bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Air Quality as a Key Factor in the Aromatisation of Stores: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Panovská Zdeňka , Ilko Vojtech , Doležal Marek
Published: August 2021

Scientific literature on indoor air quality is categorised mainly into environmental sciences, construction building technology and environmental and civil engineering. Indoor air is a complex and dynamic mixture of a variety of volatile and particulate matter. Some of the constituents are odorous and originate from various sources, such as construction materials, furniture, cleaning products, goods in stores, humans and many more. The first part of the article summarises the knowledge about the substances that are found in the air inside buildings, especially stores, and have a negative impact on our health. This issue has been monitored for a long time, and so, using a better methodology, it is possible to identify even low concentrations of monitored substances. The second part summarises the possibility of using various aromatic substances to improve people’s sense of the air in stores. In recent times, air modification has come to the forefront of researchers’ interest in order to create a more pleasant environment and possibly increase sales.
Development of Crack Width Prediction Models for RC Beam-Column Joint Subjected to Lateral Cyclic Loading Using Machine Learning
Authors: Ganasan Reventheran , Tan Chee Ghuan , Ibrahim Zainah , Nazri Fadzli Mohamed , Sherif Muhammad M. , El-Shafie Ahmed
Published: August 2021

In recent years, researchers have investigated the development of artificial neural networks (ANN) and finite element models (FEM) for predicting crack propagation in reinforced concrete (RC) members. However, most of the developed prediction models have been limited to focus on individual isolated RC members without considering the interaction of members in a structure subjected to hazard loads, due to earthquake and wind. This research develops models to predict the evolution of the cracks in the RC beam-column joint (BCJ) region. The RC beam-column joint is subjected to lateral cyclic loading. Four machine learning models are developed using Rapidminer to predict the crack width experienced by seven RC beam-column joints. The design parameters associated with RC beam-column joints and lateral cyclic loadings in terms of drift ratio are used as inputs. Several prediction models are developed, and the highest performing neural networks are selected, refined, and optimized using the various split data ratios, number of inputs, and performance indices. The error in predicting the experimental crack width is used as a performance index.
Wireless Power Transfer Using Harvested Radio Frequency Energy with Magnetic Resonance Coupling to Charge Mobile Device Batteries
Authors: Ramsaroop Neetu , Olugbara Oludayo O.
Published: August 2021

This research paper presents the design of a wireless power transfer (WPT) circuit integrated with magnetic resonance coupling (MRC) and harvested radio frequency (RF) energy to wirelessly charge the battery of a mobile device. A capacitor (100 µF, 16 V) in the RF energy harvesting circuit stored the converted power, and the accumulated voltage stored in the capacitor was 9.46 V. The foundation of the proposed WPT prototype circuit included two coils (28 AWG)—a transmitter coil, and a receiver coil. The transmitter coil was energized by the alternating current (AC), which produced a magnetic field, which in turn induced a current in the receiver coil. The harvested RF energy (9.46 V) was converted into AC, which energized the transmitter coil and generated a magnetic field. The electronics in the receiver coil then converted the AC into direct current (DC), which became usable power to charge the battery of a mobile device. The experimental setup based on mathematical modeling and simulation displayed successful charging capabilities of MRC, with the alternate power source being the harvested RF energy. Mathematical formulae were applied to calculate the amount of power generated from the prototype circuit. LTSpice simulation software was applied to demonstrate the behavior of the different components in the circuit layout for effective WPT transfer.
Experimental Investigation of the Reynolds Shear Stress Exceedance Rate for the Injury and Disorientation Biocriteria Boundary in the Pool-Orifice and Vertical Slot Type Fishways
Authors: Gilja Gordon , Ocvirk Eva , Fliszar Robert
Published: August 2021

Fragmentation of rivers has a negative impact on river’s ecological status which can be improved by the construction of fishways next to obstacles in rivers that prevent a free migration. Flow field characteristics are key factors in the design process of hydraulically efficient fishways—flow and turbulence patterns in a functional fishway allow fish to enter, progress through and exit with minimum time/energy expenditure. The aim of this paper is an experimental study of the flow field characteristics measured in the physical fishway model with the goal of providing information on the Reynold’s shear stress distribution that would facilitate their design in accordance with the environmental requirements. The focus of the research was on the nominally hydraulically efficient con-figuration pool-type fishways—pool-orifice and vertical slot. Fishway geometry was varied for bottom slope (7.5%, 10% and 12.5%), pool length (45 cm, 60 cm and 90 cm) and orifice size (8 × 8 cm, 10 × 10 cm and 12 × 12 cm) in a model scaled 1:3 to the prototype. Since Reynold’s shear stress has been identified as the main turbulent parameter affecting fish swimming performance and behavior, it is used as the basis for the analyses. The velocity data were collected with Vectrino ADV and processed in all three planes—streamwise, horizontal and vertical. Reynold’s shear stress data were analyzed according to the injury (>50 N/m2) and disorientation (>30 N/m2) biocriteria boundaries defined in the literature. The percentage of the flow field exceeding the boundaries were analyzed depending on the fishway geometry. The results obtained in this research suggest that the critical design parameter is the orifice size for the pool-orifice fishways and the pool length for the VS fishway. The Reynold’s shear stress is generally the highest in the bottom layer for pool-orifice fishways and the surface layer for vertical slot fishways.
Parametric Simulations on Leakage and Performance of a Miniature Free-Piston Generator (MFPG)
Authors: Zhang Saifei , Zhang Chunhua , Liu Yong , Wu Wei , Wu Han , Yuan Shihua
Published: August 2021

