bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immediate Outcomes and Benefits of 3D Printed Braces for the Treatment of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Authors: Lou Edmond , Ng Kenwick , Hill Doug
Published: February 2022

Spinal bracing is a proven effective treatment for children with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Four factors have been reported to affect brace treatment outcome including (1) growth or curve-based risk, (2) the in-brace correction, (3) the brace wear quantity, and (4) the brace wear quality. The in-brace correction is impacted by spinal flexibility. The quality of brace design also affects the in-brace correction and comfort which indirectly affects the brace wear quantity and quality. A traditional polypropylene spinal brace is bulky and uncomfortable, and its manufacturing process is labor intensive. As 3D printing technology becomes more common and advanced, there is a potential to manufacture spinal braces using 3D printing technology. The objectives of this paper were to report the immediate effectiveness and benefits in using 3D printed brace to treat children with AIS. Six children with AIS (5F, 1M; 12.9 ± 1.4 years old; Cobb angle: 26° ± 7°), who were new to brace treatment, were recruited. Spinal flexibility and pressure pad locations were acquired using ultrasound assisted method to ensure braces were designed properly. To manufacture the braces, all participants were scanned by a handheld 3D scanner to obtain their body shapes. The 3D braces were then printed with Nylon 12 material. The average in-brace Cobb angle correction was 10 ± 4° (41 ± 18% correction). The 3D brace was 33% thinner, 26% lighter, 37% lower cost and required 3.7 h less labor time to manufacture when compared with the standard polypropylene brace. As a conclusion, the 3D printed brace had good immediate treatment effectiveness, but the long-time effect is still required time to explore.
What Controls the Magnitude and the Shape of Landslide Dam-Breaching Flood Hydrograph? Case Studies of Emergent Forecasts for Outburst Floods of Jiala and Baige Barrier Lakes
Authors: Song Yuntian , Fu Xudong , Lin Yongpeng , An Chenge , Ma Hongbo
Published: February 2022

Outburst floods released by failing barrier dams are likely to be catastrophic, posing high risk to downstream areas. However, emergent forecasting of the breaching process is still challenging due to the complex mechanisms as well as the lack of adequate data. During October and November 2018, four tremendous barrier lakes formed and breached on the Jinsha River and the Yarlung Zangbo River, China. In this paper, we present numerical simulations for three of these events (October 17 and October 29 at Jiala Village, Yarlung Zangbo; November 3 at Baige Village, Jinsha River), and investigate what factors control the magnitude and shape of the hydrograph of the outburst flood. A physically-based dam-breach model was established for the prediction. We first specified the model parameters based on the aerial images, DEM data and hydrological measurements during the emergency treatment. With these parameters, the model can successfully predict the breaching process of the two barrier dams in the Yarlung Zangpo, but underpredict the peak discharge of the outburst flood in the Jinsha River. The outburst flood in the Jinsha River, however, can be well-reproduced with refined information on dam height and grain size distribution. Moreover, both field data and our numerical simulation showed that the magnitude and shape of the outburst flood hydrograph can be affected by the dam morphology and the composition of dam material. Two patterns of outburst flood hydrographs with different symmetry characteristics were identified using statistical analysis. The approximately symmetrical breach hydrograph of the “November 3” Baige barrier lake could be partly attributed to the relatively fine grain size distribution of the dam material.
Who Has Access to Livestock Vaccines? Using the Social-Ecological Model and Intersectionality Frameworks to Identify the Social Barriers to Peste des Petits Ruminants Vaccines in Karamoja, Uganda
Authors: Acosta Daniel , Ludgate Nargiza , McKune Sarah L. , Russo Sandra
Published: February 2022

Access to veterinary services is important in Karamoja, northeastern part of Uganda, as livestock is a primary source of livelihood. Gender is often overlooked in animal health programs, let alone intersectionality. However, given the socio-cultural intricacies of Karamoja, ignoring these factors may hinder animal vaccination practices, limiting the success of programs designed to control and prevent animal diseases, such as peste des petits ruminants (PPR). The study used qualitative research methods, including focus group discussions, individual interviews, and key informant interviews in a participatory research approach to investigate the constraints faced by livestock keepers when accessing vaccines. The study was carried out in Abim, Amudat, Kotido, and Moroto, four districts in the Karamoja Subregion of Uganda. A modified version of the socio-ecological model (SEM) blended with an intersectional approach were used as frameworks to analyze underlying individual, social and structural determinants of vaccine access with intersecting factors of social inequalities. The results show there are seven intersecting factors that influence access to vaccination the most. These are: gender, ethnicity, geographic location, age, physical ability, marital status, and access to education. The impact of these intersections across the different levels of the SEM highlight that there are vast inequalities within the current system. Access to vaccines and information about animal health was most limited among women, widows, the elderly, the disabled, geographically isolated, and those with unfavorable knowledge, attitudes, and practices about vaccination. Cultural norms of communities were also important factors determining access to PPR vaccines. Norms that burden women with household chores and beliefs that women cannot manage livestock, combined with gender-based violence, leaves them unable to participate in and benefit from the livestock vaccine value chain. Trainings and sensitization on gendered intersectional approaches for those involved in the distribution and delivery of vaccines are necessary to avoid exacerbating existing inequalities in Karamoja.
Identification of Predictive Factors for Lymph Node Metastasis in pT1 Stage Colorectal Cancer Patients: A Retrospective Analysis Based on the Population Database
Authors: Song Jiawei , Yin Huanhuan , Zhu Yong , Fei Shengqi
Published: February 2022

Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify predictive factors for lymph node metastasis (LNM) in pT1 stage colorectal cancer (CRC) patients.

