bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Multiple Linear Regression Analysis to Measure the Journal Contribution to the Social Attention of Research
Authors: Dorta-González Pablo
Published: March 2023

This paper proposes a three-year average of social attention as a more reliable measure of the social impact of journals since the social attention of research can vary widely among scientific articles, even within the same journal. The proposed measure is used to evaluate a journal’s contribution to social attention in comparison to other bibliometric indicators. This study uses Dimensions as a data source and examines research articles from 76 disciplinary libraries and information science journals through multiple linear regression analysis. This study identifies socially influential journals whose contribution to social attention is twice that of scholarly impact, as measured by citations. In addition, this study finds that the number of authors and open access have a moderate effect on social attention, while the journal impact factor has a negative effect and funding has a small effect.
High-Performance Supercapacitors: A Comprehensive Review on Paradigm Shift of Conventional Energy Storage Devices
Authors: Lakshmi K. C. Seetha , Vedhanarayanan Balaraman
Published: March 2023

The enormous demand for energy due to rapid technological developments pushes mankind to the limits in the exploration of high-performance energy devices. Among the two major energy storage devices (capacitors and batteries), electrochemical capacitors (known as ‘Supercapacitors’) play a crucial role in the storage and supply of conserved energy from various sustainable sources. The high power density and the ultra-high cyclic stability are the attractive characteristics of supercapacitors. However, the low energy density is a major downside of them, which is also responsible for the extensive research in this field to help the charge storage capabilities thrive to their limits. Discoveries of electrical double-layer formation, pseudocapacitive and intercalation-type (battery-type) behaviors drastically improved the electrochemical performances of supercapacitors. The introduction of nanostructured active materials (carbon-/metal-/redox-active-polymer/metal-organic/covalent-organic framework-based electrode materials), electrolytes (conventional aqueous and unconventional systems) with superior electrochemical stability and unprecedented device architectures further boosted their charge storage characteristics. In addition, the detailed investigations of the various processes at the electrode–electrolyte interfaces enable us to reinforce the present techniques and the approaches toward high-performance and next-generation supercapacitors. In this review, the fundamental concepts of the supercapacitor device in terms of components, assembly, evaluation, charge storage mechanism, and advanced properties are comprehensively discussed with representative examples.
Neuromechanics-Based Neural Feedback Controller for Planar Arm Reaching Movements
Authors: Zhao Yongkun , Zhang Mingquan , Wu Haijun , He Xiangkun , Todoh Masahiro
Published: March 2023

Based on the principles of neuromechanics, human arm movements result from the dynamic interaction between the nervous, muscular, and skeletal systems. To develop an effective neural feedback controller for neuro-rehabilitation training, it is important to consider both the effects of muscles and skeletons. In this study, we designed a neuromechanics-based neural feedback controller for arm reaching movements. To achieve this, we first constructed a musculoskeletal arm model based on the actual biomechanical structure of the human arm. Subsequently, a hybrid neural feedback controller was developed that mimics the multifunctional areas of the human arm. The performance of this controller was then validated through numerical simulation experiments. The simulation results demonstrated a bell-shaped movement trajectory, consistent with the natural motion of human arm movements. Furthermore, the experiment testing the tracking ability of the controller revealed real-time errors within one millimeter, with the tensile force generated by the controller’s muscles being stable and maintained at a low value, thereby avoiding the issue of muscle strain that can occur due to excessive excitation during the neurorehabilitation process.
Transcriptome Analysis Reveals That C17 Mycosubtilin Antagonizes Verticillium dahliae by Interfering with Multiple Functional Pathways of Fungi
Authors: Zhang Qi , Lin Rongrong , Yang Jun , Zhao Jingjing , Li Haoran , Liu Kai , Xue Xiuhua , Zhao Huixin , Han Shengcheng , Zhao Heping
Published: March 2023

Verticillium wilt is a kind of soil-borne plant fungal disease caused by Verticillium dahliae (Vd). Vd 991 is a strong pathogen causing cotton Verticillium wilt. Previously, we isolated a compound from the secondary metabolites of Bacillus subtilis J15 (BS J15), which showed a significant control effect on cotton Verticillium wilt and was identified as C17 mycosubtilin. However, the specific fungistatic mechanism by which C17 mycosubtilin antagonizes Vd 991 is not clear. Here, we first showed that C17 mycosubtilin inhibits the growth of Vd 991 and affects germination of spores at the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Morphological observation showed that C17 mycosubtilin treatment caused shrinking, sinking, and even damage to spores; the hyphae became twisted and rough, the surface was sunken, and the contents were unevenly distributed, resulting in thinning and damage to the cell membrane and cell wall and swelling of mitochondria of fungi. Flow cytometry analysis with ANNEXINV-FITC/PI staining showed that C17 mycosubtilin induces necrosis of Vd 991 cells in a time-dependent manner. Differential transcription analysis showed that C17 mycosubtilin at a semi-inhibitory concentration (IC50) treated Vd 991 for 2 and 6 h and inhibited fungal growth mainly by destroying synthesis of the fungal cell membrane and cell wall, inhibiting its DNA replication and transcriptional translation process, blocking its cell cycle, destroying fungal energy and substance metabolism, and disrupting the redox process of fungi. These results directly showed the mechanism by which C17 mycosubtilin antagonizes Vd 991, providing clues for the mechanism of action of lipopeptides and useful information for development of more effective antimicrobials.
Improving Dietary Zinc Bioavailability Using New Food Fortification Approaches: A Promising Tool to Boost Immunity in the Light of COVID-19
Authors: Chemek Marouane , Kadi Ammar , Merenkova Svetlana , Potoroko Irina , Messaoudi Imed
Published: March 2023

