bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Growth, Yield, and Agronomic Use Efficiency of Delayed Sown Wheat under Slow-Release Nitrogen Fertilizer and Seeding Rate
Authors: Shoukat Muhammad Rizwan , Bohoussou Yves N’Dri , Ahmad Naeem , Saleh Ibrahim A. , Okla Mohammad K. , Elshikh Mohamed S. , Ahmad Adeel , Haider Fasih Ullah , Khan Khuram Shehzad , Adnan Muhammad , Hussain Quaid , Riaz Muhammad Waheed
Published: July 2023

Delayed sowing of wheat is a common problem in Punjab that exacerbates serious yield loss. However, individual or combined applications of seed rate and slow-release nitrogen fertilizer significantly impacted their efficacy in improving crop growth and productivity. In this regard, the present study explored the potential of slow-release nitrogen fertilizers (control (CK), simple urea (SU), neem-coated urea (NCU), and sulfur-coated urea (SCU)) to improve the growth, yield, and physiological and biochemical attributes of delayed sown wheat with three seed rate [(100 kg ha−1 (S1), 125 kg ha−1 (S2), and 150 kg ha−1 (S3)]. The study was carried out at the Postgraduate Agricultural Research Station of the University of Agriculture Faisalabad in 2018–19 and 2019–20. The study findings revealed that the sulfur-coated urea performed better under S3 seed rate. Combining SCU with S3 significantly increased leaf area index by 0.99 cm2 and plant height by 8.24% compared to simple urea, maximum spikelets, and spike length by 3.9 and 3.8 cm, respectively. The SCU with S3 treatment also increased the biological yield by 43% and 41% and the grain yield by 46% in 2018–2019 and 2019–2020, respectively, compared to CK. Similarly, higher N contents in straw and grain were recorded in the interaction of SCU with S3 treatment. Likewise, the SCU with S3 treatment enhanced the physiological attributes, i.e., chlorophyll contents and transpiration rate, by 18% and 25%, respectively, and decreased internal CO2 by 25.5%, compared to CK. In conclusion, applying sulfur-coated urea with a seed rate of 150 kg ha−1 could be considered a potential strategy for improving the growth and productivity of delayed sown wheat.
De Novo Assembly, Characterization and Comparative Transcriptome Analysis of the Gonads of Jade Perch (Scortum barcoo)
Authors: Liu Shiyan , Lian Yingying , Song Yikun , Chen Qinghua , Huang Jianrong
Published: July 2023

Due to the high meat yield and rich nutritional content, jade perch (Scortum barcoo) has become an important commercial aquaculture species in China. Jade perch has a slow growth rate, taking 3–4 years to reach sexual maturity, and has almost no difference in body size between males and females. However, the study of its gonad development and reproduction regulation is still blank, which limited the yield increase. Herein, the gonad transcriptomes of juvenile males and females of S. barcoo were identified for the first time. A total of 107,060 unigenes were successfully annotated. By comparing male and female gonad transcriptomes, a total of 23,849 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, of which 9517 were downregulated, and 14,332 were upregulated in the testis. In addition, a large number of DEGs involved in sex differentiation, gonadal development and differentiation and gametogenesis were identified, and the differential expression patterns of some genes were further verified using real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR. The results of this study will provide a valuable resource for further studies on sex determination and gonadal development of S. barcoo.
Porcine Forebrain Vacuolization Associated with Wasting in Pigs: A Novel Pathological Outcome Associated with Vitamin–Mineral Deficiency?
Authors: Ruiz-Riera E. , Vidal E. , Canturri A. , Lehmbecker A. , Cuvertoret M. , Lopez-Figueroa C. , Baumgärtner W. , Domingo M. , Segalés J.
Published: July 2023

The term wasting refers to a clinical sign used to describe a physical condition characterized by growth retardation, usually of multifactorial origin. The objective of the present study was to describe for the first time a pathological process characterized by forebrain neuropil vacuolization in pigs showing wasting without conspicuous neurological signs. To characterize the lesions pathologically, affected and non-affected pigs from eight of these farms were investigated. Histologically, the most consistent lesion was neuropil vacuolization of the prosencephalon, mainly located in the thalamic nuclei and in the transition between the white and grey matter of the neocortex (40/56 in sick and 4/30 in healthy pigs). In the most severe cases, the vacuolation also involved the midbrain, cerebellar nuclei and, to a lesser extent, the medulla oblongata. Vacuolization of the forebrain was associated with pigs experiencing marked emaciation and growth retardation. Although the specific cause of the present case remained unknown, the preventive use of multivitamin and mineral complexes in drinking water ameliorated the condition, strongly suggesting a metabolic origin of the observed condition.
Dietary Microplastic Administration during Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Development: A Comprehensive and Comparative Study between Larval and Juvenile Stages
Authors: Cattaneo Nico , Zarantoniello Matteo , Conti Federico , Frontini Andrea , Chemello Giulia , Dimichino Beniamino , Marongiu Fabio , Cardinaletti Gloriana , Gioacchini Giorgia , Olivotto Ike
Published: July 2023

