bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bacillus coagulant HYI (BC-HYI) Alleviates LPS-Elicited Oxidative Stress by Engaging the Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway and Regulates Gut Macrobiotics in Laying Chickens
Authors: Lu Tianhang , Wang Le , Wu Qiong , Zhang Hua , Cui Defeng , Liu Bowen , Tong Jinjin , Zhang Yonghong
Published: October 2023

In the current study, Bacillus coagulants had a role in combating oxidative stress by inhibiting the growth of intestinal pathogens. However, there are few studies on reducing the mechanisms of oxidative stress. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the effects and underlying mechanisms of B. coagulant HYI (BC-HYI) treatment on growth and intestinal functions in laying chickens under LPS-induced oxidative stress. The in vivo experimental group included five groups of laying chicks: normal control, LPS group, B6 group, B7 group and B8 group. The test consisted of six repetitions in each group, with six animals in each repetition. In the in vitro experiment, an LPS-induced oxidative stress model of chicken fibroblast DF-1 cells was established, and the DF-1 cells were divided into control group, LPS-treated group, B5 group, B6 group and B7 group. On the one hand, we found that BC-HYI can inhibit pathological changes in some intestinal tissues. On the other hand, BC-HYI supplementation has a dual effect on the gut microbiota, promoting the proliferation of beneficial microbes such as Barbarella, Lactobacillus, and Antibacterial while maintaining symbiotic balance. The abundance of Barbarella, Bactericide, and Cloistral was significantly different between the LPS group and the BC-HYI group (p < 0.01). Moreover, compared with the LPS group, BC-HYI significantly decreased reactive oxygen species levels and prevented cell apoptosis (p < 0.01). It used to prevent oxidative stress by activating the Nrf2-ARE/HO-1 signaling pathway, enhancing the scavenging of free radicals, and reducing oxidative damage. BC-HYI alleviated oxidative stress in laying chickens by modulating the gut microbiota and activating the Nrf2-ARE/HO-1 signaling pathway. In summary, laying chickens and cell experiments indicate that BC-HYI supplementation can improve the enzyme function of antioxidants, regulate intestinal barrier function and activate the Nrf2-ARE/HO-1 signaling pathway to regulate intestinal barrier function.
The Protection of the Historic City: The Case of the Surroundings of the Lonja de la Seda in Valencia (Spain), UNESCO World Heritage
Authors: Mileto Camilla , Vegas López-Manzanares Fernando
Published: October 2023

In geographical terms, historic cities possess an inertia in regard to the modification of urban function. This explains why buildings may change over time, but the location of the functions remains. For over a thousand years, the city of Valencia has concentrated the commercial activity of its historic centre around the building of the Lonja de la Seda, its surrounding buildings, and its adjacent spaces, streets and squares. Recent constructions coexist with centuries-old buildings, witnesses to the transformations of this urban enclave, which has retained its commercial function. Although the Lonja de la Seda was declared World Heritage by UNESCO in 1996, its surroundings, despite being of interest and closely linked to the protected building, were not. This article analyses the history and evolution of the built fabric and urban spaces of this complex, which represents the nerve centre for commerce in the city of Valencia. This text presents research based on studies carried out directly on the buildings in this context by the authors, as well as indirect examinations of documentation from the archives and the existing bibliography. The aim of this study is to showcase how combining material and documentary studies can lead to a broader definition of the tangible and intangible values of cultural heritage. This, in turn, could lead to the comprehensive enhancement of the historic city, where historic residential fabric and notable buildings are merely manifestations of the process for the construction of the city.
Control of Radon Flux of an Inactive Uranium Mill Facility in Spain
Authors: Fuente Ismael , Sainz Carlos , Quindós Luis , Rábago Daniel , Gutiérrez Isidoro , Fernández Alicia , Rodríguez Raúl , Celaya Santiago
Published: October 2023

As part of a contract with ENRESA (National Radioactive Waste Company S.A. is a Spanish public company responsible for the management of radioactive waste), after the closure of the uranium mill factory in Andújar, Spain, continuous measurements of the radon flux have been carried out on an annual basis using activated carbon detectors following a methodology established in our laboratory (ISO 11665-7, 2012). The results obtained and their usefulness are presented from the point of view of control of the closure conditions established by the competent authority in order to minimize the impact of the site on the environment.
Hearing Results after Transmastoid Superior Semicircular Canal Plugging for Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Michailidou Efterpi , Rüegg Pascal Oliver , Karrer Tanya , Korda Athanasia , Weder Stefan , Kompis Martin , Caversaccio Marco , Mantokoudis Georgios
Published: October 2023

Objective: The transmastoid plugging of a superior semicircular canal is considered a safe and effective technique for the management of superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD). The aim of this meta-analysis is to assess the postoperative hearing outcomes after the transmastoid plugging of the superior semicircular canal. Search method and data sources: A systematic database search was performed on the following databases until 30 January 2023: MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CINAHL, ICTRP, and clinicaltrials.gov. A systematic literature review and meta-analysis of the pooled data were conducted. We also included a consecutive case series with SCDS for those who underwent transmastoid plugging treatment at our clinic. Results: We identified 643 citations and examined 358 full abstracts and 88 full manuscripts. A total of 16 studies were eligible for the systematic review and 11 studies for the meta-analysis. Furthermore, 159 ears (152 patients) were included. The postoperative mean air conduction threshold remained unchanged (mean difference, 2.89 dB; 95% CI: −0.05, 5.84 dB, p = 0.58), while the mean bone conduction threshold was significantly worse (mean difference, −3.53 dB; 95% CI, −6.1, −0.95 dB, p = 0.9). Conclusion: The transmastoid plugging technique for superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome, although minimally worsening the inner ear threshold, is a safe procedure in terms of hearing preservation and satisfactory symptom relief.
Bi-Univalent Functions Based on Binomial Series-Type Convolution Operator Related with Telephone Numbers
Authors: Bayram Hasan , Vijaya Kaliappan , Murugusundaramoorthy Gangadharan , Yalçın Sibel
Published: October 2023

