bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real-World Clinical Outcomes of Molnupiravir for the Treatment of Mild to Moderate COVID-19 in Adult Patients during the Dominance of the Omicron Variant: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Huang Chienhsiu , Lu Tsung-Lung , Lin Lichen
Published: February 2023

Introduction: The therapeutic impact of molnupiravir in the Omicron variant phase is unknown. The goal of the current meta-analysis was to compare the real-world clinical outcomes of molnupiravir for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 during the dominance of the Omicron variant in adult patients to that of a placebo. Methods: To be included, studies had to directly compare the clinical effectiveness of molnupiravir in treating adult COVID-19 patients to that of a placebo. Studies were included based on the following outcomes: all-cause mortality, composite outcome of disease progression, hospitalization rate, and viral load. Results: The current meta-analysis included six studies that indicated that the risk of mortality was reduced by 34%, and the risk of composite outcome of disease progression was reduced by 37% among patients who received molnupiravir. Molnupiravir was associated with faster reduction in viral loads than the placebo. There was no clinical benefit of reducing all-cause mortality in mild to moderate COVID-19 patients with high COVID-19 vaccination coverage. Conclusion: The clinical effectiveness of molnupiravir was associated with COVID-19 vaccination coverage in COVID-19 patients. There is a lack of detailed data on its effectiveness in vaccinated patients, especially those with low COVID-19 vaccination coverage.
Collaborative Optimization Method for Multi-Train Energy-Saving Control with Urban Rail Transit Based on DRLDA Algorithm
Authors: Dong Luxi , Qin Linan , Xie Xiaolan , Zhang Lieping , Qin Xianhao
Published: February 2023

With the traffic congestion problem deteriorating, people increasingly choose urban rail transit (URT) to travel. Although URT alleviates traffic congestion, the long-term operation of a large number of trains leads to huge energy consumption. In order to adapt the major social development concept of “Low carbon”, a multi-train energy-saving control collaborative optimization method is proposed in this paper. First, the composition of single train operating conditions is determined by the conversion of operating conditions between stations and the force changes under the premise of ensuring safe and on-time train operation. A single-train energy consumption calculation combinatorial optimization model with the dual control objectives of reducing passengers’ average waiting time as well as train traction energy consumption is established. The energy saving control strategy of a single train is investigated by ARMA-Radial Basis Function Neural Network (ARMA-RBFNN) and Genetic Algorithm (GA). Next, the queuing theory is introduced to analyze the variation in passenger waiting time for multiple trains at different arrival intervals. A Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) algorithm is designed to obtain the correlation among passenger waiting time, arrival interval and train stopping time. The optimization objective is to minimize the multi-train traction energy consumption and the average passenger waiting time while considering conditions such as train operating safety interval, speed limit, multiple operating state and single train energy-saving models, etc. Then, a multi-train cooperative energy-saving control model is proposed based on the Dragonfly Algorithm (DA). Finally, a case study of Beijing Metro Line 4 is conducted to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. The results demonstrate that the total traction energy consumption and passenger waiting time are reduced by 3.1% and 5 s, respectively, compared with the method of independently optimizing the single-train control strategy. The findings can aid in the development of energy-saving strategies and also provide a basis for energy-saving operation control of multiple trains.
Automatic Detection of Clickbait Headlines Using Semantic Analysis and Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Bronakowski Mark , Al-khassaweneh Mahmood , Al Bataineh Ali
Published: February 2023

Clickbait headlines are misleading headiness designed to attract attention and entice users to click on the link. Links can host malware, trojans and phishing attacks. Clickbaiting is one of the more subtle methods used by hackers and scammers. For these reasons, clickbait is a serious issue that must be addressed. This paper presents a method for identifying clickbait headlines using semantic analysis and machine learning techniques. The method involves analyzing thirty unique semantic features and exploring six different machine learning classification algorithms individually and in ensemble forms. Results show that the top models have an accuracy of 98% in classifying clickbait headlines. The proposed models can serve as a template for developing practical applications to detect clickbait headlines automatically.
The Effect of the Vertical Component of the Earthquake on a Regular Masonry Wall
Authors: Camata Guido , Di Primio Alice , Sepe Vincenzo , Cantagallo Cristina
Published: February 2023

The effect of the vertical component of earthquakes on the structural behaviour of unreinforced masonry (URM) walls is usually not considered by technical codes for ordinary buildings. Recent scientific literature, however, indicates that the earthquake vertical component may play a significant role in the crack pattern of URM walls and their collapse. This paper investigates the effect of the vertical seismic component on the capacity and damage scenario for a two-story regular URM wall, described with a detailed micro-modelling approach. Pushover and nonlinear time history analyses are carried out with and without the vertical component and under different dead loads representative of typical stress states for URM structures. The inter-story drift and roof drift ratios are introduced as Engineering Demand Parameters (EDPs), and their correlation with the Ground Motion Parameters (GMPs) of the horizontal and vertical components is discussed. The results show a very good correlation between the seismic demand and the GMPs of the vertical component, demonstrating the influence of the vertical component on the global seismic response. Moreover, the study shows that the influence of the vertical component increases with the vertical load applied to the structure, which indicates that the vertical ground motion component cannot be a priori neglected for URM walls when moderate to large vertical GMPs are expected.
Upper Body Pose Estimation Using Deep Learning for a Virtual Reality Avatar
Authors: Anvari Taravat , Park Kyoungju , Kim Ganghyun
Published: February 2023

