bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Drawing to Distract Improves Mood in Children
Authors: Drake Jennifer E.
Published: February 2021

Previous research has shown that drawing improves short-term mood in children when used to distract from rather than express negative thoughts and feelings. The current study sought to examine (a) how drawing might elevate mood in children ages 6–12 by examining the role played by absorption, enjoyment, and perceived competence as well as entering an imaginary world; and (b) whether children spontaneously use drawing to distract from a sad mood. Across three studies, children were asked to think of a disappointing event. After a sad mood induction, they drew for 5 min. Mood was measured before and after the mood induction and after drawing. Three main findings emerged. First, drawing to distract led to greater absorption and enjoyment than did drawing to express. Second, children’s mood improved equally when drawing imaginary and real scenes showing that the key ingredient is that the content of the drawings be distracting in nature. Third, drawing improved mood even when children were given no instructions on the content of their drawings and children were more likely to use drawing as a way to distract themselves from a sad mood. These studies help to define the characteristics of drawing activities that foster mood improvement in children and highlight the important role of the arts in emotion regulation.
Test Assembly for Cognitive Diagnosis Using Mixed-Integer Linear Programming
Authors: Wang Wenyi , Zheng Juanjuan , Song Lihong , Tu Yukun , Gao Peng
Published: February 2021

One purpose of cognitive diagnostic model (CDM) is designed to make inferences about unobserved latent classes based on observed item responses. A heuristic for test construction based on the CDM information index (CDI) proposed by Henson and Douglas (2005) has a far-reaching impact, but there are still many shortcomings. He and other researchers had also proposed new methods to improve or overcome the inherent shortcomings of the CDI test assembly method. In this study, one test assembly method of maximizing the minimum inter-class distance is proposed by using mixed-integer linear programming, which aims to overcome the shortcomings that the CDI method is limited to summarize the discriminating power of each item into a single CDI index while neglecting the discriminating power for each pair of latent classes. The simulation results show that compared with the CDI test assembly and random test assembly, the new test assembly method performs well and has the highest accuracy rate in terms of pattern and attributes correct classification rates. Although the accuracy rate of the new method is not very high under item constraints, it is still higher than the CDI test assembly with the same constraints.
Alcohol- and Cigarette-Use Related Behaviors During Quarantine and Physical Distancing Amid COVID-19 in Indonesia
Authors: Hanafi Enjeline , Siste Kristiana , Limawan Albert Prabowo , Sen Lee Thung , Christian Hans , Murtani Belinda Julivia , Adrian  , Siswidiani Levina Putri , Suwartono Christiany
Published: February 2021

Background: In light of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, Indonesia implemented large-scale social restrictions (pembatasan sosial berskala besar/PSBB) to combat the spread of COVID-19, which might influence addictive behaviors. The current study aimed to explore the fluctuation of substance use during the pandemic and association of physical distancing and related factors toward consumption of alcohol and cigarettes.

Method: An online survey was conducted from April 28 to June 1, 2020. Data regarding sociodemographic information, physical distancing profile, alcohol and cigarette usages, Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), Cigarette Dependence Scale (CDS), Symptom Checklist-90, and Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were collected. A total of 4,584 respondents from all 34 provinces in Indonesia completed the survey. Data were summarized descriptively and analyzed using chi-square, ANOVA, and multinomial regression on SPSS 23.0 for Windows.

Results: This study found that during the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia alcohol consumption was 9.50% and daily cigarette smoking was 20.3%. Around 44.5% and 47.6% of respondents reported stable alcohol consumption and cigarette consumption, respectively. The mean AUDIT score was 3.52 ± 4.66 and the mean CDS score was 24.73 ± 8.86. Physical distancing was not correlated to any substance use changes. Increased alcohol consumption was negatively correlated with being unmarried and positively correlated with a higher PSQI score. Decreased alcohol use positively correlated with living in PSBB-implementing provinces and higher AUDIT scores when compared to stable alcohol drinking. Increased cigarette smoking was positively correlated with being male, unmarried, and higher CDS scores. Reduced cigarette smoking was negatively correlated with living in provinces implementing PSBB, higher CDS scores, and phobic anxiety, hostility, and psychoticism subscales of SCL-90.

Discussion and Conclusion: The prevalence of alcohol and cigarette consumption changes showed a similar trend with other available studies in other countries. This study established that substance use was mainly sustained with a smaller proportion of respondents amplifying their substance usages. The changes were correlated with PSBB policy but not the practice of physical distancing. Psychiatry and addiction services in Indonesia should be strengthened to cope with the increased burden of psychological distress. Future studies should conduct more comparisons to determine whether the overall rising intensity of consumption was maintained post-pandemic and delineate acute psychopathologies' effects on substance use.
Low Radon Cleanroom for Underground Laboratories
Authors: Štekl Ivan , Hůlka Jirí , Mamedov Fadahat , Fojtík Pavel , Čermáková Eva , Jílek Karel , Havelka Miroslav , Hodák Rastislav , Hýža Miroslav
Published: February 2021

