bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in Smoking, Alcohol Consumption, and the Risk of Thyroid Cancer: A Population-Based Korean Cohort Study
Authors: Yeo Yohwan , Han Kyungdo , Shin Dong-Wook , Kim Dahye , Jeong Su-Min , Chun Sohyun , Choi In-Young , Jeon Keun-Hye , Kim Tae-Hyuk
Published: May 2021

To elucidate potential causality between smoking and alcohol intake on thyroid cancer incidence, we explored the effect of changes in smoking and alcohol consumption habits. From the Korean National Health Insurance database, we identified 4,430,070 individuals who participated in the national health screening program in 2009 and 2011. The level of smoking and alcohol consumption was measured twice, once in 2009 and again in 2011. The risk of thyroid cancer according to their changes was estimated using the Cox proportional hazard model. During the mean follow-up period of 6.32 ± 0.72 years, 29,447 individuals were diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Compared to those who sustained not smoking, non-smokers who initiated smoking to light (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 0.96, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.81–1.15), moderate (aHR 0.90, 95% CI 0.78–1.04), and heavy level (aHR 0.81, 95% CI 0.69–0.96) had a decreased risk of thyroid cancer. Heavy smokers who quit smoking had an increased risk of thyroid cancer (aHR 1.23, 95% CI 1.06–1.42) compared to those who sustained heavy smoking. Change in drinking status was not significantly associated with thyroid cancer risk compared to drinking at the same level, although a non-significant trend of increased risk was noted in quitters. Participants who initiated both smoking and drinking (HR 0.80, 95% CI 0.69–0.93) had a lower risk of thyroid cancer compared with those who continued not to smoke and drink. Our findings provide further evidence that smoking, and possibly alcohol consumption, would have true protective effects on the development of thyroid cancer.
Immunosuppressive Effects of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells in Cancer and Immunotherapy
Authors: Krishnamoorthy Mithunah , Gerhardt Lara , Maleki Vareki Saman
Published: May 2021

The primary function of myeloid cells is to protect the host from infections. However, during cancer progression or states of chronic inflammation, these cells develop into myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) that play a prominent role in suppressing anti-tumor immunity. Overcoming the suppressive effects of MDSCs is a major hurdle in cancer immunotherapy. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms by which MDSCs promote tumor growth is essential for improving current immunotherapies and developing new ones. This review explores mechanisms by which MDSCs suppress T-cell immunity and how this impacts the efficacy of commonly used immunotherapies.
Upregulation of Chemoresistance by Mg2+ Deficiency through Elevation of ATP Binding Cassette Subfamily B Member 1 Expression in Human Lung Adenocarcinoma A549 Cells
Authors: Onuma Saki , Manabe Aya , Yoshino Yuta , Matsunaga Toshiyuki , Asai Tomohiro , Ikari Akira
Published: May 2021

Several anticancer drugs including cisplatin (CDDP) induce hypomagnesemia. However, it remains fully uncertain whether Mg2+ deficiency affects chemosensitivity of cancer cells. Here, we investigated the effect of low Mg2+ concentration (LM) on proliferation and chemosensitivity using human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells. Cell proliferation was reduced by continuous culture with LM accompanied with the elevation of G1 phase proportion. The amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and stress makers such as phosphorylated-ataxia telangiectasia mutated and phosphorylated-p53 were increased by LM. Cell injury was dose-dependently increased by anticancer drugs such as CDDP and doxorubicin (DXR), which were suppressed by LM. Similar results were obtained by roscovitine, a cell cycle inhibitor. These results suggest that LM induces chemoresistance mediated by ROS production and G1 arrest. The mRNA and protein levels of ATP binding cassette subfamily B member 1 (ABCB1) were increased by LM and roscovitine. The LM-induced elevation of ABCB1 and nuclear p38 expression was suppressed by SB203580, a p38 MAPK inhibitor. PSC833, an ABCB1 inhibitor, and SB203580 rescued the sensitivity to anticancer drugs. In addition, cancer stemness properties were suppressed by SB203580. We suggest that Mg2+ deficiency reduces the chemotherapy sensitivity of A549 cells, although it suppresses cell proliferation.
Transcriptional CDK Inhibitors CYC065 and THZ1 Induce Apoptosis in Glioma Stem Cells Derived from Recurrent GBM
Authors: Juric Viktorija , Düssmann Heiko , Lamfers Martine L. M. , Prehn Jochen H. M. , Rehm Markus , Murphy Brona M.
Published: May 2021

Glioma stem cells (GSCs) are tumour initiating cells which contribute to treatment resistance, temozolomide (TMZ) chemotherapy and radiotherapy, in glioblastoma (GBM), the most aggressive adult brain tumour. A major contributor to the uncontrolled tumour cell proliferation in GBM is the hyper activation of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs). Due to resistance to standard of care, GBMs relapse in almost all patients. Targeting GSCs using transcriptional CDK inhibitors, CYC065 and THZ1 is a potential novel treatment to prevent relapse of the tumour. TCGA-GBM data analysis has shown that the GSC markers, CD133 and CD44 were significantly upregulated in GBM patient tumours compared to non-tumour tissue. CD133 and CD44 stem cell markers were also expressed in gliomaspheres derived from recurrent GBM tumours. Light Sheet Florescence Microscopy (LSFM) further revealed heterogeneous expression of these GSC markers in gliomaspheres. Gliomaspheres from recurrent tumours were highly sensitive to transcriptional CDK inhibitors, CYC065 and THZ1 and underwent apoptosis while being resistant to TMZ. Apoptotic cell death in GSC subpopulations and non-stem tumour cells resulted in sphere disruption. Collectively, our study highlights the potential of these novel CKIs to induce cell death in GSCs from recurrent tumours, warranting further clinical investigation.
Minimalistic In Vitro Culture to Drive Human Naive B Cell Differentiation into Antibody-Secreting Cells
Authors: Unger Peter-Paul A. , Verstegen Niels J. M. , Marsman Casper , Jorritsma Tineke , Rispens Theo , ten Brinke Anja , van Ham S. Marieke
Published: May 2021

