bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heterogeneous Traffic Condition Dataset Collection for Creating Road Capacity Value
Authors: Nasution Surya Michrandi , Husni Emir , Kuspriyanto Kuspriyanto , Yusuf Rahadian
Published: February 2023

Indonesia has the third highest number of motorcycles, which means the traffic flow in Indonesia is heterogeneous. Traffic flow can specify its condition, whether it is a free flow or very heavy traffic. Traffic condition is the most important criterion used to find the best route from an origin to a destination. This paper collects the traffic condition for several road segments which are calculated based on the degree of saturation by using two methods, namely, (1) by counting the number of vehicles using object detection in the public closed-circuit television (CCTV) stream, and (2) by requesting the traffic information (vehicle’s speed) using TomTom. Both methods deliver the saturation degree and calculate the traffic condition for each road segment. Based on the experiments, the average error rate obtained by counting the number of vehicles on Pramuka–Cihapit and Trunojoyo was 0–2 cars, 2–3 motorcycles, and 0–1 for others. Meanwhile, the average error on Merdeka-Aceh Intersection reached 6 cars, 11 motorcycles, and 1 for other vehicles. The average speed calculation for the left side of the road is more accurate than the right side, and the average speed on the left side is less than 3.3 km/h. Meanwhile, on the right side, the differences between actual and calculated vehicle speeds are between 11.088 and 22.222 km/h. This high error rate is caused by (1) the low resolution of the public CCTV, (2) some obstacles interfering with the view of CCTV, (3) the misdetection of the type of vehicles, and by (4) the vehicles moving too fast. The collected dataset can be used in further studies to solve the congestion problem, especially in Indonesia.
(Bio)printing in Personalized Medicine—Opportunities and Potential Benefits
Authors: Shopova Dobromira , Yaneva Antoniya , Bakova Desislava , Mihaylova Anna , Kasnakova Petya , Hristozova Maria , Sbirkov Yordan , Sarafian Victoria , Semerdzhieva Mariya
Published: February 2023

The global development of technologies now enters areas related to human health, with a transition from conventional to personalized medicine that is based to a significant extent on (bio)printing. The goal of this article is to review some of the published scientific literature and to highlight the importance and potential benefits of using 3D (bio)printing techniques in contemporary personalized medicine and also to offer future perspectives in this research field. The article is prepared according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect databases were used in the literature search. Six authors independently performed the search, study selection, and data extraction. This review focuses on 3D bio(printing) in personalized medicine and provides a classification of 3D bio(printing) benefits in several categories: overcoming the shortage of organs for transplantation, elimination of problems due to the difference between sexes in organ transplantation, reducing the cases of rejection of transplanted organs, enhancing the survival of patients with transplantation, drug research and development, elimination of genetic/congenital defects in tissues and organs, and surgery planning and medical training for young doctors. In particular, we highlight the benefits of each 3D bio(printing) applications included along with the associated scientific reports from recent literature. In addition, we present an overview of some of the challenges that need to be overcome in the applications of 3D bioprinting in personalized medicine. The reviewed articles lead to the conclusion that bioprinting may be adopted as a revolution in the development of personalized, medicine and it has a huge potential in the near future to become a gold standard in future healthcare in the world.
Neural Surface Antibodies and Neurodegeneration: Clinical Commonalities and Pathophysiological Relationships
Authors: Giannoccaro Maria Pia , Verde Federico , Morelli Luana , Rizzo Giovanni , Ricciardiello Fortuna , Liguori Rocco
Published: February 2023

Autoimmune encephalitis and neurodegenerative disorders share several clinical features, including behavioural and psychiatric manifestations, cognitive impairment, sleep and movement disorders. Therefore, it is not surprising that autoimmune encephalitis is one of the main differential diagnoses of rapidly progressive dementia. However, more chronic presentations of autoimmune disorders have been reported and can lead to the misdiagnosis of a neurodegenerative disease. On the other hand, antibodies against neuronal proteins, such as those directed against NMDAR, can occur during established neurogenerative disorders, and their role in this context is still unclear. They might be simple bystanders or modify the disease course and phenotype. Indeed, autoimmune encephalitis can leave long-term cognitive sequelae and specific antibodies to neuronal surface antigens are associated with clinical and pathological neurodegenerative features. Here we review the link between these antibodies and neurodegeneration. In particular we discuss: (a) the possibility that autoimmune encephalitis presents as a neurodegenerative disease, identifying the red flags that can help in the differential diagnosis between antibody-mediated and neurodegenerative disorders; (b) the occurrence of antibodies against neuronal surface antigens in patients with neurodegenerative disorders and their possible role in the disease course; and (c) the long-term cognitive and neuroradiological changes associated with autoimmune encephalitis, as well as the biomarkers that can help to predict the cognitive outcome. Finally, we review the clinical and pathological features of IgLON5 antibodies-related encephalitis, a unique model of the relationship between antibodies and neurodegeneration.
The Antibacterial Effect of Cannabigerol toward Streptococcus mutans Is Influenced by the Autoinducers 21-CSP and AI-2
Authors: Aqawi Muna , Sionov Ronit Vogt , Friedman Michael , Steinberg Doron
Published: February 2023

