bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Association of Central Sensitisation with Depression, Anxiety, and Somatic Symptoms: A Cross-Sectional Study of a Mental Health Outpatient Clinic in Japan
Authors: Takeuchi Takeaki , Hashimoto Kazuaki , Koyama Akiko , Asakura Keiko , Hashizume Masahiro
Published: May 2024

For patients with chronic pain and persistent physical symptoms, understanding the mechanism of central sensitisation may help in understanding how symptoms persist. This cross-sectional study investigated the association of central sensitisation with depression, anxiety, and somatic symptoms. Four hundred and fifteen adults attending an outpatient psychosomatic clinic were evaluated. Participants completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Somatic Symptom Scale 8, and the Central Sensitisation Inventory. The relationships between these factors were examined using descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression analyses. The mean age was 42.3 years, and 59% were female. The disorders included adjustment disorders (n = 70), anxiety disorders (n = 63), depressive disorders (n = 103), feeding and eating disorders (n = 30), sleep–wake disorders (n = 37), somatic symptoms and related disorders (n = 84), and others (n = 28). In multiple logistic regression analyses, higher central sensitisation was associated with more severe anxiety, depression, and somatic symptoms after controlling for potential confounders. In the disease-specific analysis, somatic symptoms correlated more positively with central sensitisation than with depression or anxiety. Central sensitisation and depression, anxiety, and somatic symptoms were associated with patients attending an outpatient clinic. These findings highlight the importance of evaluating depression, anxiety, and somatic symptoms when assessing central sensitisation.
Engineered Cementitious Composites with Super-Sulfated Cement: Mechanical, Physical, and Durability Performance
Authors: Zokaei Shahin , Siad Hocine , Lachemi Mohamed , Mahmoodi Obaid , Ozcelikci Emircan , Şahmaran Mustafa
Published: May 2024

This study aimed to bridge a research gap by exploring the utilization of super-sulphated cement (SSC) in engineered cementitious composites (ECCs) as a sustainable alternative to ordinary Portland cement (OPC)-based mixtures. The SSC was designed with slag, gypsum, and a small amount of OPC. The primary objective was to investigate the effects of incorporating SSC, both with and without fly ash (FA), at various FA/SSC ratios between 0 and 1.5. A comprehensive evaluation was conducted to assess the performance of the ECC-SSC mixtures, including the compressive and flexural strengths, ductility, ultrasonic pulse velocity, rapid chloride permeability, and drying shrinkage. Additionally, advanced microstructural evaluation techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis as well as X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis were employed to analyze the reaction products in selected mixtures. The results showed that the ECC mixture produced with SSC exhibited comparable strength to the ECC-OPC. In general, all the SSC-based ECCs fulfilled the criteria for various engineering applications, especially when the fly ash to SSC ratios were 0 and 0.8. In addition, ECCs with FA/SSC ratios of 1.2 and 1.5 showed ultra-ductile performance higher than the control ECC. Interestingly, all the FA-based ECC-SSC presented lower shrinkage characteristics than the control OPC-based ECC.
Precast Assembled Road Paving Technology: Progress and Prospects
Authors: Tan Qiqi , Zhu Hongzhou , Yang Song , Yang Xiaosi , Ou Li
Published: May 2024

This article presents a systematic review of the most cutting-edge research on precast pavement technology for the first time. Firstly, precast pavement is divided into two categories, precast cement concrete pavement and precast carpeted flexible pavement, according to the application of precast technology in pavement engineering. Subsequently, the structural characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of various precast pavement systems are compared and analyzed; technical problems in precast pavement systems are explained; and future development directions are identified. In addition, the text specifically mentions the great contribution of precast carpeted flexible pavement technology in reducing the harmful effects of asphalt fumes on humans and the environment. This work will promote the application of prefabrication in road engineering and provide suggestions and references for subsequent research.
Intake Biomarkers for Nutrition and Health: Review and Discussion of Methodology Issues
Authors: Prentice Ross L.
Published: May 2024

Metabolomics profiles from blood, urine, or other body fluids have the potential to assess intakes of foods and nutrients objectively, thereby strengthening nutritional epidemiology research. Metabolomics platforms may include targeted components that estimate the relative concentrations for individual metabolites in a predetermined set, or global components, typically involving mass spectrometry, that estimate relative concentrations more broadly. While a specific metabolite concentration usually correlates with the intake of a single food or food group, multiple metabolites may be correlated with the intake of certain foods or with specific nutrient intakes, each of which may be expressed in absolute terms or relative to total energy intake. Here, I briefly review the progress over the past 20 years on the development and application intake biomarkers for foods/food groups, nutrients, and dietary patterns, primarily by drawing from several recent reviews. In doing so, I emphasize the criteria and study designs for candidate biomarker identification, biomarker validation, and intake biomarker application. The use of intake biomarkers for diet and chronic disease association studies is still infrequent in nutritional epidemiology research. My comments here will derive primarily from our research group’s recent contributions to the Women’s Health Initiative cohorts. I will complete the contribution by describing some opportunities to build on the collective 20 years of effort, including opportunities related to the metabolomics profiling of blood and urine specimens from human feeding studies that approximate habitual diets.
A Chemical Structure and Machine Learning Approach to Assess the Potential Bioactivity of Endogenous Metabolites and Their Association with Early Childhood Systemic Inflammation
Authors: Lovrić Mario , Wang Tingting , Staffe Mads Rønnow , Šunić Iva , Časni Kristina , Lasky-Su Jessica , Chawes Bo , Rasmussen Morten Arendt
Published: May 2024

