bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polysaccharides From the Aerial Parts of Tetrastigma Hemsleyanum Diels et Gilg Induce Bidirectional Immunity and Ameliorate LPS-Induced Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Mice
Authors: Lu Jingjing , Zhu Bingqi , Zhou Fangmei , Ding Xinghong , Qian Chaodong , Ding Zhishan , Ye Xiaoqing
Published: March 2022

Tetrastigma hemsleyanum Diels et Gilg (Sanyeqing, SYQ) has traditionally been used to treat inflammation, high fever and improve immune function of patients. Polysaccharides have been proved to be one of the important components of SYQ. Previous studies have confirmed the antipyretic and antitumor effects of polysaccharides from SYQ (SYQP), and clarified that SYQP could enhance immunity through TLR4 signalling pathway. However, there were more possibilities for the mechanism by which SYQP exerted immunomodulatory effects and the role of SYQP in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is elusive. The purpose of this study was further to explain the bidirectional modulation of immunity mechanism of SYQP in vitro and its effect in LPS-induced ARDS in vivo. Experimental results showed that SYQP significantly stimulated gene expressions of TLR1, TLR2 and TLR6 and secretion of cytokines in RAW264.7 cells. Individual or combined application of TLR2 antagonist C29 and TLR4 antagonist TAK-242 could reduce SYQP-mediated stimulation of cytokine secretion in RAW264.7 cells and mouse peritoneal macrophages (MPMs) to varying degrees. On the other hand, SYQP markedly inhibited the expression levels of inflammatory cytokines, NO, iNOS and COX-2 in LPS-treatment RAW264.7 cells. Moreover, in vivo results indicated that SYQP significantly reduced LPS-induced damage in ARDS mice through alleviating LPS-induced pulmonary morphological damage, inhibiting myeloperoxidase (MPO) expression levels, ameliorating the inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and improving hematological status. Meanwhile, SYQP evidently reduced IL-6, TNF-α and IFN-γ secretion, the overexpression levels of TLR2 and TLR4, as well as the phosphorylation of NF-κB p65. In addition, SYQP reduced the phosphorylation of JAK2 and STAT1 and the overexpression of NLRP3, caspase-1, caspase-3 and caspase-8 in lung tissues of ARDS mice. In summary, our study confirmed that SYQP induced bidirectional immunity and ameliorated LPS-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome in mice through TLR2/TLR4-NF-κB, NLRP3/caspase and JAK/STAT signaling pathways, which provided a theoretical basis for further use of SYQP.
Analysis of Metal Elements Contained in Graphite Target Coated With Chinese Medicinal Material Nanoparticles Using LIBS
Authors: Han Weiwei , Wang Yongqiang , Yin Yaopeng , Li Xuerui , Sun Duixiong , Su Maogen
Published: March 2022

A nanoparticle-coated graphite target (NCGT) is presented to improve the analysis accuracy and stability of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). A stable, relatively homogeneous, and close to optically thin laser-induced breakdown plasma was obtained by dispersing sample nanoparticles on a high-purity graphite substrate. Spectral structures dominated by the characteristic lines of carbon and the samples can greatly simplify spectral identification and avoid line interference. To maximize the analysis accuracy and stability, a series of experimental conditions were optimized step by step according to the spectral intensity and signal-to-noise ratio of the lines. Based on the final optimized conditions, the relative standard deviation values of Mg, Fe, and Sr elemental content in Chinese medicinal material (CMM) samples were reduced from 17.7, 16.6, 12.1% of the pressed target to 4.8, 9.5, and 4.5% of the NCGT, respectively. Comparisons with the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) results demonstrated that the present method has great potential for detection of LIBS.
Oxygen Uptake in Repeated Cycling Sprints Against Different Loads Is Comparable Between Men and Preadolescent Boys
Authors: Theos Apostolos , Bogdanis Gregory C. , Jansson Daniel , Nevill Alan M. , Papaspyrou Aggeliki , Maridaki Maria
Published: March 2022

Children recover faster than adults in repeated sprints, but it is unclear if their aerobic responses differ.

Purpose

This study tested the hypothesis that aerobic response (VO2) during repeated sprints is greater in preadolescent boys than in men. Further, this study compared normalization with conventional ratio-scaling and scaling with the use of body mass (BM) as a covariate.

Methods

Nine boys (age: 11.8 ± 0.6 years, swimmers) and 11 men (age: 21.7 ± 0.6 years, recreational athletes) performed 10 maximal 6-s cycling sprints separated by 24-s of passive recovery, against two loads (optimum and 50% of optimum). Oxygen uptake (VO2) was measured continuously.

