bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome-Wide In Silico Analysis and Expression Profiling of Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxylase Genes in Loquat, Apple, Peach, Strawberry and Pear
Authors: Zhi Cao , Ali Muhammad Moaaz , Alam Shariq Mahmood , Gull Shaista , Ali Sajid , Yousef Ahmed F. , Ahmed Mohamed A. A. , Ma Songfeng , Chen Faxing
Published: December 2021

Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) genes have multiple potential roles in plant metabolism such as regulation and accumulation of organic acids in fruits, movement of guard cells and stress tolerance, etc. However, the systematic identification and characterization of PEPC genes in Rosaceae species i.e., loquat, apple, peach, strawberry, and pear are yet to be performed. In present study, 27 putative PEPC genes (loquat 4, apple 6, peach 3, strawberry 9, and pear 5) were identified. To further investigate the role of those PEPC genes, comprehensive bioinformatics and expression analysis were performed. In bioinformatic analysis, the physiochemical properties, conserved domains, gene structure, conserved motif, phylogenetic and syntenic analysis of PEPC genes were performed. The result revealed that the PEPcase superfamily domain was conserved in all examined PEPC proteins. Most of the PEPC proteins were predicted to be localized in cytonuclear. Genomic structural and motif analysis showed that the exon and motif number of each PEPC gene ranged dramatically, from 8 to 20, and 7 to 10, respectively. Syntenic analysis indicated that the segmental or whole-genome duplication played a vital role in extension of PEPC gene family in Rosacea species. The Ka and Ks values of duplicated genes depicted that PEPC genes have undergone a strong purifying selection. Furthermore, the expression analysis of PEPC genes in root, mature leaf, stem, full-bloom flower, and ripened fruit of loquat, apple, peach, strawberry, and pear was performed. Some genes were differentially expressed in aforementioned plant tissues, signifying their role in plant metabolism. This study provides the first genome-wide identification, characterization, and expression profiling of PEPC gene family in Rosaceae species, and provides the foundation for further functional analysis.
Beclin 1, LC3 and P62 Expression in Equine Sarcoids
Authors: Martano Manuela , Altamura Gennaro , Power Karen , Liguori Pierluigi , Restucci Brunella , Borzacchiello Giuseppe , Maiolino Paola
Published: December 2021

Background: It is well known that δ-bovine papillomaviruses (BPV-1, BPV-2 and BPV-13) are one of the major causative agents of equine sarcoids, the most common equine skin tumors. Different viruses, including papillomaviruses, evolved ingenious strategies to modulate autophagy, a complex process involved in degradation and recycling of old and damaged material. Methods: The aim of this study was to evaluate, by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blot (WB) analysis, the expression of the main related autophagy proteins (Beclin 1, protein light chain 3 (LC3) and P62), in 35 BPV1/2 positive equine sarcoids and 5 BPV negative normal skin samples. Results: Sarcoid samples showed from strong-to-moderate cytoplasmic immunostaining, respectively, for Beclin 1 and P62 in >60% of neoplastic fibroblasts, while LC3 immunostaining was weak to moderate in ≤60% of neoplastic fibroblasts. Western blot analysis confirmed the specificity of the antibodies and revealed no activation of autophagic flux despite Beclin 1 overexpression in sarcoid samples. Conclusion: Results could suggest the activation of the initial phase of autophagy in equine sarcoids, and its impairment during the following steps. The impairment of autophagy could lead to a selection of a quiescent population of fibroblasts, which survive longer in a hypoxic microenvironment and produced more and/or altered collagen.
Factors Influencing the Sponsoring of Animals in Slovak Zoos
Authors: Fančovičová Jana , Prokop Pavol , Repáková Róberta , Medina-Jerez William
Published: December 2021

Anthropogenic disturbance causes biodiversity loss, and consequently the captive conservation (ex situ) of threatened animals may be an effective strategy in protecting species. We used estimated body mass, phylogenetic closeness with humans, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) conservation status, and species attractiveness scores, to examine the factors influencing the adoption likelihood of a species in all Slovak zoos. In general, vertebrates received more funding than invertebrates, and mammals were the preferred taxa by private contributors. In terms of funding, we propose that the perception of mammals as phylogenetically close to humans, and attractiveness factor, contribute to an advantage over less attractive and phylogenetically distant species. Conservation status also contributed to the amount of donations; however, the magnitude of these relationships was weak when compared to the effect of animal taxa. These results suggest that Slovak zoos might be more successful in raising donations by breeding threatened species, and raising public awareness about these animal species. Displaying popular, flagship species of non-mammal taxa may increase interest among the public as well, and may translate into a significant growth in the amount of donations.
Welfare Assessment, End-Point Refinement and the Effects of Non-Aversive Handling in C57BL/6 Mice with Lewis Lung Cancer
Authors: Miller Amy L. , Roughan Johnny V.
Published: December 2021

