bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Symphony of Team Flow in Virtual Teams. Using Artificial Intelligence for Its Recognition and Promotion
Authors: Peifer Corinna , Pollak Anita , Flak Olaf , Pyszka Adrian , Nisar Muhammad Adeel , Irshad Muhammad Tausif , Grzegorzek Marcin , Kordyaka Bastian , Kożusznik Barbara
Published: September 2021

More and more teams are collaborating virtually across the globe, and the COVID-19 pandemic has further encouraged the dissemination of virtual teamwork. However, there are challenges for virtual teams – such as reduced informal communication – with implications for team effectiveness. Team flow is a concept with high potential for promoting team effectiveness, however its measurement and promotion are challenging. Traditional team flow measurements rely on self-report questionnaires that require interrupting the team process. Approaches in artificial intelligence, i.e., machine learning, offer methods to identify an algorithm based on behavioral and sensor data that is able to identify team flow and its dynamics over time without interrupting the process. Thus, in this article we present an approach to identify team flow in virtual teams, using machine learning methods. First of all, based on a literature review, we provide a model of team flow characteristics, composed of characteristics that are shared with individual flow and characteristics that are unique for team flow. It is argued that those characteristics that are unique for team flow are represented by the concept of collective communication. Based on that, we present physiological and behavioral correlates of team flow which are suitable – but not limited to – being assessed in virtual teams and which can be used as input data for a machine learning system to assess team flow in real time. Finally, we suggest interventions to support team flow that can be implemented in real time, in virtual environments and controlled by artificial intelligence. This article thus contributes to finding indicators and dynamics of team flow in virtual teams, to stimulate future research and to promote team effectiveness.
Status and Factors of Cognitive Function Among Older Adults in Urban China
Authors: Shen Lei , Tang Xiaochen , Li Chunbo , Qian Zhenying , Wang Jijun , Liu Wei
Published: September 2021

The present study aimed to examine the current status and influencing mechanisms of different demographic factors associated with cognitive function in urban Chinese older adults. A total of 644 older adults from 14 communities in urban China (e.g., Shanghai, Beijing, and Wuxi) were investigated by using the Mini-Mental State Examination and the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status. The results indicated that the overall cognitive function of older adults in urban China was normal. We found an aging effect on cognitive level, and cognitive function declined more rapidly after age 80. Older age, unmarried status, and lower occupational cognitive requirements increased the likelihood of cognitive risk. Higher educational levels and active engagement in exercise may contribute to cognitive reserve and have a protective effect on cognitive decline in late life. Further study is needed to develop appropriate interventions to improve the mental health of older people.
Drug Screening Implicates Chondroitin Sulfate as a Potential Longevity Pill
Authors: Ewald Collin Y.
Published: September 2021

Discovering compounds that promote health during aging (“geroprotectors”) is key to the retardation of age-related pathologies and the prevention of chronic age-related diseases. In in-silico and model organisms’ lifespan screens, chondroitin sulfate has emerged as a geroprotective compound. Chondroitin sulfate is a glycosaminoglycan attached to extracellular matrix proteins and is naturally produced by our body. Oral supplementation of chondroitin sulfate shows a high tolerance in humans, preferable pharmacokinetics, a positive correlation with healthy human longevity, and efficacy in deceleration of age-related diseases in randomized clinical trials. We have recently shown that chondroitin sulfate supplementation increases the lifespan of C. elegans. Thus, chondroitin sulfate holds the potential to become a geroprotective strategy to promote health during human aging. This review discusses the two major potential mechanisms of action, extracellular matrix homeostasis and inhibition of inflammation, that counteract age-related pathologies upon chondroitin sulfate supplementation.
Access to Daylight and Views Improves Physical and Emotional Wellbeing of Office Workers: A Crossover Study
Authors: Woo May , MacNaughton Piers , Lee Jaewook , Tinianov Brandon , Satish Usha , Boubekri Mohamed
Published: September 2021

While buildings are designed with expansive windows to allow for abundant daylight and views, in practice, they are frequently occluded to control for heat and glare. Electrochromic glass windows are a solution designed to maximize occupant access to daylight and views throughout the day, and previous research has demonstrated the benefits they can impart on sleep and cognition. We extend this research to quantify its impacts on the perceived physical and emotional wellbeing of occupants in an office environment. 30 office workers spent 5 days working in each of two West-facing offices that were identical with the exception of the window treatment: one with dynamic electrochromic windows and the other with functionally standard windows partially occluded by a fixed roller shade. When working in the office with electrochromic glass, participants were 8-fold more likely of report satisfaction with daylight conditions and 6.5-fold more likely to report satisfaction with views of the outside, were 48% less likely to report eyestrain, perceived a significant benefit to positive affect and were 77% less likely to report feeling depressed. This study adds to the growing body of research demonstrating the importance of daylighting strategies in designing spaces that support the physical and mental health of occupants.
Liquid Phase Cloud Microphysical Property Estimates From CALIPSO Measurements
Authors: Hu Yongxiang , Lu Xiaomei , Zhai Peng-Wang , Hostetler Chris A. , Hair Johnathan W. , Cairns Brian , Sun Wenbo , Stamnes Snorre , Omar Ali , Baize Rosemary , Videen Gorden , Mace Jay , McCoy Daniel T. , McCoy Isabel L. , Wood Robert
Published: September 2021

