bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Puzzling Out the Genetic Architecture of Endometriosis: Whole-Exome Sequencing and Novel Candidate Gene Identification in a Deeply Clinically Characterised Cohort
Authors: Santin Aurora , Spedicati Beatrice , Morgan Anna , Lenarduzzi Stefania , Tesolin Paola , Nardone Giuseppe Giovanni , Mazzà Daniela , Di Lorenzo Giovanni , Romano Federico , Buonomo Francesca , Mangogna Alessandro , Concas Maria Pina , Zito Gabriella , Ricci Giuseppe , Girotto Giorgia
Published: July 2023

Endometriosis (EM) is a common multifactorial gynaecological disorder. Although Genome-Wide Association Studies have largely been employed, the current knowledge of the genetic mechanisms underlying EM is far from complete, and other approaches are needed. To this purpose, whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed on a deeply characterised cohort of 80 EM patients aimed at the identification of rare and damaging variants within 46 EM-associated genes and novel candidates. WES analysis detected 63 rare, predicted, and damaging heterozygous variants within 24 genes in 63% of the EM patients. In particular, (1) a total of 43% of patients carried variants within 13 recurrent genes (FCRL3, LAMA5, SYNE1, SYNE2, GREB1, MAP3K4, C3, MMP3, MMP9, TYK2, VEGFA, VEZT, RHOJ); (2) a total of 8.8% carried private variants within eight genes (KAZN, IL18, WT1, CYP19A1, IL1A, IL2RB, LILRB2, ZNF366); (3) a total of 24% carried variants within three novel candidates (ABCA13, NEB, CSMD1). Finally, to deepen the polygenic architecture of EM, a comprehensive evaluation of the analysed genes was performed, revealing a higher burden (p < 0.05) of genes harbouring rare and damaging variants in the EM patients than in the controls. These results highlight new insights into EM genetics, allowing for the definition of novel genotype–phenotype correlations, thereby contributing, in a long-term perspective, to the development of personalised care for EM patients.
Tuberculosis and COVID-19 Dually Affect Human Th17 Cell Immune Response
Authors: Starshinova Anna , Kudryavtsev Igor , Rubinstein Artem , Malkova Anna , Dovgaluk Irina , Kudlay Dmitry
Published: July 2023

COVID-19 infection not only profoundly impacts the detection of tuberculosis infection (Tbc) but also affects modality in tuberculosis patient immune response. It is important to determine immune response alterations in latent tuberculosis infection as well as in SARS-CoV-2-infected tuberculosis patients. Such changes may have underlying effects on the development and course of further tuberculosis. Here, we aimed to review the characteristics of immune response in TB patients or convalescent COVID-19 patients with latent TB infection (LTBI). Materials and Methods. We analyzed the features of immune response in tuberculosis and COVID-19 patients. For this, we analyzed publications released from December 2019 to March 2023; those which were published in accessible international databases (“Medline”, “PubMed”, “Scopus”) and with keywords such as “COVID-19”, “SARS-CoV-2”, “tuberculosis”, “pulmonary tuberculosis”, “latent tuberculosis infection”, “Treg”, “follicular Treg”, and “Treg subsets”, we considered. Results. Through our analysis, we found that tuberculosis patients who had been infected with COVID-19 previously and elevated Th1 and Th2 cell levels. High levels of Th1 and Th2 cells may serve as a positive marker, characterizing activated immune response during TB infection. COVID-19 or post-COVID-19 subjects showed decreased Th17 levels, indicating a lack of tuberculosis development. Moreover, the typical course of tuberculosis is associated with an increase in Treg level, but COVID-19 contributes to a hyperinflammatory response. Conclusion. According to the data obtained, the course of tuberculosis proceeds in a dissimilar way due to the distinct immune response, elicited by SARS-CoV-2. Importantly, the development of active tuberculosis with a severe course is associated with a decline in Treg levels. Both pathogens lead to disturbed immune responses, increasing the risk of developing severe TB. The insights and findings of this paper may be used to improve the future management of individuals with latent and active tuberculosis.
Metabolism and Chemical Degradation of New Antidiabetic Drugs: A Review of Analytical Approaches for Analysis of Glutides and Gliflozins
Authors: Gumieniczek Anna , Berecka-Rycerz Anna
Published: July 2023

The drug metabolism and drug degradation pathways may overlap, resulting in the formation of similar constituents. Therefore, the metabolism data can be helpful for deriving safe levels of degradation impurities and improving the quality of respective pharmaceutical products. The present article contains considerations on possible links between metabolic and degradation pathways for new antidiabetic drugs such as glutides, gliflozins, and gliptins. Special attention was paid to their reported metabolites and identified degradation products. At the same time, many interesting analytical approaches to conducting metabolism as well as degradation experiments were mentioned, including chromatographic methods and radioactive labeling of the drugs. The review addresses the analytical approaches elaborated for examining the metabolism and degradation pathways of glutides, i.e., glucagon like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, and gliflozins, i.e., sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. The problems associated with the chromatographic analysis of the peptide compounds (glutides) and the polar drugs (gliflozins) were addressed. Furthermore, issues related to in vitro experiments and the use of stable isotopes were discussed.
Iron Status and Short-Term Recovery after Non-Severe Acute Myocarditis: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Franczuk Paweł , Tkaczyszyn Michał , Kosiorek Aneta , Kulej-Łyko Katarzyna , Kobak Kamil Aleksander , Kasztura Monika , Sołtowska Alicja , Jaroch Joanna , Ponikowski Piotr , Jankowska Ewa Anita
Published: July 2023