Methods: From the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, 2,697 consecutive pT1 stage patients who underwent surgical resection were retrospectively reviewed. Predictive factors for LNM were identified by the univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. The Kaplan-Meier curves and multivariate Cox regression analysis were used to evaluate the relationships between LNM and overall survival (OS) as well as cancer specific survival (CSS) of pT1 stage CRC patients.

Results: The prevalence of LNM in pT1 stage CRC patients was 15.2% (410/2,697). Patient age <60 years (OR:1.869, 95% CI: 1.505–2.321, p < 0.001), poorly differentiated or mucinous or signet ring cell adenocarcinoma (OR:2.075, 95% CI: 1.584–2.717, p < 0.001), elevated carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level (OR:1.343, 95% CI: 1.022–1.763, p = 0.033) and perineural invasion (PNI) (OR:6.212, 95% CI: 3.502–11.017, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with LNM in pT1 stage patients. The survival analysis demonstrated that pT1 stage patients with LNM had a worse OS (5-year OS: 82.2% vs 88.7%, p = 0.020) and CSS (5-year CSS: 74.9% vs 81.5%, p = 0.041) than those without lymph node metastasis. Lymph node metastasis was an independent predictor of poor OS (HR: 1.543, 95% CI: 1.156–2.060, p = 0.003) and CSS (HR: 1.614, 95% CI: 1.121–2.324, p = 0.010) for pT1 stage colorectal cancer patients.

Conclusion: Age, differentiation type, CEA level and perineural invasion were independent predictive factors for LNM in pT1 stage CRC patients. These findings might provide further risk stratification for pT1 stage patients and help clinicians identify high-risk individuals.
Do Structures Matter in the Process of Sustainable Intensification? A Case Study of Agriculture in the European Union Countries
Authors: Staniszewski Jakub , Kryszak Łukasz
Published: February 2022

In this paper, we proposed a new approach to the sustainable intensification (SI) process in agriculture in the EU Member States. In contrast to previous studies, we measured SI on a sectoral level and emphasised its dynamic rather than static nature. On the basis of Eurostat data of 27 EU countries in the period of 2005–2018, we used the Malmquist–Luenberger index to evaluate improvement in environmentally and socially adjusted total factor productivity (TFP). In 42% of cases in our sample, we observed the SI process defined as TFP increase. Subsequently, we tested the impact of structural changes on the SI process. On the basis of the panel logit model, we conclude that, in the European Model of Agriculture, where basic environmental and social issues regarding agriculture are regulated, in order to become aligned with sustainable intensification, agricultural production should become concentrated in larger farms with less labour-intense production—units capable of investments in innovative, green technologies.
Characterization of Biobriquettes Produced from Vineyard Wastes as a Solid Biofuel Resource
Authors: Senila Lacrimioara , Tenu Ioan , Carlescu Petru , Scurtu Daniela Alexandra , Kovacs Eniko , Senila Marin , Cadar Oana , Roman Marius , Dumitras Diana Elena , Roman Cecilia
Published: February 2022

The large amount of biomass waste generated by vineyard pruning causes many environmental concerns. The production of briquettes represents an alternative to obtaining a value-added product. The transformation of vineyard wastes into briquettes could produce a densified product having high energy potential. The study investigates the production and chemical, structural, and thermal characterization of briquettes. The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) shows that the briquettes have different stages of decomposition depending on temperature, such as drying, heating, devolatilization, and char aggregation. All the briquettes are decomposed around 600 °C. The analysis by X-ray diffraction (XRD) shows the crystallinity of briquettes. The pollutant emissions resulted from briquettes burning were measured as 444.7 mg N−1m−1 nitrogen oxide (NOX), 157.0 mg N−1m−1 sulphur dioxide (SO2) and 2165.0 mg N−1m−1 carbon monoxide (CO). The flue gases are below the admitted limits, with the exception of carbon monoxide content due to the incomplete combustion and high lignin content. Therefore, it can be concluded that briquettes produced from vineyard wastes have similar properties to briquettes produced from wood. This study demonstrates the potential of the obtained briquettes to replace the wood or charcoal through a desulphurization method.
Rootstock Effects on Anthocyanin Accumulation and Associated Biosynthetic Gene Expression and Enzyme Activity during Fruit Development and Ripening of Blood Oranges
Authors: Chen Zhaofang , Deng Honghong , Xiong Bo , Li Sichen , Yang Liancong , Yang Youting , Huang Shengjia , Tan Liping , Sun Guochao , Wang Zhihui
Published: February 2022