Aim of a low radon cleanroom technology is to minimize at the same time radon, radon decay products concentration and aerosol concentration and to minimize deposition of radon decay products on the surfaces. The technology placed in a deep underground laboratory such as LSM Modane with suppressed muon flux and shielded against external gamma radiation and neutrons provides “Zero dose” space for basic research in radiobiology (validity of the LNT hypothesis for very low doses) and for the fabrication of nanoelectronic circuits to avoid undesirable “single event effects.” Two prototypes of a low radon cleanroom were built with the aim to achieve radon concentration lower than 100 mBq·m3 in an interior space where only radon-free air is delivered into the cleanroom technology from a radon trapping facility. The first prototype, built in the laboratory of SÚRO Prague, is equipped with a standard filter-ventilation system on the top of the cleanroom with improved leakproofness. In an experiment, radon concentration of some 50 mBq·m−3 was achieved with the filter-ventilation system switched out. However, it was not possible to seal the system of pipes and fans against negative-pressure air leakage into the cleanroom during a high volume ventilation with the rate of 3,500 m3·h−1. From that reason more sophisticated second prototype of the cleanroom designed in the LSM Modane uses the filter-ventilation system which is completely covered in a further improved leakproof sealed metal box placed on the top of the cleanroom. Preliminary experiments carried out in the SÚRO cleanroom with a high radon activity injection and intensive filter-ventilation (corresponding to room filtration rate every 13 s) showed extremely low radon decay products equilibrium factor of 0.002, the majority of activity being in the form of an “unattached fraction” (nanoparticles) of 218Po and a surface deposition rate of some 0.05 mBq·m−2·s−1 per Bq·m−3. Radon exhalation from persons may affect the radon concentration in a low radon interior space. Balance and time course of the radon exhalation from the human body is therefore discussed for persons that are about to enter the cleanroom.
Joint Investigation of 2-Month Post-diagnosis IgG Antibody Levels and Psychological Measures for Assessing Longer Term Multi-Faceted Recovery Among COVID-19 Cases in Northern Cyprus
Authors: Barin Burc , Yoldascan Banu Elcin , Savaskan Fatma , Ozbalikci Goncagul , Karaderi Tugce , Çakal Hüseyin
Published: February 2021

Following the outbreak of COVID-19, multidisciplinary research focusing on the long-term effects of the COVID-19 infection and the complete recovery is still scarce. With regards to long-term consequences, biomarkers of physiological effects as well as the psychological experiences are of significant importance for comprehensively understanding the complete COVID-19 recovery. The present research surveys the IgG antibody titers and the impact of COVID-19 as a traumatic experience in the aftermath of the active infection period, around 2 months after diagnosis, in a subset of COVID-19 patients from the first wave (March-April 2020) of the outbreak in Northern Cyprus. Associations of antibody titers and psychological survey measures with baseline characteristics and disease severity were explored, and correlations among various measures were evaluated. Of the 47 serology tests conducted for presence of IgG antibodies, 39 (83%) were positive. We identified trends demonstrating individuals experiencing severe or critical COVID-19 disease and/or those with comorbidities are more heavily impacted both physiologically and mentally, with higher IgG titers and negative psychological experience compared to those with milder disease and without comorbidities. We also observed that more than half of the COVID-19 cases had negative psychological experiences, being subjected to discrimination and verbal harassment/insult, by family/friends. In summary, as the first study co-evaluating immune response together with mental status in COVID-19, our findings suggest that further multidisciplinary research in larger sample populations as well as community intervention plans are needed to holistically address the physiological and psychological effects of COVID-19 among the cases.
Increased Screen Use on Days With Increased Perceived COVID-19-Related Confinements—A Day Level Ecological Momentary Assessment Study
Authors: Arend Ann-Kathrin , Blechert Jens , Pannicke Björn , Reichenberger Julia
Published: February 2021

Introduction: Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) quickly evolved into a global pandemic in early 2020, and most countries enforced social confinements to reduce transmission. This seems to dovetail with increasing, potentially problematic, screen use habits, such as gaming and “binge-watching.” Yet, the subjective experience of the common confinements may vary not only between individuals depending on age, sex, and living conditions (i.e., living alone) but also within individuals from day to day: confinements might interfere with habitual activity schedules more strongly on some days than on others. Such dynamic confinement experience has not been studied in relation to screen use yet but might guide targeted intervention.

Method: In total, 102 participants (n = 83 female, n = 80 university students) completed 14 days of ecological momentary assessment during a COVID-19-related lockdown in Germany and Austria. Each evening, they indicated the extent to which they felt restricted by confinements in their social and work lives and whether they engaged in unusually high and intense levels of television watching, social media use, news consumption, internet surfing, and gaming. They also reported on how much they experienced their day to be structured.

Results: Experienced work confinements were positively associated with social media usage. Further, work confinements were positively associated with gaming in males and with news consumption, especially in individuals living alone. Social confinements were positively associated with watching television especially in younger participants and with social media consumption in younger participants. Higher experienced day structure was related to less television watching, gaming, and internet surfing but more news consumption.