Cancer-bearing mice are at risk of developing anxiety, pain, or malaise. These conditions may not only harm welfare but could also undermine data quality and translational validity in studies to develop therapeutic interventions. We aimed to establish whether, or at what point mice developing lung cancer show these symptoms, what measures can best detect their onset, and if data quality and animal welfare can be enhanced by using non-aversive handling (NAH). Welfare was monitored using various daily methods. At the beginning and end of the study, we also scored behaviour for general welfare evaluation, recorded nociceptive thresholds, and applied the mouse grimace scale (MGS). Cancer caused a decline in daily welfare parameters (body weight, and food and water consumption) beginning at around 4 days prior to euthanasia. As cancer progressed, rearing and walking declined to a greater extent in cancer-bearing versus control mice, while grooming, inactive periods, and MGS scores increased. A decline in nest building capability and food consumption provided a particularly effective means of detecting deteriorating welfare. These changes suggested a welfare problem arose as cancer developed, so similar studies would benefit from refinement, with mice being removed from the study at least 4 days earlier. However, the problem of highly varied tumour growth made it difficult to determine this time-point accurately. There were no detectable beneficial effects of NAH on either data quality or in terms of enhanced welfare.
Breeding of a Wild Population of South Pacific Bonito Sarda chiliensis chiliensis (Cuvier 1832) Broodstock under Laboratory Conditions in Pisagua, Northern Chile
Authors: Pepe-Victoriano Renzo , Aravena-Ambrosetti Héctor , Merino Germán E.
Published: December 2021

The wild population of South Pacific bonito Sarda chiliensis chiliensis, which has a wide distribution in northern Chile, is considered of importance in Chilean aquaculture. The biological feasibility of cultivation of any marine species begins with the establishment of an initial broodstock population to obtain eggs, larvae, and juveniles. In this work, 22 South Pacific bonito fishing campaigns were carried out in Pisagua, Chile, between spring in November 2011 and the summer in January 2012. At least 74 specimens were obtained of which 24 survived the capture and transport processes. Fish were stocked in a recirculating land-based aquaculture system, and at 14 months under captivity, fish began spawning. Eggs were collected, to describe some stages of development, and were placed in incubators at 20 °C and on the third-day eggs hatched. Larvae reached a total length between 1.435 and 1.7 mm, which were accurately characterized during their first morphological changes. This is the first work that describes the capture, transport, and acclimatization in captivity of a breeding population of wild Pacific bonito in Chile.
Detection of Methane Eructation Peaks in Dairy Cows at a Robotic Milking Station Using Signal Processing
Authors: Hardan Ali , Garnsworthy Philip C. , Bell Matt J.
Published: December 2021

The aim of this study was to investigate the use of signal processing to detect eructation peaks in CH4 released by cows during robotic milking, and to compare recordings from three gas analysers (Guardian SP and NG, and IRMAX) differing in volume of air sampled and response time. To allow comparison of gas analysers using the signal processing approach, CH4 in air (parts per million) was measured by each analyser at the same time and continuously every second from the feed bin of a robotic milking station. Peak analysis software was used to extract maximum CH4 amplitude (ppm) from the concentration signal during each milking. A total of 5512 CH4 spot measurements were recorded from 65 cows during three consecutive sampling periods. Data were analysed with a linear mixed model including analyser × period, parity, and days in milk as fixed effects, and cow ID as a random effect. In period one, air sampling volume and recorded CH4 concentration were the same for all analysers. In periods two and three, air sampling volume was increased for IRMAX, resulting in higher CH4 concentrations recorded by IRMAX and lower concentrations recorded by Guardian SP (p < 0.001), particularly in period three, but no change in average concentrations measured by Guardian NG across periods. Measurements by Guardian SP and IRMAX had the highest correlation; Guardian SP and NG produced similar repeatability and detected more variation among cows compared with IRMAX. The findings show that signal processing can provide a reliable and accurate means to detect CH4 eructations from animals when using different gas analysers.
Complete Genome Sequence of Macrobrachium rosenbergii Golda Virus (MrGV) from China
Authors: Meng Fanzeng , Wang Yiting , Wang Guohao , Hu Tao , Xu La , Tang Kathy F. J. , Shi Weifeng , Zhang Fan , Dong Xuan , Huang Jie
Published: December 2021

In a meta-transcriptome study of the giant freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii sampled in 2018 from a hatchery, we identified a variant of Macrobrachium rosenbergii golda virus (MrGV) in postlarvae without clinical signs. The virus belongs to the family Roniviridae, and the genome of this MrGV variant, Mr-18, consisted of 28,957 nucleotides, including 4 open reading frames (ORFs): (1) ORF1a, encoding a 3C-like protein (3CLP) (4933 aa); (2) ORF1b, encoding a replicase polyprotein (2877 aa); (3) ORF2, encoding a hypothetical nucleocapsid protein (125 aa); and (4) ORF3, encoding a glycoprotein (1503 aa). ORF1a overlaps with ORF1b with 40 nucleotides, where a −1 ribosomal frameshift with slippage sequence 5′-G14925GGUUUU14931-3′ produces the pp1ab polyprotein. The genomic sequence of Mr-18 shared 97.80% identity with MrGV LH1-2018 discovered in Bangladesh. The amino acid sequence identities between them were 99.30% (ORF1a), 99.60% (ORF1b), 100.00% (ORF2), and 99.80% (ORF3), respectively. Phylogenetic analysis of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) proteins revealed that they clustered together and formed a separate cluster from the genus Okavirus. The finding of MrGV in China warrants further studies to determine its pathogenicity and prevalence within the region.
High Carriage Rate of the Multiple Resistant Plasmids Harboring Quinolone Resistance Genes in Enterobacter spp. Isolated from Healthy Individuals
Authors: Long Yongyan , Lu Xin , Ni Xiansheng , Liu Jiaqi , Wang Mengyu , Li Xu , Li Zhe , Zhou Haijian , Li Zhenpeng , Wu Kui , Wang Wei , Yang Liya , Xu Jialiang , Chen Haiying , Kan Biao
Published: December 2021

