bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pastoral Agriculture in the Post-industrial Age: Building Functional Integrity and Realising Potential
Authors: Perley Christopher J. K.
Published: August 2021

The potential of pastoral land use to create positive environmental, economic, and social outcomes is constrained by a “way of seeing” land and people through the eyes of Modernity and mechanical determinism. That ontology of land is compounded and reinforced by positivism, and the associated hierarchical and dis-integrated epistemology around the culture:nature nexus – including what is seen as “objective” science and technology driving practise. Both the ontology and epistemology of our Modern land use culture drive a reduction of ethics, relationship, and meaning to the measured utility of either production or dollars within a “resource sufficiency” view of the land factory. The consequence is not just the non-realisation of potential synergies and multiple functions underpinning value and resilience within the socio-ecological systems associated with pastoral land. It also degrades the “functional integrity” of those integrated systems and increases the fragility and multiple negative outcomes to local economic, environmental, and social functions. This study examines the underlying philosophical thoughtscapes of Modern agri-business models and contrasts those models with the emerging alternatives: from reducible universally-quantifiable machines to post-industrial thought; including post-normal science, integrated complex adaptive systems, and emerging work shifting homogeneous “economies of scale” industrialism to realising potential “economies of scope” by building functional and self-organising systems. It further examines the potential scope to be gained using three specific examples: multi-functional integrated landscapes, resilience theory specific to drought, and market value chains.
Percutaneous Transforaminal Endoscopic Decompression for Lumbar Lateral Recess Stenosis
Authors: Lu Hui-gen , Pan Xue-kang , Hu Min-jie , Zhang Jian-qiao , Sheng Jian-ming , Chen Bao , Zhou Xiao , Yu Yefeng , Hu Xu-qi
Published: August 2021

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the treatment efficacy of lateral spinal stenosis through the decompression of the nerve root under a multiple planar endoscope.

Methods: From January 2017 to March 2019, 52 patients with lumbar spinal stenosis or lumbar spinal stenosis combined with intervertebral disc herniation had been treated via transforaminal approach spinal endoscopy. Our study retrospectively analyzed the treatment outcome. All patients experienced complications with different degrees of facet joint hyperplasia and ligamentum flavum hyperplasia and hypertrophy. Some patients suffered disc herniation. All patients were treated with percutaneous transforaminal approach multiple planar endoscopic decompression. The visual analog scale (VAS) and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were compared before and after the operation, as were the horizontal foramen areas of the medial margins of the upper and lower pedicles of the vertebral arch. The treatment effectiveness was evaluated.

Results: VAS and ODI scores were significantly improved at postoperative 3 days, 3 months, 6 months, and the last follow-up (P < 0.05). The area of the intervertebral foramen was 422.5 ± 159.2 mm2 preoperatively and 890.8 ± 367.7 mm2 postoperatively, the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: Percutaneous transforaminal approach multiple planar endoscopic decompression could achieve an accurate and effective decompression of the lumbar lateral spinal canal. This procedure has good short-term effects, and is especially suitable for elderly patients.
Tetraploidization Increases the Contents of Functional Metabolites in Cnidium officinale
Authors: Kim Hyung-Eun , Han Jong-Eun , Lee Hyoshin , Kim Ji-Hye , Kim Hyun-Hee , Lee Ki-Yong , Shin Jae-Heyuk , Kim Hyun-Kuy , Park So-Young
Published: August 2021

Cnidium officinale is an important medicinal crop grown in Asia for its pharmacological properties. In this study, tetraploid breeding was conducted to increases the content of medicinal compound and tolerance to the environmental conditions using in vitro shoot culture of C. officinale. For this, we generated tetraploid C. officinale plants using oryzalin, a chromosome doubling agent, and compared the morphological traits, cytological characteristics, and heat stress-responsive gene expression levels between tetraploid and diploid genotypes. Chromosome doubling efficiency was the highest in plantlets treated with 4.0 mg∙L−1 oryzalin for 2 days. Compared with diploids, the plant height of tetraploids was reduced, while the petiole diameter was increased by approximately 39%. The dry matter of tetraploid leaves was significantly higher than that of diploid leaves. Compared with diploids, tetraploids showed higher chloroplast number and stomatal complex size but lower chlorophyll and carotenoid contents. The phenolic content of tetraploid plantlets was significantly higher than that of diploid plantlets. Contents of naringin as well as salicylic acid and gentisic acid, which are strong antioxidant compounds, were dramatically increased upon tetraploidization. Interestingly, liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) analyses revealed increased levels of senkyunolide F and phthalide in tetraploid roots but not in tetraploid or diploid leaves.
Root System Morphology of Ipê-Roxo Tree Grown in Soil Subjected to Phosphorus Application in Subtropical Climate Region
Authors: Parcianello Carolina Fogliarini , Berghetti Álvaro Luís Pasquetti , Araujo Maristela Machado , Sans Gabriel Alberto , Soares Vanessa Marques , Oliveira Vanessa Viera Trindade de , Alves Vinícius Wille , Stefanello Lincon Oliveira , Kulmann Matheus Severo de Souza , Toselli Moreno , Baldi Elena , Brunetto Gustavo
Published: August 2021

