bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Essential Amino Acid Deficiency on General Control Nonderepressible 2/Eukaryotic Initiation Factor 2 Signaling and Proteomic Changes in Primary Bovine Mammary Epithelial Cells
Authors: Ruiz-Cortés Zulma Tatiana , Yoder Peter , Hanigan Mark D.
Published: February 2022

We hypothesized that the general control nonderepressible 2 (GCN2)/eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF2) signaling pathway and intracellular protein synthesis (PS) are regulated to maintain milk PS in primary bovine mammary epithelial cells (MECs) under essential amino acid (EAA) starvation conditions. We cultured MECs with 0%, 2% (depletion), and 100% (control) EAA for two exposure times (8 and 24 h), followed by three refeeding (RF) times with 100% EAA (0, 8, and 24 h). Subsequently, we measured cell viability, total protein concentration, and proliferation. Western blotting was used to quantify the levels of casein and the expression of total GCN2 and eIF2, as well as phosphorylated GCN2 (GCN2P) and eIF2 (eIF2P). The ISOQuant method was used to assess MEC proteomes, and the resultant data were analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis test, nonpaired Wilcoxon rank post-hoc test, and ANOVA–Tukey test, as well as principal component analyses and multiple regressions models. Differences in cell viability were observed between the control versus the depleted and repleted MECs, respectively, where 97.2–99.8% viability indicated low cell death rates. Proliferation (range, 1.02–1.55 arbitrary units (AU)) was affected by starvation for 12 and 24 h and repletion for 24 h, but it was not increased compared with the control. Total protein expression was unaffected by both depletion and repletion treatments (median 3158 µg/mL). eIF2P expression was significantly increased (p < 0.05) after treatment with 2% EAA for 8 and 24 h compared with 2% EAA with 8 h + 24 h RF and 2% EAA with 24 h + 8 h RF. GCN2P also showed significantly increased expression (p < 0.05) after treatment with 2% EAA for 24 h compared with the control and 2% EAA with 24 h + 8 h RF. Intracellular casein/α-tubulin expression was unaffected by 2% EAA compared with control (0.073 ± 0.01 AU versus 0.086 ± 0.02 AU, respectively). We studied 30 of the detected 1180 proteins, 16 of which were differentially expressed in starved and refed MECs. Cells faced with EAA deficiency activated the GCN2P/eIF2P pathway, and the lack of change in the levels of casein and other milk proteins suggested that the EAA deficit was mitigated by metabolic flexibility to maintain homeostasis.
Nuclear Expression of p-STAT3 Is Associated with Poor Prognosis in ER(−) Breast Cancer
Authors: Nakagawa Tsuyoshi , Oda Goshi , Kawachi Hiroshi , Ishikawa Toshiaki , Okamoto Kentaro , Uetake Hiroyuki
Published: February 2022

The activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) has been reported in several types of cancer, where it acts as an oncogene. However, in breast cancer, the clinical role of STAT3 remains unclear. In the present study, the association between phosphorylated-STAT3 (p-STAT3) expression and clinicopathological/biological factors was examined in each subtype. p-STAT3 expression was examined in 135 cases of breast cancer by immunohistochemistry. p-STAT3 expression was not associated with clinicopathological/biological factors and prognosis in a complete cohort of breast cancer cases. However, in patients with estrogen receptor-negative (ER(−)) breast cancer and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), multivariate analysis showed that higher p-STAT3 expression was significantly associated with a short relapse-free survival (p = 0.029, HR 5.37, 95%CI 1.19–24.29). TNBC patients with p-STAT3 overexpression were found to have a poor prognosis (p = 0.029, HR 5.37, 95%CI 1.19–24.29). On the other hand, in ER(+) breast cancer, p-STAT3 overexpression was associated with a favorable prognosis (p = 0.034, HR 9.48, 95%CI 1.18–76.21). The present results suggested that STAT3 expression may play a different role in ER(−) and ER(+) breast cancer. In the future, the pharmacological inhibition of STAT3 expression may serve as an effective therapeutic strategy for ER(−) breast cancer, particularly TNBC.
Hybrid Surface Nanostructures Using Chemical Vapor Deposition and Colloidal Self-Assembled Patterns for Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell Culture—A Preliminary Study
Authors: Liu Yung-Chiang , Jhang Jhe-Wei , Liu Kun , Pan Haobo , Chen Hsien-Yeh , Wang Peng-Yuan
Published: February 2022

