bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computational Pressure-Fluid Dynamics Applied to Index of Microcirculatory Resistance, Predicting the Prognosis of Drug-Coated Balloons Compared With Drug-Eluting Stents in STEMI Patients
Authors: Duan Yang , Wang Yiwen , Zhang Min , Li Zhi , Chen Lei , Miao Hao , Pei Siyu , Lu Yuan , Wang Zhirong
Published: May 2022

Background: The impairment of microvascular injury on prognosis has increasingly drawn extensive awareness along with the high morbidity and mortality of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) over recent years. The prognostic significance of computational pressure-fluid dynamics applied to index of microcirculatory resistance, derived from coronary angiography (CPFD-caIMR) in microvascular injury evaluation of STEMI patients remained inconclusive.

Methods: A total of 213 patients who met the inclusion criteria were selected retrospectively from 1003 STEMI patients from February 2018 to February 2020. Propensity score matching (PSM) was thereafter finished. CPFD-caIMR of all patients was obtained off-line using the software (FlashAngio, Rainmed Ltd., Suzhou, China) after PPCI. The primary endpoint was to compare the CPFD-caIMR and the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) between drug-coated balloons (DCB) and drug-eluting stents (DES) groups. The correlation between CPFD-caIMR and MACEs was analyzed, and the prognosis of patients with STEMI was evaluated by CPFD-caIMR by multivariate regression analysis.

Results: Totally 213 STEMI patients with successful primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) were included, of whom 84 patients accepted DCB and 129 patients accepted DES respectively. Baseline characteristics and CPFD-caIMR were comparable between DCB and DES groups after PSM (62 patients in each group). CPFD-caIMR was not significantly different between two groups (DES vs. DCB: mean difference: 2.26, 95% CI -4.05 to 8.57, p = 0.45), and so was it when re-grouped by whether CPFD-caIMR > 40U or not (DES vs. DCB: 34.17% vs. 27.16%, p = 0.29). After a follow-up of 1 year, more MACEs occurred in DES group than DCB group (relative risk: 2.50, 95% CI 1.04 to 6.02, p = 0.04). The predictors of MACEs by multi-variate analysis found that, only time from symptom to balloon (p = 0.03) and time from door to balloon (p < 0.01) were independent predictors of MACEs, independent of treatment with DCB or DES intervention. Furthermore, CPFD-caIMR > 40U became an independent predictor of the combined events including cardiovascular deaths or heart failure readmission irrespective of PSM (odds ratio: 4.07, 95% CI: 1.06 to 7.66, p = 0.04).

Conclusion: CPFD-caIMR was a promising method for prognosis, which can predict CV death or heart failure readmission in STEMI patients. DCB was a possible strategy in PPCI of STEMI patients, not inferior to DES based on microvascular injury evaluated by CPFD-caIMR.
Hypoxia Differentially Affects Healthy Men and Women During a Daytime Nap With a Dose-Response Relationship: a Randomized, Cross-Over Pilot Study
Authors: Riveros-Rivera Alain , Penzel Thomas , Gunga Hanns-Christian , Opatz Oliver , Paul Friedemann , Klug Lars , Boschmann Michael , Mähler Anja
Published: May 2022

Context: The use of daytime napping as a countermeasure in sleep disturbances has been recommended but its physiological evaluation at high altitude is limited.

Objective: To evaluate the neuroendocrine response to hypoxic stress during a daytime nap and its cognitive impact.

Design, Subject, and Setting: Randomized, single-blind, three period cross-over pilot study conducted with 15 healthy lowlander subjects (8 women) with a mean (SD) age of 29(6) years (Clinicaltrials identifier: NCT04146857, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04146857?cond=napping&draw=3&rank=12).

Interventions: Volunteers underwent a polysomnography, hematological and cognitive evaluation around a 90 min midday nap, being allocated to a randomized sequence of three conditions: normobaric normoxia (NN), normobaric hypoxia at FiO2 14.7% (NH15) and 12.5% (NH13), with a washout period of 1 week between conditions.

Results: Primary outcome was the interbeat period measured by the RR interval with electrocardiogram. Compared to normobaric normoxia, RR during napping was shortened by 57 and 206 ms under NH15 and NH13 conditions, respectively (p < 0.001). Sympathetic predominance was evident by heart rate variability analysis and increased epinephrine levels. Concomitantly, there were significant changes in endocrine parameters such as erythropoietin (∼6 UI/L) and cortisol (∼100 nmol/L) (NH13 vs. NN, p < 0.001). Cognitive evaluation revealed changes in the color-word Stroop test. Additionally, although sleep efficiency was preserved, polysomnography showed lesser deep sleep and REM sleep, and periodic breathing, predominantly in men.