A neural-network algorithm that uses CALIPSO lidar measurements to infer droplet effective radius, extinction coefficient, liquid-water content, and droplet number concentration for water clouds is described and assessed. These results are verified against values inferred from High-Spectral-Resolution Lidar (HSRL) and Research Scanning Polarimeter (RSP) measurements made on an aircraft that flew under CALIPSO. The global cloud microphysical properties are derived from 14+ years of CALIPSO lidar measurements, and the droplet sizes are compared to corresponding values inferred from MODIS passive imagery. This new product will provide constraints to improve modeling of Earth’s water cycle and cloud-climate interactions.
Evaluation of Version 3 Total and Tropospheric Ozone Columns From Earth Polychromatic Imaging Camera on Deep Space Climate Observatory for Studying Regional Scale Ozone Variations
Authors: Kramarova Natalya A. , Ziemke Jerald R. , Huang Liang-Kang , Herman Jay R. , Wargan Krzysztof , Seftor Colin J. , Labow Gordon J. , Oman Luke D.
Published: September 2021

Discrete wavelength radiance measurements from the Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR) Earth Polychromatic Imaging Camera (EPIC) allows derivation of global synoptic maps of total and tropospheric ozone columns every hour during Northern Hemisphere (NH) Summer or 2 hours during Northern Hemisphere winter. In this study, we present version 3 retrieval of Earth Polychromatic Imaging Camera ozone that covers the period from June 2015 to the present with improved geolocation, calibration, and algorithmic updates. The accuracy of total and tropospheric ozone measurements from EPIC have been evaluated using correlative satellite and ground-based total and tropospheric ozone measurements at time scales from daily averages to monthly means. The comparisons show good agreement with increased differences at high latitudes. The agreement improves if we only accept retrievals derived from the EPIC 317 nm triplet and limit solar zenith and satellite looking angles to 70°. With such filtering in place, the comparisons of EPIC total column ozone retrievals with correlative satellite and ground-based data show mean differences within ±5-7 Dobson Units (or 1.5–2.5%). The biases with other satellite instruments tend to be mostly negative in the Southern Hemisphere while there are no clear latitudinal patterns in ground-based comparisons. Evaluation of the EPIC ozone time series at different ground-based stations with the correlative ground-based and satellite instruments and ozonesondes demonstrated good consistency in capturing ozone variations at daily, weekly and monthly scales with a persistently high correlation (r2 > 0.9) for total and tropospheric columns. We examined EPIC tropospheric ozone columns by comparing with ozonesondes at 12 stations and found that differences in tropospheric column ozone are within ±2.5 DU (or ∼±10%) after removing a constant 3 DU offset at all stations between EPIC and sondes. The analysis of the time series of zonally averaged EPIC tropospheric ozone revealed a statistically significant drop of ∼2–4 DU (∼5–10%) over the entire NH in spring and summer of 2020. This drop in tropospheric ozone is partially related to the unprecedented Arctic stratospheric ozone losses in winter-spring 2019/2020 and reductions in ozone precursor pollutants due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Influence of the Landscape Template on Chemical and Physical Habitat for Brown Trout Within a Boreal Stream Network
Authors: Buffam Ishi , Bishop Kevin , Laudon Hjalmar
Published: September 2021

We used the distribution of stream-dwelling brown trout (Salmo trutta) in a 67 km2 boreal catchment to explore the importance of environmental organizing factors at a range of spatial scales, including whole-catchment characteristics derived from map data, and stream reach chemical and physical characteristics. Brown trout were not observed at any sites characterized by pH < 5.0 during the spring snowmelt episode, matching published toxicity thresholds. Brown trout distributions were patchy even in less acidic regions of the stream network, positively associated with glaciofluvial substrate and negatively associated with fine sand/silty sediments. A multivariate model including only whole-catchment characteristics explained 43% of the variation in brown trout densities, while models with local site physical habitat characteristics or local stream chemistry explained 33 and 25%, respectively. At the stream reach scale, physical habitat apparently played a primary role in organizing brown trout distributions in this stream network, with acidity placing an additional restriction by excluding brown trout from acidic headwater streams. Much of the strength of the catchment characteristics-fish association could be explained by the correlation of catchment-scale landscape characteristics with local stream chemistry and site physical characteristics. These results, consistent with the concept of multiple hierarchical environmental filters regulating the distribution of this fish species, underline the importance of considering a range of spatial scales and both physical and chemical environments when attempting to manage or restore streams for brown trout.
Farmer Decision-Making on the Concept of Coexistence: A Comparative Analysis between Organic and Biotech Farmers in the Philippines
Authors: Gonzalvo Clarisse Mendoza , Aala Wilson Jr. Florendo , Maharjan Keshav Lall
Published: September 2021

