bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Affecting the Establishment and Growth of Cover Crops Intersown into Maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Schmitt Mattie B. , Berti Marisol , Samarappuli Dulan , Ransom Joel K.
Published: April 2021

In the North Central USA, intersowing cover crops into standing maize (Zea mays L.) is required to establish plants large enough to afford the benefits of a cover since there is limited favorable weather for cover crop growth after maize harvest. The objective of this study was to quantify the impacts of the planting method and time of planting of three cover crop species when grown with or without maize competition on their establishment. Experiments were conducted in three environments during 2018 and 2019. Experiments consisted of a factorial combination of timing of cover crop planting (V7 and R4 growth stage of maize), cover crop species (camelina (Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz), rye (Secale cereale L.), or radish (Raphanus sativus L.), method of sowing (drilled or broadcast), and maize removal. Initial cover crop populations were similar regardless of maize removal or stage of maize when sown, but intersown cover crops produced only 3% of the fall biomass, compared with treatments with maize-removed when sown at the V7 stage of maize and 14% when sown at the R4 stage. Limited light intensity (less than 20%) under the maize canopy was the main factor affecting interseeded cover crop development. Radish was more sensitive to shading than the other cover crops. Camelina and rye sown at the R4 stage of corn produced similar spring biomass as earlier-sown cover crops. Intersown cover crops had no negative effect on maize grain yield.
Micro-Water Harvesting and Soil Amendment Increase Grain Yields of Barley on a Heavy-Textured Alkaline Sodic Soil in a Rainfed Mediterranean Environment
Authors: Barrett-Lennard Edward G. , Munir Rushna , Mulvany Dana , Williamson Laine , Riethmuller Glen , Wesley Callum , Hall David
Published: April 2021

This paper focuses on the adverse effects of soil sodicity and alkalinity on the growth of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) in a rainfed environment in south-western Australia. These conditions cause the accumulation of salt (called ‘transient salinity’) in the root zone, which decreases the solute potential of the soil solution, particularly at the end of the growing season as the soil dries. We hypothesized that two approaches could help overcome this stress: (a) improved micro-water harvesting at the soil surface, which would help maintain soil hydration, decreasing the salinity of the soil solution, and (b) soil amelioration using small amounts of gypsum, elemental sulfur or gypsum plus elemental sulfur, which would ensure greater salt leaching. In our experiments, improved micro-water harvesting was achieved using a tillage technique consisting of exaggerated mounds between furrows and the covering of these mounds with plastic sheeting. The combination of the mounds and the application of a low rate of gypsum in the furrow (50 kg ha−1) increased yields of barley grain by 70% in 2019 and by 57% in 2020, relative to a control treatment with conventional tillage, no plastic sheeting and no amendment. These increases in yield were related to changes in ion concentrations in the soil and to changes in apparent electrical conductivity measured with the EM38.
Evaluation of Virtual Water and Water Sustainability of Dairy Production in Trentino Alto Adige (North-Eastern Italy)
Authors: Miglietta Pier Paolo , De Leo Federica , Coluccia Benedetta , Vecchio Yari , Capitanio Fabian
Published: April 2021

Dairy products play a significant role in the human diet, but they are often associated with high freshwater resource depletion. In Italy, the dairy sector represents more than 12% of the total turnover of the agri-food sector. Trentino Alto Adige is the first Italian region in terms of number of dairy farms, but it does not register a quantitatively consistent dairy production. Notwithstanding, it is characterized mostly by small-scale farms whose strengths are the Protected Designations of Origin and typical mountain productions. The present study aims at: (i) accounting for the virtual water VW of the main dairy products (milk, butter and cheese) produced in Trentino Alto Adige; (ii) estimating the renewable water resources based on the water flow assessment of the study area; (iii) assessing water sustainability comparing the virtual water consumption of the dairy sector at a regional level to the water availability. The findings show that the consumptive virtual water related to dairy production represents about 1% of the water availability in Trentino Alto Adige. Italy’s domestic dairy production is expanding to meet the growing demand, but the expansion of dairy farming in water-stressed regions should be avoided, preferring instead suitable mountain regions where small-scale farms represent a lively entrepreneurial substrate.
Immunolocalization of Adrenoceptors in the Reproductive Tract of Male Domestic Cats in Comparison to Rats
Authors: Prochowska Sylwia , Dzimira Stanisław , Tomaszek Alicja , Niżański Wojciech
Published: April 2021

Adrenoceptors mediate the action of the sympathetic nervous system, including the contraction of the epididymis and vas deferens. The aim of this study was to immunolocalize the adrenergic receptors in the reproductive tract of the male cat, as this information is not yet available. The epididymis and vas deferens of domestic cats and rats (the biological controls) were analyzed by immunohistochemistry to determine the localization of the α1A-, α1B-, α1D-, α2A-, α2B-, α2C-, β1-, β2-, and β3-adrenoceptors. All the receptors were expressed in the peritubular smooth muscles of the cat, but the α1D-, α2C-, and β1-adrenoceptors were not detected in this tissue in the rat. For the α2A-adrenoceptor, the intensity of immunostaining differed significantly between the caput epididymis (weakest staining) and the vas deferens (strongest staining). The presence of all the types of the receptors was also detected in the cytoplasm of the epithelial cells in all the regions of the reproductive tract. The strong expression of the α2A-adrenoreceptor suggests it has a leading role in the contraction of the reproductive tract in the cat. The presence of other adrenergic receptors in the smooth muscle of the epididymis and vas deferens indicates a potential clinical application for α1-mimetics in the optimization of pharmacological semen collection in felids.
Causal Loop Analysis Can Identify Solutions to Complex Dog Management Problems in Remote Australian Aboriginal Communities
Authors: Kennedy Brooke P. A. , Brown Wendy Y. , Butler James R.A.
Published: April 2021

