bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance Optimization of Underwater Communication Links at Different Ranges for AIS Relay to AUV
Authors: Imbert Stephane , Laot Christophe , Boudraa Abdel-Ouahab , Szkolnik Jean-Jacques
Published: April 2022

Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) are becoming increasingly popular for large number of civil and military applications, such as environmental monitoring, oceanography, archaeology, or mine warfare. Operational safety issue still prevents the exploitation of the full potential of AUVs. Operations of AUVs are limited by constraints including the need to guarantee no collision with manned surface vehicles. To avoid collisions, a solution is to relay surface vessel positions to the AUVs by an underwater communication link. The communication must be optimized to establish a robust and reliable link at various range and depth. Commercial underwater acoustic modems are often dedicated for specific distances and bit rates with performances strongly dependent on the environmental conditions. For the considered application, the modem must be adaptive at the time and frequency selectivity of the channel which is varying according to the operation context. In this work, we propose an adaptive underwater acoustic waveform optimized to exploit at the best the time and frequency diversity the channel. To show the potential gain obtained by using diversity, the performance of the designed modem is evaluated using theoretical and realistic underwater channels. In addition, we propose a method for adapting the waveform based only on the knowledge of the transmission geometry. Finally, the proposed modem is tested to relay Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) picture of an area to AUVs.
Automated and Controlled System for Analysis of Residual Limbs Thermograms of Transtibial Amputees
Authors: Ballesteros Mariana , Lopez-Perez Manuel A. , Fuentes-Aguilar Rita Q. , Chavarrias-Solano Pedro E. , Alemón Beatriz , Huegel Joel C.
Published: April 2022

This work describes the development of a controlled cabin for capturing and analyzing thermal images. The motivation of such a device is to aid in the thermal image acquisition process within a confined space. The thermograms generated provide helpful information for analyzing the residual human limb in subjects with transtibial amputation. Such a study proposes a non-intrusive method to study the thermal activity on the amputee residual limb and seek a correlation to the quality of the socket. The proposed cabin ensures the repeatability of the thermograms acquisition process and provides an isolated workspace, thus improving the quality of the samples. The methodology consists of the design of the mechanical elements and parts of the system on computer-aided design software, the electronic instrumentation, a graphic user interface, and the control algorithm based on a barrier Lyapunov function to solve the trajectory tracking for the camera movements, and numerical simulations to illustrate the functionality and the manufacture of a prototype. The results obtained by implementing the control design on the automated cabin reveal that the thermal image acquisition process is completed following the desired trajectory with a mean squared tracking error of 0.0052. In addition, an example of the thermal images of two subjects and the results processing this class of pictures using the designed interface is shown.
Study on Inertia Load Resistance Analysis Method of Light Truck Door Latch
Authors: Hu Jian , Xu Lei , Guo Sangdu , Sun Yiming , Li Gangyan
Published: April 2022

Aiming at the problem of door opening caused by the unlocking of the side door latch system under the action of inertial force when the car is in a side impact, this paper takes a light truck door latch as the research object, and proposes an inertia load resistance analysis method combining theoretical calculation and simulation analysis. Through the theoretical calculation of inertia load resistance of the door latch, the force of each part and the rotation of the pawl are analyzed. We perform inertia load resistance simulation analysis on the latch to verify the reliability of the theoretical calculation results. If the theoretical calculation result is that the latch will be unlocked under the inertia load of 60 g (588 m/s2), we compare the force of each part in the theoretical calculation process with the normal opening condition of the latch to provide a basis for the optimization of the latch structure. Finally, theoretical calculations and a simulation analysis are carried out on the optimized results again, and a latch structure that meets the requirements of the inertia load resistance is obtained. Since the results obtained from the inertia load resistance simulation analysis are basically consistent with the theoretical calculation results of the inertia load resistance and the inertia load resistance simulation requires a lot of computing time, after the verification of the inertia load resistance simulation analysis, firstly, the inertia load resistance simulation step can be omitted in the subsequent structural optimization process.
Biosorption Potential of Sargassum for Removal of Aqueous Dye Solutions
Authors: Nielsen Birthe Vejby , Maneein Supattra , Anghan Jahanvi Dipakbhai , Anghan Riya Mukeshbhai , Al Farid Md Mahmud , Milledge John James
Published: April 2022

Sargassum muticum is an invasive species to the coasts of the British Isles, mainland Europe and North America, with negative ecological and socioeconomic impacts. Pelagic Sargassum inundations on the beaches of the Caribbean have also been causing adverse health, ecological and economic effects. The finding of commercial uses of these biomasses may alleviate the costs of removal and control. Both pelagic Sargassum and S. muticum could be low-cost biosorbents for removing aqueous cationic dyes but may not be suitable for anionic substances without modification. This study found that a Sargassum biomass could remove up to 93% of methylene blue and that the species, concentration and treatment (CaCl2) were all statistically highly significant factors (p < 0.001) in its removal.
Sodium-Conducting Ionic Liquid Electrolytes: Electrochemical Stability Investigation
Authors: Maresca Giovanna , Casu Paolo , Simonetti Elisabetta , Brutti Sergio , Appetecchi Giovanni Battista
Published: April 2022

