bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Brownmillerite in Preparation of High-Belite Sulfoaluminate Cement Clinker
Authors: Chen Xuemei , Li Jun , Lu Zhongyuan , Ng Serina , Niu Yunhui , Jiang Jun , Xu Yigang , Lai Zhenyu , Liu Huan
Published: May 2022

High-belite sulfoaluminate cement (HBSC) clinker containing brownmillerite was prepared using the industrial raw materials limestone, aluminum tailings, aluminum ore waste rock, and anhydrite. The effect of brownmillerite on clinker sintering and clinker minerals and the mechanical performance of HBSC was investigated using thermal analysis, petrographic analysis, and quantitative X-ray diffraction (QXRD). Results indicated that brownmillerite promoted the formation of clinker minerals and stabilized calcium sulfoaluminate (C4A3$) through the substitution of Fe3+ for Al3+ in C4A3$, which increased the actual C4A3$ content and decreased the brownmillerite content compared to that of the designed theoretical mineral composition. However, the early compressive strength of HBSC pastes decreased with the increase in brownmillerite content due to the decrease in the total amount of early-strength clinker minerals. Brownmillerite also influenced belite (C2S) structures and increased the γ-C2S content with poor hydration activity, thus inhibiting the strength development of HBSC pastes. The proper amount of brownmillerite in HBSC clinker can ensure the early strength and strength development of HBSC pastes.
Theoretical Assessment of Cracking in Orthotropic Material under Symmetrical Heat Flow/Mechanical Loading
Authors: Wu Bing , Peng Daren , Jones Rhys
Published: May 2022

This paper studies a cracked orthotropic solid under symmetric heat flow, and symmetric mechanical loading is studied. A modified partially impermeable crack model is employed to simulate thermal load transfer. With the application of the Fourier transform technique and superposition theory, the related physical quantities and fracture parameters are obtained in explicit forms. The advantage of this paper is that the obtained solutions are explicitly closed. As a result, the calculation of the stress intensity factors of various cracks with different lengths becomes very convenient and fast. Some simple examples are used to demonstrate the method provided in this paper. The analysis results show the dimensionless thermal resistance (ϖc) between the upper and lower crack regions and the proposed coefficient (ε) greatly influence the related physical quantities and fracture parameters. In addition, the numerical analysis results also revealed that the calculated results of fracture parameters at the crack tip will not be physically meaningful unless certain conditions are met.
A Review of Selected Types of Indoor Air Purifiers in Terms of Microbial Air Contamination Reduction
Authors: Szczotko Maciej , Orych Izabela , Mąka Łukasz , Solecka Jolanta
Published: May 2022

Aims: With the ongoing pandemic and increased interest in measures to improve indoor air quality, various indoor air purifiers have become very popular and are widely used. This review presents the advantages and disadvantages of various types of technologies used in air purifiers in terms of reducing microbial contamination. Methods: A literature search was performed using Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed, as well as technical organizations dealing with indoor air-quality to identify research articles and documents within our defined scope of interest. Relevant sections: The available literature data focus mainly on the efficiency of devices based on tests conducted in laboratory conditions with test chambers, which does not reflect the real dimensions and conditions observed in residential areas. According to a wide range of articles on the topic, the actual effectiveness of air purifiers is significantly lower in real conditions than the values declared by the manufacturers in their marketing materials as well as technical specifications. Conclusions: According to current findings, using indoor air purifiers should not be the only measure to improve indoor air-quality; however, these can play a supporting role if their application is preceded by an appropriate technical and environmental analysis considering the real conditions of its use.
Impact of Vehicle Soot Agglomerates on Snow Albedo
Authors: González-Correa Sofía , Gómez-Doménech Diego , Ballesteros Rosario , Lapuerta Magín , Pacheco-Ferrada Diego , Flores Raúl P. , Castro Lina , Fadic-Ruiz Ximena , Cereceda-Balic Francisco
Published: May 2022

Snow covers are very sensitive to contamination from soot agglomerates derived from vehicles. A spectroradiometric system covering a wavelength from 300 to 2500 nm with variable resolution (from 2.2 to 7.0 nm) was used to characterize the effect of soot derived from a diesel vehicle whose exhaust stream was oriented towards a limited snowed area. The vehicle was previously tested in a rolling test bench where particle number emissions and size distributions were measured, and fractal analysis of particle microscopic images was made after collecting individual agglomerates by means of an electrostatizing sampler. Finally, the experimental results were compared to modelled results of contaminated snow spectral albedo obtained with a snow radiative transfer model developed by our research group (OptiPar) and with other models. Both experimental and modelled results show that increasingly accumulated soot mass reduces the snow albedo with a constant rate of around 0.03 units per mg/kg, with a predominant effect on the UV-VIS range. Based on the small size of the primary particles (around 25 nm), the Rayleigh-Debye-Gans approximation, further corrected to account for the effect of multiple scattering within the agglomerates, was revealed as an appropriate technique in the model.
Enhanced Methane Oxidation Potential of Landfill Cover Soil Modified with Aged Refuse
Authors: He Haijie , Wu Tao , Qiu Zhanhong , Zhao Chenxi , Wang Shifang , Yao Jun , Hong Jie
Published: May 2022

