bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of the cPKCγ-Ng Signaling System on Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Deprivation-Induced Learning and Memory Impairment in Rats
Authors: Xu Shu , Zhang Yanbo , Xu Zhiqing , Song Luping
Published: October 2021

Objective: Rapid eye movement sleep deprivation (REM-SD) can cause a decline in learning and memory and lead to changes in behavior. Therefore, REM sleep plays a key role in processes that govern learning and memory. However, the mechanism underlying REM-SD-induced learning and memory impairment is unclear and the underlying molecular signaling still needs to be identified. In the present study, we investigated the role of the cPKCγ-Ng signaling pathway in REM-SD-induced learning and memory impairment.

Method: Sixty male rats were divided into Control, REM-SD, REM-SD+cPKCγ activator PMA, REM-SD+cPKCγ inhibitor H-7, and sleep revival (SR) groups. The Morris water maze was used to assess spatial learning and memory. Western blot analysis was used to detect cPKCγ total protein expression and membrane translocation levels, and Ng total protein expression and phosphorylation levels.

Results: The REM-SD group performed worse on the Morris water maze test than the control group. Western blot analysis showed that cPKCγ membrane translocation and Ng phosphorylation levels were significantly lower in the REM-SD group. SR following REM-SD restored learning and memory ability, cPKCγ transmembrane translocation, and Ng phosphorylation levels, but not to levels observed before REM-SD. PMA and H-7 significantly improved/disrupted task ability as well as cPKCγ transmembrane translocation and Ng phosphorylation levels in REM-SD rats.

Conclusion: The REM-SD induced learning and memory impairment in rats and may be associated with the cPKCγ-Ng signaling pathway. Specifically, activation of the cPKCγ-Ng signaling pathway may protect against REM-SD.
How Can Nursing Teams Respond to Large-Scale COVID-19 Screening?
Authors: Zhao Huihan , He Yu , Brister Fang , Yang Li , Li Gaoye , Ling Ying , Ying Yanping
Published: October 2021

The COVID-19 virus has devastated lives and economies worldwide. The responses of nursing teams to large-scale COVID-19 screening have rarely been addressed or described. The aim of this study is to introduce an efficient response strategy for nurses in large-scale COVID-19 screening. A new COVID-19 case was confirmed on Jan 14, 2021 in Nanning, China. Immediately, a large-scale COVID-19 screening was launched and ran from Jan 14 to Jan 17, 2021. Our nurse team responding to the screening included three major components: (1) establishing a leadership group and a nucleic acid sampling emergency team; (2) defining, conducting, and evaluating nurse training; (3) implementing efficient sampling schemes (10 in 1 mixed sample technique). A total of 500 nurse volunteers were recruited and divided into three echelons. A total of 353 trained nurses were sent to 65 sampling stand stations. In cooperation with nurses from other health institutions, samples were collected from a total of 854,215 people in only 4 days for 2019-nCOV nucleic acid screening. The preparation and efficient response strategies used to conduct this screening may provide a baseline reference for future large-scale COVID-19 screening worldwide.
The Post-COVID-19 Economic Policy Uncertainty and the Effectiveness of Monetary Policy: Evidence From China
Authors: Song Yuegang , Yang Yanling , Yu Jianzhong , Zhao Zhichao
Published: October 2021

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has caused an upsurge economic policy uncertainty (EPU). Study on the time-varying effect of EPU is of substantial implication for the central bank in implementation of monetary policy. To empirically investigate the time-varying effect of EPU, the paper considers the shock of the monetary policy implemented by China's central bank on different economic variables including interest rate, output gap, and inflationary gap using the latent threshold time-varying parameter vector autoregressive model (LT-TVP-VAR Model). Data period is chosen to be January 2015 through April 2021. Our findings show that (i) EPU has a significant threshold effect on the shock of quantitative monetary policy instrument and the shock of price-based monetary policy, and that the two types of policy are positively correlated; (ii) the price-based monetary policy instrument has a significant counter-cyclical effect on both output gap and inflationary gap; (iii) relative to the quantitative monetary policy instrument, the price-based monetary policy instrument has a more significant counter-cyclical effect on output gap; and (iv) a higher level of EPU is associated with a more significant monetary policy effect on output gap and inflationary gap.
COVID-Related Victimization, Racial Bias and Employment and Housing Disruption Increase Mental Health Risk Among U.S. Asian, Black and Latinx Adults
Authors: Fisher Celia B. , Tao Xiangyu , Liu Tingting , Giorgi Salvatore , Curtis Brenda
Published: October 2021

Background:The mental health of racial/ethnic minorities in the U.S. has been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study examined the extent to which disruptions in employment and housing, coronavirus-specific forms of victimization and racial bias independently and conjointly contributed to mental health risk among Asian, Black, and Latinx adults in the United States during the pandemic.

Methods:This study reports on data from 401 Asian, Black, and Latinx adults (age 18–72) who participated in a larger national online survey conducted from October 2020–June 2021, Measures included financial and health information, housing disruptions and distress in response to employment changes, coronavirus related victimization distress and perceived increases in racial bias, depression and anxiety.