Antimicrobial-resistant bacteria causing intractable and even fatal infections are a major health concern. Resistant bacteria residing in the intestinal tract of healthy individuals present a silent threat because of frequent transmission via conjugation and transposition. Plasmids harboring quinolone resistance genes are increasingly detected in clinical isolates worldwide. Here, we investigated the molecular epidemiology of plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) in Gram-negative bacteria from healthy service trade workers. From 157 rectal swab samples, 125 ciprofloxacin-resistant strains, including 112 Escherichia coli, 10 Klebsiella pneumoniae, two Proteus mirabilis, and one Citrobacter braakii, were isolated. Multiplex PCR screening identified 39 strains harboring the PMQR genes (including 17 qnr,19 aac(6′)-Ib-cr, and 22 oqxA/oqxB). The genome and plasmid sequences of 39 and 31 strains, respectively, were obtained by short- and long-read sequencing. PMQR genes mainly resided in the IncFIB, IncFII, and IncR plasmids, and coexisted with 3–11 other resistance genes. The high PMQR gene carriage rate among Gram-negative bacteria isolated from healthy individuals suggests the high-frequency transmission of these genes via plasmids, along with other resistance genes. Thus, healthy individuals may spread antibiotic-resistant bacterial, highlighting the need for improved monitoring and control of the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and genes in healthy individuals.
A Multiwavelength Approach for the Study of Contemporary Painting Materials by Means of Fluorescence Imaging Techniques: An Integration to Spectroscopic Methods
Authors: Longoni Margherita , Buttarelli Alessia , Gargano Marco , Bruni Silvia
Published: December 2021

Imaging methods based on visible luminescence induced by ultraviolet (UV) radiation are well consolidated in the investigation of ancient works of art, to map varnishes, retouches, and possibly some pigments. As far as contemporary art is involved, the wide range of synthetic materials, especially pigments, introduced from 1850 onwards, makes the possible application of the technique particularly challenging. Among the colouring substances used by artists in the 19th and 20th centuries, only cadmium-based pigments received attention due to their typical near-infrared luminescence. Nevertheless, the fluorescence emission exhibited by several synthetic pigments upon visible excitation was recently demonstrated and confirmed using UV radiation in the present work. The subsequent possibility of individuating such materials in paintings by ultraviolet fluorescence (UVF) images was explored on mock-up painting samples of a wide series of pigments dispersed in oil or acrylic binder. Visible and infrared luminescence images obtained by irradiating with visible radiation (VIVF and VIL) were also collected. It was thus evidenced the possible advantage of the choice of a different excitation wavelength in discriminating between the contributions of pigment and binder. Finally, a recent oil painting on panel was also examined as case study.
Structural FEA-Based Design and Functionality Verification Methodology of Energy-Storing-and-Releasing Prosthetic Feet
Authors: Tabucol Johnnidel , Brugo Tommaso Maria , Povolo Marco , Leopaldi Marco , Oddsson Magnus , Carloni Raffaella , Zucchelli Andrea
Published: December 2021

The prosthetic feet that are most often prescribed to individuals with K3/K4 levels of ambulation are the ESR feet. ESR stands for energy-storing and -releasing. The elastic energy is stored by the elastic elements in composite materials (carbon fiber or glass fiber). ESR feet must be developed and optimized in terms of stiffness, taking into account the loads that a healthy human foot undergoes and its kinematics while walking. So far, state-of-the-art analyses show that the literature approaches for prosthetic foot design are not based on a systematic methodology. With the aim of optimizing the stiffness of ESR feet following a methodological procedure, a methodology based on finite element structural analysis, standard static testing (ISO 10328) and functional verification was optimized and it is presented in this paper. During the path of optimization of the foot prototypes, this methodology was validated experimentally. It includes the following: (i) geometry optimization through two-dimensional finite element analysis; (ii) material properties optimization through three-dimensional finite element analysis; (iii) validation test on physical prototypes; (iv) functionality verification through dynamic finite element analysis. The design and functional verification of MyFlex-γ, a three-blade ESR foot prosthesis, is presented to describe the methodology and demonstrate its usability.
Acceptance of Medical Treatment Regimens Provided by AI vs. Human
Authors: Wu Jiahua , Xu Liying , Yu Feng , Peng Kaiping
Published: December 2021

