bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performative Memory
Authors: Maze Jacob
Published: December 2021

Though scholars in memory studies often deal with different aspects of cultural memory, it is rare to find any systematic framework to which memory adheres to and which would explain the emergence and maintenance of memories in general. In this article, I use the concepts of Judith Butler’s theory of performativity, namely interpellation, subject constitution, repetition, sedimentation, citationality and subversion, to show how she could provide a procedural account of memory formation. To illustrate how this might work, I look at how Turkey has chosen to commemorate the failed coup of July 2016 by interpreting some examples of such memory through Butler’s theories. In doing so, I show that Butler, rather than introducing new concepts to the field, offers a systematic framework that can relate scholars to one another by transposing their concepts onto Butler’s theory.
Globally Aging Cortical Spontaneous Activity Revealed by Multiple Metrics and Frequency Bands Using Resting-State Functional MRI
Authors: Xing Xiu-Xia
Published: December 2021

Most existing aging studies using functional MRI (fMRI) are based on cross-sectional data but misinterpreted their findings (i.e., age-related differences) as longitudinal outcomes (i.e., aging-related changes). To delineate aging-related changes the of human cerebral cortex, we employed the resting-state fMRI (rsfMRI) data from 24 healthy elders in the PREVENT-AD cohort, obtaining five longitudinal scans per subject. Cortical spontaneous activity is measured globally with three rsfMRI metrics including its amplitude, homogeneity, and homotopy at three different frequency bands (slow-5: 0.02–0.03 Hz, slow-4: 0.03–0.08 Hz, and slow-3 band: 0.08–0.22 Hz). General additive mixed models revealed a universal pattern of the aging-related changes for the global cortical spontaneous activity, indicating increases of these rsfMRI metrics during aging. This aging pattern follows specific frequency and spatial profiles where higher slow bands show more non-linear curves and the amplitude exhibits more extensive and significant aging-related changes than the connectivity. These findings provide strong evidence that cortical spontaneous activity is aging globally, inspiring its clinical utility as neuroimaging markers for neruodegeneration disorders.
NeuroVis: Real-Time Neural Information Measurement and Visualization of Embodied Neural Systems
Authors: Srisuchinnawong Arthicha , Homchanthanakul Jettanan , Manoonpong Poramate
Published: December 2021

Understanding the real-time dynamical mechanisms of neural systems remains a significant issue, preventing the development of efficient neural technology and user trust. This is because the mechanisms, involving various neural spatial-temporal ingredients [i.e., neural structure (NS), neural dynamics (ND), neural plasticity (NP), and neural memory (NM)], are too complex to interpret and analyze altogether. While advanced tools have been developed using explainable artificial intelligence (XAI), node-link diagram, topography map, and other visualization techniques, they still fail to monitor and visualize all of these neural ingredients online. Accordingly, we propose here for the first time “NeuroVis,” real-time neural spatial-temporal information measurement and visualization, as a method/tool to measure temporal neural activities and their propagation throughout the network. By using this neural information along with the connection strength and plasticity, NeuroVis can visualize the NS, ND, NM, and NP via i) spatial 2D position and connection, ii) temporal color gradient, iii) connection thickness, and iv) temporal luminous intensity and change of connection thickness, respectively. This study presents three use cases of NeuroVis to evaluate its performance: i) function approximation using a modular neural network with recurrent and feedforward topologies together with supervised learning, ii) robot locomotion control and learning using the same modular network with reinforcement learning, and iii) robot locomotion control and adaptation using another larger-scale adaptive modular neural network. The use cases demonstrate how NeuroVis tracks and analyzes all neural ingredients of various (embodied) neural systems in real-time under the robot operating system (ROS) framework. To this end, it will offer the opportunity to better understand embodied dynamic neural information processes, boost efficient neural technology development, and enhance user trust.
AI-Based Prediction and Prevention of Psychological and Behavioral Changes in Ex-COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Ćosić Krešimir , Popović Siniša , Šarlija Marko , Kesedžić Ivan , Gambiraža Mate , Dropuljić Branimir , Mijić Igor , Henigsberg Neven , Jovanovic Tanja
Published: December 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has adverse consequences on human psychology and behavior long after initial recovery from the virus. These COVID-19 health sequelae, if undetected and left untreated, may lead to more enduring mental health problems, and put vulnerable individuals at risk of developing more serious psychopathologies. Therefore, an early distinction of such vulnerable individuals from those who are more resilient is important to undertake timely preventive interventions. The main aim of this article is to present a comprehensive multimodal conceptual approach for addressing these potential psychological and behavioral mental health changes using state-of-the-art tools and means of artificial intelligence (AI). Mental health COVID-19 recovery programs at post-COVID clinics based on AI prediction and prevention strategies may significantly improve the global mental health of ex-COVID-19 patients. Most COVID-19 recovery programs currently involve specialists such as pulmonologists, cardiologists, and neurologists, but there is a lack of psychiatrist care. The focus of this article is on new tools which can enhance the current limited psychiatrist resources and capabilities in coping with the upcoming challenges related to widespread mental health disorders. Patients affected by COVID-19 are more vulnerable to psychological and behavioral changes than non-COVID populations and therefore they deserve careful clinical psychological screening in post-COVID clinics. However, despite significant advances in research, the pace of progress in prevention of psychiatric disorders in these patients is still insufficient. Current approaches for the diagnosis of psychiatric disorders largely rely on clinical rating scales, as well as self-rating questionnaires that are inadequate for comprehensive assessment of ex-COVID-19 patients’ susceptibility to mental health deterioration. These limitations can presumably be overcome by applying state-of-the-art AI-based tools in diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of psychiatric disorders in acute phase of disease to prevent more chronic psychiatric consequences.
Anticholinergic Burden and Cognitive Performance in Patients With Schizophrenia: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Georgiou Rafaella , Lamnisos Demetris , Giannakou Konstantinos
Published: December 2021

