bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Empathic Communication in the Relationship between Servant Leadership and Workplace Loneliness: A Serial Mediation Model
Authors: Jin Jiaying , Ikeda Hiroshi
Published: December 2023

Researchers have increasingly concentrated on loneliness in the workplace as a crucial factor influencing the mental health of employees and the viability of telework. In contrast, the current understanding of the strategies mitigating workplace loneliness and how leaders utilize their behaviors to impact followers’ loneliness remains limited. Since servant leadership values the emotional needs of followers and displays a high level of empathy, this study investigated the direct and indirect effects of servant leadership on workplace loneliness. In this study, 267 employees (mean age = 31.5 years) from 28 provinces in China were recruited to participate in this survey. We proposed that servant leaders motivate their own empathic communication and other followers’ empathic communication to reduce lonely followers’ workplace loneliness. This research further examined the relationship between the leader’s and colleagues’ empathic communication, and the two jointly mediate the connection between servant leadership and followers’ workplace loneliness. We constructed a serial mediation model to examine the relationships between servant leadership, leader’s empathic communication, colleagues’ empathic communication, and workplace loneliness. The results indicate that servant leadership creates a cycle of empathy and provides insights into building a culture of empathy to improve employee well-being.
Assessing Climate Disaster Vulnerability in Peru and Colombia Using Street View Imagery: A Pilot Study
Authors: Wang Chaofeng , Antos Sarah E. , Gosling-Goldsmith Jessica G. , Triveno Luis M. , Zhu Chunwu , von Meding Jason , Ye Xinyue
Published: December 2023

Community and household vulnerability to natural hazards, e.g., earthquakes, hurricanes, and floods, is a concern that transcends geographic and economic boundaries. Despite the abundance of research in this field, most existing methods remain inefficient and face the challenge of data scarcity. By formulating and investigating the correlation between the household vulnerability and street view images of buildings, this research seeks to bridge the knowledge gap to enable an efficient assessment. Especially in developing countries, the widespread prevalence of outdated or inadequately enforced building codes poses a significant challenge. Consequently, a considerable portion of the housing stock in these regions fails to meet acceptable standards, rendering it highly vulnerable to natural hazards and climate-related events. Evaluating housing quality is crucial for informing public policies and private investments. However, current assessment methods are often time-consuming and costly. To address this issue, we propose the development of a rapid and reliable evaluation framework that is also cost-efficient. The framework employs a low-cost street view imagery procedure combined with deep learning to automatically extract building information to assist in identifying housing characteristics. We then test its potential for scalability and higher-level reliability. More importantly, we aim to quantify household vulnerability based on street view imagery. Household vulnerability is typically assessed through traditional means like surveys or census data; however, these sources can be costly and may not reflect the most current information. We have developed an index that effectively captures the most detailed data available at both the housing unit and household level. This index serves as a comprehensive representation, enabling us to evaluate the feasibility of utilizing our model’s predictions to estimate vulnerability conditions in specific areas while optimizing costs. Through latent class clustering and ANOVA analysis, we have discovered a strong correlation between the predictions derived from the images and the household vulnerability index. This correlation will potentially enable large-scale, cost-effective evaluation of household vulnerability using only street view images.
Fuzzy Logic, Neural Network, and Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System in Delegation of Standard Concrete Beam Calculations
Authors: Baghdadi Abtin , Babovic Neira , Kloft Harald
Published: December 2023

Machine learning (ML) has been proven effective in various scientific and industrial domains. Nevertheless, its practical application in the construction industry requires further investigation. Leveraging ML capabilities conserves human resources, reduces errors, and speeds up computation and interpretation tasks. The efficacy of ML algorithms depends on factors like ability, result accuracy, analysis cost, and sensitivity to parameter count and available data volume. This study explores the potential of using ML to delegate structural calculation processes, which is an aspect with limited attention. Concrete beam section calculations based on the American Concrete Institute (ACI) standards were chosen as a case study to assess ML’s capacity to emulate a structural designer’s role. Initially, manual design steps and standard considerations for a concrete beam section were parametrically coded in MATLAB. Validation against structural design references ensured code accuracy in calculating shear and bending capacities. The parametric results served as initial data (lookup table) for training ML operators. Various ML techniques, including fuzzy logic (FL), neural network (NN), and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), were coded in MATLAB. A comparative analysis of the three ML operators assessed their performance in replacing standard calculations. Parametric examples illustrated each operator’s precision in delegation compared to direct calculations. The study also explored the impact of the number of parameters and lookup table size on the accuracy of each ML operator. The findings revealed that while all three operators could delegate standard calculations, their precision varied. Notably, when the lookup table was optimal, ANFIS operators demonstrated the ability to represent standard calculations with varying parameter counts and high precision. Focused on beam calculations, this study provides insights into ML operator performance. The outcomes, including selecting the most capable operator and their sensitivity to parameters and lookup table size, offer valuable guidance for researchers interpreting experimental and numerical analysis results.
The Relevance of Automation in the Facility Management of Selected High-Rise Buildings in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Awosode Orayinka Stephen , Ebiloma David Ojimaojo , Ajayi Cyril Ayodele , Aigbavboa Clinton Ohis , Akinradewo Opeoluwa
Published: December 2023

