bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tactile Detection in Fibromyalgia: A Systematic Review and a Meta-Analysis
Authors: Augière Tania , Desjardins Audrey , Paquette Raynard Emmanuelle , Brun Clémentine , Pinard Anne Marie , Simoneau Martin , Mercier Catherine
Published: December 2021

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome characterized by sensorimotor deficits and distortions of body representation, that could both be caused by alterations in sensory processing. Several studies suggest a hypersensitivity to various sensory stimulations in fibromyalgia but results on detection of both noxious and non-noxious tactile stimulation, which are particularly relevant for body representation and motor control, remain conflicting. Therefore, the aim of this study is to systematically review and quantify the detection thresholds to noxious and non-noxious tactile stimuli in individuals with fibromyalgia compared to pain-free controls. A systematic review and a meta-analysis were performed in the MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane, PsycInfo and Web of Science databases using keywords related to fibromyalgia, tactile pain detection threshold, tactile detection threshold and quantitative sensory testing. Nineteen studies were included in the review, with 12 in the meta-analysis. Despite the heterogeneity of the results, the data from both the review and from the meta-analysis suggest a trend toward hyperalgesia and no difference of sensitivity to non-noxious tactile stimuli in participants with fibromyalgia compared to healthy controls. This contradicts the hypothesis of a general increase in responsiveness of the central nervous system to noxious and non-noxious stimulations in fibromyalgia. This study shows no alteration of the sensitivity to non-noxious tactile stimulation in fibromyalgia, suggesting that an altered unimodal processing is not sufficient to explain symptoms such as sensorimotor impairments and body representation distortions. Future research should investigate whether alterations in multisensory integration could contribute to these symptoms.
Association Between Serum Vitamin A Levels and Recurrent Respiratory Tract Infections in Children
Authors: Wang Xiaoyan , Li Xingming , Jin Chunhua , Bai Xinyuan , Qi Xinran , Wang Jianhong , Zhang Lili , Li Na , Jin Na , Song Wenhong , Gao Haitao , Gao Baojun , Zhang Yue , Wang Lin
Published: December 2021

To evaluate the association between serum vitamin A levels and the prevalence of recurrent respiratory tract infections (RRTIs) in children and adolescents and to provide evidence that would help decrease the prevalence of respiratory tract infections (RTIs) in children. This cross-sectional study included 8034 children and adolescents in Beijing aged 6 months to 17 years. RRTI and RTI symptoms were diagnosed according to the Clinical Concept and Management of Recurrent Respiratory Tract Infections in Children. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between serum vitamin A levels and RRTIs after adjusting for potential confounders. Among the included children, 721 (8.97%) were diagnosed with vitamin A deficiency, whereas 3,073 (38.25%) were diagnosed with subclinical vitamin A deficiency. Only 28.8% (208/721) of children with vitamin A deficiency and 53.1% (1,631/3,073) of children with subclinical vitamin A deficiency had no RRTI and RTI symptoms, respectively. Compared with children with normal vitamin A levels, those with vitamin A deficiency and subclinical vitamin A deficiency had a greater risk for RRTIs, with an odds ratio (OR) of 6.924 [95% confidence interval (CI): 5.433–8.824] and 2.140 (95% CI: 1.825–2.510), respectively]. Vitamin A levels were also positively associated with RTI symptoms, with those having vitamin A deficiency and subclinical vitamin A deficiency showing an OR of 1.126 (95% CI: 0.773–1.640) and 1.216 (95% CI: 1.036–1.427), respectively. The present cross-sectional study found that low serum vitamin A levels were significantly associated with RRTI or RTI prevalence in children and adolescents.
COVID-19 in 28-Week Triplets Caused by Intrauterine Transmission of SARS-CoV-2—Case Report
Authors: Disse Sigrid C. , Manuylova Tatiana , Adam Klaus , Lechler Annette , Zant Robert , Klingel Karin , Aepinus Christian , Finkenzeller Thomas , Wellmann Sven , Schneble Fritz
Published: December 2021

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, in-utero transmission of SARS-CoV-2 remains a rarity and only very few cases have been proven across the world. Here we depict the clinical, laboratory and radiologic findings of preterm triplets born at 28 6/7 weeks to a mother who contracted COVID-19 just 1 week before delivery. The triplets showed SARS-CoV-2 positivity right after birth, developed significant leukopenia and early-onset pulmonary interstitial emphysema. The most severely affected triplet I required 10 days of high-frequency oscillatory ventilation due to failure of conventional invasive ventilation, and circulatory support for 4 days. Despite a severe clinical course in two triplets (triplet I and II), clinical management without experimental, targeted antiviral drugs was successful. At discharge home, the triplets showed no signs of neurologic or pulmonary sequelae. Placental immunohistology with SARS-CoV-2 N-protein localized strongly to syncytiotrophoblast cells and, to a lesser extent, to fetal Hofbauer cells, proving intrauterine virus transmission. We discuss the role of maternal viremia as a potential risk factor for vertical transmission. To the best of our knowledge, our report presents the earliest unequivocally confirmed prenatal virus transmission in long-term surviving children, i.e., at the beginning of the third trimester.
Demonstration of Equivalence of Generic Glatiramer Acetate and Copaxone®
Authors: Lipsky Peter , Vallano Patrick T. , Smith Jeffrey , Owens Walter , Snider Daniel , Bandaru Viswanath , Sun Yunfu , Wallingford Ross , Duncan Joseph , Lewis Joshua , Southall Jason , Ansari Azeem , Li Hong
Published: December 2021