Blood orange (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck) is a rare commercial citrus fruit containing abundant anthocyanins and has numerous health benefits. Blood orange rootstock determines the fruit yield and quality. This study evaluated the effect of the three most commonly used rootstocks on the fruit features, color index, physicochemical parameters, anthocyanin accumulation, the anthocyanin biosynthetic gene expression, and the associated enzymes during the fruit development and ripening of ‘Tarocco’ blood orange. The highest anthocyanin content at harvest was found in blood orange trees grafted onto ‘Trifoliate orange’ (Poncirus trifoliata L. Raf., Pt) rootstock. Molecular analyses revealed that the rootstock affects the anthocyanin accumulation in the blood orange. Additionally, there was a strong correlation between the anthocyanin content and the expression and the activity of related genes and enzymes, respectively. Based on gene expression and enzymatic activity analyses, Pt rootstock promotes a very high anthocyanin accumulation in ‘Tarocco’ blood orange fruit. Accordingly, Pt is the promising rootstock for producing good quality and highly nutritious ‘Tarocco’ blood orange fruit for commercial purposes.
The Roles of MADS-Box Genes from Root Growth to Maturity in Arabidopsis and Rice
Authors: Shah Liaqat , Sohail Amir , Ahmad Rafiq , Cheng Shihua , Cao Liyong , Wu Weixun
Published: February 2022

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) and Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) life cycles involve several major phase changes, throughout which MADS-box genes have a variety of functions. MADS-box genes are well recognized for their functions in floral induction and development, and some have multiple functions in apparently unrelated developmental stages. For example, in Arabidopsis, AGL15 and AGL6 play roles in both vegetative development and floral transition. Similarly, in rice, OsMADS1 is involved in flowering time and seed development, and OsMADS26 is expressed not only in the roots, but also in the leaves, shoots, panicles, and seeds. The roles of other MADS-box genes responsible for the regulation of specific traits in both rice and Arabidopsis are also discussed. Several are key components of gene regulatory networks involved in root development under diverse environmental factors such as drought, heat, and salt stress, and are also involved in the shift from vegetative to flowering growth in response to seasonal changes in environmental conditions. Thus, we argue that MADS-box genes are critical elements of gene regulation that underpin diverse gene expression profiles, each of which is linked to a unique developmental stage that occurs during root development and the shift from vegetative to reproductive growth.
Management Systems for Biannual Seed Crop of Italian Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) Grown at Various Nitrogen Fertilization: I. First-Production Year Characterized by Limited Crop Lodging and High Seed Shattering before Direct Combine-Harvesting
Authors: Svečnjak Zlatko , Jareš Dario , Milanović-Litre Ana , Pacanoski Zvonko , Uher Darko , Dujmović Purgar Dubravka
Published: February 2022

Little is known about the best management systems for seed production of Italian ryegrass. The main objective of this study was to determine the influence of management systems on the first-year seed crop grown under various nitrogen fertilization (0, 60, 120 and 180 kg ha−1). Management systems of single-purpose crops were with (SeedPGR-crop) and without (Seed-crop) plant growth regulator application. The dual-purpose crops incorporated early spring forage cut during stem elongation (EF-seed-crop) and late cut at the onset of heading (LF-seed-crop) followed by seed harvest. Compared to the single-purpose crops, the dual purpose-crops shattered much less seeds but still yielded less because their plants had lower number of visible nodes on stems, shorter ears, fewer spikelets per ear, fewer flowers per spikelet in various ear sections and lighter seeds. Despite similar lodging incidence, the SeedPGR-crop produced relatively small, but significantly larger seed yield than the Seed-crop because plants in the SeedPGR-crop had shorter stems with fewer vegetative tillers, and shattered seeds slightly less. Nitrogen fertilization consistently improved seed yields in all management systems regardless of associated increases in lodging and seed shedding. These yield increments were mainly associated with the increased number of early- and late-formed reproductive tillers, and partly due to improved number of florets per spikelet and slightly heavier seed in early-formed reproductive ears. In spite of larger seed losses through shattering, the single-purpose crops largely out-yielded and had higher seed germination than the dual-purpose crops at all nitrogen fertilization rates, with maximized yields produced in the SeedPGR-crop.
Daily Prediction and Multi-Step Forward Forecasting of Reference Evapotranspiration Using LSTM and Bi-LSTM Models
Authors: Roy Dilip Kumar , Sarkar Tapash Kumar , Kamar Sheikh Shamshul Alam , Goswami Torsha , Muktadir Md Abdul , Al-Ghobari Hussein M. , Alataway Abed , Dewidar Ahmed Z. , El-Shafei Ahmed A. , Mattar Mohamed A.
Published: February 2022