Objective: Cognitive impairment in schizophrenia forms the key cause of the disease's disability, leading to serious functional, and socioeconomic implications. Dopaminergic-cholinergic balance is considered essential to cognitive performance in schizophrenia and patients are often treated with many drugs with anticholinergic properties. This study aims to examine the cognitive impact of anticholinergic burden in patients with schizophrenia.

Methods: A systematic literature review was performed on English-language studies published on PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science, from inception to June 2021, to identify research studies that examined the effect of anticholinergic load on cognition in clinically stable patients with schizophrenia. No restrictions on study design, age of participants, or geographical distribution were applied. Two researchers performed independently the screening and shortlisting of the eligible articles. A narrative synthesis of the main characteristics and findings of studies included was reported.

Results: In total, 17 articles of varying methodological design met the inclusion criteria. Three of them found statistically significant improvement in cognition after anticholinergic tapering without adverse effects. Thirteen studies found a statistically significant association between high anticholinergic burden and cognitive impairment (neurocognitive composite scores and individual cognitive domains such as learning and memory, executive function, processing speed), apart from a study, related to the specific characteristics of clozapine.

Conclusions: Medication with increased anticholinergic load has been found in most of the studies to negatively affect neurocognitive performance of patients with schizophrenia. However, the clinical and methodological heterogeneity of studies included limit our interpretation and conclusions.
Holistic View of Intuition and Analysis in Leadership Decision-Making and Problem-Solving
Authors: Hallo Leonie , Nguyen Tiep
Published: December 2021

Making decisions is a key task for leaders and managers. Senior leaders are currently exposed to increasing amounts of data which they must process quickly in our current dynamic world. Complex factors in the business world are not always best approached through an analytical framework. Using tacit knowledge gained through intuition can enable a more holistic understanding of the deep nature of today’s problems. This paper takes an expansive view of decision-making with intuition right at the centre and canvasses understandings of intuition arising from philosophy, psychology, Western and Eastern beliefs; and proposes a model that relates intuition to other problem-solving approaches. The paper presents the results of interviews with senior leaders who must make difficult decisions in complex turbulent environments. The interview schedule is based on questions raised in a prior literature search concerning the relationship between intuition and analysis in complexity decision-making and problem-solving, the usefulness to this group of respondents, the possibilities of combining both approaches and any conflict arising from that combination, and understandings of the concept of intuition by these respondents. The resultant model presents a visual description of a process that moves from exterior assessment achieved via sensing and analysis, through to deeper understandings and a more holistic discernment gained through intuition. The model has the potential to assist leaders faced with difficult-to-solve problems in providing a better understanding of the steps involved in tackling problems of increasing levels of complexity.
Evaluation of Changes in the Cardiac Function before and after Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Mitral Valve Repair in Healthy Dogs: Conventional and Novel Echocardiography
Authors: Sasaki Kenta , Ma Danfu , Mandour Ahmed S. , Ozai Yusuke , Yoshida Tomohiko , Matsuura Katsuhiro , Takeuchi Aki , Cheng Chieh-Jen , El-Husseiny Hussein M. , Hendawy Hanan , Shimada Kazumi , Hamabe Lina , Uemura Akiko , Tanaka Ryou
Published: December 2021

Mitral valve regurgitation is a common canine heart disease. Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair (TEER) is a transcatheter, edge-to-edge mitral repair device that uses a hybrid approach. No detailed information has been published on the hemodynamic effect of TEER on cardiac function. The aim of this report is to provide a longitudinal observation of the cardiac functional changes observed after TEER implantation in normal dogs using traditional, two-dimensional speckle tracking, and color M-mode echocardiographic methods. In the current report, TEER was implanted into two healthy dogs under general anesthesia. An echocardiographic examination was performed at baseline and weekly postoperative follow-ups were conducted until the fourth week. Successful TEER implantation was achieved with a short operation time (98 and 63 min) in the two dogs. Functional mitral valve regurgitation, elevated E/e’ ratio, elevated radial strain, and stable intraventricular pressure gradients (IVPG) were observed after the operation in the dogs. Mild non progressive mitral valve stenosis was observed in both dogs. TEER is a minimally invasive method for mitral valve surgery that necessitates more clinical trials. With longitudinal observation of heart function using novel approaches, better outcomes will be expected.
Shrinkage-Induced Response of Composite Steel–Concrete Slabs: A State-of-the-Art Review
Authors: Rahman Md Mahfuzur , Ranzi Gianluca
Published: December 2021