Metabolomics has gained much attention due to its potential to reveal molecular disease mechanisms and present viable biomarkers. This work uses a panel of untargeted serum metabolomes from 602 children from the COPSAC2010 mother–child cohort. The annotated part of the metabolome consists of 517 chemical compounds curated using automated procedures. We created a filtering method for the quantified metabolites using predicted quantitative structure–bioactivity relationships for the Tox21 database on nuclear receptors and stress response in cell lines. The metabolites measured in the children’s serums are predicted to affect specific targeted models, known for their significance in inflammation, immune function, and health outcomes. The targets from Tox21 have been used as targets with quantitative structure–activity relationships (QSARs). They were trained for ~7000 structures, saved as models, and then applied to the annotated metabolites to predict their potential bioactivities. The models were selected based on strict accuracy criteria surpassing random effects. After application, 52 metabolites showed potential bioactivity based on structural similarity with known active compounds from the Tox21 set. The filtered compounds were subsequently used and weighted by their bioactive potential to show an association with early childhood hs-CRP levels at six months in a linear model supporting a physiological adverse effect on systemic low-grade inflammation.
Lightweight Convolutional Network with Integrated Attention Mechanism for Missing Bolt Detection in Railways
Authors: Alif Mujadded Al Rabbani , Hussain Muhammad
Published: May 2024

Railway infrastructure safety is a paramount concern, with bolt integrity being a critical component. In the realm of railway maintenance, the detection of missing bolts is a vital task that ensures the stability and safety of tracks. Traditionally, this task has been approached through manual inspections or conventional automated methods, which are often time-consuming, costly, and prone to human error. Addressing these challenges, this paper presents a state-of-the-art solution with the development of a lightweight convolutional neural network (CNN) featuring an integrated attention mechanism. This novel model is engineered to be computationally efficient while maintaining high accuracy, making it particularly suitable for real-time analysis in resource-constrained environments commonly found in railway inspections. The proposed CNN utilises a distinctive architecture that synergises the speed of lightweight networks with the precision of attention-based mechanisms. By integrating an attention mechanism, the network selectively concentrates on regions of interest within the image, effectively enhancing the model’s capability to identify missing bolts with remarkable accuracy. Comprehensive testing showcases a remarkable 96.43% accuracy and an impressive 96 F1-score, substantially outperforming existing deep learning frameworks in the context of missing bolt detection. Key contributions of this research include the model’s innovative attention-integrated approach, which significantly reduces the model complexity without compromising detection performance. Additionally, the model offers scalability and adaptability to various railway settings, proving its efficacy not just in controlled environments but also in diverse real-world scenarios. Extensive experiments, rigorous evaluations, and real-time deployment results collectively underscore the transformative potential of the presented CNN model in advancing the domain of railway safety maintenance.
Grooving and Absorption on Substrates to Reduce the Bulk Acoustic Wave for Surface Acoustic Wave Micro-Force Sensors
Authors: Feng Yang , Yu Haoda , Liu Wenbo , Hu Keyong , Sun Shuifa , Yang Zhen , Wang Ben
Published: May 2024

Improving measurement accuracy is the core issue with surface acoustic wave (SAW) micro-force sensors. An electrode transducer can stimulate not only the SAW but also the bulk acoustic wave (BAW). A portion of the BAW can be picked up by the receiving transducer, leading to an unwanted or spurious signal. This can harm the device’s frequency response characteristics, thereby potentially reducing the precision of the micro-force sensor’s measurements. This paper examines the influence of anisotropy on wave propagation, and it also performs a phase-matching analysis between interdigital transducers (IDTs) and bulk waves. Two solutions are shown to reduce the influence of BAW for SAW micro sensors, which are arranged with acoustic absorbers at the ends of the substrate and in grooving in the piezoelectric substrate. Three different types of sensors were manufactured, and the test results showed that the sidelobes of the SAW micro-force sensor could be effectively inhibited (3.32 dB), thereby enhancing the sensitivity and performance of sensor detection. The SAW micro-force sensor manufactured using the new process was tested and the following results were obtained: the center frequency was 59.83 MHz, the fractional bandwidth was 1.33%, the range was 0–1000 mN, the linearity was 1.02%, the hysteresis was 0.59%, the repeatability was 1.11%, and the accuracy was 1.34%.
An Electronically Reconfigurable Highly Selective Stop-Band Ultra-Wideband Antenna Applying Electromagnetic Bandgaps and Positive-Intrinsic-Negative Diodes
Authors: Abbas Anees , Hussain Niamat , Sufian Md. Abu , Awan Wahaj Abbas , Lee Jaemin , Kim Nam
Published: May 2024

