bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Astragaloside IV Improves High-Fat Diet–Induced Hepatic Steatosis in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Rats by Regulating Inflammatory Factors Level via TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Liu Ying-Li , Zhang Qiu-Zan , Wang Yan-Rong , Fu Li-Na , Han Jing-Shu , Zhang Jing , Wang Bang-Mao
Published: January 2021

Objective: Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) is the primary bioactive component purified from Astragalus membranaceus which is one of the traditional Chinese medicines. Research studies found that AS-IV has significant pharmacological effects on focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion, cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease, liver cirrhosis, and diabetic nephropathy, but little is known about the effects of AS-IV on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In this study, we investigated whether AS-IV has beneficial effects on NAFLD in rats and its potential mechanisms.

Methods: Male SD rats were fed with high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks to establish NAFLD rat model, and then, the rats were divided into five groups. The control group rats were fed with normal diet for 12 weeks and then were given normal saline (1.0 ml kg−1 day−1) by intragastric administration for 4 weeks. The model group rats were fed with HFD for 12 weeks and then were given normal saline (1.0 ml kg−1 day−1) by intragastric administration for 4 weeks. The AS-IV-L, AS-IV-M, and AS-IV-H groups were treated with 20, 40, and 80 mg kg−1 day−1 of AS-IV by intragastric administration for 4 weeks and given HFD diet. Then, we detected serum transaminase (ALT, AST), blood lipid (TG, TC), inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α), liver histology(NAFLD activity score), TLR4/MyD88 signaling pathway in liver tissue.

Results: We found AS-IV significantly reduced serum levels of AST, ALT, TG, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8 in NAFLD rats and downregulate the expression of TLR4 mRNA, MyD88 mRNA, NF-κB mRNA, and proteins in liver tissue. Moreover, AS-IV could significantly reduce the NAFLD activity score of NAFLD rat liver.

Conclusion: In this study, we demonstrated that AS-IV have a protective effect on NAFLD by inhibiting TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8 levels and down-regulating TLR4, MyD88 and NF-κB expression in rat liver tissues.
Bardoxolone-Methyl (CDDO-Me) Impairs Tumor Growth and Induces Radiosensitization of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Hermann Cornelius , Lang Simon , Popp Tanja , Hafner Susanne , Steinritz Dirk , Rump Alexis , Port Matthias , Eder Stefan
Published: January 2021

Radiotherapy represents a common treatment strategy for patients suffering from oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). However, application of radiotherapy is immanently limited by radio-sensitivity of normal tissue surrounding the tumor sites. In this study, we used normal human epithelial keratinocytes (NHEK) and OSCC cells (Cal-27) as models to investigate radio-modulating and anti-tumor effects of the synthetic triterpenoid 2-cyano-3,12-dioxooleana-1,9,-dien-28-oic acid methyl ester (CDDO-Me). Nanomolar CDDO-Me significantly reduced OSCC tumor xenograft-growth in-ovo applying the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. In the presence of CDDO-Me reactive oxygen species (ROS) were found to be reduced in NHEK when applying radiation doses of 8 Gy, whereas ROS levels in OSCC cells rose significantly even without radiation. In parallel, CDDO-Me was shown to enhance metabolic activity in malignant cells only as indicated by significant accumulation of reducing equivalents NADPH/NADH. Furthermore, antioxidative heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) levels were only enhanced in NHEK and not in the OSCC cell line, as shown by immunoblotting. Clonogenic survival was left unchanged by CDDO-Me treatment in NHEK but revealed to be abolished almost completely in OSCC cells. Our results indicate anti-cancer and radio-sensitizing effects of CDDO-Me treatment in OSCC cells, whereas nanomolar CDDO-Me failed to provoke clear detrimental consequences in non-malignant keratinocytes. We conclude, that the observed differential aftermath of CDDO-Me treatment in malignant OSCC and non-malignant skin cells may be utilized to broaden the therapeutic range of clinical radiotherapy.
The Old and New Visions of Biased Agonism Through the Prism of Adenosine Receptor Signaling and Receptor/Receptor and Receptor/Protein Interactions
Authors: Franco Rafael , Rivas‐Santisteban Rafael , Reyes-Resina Irene , Navarro Gemma
Published: January 2021

Biased signaling is a concept that has arisen in the G protein-coupled receptor (GCPR) research field, and holds promise for the development of new drug development strategies. It consists of different signaling outputs depending on the agonist’s chemical structure. Here we review the most accepted mechanisms for explaining biased agonism, namely the induced fit hypothesis and the key/lock hypothesis, but we also consider how bias can be produced by a given agonist. In fact, different signaling outputs may originate at a given receptor when activated by, for instance, the endogenous agonist. We take advantage of results obtained with adenosine receptors to explain how such mechanism of functional selectivity depends on the context, being receptor-receptor interactions (heteromerization) one of the most relevant and most studied mechanisms for mammalian homeostasis. Considering all the possible mechanisms underlying functional selectivity is essential to optimize the selection of biased agonists in the design of drugs targeting GPCRs.
Dynamic Control of Ultrathin Electromagnetic Absorber Using Active High Impedance Metasurfaces
Authors: Wei Zeyong , Li Hongkun , Xu Weijie , Cao Yang
Published: January 2021

