bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Analysis of an Upstream Tailings Dam Subjected to Pond Filling Rates
Authors: Do Tan Manh , Laue Jan , Mattsson Hans , Jia Qi
Published: June 2021

One of the challenges in upstream tailings dam projects is to ensure the allowable rate of deposition of tailings in the pond (i.e., pond filling rate) while maintaining the stability of the dam. This is due to the fact that an upstream tailings dam is constructed by placing dikes on top of previously deposited soft tailings, which could lead to a decrease in dam stability because of the build-up of excess pore water pressure. The main purpose of this work is to investigate the effects of pond filling rates on excess pore water pressure and the stability of an upstream tailings dam by a numerical study. A finite element software was used to simulate the time-dependent pond filling process and staged dam construction under various pond filling rates. As a result, excess pore water pressure increased in each raising phase and decreased in the subsequent consolidation phase. However, some of the excess pore water pressure remained after every consolidation phase (i.e., the build-up of excess pore water pressure), which could lead to a potentially critical situation in the stability of the dam. In addition, the remaining excess pore water pressure varied depending on the pond filling rates, being larger for high filling rates and smaller for low filling rates. It is believed that the approach used in this study could be a guide for dam owners to keep a sufficiently high pond filling rate but still ensure the desirable stability of an upstream tailings dam.
Time Saving Students’ Formative Assessment: Algorithm to Balance Number of Tasks and Result Reliability
Authors: Melesko Jaroslav , Ramanauskaite Simona
Published: June 2021

Feedback is a crucial component of effective, personalized learning, and is usually provided through formative assessment. Introducing formative assessment into a classroom can be challenging because of test creation complexity and the need to provide time for assessment. The newly proposed formative assessment algorithm uses multivariate Elo rating and multi-armed bandit approaches to solve these challenges. In the case study involving 106 students of the Cloud Computing course, the algorithm shows double learning path recommendation precision compared to classical test theory based assessment methods. The algorithm usage approaches item response theory benchmark precision with greatly reduced quiz length without the need for item difficulty calibration.
Design and Analysis of Cam Wave Generator Based on Free Deformation in Non-Working Area of the Flexspline
Authors: Wang Shuyan , Li Dongliang , Mao Shiteng , Chen Bingkui
Published: June 2021

Deformation stress of a flexspline under the action of a wave generator directly affects the service life of the flexspline and meshing quality of meshing pair. This study proposed a new deformation model for a flexspline, which incorporates forced deformation in the working area and free deformation in the non-working area, keeping the deformation shape unchanged during rotating. Based on this assumption of a deformation model, the mathematical model is further established, and the design approach of a cam wave generator is developed with the deflection curve of the ring structure. Then, a sample design with a double eccentric arc cam wave generator based on this deformation model is developed and analyzed in FEM. The results show that the deformation stress of the flexspline can be improved by relaxing the forced deformation in the non-working area, and the selected deformation shape can also remain unchanged during rotating. Moreover, the stress distribution and the maximum stress value could be improved with the variation of the combination coefficient, especially for the wrap angle.
Analysis of the Underwater Wireless Optical Communication Channel Based on a Comprehensive Multiparameter Model
Authors: Cai Rujun , Zhang Ming , Dai Daoxin , Shi Yaocheng , Gao Shiming
Published: June 2021

A comprehensive multiparameter model is proposed for underwater wireless optical communication (UWOC) channels to integrate the effects of absorption, scattering, and dynamic turbulence. The simulation accuracy is further improved by the combined use of the subharmonic method and the strict sampling constraint method by comparing the phase structure function with the theoretical value. The average light intensity and scintillation index are analyzed using the channel parameters of absorption, scattering, turbulence, flow velocity, and transmission distance. Under weak or medium turbulence, the bit error rate (BER) performance can be effectively improved by increasing the transmitting light power. The power penalty of a 50 m UWOC channel is 5.8 dBm from pure seawater to ocean water and 1.0 dBm from weak turbulence to medium turbulence, with the BER threshold of 10−6.
Design General Cam Profiles Based on Finite Element Method
Authors: Nguyen Thi Thanh Nga , Duong Thang Xuan , Nguyen Van-Sy
Published: June 2021

This paper presents a general framework to design a cam profile using the finite element method from given displacements of the follower. The arbitrarily complex cam profile is described by Lagrangian finite elements, which are formed by the connectivity of nodes. In order to obtain the desired profile, a penalty-type functional that enforces the prescribed displacement of the follower is proposed. Additionally, in order to ensure convexity of the functional, a numerical stabilization scheme is used. The nodal positions are then obtained by solving a nonlinear system of equations resulting from minimizing the total functional. The geometrical accuracy of the cam profile can be controlled by the number of finite elements. A case study is considered to illustrate the flexibility, accuracy, and robustness of the proposed approach.
Optical Performance of Two Dimensional Electron Gas and GaN:C Buffer Layers in AlGaN/AlN/GaN Heterostructures on SiC Substrate
Authors: Adamov Roman B. , Pashnev Daniil , Shalygin Vadim A. , Moldavskaya Maria D. , Vinnichenko Maxim Ya. , Janonis Vytautas , Jorudas Justinas , Tumėnas Saulius , Prystawko Paweł , Krysko Marcin , Sakowicz Maciej , Kašalynas Irmantas
Published: June 2021