Aged refuse with a landfill age of 1.5 years was collected from a municipal solid waste landfill with high kitchen waste content and mixed with soil as biocover material for landfill. A series of laboratory batch tests was performed to determine the methane oxidation potential and optimal mixing ratio of landfill cover soil modified with aged refuse, and the effects of water content, temperature, CO2/CH4, and O2/CH4 ratios on its methane oxidation capacity were analyzed. The microbial community analysis of aged refuse showed that the proportions of type I and type II methane-oxidizing bacteria were 56.27% and 43.73%, respectively. Aged refuse could significantly enhance the methane oxidation potential of cover soil, and the optimal mixing ratio was approximately 1:1. The optimal temperature and water content were about 25 °C and 30%, respectively. Under the conditions of an initial methane concentration of 15% and an O2/CH4 ratio of 0.8–1.2, the measured methane oxidation rate was negatively correlated with the O2/CH4 ratio. The maximum methane oxidation capacity measured in the test reached 308.5 (μg CH4/g)/h, indicating that the low-age refuse in the landfill with high kitchen waste content is a biocover material with great application potential.
A Study of a Miniature TDLAS System Onboard Two Unmanned Aircraft to Independently Quantify Methane Emissions from Oil and Gas Production Assets and Other Industrial Emitters
Authors: Corbett Abigail , Smith Brendan
Published: May 2022

In recent years, industries such as oil and gas production, waste management, and renewable natural gas/biogas have made a concerted effort to limit and offset anthropogenic sources of methane emissions. However, the state of emissions, what is emitting and at what rate, is highly variable and depends strongly on the micro-scale emissions that have large impacts on the macro-scale aggregates. Bottom-up emissions estimates are better verified using additional independent facility-level measurements, which has led to industry-wide efforts such as the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership (OGMP) push for more accurate measurements. Robust measurement techniques are needed to accurately quantify and mitigate these greenhouse gas emissions. Deployed on both fixed-wing and multi-rotor unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), a miniature tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS) sensor has accurately quantified methane emissions from oil and gas assets all over the world since 2017. To compare bottom-up and top-down measurements, it is essential that both values are accompanied with a defensible estimate of measurement uncertainty. In this study, uncertainty has been determined through controlled release experiments as well as statistically using real field data. Two independent deployment methods for quantifying methane emissions utilizing the in situ TDLAS sensor are introduced: fixed-wing and multi-rotor. The fixed-wing, long-endurance UAV method accurately measured emissions with an absolute percentage difference between emitted and mass flux measurement of less than 16% and an average error of 6%, confirming its suitability for offshore applications. For the quadcopter rotary drone surveys, two flight patterns were performed: perimeter polygons and downwind flux planes. Flying perimeter polygons resulted in an absolute error less than 36% difference and average error of 16.2%, and downwind flux planes less than 32% absolute difference and average difference of 24.8% when flying downwind flux planes. This work demonstrates the applicability of ultra-sensitive miniature spectrometers for industrial methane emission quantification at facility level with many potential applications.
Simulation of Summer Rainfall in Thailand by IAP-AGCM4.1
Authors: Torsri Kritanai , Lin Zhaohui , Dike Victor Nnamdi , Zhang He , Wu Chenglai , Yu Yue
Published: May 2022

Thailand is located in the Southeast Asian region, where the summer rainfall exhibits strong interannual variability, and the successful simulation of rainfall variation in Thailand by current climate models remains a challenge. Therefore, this paper evaluates the capability of the state-of-the-art Atmospheric GCM of the Institute of Atmospheric Physics (IAP-AGCM) in simulating summer rainfall over Thailand by comparing the model’s results with ground-truth observation during 1981–2012. Generally, the model shows a certain skill in reproducing the observed spatial distribution of the summer rainfall climatology and its interannual variability over Thailand, although the model underestimated both rainfall amount and its variability. Using Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF) analysis, it is found that the IAP climate model reproduced creditably the spatial patterns of the first three dominant modes of summer rainfall in Thailand, whereas it underestimated the explained variance of the observed EOF-1 and overestimated the explained variance of the observed EOF-2 significantly. It was further found that the correlation between the observed rainfall anomalies in Thailand and the Niño3.4 index can be reproduced by the IAP model. However, the observed negative correlation is largely underestimated by the IAP climate model, and this could be the reason for the underestimation of explained variance of the EOF-1 by the IAP model. The evaluation results would be of great importance for further model improvement and thus potential application in seasonal prediction in the region.
IBM Quantum Platforms: A Quantum Battery Perspective
Authors: Gemme Giulia , Grossi Michele , Ferraro Dario , Vallecorsa Sofia , Sassetti Maura
Published: May 2022

