bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of Arctic Summer Inversion and Its Correlation with Extreme Sea Ice Anomalies
Authors: Wang Xi , Liu Jian , Liu Hui , Yang Bingyun
Published: February 2022

Low tropospheric temperature inversion is very common in the Arctic region. Based on the hyperspectral Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) profiles from 2002 to 2020, this study provides a comprehensive analysis of the characteristics and anomalies for low tropospheric inversions in the entire Arctic, especially during the summer period. Three types of inversion are classified here, representing the inversions under the clear-sky condition (“clear” inversion), under the cloudy condition with clouds under the inversion layer top (“cloud-I” inversion), and without clouds under the inversion layer top (“cloud-II” inversion). Obvious seasonality is revealed in these three types of inversion, which is stronger in winter than in summer, as per previous studies. We further found that a “summer” peak of inversions occurs in the Arctic, notably in July. Averaged over the study region (60−90° N, 180° W−180° E), the frequencies of “cloud-I” and “cloud-II” inversions peak in July with values of about 22.1% and 34.6%, respectively. Moreover, the three inversion types all display a small “July” peak of inversion strength, ranging from 2.14 to 3.19 K. The result reveals that when the frequency and strength of summer inversions are both with high positive anomalies, there would be a drop in sea ice concentration in September. This implied that the high positive anomalies, both in inversion frequency and strength in summer, might be a predicted signal for the extreme low sea ice event in September. It is also noted that during the extreme low sea ice events in 2007 and 2020, the summer inversion has a strong positive anomaly. However, the summer inversion in 2012, when the sea ice extent also broke the low record, was not extreme as in 2007 and 2020. Further study needs to be supported by follow-up models and observations to evaluate the impact of the inversions on the sea ice.
Taking the Convergent Close-Coupling Method beyond Helium: The Utility of the Hartree-Fock Theory
Authors: Bray Igor , Weber Xavier , Fursa Dmitry V. , Kadyrov Alisher S. , Schneider Barry I. , Pamidighantam Sudhakar , Cytowski Maciej , Kheifets Anatoli S.
Published: February 2022

The convergent close-coupling (CCC) method was initially developed to describe electron scattering on atomic hydrogen and the hydrogenic ions such as He+. The latter allows implementation of double photoionization (DPI) of the helium atom. For more complex single valence-electron atomic and ionic targets, the direct and exchange interaction with the inner electron core needs to be taken into account. For this purpose, the Hartree-Fock (HF) computer codes developed in the group of Miron Amusia have been adapted. In this brief review article, we demonstrate the utility of the HF technique by examples of electron scattering on Li and the DPI of the H− and Li− ions. We also discuss that modern-day computer infrastructure allows the associated CCC code, and others, to be readily run directly via the Atomic, Molecular and Optical Science Gateway.
Double Photoionization of Atomic Carbon
Authors: Yip Frank L.
Published: February 2022

Double photoionization events provide a direct evaluation of electron correlation. The recent focus on few-electron targets continues to reveal the consequences of electron correlation for targets that possess several electrons. We consider the double photoionization of the 2p2 valence electrons of atomic carbon and focus on the first energetically accessible final-state symmetries that originate from coupling the active electrons in 3P configurations, which are doubly ionized by a single photon. Comparison of this process in carbon with neon provides an analogous case for the resulting final-state symmetries within the framework where the ejected electrons are influenced by the remaining bound electrons in a frozen-core approximation. Choosing this symmetry allows for comparison with previous theoretical results for total and energy sharing cross-sections of carbon. Fully differential cross-sections for both carbon and neon are also compared.
Transformations of Multi-Player Normal form Games by Preplay Offers between Players
Authors: Goranko Valentin
Published: February 2022

The paper deals with multiplayer normal form games which are preceded by a ‘preplay negotiation phase’ consisting of exchange of preplay offers by players for payments of utility to other players conditional on them playing designated in the offers strategies. The game-theoretic effect of such preplay offers is a transformation of the payoff matrix of the game, obtained by transferring the offered payments between the payoffs of the respective players; thus, certain groups of game matrix transformations naturally emerge. The main result is an explicit and rather transparent algebraic characterization of the possible transformations of the payoff matrix of any given N-person normal form game induced by preplay offers for transfer of payments. That result can be used to describe the ‘bargaining space’ of the game and to determine the mutually optimal game transformations that rational players can achieve by exchange of preplay offers.
Combined Thermal Runaway Investigation of Coin Cells with an Accelerating Rate Calorimeter and a Tian-Calvet Calorimeter
Authors: Zhao Wenjiao , Rohde Magnus , Mohsin Ijaz Ul , Ziebert Carlos , Du Yong , Seifert Hans J.
Published: February 2022