Terahertz time-domain spectroscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy were developed as the method for the investigation of high-frequency characteristics of two-dimensional electron gas and GaN:C buffer layers in AlGaN/AlN/GaN heterostructures grown on a semi-insulating SiC substrate. The reflectance and transmittance spectra of the selected heterostructure layers were studied after the top layers were removed by a reactive ion etching. Results were numerically analyzed using the transfer matrix method taking into account the high-frequency electron conductivity via a Drude model and complex dielectric permittivity of each epitaxial layer via a one-phonon-resonance approximation. Good agreement between the experiment and theory was achieved revealing the temperature dependent electron effective mass in AlGaN/AlN/GaN high electron mobility transistor structures and the small damping factors of optical phonons due to high crystal quality of the epitaxial layers fabricated on the SiC substrate.
Production of Porous Ceramic Materials from Spent Fluorescent Lamps
Authors: Rosson Egle , Rincón Romero Acacio , Badocco Denis , Zorzi Federico , Sgarbossa Paolo , Bertani Roberta , Pastore Paolo , Bernardo Enrico
Published: June 2021

Spent fluorescent lamps (SFL) are classified as hazardous materials in the European Waste Catalogue, which includes residues from various hi-tech devices. The most common end-of-life treatment of SFL consists in the recovery of rare earth elements from the phosphor powders, with associated problems in the management of the glass residues, which are usually landfilled. This study involves the manufacturing of porous ceramics from both the coarse glass-rich fraction and the phosphor-enriched fraction of spent fluorescent lamps. These porous materials, realizing the immobilization of Rare Earth Elements (REEs) within a glass matrix, are suggested for application in buildings as thermal and acoustic insulators. The proposed process is characterized by: (i) alkaline activation (2.5 M or 1 M NaOH aqueous solution); (ii) pre-curing at 75 °C; (iii) the addition of a surfactant (Triton X-100) for foaming at high-speed stirring; (iv) curing at 45 °C; (v) viscous flow sintering at 700 °C. All the final porous ceramics present a limited metal leaching and, in particular, the coarse glass fraction activated with 2.5 M NaOH solution leads to materials comparable to commercial glass foams in terms of mechanical properties.
Automatic Reading Algorithm of Substation Dial Gauges Based on Coordinate Positioning
Authors: Li Dahua , Li Weixuan , Yu Xiao , Gao Qiang , Song Yu
Published: June 2021

With the development of science and technology, inspection robots have attracted more and more attention, and research on the automatic reading of pointer instruments through inspection robots has become particularly valuable. Aiming at the problems of uneven illumination, complex dial background and damping fluid interference of the collected instrument images, this paper proposes a dial gauge reading algorithm based on coordinate positioning. First, the multi-scale retinex with color restoration (MSRCR) is applied to improve the uneven illumination of the image. Second, a circle detection algorithm based on the arc-support line segment is proposed to detect the disc to obtain the coordinate of the center and radius of the circle. Then, a pointerless template is used to obtain the pointer, and the concentric circle algorithm is applied to locate the refined pointer. Finally, the automatic reading is calculated using the relative position of the pointer and the zero scale. The experimental results prove that the proposed algorithm can accurately locate the center of the circle and the pointer and obtain readings automatically.
Bio-Delignification of Green Waste (GW) in Co-Digestion with the Organic Fraction of Municipal Solid Waste (OFMSW) to Enhance Biogas Production
Authors: Semeraro Bruno , Summa Daniela , Costa Stefania , Zappaterra Federico , Tamburini Elena
Published: June 2021

The organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) is recognized as a suitable substrate for the anaerobic digestion (AD) process and is currently considered a mature technology. A promising strategy to enhance biogas yield and productivity is the co-digestion of OFMSW with other organic biomass, such as green waste (GW), a mixture of leaves, grass, and woody materials originated from private yards and public greenspace management. The main limitation to the use of GW for biogas production is the high percentage of the lignocellulosic fraction, which makes necessary a pretreatment of delignification to dissolve the recalcitrant structure. In this study, a new strategy of sustainable bio-delignification using the white-rot fungi Bjerkandera adusta (BA) in comparison with other chemical pretreatments were investigated. Untreated and treated GW were, respectively, submitted to anaerobic co-digestion with OFMSW. AD processes were carried out in a lab-scale plant for 30 days in thermophilic conditions (55 °C). Biogas cumulative production was increased by about 100% in the case of treated GW compared with that of just OFMSW, from 145 to 289 Nm3 CH4/ton SV, and productivity almost doubled from 145 to 283 Nm3/ton FM * day. The measured average methane content values in the cumulative biogas were 55% from OFMSW and 54% from GW. Moreover, over 95% of the biogas was produced in 20 days, showing the potential opportunity to reduce the AD time.
Permafrost Biases Climate Signals in δ18Otree-ring Series from a Sub-Alpine Tree Stand in Val Bever/Switzerland
Authors: Grießinger Jussi , Meier Wolfgang Jens-Henrik , Bast Alexander , Debel Annette , Gärtner-Roer Isabelle , Gärtner Holger
Published: June 2021