Phosphorus (P) availability in subtropical soils does not often meet the nutritional demand of native tree species such as the ipê-roxo tree (Handroanthus heptaphyllus); therefore, it is necessary to supply P at planting. However, the impact of P on root system growth remains unknown. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of P application on root morphology of H. heptaphyllus plants over a 36-month period in a subtropical climate region. During the experiment, the plants subjected to fertilization with 40 kg P ha−1 were compared to untreated control. Plant roots were scanned through minirhizotron system 18 and 36 months after transplant (MAT), and generated images were used to determine total root length, mean root diameter and total root volume. Plant height and leaf P concentrations were also evaluated. Phosphorus application enhanced root and whole plant growth with a more evident effect at 36 MAT, when soil P availability decreased. The results give important information on the cultivation of H. heptaphyllus plants in soils presenting low P availability.
Multivariate Analysis of Seed Chemical Diversity among Jatropha curcas in Botswana
Authors: Tadano Shota , Chiyapo Gwafila , Ishimoto Yudai , Konaka Takafumi , Mazereku Charles , Tsujimoto Hisashi , Akashi Kinya
Published: August 2021

Jatropha (Jatropha curcas L.) has been identified as a potential bioenergy feedstock in arid regions, but knowledge of the diversity of its chemical characteristics is limited. In this study, 61 Jatropha accessions growing in Botswana, where both severe drought and winter frosts frequently occur, were analyzed for their seed chemical properties. Histogram analyses and meta-analysis comparisons with seeds from other countries/continents showed that the median/mean dry seed weight, toxic compound phorbol esters, and C18:0 fatty acid levels in the Botswanan accessions were lower than those from other countries/continents. A clustered heat map analysis indicated five clades for the Botswanan accessions, and their physicochemical traits were also categorized into five groups. Many positive and negative correlations were observed among the chemical traits, including negative correlations between the C18:3 (linolenic acid) content and yield-related traits (lipid content and dry seed weight). Principal component analysis highlighted the existence of accessions with highly deviated seed chemical compositions, such as those enriched in C18:0/C18:1 and C16:0/C16:1/C18:3 fatty acids. Overall, the present study suggests considerable diversity in the seed chemical compositions of Botswanan Jatropha accessions. Various accessions could be useful as feedstock for specific industrial products, as well as for breeding materials for the fortification of specific chemical ingredients.
Evaluation of a Tasteless Enrofloxacin Pharmaceutical Preparation for Cats. Naive Pooled-Sample Approach to Study Its Pharmacokinetics
Authors: Gutierrez Lilia , Tapia Graciela , Gutierrez Eduardo , Sumano Hector
Published: August 2021

Available pharmaceutical preparations of enrofloxacin injected SC or IM to cats are likely to cause adverse tissue reactions in the injection sites (pH of the drug preparations is ≥10.4). Tablets often induce abundant ptyalism and vomiting, casting doubt on the efficacy of the drug administration maneuver. In addition, the reported oral bioavailability is very low. In this trial, the oral pharmacokinetics of dried alginate beads of enrofloxacin (DABE) administered by concealing them in the cat’s moist food or morsels, is described. A naïve polled sampling approach was chosen with fourteen adult healthy cats. Neither their housing nor their feeding habits were altered. A single pharmacokinetic profile was obtained with 5 samples per designated bleeding time, sampling each cat 2–3 times only. None of the cats rejected their medicated food or morsels. Plasma profile of enrofloxacin exhibited an AUC0–24 value of 12.4 µg·h/mL and an AUC0–∞ value of 19.2 µg·h/mL, which are comparatively greater than values previously referred for kittens. In contrast, λ and elimination t½ were almost identical (0.12 1/h and 6.1 h). Pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics ratios taking the breakpoint of Staphylococcus epidermidis as a surrogate (0.5 µg/mL), can be regarded as borderline or low, but perhaps adequate in cats, as higher concentrations may be linked to toxicity (AUC0–24/MIC = 24.8; Cmax/MIC = 4.6).
Oxidative Stress Markers and Antioxidant Enzymes in Children and Adolescents with Depressive Disorder and Impact of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Randomised Clinical Trial
Authors: Katrenčíková Barbora , Vaváková Magdaléna , Paduchová Zuzana , Nagyová Zuzana , Garaiova Iveta , Muchová Jana , Ďuračková Zdenka , Trebatická Jana
Published: August 2021

Oxidative stress (OS) is thought to play a role in mental disorders. However, it is not clear whether the OS is the cause or consequence of the disorder. We investigated markers of oxidative stress (8-isoprostane (8-IsoP-U), lipoperoxides (LP), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) and nitrotyrosine (NT)) and antioxidant protection (Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) in 60 paediatric and adolescent patients with depressive disorder (DD) compared to healthy controls. The patients were divided into two groups (1:1). One group received an emulsion of omega-3 fatty acid (FA), and the other group an emulsion of sunflower oil with omega-6 FA for 12 weeks. The levels of 8-IsoP-U, AOPP and NT were increased, and GPx activity was decreased in patients compared to the controls. We found a significant positive correlation of the Children’s Depression Inventory score with NT and a negative correlation with TEAC, SOD and GPx. NT correlated positively with the baseline omega-6/omega-3 FA ratio and a negatively with SOD. A supplementation with omega-3 FA, but not with omega-6 FA, decreased 8-IsoP-U, AOPP, NT levels and increased TEAC and SOD activity. Our results suggest that NT may play a role in the pathophysiology of DD, while elevated isoprostane is likely caused by the high omega-6/omega-3 FA ratio. Omega-3 FA supplementation reduces oxidative stress in patients with DD. This study was registered with the ISRCTN registry (ISRCTN81655012).
A Study of OWA Operators Learned in Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Dominguez-Catena Iris , Paternain Daniel , Galar Mikel
Published: August 2021