Commercial coin cells with LiNi0.6Mn0.2Co0.2O2 positive electrode material were investigated using an accelerating rate calorimeter and a Tian-Calvet calorimeter. After cycling and charging to the selected states of charge (SOCs), the cells were studied under thermal abuse conditions using the heat-wait-seek (HWS) method with the heating step of 5 K and a threshold for self-heating detection of 0.02 K/min. The onset temperature and the rate of the temperature rise, i.e., the self-heating rate for thermal runaway events, were determined. The morphology of the positive electrode, negative electrode and the separator of fresh and tested cells were compared and investigated with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, the microstructure and the chemical compositions of the individual components were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and inductively coupled plasma with optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), respectively. In the Tian-Calvet calorimeter, the coin cells with the selected SOCs and the individual components (positive electrode, negative electrode and separator) were heated up with a constant heating rate of 0.1 °C/min (ramp heating mode). Simultaneously, the heat flow signals were recorded to analyze the heat generation. The combination of the three different methods—the HWS method using the ES-ARC, ramp heating mode on both cells and the individual components using the Tian-Calvet calorimeter—together with a post-mortem analysis, give us a complete picture of the processes leading to thermal runaway.
Does Knowledge of Wine Affect Consumers’ Wine Purchase Behavior in Restaurants? An Application of Extended Theory of Planned Behavior (ETPB)
Authors: Yang Ji-in , Choi Jinkyung
Published: February 2022

Wine and dine-in restaurants have been nonspecial for consumers and increasingly popular. This study investigated consumers’ wine purchase behaviors by applying the extended theory of planned behavior (ETPB) and consumer knowledge. This study used a survey method to collect the data. The study measured wine consumption behaviors and understanding. We divided respondents based on their subjective and objective knowledge of wine and then added an extended variable to the model. We analyzed the data with descriptive analysis, correlations, exploratory factor analysis, ANOVA, and multiple regression. Results of exploratory factor analysis extracted attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control (PBC), and subjective knowledge. Results of regression showed that attitude, PBC, and subjective and objective knowledge affected consumers’ behavioral intention to purchase wine at a restaurant while the subjective norm showed no significance. This study applied the extended theory of planned behavior to analyze consumers’ subjective and objective knowledge in investigating their wine consumption behaviors. Results of this study suggest that consumers’ consumption of wine at restaurants is not a special occasion. The consumer’s attitude toward wine significantly impacted their decision to purchase wine at a restaurant. In addition, subjective knowledge showed more impact on behavioral intention than objective knowledge.
COVID-19 Vaccines: An Overview of Different Platforms
Authors: Kudlay Dmitry , Svistunov Andrey
Published: February 2022

Vaccination is one of the key strategies to stop the COVID-19 pandemic. This review aims to evaluate the current state of vaccine development and to determine the issues that merit additional research. We conducted a literature review of the development of COVID-19 vaccines, their effectiveness, and their use in special patient groups. To date, 140 vaccines are in clinical development. Vector, RNA, subunit, and inactivated vaccines, as well as DNA vaccines, have been approved for human use. Vector vaccines have been well studied prior to the COVID-19 pandemic; however, their long-term efficacy and approaches to scaling up their production remain questionable. The main challenge for RNA vaccines is to improve their stability during production, storage, and transportation. For inactivated vaccines, the key issue is to improve their immunogenicity and effectiveness. To date, it has been shown that the immunogenicity of COVID-19 vaccines directly correlates with their clinical efficacy. In view of the constant mutation, the emerging new SARS-CoV-2 variants have been shown to be able to partially escape post-vaccination immune response; however, most vaccines remain sufficiently effective regardless of the variant of the virus. One of the promising strategies to improve the effectiveness of vaccination, which is being studied, is the use of different platforms within a single vaccination course. Despite significant progress in the development and study of COVID-19 vaccines, there are many issues that require further research.
Angiogenin Levels and Their Association with Cardiometabolic Indices Following Vitamin D Status Correction in Saudi Adults
Authors: Aldawsari Ghadeer M. , Sabico Shaun , Alamro Abir A. , Alenad Amal , Wani Kaiser , Alnaami Abdullah M. , Khattak Malak N. K. , Masoud Mohammad S. , Al-Daghri Nasser M. , Alokail Majed S.
Published: February 2022

Angiogenin (ANG), a multifunctional protein known to induce blood vessel formation, is a potential biomarker for cardiovascular diseases; however, whether it is affected by vitamin D supplementation is not known. This interventional study in vitamin D-deficient Saudi adults was designed to investigate it. A total of 100 vitamin D-deficient Saudi adults aged 30–50 years were randomly selected to undergo 6-month vitamin D supplementation. Circulating levels of fasting glucose, lipids, vitamin D, apolipoproteins (AI, AII, B, CI, CII, CIII, E, and H), and ANG were measured using commercially available assays at baseline and after six months. Overall, vitamin D levels increased significantly post intervention. With this, levels of apo-CIII and apo-E significantly increased (p-values of 0.001 and 0.009, respectively) with a significant parallel decrease in apo-B (p = 0.003). ANG levels were significantly positively associated with most apolipoproteins and inversely correlated with HDL-cholesterol. Post intervention, the changes in ANG levels were positively correlated with apo-E (r = 0.32; p < 0.01 in all subjects and r = 0.40; p < 0.05 in males). Vitamin D supplementation may modestly affect ANG levels. The association observed between ANG and apo-E is worthy of further investigation since both biomarkers have been linked to neurodegenerative disorders.
In Situ Peroxidase Labeling Followed by Mass-Spectrometry Reveals TIA1 Interactome
Authors: Gourdomichali Olga , Zonke Katerina , Kattan Fedon-Giasin , Makridakis Manousos , Kontostathi Georgia , Vlahou Antonia , Doxakis Epaminondas
Published: February 2022