Operators (owners/facility managers) of high-rise buildings are continuously faced with the challenge of finding innovative means of controlling and managing the facilities of high-rise buildings. This is due to consistent change in the nature and functions of building systems. Meanwhile, the use of computerized systems affords building operators the tools and methods that will enhance facility management activities. This study examined the importance of automation to the facility management of high-rise buildings in developing countries, using the case of Nigeria. The study adopted a survey research approach, administering a structured questionnaire to 53 facility managers of identified commercial high-rise buildings in Ikoyi, Lagos Island, and Victoria Island in Nigeria. It also applied regression analysis in determining the significance of automation on facility management activities. The findings of the study revealed that security services are the most automated facility management activity. Results also showed that automation had a positive effect on facility management practice, with R square of 0.66. The study concluded that although automation is seldom used in carrying out facility management activities, it has a positive impact on facility management services, with 66% significance level on facility management activities. It then recommended that steps should be taken by all stakeholders to develop the practice of facility management and research, as well as facility management education.
Seismic Behavior of Demountable Reinforced Concrete (RC) Beam-to-Column Joints with Damage-Control Fuses
Authors: Li Wei , Fan Hai-Tao , Jiang Hua-Ming , Chen Yan
Published: December 2023

In this paper, a new type of assembled RC beam–column joint with a beam-end steel cover-plate connection is proposed to achieve seismic toughness and damage control of the joint. Energy-dissipation plates with different structural forms are proposed, and a series of seismic performance indexes of the joints are calculated and analyzed by using the finite element method. The energy-dissipation plate with an arc notch can reach the yield condition faster, and the ultimate bearing capacity of the joint reaches the maximum. The bending design of energy-dissipation plates is carried out by calculating the demand bending moment, and energy-dissipation plates of different structural forms are simulated and verified. The results show that the proposed design formula can ensure that the bending moment at the beam end still maintains elastic deformation when the energy-dissipation plate yields. The important parameters affecting the bending moment of the weakened part in the middle of the energy-dissipation plate are analyzed. Finally, this paper also analyzes the important parameters affecting the seismic performance of the joints. The results show that the seismic performance of the newly assembled RC beam–column joints proposed in this paper is better than that of cast-in-place joints. Increasing the longitudinal reinforcement ratio appropriately can greatly improve the ultimate bearing capacity and ductility of the joints. Increasing the thickness of the energy-dissipation plate, increasing the strength of the energy-dissipation plate, increasing the axial compression ratio of the column, increasing the strength of the concrete, and increasing the strength of the shear web can improve the ultimate bearing capacity of the joints but also reduce their ductility. Under different axial compression ratios, the strain in the core area of the joints is low, and the compressive damage of the concrete is zero, which verifies the effectiveness of the damage-control design of the proposed model.
Systemic Therapies for HER2-Positive Advanced Breast Cancer
Authors: Angelis Vasileios , Okines Alicia F. C.
Published: December 2023

Despite recent advances, HER2-positive advanced breast cancer (ABC) remains a largely incurable disease, with resistance to conventional anti-HER2 drugs ultimately unavoidable for all but a small minority of patients who achieve an enduring remission and possibly cure. Over the past two decades, significant advances in our understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms of HER2-driven oncogenesis have translated into pharmaceutical advances, with the developing of increasingly sophisticated therapies directed against HER2. These include novel, more potent selective HER2 tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs); new anti-HER2 antibody-drug conjugates; and dual epitope targeting antibodies, with more advanced pharmacological properties and higher affinity. With the introduction of adjuvant T-DM1 for incomplete responders to neoadjuvant therapy, fewer patients are relapsing, but for those who do relapse, disease that may be resistant to standard first- and second-line therapies requires new approaches. Furthermore, the risk of CNS relapse has not been abrogated by current (neo)adjuvant strategies; therefore, current research efforts are being directed towards this challenging site of metastatic disease. In this article, we review the currently available clinical data informing the effective management of HER2-positive breast cancer beyond standard first-line therapy with pertuzumab, trastuzumab, and taxanes, and the management of relapse in patients who have already been exposed to both these agents and T-DM1 for early breast cancer (EBC). We additionally discuss novel anti-HER2 targeted agents and combinations in clinical trials, which may be integrated into standard treatment paradigms in the future.
Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell Therapy in Acute Myeloid Leukemia: State of the Art and Recent Advances
Authors: Canichella Martina , Molica Matteo , Mazzone Carla , de Fabritiis Paolo
Published: December 2023

Chimeric antigen receptors (CAR)-T-cell therapy represents the most important innovation in onco-hematology in recent years. The progress achieved in the management of complications and the latest generations of CAR-T-cells have made it possible to anticipate in second-line the indication of this type of treatment in large B-cell lymphoma. While some types of B-cell lymphomas and B-cell acute lymphoid leukemia have shown extremely promising results, the same cannot be said for myeloid leukemias—in particular, acute myeloid leukemia (AML), which would require innovative therapies more than any other blood disease. The heterogeneities of AML cells and the immunological complexity of the interactions between the bone marrow microenvironment and leukemia cells have been found to be major obstacles to the clinical development of CAR-T in AML. In this review, we report on the main results obtained in AML clinical trials, the preclinical studies testing potential CAR-T constructs, and future perspectives.
Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution of Transition Metal (Fe, Co and Cu)–Corrole Complexes Bearing an Imidazole Group
Authors: Wu Ling-Wei , Yao Yan-Fang , Xu Shi-Yin , Cao Xu-You , Ren Yan-Wei , Si Li-Ping , Liu Hai-Yang
Published: December 2023