During recent decades, stable oxygen isotopes derived from tree-ring cellulose (δ18OTRC) have been frequently utilised as the baseline for palaeoclimatic reconstructions. In this context, numerous studies take advantage of the high sensitivity of trees close to their ecological distribution limit (high elevation or high latitudes). However, this increases the chance that indirect climatic forces such as cold ground induced by permafrost can distort the climate-proxy relationship. In this study, a tree stand of sub-alpine larch trees (Larix decidua Mill.) located in an inner alpine dry valley (Val Bever), Switzerland, was analysed for its δ18OTRC variations during the last 180 years. A total of eight L. decidua trees were analysed on an individual base, half of which are located on verified sporadic permafrost lenses approximately 500 m below the expected lower limit of discontinuous permafrost. The derived isotope time series are strongly dependent on variations in summer temperature, precipitation and large-scale circulation patterns (geopotential height fields). The results demonstrate that trees growing outside of the permafrost distribution provide a significantly stronger and more consistent climate-proxy relationship over time than permafrost-affected tree stands. The climate sensitivity of permafrost-affected trees is analogical to the permafrost-free tree stands (positive and negative correlations with temperature and precipitation, respectively) but attenuated partly leading to a complete loss of significance. In particular, decadal summer temperature variations are well reflected in δ18OTRC from permafrost-free sites (r = 0.62, p < 0.01), while permafrost-affected sites demonstrate a full lack of this dependency (r = 0.30, p > 0.05). Since both tree stands are located just a few meters away from one another and are subject to the same climatic influences, discrepancies in the isotope time series can only be attributed to variations in the trees’ source water that constraints the climatic fingerprints on δ18OTRC. If the two individual time series are merged to one local mean chronology, the climatic sensitivity reflects an intermediate between the permafrost-free and –affected δ18OTRC time series. It can be deduced, that a significant loss of information on past climate variations arises by simply averaging both tree stands without prior knowledge of differing subsurface conditions.
Evaluating the Impact of a Wall-Type Green Infrastructure on PM10 and NOx Concentrations in an Urban Street Environment
Authors: Villani Maria Gabriella , Russo Felicita , Adani Mario , Piersanti Antonio , Vitali Lina , Tinarelli Gianni , Ciancarella Luisella , Zanini Gabriele , Donateo Antonio , Rinaldi Matteo , Carbone Claudio , Decesari Stefano , Sänger Peter
Published: June 2021

Nature-based solutions can represent beneficial tools in the field of urban transformation for their contribution to important environmental services such as air quality improvement. To evaluate the impact on urban air pollution of a CityTree (CT), an innovative wall-type green infrastructure in passive (deposition) and active (filtration) modes of operation, a study was conducted in a real urban setting in Modena (Italy) during 2017 and 2018, combining experimental measurements with modelling system evaluations. In this work, relying on the computational resources of CRESCO (Computational Centre for Research on Complex Systems)/ENEAGRID High Performance Computing infrastructure, we used the air pollution microscale model PMSS (Parallel Micro-SWIFT-Micro SPRAY) to simulate air quality during the experimental campaigns. The spatial characteristics of the impact of the CT on local air pollutants concentrations, specifically nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM10), were assessed. In particular, we used prescribed bulk deposition velocities provided by the experimental campaigns, which tested the CT both in passive (deposition) and in active (filtration) mode of operation. Our results showed that the PM10 and NOx concentration reductions reach from more than 0.1% up to about 0.8% within an area of 10 × 20 m2 around the infrastructure, when the green infrastructure operates in passive mode. In filtration mode the CT exhibited higher performances in the abatement of PM10 concentrations (between 1.5% and 15%), within approximately the same area. We conclude that CTs may find an application in air quality hotspots within specific urban settings (i.e., urban street canyons) where a very localized reduction of pollutants concentration during rush hours might be of interest to limit population exposure. The optimization of the spatial arrangement of CT modules to increment the “clean air zone” is a factor to be investigated in the ongoing development of the CT technology.
Assessment of Pollution Sources and Contribution in Urban Dust Using Metal Concentrations and Multi-Isotope Ratios (13C, 207/206Pb) in a Complex Industrial Port Area, Korea
Authors: Kim Min-Seob , Kim Jee-Young , Park Jaeseon , Yeon Suk-Hee , Shin Sunkyoung , Choi Jongwoo
Published: June 2021