Sodium-conducting electrolytes, based on the EMIFSI, EMITFSI, N1114FSI, N1114TFSI, N1114IM14, PIP13TFSI and PIP14TFSI ionic liquids, were investigated in terms of electrochemical stability through voltammetry techniques with the aim of evaluating their feasibility in Na-ion devices. Both the anodic and cathodic sides were studied. The effect of contaminants, such as water and/or molecular oxygen, on the electrochemical robustness of the electrolytes was also investigated. Preliminary cyclic voltammetry and charge-discharge tests were carried out in Na/hard carbon and Na/α-NaMnO2 half cells using selected ionic liquid electrolytes. The results are presented and discussed in the present paper.
The Use of Mixed, Augmented and Virtual Reality in History of Art Teaching: A Case Study
Authors: Cabero-Almenara Julio , Llorente-Cejudo Carmen , Martinez-Roig Rosabel
Published: April 2022

The incorporation of mixed, virtual, and augmented reality into the educational context takes place in this study through the development of a 3D object shaped by the artistic expressions of the Church of the Annunciation in Seville. In a study of an experimental and exploratory nature with a single group, we worked with a total of 20 students enrolled in a Master’s degree, taught at Seville University, under the title of “Arte: idea y producción” (Art: idea and production). A questionnaire based on the “Technology Acceptance Model” (TAM) was used to ascertain the degree of acceptance that the utilized technology had created among students after their participation in the experience. Likewise, the questionnaire permitted understanding of the assessment made by students concerning the presented objects. Among the results obtained, it is noticeable that the participating students show a high level of acceptance of augmented and virtual reality technologies, alongside favorable attitudes towards their utilization and the intention to use them. It is worth highlighting as a significant conclusion that the exploratory study was performed within a real classroom situation, suggesting that both technologies can be applied in formal training environments.
Effect of Multiple GNSS Integration on the Number and Spatiotemporal Coverage of Radio Occultation Events
Authors: Liu Congliang , Sun Yueqiang , Bai Weihua , Du Qifei , Li Wei , Wang Xi , Li Peixian
Published: April 2022

The development of global navigation satellite systems (GNSSs) and multi-system compatible radio occultation (RO) techniques provides favorable conditions and opportunities for increasing the number of occultation events and improving their spatiotemporal coverage. The performance of the multiple GNSS RO event number, spatiotemporal coverage, and uniformity need assessments by robust and functional approaches. Firstly, a simulation system of RO events, which took the orbit perturbations into account, was established, and the concepts of global coverage fraction and uniformity of RO events were defined. Secondly, numerical experiments were designed to analyze the GNSS RO performances of a single-receiving satellite and satellite constellations under the condition of using current multiple GNSSs as transmitting satellite systems, in which the Earth was divided into 400 × 400 km2 grids. Finally, the number, timeliness, global coverage fraction, and uniformity of GNSS RO events for a single-receiving satellite and receiving satellite constellations were numerically calculated and analyzed. The results showed that ➀ multiple GNSS integration improved the number of GNSS RO events and their global coverage for a single polar-orbit satellite significantly, e.g., the 24 h multiple GNSS RO event number was about 7.8 times that of the single GNSS system, BeiDou navigation satellite system-3, while the corresponding 24 h global coverage fraction increased nearly 3 times. ➁ In the multiple GNSS integration scenario, the constellation composed of 12 polar-orbit low-Earth-orbit satellites achieved 100% RO event global coverage fraction within 24 h, of which the RO detection capability was comparable to the 100 Spire weather satellites and global positioning system (GPS) RO system. ➂ More GNSS RO events of the polar-orbit constellations were distributed in the middle- and high-latitude zones. Therefore, multiple GNSS integration could increase the RO event number and global coverage significantly to benefit the global climate monitoring and global numerical weather prediction, and the polar-orbit constellations were more favorable to atmospheric detection in middle- and high-latitude regions.
Observation of Collisional De-Excitation Phenomena in Plutonium
Authors: Raggio Andrea , Pohjalainen Ilkka , Moore Iain D.
Published: April 2022

A program of research towards the high-resolution optical spectroscopy of actinide elements for the study of fundamental nuclear structure is currently ongoing at the IGISOL facility of the University of Jyväskylä. One aspect of this work is the development of a gas-cell-based actinide laser ion source using filament-based dispensers of long-lived actinide isotopes. We have observed prominent phenomena in the resonant laser ionization process specific to the gaseous environment of the gas cell. The development and investigation of a laser ionization scheme for plutonium atoms is reported, focusing on the effects arising from the collision-induced phenomena of plutonium atoms in helium gas. The gas-cell environment was observed to greatly reduce the sensitivity of an efficient plutonium ionization scheme developed in vacuum. This indicates competition between resonant laser excitation and collisional de-excitation by the gas atoms, which is likely being enhanced by the very high atomic level density within actinide elements.
Almost Optimality of the Orthogonal Super Greedy Algorithm for μ-Coherent Dictionaries
Authors: Shao Chunfang , Chang Jincai , Ye Peixin , Zhang Wenhui , Xing Shuo
Published: April 2022

