bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Oh, My God! My Season Is Over!” COVID-19 and Regulation of the Psychological Response in Spanish High-Performance Athletes
Authors: González-Hernández Juan , López-Mora Clara , Yüce Arif , Nogueira-López Abel , Tovar-Gálvez Maria Isabel
Published: March 2021

Background: In an unprecedented situation of interruption of the sporting dynamics, the world of sport is going through a series of adaptations necessary to continue functioning despite coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). More than ever, athletes are facing a different challenge, a source of discomfort and uncertainty, and one that absolutely alters not only sports calendars, but also trajectories, progressions, and approaches to sports life. Therefore, it is necessary to identify the levels of psychological vulnerability that may have been generated in the athletes, because of the coexistence with dysfunctional responses during the COVID-19 experience, and which directly influence the decrease of their mental health.

Methods: With a descriptive and transversal design, the study aims to identify the state of the dysfunctional psychological response of a sample of Spanish athletes (N = 284). The DASS-21 (Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale), Toronto-20 (alexithymia), and Distress Tolerance Scale questionnaires were administered to a sample of high-level Spanish athletes in Olympic programs.

Results: The results suggest that the analyzed athletes indicate high levels of dysfunctional response (e.g., anxiety, stress, depression, and alexithymia) when their tolerance is low. In addition, the variables show less relational strength, when the capacity of tolerance to distress is worse and age is lower. At the same time, the greater the anxiety and uncertainty are, leading to more catastrophic and negative thoughts, the younger the athletes are.

Conclusions: It is clear that both age and tolerance to distress are considered adequate protective factors for psychological vulnerability in general and for associated dysfunctional responses in particular. Moreover, the psychological resources offered by more experienced athletes are also a guarantee of protection against negativity and catastrophism.
Monitoring Sleep Changes via a Smartphone App in Bipolar Disorder: Practical Issues and Validation of a Potential Diagnostic Tool
Authors: Fellendorf Frederike T. , Hamm Carlo , Dalkner Nina , Platzer Martina , Sattler Matteo C. , Bengesser Susanne A. , Lenger Melanie , Pilz Rene , Birner Armin , Queissner Robert , Tmava-Berisha Adelina , Ratzenhofer Michaela , Maget Alexander , van Poppel Mireille , Reininghaus Eva Z.
Published: March 2021

Background: Sleep disturbances are common early warning signs of an episode of bipolar disorder, and early recognition can favorably impact the illness course. Symptom monitoring via a smartphone app is an inexpensive and feasible method to detect an early indication of changes such as sleep. The study aims were (1) to assess the acceptance of apps and (2) to validate sleeping times measured by the smartphone app UP!.

Methods:UP! was used by 22 individuals with bipolar disorder and 23 controls. Participants recorded their time of falling asleep and waking-up using UP! for 3 weeks. Results were compared to a validated accelerometer and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Additionally, participants were interviewed regarding early warning signs and their feedback for apps as monitoring tools in bipolar disorder (NCT03275714).

Results: With UP!, our study did not find strong reservations concerning data protection or continual smartphone usage. Correlation analysis demonstrates UP! to be a valid tool for measuring falling asleep and waking-up times.

Discussion: Individuals with bipolar disorder assessed the measurement of sleep disturbances as an early warning sign with a smartphone as positive. The detection of early signs could change an individual's behavior and strengthen self-management. The study showed that UP! can be used to measure changes in sleep durations accurately. Further investigation of smartphone apps' impact to measure other early signs could significantly contribute to clinical treatment and research in the future through objective, continuous, and individual data collection.
On the Hydroclimate-Vegetation Relationship in the Southwestern Amazon During the 2000–2019 Period
Authors: Gutierrez-Cori Omar , Espinoza Jhan Carlo , Li Laurent Z. X. , Wongchuig Sly , Arias Paola A. , Ronchail Josyane , Segura Hans
Published: March 2021

The southern Amazonia is undergoing a major biophysical transition, involving changes in land use and regional climate. This study provides new insights on the relationship between hydroclimatic variables and vegetation conditions in the upper Madeira Basin (~1 × 106 km2). Vegetative dynamics are characterised using the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) while hydroclimatic variability is analysed using satellite-based precipitation, observed river discharge, satellite measurements of terrestrial water storage (TWS) and downward shortwave radiation (DSR). We show that the vegetation in this region varies from energy-limited to water-limited throughout the year. During the peak of the wet season (January-February), rainfall, discharge and TWS are negatively correlated with NDVI in February-April (r = −0.48 to −0.65; p < 0.05). In addition, DSR is positively correlated with NDVI (r = 0.47–0.54; p < 0.05), suggesting that the vegetation is mainly energy-limited during this period. Outside this period, these correlations are positive for rainfall, discharge and TWS (r = 0.55–0.88; p < 0.05), and negative for DSR (r = −0.47 to −0.54; p < 0.05), suggesting that vegetation depends mainly on water availability, particularly during the vegetation dry season (VDS; late June to late October). Accordantly, the total rainfall during the dry season explains around 80% of the VDS NDVI interannual variance. Considering the predominant land cover types, differences in the hydroclimate-NDVI relationship are observed. Evergreen forests (531,350 km2) remain energy-limited during the beginning of the dry season, but they become water-limited at the end of the VDS. In savannas and flooded savannas (162,850 km2), water dependence occurs months before the onset of the VDS. These differences are more evident during extreme drought years (2007, 2010, and 2011), where regional impacts on NDVI were stronger in savannas and flooded savannas (55% of the entire surface of savannas) than in evergreen forests (40%). A spatial analysis reveals that two specific areas do not show significant hydroclimatic-NDVI correlations during the dry season: (i) the eastern flank of the Andes, characterised by very wet conditions, therefore the vegetation is not water-limited, and (ii) recent deforested areas (~42,500 km2) that break the natural response in the hydroclimate-vegetation system. These findings are particularly relevant given the increasing rates of deforestation in this region.
Serosurvey of Avian Influenza Viruses (H5, H7, and H9) and Associated Risk Factors in Backyard Poultry Flocks of Lahore District, Pakistan
Authors: Chaudhry Mamoona , Rashid Hamad Bin , Thrusfield Michael , Eisler Mark C. , Welburn Susan C.
Published: March 2021