The metal concentrations and isotopic compositions (13C, 207/206Pb) of urban dust, topsoil, and PM10 samples were analyzed in a residential area near Donghae port, Korea, which is surrounded by various types of industrial factories and raw material stockpiled on empty land, to determine the contributions of the main pollution sources (i.e., Mn ore, Zn ore, cement, coal, coke, and topsoil). The metal concentrations of urban dust in the port and residential area were approximately 85~112 times higher (EF > 100) in comparison with the control area (EF < 2), especially the Mn and Zn ions, indicating they were mainly derived from anthropogenic source. These ions have been accumulating in urban dust for decades; furthermore, the concentration of PM10 is seven times higher than that of the control area, which means that contamination is even present. The isotopic (13C, 207/206Pb) values of the pollution sources were highly different, depending on the characteristics of each source: cement (−19.6‰, 0.8594‰), Zn ore (−24.3‰, 0.9175‰), coal (−23.6‰, 0.8369‰), coke (−27.0‰, 0.8739‰), Mn ore (−24.9‰, 0.9117‰), soil (−25.2‰, 0.7743‰). As a result of the evaluated contributions of pollution source on urban dust through the Iso-source and SIAR models using stable isotope ratios (13C, 207/206Pb), we found that the largest contribution of Mn (20.4%) and Zn (20.3%) ions are derived from industrial factories and ore stockpiles on empty land (Mn and Zn). It is suggested that there is a significant influence of dust scattered by wind from raw material stockpiles, which are stacked near ports or factories. Therefore, there is evidence to support the idea that port activities affect the air quality of residence areas in a city. Our results may indicate that metal concentrations and their stable isotope compositions can predict environmental changes and act as a powerful tool to trace the past and present pollution history in complex contexts associated with peri-urban regions.
Machine Learning-Based Hourly Frost-Prediction System Optimized for Orchards Using Automatic Weather Station and Digital Camera Image Data
Authors: Noh Ilseok , Doh Hae-Won , Kim Soo-Ock , Kim Su-Hyun , Shin Seoleun , Lee Seung-Jae
Published: June 2021

Spring frosts damage crops that have weakened freezing resistance after germination. We developed a machine learning (ML)-based frost-classification model and optimized it for orchard farming environments. First, logistic regression, decision tree, random forest, and support vector machine models were trained using balanced Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) Automated Synoptic Observing System (ASOS) frost observation data for March from the last 10 years (2008–2017). Random forest and support vector machine models showed good classification performance and were selected as the main techniques, which were optimized for orchard fields based on initial frost occurrence times. The training period was then extended to March–April for 20 years (2000–2019). Finally, the model was applied to the KMA ASOS frost observation data from March to April 2020, which were not used in the previous steps, and RGB data were extracted by digital cameras installed in an orchard in Gyeonggi-do. The developed model successfully classified 117 of 139 frost observation cases from the domestic ASOS data and 35 of 37 orchard camera observations. The assumption of the initial frost occurrence time for training helped the most in improving the frost-classification model. These results clearly indicate that the frost-classification model using ML has applicable accuracy in orchard farming.
Delay-Dependent Stability, Integrability and Boundedeness Criteria for Delay Differential Systems
Authors: Tunç Osman , Tunç Cemil , Wang Yuanheng
Published: June 2021

This paper deals with non-perturbed and perturbed systems of nonlinear differential systems of first order with multiple time-varying delays. Here, for the considered systems, easily verifiable and applicable uniformly asymptotic stability, integrability, and boundedness criteria are obtained via defining an appropriate Lyapunov–Krasovskiĭ functional (LKF) and using the Lyapunov–Krasovskiĭ method (LKM). Comparisons with a former result that can be found in the literature illustrate the novelty of the stability theorem and show new contributions to the qualitative theory of solutions. A discussion of two illustrative examples and the obtained results are presented.
Helicobacter pylori Infection in Tripoli, North Lebanon: Assessment and Risk Factors
Authors: Khoder Ghalia , Mina Sara , Mahmoud Ibrahim , Muhammad Jibran Sualeh , Harati Rania , Burucoa Christophe
Published: June 2021

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection occurs among half of the general population worldwide, with high geographic variability. Even though H. pylori is the leading cause of several gastric diseases, ranging from gastritis and peptic ulcers to gastric malignancies, such as gastric cancer and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma, most of the infections remain asymptomatic. Early detection and eradication of H. pylori can definitely prevent severe long-term gastric diseases associated with H. pylori. In Lebanon, the prevalence of H. pylori is not well documented, especially in healthy subjects. The aim of this study is to assess H. pylori infections and the associated risk factors in Tripoli, North Lebanon. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 300 healthy Lebanese volunteers, including both children and adults. The H. pylori stool antigens were detected using the Premier Platinum HpSA test. The socio-demographic data, lifestyle characteristics, and gastrointestinal characteristics of all participants were analyzed. Out of the 300 tested volunteer subjects, 31% were found to be positive for H. pylori. A multivariate binary logistic regression analysis for factors associated with H. pylori infection revealed a significant association between H. pylori infection and gastrointestinal disturbances, the crowding index, and occupation. A significant statistical correlation was found between sheesha smoking (p = 0.001) and H. pylori infection. These findings highlight the need for the development of preventive approaches and strategic indications for the appropriate treatment of H. pylori infections in Tripoli, North Lebanon.
DNA-Directed Assembly of Carbon Nanotube–Protein Hybrids
Authors: Freeley Mark , Gwyther Rebecca E. A. , Jones D. Dafydd , Palma Matteo
Published: June 2021