Along with the increasing development of information technology, the interaction between artificial intelligence and humans is becoming even more frequent. In this context, a phenomenon called “medical AI aversion” has emerged, in which the same behaviors of medical AI and humans elicited different responses. Medical AI aversion can be understood in terms of the way that people attribute mind capacities to different targets. It has been demonstrated that when medical professionals dehumanize patients—making fewer mental attributions to patients and, to some extent, not perceiving and treating them as full human—it leads to more painful and effective treatment options. From the patient’s perspective, will painful treatment options be unacceptable when they perceive the doctor as a human but disregard his or her own mental abilities? Is it possible to accept a painful treatment plan because the doctor is artificial intelligence? Based on the above, the current study investigated the above questions and the phenomenon of medical AI aversion in a medical context. Through three experiments it was found that: (1) human doctor was accepted more when patients were faced with the same treatment plan; (2) there was an interactional effect between the treatment subject and the nature of the treatment plan, and, therefore, affected the acceptance of the treatment plan; and (3) experience capacities mediated the relationship between treatment provider (AI vs. human) and treatment plan acceptance. Overall, this study attempted to explain the phenomenon of medical AI aversion from the mind perception theory and the findings are revealing at the applied level for guiding the more rational use of AI and how to persuade patients.
Randomized Estimation of the Net Present Value of a Residential Housing Development
Authors: Kasprowicz Tadeusz , Starczyk-Kołbyk Anna , Wójcik Robert
Published: December 2021

Randomized estimation of the net present value of a housing development allows for the assessment of the efficiency of projects in random implementation conditions. The efficiency of a project is estimated on the basis of primary input data, usually used in project planning. For this purpose, random disturbances are identified that may randomly affect the course and results of the project. The probability and severity of disturbances are determined. The primary initial data is then randomized, and a randomized probabilistic index of the project’s net present value is calculated, the value of which indicates whether the project is profitable or whether implementation should be stopped. Based on this data, the expected total revenue, the expected total cost, the expected gross profit, and the net present value of the randomized performance of the project are calculated. The values of these are estimated for expected, favorable, and unfavorable conditions of implementation. Finally, the risks for the total revenue and total cost of the project are calculated and plotted for comparative revenue values in the range [1, 0] and cost in the range [0, 1]. Their analysis makes it possible to make the right investment decisions before starting the investment at the preparation stage.
Study on Influencing Factors of Helicopter Brownout Evolution Based on CFD-DEM
Authors: Cao Yihua , Wang Gaozhan , Jiang Chongwen
Published: December 2021

The gas-solid two-phase flow model is constructed based on the Euler-Lagrangian framework. The SST k−ω two-equation turbulence model and the soft ball model are coupled by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and a discrete element model (DEM). Brownout is then simulated by the above method with sliding mesh. As the calculation examples show, the simulations and experiments of the Lynx rotor and the Caradonna–Tung rotor are compared. The coupling method is verified through calculation of the rotor lift coefficient, blade section pressure coefficient and tip vortex shedding position. The results show that when the helicopter is hovering at a height of 0.52R from the ground, it will cause brownout and the pilot’s vision will be obscured by sand. When the hovering height is 1R, the phenomenon of brownout is not serious. The movement speed of most sand dust is about 12 m/s, and the height of the sand dust from the ground will gradually increase over time. Large particles of sand are more difficult to be entrained into the air than the small particles, and the particles with a radius of 50 um are basically accumulated on the ground. Moreover, the slotted-Tip rotor has an effect on restraining brownout.
Lack of Adverse Effects of Cold Physical Plasma-Treated Blood from Leukemia Patients: A Proof-of-Concept Study
Authors: Golpour Monireh , Alimohammadi Mina , Mohseni Alireza , Zaboli Ehsan , Sohbatzadeh Farshad , Bekeschus Sander , Rafiei Alireza
Published: December 2021

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common blood malignancy with multiple therapeutic challenges. Cold physical plasma has been considered a promising approach in cancer therapy in recent years. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic effect of cold plasma or plasma-treated solutions (PTS) on hematologic parameters in the whole blood of CLL patients. The mean red blood cell count, white blood cell (WBC) count, platelet and hemoglobin counts, and peripheral blood smear images did not significantly differ between treated and untreated samples in either CLL or healthy individuals. However, both direct plasma and indirect PTS treatment increased lipid peroxidation and RNS deposition in the whole blood of CLL patients and in healthy subjects. In addition, the metabolic activity of WBCs was decreased with 120 s of cold plasma or PTS treatment after 24 h and 48 h. However, cold plasma and PTS treatment did not affect the prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, nor hemolysis in either CLL patients or in healthy individuals. The present study identifies the components of cold plasma to reach the blood without disturbing the basic parameters important in hematology, confirming the idea that the effect of cold plasma may not be limited to solid tumors and possibly extends to hematological disorders. Further cellular and molecular studies are needed to determine which cells in CLL patients are targeted by cold plasma or PTS.
Groundwater Quality Monitoring Using In-Situ Measurements and Hybrid Machine Learning with Empirical Bayesian Kriging Interpolation Method
Authors: Senoro Delia B. , de Jesus Kevin Lawrence M. , Mendoza Leonel C. , Apostol Enya Marie D. , Escalona Katherine S. , Chan Eduardo B.
Published: December 2021