Surface coatings are critical in biomaterials and biomedical devices. Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is a well-known technology for the generation of thin films on a surface. However, the granular structures produced using CVD are rare. Recently, we used PPX-C, an excellent insulating material, for granular structure coating using CVD. Colloidal self-assembly is also a well-established method to generate granular structures named colloidal self-assembled patterns (cSAPs). In this study, we combined these two technologies to generate hierarchical granular structures and tested the biophysical effect of these hybrid surfaces on human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs). Two CVD-derived granular structures were made using water or glycerin droplets (i.e., CVD or GlyCVD surfaces). Water drops generate porous particles, while glycerin drops generate core–shell particles on the surface. These particles were dispersed randomly on the surface with sizes ranging from 1 to 20 μm. These CVD surfaces were hydrophobic (WCA ~ 80–110 degrees). On the other hand, a binary colloidal crystal (BCC), one type of cSAPs, composed of 5 μm Si and 400 nm carboxylated polystyrene (PSC) particles, had a close-packed structure and a hydrophilic surface (WCA ~ 45 degrees). The hybrid surfaces (i.e., CVD-BCC and GlyCVD-BCC) were smooth (Ra ~ 1.1–1.5 μm) and hydrophilic (WCA ~ 50 degrees), indicating a large surface coverage of BCC dominating the surface property. The hybrid surfaces were expected to be slightly negatively charged due to naturally charged CVD particles and negatively charged BCC particles. Cell adhesion was reduced on the hybrid surfaces, leading to an aggregated cell morphology, without reducing cell activity, compared to the flat control after 5 days. qPCR analysis showed that gene expression of type II collagen (COL2) was highly expressed on the GlyCVD-BCC without chemical induction after 3 and 14 days compared to the flat control. This proof-of-concept study demonstrates the potential of combining two technologies to make hybrid structures that can modulate stem cell attachment and differentiation.
Carrier Injection to In0.4Ga0.6As/GaAs Surface Quantum Dots in Coupled Hybrid Nanostructures
Authors: Liu Jingtao , Luo Shiping , Liu Xiaohui , Wang Ying , Wang Chunsheng , Wang Shufang , Fu Guangsheng , Mazur Yuriy I. , Ware Morgan E. , Salamo Gregory J. , Liang Baolai
Published: February 2022

Stacking growth of the InGaAs quantum dots (QDs) on top of a carrier injection layer is a very useful strategy to develop QD devices. This research aims to study the carrier injection effect in hybrid structures with a layer of In0.4Ga0.6As surface quantum dots (SQDs), coupled to an injection layer of either one layer of In0.4Ga0.6As buried QDs (BQDs) or an In0.15Ga0.85As quantum well (QW), both through a 10 nm GaAs thin spacer. Spectroscopic measurements show that carrier capture and emission efficiency for SQDs in the BQD injection structure is better than that of the QW injection, due to strong physical and electrical coupling between the two QD layers. In the case of QW injection, although most carriers can be collected into the QW, they then tunnel into the wetting layer of the SQDs and are subsequently lost to surface states via non-radiative recombination. Therefore, the QW as an injection source for SQDs may not work as well as the BQDs for stacking coupled SQDs structures.
Ice Dendrite Growth Atop a Frozen Drop under Natural Convection Conditions
Authors: Huang Chengzhi , Zhao Yugang , Gu Tian
Published: February 2022

Condensation frosting is a type of icing encountered ubiquitously in our daily lives. Understanding the dynamics of condensation frosting is essential in developing effective technologies to suppress frost accretions that compromise heat transfer and system integrity. Here, we present an experimental study on ice dendrite growth atop a single frozen drop, an important step affecting the subsequent frosting process, and the properties of fully-developed frost layers. We evaluate the effect of natural convection by comparing the growth dynamics of ice dendrites on the surface of a frozen drop with three different orientations with respect to gravity. The results show that both the average deposition rate and its spatial variations are profoundly altered by surface orientations. Such behavior is confirmed by a numerical simulation, showing how gravity-assisted (hindered) vapor diffusion yields the deposition outcomes. These findings benefit the optimization of anti-/de- frosting technologies and the rational design of heat exchangers.
Assessment of Grassland Ecosystem Service Value in Response to Climate Change in China
Authors: Xu Yuqing , Xiao Fengjin , Liao Yaoming
Published: February 2022

The assessment of ecosystem services provides an intuitive source of information on the benefits humans derive from ecosystems. The equivalent factor method was applied to calculate the ecosystem service value (ESV) in combination with net primary productivity (NPP) calculated by the process-based Carnegie–Ames–Stanford approach (CASA) model. This study evaluated grassland ESV and its spatial evolution characteristics in China from 2001 to 2020 and revealed the impact of climate factors. For 2001–2020, the annual grassland ESV ranged from 1.17 × 1012 to 1.51 × 1012 yuan (renminbi, China yuan—the same below; $0.15 × 1012–$0.20 × 1012, US dollar), with an average of 1.37 × 1012 yuan ($0.18 × 1012). The spatial pattern of ESV per unit area of grassland was notably characterized by an increase from northwest to southeast. However, the value of grassland ecosystem services was relatively large (exceeding 10 × 106 yuan; $1.30 × 106) in northern and western provinces and was the lowest (less than 0.2 × 106 yuan; $0.03 × 106) in eastern and southern provinces. In the last 20 years, grassland ESV has increased in most areas of China and has decreased only in some western and northern areas. Compared with the first 10 years, the average ESV of grassland in most areas increased in the last 10 years, usually by less than 20%. However, it decreased in the western and northern parts of China, mainly concentrated in the alpine meadow and alpine grassland of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau and the grassland around the Yili region of Xinjiang. Precipitation was the main regulating factor of grassland ESV and had a positive impact in 79% grassland areas, especially in northern China. Evapotranspiration and sunshine hours exhibited a marginal impact on ESV, but temperature and relative humidity had no significant effect. Overall, this study contributes to exploring the spatiotemporal patterns of grassland ecosystem service value and the impact of climate factors in China, thereby providing reliable guidance for grassland ecosystem management.
Changes in the Abundance and Taxonomic Composition of Benthic Heterotrophic Protists from Atlantic Sublittoral to Deep-Sea Sediments
Authors: Hohlfeld Manon , Arndt Hartmut
Published: February 2022

