bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overview of the use of biochar from main cereals to stimulate plant growth
Authors: Martínez-Gómez Ángela , Poveda Jorge , Escobar Carolina
Published: August 2022

The total global food demand is expected to increase up to 50% between 2010 and 2050; hence, there is a clear need to increase plant productivity with little or no damage to the environment. In this respect, biochar is a carbon-rich material derived from the pyrolysis of organic matter at high temperatures with a limited oxygen supply, with different physicochemical characteristics that depend on the feedstock and pyrolysis conditions. When used as a soil amendment, it has shown many positive environmental effects such as carbon sequestration, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and soil improvement. Biochar application has also shown huge benefits when applied to agri-systems, among them, the improvement of plant growth either in optimal conditions or under abiotic or biotic stress. Several mechanisms, such as enhancing the soil microbial diversity and thus increasing soil nutrient-cycling functions, improving soil physicochemical properties, stimulating the microbial colonization, or increasing soil P, K, or N content, have been described to exert these positive effects on plant growth, either alone or in combination with other resources. In addition, it can also improve the plant antioxidant defenses, an evident advantage for plant growth under stress conditions. Although agricultural residues are generated from a wide variety of crops, cereals account for more than half of the world’s harvested area. Yet, in this review, we will focus on biochar obtained from residues of the most common and relevant cereal crops in terms of global production (rice, wheat, maize, and barley) and in their use as recycled residues to stimulate plant growth. The harvesting and processing of these crops generate a vast number and variety of residues that could be locally recycled into valuable products such as biochar, reducing the waste management problem and accomplishing the circular economy premise. However, very scarce literature focused on the use of biochar from a crop to improve its own growth is available. Herein, we present an overview of the literature focused on this topic, compiling most of the studies and discussing the urgent need to deepen into the molecular mechanisms and pathways involved in the beneficial effects of biochar on plant productivity.
Genome-wide analysis of basic helix–loop–helix genes in Dendrobium catenatum and functional characterization of DcMYC2 in jasmonate-mediated immunity to Sclerotium delphinii
Authors: Li Cong , Cai Xiang , Shen Qiuyi , Chen Xueliang , Xu Mengxi , Ye Tianqi , Si Dun , Wu Lingshang , Chen Donghong , Han Zhigang , Si Jinping
Published: August 2022

Dendrobium catenatum, belonging to the Orchidaceae, is a precious Chinese herbal medicine. Sclerotium delphinii (P1) is a broad-spectrum fungal disease, which causes widespread loss in the near-wild cultivation of D. catenatum. Thus, resistance breeding of D. catenatum has become the key to solve this problem. The basic helix–loop–helix (bHLH) gene family is closely related to plant resistance to external stresses, but the related research in D. catenatum is not deep enough yet. Phylogenetic analysis showed that 108 DcbHLH genes could be divided into 23 subgroups. Promoter cis-acting elements revealed that DcbHLHs contain a large number of stress-related cis-acting elements. Transcriptome analysis of MeJA and P1 treatment manifested that exogenous MeJA can change the expression pattern of most bHLH genes, especially the IIIe subgroup, including inhibiting the expression of DcbHLH026 (MYC2a) and promoting the expression of DcbHLH027 (MYC2b). Subcellular localization indicated that they were located in the nucleus. Furthermore, exogenous MeJA treatment significantly delayed disease time and reduced lesion size after infection with P1. DcMYC2b-overexpression Arabidopsis lines showed significantly smaller lesions after being infected with P1 than the wild type, indicating that DcMYC2b functions as an important positive regulator in D. catenatum defense against P1. Our findings shed more insights into the critical role of the DcbHLH family in plants and the resistance breeding of D. catenatum.
Exogenous melatonin improved photosynthetic efficiency of photosystem II by reversible phosphorylation of thylakoid proteins in wheat under osmotic stress
Authors: Lin Shuai , Song Xiao-Fang , Mao Hao-Tian , Li Shuang-Qing , Gan Jie-Ying , Yuan Ming , Zhang Zhong-Wei , Yuan Shu , Zhang Huai-Yu , Su Yan-Qiu , Chen Yang-Er
Published: August 2022