Pathomechanisms responsible for recovery from acute myocarditis (MCD) or progression to non-ischemic cardiomyopathy have not been comprehensively investigated. Iron, positioned at the crossroads of inflammation and the energy metabolism of cardiomyocytes, may contribute to the pathophysiology of inflammatory myocardial disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether systemic iron parameters are related to myocardial dysfunction in MCD patients. We prospectively enrolled 42 consecutive patients hospitalized for MCD. Their iron status and their clinical, laboratory, and echocardiographic indices were assessed during hospitalization and during ambulatory visits six weeks after discharge. A control group comprising healthy volunteers was recruited. The MCD patients had higher serum ferritin and hepcidin and lower serum iron concentration and transferrin saturation (TSAT) than the healthy controls (all p < 0.01). Six weeks after discharge, the iron status of the MCD patients was already comparable to that of the control group. During hospitalization, lower serum iron and TSAT correlated with higher NT-proBNP (both p < 0.05). In-hospital lower serum iron and TSAT correlated with both a lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and worse left ventricular global longitudinal strain at follow-up visits (all p < 0.05). In conclusion, in patients with acute MCD, iron status is altered and normalizes within six weeks. Low serum iron and TSAT are related to greater in-hospital neurohormonal activation and subtle persistent left ventricular dysfunction.
Clinical Performance of Lateral Flow Assay for Cryptosporidium spp. Diagnosis
Authors: Campos-Ruiz Miriam , Flamarich Clara , Fernández-Navarro Anabel , Roure Silvia , Martin Laura , Pillado Pablo , Cardona Pere-Joan , Fernández-Rivas Gema
Published: July 2023

Cryptosporidium spp. is an apicomplexan protozoan parasite associated with gastroenteritis in humans. In 2018, Spain showed 1511 confirmed cases, with a growing trend since 2014. Despite this fact, Cryptosporidium spp. is not usually routinely examined when a parasitological study is ordered, although accurate diagnosis is fundamental to prevent the spread of the illness. The main objectives of the present work is to demonstrate the circulation and to study the epidemiology of cryptosporidiosis in patients who were being tested for the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. parasites in the faeces in the Metropolitan North Area of Barcelona, Maresme, and Vallés Occidental using a two-step algorithm. The stool samples were analysed using the Cryptosporidium/Giardia spp. immunochromatographic test; the positive samples were visualised under a microscope using auramine staining. The proportion of Cryptosporidium spp. cases was around 2% in the studied patients, with a pronounced seasonal incidence peak in late summer–early autumn. In our cohort, weight loss was the main symptom related to confirmed cases. The mean age of confirmed patients was 19 years old, and they were younger than the unconfirmed group. Cryptosporidium spp. is one of the parasites that currently circulate in many areas in Europe. Prevalence must be taken into account for active searching.
Metamorphic Effect of Angiogenic Switch in Tumor Development: Conundrum of Tumor Angiogenesis Toward Progression and Metastatic Potential
Authors: Moshe Daniel Leon , Baghaie Leili , Leroy Fleur , Skapinker Elizabeth , Szewczuk Myron R.
Published: July 2023

Our understanding of angiogenesis has significantly expanded over the past five decades. More recently, research has focused on this process at a more molecular level, looking at it through the signaling pathways that activate it and its non-direct downstream effects. This review discusses current findings in molecular angiogenesis, focusing on its impact on the immune system. Moreover, the impairment of this process in cancer progression and metastasis is highlighted, and current anti-angiogenic treatments and their effects on tumor growth are discussed.
Nicotinamide Deteriorates Post-Stroke Immunodepression Following Cerebral Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury in Mice
Authors: Tai Shih-Huang , Chao Liang-Chun , Huang Sheng-Yang , Lin Hsiao-Wen , Lee Ai-Hua , Chen Yi-Yun , Lee E-Jian
Published: July 2023

(1) Background: Inducing experimental stroke leads to biphasic immune responses, where the early activation of immune functions is followed by severe immunosuppression accompanied by spleen and thymus atrophy. Nicotinamide, a water-soluble B-group vitamin, is a known neuroprotectant against brain ischemia in animal models. We examined the effect of nicotinamide on the central and peripheral immune response in experimental stroke models. (2) Methods: Nicotinamide (500 mg/kg) or saline was intravenously administered to C57BL/6 mice during reperfusion after transiently occluding the middle cerebral artery or after LPS injection. On day 3, the animals were examined for behavioral performance and were then sacrificed to assess brain infarction, blood–brain barrier (BBB) integrity, and the composition of immune cells in the brain, thymus, spleen, and blood using flow cytometry. (3) Results: Nicotinamide reduced brain infarction and microglia/macrophage activation following MCAo (p < 0.05). Similarly, in LPS-injected mice, microglia/macrophage activation was decreased upon treatment with nicotinamide (p < 0.05), suggesting a direct inhibitory effect of nicotinamide on microglia/macrophage activation. Nicotinamide decreased the infiltration of neutrophils into the brain parenchyma and ameliorated Evans blue leakage (p < 0.05), suggesting that a decreased infiltration of neutrophils could, at least partially, be the result of a more integrated BBB structure following nicotinamide treatment. Our studies also revealed that administering nicotinamide led to retarded B-cell maturation in the spleen and subsequently decreased circulating B cells in the thymus and bloodstream (p < 0.05). (4) Conclusions: Cumulatively, nicotinamide decreased brain inflammation caused by ischemia–reperfusion injury, which was mediated by a direct anti-inflammatory effect of nicotinamide and an indirect protective effect on BBB integrity. Administering nicotinamide following brain ischemia resulted in a decrease in circulating B cells. This warrants attention with respect to future clinical applications.
A Subtraction-Average-Based Optimizer for Solving Engineering Problems with Applications on TCSC Allocation in Power Systems
Authors: Moustafa Ghareeb , Tolba Mohamed A. , El-Rifaie Ali M. , Ginidi Ahmed , Shaheen Abdullah M. , Abid Slim
Published: July 2023

