bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A New NF-κB Inhibitor, MEDS-23, Reduces the Severity of Adverse Post-Ischemic Stroke Outcomes in Rats
Authors: Rubin Elina , Pippione Agnese C. , Boyko Matthew , Einaudi Giacomo , Sainas Stefano , Collino Massimo , Cifani Carlo , Lolli Marco L. , Abu-Freha Naim , Kaplanski Jacob , Boschi Donatella , Azab Abed N.
Published: December 2021

Aim: Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) is known to play an important role in the inflammatory process which takes place after ischemic stroke. The major objective of the present study was to examine the effects of MEDS-23, a potent inhibitor of NF-κB, on clinical outcomes and brain inflammatory markers in post-ischemic stroke rats. Main methods: Initially, a Toxicity Experiment was performed to determine the appropriate dose of MEDS-23 for use in animals, as MEDS-23 was analyzed in vivo for the first time. We used the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model for inducing ischemic stroke in rats. The effects of MEDS-23 (at 10 mg/kg, ip) on post-stroke outcomes (brain inflammation, fever, neurological deficits, mortality, and depression- and anxiety-like behaviours) was tested in several efficacy experiments. Key findings: MEDS-23 was found to be safe and significantly reduced the severity of some adverse post-stroke outcomes such as fever and neurological deficits. Moreover, MEDS-23 significantly decreased prostaglandin E2 levels in the hypothalamus and hippocampus of post-stroke rats, but did not prominently alter the levels of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α. Significance: These results suggest that NF-κB inhibition is a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of ischemic stroke.
Data Reconstruction of Wireless Sensor Network and Zonal Demand Control in a Large-Scale Indoor Space Considering Thermal Coupling
Authors: Zhou Pei , Wang Songjie , Jin Zhao , Huang Gongsheng , Zhu Jian , Liu Xiaoping
Published: December 2021

An indoor high and open space is characterized by high mobility of people and uneven temperature distribution, so the conventional design and operation of air conditioning systems makes it difficult to regulate the air conditioning system precisely and efficiently. Thus, a Wireless Sensor Network was constructed in an indoor space located in Hong Kong to monitor the indoor environmental parameters of the space and improve the temperature control effectively. To ensure the continuity of the measurement data, three algorithms for reconstructing temperature, relative humidity and carbon dioxide data were implemented and compared. The results demonstrate the accuracy of support vector regression model and multiple linear regression model is higher than Back Propagation neural network model for reconstructing temperature data. Multiple linear regression is the most convenient from the perspective of program complexity, computing speed and difficulty in obtaining input conditions. Based on the data we collected, the traditional single-input-single-output control, zonal temperature control and the proposed zonal demand control methods were modeled on a Transient System Simulation Program (TRNSYS) control platform, the thermal coupling between the subzones without physical partition was taken into account, and the mass transfer between the virtual boundaries was calculated by an external CONTAM program. The simulation results showed the proposed zonal demand control can alleviate the over-cooling or over-heating phenomenon in conventional temperature control, thermal comfort and energy reduction is enhanced as well.
High Surface Area Nanoporous Activated Carbons Materials from Areca catechu Nut with Excellent Iodine and Methylene Blue Adsorption
Authors: Joshi Sahira , Shrestha Rekha Goswami , Pradhananga Raja Ram , Ariga Katsuhiko , Shrestha Lok Kumar
Published: December 2021

Nanoporous carbon materials from biomass exhibit a high surface area due to well-defined pore structures. Therefore, they have been extensively used in separation and purification technologies as efficient adsorbents. Here, we report the iodine and methylene blue adsorption properties of the hierarchically porous carbon materials prepared from Areca catechu nut. The preparation method involves the phosphoric acid (H3PO4) activation of the Areca catechu nut powder. The effects of carbonization conditions (mixing ratio with H3PO4, carbonization time, and carbonization temperature) on the textural properties and surface functional groups were studied. The optimum textural properties were obtained at a mixing ratio of 1:1, carbonized for 3 h at 400 °C, and the sample achieved a high specific surface area of 2132.1 m2 g−1 and a large pore volume of 3.426 cm3 g−1, respectively. The prepared materials have amorphous carbon structures and contain oxygenated surface functional groups. Due to the well-defined micro-and mesopore structures with the high surface area and large pore volume, the optimal sample showed excellent iodine and methylene blue adsorption. The iodine number and methylene blue values were ca. 888 mg g−1 and 369 mg g−1, respectively. The batch adsorption studies of methylene dye were affected by pH, adsorbent dose, contact time, and initial concentration. The optimum parameters for the methylene blue adsorption were in alkaline pH, adsorbent dose of 2.8 g L−1, and contact time of 180 min. Equilibrium data could be best represented by the Langmuir isotherm model with a monolayer adsorption capacity of 333.3 mg g−1. Thus, our results demonstrate that the Areca catechu nut has considerable potential as the novel precursor material for the scalable production of high surface area hierarchically porous carbon materials that are essential in removing organic dyes from water.
Comparative Analysis of Predictive Biomarkers for PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitors in Cancers: Developments and Challenges
Authors: Yang Fang , Wang Jacqueline F. , Wang Yucai , Liu Baorui , Molina Julian R.
Published: December 2021