Conclusion: Although napping in simulated altitude does not appear to significantly affect cognitive performance, sex-dependent changes in cardiac autonomic modulation and respiratory pattern should be considered before napping is prescribed as a countermeasure.
Does a Widespread Species Have a Higher Competitive Ability Than an Endemic Species? A Case Study From the Dongting Lake Wetlands
Authors: Du Yuhang , Zhou Qiaoqiao , Peng Zenghui , Peng Fangcheng , Xi Lianlian , Li Youzhi
Published: May 2022

The distribution range of plants is usually related to their competitiveness. The competitive ability between common widespread, which are generally considered to be invasive, and common endemic species, is still not very clear. Five plant communities were monitored in the field to compare the competitive abilities of widespread species, Phragmites australis, and endemic species, Triarrhena lutarioriparia, in the Dongting Lake wetlands. The ratios of individual numbers of T. lutarioriparia to P. australis per square meter were found to be 9:0, 14:1, 10:5, 7:6, and 0:11 in the five respective communities. A manipulation experiment was then performed with five planting modes (T. lutarioriparia: P. australis was 4:0, 3:1, 2:2, 1:3, and 0:4, respectively). Results from field monitoring showed that the two plant species exhibited similar decreased survival percentages during flooding. P. australis had higher aboveground biomass before the flooding and a higher relative elongation rate, whereas T. lutarioriparia had higher aboveground biomass after flooding and a higher relative growth rate (RGR). P. australis had a higher competitive ability than T. lutarioriparia before and after the flooding. The manipulation experiment revealed that P. australis had a higher survival percentage than T. lutarioriparia, with no differences in plant biomass, RGR, and the relative elongation rate between the two species. P. australis was found to have a higher competitive ability than T. lutarioriparia in the early growing stage and a lower competitive ability in the middle and later stages. The relative yield total in the field monitoring and manipulation experiment was 1, indicating that T. lutarioriparia and P. australis occupied different niches in the experimental conditions. It was concluded that, compared with T. lutarioriparia, P. australis has a higher competitive ability in submerged habitats and a lower competitive ability in the non-submerged habitat. The niche differences between the two species enabled their coexistence in the Dongting Lake wetlands with seasonal flooding.
Superhydrophobic Terrestrial Cyanobacteria and Land Plant Transition
Authors: Barthlott Wilhelm , Büdel Burkhard , Mail Matthias , Neumann Klaus Michael , Bartels Dorothea , Fischer Eberhard
Published: May 2022

Plants and other organisms have evolved structures and mechanisms for colonizing land since the Early Ordovician. In this context, their surfaces, the crucial physical interface with the environment, are mainly considered barriers against water loss. It is suggested that extreme water repellency (superhydrophobicity) was an additional key innovation for the transition of algae from water to land some 400 mya. Superhydrophobicity enhances gas exchange on land and excludes aquatic competitors in water films. In a different context, in material science and surface technology, superhydrophobicity has also become one of the most important bioinspired innovations enabling the avoidance of water films and contamination. Here, we present data for an extremely water-repellent cyanobacterial biofilm of the desiccation tolerantHassallia byssoideaproviding evidence for a much earlier prokaryotic Precambrian (ca. 1–2 bya) origin of superhydrophobicity and chemical heterogeneities associated with land transition. The multicellular cyanobacterium is functionally differentiated in a submerged basal hydrophilic absorbing portion like a “rhizoid” and an upright emersed superhydrophobic “phyllocauloid” filament for assimilation, nitrogen fixation, and splash dispersed diaspores. Additional data are provided for superhydrophobic surfaces in terrestrial green algae and in virtually all ancestral land plants (Bryophytes, ferns and allies,Amborella,Nelumbo), slime molds, and fungi. Rethinking of superhydrophobicity as an essential first step for life in terrestrial environments is suggested.
Theme-Based Block Play Intervention Facilitates Chinese Preschoolers’ Language Development: A Quasi-Experiment
Authors: Cai Liman , Wu Dandan , Zhou Jingjing , Li Hui
Published: May 2022

This study investigated the role of theme-based blocks play in enhancing Chinese children’s language capacity with a quasi-experiment. Altogether 61 young children were assigned to the experiment group (Mage = 5.83, SD = 0.25, 56.25% girls) and the control group (Mage = 5.87, SD = 0.28, 51.72% girls). The experiment group was engaged in a 12-week theme-based block play intervention programs, whereas the control group received no interventions but free block play during the parallel time sessions. All the children were tested with the Language Assessment for Preschool Children (LAPC) before and after the intervention. The ANCOVA results indicated that the experimental group significantly improved in LAPC test, whereas the control group showed no significant change. The educational implications of these findings are discussed.
Thriving Beyond Resilience Despite Stress: A Psychometric Evaluation of the Newly Developed Teacher Stress Scale and Teacher Thriving Scale
Authors: Chen Jennifer J. , Li Zijia , Rodrigues Wilson , Kaufman Samantha
Published: May 2022