Zinc is a powerful immunomodulatory trace element, and its deficiency in the body is closely associated with changes in immune functions and viral infections, including SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. The creation of new forms of zinc delivery to target cells can make it possible to obtain smart chains of food ingredients. Recent evidence supports the idea that the optimal intake of zinc or bioactive compounds in appropriate supplements should be considered as part of a strategy to generate an immune response in the human body. Therefore, controlling the amount of this element in the diet is especially important for populations at risk of zinc deficiency, who are more susceptible to the severe progression of viral infection and disease, such as COVID-19. Convergent approaches such as micro- and nano-encapsulation develop new ways to treat zinc deficiency and make zinc more bioavailable.
Comparative Study of Lingual Papillae, Lingual Glands and Lyssa of the Tongue of Selected Wild Felids (Carnivora, Felidae) in Biological Aspects
Authors: Goździewska-Harłajczuk Karolina , Barszcz Karolina , Klećkowska-Nawrot Joanna , Hamouzová Pavla , Čížek Petr , Kuropka Piotr , Kvapil Pavel
Published: March 2023

Although much attention has been paid in the literature to the morphology of the tongue in various animal species, including some Felidae, it has not yet been described in detail in the vulnerable Neofelis nebulosa and Panthera leo bleyenberghi and the last concern Lynx lynx and Otocolobus manul. Therefore, the present study aimed to characterize the features of the tongue surface, lingual glands and lyssa in the above-mentioned four selected wild species of the Pantherinae and Felinae subfamilies. Macroscopic, histological, histochemical and ultrastructural analyzes were used in the present work. Comparative analyzes of the dorsal tongue surface showed the presence of mechanical lingual papillae on five subtypes of filiform papillae on the apex and body and conical papillae on the root of the tongue. Gustatory papillae in the four analyzed species were fungiform papillae and various numbers of vallate papillae. Foliate papillae were absent in P. leo bleyenberghi and L. lynx, while delicate smooth folds, which were separated by parallel grooves but without taste buds, were present in N. nebulosa. The vallate and foliate papillae were accompanied by lingual glands, which produced a serous secretion, whereas the mixed lingual glands of the lingual root were with a predominance of mucus secretions comparable to four captive Felidae species. In the median plane on the ventral surface of the apex under its epithelium and within the muscle fibers, the lyssa was also observed to a varying degree, with the least developed, and thought about the size of the entire tongue, was in P. leo bleyenberghi. The lyssa structure in the four species was dominated by adipose tissue. The obtained results contribute knowledge concerning the functional anatomy of the tongue in four selected Felidae species, especially in terms of comparative anatomy.
Cryptic mtDNA Diversity of Diopatra cuprea (Onuphidae, Annelida) in the Northwestern Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Sotka Erik E. , Bell Tina , Berke Sarah
Published: March 2023

Marine annelid taxonomy is experiencing a period of rapid revision, with many previously “cosmopolitan” species being split into species with more limited geographic ranges. This is exemplified by the Diopatra genus, which has recently witnessed dozens of new species descriptions rooted in genetic analyses. In the northwestern Atlantic, the name D. cuprea (Bosc 1802) has been applied to populations from Cape Cod through the Gulf of Mexico, Central America, and Brazil. Here, we sequenced mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) in D. cuprea populations from the Gulf of Mexico to Massachusetts. We find evidence for several deep mitochondrial lineages, suggesting that cryptic diversity is present in the D. cuprea complex from this coastline.
Timing of Chromosome DNA Integration throughout the Yeast Cell Cycle
Authors: Tosato Valentina , Rossi Beatrice , Sims Jason , Bruschi Carlo V.
Published: March 2023

The dynamic mechanism of cell uptake and genomic integration of exogenous linear DNA still has to be completely clarified, especially within each phase of the cell cycle. We present a study of integration events of double-stranded linear DNA molecules harboring at their ends sequence homologies to the host’s genome, all throughout the cell cycle of the model organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae, comparing the efficiency of chromosomal integration of two types of DNA cassettes tailored for site-specific integration and bridge-induced translocation. Transformability increases in S phase regardless of the sequence homologies, while the efficiency of chromosomal integration during a specific cycle phase depends upon the genomic targets. Moreover, the frequency of a specific translocation between chromosomes XV and VIII strongly increased during DNA synthesis under the control of Pol32 polymerase. Finally, in the null POL32 double mutant, different pathways drove the integration in the various phases of the cell cycle and bridge-induced translocation was possible outside the S phase even without Pol32. The discovery of this cell-cycle dependent regulation of specific pathways of DNA integration, associated with an increase of ROS levels following translocation events, is a further demonstration of a sensing ability of the yeast cell in determining a cell-cycle-related choice of DNA repair pathways under stress.
Heterogeneity in Lowe Syndrome: Mutations Affecting the Phosphatase Domain of OCRL1 Differ in Impact on Enzymatic Activity and Severity of Cellular Phenotypes
Authors: Lee Jennifer J. , Ramadesikan Swetha , Black Adrianna F. , Christoffer Charles , Pacheco Andres F. Pacheco , Subramanian Sneha , Hanna Claudia B. , Barth Gillian , Stauffacher Cynthia V. , Kihara Daisuke , Aguilar Ruben Claudio
Published: March 2023

