bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pluronic F-68 Improves Callus Proliferation of Recalcitrant Rice Cultivar via Enhanced Carbon and Nitrogen Metabolism and Nutrients Uptake
Authors: Kok Andrew De-Xian , Mohd Yusoff Nur Fatihah , Sekeli Rogayah , Wee Chien-Yeong , Lamasudin Dhilia Udie , Ong-Abdullah Janna , Lai Kok-Song
Published: June 2021

Pluronic F-68 (PF-68) is a non-ionic surfactant used in plant tissue culture as a growth additive. Despite its usage as a plant growth enhancer, the mechanism underlying the growth-promoting effects of PF-68 remains largely unknown. Hence, this study was undertaken to elucidate the growth-promoting mechanism of PF-68 using recalcitrant MR 219 callus as a model. Supplementation of 0.04% PF-68 (optimum concentration) was shown to enhance callus proliferation. The treated callus recorded enhanced sugar content, protein content, and glutamate synthase activity as exemplified in the comparative proteome analysis, showing protein abundance involved in carbohydrate metabolism (alpha amylase), protein biosynthesis (ribosomal proteins), and nitrogen metabolism (glutamate synthase), which are crucial to plant growth and development. Moreover, an increase in nutrients uptake was also noted with potassium topping the list, suggesting a vital role of K in governing plant growth. In contrast, 0.10% PF-68 (high concentration) induced stress response in the callus, revealing an increment in phenylalanine ammonia lyase activity, malondialdehyde content, and peroxidase activity, which were consistent with high abundance of phenylalanine ammonia lyase, peroxidase, and peroxiredoxin proteins detected and concomitant with a reduced level of esterase activity. The data highlighted that incorporation of PF-68 at optimum concentration improved callus proliferation of recalcitrant MR 219 through enhanced carbohydrate metabolism, nitrogen metabolism, and nutrient uptake. However, growth-promoting effects of PF-68 are concentration dependent.
Australian Lentil Breeding Between 1988 and 2019 Has Delivered Greater Yield Gain Under Stress Than Under High-Yield Conditions
Authors: Sadras Victor O. , Rosewarne Garry M. , Lake Lachlan
Published: June 2021

The contemporary lentil (Lens culinaris ssp. culinaris) industry in Australia started in the late 1980s. Yield in farmers’ fields averages 1.2 t ha–1 nationally and has not increased over three decades. Lack of yield progress can be related to a number of non-mutually exclusive reasons: expansion of lentil to low-yielding environments, lack of genetic gain in yield, lack of progress in agronomic practices, and lack of adoption of superior technologies. The aims of this study were to (i) quantify the genetic gain in lentil yield since 1988, (ii) explore the variation in the expression of genetic gain with the environment, and (iii) identify shifts in crop phenotype associated with selection for yield and agronomic adaptation. We grew a historic collection of 19 varieties released between 1988 and 2019 in eight environments resulting from the factorial combination of two sowing dates, two water regimes, and two seasons. Across environments, yield varied 11-fold from 0.2 to 2.2 t ha–1. The rate of genetic gain averaged 20 kg ha–1 year–1 or 1.23% year–1 across environments and was higher in low-yield environments. The yield increase was associated with substantial shifts in phenology. Newer varieties had a shorter time to flowering and pod emergence, and the rate of change in these traits was more pronounced in slow-developing environments (e.g., earlier sowing). Thermal time from sowing to end of flowering and maturity were shorter in newer varieties, and thermal time from pod emergence to maturity was longer in newer varieties; the rate of change in these traits was unrelated to developmental drivers and correlated with environmental mean yield. Genetic gain in yield was associated with increased grain number and increased harvest index. Despite their shorter time to maturity, newer varieties had similar or higher biomass than their older counterparts because crop growth rate during the critical period increased with the year of release. Genotype-dependent yield increased over three decades in low-yield environments, whereas actual farm yield has been stagnant; this suggests an increasing yield gap requiring agronomic solutions. Genetic improvement in high-yield environments requires improved coupling of growth and reproduction.
Different Conspiracy Theories Have Different Psychological and Social Determinants: Comparison of Three Theories About the Origins of the COVID-19 Virus in a Representative Sample of the UK Population
Authors: Hartman Todd K. , Marshall Michael , Stocks Thomas V. A. , McKay Ryan , Bennett Kate , Butter Sarah , Gibson Miller Jilly , Hyland Philip , Levita Liat , Martinez Anton P. , Mason Liam , McBride Orla , Murphy Jamie , Shevlin Mark , Vallières Frédérique , Bentall Richard P.
Published: June 2021