Building on theoretical and empirical insights and applying the thriving theory as the conceptual framework, the authors developed two new teacher-specific scales, namely the Teacher Stress Scale (TSS) and the Teacher Thriving Scale (TTS). The goal of this investigation was to evaluate the psychometric properties of these two scales. Data were collected through an online questionnaire administered to a national sample of 122 participating early childhood teachers (ages 22–72 years, M = 41.01) teaching in preschool through third grade in 26 states of the United States during the 2020–2021 school year amidst COVID-19. This study revealed some important psychometric results. First, with respect to their internal structures, both the TSS and the TTS appeared to be best represented as bifactorial and trifactorial, respectively. Specifically, the TSS comprised two constructs: (1) Inadequate School-based Support, and (2) Teaching-related Demands; and the TTS encompassed three constructs: (1) Adaptability and Flexibility, (2) Personal Strengths and Professional Growth, and (3) Positive Mindset. Second, the negative correlation between the TSS and the TTS provided discriminant evidence for each other’s construct validity, while the positive correlations between the TTS and six conceptually cognate constructs (Stress Resilience, Resilience Coping, Coping Efficacy, Teaching Satisfaction, Emotional Support, and Gratitude) demonstrated convergent evidence for construct validity for the TTS. Third, both the overall TSS and the overall TTS as well as their subscales exhibited good internal consistency reliability. Fourth, both the overall TSS and the overall TTS also demonstrated test–retest reliability.
The Role of Relational Embeddedness in Enhancing Absorptive Capacity and Relational Performance of Internationalized SMEs: Evidence From Mainland China
Authors: Zhou Liwen , Chen Zhong , Peng Michael Yao-Ping
Published: May 2022

The social network in the organizational learning process is a critical knowledge source to realize superior performance. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between relational memory, relational embeddedness, and absorptive capacity, and their impact on the relational performance of small and middle enterprises (SMEs). This study empirically verifies the research framework from 223 Chinese internationalized SMEs. The results confirm previous studies that indicate positive correlations among relational embeddedness, relational memory, and absorptive capacity. The results also indicate that relational embeddedness and relational memory have positive effects on relational performance. The findings show that relational memory plays a mediating role in the relationship between relational embeddedness, absorptive capacity, and relational performance.
The Relationship Between Preschool Inclusive Education Teachers’ Organizational Support and Work Engagement: The Mediating Role of Teacher Self-Efficacy
Authors: Jiao Chunlan , Qian Jing , Liu Huan
Published: May 2022

This study aims to explore the relationship and mechanism between the preschool inclusive education teachers’ organizational support, teacher self-efficacy, and work engagement. This study adopted the organizational support scale, inclusive education efficacy scale, and work engagement scale, measured for 600 preschool inclusive education teachers, eventually obtained 568 effective questionnaires, established research model, and analyzed the data using the structural equation model (SEM). There are significantly more men (65.1%) than women (34.9), and the majority (57.6%) were public kindergarten. Organizational support significantly positively affects teachers’ self-efficacy (β = 0.526, p < 0.001) and work engagement (β = 0.385, p < 0.001) in preschool inclusive education. Preschool teachers’ self-efficacy has a significant positive impact on work engagement (β = 0.222, p < 0.001). Preschool teachers’ self-efficacy plays a partial mediating role between organizational support and work engagement (β = 0.202, p < 0.001, CIs = [0.077, 0.305]). Organizational support not only directly affects teachers’ self-efficacy and work engagement in preschool inclusive education but also indirectly affects their work engagement through preschool teachers’ self-efficacy, which provides theoretical and practical guidance for the research of inclusive education.
Development and Influencing Factors of International Trade in Digitally Deliverable Services
Authors: Di Yuna , Zhi Ruixin , Song Huaixi , Zhang Lu
Published: May 2022

Introduction

International trade in digitally deliverable services has been developing rapidly in recent years, especially during pandemics. However, the growth rate and scale differ among regions and countries. To promote the growth and bridge the divide of global trade in digitally deliverable services, we provide feasible policy suggestions in this paper.

Methods

Based on panel data of 33 countries' digitally deliverable service trade from 2005 to 2020, this study analyzes the development trends and influencing factors of international trade in digital-global service trade.

Results

The development of digitally deliverable services in developed countries is far ahead, while in emerging economies such as China and India, it is growing at a high speed. Digital infrastructure; human capital; and science, technology, and innovation capacity have a significant impact on the digitally deliverable trade of countries with the level of STI playing the most important influence. Further, heterogeneity analysis shows that human capital and STI capacity are more sensitive to the digitally deliverable trade of middle-income countries than to the impact of high-income countries, and the contribution of population in middle-income countries is more pronounced.

Conclusion

As the proportion of digital trade in global trade continues to increase, the role of digital service trade in countries' sustainable development is becoming more prominent. To cope with such opportunities and challenges, countries, especially developing countries, should actively increase digital infrastructure construction, improve talent training, vigorously develop digital technology, and enhance their innovation capacity.
Preventive Effects of Baclofen but Not Diazepam on Hippocampal Memory and Glucocorticoid Alterations After Prolonged Alcohol Withdrawal in Mice
Authors: Nadia Henkous , Fabienne Martins , Pierard Christophe , Nicole Mons , Daniel Beracochea
Published: May 2022