The objective of the current work was to demonstrate the equivalence of Mylan’s glatiramer acetate (GA) to that of the reference product Copaxone® (COP) using the four criteria for active pharmaceutical ingredient sameness as established by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The reaction scheme used to produce Mylan’s glatiramer acetate (MGA) was compared with that of COP, determined from publicly available literature. Comparative analyses of MGA and COP were performed for physicochemical properties such as amino acid composition and molecular weight distributions. Spectroscopic fingerprints were obtained using circular dichroism spectroscopy. Structural signatures for polymerization and depolymerization including total diethylamine (DEA) content, relative proportions of DEA-adducted amino acids, and N-and C-terminal amino acid sequences were probed with an array of highly sensitive analytical methods. Biological activity of the products was assessed using validated murine Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) models of multiple sclerosis. MGA is produced using the same fundamental reaction scheme as COP and was shown to have equivalent physicochemical properties and composition. Analyses of multiple structural signatures demonstrated equivalence of MGA and COP with regard to polymerization, depolymerization, and propagational shift. Examination of the impact on prevention and treatment of EAE demonstrated equivalence of MGA and COP with respect to both activity and toxicity, and thereby provided confirmatory evidence of sameness. A rigorous, multi-pronged comparison of MGA and COP produced using an equivalent fundamental reaction scheme demonstrated equivalent physicochemical properties, structural signatures for polymerization and depolymerization, and biological activity as evidenced by comparable effects in EAE. These studies demonstrate the equivalence of MGA and COP, establishing active ingredient sameness by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) criteria for GA, and provide compelling evidence that the FDA-approved generic MGA can be substituted for COP for the treatment of patients with relapsing-remitting MS.
Sanguinarine Reverses Pulmonary Vascular Remolding of Hypoxia-Induced PH via Survivin/HIF1α-Attenuating Kv Channels
Authors: Fan Fenling , Zou Yifan , Wang Yousen , Zhang Peng , Wang Xiaoyu , Dart Anthony M. , Zou Yuliang
Published: December 2021

Background: Similarities in the biology of pulmonary hypertension and cancer suggest that anticancer therapies, such as sanguinarine, may also be effective in treating pulmonary hypertension. This, along with underlying biochemical pathways, is investigated in this study.

Methods: Rats were subjected to 4-week hypoxia (or control) with or without sanguinarine treatment. In addition, pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) were examined after 24–48 h hypoxia (with normoxic controls) and with or without sanguinirine. Pulmonary artery pressures and plasma survivin levels were measured in vivo. Ex vivo tissues were examined histologically with appropriate staining. mRNA and protein levels of survivin, HIF-1α, TGFb1, BMPR2, Smad3, P53, and Kv 1.2, 1.5, 2.1 were determined by real-time PCR and Western blot in PASMCs and distal PAs tissue. PASMC proliferation and changes of TGFb1 and pSmad3 induced by sanguinarine were studied using MTT and Western blot. Electrophysiology for Kv functions was measured by patch-clamp experiments.

Results: Four-week hypoxia resulted in an increase in serum survivin and HIF-1α, pulmonary artery pressures, and pulmonary vascular remodeling with hypertrophy. These changes were all decreased by treatment with sanguinarine. Hypoxia induced a rise of proliferation in PASMCs which was prevented by sanguinarine treatment. Hypoxic PASMCs had elevated TGFb1, pSmad3, BMPR2, and HIF1α. These increases were all ameliorated by sanguinarine treatment. Hypoxia treatment resulted in reduced expression and function of Kv 1.2, 1.5, 2.1 channels, and these changes were also modulated by sanguinarine.

Conclusion: Sanguinarine is effective in modulating hypoxic pulmonary vascular hypertrophy via the survivin pathway and Kv channels.
Inhalation Administration of Agarwood Incense Rescues Scopolamine-Induced Learning and Memory Impairment in Mice
Authors: Han Muxuan , Zhang Hao , Hu Minghui , Sun Wei , Li Zifa , Cao Guimao , Geng Xiwen , Wei Sheng
Published: December 2021

Background: Agarwood, a type of herbal medicine widely used in Asian countries, is noted in traditional medicine for its intelligence-enhancing effects. Agarwood incense is traditionally administered by oral and nasal inhalation. To verify whether agarwood incense can exert its intelligence-enhancing effects in this way to rescue learning and memory impairment, typical clinical manifestations of dementia, we conducted a set of behavioral tests related to learning and memory.