COVID-19 conspiracy theories have proliferated during the global pandemic, and their rapid spread among certain groups may jeopardize the public health response (e.g., undermining motivation to engage in social distancing and willingness to vaccinate against the virus). Using survey data from two waves of a nationally representative, longitudinal study of life in lockdown in the United Kingdom (N= 1,406), we analyze the factors associated with belief in three origin theories related to COVID-19, namely that it 1) originated in a meat market in Wuhan, China; 2) was developed in a lab in Wuhan, China; and 3) is caused by 5G mobile networks. Our findings suggest that political-psychological predispositions are strongly associated with belief in conspiracy theories about the virus, though the direction and effect sizes of these predictors vary depending on the specific content of each origin theory. For instance, belief in the Chinese lab conspiracy theory is strongly associated with right-wing authoritarianism (RWA), social dominance orientation (SDO), and general conspiracy ideation, as well as less reliable news sources, distrust in scientists, and anxiety about the pandemic. Belief in the 5G network conspiracy theory is strongly associated with SDO, distrust in scientists, while less strongly with conspiracy ideation and information from social networks/media; RWA is strongly negatively associated with belief in the 5G conspiracy theory, with older and more wealthy individuals somewhat less likely to endorse it. The meat market origin theory is predicted by intolerance of uncertainty, ethnocentrism, COVID-19 anxiety, and less so by higher income, while distrust in scientists is negatively associated with this origin story. Finally, belief in COVID-19 conspiracy theories is associated with negative public health behaviors such as unwillingness to social distance and vaccinate against the virus. Crucially, our findings suggest that the specific content of COVID-19 conspiracy theories likely determines which individuals may be most likely to endorse them.
“It’s Not the Same”: A Comparison of the Psychological Needs Satisfied by Musical Group Activities in Face to Face and Virtual Modes
Authors: Draper Grace , Dingle Genevieve A.
Published: June 2021

According to the social identity approach to health, group memberships influence people’s mental health to the extent that they identify with their group. Emerging evidence suggests that music groups, such as choirs, enhance mental health via group identification and the satisfaction of various psychological needs; however, more research is required to understand these processes in other types of music groups. Furthermore, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) social distancing restrictions in 2020 prevented music groups from meeting face to face (F2F). Some music groups adapted virtually, but the rate of adaptation of various music activities is unknown, as is the impact of such adaptations on participants’ group identification, psychological need satisfaction, and mental health. We explored these questions using a cross-sectional survey with 257 participants (Mage = 46 years, 78% female) of singing (n = 172), instrumental (n = 48), and dance groups (n = 37). Participants rated group identification and psychological needs satisfaction retrospectively for their music group in F2F mode and then for the group in adapted mode, along with mental health 12-item short form health survey (SF-12). Results showed that instrumental groups (60%) were less commonly adapted to virtual mode than singing (83%) and dance (86%) groups. Group identification and average psychological needs satisfaction (M = 4.04 and 3.50 out of 5) scores were significantly lower for groups in virtual mode than in F2F mode (M = 4.53 and 4.14, respectively). Psychological needs satisfaction did not mediate the relationship between group identification and SF-12 mental health. Despite this, values on group identification and psychological need satisfaction remained high, which suggests that virtual music groups may be beneficial during the COVID-19 pandemic and in contexts where F2F groups are less accessible.
Racial Disparity and Social Determinants in Receiving Timely Surgery Among Stage I–IIIA Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Patients in a U.S. Southern State
Authors: Neroda Paige , Hsieh Mei-Chin , Wu Xiao-Cheng , Cartmell Kathleen B. , Mayo Rachel , Wu Jiande , Hicks Chindo , Zhang Lu
Published: June 2021

Delayed surgery is associated with worse lung cancer outcomes. Social determinants can influence health disparities. This study aimed to examine the potential racial disparity and the effects from social determinants on receipt of timely surgery among lung cancer patients in Louisiana, a southern state in the U.S. White and black stage I–IIIA non-small cell lung cancer patients diagnosed in Louisiana between 2004 and 2016, receiving surgical lobectomy or a more extensive surgery, were selected. Diagnosis-to-surgery interval >6 weeks were considered as delayed surgery. Social determinants included marital status, insurance, census tract level poverty, and census tract level urbanicity. Multivariable logistic regression and generalized multiple mediation analysis were conducted. A total of 3,616 white (78.9%) and black (21.1%) patients were identified. The median time interval from diagnosis to surgery was 27 days in whites and 42 days in blacks (P < 0.0001). About 28.7% of white and 48.4% of black patients received delayed surgery (P < 0.0001). Black patients had almost two-fold odds of receiving delayed surgery than white patients (adjusted odds ratio: 1.91; 95% confidence interval: 1.59–2.30). Social determinants explained about 26% of the racial disparity in receiving delayed surgery. Having social support, private insurance, and living in census tracts with lower poverty level were associated with improved access to timely surgery. The census tract level poverty level a stronger effect on delayed surgery in black patients than in white patients. Tailored interventions to improve the timely treatment in NSCLC patients, especially black patients, are needed in the future.
Understanding Stability and Change in Perceived Social Support in Parents of Autistic Children and Adolescents
Authors: Weiss Jonathan A. , Robinson Suzanne , Riddell Rebecca Pillai , Flora David
Published: June 2021