This paper introduces two novel subclasses of the function class Σ for bi-univalent functions, leveraging generalized telephone numbers and Binomial series through convolution. The exploration is conducted within the domain of the open unit disk. We delve into the analysis of initial Taylor-Maclaurin coefficients |a2| and |a3|, deriving insights and findings for functions belonging to these new subclasses. Additionally, Fekete-Szegö inequalities are established for these functions. Furthermore, the study unveils a range of new subclasses of Σ, some of which are special cases, yet have not been previously explored in conjunction with telephone numbers. These subclasses emerge as a result of hybrid-type convolution operators. Concluding from our results, we present several corollaries, which stand as fresh contributions in the domain of involution numbers involving hybrid-type convolution operators.
Assessing the Impact of Anthropic Pressures on Aquatic Macroinvertebrates: A Functional Trait Approach in the Irtysh River Watershed
Authors: Liu Fei , Zi Fangze , Wang Xinyue , Zeng Honghui , Huo Bin , Wang Chengxin , Ge Jianmin , Chen Shengao , Wang Baoqiang
Published: October 2023

Little is known about how changes in the biodiversity and functional traits of macroinvertebrates in rivers respond to the responses of anthropic pressures and their driving factors. Macroinvertebrates were sampled at 17 sites in the Irtysh River Basin and classified macroinvertebrates into 10 traits and 38 categories between May and August 2022. Then, we performed R-mode linked to Q-mode (RLQ) analysis and calculated functional richness, evenness, divergence, and Rao’s quadratic entropy (RaoQ) for each site and community-weighted means for each trait category. Our results indicated that there were pronounced alterations in species variability in the urban region. Functional divergence indicated fierce competition among species and considerable niche overlap in the urban region. Functional evenness indicated that species abundance distribution and interspecific functional distance were not uniform in the urban region. Functional richness indicated that the urban region was the strongest region in terms of niche occupation, resource utilization, and buffering capacity for environmental fluctuations. Rao’s quadratic entropy showed that the trait difference of macroinvertebrates was the largest in all regions, which was caused by the gradient environmental difference. Research has revealed that urbanization significantly influences the evolutionary trajectory of macroinvertebrate fauna, culminating in an upsurge in pollution-tolerant species and a convergence of functional traits. We recommend strengthening the control of urban and industrial pollution and wise planning and management of land and water resources to mitigate the impact of anthropogenic destruction on habitat fragmentation in the Irtysh River Basin.
Hydroxyl Radical vs. One-Electron Oxidation Reactivities in an Alternating GC Double-Stranded Oligonucleotide: A New Type Electron Hole Stabilization
Authors: Masi Annalisa , Capobianco Amedeo , Bobrowski Krzysztof , Peluso Andrea , Chatgilialoglu Chryssostomos
Published: October 2023

We examined the reaction of hydroxyl radicals (HO•) and sulfate radical anions (SO4•−), which is generated by ionizing radiation in aqueous solutions under anoxic conditions, with an alternating GC doubled-stranded oligodeoxynucleotide (ds-ODN), i.e., the palindromic 5′-d(GCGCGC)-3′. In particular, the optical spectra of the intermediate species and associated kinetic data in the range of ns to ms were obtained via pulse radiolysis. Computational studies by means of density functional theory (DFT) for structural and time-dependent DFT for spectroscopic features were performed on 5′-d(GCGC)-3′. Comprehensively, our results suggest the addition of HO• to the G:C pair moiety, affording the [8-HO-G:C]• detectable adduct. The previous reported spectra of one-electron oxidation of a variety of ds-ODN were assigned to [G(-H+):C]• after deprotonation. Regarding 5′-d(GCGCGC)-3′ ds-ODN, the spectrum at 800 ns has a completely different spectral shape and kinetic behavior. By means of calculations, we assigned the species to [G:C/C:G]•+, in which the electron hole is predicted to be delocalized on the two stacked base pairs. This transient species was further hydrated to afford the [8-HO-G:C]• detectable adduct. These remarkable findings suggest that the double-stranded alternating GC sequences allow for a new type of electron hole stabilization via delocalization over the whole sequence or part of it.
Extra-Synaptic GABAA Receptor Potentiation and Neurosteroid-Induced Learning Deficits Are Inhibited by GR3027, a GABAA Modulating Steroid Antagonist
Authors: Bengtsson Sara K. S. , Sjöstedt Jessica , Malinina Evgenya , Das Roshni , Doverskog Magnus , Johansson Maja , Haage David , Bäckström Torbjörn
Published: October 2023