In this article, an ultra-wideband (UWB) antenna featuring two reconfigurable quasi-perfect stop bands at WLAN (5.25–5.75 GHz) and lower 5G (3.4–3.8 GHz) utilizing electromagnetic bandgaps (EBGs) and positive-intrinsic-negative (P-I-N) diodes is proposed. A pair of EBG structures are applied to generate sharp notch bands in the targeted frequency spectrum. Each EBG creates a traditional notch, while two regular notches are combined to make a quasi-perfect, sharp, notch band. Four P-I-N diodes are engraved into the EBG structures to enable notch band reconfigurability. By switching the operational condition of the four diodes, the UWB antenna can dynamically adjust its notching characteristics to enhance its adaptability to various communication standards and applications. The antenna can be reconfigured as a UWB (3–11.6 GHz) without any notch band, a UWB with a single sharp notch (either at WLAN or 5G), or a UWB with two quasi-perfect notch bands. Moreover, the antenna’s notch bands can also be switched from a traditional notch to a quasi-perfect notch and vice versa. To confirm the validity of the simulated outcomes, the proposed reconfigurable UWB antenna is fabricated and measured. The experimental findings are aligned closely with simulation results, and the antenna offers notch band reconfigurability. The antenna shows a consistently favorable radiation pattern and gain. The dimension of the presented antenna is 20 × 27 × 1.52 mm3 (0.45 λc × 0.33 λc × 0.025 λc, where λc is the wavelength in free space).
LDH-Based Voltammetric Sensors
Authors: Tonelli Domenica , Tonelli Matteo , Gianvittorio Stefano , Lesch Andreas
Published: May 2024

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs), also named hydrotalcite-like compounds, are anionic clays with a lamellar structure which have been extensively used in the last two decades as electrode modifiers for the design of electrochemical sensors. These materials can be classified into LDHs containing or not containing redox-active centers. In the former case, a transition metal cation undergoing a reversible redox reaction within a proper potential window is present in the layers, and, therefore, it can act as electron transfer mediator, and electrocatalyze the oxidation of an analyte for which the required overpotential is too high. In the latter case, a negatively charged species acting as a redox mediator can be introduced into the interlayer spaces after exchanging the anion coming from the synthesis, and, again, the material can display electrocatalytic properties. Alternatively, due to the large specific surface area of LDHs, molecules with electroactivity can be adsorbed on their surface. In this review, the most significant electroanalytical applications of LDHs as electrode modifiers for the development of voltammetric sensors are presented, grouping them based on the two types of materials.
The Heterogeneous Habitat of Taiga Forests Changes the Soil Microbial Functional Diversity
Authors: Zhou Tian , Wu Song , Gao Mingliang , Yang Libin
Published: May 2024

The soil contains abundant and diverse microorganisms, which interrelate closely with the aboveground vegetation and impact the structure and function of the forest ecosystem. To explore the effect of vegetation diversity on soil microbial functional diversity in taiga forests, we selected significantly different important values of Larix gmelinii as experimental grouping treatments based on plant investigation from fixed plots in Da Xing’anling Mountains. Following that, we collected soil samples and applied the Biolog-ECO microplate method to investigate differences in carbon source utilization, features of functional diversity in soil microorganisms, and factors influencing them in taiga forests. The AWCD decreased as the important value of Larix gmelinii grew, and soil microorganisms preferred carboxylic acids, amino acids, and carbohydrates over polymers, phenolic acids, and amines. The Shannon and McIntosh indexes decreased significantly with the increase of the important value of Larix gmelinii (p < 0.05) and were positively correlated with soil SOC, MBC, C/N, and pH, but negatively with TN, AP, and AN. Redundancy analysis revealed significant effects on soil microbial functional diversity from soil C/N, SOC, AP, MBC, TN, pH, AN, and WC. To sum up, heterogeneous habitats of taiga forests with different important values altered soil microbial functional diversity.
An Integrated Petrographic, Geomatic and Geophysical Approach for the Characterization of the Carbonate Rocks of the Calcari di Cagliari Formation
Authors: Casula Giuseppe , Fais Silvana , Cuccuru Francesco , Bianchi Maria Giovanna , Ligas Paola
Published: May 2024

Non-invasive techniques, such as close-range photogrammetry (CRP) and 3D ultrasonic tomography complemented with optical and scanning electron microscopy and mercury porosimetry, were applied to characterize the carbonate rock samples of the Calcari di Cagliari formation. The integrated approach started with the computation of high-resolution 3D models of the carbonate samples using the CRP technique to produce 3D high-resolution models texturized both with natural colors and intensity. Starting from the 3D models from previous techniques, a 3D ultrasonic tomography on each rock sample was accurately planned and carried out in order to detect the elastic properties of such rocks and relate them to textural heterogeneity or internal defects. The results indicate that the relationship between longitudinal velocity and rock properties is complex even in the same carbonate formation. Understanding the relationship between the geomatic and geophysical responses in the investigated rock properties, such as textural characteristics and especially structure and geometry of pores, type of pores, tortuosity and cementing material, is important for many practical applications and especially in the diagnostic process of the conservation state of monumental structures. The integration of the above non-invasive techniques complemented by petrographical–petrophysical data proved to be a powerful method to associate each lithotype with a different susceptibility to degradation. The results presented in this paper demonstrate that the proposed integrated use of complementary methodologies would guarantee the reproducibility of the measurements both at the laboratory and field scale for the monitoring in time of the rock condition while giving a useful contribution in making decisions on an appropriate remedial strategy.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation on Solidification Microstructure and Tensile Properties of Cu/SiC Composites
Authors: Yan Wanjun , Lu Yuhang , Gao Tinghong , Wang Junjie , Tang Xin , Wang Nan
Published: May 2024