Parents of children with autism often have their own support needs. Informal social support can be an important component of managing parenting-related stressors. We know very little about the factors that lead to higher levels of perceived social support or the potential reciprocal relationship social support has with other factors in parents of children with autism. The current longitudinal study examined the reciprocal relations of perceived social support and parent stress and child behavior problems across a 1-year period, using three time points. There was remarkable stability in variables over time. Baseline perceived social support significantly predicted changes in child behavior and parent stress at the 6-month time point, but neither of those variables significantly predicted social support. This study adds to our understanding of social support and clarifies how perceived social support relates to other factors longitudinally.
Technical Challenges for Smooth Interaction With Seniors With Dementia: Lessons From Humanitude™
Authors: Sumioka Hidenobu , Shiomi Masahiro , Honda Miwako , Nakazawa Atsushi
Published: June 2021

Due to cognitive and socio-emotional decline and mental diseases, senior citizens, especially people with dementia (PwD), struggle to interact smoothly with their caregivers. Therefore, various care techniques have been proposed to develop good relationships with seniors. Among them, Humanitude is one promising technique that provides caregivers with useful interaction skills to improve their relationships with PwD, from four perspectives: face-to-face interaction, verbal communication, touch interaction, and helping care receivers stand up (physical interaction). Regardless of advances in elderly care techniques, since current social robots interact with seniors in the same manner as they do with younger adults, they lack several important functions. For example, Humanitude emphasizes the importance of interaction at a relatively intimate distance to facilitate communication with seniors. Unfortunately, few studies have developed an interaction model for clinical care communication. In this paper, we discuss the current challenges to develop a social robot that can smoothly interact with PwDs and overview the interaction skills used in Humanitude as well as the existing technologies.
Proprioceptive Stimulation Added to a Walking Self-Avatar Enhances the Illusory Perception of Walking in Static Participants
Authors: Labbe David R. , Kouakoua Kean , Aissaoui Rachid , Nadeau Sylvie , Duclos Cyril
Published: June 2021

When immersed in virtual reality, users who view their body as a co-located virtual avatar that reflects their movements, generally develop a sense of embodiment whereby they perceive the virtual body to be their own. One aspect of the sense of embodiment is the feeling of agency over the avatar, i.e., the feeling that one is producing the movements of the avatar. In contexts such as physical rehabilitation, telepresence and gaming, it may be useful to induce a strong sense of agency in users who cannot produce movements or for whom it is not practical to do so. Being able to feel agency over a walking avatar without having to produce walking movements could be especially valuable. Muscle vibrations have been shown to produce the proprioceptive perception of movements, without any movement on the part of the user. The objectives of the current study were to: 1-determine if the addition of lower-limb muscle-vibrations with gait-like patterns to a walking avatar can increase the illusory perception of walking in healthy individuals who are standing still; 2-compare the effects of the complexity of the vibration patterns and of their synchronicity on the sense of agency and on the illusory perception of walking. Thirty participants viewed a walking avatar from a first-person perspective, either without muscle vibrations or with one of four different patterns of vibrations. These five conditions were presented pairwise in a two-alternative forced choice paradigm and individually presented, after which participants answered an embodiment questionnaire. The displacement of center of pressure of the participants was measured throughout the experiment. The results show that all patterns of proprioceptive stimulation increased the sense of agency to a similar degree. However, the condition in which the proprioceptive feedback was realistic and temporally aligned with the avatar’s leg movements led to significantly larger anteroposterior sway of the center of pressure. The frequency of this sway matched the cadence of the avatar’s gait. Thus, congruent and realistic proprioceptive stimulation increases the feeling of agency, the illusory perception of walking and the motor responses of the participants when viewing a walking avatar from a first-person perspective.
A Scoping Review of Augmented/Virtual Reality Health and Wellbeing Interventions for Older Adults: Redefining Immersive Virtual Reality
Authors: Carroll Joanne , Hopper Louise , Farrelly Aaron Mark , Lombard-Vance Richard , Bamidis Panagiotis D. , Konstantinidis Evdokimos I.
Published: June 2021

Augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) technologies are regularly used in psychology research to complement psychological interventions and to enable an individual to feel as if they are in an environment other than that of their immediate surroundings. A scoping review was performed to identify how AR/VR was being used with older adult populations to impact their physical and mental health. The review also sought to determine whether the terminology used in AR/VR research was consistent. The results show that 65 studies have been published in the last 20 years that meet the inclusion criteria (virtual/augmented reality) technology to impact older adults’ physical/mental health and wellbeing. Participants included healthy, physically, and cognitively impaired, and emotionally vulnerable older adults. We argue that over 70% of the studies included in this review were mislabeled as VR and only six papers included fully immersive VR/AR. The remaining studies use less immersive variants of virtual reality with their populations, and only one study made use of AR, which prompted the suggestion of a new definition for virtual reality. This paper also calls for an updated taxonomy of augmented and virtual reality definitions to address the lack of consistency found in studies that identify themselves as AR/VR when they are using less immersive technical set-ups, including displaying non-interactive videos on 2D screens.
Effects of Butorphanol With Alfaxalone or Dexmedetomidine on Feline Splenic Size and Appearance on Ultrasound and Computed Tomography
Authors: Finck Cyrielle , Steagall Paulo , Beauchamp Guy
Published: June 2021