Here, we report the controlled assembly of SWCNT–GFP hybrids employing DNA as a linker. Two distinct, enriched SWCNTs chiralities, (6,5), (7,6), and an unsorted SWCNT solution, were selectively functionalized with DNA and hybridized to a complementary GFPDNA conjugate. Atomic force microscopy images confirmed that GFP attachment occurred predominantly at the terminal ends of the nanotubes, as designed. The electronic coupling of the proteins to the nanotubes was confirmed via in-solution fluorescence spectroscopy, that revealed an increase in the emission intensity of GFP when linked to the CNTs.
SERS Investigation on Oligopeptides Used as Biomimetic Coatings for Medical Devices
Authors: Di Foggia Michele , Tugnoli Vitaliano , Ottani Stefano , Dettin Monica , Zamuner Annj , Sanchez-Cortes Santiago , Cesini Daniele , Torreggiani Armida
Published: June 2021

The surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectra of three amphiphilic oligopeptides derived from EAK16 (AEAEAKAK)2 were examined to study systematic amino acid substitution effects on the corresponding interaction with Ag colloidal nanoparticles. Such self-assembling molecular systems, known as “molecular Lego”, are of particular interest for their uses in tissue engineering and as biomimetic coatings for medical devices because they can form insoluble macroscopic membranes under physiological conditions. Spectra were collected for both native and gamma-irradiated samples. Quantum mechanical data on two of the examined oligopeptides were also obtained to clarify the assignment of the prominent significative bands observed in the spectra. In general, the peptide–nanoparticles interaction occurs through the COO− groups, with the amide bond and the aliphatic chain close to the colloid surface. After gamma irradiation, mimicking a free oxidative radical attack, the SERS spectra of the biomaterials show that COO− groups still provide the main peptide–nanoparticle interactions. However, the spatial arrangement of the peptides is different, exhibiting a systematic decrease in the distance between aliphatic chains and colloid nanoparticles.
Bioenergetic and Proteomic Profiling of Immune Cells in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Patients: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Fernandez-Guerra Paula , Gonzalez-Ebsen Ana C. , Boonen Susanne E. , Courraud Julie , Gregersen Niels , Mehlsen Jesper , Palmfeldt Johan , Olsen Rikke K. J. , Brinth Louise Schouborg
Published: June 2021

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a heterogeneous, debilitating, and complex disease. Along with disabling fatigue, ME/CFS presents an array of other core symptoms, including autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction, sustained inflammation, altered energy metabolism, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Here, we evaluated patients’ symptomatology and the mitochondrial metabolic parameters in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and plasma from a clinically well-characterised cohort of six ME/CFS patients compared to age- and gender-matched controls. We performed a comprehensive cellular assessment using bioenergetics (extracellular flux analysis) and protein profiles (quantitative mass spectrometry-based proteomics) together with self-reported symptom measures of fatigue, ANS dysfunction, and overall physical and mental well-being. This ME/CFS cohort presented with severe fatigue, which correlated with the severity of ANS dysfunction and overall physical well-being. PBMCs from ME/CFS patients showed significantly lower mitochondrial coupling efficiency. They exhibited proteome alterations, including altered mitochondrial metabolism, centred on pyruvate dehydrogenase and coenzyme A metabolism, leading to a decreased capacity to provide adequate intracellular ATP levels. Overall, these results indicate that PBMCs from ME/CFS patients have a decreased ability to fulfill their cellular energy demands.
Neuroprotective Potential of Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Following Chemotherapy
Authors: Sherif Iman O. , Al-Shaalan Nora H. , Sabry Dina
Published: June 2021

Cisplatin (CP) is extensively used in the medical oncology field for malignancy treatment, but its use is associated with neurological side effects that compromise the patients’ quality of life. Cytotherapy is a new treatment strategy for tissue damage that has recently emerged. The use of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) was investigated for its therapeutic potential against CP-induced chemobrain as well as various models of brain damage. This study was carried out to elucidate, for the first time, the role of the intravenous injection (IV) of BM-MSCs against CP-induced neurotoxicity in a rat model through investigation of the parameters of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in brain tissue. A rat model of neurotoxicity was generated by intraperitoneal injection of 7.5 mg/kg CP while 2 × 106 BM-MSCs was given by IV as a therapeutic dose. Injection of CP led to a significant rise in malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels accompanied by a marked depletion of superoxide dismutase and reduced glutathione content in brain tissue in comparison to the normal control (NC) rats. Furthermore, a remarkable rise in the brain levels of inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6, together with the expression of apoptotic marker caspase-3, and the downregulation of the brain expression of proliferating marker Ki-67 in brain tissue were detected in the CP group compared to the NC group. Histopathological alterations were observed in the brain tissue of the CP group. BM-MSCs mitigated the biochemical and histopathological alterations induced by CP without affecting brain cell proliferation. BM-MSCs could be used as a promising neuroprotective agent against CP-induced neurotoxicity.
AKT Signaling Modifies the Balance between Cell Proliferation and Migration in Neural Crest Cells from Patients Affected with Bosma Arhinia and Microphthalmia Syndrome
Authors: Laberthonnière Camille , Novoa-del-Toro Elva Maria , Chevalier Raphaël , Broucqsault Natacha , Rao Vanitha Venkoba , Trani Jean Philippe , Nguyen Karine , Xue Shifeng , Reversade Bruno , Robin Jérôme D. , Baudot Anais , Magdinier Frédérique
Published: June 2021