Discussion: Screen use behaviors increased with higher confinements within person, dependent on sex, age, and living situation. Such knowledge allows tailoring on the person level (who should be addressed?) and the time level (when should interventions be scheduled?) as the negative consequences of excessive screen use behaviors on mental and physical health are well-documented. One potential low-threshold intervention might be day-structuring.
Socioeconomic Factors Associated With Reports of Domestic Violence in Large Brazilian Cities
Authors: Pereira Marina Uchoa Lopes , Gaspar Renato Simões
Published: February 2021

Background: Domestic violence is a traumatic experience that can lead to physical consequences, mental disorders and financial damage. Over 18 cases per 100,000 inhabitants were reported in Brazil between 2013 and 2014. The ministry of health poses a mandatory notification of all cases of domestic violence, which is essential, bearing in mind its systemic relation to various social issues and the extensive regional differences and high socioeconomic inequalities present in Brazil.

Aim: To analyze the characteristics of the notification rates of domestic violence and investigate the correlation of these with health and socioeconomic characteristics of large Brazilian cities.

Methods: Retrospective data on notifications of domestic violence was collected from the National Information System for Notifiable Diseases for Brazil, 2017. Dependent variables were collected from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics and Ministry of Citizenship. Inclusion criteria were: cities larger than 100.000 habitants and that had at least 20 reports, totaling 68.313 reports in 259 cities. These were stratified by age, race and sex of victim, type of violence used, violence perpetrator, place of occurrence and means of aggression. Proportional number of notified cases was calculated for each city to expose different characteristics of reports. A multiple linear regression model was used to investigate the correlation between report rates and different socioeconomic and health variables.

Results: The analysis showed a high proportion of repeated violence, use of body strength and over 50% were perpetrated by a partner or boyfriend. Report rates were higher for women, black individuals and children under four, highlighting subgroups of the population that were more vulnerable. Indeed, these groups were correlated differently with socioeconomic variables. Poverty, assessed as Bolsa Família investment, was correlated with domestic violence report rates across vulnerable groups.

Conclusion: The study showed that black women and children are more vulnerable to domestic violence, highlighting deleterious effects of patriarchy and structural racism within Brazilian society. Altogether, we suggest that reducing poverty, patriarchy and structural racism could lead to fewer cases of domestic violence.
A Phone-Based Early Psychological Intervention for Supporting Bereaved Families in the Time of COVID-19
Authors: Borghi Lidia , Menichetti Julia , Vegni Elena ,   The Early Bereavement Psychological Intervention working group
Published: February 2021

The exceptional circumstances of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic are making the grief processes challenging for families who are losing a relative for COVID-19. This community case study aimed to describe a phone-based primary preventive psychological intervention that has been delivered to these families by the Clinical Psychology unit of an Italian hospital. In particular, the article reports how the intervention has been organized within the overall hospital care pathway for families, the specific contents and components of the intervention, and the seven-phase structure of the intervention. The unique features and related challenges of the intervention, along with the implications for clinical practice, are discussed.
How to Model Tendon-Driven Continuum Robots and Benchmark Modelling Performance
Authors: Rao Priyanka , Peyron Quentin , Lilge Sven , Burgner-Kahrs Jessica
Published: February 2021

Tendon actuation is one of the most prominent actuation principles for continuum robots. To date, a wide variety of modelling approaches has been derived to describe the deformations of tendon-driven continuum robots. Motivated by the need for a comprehensive overview of existing methodologies, this work summarizes and outlines state-of-the-art modelling approaches. In particular, the most relevant models are classified based on backbone representations and kinematic as well as static assumptions. Numerical case studies are conducted to compare the performance of representative modelling approaches from the current state-of-the-art, considering varying robot parameters and scenarios. The approaches show different performances in terms of accuracy and computation time. Guidelines for the selection of the most suitable approach for given designs of tendon-driven continuum robots and applications are deduced from these results.
Puberty: Your Brain on Hormones
Authors: Kabotyanski Katherine E. , Somerville Leah H.
Published: February 2021

As humans grow from children into adults, they pass through a stage called adolescence. Adolescence is a time of major social, environmental, and biological change in a person’s life. The start of puberty, which often happens around the teenage years, is an important period of human physical and emotional development. In addition to the more obvious bodily changes that happen during this time, an adolescent’s brain also goes through changes that may not be as visible. These changes are directed by chemicals called hormones. Hormones help our bodies become taller, change shape, and even grow hair. Although hormones act on different parts of the body (like bones, muscles, or skin), several crucial hormones for puberty are actually made in the brain. Scientists are learning more about the ways hormones affect how the brain grows and changes, and in turn, the way that changes how you act and feel!
Pre- and Post-partum Concentrations of Interleukin 1α, Interleukin 8, and α1-Acid Glycoprotein in Vaginal Fornix and Endometrium of Dairy Cows With Clinical Cervicitis
Authors: Vallejo-Timarán Darío A. , Bazzazan Ali , Segura Mariela , Prieto-Cárdenas Nelson E. , Lefebvre Rejean C.
Published: February 2021