Composite steel–concrete slab is a floor typology widely used for building applications. Their design is usually governed by serviceability limit state requirements associated with the time-dependent response of the concrete. In this context, this paper presents a state-of-the-art review of research carried out to date on the long-term behavior of composite steel–concrete slabs. The particularity of this time-dependent response relies on the fact that the concrete cannot dry from the underside of the slab due to the presence of the profiled sheeting while it can dry from its upper surface. In the first part of the paper, a review of the work carried out on the identification of the time-dependent response of the concrete is presented by considering the peculiarities that occur due to the non-symmetric drying condition related to composite slabs. Particular attention is given to shrinkage effects and to the occurrence and influence of the non-uniform shrinkage gradient that develops in this form of construction over time. This is followed by the description and discussion of the experimental work performed on both simply-supported and continuous static configurations of composite slabs. In particular, the work published to date is summarized while highlighting the key parameters of the test samples and of the testing protocols adopted in the experiments. In the last part of the paper, available theoretical and design models proposed for the predictions of the shrinkage-induced behavior of composite slabs are presented and discussed.
From Mulan (1998) to Mulan (2020): Disney Conventions, Cross-Cultural Feminist Intervention, and a Compromised Progress
Authors: Wang Zhuoyi
Published: December 2021

Directed by the feminist filmmaker Niki Caro, Disney’s 2020 live-action remake of Mulan (1998) strove to be a more gender progressive, culturally appropriate, and internationally successful adaptation of the Chinese legend of Mulan than the animated original. Contrary to the film’s intended effect, however, it was a critical and financial letdown. The film was criticized for a wide range of issues, including making unpopular changes to the animated original, misrepresenting Chinese culture and history, perpetuating Orientalist stereotypes, and demonizing Inner Asian steppe nomads. In addition, the film also faced boycott calls amid political controversies surrounding China. It received exceptionally low audience ratings in both the US and China, grossing a total well under its estimated budget. This article argues that Mulan (2020) is not, as many believe, just another Disney film suffering from simple artistic inability, cultural insensitivity, or political injustice, but a window into the tension-ridden intersectionality of the gender, sexual, racial, cultural, and political issues that shape the production and reception of today’s cross-cultural films. It discusses three major problems, the Disney problem, the gender problem, and the cultural problem, that Mulan (2020) tackled with respectful efforts in Caro’s feminist filmmaking pattern. The film made significant compromises between its goals of cultural appropriateness, progressive feminism, and monetary success. Although it eventually failed to satisfactorily resolve these at times conflicting missions, it still achieved important progress in addressing some serious gender and cultural problems in Mulan’s contemporary intertextual metamorphosis, especially those introduced by the Disney animation. By revealing Mulan (2020)’s value and defects, this article intends to flesh out some real-world challenges that feminist movements must overcome to effectively transmit messages and bring about changes at the transcultural level in the arts.
Wind Shear of Low-Level Jets and Their Influence on Manned and Unmanned Fixed-Wing Aircraft during Landing Approach
Authors: Bretschneider Lutz , Hankers Rudolf , Schönhals Shanna , Heimann Jens-Michael , Lampert Astrid
Published: December 2021

Wind shear at low altitudes represents a potential hazard to landing aircraft. Based on two wind lidar data sets of one year, the occurrence of low-level jets (LLJs), the vertical wind shear and the rotation of the wind direction were analysed. The lidar system was located at the sites of Braunschweig in the North German Plain, Germany, and Clausthal-Zellerfeld in the low mountain range Harz, Germany. The observed wind shear gradients between the altitude of 40 m and the altitude of the maximum wind speed was in the range of −0.23 s−1 to +0.20 s−1. The rotation of the wind direction with altitude occurred both in clockwise and anticlockwise direction. The ratio of clockwise versus anticlockwise occurrence of directional shear was 4:1 for Braunschweig and 3:1 for Clausthal-Zellerfeld. The observed wind shear gradients were compared to values for hazard potential of different levels for a typical aircraft. Although the LLJ was not hazardous for manned aircraft in any observed case, the awareness of LLJ helps to reduce the pilot’s workload and possible pilot-introduced oscillations caused as a result of the wind shear and aircraft characteristics. In contrast to manned aviation, the value of changes in wind speed and direction during LLJ conditions can cause significant risks for unmanned aerial system operations with less than 25 kg of take-off weight. This is a result of the lower airspeed-wind-speed ratio and the flight control and flight planning.
Multiparametric Investigation of Dynamics in Fetal Heart Rate Signals
Authors: Ponsiglione Alfonso Maria , Amato Francesco , Romano Maria
Published: December 2021