Over the recent years, the SMCHD1 (Structural Maintenance of Chromosome flexible Hinge Domain Containing 1) chromatin-associated factor has triggered increasing interest after the identification of variants in three rare and unrelated diseases, type 2 Facio Scapulo Humeral Dystrophy (FSHD2), Bosma Arhinia and Microphthalmia Syndrome (BAMS), and the more recently isolated hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism (IHH) combined pituitary hormone deficiency (CPHD) and septo-optic dysplasia (SOD). However, it remains unclear why certain mutations lead to a specific muscle defect in FSHD while other are associated with severe congenital anomalies. To gain further insights into the specificity of SMCHD1 variants and identify pathways associated with the BAMS phenotype and related neural crest defects, we derived induced pluripotent stem cells from patients carrying a mutation in this gene. We differentiated these cells in neural crest stem cells and analyzed their transcriptome by RNA-Seq. Besides classical differential expression analyses, we analyzed our data using MOGAMUN, an algorithm allowing the extraction of active modules by integrating differential expression data with biological networks. We found that in BAMS neural crest cells, all subnetworks that are associated with differentially expressed genes converge toward a predominant role for AKT signaling in the control of the cell proliferation–migration balance. Our findings provide further insights into the distinct mechanism by which defects in neural crest migration might contribute to the craniofacial anomalies in BAMS.
Interdigitated Electrode Biosensor Based on Plasma-Deposited TiO2 Nanoparticles for Detecting DNA
Authors: Yoo Jhongryul , Jeong Hongin , Park Seo Kyung , Park Sungho , Lee Je Seung
Published: June 2021

Bioelectrodes mediated by metal oxide nanoparticles have facilitated the development of new sensors in medical diagnosis. High-purity TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized through thermal plasma and deposited directly on an interdigitated electrode. The surface of the TiO2-deposited electrode was activated with (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES) followed by fixing the single-stranded probe deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) to fabricate the DNA biosensor. The structural properties of the deposited TiO2 nanoparticles were analyzed using a transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and a dynamic light scattering (DLS) system. The chemical composition and structural properties of the TiO2 nanoparticle layer and the fixed layer were analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). E. coli O157:H7, a well-known pernicious pathogenic bacterial species, was detected as a target DNA of the prepared DNA biosensor, and the characteristics of DNA detection were determined by the current change using a picoammeter. The degree of binding between the probe DNA and the target DNA was converted into an electrical signal using the picoammeter method to quantitatively analyze the concentration of the target DNA. With the specificity experiment, it was confirmed that the biosensor was able to discriminate between nucleotides with mismatched, non-complementary, or complementary sequences.
Music Stimulation for People with Disorders of Consciousness: A Scoping Review
Authors: Lancioni Giulio E. , Singh Nirbhay N. , O’Reilly Mark F. , Sigafoos Jeff , Desideri Lorenzo
Published: June 2021

Music stimulation is considered to be a valuable form of intervention for people with severe brain injuries and prolonged disorders of consciousness (i.e., unresponsive wakefulness/vegetative state or minimally conscious state). This review was intended to provide an overall picture of work conducted during the last decade to assess the impact of music on behavioral and non-behavioral responses of people with disorders of consciousness. Following the PRISMA-ScR checklist, a scoping review was carried out to identify and provide a synthesis of eligible studies published in English during the 2010–2021 period. Three databases (i.e., PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science) were employed for the literature search. Thirty-four studies met the inclusion criteria. Those studies were grouped into three categories based on whether they assessed the effects of: (i) recorded music, (ii) interactive music, or (iii) response-contingent music. A narrative synthesis of the studies of each of the three categories was eventually provided. While the studies of all three categories reported fairly positive/encouraging results, several methodological questions make it difficult to draw conclusions about those results and their implications for intervention programs in daily contexts.
Do Empathic Individuals Behave More Prosocially? Neural Correlates for Altruistic Behavior in the Dictator Game and the Dark Side of Empathy
Authors: Schaefer Michael , Kühnel Anja , Rumpel Franziska , Gärtner Matti
Published: June 2021

Do empathic individuals behave more prosocially? When we think of highly empathic individuals, we tend to assume that it is likely that those people will also help others. Most theories on empathy reflect this common understanding and claim that the personality trait empathy includes the willingness to help others, but it remains a matter of debate whether empathic individuals really help more. In economics, a prominent demonstration that our behavior is not always based on pure self-interest is the Dictator Game, which measures prosocial decisions in an allocation task. This economic game shows that we are willing to give money to strangers we do not know anything about. The present study aimed to test the relationship between dispositional empathy and prosocial acting by examining the neural underpinnings of prosocial behavior in the Dictator Game. Forty-one participants played different rounds of the Dictator Game while being scanned with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Brain activation in the right temporoparietal junction area was associated with prosocial acting (number of prosocial decisions) and associated with empathic concern. Behavioral results demonstrated that empathic concern and personal distress predicted the number of prosocial decisions, but in a negative way. Correlations with the amount of money spent did not show any significant relationships. We discuss the results in terms of group-specific effects of affective empathy. Our results shed further light on the complex behavioral and neural mechanisms driving altruistic choices.
Structural Degradation in Midcingulate Cortex Is Associated with Pathological Aggression in Mice
Authors: Heukelum Sabrina van , Geers Femke E. , Tulva Kerli , van Dulm Sanne , Beckmann Christian F. , Buitelaar Jan K. , Glennon Jeffrey C. , Vogt Brent A. , Havenith Martha N. , França Arthur S. C.
Published: June 2021

