bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge-Enhanced Deep Learning for Simulation of Extratropical Cyclone Wind Risk
Authors: Snaiki Reda , Wu Teng
Published: May 2022

Boundary-layer wind associated with extratropical cyclones (ETCs) is an essential element for posing serious threats to the urban centers of eastern North America. Using a similar methodology for tropical cyclone (TC) wind risk (i.e., hurricane tracking approach), the ETC wind risk can be accordingly simulated. However, accurate and efficient assessment of the wind field inside the ETC is currently not available. To this end, a knowledge-enhanced deep learning (KEDL) is developed in this study to estimate the ETC boundary-layer winds over eastern North America. Both physics-based equations and semi-empirical formulas are integrated as part of the system loss function to regularize the neural network. More specifically, the scale-analysis-based reduced-order Navier–Stokes equations that govern the ETC wind field and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) Re-Analysis (ERA) ERA-interim data-based two-dimensional (2D) parametric formula (with respect to radial and azimuthal coordinates) that prescribes an asymmetric ETC pressure field are respectively employed as rationalism-based and empiricism-based knowledge to enhance the deep neural network. The developed KEDL, using the standard storm parameters (i.e., spatial coordinates, central pressure difference, translational speed, approach angle, latitude of ETC center, and surface roughness) as the network inputs, can provide the three-dimensional (3D) boundary-layer wind field of an arbitrary ETC with high computational efficiency and accuracy. Finally, the KEDL-based wind model is coupled with a large ETC synthetic track database (SynthETC), where 6-hourly ETC center location and pressure deficit are included to effectively assess the wind risk along the US northeast coast in terms of annual exceedance probability.
The Effect of Metro Construction on the Air Quality in the Railway Transport System of Sydney, Australia
Authors: Larpruenrudee Puchanee , Surawski Nic C. , Islam Mohammad S.
Published: May 2022

Sydney Metro is the biggest project of Australia’s public transport, which was designed to provide passengers with more trains and faster services. This project was first implemented in 2017 and is planned to be completed in 2024. As presented, the project is currently in the construction stage located on the ground stations of the Sydney Trains Bankstown line (T3). Based on this stage, several construction activities will generate air pollutants, which will affect the air quality around construction areas. Moreover, it might cause health problems to people around there and also the passengers who usually take the train on the T3 line. However, there is no specific data for air quality inside the train that may be affected by the construction from each area. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the air quality inside the train carriage of all related stations from the T3 line. A sampling campaign was conducted over 3 months to analyze particulate matter (PM) concentration, the main indoor pollutants including formaldehyde (HCHO) and total volatile organic compounds (TVOC). The results of the T3 line were analyzed and compared to Airport & South line (T8) that were not affected by the project’s construction. The results of this study indicate that Sydney Metro construction activities insignificantly affected the air quality inside the train. Average PM2.5 and PM10 inside the train of T3 line in the daytime were slightly higher than in the nighttime. The differences in PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations from these periods were around 6.8 μg/m3 and 12.1 μg/m3, respectively. The PM concentrations inside the train from the T3 line were slightly higher than the T8 line. However, these concentrations were still lower than those recommended by the national air quality standards. For HCHO and TVOC, the average HCHO and TVOC concentrations were less than the recommendation criteria.
Particle Sedimentation in Numerical Modelling: A Case Study from the Puyehue-Cordón Caulle 2011 Eruption with the PLUME-MoM/HYSPLIT Models
Authors: Tadini Alessandro , Gouhier Mathieu , Donnadieu Franck , de’ Michieli Vitturi Mattia , Pardini Federica
Published: May 2022

Numerical modelling of tephra fallout is a fast-developing research area in volcanology. Several models are currently available both to forecast the dispersion of volcanic particles in the atmosphere and to calculate the particles deposited at different locations on the ground. Data from these simulations can then be used both to manage volcanic crises (e.g., protect air traffic) or perform long-term hazard assessment studies (e.g., through hazard maps). Given the importance of these tasks, it is important that each model is thoroughly tested in order to assess advantages and limitations, and to provide useful information for quantifying the model uncertainty. In this study we tested the coupled PLUME-MoM/HYSPLIT models by applying them to the Puyehue–Cordon Caulle 2011 sub-Plinian eruption. More specifically, we tested new features recently introduced in these well-established models (ash aggregation, external water addition, and settling velocity models), we implemented a new inversion procedure, and we performed a parametric analysis. Our main results reaffirm the pivotal role played by mass eruption rate on the final deposit and show that some choices for the input parameters of the model can lead to the large overestimation in total deposited mass (which can be reduced with our inversion procedure). The parametric analysis suggests a most likely value of the mass eruption rate in the range 2.0–6.3 × 106 kg/s. More studies with a similar approach would be advisable in order to provide final users with useful indications about the parameters that should be carefully evaluated before being used as input for this kind of model.
A Quality Control Method and Implementation Process of Wind Profiler Radar Data
Authors: Qi Yang , Guo Yong
Published: May 2022

