bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Впровадження в Україні міжнародного стандарту ISO 16739-1 як термінологічної основи ВІМ-технологій
Authors: Farenyuk G.G. , Gakh N.D. , Lisenyi O.M. , Slyusarenko Yu. S.
Published: February 2023

У статті розглядається структура та зміст міжнародного стандарту ISO 16739-1:2018 "Класи промислових фондів (IFC) для обміну даними в галузі будівництва та управління об'єктами - Частина 1: Схема даних".
На підставі виконаного аналізу зроблений висновок, що цей стандарт має ключове значення для запровадження ВІМ-технологій у будівельну галузь.
Термінологія стандарту ISO 16739-1:2018 охоплює практично всю будівельну галузь (більше трьох тисяч понять). Для всіх стандартизованих понять надані відкриті програмні специфікації, які дозволяють виконувати обмін даними між програмними засобами, що створені для різних функціональних областей, пов'язаних з будівництвом (планування, проектування, управління персоналом, фінансовими та матеріальними потоками). Надані визначення та описи загальнотехнічних та вузькоспеціальних понять, які підкріплюються схемами взаємозв’язків між ними через визначену систему параметрів (атрибутів).
Для ефективного впровадження будівельного інформаційного моделювання необхідно, щоб всі учасники будівельного процесу однозначно розуміли і вільно володіли стандартизованою термінологією ISO 16739-1:2018.
Мінрегіоном України вирішено прийняти національний стандарт ДСТУ EN ISO 16739-1:20ХХ (EN ISO 16739-1:2020, IDT) методом підтвердження англомовного міжнародного документа EN ISO 16739-1:2020 (ISO 16739-1:2018), який надається користувачам тільки в електронному вигляді у форматі HTML.
Для полегшення впровадження стандарту в Україні та його застосування широкими колами проектувальників, будівельників, спеціалістів з управління інвестиціями, експлуатацією і обслуговуванням нерухомості, ДП НДІБК запропоновано розробити текстовий національний посібник (настанову) до стандарту, який виконує функцію термінологічної основи ВІМ-технології, з технічним перекладом і поясненням українською мовою усіх понять, сутностей, властивостей, правил, функцій, атрибутів схеми даних, які містяться у англомовному безпаперовому стандарті ISO 16739-1:2018.
Engineering a conduction-consistent cardiac patch with rGO/PLCL electrospun nanofibrous membranes and human iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes
Authors: Tan Yao , Chen Ying , Lu Tingting , Witman Nevin , Yan Bingqian , Gong Yiqi , Ai Xuefeng , Yang Li , Liu Minglu , Luo Runjiao , Wang Huijing , Ministrini Stefano , Dong Wei , Wang Wei , Fu Wei
Published: February 2023

The healthy human heart has special directional arrangement of cardiomyocytes and a unique electrical conduction system, which is critical for the maintenance of effective contractions. The precise arrangement of cardiomyocytes (CMs) along with conduction consistency between CMs is essential for enhancing the physiological accuracy of in vitro cardiac model systems. Here, we prepared aligned electrospun rGO/PLCL membranes using electrospinning technology to mimic the natural heart structure. The physical, chemical and biocompatible properties of the membranes were rigorously tested. We next assembled human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) on electrospun rGO/PLCL membranes in order to construct a myocardial muscle patch. The conduction consistency of cardiomyocytes on the patches were carefully recorded. We found that cells cultivated on the electrospun rGO/PLCL fibers presented with an ordered and arranged structure, excellent mechanical properties, oxidation resistance and effective guidance. The addition of rGO was found to be beneficial for the maturation and synchronous electrical conductivity of hiPSC-CMs within the cardiac patch. This study verified the possibility of using conduction-consistent cardiac patches to enhance drug screening and disease modeling applications. Implementation of such a system could one day lead to in vivo cardiac repair applications.
Biocompatibility and osteoinductive ability of casein phosphopeptide modified polyetheretherketone
Authors: Qiu Peng , Wang Pin , Liu Min , Dai Tao , Zheng Min , Feng Le
Published: February 2023

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is a potential implant material for dental application due to its excellent mechanical properties. However, its biological inertness and poor osteoinductive ability limited its clinical application. Based on a lay-by-layer self-assembly technique, here we incorporated casein phosphopeptide (CPP) onto PEEK surface by a simple two-step strategy to address the poor osteoinductive ability of PEEK implants. In this study, the PEEK specimens were positively charged by 3-ammoniumpropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) modification, then the CPP was adsorbed onto the positively charged PEEK surface electrostatically to obtain CPP-modified PEEK (PEEK-CPP) specimens. The surface characterization, layer degradation, biocompatibility and osteoinductive ability of the PEEK-CPP specimens were studied in vitro. After CPP modification, the PEEK-CPP specimens had a porous and hydrophilic surface and presented enhanced cell adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells. These findings indicated that CPP modification could significantly improve the biocompatibility and osteoinductive ability of PEEK-CPP implants in vitro. In a word, CPP modification is a promising strategy for the PEEK implants to achieve osseointegration.
ROS-responsive ADPH nanoparticles for image-guided surgery
Authors: Sun Kangjun , Xu Ruitong , Xue Bingyan , Liu Pengfei , Bai Jianan , Tian Ye , Li Xiaolin , Tang Qiyun
Published: February 2023