The present study introduces a subtraction-average-based optimization algorithm (SAOA), a unique enhanced evolutionary technique for solving engineering optimization problems. The typical SAOA works by subtracting the average of searcher agents from the position of population members in the search space. To increase searching capabilities, this study proposes an improved SAO (ISAO) that incorporates a cooperative learning technique based on the leader solution. First, after considering testing on different standard mathematical benchmark functions, the proposed ISAOA is assessed in comparison to the standard SAOA. The simulation results declare that the proposed ISAOA establishes great superiority over the standard SAOA. Additionally, the proposed ISAOA is adopted to handle power system applications for Thyristor Controlled Series Capacitor (TCSC) allocation-based losses reduction in electrical power grids. The SAOA and the proposed ISAOA are employed to optimally size the TCSCs and simultaneously select their installed transmission lines. Both are compared to two recent algorithms, the Artificial Ecosystem Optimizer (AEO) and AQuila Algorithm (AQA), and two other effective and well-known algorithms, the Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO) and Particle Swarm Optimizer (PSO). In three separate case studies, the standard IEEE-30 bus system is used for this purpose while considering varying numbers of TCSC devices that will be deployed. The suggested ISAOA’s simulated implementations claim significant power loss reductions for the three analyzed situations compared to the GWO, AEO, PSO, and AQA.
Rapid and Highly Sensitive Detection of Leishmania by Combining Recombinase Polymerase Amplification and Solution-Processed Oxide Thin-Film Transistor Technology
Authors: Wu Weidong , Biyani Manish , Hirose Daisuke , Takamura Yuzuru
Published: July 2023

Nucleic acid detection is widely used to identify infectious diseases and ensure food safety. However, conventional PCR-based techniques are time consuming. Thus, this study aims to combine recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA), which enables the rapid amplification of even trace amounts of nucleic acid fragments within 10–40 min at 37–42 °C, and solution-processed oxide thin-film transistor (TFT) technology, which exhibits high detection sensitivity, to detect Leishmania. A single-stranded anti-probe was incorporated into the RPA primer to facilitate effective hybridization between the RPA product and the immobilized probe on the solution-processed oxide TFT. The RPA-amplified product carrying an anti-probe enabled specific binding to the chip surface. Changes in current were monitored before and after sample incubation to identify the target nucleic acids in the samples accurately. The proposed method achieved a remarkable limit of detection of 101 copies/μL of the Leishmania HSP70 fragment within 30 min. The design of the probes on the solution-processed oxide TFT surface and the anti-probe simplified the detection of other target nucleic acids, eliminating the need to denature DNA double-strands for specific binding during nucleic acid detection. Thus, the novel method offers the advantage of requiring minimal reagent resources and eliminates the need for complex procedures.
High-Performance Au@Ag Nanorods Substrate for SERS Detection of Malachite Green in Aquatic Products
Authors: Zhou Xiaoxiao , Chen Shouhui , Pan Yi , Wang Yuanfeng , Xu Naifeng , Xue Yanwen , Wei Xinlin , Lu Ying
Published: July 2023

In order to improve the detection performance of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), a low-cost Au@Ag nanorods (Au@Ag NRs) substrate with a good SERS enhancement effect was developed and applied to the detection of malachite green (MG) in aquaculture water and crayfish. By comparing the SERS signal enhancement effect of five kinds of Au@Ag NRs substrates with different silver layer thickness on 4-mercaptobenzoic acid (4-MBA) solution, it was found that the substrate prepared with 100 µL AgNO3 had the smallest aspect ratio (3.27) and the thickest Ag layer (4.1 nm). However, it showed a good signal enhancement effect, and achieved a detection of 4-MBA as low as 1 × 10−11 M, which was 8.7 times higher than that of the AuNRs substrate. In addition, the Au@Ag NRs substrate developed in this study was used for SRES detection of MG in crayfish; its detection limit was 1.58 × 10−9 M. The developed Au@Ag NRs sensor had the advantages of stable SERS signal, uniform size and low cost, which provided a new tool for SERS signal enhancement and highly sensitive SERS detection method development.
A Prospective Comparison of Bipolar I and II Subjects with and without Comorbid Cannabis Use Disorders from the COGA Dataset
Authors: Preuss Ulrich W. , Hesselbrock Michie N. , Hesselbrock Victor M.
Published: July 2023