Wind profiler radar (WPR) is used for all-weather atmospheric wind-field monitoring. However, the reliability of these observations reduces significantly when there is electromagnetic interference echo, generally caused by ground objects, birds, or rain. Therefore, to optimize the data reliability of WPR, we proposed a synthetic data quality control process. The process included the application of a minimum connection method, judgment rule, and median test optimization algorithm for optimizing clutter suppression, spectral peak symmetry detection, and radial speed, respectively. We collected the base data from a radiosonde and multiple radars and conducted an experiment using these data and algorithms. The results indicated that the quality control method: (1) had good adaptability to multiple WPRs both in clear sky and precipitation; (2) was useful for suppressing ground clutter and (3) was superior to those of the manufacturer as a whole. Thus, the data quality control method proposed in this study can improve the accuracy and reliability of WPR products and multiple types of WPR, even when they function under vastly different weather conditions.
Odors Emitted from Biological Waste and Wastewater Treatment Plants: A Mini-Review
Authors: González Daniel , Gabriel David , Sánchez Antoni
Published: May 2022

In recent decades, a new generation of waste treatment plants based on biological treatments (mainly anaerobic digestion and/or composting) has arisen all over the world. These plants have been progressively substituted for incineration facilities and landfills. Although these plants have evident benefits in terms of their environmental impact and higher recovery of material and energy, the release into atmosphere of malodorous compounds and its mitigation is one of the main challenges that these plants face. In this review, the methodology to determine odors, the main causes of having undesirable gaseous emissions, and the characterization of odors are reviewed. Finally, another important topic of odor abatement technologies is treated, especially those related to biological low-impact processes. In conclusion, odor control is the main challenge for a sustainable implementation of modern waste treatment plants.
On the Group of Absolutely Summable Sequences
Authors: Außenhofer Lydia
Published: May 2022

For an abelian topological group G, the sequence group ℓ1(G) of all absolutely summable sequences in G is studied. It is shown that ℓ1(G) is a Pontryagin reflexive group in case G is a reflexive metrizable group or an LCA group. Further, ℓ1(G) has the Schur property if and only if G has it and ℓ1(G) is a Schwartz group if and only if G is linearly topologized.
Engineering Extracellular Microenvironment for Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Hao Dake , Lopez Juan-Maria , Chen Jianing , Iavorovschi Alexandra Maria , Lelivelt Nora Marlene , Wang Aijun
Published: May 2022

The extracellular microenvironment is a highly dynamic network of biophysical and biochemical elements, which surrounds cells and transmits molecular signals. Extracellular microenvironment controls are of crucial importance for the ability to direct cell behavior and tissue regeneration. In this review, we focus on the different components of the extracellular microenvironment, such as extracellular matrix (ECM), extracellular vesicles (EVs) and growth factors (GFs), and introduce engineering approaches for these components, which can be used to achieve a higher degree of control over cellular activities and behaviors for tissue regeneration. Furthermore, we review the technologies established to engineer native-mimicking artificial components of the extracellular microenvironment for improved regenerative applications. This review presents a thorough analysis of the current research in extracellular microenvironment engineering and monitoring, which will facilitate the development of innovative tissue engineering strategies by utilizing different components of the extracellular microenvironment for regenerative medicine in the future.
Corin: A Key Mediator in Sodium Homeostasis, Vascular Remodeling, and Heart Failure
Authors: Zhang Xianrui , Gu Xiabing , Zhang Yikai , Dong Ningzheng , Wu Qingyu
Published: May 2022

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is a crucial element of the cardiac endocrine function that promotes natriuresis, diuresis, and vasodilation, thereby protecting normal blood pressure and cardiac function. Corin is a type II transmembrane serine protease that is highly expressed in the heart, where it converts the ANP precursor to mature ANP. Corin deficiency prevents ANP activation and causes hypertension and heart disease. In addition to the heart, corin is expressed in other tissues, including those of the kidney, skin, and uterus, where corin-mediated ANP production and signaling act locally to promote sodium excretion and vascular remodeling. These results indicate that corin and ANP function in many tissues via endocrine and autocrine mechanisms. In heart failure patients, impaired natriuretic peptide processing is a common pathological mechanism that contributes to sodium and body fluid retention. In this review, we discuss most recent findings regarding the role of corin in non-cardiac tissues, including the kidney and skin, in regulating sodium homeostasis and body fluid excretion. Moreover, we describe the molecular mechanisms underlying corin and ANP function in supporting orderly cellular events in uterine spiral artery remodeling. Finally, we assess the potential of corin-based approaches to enhance natriuretic peptide production and activity as a treatment of heart failure.
Characterization and Genetic Diversity of Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae Isolates Associated with Rice Bacterial Leaf Spot in Heilongjiang, China
Authors: Peng Lili , Yang Songrun , Zhang Yao , Haseeb Haseeb , Song Shuang , Xu Xiaofeng , Yang Mingxiu , Zhang Junhua
Published: May 2022