Objectives In Vitro: To study the effects of GR3027 (golexanolone) on neurosteroid-induced GABA-mediated current responses under physiological GABAergic conditions with recombinant human α5β3γ2L and α1β2γ2L GABAA receptors expressed in human embryonic kidney cells, using the response patch clamp technique combined with the Dynaflow™ application system. With α5β3γ2L receptors, 0.01–3 μM GR3027, in a concentration-dependent manner, reduced the current response induced by 200 nM THDOC + 0.3 µM GABA, as well as the THDOC-induced direct gated effect. GR3027 (1 μM) alone had no effect on the GABA-mediated current response or current in the absence of GABA. With α1β2γ2L receptors, GR3027 alone had no effect on the GABA-mediated current response or did not affect the receptor by itself. Meanwhile, 1–3 µM GR3027 reduced the current response induced by 200 nM THDOC + 30 µM GABA and 3 µM GR3027 that induced by 200 nM THDOC when GABA was not present. Objectives In Vivo: GR3027 reduces allopregnanolone (AP)-induced decreased learning and anesthesia in male Wistar rats. Rats treated i.v. with AP (2.2 mg/kg) or vehicle were given GR3027 in ratios of 1:0.5 to 1:5 dissolved in 10% 2-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin. A dose ratio of AP:GR3027 of at least 1:2.5 antagonized the AP-induced decreased learning in the Morris Water Mase (MWM) and 1:7.5 antagonized the loss of righting reflex (LoR). GR3027 treatment did not change other functions in the rat compared to the vehicle group. Conclusions: GR3027 functions in vitro as an inhibitor of GABAA receptors holding α5β3γ2L and α1β2γ2L, in vivo, in the rat, as a dose-dependent inhibitor toward AP’s negative effects on LoR and learning in the MWM.
Serum Leptin Receptor and the rs1137101 Variant of the LEPR Gene Are Associated with Bladder Cancer
Authors: Alfaqih Mahmoud A. , Elsalem Lina , Nusier Mohamad , Mhedat Khawla , Khader Yousef , Ababneh Ebaa
Published: October 2023

Globally, bladder cancer (BC) is one of the ten most common tumors. Obesity is a worldwide problem associated with an increased BC risk. Considering that levels of leptin and/or its receptor are often deregulated in obese individuals, we hypothesized that they could contribute to BC. To test this hypothesis, we utilized a case-control study in which 116 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of BC and 116 controls were recruited. The serum levels of leptin and leptin receptor were measured. Patients and controls were also genotyped for SNPs in the LEP (rs7799039, rs791620, and rs2167270) and LEPR genes (rs1137100, rs1137101, and rs1805094). The univariate analysis indicated that BC patients had significantly higher levels of leptin and lower levels of leptin receptor (p < 0.05). Moreover, rs7799039 of LEP and rs1137101 of LEPR were associated with BC (p < 0.05). In the multivariate analysis, leptin receptor levels were protective (OR: 0.98, 95% CI = 0.97–0.99, p = 0.002) while the GG genotype of rs1137101 of LEPR increased BC risk (OR: 3.42, 95% CI = 1.27–9.20, p = 0.02). These findings highlight that lifestyle changes could be useful in preventing BC and that disturbances in energy metabolism could play a role in the pathobiology of BC.
Risk Prediction of Chronic Rhinosinusitis with or without Nasal Polyps in Taiwanese Population Using Polygenic Risk Score for Nasal Polyps
Authors: Jiang Rong-San , Chen I-Chieh , Chen Yi-Ming , Hsiao Tzu-Hung , Chen Yi-Chen
Published: October 2023

The association between single nucleotide polymorphisms and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) has been determined. However, it was not known whether the polygenic risk score (PRS) for nasal polyps (NP) could predict CRS with NP (CRSwNP) or without NP (CRSsNP). The aim of this study was to investigate the association between PRSs for NP and the risk of CRS with or without NP. Data from 535 individuals with CRS and 5350 control subjects in the Taiwan Precision Medicine Initiative project were collected. Four PRSs for NP, including PGS000933, PGS000934, PGS001848, and PGS002060 from UK Biobank, were tested in these participants. They were divided into four groups according to quartiles of PRSs. The logistic regression model was performed to evaluate CRSwNP and CRSsNP risk according to PRSs for NP. The PGS002060 had the highest area under the curve at 0.534 for CRSsNP prediction and at 0.588 for CRSwNP prediction. Compared to subjects in the lowest PRS category, the PGS002060 significantly increased the odds for CRSsNP by 1.48 at the highest quintile (p = 0.003) and by 2.32 at the highest quintile for CRSwNP (p = 0.002). In addition, the odds for CRSwNP increased by 3.01 times in female CRSwNP patients (p = 0.009) at the highest quintile compared with those in the lowest PRS category. The PRSs for NP developed from European populations could be applied to the Taiwanese population to predict CRS risk, especially for female CRSwNP.
Peritumoral Edema in Gliomas: A Review of Mechanisms and Management
Authors: Ohmura Kazufumi , Tomita Hiroyuki , Hara Akira
Published: October 2023

