bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electron Emission Cross Section from Methane under 250 keV Proton Impact
Authors: Chakraborty Debasmita , Gulyás László , Tribedi Lokesh C.
Published: March 2023

We measure double differential cross sections (DDCS) of electrons emitted from CH4 molecules in collisions with 250 keV protons. The projectile ions are obtained from a 400 kV electron cyclotron resonance-based ion accelerator (ECRIA). We study the energy and angular distributions of the electron DDCS. The observed double and single differential and the total cross section are compared with the state-of-the-art continuum distorted wave eikonal initial state (CDW-EIS) model predictions. Two different approaches are used considering the different target descriptions: complete neglect of differential overlap (CNDO) and molecular orbital (MO) approximations. The MO model uses two different scaling parameters (d = 0.7 and 1.0). In the energy distribution of the DDCS, the carbon KLL Auger line is also observed at 240 eV. The single differential cross section (SDCS) and total cross section (TCS) are derived. Both the MO-based CDW-EIS models are in good agreement with the experimental results; however, the CNDO approach overestimates the data.
Solving Feasibility Problems with Infinitely Many Sets
Authors: Zaslavski Alexander J.
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we study a feasibility problem with infinitely many sets in a metric space. We present a novel algorithm and analyze its convergence. The algorithms used for the feasibility problem in the literature work for finite collections of sets and cannot be applied if the collection of sets is infinite. The main feature of these algorithms is that, for iterative steps, we need to calculate the values of all the operators belonging to our family of maps and even their sums with weighted coefficients. This is impossible if the family of maps is not finite. In the present paper, we introduce a new algorithm for solving feasibility problems with infinite families of sets and study its convergence. It turns out that our results hold for feasibility problems in a general metric space.
New Contributions to Fixed Point Theory for Multi-Valued Feng–Liu Contractions
Authors: Petruşel Adrian , Petruşel Gabriela , Yao Jen-Chih
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we will prove several new results related to the concept of the multi-valued Feng–Liu contraction. An existence, approximation and localization fixed point theorem for a generalized multi-valued nonself Feng–Liu contraction and a new fixed point theorem for multi-valued Feng–Liu contractions in vector-valued metric spaces are proved. Stability results and an application to a system of operatorial inclusions are also given.
Silver Nanoparticles in Dental Applications: A Descriptive Review
Authors: Mallineni Sreekanth Kumar , Sakhamuri Srinivasulu , Kotha Sree Lalita , AlAsmari Abdul Rahman Gharamah M. , AlJefri Galiah Husam , Almotawah Fatmah Nasser , Mallineni Sahana , Sajja Rishitha
Published: March 2023

Silver nanoparticles have been a recent focus of many researchers in dentistry, and their potential uses and benefits have drawn attention in dentistry and medicine. The fabrication and utilization of nanoscale substances and structures are at the core of the rapidly developing areas of nanotechnology. They are often used in the dental industry because they prevent bacteria from making nanoparticles, oxides, and biofilms. They also stop the metabolism of bacteria. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are a type of zero-dimensional material with different shapes. Dentistry has to keep up with changing patient needs and new technology. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) can be used in dentistry for disinfection and preventing infections in the oral cavity. One of the most interesting metallic nanoparticles used in biomedical applications is silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The dental field has found promising uses for silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in the elimination of plaque and tartar, as well as the elimination of bacterial and fungal infections in the mouth. The incorporation of AgNPs into dental materials has been shown to significantly enhance patients’ oral health, leading to their widespread use. This review focuses on AgNP synthesis, chemical properties, biocompatibility, uses in various dental fields, and biomaterials used in dentistry. With an emphasis on aspects related to the inclusion of silver nanoparticles, this descriptive review paper also intends to address the recent developments of AgNPs in dentistry.
Effects of a Myofascial Technique on the Stiffness and Thickness of the Thoracolumbar Fascia and Lumbar Erector Spinae Muscles in Adults with Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized before-and-after Experimental Study
Authors: Devantéry Karine , Morin Mélanie , Grimard Julien , Gaudreault Nathaly
Published: March 2023

The thoracolumbar fascia (TLF) may be a pain generator, given its rich innervation. Structural and biomechanical changes have also been documented in adults with chronic non-specific low back pain (LBP). Myofascial techniques (MFTs) are commonly used in manual therapy and are hypothesized to reduce tissue stiffness and pain. However, evidence for these effects is limited. The objective of this study was to evaluate the immediate effects of a standardized MFT compared to a simulated MFT on: (1) the stiffness of the TLF and erector spinae muscles (shear-wave sonoelastography), (2) the thickness of the TLF (B-mode ultrasound), and (3) pain intensity (numerical rating scale). Forty-nine participants with chronic non-specific LBP were included in a randomized before-and-after experimental study. Outcome measures were collected before (T0) and immediately after the intervention (T1). Pain intensity was also assessed on day two (T2) and seven (T7). The MFT group showed a significant decrease in left erector spinae muscle stiffness and left TLF thickness compared to the simulated group. In addition, there was a significant reduction in pain intensity in the MFT group compared to the simulated group at T1 and T2. The results of this study suggest that MFT results in immediate tissue changes and transient pain reduction in patients with LBP.
Ammonia Stress Disturbs Moult Signaling in Juvenile Swimming Crab Portunus trituberculatus
Authors: Wang Daixia , Liu Xiaochen , Shang Yan , Yu Xuee , Gao Baoquan , Lv Jianjian , Li Jitao , Liu Ping , Li Jian , Meng Xianliang
Published: March 2023