The study of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) by non-noble transition metals is of great significance for the production of hydrogen energy. In this work, a new 5,15-bis-(pentafluorophenyl)-10-[4-(1H-imidazole) phenyl]-corrole and its metal complexes (metal = Co, Cu, Fe) were synthesized and used for electrocatalyzed HER in DMF organic solvent and aqueous media. The prepared cobalt corrole showed the best catalytic performance in both media. Its turnover frequency (TOF) and catalytic efficiency (C.E) could reach 265 s−1 and 1.04 when TsOH was used as the proton source in a DMF solvent. In aqueous media, its TOF could also reach 405 h−1. The catalytic HER may go through an EECEC or ECEC (E: electron transfer, C: chemical step) pathway for these catalysts, depending on the acidity and concentration of the proton source. The present work successfully demonstrates that imidazole at a meso-phenyl group may improve the electrocatalytic HER activity of transition metal corroles.
Optimizing Graphene Dopants for Direct Electrocatalytic Quantification of Small Molecules and Ions
Authors: Zhou Qingwei , Shi Mingjiao , Wu Mengfan , Zhao Ningbin , Shi Peizheng , Zhu Yangguang , Wang Aiwu , Ye Chen , Lin Cheng-Te , Fu Li
Published: December 2023

This review critically evaluates the recent advancements in graphene dopants for electrocatalytic quantification of small molecules and ions. Emphasizing the enhanced catalytic activity and specificity of doped graphene, the paper delves into the various doping methods, ranging from chemical to physical techniques. It presents a detailed analysis of the mechanisms underlying graphene-based electrocatalysis and its applications in environmental monitoring, health care, and pharmaceuticals. The review also addresses challenges such as the reproducibility and stability of doped graphene, suggesting future research directions. By summarizing the latest findings, this review aims to elucidate the role of doped graphene in improving the sensitivity and selectivity of electrocatalytic processes, bridging the gap between research and practical use.
Multiple-Pathway Synergy Alters Steroidogenesis and Spermatogenesis in Response to an Immunocastration Vaccine in Goat
Authors: Ding Yi , Jiang Xunping , Sun Ling , Sha Yiyu , Xu Zhan , Sohail Ahmed , Liu Guiqiong
Published: December 2023

Background: Animal reproduction performance is crucial in husbandry. Immunocastrated animals serve as an ideal animal model for studying testicular function. During androgen suppression, the testis undergoes dramatic developmental and structural changes, including the inhibition of hormone secretion and spermatogenesis. Methods: To characterize this process, we investigated the effects of castration using a recombinant B2L and KISS1 DNA vaccine, and then identified functional genes in the testes of Yiling goats using RNA-seq and WGS. The experimental animals were divided into three groups: the PVAX-asd group (control), PBK-asd-immunized group, and surgically castrated group. Results: The results demonstrated that the administration of the recombinant PBK-asd vaccine in goats elicited a significant antibody response, and reduced serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), resulting in smaller scrotal circumferences and decreased sexual desire compared to the control group. In addition, RNA transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis of the testes revealed that the biological processes after immunocastration mainly focused on the regulation of cell matrix adhesion, histone acetylation, negative regulation of developmental processes, apoptosis, and activation of the complement system and the thrombin cascade reaction system. Then, we integrated the whole-genome sequencing and testis transcriptome, and identified several candidate genes (FGF9, FST, KIT, TH, TCP1, PLEKHA1, TMEM119, ESR1, TIPARP, LEP) that influence steroidogenesis secretion and spermatogenesis. Conclusions: Multiple pathways and polygenic co-expression participate in the response to castration vaccines, altering hormone secretion and spermatogenesis. Taken together, our atlas of the immunocastration goat testis provides multiple insights into the developmental changes and key factors accompanying androgen suppression, and thus may contribute to understanding the genetic mechanism of testis function. Joint analysis of whole genome sequencing and RNA-seq enables reliable screening of candidate genes, benefiting future genome-assisted breeding of goats.
Paralogue-Specific Roles of SUMO1 and SUMO2/3 in Protein Quality Control and Associated Diseases
Authors: Wang Wei , Matunis Michael J.
Published: December 2023