Results:Asian participants had significantly higher levels of COVID-related victimization distress and perceived increases in racial bias than Black and Latinx. Young adults (<26 years old) were more vulnerable to depression, anxiety, and coronavirus victimization distress than older respondents. Having at least one COVID-related health risk, distress in response to changes in employment and housing disruptions, pandemic related victimization distress and perceived increases in racial bias were positively and significantly related to depression and anxiety. Structural equation modeling indicated COVID-related increases in racial bias mediated the effect of COVID-19 related victimization distress on depression and anxiety.

Conclusions:COVID-19 has created new pathways to mental health disparities among racial/ethnic minorities in the U.S. by exacerbating existing structural and societal inequities linked to race. Findings highlight the necessity of mental health services sensitive to specific challenges in employment and housing and social bias experienced by people of color during the current and future health crises.
Localizing the SDGs in England: Challenges and Value Propositions for Local Government
Authors: Perry Beth , Diprose Kristina , Taylor Buck Nick , Simon David
Published: October 2021

The United Nations' Development Goals (SDGs) have been criticized but are nonetheless seen by many as an important, if imperfect, international effort to address climate and environmental change, resource depletion and the unsustainability of contemporary life. Many of the Goals need to be implemented at the local level, yet sub-national governments have not been granted any enhanced status at the UN to facilitate this process. As a result, the role and effectiveness of local governments in localizing the SDGs is dependent on multi-level arrangements within respective national contexts. In this paper we present findings on the challenges facing local authorities in England, namely co-dependent ambivalence, partial holism and narrow practices of knowledge governance. We draw on work carried out collaboratively with local authorities and other stakeholders in Greater Manchester and Sheffield, and a UK-wide national workshop. These challenges explain the relatively low uptake and engagement with the SDGs in the context of wider political and economic concerns compared with international comparator cities. Against this background our research found that making the Goals real, relevant, relatable and relational offered a tactical route to localization for English local government.
The Current State and Future Directions of Modeling Thermosphere Density Enhancements During Extreme Magnetic Storms
Authors: Oliveira Denny M. , Zesta Eftyhia , Mehta Piyush M. , Licata Richard J. , Pilinski Marcin D. , Tobiska W. Kent , Hayakawa Hisashi
Published: October 2021

Satellites, crewed spacecraft and stations in low-Earth orbit (LEO) are very sensitive to atmospheric drag. A satellite’s lifetime and orbital tracking become increasingly inaccurate or uncertain during magnetic storms. Given the planned increase of government and private satellite presence in LEO, the need for accurate density predictions for collision avoidance and lifetime optimization, particularly during extreme events, has become an urgent matter and requires comprehensive international collaboration. Additionally, long-term solar activity models and historical data suggest that solar activity will significantly increase in the following years and decades. In this article, we briefly summarize the main achievements in the research of thermosphere response to extreme magnetic storms occurring particularly after the launching of many satellites with state-of-the-art accelerometers from which high-accuracy density can be determined. We find that the performance of an empirical model with data assimilation is higher than its performance without data assimilation during all extreme storm phases. We discuss how forecasting models can be improved by looking into two directions: first, to the past, by adapting historical extreme storm datasets for density predictions, and second, to the future, by facilitating the assimilation of large-scale thermosphere data sets that will be collected in future events. Therefore, this topic is relevant to the scientific community, government agencies that operate satellites, and the private sector with assets operating in LEO.
Psychosocial Health and Physical Activity in People With Major Depression in the Context of COVID-19
Authors: Cody Robyn , Kreppke Jan-Niklas , Beck Johannes , Donath Lars , Eckert Anne , Imboden Christian , Hatzinger Martin , Holsboer-Trachsler Edith , Lang Undine E. , Ludyga Sebastian , Mans Sarah , Mikoteit Thorsten , Oswald Anja , Rogausch Anja , Schweinfurth Nina , Zahner Lukas , Faude Oliver , Gerber Markus
Published: October 2021

Introduction: Major depression is a psychiatric disease associated with physical inactivity, which in turn affects mental and physical health. A randomized controlled trial is being implemented to facilitate physical activity in people with major depression. In March 2020, Swiss state authorities temporarily legislated a lockdown to contain the Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19), which influenced health, behavior and research. The aim of this study was to find out whether data gathered before and during/after the lockdown among in-patients with major depression differ with regard to psychosocial health, physical activity and related attitudes and to establish whether baseline data have been affected by the lockdown.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional analysis within a randomized controlled trial. Physically inactive, adult in-patients diagnosed with major depression were recruited from four Swiss psychiatric clinics between January 2019 and December 2020. Psychosocial health was measured with questionnaires pertaining to stress, sleep and health-related quality of life. Physical activity was measured with the Simple Physical Activity Questionnaire. Explicit attitudes were measured with seven questionnaires pertaining to physical activity-related motivation and volition. Implicit attitudes toward physical activity were captured with a single target implicit association test.

