bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cyclone Separator for Air Particulate Matter Personal Monitoring: A Patent Review
Authors: Rivera-García M. O. , Reyna M. A. , Camarillo-Ramos M. A. , Reyna-Vargas M. A. , Avitia Roberto L. , Cuevas-González Daniel , Osornio Vargas A. R.
Published: March 2023

Currently, air pollution is a critical public health problem, which means that the daily measurement of urban air quality can be enriched if measured in a personalized way. Personal environmental monitoring devices can guide the population to take action. They can track their daily activities, avoiding situations that could affect their health, allowing them to precisely know the air quality they breathe in real-time in various microenvironments. In this work, we present a review of cyclonic separation technology patents, such as pre-separators in monitoring devices. We focused on the state-of-the-art commercially available personal monitoring devices, the classification of kinds of patents, and a review of cyclone patents and gas–particle separation behaviors. The World Intellectual Property Organization IP’s portal and Google Patents search engine were used, using international patent classification plus mesh terms involving a cyclone in an air particulate monitor after predefining inclusion and exclusion criteria such as gas–air cyclones, high efficiency, and fine particle separation. Twenty-nine patents were analyzed according to the main characteristics (e.g., cut point, flow rate, and cyclone improvement) available in the patent document. The wide range of cyclones indicates a maximum flow rate of between 0.5 and 4.5 Lpm and a lower cyclone cut point of 0.8 μm. This review includes a discussion of the most relevant features of the patent documents (flow rate, particle cut point, some cyclone improvements, and technology detection). This paper aims to give an overview of the use of cyclones as pre-separators for personal air monitoring devices and to acknowledge the patented improvements of new inventors or developers.
Higher-Order Nabla Difference Equations of Arbitrary Order with Forcing, Positive and Negative Terms: Non-Oscillatory Solutions
Authors: Alzabut Jehad , Grace Said R. , Jonnalagadda Jagan Mohan , Santra Shyam Sundar , Abdalla Bahaaeldin
Published: March 2023

This work provides new adequate conditions for difference equations with forcing, positive and negative terms to have non-oscillatory solutions. A few mathematical inequalities and the properties of discrete fractional calculus serve as the fundamental foundation to our approach. To help establish the main results, an analogous representation for the main equation, called a Volterra-type summation equation, is constructed. Two numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the validity of the theoretical findings; no earlier publications have been able to comment on their solutions’ non-oscillatory behavior.
Proteomic Profiling of Fallopian Tube-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Using a Microfluidic Tissue-on-Chip System
Authors: Zha Didi , Rayamajhi Sagar , Sipes Jared , Russo Angela , Pathak Harsh B. , Li Kailiang , Sardiu Mihaela E. , Bantis Leonidas E. , Mitra Amrita , Puri Rajni V. , Trinidad Camille V. , Cain Brian P. , Isenberg Brett C. , Coppeta Jonathan , MacLaughlan Shannon , Godwin Andrew K. , Burdette Joanna E.
Published: March 2023

The human fallopian tube epithelium (hFTE) is the site of fertilization, early embryo development, and the origin of most high-grade serous ovarian cancers (HGSOCs). Little is known about the content and functions of hFTE-derived small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) due to the limitations of biomaterials and proper culture methods. We have established a microfluidic platform to culture hFTE for EV collection with adequate yield for mass spectrometry-based proteomic profiling, and reported 295 common hFTE sEV proteins for the first time. These proteins are associated with exocytosis, neutrophil degranulation, and wound healing, and some are crucial for fertilization processes. In addition, by correlating sEV protein profiles with hFTE tissue transcripts characterized using GeoMx® Cancer Transcriptome Atlas, spatial transcriptomics analysis revealed cell-type-specific transcripts of hFTE that encode sEVs proteins, among which, FLNA, TUBB, JUP, and FLNC were differentially expressed in secretory cells, the precursor cells for HGSOC. Our study provides insights into the establishment of the baseline proteomic profile of sEVs derived from hFTE tissue, and its correlation with hFTE lineage-specific transcripts, which can be used to evaluate whether the fallopian tube shifts its sEV cargo during ovarian cancer carcinogenesis and the role of sEV proteins in fallopian tube reproductive functions.
Pollen as Bee Medicine: Is Prevention Better than Cure?
Authors: Vanderplanck Maryse , Marin Lucie , Michez Denis , Gekière Antoine
Published: March 2023

To face environmental stressors such as infection, animals may display behavioural plasticity to improve their physiological status through ingestion of specific food. In bees, the significance of medicating pollen may be limited by their ability to exploit it. Until now, studies have focused on the medicinal effects of pollen and nectar after forced-feeding experiments, overlooking spontaneous intake. Here, we explored the medicinal effects of different pollen on Bombus terrestris workers infected by the gut parasite Crithidia bombi. First, we used a forced-feeding experimental design allowing for the distinction between prophylactic and therapeutic effects of pollen, considering host tolerance and resistance. Then, we assessed whether bumble bees favoured medicating resources when infected to demonstrate potential self-medicative behaviour. We found that infected bumble bees had a lower fitness but higher resistance when forced to consume sunflower or heather pollen, and that infection dynamics was more gradual in therapeutic treatments. When given the choice between resources, infected workers did not target medicating pollen, nor did they consume more medicating pollen than uninfected ones. These results emphasize that the access to medicating resources could impede parasite dynamics, but that the cost–benefit trade-off could be detrimental when fitness is highly reduced.
Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs): Potential Therapeutic Strategy against Trypanosomiases?
Authors: Rojas-Pirela Maura , Kemmerling Ulrike , Quiñones Wilfredo , Michels Paul A. M. , Rojas Verónica
Published: March 2023

