bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shear Strength of Reproduced Soil Mixtures Based on Samples from Rammed Earth Walls from Eastern Croatia
Authors: Kaluđer Jelena , Kraus Ivan , Perić Ana , Kraus Lucija
Published: November 2022

Earthen architecture largely supports the concept of sustainable building. In the seismically active area of eastern Croatia, there is a large number of rammed earth houses, many of which are over 100 years old. All these houses were built using empirical knowledge, i.e., without applying national design standards. In order to support the preservation of ethnic villages and traditional rammed earth houses, a field survey was conducted. Parts of the walls of traditional rammed earth houses were collected, and the material was thoroughly analyzed. Samples of rammed earth were reproduced, and tests were carried out with the aim of determining the shear strength to subsequently determine the seismic behavior of Croatian traditional earthen architecture. This paper presents the results of shear strength tests on samples with different particle size distributions, lime content, the straw of different cereals but also hemp fibers. An increase in shear strength was observed with the addition of natural fibers to the samples.
Numerical Study of Lid-Driven Square Cavity Flow with Embedded Circular Obstacles Using Spectral/hp Element Methods
Authors: Zhang Jianming , Xiao Bo , Yang Wensheng
Published: November 2022

We show a successful numerical study of lid-driven square cavity flow with embedded circular obstacles based on the spectral/hp element methods. Various diameters of embedded two-dimensional circular obstacles inside the cavity and Reynolds numbers Re (from 100 to 5000) are considered. In order to verify the effectiveness and accuracy of the current methods, numerical results are investigated by comparing with those available in the literature obtained by the moving immersed boundary method (MIBM) and the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM). The present spectral/hp element methods have been not only successfully applied to study and visualize the primary and induced vortices but also capture new vortices on the lower right, upper left and upper right positions of the circular obstacle when Reynolds number Re = 100 and Re = 5000, which is not observed in the lattice Boltzmann method. The current data and figures are in good agreement with the published results. The results of the present study show that the spectral/hp element methods are effective and accurate in simulation of lid-driven cavity flow with embedded circular obstacles, and the present methods have the following advantages: less preprocesses required and high-resolution characteristics.
High Efficiency and New Potential of RSLDE: A Green Technique for the Extraction of Bioactive Molecules from Not Completely Exhausted Plant Biomass and Organic Industrial Processing Waste
Authors: Naviglio Daniele , Nebbioso Viviana , Savastano Alessandro , Montesano Domenico , Trucillo Paolo , Gallo Monica
Published: November 2022

A product is characterized by low environmental impact if, during the whole process (from extraction of raw materials from solid natural matter to disposal), its negative contribution to environment modification is significantly reduced or eliminated. According to circular economy, it is important to take into consideration other aspects, such as the possibility to improve the efficiency of extraction process by modifying the principle on which it is based and allowing the recovery of not completely exhausted waste, obtaining other active ingredients, and favoring the recycling of normally eliminated materials. The purpose of this work was to propose more efficient and greener alternatives to conventional solid–liquid extraction processes. Major features are the rapidity of the process, extraction at room temperature and high yields. Rapid Solid–Liquid Dynamic Extraction (RSLDE) represents an innovative solid–liquid extraction technology that allows the solid matrices containing extractable substances in an organic or inorganic solvent and their mixtures to be exhausted in shorter time than current techniques. The principle at the basis of this novel process consists of the generation of a negative pressure gradient between the inside and the outside of the solid matrix, which induces the extraction of compounds not chemically linked to the solid matter, being insoluble in the extractant liquid. Therefore, this work focuses on how RSLDE can potentially bring several improvements in the field of solid–liquid extraction, especially for industrial applications.
Quality 4.0 and Cognitive Engineering Applied to Quality Management Systems: A Framework
Authors: Carvalho Adriana Ventura , Lima Tânia Miranda
Published: November 2022

In order to create high-quality products, quality engineering must be integrated across the entire product development process. To accomplish the ultimate goal, innovative approaches are required, and a Quality Management System-QMS is imperative to standardize all processes. All business areas depend on people and processes, but quality is especially dependent on them. A QMS can benefit from the application of Quality 4.0—Q4.0 and Cognitive Engineering—CE aspects to reduce the workload and cognitive capacity required from QMS specialists, using these technologies to tackle long-standing quality concerns and to re-optimize to deliver creative solutions. The decision to implement a QMS based on Q4.0 technologies is difficult to take due to the challenge that is to automatize dispersed activities. The purpose of this paper is to develop a framework that aids in the application of a Q4.0 QMS. The relationship between quality management practices and Industry 4.0 technologies that improve quality are deeply studied and connected with CE practices to develop an advanced framework, that makes it easier to overview all the dispersed activities within the manufacturing environment gathered as one, and simplify the application of new technologies to the QMS activities. The proposed framework was developed as result of this study.
Investigation of Waves Generated by Tropical Cyclone Kyarr in the Arabian Sea: An Application of ERA5 Reanalysis Wind Data
Authors: Golshani Aliasghar , Banan-Dallalian Masoud , Shokatian-Beiragh Mehrdad , Samiee-Zenoozian Majid , Sadeghi-Esfahlani Shahab
Published: November 2022