Lowe Syndrome (LS) is a condition due to mutations in the OCRL1 gene, characterized by congenital cataracts, intellectual disability, and kidney malfunction. Unfortunately, patients succumb to renal failure after adolescence. This study is centered in investigating the biochemical and phenotypic impact of patient’s OCRL1 variants (OCRL1VAR). Specifically, we tested the hypothesis that some OCRL1VAR are stabilized in a non-functional conformation by focusing on missense mutations affecting the phosphatase domain, but not changing residues involved in binding/catalysis. The pathogenic and conformational characteristics of the selected variants were evaluated in silico and our results revealed some OCRL1VAR to be benign, while others are pathogenic. Then we proceeded to monitor the enzymatic activity and function in kidney cells of the different OCRL1VAR. Based on their enzymatic activity and presence/absence of phenotypes, the variants segregated into two categories that also correlated with the severity of the condition they induce. Overall, these two groups mapped to opposite sides of the phosphatase domain. In summary, our findings highlight that not every mutation affecting the catalytic domain impairs OCRL1′s enzymatic activity. Importantly, data support the inactive-conformation hypothesis. Finally, our results contribute to establishing the molecular and structural basis for the observed heterogeneity in severity/symptomatology displayed by patients.
Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging of Pancreatic Cancer Using a Fluorescently Labelled Anti-CEA Nanobody Probe: A Preclinical Study
Authors: van Manen Labrinus , de Muynck Lizzie D. A. N. , Baart Victor M. , Bhairosingh Shadhvi , Debie Pieterjan , Vahrmeijer Alexander L. , Hernot Sophie , Mieog J. Sven D.
Published: March 2023

Molecular fluorescence-guided surgery using near-infrared light has the potential to improve the rate of complete resection of cancer. Typically, monoclonal antibodies are being used as targeting moieties, however smaller fragments, such as single-domain antibodies (i.e., Nanobodies®) improve tumor specificity and enable tracer injection on the same day as surgery. In this study, the feasibility of a carcinoembryonic antigen-targeting Nanobody (NbCEA5) conjugated to two zwitterionic dyes (ZW800-1 Forte [ZW800F] and ZW800-1) for visualization of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) was investigated. After site-specific conjugation of NbCEA5 to the zwitterionic dyes, binding specificity was evaluated on human PDAC cell lines with flow cytometry. A dose escalation study was performed for both NbCEA5-ZW800F and NbCEA5-ZW800-1 in mice with subcutaneously implanted pancreatic tumors. Fluorescence imaging was performed up to 24 h after intravenous injection. Furthermore, the optimal dose for NbCEA5-ZW800-1 was injected in mice with orthotopically implanted pancreatic tumors. A dose-escalation study showed superior mean fluorescence intensities for NbCEA5-ZW800-1 compared to NbCEA5-ZW800F. In the orthotopic tumor models, NbCEA5-ZW800-1 accumulated specifically in pancreatic tumors with a mean in vivo tumor-to-background ratio of 2.4 (SD = 0.23). This study demonstrated the feasibility and potential advantages of using a CEA-targeted Nanobody conjugated to ZW800-1 for intraoperative PDAC imaging.
A Tale of 12 Tails: Katanin Severing Activity Affected by Carboxy-Terminal Tail Sequences
Authors: Lindsay K. Alice , Abdelhamid Nedine , Kahawatte Shehani , Dima Ruxandra I. , Sackett Dan L. , Finegan Tara M. , Ross Jennifer L.
Published: March 2023

In cells, microtubule location, length, and dynamics are regulated by a host of microtubule-associated proteins and enzymes that read where to bind and act based on the microtubule “tubulin code,” which is predominantly encoded in the tubulin carboxy-terminal tail (CTT). Katanin is a highly conserved AAA ATPase enzyme that binds to the tubulin CTTs to remove dimers and sever microtubules. We have previously demonstrated that short CTT peptides are able to inhibit katanin severing. Here, we examine the effects of CTT sequences on this inhibition activity. Specifically, we examine CTT sequences found in nature, alpha1A (TUBA1A), detyrosinated alpha1A, Δ2 alpha1A, beta5 (TUBB/TUBB5), beta2a (TUBB2A), beta3 (TUBB3), and beta4b (TUBB4b). We find that these natural CTTs have distinct abilities to inhibit, most noticeably beta3 CTT cannot inhibit katanin. Two non-native CTT tail constructs are also unable to inhibit, despite having 94% sequence identity with alpha1 or beta5 sequences. Surprisingly, we demonstrate that poly-E and poly-D peptides are capable of inhibiting katanin significantly. An analysis of the hydrophobicity of the CTT constructs indicates that more hydrophobic polypeptides are less inhibitory than more polar polypeptides. These experiments not only demonstrate inhibition, but also likely interaction and targeting of katanin to these various CTTs when they are part of a polymerized microtubule filament.
D-Aspartate Depletion Perturbs Steroidogenesis and Spermatogenesis in Mice
Authors: Santillo Alessandra , Falvo Sara , Venditti Massimo , Di Maio Anna , Chieffi Baccari Gabriella , Errico Francesco , Usiello Alessandro , Minucci Sergio , Di Fiore Maria Maddalena
Published: March 2023

