bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects from Fe, P, Ca, Mg, Zn and Cu in Steel Slag on Growth and Metabolite Accumulation of Microalgae: A Review
Authors: Liu Tianji , Wang Yitong , Li Junguo , Yu Qing , Wang Xiaoman , Gao Di , Wang Fuping , Cai Shuang , Zeng Yanan
Published: July 2021

Steel slag is the solid waste produced by the steelmaking process. At present, there are differences in the treatment and utilization of this waste among countries around the world. The massive accumulation of steel slag not only occupies land, but also the heavy metal elements in steel slag leached by rainwater cause serious pollution to the soil and groundwater, both which threaten the life and survival of the surrounding residents. More and more attention has been paid to the resource utilization of slag because of the gradual promotion of energy saving and emission reduction all over the world. Currently, the fields that utilize slag focus on recycling of steel waste, acting as sinter raw material, dephosphorization of hot metal, road and water conservancy project construction, wastewater treatment material, application of CO2 capture and flue gas desulfurization or agriculture. Many researchers have carried out research and explorations on the effects of slag on microalgae’s growth and found that slag has enormous potential algal biomasses and huge advantages for promoting microalgae’s growth and the accumulation of metabolites. Under suitable conditions, slag can effectively promote microalgae’s growth and reproduction, as well as promote microalgae’s accumulation of metabolites, especially lipid accumulation. Thus, slag can be used as an ideal nutrient for microalgae. Culturing microalgae with slag can lower the cost and solve the problem of lacking Fe during the process of marine microalgae’s growth. Meanwhile, it can alleviate the phenomenon of the substantial stacking of slag. This study provides new methods for slag’s resource utilization.
RETRACTED: Accuracy Assessment of Implant Placement in a Newly Developed Dynamic Navigation System: A Pilot Study
Authors: Setoguchi Tomoyuki , Ogino Yoichiro , Ouchida Riichi , Takahashi Akira , Ayukawa Yasunori , Koyano Kiyoshi
Published: July 2021

The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the accuracy of a newly developed dynamic navigation system and to compare the accuracy between flapless and open-flap surgery, and between surgeons. The subjects were patients who were scheduled to receive implants of the same size using the newly developed dynamic navigation system. The study’s procedures included cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) filming with fiducials, virtual planning of implant placement and the use of motion tracking technology for calibration and practical implant placement. The accuracy was evaluated using preoperative (virtual implant) and postoperative (actual implant) CBCT images based on angular, apical, coronal and vertical deviations. The differences of deviations between flapless and open-flap surgery, and between two surgeons, were statistically compared. In total, 66 implants were placed in 39 patients. The median and interquartile range of angular, apical, coronal and vertical deviations were 3.07° (2.52–3.54°), 0.96 mm (0.75–1.42 mm), 0.76 mm (0.57–1.37 mm) and 0.71 mm (0.61–0.88 mm), respectively. These deviations were similar to those found in previous studies. Flapless surgery resulted in a more accurate placement with respect to apical and coronal deviations, and the differences between the two surgeons were limited. The newly developed dynamic navigation system is considered to be eligible for clinical use.
Raman Spectrometry as a Tool for an Online Control of a Phototrophic Biological Nutrient Removal Process
Authors: Franca Rita D. G. , Carvalho Virgínia C. F. , Fradinho Joana C. , Reis Maria A. M. , Lourenço Nídia D.
Published: July 2021

Real-time bioprocess monitoring is crucial for efficient operation and effective bioprocess control. Aiming to develop an online monitoring strategy for facilitating optimization, fault detection and decision-making during wastewater treatment in a photo-biological nutrient removal (photo-BNR) process, this study investigated the application of Raman spectroscopy for the quantification of total organic content (TOC), volatile fatty acids (VFAs), carbon dioxide (CO2), ammonia (NH3), nitrate (NO3), phosphate (PO4), total phosphorus (total P), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), total carbohydrates, total and volatile suspended solids (TSSs and VSSs, respectively). Specifically, partial least squares (PLS) regression models were developed to predict these parameters based on Raman spectra, and evaluated based on a full cross-validation. Through the optimization of spectral pre-processing, Raman shift regions and latent variables, 8 out of the 11 parameters that were investigated—namely TOC, VFAs, CO2, NO3, total P, PHAs, TSSs and VSSs—could be predicted with good quality by the respective Raman-based PLS calibration models, as shown by the high coefficient of determination (R2 > 90.0%) and residual prediction deviation (RPD > 5.0), and relatively low root mean square error of cross-validation. This study showed for the first time the high potential of Raman spectroscopy for the online monitoring of TOC, VFAs, CO2, NO3, total P, PHAs, TSSs and VSSs in a photo-BNR reactor.
Novel Approach to Introduce Alkyl Chains into PEDOT:PSS and Its Effect on the Performance as a Flexible Electrode
Authors: Hwang In-Seong , Park Chul-Woo , Kang Hye-In , Joe Sung-yoon , Pak Na-Young , Chung Dae-won
Published: July 2021