Innate immunity is the principal sensor responsible of the local immune response to control mucosal bacterial contamination of the reproductive tract after parturition, triggering a pro-inflammatory process in the mucosa of the uterus, the vaginal and the cervix. However, knowledge about the inflammation process and outcome of the cervix in dairy cows is scarce even though it plays an important anatomic and functional role between the vagina and the uterus. The objective of the present study was to describe the cellular and humoral local innate immune response during clinical cervicitis (CC) in the uterus and vaginal fornix in pre- and post-partum periods of dairy cows. A retrospective descriptive study was performed involving 26 animals, characterized as clinical cervicitis cows (n = 19) and healthy cows (n = 7). Blood and mucus of the different compartments of the genital tract were sampled and records of the cows' genital exam were performed four times: −1 w (day −7 ± 2, prepartum), +1 w (day +7 ± 4), +3 w (day +21 ± 4) and +5 w (day +35 ± 4) postpartum. Clinical cervicitis was defined as cows exhibiting a cervix grade−2 and healthy cows were defined as a cow clinically normal with a grade-0 cervix at time +5 w. Blood white cell count, vaginal fornix and endometrial neutrophils percentage, and the concentrations of interleukin 1α (IL1), interleukin 8 (IL8), and α1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) in mucus were determined. The results showed that 23% of the cows were categorized as CC at time +5 w. Cases of CC with purulent vaginal discharge or subclinical endometritis shown the highest cytokine production. At +3 w, IL1, IL8, and AGP concentrations in the uterus and the fornix were significantly higher in CC than healthy cows (CH). In conclusion, the 3-week postpartum is a critical point to evaluate cytokines and acute phase proteins; where IL1 and IL8 variation kept a direct relation with neutrophils numbers and function. The presence of AGP in the endometrium infer a homeostatic proinflammatory protective balance effect, modulating the local uterine innate immune response during peripartum.
Hsa_circ_0043265 Restrains Cell Proliferation, Migration and Invasion of Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma via Targeting the miR-1243/SALL1 Axis
Authors: Qian Cuijuan , Yang Yisheng , Lan Tianchen , Wang Yichao , Yao Jun
Published: February 2021

Increasing evidence has displayed critical roles of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC). Hsa_circ_0043265 (circ_0043265) has been identified as a tumor suppressor in various tumors. Nevertheless, the critical roles of circ_0043265 in the initiation and progression of TSCC are yet to be fully elucidated. In our study, RNA and protein expressions were detected via qRT-PCR and Western blot. Cell proliferation, migration and invasion were evaluated via CCK-8 and transwell assays. The interactions between circ_0043265, miR-1243 and SALL1 were analyzed via bioinformatics analyses, RNA pull-down and luciferase assays, respectively. The current study demonstrated that circ_0043265 expression was downmodulated in TSCC tissues and cell lines (SCC25, SCC15, SCC9 and Cal27). Functionally, circ_0043265 overexpression led to an attenuation of cell proliferation, migration and invasion of SCC25 and Cal27 cells. Mechanistically, circ_0043265 acted as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) via competitively sponging miR-1243, and restoration of miR-1243 rescued the inhibitory effects of circ_0043265 on cell proliferation, migration and invasion of SCC25 and Cal27 cells. Finally, it was observed that spalt like transcription factor 1 (SALL1), a potential target of miR-1243, was positively modulated via circ_0043265 in SCC25 and Cal27 cells, and SALL1 knockdown reversed the inhibitory effects of circ_0043265 on SCC25 and Cal27 cells. Collectively, the current study demonstrated that circ_0043265 was downmodulated in TSCC and was identified as a ceRNA that restrained the cell proliferation, migration and invasion of SCC25 and Cal27 cells via modulating the miR-1243/SALL1 axis.
Magnesium Supplementation Alters Leaf Metabolic Pathways for Higher Flavor Quality of Oolong Tea
Authors: Xu Jiuliang , Wu Liangquan , Tong Bingxin , Yin Jiaxu , Huang Zican , Li Wei , Li Xuexian
Published: February 2021

Oolong tea, one of the most famous tea beverages in China, contains specialized metabolites contributing to rich flavors and human health. Accumulation patterns of such metabolites and underlying regulatory mechanisms significantly vary under different growth conditions. To optimize quality and yield while minimizing environmental effects, three treatments were designed in this study: Conventional fertilization, optimized fertilization, and optimized fertilization supplemented with magnesium (Mg). We investigated the yield, taste quality, primary and secondary metabolites of oolong tea, and found that a substantial reduction in chemical fertilizers (nutrient optimization by reducing 43% N, 58% P2O5 and 55% K2O) did not affect the tea yield in this study. Interestingly, Mg fertilization is an important factor influencing amino acid and sugar accumulation in oolong tea, resulting in higher concentrations of total free amino acids and a lower ratio of tea polyphenols (TP) to free amino acids (FAA). Gas chromatography-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-TOF-MS) and liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) combined multivariate analyses revealed distinct features of metabolite accumulation in leaves of three different treatments, as indicated by 34 differentially accumulated characteristic compounds. The levels of serine, aspartic acid, isoleucine, phenylalanine, theanine, and proline were reduced by fertilizer optimization and increased by Mg supplementation. Mg particularly promoted theanine accumulation favoring a stronger umami taste of oolong tea, while decreasing astringency and bitter metabolites. Thus, Mg application paves a new path for tea quality improvement in Southern China where Mg deficiency in the soil is a frequent limiting factor for crop production.
Relationships between Soluble Solids and Dry Matter in the Flesh of Stone Fruit at Harvest
Authors: Scalisi Alessio , O’Connell Mark Glenn
Published: February 2021