Precise forecasting of reference evapotranspiration (ET0) is one of the critical initial steps in determining crop water requirements, which contributes to the reliable management and long-term planning of the world’s scarce water sources. This study provides daily prediction and multi-step forward forecasting of ET0 utilizing a long short-term memory network (LSTM) and a bi-directional LSTM (Bi-LSTM) model. For daily predictions, the LSTM model’s accuracy was compared to that of other artificial intelligence-based models commonly used in ET0 forecasting, including support vector regression (SVR), M5 model tree (M5Tree), multivariate adaptive regression spline (MARS), probabilistic linear regression (PLR), adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), and Gaussian process regression (GPR). The LSTM model outperformed the other models in a comparison based on Shannon’s entropy-based decision theory, while the M5 tree and PLR models proved to be the lowest performers. Prior to performing a multi-step-ahead forecasting, ANFIS, sequence-to-sequence regression LSTM network (SSR-LSTM), LSTM, and Bi-LSTM approaches were used for one-step-ahead forecasting utilizing the past values of the ET0 time series. The results showed that the Bi-LSTM model outperformed other models and that the sequence of models in ascending order in terms of accuracies was Bi-LSTM > SSR-LSTM > ANFIS > LSTM. The Bi-LSTM model provided multi-step (5 day)-ahead ET0 forecasting in the next step. According to the results, the Bi-LSTM provided reasonably accurate and acceptable forecasting of multi-step-forward ET0 with relatively lower levels of forecasting errors. In the final step, the generalization capability of the proposed best models (LSTM for daily predictions and Bi-LSTM for multi-step-ahead forecasting) was evaluated on new unseen data obtained from a test station, Ishurdi. The model’s performance was assessed on three distinct datasets (the entire dataset and the first and the second halves of the entire dataset) derived from the test dataset between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2020. The results indicated that the deep learning techniques (LSTM and Bi-LSTM) achieved equally good performances as the training station dataset, for which the models were developed. The research outcomes demonstrated the ability of the developed deep learning models to generalize the prediction capabilities outside the training station.
Quantifying the 60-Year Contribution of Japanese Zoos and Aquariums to Peer-Reviewed Scientific Research
Authors: Anzai Wataru , Ban Kazuyuki , Hagiwara Shintaro , Kako Tomoya , Kashiwagi Nobuyuki , Kawase Keisuke , Yamanashi Yumi , Murata Koichi
Published: February 2022

With the shift in their social roles, modern zoos and aquariums are required to develop scientific research. Although zoos and aquariums worldwide have reported an increase in the number of papers they publish and the diversification of their fields in recent decades, the specific circumstances in Japan are slightly unclear. We listed peer-reviewed papers authored by Japanese zoos and aquariums using search engines and quantitatively evaluated the changes in the number of papers published over 62 years. Our results showed that papers published in Japan have increased remarkably since the 1990s, and research fields have diversified as in the rest of the world. In particular, joint research with research institutes has seen an upward trend, and the instances of English-language papers have increased. Meanwhile, the content of the research was biased. In zoos, research on animal welfare has been increasing, but the focus was heavily biased toward captive mammals. Aquariums contributed to the understanding of local ecosystems through the fundamental study of wildlife, but there were fewer papers on improving husbandry. Our results indicated that while research by Japanese zoos and aquariums is developing, research on welfare, conservation, and education regarding native endangered species must still be improved.
Feasibility and Effect of a Wearable Motion Sensor Device in Facilitating In-Home Rehabilitation Program in Patients after Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Chen Yu-Pin , Lin Chung-Ying , Kuo Yi-Jie , Lee Oscar Kuang-Sheng
Published: February 2022

Postoperative home-based rehabilitation programs are essential for facilitating functional recovery after total knee replacement (TKA). This study aimed to verify the feasibility of applying a wearable motion sensor device (MSD) to assist patients in performing home-based exercises after TKA. The interrater reliability of the measurement for knee mobility and the time spent completing the 5-times sit-to-stand test (5TSST) by two experienced physicians and using the MSD in 12 healthy participants was first assessed. A prospective control trial was then conducted, in which 12 patients following TKA were allocated to two groups: the home-based exercise group and the MSD-assisted rehabilitation group. Changes in knee range of motion, pain, functional score, performance, and exercise completion rates were compared between the groups over two months of follow-up. MSD-measured knee mobility and 5TSST exhibited excellent reliability compared with the physician measurements. Furthermore, patients in the MSD-assisted rehabilitation group reported higher training compliance than participants in the home-based exercise group, which led to better outcomes in the knee extension angle and maximal and average angular velocity in 5TSST. MSD-assisted home-based rehabilitation following TKA is a feasible treatment model for telerehabilitation because it enhances patients’ compliance to training, which improves functional recovery.
The Historical Transformation of Peri-Urban Land Use Patterns, via Landscape GIS-Based Analysis and Landscape Metrics, in the Vesuvius Area
Authors: Cervelli Elena , Pindozzi Stefania
Published: February 2022

Peri-urban areas constitute an enormous resource in terms of natural capital, landscape heritage and economic activities, but, at the same time, they are often affected by physical and socio-economic degradation, drawing the attention of decision makers and planners. Many studies have focused on these contexts both in terms of suburbs, with a close dependence on urban centers, and new land typologies. The present paper focuses on documentary evidence of the direct impacts of urban growth on rural lands. The study area entails the Vesuvius National Park, which, belonging the Naples metropolis, is well-known for its historical, geo-morphologic and naturalistic value. Furthermore, the area has a history of high-quality cartographic production: the 1817, 1907, 1960, 2009 time steps maps were digitized, georeferenced, vectorized and compared in a GIS environment. The results highlight a strong change in land-use, in vineyards and urban class types, with a more disaggregated landscape mosaic. The approach shows that the historical modeling of land-use changes supports the understanding of current land-use dynamics and landscape patterns. The study also shows the need to integrate landscape planning and landscape ecology approaches, highlighting the close interactions between urban, agricultural and natural areas, for the purpose of supporting decision makers in land-use management and conservation policies.
Research on Intelligent Vehicle Trajectory Planning and Control Based on an Improved Terminal Sliding Mode
Authors: Li Aijuan , Niu Chuanhu , Li Shunming , Huang Xin , Xu Chuanyan , Liu Gang
Published: February 2022

