bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transport of Moving Duck Flocks in Indonesia and Vietnam: Management Practices That Potentially Impact Avian Pathogen Dissemination
Authors: Khaw Shan Wen Stacy , Vu Le Tri , Yulianto Didik , Meers Joanne , Henning Joerg
Published: July 2021

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus is endemic in Indonesia and Vietnam, where “moving” duck production is commonly practiced. Questionnaire surveys were conducted with transporters of “moving” duck flocks in Indonesia (N = 55) and Vietnam (N = 43). The main purpose of transportation was to transport duck flocks between rice paddies used for scavenging. Trucks were commonly utilized for transport in both countries (Indonesia: 98.2%, 54/55; Vietnam: 37.2%, 16/43), while boats were only used in Vietnam (62.8%, 27/43). Transporters in Vietnam moved larger flocks and traveled over longer distances. Deaths of ducks due to diseases were reported in both countries (Indonesia: 16.4%, 9/55; Vietnam: 4.7%, 2/43; p = 0.11). Throwing away of carcasses was the primary method of disposal of dead birds in Indonesia (60.0%, 33/55), but was not practiced in Vietnam (p < 0.001), while more transporters in Vietnam (34.9%, 15/43) buried carcasses compared to Indonesia (6.8%, 4/55; p = 0.001). Consumption of carcasses (20.9%, 9/43), sale of dead ducks (14.0%, 6/43) and processing of ducks for fish feed (9.3%, 4/43) was conducted in Vietnam, but not in Indonesia. Vehicles were predominantly cleaned in rivers and stored outside in Vietnam, while cleaning and storage was usually conducted in houses/garages in Indonesia. In conclusion, we identified management practices that potentially impact transmission of avian pathogens, such as HPAI virus. In Indonesia, unsafe management practices were related to multipurpose usage of transport vehicles and disposal of birds in the environment, while in Vietnam, they were related to the mixing of birds during transport, the processing of dead carcasses and the storage and cleaning of transport vehicles.
Clinical Significance of Fusobacterium nucleatum Infection and Regulatory T Cell Enrichment in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Ning , Liu Yiwen , Yang Hong , Liang Mengxia , Wang Xiaopeng , Wang Min , Kong Jinyu , Yuan Xiang , Zhou Fuyou
Published: July 2021

A variety of pathogenic microorganisms promote tumor occurrence and development through long-term colonization in the body. Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum) is abundant in precancerous esophageal lesions and is closely related to the malignant progression of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). The invasion of exogenous microorganisms can reshape the immune microenvironment, make the immune system incapacitated, and assist tumor cells in immune escape. A variety of pathogenic microorganisms induce the recruitment of regulatory T cell (Tregs) to allow tumor cells to escape immune surveillance and provide favorable conditions for their own long-term colonization. Tregs are one of the major obstacles to tumor immunotherapy and have a significant positive correlation with the occurrence and development of many kinds of tumors. Because F. nucleatum can instantly enter cells and colonize for a long time, we speculated that F. nucleatum infection could facilitate the immune escape of tumor cells through enrichment of Tregs and promote the malignant progression of ESCC. In this study, we found a significant concordance between F. nucleatum infection and Tregs infiltration. Therefore, we propose the view that chronic infection of F. nucleatum may provide favorable conditions for long-term colonization of itself by recruiting Tregs and suppressing the immune response. At the same time, the massive enrichment of Treg may also weaken the immune response and assist in the long-term colonization of F. nucleatum. We analyzed the correlation between F. nucleatum infection with the clinicopathological characteristics and survival prognosis of the patients. F. nucleatum infection was found to be closely related to sex, smoking, drinking, degree of differentiation, depth of invasion, lymph node metastasis, and clinical stage. The degree of differentiation, depth of infiltration, lymph node metastasis, clinical stage, and F. nucleatum infection are independent risk factors affecting ESCC prognosis. Additionally, the survival rate and median survival time were significantly shortened in the F. nucleatum infection positive group. Therefore, we propose that long-term smoking and alcohol consumption cause poor oral and esophageal environments, thereby significantly increasing the risk of F. nucleatum infection. In turn, F. nucleatum infection and colonization may weaken the antitumor immune response through Treg enrichment and further assist in self-colonization, promoting the malignant progression of ESCC.
Fuzzy Sensory Quality Certification in Intensive Organic Beekeeping
Authors: Buhociu Florin Marian , Augustin (Zugravu) Constanta Laura , Turek Rahoveanu Maria Magdalena , Turek Rahoveanu Adrian , Zugravu Gheorghe Adrian
Published: July 2021

The current paper presents a fuzzy sensory quality certification of organic mint honey as a component of the strategy to promote intensive beekeeping. This sensory analysis is based on fuzzy logic that allows the processing of data represented by linguistic terms. For the development of the fuzzy sensory analysis model of bee honey, we develop a MATLAB application, with the help of which we modeled the sensory perceptions in relation to the main quality characteristics of mint honey in relation to the other varieties of honey. The sensory quality index of each honey assortment is obtained by converting qualitative assessments through linguistic terms into a set of three numerical values on a sensory scale of assessment of results with five linguistic values: unsatisfactory, satisfactory, average, good, excellent. Indices of fuzzy sensory quality associated with honey varieties are certified using a blockchain model that is an information technology that offers the opportunity to develop local markets for organic bee products.
Risk Perception of Rural Land Supply Reform in China: From the Perspective of Stakeholders
Authors: Qu Zhongqiong , Wei Yongxin , Li Xun
Published: July 2021

