bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cognitive Trajectories Following Acute Infection in Older Patients With and Without Cognitive Impairment: An 1-Year Follow-Up Study
Authors: Silva Ana Rita , Regueira Patrícia , Cardoso Ana Luísa , Baldeiras Inês , Santana Isabel , Cerejeira Joaquim
Published: December 2021

Introduction: Dementia is a known risk factor for both delirium and acute systemic infections which may also play a significant role in promoting or accelerating neurodegenerative disease. Infections are both the main causes of hospitalization of dementia patients and can be a major precipitant of delirium but currently it is not possible to predict the risk of cognitive decline in older patients exposed to acute infection.

Objectives: We aimed to determine the level of cognitive change at 1-year follow up in individuals with different patterns of cognitive function (dementia, delirium, delirium superimposed on dementia) at the time of their hospitalization due to a systemic infection and to correlate these cognitive patterns with clinical status variables.

Methods: We recruited 53 hospitalized geriatric patients with a systemic infection, and we collected 12-months follow up data for 34 patients. These patients were classified in four groups: no cognitive impairment (controls—C), delirium only (D), dementia only (Dem), and delirium superimposed to dementia (DD). Cognitive performance was measured by change in score on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and delirium was identified using Confusion Assessment Measure (CAM). We examined performance on the MoCA in the first year after hospitalization, controlling for demographic characteristics, coexisting medical conditions, and type of infection.

Results: For the 34 patients to whom follow-up data was available, delirium presence in individuals with prior dementia (DD group) was associated with a negative mean change score of 3-point (p < 0.02) at 1 year follow up, whereas dementia patients without delirium had a mean change score of 1.5-point lower at 12-months (p = 0.04), when comparing follow-up and baseline MoCA scores. Cognitively healthy patients did not significantly decrease their MoCA score at follow-up (p = 0.15). MoCA and NPI scores during hospitalization were significantly correlated with the level of cognitive decline in the four groups (r = 0.658, p < 0.01 and r = 0.439, p = 0.02, respectively).

Conclusions: Premorbid dementia and delirium superimposed on dementia during hospitalization in older patients with acute infections predict cognitive decline at 1 year following admission. Taken together, our findings suggest a pathophysiological interaction between neurodegenerative changes, acute infection, and delirium.
Binge Drinking, Alone or With Cannabis, During Adolescence Triggers Different Effects on Immediate Visual Memory in Men and Women
Authors: Vinader-Caerols Concepción , Monleón Santiago
Published: December 2021

Background: This study examines the interaction between a history of binge drinking (BD), alone or with cannabis consumption, and the effects of acute alcohol exposure on immediate visual memory (IVM) (faces memory task, scenes memory task and IVM-IQ) in adolescents of both sexes.

Method: Two hundred and ninety adolescents, grouped into refrainers, binge drinkers and subjects with a history of simultaneous BD/Cannabis co-use, received a risk dose of alcohol or a control drink.

Results: Consumption Pattern (refrainers vs. binge drinkers vs. BD/Cannabis consumers) was not significant, while Treatment (acute alcohol vs. control drink) was significant in both sexes. Also, male binge drinkers' performance in the faces memory task was poorer than that of refrainers and BD/Cannabis consumers who consumed the control drink. BD/Cannabis consumers performed this task as capably as refrainers. In women, binge drinkers performed better than refrainers in scene memory and IVM-IQ tests when given alcohol, and binge drinkers performed worse than refrainers after consuming the control drink.

Conclusions: Acute alcohol consumption worsens IVM. Cannabis exerts a buffering effect in men. A cognitive tolerance effect is observed in women. Exposure during adolescence to alcohol, alone or with cannabis, can trigger different cognitive effects in men and women that could endure into adulthood.
The Association Between Self-Reported Screen Time, Social Media Addiction, and Sleep Among Norwegian University Students
Authors: Hjetland Gunnhild J. , Skogen Jens C. , Hysing Mari , Sivertsen Børge
Published: December 2021

The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between daily screen time and sleep, evening screen time and sleep, and between social media addiction and sleep in a student population. This cross-sectional study is based on data from a national survey of all college and university students in Norway (the SHoT2018 study; n = 49,051). The sleep outcomes were sleep duration, sleep onset latency, sleep efficiency, and insomnia operationalized according to formal DSM-5 criteria. The results show a strong negative association between time spent on screen-based devices and sleep quality and quantity, and where screen use in bed had more consistent negative associations with sleep. Furthermore, there were higher rates of insomnia among those with higher levels of addiction, and curvilinear relationships with sleep duration, sleep onset latency, and sleep efficiency. Those with higher levels of addiction also had more evening screen time. The findings suggest that screen use plays an important role in students' sleep quantity and quality, where evening screen time has a stronger relationship with sleep compared to total daily screen time. The results also suggest a role of social media addiction, and addictive social media use may be a target for intervention in order to reduce evening screen time.
Changes in Cortical Activity in Stroke Survivors Undergoing Botulinum Neurotoxin Therapy for Treatment of Focal Spasticity
Authors: Vinehout Kaleb , Tynes Kelsey , Sotelo Miguel R. , Hyngstrom Allison S. , McGuire John R. , Schmit Brian D.
Published: December 2021

Background:Botulinum NeuroToxin-A (BoNT-A) relieves muscle spasticity and increases range of motion necessary for stroke rehabilitation. Determining the effects of BoNT-A therapy on brain neuroplasticity could help physicians customize its use and predict its outcome.