TIA1 is a broadly expressed DNA/RNA binding protein that regulates multiple aspects of RNA metabolism. It is best known for its role in stress granule assembly during the cellular stress response. Three RNA recognition motifs mediate TIA1 functions along with a prion-like domain that supports multivalent protein-protein interactions that are yet poorly characterized. Here, by fusing the enhanced ascorbate peroxidase 2 (APEX2) biotin-labeling enzyme to TIA1 combined with mass spectrometry, the proteins in the immediate vicinity of TIA1 were defined in situ. Eighty-six and 203 protein partners, mostly associated with ribonucleoprotein complexes, were identified in unstressed control and acute stress conditions, respectively. Remarkably, the repertoire of TIA1 protein partners was highly dissimilar between the two cellular states. Under unstressed control conditions, the biological processes associated with the TIA1 interactome were enriched for cytosolic ontologies related to mRNA metabolism, such as translation initiation, nucleocytoplasmic transport, and RNA catabolism, while the protein identities were primarily represented by RNA binding proteins, ribosomal subunits, and eicosanoid regulators. Under acute stress, TIA1-labeled partners displayed a broader subcellular distribution that included the chromosomes and mitochondria. The enriched biological processes included splicing, translation, and protein synthesis regulation, while the molecular function of the proteins was enriched for RNA binding activity, ribosomal subunits, DNA double-strand break repair, and amide metabolism. Altogether, these data highlight the TIA1 spatial environment with its different partners in diverse cellular states and pave the way to dissect TIA1 role in these processes.
Gastrointestinal Incretins—Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide (GIP) and Glucagon-like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) beyond Pleiotropic Physiological Effects Are Involved in Pathophysiology of Atherosclerosis and Coronary Artery Disease—State of the Art
Authors: Jonik Szymon , Marchel Michał , Grabowski Marcin , Opolski Grzegorz , Mazurek Tomasz
Published: February 2022

Coronary artery disease (CAD), which is the manifestation of atherosclerosis in coronary arteries, is the most common single cause of death and is responsible for disabilities of millions of people worldwide. Despite numerous dedicated clinical studies and an enormous effort to develop diagnostic and therapeutic methods, coronary atherosclerosis remains one of the most serious medical problems of the modern world. Hence, new markers are still being sought to identify and manage CAD optimally. Trying to face this problem, we have raised the question of the most predominant gastrointestinal hormones; glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), mainly involved in carbohydrates disorders, could be also used as new markers of incidence, clinical course, and recurrence of CAD and are related to extent and severity of atherosclerosis and myocardial ischemia. We describe GIP and GLP-1 as expressed in many animal and human tissues, known to be connected to inflammation and related to enormous noncardiac and cardiovascular (CV) diseases. In animals, GIP and GLP-1 improve endothelial function and lead to reduced atherosclerotic plaque macrophage infiltration and stabilize atherosclerotic lesions by directly blocking monocyte migration. Moreover, in humans, GIPR activation induces the pro-atherosclerotic factors ET-1 (endothelin-1) and OPN (osteopontin) but also has anti-atherosclerotic effects through secretion of NO (nitric oxide). Furthermore, four large clinical trials showed a significant reduction in composite of CV death, MI, and stroke in long-term follow-up using GLP-1 analogs for DM 2 patients: liraglutide in LEADER, semaglutide in SUSTAIN-6, dulaglutide in REWIND and albiglutide in HARMONY. However, very little is known about GIP metabolism in the acute phase of myocardial ischemia or for stable patients with CAD, which constitutes a direction for future research. This review aims to comprehensively discuss the impact of GIP and GLP-1 on atherosclerosis and CAD and its potential therapeutic implications.
Overexpression of bmp4, dazl, nanos3 and sycp2 in Hu Sheep Leydig Cells Using CRISPR/dcas9 System Promoted Male Germ Cell Related Gene Expression
Authors: Yang Hua , Deng Mingtian , Lv Wenli , Wei Zongyou , Cai Yu , Cheng Peiyong , Wang Feng , Zhang Yanli
Published: February 2022

Male germ cells directly affect the reproduction of males; however, their accurate isolation and culture in vitro is extremely challenging, hindering the study of germ cell development and function. CRISPR/dcas9, as an efficient gene reprogramming system, has been verified to promote the transdifferentiation of pluripotent stem cells into male germ cells by editing target genes. In our research, we explored the expression pattern of the germ cell related genes bmp4, dazl,nanos3 and sycp2 in Hu sheep testicular development and constructed the overexpression model using the CRISPR/dcas9 system. The results indicated that four genes showed more expression in testis tissue than in other tissues, and that bmp4, dazl and sycp2 present higher expression levels in nine-month-old sheep testes than in three-month-olds, while nanos3 expressed the opposite trend (p < 0.05). In addition, the expression of four potential genes in spermatogenic cells was slightly different, but they were all expressed in sheep Leydig cells. To verify the potential roles of the four genes in the process of inducing differentiation of male germ cells, we performed cell transfection in vitro. We found that the expression of the germ cell related genes Prdm1, Prdm14, Mvh and Sox17 were significantly increased after the overexpression of the four genes in Leydig cells, and the co-transfection effect was the most significant (p < 0.05). Our results illustrate the crucial functions of bmp4, dazl, nanos3 and sycp2 in Hu sheep testis development and verified the effectiveness of the overexpression model that was constructed using the CRISPR/dcas9 system, which provided a basis for further male germ cell differentiation in vitro.
Is the Secret in the Gut? SuperJump Activity Improves Bone Remodeling and Glucose Homeostasis by GLP-1 and GIP Peptides in Eumenorrheic Women
Authors: Vasto Sonya , Amato Alessandra , Proia Patrizia , Baldassano Sara
Published: February 2022