In this study, the wave conditions in the Arabian Sea induced by tropical cyclone Kyarr (2019) have been simulated by employing the 3rd generation wave model MIKE 21 SW. The model was run from 24 October to 1 November 2019, a total of 8 days. The MIKE 21 SW model was forced by reanalyzed ERA5 wind data from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). The results are compared with buoy data from the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), which is located at 67.44° E, 18.50° N. In addition, the satellite altimeter data (CryoSat-2, SARAL and Jason-3 satellite altimeter data) was utilized for validation. Three wave parameters are considered for the validation: the significant wave height; the peak wave period; and the mean wave direction. The validation results showed that the significant wave height, the peak wave period, and the mean wave direction could be reasonably predicted by the model with reanalysis wind data as input. The maximum significant wave height reached to 10.7 m (with an associated peak wave period of 12.5 s) on 28 October 2019 at 23:00:00 in the middle of the Arabian Sea. For coastal areas, the significant wave height along the Iran and Pakistan (north Arabian Sea) coasts increased to a range of 1.4–2.8 m when tropical cyclone Kyarr moved northward. This wave height along with elevated sea level may cause severe coastal erosion and nearshore inland flooding. Impacts of cyclones on coastal zones critical facilities and infrastructure can be reduced by timely and suitable action before the event, so coastal managers should understand the effect of cyclones and their destructive consequences. The validated model developed in this study may be utilized as input data of evaluating the risk to life and infrastructure in this area.
On the Successiveness of the Two Extreme Cold Events in China during the 2020/21 Winter According to Cold Air Trajectories
Authors: Zhang Leying , Hou Shuxiu , Xie Zuowei
Published: November 2022

Two extreme cold air events successively hit China during 28–31 December 2020 (the late 2020 event) and during 6–8 January 2021 (the early 2021 event), which caused great losses. These two events have received extensive attention in relation to synoptic weather systems and remote forcing. Although it has been noted that a near-surface cool condition can greatly impact tropospheric circulation, its role in the successiveness of two such extreme cold waves remains unclear. This study focused on cold air pathways from the Lagrangian perspective, and explored the potential influence of cold air over the key region in terms of connecting the two cold events using a piecewise potential vorticity inversion. With the obtained results, three cold air sources with three corresponding air routes were identified in the two cold events. The northern pathway dominated the late 2020 event, in which the cold air intruded from the eastern Laptev Sea and moved southward to China. In contrast, the early 2021 event was mainly associated with the northwestern pathway in which the cold air came from the Ural Mountains and moved clockwise. Notably, cold air traveling along the western route from western Lake Balkhash arrived at the north of the Tianshan Mountains earlier and amplified the positive height anomaly in situ. Moreover, such an enhanced positive height anomaly moved the direction of the cold air from the northern and northwestern routes southward and thus played a key role in the successiveness of the two extreme cold events.
Evaluation of Outdoor Environment PM10 Concentration in an Organized Industrial Zone Using Geographical Information System
Authors: Kunt Fatma , Erdoğan Şükran
Published: November 2022

Air pollution adversely affects human health, visibility distance, materials, plants and animal health. Air pollution’s impact on human health arises from inhaling high amounts of harmful substances in the atmosphere. Notably, our understanding of the damage caused by PM10 pollutants is improving daily. This study aims to measure and analyze PM10 pollution in the Konya Organized Industrial Zone at certain times and places. Measurements were taken at twenty-four locations in the morning, noon and evening hours. The results were compared with the Turkish Air Quality Assessment and Management Regulation, and pollution maps of the regions were created with Surfer Software and ArcGIS 10.1 programs. With the measurements, it was observed that the times at which the limit was exceeded were mainly the evening hours. While no limit exceedance was recorded in the morning hours, the average concentration value was observed once in those hours, and around noon the maximum value was observed five times. In this study, we correlated the measurement results, the values of the measurement points located in the city center and the average number of vehicles passing through the region. It was observed that the PM10 -induced air pollution in the Konya Organized Industrial Zone was caused by dense traffic during evening hours. To prevent traffic-related pollution in the region, it is recommended to increase the number of entrance and exit gates in the industrial zone and to plant trees in appropriate sections.
Application of the Averaging Method to the Optimal Control Problem of Non-Linear Differential Inclusions on the Finite Interval
Authors: Zhuk Tetiana , Kasimova Nina , Ryzhov Anton
Published: November 2022

In this paper, we use the averaging method to find an approximate solution for the optimal control of non-linear differential inclusions with fast-oscillating coefficients on a finite time interval.
Galvanic Replacement Preparation of Spindle-Structured Sb@C@NC as Anode for Superior Lithium-Ion Storage
Authors: Liu Junhao , Li Peihang , Li Fangkun , Liu Zhengbo , Xu Xijun , Liu Jun
Published: November 2022