Results: The sample consisted of 165 participants (n = 119 before lockdown, n = 46 during/after lockdown). No statistically significant differences were found between in-patients with major depression assessed before and during/after the COVID-19 lockdown with regard to psychosocial health (stress, p = 0.51; sleep, p = 0.70; physical component of health-related quality of life, p = 0.55; mental component of health-related quality of life, p = 0.64), self-reported physical activity (p = 0.16) and explicit as well as implicit attitudes toward physical activity (p = 0.94). Hence, the COVID-19-induced lockdown seems not to have led to group differences.

Conclusion: Baseline data gathered in in-patients suffering from major depression who are physically inactive upon admission to in-patient treatment in Switzerland seem to be unaffected by the COVID-19-induced lockdown. To assess changes in said population regarding psychosocial health and physical activity patterns over time, longitudinal data are needed.
Bodily Learning Through Creating Dance: Student Teachers' Experiences From Norwegian Physical Education Teacher Education
Authors: Ørbæk Trine
Published: October 2021

Creating dance in physical education teacher education (PETE) is described as a way of expressing subjective experiences based on movements that the students have already mastered or as a way of composing dance with set movements from various dance forms that are further explored through concepts such as time, space, power and flow. This article shows how 13 Norwegian student teachers experienced the creation of dance as part of their PETE. It explores the following questions: how do student teachers in PETE experience dance creation as an embodied process of exploring, transforming and creating movements, and how were these experiences facilitated by bodily learning that was initiated by body memories? The results show that creating dance is a intersubjective, intercorporeal and interaffective phenomenon where the sense-making process happens as both an individual and a joint process. This ongoing individual and participatory sense-making can further be understood as a reciprocal dependency between culture and self, where the students' bodily learning process evolves on an existential level over time. Through this process, the students develop a sense of confidence and trust in each other, which creates a feeling of belonging. The educational potential of bodily learning through creating dance can be seen in relation to the affordances the students perceive and utilize within their learning culture in PETE.
Potential Value of Matrix Metalloproteinase-13 as a Biomarker for Osteoarthritis
Authors: Xin Xing , Tan Qizhao , Li Fang , Chen Zhongqiang , Zhang Ke , Li Feng , Yang Bin , Xing Zhili , Zhou Fang , Tian Yun , Lv Yang , Zhu Tengjiao
Published: October 2021

Background: Emerging knowledge has highlighted the role of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-13 in osteoarthritis (OA); however, the suitability of MMP-13 as a biomarker for OA remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the potential value of MMP-13 as a biomarker for OA.

Methods: The study enrolled 51 patients, of which 33 had advanced varus OA and 18 did not have OA. Immunohistochemistry and western blotting analyses were performed to measure MMP-13 activity in the cartilage and subchondral bone of patients with OA. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure serum MMP-13 levels in patients with or without OA. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) was used to assess the association between serum MMP-13 levels and clinical symptoms. Furthermore, the association between serum MMP-13 levels and radiological severity of OA was evaluated using the Kellgren–Lawrence (KL) grading system. Finally, we built the proportional odds logistic regression models to evaluate serum MMP-13 levels as a potential predictor for OA.

Results: MMP-13 levels were significantly higher in the severe-worn cartilage of the medial tibial plateau than in the relatively intact portion of the lateral cartilage (p < 0.05). This was contrary to the findings for MMP-13 differential expression in the subchondral bone in knee OA (p < 0.05). Patients with OA had significantly higher serum MMP-13 levels compared with patients without OA. Additionally, remarkable associations among serum MMP-13 levels, WOMAC scores, and KL grading scores were found in the end-stage OA. Furthermore, the subsequent analysis suggested that serum MMP-13 level was a significant predictor for OA.

Conclusion: MMP-13 is valuable for diagnosing, measuring disease severity, and predicting OA in the advanced period of the disease, suggesting that it has potential possibility as a biomarker for OA. However, the underlying mechanisms and clinical application of MMP-13 as a biomarker for OA require to be further investigated.
Biomechanical Influences on Mesh-Related Complications in Incisional Hernia Repair
Authors: Kallinowski Friedrich , Ludwig Yannique , Gutjahr Dominik , Gerhard Christian , Schulte-Hörmann Hannah , Krimmel Lena , Lesch Carolin , Uhr Katharina , Lösel Philipp , Voß Samuel , Heuveline Vincent , Vollmer Matthias , Görich Johannes , Nessel Regine
Published: October 2021

Aim: Hernia repair strengthens the abdominal wall with a textile mesh. Recurrence and pain indicate weak bonds between mesh and tissue. It remains a question which biomechanical factors strengthen the mesh-tissue interface, and whether surgeons can enhance the bond between mesh and tissue.

Material and Methods: This study assessed the strength of the mesh-tissue interface by dynamic loads. A self-built bench test delivered dynamic impacts. The test simulated coughing. Porcine and bovine tissue were used for the bench test. Tissue quality, mesh adhesiveness, and fixation intensity influenced the retention power. The influences were condensed in a formula to assess the durability of the repair. The formula was applied to clinical work. The relative strength of reconstruction was related to the individual human abdominal wall. From computerized tomography at rest and during Valsalva's Maneuver, the tissue quality of the individual patient was determined before surgery.

