bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intelligent Diagnosis of Rotating Machinery Based on Optimized Adaptive Learning Dictionary and 1DCNN
Authors: Wang Hongchao , Liu Chuang , Du Wenliao , Wang Shuangyuan
Published: November 2021

In the intelligent fault diagnosis of rotating machinery, it is difficult to extract early weak fault impact features of rotating machinery under the interference of strong background noise, which makes the accuracy of fault identification low. In order to effectively identify the early faults of rotating machinery, an intelligent fault diagnosis method of rotating machinery based on an optimized adaptive learning dictionary and one-dimensional convolution neural network (1DCNN) is proposed in this paper. First of all, based on the original signal, a redundant dictionary with impact components is constructed by K-singular value decomposition (K-SVD), and the sparse coefficients are solved by an optimized orthogonal matching pursuit (OMP) algorithm. The sparse representation of fault impact features is realized, and the reconstructed signal with a concise fault impact feature structure is obtained. Secondly, the reconstructed signal is normalized, and the experimental dataset is divided into samples. Finally, the training set is input into the 1DCNN model for model training, and the test set is input into the trained model for classification and detection to complete the intelligent fault classification diagnosis of rotating machinery. This method is applied to the fault diagnosis of bearing data of Case Western Reserve University and worm gear reducer data of Shanghai University of Technology. Compared with other methods and models, the results show that the diagnosis method proposed in this paper can achieve higher diagnosis accuracy and better generalization ability than other diagnosis models under different datasets.
Intensity of Physical Activity in Physical Education Classes and School Recesses and Its Associations with Body Mass Index and Global Fitness Score in Spanish Schoolchildren
Authors: López-Gil José Francisco , Cavero-Redondo Iván , Tárraga-López Pedro Juan , de Camargo Edina Maria , Sequí-Domínguez Irene , Yuste Lucas Juan Luis , Renato Cavichiolli Fernando , García-Hermoso Antonio
Published: December 2021

Background: Examining the association between excess weight or physical fitness and intensity of physical activity (PA) during Physical Education (PE) classes or school recesses and in children could be of great interest and importance, especially for future intervention programs or public policies related to PA. The aim of this study was to explore the association between intensity of PA in PE classes or school recesses and excess weight or global physical fitness in a sample of Spanish schoolchildren. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study in the Valle de Ricote (Region of Murcia, Spain). A final sample of 350 Spanish schoolchildren between 6 and 13 years of age was included from six different schools. Intensity of PA during PE classes and recesses was assessed by the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C). To assess physical fitness, the extended ALPHA fitness test battery was used. Body mass index (z-score) was calculated following the age- and sex-specific thresholds of the World Health Organization. Results: Both body mass index (z-score) and Global Fitness Score (z-score) were lower in schoolchildren engaging in high intensity of PA in both PE lessons and school (p < 0.05 for all). Lower odds of having excess weight were found in those who reported high intensity of PA in both PE classes and school recesses (OR = 0.54; CI 95%, 0.30–0.96). In these same participants, higher odds of being in the high Global Fitness Score tertile were found (OR = 1.96; CI 95%, 1.01–3.85). Conclusions: Our study showed that higher intensity of PA in PE classes and school recesses was associated with lower excess weight and higher global physical fitness.
Development of a Motorized Hospital Bed with Swerve Drive Modules for Holonomic Mobility
Authors: Dhelika Radon , Hadi Ali Fajar , Yusuf Prasandhya Astagiri
Published: December 2021

In hospitals; transferring patients using hospital beds is time consuming and inefficient. Additionally; the task of frequently pushing and pulling beds poses physical injury risks to nurses and caregivers. Motorized hospital beds with holonomic mobility have been previously proposed. However; most such beds come with complex drivetrain which makes them costly and hinders larger-scale adoption in hospitals. In this study; a motorized hospital bed that utilizes a swerve drive mechanism is proposed. The design takes into account simplicity which would allow for minimum modification of the existing beds. Two DC motors for steering and propulsion are used for a single swerve drive module. The control of the propulsion motor is achieved by a combination of trajectory planning based on quintic polynomials and PID control. Further; the control performance of the proposed bed was evaluated; and the holonomic mobility of its prototype was successfully demonstrated. An average error of less than 3% was obtained for motion with a constant velocity; however; larger values in the range of 15% were observed for other conditions, such as accelerating and decelerating.
Two-Phase Non-Newtonian Pulsatile Blood Flow Simulations in a Rigid and Flexible Patient-Specific Left Coronary Artery (LCA) Exhibiting Multi-Stenosis
Authors: Athani Abdulgaphur , Ghazali Nik Nazri Nik , Badruddin Irfan Anjum , Usmani Abdullah Y. , Kamangar Sarfaraz , Anqi Ali E. , Ahammad Nandalur Ameer
Published: December 2021