We here report a synthetic route to introduce alky chains into poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly (4-styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) by the reaction with epoxyalkanes. The reaction was analyzed by FT-IR, TGA, and XPS studies, and the conductivities of derivatives were discussed as a function of the length of alkyl chains. PEDOT:PSS-C6, which is the product from a reaction with epoxyhexane, was well dispersed in methanol and transparent films from this dispersion were successfully prepared. PEDOT:PSS-C6 film showed an increase in hydrophobicity, resulting in enhanced water resistance compared to pristine PEDOT:PSS film, and a morphological study of the film exhibited clear phase separation similar to PEDOT:PSS doped by DMSO. We also observed an improvement in the conductivity and flexibility of PEDOT:PSS-C6 film compared to those of pristine PEDOT:PSS film. This study proposes a promising method to introduce alky chains into PEDOT:PSS and to develop a flexible electrode applicable to an environment where contact with water is unavoidable.
An Energy Model for the Calculation of Room Acoustic Parameters in Rectangular Rooms with Absorbent Ceilings
Authors: Nilsson Erling , Arvidsson Emma
Published: July 2021

The most common acoustical treatment of public rooms, such as schools, offices, and healthcare premises, is a suspended absorbent ceiling. The non-uniform distribution of the absorbent material, as well as the influence of sound-scattering objects such as furniture or other interior equipment, has to be taken into account when calculating room acoustic parameters. This requires additional information than what is already inherent in the statistical absorption coefficients and equivalent absorption areas provided by the reverberation chamber method ISO 354. Furthermore, the classical diffuse field assumption cannot be expected to be valid in these types of rooms. The non-isotropic sound field has to be considered. In this paper, a statistical energy analysis (SEA) model is derived. The sound field is subdivided into a grazing and non-grazing part where the grazing part refers to waves propagating almost parallel to the suspended ceiling. For estimation of all the inherent parameters in the model, the surface impedance of the suspended ceiling has to be known. A method for estimating the scattering and absorbing effects of furniture and objects is suggested in this paper. The room acoustical parameters reverberation time T20, speech clarity C50, and sound strength G were calculated with the model and compared with calculations according to the classical diffuse field model. Comparison with measurements were performed for a classroom configuration. With regard to all cases, the new model agrees better with measurements than the classical one.
Modification of Angular Kinematics and Spatiotemporal Parameters during Running after Central and Peripheral Fatigue
Authors: Encarnación-Martínez Alberto , Pérez-Soriano Pedro , Sanchis-Sanchis Roberto , Berenguer-Vidal Rafael , García-Gallart Antonio
Published: July 2021

Fatigue causes kinematics modifications during running, and it could be related to injuries. The aim was to identify and compare the effects of central and peripheral fatigue on angular kinematics and spatiotemporal parameters during running. Angular kinematics and spatiotemporal parameters were evaluated using an infrared motion capture system and were registered during 2 min treadmill running in pre- and post-fatigue states in eighteen male recreational runners. Central fatigue was induced by a 30 min running fatigue protocol on a treadmill, while peripheral fatigue in quadriceps and hamstrings muscles was induced by an isokinetic dynamometer fatigue protocol. Central fatigue increased the anterior shank oscillation during the initial contact, knee flexion during the maximum absorption, posterior shank oscillation during propulsion, and stance time (p < 0.05). Peripheral fatigue decreased ankle dorsiflexion during initial contact and increased knee flexion and posterior shank oscillation during propulsion (p < 0.05). Moreover, central fatigue increased to a greater extent the hip and knee flexion and ankle dorsiflexion during initial contact and maximum absorption as well as stance time and propulsion time (p < 0.05). These results suggested that central fatigue causes greater increases in the range of movements during the midstance than peripheral fatigue.
Visuospatial Working Memory for Autonomous UAVs: A Bio-Inspired Computational Model
Authors: Cervantes José-Antonio , López Sonia , Cervantes Salvador , Mexicano Adriana , Rosales Jonathan-Hernando
Published: July 2021

Visuospatial working memory is a fundamental cognitive capability of human beings needed for exploring the visual environment. This cognitive function is responsible for creating visuospatial maps, which are useful for maintaining a coherent and continuous representation of visual and spatial relationships among objects present in the external world. A bio-inspired computational model of Visuospatial Working Memory (VSWM) is proposed in this paper to endow Autonomous Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) with this cognitive function. The VSWM model was implemented on a low-cost commercial drone. A total of 30 test cases were designed and executed. These test cases were grouped into three scenarios: (i) environments with static and dynamic vehicles, (ii) environments with people, and (iii) environments with people and vehicles. The visuospatial ability of the VSWM model was measured in terms of the ability to classify and locate objects in the environment. The VSWM model was capable of maintaining a coherent and continuous representation of visual and spatial relationships among interest objects presented in the environment even when a visual stimulus is lost because of a total occlusion. The VSWM model proposed in this paper represents a step towards autonomous UAVs capable of forming visuospatial mental imagery in realistic environments.
Online Learning Algorithms for the Real-Time Set-Point Tracking Problem
Authors: Alahyari Arman , Pozo David , Farrokhifar Meisam
Published: July 2021