Objective:The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Botulinum Toxin-A therapy for treatment of focal spasticity on brain activation and functional connectivity.

Design:We used functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) to track changes in blood oxygen-level dependent (BOLD) activation and functional connectivity associated with BoNT-A therapy in nine chronic stroke participants, and eight age-matched controls. Scans were acquired before BoNT-A injections (W0) and 6 weeks after the injections (W6). The task fMRI scan consisted of a block design of alternating mass finger flexion and extension. The voxel-level changes in BOLD activation, and pairwise changes in functional connectivity were analyzed for BoNT-A treatment (stroke W0 vs. W6).

Results:BoNT-A injection therapy resulted in significant increases in brain activation in the contralesional premotor cortex, cingulate gyrus, thalamus, superior cerebellum, and in the ipsilesional sensory integration area. Lastly, cerebellar connectivity correlated with the Fugl-Meyer assessment of motor impairment before injection, while premotor connectivity correlated with the Fugl-Meyer score after injection.

Conclusion:BoNT-A therapy for treatment of focal spasticity resulted in increased brain activation in areas associated with motor control, and cerebellar connectivity correlated with motor impairment before injection. These results suggest that neuroplastic effects might take place in response to improvements in focal spasticity.
Planning Cemeteries: Their Potential Contribution to Green Infrastructure and Ecosystem Services
Authors: McClymont Katie , Sinnett Danielle
Published: December 2021

Cemeteries are often included in typologies of green infrastructure features, but there has been little exploration of their role within a multifunctional network of green infrastructure. This paper uses national greenspace data to map the contribution that cemetery space makes to accessible greenspace England. In doing so we provide a more comprehensive and detailed analysis of the scale of cemetery space in contemporary settlements, finding that cemeteries provide around 4% of accessible greenspace and are particularly important in high-density urban environments. Focusing then on an in-depth analysis of an urban case study, we survey 11 cemeteries that provide accessible greenspace for neighbourhoods in Bristol, UK. This suggests that cemeteries are delivering, or have the potential, to deliver ecosystem services and therefore form an important component of green infrastructure networks, but at the same time also need to provide culturally sensitive space for burial and remembrance. Despite the rhetoric, planning policy for cemeteries is not consistent in articulating their role as green infrastructure. We highlight the opportunities for greater cultural, regulation and maintenance services to be delivered, but also the need for greater dialogue between the different players involved in the maintenance and delivery of cemeteries.
Efficient Ways to Combat Doping in a Sports Education Context!? A Systematic Review on Doping Prevention Measures Focusing on Young Age Groups
Authors: Pöppel Katharina
Published: December 2021

Youth is characterized by testing and crossing natural boundaries, sometimes with the help of performance-enhancing substances. In this context, doping prevention measures play a crucial role to protect individuals both within and outside the context of elite sport. Based on the PRISMA guidelines, a systematic literature search was conducted in the databases ProQuest (ERIC), Scopus, PSYNDEX/PsychInfo, PubMed, and Web of Science Core Collection to provide an overview of the impact of doping prevention measures, with particular attention to the underlying understanding of learning. As a result of the screening process, 30 of the initial 5,591 articles met the previously defined and recorded eligibility criteria. The analysis led to heterogeneous results regarding content, implementation, target group, or outcome variables considered relevant. Two-thirds of the studies related to the competitive sports context. Nevertheless, there has been a growing interest in studying doping prevention and its effects on non-elite athlete target groups in recent years. In terms of effectiveness, many measures did not achieve long-term changes or did not collect any follow-up data. This contrasts with understanding learning as sustained change and reduces the intended long-term protection of prevention measures, especially for adolescent target groups. Even young age groups from 10 years upwards benefited from doping prevention measures, and almost all doping prevention measures enabled their participants to increase their physical and health literacy. No conclusion can be drawn as to whether doping prevention measures based on constructivist ideas are superior to cognitivist approaches or a combination of both. Nevertheless, programs that actively engage their participants appear superior to lecture-based knowledge transfer. Most of the prevention measures offered a benefit-orientation so that participants can achieve added value, besides trying to initiate health-promoting change through rejection. Because of the lack of sustained changes, a further modification in doping prevention seems necessary. The review results support the value of primary prevention. Doping prevention measures should enable tailored learning and development options in the sense of more meaningful differentiation to individual needs. The implementation in a school context or an online setting is promising and sees doping as a problem for society. The review highlights the importance of accompanying evaluation measures to identify efficient prevention components that promote health and protect young people.
Effect of Various Rates of P from Alternative and Traditional Sources on Butterhead Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) Grown on Peat Substrate
Authors: Jama-Rodzeńska Anna , Chochura Piotr , Gałka Bernard , Szuba-Trznadel Anna , Svecnjak Zlatko , Latkovic Dragana
Published: December 2021