Ammonia is a significant concern during hatchery culture in brachyuran species, and its accumulation may lead to abortive moulting and large-scale deaths of the early juveniles. To date, the underlying mechanism for ammonia-induced alteration of the moulting process is still unknown. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of ammonia on the moulting as well as the potential mechanisms in early juveniles of the swimming crab Portunus trituberculatus, an important aquaculture species in China. We evaluated the survival rate and moulting rate of the juvenile crabs (C2) and analyzed the expression pattern of the genes in key components of molt signaling during a complete moulting cycle under different concentrations of ammonia nitrogen (the control group: <0.1 mg/L; the LA group: 5 mg/L; and the HA group: 20 mg/L). The results showed that: (1) the survival rate in the LA and HA groups was lower than that in the control group at the end of the experiment, and moulting death syndrome (MDS) was only observed in the HA group; (2) the moulting rate was higher in the LA group and lower in the HA group compared to the control group; (3) consistent with the results of the moulting experiment, MIH showed decreased expression, and genes related to ecdysteroid synthesis, ecdysteroid receptors, and responsive effectors exhibited increased expression in the LA group compared to the control group; and (4) although MIH expression was upregulated, increased expression of the genes associated with ecdysteroid synthesis, ecdysteroid receptors and downstream effectors still observed in the HA group. Our results indicated that low levels of ammonia can promote moulting in juvenile swimming crabs by inhibiting the expression of MIH and activating moult signaling, whereas high levels of ammonia inhibit moulting and lead to MDS through impairing moult signaling.
Insulin Resistance Is Associated with an Unfavorable Serum Lipoprotein Lipid Profile in Women with Newly Diagnosed Gestational Diabetes
Authors: Huhtala Mikael , Rönnemaa Tapani , Tertti Kristiina
Published: March 2023

Background: Gestational diabetes (GDM) is associated with various degrees of insulin resistance—a feature related to increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes. We aimed to determine the previously poorly investigated associations between maternal insulin resistance and serum fasting metabolome at the time of GDM diagnosis. Methods: Serum lipoprotein and amino acid profile was analyzed in 300 subjects with newly diagnosed GDM using a validated nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy protocol. Associations between insulin resistance (homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, HOMA2-IR) and serum metabolites were examined with linear regression. Results: We found insulin resistance to be associated with a distinct lipid pattern: increased concentration of VLDL triglycerides and phospholipids and total triglycerides. VLDL size was positively related and LDL and HDL sizes were inversely related to insulin resistance. Of fatty acids, increased total fatty acids, relative increase in saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, and relative decrease in polyunsaturated and omega fatty acids were related to maternal insulin resistance. Conclusions: In newly diagnosed GDM, the association between maternal insulin resistance and serum lipoprotein profile was largely as described in type 2 diabetes. Lifestyle interventions aiming to decrease insulin resistance from early pregnancy could benefit pregnancy outcomes via more advantageous lipid metabolism.
G Protein-Dependent Activation of the PKA-Erk1/2 Pathway by the Striatal Dopamine D1/D3 Receptor Heteromer Involves Beta-Arrestin and the Tyrosine Phosphatase Shp-2
Authors: Bono Federica , Tomasoni Zaira , Mutti Veronica , Sbrini Giulia , Kumar Rajesh , Longhena Francesca , Fiorentini Chiara , Missale Cristina
Published: March 2023

The heteromer composed of dopamine D1 and D3 receptors (D1R–D3R) has been defined as a structure able to trigger Erk1/2 and Akt signaling in a G protein-independent, beta-arrestin 1-dependent way that is physiologically expressed in the ventral striatum and is likely involved in the control of locomotor activity. Indeed, abnormal levels of D1R-D3R heteromer in the dorsal striatum have been correlated with the development of L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia (LID) in Parkinson’s disease patients, a motor complication associated with striatal D1R signaling, thus requiring Gs protein and PKA activity to activate Erk1/2. Therefore, to clarify the role of the D1R/D3R heteromer in LID, we investigated the signaling pathway induced by the heteromer using transfected cells and primary mouse striatal neurons. Collectively, we found that in both the cell models, D1R/D3R heteromer-induced activation of Erk1/2 exclusively required the D1R molecular effectors, such as Gs protein and PKA, with the contribution of the phosphatase Shp-2 and beta-arrestins, indicating that heterodimerization with the D3R abolishes the specific D3R-mediated signaling but strongly allows D1R signals. Therefore, while in physiological conditions the D1R/D3R heteromer could represent a mechanism that strengthens the D1R activity, its pathological expression may contribute to the abnormal PKA-Shp-2-Erk1/2 pathway connected with LID.
Pathophysiology, Therapeutic Targets, and Future Therapeutic Alternatives in COPD: Focus on the Importance of the Cholinergic System
Authors: Gomes Felisbela , Cheng Shih-Lung
Published: March 2023