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is stated as one of the most common causes of death all over the world. This article explores the influence of multi stenosis in a flexible and rigid left coronary artery (LCA) model using a multiphase blood flow system which has not yet been studied. Two-way fluid–solid interaction (FSI) is employed to achieve flow within the flexible artery model. A realistic three-dimensional model of multi-stenosed LCA was reconstructed based on computerized tomography (CT) images. The fluid domain was solved using a finite volume-based commercial software (FLUENT 2020). The fluid (blood) and solid (wall) domains were fully coupled by using the ANSYS Fluid-Structure Interaction solver. The maximum pressure drops, and wall shear stress was determined across the sever stenosis (90% AS). The higher region of displacement occurs at the pre-stenosis area compared to the other area of the left coronary artery model. An increase in blood flow velocity across the restricted regions (stenosis) in the LCA was observed, whereas the recirculation zone at the post-stenosis and bifurcation regions was noted. An overestimation of hemodynamic descriptors for the rigid models was found as compared to the FSI models.
A Predictive Pedestrian Crash Model Based on Artificial Intelligence Techniques
Authors: Meocci Monica , Branzi Valentina , Martini Giulia , Arrighi Roberto , Petrizzo Irene
Published: December 2021

Every year in Italy, there are about 20,000 road accidents involving pedestrians, with a significant number of injuries and deaths. Out of these, about 30% occur at pedestrian crossings, where pedestrians should be protected the most. Here, we propose a new accident prediction model to improve pedestrian safety assessments that allows us to accurately identify the sites with the largest potential safety improvements and define the best treatments to be applied. The accident prediction model was developed using the ISTAT dataset, including information about the fatal and injurious crashes that occurred in Italy in a 5-year period. The model allowed us to estimate the risk level of a road section through a machine-learning approach. Gradient Boosting seems to be an appropriate tool to fit classification models for its flexibility that allows us to capture non-linear relationships that would be difficult to detect via a classical approach. The results show the ability of the model to perform an accurate analysis of the sites included in the dataset. The locations analyzed have been classified based on the potential risk in the following three classes: High, medium, and low. The proposed model represents a solid and reliable tool for practitioners to perform accident analysis with pedestrian involvement.
MiR-486-3p and MiR-938—Important Inhibitors of Pacemaking Ion Channels and/or Markers of Immune Cells
Authors: Aminu Abimbola J , Petkova Maria , Chen Weixuan , Yin Zeyuan , Kuzmin Vlad S , Atkinson Andrew J , Dobrzynski Halina
Published: December 2021

The sinus node (SN) is the heart’s primary pacemaker and has a unique expression of pacemaking ion channels and immune cell markers. The role of microribonucleic acids (miRNAs) in control of ion channels and immune function of the sinus node is not well understood. We have recently shown that hsa-miR-486-3p downregulates the main pacemaking channel HCN4 in the SN. In addition, we recently demonstrated that immune cells are significantly more abundant in the SN compared to the right atrium. The aim of this study was to validate the previously predicted interactions between miRNAs and mRNAs of key Ca2+ ion channels (involved in peacemaking) and mRNA of TPSAB1—(a mast cells marker) using luciferase assay. We now show that miR-486 significantly downregulates Cav1.3, Cav3.1, and TPSAB1-mediated luciferase activity, while miR-938 significantly downregulates only TPSAB1-mediated luciferase activity. This makes miR-486-3p a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of SN dysfunctions.
Preharvest Foliar Salicylic Acid Sprays Reduce Cracking of Fig Fruit at Harvest
Authors: Karantzi Athanasia D. , Kafkaletou Mina , Tsaniklidis Giorgios , Bai Jinhe , Christopoulos Miltiadis V. , Fanourakis Dimitrios , Tsantili Eleni
Published: December 2021

Peel cracking and ostiole-end splitting (collectively termed cracking) are common disorders in ripe fig fruit, downgrading fruit quality and thus limiting marketability. This two-year field study addressed the possibility of alleviating cracking at harvest by two foliar salicylic acid (SA) sprays prior to harvest (8 and 5 d). Three SA concentrations (0, 1, and 2 mM) were employed in the first year, and based on the obtained results two (0 and 2 mM) in the second year. A local variety (‘Vasilika’) with excellent organoleptic profile, and high sensitivity to cracking was evaluated. Fruit was harvested at commercial maturity. Fruit marketability was mainly based on the incidence and severity of cracking. Fruit weight, peel color, flesh total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), and pH were estimated for fig quality. The contents of total anthocyanins (TAN), cyanidin-3-rutinoside (c-3-rut; the major anthocyanin in fig), and the expression of four genes coding for regulatory enzymes (phenylalanine ammonia lyase, anthocyanidin synthase, UDP-flavonoid glucosyl transferase 1, and UDP-flavonoid glucosyl transferase 2) of the phenylpropanoid biosynthetic pathway were also determined in the peel. Preharvest SA application (2 mM) increased the percentage of fruit without cracking (sound fruit) by 1.4–2.6-fold, and of marketable fruit (sound and slightly cracked) by 2-fold. SA application (2 mM) was associated with increased flesh TSS and TA, as well as with decreased flesh pH and peel red coloration in stripe. The treatment (2 mM SA) decreased both TAN and c-3-rut contents, which were highly associated (r = 0.978). Responses of transcription level of the four genes to SA application varied, and did not correlate with the other variables in the study. In conclusion, SA appears to be a low-cost and environmentally-safe agent for improving fig fruit quality and marketability, and facilitates harvesting and postharvest management of figs.
Linen Boxes and Slices: Raoul De Keyser and American Modernism in Belgium in the 1960s and 1970s
Authors: Jacobs Steven
Published: November 2021