Previous research indicated the potential use of struvite (STR) as an alternative source of phosphorus (P) in crop production. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of STR and triple superphosphate (TSP) on the growth and chemical composition of butterhead lettuce grown on peat substrate over a three-month period (May–July). Both alternative (STR) and conventional (TSP) fertilizers were applied at three rates: (1) recommended rate based on the elemental content of substrate and crop nutritional need; (2) reduced rate (50% lower than recommended); and (3) increased rate (50% higher than recommended). Unfertilized (control) plants were also grown in the pot experiment. As expected, fertilizer application tended to increase the content of heavy metals in the substrate. Thus, an increase in Zn, Pb, and Cu content in peat substrate was found following STR amendments. However, compared with unfertilized plants, the applied rates of the STR and TSP fertilizers did not increase the content of Cd and Cu in the plant leaf, while Hg content was below the detection limit. In addition, Zn content in the plant leaf significantly decreased following STR and TSP applications. In comparison to unfertilized plants, both alternative and conventional fertilizers increased the content of P and nitrate nitrogen (N-NO3−) in the plant leaf while their effect on Mg content was negligible. The increased rate of STR was the best fertilizer treatment because it produced the largest number of leaves, which were also characterized by the highest P content. Our findings showed that STR was an effective source of P in butterhead lettuce cultivation without adverse effects on heavy metal accumulation.
The Influence of the Abduction Joints of Four Fingers to Grasp: Experimental and Simulated Verification
Authors: Yan Yadong , Cheng Chang , Guan Mingjun , Zhang Jianan , Wang Yu
Published: December 2021

The thumb is the most important finger of the human hand and has a great influence on grasp manipulations. However, the extent to which joints other than the thumb joints affect the grasp, and thus, which joints should be included in a prosthetic hand, remains an open issue. In this paper, we focus on the metacarpophalangeal joints of the four fingers, except the thumb, which can generate flexion/extension and abduction/adduction motions. The contribution of these joints to grasping was evaluated in four aspects: grasp size, grasp force, grasp quality and grasp success rate. Six subjects participated in experiments with respect to the maximum grasp size and grasp force. The results show that possessing abduction mobility of the metacarpophalangeal joints can increase the grasp size by 4.67 ± 1.93 mm and the grasp force by 5.27 ± 4.25 N. Then, the grasping quality and success rate were tested in a simulation platform and using a robotic hand, respectively. The results show that grasp quality was promoted by 76.7% in the simulated environment with abduction mobility compared to without abduction mobility, whereas the grasp success rate was promoted by 68.3%. We believe that the results of this work can benefit the understanding of hand function and prosthetic hand design.
Numerical and Experimental Evaluation of Structural Changes Using Sparse Auto-Encoders and SVM Applied to Dynamic Responses
Authors: Finotti Rafaelle Piazzaroli , Barbosa Flávio de Souza , Cury Alexandre Abrahão , Pimentel Roberto Leal
Published: December 2021

The present work evaluates the deep learning algorithm called Sparse Auto-Encoder (SAE) when applied to the characterization of structural anomalies. This study explores the SAE’s performance in a supervised damage detection approach to consolidate its application in the Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) field, especially when dealing with real-case structures. The main idea is to use the SAE to extract relevant features from the monitored signals and the well-known Support Vector Machine (SVM) to classify such characteristics within the context of an SHM problem. Vibration data from a numerical beam model and a highway viaduct in Brazil are considered to assess the proposed approach. In both analyzed examples, the efficiency of the implemented methodology achieved more than 99% of correct damage structural classifications, supporting the conclusion that SAE can extract relevant characteristics from dynamic signals that are useful for SHM applications.
Efficient Online Log Parsing with Log Punctuations Signature
Authors: Zhang Shijie , Wu Gang
Published: December 2021

Logs, recording the system runtime information, are frequently used to ensure software system reliability. As the first and foremost step of typical log analysis, many data-driven methods have been proposed for automated log parsing. Most existing log parsers work offline, requiring a time-consuming training progress and retraining as the system upgrades. Meanwhile, the state of the art online log parsers are tree-based, which still have defects in robustness and efficiency. To overcome such limitations, we abandon the tree structure and propose a hash-like method. In this paper, we propose LogPunk, an efficient online log parsing method. The core of LogPunk is a novel log signature method based on log punctuations and length features. According to the signature, we can quickly find a small set of candidate templates. Further, the most suitable template is returned by traversing the candidate set with our log similarity function. We evaluated LogPunk on 16 public datasets from the LogHub comparing with five other log parsers. LogPunk achieves the best parsing accuracy of 91.9%. Evaluation results also demonstrate its superiority in terms of robustness and efficiency.
Sensory Panel Performance Evaluation—Comprehensive Review of Practical Approaches
Authors: Sipos László , Nyitrai Ákos , Hitka Géza , Friedrich László Ferenc , Kókai Zoltán
Published: December 2021