Treating malignant glioma is challenging owing to its highly invasive potential in healthy brain tissue and the formation of intense surrounding edema. Peritumoral edema in gliomas can lead to severe symptoms including neurological dysfunction and brain herniation. For the past 50 years, the standard treatment for peritumoral edema has been steroid therapy. However, the discovery of cerebral lymphatic vessels a decade ago prompted a re-evaluation of the mechanisms involved in brain fluid regulation and the formation of cerebral edema. This review aimed to describe the clinical features of peritumoral edema in gliomas. The mechanisms currently known to cause glioma-related edema are summarized, the limitations in current cerebral edema therapies are discussed, and the prospects for future cerebral edema therapies are presented. Further research concerning edema surrounding gliomas is needed to enhance patient prognosis and improve treatment efficacy.
Single-Cell RNA Sequencing (scRNA-seq) Identifies L1CAM as a Key Mediator between Epithelial Tuft Cell and Innate Lymphoid Cell in the Colon of Hnrnp I Knockout Mice
Authors: Xu Guanying (Bianca) , Pan Yuan-Xiang , Mei Wenyan , Chen Hong
Published: October 2023

(1) Background: Knockout (KO) of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein I (Hnrnp I) in mouse intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) induced a severe inflammatory response in the colon, followed by hyperproliferation. This study aimed to investigate the epithelial lineage dynamics and cell–cell communications that underlie inflammation and colitis. (2) Methods: Single cells were isolated from the colons of wildtype (WT) and KO mice and used in scRNA-seq. Whole colons were collected for immunofluorescence staining and cytokine assays. (3) Results: from scRNA-seq, the number of DCLK1 + colonic tuft cells was significantly higher in the Hnrnp I KO mice compared to the WT mice. This was confirmed by immunofluorescent staining of DCLK1. The DCLK1 + colonic tuft cells in KO mice developed unique communications with lymphocytes via interactions between surface L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM) and integrins. In the KO mice colons, a significantly elevated level of inflammatory cytokines IL4, IL6, and IL13 were observed, which marks type-2 immune responses directed by group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s). (4) Conclusions: This study demonstrates one critical cellular function of colonic tuft cells, which facilitates type-2 immune responses by communicating with ILC2s via the L1CAM–integrins interaction. This communication promotes pro-inflammatory signaling pathways in ILC2, leading to the increased secretion of inflammatory cytokines.
Correction: Štorkánová et al. Inhibition of Hsp90 Counteracts the Established Experimental Dermal Fibrosis Induced by Bleomycin. Biomedicines 2021, 9, 650
Authors: Štorkánová Hana , Štorkánová Lenka , Navrátilová Adéla , Bečvář Viktor , Hulejová Hana , Oreská Sabína , Heřmánková Barbora , Špiritović Maja , Bečvář Radim , Pavelka Karel , Vencovský Jiří , Distler Jörg H. W. , Šenolt Ladislav , Tomčík Michal
Published: October 2023

In the original publication [...]
Rapid and Label-Free Analysis of Antigen–Antibody Dynamic Binding of Tumor Markers Using Piezoelectric Quartz Crystal Biosensor
Authors: Chen Yan , Shi Huashan
Published: October 2023

Quantitative biomacromolecular diagnosis is rapidly developing in molecular oncology. In this study, we developed a continuous flow immunoassay device based on a piezoelectric (PZ) quartz crystal biosensor fabricated with whole-electrode occupation for the quantitative molecular diagnosis of tumor markers such as alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). Only one face of the crystal was in contact with the serum sample during the assays. First, the characteristics of AFP and anti-AFP binding kinetics, such as the optimal time for immune response, the average antigen binding rate, the kinetic constants and the optimal standard curve, were investigated. The overall immunoreaction time was only 12 min, the average antigen binding rate of AFP was 45.9 ng/min, the concentration range of AFP detection was 18.8–1100 ng/mL and the association rate constant (kon), dissociation rate constant (koff) and equilibrium dissociation constant (KD) were 5.58×104 M−1s−1,1.79×10−5 s−1 and 3.21×10−10 M, respectively. This sensing system was further validated by detecting AFP values from clinical serum samples, which were obtained from pregnant women, liver and lung cancer patients and those undergoing liver cancer screening. No cross-reactivity with lung cancer markers were found, and the detection results were in good agreement with the radioimmunoassay (RIA) results, with a relative deviation of no more than 3.7% and correlation coefficient r of 0.9998. Therefore, the developed immunoassay device has the potential to be used in large-scale screening for cancers, as well as in novel high-affinity binding drug development.
A Cascade Signal Amplification Strategy for the Ultrasensitive Fluorescence Detection of Cu2+ via λ-Exonuclease-Assisted Target Recycling with Mismatched Catalytic Hairpin Assembly
Authors: Liu Zhen , Liu Chen , He Liqiong , Liu Jinquan , Li Le , Yang Shengyuan , Tan Yan , Liu Xing , Xiao Xilin
Published: October 2023

Herein, an ultrasensitive DNAzyme-based fluorescence biosensor for detecting Cu2+ was designed using the cascade signal amplification strategy, coupling λ-exonuclease-assisted target recycling and mismatched catalytic hairpin assembly (MCHA). In the designed detection system, the target, Cu2+, can activate the Cu2+-dependent DNAzyme to cause a cleavage reaction, releasing ssDNA (tDNA). Then, tDNA binds to hairpin DNA (H0) with an overhanging 5′-phosphorylated terminus to form dsDNA with a blunt 5′-phosphorylated terminus, which activates the dsDNA to be digested by λ-Exo and releases tDNA along with another ssDNA (iDNA). Subsequently, the iDNA initiates MCHA, which can restore the fluorescence of carboxyfluorescein (FAM) previously quenched by tetramethylrhodamine (TAMRA), resulting in a strong fluorescent signal. Furthermore, MCHA efficiently improves the signal-to-noise ratio of the detection system. More importantly, tDNA recycling can be achieved with the λ-Exo digestion reaction to release more iDNA, efficiently amplifying the fluorescent signal and further improving the sensitivity to Cu2+ with a detection limit of 60 fM. The practical application of the developed biosensor was also demonstrated by detecting Cu2+ in real samples, proving it to be an excellent analytical strategy for the ultrasensitive quantification of heavy metal ions in environmental water sources.
Non-Pharmacological Treatment of Primary Headaches—A Focused Review
Authors: Licina Emir , Radojicic Aleksandra , Jeremic Marta , Tomic Aleksandra , Mijajlovic Milija
Published: October 2023