We showed that twenty weeks of SuperJump activity, an innovative workout training performed on an elastic minitrampoline, reduced bone resorption and increased bone formation in eumenorrheic women acting on the key points of the regulation of bone metabolism. The present study analyzed whether the gastrointestinal hormones are involved in the mechanism of action and if it has an impact on glucose homeostasis. The control group was composed of twelve women, similar to the exercise group that performed SuperJump activity for twenty weeks. The analysis was performed on blood samples and investigated GLP-1, GIP, GLP-2, PYY, ghrelin, glucose, insulin, insulin resistance, β-cell function, and insulin sensitivity. The results showed that the activity contributes to raising the GLP-1and GIP levels, and not on GLP-2, PYY, and ghrelin, which did not change. Moreover, SuperJump activity significantly reduced fasting insulin, glucose, insulin resistance, and increased insulin sensitivity but did not affect beta cell function. These data suggest that GLP-1, and GIP are involved in the mechanism of action that improves bone and glucose homeostasis following 20 weeks of SuperJump activity in eumenorrheic women.
Selective Loss of MATR3 in Spinal Interneurons, Upper Motor Neurons and Hippocampal CA1 Neurons in a MATR3 S85C Knock-In Mouse Model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: You Justin , Maksimovic Katarina , Lee Jooyun , Khan Mashiat , Masuda Rintaro , Park Jeehye
Published: February 2022

The neuropathological hallmark of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is motor neuron degeneration in the spinal cord and cortex. Accumulating studies report that other neurons in the central nervous system (CNS) are also affected in ALS. Mutations in Matr3, which encodes a nuclear matrix protein involved in RNA splicing, have been linked to ALS. Previously, we generated a MATR3 S85C knock-in (KI) mouse model that recapitulates early-stage features of ALS. We reported that MATR3 S85C KI mice exhibit defects in lumbar spinal cord motor neurons and in cerebellar Purkinje cells, which are associated with reduced MATR3 immunoreactivity. Here, we show that neurons in various other regions of the CNS are affected in MATR3 S85C KI mice. Using histological analyses, we found selective loss of MATR3 staining in α-motor neurons, but not γ-motor neurons in the cervical and thoracic spinal cord. Loss of MATR3 was also found in parvalbumin-positive interneurons in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spinal cord. In addition, we found the loss of MATR3 in subsets of upper motor neurons and hippocampal CA1 neurons. Collectively, our findings suggest that these additional neuronal types may contribute to the disease process in MATR3 S85C KI mice.
Effect of Concurrent Resistance Training on Lower Body Strength, Leg Kick Swimming, and Sport-Specific Performance in Competitive Swimmers
Authors: Amara Sofiene , Barbosa Tiago Manuel , Chortane Oussama Gaied , Hammami Raouf , Attia Ahmed , Chortane Sabri Gaied , van den Tillaar Roland
Published: February 2022

The present study investigated the effect of 9 weeks of combined resistance training (aquatic and dry land resistance) on maximum lower body strength, leg kick, and swimming performance in competitive swimmers. Twenty-two male national competitive swimmers were randomly assigned into two groups: experimental group (EG: age = 16.2 ± 0.3 years) or control group (CG: age = 16.3 ± 0.3 years). The EG performed a combined resistance training while the CG group completed their usual training. One repetition maximum (1RM) back squat, 30 m leg kick, and swimming performance (100 m front crawl, start and turn) were evaluated in pre and post test. The findings showed a significant increase in 1RM back squat (d = 1.90; 14.94 ± 1.32%) after 9 weeks of combined resistance training. In addition, ours results revealed a significant improvement in 30 m leg kick swimming (d = 2.11; 5.84 ± 0.16%) and in all swimming, start and turn performances (d = 1.83 to 2.77; 2.69 ± 0.18% to 15.14 ± 1.06%) in EG. All dependent variables remained unchanged in the CG. To sum up, 9 weeks of combined resistance training can improve the maximum lower body strength and leg kick swimming performance. These improvements can be the essential factors that subsequently positively affected swimming, start and turn performances. Combined resistance training is an effective training that can be incorporated by coaches and swimmers into their programs to improve strength, leg kick swimming, and, subsequently, swimming performance in competitive swimmers.
The Interplay of Hypoxia Signaling on Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Inflammation in Cardiovascular Diseases and Cancer: From Molecular Mechanisms to Therapeutic Approaches
Authors: Bouhamida Esmaa , Morciano Giampaolo , Perrone Mariasole , Kahsay Asrat E. , Della Sala Mario , Wieckowski Mariusz R. , Fiorica Francesco , Pinton Paolo , Giorgi Carlotta , Patergnani Simone
Published: February 2022