The purpose of the study was to determine the effects of intramuscular butorphanol with dexmedetomidine or alfaxalone on feline splenic size, echogenicity, and attenuation using ultrasound and computed tomography (CT). Ten healthy research cats underwent ultrasound and CT without sedation (controls), 15 min after protocol AB (alfaxalone 2 mg/kg and butorphanol 0.2 mg/kg) and 10 min after protocol DB (dexmedetomidine 7 μg/kg and butorphanol 0.2 mg/kg), with a one-week wash-out period between each sedation, using a cross-over study design. Images were randomized and anonymized for evaluation by a board-certified radiologist. On ultrasound, the sedative protocols affected splenic thickness, at the body and the tail (p= 0.002 and 0.0003, respectively).Post-hoctests revealed that mean ± SEM thickness was greater after AB (body: 10.24 ± 0.30 mm; tail: 7.96 ± 0.33 mm) than for the control group (body: 8.71 ± 0.30 mm; tail: 6.78 ± 0.33 mm), while no significant difference was observed following DB. Splenic echogenicity was unchanged between treatments (p= 0.55). On CT, mean ± SEM splenic volume was increased after AB (37.82 ± 1.91 mL) compared to the control group (20.06 ± 1.91 mL) (p< 0.0001), but not after DB (24.04 ± 1.91 mL). Mean splenic attenuation increased after AB (p= 0.0009), but not DB. Protocol DB may be preferable for profound sedation in cats while avoiding changes in feline splenic imaging. When protocol AB is selected, splenomegaly should be expected, though mild on ultrasound. The increased splenic attenuation after AB is unlikely to be clinically relevant.
Identifying Potential for Decision Support Tools through Farm Systems Typology Analysis Coupled with Participatory Research: A Case for Smallholder Farmers in Myanmar
Authors: Thar So Pyay , Ramilan Thiagarajah , Farquharson Robert J. , Chen Deli
Published: June 2021

Decision Support Tools (DSTs) in agriculture have been widely developed but have not been well accepted by smallholder farmers. One reason for the limited use is that the tools do not account for the complexity of heterogeneous smallholder farming systems. Identifying farm typologies has facilitated technology transfer to target groups of farmers. Accounting for heterogeneity in farm systems can help in designing and deploying DSTs to address farmer needs. Typology analysis was applied to a 600-household survey dataset to identify different farm system types. Qualitative participatory research was used to assess the potential deployment of DSTs for fertilizer management. Six types of farm systems were identified with distinct characteristics in the study area of central Myanmar. Participatory research through focus group discussions with 34 participants from the six different farm types validated the farm typologies and found that farmers from one type considered that DSTs could be useful in gaining more information and knowledge. An important finding was that DSTs providing prescriptive advice were inconsistent with what many farmers want. Farmers indicated that discussion groups are a preferred learning-based approach rather than a prescriptive tool. Farmers preferred video clips and infographics integrated into existing familiar digital platforms. This study identifies heterogeneity within a large farm sample and develops a deeper understanding of fertilizer decisions as well as knowledge and intentions related to the use of DSTs or apps via follow-up focus group discussions. Incorporating a participatory research framework with typology identification can have a beneficial role in direct interactions with smallholders that may increase their acceptability of DSTs. This study has generated valuable information about farmer types and serves as a starting point for developing a framework for discussion support systems that may better relate to the needs of farmers.
Comparison of Organic and Inorganic Mulching for Weed Suppression in Wheat under Rain-Fed Conditions of Haripur, Pakistan
Authors: Khan Sami Ullah , Wang Xiukang , Mehmood Tariq , Latıf Sohail , Khan Saftain Ullah , Fiaz Sajid , Qayyum Abdul
Published: June 2021

Weeds pose a great threat to crop production subsequently distressing the equilibrium of agro-ecological systems globally. Instead of relying on chemical weed control, there is a dire need to explore alternative eco-friendly agricultural practices for weed suppression and sustainable wheat production. Mulching being eco-friendly could potentially serve the purpose towards weed suppression organically. To check the usefulness of mulching, two-year studies were conducted under field conditions in Haripur, Pakistan, during 2014 and 2015 to elucidate the response of various mulching materials for weed control in wheat. Six mulch material treatments were used along with Buctril super (used as check) at the rate of 1.235 L ha−1 to control the most problematic weed species of wheat in Pakistan. Experiments were designed under randomized complete block design with four repeats. The analysis of data revealed a significant decrease in weed density, relative weed density, fresh and dry plant biomass at 25, 50 and 75 days after sowing (DAS) where Buctril super at 1.235 L ha−1 and mulch of black plastic were used followed by sugarcane bagasse and dry leaves of mulberry, as compared with control (untreated). Higher density of weed, relative weed density, fresh and dry plant biomass were observed in test weed species of wheat where lentil was applied with wheat and dry leaves of mulberry were incorporated. Net economic benefits in the form of benefit cost ratio (2.55) were higher where grass clippings were applied followed by sugarcane bagasse (2.43), mulberry leaves (2.49), while the lowest net economic benefits (1.72) were obtained when lentil (grown as live mulch crop) with wheat was intercropped. It was concluded from the study that sugarcane bagasse and grass clippings could be a source to control weeds in the wheat with a minimum cost of production at Haripur, Pakistan, and similar agro-climatic environment.
Relationships between Stalk Resistance and Corn Borers, Agronomic Traits, and Cell Wall Hydroxycinnamates in a Set of Recombinant Inbred Lines from a Maize MAGIC Population
Authors: López-Malvar Ana , Reséndiz Zoila , Santiago Rogelio , Jiménez-Galindo José , Malvar Rosa
Published: June 2021