Objective: The comorbidity of alcohol and substance use disorders among persons with bipolar disorder is elevated, as indicated by epidemiological and clinical studies. Following alcohol use, cannabis is the most frequently used and abused illicit substance among bipolar individuals, and such use may lead to comorbid cannabis use disorders (CUD). Previous research indicated that CUDs were related to a more severe course of bipolar disorder and higher rates of other comorbid alcohol and substance use disorders. Few studies, however, have conducted longitudinal research on this comorbidity. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of CUD on the course of bipolar I and II individuals during a 5-year follow-up. Methods: The characteristics of bipolar disorder, cannabis use disorders, and other alcohol and substance use disorders, as well as comorbid mental disorders, were assessed using a standardized semi-structured interview (SSAGA) at both baseline and the 5-year follow-up. N = 180 bipolar I and II patients were subdivided into groups of with and without comorbid cannabis use disorders (CUD). Results: Of the 77 bipolar I and 103 bipolar II patients, n = 65 (36.1%) had a comorbid diagnosis of any CUD (DSM-IV cannabis abuse or dependence). Comorbid bipolar patients with CUD had higher rates of other substance use disorders and posttraumatic stress disorders, more affective symptoms, and less psychosocial functioning at baseline and at 5-year follow-up. In contrast to previously reported findings, higher rates of anxiety disorders and bipolar disorder complications (e.g., mixed episodes, rapid cycling, and manic or hypomanic episodes) were not found. The effect of CUD on other substance use disorders was confirmed using moderation analyses. Conclusions: A 5-year prospective evaluation of bipolar patients with and without CUD confirmed previous investigations, suggesting that the risk of other substance use disorders is significantly increased in comorbid individuals. CUD has a moderation effect, while no effect was found for other mental disorders. Findings from this study and previous research may be due to the examination of different phenotypes (Cannabis use vs. CUD) and sample variation (family study vs. clinical and epidemiological populations).
Correction: Hao et al. Processing Aspectual Agreement in a Language with Limited Morphological Inflection by Second Language Learners: An ERP Study of Mandarin Chinese. Brain Sci. 2022, 12, 524
Authors: Hao Yuxin , Duan Xun , Yan Qiuyue
Published: July 2023

In the published publication [...]
Differences in Aggressive Behavior of Individuals with Different Self-Construal Types after Social Exclusion in the Same Cultural Background
Authors: Yang Xiaoli , Zou Yan , Yin Hang , Jiang Rui , Wang Yuan , Wang Fang
Published: July 2023

Aggressive behavior is one of the pervasive and costly negative behaviors in everyday life. Previous studies have shown that individuals who are excluded tend to exhibit more aggressive behaviors, but it is unclear whether the type of self-construction of individuals in the same cultural background will affect the differences in aggressive behavior after being excluded. Therefore, the current study examined the differences in aggressive behavior of individuals with different self-construal types in the same cultural background after social exclusion through two experiments. A total of 128 effective participants were recruited for Experiment 1. Individuals’ self-construal types were classified by the Self-Construal Scale, the cyberball game was used for the manipulation of social exclusion, and the laboratory assistant application paradigm was used to measure individuals’ relational aggression. The results showed that compared with interdependent self-constructors, independent self-constructors exhibited more relational aggression in the exclusion group. A total of 141 effective participants were recruited for Experiment 2. Using the same method as Experiment 1 to classify participants’ self-construal types and induce excluded experiences, the hot sauce paradigm was used to measure individuals’ physical aggression. The results showed that compared with interdependent self-constructors, independent self-constructors exhibited more physical aggression in the exclusion group. The current study helps to understand whether social exclusion negatively impacts individuals with different self-constructors in the same cultural background and provides enlightenment on how individuals who are self-constructors cope with social exclusion.
Use of Goal Attainment Scaling to Measure Educational and Rehabilitation Improvements in Children with Multiple Disabilities
Authors: Kascak Kimberly , Keller Everette , Dodds Cindy
Published: July 2023

With a focus on children with multiple disabilities (CMD), the purpose of this quality improvement project was to elevate educational measurement and practices involving CMD. Using the goal attainment scaling (GAS) methodology, this project was conducted within a public charter school, Pattison’s Academy for Comprehensive Education (PACE), focusing on 31 CMD and measuring student improvement and program effectiveness. For 2010–2011 and 2011–2012, improvements were demonstrated for the majority of CMD by meeting or exceeding their goals. Goal attainment scaling was able to capture improvement in educational and rehabilitation goals in the majority of CMD. Goal attainment scaling can provide an indication of a program’s effectiveness. The use of GAS in CMD has potential to maximize participation across the school setting where all children in the United States commonly develop and learn skills as well as find meaning.
Individual Differences in Plate Wasting Behavior: The Roles of Dispositional Greed, Impulsivity, Food Satisfaction, and Ecolabeling
Authors: Üngüren Engin , Tekin Ömer Akgün , Avsallı Hüseyin , Kaçmaz Yaşar Yiğit
Published: July 2023