Soluble solids concentration (SSC) is a reference index that is typically used to quantify soluble sugars, the most abundant constituents of stone fruit flesh dry matter when approaching maturity. Dry matter concentration (DMC) is another parameter that has been often associated with fruit quality. This study investigated the relationship of SSC and DMC in fourteen stone fruit cultivars at harvest. SSC and DMC were measured at physiological maturity in peach, nectarine, plum and apricot. SSC and DMC data had similar symmetrical patterns (range, means and variability) for most of the cultivars. Mean SSC ranged between 11.6 and 19.7 °Brix, and DMC between 11.6% and 19.4% w/w across all fruit studied. High variability in SSC was observed in apricot, with an interquartile range = 5.7 °Brix. A generic linear regression model that included peach, nectarine and plum cultivars revealed a robust association between DMC and SSC (p < 0.001, R2 = 0.914, n = 2800) with a DMC prediction error (RMSE) equal to 0.874% w/w. However, when a simplified DMC = SSC was used for DMC estimation, the RMSE only slightly increased and was still lower than 1.00% w/w. Similar results were observed when linear regression models were assessed in each cultivar independently, with R2 > 0.75 and RMSE generated by the simplified DMC = SSC model lower than 1.00% w/w in thirteen out of fourteen stone fruit cultivars, with the exception of the apricot cultivar. These results provide empirical evidence that SSC and DMC are highly correlated fruit quality indicators in plum, peach and nectarine at harvest.
Improving Survival of Juvenile Scalloped Spiny Lobster (Panulirus homarus) and Crucifix Crab (Charybdis feriatus) Using Shelter and Live Prey
Authors: Ma Chia-Huan , Huang Po-Yu , Chang Yung-Cheng , Pan Yen-Ju , Azra Mohamad Nor , Chen Li-Li , Hsu Te-Hua
Published: February 2021

Cannibalism is a major problem in lobster and crab aquaculture. Reducing the aggressive characteristics of lobsters and crabs can improve survival during the culturing process. In this study, juvenile scalloped spiny lobsters (Panulirus homarus) and crucifix crabs (Charybdis feriatus) were both cultured under different shelter and live prey conditions. Groups with shelter (seaweed and cotton filter) showed a better survival rate than the control group (no shelter; p < 0.05) for both Pa. homarus and Char. feriatus. Co-culturing with live prey (Litopenaeus vannamei) significantly benefited the juveniles of Pa. homarus and visibly increased the survival of juvenile Char. feriatus. Although providing shelter is currently the main method for reducing agonistic behavior, it must be continually altered as the lobsters and crabs grow. Live prey can grow and attract lobsters and crabs to hunt them, and live prey can be supplemented at any time. They can also be used as an additional source of income during the harvest season.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa Resistance to Bacteriophages and Its Prevention by Strategic Therapeutic Cocktail Formulation
Authors: Vaitekenas Andrew , Tai Anna S. , Ramsay Joshua P. , Stick Stephen M. , Kicic Anthony
Published: February 2021

Antimicrobial resistance poses a significant threat to modern healthcare as it limits treatment options for bacterial infections, particularly impacting those with chronic conditions such as cystic fibrosis (CF). Viscous mucus accumulation in the lungs of individuals genetically predisposed to CF leads to recurrent bacterial infections, necessitating prolonged antimicrobial chemotherapy. Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections are the predominant driver of CF lung disease, and airway isolates are frequently resistant to multiple antimicrobials. Bacteriophages, or phages, are viruses that specifically infect bacteria and are a promising alternative to antimicrobials for CF P. aeruginosa infections. However, the narrow host range of P. aeruginosa-targeting phages and the rapid evolution of phage resistance could limit the clinical efficacy of phage therapy. A promising approach to overcome these issues is the strategic development of mixtures of phages (cocktails). The aim is to combine phages with broad host ranges and target multiple distinct bacterial receptors to prevent the evolution of phage resistance. However, further research is required to identify and characterize phage resistance mechanisms in CF-derived P. aeruginosa, which differ from their non-CF counterparts. In this review, we consider the mechanisms of P. aeruginosa phage resistance and how these could be overcome by an effective future phage therapy formulation.
Farnesane-Type Sesquiterpenoids with Antibiotic Activity from Chiliadenus lopadusanus
Authors: Masi Marco , Roscetto Emanuela , Cimmino Alessio , Catania Maria Rosaria , Surico Giuseppe , Evidente Antonio
Published: February 2021

Chiliadenus lopadusanus Brullo is an Asteraceae plant species endemic to Lampedusa island, the largest island of the Pelage archipelago, Italy. The organic extract of its whole aerial parts, showing antibiotic activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Acinetobacter baumannii, wasfractionated employing bioguided purification procedures affording three main farnesane-type sesquiterpenoids. They were identified by spectroscopic methods (NMR and ESIMS data) as the (E)-3,7,11-trimethyldodeca-1,6,10-triene-3,9-diol, (E)-10-hydroxy-2,6,10-trimethyldodeca-2,6,11- trien-4-one and (E)-10-hydroxy-2,6,10-trimethyl-dodeca-6,11-dien-4-one, commonly named 9-hydroxynerolidol, 9-oxonerolidol, and chiliadenol B, respectively. These three sesquiterpenes, isolated for the first time from C. lopadusanus, were tested on methicillin-resistant S. aureus and A. baumannii showing antibacterial and antibiofilm activities. This plant could be used as a source to isolate secondary metabolites as potential new antibiotics.
Polymorphisms in Glyoxalase I Gene Are Not Associated with Glyoxalase I Expression in Whole Blood or Markers of Methylglyoxal Stress: The CODAM Study
Authors: Maasen Kim , Hanssen Nordin M. J. , van der Kallen Carla J. H. , Stehouwer Coen D. A. , van Greevenbroek Marleen M. J. , Schalkwijk Casper G.
Published: February 2021