The shape of ceramic particles is one of the factors affecting the properties of metal matrix composites. Exploring the mechanism of ceramic particles affecting the cooling mechanical behavior and microstructure of composites provides a simulation basis for the design of high-performance composites. In this study, molecular dynamics methods are used for investigating the microstructure evolution mechanism in Cu/SiC composites containing SiC particles of different shapes during the rapid solidification process and evaluating the mechanical properties after cooling. The results show that the spherical SiC composites demonstrate the highest degree of local ordering after cooling. The more ordered the formation is of face-centered-cubic and hexagonal-close-packed structures, the better the crystallization is of the final composite and the less the number of stacking faults. Finally, the results of uniaxial tensile in three different directions after solidification showed that the composite containing spherical SiC particles demonstrated the best mechanical properties. The findings of this study provide a reference for understanding the preparation of Cu/SiC composites with different shapes of SiC particles as well as their microstructure and mechanical properties and provide a new idea for the experimental and theoretical research of Cu/SiC metal matrix composites.
Advances in the Chemistry and Biology of Specialised Pro-Resolving Mediators (SPMs)
Authors: Byrne Lucy , Guiry Patrick J.
Published: May 2024

This review article assembles key recent advances in the synthetic chemistry and biology of specialised pro-resolving mediators (SPMs). The major medicinal chemistry developments in the design, synthesis and biological evaluation of synthetic SPM analogues of lipoxins and resolvins have been discussed. These include variations in the top and bottom chains, as well as changes to the triene core, of lipoxins, all changes intended to enhance the metabolic stability whilst retaining or improving biological activity. Similar chemical modifications of resolvins are also discussed. The biological evaluation of these synthetic SPMs is also described in some detail. Original investigations into the biological activity of endogenous SPMs led to the pairing of these ligands with the FPR2/LX receptor, and these results have been challenged in more recent work, leading to conflicting results and views, which are again discussed.
A Combined Molecular Dynamics and Hydropathic INTeraction (HINT) Approach to Investigate Protein Flexibility: The PPARγ Case Study
Authors: Agosta Federica , Cozzini Pietro
Published: May 2024

Molecular Dynamics (MD) is a computational technique widely used to evaluate a molecular system’s thermodynamic properties and conformational behavior over time. In particular, the energy analysis of a protein conformation ensemble produced though MD simulations plays a crucial role in explaining the relationship between protein dynamics and its mechanism of action. In this research work, the HINT (Hydropathic INTeractions) LogP-based scoring function was first used to handle MD trajectories and investigate the molecular basis behind the intricate PPARγ mechanism of activation. The Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor γ (PPARγ) is an emblematic example of a highly flexible protein due to the extended ω-loop delimiting the active site, and it is responsible for the receptor’s ability to bind chemically different compounds. In this work, we focused on the PPARγ complex with Rosiglitazone, a common anti-diabetic compound and analyzed the molecular basis of the flexible ω-loop stabilization effect produced by the Oleic Acid co-binding. The HINT-based analysis of the produced MD trajectories allowed us to account for all of the energetic contributions involved in interconverting between conformational states and describe the intramolecular interactions between the flexible ω-loop and the helix H3 triggered by the allosteric binding mechanism.
A New Culture Medium Rich in Phenols Used for Screening Bitter Degrading Strains of Lactic Acid Bacteria to Employ in Table Olive Production
Authors: Lanza Barbara , Bacceli Martina , Di Marco Sara , Simone Nicola , Di Loreto Giuseppina , Flamminii Federica , Mollica Adriano , Cichelli Angelo
Published: May 2024

The olive oil industry recently introduced a novel multi-phase decanter with the “Leopard DMF” series, which gives a by-product called pâté, made up of pulp and olive wastewater with a high content of phenolic substances and without pits. This study aims to create a new culture medium, the Olive Juice Broth (OJB), from DMF pâté, and apply it to select bacteria strains able to survive and degrade the bitter substances normally present in the olive fruit. Thirty-five different bacterial strains of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum from the CREA-IT.PE Collection of Microorganisms were tested. Seven strains characterized by ≥50% growth in OJB (B31, B137, B28, B39, B124, B130, and B51) showed a degradation of the total phenolic content of OJB ≥ 30%. From this set, L. plantarum B51 strain was selected as a starter for table olive production vs. spontaneous fermentation. The selected inoculant effectively reduced the debittering time compared to spontaneous fermentation. Hydroxytyrosol, derived from oleuropein and verbascoside degradation, and tyrosol, derived from ligstroside degradation, were produced faster than during spontaneous fermentation. The OJB medium is confirmed to be useful in selecting bacterial strains resistant to the complex phenolic environment of the olive fruit.
Setting Plasma Immersion Ion Implantation of Ar+ Parameters towards Electroforming-Free and Self-Compliance HfO2-Based Memristive Structures
Authors: Permiakova Olga , Pankratov Sergey , Isaev Alexandr , Miakonkikh Andrew , Chesnokov Yuri , Lomov Andrey , Rogozhin Alexander
Published: May 2024