With the recent advent of technology within the smart grid, many conventional concepts of power systems have undergone drastic changes. Owing to technological developments, even small customers can monitor their energy consumption and schedule household applications with the utilization of smart meters and mobile devices. In this paper, we address the power set-point tracking problem for an aggregator that participates in a real-time ancillary program. Fast communication of data and control signal is possible, and the end-user side can exploit the provided signals through demand response programs benefiting both customers and the power grid. However, the existing optimization approaches rely on heavy computation and future parameter predictions, making them ineffective regarding real-time decision-making. As an alternative to the fixed control rules and offline optimization models, we propose the use of an online optimization decision-making framework for the power set-point tracking problem. For the introduced decision-making framework, two types of online algorithms are investigated with and without projections. The former is based on the standard online gradient descent (OGD) algorithm, while the latter is based on the Online Frank–Wolfe (OFW) algorithm. The results demonstrated that both algorithms could achieve sub-linear regret where the OGD approach reached approximately 2.4-times lower average losses. However, the OFW-based demand response algorithm performed up to twenty-nine percent faster when the number of loads increased for each round of optimization.
A Study on the Characteristics of Fishery Resources Distribution in Coastal Waters of Yeongil Bay Using Acoustic Survey
Authors: Lee Yoo-Won , Oh Woo-Seok , Kim Dong-Soo , Hwang Doo-Jin , Lee Kyoung-Hoon
Published: July 2021

In this study, the identification of dominant fish species in the East Sea was conducted using the dB-difference method. The survey was conducted using the two frequencies of 38 and 120 kHz in transect 6 of the southern part of the East Sea. Information on fish species was identified using fishing gear and e-DNA, and the dominant target fish species were selected and analyzed as cod, anchovy, common squid, and herring. The dB-difference range for each fish species was set to −0.86 dB < ∆MVBS 38–120 kHz < 0.82 dB for cod and to the range of 2.66 dB < ∆MVBS 38–120 kHz < 2.84 dB for anchovy. The dB-difference of the common squid was set to −0.36 dB < ∆MVBS 38–120 kHz < 1.25 dB and to the range of 0.88 dB < ∆MVBS 38–120 kHz < 2.28 dB for herring; the fish species were then identified in the echograms. When comparing the results of swimming depths by fish species and previous studies, cod was detected mainly at the bottom of the sea, and anchovy and common squid were detected mainly at a depth of 50 m. Herring was detected to be mainly distributed in water depths from 50 to 150 m.
Probabilistic Flood Hazard Maps from Monte Carlo Derived Peak Flow Values—An Application to Flood Risk Management in Zamora City (Spain)
Authors: Garrote Julio , Peña Evelyng , Díez-Herrero Andrés
Published: July 2021

All flood hazard and risk assessment suffer from a certain degree of uncertainty due to multiple factors, such as flood frequency analysis, hydrodynamic model calibration, or flood damage (magnitude–damage functions) models. The uncertainty linked to the flood frequency analysis is one of the most important factors (previous and present estimation point to 40%). Flood frequency analysis uncertainty has been approached from different points of view, such as the application of complex statistical models, the regionalization processes of peak flows, or the inclusion of non-systematic data. Here, we present an achievable approach to defining the uncertainty linked to flood frequency analysis by using the Monte Carlo method. Using the city of Zamora as the study site, the uncertainty is delimited by confidence intervals of a peak flow quantile of a 500-year return period. Probabilistic maps are derived from hydrodynamic results, and further analysis include flood hazard maps for human loss of stability and vehicle damage. Although the effect of this uncertainty is conditioned by the shape of the terrain, the results obtained may allow managers to achieve more consistent land-use planning. All those Zamora city results point out the probable underestimation of flood hazard (the higher hazard areas increase around 20%) and risk when the uncertainty analysis is not considered, thus limiting the efficiency of flood risk management tasks.
Laser Beam Atmospheric Propagation Modelling for Aerospace LIDAR Applications
Authors: Fahey Thomas , Islam Maidul , Gardi Alessandro , Sabatini Roberto
Published: July 2021

Atmospheric effects have a significant impact on the performance of airborne and space laser systems. Traditional models used to predict propagation effects rely heavily on simplified assumptions of the atmospheric properties and their interactions with laser systems. In the engineering domain, these models need to be continually improved in order to develop tools that can predict laser beam propagation with high accuracy and for a wide range of practical applications such as LIDAR (light detection and ranging), free-space optical communications, remote sensing, etc. The underlying causes of laser beam attenuation in the atmosphere are examined in this paper, with a focus on the dominant linear effects: absorption, scattering, turbulence, and non-linear thermal effects such as blooming, kinetic cooling, and bleaching. These phenomena are quantitatively analyzed, highlighting the implications of the various assumptions made in current modeling approaches. Absorption and scattering, as the dominant causes of attenuation, are generally well captured in existing models and tools, but the impacts of non-linear phenomena are typically not well described as they tend to be application specific. Atmospheric radiative transfer codes, such as MODTRAN, ARTS, etc., and the associated spectral databases, such as HITRAN, are the existing tools that implement state-of-the-art models to quantify the total propagative effects on laser systems. These tools are widely used to analyze system performance, both for design and test/evaluation purposes. However, present day atmospheric radiative transfer codes make several assumptions that reduce accuracy in favor of faster processing. In this paper, the atmospheric radiative transfer models are reviewed highlighting the associated methodologies, assumptions, and limitations. Empirical models are found to offer a robust analysis of atmospheric propagation, which is particularly well-suited for design, development, test and evaluation (DDT&E) purposes. As such, empirical, semi-empirical, and ensemble methodologies are recommended to complement and augment the existing atmospheric radiative transfer codes. There is scope to evolve the numerical codes and empirical approaches to better suit aerospace applications, where fast analysis is required over a range of slant paths, incidence angles, altitudes, and atmospheric conditions, which are not exhaustively captured in current performance assessment methods.
Glia Not Neurons: Uncovering Brain Dysmaturation in a Rat Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Rudnitskaya Ekaterina A. , Kozlova Tatiana A. , Burnyasheva Alena O. , Stefanova Natalia A. , Kolosova Nataliya G.
Published: July 2021