In recent years, organic fluorescent probes with tumor microenvironment (TME)-responsive fluorescence turn-on properties have been increasingly used in imaging-guided tumor resection due to their higher signal-to-noise ratio for tumor imaging compared to non-responsive fluorescent probes. However, although researchers have developed many organic fluorescent nanoprobes responsive to pH, GSH, and other TME, few probes that respond to high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the TME have been reported in imaging-guided surgery applications. In this work, we prepared Amplex® Red (ADHP) with excellent ROS response performance as an ROS-responsive nanoprobe and studied its application in image-guided tumor resection for the first time. To confirm whether the nanoprobe can be used as an effective biological indicator to distinguish tumor sites, we first detected 4T1 cells with the ADHP nanoprobe, demonstrating that the probe can utilize ROS in tumor cells for responsive real-time imaging. Furthermore, we conducted fluorescence imaging in vivo in 4T1 tumor-bearing mice, and the ADHP probe can rapidly oxidize to form resorufin in response to ROS, which can effectively reduce the background fluorescence signal compared with the single resorufin probe. Finally, we successfully carried out image-guided surgery of 4T1 abdominal tumors under the guidance of fluorescence signals. This work provides a new idea for developing more TME-responsive fluorescent probes and exploring their application in image-guided surgery.
The role of clopidogrel resistance-related genetic and epigenetic factors in major adverse cardiovascular events among patients with acute coronary syndrome after percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Giantini Astuti , Timan Ina S. , Dharma Rahajuningsih , Sukmawan Renan , Setiabudy Rianto , Alwi Idrus , Harahap Alida R. , Listiyaningsih Erlin , Partakusuma Lia G. , Tansir Arif R. , Sahar Windy , Hidayat Rakhmad
Published: February 2023

Despite patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and receiving clopidogrel therapy, some patients still experience major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). Clopidogrel resistance, which may be regulated by genetic and epigenetic factors, may play a role in MACEs. This study aimed to determine the association between genetic (CYP2C19 and P2Y12 polymorphisms) and epigenetic (DNA methylation of CYP2C19 and P2Y12 and miRNA-26a expression) factors and their effects on MACEs among post-PCI patients. Post-PCI patients who received a standard dosage of clopidogrel at Harapan Kita Hospital between September 2018 and June 2020 were included in this study. MACEs were observed in patients within 1 year after PCI. Platelet aggregation was assessed using light transmission aggregometry (LTA). DNA methylation of CYP2C19 and P2Y12 was assessed using the bisulfite conversion method. CYP2C19 and P2Y12 polymorphisms and miRNA-26a expression were evaluated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Among a total of 201 subjects, 49.8% were clopidogrel-resistant, and 14.9% experienced MACEs within 1 year after PCI (death was 7.5%). Hypomethylation of CYP2C19 (p = 0.037) and miRNA-26a upregulation (p = 0.020) were associated with clopidogrel resistance. CYP2C19*2/*3 polymorphisms (p = 0.047) were associated with MACEs in 1 year. This study demonstrated that hypomethylation of CYP2C19 and miRNA-26a upregulation increased the risk of clopidogrel resistance in post-PCI patients, but there was no correlation between clopidogrel resistance and MACEs. However, CYP2C19*2/*3 polymorphisms were the factors that predicted MACEs within 1 year.
Analysis of storm surge events along the Norwegian coast
Authors: Wolf Tobias , Outten Stephen , Mangini Fabio , Chen Linling , Nilsen Jan Even Øie
Published: February 2023

Observed extreme sea levels are caused by a combination of extreme astronomical tide and extreme storm surge, or by an extreme value in one of these variables and a moderate value in the other. We analyzed measurements from the Norwegian tide gauge network together with storm track data to assess cases of extreme sea level and storm surges. At most stations the highest storm surges only coincided with moderate astronomical tides and vice versa. Simultaneously the extreme storm surges often only coincided with moderate storm intensities. This opens for the possibility of flooding events, where extreme tides and storm surges co-occur, and which could exceed existing sea level records and national building standards. This study also raises the possibility to assess extreme sea level return values as a three-variable system, treating separately the astronomical tide, storm location and storm intensity, instead of the one- or two-variable approach currently used.
Attenuating coherent environmental noise in seismic data via the U-net method
Authors: Wu Yu-Tai , Stewart Robert R.
Published: February 2023