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) have dramatically changed the landscape of cancer therapy. Both remarkable and durable responses have been observed in patients with melanoma, non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and other malignancies. However, the PD-1/PD-L1 blockade has demonstrated meaningful clinical responses and benefits in only a subset of patients. In addition, several severe and life-threatening adverse events were observed in these patients. Therefore, the identification of predictive biomarkers is urgently needed to select patients who are more likely to benefit from ICI therapy. PD-L1 expression level is the most commonly used biomarker in clinical practice for PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. However, negative PD-L1 expression cannot reliably exclude a response to a PD-1/PD-L1 blockade. Other factors, such as tumor microenvironment and other tumor genomic signatures, appear to impact the response to ICIs. In this review, we examine emerging data for novel biomarkers that may have a predictive value for optimizing the benefit from anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy.
Frontiers in Anti-Cancer Drug Discovery: Challenges and Perspectives of Metformin as Anti-Angiogenic Add-On Therapy in Glioblastoma
Authors: Guarnaccia Laura , Marfia Giovanni , Masseroli Matteo Maria , Navone Stefania Elena , Balsamo Melissa , Caroli Manuela , Valtorta Silvia , Moresco Rosa Maria , Campanella Rolando , Garzia Emanuele , Riboni Laura , Locatelli Marco
Published: December 2021

Glioblastoma is the most common primitive tumor in adult central nervous system (CNS), classified as grade IV according to WHO 2016 classification. Glioblastoma shows a poor prognosis with an average survival of approximately 15 months, representing an extreme therapeutic challenge. One of its distinctive and aggressive features is aberrant angiogenesis, which drives tumor neovascularization, representing a promising candidate for molecular target therapy. Although several pre-clinical studies and clinical trials have shown promising results, anti-angiogenic drugs have not led to a significant improvement in overall survival (OS), suggesting the necessity of identifying novel therapeutic strategies. Metformin, an anti-hyperglycemic drug of the Biguanides family, used as first line treatment in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), has demonstrated in vitro and in vivo antitumoral efficacy in many different tumors, including glioblastoma. From this evidence, a process of repurposing of the drug has begun, leading to the demonstration of inhibition of various oncopromoter mechanisms and, consequently, to the identification of the molecular pathways involved. Here, we review and discuss metformin’s potential antitumoral effects on glioblastoma, inspecting if it could properly act as an anti-angiogenic compound to be considered as a safely add-on therapy in the treatment and management of glioblastoma patients.
Biocomposites Using Whole or Valuable Component-Extracted Microalgae Blended with Polymers: A Review
Authors: Kim Gyu Min , Chang Won-Seok , Kim Young-Kee
Published: December 2021

Global demand for plastics has increased steadily alongside industrial development. Despite their versatility and convenience, environmental pollution caused by plastics are a major issue. With a reduction in the market size of plastics being seemingly impossible, bioplastics may become key to tackle this issue. Among a wide range of sources of bioplastics, microalgae have come into the limelight. While abundant and valuable components in microalgae have the potential to replace preexisting plastics, complex processes and low cost performances have prevented them from entering the market. In this study, we examined techniques for biocomposites in which polymers are blended with microalgae. We focused on microalgae-based biocomposite blending processed from the perspective of functionality and cost performance.
The Nuclear Receptor PXR in Chronic Liver Disease
Authors: Sayaf Katia , Zanotto Ilaria , Russo Francesco Paolo , Gabbia Daniela , De Martin Sara
Published: December 2021

Pregnane X receptor (PXR), a nuclear receptor known for modulating the transcription of drug metabolizing enzymes and transporters (DMETs), such as cytochrome P450 3A4 and P-glycoprotein, is functionally involved in chronic liver diseases of different etiologies. Furthermore, PXR activity relates to that of other NRs, such as constitutive androstane receptor (CAR), through a crosstalk that in turn orchestrates a complex network of responses. Thus, besides regulating DMETs, PXR signaling is involved in both liver damage progression and repair and in the neoplastic transition to hepatocellular carcinoma. We here summarize the present knowledge about PXR expression and function in chronic liver diseases characterized by different etiologies and clinical outcome, focusing on the molecular pathways involved in PXR activity. Although many molecular details of these finely tuned networks still need to be fully understood, we conclude that PXR and its modulation could represent a promising pharmacological target for the identification of novel therapeutical approaches to chronic liver diseases.
Protocols for Generating Surfaces and Measuring 3D Organelle Morphology Using Amira
Authors: Garza-Lopez Edgar , Vue Zer , Katti Prasanna , Neikirk Kit , Biete Michelle , Lam Jacob , Beasley Heather , Marshall Andrea , Rodman Taylor , Christensen Trace , Salisbury Jeffrey , Vang Larry , Mungai Margaret , AshShareef Salma , Murray Sandra , Shao Jianqiang , Streeter Jennifer , Glancy Brian , Pereira Renata , Abel E. , Hinton Antentor
Published: December 2021

