bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Frozen Stored Teeth: Autogenous Dentin as an Alternative Augmentation Material in Dentistry
Authors: Korsch Michael , Alt Kurt Werner , Mock Frederick Reza
Published: April 2023

Tooth Shell Technique (TST) with the use of autologous dentin has proven to be a suitable method of grafting in the context of lateral ridge augmentation. This present feasibility study aimed to retrospectively evaluate the preservation by lyophilization of processed dentin. Thus, the frozen stored processed dentin matrix (FST: 19 patients with 26 implants) was re-examined with that of processed teeth used immediately after extraction (IUT: 23 patients with 32 implants). Parameters of biological complications, horizontal hard tissue loss, osseointegration, and buccal lamella integrity were used for evaluation. For complications, the observation period was 5 months. Only one graft was lost (IUT group). In the area of minor complications, without the loss of an implant or augmentation, there were two cases of wound dehiscence and one case with inflammation and suppuration (IUT: n = 3, FST: n = 0). Osseointegration and integrity of the buccal lamella were present in all implants without exception. Statistically, there was no difference between the groups studied for the mean resorption of the crestal width and the buccal lamella. Results of this study show that prepared autologous dentin preserved with a conventional freezer had no disadvantage compared to immediately use autologous dentin in terms of complications and graft resorption in the context of TST.
Quantification of the Phenomena Affecting Reflective Arterial Photoplethysmography
Authors: Rovas Georgios , Bikia Vasiliki , Stergiopulos Nikolaos
Published: April 2023

Photoplethysmography (PPG) is a widely emerging method to assess vascular health in humans. The origins of the signal of reflective PPG on peripheral arteries have not been thoroughly investigated. We aimed to identify and quantify the optical and biomechanical processes that influence the reflective PPG signal. We developed a theoretical model to describe the dependence of reflected light on the pressure, flow rate, and the hemorheological properties of erythrocytes. To verify the theory, we designed a silicone model of a human radial artery, inserted it in a mock circulatory circuit filled with porcine blood, and imposed static and pulsatile flow conditions. We found a positive, linear relationship between the pressure and the PPG and a negative, non-linear relationship, of comparable magnitude, between the flow and the PPG. Additionally, we quantified the effects of the erythrocyte disorientation and aggregation. The theoretical model based on pressure and flow rate yielded more accurate predictions, compared to the model using pressure alone. Our results indicate that the PPG waveform is not a suitable surrogate for intraluminal pressure and that flow rate significantly affects PPG. Further validation of the proposed methodology in vivo could enable the non-invasive estimation of arterial pressure from PPG and increase the accuracy of health-monitoring devices.
Epimorphic Regeneration of Elastic Cartilage: Morphological Study into the Role of Cellular Senescence
Authors: Valieva Yana , Igrunkova Aleksandra , Fayzullin Alexey , Serejnikova Natalia , Kurkov Aleksandr , Fayzullina Nafisa , Valishina Dina , Bakulina Alesia , Timashev Peter , Shekhter Anatoly
Published: April 2023

Control over endogenous reparative mechanisms is the future of regenerative medicine. The rabbit ear defect is a rare model which allows the observation of the epimorphic regeneration of elastic cartilage. However, the mechanisms of phenotypical restoration of this highly differentiated tissue have not been studied. We modelled circular ear defects of different sizes (4, 6, and 8 mm in diameter) in 12 laboratory rabbits, and observed them during 30, 60, 90, and 120 day periods. Excised tissues were processed and analyzed by standard histological methods and special histochemical reactions for senescence associated-β-galactosidase and lectin markers. We demonstrated that larger defects caused significant elevation of senescence associated-β-galactosidase in chondrocytes. The fullness of epimorphic regeneration of elastic cartilage depended on the activation of cellular senescence and synthesis of elastic fibers. Further investigation into the role of cells with senescence-associated secretory phenotype in damaged tissues can present new targets for controlled tissue regeneration.
Special Issue: “Biophysics, Arrhythmias and Pacing”
Authors: Bertini Matteo
Published: April 2023

Cardiac pacing technologies have been implemented during the last few decades, including leadless pacemakers and pacing of the conduction system, such as His bundle pacing and left bundle branch area pacing [...]
Boundaries Are Blurred: Wild Food Plant Knowledge Circulation across the Polish-Lithuanian-Belarusian Borderland
Authors: Prakofjewa Julia , Sartori Matteo , Šarka Povilas , Kalle Raivo , Pieroni Andrea , Sõukand Renata
Published: April 2023

