bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Apelin on the Functions of Peritoneal Macrophages
Authors: İZGÜT-UYSAL V. N. , GEMICI B. , BIRSEN İ. , ACAR N. , ÜSTÜNEL İ.
Published: January 2020

Apelin, the endogenous ligand of the G protein-coupled receptor (APJ), plays an important role in the physiological response to homeostatic perturbations. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of apelin on the functions of peritoneal macrophages. A double staining immunofluorescence technique was used to determine the expression of APJ in peritoneal macrophages. Rat peritoneal macrophages were randomly divided into three groups: control, apelin and apelin+F13A. A significant decrease in phagocytic and chemotactic activity of peritoneal macrophages resulted when the macrophages were incubated with [Pry1]-Apelin-13 (10 ng/ml). Incubation of peritoneal macrophages with the APJ receptor antagonist, F13A (20 ng/ml) prevented the suppressive effect of apelin on phagocytosis and chemotaxis. Peritoneal macrophages incubated with [Pry1]-Apelin-13 exhibited a decrease in the production of TNF-α and IL-6 compared to the control macrophages. Incubation of peritoneal macrophages with [Pry1]-Apelin-13 plus F13A prevented the decrease in the production of proinflammatory cytokines produced by [Pry1]-Apelin-13. In conclusion, apelin may be a mediator that inhibits the functions of activated macrophages.
Possible Pathogenetic Mechanisms and New Therapeutic Approaches of Pes Equinovarus
Authors: OŠŤÁDAL M. , LIŠKOVÁ J. , HADRABA D. , ECKHARDT A.
Published: January 2020

Idiopathic pes equinovarus (clubfoot) is a congenital deformity of the foot and lower leg defined as a fixation of the foot in plantar flexion, adduction, supination and varus. The deformity does not affect only the foot position, which is usually investigated by radiography, CT, micro-CT, MRI or ultrasound but logically influence the whole gait biomechanics. It is supposed, that clubfoot belongs to a group of fibroproliferative disorders whose origin and multi-hierarchical effect remain unknown. It has been suggested that fibroblasts and growth factors may be involved. To gain a more global view, direct analysis of the protein composition of extracellular matrix, a proteomic approach was used. At present two principle methods are mostly used for the treatment of clubfoot: physiotherapy and the Ponseti method. The determination of the general biological and biomechanical parameters for various regions of the clubfoot can potentially help in the understanding of the mechanisms participating on this serious anomaly and thus contribute to the development of the more efficient therapeutic approach. This review summarizes the present knowledge on the possible pathogenetic mechanisms participating in the development of the clubfoot and their possible relation to the new therapeutic approaches.
Two-Photon Laser-Scanning Microscopy for Single and Repetitive Imaging of Dorsal and Lateral Spinal White Matter In Vivo
Authors: NADRIGNY F. , LE MEUR K. , SCHOMBURG E. D. , SAFAVI-ABBASI S. , DIBAJ P.
Published: January 2020

We developed appropriate surgical procedures for single and repetitive multi-photon imaging of spinal cord in vivo. By intravenous anesthesia, artificial ventilation and laminectomy, acute experiments were performed in the dorsal and lateral white matter. By volatile anesthesia and minimal-invasive surgery, chronic repetitive imaging up to 8 months was performed in the dorsal column through the window between two adjacent spines. Transgenic mouse technology enabled simultaneous imaging of labeled axons, astrocytes and microglia. Repetitive imaging showed positional shifts of microglia over time. These techniques serve for investigations of cellular dynamics and cell-cell interactions in intact and pathologically changed spinal tissue.
Biliary System Architecture: Experimental Models and Visualization Techniques
Authors: SARNOVA L. , GREGOR M.
Published: January 2020

The complex architecture of the liver biliary network represents a structural prerequisite for the formation and secretion of bile as well as excretion of toxic substances through bile ducts. Disorders of the biliary tract affect a significant portion of the worldwide population, often leading to cholestatic liver diseases. Cholestatic liver disease is a condition that results from an impairment of bile formation or bile flow to the gallbladder and duodenum. Cholestasis leads to dramatic changes in biliary tree architecture, worsening liver disease and systemic illness. Recent studies show that the prevalence of cholestatic liver diseases is increasing. The availability of well characterized animal models, as well as development of visualization approaches constitutes a critical asset to develop novel pathogenetic concepts and new treatment strategies.
Influence of Rotation on Crystallization Process of Aluminum Melt with Reinforcing Admixtures
Authors: Durnev M. A. , Eidelman E. D.
Published: January 2020

A specific distribution of supercritical nuclei, taking into account the presence of the macroscopic motion, i.e., rotation, has been found in this work. A calculation method of size distribution of heavily postcritical nucleation centers is proposed. The distribution of supercritical nucleation centers in the presence of flow effect, which was obtained here theoretically, is confirmed by an experimental investigation of the centrifugal casting of Al.
An Approximate Model of the Process of Non-Dendritic Morphology Formation in Solidification of Binary Melt under Stirring
Authors: Lebedinsky Yu. A. , Branovitsky A. M. , Dement'ev V. A.
Published: January 2020

