bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correction: Meyer-Plath et al. A Practicable Measurement Strategy for Compliance Checking Number Concentrations of Airborne Nano- and Microscale Fibers. Atmosphere 2020, 11, 1254
Authors: Meyer-Plath Asmus , Bäger Daphne , Dziurowitz Nico , Perseke Doris , Simonow Barbara Katrin , Thim Carmen , Wenzlaff Daniela , Plitzko Sabine
Published: January 2022

The authors wish to make the following corrections to this paper [...]
Variability of the Southwestern Patagonia (51°S) Winds in the Recent (1980–2020) Period: Implications for Past Wind Reconstructions
Authors: Gómez-Fontealba Carolina , Flores-Aqueveque Valentina , Alfaro Stéphane Christophe
Published: January 2022

The Southern Hemisphere Westerly Winds (SWW) control the amount and latitudinal distribution of rainfall in southwestern Patagonia. Recent studies have shown that SWW has intensified in the last decades, but their past behavior is not yet well understood. To understand this behavior, it is necessary to analyze climatic data from meteorological stations and reconstruct their variability through paleoclimatic evidence, such as lake cores. Nevertheless, Patagonia is an austral region characterized by its complex topography and quasi lack of a meteorological network. In this work, three reanalyses are studied (MERRA-2, ERA5, and GLDAS) and compared with the Cerro Castillo and Teniente Gallardo stations (~51°S), with the aim of simulating the winds in the past. The results indicate that ERA5 and MERRA-2 simulate well the wind variability in the study region, while GLDAS is less reliable. Therefore, the first two reanalyses could be used to extend the time series of the meteorological station and calibrate a new wind proxy based on the abundance and size of the aeolian particles, reconstructing in a direct way the intensity of the SWW in the past over southwestern Patagonia.
Machine Learning to Predict Area Fugitive Emission Fluxes of GHGs from Open-Pit Mines
Authors: Kia Seyedahmad , Nambiar Manoj K. , Thé Jesse , Gharabaghi Bahram , Aliabadi Amir A.
Published: January 2022

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from open-pit mines pose a global climate challenge, which necessitates appropriate quantification to support effective mitigation measures. This study considers the area-fugitive methane advective flux (as a proxy for emission flux) released from a tailings pond and two open-pit mines, denominated “old” and “new”, within a facility in northern Canada. To estimate the emission fluxes of methane from these sources, this research employed near-surface observations and modeling using the weather research and forecasting (WRF) passive tracer dispersion method. Various machine learning (ML) methods were trained and tested on these data for the operational forecasting of emissions. Predicted emission fluxes and meteorological variables from the WRF model were used as training and input datasets for ML algorithms. A series of 10 ML algorithms were evaluated. The four models that generated the most accurate forecasts were selected. These ML models are the multi-layer perception (MLP) artificial neural network, the gradient boosting (GBR), XGBOOST (XGB), and support vector machines (SVM). Overall, the simulations predicted the emission fluxes with R2 (-) values higher than 0.8 (-). Considering the bias (Tonnes h−1), the ML predicted the emission fluxes within 6.3%, 3.3%, and 0.3% of WRF predictions for the old mine, new mine, and the pond, respectively.
An Application of Sălăgean Operator Concerning Starlike Functions
Authors: Güney Hatun Özlem , Oros Georgia Irina , Owa Shigeyoshi
Published: January 2022

As an application of the well-known Sălăgean differential operator, a new operator is introduced and, using this, a new class of functions Sn(α) is defined, which has the classes of starlike and convex functions of order α as special cases. Original results related to the newly defined class are obtained using the renowned Jack–Miller–Mocanu lemma. A relevant example is given regarding the applications of a new proven result concerning interesting properties of class Sn(α).
Relationships of Final Velocity at 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test and Anaerobic Speed Reserve with Body Composition, Sprinting, Change-of-Direction and Vertical Jumping Performances: A Cross-Sectional Study in Youth Soccer Players
Authors: Silva Ana Filipa , Alvurdu Sumer , Akyildiz Zeki , Clemente Filipe Manuel
Published: January 2022

This study aimed to determine the relationships of locomotor profile (combination of a player’s maximal oxygen uptake and running economy)—measured by the final velocity attained at 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test (VIFT) and the anaerobic speed reserve (ASR)—with the body composition, countermovement jump (CMJ), sprinting performances, and change-of-direction (COD) ability of youth soccer players. A cross-sectional study design was implemented. A total of 124 youth soccer players from different age groups (15, 16, 17, 18, and 19 years old) were voluntarily recruited. ASR was determined based on the difference between maximal sprint speed (MSS) and VIFT. Players were tested for the following measures: (i) body composition (body mass and body fat percentage); (ii) CMJ (height of jump); (iii) sprinting time measured at 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 m; (iv) MSS measured in the best split time (5 m) over the 30 m test; (v) COD ability (time, asymmetry index); and (vi) final velocity at 30-15 IFT (VIFT). A Pearson product-moment correlation test was used to examine the relationships. Height and body mass exhibited large correlations with VIFT (r = 0.835 and r = 0.699, respectively) and small correlations with ASR (r = 0.177 and r = 0.256, respectively). The CMJ was largely correlated with VIFT (r = 0.631 to r = 0.650) while presenting small correlations with ASR (r = 0.227 to r = 0.232). Both VIFT and ASR had moderate (r = 0.3 to r = 0.5) correlations with sprinting time at different distances and very large correlations with MSS (r = 0.797 to r = 0.866). The COD time was largely correlated with VIFT (r = 0.765 and r = 0.775) while exhibiting small-to-moderate correlations with ASR (r = −0.279 and r = −0.301). In conclusion, it was found that locomotor performance at 30-15 VIFT presents high levels of correlation with anthropometry and physical fitness; ASR also presents correlations with these variables, but they are smaller. This suggest that ASR is an independent variable that should be considered for inclusion in information for characterizing players’ capacities.
Age-at-Death Estimation of Fetuses and Infants in Forensic Anthropology: A New “Coupling” Method to Detect Biases Due to Altered Growth Trajectories
Authors: Niel Mélissa , Chaumoître Kathia , Adalian Pascal
Published: January 2022