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and cancer continue to be the primary cause of mortality worldwide and their pathomechanisms are a complex and multifactorial process. Insufficient oxygen availability (hypoxia) plays critical roles in the pathogenesis of both CVDs and cancer diseases, and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1), the main sensor of hypoxia, acts as a central regulator of multiple target genes in the human body. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that mitochondria are the major target of hypoxic injury, the most common source of reactive oxygen species during hypoxia and key elements for inflammation regulation during the development of both CVDs and cancer. Taken together, observations propose that hypoxia, mitochondrial abnormality, oxidative stress, inflammation in CVDs, and cancer are closely linked. Based upon these facts, this review aims to deeply discuss these intimate relationships and to summarize current significant findings corroborating the molecular mechanisms and potential therapies involved in hypoxia and mitochondrial dysfunction in CVDs and cancer.
Response of an Indicator Species, Dryopteris crassirhizoma, to Temporal and Spatial Variations in Sika Deer Density
Authors: Inatomi Yoshihiro , Uno Hiroyuki , Ueno Mayumi , Takafumi Hino , Osa Yuichi
Published: February 2022

Identifying appropriate indicator species for the impact of deer on forest vegetation is crucial for forest management in deer habitats and is required to be sensitive to temporal and spatial variations in deer density. Dryopteris crassirhizoma was selected as a new indicator to evaluate the response to these variations. We examined the population-level characteristics, morphological characteristics at the individual level, and grazing intensity of D. crassirhizoma at temporally different deer density sites in Hokkaido, Japan. The response of D. crassirhizoma to spatial variation in deer density was also examined within and between two regions in Hokkaido, Japan. Although the population-level characteristics and morphological characteristics did not significantly respond to short-term decreases in deer density, grazing intensity significantly decreased with decreasing deer density. The grazing intensity was also positively related to the spatial variation of deer density within both regions, but the estimated coefficient of the grazing intensity differed between regions. We concluded that D. crassirhizoma can be a useful indicator species of the impact of deer on forest vegetation. The grazing intensity of the indicator species was sensitive to temporal and spatial variations in deer density within the region.
Miconazole Mitigates Acetic Acid-Induced Experimental Colitis in Rats: Insight into Inflammation, Oxidative Stress and Keap1/Nrf-2 Signaling Crosstalk
Authors: Alsharif Ifat , Fayed Hany , Abdel-Rahman Rehab , Abd-Elsalam Reham , Ogaly Hanan
Published: February 2022

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is the most common type of inflammatory bowel disease, characterized by oxidative stress and elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines. Miconazole is an azole antifungal that stimulates the expression of antioxidant enzymes via Nrf2 activation, which consequently inhibits ROS formation and NF-κB activation. Hence, the present study aimed to investigate the protective effect of miconazole, sulfasalazine (as a reference drug) and their combination on acetic acid (AA)-induced UC in a rat model which was induced by intra-rectal administration of 4% AA. Rats were pretreated with miconazole (20 and 40 mg/kg, orally) or sulfasalazine (100 mg/kg, orally), or their combination (20 mg/kg miconazole and 50 mg/Kg of sulfasalazine, orally). Pretreatment with miconazole significantly reduced wet colon weight and macroscopic scores, accompanied by a significant amelioration of the colonic architecture disorder. Moreover, the treatment also significantly decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) level and prevented the depletion of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and GSH content in inflamed colons. Additionally, the treatment showed suppressive activities on pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP), and upregulated the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10). Moreover, the treatment upregulated the protein levels of Nrf-2 and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in the colon tissue. Taken together, miconazole is effective in alleviating AA-induced colitis in rats, and the mechanism of its action is associated with the activation of Nrf2-regulated cytoprotective protein expression.
Spatiotemporal Variations of Plague Risk in the Tibetan Plateau from 1954–2016
Authors: Yuan Xing , Yang Linsheng , Li Hairong , Wang Li
Published: February 2022

