bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial Analysis (Measurements at Heights of 10 m and 20 m above Ground Level) of the Concentrations of Particulate Matter (PM10, PM2.5, and PM1.0) and Gaseous Pollutants (H2S) on the University Campus: A Case Study
Authors: Cichowicz Robert , Dobrzański Maciej
Published: January 2021

Spatial analysis of the distribution of particulate matter PM10, PM2.5, PM1.0, and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas pollution was performed in the area around a university library building. The reasons for the subject matter were reports related to the perceptible odor characteristic of hydrogen sulfide and a general poor assessment of air quality by employees and students. Due to the area of analysis, it was decided to perform measurements at two heights, 10 m and 20 m above ground level, using measuring equipment attached to a DJI Matrice 600 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The aim of the measurements was air quality assessment and investigate the convergence of the theory of air flow around the building with the spatial distribution of air pollutants. Considerable differences of up to 63% were observed in the concentrations of pollutants measured around the building, especially between opposite sides, depending on the direction of the wind. To explain these differences, the theory of aerodynamics was applied to visualize the probable airflow in the direction of the wind. A strong convergence was observed between the aerodynamic model and the spatial distribution of pollutants. This was evidenced by the high concentrations of dust in the areas of strong turbulence at the edges of the building and on the leeward side. The accumulation of pollutants was also clearly noticeable in these locations. A high concentration of H2S was recorded around the library building on the side of the car park. On the other hand, the air turbulence around the building dispersed the gas pollution, causing the concentration of H2S to drop on the leeward side. It was confirmed that in some analyzed areas the permissible concentration of H2S was exceeded.
Combined Impact of No-Till and Cover Crops with or without Short-Term Water Stress as Revealed by Physicochemical and Microbiological Indicators
Authors: Taskin Eren , Boselli Roberta , Fiorini Andrea , Misci Chiara , Ardenti Federico , Bandini Francesca , Guzzetti Lorenzo , Panzeri Davide , Tommasi Nicola , Galimberti Andrea , Labra Massimo , Tabaglio Vincenzo , Puglisi Edoardo
Published: January 2021

Combining no-till and cover crops (NT + CC) as an alternative to conventional tillage (CT) is generating interest to build-up farming systems’ resilience while promoting climate change adaptation in agriculture. Our field study aimed to assess the impact of long-term NT + CC management and short-term water stress on soil microbial communities, enzymatic activities, and the distribution of C and N within soil aggregates. High-throughput sequencing (HTS) revealed the positive impact of NT + CC on microbial biodiversity, especially under water stress conditions, with the presence of important rhizobacteria (e.g., Bradyrhizobium spp.). An alteration index based on soil enzymes confirmed soil depletion under CT. C and N pools within aggregates showed an enrichment under NT + CC mostly due to C and N-rich large macroaggregates (LM), accounting for 44% and 33% of the total soil C and N. Within LM, C and N pools were associated to microaggregates within macroaggregates (mM), which are beneficial for long-term C and N stabilization in soils. Water stress had detrimental effects on aggregate formation and limited C and N inclusion within aggregates. The microbiological and physicochemical parameters correlation supported the hypothesis that long-term NT + CC is a promising alternative to CT, due to the contribution to soil C and N stabilization while enhancing the biodiversity and enzymes.
Pretreatment with Human Lactoferrin Had a Positive Effect on the Dynamics of Mouse Nigrostriatal System Recovery after Acute MPTP Exposure
Authors: Kopaeva Marina Yu. , Cherepov Anton B. , Nesterenko Mikhail V. , Zarayskaya Irina Yu.
Published: January 2021

We studied the effect of human lactoferrin (hLf) on degenerative changes in the nigrostriatal system and associated behavioral deficits in the animal model of Parkinson disease. Nigrostriatal dopaminergic injury was induced by single administration of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP; 40 mg/kg) to five-month-old C57Bl/6 mice. Behavioral disturbances were assessed in the open field and rotarod tests and by the stride length analysis. Structural deficits were assessed by the counts of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-immunoreactive neurons in the substantia nigra and optical density (OD) of TH-immunolabeled fibers in the striatum. Acute MPTP treatment induced long-term behavioral deficit and degenerative changes in the nigrostriatal system. Pretreatment with hLf prevented body weight loss and promoted recovery of motor functions and exploratory behavior. Importantly, OD of TH-positive fibers in the striatum of mice treated with hLf almost returned to normal, and the number of TH-positive cells in the substantia nigra significantly increased on day 28. These results indicate that hLf produces a neuroprotective effect and probably stimulates neuroregeneration under conditions of MPTP toxicity in our model. A relationship between behavioral deficits and nigrostriatal system disturbances at delayed terms after MPTP administration was found.
Subcutaneous Implantation Assessment of New Calcium-Silicate Based Sealer for Warm Obturation
Authors: Santos João Miguel , Coelho Carolina M. , Sequeira Diana B. , Marques Joana A. , Pereira Joana F. , Sousa Vitor , Palma Paulo J. , Santos Ana C.
Published: January 2021