The coupling between maturation and growth in the age estimation of young individuals with altered growth processes was analyzed in this study, whereby the age was determined using a geometric morphometrics method. A medical sample comprising 223 fetuses and infants was used to establish the method. The pars basilaris shapes, quantified by elliptic Fourier analysis, were grouped into consensus stages to characterize the maturation process along increasing age groups. Each pars basilaris maturation stage was “coupled” to biometry by defining an associated femur length range. The method was tested on a validation sample of 42 normal individuals and a pathological sample of 114 individuals whose pathologies were medically assessed. Couplings were present in 90.48% of the normal sample and 77.19% of the pathological sample. The method was able to detect “uncoupling” (i.e., possibly altered growth) in more than 22.8% of samples, even if there was no visible traces of pathology on bones in most cases. In conclusion, experts should be warned that living conditions may cause alterations in the development of young individuals in terms of uncoupling, and that the age-at-death estimation based on long bone biometry could be biased. In a forensic context, when age has been estimated in cases where uncoupling is present, experts should be careful to take potential inaccuracies into account when forming their conclusions.
Evaluation of Age-Dependent Changes in the Coloration of Male Killifish Nothobranchius Guentheri Using New Photoprocessing Methods
Authors: Nikiforov-Nikishin Dmitry L. , Kochetkov Nikita I. , Mikodina Ekaterina V. , Nikiforov-Nikishin Alexei L. , Simakov Yuri G. , Golovacheva Natalya A. , Gorbunov Alexander V. , Chebotarev Sergei N. , Kirichenko Evgeniya Yu. , Zabiyaka Igor Yu. , Pastukhov Ivan S. , Bren Anzhelika B.
Published: January 2022

Fish as model objects have found wide applications in biology and fundamental medicine and allow studies of behavioral and physiological responses to various environmental factors. Representatives of the genus Nothobranchius are one of the most convenient objects for such studies. Male fish belonging to the family Nothobranchiidae are characterized by extremely diverse coloration, which constantly changes, depending on the age of the fish, environmental factors, and social hierarchical status. These fish species are characterized by a short life cycle, which allows changes in coloration, an indicator of the ontogenesis stage, to be estimated. Existing methods of fish color assessments do not allow the intensity of coloration of particular body zones to be clearly differentiated. In the present study, we suggest a method of two-factor assessment of specific fish body zones using modified methods of photofixation and image processing software. We describe the protocol of the method and the results of its application to different-aged groups of male Nothobranchius guentheri. The coloration of selected areas (i.e., red spot on the gill cover (RSGC), black border on the caudal fin (BBCF), and white border on the dorsal fin (WBDF)) differed significantly according to the size and age of the fish (p < 0.05). The data obtained suggest that N. guentheri can be a model for studying aging by the intensity of body coloration in males.
Methacrylated Cartilage ECM-Based Hydrogels as Injectables and Bioinks for Cartilage Tissue Engineering
Authors: Behan Kevin , Dufour Alexandre , Garcia Orquidea , Kelly Daniel
Published: January 2022

Articular cartilage (AC) possesses a limited healing potential, meaning that untreated focal joint defects typically progress, leading to the development of degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis. Several clinical strategies exist that aim to regenerate AC; however, recapitulation of a fully functional, load-bearing tissue remains a significant challenge. This can be attributed, at least in part, to a paucity of biomaterials that truly mimic the native tissue and provide appropriate cues to direct its regeneration. The main structural component of articular cartilage, type II collagen, does not readily gelate at body temperature, challenging the development of cartilage extracellular matrix (cECM)-derived injectable hydrogels and bioinks for AC tissue engineering and bioprinting applications. Here, we describe the development and rheological characterisation of a methacrylated cartilage ECM-based hydrogel/bioink (cECM-MA), which could be photocrosslinked when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. Functionalisation of the collagen backbone with methacryloyl groups had a negligible effect on triple helix stability, as demonstrated by circular dichroism spectroscopy. These cECM-MA bioinks demonstrated shear-thinning properties and could be loaded with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs), micro-extruded to generate self-supporting 3D constructs of predefined size and shape, and then photocrosslinked using UV light. Analysis of the cell-laden constructs showed that the BM-MSCs were viable post-printing and underwent chondrogenesis in vitro, generating a tissue rich in sulphated glycosaminoglycans and collagens. These results support the use of methacrylated, tissue-specific ECM-derived hydrogels as bioinks for 3D bioprinting and/or as injectables for cartilage tissue engineering applications.
Implication of Intestinal Barrier Dysfunction in Gut Dysbiosis and Diseases
Authors: Stolfi Carmine , Maresca Claudia , Monteleone Giovanni , Laudisi Federica
Published: January 2022