It has been well demonstrated that melatonin plays an important protective role in photosynthesis of plants under various environmental stresses, while the detailed mechanisms by which melatonin protects photosystem II (PSII) under environmental stress are still unclear. In the study, the effects of melatonin on photosynthetic efficiency, energy dissipation, PSII protein composition, and reversible phosphorylation of thylakoid proteins were investigated in wheat plants under osmotic stress. The results showed that osmotic stress significantly reduced pigment content, photochemical efficiency of PSII, oxygen-evolving activity, and dissipation of excess excitation energy, while 25 μM melatonin applications greatly alleviated their decline under osmotic stress. Western blot data of PSII proteins revealed that melatonin upregulated the levels of D1, Lhcb5, Lhcb6, PsbQ, and PsbS proteins in wheat exposed to osmotic stress. In addition, thylakoid membrane proteins were strongly phosphorylated in wheat under osmotic stress with or without melatonin. Furthermore, the results from PSII protein dephosphorylation showed that exogenous melatonin promoted the dephosphorylation of LCHII, CP43, and D1 under osmotic stress. Therefore, our findings suggest that melatonin can provide an effective protection for the photosynthetic apparatus by the regulation of PSII proteins and the reversible phosphorylation of thylakoid proteins under drought stress.
Mitigating Contemporary Trauma Impacts Using Ancient Applications
Authors: Morris Gavin , Groom Rachel , Schuberg Emma , Atkinson Judy , Atkinson Caroline , Ungunmerr-Baumann Miriam-Rose
Published: August 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic represents the most significant global challenge in a generation. Based on extant data from previous pandemics, demographic, occupational, and psychological factors have been linked to distress and for some vulnerable members of society. COVID-19 has added to the layers of grief and distress of existing trauma. Evidence-based frameworks exist to guide our individual and collective response to reduce the trauma associated with the experience of a pandemic. Pandemic and post-pandemic measures to ameliorate impacts require a multi-disciplined approach, central to which is community connectedness, resilience, and access to support. We advocate for the acceptance and broader application of Dadirri, a healing practice held by the Ngan'gikurunggurr and Ngen'giwumirri Aboriginal people of the Daly River region in the Northern Territory, Australia. This modality engages therapeutic phases that are comparable with other practiced trauma therapies. The demonstrated therapeutic outcomes from Dadirri can be attained through an individualistic or in a relational engagement context. This practice is accessible to all ages, is non-specific to gender and is suitable for people constrained in their mobility or limited by resources, pertinent in pandemic affected settings.
Research on Price Influencing Factors of Third-Party Payment Platforms: An Empirical Study From China
Authors: Wang Na , Liu Wen , Shi Jinping
Published: August 2022

In this article, we use the two-sided market theory as a support and take the operating data of eight Chinese third-party payment platform companies as samples, based on pricing models and multiple regression analysis, to build a price feature model for a third-party payment platform. The results show that under the two-sided market environment, the scale of consumer and the same-side network externality of the merchant have a negative significant effect on the pricing of the third-party payment platform to the seller; The market share of the platform and the bank fee cost of the platform have a positive significant effect on the pricing of a third-party payment platform to the merchant. At the same time, the same-side network externality of the seller, the scale of a merchant, and the selection of the business model of the platform have no significant effect on the pricing of the third-party payment platform to the merchant. These conclusions provide a scientific basis for a third-party payment platform enterprise to develop an appropriate pricing strategy and operating model.
Neuroticism as a covariate of cognitive task performance in individuals with tinnitus
Authors: Edwards Holly M. , Jackson James G. , Evans Hannah
Published: August 2022

Previous studies have shown cognitive task performance to be affected by tinnitus severity, but also that the literature is conflicted. This study sought to identify neuroticism as a possible confound, since severe tinnitus distress is associated with higher levels of neuroticism. A total of 78 participants (39 with and 39 without tinnitus) undertook two cognitive tasks. It was found that when undertaking a Stroop paradigm, controlling for neuroticism rendered previously significant results not significant. It was also found that neuroticism was not a significant covariate for a change blindness task. Gender, age, anxiety, and depression were all controlled for, and future implications for the literature discussed.
Design of digital economy consumer psychology prediction model based on canopy clustering algorithm
Authors: Zhang Yue , Ruan Peng , Zhao Jingfeng
Published: August 2022

With the continuous improvement of the level of science and technology, the popularization of the Internet and the development of applications, online consumption has become a major force in personal consumption. As a result, digital consumption is born, and digital consumption is not only reflected in transaction consumption at the monetary level. Like some intangible services similar to the use of dating software, it can also become digital consumption. In this environment, a new economic concept, the digital economy, has emerged as the times require. The digital economy helps to achieve the rapid optimal allocation and regeneration of resources and achieve high-quality economic development. Therefore, as a new economic form, the digital economy has penetrated into all fields of human society. The Canopy algorithm is a fast clustering technique that requires only one pass through the data technology to get the results. But it is inaccurate for large-scale data clustering. Therefore, when analyzing the data, it is necessary to use the Canopy algorithm for preliminary clustering, and then combine with other algorithms or model software for refinement. This article introduces the development of the digital economy in the Internet era. It conducts a theoretical discussion on consumer psychology in the context of the digital economy. It introduces the basic calculation formula of the clustering algorithm and the algorithm flow of the Canopy clustering algorithm. It does model optimization for the Canopy clustering algorithm. On this basis, it designs questionnaires for experimental design. The indicators are divided into commodity attributes and consumer psychology. It builds a consumer psychology prediction model and tests the prediction results. The results show that the maximum difference between the prediction results of digital economy consumption psychology based on the Canopy clustering algorithm and the actual results is 0.047. It can be shown that the psychological prediction model of digital economy consumption based on the Canopy clustering algorithm has certain practicability.
Family influences on older adults' problem drinking: A representative nationwide study of China
Authors: Ye Yaping , Feng Jian , Zhang Yeyuan , Wang Manli , Chen Jinsong , Wu Dan , Kathleen Young , Jiang Shuhan
Published: August 2022

Aim

It is reported that problem drinking is severe among the elderly. The family environment has been regarded as a significant effecting factor in alcohol consumption of the drinker. With the increasing number of older people, paying more attention to this vulnerable group's drinking status and its' influencing factors is substantial for improving older adults' health and the quality of health services.