High-affinity antibody-secreting cells (ASC) arise from terminal differentiation of B-cells after coordinated interactions with T follicular helper (Tfh) cells in germinal centers (GC). Elucidation of cues promoting human naive B-cells to progress into ASCs is challenging, as this process is notoriously difficult to induce in vitro while maintaining enough cell numbers to investigate the differentiation route(s). Here, we describe a minimalistic in vitro culture system that supports efficient differentiation of human naive B-cells into antibody-secreting cells. Upon initial stimulations, the interplay between level of CD40 costimulation and the Tfh cell-associated cytokines IL-21 and IL-4 determined the magnitude of B-cell expansion, immunoglobulin class-switching and expression of ASC regulator PRDM1. In contrast, the B-cell-specific transcriptional program was maintained, and efficient ASC formation was hampered. Renewed CD40 costimulation and Tfh cytokines exposure induced rapid secondary STAT3 signaling and extensive ASC differentiation, accompanied by repression of B-cell identity factors PAX5, BACH2 and IRF8 and further induction of PRDM1. Our work shows that, like in vivo, renewed CD40L costimulation also induces efficient terminal ASC differentiation after initial B-cell expansion in vitro. This culture system for efficient differentiation of human naive B-cells into ASCs, while also maintaining high cell numbers, may form an important tool in dissecting human naive B-cell differentiation, thereby enabling identification of novel transcriptional regulators and biomarkers for desired and detrimental antibody formation in humans.
The Role of BANK1 in B Cell Signaling and Disease
Authors: Gómez Hernández Gonzalo , Morell María , Alarcón-Riquelme Marta E.
Published: May 2021

The B cell scaffold protein with ankyrin repeats (BANK1) is expressed primarily in B cells and with multiple but discrete roles in B cell signaling, including B cell receptor signaling, CD40-related signaling, and Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling. The gene for BANK1, located in chromosome 4, has been found to contain genetic variants that are associated with several autoimmune diseases and also other complex phenotypes, in particular, with systemic lupus erythematosus. Common genetic variants are associated with changes in BANK1 expression in B cells, while rare variants modify their capacity to bind efferent effectors during signaling. A BANK1-deficient model has shown the importance of BANK1 during TLR7 and TLR9 signaling and has confirmed its role in the disease. Still, much needs to be done to fully understand the function of BANK1, but the main conclusion is that it may be the link between different signaling functions within the B cells and they may act to synergize the various pathways within a cell. With this review, we hope to enhance the interest in this molecule.
High-Yield Mucosal Olfactory Ensheathing Cells Restore Loss of Function in Rat Dorsal Root Injury
Authors: Minkelyte Kamile , Collins Andrew , Liadi Modinat , Ibrahim Ahmed , Li Daqing , Li Ying
Published: May 2021

In a previous study, we reported that no axons were crossing from the severed dorsal roots to the spinal cord using the rat dorsal rhizotomy paradigm. The injury caused ipsilateral deficits of forepaw function. An attempt to restore the function by transplanting cells containing 5% olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) cultured from the olfactory mucosa did not succeed. However, obtaining OECs from the olfactory mucosa has an advantage for clinical application. In the present study, we used the same rhizotomy paradigm, but rats with an injury received cells from a modified mucosal culture containing around 20% OECs mixed in collagen. The forelimb proprioception assessment showed that 80% of the rats receiving the transplants had functional improvement over six weeks of the study. The adhesive removal test showed that the time taken for the rats to notice the adhesive label and remove it almost returned to the normal level after receiving the transplants. Transplanted cells were identified with the expression of green fluorescent protein (ZsGreen). Some regeneration fibres immunostained for neurofilament (NF) or traced by biotinylated dextran amine (BDA) in the injury area were associated with the transplanted cells. The evidence in this study improves the prospect of clinical application using OECs from the olfactory mucosa to treat CNS injuries.
Classification of Arabic Tweets: A Review
Authors: Alruily Meshrif
Published: May 2021

Text classification is a prominent research area, gaining more interest in academia, industry and social media. Arabic is one of the world’s most famous languages and it had a significant role in science, mathematics and philosophy in Europe in the middle ages. During the Arab Spring, social media, that is, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, played an essential role in establishing, running, and spreading these movements. Arabic Sentiment Analysis (ASA) and Arabic Text Classification (ATC) for these social media tools are hot topics, aiming to obtain valuable Arabic text insights. Although some surveys are available on this topic, the studies and research on Arabic Tweets need to be classified on the basis of machine learning algorithms. Machine learning algorithms and lexicon-based classifications are considered essential tools for text processing. In this paper, a comparison of previous surveys is presented, elaborating the need for a comprehensive study on Arabic Tweets. Research studies are classified according to machine learning algorithms, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, hybrid, and lexicon-based classifications, and their advantages/disadvantages are discussed comprehensively. We pose different challenges and future research directions.
Research on Wildfires and Remote Sensing in the Last Three Decades: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Santos Sarah Moura Batista dos , Bento-Gonçalves António , Vieira António
Published: May 2021