Calcium silicate-based sealers were recently introduced as a new class of endodontic sealers, with potential further benefits due to their bioactivity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biocompatibility of two new hydraulic calcium silicate-based sealers, TotalFill BC Sealer (FKG, La Chaux-des-Fonds, Switzerland) and TotalFill BC Sealer HiFlow (FKG, La Chaux-des-Fonds, Switzerland) through subcutaneous implantation in connective tissue of rats. Subcutaneous implantation was performed in 16 young Wistar rats. Four polyethylene tubes were implanted in each animal, one empty to serve as a control, and three filled with tested sealers: AH Plus as reference (Dentsply DeTrey, Konstanz, Germany), TotalFill BC Sealer (BC) and TotalFill BC Sealer HiFlow (HiFlow). Eight rats were euthanized at 8 days and the remaining eight at 30 days. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to score the inflammatory reaction, macrophage infiltrate and to measure the thickness of the fibrous capsule. von Kossa staining was performed to evaluate the mineralization level. Kruskal–Wallis test followed by Dunn’s post hoc test was used to analyze non-parametric data. To analyze the influence of the implantation time within each material, a Mann–Whitney U test was performed. At eight days post-implantation, AH Plus induced a more intense inflammatory reaction when compared both with the control (p ≤ 0.001) and BC (p ≤ 0.01). HiFlow presented a higher score of macrophage infiltrate than control (p ≤ 0.01) and BC (p ≤ 0.05). The fibrous capsule thickness in this period was significantly higher for the BC group when compared to control (p ≤ 0.01) and AH Plus (p ≤ 0.05). The mineralization potential was higher for the HiFlow group when compared with the control (p ≤ 0.001) and AH Plus (p ≤ 0.001). At 30 days post-implantation, the score for the inflammatory reaction remained higher for the AH Plus group when compared both to control (p ≤ 0.01) and BC (p ≤ 0.001). The macrophage infiltrate of the HiFlow was significantly higher than control (p ≤ 0.001) and AH Plus groups (p ≤ 0.01), additionally, the fibrous capsule of the BC (p ≤ 0.001) and HiFlow (p ≤ 0.01) groups were both thicker than control. Mineralization potential was observed only on BC (p ≤ 0.05) and HiFlow groups (p ≤ 0.001), when compared to control). BC exhibited the best biocompatibility performance of all tested sealers and HiFlow provided the greatest induction of mineralized tissues. Both TotalFill BC Sealer and TotalFill BC Sealer HiFlow are biocompatible and show potential bioactivity when implanted in the subcutaneous tissue. Bioactivity was not found in AH Plus.
One-Year Follow-Up Diagnostic Stability of Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis in a Clinical Sample of Children and Toddlers
Authors: Benedetto Loredana , Cucinotta Francesca , Maggio Roberta , Germanò Eva , De Raco Roberta , Alquino Ausilia , Impallomeni Caterina , Siracusano Rosamaria , Vetri Luigi , Roccella Michele , Ingrassia Massimo , Gagliano Antonella
Published: January 2021

Some studies show that the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder could be considered reliable and stable in children aged 18 to 24 months. Nevertheless, the diagnostic stability of early ASD diagnosis has not yet been fully demonstrated. This observational study examines the one-year diagnostic stability of autism spectrum disorder diagnosis in a clinical sample of 147 children diagnosed between 18 and 48 months of age. The ADOS-2 scores were used in order to stratify children in three levels of symptom severity: Autism (AD; comparison score 5–7), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD; comparison score 3–4), and Sub-Threshold Symptoms; (STS; comparison score 1–2). Results: Overall, the largest part of children and toddlers diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder between 18 and 48 months continued to show autistic symptoms at one-year follow-up evaluation. Nevertheless, a significant percentage of children with higher ADOS severity scores exhibited a reduction of symptom severity and, therefore, moved towards a milder severity class one year later. Conversely, the number of subjects of the STS group meaningfully increased. Therefore, at one-year follow-up a statistically significant (χ2(2) = 181.46, p < 0.0001) percentage of subjects (25.2% of the total) who had received a categorical diagnosis of Autistic Disorder or Autism Spectrum Disorder in baseline no longer met the criteria for a categorical diagnosis. Furthermore, children who no longer met the criteria for autism spectrum disorder continue to show delays in one or more neurodevelopmental areas, possibly related to the emergence of other neurodevelopmental/neuropsychiatric disorders. Overall, the comprehensive results of the study account for a high sensibility but a moderate stability of ASD early diagnosis.
The Role of Non-Selective TNF Inhibitors in Demyelinating Events
Authors: Kristensen Line , Lambertsen Kate , Nguyen Nina , Byg Keld-Erik , Nielsen Helle
Published: January 2021

The use of non-selective tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors is well known in the treatment of inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and psoriasis. Its use in neurological disorders is limited however, due to rare adverse events of demyelination, even in patients without preceding demyelinating disease. We review here the molecular and cellular aspects of this neuroinflammatory process in light of a case of severe monophasic demyelination caused by treatment with infliximab. Focusing on the role of TNF, we review the links between CNS inflammation, demyelination, and neurodegenerative changes leading to permanent neurological deficits in a young woman, and we discuss the growing evidence for selective soluble TNF inhibitors as a new treatment approach in inflammatory and neurological diseases.
Effect of Distracting Background Speech in an Auditory Brain–Computer Interface
Authors: Fernández-Rodríguez Álvaro , Ron-Angevin Ricardo , Sanz-Arigita Ernesto , Parize Antoine , Esquirol Juliette , Perrier Alban , Laur Simon , André Jean-Marc , Lespinet-Najib Véronique , Garcia Liliana
Published: January 2021