The circulation of local ecological knowledge (LEK) is a promising avenue of research for wild plant studies. To encourage the acceptance, celebration, and appreciation of biocultural diversity, which is rapidly disappearing nowadays, we need to estimate and assess multifaceted local ecological knowledge. It has direct application for local communities in informing effective policies for improving food security and building community-specific responses to environmental and social transitions. The present study draws on data collected among two ethnic groups—Lithuanians and Poles—via 200 semi-structured in-depth interviews and participant observation conducted in 2018 and 2019 in Podlasie Voivodeship (Poland), the Vilnius Region (Lithuania), and the Hrodna Region (Belarus). We aimed to observe LEK circulation in the border area through cross-ethnic and cross-country comparisons. A total of 2812 detailed use reports of wild plants were recorded. In total, 72 wild plant taxa belonging to 33 plant families were used across the food domain. Our findings show that cross-country differences were minimal, while there was some variation between the ethnic groups selected as case studies. We emphasize the need, in future studies, to combine quantitative research with qualitative approaches in order to more thoroughly identify peculiarities of cross-border circulation as a reservoir for community food resilience and biocultural diversity.
Characterization of Adenylyl Cyclase Isoform 6 Residues Interacting with Forskolin
Authors: Bhatia Vikram , Maghsoudi Saeid , Hinton Martha , Bhagirath Anjali , Singh Nisha , Jaggupilli Appalaraju , Chelikani Prashen , Dakshinamurti Shyamala
Published: April 2023

Background: The adenylyl cyclase (AC) pathway, crucial for pulmonary vasodilation, is inhibited by hypoxia. Forskolin (FSK) binds allosterically to AC, stimulating ATP catalysis. As AC6 is the primary AC isoform in the pulmonary artery, selective reactivation of AC6 could provide targeted reinstatement of hypoxic AC activity. This requires elucidation of the FSK binding site in AC6. Methods: HEK293T cells stably overexpressing AC 5, 6, or 7 were incubated in normoxia (21% O2) or hypoxia (10% O2) or exposed to s-nitrosocysteine (CSNO). AC activity was measured using terbium norfloxacin assay; AC6 structure built by homology modeling; ligand docking to examine FSK-interacting amino acids; roles of selected residues determined by site-directed mutagenesis; FSK-dependent cAMP generation measured in wild-type and FSK-site mutants by biosensor-based live cell assay. Results: Only AC6 is inhibited by hypoxia and nitrosylation. Homology modeling and docking revealed residues T500, N503, and S1035 interacting with FSK. Mutation of T500, N503, or S1035 decreased FSK-stimulated AC activity. FSK site mutants were not further inhibited by hypoxia or CSNO; however, mutation of any of these residues prevented AC6 activation by FSK following hypoxia or CSNO treatment. Conclusions: FSK-interacting amino acids are not involved in the hypoxic inhibition mechanism. This study provides direction to design FSK derivatives for selective activation of hypoxic AC6.
Chlorophyll a Synthesis in Rhodobacter sphaeroides by Chlorophyll Synthase of Nicotiana tabacum
Authors: Kim June , Lee Jeong K. , Kim Eui-Jin
Published: April 2023

The production of phytylated chlorophyll a (Chl aP) in Rhodobacter sphaeroides, which uses phytylated bacteriochlorophyll a (BChl aP), is the first step in expanding the light absorption spectra. Unlike the chlorophyll synthase (ChlG) of the Synechocystis sp. PCC6803, ChlGs of angiosperms, including Arabidopsis thaliana, Nicotiana tabacum, Avena sativa, and Oryza sativa, showed bacteriochlorophyll synthase activity and resistance to inhibition by bacteriochlorophyllide a (BChlide a), geranylgeranylated BChl a (BChl aGG), and BChl aP, collectively called bacteriochlorins. Among the angiosperm ChlGs, N. tabacum ChlG had the highest bacteriochlorophyll synthase activity and resistance to inhibition by bacteriochlorins. Expression of N. tabacum chlG in R. sphaeroides resulted in the formation of free Chl aP in the presence of BChl aP during photoheterotrophic growth, even though reactive oxygen species were generated.
Expression of a Siglec-Fc Protein and Its Characterization
Authors: Chi Kaijun , Xu Huilin , Li Hanjie , Yang Ganglong , Zhou Xiaoman , Gao Xiao-Dong
Published: April 2023

The emerging importance of the Siglec-sialic acid axis in human disease, especially cancer, has necessitated the identification of ligands for Siglecs. Recombinant Siglec-Fc fusion proteins have been widely used as ligand detectors, and also as sialic acid-targeted antibody-like proteins for cancer treatment. However, the heterogenetic properties of the Siglec-Fc fusion proteins prepared from various expression systems have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we selected HEK293 and CHO cells for producing Siglec9-Fc and further evaluated the properties of the products. The protein yield in CHO (8.23 mg/L) was slightly higher than that in HEK293 (7.46 mg/L). The Siglec9-Fc possesses five N-glycosylation sites and one of them is located in its Fc domain, which is important for the quality control of protein production and also the immunogenicity of Siglec-Fc. Our glycol-analysis confirmed that the recombinant protein from HEK293 received more fucosylation, while CHO showed more sialylation. Both products revealed a high dimerization ratio and sialic acid binding activity, which was confirmed by the staining of cancer cell lines and bladder cancer tissue. Finally, our Siglec9-Fc product was used to analyze the potential ligands on cancer cell lines.
Electrostatic Complementarities of Glioblastoma-Resident T-Cell Receptors and Cancer Testis Antigens Linked to Poor Outcomes and High Levels of Sphingosine Kinase-2 Expression
Authors: Arias Miguel A. , Cios Konrad J. , Kacsoh Dorottya B. , Montgomery Bailey E. , Song Joanna J. , Patel Anishaa R. , Chobrutskiy Andrea , Chobrutskiy Boris I. , Blanck George
Published: April 2023

