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Nucleic acid nanomaterials with good biocompatibility, biodegradability, and programmability have important applications in biomedical field. Nucleic acid nanomaterials are usually combined with some inorganic nanomaterials to improve their biological stability. However, undefined toxic side effects of composite nanocarriers hamper their application in vivo. As a nanotool capable of avoiding potential biotoxicity, nanostructures composed entirely of DNA oligonucleotides have been rapidly developed in the field of biomedicine in recent years. Rolling circle amplification (RCA) is an isothermal enzymatic nucleic acid amplification technology for large-scale production of periodic DNA/RNA with pre-designed desirable structures and functions. RCA products with different functional parts can be customized by changing the sequence of the circular template, thereby generating complex multifunctional DNA nanostructures, such as DNA nanowire, nanoflower, origami, nanotube, nanoribbon, etc. More importantly, RCA products as nonnicked building blocks can enhance the biostability of DNA nanostructures, especially in vivo. These RCA products-based nucleic acid nanostructures can be used as scaffolds or nanocarriers to interact or load with metal nanoparticles, proteins, lipids, cationic polymers, therapeutic nucleic acids or drugs, etc. This paper reviews the assembly strategies of RCA based DNA nanostructures with different shape and their applications in biosensing, bioimaging and biomedicine. Finally, the development prospects of the nucleic acid nanomaterials in clinical diagnosis and treatment of diseases are described. As a nanotool capable of avoiding potential biotoxicity, nanostructures composed entirely of DNA oligonucleotides have been rapidly developed in the field of biomedicine in recent years. Rolling circle amplification (RCA) is an isothermal enzymatic nucleic acid amplification technology for large-scale production of periodic DNA/RNA with pre-designed desirable structures and functions. This paper reviews the construction of various shapes of pure nucleic acid nanomaterials based on RCA products and their applications in biosensing, bioimaging and biomedicine. This will promote the development of biocompatible DNA nanovehicles and their further application in living systems, including bioimaging, molecular detection, disease diagnosis and drug delivery, finally producing a significant impact in the field of nanotechnology and nanomedicine. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Networks on chips (NoCs) are a concept inspired by computer networks for constructing multiprocessor systems that can handle communication across processing cores. One of the most critical applications of NOC is efficient nonstop routing. Different routes exist in these networks to get from one node to another; thus, a function that can assist in determining the optimum route to the target should be available. This paper uses a new hybrid method called Sc ored R egional congestion aware and D ICA (ScRD) to select a better output channel and increase NOC performance. After applying the ScRD algorithm, the traffic packets are examined by an analyzer, which determines if the NoC traffic is local or non-local based on the number of hops. Therefore, if the traffic is local, a scoring mechanism will select a better output channel; otherwise, the best output channel will be chosen using DICA or RCA selection functions, depending on the system state and the introduced parameter. Finally, Nirgam simulation was used to test the suggested method under various traffic conditions and selection criteria. The simulation results demonstrated that the strategy outperformed delay time, throughput, and energy consumption alternatives. It reduced packet delay by 27.10% and increased throughput by 10%. When these two factors were considered, energy consumption dropped by 6.86%. Also, the synthesis results showed that the hardware cost of the proposed approach is 1.2% lower than the two basic methods. • It introduces a new output selection strategy called ScRD based on parameters that affect NoC performance. • It introduces a new method to reduce traffic based on the proposed approach of using a traffic analyzer, in which the type of traffic is determined, and then the best selection function related to the type of traffic is used. • It introduces a router architecture for energy consumption analysis, which checks energy consumption in standby mode for wormhole routers and virtual channels. Also, it provides a solution to reduce energy consumption. • It compares the simulation results with the RTL implementation. • Analyzes the hardware overhead for the proposed solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A three-mode biosensor incorporated ratiometric (electrochemical/colorimetric, electrochemical/photothermal) into its design was constructed using DNA-driven magnetic beads (DMBs) as a bridge to detect C. perfringens. It further enhances the accuracy of detection results while maintaining compatibility with applications in multiple scenarios. Briefly, the G-quadruplex was combined with aptamer and immobilized onto magnetic beads through amide-bond, resulting in the integration of DMBs. The DMBs and supernatant were separated by magnetic separation when the target was present. Subsequently, the DMBs were utilized to construct the electrochemical biosensor, whereas the supernatant was used to construct colorimetric and photothermal biosensors. The limits of detection the ratiometric biosensor were ultimately reduced to 0.26 and 0.27 lg CFU g−1, respectively, in comparison to the single three-mode biosensor. Moreover, this biosensor had been applied in real-sample assays successfully. The establishment of this platform provides a new method for detecting pathogens in the fields of food safety and environmental monitoring. • A three-mode sensing platform for C. perfringens detection was proposed. • Three modes including electrochemical, colorimetric, and photothermal sensors. • Ratiometric sensors are proposed for the first time in three-mode biosensors. • The DNA-driven magnetic beads provide multiple functions for sensitive detection. • The three-mode biosensor was capable of being used in multiple scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combined photothermal and chemo- therapy overcomes the limitations of single one, and enhances the therapeutic efficiency which holds broad prospects in tumor treatment. Herein, the "Lily of the valley"-like Au@RCA-AS1411 nanoplatform with polyvalent aptamers-targeted capability has been designed based on rolling circle amplification (RCA) for dual-treating of liver cancer through photothermal and chemotherapy. Polyvalent aptamers can be effectively constructed by the Au@RCA-AS1411 nanoplatform, bolstering the capacity for targeting cancer cell and reducing the toxic side effects on normal cells. Meanwhile, multiple gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have been successfully linked to the nanoplatform via SH, which realized the aggregation of AuNPs and the photothermal conversion efficiency is improved to 69.7 %. In addition, the photothermal enhancement of Dox release was demonstrated by Au@RCA-AS1411. This nanoplatform was used to treat L929 and HepG2 cells, and found that it had no toxic and side effects on cells and had good biocompatibility. Au@RCA-AS1411 nanoplatform with polyvalent aptamers showed stronger specific targeting ability to HepG2 cells than Au@RCA without aptamers and Au@DNA-AS1411 containing only one aptamer. After laser irradiation, the survival rate of HepG2 cells in the presence of Au@RCA-AS1411 decreased to 27.8 %, which was lower than that of normal L929 cells and other controls. Encouragingly, when combined with drugs, the survival rate of HepG2 cells was significantly reduced to 11.2 %, indicating that the nanoplatform combination therapy enhanced and showed synergistic effects. [Display omitted] • Nanoplatform successfully connects gold nanoparticles into strings. • DNA loading on AuNPs does not affect their photothermal performance. • Construction of polyvalent aptamers for more precisely targeted therapy. • Chemotherapy and photothermal therapy show synergistic enhancement effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heterogeneous assays, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, have become indispensable for in vitro diagnostics. However, the simple, sensitive, and accurate detection is limited by their multiple washing and incubation steps, and limited amplification methods. In this study, we design a novel approach utilizing analyte-induced hindrance within the rolling circle amplification (RCA)-assisted CRISPR/Cas12a system for simple and highly sensitive homogenous