Noise attenuation is a key step in seismic data processing to enhance desired signal features, minimize artifacts, and avoid misinterpretation. However, traditional attenuation methods are often time-consuming and require expert parameter selection. Deep learning can successfully suppress various types of noise via a trained neural network, potentially saving time and effort while avoiding mistakes. In this study, we tested a U-net method to assess its usefulness in attenuating repetitive coherent events (e.g., pumpjack noise) and to investigate the influence of gain methods on denoising quality. We used the U-net method because it preserves fine-scale information during training. Its performance is controlled by network parameters and improved by minimizing misfits between true data and network estimates. A gain method is necessary to avoid the network’s parameter optimization being biased toward large values in data. We first generated synthetic seismic data with added noise for training. Next, we recovered amplitudes using an automatic gain control (AGC) or a 2D AGC (using adjacent traces’ amplitudes). Then, a back-propagation algorithm minimized the Euclidean norm cost function to optimize the network parameters for better performance. The updating step size and direction were determined using an adaptive momentum optimization method. Finally, we removed the gain effect and evaluated the denoising quality using a normalized root-mean-square error (RMSE). Based on RMSE, the data pre-processed by the 2D AGC performed better with RMSE decreasing from 0.225 to 0.09. We also assessed the limitations of the network when source wavelets or noise differed from the training set. The denoising quality of the trained network was sensitive to the change in the wavelet and noise type. The noisy data in the limitation test set were not substantially improved. The trained network was also tested on the seismic field data collected at Hussar, Alberta, by the CREWES Project. The data had not only excellent reflection events but also substantial pumpjack noise on some shot gathers. We were able to significantly reduce the noise (favorably in comparison to traditional techniques) to considerably allow greater reflection continuity. U-net noise reduction techniques show considerable promise in seismic data processing.
Evolution of complex giant seafloor depressions at the northern Argentine continental margin (SW Atlantic Ocean) under the influence of a dynamic bottom current regime
Authors: Warnke Fynn , Schwenk Tilmann , Miramontes Elda , Spiess Volkhard , Wenau Stefan , Bozzano Graziella , Baqués Michele , Kasten Sabine
Published: February 2023

Seafloor depressions (SD) are features commonly observed on the ocean floor. They often occur as circular, small-sized (up to 10 s of m) incisions caused by fluid expulsion. Larger depressions (100s m to km) are considerably less abundant, and their origin and development have been scarcely studied. This study investigated two giant morphological depressions (>5 km) using recently acquired multibeam bathymetry and backscatter, sediment echosounder, and high-resolution seismic data. An arc-shaped (SD-N) and a sub-circular depression (SD-S) are located on the Ewing Terrace at the Argentine Continental Margin north and south of the Mar del Plata Canyon, respectively. The study area is influenced by the Brazil-Malvinas Confluence, where major counterflowing ocean currents affect sedimentation, and northward flowing currents form a large contourite depositional system. Using an existing seismo-stratigraphy, the onset of SD-N was dated to the middle Miocene (∼15–17 Ma), whereas SD-S started developing at the Miocene/Pliocene boundary (∼6 Ma). Acoustic anomalies indicate the presence of gas and diffuse upward fluid migration, and therefore seafloor seepage is proposed as the initial mechanism for SD-S, whereas we consider a structural control for SD-N to be most likely. Initial depressions were reworked and maintained by strong and variable bottom currents, resulting in prograding clinoform reflection patterns (SD-N) or leading to the build-up of extensive cut-and-fill structures (SD-S). Altogether, this study highlights the evolution of two unique and complex seafloor depressions throughout the geologic past under intense and variable bottom current activity in a highly dynamic oceanographic setting.
Thermodynamic analysis of the difference in adsorption characteristics of CH4 and CO2 on continental shale
Authors: Xue Pei , Liang Quansheng , Gao Chao , Yin Jintao , Hao Shiyan , Zhao Qianping
Published: February 2023

In order to explain the difference in adsorption characteristics of CH4 and CO2 on continental shale from the perspective of thermodynamics, the isothermal adsorption experiments of CH4 and CO2 adsorbed by shale in Yanchang Formation in Ordos Basin were carried out, and the excess adsorption capacity was corrected to absolute adsorption capacity. Then the Clausius-Clapeyron equation was used to analyze the isosteric heat of adsorption of CH4 and CO2 on shale. The results show that, for calculating the absolute adsorption capacity, Ozawa empirical formula or Van der Waals approximation method should be used to calculate the adsorption phase density. The absolute adsorption capacity should be selected as the basic data for calculating the isosteric heat of adsorption. The reason is that the excess isosteric heat of adsorption has a negative value in the low adsorption capacity stage, which is contradictory to the fact that the adsorption process is exothermic, and is significantly higher than the absolute isosteric heat of adsorption. There is a good linear positive correlation between the isosteric heat of adsorption and the adsorption amount of CH4 and CO2 adsorbed by continental shale, and the isosteric heat of adsorption of CH4 is greater than that of CO2. The absolute initial isosteric heat of adsorption of CH4 and CO2 adsorbed by shale is 52.04 kJ/mol and 27.71 kJ/mol, indicating that the adsorption force of CH4 on Yanchang Formation shale is stronger than that of CO2.
Developing self-esteem-based curriculum as a foundation for sustainable education: A systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis
Authors: Nuryana Zalik , Xu Wenbin , Lu Shiqi
Published: February 2023