Farmer perspectives are relevant for understanding agricultural issues and formulating policies. In this study, we conducted a cross-sectional survey on 70 Filipino farmers (i.e., 35 organic and 35 biotech) to understand farmers’ perspectives regarding coexisting farming methods. Internal response variables were tested to verify the type of decision-making processes being undertaken by biotech and organic farmers. Our results showed that a non-linear decision-making process, similar to the Stimulus–Organism–Response Model, was present for both farmer groups. The study also found that biotech farmers were more influenced by internal factors (e.g., consumer resources) than organic farmers, who rely more on external influences (e.g., culture and social interactions), in connection to their coexistence perspective. The presence of “maverick executives” within the organic farmers gives traction to the notion that coexistence can help empower farmers in choosing what farming method is most suitable to their needs. Our data can also provide insights to policymakers in terms of surveying farmer perspectives to balance farmer needs, primarily in yield and income security, with the national agricultural agenda centered on environmental conservation. Thus, farmer perspectives should be considered alongside ongoing studies and debates on coexistence.
Optimisation of Charcoal and Sago (Metroxylon sagu) Bark Ash to Improve Phosphorus Availability in Acidic Soils
Authors: Johan Prisca Divra , Ahmed Osumanu Haruna , Maru Ali , Omar Latifah , Hasbullah Nur Aainaa
Published: September 2021

Soil acidity is an important soil factor affecting crop growth and development. This ultimately limits crop productivity and the profitability of farmers. Soil acidity increases the toxicity of Al, Fe, H, and Mn. The abundance of Al and Fe ions in weathered soils has been implicated in P fixation. To date, limited research has attempted to unravel the use of charcoal with the incorporation of sago (Metroxylon sagu) bark ash to reduce P fixation. Therefore, an incubation study was conducted in the Soil Science Laboratory of Universiti Putra Malaysia Bintulu Sarawak Campus, Malaysia for 90 days to determine the optimum amounts of charcoal and sago bark ash that could be used to improve the P availability of a mineral acidic soil. Charcoal and sago bark ash rates varied by 25%, whereas Egypt rock phosphate (ERP) rate was fixed at 100% of the recommendation rate. Soil available P was determined using the Mehlich 1 method, soil total P was extracted using the aqua regia method, and inorganic P was fractionated using the sequential extraction method based on its relative solubility. Other selected soil chemical properties were determined using standard procedures. The results reveal that co-application of charcoal, regardless of rate, substantially increased soil total carbon. In addition, application of 75% sago bark ash increased soil pH and at the same time, it reduced exchangeable acidity, Al3+, and Fe2+. Additionally, amending acidic soils with both charcoal and sago bark ash positively enhanced the availability of K, Ca, Mg, and Na. Although there was no significant improvement in soil Mehlich-P with or without charcoal and sago bark ash, the application of these amendments altered inorganic P fractions in the soil. Calcium-bound phosphorus was more pronounced compared with Al-P and Fe-P for the soil with ERP, charcoal, and sago bark ash. The findings of this study suggest that as soil pH decreases, P fixation by Al and Fe can be minimised using charcoal and sago bark ash. This is because of the alkalinity of sago bark ash and the high affinity of charcoal for Al and Fe ions to impede Al and Fe hydrolysis to produce more H+. Thus, the optimum rates of charcoal and sago bark ash to increase P availability are 75% sago bark ash with 75%, 50%, and 25% charcoal because these rates significantly reduced soil exchangeable acidity, Al3+, and Fe2+.
Faecal Cortisol Metabolites as an Indicator of Adrenocortical Activity in Farmed Blue Foxes
Authors: Ojala Eeva A. , Kurkilahti Mika , Hovland Anne Lene , Palme Rupert , Mononen Jaakko
Published: September 2021

Welfare studies of blue foxes would benefit from a measurement of faecal cortisol metabolites (FCMs) as a non-invasive, physiological stress parameter reflecting hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis activity. Before implementation, a species-specific validation of such a method is required. Therefore, we conducted a physiological validation of an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) to measure FCMs in blue foxes. Twenty individuals (nine males and eleven females) were injected with synthetic adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and faecal samples were collected every third h for two days. The FCM baseline levels were assessed based on the first sampling day (control period, 144 samples), followed by the ACTH injection and the second day of sampling (treatment period, 122 samples). FCMs were analysed with a 5α-pregnane-3ß,11ß,21-triol-20-one EIA. We compared the estimated mean FCM concentrations of the treatment samples to the baseline average. All samples for the two periods were collected at the same time of the day, which enabled to test the data also with an hourly pairwise comparison. With the two statistical approaches, we tested whether a possible diurnal fluctuation in the FCM concentrations affected the interpretation of the results. Compared to the baseline levels, both approaches showed 2.4–3.2 times higher concentrations on time points sampled 8–14 h after the ACTH injection (p < 0.05). The estimated FCM concentrations also fluctuated slightly within the control period (p < 0.01). Inter-individual variations in FCM levels were marked, which highlights the importance of having a sufficient number of animals in experiments utilising FCMs. The sampling intervals of 3 h enabled forming of informative FCM curves. Taken together, this study proves that FCM analysis with a 5α-pregnane-3ß,11ß,21-triol-20-one EIA is a valid measurement of adrenocortical activity in the farmed blue foxes. Therefore, it can be utilised as a non-invasive stress indicator in future animal welfare studies of the species.
Phages for Africa: The Potential Benefit and Challenges of Phage Therapy for the Livestock Sector in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Makumi Angela , Mhone Amos Lucky , Odaba Josiah , Guantai Linda , Svitek Nicholas
Published: September 2021