Pathological aggression is a debilitating feature of many neuropsychiatric disorders, and cingulate cortex is one of the brain areas centrally implicated in its control. Here we explore the specific role of midcingulate cortex (MCC) in the development of pathological aggression. To this end, we investigated the structural and functional degeneration of MCC in the BALB/cJ strain, a mouse model for pathological aggression. Compared to control animals from the BALB/cByJ strain, BALB/cJ mice expressed consistently heightened levels of aggression, as assessed by the resident-intruder test. At the same time, immunohistochemistry demonstrated stark structural degradation in the MCC of aggressive BALB/cJ mice: Decreased neuron density and widespread neuron death were accompanied by increased microglia and astroglia concentrations and reactive astrogliosis. cFos staining indicated that this degradation had functional consequences: MCC activity did not differ between BALB/cJ and BALB/cByJ mice at baseline, but unlike BALB/cByJ mice, BALB/cJ mice failed to activate MCC during resident-intruder encounters. This suggests that structural and functional impairments of MCC, triggered by neuronal degeneration, may be one of the drivers of pathological aggression in mice, highlighting MCC as a potential key area for pathologies of aggression in humans.
A Task-Centred Methodology to Evaluate the Design of Virtual Reality User Interactions: A Case Study on Hazard Identification
Authors: Raimbaud Pierre , Lou Ruding , Danglade Florence , Figueroa Pablo , Hernandez Jose Tiberio , Merienne Frederic
Published: June 2021

Virtual reality (VR) is a computer-based technology that can be used by professionals of many different fields to simulate an environment with a high feeling of presence and immersion. Nonetheless, one main issue when designing such environments is to provide user interactions that are adapted to the tasks performed by the users. Thus, we propose here a task-centred methodology to design and evaluate these user interactions. Our methodology allows for the determination of user interaction designs based on previous VR studies, and for user evaluations based on a task-related computation of usability. Here, we applied it on the hazard identification case study, since VR can be used in a preventive approach to improve worksite safety. Once this task and its related user interactions were analysed with our methodology, we obtained two possible designs of interaction techniques for the worksite exploration subtask. About their usability evaluation, we proposed in this study to compare our task-centred evaluation approach to a non-task-centred one. Our hypothesis was that our approach could lead to different interpretations of user study results than a non-task-centred one. Our results confirmed our hypothesis by comparing weighted usability scores from our task-centred approach to unweighted ones for our two interaction techniques.
Morpho-Molecular Metabolic Analysis and Classification of Human Pituitary Gland and Adenoma Biopsies Based on Multimodal Optical Imaging
Authors: Giardina Gabriel , Micko Alexander , Bovenkamp Daniela , Krause Arno , Placzek Fabian , Papp Laszlo , Krajnc Denis , Spielvogel Clemens P. , Winklehner Michael , Höftberger Romana , Vila Greisa , Andreana Marco , Leitgeb Rainer , Drexler Wolfgang , Wolfsberger Stefan , Unterhuber Angelika
Published: June 2021

Pituitary adenomas count among the most common intracranial tumors. During pituitary oncogenesis structural, textural, metabolic and molecular changes occur which can be revealed with our integrated ultrahigh-resolution multimodal imaging approach including optical coherence tomography (OCT), multiphoton microscopy (MPM) and line scan Raman microspectroscopy (LSRM) on an unprecedented cellular level in a label-free manner. We investigated 5 pituitary gland and 25 adenoma biopsies, including lactotroph, null cell, gonadotroph, somatotroph and mammosomatotroph as well as corticotroph. First-level binary classification for discrimination of pituitary gland and adenomas was performed by feature extraction via radiomic analysis on OCT and MPM images and achieved an accuracy of 88%. Second-level multi-class classification was performed based on molecular analysis of the specimen via LSRM to discriminate pituitary adenomas subtypes with accuracies of up to 99%. Chemical compounds such as lipids, proteins, collagen, DNA and carotenoids and their relation could be identified as relevant biomarkers, and their spatial distribution visualized to provide deeper insight into the chemical properties of pituitary adenomas. Thereby, the aim of the current work was to assess a unique label-free and non-invasive multimodal optical imaging platform for pituitary tissue imaging and to perform a multiparametric morpho-molecular metabolic analysis and classification.
Improving Risk Stratification of Early Oral Tongue Cancer with TNM-Immune (TNM-I) Staging System
Authors: Almangush Alhadi , Bello Ibrahim O. , Heikkinen Ilkka , Hagström Jaana , Haglund Caj , Kowalski Luiz Paulo , Coletta Ricardo D. , Mäkitie Antti A. , Salo Tuula , Leivo Ilmo
Published: June 2021