The intestinal mucosal barrier, also referred to as intestinal barrier, is widely recognized as a critical player in gut homeostasis maintenance as it ensures the complex crosstalk between gut microbes (both commensals and pathogens) and the host immune system. Highly specialized epithelial cells constantly cope with several protective and harmful agents to maintain the multiple physiological functions of the barrier as well as its integrity. However, both genetic defects and environmental factors can break such equilibrium, thus promoting gut dysbiosis, dysregulated immune-inflammatory responses, and even the development of chronic pathological conditions. Here, we review and discuss the molecular and cellular pathways underlying intestinal barrier structural and functional homeostasis, focusing on potential alterations that may undermine this fine balance.
Structure-Based Analysis of Protein Cluster Size for Super-Resolution Microscopy in the Nervous System
Authors: Wong Chia-En , Chu Yuan-Ping , Tsai Kuen-Jer
Published: January 2022

To overcome the diffraction limit and resolve target structures in greater detail, far-field super-resolution techniques such as stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM) have been developed, and different STORM algorithms have been developed to deal with the various problems that arise. In particular, the effect of the local structure is an important issue. For objects with closely correlated distributions, simple Gaussian-based localization algorithms often used in STORM imaging misinterpret overlapping point spread functions (PSFs) as one, which limits the ability of super-resolution imaging to resolve nanoscale local structures and leads to inaccurate length measurements. The STORM super-resolution images of biological specimens from the cluster-forming proteins in the nervous system were reconstructed for localization-based analysis. Generally, the localization of each fluorophore was determined by two-dimensional Gaussian function fitting. Further, the physical shape of the cluster structure information was incorporated into the size parameter of the localization structure analysis in order to generate structure-based fitting algorithms. In the present study, we proposed a novel, structure-based, super-resolution image analysis method: structure-based analysis (SBA), which combines a structural function and a super-resolution localization algorithm. Using SBA, we estimated the size of fluorescent beads, inclusion proteins, and subtle synaptic structures in both wide-field and STORM images. The results show that SBA has a comparable and often superior performance to the commonly used full width at half maximum (FWHM) parameter. We demonstrated that SBA is able to estimate molecular cluster sizes in far-field super-resolution STORM images, and that SBA was comparable and often superior to FWHM. We also certified that SBA provides size estimations that corroborate previously published electron microscopy data.
Perspectives in Sports Genomics
Authors: Ginevičienė Valentina , Utkus Algirdas , Pranckevičienė Erinija , Semenova Ekaterina A. , Hall Elliott C. R. , Ahmetov Ildus I.
Published: January 2022

Human athletic performance is a complex phenotype influenced by environmental and genetic factors, with most exercise-related traits being polygenic in nature. The aim of this article is to outline some of the challenge faced by sports genetics as this relatively new field moves forward. This review summarizes recent advances in sports science and discusses the impact of the genome, epigenome and other omics (such as proteomics and metabolomics) on athletic performance. The article also highlights the current status of gene doping and examines the possibility of applying genetic knowledge to predict athletes’ injury risk and to prevent the rare but alarming occurrence of sudden deaths during sporting events. Future research in large cohorts of athletes has the potential to detect new genetic variants and to confirm the previously identified DNA variants believed to explain the natural predisposition of some individuals to certain athletic abilities and health benefits. It is hoped that this article will be useful to sports scientists who seek a greater understanding of how genetics influences exercise science and how genomic and other multi-omics approaches might support performance analysis, coaching, personalizing nutrition, rehabilitation and sports medicine, as well as the potential to develop new rationale for future scientific investigation.
PBK/TOPK Is a Favorable Prognostic Biomarker Correlated with Antitumor Immunity in Colon Cancers
Authors: Lee Dong-Hee , Jeong Yu-Jeong , Won Ju-Young , Sim Hye-In , Park Yoon , Jin Hyung-Seung
Published: January 2022

Immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy has proven efficacy in a subset of colon cancer patients featuring a deficient DNA mismatch repair system or a high microsatellite instability profile. However, there is high demand for more effective biomarkers to expand the colon cancer population responding to ICI therapy. PBK/TOPK, a serine/threonine kinase, plays a role in cell cycle regulation and mitotic progression. Here, we investigated the correlation between PBK/TOPK expression and tumor immunity and its prognostic value in colon cancer. Based on large-scale bioinformatics analysis, we discovered that elevated PBK/TOPK expression predicted a favorable outcome in patients with colon cancer and was positively associated with immune infiltration levels of CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, natural killer cells, and M1 macrophages. In contrast, a negative correlation was found between PBK/TOPK expression and immune suppressor cells, including regulatory T cells and M2 macrophages. Furthermore, the expression of PBK/TOPK was correlated with the expression of T-cell cytotoxicity genes in colon cancer. Additionally, high PBK/TOPK expression was associated with mutations in DNA damage repair genes, and thus with increased tumor mutation and neoantigen burden. These findings suggest that PBK/TOPK may serve as a prognostic and predictive biomarker for immunotherapy in colon cancer.
Fabrication of Wearable PDMS Device for Rapid Detection of Nucleic Acids via Recombinase Polymerase Amplification Operated by Human Body Heat
Authors: Trinh Kieu The Loan , Lee Nae Yoon
Published: January 2022