Methods: C57BL/6 mice were divided into six groups. In addition to the control and model groups, we added a donepezil treatment group to evaluate the effect of three different agarwood administration doses. After a week of administration, scopolamine was injected 30 min before each behavioral test to create a learning and memory impairment model. A series of behavioral tests [the Morris water maze test (MWM), the novel object recognition test (NOR), and the step-down test (SDT)] were used to assess their learning ability, as well as their spatial and recognition memory.

Results: After scopolamine injection, the model group showed significant learning and memory impairment (i.e., longer latencies, lower crossing times, and lesser distance travelled in the target quadrant in MWM; a lower recognition index in NOR; and longer latencies and higher error times in SDT). The other four treatment groups all showed improvements in these indicators, and the overall therapeutic effect of agarwood was superior.

Conclusion: The inhalation administration of agarwood can significantly improve the learning and memory impairment caused by scopolamine in mice, and the therapeutic effect varied between doses.
The Transport Properties of Quasi–One-Dimensional Ba3Co2O6(CO3)0.7
Authors: Chen Minnan , Wu Jiangtao , Huang Qing , Jiao Jinlong , Dun Zhiling , Wang Guohua , Chen Zhiwei , Lin Gaoting , Rathinam Vasudevan , Li Cangjin , Pei Yanzhong , Ye Feng , Zhou Haidong , Ma Jie
Published: December 2021

We have performed combined elastic neutron diffuse, electrical transport, specific heat, and thermal conductivity measurements on the quasi–one-dimensional Ba3Co2O6(CO3)0.7 single crystal to characterize its transport properties. A modulated superstructure of polyatomic CO32− is formed, which not only interferes the electronic properties of this compound, but also reduces the thermal conductivity along the c-axis. Furthermore, a large magnetic entropy is observed to be contributed to the heat conduction. Our investigations reveal the influence of both structural and magnetic effects on its transport properties and suggest a theoretical improvement on the thermoelectric materials by building up superlattice with conducting ionic group.
Resistance and Endurance Exercise Training Induce Differential Changes in Gut Microbiota Composition in Murine Models
Authors: Fernández Javier , Fernández-Sanjurjo Manuel , Iglesias-Gutiérrez Eduardo , Martínez-Camblor Pablo , Villar Claudio J. , Tomás-Zapico Cristina , Fernández-García Benjamin , Lombó Felipe
Published: December 2021

Background: The effect of resistance training on gut microbiota composition has not been explored, despite the evidence about endurance exercise. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of resistance and endurance training on gut microbiota composition in mice.

Methods: Cecal samples were collected from 26 C57BL/6N mice, divided into three groups: sedentary (CTL), endurance training on a treadmill (END), and resistance training on a vertical ladder (RES). After 2 weeks of adaption, mice were trained for 4 weeks, 5 days/week. Maximal endurance and resistance capacity test were performed before and after training. Genomic DNA was extracted and 16S Ribosomal RNA sequenced for metagenomics analysis. The percentages for each phylum, class, order, family, or genus/species were obtained using an open-source bioinformatics pipeline.

Results: END showed higher diversity and evenness. Significant differences among groups in microbiota composition were only observed at genera and species level. END showed a significantly higher relative abundance of Desulfovibrio and Desulfovibrio sp., while Clostridium and C. cocleatum where higher for RES. Trained mice showed significantly lower relative abundance of Ruminococcus gnavus and higher of the genus Parabacteroides compared to CTL. We explored the relationship between relative taxa abundance and maximal endurance and resistance capacities after the training period. Lachnospiraceae and Lactobacillaceae families were negatively associated with endurance performance, while several taxa, including Prevotellaceae family, Prevotella genus, and Akkermansia muciniphila, were positively correlated. About resistance performance, Desulfovibrio sp. was negatively correlated, while Alistipes showed a positive correlation.

Conclusion: Resistance and endurance training differentially modify gut microbiota composition in mice, under a high-controlled environment. Interestingly, taxa associated with anti- and proinflammatory responses presented the same pattern after both models of exercise. Furthermore, the abundance of several taxa was differently related to maximal endurance or resistance performance, most of them did not respond to training.
Long-Term Maintenance and Meiotic Entry of Early Germ Cells in Murine Testicular Organoids Functionalized by 3D Printed Scaffolds and Air-Medium Interface Cultivation
Authors: Richer Guillaume , Hobbs Robin M. , Loveland Katherine L. , Goossens Ellen , Baert Yoni
Published: December 2021

Short-term germ cell survival and central tissue degeneration limit organoid cultures. Here, testicular organoids (TOs) were generated from two different mouse strains in 3D printed one-layer scaffolds (1LS) at the air-medium interface displaying tubule-like structures and Leydig cell functionality supporting long-term survival and differentiation of germ cells to the meiotic phase. Chimeric TOs, consisting of a mixture of primary testicular cells and EGFP+ germline stem (GS) cells, were cultured in two-layer scaffolds (2LSs) for better entrapment. They showed an improved spheroidal morphology consisting of one intact tubule-like structure and surrounding interstitium, representing the functional unit of a testis. However, GS cells did not survive long-term culture. Consequently, further optimization of the culture medium is required to enhance the maintenance and differentiation of germ cells. The opportunities TOs offer to manipulate somatic and germ cells are essential for the study of male infertility and the search for potential therapies.
Vascular Function in Patients After Myocardial Infarction: The Importance of Physical Activity
Authors: Tršan Jure , Košuta Daniel , Rajkovič﻿﻿﻿ Uroš , Fras Zlatko , Jug Borut , Novaković﻿﻿﻿ Marko
Published: December 2021