We study the approximation capability of the orthogonal super greedy algorithm (OSGA) with respect to μ-coherent dictionaries in Hilbert spaces. We establish the Lebesgue-type inequalities for OSGA, which show that the OSGA provides an almost optimal approximation on the first [1/(18μs)] steps. Moreover, we improve the asymptotic constant in the Lebesgue-type inequality of OGA obtained by Livshitz E D.
Quadratic Equation in Split Quaternions
Authors: Cao Wensheng
Published: April 2022

Split quaternions are noncommutative and contain nontrivial zero divisors. Generally speaking, it is difficult to solve equations in such an algebra. In this paper, by using the roots of any split quaternions and two real nonlinear systems, we derive explicit formulas for computing the roots of x2+bx+c=0 in split quaternion algebra.
A Survey on the k-Path Vertex Cover Problem
Authors: Tu Jianhua
Published: April 2022

Given an integer k ≥ 2, a k-path is a path on k vertices. A set of vertices in a graph G is called a k-path vertex cover if it includes at least one vertex of every k-path of G. A minimum k-path vertex cover in G is a k-path vertex cover having the smallest possible number of vertices and its cardinality is called the k-path vertex cover number of G. In the k-path vertex cover problem, the goal is to find a minimum k-path vertex cover in a given graph. In this paper, we present a brief survey of the current state of the art in the study of the k-path vertex cover problem and the k-path vertex cover number.
Virtual Reality-Based Stimuli for Immersive Car Clinics: A Performance Evaluation Model
Authors: Henriques Alexandre Costa , Murari Thiago Barros , Callans Jennifer , Silva Alexandre Maguino Pinheiro , Apolinario Antonio Lopes , Winkler Ingrid
Published: April 2022

This study proposes a model to evaluate the performance of virtual reality-based stimuli for immersive car clinics. The model considered Attribute Importance, Stimuli Efficacy and Stimuli Cost factors and the method was divided into three stages: we defined the importance of fourteen attributes relevant to a car clinic based on the perceptions of Marketing and Design experts; then we defined the efficacy of five virtual stimuli based on the perceptions of Product Development and Virtual Reality experts; and we used a cost factor to calculate the efficiency of the five virtual stimuli in relation to the physical. The Marketing and Design experts identified a new attribute, Scope; eleven of the fifteen attributes were rated as Important or Very Important, while four were removed from the model due to being considered irrelevant. According to our performance evaluation model, virtual stimuli have the same efficacy as physical stimuli. However, when cost is considered, virtual stimuli outperform physical stimuli, particularly virtual stimuli with glasses. We conclude that virtual stimuli have the potential to reduce the cost and time required to develop new stimuli in car clinics, but with concerns related to hardware, software, and other definitions.
Ventricular and Atrial Pressure—Volume Loops: Analysis of the Effects Induced by Right Centrifugal Pump Assistance
Authors: De Lazzari Beatrice , Iacovoni Attilio , Capoccia Massimo , Papa Silvia , Badagliacca Roberto , Filomena Domenico , De Lazzari Claudio
Published: April 2022

The main indications for right ventricular assist device (RVAD) support are right heart failure after implantation of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) or early graft failure following heart transplantation. We sought to study the effects induced by different RVAD connections when right ventricular elastance (EesRIGHT) was modified using numerical simulations based on atrial and ventricular pressure–volume analysis. We considered the effects induced by continuous-flow RVAD support on left/right ventricular/atrial loops when EesRIGHT changed from 0.3 to 0.8 mmHg/mL during in-series or parallel pump connection. Pump rotational speed was also addressed. Parallel RVAD support at 4000 rpm with EesRIGHT = 0.3 mmHg/mL generated percentage changes up to 60% for left ventricular pressure–volume area and external work; up to 20% for left ventricular ESV and up to 25% for left ventricular EDV; up to 50% change in left atrial pressure-volume area (PVLAL-A) and only a 3% change in right atrial pressure–volume area (PVLAR-A). Percentage variation was lower when EesRIGHT = 0.8 mmHg/mL. Early recognition of right ventricular failure followed by aggressive treatment is desirable, so as to achieve a more favourable outcome. RVAD support remains an option for advanced right ventricular failure, although the onset of major adverse events may preclude its use.
Does Heavy-Resistance Training Improve Mobility and Perception of Quality of Life in Older Women?
Authors: Borges-Silva Fernanda , Martínez-Pascual Miryam , Colomer-Poveda David , Márquez Gonzalo , Romero-Arenas Salvador
Published: April 2022

Regular physical exercise has shown great benefits in preventing age-related functional losses and in improving the perception of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in older people. To optimize these benefits, it would be interesting to evaluate what type of exercise is better. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the effects of heavy-resistance training on mobility and HRQoL in older women. Forty healthy, untrained older women (60–75 years) were randomly assigned to three groups: circuit resistance training (CRT, n = 15), traditional resistance training (TRT, n = 15) or the control group (CG, n = 10). During the 12-week training period, both experimental groups performed training with heavy loads, twice a week. Before and after the training period, the Timed Up and Go test, as a proxy of mobility, and the perception of HRQoL were evaluated. TRT and CRT resulted in a statistically significant improvement in the Timed Up and Go test (−5.4 and −10.3%, respectively; p < 0.05), but only the improvement after CRT was significantly greater than changes in the CG (p < 0.001). Only CRT elicited improvements in several dimensions of the perception of the HRQoL questionnaire, such as: physical functioning (13%, p < 0.001), general health (8.1%; p = 0.048), vitality (17.7%; p < 0.001), role emotional (6.7%; p = 0.044) and physical component summary (6.3%; p = 0.001). The change in the CRT group was greater than in the CG (p < 0.001) in the physical functioning score. The present findings show that CRT might be a time- (and hence cost-) effective alternative to trigger multiple positive functional and psychological adaptations in older women.
Endogenous VIP VPAC1 Receptor Activation Modulates Hippocampal Theta Burst Induced LTP: Transduction Pathways and GABAergic Mechanisms
Authors: Caulino-Rocha Ana , Rodrigues Nádia Carolina , Ribeiro Joaquim Alexandre , Cunha-Reis Diana
Published: April 2022