This article discusses the assessment of groundwater quality using a hybrid technique that would aid in the convenience of groundwater (GW) quality monitoring. Twenty eight (28) GW samples representing 62 barangays in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines were analyzed for their physicochemical characteristics and heavy metal (HM) concentrations. The 28 GW samples were collected at suburban sites identified by the coordinates produced by Global Positioning System Montana 680. The analysis of heavy metal concentrations was conducted onsite using portable handheld X-Ray Fluorescence (pXRF) Spectrometry. Hybrid machine learning—geostatistical interpolation (MLGI) method, specific to neural network particle swarm optimization with Empirical Bayesian Kriging (NN-PSO+EBK), was employed for data integration, GW quality spatial assessment and monitoring. Spatial map of metals concentration was produced using the NN-PSO-EBK. Another, spot map was created for observed metals concentration and was compared to the spatial maps. Results showed that the created maps recorded significant results based on its MSEs with values such as 1.404 × 10−4, 5.42 × 10−5, 6.26 × 10−4, 3.7 × 10−6, 4.141 × 10−4 for Ba, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, respectively. Also, cross-validation of the observed and predicted values resulted to R values range within 0.934–0.994 which means almost accurate. Based on these results, it can be stated that the technique is efficient for groundwater quality monitoring. Utilization of this technique could be useful in regular and efficient GW quality monitoring.
Negotiating Identity through the Architecture and Interior Decoration of Elite Households in Ptolemaic Egypt
Authors: Cole Sara E.
Published: December 2021

In Ptolemaic Egypt (ca. 332–30 BC), numerous physical spaces served as loci of identity negotiation for elite individuals inhabiting a setting where imported Greek traditions interacted with local Egyptian ones. Such negotiations, or maneuverings, often took place through visual culture. This essay explores a sample of the Greek architectural elements and surface decorations used in wealthy Ptolemaic homes and what they communicate about the residents’ sense of identity. The decorative choices made for a home conveyed information about the social status and cultural allegiances of its owner(s). Some comparisons are possible between Ptolemaic homes in Alexandria, the Delta, and the Fayyum and those from other Hellenistic sites in the eastern Mediterranean such as Priene and Delos. Elites in Alexandria and the Egyptian chora incorporated Greek traditions into their homes and adapted them in increasingly novel ways, creating architecture and surface decoration that was uniquely Ptolemaic. These households were visually in dialogue both with broader Hellenistic trends and with their Egyptian context.
The Effect of Using a New Parameterization of Nucleation in the WRF-Chem Model on New Particle Formation in a Passive Volcanic Plume
Authors: Arghavani Somayeh , Rose Clémence , Banson Sandra , Lupascu Aurelia , Gouhier Mathieu , Sellegri Karine , Planche Céline
Published: December 2021

We investigated the role of the passive volcanic plume of Mount Etna (Italy) in the formation of new particles in the size range of 2.5–10 nm through the gas-to-particle nucleation of sulfuric acid (H2SO4) precursors, formed from the oxidation of SO2, and their evolution to particles with diameters larger than 100 nm. Two simulations were performed using the Weather Research and Forecasting Model coupled with chemistry (WRF-Chem) under the same configuration, except for the nucleation parameterization implemented in the model: the activation nucleation parameterization (JS1 = 2.0 × 10−6 × (H2SO4)) in the first simulation (S1) and a new parameterization for nucleation (NPN) (JS2 = 1.844 × 10−8 × (H2SO4)1.12) in the second simulation (S2). The comparison of the numerical results with the observations shows that, on average, NPN improves the performance of the model in the prediction of the H2SO4 concentrations, newly-formed particles (~2.5–10 nm), and their growth into larger particles (10–100 nm) by decreasing the rates of H2SO4 consumption and nucleation relative to S1. In addition, particles formed in the plume do not grow into cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) sizes (100–215 nm) within a few hours of the vent (tens of km). However, tracking the size evolution of simulated particles along the passive plume indicates the downwind formation of particles larger than 100 nm more than 100 km far from the vent with relatively high concentrations relative to the background (more than 1500 cm−3) in S2. These particles, originating in the volcanic source, could affect the chemical and microphysical properties of clouds and exert regional climatic effects over time.
Conceptual Framework for Disaster Management in Coastal Cities Using Climate Change Resilience and Coping Ability
Authors: Imani Moslem , Lo Shang-Lien , Fakour Hoda , Kuo Chung-Yen , Mobasser Shariat
Published: December 2021

Global warming and environmental changes have resulted in more frequent and extreme weather events, as well as larger-scale disasters around the world. This study presents a disaster risk analysis in Taiwan coastal area using the Climate Disaster Resilience Index (CDRI) and examines the strategies adopted by the coastal residents of Taiwan, through a new concept of “copability” analysis. Based on the results, the majority of the coastal regions fall under the medium-to-low resilient category with the south-western and northern coast of Taiwan as the most high-risk regions posing a high risk to millions of people facing climatic disasters in the future. The coping mechanisms used by local residents are also influenced by the socioeconomic status of the decision-makers as well as the synchronization of disasters. Based on the findings, a 4R management package is developed in which the copability and resilience management strategy are squeezed into four main sectors of resource, reason, roadmap, and respond to work towards a more coordinated management and use of natural resources across sectors and scales. It is advised that all governmental, private, and community actors implement coherent climate risk management measures, accompanied by mitigation initiatives, in order to establish a sustainable level of climate resilience in cities.
Variation in Extreme Temperature and Its Instability in China
Authors: Chen Hongju , Yang Jianping , Ding Yongjian , Tan Chunping , He Qingshan , Wang Yanxia , Qin Ji , Tang Fan , Ge Qiuling
Published: December 2021