Results

Men’s mean power output (MPO) was greater than boys in each sprint, both in absolute (unscaled) values ( p < 0.05) and when adjusted for lean leg volume ( p < 0.05). Children had lower absolute VO2 ( p < 0.05) than men, but when it was adjusted for BM or power-output, VO2 was comparable between men and boys. Thus, most of the difference in VO2 between men and boys was due to body size and power-output differences.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that men and boys have similar VO2 during repeated sprints when appropriately adjusted to body mass or power output. Results highlight the importance of using appropriate scaling methods to compare adults’ and children’s aerobic responses to high-intensity exercise.
Imprintability of Newly Hatched Domestic Chicks on an Artificial Object: A Novel High Time-Resolution Apparatus Based on a Running Disc
Authors: Aoki Naoya , Mori Chihiro , Fujita Toshiyuki , Serizawa Shouta , Yamaguchi Shinji , Matsushima Toshiya , Homma Koichi J.
Published: March 2022

In filial imprinting, newly hatched chicks repeatedly approach a conspicuous object nearby and memorize it, even though it is an artificial object instead of their mother hen. Imprinting on an artificial object in a laboratory setting has a clear sensitive period from post hatch days 1–3 in the case of domestic chicks. However, the establishment of imprintability are difficult to investigate because of the limitations of the behavioral apparatus. In this study, we developed a novel behavioral apparatus, based on a running disc, to investigate the learning processes of imprinting in newly hatched domestic chicks. In the apparatus, the chick repeatedly approaches the imprinting object on the disc. The apparatus sends a transistor-transistor-logic signal every 1/10 turn of the disc to a personal computer through a data acquisition system following the chick’s approach to the imprinting object on the monitor. The imprinting training and tests were designed to define the three learning processes in imprinting. The first process is the one in which chicks spontaneously approach the moving object. The second is an acquired process in which chicks approach an object even when it is static. In the third process, chicks discriminate between the differently colored imprinting object and the control object in the preference test. Using the apparatus, the difference in the chicks’ behavior during or after the sensitive period was examined. During the sensitive period, the chicks at post hatch hour 12 and 18 developed the first imprinting training process. The chicks at post hatch hour 24 maintained learning until the second process. The chicks at post hatch hour 30 reached the discrimination process in the test. After the sensitive period, the chicks reared in darkness until post hatch day 4 exhibited poor first learning process in the training. Thus, this apparatus will be useful for the detection of behavioral changes during neuronal development and learning processes.
Pregnancy Patterns Impact Live Birth Rate for Patients With Intrauterine Adhesions After Hysteroscopic Adhesiolysis: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Sun Dan , Mao Xuetao , Zhang Aiqian , Gao Bingsi , Huang Huan , Burjoo Arvind , Xu Dabao , Zhao Xingping
Published: March 2022

Objective

The pregnancy patterns and other factors of live birth for patients with intrauterine adhesions (IUAs) were identified by analyzing the clinical features of pre-, intra-, and post-hysteroscopic adhesiolysis (HA).

Design

A total of 742 patients with IUAs who wanted to become pregnant underwent HA from January 2017 to May 2018 at the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University. The patient follow-up period was 2 years post-HA. A logistic regression was performed to analyze the clinical characteristics associated with a live birth for patients with IUAs. Pre-operative clinical indicators included age, gravidity, parity, abortion, IUA recurrence, menstrual patterns, disease course. Intraoperative clinical features assessed in the last operation were uterine cavity length, IUA appearance, IUA area, number of visible uterine cornua, number of visible tubal ostia, AFS scores. Pregnancy patterns were post-hysteroscopic adhesiolysis features.

Results

Among the 742 IUA patients, 348 (46.9%) had a live birth and 394 (53.1%) did not. A bivariate and binary logistic regression analysis showed that IUA patients’ pregnancy patterns, age, number of visible tubal ostia noted by a second-look hysteroscopy, and American Fertility Society (AFS) scores were significantly related to the live birth rate (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Pregnancy patterns, age, number of visible tubal ostia, and AFS scores were significantly related to the live birth rate and may be considered potential predictors of the live birth rate in IUA patients. The indications of assisted reproductive technology (ART) might be a better choice for patients with recurrent IUAs.
Long-Term Wi-Fi Exposure From Pre-Pubertal to Adult Age on the Spermatogonia Proliferation and Protective Effects of Edible Bird’s Nest Supplementation
Authors: Jaffar Farah Hanan Fathihah , Osman Khairul , Hui Chua Kien , Zulkefli Aini Farzana , Ibrahim Siti Fatimah
Published: March 2022

Children are vulnerable to the radiofrequency radiation (RFR) emitted by Wi-Fi devices. Nevertheless, the severity of the Wi-Fi effect on their reproductive development has been sparsely available. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the Wi-Fi exposure on spermatogonia proliferation in the testis. This study also incorporated an approach to attenuate the effect of Wi-Fi by giving concurrent edible bird’s nest (EBN) supplementation. It was predicted that Wi-Fi exposure reduces spermatogonia proliferation while EBN supplementation protects against it. A total of 30 (N = 30) 3-week-old Sprague Dawley weanlings were divided equally into five groups; Control, Control EBN, Wi-Fi, Sham Wi-Fi, and Wi-Fi + EBN. 2.45 GHz Wi-Fi exposure and 250 mg/kg EBN supplementation were conducted for 14 weeks. Findings showed that the Wi-Fi group had decreased in spermatogonia mitosis status. However, the mRNA and protein expression of c-Kit-SCF showed no significant decrease. Instead, the reproductive hormone showed a reduction in FSH and LH serum levels. Of these, LH serum level was decreased significantly in the Wi-Fi group. Otherwise, supplementing the Wi-Fi + EBN group with 250 mg/kg EBN resulted in a significant increase in spermatogonia mitotic status. Even though EBN supplementation improved c-Kit-SCF mRNA and protein expression, the effects were insignificant. The improvement of spermatogonia mitosis appeared to be associated with a significant increase in blood FSH levels following EBN supplementation. In conclusion, the long-term Wi-Fi exposure from pre-pubertal to adult age reduces spermatogonia proliferation in the testis. On the other hand, EBN supplementation protects spermatogonia proliferation against Wi-Fi exposure.
Aldosterone-Induced Sarco/Endoplasmic Reticulum Ca2+ Pump Upregulation Counterbalances Cav1.2-Mediated Ca2+ Influx in Mesenteric Arteries
Authors: Salazar-Enciso Rogelio , Guerrero-Hernández Agustín , Gómez Ana M. , Benitah Jean-Pierre , Rueda Angélica
Published: March 2022