The reform of rural land supply market has a profound impact on the rural management and agricultural development. In this article, we want to explore risk perception of multi-subject land supply reform in China. The perception of potential risks from the perspective of stakeholders can evaluate the effect of a certain behavioral decision and provide a convincing explanation for further risk control. Based on theoretical analysis and practical investigation, we define the five stakeholders, namely collective economic organizations, farmers, local government, banks and land users, as the respondents of our questionnaire survey. Through in-depth interviews and literature review, we obtained the categories of risks with stakeholders. Data were obtained through questionnaire survey, a total of 307 surveys were conducted to analyze the probability of risk occurrence and the severity of consequences. Frequency analysis, risk matrix method, and Borda count method were used to analyze the survey results in order to determine the risk level and key risk. The research finds that the information asymmetry risk perceived by farmers and the market risk perceived by banks are key risks. In terms of stakeholders, famers and banks perceived the highest overall risks. It implies that the information-disadvantaged stakeholder is usually the one with a strong sense of risk.
Mathematical Programming Models for Fresh Fruit Supply Chain Optimization: A Review of the Literature and Emerging Trends
Authors: Nguyen Tri-Dung , Nguyen-Quang Tri , Venkatadri Uday , Diallo Claver , Adams Michelle
Published: July 2021

The fresh fruit agricultural and distribution sector is faced with risks and uncertainties from climate change, water scarcity, land-use increase for industrial and urban development, consumer behavior, and price volatility. The planning framework for production and distribution is highly complex as a result. Mathematical models have been developed over the decades to deal with this complexity. With improvements in both processor speed and memory, these models are becoming increasingly sophisticated. This review focuses on the recent progress in mathematically based decision making to account for uncertainties in the fresh fruit supply chain. The models in the literature are mostly based on linear and mixed integer programming and involve variants such as stochastic programming and robust optimization. The functional areas of application include planting, harvest optimization, logistics and distribution. The perishability of the fresh fruit supply chain is an important issue as is the cycle time of cultivation and harvest.
Anti-Aging Effect of Urolithin A on Bovine Oocytes In Vitro
Authors: Fonseca Élisa , Marques Carla Cruz , Pimenta Jorge , Jorge Joana , Baptista Maria Conceição , Gonçalves Ana Cristina , Pereira Rosa M. L. N.
Published: July 2021

Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction have been associated with the age-related decline of oocyte quality and strategies for their prevention are currently quested. Urolithin A (UA) is a natural metabolite with pro-apoptotic and antioxidant effects, capable of preventing the accumulation of dysfunctional mitochondria in different aged cells. UA has never been tested in bovine oocytes. Our aim was to study the effect of UA on the developmental potential of cumulus-oocyte-complexes (COCs) and granulosa cells’ (GCs) expression of important genes related to reproductive competence. Nuclear maturation progression, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and developmental competence of physiologically mature (22 h) and in vitro aged oocytes (30 h of IVM) obtained from prepubertal and adult females, either supplemented with UA or not were assessed. Additionally, the amount of mRNA of several genes (NFE2L2, NQO1, and mt-DN5) and the number of mt-ND5 DNA copies were quantified in cultured GCs from prepubertal and adult females, either supplemented with UA or not. Our study confirmed the harmful effect of oocyte aging on the nuclear maturation progression, MMP, developmental competence and gene expression levels. UA treatment during in vitro maturation enhanced (p < 0.05) the maturation rate and subsequent developmental capacity of aged oocytes. A positive effect (p < 0.05) of UA on physiological maturation, MMP and embryonic development was also identified. UA also interfered on the expression profile of NFE2L2 and NQO1 genes in GCs cultures. Our findings demonstrate that UA supplementation is an effective way to prevent oocyte aging and improves the subsequent bovine embryonic development.
Conjugative Plasmids Disseminating CTX-M-15 among Human, Animals and the Environment in Mwanza Tanzania: A Need to Intensify One Health Approach
Authors: Minja Caroline A. , Shirima Gabriel , Mshana Stephen E.
Published: July 2021