Studies so far have analyzed the effect of distractor stimuli in different types of brain–computer interface (BCI). However, the effect of a background speech has not been studied using an auditory event-related potential (ERP-BCI), a convenient option when the visual path cannot be adopted by users. Thus, the aim of the present work is to examine the impact of a background speech on selection performance and user workload in auditory BCI systems. Eleven participants tested three conditions: (i) auditory BCI control condition, (ii) auditory BCI with a background speech to ignore (non-attentional condition), and (iii) auditory BCI while the user has to pay attention to the background speech (attentional condition). The results demonstrated that, despite no significant differences in performance, shared attention to auditory BCI and background speech required a higher cognitive workload. In addition, the P300 target stimuli in the non-attentional condition were significantly higher than those in the attentional condition for several channels. The non-attentional condition was the only condition that showed significant differences in the amplitude of the P300 between target and non-target stimuli. The present study indicates that background speech, especially when it is attended to, is an important interference that should be avoided while using an auditory BCI.
Memory Deficits in Children with Developmental Dyslexia: A Reading-Level and Chronological-Age Matched Design
Authors: Lazzaro Giulia , Varuzza Cristiana , Costanzo Floriana , Fucà Elisa , Di Vara Silvia , De Matteis Maria Elena , Vicari Stefano , Menghini Deny
Published: January 2021

Developmental Dyslexia (DD) is considered a multifactorial deficit. Among the neurocognitive impairments identified in DD, it has been found that memory plays a particularly important role in reading and learning. The present study aims to investigate whether short-term memory (STM) and long-term memory (LTM) deficits could be related to poor reading experience or could be causal factors in DD. To verify that memory deficits in DD did not simply reflect differences in reading experience, 16 children with DD were not only compared to 16 chronological age-matched children (CA) but also to 16 reading level-matched children (RL) in verbal, visual-object, and visual-spatial STM and LTM tasks. Children with DD performed as well as RL, but worse than CA in all STM tasks. Considering LTM, the three groups did not differ in Visual-Object and Visual-Spatial Learning tasks. In the Verbal LTM task, DD recalled significantly fewer words than CA but not RL, while CA and RL showed a similar performance. The present results suggest that when reading experience was equated, children with DD and typical readers did not differ in STM and LTM, especially in the verbal modality, weakening claims that memory has a causal effect in reading impairments.
Outcomes and Correlates of Major Depression in 11 Disaster Studies Using Consistent Methods
Authors: North Carol S. , Baron David
Published: January 2021

This study investigated psychosocial functioning and employment status in association with postdisaster major depression and its course in survivors of 11 different disasters in a sample of 808 directly-exposed survivors of 10 disasters and 373 survivors of the 11 September 2001 (9/11), terrorist attacks on New York City’s World Trade Center (total n = 1181). Participants were assessed between 1987 and 2007 with structured diagnostic interviews in a prospective longitudinal design. Consistent research methods allowed merging of the disaster databases for analysis using multivariate modeling. Postdisaster major depression in the study cohort from the 9/11 disaster was more than twice as prevalent as in the other disasters, possibly reflecting the greater psychosocial/interpersonal loss and bereavement experienced by 9/11 disaster survivors. At follow up, employment was associated with remission of postdisaster major depression, non-development of PTSD, and coping via family or friends. Functioning problems were associated with disaster injuries, but not with persistent major depression. This study is unprecedented in its large sample of survivors across the full range of disaster typology studied using consistent methods and full structured interview diagnostic assessment. These findings may help guide future interventions to address postdisaster depression.
Perspectives on the Role of Isoliquiritigenin in Cancer
Authors: Wang Kai-Lee , Yu Ying-Chun , Hsia Shih-Min
Published: January 2021

Isoliquiritigenin (2′,4′,4-trihydroxychalcone, ISL), one of the most important bioactive compounds with a chalcone structure, is derived from licorice root. Licorice is commonly known as Glycyrrhiza, including Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Glycyrrhiza radix, and Glycyrrhiza glabra, which are generally available in common foods and Chinese herbal medicines based on a wide variety of biological functions and pharmacological effects, and its derivative (ISL) is utilized as a food additive and adjunct disease treatment. In this review, we summarized the progress over the last 10 years in the targeted pathways and molecular mechanisms of ISL that are involved in the regulation of the onset and progression of different types of cancers.
Dual Kinase Targeting in Leukemia
Authors: Mologni Luca , Marzaro Giovanni , Redaelli Sara , Zambon Alfonso
Published: January 2021