In mesenteric arteries (MAs), aldosterone (ALDO) binds to the endogenous mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) and increases the expression of the voltage-gated L-type Cav1.2 channel, an essential ion channel for vascular contraction, sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ store refilling, and Ca2+ spark generation. In mesenteric artery smooth muscle cells (MASMCs), Ca2+ influx through Cav1.2 is the indirect mechanism for triggering Ca2+ sparks. This process is facilitated by plasma membrane-sarcoplasmic reticulum (PM-SR) nanojunctions that drive Ca2+ from the extracellular space into the SR via Sarco/Endoplasmic Reticulum Ca2+ (SERCA) pump. Ca2+ sparks produced by clusters of Ryanodine receptors (RyRs) at PM-SR nanodomains, decrease contractility by activating large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels (BKCa channels), which generate spontaneous transient outward currents (STOCs). Altogether, Cav1.2, SERCA pump, RyRs, and BKCa channels work as a functional unit at the PM-SR nanodomain, regulating intracellular Ca2+ and vascular function. However, the effect of the ALDO/MR signaling pathway on this functional unit has not been completely explored. Our results show that short-term exposure to ALDO (10 nM, 24 h) increased the expression of Cav1.2 in rat MAs. The depolarization-induced Ca2+ entry increased SR Ca2+ load, and the frequencies of both Ca2+ sparks and STOCs, while [Ca2+]cyt and vasoconstriction remained unaltered in Aldo-treated MAs. ALDO treatment significantly increased the mRNA and protein expression levels of the SERCA pump, which counterbalanced the augmented Cav1.2-mediated Ca2+ influx at the PM-SR nanodomain, increasing SR Ca2+ content, Ca2+ spark and STOC frequencies, and opposing to hyperpolarization-induced vasoconstriction while enhancing Acetylcholine-mediated vasorelaxation. This work provides novel evidence for short-term ALDO-induced upregulation of the functional unit comprising Cav1.2, SERCA2 pump, RyRs, and BKCa channels; in which the SERCA pump buffers ALDO-induced upregulation of Ca2+ entry at the superficial SR-PM nanodomain of MASMCs, preventing ALDO-triggered depolarization-induced vasoconstriction and enhancing vasodilation. Pathological conditions that lead to SERCA pump downregulation, for instance, chronic exposure to ALDO, might favor the development of ALDO/MR-mediated augmented vasoconstriction of mesenteric arteries.
Effects of High-Volume Versus High-Load Resistance Training on Skeletal Muscle Growth and Molecular Adaptations
Authors: Vann Christopher G. , Sexton Casey L. , Osburn Shelby C. , Smith Morgan A. , Haun Cody T. , Rumbley Melissa N. , Mumford Petey W. , Montgomery Nathan T. , Ruple Bradley A. , McKendry James , Mcleod Jonathan , Bashir Adil , Beyers Ronald J. , Brook Matthew S. , Smith Kenneth , Atherton Philip J. , Beck Darren T. , McDonald James R. , Young Kaelin C. , Phillips Stuart M. , Roberts Michael D.
Published: March 2022

We evaluated the effects of higher-load (HL) versus (lower-load) higher-volume (HV) resistance training on skeletal muscle hypertrophy, strength, and muscle-level molecular adaptations. Trained men (n = 15, age: 23 ± 3 years; training experience: 7 ± 3 years) performed unilateral lower-body training for 6 weeks (3× weekly), where single legs were randomly assigned to HV and HL paradigms. Vastus lateralis (VL) biopsies were obtained prior to study initiation (PRE) as well as 3 days (POST) and 10 days following the last training bout (POSTPR). Body composition and strength tests were performed at each testing session, and biochemical assays were performed on muscle tissue after study completion. Two-way within-subject repeated measures ANOVAs were performed on most dependent variables, and tracer data were compared using dependent samples t-tests. A significant interaction existed for VL muscle cross-sectional area (assessed via magnetic resonance imaging; interaction p = 0.046), where HV increased this metric from PRE to POST (+3.2%, p = 0.018) whereas HL training did not (−0.1%, p = 0.475). Additionally, HL increased leg extensor strength more so than HV training (interaction p = 0.032; HV < HL at POST and POSTPR, p < 0.025 for each). Six-week integrated non-myofibrillar protein synthesis (iNon-MyoPS) rates were also higher in the HV versus HL condition, while no difference between conditions existed for iMyoPS rates. No interactions existed for other strength, VL morphology variables, or the relative abundances of major muscle proteins. Compared to HL training, 6 weeks of HV training in previously trained men optimizes VL hypertrophy in lieu of enhanced iNon-MyoPS rates, and this warrants future research.
Machine Learning Strategies for the Retrieval of Leaf-Chlorophyll Dynamics: Model Choice, Sequential Versus Retraining Learning, and Hyperspectral Predictors
Authors: Angel Yoseline , McCabe Matthew F.
Published: March 2022