Background: Patients after myocardial infarction have impaired vascular function. However, effects of lifestyle, e.g., physical activity level, on endothelial function and arterial stiffness remain scarce. The aim of our study was to investigate effects of physical activity level and risk factors on endothelial function and arterial stiffness.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we ultrasonographically assessed parameters of vascular function, namely flow mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery and carotid artery stiffness in patients after myocardial infarction referred to the cardiac rehabilitation. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was obtained from all participants. Based on the IPAQ, patients were classified into three groups: vigorous, moderate, and low physical activity engagement. ANOVA was used for comparison among three groups using Bonferroni correction to determine differences between two sub-groups.

Results: One hundred and eight patients after myocardial infarction (mean age 53 ± 10 years) were included. There were significant differences in terms of FMD (8.2 vs. 4.2 vs. 1.9%, p < 0.001) and pulse wave velocity (PWV), a measure of arterial stiffness (6.1 vs. 6.4 vs. 6.9 m/s, p = 0.004) among groups of vigorous, moderate, and low physical activity engagement, respectively. However, in younger patients only FMD remained associated with physical activity level, while arterial stiffness was not. Low physical activity engagement was a significant predictor of both FMD and PWV in univariate and multivariate models, adjusted for age, sex, and other risk factors.

Conclusion: Low physical activity level is associated with impaired endothelial function and increased arterial stiffness in patients after myocardial infarction. Future studies are warranted to address this issue in a context of cardiac rehabilitation protocols optimization in order to improve vascular function in these patients.
Testosterone Supplementation Induces Age-Dependent Augmentation of the Hypoxic Ventilatory Response in Male Rats With Contributions From the Carotid Bodies
Authors: Janes Tara A. , Ambrozio-Marques Danuzia , Fournier Sébastien , Joseph Vincent , Soliz Jorge , Kinkead Richard
Published: December 2021

Excessive carotid body responsiveness to O2 and/or CO2/H+ stimuli contributes to respiratory instability and apneas during sleep. In hypogonadal men, testosterone supplementation may increase the risk of sleep-disordered breathing; however, the site of action is unknown. The present study tested the hypothesis that testosterone supplementation potentiates carotid body responsiveness to hypoxia in adult male rats. Because testosterone levels decline with age, we also determined whether these effects were age-dependent. In situ hybridization determined that androgen receptor mRNA was present in the carotid bodies and caudal nucleus of the solitary tract of adult (69 days old) and aging (193–206 days old) male rats. In urethane-anesthetized rats injected with testosterone propionate (2 mg/kg; i.p.), peak breathing frequency measured during hypoxia (FiO2 = 0.12) was 11% greater vs. the vehicle treatment group. Interestingly, response intensity following testosterone treatment was positively correlated with animal age. Exposing ex vivo carotid body preparations from young and aging rats to testosterone (5 nM, free testosterone) 90–120 min prior to testing showed that the carotid sinus nerve firing rate during hypoxia (5% CO2 + 95% N2; 15 min) was augmented in both age groups as compared to vehicle (<0.001% DMSO). Ventilatory measurements performed using whole body plethysmography revealed that testosterone supplementation (2 mg/kg; i.p.) 2 h prior reduced apnea frequency during sleep. We conclude that in healthy rats, age-dependent potentiation of the carotid body’s response to hypoxia by acute testosterone supplementation does not favor the occurrence of apneas but rather appears to stabilize breathing during sleep.
Integrating Wheat Nucleolus Structure and Function: Variation in the Wheat Ribosomal RNA and Protein Genes
Authors: Appels Rudi , Wang Penghao , Islam Shahidul
Published: December 2021

We review the coordinated production and integration of the RNA (ribosomal RNA, rRNA) and protein (ribosomal protein, RP) components of wheat cytoplasmic ribosomes in response to changes in genetic constitution, biotic and abiotic stresses. The components examined are highly conserved and identified with reference to model systems such as human, Arabidopsis, and rice, but have sufficient levels of differences in their DNA and amino acid sequences to form fingerprints or gene haplotypes that provide new markers to associate with phenotype variation. Specifically, it is argued that populations of ribosomes within a cell can comprise distinct complements of rRNA and RPs to form units with unique functionalities. The unique functionalities of ribosome populations within a cell can become central in situations of stress where they may preferentially translate mRNAs coding for proteins better suited to contributing to survival of the cell. In model systems where this concept has been developed, the engagement of initiation factors and elongation factors to account for variation in the translation machinery of the cell in response to stresses provided the precedents. The polyploid nature of wheat adds extra variation at each step of the synthesis and assembly of the rRNAs and RPs which can, as a result, potentially enhance its response to changing environments and disease threats.
Comprehensive Annotation and Functional Exploration of MicroRNAs in Lettuce
Authors: Deng Yang , Qin Yajuan , Yang Pan , Du Jianjun , Kuang Zheng , Zhao Yongxin , Wang Ying , Li Dayong , Wei Jianhua , Guo Xinyu , Li Lei , Yang Xiaozeng
Published: December 2021