Bacteria can communicate through an intercellular signaling system referred to as quorum sensing (QS). The QS system involves the production of autoinducers that interact with their respective receptors, leading to the induction of specific signal transduction pathways. The QS systems of the oral cariogenic Streptococcus mutans regulate the maturation of biofilms and affect its virulent properties. We have previously shown that the non-psychoactive compound cannabigerol (CBG) of the Cannabis sativa L. plant has anti-bacterial and anti-biofilm activities towards S. mutans. Here we were interested in investigating the effect of the two QS systems ComCDE and LuxS on the susceptibility of S. mutans to CBG and the anti-QS activities of CBG. This was assessed by using various comCDE and luxS mutant strains and complementation with the respective autoinducers, competence stimulating peptide (CSP) and (S)-4,5-dihydroxy-2,3-pentandione (DPD, pre-AI-2). We found that S. mutans comCDE knockout strains were more sensitive to the anti-bacterial actions of CBG compared to the WT strain. Exogenously added 21-CSP prevented the anti-bacterial actions caused by CBG on the ΔcomC, ΔcomE and ΔluxS mutants, while having no effect on the susceptibility of the WT and ΔcomCDE strains to CBG. Exogenously added DPD increased the susceptibility of WT and ΔluxS to CBG. Vice versa, CBG significantly reduced the 21-CSP-induced expression of comCDE genes and ComE-regulated genes and suppressed the expression of luxS with concomitant reduction in AI-2 production. DPD induced the expression of comCDE genes and ComE-regulated genes, and this induction was repressed by CBG. 21-CSP alone had no significant effect on luxS gene expression, while ΔcomCDE strains showed reduced AI-2 production. In conclusion, our study shows that the susceptibility of S. mutans to CBG is affected by the ComCDE and LuxS QS pathways, and CBG is a potential anti-QS compound for S. mutans. Additionally, we provide evidence for crosstalk between the ComCDE and LuxS QS systems.
The Involvement of Endogenous Enkephalins in Glucose Homeostasis
Authors: Escolero Vanessa , Tolentino Laica , Muhammad Abdul Bari , Hamid Abdul , Lutfy Kabirullah
Published: February 2023

Obesity has nearly tripled since 1975 and is predicted to continue to escalate. The surge in obesity is expected to increase the risk of diabetes type 2, hypertension, coronary artery disease, and stroke. Therefore, it is essential to better understand the mechanisms that regulate energy and glucose homeostasis. The opioid system is implicated in regulating both aspects (hedonic and homeostatic) of food intake. Specifically, in the present study, we investigated the role of endogenous enkephalins in changes in food intake and glucose homeostasis. We used preproenkephalin (ppENK) knockout mice and their wildtype littermates/controls to assess changes in body weight, food intake, and plasma glucose levels when mice were fed a high-fat diet for 16 weeks. Body weight and food intake were measured every week (n = 21–23 mice per genotype), and at the end of the 16-week exposure period, mice were tested using the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT, n = 9 mice per genotype) and insulin tolerance test (n = 5 mice per genotype). Our results revealed no difference in body weight or food intake between mice of the two genotypes. However, HFD-exposed enkephalin-deficient mice demonstrated impaired OGTT associated with reduced insulin sensitivity compared to their wildtype controls. The impaired insulin sensitivity is possibly due to the development of peripheral insulin resistance. Our results reveal a potential role of enkephalins in the regulation of glucose homeostasis and in the pathophysiology of diabetes type 2.
A Brief Review of Graphene-Based Biosensors Developed for Rapid Detection of COVID-19 Biomarkers
Authors: Chandrasekar Narendhar , Balaji Ramachandran , Perala Ramaswamy , Nik Humaidi Nik , Shanmugam Kirubanandan , Liao Ying-Chih , Hwang Michael , Govindaraju Saravanan
Published: February 2023

The prevalence of mutated species of COVID-19 antigens has provided a strong impetus for identifying a cost-effective, rapid and facile strategy for identifying the viral loads in public places. The ever-changing genetic make-up of SARS-CoV-2 posts a significant challenfge for the research community to identify a robust mechanism to target, bind and confirm the presence of a viral load before it spreads. Synthetic DNA constructs are a novel strategy to design complementary DNA sequences specific for antigens of interest as in this review’s case SARS-CoV-2 antigens. Small molecules, complementary DNA and protein–DNA complexes have been known to target analytes in minimal concentrations. This phenomenon can be exploited by nanomaterials which have unique electronic properties such as ballistic conduction. Graphene is one such candidate for designing a device with a very low LOD in the order of zeptomolar and attomolar concentrations. Surface modification will be the significant aspect of the device which needs to have a high degree of sensitivity at the same time as providing a rapid signaling mechanism.
The Effect of Recycled Waste Glass as a Coarse Aggregate on the Properties of Portland Cement Concrete and Geopolymer Concrete
Authors: Kuri Jhutan , Hosan Anwar , Shaikh Faiz , Biswas Wahidul
Published: February 2023

