bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Locomotor Coordination, Visual Perception and Head Stability during Running
Authors: Hamill Joseph , Lim Jongil , van Emmerik Richard
Published: March 2020

Perception and action are coupled such that information from the perceptual system is related to the dynamics of action in order to regulate behavior adaptively. Using running as a model of a cyclic behavior, this coupling involves a continuous, cyclic relationship between the runner’s perception of the environment and the necessary adjustments of the body that ultimately result in a stable pattern of behavior. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate how individuals relate visual perception to rhythmic locomotor coordination patterns in conditions during which foot–ground collisions and visual task demands are altered. We review the findings of studies conducted to illustrate how humans change their behavior to maintain head stability during running with and without various degrees of visual challenge from the environment. Finally, we show that the human body adapts specific segment/joint configuration and coordination patterns to maintain head stability, both in the lower extremity and upper body segments, together with an increase in coordinative variability. These results indicate that in human locomotion, under higher speed (running) and visual task demands, systematic adaptations occur in the rhythmic coupling between the perceptual and movement systems.
The Contribution of Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging to the Understanding of the Effects of Acute Physical Exercise on Cognition
Authors: Herold Fabian , Aye Norman , Lehmann Nico , Taubert Marco , Müller Notger G.
Published: March 2020

The fact that a single bout of acute physical exercise has a positive impact on cognition is well-established in the literature, but the neural correlates that underlie these cognitive improvements are not well understood. Here, the use of neuroimaging techniques, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), offers great potential, which is just starting to be recognized. This review aims at providing an overview of those studies that used fMRI to investigate the effects of acute physical exercises on cerebral hemodynamics and cognition. To this end, a systematic literature survey was conducted by two independent reviewers across five electronic databases. The search returned 668 studies, of which 14 studies met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed in this systematic review. Although the findings of the reviewed studies suggest that acute physical exercise (e.g., cycling) leads to profound changes in functional brain activation, the small number of available studies and the great variability in the study protocols limits the conclusions that can be drawn with certainty. In order to overcome these limitations, new, more well-designed trials are needed that (i) use a more rigorous study design, (ii) apply more sophisticated filter methods in fMRI data analysis, (iii) describe the applied processing steps of fMRI data analysis in more detail, and (iv) provide a more precise exercise prescription.
To Adapt or Not to Adapt: A Quantification Technique for Measuring an Expected Degree of Self-Adaptation
Authors: Tomforde Sven , Goller Martin
Published: March 2020

Self-adaptation and self-organization (SASO) have been introduced to the management of technical systems as an attempt to improve robustness and administrability. In particular, both mechanisms adapt the system’s structure and behavior in response to dynamics of the environment and internal or external disturbances. By now, adaptivity has been considered to be fully desirable. This position paper argues that too much adaptation conflicts with goals such as stability and user acceptance. Consequently, a kind of situation-dependent degree of adaptation is desired, which defines the amount and severity of tolerated adaptations in certain situations. As a first step into this direction, this position paper presents a quantification approach for measuring the current adaptation behavior based on generative, probabilistic models. The behavior of this method is analyzed in terms of three application scenarios: urban traffic control, the swidden farming model, and data communication protocols. Furthermore, we define a research roadmap in terms of six challenges for an overall measurement framework for SASO systems.
Boron Concentration Induced Co-Ta-B Composite Formation Observed in the Transition from Metallic to Covalent Glasses
Authors: Evertz Simon , Prünte Stephan , Patterer Lena , Marshal Amalraj , Holzapfel Damian M. , Schökel Alexander , Hans Marcus , Primetzhofer Daniel , Schneider Jochen M.
Published: March 2020

Due to their unique property combination of high strength and toughness, metallic glasses are promising materials for structural applications. As the behaviour of metallic glasses depends on the electronic structure which in turn is defined by chemical composition, we systematically investigate the influence of B concentration on glass transition, topology, magnetism, and bonding for B concentrations x = 2 to 92 at.% in the (Co6.8±3.9Ta)100−xBx system. From an electronic structure and coordination point of view, the B concentration range is divided into three regions: Below 39 ± 5 at.% B, the material is a metallic glass due to the dominance of metallic bonds. Above 69 ± 6 at.%, the presence of an icosahedra-like B network is observed. As the B concentration is increased above 39 ± 5 at.%, the B network evolves while the metallic coordination of the material decreases until the B concentration of 67 ± 5 at.% is reached. Hence, a composite is formed. It is evident that, based on the B concentration, the ratio of metallic bonding to icosahedral bonding in the composite can be controlled. It is proposed that, by tuning the coordination in the composite region, glassy materials with defined plasticity and processability can be designed.
Structure of Manganese Oxide Nanoparticles Extracted via Pair Distribution Functions
Authors: Pussi Katariina , Gallo Juan , Ohara Koji , Carbo-Argibay Enrique , Kolen’ko Yury V. , Barbiellini Bernardo , Bansil Arun , Kamali Saeed
Published: March 2020