Pathogen detection by nucleic acid amplification proved its significance during the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The emergence of recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) has enabled nucleic acid amplification in limited-resource conditions owing to the low operating temperatures around the human body. In this study, we fabricated a wearable RPA microdevice using poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS), which can form soft—but tight—contact with human skin without external support during the body-heat-based reaction process. In particular, the curing agent ratio of PDMS was tuned to improve the flexibility and adhesion of the device for better contact with human skin, as well as to temporally bond the microdevice without requiring further surface modification steps. For PDMS characterization, water contact angle measurements and tests for flexibility, stretchability, bond strength, comfortability, and bendability were conducted to confirm the surface properties of the different mixing ratios of PDMS. By using human body heat, the wearable RPA microdevices were successfully applied to amplify 210 bp from Escherichia coli O157:H7 (E. coli O157:H7) and 203 bp from the DNA plasmid SARS-CoV-2 within 23 min. The limit of detection (LOD) was approximately 500 pg/reaction for genomic DNA template (E. coli O157:H7), and 600 fg/reaction for plasmid DNA template (SARS-CoV-2), based on gel electrophoresis. The wearable RPA microdevice could have a high impact on DNA amplification in instrument-free and resource-limited settings.
Remote Healthcare for Elderly People Using Wearables: A Review
Authors: Olmedo-Aguirre José Oscar , Reyes-Campos Josimar , Alor-Hernández Giner , Machorro-Cano Isaac , Rodríguez-Mazahua Lisbeth , Sánchez-Cervantes José Luis
Published: January 2022

The growth of health care spending on older adults with chronic diseases faces major concerns that require effective measures to be adopted worldwide. Among the main concerns is whether recent technological advances now offer the possibility of providing remote health care for the aging population. The benefits of suitable prevention and adequate monitoring of chronic diseases by using emerging technological paradigms such as wearable devices and the Internet of Things (IoT) can increase the detection rates of health risks to raise the quality of life for the elderly. Specifically, on the subject of remote health monitoring in older adults, a first approach is required to review devices, sensors, and wearables that serve as tools for obtaining and measuring physiological parameters in order to identify progress, limitations, and areas of opportunity in the development of health monitoring schemes. For these reasons, a review of articles on wearable devices was presented in the first instance to identify whether the selected articles addressed the needs of aged adults. Subsequently, the direct review of commercial and prototype wearable devices with the capability to read physiological parameters was presented to identify whether they are optimal or usable for health monitoring in older adults.
Quantification Analysis of Sleep Based on Smartwatch Sensors for Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Ko Yi-Feng , Kuo Pei-Hsin , Wang Ching-Fu , Chen Yu-Jen , Chuang Pei-Chi , Li Shih-Zhang , Chen Bo-Wei , Yang Fu-Chi , Lo Yu-Chun , Yang Yi , Ro Shuan-Chu Vina , Jaw Fu-Shan , Lin Sheng-Huang , Chen You-Yin
Published: January 2022

Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is associated with Parkinson’s disease (PD). In this study, a smartwatch-based sensor is utilized as a convenient tool to detect the abnormal RBD phenomenon in PD patients. Instead, a questionnaire with sleep quality assessment and sleep physiological indices, such as sleep stage, activity level, and heart rate, were measured in the smartwatch sensors. Therefore, this device can record comprehensive sleep physiological data, offering several advantages such as ubiquity, long-term monitoring, and wearable convenience. In addition, it can provide the clinical doctor with sufficient information on the patient’s sleeping patterns with individualized treatment. In this study, a three-stage sleep staging method (i.e., comprising sleep/awake detection, sleep-stage detection, and REM-stage detection) based on an accelerometer and heart-rate data is implemented using machine learning (ML) techniques. The ML-based algorithms used here for sleep/awake detection, sleep-stage detection, and REM-stage detection were a Cole–Kripke algorithm, a stepwise clustering algorithm, and a k-means clustering algorithm with predefined criteria, respectively. The sleep staging method was validated in a clinical trial. The results showed a statistically significant difference in the percentage of abnormal REM between the control group (1.6 ± 1.3; n = 18) and the PD group (3.8 ± 5.0; n = 20) (p = 0.04). The percentage of deep sleep stage in our results presented a significant difference between the control group (38.1 ± 24.3; n = 18) and PD group (22.0 ± 15.0, n = 20) (p = 0.011) as well. Further, our results suggested that the smartwatch-based sensor was able to detect the difference of an abnormal REM percentage in the control group (1.6 ± 1.3; n = 18), PD patient with clonazepam (2.0 ± 1.7; n = 10), and without clonazepam (5.7 ± 7.1; n = 10) (p = 0.007). Our results confirmed the effectiveness of our sensor in investigating the sleep stage in PD patients. The sensor also successfully determined the effect of clonazepam on reducing abnormal REM in PD patients. In conclusion, our smartwatch sensor is a convenient and effective tool for sleep quantification analysis in PD patients.
Building Energy Consumption Prediction Using a Deep-Forest-Based DQN Method
Authors: Fu Qiming , Li Ke , Chen Jianping , Wang Junqi , Lu You , Wang Yunzhe
Published: January 2022