Results: The results showed that biomechanical parameters observed in porcine, bovine, and human tissue were in the same range. Tissues failed in distinct patterns. Sutures slackened or burst at vulnerable points. Both the load duration and the peak load increased destruction. Stress concentrations elevated failure rates. Regional areas of force contortions increased stress concentrations. Hernia repair improved strain levels. Measures for improvement included the closure of the defect, use of higher dynamic intermittent strain (DIS) class meshes, increased mesh overlap, and additional fixation. Surgeons chose the safety margin of the reconstruction as desired.

Conclusion: The tissue quality has now been introduced into the concept of a critical and a gained resistance toward pressure-related impacts. A durable hernia repair could be designed from available coefficients. Using biomechanical principles, surgeons could minimize pain levels. Mesh-related complications such as hernia recurrence can potentially be avoided in incisional hernia repair.
A Comparative Study of Chest CT With Lung Ultrasound After SARS-CoV-2 Infection in the Assessment of Pulmonary Lesions in Rhesus Monkeys (Macaca Mulatta)
Authors: Schilp Chrispijn M. , Meijer Lisette , Stocker Martina , Langermans Jan A. M. , Bakker Jaco , Stammes Marieke A.
Published: October 2021

Lung ultrasound (LUS) is a fast and non-invasive modality for the diagnosis of several diseases. In humans, LUS is nowadays of additional value for bedside screening of hospitalized SARS-CoV-2 infected patients. However, the diagnostic value of LUS in SARS-CoV-2 infected rhesus monkeys, with mild-to-moderate disease, is unknown. The aim of this observational study was to explore correlations of the LUS appearance of abnormalities with COVID-19-related lesions detected on computed tomography (CT). There were 28 adult female rhesus monkeys infected with SARS-CoV-2 included in this study. Chest CT and LUS were obtained pre-infection and 2-, 7-, and 14-days post infection. Twenty-five animals were sub-genomic PCR positive in their nose/throat swab for at least 1 day. CT images were scored based on the degree of involvement for lung lobe. LUS was scored based on the aeration and abnormalities for each part of the lungs, blinded to CT findings. Most common lesions observed on CT were ground glass opacities (GGOs) and crazy paving patterns. With LUS, confluent or multiple B-lines with or without pleural abnormalities were observed which is corresponding with GGOs on CT. The agreement between the two modalities was similar over the examination days. Pleural line abnormalities were clearly observed with LUS, but could be easily missed on CT. Nevertheless, due to the air interface LUS was not able to examine the complete volume of the lung. The sensitivity of LUS was high though the diagnostic efficacy for mild-to-moderate disease, as seen in macaques, was relatively low. This leaves CT the imaging modality of choice for diagnosis, monitoring, and longitudinal assessment of a SARS-CoV-2 infection in macaques.
Differential Expression Profiles of lncRNA Following LPS-Induced Inflammation in Bovine Mammary Epithelial Cells
Authors: Wang Jin-Peng , Hu Qi-Chao , Yang Jian , Luoreng Zhuo-Ma , Wang Xing-Ping , Ma Yun , Wei Da-Wei
Published: October 2021

Bovine mastitis is an inflammatory response of mammary glands caused by pathogenic microorganisms such as Escherichia coli (E. coli). As a key virulence factor of E. coli, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) triggers innate immune responses via activation of the toll-like-receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling pathway. However, the molecular regulatory network of LPS-induced bovine mastitis has yet to be fully mapped. In this study, bovine mammary epithelial cell lines MAC-T were exposed to LPS for 0, 6 and 12 h to assess the expression profiles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) using RNA-seq. Differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs) were filtered out of the raw data for subsequent analyses. A total of 2,257 lncRNAs, including 210 annotated and 2047 novel lncRNAs were detected in all samples. A large proportion of lncRNAs were present in a high abundance, and 112 DElncRNAs were screened out at different time points. Compared with 0 h, there were 22 up- and 25 down-regulated lncRNAs in the 6 h of post-infection (hpi) group, and 27 up- and 22 down-regulated lncRNAs in the 12 hpi group. Compared with the 6 hpi group, 32 lncRNAs were up-regulated and 25 lncRNAs were down-regulated in the 12 hpi group. These DElncRNAs are involved in the regulation of a variety of immune-related processes including inflammatory responses bMECs exposed to LPS. Furthermore, lncRNA TCONS_00039271 and TCONS_00139850 were respectively significance down- and up-regulated, and their target genes involve in regulating inflammation-related signaling pathways (i.e.,Notch, NF-κB, MAPK, PI3K-Akt and mTOR signaling pathway), thereby regulating the occurrence and development of E. coli mastitis. This study provides a resource for lncRNA research on the molecular regulation of bovine mastitis
Ubiquitination-Related Molecular Subtypes and a Novel Prognostic Index for Bladder Cancer Patients
Authors: Cai Hai , Chen Hang , Huang Qi , Zhu Jun-Ming , Ke Zhi-Bin , Lin Yun-Zhi , Zheng Qing-Shui , Wei Yong , Xu Ning , Xue Xue-Yi
Published: October 2021

Objective: To develop and validate ubiquitination-related molecular subtypes and a novel prognostic index using ubiquitination-related genes (URGs) for patients with bladder cancer (BCa).