Protists are the most diverse eukaryotes on our planet and metabarcoding has revealed an enormous diversity even from deep-sea environments. A range of different species has also been isolated from the deep sea and some have proven able to survive and even grow under deep-sea conditions. However, little is known about how the community structure of benthic protists changes from sublittoral down to abyssal depths. This is especially important regarding island and seamount communities which are surrounded by deep-sea areas potentially isolating them. Using a combination of live-counting and cultivation techniques, we investigated the abundance and taxonomic composition of benthic protist communities in sediments from sublittoral to abyssal depths around three islands and two seamounts of the Azores’ archipelago in the North Atlantic. Protist abundance decreased significantly and community composition changed with increasing depth. While some species were found at all depths, others were only detected in sublittoral or lower bathyal depths, indicating that some benthic taxa are limited in their distribution to a certain depth, whereas others are also present at the deep-sea floor. The proportion of unidentified specimens increased with depths pointing towards a high number of so far undetected species in the deep-sea realm.
Modified Glasgow Prognostic Score as a Predictor of Recurrence in Patients with High Grade Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer Undergoing Intravesical Bacillus Calmette–Guerin Immunotherapy
Authors: Ferro Matteo , Tătaru Octavian Sabin , Musi Gennaro , Lucarelli Giuseppe , Abu Farhan Abdal Rahman , Cantiello Francesco , Damiano Rocco , Hurle Rodolfo , Contieri Roberto , Busetto Gian Maria , Carrieri Giuseppe , Cormio Luigi , Del Giudice Francesco , Sciarra Alessandro , Perdonà Sisto , Borghesi Marco , Terrone Carlo , La Civita Evelina , Bove Pierluigi , Autorino Riccardo , Muto Matteo , Crisan Nicolae , Marchioni Michele , Schips Luigi , Soria Francesco , Terracciano Daniela , Papalia Rocco , Crocetto Felice , Barone Biagio , Russo Giorgio Ivan , Luzzago Stefano , Ludovico Giuseppe Mario , Vartolomei Mihai Dorin , Mistretta Francesco Alessandro , Mirone Vincenzo , de Cobelli Ottavio
Published: February 2022

Background: A systemic inflammatory marker, the modified Glasgow prognostic score (mGPS), could predict outcomes in non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NIMBC). We aimed to investigate the predictive power of mGPS in oncological outcomes in HG/G3 T1 NMIBC patients undergoing Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) therapy. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patient’s medical data from multicenter institutions. A total of 1382 patients with HG/G3 T1 NMIBC have been administered adjuvant intravesical BCG therapy, every week for 3 weeks given at 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, 30 and 36 months. The analysis of mGPS for recurrence and progression was performed using multivariable and univariable Cox regression models. Results: During follow-up, 659 patients (47.68%) suffered recurrence, 441 (31.91%) suffered progression, 156 (11.28%) died of all causes, and 67 (4.84%) died of bladder cancer. At multivariable analysis, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio [hazard ratio (HR): 7.471; p = 0.0001] and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (HR: 0.706; p = 0.006 were significantly associated with recurrence. mGPS has no statistical significance for progression (p = 0.076). Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed a significant difference in survival among patients from different mGPS subgroups. Five-year OS was 93% (CI 95% 92–94), in patients with mGPS 0, 82.2% (CI 95% 78.9–85.5) in patients with mGPS 1 and 78.1% (CI 95% 60.4–70) in mGPS 2 patients. Five-year CSS was 98% (CI 95% 97–99) in patients with mGPS 0, 90% (CI 95% 87–94) in patients with mGPS 1, and 100% in mGPS 2 patients. Limitations are applicable to a retrospective study. Conclusions: mGPS may have the potential to predict recurrence in HG/G3 T1 NMIBC patients, but more prospective, with large cohorts, studies are needed to study the influence of systemic inflammatory markers in prediction of outcomes in NMIBC for a definitive conclusion.
Developing Competencies in a Mechanism Course Using a Project-Based Learning Methodology in a Multidisciplinary Environment
Authors: Guajardo-Cuéllar Alejandro , Vázquez Carlos Renato , Navarro Gutiérrez Manuel
Published: February 2022

Design of Mechanism is a standard subject in Mechatronics and Mechanical Engineering majors. Different methods and tools are used by lecturers to teach the subject. In this work, we investigate the impact on the competencies development by implementing a project-based learning methodology in a mechanism course. For this, we analyze the performance of students from two different groups. The first group is taught in a traditional fashion developing a final project just related to the discipline, and the second group is taught in a multidisciplinary context where the final goal is to develop a complex project where the mechanisms subject is one complementary subject with the others. The development of engineering competencies, declared for this course, is presented for both groups through the evaluation of different aspects; also, a survey of satisfaction from the students of both groups is presented. Overall, the results show that the multidisciplinary project-based learning method, having a nonacademic training partner as sponsor and solving a real nonacademic project, improves the development of competencies related to practical applications and increases the motivation and appreciation of the student towards the mechanism learning discipline.
Socio-Emotional Competence and Self-Efficacy of Future Secondary School Teachers
Authors: Carmen Romero-García , Olga Buzón-García , Beatriz Marcano
Published: February 2022

