bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of P+ Source Pattern in 4H-SiC Trench-Gate MOSFETs on Low Specific On-Resistance
Authors: Jeong Jee-Hun , Jang Min-Seok , Seok Ogyun , Lee Ho-Jun
Published: December 2022

Novel 1.7-kV 4H-SiC trench-gate MOSFETs (TMOSFETs) with a grid pattern and a smaller specific on-resistance are proposed and demonstrated via numerical simulations. The proposed TMOSFETs provide a reduced cell pitch compared with TMOSFETs with square and stripe patterns. Although TMOSFETs with a grid pattern reduce the channel area by approximately 10%, the cell density is increased by approximately 35%. Consequently, the specific on-resistance of the grid pattern is less than that of the square and stripe patterns. The forward blocking characteristics of the grid pattern are increased by the reduced impact ionization rate at the P/N junction. As a result, the figure-of-merit (FOM) of the grid pattern is increased by approximately 33%.
Musculoskeletal and Sociodemographic Gender Differences between Vocational Ballet Students
Authors: Almasi Tobias , Exner-Grave Elisabeth , Ohlendorf Daniela , Wanke Eileen M.
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Studies of vocational ballet students are sparce. In particular, there is a lack of gender comparisons. The aim of the present study, therefore, was to give a musculoskeletal and sociodemographic description of the typical vocational ballet student in gender comparison. Methods: In this study, n = 414 female and n = 192 male students of the John Cranko School (JCS), aged between 5 and 22 years (Mean ± SD: 13.9 ± 3.5), were examined by an experienced orthopedist and dance physician. Results: Males started ballet (5.8/8.2 years, p < 0.001) and training at later age than females (13.5/14.6 years, p < 0.05). There was a high prevalence of low body weight among both sexes; however, particularly among female participants (58.4/16.2%, p < 0.001). Both sexes showed a large external rotation of the hip (f/m: 59/62°, p < 0.001), a large turnout (f/m: 82/86°, p < 0.01), high values for plantarflexion of the ankle joint (f/m: 72/68°, p < 0.001) and dorsiflexion of the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe (f/m: 90/87°, p < 0.001). Discussion: Differences in ballet-specific characteristics between genders (f/m) are converging and are smaller than described in the past. The particularly high prevalence of low body weight among students in the vocational training sector, particularly among females, highlights the need for deeper diagnostic investigation.
Radiative Recombination Studies for Bare Lead Ions Interacting with Low-Energy Electrons
Authors: Zhu Binghui , Stöhlker Thomas
Published: December 2022

X-ray emission as a result of radiative recombination (RR) at threshold energies in the electron cooler of CRYRING@ESR was investigated for decelerated bare lead ions at a beam energy of 10 MeV/u. The recorded spectra are dominated by characteristic transitions in Pb81+, namely, the Lyman, Balmer and Paschen series, as a result of decay cascades from high-n states that are preferentially populated by the RR processes. In addition, a rigorous theoretical model is applied for the interpretation of measured X-ray spectra, and shows good agreement.
An Approach for the Assessment of Multi-National Companies Using a Multi-Attribute Decision Making Process Based on Interval Valued Spherical Fuzzy Maclaurin Symmetric Mean Operators
Authors: Ashraf Ansa , Ullah Kifayat , Božanić Darko , Hussain Amir , Wang Haolun , Puška Adis
Published: December 2022

Many fuzzy concepts have been researched and described with uncertain information. Collecting data under uncertain information is a difficult task, especially when there is a difference between the opinions of experts. To deal with such situations, different types of operators have been introduced. This paper aims to develop the Maclaurin symmetric mean (MSM) operator for the information in the shape of the interval-valued spherical fuzzy set (IVSFS). In this article, a family of aggregation operators (AOs) is proposed which consists of interval valued spherical fuzzy Maclaurin symmetric mean operator (IVSFMSM), interval valued spherical fuzzy weighted Maclaurin symmetric mean (IVSFWMSM), interval valued spherical fuzzy dual Maclaurin symmetric mean (IVSFDMSM), and interval valued spherical fuzzy dual weighted Maclaurin symmetric mean (IVSFDWMSM) operators. In this paper, we studied an elucidative example to discuss the evaluation of multi-national companies for the application of the proposed operator. Then the obtained results from the proposed operators are compared. The results obtained are graphed and tabulated for a better understanding.
Approximation Properties of the Blending-Type Bernstein–Durrmeyer Operators
Authors: Liu Yu-Jie , Cheng Wen-Tao , Zhang Wen-Hui , Ye Pei-Xin
Published: December 2022

We construct the blending-type modified Bernstein–Durrmeyer operators and investigate their approximation properties. First, we derive the Voronovskaya-type asymptotic theorem for this type of operator. Then, the local and global approximation theorems are obtained by using the classical modulus of continuity and K-functional. Finally, we derive the rate of convergence for functions with a derivative of bounded variation. The results show that the new operators have good approximation properties.
Mice Placental ECM Components May Provide A Three-Dimensional Placental Microenvironment
Authors: Barreto Rodrigo , Carreira Ana , Silva Mônica , Fernandes Leticia , Ribeiro Rafaela , Almeida Gustavo , Pantoja Bruna , Nishiyama Junior Milton , Miglino Maria
Published: December 2022