The miniaturization of electrical equipment and popularization of portable devices is an appealing motivation for the development of small-scale heat engines. However, the in-cylinder charge leaks severely as the engine dimension shrinks. The free-piston engine on a small scale provides better sealing than other miniature heat engines. Therefore, a miniature free-piston generator (MFPG) with a single-piston internal combustion engine (ICE) and a voice coil motor (VCM) was proposed in this work. A dynamic model with special attention on the heat transfer and leakage was established accordingly, upon which parametric studies of leakage and its effects on the performance of the MFPG system were performed. Four key parameters, including scavenging pressure, ignition position, combustion duration and piston mass, were considered in the model. The results showed that the mass leakage during the compression decreases with the rise of the motoring current. The indicated thermal efficiency can be improved by boosting scavenging pressure and increase motoring current. The critical ignition position is 2 mm before the top dead center. When ignition occurs later than that, the MFPG system is incapable of outputting power. The chemical to electric energy conversion efficiency is about 5.13%, with an output power of 10~13 W and power density around 4.7~5.7 W/cc.
Wax Separated Effectively from Fischer-Tropsch Wax Residue by Solvent Desorption: Thermodynamic and Kinetic Analysis
Authors: Li Ling , Zheng Yuqi , Xu Baokang , Xu Yanhua , Liu Zhiying
Published: August 2021

The separation and recycling of effective resources in Fischer-Tropsch wax residue (FTWR) are urgent because of the environmental hazards and energy waste they bring. In this study, organic solvents are used to separate recyclable resources from FTWR efficiently, achieving the goals of “Energy Recycle” and “Fisher-Tropsch Wax Residue Treatment”. The response surface methodology (RSM) response surface analysis model accurately evaluates the relationship among temperature, residence time, liquid–solid ratio, and desorption rate and obtains the best process parameters. The results show that the product yield can reach 82.28% under the conditions of 80 °C, 4 h, and the liquid–solid ratio of 24.4 mL/g. Through the kinetic analysis of the desorption process of FTWR, the results show that the desorption process conforms to the pseudo second-order kinetic model and the internal diffusion model. The thermodynamic function results showed that there were not only van der Waals forces in the desorption process, but other strong interaction forces such as hydrogen bonds. In addition, Langmuir, Freundlich, and BET equations are used to describe the desorption equilibrium. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to analyze the pore structure of FTWR during desorption. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and Gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS) analysis confirmed that the desorption product’s main component was hydrocarbons (50.38 wt%). Furthermore, naphthenic (22.95 wt%), primary alcohol (11.62 wt%), esters (8.7 wt%), and aromatic hydrocarbons (6.35 wt%) compounds were found and can be further purified and applied to other industrial fields. This study shows that using petroleum ether to separate and recover clean resources from Fischer-Tropsch wax residue is feasible and efficient and has potential industrial application prospects.
Silver-Nanowire-Based Localized-Surface-Plasmon-Assisted Transparent Conducting Electrode for High-Efficiency Light-Emitting Diode
Authors: Kim Ja-Yeon , Oh Gwang-Geun , Kim Eunjin , Kim Hyeon-Seung , Hong Gwangsik , Ryou Jae-Hyun , Kwon Min-Ki
Published: August 2021

Silver nanowire (Ag NWs) networks with high transparency and low resistivity are widely used as promising candidates for the replacement of indium tin oxide (ITO)-based transparent conducting oxides (TCOs) in light-emitting diodes (LEDs). However, LEDs with Ag NW electrodes are less efficient than those with ITO electrodes because of their low electrical properties, such as high contact resistance and strong absorption in the visible region. In this work, we tried to improve the efficiency of LEDs with transparent conducting electrodes of Ag NWs networks via localized surface plasmons (LSPs) by adopting silver nanoparticles. We studied the effect of the thickness of the p-GaN layer on surface plasmon coupling. When a 45 nm thick p-GaN layer was used, the internal quantum efficiency was improved by LSP coupling between a dipole of QW and Ag NW/NP, and the light extraction was improved because the NPs afforded a leakage mode and acted as scattering centers.
Strategy for Exploring Feasible and Infeasible Solution Spaces to Solve a Multiple-Vehicle Bike Sharing System Routing Problem
Authors: Tsushima Honami , Matsuura Takafumi , Ikeguchi Tohru
Published: August 2021