In recent years, active metasurfaces have induced more interests, which provides great freedom of wave manipulation and gives rise to many novel phenomena. High impedance metasurfaces are a kind of artificial structures characterized by the in-phase reflection at the resonant frequency. It works as a magnetic mirror and can be applied in subwavelength cavity, low profile reflector antenna, etc. When introduce in tunable components, it possesses versatile functionalities and broader application. In this paper, we proposed an active high impedance metasurface which exhibits highly efficient absorption to the electromagnetic incidence. As an array of diodes are loaded between the gap of periodic gratings and applied with positive bias, the absorption frequency can be dynamically controlled by the level of bias voltage. At the resonant frequency, the reflection from the metasurface can be less than 1%, implying that most of the incidence is absorbed by the magnetic resonance of high impedance metasurface. When the bias voltage is tuned from 0 to +1.33 V (the forward voltage), the resonant peak rises from 8.5 to 9.1 GHz, providing a flexible control of electromagnetic wave absorption in X band.
A Longitudinal Pilot Study on Cognition and Cerebral Hemodynamics in a Mouse Model of Preeclampsia Superimposed on Hypertension: Looking at Mothers and Their Offspring
Authors: Trigiani Lianne J. , Lecrux Clotilde , Royea Jessika , Lavoie Julie L. , Lesage Frédéric , Pilote Louise , Hamel Edith
Published: January 2021

Preeclampsia is a common hypertensive disorder in pregnant women and whose causes and consequences have focused primarily on cardiovascular outcomes on the mother and offspring, often without taking into consideration the possible effects on the brain. One possible cause of preeclampsia has been attributed to alterations in the renin-angiotensin system, which has also been linked to cognitive decline. In this pilot study, we use a transgenic mouse model that chronically overexpresses human angiotensinogen and renin (R+A+ mice) that displayed characteristics of preeclampsia such as proteinuria during gestation. Offspring of these mothers as well as from control mothers were also examined. We were primarily interested in detecting whether cognitive deficits were present in the mothers and offspring in the long term and used a spatial learning and memory task as well as an object recognition task at three timepoints: 3, 8, and 12 months post-partum or post-natal, while measuring blood pressure and performing urine analysis after each timepoint. While we did not find significant deficits in preeclamptic mothers at the later timepoints, we did observe negative consequences in the pups of R+A+ mice that coincided with hemodynamic alterations whereby pups had higher whisker-evoked oxygenated hemoglobin levels and increased cerebral blood flow responses compared to control pups. Our study provides validation of this preeclampsia mouse model for future studies to decipher the underlying mechanisms of long-term cognitive deficits found in offspring.
Exploring the Role of a Cytokinin-Activating Enzyme LONELY GUY in Unicellular Microalga Chlorella variabilis
Authors: Nayar Saraswati
Published: January 2021

LONELY GUY has been previously characterized in flowering plants to be involved in the direct activation of cytokinins. In this study, the function of the only LONELY GUY gene (CvarLOG1) from unicellular green microalga Chlorella variabilis NC64A has been investigated. CvarLOG1 expressed mainly in the lag and log phases of growth and was confirmed to be a cytokinin-activating enzyme. Overexpression of CvarLOG1 in Chlorella led to extended life in culture by almost 10–20 days, creating a “stay-green” phenotype. In the transformed alga, the cell cycle was lengthened due to delayed entry into the G2/M phase contrary to the known role of cytokinins in stimulating G2/M transition possibly due to excessive levels of this hormone. However, due to the sustained growth and delayed senescence, there was an increase in cell number by 11% and in biomass by 46% at the stationary phase, indicating a potential application for the biofuel industry. The total carbohydrate and lipid yield increased by approximately 30 and 20%, respectively. RNA-Seq-based transcriptomic analysis revealed that the genes associated with light and dark reactions of photosynthesis were upregulated, which may be the reason for the increased biomass. These data show that LOG plays an essential role during the cell cycle and in the functioning of the chloroplast and that the pathway leading to direct activation of cytokinins via LOG is functional in algae.
Psychotic Experiences and Hikikomori in a Nationally Representative Sample of Adult Community Residents in Japan: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Yasuma Naonori , Watanabe Kazuhiro , Nishi Daisuke , Ishikawa Hanako , Tachimori Hisateru , Takeshima Tadashi , Umeda Maki , Kawakami Norito
Published: January 2021

Psychotic experiences (PEs) may be associated with hikikomori. In the present study, we analyzed interview data from a community-based representative sample (N = 1,616) in Japan to know the association of PEs over a life time, as well as the two components, hallucinatory experiences (HEs) and delusional experiences (DEs), with lifetime experience of hikikomori (severe social withdrawal). Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the association between any PE, any HE, and any DE; and hikikomori, adjusting for socio-demographics and other psychopathologies (mental disorder in the past 12 months or having autistic spectrum disorder trait). Any PE was significantly associated with hikikomori [odds ratio (OR) =3.44, 95% CI = 1.14–10.33] after adjustment for sociodemographic factors, although the association attenuated after adjusting for other psychopathologies. Any DE remained significantly associated with hikikomori, even after adjustment for all the covariates (OR = 10.50, 95% CI = 1.57–70.29). Any HE was not significantly associated with hikikomori. DEs may be associated with hikikomori. However, because the study sample was small and the temporal association between DEs and hikikomori was unclear, a future study is needed to examine a causal relationship between DEs and hikikomori.
Automated AMBU Ventilator With Negative Pressure Headbox and Transporting Capsule for COVID-19 Patient Transfer
Authors: Jumlongkul Arnon
Published: January 2021