Corn borers are the most important pest affecting maize. Resistance to corn borer attack may compromise plant fitness being detrimental for some important agronomic traits such as yield. Against the attack of this pest, cell wall-bound hydroxycinnamates have been previously described as a possible defense mechanism. In this study, agronomic characterization and cell wall-bound hydroxycinnamates quantification was performed in a subset of Recombinant Inbred Lines (RILs) from a Multiparent Advanced Generation Intercross (MAGIC) population that showed contrasting behavior against corn borer attack. Resistant lines showed greater concentration of p-coumaric acid, the only hydroxycinnamate that could have a role in the resistance in these particular materials. In addition, results indicated that resistant lines showed precocity, low grain moisture at harvest, and reduced plant height, thus, selecting for resistance may be detrimental for yield. In this way, a breeding strategy directly targeting grain yield in order to tolerate corn borer attack would be the recommended one.
Prediction of Sound Scattering from Deep-Sea Targets Based on Equivalence of Directional Point Sources
Authors: Liu Jinpeng , Zhu Zheng , Ji Yongqiang , Chen Ziyang , Zhang Chao , Shang Dejiang
Published: June 2021

A fast prediction method is proposed for calculating the sound scattering of targets in the deep-sea acoustic channel by equating the sound scattering field of a complex elastic target to the acoustic field excited by a directional point source. In deep-sea conditions, the effects of the sea surface on the impedance characteristics of the elastic target surface can be ignored. Through the finite element simulation of the acoustic scattering of the target in the free field, the sound scattering field is equated to the radiation field of a directional point source. Subsequently, the point source is placed in the channel, and the acoustic ray method is used to calculate the distribution of the scattering field. On the basis of theoretical modelling, the method of obtaining the directional point source and the influence of the sea surface on the impedance of the scattering field are analysed. Subsequently, the proposed method is compared with the finite element method in terms of computational efficiency. The result shows that the method considers the multiple complex coupling effects between the elastic structure and marine environment. The influence of the boundary is approximately negligible when the distance from the ocean boundary to the elastic structure is equal to the wavelength. The method only performs finite element coupling calculation in the free field; the amount of mesh size is greatly reduced and the calculation efficiency is significantly improved when compared with the finite element calculation in the entire channel, the. The calculation time in the example can be reduced by more than one order of magnitude. This method organically combines the near-field calculation with acoustic ray theory and it can realise the rapid calculation of the large-scale acoustic scattering field in complex marine environments.
Polyphenol Rich Sugarcane Extract Reduces Body Weight in C57/BL6J Mice Fed a High Fat, High Carbohydrate Diet
Authors: Flavel Matthew , Ellis Timothy P. , Stahl Lauren , Begg Denovan , Smythe Jason , Ilag Leodevico L. , Weisinger Richard S. , Kitchen Barry , Jois Markandeya
Published: June 2021

Background: Energy-dense diets have been implicated as a driving force in the global obesity crisis. Sucrose derived from sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum) is a carbohydrate source at the centre of this discussion. However, sugar cane is a complex plant containing a wide variety of phytochemicals that may have anti-obesity properties. The objective of this study was to assess if polyphenols extracted from sugar cane were capable of mitigating the progression of diet-induced obesity. Methods: Forty-five male, six-week-old C57BL/6J mice were divided into groups of 15 and fed a high-fat, high-carbohydrate diet supplemented with 0%, 2% or 4% polyphenol-rich sugarcane extract (PRSE) for twelve weeks. Body weight, food intake, water intake and faecal content were measured in addition to dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) of the mice. Gene expression was also assessed for a range of key metabolic pathways in both blood and tissue samples in order to determine PRSE’s potential mechanisms of action. Data was analysed using ANOVA and post-hoc statistical methods. Results: Mice fed 4% PRSE were found to have a significantly lower overall bodyweight and adipose tissue accumulation compared to control (0%). This finding was supported by a reduced plasma leptin concentration and an increased excretion of carbohydrates. Upregulated gene transcriptions of adiponectin, PPARγ, PPARα, UCP2 and fatty acid synthase mRNAs were also observed. Conclusions: These results indicate that reduced carbohydrate absorption is the primary mechanism leading to the reduction of body weight in mice fed a high-fat, high-carbohydrate diet. This is predominately supported by the detection of increased carbohydrate concentration in the faeces of mice that lost weight. Other potential mechanisms, such as feed intake and energy expenditure, did not show significant differences between groups and are less likely to be involved.
Kinematic Analysis of the Racket Position during the Table Tennis Top Spin Forehand Stroke
Authors: Malagoli Lanzoni Ivan , Bartolomei Sandro , Di Michele Rocco , Gu Yaodong , Baker Julien S. , Fantozzi Silvia , Cortesi Matteo
Published: June 2021