Bioethical limitations impair deeper studies in human placental physiology, then most studies use human term placentas or murine models. To overcome these challenges, new models have been proposed to mimetize the placental three-dimensional microenvironment. The placental extracellular matrix plays an essential role in several processes, being a part of the establishment of materno-fetal interaction. Regarding these aspects, this study aimed to investigate term mice placental ECM components, highlighting its collagenous and non-collagenous content, and proposing a potential three-dimensional model to mimetize the placental microenvironment. For that, 18.5-day-old mice placenta, both control and decellularized (n = 3 per group) were analyzed on Orbitrap Fusion Lumos spectrometer (ThermoScientific) and LFQ intensity generated on MaxQuant software. Proteomic analysis identified 2317 proteins. Using ECM and cell junction-related ontologies, 118 (5.1%) proteins were filtered. Control and decellularized conditions had no significant differential expression on 76 (64.4%) ECM and cell junction-related proteins. Enriched ontologies in the cellular component domain were related to cell junction, collagen and lipoprotein particles, biological process domain, cell adhesion, vasculature, proteolysis, ECM organization, and molecular function. Enriched pathways were clustered in cell adhesion and invasion, and labyrinthine vasculature regulation. These preserved ECM proteins are responsible for tissue stiffness and could support cell anchoring, modeling a three-dimensional structure that may allow placental microenvironment reconstruction.
Concurrent Mutations in SF3B1 and PHF6 in Myeloid Neoplasms
Authors: Zuo Zhuang , Medeiros L. Jeffrey , Garces Sofia , Routbort Mark J. , Ok Chi Young , Loghavi Sanam , Kanagal-Shamanna Rashmi , Jelloul Fatima Zahra , Garcia-Manero Guillermo , Chien Kelly S. , Patel Keyur P. , Luthra Rajyalakshmi , Yin C. Cameron
Published: December 2022

It has been reported that gene mutations in SF3B1 and PHF6 are mutually exclusive. However, this observation has never been rigorously assessed. We report the clinicopathologic and molecular genetic features of 21 cases of myeloid neoplasms with double mutations in SF3B1 and PHF6, including 9 (43%) with myelodysplastic syndrome, 5 (24%) with acute myeloid leukemia, 4 (19%) with myeloproliferative neoplasms, and 3 (14%) with myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasms. Multilineage dysplasia with ring sideroblasts, increased blasts, and myelofibrosis are common morphologic findings. All cases but one had diploid or non-complex karyotypes. SF3B1 mutations were detected in the first analysis of all the patients. PHF6 mutations occurred either concurrently with SF3B1 mutations or in subsequent follow-up samples and are associated with disease progression and impending death in most cases. Most cases had co-mutations, the most common being ASXL1, RUNX1, TET2, and NRAS. With a median follow-up of 39 months (range, 3-155), 17 (81%) patients died, 3 were in complete remission, and 1 had persistent myelodysplastic syndrome. The median overall survival was 51 months. In summary, concurrent mutations in SF3B1 and PHF6 are rare, but they do exist in a variety of myeloid neoplasms, with roles as early initiating events and in disease progression, respectively.
A Potential Negative Regulatory Function of Myostatin in the Growth of the Pacific Abalone, Haliotis discus hannai
Authors: Huang Jianfang , Zhou Mingcan , Chen Jianming , Ke Caihuan
Published: December 2022

Myostatin, also known as GDF8, is a member of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily. In vertebrates, myostatin negatively regulates the growth of skeletal muscle. In invertebrates, it has been reported to be closely related to animal growth. However, knowledge concerning the molecular mechanisms involved in the myostatin regulation of molluscan growth is limited. In this study, we found that the hdh-myostatin open reading frame (ORF) comprised 1470 base pairs that encoded 489 amino acids and contained structural characteristics typical of the TGF-β superfamily, including a C-terminal signal peptide, a propeptide domain, and TGF-β region. Gene expression analysis revealed that hdh-myostatin mRNA was widely expressed at different levels in all of the examined tissues of Haliotis discus hannai. Nine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were associated with the growth traits. RNA interference (RNAi) against hdh-myostatin mRNA significantly downregulated hdh-myostatin at days 1, 15, and 30 post injection, and the pattern was correlated with downregulation of the genes TGF-β receptor type-I (hdh-TβR I), activin receptor type-IIB (hdh-ActR IIB), and mothers against decapentaplegic 3 (hdh-Smad3). After one month of the RNAi experiment, the shell lengths and total weights increased in the abalone, Haliotis discus hannai. The results of qRT-PCR showed that the hdh-myostatin mRNA level was higher in the slow-growing group than in the fast-growing group. These results suggest that hdh-myostatin is involved in the regulation of growth, and that these SNPs would be informative for further studies on selective breeding in abalone.
Cardiovascular Activity of Ginkgo biloba—An Insight from Healthy Subjects
Authors: Silva Henrique , Martins Filipe
Published: December 2022