The structure of nanoparticles has been difficult to determine accurately because the traditional structure methods rely on large monocrystals. Here, we discuss the structure of nanoparticles based on real-space modeling of the pair distribution function obtained by a Fourier transformation of the high-energy X-ray scattering structure factor. In particular, we consider X-ray scattering data taken from colloidal manganese oxide nanoparticles used in Lithium-ion batteries, air-purification, and biomedical systems, which are known to exist in various nanometer-sized polymorphs. Insight is thus obtained into characterizing the structural relaxation of the MnO6 octahedra, which are the key building blocks of oxide nanoparticles, important in many technologies.
A Cooperative Jamming Technique to Protect a Two-User Broadcast Channel with Confidential Messages and an External Eavesdropper
Authors: Anjos Gustavo , Castanheira Daniel , Silva Adão , Gameiro Atílio
Published: March 2020

This work addresses the security of a two-user broadcast channel. The challenge of protecting a broadcast channel is associated with the necessity of securing the system, not only against eavesdropping attacks originating from external nodes, but also to ensure that the inside users do not eavesdrop on each other’s information. To address this issue, the present work proposes a cooperative jamming scheme that provides protection against eavesdropping attacks carried out simultaneously by inside users and external eavesdroppers. To achieve this goal, the developed scheme combines real interference alignment with a blind cooperative jamming technique defined in the literature. An information theoretical analysis shows that positive secure degrees of freedom are achievable using the proposed solution.
A Temperature Error Parallel Processing Model for MEMS Gyroscope based on a Novel Fusion Algorithm
Authors: Ma Tiancheng , Cao Huiliang , Shen Chong
Published: March 2020

To deal with the influence of temperature drift for a Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) gyroscope, this paper proposes a new temperature error parallel processing method based on a novel fusion algorithm. Firstly, immune based particle swarm optimization (IPSO) is employed for optimal parameters search for Variational Modal Decomposition (VMD). Then, we can get the optimal decomposition parameters, wherein permutation entropy (PE) is employed as the fitness function of the particles. Then, the improved VMD is performed on the output signal of the gyro to obtain intrinsic mode functions (IMFs). After judging by sample entropy (SE), the IMFs are divided into three categories: noise term, mixed term and feature term, which are processed differently. Filter the mixed term and compensate the feature term at the same time. Finally, reconstruct them and get the result. Compared with other optimization algorithms, IPSO has a stronger global search ability and faster convergence speed. After Back propagation neural network (BP) is enhanced by Adaptive boosting (Adaboost), it becomes a strong learner and a better model, which can approach the real value with higher precision. The experimental result shows that the novel parallel method proposed in this paper can effectively solve the problem of temperature errors.
Deep Learning Applications with Practical Measured Results in Electronics Industries
Authors: Horng Mong-Fong , Kung Hsu-Yang , Chen Chi-Hua , Hwang Feng-Jang
Published: March 2020

This editorial introduces the Special Issue, entitled “Deep Learning Applications with Practical Measured Results in Electronics Industries”, of Electronics. Topics covered in this issue include four main parts: (I) environmental information analyses and predictions, (II) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and object tracking applications, (III) measurement and denoising techniques, and (IV) recommendation systems and education systems. Four papers on environmental information analyses and predictions are as follows: (1) “A Data-Driven Short-Term Forecasting Model for Offshore Wind Speed Prediction Based on Computational Intelligence” by Panapakidis et al.; (2) “Multivariate Temporal Convolutional Network: A Deep Neural Networks Approach for Multivariate Time Series Forecasting” by Wan et al.; (3) “Modeling and Analysis of Adaptive Temperature Compensation for Humidity Sensors” by Xu et al.; (4) “An Image Compression Method for Video Surveillance System in Underground Mines Based on Residual Networks and Discrete Wavelet Transform” by Zhang et al. Three papers on UAV and object tracking applications are as follows: (1) “Trajectory Planning Algorithm of UAV Based on System Positioning Accuracy Constraints” by Zhou et al.; (2) “OTL-Classifier: Towards Imaging Processing for Future Unmanned Overhead Transmission Line Maintenance” by Zhang et al.; (3) “Model Update Strategies about Object Tracking: A State of the Art Review” by Wang et al. Five papers on measurement and denoising techniques are as follows: (1) “Characterization and Correction of the Geometric Errors in Using Confocal Microscope for Extended Topography Measurement. Part I: Models, Algorithms Development and Validation” by Wang et al.; (2) “Characterization and Correction of the Geometric Errors Using a Confocal Microscope for Extended Topography Measurement, Part II: Experimental Study and Uncertainty Evaluation” by Wang et al.; (3) “Deep Transfer HSI Classification Method Based on Information Measure and Optimal Neighborhood Noise Reduction” by Lin et al.; (4) “Quality Assessment of Tire Shearography Images via Ensemble Hybrid Faster Region-Based ConvNets” by Chang et al.; (5) “High-Resolution Image Inpainting Based on Multi-Scale Neural Network” by Sun et al. Two papers on recommendation systems and education systems are as follows: (1) “Deep Learning-Enhanced Framework for Performance Evaluation of a Recommending Interface with Varied Recommendation Position and Intensity Based on Eye-Tracking Equipment Data Processing” by Sulikowski et al. and (2) “Generative Adversarial Network Based Neural Audio Caption Model for Oral Evaluation” by Zhang et al.
Opportunities and Challenges for Error Control Schemes for Wireless Sensor Networks: A Review
Authors: Kadel Rajan , Paudel Krishna , Guruge Deepani B. , Halder Sharly J.
Published: March 2020