Glyoxalase 1 (Glo1) is the rate-limiting enzyme in the detoxification of methylglyoxal (MGO) into D-lactate. MGO is a major precursor of advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs), and both are associated with development of age-related diseases. Since genetic variation in GLO1 may alter the expression and/or the activity of Glo1, we examined the association of nine SNPs in GLO1 with Glo1 expression and markers of MGO stress (MGO in fasting plasma and after an oral glucose tolerance test, D-lactate in fasting plasma and urine, and MGO-derived AGEs CEL and MG-H1 in fasting plasma and urine). We used data of the Cohort on Diabetes and Atherosclerosis Maastricht (CODAM, n = 546, 60 ± 7 y, 25% type 2 diabetes). Outcomes were compared across genotypes using linear regression, adjusted for age, sex, and glucose metabolism status. We found that SNP4 (rs13199033) was associated with Glo1 expression (AA as reference, standardized beta AT = −0.29, p = 0.02 and TT = −0.39, p = 0.3). Similarly, SNP13 (rs3799703) was associated with Glo1 expression (GG as reference, standardized beta AG = 0.17, p = 0.14 and AA = 0.36, p = 0.005). After correction for multiple testing these associations were not significant. For the other SNPs, we observed no consistent associations over the different genotypes. Thus, polymorphisms of GLO1 were not associated with Glo1 expression or markers of MGO stress, suggesting that these SNPs are not functional, although activity/expression might be altered in other tissues.
Resveratrol-Elicited PKC Inhibition Counteracts NOX-Mediated Endothelial to Mesenchymal Transition in Human Retinal Endothelial Cells Exposed to High Glucose
Authors: Giordo Roberta , Nasrallah Gheyath K. , Posadino Anna Maria , Galimi Francesco , Capobianco Giampiero , Eid Ali Hussein , Pintus Gianfranco
Published: February 2021

Diabetes-associated long-term hyperglycaemia leads to oxidative stress-mediated fibrosis in different tissues and organs. Endothelial-to-mesenchymal-transition (EndMT) appears to play a role in diabetes-associated fibrotic conditions. Here, we investigate whether EndMT is implicated in the diabetic retinopathy fibrotic process and evaluate the possibility that resveratrol could counteract EndMT by inhibiting high glucose (HG)-induced increases in ROS. Primary Human Retinal Endothelial Cells (HRECs) were either pre-treated for 24 h with 1 µM resveratrol or left untreated, then glucose (30 mM) was applied at 3-day intervals for 10 days. qRT-PCR and ELISA were used to detect mRNA or protein expression of endothelial markers (CD31, CDH5, vWF) or mesenchymal markers (VIM, αSMA and collagen I), respectively. Intracellular ROS levels were measured with carboxy-DCFDA, while NOX-associated ROS levels were evaluated using the NADPH-specific redox biosensor p47-roGFP. Treatment of HRECs with HG increased intracellular ROS levels and promoted phenotype shifting towards EndMT, evidenced by decreased expression of endothelial markers concomitant with increased expression of mesenchymal ones. HG-induced EndMT appears to be mediated by NADPH-associated ROS generation as pre-treatment of HRECs with resveratrol or the NADPH inhibitor, diphenyleneiodonium chloride (DPI), attenuated ROS production and EndMT transition, suggesting that the effect of resveratrol on HG-induced ROS occurs via down-regulation of NADPH oxidase. It is worth noting that resveratrol or Chelerythrine, a Protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, reduce ROS and EndMT in HG-exposed cells, suggesting that NADPH activation occurs via a PKC-dependent mechanism. Taken together, our results provide the basis for a resveratrol-based potential protective therapy to prevent diabetic-associated complications.
Full-Closed-Loop Time-Domain Integrated Modeling Method of Optical Satellite Flywheel Micro-Vibration
Authors: Yu Yang , Gong Xiaoxue , Zhang Lei , Jia Hongguang , Xuan Ming
Published: February 2021