When deep reinforcement learning (DRL) methods are applied in energy consumption prediction, performance is usually improved at the cost of the increasing computation time. Specifically, the deep deterministic policy gradient (DDPG) method can achieve higher prediction accuracy than deep Q-network (DQN), but it requires more computing resources and computation time. In this paper, we proposed a deep-forest-based DQN (DF–DQN) method, which can obtain higher prediction accuracy than DDPG and take less computation time than DQN. Firstly, the original action space is replaced with the shrunken action space to efficiently find the optimal action. Secondly, deep forest (DF) is introduced to map the shrunken action space to a single sub-action space. This process can determine the specific meaning of each action in the shrunken action space to ensure the convergence of DF–DQN. Thirdly, state class probabilities obtained by DF are employed to construct new states by considering the probabilistic process of shrinking the original action space. The experimental results show that the DF–DQN method with 15 state classes outperforms other methods and takes less computation time than DRL methods. MAE, MAPE, and RMSE are decreased by 5.5%, 7.3%, and 8.9% respectively, and R2 is increased by 0.3% compared to the DDPG method.
Data-Driven Compressive Strength Prediction of Fly Ash Concrete Using Ensemble Learner Algorithms
Authors: Barkhordari Mohammad , Armaghani Danial , Mohammed Ahmed , Ulrikh Dmitrii
Published: January 2022

Concrete is one of the most popular materials for building all types of structures, and it has a wide range of applications in the construction industry. Cement production and use have a significant environmental impact due to the emission of different gases. The use of fly ash concrete (FAC) is crucial in eliminating this defect. However, varied features of cementitious composites exist, and understanding their mechanical characteristics is critical for safety. On the other hand, for forecasting the mechanical characteristics of concrete, machine learning approaches are extensively employed algorithms. The goal of this work is to compare ensemble deep neural network models, i.e., the super learner algorithm, simple averaging, weighted averaging, integrated stacking, as well as separate stacking ensemble models, and super learner models, in order to develop an accurate approach for estimating the compressive strength of FAC and reducing the high variance of the predictive models. Separate stacking with the random forest meta-learner received the most accurate predictions (97.6%) with the highest coefficient of determination and the lowest mean square error and variance.
Three Strategies in One Project—Revitalization of the International Export Company (Kiangsu)
Authors: Hu Linhua , Li Meng , Zhou Qi
Published: January 2022

The International Export Company (Kiangsu) (IEC (Kiangsu)) was the earliest reinforced concrete industrial building group in China. Among similar buildings preserved to date, its huge scale and early construction period are very rare. In recent years, after the enterprise moved away, the IEC (Kiangsu) was transformed into a landmark complex integrating commerce, culture, and tourism according to the requirements of regional development. For early modern reinforced concrete buildings, in order to preserve their value as heritage sites and confirm their contemporary value as a space resource that meets political and economic requirements, it is necessary to conduct detailed historical research and value evaluation on them. The orientation of value evaluation must consider both heritage values and contemporary values. The choice of different technical means is adapted to the dynamics of value evaluation.
Experimental Study on Shear Behavior of Precast High-Strength Concrete Segmental Beams with External Tendons and Dry Joints
Authors: Hu Zebin , Xu Zhenming , Zhang Shufeng , Jiang Haibo , Chen Yuanhang , Xiao Jie
Published: January 2022

Precast high-strength concrete segmental beams with external tendons and dry joints (ED-PHCSBs) have become a potential alternative for achieving accelerated bridge construction due to their lighter self-weight and easier installation. In order to investigate the shear behavior of ED-PHCSBs, eight precast concrete segmental specimens were fabricated and tested to failure. For comparison purposes, one externally prestressed high-strength concrete monolithic beam was also investigated. The primary parameters, including concrete strength, shear span-depth ratio, stirrup ratio, joint number, and joint location, were adopted. Test results indicated that increasing the concrete strength or stirrup ratio can effectively improve the shear capacity of the ED-PHCSBs. The shear span-depth ratio was inversely proportional to shear strength for all specimens. The results also revealed that the joint number had a marginal effect on the defections and stresses of the external tendons of ED-PHCSBs. AASHTO 2017 and Chinese code 2018 can conservatively estimate the shear strength of ED-PHCSBs. Considering the actual failure modes of the precast beams, a calculation method based on a modified strut-and-tie model was proposed. The average and standard deviation of the ratios of the test results to the predicted value of the proposed method were 0.98 and 0.08, respectively. It indicated that the proposed formula was more accurate.
Performance-Based Compositive Passive Control Analysis of Multi-Tower Building with Chassis: Optimization of Kelvin-Voigt Dampers
Authors: Zhang Shangrong , Hu Yuchen , Zhang Chi , Li Shihao , Tan Ping
Published: January 2022