protein detection. Streptavidin (SA) and digoxin antibody (anti-Dig) are employed as representative detection models. The specific recognition of target proteins using primers modified with small molecules hinders the RCA process, preventing the activation of Cas12a′s trans -cleavage activity, thereby leading to a reduction in fluorescence intensity. Our developed platform exhibites exceptional detection performance characterized by high sensitivity, robust specificity, and significant potential for application in complex samples. By expanding the recognition elements, this platform can evolve into a versatile clinical diagnostic tool with universal applicability. In addition, this platform provides a novel direction for quantifying ultralow-concentration disease biomarkers in clinical practice. [Display omitted] • Analyte-induced hindrance within RCA-assisted CRISPR/Cas12a system for protein detection. • This platform exhibits high sensitivity, and robust specificity. • This method displays significant potential for application in complex samples. • This platform can evolve into a versatile clinical diagnostic tool with universal applicability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a simple and robust biosensing platform which can be used for accurate determination of multiplex microRNA targets in biological samples. We develop the sensor by immobilizing a novel DNA nanomachine system on the surface of a gold-nanoparticles-modified optical fiber, which contains a uniquely designed dual-functional fork-type track chain with a FAM-labeled DNAzyme recognition site on one branch and a rolling-loop-amplification (RCA) primer on the other. The strategy allows two amplification strategies, i.e., DNA walking and RCA, to be easily achieved as the target microRNAs are in the sample to initiate the corresponding reactions. Two different microRNAs (miRNA-21 and miRNA-375 in the study) are independently and accurately determined without interference from each other, by respectively measuring fluorescence and chemiluminescence signals generated from DNA walking and RCA. The results show that the method is capable for multiplex micorRNA assays with high sensitivity (limit-of-detection 0.21 pM for miRNA-21 and 0.018 pM for miRNA-375) and high selectivity, and the sensor exhibits good repeatability and storage stability. The method successfully determines microRNAs in MCF-7, Hela and MCF-10A cells, showing its ability to analyze real complex biological samples. [Display omitted] • A simple and robust biosensing platform with optical fiber as the support for detection of multiplex microRNAs. • A fork-type-track DNA nanomachine to easily achieve dual-mode signal amplification strategies. • Independent dual-readouts of the sensor for dual-target assays without interfering with each other. • Determination of dual microRNAs in human cells with satisfactory accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple and reliable profiling of tumor-derived exosomes (TDEs) holds significant promise for the early detection of cancer. Nonetheless, this remains challenging owing to the substantial heterogeneity and low concentration of TDEs. Herein, we devised an accurate and highly sensitive electrochemical sensing strategy for TDEs via simultaneously targeting exosomal mucin 1 (MUC1) and programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1). This approach employs high-affinity aptamers as specific recognition elements, utilizes rolling circle amplification and DNA nanospheres as effective bridges and signal amplifiers, and leverages methylene blue (MB) and doxorubicin (DOX) as robust signal reporters. The crux of this separation- and label-free method is the specific response of MB and DOX to G-quadruplex structures and DNA nanospheres, respectively. Quantifying TDEs using this strategy enabled precise discrimination of lung cancer patients (n = 25) from healthy donors (n = 12), showing 100% specificity (12/12), 92% sensitivity (23/25), and an overall accuracy of 94.6% (35/37), with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.97. Furthermore, the assay results strongly correlated with findings from computerized tomography and pathological analyses. Our approach could facilitate the early diagnosis of lung cancer through TDEs-based liquid biopsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we propose a reciprocal collision avoidance system for autonomous drones, based on computer vision and using relative positioning in an indoor environment. This dynamic environment represents a demanding challenge, but it is crucial for any future existence of multiple drones operating in urban areas. We use commercial AR Drone 2.0 robots, which represent that our proposal is suitable for low-cost equipment. In our case, we attempt to achieve the collision avoidance of two drones that fly one towards the other and react online autonomously to signals received by their computer vision systems with a decentralized control strategy. We test this in four different experiments with demanding conditions. For this purpose, we get the camera signal of the onboard drones and tune their behavior to react smoothly and precisely. We report encouraging positive results and provide the code we use in the experiments for replication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micro Gas Turbines are on-site generators with the potential to help the transition to a greener economy. However, their deployment into the market did not match the expectations. The Root Cause Analysis (RCA) is the methodology to uncover the highest-level causes before identifying possible solutions. This work applies the traditional approach to problem-solving, which originated as a methodology to find faults in processes. The methodology leads to an in-depth exploration of the problem and the cause–effect relationships within the microturbine and energy market. Specifically, the traditional RCA allowed for a creative and extensive approach. This study highlights the difficulty of targeting the problem from a general perspective with such tools. The process-based tools of the RCA make it challenging to represent such complex systems effectively. In this regard, the authors compare the present methodology with the Theory of Constraints, analysing benefits and obstacles. Eventually, the present methodology systematically isolated several root causes of the problem. • The RCA is used to uncover the high-level causes of MGT's lack of market success. • The traditional RCA tools break down the problem extensively. • A late entrance into the market and poor innovation hinder MGT's market success. • Alternative and quantitative methodologies support RCA conclusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the utilization of recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) in waste low-density polyethylene (LDPE)-bonded, non-traffic cementless paver blocks. RCA is incorporated at varying percentages (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) to replace virgin coarse aggregates. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and melt flow index (MFI) were performed to characterize the thermal and physical properties of LDPE. RCA was treated using a 2-phase treatment technique to incorporate its efficient utilization. Four types of LDPE-to-aggregate mixes, namely, A (1:2.5), B (1:3), C (1:3.5), and D (1:4), were prepared to determine the optimal ratio and the quality control parameters through trial mixes. Paver blocks were evaluated based on their compressive strength, density, water absorption, and thermal strength stability. The results indicate that performing a double-treatment on RCA, optimized mix ratios, and identifying quality control parameters enhances the overall performance of paver blocks. A 35 MPa strength is achieved with 75% replacement, 1:3.5 LDPE-to-aggregate ratio, 30:70 coarse to fine aggregate ratio, and 50 mm depth, with a melt mixing temperature of 180–210°C. Microstructure analysis reveals a strong inter-transition zone (ITZ) for 75% replacement. The ANOVA, followed by a post-hoc analysis, was performed to validate the significance of these results. [Display omitted] • Alternate solutions for traditional pavements in pedestrian or low traffic areas. • 35 MPa compressive strength for 75% replacement of CA with RCA for 1:3.5 LDPE to aggregate ratio. • Statistical analysis, including ANOVA and post hoc tests validates the significance of replacement. • Material characterization reveals strong ITZ and binder properties of LDPE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract We have developed a novel amplification strategy termed Endo IV-assisted feedback amplification (EFA) taking advantages of rolling circular amplification (RCA) and Endo IV-assisted signal amplification (ESA) biosensing platform for detecting of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Two kinds of specially programmed DNA complexes were employed into EFA system, one composed of a split aptamer fragment and a circular template, and the other composed of AP probe and the same circular template. Hence, ATP as a target induced the self-assembly of spilt aptamer fragments and initiated RCA reaction generating a linear DNA, which consists of hybridization elements with Complex II and formation elements of G-quadruplex. More importantly, the addition of endonuclease IV can cut the Complex II into two parts, and one of which can be trimming by phi29 DNA polymerase initiating the new round of RCA reaction producing more RCA products. Thus significantly enhanced fluorescent signal can be measured for ATP as expected, and our proposed strategy exhibits improved performances toward ATP ultrasensitive detection with a limit of detection (LOD) as low as 0.09 nM. Additionally, our developed biosensor demonstrates high selectivity and the superiority of simplicity towards ATP. Above these significant aspects, our proximity binding-induced RCA reaction-based fluorescent assay and Endo IV-fueled feedback signal amplification strategy presents an optimal detection performance towards ATP for potential application in related research and clinical diagnosis. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • The developed biosensor is based on dual-functional polymerase-driven concurrent strategy termed Endo IV-fueled feedback amplification. • The G-quadriplex/NMM is used for establishing cost-effective label free biosensor platform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Rolling circle amplification (RCA) is an elegant and well-recognized isothermal nucleic acid amplification mechanism that has been widely used for the detection of various kinds of genetic biomarkers. However, traditional RCA is a linear signal amplifying mechanism so that the amplification efficiency is generally not satisfactory. Herein, we rationally combine RCA with efficient loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) to establish a rapid and ultrasensitive RCA-LAMP method for the detection of microRNAs (miRNAs). In the RCA-LAMP, the target let-7a miRNA can directly template the ligation of a padlock probe to trigger RCA reaction, producing long and tandem amplification products. Only such RCA-produced long DNA repeats can act as the template to generate a lot of double stem-loop DNAs with functional sequences, which are the essential starting materials to initiate subsequent LAMP. Finally, the products of LAMP reaction, the amount of which is dependent on the initial miRNA dosage, can be fluorescently monitored in a real-time manner. Through the combination of ligation-mediated RCA with LAMP, the amplification efficiency and the detection sensitivity has been significantly improved. As a result, even 10 aM miRNA target can be clearly and accurately detectable. Despite the excellent analytical performance for miRNA analysis, compared with conventional RCA-based miRNA assays, the combination of RCA with LAMP does not introduce any additional reaction steps or sample transfer operations. Both the RCA and LAMP are fulfilled in a single step. Therefore, this facile and ultrasensitive RCA-LAMP assay provides a new promising tool for miRNA analysis and can be extended to the detection of various kinds of genetic biomarkers. Highlights • An ultrasensitive RCA-LAMP method is devised for the detection of microRNAs. • As low as 10 aM microRNA target can be accurately detectable. • The sensitivity of RCA is significantly improved while no additional experimental procedure is introduced. • The RCA and LAMP can be simultaneously accomplished in a single step. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To address the challenge posed by traditional methods of modifying recycled concrete aggregates (RCA), which struggle to achieve properties comparable to natural coarse aggregates (NCA) while ensuring a high utilization rate, this paper proposes a combination of freeze-thaw modification and sodium silicate modification. The process subjects the RCA to freeze-thaw cycles (FTC) to detach the attached mortar, which results in the extraction of recycled aggregates (Near-NCA) with properties similar to NCA, along with the spalling mortar (SM). These materials are used in the recycled concrete and mortar, respectively. Considering the inferior properties of SM, sodium silicate solutions are employed to modify it, serving as a replacement for river sand in the recycled mortar. The outcomes reveal that concrete cast using Near-NCA demonstrates mechanical properties comparable to ordinary concrete. Furthermore, the sodium silicate proves to be effective in modifying SM, reducing its crushed index and water absorption by approximately 30%. Through the SEM and XRD, it is determined that these improvements can be attributed to the formation of C-S-H gel. Finally, a multi-objective model is developed to consider modification effects, carbon emissions, energy consumption, economic and time costs, with the utilization of TOPSIS for determining the optimal modification plan. • This paper proposes a method that combines freeze-thaw modification with mineralization strengthening. • Modifying spalling mortar with sodium silicate solution can improve its various properties. • The modification mechanism of sodium silicate is investigated through microscopic tests. • The TOPSIS method is utilized to obtain the optimal modification scheme considering multiple objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short, non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression. They are involved in a wide range of biological processes, including development, differentiation, cell cycle regulation, and response to stress. Numerous studies have demonstrated that miRNAs are present in different bodily fluids, which could serve as an important biomarker. The advancement of techniques and strategies for the identification of cancer-associated miRNAs in human specimens offers a novel opportunity to diagnose cancer in early stages, predict patient prognosis and evaluate response to treatment. Isothermal techniques including loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), rolling circle amplification (RCA), or recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) offer simplicity, efficiency, and rapidity in miRNA detection processes. In contrast to traditional PCR (polymerase chain reaction), these techniques analysis and quantify miRNA molecules in specimens using a single constant temperature. In this comprehensive review, we summarized the recent advances in cancer-related miRNA detection via highly sensitive isothermal amplification methods by more focusing on the involved mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate detection and classification of the three isoforms of PML/RARA genomic fragments are crucial for predicting disease progression, stratifying risk, and administering precise drug therapies in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). In this study, we have developed a highly specific nucleic acid detection platform capable of quantifying the long isoform of the three main PML-RARA isoforms at a constant temperature. This platform integrates the strengths of the CRISPR/Cas12a nuclease-based method and the rolling circle amplification (RCA) technique. Notably, the RCA-assisted CRISPR/Cas12a trans -cleavage system incorporates a spatial confinement effect by utilizing intermolecular G-quadruplex structures. This innovative design effectively enhances the local concentration of CRISPR/Cas12a, thereby accelerating its cleaving efficiency towards reporter nucleic acids and enabling the detection of PML/RARA fusion gene expression through spectroscopy. The robust detection of PML/RARA fusion gene from human serum samples validates the reliability and potential of this platform in the screening, diagnosis, and prognosis of APL cases. Our findings present an approach that holds significant potential for the further development of the robust CRISPR/Cas sensor system, offering a rapid and adaptable paradigm for APL diagnosis. Schematic reaction mechanism of intermolecular G-quadruplex structures and the spatial constraint effect for enhancing both activity and cleavage efficiency of CRISPR/Cas12a. [Display omitted] • An integrated RCA-CRISPR/Cas12a method for analyzing PML/RARA fusion genes was proposed. • The method firstly harnesses the spatial confinement effect of intermolecular G-quadruplex. • Accelerated activation of CRISPR/Cas12a enables high reaction efficiency and kinetics. • The platform was demonstrated with high assay sensitivity, specificity, and practicability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Klebsiella pneumoniae Topo IV