Memristive structures are among the most promising options to be components of neuromorphic devices. However, the formation of HfO2-based devices in crossbar arrays requires considerable time since electroforming is a single stochastic operation. In this study, we investigate how Ar+ plasma immersion ion implantation (PI) affects the Pt/HfO2 (4 nm)/HfOXNY (3 nm)/TaN electroforming voltage. The advantage of PI is the simultaneous and uniform processing of the entire wafer. It is thought that Ar+ implantation causes defects to the oxide matrix, with the majority of the oxygen anions being shifted in the direction of the TaN electrode. We demonstrate that it is feasible to reduce the electroforming voltages from 7.1 V to values less than 3 V by carefully selecting the implantation energy. A considerable decrease in the electroforming voltage was achievable at an implantation energy that provided the dispersion of recoils over the whole thickness of the oxide without significantly affecting the HfOXNY/TaN interface. At the same time, Ar+ PI at higher and lower energies did not produce the same significant decrease in the electroforming voltage. It is also possible to obtain self-compliance of current in the structure during electroforming after PI with energy less than 2 keV.
Nanoporous Carbon Materials Derived from Zanthoxylum Bungeanum Peel and Seed for Electrochemical Supercapacitors
Authors: Jia Peng , Wang Ziming , Wang Xinru , Qin Ke , Gao Jiajing , Sun Jiazhen , Xia Guangmei , Dong Tao , Gong Yanyan , Yu Zhenjiang , Zhang Jinyang , Chen Honglei , Wang Shengdan
Published: May 2024

In order to prepare biomass-derived carbon materials with high specific capacitance at a low activation temperature (≤700 °C), nanoporous carbon materials were prepared from zanthoxylum bungeanum peels and seeds via the pyrolysis and KOH-activation processes. The results show that the optimal activation temperatures are 700 °C and 600 °C for peels and seeds. Benefiting from the hierarchical pore structure (micropores, mesopores, and macropores), the abundant heteroatoms (N, S, and O) containing functional groups, and plentiful electrochemical active sites, the PAC-700 and SAC-600 derive the large capacities of ~211.0 and ~219.7 F g−1 at 1.0 A g−1 in 6 M KOH within the three-electrode configuration. Furthermore, the symmetrical supercapacitors display a high energy density of 22.9 and 22.4 Wh kg−1 at 7500 W kg−1 assembled with PAC-700 and SAC-600, along with exceptional capacitance retention of 99.1% and 93.4% over 10,000 cycles at 1.0 A g−1. More significantly, the contribution here will stimulate the extensive development of low-temperature activation processes and nanoporous carbon materials for electrochemical energy storage and beyond.
CMOS Scaling for the 5 nm Node and Beyond: Device, Process and Technology
Authors: Radamson Henry H. , Miao Yuanhao , Zhou Ziwei , Wu Zhenhua , Kong Zhenzhen , Gao Jianfeng , Yang Hong , Ren Yuhui , Zhang Yongkui , Shi Jiangliu , Xiang Jinjuan , Cui Hushan , Lu Bin , Li Junjie , Liu Jinbiao , Lin Hongxiao , Xu Haoqing , Li Mengfan , Cao Jiaji , He Chuangqi , Duan Xiangyan , Zhao Xuewei , Su Jiale , Du Yong , Yu Jiahan , Wu Yuanyuan , Jiang Miao , Liang Di , Li Ben , Dong Yan , Wang Guilei
Published: May 2024

After more than five decades, Moore’s Law for transistors is approaching the end of the international technology roadmap of semiconductors (ITRS). The fate of complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) architecture has become increasingly unknown. In this era, 3D transistors in the form of gate-all-around (GAA) transistors are being considered as an excellent solution to scaling down beyond the 5 nm technology node, which solves the difficulties of carrier transport in the channel region which are mainly rooted in short channel effects (SCEs). In parallel to Moore, during the last two decades, transistors with a fully depleted SOI (FDSOI) design have also been processed for low-power electronics. Among all the possible designs, there are also tunneling field-effect transistors (TFETs), which offer very low power consumption and decent electrical characteristics. This review article presents new transistor designs, along with the integration of electronics and photonics, simulation methods, and continuation of CMOS process technology to the 5 nm technology node and beyond. The content highlights the innovative methods, challenges, and difficulties in device processing and design, as well as how to apply suitable metrology techniques as a tool to find out the imperfections and lattice distortions, strain status, and composition in the device structures.
A Systematic Study of the Temperature Dependence of the Dielectric Function of GaSe Uniaxial Crystals from 27 to 300 K
Authors: Le Long V. , Nguyen Tien-Thanh , Nguyen Xuan Au , Cuong Do Duc , Nguyen Thi Huong , Nguyen Van Quang , Cho Sunglae , Kim Young Dong , Kim Tae Jung
Published: May 2024