In bicycle sharing systems, many vehicles restore bicycles to ports. To construct the shortest tour of these vehicles, in a previous work, we formulated the multiple-vehicle bike sharing system routing problem (mBSSRP) and demonstrated that an optimal solution can be obtained for small-sized instances through a general-purpose mixed-integer linear programming solver. However, for large-sized instances, the optimal solution could not be found in a reasonable time frame. Therefore, to find near-optimal solutions for the mBSSRPs in a short time, in this study, we develop a method with a searching strategy, which explores both the feasible and infeasible solution spaces. To investigate the performance of the proposed method, we solve benchmark problems of mBSSRP. In addition, we compare the proposed method with the method exploring only the feasible solution space, in terms of performance. The results of the numerical experiments demonstrate that the proposed method can reach optimal solutions for almost all small-sized mBSSRP instances and that searching both the feasible and infeasible solution spaces yields good feasible solutions both for small-sized and large-sized instances.
Antioxidant, α-Glucosidase Inhibitory, and Anti-Inflammatory Activities and Cell Toxicity of Waxy and Normal Wheat Sprouts at Various Germination Time
Authors: Han Inhwa
Published: August 2021

Germination is an effective process to improve the bioactivities including antioxidant and hypoglycemic activities of grains, but its effect on waxy wheat has not yet been actively studied. This study, therefore, examined the effect of germination time on the activities of Korean waxy and normal wheat sprouts. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents, and antioxidant activities of the waxy and normal wheat sprouts increased with germination time. Flavonoid content and antioxidant activity were higher in waxy wheat sprouts than in normal ones, but the total phenolic content and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity were not significantly different. The NO production ratio of MEF cells was higher for waxy wheat sprout than for normal ones, thereby indicating lower anti-inflammatory activity of waxy wheat sprouts. The viabilities of Caco-2 cells treated with waxy wheat sprouts was higher than that of cells treated with normal ones for the water extract. These results imply that waxy wheat sprouts exhibit better antioxidant activity and less cell toxicity for water extract, and therefore, could be used as a health-promoting food.
Cold Atmospheric Plasma Cancer Treatment, a Critical Review
Authors: Yan Dayun , Malyavko Alisa , Wang Qihui , Lin Li , Sherman Jonathan H. , Keidar Michael
Published: August 2021

Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is an ionized gas, the product of a non-equilibrium discharge at atmospheric conditions. Both chemical and physical factors in CAP have been demonstrated to have unique biological impacts in cancer treatment. From a chemical-based perspective, the anti-cancer efficacy is determined by the cellular sensitivity to reactive species. CAP may also be used as a powerful anti-cancer modality based on its physical factors, mainly EM emission. Here, we delve into three CAP cancer treatment approaches, chemically based direct/indirect treatment and physical-based treatment by discussing their basic principles, features, advantages, and drawbacks. This review does not focus on the molecular mechanisms, which have been widely introduced in previous reviews. Based on these approaches and novel adaptive plasma concepts, we discuss the potential clinical application of CAP cancer treatment using a critical evaluation and forward-looking perspectives.
30 Years of Air Quality Trends in Japan
Authors: Ito Akiyoshi , Wakamatsu Shinji , Morikawa Tazuko , Kobayashi Shinji
Published: August 2021

The aim of this paper is to obtain information that will contribute to measures and research needed to further improve the air quality in Japan. The trends and characteristics of air pollutant concentrations, especially PM2.5, ozone, and related substances, over the past 30 years, are analyzed, and the relationships between concentrations and emissions are discussed quantitatively. We found that PM2.5 mass concentrations have decreased, with the largest reduction in elemental carbon (EC) as the PM2.5 component. The concentrations of organic carbon (OC) have not changed significantly compared to other components, suggesting that especially VOC emissions as precursors need to be reduced. In addition, the analysis of the differences in PM2.5 concentrations between the ambient and the roadside showed that further research on non-exhaust particles is needed. For NOx and SO2, there is a linear relationship between domestic anthropogenic emissions and atmospheric concentrations, indicating that emission control measures are directly effective in the reduction in concentrations. Also, recent air pollution episodes and the effect of reduced economic activity, as a consequence of COVID-19, on air pollution concentrations are summarized.
Atmospheric Rivers and Associated Precipitation over France and Western Europe: 1980–2020 Climatology and Case Study
Authors: Doiteau Benjamin , Dournaux Meredith , Montoux Nadège , Baray Jean-Luc
Published: August 2021

Atmospheric rivers are important atmospheric features implicated in the global water vapor budget, the cloud distribution, and the associated precipitation. The ARiD (Atmospheric River Detector) code has been developed to automatically detect atmospheric rivers from water vapor flux and has been applied to the ECMWF ERA5 archive over the period 1980–2020 above the Atlantic Ocean and Europe. A case study of an atmospheric river formed in the East Atlantic on August 2014 that reached France has been detailed using ECMWF ERA5 reanalysis, ground based observation data, and satellite products such as DARDAR, AIRS, GPCP, and GOES. This atmospheric river event presents a strong interaction with an intense upper tropospheric jet stream, which induced stratosphere–troposphere exchanges by tropopause fold. A 1980–2020 climatology of atmospheric rivers over Europe has been presented. The west of France, Iberian Peninsula, and British Islands are the most impacted regions by atmospheric rivers with an occurrence of up to four days per month during the October–April period. Up to 40% of the precipitation observed on the west European coast can be linked to the presence of ARs. No significant trend in the occurrence of the phenomena was found over 1980–2020.
Bounded Perturbation Resilience of Two Modified Relaxed CQ Algorithms for the Multiple-Sets Split Feasibility Problem
Authors: Li Yingying , Zhang Yaxuan
Published: August 2021