We characterize for the first time the performances of IBM quantum chips as quantum batteries, specifically addressing the single-qubit Armonk processor. By exploiting the Pulse access enabled to some of the IBM Quantum processors via the Qiskit package, we investigate the advantages and limitations of different profiles for classical drives used to charge these miniaturized batteries, establishing the optimal compromise between charging time and stored energy. Moreover, we consider the role played by various possible initial conditions on the functioning of the quantum batteries. As the main result of our analysis, we observe that unavoidable errors occurring in the initialization phase of the qubit, which can be detrimental for quantum computing applications, only marginally affect energy transfer and storage. This can lead counter-intuitively to improvements of the performances. This is a strong indication of the fact that IBM quantum devices are already in the proper range of parameters to be considered as good and stable quantum batteries comparable to state-of-the-art devices recently discussed in the literature.
Biological Activity of Gold Compounds against Viruses and Parasitosis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Fonseca Custódia , Aureliano Manuel
Published: May 2022

In this contribution, we provide an overview of gold compound applications against viruses or parasites during recent years. The special properties of gold have been the subject of intense investigation in recent years, which has led to the development of its chemistry with the synthesis of new compounds and the study of its applicability in various areas such as catalysis, materials, nanotechnology and medicine. Herein, thirteen gold articles with applications in several viruses, such as hepatitis C virus (HCV), influenza A virus (H1N1), vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), coronavirus (SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2), Dengue virus, and several parasites such as Plasmodium sp., Leishmania sp., Tripanossoma sp., Brugia sp., Schistosoma sp., Onchocerca sp., Acanthamoeba sp., and Trichomonas sp. are described. Gold compounds with anti-viral activity include gold nanoparticles with the ligands mercaptoundecanosulfonate, 1-octanethiol and aldoses and gold complexes with phosphine and carbene ligands. All of the gold compounds with anti-parasitic activity reported are gold complexes of the carbene type. Auranofin is a gold drug already used against rheumatoid arthritis, and it has also been tested against virus and parasites.
Factors Affecting Roadkills of Semi-Aquatic Mammals
Authors: Balčiauskas Linas , Stratford Jos , Kučas Andrius , Balčiauskienė Laima
Published: May 2022

We previously showed that registration efforts and traffic intensity explain 90% of variation in mammal roadkill numbers, 70% of variation in the numbers of recorded species and 40% of diversity variation. Here we analyze semiaquatic mammal roadkill in Lithuania in 2002–2021, relating these to the monitoring effort. From 39,936 analyzed roadkill, the European beaver (Castor fiber) was registered 60 times, American mink (Neovison vison) 26 times, otter (Lutra lutra) 22 times and muskrat (Ondatra zibethica) 3 times. The average roadkill indexes were 0.000065, 0.00076, 0.00061 and 0.00010 ind./km/day, and the extrapolated annual roadkill for the country was 44–357, 36–456, 49–464 and 89–144 individuals, respectively. Beaver roadkill numbers correlated with the registration effort and traffic intensity, otter roadkill with registration effort only and mink with hunting bag (number of hunted individuals per year). Roadkill was not always related to proximity to water, with 38–54% of roadkill occurring over 200 m from the nearest water source. With American mink and muskrat being invasive species in the EU and otter protected in many countries, it is valuable to enhance the registrations of their roadkill (using targeted efforts by drivers, hunters or other citizen scientists) to obtain the extrapolated amount of roadkill and to use this knowledge in species management.
Postmortem and Antemortem Forensic Assessment of Pediatric Fracture Healing from Radiographs and Machine Learning Classification
Authors: Kyllonen Kelsey M. , Monson Keith L. , Smith Michael A.
Published: May 2022

A timeline of pediatric bone healing using fracture healing characteristics that can be assessed solely using radiographs would be practical for forensic casework, where the fracture event may precede death by days, months, or years. However, the dating of fractures from radiographs is difficult, imprecise, and lacks consensus, as only a few aspects of the healing process are visible on radiographs. Multiple studies in both the clinical and forensic literature have attempted to develop a usable scale to assess pediatric bone healing on radiographs using various healing characteristics. In contrast to the orthopedic definition, a fracture in forensic casework is only considered to be healed when the area around the fracture has been remodeled to the point that the fracture is difficult to detect on a radiograph or on the surface of the bone itself, a process that can take several years. We subjectively assessed visible characteristics of healing in radiograms of fractures occurring in 942 living children and adolescents. By dividing these assessments into learning and test (validation) sets, the accuracy of a newly proposed fracture healing scale was compared to a previous study. Two machine learning models were used to test predictions of the new scale. All three models produced similar estimates with substantial imprecision. Results corroborate the Malone model with an independent dataset and support the efficacy of using less complex models to estimate fracture age in children.
Electrospun Silk Fibroin/kappa-Carrageenan Hybrid Nanofibers with Enhanced Osteogenic Properties for Bone Regeneration Applications
Authors: Roshanfar Fahimeh , Hesaraki Saeed , Dolatshahi-Pirouz Alireza
Published: May 2022