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive disease characterized by airway limitation and changes in airway structure. It has a high global burden of mortality and morbidity. The etiology of COPD is complex, but exposure to tobacco smoke and other inhaled lung oxidants are major risk factors. Both pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches are used to manage COPD, but there remains an urgent unmet need for drugs that can modify the course of the disease. This review focuses on the role of acetylcholine and other components of the pulmonary cholinergic system in the pathogenesis of COPD, and the inhaled pharmacological agents that target it. In addition to its role as a neurotransmitter, acetylcholine regulates diverse aspects of COPD pathogenesis including bronchoconstriction, airway remodeling, mucus secretion and inflammation. Inhaled antimuscarinic drugs are a key component of therapy for COPD, as monotherapy or in combination with inhaled β2 agonists or corticosteroids. We review the evidence supporting the use of current anticholinergic agents in COPD and preview novel drugs targeting the cholinergic system and agents from other classes in clinical development, such as phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies targeting inflammatory mediators.
The Role of miRNAs in Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Morchio Martina , Sher Emanuele , Collier David A. , Lambert Daniel W. , Boissonade Fiona M.
Published: March 2023

Neuropathic pain is a debilitating condition affecting around 8% of the adult population in the UK. The pathophysiology is complex and involves a wide range of processes, including alteration of neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission, dysregulated intracellular signalling and activation of pro-inflammatory immune and glial cells. In the past 15 years, multiple miRNAs–small non-coding RNA–have emerged as regulators of neuropathic pain development. They act by binding to target mRNAs and preventing the translation into proteins. Due to their short sequence (around 22 nucleotides in length), they can have hundreds of targets and regulate several pathways. Several studies on animal models have highlighted numerous miRNAs that play a role in neuropathic pain development at various stages of the nociceptive pathways, including neuronal excitability, synaptic transmission, intracellular signalling and communication with non-neuronal cells. Studies on animal models do not always translate in the clinic; fewer studies on miRNAs have been performed involving human subjects with neuropathic pain, with differing results depending on the specific aetiology underlying neuropathic pain. Further studies using human tissue and liquid samples (serum, plasma, saliva) will help highlight miRNAs that are relevant to neuropathic pain diagnosis or treatment, as biomarkers or potential drug targets.
EGPA Phenotyping: Not Only ANCA, but Also Eosinophils
Authors: Matucci Andrea , Vivarelli Emanuele , Perlato Margherita , Mecheri Valentina , Accinno Matteo , Cosmi Lorenzo , Parronchi Paola , Rossi Oliviero , Vultaggio Alessandra
Published: March 2023

Background: Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (EGPA) is a small-vessel necrotizing vasculitis. The anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies’ (ANCA) role in defining clinical EGPA phenotypes is well established. Although the role of eosinophils in disease pathogenesis has been clearly demonstrated, the value of blood eosinophil count (BEC) as a biomarker of disease phenotypes is currently uncertain. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed EGPA patients referred to our Immunology Clinic. Demographic, laboratory and clinical features were retrieved from clinical records, and a Logistic Regression was fitted to evaluate the predictive power of all baseline clinical and laboratory features to define EGPA phenotypes. Results: 168 patients were recruited. BEC ≤ 1500 cells/mL was predictive of a clinical involvement characterized by asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and lung opacities (OR 0.18, 95% CI 0.07–0.43; respiratory-limited phenotype); BEC > 3500/mL was predictive of extrapulmonary organ involvement (OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.7–7.1; systemic phenotype). BEC was also predictive of peripheral nervous system (PNS) involvement, with a positive trend with increasing BEC (<1500/mL: OR 0.17, 95%CI, 0.06–0.47; >3500/mL: OR 2.8, 95% CI, 1.5–5.28). ANCA positivity was also predictive of extrapulmonary involvement (OR 4.7, 95% CI 1.9–11.99). Conclusions: according to BEC and irrespective of the ANCA status, two EGPA phenotypes could be identified, named systemic and respiratory-limited phenotypes, with different organ involvement and possibly different prognoses.
Effect of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Temozolomide Drug-Sensitive and Drug-Resistant Glioblastoma Cells
Authors: Silva Janaína Alessandra , Colquhoun Alison
Published: March 2023