Rural poultry constitutes 56% of the total poultry population in Pakistan; however, epidemiological information about avian influenza viruses (AIVs) in backyard poultry flocks is lacking. A cross-sectional survey of villages of Lahore district was conducted from July 2009 to August 2009 using two-stage cluster sampling and probability proportional to size (PPS) sampling to estimate seroprevalence and its associated risk factors. A random selection of 35 clusters from 308 villages of Lahore were considered, and from each cluster, six chickens aged >2 months were selected. A total of 210 serum samples were collected and examined by the hemagglutination inhibition (HI) test for specific antibodies against AIV subtypes H5, H7, and H9. Overall weighted seroprevalence for AIVs was 65.2% (95% CI: 55.6–74.8%), and for subtype H5, H7 & H9 was 6.9% (95% CI: 10.8–23.0%), 0% (95% CI: 0–1.7%), and 62.0% (95% CI: 52.2–71.8%) respectively. However, none of the samples were positive for H7. The average flock size was 17.3 birds, and the main purpose of keeping poultry was for eggs/meat (70.6%, 95% CI: 59.7–81.4). A majority of them were reared in a semi-caged system (83%, 95% CI: 74.5–91.3). Backyard birds were received from different sources, that is, purchased from the market or received as a gift from friends or any NGO, and were 5.7 times more likely to become avian influenza (AI) seropositive than those that were not exposed to these sources (CI 95%: 2.0–716.0). Backyard birds which were received from different sources, that is, purchased from the market or received from friends or any NGO, were 5.7 times more likely to become AI seropositive compared to those that were not (CI 95%: 2.5–18.7). To reduce the risk of AIV in Pakistan, continuous surveillance of backyard poultry would be needed.
Outbreaks of Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases Are Associated With Changes in Forest Cover and Oil Palm Expansion at Global Scale
Authors: Morand Serge , Lajaunie Claire
Published: March 2021

Deforestation is a major cause of biodiversity loss with a negative impact on human health. This study explores at global scale whether the loss and gain of forest cover and the rise of oil palm plantations can promote outbreaks of vector-borne and zoonotic diseases. Taking into account the human population growth, we find that the increases in outbreaks of zoonotic and vector-borne diseases from 1990 to 2016 are linked with deforestation, mostly in tropical countries, and with reforestation, mostly in temperate countries. We also find that outbreaks of vector-borne diseases are associated with the increase in areas of palm oil plantations. Our study gives new support for a link between global deforestation and outbreaks of zoonotic and vector-borne diseases as well as evidences that reforestation and plantations may also contribute to epidemics of infectious diseases. The results are discussed in light of the importance of forests for biodiversity, livelihoods and human health and the need to urgently build an international governance framework to ensure the preservation of forests and the ecosystem services they provide, including the regulation of diseases. We develop recommendations to scientists, public health officers and policymakers who should reconcile the need to preserve biodiversity while taking into account the health risks posed by lack or mismanagement of forests.
Prediction of Intrinsically Disordered Proteins Using Machine Learning Algorithms Based on Fuzzy Entropy Feature
Authors: Zhang Lin , Liu Haiyuan , He Hao
Published: March 2021

We used fuzzy entropy as a feature to optimize the intrinsically disordered protein prediction scheme. The optimization scheme requires computing only five features for each residue of a protein sequence, that is, the Shannon entropy, topological entropy, and the weighted average values of two propensities. Notably, this is the first time that fuzzy entropy has been applied to the field of protein sequencing. In addition, we used three machine learning to examine the prediction results before and after optimization. The results show that the use of fuzzy entropy leads to an improvement in the performance of different algorithms, demonstrating the generality of its application. Finally, we compare the simulation results of our scheme with those of some existing schemes to demonstrate its effectiveness.
Acclimation to Ex Vitro Conditions in Ninebark
Authors: Jagiełło-Kubiec Katarzyna , Nowakowska Karolina , Łukaszewska Aleksandra Józefina , Pacholczak Andrzej
Published: March 2021