Aiming at precisely tracking an intelligent vehicle on a desired trajectory, this paper proposes an intelligent vehicle trajectory planning and control strategy based on an improved terminal sliding mold. Firstly, the traditional RRT algorithm is improved by using the target bias strategy and the separation axis theorem to improve the algorithm search efficiency. Secondly, an improved terminal sliding mode controller is designed. The controller comprehensively considers the lateral error and heading error of the tracking control, and the stability of the control system is proven by the Lyapunov function. Finally, the performance of the designed controller is verified by the Matlab-Carsim HIL simulation platform. The test results of the Matlab-Carsim HIL simulation platform show that, compared with the general terminal sliding mode controller, the improved terminal sliding mode controller designed in this paper has higher control accuracy and better robustness.
Interfacial Pockels Effect of Solvents with a Larger Static Dielectric Constant than Water and an Ionic Liquid on the Surface of a Transparent Oxide Electrode
Authors: Okada Akihiro , Kobayashi Takayoshi , Tokunaga Eiji
Published: February 2022

The optical Pockels effect is a change in the refractive index proportional to an applied electric field. As a typical example of the interfacial Pockels effect occurring at interfaces where the spatial inversion symmetry is broken, it is known that water in the electric double layer (EDL) on the transparent oxide electrode surface has a large Pockels coefficient, but the physical factors that determine its size are not clear. Therefore, we experimentally studied the Pockels effect of water and other characteristic liquids—formamide (FA), methylformamide (NMF) (these two have larger static dielectric constants than water), dimethylformamide (DMF), and an ionic liquid that is itself salts (IL, [BMIM] [BF4])—and evaluated their Pockels coefficients in the EDL on the transparent electrode surface. The magnitude of the Pockels coefficient was found to be in the order of water, DMF, FA, NMF, and IL, with the magnitude of the static dielectric constant not being an important factor.
Effect of an Innovative Biofeedback Insole on Patient Rehabilitation after Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Castellarin Gianluca , Merlini Michele , Bettinelli Giulia , Riso Raffaella , Bori Edoardo , Innocenti Bernardo
Published: February 2022

Partial weight bearing is fundamental to rehabilitation in the early stages following lower limb surgery. However, it remains debated as to how to properly achieve partial weight bearing while avoiding complications from excessive or premature load. Of the devices currently on the market, instrumented insoles coupled with force-sensitive resistors (FSRs) are among the best options in today’s clinical practice. Still, although several of these systems have been developed in the last few years, only some have been validated, leaving insufficient information on their application in rehabilitation after total knee replacement (TKR). To address this research gap, we evaluated the performance of an innovative biofeedback insole system featuring an extremely low response time for real-time force feedback. We randomly recruited 30 patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty. All patients used the new programmable insole for partial weight bearing per post-operative rehabilitation protocol. Our results confirm their inability to perform a correct gait with low partial weight bearing (<30–50% of their bodyweight). Partial weight bearing with a correct gait in the post-operative period is not obtainable without a measuring system. This new biofeedback insole is thus one of the most indicated and can improve rehabilitation compliance, therefore allowing continual patient monitoring for faster discharge and fast-track rehabilitation.
Special Issue Cognitive Buildings
Authors: Tagliabue Lavinia Chiara , Yitmen Ibrahim
Published: February 2022

Cognitive building is a pioneering topic to envision the future of our built environment [...]
Limiting Wind-Induced Resuspension of Radioactively Contaminated Particles to Enhance First Responder, Early Phase Worker and Public Safety—Part 1
Authors: Raveh-Amit Hadas , Sharon Avi , Katra Itzhak , Stilman Terry , Serre Shannon , Archer John , Magnuson Matthew
Published: February 2022

An accidental radiological release or the operation of a radiological dispersal device (RDD) may lead to the contamination of a large area. Such scenarios may lead to health and safety risks associated with the resuspension of contaminated particles due to aeolian (wind-induced) soil erosion and tracking activities. Stabilization technologies limiting resuspension are therefore needed to avoid spreading contamination and to reduce exposures to first responders and decontamination workers. Resuspension testing was performed on soils from two sites of the Negev Desert following treatment with three different stabilization materials: calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, and saltwater from the Dead Sea in Israel. Two and six weeks post-treatment, resuspension was examined by inducing wind-driven resuspension and quantitatively measuring particle emission from the soils using a boundary-layer wind tunnel system. Experiments were conducted under typical wind velocities of this region. Treating the soils reduced resuspension fluxes of particulate matter < 10 µm (PM10) and saltating (sand-sized) particles to around background levels. Resuspension suppression efficiencies from the treated soils were a minimum of 94% for all three stabilizers, and the Dead Sea salt solution yielded 100% efficiency over all wind velocities tested. The impact of the salt solutions (brine) was directly related to the salt treatment rather than the wetting of the soils. Stabilization was still observed six weeks post-treatment, supporting that this technique can effectively limit resuspension for a prolonged duration, allowing sufficient time for decision making and management of further actions.
Forest Dynamic in the Italian Apennines
Authors: Pallotta Enrico , Boccia Lorenzo , Rossi Carlo Maria , Ripa Maria Nicolina
Published: February 2022