A significant amount of waste glass is generated in Australia and around the world, which requires sustainable recycling. The use of recycled glass as aggregates in concrete is one of the many options for recycling. This study investigated the characteristics of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) and geopolymer concretes containing different proportions of recycled glass as a partial replacement of natural coarse aggregate. It was found that the 28-day compressive and tensile strengths of OPC concrete decreased up to 21%, and 7% and of geopolymer concrete decreased by 11–26% and 11–29% with the increase in the recycled glass coarse aggregate. The porosity, sorptivity and chloride permeability of OPC and geopolymer concrete increased and the drying shrinkage decreased due to the use of the recycled glass coarse aggregate. The microstructural analysis revealed the porous interfacial transition zone (ITZ) between the glass coarse aggregate and the paste/mortar matrix led to a decrease in the strength and an increase in the porosity, sorptivity and chloride permeability of the concrete due to the increase in the glass coarse aggregate. However, the mechanical and durability properties of OPC and geopolymer concrete containing 10 to 20% glass coarse aggregate were comparable to the corresponding properties of the control concrete sample containing a natural coarse aggregate.
Equivalent Relationship of the Mechanical Behavior of Ring Nets under Static Punching and Dynamic Impact Conditions
Authors: Qi Xin , Deng Qianqian , Zhao Lei , Yuan Song , Li Zhenliang , Wang Xibao , Yu Zhixiang
Published: February 2023

To build the equivalent relationship of the mechanical behavior of ring nets under static punching and dynamic impact conditions, a series of tests with different parameters were conducted. The equivalent coefficients of breaking force, breaking displacement, and net energy dissipation were defined to describe the potential relationship. Besides, sensitivity analyses were made. The results showed that, with the increase of impact velocity, the equivalent coefficients of breaking force decreased as a power function, and the equivalent coefficients of breaking displacement and net energy dissipation both decreased linearly. As the ring diameter increased, the equivalent coefficients of breaking force increased linearly, but the equivalent coefficients of breaking displacement and net energy dissipation both decreased linearly. With the increase of the aspect ratio of ring net, the equivalent coefficients of breaking force and breaking displacement decreased linearly and exponentially, respectively, and the equivalent coefficients of net energy dissipation decreased as a power function. With the increase of the ratio of loading head area to ring net area, the equivalent coefficients of breaking force increased as a power function, and the equivalent coefficients of breaking displacement and net energy dissipation decreased and increased linearly, respectively. The influence degrees of these parameters are as follows: impact velocity > ring diameter > aspect ratio of ring net > ratio of loading area to ring net area. Based on these four parameters, the equivalent coefficient formulas of static punching and dynamic impact were established.
A Comprehensive Failure Risk Analysis of Drainage Pipes Utilizing Fuzzy Failure Mode and Effect Analysis and Evidential Reasoning
Authors: Wang Zinan , Yang Yuxuan , Wang Hao , Zeng Xuming
Published: February 2023

Drainage pipes play a crucial role in maintaining the functionality of cities and ensuring the smooth flow of daily life for its inhabitants. However, due to their placement either in shallow ground or within building foundations, maintenance of these pipes can be challenging. At present, research in this field primarily focuses on evaluating the overall health of macroscopic pipeline systems. Moreover, there is a lack of decision algorithms that can effectively minimize the subjectivity of experts. To address this issue, a failure risk analysis method was developed that incorporates the principles of Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA), Evidential Reasoning (ER), and Fuzzy Set Theory (FST) (FACEF). Nineteen pipeline failures were analyzed by synthesizing information from five commonly used pipeline evaluation specifications. Ten experts were consulted to evaluate these failures, and the scores were calculated and ranked using the FACEF method. The results indicated that six types of failures, namely penetration, crack, deformation, mismatch, leakage, and obstruction, require the most attention. An analysis of the typical causes of failure was conducted based on the FACEF scores, and measures for prevention and control were recommended. This study provides novel perspectives and insights on the risk management of pipeline failures, with a focus on reducing the influence of expert subjectivity through the refinement of pipeline failure analysis.
Synthesis of PtAu Alloy Nanocrystals Supported on Three-Dimensional Carbon with Enhanced Electrocatalytic Properties
Authors: Zhang Xia , Cao Zhengkai
Published: February 2023

Sub-nanosized PtAu particles within three-dimensional carbon materials were obtained via a mercaptosilane-assisted preparation method. This strategy can effectively control the size of PtAu particles while avoiding the use of an additional carbon precursor. The as-synthesized three-dimensional carbon (3D carbon) material possesses excellent properties compared to other carbon materials. PtAu particles on three-dimensional carbon (PtAu/3D carbon) exhibited superior activities for methanol oxidation and hydrogen evolution reactions compared to Pt/3D carbon and a commercial Pt/Carbon (Pt/C) catalyst. Specifically, the methanol peak current density on PtAu/3D carbon was almost 2.3 times higher than that of Pt/3D carbon and 1.9 times higher than that of commercial Pt/C. The Tafel slopes of PtAu/3D carbon, Pt/3D carbon, and the commercial Pt/C were approximately 112, 124, and 106 mV dec−1, respectively, demonstrating that electrochemical desorption is the rate-limiting step in the hydrogen evolution reaction of the as-synthesized catalysts.
Bayesian Optimization for an ATP-Regenerating In Vitro Enzyme Cascade
Authors: Siedentop Regine , Siska Maximilian , Möller Niklas , Lanzrath Hannah , von Lieres Eric , Lütz Stephan , Rosenthal Katrin
Published: February 2023