Sporadic Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a severe disorder of unknown etiology with no definite time frame of onset. Recent studies suggest that middle age is a critical period for the relevant pathological processes of AD. Nonetheless, sufficient data have accumulated supporting the hypothesis of “neurodevelopmental origin of neurodegenerative disorders”: prerequisites for neurodegeneration may occur during early brain development. Therefore, we investigated the development of the most AD-affected brain structures (hippocampus and prefrontal cortex) using an immunohistochemical approach in senescence-accelerated OXYS rats, which are considered a suitable model of the most common—sporadic—type of AD. We noticed an additional peak of neurogenesis, which coincides in time with the peak of apoptosis in the hippocampus of OXYS rats on postnatal day three. Besides, we showed signs of delayed migration of neurons to the prefrontal cortex as well as disturbances in astrocytic and microglial support of the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex during the first postnatal week. Altogether, our results point to dysmaturation during early development of the brain—especially insufficient glial support—as a possible “first hit” leading to neurodegenerative processes and AD pathology manifestation later in life.
Elastomeric Cardiowrap Scaffolds Functionalized with Mesenchymal Stem Cells-Derived Exosomes Induce a Positive Modulation in the Inflammatory and Wound Healing Response of Mesenchymal Stem Cell and Macrophage
Authors: Chachques Juan Carlos , Gardin Chiara , Lila Nermine , Ferroni Letizia , Migonney Veronique , Falentin-Daudre Celine , Zanotti Federica , Trentini Martina , Brunello Giulia , Rocca Tiberio , Gasbarro Vincenzo , Zavan Barbara
Published: July 2021

A challenge in contractile restoration of myocardial scars is one of the principal aims in cardiovascular surgery. Recently, a new potent biological tool used within healing processes is represented by exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). These cells are the well-known extracellular nanovesicles released from cells to facilitate cell function and communication. In this work, a combination of elastomeric membranes and exosomes was obtained and tested as a bioimplant. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and macrophages were seeded into the scaffold (polycaprolactone) and filled with exosomes derived from MSCs. Cells were tested for proliferation with an MTT test, and for wound healing properties and macrophage polarization by gene expression. Moreover, morphological analyses of their ability to colonize the scaffolds surfaces have been further evaluated. Results confirm that exosomes were easily entrapped onto the surface of the elastomeric scaffolds, increasing the wound healing properties and collagen type I and vitronectin of the MSC, and improving the M2 phenotype of the macrophages, mainly thanks to the increase in miRNA124 and decrease in miRNA 125. We can conclude that the enrichment of elastomeric scaffolds functionalized with exosomes is as an effective strategy to improve myocardial regeneration.
Early Visual Attention Abilities and Audiovisual Speech Processing in 5–7 Month-Old Down Syndrome and Typically Developing Infants
Authors: Pejovic Jovana , Cruz Marisa , Severino Cátia , Frota Sónia
Published: July 2021

Communicative abilities in infants with Down syndrome (DS) are delayed in comparison to typically developing (TD) infants, possibly affecting language development in DS. Little is known about what abilities might underlie poor communication and language skills in DS, such as visual attention and audiovisual speech processing. This study compares DS and TD infants between 5–7 months of age in a visual orientation task, and an audiovisual speech processing task, which assessed infants’ looking pattern to communicative cues (i.e., face, eyes, mouth, and waving arm). Concurrent communicative abilities were also assessed via the CSBS-DP checklist. We observed that DS infants orient their visual attention slower than TD infants. Both groups attended more to the eyes than the mouth, and more to the face than the waving arm. However, DS infants attended less to the eyes than the background, and equally to the face and the background, suggesting their difficulty to assess linguistically relevant cues. Finally, communicative skills were related to attention to the eyes in TD, but not in DS infants. Our study showed that early attentional and audiovisual abilities are impaired in DS infants, and might underlie their communication skills, suggesting that early interventions in this population should emphasize those skills.
Glutathione as a Molecular Marker of Functional Impairment in Patients with At-Risk Mental State: 7-Tesla 1H-MRS Study
Authors: Jeon Peter , Limongi Roberto , Ford Sabrina D. , Branco Cassandra , Mackinley Michael , Gupta Maya , Powe Laura , Théberge Jean , Palaniyappan Lena
Published: July 2021