Although patients with early-stage oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC) show better survival than those with advanced disease, there is still a number of early-stage cases who will suffer from recurrence, cancer-related mortality and worse overall survival. Incorporation of an immune descriptive factor in the staging system can aid in improving risk assessment of early OTSCC. A total of 290 cases of early-stage OTSCC re-classified according to the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC 8) staging were included in this study. Scores of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) were divided as low or high and incorporated in TNM AJCC 8 to form our proposed TNM-Immune system. Using AJCC 8, there were no significant differences in survival between T1 and T2 tumors (p > 0.05). Our proposed TNM-Immune staging system allowed for significant discrimination in risk between tumors of T1N0M0-Immune vs. T2N0M0-Immune. The latter associated with a worse overall survival with hazard ratio (HR) of 2.87 (95% CI 1.92–4.28; p < 0.001); HR of 2.41 (95% CI 1.26–4.60; p = 0.008) for disease-specific survival; and HR of 1.97 (95% CI 1.13–3.43; p = 0.017) for disease-free survival. The TNM-Immune staging system showed a powerful ability to identify cases with worse survival. The immune response is an important player which can be assessed by evaluating TILs, and it can be implemented in the staging criteria of early OTSCC. TNM-Immune staging forms a step towards a more personalized classification of early OTSCC.
Autoimmunity Profiles as Prognostic Indicators in Patients with Colorectal Cancer versus Those with Cancer at Other Sites: A Prospective Study
Authors: Sena Paola , Mancini Stefano , Bertacchini Jessika , Carnevale Gianluca , Pedroni Monica , Roncucci Luca
Published: June 2021

Colorectal cancer represents a paradigmatic model of inflammatory carcinogenesis accompanied by the production of several kinds of tumor-associated autoantibodies (TAABs). The specific aim of this study is to define the clinical impact of the presence of non-specific circulating TAABs in a cohort of cancer patients and to establish whether significant differences were present between colorectal cancer and cancers at other sites. For this aim a prospective study was developed and a five-year survival analysis performed. Indirect immunofluorescence on rat tissues for non-organ specific autoantibodies (NOSAs: liver-kidney-stomach), on rat colon substrates (colon-related autoantibodies, CAAs) and on HEp-2 cell lines was performed. NOSA positivity was more frequent in patients with colorectal cancer than in those with cancer at other sites. Survival analysis demonstrated a significantly worse prognosis in cancer patients positive for TAABs. CAA positivity is a predictor of survival, independently from the presence of comorbidities, and HEp-2 reactivity was a strong predictor of survival in a stepwise Cox-regression model, including stage at diagnosis. Overall overproduction of TAABs is associated with advanced oncological disease, the presence of metastasis, and poorer prognosis of cancer patients.
An Evaluation of the Tolerability and Feasibility of Combining 5-Amino-Levulinic Acid (5-ALA) with BCNU Wafers in the Surgical Management of Primary Glioblastoma
Authors: Watts Colin , Ashkan Keyoumars , Jenkinson Michael D. , Price Stephen J. , Santarius Thomas , Matys Tomasz , Zhang Ting Ting , Finch Alina , Collins Peter , Allinson Kieren , Jefferies Sarah J. , Scoffings Daniel J. , Zisakis Athanasios , Phillips Mark , Wanek Katharina , Smith Paul , Clifton-Hadley Laura , Counsell Nicholas
Published: June 2021

Background Glioblastoma (GBM) is the commonest primary malignant brain tumour in adults and effective treatment options are limited. Combining local chemotherapy with enhanced surgical resection using 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) could improve outcomes. Here we assess the safety and feasibility of combining BCNU wafers with 5-ALA-guided surgery. Methods We conducted a multicentre feasibility study of 5-ALA with BCNU wafers followed by standard-of-care chemoradiotherapy (chemoRT) in patients with suspected GBM. Patients judged suitable for radical resection were administered 5-ALA pre-operatively and BCNU wafers at the end resection. Post-operative treatment continued as per routine clinical practice. The primary objective was to establish if combining 5-ALA and BCNU wafers is safe without compromising patients from receiving standard chemoRT. Results Seventy-two patients were recruited, sixty-four (88.9%) received BCNU wafer implants, and fifty-nine (81.9%) patients remained eligible following formal histological diagnosis. Seven (11.9%) eligible patients suffered surgical complications but only two (3.4%) were not able to begin chemoRT, four (6.8%) additional patients did not begin chemoRT within 6 weeks of surgery due to surgical complications. Eleven (18.6%) patients did not begin chemoRT for other reasons (other toxicity (n = 3), death (n = 3), lost to follow-up/withdrew (n = 3), clinical decision (n = 1), poor performance status (n = 1)). Median progression-free survival was 8.7 months (95% CI: 6.4–9.8) and median overall survival was 14.7 months (95% CI: 11.7–16.8). Conclusions Combining BCNU wafers with 5-ALA-guided surgery in newly diagnosed GBM patients is both feasible and tolerable in terms of surgical morbidity and overall toxicity. Any potential therapeutic benefit for the sequential use of 5-ALA and BCNU with chemoRT requires further investigation with improved local delivery technologies.