bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Response of a Single-Pier Jacking of a Continuous Box Girder Bridge Based on Vehicle–Bridge Coupling
Authors: Ye Ziyang , Yang Changmin , Li Honggang
Published: August 2023

In order to improve the bearing capacity of a bridge under dynamic impact and at the same time to improve the durability and safety of the bridge, the bridge should be jacked up, and most of the current research on bridge jacking upgrading is on synchronous jacking upgrading. There has been little research on single-pier jacking upgrading, especially the dynamics response problem under single-pier jacking upgrading of the bridge. This paper is based on the principle of vehicle–bridge coupling, and the vehicle was analyzed at different speeds by using the established model, vehicle weight, and multi-lane driving, comparing the dynamic response of the bridge before and after the single-pier jacking retrofit. The study analyzed the impact of the bridge single-pier jacking retrofit on the bridge impact coefficient, and evaluated the impact coefficient of the bridge from the perspective of dynamics. A comprehensive evaluation of the bridge single-pier jacking retrofit project was carried out. The following conclusions are drawn: the single-pier jacking modification of the bridge increased the bridge’s capacity under dynamic impact and also enhanced the durability and safety of the bridge.
Investigation on Hydraulic Fracturing and Flexible Anti-Hydrofracturing Solution for Xiaowan Arch Dam
Authors: Wu Yangfeng , Jia Jinsheng , Wang Yang , Zheng Cuiying , Zhao Lei , Jia Baozhen
Published: August 2023

Understanding hydraulic fracturing in concrete super-high arch dams is vital for the implementation of safety measures on the bearing surface. In this study, we conducted tests on hydraulic fracturing for the Xiaowan arch dam (294.5 m) to analyze concrete behavior at cracks under various stress conditions. The risk of hydraulic fracturing near the dam heel was identified without compressive stress. Addressing this, we propose a flexible anti-hydrofracturing system using GB sealing material and a spray polyurea coating. Simulation tests on three schemes: ‘3 mm GB plate + 4 mm polyurea’, ‘1 mm GB glue + 5 mm polyurea’, and ‘7 mm polyurea’ showed effective prevention of hydrofracturing at concrete crack openings of 5 mm, 8 mm, or 10 mm under 300 m water pressure. Field tests supported ‘3 mm GB plate + 4 mm polyurea’ and ‘7 mm polyurea’ as optimal solutions for dam sections. Implementation involves a protective block layout with ‘3 mm GB plate + 4 mm polyurea’ on blocks and ‘7 mm polyurea’ in interval zones and corners. Since 2008, maximum leakage, including rock foundation, has remained minimal at 2.78 L/s under regular water levels. These insights aid similar concrete dams in optimizing safety systems.
Optimizing Single DGX-A100 System: Overcoming GPU Limitations via Efficient Parallelism and Scheduling for Large Language Models
Authors: Kim Kyeong-Hwan , Jeong Chang-Sung
Published: August 2023

In this study, we introduce a novel training algorithm specifically designed to overcome the limitations of GPU memory on a single DGX-A100 system. By utilizing the CPU and main memory in the training process and applying a strategy of division and parallelization, our algorithm enhances the size of the trainable language model and the batch size. In addition, we developed a comprehensive management system to effectively manage the execution of the algorithm. This system systematically controls the training process and resource usage, while also enabling the asynchronous deployment of tasks. Finally, we proposed a scheduling technique integrated into the management system, promoting efficient task scheduling in a complex, heterogeneous training environment. These advancements equip researchers with the ability to work with larger models and batch sizes, even when faced with limited GPU memory.
Pragmatic Language Impairment: A Scientometric Review
Authors: Alduais Ahmed , Alfadda Hind , Allegretta Silvia , Trivkovic Tamara
Published: August 2023

Pragmatic language impairment (PLI) is a complex and wide-ranging condition affecting numerous individuals worldwide, yet its exact prevalence and scope remain uncertain due to its interconnections with other conditions and symptoms, such as neurodevelopmental disorders, learning disabilities, developmental dysphasia, and aphasia. This study presents a comprehensive review of PLI, tracing its historical, current, and future trajectories through the lens of both bibliometric and scientometric indicators. The study analysed a substantial corpus of 3852 documents related to PLI, including sources from Scopus, Web of Science, and Lens, spanning the period from 1977 to 2022. This investigation utilised advanced software tools such as CiteSpace 5.8.R3 and VOSviewer 1.6.18 to detect patterns, connections, and bursts in scholarly works related to PLI. Key findings of this review include the identification of major clusters in the PLI literature, which include social communication disorder, traumatic brain injury, autism spectrum disorder, and inferential meaning. These clusters represent significant sub-themes within the PLI research body, with repetitive mentions of autism spectrum disorder suggesting its critical overlap with PLI. Other noteworthy clusters included Asperger’s syndrome, behavioural problems, belief reports, and diagnostic observation schedule scores, all of which contribute to the nuanced understanding of PLI. The study provides a comprehensive overview of PLI development, drawing on theoretical, historical, and empirical evidence.
Effect of Narrow-Band Ultraviolet B Therapy of Psoriasis Vulgaris on Skin Directional Reflectance, Skin Density and Epidermal Thickness
Authors: Odrzywołek Wiktoria , Deda Anna , Zdrada-Nowak Julita , Błońska-Fajfrowska Barbara , Wcisło-Dziadecka Dominika , Wilczyński Sławomir
Published: August 2023