Pharmacological cancer therapy is often based on the concurrent inhibition of different survival pathways to improve treatment outcomes and to reduce the risk of relapses. While this strategy is traditionally pursued only through the co-administration of several drugs, the recent development of multi-targeting drugs (i.e., compounds intrinsically able to simultaneously target several macromolecules involved in cancer onset) has had a dramatic impact on cancer treatment. This review focuses on the most recent developments in dual-kinase inhibitors used in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), and lymphoid tumors, giving details on preclinical studies as well as ongoing clinical trials. A brief overview of dual-targeting inhibitors (kinase/histone deacetylase (HDAC) and kinase/tubulin polymerization inhibitors) applied to leukemia is also given. Finally, the very recently developed Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras (PROTAC)-based kinase inhibitors are presented.
Comparison of RECIST 1.1 and iRECIST in Patients Treated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Park Hyo Jung , Kim Gun Ha , Kim Kyung Won , Lee Choong Wook , Yoon Shinkyo , Chae Young Kwang , Tirumani Sree Harsha , Ramaiya Nikhil H.
Published: January 2021

Despite wide recognition of iRECIST, evidence regarding the impact of iRECIST over RECIST 1.1 is lacking. We aimed to evaluate the impact of iRECIST on assessing treatment efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) over RECIST 1.1. Articles that evaluated the treatment response and outcome based on both RECIST 1.1 and iRECIST were eligible. Data regarding overall response rates (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) based on RECIST 1.1 and iRECIST, and data required to estimate individual patient data of progression-free survival (PFS) were extracted. Estimates were compared using meta-regression and pooled incidence rate ratios. The pooled difference of restricted mean survival time (RMST) of PFS between two criteria were calculated. Eleven studies with 6210 patients were analyzed. The application of iRECIST had no impact on the response-related endpoint by showing no significantly different ORR and DCR from RECIST 1.1 (pooled ORR, 23.6% and 24.7% [p = 0.72]; pooled DCR, 45.3% and 48.7% [p = 0.56] for iRECIST and RECIST 1.1, respectively) and had a minor impact on a survival endpoint by showing longer RMST of PFS than RECIST 1.1 (pooled difference, 0.46 months; 95% CI, 0.10–0.82 months; p = 0.01). Such a modest benefit of iRECIST should be considered when we design a clinical trial for immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Glucose–Carbon Hybrids as Pt Catalyst Supports for the Continuous Furfural Hydroconversion in Gas Phase
Authors: Morales-Torres Sergio , Pastrana-Martínez Luisa M. , Pérez-García Juan A. , Maldonado-Hódar Francisco J.
Published: January 2021

Glucose–carbon hybrids were synthetized with different carbon materials, namely carbon nanotubes, reduced graphene oxide, carbon black and activated carbon by a hydrothermal treatment. These carbon hybrids were used as Pt-supports (1 wt.%) for the furfural (FUR) hydroconversion in the gas phase at mild operating conditions (i.e., P = 1 atm and T = 200 °C). The physicochemical properties (porosity, surface chemistry, Pt-dispersion, etc.) were analyzed by different techniques. Glucose–carbon hybrids presented apparent surface areas between 470–500 m2 g−1, a neutral character and a good distribution of small Pt-nanoparticles, some large ones with octahedral geometry being also formed. Catalytic results showed two main reaction pathways: (i) FUR hydrogenation to furfuryl alcohol (FOL), and (ii) decarbonylation to furane (FU). The products distribution depended on the reaction temperature, FOL or FU being mainly produced at low (120–140 °C) or high temperatures (170–200 °C), respectively. At intermediate temperatures, tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol was formed by secondary FOL hydrogenation. FUR hydroconversion is a structure-sensitive reaction, rounded-shape Pt-nanoparticles producing FU, while large octahedral Pt-particles favor the formation of FOL. Pt-catalysts supported on glucose–carbon hybrids presented a better catalytic performance at low temperature than the catalyst prepared on reference material, no catalyst deactivation being identified after several hours on stream.
Low-Temperature Mineralisation of Titania-Siloxane Composite Layers
Authors: Svoboda Tomáš , Veselý Michal , Bartoš Radim , Homola Tomáš , Dzik Petr
Published: January 2021

This paper deals with low-temperature mineralisation of coatings made with titania-siloxane compositions (TSC). Methyltriethoxysilane has been adopted as the precursor for the siloxane, and during its synthesis, an oligomeric siloxane condensate with methyl moieties acting as TiO2 binder has been produced. These methyl moieties, contained in TSC, provide solubility and prevent gelling, but reduce the hydrophilicity of the system, reduce the transfer of electrons and holes generated in the TiO2. In order to avoid these unfavourable effects, TSC mineralisation can be achieved by nonthermal treatment, for example, by using UV-radiation or plasma treatment. Characterisation of the siloxane was performed by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), which showed the size of the siloxane chain. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed a temperature at which the siloxane mineralises to SiO2. Printed layers of two types of TSC with different siloxane contents were studied by a scanning electron microscope (SEM), where a difference in the porosity of the samples was observed. TSC on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) coated glass and microscopic glass were treated with non-thermal UV and plasma methods. TSC on FTO glass were tested by voltammetric measurements, which showed that the non-thermally treated layers have better properties and the amount of siloxane in the TSC has a great influence on their efficiency. Samples on microscopic glass were subjected to a photocatalytic decomposition test of the model pollutant Acid orange 7 (AO7). Non-thermally treated samples show higher photocatalytic activity than the raw sample.
Modulation of the Bifunctional CrVI to CrIII Photoreduction and Adsorption Capacity in ZrIV and TiIV Benchmark Metal-Organic Frameworks
Authors: G. Saiz Paula , Valverde Ainara , Gonzalez-Navarrete Bárbara , Rosales Maibelin , Quintero Yurieth Marcela , Fidalgo-Marijuan Arkaitz , Orive Joseba , Reizabal Ander , Larrea Edurne S. , Arriortua María Isabel , Lanceros-Méndez Senentxu , García Andreina , Fernández de Luis Roberto
Published: January 2021