Methods

This study used data from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy and Longevity Study (CLHLS), which was a representative survey covering 23 provinces in mainland China. Cross-sectional analyses were conducted with 15,142 older individuals (aged ≥65 years). Three self-reported questions about drinking behavior were examined to calculate alcohol consumption and categorize problem drinkers. Three multi-level models were utilized while adjusting for numerous socio-demographic and self-reported health factors to analyze the effect of family factors associated with problem drinking among the elderly.

Results

A total of 1,800 problem drinkers (12%) were identified in the sample. Key factors for the problem drinker were assessed such as Hukou (governmental household registration system), current marital status, years of schooling, primary caregivers, and financial sources of living were associated with problem drinking. The older population who live in rural areas (OR = 1.702, CI = 1.453, 1.994), with advanced years of education (OR = 1.496, CI = 1.284, 1.744), and making life by themselves (OR = 1.330, CI = 1.139, 1.552) were more likely to engage in problem drinking while those participants who are widowed (OR = 0.678, CI = 0.574, 0.801), cared for by children or other relatives (OR = 0.748, CI = 0.642, 0.871), adult care giver (OR = 0.348, CI = 0.209, 0.578) or by no one (OR = 0.539, CI = 0.348, 0.835), provided with financial support from their children (OR = 0.698, CI = 0.605, 0.806), other relatives (OR = 0.442, CI = 0.332, 0.587), or the government/community (OR = 0.771, CI = 0.650, 0.915), with insufficient financial support (OR = 0.728, CI = 0.608, 0.872) were at lower risk of problem drinking.

Conclusions

This study provides a strong correlation of various family factors that were associated with problem drinking among the elderly. The findings underscore the effort to promote healthy behaviors, including the importance of positive family factors and appropriate levels of alcohol consumption.
Evaluation of stroke health education for primary school students in Dali, China
Authors: Yang Yunjuan , Dai Jing , Min Jieqing , Song Zhizhong , Zha Shun , Chang Litao , Chai Jiajia , Yang Youpei , Liu Yang , Zhang Xin , Wu Xiyun , Gong Yuwen , Wang Xin , Li Fang , Qin Haiyan
Published: August 2022

Objectives

To provide us with some evidence to develop more targeted stroke intervention strategies, improve the health awareness of stroke among children, and advocate the health promotion campaign of “small hands holding big hands” among parents and children, we have conducted a health education program on stroke among primary school students in Dali.

Methods

This study has applied stratified random cluster sampling in Dali of Yunnan, China. We compared the improvement of students' knowledge of stroke before and after our health education program in primary school students of Dali in October 2020. Data were collected through 3 rounds of survey by using the same questionnaire.

Results

There were 215 participants aged 7–8 years old sampled in the first phase of the study and 145 participants in the follow-up study. The knowledge of stroke among the participants was relatively low in the pre-intervention survey. After the health education, all the indicators on stroke knowledge were improved. The correct rates in stroke definition, sequelae, and “1-2-0” identification were increased from 0 to 66.05%, to 53.95% and 64.19%, respectively, in both pre-intervention and post-intervention surveys. The correct rate of stroke knowledge was about 4.83–92.41% 3 months after the intervention. The mean score of the questionnaire was 4.25 ± 0.19 in the pre-intervention survey, and that was 15.85 ±0.27 in the post-intervention one. The mean score was 14.02 ± 0.28 post-3-month test. The score in the 3-month survey after the intervention was 11.55% lower than that in the post-intervention score.

Conclusions

The effect of stroke-related knowledge in the health education program for children is improved significantly and this can last for 3 months but it also had attenuation. We should repeat pertinent health education among students.
Socioeconomic inequality in health care use among cancer patients in China: Evidence from the China health and retirement longitudinal study
Authors: Zhang Huiru , Fu Yu , Chen Mingsheng , Si Lei
Published: August 2022

Background

Cancer is a major public health problem worldwide and the leading cause of death in China, with increasing incidence and mortality rates. This study sought to assess socioeconomic-related inequalities in health care use among cancer patients in China and to analyze factors associated with this disparity.

Methods

This study used data collected for the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study in 2018. Patients who reported having cancer were included. The annual per capita household expenditure was classified into five groups by the quintile method. We calculated the distribution of actual, need-predicted, and need-standardized health care use across different socioeconomic groups among patients with cancer. The concentration index (CI) was used to evaluate inequalities in health care use. Influencing factors of inequalities were measured with the decomposition method.