This study aimed to analyze the thematic structure and trends in scientific publications discussing the relationship between curriculum development and self-esteem and provide a roadmap for future research investigating this topic. This study used systematic literature review (SLR) and bibliometric analysis (BA) to describe self-esteem-based curriculum development and reveal its bibliometric profile. The data were obtained from the 2012–2021 Scopus database by identifying the research on curriculum and self-esteem, so the keywords used are (“curriculum development” or “curriculum”) and (“self-esteem” or “self esteem”). The results show that the publication examining the curriculum and self-esteem leads to stable total publication. Countries contributing to this topic are the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, India, and South Africa. Meanwhile, the universities mostly credited with high citations on this topic are Monash University, the Ohio State University, and Universidad de Malaga. This study discovers that most of the articles about curriculum and self-esteem discuss health sciences/medicine, psychology, and education. The results indicated that the structure and trends in thematic academic studies provide a roadmap for future studies investigating curriculum development and self-esteem. In this context, educational researchers should interconnect their scientific field with psychology, specifically self-esteem. Therefore, the development of a self-esteem-based curriculum can run well. This article attempted to gain insights into how research on curriculum and self-esteem has progressed using the systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis.
Clinical features, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole-induced hypoglycemia
Authors: Wang Chunjiang , Fang Weijin , Li Zuojun , Sun Linli
Published: February 2023

Objective

Hypoglycemia is a sporadic and serious adverse reaction of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) due to its sulfonylurea-like effect. This study explored the clinical characteristics, risk factors, treatment, and prognosis of TMP-SMX-induced hypoglycemia.

Methods

Case reports and series of TMP-SMX-induced hypoglycemia were systematically searched using Chinese and English databases. Primary patient and clinical information were extracted for analysis.

Results

A total of 34 patients were reported from 31 studies (16 males and 18 females). The patients had a median age of 64 years (range 0.4-91), and 75.8% had renal dysfunction. The median duration of a hypoglycemic episode was six days (range 1-20), and the median minimum glucose was 28.8 mg/dL (range 12-60). Thirty-two patients (97.0%) showed neuroglycopenic symptoms, with consciousness disturbance (30.3%) and seizure (24.2%), sweating (18.2%), confusion (15.2%), asthenia (12.1%) being the most common symptoms. Fifteen patients (44.1%) had elevated serum insulin levels, with a median of 31.8 μU/mL (range 3-115.3). C-peptide increased in 13 patients (38.2%), with a median of 7.7 ng/mL (range 2.2-20). Complete recovery from symptoms occurred in 88.2% of patients without sequelae. The duration of hypoglycemia symptoms was 8 hours to 47 days after the intervention. Interventions included discontinuation of TMP-SMX, intravenous glucose, glucagon, and octreotide.

Conclusion

Hypoglycemia is a rare and serious adverse effect of TMP-SMX. Physicians should be aware of this potential adverse effect, especially in patients with renal insufficiency, increased drug doses, and malnutrition.
Association of blood lead with estradiol and sex hormone-binding globulin in 8-19-year-old children and adolescents
Authors: Pan Kaiyu , Tu Rongliang , Cai Zixiu , Huang Yingdan , Zhang Chengyue
Published: February 2023

Background

Metals can interfere with hormonal functioning through indirect mechanisms and by binding at the receptor site; thus, they may be associated with hormonal changes. However, there have been few studies on the health impact of metal exposure among children and adolescents. Thus, we aimed to examine the associations of blood lead level (BLL) with estradiol (E2) and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) among children and adolescents aged 8–19 years in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database.

Methods

This was a cohort study of 2188 individuals from the NHANES. BLL was taken as independent variables, E2 and SHBG as dependent variable. We conducted weighted multivariate linear regression models and smooth curve fittings to evaluate the association between them.

Results

The BLL was significantly positively associated with serum SHBG level in females, especially when the LnBLL quartiles are between Q3 and Q4. There was an inverted U-shaped association between BLL and E2 with the point of inflection at 1.86 μg/L and a U-shaped association between BLL and SHBG with the point of inflection at 1.86 μg/L in female adolescents aged 16-19 years. Meanwhile, In males, there was a positive trend of correlation between BLL and E2 in the 8-11 years, and 16-19 years groups.

Conclusions

This study found an inverted U-shaped association of BLL with E2 and a U-shaped association between BLL and SHBG in female adolescents aged 16-19 years. This indicates that adjusting blood lead exposure to mitigate the effects of lead on growth and development is important for adolescents aged 16-19 years. Controlling the BLL below 1.86 μg/L may minimize the damage to E2.
An improved multiphase SPH algorithm with kernel gradient correction for modelling fuel–coolant interaction
Authors: Wang Fang , Zhang Zhi-Gang , Wu Qi
Published: February 2023

Fuel–coolant interaction (FCI) has a pivotal role in the development of core disruptive accident in a sodium-cooled fast reactor. The drastic deformation of multiphase interface in the FCI is hard to deal with in the traditional grid method. In this paper, an improved multiphase smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) algorithm corrected with the kernel gradient correction (KGC) technique is presented for multiphase flow with a large density ratio and complex interfacial behaviors. The density discontinuity across the multiphase interface is described with the use of special volume, which only depends on the position information of adjacent particles. This multiphase SPH algorithm, which is troubled by an unstable and mixed-interface problem under a large density ratio, is significantly improved with the KGC technique. The accuracy and robustness of the improved method are demonstrated in the numerical simulations of the deformation of a square droplet, Rayleigh–Taylor instability, and bubble rising in water. The verified corrected multiphase SPH is applied to simulate the hydrodynamic behaviors of the general FCI and the interaction between fuels coated with stainless steel film and coolant. Boundary layer stripping, Rayleigh–Taylor instability, and Kelvin–Helmholtz instability are observed as important mechanisms of hydraulic fracturing. The fragments’ distribution and the influence of stainless steel film are analyzed. The existence of a stainless steel film has been shown to inhibit breakage.
Does environmental regulation affect urban green technology innovation in China? Evidence from the low-carbon city pilot policy
Authors: Li Zhuo , Liu Zhe
Published: February 2023