Evaluating the impact of wildland fires on landscapes, a pursuit increasingly supported by remote sensing techniques, requires an understanding of wildfire dynamics. This research highlights the main insights from the literature related to “wildfires” and “remote sensing” published between 1991 and 2020. The Scopus database was used as a source of information regarding scientific production on these topics, after which bibliometric tools were employed as a means through which to reveal patterns in this network of journals, terms, countries, and authors. The results suggest that these subject areas have undergone significant developments in the last three decades, having been the focus of growing interest among the scientific community. The most relevant contributions to the literature available have been made by researchers working in the areas of earth and environmental sciences (54% of the publications), primarily in the United States, China, Spain, and Canada. Research trends in this field have undergone a significant evolution in recent decades, explained by the strong relationship between the technological evolution of detection methods and remote sensing data acquisition.
Insights into Distribution of Soil Available Heavy Metals in Karst Area and Its Influencing Factors in Guilin, Southwest China
Authors: Huang Fen , Wei Xiaomei , Zhu Tongbin , Luo Zhuanxi , Cao Jianhua
Published: May 2021

The bioavailable contents of heavy metals in karstic soils are a subject of increasing concern since the uptake of heavy metals by plants can pose a severe threat to food safety and public health. However, the bioavailable contents of heavy metals and their effective factors are poorly understood in karst regions. Calcareous soil and red soil developed from carbonate and clastic rocks, respectively, were chosen from a typical karst region (Guilin) of southwestern China, and the total (CT) and available (CA) contents of 11 heavy metals, as well as their influencing factors in soil profiles, were investigated. The results showed that calcareous soil has greater soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, available nitrogen, available potassium, and calcium (Ca) contents than red soil, but lower available phosphorus and C:N. Acid-soluble Ca (Aca) was the dominant fraction in both types of soil. Heavy metals were highly accumulated in calcareous soil, mainly controlled by secondary enrichment in the processing of carbonate rock weathering. For the majority of metals, calcareous soil had higher CT and lower CA than red soil. According to a redundancy analysis (RDA) and Pearson correlation coefficient, the high pH and Ca content in calcareous soils were primary factors influencing both the CT and CA of the metals, especially residual Ca to CT and Aca to CA. Additionally, higher soil cation exchange capacity and clay minerals also probably improved the immobility of heavy metals.
Analysis of Differentiated Chemical Components between Zijuan Purple Tea and Yunkang Green Tea by UHPLC-Orbitrap-MS/MS Combined with Chemometrics
Authors: Li Mengwan , Shen Ying , Ling Tiejun , Ho Chi-Tang , Li Daxiang , Guo Huimin , Xie Zhongwen
Published: May 2021

Zijuan tea (Camellia sinensis var. assamica cv. Zijuan) is a unique purple tea. Recently, purple tea has drawn much attention for its special flavor and health benefits. However, the characteristic compounds of purple tea compared with green tea have not been reported yet. The present study employed a non-targeted metabolomics approach based on ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC)-Orbitrap-tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) for comprehensive analysis of characteristic metabolites between Zijuan purple tea (ZJT) and Yunkang green tea (YKT). Partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) indicated that there are significant differences in chemical profiles between ZJT and YKT. A total of 66 major differential metabolites included catechins, proanthocyanins, flavonol and flavone glycosides, phenolic acids, amino acids and alkaloids were identified in ZJT. Among them, anthocyanins are the most characteristic metabolites. Nine glycosides of anthocyanins and six glycosides of proanthocyanins were found to be significantly higher in ZJT than that in YKT. Subsequently, pathway analysis revealed that ZJT might generate anthocyanins and proanthocyanins through the flavonol and flavone glycosides. Furthermore, quantitative analysis showed absolutely higher concentrations of total anthocyanins in ZJT, which correlated with the metabolomics results. This study presented the comprehensive chemical profiling and the characterized metabolites of ZJT. These results also provided chemical evidence for potential health functions of ZJT.
Mitochondrial D-Loop Region Methylation and Copy Number in Peripheral Blood DNA of Parkinson’s Disease Patients
Authors: Stoccoro Andrea , Smith Adam R. , Baldacci Filippo , Del Gamba Claudia , Lo Gerfo Annalisa , Ceravolo Roberto , Lunnon Katie , Migliore Lucia , Coppedè Fabio
Published: May 2021