The primary crystal growth in a binary melt is modeled on the base of the phase field method with approximate consideration of melt stirring. Changes in the second component (solute) concentration near a solidification area during stirring are considered as a main reason of modification of dendritic morphology of crystals. An effect of stirring is approximately simulated as forced changes in the solute concentration by either resetting to initial concentration, or averaging concentration. Dendritic morphology is shown to change to rosette and then to globular one depending on space parameters of forced changes.
Китай как приоритет внешней политики Республики Беларусь (1992–2019 гг.)
Authors: Тихомиров Александр Валентинович
Published: January 2020

В статье раскрываются особенности политики Республики Беларусь в отношении Китайской Народной Республики в 1992–2019 гг. Статья обладает научной новизной, поскольку китайский вектор рассматривается в качестве одного из приоритетных направлений внешнеполитической стратегии независимого белорусского государства. Углубление знаний в области формирования и развития отношений с КНР содействует лучшему пониманию особенностей осуществления внешней политики Республики Беларусь в целом и применительно к региону Восточной Азии. При написании статьи использовались документы, связанные с деятельностью органов государственной власти и управления Республики Беларусь, тексты заявлений и выступлений белорусских политиков, воспоминания белорусских дипломатов. При проведении исследования автор опирался на принцип историзма, использовал общенаучные (анализ, синтез, сравнение, обобщение, дедукция) и специальные исторические методы (историко-генетический, историко-сравнительный структурный подход, системный подход), применил аналитические методики (метод описательного анализа). Действия белорусского государства в отношении Китая оцениваются с позиций неореализма в международных отношениях. Отмечается, что интерес белорусского руководства к развитию дружественных отношений с КНР проявился практически сразу же с момента выхода Республики Беларусь на международную арену в качестве суверенного и независимого государства и был обусловлен как геополитическими, так и экономическими предпосылками. К концу первого десятилетия XXI в. белорусско-китайские отношения повысились до уровня стратегического партнерства, во втором десятилетии – до уровня доверительного всестороннего стратегического партнерства и взаимовыгодного сотрудничества. Белорусское руководство положительно оценило инициативу «Пояса и пути» и поддерживало ее сопряжение с ЕАЭС. При этом оно стремилось выстраивать отношения с КНР на основе безусловного приоритета национальных интересов белорусского государства, сделав акцент на создании китайско-белорусского индустриального парка «Великий камень».
Citywide Cellular Traffic Prediction Based on a Hybrid Spatiotemporal Network
Authors: Zhang Dehai , Liu Linan , Xie Cheng , Yang Bing , Liu Qing
Published: January 2020

With the arrival of 5G networks, cellular networks are moving in the direction of diversified, broadband, integrated, and intelligent networks. At the same time, the popularity of various smart terminals has led to an explosive growth in cellular traffic. Accurate network traffic prediction has become an important part of cellular network intelligence. In this context, this paper proposes a deep learning method for space-time modeling and prediction of cellular network communication traffic. First, we analyze the temporal and spatial characteristics of cellular network traffic from Telecom Italia. On this basis, we propose a hybrid spatiotemporal network (HSTNet), which is a deep learning method that uses convolutional neural networks to capture the spatiotemporal characteristics of communication traffic. This work adds deformable convolution to the convolution model to improve predictive performance. The time attribute is introduced as auxiliary information. An attention mechanism based on historical data for weight adjustment is proposed to improve the robustness of the module. We use the dataset of Telecom Italia to evaluate the performance of the proposed model. Experimental results show that compared with the existing statistics methods and machine learning algorithms, HSTNet significantly improved the prediction accuracy based on MAE and RMSE.
Nisin as a Novel Feed Additive: The Effects on Gut Microbial Modulation and Activity, Histological Parameters, and Growth Performance of Broiler Chickens
Authors: Kierończyk Bartosz , Rawski Mateusz , Mikołajczak Zuzanna , Świątkiewicz Sylwester , Józefiak Damian
Published: January 2020

Two independent experiments were performed to evaluate the effect of nisin alone or with monensin on gut microbiota, gut microbial activities, and histomorphology (exp 1) and the effect of nisin application in a dose‒response manner on the growth performance of broiler chickens (exp 2). A total of 900 one-day-old female Ross 308 chicks (400, exp 1; 500, exp 2) were randomly distributed to four groups (exp 1; 10 replicate pens per treatment with 10 birds each), i.e., NA, no additives; MON, monensin (100 ppm); NIS, nisin (2700 IU/kg diet); and MON + NIS, a mixture of monensin (100 ppm) and nisin (2700 IU/kg diet); or 5 treatments (exp 2), NA, no additives; NIS100, nisin (100 IU/kg diet); NIS200, nisin (200 IU/kg diet); NIS400, nisin (400 IU/kg diet); and NIS800, nisin (800 IU/kg diet). Nisin supplementation positively affected the microbiota of the gut by reducing potentially pathogenic bacterial populations in the jejunum and ceca. The bacterial fermentation in the jejunum was significantly lowered by nisin addition. The addition of nisin from 100 IU to 800 IU decreased the FCR value over the entire experimental period. According to the results, nisin can be considered a natural dietary supplement for broiler chickens.
Transcriptomic Analysis of Testicular Gene Expression in Normal and Cryptorchid Horses
Authors: Han Haoyuan , Dong Hong , Chen Qiuming , Gao Yuan , Li Jun , Li Wantao , Dang Ruihua , Lei Chuzhao
Published: January 2020