Antimony (Sb) is regarded to be a potential alloying-type anode for lithium-ion batteries due to its excellent electrochemical reversibility and high theoretical specific capacity (660 mA h g−1). However, huge volume expansion accompanying rapid capacity fading seriously hinders its commercial application. Herein, double-carbon-modified spindle-structured Sb@C@NC were constructed via galvanic replacement using a Fe-based metal-organic framework (MOF) with polydopamine-coated-derived Fe@C@NC as reactants. Due to the unique double-carbon-encapsulated structure, the Sb@C@NC anode effectively moderates the volume fluctuation and maintains the integral framework from collapsing during the annealing and cycling process. As lithium-ion battery (LIB) anodes, Sb@C@NC attained excellent cycling performance (389 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1 after 100 cycles) and superior rate capability (a reversible capacity of 343 mAh g−1 at 2000 mA g−1). Such an MOF-based approach provides an adjustable strategy for Sb-based nanomaterial and shield light on the applications of Sb@C@NC in other fields.
A Review of the Application of Carbon Materials for Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Wu Zeyu , Sun Kening , Wang Zhenhua
Published: November 2022

Lithium secondary batteries have been the most successful energy storage devices for nearly 30 years. Until now, graphite was the most mainstream anode material for lithium secondary batteries. However, the lithium storage mechanism of the graphite anode limits the further improvement of the specific capacity. The lithium metal anode, with the lowest electrochemical potential and extremely high specific capacity, is considered to be the optimal anode material for next-generation lithium batteries. However, the lifetime degradation and safety problems caused by dendrite growth have seriously hindered its commercialization. Carbon materials have good electrical conductivity and modifiability, and various carbon materials were designed and prepared for use in lithium metal batteries. Here, we will start by analyzing the problems and challenges faced by lithium metal. Then, the application progress and achievements of various carbon materials in lithium metal batteries are summarized. Finally, the research suggestions are given, and the application feasibility of carbon materials in metal lithium batteries is discussed.
Toward Evaluating Critical Factors of Extubation Outcome with XCSR-Generated Rules
Authors: Huang Po-Hsun , Chen Lian-Yu , Chung Wei-Chan , Sheu Chau-Chyun , Hsiao Tzu-Chien , Tsai Jong-Rung
Published: November 2022

Predicting the correct timing for extubation is pivotal for critically ill patients with mechanical ventilation support. Evidence suggests that extubation failure occurs in approximately 15–20% of patients, despite their passing of the extubation evaluation, necessitating reintubation. For critically ill patients, reintubation invariably increases mortality risk and medical costs. The numerous parameters that have been proposed for extubation decision-making, which constitute the key predictors of successful extubation, remains unclear. In this study, an extended classifier system capable of processing real-value inputs was proposed to select features of successful extubation. In total, 40 features linked to clinical information and variables acquired during spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) were used as the environmental inputs. According to the number of “don’t care” rules in a population set, Probusage, the probability of the feature not being classified as above rules, can be calculated. A total of 228 subjects’ results showed that Probusage was higher than 90% for minute ventilation at the 1st, 30th, 60th, and 90th minutes; respiratory rate at the 90th minute; and body weight, indicating that the variance in respiratory parameters during an SBT are critical predictors of successful extubation. The present XCSR model is useful to evaluate critical factors of extubation outcomes. Additionally, the current findings suggest that SBT duration should exceed 90 min, and that clinicians should consider the variance in respiratory variables during an SBT before making extubation decisions.
The Role of Macrophage Iron Overload and Ferroptosis in Atherosclerosis
Authors: Ma Jiedong , Zhang Hongqi , Chen Yufei , Liu Xiaojin , Tian Jiamin , Shen Wei
Published: November 2022

Ferroptosis is a new type of cell death caused by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. In recent years, it has been found that ferroptosis can promote the progression of atherosclerosis (AS). Macrophages have been proven to play multiple roles in the occurrence and development of AS. Iron is a necessary mineral that participates in different functions of macrophages under physiological conditions. But iron overload and ferroptosis in macrophages may promote the progression of AS. Herein, we summarize the role of iron overload and ferroptosis in macrophages in AS from the perspective of iron metabolism, and iron overload and ferroptosis are significant contributors to AS development.
Potential Application of Recombinant Snake Prothrombin Activator Ecarin in Blood Diagnostics
Authors: Zhao Kong-Nan , Masci Paul , Dimeski Goce , Johnson Lambro , Grant Michael , de Jersey John , Lavin Martin
Published: November 2022

We describe here the purification and cloning of a codon-optimized form of the snake prothrombin activator ecarin from the saw scaled viper (Echis carinatus) expressed in mammalian cells. Expression of recombinant ecarin (rEcarin) was carried out in human embryonic kidney cells (HEK) cells under conditions for the development and performance of a novel and scalable recombinant snake ecarin to industry standards. Clotting performance of the rEcarin was established in recalcified citrated whole blood, plasma, and fresh whole blood and found to be comparable to native ecarin (N-Ecarin). Furthermore, hemolysis was observed with N-Ecarin at relatively high doses in both recalcified citrated and fresh whole blood, while clotting was not observed with rEcarin, providing an important advantage for the recombinant form. In addition, rEcarin effectively clotted both recalcified citrated whole blood and fresh whole blood containing different anticoagulants including heparin, warfarin, dabigatran, Fondaparinux, rivaroxaban and apixaban, forming firm clots in the blood collection tubes. These results demonstrate that rEcarin efficiently clots normal blood as well as blood spiked with high concentrations of anticoagulants and has great potential as an additive to blood collection tubes to produce high quality serum for analyte analysis in diagnostic medicine.
Detrusor Underactivity in Men with Bladder Outlet Obstruction
Authors: Lee Hsiang-Ying , Wang Chien-Sheng , Juan Yung-Shun
Published: November 2022