Glioblastomas (GBMs) are notoriously difficult to treat, and the development of multiple drug resistance (MDR) is common during the course of the disease. The polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) have been reported to improve MDR in several tumors including breast, bladder, and leukaemia. However, the effects of PUFAs on GBM cell MDR are poorly understood. The present study investigated the effects of PUFAs on cellular responses to temozolomide (TMZ) in U87MG cells and the TMZ-resistant (TMZR) cells derived from U87MG. Cells were treated with PUFAs in the absence or presence of TMZ and dose–response, viable cell counting, gene expression, Western blotting, flow cytometry, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS), and drug efflux studies were performed. The development of TMZ resistance caused an increase in ABC transporter ABCB1 and ABCC1 expression. GLA-, EPA-, and DHA-treated cells had altered fatty acid composition and accumulated lipid droplets in the cytoplasm. The most significant reduction in cell growth was seen for the U87MG and TMZR cells in the presence of EPA. GLA and EPA caused more significant effects on ABC transporter expression than DHA. GLA and EPA in combination with TMZ caused significant reductions in rhodamine 123 efflux from U87MG cells but not from TMZR cells. Overall, these findings support the notion that PUFAs can modulate ABC transporters in GBM cells.
Nanotechnology in Stroke: New Trails with Smaller Scales
Authors: Toljan Karlo , Ashok Anushruti , Labhasetwar Vinod , Hussain M. Shazam
Published: March 2023

Stroke is a leading cause of death, long-term disability, and socioeconomic costs, highlighting the urgent need for effective treatment. During acute phase, intravenous administration of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), a thrombolytic agent, and endovascular thrombectomy (EVT), a mechanical intervention to retrieve clots, are the only FDA-approved treatments to re-establish cerebral blood flow. Due to a short therapeutic time window and high potential risk of cerebral hemorrhage, a limited number of acute stroke patients benefit from tPA treatment. EVT can be performed within an extended time window, but such intervention is performed only in patients with occlusion in a larger, anatomically more proximal vasculature and is carried out at specialty centers. Regardless of the method, in case of successful recanalization, ischemia-reperfusion injury represents an additional challenge. Further, tPA disrupts the blood-brain barrier integrity and is neurotoxic, aggravating reperfusion injury. Nanoparticle-based approaches have the potential to circumvent some of the above issues and develop a thrombolytic agent that can be administered safely beyond the time window for tPA treatment. Different attributes of nanoparticles are also being explored to develop a multifunctional thrombolytic agent that, in addition to a thrombolytic agent, can contain therapeutics such as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neuro/vasoprotective, or imaging agent, i.e., a theragnostic agent. The focus of this review is to highlight these advances as they relate to cerebrovascular conditions to improve clinical outcomes in stroke patients.
Morpho-Functional Effect of a New Collagen-Based Medical Device on Human Gingival Fibroblasts: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Romasco Tea , Mandrillo Pier Michele , Morsut Erica , Tumedei Margherita , Mandatori Domitilla , Petrini Morena , Curia Maria Cristina , De Angelis Francesco , D’Arcangelo Camillo , Piattelli Adriano , Di Pietro Natalia
Published: March 2023

Maintaining periodontal and peri-implant soft tissues health is crucial for the long-term health of teeth and dental implants. New biomedical strategies aimed at avoiding connective tissue alterations and related diseases (e.g., periodontitis and peri-implantitis) are constantly evolving. Among these, collagen-based medical products have proven to be safe and effective. Accordingly, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of Dental SKIN BioRegulation (Guna S.p.a., Milan, Italy), a new injectable medical device composed of type I collagen of porcine origin, on primary cultures of human gingival fibroblasts (hGF). To this end, hGF were cultured on collagen-coated (COL, 100 µg/2 mL) or uncoated plates (CTRL) before evaluating cell viability (24 h, 48 h, 72 h, and 7 d), wound healing properties (3 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, and 48 h), and the activation of mechanotransduction markers, such as FAK, YAP, and TAZ (48 h). The results proved a significant increase in cell viability at 48 h (p < 0.05) and wound closure at 24 h (p < 0.001) of hGF grown on COL, with an increasing trend at all time-points. Furthermore, COL significantly induced the expression of FAK and YAP/TAZ (p < 0.05), thereby promoting the activation of mechanotransduction signaling pathways. Overall, these data suggest that COL, acting as a mechanical bio-scaffold, could represent a useful treatment for gingival rejuvenation and may possibly help in the resolution of oral pathologies.
A Simplified and Effective Approach for the Isolation of Small Pluripotent Stem Cells Derived from Human Peripheral Blood
Authors: Filidou Eirini , Kandilogiannakis Leonidas , Tarapatzi Gesthimani , Spathakis Michail , Su Colin , Rai Alin , Greening David W. , Arvanitidis Konstantinos , Paspaliaris Vasilis , Kolios George
Published: March 2023