Testes produce sperm, and investigations into gene expression in the testes will enhance the understanding of the roles of testicular genes in male reproduction. Cryptorchidism, the failure of one or both testes to descend into the scrotal sac, is a common congenital malformation in horses. The major clinical consequence of this abnormality is impaired fertility. The aim of this study was to analyze the expression patterns of testicular genes and to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in testes between cryptorchid and normal horses. In this study, the gene expression patterns in equine testes and the DEGs between mature descended testes (DTs) and undescended testes (UDTs) were identified by RNA-seq and validated by real-time qPCR. Our results provide comprehensive transcriptomic data on equine testes. The transcriptomic analysis revealed 11 affected genes that were downregulated in UDTs, possibly as a result of the higher temperature in the abdomen than in the scrotal sac. These 11 genes have previously been associated with male reproduction, and their downregulation might explain the impaired fertility of cryptorchid horses. Two homozygous missense mutations detected in horses with cryptorchidism were absent in normal horses and were listed as potential pathogenic mutations; these mutations should be verified in the future.
Equipping Farrowing Pens with Straw Improves Maternal Behavior and Physiology of Min-Pig Hybrid Sows
Authors: Wang Chao , Han Qian , Liu Runze , Ji Wenbo , Bi Yanju , Wen Pengfei , Yi Ran , Zhao Peng , Bao Jun , Liu Honggui
Published: January 2020

This study investigated the effects of two factors, enriched environment (EE) and different crossbreeds, on the maternal behavior and physiology of Min-pig hybrid sows. The analysis was performed on a total of 72 multiparous sows, including Duroc × Min pig (DM), Landrace × Min pig (LM), and Landrace × Yorkshire (LY) sows, using a total of 24 sows per cross. The sows were housed in two different farrowing pens, one with straw (EE) and one without straw (barren environment (BE)). The results showed that nest-building behavior, including the frequency, total duration, and bout duration, was significantly higher in EE sows than in BE sows (p < 0.01). The frequency and duration of prepartum nest-building behavior were higher in DM and LM sows than in LY sows (p < 0.0001). During the first three days postpartum, EE sows spent a shorter time in ventral recumbency compared with BE sows (p < 0.05). The oxytocin (p < 0.05) and prolactin (p < 0.01) concentrations of EE sows were significantly higher than in BE sows; however, the concentration of cortisol followed the opposite (p < 0.01). The concentration of oxytocin was significantly higher in DM and LM sows than in LY sows (p < 0.01). In conclusion, both EE increased the expression of hormones related to parental behaviors and prenatal nesting and nursing behavior of sows. Furthermore, an EE can also reduce stress in sows. Min-pig hybrids may inherit highly advantageous characteristics of maternal behavior of Min-pig sows.
Imaging of Colorectal Liver Metastases: New Developments and Pending Issues
Authors: Renzulli Matteo , Clemente Alfredo , Ierardi Anna Maria , Pettinari Irene , Tovoli Francesco , Brocchi Stefano , Peta Giuliano , Cappabianca Salvatore , Carrafiello Gianpaolo , Golfieri Rita
Published: January 2020

Computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and 18-fluorideoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18FDG-PET) are historically the most accurate imaging techniques for diagnosing liver metastases. Recently, the combination of diffusion-weighted imaging and hepatospecific contrast media, such as gadoxetic acid in MRI, have been demonstrated to have the highest diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity for detecting liver metastases. Various recent meta-analyses have confirmed the diagnostic superiority of this combination (diffusion-weighted imaging and gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI), especially in terms of per lesion sensitivity, as compared with CT and 18FDG-PET, even for smaller lesions (≤1 cm). However, none of the oncological guidelines have suggested the use of MRI as a first-line technique for liver metastasis detection during the staging process of oncological patients. This review analyzes the history of the principal imaging techniques for the diagnosis of liver metastases, in particular of colorectal liver metastases, focusing on the most accurate method (diffusion-weighted imaging combined with gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI), possible reasons for the lack of its diffusion in the guidelines, and possible future scenarios.
Rap1 Is Involved in Angiopoietin-1-Induced Cell-Cell Junction Stabilization and Endothelial Cell Sprouting
Authors: Gaonac’h-Lovejoy Vanda , Boscher Cécile , Delisle Chantal , Gratton Jean-Philippe
Published: January 2020

Angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1) is an important proangiogenic factor also involved in the maintenance of endothelial-barrier integrity. The small GTPase Rap1 is involved in the regulation of adherens junctions through VE-cadherin-mediated adhesion, and in endothelial permeability. While many studies established that Rap1 activation is critical for endothelial cell–cell adhesions, its roles in the antipermeability effects of Ang-1 are ill-defined. Thus, we determined the contribution of Rap1 to Ang-1-stimulated angiogenic effects on endothelial cells (ECs). We found that Rap1 is activated following Ang-1 stimulation and is required for the antipermeability effects of Ang-1 on EC monolayers. Our results also revealed that Rap1 is necessary for EC sprouting stimulated by Ang-1 but had no significant effect on Ang-1-induced EC migration and adhesion. In contrast, downregulation of VE-cadherin markedly increased the adhesiveness of ECs to the substratum, which resulted in inhibition of Ang-1-stimulated migration. These results revealed that Rap1 is central to the effects of Ang-1 at intercellular junctions of ECs, whereas VE-cadherin is also involved in the adhesion of ECs to the extracellular matrix.
Splicing Players Are Differently Expressed in Sporadic Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Molecular Clusters and Brain Regions
Authors: La Cognata Valentina , Gentile Giulia , Aronica Eleonora , Cavallaro Sebastiano
Published: January 2020

Splicing is a tightly orchestrated process by which the brain produces protein diversity over time and space. While this process specializes and diversifies neurons, its deregulation may be responsible for their selective degeneration. In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), splicing defects have been investigated at the singular gene level without considering the higher-order level, involving the entire splicing machinery. In this study, we analyzed the complete spectrum (396) of genes encoding splicing factors in the motor cortex (41) and spinal cord (40) samples from control and sporadic ALS (SALS) patients. A substantial number of genes (184) displayed significant expression changes in tissue types or disease states, were implicated in distinct splicing complexes and showed different topological hierarchical roles based on protein–protein interactions. The deregulation of one of these splicing factors has a central topological role, i.e., the transcription factor YBX1, which might also have an impact on stress granule formation, a pathological marker associated with ALS.
Influence of a Light Source Installed in a Luminaire of Opal Sphere Type on the Effect of Light Pollution
Authors: Tabaka Przemyslaw , Rozga Pawel
Published: January 2020

The article presents the results of the studies concerning the influence of a light source installed in luminaire of opal sphere type on the light pollution effect of the night sky. It is known from literature reports that the effect of light pollution is influenced by the spectral distribution of light. Although the influence of the spectral distribution has been widely studied from different perspectives, there is still a need to study this phenomenon—for example, from the point of view of the spectral reflection properties of the ground, on which the lanterns are installed. Hence, the above-mentioned aspect was considered in the authors’ investigations. The luminaire considered has been equipped with 20 different light sources, including the latest generation of lamps (light-emitting diodes, LEDs) as well as the conventional ones. With respect to these light sources, the measurements of light distribution and spectral distribution of emitted radiation of the luminaire were performed. Having these measurement data, the simulations were carried out using the DIALux software, and the calculations were made using the specially prepared calculation tool. On the basis of the results obtained in this way this was stated that the type of light source installed in the luminaire has a significant effect on the sky glow. An important factor affecting light pollution is not only the value of the luminous flux emitted upward but also the spectral characteristics of the emitted radiation, the impact of which is most noticeable. The conclusions from the studies indicate the next steps in the analysis of the light pollution effect. These steps will be focused on extended analysis of LEDs as modern and developed light sources.
A Novel Fault Classification Approach for Photovoltaic Systems
Authors: Kurukuru Varaha Satya Bharath , Blaabjerg Frede , Khan Mohammed Ali , Haque Ahteshamul
Published: January 2020

Photovoltaic (PV) energy has become one of the main sources of renewable energy and is currently the fastest-growing energy technology. As PV energy continues to grow in importance, the investigation of the faults and degradation of PV systems is crucial for better stability and performance of electrical systems. In this work, a fault classification algorithm is proposed to achieve accurate and early failure detection in PV systems. The analysis is carried out considering the feature extraction capabilities of the wavelet transform and classification attributes of radial basis function networks (RBFNs). In order to improve the performance of the proposed classifier, the dynamic fusion of kernels is performed. The performance of the proposed technique is tested on a 1 kW single-phase stand-alone PV system, which depicted a 100% training efficiency under 13 s and 97% testing efficiency under 0.2 s, which is better than the techniques in the literature. The obtained results indicate that the developed method can effectively detect faults with low misclassification.
Investigation of the Impact Factors on the Optimal Intermediate Temperature in a Dual Transcritical CO2 System with a Dedicated Transcritical CO2 Subcooler
Authors: Song Yulong , Wang Haidan , Cao Feng
Published: January 2020

As a natural fluid with superior environment advantages, CO2 is used to constitute a dual transcritical system to reduce performance deterioration under high gas-cooler outlet temperature. Aiming at the system configuration, improvement potential, and optimization, the proposed system is deeply analyzed, and corresponding coupling models are presented in detail. First, the veracity of simulation models is completely verified by comparing with previous measurements. Then, the existence of the optimal intermediate temperature is validated, while the optimal values are found to increase with the augmentation in ambient and water-feed temperatures. Moreover, the negative effects of the pinch point on the heat transfer inside the gas cooler could be greatly reduced by using the dual gas cooler. Finally, a predictive correlation for optimal intermediate temperature determination with ambient and water-feed temperature as independent variables is proposed, which provides a theoretical basis for the proposed system to realize efficient control in the industrialization process.
Validation of Psychosocial Measures Assessing American Indian Parental Beliefs Related to Control over Their Children’s Oral Health
Authors: Wilson Anne R. , Tiwari Tamanna , Thomas Jacob F. , Henderson William G. , Braun Patricia A. , Albino Judith
Published: January 2020