One of the main sources of MPs contamination in fish farms is aquafeed. The present study investigated, for the first time through a comparative approach, the effects of different-sized fluorescent MPs included in a diet intended for zebrafish (Danio rerio). A comparison based on fish developmental stage (larval vs. juvenile), exposure time, and dietary MPs’ size and concentration was performed. Four experimental diets were formulated, starting from the control, by adding fluorescent polymer A (size range 1–5 µm) and B (size range 40–47 µm) at two different concentrations (50 and 500 mg/kg). Zebrafish were sampled at 20 (larval phase) and 60 dpf (juvenile stage). Whole larvae, intestine, liver and muscles of juveniles were collected for the analyses. Polymer A was absorbed at the intestinal level in both larvae and juveniles, while it was evidenced at the hepatic and muscular levels only in juveniles. Hepatic accumulation caused an increase in oxidative stress markers in juveniles, but at the same time significantly reduced the number of MPs able to reach the muscle, representing an efficient barrier against the spread of MPs. Polymer B simply transited through the gut, causing an abrasive effect and an increase in goblet cell abundance in both stages.
Diet of the Dingo in Subtropical Australian Forests: Are Small, Threatened Macropods at Risk?
Authors: McLean Dusty , Goldingay Ross , Letnic Mike
Published: July 2023

Carnivores fulfil important ecological roles in natural systems yet can also jeopardise the persistence of threatened species. Understanding their diet is, therefore, essential for managing populations of carnivores, as well as those of their prey. This study was designed to better understand the diet of an Australian apex predator, the dingo, and determine whether it poses a threat to at-risk small macropods in two floristically different yet geographically close reserves in subtropical Australia. Based on an analysis of 512 scats, dingo diets comprised 34 different prey taxa, of which 50% were common between reserves. Our findings add support to the paradigm that dingoes are opportunistic and generalist predators that prey primarily on abundant mammalian fauna. Their diets in the Border Ranges were dominated by possum species (frequency of occurrence (FOC) = 92.5%), while their diets in Richmond Range were characterised by a high prevalence of pademelon species (FOC = 46.9%). Medium-sized mammals were the most important dietary items in both reserves and across all seasons. The dietary frequency of medium-sized mammals was generally related to their availability (indexed by camera trapping); however, the avoidance of some species with high availability indicates that prey accessibility may also be important in dictating their dietary choices. Other prey categories were supplementary to diets and varied in importance according to seasonal changes in their availability. The diets included two threatened macropods, the red-legged pademelon and black-striped wallaby. Our availability estimates, together with earlier dietary studies spanning 30 years, suggest that the red-legged pademelon is resilient to the observed predation. The black-striped wallaby occurred in only two dingo scats collected from Richmond Range and was not detected by cameras so the threat to this species could not be determined. Two locally abundant but highly threatened species (the koala and long-nosed potoroo) were not detected in the dingoes’ diets, suggesting dingoes do not at present pose a threat to these populations. Our study highlights the importance of site-based assessments, population monitoring and including data on prey availability in dietary investigations.
Use of Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) as a Sustainable Alternative in Pork Production
Authors: Lestingi Antonia
Published: July 2023

Pork production involves several sustainability issues. The recent increase in the natural wild boar population and the possibilities of its breeding to produce meat and for sport hunting have revived attention on this wild species. The most important factors that could account for its expansion and niche invasion are briefly summarized with the scientific opinion on management strategies. The information available to date on the quantitative, nutritional, and sensory characteristics of wild boar meat is reviewed to highlight its potential, if properly managed, as a sustainable option in meat production. This review reports on the opportunity of using wild boar meat in processed products and the need for research on processing qualities and acceptability for different final products. Above all, this review suggests that wild boar can be considered a sustainable alternative to meet the animal protein demand, as it can be established in marginal areas where it is already adapted to the environment, representing an interesting addition to traditional zootechnics.
Association of Phenotypic Markers of Heat Tolerance with Australian Genomic Estimated Breeding Values and Dairy Cattle Selection Indices
Authors: Osei-Amponsah Richard , Dunshea Frank R. , Leury Brian J. , Abhijith Archana , Chauhan Surinder S.
Published: July 2023

Dairy cattle predicted by genomic breeding values to be heat tolerant are known to have less milk production decline and lower core body temperature increases in response to elevated temperatures. In a study conducted at the University of Melbourne’s Dookie Robotic Dairy Farm during summer, we identified the 20 most heat-susceptible and heat-tolerant cows in a herd of 150 Holstein Friesian lactating cows based on their phenotypic responses (changes in respiration rate, surface body temperature, panting score, and milk production). Hair samples were collected from the tip of the cows’ tails following standard genotyping protocols. The results indicated variation in feed saved and HT genomic estimated breeding values (GEBVs) (p ≤ 0.05) across age, indicating a potential for their selection. As expected, the thermotolerant group had higher GEBVs for HT and feed saved but lower values for milk production. In general, younger cows had superior GEBVs for the Balanced Performance Index (BPI) and Australian Selection Index (ASI), whilst older cows were superior in fertility, feed saved (FS), and HT. This study demonstrated highly significant (p ≤ 0.001) negative correlations (−0.28 to −0.74) between HT and GEBVs for current Australian dairy cattle selection indices (BPI, ASI, HWI) and significant (p ≤ 0.05) positive correlations between HT and GEBVs for traits like FS (0.45) and fertility (0.25). Genomic selection for HT will help improve cow efficiency and sustainability of dairy production under hot summer conditions. However, a more extensive study involving more lactating cows across multiple farms is recommended to confirm the associations between the phenotypic predictors of HT and GEBVs.
Effects of Combinations of Toxin Binders with or without Natural Components on Broiler Breeders Exposed to Ochratoxin A
Authors: Lee Jihwan , Cho Hyunah , Song Dongcheol , Chang Seyeon , An Jaewoo , Nam Jeonghun , Lee Byoungkon , Kim Sowoong , Kim Woo Kyun , Cho Jinho
Published: July 2023