The Low-carbon City Pilot (LCCP) policy is a new environmental governance model to achieve carbon neutrality, promote low-carbon pilot city development, and address climate change. Taking LCCP policy as an exogenous shock, this paper examines the impact of LCCP policy on urban green technology innovation and its transmission mechanism from 2005 to 2017. Based on the Difference-in-Difference (DID) method, the following results are obtained: The LCCP policy can promote urban green technology innovation, and the results remain robust through a series of robustness tests. Mechanism analysis shows that LCCP improves the level of green technology innovation in two ways, it encourages local governments to increase R&D funds and forces pollution-intensive and energy-consuming industries to upgrade industrial structures. In addition, the conclusion also reveals that the urban location characteristics and the intensity of environmental regulation have a heterogeneous impact on green technology innovation, with the most significant effect on the western region. Therefore, policymakers must mobilize the autonomy of local governments, increase the investment of local government R&D funds, and strive to spread the pilot policy of low-carbon cities to the whole country to promote industrial transformation.
Evaluation of pedotransfer functions to estimate some of soil hydraulic characteristics in North Africa: A case study from Morocco
Authors: Beniaich Adnane , Otten Wilfred , Shin Ho-Chul , Cooper Hannah V , Rickson Jane , Soulaimani Aziz , El Gharous Mohamed
Published: February 2023

Soil hydraulic properties are an important factor to optimize and adapt water management for a given crop. Pedotransfer functions (PTFs) present a solution to predict soil variables such as hydraulic properties, using fundamental soil properties. In this research, we compared two sources of soil information: iSDAsoil data and field data, in four regions in Morocco. We then used this data to evaluate published data and developed new PTFs using soil information to estimate soil gravimetric moisture content at saturation (w0), field capacity (w330) and permanent wilting point (w15000). A total of 331 samples were collected from four regions: Doukkala, Gharb-Loukous, Moulouya and Tadla. The data was divided into calibration and validation datasets. For development of different PTFs, we used simple linear regression, multiple linear regression, regression tree, Cubist algorithm, and random forest approaches. PTFs developed by Dijkerman (Geoderma, 1988, 42, 29–49) presented the best performance, showing lower RMSE, Bias and MAE compared to other PTFs. Using multiple linear regression to develop PTFs, models based on clay, silt and soil organic matter as input variables showed the best performance after calibration (R2 of 0.590, 0.785, 0.786 for w0, w330, and w15000, respectively). Regarding the techniques based on machine learning, random forest showed the best performance after calibration compared with other algorithms (R2 of 0.930, 0.955, 0.954 for w0, w330, and w15000, respectively). PTFs represent a low cost and easy technique to estimate soil hydraulic properties, to improve water management efficiency for the farmers.
Odor mixtures: A chord with silent notes
Authors: Xu Lu , Zou Dong-Jing , Firestein Stuart
Published: February 2023

The olfactory world is one of complex mixtures and blends containing up to hundreds of molecules. Many of those molecules can act as agonists, antagonists or enhancers at different receptors. This complicates the mechanism by which higher centers construct perceptions of complex mixtures. We propose that along with structural chemistry, psychophysics, the techniques of medicinal chemistry and machine learning can begin to shed light on this difficult neural problem.
Assessment of readiness of a traffic environment for autonomous delivery robots
Authors: Arntz E. M. , Van Duin J. H. R. , Van Binsbergen A. J. , Tavasszy L. A. , Klein T.
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Autonomous delivery robots are a promising alternative for last-mile delivery. To realise successful implementation of delivery robots in public spaces, it is important to study the interaction between robots and the traffic environment. The traffic environment includes the physical infrastructure and the objects using it like cars and people.

Methods: This research proposes an assessment method to determine the readiness of a traffic environment for autonomous delivery robots. A conceptual model is proposed that includes the factors that determine this so-called “roboreadiness”. The two key components of the model are the performance of the robot in the traffic environment and its social acceptance. A real-life experimental test case, expert interviews, and a survey are used to refine and validate the framework.

Results: The real-life test case showed for the basic variant a sufficient level both on performance and social acceptance. All other variants such as pillars, road narrowing, and bends did not lead to sufficient performance or social acceptance levels.

Discussion: The main outcome of this research is an assessment framework which allows to quantitatively assess traffic performance and social acceptance of sidewalk automated delivery robots. Suggestions for future work include further detailing and elaboration of the approach, scaling up experiments, and researching the possible influence of social acceptance on traffic performance.
Integrated single-cell multiomics reveals novel immune candidate markers for post-traumatic coagulopathy
Authors: Zheng Ping , Zhang Ning , Ren Dabin , Yu Cong , Zhao Bin , Bai Qingke , Zhang Yisong , Sun Wanju
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Post-traumatic coagulopathy (PTC) is a critical pathology in traumatic brain injury (TBI), however, its potential mechanism is not clear. To explore this in peripheral samples, we integrated single cell RNA-sequencing and T cell repertoire (TCR)-sequencing across a cohort of patients with TBI.