Psoriasis is an inflammatory dermatosis manifested by the appearance of brown-red papules on the body, covered with silver scales. One of the most common and effective treatments for psoriasis is narrow-band UVB phototherapy. Narrow-band UVB has a wavelength of 311 nm, which results in shallow skin penetration, is absorbed only by the epidermis and the superficial layers of the dermis. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of narrow-band UVB 311 nm phototherapy on skin covered with psoriatic scales and without psoriatic lesions in patients with psoriasis vulgaris on the total directional hemispherical reflectance (DHR) of the skin, skin density and epidermis thickness. For this purpose, a 410 Solar DHR reflectometer and high-frequency ultrasonography DUB SkinScanner were used. A total of 48 volunteers were enrolled. There was a difference in the reflectance of skin without psoriatic scales and psoriatic skin. Depending on the wavelength range, the skin was characterized by different reflectance values. During the course of phototherapy, the reflectance values decreased, both in the psoriatic skin and skin without psoriatic scales. After the phototherapy, the epidermis thickness and SLEB layer decreased and skin density increased in the area with psoriatic plaque. The density of the skin without psoriasis after a series of 20 irradiations increased, while the thickness of the epidermis did not change.
The Influence of Tomato and Pepper Processing Waste on Bread Quality
Authors: Wirkijowska Anna , Zarzycki Piotr , Teterycz Dorota , Nawrocka Agnieszka , Blicharz-Kania Agata , Łysakowska Paulina
Published: August 2023

Worldwide, there is a significant amount of food waste, highlighting the need to reduce waste throughout the production process. This study investigated the impact of incorporating vegetable processing waste from tomatoes (TP) and bell peppers (PB) on dough characteristics and bread quality, with concentrations of TP and PB ranging from 3% to 12% based on flour weight. The addition of TP and PB influenced the farinograph characteristics, increasing water absorption, dough development, and softening while reducing stability time. However, the changes in bread quality, including baking yield, loss, volume, and crumb porosity, were not significant. The texture properties, such as hardness, chewiness, and cohesiveness of the crumb, showed no significant changes within the supplemented levels up to 9%. Additionally, the TP and PB had a significant impact on the color of the bread crumb, increasing redness and yellowness, particularly with PB. Fortification with TP and PB up to 9% resulted in baking characteristics comparable to 100% wheat bread. The addition of TP and PB changed nutrient content, particularly dietary fiber, without significantly altering the caloric value of the bread. However, semi-consumer sensory evaluation indicated a decrease in aroma and taste when PB exceeded 9%, and a similar effect on taste was indicated when TP exceeded 9%. In conclusion, TP and PB at supplementation levels up to 9% can enhance the nutritional profile of bread and maintain its baking quality.
Research on Mechanism of Vortex-Induced Vibration Railing Effect of Double-Deck Large-Span Suspension Bridge
Authors: Yao Gang , Chen Yuxiao , Yang Yang , Zheng Yuanlin , Wu Linjun , Du Hongbo
Published: August 2023

Large-span suspension bridges are susceptible to wind loads. Therefore, a more precise analysis of their wind-induced vibration response is necessary to ensure the structure’s absolute safety. This investigation conducted wind tunnel tests for the construction and completion stages to reveal the vortex-induced vibration (VIV) phenomenon of a double-deck suspension bridge. The results showed that no VIV occurred during the construction stage. However, the inclusion of railings significantly deteriorated the aerodynamic performance of the suspension bridge, leading to significant VIV at +3° and +5° wind angles of attack. Additionally, reducing the railing ventilation rate can significantly suppress the VIV amplitude. A new analysis method based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation is proposed to investigate the VIV mechanism of the double-deck truss girder. Twenty-nine measurement points were used to explore the vortex that causes VIV. The numerical simulations found that the area above and aft of the upper deck dominated the vertical VIV, while the aft of the lower deck dominated the torsional VIV. Furthermore, the intensity of the vortex in these areas was significantly lower during the construction stage. Moreover, reducing the railing ventilation rate significantly suppresses the torsional VIV by reducing the intensity of the vortex in the region behind the lower deck.
Improved YOLOv7 for Small Object Detection Algorithm Based on Attention and Dynamic Convolution
Authors: Li Kai , Wang Yanni , Hu Zhongmian
Published: August 2023

The rapid advancement of deep learning has significantly accelerated progress in target detection. However, the detection of small targets remains challenging due to their susceptibility to size variations. In this paper, we address these challenges by leveraging the latest version of the You Only Look Once (YOLOv7) model. Our approach enhances the YOLOv7 model to improve feature preservation and minimize feature loss during network processing. We introduced the Spatial Pyramid Pooling and Cross-Stage Partial Channel (SPPCSPC) module, which combines the feature separation and merging ideas. To mitigate missed detections in small target scenarios and reduce noise impact, we incorporated the Coordinate Attention for Efficient Mobile Network Design (CA) module strategically. Additionally, we introduced a dynamic convolutional module to address misdetection and leakage issues stemming from significant target size variations, enhancing network robustness. An experimental validation was conducted on the FloW-Img sub-dataset provided by Okahublot. The results demonstrated that our enhanced YOLOv7 model outperforms the original network, exhibiting significant improvement in leakage reduction, with a mean Average Precision (mAP) of 81.1%. This represents a 5.2 percentage point enhancement over the baseline YOLOv7 model. In addition, the new model also has some advantages over the latest small-target-detection algorithms such as FCOS and VFNet in some respects.
Motion Detectors as Additional Monitoring Devices in the Intensive Care Unit—A Proof-of-Concept Study
Authors: Güder Gülmisal , von Rein Eva , Flohr Thomas , Weismann Dirk , Schmitt Dominik , Störk Stefan , Frantz Stefan , Kratzer Vincent , Kendi Christian
Published: August 2023

