bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Temperature in Moral Decision-Making: Limited Reproducibility
Authors: Sudo Ryunosuke , Nakashima Satoshi F. , Ukezono Masatoshi , Takano Yuji , Lauwereyns Johan
Published: September 2021

Temperature is one of the major environmental factors that people are exposed to on a daily basis, often in conditions that do not afford control. It is known that heat and cold can influence a person’s productivity and performance in simple tasks. With respect to social cognition, it has also been suggested that temperature impacts on relatively high-level forms of decision-making. For instance, previous research demonstrated that cold temperature promotes utilitarian judgment in a moral dilemma task. This effect could be due to psychological processing, when a cool temperature primes a set of internal representations (associated with “coldness”). Alternatively, the promotion of utilitarian judgment in cold conditions could be due to physiological interference from temperature, impeding on social cognition. Refuting both explanations of psychological or physiological processing, however, it has been suggested that there may be problems of reproducibility in the literature on temperature modulating complex or abstract information processing. To examine the role of temperature in moral decision-making, we conducted a series of experiments using ambient and haptic temperature with careful manipulation checks and modified task methodology. Experiment 1 manipulated room temperature with cool (21°C), control (24°C) and hot (27°C) conditions and found only a cool temperature effect, promoting utilitarian judgment as in the previous study. Experiment 2 manipulated the intensity of haptic temperature but failed to obtain the cool temperature effect. Experiments 3 and 4 examined the generalizability of the cool ambient temperature effect with another moral judgment task and with manipulation of exposure duration. However, again there were no cool temperature effects, suggesting a lack of reproducibility. Despite successful manipulations of temperature in all four experiments, as measured in body temperature and the participants’ self-reported perception, we found no systematic influence of temperature on moral decision-making. A Bayesian meta-analysis of the four experiments showed that the overall data tended to provide strong support in favor of the null hypothesis. We propose that, at least in the range of temperatures from 21 to 27°C, the cool temperature effect in moral decision-making is not a robust phenomenon.
Reading Minds, Reading Stories: Social-Cognitive Abilities Affect the Linguistic Processing of Narrative Viewpoint
Authors: Eekhof Lynn S. , van Krieken Kobie , Sanders José , Willems Roel M.
Published: September 2021

Although various studies have shown that narrative reading draws on social-cognitive abilities, not much is known about the precise aspects of narrative processing that engage these abilities. We hypothesized that the linguistic processing of narrative viewpoint—expressed by elements that provide access to the inner world of characters—might play an important role in engaging social-cognitive abilities. Using eye tracking, we studied the effect of lexical markers of perceptual, cognitive, and emotional viewpoint on eye movements during reading of a 5,000-word narrative. Next, we investigated how this relationship was modulated by individual differences in social-cognitive abilities. Our results show diverging patterns of eye movements for perceptual viewpoint markers on the one hand, and cognitive and emotional viewpoint markers on the other. Whereas the former are processed relatively fast compared to non-viewpoint markers, the latter are processed relatively slow. Moreover, we found that social-cognitive abilities impacted the processing of words in general, and of perceptual and cognitive viewpoint markers in particular, such that both perspective-taking abilities and self-reported perspective-taking traits facilitated the processing of these markers. All in all, our study extends earlier findings that social cognition is of importance for story reading, showing that individual differences in social-cognitive abilities are related to the linguistic processing of narrative viewpoint.
Associations Between Openness Facets, Prejudice, and Tolerance: A Scoping Review With Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ng D. X. , Lin Patrick K. F. , Marsh Nigel V. , Chan K. Q. , Ramsay Jonathan E.
Published: September 2021

The personality factor of openness to experience, which encompasses curiosity, imagination, and a desire for new experiences, has been associated negatively with prejudice and positively with the closely related value of tolerance. While these relationships have been reviewed at the factor level, there has been no review of research at the lower facet level. This review aims to uncover the relationships between the facets of openness and the constructs of prejudice and tolerance. We conducted a preregistered scoping review with meta-analysis following the recommended guidelines from Joanna Briggs Institute. A total of 2,349 articles were reviewed, with 16 primary research articles (or 17 studies) meeting the criteria for inclusion. Aggregated effect sizes via random-effect meta-analysis revealed that all revised neuroticism-extraversion-openness personality inventory (NEO-PI-R) and international personality item pool (IPIP)-based facets of openness significantly predicted prejudice and tolerance. Out of the three measures [i.e., NEO-PI-R, IPIP-NEO, and honesty-humility, emotionality, extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and openness to experience personality inventory (HEXACO-PI), and the facets of openness examined], the NEO-PI-R facet of value was most strongly associated with prejudice. In contrast, the NEO-PI-R facet of aesthetics was the facet most strongly associated with tolerance. However, these results should be treated as preliminary in light of the small number of meta-analyzed studies and more primary research studies are needed to confirm the trends found in this review. This review represents the first step in the systematic investigation of the link between the facets of openness and components of prejudice and tolerance and contributes toward explaining prejudice and tolerance.
Identity Diffusion and Extremist Attitudes in Adolescence
Authors: Isenhardt Anna , Kamenowski Maria , Manzoni Patrik , Haymoz Sandrine , Jacot Cédric , Baier Dirk
Published: September 2021