Introduction. Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive primary brain tumor in adults. Despite a growing understanding of glioblastoma pathology, the prognosis remains poor. Methods. In this study, we used a previously extensively benchmarked algorithm to retrieve immune receptor (IR) recombination reads from GBM exome files available from the cancer genome atlas. The T-cell receptor complementarity determining region-3 (CDR3) amino acid sequences that represent the IR recombination reads were assessed and used for the generation of chemical complementarity scores (CSs) that represent potential binding interactions with cancer testis antigens (CTAs), which is an approach particularly suited to a big data setting. Results. The electrostatic CSs representing the TRA and TRB CDR3s and the CTAs, SPAG9, GAGE12E, and GAGE12F, indicated that an increased electrostatic CS was associated with worse disease-free survival (DFS). We also assessed the RNA expression of immune marker genes, which indicated that a high-level expression of SPHK2 and CIITA genes also correlated with high CSs and worse DFS. Furthermore, apoptosis-related gene expression was revealed to be lower when the TCR CDR3-CTA electrostatic CSs were high. Conclusion. Adaptive IR recombination reads from exome files have the potential to aid in GBM prognoses and may provide opportunities to detect unproductive immune responses.
SigPrimedNet: A Signaling-Informed Neural Network for scRNA-seq Annotation of Known and Unknown Cell Types
Authors: Gundogdu Pelin , Alamo Inmaculada , Nepomuceno-Chamorro Isabel A. , Dopazo Joaquin , Loucera Carlos
Published: April 2023

Single-cell RNA sequencing is increasing our understanding of the behavior of complex tissues or organs, by providing unprecedented details on the complex cell type landscape at the level of individual cells. Cell type definition and functional annotation are key steps to understanding the molecular processes behind the underlying cellular communication machinery. However, the exponential growth of scRNA-seq data has made the task of manually annotating cells unfeasible, due not only to an unparalleled resolution of the technology but to an ever-increasing heterogeneity of the data. Many supervised and unsupervised methods have been proposed to automatically annotate cells. Supervised approaches for cell-type annotation outperform unsupervised methods except when new (unknown) cell types are present. Here, we introduce SigPrimedNet an artificial neural network approach that leverages (i) efficient training by means of a sparsity-inducing signaling circuits-informed layer, (ii) feature representation learning through supervised training, and (iii) unknown cell-type identification by fitting an anomaly detection method on the learned representation. We show that SigPrimedNet can efficiently annotate known cell types while keeping a low false-positive rate for unseen cells across a set of publicly available datasets. In addition, the learned representation acts as a proxy for signaling circuit activity measurements, which provide useful estimations of the cell functionalities.
Enhanced Biosafety of the Sleeping Beauty Transposon System by Using mRNA as Source of Transposase to Efficiently and Stably Transfect Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells
Authors: Harmening Nina , Johnen Sandra , Izsvák Zsuzsanna , Ivics Zoltan , Kropp Martina , Bascuas Thais , Walter Peter , Kreis Andreas , Pajic Bojan , Thumann Gabriele
Published: April 2023

Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nvAMD) is characterized by choroidal neovascularization (CNV), which leads to retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell and photoreceptor degeneration and blindness if untreated. Since blood vessel growth is mediated by endothelial cell growth factors, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), treatment consists of repeated, often monthly, intravitreal injections of anti-angiogenic biopharmaceuticals. Frequent injections are costly and present logistic difficulties; therefore, our laboratories are developing a cell-based gene therapy based on autologous RPE cells transfected ex vivo with the pigment epithelium derived factor (PEDF), which is the most potent natural antagonist of VEGF. Gene delivery and long-term expression of the transgene are enabled by the use of the non-viral Sleeping Beauty (SB100X) transposon system that is introduced into the cells by electroporation. The transposase may have a cytotoxic effect and a low risk of remobilization of the transposon if supplied in the form of DNA. Here, we investigated the use of the SB100X transposase delivered as mRNA and showed that ARPE-19 cells as well as primary human RPE cells were successfully transfected with the Venus or the PEDF gene, followed by stable transgene expression. In human RPE cells, secretion of recombinant PEDF could be detected in cell culture up to one year. Non-viral ex vivo transfection using SB100X-mRNA in combination with electroporation increases the biosafety of our gene therapeutic approach to treat nvAMD while ensuring high transfection efficiency and long-term transgene expression in RPE cells.
Effect of Early Peptide Diets on Zebrafish Skeletal Development
Authors: Printzi Alice , Koumoundouros George , Fournier Vincent , Madec Lauriane , Zambonino-Infante Jose-Luis , Mazurais David
Published: April 2023