Error Correction Schemes (ECSs) significantly contribute to enhancing reliability and energy efficiency of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs). This review paper offers an overview of the different types of ECS used in communication systems and a synopsis of the standards for WSN. We also discuss channels and network models for WSN as they are crucial for efficient ECS design and implementation. The literature review conducted on the proposed energy consumption and efficiency models for WSN indicates that existing research work has not considered Single Hop Asymmetric Structure (SHAS) with high performing Error Correcting Codes (ECCs). We present a review on proposed ECS for WSN based on three criteria: Forward Error Correction (FEC), adaptive error correction techniques, and other techniques. Based on our review work, we found that there are limited works on ECS design on a realistic network model i.e., a modified multi-hop WSN model. Finally, we offer future research challenges and opportunities on ECS design and implementation for WSN.
Smart Camera for Quality Inspection and Grading of Food Products
Authors: Guo Zhonghua , Zhang Meng , Lee Dah-Jye , Simons Taylor
Published: March 2020

Due to the increasing consumption of food products and demand for food quality and safety, most food processing facilities in the United States utilize machines to automate their processes, such as cleaning, inspection and grading, packing, storing, and shipping. Machine vision technology has been a proven solution for inspection and grading of food products since the late 1980s. The remaining challenges, especially for small to midsize facilities, include the system and operating costs, demand for high-skilled workers for complicated configuration and operation and, in some cases, unsatisfactory results. This paper focuses on the development of an embedded solution with learning capability to alleviate these challenges. Three simple application cases are included to demonstrate the operation of this unique solution. Two datasets of more challenging cases were created to analyze and demonstrate the performance of our visual inspection algorithm. One dataset includes infrared images of Medjool dates of four levels of skin delamination for surface quality grading. The other one consists of grayscale images of oysters with varying shape for shape quality evaluation. Our algorithm achieved a grading accuracy of 95.0% on the date dataset and 98.6% on the oyster dataset, both easily surpassed manual grading, which constantly faces the challenges of human fatigue or other distractions. Details of the design and functions of our smart camera and our simple visual inspection algorithm are discussed in this paper.
Effects of Infrared-Assisted Refractance Window™ Drying on the Drying Kinetics, Microstructure, and Color of Physalis Fruit Purée
Authors: Puente-Díaz Luis , Spolmann Oliver , Nocetti Diego , Zura-Bravo Liliana , Lemus-Mondaca Roberto
Published: March 2020

The objective of this work was to study the influence of the drying temperature, infrared (IR) radiation assistance, and the Mylar™ film thickness during Physalis fruit purée drying by the Refractance Window™ (RW™) method. For this, a RW™ dryer layout with a regulated bath at working temperatures of 60, 75, and 90 °C, Mylar™ thicknesses of 0.19, 0.25, 0.30 mm and IR radiation of 250 W for assisting RW™ drying process was used. Experimental curves data were expressed in moisture ratio (MR) in order to obtain moisture effective diffusivities (non-assisted RW™: Deff = 2.7–10.1 × 10−10 m2/s and IR-assisted RW™: Deff = 4.2–13.4 × 10−10 m2/s) and further drying curves modeling (Page, Henderson–Pabis, Modified Henderson–Pabis, Two-Term, and Midilli–Kucuk models). The Midilli–Kucuk model obtained the best-fit quality on experimental curves regarding statistical tests applied (Coefficient of Determination (R2), Chi-Square (χ2) and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE). Microscopical observations were carried out to study the RW™ drying conditions effect on microstructural changes of Physalis fruit purée. The main findings of this work indicated that the use of IR-assisted RW™ drying effectively accelerates the drying process, which achieved a decrease drying time around 60%. Thus, this combined RW™ process is strongly influenced by the working temperature and IR-power applied, and slightly by Mylar™ thickness.
Potato Tuber Chemical Properties in Storage as Affected by Cultivar and Nitrogen Rate: Implications for Acrylamide Formation
Authors: Sun Na , Wang Yi , Gupta Sanjay K. , Rosen Carl J.
Published: March 2020

Recently released potato cultivars Dakota Russet and Easton were bred for low reducing sugars, and low acrylamide-forming potential in French fries. The objectives of this study were to determine: (1) the effects of nitrogen rate and storage time on tuber glucose concentrations in different cultivars; (2) the relationships between acrylamide, glucose, and asparagine for the new cultivars and Russet Burbank. The study was conducted at Becker, Minnesota over a period of two years on a loamy sand soil under irrigated conditions. All cultivars were subjected to five N rates from 135 to 404 kg ha−1 in a randomized complete block design. Following harvest, tubers were stored at 7.8 °C and sampled at 0, 16, and 32 weeks. Dakota Russet and Easton had significantly lower concentrations of stem- and bud-end glucose, asparagine, and acrylamide than those of Russet Burbank in both years. The effect of storage time on glucose concentration was significant but differed with cultivar and year. N rate effects on stem- and bud-end glucose concentrations were cultivar and storage time dependent. After 16 weeks of storage, both asparagine and acrylamide concentrations linearly increased with increasing N rate. Glucose concentration was positively correlated with acrylamide concentration (r2 = 0.61). Asparagine concentration was also positively correlated with acrylamide concentration (r2 = 0.45) when the asparagine:glucose ratio was <1.306. The correlation between fry color and stem-end glucose concentration was significant over three cultivars in both years, but stronger in a growing season with minimal environmental stress. Taken together, these results suggest that while acrylamide formation during potato processing is a complex process affected by agronomic practices, environmental conditions during the growing season, and storage conditions, cultivar selection may be the most reliable method to minimize acrylamide in fried products.
Homotopy Analysis Method to Solve Two-Dimensional Nonlinear Volterra-Fredholm Fuzzy Integral Equations
Authors: Georgieva Atanaska , Hristova Snezhana
Published: March 2020