Enzyme cascades are an emerging synthetic tool for the synthesis of various molecules, combining the advantages of biocatalysis and of one-pot multi-step reactions. However, the more complex the enzyme cascade is, the more difficult it is to achieve adequate productivities and product concentrations. Therefore, the whole process must be optimized to account for synergistic effects. One way to deal with this challenge involves data-driven models in combination with experimental validation. Here, Bayesian optimization was applied to an ATP-producing and -regenerating enzyme cascade consisting of polyphosphate kinases. The enzyme and co-substrate concentrations were adjusted for an ATP-dependent reaction, catalyzed by mevalonate kinase (MVK). With a total of 16 experiments, we were able to iteratively optimize the initial concentrations of the components used in the one-pot synthesis to improve the specific activity of MVK with 10.2 U mg−1. The specific activity even exceeded the results of the reference reaction with stoichiometrically added ATP amounts, with which a specific activity of 8.8 U mg−1 was reached. At the same time, the product concentrations were also improved so that complete yields were achieved.
11,12-EET Regulates PPAR-γ Expression to Modulate TGF-β-Mediated Macrophage Polarization
Authors: Li Xiaoming , Kempf Sebastian , Günther Stefan , Hu Jiong , Fleming Ingrid
Published: February 2023

Macrophages are highly plastic immune cells that can be reprogrammed to pro-inflammatory or pro-resolving phenotypes by different stimuli and cell microenvironments. This study set out to assess gene expression changes associated with the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β-induced polarization of classically activated macrophages into a pro-resolving phenotype. Genes upregulated by TGF-β included Pparg; which encodes the transcription factor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ, and several PPAR-γ target genes. TGF-β also increased PPAR-γ protein expression via activation of the Alk5 receptor to increase PPAR-γ activity. Preventing PPAR-γ activation markedly impaired macrophage phagocytosis. TGF-β repolarized macrophages from animals lacking the soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH); however, it responded differently and expressed lower levels of PPAR-γ-regulated genes. The sEH substrate 11,12-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (EET), which was previously reported to activate PPAR-γ, was elevated in cells from sEH−/− mice. However, 11,12-EET prevented the TGF-β-induced increase in PPAR-γ levels and activity, at least partly by promoting proteasomal degradation of the transcription factor. This mechanism is likely to underlie the impact of 11,12-EET on macrophage activation and the resolution of inflammation.
Strategies to Aid Successful Transition of Adolescents with Congenital Heart Disease: A Systematic Review
Authors: Bassareo Pier Paolo , Chessa Massimo , Di Salvo Giovanni , Walsh Kevin Patrick , Mcmahon Colin Joseph
Published: February 2023

The majority of patients born with congenital heart disease (CHD) need lifelong surveillance with serial clinical attendance and examinations. However, loss of follow-up (namely no documented follow-up for 3 years or more) is a recognised common problem since it is often related to remarkable worsening in the health of CHD patients with increased morbidity and mortality. Transitioning from paediatric to adult care has proven to be the most vulnerable point in the care of these subjects. As such, a systematic review was carried out to ask the following questions: What is the percentage of loss of follow-up worldwide? Are there regional fluctuations in the percentage? Is there a link between loss of follow-up and the complexity of CHD? What strategies should be employed to lower the risk of discontinuity in care? The most recent worldwide averaged loss of follow-up is 26.1%, with significant fluctuations across continents and countries. This percentage is even higher (31.9%) when one includes all untraceable patients, presuming that they are not having any cardiac follow-up. The highest discontinuity of care was reported in the USA and in patients with simple CHD. Planning the rules of transition seems to be one of the most reliable tools to minimise the number of CHD patients who are lost in transition. Recalling patients, with general practitioners who are crucial in readdressing half of the lost to follow-up CHD patients to adult CHD specialists, and a good relationship between paediatric cardiologists and the adult CHD team are two other valuable strategies in aiding successful transition.
Effects of Telerehabilitation-Based Structured Home Program on Activity, Participation and Goal Achievement in Preschool Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Triple-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Sel Sinem Asena , Günel Mintaze Kerem , Erdem Sabri , Tunçdemir Merve
Published: February 2023

A home program is implemented as an evidence-based mode of delivering services for physiotherapy and rehabilitation. Telerehabilitation is a method applied in physiotherapy modalities for children. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of usual care plus a Telerehabilitation-Based Structured Home Program on preschool children with cerebral palsy (CP) compared to usual care. Forty-three children aged 3–6 years (mean age 4.66 ± 1.08 years) with CP were randomly assigned to the Telerehabilitation-Based Structured Home Program and usual care groups. Their motor function was assessed with the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM); performance and satisfaction were evaluated with the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM); goal achievement was assessed with the Goal Attainment Scale (GAS); and activity and participation were evaluated with Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI). Participants were evaluated at baseline, immediately post-intervention (12 weeks) and at follow-up (24 weeks). There was a statistically significant difference between pre- and post-test GMFM, COPM, GAS and PEDI scores in the intervention and control groups (p < 0.001). The Telerehabilitation-Based Structured Home Program showed statistically significant changes in activity, participation and goal achievement after 12 weeks of intervention (p < 0.001). However, significant results were not obtained in the usual care group. The Telerehabilitation-Based Structured Home Program may be an effective method for preschool children with CP. (Registration number: NCT04807790; no = KA-20124/26.01.2021).
Infant Fecal Fermentations with Galacto-Oligosaccharides and 2′-Fucosyllactose Show Differential Bifidobacterium longum Stimulation at Subspecies Level
Authors: Lindner Cordula , Looijesteijn Ellen , Dijck Helmie van , Bovee-Oudenhoven Ingeborg , Heerikhuisen Margreet , Broek Tim J. van den , Marzorati Massimo , Triantis Vassilis , Nauta Arjen
Published: February 2023

