bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retrofitting of Steel Structures with CFRP: Literature Review and Research Needs
Authors: Delzendeh Moghadam Mohamadreza , Fathi Abbas , Chaallal Omar
Published: July 2024

The application of the externally bonded (EB) carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) technique for retrofitting steel elements offers significant advantages over the conventional method. The high strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance of CFRP materials have made them a viable alternative for retrofitting steel structures. This paper covers a wide range of aspects discussed in the research investigations to date on CFRP bonded steel elements and provides a critical review of the topic under both static and fatigue loading conditions. In the end, research needs and recommendations are presented in this respect.
Identifying Goalkeeper Movement Timing from Single-Camera Broadcast Footage through Pose Estimation: A Pilot Study
Authors: Reddy Chethan , Jeon Woohyoung
Published: July 2024

This study explores how open-source pose estimation can be utilized to identify goalkeeper dive initiation during soccer penalty kicks. The purpose of this study is to provide an accessible, low-cost heuristic methodology for identifying goalkeeper dive initiation. This study uses single-camera broadcast footage (1080 p resolution, 50 frames per second) of all 41 penalty shootout kicks attempted during the 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup. We isolated each penalty kick and recorded the frames of goalkeeper dive initiation and flight. We then identified goalposts to create a homography matrix to account for camera movement and identified the goalkeeper’s skeletal keypoints through pose estimation. From these keypoints, we derived frontal plane kinematics for the torso and legs. We identified local extrema for each kinematic variable and isolated the last observed extrema prior to goalkeeper flight for each variable. Using OLS regression, we found that the last local extremum of the goalkeeper centroid’s y-value was the strongest predictor of labeled commitment to the dive side, with an R2 of 0.998 and a p-value of 0.00. The results of this research are preliminary but demonstrate the promise of pose estimation in identifying sport-specific action timing during live game play using a single camera.
Study on Safety Mining Technology of Gob in Stopping Face by Replacing Pressure Equalization with Gob Pumping—A Case Study of Sitai Mine
Authors: Xu Yun , Li Guofu , Huang Chenglin , Wang Jie , Liu Liangliang , Shao Hao
Published: July 2024

Gas control in the upper corner of the natural coal mining face with high gas is always a difficult problem that troubles the safe production of the working face. Among them, a high gas-prone natural coal mining face with ground air leakage is more likely to cause gas and CO to exceed limits in the corner of the working surface and is difficult to control. The traditional treatment methods often have some problems; for example, it is easy to increase air leakage in the gob with the method of gas extraction in the gob, which is not conducive to the prevention and control of spontaneous combustion of coal in the gob. At present, the more effective method is the pressure-equalization method. However, the pressure-equalization measures need to establish a complex pressure-equalization system, and close cooperation between the systems is required; once the system power fails or equipment failure occurs, the pressure-equalization state changes randomly, and it is easy to cause gas over-limits and other faults. Therefore, this paper presents a new method to control gas in the gob of a coal seam by pumping the gob of the upper-adjacent layer, using the negative pressure of pumping, and balancing the negative pressure of the upper-adjacent layer and the gob of the coal seam to form a new pressure-equalization relationship. This method can prevent the toxic and harmful gases in the goaf of the upper-adjacent layer from escaping into the passageway of the gob of the local coal seam, reduce the air leakage in the goaf, and benefit the gas control and spontaneous coal combustion prevention in the goaf.
Characterizing the Regional Differences in Carbon Dioxide Concentration Based on Satellite Observations in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region during 2015–2021
Authors: Hou Yanfang , Liu Wenliang , Wang Litao , Wang Futao , Zhu Jinfeng , Wang Shixin
Published: July 2024

The regional differences in carbon dioxide (CO2) variations from the Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 (OCO-2) over the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (Jing-Jin-Ji) region from 2015 to 2021 are analyzed in this study. This study shows an annual increase and a seasonal cycle; the CO2 annual growth rate was about 2.63 ppm year−1, with the highest value being in spring and the lowest in summer. The spatial distribution is unbalanced, regional differences are prominent, and the CO2 concentration is lower in the north of the Jing-Jin-Ji region (like Zhangjiakou, Chengde, and Qinhuangdao). Land-type structures and population economy distributions are the key factors affecting CO2 concentration. By analyzing the land-type structures over Jing-Jin-Ji in 2020, we find that cropland, woodland, and grassland (CWG) are the main land cover types in Jing-Jin-Ji; the proportion of these three types is about 83.3%. The woodland areas in Zhangjiakou, Chengde, and Qinhuangdao account for about 65% of the total woodland areas in Jing-Jin-Ji; meanwhile, the grassland areas in these three regions account for 62% of the total grassland areas in Jing-Jin-Ji. CO2 concentration variation shows a high negative correlation with CWG land areas (coefficient of determination (R2) > 0.76). The regions with lower population and GDP secondary industry (SI) density also have lower CO2 concentration (like Zhangjiakou, Chengde, and Qinhuangdao), and the regions with higher population and GDP SI density also have higher CO2 concentration (like the southeast of Jing-Jin-Jin).
Northeast China Cold Vortex Amplifies Extreme Precipitation Events in the Middle and Lower Reaches Yangtze River Basin
Authors: Chen Hao , Xie Zuowei , He Xiaofeng , Zhao Xiaodong , Gao Zongting , Wu Biqiong , Zhang Jun , Zou Xiangxi
Published: July 2024

The middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River (MLYR) frequently experience extreme precipitation events (EPEs) during June and July, the so-called Meiyu season. This study investigated EPEs in the MLYR during Meiyu seasons over 1961–2022, using rain gauge observations and ERA5 reanalysis data. EPEs associated with the Northeast China cold vortex featured more undulating westerlies with a distinct wave train pattern from Europe to Northeast Asia. Due to robust Rossby wave energy, the trough deepened from Northeast China towards the MLYR and was confronted with a westward extension of the western Pacific subtropical high. Such a configuration enhanced the warm and moist monsoon conveyor belt and convergence of water vapor flux from southwestern China to the MLYR. The warm and moist air favored upward motion. The increased rainfall prevailed from southwestern China to the MLYR. In contrast, ordinary EPEs were characterized by zonal westerlies and weaker Rossby wave propagation. The Meiyu trough was comparatively shallow and confined to the MLYR with less westward expansion of the subtropical high. In response, the warm and moist monsoon conveyor belt was more localized, resulting in weaker EPEs in the MLYR.
Neural Delays in Processing Speech in Background Noise Minimized after Short-Term Auditory Training
Authors: Skoe Erika , Kraus Nina
Published: July 2024

Background noise disrupts the neural processing of sound, resulting in delayed and diminished far-field auditory-evoked responses. In young adults, we previously provided evidence that cognitively based short-term auditory training can ameliorate the impact of background noise on the frequency-following response (FFR), leading to greater neural synchrony to the speech fundamental frequency(F0) in noisy listening conditions. In this same dataset (55 healthy young adults), we now examine whether training-related changes extend to the latency of the FFR, with the prediction of faster neural timing after training. FFRs were measured on two days separated by ~8 weeks. FFRs were elicited by the syllable “da” presented at a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of +10 dB SPL relative to a background of multi-talker noise. Half of the participants participated in 20 sessions of computerized training (Listening and Communication Enhancement Program, LACE) between test sessions, while the other half served as Controls. In both groups, half of the participants were non-native speakers of English. In the Control Group, response latencies were unchanged at retest, but for the training group, response latencies were earlier. Findings suggest that auditory training can improve how the adult nervous system responds in noisy listening conditions, as demonstrated by decreased response latencies.
Inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease (Mpro) as Anti-Coronavirus Agents
Authors: Zagórska Agnieszka , Czopek Anna , Fryc Monika , Jończyk Jakub
Published: July 2024

The main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2 is an essential enzyme that plays a critical part in the virus’s life cycle, making it a significant target for developing antiviral drugs. The inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro has emerged as a promising approach for developing therapeutic agents to treat COVID-19. This review explores the structure of the Mpro protein and analyzes the progress made in understanding protein–ligand interactions of Mpro inhibitors. It focuses on binding kinetics, origin, and the chemical structure of these inhibitors. The review provides an in-depth analysis of recent clinical trials involving covalent and non-covalent inhibitors and emerging dual inhibitors targeting SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. By integrating findings from the literature and ongoing clinical trials, this review captures the current state of research into Mpro inhibitors, offering a comprehensive understanding of challenges and directions in their future development as anti-coronavirus agents. This information provides new insights and inspiration for medicinal chemists, paving the way for developing more effective Mpro inhibitors as novel COVID-19 therapies.
Biomarkers in Cerebrospinal Fluid for the Diagnosis and Monitoring of Gliomas
Authors: Papadimitrakis Dimosthenis , Perdikakis Miltiadis , Gargalionis Antonios N. , Papavassiliou Athanasios G.
Published: July 2024

Gliomas are the most common type of malignant brain tumor and are characterized by a plethora of heterogeneous molecular alterations. Current treatments require the emergence of reliable biomarkers that will aid personalized treatment decisions and increase life expectancy. Glioma tissues are not as easily accessible as other solid tumors; therefore, detecting prominent biomarkers in biological fluids is necessary. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulates adjacent to the cerebral parenchyma and holds promise for discovering useful prognostic, diagnostic, and predictive biomarkers. In this review, we summarize extensive research regarding the role of circulating DNA, tumor cells, proteins, microRNAs, metabolites, and extracellular vesicles as potential CSF biomarkers for glioma diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring. Future studies should address discrepancies and issues of specificity regarding CSF biomarkers, as well as the validation of candidate biomarkers.
DNA Base Damage Repair Crosstalks with Chromatin Structures to Contract Expanded GAA Repeats in Friedreich’s Ataxia
Authors: Lai Yanhao , Diaz Nicole , Armbrister Rhyisa , Agoulnik Irina , Liu Yuan
Published: July 2024