In China, rice is one of the most important cereal crops. Rice bacterial brown leaf spot caused by P. s. pv. syringae is among the most damaging rice diseases in the Heilongjiang Province of China and results in substantial yield losses. In this study, a comprehensive analysis of the pathogen, population structure, and genetic diversity within the species was performed. For this purpose, 176 bacterial isolates of P. s. pv. syringae collected from 15 locations were characterized by using biochemical tests such as the LOPAT test, and genetic characterizations such as multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) and repetitive PCR, using BOX, REP and ERIC primers. Biochemical testing and detection of syrB genes confirm the presence of P. s. pv. syringae, genetic characterization by MLSA and genetic fingerprinting by repetitive PCR confirmed that high genetic heterogeneity exists in the P. s. pv. syringae isolates, and clustering of the tested isolates and reference strains are related with the same genomospecies 1. This work contributes to the physiological classification of the P. s. pv. syringae isolated from Heilongjiang Province, China, and the results present new data concerning the phylogeny and genetic diversity. This type of study about P. s. pv. syringae has been not reported from this region until now.
An Environmentally Friendly Approach for the Release of Essential Fatty Acids from Cereal By-Products Using Cellulose-Degrading Enzymes
Authors: Radenkovs Vitalijs , Juhnevica-Radenkova Karina , Kviesis Jorens , Valdovska Anda
Published: May 2022

The main intention of the present work was to investigate the ability of cellulose-degrading enzymes (C-DE) to release fatty acids (FAs) from complex matrices of cereal by-products during enzymatic hydrolysis (EH). For this purpose, three types of cereal bran (CB), i.e., wheat, rye, and oat, were used as lignocellulose substrates for three commercially available hydrolytic enzymes, i.e., Viscozyme L, Viscoferm, and Celluclast 1.5 L. The yield and composition of FAs after EH were assessed and compared with those obtained after either conventional Soxhlet extraction or after alkaline-assisted hydrolysis (A-AH) with 10% KOH in 80% MeOH and subsequent liquid–liquid extraction. The experimental results demonstrated that up to 6.3% and 43.7% higher total FA yield can be achieved by EH of rye bran using Celluclast 1.5 L than by A-AH and Soxhlet extraction, respectively. However, the application of Viscoferm for EH of wheat bran ensured up to 7.7% and 13.4% higher total FA yield than A-AH and Soxhlet extraction, respectively. The concentration of essential linolenic acid (C18:3) in lipids extracted after EH of rye bran with Celluclast 1.5 L was up to 24.4% and 57.0% higher than in lipids recovered by A-AH and Soxhlet extraction, respectively. In turn, the highest content of linolenic acid in wheat bran lipids was observed after EH with Viscoferm and Viscozyme L, ensuring 17.0% and 13.6% higher yield than after A-AH, respectively. SEM analysis confirmed substantial degradation of the CB matrix promoted by the ability of C-DE to act specifically on glycosidic bonds in cellulose and on xylosidic bonds in arabinoxylans, arabinans, and other arabinose-containing hemicelluloses. Structural alterations in cell integrity greatly contributed to the release of bound FAs and their better transfer into the extraction solvent. It has been shown that the proposed process of EH can be used for the efficient release of FAs from the CB matrix more sustainably and with a safer profile, thereby conveying greener production of FAs for certain purposes.
Inter-Laboratory Concordance of Cerebrospinal Fluid and Serum Kappa Free Light Chain Measurements
Authors: Natali Patrizia , Bedin Roberta , Bernardi Gaetano , Corsini Elena , Cocco Eleonora , Schirru Lucia , Crespi Ilaria , Lamonaca Marta , Sala Arianna , Nicolò Cinzia , Di Filippo Massimiliano , Villa Alfredo , Nociti Viviana , De Michele Teresa , Cavalla Paola , Caropreso Paola , Vitetta Francesca , Cucinelli Maria Rosaria , Gastaldi Matteo , Trenti Tommaso , Sola Patrizia , Ferraro Diana ,   on behalf of RIREMS (Rising Researchers in MS)
Published: May 2022

The kappa index (K-Index), calculated by dividing the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)/serum kappa free light chain (KFLC) ratio by the CSF/serum albumin ratio, is gaining increasing interest as a marker of intrathecal immunoglobulin synthesis. However, data on inter-laboratory agreement of these measures is lacking. The aim was to assess the concordance of CSF and serum KFLC measurements, and of K-index values, across different laboratories. KFLC and albumin of 15 paired CSF and serum samples were analyzed by eight participating laboratories. Four centers used Binding Site instruments and assays (B), three used Siemens instruments and assays (S), and one center used a Siemens instrument with a Binding Site assay (mixed). Absolute individual agreement was calculated using a two-way mixed effects intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Cohen’s kappa coefficient (k) was used to measure agreement on positive (≥5.8) K-index values. There was an excellent agreement in CSF KFLC measurements across all laboratories (ICC (95% confidence interval): 0.93 (0.87–0.97)) and of serum KFLC across B and S laboratories (ICC: 0.91 (0.73–0.97)), while ICC decreased (to 0.81 (0.53–0.93)) when including the mixed laboratory in the analysis. Concordance for a positive K-Index was substantial across all laboratories (k = 0.77) and within S laboratories (k = 0.71), and very good (k = 0.89) within B laboratories, meaning that patients rarely get discordant results on K-index positivity notwithstanding the testing in different laboratories and the use of different platforms/assays.
Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptors: Evidence of Therapeutic Targets in Chronic Inflammatory Skin Diseases
Authors: Kim Han-Bi , Um Ji-Young , Chung Bo-Young , Kim Jin-Cheol , Kang Seok-Young , Park Chun-Wook , Kim Hye-One
Published: May 2022