High levels of free D-aspartate (D-Asp) are present in vertebrate testis during post-natal development, coinciding with the onset of testosterone production, which suggests that this atypical amino acid might participate in the regulation of hormone biosynthesis. To elucidate the unknown role of D-Asp on testicular function, we investigated steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis in a one-month-old knockin mouse model with the constitutive depletion of D-Asp levels due to the targeted overexpression of D-aspartate oxidase (DDO), which catalyzes the deaminative oxidation of D-Asp to generate the corresponding α-keto acid, oxaloacetate, hydrogen peroxide, and ammonium ions. In the Ddo knockin mice, we found a dramatic reduction in testicular D-Asp levels, accompanied by a significant decrease in the serum testosterone levels and testicular 17β-HSD, the enzyme involved in testosterone biosynthesis. Additionally, in the testes of these Ddo knockin mice, the expression of PCNA and SYCP3 proteins decreased, suggesting alterations in spermatogenesis-related processes, as well as an increase in the cytosolic cytochrome c protein levels and TUNEL-positive cell number, which indicate an increase in apoptosis. To further investigate the histological and morphometric testicular alterations in Ddo knockin mice, we analyzed the expression and localization of prolyl endopeptidase (PREP) and disheveled-associated activator of morphogenesis 1 (DAAM1), two proteins involved in cytoskeletal organization. Our results showed that the testicular levels of DAAM1 and PREP in Ddo knockin mice were different from those in wild-type animals, suggesting that the deficiency of D-Asp is associated with overall cytoskeletal disorganization. Our findings confirmed that physiological D-Asp influences testosterone biosynthesis and plays a crucial role in germ cell proliferation and differentiation, which are required for successful reproduction.
CRISPR/Cas9 Mediated Fluorescent Tagging of Caenorhabditis elegans SPE-38 Reveals a Complete Localization Pattern in Live Spermatozoa
Authors: Zuo Yamei , Mei Xue , Singson Andrew
Published: March 2023

The Caenorhabditis elegans spe-38 gene encodes a four-pass transmembrane molecule that is required in sperm for fertilization. In previous work, the localization of the SPE-38 protein was examined using polyclonal antibodies on spermatids and mature amoeboid spermatozoa. SPE-38 is localized to unfused membranous organelles (MOs) in nonmotile spermatids. Different fixation conditions revealed that SPE-38 either localized to fused MOs and the cell body plasma membrane or the pseudopod plasma membrane of mature sperm. To address this localization paradox in mature sperm, CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing was used to tag endogenous SPE-38 with fluorescent wrmScarlet-I. Homozygous male and hermaphrodite worms encoding SPE-38::wrmScarlet-I were fertile indicating the fluorescent tag does not interfere with SPE-38 function during sperm activation or fertilization. We found that SPE-38::wrmScarlet-I localized to MOs in spermatids consistent with previous antibody localization. In mature and motile spermatozoa we found SPE-38::wrmScarlet-I in fused MOs, the cell body plasma membrane, and the pseudopod plasma membrane. We conclude that the localization pattern observed with SPE-38::wrmScarlet-I represents the complete distribution of SPE-38 in mature spermatozoa and this localization pattern is consistent with a hypothesized role of SPE-38 directly in sperm-egg binding and/or fusion.
Plant-Derived Exosome-like Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications and Regenerative Therapy
Authors: Sarasati Andari , Syahruddin Muhammad Hidayat , Nuryanti Archadian , Ana Ika Dewi , Barlian Anggraini , Wijaya Christofora Hanny , Ratnadewi Diah , Wungu Triati Dewi Kencana , Takemori Hiroshi
Published: March 2023

Plant-derived exosome-like nanoparticles (PDENs) comprise various bioactive biomolecules. As an alternative cell-free therapeutic approach, they have the potential to deliver nano-bioactive compounds to the human body, and thus lead to various anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-tumor benefits. Moreover, it is known that Indonesia is one of the herbal centers of the world, with an abundance of unexplored sources of PDENs. This encouraged further research in biomedical science to develop natural richness in plants as a source for human welfare. This study aims to verify the potential of PDENs for biomedical purposes, especially for regenerative therapy applications, by collecting and analyzing data from the latest relevant research and developments.
Untargeted Metabolomics by Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled with Electrospray Ionization-Quadrupole-Time of Flight-Mass Spectrometry Analysis Identifies a Specific Metabolomic Profile in Patients with Early Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Glavan Mihaela-Roxana , Socaciu Carmen , Socaciu Andreea Iulia , Gadalean Florica , Cretu Octavian M. , Vlad Adrian , Muntean Danina M. , Bob Flaviu , Milas Oana , Suteanu Anca , Jianu Dragos Catalin , Stefan Maria , Balint Lavinia , Ienciu Silvia , Petrica Ligia
Published: March 2023