Trypanosomiases are a group of tropical diseases that have devastating health and socio-economic effects worldwide. In humans, these diseases are caused by the pathogenic kinetoplastids Trypanosoma brucei, causing African trypanosomiasis or sleeping sickness, and Trypanosoma cruzi, causing American trypanosomiasis or Chagas disease. Currently, these diseases lack effective treatment. This is attributed to the high toxicity and limited trypanocidal activity of registered drugs, as well as resistance development and difficulties in their administration. All this has prompted the search for new compounds that can serve as the basis for the development of treatment of these diseases. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are small peptides synthesized by both prokaryotes and (unicellular and multicellular) eukaryotes, where they fulfill functions related to competition strategy with other organisms and immune defense. These AMPs can bind and induce perturbation in cell membranes, leading to permeation of molecules, alteration of morphology, disruption of cellular homeostasis, and activation of cell death. These peptides have activity against various pathogenic microorganisms, including parasitic protists. Therefore, they are being considered for new therapeutic strategies to treat some parasitic diseases. In this review, we analyze AMPs as therapeutic alternatives for the treatment of trypanosomiases, emphasizing their possible application as possible candidates for the development of future natural anti-trypanosome drugs.
Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes Modulate Angiogenesis in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Akad Fawzy , Mocanu Veronica , Peiu Sorin Nicolae , Scripcariu Viorel , Filip Bogdan , Timofte Daniel , Zugun-Eloae Florin , Cuciureanu Magdalena , Hancianu Monica , Oboroceanu Teodor , Condur Laura , Popa Radu Florin
Published: March 2023

Individualized gastric cancer (GC) treatment aims at providing targeted therapies that translate the latest research into improved management strategies. Extracellular vesicle microRNAs have been proposed as biomarkers for GC prognosis. Helicobacter pylori infection influences the therapeutic response to and the drivers of malignant changes in chronic gastritis. The successful use of transplanted mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for gastric ulcer healing has raised interest in studying their effects on tumor neovascularization and in potential antiangiogenic therapies that could use mesenchymal stem cell secretion into extracellular vesicles—such as exosomes—in GC cells. The use of MSCs isolated from bone marrow in order to achieve angiogenic modulation in the tumor microenvironment could exploit the inherent migration of MSCs into GC tissues. Bone marrow-derived MSCs naturally present in the stomach have been reported to carry a malignancy risk, but their effect in GC is still being researched. The pro- and antiangiogenic effects of MSCs derived from various sources complement their role in immune regulation and tissue regeneration and provide further understanding into the heterogeneous biology of GC, the aberrant morphology of tumor vasculature and the mechanisms of resistance to antiangiogenic drugs.
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy as a Helpful Method for Rapid Osseointegration of Dental Implants: Animal Study
Authors: Jafarpour Mahalleh Amir , Mesgarzadeh Ali Hossein , Jarolmasjed Seyedhosein , Soltani Somee Abbas , Khordadmehr Monireh , Rezaei Yashar , Maleki Dizaj Solmaz , Shahi Shahriar
Published: March 2023

The aim of this study was to assess the multi-phasic use of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) as an adjuvant treatment to accelerate the osseointegration of titanium dental implants. Initially, twelve titanium mini-screws were inserted in femur bones of six New Zealand rabbits in three groups; the one-time treated group, the three-time treated group, and the control group (without ESWT). Then, 1800 focused shockwaves with an energy flux density of 0.3 mJ/mm2 in every phase were used. Fourteen days after the last phase of ESWT, the animals were sacrificed to assess the osseointegration of screws via micro-computed tomography scan (micro-CT scan), biomechanical pull-out test, and histopathological analysis. Pull-out and histopathology analysis showed that the ESWT significantly increased bone regeneration and osseointegration around the implants compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Moreover, the pull-out test confirmed that the three-time treated screws needed more force to pull the bone out compared to the other two groups (p < 0.05). The mean bone volume fraction between the control group, the one-time treated group, and the three-time treatment group were not statistically significant (p > 0.05) according to the micro-CT scan results. Based on our results, ESWT can be suggested as a non-invasive and cost-effective adjuvant for osseointegration of dental implants. However, more in vivo studies and clinical trials are needed for validation of this finding.
Efficacy and Safety of Clonidine in the Treatment of Acute Mania in Bipolar Disorder: A Systematic Review
Authors: Singal Prakamya , Nuñez Nicolas A. , Joseph Boney , Hassett Leslie C. , Seshadri Ashok , Singh Balwinder
Published: March 2023