Ordered Weighted Averaging (OWA) operators have been integrated in Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) for image classification through the OWA layer. This layer lets the CNN integrate global information about the image in the early stages, where most CNN architectures only allow for the exploitation of local information. As a side effect of this integration, the OWA layer becomes a practical method for the determination of OWA operator weights, which is usually a difficult task that complicates the integration of these operators in other fields. In this paper, we explore the weights learned for the OWA operators inside the OWA layer, characterizing them through their basic properties of orness and dispersion. We also compare them to some families of OWA operators, namely the Binomial OWA operator, the Stancu OWA operator and the exponential RIM OWA operator, finding examples that are currently impossible to generalize through these parameterizations.
Is the Synthetic Fungicide Fosetyl-Al Safe for the Ecotoxicological Models Danio rerio and Enchytraeus crypticus?
Authors: Barreto Angela , Santos Joana , Amorim Mónica J. B. , Maria Vera L.
Published: August 2021

Worldwide, pesticides have contaminated the environment, affecting non-target species. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of fosetyl-Al (FOS) on model organisms. Based on the 3 Rs for animal research and described guidelines, the OECD 236 and 220 were applied with some modifications. The FOS test concentrations were 0.02–0.2–2–20–200 mg/L for Danio rerio and 250–500–750–1000–1250 mg/kg for Enchytraeus crypticus. Besides the standard endpoints, additional endpoints were evaluated (D. rerio: behavior and biochemical responses; E. crypticus: extension of exposure duration (28 d (days) + 28 d) and organisms’ sizes). For D. rerio, after 96 h (h), hatching was inhibited (200 mg/L), proteins’ content increased (2 and 20 mg/L), lipids’ content decreased (2 mg/L), glutathione S-transferase activity increased (2 mg/L), and, after 120 h, larvae distance swam increased (20 mg/L). For E. crypticus, after 28 d, almost all the tested concentrations enlarged the organisms’ sizes and, after 56 d, 1250 mg/kg decreased the reproduction. In general, alterations in the organisms’ biochemical responses, behavior, and growth occurred at lower concentrations than the effects observed at the standard endpoints. This ecotoxicological assessment showed that FOS may not be considered safe for the tested species, only at higher concentrations than the predicted environmental concentrations (PECs). This research highlighted the importance of a multi-endpoint approach to assess the (eco)toxic effects of the contaminants.
Characterization of Islamic Ceramic Production Techniques in Northeast Iberian Peninsula: The Case of Medieval Albarracin (Spain)
Authors: Pérez-Arantegui Josefina , Marzo Paz
Published: August 2021

Ceramic objects found in the Islamic Taifa of Albarracin (Spain), 12th century CE, were studied to ascertain the main characteristics and influences of its manufacture. Production centers even from small kingdoms can add new insights in medieval ceramic technology. Several types of decorated ceramics, such as tin-opacified glazed, monochrome glazed and cuerda seca, were investigated. Ceramic bodies were analyzed by ICP-Optical Emission Spectrometry, and glazes were studied by Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometry. All the ceramic bodies showed the use of Ca-rich pastes, although three groups could be distinguished and related to their decoration. Lead and silicon were the main components of the glazes, as well as scattered tin oxide in the case of white or green opacified glazes. Some features, such as calcareous bodies, double firing for tin-opacified glazes, glaze components, and coloring oxides, were common in Albarracin samples and other Islamic production centers in the Iberian Peninsula. However, some differences were also highlighted in lead/silica proportions and cuerda seca decoration, and several influences from northern or southern pottery centers. Lead isotope ratios, measured by ICP-Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry, revealed two different sources or suppliers of lead raw materials according to the type of glaze to be prepared.
Continuous Camera-Based Premature-Infant Monitoring Algorithms for NICU
Authors: Nagy Ádám , Földesy Péter , Jánoki Imre , Terbe Dániel , Siket Máté , Szabó Miklós , Varga Judit , Zarándy Ákos
Published: August 2021

Non-contact visual monitoring of vital signs in neonatology has been demonstrated by several recent studies in ideal scenarios where the baby is calm and there is no medical or parental intervention. Similar to contact monitoring methods (e.g., ECG, pulse oximeter) the camera-based solutions suffer from motion artifacts. Therefore, during care and the infants’ active periods, calculated values typically differ largely from the real ones. In this way, our main contribution to existing remote camera-based techniques is to detect and classify such situations with a high level of confidence. Our algorithms can not only evaluate quiet periods, but can also provide continuous monitoring. Altogether, our proposed algorithms can measure pulse rate, breathing rate, and to recognize situations such as medical intervention or very active subjects using only a single camera, while the system does not exceed the computational capabilities of average CPU-GPU-based hardware. The performance of the algorithms was evaluated on our database collected at the Ist Dept. of Neonatology of Pediatrics, Dept of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
Theoretical and Experimental Study of Optimization of Polarization Spectroscopy for the D2 Closed Transition Line of 87Rb Atoms
Authors: Jeong Jeongyoun , Lee Sanglok , Hwang Sungi , Baek Jaeuk , Noh Heung-Ryoul , Moon Geol
Published: August 2021