One of the world’s fastest-growing human populations is in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), accounting for more than 950 million people, which is approximately 13% of the global population. Livestock farming is vital to SSA as a source of food supply, employment, and income. With this population increase, meeting this demand and the choice for a greater income and dietary options come at a cost and lead to the spread of zoonotic diseases to humans. To control these diseases, farmers have opted to rely heavily on antibiotics more often to prevent disease than for treatment. The constant use of antibiotics causes a selective pressure to build resistant bacteria resulting in the emergence and spread of multi-drug resistant (MDR) organisms in the environment. This necessitates the use of alternatives such as bacteriophages in curbing zoonotic pathogens. This review covers the underlying problems of antibiotic use and resistance associated with livestock farming in SSA, bacteriophages as a suitable alternative, what attributes contribute to making bacteriophages potentially valuable for SSA and recent research on bacteriophages in Africa. Furthermore, other topics discussed include the creation of phage biobanks and the challenges facing this kind of advancement, and the regulatory aspects of phage development in SSA with a focus on Kenya.
Does Vancomycin Wrapping in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Affect Tenocyte Activity In Vitro?
Authors: Papalia Rocco , Cicione Claudia , Russo Fabrizio , Ambrosio Luca , Di Giacomo Giuseppina , Vadalà Gianluca , Denaro Vincenzo
Published: September 2021

Knee septic arthritis is a devastating complication following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. To prevent this issue, intraoperative soaking of ACL grafts with vancomycin is often performed before implantation. Although vancomycin cytotoxicity has been reported several times, little is known about its biological effect on tenocytes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro effects of vancomycin on human primary tenocytes (hTCs). hTCs were isolated from hamstring grafts of four patients undergoing ACL reconstruction. After expansion, hTCs were treated with different concentrations of vancomycin (0, 2.5, 5, 10, 25, 50 and 100 mg/mL) for 10, 15, 30 and 60 min. In vitro cytotoxicity was evaluated measuring metabolic activity, cell toxicity, and apoptosis. hTC metabolic activity was affected starting from 10 mg/mL vancomycin and decreased markedly at 100 mg/mL. Cell viability remained unaffected only at a concentration of 2.5 mg/mL vancomycin. Vancomycin cytotoxicity was detected from 10 mg/mL after 15 min and at all higher concentrations. Cells died when treated with concentrations higher than 5 mg/mL. The use of this antibiotic on tendons to prevent infections could be useful and safe for resident cells if used at a concentration of 2.5 mg/mL for up to 1 h of treatment.
A Survey on Recent Named Entity Recognition and Relationship Extraction Techniques on Clinical Texts
Authors: Bose Priyankar , Srinivasan Sriram , Sleeman William C. , Palta Jatinder , Kapoor Rishabh , Ghosh Preetam
Published: September 2021

Significant growth in Electronic Health Records (EHR) over the last decade has provided an abundance of clinical text that is mostly unstructured and untapped. This huge amount of clinical text data has motivated the development of new information extraction and text mining techniques. Named Entity Recognition (NER) and Relationship Extraction (RE) are key components of information extraction tasks in the clinical domain. In this paper, we highlight the present status of clinical NER and RE techniques in detail by discussing the existing proposed NLP models for the two tasks and their performances and discuss the current challenges. Our comprehensive survey on clinical NER and RE encompass current challenges, state-of-the-art practices, and future directions in information extraction from clinical text. This is the first attempt to discuss both of these interrelated topics together in the clinical context. We identified many research articles published based on different approaches and looked at applications of these tasks. We also discuss the evaluation metrics that are used in the literature to measure the effectiveness of the two these NLP methods and future research directions.
A Pronunciation Prior Assisted Vowel Reduction Detection Framework with Multi-Stream Attention Method
Authors: Liu Zongming , Huang Zhihua , Wang Li , Zhang Pengyuan
Published: September 2021

Vowel reduction is a common pronunciation phenomenon in stress-timed languages like English. Native speakers tend to weaken unstressed vowels into a schwa-like sound. It is an essential factor that makes the accent of language learners sound unnatural. To improve vowel reduction detection in a phoneme recognition framework, we propose an end-to-end vowel reduction detection method that introduces pronunciation prior knowledge as auxiliary information. In particular, we have designed two methods for automatically generating pronunciation prior sequences from reference texts and have implemented a main and auxiliary encoder structure that uses hierarchical attention mechanisms to utilize the pronunciation prior information and acoustic information dynamically. In addition, we also propose a method to realize the feature enhancement after encoding by using the attention mechanism between different streams to obtain expanded multi-streams. Compared with the HMM-DNN hybrid method and the general end-to-end method, the average F1 score of our approach for the two types of vowel reduction detection increased by 8.8% and 6.9%, respectively. The overall phoneme recognition rate increased by 5.8% and 5.0%, respectively. The experimental part further analyzes why the pronunciation prior knowledge auxiliary input is effective and the impact of different pronunciation prior knowledge types on performance.
Characterization of Flax and Hemp Using Spectrometric Methods
Authors: Andronie Luisa , Pop Ioana Delia , Sobolu Rodica , Diaconeasa Zoriţa , Truţă Alina , Hegeduş Cristina , Rotaru Ancuţa
Published: September 2021