In this paper, we present some modified relaxed CQ algorithms with different kinds of step size and perturbation to solve the Multiple-sets Split Feasibility Problem (MSSFP). Under mild assumptions, we establish weak convergence and prove the bounded perturbation resilience of the proposed algorithms in Hilbert spaces. Treating appropriate inertial terms as bounded perturbations, we construct the inertial acceleration versions of the corresponding algorithms. Finally, for the LASSO problem and three experimental examples, numerical computations are given to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed algorithms and the validity of the inertial perturbation.
Biomolecule and Bioentity Interaction Databases in Systems Biology: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Baltoumas Fotis A. , Zafeiropoulou Sofia , Karatzas Evangelos , Koutrouli Mikaela , Thanati Foteini , Voutsadaki Kleanthi , Gkonta Maria , Hotova Joana , Kasionis Ioannis , Hatzis Pantelis , Pavlopoulos Georgios A.
Published: August 2021

Technological advances in high-throughput techniques have resulted in tremendous growth of complex biological datasets providing evidence regarding various biomolecular interactions. To cope with this data flood, computational approaches, web services, and databases have been implemented to deal with issues such as data integration, visualization, exploration, organization, scalability, and complexity. Nevertheless, as the number of such sets increases, it is becoming more and more difficult for an end user to know what the scope and focus of each repository is and how redundant the information between them is. Several repositories have a more general scope, while others focus on specialized aspects, such as specific organisms or biological systems. Unfortunately, many of these databases are self-contained or poorly documented and maintained. For a clearer view, in this article we provide a comprehensive categorization, comparison and evaluation of such repositories for different bioentity interaction types. We discuss most of the publicly available services based on their content, sources of information, data representation methods, user-friendliness, scope and interconnectivity, and we comment on their strengths and weaknesses. We aim for this review to reach a broad readership varying from biomedical beginners to experts and serve as a reference article in the field of Network Biology.
AMPA Receptor Antagonists Facilitate NEDD4-2-Mediated GRIA1 Ubiquitination by Regulating PP2B-ERK1/2-SGK1 Pathway in Chronic Epilepsy Rats
Authors: Kim Ji-Eun , Lee Duk-Shin , Park Hana , Kim Tae-Hyun , Kang Tae-Cheon
Published: August 2021

The neural precursor cell expressed by developmentally downregulated gene 4-2 (NEDD4-2) is a ubiquitin E3 ligase that has a high affinity toward binding and ubiquitinating glutamate ionotropic receptor α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) type subunit 1 (GRIA1, also referred to GluR1 or GluA1). Since dysregulation of GRIA1 surface expression is relevant to the responsiveness to AMPA receptor (AMPAR) antagonists (perampanel and GYKI 52466) in chronic epilepsy rats, it is likely that NEDD4-2 may be involved in the pathogenesis of intractable epilepsy. However, the role of NEDD4-2-mediated GRIA1 ubiquitination in refractory seizures to AMPAR antagonists is still unknown. In the present study, both AMPAR antagonists recovered the impaired GRIA1 ubiquitination by regulating protein phosphatase 2B (PP2B)-extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2)-serum and glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 1 (SGK1)-NEDD4-2 signaling pathway in responders (whose seizure activities are responsive to AMPAR), but not non-responders (whose seizure activities were uncontrolled by AMPAR antagonists). In addition, cyclosporin A (CsA, a PP2B inhibitor) co-treatment improved the effects of AMPAR antagonists in non-responders, independent of AKT signaling pathway. Therefore, our findings suggest that dysregulation of PP2B-ERK1/2-SGK1-NEDD4-2-mediated GRIA1 ubiquitination may be responsible for refractory seizures and that this pathway may be a potential therapeutic target for improving the treatment of intractable epilepsy in response to AMPAR antagonists.
Electroanalytical Overview: Electrochemical Sensing Platforms for Food and Drink Safety
Authors: Ferrari Alejandro Garcia-Miranda , Crapnell Robert D. , Banks Craig E.
Published: August 2021

Robust, reliable, and affordable analytical techniques are essential for screening and monitoring food and water safety from contaminants, pathogens, and allergens that might be harmful upon consumption. Recent advances in decentralised, miniaturised, and rapid tests for health and environmental monitoring can provide an alternative solution to the classic laboratory-based analytical techniques currently utilised. Electrochemical biosensors offer a promising option as portable sensing platforms to expedite the transition from laboratory benchtop to on-site analysis. A plethora of electroanalytical sensor platforms have been produced for the detection of small molecules, proteins, and microorganisms vital to ensuring food and drink safety. These utilise various recognition systems, from direct electrochemical redox processes to biological recognition elements such as antibodies, enzymes, and aptamers; however, further exploration needs to be carried out, with many systems requiring validation against standard benchtop laboratory-based techniques to offer increased confidence in the sensing platforms. This short review demonstrates that electroanalytical biosensors already offer a sensitive, fast, and low-cost sensor platform for food and drink safety monitoring. With continued research into the development of these sensors, increased confidence in the safety of food and drink products for manufacturers, policy makers, and end users will result.
Impact of Ethyl Methane Sulphonate Mutagenesis in Artemisia vulgaris L. under NaCl Stress
Authors: Kumar Sudheeran Pradeep , Kumari B.D. Ranjitha
Published: August 2021