The present study aims to assess the position of the racket, and racket height with respect to the floor, during the table tennis top spin stroke. A stereophotogrammetric system (Smart-D, BTS, 8 cameras, 550 Hz) was used to track the table tennis racket during cross-court (CC) and long-line (LL) shots. Ten national level players completed ten CC and ten LL top spin strokes responding to a robot machine. The racket motion throughout the shot showed specific technical characteristics: the minimum height of the racket was detected during the backswing phase; racket height at the end of backswing phase (maximal distance racket/table) was higher than the minimum; height at the racket maximum velocity (ball/racket impact) was greater than the net’s height. Furthermore, the maximum height of the racket occurred at the end of the forward swing. No differences in these kinematic variables between CC and LL were found. Conversely, a higher inclination of the racket at the moment of maximum speed was detected in LL vs. CC. From a practical perspective, the present findings suggest that table tennis players need to introduce specific exercises in order to increase the height of the racket during the forehand top spin stroke, to improve its effectiveness.
Pretreatment of Loblolly Pine Tree Needles Using Deep Eutectic Solvents
Authors: Gujjula Prathima , Kumar Narendra , Lynam Joan G.
Published: June 2021

Deep eutectic solvents (DES) are new ‘green’ solvents that have a high potential for biomass processing because of their low cost, low toxicity, biodegradability, and easy recycling. When Loblolly pine trees are harvested, their branches with needles are typically left in brush piles and decompose very slowly. Exploring the effect of DES pretreatment on waste pine needles was the goal of the present work. Loblolly pine needles were treated with three types of DES to prepare the biomass for enzymatic hydrolysis to glucose, a subject not readily found in the literature. The resulting products were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, fiber analysis, and high-performance liquid chromatography. Glucose yields after pretreatment and hydrolysis were found to be six times that for untreated biomass with two of the DES. Fiber analysis indicated removal of lignin, hemicellulose, and ash from the needle biomass. Enhanced glucose yield was due to removal of lignin and disruption of biomass structure during pretreatment, so that the pretreated biomass was rich in cellulosic content. Based on the results shown in this study, among the three types of DES, formic acid:choline chloride and acetic acid:choline chloride pretreatment had better potential for biomass pretreatment compared to lactic acid:choline chloride.
Functional Characterization of the Dopaminergic Psychostimulant Sydnocarb as an Allosteric Modulator of the Human Dopamine Transporter
Authors: Aggarwal Shaili , Cheng Mary Hongying , Salvino Joseph M. , Bahar Ivet , Mortensen Ole Valente
Published: June 2021

The dopamine transporter (DAT) serves a critical role in controlling dopamine (DA)-mediated neurotransmission by regulating the clearance of DA from the synapse and extrasynaptic regions and thereby modulating DA action at postsynaptic DA receptors. Major drugs of abuse such as amphetamine and cocaine interact with DATs to alter their actions resulting in an enhancement in extracellular DA concentrations. We previously identified a novel allosteric site in the DAT and the related human serotonin transporter that lies outside the central orthosteric substrate- and cocaine-binding pocket. Here, we demonstrate that the dopaminergic psychostimulant sydnocarb is a ligand of this novel allosteric site. We identified the molecular determinants of the interaction between sydnocarb and DAT at the allosteric site using molecular dynamics simulations. Biochemical-substituted cysteine scanning accessibility experiments have supported the computational predictions by demonstrating the occurrence of specific interactions between sydnocarb and amino acids within the allosteric site. Functional dopamine uptake studies have further shown that sydnocarb is a noncompetitive inhibitor of DAT in accord with the involvement of a site different from the orthosteric site in binding this psychostimulant. Finally, DA uptake studies also demonstrate that sydnocarb affects the interaction of DAT with both cocaine and amphetamine. In summary, these studies further strengthen the prospect that allosteric modulation of DAT activity could have therapeutic potential.
Lengthening Reconstruction Surgery for Fibular Hemimelia: A Review
Authors: Fuller Corey B. , Shannon Claire E. , Paley Dror
Published: June 2021

Fibular hemimelia (FH) presents with foot and ankle deformity and leg length discrepancy. Many historic reconstructions have resulted in poor outcomes. This report reviews modern classification and reconstruction methods. The Paley SHORDT procedure (SHortening Osteotomy Realignment Distal Tibia) is designed to correct dynamic valgus deformity. The Paley SUPERankle procedure (Systematic Utilitarian Procedure for Extremity Reconstruction) is designed to correct fixed equino-valgus foot deformity. The leg length discrepancy in FH is successfully treated with serial lengthening and epiphysiodesis. Implantable intramedullary lengthening devices have led to all internal lengthenings. Recent advancements in techniques and implants in extramedullary implantable limb lengthening (EMILL) have allowed internal lengthenings in younger and smaller patients, who would traditionally require external fixation. These new internal techniques with lengthenings of up to 5 cm can be repeated more easily and frequently than external fixation, reducing the need to achieve larger single-stage lengthenings (e.g., 8 cm). Modern reconstruction methods with lengthening are able to achieve limb length equalization with a plantigrade-stable foot, resulting in excellent functional result comparable or better than a Syme’s amputation with prosthetic fitting.
Germline Mutations Including the Rare Pathogenic Variant c.3206delC in the ATM Gene Cause Ataxia Teleangiectasia-Associated Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma
Authors: Dörr Jan R. , Thorwarth Anne , Mizia-Malarz Agnieszka , Radke Josefine , Tietze Anna , Hernáiz-Driever Pablo , Horn Denise , Gratopp Alexander , Eggert Angelika , Deubzer Hedwig E.
Published: June 2021