Due to the micro-vibration of flywheels, the imaging quality of a high-resolution optical remote sensing satellite will be deteriorated, and the micro-vibration effect on the payload is complicated, so it is essential to establish a reasonable and accurate theoretical simulation model for it. This paper presents a method of full-closed-loop time-domain integrated modeling to estimate the impacts of micro-vibration generated by flywheels on optical satellites. The method consists of three parts. First, according to the satellites’ micro-vibration influence mechanism in orbit, this paper establishes a full-closed-loop model framework. The overall model input is the instructions received and the output is the image shift. Second, in order to meet the requirements of time-domain simulation, this paper proposes a time-domain vibration source subsystem model in the form of cosine harmonic superposition, and it integrates vibration source, structural, control, and optical subsystem models to create a full-closed-loop time-domain analysis model that can obtain the responses of micro-vibration in time and frequency domains. Lastly, the author designs a ground experiment and compares simulation results with experiment results. Compared with the ground experiment, frequency error is less than 0.4% at typical responses. Although the amplitude error is large at some typical responses, the mean root square error is less than 35%. Based on the data, the proposed integrated modeling method can be considered as an accurate methodology to predict the impacts of micro-vibration.
Multiple Narrowband Interferences Characterization, Detection and Mitigation Using Simplified Welch Algorithm and Notch Filtering
Authors: Same Mohammad Hossein , Gleeton Gabriel , Gandubert Gabriel , Ivanov Preslav , Landry Rene Jr
Published: February 2021

By increasing the demand for radio frequency (RF) and access of hackers and spoofers to low price hardware and software defined radios (SDR), radio frequency interference (RFI) became a more frequent and serious problem. In order to increase the security of satellite communication (Satcom) and guarantee the quality of service (QoS) of end users, it is crucial to detect the RFI in the desired bandwidth and protect the receiver with a proper mitigation mechanism. Digital narrowband signals are so sensitive into the interference and because of their special power spectrum shape, it is hard to detect and eliminate the RFI from their bandwidth. Thus, a proper detector requires a high precision and smooth estimation of input signal power spectral density (PSD). By utilizing the presented power spectrum by the simplified Welch method, this article proposes a solid and effective algorithm that can find all necessary interference parameters in the frequency domain while targeting practical implantation for the embedded system with minimum complexity. The proposed detector can detect several multi narrowband interferences and estimate their center frequency, bandwidth, power, start, and end of each interference individually. To remove multiple interferences, a chain of several infinite impulse response (IIR) notch filters with multiplexers is proposed. To minimize damage to the original signal, the bandwidth of each notch is adjusted in a way that maximizes the received signal to noise ratio (SNR) by the receiver. Multiple carrier wave interferences (MCWI) is utilized as a jamming attack to the Digital Video Broadcasting-Satellite-Second Generation (DVB-S2) receiver and performance of a new detector and mitigation system is investigated and validated in both simulation and practical tests. Based on the obtained results, the proposed detector can detect a weak power interference down to −25 dB and track a hopping frequency interference with center frequency variation speed up to 3 kHz. Bit error ratio (BER) performance shows 3 dB improvement by utilizing new adaptive mitigation scenario compared to non-adaptive one. Finally, the protected DVB-S2 can receive the data with SNR close to the normal situation while it is under the attack of the MCWI jammer.
Different Gymnastic Balls Affect Postural Balance Rather Than Core-Muscle Activation: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Rizzato Alex , Paoli Antonio , Marcolin Giuseppe
Published: February 2021

Background: In proprioceptive training, unstable devices produce multidirectional perturbations that must be counterbalanced by the postural control systems and core-muscle activation. We investigated whether different sizes and shapes of three gymnastic balls could affect core-muscle activation and postural balance when performing the same exercise. Methods: Eleven young healthy subjects were assessed on the balls, assuming two body postures (bipedal seated and unipedal seated) and performing a dynamic exercise. Two balls were spherical with different diameters, and one was ovoid. Postural balance and muscle activation were assessed through center of pressure (CoP)-related parameters and surface electromyography. Results: Statistical analysis showed a significant effect of the gymnastic balls (p < 0.001) and the body postures (p < 0.001) for the CoP-related parameters, with the ovoid shape and the bipedal sitting representing the easiest conditions. Core-muscle activation was affected only by body postures, with a higher activation in the unipedal sitting (p < 0.01). In the dynamic exercise, significant differences were only detected for the CoP-related parameters (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The shapes and sizes of the gymnastic balls produced different degrees of destabilization under the same body posture but left the core-muscle activation unaltered. In the dynamic exercise, the conformation of the balls did not represent the main determinant in producing destabilizing effects.
Buckling of Rectangular Composite Pipes under Torsion
Authors: Takano Atsushi , Mizukami Ryo , Kitamura Ryuta
Published: February 2021

The numerical buckling load of rectangular composite pipes under torsional load was derived by using the energy method. The authors found no available simple design method or chart for the buckling loads of rectangular composite pipes, which are often used airplanes, spacecraft, and other lightweight structures, through their involvement in a Mars exploration airplane project. Thus, numerical results were obtained for length-to-width ratios (l/b) from 1 to 20, width-to-height ratios (h/b) from 1 to 6, and [0/90] layer ratios (r) from 0 to 1, which means [(0/90)r,(±45)1-r]s. The layups were assumed to be symmetric, and tension-bending, torsion-bending, and tension-shear coupling stiffnesses were ignored. To establish a simple design method, a closed-form polynomial equation for the buckling load factor was derived by minimizing the weighted residuals of the safe and non-safe side errors, which were obtained by comparing the derived numerical results with the polynomial equations. As a result, the errors of the polynomial equation for the buckling load factor were 4.95% for the non-safe side and 12.4% for the safe side. The errors are sufficiently good for preliminary design use and for parametric design studies and optimization.
Index of Body Inflammation for Maxillofacial Surgery Purpose-to Make the Soluble Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator Receptor Serum Level Independent on Patient Age
Authors: Kozakiewicz Marcin , Trzcińska-Kubik Magdalena , Wlazeł Rafał Nikodem
Published: February 2021