The main goal of the paper is to present an approximate method for solving of a two-dimensional nonlinear Volterra-Fredholm fuzzy integral equation (2D-NVFFIE). It is applied the homotopy analysis method (HAM). The studied equation is converted to a nonlinear system of Volterra-Fredholm integral equations in a crisp case. Approximate solutions of this system are obtained by the help with HAM and hence an approximation for the fuzzy solution of the nonlinear Volterra-Fredholm fuzzy integral equation is presented. The convergence of the proposed method is proved and the error estimate between the exact and the approximate solution is obtained. The validity and applicability of the proposed method is illustrated on a numerical example.
Phylogenetic Analysis and Karyotype Evolution in Two Species of Core Gruiformes: Aramides cajaneus and Psophia viridis
Authors: Furo Ivanete de Oliveira , Kretschmer Rafael , O’Brien Patrícia C. M. , Pereira Jorge C. , Ferguson-Smith Malcolm A. , de Oliveira Edivaldo Herculano Corrêa
Published: March 2020

Gruiformes is a group with phylogenetic issues. Recent studies based on mitochondrial and genomic DNA have proposed the existence of a core Gruiformes, consisting of five families: Heliornithidae, Aramidae, Gruidae, Psophiidae and Rallidae. Karyotype studies on these species are still scarce, either by conventional staining or molecular cytogenetics. Due to this, this study aimed to analyze the karyotype of two species (Aramides cajaneus and Psophia viridis) belonging to families Rallidae and Psopiidae, respectively, by comparative chromosome painting. The results show that some chromosome rearrangements in this group have different origins, such as the association of GGA5/GGA7 in A. cajaneus, as well as the fission of GGA4p and association GGA6/GGA7, which place P. viridis close to Fulica atra and Gallinula chloropus. In addition, we conclude that the common ancestor of the core Gruiformes maintained the original syntenic groups found in the putative avian ancestral karyotype.
Integrating Casein Complex SNPs Additive, Dominance and Epistatic Effects on Genetic Parameters and Breeding Values Estimation for Murciano-Granadina Goat Milk Yield and Components
Authors: Pizarro Inostroza María Gabriela , Landi Vincenzo , Navas González Francisco Javier , León Jurado Jose Manuel , Delgado Bermejo Juan Vicente , Fernández Álvarez Javier , Martínez Martínez María del Amparo
Published: March 2020

Assessing dominance and additive effects of casein complex single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (αS1, αS2, β, and κ casein), and their epistatic relationships may maximize our knowledge on the genetic regulation of profitable traits. Contextually, new genomic selection perspectives may translate this higher efficiency into higher accuracies for milk yield and components’ genetic parameters and breeding values. A total of 2594 lactation records were collected from 159 Murciano-Granadina goats (2005–2018), genotyped for 48 casein loci-located SNPs. Bonferroni-corrected nonparametric tests, categorical principal component analysis (CATPCA), and nonlinear canonical correlations were performed to quantify additive, dominance, and interSNP epistatic effects and evaluate the outcomes of their inclusion in quantitative and qualitative milk production traits’ genetic models (yield, protein, fat, solids, and lactose contents and somatic cells count). Milk yield, lactose, and somatic cell count heritabilities increased considerably when the model including genetic effects was considered (0.46, 0.30, 0.43, respectively). Components standard prediction errors decreased, and accuracies and reliabilities increased when genetic effects were considered. Conclusively, including genetic effects and relationships among these heritable biomarkers may improve model efficiency, genetic parameters, and breeding values for milk yield and composition, optimizing selection practices profitability for components whose technological application may be especially relevant for the cheese-making dairy sector.
The Oncogenic Potential of the Centromeric Border Protein FAM84B of the 8q24.21 Gene Desert
Authors: Gu Yan , Lin Xiaozeng , Kapoor Anil , Chow Mathilda Jing , Jiang Yanzhi , Zhao Kuncheng , Tang Damu
Published: March 2020

FAM84B is a risk gene in breast and prostate cancers. Its upregulation is associated with poor prognosis of prostate cancer, breast cancer, and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. FAM84B facilitates cancer cell proliferation and invasion in vitro, and xenograft growth in vivo. The FAM84B and Myc genes border a 1.2 Mb gene desert at 8q24.21. Co-amplification of both occurs in 20 cancer types. Mice deficient of a 430 Kb fragment within the 1.2 Mb gene desert have downregulated FAM84B and Myc expressions concurrent with reduced breast cancer growth. Intriguingly, Myc works in partnership with other oncogenes, including Ras. FAM84B shares similarities with the H-Ras-like suppressor (HRASLS) family over their typical LRAT (lecithin:retinal acyltransferase) domain. This domain contains a catalytic triad, H23, H35, and C113, which constitutes the phospholipase A1/2 and O-acyltransferase activities of HRASLS1-5. These enzymatic activities underlie their suppression of Ras. FAM84B conserves H23 and H35 but not C113 with both histidine residues residing within a highly conserved motif that FAM84B shares with HRASLS1-5. Deletion of this motif abolishes FAM84B oncogenic activities. These properties suggest a collaboration of FAM84B with Myc, consistent with the role of the gene desert in strengthening Myc functions. Here, we will discuss recent research on FAM84B-derived oncogenic potential.
Inherited DNA Repair Gene Mutations in Men with Lethal Prostate Cancer
Authors: Rantapero Tommi , Wahlfors Tiina , Kähler Anna , Hultman Christina , Lindberg Johan , Tammela Teuvo L. J. , Nykter Matti , Schleutker Johanna , Wiklund Fredrik
Published: March 2020