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of toxin binders on broiler breeders fed an ochratoxin A (OTA)-contaminated diet. A total of 60 45-week-old female Arbor Acres broiler breeder birds with an initial body weight of 3.65 ± 0.35 kg were randomly divided into 6 treatment groups, with 10 replicates per group and 1 bird per replicate. The trial was conducted for 9 weeks (including 1 week of adaptation). Feed additive 1 (FA1) was composed of clay minerals (85% bentonite and 12% clinoptilolite) with 3% charcoal. FA2 was composed of clay minerals (66.1% aluminosilicates) with natural components (0.8% artichoke and rosemary plant extracts), 7% yeast extract, 0.5% beta-glucans, and 25.6% carriers. The dietary treatment groups were as follows: (1) birds fed an OTA-free basal diet (Negative Control; NC); (2) lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged birds fed a diet including OTA (4 mg/kg) (Positive Control, PC); (3) the PC with 0.05% FA1 (Treatment 1, T1); (4) the PC with 0.10% FA1 (Treatment 2, T2); (5) the PC with 0.10% FA2 (Treatment 3, T3); and (6) the PC with 0.20% FA2 (Treatment 4, T4). The LPS challenge (an intramuscular injection of 1 mg E. coli O55:B5 LPS per kg of body weight) was performed on the first day of the experiment. The results of this experiment show that the PC treatment negatively affected (p < 0.05) egg production, hatchability, Haugh unit, bone mineralization, relative organ weight (abdominal fat, liver), the levels of glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and total cholesterol in the blood, and OTA accumulation in the liver compared with the NC. However, supplementation with toxin binders mitigated (p < 0.05) the negative effects of the OTA. Specifically, supplementation with 0.10% FA1 and 0.10% FA2 increased (p < 0.05) eggshell strength by week 4, and the Haugh unit and bone mineralization (phosphorous) by week 8, while decreasing (p < 0.05) the relative weight of the liver and the levels of GOT and HDL in the blood. Supplementation with 0.10% FA2 led to greater improvements in various parameters, including laying performance and bone mineralization, than the other treatments. In conclusion, toxin binders with or without natural components can be effective tools in the mitigation of OTA-induced problems due to their synergistic effects.
Ceftazidime-Avibactam Treatment for Klebsiella pneumoniae Bacteremia in Preterm Infants in NICU: A Clinical Experience
Authors: Marino Andrea , Pulvirenti Sarah , Campanella Edoardo , Stracquadanio Stefano , Ceccarelli Manuela , Micali Cristina , Tina Lucia Gabriella , Di Dio Giovanna , Stefani Stefania , Cacopardo Bruno , Nunnari Giuseppe
Published: July 2023

Ceftazidime/avibactam (CAZ/AVI) is an antibiotic combination approved for the treatment of several infections caused by multi-drug resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacteria. Neonates admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) are at high risk of developing bacterial infections, and the choice of appropriate antibiotics is crucial. However, the use of antibiotics in neonates carries risks such as antibiotic resistance and disruption of gut microbiota. This study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of CAZ/AVI in preterm infants admitted to the NICU. Retrospective data from preterm infants with Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteremia who received CAZ/AVI were analyzed. Clinical and microbiological responses, adverse events, and outcomes were evaluated. Eight patients were included in the study, all of whom showed clinical improvement and achieved microbiological cure with CAZ/AVI treatment. No adverse drug reactions were reported. Previous antibiotic therapies failed to improve the neonates’ condition, and CAZ/AVI was initiated based on clinical deterioration and epidemiological considerations. The median duration of CAZ/AVI treatment was 14 days, and combination therapy with fosfomycin or amikacin was administered. Previous case reports have also shown positive outcomes with CAZ/AVI in neonates. However, larger trials are needed to further investigate the safety and efficacy of CAZ/AVI in this population.
In Vitro Activity of Cefiderocol against a Global Collection of Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Isolates
Authors: Seifert Harald , Müller Carina , Stefanik Danuta , Higgins Paul G. , Wohlfarth Esther , Kresken Michael
Published: July 2023