Results

A total of 392 people diagnosed with cancer were included in this study. The proportion of cancer patients who utilized outpatient and inpatient services was 23.47% and 40.82%, respectively, and the CIs for actual outpatient and inpatient service use were 0.1419 and 0.1960. The standardized CIs (CI for outpatient visits = 0.1549; CI for inpatient services = 0.1802) were also both positive, indicating that affluent cancer patients used more health services. The annual per capita household expenditure was the greatest factor favoring the better-off, which contributed as much as 78.99% and 83.92% to the inequality in outpatient and inpatient services use, followed by high school education (26.49% for outpatient services) and living in a rural village (34.53% for inpatient services). Urban Employee Basic Medical Insurance exacerbated the inequality in inpatient services (21.97%) while having a negative impact on outpatient visits (−22.19%).

Conclusions

There is a pro-rich inequality in outpatient and inpatient services use among cancer patients in China. A lower socioeconomic status is negatively associated with cancer care use. Hence, more targeted financial protection for poor people would relieve cancer patients of the burden caused by the high cost of cancer care.
Mechanisms of immune evasion by head and neck cancer stem cells
Authors: Xavier Flávia Caló Aquino , Silva Jamerson Carvalho , Rodini Camila Oliveira , Rodrigues Maria Fernanda Setubal Destro
Published: August 2022

Different mechanisms are involved in immune escape surveillance driven by Oral and Head and Neck Cancer Stem Cells (HNCSCs). The purpose of this review is to show the most current knowledge regarding the main impact of HNCSCs on tumor evasion through immunosuppression, CSCs phenotypes and environmental signals, highlighting strategies to overcome immune evasion. The main results drive the participation of cell surface receptors and secreted products and ligands, the crosstalk between cells, and genetic regulation. The reduction in CD8+ T cell recruitment and decreased effector of anti-PD-1 therapy by cells expressing BMI1 is a key event; Natural Killer cell ligands and cytokines needed for its activation and expansion are crucial to control tumor growth and to target CSCs by immunotherapy; CSCs expressing ALDH1 are related to increased expression of PD-L1, with a positive link between DNMT3b expression; CD276 expression in CSCs can act as a checkpoint inhibitor and together with Activator Protein 1 (AP-1) activation, they create continuous positive feedback that enables immune evasion by suppressing CD8+ T cells and prevent immune cell infiltration in head and neck cancer. These data demonstrate the relevance of the better understanding of the interaction between HNCSCs and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. The ultimate clinical implication is to ground the choice of optimized targets and improve immune recognition for ongoing treatments as well as the response to approved immunotherapies.
Application of three-dimensional visualization technology in the anatomical variations of hilar bile ducts in Chinese population
Authors: Li Xiaofeng , Duan Renpeng , He Yifeng , Qin Jiawei , Liu Ruijian , Dai Siqin , Zhou Jiawei , Zeng Xiancheng , Duan Juan , Gao Peng , Yang Xiaoqiao , Li Cheng
Published: August 2022

This study aimed to establish three-dimensional models of the biliary tract of Chinese people using the Hisense computer-aided surgery (CAS) system and to explore the branching patterns and variation types of the biliary system under the study of 3D reconstruction of the biliary tract. Three-dimensional models of the biliary tract were reconstructed in 50 patients using the Hisense CAS system. The branching patterns of intrahepatic bile ducts were observed. The biliary tract was classified according to the confluence of the right posterior sectoral duct (RPSD), right anterior sectoral duct (RASD) and left hepatic duct (LHD), and the presence or absence of accessory hepatic ducts. The 3D models of the bile ducts were successfully reconstructed in 50 Chinese patients. The branching patterns of the bile ducts were classified into seven types. The anatomy of the bile ducts was typical in 54% of cases (n = 27), showed triple confluence in 10% (n = 5), and crossover anomaly in 14% (n = 7), which means anomalous drainage of the RPSD into the LHD, anomalous drainage of the RPSD into the common hepatic duct (CHD) in 10% (n = 5), anomalous drainage of the RPSD into the cystic duct (CD) in 2% (n = 1), absence of left main hepatic duct in 1% (n = 1), presence of accessory duct in 8% (n = 4). Among them, there were three cases of accessory hepatic ducts coexisting with other variation types. By using the Hisense CAS system to establish 3D models of the biliary tract of the Chinese people, we established the branching model of the second-order bile ducts, which has important value for the classification of the biliary system and its variation types.
Characterization of colonization kinetics and virulence potential of Salmonella Enteritidis in chickens by photonic detection
Authors: Wellawa Dinesh H. , Lam Po-King S. , White Aaron P. , Allan Brenda , Köster Wolfgang
Published: August 2022