Companion animal management in Australian remote Aboriginal communities (rAcs) is a complex problem with multiple stakeholders involved, with differing needs, knowledge, power and resources. The Comm4Unity (Cycle of Multiple Methods for Unity—For Community) approach was designed to address such problems. This study represents the second step of the Comm4Unity framework, where a causal loop analysis (CLA) was adapted and tested as a tool to address the issue of dog overpopulation in Wurrumiyanga, and in particular the systemic causes of the problem and necessary transformational management solutions. Ten focus group discussions (FGDs) were held amongst three of the four stakeholder groups identified during the first step in the analysis. The CLA identified 13 positive feedback loops, which drive vicious cycles and perpetuate the dog overpopulation issue. All three groups agreed and developed 22 solutions to address the causes of dog overpopulation. Despite the differences in the framings of the three groups, “training” and “education” were both the top priority solutions for all three groups. The majority of the solutions discussed by the groups were not only transformational but also social, requiring collaboration. This study was successful in so far as transformational actions were co-developed by all FGDs, which may have also built capacity and agency amongst the local community to implement them as a cohesive group.
Evaluation of Different Test-Day Milk Recording Protocols by Wood’s Model Application for the Estimation of Dairy Goat Milk and Milk Constituent Yield
Authors: Landi Vincenzo , Maggiolino Aristide , Salzano Angela , Claps Salvatore , De Palo Pasquale , Rufrano Domenico , Pedota Giuseppina , Neglia Gianluca
Published: April 2021

Goats have important social and economic roles in many countries because of their ability to survive and be productive in marginal areas. The overarching aim of this study was to compare the application of Wood’s model to different test-day milk recording protocols for estimation of total milk, fat, and protein yield in dairy goats. A total of 465 goats were used (Garganica, 78; Girgentana, 81; Jonica, 76; Maltese, 77; Red Mediterranean, 76; Saanen, 77). Milk yield was recorded every 15 days throughout lactation of 210 days, for a total of 14 collection days, during both morning and afternoon milking sessions. Milk samples were collected and analyzed for protein and fat. The fat-corrected milk was standardized at 35g fat/kg of milk. Wood models showed high R2 values, and thus good fitting, in all the considered breeds. Wood model applied to first, second, fourth, and sixth month recordings (C) and ICAR estimation showed total milk yield very close to Wood’s model applied to all 14 recordings (A) (p > 0.38). Differently, Wood’s model applied to the first, second, third, and fourth month recording (B) estimation showed great differences (p < 0.01). This could be applied for farms that had the necessity to synchronize flock groups for kidding in order to produce kid meat. In farms that apply the estrus induction and/or synchronization for kidding, it would be possible to perform only four test-day milk recordings and to apply the Wood’s model on them in order to obtain the estimation of total milk, fat, and protein yield during lactation for animals inscribed, or to be inscribed, to the genealogical book.
Mechanistic Fingerprinting Reveals Kinetic Signatures of Resistance to Daptomycin and Host Defense Peptides in Streptococcus mitis-oralis
Authors: Yeaman Michael R. , Chan Liana C. , Mishra Nagendra N. , Bayer Arnold S.
Published: April 2021

Streptococcus mitis-oralis (S. mitis-oralis) infections are increasingly prevalent in specific populations, including neutropenic cancer and endocarditis patients. S. mitis-oralis strains have a propensity to evolve rapid, high-level and durable resistance to daptomycin (DAP-R) in vitro and in vivo, although the mechanism(s) involved remain incompletely defined. We examined mechanisms of DAP-R versus cross-resistance to cationic host defense peptides (HDPs), using an isogenic S. mitis-oralis strain-pair: (i) DAP-susceptible (DAP-S) parental 351-WT (DAP MIC = 0.5 µg/mL), and its (ii) DAP-R variant 351-D10 (DAP MIC > 256 µg/mL). DAP binding was quantified by flow cytometry, in-parallel with temporal (1–4 h) killing by either DAP or comparative prototypic cationic HDPs (hNP-1; LL-37). Multicolor flow cytometry was used to determine kinetic cell responses associated with resistance or susceptibility to these molecules. While overall DAP binding was similar between strains, a significant subpopulation of 351-D10 cells hyper-accumulated DAP (>2–4-fold vs. 351-WT). Further, both DAP and hNP-1 induced cell membrane (CM) hyper-polarization in 351-WT, corresponding to significantly greater temporal DAP-killing (vs. 351-D10). No strain-specific differences in CM permeabilization, lipid turnover or regulated cell death were observed post-exposure to DAP, hNP-1 or LL-37. Thus, the adaptive energetics of the CM appear coupled to the outcomes of interactions of S. mitis-oralis with DAP and selected HDPs. In contrast, altered CM permeabilization, proposed as a major mechanism of action of both DAP and HDPs, did not differentiate DAP-S vs. DAP-R phenotypes in this S. mitis-oralis strain-pair.
Acetyl-CoA Metabolism and Histone Acetylation in the Regulation of Aging and Lifespan
Authors: Bradshaw Patrick C.
Published: April 2021