With the popularity of virtual reality (VR) games and devices, demand is increasing for estimating and displaying user motion in VR applications. Most pose estimation methods for VR avatars exploit inverse kinematics (IK) and online motion capture methods. In contrast to existing approaches, we aim for a stable process with less computation, usable in a small space. Therefore, our strategy has minimum latency for VR device users, from high-performance to low-performance, in multi-user applications over the network. In this study, we estimate the upper body pose of a VR user in real time using a deep learning method. We propose a novel method inspired by a classical regression model and trained with 3D motion capture data. Thus, our design uses a convolutional neural network (CNN)-based architecture from the joint information of motion capture data and modifies the network input and output to obtain input from a head and both hands. After feeding the model with properly normalized inputs, a head-mounted display (HMD), and two controllers, we render the user’s corresponding avatar in VR applications. We used our proposed pose estimation method to build single-user and multi-user applications, measure their performance, conduct a user study, and compare the results with previous methods for VR avatars.
Analysis of BIM-Based Quantity Take-Off in Simplification of the Length of Processed Rebar
Authors: Kwon Woobin , Kim Hyeonmin , Ahn Heejae , Park U-Yeol , Kim Chee Kyeong , Cho Hunhee
Published: February 2023

It is important to apply the Length types of Processed Rebar Simplification (LPRS) to rebar work for improving work efficiency and reducing labor in construction fields. However, when used excessively, LPRS can also bring about adverse results, as the increase in the amount of wasted rebars can scale with the cutting process, leading to an increase in material cost. Therefore, it is crucial to find a proper level of simplification for considering labor and material cost together. In this study, various simplification tests were conducted based on BIM software to quantitatively validate the variation of the amount of rebar and LPRS according to the simplification. These tests were conducted for each member and the shape of the building, using the data of five projects, by dividing the unit of simplified rebar length into three cases. The research analysis showed that simplifying the unit of rebar lengths to 500 mm and 1000 mm increased the amounts of materials at a greater rate, making them undesirable. Further, it was recognized that irregular slabs, compared to regular slabs, more efficiently reduced the number of LPRS when adopting simplification methods. This study is expected to contribute to preventing material costs from increasing excessively by quantitatively analyzing the impact level of simplification on the amount of rebar materials and LPRS.
RF Frequency Selective Switch by Multiple PMIM Conversions
Authors: Hao Wenhui , Peng Yi , Wang Shaohua , Liu Xia
Published: February 2023

Nowadays, broadband and multi-channel radio frequency (RF) processing has been widely used in communication, radar, countermeasure, and other applications. At present, multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO)-oriented microwave photonic signal processing technology is relatively scarce, so this paper proposes an RF frequency selective switch (FSS) based on multiple phase modulation to intensity modulation (PMIM) conversions. PMIM conversion has been used in narrowband microwave photonic filtering in the past. We extend it to a wideband and arbitrarily reconfigurable RF spectrum processing unit through an optical frequency comb and periodic optical filter. Although we use the incoherent combination of a multi-wavelength light source, we can obtain any frequency response including rectangles only by using all positive tap coefficients. Using an optical wavelength selective switch (WSS), we obtain RF FSS, and the spectral resolution of RF FSS is much better than that of optical WSS, which is improved by more than two orders of magnitude. The above principles, including single-channel reconfigurable filtering and multi-channel RF FSS, are verified by experiments. Our technology provides a stable solution for future RF MIMO signal processing.
EBIC Imaging of Conductive Paths Formed in Graphene Oxide as a Result of Resistive Switching
Authors: Yakimov Eugene B. , Koveshnikov Sergei , Kononenko Oleg
Published: February 2023

The electron-beam-induced current (EBIC) method is utilized in this work to visualize conductive channels formed in graphene oxide as a result of resistive switching. Using metal–insulator–semiconductor (MIS) structures, an increase in the electron beam induced current by a few orders of magnitude as compared with the EBIC signal in metal–insulator–metal (MIM) structures is achieved. The mechanism of the EBIC image formation related to the conductive channels is explained by the separation and collection of the e-beam generated excess carriers by rectifying barrier nanocontacts formed at the graphene oxide/Si interface during resistive switching. It is shown that the collection efficiency of the formed nanocontacts decreases with the beam energy, in agreement with the theoretical predictions for the Schottky-like nanocontacts. An important advantage of the EBIC method is demonstrated in its ability to monitor the generation and elimination of high density conductive channels even when the current–voltage measurements cannot detect and separate these processes. EBIC study of the dynamics of the conductive channel formation can help better understand the underlying physical mechanisms of their generation.
Research on the Impact of Atmospheric Self-Purification Capacity on Environmental Pollution: Based on the Threshold Effect of Environmental Regulation
Authors: Zhou Jingkun , Zhao Xiao , Yin Ting
Published: February 2023

