bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling Pedestrian Motion in Crowded Scenes Based on the Shortest Path Principle
Authors: Zou Yi , Liu Yuncai
Published: January 2022

In the computer vision field, understanding human dynamics is not only a great challenge but also very meaningful work, which plays an indispensable role in public safety. Despite the complexity of human dynamics, physicists have found that pedestrian motion in a crowd is governed by some internal rules, which can be formulated as a motion model, and an effective model is of great importance for understanding and reconstructing human dynamics in various scenes. In this paper, we revisit the related research in social psychology and propose a two-part motion model based on the shortest path principle. One part of the model seeks the origin and destination of a pedestrian, and the other part generates the movement path of the pedestrian. With the proposed motion model, we simulated the movement behavior of pedestrians and classified them into various patterns. We next reconstructed the crowd motions in a real-world scene. In addition, to evaluate the effectiveness of the model in crowd motion simulations, we created a new indicator to quantitatively measure the correlation between two groups of crowd motion trajectories. The experimental results show that our motion model outperformed the state-of-the-art model in the above applications.
Development of a Caterpillar-Type Walker for the Elderly People
Authors: Lee Yeon-Kyun , Yang Chang-Min , Kim Sol , Jung Ji-Yong , Kim Jung-Ja
Published: January 2022

A walker assists elderly people with age-related reduced walking ability and helps to improve stability and balance ability. However, if the general-type walker (GTW) is used on an uneven, obstacle, or sloped terrain, it may cause excessive muscle use and falls. Therefore, in this study, we developed a caterpillar-type walker (CTW) that elderly people can safely use in various terrains. Twelve elderly who were able to walk normally participated in the study. The activity of upper and lower extremity muscles, the number of obstacles overcome, and walking speed was compared and analyzed when using two types of walkers in uneven terrain, obstacle terrain, and sloped terrain. In addition, satisfaction with the use of these walkers was evaluated. When CTW was used, the activity of the muscles of the upper and lower extremities was significantly reduced compared to the use of GTW on all terrains. The walker developed in this study overcame obstacles of all heights, but the GTW failed to overcome obstacles starting from the 2 cm section. In terms of walking speed, when the CTW was used, the walking speed was higher than that of the GTW in uneven terrain and obstacle terrain. In satisfaction, there were significant differences in safety, durability, simplicity of use, comfort, and effectiveness. Through these results, it was confirmed that the CTW can efficiently and safely assist the elderly in walking on uneven terrain, obstacle terrain, and inclined terrain.
Prediction and Analysis of the Surface Roughness in CNC End Milling Using Neural Networks
Authors: Chen Cheng-Hung , Jeng Shiou-Yun , Lin Cheng-Jian
Published: January 2022

In the metal cutting process of machine tools, the quality of the surface roughness of the product is very important to improve the friction performance, corrosion resistance, and aesthetics of the product. Therefore, low surface roughness is ideal for mechanical cutting. If the surface roughness of the product can be predicted, not only the quality of the product can be improved but also the processing cost can be reduced. In this study a back propagation neural network (BPNN) was proposed to predict the surface roughness of the processed workpiece. ANOVA was used to analyze the influence of milling parameters, such as spindle speed, feed rate, cutting depth, and milling distance. The experimental results show that the root mean square error (RMSE) obtained by using the back propagation neural network is 0.008, which is much smaller than the 0.021 obtained by the traditional linear regression method.
Microwave Synthesis, Characterization and Perspectives of Wood Pencil-Derived Carbon
Authors: Chalmpes Nikolaos , Asimakopoulos Georgios , Baikousi Maria , Salmas Constantinos E. , Moschovas Dimitrios , Avgeropoulos Apostolos , Bourlinos Athanasios B. , Tantis Iosif , Bakandritsos Aristides , Gournis Dimitrios , Karakassides Michael A.
Published: January 2022

More than 14 billion pencils are manufactured and used globally every year. On average, a pencil is discarded after 60% of its original length has been depleted. In the present work we propose a simple and affordable way of converting this non-neglectable amount of waste into added value carbon product. In particular, we demonstrate the microwave synthesis of carbon from the wood pencil with and without chemical activation. This could be a process stage before the final recycling of the expensive graphite core. In the latter case, irradiation of the wood pencil in a domestic microwave oven heats up the pencil’s graphite core, thus inducing carbonization of its wood casing. The carbonized product consists of amorphous carbon nanosheets having relatively low surface area. However, if the wood pencil is soaked in 50% KOH aqueous solution prior to microwave irradiation, a significantly higher surface area of carbon is obtained, consisting of irregular-shaped porous particles. Consequently, the obtained carbon can easily decolorize a methylene blue aqueous solution, can be used to make pocket warmers or gunpowder, and lastly, serves as an excellent adsorbent towards Cr(VI) removal from water, showing a maximum adsorption capacity of 70–75 mg/g within 24 h at 23 °C, pH = 3.
Effect of the Planetesimal Belt on the Dynamics of the Restricted Problem of 2 + 2 Bodies
Authors: Mahato Govind , Pal Ashok Kumar , Alhowaity Sawsan , Abouelmagd Elbaz I. , Kushvah Badam Singh
Published: January 2022

