Hrynkiewicz Katarzyna , Szydłowska-Czerniak Aleksandra
Published: May 2021

The use of industrial waste as a material for the development of natural innovative and active packaging is economically and environmentally appealing. The aim of this study was to develop and characterize active gelatin films incorporating rapeseed oil industry waste. Water (RM-WE) and methanolic (RM-MWE) extracts of rapeseed meal (RM) were used as active agents in film formulations. The active films were produced by a casting technique. The physicochemical, mechanical, optical, morphological, radical scavenging, and antibacterial properties of the films were analyzed. The addition of RM-WE and RM-MWE in the concentrations range between 4 and 12% promoted an increase of Young’s modulus (YM) and radical scavenging properties of films investigated by the direct QUick, Easy, New, CHEap and Reproducible procedure using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (QUENCHERDPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (QUENCHERABTS) radicals. The antibacterial properties of films were examined against five bacterial strains: E. coli, S. enterica, M. luteus, L. monocytogenes, and S. aureus. Additionally, color and opacity of the control and fortified films differed significantly. The gelatin films with RM extracts are resistant to the microbial spoilage and could be used to produce active packaging for food that is vulnerable to rancidity effects.
Mechanical Performance of a Ballastless Track System for the Railway Bridges of High-Speed Lines: Experimental and Numerical Study under Thermal Loading
Authors: Zhang Yingying , Zhou Lingyu , Mahunon Akim D. , Zhang Guangchao , Peng Xiusheng , Zhao Lei , Yuan Yahui
Published: May 2021

The mechanical performance of China Railway Track System type II (CRTS II) ballastless track suitable for High-Speed Railway (HSR) bridges is investigated in this project by testing a one-quarter-scaled three-span specimen under thermal loading. Stress analysis was performed both experimentally and numerically, via finite-element modeling in the latter case. The results showed that strains in the track slab, in the cement-emulsified asphalt (CA) mortar and in the track bed, increased nonlinearly with the temperature increase. In the longitudinal direction, the zero-displacement section between the track slab and the track bed was close to the 1/8L section of the beam, while the zero-displacement section between the track slab and the box girder bridge was close to the 3/8L section. The maximum values of the relative vertical displacement between the track bed and the bridge structure occurred in the section at three-quarters of the span. Numerical analysis showed that the lower the temperature, the larger the tensile stresses occurring in the different layers of the track structure, whereas the higher the temperature, the higher the relative displacement between the track system and the box girder bridge. Consequently, quantifying the stresses in the various components of the track structure resulting from sudden temperature drops and evaluating the relative displacements between the rails and the track bed resulting from high-temperature are helpful in the design of ballastless track structures for high-speed railway lines.
Influence of Type of Modified Binder on Stiffness and Rutting Resistance of Low-Noise Asphalt Mixtures
Authors: Pakholak Raman , Plewa Andrzej , Gardziejczyk Wladyslaw
Published: May 2021

Low-noise asphalt mixtures are characterized by increased air void content. Their more open structure contributes to faster degradation within the operating temperature range. For this reason, binder modification is used in their production. The correct selection of modifiers allows one to significantly improve the technical properties of the mixtures. The article presents the results of tests of six types of mixtures: stone mastic asphalt (SMA8), porous asphalt (PA8), stone mastic asphalt reducing tire/road noise (SMA8 LA) and stone mastic asphalt reducing tire/road noise, with 10%, 20% and 30% content of rubber granulate (RG). Bitumen 50/70 modified with copolymer styrene butadiene styrene (SBS) and crumb rubber (CR) was used for the production of the mixtures. In order to determine the differences in the technical properties of the mixtures, the following parameters were tested: stiffness modules by indirect tensile testing of cylindrical specimens (IT-CY) in a wide range of positive temperatures, and resistance to permanent deformation using the British and Belgian methods with the use of double wheel tracker (DWT). The test results and their analysis confirmed that there was a significant improvement in the IT-CY stiffness modules of SBS and CR modified mixtures. Replacing more than 20% of coarse aggregate with RG causes a significant decrease in the stiffness of the mixture (by 90% in relation to the reference mixture SMA8 LA). The SMA mixtures obtained lower values of rutting resistance parameters (WTS and PRD) in water (Belgian method) compared to the results obtained in the air tests (British method). On the other hand, mixtures of PA, thanks to the compression of stresses in pores filled with water, obtained better results when the rutting resistance test was performed in the water (Belgian method).
Cataract Development by Exposure to Ultraviolet and Blue Visible Light in Porcine Lenses
Authors: Haag Robin , Sieber Nicole , Heßling Martin
Published: May 2021

Background and Objectives: Cataract is still the leading cause of blindness. Its development is well researched for UV radiation. Modern light sources like LEDs and displays tend to emit blue light. The effect of blue light on the retina is called blue light hazard and is studied extensively. However, its impact on the lens is not investigated so far. Aim: Investigation of the impact of the blue visible light in porcine lens compared to UVA and UVB radiation. Materials and Methods: In this ex-vivo experiment, porcine lenses are irradiated with a dosage of 6 kJ/cm2 at wavelengths of 311 nm (UVB), 370 nm (UVA), and 460 nm (blue light). Lens transmission measurements before and after irradiation give insight into the impact of the radiation. Furthermore, dark field images are taken from every lens before and after irradiation. Cataract development is illustrated by histogram linearization as well as faults coloring of recorded dark field images. By segmenting the lens in the background’s original image, the lens condition before and after irradiation could be compared. Results: All lenses irradiated with a 6 kJ/cm2 reveal cataract development for radiation with 311 nm, 370 nm, and 460 nm. Both evaluations reveal that the 460 nm irradiation causes the most cataract. Conclusion: All investigated irradiation sources cause cataracts in porcine lenses—even blue visible light.
Oak (Quercus robur) Associated Endophytic Paenibacillus sp. Promotes Poplar (Populus spp.) Root Growth In Vitro
Authors: Vaitiekūnaitė Dorotėja , Kuusienė Sigutė , Beniušytė Emilija
Published: May 2021

Soil fertilization is necessary for high-demand crop production in agriculture and forestry. Our current dependence on chemical fertilizers has significant harmful side effects. Biofertilization using microorganisms is a sustainable way to limit the need for chemical fertilizers in various enterprises. Most plant endophytic bacteria have thus far been unstudied for their plant growth promoting potential and hence present a novel niche for new biofertilizer strains. We isolated English oak (Quercus robur) endophytic bacteria and tested them for plant growth promoting traits (PGPTs) such as nitrogen fixation, phosphate mineralization/solubilization, siderophore and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) production. We also investigated the effect the selected isolate had on poplar (Populus spp.) microshoot vegetative growth parameters in vitro. In total 48 bacterial strains were isolated, attributed to Bacillus, Delftia, Paenibacillus, Pantoea and Pseudomonas genera. All the isolates displayed at least three PGPTs, with 39.6% of the isolates displaying all five (all were Pseudomonas spp.) and 18.75% displaying four. Based on relative abundance, Paenibacillus sp. isolate was selected for the poplar microshoot inoculation study. The isolate had a significant positive effect on poplar microshoot root growth and development. Two tested poplar genotypes both had increased lateral root number and density, fresh and dry root biomass. Furthermore, one genotype had increased length and number of adventitious roots as well as a decrease in fresh aboveground biomass. The root enhancement was attributed to IAA production. We propose this isolate for further studies as a potential biofertilizer.