MicroRNA (miRNA) is an important endogenous post-transcriptional regulator, while lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is a leafy vegetable of global economic significance. However, there are few studies on miRNAs in lettuce, and research on miRNA regulatory network in lettuce is absent. In this study, through deep sequencing of small RNAs in different tissues, together with a reference genome, 157 high-confidence miRNA loci in lettuce were comprehensively identified, and their expression patterns were determined. Using a combination of computational prediction and high-throughput experimental verification, a set of reliable lettuce miRNA targets were obtained. Furthermore, through RNA-Seq, the expression profiles of these targets and a comprehensive view of the negative regulatory relationship between miRNAs and their targets was acquired based on a correlation analysis. To further understand miRNA functions, a miRNA regulatory network was constructed, with miRNAs at the core and combining transcription factors and miRNA target genes. This regulatory network, mainly composed of feed forward loop motifs, greatly increases understanding of the potential functions of miRNAs, and many unknown potential regulatory links were discovered. Finally, considering its specific expression pattern, Lsa-MIR408 as a hub gene was employed to illustrate the function of the regulatory network, and genetic experiments revealed its ability to increase the fresh weight and achene size of lettuce. In short, this work lays a solid foundation for the study of miRNA functions and regulatory networks in lettuce.
Phenotypic Evaluation and Genetic Analysis of Seedling Emergence in a Global Collection of Wheat Genotypes (Triticum aestivum L.) Under Limited Water Availability
Authors: Francki Michael G. , Stainer Grantley S. , Walker Esther , Rebetzke Gregory J. , Stefanova Katia T. , French Robert J.
Published: December 2021

The challenge in establishing an early-sown wheat crop in southern Australia is the need for consistently high seedling emergence when sowing deep in subsoil moisture (>10 cm) or into dry top-soil (4 cm). However, the latter is strongly reliant on a minimum soil water availability to ensure successful seedling emergence. This study aimed to: (1) evaluate 233 Australian and selected international wheat genotypes for consistently high seedling emergence under limited soil water availability when sown in 4 cm of top-soil in field and glasshouse (GH) studies; (2) ascertain genetic loci associated with phenotypic variation using a genome-wide association study (GWAS); and (3) compare across loci for traits controlling coleoptile characteristics, germination, dormancy, and pre-harvest sprouting. Despite significant (P < 0.001) environment and genotype-by-environment interactions within and between field and GH experiments, eight genotypes that included five cultivars, two landraces, and one inbred line had consistently high seedling emergence (mean value > 85%) across nine environments. Moreover, 21 environment-specific quantitative trait loci (QTL) were detected in GWAS analysis on chromosomes 1B, 1D, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 5B, 5D, and 7D, indicating complex genetic inheritance controlling seedling emergence. We aligned QTL for known traits and individual genes onto the reference genome of wheat and identified 16 QTL for seedling emergence in linkage disequilibrium with coleoptile length, width, and cross-sectional area, pre-harvest sprouting and dormancy, germination, seed longevity, and anthocyanin development. Therefore, it appears that seedling emergence is controlled by multifaceted networks of interrelated genes and traits regulated by different environmental cues.
Combining Organic Fertilizer With Controlled-Release Urea to Reduce Nitrogen Leaching and Promote Wheat Yields
Authors: Yang Xiuyi , Zhang Chao , Ma Xiaoli , Liu Qianjin , An Juan , Xu Shujian , Xie Xingyuan , Geng Jibiao
Published: December 2021

Soil deterioration, low nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), and environmental risks caused by excessive chemical N fertilizer use are key factors restricting sustainable agriculture. It is extremely critical to develop effective N management strategies that consider both environmental and agronomic benefits. From 2017 to 2019, a field experiment was conducted to assess the effects of combinations of organic fertilizers (OF, provided at 30, 50, and 70% of the total applied N) and controlled-release urea (CU) on the NUE, N leaching and wheat yield compared with the effects of urea and CU. The results suggested that OF released N slowly in the early stage and showed a significant residual effect, while CU released N quickly in the first 2 months. The OF substitutes with 30–50% CU increased wheat yield by 4.2–9.2%, while the 70%OF+30%CU treatment showed no significant difference relative to the urea treatment. The average maximum apparent NUE recovery (50.4%) was achieved under the 50%OF+50%CU treatment, but the partial factor productivity was not affected by the N type. As the OF application rate increased, the total carbon content increased, and the total N value decreased. The NO3−-N and NH4+-N concentrations in the OF+CU treatments were lower before the jointing stage but higher from the grain-filling to mature stages than those in the urea treatment. NO3−-N and NH4+-N were mainly concentrated in the 0–60-cm layer soil by OF substitution, and N leaching to the 60–100-cm soil layer was significantly reduced. Hence, the results suggest that the combination of 30–50% OF with CU synchronizes absorption with availability due to a period of increased N availability in soils and proved to be the best strategy for simultaneously increasing wheat production and reducing N leaching.
Expanding the Benefits of Tnt1 for the Identification of Dominant Mutations in Polyploid Crops: A Single Allelic Mutation in the MsNAC39 Gene Produces Multifoliated Alfalfa
Authors: Jozefkowicz Cintia , Gómez Cristina , Odorizzi Ariel , Iantcheva Anelia , Ratet Pascal , Ayub Nicolás , Soto Gabriela
Published: December 2021