Acetyl-CoA is a metabolite at the crossroads of central metabolism and the substrate of histone acetyltransferases regulating gene expression. In many tissues fasting or lifespan extending calorie restriction (CR) decreases glucose-derived metabolic flux through ATP-citrate lyase (ACLY) to reduce cytoplasmic acetyl-CoA levels to decrease activity of the p300 histone acetyltransferase (HAT) stimulating pro-longevity autophagy. Because of this, compounds that decrease cytoplasmic acetyl-CoA have been described as CR mimetics. But few authors have highlighted the potential longevity promoting roles of nuclear acetyl-CoA. For example, increasing nuclear acetyl-CoA levels increases histone acetylation and administration of class I histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors increases longevity through increased histone acetylation. Therefore, increased nuclear acetyl-CoA likely plays an important role in promoting longevity. Although cytoplasmic acetyl-CoA synthetase 2 (ACSS2) promotes aging by decreasing autophagy in some peripheral tissues, increased glial AMPK activity or neuronal differentiation can stimulate ACSS2 nuclear translocation and chromatin association. ACSS2 nuclear translocation can result in increased activity of CREB binding protein (CBP), p300/CBP-associated factor (PCAF), and other HATs to increase histone acetylation on the promoter of neuroprotective genes including transcription factor EB (TFEB) target genes resulting in increased lysosomal biogenesis and autophagy. Much of what is known regarding acetyl-CoA metabolism and aging has come from pioneering studies with yeast, fruit flies, and nematodes. These studies have identified evolutionary conserved roles for histone acetylation in promoting longevity. Future studies should focus on the role of nuclear acetyl-CoA and histone acetylation in the control of hypothalamic inflammation, an important driver of organismal aging.
3D Snow Sculpture Reconstruction Based on Structured-Light 3D Vision Measurement
Authors: Liu Wancun , Zhang Liguo , Zhang Xiaolin , Han Lianfu
Published: April 2021

Structured-light technique is an effective method for indoor 3D measurement, but it is hard to obtain ideal results outdoors because of complex illumination interference on sensors. This paper presents a 3D vision measurement method based on digital image processing to improve resistance to noise of measuring systems, which ensuresnormal operation of a structured-light sensor in the wild without changing its components, and the method is applied in 3D reconstruction of snow sculpture. During image preprocessing, an optimal weight function is designed based on noise classification and minimum entropy, and the color images are transformed into monochromatic value images to eliminate most environmental noise. Then a Decision Tree Model (DTM) in a spatial-temporal context of video sequence is used to extract and track stripe. The model is insensitive to stubborn noise and reflection in the images, and the result of the model after coordinate transformation is a 3D point cloud of the corresponding snow sculpture. In experimental results, the root mean square (RMS) error and mean error are less than 0.722 mm and 0.574 mm respectively, showing that the method can realize real-time, robust and accurate measurement under a complex illumination environment, and can therefore provide technical support for snow sculpture 3D measurement.
Towards a More Accessible Cultural Heritage: Challenges and Opportunities in Contextualisation Using 3D Sound Narratives
Authors: Lim Veranika , Khan Sara , Picinali Lorenzo
Published: April 2021

This paper reports on the exploration of potential design opportunities for social media and technology to identify issues and challenges in involving people in generating content within a cultural heritage context. The work is divided into two parts. In the first part, arguments are informed by findings from 22 in-depth semi-structured interviews with representatives of cultural institutions and with people from a general audience who recently participated in a cultural activity. The key findings show that social media could be used more extensively to achieve a deeper understanding of cultural diversity, with opportunities in redefining the expert, extending the experience space, and decentralising collaboration. To further support these findings, a case study was set up evaluating the experience of a mini audio tour with user-generated (i.e., personal stories from a local audience) vs. non user-generated (i.e., professional stories including facts) narratives. These were delivered using text and 3D sound on a mobile device. The narratives were related to a built environment in central London near world-renown museums, cultural buildings, and a royal park. Observations, a standardised spatial presence questionnaire, and a short open interview at the end of the tour were used to gain insights about participants preferences and overall experience. Thematic analysis and triangulation were used as a means for understanding and articulating opportunities for social media to better involve and engage people using user-generated narratives presented through 3D sound.
Randomized and Generated Instances Fitting with the Home Health Care Problem Subjected to Certain Constraints
Authors: Huvent Colin , Gagné Caroline , Sioud Aymen
Published: April 2021