The present investigation aimed to obtain salt-tolerant Artemisia vulgaris L. to develop a constant form through in vitro mutagenesis with ethyl methane sulphonate (EMS) as the chemical mutagen. NaCl tolerance was evaluated by the ability of the callus to maintain its growth under different concentrations, ranges from (0 mM to 500 mM). However, NaCl salinity concentration at (500 mM) did not show any development of callus, slight shrinking, and brown discoloration taking place over a week. Thus, all the biochemical and antioxidant assays were limited to (0–400 mM) NaCl. On the other hand, selected calluses were treated with 0.5% EMS for 30, 60, and 90 min and further subcultured on basal media fortified with different concentrations of 0–400 mM NaCl separately. Thus, the callus was treated for 60 min and was found to induce the mutation on the callus. The maximum salt-tolerant callus from 400 mM NaCl was regenerated in MS medium fortified with suitable hormones. Biochemical parameters such as chlorophyll, carotenoids, starch, amino acids, and phenol contents decreased under NaCl stress, whereas sugar and proline increased. Peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities peaked at 200 mM NaCl, whereas catalase (CAT) was maximum at 100 mM NaCl. Enhanced tolerance of 0.5% the EMS-treated callus, attributed to the increased biochemical and antioxidant activity over the control and NaCl stress. As a result, the mutants were more tolerant of salinity than the control plants.
A Bayesian Mixture Modelling of Stop Signal Reaction Time Distributions: The Second Contextual Solution for the Problem of Aftereffects of Inhibition on SSRT Estimations
Authors: Soltanifar Mohsen , Escobar Michael , Dupuis Annie , Schachar Russell
Published: August 2021

The distribution of single Stop Signal Reaction Times (SSRT) in the stop signal task (SST) has been modelled with two general methods: a nonparametric method by Hans Colonius (1990) and a Bayesian parametric method by Dora Matzke, Gordon Logan and colleagues (2013). These methods assume an equal impact of the preceding trial type (go/stop) in the SST trials on the SSRT distributional estimation without addressing the relaxed assumption. This study presents the required model by considering a two-state mixture model for the SSRT distribution. It then compares the Bayesian parametric single SSRT and mixture SSRT distributions in the usual stochastic order at the individual and the population level under ex-Gaussian (ExG) distributional format. It shows that compared to a single SSRT distribution, the mixture SSRT distribution is more varied, more positively skewed, more leptokurtic and larger in stochastic order. The size of the results’ disparities also depends on the choice of weights in the mixture SSRT distribution. This study confirms that mixture SSRT indices as a constant or distribution are significantly larger than their single SSRT counterparts in the related order. This result offers a vital improvement in the SSRT estimations.
Virtual Reality (VR)-Based Environmental Enrichment in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and Mild Dementia
Authors: Riaz Waleed , Khan Zain Yar , Jawaid Ali , Shahid Suleman
Published: August 2021

Background: Despite an alarming rise in the global prevalence of dementia, the available modalities for improving cognition and mental wellbeing of dementia patients remain limited. Environmental enrichment is an experimental paradigm that has shown promising anti-depressive and memory-enhancing effects in pre-clinical studies. However, its clinical utility has remained limited due to the lack of effective implementation strategies. Objective: The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the usability (tolerability and interactivity) of a long-term virtual reality (VR)- based environmental enrichment training program in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and mild dementia. A secondary objective was to assess the effect of VR-based environmental enrichment on stabilization of cognitive functioning and improvement of mental wellbeing in older adults with MCI and mild dementia. Methods: A total of seven participants (four patients with MCI and three with mild dementia) received biweekly VR-based environmental enrichment over a course of 6 months. The tolerability and interactivity of the participants in the VR training was serially assessed via virtual reality sickness questionnaire (VRSQ) and recording of input-error ratio. Cognitive functioning was assessed through Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) before and after the study. Mental wellbeing was assessed through Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well Being Scale (WEMWBS). Results: VR-based environmental enrichment was well-tolerated by the patients with significant decrease in VRSQ scores (p < 0.01) and input-error ratio (p < 0.001) overtime. VR training was also effective in stabilization of MoCA scores over the course of therapy (non-significant difference in the MoCA scores before and after the therapy) and was associated with a trend (p < 0.1) towards improvement in WEMWBS scores between the first and the last assessments. Qualitative observations by the care-givers further corroborated a noticeable improvement in mental wellbeing of patients. Conclusions: This pilot study shows that VR can be a feasible, tolerable, and potentially effective tool in long-term support of older adults with MCI and mild dementia.
Innovation in Digital Education: Lessons Learned from the Multiple Sclerosis Management Master’s Program
Authors: Voigt Isabel , Stadelmann Christine , Meuth Sven G. , Funk Richard H. W. , Ramisch Franziska , Niemeier Joachim , Ziemssen Tjalf
Published: August 2021