Background: The serum suPAR level is affected in humans by it increases with age. Therefore it makes difficult interpretation and any comparison of age varied groups. The aim of this study is to find simple way to age independent presentation of suPAR serum level for maxillofacial surgery purpose. Methods: In generally healthy patients from 15 to 59 y.o. suPAR level was tested in serum before orthognathic or minor traumatologic procedures. Five ways to make the suPAR serum level assessment independent of age are proposed. Results: One way of making suPAR levels independent of age led to the result with the same statistical distribution as in the raw suPAR serum material and this distribution is the normal. Conclusion: The simple way for suPAR serum level analysis without its dependence on patient age is calculation of the index of body inflammation understood as square root of squared suPAR serum level divided by logarithm of patient age to base 10.
Analysis of Polygonal Vortex Flows in a Cylinder with a Rotating Bottom
Authors: Rashkovan A. , Amar S.D. , Bieder U. , Ziskind G.
Published: February 2021

The present paper provides a physically sound numerical modeling of liquid flows experimentally observed inside a vertical circular cylinder with a stationary envelope, rotating bottom and open top. In these flows, the resulting vortex depth may be such that the rotating bottom disk becomes partially exposed, and rather peculiar polygon shapes appear. The parameters and features of this work are chosen based on a careful analysis of the literature. Accordingly, the cylinder inner radius is 145 mm and the initial water height is 60 mm. The experiments with bottom disk rotation frequencies of 3.0, 3.4, 4.0 and 4.6 Hz are simulated. The chosen frequency range encompasses the regions of ellipse and triangle shapes as observed in the experimental studies reported in the literature. The free surface flow is expected to be turbulent, with the Reynolds number of O(105). The Large Eddy Simulation (LES) is adopted as the numerical approach, with a localized dynamic Subgrid-Scale Stresses (SGS) model including an energy equation. Since the flow obviously requires a surface tracking or capturing method, a volume-of-fluid (VOF) approach has been chosen based on the findings, where this method provided stable shapes in the ranges of parameters found in the corresponding experiments. Expected ellipse and triangle shapes are revealed and analyzed. A detailed character of the numerical results allows for an in-depth discussion and analysis of the mechanisms and features which accompany the characteristic shapes and their alterations. As a result, a unique insight into the polygon flow structures is provided.
Anisakis Allergy: Is Aquacultured Fish a Safe and Alternative Food to Wild-Capture Fisheries for Anisakis simplex-Sensitized Patients?
Authors: Polimeno Lorenzo , Lisanti Maria Teresa , Rossini Margherita , Giacovazzo Edoardo , Polimeno Lucrezia , Debellis Lucantonio , Ballini Andrea , Topi Skender , Santacroce Luigi
Published: February 2021

Background: Anisakis simplex (A. simplex) infection, in humans, causes a series of clinical manifestations affecting the gastro-intestinal tract known as Anisakiasis/Anisakidosis. Patients may also present allergic manifestations such as hives and/or angioedema and even anaphylactic shock. The aim of this study was to investigate whether aquacultured fish could be considered A.simplex-free food and constitute a safe, alternative, wild-capture fish food for Gastro-Allergic Anisakiasis (GAA)-sensitized subjects. Methods: Protein extracts from A. simplex larvae in the third stage (L3) and from edible part of heavily infected horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus) and aquacultured sea bream, have been tested for A. simplex allergens presence by immunological analysis. Western blot analysis using, as source of specific Anisakis allergens antibodies, serum samples from subjects referring allergic symptoms after raw fish ingestion, was performed. These subjects showed high levels of specific IgE anti A.simplex allergens determined by clinical laboratory tests (ISAC test). Results: Our data demonstrate the presence of Ani s4 allergen in both infected and aquacultured fish extracts, providing a possible interpretation for the allergic manifestations reported by subjects, already sensitized to A. simplex, who ate frozen or well-cooked or, even, aquacultured fish. Conclusions: The present data stimulate more accurate prophylaxis suggestions for Anisakis allergy and more specific controls of fishmeal used in aquaculture.
Do ADHD Symptoms, Executive Function, and Study Strategies Predict Temporal Reward Discounting in College Students with Varying Levels of ADHD Symptoms? A Pilot Study
Authors: Scheres Anouk , Solanto Mary V.
Published: February 2021

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between temporal reward discounting and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in college students. Additionally, we examined whether temporal reward discounting was associated with executive functioning in daily life and with learning and study strategies in this group. Thirty-nine college students (19 with ADHD and 20 controls) participated after meeting criteria for ADHD or non-ADHD based on standardized assessment. Strong preferences for small immediate rewards were specifically associated with the ADHD symptom domain hyperactivity–impulsivity. Additionally, these preferences were associated with daily life executive function problems and with weak learning and study strategies. This suggests that steep temporal discounting may be a key mechanism playing a role in the daily life challenges that college students with ADHD symptoms face. If these findings are replicated in larger samples, then intervention strategies may profitably be developed to counteract this strong preference for small immediate rewards in college students with ADHD symptoms.