Purpose: It is now clear that the COVID-19 viruses can be transferred via airborne transmission. The objective of this study was to attempt the design and fabrication of an AMBU ventilator with a negative pressure headbox linked to a negative pressure transporting capsule, which could provide a low-cost construction, flexible usage unit, and also airborne prevention that could be manufactured without a high level of technology.

Method: The machine consists of an automated AMBU bag ventilator, a negative pressure headbox, and a transporting capsule. The function and working duration of each component were tested.

Results: The two main settings of the ventilator include an active mode that can be set at the time range of 0 s–9 h 59 min 59 s and a resting mode, which could work continuously for 24 h. The blower motor and battery system, which were used to power the ventilator, create negative air pressure within the headbox, and the transporting capsule, could run for at least 2 h without being recharged. The transporting capsule was able to create an air change rate of 21.76 ACH with-10 Pa internal pressure.

Conclusion: This automated AMBU ventilator allowed flow rate, rhythm, and volume of oxygen to be set. The hazardous expired air was treated by a HEPA filter. The patient’s transporting capsule is of a compact size and incorporates the air treatment systems. Further development of this machine should focus on how to link seamlessly with imaging technology, to verify standardization, to test using human subjects, and then to be the commercialized.
Toward Urban Water Security: Broadening the Use of Machine Learning Methods for Mitigating Urban Water Hazards
Authors: Allen-Dumas Melissa R. , Xu Haowen , Kurte Kuldeep R. , Rastogi Deeksha
Published: January 2021

Due to the complex interactions of human activity and the hydrological cycle, achieving urban water security requires comprehensive planning processes that address urban water hazards using a holistic approach. However, the effective implementation of such an approach requires the collection and curation of large amounts of disparate data, and reliable methods for modeling processes that may be co-evolutionary yet traditionally represented in non-integrable ways. In recent decades, many hydrological studies have utilized advanced machine learning and information technologies to approximate and predict physical processes, yet none have synthesized these methods into a comprehensive urban water security plan. In this paper, we review ways in which advanced machine learning techniques have been applied to specific aspects of the hydrological cycle and discuss their potential applications for addressing challenges in mitigating multiple water hazards over urban areas. We also describe a vision that integrates these machine learning applications into a comprehensive watershed-to-community planning workflow for smart-cities management of urban water resources.
Allelopathic Potential of Haloxylon persicum against Wheat and Black Mustard with Special Reference to Its Phytochemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Abdel-Farid Ibrahim Bayoumi , Massoud Mohamed Salah , Al-Enazy Yahia , Abdel Latef Arafat Abdel Hamed , Jahangir Muhammad , Gomaa Nasr H.
Published: January 2021

Haloxylon persicum is a well-known plant of sandy deserts, but yet, its allelopathic and phytochemical potential has not been explored. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of different concentrations (1, 2, 4, and 8%) of the aqueous extract of H. persicum shoots on seed germination and seedling growth of wheat crop and black mustard weed. The effects of the same extract on the biochemical parameters (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carbohydrates content, and proline content) of wheat seedlings were also investigated. Low and moderate concentrations (1, 2, and 4%) of H. persicum aqueous extract nonsignificantly affected seed germination, shoot length, root length, fresh weight, and dry weight of wheat seedlings, whereas these parameters were negatively affected by the application of the highest extract concentration (8%). The results revealed a significant increase in proline content in wheat seedlings under all the applied concentrations of H. persicum extract. Low and moderate concentrations (1–4%) of H. persicum extract significantly enhanced chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and total chlorophyll content in wheat seedlings, whereas these parameters were significantly reduced when the highest extract concentration (8%) was applied. Only the lowest concentration (1%) of H. persicum extract reduced the carbohydrates content of wheat seedlings, while other concentrations showed nonsignificant effects. Concentrations of 4 and 8% of H. persicum extract reduced the seed germination percentage of black mustard. The root length, shoot length, and fresh weight of black mustard seedlings were significantly decreased by the application of 1 and 2% extract concentrations and completely inhibited in response to treatment with 4 and 8% concentrations. The dry weight of black mustard seedlings was not affected by 1 and 2% extract concentrations but completely inhibited at 4 and 8% concentrations. The methanol extract of H. persicum contains high contents of bioactive secondary metabolites, such as phenolics, flavonoids, flavonols, anthocyanins, tannins, saponins, as well as proved to has a very strong antioxidant activity of the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity (DPPH). Based on our results, we recommend the potential application of the aqueous extracts of H. persicum to control black mustard weed in wheat crops. Furthermore, H. persicum revealed an interesting phytochemical pattern with sound antioxidant activity that assigns this plant as a promising candidate to explore its detailed metabolomics profile along with potential bioactivities.
Differences in Weed Suppression between Two Modern and Two Old Wheat Cultivars at Different Sowing Densities
Authors: Wu Yue , Xi Nianxun , Weiner Jacob , Zhang Da-Yong
Published: January 2021