Clonidine, an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist, has been proposed as an antimanic agent that acts by reducing noradrenergic transmission. We conducted a systematic review to examine the efficacy and safety of clonidine for acute mania/hypomania. A comprehensive literature search was performed to identify randomized controlled trials (RCT) and non-randomized studies investigating the efficacy and safety of monotherapy/adjuvant treatment with clonidine for acute mania/hypomania in patients with bipolar disorder (BD). Nine studies (n = 222) met our inclusion criteria, including five RCTs (n = 159) and four non-randomized studies (n = 63). Non-randomized studies showed clonidine to help reduce symptoms of mania. However, data from placebo controlled RCTs were inconsistent. One RCT showed adjuvant clonidine as superior to placebo, whereas another RCT reported that clonidine was not better than placebo. In individual RCTs, lithium and valproate offered better antimanic effects compared to clonidine. Studies reported hypotension, depression, and somnolence as common adverse effects. Significant differences in study design and sample size contributed to high heterogeneity. This systematic review suggests low-grade evidence for clonidine as an adjuvant treatment for acute mania with mood stabilizers and inconclusive efficacy as monotherapy, warranting further well-designed RCTs.
Incidence of Stress-Induced Hyperglycemia in Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhang Haofuzi , Yue Kangyi , Jiang Zijian , Wu Xiuquan , Li Xin , Luo Peng , Jiang Xiaofan
Published: March 2023

The aim of this study was to systematically evaluate the incidence of stress-induced hyperglycemia (SIH) in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Studies that reported SIH incidence in AIS and examined risk factors for SIH and non-SIH patients were systematically searched in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science from the inception of each database to December 2021. Article screening and data extraction were performed by two independent reviewers according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS), and meta-analysis was performed using Stata. A total of 13 studies involving 4552 patients (977 in the SIH group and 3575 in the non-SIH group) were included. Meta-analysis showed that the incidence of SIH was 24% (95% CI: 21–27%) in the total population, 33% (14–52%) in North America, 25% (20–29%) in Europe, and 21% (12–29%) in Asia. Subgroup analysis by year of publication revealed that the pooled incidence of SIH was 27% (22–32%) in studies published before 2010 and 19% (14–24%) in those published after 2010. SIH is relatively common in AIS and poses a serious public health problem. Therefore, more emphasis should be placed on the prevention and control of SIH in AIS.
Early Diagnosis of Central Disorders Mimicking Horizontal Canal Cupulolithiasis
Authors: Peña Navarro Paula , Pacheco López Sofía , Almeida Ayerve Cristina Nicole , Marcos Alonso Susana , Serradilla López José Manuel , Santa Cruz Ruiz Santiago , Gómez Sánchez José Carlos , Kaski Diego , Batuecas Caletrío Ángel
Published: March 2023

Background: Horizontal Canal Cupulolithiasis (hc-BPPV-cu) can mimic a pathology of central origin, so a careful examination is essential to prevent misdiagnosis. Methods: Retrospective cross-sectional cohort study of 45 patients suffering from suspected hc-BPPV-cu. We recorded whether patients first presented through an ENT Emergency Department (ED) or through an Outpatient Otolaryngology Clinic (OC). Results: We found statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) between the OC versus the ED in relation to the time between symptom onset and first assessment (79.7 vs. 3.6 days, respectively), the number of therapeutic maneuvers (one maneuver in 62.5% vs. 75.9%, and more than one in 25.1% vs. 13.7%), and multi-canal BPPV rate (43.8% vs. 3.4%). hc-BPPV-cu did not resolve in 2 patients (12.5%) from the OC and in 3 (10.3%) from de ED, all of which showed central pathology. Discussion: There are no prior studies that analyze the approach to hc-BPPV-cu in the ED. The benefits of early specialist input are early identification of central positional nystagmus, a decrease in symptom duration, reduced number of therapeutic maneuvers required for symptom resolution, and lower rates of iatrogenic multi-canal BPPV. Conclusion: A comprehensive approach to hc-BPPV-cu in the ED allows both more effective treatment and early identification of central disorder mimics.
Dehydroepiandrosterone Attenuates Astroglial Activation, Neuronal Loss and Dendritic Degeneration in Iron-Induced Post-Traumatic Epilepsy
Authors: Prakash Chandra , Rabidas Shyam Sunder , Tyagi Jyoti , Sharma Deepak
Published: March 2023

Iron-induced experimental epilepsy in rodents reproduces features of post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE) in humans. The neural network of the brain seems to be highly affected during the course of epileptogenesis and determines the occurrence of sudden and recurrent seizures. The aim of the current study was to evaluate astroglial and neuronal response as well as dendritic arborization, and the spine density of pyramidal neurons in the cortex and hippocampus of epileptic rats. We also evaluated the effect of exogenous administration of a neuroactive steroid, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), in epileptic rats. To induce epilepsy, male Wistar rats were given an intracortical injection of 100 mM solution (5 µL) of iron chloride (FeCl3). After 20 days, DHEA was administered intraperitoneally for 21 consecutive days. Results showed epileptic seizures and hippocampal Mossy Fibers (MFs) sprouting in epileptic rats, while DHEA treatment significantly reduced the MFs’ sprouting. Astroglial activation and neuronal loss were subdued in rats that received DHEA compared to epileptic rats. Dendritic arborization and spine density of pyramidal neurons was diminished in epileptic rats, while DHEA treatment partially restored their normal morphology in the cortex and hippocampus regions of the brain. Overall, these findings suggest that DHEA’s antiepileptic effects may contribute to alleviating astroglial activation and neuronal loss along with enhancing dendritic arborization and spine density in PTE.
Technical Issues of Vim–PSA Double-Target DBS for Essential Tremor
Authors: Hou Xusheng , Mo Yixiang , Zhu Zhiyuan , Zhang Huan , Liu Xinzi , Zou Zhihao , He Xiaozheng , Xue Shan , Li Jiangtao , Li Mengqian , Zhang Shizhong
Published: March 2023