Since 2020, the master’s program “Multiple Sclerosis Management” has been running at Dresden International University, offering structured training to become a multiple sclerosis specialist. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many planned teaching formats had to be changed to online teaching. The subject of this paper was the investigation of a cloud-based digital hub and student evaluation of the program. Authors analyzed use cases of computer-supported collaborative learning and student evaluation of courses and modules using the Gioia method and descriptive statistics. The use of a cloud-based digital hub as a central data platform proved to be highly successful for learning and teaching, as well as for close interaction between lecturers and students. Students rated the courses very positively in terms of content, knowledge transfer and interaction. The implementation of the master’s program was successful despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The resulting extensive use of digital tools demonstrates the “new normal” of future learning, with even more emphasis on successful online formats that also increase interaction between lecturers and students in particular. At the same time, there will continue to be tailored face-to-face events to specifically increase learning success.
Thermal and Principal Ablation Properties of Carbon-Fibre-Reinforced Polymers with Out-of-Plane Fibre Orientation
Authors: Eibl Sebastian , Schuster Thomas J.
Published: August 2021

This work characterises thermal properties of a typical epoxy-based carbon-fibre-reinforced polymer used in aircraft construction, but with an out-of-plane fibre orientation, and assesses its potential as a structural ablative material. Samples of the commercially available Hexply® 8552/IM7 are prepared with out-of-plane angles up to 90°, with a focus on 0° to 15°, enhancing thermal conductivity through the thickness of the panel. Ablation processes are simulated by a hot-air blower at 580 °C, and examined in detail by ultrasonic testing and microfocused computed X-ray tomography afterwards. Matrix degradation is characterised by infrared spectroscopy and mass loss. To assess structural properties, tensile, compression, and bending tests are performed. The results show a loss in mechanical performance with an increasing fibre angle, which may be negligible for angles lower than ~5° in the initial state. Composite material with an out-of-plane fibre orientation is deeply penetrated concerning matrix degradation by thermal loading, but it is held together by the fibres fixed in the intact matrix underneath. This type of material shows a high potential for structural components in single-use, high-temperature, ablative applications with a focus on saving weight.
Nanotechnology in Tumor Biomarker Detection: The Potential of Liganded Nanoclusters as Nonlinear Optical Contrast Agents for Molecular Diagnostics of Cancer
Authors: Combes Guillaume F. , Vučković Ana-Marija , Perić Bakulić Martina , Antoine Rodolphe , Bonačić-Koutecky Vlasta , Trajković Katarina
Published: August 2021

Cancer is one of the leading causes of premature death, and, as such, it can be prevented by developing strategies for early and accurate diagnosis. Cancer diagnostics has evolved from the macroscopic detection of malignant tissues to the fine analysis of tumor biomarkers using personalized medicine approaches. Recently, various nanomaterials have been introduced into the molecular diagnostics of cancer. This has resulted in a number of tumor biomarkers that have been detected in vitro and in vivo using nanodevices and corresponding imaging techniques. Atomically precise ligand-protected noble metal quantum nanoclusters represent an interesting class of nanomaterials with a great potential for the detection of tumor biomarkers. They are characterized by high biocompatibility, low toxicity, and suitability for controlled functionalization with moieties specifically recognizing tumor biomarkers. Their non-linear optical properties are of particular importance as they enable the visualization of nanocluster-labeled tumor biomarkers using non-linear optical techniques such as two-photon-excited fluorescence and second harmonic generation. This article reviews liganded nanoclusters among the different nanomaterials used for molecular cancer diagnosis and the relevance of this new class of nanomaterials as non-linear optical probe and contrast agents.
Bridging the Gaps between Circulating Tumor Cells and DNA Methylation in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Flores Bianca C. T. , Correia Margareta P. , Rodríguez José G. , Henrique Rui , Jerónimo Carmen
Published: August 2021

Prostate cancer is the second most common male malignancy, with a highly variable clinical presentation and outcome. Therefore, diagnosis, prognostication, and management remain a challenge, as available clinical, imaging, and pathological parameters provide limited risk assessment. Thus, many biomarkers are under study to fill this critical gap, some of them based on epigenetic aberrations that might be detected in liquid biopsies. Herein, we provide a critical review of published data on the usefulness of DNA methylation and circulating tumor cells in diagnosis and treatment decisions in cases of prostate cancer, underlining key aspects and discussing the importance of these advances to the improvement of the management of prostate cancer patients. Using minimally invasive blood tests, the detection of highly specific biomarkers might be crucial for making therapeutic decisions, determining response to specific treatments, and allowing early diagnosis.
Urine LOX-1 and Volatilome as Promising Tools towards the Early Detection of Renal Cancer
Authors: Murdocca Michela , Torino Francesco , Pucci Sabina , Costantini Manuela , Capuano Rosamaria , Greggi Chiara , Polidoro Chiara , Somma Giuseppina , Pasqualetti Valentina , Ketchanji Mougang Yolande , Catini Alexandro , Simone Giuseppe , Paolesse Roberto , Orlandi Augusto , Mauriello Alessandro , Roselli Mario , Magrini Andrea , Novelli Giuseppe , Di Natale Corrado , Sangiuolo Federica Carla
Published: August 2021