Ginkgo biloba is the oldest living tree species in the world. Despite less than encouraging clinical results, extracts from its leaves are among the most used herbal preparations in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Most data on the efficacy of Ginkgo biloba on cardiovascular disease is from clinical studies, with few results from healthy subjects. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of the mechanisms underlying the known beneficial cardiovascular activities of Ginkgo biloba. It displays myocardial suppressant and vasorelaxant activities ex vivo, potentiating endothelial-dependent and -independent pathways. It improves perfusion in different vascular beds, namely ocular, cochlear, cutaneous, cerebral, and coronary. Although scarce, evidence suggests that Ginkgo biloba displays a heterogeneous effect on tissue perfusion which is dependent on the individual elimination pathways. It displays an acceptable safety profile, with most reported adverse reactions constituting rare occurrences. Collectively, Ginkgo biloba positively impacts cardiovascular physiology, improving hemodynamics and organ perfusion. In the future, better controlled clinical studies should be performed in order to identify the target populations who may benefit the most from pharmacotherapeutic interventions involving Ginkgo biloba.
Further Insights into Invasion: Field Observations of Behavioural Interactions between an Invasive and Critically Endangered Freshwater Crayfish Using Baited Remote Underwater Video (BRUV)
Authors: O’Hea Miller Sarah B. , Davis Andrew R. , Wong Marian Y. L.
Published: December 2022

Competitive behavioural interactions between invasive and native freshwater crayfish are recognised as a key underlying mechanism behind the displacement of natives by invaders. However, in situ investigations into behavioural interactions between invasive and native crayfish are scarce. In Australian freshwater systems, the invasive Cherax destructor has spread into the ranges of many native Euastacus species, including the critically endangered Euastacus dharawalus. Staged contests between the two species in a laboratory setting found E. dharawalus to be the dominant competitor, however, this has yet to be corroborated in situ. Here, we used baited remote underwater video (BRUV) to examine in situ intra- and inter-specific behavioural interactions between E. dharawalus and C. destructor. We sought to evaluate patterns of dominance and differential contest dynamics between the species to provide indications of competition between the two species. We found E. dharawalus to be dominant over C. destructor based on pooled interspecific interaction data and size-grouped interactions where C. destructor was the smaller opponent. Alarmingly, however, when C. destructor was within a 10% size difference the dominance of E. dharawalus was lost, contrasting with the outcomes of the laboratory-staged study. In addition, we report that small C. destructor initiated significantly more contests than larger conspecifics and larger E. dharawalus, a pattern that was not observed in smaller E. dharawalus. Further, intraspecific interactions between C. destructor were significantly longer in duration than intraspecific interactions between E. dharawalus, indicating a willingness to continue fighting. Concerningly, these outcomes point towards inherent and greater aggressiveness in C. destructor relative to E. dharawalus and that only larger E. dharawalus hold a competitive advantage over C. destructor. Therefore, we conclude that C. destructor represents a substantial threat to E. dharawalus through competitive behavioural interactions. Further, due to the disparity between our findings and those produced from laboratory-staged contests, we recommend the use of in situ studies when determining the behavioural impacts of invasive crayfish on natives.
Antizyme Inhibitor 2-Deficient Mice Exhibit Altered Brain Polyamine Levels and Reduced Locomotor Activity
Authors: Lambertos Ana , Nuñez-Sanchez Maria Angeles , López-García Carlos , López-Contreras Andrés Joaquín , Ramos-Molina Bruno , Peñafiel Rafael
Published: December 2022

Background: Alterations in the neural polyamine system are known to be associated with different brain pathological conditions. In addition, the regulation of enzymes involved in polyamine metabolism such as ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), antizymes (AZs), and antizyme inhibitors (AZINs) is critical during brain development. However, while most studies focus on ODC and AZs, less is known about AZIN expression and function in the brain. Thus, our aim was to analyze the expression pattern of AZIN2 during postnatal development, its brain distribution, and its possible implication in phenotypical alterations. Methods: The expression pattern of Azin2 and other genes related to polyamine metabolism was analyzed by RT-qPCR. β-D-galactosidase staining was used to determine the anatomical distribution of AZIN2 in a Azin2 knockout model containing the βGeo marker. Brain polyamine content was determined by HPLC. The Rota-Rod and Pole functional tests were used to evaluate motor skills in Azin2-lacking mice. Results: Our results showed that expression of genes codifying for AZs and AZINs showed a similar increasing pattern over time that coincided with a decrease in ODC activity and putrescine levels. The analysis of AZIN2 distribution demonstrated that it is strongly expressed in the cerebellum and distributed along the neuron body and dendrites. The ablation of Azin2 showed a decrease in putrescine levels and is related to reduced motor skills. Conclusions: Our study revealed that AZIN2 expression in the brain is particularly limited to the cerebellum. In addition, the ablation of Azin2 leads to a reduction in putrescine that relates to alterations in motor function, suggesting the role of AZIN2 in the functioning of dopaminergic neurons.
Autophagy in Atherosclerotic Plaque Cells: Targeting NLRP3 Inflammasome for Self-Rescue
Authors: Li Xuelian , Zhu Xianjie , Wei Yumiao
Published: December 2022

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a lipid-driven disorder of the artery intima characterized by the equilibrium between inflammatory and regressive processes. A protein complex called NLRP3 inflammasome is involved in the release of mature interleukin-1β (IL-1β), which is connected to the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. Autophagy, which includes macroautophagy, chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA), and microautophagy, is generally recognized as the process by which cells transfer their constituents to lysosomes for digestion. Recent studies have suggested a connection between vascular inflammation and autophagy. This review summarizes the most recent studies and the underlying mechanisms associated with different autophagic pathways and NLRP3 inflammasomes in vascular inflammation, aiming to provide additional evidence for atherosclerosis research.
Use of Insect Promoters in Genetic Engineering to Control Mosquito-Borne Diseases
Authors: Bottino-Rojas Vanessa , James Anthony A.
Published: December 2022