Various theoretical approaches assume that identity diffusion is an influencing factor of extremism. However, there are hardly any empirical tests on this relationship. Based on a nationwide survey of 8,317 young people in Switzerland, the study analyses whether identity diffusion is associated with right-wing extremist, left-wing extremist, and Islamist extremist attitudes. In addition, the study tests whether identity diffusion mediates the influence of family and school-related variables on extremist attitudes. The results show that identity diffusion primarily increases approval of left-wing extremist and Islamist extremist attitudes. Furthermore, identity diffusion mediates to a small extent the influence of parenting on extremist attitudes.
Exploring the Dimensions of Movement-Specific Reinvestment From Personal Characteristics Perspectives
Authors: Kawabata Masato , Imanaka Kuniyasu
Published: September 2021

The purposes of the present study were three-fold: to examine (a) if the movement-specific reinvestment responses should be represented as two dimensional constructs, (b) whether dichotomization of the movement-specific reinvestment responses are appropriate, and (c) how the two dimensions are associated with relevant psychological concepts. To conduct a comparative examination of the MSRS structure in two Asian samples, participants were 236 Japanese university students (136 men, 100 women; Mage = 18.0, SD = 1.6) and 328 Singaporeans (167 men, 161 women; Mage = 21.8, SD = 1.8). After examining the factor structure of the movement-specific reinvestment responses for the first purpose, latent class factor analysis was conducted for both samples for the second purpose. For the third purpose, correlation analysis and mediation analysis were conducted for a part of the Singaporean sample. Through a series of latent class factor analysis, four and three classes were identified for the Japanese and Singaporean samples, respectively. For both samples, the patterns of the item-average scores for the two movement-specific reinvestment dimensions were parallel among the classes. Conscious Motor Processing was positively associated with mental toughness, intrinsic regulation, integrated regulation, mastery-approach and task goal orientations, and dispositional flow, whereas Movement Self-Consciousness was positively related with stress and mastery-avoidance goal orientation. The findings of the study supported (a) the two-dimensional representation of the movement-specific reinvestment responses, but did not fully support (b) the practice of dichotomization of the movement-specific reinvestment responses, and indicated that (c) at the trait level, Conscious Motor Processing and Movement Self-Consciousness were associated with positive and negative psychological constructs, respectively.
Leading Innovative Work-Behavior in Times of COVID-19: Relationship Between Leadership Style, Innovative Work-Behavior, Work-Related Flow, and IT-Enabled Presence Awareness During the First and Second Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Coun Martine J. H. , Edelbroek Robin , Peters Pascale , Blomme Robert J.
Published: September 2021

Aim: The present study contributes to the conversation on remote (home) working, leadership, and innovation in times of COVID-19 by examining the mediating role of work-related flow in the relationship between empowering and directive leadership, on the one hand, and innovative work-behavior, on the other, and the moderating role of IT-enabled presence awareness in two lockdown periods during the pandemic.

Method: We employed PLS-SEM analysis to analyze the perceptions, experiences, and behaviors of a group of employees (N = 257) regarding the study’s core variables during two phases of the COVID-19 pandemic (summer 2020 and autumn 2020).

Results: In line with expectations, in the earlier phase of the pandemic, empowering leadership had both a positive direct and indirect relationship with innovative work-behavior via work-related flow, whereas directive leadership only had a negative direct relationship with innovative work-behavior. In the second phase, however, empowering leadership only had a positive indirect relationship with innovative work-behavior, running via work-related flow. Moreover, directive leadership was both directly and indirectly negatively related to innovative work-behavior, via work-related flow. In contrast to our expectations, IT-enabled presence awareness did not play a moderating role in these relationships in any phase.

Discussion: Our findings underline the importance of empowerment in sustaining innovative work-behavior, particularly in intense and enduring remote work contexts, as this can amplify employees’ ability, motivation and opportunity to generate, share and implement novel ideas. In remote work contexts, empowering leadership can particularly foster innovation indirectly via work-related flow, which was also shown to be an increasingly important underlying mechanism across time periods. Directive leadership, in contrast, can reduce work-related flow and, therefore, hinder innovation. Our study did not find evidence for the moderating role of employees’ perceptions of IT-enabled presence awareness.

Conclusion: We conclude that regardless of the IT-quality, the leadership style chosen plays an important role in innovative work-behavior in remote work-contexts, particularly in view of the divergent effects of empowering and directive leadership on work-related flow in enduring and intense remote work contexts.
The Methylation of Clock Genes in Perinatal Depression: Which Role for Oxytocin?
Authors: Iodice Simona , Di Paolo Martina , Barkin Jennifer Lynn , Tarantini Letizia , Grassi Silvia , Redaelli Marta , Serati Marta , Favalli Virginia , Cirella Luisa , Bollati Valentina , Buoli Massimiliano
Published: September 2021

Background: Perinatal Depression (PD) is a widespread disabling condition that is hypothesized to be associated with abnormalities in circadian rhythms and neuropeptide release including oxytocin (OXT).