activity as a marker. • RCA combined with DNA sensors can detect K. pneumoniae in clinical samples. • The lowest detection limit was up to 70 CFU/μL. The timely detection of Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) infection is of great importance for patient management and the prevention of nosocomial infections. In this study, we present the development of a novel detection assay that enables sensitive and specific identification of K. pneumoniae -encoded topoisomerase IV (K. pneumoniae Topo IV) using a DNA sensor system in combination with Rolling Circle Amplification (RCA) technology. The DNA sensor system was designed by immobilizing DNA hairpin substrates on RCA primers modified slide surface. This modular reacting mode enhances the adaptability and flexibility of the sensor, thereby improving its universality as a sensing platform. When K. pneumoniae is present, the active Topo IV triggers the cleavage-ligation of DNA hairpin substrates, followed by RCA and labeling with fluorescent probes. This results in the visualization of K. pneumoniae at the single-molecule level by the DNA sensor, compared to situations when there are no K. pneumoniae present. The reliability and sensitivity of the DNA sensor were verified using purified enzymes and bacterial extracts, which establishes the foundation for quantitative detection of clinical samples. Notably, the sensor's detection limit for K. pneumoniae extracts was found to be 70 colony-forming units (CFU)/µL, a range considered clinically relevant for infections. Moreover, the DNA sensor system exhibited high sensitivity and accuracy in detecting K. pneumoniae from clinical samples, suggesting its potential application in clinical settings for detecting pathogenic microbes beyond K. pneumoniae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Use of 100% RCA for base and subbase courses under freeze–thaw conditions. • Use of resilient modulus and plastic deformation tests for stiffness determination. • 3D numerical method estimates pavement deformation under freeze–thaw conditions. The objective of this research was to explore the feasibility of using recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) to construct flexible pavements with high performance and durability. The research is based on materials obtained from urban renewal projects in Istanbul, where RCA can be sourced from construction demolition waste. The grain diameter distributions of subbase and base samples, intended for road infrastructure implementation, were established to comply with the AASHTO Pavement Structures Design Guidelines specifications. Laboratory tests were conducted to determine the physical, mechanical, and stiffness properties of subbase and base samples prepared with RCA. In addition, the influence of freeze–thaw (F-T) cycles on the stiffness characteristics of RCA was examined experimentally through resilient modulus and permanent deformation tests carried out on base and subbase samples subjected to a range of 1 to 20F-T cycles. Also, numerical evaluations were undertaken using finite difference numerical modeling software to investigate the mechanical performance of flexible pavements built with RCA under significant loads, utilizing parameters derived after various numbers of F-T cycles. The findings suggest that the stiffness properties of RCA meet the required specifications for subbase and base materials after F-T cycles, indicating that RCA can potentially provide high performance in flexible pavement construction under varying environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fractional flow reserve(FFR) is a validated tool for evaluating functional severity and guiding the revascularization of angiographically moderate coronary artery lesions.Objective: To study if there is a higher frequency of positive FFR measurements in the left anterior descending(LAD) versus other major coronary arteries and also evaluate the differences in the total length of the stent placed.Methods: A retrospective cohort study including all subjects (January 2011 to December 2015) who had fractional flow reserve (FFR) measured during coronary catheterization was conducted. Coronary catheterizations with FFR at a single tertiary care center were reviewed and FFR ≤ 0.80 post adenosine was deemed positive. The differences in the baseline characteristics and the degree of stenosis were compared between the different vessel groups.Results: Of the 758 vessels included in the analysis, the majority were LAD(51.3%) followed by right coronary artery(RCA)(22.8%), Circumflex(22.2%), Left main(2.2%), and Ramus intermedius(1.5%). 25.1% of 758 vessels were FFR positive. The proportion of positive FFR were higher among LAD versus other vessels(33.2%vs.16.5%,p < 0.001), while no differences were noted between RCA and circumflex(p = 0.87) or other vessels excluding LAD(p = 0.69). Of 175 patients who received stents, no statistical difference was noted in the median[range] total length of the stent between LAD(22[9-64]) and the other coronary arteries (18[8-42])(p = 0.19). In patients with an FFR <0.75, we found that the stent length(median [range]) was significantly longer in LAD(28[9-42]) than the other coronary arteries(18[8-42])(p = 0.03).Conclusion: In our study, FFR was almost twice as likely to be positive in the LAD when compared to other major coronary arteries. Furthermore, there was a trend towards FFR positive LAD lesions needing longer stents than other coronary arteries. This data should encourage operators to evaluate moderate, long lesions in the LAD with FFR, as they have a higher probability of functional significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this research is to enhance concrete produced with high content of fly ash (FA) and recycled concrete aggregates (RCA), individually and jointly, with low (with superplasticizer) and high (without superplasticizer) water to binder ratio (w/b), according to their chloride ion penetration resistance (CIPR)-related service life and embodied energy (EE). For that purpose, the EE was determined for the production of 1 m 3 (declared unit) of concrete considering the primary energy, non-renewable (PE-NRe) of the “Cumulative Energy Demand” environmental impact assessment method, and the CIPR of concrete are considered the conditioning factors. The environmental assessment of the mixes was evaluated by considering the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) standardized methodology. In addition, the assessment was mostly made either according to the local Life cycle inventory (LCI) data or environmental product declaration (EPD) report and selected according to NativeLCA methodology on typical conditions in Portugal. Generally, the CIPR of concrete decreases when the RCA content increases, and the opposite occurs by replacing cement with FA. After 28 days, the rate of CIPR development of the concrete made with incorporating both FA and RCA is higher than that of concrete containing either FA or RCA. Therefore, it is positive to use simultaneously RCA and FA in concrete. This rate increased even more when SP was used. Furthermore, the EE significantly reduced with increasing replacement level of cement and coarse natural aggregates (NA) with FA and coarse RCA, respectively. Nonetheless, the changes in EE caused by the incorporation of SP and fine RCA are small. In term of the influence of combining FA and RCA in low and high w/b concrete, the EE linearly changed with each individual effect. Nevertheless, the optimal solution of mixes by means of both EE and CIPR (measured by the yearly EE of the mixes relative to the reference concrete) does not necessarily consider the one that requires less EE or that has higher CIPR. According to this parameter, the best-case scenario is always the low w/b mixes with high volumes of RCA and FA, followed by the corresponding high w/b mixes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been an urgent need to quickly screen and isolate patients with viral infections from patients with similar symptoms at point-of-care. In this study, we introduce a new microfluidic method for detection of various viruses using rolling circle amplification (RCA) of pathogens on the surface of thousands of microbeads packed in microchannels. When a targeted pathogen meets the corresponding particular template, the DNAs are rapidly amplified into a specific dumbbell shape through the RCA process, forming a DNA hydrogel and blocking the flow path formed between the beads. Due to the significant increase in reaction surface area, the detection time was shortened to less than 15 min and the detection limit of various pathogens has been reached to 0.1 pM. By injecting the stained liquid, the existence of the target pathogens in a sample fluid can be determined with the naked eye. Furthermore, by