Headache disorders are a significant global health burden, leading to reduced quality of life. While vast pharmacological treatments are available, they may be associated with adverse effects or inadequate efficacy for some patients, therefore there is a need for exploring alternate treatment strategies. This review gives a brief explanation and evaluation of some established and emerging non-pharmacological approaches for headache management, focusing on nutraceuticals and diet, acupuncture, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), biofeedback, relaxation techniques, autogenic training, and neuromodulation. Special consideration is given to psychological interventions as they increase patient self-efficacy and provide strategies for managing chronic pain. Future research should focus on optimizing these therapies, identifying patient-specific factors influencing their effectiveness, and integrating them into holistic headache management strategies.
Low-Energy Transcranial Navigation-Guided Focused Ultrasound for Neuropathic Pain: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Shin Dong Hoon , Son Seong , Kim Eun Young
Published: October 2023

Neuromodulation using high-energy focused ultrasound (FUS) has recently been developed for various neurological disorders, including tremors, epilepsy, and neuropathic pain. We investigated the safety and efficacy of low-energy FUS for patients with chronic neuropathic pain. We conducted a prospective single-arm trial with 3-month follow-up using new transcranial, navigation-guided, focused ultrasound (tcNgFUS) technology to stimulate the anterior cingulate cortex. Eleven patients underwent FUS with a frequency of 250 kHz and spatial-peak temporal-average intensity of 0.72 W/cm2. A clinical survey based on the visual analog scale of pain and a brief pain inventory (BPI) was performed during the study period. The average age was 60.55 ± 13.18 years-old with a male-to-female ratio of 6:5. The median current pain decreased from 10.0 to 7.0 (p = 0.021), median average pain decreased from 8.5 to 6.0 (p = 0.027), and median maximum pain decreased from 10.0 to 8.0 (p = 0.008) at 4 weeks after treatment. Additionally, the sum of daily life interference based on BPI was improved from 59.00 ± 11.66 to 51.91 ± 9.18 (p = 0.021). There were no side effects such as burns, headaches, or seizures, and no significant changes in follow-up brain magnetic resonance imaging. Low-energy tcNgFUS could be a safe and noninvasive neuromodulation technique for the treatment of chronic neuropathic pain
The Projective Consciousness Model: Projective Geometry at the Core of Consciousness and the Integration of Perception, Imagination, Motivation, Emotion, Social Cognition and Action
Authors: Rudrauf David , Sergeant-Perthuis Grégoire , Tisserand Yvain , Poloudenny Germain , Williford Kenneth , Amorim Michel-Ange
Published: October 2023

Consciousness has been described as acting as a global workspace that integrates perception, imagination, emotion and action programming for adaptive decision making. The mechanisms of this workspace and their relationships to the phenomenology of consciousness need to be further specified. Much research in this area has focused on the neural correlates of consciousness, but, arguably, computational modeling can better be used toward this aim. According to the Projective Consciousness Model (PCM), consciousness is structured as a viewpoint-organized, internal space, relying on 3D projective geometry and governed by the action of the Projective Group as part of a process of active inference. The geometry induces a group-structured subjective perspective on an encoded world model, enabling adaptive perspective taking in agents. Here, we review and discuss the PCM. We emphasize the role of projective mechanisms in perception and the appraisal of affective and epistemic values as tied to the motivation of action, under an optimization process of Free Energy minimization, or more generally stochastic optimal control. We discuss how these mechanisms enable us to model and simulate group-structured drives in the context of social cognition and to understand the mechanisms underpinning empathy, emotion expression and regulation, and approach–avoidance behaviors. We review previous results, drawing on applications in robotics and virtual humans. We briefly discuss future axes of research relating to applications of the model to simulation- and model-based behavioral science, geometrically structured artificial neural networks, the relevance of the approach for explainable AI and human–machine interactions, and the study of the neural correlates of consciousness.
Do Performance-Based Measures and Behavioral Ratings of Executive Functioning Complement Each Other in Predicting Reading and Mathematics in Chinese?
Authors: Georgiou George K. , Zhang Li
Published: October 2023

We examined what executive functioning (EF) components predict reading and mathematics within the same study and whether the effects of behavioral ratings of EF overlap or complement those of performance-based measures. One hundred and nine Grade 2 Mandarin-speaking Chinese students from Chengdu, China (55 girls, 54 boys, Mage = 8.15 years), were assessed on measures of EF (planning, inhibition, shifting, and working memory), speed of processing, reading and mathematics. Parents also rated their children’s EF skills using the Childhood Executive Functioning Inventory. Results of hierarchical regression analyses showed that only working memory among the performance-based EF measures predicted reading and mathematics. In addition, none of the behavioral ratings of EF made a significant contribution to reading and mathematics after controlling for mother’s education and speed of processing. Taken together, these findings suggest that working memory is a domain general predictor of academic achievement, but only when measured with cognitive tasks.
Domain Specific and Cross Domain Associations between PASS Cognitive Processes and Academic Achievement
Authors: Sergiou Sergios C. , Georgiou George K. , Charalambous Charalambos Y.
Published: October 2023