We experimentally and theoretically investigated the optimal condition of polarization spectroscopy for frequency stabilization on various pump beam intensities and vapor cell temperatures for the D2 closed transition line of 87Rb atoms. We compared the experimental results, such as the amplitude, width, and slope, of the polarization spectroscopy signal with the theoretical results obtained from the numerical calculation of temporal density matrix equations. Based on the results, we found the optimal parameters, such as the pump beam intensity and vapor cell temperature, for polarization spectroscopy. The theoretically expected optimal parameters were, qualitatively, in good agreement with the experimental results.
Development of Communication Protocols between BIM Elements and 3D Concrete Printing
Authors: Forcael Eric , Pérez Javier , Vásquez Álvaro , García-Alvarado Rodrigo , Orozco Francisco , Sepúlveda Javier
Published: August 2021

Historically, the construction industry has exhibited slow technological development when compared to other industries. However, during the last several years, investigations related to automation in construction have been conducted, such as additive manufacturing in concrete. This study aims to delve into this topic, providing effective communication between BIM-designed elements and its additive concrete manufacturing, with the help of an articulated robotic arm. Therefore, the paper addresses the preparation of computer code that allows such BIM–robot communication, checking the parameters utilized, and analyzing the results of tests with the equipment involved.
Electrolytically Ionized Abrasive-Free CMP (EAF-CMP) for Copper
Authors: Park Seonghyun , Lee Hyunseop
Published: August 2021

Chemical–mechanical polishing (CMP) is a planarization process that utilizes chemical reactions and mechanical material removal using abrasive particles. With the increasing integration of semiconductor devices, the CMP process is gaining increasing importance in semiconductor manufacturing. Abrasive-free CMP (AF-CMP) uses chemical solutions that do not contain abrasive particles to reduce scratches and improve planarization capabilities. However, because AF-CMP does not use abrasive particles for mechanical material removal, the material removal rate (MRR) is lower than that of conventional CMP methods. In this study, we attempted to improve the material removal efficiency of AF-CMP using electrolytic ionization of a chemical solution (electrolytically ionized abrasive-free CMP; EAF-CMP). EAF-CMP had a higher MRR than AF-CMP, possibly due to the high chemical reactivity and mechanical material removal of the former. In EAF-CMP, the addition of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and citric acid increased the MRR, while the addition of benzotriazole (BTA) lowered this rate. The results highlight the need for studies on diverse chemical solutions and material removal mechanisms in the future.
An Ontology to Model the International Rules for Multiple Primary Malignant Tumours in Cancer Registration
Authors: Nicholson Nicholas Charles , Giusti Francesco , Bettio Manola , Negrao Carvalho Raquel , Dimitrova Nadya , Dyba Tadeusz , Flego Manuela , Neamtiu Luciana , Randi Giorgia , Martos Carmen
Published: August 2021

Population-based cancer registry data provide a key epidemiological resource for monitoring cancer in defined populations. Validation of the data variables contributing to a common data set is necessary to remove statistical bias; the process is currently performed centrally. An ontology-based approach promises advantages in devolving the validation process to the registry level but the checks regarding multiple primary tumours have presented a hurdle. This work presents a solution by modelling the international rules for multiple primary cancers in description logic. Topography groupings described in the rules had to be further categorised in order to simplify the axioms. Description logic expressivity was constrained as far as possible for reasons of automatic reasoning performance. The axioms were consistently able to trap all the different types of scenarios signalling violation of the rules. Batch processing of many records were performed using the Web Ontology Language application programme interface. Performance issues were circumvented for large data sets using the software interface to perform the reasoning operations on the basis of the axioms encoded in the ontology. These results remove one remaining hurdle in developing a purely ontology-based solution for performing the European harmonised data-quality checks, with a number of inherent advantages including the formalisation and integration of the validation rules within the domain data model itself.
Multi-Lens Array Full-Field X-ray Microscopy
Authors: Opolka Alexander , Müller Dominik , Fella Christian , Balles Andreas , Mohr Jürgen , Last Arndt
Published: August 2021