Small ubiquitin-related modifiers (SUMOs) function as post-translational protein modifications and regulate nearly every aspect of cellular function. While a single ubiquitin protein is expressed across eukaryotic organisms, multiple SUMO paralogues with distinct biomolecular properties have been identified in plants and vertebrates. Five SUMO paralogues have been characterized in humans, with SUMO1, SUMO2 and SUMO3 being the best studied. SUMO2 and SUMO3 share 97% protein sequence homology (and are thus referred to as SUMO2/3) but only 47% homology with SUMO1. To date, thousands of putative sumoylation substrates have been identified thanks to advanced proteomic techniques, but the identification of SUMO1- and SUMO2/3-specific modifications and their unique functions in physiology and pathology are not well understood. The SUMO2/3 paralogues play an important role in proteostasis, converging with ubiquitylation to mediate protein degradation. This function is achieved primarily through SUMO-targeted ubiquitin ligases (STUbLs), which preferentially bind and ubiquitylate poly-SUMO2/3 modified proteins. Effects of the SUMO1 paralogue on protein solubility and aggregation independent of STUbLs and proteasomal degradation have also been reported. Consistent with these functions, sumoylation is implicated in multiple human diseases associated with disturbed proteostasis, and a broad range of pathogenic proteins have been identified as SUMO1 and SUMO2/3 substrates. A better understanding of paralogue-specific functions of SUMO1 and SUMO2/3 in cellular protein quality control may therefore provide novel insights into disease pathogenesis and therapeutic innovation. This review summarizes current understandings of the roles of sumoylation in protein quality control and associated diseases, with a focus on the specific effects of SUMO1 and SUMO2/3 paralogues.
Microfibre-Functionalised Silk Hydrogels
Authors: Kaewchuchuen Jirada , Roamcharern Napaporn , Phuagkhaopong Suttinee , Bimbo Luis M. , Seib F. Philipp
Published: December 2023

Silk hydrogels have shown potential for tissue engineering applications, but several gaps and challenges, such as a restricted ability to form hydrogels with tuned mechanics and structural features, still limit their utilisation. Here, Bombyx mori and Antheraea mylitta (Tasar) silk microfibres were embedded within self-assembling B. mori silk hydrogels to modify the bulk hydrogel mechanical properties. This approach is particularly attractive because it creates structured silk hydrogels. First, B. mori and Tasar microfibres were prepared with lengths between 250 and 500 μm. Secondary structure analyses showed high beta-sheet contents of 61% and 63% for B. mori and Tasar microfibres, respectively. Mixing either microfibre type, at either 2% or 10% (w/v) concentrations, into 3% (w/v) silk solutions during the solution–gel transition increased the initial stiffness of the resulting silk hydrogels, with the 10% (w/v) addition giving a greater increase. Microfibre addition also altered hydrogel stress relaxation, with the fastest stress relaxation observed with a rank order of 2% (w/v) > 10% (w/v) > unmodified hydrogels for either fibre type, although B. mori fibres showed a greater effect. The resulting data sets are interesting because they suggest that the presence of microfibres provided potential ‘flow points’ within these hydrogels. Assessment of the biological responses by monitoring cell attachment onto these two-dimensional hydrogel substrates revealed greater numbers of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived mesenchymal stem cells (iPSC-MSCs) attached to the hydrogels containing 10% (w/v) B. mori microfibres as well as 2% (w/v) and 10% (w/v) Tasar microfibres at 24 h after seeding. Cytoskeleton staining revealed a more elongated and stretched morphology for the cells growing on hydrogels containing Tasar microfibres. Overall, these findings illustrate that hydrogel stiffness, stress relaxation and the iPSC-MSC responses towards silk hydrogels can be tuned using microfibres.
Mitochondrial Targeting against Alzheimer’s Disease: Lessons from Hibernation
Authors: de Veij Mestdagh Christina F. , Smit August B. , Henning Robert H. , van Kesteren Ronald E.
Published: December 2023

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia worldwide and yet remains without effective therapy. Amongst the many proposed causes of AD, the mitochondrial cascade hypothesis is gaining attention. Accumulating evidence shows that mitochondrial dysfunction is a driving force behind synaptic dysfunction and cognitive decline in AD patients. However, therapies targeting the mitochondria in AD have proven unsuccessful so far, and out-of-the-box options, such as hibernation-derived mitochondrial mechanisms, may provide valuable new insights. Hibernators uniquely and rapidly alternate between suppression and re-activation of the mitochondria while maintaining a sufficient energy supply and without acquiring ROS damage. Here, we briefly give an overview of mitochondrial dysfunction in AD, how it affects synaptic function, and why mitochondrial targeting in AD has remained unsuccessful so far. We then discuss mitochondria in hibernation and daily torpor in mice, covering current advancements in hibernation-derived mitochondrial targeting strategies. We conclude with new ideas on how hibernation-derived dual mitochondrial targeting of both the ATP and ROS pathways may boost mitochondrial health and induce local synaptic protein translation to increase synaptic function and plasticity. Further exploration of these mechanisms may provide more effective treatment options for AD in the future.
Differential Activation of Splenic cDC1 and cDC2 Cell Subsets following Poxvirus Infection of BALB/c and C57BL/6 Mice
Authors: Szulc-Dąbrowska Lidia , Biernacka Zuzanna , Koper Michał , Struzik Justyna , Gieryńska Małgorzata , Schollenberger Ada , Lasocka Iwona , Toka Felix N.
Published: December 2023