In China, Hebei Province and Guangdong Province have many pollution-intensive industries; yet Hebei suffers more serious atmospheric or environmental pollution than Guangdong. To explain the phenomenon, this paper chooses the statistical data of 286 prefecture-level cities in the Chinese mainland from 2005 to 2018 and empirically tests the spatial effect and threshold characteristics of atmospheric self-purification capacity on environmental pollution by using the spatial autoregression model (SAR), spatial Durbin model (SDM), and panel threshold model. As evinced, the local atmospheric self-purification capacity has a significant inhibitory effect on environmental pollution, and the absolute value of the direct effect coefficient reaches 1.337. Simultaneously, atmospheric self-purification capacity has a threshold effect on environmental pollution. The threshold value of environmental regulation as a threshold variable is 11.6349. This means that when the level of environmental regulation proves higher than 11.6349, it attenuates the inhibitory effect of the atmospheric self-purification capacity on environmental pollution. As the heterogeneity research unveils, atmospheric self-purification capacities in various regions form a significant correlation with environmental pollution. This paper suggests that local governments should strengthen environmental regulation and construct an inter-regional joint prevention and control system for atmospheric-pollution governance to enhance the atmospheric self-purification capacity.
Cowboys: Abstract Expressionism, Hollywood Westerns, and American Progress
Authors: Kedl Justin
Published: February 2023

Abstract Expressionism has been influenced heavily by the popular theory of America’s undying, progressive spirit, originally conceived by Frederick Jackson Turner and given its most potent form in Western films. Turner’s “Frontier Thesis” was embodied in stories of John Wayne and other cowboy heroes taming the supposed edges of civilization. The mythic West as constructed by Turner and these films cemented American identity as one of exploration and innovation, with the notable condition of Indigenous Americans ceding their sovereignty. While Abstract Expressionism was commonly connected to the mythic West through the origin stories of Jackson Pollock and Clyfford Still, the critical understanding of this movement as the height of painterly achievement built on Native American precedents evinces a deeper connection to Turner’s popular Frontier theory. As critics like Clement Greenberg cast flatness as the last frontier of painting, and as artists like Pollock and Barnett Newman claimed Native American ritual practices as a part of their aesthetic lineage, Abstract Expressionism proved as effective as Hollywood Westerns in corroborating and perpetuating the idea of America’s frontier spirit.
Not Only a Matter of Electricity–Rethinking Materiality with Victor Grippo’s Energía de una papa (1972)
Authors: Senkpiel Fabiana
Published: February 2023

In order to consider the materiality of Victor Grippo’s artwork Energía de una papa (1972) more comprehensively than has thus far been the case, the specific characteristics of this case study are initially discussed against the background of the relationship between materiality and conceptual art. In a further step, the artwork’s agency is questioned, and it is regarded in the context of positions within new materialism. This is done by utilizing certain aspects of Karen Barad’s concept of “agential realism” in an examination of Grippo’s artwork. Our thesis is that while the Baradian approach is able to explain materiality within the functioning of the case study, the complex embedding of materiality and symbolic factors for the context of the art require an even broader perspective. Finally, the different layers of materiality—the material presence and the immaterial, less tangible aspects—are considered together in order to show their indispensable entanglement in generating the artwork’s meaning. It is not just the potato as food-as-art-material or the voltameter as a ready-made that must be our focus, but all the organic, non-human materials and the non-tangible elements involved in the artistic work, as well as the human being who sets the process in motion.
Charge Exchange Spectroscopy of Multiply Charged Erbium Ions
Authors: Nishimura Yuki , Imaizumi Saki , Tanuma Hajime , Nakamura Nobuyuki , Sekiguchi Yuichiro , Wanajo Shinya , Sakaue Hiroyuki A. , Kato Daiji , Murakami Izumi , Tanaka Masaomi , Gaigalas Gediminas
Published: February 2023

The origin of heavier elements than iron is still under discussion, and recent studies suggest that the contribution of the r-process in neutron star mergers is dominant. Future modeling of such processes will require a huge amount of spectroscopic data on multiply charged ions of heavy elements. However, these experimental data are extremely scarce for heavy elements. In this work, we have performed the measurements of charge exchange spectroscopy for multiply charged Er ions in the visible light range. We report observed emission lines from multiply charged Er ions and their identification based on theoretical estimates.
Research on Bionic Fish Scale Channel for Optimizing Thermal Performance of Liquid Cooling Battery Thermal Management System
Authors: Mu Yutao , Gao Kai , Luo Pan , Ma Deng , Chang Haoran , Du Ronghua
Published: February 2023

Liquid cooling battery thermal management systems (BTMSs) are prevalently used in electric vehicles (EVs). With the use of fast charging and high-power cells, there is an increasing demand on thermal performance. In this context, a bionic fish scale (BFS) channel structure optimization design method is proposed to optimize the thermal performance. The effects of different structural parameters of the liquid cooling plate in BTMS on its cooling performance, including BFS notch diameter (D), BFS notch depth (H), and BFS notch spacing (S), are investigated. To minimize the maximum temperature (Tmax) and the maximum temperature difference (ΔTmax) as optimization indicators, experimental tests and numerical calculations are performed for a battery pack consisting of 36 square cells. Sixteen sets of thermal performance are discussed for different structural parameters in the transient thermal fluid simulation by using orthogonal tests. Under the optimal structural parameters, Tmax decreases by 1.61 °C (10.8%) and ΔTmax decreases by 0.43 °C (16.7%). In addition, the maximum increase in outlet flow velocity is 2.72% and the pressure is reduced by 4.98%. Therefore, the proposed BTMS will have effective cooling performance in high-power dissipation.
Gait Analysis to Monitor Fracture Healing of the Lower Leg
Authors: Warmerdam Elke , Orth Marcel , Pohlemann Tim , Ganse Bergita
Published: February 2023