Our study aims at comparing in C57/Bl male mice, the impact of repeated injections of baclofen (an agonist of GABAB receptor) or diazepam (a benzodiazepine acting through a positive allosteric modulation of GABAA receptor) administered during the alcohol-withdrawal period on hippocampus-dependent memory impairments and brain regional glucocorticoid dysfunction after a short (1-week) or a long (4-week) abstinence. Hence, mice were submitted to a 6-month alcohol consumption (12%v/v) and were progressively withdrawn to water. Then, after a 1- or 4-weeks abstinence, they were submitted to a contextual memory task followed by measurements of corticosterone concentrations in the dorsal hippocampus (dHPC), the ventral hippocampus (vHPC) and the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Results showed that 1- and 4-week withdrawn mice exhibited a severe memory deficit and a significant abnormal rise of the test-induced increase of corticosterone (TICC) in the dHPC, as compared to water-controls or to mice still under alcohol consumption. Repeated daily systemic administrations of decreasing doses of diazepam (ranged from 0.5 to 0.12 mg/kg) or baclofen (ranged from 1.5 to 0.37 mg/kg) during the last 15 days of the withdrawal period, normalized both memory and TICC scores in the dHPC in 1-week withdrawn animals; in contrast, only baclofen-withdrawn mice showed both normal memory performance and TICC scores in the dHPC after a 4-week withdrawal period. In conclusion, the memory improvement observed in 4-week withdrawn mice administered with baclofen stem from the protracted normalization of glucocorticoid activity in the dHPC, a phenomenon encountered only transitorily in diazepam-treated withdrawn mice.
Faith Practices Reduce Perinatal Anxiety and Depression in Muslim Women: A Mixed-Methods Scoping Review
Authors: Simonovich Shannon D. , Quad Nadia , Kanji Zehra , Tabb Karen M.
Published: May 2022

Higher rates of depression and anxiety are reported among women who belong to racial and ethnic minority groups, contributing to adverse birth outcomes, and remains a taboo topic within the global Muslim community. Non-pharmacological coping mechanisms such as prayer may be employed to reduce perinatal depression and anxiety, however the literature is sparse on the use of this intervention among pregnant Muslim women. Therefore, we aimed to conduct a scoping review examining the use of Muslim faith practices on anxiety and depression in perinatal period. Nine studies were identified that demonstrate that Muslim faith practices reduce perinatal anxiety and depression symptoms. These studies demonstrate that prayers and other faith-based practices, including reciting parts of the Quran, saying a Dua, and listening to audio recordings of prayers are all effective in decreasing anxiety, depression, stress, pain and fear in Muslim women during pregnancy, during childbirth, during an unexpected cesarean section, and when experiencing infant loss. Despite the scoping review's small sample size, findings confirm that incorporation of faith practices effectively reduces perinatal depression and anxiety among Muslim women and should be utilized in clinical settings for non-pharmacological management of perinatal mood disorders.
A Visualized Dynamic Prediction Model for Overall Survival in Elderly Patients With Pancreatic Cancer for Smart Medical Services
Authors: Zhong Jiang , Liao XingShu , Peng Shuang , Cao Junyi , Liu Yue , Liu Chunyang , Qiu Ju , Guan Xiaoyan , Zhang Yang , Liu Xiaozhu , Peng Shengxian
Published: May 2022

Background

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a highly malignant tumor of the digestive system. The number of elderly patients with PC is increasing, and older age is related to a worse prognosis. Accurate prognostication is crucial in treatment decisions made for people diagnosed with PC. However, an accurate predictive model for the prognosis of these patients is still lacking. We aimed to construct nomograms for predicting the overall survival (OS) of elderly patients with PC.

Methods

Patients with PC, older than 65 years old from 2010 to 2015 in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database, were selected and randomly divided into training cohort (n = 4,586) and validation cohort (n = 1,966). Data of patients in 2016–2018 (n = 1,761) were used for external validation. Univariable and forward stepwise multivariable Cox analysis was used to determine the independent prognostic factors. We used significant variables in the training set to construct nomograms predicting prognosis. The performance of the models was evaluated for their discrimination and calibration power based on the concordance index (C-index), calibration curve, and the decision curve analysis (DCA).

Results

Age, insurance, grade, surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, T, N, and American Joint Commission on Cancer were independent predictors for OS and thus were included in our nomogram. In the training cohort and validation cohort, the C-indices of our nomogram were 0.725 (95%CI: 0.715–0.735) and 0.711 (95%CI: 0.695–0.727), respectively. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year areas under receiver operating characteristic curves showed similar results. The calibration curves showed a high consensus between observations and predictions. In the external validation cohort, C-index (0.797, 95%CI: 0.778–0.816) and calibration curves also revealed high consistency between observations and predictions. The nomogram-related DCA curves showed better clinical utility compared to tumor-node-metastasis staging. In addition, we have developed an online prediction tool for OS.

Conclusions

A web-based prediction model for OS in elderly patients with PC was constructed and validated, which may be useful for prognostic assessment, treatment strategy selection, and follow-up management of these patients.
A Modified Iterative Algorithm for Numerical Investigation of HIV Infection Dynamics
Authors: Ghosh Indranil , Rashid Muhammad Mahbubur , Mawa Shukranul , Roy Rupal , Ahsan Md Manjurul , Uddin Muhammad Ramiz , Gupta Kishor Datta , Ghosh Pallabi
Published: May 2022