In this study, a novel nanofibrous hybrid scaffold based on silk fibroin (SF) and different weight ratios of kappa-carrageenan (k-CG) (1, 3, and 5 mg of k-CG in 1 mL of 12 wt% SF solution) was prepared using electrospinning and genipin (GP) as a crosslinker. The presence of k-CG in SF nanofibers was analyzed and confirmed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). In addition, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed that GP could cause SF conformation to shift from random coils or α-helices to β-sheets and thereby facilitate a more crystalline and stable structure. The ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and Young’s modulus of the SF mats were enhanced after crosslinking with GP from 3.91 ± 0.2 MPa to 8.50 ± 0.3 MPa and from 9.17 ± 0.3 MPa to 31.2 ± 1.2 MP, respectively. Notably, while the mean fiber diameter, wettability, and biodegradation rate of the SF nanofibers increased with increasing k-CG content, a decreasing effect was determined in terms of UTS and Young’s modulus. Additionally, better cell viability and proliferation were observed on hybrid scaffolds with the highest k-CG content. Osteogenic differentiation was determined from alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and Alizarin Red staining and expression of osteogenic marker genes. To this end, we noticed that k-CG enhanced ALP activity, calcium deposition, and expression of osteogenic genes on the hybrid scaffolds. Overall, hybridization of SF and k-CG can introduce a promising scaffold for bone regeneration; however, more biological evaluations are required.
The Role of Zinc and Copper in Platelet Activation and Pathophysiological Thrombus Formation in Patients with Pulmonary Embolism in the Course of SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Authors: Szewc Monika , Markiewicz-Gospodarek Agnieszka , Górska Aleksandra , Chilimoniuk Zuzanna , Rahnama Mansur , Radzikowska-Buchner Elżbieta , Strzelec-Pawelczak Karolina , Bakiera Jarosław , Maciejewski Ryszard
Published: May 2022

To date, many studies have proved that COVID-19 increases the incidence of thrombus formation and coagulopathies but the exact mechanism behind such a disease outcome is not well known. In this review we collect the information and discuss the pathophysiology of thrombus formation in patients with pulmonary embolism in the course of COVID-19 disease and the role of zinc and copper in the process. Supplementation of zinc and copper may be beneficial for COVID-19 patients due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties. On the other hand, excess of those microelements in the organism may be harmful, that is why marking the level of those micronutrients should be done at first. We also propose further investigation of diagnostic and therapeutic options of zinc and copper in course of COVID-19 thrombus formation to their potential in patient care, with particular emphasis on the dosage and the duration of their misbalance.
Automated—Mechanical Procedure Compared to Gentle Enzymatic Tissue Dissociation in Cell Function Studies
Authors: Montanari Mariele , Burattini Sabrina , Ciacci Caterina , Ambrogini Patrizia , Carloni Silvia , Balduini Walter , Lopez Daniele , Panza Giovanna , Papa Stefano , Canonico Barbara
Published: May 2022

The first step to obtain a cellular suspension from tissues is the disaggregation procedure. The cell suspension method has to provide a representative sample of the different cellular subpopulations and to maximize the number of viable functional cells. Here, we analyzed specific cell functions in cell suspensions from several rat tissues obtained by two different methods, automated–mechanical and enzymatic disaggregation. Flow cytometric, confocal, and ultrastructural (TEM) analyses were applied to the spleen, testis, liver and other tissues. Samples were treated by an enzymatic trypsin solution or processed by the Medimachine II (MMII). The automated–mechanical and enzymatic disaggregation procedures have shown to work similarly in some tissues, which displayed comparable amounts of apoptotic/necrotic cells. However, cells obtained by the enzyme-free Medimachine II protocols show a better preservation lysosome and mitochondria labeling, whereas the enzymatic gentle dissociation appears to constantly induce a lower amount of intracellular ROS; nevertheless, lightly increased ROS can be recognized as a complimentary signal to promote cell survival. Therefore, MMII represents a simple, fast, and standardized method for tissue processing, which allows to minimize bias arising from the operator’s ability. Our study points out technical issues to be adopted for specific organs and tissues to obtain functional cells.
Targeting of the Peritumoral Adipose Tissue Microenvironment as an Innovative Antitumor Therapeutic Strategy
Authors: Lo Iacono Melania , Modica Chiara , Porcelli Gaetana , Brancato Ornella Roberta , Muratore Giampaolo , Bianca Paola , Gaggianesi Miriam , Turdo Alice , Veschi Veronica , Todaro Matilde , Di Franco Simone , Stassi Giorgio
Published: May 2022

The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a key role in promoting and sustaining cancer growth. Adipose tissue (AT), due to its anatomical distribution, is a prevalent component of TME, and contributes to cancer development and progression. Cancer-associated adipocytes (CAAs), reprogrammed by cancer stem cells (CSCs), drive cancer progression by releasing metabolites and inflammatory adipokines. In this review, we highlight the mechanisms underlying the bidirectional crosstalk among CAAs, CSCs, and stromal cells. Moreover, we focus on the recent advances in the therapeutic targeting of adipocyte-released factors as an innovative strategy to counteract cancer progression.
On the Study of Deubiquitinases: Using the Right Tools for the Job
Authors: Caba Cody , Mohammadzadeh Azam , Tong Yufeng
Published: May 2022