Fracture healing is typically monitored by infrequent radiographs. Radiographs come at the cost of radiation exposure and reflect fracture healing with a time lag due to delayed fracture mineralization following increases in stiffness. Since union problems frequently occur after fractures, better and timelier methods to monitor the healing process are required. In this review, we provide an overview of the changes in gait parameters following lower leg fractures to investigate whether gait analysis can be used to monitor fracture healing. Studies assessing gait after lower leg fractures that were treated either surgically or conservatively were included. Spatiotemporal gait parameters, kinematics, kinetics, and pedography showed improvements in the gait pattern throughout the healing process of lower leg fractures. Especially gait speed and asymmetry measures have a high potential to monitor fracture healing. Pedographic measurements showed differences in gait between patients with and without union. No literature was available for other gait measures, but it is expected that further parameters reflect progress in bone healing. In conclusion, gait analysis seems to be a valuable tool for monitoring the healing process and predicting the occurrence of non-union of lower leg fractures.
Adjustment of Micro- and Macroporosity of ß-TCP Scaffolds Using Solid-Stabilized Foams as Bone Replacement
Authors: Dufner Lukas , Oßwald Bettina , Eberspaecher Jan , Riedel Bianca , Kling Chiara , Kern Frank , Seidenstuecker Michael
Published: February 2023

To enable rapid osteointegration in bioceramic implants and to give them osteoinductive properties, scaffolds with defined micro- and macroporosity are required. Pores or pore networks promote the integration of cells into the implant, facilitating the supply of nutrients and the removal of metabolic products. In this paper, scaffolds are created from ß-tricalciumphosphate (ß-TCP) and in a novel way, where both the micro- and macroporosity are adjusted simultaneously by the addition of pore-forming polymer particles. The particles used are 10–40 wt%, spherical polymer particles of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) (Ø = 5 µm) and alternatively polymethylsilsesquioxane (PMSQ) (Ø = 2 µm), added in the course of ß-TCP slurry preparation. The arrangement of hydrophobic polymer particles at the interface of air bubbles was incorporated during slurry preparation and foaming of the slurry. The foam structures remain after sintering and lead to the formation of macro-porosity in the scaffolds. Furthermore, decomposition of the polymer particles during thermal debindering results in the formation of an additional network of interconnecting micropores in the stabilizing structures. It is possible to adjust the porosity easily and quickly in a range of 1.2–140 μm with a relatively low organic fraction. The structures thus prepared showed no cytotoxicity nor negative effects on the biocompatibility.
Levels of Circulating IgM and IgY Natural Antibodies in Broiler Chicks: Association with Genotype and Farming Systems
Authors: Sarrigeorgiou Ioannis , Stivarou Theodora , Tsinti Gerasimina , Patsias Apostolos , Fotou Evgenia , Moulasioti Vasiliki , Kyriakou Dimitra , Tellis Constantinos , Papadami Maria , Moussis Vassilios , Tsiouris Vasileios , Tsikaris Vassilios , Tsoukatos Demokritos , Lymberi Peggy
Published: February 2023

Naturally occurring antibodies (NAbs), which are major components of innate immunity, exist in circulation under healthy conditions without prior antigenic stimulation and are able to recognize both self- and non-self-constituents. The present study aimed at identifying potential immunological differences between commercial fast- and slow-growth broilers (n = 555) raised in conventional and free-range systems, respectively, through the use of the specificity, isotypes and levels of circulating NAbs. The possible beneficial effect of oregano-based dietary supplementation was also evaluated. To this end, serum IgM and IgY NAbs against self- (actin and DNA) and non-self- antigens (trinitrophenol and lipopolysaccharide) were measured by ELISA and further correlated with genotype, season and performance. Significantly higher levels of IgM NAbs against all antigens were found in slow-growth compared to fast-growth broilers. IgM NAb levels were also significantly increased in dietarily supplemented slow-growth broilers versus those consuming standard feed. Moreover, significantly elevated levels of anti-DNA IgY NAbs were found in fast-growth compared to slow-growth broilers, whereas the opposite was observed for anti-LPS IgY NAbs. Multivariate linear regression analysis confirmed multiple interactions between NAb levels, genotype, season and performance. Overall, serum NAbs have proven to be valuable innovative immunotools in the poultry industry, efficiently differentiating fast-growing versus slow-growing broilers, and dietary supplementation of plant extracts can enhance natural immunity.
Cell-Free Therapies: The Use of Cell Extracts to Mitigate Irradiation-Injured Salivary Glands
Authors: Su Xinyun , Upadhyay Akshaya , Tran Simon D. , Lin Zhengmei
Published: February 2023