In this paper, we study the existence and stability of collinear and noncollinear equilibrium points within the frame of the perturbed restricted problem of 2 + 2 bodies by a planetesimal belt. We compare and investigate the corresponding results of the perturbed and unperturbed models. The impact of the planetesimal belt is observed on collinear and noncollinear equilibrium points. We demonstrate that all equilibrium points are unstable, and we numerically investigate the noncollinear equilibrium points. Finally, we emphasize that the proposed problem is a credible model for describing the capture of small bodies by a planet.
Performance-Enhancing Sulfur-Doped TiO2 Photoanodes for Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Abd Mutalib Muhazri , Ahmad Ludin Norasikin , Su’ait Mohd Sukor , Davies Matthew , Sepeai Suhaila , Mat Teridi Mohd Asri , Mohamad Noh Mohamad Firdaus , Ibrahim Mohd Adib
Published: January 2022

High-performance electron transport layer (ETL) anode generally needs to form a uniform dense layer with suitable conduction band position and good electron transport properties. The TiO2 photoanode is primarily applied as the ETL because it is low-cost, has diverse thin-film preparation methods and has good chemical stability. However, pure TiO2 is not an ideal ETL because it lacks several important criteria, such as low conductivity and conduction band mismatch with compositional-tailored perovskite. Thus, TiO2 is an inefficient photo-anode or ETL for high-performance perovskite devices. In this study, sulfur as dopant in the TiO2 photo-anode thin film is used to fabricate solid-state planar perovskite solar cells in relatively high humidity (40–50%). The deposited S-doped thin film improves the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the device to 6.0%, with the un-doped TiO2 producing a PCE of 5.1% in the best device. Improvement in PCE is due to lower recombination and higher photocurrent density, resulting in 18% increase in PCE (5.1–6.0%).
Correction: Ou et al. Bone Healing and Regeneration Potential in Rabbit Cortical Defects Using an Innovative Bioceramic Bone Graft Substitute. Appl. Sci. 2020, 10, 6239
Authors: Ou Keng-Liang , Hou Ping-Jen , Huang Bai-Hung , Chou Hsin-Hua , Yang Tzu-Sen , Huang Chiung-Fang , Ueno Takaaki
Published: January 2022

In the original publication, there was a mistake in Figure 2a as published [...]
Experimental Studies of Scale Effect on the Shear Strength of Coarse-Grained Soil
Authors: Li Shuya , Wang Tiancheng , Wang Hao , Jiang Mingjie , Zhu Jungao
Published: January 2022

Shear strength is an essential index for the evaluation of soil stability. Test results of the shear strength of scaled coarse-grained soil (CGS for short) are usually not able to accurately reflect the actual properties and behaviors of in situ CGS due to the scale effect. Therefore, this study focuses on the influence of the scale effect on the shear strength of scaled CGS, which has an important theoretical significance and application for the strength estimation of CGS in high earth-rock dam engineering. According to previous studies, the main cause of the scale effect for scaled CGS is the variation of the gradation structure as well as the maximum particle size (dmax), in which the gradation structure as a characteristic parameter can be expressed by the gradation area (S). A total of 24 groups of test soil samples with different gradations were designed by changing the maximum particle size dmax and gradation area S. Direct shear tests were conducted in this study to quantitatively explore the effect of the gradation structure and the maximum particle size on the shear strength of CGS. Test results suggest that the shear strength indexes (i.e., the cohesion and internal friction angle) of CGS present an increasing trend with the improvement of the maximum particle size dmax, and thus a logarithmic function relationship among c, φ, and dmax is presented. Both cohesion (c) and internal friction angle (φ) are negatively related to the gradation area (S) in most cases. As a result, an empirical relationship between c, φ, and S is established based on the test results. Furthermore, a new prediction model of shear strength of CGS considering the scale effect is proposed, and the accuracy of this model is verified through the test results provided by relevant literature. Finally, the applicability of this model to different types of CGS is discussed.
Identification of SUHI in Urban Areas by Remote Sensing Data and Mitigation Hypothesis through Solar Reflective Materials
Authors: Costanzini Sofia , Despini Francesca , Beltrami Leonardo , Fabbi Sara , Muscio Alberto , Teggi Sergio
Published: January 2022

The urban heat island (UHI) is an increasingly widespread phenomenon of concern to the wellbeing and the health of populations living in urban environments. The SUHI (Surface UHI) is directly related to UHI and influences its extension and intensity. Satellite images in the thermal infrared spectral region can be used to identify and study the SUHI. In this work, Landsat 8 TIR images were acquired to study the SUHI of a medium-sized municipality of the Po valley in the northern part of Italy. An additional Worldview 3 satellite image was used to classify the study area and retrieve the surface albedo of building roofs. Using the Local Climate Zone approach, existing roof materials were virtually replaced by solar reflective materials, and the mitigation potential of the SUHI and the UHI was quantified. This virtual scenario shows a decrease in the overheating of building roofs with respect to the ambient temperature of up to 33% compared to the current situation in the industrial areas. Focusing on UHI intensity, the air temperature decrease could be up to 0.5 °C.
Forecasting GNSS Zenith Troposphere Delay by Improving GPT3 Model with Machine Learning in Antarctica
Authors: Li Song , Xu Tianhe , Xu Yan , Jiang Nan , Bastos Luísa
Published: January 2022