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) mainly attacks CD4+ T cells in the host. Chronic HIV infection gradually depletes the CD4+ T cell pool, compromising the host’s immunological reaction to invasive infections and ultimately leading to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The goal of this study is not to provide a qualitative description of the rich dynamic characteristics of the HIV infection model of CD4+ T cells, but to produce accurate analytical solutions to the model using the modified iterative approach. In this research, a new efficient method using the new iterative method (NIM), the coupling of the standard NIM and Laplace transform, called the modified new iterative method (MNIM), has been introduced to resolve the HIV infection model as a class of system of ordinary differential equations (ODEs). A nonlinear HIV infection dynamics model is adopted as an instance to elucidate the identification process and the solution process of MNIM, only two iterations lead to ideal results. In addition, the model has also been solved using NIM and the fourth order Runge–Kutta (RK4) method. The results indicate that the solutions by MNIM match with those of RK4 method to a minimum of eight decimal places, whereas NIM solutions are not accurate enough. Numerical comparisons between the MNIM, NIM, the classical RK4 and other methods reveal that the modified technique has potential as a tool for the nonlinear systems of ODEs.
Cross-Resistance Pattern and Genetic Studies in Spirotetramat-Resistant Citrus Red Mite, Panonychus citri (Acari: Tetranychidae)
Authors: Hu Jinfeng , Wang Jun , Yu Yun , Rao Wenhua , Chen Feng , Wang Changfang , Fan Guocheng
Published: May 2022

In the laboratory, an acaricide-susceptible strain of the citrus red mite, Panonychus citri (McGregor) (LS-FJ), was used to screen for resistance to spirotetramat. A spirotetramat-resistant strain (ST-NK) obtained after continuous selections through 15 selection cycles (45 generations) exhibited 1668.4-fold greater resistance when compared to the parent generation. Instability of the spirotetramat resistance in the mites was observed during 11 months under spirotetramat-free laboratory conditions. Cross-resistance to spirodiclofen and spiromesifen was detected both in eggs and larvae, but not to five other tested acaricides. Probit lines for F1 heterozygous progeny indicated that the resistance to spirotetramat in the mites was autosomal with neither sex linkage nor maternal effects. The degrees of dominance were 0.15 and 0.23 for the diploid F1 of LS-FJ♀ × ST-NK♂ and ST-NK♀ × LS-FJ♂, and 0.07 and 0.13 for haploid F2 of LS-FJ♀ × ST-NK♂ and ST-NK♀ × LS-FJ♂, respectively, which indicated that the resistance was incompletely dominant. The χ2 analyses from the response of a backcross of crossed F1 progeny and ST-NK and F2 progeny showed that multiple genes are responsible for resistance to spirotetramat.
Automated Systems for Estrous and Calving Detection in Dairy Cattle
Authors: Santos Camila Alves dos , Landim Nailson Martins Dantas , Araújo Humberto Xavier de , Paim Tiago do Prado
Published: May 2022

Purpose: The objective of this review is to describe the main technologies (automated activity monitors) available commercially and under research for the detection of estrus and calving alerts in dairy cattle. Sources: The data for the elaboration of the literature review were obtained from searches on the Google Scholar platform. This search was performed using the following keywords: reproduction, dairy cows, estrus detection and parturition, electronic devices. After the search, the articles found with a title related to the objective of the review were read in full. Finally, the specific articles chosen to be reported in the review were selected according to the method of identification of estrus and parturition, seeking to represent the different devices and technologies already studied for both estrus and parturition identification. Synthesis: Precision livestock farming seeks to obtain a variety of information through hardware and software that can be used to improve herd management and optimize animal yield. Visual observation for estrus detection and calving is an activity that requires labor and time, which is an increasingly difficult resource due to several others farm management activities. In this way, automated estrous and calving monitoring devices can increase animal productivity with less labor, when applied correctly. The main devices available currently are based on accelerometers, pedometers and inclinometers that are attached to animals in a wearable way. Some research efforts have been made in image analysis to obtain this information with non-wearable devices. Conclusion and applications: Efficient wearable devices to monitor cows’ behavior and detect estrous and calving are available on the market. There is demand for low cost with easy scalable technology, as the use of computer vision systems with image recording. With technology is possible to have a better reproductive management, and thus increase efficiency.
Macro- and Microscopic Characterization of Components of Resistance against Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici in a Collection of Spanish Bread Wheat Cultivars
Authors: Porras Rafael , Miguel-Rojas Cristina , Pérez-de-Luque Alejandro , Sillero Josefina C.
Published: May 2022

Yellow (stripe) rust, caused by the biotrophic fungus Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), stands as the most serious wheat disease worldwide, affecting approximately 88% of world wheat production. Even though yellow rust generally develops in cool humid weather conditions, the expansion of new races adapted to warmer climates threatens zones where severe P. striiformis epidemics were infrequent, such as Andalusian wheat cropping areas. In order to characterize yellow rust resistance mechanisms in Spanish germplasm, our study evaluated 19 Spanish bread wheat cultivars against P. striiformis under controlled conditions for percentage of disease severity (DS) and infection type (IT). From this visual evaluation, 74% of evaluated cultivars showed resistant responses against P. striiformis infection with only five cultivars considered susceptible. Subsequently, macroscopic and microscopic components of resistance were identified through image analysis and histological studies, respectively, in six selected cultivars. Macroscopic parameters such as total pustule area and total affected area (%), together with microscopic parameters such as early-aborted and established microcolonies regarding plant cell death responses (%), and microcolony length (µm), were identified as capable of differentiating cultivars quantitatively. Thus, these parameters could be used as a basis for screening resistant responses in future breeding programs, complementary to physiology, genetic and biochemical studies of plant-Pst interaction. Finally, our study seems to be the first macroscopic and microscopic characterization of P. striiformis infection in a collection of Spanish bread wheat cultivars in controlled conditions.
A More Drought Resistant Stem Xylem of Southern Highbush Than Rabbiteye Blueberry Is Linked to Its Anatomy
Authors: Zhang Ya , Liu Jia-Bao , Zhang Xi-Xi
Published: May 2022