Radiotherapy is a standard treatment for head and neck cancer patients worldwide. However, millions of patients who received radiotherapy consequently suffer from xerostomia because of irreversible damage to salivary glands (SGs) caused by irradiation (IR). Current treatments for IR-induced SG hypofunction only provide temporary symptom alleviation but do not repair the damaged SG, thus resulting in limited treatment efficacy. Therefore, there has recently been a growing interest in regenerative treatments, such as cell-free therapies. This review aims to summarize cell-free therapies for IR-induced SG, with a particular emphasis on utilizing diverse cell extract (CE) administrations. Cell extract is a group of heterogeneous mixtures containing multifunctional inter-cellular molecules. This review discusses the current knowledge of CE’s components and efficacy. We propose optimal approaches to improve cell extract treatment from multiple perspectives (e.g., delivery routes, preparation methods, and other details regarding CE administration). In addition, the advantages and limitations of CE treatment are systematically discussed by comparing it to other cell-free (such as conditioned media and exosomes) and cell-based therapies. Although a comprehensive identification of the bioactive factors within CEs and their mechanisms of action have yet to be fully understood, we propose cell extract therapy as an effective, practical, user-friendly, and safe option to conventional therapies in IR-induced SG.
Brassinin Induces Apoptosis, Autophagy, and Paraptosis via MAPK Signaling Pathway Activation in Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia Cells
Authors: Yang Min Hee , Ha In Jin , Lee Seok-Geun , Lee Junhee , Um Jae-Young , Sethi Gautam , Ahn Kwang Seok
Published: February 2023

Brassinin (BSN), a potent phytoalexin found in cruciferous vegetables, has been found to exhibit diverse anti-neoplastic effects on different cancers. However, the impact of BSN on chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) cells and the possible mode of its actions have not been described earlier. We investigated the anti-cytotoxic effects of BSN on the KBM5, KCL22, K562, and LAMA84 CML cells and its underlying mechanisms of action in inducing programmed cell death. We noted that BSN could induce apoptosis, autophagy, and paraptosis in CML cells. BSN induced PARP cleavage, subG1 peak increase, and early apoptosis. The potential action of BSN on autophagy activation was confirmed by an LC3 expression and acridine orange assay. In addition, BSN induced paraptosis through increasing the reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, mitochondria damage, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Moreover, BSN promoted the activation of the MAPK signaling pathway, and pharmacological inhibitors of this signaling pathway could alleviate all three forms of cell death induced by BSN. Our data indicated that BSN could initiate the activation of apoptosis, autophagy, and paraptosis through modulating the MAPK signaling pathway.
Fiji-Based Tool for Rapid and Unbiased Analysis of SA-β-Gal Activity in Cultured Cells
Authors: Krzystyniak Adam , Gluchowska Agata , Mosieniak Grazyna , Sikora Ewa
Published: February 2023

Normal cells under stressful conditions such as DNA damage or excessive mitogenic signaling may undergo senescence, which is associated with cell cycle arrest and induction of a proinflammatory phenotype. Accumulation of senescent cells may contribute to the shortening of the life span by accelerating aging and promoting chronic diseases. Cytochemical detection of the senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) activity with 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl β-D-galactopyranoside (X-gal) is a widely recognised marker of cell senescence. However, its simplicity and cost effectiveness lead to limitations in quantification, which is usually limited to manual counting of the positive cells. In order to address those limitations, we developed a Fiji-based macro extension that performs automatic and unbiased analysis of the integrated density of SA-β-gal specific signal. Our tool is not only faster than manual counting but also provides extra resolution compared to the manual methods. Our macro extension could be a valuable tool in any senescence research laboratory.
Microleakage of Class II Bulk-Fill Resin Composite Restorations Cured with Light-Emitting Diode versus Quartz Tungsten-Halogen Light: An In Vitro Study in Human Teeth
Authors: López-Torres Jenny , Hernández-Caba Karen , Cervantes-Ganoza Luis , Ladera-Castañeda Marysela , Martínez-Campos Reynaldo , Solís-Dante Fredy , Briceño-Vergel Gissela , Cayo-Rojas César
Published: February 2023