The presence of hexavalent chromium water pollution is a growing global concern. Among the currently applied technologies to remove CrVI, its adsorption and photocatalytic reduction to CrIII less mobile and toxic forms are the most appealing because of their simplicity, reusability, and low energy consumption. However, little attention has been paid to bifunctional catalysts, that is, materials that can reduce CrVI to CrIII and retain both hexavalent and trivalent chromium species at the same time. In this work, the dual CrVI adsorption–reduction capacity of two iconic photoactive water-stable zirconium and titanium-based metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) has been investigated: UiO-66-NH2 and MIL-125. The bifunctionality of photoactive MOFs depends on different parameters, such as the particle size in MIL-125 or organic linker functionalization/defective positions in UiO-66 type sorbents. For instance, the presence of organic linker defects in UiO-66 has shown to be detrimental for the chromium photoreduction but beneficial for the retention of the CrIII phototransformed species. Both compounds are able to retain from 90 to 98% of the initial chromium present at acidic solutions as well as immobilize the reduced CrIII species, demonstrating the suitability of the materials for CrVI environmental remediation. In addition, it has been demonstrated that adsorption can be carried out also in a continuous flux mode through a diluted photoactive MOF/sand chromatographic column. The obtained results open the perspective to assess the bifunctional sorption and photoreduction ability of a plethora of MOF materials that have been applied for chromium capture and photoreduction purposes. In parallel, this work opens the perspective to develop specific chemical encoding strategies within MOFs to transfer this bifunctionality to other related water remediation applications.
Fine-Tuning the Tumour Microenvironment: Current Perspectives on the Mechanisms of Tumour Immunosuppression
Authors: Armitage Jesse D. , Newnes Hannah V. , McDonnell Alison , Bosco Anthony , Waithman Jason
Published: January 2021

Immunotherapy has revolutionised the treatment of cancers by harnessing the power of the immune system to eradicate malignant tissue. However, it is well recognised that some cancers are highly resistant to these therapies, which is in part attributed to the immunosuppressive landscape of the tumour microenvironment (TME). The contexture of the TME is highly heterogeneous and contains a complex architecture of immune, stromal, vascular and tumour cells in addition to acellular components such as the extracellular matrix. While understanding the dynamics of the TME has been instrumental in predicting durable responses to immunotherapy and developing new treatment strategies, recent evidence challenges the fundamental paradigms of how tumours can effectively subvert immunosurveillance. Here, we discuss the various immunosuppressive features of the TME and how fine-tuning these mechanisms, rather than ablating them completely, may result in a more comprehensive and balanced anti-tumour response.
Human Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Inhibit CD4+ T Cell Proliferation and Induce Regulatory T Cells as Well as CD127 Expression on CD4+CD25+ T Cells
Authors: Fiori Agnese , Uhlig Stefanie , Klüter Harald , Bieback Karen
Published: January 2021

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) exert their immunomodulatory potential on several cell types of the immune system, affecting and influencing the immune response. MSC efficiently inhibit T cell proliferation, reduce the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, limit the differentiation of pro-inflammatory Th subtypes and promote the induction of regulatory T cells (Treg). In this study, we analyzed the immunomodulatory potential of human adipose tissue-derived MSC (ASC), on CD4+ T cells, addressing potential cell-contact dependency in relation to T cell receptor stimulation of whole human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). ASC were cultured with not stimulated or anti-CD3/CD28-stimulated PBMC in direct and transwell cocultures; PBMC alone were used as controls. After 7 days, cocultures were harvested and we analyzed: (1) the inhibitory potential of ASC on CD4+ cell proliferation and (2) phenotypic changes in CD4+ cells in respect of Treg marker (CD25, CD127 and FoxP3) expression. We confirmed the inhibitory potential of ASC on CD4+ cell proliferation, which occurs upon PBMC stimulation and is mediated by indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase. Importantly, ASC reduce both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine secretion, without indications on specific Th differentiation. We found that stimulation induces CD25 expression on CD4+ cells and that, despite inhibiting overall CD4+ cell proliferation, ASC can specifically induce the proliferation of CD4+CD25+ cells. We observed that ASC induce Treg (CD4+CD25+CD127−FoxP3+) only in not stimulated cocultures and that ASC increase the ratio of CD4+CD25+CD127+FoxP3− cells at the expense of CD4+CD25+CD127−FoxP3− cells. Our study provides new insights on the interplay between ASC and CD4+ T cells, proposing that ASC-dependent induction of Treg depends on PBMC activation which affects the balance between the different subpopulations of CD4+CD25+ cells expressing CD127 and/or FoxP3.
On the 3D → 2D Isomerization of Hexaborane(12)
Authors: Oliva-Enrich Josep M. , Alkorta Ibon , Elguero José , Ferrer Maxime , Burgos José I.
Published: January 2021