Methods

Clinical samples from patients with more brain severity demonstrated overexpression of T cell receptor–encoding genes and less TCR diversity.

Results

By mapping TCR clonality, we found patients with PTC have less TCR clones, and the TCR clones are mainly distributed in cytotoxic effector CD8+T cell. In addition, the counts of CD8+ T cell and natural killer (NK) cells are associated with the coagulation parameter by WGCNA, and the granzyme and lectin-like receptor profiles are also decreased in the peripheral blood from TBI patients, suggesting that reduced peripheral CD8+ clonality and cytotoxic profiles may be involved in PTC after TBI.

Conclusion

Our work systematically revealed the critical immune status in PTC patients at the single-cell level.
A beacon in the dark: COVID-19 course in CVID patients from two European countries: Different approaches, similar outcomes
Authors: Milito Cinzia , Firinu Davide , Bez Patrick , Villa Annalisa , Punziano Alessandra , Lagnese Gianluca , Costanzo Giulia , van Leeuwen Leanne P. M. , Piazza Beatrice , Deiana Carla Maria , d’Ippolito Giancarlo , Del Giacco Stefano Renato , Rattazzi Marcello , Spadaro Giuseppe , Quinti Isabella , Scarpa Riccardo , Dalm Virgil A. S. H. , Cinetto Francesco
Published: February 2023

Background

CVID patients present an increased risk of prolonged SARS-CoV-2 infection and re-infection and a higher COVID-19-related morbidity and mortality compared to the general population. Since 2021, different therapeutic and prophylactic strategies have been employed in vulnerable groups (vaccination, SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibodies and antivirals). The impact of treatments over the last 2 years has not been explored in international studies considering the emergence of viral variants and different management between countries.

Methods

A multicenter retrospective/prospective real-life study comparing the prevalence and outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection between a CVID cohort from four Italian Centers (IT-C) and one cohort from the Netherlands (NL-C), recruiting 773 patients.

Results

329 of 773 CVID patients were found positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection between March 1st, 2020 and September 1st 2022. The proportion of CVID patients infected was comparable in both national sub-cohorts. During all waves, chronic lung disease, “complicated” phenotype, chronic immunosuppressive treatment and cardiovascular comorbidities impacted on hospitalization, whereas risk factors for mortality were older age, chronic lung disease, and bacterial superinfections. IT-C patients were significantly more often treated, both with antivirals and mAbs, than NL-C patients. Outpatient treatment, available only in Italy, started from the Delta wave. Despite this, no significant difference was found for COVID-19 severity between the two cohorts. However, pooling together specific SARS-CoV-2 outpatient treatments (mAbs and antivirals), we found a significant effect on the risk of hospitalization starting from Delta wave. Vaccination with ≥ 3 doses shortened RT-PCR positivity, with an additional effect only in patients receiving antivirals.

Conclusions

The two sub-cohorts had similar COVID-19 outcomes despite different treatment approaches. This points out that specific treatment should now be reserved for selected subgroups of CVID patients, based on pre-existing conditions.
Mechanisms of drug resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Zhou Kexun , Li Shuo , Zhao Yi , Cheng Ke
Published: February 2023

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in the form of anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1/PD-L1 have become the frontier of cancer treatment and successfully prolonged the survival of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). But the efficacy varies among different patient population, and many patients succumb to disease progression after an initial response to ICIs. Current research highlights the heterogeneity of resistance mechanisms and the critical role of tumor microenvironment (TME) in ICIs resistance. In this review, we discussed the mechanisms of ICIs resistance in NSCLC, and proposed strategies to overcome resistance.
Vitamin D3 alleviates inflammation in ulcerative colitis by activating the VDR-NLRP6 signaling pathway
Authors: Gao Hongliang , Zhou He , Zhang Zhiqiang , Gao Jianshu , Li Jian , Li Xinxia
Published: February 2023

Inflammation is a key factor in the development of ulcerative colitis (UC). 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3, VD3), as the major active ingredient of vitamin D and an anti-inflammatory activator, is closely related to the initiation and development of UC, but its regulatory mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we carried out histological and physiological analyses in UC patients and UC mice. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), assays for transposase-accessible chromatin with high-throughput sequencing (ATAC-seq), chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays and protein and mRNA expression were performed to analyze and identify the potential molecular mechanism in UC mice and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced mouse intestinal epithelial cells (MIECs). Moreover, we established nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor protein nlrp6-/- mice and siRNA-NLRP6 MIECs to further characterize the role of NLRP6 in anti-inflammation of VD3. Our study revealed that VD3 abolished NOD-like receptor protein 6 (NLRP6) inflammasome activation, suppressing NLRP6, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein (ASC) and Caspase-1 levels via the vitamin D receptor (VDR). ChIP and ATAC-seq showed that VDR transcriptionally repressed NLRP6 by binding to vitamin D response elements (VDREs) in the promoter of NLRP6, impairing UC development. Importantly, VD3 had both preventive and therapeutic effects on the UC mouse model via inhibition of NLRP6 inflammasome activation. Our results demonstrated that VD3 substantially represses inflammation and the development of UC in vivo. These findings reveal a new mechanism by which VD3 affects inflammation in UC by regulating the expression of NLRP6 and show the potential clinical use of VD3 in autoimmune syndromes or other NLRP6 inflammasome-driven inflammatory diseases.
Fractionation of toxic metal Pb from truly dissolved and colloidal phases of seaward rivers in a coastal delta
Authors: Ren Peng , Schmidt Bjorn V. , Liu Qun , Wang Shuzhen , Liu Xinyan , Liu Kai , Shi Dalei
Published: February 2023