integrating multi-channel design, simultaneous phenotyping of various infective pathogens (i.e., Ebola, Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), and others) in biological specimens can be performed at a point-of-care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We designed and synthesized several fluorescent nucleotides from thiophene, anthracene and pyrene, which have different sizes, and screened their incorporation and extension capability during the rolling circle amplification of DNA. The thiophene-based fluorescent nucleotide ( dUthioTP ) could highly incorporate and extended into the rolling circle DNA product, while other fluorescent nucleotides ( dUanthTP , and dUpyrTP ) could not. This dUthioTP fluorescent nucleotide could be used for the detection of miRNA 24-3P , which is related PRRSV. This direct labeling system during rolling circle DNA amplification exhibited an increased fluorescence signal showing gel formation for the detection of miRNA 24-3P . This direct labeling system is a very simple and cost-efficient method for the detection miRNA 24-3P and also exhibited highly sensitive and selective detection properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a novel dual-mode DNA-walker based optical fiber biosensor (DMDW-Opt biosensor) for sensitive assay of micro-RNAs in bio-samples. In the sensor system, we develop a new strategy for the cascade amplification, DNA-walker/rolling cycle amplification (RCA), by the use of the residue track of the walker. The strategy can significantly improve the response of the sensor and avoid any tedious operation procedure. Dual-mode readouts, i.e., fluorescence and chemiluminescence, are measured independently without interfering with each other to achieve reliable and accurate analysis. Optical fibers with the surface modified by gold nanoparticles are utilized as the support for fabrication of the sensor, which would be benefit for developing miniaturized and portable sensing devices. The performance of the proposed method is evaluated by using micro-RNAs (MiR-155 and MiR-21) as the analytical target. The method is successfully applied for accurate determination of micoRNAs in human serum and MCF-7 cells. Our method can perform sensitive assays of MiR-155 with limit-of-detection as low as 97.72 fM and 11.22 fM, MiR-21 with limit-of-detection as low as 107.15 fM and 8.32 fM for the fluorescence- and the chemiluminescence-readout respectively, and the biosensor exhibits excellent specificity, reproducibility and storage stability, indicating its valuable potential applications for sensing trace-amount targets in complicated real samples. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Novel Approach: An ANN model with two hidden layers accurately predicts CS in concrete containing RCAs and SCMs. • Effective Model: The proposed ANN method exhibits superior performance during k-fold cross-validation. • Influential Factors: Analysis highlights silica fume as a crucial SCM. • SCM Impact: SCM nature influence RAC performance more than its dosage itself. The growing awareness of environmental issues has triggered significant research into the impacts generated on the environment during concrete production. To improve sustainability in this process, ordinary Portland cement (OPC) and natural aggregates (NA) have been replaced by recycled concrete aggregates (RCAs) and supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) to reduce the negative issues to the environment. However, the use of SCMs can be challenging due to their complex chemical composition, and RCAs are often of inferior quality compared to NAs, leading to reduced concrete strength. To address these issues, an artificial neural networks (ANN) model has been used for calculating the compressive strength of concrete mixes that oodórate SCMs and RCAs. To train the model, 1181 concrete mixtures from 116 sources were included, considering parameters such as hydraulic reactivity, silica, and alumina modulus. In this research was found that the ANN model is an effective instrument to predict concrete strength even with the use of SCMs and RCAs. The analysis of input variables using the Connection Weight Approach (CWA) concludes that silica fume is the external material that, when mixed with RCA, significantly improves the resistance of concrete, followed by the reactivity modulus of cementitious materials, cement content, silica modulus, fine NA content, and coarse NA dosage. Conversely, excessive ood dosage, high ood/cement ratio, and excessive RCA content (fine and coarse) negatively affect concrete strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micro Gas Turbines are small devices for on-site power and heat generation. Their high maintainability and fuel flexibility make them a suitable technology for transitioning to a greener economy. However, their commercialisation did not match the stakeholders' expectations. The authors applied the Theory of Constraints – a methodology for the continuous improvement of systems – to the MGT industry introducing a structured and rigorous representation. The constraint – i.e. Root Cause – Analysis identified which entities sustain the cause–effect chain, eventually generating the Undesired Effects. The system constraints link to the specificity and effectiveness of commercialisation strategies and product innovation in agreement with evolutionary market theories. Moreover, the Theory of Constraints emphasises the presence of reinforcement loops that make targeting entities like high product costs ineffective. The missing piece to complete the puzzle is solving a logic block representing the product's market competitiveness depending on economic and technical factors. This study suggests that combining market-driven innovation and commercialisation is likely the only long-term solution to the lack of commercial success of the technology. However, the work also highlights limitations in the proposed methodology and solutions. To tackle these, the authors suggest and introduce numerical frameworks based on the Theory of Constraint. • The TOC is used to uncover the high-level causes of MGT's lack of market success. • The TOC, by CRT, precisely represents the system's cause–effect relationships. • A thorough problem analysis requires focusing on a narrow sphere of influence. • System constraints: no market-driven innovation and commercialisation. • The current state of technology and materials limits the MGT cycle performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ion sensitive field-effect transistors (ISFET) are the basis of radical new sensing approaches. Reliable molecular characterization of specific detection of DNA and/or RNA is vital for disease diagnostics and to follow up alterations in gene expression profiles. Devices and strategies for biomolecular recognition and detection should be developed into reliable and inexpensive platforms. Here, we describe the development of a flexible thin-film sensor for label free gene expression analysis. A charge modulated ISFET based sensor was integrated with real-time DNA/RNA isothermal nucleic acid amplification: Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) and Rolling Circle Amplification (RCA) techniques for c-MYC and BCR-ABL1 genes, allowing for the real-time quantification of template. Also, RCA allowed the direct quantification of RNA targets at room temperature, eliminating the requirement for external temperature controllers and overall complexity of the molecular diagnostic approach. This integration between the biological and the sensor/electronic approaches enabled the development of an inexpensive and direct gene expression-profiling platform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a simple and highly sensitive label-free electrochemical aptasensor for adenosine detection was developed based on target–aptamer binding triggered nicking endonuclease-assisted strand-replacement DNA polymerization and rolling circle amplification (RCA) strategy. The magnetic beads (MB) probe, which was attached the aptamer of adenosine and mDNA, was firstly fabricated. In the presence of adenosine, mDNA was released from MB upon recognition of the aptamer to target adenosine. The released mDNA as the primer activated autonomous DNA polymerization/nicking process and accompanied by the continuous release of replicated DNA fragments. Subsequently, numerous released DNA fragments were captured on the working electrode, and then as initiators to trigger the downstream RCA process leading to the formation of a long ssDNA concatemer for loading large amounts of Ru(NH 3 ) 6 3+ . Therefore, a conspicuously amplified electrochemical signal through the developed dual-amplification strategy could be achieved. This method exhibited a high sensitivity toward adenosine with a detection