Home Health Care (HHC) is a worldwide issue. It focuses on how medical and social organizations of different countries handle providing patients with health support at home. In most developed countries, reducing hospital cost constitutes a main objective. It is important to research the improvement of HHC logistics. This paper addressed the generation and development of a benchmark properly fitting different constraints of the HCC problem. Consequently, a generator was proposed dealing with all kinds of constraints such as time window constraints, workload constraints, synchronization, and precedence constraints. This generator allows researchers to validate and compare solving methods on a common dataset regardless of confidentiality issues. We validated our generator by firstly creating a common benchmark available for researchers and secondly by proposing a set of instances and a solving method based on an HHC problem found in the literature.
A Comparative Cross-Platform Meta-Analysis to Identify Potential Biomarker Genes Common to Endometriosis and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
Authors: Guha Pokhraj , Roychoudhury Shubhadeep , Singha Sobita , Kalita Jogen C. , Kolesarova Adriana , Jamal Qazi Mohammad Sajid , Jha Niraj Kumar , Kumar Dhruv , Ruokolainen Janne , Kesari Kavindra Kumar
Published: April 2021

Endometriosis is characterized by unwanted growth of endometrial tissue in different locations of the female reproductive tract. It may lead to recurrent pregnancy loss, which is one of the worst curses for the reproductive age group of human populations around the world. Thus, there is an urgent need for unveiling any common source of origin of both these diseases and connections, if any. Herein, we aimed to identify common potential biomarker genes of these two diseases via in silico approach using meta-analysis of microarray data. Datasets were selected for the study based on certain exclusion criteria. Those datasets were subjected to comparative meta-analyses for the identification of differentially expressed genes (DEGs), that are common to both diagnoses. The DEGs were then subjected to protein-protein networking and subsequent functional enrichment analyses for unveiling their role/function in connecting two diseases. From the analyses, 120 DEGs are reported to be significant out of which four genes have been found to be prominent. These include the CTNNB1, HNRNPAB, SNRPF and TWIST2 genes. The significantly enriched pathways based on the above-mentioned genes are mainly centered on signaling and developmental events. These findings could significantly elucidate the underlying molecular events in endometriosis-based recurrent miscarriages.
Right Ventricular Global and Regional Remodeling in American-Style Football Athletes: A Longitudinal 3D Echocardiographic Study
Authors: Hodzic Amir , Bernardino Gabriel , Legallois Damien , Gendron Patrick , Langet Hélène , De Craene Mathieu , González Ballester Miguel A. , Milliez Paul , Normand Hervé , Bijnens Bart , Saloux Eric , Tournoux Francois
Published: April 2021

Few data exist concerning the right ventricular (RV) physiological adaptation in American-style football (ASF) athletes. We aimed to analyze the RV global and regional responses among ASF-trained athletes. Fifty-nine (20 linemen and 39 non-linemen) ASF athletes were studied before and after inter-seasonal training. During this period, which lasted 7 months, all athletes were exposed to combined dynamic and static exercises. Cardiac longitudinal changes were examined using three-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography. A computational method based on geodesic distances was applied to volumetrically parcellate the RV into apical, outlet, and inlet regions. RV global and regional end-diastolic volumes increased significantly and similarly in linemen and non-linemen after training, with predominant changes in the apex and outlet regions. RV global and regional ejection fractions were preserved. Morphological changes were uniformly distributed among the four cardiac chambers, and it was independent of the field position. Assessment of RV end-diastolic global, inlet and apical volumes showed low intra-observer (3.3%, 4.1%, and 5.3%, respectively) and inter-observer (7%, 12.2%, and 9%, respectively) variability, whereas the outlet regional volumetric assessment was less reproducible. To conclude, ASF inter-seasonal training was associated with a proportionate biventricular enlargement, regardless of the field position. Regional RV analysis allowed us to quantify the amount of exercise-induced remodeling that was larger in the apical and outlet regions.
Design, Synthesis, and Cell Lines Studies of Oleanolic Acid—Hydrogen Sulfide Donor Hybrids
Authors: Zhao Fenqin , Li Jinyu , Yue Kexin , Song Beibei , Sun Erying , Cheng Xinru , Ma Jing , Yan Lin
Published: April 2021

In order to develop new oleanolic acid (OA) derivatives endowed with improved antitumor activities, for the first time, a number of new hybrid compounds were reported by combining OA or 3-oxooleanolic acid with appropriate H2S-donor moiety, coupled via a suitable linker. The anti-tumor evaluation indicated that they exhibited excellent anti-cancer activities against the tested cancer cell lines. Moreover, 18d with 5-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-3H-1,2-dithiole-3-thione moiety as H2S donor and β-alanine as the linker, showed more potent cytotoxicity against the tested cancer cell lines than OA and 3-oxooleanolic acid, especially for A549 cells. Furthermore, the preferred compound, 18d, preferentially accumulates in cancer cells (13.6 μM) over the matched normal cells LO2 (>100 μM) in vitro. The improved antitumor activity of this hybrid was probably due to its H2S-releasing capability.
Revisiting NIZK-Based Technique for Chosen-Ciphertext Security: Security Analysis and Corrected Proofs
Authors: Lee Youngkyung , Lee Dong Hoon , Park Jong Hwan
Published: April 2021