Antarctica has a significant impact on global climate change. However, to draw climate change scenarios, there is a need for meteorological data, such as water vapor content, which is scarce in Antarctica. Global navigation satellite system (GNSS) networks can play a major role in overcoming this problem as the tropospheric delay that can be derived from GNSS measurements is an important data source for monitoring the variation of water vapor content. This work intends to be a contribution for improving the estimation of the zenith tropospheric delay (ZTD) obtained with the latest global pressure–temperature (GPT3) model for Antarctica through the use of long short-term-memory (LSTM) and radial basis function (RBF) neural networks for modifying GPT3_ZTD. The forecasting ZTD model is established based on the GNSS_ZTD observations at 71 GNSS stations from 1 January 2018 to 23 October 2021. According to the autocorrelation of the bias series between GNSS_ZTD and GPT3_ZTD, we predict the LSTM_ZTD for each GNSS station for period from October 2020 to October 2021 using the LSTM day by day. Based on the bias between LSTM_ZTD and GPT3_ZTD of the training stations, the RBF is adopted to estimate the LSTM_RBF_ZTD of the verified station, where the LSTM_ZTD represents the temporal forecasting ZTD at a single station, and the LSTM_RBF_ZTD represents the predicted ZTD obtained from space. Both the daily and yearly RMSE are calculated against the reference (GNSS_ZTD), and the improvement of predicted ZTD is compared with GPT3_ZTD. The results show that the single-station LSTM_ZTD series has a good agreement with the GNSS_ZTD, and most daily RMSE values are within 20 mm. The yearly RMSE of the 65 stations ranges from 6.4 mm to 32.8 mm, with an average of 10.9 mm. The overall accuracy of the LSTM_RBF_ZTD is significantly better than that of the GPT3_ZTD, with the daily RMSE of LSTM_RBF_ZTD significantly less than 30 mm, and the yearly RMSE ranging from 5.6 mm to 50.1 mm for the 65 stations. The average yearly RMSE is 15.7 mm, which is 10.2 mm less than that of the GPT3_ZTD. The LSTM_RBF_ZTD of 62 stations is more accurate than GPT3_ZTD, with the maximum improvement reaching 76.3%. The accuracy of LSTM_RBF_ZTD is slightly inferior to GPT3_ZTD at three stations located in East Antarctica with few GNSS stations. The average improvement across the 65 stations is 39.6%.
A Note on Hermite–Hadamard–Fejer Type Inequalities for Functions Whose n-th Derivatives Are m-Convex or (α,m)-Convex Functions
Authors: Kovač Sanja
Published: January 2022

In this paper, we develop some Hermite–Hadamard–Fejér type inequalities for n-times differentiable functions whose absolute values of n-th derivatives are (α,m)-convex function. The results obtained in this paper are extensions and generalizations of the existing ones. As a special case, the generalization of the remainder term of the midpoint and trapezoidal quadrature formulas are obtained.
Predicting Corrosion Delamination Failure in Active Implantable Medical Devices: Analytical Model and Validation Strategy
Authors: Onken Adrian , Schütte Helmut , Wulff Anika , Lenz-Strauch Heidi , Kreienmeyer Michaela , Hild Sabine , Stieglitz Thomas , Gassmann Stefan , Lenarz Thomas , Doll Theodor
Published: January 2022

The ingress of body fluids or their constituents is one of the main causes of failure of active implantable medical devices (AIMDs). Progressive delamination takes its origin at the junctions where exposed electrodes and conductive pathways enter the implant interior. The description of this interface is considered challenging because electrochemically-diffusively coupled processes are involved. Furthermore, standard tests and specimens, with clearly defined 3-phase boundaries (body fluid-metal-polymer), are lacking. We focus on polymers as substrate and encapsulation and present a simple method to fabricate reliable test specimens with defined boundaries. By using silicone rubber as standard material in active implant encapsulation in combination with a metal surface, a corrosion-triggered delamination process was observed that can be universalised towards typical AIMD electrode materials. Copper was used instead of medical grade platinum since surface energies are comparable but corrosion occurs faster. The finding is that two processes are superimposed there: First, diffusion-limited chemical reactions at interfaces that undermine the layer adhesion. The second process is the influx of ions and body fluid components that leave the aqueous phase and migrate through the rubber to internal interfaces. The latter observation is new for active implants. Our mathematical description with a Stefan-model coupled to volume diffusion reproduces the experimental data in good agreement and lends itself to further generalisation.
Tetrapeptides Modelled to the Androgen Binding Site of ZIP9 Stimulate Expression of Tight Junction Proteins and Tight Junction Formation in Sertoli Cells
Authors: Möller Marie-Louise , Bulldan Ahmed , Scheiner-Bobis Georgios
Published: January 2022