Germline variants in DNA repair genes are associated with aggressive prostate cancer (PrCa). The aim of this study was to characterize germline variants in DNA repair genes associated with lethal PrCa in Finnish and Swedish populations. Whole-exome sequencing was performed for 122 lethal and 60 unselected PrCa cases. Among the lethal cases, a total of 16 potentially damaging protein-truncating variants in DNA repair genes were identified in 15 men (12.3%). Mutations were found in six genes with CHEK2 (4.1%) and ATM (3.3%) being most frequently mutated. Overall, the carrier rate of truncating variants in DNA repair genes among men with lethal PrCa significantly exceeded the carrier rate of 0% in 60 unselected PrCa cases (p = 0.030), and the prevalence of 1.6% (p < 0.001) and 5.4% (p = 0.040) in Swedish and Finnish population controls from the Exome Aggregation Consortium. No significant difference in carrier rate of potentially damaging nonsynonymous single nucleotide variants between lethal and unselected PrCa cases was observed (p = 0.123). We confirm that DNA repair genes are strongly associated with lethal PrCa in Sweden and Finland and highlight the importance of population-specific assessment of variants contributing to PrCa aggressiveness.
A Gene-Set Enrichment and Protein–Protein Interaction Network-Based GWAS with Regulatory SNPs Identifies Candidate Genes and Pathways Associated with Carcass Traits in Hanwoo Cattle
Authors: Srikanth Krishnamoorthy , Lee Seung-Hwan , Chung Ki-Yong , Park Jong-Eun , Jang Gul-Won , Park Mi-Rim , Kim Na Yeon , Kim Tae-Hun , Chai Han-Ha , Park Won Cheoul , Lim Dajeong
Published: March 2020

Non-synonymous SNPs and protein coding SNPs within the promoter region of genes (regulatory SNPs) might have a significant effect on carcass traits. Imputed sequence level data of 10,215 Hanwoo bulls, annotated and filtered to include only regulatory SNPs (450,062 SNPs), were used in a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to identify loci associated with backfat thickness (BFT), carcass weight (CWT), eye muscle area (EMA), and marbling score (MS). A total of 15, 176, and 1 SNPs were found to be significantly associated (p < 1.11 × 10−7) with BFT, CWT, and EMA, respectively. The significant loci were BTA4 (CWT), BTA6 (CWT), BTA14 (CWT and EMA), and BTA19 (BFT). BayesR estimated that 1.1%~1.9% of the SNPs contributed to more than 0.01% of the phenotypic variance. So, the GWAS was complemented by a gene-set enrichment (GSEA) and protein–protein interaction network (PPIN) analysis in identifying the pathways affecting carcass traits. At p < 0.005 (~2,261 SNPs), 25 GO and 18 KEGG categories, including calcium signaling, cell proliferation, and folate biosynthesis, were found to be enriched through GSEA. The PPIN analysis showed enrichment for 81 candidate genes involved in various pathways, including the PI3K-AKT, calcium, and FoxO signaling pathways. Our finding provides insight into the effects of regulatory SNPs on carcass traits.
Genome-Wide Analysis and Function Prediction of Long Noncoding RNAs in Sheep Pituitary Gland Associated with Sexual Maturation
Authors: Yang Hua , Ma Jianyu , Wang Zhibo , Yao Xiaolei , Zhao Jie , Zhao Xinyue , Wang Feng , Zhang Yanli
Published: March 2020

Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) plays a crucial role in the hypothalamic-pituitary-testis (HPT) axis associated with sheep reproduction. The pituitary plays a connecting role in the HPT axis. However, little is known of their expression pattern and potential roles in the pituitary gland. To explore the potential lncRNAs that regulate the male sheep pituitary development and sexual maturation, we constructed immature and mature sheep pituitary cDNA libraries (three-month-old, TM, and nine-month-old, NM, respectively, n = 3) for lncRNA and mRNA high-throughput sequencing. Firstly, the expression of lncRNA and mRNA were comparatively analyzed. 2417 known lncRNAs and 1256 new lncRNAs were identified. Then, 193 differentially expressed (DE) lncRNAs and 1407 DE mRNAs were found in the pituitary between the two groups. Moreover, mRNA-lncRNA interaction network was constructed according to the target gene prediction of lncRNA and functional enrichment analysis. Five candidate lncRNAs and their targeted genes HSD17B12, DCBLD2, PDPK1, GPX3 and DLL1 that enriched in growth and reproduction related pathways were further filtered. Lastly, the interaction of candidate lncRNA TCONS_00066406 and its targeted gene HSD17B12 were validated in in vitro of sheep pituitary cells. Our study provided a systematic presentation of lncRNAs and mRNAs in male sheep pituitary, which revealed the potential role of lncRNA in male reproduction.
Genome-Wide Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals a Regulatory Network of Oxidative Stress-Induced Flowering Signals Produced in Litchi Leaves
Authors: Lu Xingyu , Yu Sheng , Lü Peitao , Chen Houbin , Zhong Silin , Zhou Biyan
Published: March 2020