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), acting on both VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors, is a key modulator of hippocampal synaptic transmission, pyramidal cell excitability and long-term depression (LTD), exerting its effects partly through modulation GABAergic disinhibitory circuits. Yet, the role of endogenous VIP and its receptors in modulation of hippocampal LTP and the involvement of disinhibition in this modulation have scarcely been investigated. We studied the modulation of CA1 LTP induced by TBS via endogenous VIP release in hippocampal slices from young-adult Wistar rats using selective VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptor antagonists, evaluating its consequence for the phosphorylation of CamKII, GluA1 AMPA receptor subunits and Kv4.2 potassium channels in total hippocampal membranes obtained from TBS stimulated slices. Endogenous VIP, acting on VPAC1 (but not VPAC2) receptors, inhibited CA1 hippocampal LTP induced by TBS in young adult Wistar rats and this effect was dependent on GABAergic transmission and relied on the integrity of NMDA and CaMKII-dependent LTP expression mechanisms but not on PKA and PKC activity. Furthermore, it regulated the autophosphorylation of CaMKII and the expression and Ser438 phosphorylation of Kv4.2 potassium channels responsible for the A-current while inhibiting phosphorylation of Kv4.2 on Thr607. Altogether, this suggests that endogenous VIP controls the expression of hippocampal CA1 LTP by regulating disinhibition through activation of VPAC1 receptors in interneurons. This may impact the autophosphorylation of CaMKII during LTP, as well as the expression and phosphorylation of Kv4.2 K+ channels at hippocampal pyramidal cell dendrites.
Nutrient Accumulation Pattern in Mixtures of Wheat and Faba Bean Is Strongly Influenced by Cultivar Choice and Co-Existing Weeds
Authors: Ajal James , Weih Martin
Published: April 2022

Cereal–legume mixtures are often associated with higher yields than the components grown as sole crops, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. The study aims to evaluate how different cultivars in a two-species wheat–faba bean mixture influence above- and below-ground nitrogen (N) accumulation in the plant biomass, whether crop mixing affected the accumulation of other nutrients relative to the accumulation of N and phosphorus (P), and how the nutrient accumulation pattern in sole crops and mixtures is influenced by weed competition. Using a growth container experiment, we investigate nutrient accumulation patterns on specific wheat and faba bean cultivars grown as sole crops and mixtures, and with and without weed competition. We found that cereals in the mixture accumulated more N than in the sole crops, and the cultivar used influenced biomass accumulation in the legumes. Competition from weeds reduced the amount of plant N pools accumulated in the crop plant biomass. Based on stoichiometric scaling exponents, the plant neighbor affected the accumulation of other nutrients relative to the accumulation of N and P. These results are relevant for species and cultivar selection, all of which are important prerequisites for maximizing mixture performance.
Bioactivities of Mealworm (Alphitobius diaperinus L.) Larvae Hydrolysates Obtained from Artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) Proteases
Authors: Tejada Luis , Buendía-Moreno Laura , Hernández Irene , Abellán Adela , Cayuela José María , Salazar Eva , Bueno-Gavilá Estefanía
Published: April 2022

In this study, we aimed to obtain hydrolysates with bioactive peptides from mealworm (Alphitobius diaperinus L.) larvae using an artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) enzyme extract. Two types of substrates were used: the raw larvae flour (LF) and its protein extract (PE). The hydrolysis yield, considering the peptide concentration of the hydrolysates, was higher in PE hydrolysates than in LF hydrolysates (6.39 ± 0.59 vs. 3.02 ± 0.06 mg/mL, respectively). However, LF showed a higher antioxidant activity against the DPPH radical than PE (59.10 ± 1.42 vs. 18.79 ± 0.81 µM Trolox Eq/mg peptides, respectively). Regarding the inhibitory activity of angiotensin-I-converting enzyme (ACE), an IC50 value of 111.33 ± 21.3 µg peptides/mL was observed in the PE. The identification of the peptide sequence of both hydrolysates was conducted, and LF and its PE presented 404 and 116 peptides, respectively, most with low molecular weight (<3 kDa), high percentage of hydrophobic amino acids, and typical characteristics of well-known antioxidant and ACE-inhibitory peptides. Furthermore, the potential bioactivity of the sequences identified was searched in the BIOPEP database. Considering the antioxidant and ACE-inhibitory activities, LF hydrolysates contained a larger number of sequences with potential bioactivity than PE hydrolysates.
Innovative Approach in the Cryogenic Freezing Medium for Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Pilbauerova Nela , Schmidt Jan , Soukup Tomas , Prat Tomas , Nesporova Kristina , Velebny Vladimir , Suchanek Jakub
Published: April 2022