The objective of the current study was to evaluate the potential of 2′-FL and GOS, individually and combined, in beneficially modulating the microbial composition of infant and toddler (12–18 months) feces using the micro-Matrix bioreactor. In addition, the impacts of GOS and 2′-FL, individually and combined, on the outgrowth of fecal bifidobacteria at (sub)species level was investigated using the baby M-SHIME® model. For young toddlers, significant increases in the genera Bifidobacterium, Veillonella, and Streptococcus, and decreases in Enterobacteriaceae, Clostridium XIVa, and Roseburia were observed in all supplemented fermentations. In addition, GOS, and combinations of GOS and 2′-FL, increased Collinsella and decreased Salmonella, whereas 2′-FL, and combined GOS and 2′-FL, decreased Dorea. Alpha diversity increased significantly in infants with GOS and/or 2′-FL, as well as the relative abundances of the genera Veillonella and Akkermansia with 2′-FL, and Lactobacillus with GOS. Combinations of GOS and 2′-FL significantly stimulated Veillonella, Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Streptococcus. In all supplemented fermentations, Proteobacteria decreased, with the most profound decreases accomplished by the combination of GOS and 2′-FL. When zooming in on the different (sub)species of Bifidobacterium, GOS and 2’-FL were shown to be complementary in stimulating breast-fed infant-associated subspecies of Bifidobacterium longum in a dose-dependent manner: GOS stimulated Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum, whereas 2′-FL supported outgrowth of Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis.
The Role of a First Aid Training Program for Young Children: A Systematic Review
Authors: Tse Eleana , Plakitsi Katerina , Voulgaris Spyridon , Alexiou George A.
Published: February 2023

Background: Many first aid programs have been conducted in schools, and researchers have identified that interventions improved students’ knowledge, skills, and attitude. This study examines the content, practices, and assessment of first aid interventions at primary schools and evaluates their effectiveness. Methods: A systematic review was undertaken. We searched MEDLINE and Cochrane library databases from January 1990 to December 2021 using the search terms: ‘’first aid’’ AND ‘’primary school children’’. School-based first aid training targeting 6 to 10 years old studies in English were eligible for inclusion. Results: We included 11 studies that were approached by experimental (n = 6) and by observational studies (n = 5). Researchers conducted interventions in Europe (n = 9) and America (n = 2). An essential part of the teaching was hands-on practice. Most studies included in their program cardiopulmonary resuscitation (n = 8) and basic life support (n = 7). The main findings showed that trained children have significantly better knowledge of and skills in first aid than those before or without training. Children under 11 years old were not strong enough to achieve the proper depth of chest compressions. Depth of chest compressions correlates with children’s age, weight, height (n = 2), and body mass index (n = 3). Conclusions The effectiveness of resuscitative or non-resuscitative first-aid training for primary school children improved students’ knowledge and skills. Subsequent research could investigate children’s reactions in actual first aid conditions.
Tocilizumab in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Associated Uveitis, a Narrative Review
Authors: Iannone Claudia , Marelli Luca , Costi Stefania , Pellico Maria Rosa , La Franca Lamberto , Caporali Roberto , Miserocchi Elisabetta
Published: February 2023

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) associated uveitis (JIA-U) is the most common extra-articular manifestation of JIA, affecting 10–15% of patients, especially in oligoarticular JIA where its course may be faint. Therefore, JIA-U is one of the most challenging pediatric uveitis, associated with major ocular morbidity and possibly leading to irreversible structural ocular damage and to vision-threatening complications. Adequate management is crucial for avoiding visual impairment complications. Since the introduction of biologic disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDS), the visual prognosis of JIA-U has dramatically improved over the decades. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) blockers are the most used bDMARDs in treating JIA-U with large evidence of efficacy. However, inadequate response to these agents, either due to intolerance or inefficacy, may be observed, requiring a swap to other classes of immunosuppressive agents, including anti-IL-6, anti-CD20, and, more recently, JAK inhibitors. Tocilizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody to the interelukin-6 receptor preventing IL-6 from binding to its soluble and membrane-bound receptors. A growing body of literature provides promising results about the efficacy of intravenous and subcutaneous tocilizumab in the treatment of JIA-U. A narrative review of the literature on this topic will improve our knowledge on the potential use of tocilizumab in JIA-U.
Motion Recognition Method for Construction Workers Using Selective Depth Inspection and Optimal Inertial Measurement Unit Sensors
Authors: Chen Tingsong , Yabuki Nobuyoshi , Fukuda Tomohiro
Published: February 2023