Pluripotent stem cells are key players in regenerative medicine. Embryonic pluripotent stem cells, despite their significant advantages, are associated with limitations such as their inadequate availability and the ethical dilemmas in their isolation and clinical use. The discovery of very small embryonic-like (VSEL) stem cells addressed the aforementioned limitations, but their isolation technique remains a challenge due to their small cell size and their efficiency in isolation. Here, we report a simplified and effective approach for the isolation of small pluripotent stem cells derived from human peripheral blood. Our approach results in a high yield of small blood stem cell (SBSC) population, which expresses pluripotent embryonic markers (e.g., Nanog, SSEA-3) and the Yamanaka factors. Further, a fraction of SBSCs also co-express hematopoietic markers (e.g., CD45 and CD90) and/or mesenchymal markers (e.g., CD29, CD105 and PTH1R), suggesting a mixed stem cell population. Finally, quantitative proteomic profiling reveals that SBSCs contain various stem cell markers (CD9, ITGA6, MAPK1, MTHFD1, STAT3, HSPB1, HSPA4), and Transcription reg complex factors (e.g., STAT5B, PDLIM1, ANXA2, ATF6, CAMK1). In conclusion, we present a novel, simplified and effective isolating process that yields an abundant population of small-sized cells with characteristics of pluripotency from human peripheral blood.
Artificial Intelligence Its Uses and Application in Pediatric Dentistry: A Review
Authors: Vishwanathaiah Satish , Fageeh Hytham N. , Khanagar Sanjeev B. , Maganur Prabhadevi C.
Published: March 2023

In the global epidemic era, oral problems significantly impact a major population of children. The key to a child’s optimal health is early diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of these disorders. In recent years, the field of artificial intelligence (AI) has seen tremendous pace and progress. As a result, AI’s infiltration is witnessed even in those areas that were traditionally thought to be best left to human specialists. The ultimate ability to improve patient care and make precise diagnoses of illnesses has revolutionized the world of healthcare. In the field of dentistry, the competence to execute treatment measures while still providing appropriate patient behavior counseling is in high demand, particularly in the field of pediatric dental care. As a result, we decided to conduct this review specifically to examine the applications of AI models in pediatric dentistry. A comprehensive search of the subjects was done using a wide range of databases to look for studies that have been published in peer-reviewed journals from its inception until 31 December 2022. After the application of the criteria, only 25 of the 351 articles were taken into consideration for this review. According to the literature, AI is frequently used in pediatric dentistry for the purpose of making an accurate diagnosis and assisting clinicians, dentists, and pediatric dentists in clinical decision making, developing preventive strategies, and establishing an appropriate treatment plan.
Identification of Natural Lead Compounds against Hemagglutinin-Esterase Surface Glycoprotein in Human Coronaviruses Investigated via MD Simulation, Principal Component Analysis, Cross-Correlation, H-Bond Plot and MMGBSA
Authors: Ali Iqra , Rasheed Muhammad Asif , Cavalu Simona , Rahim Kashif , Ijaz Sana , Yahya Galal , Goh Lucky Poh Wah , Popoviciu Mihaela Simona
Published: March 2023

The pandemic outbreak of human coronavirus is a global health concern that affects people of all ages and genders, but there is currently still no effective, approved and potential drug against human coronavirus, as many other coronavirus vaccines have serious side effects while the development of small antiviral inhibitors has gained tremendous attention. For this research, HE was used as a therapeutic target, as the spike protein displays a high binding affinity for both host ACE2 and viral HE glycoprotein. Molecular docking, pharmacophore modelling and virtual screening of 38,000 natural compounds were employed to find out the best natural inhibitor against human coronaviruses with more efficiency and fewer side effects and further evaluated via MD simulation, PCA, DCCR and MMGBSA. The lead compound ‘Calceolarioside B’ was identified on the basis of pharmacophoric features which depict favorable binding (ΔGbind −37.6799 kcal/mol) with the HE(5N11) receptor that describes positive correlation movements in active site residues with better stability, a robust H-bond network, compactness and reliable ADMET properties. The Fraxinus sieboldiana Blume plant containing the Calceolarioside B compound could be used as a potential inhibitor that shows a higher efficacy and potency with fewer side effects. This research work will aid investigators in the testing and identification of chemicals that are effective and useful against human coronavirus.
Mechanical Behavior of Bamboo-Like Structures under Transversal Compressive Loading
Authors: Wang Siyi , Wang Jiayang , Komvopoulos Kyriakos
Published: March 2023

Inspired by many biological structures in nature, biomimetic structures demonstrate significantly better mechanical performance than traditional engineering structures. The exceptional mechanical properties of natural materials are attributed to the hierarchical architecture of their structure. Consequently, the implementation of biomimetic structures in the design of lightweight structures with tailored mechanical properties has been constantly increasing in many fields of science and engineering. The bamboo structure is of particular interest because it combines a light weight and excellent mechanical properties, often surpassing those of several engineering materials. The objective of this study was to evaluate the mechanical behavior of bamboo-inspired structures subjected to transversal compressive loading. Structures consisting of bamboo-like thin-walled hexagonal building blocks (unit cells) with different dimensions were fabricated by stereolithography 3D printing and their mechanical performance was evaluated by mechanical testing, high-speed camera video recordings, and finite element simulations. The results of the elastic modulus, yield strength, and strain energy density at fracture were interpreted in terms of characteristic dimensions of the unit cell structure. The failure process was elucidated in the light of images of the fractured structures and simulation strain maps. The results of this study demonstrate that ultralight bamboo-like structures with specific mechanical characteristics can be produced by optimizing the dimensions and number density of the hexagonal unit cell.
Gait Generation Method of Snake Robot Based on Main Characteristic Curve Fitting
Authors: Tang Chaoquan , Sun Lulu , Zhou Gongbo , Shu Xin , Tang Hongwei , Wu Hao
Published: March 2023