limit of 0.032 nM. Also, it exhibited high selectivity to different nucleoside families and good reproducibility. This design opens new horizons for integrating different disciplines, presenting a versatile tool for ultrasensitive detecting organic small molecules in medical research and clinical diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Legal ontologies have proved their increasingly substantial role in representing, processing and retrieving legal information. By using the knowledge modeled by such ontologies in form of concepts and relations, it is possible to reason over the semantic content of legal documents. Supporting (semi-) automatically the development of ontologies from text is commonly referred to as ontology learning from text. The learning process includes learning of the concepts that will form the ontology and learning of the semantic relations among them. In this paper, we present a new approach for expliciting the semantic relations between Arabic compound nouns concepts. The originality of this work is twofold. Firstly, the technique of inferring relations is based on exploiting the internal structure of the compounds using a defined set of domain-and language-independent rules according to their different structures, on the one hand, and on studying prepositions semantics specifying the inferred relations applying a gamification mechanism that collects human votes, on the other hand. Secondly, relying on the compounds set described by both binary (structural positions in which there are written) and relational attributes (the deduced relations), we used a “Relational Concept Analysis” (RCA) technique, as an adaptation of “Formal Concept Analysis” (FCA), for the construction of interconnected lattices that we transformed into ontological concepts and relations which can be either taxonomic or transversal. Experiments carried out on Arabic legal dataset showed that the proposed approach reached encouraging performance through achieving high precision and recall scores. This performance affects positively the retrieval results of legal documents based on a powerful ontology, which presents our main objective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in the regulation of gene expression and have been implicated in many diseases. Herein, we develop a target triggered exponential rolling-circle amplification coupling with CRISPR/Cas12a (T-ERCA/Cas12a) system, which can achieve the ultrasensitive detection with simple operation and no annealing procedure. In this assay, T-ERCA combines the exponential amplification with rolling-circle amplification by introducing a dumb-bell probe with two enzyme recognition sites. miRNA-155 targets are activators that trigger exponential rolling circle amplification to produce large amounts of ssDNA, which is then recognized by CRISPR/Cas12a for further amplification. Compared with single EXPAR or RCA combined with CRISPR/Cas12a, this assay shows higher amplification efficiency. Therefore, benefiting from the excellent amplification effect of T-ERCA and the high recognition specificity of CRISPR/Cas12a, the proposed strategy shows a wide detection range from 1 fM to 5 nM with a LOD (limit of detection) down to 0.31 fM. Moreover, it shows good application ability for assessing miRNA levels in different cells, indicating that the T-ERCA/Cas12a may provide a new guidance for molecular diagnosis and clinical practical application. [Display omitted] • The T-ERCA/Cas12a assay can achieve the ultrasensitive and facile detection. • This system has higher amplification efficiency than single amplification. • An excellent limit of detection down to 0.31 fM. • It shows good application ability for assessing miRNA levels in different cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the nano-scale era, quantum-dot cellular automata (QCA) technology has become an appealing substitute for transistor-based technologies. QCA will be the preferred technology for developing the next generation of digital systems. On the other hand, the full-adder and ripple carry adder (RCA) are the crucial building blocks of complex circuits, the most used structures in digital operations systems, and a practical part of the most well-known complex circuits in QCA technology. In addition, this technology was used to design the full adder for several procedures, like multiplication, subtraction, and division. For this reason, the full adder is generally investigated as a central unit and microprocessor in developing QCA technology. Furthermore, most previous QCA-based adder structures have suffered from some drawbacks, such as a high number of cells, high energy consumption, the high number of gates, and the placement of inputs and outputs in a closed loop; hence, the implementation of an efficient adder with only one gate and a low number of cells, such as exclusive-OR (XOR) gate, can solve all previous problems. Therefore, in this paper, a significantly improved structure of 3-input XOR is suggested based on the promising QCA technology. In addition, a QCA clocking mechanism and explicit cell interaction form the foundation of the proposed QCA-based XOR gate configuration. This gate can be easily converted into an adder circuit while containing a small number of cells and being extremely compressed. The suggested QCA-based XOR design is focused on optimizing a single-bit adder using cellular interaction. The suggested single-bit adder contains 14 cells. Based on this adder, several different RCAs, such as 4, 8, 16, and 32-bit, are designed. The comparison of the proposed single-bit adder to the best coplanar and multi-layer ones shows a 51.72% and 36.36% reduction of cells, respectively. In addition, all suggested designs are verified through simulation using QCADesigner and QCAPro. Finally, many physical validations are provided to approve the functionality of the suggested XOR design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid, sensitive, and one-pot diagnosis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) plays an extremely important role in point-of-care testing (POCT). Herein, we report an ultra-sensitive and rapid one-pot enzyme-catalyzed rolling circle amplification-assisted CRISPR/FnCas12a assay, termed OPERATOR. OPERATOR employs a single well-designed single-strand padlock DNA, containing a protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) site and a sequence complementary to the target RNA which procedure converts and amplifies genomic RNA to DNA by RNA-templated DNA ligation and multiply-primed rolling circle amplification (MRCA). The MRCA amplicon of single-stranded DNA is cleaved by the FnCas12a/crRNA complex and detected via a fluorescence reader or lateral flow strip. OPERATOR presents outstanding advantages including ultra-sensitivity (1.625 copies per reaction), high specificity (100%), rapid reaction speed (∼30 min), easy operation, low cost, and on-spot visualization. Furthermore, we established a POCT platform by combining OPERATOR with rapid RNA release and a lateral flow strip without professional equipment. The high performance of OPERATOR in SARS-CoV-2 tests was confirmed using both reference materials and clinical samples, and the results suggest that is readily adaptable for point-of-care testing of other RNA viruses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The CRISPR-Cas system has broad prospects as a new type of nucleic acid signal amplification technology based on the trans -cleavage activity of Cas12a to single-stranded DNA, but the trans -cleavage reaction efficiency is relatively low in solution. In order to overcome this negative factor, a new 3D DNA nanomachine whose CRISPR-Cas12a is limited to the surface of nanoparticles is used for sensitive and stable detection of miRNA. By loading Cas12a activator onto spherical nucleic acid (SNA), the CRISPR-Cas12a activator system on the surface of Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) acts as a walker to carry out continuous recognition-walking-cutting reaction on the surface of AuNPs, which enhances the trans-cleavage activity of Cas12a to SNAs. Benefiting from the confinement effect of spherical nucleic acids surface, a 3D DNA nanomachine has been developed for the detection of miRNA-21, which has achieved high sensitivity and accuracy, and the detection limit is able to reach 8.0 pM. This new 3D DNA walker-like nanomachine provided another insight for future bioanalysis and early clinical diagnoses of disease and liquid biopsy. A 3D DNA nanomachine with CRISPR-Cas12a confined to the surface of nanoparticles was developed and used for sensitive and stable detection of miRNAs. [Display omitted] • A novel 3D DNA walker-like structure based on CRISPR/Cas system and spherical nucleic acids (SNA). • The CRISPR/Cas as the walking leg on spherical nucleic