X-ray full-field microscopy at laboratory sources for photon energies above 10 keV suffers from either long exposure times or low resolution. The photon flux is mainly limited by the objectives used, having a limited numerical aperture NA. We show that this can be overcome by making use of the cone-beam illumination of laboratory sources by imaging the same field of view (FoV) several times under slightly different angles using an array of X-ray lenses. Using this technique, the exposure time can be reduced drastically without any loss in terms of resolution. A proof-of-principle is given using an existing laboratory metal-jet source at the 9.25 keV Ga Kα-line and compared to a ray-tracing simulation of the setup.
Combating COVID-19 during Airway Management: Validation of a Protection Tent for Containing Aerosols and Droplets
Authors: Weng Chen-Hsun , Chiu Po-Wei , Kao Chia-Lung , Lin Yu-Yuan , Lin Chih-Hao
Published: August 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has made it necessary for medical personnel to protect themselves from aerosol-producing procedures, especially during airway management. The tracheal intubation process has a significant risk based on the spreading of aerosol, especially when the medical service provider is very close to the airway of the patient. We have developed a novel conservation tent that provides a barrier for healthcare professionals and patients. Through a simulation study, the relationship between the use of the protection tent during intubation and the contamination of medical personnel before and after the movement of the protection tent was explored. A series of experiments in this article provide a theoretical basis for the verification of spray morphology during gas curing and droplet intubation. This inexpensive and simple method for using transparent cloth in the intubation of patients with unknown COVID-19 status can be applied by frontline medical personnel as an additional precautionary measure.
Influence of Some Additives on the Properties of OPC Solidified Sandy Silt
Authors: Wu Dazhi , Chen Keyu , Zhang Zilong , Chang Lifu
Published: August 2021

The ordinary Portland cement (OPC)-based solidification process is used extensively to reinforce soils due to its available and good bonding properties. Alternative products are used in cementitious materials to enhance the strength and to reduce OPC consumption. In this study, the effect of additive type and mass fraction on the microstructure and mechanical properties of solidified sandy silt are investigated. There are four types of additives (gypsum, lime, clay particles, and fly ash) at mass fractions of 2, 3, and 4% that are considered in order to study their mechanical properties (unconfined compression, indirect tensile, flexural strength, and compressive resilient modulus) at 7, 14, 28, 60, and 90 days. The optimal contents of additive gypsum, clay particles, and fly ash are determined to be 2%, 4%, and 4%, respectively. Such improvement of additive-modified OPC solidified sandy silt is due to the formation of the crystalline compound or the gradation composition improvement via field emission scanning electron and X-ray diffraction analysis.
Joint Optimization Method of Spare Parts Stocks and Level of Repair Analysis Considering the Multiple Failure Modes
Authors: Wang Ruiqi , Chen Guangyu , Wu Jie , Zhou Wei , Huang Zheng
Published: August 2021

For the repair level and spare parts stocking problems, generally METRIC type methods and Level of repair analysis (LORA) are used separately. Since LORA does not consider the availability of capital goods, solving LORA and spare parts stocking problems sequentially may lead to suboptimal solutions. On these considerations, this study presents a joint optimization method to minimize the service logistics cost under the constraints of system availability. Maintenance capability factor and maintenance decisions are introduced into the joint optimization model to express the influence of multiple failure modes on repair level and spare parts stocking. Thus, we establish the bridge relationship between LORA and METRIC models. The joint optimization model is solved by an improved iterative algorithm, and a typical fleet system is taken as an example to verify the correctness and effectiveness of the model and the algorithm. Compared with the optimization of spare parts inventory and maintenance level independently, the joint optimization method could effectively reduce the service logistic system cost.
Seismic Performance of Dam Piers Retrofitted with Reinforced Polymer Cement Mortar
Authors: Sonoda Yoshimi , Tamai Hiroki , Ikeda Hirotsugu
Published: August 2021

The deterioration of existing reinforced concrete (RC) structures is regarded as a problem worldwide. In Japan especially, the deterioration of RC dam structures has become severe. Many such dams meet design standards that were in place at the time of construction but do not meet the current seismic design standards, and appropriate seismic retrofitting is required. If the dam pier, which is an important part of the dam related to water storage, is damaged by an earthquake, the gate cannot be opened or closed, and the amount of water stored cannot be controlled. Therefore, the seismic retrofitting of dam piers is a top priority. However, various construction restrictions exist for dam piers, such as only the cross-section on the downstream side can be reinforced, and not on the upstream side where water is stored. Thus, it is difficult to apply the same reinforcement method that is applied to the piers of general road bridges. Therefore, in this study, we confirm the effectiveness of the SRS method (seismic retrofitting using cement mortar for shotcrete), which is suitable for partial reinforcement. Specifically, the dam piers of four types of existing dams were modeled using the three-dimensional finite element method, and a seismic response analysis was performed by inputting two types of seismic waveforms having different characteristics. As a result, the reinforcement effect of this method was verified according to structural characteristics. Furthermore, the effect of the reinforcement range on the reinforcement effect was clarified.
Identification of Riptortus pedestris Salivary Proteins and Their Roles in Inducing Plant Defenses
Authors: Huang Hai-Jian , Yan Xiao-Tian , Wei Zhong-Yan , Wang Yi-Zhe , Chen Jian-Ping , Li Jun-Min , Sun Zong-Tao , Zhang Chuan-Xi
Published: August 2021