Background: Monitoring the vital signs of delirious patients in an intensive care unit (ICU) is challenging, as they might (un-)intentionally remove devices attached to their bodies. In mock-up scenarios, we systematically assessed whether a motion detector (MD) attached to the bed may help in identifying emergencies. Methods: We recruited 15 employees of the ICU and equipped an ICU bed with an MD (IRON Software GmbH, Grünwald, Germany). Participants were asked to replay 22 mock-up scenes of one-minute duration each: 12 scenes with movements and 10 without movements, of which 5 were emergency scenes (“lying dead-still, with no or very shallow breathing”). Blinded recordings were presented to an evaluation panel consisting of an experienced ICU nurse and a physician, who was asked to assess and rate the presence of motions. Results: Fifteen participants (nine women; 173 ± 7.0 cm; 78 ± 19 kg) joined the study. In total, 286 out of 330 scenes (86.7%) were rated correctly. Ratings were false negative (FN: “no movements detected, but recorded”) in 7 out of 180 motion scenes (3.9%). Ratings were false positive (FP: “movements detected, but not recorded”) in 37 out of 150 scenes (24.7%), more often in men than women (26 out of 60 vs. 11 out of 90, respectively; p < 0.001). Of note, in 16 of these 37 FP-rated scenes, a vibrating mobile phone was identified as a potential confounder. The emergency scenes were correctly rated in 64 of the 75 runs (85.3%); 10 of the 11 FP-rated scenes occurred in male subjects. Conclusions: The MD allowed for identifying motions of test subjects with high sensitivity (96%) and acceptable specificity (75%). Accuracy might increase further if activities are recorded continuously under real-world conditions.
Automatic Recognition of Vertical-Line Pulse Train from China Seismo-Electromagnetic Satellite Based on Unsupervised Clustering
Authors: Han Ying , Li Yalan , Yuan Jing , Huang Jianping , Shen Xuhui , Li Zhong , Ma Li , Zhang Yanxia , Chen Xinfang , Wang Yali
Published: August 2023

Pulse signals refer to electromagnetic waveforms with short duration and high peak energy in the time domain. Spatial electromagnetic pulse interference signals can be caused by various factors such as lightning, arc discharge, solar disturbances, and electromagnetic disturbances in space. Pulse disturbance signals appear as instantaneous, high-energy vertical-line pulse trains (VLPTs) on the spectrogram. This paper uses computer vision techniques and unsupervised clustering algorithms to process and analyze VLPT on very-low-frequency (VLF) waveform spectrograms collected by the China Seismo-Electromagnetic Satellite (CSES) electric field detector. First, the waveform data are transformed into time–frequency spectrograms with a duration of 8 s using the short-time Fourier transform. Then, the spectrograms are subjected to grayscale transformation, vertical line feature extraction, and binarization preprocessing. In the third step, the preprocessed data are dimensionally reduced and fed into an unsupervised K-means++ clustering model to achieve automatic recognition and labeling of VLPTs. By recognizing and studying VLPT, not only can interference be recognized, but the temporal and spatial locations of these interferences can also be determined. This lays the foundation for identifying VLPT sources and gaining deeper insights into the generation, propagation, and characteristics of electromagnetic radiation.
Breast Cancer Classification Using Concatenated Triple Convolutional Neural Networks Model
Authors: Alshayeji Mohammad H. , Al-Buloushi Jassim
Published: August 2023

Improved disease prediction accuracy and reliability are the main concerns in the development of models for the medical field. This study examined methods for increasing classification accuracy and proposed a precise and reliable framework for categorizing breast cancers using mammography scans. Concatenated Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) were developed based on three models: Two by transfer learning and one entirely from scratch. Misclassification of lesions from mammography images can also be reduced using this approach. Bayesian optimization performs hyperparameter tuning of the layers, and data augmentation will refine the model by using more training samples. Analysis of the model’s accuracy revealed that it can accurately predict disease with 97.26% accuracy in binary cases and 99.13% accuracy in multi-classification cases. These findings are in contrast with recent studies on the same issue using the same dataset and demonstrated a 16% increase in multi-classification accuracy. In addition, an accuracy improvement of 6.4% was achieved after hyperparameter modification and augmentation. Thus, the model tested in this study was deemed superior to those presented in the extant literature. Hence, the concatenation of three different CNNs from scratch and transfer learning allows the extraction of distinct and significant features without leaving them out, enabling the model to make exact diagnoses.
Validation of an Automated Optical Scanner for a Comprehensive Anthropometric Analysis of the Foot and Ankle
Authors: Sacco Riccardo , Munoz Marie-Aude , Billuart Fabien , Lalevée Matthieu , Beldame Julien
Published: August 2023