Litchi is an important subtropical fruit tree that requires an appropriately low temperature to trigger floral initiation. Our previous studies have shown that reactive oxygen species (ROS) are involved in litchi flowering. To identify oxidative stress-induced flowering related genes in leaves, ‘Nuomici’ potted trees were grown at medium low-temperature conditions (18/13 °C for day/night, medium-temperature). The trees were treated with the ROS generator methyl viologen dichloride hydrate (MV) as the MV-generated ROS treatment (MM, medium-temperature plus MV) and water as the control treatment (M, medium-temperature plus water). Sixteen RNA-sequencing libraries were constructed, and each library generated more than 5,000,000 clean reads. A total of 517 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained. Among those DEGs, plant hormone biosynthesis and signal transduction genes, ROS-specific transcription factors, such as AP2/ERF and WRKY genes, stress response genes, and flowering-related genes FLOWERING LOCUS T1 (FT1) and FLOWERING LOCUS T2 (FT2) were significantly enriched. Then, as a confirmatory experiment, the potted trees were uniformly sprayed with MV, N,N’-dimethylthiourea (DMTU, ROS scavenger) plus MV, and water at medium-temperature. The results showed that the MV-generated ROS promoted flowering and changed related gene expression, but these effects were repressed by DMTU treatment. The results of our studies indicate that ROS could promote flowering and partly bypass chilling for litchi flowering.
A Novel Germline MLH1 In-Frame Deletion in a Slovenian Lynch Syndrome Family Associated with Uncommon Isolated PMS2 Loss in Tumor Tissue
Authors: Klančar Gašper , Blatnik Ana , Šetrajčič Dragoš Vita , Vogrič Vesna , Stegel Vida , Blatnik Olga , Drev Primož , Gazič Barbara , Krajc Mateja , Novaković Srdjan
Published: March 2020

The diagnostics of Lynch syndrome (LS) is focused on the detection of DNA mismatch repair (MMR) system deficiency. MMR deficiency can be detected on tumor tissue by microsatellite instability (MSI) using molecular genetic test or by loss of expression of one of the four proteins (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2) involved in the MMR system using immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining. According to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines, definitive diagnosis of LS requires the identification of the germline pathogenic variant in one of the MMR genes. In the report, we are presenting interesting novel MLH1 in-frame deletion LRG_216t1:c.2236_2247delCTGCCTGATCTA p.(Leu746_Leu749del) associated with LS. The variant appears to be associated with uncommon isolated loss of PMS2 immunohistochemistry protein staining (expression) in tumor tissue instead of MLH1 and PMS2 protein loss, which is commonly seen with pathogenic variants in MLH1. The variant was classified as likely pathogenic, based on segregation analysis and molecular characterization of blood and tumor samples. According to the American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG) guidelines, the following evidence categories of PM1, PM2, PM4, and PP1 moderate have been used for classification of the novel variant. By detecting and classifying the novel MLH1 variant as likely pathogenic, we confirmed the LS in this family.
Assessment of Burned Forest Area Severity and Postfire Regrowth in Chapada Diamantina National Park (Bahia, Brazil) Using dNBR and RdNBR Spectral Indices
Authors: Santos Sarah Moura B. dos , Bento-Gonçalves António , Franca-Rocha Washington , Baptista Gustavo
Published: March 2020

Fire scar detection through orbital data can be done using specific techniques, such as the use of spectral indices like the normalized burn ratio (NBR), which are designed to help identify burnt areas as they have typical spectral responses. This paper aims to characterize burn severity and regrowth in areas hit by three fires in the Chapada Diamantina National Park (Bahia, Brazil) and its surrounding area through the differenced normalized burn ratio (dNBR) and relative differenced normalized burn ratio (RdNBR) spectral indices. The data acquired were pretreated and prepared adequately to calculate the indices. We conclude that for the study area, considering the limitations of fieldwork, the multitemporal index dNBR and the relative index RdNBR are important tools for classifying burnt areas and can be used to assess the regrowth of vegetation.
Mineralogical and Chemical Investigations of the Amguid Crater (Algeria): Is there Evidence on an Impact Origin?
Authors: Sighinolfi Gian Paolo , Barbieri Maurizio , Brunelli Daniele , Serra Romano
Published: March 2020