The purpose of this study was to examine the role of intelligence—operationalized in terms of Planning, Attention, Simultaneous, and Successive (PASS) processing skills—in reading and mathematics. Two hundred and forty-two Grade 6 Greek-speaking students (114 boys and 128 girls, Mage = 135.65 months, SD = 4.12 months) were assessed on PASS processes, speed of processing (Visual Matching), reading (Wordchains and CBM-Maze), and mathematics (Mathematics Achievement Test and Mathematics Reasoning Test). The results of the hierarchical regression analyses showed that, after controlling for family’s socioeconomic status and speed of processing, Attention and Successive processing predicted reading and Planning and Simultaneous processing predicted mathematics. Taken together, these findings suggest that different PASS processes may account for individual differences in reading and mathematics.
A Sense of Scarcity Enhances the Above-Average Effect in Social Comparison
Authors: Wang Xiaoyan , Jiao Lan
Published: October 2023

Scarcity refers to a state in which an individual’s resources do not satisfy his/her needs. A sense of scarcity evokes negative emotions. A fundamental strategy for coping with this negative threat is for people to emphasize the desirability of their personal traits. In this study, a 2 (sense of scarcity: high or low) × 2 (valence: positive or negative) mixed-design experiment was conducted to examine whether and how a sense of scarcity affected one’s self-evaluation. Participants were assigned randomly to a high- or low-scarcity group. The chances of assistance rendered to an individual during a word puzzle task were manipulated to induce a high or low sense of scarcity. Then, participants were asked to make positive and negative trait judgments of themselves compared with their average peers. The results showed that people judged their personalities to be more desirable (i.e., more positive and less negative traits) than their average peers, manifesting the above-average effect. More importantly, people with a high sense of scarcity manifested a greater above-average effect than those with a low sense of scarcity. This study suggests that people could highlight their positive aspects to cope with predicaments in social life.
A Rule-Based Design Approach to Generate Mass Housing in Rural Areas of the North China Plain
Authors: Wang Jiang , Fan Wei , Zhao Bolun , Yang Yang , Zhang Zhijun
Published: October 2023

Affected by the development strategy of Rural Space Reconstruction in China, the demand for rural mass housing has peaked in the North China Plain in the past 20 years. However, due to the inefficiency of conventional design methods, the rural houses built appear to have a noticeable trend of urbanization and homogeneity. To propose a more effective design approach to change the hitherto unsuccessful homogenized phenomenon of rural design, the study is based on investigating the composition, configuration and characteristics of the dwellings in some traditional villages of the eastern Shandong Province, and it compares and analyzes the differences between conventional methods and generation methods through three design tests: Test 1 is for the reappearance of a general mode of planning, Test 2 is based on the definition of shape-grammar-based rules and Test 3 is mainly used for the optimizing and programming of rules. Furthermore, based on the three prototypes of homestead combination, three-level rules are determined through the three tests mentioned above: Level-1 describes the housing prototype consisting of four homesteads, which generates a variety of spatial relations through the translation of homesteads. Level-2 describes a neighborhood prototype consisting of 16 homesteads, which generates various samples through splitting prototypes and expanding homesteads. Level-3 describes a block prototype consisting of 64 homesteads, which controls open space and identifies a given base during sample filling. Through the analysis of the tests results, the rationality and feasibility of the generative design approach are verified, proving that this approach effectively solves the design monotony problem that commonly exists in rural mass housing in the North China Plain.
Safety Risk Evaluation of Metro Shield Construction When Undercrossing a Bridge
Authors: He Kuang , Zhu Jun , Wang Hui , Huang Yanlong , Li Hujun , Dai Zishuang , Zhang Jingxiao
Published: October 2023

The government of China has planned numerous metro projects, and with more metros, undercrossing of bridges can hardly be avoided. Metro shield construction when undercrossing a bridge (MSCUB) frequently takes place in complicated natural and social contexts, which often makes the construction process more susceptible to safety accidents. Therefore, it is crucial to look into the safety risk during MSCUB. This paper identified the safety risk factors during MSCUB by using a literature review and expert group evaluation, proposed a novel safety risk assessment model by integrating confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and fuzzy evidence reasoning (FER), and then selected a project case to test the validity of the suggested model. The study results show that (a) a safety risk factor list for MSCUB was identified, including four first-level safety risk factors and thirty-seven second-level safety risk factors; (b) the proposed safety risk assessment model can be used to measure the risk values of the overall safety risk of a worksite, the first-level safety risk factors, and the second-level safety risk factors during MSCUB; (c) environment-type safety risk factors and personnel-type safety risk factors have higher risk values during shield construction when undercrossing a bridge; (d) when compared with worker-type safety risk factors, manager-type safety risk factors are the higher risks. This study can enrich the theoretical knowledge of MSCUB safety risk assessment and provide references for safety managers for conducting scientific and effective safety management on a construction site when constructing metro shields undercrossing a bridge.
Deformation Analysis and Optimization of Steel-Tube-Columns Combined-with-Bailey-Beams Doorway Support
Authors: Wang Weimin , Yang Zheng , Guo Chen , Lu Chunting , Cheng Shengzhao
Published: October 2023