Before his international breakthrough shortly before the turn of the century, Belgian painter Raoul De Keyser (1930–2012) had a long career that reaches back to the 1960s, when he was associated with Roger Raveel and the so-called Nieuwe Visie (New Vision in Dutch), Belgium’s variation on postwar figurative painting that also entails Anglo-Saxon Pop Art and French nouveau réalisme. Dealing with De Keyser’s works of the 1960s and 1970s, this article discusses the reception of American late-modernist art currents such as Color-Field Painting, Hard Edge, Pop Art, and Minimal Art in Belgium. Drawing on contemporaneous reflections (by, among others, poet and critic Roland Jooris) as well as on recently resurfaced materials from the artist’s personal archives, this essay focuses on the ways innovations associated with these American trends were appropriated by De Keyser, particularly in the production of his so-called Linen Boxes and Slices. Made between 1967 and 1971, Linen Boxes and Slices are paintings that evolved into three-dimensional objects, free-standing on the floor or leaning against the wall. Apart from situating these constructions in De Keyser’s oeuvre, this article interprets Linen Boxes and Slices as particular variations on Pop Art’s fascination for consumer items and on Minimalism’s interest in the spatial and material aspects of “specific objects”.
Human Psychophysiology Is Influenced by Low-Level Magnetic Fields: Solar Activity as the Cause
Authors: Hanzelka Michael , Dan Jiří , Fiala Pavel , Dohnal Přemysl
Published: December 2021

We evaluate the impact of changes in solar activity on three significant human psychophysiological parameters: skin conductance, electromyography (EMG), and the share of abdominal and diaphragmatic breathing in overall ventilation. Variations affecting human psychophysiology due to changes in solar activity directly document the assertion that psychology, behavior, and decision-making all reflect geomagnetic field alterations that stem from variable solar activity. The relevant experiments showed that solar processes, during which the Earth is exposed to electrically charged particles from the Sun (solar wind), exert an impact on the psychophysiological parameters of the body.
Health Risk Assessment of Toxic and Harmful Air Pollutants Discharged by a Petrochemical Company in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region of China
Authors: Zhu Tao , Li Furong , Niu Wenfeng , Gao Zijun , Han Yiwei , Zhang Xing
Published: December 2021

Monitoring of toxic and hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) in a petrochemical company in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region of China to assess the impact of HAPs on the health risks of workers in the petrochemical company. The samples were tested by solid-phase adsorption thermal desorption/gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HJ734-2014), and the pollutant emission list was obtained. According to the pollutant emission inventory, it can be seen that benzene, toluene and xylene are the main components of toxic and harmful air pollutants emitted by the petrochemical enterprise. The method of combining actual monitoring and CALPUFF model prediction was used to evaluate the impact of the toxic and harmful air pollutants emitted by the enterprise on the health of workers. The risk characterization results show that when benzene is the maximum concentration value predicted by the model, it will pose a carcinogenic risk to the factory workers. Therefore, based on the results of this study, it is recommended not to allow residents to live within the predicted concentration range of the model. The results of this study can enable China’s oil refining industry to better understand the characteristics of pollutant emissions from petrochemical companies in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. Moreover, the results of this study can be used as a policy basis for improving the health of workers in petrochemical enterprises, and are of great significance to the protection of public health.
Relativistic Configuration-Interaction and Perturbation Theory Calculations for Heavy Atoms
Authors: Savukov Igor M. , Filin Dmytro , Chu Pinghan , Malone Michael W.
Published: December 2021

Heavy atoms present challenges to atomic theory calculations due to the large number of electrons and their complicated interactions. Conventional approaches such as calculations based on Cowan’s code are limited and require a large number of parameters for energy agreement. One promising approach is relativistic configuration-interaction and many-body perturbation theory (CI-MBPT) methods. We present CI-MBPT results for various atomic systems where this approach can lead to reasonable agreement: La I, La II, Th I, Th II, U I, Pu II. Among atomic properties, energies, g-factors, electric dipole moments, lifetimes, hyperfine structure constants, and isotopic shifts are discussed. While in La I and La II accuracy for transitions is better than that obtained with other methods, more work is needed for actinides.
Applying Set Theory
Authors: Shelah Saharon
Published: December 2021

We prove some results in set theory as applied to general topology and model theory. In particular, we study ℵ1-collectionwise Hausdorff, Chang Conjecture for logics with Malitz-Magidor quantifiers and monadic logic of the real line by odd/even Cantor sets.
Drought Tolerance and Application of Marker-Assisted Selection in Sorghum
Authors: Mwamahonje Andekelile , Eleblu John Saviour Yaw , Ofori Kwadwo , Deshpande Santosh , Feyissa Tileye , Tongoona Pangirayi
Published: November 2021