Altered mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) methylation has been detected in several human pathologies, although little attention has been given to neurodegenerative diseases. Recently, altered methylation levels of the mitochondrial displacement loop (D-loop) region, which regulates mtDNA replication, were observed in peripheral blood cells of Alzheimer’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients. However, nothing is yet known about D-loop region methylation levels in peripheral blood of Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients. In the current study, we investigated D-loop methylation levels and mtDNA copy number in peripheral blood of 30 PD patients and 30 age- and sex-matched control subjects. DNA methylation analyses have been performed by means of methylation-sensitive high-resolution melting (MS-HRM) and pyrosequencing techniques, while mtDNA copy number was analyzed by quantitative PCR. MS-HRM and pyrosequencing analyses provided very similar D-loop methylation levels in PD patients and control subjects, and no differences between the two groups have been observed. Treatment with L-dopa and duration of the disease had no effect on D-loop methylation levels in PD patients. Additionally, mtDNA copy number did not differ between PD patients and control subjects. Current results suggest that D-loop methylation levels are not altered in peripheral blood of PD patients nor influenced by dopaminergic treatment.
Adaptive Morphophysiological Features of Neottia ovata (Orchidaceae) Contributing to Its Natural Colonization on Fly Ash Deposits
Authors: Maleva Maria , Borisova Galina , Chukina Nadezhda , Sinenko Olga , Filimonova Elena , Lukina Natalia , Glazyrina Margarita
Published: May 2021

In previous decades, some species of the Orchidaceae family have been found growing in man-made habitats. Neottia ovata is one of the most widespread orchids in Europe, however it is quite rare in Russia and is included in several regional Red Data Books. The purpose of this study was to compare the chemical composition and morphophysiological parameters of N. ovata from two forest communities of the Middle Urals, Russia: natural and transformed (fly ash dump of Verkhnetagil’skaya Thermal Power Station) for determining orchid adaptive features. The content of most of the studied metals in the underground parts (rhizome + roots) of N. ovata was considerably higher than in the leaves, which diminished the harmful effect of toxic metals on the aboveground organs. The adaptive changes in the leaf mesostructure of N. ovata such as an increase in epidermis thickness, the number of chloroplasts in the cell, and the internal assimilating surface were found for the first time. The orchids from the fly ash deposits were characterized by a higher content of chlorophyll b and carotenoids than plants from the natural forest community that evidenced the compensatory response on the decrease in chlorophyll a. The ability of N. ovata from the transformed habitat to maintain a relatively favorable water balance and stable assimilation indexes further contribute to its high viability. The study of orchid adaptive responses to unfavorable factors is necessary for their successful naturalization and introduction into a new environment.
Groundwater Origin and Dynamics on the Eastern Flank of the Colorado River Delta, Mexico
Authors: Zamora Hector A. , Eastoe Christopher J. , McIntosh Jennifer C. , Flessa Karl W.
Published: May 2021

Isotope data and major ion chemistry were used to identify aquifer recharge mechanisms and geochemical evolution of groundwaters along the US–Mexico border. Local recharge originates as precipitation and occurs during winter through preferential infiltration pathways along the base of the Gila Range. This groundwater is dominated by Na–Cl of meteoric origin and is highly concentrated due to the dissolution of soluble salts accumulated in the near-surface. The hydrochemical evolution of waters in the irrigated floodplain is controlled by Ca–Mg–Cl/Na–Cl-type Colorado River water. However, salinity is increased through evapotranspiration, precipitation of calcite, dissolution of accumulated soil salts, de-dolomitization, and exchange of aqueous Ca2+ for adsorbed Na+. The Na–Cl-dominated local recharge flows southwest from the Gila Range and mixes with the Ca–Mg–Cl/Na–Cl-dominated floodplain waters beneath the Yuma and San Luis Mesas. Low 3H suggests that recharge within the Yuma and San Luis Mesas occurred at least before the 1950s, and 14C data are consistent with bulk residence times up to 11,500 uncorrected 14C years before present. Either the flow system is not actively recharged, or recharge occurs at a significantly lower rate than what is being withdrawn, leading to aquifer overdraft and deterioration.
“The Land Nurtures Our Spirit”: Understanding the Role of the Land in Labrador Innu Wellbeing
Authors: Ward Leonor Mercedes , Hill Mary Janet , Antane Nikashant , Chreim Samia , Olsen Harper Anita , Wells Samantha
Published: May 2021

We examined Indigenous views of wellbeing, aiming to understand how the Labrador Innu view influence of land on their health. The Innu live in two First Nation communities (Sheshatshiu and Natuashish) in the subarctic portion of the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Their views on land and wellbeing are context specific and have not been studied; our research addresses this significant gap in literature. Findings highlight that the experience of being on the land with family and community, learning cultural knowledge, and gaining a sense of identity play a major role in enhancing wellbeing. Externally imposed policies and programs conceiving Indigenous land as a physical place only fail to understand that land sustains wellbeing by emplacing knowledge systems and cultural identity.
Intimate Partners Violence against Women during a COVID-19 Lockdown Period: Results of an Online Survey in 7 Provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Ditekemena John D. , Luhata Christophe , Mavoko Hypolite M. , Siewe Fodjo Joseph Nelson , Nkamba Dalau M. , Van Damme Wim , Ebrahim Shahul H. , Noestlinger Christiana , Colebunders Robert
Published: May 2021