Methods: Fourty-four pregnant women (28 with PD, and 16 controls) were evaluated through the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), the State/Trait Anxiety Inventory Form Y (STAI-Y), and the Prenatal Attachment Inventory (PAI). A blood sample was collected from all participants, and OXT plasma levels, DNA methylation of clock genes, as well as of FOXp3 and HERV-W were measured. Linear regression analyses were performed to assess the effect of oxytocin on the methylation of selected genes. Continuous ordinal regression models was further applied to see if the score of rating scales was associated to gene methylation, adjusting for oxytocin-methylation interaction.

Results: OXT plasma levels were positively associated with CRY1 methylation. Women with higher OXT plasma levels showed an association between higher degree of CRY2 methylation (thus, reduced expression) and lower EPDS (OR = 0.21; P = 0.043) and STAI-S scores (OR = 6.96; P = 0.019). Finally, with high OXT levels, hypermethylation of CRY1 was associated to higher scores on the PAI (OR = 2.74; P = 0.029) while higher methylation of HERV-W related to lower PAI scores (OR = 0.273; P = 0.019).

Conclusion: Our results suggest a possible protective role played by oxytocin in the development of PD by promoting a favorable methylation profile characterized by reduced expression of CRY1 and CRY2. Moreover, oxytocin strengthens the association between maternal prenatal attachment with a favorable pattern of methylation of clock genes and HERV-W, which is essential for pregnancy outcomes.
Recursive Path Model for Health Literacy: The Effect of Social Support and Geographical Residence
Authors: Bíró Éva , Vincze Ferenc , Mátyás Gabriella , Kósa Karolina
Published: September 2021

Background: The public health relevance of health literacy is highlighted by the fact that its higher levels can improve health outcomes and reduce health inequities. In order to design effective interventions for improving health literacy, the relationship between health literacy and other factors such as sociodemographic variables, subjective health and social support must be understood.

Objective: Our aim was to test a socioecological model of the determinants of health literacy with a special focus on the effect of residence. Our study investigated geographical differences regarding the levels of health literacy and its determinants as this was not investigated before in European nationwide surveys.

Methods: Data was collected by a polling company in a sample (n = 1,200) of the Hungarian adult population nationally representative by age, gender, and permanent residence in 2019 January. The questionnaire included items on sociodemographic data, subjective well-being, social support, and two health literacy scales. A recursive path model was used to outline the mediating effect of social support between sociodemographic variables and health literacy where both direct and indirect effects of the explanatory variables and multiple relationships among the variables were analyzed simultaneously. Multiple-group analysis was applied to the three pre-set categories of permanent residence (capital city, urban and rural).

Results: There was no statistically significant difference by residence regarding levels of health literacy. Social support and educational attainment were the most important determinants of health literacy after adjusting for the effect of other sociodemographic variables. However, the magnitude of effect of social support and educational attainment is different between types of settlements, the strongest being in rural areas.

Conclusion: Social support seems to mediate the effect of socioeconomic position on health literacy which could be taken into account when designing interventions to improve health literacy, especially in rural areas. Further studies would be needed especially in rural communities to see whether improvement of social support could be utilized in projects to increase the level of health literacy.
Fast Rotating Neutron Stars: Oscillations and Instabilities
Authors: Krüger Christian J. , Kokkotas Kostas D. , Manoharan Praveen , Völkel Sebastian H.
Published: September 2021

In this review article, we present the main results from our most recent research concerning the oscillations of fast rotating neutron stars. We derive a set of time evolution equations for the investigation of non-axisymmetric oscillations of rapidly rotating compact objects in full general relativity, taking into account the contribution of a dynamic spacetime. Using our code, which features high accuracy at comparably low computational expense, we are able to extract the frequencies of non-axisymmetric modes of compact objects with rotation rates up to the Kepler limit. We propose various universal relations combining bulk properties of isolated neutron stars as well as of binary systems before and after merger; these relations are independent of the true equation of state and may serve as a valuable tool for gravitational wave asteroseismology. We also present an introductory example using a Bayesian analysis.
Cerebral Air Embolism After Pigtail Catheter Drainage for Pneumothorax: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Chen Yi , Zheng Chunhui , Zeng Qinghui , Zhang Fangbiao , Tu Shaosong , Wu Zhijun
Published: September 2021

Objective: Cerebral air embolism (CAE) is an extremely rare but serious complication of pigtail catheter drainage. The aim of the case report is to review our experience in the diagnosis and treatment for CAE after pigtail catheter drainage.