The assessment and development of teachers’ socio-emotional competence has become a topic of interest in education. Within the classroom, this competence is demonstrated not only in teaching but also in student development. The present study addressed the relationship between socio-emotional competence and self-efficacy, as perceived by prospective secondary-school teachers (n = 285) studying for a master’s degree in teacher training, and possible differences according to the socio-demographic characteristics of the sample. A descriptive, correlational and cross-sectional, survey-type method was followed. The instruments used were a previously validated socioemotional competence inventory, and an adapted version of the Teachers Self Efficacy Scale. The results showed an adequate level in most of the socio-emotional competencies studied and a high perception of self-efficacy, and both scales correlated positively. Higher levels of socioemotional competence were found in women and in teachers aged 40 to 50 with more teaching experience. The positive effect of experience in relation to self-efficacy being higher in women than in men was corroborated. We concluded that there is a need to develop the socio-emotional competence of trainee teachers to improve their teaching performance.
Two Cognitive Dimensions of Students’ Mental Models in Science: Fidelity of Gestalt and Functional Fidelity
Authors: Ubben Malte S. , Bitzenbauer Philipp
Published: February 2022

A poorly elaborated learner’s understanding of models has been reported to be one of the major sources for learning difficulties in the quantum domain. To be able to provide physics education in schools with evidence as to how this problem can be tackled, a deeper theoretical understanding of the structure of learners’ mental models in quantum physics seems essential. In this respect, previous research has proposed two dimensions in learners’ mental models in the atomic hull context, labelled Fidelity of Gestalt and Functional Fidelity. In this article, we investigate whether this proposed two-factorial structure can be transferred to quantum concepts beyond the atomic hull context. To approach this, we surveyed the structure of students’ mental models in the context of photons’ properties and behavior. We conducted a questionnaire study: 170 secondary school students completed a survey instrument adapted from the literature. Using exploratory factor analysis, the two factors Fidelity of Gestalt and Functional Fidelity to describe the students’ mental models could be replicated for the photon context. We provide a selection of results from physics education literature to reveal that our two-factor framework to describe the students’ mental models seems to be a promising endeavor in the landscape of science education research in general.
A Novel Strategy for Monitoring a PV Junction Box Based on LoRa in a 3 kW Residential PV System
Authors: Kim Min-Soo , Kim Do-Hyun , Kim Hee-Je , Prabakar Kandasamy
Published: February 2022

Recently, 3 kW residential PV (Photovoltaic) junction boxes have mainly been installed on the roof or outer wall of building. Wired and wireless monitoring systems are being implemented by RS-485 and WIFI/IoT. However, conventional monitoring systems have a communication limitation according to the distance and environment. It cannot receive any information when a failure of the PV junction box occurs. Therefore, there is a need for a strategy to determine whether the fuse and diode in the PV junction box are faulty through voltage and current sensors. In this paper, we propose a novel strategy for monitoring PV junction boxes, based on LoRa (Long Range). The TTGO LoRa32 V2.0 module with LoRa and various input and output ports is utilized. The wireless TX module transmits various data collected from the PV junction box to the RX module in real time. In addition, the RX module displays the received data on an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screen so that the user can intuitively identify it, and the data is recorded on the internal storage device or database in the web server. The manufactured PV junction box monitoring system was tested under a 3 kW PV system. Additionally, communication reception has stable signal intensity overall, both indoors and outdoors. In particular, it shows excellent characteristics in maintaining RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) > −99 dBm and PER (Packet Error Rate) < 2.7%, up to a radius of 200 m, even in NLOS (Non Line-Of-Sight) environments. Although some packet loss occurred, it was confirmed that invisible communication was possible up to 300 m.
Hierarchical Blockchain-Based Multi-Chaincode Access Control for Securing IoT Systems
Authors: Abdi Adam Ibrahim , Eassa Fathy Elbouraey , Jambi Kamal , Almarhabi Khalid , Khemakhem Maher , Basuhail Abdullah , Yamin Mohammad
Published: February 2022

The rapid growth of the Internet of Things (IoT) and its attributes of constrained devices and a distributed environment make it difficult to manage such a huge and growing network of devices on a global scale. Existing traditional access-control systems provide security and management to the IoT system. However, these mechanisms are based on central authority management, which introduces issues such as a single point of failure, low scalability, and a lack of privacy. In order to address these problems, many researchers have proposed using blockchain technology to achieve decentralized access control. However, such models are still faced with problems such as a lack of scalability and high computational complexity. In this paper, we propose a light-weight hierarchical blockchain-based multi-chaincode access control to protect the security and privacy of IoT systems. A clustering concept with BC managers enables the extended scalability of the proposed system. The architecture of the proposed solution contains three main components: an Edge Blockchain Manager (EBCM), which is responsible for authenticating and authorizing constrained devices locally; an Aggregated Edge Blockchain Manager (AEBCM), which contains various EBCMs to control different clusters and manage ABAC policies, and a Cloud Consortium Blockchain Manager (CCBCM), which ensures that only authorized users access the resources. In our solution, smart contracts are used to self-enforce decentralized AC policies. We implement a proof of concept for our proposed system using the permissioned Hyperledger Fabric. The simulation results and the security analysis show the efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed solution.
Proactive Cross-Layer Framework Based on Classification Techniques for Handover Decision on WLAN Environments
Authors: Cervantes-Bazán Josué Vicente , Cuevas-Rasgado Alma Delia , Rojas-Cárdenas Luis Martín , Lazcano-Salas Saúl , García-Lamont Farid , Soriano Luis Arturo , Rubio José de Jesús , Pacheco Jaime
Published: February 2022