In recent decades, many mountain areas of the Mediterranean countries show spontaneous reforestation or densification due to depopulation and the consequent abandonment of traditional agricultural and pastoral activities, leading to the loss of open habitats. In this paper, dynamics of natural and semi-natural areas in the summit areas of the Abruzzo, Lazio e Molise National Park are investigated, highlighting changes that occurred from 1954 to present days. Historic Land cover maps have been produced by photo interpretation. A quantitative description of changes and habitats loss in relation to the socio-economic changes is provided. As expected, a forest surface expansion and an open areas decrease are observed similarly to many marginal mountains, where land abandonment and general forest/shrub recovery are the inevitable tendencies. An intense debate is still ongoing regarding the opportunity of rewilding, allowing the natural reforestation processes, versus the management of some areas, in order to preserve habitats and cultural traditional landscapes. For the EU biodiversity conservation policy to be effective, proper planning and management of interventions as well as public support and funding, become crucial when traditional activities are no longer profitable and viable for local inhabitants.
Robust Super-Twisting Sliding Mode Backstepping Control Blended with Tracking Differentiator and Nonlinear Disturbance Observer for an Unknown UAV System
Authors: Park Sungbum , Han Seongik
Published: February 2022

In this study, we examined the robust super-twisting sliding mode backstepping control (SBSC) method, which employed a tracking differentiator and nonlinear disturbance observer for a hexacopter unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system. To realize robust tracking control performance for a highly coupled nonlinear hexacopter UAV system, a super-twisting sliding mode control method was combined with designing stabilizing controls of backstepping control (BSC) applied to the UAV system. Furthermore, the differentiation issue of the virtual control and compensation of transformation error in the conventional BSC design were bypassed via a new continuous tracking differentiator structure. Additionally, a new disturbance observer based on the proposed tracking differentiator was considered to estimate uncertainties of the hexacopter UAV. Comparative simulation results demonstrated that the proposed tracking-differentiator-based SBSC scheme (PTSBSC) blended with the tracking differentiator and nonlinear disturbance observer exhibits improved performance when compared to that of conventional BSC and disturbance observer systems.
Impact of Land Use on Atmospheric Particulate Matter Concentrations: A Case Study of the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei Region, China
Authors: Zhai Haoran , Yao Jiaqi , Wang Guanghui , Tang Xinming
Published: February 2022

The increasing frequency of human activities has accelerated changes in land use types and consequently affected the atmospheric environment. In this manuscript, we analyze the relationships between the particulate matter concentration and land use changes in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (BTH) region, China, from 2015 to 2018. The experimental results indicate that (1) an improved sine function model can suitably fit the periodic changes in the particulate matter concentration, with the average R2 value increasing to 0.65 from the traditional model value of 0.49, while each model coefficient effectively estimates the change characteristics of each stage. (2) Among all land use types, the particulate matter concentrations in construction land and farmland are high, with a large annual difference between high and low values. The concentration decreases slowly in spring and summer but increases rapidly in autumn and winter. The concentrations in forestland and grassland are the lowest; the difference between high and low values is small for these land use types, and the concentration fluctuation pattern is relatively uniform. Natural sources greatly influence the concentration fluctuations, among which frequent dusty weather conditions in spring impose a greater influence on forestland and grassland than on the other land use types. (3) The landscape pattern of land use exerts a significant influence on the particulate matter concentration. Generally, the lower the aggregation degree of patches is, the higher the fragmentation degree is, the more complex the shape is, the higher the landscape abundance is, and the lower the particulate matter concentration is. The higher the construction land concentration is, the more easily emission sources can be aggregated to increase the particulate matter concentration. However, when forestland areas are suitably connected, this land use type can play a notable role in inhibiting particulate matter concentration aggravation. This conclusion is of great relevance to urban land use planning and sustainable development.
Brain Structure and Optimism Bias: A Voxel-Based Morphometry Approach
Authors: Kotikalapudi Raviteja , Dricu Mihai , Moser Dominik Andreas , Aue Tatjana
Published: February 2022

Individuals often anticipate an unrealistically favorable future for themselves (personal optimism bias) or others (social optimism bias). While such biases are well established, little is known about their neuroanatomy. In this study, participants engaged in a soccer task and estimated the likelihood of successful passes in personal and social scenarios. Voxel-based morphometry revealed that personal optimism bias varied as a positive function of gray matter volume (GMV) in the putamen, frontal pole, hippocampus, temporal pole, inferior temporal gyrus, visual association areas, and mid-superior temporal gyrus. Social optimism bias correlated positively with GMV in the temporoparietal junction and negatively with GMV in the inferior temporal gyrus and pre-supplementary motor areas. Together, these findings suggest that parts of our optimistic outlook are biologically rooted. Moreover, while the two biases looked similar at the behavioral level, they were related to distinct gray matter structures, proposing that their underlying mechanisms are not identical.
Publisher’s Note: We Changed Page Numbers to Article Numbers for Articles Published in Cardiogenetics Volume 1–Volume 10, Issue 1
Authors:   Cardiogenetics Editorial Office
Published: February 2022