Mosquito transgenesis and gene-drive technologies provide the basis for developing promising new tools for vector-borne disease prevention by either suppressing wild mosquito populations or reducing their capacity from transmitting pathogens. Many studies of the regulatory DNA and promoters of genes with robust sex-, tissue- and stage-specific expression profiles have supported the development of new tools and strategies that could bring mosquito-borne diseases under control. Although the list of regulatory elements available is significant, only a limited set of those can reliably drive spatial–temporal expression. Here, we review the advances in our ability to express beneficial and other genes in mosquitoes, and highlight the information needed for the development of new mosquito-control and anti-disease strategies.
Bioactivity and In Silico Studies of Isoquinoline and Related Alkaloids as Promising Antiviral Agents: An Insight
Authors: Sharma Divya , Sharma Neetika , Manchanda Namish , Prasad Satyendra K. , Sharma Prabodh Chander , Thakur Vijay Kumar , Rahman M. Mukhlesur , Dhobi Mahaveer
Published: December 2022

Viruses are widely recognized as the primary cause of infectious diseases around the world. The ongoing global pandemic due to the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 further added fuel to the fire. The development of therapeutics becomes very difficult as viruses can mutate their genome to become more complex and resistant. Medicinal plants and phytocompounds could be alternative options. Isoquinoline and their related alkaloids are naturally occurring compounds that interfere with multiple pathways including nuclear factor-κB, mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular-signal-regulated kinase, and inhibition of Ca2+-mediated fusion. These pathways play a crucial role in viral replication. Thus, the major goal of this study is to comprehend the function of various isoquinoline and related alkaloids in viral infections by examining their potential mechanisms of action, structure-activity relationships (SAR), in silico (particularly for SARS-CoV-2), in vitro and in vivo studies. The current advancements in isoquinoline and related alkaloids as discussed in the present review could facilitate an in-depth understanding of their role in the drug discovery process.
Non-Coding RNAs in the Regulation of Hippocampal Neurogenesis and Potential Treatment Targets for Related Disorders
Authors: Tan Zhengye , Li Wen , Cheng Xiang , Zhu Qing , Zhang Xinhua
Published: December 2022

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including miRNAs, lncRNAs, circRNAs, and piRNAs, do not encode proteins. Nonetheless, they have critical roles in a variety of cellular activities—such as development, neurogenesis, degeneration, and the response to injury to the nervous system—via protein translation, RNA splicing, gene activation, silencing, modifications, and editing; thus, they may serve as potential targets for disease treatment. The activity of adult neural stem cells (NSCs) in the subgranular zone of the hippocampal dentate gyrus critically influences hippocampal function, including learning, memory, and emotion. ncRNAs have been shown to be involved in the regulation of hippocampal neurogenesis, including proliferation, differentiation, and migration of NSCs and synapse formation. The interaction among ncRNAs is complex and diverse and has become a major topic within the life science. This review outlines advances in research on the roles of ncRNAs in modulating NSC bioactivity in the hippocampus and discusses their potential applications in the treatment of illnesses affecting the hippocampus.
Differential Gene Expression Induced by Different TLR Agonists in A549 Lung Epithelial Cells Is Modulated by CRISPR Activation of TLR10
Authors: Knez Špela , Narat Mojca , Ogorevc Jernej
Published: December 2022

Toll-like receptor 10 (TLR10) is the only member of the TLR family whose function and ligand have not been clearly described. Literature reports on its function are contradictory and suggest a possible immunomodulatory role that depends on the cell type, the pathogen, and the level of TLR10 expression. To investigate the regulatory role of TLR10 in A549 lung epithelial cells, we overexpressed TLR10 using CRISPRa technology and examined the differential expression of various genes involved in TLR signaling activated by different TLR ligands, namely dsRNA, LPS, and Pam3Cys. The expression of proinflammatory cytokines, such as IL1β, IFNβ, TNFα, IL8, CXCL10, and CCL20, decreased in the challenged cells overexpressing TLR10, whereas the expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL10 and the antimicrobial peptide hβD-2 increased. For several of the regulated inflammatory markers, we were able to show the change in gene expression was translated to the protein level. It appears that TLR10 can function as an anti-inflammatory in A549 cells, depending on its expression level and that the mode of action may be virulence factor-specific. The potential suppression of inflammation by regulating expression of TLR10 in lung epithelial cells may allow the development of new approaches to balance an inflammatory response and prevent extensive tissue damage in respiratory diseases.
Multimodal Comparison of Diabetic Neuropathy in Aged Streptozotocin-Treated Sprague–Dawley and Zucker Diabetic Fatty Rats
Authors: Canta Annalisa , Carozzi Valentina A. , Chiorazzi Alessia , Meregalli Cristina , Oggioni Norberto , Rodriguez-Menendez Virginia , Sala Barbara , Melcangi Roberto Cosimo , Giatti Silvia , Lombardi Raffaella , Bianchi Roberto , Marmiroli Paola , Cavaletti Guido
Published: December 2022