The comparison of the antioxidant activity of the studied seeds of fiber crop (hemp and flax) emphasized a hierarchy of antioxidant capacity. The purpose of the study was to investigate the antioxidant capacity and nutritional value of flax seeds (Linum usitatissimum L.) and hemp seeds (Cannabis sativa L.) in powder form. In this study, the FT-IR technique was utilized in order to detect molecular components in analyzed samples. Antioxidant capacity was evaluated with photochemical assay as well as humidity, protein, fiber, lipid and carbohydrate content. The FT-IR results reveal the presence of different bio-active compounds in hemp such as flavonoids, tannins, sugars, acids, proanthocyanidins, carotenoids and citric metabolites. The highest antioxidant capacity was observed in flax seeds, 18.32 ± 0.98, in comparison with hemp seeds, 4 ± 0.71 (μg/mg dry weight equivalent ascorbic acid). Regarding nutritional parameters, flax seeds showed the most increased content of protein, displaying average values of 534.08 ± 3.08, as well as 42.20 ± 0.89 of lipids and 27.30 ± 0.89 of fiber (g/100 g/sample). Hemp seeds showed the highest protein content of 33 ± 1.24 (g/100 g/sample).
Biomechanical Analysis of Gait Compensation Strategies as a Result of Muscle Restriction
Authors: Ullauri Jessica Beltran , Akiyama Yasuhiro , Okamoto Shogo , Yamada Yoji
Published: September 2021

The loss of muscle mass with aging and consequent muscle weakness results in compensatory gait motions. Although these compensatory motions increase the cost of walking, they appear to be an attempt by the elderly to maintain safe ambulation. However, the relationship between the affected muscles and compensatory motions in the gait cycle is unclear. This study examined gait compensation in young subjects whose muscles were weakened with Muscle Activity Restriction Taping Technique, which restricts the muscle’s belly by tightening the lower limb(s). The study included different walking speeds (regular/slow) and restrictions (calf muscles/both calf and thigh muscles). It revealed that there was an active kinematic compensation chain, in which the non-restricted or less-restricted joints compensated for the affected joint to prevent foot drop, knee hyperextension in the terminal stance phase, and knee hyperflexion in the loading response phase, and to maintain the step length. Furthermore, joints could compensate for themselves when the muscles acting on the other joints were unable to assist, as observed on an ankle joint that compensated for itself to prevent foot drop when the knee and hip flexor muscles were restricted. Moreover, the observed compensation strategies agreed with a previously reported simulation on the gait compensations appearing along with muscle weakness. This study includes a comparison of these compensation strategies with those reported for the elderly. The results of this study provide an understanding of the mechanisms of gait compensation against limitations of gait ability.
Performance of UAV-to-Ground FSO Communications with APD and Pointing Errors
Authors: Trung Ha
Published: September 2021

Recently, a combination of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and free-space optics (FSO) has been investigated as a potential method for high data-rate front-haul communication links. The aim of this work was to address the performance of UAV-to-ground station-based FSO communications in terms of the symbol error rate (SER). The system proposes utilizing subcarrier intensity modulation and an avalanche photo-diode (APD) to combat the joint effects of atmospheric turbulence conditions and pointing error due to the UAV’s fluctuations. In the proposed system model, the FSO transmitter (Tx) is mounted on the UAV flying over the monitoring area, whereas the FSO receiver (Rx) is placed on either the ground or top of a high building. Unlike previous works related to this topic, we considered combined channel parameters that affect the system performance such as transmitted power, link loss, various atmospheric turbulence conditions, pointing error loss, and the total noise at the APD receiver. Numerical results have shown that, for the best system SER performance, the value of an average APD gain at the Rx can be selected, varying from 18 to 30, whereas the equivalent beam waist radius at the Tx should be in a range from 2 to 2.2 cm in order to decrease the effects from the UAV’s fluctuations.
Long-Term Environmental Hypoxia Exposure and Haematopoietic Prolyl Hydroxylase-1 Deletion Do Not Impact Experimental Crohn’s Like Ileitis
Authors: De Galan Cara , De Vos Martine , Hindryckx Pieter , Laukens Debby , Van Welden Sophie
Published: September 2021

Environmental hypoxia and hypoxia-induced signalling in the gut influence inflammatory bowel disease pathogenesis, however data is limited to colitis. Hence, we investigated the effect of environmental hypoxia and immune cell-specific deletion of oxygen sensor prolyl hydroxylase (PHD) 1 in a Crohn’s like ileitis mouse model. Therefore, 5-week-old C57/BL6 TNF∆ARE/+ mice and wildtype (WT) littermates were housed in normoxia (21% O2) or hypoxia (8% O2) for 10 weeks. Systemic inflammation was assessed by haematology. Distal ileal hypoxia was evaluated by pimonidazole staining. The ileitis degree was scored on histology, characterized via qPCR and validated in haematopoietic Phd1-deficient TNF∆ARE/+ mice. Our results demonstrated that hypoxia did not impact body weight evolution in WT and TNF∆ARE/+ mice. Hypoxia increased red blood cell count, haemoglobin, haematocrit and increased pimonidazole intensity in the ileum. Interestingly, hypoxia evoked an increase in circulatory monocytes, ileal mononuclear phagocytes and proinflammatory cytokine expression in WT mice. Despite these alterations, no histological or ileal gene expression differences could be identified between TNF∆ARE/+ mice housed in hypoxia versus normoxia nor between haematopoietic Phd1-deficient TNF∆ARE/+ and their WT counterparts. Therefore, we demonstrated for the first time that long-term environmental hypoxia or haematopoietic Phd1-deletion does not impact experimental ileitis development.
Concurrent Associations between Expressive Language Ability and Independence in Adolescents and Adults with Fragile X Syndrome
Authors: Abbeduto Leonard , Klusek Jessica , Taylor Julie Lounds , Abdelnur Nadia , Sparapani Nicole , Thurman Angela John
Published: September 2021