Background: Resin composites undergo a certain degree of shrinkage when light-cured with different light sources available on the market, resulting in microleakage of dental restorations. The aim of the present study was to assess microleakage of class II restorations with bulk-fill resin composites cured with LED (light-emitting diode) and QTH (quartz tungsten-halogen light) units, both in cervical and occlusal areas of cavity preparations. Materials and Methods: In the present in vitro experimental study, a total of 30 human molar teeth were used, in which 60 class II cavities were prepared (mesial and distal) and restored with Filtek bulk fill resin composite. Restorations were equally distributed in 3 groups according to type of curing light: A, QTH (Litex 680A Dentamerica®); B, LED (Bluephase N® 3rd generation); and C, LED (Valo® 3rd generation). Each group was further subdivided into subgroups 1 and 2 according to IV-A or IV-B resin composite color. Restored teeth were subjected to 20,000 thermal cycles between 5° and 55 °C, then immersed in 1M silver nitrate solution for 24 h. Subsequently, the teeth were sectioned mesiodistally to obtain samples for observation under stereomicroscope in order to determine microleakage degree. Kruskal–Wallis H and Mann–Whitney U statistical tests were applied with a significance level of 5% (p < 0.05). Results: No statistically significant differences were found in the degree of microleakage of bulk-fill resin composites light-cured with LED and QTH units for both occlusal (p > 0.05) and cervical areas (p > 0.05). Additionally, no significant differences were found when comparing microleakage between occlusal and cervical areas (p > 0.05), regardless of lamp type. In addition, significant differences in microleakage degree were found between bulk-fill resins with IV-A and IV-B shades when they were light-cured with QTH at cervical level (p = 0.023). However, there were no significant differences when comparing these bulk-fill resin composite shades at occlusal level with LED (p > 0.05) and QTH (p > 0.05) units. Conclusions: Class II restorations with bulk-fill resin composite in IV-A and IV-B shades light-cured with third generation LED lamp and QTH showed no significant differences in microleakage when compared in both occlusal and cervical areas. On the other hand, significantly more microleakage was found at the cervical level when a darker shade of resin composite was used and light-cured with the QTH unit.
Efficient Liposome Loading onto Surface of Mesenchymal Stem Cells via Electrostatic Interactions for Tumor-Targeted Drug Delivery
Authors: Kono Yusuke , Kamino Renpei , Hirabayashi Soma , Kishimoto Takuya , Kanbara Himi , Danjo Saki , Hosokawa Mika , Ogawara Ken-ichi
Published: February 2023

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have a tumor-homing capacity; therefore, MSCs are a promising drug delivery carrier for cancer therapy. To maintain the viability and activity of MSCs, anti-cancer drugs are preferably loaded on the surface of MSCs, rather than directly introduced into MSCs. In this study, we attempted to load liposomes on the surface of MSCs by using the magnetic anionic liposome/atelocollagen complexes that we previously developed and assessed the characters of liposome-loaded MSCs as drug carriers. We observed that large-sized magnetic anionic liposome/atelocollagen complexes were abundantly associated with MSCs via electrostatic interactions under a magnetic field, and its cellular internalization was lower than that of the small-sized complexes. Moreover, the complexes with higher atelocollagen concentrations showed lower cellular internalization than the complexes with lower atelocollagen concentrations. Based on these results, we succeeded in the efficient loading of liposomes on the surface of MSCs by using large-sized magnetic anionic liposomes complexed with a high concentration of atelocollagen. The constructed liposome-loaded MSCs showed a comparable proliferation rate and differentiation potential to non-loaded MSCs. Furthermore, the liposome-loaded MSCs efficiently adhered to vascular endothelial cells and migrated toward the conditioned medium from cancer cells in vitro and solid tumor tissue in vivo. These findings suggest that liposome-loaded MSCs could serve as an efficient cell-based drug carrier for tumor-targeted delivery.
A Review of Data-Driven Building Energy Prediction
Authors: Liu Huiheng , Liang Jinrui , Liu Yanchen , Wu Huijun
Published: February 2023

Building energy consumption prediction has a significant effect on energy control, design optimization, retrofit evaluation, energy price guidance, and prevention and control of COVID-19 in buildings, providing a guarantee for energy efficiency and carbon neutrality. This study reviews 116 research papers on data-driven building energy prediction from the perspective of data and machine learning algorithms and discusses feasible techniques for prediction across time scales, building levels, and energy consumption types in the context of the factors affecting data-driven building energy prediction. The review results revealed that the outdoor dry-bulb temperature is a vital factor affecting building energy consumption. In data-driven building energy consumption prediction, data preprocessing enables prediction across time scales, energy consumption feature extraction enables prediction across energy consumption types, and hyperparameter optimization enables prediction across time scales and building layers.
Self-Assembly of Pt3Co Superlattice as a Catalyst for Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Wang Quan , Jiang Chang , Mi Baosen , Wang Hongbin
Published: February 2023

Pt-based binary alloy catalysts with different structures have been designed to boost the catalytic activity of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), however, the dissolution of the transition metals leads to insufficient catalyst durability. In order to solve this problem, a self-assembly Pt3Co superlattice catalyst is reported in this paper, which exhibits enhancement in both activity and durability towards ORR. Compared with commercial Pt catalyst, the mass activity and specific activity of Pt3Co superlattice are significantly improved. The Pt3Co superlattice dropped only 9.2% and 12.4% in the mass activity and specific activity after 5000 cycles of durability tests. Moreover, the mechanistic studies find that the improvement of the catalyst performance is mainly dominated by reducing the energy of oxygen adsorption to a more suitable energy, optimizing the electronic structure of d-band, and suppressing the leaching of Co. This work provides a strategy to prepare superlattice catalyst with great activity and durability toward ORR.
MAPK Pathways in Ocular Pathophysiology: Potential Therapeutic Drugs and Challenges
Authors: Moustardas Petros , Aberdam Daniel , Lagali Neil
Published: February 2023

Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways represent ubiquitous cellular signal transduction pathways that regulate all aspects of life and are frequently altered in disease. Once activated through phosphorylation, these MAPKs in turn phosphorylate and activate transcription factors present either in the cytoplasm or in the nucleus, leading to the expression of target genes and, as a consequence, they elicit various biological responses. The aim of this work is to provide a comprehensive review focusing on the roles of MAPK signaling pathways in ocular pathophysiology and the potential to influence these for the treatment of eye diseases. We summarize the current knowledge of identified MAPK-targeting compounds in the context of ocular diseases such as macular degeneration, cataract, glaucoma and keratopathy, but also in rare ocular diseases where the cell differentiation, proliferation or migration are defective. Potential therapeutic interventions are also discussed. Additionally, we discuss challenges in overcoming the reported eye toxicity of some MAPK inhibitors.
Extraction of Noble Metals from Pyrite Cinders
Authors: Kenzhaliyev Bagdaulet , Surkova Tatiana , Yessimova Dinara , Baltabekova Zhazira , Abikak Yerkezhan , Abdikerim Bekzat , Dosymbayeva Zamzagul
Published: February 2023

When obtaining sulfuric acid from pyrite concentrates, a significant amount of waste is generated in the form of pyrite cinders that require disposal. The methods used in processing this raw material are, as a rule, the pyrometallurgical processes of chlorination and chloride sublimation, the disadvantages of which include increased energy consumption and a lack of complexity in the extraction of valuable components. Hydrometallurgical processes are in less demand due to their multi-stage nature and complexity of execution. The method of chemical activation developed at the JSC “Institute of Metallurgy and Ore Beneficiation” makes it possible to isolate iron and non-ferrous metals into separate, middling products and to concentrate noble metals in the cake at the first stage. Physical and chemical studies of the cake found that its basis comprises iron compounds. The silver in the cake is associated with pyrite, while the gold is associated with hematite; it is also possible to find gold in the form of AuCl3. The content of gold in the cake is 1.5 g/t, and the silver content is 17.7 g/t. Based on physical and chemical studies and data from the literature, various versions of the hydrochlorination method are proposed to open the cake.
Crystal Engineering of Conglomerates: Dilution of Racemate-Forming Fe(II) and Ni(II) Congeners into Conglomerate-Forming [Zn(bpy)3](PF6)2
Authors: Serdan Ugo , Robin Lucas , Marchivie Mathieu , Gonidec Mathieu , Rosa Patrick , Duverger-Nédellec Elen , Pouget Emilie , Sainctavit Philippe , Arrio Marie-Anne , Juhin Amélie , Rogalev Andrei , Wilhelm Fabrice , Hillard Elizabeth A.
Published: February 2023

Conglomerate formation, where enantiomers within a racemic mixture self-segregate upon crystallization, is an advantageous property for obtaining chirally pure crystals and allows large-scale chiral resolution. However, the prevalence of conglomerates is low and difficult to predict. In this report, we describe our attempts to engineer conglomerates from racemate-forming compounds by integrating them into a conglomerate-forming matrix. In this regard, we found that Ni(II) and Fe(II) form molecular alloys with Zn(II) in [MxZn(1−x)(bpy)3](PF6)2 (where bpy = 2,2′-bipyridyl). Powder X-ray Diffraction (PXRD) and Energy-Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) evidenced conglomerate crystallization with Ni(II) concentrations up to about 25%, while it was observed only for much lower concentrations of Fe(II). This can be attributed to the ability of [Ni(bpy)3](PF6)2 to access a metastable conglomerate phase, while no such phase has been detected in [Fe(bpy)3](PF6)2. Furthermore, the chiral phase appears to be favored in fast-growing precipitates, while the racemic phase is favored in slow re-crystallizations for both Ni(II) and Fe(II) molecular alloys. X-ray natural circular dichroism (XNCD) measurements on [Ni0.13Zn0.87(bpy)3](PF6)2 demonstrate the chirality of the nickel molecules within the zinc molecular matrix.
Ion Mobility Spectrometry for the Metabolomic Study of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Using the Volatile Organic Compounds Profile in Human Serum and Urine
Authors: García-Nicolás María , Pérez-Álvarez María Carmen , Abellán-Alfocea Fuensanta , Arroyo-Manzanares Natalia , Campillo Natalia , del Val-Oliver Blanca , Jiménez-Santos Enrique , Zarauz-García José , Sáenz Luis , Viñas Pilar
Published: February 2023

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an immune-mediated disease characterized by chronic mucosal inflammation of the digestive tract. The IBD diagnosis is currently based on the results of imaging, clinical, and histopathological tests. The gold standard diagnostic method is endoscopy, an invasive imaging technique that requires patient sedation and prior bowel preparation and is expensive. In the present work, monitoring the volatile compound fingerprint of serum and urine by headspace gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (HS-GC-IMS) is presented as a rapid and reliable diagnostic complementary test for patients with IBD. The analytical method was optimized and applied for the analysis of serum (118) and urine (123) samples from patients with IBD (in remission and active phase of the disease) and healthy volunteers without IBD. Orthogonal partial least square discriminant analysis was performed using all the integrated markers present in the topographic maps of each sample type, allowing the differentiation between healthy IBD volunteers and IBD patients and between IBD status (remission or active). The individual study of markers allowed the identification and quantification of twelve and six compounds in urine and serum samples, respectively. This information was further used to perform a one-way analysis of variance to compare the different categories.
Reliability of Data Collected via Ecological Momentary Assessment on the Example of FeverApp Registry
Authors: Rathjens Larisa , Gwiasda Moritz , Schwarz Silke , Möhler Ricarda , Martin David D. , Jenetzky Ekkehart
Published: February 2023