The development and progression of diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) are due to multiple mechanisms. The creation of reliable animal models of DPN has been challenging and this issue has not yet been solved. However, despite some recognized differences from humans, most of the current knowledge on the pathogenesis of DPN relies on results achieved using rodent animal models. The simplest experimental DPN model reproduces type 1 diabetes, induced by massive chemical destruction of pancreatic beta cells with streptozotocin (STZ). Spontaneous/transgenic models of diabetes are less frequently used, mostly because they are less predictable in clinical course, more expensive, and require a variable time to achieve homogeneous metabolic conditions. Among them, Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats represent a typical type 2 diabetes model. Both STZ-induced and ZDF rats have been extensively used, but only very few studies have compared the long-term similarities and differences existing between these two models. Moreover, inconsistencies have been reported regarding several aspects of short-term in vivo studies using these models. In this study, we compared the long-term course of DPN in STZ-treated Sprague–Dawley and ZDF rats with a multimodal set of readout measures.
Green Synthesis of Three-Dimensional Au Nanorods@TiO2 Nanocomposites as Self-Cleaning SERS Substrate for Sensitive, Recyclable, and In Situ Sensing Environmental Pollutants
Authors: Fu Huiping , Ding Ning , Ma Dan , Xu Qing , Lin Bingyong , Qiu Bin , Lin Zhenyu , Guo Longhua
Published: December 2022

In this work, a simple, low-cost, green, and mild method for the preparation of three-dimensional nanocomposite materials of gold nanorods (Au NRs)@TiO2 is reported. The surface of Au NRs was coated with TiO2 in situ reduction at room temperature without a complicated operation. The synthetic Au NRs@TiO2 nanocomposites were used as surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) active substrates for the reusable and sensitive detection of environmental pollutants. The results showed that the pollutants on Au NRs@TiO2 nanocomposites have higher SERS activity and reproducibility than those on the Au NR substrate without the presence of TiO2. Moreover, the SERS substrate can be readily recycled by UV-assisted self-cleaning to remove residual analyte molecules. Malachite green (MG) and crystal violet (CV) were used as examples to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed sensor for the sensitive detection of environmental pollutants. The results showed that the limit of detections (LODs) were 0.75 μg/L and 0.50 μg/L for MG and CV, respectively, with the recoveries ranging from 86.67% to 91.20% and 83.70% to 89.00%. Meanwhile, the SERS substrate can be easily regenerated by UV light irradiation. Our investigation revealed that within three cycles, the Au NRs@TiO2 substrates still maintained the high SERS enhancement effect that they showed when first used for SERS detection. These results indicated that the method can be used to detect MG and CV in really complex samples. Due to the high sensitivity, reusability, and portability and the rapid detection property of the proposed sensor, it can have potential applications in the on-site detection of environmental pollutants in a complex sample matrix.
Electrochemistry and Spectroscopy-Based Biosensors
Authors: Bagdžiūnas Gintautas
Published: December 2022

During and after the COVID-19 pandemic, the development of low-cost detection and analysis methods of bioanalytes as well as infection biomarkers became an increasingly important challenge in order to improve public and personal health [...]
Editorial: Advanced Biosensing Technologies in Medical Applications
Authors: Chuang Han-Sheng
Published: December 2022

The unprecedented pandemic over the past three years has accelerated the developments of many cutting-edge techniques to address the challenges raised in new medical frontiers [...]
Trends in Adopting BIM, IoT and DT for Facility Management: A Scientometric Analysis and Keyword Co-Occurrence Network Review
Authors: Siccardi Stefania , Villa Valentina
Published: December 2022

Facility Management (FM) regards the management of buildings’ assets and requires the administration of a large amount of data that must always be available, but today, they still consist of paper documents, which are susceptible to loss. This is one of the principal causes for costs increase in the Operation and Maintenance (O&M) phase, together with the lack of interoperability and communication. In recent years, the construction industry has been undergoing a process of digitalization, supported from the advent of new technologies that hit the market at low prices. This study aims to indagate the technologies introduced in in the FM sector, in addition the major authors and sources that are studying them. A bibliometric analysis is conducted on 220 documents belonging to the Scopus DB. The documents were analyzed using bibliometric analysis tools, such as Biblioshiny and VOSviewer. The results show how FM and the implementation of technologies in its practices, such as Building information modelling (BIM), Internet of Things (IoT) and Digital Twin (DT), are fields with exponential growth in recent years. Other technologies, such as blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) and augmented reality (AR), emerged as part of digitalization in FM, which is part of the transition towards Construction 4.0.
Surface Modification of Steel Slag Aggregate for Engineering Application in Asphalt Mixture
Authors: Niu Dongyu , Zhang Zhao , Meng Jiandang , Yang Zhengxian , Jing Ruxin , Liu Xueyan , Lin Peng , Sheng Yanping
Published: December 2022

The proper disposal of steel slag has always been a great challenge for the metallurgical industry in China and around the world. In this work, the steel slag aggregate (SSA) was surface pretreated (PSSA) and applied into asphalt mixture. The adhesive behavior between the bitumen and five different types of aggregates (i.e., limestone, diorite, diabase, SSA, PSSA) were evaluated based on the contact angle and binder bond strength tests. The pavement performance of three asphalt mixtures which contain normal aggregate, SSA and PSSA respectively, was analyzed by Marshall stability test, wheel-tracking rutting test, low-temperature bending creep test and water sensitivity test. The results showed that surface modification can improve the surface properties of SSA, reduce its contact angle with bitumen, and eventually lead to the improvement of adhesion between them. In addition to the satisfied low-temperature properties, PSSA was found to significantly improve the anti-rutting property and reduce the water sensitivity of asphalt mixture. This work is expected to promote an alternative application for recycling of SSA in pavement engineering.
Optimal Design Formula for Tuned Mass Damper Based on an Analytical Solution of Interaction between Soil and Structure with Rigid Foundation Subjected to Plane SH-Waves
Authors: Jin Liguo , Li Bowei , Lin Siqi , Li Guangning
Published: December 2022