The compositive passive control (CPC) method of “interlayer seismic isolation “plus “shock absorption between adjacent towers” was applied to a multi-tower building (MTB) with a large podium. The interaction between adjacent towers was used to reduce the structural response under seismic action. Based on the Clough–Penzien spectral seismic model, the extended state equation of random response of MTB was derived with the minimum total energy of structural vibration as the optimization control objective. By comparing the seismic scheme and interlayer seismic isolation scheme, the relationship between the control parameters of the connecting control device and the random response of the structure was discussed and analyzed, and the control effect of the composite passive control system under different control schemes was also studied from the perspective of seismic response time history and vibration cumulative energy time history. Through numerical analysis, it was proved that the damping coefficient of the Kelvin-Voigt model has a great influence on the mean square error of total vibration energy while the stiffness coefficient has a poor sensitivity to it. Under the optimization control objective, the connection control device was better arranged at the top of the structure. The control effect can reach 84.64% under the condition of random ground motion as input. The CPC method maintains the advantages of the interlayer seismic isolation scheme and reduces the defect of the response amplification caused by the interlayer isolation, which provides a reference for the follow-up study of the CPC method of MTB.
External Validation of the RETREAT Score for Prediction of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Recurrence after Liver Transplantation
Authors: van Hooff Maria C. , Sonneveld Milan J. , Ijzermans Jan N. , Doukas Michail , Sprengers Dave , Metselaar Herold J. , den Hoed Caroline M. , de Man Robert A.
Published: January 2022

Background. We aimed to externally validate the performance of the RETREAT score in a European population. Methods. This single center retrospective cohort study enrolled all consecutive patients with HCC who underwent LT between 1989 and 2019. The performance of RETREAT was assessed in the overall population and after stratification between being within or beyond the Milan criteria based on the explant pathology report. Recurrence probabilities were estimated by using the Kaplan–Meier method and compared by log-rank test. Results. We studied 203 patients; 42 patients were beyond the Milan criteria based on explant pathology. The median follow-up was 26.8 months (IQR 7.2–60.7). Overall cumulative HCC recurrence rates were 10.6%, 21.3%, and 23.0% at 2, 5, and 10 years, with the majority of recurrences extrahepatic and at multiple sites. Higher RETREAT scores were associated with higher recurrence rates, with a 10-year recurrence rate of 60.5% in patients with RETREAT ≥ 3 (n = 65), compared to 6.2% in those with RETREAT ≤2 (n = 138; p < 0.001). HCC recurrence rates were even lower in patients within the Milan criteria who also had a low RETREAT score (n = 122; 2.7% at 10 years). Conclusion. Low RETREAT scores identify patients at low risk of HCC recurrence after LT in patients within the Milan criteria based on explant pathology.
Prognostic Value of Metabolic, Volumetric and Textural Parameters of Baseline [18F]FDG PET/CT in Early Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Bouron Clément , Mathie Clara , Seegers Valérie , Morel Olivier , Jézéquel Pascal , Lasla Hamza , Guillerminet Camille , Girault Sylvie , Lacombe Marie , Sher Avigaelle , Lacoeuille Franck , Patsouris Anne , Testard Aude
Published: January 2022

(1) Background: triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains a clinical and therapeutic challenge primarily affecting young women with poor prognosis. TNBC is currently treated as a single entity but presents a very diverse profile in terms of prognosis and response to treatment. Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]FDG) is gaining importance for the staging of breast cancers. TNBCs often show high [18F]FDG uptake and some studies have suggested a prognostic value for metabolic and volumetric parameters, but no study to our knowledge has examined textural features in TNBC. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between metabolic, volumetric and textural parameters measured at the initial [18F]FDG PET/CT and disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients with nonmetastatic TBNC. (2) Methods: all consecutive nonmetastatic TNBC patients who underwent a [18F]FDG PET/CT examination upon diagnosis between 2012 and 2018 were retrospectively included. The metabolic and volumetric parameters (SUVmax, SUVmean, SUVpeak, MTV, and TLG) and the textural features (entropy, homogeneity, SRE, LRE, LGZE, and HGZE) of the primary tumor were collected. (3) Results: 111 patients were enrolled (median follow-up: 53.6 months). In the univariate analysis, high TLG, MTV and entropy values of the primary tumor were associated with lower DFS (p = 0.008, p = 0.006 and p = 0.025, respectively) and lower OS (p = 0.002, p = 0.001 and p = 0.046, respectively). The discriminating thresholds for two-year DFS were calculated as 7.5 for MTV, 55.8 for TLG and 2.6 for entropy. The discriminating thresholds for two-year OS were calculated as 9.3 for MTV, 57.4 for TLG and 2.67 for entropy. In the multivariate analysis, lymph node involvement in PET/CT was associated with lower DFS (p = 0.036), and the high MTV of the primary tumor was correlated with lower OS (p = 0.014). (4) Conclusions: textural features associated with metabolic and volumetric parameters of baseline [18F]FDG PET/CT have a prognostic value for identifying high-relapse-risk groups in early TNBC patients.
Heterogeneous Photocatalytic Chlorination of Methylene Blue Using a Newly Synthesized TiO2-SiO2 Photocatalyst
Authors: Joseph Collin G. , Taufiq-Yap Yun Hin , Letshmanan Elilarasi , Vijayan Veena
Published: January 2022