Sensory assessors determine the result of sensory analysis; therefore, investigation of panel performance is inevitable to obtain well-established results. In the last few decades, numerous publications examine the performance of both panelists and panels. The initial point of any panelist measures are the applied selection methods, which are chosen according to the purpose (general suitability or product-specific skills). A practical overview is given on the available solutions, methods, protocols and software relating to all major panelist and panel measure indices (agreement, discrimination, repeatability, reproducibility and scale usage), with special focus on the utilized statistical methods. The novel approach of the presented methods is multi-faceted, concerning time factor (measuring performance at a given moment or over a period), the level of integration in the sensory testing procedure and the target of the measurements (panelist versus panel). The present paper supports the choice of the performance parameter and its related statistical procedure. Available software platforms, their accessibility (open-source status) and their functions are thoroughly analyzed concerning panelist or whole panel evaluation. The applied sensory test method strongly defines the applicable performance evaluation tools; therefore, these aspects are also discussed. A special field is related to proficiency testing. With the focus on special activities (product competitions, expert panels, food and horticultural goods), practical examples are given. In our research, special attention was given to sensory activity in companies and product experts or product-specific panels. Emerging future trends in this field will involve meta-analyses, application of AI and integration of psychophysics.
Comparison of Genotoxicity and Pulmonary Toxicity Study of Modified SiO2 Nanomaterials
Authors: Chen Yng-Tay , Lue Po-Yi , Chen Po-Wei , Chueh Pin-Ju , Tsai Fuu-Jen , Liao Jiunn-Wang
Published: December 2021

Surface-modified nano-SiO2 is a common additive in many products. However, the safety of nano-SiO2 products under various modifications is still unclear. In this study, we investigated the genotoxicity and acute pulmonary toxicity of nano-SiO2 with or without modification. The samples used in this study included: sample A (SA, 55.16 nm, 411.3 mg/mL), modified sample A (mSA, 82.29 nm, 37.7 mg/mL), sample B (SB, 22 nm, 358.0 mg/mL), and modified sample B (mSB, 86.64 nm, 37.7 mg/mL). In the genotoxicity study, we conducted an Ames test, chromosomal aberration test (CA), and a micronucleus (MN) test. The SA, mSA, and mSB groups showed negative results in all these genotoxicity tests. Only SB showed a weakly positive reaction in these assays, but the genotoxicity could be reversed after S9 metabolism or modification. In the acute pulmonary toxicity test, the rats were given an intratracheal instillation (IT) (0.5 mL/kg) of diluted samples and sacrificed after 1 or 14 days. The mortality rate, number of leukocytes and cytokines of TNF-α in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and the pathology in the lungs were determined. The results revealed that mSA posed acute toxicity in rats. After modification, the pulmonary toxicity was increased in mSA but decreased in mSB on Day 1, and no significant difference was observed on Day 14. In conclusion, there was no observed genotoxicity in either SA or SB, while mSA posed acute inhalation toxicity to rats that decreased in mSB after modification. This indicates that the decrease in pH level in SA and decrease in the solid content in SB are considered after the trifluorosilane surface-modified amorphous nano-silica.
Using Laminar Nanoclays for Phycocyanin and Phycoerythrin Stabilization as New Natural Hybrid Pigments from Microalgae Extraction
Authors: Micó-Vicent Bàrbara , Perales Romero Esther , Bermejo Ruperto , Jordán-Núñez Jorge , Viqueira Valentín , Pérez Jorge
Published: December 2021

C-Phycocyanin (PC) and B-phycoerythrin (PE) are light-harvesting water-soluble phycobiliproteins from microalgae that belong mainly to the cyanobaceria and rhodhophytes families. Different methods have been developed for PC and PE extraction and purification from microalgae, and offer a high potential for their use as additives in sectors such as food and cosmetics. However, the main limitations of using these dyes are the sensitivity of their environmental factors, such as light fastness, temperature, and pH. We successfully employed safe lamellar nanoclays such as montmorillonite (M) and Laponite (L) for phycobiliproteins stabilization, as we did before with other natural dyes. We obtained a wide color gamut from blues to pink by combining four different factors under synthesis conditions: three dye concentrations; two laminar nanoclay sizes; a two nanoclay surface modifiers combination with cetylpyridinium bromide (CPB) and a coupling agent (3-Aminopropyl) triethoxysilane. The experimental conditions were defined according to a multilevel factorial design of experiment (DOE) to study the factors interacting in the final hybrid pigment characteristics. In both M and L, the d001 distance (nm) increased due to PC and PE adsorption. The best conditions to increase the basal space depend on the nanoclay structure, and it is better to use the surfactant for M, and silane modification for L. In addition, optical and thermal PE and PC properties significantly improved. We show the optimal synthesis conditions to increase PC and PE adsorption using the high dye concentration, with surfactant and silane depending on the nanoclay. The hybrid pigments from these phycobiliproteins offer the opportunity to perform several industrial applications, including in polymer additives, cosmetics, and packaging.
Multi-Population Parallel Wolf Pack Algorithm for Task Assignment of UAV Swarm
Authors: Lu Yingtong , Ma Yaofei , Wang Jiangyun
Published: December 2021