We report the temperature dependences of the dielectric function ε = ε1 + iε2 and critical point (CP) energies of the uniaxial crystal GaSe in the spectral energy region from 0.74 to 6.42 eV and at temperatures from 27 to 300 K using spectroscopic ellipsometry. The fundamental bandgap and strong exciton effect near 2.1 eV are detected only in the c-direction, which is perpendicular to the cleavage plane of the crystal. The temperature dependences of the CP energies were determined by fitting the data to the phenomenological expression that incorporates the Bose–Einstein statistical factor and the temperature coefficient to describe the electron–phonon interaction. To determine the origin of this anisotropy, we perform first-principles calculations using the mBJ method for bandgap correction. The results clearly demonstrate that the anisotropic dielectric characteristics can be directly attributed to the inherent anisotropy of p orbitals. More specifically, this prominent excitonic feature and fundamental bandgap are derived from the band-to-band transition between s and pz orbitals at the Γ-point.
Variables Associated with Jaw Clicking in a South Australian Population: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Farook Taseef Hasan , Ramees Lameesa , Dudley James
Published: May 2024

Background: The influence of medical and dental factors on jaw clicking within the South Australian population remains unexplored, and there is a lack of research on the impact of occlusal therapy on dynamic jaw movement parameters in this population. Purpose: This study investigated the potential significant associations between specific aspects of patient histories, occlusal therapy, and self-reported or observed jaw clicking in a population from the state of South Australia. Methods: Seventy individuals aged 18 to 65 participated in a cross-sectional study. Data collection included comprehensive medical, social, and dental histories, followed by evaluations of jaw function. Twenty-six out of the seventy individuals reported jaw clicking. Electrognathography assessed maximum mouth opening, surface electromyography evaluated masticatory muscle function, and joint vibration analysis measured individual joint vibration amplitudes and integrals. Logistic regression models analysed overall variable effects, while sub-models focused on predictors related to occlusal therapy, specifically orthodontic intervention. Independent t-tests and Mann–Whitney U tests compared jaw functions between participants who received occlusal therapy and those who did not. Results: The number of third molars extracted, vitamin D deficiency, and self-reported mental health disorders (R2 = 0.414, p = 0.048) emerged as significant predictors for jaw clicking. Factors associated with occlusal therapy showed no significant association with jaw clicking (R2 = 0.59, p = 0.027). Furthermore, there were no significant differences observed in mouth opening (t-stat = −0.439, p = 0.662), muscle activity, and joint vibration analysis between participants who underwent occlusal therapy and those who did not. Conclusions: Within the selected study population and limited sample size, the number of third molars extracted, vitamin D deficiency, and self-reported mental health disorders were associated with jaw clicking.
Torenia sp. Extracts Contain Multiple Potent Antitumor Compounds with Nematocidal Activity, Triggering an Activated DNA Damage Checkpoint and Defective Meiotic Progression
Authors: Meng Qinghao , Borris Robert P. , Kim Hyun-Min
Published: May 2024

Previously, we analyzed 316 herbal extracts to evaluate their potential nematocidal properties in Caenorhabditis elegans. In this study, our attention was directed towards Torenia sp., resulting in reduced survival and heightened larval arrest/lethality, alongside a noticeable decrease in DAPI-stained bivalent structures and disrupted meiotic progression, thus disrupting developmental processes. Notably, Torenia sp. extracts activated a DNA damage checkpoint response via the ATM/ATR and CHK-1 pathways, hindering germline development. LC–MS analysis revealed 13 compounds in the Torenia sp. extracts, including flavonoids, terpenoids, tanshinones, an analog of resveratrol, iridoids, carotenoids, fatty acids, and alkaloids. Of these, 10 are known for their antitumor activity, suggesting the potential of Torenia species beyond traditional gardening, extending into pharmaceutical and therapeutic applications.
Comprehensive Chemical Profiling and Mechanistic Insight into Anticancer Activity of Annona muricata Leaves Extract
Authors: Abdallah Rehab H. , Al-Attar Al-sayed R. , Shehata Youssef M. , Abdel-Fattah Doaa M. , Atta Rahnaa M. , Fantoukh Omer I. , Mustafa Ahmed M.
Published: May 2024

The aqueous extract of Annona muricata L. leaves was thoroughly analyzed using the UPLC-MS/MS, in addition to a new approach of examination of the extract’s impact on cancer of EAC(Ehrlich ascites carcinoma) in albino male mice. The aim was to investigate the diversity of the phytochemical constituents of the aqueous leaf capsule extract and their impacts on EAC as anticancer agents. The UPLC-ESI-MS/MS screening resulted in 410 tentatively identified metabolites. Among them, 384 compounds were tentatively identified in a previous study, besides a number of 26 compounds belonging to acetogenins, phenolics, flavonoids, alkaloids, and other miscellaneous compounds, which were exclusively identified in the aqueous extract of the leaf capsule. Interestingly, a new compound was tentatively characterized as galloyl-quinic acid-rutinoside. This study also demonstrated that treating EAC mice with an extract from A. muricata leaves significantly improved the abnormalities in the expression of pro-apoptotic (Bax and caspase-3) and anti-apoptotic (Bcl-2) genes. Furthermore, the extract showed good protection against induced Ehrlich hepatocarcinoma, according to the microscopical, histological, and immune-histochemical analyses of the liver tissues and tumor mass.
Oral Delivery of Liraglutide-Loaded Zein/Eudragit-Chitosan Nanoparticles Provides Pharmacokinetic and Glycemic Outcomes Comparable to Its Subcutaneous Injection in Rats
Authors: Ziebarth Jeferson , da Silva Letícia Marina , Lorenzett Ariane Krause Padilha , Figueiredo Ingrid Delbone , Carlstrom Paulo Fernando , Cardoso Felipe Nunes , de Freitas André Luiz Ferreira , Baviera Amanda Martins , Mainardes Rubiana Mara
Published: May 2024