Androgens stimulate the expression of tight junction (TJ) proteins and the formation of the blood–testis barrier (BTB). Interactions of testosterone with the zinc transporter ZIP9 stimulate the expression of TJ-forming proteins and promote TJ formation in Sertoli cells. In order to investigate androgenic effects mediated by ZIP9 but not by the nuclear androgen receptor (AR), the effects of three tetrapeptides fitting the androgen binding site of ZIP9 were compared with those induced by testosterone in a Sertoli cell line expressing ZIP9 but not the AR. Three tetrapeptides and testosterone displaced testosterone-BSA-FITC from the surface of 93RS2 cells and stimulated the non-classical testosterone signaling pathway that includes the activation of Erk1/2 kinases and transcription factors CREB and ATF-1. The expression of the TJ-associated proteins ZO-1 and claudin-5 was triggered as was the re-distribution of claudin-1 from the cytosol to the membrane and nucleus. Furthermore, TJ formation was stimulated, indicated by increased transepithelial electrical resistance. Silencing ZIP9 expression by siRNA prevented all of these responses. These results are consistent with an alternative pathway for testosterone action at the BTB that does not involve the nuclear AR and highlight the significant role of ZIP9 as a cell-surface androgen receptor that stimulates TJ formation.
Ratio of Intensities of Blue and Red Light at Cultivation Influences Photosynthetic Light Reactions, Respiration, Growth, and Reflectance Indices in Lettuce
Authors: Yudina Lyubov , Sukhova Ekaterina , Mudrilov Maxim , Nerush Vladimir , Pecherina Anna , Smirnov Alexandr A. , Dorokhov Alexey S. , Chilingaryan Narek O. , Vodeneev Vladimir , Sukhov Vladimir
Published: January 2022

LED illumination can have a narrow spectral band; its intensity and time regime are regulated within a wide range. These characteristics are the potential basis for the use of a combination of LEDs for plant cultivation because light is the energy source that is used by plants as well as the regulator of photosynthesis, and the regulator of other physiological processes (e.g., plant development), and can cause plant damage under certain stress conditions. As a result, analyzing the influence of light spectra on physiological and growth characteristics during cultivation of different plant species is an important problem. In the present work, we investigated the influence of two variants of LED illumination (red light at an increased intensity, the “red” variant, and blue light at an increased intensity, the “blue” variant) on the parameters of photosynthetic dark and light reactions, respiration rate, leaf reflectance indices, and biomass, among other factors in lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.). The same light intensity (about 180 µmol m−2s−1) was used in both variants. It was shown that the blue illumination variant increased the dark respiration rate (35–130%) and cyclic electron flow around photosystem I (18–26% at the maximal intensity of the actinic light) in comparison to the red variant; the effects were dependent on the duration of cultivation. In contrast, the blue variant decreased the rate of the photosynthetic linear electron flow (13–26%) and various plant growth parameters, such as final biomass (about 40%). Some reflectance indices (e.g., the Zarco-Tejada and Miller Index, an index that is related to the core sizes and light-harvesting complex of photosystem I), were also strongly dependent on the illumination variant. Thus, our results show that the red illumination variant contributes a great deal to lettuce growth; in contrast, the blue variant contributes to stress changes, including the activation of cyclic electron flow around photosystem I.
Understanding the Role of the Gut Microbiome and Microbial Metabolites in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Current Evidence and Perspectives
Authors: Vallianou Natalia , Christodoulatos Gerasimos Socrates , Karampela Irene , Tsilingiris Dimitrios , Magkos Faidon , Stratigou Theodora , Kounatidis Dimitris , Dalamaga Maria
Published: January 2022

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease worldwide. NAFLD begins as a relatively benign hepatic steatosis which can evolve to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH); the risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) increases when fibrosis is present. NAFLD represents a complex process implicating numerous factors—genetic, metabolic, and dietary—intertwined in a multi-hit etiopathogenetic model. Recent data have highlighted the role of gut dysbiosis, which may render the bowel more permeable, leading to increased free fatty acid absorption, bacterial migration, and a parallel release of toxic bacterial products, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and proinflammatory cytokines that initiate and sustain inflammation. Although gut dysbiosis is present in each disease stage, there is currently no single microbial signature to distinguish or predict which patients will evolve from NAFLD to NASH and HCC. Using 16S rRNA sequencing, the majority of patients with NAFLD/NASH exhibit increased numbers of Bacteroidetes and differences in the presence of Firmicutes, resulting in a decreased F/B ratio in most studies. They also present an increased proportion of species belonging to Clostridium, Anaerobacter, Streptococcus, Escherichia, and Lactobacillus, whereas Oscillibacter, Flavonifaractor, Odoribacter, and Alistipes spp. are less prominent. In comparison to healthy controls, patients with NASH show a higher abundance of Proteobacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, and Escherichia spp., while Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Akkermansia muciniphila are diminished. Children with NAFLD/NASH have a decreased proportion of Oscillospira spp. accompanied by an elevated proportion of Dorea, Blautia, Prevotella copri, and Ruminococcus spp. Gut microbiota composition may vary between population groups and different stages of NAFLD, making any conclusive or causative claims about gut microbiota profiles in NAFLD patients challenging. Moreover, various metabolites may be involved in the pathogenesis of NAFLD, such as short-chain fatty acids, lipopolysaccharide, bile acids, choline and trimethylamine-N-oxide, and ammonia. In this review, we summarize the role of the gut microbiome and metabolites in NAFLD pathogenesis, and we discuss potential preventive and therapeutic interventions related to the gut microbiome, such as the administration of probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, antibiotics, and bacteriophages, as well as the contribution of bariatric surgery and fecal microbiota transplantation in the therapeutic armamentarium against NAFLD. Larger and longer-term prospective studies, including well-defined cohorts as well as a multi-omics approach, are required to better identify the associations between the gut microbiome, microbial metabolites, and NAFLD occurrence and progression.
Cancer-Related Intracellular Signalling Pathways Activated by DOXorubicin/Cyclodextrin-Graphene-Based Nanomaterials
Authors: Pennisi Rosamaria , Musarra-Pizzo Maria , Velletri Tania , Mazzaglia Antonino , Neri Giulia , Scala Angela , Piperno Anna , Sciortino Maria Teresa
Published: January 2022