The titanium dioxide-silicon dioxide (TiO2-SiO2) nanocomposite used for the study was synthesized using a sol-gel method followed by UV-treatment. The physicochemical properties of the synthesized catalyst, TiO2-SiO2 were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-vis DRS) and photoluminescence (PL). The photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye was evaluated in the presence of TiO2-SiO2 and reactive chlorine species (RCS) under experimental conditions. By comparing the important reaction processes in the study, including photocatalysis, chlorination and photocatalytic chlorination, it was found out that the process of photocatalytic chlorination had the highest photodegradation efficiency (95% at 60 min) of the MB under optimum reaction conditions (MB = 6 mg L−1, catalyst = 0.1 g and pH = 4). The enhanced removal of MB from the aqueous medium was identified because of the synergy between chlorination and photocatalysis activated in the presence of TiO2-SiO2. The mechanism of the photocatalytic chlorination process was scrutinized in the presence of various RCS and reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavengers. Based on the experimental data attained, Na2S2O3 exhibited the highest inhibitory effect on the degradation efficiency of MB, indicating that the RCS is the main contributor to visible light-induced photodegradation of MB.
Lignin Depolymerization in the Presence of Base, Hydrogenation Catalysts, and Ethanol
Authors: Romanenko Iuliia , Kurz Felix , Baumgarten Robert , Jevtovikj Ivana , Lindner Jean-Pierre , Kundu Arunabha , Kindler Alois , Schunk Stephan Andreas
Published: January 2022

Being the major renewable source of bio-aromatics, lignin possesses considerable potential for the chemical industry as raw material. Kraft lignin is a couple product of paper industry with an annual production of 55,000,000 ton/y and is considered the largest share of available lignin. Here we report a facile approach of Kraft lignin depolymerization to defined oligomeric units with yields of up to 70 wt.%. The process implies utilization of an aqueous base in combination with a metal containing catalyst and an alcohol under non-oxidative atmosphere at 300 °C. An advantage of the developed approach is the facile separation of the oligomer product that precipitates from the reaction mixture. In addition, the process proceeds without char formation; both factors make it attractive for industrialization. The suppression of the repolymerization processes that lead to char formation is possible when the combination of metal containing catalyst in the presence of an alcohol is used. It was found that the oligomer units have structural features found in phenol-acetaldehyde resins. These features result from the base catalyzed condensation of lignin fragments with in situ formed aldehydes. Catalytic dehydrogenation of the alcohol provides the latter. This reaction pathway is confirmed by the presence condensation products of Guerbet type reactions.
Preparation, Property Characterization of Gd2YSbO7/ZnBiNbO5 Heterojunction Photocatalyst for Photocatalytic Degradation of Benzotriazole under Visible Light Irradiation
Authors: Yao Ye , Luan Jingfei
Published: January 2022

The Gd2YSbO7/ZnBiNbO5 heterojunction photocatalyst was synthesized for the first time by the facile in situ precipitation method. The structural properties of a Gd2YSbO7/ZnBiNbO5 heterojunction photocatalyst were characterized by X-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscope-X ray energy dispersive spectra, X-ray photoelectron spectrograph and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectrophotometer. The band gap energy (BGE) of Gd2YSbO7 or ZnBiNbO5 was found to be 2.396 eV or 2.696 eV, respectively. The photocatalytic property of Gd2YSbO7 or ZnBiNbO5 or Gd2YSbO7/ZnBiNbO5 heterojunction photocatalyst (GZHP) was reported. After a visible-light irradiation of 145 minutes (VLI-145 min), the removal rate (RER) of benzotriazole reached 99.05%, 82.45%, 78.23% or 47.30% with Gd2YSbO7/ZnBiNbO5 heterojunction (GZH), Gd2YSbO7, ZnBiNbO5 or N-doped TiO2 (NTO) as photocatalyst. In addition, the kinetic constant k, derived from the dynamic curve toward benzotriazole concentration and visible light irradiation time with GZH as a photocatalyst, reached 0.0213 min−1. Compared with Gd2YSbO7 or ZnBiNbO5 or NTO, GZHP showed maximal photocatalytic activity (PHA) for the photocatalytic degradation of benzotriazole under visible-light irradiation. The RER of total organic carbon during the photocatalytic degradation of benzotriazole reached 90.18%, 74.35%, 70.73% or 42.15% with GZH as a photocatalyst or with Gd2YSbO7, ZnBiNbO5 or NTO as a photocatalyst after VLI-145 min. Moreover, the kinetic constant k, which came from the dynamic curve toward total organic carbon concentration and visible light irradiation time with GZH as a photocatalyst, reached 0.0110 min−1. Based on above results, GZHP showed the maximal mineralization percentage ratio when GZHP degraded benzotriazole. The results showed that hydroxyl radicals was the main oxidation radical during the degradation of benzotriazole. The photocatalytic degradation of benzotriazole with GZH as a photocatalyst conformed to the first-order reaction kinetics. Our research aimed to improve the photocatalytic properties of the single photocatalyst.
Long-Term Safety Following Faecal Microbiota Transplantation as a Treatment for Recurrent Clostridioides difficile Infection Compared with Patients Treated with a Fixed Bacterial Mixture: Results from a Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Cold Frederik , Svensson Camilla Kara , Petersen Andreas Munk , Hansen Lars Hestbjerg , Helms Morten
Published: January 2022

Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is the recommended treatment for recurrent C. difficile infection (rCDI) following a second recurrence. FMT is considered safe in the short term when procedures for the screening of donors and transferred material are followed. However, the long-term safety profile of FMT treatment is largely unknown. In a retrospective cohort study, we assessed the long-term safety of patients treated for rCDI with FMT or a fixed bacterial mixture, rectal bacteriotherapy (RBT). The overall survival, risk of hospital admission, onset of certain pre-specified diseases (cancer, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and inflammatory bowel disease) and risk of being diagnosed with a multidrug-resistant organism were assessed by undertaking a review of the treated patients’ medical records for up to five years following treatment. A total of 280 patients were treated for rCDI with FMT (n = 145) or RBT (n = 135) between 2016 and 2020. In the five years following treatment, there were no differences in survival (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.03; 95% CI 0.68–1.56), p = 0.89), risk of hospital admission ((aHR 0.92; 95% CI 0.72–1.18), p = 0.5) or onset of any of the analysed diseases. In conclusion, FMT was not associated with increased mortality, risk of hospital admission or onset of disease following treatment when compared with RBT.
Clinical and Translational Significance of Basophils in Patients with Cancer
Authors: Chauhan Jitesh , Stavraka Chara , Grandits Melanie , Palhares Lais C. G. F. , Josephs Debra H. , Lacy Katie E. , Spicer James , Bax Heather J. , Karagiannis Sophia N.
Published: January 2022

Despite comprising a very small proportion of circulating blood leukocytes, basophils are potent immune effector cells. The high-affinity receptor for IgE (FcɛRI) is expressed on the basophil cell surface and powerful inflammatory mediators such as histamine, granzyme B, and cytokines are stored in dense cytoplasmic granules, ready to be secreted in response to a range of immune stimuli. Basophils play key roles in eliciting potent effector functions in allergic diseases and type 1 hypersensitivity. Beyond allergies, basophils can be recruited to tissues in chronic and autoimmune inflammation, and in response to parasitic, bacterial, and viral infections. While their activation states and functions can be influenced by Th2-biased inflammatory signals, which are also known features of several tumor types, basophils have received little attention in cancer. Here, we discuss the presence and functional significance of basophils in the circulation of cancer patients and in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Interrogating publicly available datasets, we conduct gene expression analyses to explore basophil signatures and associations with clinical outcomes in several cancers. Furthermore, we assess how basophils can be harnessed to predict hypersensitivity to cancer treatments and to monitor the desensitization of patients to oncology drugs, using assays such as the basophil activation test (BAT).
Static Magnetic Fields Reduce Oxidative Stress to Improve Wound Healing and Alleviate Diabetic Complications
Authors: Feng Chuanlin , Yu Biao , Song Chao , Wang Junjun , Zhang Lei , Ji Xinmiao , Wang Ying , Fang Yanwen , Liao Zhongcai , Wei Min , Zhang Xin
Published: January 2022

Although some studies have shown that some static magnetic fields (SMFs) can promote wound healing in diabetic mice, it is not clear whether the other diabetes complications, such as liver disease and diabetic nephropathy, can also be alleviated. Here, we constructed two simple magnetic plates using neodymium permanent magnets to examine the comprehensive effects of moderate SMFs on genetically obese leptin receptor-deficient db/db diabetic mice. We found that although the blood glucose was not obviously reduced by these two SMF settings, both of the glycated serum protein (GSP) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly decreased (Cohen’s d = 2.57–3.04). Moreover, the wound healing, liver lipid accumulation, and renal defects were all significantly improved by SMF treatment (Cohen’s d = 0.91–2.05). Wound tissue examination showed obvious nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) level decrease (Cohen’s d = 2.49–5.40) and Ki-67 level increase (Cohen’s d = 2.30–3.40), indicating decreased oxidative stress and increased cell proliferation. In vitro cellular studies with fibroblast NIH3T3 cells showed that SMFs could reduce high glucose-induced NRF2 nucleus translocation (Cohen’s d = 0.87–1.15) and cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) elevation (Cohen’s d = 0.92), indicating decreased oxidative stress. Consequently, high glucose-induced impairments in cell vitality, proliferation, and migration were all improved by SMF treatment. Therefore, our results demonstrate that these simple SMF devices could effectively reduce oxidative stress in diabetic mice and may provide a cost-effective physical therapy strategy to alleviate multiple diabetic complications in the future.
Minimizing Enterostomy Complication in Neonates, Lessons Learnt from Three European Tertiary Centres
Authors: Coletta Riccardo , Zulli Andrea , O’Shea Kathryn , Mussi Elisa , Bianchi Adrian , Morabito Antonino
Published: January 2022

Introduction. Stoma formation in neonates is often a life-saving procedure across a variety of conditions but is still associated with significant morbidity. Tube stoma technique was originally described for short bowel patients, but in selected cases of neonates this approach could prevent the incidence of stoma-related complications. The aim of the study was to evaluate the safety and utility of tube stomas as an alternative to conventional enterostomy in the neonatal population. Material and Methods. A retrospective multicentre analysis of neonates undergoing emergency laparotomy and tube stoma formation between 2005 and 2017 was performed. Tube stoma complications were analysed. The investigation focused on stricture, skin lesion, enteric fistula and prolapse. Results. Thirty-seven neonates underwent tube stoma fashioning during the study period. Tube-stoma complications were limited to three patients (8.1%), with two children (5.4%) requiring additional stoma surgery during the first 30 days because of an enterocutaneous fistula, and one child (2.7%) for bowel stenosis. Conclusions. In select neonates, such as those with proximal enteric stomas, the tube stoma avoids some of the commonly encountered complications (prolapse, skin excoriation). Further prospective studies are needed to validate these findings in order for us to recommend this technique as superior.