Monitoring leaf Chlorophyll (Chl) in-situ is labor-intensive, limiting representative sampling for detailed mapping of Chl variability at field scales across time. Unmanned aeria-l vehicles (UAV) and hyperspectral cameras provide flexible platforms for observing agricultural systems, overcoming this spatio-temporal sampling constraint. Here, we evaluate a customized machine learning (ML) workflow to retrieve multi-temporal leaf-Chl levels, combining sub-centimeter resolution UAV-hyperspectral imagery (400–1,000 nm) with leaf-level reflectance spectra and SPAD measurements, capturing temporal correlations, selecting relevant predictors, and retrieving accurate results under different conditions. The study is performed within a phenotyping experiment to monitor wild tomato plants’ development. Several analyses were conducted to evaluate multiple ML strategies, including: (1) exploring sequential versus retraining learning; (2) comparing insights gained from using 272 spectral bands versus 60 pigment-based vegetation indices (VIs); and (3) assessing six regression methods (linear, partial-least-square regression; PLSR, decision trees, support vector, ensemble trees, and Gaussian process; GPR). Goodness-of-fit (R2) and accuracy metrics (MAE, RMSE) were determined using training/testing and validation data subsets to assess the models’ performance. Overall, while equally good performance was obtained using either PLSR, GPR, or random forest, results show: (1) the retraining strategy improved the ability of most of the approaches to model SPAD-based Chl dynamics; (2) comparative analysis between retrievals and validation data distributions informed the models’ ability to capture Chl dynamics through SPAD levels; (3) VI predictors slightly improved R2 (e.g., from 0.59 to 0.74 units for GPR) and accuracy (e.g., MAE and RMSE differences of up to 2 SPAD units) in specific algorithms; (4) feature importance examined through these methods, revealed strong overlaps between relevant bands and VI predictors, highlighting a few decisive spectral ranges and indices useful for retrieving leaf-Chl levels. The proposed ML framework allows the retrieval of high-quality spatially distributed and multi-temporal SPAD-based chlorophyll maps at an ultra-high pixel resolution (e.g., 7 mm).
Trehalose Alleviated Salt Stress in Tomato by Regulating ROS Metabolism, Photosynthesis, Osmolyte Synthesis, and Trehalose Metabolic Pathways
Authors: Yang Yan , Yao Yandong , Li Jing , Zhang Jing , Zhang Xiaodan , Hu Lixia , Ding Dongxia , Bakpa Emily Patience , Xie Jianming
Published: March 2022

Trehalose plays a critical role in plant response to salinity but the involved regulatory mechanisms remain obscure. Here, this study explored the mechanism of exogenous trehalose-induced salt tolerance in tomato plants by the hydroponic test method. Our results indicated that 10 mM trehalose displayed remarkable plant biomass by improving growth physiology, which were supported by the results of chlorophyll fluorescence and rapid light–response curve. In the salinity environment, trehalose + NaCl treatment could greatly inhibit the decrease of malondialdehyde level, and it increases the contents of other osmotic substances, carbohydrates, K+, and K+/Na+ ratio. Meanwhile, trehalose still had similar effects after recovery from salt stress. Furthermore, trehalose pretreatment promoted trehalose metabolism; significantly increased the enzymatic activity of the trehalose metabolic pathway, including trehalose-6-phosphate synthase (TPS), trehalose-6-phosphate phosphatase (TPP), and trehalase (TRE); and upregulated the expression of SlTPS1, SlTPS5, SlTPS7, SlTPPJ, SlTPPH, and SlTRE under saline conditions. However, the transcriptional levels of SlTPS1, SlTPS5, and SlTPS7 genes and the activity of TPS enzyme were reversed after recovery. In addition, we found that hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and superoxide anion (O2−) were accumulated in tomato leaves because of salt stress, but these parameters were all recovered by foliar-applied trehalose, and its visualization degree was correspondingly reduced. Antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, POD, and CAT) and related gene expression (SlCu/Zn-SOD, SlFe-SOD, SlMn-SOD, SlPOD, and SlCAT) in salt-stressed tomato leaves were also elevated by trehalose to counteract salt stress. Collectively, exogenous trehalose appeared to be the effective treatment in counteracting the negative effects of salt stress.
Arabidopsis Iron Superoxide Dismutase FSD1 Protects Against Methyl Viologen-Induced Oxidative Stress in a Copper-Dependent Manner
Authors: Melicher Pavol , Dvořák Petr , Krasylenko Yuliya , Shapiguzov Alexey , Kangasjärvi Jaakko , Šamaj Jozef , Takáč Tomáš
Published: March 2022