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a ligand-dependent transcription factor, is important for xenobiotic metabolism and binds to various endogenous and exogenous ligands present in the skin. AhR is known to be associated with diseases in various organs; however, its functions in chronic inflammatory skin diseases, such as atopic dermatitis (AD) and psoriasis (PS), have recently been elucidated. Here, we discuss the molecular mechanisms of AhR related to chronic inflammatory skin diseases, such as AD and PS, and the mechanisms of action of AhR on the skin immune system. The importance of AhR molecular biological pathways, clinical features in animal models, and AhR ligands in skin diseases need to be investigated. In conclusion, the therapeutic effects of AhR ligands are demonstrated based on the relationship between AhR and skin diseases. Nevertheless, further studies are required to elucidate the detailed roles of AhR in chronic inflammatory skin diseases.
Far-Infrared Therapy Decreases Orthotopic Allograft Transplantation Vasculopathy
Authors: Lin Yi-Wen , Tsai Chien-Sung , Huang Chun-Yao , Tsai Yi-Ting , Shih Chun-Ming , Lin Shing-Jong , Li Chi-Yuan , Lin Cheng-Yen , Sung Shih-Ying , Lin Feng-Yen
Published: May 2022

Orthotopic allograft transplantation (OAT) is a major strategy for solid heart and kidney failure. However, the recipient’s immunity-induced chronic rejection induces OAT vasculopathy that results in donor organ failure. With the exception of immunosuppressive agents, there are currently no specific means to inhibit the occurrence of OAT vasculopathy. On the other hand, far-infrared (FIR) therapy uses low-power electromagnetic waves given by FIR, with a wavelength of 3–25 μm, to improve human physiological functions. Previous studies have shown that FIR therapy can effectively inhibit inflammation. It has also been widely used in adjuvant therapy for various clinical diseases, especially cardiovascular diseases, in recent years. Thus, we used this study to explore the feasibility of FIR in preventing OAT vasculopathy. In this study, the model of transplantation of an aorta graft from PVG/Seac rat to ACI/NKyo rat, and in vitro model of human endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) was used. In this report, we presented that FIR therapy decreased the serious of vasculopathy in OAT-recipient ACI/NKyo rats via inhibiting proliferation of smooth muscle cells, accumulation of collagen, and infiltration of fibroblast in the vessel wall; humoral and cell-mediated immune responses were decreased in the spleen. The production of inflammatory proteins/cytokines also decreased in the plasma. Additionally, FIR therapy presented higher mobilization and circulating EPC levels associated with vessel repair in OAT-recipient ACI/NKyo rats. In vitro studies demonstrated that the underlying mechanisms of FIR therapy inhibiting OAT vasculopathy may be associated with the inhibition of the Smad2-Slug axis endothelial mesenchymal transition (EndoMT). Thus, FIR therapy may be the strategy to prevent chronic rejection-induced vasculopathy.
Targeted Strategy in Lipid-Lowering Therapy
Authors: Dayar Ezgi , Pechanova Olga
Published: May 2022

Dyslipidemia is characterized by a diminished lipid profile, including increased level of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) and reduced level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c). Lipid-lowering agents represent an efficient tool for the prevention or reduction of progression of atherosclerosis, coronary heart diseases and metabolic syndrome. Statins, ezetimibe, and recently proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors are the most effective and used drugs in clinical lipid-lowering therapy. These drugs are mainly aimed to lower cholesterol levels by different mechanisms of actions. Statins, the agents of the first-line therapy—known as 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors—suppress the liver cholesterol synthesis. Ezetimibe as the second-line therapy can decrease cholesterol by inhibiting cholesterol absorption. Finally, the PCSK9 inhibitors act as an inducer of LDL excretion. In spite of their beneficial lipid-lowering properties, many patients suffer from their serious side effects, route of administration, or unsatisfactory physicochemical characteristics. Clinical demand for dose reduction and the improvement of bioavailability as well as pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic profile has resulted in the development of a new targeted therapy that includes nanoparticle carriers, emulsions or vaccination often associated with another more subtle form of administration. Targeted therapy aims to exert a more potent drug profile with lipid-lowering properties either alone or in mutual combination to potentiate their beneficial effects. This review describes the most effective lipid-lowering drugs, their favorable and adverse effects, as well as targeted therapy and alternative treatments to help reduce or prevent atherosclerotic processes and cardiovascular events.
Autologous Immune Cell-Based Regenerative Therapies to Treat Vasculogenic Erectile Dysfunction: Is the Immuno-Centric Revolution Ready for the Prime Time?
Authors: Bonanni Michela , Rehak Laura , Massaro Gianluca , Benedetto Daniela , Matteucci Andrea , Russo Giulio , Esperto Francesco , Federici Massimo , Mauriello Alessandro , Sangiorgi Giuseppe Massimo
Published: May 2022