This study examines the effects of dispositional greed, impulsivity, food satisfaction, and ecolabeling on consumers’ plate waste in all-inclusive hotels. Using a moderated mediation research model, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1253 tourists of different nationalities, all staying in five-star hotels in Alanya, Türkiye. The results show that both dispositional greed and impulsivity positively predict and significantly contribute to plate waste. Conversely, food satisfaction was found to be an influential variable that moderates the effects of greed and impulsivity on plate waste, highlighting its critical role in waste reduction strategies. Ecolabels, despite their intended purpose, were not found to have a significant impact on consumer attitudes toward plate waste. Future research is encouraged to explore strategies to counteract dispositional greed and impulsivity, given their significant impact on plate waste behavior. At the same time, refining methods to promote food satisfaction and the effective use of ecolabels may contribute significantly to reducing plate waste in all-inclusive resorts. This research contributes to our understanding of the psychological factors that influence consumer behavior in buffet settings and provides guidance to hospitality industry practitioners seeking to reduce waste.
Prevalence and Risk Factors for Anxiety Symptoms among Student Nurses in Gauteng Province of South Africa
Authors: Manana Maleke , Ntuli Sam Thembelihle , Mokwena Kebogile , Maaga Kgomotso
Published: July 2023

Background: Globally, mental disorders are common among nursing students; therefore, effective prevention and early detection are urgently needed. However, the prevalence rate of anxiety symptoms has not been investigated in South African nursing colleges. Aim: The study aimed to assess the prevalence of anxiety symptoms and their sociodemographic risk factors among nursing students in Gauteng province, South Africa. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at Chris Hani Baragwanath and SG Lourens nursing colleges in the first week of June 2022. A purposeful sampling technique selected the third- and fourth-year nursing students aged ≥ 18 years registered at the two nursing colleges. The seven-item Generalised Anxiety Disorder scale was used to assess anxiety symptoms. Results: The prevalence of anxiety symptoms was 74.7% (95% confidence interval: 69.9–78.9). Being a student at nursing college B, being in the fourth academic year of study and use of substances were identified as predictors of anxiety symptoms in these nursing students. Conclusions: The prevalence of anxiety symptoms in this study is relatively high, with predictors of developing anxiety being a student at nursing college B, in the fourth academic year and current use of psychoactive substances were predictors of anxiety symptoms. These findings highlight the need to develop interventions and strategies to promote mental health assessments and management to prevent and reduce the problem of mental disorders among nursing students.
Influence of Spanish Broom Fibre Treatment, Fibre Length, and Amount and Harvest Year on Reinforced Cement Mortar Quality
Authors: Juradin Sandra , Jozić Dražan , Netinger Grubeša Ivanka , Pamuković Anita , Čović Anđela , Mihanović Frane
Published: July 2023

The use of natural materials, such as natural fibres, in the construction industry is becoming more frequent. The source of natural fibres should be sought in local plants, such as Spanish Broom in the Mediterranean area. The fibre treatment process was carried out in 8 different ways with alkali 4%, 5%, 6%, 8%, 10% and 15% NaOH solution, and 5% NaOH and 2% Na2SO3 mixture solution and seawater. The fibres were tested for tensile strength. No relationship was established between the concentration of the solution and the tensile strength of the fibres. The influence of the reuse of treatment solution on fibre quality was monitored by X-ray diffraction (XRD), ATR-FTIR, and TG/DTG analysis. Fibres with lengths of 1, 2, and 3 cm were added to cement mortar specimens in amounts of 0.5 and 1 vol%. The flexural and compressive strengths were tested on mortar specimens after 28 days. For fibres 1 and 3 cm long, 0.5% natural fibre content gives higher strength results: about 9% for flexural strength and 13.5% and 11.7% for compressive strength in regard to mortar reinforced with fibres of the same length but with a proportion of 1%. For mortar reinforced with fibre 2 cm long, better results are achieved with 1% fibre content, namely 9% higher flexural strength and 11.2% higher compressive strength compared to mortars with 0.5% fibre content. SEM/EDS analysis showed that the fibres are integrated into the cement matrix but that there is no strong interaction with the binder. For examination and 3D visualisation of mortar specimens, a medical device MSCT (Multi-slice Computed Tomography) was also used. For three consecutive years of Spanish Broom harvesting, an analysis of meteorological conditions and the results of the mechanical strength of reinforced mortars is given. For the examined years, the meteorological conditions did not affect the obtained results. Additional knowledge about the Spanish Broom fibres can introduce this plant to the application of new sustainable building materials.
Experimental Study and Theoretical Analysis of the Effect of Surcharge/Unloading at Both Sides of the Ground Surface on an Existing Shield Tunnel at Different Burial Depths
Authors: Xiang Pengfei , Wei Gang , Jiang Haibo , Ding Yang , Guo Huifang , Zhang Rui
Published: July 2023

This paper investigates the impact of surcharge/unloading at both sides of the ground surface on an existing underground shield tunnel at varying burial depths. A large-scale indoor model experiment was conducted to study the vertical convergence deformation, tunnel settlement, and additional surrounding pressure of the tunnel at different burial depths when surcharge/unloading occurred at both sides of the ground surface. The effect of tunnel burial depth, surcharge mass, and uneven surcharge at both sides of the ground surface on the additional surrounding pressure of the existing underground shield tunnel was further investigated by theoretical calculation. The results indicate that under the same conditions, greater tunnel burial depth leads to reduced vertical convergence deformation, tunnel settlement, and additional surrounding pressure. Unloading can partially reduce the vertical convergence deformation and tunnel settlement, but it does not completely counteract the effect of the preceding surcharge. In cases of a symmetrical surcharge at both sides of the ground surface above the tunnel, the additional surrounding pressure of the tunnel is symmetrically distributed, with higher pressures at the arch top and arch bottom of the tunnel and lower pressures at the arch waist. This suggests that the arch top and arch bottom of the tunnel are vulnerable points under surcharge and require special attention. The surcharge above the tunnel has the most pronounced effect on the tunnel, followed by the surcharge at both sides of the ground surface, and, finally, the smallest effect from the bias load.
A Study on the Spatial Pattern of Traditional Villages from the Perspective of Courtyard House Distribution
Authors: Zhang Dong , Shi Zixuan , Cheng Mingyang
Published: July 2023