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) represents around 3% of all cancers, within which clear cell RCC (ccRCC) are the most common type (70–75%). The RCC disease regularly progresses asymptomatically and upon presentation is recurrently metastatic, therefore, an early method of detection is necessary. The identification of one or more specific biomarkers measurable in biofluids (i.e., urine) by combined approaches could surely be appropriate for this kind of cancer, especially due to easy obtainability by noninvasive method. OLR1 is a metabolic gene that encodes for the Lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1), implicated in inflammation, atherosclerosis, ROS, and metabolic disorder-associated carcinogenesis. Specifically, LOX-1 is clearly involved in tumor insurgence and progression of different human cancers. This work reports for the first time the presence of LOX-1 protein in ccRCC urine and its peculiar distribution in tumoral tissues. The urine samples headspace has also been analyzed for the presence of the volatile compounds (VOCs) by SPME-GC/MS and gas sensor array. In particular, it was found by GC/MS analysis that 2-Cyclohexen-1-one,3-methyl-6-(1-methylethyl)- correlates with LOX-1 concentration in urine. The combined approach of VOCs analysis and protein quantification could lead to promising results in terms of diagnostic and prognostic potential for ccRCC tumors.
Circulating Long Non-Coding RNAs as Novel Potential Biomarkers for Osteogenic Sarcoma
Authors: Moonmuang Sutpirat , Chaiyawat Parunya , Jantrapirom Salinee , Pruksakorn Dumnoensun , Lo Piccolo Luca
Published: August 2021

Circulating cell-free nucleic acids recently became attractive targets to develop non-invasive diagnostic tools for cancer detection. Along with DNA and mRNAs, transcripts lacking coding potential (non-coding RNAs, ncRNAs) directly involved in the process of tumor pathogenesis have been recently detected in liquid biopsies. Interestingly, circulating ncRNAs exhibit specific expression patterns associated with cancer and suggest their role as novel biomarkers. However, the potential of circulating long ncRNAs (c-lncRNAs) to be markers in osteosarcoma (OS) is still elusive. In this study we performed a systematic review to identify thirteen c-lncRNAs whose altered expression in blood associate with OS. We herein discuss the potential impact that these c-lncRNAs may have on clinical decision-making in the management of OS. Overall, we aimed to provide novel insights that can contribute to the development of future precision medicine in oncology.
Models for Translational Proton Radiobiology—From Bench to Bedside and Back
Authors: Suckert Theresa , Nexhipi Sindi , Dietrich Antje , Koch Robin , Kunz-Schughart Leoni A. , Bahn Emanuel , Beyreuther Elke
Published: August 2021

The number of proton therapy centers worldwide are increasing steadily, with more than two million cancer patients treated so far. Despite this development, pending questions on proton radiobiology still call for basic and translational preclinical research. Open issues are the on-going discussion on an energy-dependent varying proton RBE (relative biological effectiveness), a better characterization of normal tissue side effects and combination treatments with drugs originally developed for photon therapy. At the same time, novel possibilities arise, such as radioimmunotherapy, and new proton therapy schemata, such as FLASH irradiation and proton mini-beams. The study of those aspects demands for radiobiological models at different stages along the translational chain, allowing the investigation of mechanisms from the molecular level to whole organisms. Focusing on the challenges and specifics of proton research, this review summarizes the different available models, ranging from in vitro systems to animal studies of increasing complexity as well as complementing in silico approaches.
Challenges for Better Diagnosis and Management of Pancreatic and Biliary Tract Cancers Focusing on Blood Biomarkers: A Systematic Review
Authors: Tominaga Hiroto , Matsuzaki Juntaro , Oikawa Chihiro , Toyoshima Kensho , Manabe Haruki , Ozawa Eriko , Shimamura Atsushi , Yokoyama Riko , Serizawa Yusuke , Ochiya Takahiro , Saito Yoshimasa
Published: August 2021

Background: pancreatic cancer (PCa) and biliary tract cancer (BTC) are cancers with a poor prognosis and few effective treatments. One of the reasons for this is late detection. Many researchers are tackling to develop non-invasive biomarkers for cancer, but few are specific for PCa or BTC. In addition, genetic abnormalities occur in cancer tissues, which ultimately affect the expression of various molecules. Therefore, it is important to identify molecules that are altered in PCa and BTC. For this systematic review, a systematic review of Medline and Embase to select biomarker studies of PCa and BTC patients was conducted. Results: after reviewing 72 studies, 79 biomarker candidates were identified, including 22 nucleic acids, 43 proteins, and 14 immune cell types. Of the 72 studies, 61 examined PCa, and 11 examined BTC. Conclusion: PCa and BTC are characterized by nucleic acid, protein, and immune cell profiles that are markedly different from those of healthy subjects. These altered molecules and cell subsets may serve as cancer-specific biomarkers, particularly in blood. Further studies are needed to better understand the diagnosis and prognosis of PCa and BTC.
Survival Impact of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or Acute Exacerbation on Patients with Rectal Adenocarcinoma Undergoing Curative Resection: A Propensity Score-Matched, Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Zhang Jiaqiang , Chiu Kuo-Chin , Lin Wei-Chun , Wu Szu-Yuan
Published: August 2021