The bean bug, Riptortus pedestris (Fabricius), is one of the most important soybean pests. It damages soybean leaves and pods with its piercing-sucking mouthparts, causing staygreen-like syndromes in the infested crops. During the feeding process, R. pedestris secretes a mixture of salivary proteins, which play critical roles in the insect–plant interactions and may be responsible for staygreen-like syndromes. The present study aimed to identify the major salivary proteins in R. pedestris saliva by transcriptomic and proteomic approaches, and to screen the proteins that potentially induced plant defense responses. Altogether, 136 salivary proteins were identified, and a majority of them were involved in hydrolase and binding. Additionally, R. pedestris saliva contained abundant bug-specific proteins with unknown function. Transient expression of salivary proteins in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves identified that RpSP10.3, RpSP13.4, RpSP13.8, RpSP17.8, and RpSP10.2 were capable of inducing cell death, reactive oxygen species (ROS) burst, and hormone signal changes, indicating the potential roles of these proteins in eliciting plant defenses. Our results will shed more light on the molecular mechanisms underlying the plant–insect interactions and are useful for pest management.
Transcriptome and Literature Mining Highlight the Differential Expression of ERLIN1 in Immune Cells during Sepsis
Authors: Huang Susie S. Y. , Toufiq Mohammed , Saraiva Luis R. , Van Panhuys Nicholas , Chaussabel Damien , Garand Mathieu
Published: August 2021

Sepsis results from the dysregulation of the host immune system. This highly variable disease affects 19 million people globally, and accounts for 5 million deaths annually. In transcriptomic datasets curated from public repositories, we observed a consistent upregulation (3.26–5.29 fold) of ERLIN1—a gene coding for an ER membrane prohibitin and a regulator of inositol 1, 4, 5-trisphosphate receptors and sterol regulatory element-binding proteins—under septic conditions in healthy neutrophils, monocytes, and whole blood. In vitro expression of the ERLIN1 gene and proteins was measured by stimulating the whole blood of healthy volunteers to a combination of lipopolysaccharide and peptidoglycan. Septic stimulation induced a significant increase in ERLIN1 expression; however, ERLIN1 was differentially expressed among the immune blood cell subsets. ERLIN1 was uniquely increased in whole blood neutrophils, and confirmed in the differentiated HL60 cell line. The scarcity of ERLIN1 in sepsis literature indicates a knowledge gap between the functions of ERLIN1, calcium homeostasis, and cholesterol and fatty acid biosynthesis, and sepsis. In combination with experimental data, we bring forth the hypothesis that ERLIN1 is variably modulated among immune cells in response to cellular perturbations, and has implications for ER functions and/or ER membrane protein components during sepsis.
Quantitative Proteomic Analysis of Plasma after Remote Ischemic Conditioning in a Rhesus Monkey Ischemic Stroke Model
Authors: Song Siying , Guo Linlin , Wu Di , Shi Jingfei , Duan Yunxia , He Xiaoduo , Liu Yunhuan , Ding Yuchuan , Ji Xunming , Meng Ran
Published: August 2021

Background: Animal and clinical studies have shown that remote ischemic conditioning (RIC) has protective effects for cerebral vascular diseases, with induced humoral factor changes in the peripheral blood. However, many findings are heterogeneous, perhaps due to differences in the RIC intervention schemes, enrolled populations, and sample times. This study aimed to examine the RIC-induced changes in the plasma proteome using rhesus monkey models of strokes. Methods: Two adult rhesus monkeys with autologous blood clot-induced middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion underwent RIC interventions twice a week for five consecutive weeks. Each RIC treatment included five cycles of five minutes of ischemia alternating with five minutes of reperfusion of the forearm. The blood samples were taken from the median cubital vein of the monkeys at baseline and immediately after each week’s RIC stimulus. The plasma samples were isolated for a proteomic analysis using mass spectrometry (MS). Results: Several proteins related to lipid metabolism (Apolipoprotein A-II and Apolipoprotein C-II), coagulation (Fibrinogen alpha chain and serpin), immunoinflammatory responses (complement C3 and C1), and endovascular hemostasis (basement membrane-specific heparan sulfate proteoglycan) were significantly modulated after the RIC intervention. Many of these induced changes, such as in the lipid metabolism regulation and anticoagulation responses, starting as early as two weeks following the RIC intervention. The complementary activation and protection of the endovascular cells occurred more than three weeks postintervention. Conclusions: Multiple protective effects were induced by RIC and involved lipid metabolism regulation (anti-atherogenesis), anticoagulation (antithrombosis), complement activation, and endovascular homeostasis (anti-inflammation). In conclusion, this study indicates that RIC results in significant modulations of the plasma proteome. It also provides ideas for future research and screening targets.
Catalytic Oxidation of Methane
Authors: Banerjee Anil C.
Published: August 2021

Methane (the major component of natural gas) is one of the main energy sources for gas-powered turbines for power generation, and transport vehicles [...]
Functions of the Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone on Key Developmental Features Revealed in a Series of Zebrafish Dyshormonogenesis Models
Authors: Song Jia , Lu Yao , Cheng Xiaoxia , Shi Chuang , Lou Qiyong , Jin Xia , He Jiangyan , Zhai Gang , Yin Zhan
Published: August 2021

The hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid (HPT) axis regulates many critical features in vertebrates. Utilizing TALENs and CRISPR/Cas9 techniques, thyroid-stimulating hormone subunit beta a (tshba), thyroglobulin (tg), and solute carrier family 16 member 2 (slc16a2) mutant zebrafish lines were generated. Among the three mutants, the earliest time point for the significantly altered T3 contents was observed in tshba mutants, which resulted in the most severe defects, including typical defects such as the retardation of inflated anterior swimming bladder (aSB), proper formation of fin ray and posterior squamation (SP), the larval-to-juvenile transition (LTJT) process, juvenile growth retardation, and mating failure. In tg mutants, which are actually compensated with an alternative splicing form, growth retardation was observed in the juvenile stage without LTJT and reproductive defects. The evident goiter phenotype was only observed in tg- and slc16a2 mutants, but not in tshba mutants. Other than goiters being observed, no other significant developmental defects were found in the slc16a2 mutants. Regarding the reproductive defects observed in tshba mutants, the defective formation of the secondary sex characteristics (SSCs) was observed, while no obvious alterations during gonad development were found. Based on our analyses, zebrafish at the 6–12 mm standard length or 16–35 days post-fertilization (dpf) should be considered to be in their LTJT phase. Using a series of zebrafish dyshormonogenesis models, this study demonstrated that the TSH function is critical for the proper promotion of zebrafish LTJT and SSC formation. In addition, the elevation of TSH levels appears to be essential for goiter appearance in zebrafish.
Post-Translational Modification and Subcellular Compartmentalization: Emerging Concepts on the Regulation and Physiopathological Relevance of RhoGTPases
Authors: Navarro-Lérida Inmaculada , Sánchez-Álvarez Miguel , del Pozo Miguel Ángel
Published: August 2021

Cells and tissues are continuously exposed to both chemical and physical stimuli and dynamically adapt and respond to this variety of external cues to ensure cellular homeostasis, regulated development and tissue-specific differentiation. Alterations of these pathways promote disease progression—a prominent example being cancer. Rho GTPases are key regulators of the remodeling of cytoskeleton and cell membranes and their coordination and integration with different biological processes, including cell polarization and motility, as well as other signaling networks such as growth signaling and proliferation. Apart from the control of GTP–GDP cycling, Rho GTPase activity is spatially and temporally regulated by post-translation modifications (PTMs) and their assembly onto specific protein complexes, which determine their controlled activity at distinct cellular compartments. Although Rho GTPases were traditionally conceived as targeted from the cytosol to the plasma membrane to exert their activity, recent research demonstrates that active pools of different Rho GTPases also localize to endomembranes and the nucleus. In this review, we discuss how PTM-driven modulation of Rho GTPases provides a versatile mechanism for their compartmentalization and functional regulation. Understanding how the subcellular sorting of active small GTPase pools occurs and what its functional significance is could reveal novel therapeutic opportunities.
Effect of Electromigration and Thermal Ageing on the Tin Whiskers’ Formation in Thin Sn–0.7Cu–0.05Ga Lead (Pb)-Free Solder Joints
Authors: Mokhtar Noor Zaimah Mohd , Salleh Mohd Arif Anuar Mohd , Sandu Andrei Victor , Ramli Muhammad Mahyiddin , Chaiprapa Jitrin , Vizureanu Petrica , Ramli Mohd Izrul Izwan
Published: August 2021

The investigation on tin (Sn) whiskers formation has been widely applied in the field of lead-free electronic packaging. This is due to the fact that use of the Sn–Pb finishes has converted to Pb-free finishes in the electronic industry. Sn whiskers can grow long enough to cause a short circuit, which affects electronic devices’ reliability. This study investigates Sn whiskers’ formation in the thin Sn–0.7Cu–0.05Ga Pb-free solder under the influence of electromigration and thermal ageing for surface finish applications. The samples were stored in ambient conditions for 1000 h before being exposed to electromigration and thermal ageing to study the corresponding whiskers’ growth. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to study the Sn whiskers’ microstructure, while an optical microscope (OM) was utilized to investigate the IMC layers in the samples. The results show that the addition of 0.05 wt.% gallium (Ga) decreased the Sn whisker’s length and growth density while simultaneously refining the IMC layers. Synchrotron micro-XRF (µ-XRF) shows the existence and distribution of Ga addition in both electromigration and thermal ageing samples. The shear test was used to determine the solder alloys’ mechanical properties. As a result, the addition of Ga to the Sn–0.7Cu solder improved the fracture morphology of solder joints. In conclusion, Ga’s addition resulted in decreasing Sn whisker formation and refining of the IMCs while also increasing the shear strength of the Sn–0.7Cu solder by ~14%.
Carbonated Hydroxyapatite-Based Honeycomb Scaffold Coatings on a Titanium Alloy for Bone Implant Application—Physicochemical and Mechanical Properties Analysis
Authors: Sari Mona , Kristianto Nicholas , Chotimah  , Ana Ika , Yusuf Yusril
Published: August 2021

In this work, carbonated hydroxyapatite (CHA) based on abalone mussel shells (Haliotis asinina) is synthesized using the co-precipitation method. The synthesized CHA was mixed with honeycomb (HCB) 40 wt.% for the scaffold fabrication process. CHA and scaffold CHA/HCB 40 wt.% were used for coating a Titanium (Ti) alloy using the electrophoretic deposition dip coating (EP2D) method with immersion times of 10, 20, and 30 min. The synthesized B-type CHA with a stirring time of 45 min could have lower transmittance values and smaller crystallite size. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) showed that the Ca/P molar ratio was 1.79. The scaffold CHA/HCB 40 wt.% had macropore size, micropore size, and porosity of 102.02 ± 9.88 μm, 1.08 ± 0.086 μm, and 66.36%, respectively, and therefore it can also be applied in the coating process for bone implant applications due to the potential scaffold for bone growth. Thus, it has the potential for coating on Ti alloy applications. In this study, the compressive strength for all immersion time variations was about 54–83 MPa. The average compression strengths of human cancellous bone were about 0.2–80 MPa. The thickness obtained was in accordance with the thickness parameters required for a coating of 50–200 μm.
Pericardial NT-Pro-BNP and GDF-15 as Biomarkers of Atrial Fibrillation and Atrial Matrix Remodeling in Aortic Stenosis
Authors: Fragão-Marques Mariana , Barroso Isaac , Farinha Rui , Miranda Isabel M , Martins Diana , Mancio Jennifer , Rocha-Neves João , Guimarães João T , Leite-Moreira Adelino , Falcão-Pires Inês
Published: August 2021