Background: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an effective surgical treatment for essential tremor (ET), with the ventral intermediate nucleus (Vim) and posterior subthalamic area (PSA) as the most common targets. The stimulation efficacy of ET with Vim–PSA double-target DBS has been reported. Herein, we aim to propose surgical techniques for Vim–PSA double-target DBS surgery. Methods: This study enrolled six patients with ET who underwent Vim–PSA double-target electrode implantation from October 2019 to May 2022. The targets were located and adjusted using coordinates and multimodality MRI images. A burr hole was accurately drilled in line with the electrode trajectory under the guidance of a stereotactic frame. Novel approaches were adopted during the electrode implantation process for pneumocephalus reduction, including “arachnoid piamater welding” and “water sealing”. Electrophysiological recording was used to identify the implantation sites of the electrodes. A 3D reconstruction model of electrodes and nuclei was established to facilitate programming. Results: The combination of coordinates and multimodality MRI images for target location and adjustment enabled the alignment of Vim and PSA. Postoperative CT scanning showed that the electrode was precisely implanted. Stereotactic guidance facilitated accurate burr hole drilling. “Arachnoid piamater welding” and “water sealing” were efficient in reducing pneumocephalus. Intraoperative electrophysiological verified the efficacy of Vim–PSA double-target DBS surgery. Conclusions: The methods for target location and adjustment, accurate drilling of the burr hole, reduction in pneumocephalus, and intraoperative electrophysiological verification are key issues in DBS surgery targeting both the Vim and PSA. This study may provide technical support for Vim–PSA DBS, especially for surgeons with less experience in functional neurosurgery.
Probing the Impact of Prematurity on Segmentation Abilities in the Context of Bilingualism
Authors: Berdasco-Muñoz Elena , Biran Valérie , Nazzi Thierry
Published: March 2023

Infants born prematurely are at a high risk of developing linguistic deficits. In the current study, we compare how full-term and healthy preterm infants without neuro-sensorial impairments segment words from fluent speech, an ability crucial for lexical acquisition. While early word segmentation abilities have been found in monolingual infants, we test here whether it is also the case for French-dominant bilingual infants with varying non-dominant languages. These bilingual infants were tested on their ability to segment monosyllabic French words from French sentences at 6 months of (postnatal) age, an age at which both full-term and preterm monolinguals are able to segment these words. Our results establish the existence of segmentation skills in these infants, with no significant difference in performance between the two maturation groups. Correlation analyses failed to find effects of gestational age in the preterm group, as well as effects of the language dominance within the bilingual groups. These findings indicate that monosyllabic word segmentation, which has been found to emerge by 4 months in monolingual French-learning infants, is a robust ability acquired at an early age even in the context of bilingualism and prematurity. Future studies should further probe segmentation abilities in more extreme conditions, such as in bilinguals tested in their non-dominant language, in preterm infants with medical issues, or testing the segmentation of more complex word structures.
Sleep Deprivation and Insomnia in Adolescence: Implications for Mental Health
Authors: Uccella Sara , Cordani Ramona , Salfi Federico , Gorgoni Maurizio , Scarpelli Serena , Gemignani Angelo , Geoffroy Pierre Alexis , De Gennaro Luigi , Palagini Laura , Ferrara Michele , Nobili Lino
Published: March 2023

Sleep changes significantly throughout the human lifespan. Physiological modifications in sleep regulation, in common with many mammals (especially in the circadian rhythms), predispose adolescents to sleep loss until early adulthood. Adolescents are one-sixth of all human beings and are at high risk for mental diseases (particularly mood disorders) and self-injury. This has been attributed to the incredible number of changes occurring in a limited time window that encompasses rapid biological and psychosocial modifications, which predispose teens to at-risk behaviors. Adolescents’ sleep patterns have been investigated as a biunivocal cause for potential damaging conditions, in which insufficient sleep may be both a cause and a consequence of mental health problems. The recent COVID-19 pandemic in particular has made a detrimental contribution to many adolescents’ mental health and sleep quality. In this review, we aim to summarize the knowledge in the field and to explore implications for adolescents’ (and future adults’) mental and physical health, as well as to outline potential strategies of prevention.
Use of MD Simulation for Investigating Diffusion Behaviors between Virgin Asphalt and Recycled Asphalt Mastic
Authors: Chen Shuqi , Yang Qing , Qiu Xin , Liu Ke , Xiao Shanglin , Xu Wenyi
Published: March 2023