acids. • The walking cleavage efficiency of Cas12a and accelerates shear recognition response because of the confinement effect of spherical nucleic acids surface. Because of the confinement effect the walking cleavage efficiency is accelerated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper the authors present the possibility to utilize two waste materials to produce high performance concrete (HPC). To prepare the mixes, Recycled Concrete Aggregate (RCA) of 4-16 mm fraction and Class F fly ash (from coal burning power plant) were used. Concretes with RCA were mixed with 300 kg/m3 of different types of cements and Supplementary Cementing Materials (SCM). The concrete sample specimens were tested for mechanical properties and for some properties which are related to durability. After 28 days compressive strength values up to 59.5 MPa and after 90 days 71.8 MPa were achieved. Besides we obtained good values regarding those properties, which significantly influence the durability of reinforced concrete structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of recycled aggregates (RA) in construction constitutes a significant step towards a more sustainable society and also creates a new market opportunity to be exploited. In recent years, several case-studies have emerged in which RA were used in Geotechnical applications, such as filling materials and in unbound pavement layers. This paper presents a review of the most important physical properties of different types of RA and their comparison with natural aggregates (NA), and how these properties affect their hydraulic and mechanical behaviour when compacted. Specifically, the effects of compaction on grading size distribution curves and density are analysed, as well as the consequences of particle crushing on the resilient modulus, CBR and permeability. The paper also contains an analysis of the influence of incorporating different RA types on the performance of unbound road pavement layers as compared with those built with NA by means of the International Roughness Index and deflection values. The results collected from the literature indicate that the performance of most RA is comparable to that of NA and can be used in unbound pavement layers or in other applications requiring compaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is the most toxic class of ochratoxins and has become a major threat to the environment, humans and animals. Therefore, research on the methods for its detection is also more urgent. Herein, we propose a low-background electrochemical biosensor based on a DNA tetrahedron-besieged primer and a DNAzyme-activated programmatic rolling circle amplification (RCA) that can be ultimately utilized for OTA detection in wine samples. Low-background detection can be achieved using the besieged primer via sequenced assembly of DNA tetrahedral nanostructures so that non-specific extensions of primer can be avoided. The target OTA-mediated DNAzyme activation initiates the programmatic RCA. Additionally, the catalytic property of silver nanoclusters (AgNCs) is integrated with the electrochemical assay to achieve high sensitivity for OTA detection. Benefiting from the aforementioned processes, a low-background, and highly sensitive electrochemical biosensor has been successfully constructed. This design is capable of detecting OTA at concentrations from 1 pg/mL to 10 ng/mL, and its lowest concentration limit is 0.773 pg/mL. Simultaneously, its validation in the detection of actual samples reveals that the proposed electrochemical biosensor has a lot of potential in food safety and environmental detection. [Display omitted] • Low-background OTA detection is achieved by assembling and programming a DNA tetrahedron to besiege and release RCA primer. • The target specific binding aptamer responds to DNAzyme and initiates the programmatic RCA. • Highly sensitive electrochemical signals are enhanced significantly by RCA reaction products capturing numerous AgNCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, an ultrasensitive electrochemical biosensor was constructed by a high-efficiency Y-shaped walker with abundant recognition domains (YSWARD) for microRNA-21 (miRNA-21) detection. Once target miRNA-21 induced the assembly of Y-shaped DNA nanostructure (YSDN) through a catalytic hairpin assessbly (CHA), amounts of the YSWARD could be synthesized with the assistance of padlock via rolling circle amplification (RCA). Impressively, the YSWARD exhibited much higher cleavage efficiency (2.81 × 109) which was at least ten times more than that of conventional Y-shaped walker with three recognition domains (2.36 × 108). As a proof of concept, the YSWARD was adopted to construct electrochemical biosensing platform that achieved ultrasensitive detection with a detection limit of 10.6 aM for target miRNA-21, which carved out promising potential for exploring novel DNA walker platforms to apply in sensitive detection of biomarkers and early diagnosis of diseases. [Display omitted] • A novel electrochemical biosensor was constructed based on the proposed high-efficient walker. • A 10-fold enhanced cleavage efficiency was acquired through the proposed strategy. • Target recycle amplification strategy was adopted to achieve sensitive detection of miRNA-21. • This biosensor displayed wide linear range with a detection limit as low as 10.6 aM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a simple, label-free, low cost electrochemical biosensor for highly sensitive and selective detection of Escherichia coli has been developed on the basis of rolling circle amplification (RCA) coupled peroxidase-mimicking DNAzyme amplification. A aptamer-primer probe (APP) containing anti- E. coli aptamer and a primer sequence complementary to a circular probe, which includes two G-quadruplex units, is used for recognizing target and triggering RCA-based polymerase elongation. Due to RCA coupled DNAzyme amplification strategy, the presence of target E. coli leads to the formation of numerous G-quadruplex oligomers on electrode, which folds into G-quadruplex/hemin complexs with the help of K + and hemin, thus generating extremely strong catalytic activity toward H 2 O 2 and giving a remarkably strong electrochemical response. As far as we know, this work is the first time that RCA coupled peroxidase-mimicking DNAzyme amplification technique have been integrated into electrochemical assay for detecting pathogenic bacteria. Under optimal conditions, the proposed biosensor exhibits ultrahigh sensitivity toward E. coli with detection limits of 8 cfu mL −1 and a detection range of 5 orders of magnitude. Besides, our biosensor also shows high selectivity toward target E. coli and has the advantages in its rapidness, low cost, simplified operations without the need of electrochemical labeling steps and additional labile reagents. Hence, the RCA coupled peroxidase-mimicking DNAzyme amplification-based electrochemical method might create a useful and practical platform for detecting E. coli and related food safety analysis and clinical diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern TRIZ has evolved from a methodology used to solve technical problems to a method that increasingly incorporates tools to analyze initial problem situations before deciding on core problems formulating contradictions and problem solving. One of the tools used for this purpose and assimilated into TRIZ is the Root Cause Analysis (RCA) [1] in its various forms and derivatives: Fishbone or Ishikawa Diagram [2] , Cause Effect Chain Analysis and Root Conflict Analysis [3] (RCA+). From a practitioner's viewpoint it is not always easy how to link these analytical tools to TRIZ problem solving tools, and particularly to the formulation of contradictions. The present paper investigates this issue, and gives some advice on how the results of the analytical tools can be directly used as input for the problem solving tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We can observe the growing tendency of usage of recycled concrete aggregate (RCA). Changes in waste materials management rules will result in necessity of more common reutilization of materials from demolished concrete structures. Thus new fields of RCA application and new ways of its utilization in concrete manufacturing are still being looked for. Research presented in the paper has been conducted to examine two methods of improving poor gradation of natural aggregate (NA) using RCA. The NA that did not fulfill requirements of gradation had been chosen. It consisted of ca. 75% of 2-4 mm fraction. In the first method a part of NA was replaced with 2-16 fraction of RCA of low quality. In the second method also a part of NA was replaced this time with 4-8 mm and 8-16 mm fractions of good quality RCA. The amount of replacing fractions was precisely