Increasing extreme drought events due to climate change may cause severe damage to blueberry industries, including decreased fruit yield and quality. Previous studies on drought tolerance of blueberries focus mainly on functional changes of leaves, while hydraulic properties of blueberry stems related to drought resistance are poorly reported. Here, both xylem anatomical and functional traits of stems of two southern highbush (SHB) and three rabbiteye blueberry (REB) cultivars were investigated. Compared with REB, SHB showed lower sapwood hydraulic conductivity (KS) and P50 (xylem water potential with 50% embolism in xylem), suggesting that SHB has less conductive but safer xylem than REB. The hydraulic functional differences between two blueberry xylems were highly related to their significant differences in vessel anatomy. Small vessel diameter and total inner pit aperture area per vessel area (APA) limited the hydraulic conductivity of SHB xylem, but high conduit wall reinforcement, wood density, and vessel-grouping index in SHB xylem showed strong mechanical support and safe water transport. Besides, pseudo-tori pit membranes were found in all five cultivars, while the similar thickness of homogenous pit membrane in two blueberry species was not linked to other functional traits, which may be due to its limited measurements. These results reveal a trade-off between the water transport efficiency and safety in the blueberry xylem and clarify the variance of stem drought resistance in different cultivars from a hydraulic perspective. Further studies with such a perspective on other organs of blueberries are required to understand the drought tolerance of a whole plant, which builds a solid foundation for the introduction, cultivation, and management of blueberry industries.
Genomic Population Structure of the Main Historical Genetic Lines of Spanish Merino Sheep
Authors: Granero Antonio , Anaya Gabriel , Demyda-Peyrás Sebastián , Alcalde María J. , Arrebola Francisco , Molina Antonio
Published: May 2022

According to historiographical documentation, the Romans first began to select Merino sheep in the Iberian Peninsula during the first century, with the aim of obtaining a breed appreciated for the quality of its wool. This process continued locally during the Middle Ages, when Spanish sheep were protected, and their export to foreign countries was banned. It was during the 16th century when individual Merino sheep were allowed to spread around the world to be used to improve the wool quality of local breeds. However, the wool crisis of the 1960s shifted the selection criteria of the Merino breed towards meat production at the expenses of wool. Consequently, individuals that display the genetic and phenotypic characteristics of those sheep originally bred in the kingdom of Spain in the Middle Ages are extremely difficult to find in commercial herds. In this study, we characterized the genetic basis of 403 individuals from the main historical Spanish Merino genetic lines (Granda, Hidalgo, Lopez-Montenegro, Maeso, Donoso and Egea), which were bred in isolation over the last 200 years, using a genomic approach based on genotyping data from the Axiom™ Ovine 50K SNP Genotyping Array. Our analysis included measuring population structure, genomic differentiation indexes, runs of homozygosity (ROH) patterns, and an analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA). The results showed large genetic differences between the historical lines, even though they belong to the same breed. In addition, ROH analysis showed differences due to increased inbreeding among the ancient generations compared with the modern Merino lines, confirming the breed’s ancestral and closed origin. However, our results also showed a high variability and richness within the Spanish historical Merino lines from a genetic viewpoint. This fact, together with their great ability to produce high-quality wool, suggests that ancestral Merino lines from Spain should be considered a valuable genetic population to be maintained as a resource for the improvement of wool-producing sheep breeds all around the world.
Alginate-Chitosan Coated Nanoliposomes as Effective Delivery Systems for Bamboo Leaf Flavonoids: Characterization, In Vitro Release, Skin Permeation and Anti-Senescence Activity
Authors: Gu Yanpei , Zhao Zhenlei , Xue Fan , Zhang Ying
Published: May 2022

The use of bamboo leaf flavonoids (BLF) as functional food and cosmetic ingredients is limited by low bioavailability and difficulty in being absorbed by the intestine or skin. The aim of this study was to prepare BLF-loaded alginate-chitosan coated nanoliposomes (AL-CH-BLF-Lip) to overcome these challenges. The nanocarriers were characterized by dynamic light scattering, high performance liquid chromatography, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. The biological activity was analyzed by in vitro antioxidant activity, transdermal absorption, cytotoxicity and AAPH induced HaCaT cell senescence model. The results showed that the size of nanocarriers ranged from 152.13 to 228.90 nm and had a low polydispersity index (0.25–0.36). Chitosan (CH) and alginate (AL) were successfully coated on BLF-loaded nanoliposomes (BLF-Lip), the encapsulation efficiency of BLF-Lip, BLF-loaded chitosan coated nanoliposomes (CH-BLF-Lip) and AL-CH-BLF-Lip were 71.31%, 78.77% and 82.74%, respectively. In addition, BLF-Lip, CH-BLF-Lip and AL-CH-BLF-Lip showed better in vitro release and free radical scavenging ability compared with naked BLF. In particular, the skin permeability of BLF-Lip, CH-BLF-Lip, and AL-CH-BLF-Lip increased 2.1, 2.4 and 2.9 times after 24 h, respectively. Furthermore, the use of nanoliposomes could significantly improve the anti-senescence activity of BLF (p < 0.01). Conclusively, alginate-chitosan coated nanoliposomes are promising delivery systems for BLF that can be used in functional foods and cosmetics.
Is Caton–Deschamps Index Reliable and Reproducible in Preoperative Assessment of Patellar Height for Patellar Instability Surgery?
Authors: Pandini Elisa Giacomina , Pironti Pierluigi , Maggioni Davide Maria , Impieri Lorenzo , Balbino Cristiana , Manta Nicola , Viganò Marco , Mangiavini Laura , D’Anchise Roberto
Published: May 2022