A substantial number of individuals with clinical high-risk (CHR) mental state do not transition to psychosis. However, regardless of future diagnostic trajectories, many of these individuals develop poor social and occupational functional outcomes. The levels of glutathione, a crucial cortical antioxidant, may track variations in functional outcomes in early psychosis and prodromal states. Thirteen clinical high-risk and 30 healthy control volunteers were recruited for a 7-Tesla magnetic resonance spectroscopy scan with a voxel positioned within the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). Clinical assessment scores were collected to determine if any association was observable with glutathione levels. The Bayesian Spearman’s test revealed a positive association between the Social and Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale (SOFAS) and the glutathione concentration in the clinical high-risk group but not in the healthy control group. After accounting for variations in the SOFAS scores, the CHR group had higher GSH levels than the healthy subjects. This study is the first to use 7-Tesla magnetic resonance spectroscopy to test whether ACC glutathione levels relate to social and occupational functioning in a clinically high-risk group and offers preliminary support for glutathione levels as a clinically actionable marker of prognosis in emerging adults presenting with risk features for various severe mental illnesses.
Therapeutic Neurostimulation in Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders: A Systematic Review
Authors: Acevedo Nicola , Bosanac Peter , Pikoos Toni , Rossell Susan , Castle David
Published: July 2021

Invasive and noninvasive neurostimulation therapies for obsessive-compulsive and related disorders (OCRD) were systematically reviewed with the aim of assessing clinical characteristics, methodologies, neuroanatomical substrates, and varied stimulation parameters. Previous reviews have focused on a narrow scope, statistical rather than clinical significance, grouped together heterogenous protocols, and proposed inconclusive outcomes and directions. Herein, a comprehensive and transdiagnostic evaluation of all clinically relevant determinants is presented with translational clinical recommendations and novel response rates. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) studies were limited in number and quality but demonstrated greater efficacy than previously identified. Targeting the pre-SMA/SMA is recommended for transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). TMS yielded superior outcomes, although polarity findings were conflicting, and refinement of frontal/cognitive control protocols may optimize outcomes. For both techniques, standardization of polarity, more treatment sessions (>20), and targeting multiple structures are encouraged. A deep brain stimulation (DBS) ‘sweet spot’ of the striatum for OCD was proposed, and CBT is strongly encouraged. Tourette’s patients showed less variance and reliance on treatment optimization. Several DBS targets achieved consistent, rapid, and sustained clinical response. Analysis of fiber connectivity, as opposed to precise neural regions, should be implemented for target selection. Standardization of protocols is necessary to achieve translational outcomes.
Heterogeneous Catalysts for the Conversion of Glucose into 5-Hydroxymethyl Furfural
Authors: Tempelman Christiaan H. L. , Oozeerally Ryan , Degirmenci Volkan
Published: July 2021

Lignocellulosic biomass, a cheap and plentiful resource, could play a key role in the production of sustainable chemicals. The simple sugars contained in the renewable lignocellulosic biomass can be converted into commercially valuable products such as 5-hydroxymethyl furfural (HMF). A platform molecule, HMF can be transformed into numerous chemical products with potential applications in a wide variety of industries. Of the hexoses contained in the lignocellulosic biomass, the successful production of HMF from glucose has been a challenge. Various heterogeneous catalysts have been proposed over the last decade, ranging from zeolites to metal organic frameworks. The reaction conditions vary in the reports in the literature, which makes it difficult to compare catalysts reported in different studies. In addition, the slight variations in the synthesis of the same material in different laboratories may affect the activity results, because the selectivity towards desired products in this transformation strongly depends on the nature of the active sites. This poses another difficulty for the comparison of different reports. Furthermore, over the last decade the new catalytic systems proposed have increased profoundly. In this article, we summarize the heterogeneous catalysts: Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs), zeolites and conventional supported catalysts, that have been reported in the recent literature and provide an overview of the observed catalytic activity, in order to provide a comparison.
Two-Pore Channels Regulate Expression of Various Receptors and Their Pathway-Related Proteins in Multiple Ways
Authors: Grossmann Sonja , Mallmann Robert Theodor , Klugbauer Norbert
Published: July 2021

Two-pore channels (TPCs) constitute a small family of ion channels within membranes of intracellular acidic compartments, such as endosomes and lysosomes. They were shown to provide transient and locally restricted Ca2+-currents, likely responsible for fusion and/or fission events of endolysosomal membranes and thereby for intracellular vesicle trafficking. Genetic deletion of TPCs not only affects endocytosis, recycling, and degradation of various surface receptors but also uptake and impact of bacterial protein toxins and entry and intracellular processing of some types of viruses. This review points to important examples of these trafficking defects on one part but mainly focuses on the resulting impact of the TPC inactivation on receptor expression and receptor signaling. Thus, a detailed RNA sequencing analysis using TPC1-deficient fibroblasts uncovered a multitude of changes in the expression levels of surface receptors and their pathway-related signaling proteins. We refer to several classes of receptors such as EGF, TGF, and insulin as well as proteins involved in endocytosis.
The Complement System: A Powerful Modulator and Effector of Astrocyte Function in the Healthy and Diseased Central Nervous System
Authors: Pekna Marcela , Pekny Milos
Published: July 2021