In the last decade, nanotechnological progress has generated new opportunities to improve the safety and efficacy of conventional anticancer therapies. Compared with other carriers, graphene nanoplatforms possess numerous tunable functionalities for the loading of multiple bioactive compounds, although their biocompatibility is still a debated concern. Recently, we have investigated the modulation of genes involved in cancer-associated canonical pathways induced by graphene engineered with cyclodextrins (GCD). Here, we investigated the GCD impact on cells safety, the HEp-2 responsiveness to Doxorubicin (DOX) and the cancer-related intracellular signalling pathways modulated by over time exposure to DOX loaded on GCD (GCD@DOX). Our studies evidenced that both DOX and GCD@DOX induced p53 and p21 signalling resulting in G0/G1 cell cycle arrest. A genotoxic behaviour of DOX was reported via detection of CDK (T14/Y15) activation and reduction of Wee-1 expression. Similarly, we found a cleavage of PARP by DOX within 72 h of exposure. Conversely, GCD@DOX induced a late cleavage of PARP, which could be indicative of less toxic effect due to controlled release of the drug from the GCD nanocarrier. Finally, the induction of the autophagy process supports the potential recycling of DOX with the consequent limitation of its toxic effects. Together, these findings demonstrate that GCD@DOX is a biocompatible drug delivery system able to evade chemoresistance and doxorubicin toxicity.
The Role of Proteases and Serpin Protease Inhibitors in β-Cell Biology and Diabetes
Authors: Kryvalap Yury , Czyzyk Jan
Published: January 2022

Regulation of the equilibrium between proteases and their inhibitors is fundamental to health maintenance. Consequently, developing a means of targeting protease activity to promote tissue regeneration and inhibit inflammation may offer a new strategy in therapy development for diabetes and other diseases. Specifically, recent efforts have focused on serine protease inhibitors, known as serpins, as potential therapeutic targets. The serpin protein family comprises a broad range of protease inhibitors, which are categorized into 16 clades that are all extracellular, with the exception of Clade B, which controls mostly intracellular proteases, including both serine- and papain-like cysteine proteases. This review discusses the most salient, and sometimes opposing, views that either inhibition or augmentation of protease activity can bring about positive outcomes in pancreatic islet biology and inflammation. These potential discrepancies can be reconciled at the molecular level as specific proteases and serpins regulate distinct signaling pathways, thereby playing equally distinct roles in health and disease development.
Current Treatments and New Possible Complementary Therapies for Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Garrido Maritza P. , Fredes Allison N. , Lobos-González Lorena , Valenzuela-Valderrama Manuel , Vera Daniela B. , Romero Carmen
Published: January 2022

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is one of the deadliest gynaecological malignancies. The late diagnosis is frequent due to the absence of specific symptomatology and the molecular complexity of the disease, which includes a high angiogenesis potential. The first-line treatment is based on optimal debulking surgery following chemotherapy with platinum/gemcitabine and taxane compounds. During the last years, anti-angiogenic therapy and poly adenosine diphosphate-ribose polymerases (PARP)-inhibitors were introduced in therapeutic schemes. Several studies have shown that these drugs increase the progression-free survival and overall survival of patients with ovarian cancer, but the identification of patients who have the greatest benefits is still under investigation. In the present review, we discuss about the molecular characteristics of the disease, the recent evidence of approved treatments and the new possible complementary approaches, focusing on drug repurposing, non-coding RNAs, and nanomedicine as a new method for drug delivery.
Intestinal Barrier and Permeability in Health, Obesity and NAFLD
Authors: Portincasa Piero , Bonfrate Leonilde , Khalil Mohamad , Angelis Maria De , Calabrese Francesco Maria , D’Amato Mauro , Wang David Q.-H. , Di Ciaula Agostino
Published: January 2022

The largest surface of the human body exposed to the external environment is the gut. At this level, the intestinal barrier includes luminal microbes, the mucin layer, gastrointestinal motility and secretion, enterocytes, immune cells, gut vascular barrier, and liver barrier. A healthy intestinal barrier is characterized by the selective permeability of nutrients, metabolites, water, and bacterial products, and processes are governed by cellular, neural, immune, and hormonal factors. Disrupted gut permeability (leaky gut syndrome) can represent a predisposing or aggravating condition in obesity and the metabolically associated liver steatosis (nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, NAFLD). In what follows, we describe the morphological-functional features of the intestinal barrier, the role of major modifiers of the intestinal barrier, and discuss the recent evidence pointing to the key role of intestinal permeability in obesity/NAFLD.
Lipids and Lipoproteins in Health and Disease
Authors: Bezsonov Evgeny E. , Sobenin Igor A. , Orekhov Alexander N.
Published: January 2022

This Special Issue, “Lipids and Lipoproteins in Health and Disease: Focus on Targeting Atherosclerosis”, contains research articles and reviews devoted to the study of lipids in different processes, with a focus on the pathological changes that happen during atherosclerosis [...]
Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography in Diabetic Patients: A Systematic Review
Authors: Boned-Murillo Ana , Albertos-Arranz Henar , Diaz-Barreda María Dolores , Orduna-Hospital Elvira , Sánchez-Cano Ana , Ferreras Antonio , Cuenca Nicolás , Pinilla Isabel
Published: January 2022