Incorporation of dietary peptides has been correlated with decreased presence of skeletal abnormalities in marine larvae. In an attempt to clarify the effect of smaller protein fractions on fish larval and post-larval skeleton, we designed three isoenergetic diets with partial substitution of their protein content with 0% (C), 6% (P6) and 12% (P12) shrimp di- and tripeptides. Experimental diets were tested in zebrafish under two regimes, with inclusion (ADF-Artemia and dry feed) or lack (DF-dry feed only) of live food. Results at the end of metamorphosis highlight the beneficial effect of P12 on growth, survival and early skeletal quality when dry diets are provided from first feeding (DF). Exclusive feeding with P12 also increased the musculoskeletal resistance of the post-larval skeleton against the swimming challenge test (SCT). On the contrary, Artemia inclusion (ADF) overruled any peptide effect in total fish performance. Given the unknown species’ larval nutrient requirements, a 12% dietary peptide incorporation is proposed for successful rearing without live food. A potential nutritional control of the larval and post-larval skeletal development even in aquaculture species is suggested. Limitations of the current molecular analysis are discussed to enable the future identification of the peptide-driven regulatory pathways.
The Hop2-Mnd1 Complex and Its Regulation of Homologous Recombination
Authors: Tsubouchi Hideo
Published: April 2023

Homologous recombination (HR) is essential for meiosis in most sexually reproducing organisms, where it is induced upon entry into meiotic prophase. Meiotic HR is conducted by the collaborative effort of proteins responsible for DNA double-strand break repair and those produced specifically during meiosis. The Hop2-Mnd1 complex was originally identified as a meiosis-specific factor that is indispensable for successful meiosis in budding yeast. Later, it was found that Hop2-Mnd1 is conserved from yeasts to humans, playing essential roles in meiosis. Accumulating evidence suggests that Hop2-Mnd1 promotes RecA-like recombinases towards homology search/strand exchange. This review summarizes studies on the mechanism of the Hop2-Mnd1 complex in promoting HR and beyond.
Assessment of Individual Radiosensitivity in Breast Cancer Patients Using a Combination of Biomolecular Markers
Authors: Durdik Matus , Markova Eva , Kosik Pavol , Vigasova Katarina , Gulati Sachin , Jakl Lukas , Vrobelova Katarina , Fekete Marta , Zavacka Ingrid , Pobijakova Margita , Dolinska Zuzana , Belyaev Igor
Published: April 2023

About 5% of patients undergoing radiotherapy (RT) develop RT-related side effects. To assess individual radiosensitivity, we collected peripheral blood from breast cancer patients before, during and after the RT, and γH2AX/53BP1 foci, apoptosis, chromosomal aberrations (CAs) and micronuclei (MN) were analyzed and correlated with the healthy tissue side effects assessed by the RTOG/EORTC criteria. The results showed a significantly higher level of γH2AX/53BP1 foci before the RT in radiosensitive (RS) patients in comparison to normal responding patients (NOR). Analysis of apoptosis did not reveal any correlation with side effects. CA and MN assays displayed an increase in genomic instability during and after RT and a higher frequency of MN in the lymphocytes of RS patients. We also studied time kinetics of γH2AX/53BP1 foci and apoptosis after in vitro irradiation of lymphocytes. Higher levels of primary 53BP1 and co-localizing γH2AX/53BP1 foci were detected in cells from RS patients as compared to NOR patients, while no difference in the residual foci or apoptotic response was found. The data suggested impaired DNA damage response in cells from RS patients. We suggest γH2AX/53BP1 foci and MN as potential biomarkers of individual radiosensitivity, but they need to be evaluated with a larger cohort of patients for clinics.
Uncoupling Lipid Synthesis from Adipocyte Development
Authors: Wan Qianfen , Calhoun Carmen , Zahr Tarik , Qiang Li
Published: April 2023

Obesity results from the expansion of adipose tissue, a versatile tissue regulating energy homeostasis, adipokine secretion, thermogenesis, and inflammation. The primary function of adipocytes is thought to be lipid storage through lipid synthesis, which is presumably intertwined with adipogenesis. However, during prolonged fasting, adipocytes are depleted of lipid droplets yet retain endocrine function and an instant response to nutrients. This observation led us to question whether lipid synthesis and storage can be uncoupled from adipogenesis and adipocyte function. By inhibiting key enzymes in the lipid synthesis pathway during adipocyte development, we demonstrated that a basal level of lipid synthesis is essential for adipogenesis initiation but not for maturation and maintenance of adipocyte identity. Furthermore, inducing dedifferentiation of mature adipocytes abrogated adipocyte identity but not lipid storage. These findings suggest that lipid synthesis and storage are not the defining features of adipocytes and raise the possibility of uncoupling lipid synthesis from adipocyte development to achieve smaller and healthier adipocytes for the treatment of obesity and related disorders.
The Utility of Urodynamic Studies in Neuro-Urological Patients
Authors: Perrin Andry , Corcos Jacques
Published: April 2023