The complement system, an effector arm of the innate immune system that plays a critical role in tissue inflammation, the elimination of pathogens and the clearance of dead cells and cell debris, has emerged as a regulator of many processes in the central nervous system, including neural cell genesis and migration, control of synapse number and function, and modulation of glial cell responses. Complement dysfunction has also been put forward as a major contributor to neurological disease. Astrocytes are neuroectoderm-derived glial cells that maintain water and ionic homeostasis, and control cerebral blood flow and multiple aspects of neuronal functioning. By virtue of their expression of soluble as well as membrane-bound complement proteins and receptors, astrocytes are able to both send and receive complement-related signals. Here we review the current understanding of the multiple functions of the complement system in the central nervous system as they pertain to the modulation of astrocyte activity, and how astrocytes use the complement system to affect their environment in the healthy brain and in the context of neurological disease.
Complementary Split-Ring Resonator for Microwave Heating of µL Volumes in Microwells in Continuous Microfluidics
Authors: Markovic Tomislav , Maenhout Gertjan , Martinic Matko , Nauwelaers Bart
Published: July 2021

This work presents the design and evaluation of a planar device for microwave heating of liquids in continuous microfluidics (CMF) made in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). It deals with volumes in the µL range, which are of high interest and relevance to biologists and chemists. The planar heater in this work is conceived around a complementary split-ring resonator (CSRR) topology that offers a desired electric field direction to—and interaction with—liquids in a microwell. The designed device on a 0.25 mm thick Rogers RO4350B substrate operates at around 2.5 GHz, while a CMF channel and a 2.45 µL microwell are manufactured in PDMS using the casting process. The evaluation of the performance of the designed heater is conducted using a fluorescent dye, Rhodamine B, dissolved in deionized water. Heating measurements are carried out using 1 W of power and the designed device achieves a temperature of 47 °C on a sample volume of 2.45 µL after 20 s of heating. Based on the achieved results, the CSRR topology has a large potential in microwave heating, in addition to the already demonstrated potential in microwave dielectric sensing, all proving the multifunctionality and reusability of single planar microwave-microfluidic devices.
A pH-Responsive Foam Formulated with PAA/Gemini 12-2-12 Complexes
Authors: Martinelli Hernán , Domínguez Claudia , Leyes Marcos Fernández , Moya Sergio , Ritacco Hernán
Published: July 2021

In the search for responsive complexes with potential applications in the formulation of smart dispersed systems such as foams, we hypothesized that a pH-responsive system could be formulated with polyacrylic acid (PAA) mixed with a cationic surfactant, Gemini 12-2-12 (G12). We studied PAA-G12 complexes at liquid–air interfaces by equilibrium and dynamic surface tension, surface rheology, and X-ray reflectometry (XRR). We found that complexes adsorb at the interfaces synergistically, lowering the equilibrium surface tension at surfactant concentrations well below the critical micelle concentration (cmc) of the surfactant. We studied the stability of foams formulated with the complexes as a function of pH. The foams respond reversibly to pH changes: at pH 3.5, they are very stable; at pH > 6, the complexes do not form foams at all. The data presented here demonstrate that foam formation and its pH responsiveness are due to interfacial dynamics.
Publisher’s Note: Clinical and Translational Neuroscience—A Swiss Journal for a Global Readership
Authors: Roth Peter
Published: July 2021

In its 5th year of existence, the journal CLINICAL AND TRANSLATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE [...]
Impact of COVID-19 on Electricity Demand: Deriving Minimum States of System Health for Studies on Resilience
Authors: Manjunath Smruti , Yeligeti Madhura , Fyta Maria , Haas Jannik , Gils Hans-Christian
Published: July 2021

To assess the resilience of energy systems, i.e., the ability to recover after an unexpected shock, the system’s minimum state of service is a key input. Quantitative descriptions of such states are inherently elusive. The measures adopted by governments to contain COVID-19 have provided empirical data, which may serve as a proxy for such states of minimum service. Here, we systematize the impact of the adopted COVID-19 measures on the electricity demand. We classify the measures into three phases of increasing stringency, ranging from working from home to soft and full lockdowns, for four major electricity consuming countries of Europe. We use readily accessible data from the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity as a basis. For each country and phase, we derive representative daily load profiles with hourly resolution obtained by k-medoids clustering. The analysis could unravel the influence of the different measures to the energy consumption and the differences among the four countries. It is observed that the daily peak load is considerably flattened and the total electricity consumption decreases by up to 30% under the circumstances brought about by the COVID-19 restrictions. These demand profiles are useful for the energy planning community, especially when designing future electricity systems with a focus on system resilience and a more digitalised society in terms of working from home.
Efficacy and Tolerability of Methotrexate and Methylprednisolone in a Comparative Assessment of the Primary and Long-Term Outcomes in Patients with Pulmonary Sarcoidosis
Authors: Gavrysyuk Volodymyr , Merenkova Ievgenia , Dziublyk Yaroslav , Morska Nataliia , Pendalchuk Nataliia , Bychenko Olesia , Vlasova Nataliia
Published: July 2021