Intimate Partners’ Violence (IPV) is a public health problem with long-lasting mental and physical health consequences for victims and their families. As evidence has been increasing that COVID-19 lockdown measures may exacerbate IPV, our study sought to describe the magnitude of IPV in women and identify associated determinants. An online survey was conducted in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) from 24 August to 8 September 2020. Of the 4160 respondents, 2002 eligible women were included in the data analysis. Their mean age was 36.3 (SD: 8.2). Most women (65.8%) were younger than 40 years old. Prevalence of any form of IPV was 11.7%. Being in the 30–39 and >50 years’ age groups (OR = 0.66, CI: 0.46–0.95; p = 0.026 and OR = 0.23, CI: 0.11–048; p < 0.001, respectively), living in urban setting (OR = 0.63, CI: 0.41–0.99; p = 0.047), and belonging to the middle socioeconomic class (OR = 0.48, CI: 0.29–0.79; p = 0.003) significantly decreased the odds for experiencing IPV. Lower socioeconomic status (OR = 1.84, CI: 1.04–3.24; p = 0.035) and being pregnant (OR = 1.63, CI: 1.16–2.29; p = 0.005) or uncertain of pregnancy status (OR = 2.01, CI: 1.17–3.44; p = 0.011) significantly increased the odds for reporting IPV. Additional qualitative research is needed to identify the underlying reasons and mechanisms of IPV in order to develop and implement prevention interventions.
Predicting the 14-Day Hospital Readmission of Patients with Pneumonia Using Artificial Neural Networks (ANN)
Authors: Tey Shu-Farn , Liu Chung-Feng , Chien Tsair-Wei , Hsu Chin-Wei , Chan Kun-Chen , Chen Chia-Jung , Cheng Tain-Junn , Wu Wen-Shiann
Published: May 2021

Unplanned patient readmission (UPRA) is frequent and costly in healthcare settings. No indicators during hospitalization have been suggested to clinicians as useful for identifying patients at high risk of UPRA. This study aimed to create a prediction model for the early detection of 14-day UPRA of patients with pneumonia. We downloaded the data of patients with pneumonia as the primary disease (e.g., ICD-10:J12*-J18*) at three hospitals in Taiwan from 2016 to 2018. A total of 21,892 cases (1208 (6%) for UPRA) were collected. Two models, namely, artificial neural network (ANN) and convolutional neural network (CNN), were compared using the training (n = 15,324; ≅70%) and test (n = 6568; ≅30%) sets to verify the model accuracy. An app was developed for the prediction and classification of UPRA. We observed that (i) the 17 feature variables extracted in this study yielded a high area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.75 using the ANN model and that (ii) the ANN exhibited better AUC (0.73) than the CNN (0.50), and (iii) a ready and available app for predicting UHA was developed. The app could help clinicians predict UPRA of patients with pneumonia at an early stage and enable them to formulate preparedness plans near or after patient discharge from hospitalization.
Longitudinal Effects of Motivation and Physical Activity on Depressive Symptoms among College Students
Authors: Zhang Jie , Gu Xiangli , Zhang Xiaoxia , Lee Jihye , Chang Mei , Zhang Tao
Published: May 2021

High prevalence of depression and physical inactivity have been consistently reported among college students, especially in females. Guided by Lubans et al.’s conceptual framework, the primary purpose of this study was to examine the longitudinal relationships of PA motivation with leisure-time PA and depressive symptoms among college students over one academic year. Employing a longitudinal repeated measure design, 1004 college students in China were recruited in this study (28.3% males and 71.7% females; M age = 18.93 ± 0.64 years; 18–22 years old). Participants completed previously validated questionnaires assessing PA motivation (perceived competence beliefs and task values toward PA), leisure-time PA participation, and depressive symptoms in Fall 2016 (Time 1) and Fall 2017 (Time 2). Both male and female college students showed a significant increase of depressive symptoms from freshmen to sophomores (p < 0.05). The regression models indicated that perceived competence beliefs and task values toward PA were significant predictors of depressive symptoms at Time 2 (p < 0.05) after controlling for Time 1 measures in males and females, respectively. Physically active college students consistently demonstrated higher PA motivation, and they displayed fewer depressive symptoms compared to inactive peers over time (p < 0.05). The findings suggest sex-specified motivational intervention strategies and PA promotion programs/opportunities are needed to reduce depression symptoms among college students over time.
Immobilization of Cadmium by Molecular Sieve and Wollastonite Is Soil pH and Organic Matter Dependent
Authors: Dong Meiliang , Huang Rong , Mao Peng , Lei Long , Li Yongxing , Li Yingwen , Xia Hanping , Li Zhian , Zhuang Ping
Published: May 2021

The excessive cadmium (Cd) concentration in agricultural products has become a major public concern in China in recent years. In this study, two amendments, 4A molecular sieve (MS) and wollastonite (WS), were evaluated for their potential passivation in reducing Cd uptake by amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor L.) in six soils with different properties. Results showed that the responses of amaranth biomass to these amendments were soil-property-dependent. The effects of MS and WS on soil available Cd were in turn dependent on soil and amendment properties. The application of WS and MS at a dose of 660 mg·kg−1 Si produced the optimum effect on inhibiting Cd accumulation in amaranth shoots (36% and 34%, respectively) and did not affect crop yield. This was predominantly attributed to the marked increase in pH and exogenous Ca or Na, which facilitated the adsorption, precipitation, and complexation of Cd in soils. The immobilization effects of WS and MS were dependent on soil properties, where soil organic matter may have played an important role. In conclusion, MS and WS possess great potential for the remediation of Cd-contaminated acidic soils.
Communicative Interaction with and without Eye-Gaze Technology between Children and Youths with Complex Needs and Their Communication Partners
Authors: Hsieh Yu-Hsin , Borgestig Maria , Gopalarao Deepika , McGowan Joy , Granlund Mats , Hwang Ai-Wen , Hemmingsson Helena
Published: May 2021