By following the intrinsic reaction coordinate connecting transition states with energy minima on the potential energy surface, we have determined the reaction steps connecting three-dimensional hexaborane(12) with unknown planar two-dimensional hexaborane(12). In an effort to predict the potential synthesis of finite planar borane molecules, we found that the reaction limiting factor stems from the breaking of the central boron-boron bond perpendicular to the C2 axis of rotation in three-dimensional hexaborane(12).
Longer Exposure to Left-to-Right Shunts Is a Risk Factor for Pulmonary Vein Stenosis in Patients with Trisomy 21
Authors: Choi Connie , Gauvreau Kimberlee , Levy Philip , Callahan Ryan , Jenkins Kathy , Chen Minghui
Published: January 2021

We conducted a study to determine whether patients born with Trisomy 21 and left-to-right shunts who develop pulmonary vein stenosis (PVS) have a longer exposure to shunt physiology compared to those who do not develop PVS. We included patients seen at Boston Children’s Hospital between 15 August 2006 and 31 August 2017 born with Trisomy 21 and left-to-right shunts who developed PVS within 24 months of age. We conducted a retrospective 3:1 matched case–control study. The primary predictor was length of exposure to shunt as defined as date of birth to the first echocardiogram showing mild or no shunt. Case patients with PVS were more likely to have a longer exposure to shunt than patients in the control group (6 vs. 3 months, p-value 0.002). Additionally, PVS patients were also more likely to have their initial repair ≥ 4 months of age (81% vs. 42%, p-value 0.003) and have a gestational age ≤ 35 weeks (48% vs. 13%, p-value 0.003). Time exposed to shunts may be an important modifiable risk factor for PVS in patients with Trisomy 21.
Analytical Investigation on the Effect of Test Setup on Bond Strength
Authors: Tsiotsias Konstantinos , Pantazopoulou Stavroula J.
Published: January 2021

Experimental procedures used for the study of reinforcement to concrete bond have been hampered for a long time by inconsistencies and large differences in the obtained behavior, such as bond strength and mode of failure, depending on the specimen form and setup used in the test. Bond is controlled by the mechanics of the interface between reinforcement and concrete, and is sensitive to the influences of extraneous factors, several of which underlie, but are not accounted for, in conventional pullout test setups. To understand and illustrate the importance of specimen form and testing arrangement, a series of computational simulations are used in the present work on eight distinct variants of conventional bar pullout test setups that are used routinely in experimental literature for the characterization of bond-slip laws. The resulting bond strength increase generated by unaccounted confining stress fields that arise around the bar because of the boundary conditions of the test setup is used to classify the tests with respect to their relevance with the intended use of the results. Of the pullout setups examined, the direct tension pullout test produced the most conservative bond strength results, completely eliminating the contributions from eccentricity and passive confinement.
Evaluation of Thermoelectric Performance of Bi2Te3 Films as a Function of Temperature Increase Rate during Heat Treatment
Authors: Norimasa Oga , Kurokawa Takuya , Eguchi Rikuo , Takashiri Masayuki
Published: January 2021

Thin film thermoelectric generators are expected to be applied as power supplies for various Internet of Thing devices owing to their small size and flexible structure. However, the primary challenges of thin film thermoelectric generators are to improve their thermoelectric performance and reduce their manufacturing cost. Hence, Bi2Te3 thin films were deposited using direct current magnetron sputtering, followed by heat treatment at 573 K with different temperature increase rates ranging from 4 to 16 K/min. The in-plane Seebeck coefficient and electrical conductivity were measured at approximately 293 K. The in-plane thermal conductivity was calculated using the models to determine the power factor (PF) and dimensionless figure of merit (ZT). The temperature increase rate clearly affected the atomic composition, crystal orientation, and lattice strains, but not the crystallite size. The PF and dimensionless ZT increased as the temperature increase rate increased. The highest PF of 17.5 µW/(cm·K2) and ZT of 0.48 were achieved at a temperature increase rate of 16 K/min, while the unannealed thin film exhibited the lowest PF of 0.7 µW/(cm·K2) and ZT of 0.05. Therefore, this study demonstrated a method to enhance the thermoelectric performance of Bi2Te3 thin films by heat treatment at the appropriate temperature increase rate.
Plasma Treatment of Thermally Modified and Unmodified Norway Spruce Wood by Diffuse Coplanar Surface Barrier Discharge
Authors: Košelová Zuzana , Ráheľ Jozef , Galmiz Oleksandr
Published: January 2021