Detrusor underactivity (DU) and bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) are both common troublesome causes of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and often impact on quality of life simultaneously in men. This article aims to focus on DU with BOO in male patients. Methods: Original articles concerning DU with BOO were identified through literature research from PubMed and EMBASE database. We selected 38 articles in our review, including those concerning pathophysiology, evaluation, treatment and predictors for a successful BOO surgery for DU. Results: DU from BOO can result from several pathophysiological mechanisms. Although urodynamic study (UDS) is considered as a precise method to diagnose DU and BOO, there are some previous studies which proposed a non-invasive method to identify DU related to BOO. The treatment goal of DU is restoring bladder contractility using medication or surgery. Releasing outlet obstruction and resistance is the main strategy to restore bladder contractility when medication to directly increase bladder contractility has had limited efficacy. Conclusions: DU from BOO is poorly understood and is largely under-researched. The etiology and pathophysiology still need to be evaluated. Effective and safe medication to restore bladder contractility is also lacking. It remains valuable to perform further research to reveal the unknown aspects of DU.
Circulating Cancer Associated Macrophage-like Cells as a Potential New Prognostic Marker in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Nitschke Christine , Markmann Benedikt , Konczalla Leonie , Kropidlowski Jolanthe , Pereira-Veiga Thais , Scognamiglio Pasquale , Schönrock Martin , Sinn Marianne , Tölle Marie , Izbicki Jakob , Pantel Klaus , Uzunoglu Faik G. , Wikman Harriet
Published: November 2022

Background: Circulating Cancer Associated Macrophage-like cells (CAMLs) have been described as novel liquid biopsy analytes and unfavorable prognostic markers in some tumor entities, with scarce data for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinomas (PDAC). Methods: Baseline and follow-up blood was drawn from resected curative (n = 36) and palliative (n = 19) PDAC patients. A microfluidic size-based cell enrichment approach (ParsortixTM) was used for CAML detection, followed by immunofluorescence staining using pan-keratin, CD14, and CD45 antibodies to differentiate between CAMLs, circulating tumor cells (CTCs), and leukocytes. Results: CAMLs were detectable at baseline in 36.1% of resected patients and 47.4% of palliative PDAC patients. CAML detection was tumor stage independent. Follow-up data indicated that detection of CAMLs (in 45.5% of curative patients) was an independent prognostic factor for shorter recurrence-free survival (RFS) (HR: 4.3, p = 0.023). Furthermore, a combined analysis with CTCs showed the detectability of at least one of these cell populations in 68.2% of resected patients at follow-up. The combined detection of CAMLs and CTCs was also significantly associated with short RFS (HR: 8.7, p = 0.003). Conclusions: This pilot study shows that detection of CAMLs in PDAC patients can provide prognostic information, either alone or even more pronounced in combination with CTCs, which indicates the power of liquid biopsy marker analyses.
Levels of TNF-α and Soluble TNF Receptors in Normal-Weight, Overweight and Obese Patients with Dilated Non-Ischemic Cardiomyopathy: Does Anti-TNF Therapy Still Have Potential to Be Used in Heart Failure Depending on BMI?
Authors: Lazar-Poloczek Elżbieta , Romuk Ewa , Jacheć Wojciech , Stanek Wiktoria , Stanek Bartosz , Szołtysik Monika , Techmański Tomasz , Hasterok Maja , Wojciechowska Celina
Published: November 2022

Background. We sought to measure the levels of adipokines, TNF-α and soluble receptors (sTNFr1, sTNFr2) in heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) due to non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (nDCM). Methods. A total of 123 patients with HFrEF due to nDCM were divided into three groups according to BMI: 34 (27.6%) normal weight, 56 (45.5%) overweight and 33 (26.8%) obese. A six-minute walk test, echocardiography and right heart catheterization were performed. Serum concentrations of adiponectin, leptin, NT-proBNP, blood hemoglobin, sodium, creatinine, ALAT, AspAT, bilirubin, CRP, lipids, TNF-α, sTNFr1 and sTNFr2 receptors were measured. Results. Obese patients had the lowest NT-proBNP concentrations, significantly higher leptin levels and higher leptin/adiponectin ratios. The concentration of sTNFr1 was higher in normal-weight patients. In all groups, TNF-α concentrations correlated positively with sTNFr1 (p < 0.001). Higher levels of sTNFr1 were associated with higher sTNFr2 (p < 0.001) and CRP (p < 0.001). Moreover, the concentration of sTNFr2 positively correlated with CRP (p < 0.05) and adiponectin (p < 0.001). Levels of TNF-α were not associated with elevated CRP. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that changes in the concentrations of TNF and its receptors differ between groups of patients with different BMI. These findings suggest that the effective use of anti-TNF therapy is dependent not only on BMI, but also on concentrations of TNF-α receptors and other laboratory parameters.
Cell-Free Amniotic Fluid and Regenerative Medicine: Current Applications and Future Opportunities
Authors: Bowen Charles M. , Ditmars Frederick S. , Gupta Ashim , Reems Jo-Anna , Fagg William Samuel
Published: November 2022