The tuned mass damper (TMD) is widely used for vibration mitigation, especially in high-rise buildings where significant soil-structure interaction (SSI) effects are usually involved. This creates a need to consider SSI effects in TMD design. In this work, a novel design framework for TMD systems with SSI effects is proposed. For response evaluations, structure-TMD systems are modeled as a two-degrees-of-freedom (2DOF) system, standing on a rigid foundation and subject to out-of-plane SH seismic wave inputs in a homogeneous half-space. Closed-form analytical solutions of its displacement and acceleration responses are derived, and the H2-norm of the system transfer function is introduced to quantify the performances of TMDs. The TMD design problem is then formulated and solved by optimizing the performances. Considering that aspects other than response mitigation, e.g., strokes, damper device costs, etc., may be critical to TMD damping ratios, a design framework is developed by firstly making an informed selection on TMD damping ratios, and subsequently tuning TMD frequency ratios through calibrated formulae. In addition, TMD strokes versus TMD damping ratios are investigated to facilitate the determination of TMD damping ratios. A case study based on a real-existing building system is carried out to illustrate the application of the proposed design framework. The framework has proven to be highly efficient and effective and suitable to for use in practical engineering.
Seismic Behaviour of Shallow Tunnelling Method Tunnels Accounting for Primary Lining Effects
Authors: Liu Shaodong , Liu Shuxian , Lu Shasha , Ma Fenghai , Pei Ge
Published: December 2022

The shallow tunnelling method (STM) is usually used to construct shallow tunnels buried in soft ground. It consists of primary lining and secondary lining (tunnel). In the seismic design of STM tunnels, it is usually assumed that the secondary lining (tunnel) is resistant to all seismic effects. However, the soil–primary–secondary lining system may generate complex interaction phenomena during ground shaking. Compared with the case where the primary lining is not considered, the existence of the primary lining alters the seismic response of the secondary lining (tunnel). The paper attempts to investigate this complex interaction, focusing on the response of the secondary lining (tunnel). The full dynamic time history analysis is adopted to investigate the interaction in the transversal direction. A case history of the Hohhot (China) arched STM tunnel buried in a stratified soil deposit has been analyzed. Two tunnel configurations for a two-dimensional plane strain model of STM tunnels in Hohhot are studied and compared, including a model with primary lining and one without primary lining. A numerical parametric analysis was conducted to elucidate critical response characteristics of STM tunnels. Salient parameters that may affect the dynamic response of the tunnel were studied, including the characteristics of ground motion, the characteristics of contact interface, the characteristics of the soil, and the characteristics of the tunnel lining. The response characteristics of the tunnel are compared and discussed, including horizontal acceleration, deformation mode, lining internal force, and lining damage. The results show that the primary lining has a significant influence on the magnitude and distribution of the seismic response, especially considering the nonlinearity of the soil and the nonlinear characteristics of the tunnel lining. The effect of primary lining on the seismic response is about 5–35%.
Coping with Psychosocial Hazards: A Systematic Review of Young Construction Workers’ Practices and Their Determinants
Authors: Frimpong Samuel , Sunindijo Riza Yosia , Wang Cynthia Changxin , Boadu Elijah Frimpong , Dansoh Ayirebi , Fagbenro Rasaki Kolawole
Published: December 2022

Young construction workers employ different practices to cope with psychosocial risks, most of which prevent them from achieving mental well-being. Managing this problem has been a challenge because research on the topic is fragmented. To contribute to addressing this problem, we systematically reviewed the literature on young construction workers’ coping practices using meta-aggregation guided by the PICo and PRISMA frameworks. We sought to identify young construction workers’ coping mechanisms and the factors that influence their choice of coping practices. A total of 345 studies were retrieved, and 24 studies published between 1993 and 2022 met the inclusion criteria. Using deductive thematic analysis, we identified 28 coping practices and categorized them into eight mechanisms and three domains. Eleven determinants of young construction workers’ coping choices emerged and were classified as personal and environmental factors. This review provides knowledge for building theory on young construction workers’ coping and stresses the need for further studies on the role of influencing factors such as age, individual resilience, coping experience, religion, and spirituality. Findings from this review can serve as an evidence base for researchers, occupational health practitioners, and policy-makers for developing interventions that can promote the uptake of beneficial coping practices by young construction workers.
Evaluation of Web Shear Design Procedures for Precast Prestressed Hollow Core Slabs
Authors: El-Sayed Ahmed K. , Al-Negheimish Abdulaziz I. , Alhozaimy Abdulrahman M. , Al-Saawani Mohammed A.
Published: December 2022