The study aims at investigating diffusion behaviors between virgin asphalt and recycled asphalt mastic (RAM) at an atomistic scale. Firstly, a mutual diffusion model of virgin asphalt–RAM considering the actual mass ratio of filler to asphalt binder (F/A) condition was developed by molecular dynamic (MD)simulation. Secondly, the indexes of relative concentration (RC), radial distribution function (RDF) and mean square displacement (MSD) were used to analyze the molecular arrangement characteristics of polar components in the diffusion processes at different temperatures. Then, the blending efficiency of virgin asphalt–RAM was evaluated by Fick’s second law and the binding energy. The results indicate that the reliability of the RAM model was validated by thermodynamics properties. The results of RC and RDF show that the diffusion direction of virgin asphalt–RAM is not changed by the presence of mineral fillers. However, it will inhibit the occurrence of diffusion behaviors, and the aggregation of molecules in the blending zone increases due to the adsorption of mineral fillers, which would become a barrier to molecular diffusion. The development of MSD indicates that the diffusion coefficients of molecules in both virgin–aged asphalt and virgin asphalt–RAM are on the rise with the increase in temperature. Compared with the virgin–aged asphalt, the molecular migration speed in virgin asphalt–RAM is relatively slow. According to Fick’s second law and the binding energy, diffusion behaviors are dominated by the nonpolar components. The existence of mineral fillers has the greatest effect on the nonpolar components in diffusion. It is suggested that rejuvenator containing more aromatic components should be added or the temperature controlled within 433.15–443.15 K to promote blending efficiency. The research results contribute to a deeper understanding about diffusion behaviors of virgin asphalt–RAM, serving as a benchmark for further study of rejuvenation using computational experiments.
Automatic Generation Construction Shop Design Model of the MEP Hanger Based on BIM
Authors: Hu Jinxin , Bao Quanxi , Zhou Tuanjie , Li Kun , Shang Liang , Zhang Jicang , Fu Xuehai
Published: March 2023

Due to the growing complexity of mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) functions, the design, production and installation of hanger based on MEP has become low efficiency in traditional ways. Compared with the Computer-Aided Design (CAD) approach, the MEP hanger three-dimensional (3D) design approach has not received adequate attention in the process of engineering practice. Based on Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Revit secondary development technology, an automatic generation construction shop design model system of MEP hanger (MEP hanger-CDM) for the quick placement of hanger components, automatic grouping of hanger components and hanger component constructability checking was developed. By conducting investigations with the construction companies and construction sites in China, four basic forms of MEP hanger layouts were identified to accommodate different types of MEP layouts. In addition, the design requirements of the family of LOD 400 BIM models were summarized along with the analysis of user requirements. The results of the case studies indicate a 70% reduction in the manpower number on the MEP hanger shop design and an 85.9% reduction in the number of working hours. Moreover, the efficiency of the hanger construction model design and the accuracy of the output of material lists and shop drawings could be improved. Thus, the process of designing MEP hanger could be optimized in a visualized method.
Performance of Six Metaheuristic Algorithms for Multi-Objective Optimization of Nonlinear Inelastic Steel Trusses
Authors: Cao Truong-Son , Nguyen Thi-Thanh-Thuy , Nguyen Van-Son , Truong Viet-Hung , Nguyen Huu-Hue
Published: March 2023

This paper presents a multi-objective optimization of steel trusses using direct analysis. The total weight and the inter-story drift or displacements of the structure were two conflict objectives, while the constraints relating to strength and serviceability load combinations were evaluated using nonlinear inelastic and nonlinear elastic analyses, respectively. Six common metaheuristic algorithms such as nondominated sorting genetic algorithm-II (NSGA-II), NSGA-III, generalized differential evolution (GDE3), PSO-based MOO using crowding, mutation, and ε-dominance (OMOPSO), improving the strength Pareto evolutionary algorithm (SPEA2), and multi-objective evolutionary algorithm based on decomposition (MOEA/D) were applied to solve the developed MOO problem. Four truss structures were studied including a planar 10-bar truss, a spatial 72-bar truss, a planar 47-bar powerline truss, and a planar 113-bar truss bridge. The numerical results showed a nonlinear relationship and inverse proportion between the two objectives. Furthermore, all six algorithms were efficient at finding feasible optimal solutions. No algorithm outperformed the others, but NSGA-II and MOEA/D seemed to be better at both searching Pareto and anchor points. MOEA/D was also more stable and yields a better solution spread. OMOPSO was also good at solution spread, but its stability was worse than MOEA/D. NSGA-III was less efficient at finding anchor points, although it can effectively search for Pareto points.
Experience Grammar: Creative Space Planning with Generative Graph and Shape for Early Design Stage
Authors: Muslimin Rizal
Published: March 2023