Amniotic fluid (AF) provides critical biological and physical support for the developing fetus. While AF is an excellent source of progenitor cells with regenerative properties, recent investigations indicate that cell-free AF (cfAF), which consists of its soluble components and extracellular vesicles, can also stimulate regenerative and reparative activities. This review summarizes published fundamental, translational, and clinical investigations into the biological activity and potential use of cfAF as a therapeutic agent. Recurring themes emerge from these studies, which indicate that cfAF can confer immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and pro-growth characteristics to the target cells/tissue with which they come into contact. Another common observation is that cfAF seems to promote a return of cells/tissue to a homeostatic resting state when applied to a model of cell stress or disease. The precise mechanisms through which these effects are mediated have not been entirely defined, but it is clear that cfAF can safely and effectively treat cutaneous wounds and perhaps orthopedic degenerative conditions. Additional applications are currently being investigated, but require further study to dissect the fundamental mechanisms through which its regenerative effects are mediated. By doing so, rational design can be used to fully unlock its potential in the biotechnology lab and in the clinic.
Evaluation of the Performance of an Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay for the Detection of Anti-MDA5 Antibodies
Authors: Nombel Anaïs , Pin Jean-Jacques , Fabien Nicole , Miossec Pierre , Coutant Frédéric
Published: November 2022

Anti-melanoma differentiation-associated protein 5 (MDA5) antibody (Ab) positive dermatomyositis (anti-MDA5 DM) is a rare systemic autoimmune disease; further, its prognosis can be rapidly fatal due to pulmonary involvement. The identification and quantification of anti-MDA5 Abs, which serve as a highly specific biomarker of the disease, is a critical step for the establishing of both the diagnosis and monitoring of the disease’s activity. The development of a simple, fast, low-cost, and specific detection system of anti-MDA5 Ab is therefore highly desirable for the purposes of routine laboratory diagnosis. Here, we developed a human cell line that stably expresses MDA5 and evaluated its analytical performance in order to detect anti-MDA5 Abs by the utilization of indirect immunofluorescence (IIF). Serum samples from 23 anti-MDA5 DM patients and 22 anti-MDA5 Abs negative myositis readings, which were obtained at time of diagnosis, were analyzed by IIF on MDA5-transfected cells. The results were compared with those obtained with specific semi-quantitative (immunodot) and quantitative (ELISA) assays. A specific cytoplasmic pattern was found solely with the sera of anti-MDA5 DM patients. The sensitivity and specificity of IIF on MDA5-transfected cells were 96% and 100%, respectively, compared with ELISA. The anti-MDA5 Abs titers that were determined by this approach were consistent with the quantitative results obtained by ELISA. Baseline concentrations of anti-MDA5 Abs, either by ELISA or IIF, were not significantly different between surviving and deceased patients; further, they did not differ significantly according to clinical phenotypes. Overall, an IIF cell-based assay constitutes a simple, fast, and low-cost approach to identify and quantify anti-MDA5 Abs; moreover, it is as efficient as ELISA.
Role of Chemerin in Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Macvanin Mirjana T. , Rizzo Manfredi , Radovanovic Jelena , Sonmez Alper , Paneni Francesco , Isenovic Esma R.
Published: November 2022

(1) Background: Obesity is closely connected to the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Excess fat accumulation is associated with metabolic malfunctions that disrupt cardiovascular homeostasis by activating inflammatory processes that recruit immune cells to the site of injury and reduce nitric oxide levels, resulting in increased blood pressure, endothelial cell migration, proliferation, and apoptosis. Adipose tissue produces adipokines, such as chemerin, that may alter immune responses, lipid metabolism, vascular homeostasis, and angiogenesis. (2) Methods: We performed PubMed and MEDLINE searches for articles with English abstracts published between 1997 (when the first report on chemerin identification was published) and 2022. The search retrieved original peer-reviewed articles analyzed in the context of the role of chemerin in CVDs, explicitly focusing on the most recent findings published in the past five years. (3) Results: This review summarizes up-to-date findings related to mechanisms of chemerin action, its role in the development and progression of CVDs, and novel strategies for developing chemerin-targeting therapeutic agents for treating CVDs. (4) Conclusions: Extensive evidence points to chemerin’s role in vascular inflammation, angiogenesis, and blood pressure modulation, which opens up exciting perspectives for developing chemerin-targeting therapeutic agents for the treatment of CVDs.
CRISPR-Cas-Integrated LAMP
Authors: Atçeken Nazente , Yigci Defne , Ozdalgic Berin , Tasoglu Savas
Published: November 2022