The effectiveness of the Wolf Pack Algorithm (WPA) in high-dimensional discrete optimization problems has been verified in previous studies; however, it usually takes too long to obtain the best solution. This paper proposes the Multi-Population Parallel Wolf Pack Algorithm (MPPWPA), in which the size of the wolf population is reduced by dividing the population into multiple sub-populations that optimize independently at the same time. Using the approximate average division method, the population is divided into multiple equal mass sub-populations whose better individuals constitute an elite sub-population. Through the elite-mass population distribution, those better individuals are optimized twice by the elite sub-population and mass sub-populations, which can accelerate the convergence. In order to maintain the population diversity, population pretreatment is proposed. The sub-populations migrate according to a constant migration probability and the migration of sub-populations are equivalent to the re-division of the confluent population. Finally, the proposed algorithm is carried out in a synchronous parallel system. Through the simulation experiments on the task assignment of the UAV swarm in three scenarios whose dimensions of solution space are 8, 30 and 150, the MPPWPA is verified as being effective in improving the optimization performance.
Health Hazards Assessment and Geochemistry of ElSibai-Abu ElTiyur Granites, Central Eastern Desert, Egypt
Authors: Sidique Essam , Elhaddad Mervat A. , Abdelwahab Sayed F. , El Hadek Hany H.
Published: December 2021

In this paper, a thorough radio- and chem-ecological evaluation of ElSibai-Abu ElTiyur granites located within Egypt’s crystalline basement rocks was conducted for risk and dose assessments. Twenty granitic samples from the study area’s various lithological units were analyzed using high-resolution γ-ray spectrometry to determine the natural radioisotopes (U-238, Th-232, and K-40) concentrations. The average concentrations of U-238, Th-232, and K-40 were 38.72, 38.23, and 860.71 Bq/kg, respectively, exceeding the GAV (global average value) documented by UNSCEAR (Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation, Vienna, Austria). The radiological parameters and indices judging the usage of ElSibai-Abu ElTiyur granites in homes were computed. The obtained results showed that ElSibai-Abu ElTiyur granites are safe to be used by inhabitants as superficial building materials, as per the globally accepted values and the recommended safety limits approved by UNSEAR, WHO (World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland), ICRP (International Commission on Radiological Protection, Ottawa, ON, Canada), and EC (European Commission, Luxembourg). Further, the samples were subjected to ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry) analysis for quantifying radionuclide variations with chemical composition. Geochemically based on the ICP-MS results, the studied granites proved to be highly evolved A-type granites. They span the metaluminous to peralkaline fields. The REE patterns are characterized by the enrichment of the light rare earths (LREE) over the heavy ones (HREE) where (La/Yb)n = 5.2, (Gd/Yb)n = 1.63 with pronounced negative Eu-anomalies (Eu/Eu*)n = 0.49. The albite granite exhibits the highest concentrations of Ga, Nb, Ta, U, and Y, and REE (Gd, Dy, Ho, Yb) than the Na-metasomatic granites. Finally, the obtained data serve as a valuable future database for finding out the compatibility of the geochemical data with the natural radioactivity levels of granites.
S and P Dual-Doped Carbon Nanospheres as Anode Material for High Rate Performance Sodium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Yang Hyeon-Su , Kim Si-Wan , Kim Kwang-Ho , Yoon Sung-Hwan , Ha Min-Jae , Kang Jun
Published: December 2021

The heteroatom doping of carbon materials can significantly improve the electrochemical performance of sodium-ion batteries. However, conventional doping techniques involve more than two steps, making them unsuitable for scale-up. In this study, an S and P co-doped carbon material is synthesized using a simple, one-step plasma-in-liquid process. The synthesized material consists of abundant macropores, which can improve the electrochemical properties of sodium-ion batteries. When the synthesized anode material is applied to a sodium-ion half-cell, the cell exhibits a remarkable cycling life of 3000 cycles at a high current density of 10 A g−1, with a high reversible capacity over 125 mAh g−1. These results indicate that S and P co-doped carbon materials are promising candidates as anodes for sodium-ion batteries, and the plasma-in-liquid process is an effective strategy for heteroatom co-doping.
Evaluation of Pig Manure for Environmental or Agricultural Applications through Gasification and Soil Leaching Experiments
Authors: Vamvuka Despina , Raftogianni Adamantia
Published: December 2021