The light emitting moduleluxoperon (luxCDABE) ofPhotorhabdus luminescenscan be integrated into a “dark” bacterium for expression under a suitable promoter. The technique has been used to monitor kinetics of infection, e.g., by studying gene expression inSalmonellausing mouse modelsin vivoandex vivo. Here, we applied the bioluminescence imaging (BLI) technique to trackSalmonellaEnteritidis (SEn) strains carrying theluxoperon expressed under a constitutive promoter sequence (sigma 70) in chicken after oral challenge. Detectable photon signals were localized in the crop, small intestine, cecum, and yolk sac in orally gavaged birds. The level of colonization was determined by quantification of signal intensity and SEn prevalence in the cecum and yolk sac. Furthermore, an isogenic SEn mutant strain tagged with the lux operon allowed for us to assess virulence determinants regarding their role in colonization of the cecum and yolk sac. Interestingly, mutations ofSPI-1(Salmonella Pathogenicity Island 1) andfur(ferric uptake regulator) showed significantly decreased colonization in yolk sac that was correlated with the BLI data. A similar trend was detected in a ΔtonBstrain by analyzing enrichment culture data. The inherently low quantum yield, light scattering, and absorption by tissues did not facilitate detection of signals from live birds. However, the detection limit ofluxoperon has the potential to be improved by resonance energy transfer to a secondary molecule. As a proof-of-concept, we were able to show that sensitization of a fluorescent-bound molecule known as the lumazine protein (LumP) improved the limit of detection to a certain extent.
Zmiany znaczeniowe leksemu pomocnik
Authors: Jabłońska Monika
Published: August 2022

The paper shows the changes in the meaning of the word pomocnik (a helper).
This lexeme has always existed in the Polish language, but it referred only to
people in Old Polish. In later times, it started to be used as the name of plants
and the animals that helped the police or disabled people. Now the meaning is
much broader. Additionally, the word pomocnik can refer to any object which
helps us do something
Boja jako element gramatyki polskiego języka migowego: wstępny przegląd danych korpusowych
Authors: Szymańska-Gątarek Weronika , Rutkowski Paweł
Published: August 2022

This paper is an introduction to the issue of buoys, i.e. signs normally
produced with the non-dominant hand to ensure a spatial reference point for
signs produced with the dominant hand. Simultaneous constructions of this
type have been noticed in numerous sign languages, yet their equivalents have
not been described in any detail for Polish Sign Language (PJM). The paper
presents what can be said about the use of buoys in PJM on the basis of an
analysis of a collection of empirical data extracted from the Corpus of Polish Sign
Language (KPJM). The research confi rms that certain buoy types (fragment and
depicting buoys) are frequent in PJM and can be found in recurring contexts,
which speaks for considering them as a part of grammar of this language
Test reprodukcji zdań dla polskiego języka migowego (PJM-SRT) jako wyzwanie lingwistyczne
Authors: Talipska Małgorzata
Published: August 2022

The aim of this paper is to present the efforts intended to develop the Polish
Sign Language sentence reproduction test (PJM-SRT). There are no standardised
PJM profi ciency tests available yet, which makes it diffi cult to evaluate language
skills of learners of this language. The analysis presented in this paper covers the
data obtained from 5 hearing persons who learnt to sign for 2–5 years reaching
at least the B2 level. 10 example sentences from PJM-SRT were discussed and
a qualitative analysis of their reproduction was performed. What follows from
this review is that the sentences included in the test fulfi l their role well: they
show which elements of the lexical and grammatical system of the PJM are the
most challenging for the tested persons
Menu, festiwal, wyspa, grill – nowe neosemantyzmy w polszczyźnie
Authors: Zabawa Marcin
Published: August 2022

The aim of this paper is to describe a selection of the latest neosemanticisms
in the Polish language, both the ones the likely source of which is English and the
ones coined without such an intermediation. The study describes the following
words: menu (a menu), festiwal (a festival), wyspa (an island), and grill (a grill,
a barbecue). The description consists in juxtaposing their hitherto meanings
(derived from selected dictionaries of Polish) with new meanings, derived mainly
from the Internet, and with defi nitions of the corresponding English words. The
paper presents also a brief normative commentary on the described innovations
Satellite Formation Flying for Space Advertising: From Technically Feasible to Economically Viable
Authors: Biktimirov Shamil , Belyj Gleb , Pritykin Dmitry
Published: August 2022

The paper presents a feasibility study of satellite formation-flying missions for space advertising. To estimate a space advertising mission viability, the global population coverage model is designed and the demonstration schedule with a focus on larger cities is optimized for the formation of small satellites deployed in repeat ground track Sun-synchronous orbits. Monetization of an image demonstration over a city depends on the city population, outdoor advertising cost, and parameters limiting the number of potential advertising observations. Formation lifetime expressed in terms of fuel consumption for image reconfigurations and maintenance is one of the key factors and is analyzed via numerical simulation of satellite formation-flying dynamics and control.
Simultaneous Quantitative Determination of Residues of Pyriproxyfen and Its Metabolites in Tea and Tea Infusion Using Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Li Hongxia , Zhong Qing , Wang Xinru , Luo Fengjian , Zhou Li , Chen Zongmao , Zhang Xinzhong
Published: August 2022