Use of eye-gaze assistive technology (EGAT) provides children/youths with severe motor and speech impairments communication opportunities by using eyes to control a communication interface on a computer. However, knowledge about how using EGAT contributes to communication and influences dyadic interaction remains limited. Aim: By video-coding dyadic interaction sequences, this study investigates the impacts of employing EGAT, compared to the Non-EGAT condition on the dyadic communicative interaction. Method: Participants were six dyads with children/youths aged 4–19 years having severe physical disabilities and complex communication needs. A total of 12 film clips of dyadic communication activities with and without EGAT in natural contexts were included. Based on a systematic coding scheme, dyadic communication behaviors were coded to determine the interactional structure and communicative functions. Data were analyzed using a three-tiered method combining group and individual analysis. Results: When using EGAT, children/youths increased initiations in communicative interactions and tended to provide more information, while communication partners made fewer communicative turns, initiations, and requests compared to the Non-EGAT condition. Communication activities, eye-control skills, and communication abilities could influence dyadic interaction. Conclusion: Use of EGAT shows potential to support communicative interaction by increasing children’s initiations and intelligibility, and facilitating symmetrical communication between dyads.
Does It Run in the Family? How Family Background Affects Attachment Styles for Students in Higher Education
Authors: Mikkelsen Bent E. , Romani Anette Q. , Bo Inger G. , Sudzina Frantisek , Brandão Maria P.
Published: May 2021

Background: Socioeconomic background has traditionally been the most important determinant of an individual’s social advantage. Studies have used social class and opportunities based on parental income and education to predict such advantage. There is limited evidence that stratification mechanisms other than socioeconomic background can play an important role. The purpose of the study is to examine the influence of the traditional factors (income and education) of family background on students’ social attachment styles compared to other background variables (civil status and number of children). Methods: We used the Vulnerable Attachment Style Questionnaire as an outcome measure to assess students’ social attachment advantage. As a point of departure, we use theories of social psychology to categorize social relations in terms of secure or insecure bonding, respectively. Results: A cross-sectional data set of 912 university students from five European countries was used. With respect to social attachment, the likelihood of being a student with robust relations increases by 23% if the students have high-income parents. Students with robust relations also have a decreased likelihood of poor body self-esteem by 19% when compared with other students. Conclusions: Stratification mechanisms other than social class, such as parental characteristics, civil status, and number of siblings, all affect the privileged students’ social relations.
Insects as Feed for Farmed Poultry: Are Italian Consumers Ready to Embrace This Innovation?
Authors: Menozzi Davide , Sogari Giovanni , Mora Cristina , Gariglio Marta , Gasco Laura , Schiavone Achille
Published: May 2021

The inclusion of insects as a protein source in feed production is not only related to technical, economical, and normative restrictions but is also affected by consumer acceptance. In this study, we evaluated consumers’ attitudes, intention to purchase and eat, and willingness to pay for meat obtained from a farmed duck fed with insect-based meal or a live insect diet. We conducted a survey among a sample of 565 consumers to test the effects of information about the benefits of using insects as feed on consumers’ attitudes towards animal-based products fed with insects. Providing information on the sustainability and nutritional benefits of using insects as feed increased both attitude towards and intention to purchase and eat meat products made from animals fed with insects. In the treatment group, we found a significant reduction from 21.9 to 14.0% in those who wanted to be compensated for buying a duck fed with an insect-based meal and an increase in those willing to pay the same price—from 64.9 to 72.7%. The information treatment significantly increased the intention to eat such products, suggesting that increasing consumers’ knowledge might help in reducing the fears and misconceptions around the topic of using insects as a feed source.
Formalization of the Burning Process of Virtual Reality Objects in Adaptive Training Complexes
Authors: Krasnyanskiy Mikhail , Obukhov Artem , Dedov Denis
Published: May 2021

Within the scope of this article, the problem of the formalization of physical processes in adaptive training complexes is considered on the example of virtual objects burning. Despite a fairly complete study of this process, the existing mathematical models are not adapted for the application in training complexes, which leads to a significant increase in costs and lower productivity due to the complexity of the calculations. Therefore, an adapted mathematical model is proposed that allows us to formalize the structure of virtual objects of burning, their basic properties and the processes of changing states, starting from the flame development of an object and ending with their complete destruction or extinguishment. The article proposes the use of threshold value diagrams and rules for changing the states of virtual reality objects to solve the problem of the formalization of burning processes. This tool is quite multi-purpose, which allows you to describe various physical processes, such as smoke, flooding, the spread of toxic gases, etc. The area of the proposed formalization approach includes the design and implementation of physical processes in simulators and multimedia complexes using virtual and augmented reality. Thus, the presented scientific research can be used to formalize the physical processes in adaptive training complexes for professional ergatic systems.
Deep Seabed Mining: A Note on Some Potentials and Risks to the Sustainable Mineral Extraction from the Oceans
Authors: Leal Filho Walter , Abubakar Ismaila , Nunes Cintia , Platje Johannes , Ozuyar Pinar , Will Markus , Nagy Gustavo , Al-Amin Abul , Hunt Julian , Li Chunlan
Published: May 2021