The current study aimed at evaluating an untreated pig manure, firstly for its suitability for soil amendment in combination with an agricultural/bio-solid biochar, and secondly for its potential to be used for adsorption of hazardous species, replacing expensive activated carbons. Column soil leaching experiments were designed to simulate field conditions, and physical, chemical and mineralogical analyses were performed for raw materials and/or leachates. For activated carbon production, the manure was gasified by steam or carbon dioxide at high temperatures. Biochars were analyzed for organic and mineral matter, structural characteristics and organic functional groups. Activation by steam or carbon dioxide greatly enhanced specific surface area, reaching values of 231.4 and 233.3 m2/g, respectively. Application of manure to the soil promoted leaching of nitrates and phosphates and raised COD values of water extracts. Biochar addition retained these ions and reduced COD values up to 10 times at the end of the three-month period. The concentrations of heavy metals in the leachates were low and, in the presence of biochar in soil blends, they were significantly reduced by 50–70%. The manure presents a significant potential for adsorption of various pollutants or improvement of soil amendment if carefully managed.
Application of Bias Correction to Improve WRF Ensemble Wind Speed Forecast
Authors: Tsai Chin-Cheng , Hong Jing-Shan , Chang Pao-Liang , Chen Yi-Ru , Su Yi-Jui , Li Chih-Hsin
Published: December 2021

Surface wind speed forecast from an operational WRF Ensemble Prediction System (WEPS) was verified, and the system-bias representations of the WEPS were investigated. Results indicated that error characteristics of the ensemble 10-m wind speed forecast were diurnally variated and clustered with the usage of the planetary boundary layer (PBL) scheme. To correct the error characteristics of the ensemble wind speed forecast, three system-bias representations with decaying average algorithms were studied. One of the three system-bias representations is represented by the forecast error of the ensemble mean (BC01), and others are assembled from each PBC group (BC03) as well as an independent member (BC20). System bias was calculated daily and updated within a 5-month duration, and the verification was conducted in the last month, including 316 gauges around Taiwan. Results show that the mean of the calibrated ensemble (BC03) was significantly improved as the calibrated ensemble (BC20), but both demonstrated insufficient ensemble spread. However, the calibrated ensemble, BC01, with the best dispersion relation could be extracted as a more valuable deterministic forecast via the probability matched mean method (PMM).
Investigating the Climate-Growth Response of Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) in Northern Poland
Authors: Waszak Nella , Robertson Iain , Puchałka Radosław , Przybylak Rajmund , Pospieszyńska Aleksandra , Koprowski Marcin
Published: December 2021

Research Highlights: This study used a 99-year time-series of daily climatic data to determine the climate-growth relationship for Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) growing in Northern Poland. The use of daily climatic data improved the calculated climatic response of the trees. Background and Objectives: It was hypothesised that daily temperature and precipitation data would more precisely identify climate–growth relationships than monthly data. We compared our results to a previous study conducted in the 1990s that utilised monthly precipitation and temperature data. Materials and Methods: The chronology construction and data analyses were performed using CooRecorder, CDendro and R packages (dplR, treeclim, dendrotools). Forty-nine cores from 31 trees were included in the final chronology. Results: The precipitation and temperature of March had the strongest influence upon ring-widths. Despite a statistically significant correlation between monthly temperature and ring-widths, reduction of error (RE) and coefficient of efficiency (CE) statistics confirmed that daily data better describe the effect of climate on tree rings width than monthly data. Conclusions: At this site, the growing season of Scots pine has changed with the observed association with precipitation now starting as early as February–March and extending to June–July.
Finite-Time Trajectory Tracking of Second-Order Systems Using Acceleration Feedback Only
Authors: Delpoux Romain , Floquet Thierry , Sira-Ramírez Hebertt
Published: December 2021

In this paper, an algebraic approach for the finite-time feedback control problem is provided for second-order systems where only the second-order derivative of the controlled variable is measured. In practice, it means that the acceleration is the only variable that can be used for feedback purposes. This problem appears in many mechanical systems such as positioning systems and force-position controllers in robotic systems and aerospace applications. Based on an algebraic approach, an on-line algebraic estimator is developed in order to estimate in finite time the unmeasured position and velocity variables. The obtained expressions depend solely on iterated integrals of the measured acceleration output and of the control input. The approach is shown to be robust to noisy measurements and it has the advantage to provide on-line finite-time (or non-asymptotic) state estimations. Based on these estimations, a quasi-homogeneous second-order sliding mode tracking control law including estimated position error integrals is designed illustrating the possibilities of finite-time acceleration feedback via algebraic state estimation.
GPU Based Modelling and Analysis for Parallel Fractional Order Derivative Model of the Spiral-Plate Heat Exchanger
Authors: Dong Guanqiang , Deng Mingcong
Published: December 2021

Heat exchangers are commonly used in various industries. A spiral-plate heat exchanger with two fluids is a compact plant that only requires a small space and is excellent in high heat transfer efficiency. However, the spiral-plate heat exchanger is a nonlinear plant with uncertainties, considering the difference between the heat fluid, the heated fluid, and other complex factors. The fractional order derivation model is more accurate than the traditional integer order model. In this paper, a parallel fractional order derivation model is proposed by considering the merit of the graphics processing unit (GPU). Then, the parallel fractional order derivation model for the spiral-plate heat exchanger is constructed. Simulations show the relationships between the output temperature of heated fluid and the orders of fractional order derivatives with two directional fluids impacted by complex factors, namely, the volume flow rate in hot fluid, and the volume flow rate in cold fluid, respectively.
The Pharmacological Inhibition of CaMKII Regulates Sodium Chloride Cotransporter Activity in mDCT15 Cells
Authors: Gholam Mohammed F. , Ko Benjamin , Ghazi Zinah M. , Hoover Robert S. , Alli Abdel A.
Published: December 2021