A reliable, simultaneous residue-analysis method for pyriproxyfen and its five metabolites in fresh tea leaves, green tea, black tea, green-tea infusion and black-tea infusion was developed and validated. The samples were extracted with acetonitrile, purified using a modified QuEChERs (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe) method and determined using ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). The method was successfully calibrated in the range of 0.005–2.50 mg/L with correlation coefficients (r) equal to or above 0.9957. The limits of detection (LODs) were less than 0.002 mg/L. The average spiked recoveries of pyriproxyfen and its metabolites at four levels were 71.2~102.9% with relative standard deviations (RSDs) of 0.3~14.4%. The limits of quantification (LOQs) in fresh tea leaves, tea and tea infusion were 0.002 mg/kg, 0.005 mg/kg and 0.0002 mg/L, respectively. This proposed method was feasible and was applied to analyze the residues of pyriproxyfen and its five metabolites on real fresh tea leaf samples. The results indicated that the half-life (t1/2) of pyriproxyfen on fresh tea leaves was 2.48 d, and the five metabolites were detected on fresh tea leaves during field growth after application.
Metallothionein 2A with Antioxidant and Antitumor Activity Is Upregulated by Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester in Human Bladder Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Sung Hsin-Ching , Chang Kang-Shuo , Chen Syue-Ting , Hsu Shu-Yuan , Lin Yu-Hsiang , Hou Chen-Pang , Feng Tsui-Hsia , Tsui Ke-Hung , Juang Horng-Heng
Published: August 2022

Functions of metallothionein 2A (MT2A) in bladder cancer have not been extensively explored even though metallothioneins are regarded as modulators in several biological regulations including oxidation and cancerous development. We evaluated MT2A in bladder carcinoma cells in terms of the mechanisms of regulation and the underlying functions. MT2A overexpression not only downregulated endogenous ROS but also blocked ROS induced by H2O2. We used the annexin V-FITC apoptosis assay to determine the modulation of H2O2-induced cell apoptosis by MT2A expression. Results of immunoblot and reporter assays indicated that caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) treatment induced MT2A and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expressions; moreover, the involvement of CAPE in either upregulation of the HO-1 expression or downregulation of endogenous ROS is MT2A dependent in bladder carcinoma cells. Knockdown of MT2A increased invasion and cell growth in vitro and in vivo, whereas ectopic overexpression of MT2A had the reverse effect in bladder carcinoma cells. Unlike bladder cancer tissues, the real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis showed a significant level of MT2A mRNA in the normal bladder tissues. Collectively, our results indicated that MT2A is acting as an antioxidant and also a tumor suppressor in human bladder carcinoma cells.
A SOA-Based Engineering Process Model for the Life Cycle Management of System-of-Systems in Industry 4.0
Authors: Urgese Gianvito , Azzoni Paolo , van Deventer Jan , Delsing Jerker , Macii Alberto , Macii Enrico
Published: August 2022

The evolution of industrial digitalisation has accelerated in recent years with the availability of hyperconnectivity, low-cost miniaturised electronic components, edge computing, and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. More generally, with these key enablers, the concept of a system of systems (SoS) is becoming a reality in the industry domain. However, due to its complexity, the engineering process model adopted to design, develop, and manage IoT and SoS-based solutions for industry digitalisation is inadequate, inefficient, and frequently unable to manage the digitalisation solution’s entire life cycle. To address these limitations, we propose the Arrowhead Engineering Process (Arrowhead-EP) model and the Value Chain Engineering Process Map (VCEP-map), which explicitly reveal the interactions and dynamics of the engineering processes adopted by multistakeholder use cases in the industry domain. We decomposed and remodeled the engineering process to cover the complete life cycle of an industrial SoS, and we introduced a service-oriented solution intended to efficiently, flexibly, and effectively manage the three assets addressed by RAMI 4.0. The Arrowhead-EP model complemented by the VCEP-map fills the gaps identified in our literature-based analysis and satisfies the requirements of the life cycle management of a typical use case in the Industry 4.0 domain. In this regard, a specific example is used to illustrate the advantages of adopting the proposed engineering solution in a real multistakeholder use case.
The Role of Resorcinolic Lipids of Caryopsis Surface in the Process of Cereal Infection by Rhizoctonia solani and Fusarium culmorum
Authors: Magnucka Elżbieta G. , Oksińska Małgorzata P. , Pietr Stanisław J.
Published: August 2022

Cereal caryopses are rich in 5-n-alk(en)ylresorcinols, antimicrobial compounds. In this paper, the correlation between the presence of resorcinolic lipids on the surface of cereal grains and the susceptibility of their seedlings to infection by Rhizoctonia solani or Fusarium culmorum was evaluated. The declines in length of both the roots and coleoptiles were observed in barley seedlings of Scarlett and Rabel cultivars grown from the wax-impoverished seeds infected with F92 and F93 strains of Rhizoctonia solani, respectively. Regarding wheat, R. solani F93 significantly reduced only the coleoptile growth. Resorcinolic lipids, being the mixture of homologues with C17–C25 carbon chains, were the only compounds washed off wheat caryopses by chloroform. Moreover, the better anti-Rhizoctonia solani F93 activity of 5-n-alk(en)ylresorcinols of wheat grains than that of rye caryopsis lipids was proven by the poisoned medium technique. Two saturated homologues (C21:0 and C23:0) were the most effective inhibitors of the mycelial growth of this fungus. Thus, the susceptibilities of barley and wheat seedlings to some fungal pathogens have been found to be related to the content and composition of 5-n-alk(en)ylresorcinols in the waxy layer of cereal grains, confirming the protective role of these compounds, during the early stages of cereal development.
Decoding of Processing Preferences from Language Paradigms by Means of EEG-ERP Methodology: Risk Markers of Cognitive Vulnerability for Depression and Protective Indicators of Well-Being? Cerebral Correlates and Mechanisms
Authors: Herbert Cornelia
Published: August 2022