Background: Our objective was to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the reproducibility of foot and ankle anthropometric measurements with a three-dimensional (3D) optical scanner. Methods: We evaluated thirty-nine different anthropometric parameters obtained with a 3D Laser UPOD-S Full-Foot Scanner in a healthy population of twenty subjects. We determined the variance of the measurements for each foot/ankle, and the average variance among different subjects. Results: For 40 feet and ankles (15 women and 5 men; mean age 35.62 +/− 9.54 years, range 9–75 years), the average variance was 1.4 ± 2 (range 0.1 to 8). Overall, the mean absolute measurement error was <1 mm, with a maximum variance percentage of 8.3%. Forefoot and midfoot circumferences had a low variance <2.5, with variance percentages <1%. Hindfoot circumferences, malleolar heights, and the length of the first and fifth metatarsal to the ground contact points showed the highest variance (range 1 to 7). Conclusions: The UPOD-S Full-Foot optical Scanner achieved a good reproducibility in a large set of foot and ankle anthropometric measurements. It is a valuable tool for clinical and research purposes.
Design Optimization of a Phototherapy Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenator for Treating Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Authors: Etim Edidiong , Goulopoulos Anastasia , Fischbach Anna , Franco Walfre
Published: August 2023

We designed a photo-ECMO device to speed up the rate of carbon monoxide (CO) removal by using visible light to dissociate CO from hemoglobin (Hb). Using computational fluid dynamics, fillets of different radii (5 cm and 10 cm) were applied to the square shape of a photo-ECMO device to reduce stagnant blood flow regions and increase the treated blood volume while being constrained by full light penetration. The blood flow at different flow rates and the thermal load imposed by forty external light sources at 623 nm were modeled using the Navier-Stokes and convection–diffusion equations. The particle residence times were also analyzed to determine the time the blood remained in the device. There was a reduction in the blood flow stagnation as the fillet radii increased. The maximum temperature change for all the geometries was below 4 °C. The optimized device with a fillet radius of 5 cm and a blood priming volume of up to 208 cm3 should decrease the time needed to treat CO poisoning without exceeding the critical threshold for protein denaturation. This technology has the potential to decrease the time for CO removal when treating patients with CO poisoning and pulmonary gas exchange inhibition.
A Journey in the Brain’s Clock: In Vivo Veritas?
Authors: Davidson Alec J. , Beckner Delaney , Bonnefont Xavier
Published: August 2023

The suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) of the hypothalamus contain the circadian pacemaker that coordinates mammalian rhythms in tune with the day-night cycle. Understanding the determinants of the intrinsic rhythmicity of this biological clock, its outputs, and resetting by environmental cues, has been a longstanding goal of the field. Integrated techniques of neurophysiology, including lesion studies and in vivo multi-unit electrophysiology, have been key to characterizing the rhythmic nature and outputs of the SCN in animal models. In parallel, reduced ex vivo and in vitro approaches have permitted us to unravel molecular, cellular, and multicellular mechanisms underlying the pacemaker properties of the SCN. New questions have emerged in recent years that will require combining investigation at a cell resolution within the physiological context of the living animal: What is the role of specific cell subpopulations in the SCN neural network? How do they integrate various external and internal inputs? What are the circuits involved in controlling other body rhythms? Here, we review what we have already learned about the SCN from in vivo studies, and how the recent development of new genetically encoded tools and cutting-edge imaging technology in neuroscience offers chronobiologists the opportunity to meet these challenges.
Effects of Doxycycline Treatment on Hematological Parameters, Viscosity, and Cytokines in Canine Monocytic Ehrlichiosis
Authors: Cardoso Saulo Pereira , Honorio-França Adenilda Cristina , França Danielle Cristina Honorio , Silva Luana Paula Sales , Fagundes-Triches Danny Laura Gomes , Neves Maria Clara Bianchini , Cotrim Aron Carlos de Melo , Almeida Arleana do Bom Parto Ferreira de , França Eduardo Luzía , Sousa Valéria Régia Franco
Published: August 2023

This study aimed to analyze the hematological parameters, blood viscosity, and cytokines of dogs infected by Ehrlichia canis untreated and treated with doxycycline. Initially, 47 dogs were examined, and 36 were suspected to have canine monocytic ehrlichiosis, which was confirmed through molecular polymerase chain reaction tests. This study consisted of 25 dogs, with 11 being healthy and 14 testing positive for E. canis. The dogs were divided into experimental groups based on their test results, including a control group of healthy dogs (N = 11), a group of infected dogs without treatment (N = 7), and a group of infected dogs treated with doxycycline (N = 7) at a 10 mg/kg dose every 12 h for 28 days. Blood samples were taken to determine hematological parameters, viscosity, and cytokine levels. It was observed that, regardless of doxycycline treatment, there was a reduction in total leukocytes and lymphocytes in infected dogs with Ehrlichia canis. The eosinophils and platelets decreased in dogs with Ehrlichia canis infections without treatment. Monocytes, eosinophils, and platelets increased when the dogs were treated with doxycycline. Regardless of treatment, infected dogs’ blood viscosity was lower than uninfected dogs. Infected dogs showed lower TNF-α and increased IL-1β. There was a correlation between the blood viscosity with the cytokines IL-10 and IL-12 in the infected dogs. The eosinophil count correlated with TNF-α in the group of infected and untreated dogs. In conclusion, treating dogs with monocytic ehrlichiosis using doxycycline can increase platelet and eosinophil levels but may also increase IL-1β and monocyte levels, exacerbating inflammation. Therefore, evaluating viscosity and cytokine levels is important when treating dogs with this condition.
Extracellular Vesicles: Investigating the Pathophysiology of Diabetes-Associated Hypertension and Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Alli Abdel A.
Published: August 2023