Background: There is insufficient information in the literature on the comparative efficacy and tolerability of methotrexate (MTX) and methylprednisolone (MP) in patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis in assessing primary outcomes and the relapse rate. Purpose: The aim of our study was to evaluate primary and long-term outcomes of using MTX and MP in patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis. Methods: A total of 143 patients with newly diagnosed pulmonary sarcoidosis, verified by high-resolution computed tomography (CT) data, were examined. Corticosteroid (CS) therapy was used in 97 patients using MP at a dose of 0.4 mg/kg body weight for 4 weeks, followed by a dose reduction to 0.1 mg/kg by the end of the sixth month. The total duration of CS therapy was 12 months on average. Forty-six patients were treated with MTX at a dose of 10 mg/week (28) and 15 mg/week (18) per os for 6 to 12 months. The study of the relapse rate was conducted within 12 months after the CT data normalization in 60 patients after CS therapy and in 24 after MTX treatment. Results: MP treatment was successfully completed in 68 (70.1%), and MTX in 29 (60.4%) patients. In five MP patients (5.2%) and in five (10.9%) MTX, treatment was discontinued due to serious side effects. In seven (7.2%) MP patients and ten (21.7%) MTX patients, treatment required additional therapy due to the lack of efficacy. Progression with MP treatment (17–17.5%) was more common than with MTX (2–4.3%; Chi square = 4.703, p = 0.031). Relapses after MP therapy were observed in 26 (43.3%) patients, and after MTX therapy in 2 (8.3%; Chi square = 9.450, p = 0.003). Conclusion: In patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis, MTX monotherapy does not differ significantly from MP monotherapy in terms of the level of efficacy and the rate of serious side effects. Increasing the MTX dose from 10 to 15 mg/week accelerates the rate of regression of sarcoidosis, improves treatment efficacy, and does not affect the rate of serious side effects. When using MTX, there is a significant decrease in the incidence of treatment resistance and the relapse rate.
HLA-A29 Birdshot Retinochoroiditis in Its 5th Decade: Selected Glimpses into the Intellectual Meanderings and Progresses in the Knowledge of a Long-Time Misunderstood Disease
Authors: Papadia Marina , Pavésio Carlos , Fardeau Christine , Neri Piergiorgio , Kestelyn Philippe , Papasavvas Ioannis , Herbort Carl
Published: July 2021

The appraisal of HLA-A29 birdshot retinochoroiditis (BRC) was fraught with pitfalls and misunderstandings. Progress in investigational methods has led to better knowledge and management of the disease. Our aim was to assess some of the steps that have led to better characterisation of the clinical entity of BRC. We performed a literature search analysing the relevant progress in disease origin, investigational and imaging methods, clinicopathology and classification, diagnostic criteria and management. Following developments were judged essential in the better appraisal and understanding of the disease: (1) new immunopathological hypotheses regarding the role of endoplasmic reticulum peptidases, (2) the essential importance of HLA testing, (3) relevant imaging modalities among which indocyanine green angiography is crucial, (4) diagnostic criteria that allow early diagnosis and (5) need of an early prolonged, as well as aggressive treatment combining more than one immunosuppressive agent. Based on these findings it is now possible to better define BRC, an indolent however severe disease, unlike thought before, involving the choroidal stroma and the retina independently and concomitantly that can be diagnosed early thanks to indocyanine green angiography and should be treated early and relentlessly.
Machine Learning for Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Grierson Dean , Rennie Allan E. W. , Quayle Stephen D.
Published: July 2021

Additive manufacturing (AM) is the name given to a family of manufacturing processes where materials are joined to make parts from 3D modelling data, generally in a layer-upon-layer manner. AM is rapidly increasing in industrial adoption for the manufacture of end-use parts, which is therefore pushing for the maturation of design, process, and production techniques. Machine learning (ML) is a branch of artificial intelligence concerned with training programs to self-improve and has applications in a wide range of areas, such as computer vision, prediction, and information retrieval. Many of the problems facing AM can be categorised into one or more of these application areas. Studies have shown ML techniques to be effective in improving AM design, process, and production but there are limited industrial case studies to support further development of these techniques.
In Vitro Activity of Selected Phenolic Compounds against Planktonic and Biofilm Cells of Food-Contaminating Yeasts
Authors: Kimani Bernard Gitura , Kerekes Erika Beáta , Szebenyi Csilla , Krisch Judit , Vágvölgyi Csaba , Papp Tamás , Takó Miklós
Published: July 2021