Trinucleotide repeat (TNR) expansion is the cause of over 40 neurodegenerative diseases, including Huntington’s disease and Friedreich’s ataxia (FRDA). There are no effective treatments for these diseases due to the poor understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying somatic TNR expansion and contraction in neural systems. We and others have found that DNA base excision repair (BER) actively modulates TNR instability, shedding light on the development of effective treatments for the diseases by contracting expanded repeats through DNA repair. In this study, temozolomide (TMZ) was employed as a model DNA base damaging agent to reveal the mechanisms of the BER pathway in modulating GAA repeat instability at the frataxin (FXN) gene in FRDA neural cells and transgenic mouse mice. We found that TMZ induced large GAA repeat contraction in FRDA mouse brain tissue, neurons, and FRDA iPSC-differentiated neural cells, increasing frataxin protein levels in FRDA mouse brain and neural cells. Surprisingly, we found that TMZ could also inhibit H3K9 methyltransferases, leading to open chromatin and increasing ssDNA breaks and recruitment of the key BER enzyme, pol β, on the repeats in FRDA neural cells. We further demonstrated that the H3K9 methyltransferase inhibitor BIX01294 also induced the contraction of the expanded repeats and increased frataxin protein in FRDA neural cells by opening the chromatin and increasing the endogenous ssDNA breaks and recruitment of pol β on the repeats. Our study provides new mechanistic insight illustrating that inhibition of H3K9 methylation can crosstalk with BER to induce GAA repeat contraction in FRDA. Our results will open a new avenue for developing novel gene therapy by targeting histone methylation and the BER pathway for repeat expansion diseases.
Lipoprotein(a) and Lung Function Are Associated in Older Adults: Longitudinal and Cross-Sectional Analyses
Authors: Song Chae Kyung , Ohlei Olena , Keller Theresa , Regitz-Zagrosek Vera , Toepfer Sarah , Steinhagen-Thiessen Elisabeth , Bertram Lars , Buchmann Nikolaus , Demuth Ilja
Published: July 2024

While numerous studies have confirmed a causal association between lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] and cardiovascular diseases, only a few studies have assessed the relationship between Lp(a) and pulmonary health, with inconsistent findings regarding this topic. This study’s aim was to examine whether levels of serum Lp(a) are associated with lung function in a dataset of relatively healthy older adults. We used longitudinal data collected at two time points 7.4 ± 1.5 years apart from 679 participants (52% women, 68 [65–71] years old) from the Berlin Aging Study II (BASE-II). Multiple linear regression models adjusting for covariates were applied to examine the association between Lp(a) and lung function. The forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and the forced vital capacity (FVC) were higher in both men and women with higher Lp(a) levels. However, since this association between lung function parameters and Lp(a) was not supported by Mendelian randomization analyses using recent genome-wide association study data, these relationships should be investigated in future work, as the observed differences are, in part, considerable and potentially clinically relevant.
Intestinal and Extraintestinal Findings of Graft-versus-Host Disease on CT: A Case Series with Radiological and Histopathological Correlations
Authors: Brogna Barbara , Frieri Camilla , Risitiano Antonio Maria , Urciuoli Luigi , Storti Gabriella , Santoro Lidia , Urciuoli Eleonora , De Chiara Giovanni , Cretella Pasquale , Sementa Carmen , Musto Lanfranco Aquilino , Maccioni Francesca
Published: July 2024

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is an expected and relatively common complication after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. It may affect different organs and typically involves the skin, liver, and gastrointestinal tract (GI-GVHD). GI-GVHD may show heterogeneous presentations with peculiar diagnostic implications. Although an endoscopic biopsy is considered the “gold standard” for the diagnosis of GI-GVHD, its broad application is limited due to the poor clinical conditions usually present in these patients, including thrombocytopenia. In the emergency department, enhanced computed tomography (CECT) has emerged as the best imaging modality for the evaluation of GI damage in frail patients. However, the role of CT in the context of either acute or chronic GI-GVHD has not been systematically investigated. Herein, we focus on the radiological features found on CECT in five patients with GI-GVHD confirmed on histology. CECT was performed for the persistence of GI symptoms in three cases (case 1, case 3, and case 4), for small bowel occlusion in one case (case 5), and for acute GI symptoms in one case (case 2). Serpiginous intestinal wall appearance with multisegmental parietal thickness and homogeneous, mucosal, or stratified small bowel enhancement were common features. Colic involvement with segmental or diffuse parietal thickness was also present. One patient (case 5) presented with inflammatory jejunal multisegmental stenosis with sub-occlusion as a chronic presentation of GI-GVHD. Regarding mesenterial findings, all five patients presented comb signs in the absence of lymphadenopathy. Extraintestinal findings included biliary tract dilatation in two cases (case 2 and case 4). These data support the utility of appropriate radiological investigation in GI-GVHD, paving the way for further serial and systematic investigations to track the appearance and evolution of GI damage in GVHD patients.
Extracellular Vesicles Derived from Human Liver Stem Cells Counteract Chronic Kidney Disease Development and Cardiac Dysfunction in Remnant Kidney Murine Model: The Possible Involvement of Proteases
Authors: Ceccotti Elena , Chiabotto Giulia , Cedrino Massimo , Gambella Alessandro , Delsedime Luisa , Ghigo Alessandra , Salio Chiara , Grange Cristina , Herrera Sanchez Maria Beatriz , Femminò Saveria , Sassoè-Pognetto Marco , Brizzi Maria Felice , Camussi Giovanni , Bruno Stefania
Published: July 2024