Introduction: The utility of a clinical tool lies in its clinical performance evaluation and describes the relevance and usefulness of that tool in a medical setting. The utility of urodynamic and video-urodynamic studies in the management of specific urodynamic profiles in the diagnosis, treatment, and prognostic approach in neuro-urological patients is the focus of the current review. Methods: For this narrative review, a PubMed® search was performed by cross-referencing the keywords “urodynamics”, “neurogenic bladder”, “utility”, “clinical utility” and “clinical performance” with various terms related to the management of neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction. Clinical practice guidelines and landmark reviews from the most renowned experts in the field were also used. Analysis: Assessment of the utility of urodynamic study was performed during the diagnostic, therapeutic and prognostic steps of the neuro-urological patients’ management. We focused on its clinical performance in the identification and evaluation of several unfavorable events, such as neurogenic detrusor overactivity, detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia, elevated detrusor leak point pressure and the presence of vesico-ureteral reflux, which may be indicators for a higher risk for the development of urological comorbidities. Conclusion: Despite the paucity of existing literature assessing the utility of urodynamic study—specifically video-urodynamic study—in neuro-urological patients, it does remain the gold standard to assess lower urinary tract function precisely in this patient category. With regard to its utility, it is associated with high clinical performance at every step of management. The feedback on possible unfavorable events allows for prognostic assessment and may lead us to question current recommendations.
Power Laws Govern the Abundance Distribution of Birds by Rank
Authors: Da Silva Sergio , Matsushita Raul
Published: April 2023

Only a few bird species are abundant. Understanding the abundance distribution of bird species is critical for conservation efforts because rare species may be more vulnerable to habitat loss, climate change, and other threats. According to new data, a log left-skewed distribution, rather than a lognormal distribution, better adjusts to the abundance distribution of bird species. We look at the rank abundance distribution rather than the species abundance distribution that use the same data and find three power laws: for the top four species; for the abundant species minus the top four; and for the rare species.
Visual Deprivation Alters Functional Connectivity of Neural Networks for Voice Recognition: A Resting-State fMRI Study
Authors: Pang Wenbin , Zhou Wei , Ruan Yufang , Zhang Linjun , Shu Hua , Zhang Yang , Zhang Yumei
Published: April 2023

Humans recognize one another by identifying their voices and faces. For sighted people, the integration of voice and face signals in corresponding brain networks plays an important role in facilitating the process. However, individuals with vision loss primarily resort to voice cues to recognize a person’s identity. It remains unclear how the neural systems for voice recognition reorganize in the blind. In the present study, we collected behavioral and resting-state fMRI data from 20 early blind (5 females; mean age = 22.6 years) and 22 sighted control (7 females; mean age = 23.7 years) individuals. We aimed to investigate the alterations in the resting-state functional connectivity (FC) among the voice- and face-sensitive areas in blind subjects in comparison with controls. We found that the intranetwork connections among voice-sensitive areas, including amygdala-posterior “temporal voice areas” (TVAp), amygdala-anterior “temporal voice areas” (TVAa), and amygdala-inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) were enhanced in the early blind. The blind group also showed increased FCs of “fusiform face area” (FFA)-IFG and “occipital face area” (OFA)-IFG but decreased FCs between the face-sensitive areas (i.e., FFA and OFA) and TVAa. Moreover, the voice-recognition accuracy was positively related to the strength of TVAp-FFA in the sighted, and the strength of amygdala-FFA in the blind. These findings indicate that visual deprivation shapes functional connectivity by increasing the intranetwork connections among voice-sensitive areas while decreasing the internetwork connections between the voice- and face-sensitive areas. Moreover, the face-sensitive areas are still involved in the voice-recognition process in blind individuals through pathways such as the subcortical-occipital or occipitofrontal connections, which may benefit the visually impaired greatly during voice processing.
Assessment of Vigilance Level during Work: Fitting a Hidden Markov Model to Heart Rate Variability
Authors: Wang Hanyu , Chen Dengkai , Huang Yuexin , Zhang Yahan , Qiao Yidan , Xiao Jianghao , Xie Ning , Fan Hao
Published: April 2023

This study aimed to enhance the real-time performance and accuracy of vigilance assessment by developing a hidden Markov model (HMM). Electrocardiogram (ECG) signals were collected and processed to remove noise and baseline drift. A group of 20 volunteers participated in the study. Their heart rate variability (HRV) was measured to train parameters of the modified hidden Markov model for a vigilance assessment. The data were collected to train the model using the Baum–Welch algorithm and to obtain the state transition probability matrix A^ and the observation probability matrix B^. Finally, the data of three volunteers with different transition patterns of mental state were selected randomly and the Viterbi algorithm was used to find the optimal state, which was compared with the actual state. The constructed vigilance assessment model had a high accuracy rate, and the accuracy rate of data prediction for these three volunteers exceeded 80%. Our approach can be used in wearable products to improve their vigilance level assessment functionality or in other fields that have key positions with high concentration requirements and monotonous repetitive work.
High-Definition Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Improves Decision-Making Ability: A Study Based on EEG
Authors: Zhou Yuwei , Xiao Guixian , Chen Qing , Wang Yuyang , Wang Lu , Xie Chengjuan , Wang Kai , Chen Xingui
Published: April 2023