The rapidly increasing global populations and socio-economic development in the Global South have resulted in rising demand for natural resources. There are many plans for harvesting natural resources from the ocean floor, especially rare metals and minerals. However, if proper care is not taken, there is substantial potential for long-lasting and even irreversible physical and environmental impacts on the deep-sea ecosystems, including on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. This paper reviews the literature on some potentials and risks to deep seabed mining (DSM), outlining its legal aspects and environmental impacts. It presents two case studies that describe the environmental risks related to this exploitative process. They include significant disturbance of the seabed, light and noise pollution, the creation of plumes, and negative impacts on the surface, benthic, and meso- and bathypelagic zones. The study suggests some of the issues interested companies should consider in preventing the potential physical and environmental damages DSM may cause. Sustainable mining and the use of minerals are vital in meeting various industrial demands.
Circumventing the ‘That-Trace’ Effect: Different Strategies between Germanic and Romance
Authors: Padovan Andrea , Bidese Ermenegildo , Tomaselli Alessandra
Published: May 2021

In our paper, we deal with the Germanic–Romance language contact, focusing on Cimbrian, a Germanic minority language spoken in Northern Italy. Specifically, we focus on the violation of the well-known that-trace filter, as it appears to be an interesting case of the superficial convergence that we ascribe to the status of T, which is either too rich (model language) or too weak (replica language) to represent a viable landing site for subject extraction.
Magnetic Properties of Li3V2(PO4)3/Li3PO4 Composite
Authors: Gavrilova Tatiana , Khantimerov Sergey , Cherosov Mikhail , Batulin Ruslan , Lyadov Nickolay , Yatsyk Ivan , Deeva Yulia , Turkin Denis , Chupakhina Tatiana , Suleimanov Nail
Published: May 2021

Here, we present the investigation of the magnetic properties of Li3V2(PO4)3/Li3PO4 composites, which can be potentially used as a cathode material in lithium-ion batteries. Li3V2(PO4)3/Li3PO4 was synthesized by the thermal hydrolysis method and has a granular mesoporous structure. Magnetic properties of the composite were investigated using magnetometry and electron spin resonance methods. Based on magnetization measurements, the simultaneous existence of the paramagnetic phase with antiferromagnetic interactions between spins of V3+ ions and magnetically correlated regions was suggested. Most probably, magnetically correlated regions were formed due to anti-site defects and the presence of V4+ ions that was directly confirmed by electron spin resonance measurements.
Graded ϕ-2-Absorbing and Graded ϕ-2-Absorbing Primary Submodules
Authors: Alshehry Azzh Saad , Bataineh Malik , Abu-Dawwas Rashid
Published: May 2021

The main goal of this article is to explore the concepts of graded ϕ-2-absorbing and graded ϕ-2-absorbing primary submodules as a new generalization of the concepts of graded 2-absorbing and graded 2-absorbing primary submodules. Let ϕ:GS(M)→GS(M)⋃{∅} be a function, where GS(M) denotes the collection of graded R-submodules of M. A proper K∈GS(M) is said to be a graded ϕ-2-absorbing R-submodule of M if whenever x,y are homogeneous elements of R and s is a homogeneous element of M with xys∈K−ϕ(K), then xs∈K or ys∈K or xy∈(K:RM), and we call K a graded ϕ-2-absorbing primary R-submodule of M if whenever x,y are homogeneous elements of R and s is a homogeneous element of M with xys∈K−ϕ(K), then xs or ys is in the graded radical of K or xy∈(K:RM). Several properties of these new forms of graded submodules are investigated.
Extracellular Vesicle Analysis by Paper Spray Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Chamberlain Casey A. , Hatch Marguerite , Garrett Timothy J.
Published: May 2021

Paper spray ionization mass spectrometry (PSI-MS) is a direct MS analysis technique with several reported bacterial metabolomics applications. As with most MS-based bacterial studies, all currently reported PSI-MS bacterial analyses have focused on the chemical signatures of the cellular unit. One dimension of the bacterial metabolome that is often lost in such analyses is the exometabolome (extracellular metabolome), including secreted metabolites, lipids, and peptides. A key component of the bacterial exometabolome that is gaining increased attention in the microbiology and biomedical communities is extracellular vesicles (EVs). These excreted structures, produced by cells in all domains of life, contain a variety of biomolecules responsible for a wide array of cellular functions, thus representing a core component of the bacterial secreted metabolome. Although previously examined using other MS approaches, no reports currently exist for a PSI-MS analysis of bacterial EVs, nor EVs from any other organism (exosomes, ectosomes, etc.). PSI-MS holds unique analytical strengths over other commonly used MS platforms and could thus provide an advantageous approach to EV metabolomics. To address this, we report a novel application representing, to our knowledge, the first PSI-MS analysis of EVs from any organism (using the human gut resident Oxalobacter formigenes as the experimental model, a bacterium whose EVs were never previously investigated). In this report, we show how we isolated and purified EVs from bacterial culture supernatant by EV-specific affinity chromatography, confirmed and characterized these vesicles by nanoparticle tracking analysis, analyzed the EV isolate by PSI-MS, and identified a panel of EV-derived metabolites, lipids, and peptides. This work serves as a pioneering study in the field of MS-based EV analysis and provides a new, rapid, sensitive, and economical approach to EV metabolomics.
Tailoring Mesoporous Titania Features by Ultrasound-Assisted Sol-Gel Technique: Effect of Surfactant/Titania Precursor Weight Ratio
Authors: Mahu Elvira , Coromelci Cristina Giorgiana , Lutic Doina , Asaftei Iuliean Vasile , Sacarescu Liviu , Harabagiu Valeria , Ignat Maria
Published: May 2021