Acclimation is the final phase of micropropagation and often decisive for its economic output. The aim of the experiments was to evaluate the effect of abscisic acid (ABA) and supplementary light on acclimation and leaf anatomy of the in vitro-rooted plants of ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius L.). The initial material came from 8–10-week-old in vitro cultures on ½MS supplemented with 1 mg·L−1 IBA. After potting, plantlets were sprayed with ABA solutions or distilled water and were grown either under natural daylight or under supplemental sodium light at 230 μmol·m−2·s−1 between 2 and 9 p.m. All measurements and anatomical observations were done after eight weeks in the greenhouse. Supplementary lighting significantly increased the percentage of acclimatized plants, plant height and the internode number. Plant growth was also positively affected by 1 mg·L−1 ABA. During acclimation, the photosynthesis rate increased while the transpiration and stomatal conductance dropped. The assimilation pigment contents increased under supplemental lighting while ABA had no detectable effect. However, relative to water controls, ABA increased photosynthesis, reduced transpiration, and stomatal conductance in plants growing under both light conditions. Leaves from the in vitro plants were about two times thinner than those from plants growing in soil, with only a single layer of the palisade parenchyma, hence with lower proportion in relation to the spongy parenchyma. Supplementary light during acclimation increased leaf thickness but only in the water control while it decreased it in the ABA-treated plants. ABA increased the mesophyll thickness but only in plants growing under natural light. In conclusion, supplementary light and treatment with ABA enhance acclimation of micropropagated ninebark plants.
Evaluating Wild Germplasm Introgression into Autotetraploid Blueberry
Authors: Cabezas Diego , de Bem Oliveira Ivone , Acker Mia , Lyrene Paul , Munoz Patricio R.
Published: March 2021

Wild germplasm can be classified as the raw material essential for crop improvement. Introgression of wild germplasm is normally used in breeding to increase crop quality or resilience to evolving biotic and abiotic threats. Here, we explore the potential of introgressing Vaccinium elliottii into commercial blueberry germplasm. Vaccinium elliottii is a wild diploid blueberry species endemic to the southeastern United States that possesses highly desirable and economically important traits for blueberry breeding such as: short bloom to ripe period, adaptation to upland sandy soils, disease resistance, firmness, and pleasant flavor. To examine the potential of hybridization, we evaluated populations of interspecific hybrids across multiple stages of breeding (i.e., F1, F2, and backcrosses) in two crop seasons. We used our extensive pedigree data to generate breeding values for pre-breeding blueberry hybrid populations. Hybrid performance was evaluated considering fitness (i.e., plant vigor and plant height) in addition to evaluating six fruit-quality and marketable-related traits (i.e., size, firmness, acidity, soluble solids, weight, and yield). Overall, F2 and backcrosses rapidly achieved market thresholds, presenting values not significantly different from commercial blueberry germplasm. Our results confirmed the potential of exploiting the high genetic variability contained in V. elliottii for interspecific hybridization. Additionally, we developed germplasm resources that can be further evaluated and utilized in the breeding process, advancing selections for fruit quality and environmental adaptation.
Genotype-Dependent Tipburn Severity during Lettuce Hydroponic Culture Is Associated with Altered Nutrient Leaf Content
Authors: Birlanga Virginia , Acosta-Motos José Ramón , Pérez-Pérez José Manuel
Published: March 2021

Cultivated lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is one of the most important leafy vegetables in the world, and most of the production is concentrated in the Mediterranean Basin. Hydroponics has been successfully utilized for lettuce cultivation, which could contribute to the diversification of production methods and the reduction of water consumption and excessive fertilization. We devised a low-cost procedure for closed hydroponic cultivation and easy phenotyping of root and shoot attributes of lettuce. We studied 12 lettuce genotypes of the crisphead and oak-leaf subtypes, which differed on their tipburn resistance, for three growing seasons (Fall, Winter, and Spring). We found interesting genotype × environment (G × E) interactions for some of the studied traits during early growth. By analyzing tipburn incidence and leaf nutrient content, we were able to identify a number of nutrient traits that were highly correlated with cultivar- and genotype-dependent tipburn. Our experimental setup will allow evaluating different lettuce genotypes in defined nutrient solutions to select for tipburn-tolerant and highly productive genotypes that are suitable for hydroponics.
Higher Biochar Rate Can Be Efficient in Reducing Nitrogen Mineralization and Nitrification in the Excessive Compost-Fertilized Soils
Authors: Tsai Chen-Chi , Chang Yu-Fang
Published: March 2021