As clan and blood relations are the essential core of rural social attributes, the rise and fall of the main family names in a village not only affects the spatial arrangement of their internal courtyard houses but also influences the overall spatial pattern of the village. Taking Pei Cheng Village as an example, in this study, quantitative analyses, such as those entailing standard deviation ellipse, kernel density, and space syntax, are incorporated to investigate the changes in rural family names’ courtyard houses and the historical context for these changes to reveal the influence of the evolution of courtyard house distribution under a given social structure on the overall spatial structure of the countryside at the micro- and meso-scales. The results in this study show that there is strong aggregation and bonding associated with the main family surname in a village and that such surnames have an important correlation with the village centre and spatial structure formation. Notably, the distribution of the surname-bearing clan courtyard houses has a certain degree of consistency with the spatial pattern of the village, with the main space corresponding to the main family surname, the secondary space corresponding to the secondary family, and the underdeveloped space corresponding to mixed family surnames. On this basis, the spatial system grading of Pei Cheng Village is summarized, providing a fundamental basis for future planning of Pei Cheng Village facilities and other aspects of planning, such as the selection of locations.
Study on the Correlation Analysis between Urban Morphological Factors and Microclimate Based on Empirical Methods on a University Campus in a Hot-Summer–Cold-Winter Region
Authors: Wei Ruihan , Xu Chang , Song Dexuan , Tong Hui , Chen Zhengshu
Published: July 2023

With the continuous progress of urbanization, contemporary scholars are increasingly focusing their attention on the study of urban microclimates. This research aims to investigate the relationship between urban morphology and microclimates in regions characterized by hot summers and cold winters. Environmental meteorological data, including temperature, solar radiation, and wind speed during the spring and summer seasons, were collected through on-site monitoring in a specific area of Shanghai. Various methods, such as on-site surveys and drone photography, were employed to obtain and analyze a range of urban morphological parameters, including floor area ratio (FAR) and greenery ratio (GnPR). The sky view factor (SVF) was determined using a fisheye lens technique. Subsequently, the collected datasets were analyzed to assess the varying impact of distinct urban morphological factors on microclimates. The findings indicate a significant correlation between different building morphology factors and temperature and solar radiation during spring, while their associations with wind speed become more prominent in summer. Notably, greenery and pavement demonstrate stronger correlations with temperature and radiation in summer, aligning with the seasonal growth patterns of plants. These research findings provide both a theoretical foundation and practical guidelines for the urban design of environmental microclimates.
Graphene Oxide Membranes: Controlled Laser Reduction for Sensing Applications
Authors: Rowley Aiden , Stehle Yijing , Kilby Luke , Bashant Caleb
Published: July 2023

Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) has attracted attention as an active electrode material for flexible electrochemical devices due to its high electric conductivity and large surface area. Compared to other reduction processes, laser reduction is a precise, low-cost, and chemical-free process that is directly applied to graphene oxide (GO) membranes. This study aims to develop rGO through laser irradiation for application as electrodes in thin flexible electrochemical sensors. Laser irradiation parameters will be optimized to achieve reduction of a low oxygen to carbon (O/C) ratio and surface impedance. The influence of humidity on the impedance of rGO electrodes will be studied. The observed instability of the rGO electrode is related to incomplete reduction and oxygenated defects involved in reduction. Partially removed oxygenated functional groups not only influence the impedance of the electrode but make it sensitive to the humidity of the working environment. The result provides references for GO’s laser reduction optimization, demonstrates the potential of applying rGO as an electrode in sensing applications, but also reveals the limitation of applying the laser reduced rGO electrode in a non-constant humidity environment.
Electrical Resistance Evolution of Graphite and Talc Geological Heterostructures under Progressive Metamorphism
Authors: Nobre Augusto Gonçalves , de Andrade Fabio Ramos Dias , Salazar-Naranjo Andres Fabian , Rigue Josue Neroti , da Silva Ricardo Barreto , Vlach Silvio Roberto Farias , Ando Romulo Augusto
Published: July 2023

The electrical properties of isolated graphene established precedents for studies of electrical superconducting materials at room temperature. After the discovery of stabilized graphene and graphite nanoplatelets in a geological context, the interest in characterizing the properties of these minerals arose. This work evaluates the electrical resistance evolution of mineral graphite and talc heterostructures under progressive metamorphism simulated in the laboratory. The experiments were conducted on an end-loaded piston-cylinder apparatus. This equipment allows for the application of equal pressure in all sample directions (lithostatic pressure) and heating, simulating geological phenomena. The behavior of two sets of mineral samples were compared: graphite and talc in billets and powder. Samples in billets were submitted to treatments at 400 °C and 4 kbar; 400 °C and 6 kbar; and 700 °C and 9 kbar. The powder samples were subjected to 700 °C and 9 kbar, with two ways of disposing the mineral powders (mixed and in adjacent contact) beyond 900 °C and 9 kbar (in adjacent contact). The results show that the samples in billets had lower electrical resistance when compared to the powder samples. The lowest electrical resistance was observed in the sample treated at 400 °C and 6 kbar, conditions that are consistent with metamorphic mineral assemblage observed in the field. Powdered samples showed better cleavage efficiency during the experiment, resulting in thinner flakes and even graphene, as pointed out by Raman spectroscopy. However, these flakes were not communicating, which resulted in high electrical resistance, due to the need for an electrical current to pass through the talc, resulting in a Joule effect. The maximum electrical resistance obtained in the experiment was obtained in the sample submitted to 900 °C, in which talc decomposed into other mineral phases that were even more electrically insulating. This work demonstrates that electrical resistance prospecting can be an efficient tool to identify potential target rocks with preserved mineral nanometric heterostructures that can form an important raw material for the nanotechnology industry.
Revealing the Impact of Genomic Alterations on Cancer Cell Signaling with an Interpretable Deep Learning Model
Authors: Young Jonathan D. , Ren Shuangxia , Chen Lujia , Lu Xinghua
Published: July 2023