Liraglutide (LIRA) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist renowned for its efficacy in treating type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and is typically administered via subcutaneous injections. Oral delivery, although more desirable for being painless and potentially enhancing patient adherence, is challenged by the peptide’s low bioavailability and vulnerability to digestive enzymes. This study aimed to develop LIRA-containing zein-based nanoparticles stabilized with eudragit RS100 and chitosan for oral use (Z-ERS-CS/LIRA). These nanoparticles demonstrated a spherical shape, with a mean diameter of 238.6 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.099, a zeta potential of +40.9 mV, and an encapsulation efficiency of 41%. In vitro release studies indicated a prolonged release, with up to 61% of LIRA released over 24 h. Notably, the nanoparticles showed considerable resistance and stability in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids, suggesting protection from pH and enzymatic degradation. Pharmacokinetic analysis revealed that orally administered Z-ERS-CS/LIRA paralleled the pharmacokinetic profile seen with subcutaneously delivered LIRA. Furthermore, in vivo tests on a diabetic rat model showed that Z-ERS-CS/LIRA significantly controlled glucose levels, comparable to the results observed with free LIRA. The findings underscore Z-ERS-CS/LIRA nanoparticles as a promising approach for oral LIRA delivery in T2DM management.
Reprogramming Tumor-Associated Macrophage Using Nanocarriers: New Perspectives to Halt Cancer Progression
Authors: Kuznetsova Alyona B. , Kolesova Ekaterina P. , Parodi Alessandro , Zamyatnin Andrey A. , Egorova Vera S.
Published: May 2024

Cancer remains a significant challenge for public healthcare systems worldwide. Within the realm of cancer treatment, considerable attention is focused on understanding the tumor microenvironment (TME)—the complex network of non-cancerous elements surrounding the tumor. Among the cells in TME, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play a central role, traditionally categorized as pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages or anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages. Within the TME, M2-like TAMs can create a protective environment conducive to tumor growth and progression. These TAMs secrete a range of factors and molecules that facilitate tumor angiogenesis, increased vascular permeability, chemoresistance, and metastasis. In response to this challenge, efforts are underway to develop adjuvant therapy options aimed at reprogramming TAMs from the M2 to the anti-tumor M1 phenotype. Such reprogramming holds promise for suppressing tumor growth, alleviating chemoresistance, and impeding metastasis. Nanotechnology has enabled the development of nanoformulations that may soon offer healthcare providers the tools to achieve targeted drug delivery, controlled drug release within the TME for TAM reprogramming and reduce drug-related adverse events. In this review, we have synthesized the latest data on TAM polarization in response to TME factors, highlighted the pathological effects of TAMs, and provided insights into existing nanotechnologies aimed at TAM reprogramming and depletion.
Innovative Delivery Systems for Curcumin: Exploring Nanosized and Conventional Formulations
Authors: Yakubu Jibira , Pandey Amit V.
Published: May 2024

Curcumin, a polyphenol with a rich history spanning two centuries, has emerged as a promising therapeutic agent targeting multiple signaling pathways and exhibiting cellular-level activities that contribute to its diverse health benefits. Extensive preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated its ability to enhance the therapeutic potential of various bioactive compounds. While its reported therapeutic advantages are manifold, predominantly attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, its efficacy is hindered by poor bioavailability stemming from inadequate absorption, rapid metabolism, and elimination. To address this challenge, nanodelivery systems have emerged as a promising approach, offering enhanced solubility, biocompatibility, and therapeutic effects for curcumin. We have analyzed the knowledge on curcumin nanoencapsulation and its synergistic effects with other compounds, extracted from electronic databases. We discuss the pharmacokinetic profile of curcumin, current advancements in nanoencapsulation techniques, and the combined effects of curcumin with other agents across various disorders. By unifying existing knowledge, this analysis intends to provide insights into the potential of nanoencapsulation technologies to overcome constraints associated with curcumin treatments, emphasizing the importance of combinatorial approaches in improving therapeutic efficacy. Finally, this compilation of study data aims to inform and inspire future research into encapsulating drugs with poor pharmacokinetic characteristics and investigating innovative drug combinations to improve bioavailability and therapeutic outcomes.
Polarization-Based Reflection Suppression Method and Its Application to Target Detection
Authors: Duan Jin , Wang Jialin , Fu Qiang , Xie Guofang , Mo Suxin , Fang Ruisen
Published: May 2024

Active illumination light becomes strongly reflective interference light after specular reflection. It causes saturation in some areas of the image during target detection, resulting in the inability to recognize detailed target feature information. This greatly limits the application of active illumination detection. Based on the Mueller matrix analysis of the difference in polarization characteristics between the background specular reflected light and the target reflected light, we propose a reflection suppression method based on orthogonal polarization imaging. The method employs a polarization modulation strategy in a bidirectional manner between the light source and the detector. First, the polarization information difference is amplified by active polarized illumination between the background specular reflected light and the target reflected light. Then, the target recovery is achieved by suppressing the background specular reflected light through the polarized orthogonal imaging method. Meanwhile, this method can also be used for moving target detection. The experimental results show that the reflection suppression method of orthogonal polarization imaging can effectively suppress the interference of specular reflection on the target image. Additionally, it can reduce the problems of missed and false detection that occurs in moving target detection and improve the active illumination detection effect.
Exploring Nitric Oxide as a Regulator in Salt Tolerance: Insights into Photosynthetic Efficiency in Maize
Authors: Rashkov Georgi D. , Stefanov Martin A. , Yotsova Ekaterina K. , Borisova Preslava B. , Dobrikova Anelia G. , Apostolova Emilia L.
Published: May 2024