Deubiquitinases (DUBs) have been the subject of intense scrutiny in recent years. Many of their diverse enzymatic mechanisms are well characterized in vitro; however, our understanding of these enzymes at the cellular level lags due to the lack of quality tool reagents. DUBs play a role in seemingly every biological process and are central to many human pathologies, thus rendering them very desirable and challenging therapeutic targets. This review aims to provide researchers entering the field of ubiquitination with knowledge of the pharmacological modulators and tool molecules available to study DUBs. A focus is placed on small molecule inhibitors, ubiquitin variants (UbVs), and activity-based probes (ABPs). Leveraging these tools to uncover DUB biology at the cellular level is of particular importance and may lead to significant breakthroughs. Despite significant drug discovery efforts, only approximately 15 chemical probe-quality small molecule inhibitors have been reported, hitting just 6 of about 100 DUB targets. UbV technology is a promising approach to rapidly expand the library of known DUB inhibitors and may be used as a combinatorial platform for structure-guided drug design.
Segmental and Intersegmental Coordination Characteristics of a Cognitive Movement Control Test: Quantifying Loss of Movement Choices
Authors: Blandford Lincoln , Cushion Emily , Mahaffey Ryan
Published: May 2022

Cognitive movement control tests are hypothesized to reveal reduced coordination variability, a feature of motor behaviour linked to clinical presentations. Exploration of this proposition via kinematic analysis of test pass and fail conditions is yet to be conducted. Kinematics (3D) were collected as 28 participants were qualitatively rated during nine trials of a cognitive movement control test. Ten female and two male participants passing the test were matched to twelve participants who failed (three males, nine females). Sagittal plane pelvis and knee angles were determined. Peak pelvic deviation and knee flexion maxima/minima were compared between groups. Classification tree analysis explored relationships between test failure and pelvis–knee intersegmental coordination strategy classifications derived from novel and traditional vector coding techniques. Coordination variability waveforms were assessed via SPM. Age, BMI, and knee flexion values did not differ between the groups (p > 0.05); however, participants rated as failing the test displayed greater pelvic deviation (p < 0.05). Classification tree analysis revealed a greater use of pelvic dominant intersegmental coordination strategies from both vector coding techniques (p < 0.001) by fail-group participants. The fail-group also displayed lower coordination variability for novel (p < 0.05), but not traditional (p > 0.05) vector coding technique waveforms, supporting the premise that the testing protocol may act as a qualitative approach to inform on features of motor behavior linked to clinical presentations.
Naphthoquinone as a New Chemical Scaffold for Leishmanicidal Inhibitors of Leishmania GSK-3
Authors: Sebastián-Pérez Victor , Martínez de Iturrate Paula , Nácher-Vázquez Montserrat , Nóvoa Luis , Pérez Concepción , Campillo Nuria E. , Gil Carmen , Rivas Luis
Published: May 2022

More than 1 billion people live in areas endemic for leishmaniasis, which is a relevant threat for public health worldwide. Due to the inadequate treatments, there is an urgent need to develop novel alternative drugs and to validate new targets to fight this disease. One appealing approach is the selective inhibition of protein kinases (PKs), enzymes involved in a wide range of processes along the life cycle of Leishmania. Several PKs, including glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3), have been validated as essential for this parasite by genetic or pharmacological methods. Recently, novel chemical scaffolds have been uncovered as Leishmania GSK-3 inhibitors with antiparasitic activity. In order to find new inhibitors of this enzyme, a virtual screening of our in-house chemical library was carried out on the structure of the Leishmania GSK-3. The virtual hits identified were experimentally assayed both for leishmanicidal activity and for in vitro inhibition of the enzyme. The best hits have a quinone scaffold. Their optimization through a medicinal chemistry approach led to a set of new compounds, provided a frame to establish biochemical and antiparasitic structure–activity relationships, and delivered molecules with an improved selectivity index. Altogether, this study paves the way for a systemic search of this class of inhibitors for further development as potential leishmanicidal drugs.
Plasma Amino Acid Concentrations in Patients with Alcohol and/or Cocaine Use Disorders and Their Association with Psychiatric Comorbidity and Sex
Authors: García-Marchena Nuria , Marcos Alberto , Flores-López María , Moreno-Fernández Mario , Requena-Ocaña Nerea , Porras-Perales Oscar , Torres-Galván Sandra , Araos Pedro , Serrano Antonia , Muga Roberto , Ruiz-Ruiz Juan Jesús , Rodríguez de Fonseca Fernando , Ambrosio Emilio , Pavón-Morón Francisco Javier
Published: May 2022