The effects of a high biochar rate on soil carbon mineralization, when co-applied with excessive compost, have been reported in previous studies, but there is a dearth of studies focusing on soil nitrogen. In order to ascertain the positive or snegative effects of a higher biochar rate on excessive compost, compost (5 wt. %) and three slow pyrolysis (>700 °C) biochars (formosan ash (Fraxinus formosana Hayata), ash biochar; makino bamboo (Phyllostachys makino Hayata), bamboo biochar; and lead tree (Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de. Wit), lead tree biochar) were applied (0, 2 and 5 wt. %) to three soils (one Oxisols and two Inceptisols). Destructive sampling occurred at 1, 3, 7, 28, 56, 84, 140, 196, 294, and 400 days to monitor for changes in soil chemistry. The overall results showed that, compared to the other rates, the 5% biochar application rate significantly reduced the concentrations of inorganic N (NO3−-N + NH4+-N) in the following, decreasing order: lead tree biochar > bamboo biochar > ash biochar. The soil response in terms of ammonium and nitrate followed a similar declining trend in the three soils throughout the incubation periods, with this effect increasing in tandem with the biochar application rate. Over time, the soil NO3−-N increased, probably due to the excessive compost N mineralization; however, the levels of soil NO3−-N in the sample undergoing the 5% biochar application rate remained the lowest, to a significant degree. The soils’ original properties determined the degree of ammonium and nitrate reduction after biochar addition. To reduce soil NO3−-N pollution and increase the efficiency of compost fertilizer use, a high rate of biochar application (especially with that pyrolyzed at high temperatures (>700 °C)) to excessively compost-fertilized soils is highly recommended.
Physicochemical, Volatile, and Sensory Characterization of Promising Cherry Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Cultivars: Fresh Market Aptitudes of Pear and Round Fruits
Authors: Pérez-Marín Julio , Issa-Issa Hanán , Clemente-Villalba Jesús , García-Garví José Miguel , Hernández Francisca , Carbonell-Barrachina Ángel A. , Calín-Sánchez Ángel , Noguera-Artiaga Luis
Published: March 2021

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is a well-known plant that belongs to the Solanaceae family. It is a widely consumed vegetable, either fresh or industrially processed. The aim of this study was to characterize and compare the morphology, main physicochemical parameters, volatile composition, and sensory quality of 8 cherry tomato cultivars: 4 pear cherry tomatoes (Angelle, Seychelles, Santyplum, and Dolcetini) and 4 round cherry tomatoes (Katalina, Sweet star, C-95, and Karelya) to be able to replace the most popular ones in markets (Angelle and Katalina). Morphological parameters had significant differences among cultivars, while in terms of total soluble solids and titratable acidity, Dolcetini could be an interesting substitute of Angelle in pear cherry cultivars, while in round ones C-95 would be the closest one. Regarding sugars, Santyplum was probably the cultivar which could be placed into a similar place to Angelle, while in round ones, C-95 was probably the cultivar closest to Katalina. Santyplum, Seychelles (pear type), and C-95 (round type) are likely to be the most interesting cherry cultivars in providing a real alternative to the most cultivated ones, in terms of volatile profile and concentration of the main volatile compounds. Descriptive sensory analysis revealed that Seychelles cultivar in 9 of the 15 attributes under study could be considered as the most similar cultivar to replace Angelle, while in round types no clear and direct relationship was found with any cultivar. Finally, consumers reported similar values for Angelle and Seychelles pear type cultivars, while round ones did not show significant differences. In summary, it can be stated that Seychelles and C-95 are the best alternatives of pear and round cherry cultivars, respectively, as compared to the reference cultivars, Angelle and Katalina.
Potential Impact of the Current and Future Climate on the Yield, Quality, and Climate Suitability for Tea [Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze]: A Systematic Review
Authors: Jayasinghe Sadeeka Layomi , Kumar Lalit
Published: March 2021

Even though climate change is having an increasing impact on tea plants, systematic reviews on the impact of climate change on the tea system are scarce. This review was undertaken to assess and synthesize the knowledge around the impacts of current and future climate on yield, quality, and climate suitability for tea; the historical roots and the most influential papers on the aforementioned topics; and the key adaptation and mitigation strategies that are practiced in tea fields. Our findings show that a large number of studies have focused on the impact of climate change on tea quality, followed by tea yield, while a smaller number of studies have concentrated on climate suitability. Three pronounced reference peaks found in Reference Publication Year Spectroscopy (RYPS) represent the most significant papers associated with the yield, quality, and climate suitability for tea. Tea yield increases with elevated CO2 levels, but this increment could be substantially affected by an increasing temperature. Other climatic factors are uneven rainfall, extreme weather events, and climate-driven abiotic stressors. An altered climate presents both advantages and disadvantages for tea quality due to the uncertainty of the concentrations of biochemicals in tea leaves. Climate change creates losses, gains, and shifts of climate suitability for tea habitats. Further studies are required in order to fill the knowledge gaps identified through the present review, such as an investigation of the interaction between the tea plant and multiple environmental factors that mimic real-world conditions and then studies on its impact on the tea system, as well as the design of ensemble modeling approaches to predict climate suitability for tea. Finally, we outline multifaceted and evidence-based adaptive and mitigation strategies that can be implemented in tea fields to alleviate the undesirable impacts of climate change.
The Graphical Representation of Cell Count Representation: A New Procedure for the Diagnosis of Periprosthetic Joint Infections
Authors: Fink Bernd , Hoyka Marius , Weissbarth Elke , Schuster Philipp , Berger Irina
Published: March 2021