In recent years, modern technology has been increasing, and this has grown a derivate in big challenges related to the network and application infrastructures. New devices have been providing more high functionalities to users than ever before; however, these devices depend on a high functionality of network in order to ensure a correct functioning ability over applications. This is essential for mobile networking systems to evolve in order to meet the future requirements of capacity, coverage, and data rate. In addition, when a network problem happens, it could be converted into somethingmore disastrous and difficult to solve. A crucial point is the network physical change and the difficulties, such as loss continuity of services and the decision to select the future network to be connected. In this article, a new framework is proposed to forecast a future network to be connected through a mobile node in WLAN environments. The proposed framework considers a decision-making process based on five classifiers and the user’s position and acceleration data in order to anticipate the network change, reaching up to 96.75% accuracy in predicting the connection of this future network. In this way, an early change of network is obtained without packet and time loss during the network change.
Generalized Damping Model for MEMS Oscillators from Molecular to Viscous Flow Regime
Authors: Zengerle Tobias , Ababneh Abdallah , Seidel Helmut
Published: February 2022

In this study, we investigate the damping phenomena acting on piezoelectrically driven MEMS oscillators. Three different geometrical shapes of MEMS oscillators are presented, including cantilevers, bending oscillators, and paddle oscillators. An analytical model for their resonance frequencies is derived. The bending modes of these micro-oscillator structures are characterized regarding their resonance frequency and their quality factor as a function of the ambient pressure in a nitrogen atmosphere as well as the dependence on the distance to a neighboring plate representing a geometrical boundary (e.g., to the package or to the mounting). The investigations cover a pressure range from 10−3 mbar up to 900 mbar and a gap width from 150 µm to 3500 µm. Consequently, a Knudsen number range over six orders of magnitude from 100 to 10−4 is covered. The measurement data are evaluated with a generalized damping model consisting of four parts representing the individual damping mechanisms (intrinsic, molecular, transitional, and viscous). The evaluated parameters are analyzed as a function of the resonance frequency and the gap width. The data reveal an exponential growing saturation behavior, which is determined by two characteristic lengths, being correlated with the viscous and the thermal boundary layer thickness, respectively. This leads to an estimation of the strength and of the range of the damping effect just by calculating the boundary layer thicknesses given by the resonance frequency and the gas properties. From these results, we gain fundamental insights on the viscous and transitional damping mechanisms as well as on the intrinsic losses. In conclusion, a basic concept is provided to reduce the damping of micro-oscillator bending modes and thus increase the quality factor. Additionally, the results are supported by finite element simulations revealing the temperature and pressure distribution within the gap.
Long-Term Monitoring of Vegetation Dynamics in the Rhodopi Mountain Range National Park-Greece
Authors: Xofis Panteleimon , Spiliotis John A. , Chatzigiovanakis Stavros , Chrysomalidou Anastasia S.
Published: February 2022

While deforestation is a major environmental issue in the tropics, with thousands of hectares converted to agricultural land every year, in Europe the opposite trend is observed, with land abandonment in mountainous and semi-mountainous areas allowing the afforestation of former agricultural and pastoral land. This trend allows semi-natural ecosystems to recover after a prolonged period of exploitation and often over-exploitation, but it may also lead to significant loss of landscape heterogeneity with potentially detrimental effects on biodiversity. The current study aims to monitor changes in the vegetation coverage across a period of 35 years (between 1984 and 2019) in the Rhodopi Mountains range National Park in northern Greece. A time series of LANDSAT TM (16 images), LANDSAT ETM + (1 image) and LANDSAT 8 OLI/TIRS (4 images) were employed. One data transformation method was applied (TCT), and five vegetation indices (NDVI, NDWI, SAVI, EVI2 and BSI) were calculated to capture the land cover transition during the study period. The obtained results and all used indices suggest that over the study period there was a continuous trend of vegetation cover increasing, with open areas decreasing. The observed trend was further confirmed using Object Oriented Image Analysis on two pairs of images sensed in 1984 and 2019, respectively. The results suggest that almost 22.000 ha of open habitats have been lost to broadleaved and conifer woodlands, while the former also appear to be advancing into conifer-covered areas. This trend has led to significant loss of landscape heterogeneity and to a broadleaf-dominated landscape. The results are discussed in relation to their driving forces, the potential implications on biodiversity and the risk of wildfires in the near future.
Business Models for the Internet of Services: State of the Art and Research Agenda
Authors: Reis Jacqueline Zonichenn , Gonçalves Rodrigo Franco , Silva Marcia Terra da , Kazantsev Nikolai
Published: February 2022