Previously, Cardiogenetics [1] was published by PAGEPress from Volume 1 (2011) to Volume 10, Issue 1 (2020) [...]
Influence of Nitrogen and Sulfur Doping of Carbon Xerogels on the Performance and Stability of Counter Electrodes in Dye Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Alegre Cinthia , Sebastián David , Lázaro María Jesús , Girolamo Mariarita , Aricò Antonino Salvatore , Baglio Vincenzo
Published: February 2022

In this work, carbon xerogels (CXGs) doped with nitrogen or sulfur have been investigated as DSSC counter electrodes. CXGs have been prepared by a sol–gel method from resorcinol and formaldehyde and subsequent carbonization. Nitrogen doping has been carried out by introducing melamine into the synthesis process along with resorcinol and formaldehyde, while sulfur has been incorporated by direct reaction of the carbon material with elemental sulfur. The counter electrodes for DSSCs have been prepared by airbrushing on conductive glass (fluorine-doped tin oxide, FTO), and their electrochemical behavior has been evaluated, observing that the introduction of heteroatoms such as nitrogen or sulfur leads to an improvement in efficiency compared to the undoped material thanks to a decrease in charge transfer resistance.
Ca2+ Transportome and the Interorganelle Communication in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Lai Hong-Toan , Canoy Reynand Jay , Campanella Michelangelo , Vassetzky Yegor , Brenner Catherine
Published: February 2022

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a type of liver cancer with a poor prognosis for survival given the complications it bears on the patient. Though damages to the liver are acknowledged prodromic factors, the precise molecular aetiology remains ill-defined. However, many genes coding for proteins involved in calcium (Ca2+) homeostasis emerge as either mutated or deregulated. Ca2+ is a versatile signalling messenger that regulates functions that prime and drive oncogenesis, favouring metabolic reprogramming and gene expression. Ca2+ is present in cell compartments, between which it is trafficked through a network of transporters and exchangers, known as the Ca2+ transportome. The latter regulates and controls Ca2+ dynamics and tonicity. In HCC, the deregulation of the Ca2+ transportome contributes to tumorigenesis, the formation of metastasizing cells, and evasion of cell death. In this review, we reflect on these aspects by summarizing the current knowledge of the Ca2+ transportome and overviewing its composition in the plasma membrane, endoplasmic reticulum, and the mitochondria.
Therapeutic Potential of a Combination of Electroacupuncture and Human iPSC-Derived Small Extracellular Vesicles for Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Deng Peiying , Wang Liang , Zhang Qiongqiong , Chen Suhui , Zhang Yamin , Xu Hong , Chen Hui , Xu Yi , He Wei , Zhang Jianmin , Sun Hua
Published: February 2022

This paper aimed to explore the roles of the combination of electroacupuncture (EA) and induced pluripotent stem cell-derived small extracellular vesicles (iPSC-EVs) on mice with ischemic stroke and the underlying mechanisms. A focal cerebral ischemia model was established in C57BL/6 mice through middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). After 3 days, neurological impairment and motor function were examined by performing behavioral tests. The infarct volume and neuronal apoptosis were examined using TTC staining and TUNEL assays. Flow cytometry was performed to assess the proliferation of T lymphocytes. The changes in the interleukin (IL)-33/ST2 axis were evaluated by immunofluorescence and Western blotting. The combination of EA and iPSC-EVs treatment ameliorated neurological impairments and reduced the infarct volume and neuronal apoptosis in MCAO mice. EA plus iPSC-EVs suppressed T helper (Th1) and Th17 responses and promoted the regulatory T cell (Treg) response. In addition, EA plus iPSC-EVs exerted neuroprotective effects by regulating the IL-33/ST2 axis and inhibiting the microglia and astrocyte activation. Taken together, the study shows that EA and iPSC-EVs exerted a synergistic neuroprotective effect in MCAO mice, and this treatment may represent a novel potent therapy for ischemic stroke and damage to other tissues.
miRNA-Dependent Regulation of AKT1 Phosphorylation
Authors: Frederick Mallory I. , Siddika Tarana , Zhang Pengcheng , Balasuriya Nileeka , Turk Matthew A. , O’Donoghue Patrick , Heinemann Ilka U.
Published: February 2022

The phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathway regulates cell survival and is over-activated in most human cancers, including ovarian cancer. Following growth factor stimulation, AKT1 is activated by phosphorylation at T308 and S473. Disruption of the AKT1 signaling pathway is sufficient to inhibit the epithelial-mesenchymal transition in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) cells. In metastatic disease, adherent EOC cells transition to a dormant spheroid state, characterized previously by low S473 phosphorylation in AKT1. We confirmed this finding and observed that T308 phosphorylation was yet further reduced in EOC spheroids and that the transition from adherent to spheroid growth is accompanied by significantly increased levels of let-7 miRNAs. We then used mechanistic studies to investigate the impact of let-7 miRNAs on AKT1 phosphorylation status and activity in cells. In growth factor-stimulated HEK 293T cells supplemented with let-7a, we found increased phosphorylation of AKT1 at T308, decreased phosphorylation at S473, and enhanced downstream AKT1 substrate GSK-3β phosphorylation. Let-7b and let-7g also deregulated AKT signaling by rendering AKT1 insensitive to growth factor simulation. We uncovered let-7a-dependent deregulation of PI3K pathway components, including PI3KC2A, PDK1, and RICTOR, that govern AKT1 phosphorylation and activity. Together, our data show a new role for miRNAs in regulating AKT signaling.
Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem Cells and Their Products as a Therapeutic Tool to Advance Lung Transplantation
Authors: Miceli Vitale , Bertani Alessandro
Published: February 2022