Fibrosis is a marker of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and consists of the accumulation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) components, causing the progressive deterioration of kidney function. Human liver stem cells (HLSCs) have anti-fibrotic activity, and HLSC-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) mediate this effect. Herein, we evaluated the ability of HLSC-EVs to reverse renal and cardiac alterations in a murine model of partial nephrectomy (PNx) that mimics human CKD development. Furthermore, we investigated the contribution of extracellular matrix remodeling-related proteases to the anti-fibrotic effect of HLSC-EVs. PNx was performed by ligation of both poles of the left kidney, followed one week later by the removal of the right kidney. EV treatment started 4 weeks after the nephrectomy, when renal and cardiac alternations were already established, and mice were sacrificed at week eight. HLSC-EV treatment improved renal function and morphology, significantly decreasing interstitial fibrosis, glomerular sclerosis, and capillary rarefaction. This improvement was confirmed by the decreased expression of pro-fibrotic genes. Moreover, EV treatment improved cardiac function and reduced cardiac fibrosis. HLSC-EVs shuttled different proteases with ECM remodeling activity, and matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1) was involved in their anti-fibrotic effect on renal tissue. HLSC-EV treatment interferes with CKD development and ameliorates cardiomyopathy in PNx mice.
Interactions Involving Glycine and Other Amino Acid Neurotransmitters: Focus on Transporter-Mediated Regulation of Release and Glycine–Glutamate Crosstalk
Authors: Raiteri Luca
Published: July 2024

Glycine plays a pivotal role in the Central Nervous System (CNS), being a major inhibitory neurotransmitter as well as a co-agonist of Glutamate at excitatory NMDA receptors. Interactions involving Glycine and other neurotransmitters are the subject of different studies. Functional interactions among neurotransmitters include the modulation of release through release-regulating receptors but also through transporter-mediated mechanisms. Many transporter-mediated interactions involve the amino acid transmitters Glycine, Glutamate, and GABA. Different studies published during the last two decades investigated a number of transporter-mediated interactions in depth involving amino acid transmitters at the nerve terminal level in different CNS areas, providing details of mechanisms involved and suggesting pathophysiological significances. Here, this evidence is reviewed also considering additional recent information available in the literature, with a special (but not exclusive) focus on glycinergic neurotransmission and Glycine–Glutamate interactions. Some possible pharmacological implications, although partly speculative, are also discussed. Dysregulations in glycinergic and glutamatergic transmission are involved in relevant CNS pathologies. Pharmacological interventions on glycinergic targets (including receptors and transporters) are under study to develop novel therapies against serious CNS pathological states including pain, schizophrenia, epilepsy, and neurodegenerative diseases. Although with limitations, it is hoped to possibly contribute to a better understanding of the complex interactions between glycine-mediated neurotransmission and other major amino acid transmitters, also in view of the current interest in potential drugs acting on “glycinergic” targets.
Intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation Combined with Cognitive Training to Improve Negative Symptoms and Cognitive Impairment in Schizophrenia: A Pilot Study
Authors: Vergallito Alessandra , Gesi Camilla , Torriero Sara
Published: July 2024

Schizophrenia is a chronic psychiatric disorder severely affecting patients’ functioning and quality of life. Unlike positive symptoms, cognitive impairment and negative symptoms cannot be treated pharmacologically and represent consistent predictors of the illness’s prognosis. Cognitive remediation (CR) interventions have been applied to target these symptoms. Brain stimulation also provides promising yet preliminary results in reducing negative symptoms, whereas its effect on cognitive impairment remains heterogeneous. Here, we combined intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) with CR to improve negative symptoms and cognitive impairment in schizophrenia spectrum patients. One hundred eligible patients were invited, and twenty-one participated. We randomized them into four groups, manipulating the stimulation condition (real vs. sham) and CR (no training vs. training). We delivered fifteen iTBS sessions over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex for three weeks, followed (or not) by 50 min of training. Consensus-based clinical and cognitive assessment was administered at baseline and after the treatment, plus at three follow-ups occurring one, three, and six months after the intervention. Mixed-model analyses were run on cognitive and negative symptom scores. The preliminary findings highlighted a marginal modulation of iTBS on negative symptoms, whereas CR improved isolated cognitive functions. We herein discuss the limitations and strengths of the methodological approach.
Key Technologies for One-Time Installation of Super-Long Pipe Sheds in Tunnel Support Construction: A Case Study on Songhuai Youyuan Station (Line 9) in Zhengzhou Metro
Authors: Sun Lijuan , Zhao Qilong , Liu Lianjie , Ma Liyong , Zhou Kehang , Lin Yunhong , Ouyang Maolin
Published: July 2024

In recent years, the pipe shed advanced support method has emerged as a new technique for excavating tunnels in weak surrounding rock. However, the necessity to maintain a certain inclination angle when constructing large pipe sheds unavoidably increases the excavation and lining quantities. Consequently, as the length of the pipe shed increases, construction errors also grow, resulting in larger excavations and backfilling works, thereby making it difficult to control the quality of pipe shed installations and limiting the development of the pipe shed method. Faced with the challenges presented by tunnel support construction as part of subway tunnel construction, this paper is based on the Songhuai Youyuan Station tunnel project involving Zhengzhou Metro Line 9. Field experiments were conducted, using high-torque horizontal drilling machines and pipe shed guiding technology to successfully complete the installation of a 208 m long pipe shed in a single operation (the longest in the world). Through case analysis and technological innovation, a feasible and effective drilling technology scheme was proposed. Compared with traditional methods, the key technology for installing super-long pipe sheds in a single operation reduced the construction time by 35% and construction costs by 25%, providing valuable insights for similar projects.
Research on High-Quality Carbon Reduction Pathways for Green Buildings under the Dual Carbon Background
Authors: Wei Xing , He Zhi , Li Yitong , Li Xiaoping
Published: July 2024