Plague persists in the plague natural foci today. Although previous studies have found climate drives plague dynamics, quantitative analysis on animal plague risk under climate change remains understudied. Here, we analyzed plague dynamics in the Tibetan Plateau (TP) which is a climate-sensitive area and one of the most severe animal plague areas in China to disentangle variations in marmot plague enzootic foci, diffusion patterns, and their possible links with climate and anthropogenic factors. Specifically, we developed a time-sharing ecological niche modelling framework to identify finer potential plague territories and their temporal epidemic trends. Models were conducted by assembling animal records and multi-source ecophysiological variables with actual ecological effects (both climatic predictors and landscape factors) and driven by matching plague strains to periods corresponding to meteorological datasets. The models identified abundant animal plague territories over the TP and suggested the spatial patterns varied spatiotemporal dimension across the years, undergoing repeated spreading and contractions. Plague risk increased in the 1980s and 2000s, with the risk area increasing by 17.7 and 55.5 thousand km2, respectively. The 1990s and 2010s were decades of decreased risk, with reductions of 71.9 and 39.5 thousand km2, respectively. Further factor analysis showed that intrinsic conditions (i.e., elevation, soil, and geochemical landscape) provided fundamental niches. In contrast, climatic conditions, especially precipitation, led to niche differentiation and resulted in varied spatial patterns. Additionally, while increased human interference may temporarily reduce plague risks, there is a strong possibility of recurrence. This study reshaped the plague distribution at multiple time scales in the TP and revealed multifactorial synergistic effects on the spreading and contraction of plague foci, confirming that TP plague is increasingly sensitive to climate change. These findings may facilitate groups to take measures to combat the plague threats and prevent potential future human plague from occurring.
Diagnosis of Simultaneous Atrial and Ventricular Mechanical Performance in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Sharifkazemi Mohammadbagher , Nazarinia Mohammadali , Arjangzade Alireza , Goldust Mohamad , Hooshanginezhad Zahra
Published: February 2022

Objective: Cardiac involvement is a predictor of poor prognosis in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc); therefore, preclinical diagnosis of heart involvement is crucial. Two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE), a method for evaluating the myocardial strain, could be helpful for the early diagnosis of cardiac mechanical function abnormalities. In this study, the simultaneous evaluation of all cardiac chambers was studied in patients with SSc, compared with normal individuals. Methods: The results of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and 2D-STE of 37 patients with SSc and 37 healthy individuals and the longitudinal strain (LS) of all chambers was precisely evaluated. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 16, and independent-sample t test and Chi-square test were used for comparison between the groups. Results: The mean ± SD of the participants’ age was 45.7 ± 11.54 (range of 17 to 68) years; most of them were women (75.7%). TTE showed higher left atrial (LA) volume (p < 0.001), right atrial (RA) area (p = 0.007), the severity of ventricular dysfunction (p < 0.05) and inferior vena cava diameter (p = 0.005), compared with the control group. Spectral and tissue Doppler echocardiography showed higher systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (sPAP) and mitral A wave velocity, and lower E/A ratio, E’ velocity of left ventricular (LV) septal and lateral wall in the case group (p < 0.05). Color Doppler echocardiography showed a higher frequency of valvular regurgitation in the case group (p < 0.05). The results of 2D-STE showed lower LA roof LS (p < 0.001), LA average LS (p = 0.015), LA global LS (p = 0.028), and LA ejection fraction (LAEF) (p = 0.001), lower mean RA left wall (p = 0.048) and EF (p < 0.001), and higher RV global LS in the case group (p = 0.025). Conclusions: Simultaneous evaluation of all cardiac chambers by 2D-STE provides valuable information about the myocardial involvement in patients with SSc. Therefore, it is suggested to use this method for the early diagnosis of cardiac involvement in such patients.
Targeting the Ubiquitylation and ISGylation Machinery for the Treatment of COVID-19
Authors: Vere George , Alam Md Rashadul , Farrar Sam , Kealy Rachel , Kessler Benedikt M. , O’Brien Darragh P. , Pinto-Fernández Adán
Published: February 2022

Ubiquitylation and ISGylation are protein post-translational modifications (PTMs) and two of the main events involved in the activation of pattern recognition receptor (PRRs) signals allowing the host defense response to viruses. As with similar viruses, SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19, hijacks these pathways by removing ubiquitin and/or ISG15 from proteins using a protease called PLpro, but also by interacting with enzymes involved in ubiquitin/ISG15 machinery. These enable viral replication and avoidance of the host immune system. In this review, we highlight potential points of therapeutic intervention in ubiquitin/ISG15 pathways involved in key host–pathogen interactions, such as PLpro, USP18, TRIM25, CYLD, A20, and others that could be targeted for the treatment of COVID-19, and which may prove effective in combatting current and future vaccine-resistant variants of the disease.
The Expression and Regulatory Roles of Long Non-Coding RNAs in Periodontal Ligament Cells: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lin Yifan , Tang Zhongyuan , Jin Lijian , Yang Yanqi
Published: February 2022

Periodontal ligament (PDL) cells play a pivotal role in periodontal and bone homeostasis and have promising potential for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. There is compelling evidence that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are differentially expressed in PDL cells compared to other cell types and that these lncRNAs are involved in a variety of biological processes. This study systematically reviews the current evidence regarding the expression and regulatory functions of lncRNAs in PDL cells during various biological processes. A systematic search was conducted on PubMed, the Web of Science, Embase, and Google Scholar to include articles published up to 1 July 2021. Original research articles that investigated the expression or regulation of lncRNAs in PDL cells were selected and evaluated for a systematic review. Fifty studies were ultimately included, based on our eligibility criteria. Thirteen of these studies broadly explored the expression profiles of lncRNAs in PDL cells using microarray or RNA sequencing. Nineteen studies investigated the mechanisms by which lncRNAs regulate osteogenic differentiation in PDL cells. The remaining 18 studies investigated the mechanism by which lncRNAs regulate the responses of PDL cells to various stimuli, namely, lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation, tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced inflammation, mechanical stress, oxidative stress, or hypoxia. We systematically reviewed studies on the expression and regulatory roles of lncRNAs in diverse biological processes in PDL cells, including osteogenic differentiation and cellular responses to inflammation, mechanical stress, and other stimuli. These results provide new insights that may guide the development of lncRNA-based therapeutics for periodontal and bone regeneration.
Treatment and Systemic Sclerosis Interstitial Lung Disease Outcome: The Overweight Paradox
Authors: Nagy Alexandra , Palmer Erik , Polivka Lorinc , Eszes Noemi , Vincze Krisztina , Barczi Eniko , Bohacs Aniko , Tarnoki Adam Domonkos , Tarnoki David Laszlo , Nagy György , Kiss Emese , Maurovich-Horvat Pal , Müller Veronika
Published: February 2022