Materials and Methods: We downloaded the clinical data and transcriptome data of BCa from TCGA and GEO database. Consensus clustering analysis was conducted to identify ubiquitination-related molecular subtypes for BCa. Besides, we performed univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis to develop a novel prognostic URGs-related index for BCa. We conducted internal and external verification in TCGA cohort and GEO cohort, respectively. Furthermore, the associations of ubiquitination-related molecular subtypes and prognostic index with tumor immune environment were also investigated.

Results: A total of four ubiquitination-related molecular subtypes of BCa were finally identified. These four molecular subtypes had significantly different clinical characteristics, prognosis, PD-L1 expression level and tumor microenvironment. Besides, we developed a novel prognostic index using six URGs (including HLA-A, TMEM129, UBE2D1, UBE2N, UBE2T and USP5). The difference in OS between high and low-risk group was statistically significant in training cohort, testing cohort, and validating cohort. The area under ROC curve (AUC) for OS prediction was 0.736, 0.723, and 0.683 in training cohort, testing cohort, and validating cohort, respectively. Multivariate survival analysis showed that this index was an independent predictor for OS. This prognostic index was especially suitable for subtype 1 and 3, older, male, high grade, AJCC stage III-IV, stage N0, stage T3-4 BCa patients.

Conclusions: This study identified a total of four ubiquitination-related molecular subtypes with significantly different tumor microenvironment, prognosis, clinical characteristics and PD-L1 expression level. Besides, a novel ubiquitination-related prognostic index for BCa patients was developed and successfully verified, which performed well in predicting prognosis of BCa.
A Hybridized Discontinuous Galerkin Solver for High-Speed Compressible Flow
Authors: May Georg , Devesse Koen , Rangarajan Ajay , Magin Thierry
Published: October 2021

We present a high-order consistent compressible flow solver, based on a hybridized discontinuous Galerkin (HDG) discretization, for applications covering subsonic to hypersonic flow. In the context of high-order discretization, this broad range of applications presents unique difficulty, especially at the high-Mach number end. For instance, if a high-order discretization is to efficiently resolve shock and shear layers, it is imperative to use adaptive methods. Furthermore, high-Enthalpy flow requires non-trivial physical modeling. The aim of the present paper is to present the key enabling technologies. We discuss efficient discretization methods, including anisotropic metric-based adaptation, as well as the implementation of flexible modeling using object-oriented programming and algorithmic differentiation. We present initial verification and validation test cases focusing on external aerodynamics.
Development of a Visual Servo System for Robotic Fruit Harvesting
Authors: Bulanon Duke M. , Burr Colton , DeVlieg Marina , Braddock Trevor , Allen Brice
Published: October 2021

One of the challenges in the future of food production, amidst increasing population and decreasing resources, is developing a sustainable food production system. It is anticipated that robotics will play a significant role in maintaining the food production system, specifically in labor-intensive operations. Therefore, the main goal of this project is to develop a robotic fruit harvesting system, initially focused on the harvesting of apples. The robotic harvesting system is composed of a six-degrees-of-freedom (DOF) robotic manipulator, a two-fingered gripper, a color camera, a depth sensor, and a personal computer. This paper details the development and performance of a visual servo system that can be used for fruit harvesting. Initial test evaluations were conducted in an indoor laboratory using plastic fruit and artificial trees. Subsequently, the system was tested outdoors in a commercial fruit orchard. Evaluation parameters included fruit detection performance, response time of the visual servo, and physical time to harvest a fruit. Results of the evaluation showed that the developed visual servo system has the potential to guide the robot for fruit harvesting.
Determination of Genetic Distance, Genome Size and Chromosome Numbers to Support Breeding in Ornamental Lavandula Species
Authors: Van Oost Ewout , Leus Leen , De Rybel Bert , Van Laere Katrijn
Published: October 2021

Knowledge of phylogenetic relatedness and cytogenetic characteristics can facilitate breeding programs and interspecific hybridization in ornamentals. In this study genetic relationships, genome sizes and chromosome numbers were determined in a collection of 82 lavender genotypes, including 15 hybrids. Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP) marker analysis revealed 5 clusters, corresponding to the sections Lavandula, Stoechas, Dentatae, Pterostoechas and Subnudae. Genome sizes varied between 0.76 ± 0.02 pg 2C−1 and 4.80 ± 0.06 pg 2C−1 and chromosome numbers ranged from 2n = 22 to 2n = 100. Genome sizes of hybrids were intermediate to the progenitors genome sizes. All analyzed hybrid genotypes were characterized by even chromosome numbers, with 2n = 48 or 50. Using Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA) separate hybrid clusters were identified between the progenitor species clusters. Polyploidy and/or aneuploidy was observed in two hybrids genotypes: L. × intermedia ‘Heavenly Angel’ (2n = 100) and L. × heterophylla ‘Big Boy James’ (2n = 66). Results obtained in this study can be used to predict cross compatibility among different species, thus enabling targeted breeding towards the creation of new improved Lavandula cultivars.
Influential Points in Adaptability and Stability Methods Based on Regression Models in Cotton Genotypes
Authors: Nascimento Moysés , Teodoro Paulo Eduardo , Sant’Anna Isabela de Castro , Barroso Laís Mayara Azevedo , Nascimento Ana Carolina Campana , Azevedo Camila Ferreira , Teodoro Larissa Pereira Ribeiro , Farias Francisco José Correia , Almeida Helaine Claire , de Carvalho Luiz Paulo
Published: October 2021