Crop losses to weeds can be exacerbated in modern agricultural systems because modern crop cultivars have high population yields but low individual competitiveness. High density cropping systems offer the possibility of effectively suppressing weeds by increasing the initial size-asymmetric advantage of crops over the weeds. We tested this hypothesis in an outdoor mesocosm experiment with two old (Cultivar Heshangtou (HST) and Jinbaoyin (JBY)) and two modern (Xihan2 (XH2) and Xihan3 (XH3)) cultivars of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), grown in a uniform pattern at four sowing densities under high weed pressure. Two annuals (Brassica napus and Linum usitatissimum) were used as model weeds sown at the same density in all treatments. Weed growth decreased and wheat yield increased with increasing crop density for all the cultivars, although yield levelled off at the highest densities. The old cultivars suppressed weeds better than the new cultivars at low density, reflecting the decline in individual competitiveness in modern cultivars. At high crop density, however, the modern XH3 suppressed the weeds as well as the old cultivars, supporting the hypothesis that traits that promote weed suppression are different at low vs. high density. Increasing crop density can be an effective way to suppress weed growth in many agricultural systems, and there is great potential for developing genotypes that can do this and produce high yields much better than the cultivars currently available.
Cellulase Interacts with Lactic Acid Bacteria to Affect Fermentation Quality, Microbial Community, and Ruminal Degradability in Mixed Silage of Soybean Residue and Corn Stover
Authors: Zhao Chao , Wang Lihua , Ma Guangming , Jiang Xin , Yang Jinshan , Lv Jingyi , Zhang Yonggen
Published: January 2021

The objective of this experiment was to investigate the effect of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and cellulase (CE) on the fermentation quality, rumen degradation rate and bacterial community of mixed silage of soybean residue (SR) and corn stover (CS). The experiment adopted a single-factor experimental design. Four treatment groups were set up: the control group (CON), lactic acid bacteria treatment group (LAB), cellulase treatment group (CE) and lactic acid bacteria + cellulase treatment group (LAB + CE). Among them, the amount of added LAB was 1 × 106 CFU/g, and the amount of added CE was 100 U/g. After 56 days of mixed silage, samples were taken and analyzed, and the chemical composition, fermentation quality, rumen degradation rate and microbial diversity were determined. The results showed that the pH of each treatment group was significantly (p < 0.05) lower than that of CON, while the lactic acid and ammoniacal nitrogen contents of each treatment group were significantly higher than that of CON, with the highest contents in the LAB + CE group. The contents of DNFom (Ash-free NDF), ADFom (Ash-free ADF) and DM in the LAB + CE group were significantly lower than those in the CON group, while the content of crude protein (CP) was significantly higher than that in the CON group. The in situ effective degradation rates of DM (ISDMD), DNF (ISNDFD) and CP (ISCPD) were all significantly (p < 0.05) higher in each treatment group than in the control group. The results of principal component analysis showed that the bacterial composition of the LAB, CE and LAB + CE groups was significantly different from that of the CON group (p < 0.05). Bacterial genus level analysis showed that the content of lactic acid bacteria was significantly higher in the LAB + CE group than in the other treatment groups (p < 0.05), while the content of undesirable bacteria was significantly lower than in the other treatment groups. The results showed that the addition of Lactobacillus and/or cellulase in mixed silage of SR and CS could effectively improve the quality of mixed silage fermentation, rumen degradation rate and microbial diversity, with better results when Lactobacillus and cellulase were added together, which provides new ideas for better application of SR and CS in dairy production.
Effects of Sprinkler Flow Rate on Physiological, Behavioral and Production Responses of Nili Ravi Buffaloes during Subtropical Summer
Authors: Bah Musa , Rashid Muhammad Afzal , Javed Khalid , Pasha Talat Naseer , Shahid Muhammad Qamer
Published: January 2021

Water buffaloes wallow in water to combat heat stress during summer. With the decreasing reservoirs for wallowing, the farmers use sprinklers to cool the buffaloes in Pakistan. These sprinklers use a large quantity of groundwater, which is becoming scarce. The objective of the current study was to determine the effect of different sprinkler flow rates on the physiological, behavioral, and production responses of Nili Ravi buffaloes during summer. Eighteen buffaloes were randomly subjected to three sprinkler flow rate treatments in a double replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design. The flow rates were 0.8, 1.25, and 2.0 L/min. During the study, the average afternoon temperature humidity index was 84.6. The 1.25 and 2.0 L/min groups had significantly lower rectal temperature and respiratory rates than the 0.8 L/min group. Water intake was significantly higher in the 0.8 L/min group. Daily milk yield was higher in the 1.25 and 2.0 L/min groups than in the 0.8 L/min group. These results suggested that the sprinkler flow rates > 0.8 L/min effectively cooled the buffaloes. The sprinkler flow rate of 1.25 L/min appeared to be more efficient, as it used 37.5% less water compared to the 2.0 L/min.
Erratum: Catala, A., et al. Is There a Profile of Spontaneous Seizure-Alert Pet Dogs? A Survey of French People with Epilepsy. Animals 2020, 10, 254
Authors: Catala Amélie , Latour Patrick , Martinez-Caja Ana Martos , Cousillas Hugo , Hausberger Martine , Grandgeorge Marine
Published: January 2021