Most major crops are polyploid species and the production of genetically engineered cultivars normally requires the introgression of transgenic or gene-edited traits into elite germplasm. Thus, a main goal of plant research is the search of systems to identify dominant mutations. In this article, we show that the Tnt1 element can be used to identify dominant mutations in allogamous tetraploid cultivated alfalfa. Specifically, we show that a single allelic mutation in the MsNAC39 gene produces multifoliate leaves (mfl) alfalfa plants, a pivot trait of breeding programs of this forage species. Finally, we discuss the potential application of a combination of preliminary screening of beneficial dominant mutants using Tnt1 mutant libraries and genome editing via the CRISPR/Cas9 system to identify target genes and to rapidly improve both autogamous and allogamous polyploid crops.
Toward Sustainability: Trade-Off Between Data Quality and Quantity in Crop Pest Recognition
Authors: Li Yang , Chao Xuewei
Published: December 2021

The crop pest recognition based on the convolutional neural networks is meaningful and important for the development of intelligent plant protection. However, the current main implementation method is deep learning, which relies heavily on large amounts of data. As known, current big data-driven deep learning is a non-sustainable learning mode with the high cost of data collection, high cost of high-end hardware, and high consumption of power resources. Thus, toward sustainability, we should seriously consider the trade-off between data quality and quantity. In this study, we proposed an embedding range judgment (ERJ) method in the feature space and carried out many comparative experiments. The results showed that, in some recognition tasks, the selected good data with less quantity can reach the same performance with all training data. Furthermore, the limited good data can beat a lot of bad data, and their contrasts are remarkable. Overall, this study lays a foundation for data information analysis in smart agriculture, inspires the subsequent works in the related areas of pattern recognition, and calls for the community to pay more attention to the essential issue of data quality and quantity.
Education Reform and Quality Training of Music Majors From the Perspective of Entrepreneurial Education
Authors: Jiang Yue
Published: December 2021

Art major graduates are facing more severe employment pressure. Based on entrepreneurial education, the reform of entrepreneurship education and quality training of music majors in colleges and universities are analyzed. First, the relevant theories of entrepreneurship education are introduced and the advantages of advanced entrepreneurship education in foreign countries are analyzed. Second, the music majors in a university are selected as the subjects to analyze the current situation of entrepreneurship of music majors. Finally, new strategies are put forward for the reform of entrepreneurship education of music majors. The research shows that the number of music majors who are very interested in entrepreneurship accounts for 22.2%. In terms of the music majors’ understanding of entrepreneurship policies, the proportion of students with less understanding accounts for 40.1%. As for the ways of music majors to acquire entrepreneurship knowledge, 8.00% usually turn to books and networks. Music majors hope to get support from the government and schools in the cultivation of entrepreneurship. In entrepreneurship, music majors who intend to start a business according to their interests account for 40.8%. The variance of eigenvalues of the four main factors is 19.49, 12.96, 10.75, and 8.39%, respectively, and their contribution value is 51.58%. The four research aspects of entrepreneurship education are music majors’ entrepreneurship policy, entrepreneurship desire, and entrepreneurship quality and entrepreneurship education practice. The entrepreneurship education system is to arouse interest, improve entrepreneurial ability, and form entrepreneurial personality. This paper proposes good entrepreneurship education strategies.
Predicting Academic Alienation From Emotion Dysregulation, Social Competence, and Peer Relationships in School-Attending Girls: A Multiple-Regression Approach
Authors: Vafa Zohreh , Azizi Morteza , Elhami Athar Mojtaba
Published: December 2021

School alienation (SA) refers to a collection of negative attitudes toward the social and academic realms of schooling consisting of cognitive and affective components. The current study was designed to examine whether emotion dysregulation, social competence, and peer problems predict school alienation. In this vein, 300 school-attending adolescents in Sarab were recruited and completed difficulties in emotion regulation scale (DERS), academic alienation questionnaire (AAQ), social competence test (SCT), and index of peer relations (IPR) measures, but 280 (M age = 16.35;SD = 0.82; 46% girls) completed data were gathered. The results of hierarchical multiple regression indicated that school alienation was significantly predicted by emotion dysregulation, social competency, and peer problems. In conclusion, our findings suggest that school psychologists and other clinicians design interventions to improve the students’ shortcomings in emotion regulations, social competency, and peer relationships domains.
Customized Incubation Services and Growth of Tenants: The Mediating Effect of Behavior Orientation of Social Networking Services
Authors: Zhang Li , Zhou Yongtao
Published: December 2021