Sorghum is an important staple food crop in drought prone areas of Sub-Saharan Africa, which is characterized by erratic rainfall with poor distribution. Sorghum is a drought-tolerant crop by nature with reasonable yield compared to other cereal crops, but such abiotic stress adversely affects the productivity. Some sorghum varieties maintain green functional leaves under post-anthesis drought stress referred to as stay-green, which makes it an important crop for food and nutritional security. Notwithstanding, it is difficult to maintain consistency of tolerance over time due to climate change, which is caused by human activities. Drought in sorghum is addressed by several approaches, for instance, breeding drought-tolerant sorghum using conventional and molecular technologies. The challenge with conventional methods is that they depend on phenotyping stay-green, which is complex in sorghum, as it is constituted by multiple genes and environmental effects. Marker assisted selection, which involves the use of DNA molecular markers to map QTL associated with stay-green, has been useful to supplement stay-green improvement in sorghum. It involves QTL mapping associated with the stay-green trait for introgression into the senescent sorghum varieties through marker-assisted backcrossing by comparing with phenotypic field data. Therefore, this review discusses mechanisms of drought tolerance in sorghum focusing on physiological, morphological, and biochemical traits. In addition, the review discusses the application of marker-assisted selection techniques, including marker-assisted backcrossing, QTL mapping, and QTL pyramiding for addressing post-flowering drought in sorghum.
Efficacy of Exercise-Based Rehabilitation Programs for Improving Muscle Function and Size in People with Hip Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis
Authors: Rostron Zachary P. J. , Green Rodney A. , Kingsley Michael , Zacharias Anita
Published: December 2021

Objective: To determine the effect of exercise-based rehabilitation programs on hip and knee muscle function and size in people with hip osteoarthritis. Methods: Seven databases were systematically searched in order to identify studies that assessed muscle function (strength or power) and size in people with hip osteoarthritis after exercise-based rehabilitation programs. Studies were screened for eligibility and assessed for quality of evidence using the GRADE approach. Data were pooled, and meta-analyses was completed on 7 of the 11 included studies. Results: Six studies reported hip and/or knee function outcomes, and two reported muscle volumes that could be included in meta-analyses. Meta-analyses were conducted for four strength measures (hip abduction, hip extension, hip flexion, and knee extension) and muscle size (quadriceps femoris volume). For hip abduction, there was a low certainty of evidence with a small important effect (effect size = 0.28, 95% CI = 0.01, 0.54) favouring high-intensity resistance interventions compared to control. There were no other comparisons or overall meta-analyses that identified benefits for hip or knee muscle function or size. Conclusion: High-intensity resistance programs may increase hip abduction strength slightly when compared with a control group. No differences were identified in muscle function or size when comparing a high versus a low intensity group. It is unclear whether strength improvements identified in this review are associated with hypertrophy or other neuromuscular factors.
Role of Intestinal Alkaline Phosphatase in Innate Immunity
Authors: Singh Sudha B. , Lin Henry C.
Published: November 2021

Intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP) is a multi-functional protein that has been demonstrated to primarily protect the gut. The role of IAP in maintaining intestinal homeostasis is underscored by the observation that IAP expression is defective in many gastrointestinal-related disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease IBD, necrotizing enterocolitis, and metabolic syndrome and that exogenous IAP supplementation improves the outcomes associated with these disorders. Additionally, studies using transgenic IAP-knock out (IAP-KO) mouse models further support the importance of the defensive role of IAP in the intestine. Supplementation of exogenous IAP and cellular overexpression of IAP have also been used in vitro to dissect out the downstream mechanisms of this protein in mammalian cell lines. Some of the innate immune functions of IAP include lipopolysaccharide (LPS) detoxification, protection of gut barrier integrity, regulation of gut microbial communities and its anti-inflammatory roles. A novel function of IAP recently identified is the induction of autophagy. Due to its critical role in the gut physiology and its excellent safety profile, IAP has been used in phase 2a clinical trials for treating conditions such as sepsis-associated acute kidney injury. Many excellent reviews discuss the role of IAP in physiology and pathophysiology and here we extend these to include recent updates on this important host defense protein and discuss its role in innate immunity via its effects on bacteria as well as on host cells. We will also discuss the relationship between IAP and autophagy and how these two pathways may act in concert to protect the gut.
Insight into the Double-Edged Role of Ferroptosis in Disease
Authors: Zhang Lei , Jia Ruohan , Li Huizhen , Yu Huarun , Ren Keke , Jia Shuangshuang , Li Yanzhang , Wang Qun
Published: December 2021