Phenolic compounds are natural substances that can be obtained from plants. Many of them are potent growth inhibitors of foodborne pathogenic microorganisms, however, phenolic activities against spoilage yeasts are rarely studied. In this study, planktonic and biofilm growth, and the adhesion capacity of Pichia anomala, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Schizosaccharomyces pombe and Debaryomyces hansenii spoilage yeasts were investigated in the presence of hydroxybenzoic acid, hydroxycinnamic acid, stilbene, flavonoid and phenolic aldehyde compounds. The results showed significant anti-yeast properties for many phenolics. Among the tested molecules, cinnamic acid and vanillin exhibited the highest antimicrobial activity with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values from 500 µg/mL to 2 mg/mL. Quercetin, (−)-epicatechin, resveratrol, 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, p-coumaric acid and ferulic acid were also efficient growth inhibitors for certain yeasts with a MIC of 2 mg/mL. The D. hansenii, P. anomala and S. pombe biofilms were the most sensitive to the phenolics, while the S. cerevisiae biofilm was quite resistant against the activity of the compounds. Fluorescence microscopy revealed disrupted biofilm matrix on glass surfaces in the presence of certain phenolics. Highest antiadhesion activity was registered for cinnamic acid with inhibition effects between 48% and 91%. The active phenolics can be natural interventions against food-contaminating yeasts in future preservative developments.
Visualization of Mandelbrot and Julia Sets of Möbius Transformations
Authors: Mork Leah K. , Ulness Darin J.
Published: July 2021

This work reports on a study of the Mandelbrot set and Julia set for a generalization of the well-explored function η(z)=z2+λ. The generalization consists of composing with a fixed Möbius transformation at each iteration step. In particular, affine and inverse Möbius transformations are explored. This work offers a new way of visualizing the Mandelbrot and filled-in Julia sets. An interesting and unexpected appearance of hyperbolic triangles occurs in the structure of the Mandelbrot sets for the case of inverse Möbius transforms. Several lemmas and theorems associated with these types of fractal sets are presented.
Paper Foxing Stains on a Historic Manuscript from the Early Qajar Era: Abiotic or Biotic Foxing?
Authors: Koochakzaei Alireza , Alizadeh Gharetapeh Samane
Published: July 2021

The aim of this study was to identify the nature and cause of foxing spots in a historical manuscript. This manuscript was a Holy Quran from the beginning of the Qajar period and the end of the 18th century. Samples were incubated for 14 days and were evaluated for the presence of fungal activity. UV fluorescence photography, micro X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were also used to investigate the characteristics and causes of foxing spots. The results showed that there was no fungal activity in the foxing spots of this manuscript. Based on the morphology of the stain in UV fluorescence photography, these foxing stains are of the Bullseye type, usually associated with metal ions. µXRF spectroscopy also showed a high accumulation of iron and copper at the site of these spots. This indicates abiotic foxing in this manuscript. Based on FTIR spectroscopy and peak deconvolution and fitting by Gaussian function, abiotic foxing increases the cellulose oxidation rate. Intensification of cellulose oxidation in foxing stains can be considered as one of the reasons for paper discoloration.
Is It Possible to Prevent Sars-Cov-2 Infection in a Non-Infectious Diseases Ward during the Pandemic on the Example of a Diabetes Clinic Institute of Rural Health, Lublin, Poland?
Authors: Dziemidok Piotr , Gorczyca-Siudak Daria , Danielak Marzena
Published: July 2021

Diabetes is considered an epidemic of the 21st century. On 11 March 2020, two months after the outbreak of COVID-19 (coronavirus disease of 2019) epidemic in China, the World Health Organization announced COVID-19 to be a pandemic. From that time, many hospitals and wards have started to function as both infectious and non-infectious ones; so did the Diabetes Clinic Institute of Rural Health in South-Eastern Poland. Considering the global importance of diabetes and its prevalence worldwide, it seemed important to investigate how the Diabetes Clinic passed through the individual phases of the pandemic, and the possibility of protecting hospitalized patients against future pandemic infection. We present detailed characteristics of the situation in a ward which used to treat non-infectious patients with diabetes only and, nowadays, has been obliged to take into account the risk of spreading SARS-Cov-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2) infection also. Moreover, we suggest solutions to avoid cases of infectious diseases in non-infectious wards in the future.
Cradle-to-Gate Life Cycle and Economic Assessment of Sustainable Concrete Mixes—Alkali-Activated Concrete (AAC) and Bacterial Concrete (BC)
Authors: Ramagiri Kruthi Kiran , Chintha Ravali , Bandlamudi Radha Kiranmaye , Kara De Maeijer Patricia , Kar Arkamitra
Published: July 2021

The negative environmental impacts associated with the usage of Portland cement (PC) in concrete induced intensive research into finding sustainable alternative concrete mixes to obtain “green concrete”. Since the principal aim of developing such mixes is to reduce the environmental impact, it is imperative to conduct a comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA). This paper examines three different types of sustainable concrete mixes, viz., alkali-activated concrete (AAC) with natural coarse aggregates, AAC with recycled coarse aggregates (RCA), and bacterial concrete (BC). A detailed environmental impact assessment of AAC with natural coarse aggregates, AAC with RCA, and BC is performed through a cradle-to-gate LCA using openLCA v.1.10.3 and compared versus PC concrete (PCC) of equivalent strength. The results show that transportation and sodium silicate in AAC mixes and PC in BC mixes contribute the most to the environmental impact. The global warming potential (GWP) of PCC is 1.4–2 times higher than other mixes. Bacterial concrete without nutrients had the lowest environmental impact of all the evaluated mixes on all damage categories, both at the midpoint (except GWP) and endpoint assessment levels. AAC and BC mixes are more expensive than PCC by 98.8–159.1% and 21.8–54.3%, respectively.