Background: Globally, blaCTX-M-15 beta-lactamases are the most popular extended spectrum beta-lactamase alleles that are widely distributed due its mobilisation by mobile genetic elements in several compartments. We aimed to determine the conjugation frequencies and replicon types associated with plasmids carrying blaCTX-M-15 gene from Extended Spectrum Beta-lactamase producing isolates in order to understand the dissemination of resistance genes in different compartments. Material and methods: A total of 51 archived isolates carrying blaCTX-M-15 beta-lactamases were used as donors in this study. Antibiotic susceptibility tests were performed as previously described for both donors and transconjugants. Conjugation experiment was performed by a modified protocol of the plate mating experiment, and plasmid replicon types were screened among donor and transconjugant isolates by multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction in a set of three primer panels. Results: The conjugation efficiency of plasmids carrying blaCTX-M-15 was 88.2% (45/51) with conjugation frequencies in the order of 10−1 to 10−9 and a 100% transfer efficiency observed among E. coli of animal origin. Majority of donors (n = 21) and transconjugants (n = 14) plasmids were typed as either Inc FIA or Inc FIB. Resistance to non-beta-lactam antibiotics was transferrable in 34/45 (75.6%) of events. Ciprofloxacin, tetracycline and sulphamethoxazole-trimethoprim resistance was co-transferred in 29/34 (85.3%) such events. Gentamicin resistance was transferred in 17/34 (50%) of events. Conclusions: Majority of plasmids carrying blaCTX-M-15 were conjugatively transferred by IncF plasmids along with non-beta lactam resistance. There is a need for more research on plasmids to understand how plasmids especially multi replicon plasmids interact and the effect of such interaction on conjugation. One Health approach is to be intensified to address antimicrobial resistance which is a public health threat.
TCA Cycle and Fatty Acids Oxidation Reflect Early Cardiorenal Damage in Normoalbuminuric Subjects with Controlled Hypertension
Authors: Santiago-Hernandez Aranzazu , Martin-Lorenzo Marta , Martin-Blazquez Ariadna , Ruiz-Hurtado Gema , Barderas Maria G , Segura Julian , Ruilope Luis M , Alvarez-Llamas Gloria
Published: July 2021

Moderately increased albuminuria, defined by an albumin to creatinine ratio (ACR) > 30 mg/g, is an indicator of subclinical organ damage associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular and renal disease. Normoalbuminuric subjects are considered at no cardiorenal risk in clinical practice, and molecular changes underlying early development are unclear. To decipher subjacent mechanisms, we stratified the normoalbuminuria condition. A total of 37 hypertensive patients under chronic renin–angiotensin system (RAS) suppression with ACR values in the normoalbuminuria range were included and classified as control (C) (ACR < 10 mg/g) and high-normal (HN) (ACR = 10–30 mg/g). Target metabolomic analysis was carried out by liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry to investigate the role of the cardiorenal risk urinary metabolites previously identified. Besides this, urinary free fatty acids (FFAs), fatty acid binding protein 1 (FABP1) and nephrin were analyzed by colorimetric and ELISA assays. A Mann–Whitney test was applied, ROC curves were calculated and Spearman correlation analysis was carried out. Nine metabolites showed significantly altered abundance in HN versus C, and urinary FFAs and FABP1 increased in HN group, pointing to dysregulation in the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA) cycle and fatty acids β-oxidation. We showed here how cardiorenal metabolites associate with albuminuria, already in the normoalbuminuric range, evidencing early renal damage at a tubular level and suggesting increased β-oxidation to potentially counteract fatty acids overload in the HN range.
Valorization of Waste Tires by Pyrolysis and Activation Processes
Authors: González-González Reyna Berenice , Ruiz-Gómez Nadia , Gea Gloria , Vazquez-Pinon Matias , Martinez-Chapa Sergio O. , Caballero Porfirio , Mendoza Alberto
Published: July 2021

The problems related to the increase in the generation of discarded tires demonstrate the need for profitable, efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable processes for their waste management. In particular, the valorization of pyrolytic solids for energy storage applications is of interest. In this study, four processes were performed: (1) pyrolysis; (2) chemical activation and pyrolysis; (3) pyrolysis and physical activation; and (4) chemical activation, pyrolysis, and physical activation. The process consisting of chemical activation, pyrolysis, and physical activation yielded 52% solid material with the highest electrical conductivity (2.43 Ω–1 cm–1) and a surface area of 339 m2/g with an average pore size of 3.6 nm. In addition, it was found that pore size had a greater effect on the conductivity than surface area. Liquid and gas fraction compositions were modified by the presence of chemical activation: aromatization reactions were favored, and limonene was not observed in the liquid fraction, while an increase on the CH4 concentration caused an increment in the heating value of the gas fraction. It was demonstrated that chemical and physical activation enhance the properties of the pyrolytic solid product derived from waste tires that make it suitable for the partial substitution of materials for electric energy storage applications.
Junction Properties Interpretation of Textile Geogrids Using Multi-Junction Clamp
Authors: Lee Aram , Yan Yu , Jin Yuanchun , Youk Jiho , Jeon Hanyong
Published: July 2021

In this paper, multi-junction clamp was used for junction strength evaluation under 20, 50 and 100 mm/min of strain rate at ambient condition. One~eight rib specimens were gripped in the clamps and each gage length was 50 mm, 100 mm and 150 mm, respectively. Warp knitted and woven type geogrids were used to compare the effects of multi-junction clamping on junction and tensile strength, respectively. The results indicate that junction strength decreased while the number of junctions increased. When the strain rate was increased, junction strength of woven type increased, but there was no effect of strain rate on warp knitted type. The newly designed clamp test for geogrid junction strength in this research is more accurate than the single-junction test, considering the scale effect of specimens.
Fracture Failure Modes in Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Systems Used for Strengthening Existing Structures
Authors: Berardi Valentino Paolo
Published: July 2021