Conventional dendritic cells (cDCs) are innate immune cells that play a pivotal role in inducing antiviral adaptive immune responses due to their extraordinary ability to prime and polarize naïve T cells into different effector T helper (Th) subsets. The two major subpopulations of cDCs, cDC1 (CD8α+ in mice and CD141+ in human) and cDC2 (CD11b+ in mice and CD1c+ in human), can preferentially polarize T cells toward a Th1 and Th2 phenotype, respectively. During infection with ectromelia virus (ECTV), an orthopoxvirus from the Poxviridae family, the timing and activation of an appropriate Th immune response contributes to the resistance (Th1) or susceptibility (Th2) of inbred mouse strains to the lethal form of mousepox. Due to the high plasticity and diverse properties of cDC subpopulations in regulating the quality of a specific immune response, in the present study we compared the ability of splenic cDC1 and cDC2 originating from different ECTV-infected mouse strains to mature, activate, and polarize the Th immune response during mousepox. Our results demonstrated that during early stages of mousepox, both cDC subsets from resistant C57BL/6 and susceptible BALB/c mice were activated upon in vivo ECTV infection. These cells exhibited elevated levels of surface MHC class I and II, and co-stimulatory molecules and showed enhanced potential to produce cytokines. However, both cDC subsets from BALB/c mice displayed a higher maturation status than that of their counterparts from C57BL/6 mice. Despite their higher activation status, cDC1 and cDC2 from susceptible mice produced low amounts of Th1-polarizing cytokines, including IL-12 and IFN-γ, and the ability of these cells to stimulate the proliferation and Th1 polarization of allogeneic CD4+ T cells was severely compromised. In contrast, both cDC subsets from resistant mice produced significant amounts of Th1-polarizing cytokines and demonstrated greater capability in differentiating allogeneic T cells into Th1 cells compared to cDCs from BALB/c mice. Collectively, our results indicate that in the early stages of mousepox, splenic cDC subpopulations from the resistant mouse strain can better elicit a Th1 cell-mediated response than the susceptible strain can, probably contributing to the induction of the protective immune responses necessary for the control of virus dissemination and for survival from ECTV challenge.
Promising and Minimally Invasive Biomarkers: Targeting Melanoma
Authors: Spiliopoulou Pavlina , Holanda Lopes Carlos Diego , Spreafico Anna
Published: December 2023

The therapeutic landscape of malignant melanoma has been radically reformed in recent years, with novel treatments emerging in both the field of cancer immunotherapy and signalling pathway inhibition. Large-scale tumour genomic characterization has accurately classified malignant melanoma into four different genomic subtypes so far. Despite this, only somatic mutations in BRAF oncogene, as assessed in tumour biopsies, has so far become a validated predictive biomarker of treatment with small molecule inhibitors. The biology of tumour evolution and heterogeneity has uncovered the current limitations associated with decoding genomic drivers based only on a single-site tumour biopsy. There is an urgent need to develop minimally invasive biomarkers that accurately reflect the real-time evolution of melanoma and that allow for streamlined collection, analysis, and interpretation. These will enable us to face challenges with tumour tissue attainment and process and will fulfil the vision of utilizing “liquid biopsy” to guide clinical decisions, in a manner akin to how it is used in the management of haematological malignancies. In this review, we will summarize the most recent published evidence on the role of minimally invasive biomarkers in melanoma, commenting on their future potential to lead to practice-changing discoveries.
Antisolvent Crystallization of Papain
Authors: Boonkerd Sasitorn , Wantha Lek
Published: December 2023

Protein crystallization plays a crucial role in the food and pharmaceutical industries, enhancing product quality and efficiency by improving purity and controlled particle characteristics. This study focused on the crystallization of the versatile protein papain, extracted from papaya. Antisolvent crystallization was performed. This method is cost-effective and is a simple and energy-efficient approach. Beyond protein crystal production, the antisolvent crystallization process serves as a method for encapsulating active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). The study investigated organic solvents like ethanol, acetone, and acetonitrile as potential antisolvents. Additionally, the impact of variables such as the solvent-to-antisolvent (S:AS) volume ratio and papain concentration on particle size, particle size distribution, zeta potential, crystallization yield, and residual activity of papain crystals were examined. Ethanol emerged as the optimal antisolvent, reducing the solubility of papain and preserving papain’s crystalline structure with minimal activity loss. Optimal conditions were identified at a 1:4 S:AS volume ratio and a papain concentration of 30 mg/mL, resulting in nanosized spherical crystals with a high yield and preserved activity. This research underscored the crucial role of thoughtful parameter selection in antisolvent crystallization to achieve specific particle characteristics while maintaining the functionality of the crystallized substance.
Synthesis, Antibacterial Activity, and Cytotoxicity of Azido-Propargyloxy 1,3,5-Triazine Derivatives and Hyperbranched Polymers
Authors: Tsyganova Anna V. , Petrov Artem O. , Shastin Alexey V. , Filatova Natalia V. , Mumyatova Victoria A. , Tarasov Alexander E. , Lolaeva Alina V. , Malkov Georgiy V.
Published: December 2023