About 35% of patients affected by erectile dysfunction (ED) do not respond to oral phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE5i) and more severe vasculogenic refractory ED affects diabetic patients. Innovative approaches, such as regenerative therapies, including stem cell therapy (SCT) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP), are currently under investigation. Recent data point out that the regenerative capacity of stem cells is strongly influenced by local immune responses, with macrophages playing a pivotal role in the injury response and as a coordinator of tissue regeneration, suggesting that control of the immune response could be an appealing approach in regenerative medicine. A new generation of autologous cell therapy based on immune cells instead of stem cells, which could change regenerative medicine for good, is discussed. Increasing safety and efficacy data are coming from clinical trials using peripheral blood mononuclear cells to treat no-option critical limb ischemia and diabetic foot. In this review, ongoing phase 1/phase 2 stem cell clinical trials are discussed. In addition, we examine the mechanism of action and rationale, as well as propose a new generation of regenerative therapies, evolving from typical stem cell or growth factor to immune cell-based medicine, based on autologous peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNC) concentrates for the treatment of ED.
Applicability of Selected 3D Printing Materials in Electrochemistry
Authors: Choińska Marta , Hrdlička Vojtěch , Dejmková Hana , Fischer Jan , Míka Luděk , Vaněčková Eva , Kolivoška Viliam , Navrátil Tomáš
Published: May 2022

This manuscript investigates the chemical and structural stability of 3D printing materials (3DPMs) frequently used in electrochemistry. Four 3D printing materials were studied: Clear photopolymer, Elastic photopolymer, PET filament, and PLA filament. Their stability, solubility, structural changes, flexibility, hardness, and color changes were investigated after exposure to selected organic solvents and supporting electrolytes. Furthermore, the available potential windows and behavior of redox probes in selected supporting electrolytes were investigated before and after the exposure of the 3D-printed objects to the electrolytes at various working electrodes. Possible electrochemically active interferences with an origin from the 3DPMs were also monitored to provide a comprehensive outline for the use of 3DPMs in electrochemical platform manufacturing.
Development and Assessment of Regeneration Methods for Peptide-Based QCM Biosensors in VOCs Analysis Applications
Authors: Wasilewski Tomasz , Szulczyński Bartosz , Dobrzyniewski Dominik , Jakubaszek Weronika , Gębicki Jacek , Kamysz Wojciech
Published: May 2022

Cleaning a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) plays a crucial role in the regeneration of its biosensors for reuse. Imprecise removal of a receptor layer from a transducer’s surface can lead to unsteady operation during measurements. This article compares three approaches to regeneration of the piezoelectric transducers using the electrochemical, oxygen plasma and Piranha solution methods. Optimization of the cleaning method allowed for evaluation of the influence of cleaning on the surface of regenerated biosensors. The effectiveness of cleaning the QCM transducers with a receptor layer in the form of a peptide with the KLLFDSLTDLKKKMSEC-NH2 sequence was described. Preliminary cleaning was tested for new electrodes to check the potential impact of the cleaning on deposition and the transducer’s operation parameters. The effectiveness of the cleaning was assessed via the measurement of a resonant frequency of the QCM transducers. Based on changes in the resonant frequency and the Sauerbrey equation, it was possible to evaluate the changes in mass adsorption on the transducer’s surface. Moreover, the morphology of the QCM transducer’s surface subjected to the selected cleaning techniques was presented with AFM imaging. The presented results confirm that each method is suitable for peptide-based biosensors cleaning. However, the most invasive seems to be the Piranha method, with the greatest decrease in performance after regeneration cycles (25% after three cycles). The presented techniques were evaluated for their efficiency with respect to a selected volatile compound, which in the future should allow reuse of the biosensors in particular applications, contributing to cost reduction and extension of the sensors’ lifetime.
Personalized tDCS for Focal Epilepsy—A Narrative Review: A Data-Driven Workflow Based on Imaging and EEG Data
Authors: Beumer Steven , Boon Paul , Klooster Debby C. W. , van Ee Raymond , Carrette Evelien , Paulides Maarten M. , Mestrom Rob M. C.
Published: May 2022

Conventional transcranial electric stimulation(tES) using standard anatomical positions for the electrodes and standard stimulation currents is frequently not sufficiently selective in targeting and reaching specific brain locations, leading to suboptimal application of electric fields. Recent advancements in in vivo electric field characterization may enable clinical researchers to derive better relationships between the electric field strength and the clinical results. Subject-specific electric field simulations could lead to improved electrode placement and more efficient treatments. Through this narrative review, we present a processing workflow to personalize tES for focal epilepsy, for which there is a clear cortical target to stimulate. The workflow utilizes clinical imaging and electroencephalography data and enables us to relate the simulated fields to clinical outcomes. We review and analyze the relevant literature for the processing steps in the workflow, which are the following: tissue segmentation, source localization, and stimulation optimization. In addition, we identify shortcomings and ongoing trends with regard to, for example, segmentation quality and tissue conductivity measurements. The presented processing steps result in personalized tES based on metrics like focality and field strength, which allow for correlation with clinical outcomes.
Low-Intensity Transcranial Ultrasound Stimulation: Mechanisms of Action and Rationale for Future Applications in Movement Disorders
Authors: Guerra Andrea , Bologna Matteo
Published: May 2022