The development of promising new high-performance materials, such as composite materials made of fibers in a polymeric resin (fiber-reinforced polymer, or FRP), has transformed the structural rehabilitation and upgrade industry for buildings and infrastructure. Conventional materials and construction techniques (e.g., strengthening with externally bonded steel plates, known as beton plaqués, or steel/concrete jackets) have been supplanted by innovative ones. The most important emerging techniques involve the use of externally bonded composites as a quick and effective option for repairing and upgrading existing structures. Several issues regarding FRP–substrate interaction, mainly related to brittle failure mechanisms due to fracture phenomena, remain the focus of a great deal of research. This paper presents an overview of debonding behavior and its predictive modelling in externally bonded FRP systems.
Evaluation of Dental Surface after De-Bonding Orthodontic Bracket Bonded with a Novel Fluorescent Composite: In Vitro Comparative Study
Authors: Farronato Marco , Farronato Davide , Inchingolo Francesco , Grassi Laura , Lanteri Valentina , Maspero Cinzia
Published: July 2021

The use of a new fluorescent composite can reduce some of the problems related to procedures of de-bonding orthodontic bracket (enamel damage, dentine lesions, and composite residuals). The aim of the presented study was to compare the effect of fluorescent and conventional non-fluorescent composite on dental surface and composite remnants by in vitro de-bonding tests. De-bonding of florescent composite (DFC) and the de-bonding of standard composite (DSC) were performed by operators on an in vitro sample of 48 teeth under UV light (360–370 nm min 20 mW/cm2). Modified ARI (Adhesive Remnant Index), scored under 5.0×/235 magnification, was used for evaluation of dental surface after the procedure, and the duration required for de-bonding was measured. Significant differences in ARI between the two groups were observed (Pearson two-tailed p = 0.006 1.4 ± 0.1 95% C.I.), and the average duration of de-bonding was 38 s (DFC) and 77 s (DSC) per tooth, respectively (Mann–Whitney test p = 0.015; 57.7 ± 19.9 95% C.I.). The use of fluorescent composite could significantly improve the quality of de-bonding by reducing the quantity of composite residuals and visible enamel damage, while reducing time needed for successful procedure performance.
An Analysis of Vulnerable Road Users Overtaking Maneuver along the Urban Road
Authors: Vu Manh Dung , Aoki Hirofumi , Suzuki Tatsuya , Nagiri Sueharu , Nguyen Van Quy Hung , Itou Shouji , Hattori Akira
Published: July 2021

This paper discusses driving styles while overtaking a vulnerable road user who moves along the shoulder in urban roads. Based on the data obtained from an experiment in pre-defined conditions (combinations of four main effects: vehicle’s initial speed, lane width of the road, vulnerable road users’ type, and location in the shoulder) with an immersive driving simulator, we analyzed four different driving styles of drivers while approaching and passing the objects. It is shown that drivers took avoidance maneuvers even if there was no clear risk of collision to vulnerable road users. The results showed that the drivers tended to have a unique perception about the lateral passing gap and overtaking strategy with two worth notice groups: overcaution drivers and reckless drivers. The road characteristic has a statistically significant effect for all types of drivers. Moreover, the effect of the vehicle’s initial speed on overtaking strategy and the effect of vulnerable road user location on minimum lateral passing gap are statistically significant. The findings provide some implications for the development of automotive safety systems that can reduce the risk of overtaking maneuvers in urban areas.
Gravity Analysis for Subsurface Characterization and Depth Estimation of Muda River Basin, Kedah, Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Zakariah Muhammad Noor Amin , Roslan Norsyafina , Sulaiman Norasiah , Lee Sean Cheong Heng , Hamzah Umar , Noh Khairul Arifin Mohd , Lestari Wien
Published: July 2021

Gravity survey is one of the passive geophysical techniques commonly used to delineate geological formations, especially in determining basement rock and the overlying deposit. Geologically, the study area is made up of thick quaternary alluvium deposited on top of the older basement rock. The Muda River basin constitutes, approximately, of more than 300 m of thick quaternary alluvium overlying the unknown basement rock type. Previous studies, including drilling and geo-electrical resistivity surveys, were conducted in the area but none of them managed to conclusively determine the basement rock type and depth precisely. Hence, a regional gravity survey was conducted to determine the thickness of the quaternary sediments prior to assessing the sustainability of the Muda River basin. Gravity readings were made at 347 gravity stations spaced at 3–5 km intervals using Scintrex CG-3 covering an area and a perimeter of 9000 km2 and 730 km, respectively. The gravity data were then conventionally reduced for drift, free air, latitude, Bouguer, and terrain corrections. These data were then consequently analyzed to generate Bouguer, regional and total horizontal derivative (THD) anomaly maps for qualitative and quantitative interpretations. The Bouguer gravity anomaly map shows low gravity values in the north-eastern part of the study area interpreted as representing the Main Range granitic body, while relatively higher gravity values observed in the south-western part are interpreted as representing sedimentary rocks of Semanggol and Mahang formations. Patterns observed in the THD anomaly and Euler deconvolution maps closely resembled the presence of structural features such as fault lineaments dominantly trending along NW-SE and NE-SW like the trends of topographic lineaments in the study area. Based on power spectral analysis of the gravity data, the average depth of shallow body, representing alluvium, and deep body, representing underlying rock formations, are 0.5 km and 1.2 km, respectively. The thickness of Quaternary sediment and the depth of sedimentary formation can be more precisely estimated by other geophysical techniques such as the seismic reflection survey.
Generative Adversarial Networks to Improve the Robustness of Visual Defect Segmentation by Semantic Networks in Manufacturing Components
Authors: Saiz Fátima A. , Alfaro Garazi , Barandiaran Iñigo , Graña Manuel
Published: July 2021