Carbon peaking and carbon neutrality strategies bring both opportunities and challenges to the development of green buildings. In this context, the development of high-quality green buildings requires a focus on improving carbon reduction effects throughout their entire lifespan. Based on a systematic review of the achievements and existing problems in the development of green buildings in China over the past thirty years, this article benchmarks the new trends in green building standards in developed countries abroad, dissects the new requirements for the development of green buildings in China under the new situation, and proposes a high-quality carbon reduction pathways from four aspects: theoretical research, policy systems, technical systems, and software platforms. Finally, it proposes implementation suggestions for collaborative development from four dimensions: theoretical methods for calculating carbon emissions, green finance policies, a full-process carbon reduction technology system, and carbon emission accounting tools.
Big Data Value Proposition in UK Facilities Management: A Structural Equation Modelling Approach
Authors: Konanahalli Ashwini , Marinelli Marina , Oyedele Lukumon
Published: July 2024

Big data analytics (BDA) has been introduced in the past few years in most industries as a factor capable of revolutionizing their operations by offering significant efficiency opportunities and benefits. To compete in this digital age, businesses must adopt a client-centric service model, founded on data delivering continuous value and achieving optimal performance, whilst also upgrading their own decision-making and reporting processes. This article aims to explore how UK FM organizations are currently capitalizing on BDA to drive innovation and ‘added value’ in their operations. The objective is to shed light on the initial BDA adoption efforts within the UK’s FM sector, particularly capturing the benefits experienced by FM organizations in relation to customer value and improved decision-making processes. Drawing upon exploratory sequential research including a qualitative stage with 12 semi-structured interviews and an industry-wide questionnaire survey with 52 responses, a novel fifteen-variable model for BDA outcomes was developed. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and a Higher-Order model using Partial Least Square Structural modelling (PLS-SEM) were used to validate the scale. The EFA output generated three dimensions with 14 items. The dimensions included Improved client value, FM business operations added value, and Improved efficiency added value. Furthermore, the results of PLS-SEM confirmed the validity of the scale items and the reflective–formative measurement model. The findings suggest that the contemporary digitization trend offers the FM service the unique opportunity to develop a smarter, client-centric strategy resulting in more personalized services and stronger customer relationships. Furthermore, efficient resource management and planning powered by analytics and data-driven insights emerge as a key driver for competitive differentiation in the field. As one of the first studies to develop and validate scale items measuring specific dimensions of BDA adoption outcomes, the study makes significant contributions to the literature.
Research on the Effective Sheltering Rates of Public Buildings in Villages in Western Sichuan, China—A Case Study of Ganbao Tibetan Village
Authors: Yong Lingling , Zhang Yin , Wu Jing , Xiong Jianwu
Published: July 2024

The western region of Sichuan Province, located in the Hengduan Mountains, is one of China’s most seismically active zones. Due to limited land resources, many villages in western Sichuan Province are situated in mountainous and valley areas, facing harsh climatic conditions, lagging economic development, and insufficient infrastructure. After experiencing seismic disasters, these villages often encounter challenges, such as cut-off mountain roads, difficulties in delivering relief supplies, and sharply a significant drop in nighttime temperatures due to the high-altitude climate. Consequently, in the case of the economic underdevelopment and limited resources, how to repurpose existing buildings for disaster relief has become a crucial issue for disaster prevention and mitigation in these villages. This paper takes Ganbao Tibetan Village, located in the alpine gorge regions of western Sichuan Province, as a case study. It evaluates the interior space utilization status of different types of existing public buildings during disasters, calculates the effective utilization rate of interior space disaster reduction conversion based on the spatial layout model, and extracts the typical interior space dimensions that are conducive to disaster relief and conversion of public buildings based on the interior space utilization characteristics of disaster relief. This study provides a reference for the design of public service buildings considering the requirements of disaster resilience transformation.
Detection and Assessment of Seismic Response of High-Speed Railway Bridges Based on Smartphone Public Participation
Authors: Liu Jiaqi , Li Weijie , Zhao Chenhao , Jing Yicheng , Yin Chao , Zhao Xuefeng
Published: July 2024