The thiazide-sensitive sodium chloride cotransporter (NCC) in the distal convoluted tubule is responsible for reabsorbing up to one-tenth of the total filtered load of sodium in the kidney. The actin cytoskeleton is thought to regulate various transport proteins in the kidney but the regulation of the NCC by the actin cytoskeleton is largely unknown. Here, we identify a direct interaction between the NCC and the cytoskeletal protein filamin A in mouse distal convoluted tubule (mDCT15) cells and in the native kidney. We show that the disruption of the actin cytoskeleton by two different mechanisms downregulates NCC activity. As filamin A is a substrate of the Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), we investigate the physiological significance of CaMKII inhibition on NCC luminal membrane protein expression and NCC activity in mDCT15 cells. The pharmacological inhibition of CaMKII with the compound KN93 increases the active form of the NCC (phospho-NCC) at the luminal membrane and also increases NCC activity in mDCT15 cells. These data suggest that the interaction between the NCC and filamin A is dependent on CaMKII activity, which may serve as a feedback mechanism to maintain basal levels of NCC activity in the distal nephron.
Climate Mitigation through Biological Conservation: Extensive and Valuable Blue Carbon Natural Capital in Tristan da Cunha’s Giant Marine Protected Zone
Authors: Barnes David K. A. , Bell James B. , Bridges Amelia E. , Ireland Louise , Howell Kerry L. , Martin Stephanie M. , Sands Chester J. , Mora Soto Alejandra , Souster Terri , Flint Gareth , Morley Simon A.
Published: December 2021

Carbon-rich habitats can provide powerful climate mitigation if meaningful protection is put in place. We attempted to quantify this around the Tristan da Cunha archipelago Marine Protected Area. Its shallows (<1000 m depth) are varied and productive. The 5.4 km2 of kelp stores ~60 tonnes of carbon (tC) and may export ~240 tC into surrounding depths. In deep-waters we analysed seabed data collected from three research cruises, including seabed mapping, camera imagery, seabed oceanography and benthic samples from mini-Agassiz trawl. Rich biological assemblages on seamounts significantly differed to the islands and carbon storage had complex drivers. We estimate ~2.3 million tC are stored in benthic biodiversity of waters <1000 m, which includes >0.22 million tC that can be sequestered (the proportion of the carbon captured that is expected to become buried in sediment or locked away in skeletal tissue for at least 100 years). Much of this carbon is captured by cold-water coral reefs as a mixture of inorganic (largely calcium carbonate) and organic compounds. As part of its 2020 Marine Protection Strategy, these deep-water reef systems are now protected by a full bottom-trawling ban throughout Tristan da Cunha and representative no take areas on its seamounts. This small United Kingdom Overseas Territory’s reef systems represent approximately 0.8 Mt CO2 equivalent sequestered carbon; valued at >£24 Million GBP (at the UN shadow price of carbon). Annual productivity of this protected standing stock generates an estimated £3 million worth of sequestered carbon a year, making it an unrecognized and potentially major component of the economy of small island nations like Tristan da Cunha. Conservation of near intact habitats are expected to provide strong climate and biodiversity returns, which are exemplified by this MPA.
Sterol Extraction from Isolated Plant Plasma Membrane Vesicles Affects H+-ATPase Activity and H+-Transport
Authors: Lapshin Nikita K. , Piotrovskii Michail S. , Trofimova Marina S.
Published: December 2021

Plasma membrane H+-ATPase is known to be detected in detergent-resistant sterol-enriched fractions, also called “raft” domains. Studies on H+-ATPase reconstituted in artificial or native membrane vesicles have shown both sterol-mediated stimulations and inhibitions of its activity. Here, using sealed isolated plasma membrane vesicles, we investigated the effects of sterol depletion in the presence of methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MβCD) on H+-ATPase activity. The rate of ATP-dependent ∆µH+ generation and the kinetic parameters of ATP hydrolysis were evaluated. We show that the relative sterols content in membrane vesicles decreased gradually after treatment with MβCD and reached approximately 40% of their initial level in 30 mM probe solution. However, changes in the hydrolytic and H+-transport activities of the enzyme were nonlinear. The extraction of up to 20% of the initial sterols was accompanied by strong stimulation of ATP-dependent H+-transport in comparison with the hydrolytic activity of enzymes. Further sterol depletion led to a significant inhibition of active proton transport with an increase in passive H+-leakage. The solubilization of control and sterol-depleted vesicles in the presence of dodecyl maltoside negated the differences in the kinetics parameters of ATP hydrolysis, and all samples demonstrated maximal hydrolytic activities. The mechanisms behind the sensitivity of ATP-dependent H+-transport to sterols in the lipid environment of plasma membrane H+-ATPase are discussed.
Histopathological Investigation of Dura-like Membrane in Vestibular Schwannomas
Authors: Oishi Yumiko , Tamura Ryota , Yoshida Kazunari , Toda Masahiro
Published: December 2021