The authors wish to make the following corrections to this paper: [...]
Fermentation Characteristics and In Vitro Digestibility of Fibers and Fiber-Rich Byproducts Used for the Feeding of Pigs
Authors: Bachmann Martin , Michel Sebastian , Greef Jörg Michael , Zeyner Annette
Published: January 2021

Dietary fibers may have positive impact on health and wellbeing of pigs. The study examined physicochemical properties of two lignocelluloses (including and excluding bark), powdered cellulose, Aspergillus niger mycelium, lucerne chaff, soybean shells, wheat bran, and sugar beet pulp in relation to fermentability and digestibility using in vitro batch-culture incubation. Maize starch and a purified cellulose were used as standardized substrates for classification of the test substrates. The substrates covered a wide range regarding their physicochemical properties. Swelling capacity (SC) was 9–411%, water binding capacity (WBC) was 4.4–14.3 g/g dry matter (DM), and water holding capacity (WHC) was 4.1–10.6 g/g DM. Gas production and other fermentation parameters—namely post-incubation pH, CH4, NH3, and short chain fatty acids (SCFA) concentrations—revealed a significant fermentation of sugar beet pulp, soybean shells, lucerne chaff, wheat bran, A. niger mycelium, and powdered cellulose, whereas the lignocelluloses were not fermented. Significant correlations were found between the physicochemical properties and the fermentation parameters (p < 0.05). Enzymatic pre-digestion mostly reduced gas, NH3, and SCFA production. In vitro digestibility of DM (IVDMD) and organic matter (IVOMD) was mostly negligible after enzymatic pre-digestion. Fermentation alone led to only 0.10–0.15 IVDMD and 0.14–0.15 IVOMD in lignocelluloses and powdered cellulose, respectively, but 0.44–0.37 IVDMD and 0.46–0.38 IVOMD in the remainder of substrates (p < 0.05). In vitro digestibility was again correlated with the physicochemical properties of the substrates and the fermentation parameters (p < 0.05). The fiber preparations and fiber-rich byproducts were fermented to a relevant extent. In contrast, lignocelluloses were not fermented and can be used rather as bulk material.
Canine Blood Group Prevalence and Geographical Distribution around the World: An Updated Systematic Review
Authors: Mangiaterra Sara , Rossi Giacomo , Antognoni Maria Teresa , Cerquetella Matteo , Marchegiani Andrea , Miglio Arianna , Gavazza Alessandra
Published: January 2021

In recent years, blood transfusions have been more commonly given to pets. The importance of determining blood groups in dogs and cats is, therefore, well-known for reducing the risk of adverse reactions in the recipient blood caused by a “non-compatible” donor. This systematic review summarizes data from previously published reports and follows the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines for systematic reviews. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, we identified 41 eligible studies using different states and blood-typing methods to determine blood groups in dogs. The dog blood groups that were identified between 1999 and 2020 in 17 different countries were combined to yield the DEA (Dog Erythrocyte Antigen), Kai, and Dal groups. These studies were conducted in Europe, America, Africa, and Asia but not in all the countries of these continents. The methods used to determine blood types have also changed over the years. This systematic review highlights gaps in the literature and should advance future studies synthesizing data with methodological rigor.
Spatial Genetic Structure and Demographic History of the Wild Boar in the Qinling Mountains, China
Authors: Hu Chaochao , Yuan Sijia , Sun Wan , Chen Wan , Liu Wei , Li Peng , Chang Qing
Published: January 2021

Species dispersal patterns and population genetic structure can be influenced by geographical features. Qinling Mountains (QM) provide an excellent area for phylogeographic study. The phylogeography of Asian-wide wild boars revealed the colonization route. However, the impact of the QM on genetic diversity, genetic structure and population origin is still poorly understood. In this study, genetic analysis of wild boar in the QM was conducted based on the mitochondrial control region (943 bp) and twelve microsatellite loci of 82 individuals in 16 sampling locations. Overall genetic haplotype diversity was 0.86, and the nucleotide diversity was 0.0079. A total of 17 new haplotypes were detected. The level of genetic diversity of wild boars in QM was lower than in East Asia, but higher than in Europe. Phylogenetic analysis showed the weak genetic divergence in QM. Mismatch analysis, neutrality tests, and Bayesian Skyline Plot (BSP) results revealed that the estimates of effective population size were under demographic equilibrium in the past. Spatial analysis of molecular variance indicated no obvious phylogeographic structure.
Observational Study on Variation of Longitudinal Platelet Counts in Calves over the First 14 Days of Life and Reference Intervals from Cross-Sectional Platelet and Leukocyte Counts in Dairy Calves up to Two Months of Age
Authors: Strous Emma , Vanhoudt Arne , Smolenaars Anja , van Schaik Gerdien , Schouten Matthijs , de Pater Henrik , Roelofs Bjorn , Nielen Mirjam
Published: January 2021