In the field of electronic fetal health monitoring, computerized analysis of fetal heart rate (FHR) signals has emerged as a valid decision-support tool in the assessment of fetal wellbeing. Despite the availability of several approaches to analyze the variability of FHR signals (namely the FHRV), there are still shadows hindering a comprehensive understanding of how linear and nonlinear dynamics are involved in the control of the fetal heart rhythm. In this study, we propose a straightforward processing and modeling route for a deeper understanding of the relationships between the characteristics of the FHR signal. A multiparametric modeling and investigation of the factors influencing the FHR accelerations, chosen as major indicator of fetal wellbeing, is carried out by means of linear and nonlinear techniques, blockwise dimension reduction, and artificial neural networks. The obtained results show that linear features are more influential compared to nonlinear ones in the modeling of HRV in healthy fetuses. In addition, the results suggest that the investigation of nonlinear dynamics and the use of predictive tools in the field of FHRV should be undertaken carefully and limited to defined pregnancy periods and FHR mean values to provide interpretable and reliable information to clinicians and researchers.
Enoxaparin and Pentosan Polysulfate Bind to the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein and Human ACE2 Receptor, Inhibiting Vero Cell Infection
Authors: Ennemoser Maria , Rieger Julia , Muttenthaler Eva , Gerlza Tanja , Zatloukal Kurt , Kungl Andreas J.
Published: December 2021

As with many other pathogens, SARS-CoV-2 cell infection is strongly dependent on the interaction of the virus-surface Spike protein with the glycosaminoglycans of target cells. The SARS-CoV-2 Spike glycoprotein was previously shown to interact with cell-surface-exposed heparan sulfate and heparin in vitro. With the aim of using Enoxaparin as a treatment for COVID-19 patients and as prophylaxis to prevent interpersonal viral transmission, we investigated GAG binding to the Spike full-length protein, as well as to its receptor binding domain (RBD) in solution by isothermal fluorescence titration. We found that Enoxaparin bound to both protein variants with similar affinities, compared to the natural GAG ligand heparan sulfate (with Kd-values in the range of 600–680 nM). Using size-defined Enoxaparin fragments, we discovered the optimum binding for dp6 or dp8 for the full-length Spike protein, whereas the RBD did not exhibit a significant chain-length-dependent affinity for heparin oligosaccharides. The soluble ACE2 receptor was found to interact with unfractionated GAGs in the low µM Kd range, but with size-defined heparins with clearly sub-µM Kd-values. Interestingly, the structural heparin analogue, pentosan polysulfate (PPS), exhibited high binding affinities to both Spike variants as well as to the ACE2 receptor. In viral infection experiments, Enoxaparin and PPS both showed a strong inhibition of infection in a concentration range of 50–500 µg/mL. Both compounds were found to retain their inhibitory effects at 500 µg/mL in a natural biomatrix-like human sputum. Our data suggest the early topical treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infections with inhaled Enoxaparin; some clinical studies in this direction are already ongoing, and they further imply an oral or nasal prophylactic inactivation of the virus by Enoxaparin or PPS for the prevention of inter-personal viral transmission.
Off-Target Effects of Antidepressants on Vascular Function and Structure
Authors: Dimoula Anna , Fotellis Dimitrios , Aivalioti Evmorfia , Delialis Dimitrios , Polissidis Alexia , Patras Raphael , Kokras Nikolaos , Stamatelopoulos Kimon
Published: December 2021

Depression emerges as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and it is thought that successful antidepressant treatment may reduce such a risk. Therefore, antidepressant treatment embodies a potential preventive measure to reduce cardiovascular events in patients with depression. Accumulating evidence indicates that antidepressants have off-target effects on vascular dysfunction and in the early stages of atherosclerosis, which form the basis for cardiovascular disease (CVD) pathogenesis. In this context, we performed a thorough review of the evidence pertaining to the effects of different classes of antidepressant medications on hemodynamic and early atherosclerosis markers. The preclinical and clinical evidence reviewed revealed a preponderance of studies assessing selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), whereas other classes of antidepressants are less well-studied. Sufficient evidence supports a beneficial effect of SSRIs on vascular inflammation, endothelial function, arterial stiffening, and possibly delaying carotid atherosclerosis. In clinical studies, dissecting the hypothesized direct beneficial antidepressant effect of SSRIs on endothelial health from the global improvement upon remission of depression has proven to be difficult. However, preclinical studies armed with appropriate control groups provide evidence of molecular mechanisms linked to endothelial function that are indeed modulated by antidepressants. This suggests at least a partial direct action on vascular integrity. Further research on endothelial markers should focus on the effect of antidepressants on treatment responders versus non-responders in order to better ascertain the possible beneficial vascular effects of antidepressants, irrespective of the underlying course of depression.
Development of a Microfluidic Device for CD4+ T Cell Isolation and Automated Enumeration from Whole Blood
Authors: Fennell Robert D. , Sher Mazhar , Asghar Waseem
Published: December 2021