The growing issue of salinity is a significant threat to global agriculture, affecting diverse regions worldwide. Nitric oxide (NO) serves as an essential signal molecule in regulating photosynthetic performance under physiological and stress conditions. The present study reveals the protective effects of different concentrations (0–300 µM) of sodium nitroprusside (SNP, a donor of NO) on the functions of the main complexes within the photosynthetic apparatus of maize (Zea mays L. Kerala) under salt stress (150 mM NaCl). The data showed that SNP alleviates salt-induced oxidative stress and prevents changes in the fluidity of thylakoid membranes (Laurdan GP) and energy redistribution between the two photosystems (77K chlorophyll fluorescence ratio F735/F685). Chlorophyll fluorescence measurements demonstrated that the foliar spray with SNP under salt stress prevents the decline of photosystem II (PSII) open reaction centers (qP) and improves their efficiency (Φexc), thereby influencing QA− reoxidation. The data also revealed that SNP protects the rate constants for two pathways of QA− reoxidation (k1 and k2) from the changes caused by NaCl treatment alone. Additionally, there is a predominance of QA− interaction with plastoquinone in comparison to the recombination of electrons in QA QB− with the oxygen-evolving complex (OEC). The analysis of flash oxygen evolution showed that SNP treatment prevents a salt-induced 10% increase in PSII centers in the S0 state, i.e., protects the initial S0–S1 state distribution, and the modification of the Mn cluster in the OEC. Moreover, this study demonstrates that SNP-induced defense occurs on both the donor and acceptor sides of the PSII, leading to the protection of overall photosystems performance (PIABS) and efficient electron transfer from the PSII donor side to the reduction of PSI end electron acceptors (PItotal). This study clearly shows that the optimal protection under salt stress occurs at approximately 50–63 nmoles NO/g FW in leaves, corresponding to foliar spray with 50–150 µM SNP.
Recent Applications of Chitosan and Its Derivatives in Antibacterial, Anticancer, Wound Healing, and Tissue Engineering Fields
Authors: Mawazi Saeid Mezail , Kumar Mohit , Ahmad Noraini , Ge Yi , Mahmood Syed
Published: May 2024

Chitosan, a versatile biopolymer derived from chitin, has garnered significant attention in various biomedical applications due to its unique properties, such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, and mucoadhesiveness. This review provides an overview of the diverse applications of chitosan and its derivatives in the antibacterial, anticancer, wound healing, and tissue engineering fields. In antibacterial applications, chitosan exhibits potent antimicrobial properties by disrupting microbial membranes and DNA, making it a promising natural preservative and agent against bacterial infections. Its role in cancer therapy involves the development of chitosan-based nanocarriers for targeted drug delivery, enhancing therapeutic efficacy while minimising side effects. Chitosan also plays a crucial role in wound healing by promoting cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and regulating inflammatory responses. Additionally, chitosan serves as a multifunctional scaffold in tissue engineering, facilitating the regeneration of diverse tissues such as cartilage, bone, and neural tissue by promoting cell adhesion and proliferation. The extensive range of applications for chitosan in pharmaceutical and biomedical sciences is not only highlighted by the comprehensive scope of this review, but it also establishes it as a fundamental component for forthcoming research in biomedicine.
Biopolymer-Based Hydrogel Incorporated with Naproxen Sodium and Lidocaine Hydrochloride for Controlled Drug Delivery
Authors: Wójcik-Pastuszka Dorota , Stawicka Karolina , Musiał Witold
Published: May 2024

Sodium hyaluronate (HA) is a natural polysaccharide. This biopolymer occurs in many tissues of living organisms. The regenerating, nourishing, and moisturizing properties as well as the rheological properties of HA enable its application in the pharmaceutical industry as a carrier of medicinal substances. The aim of this work was to assess the release of naproxen sodium (Nap) in the presence of lidocaine hydrochloride (Lid) from the biopolymer-based hydrogels and to determine the respective kinetic parameters of this process. The possible interaction between the HA polysaccharide carrier and the selected drugs was also investigated. Three hydrogels containing Nap and Lid with different concentrations of the biopolymer were prepared. The release of Nap was studied by employing USP apparatus 5. The infrared study and differential scanning calorimetry analysis of physical mixtures and dried formulations were performed. The highest amount of Nap was released from the formulation with the lowest concentration of the biopolymer. The most representative kinetic model that described the dissolution of Nap was obtained through the Korsmeyer–Peppas equation. The release rate constants were in the range of 1.0 ± 0.1 × 10−2 min−n–1.7 ± 0.1 × 10−2 min−n. Lid did not influence the dissolution of Nap from the formulations tested; however, in the desiccated samples of assessed formulations, the interaction between the polysaccharide and both drugs was observed.