Platelet and leukocyte count reference intervals (RIs) for cattle differ by age and while adult RIs are known, RIs for calves are studied less. The aims of this observational study are to evaluate variation of platelet counts of Holstein Friesian calves over the first 14 days of life and to propose RIs for platelet and leukocyte counts of Holstein Friesian calves aged 0–60 days. In a longitudinal study, 19 calves were blood sampled 17 times, in the first 14 days of their lives. Blood was collected in a citrate blood tube and platelet counts were determined. We assessed the course of platelet counts. In a field study, 457 healthy calves were blood sampled once. Blood was collected in an EDTA blood tube and platelet and leukocyte counts were determined. The RIs were calculated by the 2.5 and 97.5 percentiles. Platelet counts started to increase 24 h after birth (mean platelet count 381 × 109/L ± 138 × 109/L) and stabilized after five days (mean platelet count 642 × 109/L ± 265 × 109/L). In calves up to six days of age, platelet counts were lower than in calves older than five days. In conclusion, the RIs of platelet and leukocyte counts in calves were wider in range than the RIs for adult cattle, therefore, calf specific RIs for platelet and leukocyte counts should be used. From 6 until 60 days of age, we propose an RI for platelet counts of 287–1372 × 109/L and for the first 60 days of life an RI for leukocyte counts of 4.0–18.9 × 109/L.
Spider Silk-Augmented Scaffolds and Adipose-Derived Stromal Cells Loaded with Uniaxial Cyclic Strain: First Investigations of a Novel Approach for Tendon-Like Constructs
Authors: Schlottmann Frederik , Strauss Sarah , Plaass Christian , Welke Bastian , Vogt Peter M. , Kuhbier Joern W.
Published: January 2021

Tendon injuries still pose a challenge to reconstructive surgeons. Tendon tissue is a bradytrophic tissue and has a poor tendency to heal. Autologous tendon grafts are, therefore, still the gold standard in restorative operations but are associated with significant donor side morbidity. The experimental approach of the present study focused on the use of the biomaterial spider silk as a biocompatible and very stable carrier matrix in combination with a collagen type I hydrogel and adipose-derived stromal cells. The constructs were differentiated by axial strain to tendon-like tissue using a custom-made bioreactor. Macroscopically, tendon-like tissue could be detected which histologically showed high cell vitality even in long-term cultivation. In addition, cell morphology comparable to tenocytes could be detected in the bioreactor-stimulated tendon-like constructs compared to the controls. Immunohistochemically, tendon tissue-specific markers could be detected. Therefore, the developed tendon-like construct represents a promising approach towards patient specific tendon reconstruction, but further studies are needed.
Three-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis of Stress Distribution in a Tooth Restored with Full Coverage Machined Polymer Crown
Authors: Syed Azeem Ul Yaqin , Rokaya Dinesh , Shahrbaf Shirin , Martin Nicolas
Published: January 2021

The effect of a restored machined hybrid dental ceramic crown–tooth complex is not well understood. This study was conducted to determine the effect of the stress state of the machined hybrid dental ceramic crown using three-dimensional finite element analysis. Human premolars were prepared to receive full coverage crowns and restored with machined hybrid dental ceramic crowns using the resin cement. Then, the teeth were digitized using micro-computed tomography and the teeth were scanned with an optical intraoral scanner using an intraoral scanner. Three-dimensional digital models were generated using an interactive image processing software for the restored tooth complex. The generated models were imported into a finite element analysis software with all degrees of freedom concentrated on the outer surface of the root of the crown–tooth complex. To simulate average occlusal load subjected on a premolar a total load of 300 N was applied, 150 N at a buccal incline of the palatal cusp, and palatal incline of the buccal cusp. The von Mises stresses were calculated for the crown–tooth complex under simulated load application was determined. Three-dimensional finite element analysis showed that the stress distribution was more in the dentine and least in the cement. For the cement layer, the stresses were more concentrated on the buccal cusp tip. In dentine, stress was more on the cusp tips and coronal 1/3 of the root surface. The conventional crown preparation is a suitable option for machined polymer crowns with less stress distribution within the crown–tooth complex and can be a good aesthetic replacement in the posterior region. Enamic crowns are a good viable option in the posterior region.
Advances in High-Precision NO2 Measurement by Quantum Cascade Laser Absorption Spectroscopy
Authors: Sobanski Nicolas , Tuzson Béla , Scheidegger Philipp , Looser Herbert , Kupferschmid André , Iturrate Maitane , Pascale Céline , Hüglin Christoph , Emmenegger Lukas
Published: January 2021