The relevance of the Internet of Services (IoS) comes from the global reach of the Internet into everyone’s home and daily activities and from the move from a manufacturing-based economy to a service-based economy. The IoS is seen as a new ecosystem where service providers and consumers explore their business networks for service provision and consumption. The scientific literature refers to IoS as an important cornerstone for Industry 4.0 and Future Internet; thus, it becomes relevant to study how IoS interacts with business models. Nevertheless, there is a lack of clarity on such an intersection. Moreover, a systematic review of IoS-based business models is still missing. This paper aims to make a systematic review of IoS-based business models and their application fields. We included studies from Scopus and Web of Science databases, we excluded duplicated papers and short conference versions of the later full paper journal publications. Twenty-three different studies are presented, categorized in the sub-areas of IoS, and then by the fields of applications. The main finding highlights the opportunities of IoS applications in different fields, offering directions for future research on this new arena.
Effects of Increasing Fire Frequency on Conservation Values in Eucalyptus Grassy Woodland in the Process of Invasion by Allocasuarina verticillata
Authors: Kirkpatrick Jamie B. , Jenkinson Ian
Published: February 2022

Woody thickening is a widespread phenomenon in the grassy woodlands of the world, often with deleterious effects on nature conservation values. We aimed to determine whether increasing the frequency of planned fire prevented woody thickening and improved conservation values in a Eucalyptus viminalis grassy woodland in the process of invasion by Allocasuarina verticillata (henceforth Allocasuarina) in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. We used a before–after control intervention design. Ten plots from which detailed vegetation data were collected in 2018 (before the burns), 2019 (between burns), 2020 (between burns) and 2021 (after the burns) were randomly located in each of four blocks. Two of the blocks were burned in both 2018 and 2021. One block was burned only in 2021, and another was not burned at all. Mechanical thinning of Allocasuarina took place in 2021 in six plots in one unburned block and in three twice-burned plots. The fires were low intensity and patchy, reflecting the reality of planned burns in this environment. Thus, there were unburned plots mixed with burned plots in each of the three burned blocks. We compared changes in vegetation and cover attributes between a preburn survey in 2018 and a postburn survey in 2021, between five fire history/thinning classes (unburned, no thinning; unburned, thinning; twice burned; burned in 2018 only; burned in 2021 only). Fires in both 2018 and 2021 resulted in lower litter cover and higher exotic species richness than one fire in 2021. Exotic species richness increase between 2018 and 2021 was greater after fires in 2018 and 2021 than after a fire in 2021 alone. Exotic species richness was lowest six years after fire and highest one to three years after fire. The basal area of Allocasuarina was, counter-intuitively, less reduced by two fires in four years than by one. Mechanical thinning reduced shrub layer cover, which largely consisted of small trees, but did not affect basal area. Our data suggested that grass cover increased until five years after a fire, declining back to a low level by eight years. The implications of the results for conservation management are that the mechanical removal of young Allocasuarina may be successful in preventing its thickening and that burning at a five-year interval is likely to best maintain understorey conservation values. The counter-intuitive results related to Allocasuarina basal area emphasise the importance of understanding cumulative effects of fire regimes on fuel cycles and the consequent effects on tree mortality.
Trace Elements in Medicinal Plants Traditionally Used in the Treatment of Diabetes—Do They Have a Role in the Claimed Therapeutic Effect?
Authors: Konieczynski Pawel , Gappa Monika , Wesolowski Marek , Pinto Edgar , Almeida Agostinho
Published: February 2022

Background: Medicinal plants are often used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus, although knowledge about their mode of action and the substances responsible for their antidiabetic potential is limited. It is well known that some trace elements play a role in glucose metabolism and insulin action. Thus, a particular trace elements profile could be associated with the antidiabetic properties observed for some medicinal plants. Methods: Infusions (n = 102) prepared from commercial herbal products (n = 34) containing medicinal plants indicated for the treatment of diabetes (n = 16 different plant species) and infusions (n = 60) prepared from commercial herbal products (n = 20) containing medicinal plants without such an indication (n = 7 different plant species) were analyzed by ICP-MS for their trace elements content. Results: In both groups, results varied significantly between different medicinal plants and also between different origins (brands) of the same medicinal plant. Significant differences (p < 0.05) between the two groups were found for nine elements, including four trace elements related to glucose metabolism (Mn, B, V, and Se), but with lower median contents in the group of medicinal plants for diabetes. Conclusions: Except for some particular species (e.g., Myrtilli folium) in which the trace element Mn may play a role in its antidiabetic effect, globally, a direct association between the claimed antidiabetic properties and a specific trace element profile of the studied medicinal plants was not evident.
Physicochemical and Nutritional Characterization of Bran-Enriched Products
Authors: Tyl Catrin , Marti Alessandra
Published: February 2022

The incorporation of cereal bran or bran constituents can improve the nutritional profile of products and serve as a means to utilize milling by-products that otherwise may only go towards feed [...]
PVA-Based Hydrogels Loaded with Diclofenac for Cartilage Replacement
Authors: Branco Ana C. , Oliveira Andreia S. , Monteiro Inês , Nolasco Pedro , Silva Diana C. , Figueiredo-Pina Célio G. , Colaço Rogério , Serro Ana P.
Published: February 2022