As a commonly used support system in highway bridge construction, the deformation of steel-tube-columns-combined-with-Bailey-beams doorway supports is often an indicator for safety and quality control. In this paper, through finite element simulation and theoretical derivation, the main form of deformation of each part of the combined doorway is analyzed, by using the rigid body function of ANSYS. The study shows that when bearing vertical load, the deformation of the combined doorway is mainly caused by the deflection of the Bailey beams; when bearing transverse horizontal load, the deformation of the combined doorway is mainly caused by the rotation of the foundation; when bearing longitudinal horizontal load, the deformation of the combined doorway is mainly caused by the offset bending of the Bailey beams out of the plane. When several loads are applied to the combined doorway at the same time, the deformation in the linear phase follows the superposition principle, and the geometric nonlinearity has little effect on the overall deformation of the structure. The structural deformation caused by different types of loads can be calculated separately, and then the structural deformation under composite load can be calculated by linear superposition, using geometric relationships. The safety and deformation resistance of steel-tube-columns-combined-with-Bailey-beams doorway supports can be effectively improved by choosing reinforced Bailey beams, increasing the width of the foundation, and setting lateral supports between the Bailey beams.
Utilising Artificial Neural Networks for Assessing Seismic Demands of Buckling Restrained Braces Due to Pulse-like Motions
Authors: Mohammadi Amirhossein , Karimzadeh Shaghayegh , Yaghmaei-Sabegh Saman , Ranjbari Maryam , Lourenço Paulo B.
Published: October 2023

Buckling restrained brace frames (BRBFs) exhibit exceptional lateral stiffness, load-bearing capacity, and energy dissipation properties, rendering them a highly promising choice for regions susceptible to seismic activity. The precise and expeditious prediction of seismic demands on BRBFs is a crucial and challenging task. In this paper, the potential of artificial neural networks (ANNs) to predict the seismic demands of BRBFs is explored. The study presents the characteristics and modelling of prototype BRBFs with different numbers of stories and material properties, utilising the OpenSees software (Version 2.5.0) for numerical simulations. The seismic performance of the BRBFs is evaluated using 91 near-fault pulse-like ground motions, and the maximum inter-storey drift ratio (MIDR) and global drift ratio (GDR) are recorded as a measure of seismic demand. ANNs are then trained to predict the MIDR and GDR of the selected prototypes. The model’s performance is assessed by analysing the residuals and error metrics and then comparing the trend of the results with the real dataset. Feature selection is utilised to decrease the complexity of the problem, with spectral acceleration at the fundamental period (T) of the structure (Sa), peak ground acceleration (PGA), peak ground velocity (PGV), and T being the primary factors impacting seismic demand estimation. The findings demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed ANN approach in accurately predicting the seismic demands of BRBFs.
Determining Artificial Lighting Criteria for Traditional Mud Buildings and Their Impact on Aesthetic Values and Functional Aspects (A Case Study: Historical At-Turaif District)
Authors: Hameedaldeen Kawther A. , Altassan Abdulrahman A. , Kotbi Ahmad G.
Published: October 2023

This study aimed to analyze the lighting design in selected historical sites. Lighting plays a significant role in reflecting symbolic, functional, and aesthetic values. Our study found that there is no special recognition for mud buildings’ outdoor lighting standards, so we analyzed the lighting design in a case study approved by the Diriyah Gate Development Authority. We developed lighting criteria and tested the effect of the building surface on these criteria, to be used as a reference for lighting local mud heritage buildings. This study used a mixed methods research framework encompassing both qualitative and quantitative data. For the qualitative data, a descriptive–analytical approach was used to list all the criteria found in the literature for historical and heritage buildings, as well as site visits and observations for the selected mud building. The quantitative data contained the dimensions identified in the first phase to develop and test the preferences of lighting criteria illuminance and correlated color temperature (CCT). A computer simulation was created to derive the outdoor lighting standards, and a questionnaire was developed to assess clarity, sensitivity, and preferences. The findings revealed that participants mostly preferred higher illuminance and warm temperature was preferred over other temperature options. The manuscript concludes with some recommendations for future studies.
Service Provider Portfolio Selection across the Project Life Cycle Considering Synergy Effect
Authors: Zhang Yipei , Zheng Kanyin , An Yuqin , Bai Libiao
Published: October 2023

During the project life cycle, selecting the appropriate service provider portfolio (SPP) is essential to guaranteeing the successful implementation of manufacturing tasks. However, the existence of the synergy effect among service providers poses a challenge for decision makers in selecting the most suitable SPP. To effectively address this challenge, this study constructs a novel service provider portfolio selection (SPPS) model across the project life cycle, considering the synergy effect. The model is based on the integration of a radial basis function neural network (RBFNN), the technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS), and the entropy method (EM). First, the evaluation criteria for service provider selection are defined, followed by the identification of alternative service providers and feasible SPPs based on project life cycle division. Subsequently, a quantitative analysis of the synergy effect among service providers within the same stage, as well as between different stages, throughout the project life cycle, is carried out. This analysis helps to determine the input variables and expected output variables that will be utilized in the model. Additionally, the feasibility and applicability of the proposed model are illustrated through an example. Finally, a comparison between the proposed hybrid model and the BPNN is conducted to validate the model’s accuracy and efficiency. This study contributes to making sound decisions in the SPPS process from a project life cycle perspective.
Object Detection and Distance Measurement Algorithm for Collision Avoidance of Precast Concrete Installation during Crane Lifting Process
Authors: Yong Yik Pong , Lee Seo Joon , Chang Young Hee , Lee Kyu Hyup , Kwon Soon Wook , Cho Chung Suk , Chung Su Wan
Published: October 2023