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a major tropospheric air pollutant. Its concentration in the atmosphere is most frequently monitored indirectly by chemiluminescence detection or using direct light absorption in the visible range. Both techniques are subject to known biases from other trace gases (including water vapor), making accurate measurements at low concentration very challenging. Selective measurements of NO2 in the mid-infrared have been proposed as a promising alternative, but field deployments and comparisons with established techniques remain sparse. Here, we describe the development and validation of a quantum cascade laser-based spectrometer (QCLAS). It relies on a custom-made astigmatic multipass absorption cell and a recently developed low heat dissipation laser driving and a FPGA based data acquisition approach. We demonstrate a sub-pptv precision (1 σ) for NO2 after 150 s integration time. The instrument performance in terms of long-term stability, linearity and field operation capability was assessed in the laboratory and during a two-week inter-comparison campaign at a suburban air pollution monitoring station. Four NO2 instruments corresponding to three different detection techniques (chemiluminescence detection (CLD), cavity-attenuated phase shift (CAPS) spectroscopy and QCLAS) were deployed after calibrating them with three different referencing methods: gas-phase titration of NO, dynamic high-concentration cylinder dilution and permeation. These measurements show that QCLAS is an attractive alternative for high-precision NO2 monitoring. Used in dual-laser configuration, its capabilities can be extended to NO, thus allowing for unambiguous quantification of nitrogen oxides (NOx), which are of key importance in air quality assessments.
Skin-Reducing Mastectomy and Immediate Reconstruction for a Large Recurrent Borderline Phyllodes Tumor
Authors: Grujic Daciana , Cristian Horia , Hoinoiu Teodora , Miclauș Codruta Diana , Cerbu Simona , Grujic Ljubisa , Oprean Cristina
Published: January 2021

Background: Large recurrent phyllodes breast tumors are often malignant. Therefore, when taking the surgical decision, a simple mastectomy and immediate reconstruction must be considered. Case presentation: The patient, aged 40 years, with a benign phyllodes tumor in the left breast, having a recurrence 2 years after, with 4–7 cm conglomerate tumor masses, was subjected to skin-reducing mastectomy, breast reconstruction with a silicone mammary implant in the left breast, and symmetrization of the right breast. Discussion and conclusions: In the case of patients with breast hypertrophy and gigantomastia (cup size D–F), skin-reducing mastectomy and immediate reconstruction with an implant can be the option. It is important for the resection specimen to include the skin tissue above the tumor. After 14 months of follow-up, there was no recurrence of the lesions on a clinical examination, ultrasonography, or MRI.
Microarchitectural Characterization on a Mobile Workload
Authors: Lee Woohyong , Lee Jiyoung , Park Bo Kyung , Kim R. Young Chul
Published: January 2021

Geekbench is one of the most referenced cross-platform benchmarks in the mobile world. Most of its workloads are synthetic but some of them aim to simulate real-world behavior. In the mobile world, its microarchitectural behavior has been reported rarely since the hardware profiling features are limited to the public. As a popular mobile performance workload, it is hard to find Geekbench’s microarchitecture characteristics in mobile devices. In this paper, a thorough experimental study of Geekbench performance characterization is reported with detailed performance metrics. This study also identifies mobile system on chip (SoC) microarchitecture impacts, such as the cache subsystem, instruction-level parallelism, and branch performance. After the study, we could understand the bottleneck of workloads, especially in the cache sub-system. This means that the change of data set size directly impacts performance score significantly in some systems and will ruin the fairness of the CPU benchmark. In the experiment, Samsung’s Exynos9820-based platform was used as the tested device with Android Native Development Kit (NDK) built binaries. The Exynos9820 is a superscalar processor capable of dual issuing some instructions. To help performance analysis, we enable the capability to collect performance events with performance monitoring unit (PMU) registers. The PMU is a set of hardware performance counters which are built into microprocessors to store the counts of hardware-related activities. Throughout the experiment, functional and microarchitectural performance profiles were fully studied. This paper describes the details of the mobile performance studies above. In our experiment, the ARM DS5 tool was used for collecting runtime PMU profiles including OS-level performance data. After the comparative study is completed, users will understand more about the mobile architecture behavior, and this will help to evaluate which benchmark is preferable for fair performance comparison.
Silicon-Based Multilayer Waveguides for Integrated Photonic Devices from the Near to Mid Infrared
Authors: García Iñaki López , Siciliani de Cumis Mario , Mazzotti Davide , Galli Iacopo , Cancio Pastor Pablo , De Natale Paolo
Published: January 2021

Advancements in spectroscopy, quantum optics, communication, and sensing require new classes of integrated photonic devices to host a wide range of non-linear optical processes involving wavelengths from the visible to the infrared. In this framework, waveguide (WG) structures designed with innovative geometry and materials can play a key role. We report both finite element modeling and experimental characterization of silicon nitride multilayer WGs from the visible to the mid-infrared spectral regions. The simulations evaluated optical behavior and mechanical stress as a function of number of WG layers and photonic structure dimensions. WGs were optimized for waveguiding at 1550 nm and 2640 nm. Experimental characterization focused on optical behavior and coupling losses from 532 nm to 2640 nm. Measured losses in WGs indicate a quasi-perfect waveguiding behavior in the IR range (with losses below 6 dB), with a relevant increase (up to 20 dB) in the visible range.
Augmented Reality Based Surgical Navigation of Complex Pelvic Osteotomies—A Feasibility Study on Cadavers
Authors: Ackermann Joëlle , Liebmann Florentin , Hoch Armando , Snedeker Jess G. , Farshad Mazda , Rahm Stefan , Zingg Patrick O. , Fürnstahl Philipp
Published: January 2021