Cancer is a disease of aberrant cellular signaling resulting from somatic genomic alterations (SGAs). Heterogeneous SGA events in tumors lead to tumor-specific signaling system aberrations. We interpret the cancer signaling system as a causal graphical model, where SGAs affect signaling proteins, propagate their effects through signal transduction, and ultimately change gene expression. To represent such a system, we developed a deep learning model called redundant-input neural network (RINN) with a transparent redundant-input architecture. Our findings demonstrate that by utilizing SGAs as inputs, the RINN can encode their impact on the signaling system and predict gene expression accurately when measured as the area under ROC curves. Moreover, the RINN can discover the shared functional impact (similar embeddings) of SGAs that perturb a common signaling pathway (e.g., PI3K, Nrf2, and TGF). Furthermore, the RINN exhibits the ability to discover known relationships in cellular signaling systems.
One-Pot Synthesis of Iron-Modified Zeolite X and Characterization of the Obtained Materials
Authors: Murrieta-Rico Fabian N. , Antúnez-García Joel , Yocupicio-Gaxiola Rosario I. , Zamora Jonathan , Serrato Armando Reyes , Petranovskii Vitalii
Published: July 2023

Iron inclusion in the composition of the zeolite crystal structure endows it with new and useful properties. However, direct synthesis involving Fe, frequently creates unfavorable conditions that hinder the crystallization process and generate impurity phases. For this reason, novel methods, which include iron within the zeolitic matrix, are being sought out. This article presents a one-pot synthesis of iron-modified zeolite X. The resulting materials were characterized, and their textural, electrical, and magnetic properties were studied.
Dispersible Supertetrahedral Chalcogenide T3 Clusters: Photocatalytic Activity and Photogenerated Carrier Dynamics
Authors: Yin Haiyan , Liu Yifan , Ablez Abdusalam , Wang Yanqi , Hu Qianqian , Huang Xiaoying
Published: July 2023

Herein, we synthesized two isostructural supertetrahedral T3 cluster-based chalcogenide compounds by an ionic liquid-assisted precursor technique, namely [Bmmim]6In10Q16Cl4∙(MIm)4 (Q = S (In-S), Q = Se (In-Se), Bmmim = 1-butyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium, MIm = 1- methylimidazole). The two compounds consist of a pure inorganic discrete supertetrahedral [In10Q16Cl4]6- T3 cluster and six charge-balancing [Bmmim]+ anions. The T3 clusters could be highly dispersed in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), exposing more photocatalytic active sites, which makes the highly-dispersed In-Se cluster exhibit ~5 times higher photocatalytic H2 evolution activity than that of the solid-state under visible light irradiation. Comparatively, the photocatalytic performance of the highly-dispersed In-S cluster is only slightly higher than that of the solid state, as its inferior visible-light absorption capability limits the effective utilization of photons. More importantly, through tracking the photogenerated carriers dynamics of highly-dispersed T3 clusters by ultrafast transient absorption (TA) spectroscopy, we found that the photogenerated electrons in the In-S cluster would suffer a rapid internal deactivation process under illumination, whereas the photoexcited electrons in the In-Se cluster can be captured by its surface active centers that would effectively reduce its photogenerated carrier recombination, contributing to the significantly enhanced photocatalytic activity. This work enriches the species of highly-dispersed metal-chalcogenide nanoclusters and firstly investigates the relationship between the structures and photocatalytic performances of nanoclusters by ultrafast excited-state dynamics, which is expected to promote the development of atomically precise nano-chemistry.
Dual-MOFs-Derived Fe and Mn Species Anchored on Bamboo-like Carbon Nanotubes for Efficient Oxygen Reduction as Electrocatalysts
Authors: Situ Ailan , Zhao Tianyou , Huang Yuetong , Li Pingzhen , Yang Lingui , Zhang Zehong , Wang Zhaochen , Ou Yongsheng , Guan Xiongcong , Wen Jinxiu , Zhang Jiong , Zhan Yunfeng , Tang Xiufeng
Published: July 2023