We here report the case of a 2-year-old patient with a primary central nervous system lymphoma of B-cell origin. Due to their past medical history of repeated respiratory tract infections and the marked chemotherapy-associated toxicity and infectious comorbidity, we suspected that the patient also suffered from an inherited immune deficiency disorder. Despite the lack of classical pathognomonic symptoms for ataxia teleangiectasia and missing evidence for a cancer predisposition syndrome in the family, genetic testing identified biallelic germline mutations, including the rare pathogenic variant c.3206delC (p.Pro1069Leufs*2), in the ataxia telangiectasia-mutated (ATM) gene. The case highlights the importance of searching for immune deficiency disorders associated with primary central nervous system lymphoma before treatment initiation and the urgent need to develop novel treatment strategies for cancer patients with underlying immunodeficiency syndromes.
How to Change Young Children’s Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior: Mechanisms of Behavior Change in the INFANT Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Hesketh Kylie D. , Kuswara Konsita , Abbott Gavin , Salmon Jo , Hnatiuk Jill A. , Campbell Karen J.
Published: June 2021

Background: Understanding the mechanisms (mediators) of behavior change is crucial to designing more effective interventions. However, this is rarely reported. This paper investigates the mechanisms that explain the lack of intervention effect on physical activity and the significant effect on television viewing time from an early childhood trial. Methods: Secondary analyses were undertaken of data from a cluster randomized controlled trial. The Melbourne Infant Feeding, Activity and Nutrition Trial (INFANT) was a 15-month group program promoting obesity-protective behaviors from the age of 4 months. Outcomes relevant to the current study were child physical activity (accelerometer), television viewing time (maternal report) and 12 potential mediator scales (maternal report). Linear regression models used the product of coefficients method with a joint significance test. Results: Complete data were from 398 mother-child dyads. Despite weak evidence of an intervention effect on the mother’s physical activity knowledge and optimism, there was no effect on children’s physical activity, and no clear mechanisms were identified. An intervention effect was observed for the mothers’ television knowledge (unstandardized regression coefficient for a path (a) = 0.34, 95% confidence interval (CI95) = 0.22, 0.45), with weak evidence for maternal efficacy (a = 0.11, CI95 = −0.02, 0.24) and the use of television (a = −0.10, CI95 = −0.22, 0.01). The intervention impact on television knowledge explained 75% of the difference between the intervention and control groups in children’s television viewing. Conclusions: In the very early childhood period, as mothers are commencing their parenting journey, improving their behavioral knowledge appears to be the biggest contributor to reducing child television viewing, constituting a relatively simple strategy that could be implemented across clinical and public health settings. In contrast, it remains unclear what mechanisms may increase physical activity levels in this age group.
A Binary Integer Programming Method for Optimal Wind Turbines Allocation
Authors: Manousakis Nikolaos M. , Psomopoulos Constantinos S. , Ioannidis George Ch. , Kaminaris Stavros D.
Published: June 2021

The present study introduces a Binary Integer Programming (BIP) method to minimize the number of wind turbines needed to be installed in a wind farm. The locations of wind turbines are selected in a virtual grid which is constructed considering a minimum distance between the wind turbines to avoid the wake effect. Additional equality constraints are also included to the proposed formulation to prohibit or enforce the installation of wind turbines placement at specific locations of the wind farmland. Moreover, a microscopic wind turbine placement considering the local air density is studied. To verify the efficiency of this proposal, a square site was subdivided into 25 square cells providing a virtual grid with 36 candidate placement locations. Moreover, a virtual grid with 121 vertices related with a Greek island is also tested. All simulations conducted considering the area of geographical territory, the length of wind turbine blades, as well as the capacity of each turbine.
Climate Change Perceptions by Smallholder Coffee Farmers in the Northern and Southern Highlands of Tanzania
Authors: Mbwambo Suzana G. , Mourice Sixbert K. , Tarimo Akwilin J. P.
Published: June 2021