Augmented reality (AR)-based surgical navigation may offer new possibilities for safe and accurate surgical execution of complex osteotomies. In this study we investigated the feasibility of navigating the periacetabular osteotomy of Ganz (PAO), known as one of the most complex orthopedic interventions, on two cadaveric pelves under realistic operating room conditions. Preoperative planning was conducted on computed tomography (CT)-reconstructed 3D models using an in-house developed software, which allowed creating cutting plane objects for planning of the osteotomies and reorientation of the acetabular fragment. An AR application was developed comprising point-based registration, motion compensation and guidance for osteotomies as well as fragment reorientation. Navigation accuracy was evaluated on CT-reconstructed 3D models, resulting in an error of 10.8 mm for osteotomy starting points and 5.4° for osteotomy directions. The reorientation errors were 6.7°, 7.0° and 0.9° for the x-, y- and z-axis, respectively. Average postoperative error of LCE angle was 4.5°. Our study demonstrated that the AR-based execution of complex osteotomies is feasible. Fragment realignment navigation needs further improvement, although it is more accurate than the state of the art in PAO surgery.
Polyphenols: A Promising Avenue in Therapeutic Solutions for Wound Care
Authors: Guimarães Inês , Baptista-Silva Sara , Pintado Manuela , L. Oliveira Ana
Published: January 2021

In chronic wounds, the regeneration process is compromised, which brings complexity to the therapeutic approaches that need to be adopted, while representing an enormous loss in the patients’ quality of life with consequent economical costs. Chronic wounds are highly prone to infection, which can ultimately lead to septicemia and morbidity. Classic therapies are increasing antibiotic resistance, which is becoming a critical problem beyond complex wounds. Therefore, it is essential to study new antimicrobial polymeric systems and compounds that can be effective alternatives to reduce infection, even at lower concentrations. The biological potential of polyphenols allows them to be an efficient alternative to commercial antibiotics, responding to the need to find new options for chronic wound care. Nonetheless, phenolic compounds may have some drawbacks when targeting wound applications, such as low stability and consequent decreased biological performance at the wound site. To overcome these limitations, polymeric-based systems have been developed as carriers of polyphenols for wound healing, improving its stability, controlling the release kinetics, and therefore increasing the performance and effectiveness. This review aims to highlight possible smart and bio-based wound dressings, providing an overview of the biological potential of polyphenolic agents as natural antimicrobial agents and strategies to stabilize and deliver them in the treatment of complex wounds. Polymer-based particulate systems are highlighted here due to their impact as carriers to increase polyphenols bioavailability at the wound site in different types of formulations.
Towards Future BIM Technology Innovations: A Bibliometric Analysis of the Literature
Authors: Khudhair Ali , Li Haijiang , Ren Guoqian , Liu Song
Published: January 2021

The evolution of the construction industry is associated with the continuous implementation of new technologies. Building Information Modelling (BIM) has revolutionised the collaboration and data sharing processes in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. However, it needs to be supported by new technologies that can embrace digital construction by transforming the construction industry into a dynamic environment. There is a lack of understanding of the cutting-edge technologies that have emerged to help with the digital transformation of the construction industry. There is a need to understand all these technologies and how they can be leveraged holistically towards future BIM innovations. Therefore, this article conducts a literature review to evaluate how targeted cutting-edge technologies can be utilised to release the full potential of BIM from a technical perspective. A bibliometric analysis focusing on the co-occurrence of keywords related to various technologies, their links with BIM, and their related research themes was conducted based on the Web of Science (WoS) database holdings from 2010 to 2019. The findings demonstrate that one type of technology can help with solving a specific issue. However, using one technology alone does not solve an issue entirely. The current technology has been utilised independently and not as a coherent system. Thus, a weak information integration and management approach can restrict the leveraging of a smart BIM environment. This paper is not meant to be exclusive. Many new technologies, concepts, and ideas can be added to help realise BIM potentials that are not covered in this study. Furthermore, the analysis was based on the dataset retrieved from WoS and only included the literature in English. Based on those findings, the authors indicated a technology fusion to support BIM development.
Recent Advances in Wearable Devices for Non-Invasive Sensing
Authors: Yun Su Min , Kim Moohyun , Kwon Yong Won , Kim Hyobeom , Kim Mi Jung , Park Young-Geun , Park Jang-Ung
Published: January 2021

The development of wearable sensors is aimed at enabling continuous real-time health monitoring, which leads to timely and precise diagnosis anytime and anywhere. Unlike conventional wearable sensors that are somewhat bulky, rigid, and planar, research for next-generation wearable sensors has been focused on establishing fully-wearable systems. To attain such excellent wearability while providing accurate and reliable measurements, fabrication strategies should include (1) proper choices of materials and structural designs, (2) constructing efficient wireless power and data transmission systems, and (3) developing highly-integrated sensing systems. Herein, we discuss recent advances in wearable devices for non-invasive sensing, with focuses on materials design, nano/microfabrication, sensors, wireless technologies, and the integration of those.