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has emerged as one of the most progressive diseases with increased mortality and morbidity. Metabolomics offers new insights into CKD pathogenesis and the discovery of new biomarkers for the early diagnosis of CKD. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess metabolomic profiling of serum and urine samples obtained from CKD patients. Untargeted metabolomics followed by multivariate and univariate analysis of blood and urine samples from 88 patients with CKD, staged by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and 20 healthy control subjects was performed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization-quadrupole-time of flight-mass spectrometry. Serum levels of Oleoyl glycine, alpha-lipoic acid, Propylthiouracil, and L-cysteine correlated directly with eGFR. Negative correlations were observed between serum 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic acid, Phenylalanine, Pyridoxamine, Cysteinyl glycine, Propenoylcarnitine, Uridine, and All-trans retinoic acid levels and eGFR. In urine samples, the majority of molecules were increased in patients with advanced CKD as compared with early CKD patients and controls. Amino acids, antioxidants, uremic toxins, acylcarnitines, and tryptophane metabolites were found in all CKD stages. Their dual variations in serum and urine may explain their impact on both glomerular and tubular structures, even in the early stages of CKD. Patients with CKD display a specific metabolomic profile. Since this paper represents a pilot study, future research is needed to confirm our findings that metabolites can serve as indicators of early CKD.
Variants of Chaotic Grey Wolf Heuristic for Robust Identification of Control Autoregressive Model
Authors: Mehmood Khizer , Chaudhary Naveed Ishtiaq , Khan Zeshan Aslam , Cheema Khalid Mehmood , Raja Muhammad Asif Zahoor
Published: March 2023

In this article, a chaotic computing paradigm is investigated for the parameter estimation of the autoregressive exogenous (ARX) model by exploiting the optimization knacks of an improved chaotic grey wolf optimizer (ICGWO). The identification problem is formulated by defining a mean square error-based fitness function between true and estimated responses of the ARX system. The decision parameters of the ARX model are calculated by ICGWO for various populations, generations, and noise levels. The comparative performance analyses with standard counterparts indicate the worth of the ICGWO for ARX model identification, while the statistical analyses endorse the efficacy of the proposed chaotic scheme in terms of accuracy, robustness, and reliability.
Luminescent Guests Encapsulated in Metal–Organic Frameworks for Portable Fluorescence Sensor and Visual Detection Applications: A Review
Authors: Xu Xu , Ma Muyao , Sun Tongxin , Zhao Xin , Zhang Lei
Published: March 2023

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have excellent applicability in several fields and have significant structural advantages, due to their open pore structure, high porosity, large specific surface area, and easily modifiable and functionalized porous surface. In addition, a variety of luminescent guest (LG) species can be encapsulated in the pores of MOFs, giving MOFs a broader luminescent capability. The applications of a variety of LG@MOF sensors, constructed by doping MOFs with LGs such as lanthanide ions, carbon quantum dots, luminescent complexes, organic dyes, and metal nanoclusters, for fluorescence detection of various target analyses such as ions, biomarkers, pesticides, and preservatives are systematically introduced in this review. The development of these sensors for portable visual fluorescence sensing applications is then covered. Finally, the challenges that these sectors currently face, as well as the potential for future growth, are briefly discussed.
Kinetic Determination of Acetylsalicylic Acid Using a CdTe/AgInS2 Photoluminescence Probe and Different Chemometric Models
Authors: Castro Rafael C. , Páscoa Ricardo N. M. J. , Saraiva M. Lúcia M. F. S. , Santos João L. M. , Ribeiro David S. M.
Published: March 2023

The combination of multiple quantum dots (QDs) in a multi-emitter nanoprobe can be envisaged as a promising sensing scheme, as it enables obtaining a collective response of individual emitters towards a given analyte and allows for achieving specific analyte-response profiles. The processing of these profiles using adequate chemometric methods empowers a more sensitive, reliable and selective determination of the target analyte. In this work, we developed a kinetic fluorometric method consisting of a dual CdTe/AgInS2 quantum dots photoluminescence probe for the determination of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA). The fluorometric response was acquired as second-order time-based excitation/emission matrices that were subsequently processed using chemometric methods seeking to assure the second-order advantage. The data obtained in this work are considered second-order data as they have a three-dimensional size, I × J × K (where I represents the samples’ number, J the fluorescence emission wavelength while K represents the time). In order to select the most adequate chemometric method regarding the obtained data structure, different chemometric models were tested, namely unfolded partial least squares (U-PLS), N-way partial least squares (N-PLS), multilayer feed-forward neural networks (MLF-NNs) and radial basis function neural networks (RBF-NNs).
Microanatomic Morphometric Characteristics of the Third Ventricle Floor
Authors: Theologou Marios , Kouskouras Konstantinos , Natsis Konstantinos , Varoutis Panagiotis , Zaggelidou Eleni , Tsonidis Christos
Published: March 2023