Iron superoxide dismutase 1 (FSD1) was recently characterized as a plastidial, cytoplasmic, and nuclear enzyme with osmoprotective and antioxidant functions. However, the current knowledge on its role in oxidative stress tolerance is ambiguous. Here, we characterized the role of FSD1 in response to methyl viologen (MV)-induced oxidative stress in Arabidopsis thaliana. In accordance with the known regulation of FSD1 expression, abundance, and activity, the findings demonstrated that the antioxidant function of FSD1 depends on the availability of Cu2+ in growth media. Arabidopsis fsd1 mutants showed lower capacity to decompose superoxide at low Cu2+ concentrations in the medium. Prolonged exposure to MV led to reduced ascorbate levels and higher protein carbonylation in fsd1 mutants and transgenic plants lacking a plastid FSD1 pool as compared to the wild type. MV induced a rapid increase in FSD1 activity, followed by a decrease after 4 h long exposure. Genetic disruption of FSD1 negatively affected the hydrogen peroxide-decomposing ascorbate peroxidase in fsd1 mutants. Chloroplastic localization of FSD1 is crucial to maintain redox homeostasis. Proteomic analysis showed that the sensitivity of fsd1 mutants to MV coincided with decreased abundances of ferredoxin and photosystem II light-harvesting complex proteins. These mutants have higher levels of chloroplastic proteases indicating an altered protein turnover in chloroplasts. Moreover, FSD1 disruption affects the abundance of proteins involved in the defense response. Collectively, the study provides evidence for the conditional antioxidative function of FSD1 and its possible role in signaling.
Calcium Oxide Nanoparticles Have the Role of Alleviating Arsenic Toxicity of Barley
Authors: Nazir Muhammad Mudassir , Li Qi , Noman Muhammad , Ulhassan Zaid , Ali Shafaqat , Ahmed Temoor , Zeng Fanrong , Zhang Guoping
Published: March 2022

Arsenic (As) contamination in agricultural soils has become a great threat to the sustainable development of agriculture and food safety. Although a lot of approaches have been proposed for dealing with soil As contamination, they are not practical in crop production due to high cost, time-taking, or operational complexity. The rapid development of nanotechnology appears to provide a novel solution to soil As contamination. This study investigated the roles of calcium oxide nanoparticles (CaO NPs) in alleviating As toxicity in two barley genotypes (LJZ and Pu-9) differing in As tolerance. The exposure of barley seedlings to As stress showed a significant reduction in plant growth, calcium and chlorophyll content (SPAD value), fluorescence efficiency (Fv/m), and a dramatic increase in the contents of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA) and As, with LJZ being more affected than Pu-9. The exogenous supply of CaO NPs notably alleviated the toxic effect caused by As in the two barley genotypes. Moreover, the expression of As transporter genes, that is, HvPHT1;1, HvPHT1;3, HvPHT1;4 and HvPHT1;6, was dramatically enhanced when barley seedlings were exposed to As stress and significantly reduced in the treatment of CaO NPs addition. It may be concluded that the roles of CaO NPs in alleviating As toxicity could be attributed to its enhancement of Ca uptake, ROS scavenging ability, and reduction of As uptake and transportation from roots to shoots.
Antifungal Mechanism and Efficacy of Kojic Acid for the Control of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in Soybean
Authors: Zhu Gui-Yang , Shi Xin-Chi , Wang Su-Yan , Wang Bo , Laborda Pedro
Published: March 2022

Sclerotinia stem rot, which is caused by the fungal pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, is a soybean disease that results in enormous economic losses worldwide. The control of S. sclerotiorum is a difficult task due to the pathogen’s wide host range and its persistent structures, called sclerotia. In addition, there is lack of soybean cultivars with medium to high levels of resistance to S. sclerotiorum. In this work, kojic acid (KA), a natural bioactive compound commonly used in cosmetic industry, was evaluated for the management of Sclerotinia stem rot. Interestingly, KA showed strong antifungal activity against S. sclerotiorum by inhibiting chitin and melanin syntheses and, subsequently, sclerotia formation. The antifungal activity of KA was not obviously affected by pH, but was reduced in the presence of metal ions. Treatment with KA reduced the content of virulence factor oxalic acid in S. sclerotiorum secretions. Preventive applications of 50 mM KA (7.1 mg/ml) completely inhibited S. sclerotiorum symptoms in soybean; whereas, in curative applications, the combination of KA with prochloraz and carbendazim improved the efficacy of these commercial fungicides. Taken together, the antifungal activity of KA against S. sclerotiorum was studied for the first time, revealing new insights on the potential application of KA for the control of Sclerotinia stem rot in soybean.
Allometry and Distribution of Nitrogen in Natural Plant Communities of the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Li Xin , Li Mingxu , Xu Li , Liu Congcong , Zhao Wenzong , Cheng Changjin , He Nianpeng
Published: March 2022

Nitrogen (N) is an important element for most terrestrial ecosystems; its variation among different plant organs, and allocation mechanisms are the basis for the structural stability and functional optimization of natural plant communities. The nature of spatial variations of N and its allocation mechanisms in plants in the Tibetan Plateau—known as the world’s third pole—have not been reported on a large scale. In this study, we consistently investigated the N content in different organs of plants in 1564 natural community plots in Tibet Plateau, using a standard spatial-grid sampling setup. On average, the N content was estimated to be 19.21, 4.12, 1.14, and 10.86 mg g–1 in the leaf, branch, trunk, and root, respectively, with small spatial variations. Among organs in communities, leaves were the most active, and had the highest N content, independent of the spatial location; as for vegetation type, communities dominated by herbaceous plants had higher N content than those dominated by woody plants. Furthermore, the allocation of N among different plant organs was allometric, and not significantly influenced by vegetation types and environmental factors; the homeostasis of N was also not affected much by the environment, and varied among the plant organs. In addition, the N allocation strategy within Tibet Plateau for different plant organs was observed to be consistent with that in China. Our findings systematically explore for the first time, the spatial variations in N and allometric mechanisms in natural plant communities in Tibet Plateau and establish a spatial-parameters database to optimize N cycle models.
Sulfur Compounds in Regulation of Stomatal Movement
Authors: Ren Zirong , Wang Ru-Yuan , Huang Xin-Yuan , Wang Yin
Published: March 2022