Background: Cefiderocol is a novel siderophore cephalosporin with potent activity against multi-drug-resistant Gram-negative pathogens including carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB). Methods: The susceptibility of 313 non-duplicate CRAB isolates with defined carbapenem resistance mechanisms from a global collection to cefiderocol, ceftazidime, ceftazidime/avibactam, ceftolozane/tazobactam, ciprofloxacin, colistin, imipenem/relebactam, meropenem, meropenem/vaborbactam, minocycline, and piperacillin/tazobactam was determined using the broth microdilution method. Isolates were obtained from various body sites from patients in 47 countries in five world regions between 2012 and 2016. The identification of carbapenem resistance mechanisms and assignment to A. baumannii international clonal lineages were based on whole genome sequencing. Results: Cefiderocol showed greater activity than comparator antimicrobials of the β-lactam class, including novel β-lactams combined with β-lactamase inhibitors, ciprofloxacin, and minocycline. Cefiderocol MIC50 and MIC90 values were 0.5 mg/L and 4 mg/L, respectively, while colistin had comparable activity with a higher MIC50 at 1 mg/L and a lower MIC90 value of 2 mg/L. Many isolates with elevated cefiderocol MICs ≥ 4 mg/L represented A. baumannii international clone (IC) 1 and harbored a metallo-β-lactamase. Conclusions: While cefiderocol is a useful addition to the limited armamentarium of drugs targeting this problematic pathogen, a considerable part of CRAB isolates had elevated MIC values in a range of 4 -> 32 mg/L, including all isolates with a metallo-β-lactamase.
Study on the Co-Evolution Mechanism of Key Strata and Mining Fissure in Shallow Coal Seam Mining
Authors: Zhang Jie , He Yifeng , Yang Tao , Bai Wenyong , Gao Shoushi , Yan Yihui
Published: July 2023

Shallow coal seam mining makes the evolution form of mining fissures in rock and soil layers diversified, which leads to the easy penetration of mining fissures as the main channel of water, sand inrush, and air leakage. In order to reveal the co-evolution mechanism of broken rock beam structure and mining fissures in key strata, taking Hanjiawan Coal Mine as the research background, the relationship between mining fissures and rock beam structure, fissure activation period, propagation characteristics, and connectivity of working face was studied by means of field observation, physical similarity simulation, and theoretical derivation. The research shows that the fracture structure of key strata in shallow coal seam mining mainly includes hinged rock beam and step rock beam structures. Through the analysis of the rock beam structure, we found that the types of mining fissures in the overlying strata of key strata were up and down I-I and I-II mining fissures, and the heights of fissure development were 44.38 m and 98.35 m, respectively. The key block rotation made the mining fissures undergo five dynamic activation processes. The calculation formula of the fissure activation cycle was established, and the rock breaking angle, mining fracture lag distance, and fissure penetration discriminant were obtained and verified by field measurement results.
TIG-DETR: Enhancing Texture Preservation and Information Interaction for Target Detection
Authors: Liu Zhiyong , Wang Kehan , Li Changming , Wang Yixuan , Luo Guoqian
Published: July 2023

FPN (Feature Pyramid Network) and transformer-based target detectors are commonly employed in target detection tasks. However, these approaches suffer from design flaws that restrict their performance. To overcome these limitations, we proposed TIG-DETR (Texturized Instance Guidance DETR), a novel target detection model. TIG-DETR comprises a backbone network, TE-FPN (Texture-Enhanced FPN), and an enhanced DETR detector. TE-FPN addresses the issue of texture information loss in FPN by utilizing a bottom-up architecture, Lightweight Feature-wise Attention, and Feature-wise Attention. These components effectively compensate for texture information loss, mitigate the confounding effect of cross-scale fusion, and enhance the final output features. Additionally, we introduced the Instance Based Advanced Guidance Module in the DETR-based detector to tackle the weak detection of larger objects caused by the limitations of window interactions in Shifted Window-based Self-Attention. By incorporating TE-FPN instead of FPN in Faster RCNN and employing ResNet-50 as the backbone network, we observed an improvement of 1.9 AP in average accuracy. By introducing the Instance-Based Advanced Guidance Module, the average accuracy of the DETR-based target detector has been improved by 0.4 AP. TIG-DETR achieves an impressive average accuracy of 44.1% with ResNet-50 as the backbone network.
Analysis of the Influence and Propagation Law of Urban Rail Transit Disruptions: A Case Study of Beijing Rail Transit
Authors: Zhou Wenhan , Li Tongfei , Ding Rui , Xiong Jie , Xu Yan , Wang Feiyang
Published: July 2023

In the context of the network operation of urban rail transit systems, disruptions caused by signal interruptions influence not only the operation of the service at a single station but also the level of service of the whole network. Moreover, it is even possible to induce the cascading failure of the urban rail transit network. Therefore, it is essential to maintain the real-time dynamic monitoring of abnormal stations in urban rail transit systems for security reasons. Based on the large amounts of automated fare collection (AFC) data, a real-time calculation method to estimate the influence intensity of the passenger flow is presented, the spatiotemporal distribution of the influence characteristics is analyzed, and the propagation law of disruptions in the urban rail transit network is explored. First, the fluctuation threshold of passenger flow in a normal situation for all stations was calculated. Accordingly, abnormal stations influenced by the disruption were identified. Then, an evaluation method for calculating the influence intensity of the passenger flow was proposed. Finally, a real-world case study based on the Beijing rail transit system was conducted. All abnormal stations were identified dynamically and displayed in real time, and the distribution and propagation law of abnormal stations were constructed by spatiotemporal diagrams. The influence intensity of passenger flow was analyzed in detail from the perspective of the whole network and representative stations. The results revealed that transfer stations were more vulnerable to the effects of disruption, and the duration for which these stations were affected was longer than that of ordinary stations. Moreover, short-distance travelers were less affected by the disruption than long-distance travelers. The method proposed in this paper can provide a theoretical basis for rail management departments to grasp the characteristics of passenger flow in real time, formulate disposal measures dynamically, and provide more accurate information services for passengers.
Discriminator-Enhanced Knowledge-Distillation Networks
Authors: Li Zhenping , Cao Zhen , Li Pengfei , Zhong Yong , Li Shaobo
Published: July 2023