Low-intensity transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) is a novel non-invasive brain stimulation technique that uses acoustic energy to induce changes in neuronal activity. However, although low-intensity TUS is a promising neuromodulation tool, it has been poorly studied as compared to other methods, i.e., transcranial magnetic and electrical stimulation. In this article, we first focus on experimental studies in animals and humans aimed at explaining its mechanisms of action. We then highlight possible applications of TUS in movement disorders, particularly in patients with parkinsonism, dystonia, and tremor. Finally, we highlight the knowledge gaps and possible limitations that currently limit potential TUS applications in movement disorders. Clarifying the potential role of TUS in movement disorders may further promote studies with therapeutic perspectives in this field.
Evaluation of Approach to a Conspecific and Blood Biochemical Parameters in TAAR1 Knockout Mice
Authors: Zhukov Ilya S. , Ptukha Maria A. , Zolotoverkhaja Ekaterina A. , Sinitca Ekaterina L. , Tissen Ilya Y. , Karpova Inessa V. , Volnova Anna B. , Gainetdinov Raul R.
Published: May 2022

It is known that the trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1) receptor is involved in limbic brain functions by regulating dopamine transmission and putative reward circuitry. Moreover, other TAARs are expressed in the olfactory system of all studied vertebrate species, sensing innate socially-relevant odors, including pheromones. Therefore, one can assume that TAARs may play a role in rodent social and sexual behavior. A comparative behavioral and biochemical analysis of TAAR1 knockout (TAAR1-KO) and wild-type mice is also important for the preliminary evaluation of the potential side effects of future TAAR1-based therapies. In our studies, we adapted a sexual incentive motivation test for mice to evaluate the sexual behavior of TAAR1-KO and wild-type mice. Previously, similar methods were primarily applied to rats. Furthermore, we measured testosterone and other biochemical parameters in the blood. As a result, we found only minimal alterations in all of the studied parameters. Thus, the lack of TAAR1 does not significantly affect sexual motivation and routine lipid and metabolic blood biochemical parameters, suggesting that future TAAR1-based therapies should have a favorable safety profile.
The Brain Research Hotspot Database (BRHD): A Panoramic Database of the Latest Hotspots in Brain Research
Authors: Chen Pin , Lin Xue , Liu Anna , Li Jian
Published: May 2022

Brain science, an emerging, dynamic, multidisciplinary basic research field, is generating numerous valuable data. However, there are still several obstacles for the utilization of these data, such as data fragmentation, heterogeneity, availability, and annotation divergence. Thus, to overcome these obstacles and construct an online community, we developed a panoramic database named Brain Research Hotspot Database (BRHD). As of 30 January 2022, the database had been integrated with standardized vocabularies from various resources, including 423,681 papers, 46,344 patents, 9585 transcriptomic datasets, 261 cell markers, as well as with information regarding brain initiatives that were officially launched and well-known scholars in brain research. Based on the keywords entered by users and the search options they set, data can be accessed and retrieved through exact and fuzzy search scenarios. In addition, for brain diseases, we developed three featured functions based on deep data mining: (1) a brain disease–genome network, which collects the associations between common brain diseases, genes, and mutations reported in the literature; (2) brain and gut microbiome associations, based on the literature related to this topic, with added annotations for reference; (3) 3D brain structure, containing a high-precision brain anatomy model with visual links to quickly connect to an organ-on-a-chip database. In short, the BRHD integrates data from a variety of brain science resources to provide a friendly user interface and freely accessible viewing and downloading environment. Furthermore, the original functions developed based on these data provide references and insights for brain research.
Action Selection and Motor Decision Making: Insights from Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
Authors: Tecilla Margherita , Guerra Andrea , Rocchi Lorenzo , Määttä Sara , Bologna Matteo , Herrojo Ruiz Maria , Biundo Roberta , Antonini Angelo , Ferreri Florinda
Published: May 2022

In everyday life, goal-oriented motor behaviour relies on the estimation of the rewards/costs associated with alternative actions and on the appropriate selection of movements. Motor decision making is defined as the process by which a motor plan is chosen among a set of competing actions based on the expected value. In the present literature review we discuss evidence from transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) studies of motor control. We focus primarily on studies of action selection for instructed movements and motor decision making. In the first section, we delve into the usefulness of various TMS paradigms to characterise the contribution of motor areas and distributed brain networks to cued action selection. Then, we address the influence of motivational information (e.g., reward and biomechanical cost) in guiding action choices based on TMS findings. Finally, we conclude that TMS represents a powerful tool for elucidating the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying action choices in humans.
Splenial Callosal Disconnection in Right Hemianopic Patients Induces Right Visual-Spatial Neglect
Authors: Tomaiuolo Francesco , Raffa Giovanni , Campana Serena , Garufi Giada , Lasaponara Stefano , Voci Loredana , Cardali Salvatore M. , Germanò Antonino , Doricchi Fabrizio , Petrides Michael
Published: May 2022