Objectives: To validate questionnaire items assessing American Indian (AI) parental beliefs regarding control over their children’s oral health within the context of psychosocial measures and children’s oral health status. Methods: Baseline questionnaire data were collected as part of a randomized controlled trial (n = 1016) addressing early childhood caries. Participants were AI parents with preschool-age children in the Navajo Nation Head Start program. Questionnaire items assessed parental oral health locus of control (OHLOC) and agreement with beliefs indicating that they were in control of their children’s oral health (internal), the dentist was in control (external powerful others), or children’s oral health was a matter of chance (external chance). Exploratory factor analysis was conducted, and convergent validity was assessed using linear regression. Results: Parents with more education (p < 0.0001) and income (p = 0.001) had higher scores for internal OHLOC. Higher internal OHLOC scores were associated with higher scores on knowledge (p < 0.0001), perceived seriousness and benefits (p < 0.0001), higher self-efficacy, importance, sense of coherence (p < 0.0001 for all), and lower scores for perceived barriers (p < 0.0001) and distress (p = 0.01). Higher scores for both types of external OHLOC were associated with lower scores on knowledge (p < 0.0001), perceived seriousness (p < 0.0001), and higher scores on perceived susceptibility (p = 0.01 external chance; <0.0001 powerful others) and barriers (<0.0001). Higher scores for external powerful others were associated with lower scores for importance (p = 0.04) and sense of coherence (p = 0.03). Significant associations were not found for OHLOC beliefs and children’s oral health status. Conclusions: Questionnaire items addressing OHLOC functioned in accordance with the theoretical framework in AI participants.
The Prevalence of E-Gambling and of Problem E-Gambling in Poland
Authors: Lelonek-Kuleta Bernadeta , Bartczuk Rafał P. , Wiechetek Michał , Chwaszcz Joanna , Niewiadomska Iwona
Published: January 2020

This study estimated the levels of involvement in e-gambling and problem e-gambling in Poland and identified selected sociodemographic variables associated with e-gambling activities. The study was conducted using a representative sample of the adult inhabitants of Poland (n = 2000). The survey contained questions measuring three aspects of gambling (involvement in e-gambling, types of e-gambling activity, and problematic e-gambling). Results suggested that 4.1% of respondents were involved in e-gambling and 26.8% of them could be classified as problem gamblers. The most popular e-gambling games were lotteries and sports betting. Gender, age, size of city of residence, level of education, and income were identified as significant predictors of involvement in e-gambling. The results indicated that men, younger people, and people who earnt less were more often involved in e-gambling. Having children, playing online scratch cards, and online sport betting—but not online lotteries—turned out to be typical for problem online gamblers. The prevalence of problem gambling among Polish e-gamblers suggests that extended research in this area is needed.
Cyberbullying and Social Anxiety: A Latent Class Analysis among Spanish Adolescents
Authors: Martínez-Monteagudo María C. , Delgado Beatriz , Inglés Cándido J. , Escortell Raquel
Published: January 2020

Cyberbullying is a common social maladjustment that has negative repercussions on the wellbeing and development of adolescents, but numerous questions remain as to the relationship between cyberbullying and social anxiety in adolescence. This study analyzes cyberbullying profiles (screening of harassment among peers) and assesses whether these profiles vary with respect to the level of social anxiety (social anxiety scale for adolescents). The sample consisted of 1412 Spanish secondary education students aged 12 to 18 (M = 14.36, SD = 1.65). Latent class analysis and ANOVA were performed. Analyses revealed three profiles: high cyberbullying (high victimization, aggression, and aggression-victimization), low cyberbullying (moderate victimization, aggression, and aggression-victimization), and non-cyberbullying. The cyberbullying patterns varied significantly for all social anxiety subscales. Students with the high cyberbullying profile (bully–victims) presented high scores on social avoidance and distress in social situations in general with peers, whereas these students presented lower levels of fear of negative evaluation and distress and social avoidance in new situations as compared to the low cyberbullying (rarely victim/bully) and non-involved student profiles. Implications for psychologists and educational counselors and cyberbullying preventive interventions are discussed.
Assessing the Perceived Exertion in Elite Soccer Players during Official Matches According to Situational Factors
Authors: Raya-González Javier , Castillo Daniel , Yanci Javier , Los Arcos Asier
Published: January 2020