Query auto-completion (QAC) serves as a critical functionality in contemporary textual search systems by generating real-time query completion suggestions based on a user’s input prefix. Despite the prevalent use of language models (LMs) in QAC candidate generation, LM-based approaches frequently suffer from overcorrection issues during pair-wise loss training and efficiency deficiencies. To address these challenges, this paper presents a novel framework—discriminator-enhanced knowledge distillation (Dis-KD)—for the QAC task. This framework combines three core components: a large-scale pre-trained teacher model, a lightweight student model, and a discriminator for adversarial learning. Specifically, the discriminator aids in discerning generative-level differences between the teacher and the student models. An additional discriminator score loss is amalgamated with the traditional knowledge-distillation loss, resulting in enhanced performance of the student model. Contrary to the stepwise evaluation of each generated word, our approach assesses the entire generation sequence. This method alleviates the prevalent overcorrection issue in the generation process. Consequently, our proposed framework boasts improvements in model accuracy and a reduction in parameter size. Empirical results highlight the superiority of Dis-KD over established baseline methods, with the student model surpassing the teacher model in QAC tasks for sub-word languages.
Methodology Proposal and 3D Model Creation of a Car Steering Wheel
Authors: Fandáková Miriam , Palčák Michal , Kudela Pavol
Published: July 2023

Currently, the largest milestone to successfully bring products to market is to shorten the production time interval, so the production of any product should be very fast. Customers are far more demanding and recently prefer the option to customize products. A key element in the development of prototypes and the overall shortening of the production process is rapid prototyping, an integral part of which is virtual modeling. Modeling is completed through explicit or parametric 3D CAD software. This article proposes a methodology for creating a 3D virtual model of a car steering wheel and then creates an assembled spatial model in real size. Attention is focused on the theoretical knowledge of the problem, the specification of dimensions, the number of assembly members and the selection of a suiTable 3D CAD application in which the steering wheel is modeled. Many specific software features are also described that are not standardly used and make a significant contribution to a more design-attractive output.
Assessing the Impact of Maxillomandibular Difference on the Success of Orthodontic Decompensation Preparation in Orthognathic Surgical Skeletal Class-III Patients
Authors: Laviv Amir , Hija Ahmad , Allon Dror M.
Published: July 2023

Background: Combined orthodontic-surgical treatment includes a thorough diagnosis and analysis of dental and facial deformities. Cephalometric analysis is a common tool for this, in which measurements of specific anatomical landmarks are performed. In order to achieve a successful surgery, orthodontic teeth preparation is mandatory, including dental decompensation before surgery. This should be planned and adequately executed to allow the surgeon to move the jaws to the correct ideal position. Aim: The current study aimed to check if the orthodontic decompensation amount is influenced and compromised by the maxillomandibular difference and if there is a correlation between the deformity’s severity and the orthodontist’s difficulty in achieving an accurate result in the orthodontic decompensation preparation. Methods: The study consisted of 50 pre-operational cephalometric radiographs of patients with Class-III (prognathic) deformity. The measurements included the angles of the upper incisor (U1) longitudinal axis to the Frankfort plane (FH) and palatal plane (PP), lower incisor (L1) longitudinal axis to the lower mandibular plane (MP), overjet (OJ), effective maxillary length, effective mandibular length, and the maxilla–mandibular difference (Diff); Pearson correlation coefficient was applied. Results: There was a significant correlation between the maxilla–mandibular difference and U1 to FH angle (r = 0.254, p = 0.037), U1 to PP angle (r = 0.447, p < 0.001), OJ (r = (−0.426), p < 0.001). There was no statistical significance for Diff and L1 to MP angle (p = 0.342). Conclusions: In Class-III patients, achieving adequate decompensation is more challenging with the maxillary incisors rather than with the mandibular incisors, especially in more severe cases.
Wine Grapes Ripening: A Review on Climate Effect and Analytical Approach to Increase Wine Quality
Authors: Rouxinol Maria Inês , Martins Maria Rosário , Barroso João Mota , Rato Ana Elisa
Published: July 2023

Red wine grapes have an important impact on the economy of many regions, both for wine quality and for their richness in phenolic compounds, which have many health benefits. Climate has been changing substantially in the last years, which affects greatly grape polyphenolic composition and wine quality. In this review, we will unveil the importance of climate in grape development, both physically and chemically, the different methodologies used to evaluate grape quality, the interesting new approaches using NIR spectroscopy, and the functional properties of grapes and red wine, due to their high phenolic content. Climate has an impact in the development of phenolic compounds in grapes, namely in the anthocyanins biosynthesis. The phenolic chemical composition changes during maturation, therefore, it is essential to keep on track the accumulation of these key compounds. This information is crucial to help producers choose the best harvest date since specific compounds like polyphenols are responsible for the color, taste, and mouthfeel of wines, which directly affects wine quality. The usage of different methodologies to assess quality parameters in grapes and wine, can be used to provide essential information to create the chemical profile of each variety to develop calibration methods. NIR spectroscopy seems to be a reliable method to be used in vineyards during grape maturation to provide real time information on quality parameters to producers since many reliable calibration models have been developed over time.
Spatial and Temporal Characteristics of Rainstorm Events in Southwest China from 1961 to 2021
Authors: Liu Yujia , Liao Jie , Zhao Yufei
Published: July 2023