High-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) has been shown to modulate decision-making; however, the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying this effect remain unclear. To further explore the neurophysiological processes of decision-making modulated by HD-tDCS, health participants underwent ten anodal (n = 16)/sham (n = 17) HD-tDCS sessions targeting the left DLPFC. Iowa gambling task was performed simultaneously with electroencephalography (EEG) before and after HD-tDCS. Iowa gambling task performance, the P300 amplitude, and the power of theta oscillation as an index of decision-making were compared. Behavioral changes were found that showed anodal HD-tDCS could improve the decision-making function, in which participants could make more advantageous choices. The electrophysiological results showed that the P300 amplitude significantly increased in CZ, CPZ electrode placement site and theta oscillation power significantly activated in FCZ, CZ electrode placement site after anodal HD-tDCS. Significant positive correlations were observed between the changes in the percent use of negative feedback and the changes in theta oscillation power before and after anodal HD-tDCS. This study showed that HD-tDCS is a promising technology in improving decision-making and theta oscillation induced by may be a predictor of improved decision-making.
The TREM2 H157Y Variant Influences Microglial Phagocytosis, Polarization, and Inflammatory Cytokine Release
Authors: Fu Xin-Xin , Chen Shuai-Yu , Lian Hui-Wen , Deng Yang , Duan Rui , Zhang Ying-Dong , Jiang Teng
Published: April 2023

Previously, we reported that H157Y, a rare coding variant on exon 3 of the triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 gene (TREM2), was associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) risk in a Han Chinese population. To date, how this variant increases AD risk has remained unclear. In this study, using CRISPR-Cas9-engineered BV2 microglia, we tried to investigate the influence of the Trem2 H157Y variant on AD-related microglial functions. For the first time, we revealed that the Trem2 H157Y variant inhibits microglial phagocytosis of amyloid-β, promotes M1-type polarization of microglia, and facilitates microglial release of inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α. These findings provide new insights into the cellular mechanisms by which the TREM2 H157Y variant elevates the risk of AD.
Conflict Detection in Moderate Base-Rate Tasks: A Multi-Measure Study
Authors: Yang Jianyong , Hu Zhujing , Nie Dandan , Zhu Debiao
Published: April 2023

Empirical studies have found that although humans often rely on heuristic intuition to make stereotypical judgments during extreme base-rate tasks, they can at least detect conflicts between stereotypical and base-rate responses, which supports the dual-processing view of flawless conflict detection. The current study combines the conflict detection paradigm with moderate base-rate tasks of different scales to test the generalization and boundaries of flawless conflict detection. After controlling for possible confounding by the “storage failure” factor, the conflict detection results indicated that reasoners providing stereotypical heuristic responses to conflict problems were slower to respond, less confident in their stereotypical responses, and slower to indicate their reduced confidence than reasoners who answered no-conflict problems. Moreover, none of these differences were affected by different scales. The results suggest that stereotypical reasoners are not blind heuristic performers and that they at least realize that their heuristic responses are not entirely warranted, which supports the argument for flawless conflict detection and extends the boundaries of flawless conflict detection. We discuss the implications of these findings for views of detection, human rationality, and the boundaries of conflict detection.
Transformational Leadership and Followers’ Innovative Behavior: Roles of Commitment to Change and Organizational Support for Creativity
Authors: Jun Kiho , Lee Joonghak
Published: April 2023

This study aims to investigate the relationships among transformational leadership, followers’ innovative behavior, commitment to change, and organizational support for creativity. First, we examine the mediating role of commitment to change in the relationship between transformational leadership and followers’ innovative behavior, using both objective and subjective measures. Our results reveal that commitment to change indeed mediates this relationship. Second, we analyze whether the link between commitment to change and followers’ innovative behavior is moderated by organizational support for creativity. We find that this relationship is stronger for individuals with high organizational support for creativity compared to those with low support. Empirical analysis was conducted using data collected from 535 managers in 11 subsidiaries of a financial institution in South Korea. This study contributes to the management discipline by resolving mixed outcomes between transformational leadership and followers’ innovation and highlighting the influence of commitment to change and perceived organizational support for creativity on innovative behavior.
Incentive Mechanism and Subsidy Design for Continuous Monitoring of Energy Consumption in Public Buildings (CMECPB): An Overview Based on Evolutionary Game Theory
Authors: Chen Hui , Xiao Yao , Liu Qiyue , Fu Guanghui
Published: April 2023

Rapid urbanization and the continued expansion of buildings have resulted in a consistent rise in the energy consumption of buildings. At the same time, the monitoring of building energy consumption has to achieve the goals of an “Emission peak” and “Carbon neutrality”. Numerous energy consumption monitoring systems have been established in several types of public buildings. However, there is a need to ensure that the data are continuously acquired and of superior quality. Scholars have noted that the in-depth research connected to the continuous monitoring of energy consumption in public buildings (CMECPB) is currently sparse. As a result, additional precise quantitative studies targeting the behavior of various stakeholders are also lacking. Hence, there is a need to explore the definition of value and the dynamic benefits of relevant subjects in continuous energy consumption monitoring based on evolutionary game theory and to propose incentive policies. This paper constructs an evolutionary game model for CMECPB between an energy service company (ESCO) and its owner to study the dynamic evolution path of a game system and the evolutionarily stable strategy under market-based mechanisms. Furthermore, by introducing government actions, the incentive policies and subsidy strategy for different subjects of interest are probed in detail by developing a principal-agent model to explore the incentive strength. The following conclusions can be reached: (1) it is inefficient and risky to rely only on the owner and the ESCO in achieving the optimal Pareto equilibrium; (2) the optimal incentives are “fixed incentives” in the case of information symmetry and a “fixed incentive + variable incentive” in the case of information asymmetry; (3) the choice of optimal incentive strategy is also influenced by the cost effort coefficient, risk aversion, external uncertainty, and integrated value transformation coefficient; (4) the incentive intensity and subsidy should be determined by comprehensive analysis with multiple indicators based on the conventional value of a project and the external value of a particular project. An in-depth understanding of each component of the CMECPB pathway yields insights into overcoming the challenges of building energy saving. Furthermore, the results may be useful in developing targeted, effective incentive policies for different disciplines and promoting the continued progress of monitoring building energy consumption and building energy efficiency.
Effect of Stiffeners on Mechanical Behavior of T-Stubs Based on Experiment and Numerical Simulations
Authors: Chen Shizhe , Feng Bo , Wang Lu , Zhang Ying , He Jianian
Published: April 2023