This study aimed to assess the match perceived exertion (PE) declared by starter and non-starter junior elite soccer players, according to the level of the opponents, and by playing at home or away. Nineteen young soccer players who competed in the Spanish U19 League participated in this study. PE was registered during the entire regular season (30 official matches). Players were grouped by match playing time: starters (players who started the game and played at least 45 min) and non-starters (substitute players who participated for less than 45 min). Moreover, the matches were classified according to the opponent level (i.e., high, medium, or low) and the match location (i.e., home or away). Starters who competed against high-level opponents (8.7 ± 0.6) declared higher PE ratings than against medium (8.1 ± 0.7, p < 0.01) and low (8.4 ± 0.7, p < 0.01) level opponents. In addition, starters competing at home declared lower PE ratings than when playing away (8.2 ± 0.8 vs. 8.5 ± 0.6, p < 0.01). However, no significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed for non-starters. Coaches should consider not only tactical–strategic needs, but also these contextual factors when managing the match playing time of the starter players.
Quality Criteria to Evaluate Performance and Scope of 2030 Agenda in Metropolitan Areas: Case Study on Strategic Planning of Environmental Municipality Management
Authors: Poza-Vilches María de Fátima , Gutiérrez-Pérez José , Pozo-Llorente María Teresa
Published: January 2020

The United Nations’ (UN) 2030 Agenda brings new governance challenges to municipal environmental planning, both in large urban centres and in metropolitan peripheries. The opportunities of the new framework of action proposed by the United Nations (UN) and its integrative, global, and transversal nature constitute advances from the previous models of municipal management based on the Local Agenda 21. This text provides evidence to apply quality criteria and validated instruments of participatory evaluation. These instruments have been built on the foundation of evaluative research, a scientific discipline that provides rigour and validity to those decisions adopted at a municipal level. A case study focused on a metropolitan area serves as a field of experimentation for this model of the modernization of environmental management structures at a local level. Details of the instruments, agents, priority decision areas, methodologies, participation processes, and quality criteria are provided, as well as an empirically validated model for participatory municipal management based on action research processes and strategic planning that favours a shared responsibility across all social groups in the decision-making process and in the development of continuous improvement activities that are committed to sustainability. Finally, a critical comparison of weaknesses and strengths is included in light of the evidence collected.
Does Smartphone Addiction Fall on a Continuum of Addictive Behaviors?
Authors: Yu Sheila , Sussman Steve
Published: January 2020

Due to the high accessibility and mobility of smartphones, widespread and pervasive smartphone use has become the social norm, exposing users to various health and other risk factors. There is, however, a debate on whether addiction to smartphone use is a valid behavioral addiction that is distinct from similar conditions, such as Internet and gaming addiction. The goal of this review is to gather and integrate up-to-date research on measures of smartphone addiction (SA) and problematic smartphone use (PSU) to better understand (a) if they are distinct from other addictions that merely use the smartphone as a medium, and (b) how the disorder(s) may fall on a continuum of addictive behaviors that at some point could be considered an addiction. A systematic literature search adapted from the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) method was conducted to find all relevant articles on SA and PSU published between 2017 and 2019. A total of 108 articles were included in the current review. Most studies neither distinguished SA from other technological addictions nor clarified whether SA was an addiction to the actual smartphone device or to the features that the device offers. Most studies also did not directly base their research on a theory to explain the etiologic origins or causal pathways of SA and its associations. Suggestions are made regarding how to address SA as an emerging behavioral addiction.
Chronic and Acute Toxicities of Aflatoxins: Mechanisms of Action
Authors: Benkerroum Noreddine
Published: January 2020

There are presently more than 18 known aflatoxins most of which have been insufficiently studied for their incidence, health-risk, and mechanisms of toxicity to allow effective intervention and control means that would significantly and sustainably reduce their incidence and adverse effects on health and economy. Among these, aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) has been by far the most studied; yet, many aspects of the range and mechanisms of the diseases it causes remain to be elucidated. Its mutagenicity, tumorigenicity, and carcinogenicity—which are the best known—still suffer from limitations regarding the relative contribution of the oxidative stress and the reactive epoxide derivative (Aflatoxin-exo 8,9-epoxide) in the induction of the diseases, as well as its metabolic and synthesis pathways. Additionally, despite the well-established additive effects for carcinogenicity between AFB1 and other risk factors, e.g., hepatitis viruses B and C, and the hepatotoxic algal microcystins, the mechanisms of this synergy remain unclear. This study reviews the most recent advances in the field of the mechanisms of toxicity of aflatoxins and the adverse health effects that they cause in humans and animals.
Protecting Children from Toxic Waste: Data-Usability Evaluation Can Deter Flawed Cleanup
Authors: Shrader-Frechette Kristin , Biondo Andrew M.
Published: January 2020