The development of efficient non-precious metal electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) to replace Pt-based methods is crucial for the applications of fuel cells and metal–air batteries. In this study, a bimetallic M-N-C catalyst with highly dispersed dual-atom Fe/Mn-Nx sites immobilized on N-doped bamboo-like carbon nanotubes is prepared by the ball-milling and calcination of dual-MOFs as precursors. The rich N-doping and abundant M–Nx species contribute to the excellent intrinsic ORR activity of the catalyst, and the unique bamboo-like nanotubes morphology is beneficial for facilitating electron transfer and mass transport while simultaneously enabling the exposure of active sites. As expected, the optimized Z-Fe1Mn1-NC catalyst exhibits efficient ORR activity with a half-wave potential (E1/2) of 0.80 V in acid and 0.82 V in alkaline, and a higher electrochemical stability with the current density maintained at 91% (in 0.1 M KOH) and 86% (0.1 M HClO4) of its initial current density after 15 h of a chronoamperometric test at a high potential of 0.7 V. When further applied to Zn–air batteries, the catalyst also delivers a high open-circuit voltage, large power density, and outstanding rate performance. This work provides a novel means of designing dual metal M–Nx site-based M-N-C catalysts for ORR sustainable energy applications.
Treating Hyperexcitability in Human Cerebral Organoids Resulting from Oxygen-Glucose Deprivation
Authors: Santos Alexandra C. , Nader George , El Soufi El Sabbagh Dana , Urban Karolina , Attisano Liliana , Carlen Peter L.
Published: July 2023

Human cerebral organoids resemble the 3D complexity of the human brain and have the potential to augment current drug development pipelines for neurological disease. Epilepsy is a complex neurological condition characterized by recurrent seizures. A third of people with epilepsy do not respond to currently available pharmaceutical drugs, and there is not one drug that treats all subtypes; thus, better models of epilepsy are needed for drug development. Cerebral organoids may be used to address this unmet need. In the present work, human cerebral organoids are used along with electrophysiological methods to explore oxygen-glucose deprivation as a hyperexcitability agent. This activity is investigated in its response to current antiseizure drugs. Furthermore, the mechanism of action of the drug candidates is probed with qPCR and immunofluorescence. The findings demonstrate OGD-induced hyperexcitable changes in the cerebral organoid tissue, which is treated with cannabidiol and bumetanide. There is evidence for NKCC1 and KCC2 gene expression, as well as other genes and proteins involved in the complex development of GABAergic signaling. This study supports the use of organoids as a platform for modelling cerebral cortical hyperexcitability that could be extended to modelling epilepsy and used for drug discovery.
Intermediate Molecular Phenotypes to Identify Genetic Markers of Anthracycline-Induced Cardiotoxicity Risk
Authors: Gómez-Vecino Aurora , Corchado-Cobos Roberto , Blanco-Gómez Adrián , García-Sancha Natalia , Castillo-Lluva Sonia , Martín-García Ana , Mendiburu-Eliçabe Marina , Prieto Carlos , Ruiz-Pinto Sara , Pita Guillermo , Velasco-Ruiz Alejandro , Patino-Alonso Carmen , Galindo-Villardón Purificación , Vera-Pedrosa María Linarejos , Jalife José , Mao Jian-Hua , Macías de Plasencia Guillermo , Castellanos-Martín Andrés , Sáez-Freire María del Mar , Fraile-Martín Susana , Rodrigues-Teixeira Telmo , García-Macías Carmen , Galvis-Jiménez Julie Milena , García-Sánchez Asunción , Isidoro-García María , Fuentes Manuel , García-Cenador María Begoña , García-Criado Francisco Javier , García-Hernández Juan Luis , Hernández-García María Ángeles , Cruz-Hernández Juan Jesús , Rodríguez-Sánchez César Augusto , García-Sancho Alejandro Martín , Pérez-López Estefanía , Pérez-Martínez Antonio , Gutiérrez-Larraya Federico , Cartón Antonio J. , García-Sáenz José Ángel , Patiño-García Ana , Martín Miguel , Alonso-Gordoa Teresa , Vulsteke Christof , Croes Lieselot , Hatse Sigrid , Van Brussel Thomas , Lambrechts Diether , Wildiers Hans , Hang Chang , Holgado-Madruga Marina , González-Neira Anna , Sánchez Pedro L. , Pérez Losada Jesús
Published: July 2023

Cardiotoxicity due to anthracyclines (CDA) affects cancer patients, but we cannot predict who may suffer from this complication. CDA is a complex trait with a polygenic component that is mainly unidentified. We propose that levels of intermediate molecular phenotypes (IMPs) in the myocardium associated with histopathological damage could explain CDA susceptibility, so variants of genes encoding these IMPs could identify patients susceptible to this complication. Thus, a genetically heterogeneous cohort of mice (n = 165) generated by backcrossing were treated with doxorubicin and docetaxel. We quantified heart fibrosis using an Ariol slide scanner and intramyocardial levels of IMPs using multiplex bead arrays and QPCR. We identified quantitative trait loci linked to IMPs (ipQTLs) and cdaQTLs via linkage analysis. In three cancer patient cohorts, CDA was quantified using echocardiography or Cardiac Magnetic Resonance. CDA behaves as a complex trait in the mouse cohort. IMP levels in the myocardium were associated with CDA. ipQTLs integrated into genetic models with cdaQTLs account for more CDA phenotypic variation than that explained by cda-QTLs alone. Allelic forms of genes encoding IMPs associated with CDA in mice, including AKT1, MAPK14, MAPK8, STAT3, CAS3, and TP53, are genetic determinants of CDA in patients. Two genetic risk scores for pediatric patients (n = 71) and women with breast cancer (n = 420) were generated using machine-learning Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression. Thus, IMPs associated with heart damage identify genetic markers of CDA risk, thereby allowing more personalized patient management.