Background: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of legal blindness in the working population in developed countries. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) angiography (OCTA) has risen as an essential tool in the diagnosis and control of diabetic patients, with and without DR, allowing visualisation of the retinal and choroidal microvasculature, their qualitative and quantitative changes, the progression of vascular disease, quantification of ischaemic areas, and the detection of preclinical changes. The aim of this article is to analyse the current applications of OCTA and provide an updated overview of them in the evaluation of DR. Methods: A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed and Embase, including the keywords “OCTA” OR “OCT angiography” OR “optical coherence tomography angiography” AND “diabetes” OR “diabetes mellitus” OR “diabetic retinopathy” OR “diabetic maculopathy” OR “diabetic macular oedema” OR “diabetic macular ischaemia”. Of the 1456 studies initially identified, 107 studies were screened after duplication, and those articles that did not meet the selection criteria were removed. Finally, after looking for missing data, we included 135 studies in this review. Results: We present the common and distinctive findings in the analysed papers after the literature search including the diagnostic use of OCTA in diabetes mellitus (DM) patients. We describe previous findings in retinal vascularization, including microaneurysms, foveal avascular zone (FAZ) changes in both size and morphology, changes in vascular perfusion, the appearance of retinal microvascular abnormalities or new vessels, and diabetic macular oedema (DME) and the use of deep learning technology applied to this disease. Conclusion: OCTA findings enable the diagnosis and follow-up of DM patients, including those with no detectable lesions with other devices. The evaluation of retinal and choroidal plexuses using OCTA is a fundamental tool for the diagnosis and prognosis of DR.
AAA Revisited: A Comprehensive Review of Risk Factors, Management, and Hallmarks of Pathogenesis
Authors: Kessler Veronika , Klopf Johannes , Eilenberg Wolf , Neumayer Christoph , Brostjan Christine
Published: January 2022

Despite declining incidence and mortality rates in many countries, the abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) continues to represent a life-threatening cardiovascular condition with an overall prevalence of about 2–3% in the industrialized world. While the risk of AAA development is considerably higher for men of advanced age with a history of smoking, screening programs serve to detect the often asymptomatic condition and prevent aortic rupture with an associated death rate of up to 80%. This review summarizes the current knowledge on identified risk factors, the multifactorial process of pathogenesis, as well as the latest advances in medical treatment and surgical repair to provide a perspective for AAA management.
Effect of Lipopolysaccharides on Liver Tumor Metastasis of twist1a/krasV12 Double Transgenic Zebrafish
Authors: Lu Jeng-Wei , Lin Liang-In , Sun Yuxi , Liu Dong , Gong Zhiyuan
Published: January 2022

The poor prognosis of patients diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is directly associated with the multi-step process of tumor metastasis. TWIST1, a basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor, is the most important epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) gene involved in embryonic development, tumor progression, and metastasis. However, the role that TWIST1 gene plays in the process of liver tumor metastasis in vivo is still not well understood. Zebrafish can serve as a powerful model for cancer research. Thus, in this study, we crossed twist1a+ and kras+ transgenic zebrafish, which, respectively, express hepatocyte-specific mCherry and enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP); they also drive overexpression of their respective transcription factors. This was found to exacerbate the development of metastatic HCC. Fluorescence of mCherry and EGFP-labeled hepatocytes revealed that approximately 37.5% to 45.5% of the twist1a+/kras+ double transgenic zebrafish exhibited spontaneous tumor metastasis from the liver to the abdomen and tail areas, respectively. We also investigated the inflammatory effects of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) on the hepatocyte-specific co-expression of twist1a+ and kras+ in double transgenic zebrafish. Following LPS exposure, co-expression of twist1a+ and kras+ was found to increase tumor metastasis by 57.8%, likely due to crosstalk with the EMT pathway. Our results confirm that twist1a and kras are important mediators in the development of metastatic HCC. Taken together, our in-vivo model demonstrated that co-expression of twist1a+/kras+ in conjunction with exposure to LPS enhanced metastatic HCC offers a useful platform for the study of tumor initiation and metastasis in liver cancer.
SERS Platform Based on Hollow-Core Microstructured Optical Fiber: Technology of UV-Mediated Gold Nanoparticle Growth
Authors: Merdalimova Anastasiia A. , Rudakovskaya Polina G. , Ermatov Timur I. , Smirnov Alexander S. , Kosolobov Sergey S. , Skibina Julia S. , Demina Polina A. , Khlebtsov Boris N. , Yashchenok Alexey M. , Gorin Dmitry A.
Published: January 2022