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the association of GDF-15 and NT-pro-BNP in two different biological matrices with AF in severe aortic stenosis patients undergoing aortic valve replacement surgery (AVR), its association with atrial matrix remodeling, as well as with 30-day postoperative outcomes. Main Methods: One hundred and twenty-six patients between 2009 and 2019 with severe aortic stenosis undergoing AVR surgery in a tertiary hospital were assessed. Key Findings: pericardial fluid GDF-15 and pericardial fluid and serum NT-pro-BNP were increased in AF patients with aortic stenosis. COL1A1 and COL3A1 gene expression increased when pericardial fluid NT-pro-BNP values were higher. TIMP4 was positively correlated with pericardial fluid GDF-15. Significance: GDF-15 and NT-pro-BNP in the pericardial fluid are biomarkers of atrial fibrillation in aortic stenosis and correlate with atrial matrix remodeling. AKI is predicted by both serum and pericardial fluid GDF-15.
Teaching from a Distance—Math Lessons during COVID-19 in Germany and Spain
Authors: Barlovits Simon , Jablonski Simone , Lázaro Claudia , Ludwig Matthias , Recio Tomas
Published: August 2021

In 2020, Germany and Spain experienced lockdowns of their school systems. This resulted in a new challenge for learners and teachers: lessons moved from the classroom to the children’s homes. Therefore, teachers had to set rules, implement procedures and make didactical–methodical decisions regarding how to handle this new situation. In this paper, we focus on the roles of mathematics teachers in Germany and Spain. The article first describes how mathematics lessons were conducted using distance learning. Second, problems encountered throughout this process were examined. Third, teachers drew conclusions from their mathematics teaching experiences during distance learning. To address these research interests, a questionnaire was answered by N = 248 teachers (N1 = 171 German teachers; N2 = 77 Spanish teachers). Resulting from a mixed methods approach, differences between the countries can be observed, e.g., German teachers conducted more lessons asynchronously. In contrast, Spanish teachers used synchronous teaching more frequently, but still regard the lack of personal contact as a main challenge. Finally, for both countries, the digitization of mathematics lessons seems to have been normalized by the pandemic.
Adapting or Changing: The COVID-19 Pandemic and Teacher Education in Russia
Authors: Valeeva Roza , Kalimullin Aydar
Published: August 2021

Adaptation of the Russian education system to the changes forced by the COVID-19 pandemic was complicated by the sheer size of the country, which entails the differentiation of the regions in terms of the quality of education, access to knowledge networks, communication resources, and top universities. Amid the pandemic, the country’s education system experienced an initial shock after the introduction of distance learning in March 2020, attempted to return to classroom learning in September 2020, and introduced blended learning in October 2020. Each stage brought about changes in organization and management of teaching and learning processes, development of online learning platforms and courses, and technological improvements. A diversified teacher education system impeded these changes. In effect, only the largest among 300 education institutions that offer teacher education programs had the necessary resources to provide high-quality distance and blended learning. Their experience could form the basis for creating a standardized model of teacher training for the purposes of blended learning. This is most probable in the context of the tight control and the top–down approach typical of the Russian education system. The article, therefore, analyzes some examples regarding teacher training during the pandemic implemented at Russian universities. These cases have the potential to become major trends that would ensure consistency of the country’s education system in extreme situations that might recur in the future.
A Novel Metaheuristic Moss-Rose-Inspired Algorithm with Engineering Applications
Authors: Hathal Hussein M. , Ali Ramzy S. , Abdullah Abdulkareem S.
Published: August 2021

Every day, a moss rose generates new flowers with variable diameters. Two flowering mechanisms are controlled by exposure to sunlight, namely, a variable concentration of florigen based on photoreceptors called phytochromes, and the biological clock, which is responsible for the changing diameters of the plant flowers at night and some hours during the day. By explaining and idealizing the flowering mechanisms of the moss rose in nature, a new sort of nature-inspired optimization algorithm called the moss rose optimization algorithm (MROA) was proposed in this study. The MROA was benchmarked using three methods. First, 18 benchmark functions were utilized to evaluate the effectiveness of the MROA. Second, the MROA was used for planning a smart antenna system (SA) as an online solution to find unknown weights. Third, the MROA was used to find the optimal dimensions for a microstrip antenna for the frequency (2.4 GHz) as an offline solution. The MROA was compared with other algorithms. The results show the capacities and proficiencies of the proposed algorithm regarding finding the ideal solutions. The promising arrangements for smart antenna identification and microstrip antenna design highlight the importance of this algorithm for resolving current issues with unknown fields of investigation.