This paper describes the application of Semantic Networks for the detection of defects in images of metallic manufactured components in a situation where the number of available samples of defects is small, which is rather common in real practical environments. In order to overcome this shortage of data, the common approach is to use conventional data augmentation techniques. We resort to Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) that have shown the capability to generate highly convincing samples of a specific class as a result of a game between a discriminator and a generator module. Here, we apply the GANs to generate samples of images of metallic manufactured components with specific defects, in order to improve training of Semantic Networks (specifically DeepLabV3+ and Pyramid Attention Network (PAN) networks) carrying out the defect detection and segmentation. Our process carries out the generation of defect images using the StyleGAN2 with the DiffAugment method, followed by a conventional data augmentation over the entire enriched dataset, achieving a large balanced dataset that allows robust training of the Semantic Network. We demonstrate the approach on a private dataset generated for an industrial client, where images are captured by an ad-hoc photometric-stereo image acquisition system, and a public dataset, the Northeastern University surface defect database (NEU). The proposed approach achieves an improvement of 7% and 6% in an intersection over union (IoU) measure of detection performance on each dataset over the conventional data augmentation.
Comparison of Volatiles and Chemical Composition of Traditional and Non-Traditional Honey Available on the Polish Market
Authors: Derewiaka Dorota , Majewska Ewa , Kuzak Katarzyna , Szadkowska Dominika
Published: July 2021

The purpose of the work was to compare the quality of selected honey available on the Polish market, including traditional (rape, lime and meadow and marsh honey) and non-traditional honey (lime, buckwheat, and honeydew honey from coniferous honeydew). Parameters such as electrical conductivity, color, pH, acidity, water, hydroxymethylfurfural, total phenols content, and ability to deactivate ABTS cation radicals were determined. The profile of aroma compounds was carried out by GC-MS technique, and determination of sugars was performed by HPLC. It was found that all tested honey met standards according to European law requirements. Semi-quantitative analysis of volatile compounds showed that all honey samples contain numerous volatiles (in buckwheat honey there were 67 compounds, and in honeydew honey from coniferous honeydew, only 40 compounds). Characteristic volatile compounds of each aroma profile were described e.g., benzaldehyde, acetone, 2-methyl-butanal, nonanal, benzyl alcohol were found in rape honey aroma, and furfural, isovaleric acid, ethanol, delta-valerolactone, isovaleraldehyde, 2-methyl-butanoic acid, and phenylacetaldehyde in buckwheat honey aroma. The total content of volatiles was the highest in buckwheat honey (199.62 µg/kg), and in traditional lime honey (195.17 µg/kg). The lowest total content of volatile substances was established in non-traditional lime honey (73.20 µg/kg) and in rape honey (39.52 µg/kg).
Safe Vehicle Trajectory Planning in an Autonomous Decision Support Framework for Emergency Situations
Authors: Xu Wei , Sainct Rémi , Gruyer Dominique , Orfila Olivier
Published: July 2021

For a decade, researchers have focused on the development and deployment of road automated mobility. In the development of autonomous driving embedded systems, several stages are required. The first one deals with the perception layers. The second one is dedicated to the risk assessment, the decision and strategy layers and the optimal trajectory planning. The last stage addresses the vehicle control/command. This paper proposes an efficient solution to the second stage and improves a virtual Cooperative Pilot (Co-Pilot) already proposed in 2012. This paper thus introduces a trajectory planning algorithm for automated vehicles (AV), specifically designed for emergency situations and based on the Autonomous Decision-Support Framework (ADSF) of the EU project Trustonomy. This algorithm is an extended version of Elastic Band (EB) with no fixed final position. A set of trajectory nodes is iteratively deduced from obstacles and constraints, thus providing flexibility, fast computation, and physical realism. After introducing the project framework for risk management and the general concept of ADSF, the emergency algorithm is presented and tested under Matlab software. Finally, the Decision-Support framework is implemented under RTMaps software and demonstrated within Pro-SiVIC, a realistic 3D simulation environment. Both the previous virtual Co-Pilot and the new emergency algorithm are combined and used in a near-accident situation and shown in different risky scenarios.
Design of 3D Microgestures for Commands in Virtual Reality or Augmented Reality
Authors: Li Guangchuan , Rempel David , Liu Yue , Song Weitao , Adamson Carisa Harris
Published: July 2021

Virtual and augmented reality (VR, AR) systems present 3D images that users can interact with using controllers or gestures. The design of the user input process is crucial and determines the interactive efficiency, comfort, and adoption. Gesture-based input provides a device-free interaction that may improve safety and creativity compared to using a hand controller while allowing the hands to perform other tasks. Microgestures with small finger and hand motions may have an advantage over the larger forearm and upper arm gestures by reducing distraction, reducing fatigue, and increasing privacy during the interaction. The design of microgestures should consider user experience, ergonomic principles, and interface design to optimize productivity and comfort while minimizing errors. Forty VR/AR or smart device users evaluated a set of 33 microgestures, designed by ergonomists, and linked them to 20 common AR/VR commands based on usability, comfort, and preference. Based primarily on preference, a set of microgestures linked to specific commands is proposed for VR or AR systems. The proposed microgesture set will likely minimize fatigue and optimize usability. Furthermore, the methodology presented for selecting microgestures and assigning them to commands can be applied to the design of other gesture sets.
How Is the Cochlea Activated in Response to Soft Tissue Auditory Stimulation in the Occluded Ear?
Authors: Geal-Dor Miriam , Sohmer Haim
Published: July 2021