The development of point-of-care, cost-effective, and easy-to-use assays for the accurate counting of CD4+ T cells remains an important focus for HIV-1 disease management. The CD4+ T cell count provides an indication regarding the overall success of HIV-1 treatments. The CD4+ T count information is equally important for both resource-constrained regions and areas with extensive resources. Hospitals and other allied facilities may be overwhelmed by epidemics or other disasters. An assay for a physician’s office or other home-based setting is becoming increasingly popular. We have developed a technology for the rapid quantification of CD4+ T cells. A double antibody selection process, utilizing anti-CD4 and anti-CD3 antibodies, is tested and provides a high specificity. The assay utilizes a microfluidic chip coated with the anti-CD3 antibody, having an improved antibody avidity. As a result of enhanced binding, a higher flow rate can be applied that enables an improved channel washing to reduce non-specific bindings. A wide-field optical imaging system is also developed that provides the rapid quantification of cells. The designed optical setup is portable and low-cost. An ImageJ-based program is developed for the automatic counting of CD4+ T cells. We have successfully isolated and counted CD4+ T cells with high specificity and efficiency greater than 90%.
The Importance of Type D Personality in the Development of Temporomandibular Disorders (TMDs) and Depression in Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Gębska Magdalena , Dalewski Bartosz , Pałka Łukasz , Kołodziej Łukasz , Sobolewska Ewa
Published: December 2021

Background: a type D personality is a factor in a person’s susceptibility to general mental stress, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although many studies were conducted on the relationships among stressful situations, an individual’s personality, depression, and the occurrence of various diseases, e.g., cardiovascular disease or cancer, there are no analogous data on people with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). Aim: the assessment of TMDs and depression symptoms in students with type D personality. Material and Methods: the research was carried out with the participation of 240 physiotherapy students. The study group (G1) consisted of 120 participants with type D personalities, the control group (G2) consisted of the same number of participants, without “stress” personalities. All subjects were assessed for the occurrence of TMD symptoms, as well as for depression and anxiety symptoms, using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), based on the proprietary questionnaire. Results: in students with type D personality symptoms, TMDs occurred significantly more often and in greater number (p = 0.00) than in those without stress personalities. The exception was the symptom of increased muscle tension, which showed no statistical difference (p = 0.22). Among the 240 respondents, depression was found in 128 people (53.3%). In the group of students with type D personalities, depression was significantly more frequent than in the group without type D personalities (p = 0.00). In participants with depression, TMD symptoms were more common, i.e., headaches, neck, and shoulder girdle pain, TMJ acoustic symptoms, increased masticatory muscle tension, teeth clenching, and teeth grinding. There was no significant difference between the incidence of depression and TMJ pain and jaw locking. There was a significant interaction between the occurrence of headaches and acoustic symptoms and the occurrence of depression. For headache and depression interactions, the OR was >1; based on the results, we may assume that a headache depends more on the occurrence of depression rather than it being a symptom of a TMJ disorder in people with type D personalities. Conclusion: type D personality and depression may contribute to the development of TMD symptoms.
Evidence for the Concreteness of Abstract Language: A Meta-Analysis of Neuroimaging Studies
Authors: Del Maschio Nicola , Fedeli Davide , Garofalo Gioacchino , Buccino Giovanni
Published: December 2021

The neural mechanisms subserving the processing of abstract concepts remain largely debated. Even within the embodiment theoretical framework, most authors suggest that abstract concepts are coded in a linguistic propositional format, although they do not completely deny the role of sensorimotor and emotional experiences in coding it. To our knowledge, only one recent proposal puts forward that the processing of concrete and abstract concepts relies on the same mechanisms, with the only difference being in the complexity of the underlying experiences. In this paper, we performed a meta-analysis using the Activation Likelihood Estimates (ALE) method on 33 functional neuroimaging studies that considered activations related to abstract and concrete concepts. The results suggest that (1) concrete and abstract concepts share the recruitment of the temporo-fronto-parietal circuits normally involved in the interactions with the physical world, (2) processing concrete concepts recruits fronto-parietal areas better than abstract concepts, and (3) abstract concepts recruit Broca’s region more strongly than concrete ones. Based on anatomical and physiological evidence, Broca’s region is not only a linguistic region mainly devoted to speech production, but it is endowed with complex motor representations of different biological effectors. Hence, we propose that the stronger recruitment of this region for abstract concepts is expression of the complex sensorimotor experiences underlying it, rather than evidence of a purely linguistic format of its processing.
Pleasantness Ratings of Musical Dyads in Cochlear Implant Users
Authors: Camarena Andres , Manchala Grace , Papadopoulos Julianne , O’Connell Samantha R. , Goldsworthy Raymond L.
Published: December 2021

Cochlear implants have been used to restore hearing to more than half a million people around the world. The restored hearing allows most recipients to understand spoken speech without relying on visual cues. While speech comprehension in quiet is generally high for recipients, many complain about the sound of music. The present study examines consonance and dissonance perception in nine cochlear implant users and eight people with no known hearing loss. Participants completed web-based assessments to characterize low-level psychophysical sensitivities to modulation and pitch, as well as higher-level measures of musical pleasantness and speech comprehension in background noise. The underlying hypothesis is that sensitivity to modulation and pitch, in addition to higher levels of musical sophistication, relate to higher-level measures of music and speech perception. This hypothesis tested true with strong correlations observed between measures of modulation and pitch with measures of consonance ratings and speech recognition. Additionally, the cochlear implant users who were the most sensitive to modulations and pitch, and who had higher musical sophistication scores, had similar pleasantness ratings as those with no known hearing loss. The implication is that better coding and focused rehabilitation for modulation and pitch sensitivity will broadly improve perception of music and speech for cochlear implant users.
Orai2 Modulates Store-Operated Ca2+ Entry and Cell Cycle Progression in Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Sanchez-Collado Jose , Lopez Jose J. , Cantonero Carlos , Jardin Isaac , Regodón Sergio , Redondo Pedro C. , Gordillo Juan , Smani Tarik , Salido Gines M. , Rosado Juan A.
Published: December 2021

Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease from the histological and molecular expression point of view, and this heterogeneity determines cancer aggressiveness. Store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE), a major mechanism for Ca2+ entry in non-excitable cells, is significantly remodeled in cancer cells and plays an important role in the development and support of different cancer hallmarks. The store-operated CRAC (Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+) channels are predominantly comprised of Orai1 but the participation of Orai2 and Orai3 subunits has been reported to modulate the magnitude of Ca2+ responses. Here we provide evidence for a heterogeneous expression of Orai2 among different breast cancer cell lines. In the HER2 and triple negative breast cancer cell lines SKBR3 and BT20, respectively, where the expression of Orai2 was greater, Orai2 modulates the magnitude of SOCE and sustain Ca2+ oscillations in response to carbachol. Interestingly, in these cells Orai2 modulates the activation of NFAT1 and NFAT4 in response to high and low agonist concentrations. Finally, we have found that, in cells with high Orai2 expression, Orai2 knockdown leads to cell cycle arrest at the G0-G1 phase and decreases apoptosis resistance upon cisplatin treatment. Altogether, these findings indicate that, in breast cancer cells with a high Orai2 expression, Orai2 plays a relevant functional role in agonist-evoked Ca2+ signals, cell proliferation and apoptosis resistance.
Review of CO2 Reduction on Supported Metals (Alloys) and Single-Atom Catalysts (SACs) for the Use of Green Hydrogen in Power-to-Gas Concepts
Authors: Abdel-Mageed Ali M. , Wohlrab Sebastian
Published: December 2021

The valorization of carbon dioxide by diverting it into useful chemicals through reduction has recently attracted much interest due to the pertinent need to curb increasing global warming, which is mainly due to the huge increase of CO2 emissions from domestic and industrial activities. This approach would have a double benefit when using the green hydrogen generated from the electrolysis of water with renewable electricity (solar and wind energy). Strategies for the chemical storage of green hydrogen involve the reduction of carbon dioxide to value-added products such as methane, syngas, methanol, and their derivatives. The reduction of CO2 at ambient pressure to methane or carbon monoxide are rather facile processes that can be easily used to store renewable energy or generate an important starting material for chemical industry. While the methanation pathway can benefit from existing infrastructure of natural gas grids, the production of syngas could be also very essential to produce liquid fuels and olefins, which will also be in great demand in the future. In this review, we focus on the recent advances in the thermocatalytic reduction of CO2 at ambient pressure to basically methane and syngas on the surface of supported metal nanoparticles, single-atom catalyst (SACs), and supported bimetallic alloys. Basically, we will concentrate on activity, selectivity, stability during reaction, support effects, metal-support interactions (MSIs), and on some recent approaches to control and switch the CO2 reduction selectivity between methane and syngas. Finally, we will discuss challenges and requirements for the successful introduction of these processes in the cycle of renewable energies. All these aspects are discussed in the frame of sustainable use of renewable energies.
Water Gas Shift Reaction Activity on Fe (110): A DFT Study
Authors: Liu Xiaoyan , Ma Zeyu , Gao Xinhua , Bai Miaomiao , Ma Yajun , Meng Yu
Published: December 2021

Metal Fe is one of the phases existing on iron-based catalysts for a high-temperature water gas shift reaction (WGSR), but research on the activity of metal Fe in WGSR is almost not reported. In this work, the density functional theory (DFT) method was used to systematically study the reaction activity and mechanisms of WGSR on metal Fe (110), including the dissociation of H2O, the transformation of CO and the formation of H2, as well as the analysis of surface electronic properties. The results show that (1) the direct dissociation of H2O occurs easily on Fe (110) and the energy barrier is less than 0.9 eV; (2) the generation of CO2 is difficult and its energy barrier is above 1.8 eV; (3) H migrates easily on the Fe surface and the formation of H2 also occurs with an energy barrier of 1.47 eV. Combined with the results of Fe3O4, it can be concluded that the active phase should be Fe3O4 with O vacancy defects, and the iron-rich region plays an important role in promoting the formation of H2 in WGSR.
Hydrogen-Assisted Thermocatalysis over Titanium Nanotube for Oxidative Desulfurization
Authors: Tang Weiwei , Yao Yue , Huang Xiaoqiao
Published: December 2021