Case presentation: In our study, we report a case of CAE following pigtail catheter insertion for pneumothorax. A 50-year-old man was diagnosed with a pulmonary mass in the right lower lobe. He underwent a right lower lobectomy. Pneumothorax was present after the removal of the chest tube. Pigtail catheter drainage was used in order to treat the pneumothorax, which resulted in convulsions, limb stiffness, and unconsciousness. A brain CT scan was immediately performed and showed multiple low densities in the right occipital lobe, which was diagnosed as CAE. Assisted breathing, antibiotic treatment, and antiepileptic therapy were used and the patient gradually improved and was discharged at 27 days of treatment but the muscle strength of the left limb was weakened.

Conclusion: We analyzed and summarized the possible causes of CAE in the literature, and the findings of the case could enhance the vigilance of clinicians.
Possible Association Between DHEA and PKCε in Hepatic Encephalopathy Amelioration: A Pilot Study
Authors: Di Cerbo Alessandro , Roncati Luca , Marini Carlotta , Carnevale Gianluca , Zavatti Manuela , Avallone Rossella , Corsi Lorenzo
Published: September 2021

Objective: Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a neuropsychiatric syndrome caused by liver failure and by an impaired neurotransmission and neurological function caused by hyperammonemia (HA). HE, in turn, decreases the phosphorylation of protein kinase C epsilon (PKCε), contributing to the impairment of neuronal functions. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) exerts a neuroprotective effect by increasing the GABAergic tone through GABAA receptor stimulation. Therefore, we investigated the protective effect of DHEA in an animal model of HE, and the possible modulation of PKCε expression in different brain area.

Methods: Fulminant hepatic failure was induced in 18 male, Sprague–Dawley rats by i.p. administration of 3 g/kg D-galactosamine, and after 30 min, a group of animals received a subcutaneous injection of 25 mg/kg (DHEA) repeated twice a day (3 days). Exploratory behavior and general activity were evaluated 24 h and 48 h after the treatments by the open field test. Then, brain cortex and cerebellum were used for immunoblotting analysis of PKCε level.

Results: DHEA administration showed a significant improvement of locomotor activity both 24 and 48 h after D-galactosamine treatment (****p < 0.0001) but did not ameliorate liver parenchymal degeneration. Western blot analysis revealed a reduced immunoreactivity of PKCε (*p < 0.05) following D-galactosamine treatment in rat cortex and cerebellum. After the addition of DHEA, PKCε increased in the cortex in comparison with the D-galactosamine-treated (***p < 0.001) and control group (*p < 0.05), but decreased in the cerebellum (*p < 0.05) with respect to the control group. PKCε decreased after treatment with NH4Cl alone and in combination with DHEA in both cerebellum and cortex (****p < 0.0001). MTS assay demonstrated the synergistic neurotoxic action of NH4Cl and glutamate pretreatment in cerebellum and cortex along with an increased cell survival after DHEA pretreatment, which was significant only in the cerebellum (*p < 0.05).

Conclusion: An association between the DHEA-mediated increase of PKCε expression and the improvement of comatose symptoms was observed. PKCε activation and expression in the brain could inhibit GABA-ergic tone counteracting HE symptoms. In addition, DHEA seemed to ameliorate the symptoms of HE and to increase the expression of PKCε in cortex and cerebellum.
Simultaneous Feature Selection and Support Vector Machine Optimization Using an Enhanced Chimp Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Wu Di , Zhang Wanying , Jia Heming , Leng Xin
Published: September 2021

Chimp Optimization Algorithm (ChOA), a novel meta-heuristic algorithm, has been proposed in recent years. It divides the population into four different levels for the purpose of hunting. However, there are still some defects that lead to the algorithm falling into the local optimum. To overcome these defects, an Enhanced Chimp Optimization Algorithm (EChOA) is developed in this paper. Highly Disruptive Polynomial Mutation (HDPM) is introduced to further explore the population space and increase the population diversity. Then, the Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient between the chimps with the highest fitness and the lowest fitness is calculated. In order to avoid the local optimization, the chimps with low fitness values are introduced with Beetle Antenna Search Algorithm (BAS) to obtain visual ability. Through the introduction of the above three strategies, the ability of population exploration and exploitation is enhanced. On this basis, this paper proposes an EChOA-SVM model, which can optimize parameters while selecting the features. Thus, the maximum classification accuracy can be achieved with as few features as possible. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed method, the proposed method is compared with seven common methods, including the original algorithm. Seventeen benchmark datasets from the UCI machine learning library are used to evaluate the accuracy, number of features, and fitness of these methods. Experimental results show that the classification accuracy of the proposed method is better than the other methods on most data sets, and the number of features required by the proposed method is also less than the other algorithms.
The Influence of Cognitive Styles as Promoters of Entrepreneurial Orientation and Intrapreneurship as Drivers of Innovation: The Case of Nurses in Health Services in Portugal in Times of COVID-19
Authors: Ferraz Paula , Marques Carla Susana , Santos Gina , Cunha Ariana Moreno , Vaz Sérgio
Published: September 2021