Soft tissue conduction is an additional mode of auditory stimulation which can be initiated either by applying an external vibrator to skin sites not overlying skull bone such as the neck (so it is not bone conduction) or by intrinsic body vibrations resulting, for example, from the heartbeat and vocalization. The soft tissue vibrations thereby induced are conducted by the soft tissues to all parts of the body, including the walls of the external auditory canal. In order for soft tissue conduction to elicit hearing, the soft tissue vibrations which are induced must penetrate into the cochlea in order to excite the inner ear hair cells and auditory nerve fibers. This final stage can be achieved either by an osseous bone conduction mechanism, or, more likely, by the occlusion effect: the vibrations of the walls of the occluded canal induce air pressures in the canal which drive the tympanic membrane and middle ear ossicles and activate the inner ear, acting by means of a more air conduction-like mechanism. In fact, when the clinician applies his stethoscope to the body surface of his patient in order to detect heart sounds or pulmonary air flow, he is detecting soft tissue vibrations.
Unveiling the Fecal Microbiota in Two Captive Mexican Wolf (Canis lupus baileyi) Populations Receiving Different Type of Diets
Authors: Barraza-Guerrero Sergio I. , Meza-Herrera César A. , García-De la Peña Cristina , Ávila-Rodríguez Verónica , Vaca-Paniagua Felipe , Díaz-Velásquez Clara E. , Pacheco-Torres Irene , Valdez-Solana Mónica A. , Siller-Rodríguez Quetzaly K. , Valenzuela-Núñez Luis M. , Herrera-Salazar Juan C.
Published: July 2021

The Mexican wolf (Canis lupus baileyi) was once distributed in southern United States and northern Mexico. It is an endangered subspecies detached from the gray wolf, and likely exemplifies one of the original migration waves of C. lupus into the new world. This is a canine whose individuals survive in specialized facilities, zoos, and museums as part of captive-breeding programs. In order to contribute to the improvement of the management of this species and favor its long-term conservation in Mexico, we aimed to evaluate the diversity and abundance of the fecal bacterial microbiota in two populations exposed to different types of diet: (1) Michilia (23° N, 104° W); kibble daily and raw meat sporadically, and (2) Ocotal (19° N, 99° W); raw meat daily and live animals periodically. Next generation sequencing (V3-V4 16S rRNA gene) by Illumina was implemented. The operational taxonomic units (OTUs) in Michilia resulted in 9 phyla, 19 classes, 34 orders, 61 families, 204 genera, and 316 species, while in Ocotal there were 12 phyla, 24 classes, 37 orders, 69 families, 232 genera, and 379 species. Higher estimated Chao1 richness, Shannon diversity, and core microbiota were observed in Ocotal. Differences (p < 0.05) between populations occurred according to the Bray–Curtis beta diversity index. In the Michilia, dominance of bacteria that degrade carbohydrates (Firmicutes, Lachnospiraceae, Blautia, Clostrodium, Eisenbergiella, Romboutsia, and Ruminococcus) was observed; they are abundant in kibble diets. In contrast, the Ocotal microbiota was dominated by protein-degrading bacteria (Fusobacteria, Fusobacteriaceae, and Fusobacteria), indicating a possible positive relation with a raw meat diet. The information generated in this study is fundamental to support the implementation of better management plans in the two populations considered here, as well as in different facilities of southern United States and Mexico, where this subspecies is kept in captivity for conservation purposes.
Molecular and Pathological Profiling of Corresponding Treatment-Naïve and Neoadjuvant Pazopanib-Treated High-Risk Soft Tissue Sarcoma Samples of the GISG-04/NOPASS Study
Authors: Gaiser Timo , Sauer Christian , Marx Alexander , Jakob Jens , Kasper Bernd , Hohenberger Peter , Hirsch Daniela , Ronellenfitsch Ulrich
Published: July 2021

In the framework of the German Interdisciplinary Sarcoma Group GISG-04/NOPASS trial, we evaluated soft tissue sarcoma samples taken before and after neoadjuvant pazopanib therapy using histopathology and next generation sequencing (NGS) to find potential predictive biomarkers. We also aimed to improve the genetically based sarcoma classification and to elucidate additional potentially druggable mutations. In total, 30 tumor samples from 18 patients consisting of 12 pre-therapeutic biopsies and 18 resection specimens following neoadjuvant pazopanib therapy were available for analyses. NGS was performed with the Oncomine Focus Assay (Ion Torrent) covering 0.03 Mb of DNA and enabled the detection of genetic variants in 52 cancer-relevant genes. Pathological analysis showed significant regression (≥50%) after pazopanib treatment in only one undifferentiated (pleomorphic) sarcoma. NGS analyses revealed a very high frequency of CDK4 amplification (88%; 7/8) in the group of dedifferentiated liposarcoma. In addition, two potentially druggable mutations, a MAP2K1 missense mutation (E203K) and a BRAF missense mutation (V600E), were traceable in two undifferentiated (pleomorphic) sarcoma patients (11%; 2/18). Our findings demonstrate that NGS testing is a powerful technology helping to improve diagnostic accuracy and offering some patients the chance for personalized medicine even in a “mutation unlikely” cohort like STS.
Exploring the Role of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Hepatocellular Carcinoma through mining of the Human Protein Atlas
Authors: Pavlović Nataša , Heindryckx Femke
Published: July 2021