Sulfur, widely present in the soil and atmosphere, is one of the essential elements for plants. Sulfate is a dominant form of sulfur in soils taken up by plant roots. In addition to the assimilation into sulfur compounds essential for plant growth and development, it has been reported recently that sulfate as well as other sulfur containing compounds can also induce stomatal movement. Here, we first summarized the uptake and transport of sulfate and atmospheric sulfur, including H2O and SO2, and then, focused on the effects of inorganic and organic sulfur on stomatal movement. We concluded all the transporters for different sulfur compounds, and compared the expression level of those transporters in guard cells and mesophyll cells. The relationship between abscisic acid and sulfur compounds in regulation of stomatal movement were also discussed.
Board Network and CSR Decoupling: Evidence From China
Authors: Zhao Weiqi , Zhong Ma , Liao Xinyi , Ye Chuqi , Deng Deqiang
Published: March 2022

This paper investigates the influence of board network centrality on corporate social responsibility (CSR) decoupling. CSR decoupling refers to the gap between corporate internal and external actions in CSR practices. Specifically, we measure CSR decoupling as the difference between corporate social disclosure (CSD) and corporate social performance (CSP). This paper uses a sample of Chinese A-share listed firms during 2009–2018, takes the technical dimension score (T-score) and content dimension score (C-score) of RKS ratings as proxies of CSD and CSP, and obtains CSR decoupling as the difference between CSD and CSP. Our results show that (1) board network centrality is positively related to over-decoupling in the pre-adoption period (2009–2014) of the new environmental law but negatively related to over-decoupling in the post-adoption period (2015–2018) and (2) centrality is not related to under-decoupling in the pre-adoption period but a significantly positive related in the post-adoption period. Our finding reveals a complex role of the board network in CSR practices in China.
Understanding Sleep-Wake Behavior in Late Chronotype Adolescents: The Role of Circadian Phase, Sleep Timing, and Sleep Propensity
Authors: Lang Christin , Richardson Cele , Micic Gorica , Gradisar Michael
Published: March 2022

Background

Adolescents with a late chronotype are at greater risk for mood disorders, risk-taking behaviors, school absenteeism, and lower academic achievement. As there are multiple causes for late chronotype, the field lacks studies on the relationship between mood, circadian phase, and phase angle of entrainment in late chronotype adolescents. Three objectives guide this explorative study: (1) to describe sleep, circadian phase, and phase angle of entrainment in late chronotype adolescents, (2) to explore how different levels of lateness are associated with sleep quality, sleep propensity, and mood, and (3) to investigate the influence of circadian phase on bedtime choice and sleep duration.

Methods

Baseline data from 19 male adolescents (M = 16.4 ± 1.0 yrs), who were part of a larger intervention trial, were analyzed. Chronotype was measured with the Munich Chronotype Questionnaire, circadian timing via dim light melatonin onset (DLMO), and sleep habits with a 7-day sleep log. Further questionnaires assessed daytime sleepiness, sleep quality, and mood. Evening sleepiness and sustained attention were used as a proxy for evening sleep propensity.

Results

On school nights, sleep duration averaged 7.78 h (±1.65), and 9.00 h (±1.42) on weekend nights. Mean DLMO was observed at 23.13 h (± 1.65), with a weekend phase angle of entrainment of 2.48 h. Regression fittings revealed a tendency for shorter phase angles with delayed DLMOs. Further analysis with chronotype subgroups revealed that this was only true for light and moderate late types, whereas extreme late types showed wide phase angles. Even though daytime sleepiness and sleep duration did not differ between subgroups, mood and sleep quality declined as lateness increased. Extreme late chronotypes experienced higher evening sleepiness, while slight late chronotypes showed higher evening attention. Chronotype but not DLMO predicted bedtime on school- and particularly weekend-nights.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that with increasing lateness, the likelihood of experiencing poor sleep quality and mood disorders increases. As DLMO did not predict bedtime, our data indicate that the factors contributing to a late chronotype are versatile and complex, particularly for extreme late types. Further studies involving a larger and gender-balanced sample are needed to confirm findings.
A Systematic Review of Exercise Intervention Program for People With Substance Use Disorder
Authors: Zhang Zhilei , Liu Xiujuan
Published: March 2022