The third-generation incubator is generally characterized by embedment of social networking and customized incubation services are closely embedded in the social networking. How the social networking play their role in the process that customized incubation services facilitate the growth of tenant? In order to disclose whether social networking services (SNS) mediate the impact of customized incubation services on the growth of tenants, this article focuses on the whole process where customized services facilitate the growth of tenants by means of social networking services. First, it employs situational theory and contingency theory to analysis why customized services result in behavior of social networking services; second, it explores why behavior of social networking services facilitates the growth of tenants based on co-production theory and social network theory; next, it conduct a study on the direct relationship between customized services and growth of tenants anchoring on the theory of co-production, customer satisfaction, and dynamic environment. Based on these theories, it develops the overall theoretical model of mediating effect. Following that, it conducts empirical test: it has first ascertained whether there is a positive relationship between customized services and growth of tenants. Then, three paths of the theoretical model have been measured by means of the structural model. At the same time, thet-test and the Sobel test are employed to justify their significance. If we only contemplate customized incubation services and growth of tenants, they are positively correlative. On the other hand, if referring to the role of social networking services in this process, we disclosed that not only customized incubation services positively impact behavior of social networking services, but also behavior of social networking services positively facilitates the growth of tenants; at the same time, the customized incubation services exhibit no direct impact on the growth of tenants otherwise. It witnesses that the behavior of social networking services fully mediates the relationship between customized services and the growth of tenants. As a result, we should promote incubation services to be deeply embedded in social networking services; incubator management should even improve the capability to deal with big data embedded in social networking services. In additional, entrepreneurial ecosystems should be also embedded in social networks intensively.
Pilot Study of the Effects of Bright Ambient Therapy on Dementia Symptoms and Cognitive Function
Authors: Liu Chuen-Ru , Liou Yiing Mei , Jou Jwo-Huei
Published: December 2021

Light therapy potentially improves dementia symptoms. In this study, we examined the effects of bright light therapy on neuropsychiatric behaviors and cognitive function. Thirty-five participants were assigned to either the experimental or comparison group. The experimental group was exposed to bright light at 2,500 lux, and the comparison group was exposed to 114–307 lux. The instruments used were the Neuropsychiatric Inventory and the Mini-Mental State Examination. The experimental group showed a significant improvement in Neuropsychiatric Inventory scores; these scores, which were calculated using generalized estimating equations with medication (benzodiazepines) as a covariate, were reduced by 65% (P < 0.001) and 78% (P = 0.001) by the 5th and 9th weeks, respectively. At the same time, Mini-Mental State Examination scores increased by 19% (P = 0.007) and 28% (P = 0.04), respectively. However, differences in outcomes between the 5th and 9th weeks were not significant. A 4-week regimen of bright light therapy was the most effective, with higher adherence and acceptability.
“Sounding Black”: Speech Stereotypicality Activates Racial Stereotypes and Expectations About Appearance
Authors: Kurinec Courtney A. , Weaver Charles A.
Published: December 2021

Black Americans who are perceived as more racially phenotypical—that is, who possess more physical traits that are closely associated with their race—are more often associated with racial stereotypes. These stereotypes, including assumptions about criminality, can influence how Black Americans are treated by the legal system. However, it is unclear whether other forms of racial stereotypicality, such as a person’s way of speaking, also activate stereotypes about Black Americans. We investigated the links between speech stereotypicality and racial stereotypes (Experiment 1) and racial phenotype bias (Experiment 2). In Experiment 1, participants listened to audio recordings of Black speakers and rated how stereotypical they found the speaker, the likely race and nationality of the speaker, and indicated which adjectives the average person would likely associate with this speaker. In Experiment 2, participants listened to recordings of weakly or strongly stereotypical Black American speakers and indicated which of two faces (either weakly or strongly phenotypical) was more likely to be the speaker’s. We found that speakers whose voices were rated as more highly stereotypical for Black Americans were more likely to be associated with stereotypes about Black Americans (Experiment 1) and with more stereotypically Black faces (Experiment 2). These findings indicate that speech stereotypicality activates racial stereotypes as well as expectations about the stereotypicality of an individual’s appearance. As a result, the activation of stereotypes based on speech may lead to bias in suspect descriptions or eyewitness identifications.
From Wellbeing to Social Media and Back: A Multi-Method Approach to Assessing the Bi-Directional Relationship Between Wellbeing and Social Media Use
Authors: Griffioen Nastasia , Lichtwarck-Aschoff Anna , van Rooij Marieke , Granic Isabela
Published: December 2021