The main objective of this study is to assess how cognitive styles promote individual entrepreneurial orientation (IOE) and intrapreneurship and how they drive innovation among nurses in the healthcare services in Portugal. A total of 667 nurses participated, by completing an online questionnaire in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, working in different health units in Portugal. PLS-SEM structural equation modelling was used as a data analysis technique. The results show that cognitive styles have a positive influence on nurses’ IOE; that cognitive styles have a positive influence on intrapreneurship, which is mediated by the IO; that the IOE impacts nurses’ intrapreneurship and innovation, which is mediated by intrapreneurship; and that intrapreneurship impacts nurses’ innovation. The originality of this study lies in the absence of studies showing relationships between the dimensions that we propose to analyze during the pandemic of COVID-19.
Opportunistic In-Flight INS Alignment Using LEO Satellites and a Rotatory IMU Platform
Authors: Farhangian Farzan , Benzerrouk Hamza , Landry Rene
Published: September 2021

With the emergence of numerous low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations such as Iridium-Next, Globalstar, Orbcomm, Starlink, and OneWeb, the idea of considering their downlink signals as a source of pseudorange and pseudorange rate measurements has become incredibly attractive to the community. LEO satellites could be a reliable alternative for environments or situations in which the global navigation satellite system (GNSS) is blocked or inaccessible. In this article, we present a novel in-flight alignment method for a strapdown inertial navigation system (SINS) using Doppler shift measurements obtained from single or multi-constellation LEO satellites and a rotation technique applied on the inertial measurement unit (IMU). Firstly, a regular Doppler positioning algorithm based on the extended Kalman filter (EKF) calculates states of the receiver. This system is considered as a slave block. In parallel, a master INS estimates the position, velocity, and attitude of the system. Secondly, the linearized state space model of the INS errors is formulated. The alignment model accounts for obtaining the errors of the INS by a Kalman filter. The measurements of this system are the difference in the outputs from the master and slave systems. Thirdly, as the observability rank of the system is not sufficient for estimating all the parameters, a discrete dual-axis IMU rotation sequence was simulated. By increasing the observability rank of the system, all the states were estimated. Two experiments were performed with different overhead satellites and numbers of constellations: one for a ground vehicle and another for a small flight vehicle. Finally, the results showed a significant improvement compared to stand-alone INS and the regular Doppler positioning method. The error of the ground test reached around 26 m. This error for the flight test was demonstrated in different time intervals from the starting point of the trajectory. The proposed method showed a 180% accuracy improvement compared to the Doppler positioning method for up to 4.5 min after blocking the GNSS.
On the Technical Performance Characteristics of Horticultural Lamps
Authors: Shelford Timothy J. , Both Arend-Jan
Published: September 2021

Recent advances in light emitting diode (LED) technology have provided exciting opportunities for plant lighting applications, and it is expected that LED lighting will soon overtake the still common use of high-intensity discharge (HID) lighting technology. Because LED lighting offers novel capabilities, extensive research is needed to identify optimal lighting practices for the large number of crops grown by commercial greenhouse growers. Plant scientists and growers facing decisions about plant lighting systems do not always have sufficient information about lamp performance characteristics. In this paper, we reported on various technical performance characteristics for 18 lamp types commonly used for plant production, and compared these characteristics with the characteristics of sunlight. The results showed a substantial range of performance characteristics, highlighting the importance of a careful assessment before selecting a light source for horticultural applications. The data presented in this paper can be used to assess the suitability of a specific light source for a particular horticultural application.
Analysis of Expression Profiles of CircRNA and MiRNA in Oviduct during the Follicular and Luteal Phases of Sheep with Two Fecundity (FecB Gene) Genotypes
Authors: Li Zhifeng , He Xiaoyun , Zhang Xiaosheng , Zhang Jinlong , Guo Xiaofei , Sun Wei , Chu Mingxing
Published: September 2021

CircRNA and miRNA, as classes of non-coding RNA, have been found to play pivotal roles in sheep reproduction. There are many reports of circRNA and miRNA in the ovary and uterus, but few in the oviduct. In this study, RNA-Seq was performed to analyze the expression profile of circRNA and miRNA in the oviduct during the follicular phase and luteal phase of sheep with FecBBB and FecB++ genotypes. The results showed that a total of 3223 circRNAs and 148 miRNAs were identified. A total of 15 DE circRNAs and 40 DE miRNAs were found in the comparison between the follicular phase and luteal phase, and 1 DE circRNA and 18 DE miRNAs were found in the comparison between the FecBBB genotype and FecB++ genotype. GO and KEGG analyses showed that the host genes of DE circRNAs were mainly enriched in the Rap1 signaling pathway, PI3K–Akt signaling pathway and neuroactive ligand–receptor interactions. Novel_circ_0004065, novel_circ_0005109, novel_circ_0012086, novel_circ_0014274 and novel_circ_0001794 were found to be possibly involved in the oviductal reproduction process. GO and KEGG analyses showed that the target genes of DE miRNAs were mainly enriched in insulin secretion, the cAMP signaling pathway, the cGMP–PKG signaling pathway, the Rap1 signaling pathway and the TGF-β signaling pathway, and the target genes LPAR1, LPAR2, FGF18, TACR3, BMP6, SMAD4, INHBB, SKP1 and TGFBR2 were found to be associated with the reproductive process. Miranda software was used to identify 27 miRNAs that may bind to 13 DE circRNAs, including miR-22-3p (target to novel_circ_0004065), miR-127, miR-136 (target to novel_circ_0000417), miR-27a (target to novel_circ_0014274) and oar-miR-181a (target to novel_circ_ 0017815). The results of this study will help to elucidate the regulatory mechanisms of circRNAs and miRNAs in sheep reproduction. Our study, although not establishing direct causal relationships of the circRNA and miRNA changes, enriches the sheep circRNA and miRNA database and provides a basis for further studies on sheep reproduction.
Stakeholder Perceptions of Disease Management for Dairy Calves: “It’s Just Little Things That Make Such a Big Difference”
Authors: Palczynski Laura J. , Bleach Emma C. L. , Brennan Marnie L. , Robinson Philip A.
Published: September 2021