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is a powerful technique for biosensing. However, SERS analysis has several concerns: the signal is limited by a number of molecules and the area of the plasmonic substrate in the laser hotspot, and quantitative analysis in a low-volume droplet is confusing due to the change of concentration during quick drying. The usage of hollow-core microstructured optical fibers (HC-MOFs) is thought to be an effective way to improve SERS sensitivity and limit of detection through the effective irradiation of a small sample volume filling the fiber capillaries. In this paper, we used layer-by-layer assembly as a simple method for the functionalization of fiber capillaries by gold nanoparticles (seeds) with a mean diameter of 8 nm followed by UV-induced chloroauric acid reduction. We also demonstrated a simple and quick technique used for the analysis of the SERS platform formation at every stage through the detection of spectral shifts in the optical transmission of HC-MOFs. The enhancement of the Raman signal of a model analyte Rhodamine 6G was obtained using such type of SERS platform. Thus, a combination of nanostructured gold coating as a SERS-active surface and a hollow-core fiber as a microfluidic channel and a waveguide is perspective for point-of-care medical diagnosis based on liquid biopsy and exhaled air analysis.
Microfluidic-Based Droplets for Advanced Regenerative Medicine: Current Challenges and Future Trends
Authors: Nazari Hojjatollah , Heirani-Tabasi Asieh , Ghorbani Sadegh , Eyni Hossein , Razavi Bazaz Sajad , Khayati Maryam , Gheidari Fatemeh , Moradpour Keyvan , Kehtari Mousa , Ahmadi Tafti Seyed Mohsen , Ahmadi Tafti Seyed Hossein , Ebrahimi Warkiani Majid
Published: January 2022

Microfluidics is a promising approach for the facile and large-scale fabrication of monodispersed droplets for various applications in biomedicine. This technology has demonstrated great potential to address the limitations of regenerative medicine. Microfluidics provides safe, accurate, reliable, and cost-effective methods for encapsulating different stem cells, gametes, biomaterials, biomolecules, reagents, genes, and nanoparticles inside picoliter-sized droplets or droplet-derived microgels for different applications. Moreover, microenvironments made using such droplets can mimic niches of stem cells for cell therapy purposes, simulate native extracellular matrix (ECM) for tissue engineering applications, and remove challenges in cell encapsulation and three-dimensional (3D) culture methods. The fabrication of droplets using microfluidics also provides controllable microenvironments for manipulating gametes, fertilization, and embryo cultures for reproductive medicine. This review focuses on the relevant studies, and the latest progress in applying droplets in stem cell therapy, tissue engineering, reproductive biology, and gene therapy are separately evaluated. In the end, we discuss the challenges ahead in the field of microfluidics-based droplets for advanced regenerative medicine.
A Multibranch of Convolutional Neural Network Models for Electroencephalogram-Based Motor Imagery Classification
Authors: Altuwaijri Ghadir Ali , Muhammad Ghulam
Published: January 2022

Automatic high-level feature extraction has become a possibility with the advancement of deep learning, and it has been used to optimize efficiency. Recently, classification methods for Convolutional Neural Network (CNN)-based electroencephalography (EEG) motor imagery have been proposed, and have achieved reasonably high classification accuracy. These approaches, however, use the CNN single convolution scale, whereas the best convolution scale varies from subject to subject. This limits the precision of classification. This paper proposes multibranch CNN models to address this issue by effectively extracting the spatial and temporal features from raw EEG data, where the branches correspond to different filter kernel sizes. The proposed method’s promising performance is demonstrated by experimental results on two public datasets, the BCI Competition IV 2a dataset and the High Gamma Dataset (HGD). The results of the technique show a 9.61% improvement in the classification accuracy of multibranch EEGNet (MBEEGNet) from the fixed one-branch EEGNet model, and 2.95% from the variable EEGNet model. In addition, the multibranch ShallowConvNet (MBShallowConvNet) improved the accuracy of a single-scale network by 6.84%. The proposed models outperformed other state-of-the-art EEG motor imagery classification methods.
Topological Characteristics Associated with Intraoperative Stimulation Related Epilepsy of Glioma Patients: A DTI Network Study
Authors: Yang Jianing , Zhou Chunyao , Liang Yuchao , Wang Yinyan , Wang Lei
Published: January 2022

Background: Awake craniotomy with intraoperative stimulation has been utilized in glioma surgical resection to preserve the quality of life. Epilepsy may occur in 5–20% of cases, leading to severe consequences. This study aimed to discuss the mechanism of intraoperative stimulation-related epilepsy (ISE) using DTI-based graph theoretical analysis. Methods: Twenty patients with motor-area glioma were enrolled and divided into two groups (Ep and nEp) according to the presence of ISE. Additionally, a group of 10 healthy participants matched by age, sex, and years of education was also included. All participants underwent T1, T2, and DTI examinations. Graph theoretical analysis was applied to reveal the topological characteristics of white matter networks. Results: Three connections were found to be significantly lower in at least one weighting in the Ep group. These connections were between A1/2/3truL and A4ulL, A1/2/3truR and A4tR, and A6mL and A6mR. Global efficiency was significantly decreased, while the shortest path length increased in the Ep group in at least one weighting. Ten nodes exhibited significant differences in nodal efficiency and degree centrality analyses. The nodes A6mL and A6mR showed a marked decrease in total four weightings in the Ep group. Conclusions: The hub nodes A6mL and A6mR are disconnected in patients with ISE, causing subsequent lower efficiency of global and regional networks. These findings provide a basis for presurgical assessment of ISE, for which caution should be taken when it involves hub nodes during intraoperative electrical stimulation.
Continuous Reinforced Concrete Beams Strengthened with Fabric-Reinforced Cementitious Matrix: Experimental Investigation and Numerical Simulation
Authors: Khattak Nouman , Mansour Moustafa , El-Maaddawy Tamer , Ismail Najif
Published: January 2022