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) include exosomes, microvesicles, and apoptotic bodies. EVs are released by all cell types and are found in biological fluids including plasma and urine. Urinary extracellular vesicles (uEVs) are a mixed population of EVs that comprise small EVs that are filtered and excreted, EVs secreted by tubular epithelial cells, and EVs released from the bladder, urethra, and prostate. The packaged cargo within uEVs includes bioactive molecules such as metabolites, lipids, proteins, mRNAs, and miRNAs. These molecules are involved in intercellular communication, elicit changes in intracellular signaling pathways, and play a role in the pathogenesis of various diseases including diabetes-associated hypertension and diabetic nephropathy. uEVs represent a rich source of biomarkers, prognosis markers, and can be loaded with small-molecule drugs as a vehicle for delivery.
Update on Biomarkers Associated with Large-Artery Atherosclerosis Stroke
Authors: Rosário Madalena , Fonseca Ana Catarina
Published: August 2023

Intracranial and extracranial large-artery atherosclerosis (LAA) are a main cause of ischemic stroke. Biomarkers may aid in the diagnosis of LAA and help to stratify patients’ risk of stroke. We performed a narrative review of the literature, mainly published in the last five years, with the aim of identifying biomarkers associated either with intracranial or extracranial LAA in humans. Several potential biomarkers of LAA, mainly related to lipidic pathways and inflammation, have been studied. Diagnostic biomarkers of LAA were evaluated by measuring biomarkers levels in patients with LAA stroke and other stroke etiologies. Some biomarkers were associated with the functional prognosis of LAA stroke patients. Increased levels of IL-6 and sLOX-1 were associated with a risk of progression of carotid atherosclerotic disease. Findings support the notion that the immune system plays a central role in the pathogenesis of LAA. Overall, in most studies, results were not externally validated. In the future, biomarkers could be useful for the selection of patients for clinical trials. To adopt these biomarkers in clinical practice, we will need robust multicentric studies proving their reproducibility and a clear practical applicability for their use.
Endometriosis-Associated Ovarian Carcinomas: How PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway Affects Their Pathogenesis
Authors: Driva Tatiana S. , Schatz Christoph , Haybaeck Johannes
Published: August 2023

Ovarian clear cell (OCCC) and endometrioid (EnOC) carcinomas are often subsumed under the umbrella term “endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer” (EAOC), since they frequently arise from ectopic endometrium settled in the ovaries. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is known to be aberrantly activated both in endometriosis and EAOC; however, its role in the progression of endometriosis to ovarian cancer remains unclear. In fact, cancer-associated alterations in the mTOR pathway may be found in normal uterine epithelium, likely acting as a first step towards ovarian cancer, through the intermediary stage of endometriosis. This review aims to summarize the current knowledge regarding mTOR signaling dysregulation in the uterine endometrium, endometriosis, and EAOC while focusing on the interconnections between the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and other signaling molecules that give rise to synergistic molecular mechanisms triggering ovarian cancer development in the presence of endometriosis.
Platinum Palladium Bimetallic Nanozymes Stabilized with Vancomycin for the Sensitive Colorimetric Determination of L-cysteine
Authors: Zhao Han , Liu Kai , Zhou Lijie , Zhang Tingting , Han Zengsheng , Wang Longgang , Ji Xianbing , Cui Yanshuai , Hu Jie , Ma Guanglong
Published: August 2023

Many diseases in the human body are related to the level of L-cysteine. Therefore, it is crucial to establish an efficient, simple and sensitive platform for L-cysteine detection. In this work, we synthesized platinum palladium bimetallic nanoparticles (Van-Ptm/Pdn NPs) using vancomycin hydrochloride (Van) as a stabilizer, which exhibited high oxidase-like catalytic activity. In addition, the catalytic kinetics of the Van-Pt1/Pd1 NPs followed the typical Michaelis–Menten equation, exhibiting a strong affinity for 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine substrates. More importantly, we developed a simple and effective strategy for the sensitive colorimetric detection of L-cysteine using biocompatible Van-Pt1/Pd1 NPs. The detection limit was low, at 0.07 μM, which was lower than the values for many previously reported enzyme-like detection systems. The colorimetric method of the L-cysteine assay had good selectivity. The established method for the detection of L-cysteine showed promise for biomedical analysis.
Alveolar Ridge Augmentation with a Novel Combination of 3D-Printed Scaffolds and Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells—A Pilot Study in Pigs
Authors: Lau Chau Sang , Chua Jasper , Prasadh Somasundaram , Lim Jing , Saigo Leonardo , Goh Bee Tin
Published: August 2023