Gait generation method is one of the important contents of snake robot motion control. Different gait generation methods produce completely different forms of control functions, so snake robots need more complicated programming logic and processes to realize various gaits and their transformation. Therefore, we propose a new unified expression of gait method, The MCC (main characteristics control) method simplifies and unifies the control functions of different snake robots gaits by extracting the main features of the backbone curves of snake robots gaits. Since all periodic curves that meet the Dirichlet conditions can be formed by superposition of sinusoidal curves, taking the “lowest frequency” part that reflects the main characteristics of the curve as the target configuration can simplify the motion control function of snake robots’ gaits. Based on the MCC method, some snake robot gaits are reconstructed, including serpentine gait, rolling gait, helix rolling gait, and crawler gait. In addition, based on MCC method, an AEH-sidewinding gait control method is proposed. The backbone of the AEH-sidewinding gait is closer to the ideal elliptic helix, thus improving the accuracy of its kinematics modeling of snake robot sidewinding gait. Finally, the validity of this gait is verified by experiments. This unified gait expression of snake robots will be helpful to realize smooth gait switching between different gaits of snake robots.
Sugar–Lectin Interactions for Direct and Selective Detection of Escherichia coli Bacteria Using QCM Biosensor
Authors: Eshun Gaddi B. , Crapo Heather A. , Yazgan Idris , Cronmiller Lauren , Sadik Omowunmi A.
Published: March 2023

Pathogenic Escherichia coli (E. coli) remains a safety concern in the preservation and quality of green leafy vegetables. Sugar–lectin interactions provide a reliable, specific, and effective sensing platform for the detection of bacteria as compared to the tedious conventional plate counting technique. Herein, we present the synthesis of 4-(N-mannosyl) benzoic acid (4-NMBA) and 4-thiophenyl-N-mannose (4-TNM) via a two-step reductive amination for the detection of E. coli using a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) biosensor. The 4-NMBA was synthesized with mannose and para-aminobenzoic (4-PBA), while the 4-TNM was synthesized with mannose and 4-aminophenyl disulfide (4-AHP) using water and acetic acid in a 1:1 ratio. The resultant structure of mannose derivatives (4-NMBA and 4-TNM) was characterized and confirmed using analytical tools, such as Mass Spectrometer, SEM, and FTIR. The choice of ligands (mannose derivatives) is ascribed to the specific recognition of mannose to the FimH lectin of the type 1 pilus of E. coli. Furthermore, the 4-PBA and 4-AHP conjugated to mannose increase the ligand affinity to FimH lectins. The setup of the QCM biosensor was composed of modification of the crystal surface and the covalent attachment of ligands for the detection of E. coli. The piezoelectric effect (frequency shift of the quartz) was proportional to the change in mass added to the gold crystal surface. Both the 4-NMBA- and 4-TNM-coated QCM sensors had a limit of detection of 3.7 CFU/mL and 6.6 CFU/mL with a sensitivity of 2.56 × 103 ng/mL and 8.99 × 10−5 ng/mL, respectively, within the dynamic range of 103 to 106 CFU/mL. This study demonstrates the application of ligand-coated QCM biosensors as a cost-effective, simple, and label-free technology for monitoring pathogenic bacteria via molecular interactions on crystal surfaces.
Increased Pre-Boundary Lengthening Does Not Enhance Implicit Intonational Phrase Perception in European Portuguese: An EEG Study
Authors: Batista Ana Rita , Catronas Dinis , Folia Vasiliki , Silva Susana
Published: March 2023

Prosodic phrasing is the segmentation of utterances into prosodic words, phonological phrases (smaller units) and intonational phrases (larger units) based on acoustic cues—pauses, pitch changes and pre-boundary lengthening. The perception of prosodic boundaries is characterized by a positive event-related potential (ERP) component, temporally aligned with phrase boundaries—the Closure Positive Shift (CPS). The role of pre-boundary lengthening in boundary perception is still a matter of debate: while studies on phonological phrase boundaries indicate that all three cues contribute equally, approaches to intonational phrase boundaries highlight the pause as the most powerful cue. Moreover, all studies used explicit boundary recognition tasks, and it is unknown how pre-boundary lengthening works in implicit prosodic processing tasks, characteristic of real-life contexts. In this study, we examined the effects of pre-boundary lengthening (original, short, and long) on the EEG responses to intonational phrase boundaries (CPS effect) in European Portuguese, using an implicit task. Both original and short versions showed equivalent CPS effects, while the long set did not elicit the effect. This suggests that pre-boundary lengthening does not contribute to improved perception of boundaries in intonational phrases (longer units), possibly due to memory and attention-related constraints.
Using Automated Speech Processing for Repeated Measurements in a Clinical Setting of the Behavioral Variability in the Stroop Task
Authors: Holmlund Terje B. , Cohen Alex S. , Cheng Jian , Foltz Peter W. , Bernstein Jared , Rosenfeld Elizabeth , Laeng Bruno , Elvevåg Brita
Published: March 2023