Addiction has been attributed to development of habit-based neural circuits that promote continued substance use despite a conscious wish to abstain. The goal of this study was to determine if physical exercise could serve as an alternative habit to replace habitual substance use, and whether this exercise intervention methods differed for opioid vs. amphetamine Dependents. A total of 14 randomized controlled experimental literatures on exercise intervention in people with opioid and amphetamine use disorder were screened, the 14 literature included 4 opioids and 10 amphetamines. From the 14 literature, the information of intervention program elements were counted, respectively. Independent sample t-test was used to compare the similarities and differences between the two intervention methods, and intervention mechanism of dependents were discussed. All rehabilitation exercises for opioid dependents use aerobic exercise, while most rehabilitation exercises for amphetamine dependents use aerobic exercise, and a few use aerobic and anaerobic mixed exercise. There is no significant difference in exercise time, exercise frequency and cycle between the two intervention schemes (P > 0.05). The rehabilitation indicators of opioid and amphetamine dependents generally include psychological indicators and physiological indicators, and most of the tests mainly focus on measuring psychological indicators such as mood and drug craving of dependents. The goal of exercise intervention for opioid and amphetamine dependents is similar, the first is to improve mood, reduce craving, improve sleep, and the second is to enhance physical fitness. In the treatment of Substance use disorder, exercise intervention can be used as an auxiliary treatment. Exercise intervention emphasizes low intensity and high frequency. Exercise intervention tends to cultivate long-term exercise habits or exercise lifestyle. Based on this “habit” mechanism, exercise can complete the substitution of material dependence.
Measurement of Agricultural Green Development Level in the Three Provinces of Northeast China Under the Background of Rural Vitalization Strategy
Authors: Hou Dainan , Wang Xin
Published: March 2022

This paper offers an evaluation index system of agricultural green development level based on the Rural Vitalization Strategy. The evaluation index system includes four dimensions: agricultural development, ecological resource protection, environment-friendly, and industrial extension and integration. Then, the paper calculates the level of agricultural green development in the three provinces of Northeast China using the entropy-gray correlation method from 2009 to 2019. The calculation results show that between 2009 and 2019, the level of agricultural green development in the three northeastern provinces of China fluctuates and increases, and there is some variation between them: in terms of the overall level of agricultural green development Heilongjiang Province > Liaoning Province > Jilin Province, in terms of the average change speed of agricultural green development level, Heilongjiang Province > Liaoning Province > Jilin Province; in terms of each dimension, the average level of correlation degree of agricultural development dimension is Liaoning Province > Heilongjiang Province > Jilin Province, the average level of correlation degree of ecological resource protection dimension is Heilongjiang Province > Jilin Province > Liaoning Province, the average level of correlation degree of environment-friendly dimension is Heilongjiang Province > Jilin Province > Liaoning Province, and the average level of correlation degree of industrial extension and integration is Liaoning Province > Heilongjiang Province > Jilin Province. Finally, the basis of the calculation results, combined with the actual situation of agricultural development in the three provinces, the countermeasures, and suggestions for promoting the green development of agriculture are put forward. Specifically, it includes the establishment of an evaluation system for agricultural green development; strengthening the protection of agricultural ecological resources; increasing rural environmental governance; promoting the integrated development of rural tertiary industries; vigorously supporting agricultural scientific and technological innovation; and strengthening regional cooperation and other suggestions.
The Association Between the China's Economic Development and the Passing Rate of National Physical Fitness Standards for Elderly People Aged 60–69 From 2000 to 2020
Authors: Liu Zeyong , Agudamu  , Bu Te , Akpinar Selcuk , Jabucanin Blazo
Published: March 2022

Objective

According to the seventh demographic census, China's elderly population reached 260 million, accounting for 18.7% of the total population, indicating that China is on the verge of transitioning from a relatively mild aging to a moderately aging society, and an aging society inevitably brings concerns about the elderly people's health. The purpose of this study was to better understand the effect of economic development on the physical fitness of the elderly people aged 60–69 in China during the first two decades of the twenty-first century, as well as to establish a correlation between China's gross domestic product (GDP) and changes in the elderly people's passing rate of national physical fitness standards.

Methods

A linear regression analysis was performed on the data of GDP and the passing rate of national physical fitness standards of Chinese elderly people aged 60–69 in 2000, 2005, 2010, 2014, and 2020.

Results

The passing rate of national physical fitness standards for elderly people aged 60–69 increased linearly (R2 = 80.56%, p < 0.05), indicating that the physical fitness of the elderly tends to increase steadily with GDP expansion.

Conclusions

Between 2000 and 2020, the annual improvement in the physical fitness of the elderly people in China is inextricably linked to rapid economic development. Increased financial investments in public sports services and a corresponding national fitness plan all contribute to an overall improvement in the physical fitness of the elderly people. This outcome is the effect of fiscal and policy coordination, which may represent a distinctive Chinese model and contribution to the global effort to manage and improve population physical fitness.
Dual-Microphone Speech Reinforcement System With Howling-Control for In-Car Speech Communication
Authors: Alkaher Yehav , Cohen Israel
Published: March 2022