Colloids of natural river water is a key intermediate carrier of lead (Pb). It is important to monitor the transport–transformation behavior of Pb in the colloidal phase of seaward water because this behavior is related to the levels of pollution input and environmental risks posed to the sea, especially in coastal delta areas. In this study, the fractionation behavior and distribution of toxic Pb from the truly dissolved phase and the different colloidal phases in seven seaward rivers in the Yellow River Delta were investigated. The concentrations of total dissolved Pb, truly dissolved Pb, and colloidal Pb were 0.99–40.09 μg L–1, 0.40–8.10 μg L–1, and 0.60–35.88 μg L–1, respectively. In freshwater rivers, the main component of total dissolved Pb (about > 50%) is truly dissolved Pb but the main component of total dissolved Pb in the seawater environment is colloidal Pb (> 80%). A dramatic increase in salinity causes the deposition (about ≈94%) of all forms of Pb to sediment from estuarine water in winter. However, this sedimentation behavior of colloidal Pb gradually decreases (in the Shenxiangou River) when the river salinity approaches seawater salinity (S = ≈29). In the industrial port (Xiaoqinghe River) and mariculture (Yongfenghe River) estuarine areas, which have extensive seawater, the deposition behavior of colloidal Pb (<15%) is less affected by the change in salinity. This suggests that human activity contributes to the spread of Pb in the offshore environment. The concentration of 100 kDa–0.22 μm Pb has a postive correlation with total colloidal Pb. Its variation is minimally affected by salinity compared with other colloidal components. In addition, the correlation between the molecular weight and aromaticity of chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) and colloidal Pb suggests that macromolecules in seawater will be important transport carriers of Pb. In all, truly dissolved Pb is the main transport form of dissolved Pb in river freshwater; however, in brackish water in estuaries, colloidal matter gradually becomes the main transport carrier. Surging salinity immobilizes truly dissolved Pb in the estuarine region, but colloidal matter inhibits this deposition. Colloidal phase is the important conversion for land–sea transport of Pb by seaward rivers.
Surfactant-Assisted Synthesis of NiO-ZnO and NiO-CuO Nanocomposites for Enhanced Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue Under UV Light Irradiation
Authors: Weldekirstos Hulugirgesh Degefu , Habtewold Birtukan , Kabtamu Daniel Manaye
Published: February 2023

The photocatalytic process over semiconducting oxide surfaces has attracted worldwide attention as a potentially efficient, environmentally friendly, and low-cost method for wastewater treatment. This study presents a straightforward, inexpensive, and rapid route for the synthesis of nickel oxide (NiO) and its composites with zinc oxide (NiO/ZnO) and copper oxide (NiO/CuO) nanoparticles through the chemical precipitation method using capping agent-hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) for photocatalytic degradation of the methylene blue dye. The structure, morphology, and elemental constituents were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The energy band gap of pure NiO, NiO-ZnO, and NiO-CuO composites was evaluated using the Tauc plot from absorption spectra and resulted as 3.00, 2.90, and 3.25 eV, respectively. The optimum parameters for all photocatalysts were the following: pH 8, irradiation time 175 min, catalyst amount 75 mg, and dye concentration 7 mg/L. At these optimum parameters, the degradation efficiency of the prepared photocatalysts toward the MB dye achieved was 89.8% for NiO, 97% for NiO/ZnO, and 94.2% for NiO/CuO. The highest activity of the p-type/n-type (NiO/ZnO) nanocomposite for MB degradation is possibly due to electron–hole pair recombination inhibition by charge transfer processes. Therefore, semiconducting composite-based nanocatalysts such as NiO/ZnO with high photocatalytic activity are promising for future industrial applications to remove undesirable organic pollutants from the environment.
Development of high-temperature heavy density dolerite concrete for 4th generation nuclear power plants
Authors: Khan Muhammad Nasir Ayaz , Malik Azhar Hussain , Yaqub Muhammad , Umar Muhammad , Noman Muhammad , Abid Muhammad , Alabduljabbar Hisham , Mohamed Abdullah , Zaidi Syed Salman Ahmad
Published: February 2023