The rainfall distribution in southwest China is uneven, and the rainstorm threshold cannot use in a unified standard. This paper synthesizes a calculation method for the extremely heavy precipitation threshold and the provision of the rainstorm threshold in meteorological operation. It calculates the daily precipitation rainstorm threshold at 400 national ground stations in southwest China. The rainstorm events from 1961 to 2021 were statistically analyzed using the rainstorm threshold and analyzing the spatial-temporal variation characteristics. The results show that the number of single-station rainstorm events and the average precipitation of single-station rainstorm events in southwest China decreased from east to west. The number and frequency of single-station rainstorm events in Guizhou, Sichuan, Tibet, and Chongqing are increasing, while the number of single-station rainstorm events in Yunnan is decreasing. There is no apparent spatial distribution pattern for the continuous rainstorm events in the southwest region. From 1961 to 2021, the number and frequency of rainstorm events at a single station in southwest China followed an upward trend. The number of rainstorm events at a single station increased by 16.7 times · (10a)−1, and the frequency of rainstorms increased by 9.9% · (10a)−1. The continuous rainstorm events show an increasing trend, with an increase of 0.1 times · (10a)−1. Using the rainstorm threshold in southwest China, the early warning threshold for rainstorm disasters can be adjusted. The temporal and spatial characteristics of rainstorm events since 1961 can analyze the changes occurring in rainstorm events under global warming and provide data to support the response of southwest China to climate change.
Understanding Sperm Quality for Improved Reproductive Performance
Authors: Santolaria Pilar , Rickard Jessica P. , Pérez-Pe Rosaura
Published: July 2023

The assessment of semen quality is used to identify factors that influence sperm performance and diagnose male infertility [...]
Targeted Destruction of S100A4 Inhibits Metastasis of Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Ismail Thamir M. , Crick Rachel G. , Du Min , Shivkumar Uma , Carnell Andrew , Barraclough Roger , Wang Guozheng , Cheng Zhenxing , Yu Weiping , Platt-Higgins Angela , Nixon Gemma , Rudland Philip S.
Published: July 2023

Most patients who die of cancer do so from its metastasis to other organs. The calcium-binding protein S100A4 can induce cell migration/invasion and metastasis in experimental animals and is overexpressed in most human metastatic cancers. Here, we report that a novel inhibitor of S100A4 can specifically block its increase in cell migration in rat (IC50, 46 µM) and human (56 µM) triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells without affecting Western-blotted levels of S100A4. The moderately-weak S100A4-inhibitory compound, US-10113 has been chemically attached to thalidomide to stimulate the proteasomal machinery of a cell. This proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) RGC specifically eliminates S100A4 in the rat (IC50, 8 nM) and human TNBC (IC50, 3.2 nM) cell lines with a near 20,000-fold increase in efficiency over US-10113 at inhibiting cell migration (IC50, 1.6 nM and 3.5 nM, respectively). Knockdown of S100A4 in human TNBC cells abolishes this effect. When PROTAC RGC is injected with mouse TNBC cells into syngeneic Balb/c mice, the incidence of experimental lung metastases or local primary tumour invasion and spontaneous lung metastasis is reduced in the 10–100 nM concentration range (Fisher’s Exact test, p ≤ 0.024). In conclusion, we have established proof of principle that destructive targeting of S100A4 provides the first realistic chemotherapeutic approach to selectively inhibiting metastasis.
Role of Angiopoietic Coronary Endothelial Dysfunction in the Pathogenesis of Ischemic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Chumakova Svetlana P. , Urazova Olga I. , Shipulin Vladimir M. , Andreev Sergey L. , Denisenko Olga A. , Gladkovskaya Margarita V. , Litvinova Larisa S. , Bubenchikov Mikhail A.
Published: July 2023

Background: The angiopoietic endothelial dysfunction in ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICMP) remains unexplored. Aim: The identification of the imbalance of endothelial dysfunction mediators and the number of endothelial progenitor (EPC) and desquamated (EDC) cells in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) with and without ICMP. Methods: A total of 87 patients (47 with ICMP and 40 without ICMP) were observed. The content of EPCs (CD14+CD34+VEGFR2+) in vein blood and EDCs (CD45−CD146+) in the blood from the coronary sinus and cubital vein was determined by flow cytometry. The contents of HIF-1α and HIF-2α in vein blood as well as that of ADMA and endothelin-1 in sinus plasma and angiopoietin-2, MMP-9 and galectin-3 in both samples were assessed using ELISA, and VEGF, PDGF, SDF-1 and MCP-1 contents using immunofluorescence. Results: ADMA and endothelin-1 levels in the sinus blood were comparable between the patient groups; a deficiency of HIF-1α and excess of HIF-2α were detected in the vein blood of ICMP patients. The EDC content in the vein blood increased in CHD patients regardless of ICMP, and the concentrations of VEGF-A, VEGF-B, PDGF, MCP-1, angiopoietin-2, and MMP-9 were normal. In ICMP patients, vein blood was characterized by an excess of galectin-3 and sinus blood by an excess of EDCs, angiopoietin-2, MMP-9 and galectin-3. Conclusion: ICMP is accompanied by angiopoietic endothelial dysfunction.
Evaluation of Replies to Voice Queries in Gynecologic Oncology by Virtual Assistants Siri, Alexa, Google, and Cortana
Authors: Land Jamie M. , Pavlik Edward J. , Ueland Elizabeth , Ueland Sara , Per Nicholas , Quick Kristen , Gorski Justin W. , Riggs McKayla J. , Hutchcraft Megan L. , Llanora Josie D. , Yun Do Hyun
Published: July 2023