Nearly 25 percent of US children live within 2 km of toxic-waste sites, most of which are in urban areas. They face higher rates of cancer than adults, partly because the dominant contaminants at most US hazardous-waste sites include genotoxic carcinogens, like trichloroethylene, that are much more harmful to children. The purpose of this article is to help protect the public, especially children, from these threats and to improve toxics-remediation by beginning to test our hypothesis: If site-remediation assessments fail data-usability evaluation (DUE), they likely compromise later cleanups and public health, especially children’s health. To begin hypothesis-testing, we perform a focused DUE for an unremediated, Pasadena, California toxic site. Our DUE methods are (a) comparing project-specific, remediation-assessment data with the remediation-assessment conceptual site model (CSM), in order to identify data gaps, and (b) using data-gap directionality to assess possible determinate bias (whether reported toxics risks are lower/higher than true values). Our results reveal (1) major CSM data gaps, particularly regarding Pasadena-toxic-site risks to children; (2) determinate bias, namely, risk underestimation; thus (3) likely inadequate remediation. Our discussion shows that if these results are generalizable, requiring routine, independent, DUEs might deter flawed toxic-site assessment/cleanup and resulting health threats, especially to children.
Adsorption of As(V) from Aqueous Solution on Chitosan-Modified Diatomite
Authors: Yang Qintao , Gong Liang , Huang Lili , Xie Qinglin , Zhong Yijian , Chen Nanchun
Published: January 2020

A novel chitosan (CS)-modified diatomite (Dt) was prepared by a simple mixture in the mass ratio to remove As(V) from aqueous solution in this research. The CS-modified Dt adsorbent was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) analysis. The parameters to influence the adsorption of As(V) ion were studied under such conditions as kinetics, adsorption isotherm, and pH effect. The results revealed that adsorption of As(V) was initially rapid and the equilibrium time was reached after 40 min. The optimal value of the pH was 5.0 for better adsorption. The equilibrium data were well fitted to the Langmuir isotherm compared to the Freundlich isotherm, and exhibited the highest capacity and removal efficiency of 94.3% under an initial As(V) concentration of 5 mg/L. The kinetic data were well described by the pseudo-second-order model. In addition, 0.1 M NaOH has the best desorption efficiency of As(V) adsorbed on CS-modified Dt, and the removal efficiency of As(V) was still higher than 90% when after six adsorption-desorption cycles. These results showed that the CS-modified Dt could be considered as a potential adsorbent for the removal of As(V) in aqueous solution.
Analysis of Tobacco Price Elasticity in Albania Using Household Level Data
Authors: Gjika Aida , Zhllima Edvin , Rama Klodjan , Imami Drini
Published: January 2020

This paper analyzes the determinant factors of tobacco consumption in Albania, which is one of the countries with the highest smoking prevalence in Europe. To empirically estimate the elasticity of cigarettes demand in Albania, the paper uses the Living Standard Measurement Survey (LSMS) applying Deaton’s (1988) demand model. This paper estimates an Almost Ideal Demand System (AIDS), which allows disentangling quality choice from exogenous price variations using unit values from cigarette consumption. Following Deaton’s model, the results suggest that the demand for tobacco is inelastic, with a price elasticity of −0.57. The price elasticity appears to be within the range of elasticity estimates frequently reported for low- and middle-income countries. The results suggest that total expenditure, household size, male-to-female ratio, and adult ratio are important determinants of tobacco demand in Albania. The increase in the tobacco price, which has been mainly driven by increased excises, has demonstrated a significant impact on reducing tobacco consumption. Consequently, the Albanian government may engage in gradual increases in excise taxes given the inelastic tobacco demand.
Factors Associated with Adolescents’ Internet Use Duration by Suicidal Ideation
Authors: Kwon Myoungjin , Kim Sun Ae , So Wi-Young
Published: January 2020

Purpose: This study aimed to identify the factors associated with Internet use duration by distinguishing between individuals with suicidal ideation and those without. Methods: Data were obtained from the 14th Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-Based Survey (2018), which is a nationwide survey. Respondents aged 12–18 years (N = 60,040) who answered “yes” or “no” to the question about having suicidal ideation were included in the analysis. Study variables were general characteristics, physical and psychological factors, and Internet use duration. A complex sample logistic regression was performed to determine the influential factors. Results: Significant factors associated with weekend Internet use among those with suicidal ideation were sex, economic status, residence type, physical activity, sedentary duration, recovery after sleep deprivation, and stress, with an explanatory power of 20.0% (p < 0.001). Significant factors associated with weekday Internet use among those with suicidal ideation were sex, frequency of eating breakfast per week, sedentary duration, and weight control efforts, with an explanatory power of 15.9% (p < 0.001). Significant factors associated with weekend Internet use among those with no suicidal ideation were breakfast frequency and frequency of alcohol consumption per month, with an explanatory power of 10.9% (p < 0.001). Significant factors associated with weekday Internet use among those with no suicidal ideation were frequency of eating breakfast per week, frequency of eating fast food per week, sedentary duration, and suicide attempt, with an explanatory power of 13.6% (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The findings indicated significant differences in Internet use duration between adolescents with suicidal ideation and those without, suggesting the need for customized prevention programs focusing on adolescents’ psychological state.
Modulation of (Homo)Glutathione Metabolism and H2O2 Accumulation during Soybean Cyst Nematode Infections in Susceptible and Resistant Soybean Cultivars
Authors: Chen Xi , Li Shuang , Zhao Xuebing , Zhu Xiaofeng , Wang Yuanyuan , Xuan Yuanhu , Liu Xiaoyu , Fan Haiyan , Chen Lijie , Duan Yuxi
Published: January 2020