Alveolar ridge augmentation is an important dental procedure to increase the volume of bone tissue in the alveolar ridge before the installation of a dental implant. To meet the high demand for bone grafts for alveolar ridge augmentation and to overcome the limitations of autogenous bone, allografts, and xenografts, researchers are developing bone grafts from synthetic materials using novel fabrication techniques such as 3D printing. To improve the clinical performance of synthetic bone grafts, stem cells with osteogenic differentiation capability can be loaded into the grafts. In this pilot study, we propose a novel bone graft which combines a 3D-printed polycaprolactone–tricalcium phosphate (PCL-TCP) scaffold with adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs) that can be harvested, processed and implanted within the alveolar ridge augmentation surgery. We evaluated the novel bone graft in a porcine lateral alveolar defect model. Radiographic analysis revealed that the addition of AD-MSCs to the PCL-TCP scaffold improved the bone volume in the defect from 18.6% to 28.7% after 3 months of healing. Histological analysis showed the presence of AD-MSCs in the PCL-TCP scaffold led to better formation of new bone and less likelihood of fibrous encapsulation of the scaffold. Our pilot study demonstrated that the loading of AD-MSCs improved the bone regeneration capability of PCL-TCP scaffolds, and our novel bone graft is suitable for alveolar ridge augmentation.
Multiple Independent Gene Disorders Causing Bardet–Biedl Syndrome, Congenital Hypothyroidism, and Hearing Loss in a Single Indian Patient
Authors: Peixoto de Barcelos Isabella , Li Dong , Watson Deborah , M. McCormick Elizabeth , Elden Lisa , Aleman Thomas S. , O’Neil Erin C. , J. Falk Marni , Hakonarson Hakon
Published: August 2023

We report a 20-year-old, female, adopted Indian patient with over 662 Mb regions of homozy-gosity who presented with intellectual disability, ataxia, schizophrenia, retinal dystrophy, moder-ate-to-severe progressive sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), congenital hypothyroidism, cleft mi-tral valve with mild mitral valve regurgitation, and dysmorphic features. Exome analysis first on a clinical basis and subsequently on research reanalysis uncovered pathogenic variants in three nu-clear genes following two modes of inheritance that were causal to her complex phenotype. These included (1) compound heterozygous variants in BBS6 potentially causative for Bardet–Biedl syn-drome 6; (2) a homozygous, known pathogenic variant in the stereocilin (STRC) gene associated with nonsyndromic deafness; and (3) a homozygous variant in dual oxidase 2 (DUOX2) gene asso-ciated with congenital hypothyroidism. A variant of uncertain significance was identified in a fourth gene, troponin T2 (TNNT2), associated with cardiomyopathy but not the cleft mitral valve, with mild mitral regurgitation seen in this case. This patient was the product of an apparent first-degree relationship, explaining the multiple independent inherited findings. This case high-lights the need to carefully evaluate multiple independent genetic etiologies for complex pheno-types, particularly in the case of consanguinity, rather than presuming unexplained features are expansions of known gene disorders.
How Emotional Contagion among Teachers Affects the Relationship between Transformational Leadership and Team Cohesion
Authors: Paganin Giulia , Avanzi Lorenzo , Guglielmi Dina , Alcover Carlos-María , Mazzetti Greta
Published: August 2023

Teachers and educators are experiencing turmoil under the drastic changes in educational practices caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. According to research, transformational leaders effectively facilitate organizational change by fostering teachers’ sense of belonging and boosting social identity in their team members, which can result in better team well-being via higher team cohesion. Recently, research has increasingly explored the role of emotional contagion and its relationship with leadership. Accordingly, the current study aims to delve deeper into the role of emotional contagion in linking transformational leadership to cohesion among teachers in the school setting. To this purpose, 581 teachers from northern Italy filled out a self-report questionnaire (72.1% female, Mage = 47.06, and SDage = 11.42). A moderated mediation model was tested to assess the mediating role of organizational identification in the relationship between transformational leadership and team cohesion and how emotional contagion may moderate this association. The obtained results provided support to the hypothesized model. Overall, the present study corroborates the critical role of school principals’ behavior in fostering greater organizational identification among teachers, which is associated with better team cohesion. This study constitutes an early attempt to gain more insight into the role of emotional variables in explaining the influence of leadership behavior.
Full-Scale Experimental Study of Shear and Flexural Behavior of 16-m Retired Reinforced Concrete T-Beams
Authors: Jiang Haibo , Mo Fan , Chen Zhiqin , Wu Jiajie , Fang Haozhen , Fang Zhuangcheng , Zhang Shufeng , Xu Zhenming
Published: August 2023

Most of the existing engineering structures were built in the last century and have been in service for decades. However, environmental degradation may lead to a reduction in structural performance and service life. The mechanical property data of full-scale structures, such as bridges, are essential for structural health monitoring. For this purpose, five (half) reinforced concrete (RC) T-beams were removed from a retired 31-year-old bridge and subjected to destructive testing. Two loading points were employed, and the flexural and shear capacities of the retired T-beams were studied. The results showed that all the retired beams held high load capacities (exceeding 1400 kN). The two flexural test beams exhibited a high ductility, and the three shear test beams all failed. In addition, the existing cracks in the flexural test beams reopened when the load exceeded 200 kN, while it was 300 kN for the shear test beams. The load-carrying capacity experimental values of the test beams were compared with the ones calculated according to Chinese code JTG-3362-2018; it was shown that the retired T-beams still maintained a high degree of safety margins despite initial defects. The experimental results are expected to provide a reference for the assessment of in-service RC bridges.
Identification of Tension Force in Cable Structures Using Vibration-Based and Impedance-Based Methods in Parallel
Authors: Nguyen Minh-Huy , Truong Tran-De-Nhat , Le Thanh-Cao , Ho Duc-Duy
Published: August 2023