Background. Few individuals with fragile X syndrome (FXS) successfully meet adult normative expectations in education, employment, peer relations, and habitation, although there is within-syndrome variability in this regard. The primary goal of this study was to determine whether expressive language skills contribute to the capacity for independent functioning in adulthood even after controlling for nonverbal cognitive ability. Methods. Participants were 18- to 23-year-olds with FXS. Expressive language was assessed using the psychometrically validated Expressive Language Sampling (ELS) conversation and narration procedures. The language produced was transcribed and analyzed to yield measures of expressive vocabulary, syntax, and intelligibility. Parents concurrently completed questionnaires on the independent functioning of the participants with FXS. Results. All three ELS measures were significantly corelated with multiple measures of independence. The magnitudes of the correlations were reduced when nonverbal IQ was controlled through partial correlation. Nonetheless, many of the partial correlations were medium to large and several were statistically significant. Conclusions. Expressive language skills appear to contribute uniquely to the capacity for independence, although longitudinal data are needed to evaluate the possibility of a bidirectional relationship between these domains. Thus, language intervention may be a prerequisite for preparing youth with FXS for an independent adult life.
Comparing Pathological Risk Factors for Dementia between Cognitively Normal Japanese and Americans
Authors: Cui Chendi , Higashiyama Aya , Lopresti Brian J. , Ihara Masafumi , Aizenstein Howard J. , Watanabe Makoto , Chang Yuefang , Kakuta Chikage , Yu Zheming , Mathis Chester A. , Kokubo Yoshihiro , Fukuda Tetsuya , Villemagne Victor L. , Klunk William E. , Lopez Oscar L. , Kuller Lewis H. , Miyamoto Yoshihiro , Sekikawa Akira
Published: September 2021

The Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative showed that Japanese had significantly lower brain Aβ burden than Americans among a cognitively normal population. This cross-sectional study aimed to compare vascular disease burden, Aβ burden, and neurodegeneration between cognitively normal elderly Japanese and Americans. Japanese and American participants were matched for age (±4-year-old), sex, and Apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype. Brain vascular disease burden and brain Aβ burden were measured using white matter lesions (WMLs) and 11C-labeled Pittsburgh Compound B (PiB) retention, respectively. Neurodegeneration was measured using hippocampal volumes and cortical thickness. A total of 95 Japanese and 95 Americans were recruited (50.5% men, mean age = 82). Compared to Americans, Japanese participants had larger WMLs, and a similar global Aβ standardized uptake value ratio (SUVR), cortical thickness and hippocampal volumes. Japanese had significantly lower regional Aβ SUVR in the anterior ventral striatum, posterior cingulate cortex, and precuneus. Cognitively normal elderly Japanese and Americans had different profiles regarding vascular disease and Aβ burden. This suggests that multiple risk factors are likely to be involved in the development of dementia. Additionally, Japanese might have a lower risk of dementia due to lower Aβ burden than Americans. Longitudinal follow-up of these cohorts is warranted to ascertain the predictive accuracy of these findings.
Preliminary Evaluation of the Clinical Benefit of a Novel Visual Rehabilitation Program in Patients Implanted with Trifocal Diffractive Intraocular Lenses: A Blinded Randomized Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Piñero David P. , Molina-Martin Ainhoa , Ramón María L. , Rincón José L. , Fernández Cristian , de Fez Dolores , Arenillas Juan F. , Leal-Vega Luis , Coco-Martín María Begoña , Maldonado Miguel J.
Published: September 2021

The authors of this study evaluated the potential benefit on visual performance of a novel 3 week visual rehabilitation program based on the use of Gabor patches in patients undergoing bilateral cataract surgery with the implantation of two models of trifocal diffractive intraocular lens (IOL). A total of 30 patients were randomly assigned to two groups: a study group (15 patients) that used a videogame based on Gabor patches and a placebo group (15 patients) that used a videogame without specific stimuli for improving visual performance. No statistically significant differences between groups were found in distance, intermediate, and near post-training visual acuity (p ≥ 0.15). Significantly better distance contrast sensitivity (CS) was found for the spatial frequencies of 6 (p = 0.02) and 12 cpd (p = 0.01) in the study group. Likewise, significantly better values of near CS were found in the study group compared to the placebo group for the spatial frequency of 1.5 cpd (p = 0.02). In conclusion, a 3 week visual rehabilitation program based on the use of Gabor patches in the immediate postoperative period after the bilateral implantation of trifocal diffractive IOLs seems to be beneficial for improving both distance and near visual performance achieved with the implant.
Efficacy of Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Ablation with the HybridTherm Probe in Locally Advanced or Borderline Resectable Pancreatic Cancer: A Phase II Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Testoni Sabrina Gloria Giulia , Petrone Maria Chiara , Reni Michele , Rossi Gemma , Barbera Maurizio , Nicoletti Valeria , Gusmini Simone , Balzano Gianpaolo , Linzenbold Walter , Enderle Markus , Della-Torre Emanuel , De Cobelli Francesco , Doglioni Claudio , Falconi Massimo , Capurso Gabriele , Arcidiacono Paolo Giorgio
Published: September 2021