Precast, prestressed hollow core slabs (HCS) are commonly used by the construction industry for floor and roof systems worldwide. Generally, the web shear strength governs the shear design of such members. This is because the web width resisting shear stresses is relatively small and the prestressing force at the bottom of the slabs restrains flexural cracking. Although most of the available design codes follow Mohr’s circle of stress for estimating the web shear cracking capacity of HCS, they produce different and scattered predictions. This paper gives more insight into the web shear design provisions of prestressed HCS in five of the available design codes. These codes include ACI 318, Eurocode 2, European standard EN 1168, CSA-A23.3, and AASHTO LRFD design specifications. A set of 229 data points was established from experimental investigations available in the literature on prestressed HCS that failed in the web shear. The dataset was used for evaluating the web shear design methods in the five codes. The results of the analysis indicated that both the simplified method of AASHTO and the ACI 318-19 method produced very conservative predictions. In contrast, the Eurocode 2 method produced unconservative predictions for most of the specimens in the dataset, whereas the ACI 318-05 method gave unconservative predictions for deeper sections. On the other hand, reasonable predictions were obtained by the EN 1168 method while the CSA-A23.3 method provided better predictions. Proposed modifications were presented for improving the predictions of the ACI 318, Eurocode 2, and EN 1168 web shear design methods for prestressed HCS.
New Magnetically Assembled Electrode Consisting of Magnetic Activated Carbon Particles and Ti/Sb-SnO2 for a More Flexible and Cost-Effective Electrochemical Oxidation Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Zhang Fanxi , Shao Dan , Yang Changan , Xu Hao , Yang Jin , Feng Lei , Wang Sizhe , Li Yong , Jia Xiaohua , Song Haojie
Published: December 2022

Magnetic activated carbon particles (Fe3O4/active carbon composites) as auxiliary electrodes (AEs) were fixed on the surface of Ti/Sb-SnO2 foil by a NdFeB magnet to form a new magnetically assembled electrode (MAE). Characterizations including cyclic voltammetry, Tafel analysis, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were carried out. The electrochemical oxidation performances of the new MAE towards different simulated wastewaters (azo dye acid red G, phenol, and lignosulfonate) were also studied. Series of the electrochemical properties of MAE were found to be varied with the loading amounts of AEs. The electrochemical area as well as the number of active sites increased significantly with the AEs loading, and the charge transfer was also facilitated by these AEs. Target pollutants’ removal of all simulated wastewaters were found to be enhanced when loading appropriate amounts of AEs. The accumulation of intermediate products was also determined by the AEs loading amount. This new MAE may provide a landscape of a more cost-effective and flexible electrochemical oxidation wastewater treatment (EOWT).
Identification of Transcription Factor Networks during Mouse Hindlimb Development
Authors: Wang Maochun , Jiang Ruiyang , Tan Guihua , Liu Zizheng , Tang Chen , Wu Rui , Shi Dongquan
Published: December 2022

Mammalian hindlimb development involves a variety of cells and the regulation of spatiotemporal molecular events, but regulatory networks of transcription factors contributing to hindlimb morphogenesis are not well understood. Here, we identified transcription factor networks during mouse hindlimb morphology establishment through transcriptome analysis. We used four stages of embryonic hindlimb transcription profiles acquired from the Gene Expression Omnibus database (GSE30138), including E10.5, E11.5, E12.5 and E13.5, to construct a gene network using Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA), and defined seven stage-associated modules. After filtering 7625 hub genes, we further prioritized 555 transcription factors with AnimalTFDB3.0. Gene ontology enrichment showed that transcription factors of different modules were enriched in muscle tissue development, connective tissue development, embryonic organ development, skeletal system morphogenesis, pattern specification process and urogenital system development separately. Six regulatory networks were constructed with key transcription factors, which contribute to the development of different tissues. Knockdown of four transcription factors from regulatory networks, including Sox9, Twist1, Snai2 and Klf4, showed that the expression of limb-development-related genes was also inhibited, which indicated the crucial role of transcription factor networks in hindlimb development.
A Blood-Based Molecular Clock for Biological Age Estimation
Authors: Paparazzo Ersilia , Geracitano Silvana , Lagani Vincenzo , Bartolomeo Denise , Aceto Mirella Aurora , D’Aquila Patrizia , Citrigno Luigi , Bellizzi Dina , Passarino Giuseppe , Montesanto Alberto
Published: December 2022

In the last decade, extensive efforts have been made to identify biomarkers of biological age. DNA methylation levels of ELOVL fatty acid elongase 2 (ELOVL2) and the signal joint T-cell receptor rearrangement excision circles (sjTRECs) represent the most promising candidates. Although these two non-redundant biomarkers echo important biological aspects of the ageing process in humans, a well-validated molecular clock exploiting these powerful candidates has not yet been formulated. The present study aimed to develop a more accurate molecular clock in a sample of 194 Italian individuals by re-analyzing the previously obtained EVOLV2 methylation data together with the amount of sjTRECs in the same blood samples. The proposed model showed a high prediction accuracy both in younger individuals with an error of about 2.5 years and in older subjects where a relatively low error was observed if compared with those reported in previously published studies. In conclusion, an easy, cost-effective and reliable model to measure the individual rate and the quality of aging in human population has been proposed. Further studies are required to validate the model and to extend its use in an applicative context.
Interventions on Gut Microbiota for Healthy Aging
Authors: Donati Zeppa Sabrina , Agostini Deborah , Ferrini Fabio , Gervasi Marco , Barbieri Elena , Bartolacci Alessia , Piccoli Giovanni , Saltarelli Roberta , Sestili Piero , Stocchi Vilberto
Published: December 2022