Aim: This study was designed to answer the question whether a graphical representation increase the diagnostic value of automated leucocyte counting of the synovial fluid in the diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infections (PJI). Material and methods: Synovial aspirates from 322 patients (162 women, 160 men) with revisions of 192 total knee and 130 hip arthroplasties were analysed with microbiological cultivation, determination of cell counts and assay of the biomarker alpha-defensin (170 cases). In addition, microbiological and histological analysis of the periprosthetic tissue obtained during the revision surgery was carried out using the ICM classification and the histological classification of Morawietz and Krenn. The synovial aspirates were additionally analysed to produce dot plot representations (LMNE matrices) of the cells and particles in the aspirates using the hematology analyser ABX Pentra XL 80. Results: 112 patients (34.8%) had an infection according to the ICM criteria. When analysing the graphical LMNE matrices from synovia cell counting, four types could be differentiated: the type “wear particles” (I) in 28.3%, the type “infection” (II) in 24.8%, the “combined” type (III) in 15.5% and “indeterminate” type (IV) in 31.4%. There was a significant correlation between the graphical LMNE-types and the histological types of Morawietz and Krenn (p < 0.001 and Cramer test V value of 0.529). The addition of the LMNE-Matrix assessment increased the diagnostic value of the cell count and the cut-off value of the WBC count could be set lower by adding the LMNE-Matrix to the diagnostic procedure. Conclusion: The graphical representation of the cell count analysis of synovial aspirates is a new and helpful method for differentiating between real periprosthetic infections with an increased leukocyte count and false positive data resulting from wear particles. This new approach helps to increase the diagnostic value of cell count analysis in the diagnosis of PJI.
Reduced Liver Autophagy in High-Fat Diet Induced Liver Steatosis in New Zealand Obese Mice
Authors: Korovila Ioanna , Höhn Annika , Jung Tobias , Grune Tilman , Ott Christiane
Published: March 2021

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), as a consequence of overnutrition caused by high-calorie diets, results in obesity and disturbed lipid homeostasis leading to hepatic lipid droplet formation. Lipid droplets can impair hepatocellular function; therefore, it is of utmost importance to degrade these cellular structures. This requires the normal function of the autophagic-lysosomal system and the ubiquitin-proteasomal system. We demonstrated in NZO mice, a polygenic model of obesity, which were compared to C57BL/6J (B6) mice, that a high-fat diet leads to obesity and accumulation of lipid droplets in the liver. This was accompanied by a loss of autophagy efficiency whereas the activity of lysosomal proteases and the 20S proteasome remained unaffected. The disturbance of cellular protein homeostasis was further demonstrated by the accumulation of 3-nitrotyrosine and 4-hydroxynonenal modified proteins, which are normally prone to degradation. Therefore, we conclude that fat accumulation in the liver due to a high-fat diet is associated with a failure of autophagy and leads to the disturbance of proteostasis. This might further contribute to lipid droplet stabilization and accumulation.
Serum Albumin Redox States: More Than Oxidative Stress Biomarker
Authors: Tabata Fuka , Wada Yasuaki , Kawakami Satomi , Miyaji Kazuhiro
Published: March 2021

Serum albumin is the most abundant circulating protein in mammals including humans. It has three isoforms according to the redox state of the free cysteine residue at position 34, named as mercaptalbumin (reduced albumin), non-mercaptalbumin-1 and -2 (oxidized albumin), respectively. The serum albumin redox state has long been viewed as a biomarker of systemic oxidative stress, as the redox state shifts to a more oxidized state in response to the severity of the pathological condition in various diseases such as liver diseases and renal failures. However, recent ex vivo studies revealed oxidized albumin per se could aggravate the pathological conditions. Furthermore, the possibility of the serum albumin redox state as a sensitive protein nutrition biomarker has also been demonstrated in a series of animal studies. A paradigm shift is thus ongoing in the research field of the serum albumin. This article provides an updated overview of analytical techniques for serum albumin redox state and its association with human health, focusing on recent findings.
The Sardinian Bitter Honey: From Ancient Healing Use to Recent Findings
Authors: Floris Ignazio , Pusceddu Michelina , Satta Alberto
Published: March 2021

Sardinian bitter honey, obtained from the autumnal flowering of the strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo L.), has an old fame and tradition in popular use, especially as a medicine. Its knowledge dates back over 2000 years, starting from the Greeks and Romans to the present day. There are many literary references from illustrious personalities of the past such as Cicero, Horace, Virgil, and Dioscorides, until recent times, associated with the peculiar anomaly of its taste, which lends itself to literary and poetic metaphors. The curiosity of its bitter taste is also what led to the first studies starting in the late 1800s, aimed to reveal its origin. Other studies on its botanical source and characteristics have been carried out over time, up to the most recent investigations, which have confirmed its potential for use in the medical field, thanks to its antioxidant, antiradical, and cancer-preventing properties. These benefits have been associated with its phenolic component and in particular with the prevailing phenolic acid (homogentisic acid). Later, other strawberry tree honeys from the Mediterranean area have also shown the same properties. However, Sardinian bitter honey maintains its geographical and historical identity, which is recognized by other Mediterranean cultures.
Label-Free Quantitative Proteomic Analysis of Nitrogen Starvation in Arabidopsis Root Reveals New Aspects of H2S Signaling by Protein Persulfidation
Authors: Jurado-Flores Ana , Romero Luis C. , Gotor Cecilia
Published: March 2021