Lung transplantation (LTx) has become the gold standard treatment for end-stage respiratory failure. Recently, extended lung donor criteria have been applied to decrease the mortality rate of patients on the waiting list. Moreover, ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) has been used to improve the number/quality of previously unacceptable lungs. Despite the above-mentioned progress, the morbidity/mortality of LTx remains high compared to other solid organ transplants. Lungs are particularly susceptible to ischemia-reperfusion injury, which can lead to graft dysfunction. Therefore, the success of LTx is related to the quality/function of the graft, and EVLP represents an opportunity to protect/regenerate the lungs before transplantation. Increasing evidence supports the use of mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) as a therapeutic strategy to improve EVLP. The therapeutic properties of MSC are partially mediated by secreted factors. Hence, the strategy of lung perfusion with MSCs and/or their products pave the way for a new innovative approach that further increases the potential for the use of EVLP. This article provides an overview of experimental, preclinical and clinical studies supporting the application of MSCs to improve EVLP, the ultimate goal being efficient organ reconditioning in order to expand the donor lung pool and to improve transplant outcomes.
Intracellular Reverse Transcription of Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine BNT162b2 In Vitro in Human Liver Cell Line
Authors: Aldén Markus , Olofsson Falla Francisko , Yang Daowei , Barghouth Mohammad , Luan Cheng , Rasmussen Magnus , De Marinis Yang
Published: February 2022

Preclinical studies of COVID-19 mRNA vaccine BNT162b2, developed by Pfizer and BioNTech, showed reversible hepatic effects in animals that received the BNT162b2 injection. Furthermore, a recent study showed that SARS-CoV-2 RNA can be reverse-transcribed and integrated into the genome of human cells. In this study, we investigated the effect of BNT162b2 on the human liver cell line Huh7 in vitro. Huh7 cells were exposed to BNT162b2, and quantitative PCR was performed on RNA extracted from the cells. We detected high levels of BNT162b2 in Huh7 cells and changes in gene expression of long interspersed nuclear element-1 (LINE-1), which is an endogenous reverse transcriptase. Immunohistochemistry using antibody binding to LINE-1 open reading frame-1 RNA-binding protein (ORFp1) on Huh7 cells treated with BNT162b2 indicated increased nucleus distribution of LINE-1. PCR on genomic DNA of Huh7 cells exposed to BNT162b2 amplified the DNA sequence unique to BNT162b2. Our results indicate a fast up-take of BNT162b2 into human liver cell line Huh7, leading to changes in LINE-1 expression and distribution. We also show that BNT162b2 mRNA is reverse transcribed intracellularly into DNA in as fast as 6 h upon BNT162b2 exposure.
Use of Next-Generation Sequencing for Identifying Mitochondrial Disorders
Authors: Mahmud Shafi , Biswas Suvro , Afrose Shamima , Mita Mohasana , Hasan Md. , Shimu Mst. , Paul Gobindo , Chung Sanghyun , Saleh Md. , Alshehri Sultan , Ghoneim Momammed , Alruwaily Maha , Kim Bonglee
Published: February 2022

Mitochondria are major contributors to ATP synthesis, generating more than 90% of the total cellular energy production through oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS): metabolite oxidation, such as the β-oxidation of fatty acids, and the Krebs’s cycle. OXPHOS inadequacy due to large genetic lesions in mitochondrial as well as nuclear genes and homo- or heteroplasmic point mutations in mitochondrially encoded genes is a characteristic of heterogeneous, maternally inherited genetic disorders known as mitochondrial disorders that affect multisystemic tissues and organs with high energy requirements, resulting in various signs and symptoms. Several traditional diagnostic approaches, including magnetic resonance imaging of the brain, cardiac testing, biochemical screening, variable heteroplasmy genetic testing, identifying clinical features, and skeletal muscle biopsies, are associated with increased risks, high costs, a high degree of false-positive or false-negative results, or a lack of precision, which limits their diagnostic abilities for mitochondrial disorders. Variable heteroplasmy levels, mtDNA depletion, and the identification of pathogenic variants can be detected through genetic sequencing, including the gold standard Sanger sequencing. However, sequencing can be time consuming, and Sanger sequencing can result in the missed recognition of larger structural variations such as CNVs or copy-number variations. Although each sequencing method has its own limitations, genetic sequencing can be an alternative to traditional diagnostic methods. The ever-growing roster of possible mutations has led to the development of next-generation sequencing (NGS). The enhancement of NGS methods can offer a precise diagnosis of the mitochondrial disorder within a short period at a reasonable expense for both research and clinical applications.