A new method for the synthesis of azido-propargyloxy derivatives of 1,3,5-triazine has been developed utilizing the nitrosation of hydrazyno-1,3,5-triazines. New hydrazines (2-hydrazino-4,6-bis(propargyloxy)-1,3,5-triazine and 2,4-dihydrazino-6-propargyloxy-1,3,5-triazine) were synthesized and characterized via FTIR, NMR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The hyperbranched polymers with azide (diazide monomer) and propargyloxy terminal groups were obtained via the azide-alkyne polycycloaddition reaction of diazide and monoazide AB2-type monomers. The antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli bacteria of 2,4,6-trispropargyloxy-1,3,5-triazine, 2-azido-4,6-bispropargyloxy-1,3,5-triazine, and 2,4-diazido-6-propargyloxy-1,3,5-triazine and their hyperbranched polymers was studied. Only 2,4-diazido-6-propargyloxy-1,3,5-triazine has weak antibacterial activity in comparison with ampicillin. The cytotoxicity of these compounds against M-HeLa, FetMSC, and Vero cell lines was also studied. 2,4,6-trispropargyloxy-1,3,5-triazine does not show any cytotoxic effect (IC50 ≥ 280 µM). It was shown that the presence of an azide group in the compound directly affects the cytotoxic effect. Hyperbranched polymers have a less cytotoxic effect against M-HeLa (IC50 > 100) in comparison with monomers (IC50 = 90–99 µM). This makes it possible to use these polymers as the basis for biocompatible materials in biomedical applications.
Pure Hydrolysis of Polyamides: A Comparative Study
Authors: Brette Mathis Mortensen , Holm Allan Hjarbæk , Drozdov Aleksey D. , Christiansen Jesper de Claville
Published: December 2023

Polyamides (PAs) undergo local environmental degradation, leading to a decline in their mechanical properties over time. PAs can experience various forms of degradation, such as thermal degradation, oxidation, hydrothermal oxidation, UV oxidation, and hydrolysis. In order to better comprehend the degradation process of PAs, it is crucial to understand each of these degradation mechanisms individually. While this review focuses on hydrolysis, the data from degrading similar PAs under pure thermal oxidation and/or hydrothermal oxidation are also collected to grasp more perspective. This review analyzes the available characterization data and evaluates the changes in molecular weight, crystallinity, chemical structure, and mechanical properties of PAs that have aged in oxygen-free water at high temperatures. The molecular weight and mechanical strength decrease as the crystallinity ratio rises over aging time. This development is occurring at a slower rate than degradation in pure thermal oxidation. By combining the data for the changes in mechanical properties with the ones for molecular weight and crystallinity, the point of embrittlement can be not only predicted, but also modeled. This prediction is also shown to be dependent on the fibers, additives, types of PA, pH, and more.
Effects of Complete Oral Motor Intervention and Nonnutritive Sucking Alone on the Feeding Performance of Premature Infants: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Tsai Yu-Lin , Hsieh Pei-Chun , Chen Ting-Yen , Lin Yu-Ching
Published: December 2023

We explore the effect of complete oral motor intervention (OMI) and nonnutritive sucking (NNS) alone on oral feeding in preterm infants through a meta-analysis. We searched the Embased, Medline, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases for randomized controlled trials up to 8 August 2023, based on established selection criteria. Quality evaluations of the studies were carried out by applying both the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool and the Jadad scale. The outcome measures of three clinical indicators included transition time to oral feeding, weight gain, and hospitalization duration. We conducted a meta-analysis using a random-effects model to determine the pooled effect sizes, expressed as standardized mean differences (SMDs) and their corresponding confidence intervals (CIs). Additionally, we undertook a subgroup analysis and meta-regression to investigate any potential moderating factors. Eight randomized controlled trials with 419 participants were selected. Meta-analysis revealed that receiving a complete OMI had significantly reduced transition time compared with those receiving NNS alone in preterm newborns (SMD, −1.186; 95% CI, −2.160 to −0.212, p = 0.017). However, complete OMI had no significant effect on shortened hospitalization duration (SMD, −0.394; 95% CI, −0.979 to 0.192, p = 0.188) and increased weight gain (SMD, 0.346; 95% CI, −0.147 to 0.838, p = 0.169) compared with NNS alone. In brief, a complete OMI should not be replaced by NNS alone. However, we were unable to draw decisive conclusions because of the limitations of our meta-analysis. Future well-designed randomized controlled trials are necessary to confirm our conclusion.
Fusion of a Tooth with a Supernumerary Tooth: A Case Report and Literature Review of 35 Cases
Authors: Akitomo Tatsuya , Kusaka Satoru , Usuda Momoko , Kametani Mariko , Kaneki Ami , Nishimura Taku , Ogawa Masashi , Mitsuhata Chieko , Nomura Ryota
Published: December 2023

Tooth fusion is a dental anomaly with a prevalence of 0.1% in permanent dentition. The aim of this paper is to present the occurrence, region of fusion, and prognosis of fused tooth which is a very rare case in the literature. The authors present a very rare case with a maxillary right lateral incisor fused to a supernumerary tooth on the palatal side. The eruption was delayed, but eruption occurred naturally at 9 years and 6 months. However, cone-beam computed tomography at 11 years and 6 months revealed it was diagnosed as a fused tooth. The authors undertook a literature review over the past 10 years and found 30 articles about fused teeth between permanent teeth and supernumerary teeth. It was more common in males than females and there were no differences depending on the occurrence. Mesiodistal fusion was more common in the incisor region, while labiopalatal fusion was more common in the molar region. Most cases required dental treatment with a surgical approach, root canal treatment, or orthodontic treatment. The present study highlights the importance of long-term follow-up and suggests the region of fusion and prognosis of the fused tooth may vary depending on the occurrence.
Effectiveness of the Treatment of Physiotherapy in the Congenital Muscular Torticollis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Rodríguez-Huguet Manuel , Rodríguez-Almagro Daniel , Rosety-Rodríguez Miguel , Vinolo-Gil Maria , Ayala-Martínez Carmen , Góngora-Rodríguez Jorge
Published: December 2023