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and actors of unfolded protein response (UPR) have emerged as key hallmarks of hepatocarcinogenesis. Numerous reports have shown that the main actors in the UPR pathways are upregulated in HCC and contribute to the different facets of tumor initiation and disease progression. Furthermore, ER-stress inducers and inhibitors have shown success in preclinical HCC models. Despite the mounting evidence of the UPR’s involvement in HCC pathogenesis, it remains unclear how ER-stress components can be used safely and effectively as therapeutic targets or predictive biomarkers for HCC patients. In an effort to add a clinical context to these findings and explore the translational potential of ER-stress in HCC, we performed a systematic overview of UPR-associated proteins as predictive biomarkers in HCC by mining the Human Protein Atlas database. Aside from evaluating the prognostic value of these markers in HCC, we discussed their expression in relation to patient age, sex, ethnicity, disease stage, and tissue localization. We thereby identified 44 UPR-associated proteins as unfavorable prognostic markers in HCC. The expression of these markers was found to be higher in tumors compared to the stroma of the hepatic HCC patient tissues.
Cognitive Impairment and Dementia: Gaining Insight through Circadian Clock Gene Pathways
Authors: Maiese Kenneth
Published: July 2021

Neurodegenerative disorders affect fifteen percent of the world’s population and pose a significant financial burden to all nations. Cognitive impairment is the seventh leading cause of death throughout the globe. Given the enormous challenges to treat cognitive disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease, and the inability to markedly limit disease progression, circadian clock gene pathways offer an exciting strategy to address cognitive loss. Alterations in circadian clock genes can result in age-related motor deficits, affect treatment regimens with neurodegenerative disorders, and lead to the onset and progression of dementia. Interestingly, circadian pathways hold an intricate relationship with autophagy, the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), the silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog 1 (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) (SIRT1), mammalian forkhead transcription factors (FoxOs), and the trophic factor erythropoietin. Autophagy induction is necessary to maintain circadian rhythm homeostasis and limit cortical neurodegenerative disease, but requires a fine balance in biological activity to foster proper circadian clock gene regulation that is intimately dependent upon mTOR, SIRT1, FoxOs, and growth factor expression. Circadian rhythm mechanisms offer innovative prospects for the development of new avenues to comprehend the underlying mechanisms of cognitive loss and forge ahead with new therapeutics for dementia that can offer effective clinical treatments.
Imputing the Number of Responders from the Mean and Standard Deviation of CGI-Improvement in Clinical Trials Investigating Medications for Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Siafis Spyridon , Rodolico Alessandro , Çıray Oğulcan , Murphy Declan G. , Parellada Mara , Arango Celso , Leucht Stefan
Published: July 2021

Introduction: Response to treatment, according to Clinical Global Impression-Improvement (CGI-I) scale, is an easily interpretable outcome in clinical trials of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Yet, the CGI-I rating is sometimes reported as a continuous outcome, and converting it to dichotomous would allow meta-analysis to incorporate more evidence. Methods: Clinical trials investigating medications for ASD and presenting both dichotomous and continuous CGI-I data were included. The number of patients with at least much improvement (CGI-I ≤ 2) were imputed from the CGI-I scale, assuming an underlying normal distribution of a latent continuous score using a primary threshold θ = 2.5 instead of θ = 2, which is the original cut-off in the CGI-I scale. The original and imputed values were used to calculate responder rates and odds ratios. The performance of the imputation method was investigated with a concordance correlation coefficient (CCC), linear regression, Bland–Altman plots, and subgroup differences of summary estimates obtained from random-effects meta-analysis. Results: Data from 27 studies, 58 arms, and 1428 participants were used. The imputation method using the primary threshold (θ = 2.5) had good performance for the responder rates (CCC = 0.93 95% confidence intervals [0.86, 0.96]; β of linear regression = 1.04 [0.95, 1.13]; bias and limits of agreements = 4.32% [−8.1%, 16.74%]; no subgroup differences χ2 = 1.24, p-value = 0.266) and odds ratios (CCC = 0.91 [0.86, 0.96]; β = 0.96 [0.78, 1.14]; bias = 0.09 [−0.87, 1.04]; χ2 = 0.02, p-value = 0.894). The imputation method had poorer performance when the secondary threshold (θ = 2) was used. Discussion: Assuming a normal distribution of the CGI-I scale, the number of responders could be imputed from the mean and standard deviation and used in meta-analysis. Due to the wide limits of agreement of the imputation method, sensitivity analysis excluding studies with imputed values should be performed.
Gender Differences in Misdiagnosis and Delayed Diagnosis among Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder with No Language or Intellectual Disability
Authors: Gesi Camilla , Migliarese Giovanni , Torriero Sara , Capellazzi Martina , Omboni Anna Caterina , Cerveri Giancarlo , Mencacci Claudio
Published: July 2021