In recent years, the improvement in health and social conditions has led to an increase in the average lifespan. Since aging is the most important risk factor for the majority of chronic human diseases, the development of therapies and intervention to stop, lessen or even reverse various age-related morbidities is an important target to ameliorate the quality of life of the elderly. The gut microbiota, that is, the complex ecosystem of microorganisms living in the gastrointestinal tract, plays an important role, not yet fully understood, in maintaining the host’s health and homeostasis, influencing metabolic, oxidative and cognitive status; for this reason, it is also named “the forgotten endocrine organ” or “the second brain”. On the other hand, the gut microbiota diversity and richness are affected by unmodifiable factors, such as aging and sex, and modifiable ones, such as diet, pharmacological therapies and lifestyle. In this review, we discuss the changes, mostly disadvantageous, for human health, induced by aging, in microbiota composition and the effects of dietary intervention, of supplementation with probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, psychobiotics and antioxidants and of physical exercise. The development of an integrated strategy to implement microbiota health will help in the goal of healthy aging.
MiR-302a Regenerates Human Corneal Endothelial Cells against IFN-γ-Induced Cell Death
Authors: Park Se-Hie , Hwang Jin-Sun , Oh Sun-Hee , Shin Young-Joo
Published: December 2022

Damage to human corneal endothelial cells (hCECs) leads to bullous keratopathy because these cells cannot be regenerated in vivo. In this study, we investigated the protective role of microRNA (miR)-302a against interferon-γ (IFN-γ)-induced senescence and cell death of hCECs. Cultured hCECs were transfected with miR-302a and treated with IFN-γ (20 ng/mL) to evaluate the protective effect of miR-302a on IFN-γ-induced cell death. Senescence was evaluated by the senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) assay, and the secretion of senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) factors was analyzed. Mitochondrial function and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress were assessed. We revealed that miR-302a enhanced the cell viability and proliferation of hCECs and that IFN-γ increased the cell size, the number of SA-β-gal-positive cells, and SASP factors, and arrested the cell cycle, which was eliminated by miR-302a. miR-302a ameliorated mitochondrial oxidative stress and ER stress levels which were induced by IFN-γ. IFN-γ decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential and promoted autophagy, which was eliminated by miR-302a. The in vivo study showed that regeneration of rat CECs was promoted in the miR-302a group by inhibiting IFN-γ and enhancing mitochondrial function. In conclusion, miR-302a eliminated IFN-γ-induced senescence and cellular damage by regulating the oxidative and ER stress, and promoting the proliferation of CECs. Therefore, miR-302a may be a therapeutic option to protect hCECs against IFN-γ-induced stress.
A Europium-Based Optical Sensor for the Detection of Carbon Dioxide and Its Application for a Fermentation Reaction
Authors: Benton Erin N. , Perera Nawagamu A. K. Rajitha , Nesterov Vladimir N. , Perera Wijayantha , Omary Mohammad A. , Marpu Sreekar B.
Published: December 2022

A new europium-based complex, K[Eu(hfa)4] with hfa = hexafluoroacetylacetonate is synthesized and its structure confirmed via X-ray crystallography. The structure unravels an anionic octa-coordinate complex, K[Eu(hfa)4], as opposed to the neutral hexacoordinate complex Eu(hfa)3 routinely/ubiquitously presumed to be the case in the literature. The complex displayed pH-dependent, “on–off” emission changes in solution and exhibited a pKa of 6.13 ± 0.06 in ethylene glycol. In solution, the sensor complex exhibited drastic variation in emission intensity corresponding to changes in the concentration of CO2 gas purged. Based on multiple purge cycles of N2 and CO2, the emission intensity changes can be correlated to the concentration of CO2 in the solution. The sensor’s ability to quantify the CO2 presence is based on emission variations of the 5D0 → 7F2 line in the Eu(III) complex at 618 nm. The sensor exhibits a linear response to CO2 concentrations in the range of 0–25% (0–8.50 mM or 0–189.95 mmHg). Based on calibration data, the limit of detection (LOD) is determined to be 0.57% (0.19 mM or 4.33 mmHg) in solution. The I100/I0 ratio is determined to be 80.29 ± 3.79. The percent change in intensity from purging N2 to 100% CO2 is 7911.16%. Over the course of seven cycles of purging different concentrations of CO2, there is essentially no deviation in the emission intensity of the sensor in solution, indicating stability and reversibility. In addition to the analytical characterization of the sensor, the mechanism of CO2 sensing is investigated using cyclic voltammetry, IR, and Raman spectroscopy. These data indicate the reduction of europium(III) to europium(II) in an alkaline medium and suggest changes in the hfa ligand chemistry (association/dissociation and protonation) due to CO2 purging. The potential use of the sensor complex for real-life applications is herein evaluated via a well-known fermentation reaction. The CO2 generated during yeast’s anaerobic respiration in sucrose media is quantified using the sensor complex and a calibrated, commercial CO2 probe; both exhibit similar CO2 concentration values, validating the calibration curve and the viability of the complex as a bona fide sensor. Based on the data collected, a highly stable, brightly red-emissive Eu(III) complex with the ability to differentiate concentrations of CO2 in solution is hereby developed and characterized with benefits for various CO2 sensing applications.