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S)-mediated signaling pathways regulate many physiological and pathophysiological processes in mammalian and plant systems. The molecular mechanism by which hydrogen sulfide exerts its action involves the posttranslational modification of cysteine residues to form a persulfidated thiol motif. We developed a comparative and label-free quantitative proteomic analysis approach for the detection of endogenous persulfidated proteins in N-starved Arabidopsis thaliana roots by using the tag-switch method. In this work, we identified 5214 unique proteins from root tissue that were persulfidated, 1674 of which were quantitatively analyzed and found to show altered persulfidation levels in vivo under N deprivation. These proteins represented almost 13% of the entire annotated proteome in Arabidopsis. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that persulfidated proteins were involved in a wide range of biological functions, regulating important processes such as primary metabolism, plant responses to stresses, growth and development, RNA translation and protein degradation. Quantitative mass spectrometry analysis allowed us to obtain a comprehensive view of hydrogen sulfide signaling via changes in the persulfidation levels of key protein targets involved in ubiquitin-dependent protein degradation and autophagy, among others.
Effect of Beauveria bassiana-Seed Treatment on Zea mays L. Response against Spodoptera frugiperda
Authors: Kuzhuppillymyal-Prabhakarankutty Laiju , Ferrara-Rivero Fernando H. , Tamez-Guerra Patricia , Gomez-Flores Ricardo , Rodríguez-Padilla María Cristina , Ek-Ramos María Julissa
Published: March 2021

Spodoptera frugiperda is a widely distributed insect pest that causes major economic losses in various crops, particularly maize. On the other hand, Beauveria bassiana is an entomopathogenic fungus that establishes symbiotic associations with many plants and contributes to tolerance against biotic and abiotic stresses. In the present work, in laboratory experiments, the effects of the B. bassiana strain GHA, in addition to a native strain (PTG4), delivered via seed treatment in maize seedlings, were evaluated on S. frugiperda growth, development, and mortality. We inoculated maize seeds with 1 × 106B. bassiana blastospores; then these seeds were germinated and grown to seedlings under growth chamber conditions. Third-instar S. frugiperda larvae were allowed to feed on B. bassiana-treated and -untreated (negative control) seedlings until reaching the sixth instar and transferred to an artificial diet until reaching adult stage. Results showed that larvae feeding on B. bassiana strain PTG4-treated plants prolonged their larval stage. Furthermore, feeding on plants treated with B. bassiana strains yielded fewer S. frugiperda male moths compared with feeding with the untreated control plants. Under field conditions, 1 × 106 (first trial) and 1 × 108 (second trial) of B. bassiana (GHA strain) blastospores were used for corn seed inoculation. In the first field trial, there were a higher number of larvae in the negative control plants compared to those in the plants treated with B. bassiana. No larvae were found in negative control and B. bassiana-treated plants in the second field trial. In conclusion, seed treatment with B. bassiana in maize reduced S. frugiperda infestation of maize plants in field trials. S. frugiperda development was also affected in laboratory trials.
The Impact of an Agent’s Voice in Psychological Counseling: Session Evaluation and Counselor Rating
Authors: Kim Hyo Chang , Cha Min Chul , Ji Yong Gu
Published: March 2021

As an agent delivers content during the communication between an artificial intelligence (AI) machine and a person, the voice of the agent is a crucial factor to be considered. Particularly in the fields of eHealth, the perception of users toward an agent is crucial as it significantly affects the communication between the agent and its patients, as well as the treatment results. Thus, this study examined the effects of the voice of an agent on the perception of users toward the agent and its counseling effects. This study developed a psychological counseling agent with four voices according to gender and age, communicated with the subjects through such agent, and measured the perception of users toward the agent and its counseling effects through a questionnaire. Results demonstrated that the female-voiced agent had a higher level of attractiveness than the male-voiced agent, regardless of the age of such voice, and the agent using an older voice had a higher level of expertness and depth than the agent using a younger voice, regardless of the gender of such voice. The findings of this study are expected to be effectively used to design a voice-based AI agent that considers the optimal voice according to the purpose of use.
Providing Predictable Quality of Service in a Cloud-Based Web System
Authors: Zatwarnicki Krzysztof
Published: March 2021

Cloud-computing web systems and services revolutionized the web. Nowadays, they are the most important part of the Internet. Cloud-computing systems provide the opportunity for businesses to undergo digital transformation in order to improve efficiency and reduce costs. The sudden shutdown of schools and offices during the pandemic of Covid 19 significantly increased the demand for cloud solutions. Load balancing and sharing mechanisms are implemented in order to reduce the costs and increase the quality of web service. The usage of those methods with adaptive intelligent algorithms can deliver the highest and a predictable quality of service. In this article, a new HTTP request-distribution method in a two-layer architecture of a cluster-based web system is presented. This method allows for the provision of efficient processing and predictable quality by servicing requests in adopted time constraints. The proposed decision algorithms utilize fuzzy-neural models allowing service times to be estimated. This article provides a description of this new solution. It also contains the results of experiments in which the proposed method is compared with other intelligent approaches such as Fuzzy-Neural Request Distribution, and distribution methods often used in production systems.
Measurement and Analysis of Industrial Forklifts Vibration Levels for Unit Load Testing Purposes
Authors: Huang Yu Yang , Horvath Laszlo , Böröcz Péter
Published: March 2021