Women that receive news that they have a malignancy of gynecologic origin can have questions about their diagnosis. These questions might be posed as voice queries to the virtual assistants Siri, Alexa, Google, and Cortana. Because our world has increasingly adopted smart phones and standalone voice query devices, this study focused on the accuracy of audible replies by the virtual assistants (VAs) Siri, Alexa, Google, and Cortana to voice queries related to gynecologic oncology. Twenty-one evaluators analyzed VA audible answers to select voice queries related to gynecologic oncology. Questions were posed in three different ways for each voice query in order to maximize the likelihood of acceptability to the VAs in a 24-question panel. For general queries that were not related to gynecologic oncology, Google provided the most correct audible replies (83.3% correct), followed by Alexa (66.7% correct), Siri (45.8% correct), and Cortana (20.8% correct). For gynecologic oncology-related queries, the accuracy of the VAs was considerably lower: Google provided the most correct audible replies (18.1%), followed by Alexa (6.5%), Siri (5.5%), and Cortana (2.3%). There was a considerable drop in the accuracy of audible replies to oral queries on topics in gynecologic oncology relative to general queries that were not related to gynecologic oncology. There is considerable room for improvement in VA performance, so that caution is advised when using VAs for medical queries in gynecologic oncology. Our specific findings related to gynecologic oncology extend the work of others with regard to the low usability of general medical information obtained from VAs, so that reliance on conversational assistants for actionable medical information represents a safety risk for patients and consumers.
Streptavidin-Conjugated DNA for the Boronate Affinity-Based Detection of Poly(ADP-Ribose) Polymerase-1 with Improved Sensitivity
Authors: Gao Fengli , Liu Gang , Qiao Yishu , Dong Xiuwen , Liu Lin
Published: July 2023

This work reports the development of a fluorescence method for the detection of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP1), in which a phenylboronic acid-modified fluorescein isothiocyanate dye (FITC-PBA) was used to recognize the formed poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR) polymer. The detection system was designed by conjugating recombinant streptavidin (rSA) with PARP1-specific double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) through streptavidin–biotin interaction. Capture of PARP1 via rSA–biotin–dsDNA allowed for the poly-ADP-ribosylation (PARylation) of both rSA and PARP1 in a homogeneous solution. The resulting rSA–biotin–dsDNA/PAR conjugates were then captured and separated via the commercialized nitrilotriacetic acid–nickel ion-modified magnetic bead (MB-NTA-Ni) through the interaction between NTA–Ni on MB surface and oligohistidine (His6) tag in rSA. The PAR polymer could capture the dye of FITC-PBA through the borate ester interaction between the boronic acid moiety in PBA and the cis-diol group in ribose, thus causing a decrease in fluorescence signal. The PARylation of streptavidin and the influence of steric hindrance on PARylation efficiency were confirmed using reasonable detection strategies. The method showed a wide linear range (0.01~20 U) and a low detection limit (0.01 U). This work should be valuable for the development of novel biosensors for the detection of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases and diol-containing species.
A Nomogram for Predicting the Recurrence of Acute Non-Cardioembolic Ischemic Stroke: A Retrospective Hospital-Based Cohort Analysis
Authors: Shao Kangmei , Zhang Fan , Li Yongnan , Cai Hongbin , Paul Maswikiti Ewetse , Li Mingming , Shen Xueyang , Wang Longde , Ge Zhaoming
Published: July 2023