The aim of this work was to answer the following question: can influential points modify the recommendation of genotypes, based on regression methods, in the presence of genotype × environment (G × E)? Therefore, we compared the parameters of the adaptability and stability of three methodologies based on regression in the presence of influential points. Specifically, were evaluated methods based on simple, non-parametric and quantile (τ = 0.50) regressions. The dataset used in this work corresponds to 18 variety trials of cotton cultivars that were conducted in the 2013–2014 and 2014–2015 crop seasons. The evaluated variable was the cotton fiber yield (kg/ha). Once we noticed that the effect of G × E interaction is significant, the statistical procedures adopted for the adaptability and stability analysis of the genotypes. To verify the presence of a possible influential point, we used the leverage values, studentized residuals (SR), DFBETAS and Cook’s distance. As a result, the influential points can modify the recommendation of genotypes, based on regression methods, in the presence of G × E interaction. The non-parametric and quantile (τ = 0.50) regressions, which are based on median estimators, are less sensitive to the presence of influential points avoiding misleading recommendations of genotypes in terms of adaptability.
Application of Barley Tweaky Spike Mutants for the Study of Effects of Plant Immunity-Related Substances
Authors: Šiukšta Raimondas , Vaitkūnienė Virginija , Mačkinaitė Rimutė , Rančelis Vytautas
Published: October 2021

Barley developmental mutants tweaky spike (tw) with disturbed auxin pathways possess a unique feature of an increased level of mouldy germinating grains (MGG), which serves as a convenient model to investigate the effects of plant immunity-related substances. The effects of the auxin 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), auxin inhibitors, salicylic acid (SA), and trans-cinnamic acid (TCA) were studied using the tw-WT system in surface-sterilized and unsterilized germinating grains under high rates of natural infection. Significant differences among the allelic tw mutants were revealed at the natural MGG level and in response to 2,4-D, SA, and TCA. The most effective means against MGG were sterilization and TCA. 2,4-D inhibited root growth in tw and tw2 mutants, occurring only in unsterilized and not sterilized germinating grains, while the opposite was observed for TCA and SA. The tw mutations influenced variations in the seed-borne fungal spectra, decreasing the frequency of Bipolaris sorokiniana and increasing Fusarium spp. Hypochlorite-based surface sterilization methods should be used with caution in studies where the action of exogenous 2,4-D will be analysed in germinating grains. Auxin pathway disturbances specific for pleiotropic tw mutants are generally restricted to organogenesis but not to germination events.
Contact Dermatitis of the Vulva
Authors: Corazza Monica , Toni Giulia , Zedde Pierantonia , Schettini Natale , Borghi Alessandro
Published: October 2021

The vulvar area is a common site of both irritative and allergic contact dermatitis due to the thin skin, easily traversable by irritant and allergic substances. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the most frequent allergens causing contact dermatitis in this particular site. A literature search was conducted via PubMed through May 2021. Relevant English language studies are included in this review. Fragrances, preservatives, botanical products, and topical medicaments were found to be the most commonly involved allergens. Contact dermatitis is a very common occurrence that should also be considered in patients with chronic vulvar or anogenital dermatitis who do not respond to appropriate treatments.
Fattening of Polish Holstein-Friesian × Limousin Bulls under Two Production Systems and Its Effect on the Fatty Acid Profiles of Different Fat Depots
Authors: Sobczuk-Szul Monika , Mochol Magdalena , Nogalski Zenon , Pogorzelska-Przybyłek Paulina , Momot Martyna
Published: October 2021

This study was designed to compare the fatty acid (FA) profiles of four types of fat depots from crossbred bulls (Polish Holstein-Friesian × Limousin, PHF × LM) fattened semi-intensively (SI) and intensively (I). Intramuscular fat was most abundant in total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), n-3 and n-6 PUFAs, and functional fatty acids C 18:2, C 18:3, C 20:4 and C 20:5 in comparison with the remaining fat types. Furthermore, note that external fat was more abundant in conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) than other fat types. Grass silage fed to cattle during fattening had a beneficial influence on the FA profile of beef, and an increase in the amount of concentrate in the ration did not decrease beef quality.
Heterospecific Fear and Avoidance Behaviour in Domestic Horses (Equus caballus)
Authors: Wiśniewska Anna , Janczarek Iwona , Wilk Izabela , Tkaczyk Ewelina , Mierzicka Martyna , Stanley Christina , Górecka-Bruzda Aleksandra
Published: October 2021