The seismic response detection and operational safety assessment of high-speed railway (HSR) bridges play a crucial role in ensuring HSR systems’ operational safety and reliability. Smartphones have introduced intelligent inspection tools for structural health detection, becoming a new tool for intelligent structural inspection. Combining the public and smartphones is the key to public participation in structural health detection. This study utilizes smartphone-based structural seismic response inspection technology to investigate the framework of public participation in earthquake response inspection and assessment. This system comprises the Smart Bridge Brain (SBB), which integrates data from multiple sources and systems, an assigning mechanism for public participation inspection tasks, and smartphone-based HSR bridge structural seismic response inspection technology. At the same time, the Unreal Engine 5.0 software is used to create a mixed-reality virtual simulation experimental environment to validate the feasibility of this framework. The results indicate that the intelligent optimization of task allocation by the SBB successfully assigns detection tasks to each public participant. Public participants can promptly reach predefined damage structure detection targets and rapidly inspect bridge structural seismic response indicators using smartphones. In addition, this paper also conducts a comprehensive evaluation and analysis of the detection of the work efficiency index (WEI) within the system. Furthermore, optimization strategies for the efficient execution of detection tasks are proposed based on WEI variations influenced by different factors. The system framework is expected to enhance cluster-based HSR bridges’ intelligent disaster prevention and mitigation capabilities.
Influence of Nano-Silicon Dioxide in the Enhancement of Surface Structure of Public Filler and Properties of Recycled Mortar
Authors: Zhang Ming , Cheng Chen , Chiang Kingsley , Wang Xinxin , Zhu Yazhi , Zhao Zengfeng , Luo Hui
Published: July 2024

This paper proposes a method of enhancing public filler (PF) with nano-SiO2 (NS) to prepare modified recycled aggregate mortar (RAM). The improvement effect of NS solution at different concentrations and immersion times on the macroscopic physical properties of recycled public fine aggregates (PFA) was investigated. Moreover, the effect of NS on the basic physical properties and durability of recycled mortar (RM) and the reinforcement mechanism of NS on recycled mortar was analyzed through various techniques. Results indicated that the modification effect of NS could remove loose cement mortar from the surface of PFA. It reacted with calcium hydroxide and calcite to generate nano-particles that could fill pores in PFA. The water absorption rate of PFA decreased to 9.3% when immersed in 2% NS solution for 72 h. There was no significant improvement in the mechanical properties of RM when the solution concentration and immersion time were increased. However, the compressive strength of RM prepared by modifying PFA with 2% NS was increased by about 21.9%, and the capillary water absorption and electric flux were reduced by 56.3% and 15.1%, respectively. Micro-analysis results showed that the volcanic ash effect of NS enabled it to react with Ca(OH)2 adhered to the surface of PFA, generating C-S-H and improving the interfacial bonding of PFA. Moreover, NS adsorbed on the surface of PFA dispersed into the freshly mixed cement slurry, which further enhanced the internal structure of PFA.
Association of Serum Proteases and Acute Phase Factors Levels with Survival Outcomes in Patients with Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Sebzda Tadeusz , Karwacki Jakub , Cichoń Anna , Modrzejewska Katarzyna , Heimrath Jerzy , Łątka Mirosław , Gnus Jan , Gburek Jakub
Published: July 2024

Colorectal cancer (CRC) represents a substantial burden on global healthcare, contributing to significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite advances in screening methodologies, its incidence remains high, necessitating continued efforts in early detection and treatment. Neoplastic invasion and metastasis are primary determinants of CRC lethality, emphasizing the urgency of understanding underlying mechanisms to develop effective therapeutic strategies. This study aimed to explore the potential of serum biomarkers in predicting survival outcomes in CRC patients, with a focus on cathepsin B (CB), leukocytic elastase (LE), total sialic acid (TSA), lipid-associated sialic acid (LASA), antitrypsin activity (ATA), C-reactive protein (CRP), and cystatin C (CC). We recruited 185 CRC patients and 35 healthy controls, assessing demographic variables, tumor characteristics, and 7 serum biomarker levels, including (1) CB, (2) LE, (3) TSA, (4) LASA, (5) ATA, (6) CRP, and (7) CC. Statistical analyses included ANOVA with Tukey’s post hoc tests and MANOVA for continuous variables. Student’s t-test was used for dependent samples, while non-parametric tests like Mann–Whitney U and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were applied for variables deviating from the normal distribution. Categorical variables were assessed using chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient was utilized to examine variable correlations. Survival analysis employed the Kaplan–Meier method with a log-rank test for comparing survival times between groups. Significant associations were observed between CB (p = 0.04), LE (p = 0.01), and TSA (p = 0.008) levels and survival outcomes in CRC patients. Dukes’ classification stages also showed a significant correlation with survival (p = 0.001). However, no significant associations were found for LASA, ATA, CRP, and CC. Multivariate analysis of LE, TSA, and ATA demonstrated a notable correlation with survival (p = 0.041), notwithstanding ATA’s lack of significance in univariate analysis (p = 0.13). CB, LE, and TSA emerged as promising diagnostic markers with prognostic value in CRC, potentially aiding in early diagnosis and treatment planning. Further research is needed to validate these findings and explore additional prognostic indicators.
Plasma Metabolome Signatures to Predict Responsiveness to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer
Authors: Silva Alex Ap. Rosini , Cardoso Marcella R. , Oliveira Danilo Cardoso de , Godoy Pedro , Talarico Maria Cecília R. , Gutiérrez Junier Marrero , Rodrigues Peres Raquel M. , de Carvalho Lucas M. , Miyaguti Natália Angelo da Silva , Sarian Luis O. , Tata Alessandra , Derchain Sophie F. M. , Porcari Andreia M.
Published: July 2024