Non-cardioembolic ischemic stroke (IS) is the predominant subtype of IS. This study aimed to construct a nomogram for recurrence risks in patients with non-cardioembolic IS in order to maximize clinical benefits. From April 2015 to December 2019, data from consecutive patients who were diagnosed with non-cardioembolic IS were collected from Lanzhou University Second Hospital. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis was used to optimize variable selection. Multivariable Cox regression analyses were used to identify the independent risk factors. A nomogram model was constructed using the “rms” package in R software via multifactor Cox regression. The accuracy of the model was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC), calibration curve, and decision curve analyses (DCA). A total of 729 non-cardioembolic IS patients were enrolled, including 498 (68.3%) male patients and 231 (31.7%) female patients. Among them, there were 137 patients (18.8%) with recurrence. The patients were randomly divided into training and testing sets. The Kaplan–Meier survival analysis of the training and testing sets consistently revealed that the recurrence rates in the high-risk group were significantly higher than those in the low-risk group (p < 0.01). Moreover, the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of the risk score demonstrated that the area under the curve was 0.778 and 0.760 in the training and testing sets, respectively. The nomogram comprised independent risk factors, including age, diabetes, platelet–lymphocyte ratio, leukoencephalopathy, neutrophil, monocytes, total protein, platelet, albumin, indirect bilirubin, and high-density lipoprotein. The C-index of the nomogram was 0.752 (95% CI: 0.705~0.799) in the training set and 0.749 (95% CI: 0.663~0.835) in the testing set. The nomogram model can be used as an effective tool for carrying out individualized recurrence predictions for non-cardioembolic IS.
Artificial Intelligence: Deciphering the Links between Psychiatric Disorders and Neurodegenerative Disease
Authors: Stefano George B. , Büttiker Pascal , Weissenberger Simon , Esch Tobias , Michaelsen Maren M. , Anders Martin , Raboch Jiri , Ptacek Radek
Published: July 2023

Artificial Intelligence (AI), which is the general term used to describe technology that simulates human cognition [...]
Are Malaysians Exercising? A Psychometric Analysis of Their Physical Activity Habits, Physical Literacy and Exercise Participation Rates among Adults with and without Disability
Authors: Mat Rosly Maziah
Published: July 2023

Background: Physical activity levels of adults worldwide have reported a rising trend in sedentarism. This study’s main objective is to analyze and understand the current tendency in this field and in physical literacy among Malaysian adults in order to improve physical performance. Methods: The sample from which the data were collected corresponded to 352 Malaysian participants (N = 176 non-disabled, N = 176 physical disability) using The Physical Activity Scale for Individuals with Physical Disabilities questionnaire. Results: Four factors were extracted, consisting of leisure activities, home maintenance, household chores, and career. The group with physical disability reported higher physical activity levels (14.30 MET h/day) compared to non-disabled (12.77 MET h/day), performing higher in leisure activities and light exercise. The compliance rate to health-beneficial exercise was 12.8% and was significantly higher among those with physical disability. Self-reported physical activity level correlated moderately well to overall MET performed p < 0.000, (r = 0.57). Only 2.8% of the respondents were aware of the recommendations outlined by health guidelines. Conclusion: The results indicated that the population surveyed was moderately active but had low compliance to exercise habits as recommended by international health guidelines. Non-participation in prescribed exercises was linked to higher education, urban dwellers, and higher income. The study also highlighted very low physical literacy among respondents in health recommended exercise guidelines.
Examining the Influence of Authentic Leadership on Follower Hope and Organizational Citizenship Behavior: The Mediating Role of Follower Identification
Authors: Jun Kiho , Hu Zhehua , Lee Joonghak
Published: July 2023

Authentic leadership’s influence on follower outcomes through the mediating roles of identification with the supervisor and social identification forms the core purpose of this research. By studying this less explored relationship within leadership studies, we aim to elucidate how these factors interrelate within the context of follower hope and organizational citizenship behavior (OCB). Using a quantitative methodology, we gathered and analyzed data from a sample of 241 employees across various South Korean businesses. Our main findings reveal that a follower’s identification with the supervisor significantly mediates the relationship between perceived authentic leadership and follower outcomes, such as hope and OCB. Concurrently, the study found that strengthening employee identification with their work group positively enhances these outcomes. From these findings, we conclude that authentic leadership can effectively drive follower identification, fostering beneficial outcomes, such as hope and OCB. It also suggests that workplaces that promote authentic leadership and a culture of strong supervisor and social identification can effectively enhance overall employee well-being and organizational performance.
Experimental Research on Axial Compression Performance of High-Performance-Fiber-Reinforced-Cement-Composite-Prefabricated Monolithic Composite Columns
Authors: Lu Tingting , Jin Haowei , Guan Kai
Published: July 2023

In order to improve the mechanical properties of prefabricated monolithic composite columns, high-performance fiber-reinforced cement composite (HPFRCC) material was used to prefabricate mold shells and form a composite column with post-cast ordinary concrete. Axial compression tests were conducted on five HPFRCC-prefabricated shell composite columns and one RC prefabricated shell composite column to study the mechanical performances of prefabricated monolithic composite columns. The influences of the volume stirrup ratio, the longitudinal reinforcement ratio, and the shell material on axial compression performance were also studied. The results showed that using HPFRCC-prefabricated shells could improve the deformation performance of the composite column. The compressive strain corresponding to the yielding load of the HPFRCC-prefabricated formwork column was 23.85% higher than that of the RC-prefabricated shell composite column, and the compressive strain corresponding to the peak load increased by 26.72%. The longitudinal reinforcement ratio slightly affected the axial compression bearing capacity of the prefabricated shell composite column. Compared with ECCT−01, the peak load of ECCT−04 increased by 0.6%, and the peak load of ECCT−05 increased by 1.4%. As the volume stirrup ratio increased, the deformation performance of the HPFRCC-prefabricated composite column improved. Compared with ECCT−01, the compressive strain corresponding to the yield load and peak load of ECCT−02 increased by 24.21% and 7.33%, respectively. The compressive strain values corresponding to the yield load and peak load of ECCT−03 decreased by 25.58% and 24.01%, respectively.