In this study, the instability of extreme temperatures is defined as the degree of perturbation of the spatial and temporal distribution of extreme temperatures, which is to show the uncertainty of the intensity and occurrence of extreme temperatures in China. Based on identifying the extreme temperatures and by analyzing their variability, we refer to the entropy value in the entropy weight method to study the instability of extreme temperatures. The results show that TXx (annual maximum value of daily maximum temperature) and TNn (annual minimum value of daily minimum temperature) in China increased at 0.18 °C/10 year and 0.52 °C/10 year, respectively, from 1966 to 2015. The interannual data of TXx’ occurrence (CTXx) and TNn’ occurrence (CTNn), which are used to identify the timing of extreme temperatures, advance at 0.538 d/10 year and 1.02 d/10 year, respectively. In summary, extreme low-temperature changes are more sensitive to global warming. The results of extreme temperature instability show that the relative instability region of TXx is located in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River basin, and the relative instability region of TNn is concentrated in the Yangtze River, Yellow River, Langtang River source area and parts of Tibet. The relative instability region of CTXx instability is distributed between 105° E and 120° E south of the 30° N latitude line, while the distribution of CTNn instability region is more scattered; the TXx’s instability intensity is higher than TNn’s, and CTXx’s instability intensity is higher than CTNn’s. We further investigate the factors affecting extreme climate instability. We also find that the increase in mean temperature and the change in the intensity of the El Niño phenomenon has significant effects on extreme temperature instability.
Zero-Aware Low-Precision RNS Scaling Scheme
Authors: Sabbagh Molahosseini Amir
Published: December 2021

Scaling is one of the complex operations in the Residue Number System (RNS). This operation is necessary for RNS-based implementations of deep neural networks (DNNs) to prevent overflow. However, the state-of-the-art RNS scalers for special moduli sets consider the 2k modulo as the scaling factor, which results in a high-precision output with a high area and delay. Therefore, low-precision scaling based on multi-moduli scaling factors should be used to improve performance. However, low-precision scaling for numbers less than the scale factor results in zero output, which makes the subsequent operation result faulty. This paper first presents the formulation and hardware architecture of low-precision RNS scaling for four-moduli sets using new Chinese remainder theorem 2 (New CRT-II) based on a two-moduli scaling factor. Next, the low-precision scaler circuits are reused to achieve a high-precision scaler with the minimum overhead. Therefore, the proposed scaler can detect the zero output after low-precision scaling and then transform low-precision scaled residues to high precision to prevent zero output when the input number is not zero.
Baire-Type Properties in Metrizable c0(Ω, X)
Authors: López-Alfonso Salvador , López-Pellicer Manuel , Moll-López Santiago
Published: December 2021

Ferrando and Lüdkovsky proved that for a non-empty set Ω and a normed space X, the normed space c0(Ω,X) is barrelled, ultrabornological, or unordered Baire-like if and only if X is, respectively, barrelled, ultrabornological, or unordered Baire-like. When X is a metrizable locally convex space, with an increasing sequence of semi-norms .n∈N defining its topology, then c0(Ω,X) is the metrizable locally convex space over the field K (of the real or complex numbers) of all functions f:Ω→X such that for each ε>0 and n∈N the set ω∈Ω:f(ω)n>ε is finite or empty, with the topology defined by the semi-norms fn=supf(ω)n:ω∈Ω, n∈N. Kąkol, López-Pellicer and Moll-López also proved that the metrizable space c0(Ω,X) is quasi barrelled, barrelled, ultrabornological, bornological, unordered Baire-like, totally barrelled, and barrelled of class p if and only if X is, respectively, quasi barrelled, barrelled, ultrabornological, bornological, unordered Baire-like, totally barrelled, and barrelled of class p. The main result of this paper is that the metrizable c0(Ω,X) is baireled if and only if X is baireled, and its proof is divided in several lemmas, with the aim of making it easier to read. An application of this result to closed graph theorem, and two open problems are also presented.
Proteomic Analysis of Retinal Tissue in an S100B Autoimmune Glaucoma Model
Authors: Reinehr Sabrina , Guntermann Annika , Theile Janine , Benning Lara , Grotegut Pia , Kuehn Sandra , Serschnitzki Bettina , Dick H. Burkhard , Marcus Katrin , Joachim Stephanie C. , May Caroline
Published: December 2021

Glaucoma is a neurodegenerative disease that leads to damage of retinal ganglion cells and the optic nerve. Patients display altered antibody profiles and increased antibody titer, e.g., against S100B. To identify the meaning of these antibodies, animals were immunized with S100B. Retinal ganglion cell loss, optic nerve degeneration, and increased glial cell activity were noted. Here, we aimed to gain more insights into the pathophysiology from a proteomic point of view. Hence, rats were immunized with S100B, while controls received sodium chloride. After 7 and 14 days, retinae were analyzed through mass spectrometry and immunohistology. Using data-independent acquisition-based mass spectrometry, we identified more than 1700 proteins on a high confidence level for both study groups, respectively. Of these 1700, 43 proteins were significantly altered in retinae after 7 days and 67 proteins revealed significant alterations at 14 days. For example, α2-macroglobulin was found significantly increased not only by mass spectrometry analysis, but also with immunohistological staining in S100B retinae at 7 and 14 days. All in all, the identified proteins are often associated with the immune system, such as heat shock protein 60. Once more, these data underline the important role of immunological factors in glaucoma pathogenesis.
Heterotypic Multicellular Spheroids as Experimental and Preclinical Models of Sprouting Angiogenesis
Authors: Vakhrushev Igor V. , Nezhurina Elizaveta K. , Karalkin Pavel A. , Tsvetkova Anastasia V. , Sergeeva Nataliya S. , Majouga Alexander G. , Yarygin Konstantin N.
Published: December 2021