This paper presents a method to synthesise functional relationships and spatial configuration simultaneously using shape and graph computation from shape grammar and space syntax theories. The study revisits seminal works and summarises the compatibilities between shape and graph computation as a set of rules. The rule computation is demonstrated in two cases from hospitality and retail, where current applications, opportunities, and limitations are discussed. The results from the study show that incorporating graph and shape rules allows sequences of functions and spatial arrangements to be developed in parallel. The method could help the designer anticipate the impact on the users’ flow of activities more explicitly during the early design process and could also assist in generating new functional configurations to provide alternative spatial strategies in broader applications.
Performance Analysis of Short-Span Simply Supported Bridges for Heavy-Haul Railways with A Novel Prefabricated Strengthening Structure
Authors: Xie Kaize , Liu Bowen , Dai Weiwu , Chen Shuli , Wang Xinmin
Published: March 2023

A novel prefabricated strengthening structure (NPSS) is proposed to improve the vertical stiffness and load-bearing capacity of existing short-span bridges for heavier axle-load trains passing through. The strengthening principle of the NPSS is revealed through theoretical derivation. A refined calculation model is prepared to investigate the effects of two important parameters on the structural behavior of the bridge, including the support stiffness and the installation location of the NPSS. The calculation model is also verified with four-point bending test of a bridge removed from a heavy-haul railway. With the calculation model and the response surface methodology (RSM), the functional relationships among the crucial mechanical indexes of the bridge and the two parameters of the NPSS are methodically established. Thus, the optimal values of the parameters are determined via a multi-objective optimization model and the analysis hierarchy process-fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method. Furthermore, the feasibility of the optimal parameters is appropriately verified based on simulations of the vehicle–track–bridge dynamics. The existence of the NPSS with optimal parameters could enhance the vertical stiffness of the bridge by 21.0% and bearing capacity by 19.5%. In addition, it could reduce the midspan dynamic deflection amplitude by 23.4% and vertical vibration acceleration amplitude of the bridge by 25.2%. The results of the study are expected to contribute to the capacity development and rehabilitation of existing heavy-haul railways with low cost and convenient construction without railway outage.
A Systematic Review of the Business Contingencies Influencing Broader Adoption: Modern Methods of Construction (MMC)
Authors: Saad Ali M. , Dulaimi Mohammed , Zulu Sambo Lyson
Published: March 2023

The existing body of knowledge on the Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) reflects their benefits and relative advantages, particularly in addressing contemporary construction challenges. However, the uptake of such methods is minimal, particularly in the public construction sector. The low uptake has led MMC firms to liquidation due to the lack of an economy of scale. Studies, particularly recently, explain that the low adoption rates are linked to the inappropriateness of existing business models responsible for driving broader demand. This paper assumes that the lag in MMC adoption could be related to the ability of supply business models to communicate confidence to demand. Public clients are foreseen as important target customers, acquiring influential status across the industry, with an expected potential to drive innovation adoption across the sector. A systematic review method allows scholars to assess existing literature by critically locating and analysing relative publications to approach the study’s aim. Through utilising this method, the study classifies the arguments against the Business Model Canvas (BMC), and argues the results with respect to contingency theory, and in turn, synthesizing a new meaning that reveals the considerations needed to boost business model performance when penetrating the public sector. Hence, the critical analyses of 70 studies relative to MMC, led to proposing the contingencies that are believed to better structure business models. Results suggest that MMC firms can embrace specific reforms and gain more momentum when communicating confidence to public client organisations; however, a guideline that conceptualises the interactions between the elements and their influence on the decision-making does not exist, and this may be inhibiting coherency on how MMC businesses drive broader demand. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to utilise the contingency theory as an attempt to disseminate previous efforts to explain the low adoption of MMC in the UK public sector.
Effect of Clamp Deletion on Static Behavior and Dynamic Characteristics of Loop-Free Cable Net Structures
Authors: Liu Renjie , Cao Jiajia , Wang Guangyong
Published: March 2023

The loop-free single-layer hyperbolic cable net structure (LSHCS) is a new tensile cable structure for buildings, and it can overcome the disadvantages of key elements and the high tension in tensile cable structures with loop cables. The imperfection of the LSHCS is that cable clamps near the inside boundary are redundant. In this paper, the static behavior and dynamic characteristics of thirty-one schemes in five levels of deleting cable clamps are carried out with ANSYS software and Midas/Gen software. The results show that SE1/1, SE2/1, SE3/1, and SE4/1 are the best cable clamp deleting schemes for their respective levels. Displacements are the most sensitive to deleting cable clamps, the natural vibration period comes in second, and tensions are not sensitive with the growth rates of 6.09%, 5.11%, 15.97%, and 19.28% in the best scheme of each level. It is concluded that schemes involving the virtual rings of cable clamps closest to the inside boundary cause the smallest effect on static behavior and dynamic characteristics. Deleting the cable clamps affects the structural stiffness significantly, but the bearing capacity is not seriously affected. It turns out that removing redundant cable clamps in the dense part of the LSHCS is feasible.
Prediction Study on the Alignment of a Steel-Concrete Composite Beam Track Cable-Stayed Bridge
Authors: Li Xiaogang , Luo Haoran , Ding Peng , Chen Xiaohu , Tan Shulin
Published: March 2023