Endoscopic ultrasound-ablation with HybridTherm-Probe (EUS-HTP) significantly reduces tumour volume (TV) in locally-advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (LA-PDAC). We aimed at investigating the clinical efficacy of EUS-HTP plus chemotherapy versus chemotherapy (HTP-CT and CT arms) in LA- and borderline-resectable (BR) PDAC, with 6-months progression-free survival (6-PFS) rate as primary endpoint. In a phase-II randomized-controlled-trial, 33 LA/BR-PDAC patients per-arm were planned to verify 20% improved 6-PFS rate. Radiological response (Choi criteria), TV and serum CA19.9 were assessed up to 6-months. Seventeen and 20 LA/BR-PDAC patients were randomized to HTP-CT or CT. Baseline and CT-related features were balanced. At 6-months, 6-PFS rate was 41.2% and 30% in HTP-CT and CT arms (p = 0.48), respectively. A decrease ≥50% of serum CA19.9 was achieved in 75% and 64.3% of HTP-CT and CT patients (p = 0.53), respectively. TV reduced up to 6-months in 64.3% and 47.1% of HTP-CT and CT patients (p = 0.35), respectively. Resection rate, PFS-time and overall survival (OS-time) were similar. HTP-CT achieves a non-significant 11.2%, 10.7% and 17.2% improved 6-PFS, CA19.9 decrease ≥50% and TV reduction rates over CT, without any impact on resection rate, PFS-time and OS-time. As the study was underpowered, these results suggest further investigation of EUS-local ablation in selected patients with localized disease after induction CT.
Detection of Lysyl Oxidase Activity in Tumor Extracellular Matrix Using Peptide-Functionalized Gold Nanoprobes
Authors: Kim Han Young , Jo Mihee , La Ju A , Choi Youngjin , Cho Eun Chul , Kim Su Hee , Jung Youngmee , Kim Kwangmeyung , Ryu Ju Hee
Published: September 2021

High LOX levels in the tumor microenvironment causes the cross-linking of extracellular matrix components and increases the stiffness of tumor tissue. Thus, LOX plays an important role in tumorigenesis and in lowering the tumor response to anticancer drugs. Despite comprehensive efforts to identify the roles of LOX in the tumor microenvironment, sensitive and accurate detection methods have not yet been established. Here, we suggest the use of gold nanoparticles functionalized with LOX-sensitive peptides (LS-AuNPs) that aggregate upon exposure to LOX, resulting in a visual color change. LOX-sensitive peptides (LS-peptides) contain lysine residues that are converted to allysine in the presence of LOX, which is highly reactive and binds to adjacent allysine, resulting in the aggregation of the AuNPs. We demonstrated that the synthesized LS-AuNPs are capable of detecting LOX sensitively, specifically both in vitro and in the tissue extract. Moreover, the suggested LS-AuNP-based assay is more sensitive than commonly employed assays or commercially available kits. Therefore, the LS-AuNPs developed in this study can be used to detect LOX levels and can be further used to predict the stiffness or the anticancer drug resistance of the tumor.
A2A Adenosine Receptor as a Potential Biomarker and a Possible Therapeutic Target in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Gessi Stefania , Poloni Tino Emanuele , Negro Giulia , Varani Katia , Pasquini Silvia , Vincenzi Fabrizio , Borea Pier Andrea , Merighi Stefania
Published: September 2021

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative pathologies. Its incidence is in dramatic growth in Western societies and there is a need of both biomarkers to support the clinical diagnosis and drugs for the treatment of AD. The diagnostic criteria of AD are based on clinical data. However, it is necessary to develop biomarkers considering the neuropathology of AD. The A2A receptor, a G-protein coupled member of the P1 family of adenosine receptors, has different functions crucial for neurodegeneration. Its activation in the hippocampal region regulates synaptic plasticity and in particular glutamate release, NMDA receptor activation and calcium influx. Additionally, it exerts effects in neuroinflammation, regulating the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In AD patients, its expression is increased in the hippocampus/entorhinal cortex more than in the frontal cortex, a phenomenon not observed in age-matched control brains, indicating an association with AD pathology. It is upregulated in peripheral blood cells of patients affected by AD, thus reflecting its increase at central neuronal level. This review offers an overview on the main AD biomarkers and the potential role of A2A adenosine receptor as a new marker and therapeutic target.
The Immune Privilege of Cancer Stem Cells: A Key to Understanding Tumor Immune Escape and Therapy Failure
Authors: Galassi Claudia , Musella Martina , Manduca Nicoletta , Maccafeo Ester , Sistigu Antonella
Published: September 2021

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are broadly considered immature, multipotent, tumorigenic cells within the tumor mass, endowed with the ability to self-renew and escape immune control. All these features contribute to place CSCs at the pinnacle of tumor aggressiveness and (immune) therapy resistance. The immune privileged status of CSCs is induced and preserved by various mechanisms that directly affect them (e.g., the downregulation of the major histocompatibility complex class I) and indirectly are induced in the host immune cells (e.g., activation of immune suppressive cells). Therefore, deeper insights into the immuno-biology of CSCs are essential in our pursuit to find new therapeutic opportunities that eradicate cancer (stem) cells. Here, we review and discuss the ability of CSCs to evade the innate and adaptive immune system, as we offer a view of the immunotherapeutic strategies adopted to potentiate and address specific subsets of (engineered) immune cells against CSCs.
Pathway towards a High Recycling Content in Traditional Ceramics
Authors: Rambaldi Elisa
Published: September 2021