Ferroptosis, a newly described type of iron-dependent programmed cell death that is distinct from apoptosis, necroptosis, and other types of cell death, is involved in lipid peroxidation (LP), reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Accumulating evidence has highlighted vital roles for ferroptosis in multiple diseases, including acute kidney injury, cancer, hepatic fibrosis, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. Therefore, ferroptosis has become one of the research hotspots for disease treatment and attracted extensive attention in recent years. This review mainly summarizes the relationship between ferroptosis and various diseases classified by the system, including the urinary system, digestive system, respiratory system, nervous system. In addition, the role and molecular mechanism of multiple inhibitors and inducers for ferroptosis are further elucidated. A deeper understanding of the relationship between ferroptosis and multiple diseases may provide new strategies for researching diseases and drug development based on ferroptosis.
A Use of Tritium-Labeled Peat Fulvic Acids and Polyphenolic Derivatives for Designing Pharmacokinetic Experiments on Mice
Authors: Badun Gennady A. , Chernysheva Maria G. , Zhernov Yury V. , Poroshina Alina S. , Smirnov Valery V. , Pigarev Sergey E. , Mikhnevich Tatiana A. , Volkov Dmitry S. , Perminova Irina V. , Fedoros Elena I.
Published: November 2021

Natural products (e.g., polyphenols) have been used as biologically active compounds for centuries. Still, the mechanisms of biological activity of these multicomponent systems are poorly understood due to a lack of appropriate experimental techniques. The method of tritium thermal bombardment allows for non-selective labeling and tracking of all components of complex natural systems. In this study, we applied it to label two well-characterized polyphenolic compounds, peat fulvic acid (FA-Vi18) and oxidized lignin derivative (BP-Cx-1), of predominantly hydrophilic and hydrophobic character, respectively. The identity of the labeled samples was confirmed using size exclusion chromatography. Using ultra-high resolution Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT ICR MS), key differences in the molecular composition of BP-Cx-1 and FA-Vi18 were revealed. The labeled samples ([3H]-FA-Vi18 (10 mg/kg) and [3H]-BP-Cx-1 (100 mg/kg)) were administered to female BALB/c mice intravenously (i.v.) and orally. The label distribution was assessed in blood, liver, kidneys, brain, spleen, thymus, ovaries, and heart using liquid scintillation counting. Tritium label was found in all organs studied at different concentrations. For the fulvic acid sample, the largest accumulation was observed in the kidney (Cmax 28.5 mg/kg and 5.6 mg/kg, respectively) for both routes. The organs of preferential accumulation of the lignin derivative were the liver (Cmax accounted for 396.7 and 16.13 mg/kg for i.v. and p.o. routes, respectively) and kidney (Cmax accounted for 343.3 and 17.73 mg/kg for i.v. and p.o. routes, respectively). Our results demonstrate that using the tritium labeling technique enabled successful pharmacokinetic studies on polyphenolic drugs with very different molecular compositions. It proved to be efficient for tissue distribution studies. It was also shown that the dosage of the polyphenolic drug might be lower than 10 mg/kg due to the sensitivity of the 3H detection technique.
Computational Study on Potential Novel Anti-Ebola Virus Protein VP35 Natural Compounds
Authors: Darko Louis K. S. , Broni Emmanuel , Amuzu Dominic S. Y. , Wilson Michael D. , Parry Christian S. , Kwofie Samuel K.
Published: November 2021

Ebola virus (EBOV) is one of the most lethal pathogens that can infect humans. The Ebola viral protein VP35 (EBOV VP35) inhibits host IFN-α/β production by interfering with host immune responses to viral invasion and is thus considered as a plausible drug target. The aim of this study was to identify potential novel lead compounds against EBOV VP35 using computational techniques in drug discovery. The 3D structure of the EBOV VP35 with PDB ID: 3FKE was used for molecular docking studies. An integrated library of 7675 African natural product was pre-filtered using ADMET risk, with a threshold of 7 and, as a result, 1470 ligands were obtained for the downstream molecular docking using AutoDock Vina, after an energy minimization of the protein via GROMACS. Five known inhibitors, namely, amodiaquine, chloroquine, gossypetin, taxifolin and EGCG were used as standard control compounds for this study. The area under the curve (AUC) value, evaluating the docking protocol obtained from the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, generated was 0.72, which was considered to be acceptable. The four identified potential lead compounds of NANPDB4048, NANPDB2412, ZINC000095486250 and NANPDB2476 had binding affinities of −8.2, −8.2, −8.1 and −8.0 kcal/mol, respectively, and were predicted to possess desirable antiviral activity including the inhibition of RNA synthesis and membrane permeability, with the probable activity (Pa) being greater than the probable inactivity (Pi) values. The predicted anti-EBOV inhibition efficiency values (IC50), found using a random forest classifier, ranged from 3.35 to 11.99 μM, while the Ki values ranged from 0.97 to 1.37 μM. The compounds NANPDB4048 and NANPDB2412 had the lowest binding energy of −8.2 kcal/mol, implying a higher binding affinity to EBOV VP35 which was greater than those of the known inhibitors. The compounds were predicted to possess a low toxicity risk and to possess reasonably good pharmacological profiles. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the protein–ligand complexes, lasting 50 ns, and molecular mechanisms Poisson-Boltzmann surface area (MM-PBSA) calculations corroborated the binding affinities of the identified compounds and identified novel critical interacting residues. The antiviral potential of the molecules could be confirmed experimentally, while the scaffolds could be optimized for the design of future novel anti-EBOV chemotherapeutics.
Zonal-Layered Chondrocyte Sheets for Repairment of Full-Thickness Articular Cartilage Defect: A Mini-Pig Model
Authors: Shen Po-Chih , Lu Cheng-Chang , Chou Shih-Hsiang , Liu Zi-Miao , Su Shu-Jem , Tien Yin-Chun
Published: December 2021