Non-interactive zero-knowledge (NIZK) proofs for chosen-ciphertext security are generally considered to give an impractical construction. An interesting recent work by Seo, Abdalla, Lee, and Park (Information Sciences, July 2019) proposed an efficient semi-generic conversion method for achieving chosen-ciphertext security based on NIZK proofs in the random oracle model. The recent work by Seo et al. demonstrated that the semi-generic conversion method transforms a one-way (OW)-secure key encapsulation mechanism (KEM) into a chosen-ciphertext secure KEM while preserving tight security reduction. This paper shows that the security analysis of the semi-generic conversion method has a flaw, which comes from the OW security condition of the underlying KEM. Without changing the conversion method, this paper presents a revised security proof under the changed conditions that (1) the underlying KEM must be chosen-plaintext secure in terms of indistinguishability and (2) an NIZK proof derived from the underlying KEM via the Fiat–Shamir transform must have the properties of zero-knowledge and simulation soundness. This work extended the security proof strategy to the case of identity-based KEM (IBKEM) and also revise the security proof for IBKEM of previous method by Seo et al. Finally, this work gives a corrected security proof by applying the new proofs to several existing (IB)KEMs.
Atmospheric and Ocean Optics: Atmospheric Physics
Authors: Romanovskii Oleg A. , Matvienko Gennadii G.
Published: April 2021

The Atmosphere Special Issue entitled “Atmospheric and Ocean Optics: Atmospheric Physics” comprises seven original papers [...]
Application of Microwaves as an Advanced Technique for the Development of Sherry Vinegar Macerated with Pineapple
Authors: Párraga Samuel , Durán-Guerrero Enrique , Castro Remedios
Published: April 2021

This work proposes the elaboration of a product based on the maceration of Sherry Vinegar together with pineapple in order to extract certain volatile compounds that can be found in pineapples, giving a final product with new organoleptic properties and increased polyphenolic content. Maceration trials were carried out with the application of microwaves and ultrasound, which reduced the maceration time from the traditional three-day solid-liquid maceration to just a few minutes. In addition, through maceration, the total polyphenol index increased significantly with respect to unmacerated vinegar, and the volatile profile of the vinegars was significantly modified. The tasting scores placed the pineapple macerated vinegar sample obtained by traditional maceration in the first place with respect to pineapple aroma; however, the microwave extraction samples were better rated in terms of overall quality. It can be concluded that the application of extracting energies, such as microwaves, can be a viable alternative for the production of sherry vinegar macerated with pineapple.
Antennal Enriched Odorant Binding Proteins Are Required for Odor Communication in Glossina f. fuscipes
Authors: Diallo Souleymane , Shahbaaz Mohd , Makwatta JohnMark O. , Muema Jackson M. , Masiga Daniel , Christofells Alan , Getahun Merid N.
Published: April 2021

Olfaction is orchestrated at different stages and involves various proteins at each step. For example, odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) are soluble proteins found in sensillum lymph that might encounter odorants before reaching the odorant receptors. In tsetse flies, the function of OBPs in olfaction is less understood. Here, we investigated the role of OBPs in Glossina fuscipes fuscipes olfaction, the main vector of sleeping sickness, using multidisciplinary approaches. Our tissue expression study demonstrated that GffLush was conserved in legs and antenna in both sexes, whereas GffObp44 and GffObp69 were expressed in the legs but absent in the antenna. GffObp99 was absent in the female antenna but expressed in the male antenna. Short odorant exposure induced a fast alteration in the transcription of OBP genes. Furthermore, we successfully silenced a specific OBP expressed in the antenna via dsRNAi feeding to decipher its function. We found that silencing OBPs that interact with 1-octen-3-ol significantly abolished flies’ attraction to 1-octen-3-ol, a known attractant for tsetse fly. However, OBPs that demonstrated a weak interaction with 1-octen-3-ol did not affect the behavioral response, even though it was successfully silenced. Thus, OBPs’ selective interaction with ligands, their expression in the antenna and their significant impact on behavior when silenced demonstrated their direct involvement in olfaction.
Investigation of the Differences in Antithrombin to Heparin Binding among Antithrombin Budapest 3, Basel, and Padua Mutations by Biochemical and In Silico Methods
Authors: Gindele Réka , Pénzes-Daku Krisztina , Balogh Gábor , Kállai Judit , Bogáti Réka , Bécsi Bálint , Erdődi Ferenc , Katona Éva , Bereczky Zsuzsanna
Published: April 2021

Antithrombin (AT) is a serine protease inhibitor, its activity is highly accelerated by heparin. Mutations at the heparin-binding region lead to functional defect, type II heparin-binding site (IIHBS) AT deficiency. The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the molecular background of AT Budapest 3 (p.Leu131Phe, ATBp3), AT Basel (p.Pro73Leu), and AT Padua (p.Arg79His) mutations. Advanced in silico methods and heparin-binding studies of recombinant AT proteins using surface plasmon resonance method were used. Crossed immunoelectrophoresis and Differential Scanning Fluorimetry (NanoDSF) were performed in plasma samples. Heparin affinity of AT Padua was the lowest (KD = 1.08 × 10−6 M) and had the most severe consequences affecting the allosteric pathways of activation, moreover significant destabilizing effects on AT were also observed. KD values for AT Basel, ATBp3 and wild-type AT were 7.64 × 10−7 M, 2.15 × 10−8 M and 6.4 × 10−10 M, respectively. Heparin-binding of AT Basel was slower, however once the complex was formed the mutation had only minor effect on the secondary and tertiary structures. Allosteric activation of ATBp3 was altered, moreover decreased thermostability in ATBp3 homozygous plasma and increased fluctuations in multiple regions of ATBp3 were observed by in silico methods suggesting the presence of a quantitative component in the pathogenicity of this mutation due to molecular instability.
Cluster Analysis of Medicinal Plants and Targets Based on Multipartite Network
Authors: Lee Namgil , Yoo Hojin , Yang Heejung
Published: April 2021