The Stroop interference task is indispensable to current neuropsychological practice. Despite this, it is limited in its potential for repeated administration, its sensitivity and its demands on professionals and their clients. We evaluated a digital Stroop deployed using a smart device. Spoken responses were timed using automated speech recognition. Participants included adult nonpatients (N = 113; k = 5 sessions over 5 days) and patients with psychiatric diagnoses (N = 85; k = 3–4 sessions per week over 4 weeks). Traditional interference (difference in response time between color incongruent words vs. color neutral words; M = 0.121 s) and facilitation (neutral vs. color congruent words; M = 0.085 s) effects were robust and temporally stable over testing sessions (ICCs 0.50–0.86). The performance showed little relation to clinical symptoms for a two-week window for either nonpatients or patients but was related to self-reported concentration at the time of testing for both groups. Performance was also related to treatment outcomes in patients. The duration of response word utterances was longer in patients than in nonpatients. Measures of intra-individual variability showed promise for understanding clinical state and treatment outcome but were less temporally stable than measures based solely on average response time latency. This framework of remote assessment using speech processing technology enables the fine-grained longitudinal charting of cognition and verbal behavior. However, at present, there is a problematic lower limit to the absolute size of the effects that can be examined when using voice in such a brief ‘out-of-the-laboratory condition’ given the temporal resolution of the speech-to-text detection system (in this case, 10 ms). This resolution will limit the parsing of meaningful effect sizes.
Research Progress on Carbon Emissions of Public Buildings: A Visual Analysis and Review
Authors: Gao Zhen , Liu Hui , Xu Xiaoxiao , Xiahou Xiaer , Cui Peng , Mao Peng
Published: March 2023

As the global climate continues to change, lowering carbon emissions of public buildings (CEPB) is essential for reducing carbon emissions from the construction sector. Exploring the current status of the field is crucial to improving the effort to reduce CEPB. CiteSpace and VOSviewer are used in this research to visualize the literature on CEPB from the Web of Science Core Collection from 2002 to 2022, including an overview, collaborations, and keywords, as well as references. The paper then analyzes and reviews the research processes of CEPB in conjunction with the visualization results and the collation of information from the literature. The results show that the current research hotspots include (1) theoretical research and simulation modeling, (2) energy systems, (3) materials, (4) public building retrofitting, (5) the main factors that contribute to the reduction in CEPB. Architectural features and structures and digital technology are the frontiers of research in the field of CEPB. In general, there is still sufficient space to develop in the field. These findings intuitively encapsulate the valuable information and inherent value of a significant body of literature, which can help researchers quickly understand the field and provide some references.
Experimental Study on the Effects of New Foam on the Improvement of Sandy Soil for Earth Pressure Balance Shield
Authors: Sun Yongshuai , Liu Dapeng , Wang Guihe
Published: March 2023

In this paper, starting from the foaming amount, half-life and other indicators, the surfactant with excellent performance is optimized, and the optimal compound ratio and appropriate foam stabilizer, viscosity enhancer, and additives are studied. A new type of foam agent formula for the EPB shield is developed. The performance of the new foam agent is compared with that of domestic foam and imported foam from the aspects of foaming rate, stability, micromorphology and temperature resistance, which verifies that it meets the parameter requirements and advantages of a foam agent for shield tunneling. Then, by means of laboratory tests, such as the mixing test, friction coefficient test, adhesion resistance test, slump test and direct shear test, the improvement effect of the new foam agent is compared with existing foam agent products at home and abroad, and the improvement effect of the new foam agent on soil is evaluated. The formulation of the new foam agent is as follows: 1.6% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) + 8% dodecyl dimethyl betaine (BS-12) + 7% dodecanol + 0.06% guar gum + 0.6% ammonium chloride. The foaming rate, stability, microstructure and temperature resistance of new foam meet the requirements of shield construction. New foam, imported foam and domestic foam have advantages in sand and soil improvement experiments, but from an economic point of view, the new type of bubble is better than the other two. A new type of shield foam agent is prepared to meet the needs of construction. There is a big advantage in terms of price.
Diagnosis of the Economic Potential within the Building and Construction Field and Its Waste in Spain
Authors: Colmenero Fonseca Fabiola , Cárcel-Carrasco Javier , Martínez-Corral Aurora , Kaur Jangveer , Llinares Millán Jaime
Published: March 2023

The construction and demolition sectors are among the world’s most critical activities, generating large amounts of waste. Thus, these sectors’ waste accumulation problem is related to the environmental protection system and proper waste management. On the other hand, it is well known that proper waste disposal can increase its value. In this way, the economic potential of the trash can be raised again. Therefore, this article will examine the economic potential of construction and demolition (C & D) waste. Different waste management processes will be analyzed to better understand the topic from a financial perspective in this area underway in Spain. Therefore, data from other regions of Spain were collected. This data led to results where the most expensive rooms were Pais Vasco and the Balearic Islands, where disposal of C & D waste had the highest prices, exceeding EUR 30 per ton. Conversely, the lowest prices are found in regions such as Navarre and Andalusia, where prices per ton are EUR 8 and EUR 6, respectively. The values show a direct relationship between the treatment price and the amount of C & D waste disposed of. Therefore, this article will look at different factors influencing sustainable waste management. Such activities have a positive impact, as waste needs to be recycled and reevaluated by waste management operators. The cost of construction waste is an integral part of the budget because it represents the monetary value of the cost of collecting and recycling construction waste. Construction waste is an essential resource for economic and social development, as it contributes to job creation, education and culture, and the protection and preservation of the environment.
Effect of Dynamic Loads on the Long-Term Efficiency of Liner Layers
Authors: Al-Mahbashi Ahmed M. , Alnuaim Ahmed
Published: March 2023