The cell sheet technique is a promising approach for tissue engineering, and the present study is aimed to determine a better configuration of cell sheets for cartilage repair. For stratified chondrocyte sheets (S-CS), articular chondrocytes isolated from superficial, middle, and deep zones were stacked accordingly. Heterogeneous chondrocyte sheets (H-CS) were obtained by mixing zonal chondrocytes. The expressions of chondrocytes, cytokine markers, and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) production were assessed in an in vitro assay. The curative effect was investigated in an in vivo porcine osteochondral defect model. The S-CS showed a higher cell viability, proliferation rate, expression of chondrogenic markers, secretion of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase, and GAG production level than the H-CS group. The expressions of ECM destruction enzyme and proinflammatory cytokines were lower in the S-CS group. In the mini-pigs articular cartilage defect model, the S-CS group had a higher International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) macroscopic score and displayed a zonal structure that more closely resembled the native cartilage than those implanted with the H-CS. Our study demonstrated that the application of the S-CS increased the hyaline cartilage formation and improved the surgical outcome of chondrocyte implication, offering a better tissue engineering strategy for treating articular cartilage defects.
How to Perform a Microfluidic Cultivation Experiment—A Guideline to Success
Authors: Täuber Sarah , Schmitz Julian , Blöbaum Luisa , Fante Niklas , Steinhoff Heiko , Grünberger Alexander
Published: November 2021

As a result of the steadily ongoing development of microfluidic cultivation (MC) devices, a plethora of setups is used in biological laboratories for the cultivation and analysis of different organisms. Because of their biocompatibility and ease of fabrication, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-glass-based devices are most prominent. Especially the successful and reproducible cultivation of cells in microfluidic systems, ranging from bacteria over algae and fungi to mammalians, is a fundamental step for further quantitative biological analysis. In combination with live-cell imaging, MC devices allow the cultivation of small cell clusters (or even single cells) under defined environmental conditions and with high spatio-temporal resolution. Yet, most setups in use are custom made and only few standardised setups are available, making trouble-free application and inter-laboratory transfer tricky. Therefore, we provide a guideline to overcome the most frequently occurring challenges during a MC experiment to allow untrained users to learn the application of continuous-flow-based MC devices. By giving a concise overview of the respective workflow, we give the reader a general understanding of the whole procedure and its most common pitfalls. Additionally, we complement the listing of challenges with solutions to overcome these hurdles. On selected case studies, covering successful and reproducible growth of cells in MC devices, we demonstrate detailed solutions to solve occurring challenges as a blueprint for further troubleshooting. Since developer and end-user of MC devices are often different persons, we believe that our guideline will help to enhance a broader applicability of MC in the field of life science and eventually promote the ongoing advancement of MC.
The Impact of Study Mode (Online vs. Hybrid) on Early Symptoms of Depression and Coping Strategies among University Students in Poland in Time of COVID-19 Pandemic—Preliminary Study
Authors: Drelich-Zbroja Anna , Jamroz-Wiśniewska Anna , Kuczyńska Maryla , Zbroja Monika , Cyranka Weronika , Drelich Katarzyna , Pustelniak Olga , Dąbrowska Izabela , Markiewicz Katarzyna
Published: November 2021

Introduction: mental health has been one of the most important issues surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic; mental disorders can be exacerbated by isolation during lockdowns or online learning. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between non-clinical (early) symptoms of depressed moods, personality traits, and coping strategies, as well as whether the learning mode (online versus hybrid) differentiates the experiences of these early symptoms and coping strategies. Methods: 114 university students aged 19 to 34, whose education model was changed from stationary to hybrid or online due to COVID-19 restrictions, participated in the study. The participants completed the online questionnaire, which consisted of two sections: (1) demographic questions to characterize the subjects and 44 questions based on the literature review. (2) Mini-COPE Inventory. Results: the study showed that the fully online study mode has a negative impact on the mental health of students; hybrid students are more likely to use active and positive coping strategies, which effectively help to control negative thoughts and/or reduce negative mental states. Conclusions: the COVID-19 pandemic has had significant psychological effects that will extend to coming years; therefore, implementing systemic psychological care is of utmost importance.
The Perceptual Organisation of Visual Elements: Lines
Authors: Albertazzi Liliana , Canal Luisa , Micciolo Rocco , Hachen Iacopo
Published: November 2021