Titanium nanotubes were hydrothermally synthesized via a two-step method for ODS (oxidative desulfurization). The catalysts’ structures were characterized by XRD (X-ray diffraction), FT-IR, UV-Vis (UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectra), NH3-TPD, etc. The effects of O/S molar ratio and catalyst dosage, etc., were systematically investigated. The catalyst exhibited remarkable performance, so that the removal of DBT (dibenzothiophene) was nearly 100% under the optimal conditions in 10 min. Also, the catalysts could be easily reused for six consecutive cycles. The hydrogen-assisted thermocatalytic mechanism over titanium nanotubes for ODS was also studied and an effective reactant concentration (ERC) number of 70.8 was calculated.
Core/Shell Ag/SnO2 Nanowires for Visible Light Photocatalysis
Authors: Baranowska-Korczyc Anna , Mackiewicz Ewelina , Ranoszek-Soliwoda Katarzyna , Grobelny Jaroslaw , Celichowski Grzegorz
Published: December 2021

This study presents core/shell Ag/SnO2 nanowires (Ag/SnO2NWs) as a new photocatalyst for the rapid degradation of organic compounds by the light from the visible range. AgNWs after coating with a SnO2 shell change optical properties and, due to red shift of the absorbance maxima of the longitudinal and transverse surface plasmon resonance (SPR), modes can be excited by the light from the visible light region. Rhodamine B and malachite green were respectively selected as a model organic dye and toxic one that are present in the environment to study the photodegradation process with a novel one-dimensional metal/semiconductor Ag/SnO2NWs photocatalyst. The degradation was investigated by studying time-dependent UV/Vis absorption of the dye solution, which showed a fast degradation process due to the presence of Ag/SnO2NWs photocatalyst. The rhodamine B and malachite green degraded after 90 and 40 min, respectively, under irradiation at the wavelength of 450 nm. The efficient photocatalytic process is attributed to two phenomenon surface plasmon resonance effects of AgNWs, which allowed light absorption from the visible range, and charge separations on the Ag core and SnO2 shell interface of the nanowires which prevents recombination of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. The presented properties of Ag/SnO2NWs can be used for designing efficient and fast photodegradation systems to remove organic pollutants under solar light without applying any external sources of irradiation.
ROS- and Radiation Source-Dependent Modulation of Leukocyte Adhesion to Primary Microvascular Endothelial Cells
Authors: Eckert Denise , Rapp Felicitas , Tsedeke Ayele T. , Molendowska Jessica , Lehn Robert , Langhans Markus , Fournier Claudia , Rödel Franz , Hehlgans Stephanie
Published: December 2021

Anti-inflammatory effects of low-dose irradiation often follow a non-linear dose–effect relationship. These characteristics were also described for the modulation of leukocyte adhesion to endothelial cells. Previous results further revealed a contribution of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and anti-oxidative factors to a reduced leukocyte adhesion. Here, we evaluated the expression of anti-oxidative enzymes and the transcription factor Nrf2 (Nuclear factor-erythroid-2-related factor 2), intracellular ROS content, and leukocyte adhesion in primary human microvascular endothelial cells (HMVEC) upon low-dose irradiation under physiological laminar shear stress or static conditions after irradiation with X-ray or Carbon (C)-ions (0–2 Gy). Laminar conditions contributed to increased mRNA expression of anti-oxidative factors and reduced ROS in HMVEC following a 0.1 Gy X-ray and 0.5 Gy C-ion exposure, corresponding to reduced leukocyte adhesion and expression of adhesion molecules. By contrast, mRNA expression of anti-oxidative markers and adhesion molecules, ROS, and leukocyte adhesion were not altered by irradiation under static conditions. In conclusion, irradiation of endothelial cells with low doses under physiological laminar conditions modulates the mRNA expression of key factors of the anti-oxidative system, the intracellular ROS contents of which contribute at least in part to leucocyte adhesion, dependent on the radiation source.
Role of Myeloid Tet Methylcytosine Dioxygenase 2 in Pulmonary and Peritoneal Inflammation Induced by Lipopolysaccharide and Peritonitis Induced by Escherichia coli
Authors: Qin Wanhai , Brands Xanthe , Matsumoto Hisatake , Butler Joe M. , van’t Veer Cornelis , de Vos Alex F. , Roelofs Joris J. T. H. , Scicluna Brendon P. , van der Poll Tom
Published: December 2021