Background: Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is an effective treatment for hydrocephalus. The in-depth understanding of microanatomy is essential for accurate diagnosis, treatment and complications prevention. The aim of this study is to supplement the knowledge gap regarding the microanatomical metrics and correlations for which the literature includes only scarce mentions at best. Methods: This is a descriptive microanatomical study including 25 cadaver brains. Specimens from donors with neurological, psychiatric disorders or alcohol abuse were excluded. Surgical loops were used for harvesting. High-precision tools were employed to dissect and measure the anatomical landmarks under a surgical microscope. Each measurement was performed in three consecutive attempts and outliers were rejected. RStudio was used for statistical analysis. Distribution was evaluated employing the Shapiro–Wilk test. Normally distributed values were presented as mean and standard deviation, and others as median and interquartile range. Results: The age of the donors was 61.72 (±10.08) years. The distance from the anterior aspect of the foramen of Monro to the anterior margin of the mamillary body was 16.83 (±1.04) mm, and to the posterior margin was 16.76 (±1.9) mm. The distance from the anterior mamillary body margin to the infundibulum was 6.39 (±1.9) mm, to the optic recess was 8.25 (±1.84) mm, and to the apex of the vertebral artery was 5.05 (±1.62) mm. The distance from the anterior commissure to the brain aqueduct was 22.46 (±2.29) mm, and to the infundibulum was 13.93 (±2.54) mm. The mamillary body diameter was 4.91 (±0.34) mm in the anteroposterior and 4.21 (±0.48) mm in the cranio-caudal plane. The intraventricular segment was protruding by 1.63 (±0.46) mm. The diameter of the hypothalamus on the anterior margin of mamillary bodies was 1.37 (±0.75) mm, of the Liliequist membrane was 0.19 (±0.07) mm and of the lamina terminalis was 0.35 (±0.32) mm. Conclusion: The presented microanatomical measurements and correlations are expected to contribute to the improvement of ETV safety.
DNA Methylation of Genes Involved in the HPA Axis in Presence of Suicide Behavior: A Systematic Review
Authors: Dionisio-García Diana María , Genis-Mendoza Alma Delia , González-Castro Thelma Beatriz , Tovilla-Zárate Carlos Alfonso , Juarez-Rojop Isela Esther , López-Narváez María Lilia , Hernández-Díaz Yazmín , Nicolini Humberto , Olvera-Hernández Viridiana
Published: March 2023

DNA methylation in genes of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis has been associated with suicide behavior. Through a systematic review, we aimed to evaluate DNA methylation levels of the genes involved in the HPA pathway and their association with suicide behavior. A search of articles was performed using PubMed and Science Direct, EBSCO. The terms included were “DNA methylation”, “suicide”, “epigenetics”, “HPA axis” and “suicide behavior”. This systematic review was performed by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Six studies comprising 743 cases and 761 controls were included in this systematic review. The studies included individuals with suicide ideation, suicide attempts or completed suicide and childhood trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or depression. One study reported hypermethylation in GR in childhood trauma, while two studies found hypermethylation of NR3C1 in childhood trauma and major depressive disorder (MDD). Only one study reported hypermethylation in BNDF in people with MDD. FKBP5 was found to be hypermethylated in people with MDD. Another study reported hypermethylation in CRHBP. SKA2 was reported to be hypermethylated in one study and another study found hypomethylated both in populations with PTSD. CRHR1 was found to be hypermethylated in people with MDD, and the last study found hypomethylation in CRH. Our result showed that patients with suicidal behavior showed a DNA methylation state of genes of the HPA axis in association with psychiatric comorbidity and with adverse events. Genes of the HPA axis could play a role in suicidal behavior associated with adverse events and pathologies. As a result, DNA methylation levels, proteins, and genes involved in the HPA axis could be considered for the search for biomarkers for the prevention of suicidal behavior in future studies.
Implementation of Modified Compression Field Theory to Simulate the Behavior of Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Shear-Strengthened Reinforced Concrete Beams under Monotonic Loading
Authors: Ibrahim Nagwa , Elkholy Said , Godat Ahmed , El-Kholy Ahmed
Published: March 2023