Mineralogical and chemical investigations were carried out on intra-craterial bedrocks (Lower Devonian sandstone) and regolithic residual soil deposits present around the Amguid structure, to discuss the hypothesis of its formation through a relatively recent (about 0.1 Ma) impact event. Observations with an optical microscope on intra-craterial rocks do not unequivocally confirm the presence of impact correlated microscopic planar deformation features (PDFs) in quartz crystals. Field observations, and optical and instrumental analysis (Raman spectroscopy) on rocks and soils (including different granulometric fractions) do not provide any incontrovertible pieces of evidence of high energy impact effects or products of impact (e.g., high pressure—temperature phases, partially or totally melted materials, etc.) either in target rocks or in soils. A series of selected main and trace elements (Al, Fe, Mg, Ni, Co and Cu) were analysed on rocks and soils to evaluate the presence in these materials of extraterrestrial sources. Comparative chemical data on rocks and soils suggest that these last are significantly enriched in Fe-poor Mg-rich materials, and in Co, Ni and Cu, in the order. A large number of EDAX-SEM analyses on separated soil magnetic particles indicate an abnormally high presence of Al-free Mg-rich sub-spherical or drop-like silicate particles, showing very similar bulk chemistries compatible with forsterite olivine. Some particles were found associated with a Ni-rich iron metal phase, and this association suggests a specific extraterrestrial origin for them. Electron microscope analysis made on a large number of soil magnetic particles indicates that 98% of them are terrestrial phases (almandine garnet, tourmaline and Fe-oxides, in abundance order), whereas, only a few grains are of questionable origin. One of the Mg-rich silicate particles was found to be a forsterite (Mg = 0.86) Mn-rich (MnO: 0.23%) Cr-free olivine, almost surely of extraterrestrial sources. Electron microprobe analysis of three soil particles allowed identification of uncommon Cr-rich (Cr2O3 about 8%) spinels, poorly compatible with an origin from terrestrial sources, and in particular from local source rocks. We propose a specific extraterrestrial origin for sub-spherical olivine particles characterised by quite similar magnesian character. Excluding any derivation of these particles from interplanetary dust, two other possible extraterrestrial sources should be considered for them, i.e., either normal micrometeorite fluxes or strongly un-equilibrated, or the Vigarano type Carbonaceous (CV) chondrite meteorite material. In this case, further studies will confirm an impact origin for Amguid, as such magnesian olivine components found in soils might represent the only remnants of a vaporised projectile of ordinary non-equilibrated meteoritic composition.
Exploring Intimacy in Collaborative Photographic Narratives of Breast Cancer
Authors: Sile Agnese
Published: March 2020

A life-limiting illness brings about heightened awareness of mortality and reshapes close relationships. Couples must often negotiate and adjust their actions to sustain intimate bonds. Through analysis of two projects—Dorothea Lynch’s and Eugene Richards’s collaborative project Exploding into Life (1986) that documents Lynch’s experience living with breast cancer through photographs and text, and Angelo Merendino’s e-book The Battle we Didn’t Choose—My Wife’s Fight with Breast Cancer (2013), I explore how couples make sense of and communicate illness experience. Exploding into Life and Merendino’s project are not only explorations of Lynch’s and Jennifer’s experiences living with breast cancer; the works also question what it means to be seen through the eyes of the other. The projects share similar experiences; however, they are situated in two different historical moments. Taking Arthur Kleinman’s argument of illness experience as social and political as a starting point, I question the limits of experience and examine how the photographs and the accompanying text articulate and mediate private expressions of illness, and what motivates the participants of the photographic act to make their experiences public. The study is informed by Arthur W. Frank’s dialogical narrative analysis and some of the writings by Thomas G. Couser, Roland Barthes, and Michel Foucault.
The Frequency of Fast Food Consumption in Relation to Wheeze and Asthma Among Adolescents in Gauteng and North West Provinces, South Africa
Authors: Nkosi Vusumuzi , Rathogwa-Takalani Funzani , Voyi Kuku
Published: March 2020

The prevalence of asthma and allergic diseases have been on the rise, especially in developing countries due to life-style changes. The study aimed to investigate the association between the frequency of fast food consumption with wheeze and asthma among adolescents. A previously validated self-completed questionnaire from the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood was used to collect information on demographics, socioeconomic status, house characteristics, adolescent respiratory health and diet. The prevalence of wheeze was 38.2% and of asthma was 16.37% among the adolescents. The results from the adjusted regression analyses indicated that eating fast foods three or more times per week was a statistically significant risk factor for wheeze (OR = 1.60; 95% CI: 1.26–2.03) and asthma (OR = 1.37; 95% CI: 1.04–1.91). The study found an association between eating fast foods three or more times per week and wheeze and asthma among adolescents in South Africa. Unhealthy diet plays a crucial role in respiratory health among adolescents; healthy eating habits are encouraged to reduce the burden of respiratory symptoms and diseases.
Clinical Response and Quality of Life in Patients with Severe Atopic Dermatitis Treated with Dupilumab: A Single-Center Real-Life Experience
Authors: Ferrucci Silvia , Casazza Giovanni , Angileri Luisa , Tavecchio Simona , Germiniasi Francesca , Berti Emilio , Marzano Angelo Valerio , Genovese Giovanni
Published: March 2020

Dupilumab is an anti-interleukin-4 receptor monoclonal antibody that was recently approved for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD). In this single-center retrospective study, clinical baseline data of 117 severe AD patients treated with dupilumab were collected. At baseline and at weeks 4 and 16, disease severity was assessed through the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) and quality of life through the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaire, Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Peak Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale (NRS-itch), and VAS-sleep. Response to dupilumab was defined as an improvement of ≥75% in EASI from baseline (EASI75). At multivariate analysis, AD onset before 18 years [OR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.2–7.2; p = 0.0207] and absence of hypereosinophilia [OR, 2.24; 95% CI, 1.03–4.86; p = 0.0412] were identified as significant predictive parameters for response to dupilumab in terms of EASI75 at week 4 but not at week 16. Significant reductions in EASI, DLQI, POEM, HADS, NRS-itch, and VAS-sleep were found between week 4 versus baseline (p < 0.0001 for all) and week 16 versus baseline (p < 0.0001 for all). Early AD onset and absence of hypereosinophilia may be suggested as predictive markers of early response to dupilumab. We confirmed the efficacy and safety of this agent along with the improvement of life quality in severe AD patients.
Differences in the Sub-Metatarsal Fat Pad Atrophy Symptoms between Patients with Metatarsal Head Resection and Those without Metatarsal Head Resection: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Molines-Barroso Raúl Juan , García-Álvarez Yolanda , García-Klepzig José Luis , García-Morales Esther , Álvaro-Afonso Francisco Javier , Lázaro-Martínez José Luis
Published: March 2020