Calf morbidity and mortality rates are often high in dairy herds, raising animal welfare concerns and negatively affecting farm economic efficiency and future performance. Disease prevention is critical to maintain calves in good health, but interventions are dependent upon the persons conducting them. This paper explores the perceptions of farmers, farm workers, veterinarians, and other advisors on the management of calfhood disease on dairy farms in England. Participants were recruited using purposive and “snowball” sampling, resulting in 40 in-depth, semi-structured interviews—26 with dairy farmers and 14 with advisors. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and thematically coded. Three major themes were derived on the basis of interview data: disease occurrence and treatments, management of calf environment, and the role of stockmanship and perceived control. Respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases in calves were those reported to be most problematic on dairy farms. Limited time and financial resources caused some farmers and advisors to experience a perceived inability to control calf health without antimicrobial treatments. Overall, the findings emphasise the importance of human influences on calf health and disease in the context of influencing the interactions among the host, pathogens, and the environment. Further research should investigate what “attention to detail” means within different farm contexts and practices, as this was believed to be important in the promotion of better husbandry standards and health. We recommend the use of supportive knowledge exchange processes, including facilitation, to empower farmers to promote continuous improvement in calf health.
Effects of the Cooling Temperature at the Farm on Milk Maturation and Cheesemaking Process in the Manufacture of Parmigiano Reggiano PDO Cheese
Authors: Franceschi Piero , Brasca Milena , Malacarne Massimo , Formaggioni Paolo , Faccia Michele , Natrella Giuseppe , Summer Andrea
Published: September 2021

Parmigiano Reggiano is a hard PDO cheese made from bovine raw milk, whose microbiological characteristics have important repercussions on cheese quality. According to the EU official production protocol, milk temperature at the farm must not drop below 18 °C. The present research aimed to study the effect of cooling milk at the farm at 9 °C on the characteristics of milk and on the cheesemaking process and losses during manufacture. Six cheesemaking trials were performed in two different dairies. In each of them, two cheesemakings were made in parallel: one with milk kept at 9 °C (TM9) and the other with milk kept at 20 °C (TM20). TM9 milk, in comparison with TM20, showed after the creaming process a significant reduction not only of total bacterial count but also of psychrotrophic and lipolytic bacteria. At the same time, TM9 milk showed a higher creaming capacity and, consequently, a lower fat content than TM20. TM9 vat milk had worst coagulation properties than TM20, which caused slightly higher loss of fat and curd fines into the whey. Nevertheless, these changes were too small to influence the efficiency of the cheesemaking process; conversely, maintaining milk at the farm at 9 °C led to a reduction of the number of spoilage bacteria.
Comparison of Atmospheric Circulation Anomalies between Dry and Wet Extreme High-Temperature Days in the Middle and Lower Reaches of the Yellow River
Authors: Ge Hangcheng , Zeng Gang , Iyakaremye Vedaste , Yang Xiaoye , Wang Zongming
Published: September 2021

Many previous studies have reported that atmospheric circulation anomalies are generally the direct cause of extreme high-temperature (EHT). However, the atmospheric circulation anomalies of EHT days with different humidity and the differences between them are less often discussed, while humidity plays an important role in how people feel in a high-temperature environment. Therefore, this study uses 1961–2016 CN05.1 daily observational data and NCEP/NCAR reanalysis data to classify summer EHT days in China into dry and wet. Furthermore, we investigate the atmospheric circulation anomalies associated with the dry and wet EHT days in the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River (MLRYR). The results reveal that dry EHT days are likely to be caused by adiabatic heating from anomalous subsidence, while wet EHT days are more likely caused by the low-latitude water vapor and heat anomalies brought by the Western Pacific Subtropical High (WPSH). This may be due to a remarkable westward/southward/narrowed extension of the Continental High (CH)/WPSH/South Asian High (SAH) accompanied by an occurrence of dry EHT day. The opposite pattern is observed for wet EHT days. Moreover, a wave train like the Silk Road pattern from the midlatitudes could affect the dry EHT days, while wet EHT days are more likely to be affected by a wave train from high latitudes. Knowing the specific characteristics of dry and wet EHT days and their associated atmospheric circulations could offer new insights into disaster risk prevention and reduction.
Single Image Dehazing Using Sparse Contextual Representation
Authors: Qin Jing , Chen Liang , Xu Jian , Ren Wenqi
Published: September 2021