This work deals with the treatment of wood surfaces by diffuse coplanar surface barrier discharge (DCSBD) generated at atmospheric pressure. The effect of the distance of the sample from the electrode surface and the composition of the working gas in the chamber was studied. Norway spruce (Picea abies) wood, both unmodified and thermally modified, was chosen as the investigated material. The change in the surface free energy (SFE) of the wood surface was investigated by contact angles measurements. Chemical and structural changes were studied using infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Activation at a 0.15 mm gap from the electrode led in all cases to an increase in the SFE. The largest change in SFE components was recorded for wood thermally modified to 200 °C. At a 1 mm gap from the electrode increase of SFE occurred only when oxygen (O2) and argon (Ar) were used as working gas. Treatment in air and nitrogen (N2) resulted in an anomalous reduction of SFE. With the growing temperature of thermal modification, this hydrophobization effect became less pronounced. The results point out the importance of precise position control during the DCSBD mediated plasma treatment. A slight reduction of SFE on thermally modified spruce was achieved also by short term ultra-violet (UV) light exposure, generated by DCSBD.
Scrotal Lymphangiectasia with Penile Elephantiasis in Underlying Lymphatic Filariasis—Challenging the Diagnostic Mind! A Case Report
Authors: Vishwanath Tejas , Nagpal Angela , Ghate Sunil , Sharma Aseem
Published: January 2021

Background: A plethora of diseases manifest as acquired genital lymphangiectasias which clinically manifest as superficial vesicles. They range from infections such as tuberculosis to connective tissue diseases such as scleroderma and even malignancy. Amongst infectious etiologies, lymphatic filariasis leads as the cause for lymphatic obstruction. Despite this, acquired lymphangiectasias due to this cause are not commonly reported. An unusual case of acquired scrotal lymphangiectasia secondary to filariasis is detailed in this paper with dermoscopic and histologic findings. Methods: A 65-year-old male farmer presented with multiple, asymptomatic vesicles over the scrotum with thickened scrotal and penile skin that had occurred for six years. He gave past history of intermittent fever and milky urine, was diagnosed with filariasis and treated with diethylcarbamazine for a year, four years previously. Systemic complaints abated but the peno-scrotal lesions did not. Results: Polarized dermoscopy revealed multiple skin-colored nodules and translucent pale blue lacunae over the scrotum. A few radially arranged linear irregular vessels were noted over the nodules. On histopathology, multiple ectatic lymphatics were noted in the mid and upper dermis with acanthosis and superficial perivascular lymphocytes. Peripheral smear revealed eosinophils; however, microfilariae could not be detected despite repeated diethylcarbamazine provocation and night smears being taken. The findings were compatible with acquired scrotal lymphangiectasia secondary to treated lymphatic filariasis. Local hygiene was advised; however, procedural treatments were refused by the patient. Conclusion: Herein, we report an unusual case of acquired scrotal lymphangiectasia of the scrotum secondary to treated lymphatic filariasis. Very few similar reports exist. To the best of our knowledge, dermoscopic features of this condition have not been elucidated before. This case, detailing an uncommon manifestation of a common disease (filariasis), demonstrates the importance of careful history taking and examination. This was especially so in the present case since only circumstantial evidence of filariasis was noted in investigations. There is a need to heighten awareness of this unusual condition amongst physicians especially if the patient hails from an area endemic for filariasis.
Nucleic Acid-Based Diagnostic Tests for the Detection SARS-CoV-2: An Update
Authors: Yu Choo Yee , Chan Kok Gan , Yean Chan Yean , Ang Geik Yong
Published: January 2021

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) began as a cluster of pneumonia cases in Wuhan, China before spreading to over 200 countries and territories on six continents in less than six months. Despite rigorous global containment and quarantine efforts to limit the transmission of the virus, COVID-19 cases and deaths have continued to increase, leaving devastating impacts on the lives of many with far-reaching effects on the global society, economy and healthcare system. With over 43 million cases and 1.1 million deaths recorded worldwide, accurate and rapid diagnosis continues to be a cornerstone of pandemic control. In this review, we aim to present an objective overview of the latest nucleic acid-based diagnostic tests for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 that have been authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under emergency use authorization (EUA) as of 31 October 2020. We systematically summarize and compare the principles, technologies, protocols and performance characteristics of amplification- and sequencing-based tests that have become alternatives to the CDC 2019-nCoV Real-Time RT-PCR Diagnostic Panel. We highlight the notable features of the tests including authorized settings, along with the advantages and disadvantages of the tests. We conclude with a brief discussion on the current challenges and future perspectives of COVID-19 diagnostics.
Automated Agave Detection and Counting Using a Convolutional Neural Network and Unmanned Aerial Systems
Authors: Flores Donovan , González-Hernández Iván , Lozano Rogelio , Vazquez-Nicolas Jesus Manuel , Hernandez Toral Jorge Luis
Published: January 2021