Due to the alignment of track bridges directly affecting the safety and comfort of rail traffic operation, the alignment prediction of track bridges needs to be accurate. However, the structure of steel-concrete composite beam (SCCB) cable-stayed bridges is more complex, and the alignment prediction needs to be more accurate. To further improve the accuracy of alignment prediction for large-span SCCB track cable-stayed bridges, a method based on the response surface method (RSM) is proposed. In this paper, the Nanjimen Yangtze River Track Special Bridge was taken as a case for research. Considering the randomness of the influencing factors, the 95% confidence interval was obtained by using Monte Carlo (MC) sampling analysis, and the predicted values were within the confidence interval. The results show that the method integrates the confidence interval under each confidence level by simulating the long-term deformation of different years after bridge completion. The method could accurately predict the alignment of large-span SCCB track cable-stayed bridges, and thereby provide technical support for alignment control and ensure the safe and comfortable operation of rail transit.
Elements of a Timber Lamella Structure: Analysis and Systematization of Joints
Authors: Petrović Milica , Pavićević Darko , Ilić Isidora , Terzović Jefto , Šekularac Nenad
Published: March 2023

The subject of this paper is the elements of a timber lamella structure: the lamellae and their joints. The lamella structure is usually in a diamond pattern, so it relies on additional elements to achieve stability. The analysis of the elements precedes the design of a prototype of a timber lamella vault. The characteristic diamond pattern can be kept for the design of rigid or semi-rigid joints. The design of the joints is challenging, so this paper focused on the analysis and systematization of joints designed for timber lamella structures. The existing timber lamella joints were classified and analyzed based on five parameters: eccentricity, load capacity, the number of elements, easiness of assembly, and adaptability to the circular cylindrical surface, to systemize the existing joints and propose a new one. A design for a new joint was proposed based on the presented joints. The systematization and discussion gave a comparison of all joints, their advantages, and limitations. The conclusion was that the geometry of a circular cylinder and the type of elements for the prototype confirmed all the benefits of the historical lamella structures: uniformity of elements, easy assembly, and economical design.
Identification of Metastatic Lymph Nodes Using Indocyanine Green Fluorescence Imaging
Authors: Kim Kyungsu , Han Kook Nam , Choi Byeong Hyeon , Rho Jiyun , Lee Jun Hee , Eo Jae Seon , Kim Chungyeul , Kim Beop-Min , Jeon Ok Hwa , Kim Hyun Koo
Published: March 2023

Indocyanine green (ICG) has been used to detect several types of tumors; however, its ability to detect metastatic lymph nodes (LNs) remains unclear. Our goal was to determine the feasibility of ICG in detecting metastatic LNs. We established a mouse model and evaluated the potential of ICG. The feasibility of detecting metastatic LNs was also evaluated in patients with lung or esophageal cancer, detected with computed tomography (CT) or positron-emission tomography (PET)/CT, and scheduled to undergo surgical resection. Tumors and metastatic LNs were successfully detected in the mice. In the clinical study, the efficacy of ICG was evaluated in 15 tumors and fifty-four LNs with suspected metastasis or anatomically key regional LNs. All 15 tumors were successfully detected. Among the fifty-four LNs, eleven were pathologically confirmed to have metastasis; all eleven were detected in ICG fluorescence imaging, with five in CT and seven in PET/CT. Furthermore, thirty-four LNs with no signals were pathologically confirmed as nonmetastatic. Intravenous injection of ICG may be a useful tool to detect metastatic LNs and tumors. However, ICG is not a targeting agent, and its relatively low fluorescence makes it difficult to use to detect tumors in vivo. Therefore, further studies are needed to develop contrast agents and devices that produce increased fluorescence signals.
Patient Selection and Outcomes of Laparoscopic Microwave Ablation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Martin Robert C. G. , Woeste Matthew , Egger Michael E. , Scoggins Charles R. , McMasters Kelly M. , Philips Prejesh
Published: March 2023