In this paper, we propose a novel method to remove haze from a single hazy input image based on the sparse representation. In our method, the sparse representation is proposed to be used as a contextual regularization tool, which can reduce the block artifacts and halos produced by only using dark channel prior without soft matting as the transmission is not always constant in a local patch. A novel way to use dictionary is proposed to smooth an image and generate the sharp dehazed result. Experimental results demonstrate that our proposed method performs favorably against the state-of-the-art dehazing methods and produces high-quality dehazed and vivid color results.
Effect of the Etching Profile of a Si Substrate on the Capacitive Characteristics of Three-Dimensional Solid-State Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Kurbatov Sergei , Mironenko Alexander , Naumov Victor , Skundin Alexander , Rudy Alexander
Published: September 2021

Along with the soaring demands for all-solid-state thin-film lithium-ion batteries, the problem of their energy density rise becomes very acute. The solution to this problem can be found in development of 3D batteries. The present work deals with the development of a technology for a 3D solid-state lithium-ion battery (3D SSLIB) manufacturing by plasma-chemical etching and magnetron sputtering technique. The results on testing of experimental samples of 3D SSLIB are presented. It was found that submicron-scale steps appearing on the surface of a 3D structure formed on Si substrate by the Bosch process radically change the crystal structure of the upper functional layers. Such changes can lead to disruption of the layers’ continuity, especially that of the down conductors. It is shown that surface polishing by liquid etching of the SiO2 layer and silicon reoxidation leads to surface smoothing, the replacement of the dendrite structure of functional layers by a block structure, and a significant improvement in the capacitive characteristics of the battery.
Immune Responses against SARS-CoV-2—Questions and Experiences
Authors: Mangge Harald , Kneihsl Markus , Schnedl Wolfgang , Sendlhofer Gerald , Curcio Francesco , Domenis Rossana
Published: September 2021

Understanding immune reactivity against SARS-CoV-2 is essential for coping with the COVID-19 pandemic. Herein, we discuss experiences and open questions about the complex immune responses to SARS-CoV-2. Some people react excellently without experiencing any clinical symptoms, they do not get sick, and they do not pass the virus on to anyone else (“sterilizing” immunity). Others produce antibodies and do not get COVID-19 but transmit the virus to others (“protective” immunity). Some people get sick but recover. A varying percentage develops respiratory failure, systemic symptoms, clotting disorders, cytokine storms, or multi-organ failure; they subsequently decease. Some develop long COVID, a new pathologic entity similar to fatigue syndrome or autoimmunity. In reality, COVID-19 is considered more of a systemic immune–vascular disease than a pulmonic disease, involving many tissues and the central nervous system. To fully comprehend the complex clinical manifestations, a profound understanding of the immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 is a good way to improve clinical management of COVID-19. Although neutralizing antibodies are an established approach to recognize an immune status, cellular immunity plays at least an equivalent or an even more important role. However, reliable methods to estimate the SARS-CoV-2-specific T cell capacity are not available for clinical routines. This deficit is important because an unknown percentage of people may exist with good memory T cell responsibility but a low number of or completely lacking peripheral antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. Apart from natural immune responses, vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 turned out to be very effective and much safer than naturally acquired immunity. Nevertheless, besides unwanted side effects of the currently available vector and mRNA preparations, concerns remain whether these vaccines will be strong enough to defeat the pandemic. Altogether, herein we discuss important questions, and try to give answers based on the current knowledge and preliminary data from our laboratories.
Role of Lamin A/C as Candidate Biomarker of Aggressiveness and Tumorigenicity in Glioblastoma Multiforme
Authors: Gatti Giuliana , Vilardo Laura , Musa Carla , Di Pietro Chiara , Bonaventura Fabrizio , Scavizzi Ferdinando , Torcinaro Alessio , Bucci Barbara , Saporito Raffaele , Arisi Ivan , De Santa Francesca , Raspa Marcello , Guglielmi Loredana , D’Agnano Igea
Published: September 2021