The aim of this study is to verify the conditions under which a series of visual stimuli (line segments) will be subjectively perceived as visual lines or surfaces employing four experiments. Two experiments were conducted with the method of subjective evaluation of the line segments, and the other two with the Osgood semantic differential. We analysed five variables (thickness, type, orientation, and colour) potentially responsible for the lines’ categorisation. The four experiments gave similar results: higher importance of the variables thickness and type; general lower significance of the variable colour; and general insignificance of the variable orientation. Interestingly, for the variable type, straight lines are evaluated as surfaces more frequently than curved lines and perceived as geometrical, flat, hard, static, rough, sharp, bound, sour, frigid, masculine, cold and passive. Curved lines are prevalently evaluated as lines, and categorised as organic, rounded, soft, dynamic, fluffy, blunt, free, sweet, sensual, feminine, warm and active. These results highlight the specificity of perceptual characteristics for the considered variables and confirm the relevance of the characteristics of variables such as thickness and type.
Neurophysiological Aspects of REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD): A Narrative Review
Authors: Figorilli Michela , Lanza Giuseppe , Congiu Patrizia , Lecca Rosamaria , Casaglia Elisa , Mogavero Maria P. , Puligheddu Monica , Ferri Raffaele
Published: December 2021

REM sleep without atonia (RSWA) is the polysomnographic (PSG) hallmark of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (RBD), a feature essential for the diagnosis of this condition. Several additional neurophysiological aspects of this complex disorder have also recently been investigated in depth, which constitute the focus of this narrative review, together with RSWA. First, we describe the complex neural network underlying REM sleep and its muscle atonia, focusing on the disordered mechanisms leading to RSWA. RSWA is then described in terms of its polysomnographic features, and the methods (visual and automatic) currently available for its scoring and quantification are exposed and discussed. Subsequently, more recent and advanced neurophysiological features of RBD are described, such as electroencephalography during wakefulness and sleep, transcranial magnetic stimulation, and vestibular evoked myogenic potentials. The role of the assessment of neurophysiological features in the study of RBD is then carefully discussed, highlighting their usefulness and sensitivity in detecting neurodegeneration in the early or prodromal stages of RBD, as well as their relationship with other proposed biomarkers for the diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of this condition. Finally, a future research agenda is proposed to help clarify the many still unclear aspects of RBD.
Dissociated Deficits between Explicit and Implicit Empathetic Pain Perception in Neurofibromatosis Type 1
Authors: Xue Hai , Wu Qiong , Yang Zhijun , Wang Bo , Wang Xingchao , Liu Pinan
Published: December 2021

Cognitive impairments and social-function deficits are severe complaints in neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) patients. Empathetic pain perception may be disrupted in NF1 patients because of high-level cognitive deficits. This study investigated the empathy profiles of adult patients with NF1, especially concerning whether explicit and implicit empathetic pain perception are abnormal in this population. We examined empathetic pain perception through a paradigm based on perceiving another person’s pain; in this task, patients were required to make judgments about the presence of pain or the laterality of the body part, as shown in a picture. Twenty NF1 patients without obvious social or communication difficulties completed the task, and the results were compared with results from the normal controls (NCs). Regarding explicit empathetic pain processing, i.e., judging the presence of “pain” or “no pain”, there were no significant differences between patients and controls in accuracy or reaction time. However, in implicit empathetic processing, i.e., judging the laterality of “pain” or “no-pain” pictures, NF1 patients had significantly lower accuracy (p = 0.038) and significantly higher reaction times (p = 0.004) than the NCs. These results were consistent with those of a previous study showing that high-level cognitive deficits were prominent in NF1 patients when performing challenging tasks. The mechanisms and related brain network activity underlying these deficits should receive attention in the future.
Reporting Data on Auditory Brainstem Responses (ABR) in Rats: Recommendations Based on Review of Experimental Protocols and Literature
Authors: Domarecka Ewa , Kalcioglu Mahmut Tayyar , Mutlu Ahmet , Özgür Abdulkadir , Smit Jasper , Olze Heidi , Szczepek Agnieszka J.
Published: December 2021

Research in hearing science is accelerating, and a wealth of data concerning auditory brainstem responses (ABR) in various animal models is published in peer-reviewed journals every year. Recently, we reviewed studies using ABR measurements in tinnitus rat models. We found significant discrepancies in the outcomes of these studies, some due to different research approaches and others due to different methodologies. Thus, the present work aimed to collect comprehensive information on all factors influencing ABR recordings in rats and compile recommendations on ABR data reporting. A questionnaire with queries about animal husbandry, transfer, handling, and the exact test conditions before, during, and after ABR recordings was sent to 125 researchers who published the relevant studies between 2015 and 2021. Eighteen researchers provided detailed answers on factors related to ABR measurements. Based on the analysis of the returned questionnaires, we identified three domains reflecting animal-, equipment-, and experiment-dependent factors that might influence the ABR outcome, thus requiring reporting in published research. The analysis of survey results led to the compilation of recommendations for reporting ABR outcomes supported by a literature review. Following these recommendations should facilitate comparative and meta-analyses of ABR results provided by various research groups.
Emotional Modulation of Episodic Memory in School-Age Children and Adults: An Event-Related Potential Study
Authors: Massol Sarah , Caron Cora , Franck Nicolas , Demily Caroline , Chainay Hanna
Published: December 2021