Depression is a frequent mental affective disorder. Cognitive vulnerability models propose two major cognitive risk factors that favor the onset and severity of depressive symptoms. These include a pronounced self-focus, as well as a negative emotional processing bias. According to two-process models of cognitive vulnerability, these two risk factors are not independent from each other, but affect information processing already at an early perceptual processing level. Simultaneously, a processing advantage for self-related positive information including better memory for positive than negative information has been associated with mental health and well-being. This perspective paper introduces a research framework that discusses how EEG-ERP methodology can serve as a standardized tool for the decoding of negative and positive processing biases and their potential use as risk markers of cognitive vulnerability for depression, on the one hand, and as protective indicators of well-being, on the other hand. Previous results from EEG-ERP studies investigating the time-course of self-referential emotional processing are introduced, summarized, and discussed with respect to the specificity of depression-related processing and the importance of EEG-ERP-based experimental testing for well-being and the prevention and treatment of depressive disorders.
Effect of Situational and Individual Factors on Training Load and Game Performance in Liga Femenina 2 Basketball Female Players
Authors: Piñar María Isabel , García David , Mancha-Triguero David , Ibáñez Sergio José
Published: August 2022

There is research that has shown how individual characteristics and performance indicators influence the load in basketball; however, studies on the influence of situational variables on performance are lacking. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of certain situational and individual variables on the training load (weekly load, game load and pre-game recovery) and the individual performance (statistical game evaluation) of female basketball players of Liga Femenina 2 during competition. The 28 games played by the 13 players of a group B team of the Liga Femenina 2 of the Spanish Basketball Federation (FEB) during the 2020/2021 season were analyzed. Data on rate of perceived exertion (RPE), perceived performance and recovery were collected through the Quanter mobile application as well as performance statistics from the FEB website. Five mixed linear analyses for repeated measures were performed to evaluate the effect of each situational and individual variable on each dependent variable (weekly load, game load, game RPE, pre-game recovery, and game statistical assessment). The results show how the weekly load increases after playing against a low-level opponent (p < 0.001). In games, the players who play the most minutes and accumulate the most load are also the most valued (p < 0.001). The pre-game recovery worsens as the season progresses (p < 0.001). After playing against a high-level opponent, the pre-game recovery values for the next game are lower (p = 0.031). The results obtained indicate that the situational and individual variables should be taken into account to monitor the workload. These results help coaches and physical trainers to better plan training weeks, taking into account the situational variables studied.
CO2 Distribution under CO2 Enrichment Using Computational Fluid Dynamics Considering Photosynthesis in a Tomato Greenhouse
Authors: Nurmalisa Moliya , Tokairin Takayuki , Kumazaki Tadashi , Takayama Kotaro , Inoue Takanobu
Published: August 2022

This study validated the CO2 distribution predicted by a computational fluid dynamics model considering CO2 absorption by photosynthesis in a chamber and greenhouse. The effect of photosynthesis with CO2 emission from a perforated tube remains not fully understood, although previous studies on CO2 distribution in greenhouses have been conducted. Moreover, comparisons between CO2 concentration measurement and simulation were obtained in the chamber and greenhouse model. Cases with open and closed side vents of the greenhouse showed that closed side vents have slightly more even of CO2 concentration than those with open side vents inside the greenhouse. In contrast, the coefficient of variance (CV) of CO2 inside the plant, open (8.8%) and closed (8.7%) side vents, induced almost no significant improvement. Additionally, cases of a rainy- and sunny-day model showed that photosynthetically active radiation possibly compensated CO2 absorption through photosynthesis to be low at low light (rainy day) and higher at high light (sunny day). Nonetheless, the variability of CO2 concentration inside the plant between rainy and sunny days determined almost no significant difference. Thus, this research shows characteristics of CO2 distribution, assessing photosynthesis and the variability of CO2 concentration that leads to the efficiency of CO2 enrichment in the greenhouse.
Smoking Cessation Apps for People with Schizophrenia: How Feasible Are m-Health Approaches?
Authors: Sawyer Chelsea , Hassan Lamiece , Guinart Daniel , Agulleiro Luis Martinez , Firth Joseph
Published: August 2022