A single congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) is a postural musculoskeletal deformity and is characterized by the shortening or stiffness of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. The reported incidence of CMT ranges from 0.2% to 2%. The objective is to evaluate the effect of physical therapy programs on CMT. For the search, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, PEDro and Cochrane databases were used. Randomized controlled trials published between 2018 and 2023 have been included. This study follows the PRISMA 2020 statement and has been registered in the PROSPERO database. Finally, six studies were included. The cervical range of motion (ROM) in rotation was the most analyzed variable, followed by the ultrasound evaluation; one of the studies included the analysis of children’s motor development with the Alberta scale. All research found benefits associated with soft tissue mobilization, passive stretching techniques and manual therapy of the cervical spine. In conclusion, it is possible to recommend manual therapy and passive stretching techniques for the treatment of CMT, with significant results on the cervical ROM.
Effectiveness of Partial Body Weight-Supported Treadmill Training on Various Outcomes in Different Contexts among Children and Adolescents with Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Alotaibi Abdulmajeed , Ibrahim Alaa , Ahmed Raafat , Abualait Turki
Published: December 2023

The efficiency of partial body weight-supported treadmill training (PBWSTT) for treating various conditions in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) in diverse contexts of rehabilitation, households, or schools is unknown. The major objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to analyze the effectiveness of PBWSTT on various outcomes in different contexts among children and adolescents with CP. We incorporated full-text, randomized controlled trial studies that specifically assessed the effects of PBWSTT walking, motor function, stride, balance, and endurance in children and adolescents aged 3 to 18 years with CP. The literature search was carried out using Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL Plus, Scopus, PEDro, and ResearchGate databases. The methodological quality was evaluated using a Cochrane risk of bias instrument. A meta-analysis of pooled data from 10 studies with 255 participants demonstrated that PBWSTT for 4–12 weeks in rehabilitation (mean difference [MD] = 1.94, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.40—2.48, p < 0.0001), at home or in a school context (MD = 13.5, 95% CI = 13.9—16.0, p < 0.0001), was significantly effective for treating various conditions in children and adolescents suffering with CP. The period of 4–12 weeks of PBWSTT in rehabilitation and at-home/school settings is effective on various outcomes in children or adolescents with CP.
Effects of Gd/Nd Ratio and Aging Treatment on Wear Behavior of Mg-Nd-Gd-Sr-Zn-Zr Alloys
Authors: Wang Ruotian , Wang Rongxiang , Jia Yongqiang
Published: December 2023

The Mg-(4-x)Nd-xGd-0.3Sr-0.2Zn-0.4Zr (x = 0, 1, 2, and 3 wt%, Gd/Nd = 0, 1/3, 1, and 3) alloys were hot extruded and then aged (T5). The friction and wear properties of the as-extruded and as-aged alloys were studied using a ball-on-disk wear testing machine and a scanning electron microscope to reveal the impacts of the Gd/Nd ratio and aging treatment. The results show that the friction coefficient of the as-extruded alloys increases first and then decreases with increasing Gd/Nd ratio. After aging, the friction coefficient of the alloys decreases slightly. The Gd/Nd ratio has no significant effect on the wear rate of the as-extruded alloys, and the wear rate decreases first and then increases with the increase in the Gd/Nd ratio for the as-aged alloys. The T5 alloy with a Gd/Nd ratio of 1/3 has the best wear resistance. The wear mechanisms of alloys mainly include abrasive wear, oxidation wear, and delamination wear.
Evaporation of Small Sessile Drop Deposited on a Horizontal Solid Surface: New Exact Solutions and Approximations
Authors: Lebedev-Stepanov Peter , Savenko Olga
Published: December 2023

Evaporating a liquid sessile drop deposited on a horizontal surface is an important object of applications (printing technologies, electronics, sensorics, medical diagnostics, hydrophobic coatings, etc.) and theoretical investigations (microfluidics, self-assembly of nanoparticles, crystallization of solutes, etc.). The arsenal of formulas for calculating the slow evaporation of an axisymmetric drop of capillary dimensions deposited on a flat solid surface is reviewed. Characteristics such as vapor density, evaporation flux density, and total evaporation rate are considered. Exact solutions obtained in the framework of the Maxwellian model, in which the evaporation process of the drop is limited by vapor diffusion from the drop surface to the surrounding air, are presented. The summary covers both well-known results obtained during the last decades and new results published by us in the last few years, but practically unknown to the wider scientific community. The newest formulas, not yet published in refereed publications, concerning exact solutions for a number of specific contact angles are also presented. In addition, new approximate solutions are presented (total evaporation rate and mass loss per unit surface area per unit time in the whole range of contact angles θ∈[0, π), drop lifetime in constant contact radius evaporation regime and constant contact angle mode), which can be used in modeling without requiring significant computational resources.
Study on the Growth and Regulation of Large-Particle Sr(OH)2·8H2O Crystals with Process Analytical Technology
Authors: Shi Binbin , Zhang Yongjuan , Liang Shudong , Wang Yanan , Jing Yan , Zou Xingwu , Wang Xuezhong
Published: December 2023