For cable structures, the tension force is one of the main factors showing the structure’s health. If the tension force falls below a safe level during construction or operation, it can lead to partial or complete the structural failure, posing a risk to the people’s safety. In this study, a parallel structural health monitoring approach of the vibration-based and impedance-based methods is proposed to identify the tension force in cable structures. Firstly, a cable structure including the anchorage is simulated using a finite element model to obtain the vibration and impedance responses. The numerical results are verified with the experimental ones of the previous studies. Then, the parallel approach combining the above two methods is presented to determine the tension force. For the vibration-based method, the tension force is estimated by the natural frequencies. For the impedance-based method, the tension force is estimated by the mean absolute percentage deviation (MAPD) index and the artificial neural network (ANN). Finally, the tension force estimation results are compared and assessed. By using the parallel approach, the reliability and accuracy of the tension force identification results are guaranteed.
Refurbishment of a Social Interest Building in Mexico Using Earth-to-Air Heat Exchangers
Authors: Rodríguez-Vázquez Martin , Hernández-Pérez Iván , Hernández-López Irving , Chávez Yvonne , Jiménez-Xamán Carlos M. , Baltazar-Tadeo Luis A. , Aranda-Arizmendi Alfredo
Published: August 2023

The refurbishment of a social interest building using Earth-to-Air Heat Exchanger (EAHE) was studied in representative dry climatic conditions of Mexico (dry, very dry, temperate, and sub-temperate). A simulation method that uses both computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and building energy simulation (BES) was used to analyze the influence of the EAHE on the indoor conditions of a room. First, CFD simulations of the EAHE were performed using climatic data and soil properties of the four representative cities, and then the results were loaded into the TRNSYS software to estimate the indoor air temperature and the building room’s thermal loads. When connected to a building room on a warm day, the EAHE reduced the indoor air temperature by a factor ranging between 1.7 and 3.2 °C, while on a cold day, the EAHE increased the indoor air temperature of the room by between 1.0 and 1.9 °C. On the other hand, the EAHE reduced the daily cooling load of the room by a factor between 2% and 6%. The EAHE also reduced the daily heating load by between 0.3% and 11%. Thus, EAHE as a refurbishment technology can benefit social interest buildings in Mexico.
Promoting Social Equity and Building Resilience through Value-Inclusive Design
Authors: Harris Eric , Franz Anna , O’Hara Sabine
Published: August 2023

Urban design and architecture have inadvertently contributed to the bifurcation of societies divided into haves and have-nots, thus undermining social equity, restricting opportunity, and resulting in poverty next to overabundance and waste. Global population growth and urban migration pressures compound the problem. The call for social equity and justice is, therefore, urgent from a social perspective and an environmental one. This study explores a concept we call ‘value-inclusive design’ and its potential for transformation toward ‘judicial equity’. Our value-inclusive design method proposes neighborhood interactions and co-design as a way to create welcoming spaces that preserve natural resources, support economic sustainability, and improve architectural design to foster health and wellbeing for people and the environment. This article discusses the potential of our value-inclusive design model in contributing to judicial equity by applying it to an international student competition called the ‘Global Greenhouse Challenge #3’, launched by Wageningen University and Research. By viewing the results of the Global Greenhouse challenge through the lens of value-inclusive design, we find that the model has merit and provides a useful theoretical framework for promoting social equity in urban planning and design. We conclude that by applying the model, its constructs can enhance design approaches that seek to improve the quality of life of residents while building resilience and shifting agency through co-design. The model can, thus, be a means for driving continuous improvement in architectural design and applying it in an educational setting such as the Global Greenhouse Challenge student competition.
Adjuvant Therapy for High-Risk Melanoma: An In-Depth Examination of the State of the Field
Authors: Eljilany Islam , Castellano Ella , Tarhini Ahmad A.
Published: August 2023

The consideration of systemic adjuvant therapy is recommended for patients with stage IIB-IV melanoma who have undergone surgical resection due to a heightened risk of experiencing melanoma relapse and mortality from melanoma. Adjuvant therapy options tested over the past three decades include high-dose interferon-α, immune checkpoint inhibitors (pembrolizumab, nivolumab), targeted therapy (dabrafenib-trametinib for BRAF mutant melanoma), radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Most of these therapies have been demonstrated to enhance relapse-free survival (RFS) but with limited to no impact on overall survival (OS), as reported in randomized trials. In contemporary clinical practice, the adjuvant treatment approach for surgically resected stage III-IV melanoma has undergone a notable shift towards the utilization of nivolumab, pembrolizumab, and BRAF-MEK inhibitors, such as dabrafenib plus trametinib (specifically for BRAF mutant melanoma) due to the significant enhancements in RFS observed with these treatments. Pembrolizumab has obtained regulatory approval in the United States to treat resected stage IIB-IIC melanoma, while nivolumab is currently under review for the same indication. This review comprehensively analyzes completed phase III adjuvant therapy trials in adjuvant therapy. Additionally, it provides a summary of ongoing trials and an overview of the main challenges and future directions with adjuvant therapy.
How Reliable Is Fluorescence-Guided Surgery in Low-Grade Gliomas? A Systematic Review Concerning Different Fluorophores
Authors: Bianconi Andrea , Bonada Marta , Zeppa Pietro , Colonna Stefano , Tartara Fulvio , Melcarne Antonio , Garbossa Diego , Cofano Fabio
Published: August 2023