This paper aims to examine the nonlinear flexural behavior of continuous RC beam specimens strengthened with fabric-reinforced cementitious matrix (FRCM) composites through experimental testing and numerical modeling. A total of nine two-span RC beam specimens were constructed and tested. Test parameters included the type of FRCM (carbon (C-FRCM) and polyparaphenylene benzobisoxazole (PBO-FRCM)), location of strengthening (sagging and hogging regions) and number of FRCM layers (two and four layers). Test results indicated that sagging strengthening resulted in a strength gain in the range of 17 to 29%, whereas hogging strengthening increased the load capacity by 9 to 17%. The use of C-FRCM resulted in a higher strength gain than that provided by PBO-FRCM composites. Specimens strengthened with PBO-FRCM exhibited, however, higher ductility and deformational capacity than those of their counterparts strengthened with C-FRCM. Doubling the number of FRCM layers resulted in no or insignificant increase in the load capacity but reduced the beam ductility. Specimens strengthened in the sagging regions exhibited moment redistribution ratios of 13 to 26% between the hogging and sagging regions. Insignificant moment redistribution was recorded for the specimens strengthened in the hogging region. Three-dimensional (3D) numerical simulation models, with and without an interfacial bond-slip law at the fabric–matrix interface, were developed. The inclusion of the bond-slip law in the modeling had an insignificant effect on predicted response. Although the models tended to underestimate the deflection, the predicted load capacities were within a 12% error band. Numerical findings were in agreement with those obtained from laboratory testing.
Effect of Lane Narrowing Implemented on an Urban Dual Carriageway on Speed Reduction and Acoustic Environment
Authors: Sołowczuk Alicja Barbara , Kacprzak Dominik
Published: January 2022

The on-going growth in the use of motor vehicles leads to a number of traffic safety problems. Therefore, various traffic calming measures are applied to increase traffic safety in built-up areas. Lane narrowing is one of the techniques used to influence the perception of drivers and make them slow down. With this in mind, the authors conducted traffic volume and speed counts before and after installation of the lane narrowing treatment, covering 100 passing vehicles, at an intersection between an urban dual carriageway and an estate street where over a dozen fatal accidents occurred in the recent years. Traffic noise was also measured, both before and after lane narrowing. The traffic count data were analysed to show speed reduction by ca. 15 km/h, yet in all cases still above 50 km/h, which is the speed limit applicable to built-up areas in Poland. The analysis of the “before” and “after” noise maps showed only minor changes to the distribution of noise. The locations of these changes to the acoustic environment depended on the speed and volume of traffic and, much more importantly, on the topography of the surrounding area, the existing roadside layered landscape and the type of planted vegetation. The detailed analyses of the analysed parameters demonstrated that sustainable design of traffic calming measures on urban dual carriageways must consider not only the desired speed reduction but also the surrounding landscape and the local topography.
A Critical Review on Optimization of Cold-Formed Steel Members for Better Structural and Thermal Performances
Authors: Liang Hao , Roy Krishanu , Fang Zhiyuan , Lim James B. P.
Published: January 2022

The construction and building sectors are currently responsible globally for a significant share of the total energy consumption and energy-related carbon dioxide emissions. The use of Modern Methods of Construction can help reduce this, one example being the use of cold-formed steel (CFS) construction. CFS channel sections have inherent advantages, such as their high strength-to-weight ratio and excellent potential for recycling and reusing. CFS members can be rolled into different cross-sectional shapes and optimizing these shapes can further improve their load-bearing capacities, resulting in a more economical and efficient building solution. Conversely, the high thermal conductivity of steel can lead to thermal bridges, which can significantly reduce the building’s thermal performance and energy efficiency. Hence, it is also essential to consider the thermal energy performance of the CFS structures. This paper reviews the existing studies on the structural optimization of CFS sections and the thermal performance of such CFS structures. In total, over 160 articles were critically reviewed. The methodologies used in the existing literature for optimizing CFS members for both structural and thermal performances have been summarized and presented systematically. Research gaps from the existing body of knowledge have been identified, providing guidelines for future research.
Investigation of the Mechanical, Microstructure and 3D Fractal Analysis of Nanocalcite-Modified Environmentally Friendly and Sustainable Cementitious Composites
Authors: Ziada Mahmoud , Tammam Yosra , Erdem Savaş , Lezcano Roberto Alonso González
Published: January 2022

Unlike conventional concrete materials, Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC) use a micromechanics-based design theory in the material design process. Recently, the use of nanoparticles in various concretes and mortars has increased. This study used nanocalcite to investigate the mechanical, microstructural fractal analysis of environmentally friendly nanocalcite-doped ECC (NCa-ECC). This paper investigated the effects of nanocalcite (NCa) with different contents (0.5, 1, and 1.5% by mass of binder) on the mechanical properties of engineered cementitious composites (ECC). For this purpose, compressive strength, ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), and flexural strength tests were conducted to investigate the mechanical properties of the ECC series. In addition, SEM analyses were carried out to investigate the microstructural properties of the ECC series. The content of nanocalcite improved the mechanical and microstructural properties of the nanocalcite-modified ECC series. In addition, the 1 NCa series (1% nanocalcite modified to the mass of the binder) had the best performance among the series used in this study.