T-stubs are important components in the application of the component method; hence it is crucial to clarify the T-stub mechanism for the analysis of the mechanical properties of steel joints. In this study, the mechanical behavior of T-stubs was assessed via 6 static tests and 18 finite element analysis models. The influences of flange thickness, bolt spacing, bolt diameter, and stiffener rib on initial stiffness, ultimate bearing capacity, and bolt force of T-stubs were analyzed. Furthermore, the development process and relations of the T-stub bolt force with and without stiffeners were analyzed. The results show that an effective stiffener arrangement can reduce the bending moment and prying force to a certain degree; however, offsetting the bending moment and prying force entirely is difficult. Furthermore, the influence of bending moment and prying force on the bearing capacity should be considered in the design.
Numerical Evaluation of Transverse Steel Connector Strengthening Effect on the Behavior of Rubble Stone Masonry Walls under Compression Using a Particle Model
Authors: Cismaşiu Ildi , Azevedo Nuno Monteiro , Pinho Fernando F. S.
Published: April 2023

The structural rehabilitation of historic/traditional rubble masonry wall constructions requires consolidation and retrofitting solutions to be employed in order to withstand dynamic loads, high vertical loads, and differential settlements. One of these strengthening techniques is based on the use of steel bar connectors perpendicular to the wall, considered individually or integrated into more complex strengthening techniques. The aim of this study is to evaluate numerically the strengthening effect of transverse steel connectors on rubble masonry walls. With this purpose, a 2D particle-reinforced model (2D-PMR) was devised and applied to model uniaxial compression tests. The results presented show that predictions calculated using the proposed 2D-PMR model are very close to known experimental results, particularly in the corresponding failure modes, the increase of the maximum uniaxial compression value, and ductility. Parametric studies are also conducted by varying the diameter of the steel bars and the level of strengthening to assess the influence of the bar-bond effect and lateral plates. The presented parametric numerical studies show that (i) a two-level strengthening solution guarantees a similar response to the three-level strengthening solution adopted in the experiments; (ii) it is not relevant to apply a grout injection during the application process of the steel connectors if lateral plates are adopted; and (iii) the 2D-PMR model can be used in the definition of the steel bar diameter and properties; as shown, a smaller (8 mm) bar diameter predicts a similar strengthening effect to the (12 mm) bar size adopted in the experiments. Given the performance of the proposed 2D-PMR model, further work is underway that will allow the 2D-PMR model to numerically assess other reinforcement techniques, namely, reinforced micro-concrete layers and textile reinforced mortar.
Experimental Investigation of the Tensile Properties with Bending of CFRP Tendons in Suspension Bridges
Authors: Jia Lijun , Zhang Wenchao , Xu Jiawei , Jiang Yang
Published: April 2023

Carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) has gradually become a new material to replace traditional steel due to its outstanding advantages. Because of its poor transverse stress performance, there is a reduction effect on the tensile strength in the bending state. To study the mechanical properties of CFRP tendons subjected to combined tension and bending at the saddle of a suspension bridge, a series of bond-type anchorages were made. Specimens with different diameters of CFRP tendons were tensioned on the device with different bending radius saddles. The test results revealed that the tensile properties were significantly affected by the severity of the bending of the CFRP tendons, including the failure mode, fracture force, and stress distribution. The highest reduction in fracture force was found at the bending radius of 3 m, of up to 38.05%. Furthermore, the tensile properties were also found to be influenced by the diameter of CFRP tendons. It was found that increasing the bending radius was more conducive to improving the performance of CFRP tendons with a smaller diameter. When the bending radius increased from 3 to 12 m, the efficiency coefficient (the ratio of the fracture force to the ultimate force) of D8, D10, and D14 increased by 11.21%, 7.74%, and 2.26%, respectively. Decreasing the bending radius leads to unevenness of the stress distribution and increasing the diameter of the CFRP tendon leads to brittleness and difficulties in anchoring, thus resulting in the decrease in the efficiency coefficient. In addition, the ratio of the bending radius to the tendon diameter was less than 2.4, the efficiency coefficient of the specimen was less than 80%, and the specimen mostly suffered shear failure. Furthermore, the finite element (FE) models validated by the test results were used to reveal the stress state and study the effect of contact friction on the properties of CFRP tendons. The FE results show that the CFRP tendons with a smaller bending radius presented higher shear stress concentrations. As the contact friction increased, the load-bearing capacity of CFRP tendons decreased significantly.
Study on the Driving Path of Contractors’ Low-Carbon Behavior under Institutional Logic and Technological Logic
Authors: Gao Hui , Zhu Yu-Hong , Ding Ji-Yong , Li Hong-Yang
Published: April 2023