In this paper, we address the problem of dual-microphone speech reinforcement for improving in-car speech communication via howling control. A speech reinforcement system acquires speech from a speaker’s microphone and delivers it to the other listeners in the car cabin through loudspeakers. A car cabin’s small space makes it vulnerable to acoustic feedback, resulting in the appearance of howling noises. The proposed system aims to maintain a desired high amplification gain over time while not compromising the output speech quality. The dual-microphone system consists of a microphone for speech acquisition and another microphone that monitors the environment for howling detection, where its location depends on its howling detection sensitivity. The proposed algorithm contains a gain-control segment based on the magnitude-slope-deviation measure, which reduces the amplification-gain in the case of howling detection. To find the optimal locations of the howling-detection microphone in the cabin, for a devised set of scenarios, a Pareto optimization method is applied. The Pareto optimization considers the bi-objective nature of the problem, i.e., minimizing both the relative gain-reduction and the overall speech distortion. It is shown that the proposed dual-microphone system outperforms a single-microphone-based system. The performance improvement is demonstrated by showing the higher howling detection sensitivity of the dual-microphone system. Additionally, a microphone constellation design process, for optimal howling detection, is provided through the utilization of the Pareto fronts and anti-fronts approach.
Acute Effects of Esports on the Cardiovascular System and Energy Expenditure in Amateur Esports Players
Authors: Zimmer Rebecca T. , Haupt Sandra , Heidenreich Heiko , Schmidt Walter F. J.
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Esports is practiced by millions of people worldwide every day. On a professional level, esports has been proven to have a high stress potential and is sometimes considered equivalent to traditional sporting activities. While traditional sports have health-promoting effects through muscle activity and increased energy expenditure, amateur esports could represent a purely sedentary activity, which would carry potentially harmful effects when practiced regularly. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the acute effects of esports on the cardiovascular system and energy expenditure in amateur esports players to show whether esports can be considered as physical strain or mental stress or whether amateur esports has to be seen as purely sedentary behavior.

Methods

Thirty male subjects participated in a 30-min gaming session, playing the soccer simulation game FIFA 20 or the tactical, first-person multiplayer shooter Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. Respiratory and cardiovascular parameters, as well as energy expenditure, blood glucose, lactate, and cortisol, were determined pre-, during, and post-gaming.

Results

There were no significant changes in oxygen uptake, carbon dioxide output, energy expenditure, stroke volume, or lactate levels. Heart rate, blood glucose and cortisol decreased through the intervention until reaching their minimum levels 10 min post-gaming (Cortisolpre: 3.1 ± 2.9 ng/ml, Cortisolpost: 2.2 ± 2.3 ng/ml, p < 0.01; HRmin0.5: 82 ± 11 bpm, HRpost: 74 ± 13 bpm, p < 0.01).

Conclusion

A 30-min esports intervention does not positively affect energy expenditure or metabolism in amateur esports players. Therefore, it cannot provide the same health-promoting effects as traditional sports participation, but could in the long-term rather cause the same potentially health-damaging effects as purely sedentary behavior. However, it does not trigger a negative stress response in the players. Deliberate physical activity and exercise routines adapted to these demands should therefore be part of the daily life of amateur esports players.
Public Policies for the Development of a Sustainable Cattle Sector in Colombia, Argentina, and Costa Rica: A Comparative Analysis (2010–2020)
Authors: Lerma Leonardo Moreno , Díaz Baca Manuel Francisco , Burkart Stefan
Published: March 2022

Projected food demand increases highlight the importance of Latin America as one of the big global future food suppliers, due to its agricultural potential, in particular regarding cattle farming. Despite the importance of the cattle sector for the region, its negative environmental impacts are numerous and the shift toward sustainability is perceived as slow and uncoordinated. This study aims at identifying successes and difficulties in the implementation of public policies for a sustainable cattle sector in Colombia, Argentina, and Costa Rica. Based on the review of scientific articles, government reports, and publications of international organizations, a qualitative comparative analysis was carried out, documenting the political developments between 2010 and 2020. Our findings suggest that public policies mainly focus on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the implementation of silvo-pastoral systems. Common successes exist among the three countries, e.g., a large number of public policies for promoting sustainable cattle farming or the inclusion of goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and implement silvo-pastoral systems, but they also coincide in difficulties, e.g., disconnection between policies and the lack of continuity of development programs. The efforts made with regional and national public policies, in addition to legislative advances, can be seen as initial steps in a long-term process toward sustainable cattle farming, and thus, recommendations are provided for increasing their success at different stages, from the identification of the problem to its evaluation, particularly in the face of financing difficulties, disconnection among policies and initiatives, and participation of citizens and livestock producers.
A Comparison of Springtime Pollen and Nectar Foraging in Honey Bees Kept in Urban and Agricultural Environments
Authors: McMinn-Sauder Harper , Lin Chia-Hua , Eaton Tyler , Johnson Reed
Published: March 2022

Spring is an essential time for honey bee foraging in temperate climates. This is a period of increased brood rearing supporting colony growth and demands access to high-quality pollen and nectar resources. With the expansion of urban and agricultural landscapes, the availability of pollen and nectar producing flowers is declining in many areas. We aim to determine how patterns of spring pollen and nectar foraging differ between colonies surrounded by varying degrees of urban and agricultural intensity, as well as to assess the potential for nectar sampling to serve as a proxy for pollen collection. Thirteen apiaries in Central Ohio, along a gradient of urban and agricultural intensity, were monitored in spring of 2019 through the periodic collection of pollen and nectar samples and continuous colony weight monitoring. We found that spring honey bees in urban and agricultural areas gain comparable amounts of weight and use similar spring resources. Foraging was heavily focused on flowering trees and shrubs including Malus (apple), Salix (willow), and Prunus (cherry), until the beginning of clover bloom (Trifolium spp.). We also identified differences in pollen and nectar foraging within colonies, with nectar containing fewer species collected more evenly than matched pollen samples. These results demonstrate that honey bees in both agricultural and urban environments exhibit similar foraging patterns during the spring, and that plant species important for nectar collection are substantially different from plants important for pollen foraging, though limitations in nectar collection hinder our ability to draw definitive comparisons of pollen and nectar foraging in this region.