Background: Laparoscopic microwave ablation (MWA) of hepatocellular carcinoma is underutilized and predictors of survival in this setting are not well characterized. Methods: The prognostic value of clinicopathologic variables was evaluated on progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) by univariate and multivariate analyses. The aim of this study was to evaluate a preferred laparoscopic MWA approach in HCC patients that are not candidates for percutaneous ablation and further classify clinicopathologic factors that may predict survival outcomes following operative MWA in the setting of primary HCC. Results: 184 patients with HCC (median age 66, (33–86), 70% male) underwent laparoscopic MWA (N = 162, 88% laparoscopic) compared to 12% undergoing open MWA (N = 22). Median PFS was 29.3 months (0.2–170) and OS was 44.2 months (2.8–170). Ablation success was confirmed in 100% of patients. Ablation recurrence occurred in 3% (6/184), and local/hepatic recurrence occurred in 34%, at a median time of 19 months (9–18). Distant progression was noted in 8%. Median follow up was 34.1 months (6.4–170). Procedure-related complications were recorded in six (9%) patients with one 90-day mortality. Further, >1 lesion, AFP levels ≥ 80 ng/mL, and an “invader” on pre-operative radiology were associated with increased risk of progression (>1 lesion HR 2.92, 95% CI 1.06 –7.99, p = 0.04, AFP ≥ 80 ng/mL HR 4.16, 95% CI 1.71–10.15, p = 0.002, Invader HR 3.16, 95% CI 1.91–9.15, p = 0.002 ) and mortality (>1 lesion HR 3.62, 95% CI 1.21–10.81, p = 0.02], AFP ≥ 80 ng/mL HR 2.87, 95% CI 1.12–7.35, p = 0.01, Invader HR 3.32, 95% CI 1.21–9.81, p = 0.02). Conclusions: Preoperative lesion number, AFP ≥ 80 ng/mL, and an aggressive imaging characteristic (Invader) independently predict PFS and OS following laparoscopic operative MWA.
Chemo-Radio-Immunotherapy for NSCLC III: ESR/ATS Thresholds for DLCO Correlate with Radiation Dosimetry and Pneumonitis Rate
Authors: Stana Markus , Grambozov Brane , Karner Josef , Gollner Isabella , Gaisberger Christoph , Ruznic Elvis , Zellinger Barbara , Moosbrugger Raphaela , Studnicka Michael , Fastner Gerd , Sedlmayer Felix , Zehentmayr Franz
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Durvalumab following chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for non-small cell lung cancer stage III has become the standard of care (SoC) in the past few years. With this regimen, 5-year overall survival (OS) has risen to 43%. Therefore, adequate pulmonary function (PF) after treatment is paramount in long-term survivors. In this respect, carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLCO), which represents the alveolar compartment, seems to be a suitable measure for residual lung capacity. The aim of the current analysis was to correlate DLCO with pneumonitis and radiation dose. Patients and methods: One hundred and twelve patients with histologically confirmed NSCLC III treated between 2015/10 and 2022/03 were eligible for this study. Patients received two cycles of platinum-based induction chemotherapy followed by high-dose radiotherapy (RT). As of 2017/09, durvalumab maintenance therapy was administered for one year. The clinical endpoints were based on the thresholds jointly published by the European Respiratory Society (ERS) and the American Thoracic Society (ATS). Pre-treatment DLCO of 60% was correlated to the incidence of pneumonitis, whereas the post-treatment DLCO decline of 10% was related to radiation dose. Results: Patients with a pre-treatment DLCO < 60% had a higher probability of pneumonitis (n = 98; r = 0.175; p-value 0.042), which could be reproduced in the subgroup of patients who did not receive durvalumab (n = 40; r = 0.288; p-value 0.036). In these individuals, the decline in DLCO ≥ 10% depended significantly on the size of the lung volume receiving between 45% and 65% (V65–45%) of the total radiation dose (r = 0.354; p-value = 0.020) and V20 Total Lung (r = 0.466; corrected p-value = 0.042). Conclusions: The current analysis revealed that DLCO is a predictor for clinically relevant pneumonitis and a monitoring tool for post-treatment lung function as it correlates with radiation dose. This underlines the importance of peri-treatment lung function testing.
Empirical Study of Overfitting in Deep Learning for Predicting Breast Cancer Metastasis
Authors: Xu Chuhan , Coen-Pirani Pablo , Jiang Xia
Published: March 2023

Overfitting may affect the accuracy of predicting future data because of weakened generalization. In this research, we used an electronic health records (EHR) dataset concerning breast cancer metastasis to study the overfitting of deep feedforward neural networks (FNNs) prediction models. We studied how each hyperparameter and some of the interesting pairs of hyperparameters were interacting to influence the model performance and overfitting. The 11 hyperparameters we studied were activate function, weight initializer, number of hidden layers, learning rate, momentum, decay, dropout rate, batch size, epochs, L1, and L2. Our results show that most of the single hyperparameters are either negatively or positively corrected with model prediction performance and overfitting. In particular, we found that overfitting overall tends to negatively correlate with learning rate, decay, batch size, and L2, but tends to positively correlate with momentum, epochs, and L1. According to our results, learning rate, decay, and batch size may have a more significant impact on both overfitting and prediction performance than most of the other hyperparameters, including L1, L2, and dropout rate, which were designed for minimizing overfitting. We also find some interesting interacting pairs of hyperparameters such as learning rate and momentum, learning rate and decay, and batch size and epochs.
Immunotherapy and Targeted Therapy for Advanced Biliary Tract Cancer: Adding New Flavors to the Pizza
Authors: Queiroz Marcello Moro , Lima Nildevande Firmino , Biachi de Castria Tiago
Published: March 2023

Biliary tract cancers (BTCs) are a rare pathology and can be divided into four major subgroups: intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, hilar cholangiocarcinoma, and gallbladder cancer. In the era of precision oncology, the development of next-generation sequencing (NGS) allowed a better understanding of molecular differences between these subgroups. Thus, the development of drugs that can target these alterations and inhibit the abnormal pathway activation has changed the prognosis of BTC patients. Additionally, the development of immune checkpoint inhibitors and a better understanding of tumor immunogenicity led to the development of clinical trials with immunotherapy for this scenario. The development of biomarkers that can predict how the immune system acts against the tumor cells, and which patients benefit from this activation, are urgently needed. Here, we review the most recent data regarding targeted treatment and immunotherapy in the scenario of BTC treatment, while also discussing the future perspectives for this challenging disease.