Network-based methods for the analysis of drug-target interactions have gained attention and rely on the paradigm that a single drug can act on multiple targets rather than a single target. In this study, we have presented a novel approach to analyze the interactions between the chemicals in the medicinal plants and multiple targets based on the complex multipartite network of the medicinal plants, multi-chemicals, and multiple targets. The multipartite network was constructed via the conjunction of two relationships: chemicals in plants and the biological actions of those chemicals on the targets. In doing so, we introduced an index of the efficacy of chemicals in a plant on a protein target of interest, called target potency score (TPS). We showed that the analysis can identify specific chemical profiles from each group of plants, which can then be employed for discovering new alternative therapeutic agents. Furthermore, specific clusters of plants and chemicals acting on specific targets were retrieved using TPS that suggested potential drug candidates with high probability of clinical success. We expect that this approach may open a way to predict the biological functions of multi-chemicals and multi-plants on the targets of interest and enable repositioning of the plants and chemicals.
Psychiatric Neural Networks and Precision Therapeutics by Machine Learning
Authors: Komatsu Hidetoshi , Watanabe Emi , Fukuchi Mamoru
Published: April 2021

Learning and environmental adaptation increase the likelihood of survival and improve the quality of life. However, it is often difficult to judge optimal behaviors in real life due to highly complex social dynamics and environment. Consequentially, many different brain regions and neuronal circuits are involved in decision-making. Many neurobiological studies on decision-making show that behaviors are chosen through coordination among multiple neural network systems, each implementing a distinct set of computational algorithms. Although these processes are commonly abnormal in neurological and psychiatric disorders, the underlying causes remain incompletely elucidated. Machine learning approaches with multidimensional data sets have the potential to not only pathologically redefine mental illnesses but also better improve therapeutic outcomes than DSM/ICD diagnoses. Furthermore, measurable endophenotypes could allow for early disease detection, prognosis, and optimal treatment regime for individuals. In this review, decision-making in real life and psychiatric disorders and the applications of machine learning in brain imaging studies on psychiatric disorders are summarized, and considerations for the future clinical translation are outlined. This review also aims to introduce clinicians, scientists, and engineers to the opportunities and challenges in bringing artificial intelligence into psychiatric practice.
Improving Emotion Perception in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder with Computer-Based Training and Hearing Amplification
Authors: Leung Joan H. , Purdy Suzanne C. , Corballis Paul M.
Published: April 2021

Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) experience challenges with social communication, often involving emotional elements of language. This may stem from underlying auditory processing difficulties, especially when incoming speech is nuanced or complex. This study explored the effects of auditory training on social perception abilities of children with ASD. The training combined use of a remote-microphone hearing system and computerized emotion perception training. At baseline, children with ASD had poorer social communication scores and delayed mismatch negativity (MMN) compared to typically developing children. Behavioral results, measured pre- and post-intervention, revealed increased social perception scores in children with ASD to the extent that they outperformed their typically developing peers post-intervention. Electrophysiology results revealed changes in neural responses to emotional speech stimuli. Post-intervention, mismatch responses of children with ASD more closely resembled their neurotypical peers, with shorter MMN latencies, a significantly heightened P2 wave, and greater differentiation of emotional stimuli, consistent with their improved behavioral results. This study sets the foundation for further investigation into connections between auditory processing difficulties and social perception and communication for individuals with ASD, and provides a promising indication that combining amplified hearing and computer-based targeted social perception training using emotional speech stimuli may have neuro-rehabilitative benefits.
Emotional Reasoning and Psychopathology
Authors: Gangemi Amelia , Dahò Margherita , Mancini Francesco
Published: April 2021

One of the several ways in which affect may influence cognition is when people use affect as a source of information about external events. Emotional reasoning, ex-consequentia reasoning, and affect-as-information are terms referring to the mechanism that can lead people to take their emotions as information about the external world, even when the emotion is not generated by the situation to be evaluated. Pre-existing emotions may thus bias evaluative judgments of unrelated events or topics. From this perspective, the more people experience a particular kind of affect, the more they may rely on it as a source of valid information. Indeed, in several studies, it was found that adult patients suffering from psychological disorders tend to use negative affect to estimate the negative event as more severe and more likely and to negatively evaluate preventive performance. The findings on this topic have contributed to the debate that theorizes the use of emotional reasoning as responsible for the maintenance of dysfunctional beliefs and the pathological disorders based on these beliefs. The purpose of this paper is to explore this topic by reviewing and discussing the main studies in this area, leading to a deeper understanding of this phenomenon.
Effects of Combined Interventions with Aerobic Physical Exercise and Cognitive Training on Cognitive Function in Stroke Patients: A Systematic Review
Authors: Amorós-Aguilar Laura , Rodríguez-Quiroga Erica , Sánchez-Santolaya Sara , Coll-Andreu Margalida
Published: April 2021