Sprouting angiogenesis is the common response of live tissues to physiological and pathological angiogenic stimuli. Its accurate evaluation is of utmost importance for basic research and practical medicine and pharmacology and requires adequate experimental models. A variety of assays for angiogenesis were developed, none of them perfect. In vitro approaches are generally less physiologically relevant due to the omission of essential components regulating the process. However, only in vitro models can be entirely non-xenogeneic. The limitations of the in vitro angiogenesis assays can be partially overcome using 3D models mimicking tissue O2 and nutrient gradients, the influence of the extracellular matrix (ECM), and enabling cell-cell interactions. Here we present a review of the existing models of sprouting angiogenesis that are based on the use of endothelial cells (ECs) co-cultured with perivascular or other stromal cells. This approach provides an excellent in vitro platform for further decoding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of sprouting angiogenesis under conditions close to the in vivo conditions, as well as for preclinical drug testing and preclinical research in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Do Epstein–Barr Virus Mutations and Natural Genome Sequence Variations Contribute to Disease?
Authors: Farrell Paul J. , White Robert E.
Published: December 2021

Most of the world’s population is infected by the Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), but the incidence of the diseases associated with EBV infection differs greatly in different parts of the world. Many factors may determine those differences, but variation in the virus genome is likely to be a contributing factor for some of the diseases. Here, we describe the main forms of EBV genome sequence variation, and the mechanisms by which variations in the virus genome are likely to contribute to disease. EBV genome deletions or polymorphisms can also provide useful markers for monitoring disease. If some EBV strains prove to be more pathogenic than others, this suggests the possible value of immunising people against infection by those pathogenic strains.
Highly Sensitive and Specific SARS-CoV-2 Serological Assay Using a Magnetic Modulation Biosensing System
Authors: Avivi-Mintz Shira , Lustig Yaniv , Indenbaum Victoria , Schwartz Eli , Danielli Amos
Published: December 2021

Sensitive serological assays are needed to provide valuable information about acute and past viral infections. For example, detection of anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) IgG antibodies could serve as the basis for an “immunity passport” that would enable individuals to travel internationally. Here, utilizing a novel Magnetic Modulation Biosensing (MMB) system and the receptor-binding domain of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, we demonstrate a highly sensitive and specific anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG serological assay. Using anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies, RT-qPCR SARS-CoV-2-positive and healthy patients’ samples, and vaccinees’ samples, we compare the MMB-based SARS-CoV-2 IgG assay’s analytical and clinical sensitivities to those of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Compared with ELISA, the MMB-based assay has an ~6-fold lower limit of detection (129 ng/L vs. 817 ng/L), and it detects an increase in the IgG concentration much earlier after vaccination. Using 85 RT-qPCR SARS-CoV-2-positive samples and 79 -negative samples, the MMB-based assay demonstrated similar clinical specificity (98% vs. 99%) and sensitivity (93% vs. 92%) to the ELISA test, but with a much faster turnaround time (45 min vs. 245 min). The high analytical and clinical sensitivity, short turnaround time, and simplicity of the MMB-based assay makes it a preferred method for antibody detection.
Mahanimbine Improved Aging-Related Memory Deficits in Mice through Enhanced Cholinergic Transmission and Suppressed Oxidative Stress, Amyloid Levels, and Neuroinflammation
Authors: Mani Vasudevan , Mohd Azahan Nur Syamimi , Ramasamy Kalavathy , Lim Siong Meng , Abdul Majeed Abu Bakar
Published: December 2021

Murraya koenigii leaves contain mahanimbine, a carbazole alkaloid, reported with improving cholinergic neuronal transmission and reducing neuroinflammation in the CNS. The current research investigated the effects of mahanimbine on age-related memory deficits, oxidative stress, cholinergic dysfunction, amyloid formation, and neuroinflammation in aged mice (16 months old). Mahanimbine was administered (1 and 2 mg/kg, p.o.) daily to groups of aged mice for 30 days. The Morris water maze (MWM) task was performed to study spatial learning (escape latency (EL) and swimming distance (SD)) and memory (probe test). The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), acetylcholine (ACh), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), β-amyloid (Aβ1-40 and Aβ1-42), β-secretase (BACE-1), as well as neuroinflammation markers (total cyclooxygenase (COX) and COX-2 expression), were measured from the isolated brain. Mahanimbine reduced the EL time and SD in the MWM test. From the probe trial, the mahanimbine-treated group spent more time in the targeted quadrant related to the age-matched control, which indicated the enhancement of memory retention. From the biochemical tests, the treatment decreased MDA, AChE, Aβ1-40, and Aβ1-42, BACE-1, total COX activity, and COX-2 expression. It also raised the brain GSH and ACh levels in aged mice compared to age-matched control. These results have supported the reversal of memory dysfunctions by mahanimbine in aged mice and hypothesized that it could be a potential target to treat age-related neurodegenerative disease.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Lockdown on European Students’ Negative Emotional Symptoms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Oliveira Carvalho Patrick , Hülsdünker Thorben , Carson Fraser
Published: December 2021