In the construction industry, the process of carrying heavy loads from one location to another by means of a crane is inevitable. This reliance on cranes to carry heavy loads is more obvious when it comes to high-rise building construction. Depending on the conditions and requirements on-site, various types of construction lifting equipment (i.e., cranes) are being used. As off-site construction (OSC) is gaining more traction recently, cranes are becoming more important throughout the construction project as precast concrete (PC) members are major components of OSC calling for lifting work. As a result of the increased use of cranes on construction sites, concerns about construction safety as well as the effectiveness of existing load collision prevention systems are attracting more attention from various parties involved. Besides the inherent risks associated with heavy load lifting, the unpredictable movement of on-site workers around the crane operation area, along with the presence of blind spots that obstruct the crane operator’s field-of-view (FOV), further increase the accident probability during crane operation. As such, the need for a more reliable and improved collision avoidance system that prevents lifted loads from hitting other structures and workers is paramount. This study introduces the application of deep learning-based object detection and distance measurement sensors integrated in a complementary way to achieve the stated need. Specifically, the object detection technique was used with the application of an Internet Protocol (IP) camera to detect the workers within the crane operation radius, whereas ultrasonic sensors were used to measure the distance of surrounding obstacles. Both applications were designed to work concurrently so as to prevent potential collisions during crane lifting operations. The field testing and evaluation of the integrated system showed promising results.
A Network of 17 Microtubule-Related Genes Highlights Functional Deregulations in Breast Cancer
Authors: Rodrigues-Ferreira Sylvie , Morin Morgane , Guichaoua Gwenn , Moindjie Hadia , Haykal Maria M. , Collier Olivier , Stoven Véronique , Nahmias Clara
Published: October 2023

A wide panel of microtubule-associated proteins and kinases is involved in coordinated regulation of the microtubule cytoskeleton and may thus represent valuable molecular markers contributing to major cellular pathways deregulated in cancer. We previously identified a panel of 17 microtubule-related (MT-Rel) genes that are differentially expressed in breast tumors showing resistance to taxane-based chemotherapy. In the present study, we evaluated the expression, prognostic value and functional impact of these genes in breast cancer. We show that 14 MT-Rel genes (KIF4A, ASPM, KIF20A, KIF14, TPX2, KIF18B, KIFC1, AURKB, KIF2C, GTSE1, KIF15, KIF11, RACGAP1, STMN1) are up-regulated in breast tumors compared with adjacent normal tissue. Six of them (KIF4A, ASPM, KIF20A, KIF14, TPX2, KIF18B) are overexpressed by more than 10-fold in tumor samples and four of them (KIF11, AURKB, TPX2 and KIFC1) are essential for cell survival. Overexpression of all 14 genes, and underexpression of 3 other MT-Rel genes (MAST4, MAPT and MTUS1) are associated with poor breast cancer patient survival. A Systems Biology approach highlighted three major functional networks connecting the 17 MT-Rel genes and their partners, which are centered on spindle assembly, chromosome segregation and cytokinesis. Our studies identified mitotic Aurora kinases and their substrates as major targets for therapeutic approaches against breast cancer.
The Site of Origin of Medulloblastoma: Surgical Observations Correlated to Molecular Groups
Authors: Ciobanu-Caraus Olga , Czech Thomas , Peyrl Andreas , Haberler Christine , Kasprian Gregor , Furtner Julia , Kool Marcel , Sill Martin , Frischer Josa M. , Cho Anna , Slavc Irene , Rössler Karl , Gojo Johannes , Dorfer Christian
Published: October 2023

Developmental gene expression data from medulloblastoma (MB) suggest that WNT-MB originates from the region of the embryonic lower rhombic lip (LRL), whereas SHH-MB and non-WNT/non-SHH MB arise from cerebellar precursor matrix regions. This study aimed to analyze detailed intraoperative data with regard to the site of origin (STO) and compare these findings with the hypothesized regions of origin associated with the molecular group. A review of the institutional database identified 58 out of 72 pediatric patients who were operated for an MB at our department between 1996 and 2020 that had a detailed operative report and a surgical video as well as clinical and genetic classification data available for analysis. The STO was assessed based on intraoperative findings. Using the intraoperatively defined STO, “correct” prediction of molecular groups was feasible in 20% of WNT-MB, 60% of SHH-MB and 71% of non-WNT/non-SHH MB. The positive predictive values of the neurosurgical inspection to detect the molecular group were 0.21 (95% CI 0.08–0.48) for WNT-MB, 0.86 (95% CI 0.49–0.97) for SHH-MB and 0.73 (95% CI 0.57–0.85) for non-WNT/non-SHH MB. The present study demonstrated a limited predictive value of the intraoperatively observed STO for the prediction of the molecular group of MB.