Ridden horses have been reported to be fearful of cows. We tested whether cows could provoke behavioural and cardiac fear responses in horses, and whether these responses differ in magnitude to those shown to other potential dangers. Twenty horses were exposed to cow, a mobile object or no object. The time spent at different distances from the stimulus was measured. In a separate test, heart rate (HR), root mean square of successive differences between heartbeats (RMSSD) and the horses’ perceived fear were assessed at various distances from the stimuli. The horses avoided the area nearest to all stimuli. During hand-leading, the cow elicited the highest HR and lowest RMSSD. Led horses’ responses to the cow and box were rated as more fearful as the distance to the stimulus decreased. Mares had a higher HR than geldings across all tests. HR positively correlated with the fearfulness rating at the furthest distance from the cow and box, and RMSSD negatively correlated with this rating in cow and control conditions. Our results show that these horses’ avoidance response to cows was similar or higher to that shown towards a novel moving object, demonstrating that potentially, both neophobia and heterospecific communication play a role in this reaction.
Analyzing the Photoprotection Efficiency of Sunscreens Containing Antioxidants under Disinfection Conditions
Authors: Sotler Robert , Adamič Metka , Jarni Kristjan , Dahmane Raja , Trebše Polonca , Kralj Mojca Bavcon
Published: October 2021

Sunscreens ensure thorough protection against sunburn. The delivery of UV filters into the stratum corneum and viable epidermis could be reduced by the use of antioxidants (such as β-carotene and trans-resveratrol, alone or combined). The presence/absence of antioxidants (trans-resveratrol and β-carotene) in formulations containing benzophenone-3 (UV-filter) and their efficiency under disinfection and neutral conditions are studied and compared. The trial was conducted on 38 people. The prepared ointments were applied to the participants’ forearms, irradiated and monitored by reflectance colorimetry after 0, 4, 6, and 8 min. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the skin color’s main characteristics and the F-ratio was used to test overall differences. The ointments containing antioxidants and benzophenone-3 were the most efficient, followed by those with benzophenone-3 alone. It was proven that photoprotection with benzophenone-3 is still effective, despite the formation of its chlorinated products. Due to the short time of exposure to disinfecting conditions, it could be assumed that benzophenone-3 was only partially chlorinated. This clinical study demonstrated that formulations containing antioxidants are likely to be more suitable for protecting skin against UVB irradiation than a UV filter alone.
Discrete and Continuum Approaches for Modeling Solids Motion Inside a Rotating Drum at Different Regimes
Authors: Venier César Martín , Márquez Damián Santiago , Bertone Sergio Eduardo , Puccini Gabriel Darío , Risso José María , Nigro Norberto Marcelo
Published: October 2021

In this work, the performance of discrete and continuum computational models for addressing granular flow dynamics in a rotating drum at different regimes is studied. The results are compared to the experimental observations obtained by image processing of a high-speed camera on a pilot plant rotating drum. For the discrete modeling, Discrete Elements Method (DEM) through the open-source software LIGGGHTS(R) is used, while for the continuum model, the μ(I)-rheology is implemented in the general structure of a Volume-Of-Fluid (VOF) solver of the OpenFOAM(R) platform. Four test cases consisting of different sets of particles filling and rotational speed are considered and the results are analyzed in terms of solids distribution, the velocity of the particles, and mixing patterns. The solids distribution and velocities for each one of the tests considered are fairly similar between both computational techniques and the experimental observations. In general, DEM results show a higher level of agreement with the experiments, with minor differences that might be irrelevant in some cases (e.g., more splashing of particles for the fastest regimes). Among the drawbacks of the continuum model, it was unable to predict the slumping regime observed experimentally which can be attributed to the lack of a yield criterion and a slower dragging of the granular material when the drum is being accelerated, which can be attributed to the need of adding non-local effects to the rheology. On the other hand, the dynamic of the bed in the rolling and cascading regimes are accurately predicted by the continuum model in less time than DEM, even in a pilot plant scale system. These results suggest that the use of a continuum model with granular fluid rheology is more suited for simulating industrial-scale rotating drums at different regimes than DEM, but only if all the phenomenological features (i.e., yield criteria and non-local effects) are taken into account in the model.
Anti-Inflammatory Mechanisms of Novel Synthetic Ruthenium Compounds
Authors: Jayakumar Thanasekaran , Sheu Joen-Rong , Hsia Chih-Wei , Bhavan Periyakali Saravana , Chang Chao-Chien
Published: October 2021

Inflammation is the primary biological reaction to induce severe infection or injury in the immune system. Control of different inflammatory cytokines, such as nitric oxide (NO), interleukins (IL), tumor necrosis factor alpha-(TNF-α), noncytokine mediator, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), facilitates anti-inflammatory effect of different substances. Coordination metal complexes have been applied as metallo-drugs. Several metal complexes have found to possess potent biological activities, especially anticancer, cardioprotective, chondroprotective and anti-parasitosis activities. Among the metallo drugs, ruthenium-based (Ru) complexes have paid much attention in clinical applications. Despite the kinetic nature of Ru complexes is similar to platinum in terms of cell division events, their toxic effect is lower than that of cisplatin. This paper reviews the anti-inflammatory effect of novel synthetic Ru complexes with potential molecular mechanisms that are actively involved.
Integration of Sentinel 1 and Sentinel 2 Satellite Images for Crop Mapping
Authors: Felegari Shilan , Sharifi Alireza , Moravej Kamran , Amin Muhammad , Golchin Ahmad , Muzirafuti Anselme , Tariq Aqil , Zhao Na
Published: October 2021