Forklifts are one of the most common types of material handling equipment used in warehouses and distribution centers. Vibration generated by forklifts may have an effect on the performance of unit loads and product damage rates. Historical research projects have focused predominantly on the measurement of vibration for over-the-road transportation. Thus, there is still a lack of understanding of the level of vibration caused by forklifts. The goal of this study was to understand how the vibration that is experienced by unit loads while being transported by forklifts is affected by factors such as speed, road condition, unit load weight, type of forklift, and sensor location. For this study, power spectral density (PSD) measurements were collected using a Lansmont Saver 9X30 data logger. Vibration levels were measured for three different industrial forklifts on two different surface types. The forklifts were driven at two different speeds while carrying two different unit load weights. For all of these conditions, the vibration levels were measured at the forklift carriage, at the back of the fork tine heel, and at the fork tine tips. The results obtained show that the highest vibrational intensity occurred at 3–4 Hz, while the highest overall Grms value observed was 0.145 G2/Hz (between 1–200 Hz). An increase in the forklift speed caused an increase in vibration intensity. In contrast, an increase in the unit load weight carried by the forklift caused a decrease in vibration intensity. Among the three forklifts studied, the gas-powered forklift had the highest vibration intensity, and all forklifts, when driven on asphalt, experienced more vibration.
Multi-Data Aspects of Protein Similarity with a Learning Technique to Identify Drug-Disease Associations
Authors: Kitsiranuwat Satanat , Suratanee Apichat , Plaimas Kitiporn
Published: March 2021

Drug repositioning has been proposed to develop drugs for diseases. However, the similarity in a single aspect may not be sufficient to reveal hidden information. Therefore, we established protein–protein similarity vectors (PPSVs) based on potential similarities in various types of biological information associated with proteins, including their network topology, proteomic data, functional analysis, and druggable property. Based on the proposed PPSVs, a separate drug–disease matrix was constructed for individual to prevent characteristics from being obscured between diseases. The classification technique was employed for prediction. The results showed that more than half of the tested disease models exhibited high performance, with overall F1 scores of more than 80%. Furthermore, comparing all diseases using traditional methods in one run, we obtained an (area under the curve) AUC of 98.9%. All candidate drugs were then tested in clinical trials (p-value < 2.2 × 10−16) and were known drugs based on their functions (p-value < 0.05). An analysis revealed that, in the functional aspect, the confidence value of an interaction in the protein–protein interaction network and the functional pathway score were the best descriptors for prediction. Based on the learning processes of PPSVs with an isolated disease, the classifier exhibited high performance in predicting and identifying new potential drugs for that disease.
Micromagnetic Characterization of Operation-Induced Damage in Charpy Specimens of RPV Steels
Authors: Rabung Madalina , Kopp Melanie , Gasparics Antal , Vértesy Gábor , Szenthe Ildikó , Uytdenhouwen Inge , Szielasko Klaus
Published: March 2021

The embrittlement of two types of nuclear pressure vessel steel, 15Kh2NMFA and A508 Cl.2, was studied using two different methods of magnetic nondestructive testing: micromagnetic multiparameter microstructure and stress analysis (3MA-X8) and magnetic adaptive testing (MAT). The microstructure and mechanical properties of reactor pressure vessel (RPV) materials are modified due to neutron irradiation; this material degradation can be characterized using magnetic methods. For the first time, the progressive change in material properties due to neutron irradiation was investigated on the same specimens, before and after neutron irradiation. A correlation was found between magnetic characteristics and neutron-irradiation-induced damage, regardless of the type of material or the applied measurement technique. The results of the individual micromagnetic measurements proved their suitability for characterizing the degradation of RPV steel caused by simulated operating conditions. A calibration/training procedure was applied on the merged outcome of both testing methods, producing excellent results in predicting transition temperature, yield strength, and mechanical hardness for both materials.
Microwave Drying for Production of Rehydrated Foods: A Case Study of Stink Bean (Parkia speciosa) Seed
Authors: Nisoa Mudtorlep , Wattanasit Karaket , Tamman Arlee , Sirisathitkul Yaowarat , Sirisathitkul Chitnarong
Published: March 2021

The potential of microwave drying in the production of rehydrated foods is demonstrated with stink beans (Parkia speciosa), smelly legumes of Africa and Asia. Compared to stink beans dehydrated by convective drying and freeze drying, the microwave products exhibit higher moisture contents, but the distribution of microscopic pores leads to good rehydration characteristics. Dehydration by microwave drying is also achieved within a much shorter period than that commonly used in freeze drying. The dehydration time can be further reduced to 6 h comparable to convective drying, and the moisture content is dropped to 11% by decreasing the pressure during microwave drying. However, the rehydration time remains around 65 min for products from both ambient and low-pressure (400 Pa) microwave drying. In rehydration, the period is successfully reduced to 30 min by increasing the water temperature to 70 °C. The results indicate that microwave drying does not affect the value of crude protein and rehydrated products are comparable to fresh stink beans. From these findings, the microwave drying technique is an applicable technology for both manufacturers and consumers, with acceptable drying time and rehydration characteristics.
Description and Analysis of Glycosidic Residues in the Largest Open Natural Products Database
Authors: Schaub Jonas , Zielesny Achim , Steinbeck Christoph , Sorokina Maria
Published: March 2021