The FeverApp registry is an ambulant ecological momentary assessment (EMA) model registry focusing on research of fever in children. Verification of EMA reliability is a challenge, due to absence of other source data. To ensure the reliability of EMA data, 973 families were invited to reassess their documentation in a survey. The survey contained questions (a) regarding the number of children, (b) genuineness of entries, (c) completeness of submitted fever episodes, (d) medication, (e) usefulness and further usage of the app. Of those invited, 438 families (45% response rate) participated in the survey. Of these, 363 (83%) families have registered all their children, 208 families have one child. The majority (n = 325, 74.2%) of families stated that they only made genuine entries in the app. Agreement between survey and app for fever episodes is 90% (Cohen’s κ = 0.75 [0.66, 0.82]). Medication shows 73.7% agreement, κ = 0.49 [0.42; 0.54]. The majority (n = 245, 55.9%) consider the app as an additional benefit and 87.3% would like to use it further. Email surveys are a possible approach to evaluate EMA based registry data. The possible observation units (children and fever episodes) show an adequate reliability. With this approach, surveys of further samples and variables could help to improve the quality of EMA based registries.
Subseasonal Variation in the Winter ENSO-NAO Relationship and the Modulation of Tropical North Atlantic SST Variability
Authors: Zhang Wenjun , Jiang Feng
Published: February 2023

The impact of El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) has been controversially discussed for several decades, which exhibits prominent seasonality and nonstationarity. During early winter, there appears a positive ENSO-NAO relationship, while this relationship reverses its sign in late winter. Here, we show that this subseasonal variation in the ENSO-NAO relationship could be attributed to the different mechanisms involved in early and late winters. In early winter, the positive linkage between the ENSO and NAO could be simply understood as resulting from the changes in tropical Walker circulation and the associated atmospheric meridional circulation over the North Atlantic. In the following late winter, an opposite NAO-like response appears as the large-scale Pacific–North Atlantic teleconnection pattern fully establishes and evident sea surface temperature anomalies occur over the North Tropical Atlantic (NTA). We further show that the phase shift in NAO during ENSO late winter is largely contributed by the establishment of the ENSO-associated NTA SST anomaly via its excited convection in the subtropical Atlantic. The competing roles of mechanisms explain the subseasonal variation in the ENSO-NAO relationship from early to late winter, providing useful information for seasonal prediction over the North Atlantic–European region.
Mathematical Modeling of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Wave under Vaccination Effects
Authors: González-Parra Gilberto , Arenas Abraham J.
Published: February 2023

Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic millions of deaths and hospitalizations have been reported. Different SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern have been recognized during this pandemic and some of these variants of concern have caused uncertainty and changes in the dynamics. The Omicron variant has caused a large amount of infected cases in the US and worldwide. The average number of deaths during the Omicron wave toll increased in comparison with previous SARS-CoV-2 waves. We studied the Omicron wave by using a highly nonlinear mathematical model for the COVID-19 pandemic. The novel model includes individuals who are vaccinated and asymptomatic, which influences the dynamics of SARS-CoV-2. Moreover, the model considers the waning of the immunity and efficacy of the vaccine against the Omicron strain. This study uses the facts that the Omicron strain has a higher transmissibility than the previous circulating SARS-CoV-2 strain but is less deadly. Preliminary studies have found that Omicron has a lower case fatality rate compared to previous circulating SARS-CoV-2 strains. The simulation results show that even if the Omicron strain is less deadly it might cause more deaths, hospitalizations and infections. We provide a variety of scenarios that help to obtain insight about the Omicron wave and its consequences. The proposed mathematical model, in conjunction with the simulations, provides an explanation for a large Omicron wave under various conditions related to vaccines and transmissibility. These results provide an awareness that new SARS-CoV-2 variants can cause more deaths even if their fatality rate is lower.
Symbiotic Combination of a Bayesian Network and Fuzzy Logic to Quantify the QoS in a VANET: Application in Logistic 4.0
Authors: Khalfaoui Hafida , Azmani Abdellah , Farchane Abderrazak , Safi Said
Published: February 2023

Intelligent transportation systems use new technologies to improve road safety. In them, vehicles have been equipped with wireless communication systems called on-board units (OBUs) to be able to communicate with each other. This type of wireless network refers to vehicular ad hoc networks (VANET). The primary problem in a VANET is the quality of service (QoS) because a small problem in the services can extremely damage both human lives and the economy. From this perspective, this article makes a contribution within the framework of a new conceptual project called the Smart Digital Logistic Services Provider (Smart DLSP). This is intended to give freight vehicles more intelligence in the service of logistics on a global scale. This article proposes a model that combines two approaches—a Bayesian network and fuzzy logic for calculating the QoS in a VANET as a function of multiple criteria—and provides a database that helps determine the originality of the risk of degrading the QoS in the network. The outcome of this approach was employed in an event tree analysis to assess the impact of the system’s security mechanisms.