The numerical modeling of structures is a widely preferable approach to investigate the structural behavior of RC beams since it delivers inexpensive predictions for confirming the required goals concurrently with reducing casting, testing time, and effort. Shear-strengthening of reinforced concrete (RC) beams using externally bonded (EB) fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) has attracted much attention due to the fact that the FRP strengthening technique has the ability to alter the distribution of stresses between the structural elements and increase the load-carrying capacity. A significant number of experimental studies have been carried out to test the monotonic behavior of FRP shear-strengthened RC beams. Conversely, limited numerical research has been performed to investigate such performance. The VecTor2 software is developed based on the modified compression field theory (MCFT) and is directed to examine the monotonic behavior of retrofitted specimens using fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites. To the authors’ knowledge, the behavior of FRP shear-strengthened beams has not been explored in the literature using the MCFT modeling approach. The main objective of this study is to detect the software’s capability of predicting the experimental outcomes of FRP shear-strengthened RC beams. This research study is carried out in two stages. Initially, the numerical study involves the development of an accurate finite element model to simulate the control specimens. The quality of this model is assessed by comparing the numerical results with the experimental outcomes. In the second phase of the numerical study, the control beam model is modified to accommodate the presence of external FRP composites. The accuracy of this model is again measured by comparing its predictions with the experimental measurements. The goal of these phases is to ensure that the numerical model captures the actual behavior of the tested beams. Additionally, two distinctive modeling approaches are investigated to represent the behavior of FRP composites. The accuracy of the numerical models is verified through comparisons of numerical predictions to experimental results in terms of ultimate loading capacity, load–deflection relationships, and failure modes. It can be stated that the validated numerical model provides alternate means for evaluating the monotonic behavior of both strengthened and non-strengthened RC beams. The predicted results compare very well with the test results of the control specimens when discrete truss elements are employed for the FRP composites. Furthermore, the numerical model provides useful information on the crack patterns and failure modes.
Development and Research Regarding Stormwater Runoff Management: Bibliometric Analysis from 2001 to 2021
Authors: Hao Weihao , Sohn Dong-Wook , Wan Da
Published: March 2023

As a result of climate change and urbanization, human activities are placing increasing pressure on nature, including with regard to urban stormwater runoff; consequently, various concepts related to urban stormwater runoff management have been proposed to tackle this problem in multiple countries. In this study, the latest research and techniques related to stormwater runoff management are reviewed in detail. A bibliometric analysis of proposed stormwater runoff management concepts developed from 2001 to 2021 was conducted based on a screening of 1771 studies obtained from the Web of Science (WoS). Bibliometric analysis is a research method that can be used to quantitatively analyze academic literature. Visualization of the data obtained from the literature using CiteSpace software and subsequent analysis of patent data through S-curve prediction were performed. The United States, China, and Australia were the top three countries from which publications on this issue were sourced. Each country tends to study its own most relevant issues and has a particularly clear understanding of its own research landscape. The development of stormwater runoff management concepts was analyzed using reference emergence analysis. This was followed by keyword clustering and keyword emergence analysis to identify current research hotspots, trends, technological developments, and limitations. The limitations and emerging trends related to current stormwater runoff management concepts are discussed thoroughly, and suggestions for future studies are provided.
Parametric BIM-Based Lifecycle Performance Prediction and Optimisation for Residential Buildings Using Alternative Materials and Designs
Authors: Gan Jielong , Li Kexin , Li Xiuqi , Mok Emil , Ho Patrick , Law Jenny , Lau Joey , Kwok Raymond , Yau Raymond
Published: March 2023

Residential building construction is resource-intensive and significantly impacts the environment by embodied and operational carbon emissions. This study has adopted a parametric building information modelling (BIM)-based approach for a residential building to analyse its lifecycle carbon performance and to evaluate the optimisation potential through alternative material use and design. The study looks at a residential development project, applying an automatic calculation and analysis tool of upfront embodied carbon and BIM-based lifecycle energy simulation to predict carbon emissions from operating the built spaces. A parametric BIM model has been established to aid energy simulation and operational carbon assessment across a 50-year building lifetime, considering 1.5 °C Net-Zero World and 3 °C Hot House World climate scenarios. Various improvement opportunities for future residential development projects, from material selection to operational efficiencies, are explored. This includes quantitative analysis on architectural-structure design, low-carbon construction materials (e.g., cement substitutes, steel scraps, and green hydrogen steel), and novel design for construction approaches (such as modular integrated construction), with discussion around their impacts on optimising the building lifecycle carbon performance. This study provides a deeper understanding and insights into the lifecycle performance of residential buildings to facilitate further exploration of achieving a more sustainable and low-carbon built environment.
Electric Vehicle Charging Facility Configuration Method for Office Buildings
Authors: Zhu Yan , Ding Yan , Wei Shen , Zafar Hafiz Muhammad Yahya , Yan Rui
Published: March 2023

With the advent of advanced battery technology, EVs are gradually gaining momentum. An appropriate decision-making method for the number of charging piles is in need to meet charging needs, and concurrently, to avoid the waste of infrastructure investment. In this study, an optimal charging pile configuration method for office building parking lots is proposed. With the determination of the design period of charging facilities, a charging load prediction model is established under a collection of charging scenarios. Taking the average utilization rate of charging facilities and the average satisfaction rate of charging demand as the objective functions, the distribution of the optimal number of piles is obtained with the genetic algorithm. The benefits of the configuration method are also explored under the building demand response process. The results show that the optimal configuration of charging piles in office buildings with different volumes have similar characteristics. When the design period is 5 years and 10 years, the comprehensive indicator of the utilization rate of the charging facilities and the satisfaction rate of the charging demand can, respectively, be improved by 8.18% and 17.45%. Moreover, the reasonable scheduling strategy can realize the load regulation response with a maximum load transfer rate of 25.55%.
Wind-Induced Vibration and Vibration Suppression of High-Mast Light Poles with Spiral Helical Strakes
Authors: Zhang Meng , Li Tianxiang , Wang Yang , Chen Yizhuo , Zhao Guifeng
Published: March 2023