Pathogen-specific point-of-care (PoC) diagnostic tests have become an important need in the fight against infectious diseases and epidemics in recent years. PoC diagnostic tests are designed with the following parameters in mind: rapidity, accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and ease of use. Molecular techniques are the gold standard for pathogen detection due to their accuracy and specificity. There are various limitations in adapting molecular diagnostic methods to PoC diagnostic tests. Efforts to overcome limitations are focused on the development of integrated molecular diagnostics by utilizing the latest technologies available to create the most successful PoC diagnostic platforms. With this point of view, a new generation technology was developed by combining loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technology with clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-associated (CRISPR-Cas) technology. This integrated approach benefits from the properties of LAMP technology, namely its high efficiency, short turnaround time, and the lack of need for a complex device. It also makes use of the programmable function of CRISPR-Cas technology and the collateral cleavage activity of certain Cas proteins that allow for convenient reporter detection. Thus, this combined technology enables the development of PoC diagnostic tests with high sensitivity, specificity, and ease of use without the need for complicated devices. In this review, we discuss the advantages and limitations of the CRISPR/Cas combined LAMP technology. We review current limitations to convert CRISPR combined LAMP into pathogen-specific PoC platforms. Furthermore, we point out the need to design more useful PoC platforms using microfabrication technologies by developing strategies that overcome the limitations of this new technology, reduce its complexity, and reduce the risk of contamination.
On-Chip Single-Cell Bioelectrical Analysis for Identification of Cell Electrical Phenotyping in Response to Sequential Electric Signal Modulation
Authors: Choi Seungyeop , Park Insu , Lee Sang Hyun , Yeo Kang In , Min Gyeongjun , Woo Sung-Hun , Kim Yoon Suk , Lee Sei Young , Lee Sang Woo
Published: November 2022

In recent years, an interesting biomarker called membrane breakdown voltage has been examined using artificial planar lipid bilayers. Even though they have great potential to identify cell electrical phenotyping for distinguishing similar cell lines or cells under different physiological conditions, the biomarker has not been evaluated in the context of living cell electrical phenotyping. Herein, we present a single-cell analysis platform to continuously measure the electric response in a large number of cells in parallel using electric frequency and voltage variables. Using this platform, we measured the direction of cell displacement and transparent cell image alteration as electric polarization of the cell responds to signal modulation, extracting the dielectrophoretic crossover frequency and membrane breakdown voltage for each cell, and utilizing the measurement results in the same spatiotemporal environment. We developed paired parameters using the dielectrophoretic crossover frequency and membrane breakdown voltage for each cell and evaluated the paired parameter efficiency concerning the identification of two different breast cancer cells and cell drug response. Moreover, we showed that the platform was able to identify cell electrical phenotyping, which was generated by subtle changes in cholesterol depletion-induced cell membrane integrity disruption when the paired parameter was used. Our platform introduced in this paper is extremely useful for facilitating more accurate and efficient evaluation of cell electrical phenotyping in a variety of applications, such as cell biology and drug discovery.
Slippery Epidural ECoG Electrode for High-Performance Neural Recording and Interface
Authors: Alahi Md Eshrat E. , Liu Yonghong , Khademi Sara , Nag Anindya , Wang Hao , Wu Tianzhun , Mukhopadhyay Subhas Chandra
Published: November 2022

Chronic implantation of an epidural Electrocorticography (ECoG) electrode produces thickening of the dura mater and proliferation of the fibrosis around the interface sites, which is a significant concern for chronic neural ECoG recording applications used to monitor various neurodegenerative diseases. This study describes a new approach to developing a slippery liquid-infused porous surface (SLIPS) on the flexible ECoG electrode for a chronic neural interface with the advantage of increased cell adhesion. In the demonstration, the electrode was fabricated on the polyimide (PI) substrate, and platinum (Pt)-gray was used for creating the porous nanocone structure for infusing the silicone oil. The combination of nanocone and the infused slippery oil layer created the SLIPS coating, which has a low impedance (4.68 kΩ) level favourable for neural recording applications. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and equivalent circuit modelling also showed the effect of the coating on the recording site. The cytotoxicity study demonstrated that the coating does not have any cytotoxic potentiality; hence, it is biocompatible for human implantation. The in vivo (acute recording) neural recording on the rat model also confirmed that the noise level could be reduced significantly (nearly 50%) and is helpful for chronic ECoG recording for more extended neural signal recording applications.
Efficacy of Onabotulinum Toxin A on Obsessive–Compulsive Traits in a Population of Chronic Migraine Patients
Authors: Viticchi Giovanna , Falsetti Lorenzo , Salvemini Sergio , Bartolini Marco , Paolucci Silvia , Buratti Laura , Silvestrini Mauro
Published: November 2022