Background: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) has arisen as a treatment option for breast cancer (BC). However, the response to NACT is still unpredictable and dependent on cancer subtype. Metabolomics is a tool for predicting biomarkers and chemotherapy response. We used plasma to verify metabolomic alterations in BC before NACT, relating to clinical data. Methods: Liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was performed on pre-NACT plasma from patients with BC (n = 75). After data filtering, an SVM model for classification was built and validated with 75%/25% of the data, respectively. Results: The model composed of 19 identified metabolites effectively predicted NACT response for training/validation sets with high sensitivity (95.4%/93.3%), specificity (91.6%/100.0%), and accuracy (94.6%/94.7%). In both sets, the panel correctly classified 95% of resistant and 94% of sensitive females. Most compounds identified by the model were lipids and amino acids and revealed pathway alterations related to chemoresistance. Conclusion: We developed a model for predicting patient response to NACT. These metabolite panels allow clinical gain by building precision medicine strategies based on tumor stratification.
A Probabilistic Approach to Estimate the Temporal Order of Pathway Mutations Accounting for Intra-Tumor Heterogeneity
Authors: Wang Menghan , Xie Yanqi , Liu Jinpeng , Li Austin , Chen Li , Stromberg Arnold , Arnold Susanne M. , Liu Chunming , Wang Chi
Published: July 2024

The development of cancer involves the accumulation of somatic mutations in several essential biological pathways. Delineating the temporal order of pathway mutations during tumorigenesis is crucial for comprehending the biological mechanisms underlying cancer development and identifying potential targets for therapeutic intervention. Several computational and statistical methods have been introduced for estimating the order of somatic mutations based on mutation profile data from a cohort of patients. However, one major issue of current methods is that they do not take into account intra-tumor heterogeneity (ITH), which limits their ability to accurately discern the order of pathway mutations. To address this problem, we propose PATOPAI, a probabilistic approach to estimate the temporal order of mutations at the pathway level by incorporating ITH information as well as pathway and functional annotation information of mutations. PATOPAI uses a maximum likelihood approach to estimate the probability of pathway mutational events occurring in a specific sequence, wherein it focuses on the orders that are consistent with the phylogenetic structure of the tumors. Applications to whole exome sequencing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) illustrate our method’s ability to recover the temporal order of pathway mutations in several cancer types.
(La1−xCax)MnO3−δ (x = 0, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4) Perovskites as Redox Catalysts in Chemical Looping Hydrogen Production Process: The Relation between Defect Chemistry and Redox Performance
Authors: Moschos Moschos , Evdou Antigoni , Zaspalis Vassilios
Published: July 2024

The interaction between point defects in (La1−xCax)MnO3−δ (x = 0, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4) perovskites and their redox catalytic properties in a three-reactor chemical looping hydrogen production process is investigated. During the reduction step with CH4, the behavior of the materials is extrinsically determined and strongly depends on the Ca content. At small oxygen deficiencies, CH4 becomes oxidized to CO2. As the deficiency increases, partial oxidation to CO and H2 at a molar ratio of approximately 2 is favored. During the water-splitting step, the dependency on the Ca content is much weaker since it is intrinsically determined by the Mn2+→Mn3+ oxidation with simultaneous annihilation of oxygen vacancies that are not required to compensate for the extra negative charge of the Ca dopant. Hydrogen productivities in the order of 13 cm3 (STP) H2/g solid could be achieved during the water-splitting step at 1000 °C. The materials exhibited reproducible catalytic behavior during 10 cycles of the complete three-step process and were found to retain their perovskite structure.
Suppressing PD-L1 Expression via AURKA Kinase Inhibition Enhances Natural Killer Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity against Glioblastoma
Authors: Nguyen Trang T. T. , Gao Qiuqiang , Mun Jeong-Yeon , Zhu Zhe , Shu Chang , Naim Aaron , Rogava Meri , Izar Benjamin , Westhoff Mike-Andrew , Karpel-Massler Georg , Siegelin Markus D.
Published: July 2024

Immunotherapies have shown significant promise as an impactful strategy in cancer treatment. However, in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most prevalent primary brain tumor in adults, these therapies have demonstrated lower efficacy than initially anticipated. Consequently, there is an urgent need for strategies to enhance the effectiveness of immune treatments. AURKA has been identified as a potential drug target for GBM treatment. An analysis of the GBM cell transcriptome following AURKA inhibition revealed a potential influence on the immune system. Our research revealed that AURKA influenced PD-L1 levels in various GBM model systems in vitro and in vivo. Disrupting AURKA function genetically led to reduced PD-L1 levels and increased MHC-I expression in both established and patient-derived xenograft GBM cultures. This process involved both transcriptional and non-transcriptional pathways, partly implicating GSK3β. Interfering with AURKA also enhanced NK-cell-mediated elimination of GBM by reducing PD-L1 expression, as evidenced in rescue experiments. Furthermore, using a mouse model that mimics GBM with patient-derived cells demonstrated that Alisertib decreased PD-L1 expression in living organisms. Combination therapy involving anti-PD-1 treatment and Alisertib significantly prolonged overall survival compared to vehicle treatment. These findings suggest that targeting AURKA could have therapeutic implications for modulating the immune environment within GBM cells.
Voltage-Gated Ion Channels Are Transcriptional Targets of Sox10 during Oligodendrocyte Development
Authors: Peters Christian , Aberle Tim , Sock Elisabeth , Brunner Jessica , Küspert Melanie , Hillgärtner Simone , Wüst Hannah M. , Wegner Michael
Published: July 2024