Crop identification is key to global food security. Due to the large scale of crop estimation, the science of remote sensing was able to do well in this field. The purpose of this study is to study the shortcomings and strengths of combined radar data and optical images to identify the type of crops in Tarom region (Iran). For this purpose, Sentinel 1 and Sentinel 2 images were used to create a map in the study area. The Sentinel 1 data came from Google Earth Engine’s (GEE) Level-1 Ground Range Detected (GRD) Interferometric Wide Swath (IW) product. Sentinel 1 radar observations were projected onto a standard 10-m grid in GRD output. The Sen2Cor method was used to mask for clouds and cloud shadows, and the Sentinel 2 Level-1C data was sourced from the Copernicus Open Access Hub. To estimate the purpose of classification, stochastic forest classification method was used to predict classification accuracy. Using seven types of crops, the classification map of the 2020 growth season in Tarom was prepared using 10-day Sentinel 2 smooth mosaic NDVI and 12-day Sentinel 1 back mosaic. Kappa coefficient of 0.75 and a maximum accuracy of 85% were reported in this study. To achieve maximum classification accuracy, it is recommended to use a combination of radar and optical data, as this combination increases the chances of examining the details compared to the single-sensor classification method and achieves more reliable information.
Evaluation of Smart Chromatic Technology for a Single-Shade Dental Polymer Resin: An In Vitro Study
Authors: AlHamdan Eman M. , Bashiri Amr , Alnashmi Faisal , Al-Saleh Samar , Al-shahrani Khalid , Al-shahrani Saad , Alsharani Abdullah , Alzahrani Khaled M. , Alqarawi Firas K. , Vohra Fahim , Abduljabbar Tariq
Published: October 2021

The aim of the study was to assess the color matching ability and color stability of a single-shade resin-based composite (Omnichroma—OM) in comparison to a conventional dental composite. One hundred and sixty lower molar acrylic teeth in four different shades (B1, B2, A3, and C3) were prepared with class I cavities. Eighty teeth were divided into two groups based on the two resin composite materials (OM and Filtek Z-350 (FT)) for cavity restoration. Three groups were included in the color matching assessment, namely Gp 1-FT, Gp 2-OM-light cured (C), and Gp 3-OM-uncured (UC) groups. The color assessment was performed prior to cavity restoration and after cavity filling and before and after light curing to detect color matching. The 80 remaining teeth were restored with OM (n = 40) and FT (n = 40); half (n = 40) were submerged in coffee and the other half (n = 40) were submerged in cola for 2 weeks. The color stability was assessed by calculating material color (spectrophotometry) changes (∆E) before and after staining in immersion medium. The means and standard deviations of the ∆E values relating to color matching and color stability (stain resistance) among the study groups were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test. FT showed significantly better color matching (lower ΔE) in comparison to OM-UC specimens for shades B1, B2, and A3 (p < 0.01). Regarding the color stability in cola, the FT samples showed significantly lower ΔE values (indicating better color stability) compared to OM samples for all four shades (p < 0.01). The ΔE values of OM and FT samples in coffee were comparable (p > 0.01), showing comparable color stability. The color matching ability of the single-shade resin composite (OM) was influenced by the tooth color. The conventional resin composite showed better color matching than the single-shade composite (OM). The color stability of the single-shade resin composite (OM) was dependent on the staining medium. The OM composite showed more compromised color stability than the conventional resin composite in cola and comparable color stability to conventional resin composite in coffee.
Performance Evaluation of Bedding Sand and Load Transfer Characteristic of Concrete Block Pavements
Authors: Lin Wuguang , Dong Yu , Jung YooSeok , Zheng Hua , Cho Yoon-ho
Published: October 2021

Concrete block pavement is used as a modern pavement type owing to its economic benefits. The physical properties, mechanical properties, and functional characteristics of bedding sand and joint sand, the main components of concrete block pavements, should be accurately understood. Owing to the discontinuous structure of these pavements, load transfer efficiency (LTE) is the most important index from the perspective of performance. The factors that affect LTE are bedding sand (type, grading, and thickness), joint sand (type and grading), and concrete block (shape and pattern). Therefore, the optimal design for concrete block pavements can be achieved by analyzing each factor. In this study, three types of sand (river, quartz, and manufactured) were selected to examine the mechanical properties via direct transfer experiments. It was observed that the shear strength of river sand was the highest. It was also found that the difference between the shear strength and the internal friction angle (according to the content of 0.6 mm in the grading of bedding sand) was not large, and the shear strength and the friction angle increased as the content increased to 0.075 mm. In addition, the load transfer characteristics of the joint and rotational interlocking of the block were evaluated through a non-destructive test using the degree of joint filling, block shape, and construction pattern as variables. As a result, the degree of joint filling had the greatest effect on the load transfer characteristics of the joint and rotational interlocking of the block. The effect of the block shape was larger than that of the construction pattern. When a heavy load is applied, the LTE between blocks must be maintained at 50% or more, and the rotation of blocks at 0.6° or less, if 75% or more of the joint must be filled for preventing excessive vertical deformation.