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogels have been widely studied for cartilage replacement due to their biocompatibility, chemical stability, and ability to be modified such that they approximate natural tissue behavior. Additionally, they may also be used with advantages as local drug delivery systems. However, their properties are not yet the most adequate for such applications. This work aimed to develop new PVA-based hydrogels for this purpose, displaying improved tribomechanical properties with the ability to control the release of diclofenac (DFN). Four types of PVA-based hydrogels were prepared via freeze-thawing: PVA, PVA/PAA (by polyacrylic acid (PAA) addition), PVA/PAA+PEG (by polyethylene glycol (PEG) immersion), and PVA/PAA+PEG+A (by annealing). Their morphology, water uptake, mechanical and rheological properties, wettability, friction coefficient, and drug release behavior were accessed. The irritability of the best-performing material was investigated. The results showed that the PAA addition increased the swelling and drug release amount. PEG immersion led to a more compact structure and significantly improved the material’s tribomechanical performance. The annealing treatment led to the material with the most suitable properties: besides presenting a low friction coefficient, it further enhanced the mechanical properties and ensured a controlled DFN release for at least 3 days. Moreover, it did not reveal irritability potential for biological tissues.
Alternative Splicing and Isoforms: From Mechanisms to Diseases
Authors: Liu Qi , Fang Leiming , Wu Chengjun
Published: February 2022

Alternative splicing of pre-mRNA is a key mechanism for increasing the complexity of proteins in humans, causing a diversity of expression of transcriptomes and proteomes in a tissue-specific manner. Alternative splicing is regulated by a variety of splicing factors. However, the changes and errors of splicing regulation caused by splicing factors are strongly related to many diseases, something which represents one of this study’s main interests. Further understanding of alternative splicing regulation mediated by cellular factors is also a prospective choice to develop specific drugs for targeting the dynamic RNA splicing process. In this review, we firstly concluded the basic principle of alternative splicing. Afterwards, we showed how splicing isoforms affect physiological activities through specific disease examples. Finally, the available treatment methods relative to adjusting splicing activities have been summarized.
Is COL1A1 Gene rs1107946 Polymorphism Associated with Sport Climbing Status and Flexibility?
Authors: Saito Mika , Ginszt Michał , Semenova Ekaterina A. , Massidda Myosotis , Huminska-Lisowska Kinga , Michałowska-Sawczyn Monika , Homma Hiroki , Cięszczyk Paweł , Okamoto Takanobu , Larin Andrey K. , Generozov Edward V. , Majcher Piotr , Nakazato Koichi , Ahmetov Ildus I. , Kikuchi Naoki
Published: February 2022

The purpose of this study was to compare the frequency of COL1A1 rs1107946 polymorphism between sport climbers and controls from three ethnic groups (Japanese, Polish, and Russian) and investigate the effect of the COL1A1 rs1107946 polymorphism on the age-related decrease in flexibility in the general population. Study I consisted of 1929 healthy people (controls) and 218 climbers, including Japanese, Polish, and Russian participants. The results of the meta-analysis showed that the frequency of the AC genotype was higher in climbers than in the controls (p = 0.03). Study II involved 1093 healthy Japanese individuals (435 men and 658 women). Flexibility was assessed using a sit-and-reach test. There was a tendency towards association between sit-and-reach and the COL1A1 rs1107946 polymorphism (genotype: p = 0.034; dominant: p = 0.435; recessive: p = 0.035; over-dominant: p = 0.026). In addition, there was a higher negative correlation between sit-and-reach and age in the AA + CC genotype than in the AC genotype (AA + CC: r = −0.216, p < 0.001; AC: r = −0.089, p = 0.04; interaction p = 0.037). However, none of these results survived correction for multiple testing. Further studies are warranted to investigate the association between the COL1A1 gene variation and exercise-related phenotypes.
Measuring S-Phase Duration from Asynchronous Cells Using Dual EdU-BrdU Pulse-Chase Labeling Flow Cytometry
Authors: Bialic Marta , Al Ahmad Nachar Baraah , Koźlak Maria , Coulon Vincent , Schwob Etienne
Published: February 2022

Eukaryotes duplicate their chromosomes during the cell cycle S phase using thousands of initiation sites, tunable fork speed and megabase-long spatio-temporal replication programs. The duration of S phase is fairly constant within a given cell type, but remarkably plastic during development, cell differentiation or various stresses. Characterizing the dynamics of S phase is important as replication defects are associated with genome instability, cancer and ageing. Methods to measure S-phase duration are so far indirect, and rely on mathematical modelling or require cell synchronization. We describe here a simple and robust method to measure S-phase duration in cell cultures using a dual EdU-BrdU pulse-labeling regimen with incremental thymidine chases, and quantification by flow cytometry of cells entering and exiting S phase. Importantly, the method requires neither cell synchronization nor genome engineering, thus avoiding possible artifacts. It measures the duration of unperturbed S phases, but also the effect of drugs or mutations on it. We show that this method can be used for both adherent and suspension cells, cell lines and primary cells of different types from human, mouse and Drosophila. Interestingly, the method revealed that several commonly-used cancer cell lines have a longer S phase compared to untransformed cells.
Features of the Largest Earthquake Seismic Cycles in the Western Part of the Aleutian Subduction Zone
Authors: Lobkovsky Leopold I. , Vladimirova Irina S. , Gabsatarov Yurii V. , Alekseev Dmitry A.
Published: February 2022