Posterior cerebral artery (PCA) territory infarction involving occipital cortical damage can give rise to contralateral homonymous hemianopia. Here, we report two rare cases of patients with lesions in the left hemisphere PCA territory who developed right visuo-spatial neglect. One patient suffered right hemianopia and right visuo-spatial neglect after a stroke that damaged the left primary visual cortex and the callosal splenial fibers. The other unique case is of a patient who had a brain tumor in the posterior cerebral region in the left hemisphere and initially exhibited only right hemianopia that developed into right visuo-spatial neglect after tumor resection that included the splenial fibers. These cases indicate that, as in cases with damage in the right PCA territory, lesions in the left PCA yield visuo-spatial neglect when the damage produces contralateral hemianopia and concomitant disconnection of the splenium of the corpus callosum, which interferes with the arrival of visual inputs from the intact right to the lesioned left hemisphere. These results also emphasize the necessity of sparing the splenial fibers in surgical interventions in patients who exhibit hemianopia.
A Short and Engaging Adaptive Working-Memory Intervention for Children with Developmental Language Disorder: Effects on Language and Working Memory
Authors: Henry Lucy A. , Christopher Emma , Chiat Shula , Messer David J.
Published: May 2022

Recent research has suggested that working-memory training interventions may benefit children with developmental language disorder (DLD). The current study investigated a short and engaging adaptive working-memory intervention that targeted executive skills and aimed to improve both language comprehension and working-memory abilities in children with DLD. Forty-seven 6- to 10-year-old children with DLD were randomly allocated to an executive working-memory training intervention (n = 24) or an active control group (n = 23). A pre-test/intervention/post-test/9-month-follow-up design was used. Outcome measures included assessments of language (to evaluate far transfer of the training) and working memory (to evaluate near transfer of the training). Hierarchical multiple regression analyses controlling for pre-intervention performance and age found the group to be a significant predictor of sentence comprehension and of performance on six untrained working-memory measures at post-intervention and 9-month follow-up. Children in the intervention group showed significantly higher language comprehension and working-memory scores at both time points than children in the active control group. The intervention programme showed the potential to improve working memory and language comprehension in children with DLD and demonstrated several advantages: it involved short sessions over a short period, caused little disruption in the school day, and was enjoyed by children.
The Role of Stress and Cognitive Absorption in Predicting Social Network Addiction
Authors: Cannito Loreta , Annunzi Eugenia , Viganò Caterina , Dell’Osso Bernardo , Vismara Matteo , Sacco Pier Luigi , Palumbo Riccardo , D’Addario Claudio
Published: May 2022

Nowadays, the use of social networks (SNs) is pervasive and ubiquitous. Among other things, SNs have become a key resource for establishing and maintaining personal relationships, as further demonstrated by the emergence of the pandemic. However, easy access to SNs may be a source of addictive behaviour, especially among the younger population. The literature highlights various psychological and physiological factors as possible predictors of vulnerability to SN addiction. This paper explores the joint effects of stress level and cognitive absorption, in the form of temporal dissociation while on SNs, on the addiction of university students to SNs. Here, 312 participants were involved in an online survey. About 14% of the sample presented a risk for SN addiction. Moreover, it was found that stress level predicted SN addiction both directly and indirectly through the effect of individual temporal dissociation, as experienced during SN usage. These results suggest a significant role of perceived stress level on addiction risk, while also pointing out additional vulnerability to SN addiction for cognitive profiles that are relatively more prone to temporal dissociation while online.
A Data-Driven Approach to Trace the Development of Lean Construction in Building Projects: Topic Shift and Main Paths
Authors: Wu Hengqin , Lin Xue , Li Xiao , Zhang Boyu , Li Clyde Zhengdao , Duan Huabo
Published: May 2022

Due to the varied ideas of lean philosophy adopted in the construction industry, it is challenging to trace the development of lean philosophy in terms of how the field evolved by adopting the lean ideas and how the topic shifted. However, it is challenging to extract useful information from the massive body of literature and to trace the development of Lean Construction in Building Projects. Previous studies have conducted longitudinal analyses of scientific areas depending on the authors’ interpretation and explanation, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive. To address this concern, this study proposes a data-driven approach integrating N-gram extraction, citation analysis, and a global key-route algorithm to trace the development. Based on the collected literature of Lean Construction in Building Projects, N-grams were extracted as topics from the raw texts of titles, abstracts, and keywords, and the shifts in topics were measured. Then, the references were extracted from the literature to create a citation network to represent the knowledge flows, and the global key-route algorithm was used to identify the most valuable flows reflecting the main paths of the development. The results illustrate how Lean Construction in Building Projects evolved and how the topics shifted, providing an exciting opportunity to reveal this development by using a data-driven approach rather than personal judgments. The findings can help us to understand that the field of Lean Construction in Building Projects was driven and motivated not only by the “lean theory”, but also by problems in the practice of building projects. Moreover, lean theory leads to flourishing research on informatization, and BIM will be an important tool to better achieve lean thinking in construction.
A Study on the Spatial Association Network of CO2 Emissions from the Perspective of City Size: Evidence from the Yangtze River Delta Urban Agglomeration
Authors: Liu Weidan , Sun Yuanhe , Cai Weiguang , Ke Yanyan , Ren Hong
Published: May 2022