Considerable changes to higher education approaches, as a response to the global coronavirus pandemic, has increased the stress on university students. The impact of these changes has had an effect on the negative emotional symptoms being experienced, which can lead to more severe mental health issues. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to determine the prevalence of anxiety, depression and stress during the coronavirus lockdown. A systematic review of three electronic databases (Google Scholar, PubMed and Medline) was conducted, with 13 studies from different European countries reporting data on students and their negative emotional symptoms identified. The random-effects model was used to perform the meta-analysis on anxiety, depression and stress. The overall pooled prevalence rate was 55% (95% CI: 45–64%) for anxiety, 63% (95% CI: 52–73%) for depression and 62% (95% CI: 43–79%) for stress. The impact of the coronavirus pandemic on negative emotional symptoms has been serious with studies reporting high prevalence rates for these. Isolation, reduced social contact, duration of quarantine and restrictions, which are the characteristics of a lockdown, played an important role in increased negative emotional symptoms for students. Countries have to be aware of this situation and develop mental support strategies to mitigate the impact.
Exploring the Psychometric Properties of the Questionnaire on Family Members Adapting to an Older Adult’s Admission to a Nursing Home (CAFIAR-15) in a Colombian Sample
Authors: Martín-Carbonell Marta , Riquelme-Marín Antonio , Fernández-Daza Martha , Ortigosa-Quiles Juan Manuel , Méndez-Mateo Inmaculada
Published: December 2021

Institutionalization to a nursing home can be one of the most significant and traumatic events in a senior’s life, and for their family. For this reason, it is especially important to have validated instruments that evaluate the family member’s adaptation to admitting the senior to a nursing home. The study included 139 family members recruited equally in two types of institutions (low-income nursing home (LINH) vs. high-income nursing home (HINH)). A sociodemographic questionnaire with questions to study antecedents and conditions for care and the Questionnaire for Admitting an Older Adult to a Nursing Home (CAFIAR-15) were used. Examining the communalities indicated that four of the five items in factor 3 presented communalities lower than 0.30 and differences in the factorial structure of the CAFIAR-15 were found. There were differences in the antecedents and conditions for care between the relatives of the older adults at LINH and HINH. Cultural differences and differences between LINH and HINH may be the basis for flaws in the conceptual validity of the CAFIAR-15 in the Colombian sample.
Effect of Road and Railway Sound on Psychological and Physiological Responses in an Office Environment
Authors: Yu Boya , Wen Linjie , Bai Jie , Chai Yuying
Published: December 2021

The present study aims to explore the psychophysiological impact of different traffic sounds in office spaces. In this experiment, 30 subjects were recruited and exposed to different traffic sounds in a virtual reality (VR) office scene. The road traffic sound and three railway sounds (conventional train, high-speed train, and tram) with three sound levels (45, 55, and 65 dB) were used as the acoustic stimuli. Physiological responses, electrodermal activity (EDA) and heart rate (HR) were monitored throughout the experiment. Psychological evaluations under each acoustic stimulus were also measured using scales within the VR system. The results showed that both the psychological and the physiological responses were significantly affected by the traffic sounds. As for psychological responses, considerable adverse effects of traffic sounds were observed, which constantly increased with the increase in the sound level. The peak sound level was found to have a better performance than the equivalent sound level in the assessment of the psychological impact of traffic sounds. As for the physiological responses, significant effects of both the acoustic factors (sound type and sound level) and the non-acoustic factors (gender and exposure time) were observed. The relationship between sound level and physiological parameters varied among different sound groups. The variation in sound level hardly affected the participants’ HR and EDA when exposed to the conventional train and tram sounds. In contrast, HR and EDA were significantly affected by the levels of road traffic sound and high-speed train sound. Through a correlation analysis, a relatively weak correlation between the psychological evaluations and HR was found.
Research on Optimal Placement of Actuators of High-Rise Buildings Considering the Influence of Seismic Excitation on Structural Modes
Authors: Zhang Jiarui , Zhu Yaoyang , Li Zhao , Tu Jianwei
Published: December 2021

Presently, most of the common placement methods of actuators are based on the structural response and system energy to select the optimal locations. In these methods, the contribution of controllability and the energy of seismic excitations to each mode of the structure are not considered, and a large number of cases need to be calculated. To solve this problem, the Clough–Penzien spectral model is combined with the Luenberger observable normal form of the system to calculate the energy of each state. The modal disturbance degree, considering modal energy and controllability, is defined by using the controllability gramian matrix and PBH system controllability index, and the modes are divided into the main disturbance modes (MDMs) and the secondary disturbance modes (SDMs). A novel optimal placement method of actuators based on modal controllability degree is proposed, which uses MDMs as the main control modes. The optimal placement of actuators and the vibration control simulation of a 20-story building model are carried out. The results show that the vibration reduction effect of the proposed placement method is significantly better than that of the method of uniformly distributed actuators (Uniform method) and the classical placement method of actuators based on the system controllability gramian matrix (Classical method).