The physical stresses during cryopreservation affect stem cell survival and further proliferation. To minimize or prevent cryoinjury, cryoprotective agents (CPAs) are indispensable. Despite the widespread use of 10% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), there are concerns about its potential adverse effects. To bypass those effects, combinations of CPAs have been investigated. This study aimed to verify whether high-molecular-hyaluronic acid (HMW-HA) serves as a cryoprotectant when preserving human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) to reduce the DMSO concentration in the cryopreservation medium. We studied how 0.1% or 0.2% HMW-HA combined with reduced DMSO concentrations (from 10% to 5%, and 3%) affected total cell count, viability, immunophenotype, and differentiation potential post-cryopreservation. Immediately after cell revival, the highest total cell count was observed in 10% DMSO-stored hMSC. However, two weeks after cell cultivation an increased cell count was seen in the HMW-HA-stored groups along with a continued increase in hMSCs stored using 3% DMSO and 0.1% HMW-HA. The increased total cell count corresponded to elevated expression of stemness marker CD49f. The HA-supplemented cryomedium did not affect the differential potential of hMSC. Our results will participate in producing a ready-to-use product for cryopreservation of mesenchymal stem cells.
Roles of mTOR in the Regulation of Pancreatic β-Cell Mass and Insulin Secretion
Authors: Asahara Shun-ichiro , Inoue Hiroyuki , Watanabe Hitoshi , Kido Yoshiaki
Published: April 2022

Pancreatic β-cells are the only type of cells that can control glycemic levels via insulin secretion. Thus, to explore the mechanisms underlying pancreatic β-cell failure, many reports have clarified the roles of important molecules, such as the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), which is a central regulator of metabolic and nutrient cues. Studies have uncovered the roles of mTOR in the function of β-cells and the progression of diabetes, and they suggest that mTOR has both positive and negative effects on pancreatic β-cells in the development of diabetes.
Expression of Pannexin 1 in the Human Kidney during Embryonal, Early Fetal and Postnatal Development and Its Prognostic Significance in Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Jeličić Ivo , Vukojević Katarina , Racetin Anita , Čarić Davor , Glavina Durdov Merica , Saraga-Babić Mirna , Filipović Natalija
Published: April 2022

Pannexins are transmembrane glycoproteins that constitute channels involved in purinergic signaling through ATP release from cells in various physiological and pathological processes. In this study, the distribution of Panx1 expression in different cell populations of healthy postnatal human kidneys and during human embryonic and early fetal development was investigated by double immunohistochemistry. In addition, the glomerular and tubular expression of Panx1 was examined in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) and the control group, and renal Panx1 expression was correlated with serum creatinine. In the 6th week of embryonic development (DW), Panx1 expression was found in mesonephric glomeruli and mesonephric tubules. At the transition from 6th to 7th DW, Panx1 immunoreactivity was found in the mesonephric tubules and mesonephric duct, as well as in the metanephric ureteric bud and ampullae. In the 7th DW, strong Panx1 immunoreactivity was observed in the developing ureteric bud in the metanephros, whereas no Panx1 immunoreactivity was found in the metanephric cup. In the 8th DW, Panx1 expression was also found in the ureteric bud of the metanephros, the renal vesicle and comma-shaped nephron, and the epithelial cells of Bowman’s capsule. Expression of Panx1 was found at an early stage in both the paramesonephric duct and the mesonephric duct and diminished toward the 8th DW. During the 6th–10th DW, colocalization of Panx1 with alpha smooth actin (aSMA) was found in developing blood vessels. In the postnatal kidney, strong Panx1 immunoreactivity was present in medullary and cortical collecting duct cells, renin-producing cells, and proximal tubules. Very weak Panx1 immunoreactivity was found in certain distal tubule cells and the thin descending limbs of the loop of Henle. Panx1 immunoreactivity was also found in nephrin-immunoreactive podocytes. Panx1 was not colocalized with aSMA immunoreactivity in the vessels of the postnatal human kidney, but it was present in the endothelium. A significant positive correlation was found between Panx1 expression in glomeruli and serum creatinine only in diabetic patients and was not found in the nondiabetic group. The spatiotemporal expression of Panx1 during the early stages of human kidney development supports its possible role in cellular differentiation, migration, and positioning in the developing human kidney. In addition, our data suggest that glomerular Panx1 expression is a potential indicator of worsening renal function in patients with type 2 diabetes.
PNC-27, a Chimeric p53-Penetratin Peptide Binds to HDM-2 in a p53 Peptide-like Structure, Induces Selective Membrane-Pore Formation and Leads to Cancer Cell Lysis
Authors: Sarafraz-Yazdi Ehsan , Mumin Stephen , Cheung Diana , Fridman Daniel , Lin Brian , Wong Lawrence , Rosal Ramon , Rudolph Rebecca , Frenkel Matthew , Thadi Anusha , Morano William F. , Bowne Wilbur B. , Pincus Matthew R. , Michl Josef
Published: April 2022