(1) Background: Co-occurrence of mental and substance use disorders (SUD) is prevalent, but complicates their clinical courses, and specific biomarkers are required. Amino acids are altered in primary mental disorders; however, little is known about SUD and psychiatric comorbidity. Because most psychiatric disorders and biomarkers show sex differences, we investigated amino acids in men and women with alcohol and/or cocaine use disorders (AUD and/or CUD) and psychiatric comorbidity. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 295 participants, who were divided into four groups (AUD, n = 60; CUD, n = 41; AUD + CUD, n = 64; and control, n = 130). Participants were clinically assessed, and plasma amino acid concentrations were analyzed in relation to sex, diagnosis of SUD and psychiatric comorbidity (3) Results: In the total sample, there were sex differences, and women showed lower Iso, Leu, Gln and Glu than men. While patients with CUD and AUD + CUD had higher Glu, Gly, Orn and Ser than controls, patients with AUD showed no differences. In SUD, patients with psychiatric comorbidity had lower Orn and higher Ala than non-comorbid patients in the AUD group. (4) Conclusions: There was a dysregulation of plasma amino acids in abstinent patients with SUD. However, our results suggest the importance of considering the clinical characteristics and sex in the validity of amino acids as potential biomarkers for SUD.
Establishment and Comparative Analysis of Enzyme-Linked Immunoassay and Time-Resolved Fluoroimmunoassay for the Determination of Trace Quinclorac in Environment
Authors: Liu Xue , Chen Xiuzhai , Zhu Xu , Lin Qing , Pan Xi , Tan Xiaolei , Guo Yongfeng , Qiu Jun , Fang Song
Published: May 2022

As a common herbicide in farmland, there has been wide concern over quinclorac residue because of its potential risks to the environment and human health. For the detection and monitoring of quinclorac residue in the environment, enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) and time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay (TRFIA) were established. The half-maximal inhibition concentrations (IC50) of ELISA and TRFIA were 0.169 mg/L and 0.087 mg/L with a linear range (IC20–IC80) of 0.020–1.389 mg/L and 0.004–1.861 mg/L, respectively. Compared with ELISA, the limit of detection (LOD, IC20) and IC50 of TRFIA improved approximately 5-fold and 2-fold. The cross-reaction rates for the quinclorac analogs were less than 2%. The average recoveries of quinclorac in river water, paddy water, paddy soil, and brown rice samples were 77.3–106.1%, with RSDs of 1.7–12.5%. More importantly, the results of the two methods were consistent with that of the referenced method of UPLC-MS/MS (R2 > 0.98). ELISA and TRFIA both showed good detection performance and could meet the requirements of the quantitative determination of quinclorac. Therefore, the proposed ELISA and TRFIA could be applied to the rapid and sensitive detection and monitoring of quinclorac residue in the environment.
Reading the Mind through the Nose: Mentalizing Skills Predict Olfactory Performance
Authors: Lübke Katrin T. , Blum Tobias C. , Pause Bettina M.
Published: May 2022

A growing body of literature suggests a close link between olfaction and social expertise. The current study examines whether mentalizing skills are related to olfactory discrimination performance. In order to assess their mentalizing ability, 21 women and 20 men completed the “Reading the Mind in the Eyes” test (RMET). Here, the participants have to infer other persons’ mental state from photographs of eye regions. Odor discrimination was assessed using the “Düsseldorf Odour Discrimination Test” (DODT). The DODT consists of 15 items, each containing mixtures of four monomolecular substances. Within each item, two bottles contain the same mixing ratio, while the third contains the reversed mixing ratio. The participants had to identify the deviating odor. Women’s expertise in mentalizing (RMET score) is strongly related to olfactory discrimination performance (DODT score): The better women are in mentalizing, the better their performance in olfactory discrimination (rho = 0.572, p = 0.042, Bonferroni-corrected). Men’s mentalizing capability was unrelated to olfactory discrimination (rho = −0.117, p > 0.999, Bonferroni-corrected). The current results suggest that the social skill of mentalizing might underly the link between olfaction and social integration, at least in women, and are discussed with regard to the social nature of human olfaction.
The Higher, More Complicated: The Neural Mechanism of Hierarchical Task Switching on Prefrontal Cortex
Authors: Zhu Chengdong , Han Jiahui
Published: May 2022

Cognitive control is essential to daily life. Task switching is a classical paradigm used to study cognitive control. Previous researchers have studied the representation of different abstract hierarchical rules in the prefrontal cortex and explored the process mechanisms of task switching. However, the differences between the different hierarchical levels of task switching, especially the related neural mechanisms in the prefrontal cortex, are still unclear. This review focuses on and summarizes this issue. The present study suggests that the higher the hierarchical rule shifting or task switching, the more anterior the activation is on the prefrontal cortex. In addition, a high hierarchy of rules or tasks is more abstract, which leads to a larger switching cost.
EEG Oscillations in Specific Frequency Bands Are Differently Coupled with Angular Joint Angle Kinematics during Rhythmic Passive Elbow Movement
Authors: Suzuki Takako , Suzuki Makoto , Cho Kilchoon , Iso Naoki , Okabe Takuhiro , Hamaguchi Toyohiro , Yamamoto Junichi , Kanemura Naohiko
Published: May 2022