Background: The large health disparities among those diagnosed with schizophrenia urgently need to be addressed. These disparities are partially caused by adverse health behaviours such as smoking. Smoking cessation apps vary in efficacy across various populations, and there are concerns regarding the accessibility and usability of apps for people with schizophrenia. Objective: This review identifies and examines the feasibility of using apps for smoking cessation in people with schizophrenia. Methods: A non-systematic narrative literature review of smoking cessation apps for individuals with schizophrenia was performed. Results: Eight studies were included in this review. Conclusion: Smoking cessation apps can be acceptable and feasible, but may need to be tailored to the needs of people with schizophrenia. Key messages: (1) Smoking cessation apps could be acceptable and feasible for use in people with schizophrenia; (2) Lack of motivation was perceived as the main potential barrier with regard to people with schizophrenia engaging with smoking cessation apps; (3) In order to improve motivation of people diagnosed with schizophrenia, apps could include games, rewards, and/or social support; (4) Smoking cessation apps with a simple interface seem to be beneficial for this population; (5) Apps may need to be tailored to consider this population’s mental health needs.
Comprehensive Evaluation of Very Thin Asphalt Overlays with Different Aggregate Gradations and Asphalt Materials Based on AHP and TOPSIS
Authors: Ai Qing , Huang Jingsong , Du Shouji , Yang Kun , Wang Hui
Published: August 2022

Very thin asphalt overlays (VTAOs) have been widely used as a cost-effective preventive maintenance measure in various countries. However, because of the complex combinations of aggregate gradations and asphalt materials, the selection of VTAOs is an unsolved problem that is extremely important for pavement management authorities. Therefore, this study proposed a comprehensive evaluation method for VTAOs based on the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS). Three VTAO mixtures comprising different aggregate gradations (stone mastic asphalt (SMA), open-graded friction course (OGFC), and asphalt concrete (AC)) and different asphalt materials (organic silicon (OS) and styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS)) were investigated and preliminarily compared in the laboratory. Subsequently, four road performance indicators (pavement condition indicator, British pendulum number, texture depth, and international roughness index) were selected as the evaluation indices, and their weights were calculated using the AHP according to the questionnaires collected from specialists. Finally, the field test data of the road performance indicators with scale confusion were handled using TOPSIS, and the closeness was considered as the final evaluation criterion. The results indicated that the mixture of AC and SBS exhibited the best performance among the three investigated mixtures. Categorizing the evaluation indicators into two aspects—the strength aspect and the structural aspect—it is found that the strength aspect of a VTAO is mainly affected by the asphalt materials, whereas the structural aspect of a VTAO is mainly affected by the aggregate gradation. This study provides a practical method for evaluating the road performance of VTAO with diverse measurement indices, as well as a quantitative scope for the impacts of the aggregate gradation and asphalt materials on the road performance.
Molecular Mechanisms of Inflammation in Sarcopenia: Diagnosis and Therapeutic Update
Authors: Jimenez-Gutierrez Guadalupe Elizabeth , Martínez-Gómez Laura Edith , Martínez-Armenta Carlos , Pineda Carlos , Martínez-Nava Gabriela Angélica , Lopez-Reyes Alberto
Published: August 2022

Sarcopenia is generally an age-related condition that directly impacts the quality of life. It is also related to chronic diseases such as metabolic dysfunction associated with diabetes and obesity. This means that everyone will be vulnerable to sarcopenia at some point in their life. Research to find the precise molecular mechanisms implicated in this condition can increase knowledge for the better prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of sarcopenia. Our work gathered the most recent research regarding inflammation in sarcopenia and new therapeutic agents proposed to target its consequences in pyroptosis and cellular senescence. Finally, we compared dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound (US) as imaging techniques to diagnose and follow up on sarcopenia, indicating their respective advantages and disadvantages. Our goal is for the scientific evidence presented here to help guide future research to understand the molecular mechanisms involved in sarcopenia, new treatment strategies, and their translation into clinical practice.
Solubility of Rosmarinic Acid in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Extraction from Orthosiphon stamineus Leaves
Authors: Abdul Aziz Ahmad Hazim , Mohd Idrus Nor Faadila , Putra Nicky Rahmana , Awang Mohd Azrie , Idham Zuhaili , Mamat Hasmadi , Che Yunus Mohd Azizi
Published: August 2022

Rosmarinic acid (RA) is present in a broad variety of plants, including those in the Lamiaceae family, and has a wide range of pharmacological effects, particularly antioxidant activity. To extract RA from Orthosiphon stamineus (OS) leaves, a Lamiaceae plant, a suitable extraction process is necessary. The present study used a green extraction method of supercritical carbon dioxide (SCCO2) extraction with the addition of ethanol as a modifier to objectively measure and correlate the solubility of RA from OS leaves. The solubility of RA in SCCO2 was determined using a dynamic extraction approach, and the solubility data were correlated using three density-based semi-empirical models developed by Chrastil, del Valle-Aguilera, and Gonzalez. Temperatures of 40, 60, and 80 °C and pressures of 10, 20, and 30 MPa were used in the experiments. The maximum RA solubility was found at 80 °C and 10 MPa with 2.004 mg of rosmarinic acid/L solvent. The RA solubility data correlated strongly with the three semi-empirical models with less than 10% AARD. Furthermore, the fastest RA extraction rate of 0.0061 mg/g min−1 was recorded at 80 °C and 10 MPa, and the correlation using the Patricelli model was in strong agreement with experimental results with less than 15% AARD.