Tet methylcytosine dioxygenase 2 (Tet2) mediates demethylation of DNA. We here sought to determine the expression and function of Tet2 in macrophages upon exposure to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and in the host response to LPS induced lung and peritoneal inflammation, and during Escherichia (E.) coli induced peritonitis. LPS induced Tet2 expression in mouse macrophages and human monocytes in vitro, as well as in human alveolar macrophages after bronchial instillation in vivo. Bone marrow-derived macrophages from myeloid Tet2 deficient (Tet2fl/flLysMCre) mice displayed enhanced production of IL-1β, IL-6 and CXCL1 upon stimulation with several Toll-like receptor agonists; similar results were obtained with LPS stimulated alveolar and peritoneal macrophages. Histone deacetylation was involved in the effect of Tet2 on IL-6 production, whilst methylation at the Il6 promoter was not altered by Tet2 deficiency. Tet2fl/flLysMCre mice showed higher IL-6 and TNF levels in bronchoalveolar and peritoneal lavage fluid after intranasal and intraperitoneal LPS administration, respectively, whilst other inflammatory responses were unaltered. E. coli induced stronger production of IL-1β and IL-6 by Tet2 deficient peritoneal macrophages but not in peritoneal lavage fluid of Tet2fl/flLysMCre mice after in vivo intraperitoneal infection. Tet2fl/flLysMCre mice displayed enhanced bacterial growth during E. coli peritonitis, which was associated with a reduced capacity of Tet2fl/flLysMCre peritoneal macrophages to inhibit the growth of E. coli in vitro. Collectively, these data suggest that Tet2 is involved in the regulation of macrophage functions triggered by LPS and during E. coli infection.
Effect of Aramid Fibers on Balanced Mix Design of Asphalt Concrete
Authors: Noorvand Hossein , Brockman Samuel Castro , Mamlouk Michael , Kaloush Kamil
Published: December 2021

Fiber-reinforced asphalt concrete (FRAC) was tested using limestone, PG 64-22 binder, and 20% reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP). After mixing fibers with different lengths and dosages, they were extracted and recovered to evaluate their dispersion in the FRAC. The uniaxial fatigue test, IDEAL CT test, and flow number test were performed on FRAC with different fiber lengths and asphalt contents. The balanced mix design (BMD) approach was then used to analyze the uniaxial and flow number test results in order to evaluate the effect of aramid fibers on fatigue and rutting resistance of the pavement. The dispersion test showed that the 19 mm and 10 mm aramid fibers at a dosage rate of 0.5 g/kg provided the best dispersion. The 19 mm fibers showed better performance test results than the 10 mm and 38 mm fibers. The BMD approach provided ranges of asphalt contents to produce mixes with certain resistances to fatigue and rutting. The BMD approach also demonstrated the effect of fibers with different lengths on increasing the resistance to fatigue and rutting. The study concluded that the 19 mm fibers with a dosage of 0.5 g/kg produce best results. The BMD approach is a good tool that can be used to refine the mix ingredients, including additives such as fibers, in order to optimize pavement resistance to various distresses such as fatigue cracking and rutting.
Investigation of Morphology of Aluminum Co-Doped Scandium Stabilized Zirconia (ScAlSZ) Thin Films
Authors: Galdikas Arvaidas , Sriubas Mantas , Kairaitis Gediminas , Virbukas Darius , Bockute Kristina , Galdikas Matas , Moskalioviene Teresa , Laukaitis Giedrius
Published: December 2021

The morphology of aluminum co-doped scandium stabilized zirconia (ScAlSZ) thin films formed by e-beam deposition system was investigated experimentally and theoretically. The dependencies of surface roughness, and the films’ structure on deposition temperature and deposition rate were analyzed. It was shown experimentally that the dependence of the surface roughness on deposition temperature and deposition rate was not monotonic. Those dependencies were analyzed by mathematical modeling. The mathematical model includes the processes of phase separation, adsorption and diffusion process due to the film surface curvature. The impacts of substrate temperature, growth rate on surface roughness of thin films and lateral nanoparticle sizes are shown by the modeling results. Modeling showed that the roughness of the surface of grown films became higher in most cases as the substrate’s temperature rose, but the higher deposition rate resulted in lower surface roughness in most cases. The results obtained by simulations were compared to the relevant experimental data. The non-linear relationships between surface roughness of grown films and lateral size of nanoparticles were also shown by our modeling results, which suggested that the variation in the surface roughness depending on the substrate temperature and growth rate was related to the lateral size of nanoparticles.
The Effect of Argon as Atomization Gas on the Microstructure, Machine Hammer Peening Post-Treatment, and Corrosion Behavior of Twin Wire Arc Sprayed (TWAS) ZnAl4 Coatings
Authors: Tillmann Wolfgang , Abdulgader Mohamed , Wirtz Andreas , Milz Michael P. , Biermann Dirk , Walther Frank
Published: December 2021

In the twin wire arc spraying (TWAS) process, it is common to use compressed air as atomizing gas. Nitrogen or argon also are used to reduce oxidation and improve coating performance. The heat required to melt the feedstock material depends on the electrical conductivity of the wires used and the ionization energy of both the feedstock material and atomization gas. In the case of ZnAl4, no phase changes were recorded in the obtained coatings by using either compressed air or argon as atomization gas. This fact has led to the assumption that the melting behavior of ZnAl4 with its low melting and evaporating temperature is different from materials with a higher melting point, such as Fe and Ni, which also explains the unexpected compressive residual stresses in the as-sprayed conditions. The heavier atomization gas, argon, led to slightly higher compressive stresses and oxide content. Compressed air as atomization gas led to lower porosity, decreased surface roughness, and better corrosion resistance. In the case of argon, Al precipitated in the form of small particles. The post-treatment machine hammer peening (MHP) has induced horizontal cracks in compressed air sprayed coatings. These cracks were mainly initiated in the oxidized Al phase.