Natural products (NPs), biomolecules produced by living organisms, inspire the pharmaceutical industry and research due to their structural characteristics and the substituents from which they derive their activities. Glycosidic residues are frequently present in NP structures and have particular pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic importance as they improve their solubility and are often involved in molecular transport, target specificity, ligand–target interactions, and receptor binding. The COlleCtion of Open Natural prodUcTs (COCONUT) is currently the largest open database of NPs, and therefore a suitable starting point for the detection and analysis of the diversity of glycosidic residues in NPs. In this work, we report and describe the presence of circular, linear, terminal, and non-terminal glycosidic units in NPs, together with their importance in drug discovery.
Copper-Associated Oxidative Stress Contributes to Cellular Inflammatory Responses in Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Kouadri Amal , Cormenier Johanna , Gemy Kevin , Macari Laurence , Charbonnier Peggy , Richaud Pierre , Michaud-Soret Isabelle , Alfaidy Nadia , Benharouga Mohamed
Published: March 2021

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is caused by mutations in the gene encoding the CF Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR), an apical chloride channel. An early inflammation (EI) in the lung of CF patients occurring in the absence of any bacterial infection has been reported. This EI has been proposed to be associated with oxidative stress (OX-S), generated by deregulations of the oxidant/antioxidant status. Recently, we demonstrated that copper (Cu), an essential trace element, mediates OX-S in bronchial cells. However, the role of this element in the development of CF-EI, in association with OX-S, has never been investigated. Using healthy (16HBE14o-; HBE), CF (CFBE14o-; CFBE), and corrected-wild type CFTR CF (CFBE-wt) bronchial cells, we characterized the inflammation and OX-S profiles in relation to the copper status and CFTR expression and function. We demonstrated that CFBE cells exhibited a CFTR-independent intrinsic inflammation. These cells also exhibited an alteration in mitochondria, UPR (Unfolded Protein Response), catalase, Cu/Zn- and Mn-SOD activities, and an increase in the intracellular content of iron, zinc, and Cu. The increase in Cu concentration was associated with OX-S and inflammatory responses. These data identify cellular Cu as a key factor in the generation of CF-associated OX-S and opens new areas of investigation to better understand CF-associated EI.
Patient-Specific Variables Determine the Extent of Cellular Senescence Biomarkers in Ovarian Tumors In Vivo
Authors: Uruski Paweł , Mikuła-Pietrasik Justyna , Naumowicz Eryk , Kaźmierczak Kamila , Gaiday Andrey N. , Królak Jan , Nowakowski Błażej , Moszyński Rafał , Tykarski Andrzej , Książek Krzysztof
Published: March 2021

The mechanisms and clinical significance of the cellular senescence of tumor cells are a matter of ongoing debate. Recently, the triggers and molecular events underlying spontaneous, replicative senescence of primary epithelial ovarian cancer cells were characterized. In this study, we reanalyzed tumors obtained from ovarian cancer patients with respect to the expression of the senescence biomarkers SA-β-Gal and γ-H2A.X and the proliferative antigen Ki67. The results showed that the tumors displayed strong heterogeneity with respect to the expression of analyzed markers. The expression of SA-β-Gal and γ-H2A.X in the oldest patients (61–85 y.o.) was significantly higher than in the younger age groups. Conversely, the area of Ki67-positive cancer cells was greater in younger individuals. At the same time, there was a positive correlation between SA-β-Gal expression and calendar age in FIGO III–IV and malignant ascites-positive patients. The γ-H2A.X positively correlated with age in the whole group, FIGO III–IV, and ascites-positive patients. Ki67 levels correlated negatively with the age of patients among those same groups. Collectively, our study indicated that organismal aging may determine the development of the senescence phenotype in ovarian tumors, particularly in patients with advanced disease and those accumulating malignant ascites.
Guerbet Reactions for Biofuel Production from ABE Fermentation Using Bifunctional Ni-MgO-Al2O3 Catalysts
Authors: Wu Zhiyi , Wang Pingzhou , Wang Jie , Tan Tianwei
Published: March 2021

To upgrade biomass-derived alcohol mixtures to biofuels under solvent-free conditions, MgO–Al2O3 mixed metal oxides (MMO) decorated with Ni nanoparticles (Ni–MgO–Al2O3) are synthesized and characterized. Based on the result, Ni nanoparticles are highly dispersed on the surface of MgAl MMO. As the Ni loading content varies from 2 to 10 wt.%, there is a slight increase in the mean Ni particle size from 6.7 to 8.5 nm. The effects of Ni loading amount, reducing temperature, and Mg/Al ratio on the conversion and product distribution are investigated. With the increase in both the Ni loading amount and reducing temperature, dehydrogenation (the first step of the entire reaction network) is accelerated. This results in an increase in the conversion process and a higher selectivity for the dialkylated compounds. Due to the higher strength and density of basic sites under high Mg/Al ratios, double alkylation is preferred and more long-chain hydrocarbons are obtained. A conversion of 89.2% coupled with a total yield of 79.9% for C5–C15 compounds is acquired by the as-prepared catalyst (prepared with Ni loading of 6 wt.%, reducing temperature of 700 °C, and Mg/Al molar ratio of 3. After four runs, the conversion drops by 17.1%, and this loss in the catalytic activity can be attributed to the decrease in the surface area of the catalyst and the increase in the Ni mean particle size.