Based on the analytical framework of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), this paper decomposed the driving factors under institutional logic and technological logic, and empirically tested the driving path of the low-carbon behavior (LCB) of contractors from the perspective of corporate cognition. Moreover, this study further explored the differences in driving factors under different logic orientations and the formation mechanism of decoupling of heterogeneous LCB. The findings of this paper are as follows. Firstly, institutional logic and technological logic jointly drive the LCB of contractors. Perceived behavior control is not a sufficient condition. Secondly, institutional logic is more effective than technological logic in terms of the direction and coefficient of the driving path. Thirdly, institutional pressure does not directly lead to the decoupling of LCB of contractors but is mediated by intrinsic motivation. These findings provide support and help to the decision makers to cultivate and improve the level of contractors’ LCB in China and many other such countries that are similarly involved.
Design Recommendations for Columns Made of Ultra-High-Performance Concrete and NiTi SMA Bars
Authors: Pereiro-Barceló Javier , Bonet José L. , Martínez-Jaén Begoña , Cabañero-Escudero Beatriz
Published: April 2023

The use of new materials in construction endows structures with better mechanical characteristics. The combination of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) and nickel and titanium (NiTi) shape memory alloy (SMA) improves the behavior of building structures by increasing both their ductility and dissipation energy due to the low-damage and self-centering properties of NiTi SMA. Since UHPC and NiTi SMA are expensive materials and still scarce in distribution channels, this article tries to offer design recommendations to reduce the length of the column-beam connection in which these new materials should be introduced, leaving the rest of the column with conventional materials. To achieve this, a nonlinear static pushover analysis of columns using finite element software, SeismoStruct, was performed. This model was calibrated using experimental results. Next, a parametric analysis was carried out to propose the design recommendations. Results indicated that an adequate design for the column–beam connection, considering both economy and performance, should include a main zone with UHPC and SMA reinforcements, a transition zone with UHPC and steel reinforcements, and another zone with conventional reinforced concrete. The transition zone improved the hybrid column’s performance without excessively raising the cost. The main zone length, the transition zone length, and the strength of the concrete in the rest of the column must be determined to ensure that the critical section of the column was in the main zone to develop the maximum strength and ductility. The length of the main zone depended on the compressive strength of the conventional concrete, the relative axial load of the column, and the required ductility.
Evaluation of the Effective Functioning of Construction Enterprises in the Conditions of Occurrence of Diverse Risk Factors
Authors: Abramov Ivan , AlZaidi Zaid Ali Kadhim
Published: April 2023

Construction production in Russia and abroad (in Iraq) is facing various negative factors. The emergence of diverse factors in the implementation of investment and construction projects has an effect on the making of important decisions by the heads of construction enterprises, which may in the future be the cause of uncertainty and, as a result, the emergence of critical risks. The purpose of the study is to develop a methodology for identifying and assessing the influence of risk factors on the activities of construction enterprises in the implementation of investment projects. For the purposes of the study, mathematical and statistical models were used, such as the hierarchical analysis method and Monte Carlo, as well as the expert survey. The result of the study shows that the use of those models will significantly increase the success of construction enterprises by identifying various risk factors at the stage of construction and assessing their impact on these projects. The scientific and methodological approaches developed as a result of the study, methods for assessing risk factors, and appropriate compensatory measures to reduce or prevent the influence of these factors will significantly improve the organization of production activities of construction enterprises and will contribute to their successful development.
Impact of a Weather Predictive Control Strategy for Inert Building Technology on Thermal Comfort and Energy Demand
Authors: Hepf Christian , Overhoff Lennard , Koth Sebastian Clark , Gabriel Martin , Briels David , Auer Thomas
Published: April 2023

The sun’s total radiation alone exceeds the world population’s entire energy consumption by 7.500 times and ignites secondary renewable energy sources. The end energy consumption buildings use for heating amounts to 28% of Germany’s total energy consumption. With the ongoing trend of digitalization and the transition of the German energy supply away from fossil fuels and the consequent political dependency, electric heat pumps and photovoltaic (PV) systems have become increasingly important to the discussion. This has led to an increasing demand for smart control strategies, especially for inert systems such as thermally activated building systems (TABS). This paper presents and analyses a weather predictive control (WPC) strategy using a validated thermodynamic simulation model. The literature review of this paper outlines that the current common control strategies are data intense and complex in their implementation into the built environment. The simple approach of the WPC uses future ambient temperature and solar radiation to optimize the control of the heating, cooling, ventilation, and sun protection system. The thermal comfort and energy demand evaluate the concept. We show that with a WPC for TABS, thermal comfort can improve without increasing the energy demand for the office building in the moderate climate of Munich. Furthermore, this paper concludes that the WPC works more effectively with more thermal mass. This simplified building control strategy promotes the European roadmap goal of climate neutrality in 2050, as it bridges the phenomenon of the performance gap.