We discussed the peculiarities of the seismic cycle in Aleutian subduction zone, characterized by an oblique subduction setting. It was shown that the orientation of the plate convergence vector relative to the subduction zone axis can have a significant impact on the preparation and occurrence of the largest earthquakes in subduction zones. In particular, from the analysis of the seismic activity occurring in the western part of the Aleutian island arc, it was found that the seismic cycles here are shorter than in the eastern part of the arc. It was revealed that the strongest earthquakes, repeating in the same areas of the western part of the Aleutian subduction zone, differ both in magnitude and length of the fault zone. Taking into account the oblique subduction setting, we proposed the keyboard model of the largest megathrust earthquakes generation as a mechanism potentially capable of explaining the reduction in the seismic cycle duration and noticeable differences in the spatial extent and localization of the fault zones of events with similar magnitudes occurring in the same segment of the western half of the Aleutian subduction zone.
Magmatic Processes at Euganean Hills (Veneto Volcanic Province, Italy): Clinopyroxene Investigation to Unravel Magmatic Interactions
Authors: Nazzareni Sabrina , Morgavi Daniele , Petrelli Maurizio , Bartoli Omar , Perugini Diego
Published: February 2022

The Euganean Hills (NE Italy) magmatic district represents the final volcanic activity of the Veneto Volcanic Province. Alkaline to subalkaline magmatic suite dominated by intermediate to felsic volcanic rocks characterises the latest volcanic activity of the Euganean Hills. Magmatic (intrusive and volcanic) enclaves are common in Euganean Hills trachytes. We used the ability of clinopyroxene to record variations of P, T, and fO2 to reconstruct the geological history of the volcanic enclaves and trachytic host. Despite similar major and trace elements composition, clinopyroxene from host is higher in Ca and Na (and Fe3+) and lower in Mg than enclaves and is slightly enriched in trace elements but with the same pattern distribution. Minor differences in geochemistry and crystal structure of clinopyroxene from enclaves and trachytic host suggest similar parental magmas that differs by small degrees of fractional crystallisation. Clinopyroxene geobarometry performed combining X-ray diffraction with mineral geochemistry for volcanic enclaves–trachytic host combined with amphibole geobarometry for intrusive enclaves and crystal mushes points to a crystallisation pressure range between 4.8–2.0 kbars. Our data support the model of a complex system of magma chambers at intermediate to shallow crustal level where mafic magma accumulated, evolved by fractionation processes and mixed.
Effects of Cognitive Exercise Therapy on Upper Extremity Sensorimotor Function and Activities of Daily Living in Patients with Chronic Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Choi Wonho
Published: February 2022

This study investigated the effects of cognitive exercise therapy on upper extremity sensorimotor function and daily activity in patients with chronic stroke and compared these effects to those of conventional occupational therapy. The 30 patients with chronic stroke (mean age: 63.6 ± 12.7 years; height: 162.8 ± 8.1 cm; weight: 60.6 ± 7.6 kg; body mass index: 22.8 ± 1.9 kg/m2) were divided into two treatment groups with 15 patients in each. The respective interventions were provided for 30 min per day, five times weekly for 4 weeks. Manual and sensory function tests were conducted to evaluate the sensorimotor function, while the Korean-Modified Barthel Index was used to assess daily activities. All outcome variables were assessed before and after the interventions. A significant interaction was observed in sensory function (p = 0.001) but not motor function or daily activities (p > 0.05). No significant main group effects were found for any outcome variables (p > 0.05). The experimental group showed significant improvements in motor function (p < 0.001), sensory function (p < 0.001), and daily life activities (p = 0.001) after cognitive exercise therapy, whereas the control group showed significant improvement only in daily life activities post-intervention (p = 0.012). These results demonstrated the positive effects of cognitive exercise therapy on upper extremity sensorimotor function and daily life activities and the lack of improvement in motor and sensory function following conventional occupational therapy in patients with chronic stroke. Thus, the combination of cognitive exercise and conventional occupational therapies may be an effective way to improve sensory function and upper extremity motor function in patients with chronic stroke.
The Effects of Sequencing Strategies in Teaching Methods on Nursing Students’ Knowledge Acquisition and Knowledge Retention
Authors: Lin Wei-Ting , Yu Ching-Yun , Chou Fan-Hao , Lin Shu-Yuan , Lee Bih-O.
Published: February 2022

Background: No existing research has determined which teaching sequence strategy is the best for nursing students. Purpose: To find out which sequence is most effective in knowledge acquisition and knowledge retention and to further verify knowledge acquisition between problem-based learning (PBL) and lecture-based learning (LBL). Methods: This was a quasi-experimental design with a comparison of two nursing student groups selected from students in their final program year who were invited to participate. Generalized estimating equation was used to compare Group I (LBL-PBL-clinical practicum) and Group II (PBL-LBL-clinical practicum) by using knowledge acquisition and knowledge retention as outcome variables. Findings: Fifty-six senior students joined this study. Group I was significantly better than Group II on both knowledge acquisition (β = 7.05, p = 0.04) and knowledge retention (β = 9.40, p = 0.03). Discussion: The sequence of LBL-PBL-clinical practicum or policy of allowing practicum and courses in the same semester might be the best strategy to enhance knowledge retention.