In plant immune responses, reactive oxygen species (ROS) act as signaling molecules that activate defense pathways against pathogens, especially following resistance (R) gene-mediated pathogen recognition. Glutathione (GSH), an antioxidant and redox regulator, participates in the removal of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). However, the mechanism of GSH-mediated H2O2 generation in soybeans (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) that are resistant to the soybean cyst nematode (SCN; Heterodera glycines Ichinohe) remains unclear. To elucidate this underlying relationship, the feeding of race 3 of H. glycines with resistant cultivars, Peking and PI88788, was compared with that on a susceptible soybean cultivar, Williams 82. After 5, 10, and 15 days of SCN infection, we quantified γ-glutamylcysteine (γ-EC) and (homo)glutathione ((h)GSH), and a gene expression analysis showed that GSH metabolism in resistant cultivars differed from that in susceptible soybean roots. ROS accumulation was examined both in resistant and susceptible roots upon SCN infection. The time of intense ROS generation was related to the differences of resistance mechanisms in Peking and PI88788. ROS accumulation that was caused by the (h)GSH depletion-arrested nematode development in susceptible Williams 82. These results suggest that (h)GSH metabolism in resistant soybeans plays a key role in the regulation of ROS-generated signals, leading to resistance against nematodes.
PIP2 Mediated Inhibition of TREK Potassium Currents by Bradykinin in Mouse Sympathetic Neurons
Authors: Rivas-Ramírez Paula , Reboreda Antonio , Rueda-Ruzafa Lola , Herrera-Pérez Salvador , Lamas J. Antonio
Published: January 2020

Bradykinin (BK), a hormone inducing pain and inflammation, is known to inhibit potassium M-currents (IM) and to increase the excitability of the superior cervical ganglion (SCG) neurons by activating the Ca2+-calmodulin pathway. M-current is also reduced by muscarinic agonists through the depletion of membrane phosphatidylinositol 4,5-biphosphate (PIP2). Similarly, the activation of muscarinic receptors inhibits the current through two-pore domain potassium channels (K2P) of the “Tandem of pore-domains in a Weakly Inward rectifying K+ channel (TWIK)-related channels” (TREK) subfamily by reducing PIP2 in mouse SCG neurons (mSCG). The aim of this work was to test and characterize the modulation of TREK channels by bradykinin. We used the perforated-patch technique to investigate riluzole (RIL) activated currents in voltage- and current-clamp experiments. RIL is a drug used in the palliative treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and, in addition to blocking voltage-dependent sodium channels, it also selectively activates the K2P channels of the TREK subfamily. A cell-attached patch-clamp was also used to investigate TREK-2 single channel currents. We report here that BK reduces spike frequency adaptation (SFA), inhibits the riluzole-activated current (IRIL), which flows mainly through TREK-2 channels, by about 45%, and reduces the open probability of identified single TREK-2 channels in cultured mSCG cells. The effect of BK on IRIL was precluded by the bradykinin receptor (B2R) antagonist HOE-140 (d-Arg-[Hyp3, Thi5, d-Tic7, Oic8]BK) but also by diC8PIP2 which prevents PIP2 depletion when phospholipase C (PLC) is activated. On the contrary, antagonizing inositol triphosphate receptors (IP3R) using 2-aminoethoxydiphenylborane (2-APB) or inhibiting protein kinase C (PKC) with bisindolylmaleimide did not affect the inhibition of IRIL by BK. In conclusion, bradykinin inhibits TREK-2 channels through the activation of B2Rs resulting in PIP2 depletion, much like we have demonstrated for muscarinic agonists. This mechanism implies that TREK channels must be relevant for the capture of information about pain and visceral inflammation.
Effect of F-actin and Microtubules on Cellular Mechanical Behavior Studied Using Atomic Force Microscope and an Image Recognition-Based Cytoskeleton Quantification Approach
Authors: Liu Yi , Mollaeian Keyvan , Shamim Muhammad Huzaifah , Ren Juan
Published: January 2020

Cytoskeleton morphology plays a key role in regulating cell mechanics. Particularly, cellular mechanical properties are directly regulated by the highly cross-linked and dynamic cytoskeletal structure of F-actin and microtubules presented in the cytoplasm. Although great efforts have been devoted to investigating the qualitative relation between the cellular cytoskeleton state and cell mechanical properties, comprehensive quantification results of how the states of F-actin and microtubules affect mechanical behavior are still lacking. In this study, the effect of both F-actin and microtubules morphology on cellular mechanical properties was quantified using atomic force microscope indentation experiments together with the proposed image recognition-based cytoskeleton quantification approach. Young’s modulus and diffusion coefficient of NIH/3T3 cells with different cytoskeleton states were quantified at different length scales. It was found that the living NIH/3T3 cells sense and adapt to the F-actin and microtubules states: both the cellular elasticity and poroelasticity are closely correlated to the depolymerization degree of F-actin and microtubules at all measured indentation depths. Moreover, the significance of the quantitative effects of F-actin and microtubules in affecting cellular mechanical behavior is depth-dependent.