calculated in order to fit optimal gradation curve. Quality of the gradation was measured with so called gradation index. Mechanical properties of researched concretes was tested as well as some of their properties related to durability. It can be stated, on the basis of the results, that both methods improve most of the vital concrete properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel portable, sensitive and selective DNA sensor methods for bio-sensing applications are required that can rival conventionally used non-portable and expensive fluorescence-based sensors. In this paper, rolling circle amplification (RCA) products are detected in solution and on magnetic particles using a resistive pulse sensing (RPS) nanopore. Low amounts of DNA molecules are detected by padlock probes which are circularized in a strictly target dependent ligation reaction. The DNA-padlock probe-complex is captured on magnetic particles by sequence specific capture oligonucleotides and amplified by a short RCA. Subsequent RPS analysis is used to identify individual particles with single attached RCA products from blank particles. This proof of concept opens up for a novel non-fluorescent digital DNA quantification method that can have many applications in bio-sensing and diagnostic approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the accuracy of a soft computing technique was employed for resilient modulus prediction based on a series of measurements of Recycled Concrete Aggregates (RCA) content in Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) and Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA) mixtures. The main goal was to simulate the resilient modulus with adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS). The inputs were RCA content and test temperatures. The ANFIS results were compared with the experimental results using root-mean-square error (RMSE), coefficient of determination, and the Pearson coefficient. The effectiveness of the proposed strategies was verified based on the simulation results. The experimental results indicate that the best predictive accuracy and capability of generalization was achieved for SMA containing Mixed RCA (RMSE = 25.20119) while the worst predictive accuracy and capability of generalization was achieved for HMA containing Coarse RCA (RMSE = 35.56637). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work proposes designing of high speed floating point multipliers. The multipliers are designed using Vedic Mathematics. The Vedic Multiplier (VM) has a regular structure therefore can be easily layout in a Silicon chip. Two different VMs are designed with different adder structures viz. Ripple Carry Adder (RCA) and Carry Look-ahead Adder (CLA). A single precision floating point multiplier is designed with these two VM structures. The multipliers are structurally modeled in Verilog HDL. The simulation and synthesis are done in Xilinx® ISE 14.2. A comparison on the basis of area, power and delay is performed on Virtex-5 (xc5vlx110tff1136-1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The seeds of the Ricinus communis (Castor bean) plant are the source of the economically important commodity castor oil. Castor seeds also contain the proteins ricin and R. communis agglutinin (RCA), two toxic lectins that are hazardous to human health. Radial immunodiffusion (RID) and the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) are two antibody-based methods commonly used to quantify ricin and RCA; however, antibodies currently used in these methods cannot distinguish between ricin and RCA due to the high sequence homology of the respective proteins. In this study, a technique combining antibody-based affinity capture with liquid chromatography and multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mass spectrometry (MS) was used to quantify the amounts of ricin and RCA independently in extracts prepared from the seeds of eighteen representative cultivars of R. communis which were propagated under identical conditions. Additionally, liquid chromatography and MRM-MS was used to determine rRNA N-glycosidase activity for each cultivar and the overall activity in these cultivars was compared to a purified ricin standard. Of the cultivars studied, the average ricin content was 9.3 mg/g seed, the average RCA content was 9.9 mg/g seed, and the enzymatic activity agreed with the activity of a purified ricin reference within 35% relative activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Fiber addition improves the concrete strain energy and total strain. • CFRP plate bonding is effective for the external strengthening of RC beams. • Deep learning models show best prediction performance. The goal of this paper is to evaluate the shear capacity of fibrous recycled aggregate concrete beams side bonded with carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) based on numerical modeling and deep learning. Forty-five models were numerically investigated in ANSYS with different lengths and layers of vertical CFRP sheets. Concrete properties built for coarse recycled aggregate and various fibers as 3D and 5D steel, synthetic, and hybrid fibers added at a 0.75% volume fraction. Finally, feedforward, cascade-forward backpropagation, and NARX network algorithms were adopted to predict the shear capacity. Shear capacity improvement was significantly affected by CFRP rehabilitation. Double-layered rehabilitation applied on the zone between support and load was the most adequate. The performance of cascade-forward backpropagation in the estimation of shear capacity was superior to the other deep autoencoder models. The present paper offers good guidance on the practice field as a valuable supplement to the laboratory investigation and theoretical calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asystasia gangetica ( Acanthaceae ) from tropical Africa and Asia is used as source of food and for medical applications. Plants collected in West Africa in the 1980s with typical geminivirus symptoms showed an unusual symptom segregation that included vein yellowing, curling and mosaic, which were present simultaneously or separately on different leaves of the same plant or on different plants propagated as cuttings from a single plant. Rolling-circle amplification in combination with restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis followed by deep sequencing of the RCA products identified two geminiviruses in these plants. One with a bipartite genome, Asystasia begomovirus 1, and the other with a monopartite genome together with its defective DNA, Asystasia begomovirus 2. The relationship between leaf symptoms and virus distribution under different light regimes was investigated, and showed for the first time an unusual segregation of symptoms and viruses, either within a single plant, or even within a leaf. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complement system surveillance in the host is effective in controlling viral propagation. Consequently, to subvert this effector mechanism, viruses have developed a series of adaptations. One among these is encoding mimics of host regulators of complement activation (RCA) which help viruses to avoid being labeled as ‘foreign’ and protect them from complement-mediated neutralization and complement-enhanced antiviral adaptive immunity. In this review, we provide an overview on the structure, function and evolution of viral RCA proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this review article, the authors provide a detailed series of guidelines for effectively performing root-cause analysis (RCA) and health failure mode and effect analysis (HFMEA). RCA is a retrospective approach used to ascertain the “root cause” of a problem that has already occurred, whereas HFMEA is a prospective risk assessment tool whose aim is to recognize risks to patient safety. RCA and HFMEA are used for the prevention of errors or recurring errors to create a safer workplace, maintain high standards in health care quality, and incorporate time-saving and cost-saving modifications to favorably affect the patient care environment. The principles and techniques provided here should allow reviewers to better understand the features of RCA and HFMEA and how to apply these processes appropriately. These principles include how to organize a team, identify root causes, seed out proximate causes, graphically describe the process, conduct a hazard analysis, and develop and implement potential action plans. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) were treated by microbial carbonate precipitation (MCP). [•] MCP-treated RCA show increased weight and reduced water absorption. [•] Rate, amount, and type of MCP can be modified by control of precipitation conditions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]