This study examines the physical, mechanical, microstructural, and attenuation properties of high-density concrete exposed to temperatures ranging from 200°C to 1200°C. For this purpose, heavy-density concrete containing 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% dolerite aggregates was developed and compared with three ordinary concrete mixes. Pre- and post-heated concrete specimens were evaluated for mass and density loss, compressive strength, rebound hammer, X-ray and gamma-ray attenuation, Half Value Layer (HVL), and Ten Value Layer (TVL) along with microstructural properties determined by scanning electron microscopy and Energy Dispersive X-ray. The results showed that the incorporation of 75% dolerite aggregate during pre- and post-heating yielded high compressive strength whereas low mass and density loss. The same mixture showed significant improvement in gamma ray shielding at all temperatures. The Half Value Layer and Ten Value Layer values showed a reduction in the thickness of concrete as a shield. It is recommended that dolerite heavy-density concrete is a potential radiation shield at high temperatures ranging from 200°C–1200°C in fourth-generation nuclear power plants.
Sb-doped Tl8.67 Sn1.33-xSbx Te6 nanoparticles improve power factor and electronic charge transport
Authors: Khan Sabir , Shah Wiqar H. , Tufail M. , Ali Akhtar , Eldin Sayed M. , Imran Naveed , Sohail Muhammad
Published: February 2023

Thallium telluride Tl8.67 Sn1.33-xSbxTe6 nano compound doped with different concentration ratios of Sb (x = 0.63, 0.65, 0.66, 0.68, 0.70, or 0.72) was prepared using solid-state techniques, and the compound was heated up to 550 K in vacuum silica tubes. The structure of the nano system was studied using XRD and EDX. It was confirmed that, without any other impurities, the nano system had a single-phase tetragonal crystal structure. The measured Seebeck coefficient (S) of all nano compounds showed that S increased with increase in temperature from 300 to 550 K. S was positive at all temperatures, showing characteristics of a p-type semiconductor. The complex behaviour of S in an Sb-doped nano system showed that at low temperature (room temperature), S first decreased with an increase in Sb concentration up to x = 0.65 and then increased with an increase in the Sb dopant up to x = 0.72. Similarly, electrical conductivity (σ) decreased with an increase in temperature, and the power factor showed complex behaviour relative to Sb concentration. The power factor observed for Tl8.67 Sn1.33-xSbx Te6 nano compound increased with an increase in temperature, within a temperature range of 300–550 K. Tellurides are semiconductors of very narrow band-gap, with component elements in common oxidation states, according to (Tl+9) (Sb3+) (Te2-)6. The phase range was also assessed, and results demonstrated that different Sb dopant ratios were associated with differences in properties (e.g., electrical, thermal, and Seebeck effect) and hence variation in power factor. These results indicate a route through which the thermoelectric characteristics of Tl8.67 Sn1.33-xSbxTe6-based nano materials were harnessed for the development of thermoelectric and electronic applications.
Multimodal Imaging-Based Phenotyping of a Singaporean Hospital-Based Cohort of High Myopia Patients
Authors: Tey Kai Yuan , Hoang Quan V. , Loh Isabella Q. , Dan Yee Shan , Wong Qiu Ying , Yu Daryle Jason G. , Yandri Vivi R. , Ang Marcus , Cheung Gemmy C. M. , Lee Shu Yen , Wong Tien Yin ,   SNEC Retina Group, Chong Rachel S. , Wong Chee Wai
Published: February 2023

Purpose: To assess the effect of axial length (AL) on the prevalence of pathologic myopia (PM) and associated myopic features in a Singaporean hospital-based cohort of patient with high myopia (HM).

Methods: In total, 923 HM eyes from 495 individuals were recruited from the Myopic and Pathologic Eyes in Singapore (MyoPES) cohort and underwent ocular biometry, fundus photography, fundus autofluorescence, and swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT). Images were analyzed for the presence of myopic macular degeneration (MMD), myopic choroidal neovascularization (mCNV), myopic traction maculopathy (MTM), peripapillary atrophy (PPA), myopic tilted disc, posterior staphyloma (PS), dome-shaped macula (DSM), vitremacular adhesions (VMA), and the epiretinal membrane (ERM). Eyes were stratified into quartiles based on ALs to determine cut-off values to perform comparisons between shorter-length and longer-length groups. A χ2-test was done to determine the difference in the prevalence of pathologies between groups.

Results: Overall, mean AL was 29.2 ± 2.2 mm (range 25.0–36.7 mm). Myopic macular degeneration, PPA, myopic tilted disc, and ERM have AL threshold of ≥27.5 mm, whereas MTM has an AL threshold of ≥29.0 mm. We found that there was a significantly higher prevalence of MMD (88.2 vs. 49.4%; p < 0.001), PPA (98.1 vs. 80.1%; p < 0.001), myopic tilted disc (72.7 vs. 50.2%; p < 0.001), and ERM (81.4 vs. 17.3%; p = 0.003) in eyes with AL ≥ 27.5 mm vs. eyes without AL <27.5 mm. Prevalence of MTM (34.7 vs. 32.1%; p < 0.001), mCNV (17.4 vs. 12.1%; p = 0.03), PS (43.4 vs. 34.7%; p = 0.012), DSM (21.3 vs. 13.2%; p = 0.002), and VMA (5.9 vs. 2.6%; p = 0.014) in eyes with AL ≥ 29.0 mm compared with AL < 29.0 mm.

Conclusion: Our study describes the overall prevalence of PM and related pathologies among patients with HM in our hospital-based cohort. Longer eyes even among HM eyes had a significantly higher prevalence of PM-associated pathologies studied. This supports the premise that eyes with longer AL, even among HM eyes may be at greater risk of vision-threatening changes and therefore merit regular follow-up.