Rhythmic passive movements are often used during rehabilitation to improve physical functions. Previous studies have explored oscillatory activities in the sensorimotor cortex during active movements; however, the relationship between movement rhythms and oscillatory activities during passive movements has not been substantially tested. Therefore, we aimed to quantitatively identify changes in cortical oscillations during rhythmic passive movements. Twenty healthy young adults participated in our study. We placed electroencephalography electrodes over a nine-position grid; the center was oriented on the transcranial magnetic stimulation hotspot of the biceps brachii muscle. Passive movements included elbow flexion and extension; the participants were instructed to perform rhythmic elbow flexion and extension in response to the blinking of 0.67 Hz light-emitting diode lamps. The coherence between high-beta and low-gamma oscillations near the hotspot of the biceps brachii muscle and passive movement rhythms was higher than that between alpha oscillation and passive movement rhythm. These results imply that alpha, beta, and gamma oscillations of the primary motor cortex are differently related to passive movement rhythm.
Design and Implementation of Quality Information Management System for Modular Construction Factory
Authors: Shin Jiwong , Choi Byungjoo
Published: May 2022

Modular construction has been gaining increasing attention from industry and academia as a solution to the limitations of the traditional on-site orient production systems in the construction industry. Various attempts have been made to improve modular construction performance. However, while previous studies have attempted to enhance the productivity of modular construction, attempts to improve the efficiency of quality management in modular construction have been limited. Moreover, the quality management practices in a modular factory still rely on document-oriented quality information management, which is inefficient. Therefore, this study aims to develop a quality information management system to improve quality information management during module manufacturing. Accordingly, quality information during module manufacturing has been standardized using integration definition for process modeling, and system functions are defined using standardized quality information. The developed modular factory quality information management system includes module information and production-type management, material management, and module production management. The practicability and validity of the developed system were examined by accredited tests and certification laboratory and modular construction experts. The developed system is expected to contribute to improving the existing inefficient quality management process of module manufacturers by providing an integrated and systematic method to manage quality information generated during manufacturing.
A New Hybrid MCDM Model for Insulation Material Evaluation for Healthier Environment
Authors: Aksakal Berrak , Ulutaş Alptekin , Balo Figen , Karabasevic Darjan
Published: May 2022

One of the easiest and most common methods for effectively reducing building energy demand is the selection of adequate thermal insulation materials. Thermal insulation is a substantial contribution and an evident, logical and practical first stage toward improving energy performance, particularly in envelope-load-dominant structures located in difficult climate zones. Today’s insulating materials come in a broad variety of sizes and shapes, each with its a own qualities. It is well acknowledged that material selection is one of the most difficult and time-consuming aspects of a construction project. Therefore, choosing the right insulation material is also a very important topic to increase energy efficiency. However, it is a complex problem with many criteria and alternatives. This study integrates three different multi criteria decision making methods, which are Fuzzy Best-Worst Method, CRiteria Importance Through Inter-criteria Correlation and Mixed Aggregation by COmprehensive Normalization Technique. In this study, the following eight criteria were taken into account in the evaluation: thermal conductivity, periodic thermal transmittance, specific heat, density, decrement factor, surface mass, thermal transmittance, and thermal wave shift. The first method will be used to find the subjective weights, while the second method will be used to find the objective weights. The third method will be used to rank the insulation materials. According to the results of the Fuzzy Best-Worst Method, the most important criterion was determined as thermal conductivity. According to the results of the CRiteria Importance Through Inter-criteria Correlation, the most important criterion was determined as thermal wave shift. According to the results of the Mixed Aggregation by COmprehensive Normalization Technique, the top 10 insulation materials are as follows: polyisocyanurate, polyurethane (1), polyurethane (2), wood fiber (1), kenaf, jute, cellulose (2), wood fiber (1), XPS (1) and XPS (2). According to the results of the proposed method, polyisocyanurate was determined as the best insulation material for healthier environment. This study makes two contributions to the literature: first, a new hybrid method was developed in this study. Secondly, in this study, the newly introduced Mixed Aggregation by COmprehensive Normalization Technique method was used.
Comparative Study of Construction Information Classification Systems: CCI versus Uniclass 2015
Authors: Pupeikis Darius , Navickas Arunas Aleksandras , Klumbyte Egle , Seduikyte Lina
Published: May 2022

By classifying BIM data, the intention is to enable different construction actors to find the data they need using software and machines. The importance of classification is growing as building projects become more international, generating more data that rely on automated processes, which help in making better decisions and operating devices. Different classification systems have been developed around the world. Each national construction information classification system (NCICS) aims to classify information on the built environment and thus meet national needs and ensure compliance with the principles of regional and international building information systems. The research purpose of this paper is to present a comparative assessment of two construction information classification systems, CCI and Uniclass 2015. The following methods were used: the expert assessment of NCICS alternatives; the assessment of NCICS alternatives; and a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis of NCICS alternatives. We concluded that in the initial phase of NCICS development, CCI ontologies should be adopted as a base consisting of construction entities, spaces, and elements, with the gradual addition of complexes of buildings and infrastructure, along with roles and phases of the building life cycle (BLC). An explanatory NCICS development note should be drawn outlining the principles of classification and identification; the ontological structure; development and updating possibilities; methods of integrating existing national and international classification systems; and methods of integrating data of construction products, time, cost, or other individual characteristics.
Investigating the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Undergraduate Business Education: Using Learning Gain as a Measure to Compare Two Cohorts of Marketing Students
Authors: O’Sullivan Helen , Polkinghorne Martyn , Taylor Julia
Published: May 2022