The patellar height measurement is fundamental for surgical planning in patellar instability. The Caton–Deschamps index (CDI) is a widely employed method, but a gold standard is still lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability and reproducibility of the CDI in a patellar height assessment and to hypothesize its employment in the preoperative planning of patellar stabilization surgery. A total of 29 cases of recurrent patellar instability undergoing surgical treatment were analyzed. The preoperative and postoperative CDI were measured by six different raters (three seniors and three juniors). The interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of the six raters was calculated to evaluate the interobserver agreement. The seniors’ and juniors’ measurements were compared to assess the CDI reproducibility. The Fleiss kappa was calculated among the six raters to estimate the agreement in favor of an anterior tibial apophysis (ATA) transposition surgery. This study shows excellent absolute agreement in terms of the ICC for the raters’ average and for single raters as units, both preoperatively (p < 0.001) and postoperatively (p < 0.001). The agreement of the surgical choice between the six observers corresponds to “substantial agreement”. This study demonstrates that the CDI is reliable and reproducible, and it could represent a valuable tool in the clinical assessment, treatment choice and pre-surgical planning of patellar instability surgery.
Application of Convolutional Neural Networks in Visual Feedback of Movable Camera Mounting Control
Authors: Sobański Rafał Mateusz , Drążkowska Marta , Papis Maciej , Stankiewicz Agata
Published: May 2022

The aim of this work is to present an automatic solution to control the surveillance camera merely by the movements of the operator’s head. The method uses convolutional neural networks that work in a course-to-fine manner to estimate head orientation in image data. First, the image frame of the operator’s head is acquired from the camera on the operator’s side of the system. The exact position of a head, given by its bounding box, is estimated by a Multitask Cascaded Convolutional Network. Second, the customized network for a given scenario is used to classify the orientation of the head-on image data. In particular, the dedicated image dataset was collected for training purposes and was given a discrete set of possible orientations in the vertical and horizontal planes. The accuracy of the estimators is higher than 80%, with an average of 4.12 fps of validation time. Finally, the current head orientation data are converted into a control signal for two degrees of freedom surveillance camera mounting. The feedback response time is 1.5 s, which is sufficient for most real-life surveillance applications.
Important Features Selection and Classification of Adult and Child from Handwriting Using Machine Learning Methods
Authors: Shin Jungpil , Maniruzzaman Md. , Uchida Yuta , Hasan Md. Al Mehedi , Megumi Akiko , Suzuki Akiko , Yasumura Akira
Published: May 2022

The classification of different age groups, such as adult and child, based on handwriting is very important due to its various applications in many different fields. In forensics, handwriting classification helps investigators focus on a certain category of writers. This paper aimed to propose a machine-learning (ML)-based approach for automatically classifying people as adults or children based on their handwritten data. This study utilized two types of handwritten databases: handwritten text and handwritten pattern, which were collected using a pen tablet. The handwritten text database had 57 subjects (adult: 26 vs. child: 31). Each subject (adult or child) wrote the same 30 words using Japanese hiragana characters. The handwritten pattern database had 81 subjects (adult: 42 and child: 39). Each subject (adult or child) drew four different lines as zigzag lines (trace condition and predict condition), and periodic lines (trace condition and predict condition) and repeated these line tasks three times. Handwriting classification of adult and child is performed in three steps: (i) feature extraction; (ii) feature selection; and (iii) classification. We extracted 30 features from both handwritten text and handwritten pattern datasets. The most efficient features were selected using sequential forward floating selection (SFFS) method and the optimal parameters were selected. Then two ML-based approaches, namely, support vector machine (SVM) and random forest (RF) were applied to classify adult and child. Our findings showed that RF produced up to 93.5% accuracy for handwritten text and 89.8% accuracy for handwritten pattern databases. We hope that this study will provide the evidence of the possibility of classifying adult and child based on handwriting text and handwriting pattern data.
Applications of Mueller Matrix Polarimetry to Biological and Agricultural Diagnostics: A Review
Authors: Ignatenko Dmitry N. , Shkirin Alexey V. , Lobachevsky Yakov P. , Gudkov Sergey V.
Published: May 2022