PNC-27, a 32-residue peptide that contains an HDM-2 binding domain and a cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) leader sequence kills cancer, but not normal, cells by binding to HDM-2 associated with the plasma membrane and induces the formation of pores causing tumor cell lysis and necrosis. Conformational energy calculations on the structure of PNC-27 bound to HDM-2 suggest that 1:1 complexes form between PNC-27 and HDM-2 with the leader sequence pointing away from the complex. Immuno-scanning electron microscopy was carried out with cancer cells treated with PNC-27 and decorated with an anti-PNC-27 antibody coupled to 6 nm gold particles and an anti-HDM-2 antibody linked to 15 nm gold particles. We found multiple 6 nm- and 15 nm-labeled gold particles in approximately 1:1 ratios in layered ring-shaped structures in the pores near the cell surface suggesting that these complexes are important to the pore structure. No pores formed in the control, PNC-27-treated untransformed fibroblasts. Based on the theoretical and immuno-EM studies, we propose that the pores are lined by PNC-27 bound to HDM-2 at the membrane surface with the PNC-27 leader sequence lining the pores or by PNC-27 bound to HDM-2.
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor as a Potential Biomarker of Neuroinflammation and Frontal Cognitive Impairment in Patients with Alcohol Use Disorder
Authors: Requena-Ocaña Nerea , Flores-Lopez María , Papaseit Esther , García-Marchena Nuria , Ruiz Juan Jesús , Ortega-Pinazo Jesús , Serrano Antonia , Pavón-Morón Francisco Javier , Farré Magí , Suarez Juan , Rodríguez de Fonseca Fernando , Araos Pedro
Published: April 2022

(1) Background: Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is associated with functional disruption of several brain structures that may trigger cognitive dysfunction. One of the mechanisms of alcohol-associated cognitive impairment has been proposed to arise from its direct impact on the immune system, which culminates in the release of cytokines and chemokines which can eventually reach the brain. Alcohol can also disrupt the blood–brain barrier, facilitating the penetration of pro-inflammatory molecules throughout vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA). Thus, alcohol-induced alterations in chemokines and VEGFA might contribute to the neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment associated with AUD. (2) Methods: The present cross-sectional study investigates whether patients with AUD (n = 86) present cognitive disability associated to alterations in plasma concentration of SDF-1, fractalkine, eotaxin, MCP-1, MIP-1α and VEGFA when compared to control subjects (n = 51). (3) Results: The analysis indicated that SDF-1 and MCP-1 concentrations were higher in AUD patients than in controls. Concentrations of VEGFA were higher in AUD patients with severe frontal deficits, and the score of frontal lobe functions was negatively correlated with VEGFA and fractalkine. Acute alcohol effects on VEGFA plasma levels in healthy volunteers demonstrated the induction of VEGFA release by heavy alcohol drinking. VEGFA was positively correlated with pro-inflammatory chemokines in AUD patients with frontal cognitive impairment. (4) Conclusions: we propose VEGFA/chemokine monitoring as biomarkers of potential cognitive impairment in AUD patients.
PET/MRI in the Presurgical Evaluation of Patients with Epilepsy: A Concordance Analysis
Authors: Borbély Katalin , Emri Miklós , Kenessey István , Tóth Márton , Singer Júlia , Barsi Péter , Vajda Zsolt , Pál Endre , Tóth Zoltán , Beyer Thomas , Dóczi Tamás , Bajzik Gábor , Fabó Dániel , Janszky József , Jordán Zsófia , Fajtai Dániel , Kelemen Anna , Juhos Vera , Wintermark Max , Nagy Ferenc , Moizs Mariann , Nagy Dávid , Lückl János , Repa Imre
Published: April 2022

The aim of our prospective study was to evaluate the clinical impact of hybrid [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging ([18F]-FDG PET/MRI) on the decision workflow of epileptic patients with discordant electroclinical and MRI data. A novel mathematical model was introduced for a clinical concordance calculation supporting the classification of our patients by subgroups of clinical decisions. Fifty-nine epileptic patients with discordant clinical and diagnostic results or MRI negativity were included in this study. The diagnostic value of the PET/MRI was compared to other modalities of presurgical evaluation (e.g., electroclinical data, PET, and MRI). The results of the population-level statistical analysis of the introduced data fusion technique and concordance analysis demonstrated that this model could be the basis for the development of a more accurate clinical decision support parameter in the future. Therefore, making the establishment of “invasive” (operable and implantable) and “not eligible for any further invasive procedures” groups could be much more exact. Our results confirmed the relevance of PET/MRI with the diagnostic algorithm of presurgical evaluation. The introduction of a concordance analysis could be of high importance in clinical and surgical decision-making in the management of epileptic patients. Our study corroborated previous findings regarding the advantages of hybrid PET/MRI technology over MRI and electroclinical data.
The Challenge Arising from New Knowledge about Immune and Inflammatory Skin Diseases: Where We Are Today and Where We Are Going
Authors: Campanati Anna , Martina Emanuela , Offidani Annamaria
Published: April 2022