We present an automatic agave detection method for counting plants based on aerial data from a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle). Our objective is to autonomously count the number of agave plants in an area to aid management of the yield. An orthomosaic is obtained from agave plantations, which is then used to create a database. This database is in turn used to train a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). The proposed method is based on computer image processing, and the CNN increases the detection performance of the approach. The main contribution of the present paper is to propose a method for agave plant detection with a high level of precision. In order to test the proposed method in a real agave plantation, we develop a UAV platform, which is equipped with several sensors to reach accurate counting. Therefore, our prototype can safely track a desired path to detect and count agave plants. For comparison purposes, we perform the same application using a simpler algorithm. The result shows that our proposed algorithm has better performance reaching an F1 score of 0.96 as opposed to 0.57 for the Haar algorithm. The obtained experimental results suggest that the proposed algorithm is robust and has considerable potential to help farmers manage agave agroecosystems.
The Moderating Effect of Gender Equality and Other Factors on PISA and Education Policy
Authors: Campbell Janine Anne
Published: January 2021

Globalisation and policy transfer in education make it incumbent upon decision makers to prioritise among competing policy options, select policy initiatives that are appropriate for their national contexts, and understand how system-specific factors moderate the relationship between those policies and student outcomes. This study used qualitative comparative analysis and correlational analyses to explore these relationships with publicly available data on socio-economic, cultural, and education conditions, and their association with PISA 2015 results in 49 countries. Findings show that gender and income equality, human development, and individualism were outcome-enabling conditions for PISA 2015 results, and gender equality was the most consistent of these conditions. These factors significantly moderated the relationships between education policy and PISA results. Implications for the identification of meaningful peer countries for comparative educational research, policy transfer, and the future expansion of PISA are discussed.
Simulators in Educational Robotics: A Review
Authors: Tselegkaridis Sokratis , Sapounidis Theodosios
Published: January 2021

Educational robotics (ER) seems to have a positive effect on students and, in many cases, might help them to successfully assimilate knowledge and skills. Thus, this paper focuses on ER and carries out a literature review on educational robotics simulators with Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs). The review searches for relevant papers which were published in the period 2013–2020 and extracted the characteristics of the simulators used. The simulators that we describe in this article cover various robotic technologies, offering students an easy way to engage with virtual robots and robotics mechanisms, such as wheeled robots or drones. Using these simulators, students might cover their educational needs or prepare themselves for educational robotic competitions by working in as realistic as possible conditions without hardware restrictions. In many cases, simulators might reduce the required cost to obtain a robotic system and increase availability. Focusing on educational robotics simulators, this paper presents seventeen simulators emphasizing key features such as: user’s age, robot’s type and programming language, development platform, capabilities, and scope of the simulator.
What Kind of Feedback is Perceived as Encouraging by Finnish General Upper Secondary School Students?
Authors: Mäkipää Toni , Hildén Raili
Published: January 2021

Our main aim in this study was to compare encouraging feedback practices in Finnish general upper secondary foreign language classes and examine how students perceive language teachers’ assessment practices. The participants were 160 students of English, 95 students of Swedish, and 27 students of French from six general upper secondary schools. The data comprised one open-ended question and one Likert scale question with nine items. Both qualitative and quantitate methods were used to analyze the data. The results showed that content was the most important feature in feedback that was perceived as encouraging by students. The results further indicated that students considered teacher assessment practices to be primarily summative, but differences were also found between schools. The evidence from this study suggests that students appreciate teacher feedback, but do not perceive it to be an intrinsic part of teacher assessment practices. The importance of formative assessment and feedback should be more heavily emphasized in foreign language teacher education.
A Study Comparing Intrinsic Motivation and Opinions on Learning Science (Grades 6) and Taking the International PISA Test (Grade 9)
Authors: Teppo Moonika , Soobard Regina , Rannikmäe Miia
Published: January 2021

Research findings indicate a decline in students’ motivation towards science learning through grade levels. However, there is a lack of studies investigating students’ motivation comparing learning between science subjects and at different school levels. Using self-determination theory as a framework, this study compares perceived changes in intrinsic motivation and student opinions on the relevance of learning science themes among students in grades 6 and 9 (the end of compulsory schooling). To explore such learning, a multidimensional validated instrument is developed and used to collect empirical data from 2673 grade 6 students and 848 grade 9 students. Results from this research indicate statistically significant subject differences regarding sub-components of intrinsic motivation and a declining trend in students’ opinions on the sub-scales of relevance for learning science themes with age. The results further indicate that grade 6 students report significantly higher science-related intrinsic motivation compared with grade 9 students. Suggestions and implications for practice and the potential impact on PISA science studies are discussed.
Intuitive Theories of Parenting and the Development of Emotion Understanding in Preschoolers
Authors: Bukhalenkova Daria , Gavrilova Margarita , Kartushina Natalia
Published: January 2021

Emotion understanding develops intensively in preschool and junior school. Although the parent/family environment has been shown to affect the development of emotion understanding in children, very little research has examined examined how parents’ view upbringing and education and how they are related to their child’s emotion understanding, given that the intuitive theories of parenting are reflected in actual parent behavior. This study fills this gap in the literature and examines the links between children’s ability to understand emotions and their parents’ intuitive theories of parenting. The sample was 171 5- to 6-year-old children and their parents. Analyses revealed a significant relation between intuitive theories of parenting and children’s emotion understanding. In particular, the intuitive attitude of uninvolved parenting was associated with the understanding of mental causes of emotions and the overall level of emotion understanding in preschool children. Integrating these results will allow us to reach more informed conclusions about the role of parental beliefs in the development of emotion comprehension in preschool children.