Sr(OH)2 is an indispensable strontium compound extensively harnessed in sugar refining, strontium lubricating wax formulation, and polymer plastic stabilization. Sr(OH)2·8H2O is the prevalent hydrate form of Sr(OH)2. Deprived of moisture via vacuum drying, Sr(OH)2 can be procured from Sr(OH)2·8H2O. Sr(OH)2·8H2O particles with larger sizes exhibit impressive attributes such as facile solid–liquid divergence, elevated product purity, expedient drying, and resilience to agglomeration, which have garnered significant interest. Given the superior quality of the product and the dependability of the process, process analytical technology (PAT) has been extensively employed in the pharmaceutical sector, rendering it feasible to employ PAT to fabricate large-particle Sr(OH)2·8H2O crystals. This study utilizes industrial SrCO3 to prepare high-purity Sr(OH)2·8H2O with a purity of over 99.5%. The growth process of single crystals was observed using a hot-stage microscope, and the growth process of large-particle Sr(OH)2·8H2O was optimized and regulated online using PAT. The optimal process conditions were optimized, and large-particle Sr(OH)2·8H2O crystals were obtained by adding crystal seeds. On this basis, we proposed a seed control mechanism for Sr(OH)2·8H2O.
Structural and Electrochemical Properties of F-Doped RbTiOPO4 (RTP:F) Predicted from First Principles
Authors: Bocchini Adriana , Xie Yingjie , Schmidt Wolf Gero , Gerstmann Uwe
Published: December 2023

Batteries based on heavier alkali ions are considered promising candidates to substitute for current Li-based technologies. In this theoretical study, we characterize the structural properties of a novel material, i.e., F-doped RbTiOPO4 (RbTiPO4F, RTP:F), and discuss aspects of its electrochemical performance in Rb-ion batteries (RIBs) using density functional theory (DFT). According to our calculations, RTP:F is expected to retain the so-called KTiOPO4 (KTP)-type structure, with lattice parameters of 13.236 Å, 6.616 Å, and 10.945 Å. Due to the doping with F, the crystal features eight extra electrons per unit cell, whereby each of these electrons is trapped by one of the surrounding Ti atoms in the cell. Notably, the ground state of the system corresponds to a ferromagnetic spin configuration (i.e., S=4). The deintercalation of Rb leads to the oxidation of the Ti atoms in the cell (i.e., from Ti3+ to Ti4+) and to reduced magnetic moments. The material promises interesting electrochemical properties for the cathode: rather high average voltages above 2.8 V and modest volume shrinkages below 13% even in the fully deintercalated case are predicted.
Expert-Annotated Dataset to Study Cyberbullying in Polish Language
Authors: Ptaszynski Michal , Pieciukiewicz Agata , Dybala Pawel , Skrzek Pawel , Soliwoda Kamil , Fortuna Marcin , Leliwa Gniewosz , Wroczynski Michal
Published: December 2023

We introduce the first dataset of harmful and offensive language collected from the Polish Internet. This dataset was meticulously curated to facilitate the exploration of harmful online phenomena such as cyberbullying and hate speech, which have exhibited a significant surge both within the Polish Internet as well as globally. The dataset was systematically collected and then annotated using two approaches. First, it was annotated by two proficient layperson volunteers, operating under the guidance of a specialist in the language of cyberbullying and hate speech. To enhance the precision of the annotations, a secondary round of annotations was carried out by a team of adept annotators with specialized long-term expertise in cyberbullying and hate speech annotations. This second phase was further overseen by an experienced annotator, acting as a super-annotator. In its initial application, the dataset was leveraged for the categorization of cyberbullying instances in the Polish language. Specifically, the dataset serves as the foundation for two distinct tasks: (1) a binary classification that segregates harmful and non-harmful messages and (2) a multi-class classification that distinguishes between two variations of harmful content (cyberbullying and hate speech), as well as a non-harmful category. Alongside the dataset itself, we also provide the models that showed satisfying classification performance. These models are made accessible for third-party use in constructing cyberbullying prevention systems.
Machine Learning Approach for Improved Longitudinal Prediction of Progression from Mild Cognitive Impairment to Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Adelson Robert P. , Garikipati Anurag , Maharjan Jenish , Ciobanu Madalina , Barnes Gina , Singh Navan Preet , Dinenno Frank A. , Mao Qingqing , Das Ritankar
Published: December 2023

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is cognitive decline that can indicate future risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We developed and validated a machine learning algorithm (MLA), based on a gradient-boosted tree ensemble method, to analyze phenotypic data for individuals 55–88 years old (n = 493) diagnosed with MCI. Data were analyzed within multiple prediction windows and averaged to predict progression to AD within 24–48 months. The MLA outperformed the mini-mental state examination (MMSE) and three comparison models at all prediction windows on most metrics. Exceptions include sensitivity at 18 months (MLA and MMSE each achieved 0.600); and sensitivity at 30 and 42 months (MMSE marginally better). For all prediction windows, the MLA achieved AUROC ≥ 0.857 and NPV ≥ 0.800. With averaged data for the 24–48-month lookahead timeframe, the MLA outperformed MMSE on all metrics. This study demonstrates that machine learning may provide a more accurate risk assessment than the standard of care. This may facilitate care coordination, decrease healthcare expenditures, and maintain quality of life for patients at risk of progressing from MCI to AD.