The review contains a systematization of the main approaches to the practical implementation of Mueller matrix polarimetry and the prospects for its application in biology and agriculture. The most typical optical layouts for measuring the Mueller matrix of various objects, such as disperse systems, tissues and surface structures, are discussed. Mueller matrix measurements, being integrated into standard schemes of conventional optical methods, such as scatterometry, optical coherence tomography, fluorimetry, spectrophotometry and reflectometry, can significantly expand their capabilities in the characterization of biological systems and bioorganic materials. Additionally, microwave Mueller matrix polarimetry can be used for monitoring soil conditions and crop growth. The proposed systematization is aimed at outlining the conceptual directions for the development of non-invasive diagnostic tools based on measuring the Mueller matrix, primarily with a focus on biological research and agricultural practice.
Vehicle Acceleration Prediction Based on Machine Learning Models and Driving Behavior Analysis
Authors: Zou Yajie , Ding Lusa , Zhang Hao , Zhu Ting , Wu Lingtao
Published: May 2022

Driving behavior is one of the most critical factors in traffic accidents. Accurate vehicle acceleration prediction approaches can promote the development of Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS) and improve traffic safety. However, few prediction models consider the characteristics of individual drivers, which may overlook the potential heterogeneity of driving behavior. In this study, a vehicle acceleration prediction model based on machine learning methods and driving behavior analysis is proposed. First, the driving behavior data are preprocessed, and the relative distance, relative speed, and acceleration of the subject vehicle are selected as feature variables to describe the driving behavior. Then, a finite Mixture of Hidden Markov Model (MHMM) is used to divide the driving behavior semantics. The model can divide heterogeneous data into different behavioral semantic fragments within different time lengths. Next, the similarity of different behavioral semantic fragments is evaluated using the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test. In total, 10 homogenous drivers are classified as the first group, and the remaining 20 drivers are classified as the second group. Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) and Gate Recurrent Unit (GRU) are used to predict the vehicle acceleration for both groups. The prediction results show that the proposed method in this study can significantly improve the prediction accuracy of vehicle acceleration.
A Multicenter, Retrospective, Matched, Comparison Study of Clinical Efficacy and Cost-Effectiveness of Caterpillar Arterial Embolization Device versus Fibered Coils in Arterial Embolization
Authors: Sue Megan J. , Luong Thanh T. , Park Jonathan , Ding Peng-Xu , Hao Frank , Eghbalieh Navid , Lee Edward Wolfgang
Published: May 2022

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the clinical effectiveness and costs of using the Caterpillar Arterial Embolization Device (Caterpillar) and fibered coils in arterial embolization cases. Methods: In this multicenter retrospective study, demographic, laboratory, and procedural data were collected on a total of 48 patients between February 2020 and September 2020. Data were collected on 16 Caterpillar placements and matched with 32 controls who underwent coil embolization of the same vessel with a similar size. Clinical and procedural outcomes including type and size of vessels, time to vessel occlusion, fluoroscopy time, total procedure time, and costs were analyzed and compared. Results: Relative time to occlusion was significantly decreased in the Caterpillar group compared to the controls (57 ± 34 s vs. 11 min 44 s ± 8 min 13 s, p = 0.00001611). Fluoroscopy time (6.9 ± 15 min vs. 19.2 ± 14, p = 0.017) and total procedure time (81.0 ± 36 min vs. 111.5 ± 49 min, p = 0.015) were significantly reduced compared to the coil group. Lastly, overall cost of embolic materials was 1050 ± 0 USD for the Caterpillar group compared to 2312.75 ± 1382.84 USD in the coil group (p = 0.000532). Conclusion: The Caterpillar embolic devices appear safe and effective in arterial occlusion. Compared to fibered coils, the Caterpillar device results in decreased time to vessel occlusion, decreased fluoroscopy and procedural time, and decreased costs, making the Caterpillar an appealing choice for arterial embolization.
Applications of Operational Modal Analysis in Gearbox and Induction Motor, Based on Random Decrement Technique and Enhanced Ibrahim Time Method
Authors: Castro Gabriel , Zurita Grover
Published: May 2022

There have been steadily growing requirements from the academia and industry, demanding non-invasive methods and reliable measurement systems of research devoted to operational mode analysis (OMA). Due to the simplicity of performing only structures surface vibration measurements, OMA is frequently applied in machine fault diagnosis (MFD) and structure health monitoring (SHM). OMA can handle big structures, such as bridges, buildings, machines, etc. However, there is still an open question: how to properly handle the harmonic effects of rotating components and the difficulty of closely estimating space modes are still a nightmare to deal with. Therefore, the main objective of this paper is to identify the structure of natural frequencies by the regeneration of frequency response functions (FRFs) for complex structures based on OMA. The novelty of our approach is to use the random decrement technique (RDT), correlation function estimation (CFE), and enhanced Ibrahim time method (EITM) to overcome OMA’s difficulties and limitations. To reduce further rotational harmonics effects, gear mesh and side band frequencies, digital signal processing techniques based on notching filters, and liftering analysis techniques were also used. All the experiments were performed at the laboratory test rig and conducted by using three accelerometers, one impedance hammer, one force sensor, and one data acquisition board. To reduce data’s variabilities, each test was measured three times for 5 min. The data sampling frequency for all the experiments was 25.6 kHz. To validate the proposed methodology, extensive OMA tests were performed for the generation of FRFs. The measured objects were a steel bar, induction motor, and gearbox. Five structural natural frequencies for the induction motor and eight structural natural frequencies for the gearbox were generated, respectively.