The construction industry holds the worst safety record compared to other industrial sectors, and approximately 88% of accidents result in worker injury. Meanwhile, after the development and wide application of deep learning in recent years, image processing has greatly improved the accuracy of human motion detection. However, owing to equipment limitations, it is difficult to effectively improve depth-related problems. Wearable devices have also become popular recently, but because construction workers generally work outdoors, the variable environment makes the application of wearable devices more difficult. Therefore, reducing the burden on workers while stabilizing the detection accuracy is also an issue that needs to be considered. In this paper, an integrated sensor fusion method is proposed for the hazard prevention of construction workers. First, a new approach, called selective depth inspection (SDI), was proposed. This approach adds preprocessing and imaging assistance to the ordinary depth map optimization, thereby significantly improving the calculation efficiency and accuracy. Second, a multi-sensor-based motion recognition system for construction sites was proposed, which combines different kinds of signals to analyze and correct the movement of workers on the site, to improve the detection accuracy and efficiency of the specific body motions at construction sites.
Resurfacing Performance Evaluation of Recycled Mixture with High Content of Iron Tailings Sand
Authors: Zhang Hong , Dong Yuanshuai , Hou Yun , Qian Zhenyu , Tian Jialei , Zhang Yi
Published: February 2023

ITS is the main component of industrial solid waste, of which there are about 2 billion metric tons in China. A large number of ITS not only occupy land resources and pollute the environment but also pose major security risks. This study, based on a road resurfacing project in Shanxi Province, China, focused on the “iron tailings sand (ITS) plus reclaimed inorganic binder stabilized aggregate (RAI)” solid waste treatment method, which uses special cementitious material to stabilize ITS and RAI as a new base course material and aims to replace new aggregates by 100% to apply in the renovation project through testing the road performances of the recycled mixture. Although it does not comply with the conventional grading range, the new ITS and RAI mixture (the recycled mixture) can achieve excellent compressive performance from the material composition, and it can meet different levels of design strength under various load conditions by adjusting the mixing ratio (ITS content can reach up to 70%). The pavement performance of the recycled mixture was compared with that of cement-stabilized aggregate (the traditional base course material), and it was evaluated by testing its anti-water damage, frost resistance (dry and wet freeze), shrinkage, and fatigue characteristics. A total of 380 mixtures were tested. The results showed that, at the same strength level, the anti-water damage and frost resistance properties of the recycled mixture were better than those of cement-stabilized aggregate, whereas its shrinkage and fatigue properties were inferior. For anti-water damage properties, the water stability coefficient of the recycled mixture is about 2%~5% higher than that of cement-stabilized aggregate. For the frost resistance property, the wet frost coefficient of the recycled mixture is about 10%~15% higher, and the dry frost coefficient is about 5%~10% higher. The dry shrinkage strain of the recycled mixture is about 50 × 10−6~300 × 10−6 higher than that of cement-stabilized aggregate, and the temperature shrinkage coefficient is about 10 × 10−6~20 × 10−6 higher. Thereafter, the reduction of carbon emissions in engineering applications per kilometer was compared between the recycled mixture and cement-stabilized aggregate. The engineering application in Shanxi Province shows that the carbon reduction is approximately 18.869 t of CO2. In a word, the recycled mixture has excellent pavement performance and reduces carbon emissions.
Synthesis and Computational Investigations of New Thioether/Azomethine Liquid Crystal Derivatives
Authors: Omar Alaa Z. , El-Atawy Mohamed A. , Alsubaie Mai S. , Alazmi Mohammed L. , Ahmed Hoda A. , Hamed Ezzat A.
Published: February 2023

Methylthio moiety was observed to alter the mesomorphic features of rod-like Schiff-base-derived liquid crystalline materials. For this purpose, a new series of (E)-4-(alkoxy)-N-(4-(methylthio)benzylidene)aniline (In) liquid crystals were synthesized and examined using experimental and computational approaches. The compounds in the series differ from each other in the terminal alkoxy chain length that is attached to one end of the aromatic core. Various spectroscopic methods were used to verify the molecular structures of the produced derivatives. All compounds were checked for correct chemical structures using elemental analysis, FT-IR, 1H-NMR, and 13C-NMR. Both a polarized optical microscope (POM) and a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) were used in order to study the behavior of liquid crystals. Both tested compounds I6 and I8 have monotropic nematogenic properties while the longer chain derivative I16 shows non-mesomorphic behavior. Computational studies were carried out using density functional theory (DFT) calculations to validate the experimental results. All of the analyzed compounds had their reactivity characteristics, dipole moments, and polarizability explained. Finally, in order to determine the chemical shape–mesomorphic property relationship, the present examined series was compared to other structurally comparable homologues.
Double-Heterostructure Resonant Tunneling Transistors of Surface-Functionalized Sb and Bi Monolayer Nanoribbons
Authors: Gong Qi , Zhang Guiling
Published: February 2023