The liner layers of natural sand-clay mixtures are extensively used in a range of geotechnical and geoenvironmental projects. In many of these projects, these layers are exposed to dynamic loads or waves due to natural seismic earthquakes or due to human activities, such as machine vibrations, traffic repeated loads, and other impact loads. The permeability of liners is a key property and should be adequately designed to sustain these loads during their lifetime of serviceability. This study sought to evaluate the possible effects of dynamic loads on the efficiency of two different sand-expansive clay (SCL) liners during their lifetime. This was achieved through experimental tests for two series; the first series was subjected to dynamic loads (up to 500 cycles) using the triaxial dynamic system and then tested for permeability for a long period of up to 100 days. The permeability results were compared with the second series tested without being subject to dynamic loads. The dynamic properties for both liners, such as the shear modulus (G), damping ratio (D), and degradation index (δ) were determined and discussed. The results indicated that both materials showed significant degradation with an increase in cycles of dynamic loads; most of the degradation took place during the first 100 cycles. In consequence, the dynamic loads induced a significant effect on the performance of the liners during their lifetime (reducing the permeability by more than six times). These effects were time-dependent and should be taken into account during the design phases.
Adaptive Aquila Optimizer with Explainable Artificial Intelligence-Enabled Cancer Diagnosis on Medical Imaging
Authors: Alkhalaf Salem , Alturise Fahad , Bahaddad Adel Aboud , Elnaim Bushra M. Elamin , Shabana Samah , Abdel-Khalek Sayed , Mansour Romany F.
Published: March 2023

Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) is a branch of AI that mainly focuses on developing systems that provide understandable and clear explanations for their decisions. In the context of cancer diagnoses on medical imaging, an XAI technology uses advanced image analysis methods like deep learning (DL) to make a diagnosis and analyze medical images, as well as provide a clear explanation for how it arrived at its diagnoses. This includes highlighting specific areas of the image that the system recognized as indicative of cancer while also providing data on the fundamental AI algorithm and decision-making process used. The objective of XAI is to provide patients and doctors with a better understanding of the system’s decision-making process and to increase transparency and trust in the diagnosis method. Therefore, this study develops an Adaptive Aquila Optimizer with Explainable Artificial Intelligence Enabled Cancer Diagnosis (AAOXAI-CD) technique on Medical Imaging. The proposed AAOXAI-CD technique intends to accomplish the effectual colorectal and osteosarcoma cancer classification process. To achieve this, the AAOXAI-CD technique initially employs the Faster SqueezeNet model for feature vector generation. As well, the hyperparameter tuning of the Faster SqueezeNet model takes place with the use of the AAO algorithm. For cancer classification, the majority weighted voting ensemble model with three DL classifiers, namely recurrent neural network (RNN), gated recurrent unit (GRU), and bidirectional long short-term memory (BiLSTM). Furthermore, the AAOXAI-CD technique combines the XAI approach LIME for better understanding and explainability of the black-box method for accurate cancer detection. The simulation evaluation of the AAOXAI-CD methodology can be tested on medical cancer imaging databases, and the outcomes ensured the auspicious outcome of the AAOXAI-CD methodology than other current approaches.
Next Generation BTK Inhibitors in CLL: Evolving Challenges and New Opportunities
Authors: Frustaci Anna Maria , Deodato Marina , Zamprogna Giulia , Cairoli Roberto , Montillo Marco , Tedeschi Alessandra
Published: March 2023

Ibrutinib revolutionized the CLL treatment approach and prognosis demonstrating its efficacy and safety even at extended follow-up. During the last few years, several next-generation inhibitors have been developed to overcome the occurrence of toxicity or resistance in patients on continuous treatment. In a head-to-head comparison of two phase III trials, both acalabrutinib and zanubrutinib demonstrated a lower incidence of adverse events in respect to ibrutinib. Nevertheless, resistance mutations remain a concern with continuous therapy and were demonstrated with both first- and next-generation covalent inhibitors. Reversible inhibitors showed efficacy independently of previous treatment and the presence of BTK mutations. Other strategies are currently under development in CLL, especially for high-risk patients, and include BTK inhibitor combinations with BCl2 inhibitors with or without anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies. Finally, new mechanisms for BTK inhibition are under investigations in patients progressing with both covalent and non-covalent BTK and BCl2 inhibitors. Here we summarize and discuss results from main experiences on irreversible and reversable BTK inhibitors in CLL.