Background: Drug addiction may play an important role in chronic migraine (CM) with medication-overuse headache (MOH). Psychiatric diseases are associated with CM, but data regarding obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) are lacking. We aimed to establish the prevalence of OCD traits in CM patients with MOH and the impact on onabotulinum toxin A (OBT-A) treatment. Methods: A total of 75 patients with CM and MOH undergoing treatment with OBT-A in our Headache Centre were evaluated. At baseline and after four injection sessions, we assessed the migraine burden and the presence of OCD traits with the Obsessive–Compulsive Inventory—Revised (OCI-R) test. Results: At baseline, 28% of patients had OCI-R scores compatible with borderline OCD aspects, while 22.7% were pathological. An improvement in headache was significantly associated with an increase in the number of subjects with a normal OCI-R score at T0 and T1, whereas patients with a pathological OCI-R score at T0 showed a significantly higher prevalence of CM at T1. Conclusions: Our data showed a significant rate of OCD traits at baseline, which could strengthen the hypothesis of an addictive disorder underlying CM with MOH. OCD traits seem to influence the OBT-A response. An OCD assessment could be useful in improving patients’ selections before starting treatments.
Designing and Evaluation of an Artistic Experience for the Development of Empathic Capacity: “Stepping into Others’ Shoes”
Authors: Martínez-López de Castro Rut , Alvariñas-Villaverde Myriam , Pino-Juste Margarita , Domínguez-Lloria Sara
Published: November 2022

This article evaluates an educational experience that uses art to develop empathy. The artistic educational project is called “stepping into others’ shoes” and is carried out with 71 students enrolled in the Early Childhood Education and Primary Education degree programs of the University of Vigo. The main objective is to analyze the students’ experiences in processes of empathic pedagogical relationships that allow empowerment dynamics of oneself and others. An ethnographic approach is used to evaluate the experience through a group case study design with different qualitative instruments: analysis of artistic production, field diary and life stories. The main results indicate that when art is used for the construction of an empathic identity, the participants of these creative dynamics find it difficult to express their feelings and emotions. However, these processes favor social relationships and mutual recognition, as well as self-knowledge. It facilitates the creation of alternative meeting spaces and the promotion of creativity. Based on these results and their discussion, lines of action are suggested which should allow using art as a resource to develop empathy and promote increased motivation in the classroom.
Gaze Fixation and Visual Searching Behaviors during an Immersive Virtual Reality Social Skills Training Experience for Children and Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Pilot Study
Authors: Elkin Thomas David , Zhang Yunxi , Reneker Jennifer C.
Published: November 2022

Children and youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) display difficulties recognizing and interacting with behavioral expressions of emotion, a deficit that makes social interaction problematic. Social skills training is foundational to the treatment of ASD, yet this intervention is costly, time-consuming, lacks objectivity, and is difficult to deliver in real-world settings. This pilot project investigated the use of an immersive virtual reality (IVR) headset to simulate real-world social interactions for children/youth with ASD. The primary objective was to describe gaze fixation and visual search behaviors during the simulated activity. Ten participants were enrolled and completed one social-skills training session in the IVR. The results demonstrate differential patterns between participants with mild, moderate, and severe ASD in the location and duration of gaze fixation as well as the patterns of visual searching. Although the results are preliminary, these differences may shed light on phenotypes within the continuum of ASD. Additionally, there may be value in quantifying gaze and visual search behaviors as an objective metric of interventional effectiveness for social-skills training therapy.
Effect of Single Session of Anodal M1 Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation—TDCS—On Cortical Hemodynamic Activity: A Pilot Study in Fibromyalgia
Authors: La Rocca Marianna , Clemente Livio , Gentile Eleonora , Ricci Katia , Delussi Marianna , de Tommaso Marina
Published: November 2022

Transcranial direct current stimulation (TDCS) on the primary motor cortex (M1) has been reported to be effective in fibromyalgia (FM). Our previous works have shown hypometabolism of motor networks in FM using Functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS), which could contribute to pain symptoms. To investigate if a single Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (TDCS) session can restore the reduced metabolism expected in FM patients, we compared metabolic activity in FM patients and controls during a finger-tapping task in basal condition, sham condition, and under anodal TDCS on M1. During the finger tapping task, a continuous wave 20 channel fNIRS system was placed across the bilateral central-frontal areas in 22 healthy controls and 54 FM patients. Subjects were randomly assigned to real TDCS or sham stimulation. The finger-tapping slowness did not change after real and sham stimulation. After real TDCS stimulation, FM patients showed an increased activation of cortical motor regions (t-statistic = −2.5246, p-value = 0.0125 for the stimulated hemisphere and t-statistic = −4.6638, p-value = 0.0001 for the non-stimulated hemisphere). The basal differences between FM and controls reverted after real TDCS, while this effect was not observed for sham stimulation. A single TDCS session of the cortical motor network seemed able to restore basic cortical hypometabolism in FM patients. Further studies could clarify the long-term effect of M1 stimulation on cortical metabolism, and its relevance in pain processing and clinical features.
How Sleep Affects Recovery and Performance in Basketball: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ochoa-Lácar Javier , Singh Meeta , Bird Stephen P. , Charest Jonathan , Huyghe Thomas , Calleja-González Julio
Published: November 2022