Zigzag nanoribbons tailored from chemically surface-modified Sb or Bi monolayers by methyl, amino or hydroxyl are investigated through first-principles electronic-structure calculations to explore their potential applications in topological transport nanoelectronics. It is verified by Dirac-point-like energy dispersion of band-edges near Fermi level that the scattering-forbidden edge-states of these nanoribbons can give a topological conductive channel with extremely high electron mobility. Accordingly, Sb/SbXHn/Sb and Bi/BiXHn/Bi nanoribbon double-heterostructures (SbXHn or BiXHn: XHn = CH3, NH2, OH) are designed as resonant tunneling transistors and modeled by bipolar transport devices with their electron transport characteristics being calculated by nonequilibrium Green’s function combined first-principles schemes. Ballistic equilibrium conduction spectra and current-voltage characteristics prove that quantum conductance currents of these nanoribbon double heterostructures originate from the electron resonant tunneling between the topological edge-states of the two constituent Sb or Bi monolayer nanoribbons through the central barrier of SbXHn or BiXHn nanoribbon segment. This renders a high resonant current peak with strong negative differential conductance, thus being competent for zero-loss and ultrahigh-frequency resonant tunneling nanotransistors.
Influence of Ni on the Microstructures and Mechanical Properties of Heat-Treated Al-Cu-Ce-Mn-Zr Alloys
Authors: Su Xiang , Qu Hongjie , Lei Yuan , Hou Rui , Cao Yuede , Siddique Suniya , Qi Zhixiang , Shen Guoyan , Fan Xueyi
Published: February 2023

In order to enhance the high-temperature mechanical performance to meet service requirements, the microstructures and tensile properties of heat-treated Al-8.4Cu-2.3Ce-1.0Mn-0.2Zr-xNi (x = 0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0 wt.%) were investigated. The metallographic analysis techniques have been used to examine the microstructural changes with different Ni contents. Results show that after adding 0.5% Ni to the Al-8.4Cu-2.3Ce-1.0Mn-0.2Zr alloy, the spheroidized Al7Cu4Ni phase is formed. With Ni content further increasing, the Al8CeCu4 and Al24MnCu8Ce3 phases disappear, and the nano-sized Al20Cu2Mn3 and Al2Cu phases decrease gradually. When Ni content reaches 4.0%, the Al3CuNi phase appears. It turns out that the addition of 0.5% Ni has significantly improved the tensile properties at 400 °C. The ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation of Al-8.4Cu-2.3Ce-1.0Mn-0.2Zr-0.5Ni alloy at 400 °C reach 103 MPa, 93 Mpa, and 18.0%, respectively, which makes the alloy possible to be employed at 400 °C. The intermetallic micro-skeleton, composed of thermostable Al8CeCu4, Al24MnCu8Ce3, Al16Cu4Mn2Ce, and Al7Cu4Ni phases at the grain boundaries as well as nano-sized Al20Cu2Mn3 and Al2Cu precipitates in the grains, contributes to the good elevated-temperature tensile strength. The fracture mechanism is changed from quasi-cleavage at ambient temperature to coexistence of quasi-cleavage and dimple at 400 °C.
Unconventional Dual Donor-Acceptor Topologies of Aromatic Rings in Amine-Based Polymeric Tetrahedral Zn(II) Compounds Involving Unusual Non-Covalent Contacts: Antiproliferative Evaluation and Theoretical Studies
Authors: Sharma Pranay , Gomila Rosa M. , Barceló-Oliver Miquel , Verma Akalesh K. , Dutta Diksha , Frontera Antonio , Bhattacharyya Manjit K.
Published: February 2023

Two Zn(II) coordination polymers, viz., [Zn2Cl2(H2O)2(µ-4-AmBz)2]n (1) and [ZnCl2(µ-3-AmPy)2]n (2) (4-AmBz = 4-aminobenzoate, 3-AmPy = 3-aminopyridine) have been prepared at room temperature and characterized using elemental analysis, FT-IR, electronic spectroscopy, TGA (thermogravimetric analysis) and single crystal XRD. Crystal structure analyses of the polymers unfold the presence of non-covalent anion–π, π-stacking and unusual NH2(amino)⋯π interactions which provide rigidity to the crystal structures. Unconventional Type I Cl⋯Cl interactions also play a pivotal role in the stability of compound 1. Molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) surface analysis reveals that the MEP values over the center of the aromatic rings of coordinated 4-AmBz and 3-AmPy moieties are positive on one side and negative on the other side which confirms the dual non-covalent donor-acceptor topologies of the aromatic rings and explains the concurrent formation of unusual non-covalent NH2···π and anion–π interactions. DFT (density functional theory) calculations, QTAIM (quantum theory of atoms in molecules) and NCI plot (non-covalent index) index analyses reveal that among various non-covalent contacts involved in the crystal packing of the compounds, H-bonds in compound 1 and π-interactions (NH2···π, π-π, anion–π) in compound 2 are energetically significant. We have explored in vitro cytotoxic potential of the compounds in Dalton’s lymphoma (DL) cancer cells using trypan blue and apoptosis assays. The studies show that compounds 1 and 2 can significantly exhibit cytotoxicity in DL cells with minimum cytotoxicity in healthy PBMC cells. Molecular docking studies reveal that the compounds effectively bind with the antiapoptotic target proteins; thereby establishing a structure activity relationship of the compounds.
CKLF as a Prognostic Biomarker and Its Association with Immune Infiltration in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Li Dan , Huang Shenglan , Luo Chen , Xu Yongkang , Fu Shumin , Liu Kan , Wu Jianbing
Published: February 2023