This paper considers management education and specifically how student learning has been impacted by the online replacement teaching offered by universities during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study utilizes a learning gain model which considers the students’ own perception of their learning, and separates the provision of theoretical explicit knowledge (distance travelled) from that of practical tacit understanding (journey travelled). In 2019, data were collected from a cohort of marketing students studying for an undergraduate UK business studies degree. In 2021, data were again collected from a new cohort of students studying the same business studies degree course, but this time during the COVID-19 period. A comparison was undertaken to identify any differences in learning gain. Overall, a drop in perceived learning was reported, although in a few areas, an indication of stronger learning was identified. Interestingly, female students reported the most significant drop in their learning related to journey travelled, whereas for male students, it related to distance travelled.
Recent Progress in Synthesis and Application of Activated Carbon for CO2 Capture
Authors: Chuah Chong Yang , Laziz Afiq Mohd
Published: May 2022

Greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere have been a long-standing issue that has existed since the Industrial Revolution. To date, carbon dioxide capture through the carbon capture, utilization, and storage approach has been one of the feasible options to combat the strong release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This review focuses in general on the utilization of activated carbon as a tool when performing the carbon-capture process. Activated carbon possesses a lower isosteric heat of adsorption and a stronger tolerance to humidity as compared to zeolites and metal–organic frameworks, despite the overall gas-separation performance of activated carbon being comparatively lower. In addition, investigations of the activation methods of activated carbon are summarized in this review, together with an illustration of CO2 adsorption performance, in the context of process simulations and pilot-plant studies. This is followed by providing future research directions in terms of the applicability of activated carbon in real CO2 adsorption processes.
Alterations in Molecular Profiles Affecting Glioblastoma Resistance to Radiochemotherapy: Where Does the Good Go?
Authors: Vilar Juliana B. , Christmann Markus , Tomicic Maja T.
Published: May 2022

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a brain tumor characterized by high heterogeneity, diffuse infiltration, aggressiveness, and formation of recurrences. Patients with this kind of tumor suffer from cognitive, emotional, and behavioral problems, beyond exhibiting dismal survival rates. Current treatment comprises surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy with the methylating agent, temozolomide (TMZ). GBMs harbor intrinsic mutations involving major pathways that elicit the cells to evade cell death, adapt to the genotoxic stress, and regrow. Ionizing radiation and TMZ induce, for the most part, DNA damage repair, autophagy, stemness, and senescence, whereas only a small fraction of GBM cells undergoes treatment-induced apoptosis. Particularly upon TMZ exposure, most of the GBM cells undergo cellular senescence. Increased DNA repair attenuates the agent-induced cytotoxicity; autophagy functions as a pro-survival mechanism, protecting the cells from damage and facilitating the cells to have energy to grow. Stemness grants the cells capacity to repopulate the tumor, and senescence triggers an inflammatory microenvironment favorable to transformation. Here, we highlight this mutational background and its interference with the response to the standard radiochemotherapy. We discuss the most relevant and recent evidence obtained from the studies revealing the molecular mechanisms that lead these cells to be resistant and indicate some future perspectives on combating this incurable tumor.
Oncologic Thermoradiotherapy: Need for Evidence, Harmonisation, and Innovation
Authors: Bodis Stephan , Ghadjar Pirus , van Rhoon Gerard
Published: May 2022

The road of acceptance of oncologic thermotherapy/hyperthermia as a synergistic modality in combination with standard oncologic therapies is still bumpy [...]
The Influence of Radiotherapy on the Function of the Left and Right Ventricles in Relation to the Radiation Dose Administered to the Left Anterior Descending Coronary Artery—From a Cardiologist’s Point of View
Authors: Nabialek-Trojanowska Izabela , Sinacki Marcin , Jankowska Hanna , Lewicka-Potocka Zuzanna , Dziadziuszko Rafał , Lewicka Ewa
Published: May 2022

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of radiotherapy involving the heart on LV and RV function using modern speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE), and in relation to the radiation dose applied to the LAD. This retrospective, single-centre study included 12 patients after a median of 51 months after irradiation for mediastinal lymphoma, in whom we were able to delineate the LAD. Correlations between doses of ionising radiation and echocardiographic parameters reflecting the systolic function of the LV and RV were analysed. The median irradiation dose delivered to the whole heart was 16.4 Gy (0.5–36.2 Gy), and to the LAD it was 15.1 Gy (0.3–35.3 Gy). LV longitudinal strain (LS) was impaired in the anteroseptal and anterior walls. Parameters reflecting RV function were normal, with the exception of RV myocardial performance index (RIMP). Significant correlations were found between the median dose to the LAD and LV global LS (rho = 0.6468, p = 0.034), the maximum dose to the LAD and LV anterior LS (rho = 0.6046, p = 0.049), the median and the mean dose to the whole heart and LV anterior LS (R = 0.772, p = 0.009 and rho = 0.7676, p = 0.01, respectively), and the total irradiation dose and RIMP (rho = 0.5981, p = 0.04). The calculation of irradiation doses allows the identification of patients at risk of cardiac dysfunction detected by modern STE.