The present work shows the path towards the industrial production of ceramic tiles containing a high amount of recycling materials in the substitution of natural raw materials. Starting from the applied research at laboratory scale, which is able to demonstrate the work feasibility, other important milestones consist of pilot scale production until the proper industrial production. Finally, when all these steps are positively achieved, the practice is consolidated and it is possible to reach the concrete sustainability benefits (social, environmental and economic). The results of an industry driven project that aimed to produce porcelain stoneware tiles containing 85% of recycled materials were selected to show this path. This innovative ceramic product—containing soda-lime scrap glass from urban-separated collection (post-consumer waste) and unfired scrap tiles from industrial ceramic process (pre-consumer waste)—was sintered about 200 °C lower than a traditional porcelain stoneware tile. It maintains high technical performances belonging to class BIa of the International Standard of ceramic tile classification (EN ISO 14411). Moreover, this product fulfils the standard requirements for dry-pressed ceramic tiles with low water absorption (≤0.5%), and it obtained the certification UNI Keymark. The LCA study was also performed and the results showed a significantly lower environmental impact of this innovative product compared to a traditional porcelain stoneware tile.
Dummy Molecularly Imprinted Polymers Using DNP as a Template Molecule for Explosive Sensing and Nitroaromatic Compound Discrimination
Authors: Herrera-Chacon Anna , Gonzalez-Calabuig Andreu , del Valle Manel
Published: September 2021

This work reports a rapid, simple and low-cost voltammetric sensor based on a dummy molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) that uses 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP) as a template for the quantification of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) and DNP, and the identification of related substances. Once the polymer was synthesised by thermal precipitation polymerisation, it was integrated onto a graphite epoxy composite (GEC) electrode via sol–gel immobilisation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed in order to characterise the polymer and the sensor surface. Responses towards DNP and TNT were evaluated, displaying a linear response range of 1.5 to 8.0 µmol L−1 for DNP and 1.3 to 6.5 µmol L−1 for TNT; the estimated limits of detection were 0.59 µmol L−1 and 0.29 µmol L−1, for DNP and TNT, respectively. Chemometric tools, in particular principal component analysis (PCA), demonstrated the possibilities of the MIP-modified electrodes in nitroaromatic and potential interfering species discrimination with multiple potential applications in the environmental field.
The Impact of COVID-19 Era on Pulmonary Embolism Patients: Increased Incidence of Hospitalizations and Higher Mortality—What Can Be Done?
Authors: Vîjîiac Aura , Stănciulescu Diana Irena , Băetu Alexandru Emil , Grigore Iulia-Adelina , Vintilă Denisa , Cojocaru Cosmin , Bădilă Elisabeta , Moldovan Horatiu , Scafa-Udriște Alexandru
Published: September 2021

The coronavirus disease outbreak in 2019 (COVID-19) reached devastating pandemic proportions, still representing a challenge for all healthcare workers. Furthermore, the social environment underwent significant changes and healthcare facilities were overwhelmed by COVID-19 patients. The purpose of our study was to compare the prevalence, characteristics and outcomes of 234 patients presenting with pulmonary embolism diagnosed by computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) during the COVID-19 pandemic, to patients presenting with PE one year before, aiming to assess differences and similarities between these patients. Or main findings were: patients with PE had worse survival during the pandemic, there was an increased incidence of PE among hospitalizations in our cardiology unit during the COVID-19 pandemic, and patients hospitalized with PE during the pandemic were more likely to be obese, allowing us to infer that weight control can have a positive impact on preventing PE. Future research should establish optimal therapeutic, epidemiological and economical strategies for non-COVID patients, as the pandemic continues to put significant burden on the healthcare systems worldwide.
Photoelastic Properties of Trigonal Crystals
Authors: Mytsyk Bohdan , Demyanyshyn Nataliya , Andrushchak Anatoliy , Buryy Oleh
Published: September 2021

All possible experimental geometries of the piezo-optic effect in crystals of trigonal symmetry are studied in detail through the interferometric technique, and the corresponding expressions for the calculation of piezo-optic coefficients (POCs) πim and some sums of πim based on experimental data obtained from the samples of direct and X/45°-cuts are given. The reliability of the values of POCs is proven by the convergence of πim obtained from different experimental geometries as well as by the convergence of some sums of POCs. Because both the signs and the absolute values of POCs π14 and π41 are defined by the choice of the right crystal-physics coordinate system, we here use the system whereby the condition S14 > 0 is fulfilled (S14 is an elastic compliance coefficient). The absolute value and the sign of S14 are determined by piezo-optic interferometric method from two experimental geometries. The errors of POCs are calculated as mean square values of the errors of the half-wave stresses and the elastic term. All components of the matrix of elasto-optic coefficients pin are calculated based on POCs and elastic stiffness coefficients. The technique is tested on LiTaO3 crystal. The obtained results are compared with the corresponding data for trigonal LiNbO3 and Ca3TaGa3Si2O14 crystals.