The Chemokine-like factor (CKLF)-like MARVEL transmembrane domain-containing (CMTM) family, comprising nine members, is involved in the tumorigenesis and progression of various cancers. However, the expression profiles and clinical significance of CMTM family members in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are not fully clarified. In this study, the RNA-sequencing and clinical data were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases. The Kaplan–Meier method and the Cox proportional hazards regression analysis were used to evaluate the prognostic significance of CMTM family members. Single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) and ESTIMATE algorithms were employed to explore the relationship between CMTM family genes and the tumor microenvironment in HCC. Finally, the prognostic CMTM family gene expression was further validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining in clinical HCC tissue specimens. The results indicated that, compared with normal tissues, the expression of CKLF, CMTM1, CMTM3, CMTM4, CMTM7, and CMTM8 were significantly upregulated in HCC, while the expression of CMTM2, CMTM5, and CMTM6 were significantly downregulated in HCC. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that CKLF was an independent prognostic biomarker for the overall survival (OS) of HCC patients. In HCC, the expression of CKLF was found to be correlated with immune cell infiltration, immune-related functions, and immune checkpoint genes. The qRT-PCR and IHC confirmed that CKLF was highly expressed in HCC. Overall, this research suggested that CKLF is involved in immune cell infiltration and may serve as a critical prognostic biomarker, which provides new light on the therapeutics for HCC.
Multi-Level Analysis of Learning Management Systems’ User Acceptance Exemplified in Two System Case Studies
Authors: Shayan Parisa , Rondinelli Roberto , van Zaanen Menno , Atzmueller Martin
Published: February 2023

There has recently been an increasing interest in Learning Management Systems (LMSs). It is currently unclear, however, exactly how these systems are perceived by their users. This article analyzes data on user acceptance for two LMSs (Blackboard and Canvas). The respective data are collected using a questionnaire modeled after the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM); it relates several variables that influence system acceptability, allowing for a detailed analysis of the system acceptance. We present analyses at two levels of the questionnaire data: questions and constructs (taken from TAM) as well as on different analysis levels using targeted methods. First, we investigate the differences between the above LMSs using statistical tests (t-test). Second, we provide results at the question level using descriptive indices, such as the mean and the Gini heterogeneity index, and apply methods for ordinal data using the Cumulative Link Mixed Model (CLMM). Next, we apply the same approach at the TAM construct level plus descriptive network analysis (degree centrality and bipartite motifs) to explore the variability of users’ answers and the degree of users’ satisfaction considering the extracted patterns. In the context of TAM, the statistical model is able to analyze LMS acceptance on the question level. As we are also very much interested in identifying LMS acceptance at the construct level, in this article, we provide both statistical analysis as well as network analysis to explore the connection between questionnaire data and relational data. A network analysis approach is particularly useful when analyzing LMS acceptance on the construct level, as this can take the structure of the users’ answers across questions per construct into account. Taken together, these results suggest a higher rate of user acceptance among Canvas users compared to Blackboard both for the question and construct level. Likewise, the descriptive network modeling for Canvas indicates a slightly higher concordance between Canvas users than Blackboard at the construct level.
Enigmatic Formations Found in Routine Orthopantomography (OPG) Examinations: A Case Report
Authors: Nocini Riccardo , Sacchetto Luca , Zarantonello Morris , Pardo Alessia , Bonioli Michele , De Santis Daniele
Published: February 2023

We describe two clinical cases of occasional radiographic findings on orthopantomography (OPG) that were performed routinely, for which the definitive diagnosis may be uncertain. After an accurate remote and recent anamnesis, for reasons of exclusion, we hypothesize a rare case of the retention of a contrast medium in the parenchyma of the major salivary glands (parotid, submandibular, and sublingual) and their excretory ducts as a consequence of sialography examination. In the first case we analyzed, we found it difficult to classify the radiographic signs on the sublingual glands, left parotid, and submandibular, while in the second case, only the right parotid was involved. Using CBCT, the spherical findings were highlighted, with multiple having different dimensions, as well as radiopaque in their peripheral portion and more radiolucent inside them. We could immediately exclude salivary calculi, which usually have a more elongated/ovoid shape and appear homogeneously radiopaque without radiolucency areas. These two cases (of hypothetic medium contrast retention with unusual and atypical clinical-radiographic presentation) have very rarely been comprehensively and correctly documented in the literature. No papers have a follow-up longer than 5 years. We conducted a review of the literature on the PubMed database, finding only six articles reporting similar cases. Most of them were old articles, demonstrating the low frequency of this phenomenon. The research was performed using the following keywords: “sialography”, “contrast medium”, “retention” (six papers) and “sialography”, and “retention” (13 papers). Some articles were present in both searches, and the really significant ones (defined after a careful reading of the entire article and not only of the abstract) resulted only in six occurrences in a time span from 1976 to 2022.