(1) Background: Stroke is a major cause of permanent disability in multiple functions, including the cognitive domain. Since both cognitive training and aerobic physical exercise may exert positive effects on cognition after stroke, one may expect synergistic benefits when combining both interventions. (2) Methods: We carried out a systematic search of studies testing, in adult stroke patients, whether structured aerobic exercise combined with cognitive training led to higher cognitive benefits than either of these interventions when applied singly, or than interventions not including aerobic exercise or cognitive training. (3) Results: Five fair-quality randomized controlled trials fulfilled the search criteria. Exercise intensity was moderate-vigorous and cognitive training was mainly computer-based. The studies were heterogeneous regarding the cognitive tests used, and for this reason, a meta-analysis was not performed. Only three studies included follow-up assessment. The combined intervention was associated with pre-post improvement in at least one cognitive test in all the studies, and with higher positive effects compared to other conditions (although statistical significance was not always reached) in four studies. (4) Conclusions: Further trials including a long-term follow-up and comprehensive neuropsychological testing should be undertaken to determine whether combined aerobic exercise and cognitive training leads to additive cognitive benefits after stroke.
NF-κB and TNF Affect the Astrocytic Differentiation from Neural Stem Cells
Authors: Birck Cindy , Ginolhac Aurélien , Pavlou Maria Angeliki S. , Michelucci Alessandro , Heuschling Paul , Grandbarbe Luc
Published: April 2021

The NF-κB signaling pathway is crucial during development and inflammatory processes. We have previously shown that NF-κB activation induces dedifferentiation of astrocytes into neural progenitor cells (NPCs). Here, we provide evidence  that the NF-κB pathway plays also a fundamental role during the differentiation of NPCs into astrocytes. First, we show that the NF-κB pathway is essential to initiate astrocytic differentiation as its early inhibition induces NPC apoptosis and impedes their differentiation. Second, we demonstrate that persistent NF-κB activation affects NPC-derived astrocyte differentiation. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-treated NPCs show NF-κB activation, maintain their multipotential and proliferation properties, display persistent expression of immature markers and inhibit astrocyte markers. Third, we analyze the effect of  NF-κB activation on the main known astrocytic differentiation pathways, such as NOTCH and JAK-STAT. Our findings suggest that the NF-κB pathway plays a dual fundamental role during NPC differentiation into astrocytes: it promotes astrocyte specification, but its persistent activation impedes their differentiation.
Understand KRAS and the Quest for Anti-Cancer Drugs
Authors: Han Chang Woo , Jeong Mi Suk , Jang Se Bok
Published: April 2021

The KRAS oncogene is mutated in approximately ~30% of human cancers, and the targeting of KRAS has long been highlighted in many studies. Nevertheless, attempts to target KRAS directly have been ineffective. This review provides an overview of the structure of KRAS and its characteristic signaling pathways. Additionally, we examine the problems associated with currently available KRAS inhibitors and discuss promising avenues for drug development.
Changes in Children’s Body Composition and Posture during Puberty Growth
Authors: Rusek Wojciech , Baran Joanna , Leszczak Justyna , Adamczyk Marzena , Baran Rafał , Weres Aneta , Inglot Grzegorz , Czenczek-Lewandowska Ewelina , Pop Teresa
Published: April 2021

The main goal of our study was to determine how the age of children, puberty and anthropometric parameters affect the formation of body composition and faulty body posture development in children. The secondary goal was to determine in which body segments abnormalities most often occur and how gender differentiates the occurrence of adverse changes in children’s body posture and body composition during puberty. The study group consisted of 464 schoolchildren aged from 6–16. Body posture was assessed with the Zebris system. The composition of the body mass was tested with Tanita MC 780 MA body mass analyzer and the body height was measured using a portable stadiometer PORTSTAND 210. The participants were further divided due to the age of puberty. Tanner division was adopted. The cut-off age for girls is ≥10 years and for boys it is ≥12 years. The analyses applied descriptive statistics, the Pearson correlation, stepwise regression analysis and the t-test. The accepted level of significance was p < 0.05. The pelvic obliquity was lower in older children (beta = −0.15). We also see that age played a significant role in the difference in the height of the right pelvis (beta = −0.28), and the difference in the height of the right shoulder (beta = 0.23). Regression analysis showed that the content of adipose tissue (FAT%) increased with body mass index (BMI) and decreased with increasing weight, age, and height. Moreover, the FAT% was lower in boys than in girls (beta negative equal to −0.39). It turned out that older children (puberty), had greater asymmetry in the right shoulder blade (p < 0.001) and right shoulder (p = 0.003). On the other hand, younger children (who were still before puberty) had greater anomalies in the left trunk inclination (p = 0.048) as well as in the pelvic obliquity (p = 0.008). Girls in puberty were characterized by greater asymmetry on the right side, including the shoulders (p = 0.001), the scapula (p = 0.001) and the pelvis (p < 0.001). In boys, the problem related only to the asymmetry of the shoulder blades (p < 0.001). Girls were characterized by a greater increase in adipose tissue and boys by muscle tissue. Significant differences also appeared in the body posture of the examined children. Greater asymmetry within scapulas and shoulders were seen in children during puberty. Therefore, a growing child should be closely monitored to protect them from the adverse consequences of poor posture or excessive accumulation of adipose tissue in the body.
Self-Reported Dental Caries by Mexican Elementary and Middle-School Schoolchildren in the Context of Socioeconomic Indicators: A National Ecological Study
Authors: Casanova-Rosado Juan Fernando , Casanova-Rosado Alejandro José , Minaya-Sánchez Mirna , Casanova-Sarmiento Juan Alejandro , Robles-Minaya José Luis , Márquez-Rodríguez Sonia , Mora-Acosta Mariana , Islas-Zarazúa Rosalina , Márquez-Corona María de Lourdes , Ávila-Burgos Leticia , Medina-Solís Carlo Eduardo , Maupomé Gerardo
Published: April 2021