Skin is the widest and most accessible organ of the human body, and among its functions, the immunological one has been one of the most intriguing and investigated during the last 10 years; so, inflammatory and immune-mediated skin diseases (s-IMID) are considered as useful models to understand which physiopathological pathways are implicated in Th1, Th2, Th17, and Th22 inflammatory diseases [...]
Passivated Impedimetric Sensors for Immobilization-Free Pathogen Detection by Isothermal Amplification and Melt Curve Analysis
Authors: Steinmaßl Matthias , Boudaden Jamila , Edgü Güven , Freund Lena Julie , Meyer Simon , Mordehay Noa , Soto Melissa , Endres Hanns-Erik , Muth Jost , Prüfer Dirk , Lerch Wilfried , Kutter Christoph
Published: April 2022

The ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic demonstrates that the capacity of centralized clinical diagnosis laboratories represents a significant limiting factor in the global fight against the newly emerged virus. Scaling up these capacities also requires simple and robust methods for virus diagnosis to be easily driven by untrained personnel in a point-of-care (POC) environment. The use of impedance sensors reduces the complexity and costs of diagnostic instruments and increases automation of diagnosis processes. We present an impedance point-of-care system (IMP-POCS) that uses interdigitated electrodes surrounded by an integrated heating meander to monitor loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) and melt curve analysis (MCA) consecutively in a short time. MCA permits distinguishing false- from true-positive results and significantly raises the validity of pathogen detection. Conclusively, the herein-developed miniaturized total analysis system (µTAS) represents a powerful and promising tool for providing reliable, low-cost alternatives to standard clinical diagnosis.
Detection and Quantification of Immunoregulatory miRNAs in Human Milk and Infant Milk Formula
Authors: Vélez-Ixta Juan Manuel , Benítez-Guerrero Tizziani , Aguilera-Hernández Arlene , Martínez-Corona Helga , Corona-Cervantes Karina , Juárez-Castelán Carmen Josefina , Rangel-Calvillo Martín Noé , García-Mena Jaime
Published: April 2022

Mammary gland secretory cells produce miRNA-rich milk. In humans, these miRNAs reach infant/neonate bloodstream, playing diverse roles, like neural system development, metabolism, and immune system maturation. Notwithstanding, still few works explore human milk miRNA content, and there are no reports at the population level. Our hypothesis was that miR-146b-5p, miR148a-3p, miR155-5p, mir181a-5p, and mir200a-3p immunoregulatory miRNAs are expressed in human colostrum/milk at a higher level than infant milk formulae. The aim of this work was to evaluate the expression of the five immunoregulatory miRNAs in human milk and compare it with their expression in infant milk formula. For this purpose, miRNA relative expression was measured by qPCR in cDNA prepared from total RNA extracted from sixty human colostrum/milk samples and six different formulae. The comparative Cт method 2−ΔCт using exogenous cel-miR-39 as internal control was employed, followed by statistical analysis. We found the relative expression levels of miRNAs are comparable among colostrum/milk samples, and these miRNAs are present in infant milk formulae but at very low concentrations. We conclude that the relative expression of the immunomodulatory miRNAs is comparable in all the human colostrum/milk samples and is higher than the expression in formulae.
Inter-Individual Variability in tDCS Effects: A Narrative Review on the Contribution of Stable, Variable, and Contextual Factors
Authors: Vergallito Alessandra , Feroldi Sarah , Pisoni Alberto , Romero Lauro Leonor J.
Published: April 2022

Due to its safety, portability, and cheapness, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) use largely increased in research and clinical settings. Despite tDCS’s wide application, previous works pointed out inconsistent and low replicable results, sometimes leading to extreme conclusions about tDCS’s ineffectiveness in modulating behavioral performance across cognitive domains. Traditionally, this variability has been linked to significant differences in the stimulation protocols across studies, including stimulation parameters, target regions, and electrodes montage. Here, we reviewed and discussed evidence of heterogeneity emerging at the intra-study level, namely inter-individual differences that may influence the response to tDCS within each study. This source of variability has been largely neglected by literature, being results mainly analyzed at the group level. Previous research, however, highlighted that only a half—or less—of studies’ participants could be classified as responders, being affected by tDCS in the expected direction. Stable and variable inter-individual differences, such as morphological and genetic features vs. hormonal/exogenous substance consumption, partially account for this heterogeneity. Moreover, variability comes from experiments’ contextual elements, such as participants’ engagement/baseline capacity and individual task difficulty. We concluded that increasing knowledge on inter-dividual differences rather than undermining tDCS effectiveness could enhance protocols’ efficiency and reproducibility.
Processing Aspectual Agreement in a Language with Limited Morphological Inflection by Second Language Learners: An ERP Study of Mandarin Chinese
Authors: Hao Yuxin , Duan Xun , Yan Qiuyue
Published: April 2022

Previous studies on the neural cognitive mechanisms of aspectual processing in second language (L2) learners have focused on Indo-European languages with rich inflectional morphology. These languages have aspects which are equipped with inflected verb forms combined with auxiliary or modal verbs. Meanwhile, little attention has been paid to Mandarin Chinese, which has limited morphological inflection, and its aspect is equipped with aspectual particles (e.g., le, zhe, guo). The present study explores the neurocognitive mechanism of Mandarin Chinese aspect processing among two groups of late Mandarin Chinese proficient learners with Thai (with Mandarin Chinese-like aspect markers) and Indonesian (lack of Mandarin Chinese-like aspect markers) as their first language (L1). We measured event-related potentials (ERPs) time locked to the aspect marker le in two different conditions (the aspect violation sentences and the correct sentences). A triphasic ELAN-LAN-P600 effect was produced by the Mandarin Chinese native speakers. However, there was no ELAN and LAN in Indonesian native speakers and Thai native speakers, except a 300–500 ms negativity widely distributed in the right hemisphere and P600-like effect. This suggests that both groups of Mandarin Chinese learners cannot reach the same level as Mandarin Chinese native speakers to process Mandarin Chinese aspect information, probably due to the complex feature of Mandarin Chinese aspect maker, the participants’ L2 proficiency and age of L2 acquisition.
Moral Foundational Framing and Its Impact on Attitudes and Behaviours
Authors: Mobayed Tamim , Sanders Jet G.
Published: April 2022