City size expansion in China creates substantial economic circulation, which impacts CO2 emissions. Since CO2 production primarily comes from human activities, CO2 emissions are mainly in cities. To achieve China’s carbon neutrality and provide specific implementation guidance for future carbon-reduction policies, it is worth assessing China’s pressure on carbon reduction in the urban aspect. Highly developed social productivity and a market economy lead to a dramatic increase in the interconnection between cities, and the spatial distribution of CO2 emissions emerges in a spatial association. Therefore, it is of great significance to investigate the interaction of CO2 emissions with spatial effects. Taking the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration (YRDUA) as the research target area, this paper utilizes city-size indices to construct spatial-association networks of CO2 emissions for the first time. It employs social network analysis to explore the structures of whole networks, clusters, and city nodes. The main results show that: (1) the spatial associations of CO2 emissions in the YRDUA’s cities have become tighter over time. (2) The networks of CO2 emissions in the YRDUA’s cities have noticeable spatial-spillover effects, and the interaction of CO2 emissions between cities is dominant. (3) Nanjing is the paramount “bridge” node in the networks. (4) Nanjing, Hangzhou, Wuxi, Shanghai, Changzhou, Suzhou, Nantong, and Hefei will be the decisive cities for efficient CO2 emission control in the future. Overall, this paper reveals the role of carbon reduction in the YRDUA’s cities and proposes suggestions for establishing a transboundary energy-saving mechanism to improve the efficiency of energy conservation and emission reduction.
Regional Sustainable Performance of Construction Industry in China from the Perspective of Input and Output: Considering Occupational Safety
Authors: Tong Liyang , Chen Yun , Jin Lianghai , Zheng Xiazhong
Published: May 2022

Improving the poor sustainability of the construction industry requires long-term actions, especially in developing countries such as China. Regional sustainability assessment plays an indispensable role, contributing to a better understanding of the state of development in various regions. However, few studies have focused on the overall sustainability of regional construction industries, and occupational safety is generally ignored. To fill these gaps, an input-output system is established to evaluate regional sustainable performance of the construction industry (SPCI), which is made to include occupational safety by introducing the number of fatalities as an undesirable output. An evaluation model is constructed by combining window analysis with a super-slack-based measure data envelopment analysis (windows-super-SBM DEA). The SPCI in China’s 30 provinces from 2010 to 2017 is dynamically evaluated, and regional differences are further analyzed, with eight regions being defined. The results indicate that (1) the overall SPCI in China has fluctuated smoothly around a slight downward trend. By comparison, the integration of occupational safety refreshes the relative performance of most provinces; (2) dividing China into eight regions presents more detailed information because of those regions’ smaller coverage areas, and more attention should be given to the northeast, northwest, Middle Yellow River region and east coast because of the decrease in the SPCI; and (3) vigorously developing of the construction industry does not necessarily result in a large number of byproducts if the relevant policy is sufficiently strong. The findings of this study are conducive to rationally allocating resources and formulating targeted policies.
Mechanical Properties of High-Strength Pervious Concrete with Steel Fiber or Glass Fiber
Authors: Lee Ming-Gin , Wang Wei-Chien , Wang Yung-Chih , Hsieh Yi-Cheng , Lin Yung-Chih
Published: May 2022

Pervious concrete (also called porous concrete) is one of the most promising sustainable and green building materials today. This study examined high-strength pervious concrete and ordinary-strength pervious concrete reinforced with steel fiber or glass fiber. A total of fifteen mixtures of normal- and high-strength pervious concretes with steel fiber or glass fiber were used. The goal of high-strength pervious concrete is that the 28-day compressive strength be above 42 MPa and the porosity be as close to 15% as possible to achieve technical specifications. Both normal- and high-strength pervious concretes reinforced with steel fiber (1%, 2%) or glass fiber (0.25%, 0.5%) were investigated in water permeability, porosity, compressive strength, flexural strength, elastic modulus, and toughness tests. The test results show that in both high-strength pervious concrete and ordinary pervious concrete with steel fibers added, the porosity and permeability coefficient are increased compared with the control group. The coefficient of permeability for high-strength, fiber-reinforced pervious concretes with two aggregate sizes meets the requirements of the ACI specification for structural concrete. In addition, the high-strength pervious concrete specimen H1-S2 (2% steel fiber) has the highest compressive strength of 52.8 MPa at the age of 28 days. The flexural strength of pervious concrete also increases with age. However, the flexural strength of fiber-reinforced pervious concrete did not follow this trend due to the large variation in the quality control of different fiber mixtures. However, both steel fiber and glass fiber have a certain degree of improvement in the flexural toughness, and the effect is better with steel fiber. After the flexural strength reaches the peak value, there is still about 30% of the bearing capacity, and it gradually decreases until it is completely destroyed.