The objective of the present research was to quantify the association between dental caries self-report and socioeconomic indicators in Mexican children. An ecological study included a self-report of dental caries in schoolchildren enrolled in public elementary and middle schools derived from the National School Health Survey. A total of 73,560 schoolchildren (representing 19,745,366 students) aged 5 to 16 years were included. Socioeconomic variables included were scales depicting physical characteristics of housing, purchasing power, etc. used in national surveys in Mexico to measure deprivation, poverty, and income inequality in official data. Data were analyzed in Stata using Spearman’s correlation test. For the most part, no association (p > 0.05) was found between caries self-report, socioeconomic variables, or the Gini index. However, caries self-report in elementary schoolchildren and total (elementary + middle-school) schoolchildren groups was positively correlated (p < 0.05) with two poverty variables: extreme poverty by income (value of personal food purchases per month) and poverty by income (value of personal food and non-food purchases per month). National data for dental caries self-report were associated—at the ecological level—with a few socioeconomic indicators but not with most of the usual and customary indicators used in national surveys in Mexico.
Glacio-Nival Regime Creates Complex Relationships between Discharge and Climatic Trends of Zackenberg River, Greenland (1996–2019)
Authors: Ploeg Karlijn , Seemann Fabian , Wild Ann-Kathrin , Zhang Qiong
Published: April 2021

Arctic environments experience rapid climatic changes as air temperatures are rising and precipitation is increasing. Rivers are key elements in these regions since they drain vast land areas and thereby reflect various climatic signals. Zackenberg River in northeast Greenland provides a unique opportunity to study climatic influences on discharge, as the river is not connected to the Greenland ice sheet. The study aims to explain discharge patterns between 1996 and 2019 and analyse the discharge for correlations to variations in air temperature and both solid and liquid precipitation. The results reveal no trend in the annual discharge. A lengthening of the discharge period is characterised by a later freeze-up and extreme discharge peaks are observed almost yearly between 2005 and 2017. A positive correlation exists between the length of the discharge period and the Thawing Degree Days (r=0.52,p<0.01), and between the total annual discharge and the annual maximum snow depth (r=0.48,p=0.02). Thereby, snowmelt provides the main source of discharge in the first part of the runoff season. However, the influence of precipitation on discharge could not be fully identified, because of uncertainties in the data and possible delays in the hydrological system. This calls for further studies on the relationship between discharge and precipitation. The discharge patterns are also influenced by meltwater from the A.P. Olsen ice cap and an adjacent glacier-dammed lake which releases outburst floods. Hence, this mixed hydrological regime causes different relationships between the discharge and climatic trends when compared to most Arctic rivers.
Online Judging Platform Utilizing Dynamic Plagiarism Detection Facilities
Authors: Iffath Fariha , Kayes A. S. M. , Rahman Md. Tahsin , Ferdows Jannatul , Arefin Mohammad Shamsul , Hossain Md. Sabir
Published: April 2021

A programming contest generally involves the host presenting a set of logical and mathematical problems to the contestants. The contestants are required to write computer programs that are capable of solving these problems. An online judge system is used to automate the judging procedure of the programs that are submitted by the users. Online judges are systems designed for the reliable evaluation of the source codes submitted by the users. Traditional online judging platforms are not ideally suitable for programming labs, as they do not support partial scoring and efficient detection of plagiarized codes. When considering this fact, in this paper, we present an online judging framework that is capable of automatic scoring of codes by detecting plagiarized contents and the level of accuracy of codes efficiently. Our system performs the detection of plagiarism by detecting fingerprints of programs and using the fingerprints to compare them instead of using the whole file. We used winnowing to select fingerprints among k-gram hash values of a source code, which was generated by the Rabin–Karp Algorithm. The proposed system is compared with the existing online judging platforms to show the superiority in terms of time efficiency, correctness, and feature availability. In addition, we evaluated our system by using large data sets and comparing the run time with MOSS, which is the widely used plagiarism detection technique.
Observations on the Feeding of Drymonema dalmatinum in the Gulf of Trieste
Authors: Ciriaco Saul , Faresi Lisa , Segarich Marco
Published: April 2021

The largest scyphozoan jellyfish of the Mediterranean Sea, Drymonema dalmatinum was first described by Haeckel [...]