In this study, three-dimensional finite element models of high-mast light poles without and with spiral helical strakes were built using ANSYS software to investigate their vibration characteristics in a wind environment. Based on a two-way, fluid–structure interaction simulation method, the dynamic responses of the high-mast light poles under different windspeeds were analyzed. The results indicate that the high-mast light pole structure without spiral helical strakes may suffer from evident vortex-induced vibration, which is dominated by the third vibration mode in the windspeed range of 5~8 m/s, whereas the light pole with spiral helical strakes had no obvious vortex-induced vibration. The external helical strakes can amplify the along-wind response of the light pole to a certain extent, while significantly decreasing its crosswind vortex-induced response. The vibration suppression effect is better when the value of pitch P is small. Practically, if P = 7.5 D (D is the diameter of the dominant vibration mode), the vibration suppression effect is best. On the other hand, if the value of pitch P remains constant, the vibration suppression effect increases with the height H of the outer helical strakes. However, excessively high outer helical strakes may also increase the along-wind response of the structure. In general, when spiral helical strakes are used in design, the recommended values of P and H are P = 7.5 D and H = 0.20 D.
Experimental and Numerical Investigations of RC Frame Stability Failure under a Corner Column Removal Scenario
Authors: Savin Sergey , Kolchunov Vitaly , Fedorova Natalia , Tuyen Vu Ngoc
Published: March 2023

In recent decades, interest in the resistance of buildings and structures to progressive collapse has been increasingly sparked in research communities. Although several experimental, numerical, and analytical research projects on the robustness of building frames under a column removal scenario have been implemented, some aspects of this problem remain understudied. These aspects encompass failure mechanisms of reinforced concrete frames with slender columns, as well as criteria used to evaluate such failures. This paper focuses on experimental and numerical investigations of the structural behavior and failure of a scale reinforced concrete frame with slender columns under a sudden corner column removal scenario. In addition, we analyze the stability failure mechanism of a reinforced concrete frame with slender columns and the tangent stiffness criterion, which allow for evaluation of the ultimate state of a structure subjected to an accidental impact. A scale physical model of a reinforced concrete frame of a multistory building was designed and tested using the theory of functional similarity. For numerical study purposes, a finite element model was made that exactly the same as the test frame. We validated the findings by comparing simulation results and experimental data. The studies on the behavior of a reinforced concrete frame subjected to quasistatic loading with unequal concentrated loads identified the load transfer between columns through beams. Although these effects were minor in the frame under consideration, they can become more significant in cases of long-term loading. Numerical simulation and physical modeling of an accidental impact allowed for identification of the mechanism of load capacity exhaustion triggered by stability failure. Such failure was fragile. The moment of stability failure of the column of the experimental frame corresponded to the extremum on the force–displacement curve, indicating that zero tangent stiffness was reached. Hence, a criterion of tangent stiffness can be proposed for evaluation of the ultimate state of a structure subjected to an accidental impact.
Study on Redistribution of Internal Force and Plastic Hinge Development of Mountainous Building Structures with Foundations at Two Different Elevations
Authors: Tang Yangyang , Li Yingmin , Jiang Baolong , Wang Liping , Ji Shuyan
Published: March 2023

This study was conducted to study the redistribution of internal force and the development of the plastic hinge of an MBS with foundations at two different elevations considering the torsional effect. The results indicate that the redistribution of the base shear of MBS is evident at different embedding ends, and the redistribution of story shear on different floors also took place. The redistribution of the shear force of columns is different at the upper- and lower-embedding sides, and the internal force redistribution is more prominent along the slope direction. Consequently, the redistribution of the internal force of MBS should be considered in practical seismic design. Furthermore, the damage of MBS is transferred from the floors above the upper-embedding end to the floors under the upper-embedding end with the increase in the seismic intensity, where the elements at the floors above the upper-embedding end suffer the most serious damage, and the damage is unevenly distributed in the upper-embedding story and the adjacent upper story. The lower-embedding column is more prone to hinge across the slope direction because of the torsional effect. With γintra changes, the redistributions of the shear force of the base, story, and column are different. A larger γintra would result in a weaker redistribution of base shear. The redistribution of the story shear of the 1st floor and its columns along the slope direction shows an increasing-decreasing tendency with the increase in γintra, and the redistribution is the most serious when γintra is 0.4. While across the slope direction, the redistribution of the story shear tends to be weakened as γintra increases. The forming of the plastic hinge of single-frames along the slope direction is related to γintra and γnon, especially the damage of the upper-embedding columns. The torsional effect has a significant influence on the damage of the single-frames across the slope direction. Some measures should be taken to improve the bearing capacity of the upper embedding columns and columns on floors under the upper-embedding end, as well as the drift ductility of the upper-embedding columns.