Nuclear lamina components have long been regarded as scaffolding proteins, forming a dense fibrillar structure necessary for the maintenance of the nucleus shape in all the animal kingdom. More recently, mutations, aberrant localisation and deregulation of these proteins have been linked to several diseases, including cancer. Using publicly available data we found that the increased expression levels of the nuclear protein Lamin A/C correlate with a reduced overall survival in The Cancer Genome Atlas Research Network (TCGA) patients affected by glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). We show that the expression of the LMNA gene is linked to the enrichment of cancer-related pathways, particularly pathways related to cell adhesion and cell migration. Mimicking the modulation of LMNA in a GBM preclinical cancer model, we confirmed both in vitro and in vivo that the increased expression of LMNA is associated with an increased aggressiveness and tumorigenicity. In addition, delving into the possible mechanism behind LMNA-induced GBM aggressiveness and tumorigenicity, we found that the mTORC2 component, Rictor, plays a central role in mediating these effects.
Effects on the Motor Function, Proprioception, Balance, and Gait Ability of the End-Effector Robot-Assisted Gait Training for Spinal Cord Injury Patients
Authors: Shin Ji Cheol , Jeon Ha Ra , Kim Dahn , Cho Sung Il , Min Won Kyu , Lee June Sung , Oh Da Som , Yoo Jeehyun
Published: September 2021

The primary aim of this study was to reveal the effects of end-effector robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) on motor function, proprioception, balance, and gait ability in patients with incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI). The secondary aim was to determine the correlation between clinical outcomes. This study was a prospective and multi-center study. A total of 13 incomplete SCI patients who met inclusion criteria received 30 min of RAGT with Morning Walk® (Curexo, Seoul, South Korea), and 1 h of conventional physiotherapy 5 times per week for 4 weeks. Clinical outcome measures were 10 m walk test (10MWT), 6 min walk test (6mWT), lower extremity motor score (LEMS), proprioception, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Walking Index for Spinal Cord Injury (WISCI)-II. All participants were assessed within 48 h before and after the intervention. All clinical outcomes were statistically improved after RAGT. Subgroup analysis according to the initial proprioception, WISCI-II in the normal group showed a statistically significant improvement compared to the abnormal group. Initial BBS and WISCI-II had a positive correlation with most of the final clinical outcomes. The final BBS had a strong positive correlation with the final 10MWT, 6mWT, and WISCI-II. Initial proprioception had a positive correlation with the final WISCI-II. The final proprioception also had a moderate positive correlation with 6mWT and BBS. This study’s results suggest that the end-effector RAGT could promote proprioception, balance ability and walking ability. Postural control ability and proprioception also had a positive relationship with gait ability.
Stimulating Memory: Reviewing Interventions Using Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation to Enhance or Restore Memory Abilities
Authors: Phipps Connor J. , Murman Daniel L. , Warren David E.
Published: September 2021

Human memory systems are imperfect recording devices that are affected by age and disease, but recent findings suggest that the functionality of these systems may be modifiable through interventions using non-invasive brain stimulation such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). The translational potential of these rTMS interventions is clear: memory problems are the most common cognitive complaint associated with healthy aging, while pathological conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease are often associated with severe deficits in memory. Therapies to improve memory or treat memory loss could enhance independence while reducing costs for public health systems. Despite this promise, several important factors limit the generalizability and translational potential of rTMS interventions for memory. Heterogeneity of protocol design, rTMS parameters, and outcome measures present significant challenges to interpretation and reproducibility. However, recent advances in cognitive neuroscience, including rTMS approaches and recent insights regarding functional brain networks, may offer methodological tools necessary to design new interventional studies with enhanced experimental rigor, improved reproducibility, and greater likelihood of successful translation to clinical settings. In this review, we first discuss the current state of the literature on memory modulation with rTMS, then offer a commentary on developments in cognitive neuroscience that are relevant to rTMS interventions, and finally close by offering several recommendations for the design of future investigations using rTMS to modulate human memory performance.
Modulation of Functional Connectivity in Response to Mirror Visual Feedback in Stroke Survivors: An MEG Study
Authors: Tai Ruei-Yi , Zhu Jun-Ding , Chen Chih-Chi , Hsieh Yu-Wei , Cheng Chia-Hsiung
Published: September 2021

Background. Several brain regions are activated in response to mirror visual feedback (MVF). However, less is known about how these brain areas and their connectivity are modulated in stroke patients. This study aimed to explore the effects of MVF on brain functional connectivity in stroke patients. Materials and Methods. We enrolled 15 stroke patients who executed Bilateral-No mirror, Bilateral-Mirror, and Unilateral-Mirror conditions. The coherence values among five brain regions of interest in four different frequency bands were calculated from magnetoencephalographic signals. We examined the differences in functional connectivity of each two brain areas between the Bilateral-No mirror and Bilateral-Mirror conditions and between the Bilateral-Mirror and Unilateral-Mirror conditions. Results. The functional connectivity analyses revealed significantly stronger connectivity between the posterior cingulate cortex and primary motor cortex in the beta band (adjusted p = 0.04) and possibly stronger connectivity between the precuneus and primary visual cortex in the theta band (adjusted p = 0.08) in the Bilateral-Mirror condition than those in the Bilateral-No mirror condition. However, the comparisons between the Bilateral-Mirror and Unilateral-Mirror conditions revealed no significant differences in cortical coherence in all frequency bands. Conclusions. Providing MVF to stroke patients may modulate the lesioned primary motor cortex through visuospatial and attentional cortical networks.