Smallholder farmers are among the most vulnerable groups to climate change. Efforts to enhance farmers’ adaptation to climate change are hindered by lack of information on how they are experiencing and responding to climate change. Therefore, this paper examines smallholder farmers’ perceptions of climate change, factors influencing their perceptions, and the impacts and adaptation strategies adopted over the past three to four decades. A list of farmers was obtained from the Agricultural Marketing Cooperative Society (AMCOS) and filtered on the basis of age and farming experience. In order to explore factors influencing household perceptions of climate change, a structured questionnaire was administered to the randomly selected household heads. Data on rainfall and temperature were acquired from Lyamungo and Burka Coffee estate (Northern Highlands zone) and Mbimba and Mbinga (Southern Highlands zone) offices of the Tanzania Meteorological Agency (TMA) with the exception of data from Burka Coffee estate, which were acquired from a private operator. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models were used to analyze the data. Farmers’ perceptions were consistent with meteorological data both pointing to significant decline in rainfall and increase in temperature since 1979. Factors such as level of education, farming experience, and access to climate information influenced farmers’ perception on climate change aspects. Based on these results, it is recommended to enhance timely and accurate weather information delivery along with developing institutions responsible for education and extension services provision. The focus of education or training should be on attenuating the impacts of climate change through relevant adaptation measures in each coffee-growing region.
Two New Dexpanthenol-Containing Wash Gels: Skin Hydration, Barrier Function, and Cosmetic Performance Upon Single and Repeated Usage in Subjects with Dry Skin
Authors: Barrionuevo-Gonzalez Ana , Trapp Sonja , de Salvo Raffaella , Olsavszky Rozalia , Nanu Elena Alina , Dopcea Ioan , Dumitru Veronica , Stettler Hans
Published: June 2021

Two novel body/face wash gels enriched with emollient ingredients (including dexpanthenol) were developed for the daily care of dry skin. Two similarly designed 2-week studies (N = 42 each) were conducted to assess the biophysical and cosmetic performance of each of the new wash gels in healthy adults with dry skin. Instrumental measurements quantified the effects of the wash gels on stratum corneum (SC) hydration and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) (with and without a previous sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) challenge) after single and repeated usage. Following single and repeated applications of the face wash gel to facial skin, as well as to dry SLS-undamaged and SLS-damaged skin of the forearm, skin hydration significantly increased. Similarly, after single and repeated usage of the body wash gel to dry SLS-undamaged and SLS-damaged skin of the forearm, skin moisturization increased significantly from baseline; comparisons with control areas provided inconsistent results for SLS-undamaged skin. No effects on TEWL were observed for either product. Both wash gels were well tolerated and the cosmetic performances were appreciated by the subjects. The study results suggest that daily use of the new wash gels was associated with significant skin-moisturizing effects without adversely affecting skin barrier function and repair.
Nanoemulsions for the Encapsulation of Hydrophobic Actives
Authors: Guzmán Eduardo , Fernández-Peña Laura , Rossi Lorenzo , Bouvier Mathieu , Ortega Francisco , Rubio Ramón G.
Published: June 2021

This work analyzes the dispersion of two highly hydrophobic actives, (9Z)-N-(1,3-dihydroxyoctadecan-2-yl)octadec-9-enamide (ceramidelike molecule) and 2,6-diamino-4-(piperidin-1-yl)pyrimidine 1-oxide (minoxidil), using oil-in-water nanoemulsions with the aim of preparing stable and safe aqueous-based formulations that can be exploited for enhancing the penetration of active compounds through cosmetic substrates. Stable nanoemulsions with a droplet size in the nanometric range (around 200 nm) and a negative surface charge were prepared. It was possible to prepare formulations containing up to 2 w/w% of ceramide-like molecules and more than 10 w/w% of minoxidil incorporated within the oil droplets. This emulsions evidenced a good long-term stability, without any apparent modification for several weeks. Despite the fact that this work is limited to optimize the incorporation of the actives within the nanoemulsion-like formulations, it demonstrated that nanoemulsions should be considered as a very promising tool for enhancing the distribution and availability of hydrophobic molecules with technological interest.
Genetic Assignment Tests to Identify the Probable Geographic Origin of a Captive Specimen of Military Macaw (Ara militaris) in Mexico: Implications for Conservation
Authors: Rivera-Ortíz Francisco , Juan-Espinosa Jessica , Solórzano Sofía , Contreras-González Ana , Arizmendi María
Published: June 2021

The Military Macaw (Ara militaris) faces a number of serious conservation threats. The use of genetic markers and assignment tests may help to identify the geographic origin of captive individuals and improve conservation and management programs. The purpose of this study was to identify the possible geographic origin of a captive individual using genetic markers. We used a reference database of genotypes of 86 individuals previously shown to belong to two different genetic groups to determine the genetic assignment of the captive individual of unknown origin (captive specimen) and five individuals of known geographic origin (as positive controls). We evaluated the accuracy of three assignment/exclusion criteria to determine the success of correct assignment of the individual of unknown origin and the five positive control individuals. WICHLOCI estimated that eight loci were required to achieve an assignment success of 83%. The correct geographic origin of positive controls was identified with 83% confidence. All of the analyses assigned the captive individual to the genetic group from the Sierra Madre Oriental. Bayesian assignment tests, tests for genetic distance and allele frequency tests assigned the unknown individual to the locations from the Sierra Madre Oriental with a probability of 71.2–82.4%. We show that the use of genetic markers provides a promising tool for determining the origin of pets and individuals seized from the illegal animal trade to better inform decisions on reintroduction and improve conservation programs.