Background: Sleep is considered an essential component related to physiological and psychological recovery in athletes and particularly in basketball, given the impact of condensed travel and game schedules on player health and performance. Objective: The aim of this systematic review is to examine studies published to date on sleep and basketball performance. Methodology: All scientific articles that reported a relationship between sleep and its possible impact on performance in basketball are included. The research processes followed the PRISMA criteria, and the relevant articles were extracted (PubMed, WOS, Scopus) as of December 31, 2021. Results: Twenty-eight articles were selected for inclusion and data extraction, with 27 demonstrating that sleep is a vital component in the recovery of basketball players and their corresponding on-court performance. Three central themes that we identified: (1) the quality and extension of sleep (the better quality and more extension of sleep, better performance and lower probability of injury); (2) influence of the players circadian rhythm (travel and game scheduling do not currently facilitate or take this into account); and (3) higher training loads and/or increased stress may jeopardize a subsequent good night’s sleep, which should be taken into account when scheduling practices and workouts. Conclusion: The current systematic review regarding sleep and basketball performance and highlights that there is a strong relationship between both variables. Collectively, the evidence supports the critical influence of sleep on player recovery and basketball performance and risk for injury.
Cognitive Resources in Working Memory: Domain-Specific or General?
Authors: Izmalkova Anna , Barmin Artem , Velichkovsky Boris B. , Prutko Gerda , Chistyakov Igor
Published: November 2022

An experiment in the dual-task paradigm was carried out to explore the nature of domain-specific and domain-general resource distribution in working memory. The subjects (N = 32) performed symmetry span and letter reading span tasks under visuospatial (tapping) and verbal (articulatory suppression) cognitive load. The effects of task type and cognitive load modality were analyzed. The results are described within the concentric model framework: significant distinctions in relative accuracy under visuospatial and verbal cognitive load in visuospatial and verbal tasks were observed when N elements in the set exceeded the region of direct access capacity, while no such effect was observed for 2–3 element sets. This is attributed to domain-general resources in the region of direct access, and domain-specific resources in the activated long-term memory. We also found evidence for the asymmetric distribution of visuospatial and verbal working memory resources in that the verbal component is more susceptible to cognitive load.
Assessment, Diagnosis and Service Life Prediction
Authors: Silva Ana
Published: November 2022

Service life prediction is crucial for the adoption of more sustainable solutions, allowing optimizing the costs and environmental impact of buildings during their life cycle [...]
Wind Tunnel Experiments and Field Observations of Aeolian Sand Encroachment around Vernacular Settlements in the Saharan and Arabian Deserts
Authors: Sherzad Mohammed Fareed , Goossens Dirk
Published: November 2022

One of the key repercussions of the desertification process in the Sahara and the Arabian desert is increased aeolian sand drift and sand deposition. Despite its isolated location and severe desert climate—particularly in terms of solar radiation, sand drift, and sand deposition—the region of El-Oued Souf in the Grand Erg Oriental in the Algerian Sahara has been a key cultural and trade center for many centuries. To resist the extreme weather conditions, the architecture of the vernacular settlements in the region of El-Oued Souf has unique design traits. Newly constructed buildings, on the other hand, frequently employ technologies based on models imported or imposed from climates that bear little resemblance to the desert. As a result, the inhabitants of these structures live more ‘in the desert’ than ‘with the desert’. This study investigates the impact and the effectiveness of vernacular desert architecture to resist aeolian sand encroachment problems in sandy desert areas. The sand accumulation patterns around vernacular buildings were identified and quantified using wind tunnel experiments. The size and shape of the buildings, as well as their geometric configuration within the settlement, were investigated in relation to the shape and dimension of sand accumulation formations. Field observations in north Algeria and the United Arab Emirates confirmed the accumulation patterns produced by the wind tunnel experiments. The study proposes possible design indicators for building forms to minimize the impact of sand deposition on such forms.
Nonlinear Static Seismic Analysis and Its Application to Shallow Founded Buildings with Soil-Structure Interaction
Authors: Brandis Adriana , Kraus Ivan , Petrovčič Simon
Published: November 2022

This paper presents new research in the field of nonlinear static seismic analysis and the N2 method for soil-structure systems. The rationale for this study stems from the inclusion of soil-structure systems in simplified displacement-based design methods. The conducted research comprises three parts, including original experimental investigations, the development of numerical models and the validation of results. A new methodology is presented that provides a step-by-step procedure for the implementation of the N2 method on soil-structure systems. Results of a dynamic shake-table test on a simplified scaled structural model founded on compacted dry sand are presented, and a numerical model of the experiment is developed and calibrated with the inclusion of soil-structure interaction effects. This indicates one main significance of this paper, which is the variation between the experimental and the analytical model and how they can be compared. Lastly, a case study was conducted on a numerical model of a 3D steel building. The building was analysed using pushover analysis for a fixed base-case and by considering soil-structure interaction effects. The results of both observed cases were mutually compared and further examined by validating them with nonlinear dynamic analyses. A comparison was conducted considering the inter-story drifts, calculated according to the N2 method and time-history analyses. The results show good agreement when the N2 method is used for buildings on compliant soils. Overall, it was observed that a decrease in the inter-story drifts appears at ground level of the building. This research also provides a framework for future research in the examined field, for instance, on different types of buildings, building typologies and irregularities of the structural system.