This preregistered, randomized controlled experiment attempts to distil the effects of Moral Foundational Framing on attitudes and behaviours towards refugees in the UK. First, moral foundations were found to robustly predict both attitudes and behaviours practised towards refugees. Next, a degree of support was found for the effectiveness of moral foundational framing in adjusting attitudes, but not behaviour, toward refugees in the UK. Individuals who scored highly on certain morals were susceptible to influence by moral foundational framing, but not always in ways that may have been expected. We conclude that the robust relationship found between moral foundations and attitudes towards refugees stresses the importance of actively shaping moral foundations. This notion is strengthened by the comparatively less robust effects of framing. Findings could be used to inform the practice of individuals interested in influencing opinion and behaviour, particularly in support of refugee acceptance.
Graphite Tailings’ Effects on Mechanical and Physical Properties of Eco-Efficient Steel Fiber-Reinforced Concrete
Authors: Liu Hongbo , Duan Hourui , Gao Hongshuai , Wang Zhongrui , Zhang Jing
Published: April 2022

As impacted by environmental concerns and the demand for high-strength concrete, novel ideas of the development of eco-efficient, steel fiber-reinforced concrete have been proposed. In this study, the aim is to develop a type of eco-efficient steel fiber-reinforced concrete with graphite tailings and steel fiber. Steel fibers act as a type of concrete toughening material, and graphite tailings serve as a partially alternated aggregate to sand. Mechanical properties exhibited by the concrete are assessed based on different volume fractions of graphite tailings (i.e., 0%, 10% and 20%). The concrete mixture proportion is determined in accordance with the theory of particle densely packing, and the concrete mechanical properties are more specifically studied by performing compressive and flexural tests. As indicated by the results, the maximal mixed bulk density of graphite tailings at different grades is greater than that of sand, so concrete with graphite tailings exhibits higher compressive strength. For the content of graphite tailings, the addition of graphite tailings impacts the interfacial adhesion between aggregates and cementing matrix, thereby inhibiting bifurcation and convergence of cracks. However, excessive mixing of graphite tailings would decrease the specimen’s effective water-to-binder ratio (W/B), thereby adversely affecting the internal structure of the concrete. The amount of graphite tailings impacts the distribution of steel fibers at the concrete interface, which could be the most conducive to the distribution of steel fibers under the graphite tailings’ content of 10%. This study demonstrates that graphite tailings and steel fibers are feasible to prepare eco-efficient, steel fiber-reinforced concrete.
HBIM Methodology to Achieve a Balance between Protection and Habitability: The Case Study of the Monastery of Santa Clara in Belalcazar, Spain
Authors: Millán-Millán Pablo Manuel , Cabeza-Lainez Joseph
Published: April 2022

The different technical and legal tools intended for heritage protection have augmented the possibilities to acknowledge important monumental complexes. However, a contrast lies in the artistic contexts in which, due to the consolidation of their programmatic typology, such monuments require habitation, unlike more conventional monuments. This article collects the results of an accurate investigation conducted by the authors, whose main objective was to obtain a tool that allows consistent measurement of different indicators in which both the protection of the elements, and the capacity for habitation, are safeguarded. To this aim, we contextualized the research at the Monastery of Santa Clara de la Columna in Belalcázar (Córdoba), a monastery with the highest heritage protection in Spain, and which, in turn, accommodates a religious community. The results have allowed us, for the first time in Andalucia, to define objective habitability parameters, within protected heritage contexts.
Towards a LCA Database for the Planning and Design of Zero-Emissions Neighborhoods
Authors: Skaar Christofer , Lausselet Carine , Bergsdal Håvard , Brattebø Helge
Published: April 2022

The integration of science-based knowledge on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions into practice-based neighborhood design and planning is key to inform and implement climate mitigation strategies. LCA is a method that is commonly used to provide objective and science-based information on the environmental impacts of specified systems or products. To use a LCA methodology at neighborhood scale is in turn dependent on the development of a common structure for life cycle inventory data. Such a LCA database does not operate on its own, but functions as a structured source of relevant high-quality data inputs linked to other different analytical tools. The aim of this study is to analyze the needs and requirements and provide a foundation for a LCA database at neighborhood scale that can provide users with an interface to find and access life cycle data in the users’ preferred format. The result of this study is the outline of the foundations of a user-centric LCA database for neighborhoods, including several sub-systems (buildings, infrastructure, mobility, and energy supply). Recommendations are given in the Conclusions Section to provide harmonized decision support on reducing GHG emissions at local levels in the planning and design of urban development projects at the neighborhood scale.