(1) Background: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is frequently associated with interstitial lung diseases (ILDs). The progressive form of SSc-ILD often limits patient survival. The aim of our study is to evaluate the clinical characteristics and predictors of lung function changes in SSc-ILD patients treated in a real-world setting. (2) Methods: All SSc-ILD cases previously confirmed by rheumatologists and a multidisciplinary ILD team between January 2017 and June 2019 were included (n = 54). The detailed medical history, clinical parameters and HRCT were analyzed. The longitudinal follow-up for pulmonary symptoms, functional parameters and treatment were performed for at least 2 years in no treatment, immunosuppression and biological treatment subgroups. (3) Results: In SSc-ILD patients (age 58.7 ± 13.3 years, 87.0% women), the main symptoms included dyspnea, cough, crackles and the Raynaud’s phenomenon. The functional decline was most prominent in untreated patients, and a normal body mass index (BMI < 25 kg/m2) was associated with a significant risk of deterioration. The majority of patients improved or were stable during follow-up. The progressive fibrosing-ILD criteria were met by 15 patients, the highest proportion being in the untreated subgroup. (4) Conclusions: SSc-ILD patients who are overweight are at a lower risk of the functional decline and progressive phenotype especially affecting untreated patients. The close monitoring of lung involvement and a regular BMI measurement are advised and early treatment interventions are encouraged.
BDP1 Expression Correlates with Clinical Outcomes in Activated B-Cell Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Cabarcas-Petroski Stephanie , Schramm Laura
Published: February 2022

The RNA polymerase III–specific TFIIIB complex is targeted by oncogenes and tumor suppressors, specifically the TFIIIB subunits BRF1, BRF2, and TBP. Currently, it is unclear if the TFIIIB subunit BDP1 is universally deregulated in human cancers. We performed a meta-analysis of patient data in the Oncomine database to analyze BDP1 alterations in human cancers. Herein, we report a possible role for BDP1 in non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) for the first time. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report a statistically significant decrease in BDP1 expression in patients with anaplastic lymphoma kinase–positive (ALK+) anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL) (p = 1.67 × 10−6) and Burkitt’s lymphoma (BL) (p = 1.54 × 10−11). Analysis of the BDP1 promoter identified putative binding sites for MYC, BCL6, E2F4, and KLF4 transcription factors, which were previously demonstrated to be deregulated in lymphomas. MYC and BDP1 expression were inversely correlated in ALK+ ALCL, suggesting a possible mechanism for the significant and specific decrease in BDP1 expression. In activated B-cell (ABC) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), decreased BDP1 expression correlated with clinical outcomes, including recurrence at 1 year (p = 0.021) and 3 years (p = 0.005). Mortality at 1 (p = 0.030) and 3 (p = 0.012) years correlated with decreased BDP1 expression in ABC DLBCL. Together, these data suggest that BDP1 alterations may be of clinical significance in specific NHL subtypes and warrant further investigation.
Intensive Neurorehabilitation and Gait Improvement in Progressive Multiple Sclerosis: Clinical, Kinematic and Electromyographic Analysis
Authors: Huang Su-Chun , Guerrieri Simone , Dalla Costa Gloria , Pisa Marco , Leccabue Giulia , Gregoris Lorenzo , Comi Giancarlo , Leocani Letizia
Published: February 2022

Background: Gait deficit is a hallmark of multiple sclerosis and the walking capacity can be improved with neurorehabilitation. Technological advances in biomechanics offer opportunities to assess the effects of rehabilitation objectively. Objective: Combining wireless surface electromyography and wearable inertial sensors to assess and monitor the gait pattern before and after an intensive multidisciplinary neurorehabilitation program (44 h/4weeks) to evaluate rehabilitation efficiency. Methods: Forty people with progressive multiple sclerosis were enrolled. Wireless wearable devices were used to evaluate the gait. Instrumental gait analysis, clinical assessment, and patient report outcome measures were acquired before and after the neurorehabilitation. Spatiotemporal gait parameters, the co-activation index of lower limb muscles, and clinical assessments were compared pre- and post-treatment. Results: Significant improvements after intensive neurorehabilitation were found in most of the clinical assessments, cadence, and velocity of the instrumental gait analysis, paralleled by amelioration of thigh co-activation on the less-affected side. Subjects with better balance performance and higher independence at baseline benefit more from the neurorehabilitation course. Conclusions: Significant improvements in gait performance were found in our cohort after an intensive neurorehabilitation course, for both quantitative and qualitative measures. Integrating kinematic and muscle activity measurements offers opportunities to objectively evaluate and interpret treatment effects.
Attention Control and Audiomotor Processes Underlying Anticipation of Musical Themes while Listening to Familiar Sonata-Form Pieces
Authors: Li Chia-Wei , Tsai Chen-Gia
Published: February 2022