The Emotional Enhancement of Memory (EEM) has been well-demonstrated in adults, but less is known about EEM in children. The present study tested the impact of emotional valence of pictures on episodic memory using behavioral and neurophysiological measures. Twenty-six 8- to 11-year-old children were tested and compared to 30 young adults. Both groups participated in pictures’ intentional encoding tasks while event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded, followed by immediate free recall tasks. Behavioral results revealed a general EEM in free recall performances in both groups, along with a negativity effect in children. ERP responses revealed a particular sensitivity to negative pictures in children with a late emotion effect at anterior clusters, as well as a greater successful encoding effect for emotional pictures compared to neutral ones. For adults, the emotion effect was more pronounced for positive pictures across all time windows from the centro-parietal to the frontal part, and localized in the left hemisphere. Positive pictures also elicited a greater successful encoding effect at anterior clusters in adults. By combining behavioral and neurophysiological measures to assess the EEM in children compared with adults, our study provides new knowledge concerning the interaction between emotional and memory processes during development.
Developing FEM Procedures for Four-Sided Structural Sealant Glazing Curtain Wall Systems with Reentrant Corners
Authors: Memari Ali M. , Simmons Nicholas , Solnosky Ryan L.
Published: November 2021

In the cyclic racking evaluation of curtain wall systems, physical testing with instrumentation is the standard method for collecting performance data by most design professionals. The resulting testing of full-scale mockups can provide many types of data, including load and displacement values at different stages of loading through failure. While this type of data is valuable for product/system development/fabrication and design, such data can also provide a means for simulation validation of the curtain wall cyclic performance under simulated earthquake loading. Once the simulation study is validated using the test results, then parametric studies by designers can be conducted with greater ease, ideally with commercial software packages, without the need for testing. For the results of this research study, a practical industry formulated finite element modeling (FEM) approach was used to predict the performance of the curtain wall mockups. Here, unitized four-sided structural sealant glazing (4SSG) curtain wall system mockups that incorporate a re-entrant corner were subjected to cyclic racking displacements per the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) 501.6 Structural Sealant protocol. System performances, including displacements, were obtained from the FEM study and used to calculate the effective shear strain of the structural silicone and the drift capacity of the system. This paper describes the details of the techniques developed for FEM, the analysis results, and shows an example application of the numerical modeling approach for mockups with racking test results available. The goal of this modeling approach was to create and test methods that practicing consulting engineers can quickly conduct in their offices on common commercially available software often available to them.
Experimental Investigation and Design of Hollow Section, Centrifugal Concrete-Filled GFRP Tube Columns
Authors: Feng Bing , Zhu Ya-Hui , Xie Fang , Chen Ju , Liu Cheng-Bin
Published: December 2021

The compressive response of hollow section, centrifugal concrete-filled GFRP tube (HS-CFGT) members is examined experimentally and reported analytically in this paper. A total of 17 specimens separated into two groups were tested; the specimens in each group were of four different lengths and included thirteen straight columns and four tapered columns. The details of the test rigs, procedures as well as key test observations composed of ultimate-moment capacities, load-displacement curves, and failure modes were truthfully reported. The test results were analyzed to evaluate the influence of initial eccentricity on the structural performance. Therefore, the aim of this paper is: (1) to propose a proper coefficient, φe, reflecting the effect of initial eccentricity based on the Chinese design code; and (2) to determine a new confinement coefficient, kcc = 1.10, for centrifugal concrete confined by GFRP tubes. Comparisons of the present design codes and specifications of confined concrete members with test results on 17 full-scale tube columns are also presented. Accordingly, new design equations, whose predictions generally agree well with the test results, are recommended to estimate the compressive capacity of the proposed HS-CFGT columns.
TH588 and Low-Dose Nocodazole Impair Chromosome Congression by Suppressing Microtubule Turnover within the Mitotic Spindle
Authors: Rajendraprasad Girish , Eibes Susana , Boldú Claudia Guasch , Barisic Marin
Published: November 2021

Microtubule-targeting agents (MTAs) have been used for decades to treat different hematologic and solid cancers. The mode of action of these drugs mainly relies on their ability to bind tubulin subunits and/or microtubules and interfere with microtubule dynamics. In addition to its MTH1-inhibiting activity, TH588 has been recently identified as an MTA, whose anticancer properties were shown to largely depend on its microtubule-targeting ability. Although TH588 inhibited tubulin polymerization in vitro and reduced microtubule plus-end mobility in interphase cells, its effect on microtubule dynamics within the mitotic spindle of dividing cells remained unknown. Here, we performed an in-depth analysis of the impact of TH588 on spindle-associated microtubules and compared it to the effect of low-dose nocodazole. We show that both treatments reduce microtubule turnover within the mitotic spindle. This microtubule-stabilizing effect leads to premature formation of kinetochore-microtubule end-on attachments on uncongressed chromosomes, which consequently cannot be transported to the cell equator, thereby delaying cell division and leading to cell death or division with uncongressed chromosomes.