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is often unrecognized, especially in mild forms and in women. Studies evaluating features associated with missed/misdiagnosis in men and women with ASD are warranted. 61 subjects (22 females, 39 males, age 28.5 ± 10.8 years) with ASD with no language/intellectual deficit were enrolled in the service for the treatment of psychiatric comorbidities in adults with ASD of the ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco in Milan (Italy). A detailed clinical history was gathered, and two self-report questionnaires (Autism Spectrum Quotient-AQ and Adult Autism Subthreshold Spectrum-AdAS Spectrum) were administered. 75.4% received their ASD diagnosis average eight years later than the first evaluation by mental health services. Compared to males, females showed a significantly greater delay in referral to mental health services and a significantly higher age at diagnosis of ASD. Among men, diagnostic delay inversely correlated with scores on the AdAS Spectrum total, Verbal communication, Empathy and Inflexibility and adherence to routine domains. Among women, diagnostic delay positively correlated with the Attention to detail score while the age at diagnosis of ASD positively correlated with the AdAS Spectrum Verbal communication and Restricted interests and rumination domain scores. Females were less likely to be correctly diagnosed and more likely to be misdiagnosed at first evaluation than men. Females reported significantly higher scores than men in the Hyper/Hyporeactivity to sensory input domain only among subjects who were misdiagnosed. Our findings provide gender-specific information about ASD patients seeking help for comorbid conditions and might be a primary ground for future research.
Self-Assembled Permanent Micro-Magnets in a Polymer-Based Microfluidic Device for Magnetic Cell Sorting
Authors: Descamps Lucie , Audry Marie-Charlotte , Howard Jordyn , Mekkaoui Samir , Albin Clément , Barthelemy David , Payen Léa , Garcia Jessica , Laurenceau Emmanuelle , Le Roy Damien , Deman Anne-Laure
Published: July 2021

Magnetophoresis-based microfluidic devices offer simple and reliable manipulation of micro-scale objects and provide a large panel of applications, from selective trapping to high-throughput sorting. However, the fabrication and integration of micro-scale magnets in microsystems involve complex and expensive processes. Here we report on an inexpensive and easy-to-handle fabrication process of micrometer-scale permanent magnets, based on the self-organization of NdFeB particles in a polymer matrix (polydimethylsiloxane, PDMS). A study of the inner structure by X-ray tomography revealed a chain-like organization of the particles leading to an array of hard magnetic microstructures with a mean diameter of 4 µm. The magnetic performance of the self-assembled micro-magnets was first estimated by COMSOL simulations. The micro-magnets were then integrated into a microfluidic device where they act as micro-traps. The magnetic forces exerted by the micro-magnets on superparamagnetic beads were measured by colloidal probe atomic force microscopy (AFM) and in operando in the microfluidic system. Forces as high as several nanonewtons were reached. Adding an external millimeter-sized magnet allowed target magnetization and the interaction range to be increased. Then, the integrated micro-magnets were used to study the magnetophoretic trapping efficiency of magnetic beads, providing efficiencies of 100% at 0.5 mL/h and 75% at 1 mL/h. Finally, the micro-magnets were implemented for cell sorting by performing white blood cell depletion.
Leukocytes in Inflammation, Resolution of Inflammation, Autoimmune Diseases and Cancer
Authors: Filep János G.
Published: July 2021

Inflammation is a double-edged sword [...]
Death-Associated Protein 6 (Daxx) Alleviates Liver Fibrosis by Modulating Smad2 Acetylation
Authors: Kim Sung-Min , Hur Won-Hee , Kang Byung-Yoon , Lee Sung-Won , Roh Pu-Reun , Park Dong-Jun , Sung Pil-Soo , Yoon Seung-Kew
Published: July 2021

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) has been identified as an inducer of hepatocyte epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), which triggers liver fibrosis. Death-associated protein 6 (Daxx) is known to be associated with the TGF-β-induced apoptotic pathway, but the function of Daxx in liver fibrosis remains unknown. This study aimed to elucidate the role of Daxx in liver fibrosis. We used liver fibrosis tissues from humans and mice to assess Daxx expression. EMT properties and TGF-β signaling pathway activation were investigated in the Daxx-overexpressing FL83B cell line. The therapeutic effect of Daxx was investigated in a mouse model of liver fibrosis by the hydrodynamic injection of plasmids. The expression of Daxx was markedly decreased in hepatocytes from fibrotic human and mouse livers, as well as in hepatocytes treated with TGF-β in vitro. The overexpression of Daxx inhibited the EMT process by interfering with the TGF-β-induced phosphorylation of Smad2. Coimmunoprecipitation analysis confirmed that Daxx reduced the transcriptional activity of Smad2 by binding to its MH1 domain and interfering with Smad2 acetylation. In addition, the therapeutic delivery of Daxx alleviated liver fibrosis in a thioacetamide-induced fibrosis mouse model. Overall, our results indicate that Daxx could be a potential therapeutic target to modulate fibrogenesis, as well as a useful biomarker for liver fibrosis.