The transcription factor Sox10 is an important determinant of oligodendroglial identity and influences oligodendroglial development and characteristics at various stages. Starting from RNA-seq data, we here show that the expression of several voltage-gated ion channels with known expression and important function in oligodendroglial cells depends upon Sox10. These include the Nav1.1, Cav2.2, Kv1.1, and Kir4.1 channels. For each of the four encoding genes, we found at least one regulatory region that is activated by Sox10 in vitro and at the same time bound by Sox10 in vivo. Cell-specific deletion of Sox10 in oligodendroglial cells furthermore led to a strong downregulation of all four ion channels in a mouse model and thus in vivo. Our study provides a clear functional link between voltage-gated ion channels and the transcriptional regulatory network in oligodendroglial cells. Furthermore, our study argues that Sox10 exerts at least some of its functions in oligodendrocyte progenitor cells, in myelinating oligodendrocytes, or throughout lineage development via these ion channels. By doing so, we present one way in which oligodendroglial development and properties can be linked to neuronal activity to ensure crosstalk between cell types during the development and function of the central nervous system.
The Use of Hexokinase 2-Displacing Peptides as an Anti-Neoplastic Approach for Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors
Authors: Ciscato Francesco , Masgras Ionica , Gori Alessandro , Fantuz Marco , Bergamaschi Greta , Komarov Denis , La Spina Martina , Ghasemi-Firouzabadi Shiva , Pizzi Marco , Dei Tos Angelo Paolo , Chiara Federica , Carrer Alessandro , Rasola Andrea
Published: July 2024

Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors (MPNSTs) are aggressive sarcomas that can arise both sporadically and in patients with the genetic syndrome Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Prognosis is dismal, as large dimensions, risk of relapse, and anatomical localization make surgery poorly effective, and no therapy is known. Hence, the identification of MPNST molecular features that could be hit in an efficient and selective way is mandatory to envision treatment options. Here, we find that MPNSTs express high levels of the glycolytic enzyme Hexokinase 2 (HK2), which is known to shield cancer cells from noxious stimuli when it localizes at MAMs (mitochondria-associated membranes), contact sites between mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum. A HK2-targeting peptide that dislodges HK2 from MAMs rapidly induces a massive death of MPNST cells. After identifying different matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) expressed in the MPNST microenvironment, we have designed HK2-targeting peptide variants that harbor cleavage sites for these MMPs, making such peptides activatable in the proximity of cancer cells. We find that the peptide carrying the MMP2/9 cleavage site is the most effective, both in inhibiting the in vitro tumorigenicity of MPNST cells and in hampering their growth in mice. Our data indicate that detaching HK2 from MAMs could pave the way for a novel anti-MPNST therapeutic strategy, which could be flexibly adapted to the protease expression features of the tumor microenvironment.
Type I Interferon Activates PD-1 Expression through Activation of the STAT1-IRF2 Pathway in Myeloid Cells
Authors: Liang Liyan , Yang Yingcui , Deng Kaidi , Wu Yanmin , Li Yan , Bai Liya , Wang Yinsong , Lu Chunwan
Published: July 2024

PD-1 (Programmed cell death protein 1) regulates the metabolic reprogramming of myeloid-derived suppressor cells and myeloid cell differentiation, as well as the type I interferon (IFN-I) signaling pathway in myeloid cells in the tumor microenvironment. PD-1, therefore, is a key inhibitory receptor in myeloid cells. However, the regulation of PD-1 expression in myeloid cells is unknown. We report that the expression level of PDCD1, the gene that encodes the PD-1 protein, is positively correlated with the levels of IFNB1 and IFNAR1 in myeloid cells in human colorectal cancer. Treatment of mouse myeloid cell lines with recombinant IFNβ protein elevated PD-1 expression in myeloid cells in vitro. Knocking out IFNAR1, the gene that encodes the IFN-I-specific receptor, diminished the inductive effect of IFNβ on PD-1 expression in myeloid cells in vitro. Treatment of tumor-bearing mice with a lipid nanoparticle-encapsulated IFNβ-encoding plasmid (IFNBCOL01) increased IFNβ expression, resulting in elevated PD-1 expression in tumor-infiltrating myeloid cells. At the molecular level, we determined that IFNβ activates STAT1 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 1) and IRFs (interferon regulatory factors) in myeloid cells. Analysis of the cd279 promoter identified IRF2-binding consensus sequence elements. ChIP (chromatin immunoprecipitation) analysis determined that the pSTAT1 directly binds to the irf2 promoter and that IRF2 directly binds to the cd279 promoter in myeloid cells in vitro and in vivo. In colon cancer patients, the expression levels of STAT1, IRF2 and PDCD1 are positively correlated in tumor-infiltrating myeloid cells. Our findings determine that IFNβ activates PD-1 expression at least in part by an autocrine mechanism via the stimulation of the pSTAT1-IRF2 axis in myeloid cells.