When listening to music, people are excited by the musical cues immediately before rewarding passages. More generally, listeners attend to the antecedent cues of a salient musical event irrespective of its emotional valence. The present study used functional magnetic resonance imaging to investigate the behavioral and cognitive mechanisms underlying the cued anticipation of the main theme’s recurrence in sonata form. Half of the main themes in the musical stimuli were of a joyful character, half a tragic character. Activity in the premotor cortex suggests that around the main theme’s recurrence, the participants tended to covertly hum along with music. The anterior thalamus, pre-supplementary motor area (preSMA), posterior cerebellum, inferior frontal junction (IFJ), and auditory cortex showed increased activity for the antecedent cues of the themes, relative to the middle-last part of the themes. Increased activity in the anterior thalamus may reflect its role in guiding attention towards stimuli that reliably predict important outcomes. The preSMA and posterior cerebellum may support sequence processing, fine-grained auditory imagery, and fine adjustments to humming according to auditory inputs. The IFJ might orchestrate the attention allocation to motor simulation and goal-driven attention. These findings highlight the attention control and audiomotor components of musical anticipation.
Developing an Open Innovation Attitude Assessment Framework for Organizations: Focusing on Open Innovation Role Perspective and Locus of Activity
Authors: Jun YoungPyo , Kim Kilsun
Published: February 2022

From an organizational perspective, open innovation (OI) capability assessments are becoming increasingly important. The authors propose that an organization’s attitude toward interactive OI activities among OI stakeholders can reveal its degree of capability. This paper aims to focus on an organization’s OI attitude measurement scales and develop a framework linked to the role perspectives and loci of OI activities occurring at the organizational level. This research will introduce a practical, theory-based indication of OI assessment by combining a deductive process that identifies organizational OI attitude constructs with an inductive framework development process. First, the authors conducted an extensive literature review of attitude measurement on the execution of OI. Then, they performed empirical data analysis using a large-scale structured attitude assessment survey from individuals in domestic and multi-national corporations (n = 134), which led to the development of questionnaire sets on attitude evaluation. This study contributes to developing an organizational OI attitude assessment scale. Furthermore, based on empirical data analysis, the research framework demonstrated the reliability and validity of the organizational OI attitude measurement scale. Specifically, the scale contains proven questionnaires assessing OI attitudes by interrogating individual actors’ impact, behavior, and cognition regarding their organization’s OI activities. The organization’s three role perspectives (transfer, absorption, and brokerage) and two loci of activities in the OI ecosystem provide six distinct dimensions, suggesting areas of focus for a firm’s strategic OI direction.
Analysis for the Heritage Consideration of Historic Spanish Railway Stations (1848–1929)
Authors: Martínez-Corral Aurora , Cárcel-Carrasco Javier , Carnero María Carmen , Aparicio-Fernández Carolina
Published: February 2022

This article presents the study carried out on the main Spanish historic railway stations to obtain a joint and comparative view of the current state of its heritage conservation. The temporal scope is limited to the construction period of the Spanish historic stations. A motivated selection of a series of extrinsic and intrinsic variables is proposed, checking heritage variables to evaluate the degree of adequate heritage protection. The conclusions of the study show the antithesis between what is to be protected (the railway station) and what is really saved (the passenger building), making it necessary to change the legal protection status from monuments to landscapes. Thus, various interventions can be observed on the disaffected land with no heritage connection. The material and technological valorisation of unique components such as the large platform and track roofs is ignored. It is also observed that the maintenance of railway use is essential and that global interventions lead to a more significant loss of significance than those carried out for maintenance purposes. This leads to the conclusion that preventive conservation is more effective in protecting this heritage than global interventions.
Lightweight Composite Floor System—Cold-Formed Steel and Concrete—LWT-FLOOR Project
Authors: Lukačević Ivan , Ćurković Ivan , Rajić Andrea , Bartolac Marko
Published: February 2022

In the last few decades, the application of lightweight cold-formed composite steel–concrete structural systems has constantly been increasing within the field of structural engineering. This can be explained by efficient material usage, particularly noticeable when using cold-formed built-up sections and the innovative types of shear connections. This paper summarises an overview of the development of the cold-formed composite steel–concrete floor systems. Additionally, it provides the background, planned activities, and preliminary results of the current LWT-FLOOR project, which is ongoing at the University of Zagreb, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Croatia. The proposed structural system is formed of built-up cold-formed steel beams and cast-in-place concrete slabs that are interconnected using an innovative type of shear connection. Preliminary analytical and numerical results on the system bending capacity are presented. Obtained results are mutually comparable. The resistance of the fixed beam solution is governed by the resistance of the steel beam, while pinned beam solution is governed by the degree of shear connection without the influence of the increased number of spot welds in the steel beam.