A mesoporous titania structure has been prepared using the ultrasound-assisted sol-gel technique in order to find out a way to tailor its structure. The TiO2 obtained was compared to the same version of titania but synthesized by a conventional sol-gel method with the objective of understanding the effect of ultrasound in the synthesis process. All synthesis experiments were focused on the preparation of a titania photocatalyst. Thus, the anatase photocatalytic active phase of titania was proven by X-ray diffraction. Additionally, the ultrasonation treatment proved to increase the crystallinity of titania samples, being one of the requirements to having good photocatalytic activity for titania. The influence of surfactant/titania precursor weight ratio on the structural (XRD), textural (N2-sorption measurements), morphological (TEM), surface chemistry (FTIR) and optical properties (UVDR) was investigated. It was observed that the crystallite size, specific surface area, band gap energy and even photocatalytic activity was affected by the synergism occurring between cavitation effect and the surfactant/titania precursor weight ratio. The study yielded interesting great results that could be considered for further application of ultrasound to tailor mesoporous titania features via sol-gel soft template synthesis, against conventional sol-gel process.
Integration of Satellite Interferometric Data in Civil Protection Strategies for Landslide Studies at a Regional Scale
Authors: Bianchini Silvia , Solari Lorenzo , Bertolo Davide , Thuegaz Patrick , Catani Filippo
Published: May 2021

Multi-Temporal Satellite Interferometry (MTInSAR) is gradually evolving from being a tool developed by the scientific community exclusively for research purposes to a real operational technique that can meet the needs of different users involved in geohazard mitigation. This work aims at showing the innovative operational use of satellite radar interferometric products in Civil Protection Authority (CPA) practices for monitoring slow-moving landslides. We present the example of the successful ongoing monitoring system in the Valle D’Aosta Region (VAR-Northern Italy). This system exploits well-combined MTInSAR products and ground-based instruments for landslide management and mitigation strategies over the whole regional territory. Due to the critical intrinsic constraints of MTInSAR data, a robust regional satellite monitoring integrated into CPA practices requires the support of both in situ measurements and remotely sensed systems to guarantee the completeness and reliability of information. The monitoring network comprises three levels of analysis: Knowledge monitoring, Control monitoring, and Emergency monitoring. At the first monitoring level, MTInSAR data are used for the preliminary evaluation of the deformation scenario at a regional scale. At the second monitoring level, MTInSAR products support the prompt detection of trend variations of radar benchmarks displacements with bi-weekly temporal frequency to identify active critical situations where follow-up studies must be carried out. In the third monitoring level, MTInSAR data integrated with ground-based data are exploited to confirm active slow-moving deformations detected by on-site instruments. At this level, MTInSAR data are also used to carry out back analysis that cannot be performed by any other tool. From the example of the Valle D’Aosta Region integrated monitoring network, which is one of the few examples of this kind around Europe, it is evident that MTInSAR provides a great opportunity to improve monitoring capabilities within CPA activities.
Unveiling the Efficiency of Psychrophillic Aporrectodea caliginosa in Deciphering the Nutrients from Dalweed and Cow Manure with Bio-Optimization of Coprolites
Authors: Sheikh Tahir , Baba Zahoor , Iqbal Sadaf , Hamid Basharat , Wani Fehim J. , Bhat M. Anwar , Suhail Sheikh
Published: May 2021

There is an immense demand for vermicomposting employing psychrophilic vermiculture (Aporrectodea caliginosa) for management of wastes under the Himalayan ecosystem. Dalweed (weeds from the world-famous urban Dal Lake) and cow manure (CM) are cheaply and abundantly available bio resources in Kashmir valley. Dalweed (DW), disposed of in the heart of the city, ascribes unpleasant effects on tourism and the natural ecosystem. Initial substrate mixtures of DW and CM with different ratios (CM100, DW100, CM80:DW20, CM60:DW40, CM40:DW60 and CM20:DW80) and castings harvested were analyzed for the following parameters: pH, TOC, TN, NO3- P, K, Fe, Zn, C:N, C:P, and C:S ratio. The results of a 56day study revealed in consistency and disparity towards the bio-optimization of coprolites depending upon the type of waste residue and mixture ratio used. Treatments with medium to low dalweed residues (CM60:DW40 followed by CM80:DW20) were found to be optimum and significantly primed chemical properties of castings using A. caligenosa. C:N, C:P, and C:S ratios showed a non-linear response with maximum decrease in C:N ratio by 35%, C:P ratio by 38% in CM100, and C:S ratio by 67% in DW100. Humification ratio, humification index, and percent humic acids were changed across all the treatments with the highest respective values of 21.33 ± 1.05, 11.33 ± 0.76, and 47.83 ± 0.76 for CM60:DW40. Results also showed that the earthworm population and biomass significantly increased with the highest respective increments of 57.53% and 74.88% in CM60:DW40 over initial values. Moreover, the highest number of cocoons (95.67 ± 1.17) were recorded within CM60:DW40 and the lowest in the control (43.33 ± 1.53). Dehydrogenase and fluorescein diacetate activities were inconsistent with the highest in CM40:DW60 (64.64%) and CM20:DW80 (63.54%) respectively over the initial substrates, while highest urease activity (74.40%) was observed from CM100. The results highlight the role of A. caliginosa in sustainable transformation of CM and DW with insightful, beneficial, and priming impacts on castings for its agronomic value.