The dura-like membrane (DLM) is an outermost membranous structure arising from the dura mater adjacent to the internal auditory meatus (IAM) that envelops some vestibular schwannomas (VSs). Its recognition is important for the preservation of the facial and cochlear nerves during tumor resection. This study analyzes the histopathological characteristics of the DLM. The expression of CD34 and αSMA was histopathologically analyzed in tumor and DLM tissue of 10 primary VSs with and without a DLM. Tumor volume, resection volume percentage, microvessel density (MVD), and vessel diameter were analyzed. Volumetric analysis revealed that the presence of a DLM was significantly associated with lower tumor resection volume (p < 0.05). Intratumoral vessel diameter was significantly larger in the DLM group than the non-DLM group (p < 0.01). Larger VSs showed a higher intratumoral MVD in the DLM group (p < 0.05). Multilayered αSMA-positive vessels were identified in the DLM, tumor, and border; there tended to be more of these vessels within the tumor in the DLM group compared to the non-DLM group (p = 0.08). These arteriogenic characteristics suggest that the DLM is formed as the tumor induces feeding vessels from the dura mater around the IAM.
Aberrant Auditory and Visual Memory Development of Children with Upper Limb Motor Disorders
Authors: Koriakina Maria , Agranovich Olga , Petrova Ekaterina , Kadieva Dzerassa , Kopytin Grigory , Ermolovich Evgenia , Moiseenko Olesya , Alekseeva Margarita , Bredikhin Dimitri , Bermúdez-Margaretto Beatriz , Ntoumanis Ioannis , Shestakova Anna N. , Jääskeläinen Iiro P. , Blagovechtchenski Evgeny
Published: December 2021

The current study aimed to compare differences in the cognitive development of children with and without upper limb motor disorders. The study involved 89 children from 3 to 15 years old; 57 children with similar upper limb motor disorders and 32 healthy children. Our results showed that motor disorders could impair cognitive functions, especially memory. In particular, we found that children between 8 and 11 years old with upper limb disorders differed significantly from their healthy peers in both auditory and visual memory scales. These results can be explained by the fact that the development of cognitive functions depends on the normal development of motor skills, and the developmental delay of motor skills affects cognitive functions. Correlation analysis did not reveal any significant relationship between other cognitive functions (attention, thinking, intelligence) and motor function. Altogether, these findings point to the need to adapt general habilitation programs for children with motor disorders, considering the cognitive impairment during their development. The evaluation of children with motor impairment is often limited to their motor dysfunction, leaving their cognitive development neglected. The current study showed the importance of cognitive issues for these children. Moreover, early intervention, particularly focused on memory, can prevent some of the accompanying difficulties in learning and daily life functioning of children with movement disorders.
Is There Still a Place for Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors for the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma at the Time of Immunotherapies? A Focus on Lenvatinib
Authors: Decraecker Marie , Toulouse Caroline , Blanc Jean-Frédéric
Published: December 2021

The systemic treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma is changing rapidly. Three main classes of treatment are now available. Historically, multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) (sorafenib and lenvatinib as first-line; regorafenib and cabozantinib as second-line) were the first to show an improvement in overall survival (OS). Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) antibodies can be used in first-line (bevacizumab) or second-line (ramucirumab) combination therapy. More recently, immuno-oncology (IO) has profoundly changed therapeutic algorithms, and the combination of atezolizumab-bevacizumab is now the first-line standard of care. Therefore, the place of TKIs needs to be redefined. The objective of this review was to define the place of TKIs in the therapeutic algorithm at the time of IO treatment in first-line therapy, with a special focus on lenvatinib that exhibits one of the higher anti-tumoral activity among TKI in HCC. We will discuss the place of lenvatinib in first line (especially if there is a contra-indication to IO) but also after failure of atezolizumab and bevacizumab. New opportunities for lenvatinib will also be presented, including the use at an earlier stage of the disease and combination with IOs.
Can Systems Biology Advance Clinical Precision Oncology?
Authors: Rocca Andrea , Kholodenko Boris N.
Published: December 2021

Precision oncology is perceived as a way forward to treat individual cancer patients. However, knowing particular cancer mutations is not enough for optimal therapeutic treatment, because cancer genotype-phenotype relationships are nonlinear and dynamic. Systems biology studies the biological processes at the systems’ level, using an array of techniques, ranging from statistical methods to network reconstruction and analysis, to mathematical modeling. Its goal is to reconstruct the complex and often counterintuitive dynamic behavior of biological systems and quantitatively predict their responses to environmental perturbations. In this paper, we review the impact of systems biology on precision oncology. We show examples of how the analysis of signal transduction networks allows to dissect resistance to targeted therapies and inform the choice of combinations of targeted drugs based on tumor molecular alterations. Patient-specific biomarkers based on dynamical models of signaling networks can have a greater prognostic value than conventional biomarkers. These examples support systems biology models as valuable tools to advance clinical and translational oncological research.