Literature concerning the relationship between social media use and wellbeing is inconsistent in its findings, and most research has focused on time spent on social media rather than on what emerging adults do there, with whom and why. Here, we investigated whether momentary social stress affects emerging adults’ social media use, and whether this social media use relates to subsequent changes in wellbeing. We implemented a multi-method paradigm utilising objective and self-report data to investigate how social stress relates to how (much) and why emerging adults use social media. We report on findings based on 114 17–25-year-old emerging adults recruited on university campus. Our findings suggest that social stress does not affect adolescents’ subsequent social media use and that there is no relationship between social media use after stress and changes in momentary wellbeing. Our work illustrates the need for detailed approaches in social media and psychological wellbeing research.
“Mine Works Better”: Examining the Influence of Embodiment in Virtual Reality on the Sense of Agency During a Binary Motor Imagery Task With a Brain-Computer Interface
Authors: Ziadeh Hamzah , Gulyas David , Nielsen Louise Dørr , Lehmann Steffen , Nielsen Thomas Bendix , Kjeldsen Thomas Kim Kroman , Hougaard Bastian Ilsø , Jochumsen Mads , Knoche Hendrik
Published: December 2021

Motor imagery-based brain-computer interfaces (MI-BCI) have been proposed as a means for stroke rehabilitation, which combined with virtual reality allows for introducing game-based interactions into rehabilitation. However, the control of the MI-BCI may be difficult to obtain and users may face poor performance which frustrates them and potentially affects their motivation to use the technology. Decreases in motivation could be reduced by increasing the users' sense of agency over the system. The aim of this study was to understand whether embodiment (ownership) of a hand depicted in virtual reality can enhance the sense of agency to reduce frustration in an MI-BCI task. Twenty-two healthy participants participated in a within-subject study where their sense of agency was compared in two different embodiment experiences: 1) avatar hand (with body), or 2) abstract blocks. Both representations closed with a similar motion for spatial congruency and popped a balloon as a result. The hand/blocks were controlled through an online MI-BCI. Each condition consisted of 30 trials of MI-activation of the avatar hand/blocks. After each condition a questionnaire probed the participants' sense of agency, ownership, and frustration. Afterwards, a semi-structured interview was performed where the participants elaborated on their ratings. Both conditions supported similar levels of MI-BCI performance. A significant correlation between ownership and agency was observed (r= 0.47,p= 0.001). As intended, the avatar hand yielded much higher ownership than the blocks. When controlling for performance, ownership increased sense of agency. In conclusion, designers of BCI-based rehabilitation applications can draw on anthropomorphic avatars for the visual mapping of the trained limb to improve ownership. While not While not reducing frustration ownership can improve perceived agency given sufficient BCI performance. In future studies the findings should be validated in stroke patients since they may perceive agency and ownership differently than able-bodied users.
Research on Face Recognition and Privacy in China—Based on Social Cognition and Cultural Psychology
Authors: Liu Tao , Yang Bijiao , Geng Yanan , Du Sumin
Published: December 2021

With the development of big data technology, the privacy concerns of face recognition have become the most critical social issue in the era of information sharing. Based on the perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, social cognition, and cross-cultural aspects, this study analyses the privacy of face recognition and influencing factors. The study collected 518 questionnaires through the Internet, SPSS 25.0 was used to analyze the questionnaire data as well as evaluate the reliability of the data, and Cronbach’s alpha (α coefficient) was used to measure the data in this study. Our findings demonstrate that when users perceive the risk of their private information being disclosed through face recognition, they have greater privacy concerns. However, most users will still choose to provide personal information in exchange for the services and applications they need. Trust in technology and platforms can reduce users’ intention to put up guards against them. Users believe that face recognition platforms can create secure conditions for the use of face recognition technology, thus exhibiting a higher tendency to use such technology. Although perceived ease of use has no significant positive impact on the actual use of face recognition due to other external factors, such as accuracy and technology maturity, perceived usefulness still has a significant positive impact on the actual use of face recognition. These results enrich the literature on the application behavior of face recognition and play an important role in making better use of face recognition by social individuals, which not only facilitates their daily life but also does not disclose personal privacy information.
Expert Arguments for Trends of Psychiatric Bed Numbers: A Systematic Review of Qualitative Data
Authors: Mundt Adrian P. , Delhey Langerfeldt Sabine , Rozas Serri Enzo , Siebenförcher Mathias , Priebe Stefan
Published: December 2021

Introduction: Mental health policies have encouraged removals of psychiatric beds in many countries. It is under debate whether to continue those trends. We conducted a systematic review of expert arguments for trends of psychiatric bed numbers.

Methods: We searched seven electronic databases and screened 15,479 papers to identify expert opinions, arguments and recommendations for trends of psychiatric bed numbers, published until December 2020. Data were synthesized using thematic analysis and classified into arguments to maintain or increase numbers and to reduce numbers.

Results: One hundred six publications from 25 countries were included. The most common themes arguing for reductions of psychiatric bed numbers were inadequate use of inpatient care, better integration of care and better use of community care. Arguments to maintain or increase bed numbers included high demand of psychiatric beds, high occupancy rates, increasing admission rates, criminalization of mentally ill, lack of community care and inadequately short length of stay. Cost effectiveness and quality of care were used as arguments for increase or decrease.

Conclusions: The expert arguments presented here may guide and focus future debate on the required psychiatric bed numbers. The recommendations may help policymakers to define targets for psychiatric bed numbers. Arguments need careful local evaluation, especially when supporting opposite directions of trends in different contexts.