We aimed to evaluate the differences in the sub-metatarsal skin and fat pad atrophy between patients at a high risk of ulceration with and without previous metatarsal head resection. A cross-sectional study was performed in a diabetic foot unit involving 19 participants with a history of metatarsal head resection (experimental group) and 19 (control group) without a history of metatarsal head resection but with an ulcer in other locations in the metatarsal head. No participants had active ulcerations at study inclusion. Sub-metatarsal skin thickness and fat pad thickness in the first and second metatarsals were evaluated by an ultrasound transducer. The experimental group showed sub-metatarsal fat pad atrophy (3.74 ± 1.18 mm and 2.52 ± 1.04 mm for first and second metatarsal, respectively) compared with the control group (5.44 ± 1.12 mm and 4.73 ± 1.59 mm) (p < 0.001, confidence interval: (CI): 0.943–2.457 and p < 0.001, CI: 1.143–3.270 for first and second metatarsal, respectively); however, sub-metatarsal skin thickness was not different between groups (experimental 2.47 ± 0.47 mm vs. control 2.80 ± 0.58 mm (p = 0.063, CI: −0.019–0.672) and 2.24 ± 0.60 mm vs. 2.62 ± 0.50 mm (p = 0.066, CI: −0.027–0.786) for first and second metatarsal, respectively). Patients with previous metatarsal head resection showed sub-metatarsal fat pad atrophy, which could be associated with the risk of reulceration in the metatarsal head.
Maternal Hepatitis B Virus or Hepatitis C Virus Carrier Status and Long-Term Endocrine Morbidity of the Offspring—A Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Abu Freha Naim , Wainstock Tamar , Menachem Tzvi Najman , Sheiner Eyal
Published: March 2020

This study aimed to investigate the long-term effect of maternal hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) carrier status on offspring endocrine morbidity. A population-based cohort study included all singleton deliveries between the years 1991–2014 at the Soroka University Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Southern Israel. The mothers were subdivided into three groups, HBV carriers, HCV carriers and non-carriers. Data regarding the long-term endocrine morbidity of their offspring were compared between the groups. The study included 242,905 (99.7%) non-carrying mothers, 591 (0.2%) mothers who were carriers for HBV and 186 (0.1%) mothers who were carriers for HCV. The Kaplan–Meier’s survival curve demonstrated a significantly higher cumulative endocrine morbidity in children born to mothers with HCV (log-rank test, p = 0.002). Specifically, higher rates of hypoglycemia were noted among the offspring born to mothers who were carriers of HCV (1.1%; p = 0.001) compared with the offspring of mothers who were either carriers of HBV (0.2%) or non-carriers (0.1%). A Cox regression model controlled for maternal age, gestational age, maternal diabetes, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, found maternal HCV carrier status to be independently associated with pediatric endocrine morbidity in the offspring (adjusted hazard ratio = 5.05, 95% CI: 1.625–15.695, p = 0.005). Maternal HCV carrier status is an independent risk factor for long-term endocrine morbidity.
Individual Responsiveness to Physical Exercise Intervention in Acutely Hospitalized Older Adults
Authors: Valenzuela Pedro L. , Ortiz-Alonso Javier , Bustamante-Ara Natalia , Vidán María T. , Rodríguez-Romo Gabriel , Mayordomo-Cava Jennifer , Javier-González Marianna , Hidalgo-Gamarra Mercedes , López-Tatis Myriel , Valadés-Malagón Maria Isabel , Santos-Lozano Alejandro , Serra-Rexach José Antonio , Lucia Alejandro
Published: March 2020

We analyzed inter-individual variability in response to exercise among acutely hospitalized oldest-old adults. In this ancillary analysis of a randomized controlled trial, 268 patients (mean age 88 years) were assigned to a control (n = 125, usual care) or intervention group (n = 143, supervised exercise, i.e., walking and rising from a chair [1–3 sessions/day]). Intervention group patients were categorized as responders, non-responders, or adverse responders (improved, no change, or impaired function in activities of daily living [ADL, Katz index] from hospital admission to discharge, respectively). We analyzed the association between responsiveness to exercise and variables assessed at baseline (2 weeks pre-admission), admission, during hospitalization, at discharge, and during a subsequent 3-month follow-up. An impaired ADL function and worse nutritional status at admission were associated to a greater responsiveness, whereas a better ADL function at admission, longer hospitalization and lower comorbidity index were associated with a poorer response (p < 0.05). Adverse responders had worse outcomes at discharge and during the follow-up (e.g., impaired physical performance and greater fall number) (p < 0.05). Although exercise intervention helps to prevent ADL function decline in hospitalized oldest-old people, a number of them—particularly those with a better functional/health status at admission and longer hospitalization—are at higher risk of being adverse responders, which can have negative short/middle-term consequences.