Purpose: The survival effect of current smoking-related chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and COPD with acute exacerbation (COPDAE) is unclear for patients with rectal adenocarcinoma undergoing curative resection. Methods: We recruited patients with clinical stage I–IIIC rectal adenocarcinoma from the Taiwan Cancer Registry Database who had received surgery. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to analyze all-cause mortality. We categorized the patients into two groups by using propensity score matching based on COPD status to compare overall survival outcomes: Group 1 (current smokers with COPD) and Group 2 (nonsmokers without COPD). Results: In the multivariate Cox regression analyses, the adjusted hazard ratio (aHR; 95% confidence interval (CI)) of all-cause mortality for Group 1 compared with Group 2 was 1.25 (1.04–1.51). The aHRs (95% cis) of all-cause mortality for frequency of ≥1 hospitalizations for COPDAE or ≥2 hospitalizations within 1 year before diagnosis were 1.17 (1.05–1.51) and 1.48 (1.03–2.41) compared with no COPDAE in patients with rectal adenocarcinoma undergoing curative resection. Conclusion: In patients with rectal adenocarcinoma undergoing curative resection, being a current smoker with COPD (Group 1) was associated with worse survival outcomes than being a nonsmoker without COPD (Group 2). Being hospitalized at least once for COPDAE within 1 year before the diagnosis of rectal adenocarcinoma is an independent risk factor for poor overall survival in these patients, and a higher number of hospitalizations for COPDAE within 1 year before diagnosis was associated with poorer survival.
Neurotherapeutics for Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A Review
Authors: Rubia Katya , Westwood Samuel , Aggensteiner Pascal-M. , Brandeis Daniel
Published: August 2021

This review focuses on the evidence for neurotherapeutics for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). EEG-neurofeedback has been tested for about 45 years, with the latest meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials (RCT) showing small/medium effects compared to non-active controls only. Three small studies piloted neurofeedback of frontal activations in ADHD using functional magnetic resonance imaging or near-infrared spectroscopy, finding no superior effects over control conditions. Brain stimulation has been applied to ADHD using mostly repetitive transcranial magnetic and direct current stimulation (rTMS/tDCS). rTMS has shown mostly negative findings on improving cognition or symptoms. Meta-analyses of tDCS studies targeting mostly the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex show small effects on cognitive improvements with only two out of three studies showing clinical improvements. Trigeminal nerve stimulation has been shown to improve ADHD symptoms with medium effect in one RCT. Modern neurotherapeutics are attractive due to their relative safety and potential neuroplastic effects. However, they need to be thoroughly tested for clinical and cognitive efficacy across settings and beyond core symptoms and for their potential for individualised treatment.
The Chemically-Modified Tetracycline COL-3 and Its Parent Compound Doxycycline Prevent Microglial Inflammatory Responses by Reducing Glucose-Mediated Oxidative Stress
Authors: Ferreira Junior Nilson Carlos , dos Santos Pereira Maurício , Francis Nour , Ramirez Paola , Martorell Paula , González-Lizarraga Florencia , Figadère Bruno , Chehin Rosana , Del Bel Elaine , Raisman-Vozari Rita , Michel Patrick Pierre
Published: August 2021

We used mouse microglial cells in culture activated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or α-synuclein amyloid aggregates (αSa) to study the anti-inflammatory effects of COL-3, a tetracycline derivative without antimicrobial activity. Under LPS or αSa stimulation, COL-3 (10, 20 µM) efficiently repressed the induction of the microglial activation marker protein Iba-1 and the stimulated-release of the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α. COL-3′s inhibitory effects on TNF-α were reproduced by the tetracycline antibiotic doxycycline (DOX; 50 µM), the glucocorticoid dexamethasone, and apocynin (APO), an inhibitor of the superoxide-producing enzyme NADPH oxidase. This last observation suggested that COL-3 and DOX might also operate themselves by restraining oxidative stress-mediated signaling events. Quantitative measurement of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels revealed that COL-3 and DOX were indeed as effective as APO in reducing oxidative stress and TNF-α release in activated microglia. ROS inhibition with COL-3 or DOX occurred together with a reduction of microglial glucose accumulation and NADPH synthesis. This suggested that COL-3 and DOX might reduce microglial oxidative burst activity by limiting the glucose-dependent synthesis of NADPH, the requisite substrate for NADPH oxidase. Coherent with this possibility, the glycolysis inhibitor 2-deoxy-D-glucose reproduced the immunosuppressive action of COL-3 and DOX in activated microglia. Overall, we propose that COL-3 and its parent compound DOX exert anti-inflammatory effects in microglial cells by inhibiting glucose-dependent ROS production. These effects might be strengthened by the intrinsic antioxidant properties of DOX and COL-3 in a self-reinforcing manner.