Background: Fluorescence-guided surgery has been increasingly used to support glioma surgery with the purpose of obtaining a maximal safe resection, in particular in high-grade gliomas, while its role is less definitely assessed in low-grade gliomas. Methods: A systematic review was conducted. 5-aminolevulinic acid, sodium fluorescein, indocyanine green and tozuleristide were taken into account. The main considered outcome was the fluorescence rate, defined as the number of patients in whom positive fluorescence was detected out of the total number of patients. Only low-grade gliomas were considered, and data were grouped according to single fluorophores. Results: 16 papers about 5-aminolevulinic acid, 4 about sodium fluorescein, 2 about indocyanine green and 1 about tozuleristide were included in the systematic review. Regarding 5-aminolevulinic acid, a total of 467 low-grade glioma patients were included, and fluorescence positivity was detected in 34 out of 451 Grade II tumors (7.3%); while in Grade I tumors, fluorescence positivity was detected in 9 out of 16 cases. In 16 sodium fluorescein patients, seven positive fluorescent cases were detected. As far as indocyanine is concerned, two studies accounting for six patients (three positive) were included, while for tozuleristide, a single clinical trial with eight patients (two positive) was retrieved. Conclusions: The current evidence does not support the routine use of 5-aminolevulinic acid or sodium fluorescein with a standard operating microscope because of the low fluorescence rates. New molecules, including tozuleristide, and new techniques for fluorescence detection have shown promising results; however, their use still needs to be clinically validated on a large scale.
Conditional Survival in Prostate Cancer in the Nordic Countries Elucidates the Timing of Improvements
Authors: Zitricky Frantisek , Försti Asta , Hemminki Akseli , Hemminki Otto , Hemminki Kari
Published: August 2023

Background: The incidence of prostate cancer (PC) increased vastly as a result of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing. Survival in PC improved in the PSA-testing era, but changes in clinical presentation have hampered the interpretation of the underlying causes. Design: We analyzed survival trends in PC using data from the NORDCAN database for Denmark (DK), Finland (FI), Norway (NO) and Sweden (SE) by analyzing 1-, 5- and 10-year relative survival and conditional relative survival over the course of 50 years (1971–2020). Results: In the pre-PSA era, survival improved in FI and SE and improved marginally in NO but not in DK. PSA testing began toward the end of the 1980s; 5-year survival increased by approximately 30%, and 10-year survival improved even more. Conditional survival from years 6 to 10 (5 years) was better than conditional survival from years 2 to 5 (4 years), but by 2010, this difference disappeared in countries other than DK. Survival in the first year after diagnosis approached 100%; by year 5, it was 95%; and by year 10, it was 90% in the best countries, NO and SE. Conclusions: In spite of advances in diagnostics and treatment, further attention is required to improve PC survival.
Zinc Iodide-Metal Chloride-Organic Base: An Efficient Catalytic System for Synthesis of Cyclic Carbonates from Carbon Dioxide and Epoxides under Ambient Conditions
Authors: Mihara Masatoshi , Nakao Shuichi , Nakai Takeo , Mizuno Takumi
Published: August 2023

Development of an effective catalytic system for the cycloaddition of carbon dioxide to epoxides for the preparation of cyclic carbonates under mild conditions is of great importance. Herein, a mixture of zinc iodide, metal chlorides, and strong organic bases is demonstrated to be a useful catalytic system that works at room temperature under atmospheric pressure. The most efficient combination, zinc iodide-niobium chloride-7-methyl-1,5,7-triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec-5-ene (1.2-0.3-3.0 mol%), gave styrene carbonate (95%) from styrene oxide and CO2 (balloon) at 25 °C for 24 h. Another combination, zinc iodide-zinc chloride-1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (1.2-0.8-4.0 mol%), kept the catalytic activity for the preparation of propylene carbonate until the fourth run. Therefore, the reaction system was operationally simple, highly efficient, and proceeded under ambient conditions. The catalyst is composed of readily available reagents and is reusable. Thus, the method presented is a powerful tool for utilizing CO2 as the starting material for the production of valuable chemicals.
Fischer–Tropsch Synthesis Catalysts for Selective Production of Diesel Fraction
Authors: Mazurova Kristina , Miyassarova Albina , Eliseev Oleg , Stytsenko Valentine , Glotov Aleksandr , Stavitskaya Anna
Published: August 2023

The Fischer–Tropsch process is considered one of the most promising eco-friendly routes for obtaining synthetic motor fuels. Fischer–Tropsch synthesis is a heterogeneous catalytic process in which a synthesis gas (CO/H2) transforms into a mixture of aliphatic hydrocarbons, mainly linear alkanes. Recently, an important direction has been to increase the selectivity of the process for the diesel fraction. Diesel fuel synthesized via the Fischer–Tropsch method has a number of advantages over conventional fuel, including the high cetane number, the low content of aromatic, and the practically absent sulfur and nitrogen impurities. One of the possible ways to obtain a high yield of diesel fuel via the Fischer–Tropsch process is the development of selective catalysts. In this review, the latest achievements in the field of production of diesel via Fischer–Tropsch synthesis using catalysts are reviewed for the first time. Catalytic systems based on Al2O3 and mesoporous silicates, such as MCM-41, SBA-15, and micro- and mesoporous zeolites, are observed. Together with catalytic systems, the main factors that influence diesel fuel selectivity such as temperature, pressure, CO:H2 ratio, active metal particle size, and carrier pore size are highlighted. The motivation behind this work is due to the increasing need for alternative processes in diesel fuel production with a low sulfur content and better exploitation characteristics.