High-resolution 3D images of organelles are of paramount importance in cellular biology. Although light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) have provided the standard for imaging cellular structures, they cannot provide 3D images. However, recent technological advances such as serial block-face scanning electron microscopy (SBF-SEM) and focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) provide the tools to create 3D images for the ultrastructural analysis of organelles. Here, we describe a standardized protocol using the visualization software, Amira, to quantify organelle morphologies in 3D, thereby providing accurate and reproducible measurements of these cellular substructures. We demonstrate applications of SBF-SEM and Amira to quantify mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) structures.
Metastatic EMT Phenotype Is Governed by MicroRNA-200-Mediated Competing Endogenous RNA Networks
Authors: Uhan Sara , Hauptman Nina
Published: December 2021

Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a fundamental physiologically relevant process that occurs during morphogenesis and organ development. In a pathological setting, the transition from epithelial toward mesenchymal cell phenotype is hijacked by cancer cells, allowing uncontrolled metastatic dissemination. The competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) hypothesis proposes a competitive environment resembling a large-scale regulatory network of gene expression circuits where alterations in the expression of both protein-coding and non-coding genes can make relevant contributions to EMT progression in cancer. The complex regulatory diversity is exerted through an array of diverse epigenetic factors, reaching beyond the transcriptional control that was previously thought to single-handedly govern metastatic dissemination. The present review aims to unravel the competitive relationships between naturally occurring ceRNA transcripts for the shared pool of the miRNA-200 family, which play a pivotal role in EMT related to cancer dissemination. Upon acquiring more knowledge and clinical evidence on non-genetic factors affecting neoplasia, modulation of the expression levels of diverse ceRNAs may allow for the development of novel prognostic/diagnostic markers and reveal potential targets for the disruption of cancer-related EMT.
Impact of STING Inflammatory Signaling during Intracellular Bacterial Infections
Authors: Guimarães Erika S. , Marinho Fabio V. , de Queiroz Nina M. G. P. , Antunes Maísa M. , Oliveira Sergio C.
Published: December 2021

The early detection of bacterial pathogens through immune sensors is an essential step in innate immunity. STING (Stimulator of Interferon Genes) has emerged as a key mediator of inflammation in the setting of infection by connecting pathogen cytosolic recognition with immune responses. STING detects bacteria by directly recognizing cyclic dinucleotides or indirectly by bacterial genomic DNA sensing through the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS). Upon activation, STING triggers a plethora of powerful signaling pathways, including the production of type I interferons and proinflammatory cytokines. STING activation has also been associated with the induction of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and the associated inflammatory responses. Recent reports indicate that STING-dependent pathways participate in the metabolic reprogramming of macrophages and contribute to the establishment and maintenance of a robust inflammatory profile. The induction of this inflammatory state is typically antimicrobial and related to pathogen clearance. However, depending on the infection, STING-mediated immune responses can be detrimental to the host, facilitating bacterial survival, indicating an intricate balance between immune signaling and inflammation during bacterial infections. In this paper, we review recent insights regarding the role of STING in inducing an inflammatory profile upon intracellular bacterial entry in host cells and discuss the impact of STING signaling on the outcome of infection. Unraveling the STING-mediated inflammatory responses can enable a better understanding of the pathogenesis of certain bacterial diseases and reveal the potential of new antimicrobial therapy.
Three-Dimensional Genome Organization in Breast and Gynecological Cancers: How Chromatin Folding Influences Tumorigenic Transcriptional Programs
Authors: Nuñez-Olvera Stephanie I. , Puente-Rivera Jonathan , Ramos-Payán Rosalio , Pérez-Plasencia Carlos , Salinas-Vera Yarely M. , Aguilar-Arnal Lorena , López-Camarillo César
Published: December 2021

A growing body of research on the transcriptome and cancer genome has demonstrated that many gynecological tumor-specific gene mutations are located in cis-regulatory elements. Through chromosomal looping, cis-regulatory elements interact which each other to control gene expression by bringing distant regulatory elements, such as enhancers and insulators, into close proximity with promoters. It is well known that chromatin connections may be disrupted in cancer cells, promoting transcriptional dysregulation and the expression of abnormal tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes. In this review, we examine the roles of alterations in 3D chromatin interactions. This includes changes in CTCF protein function, cancer-risk single nucleotide polymorphisms, viral integration, and hormonal response as part of the mechanisms that lead to the acquisition of enhancers or super-enhancers. The translocation of existing enhancers, as well as enhancer loss or acquisition of insulator elements that interact with gene promoters, is also revised. Remarkably, similar processes that modify 3D chromatin contacts in gene promoters may also influence the expression of non-coding RNAs, such as long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs), which have emerged as key regulators of gene expression in a variety of cancers, including gynecological malignancies.
The Genomic Physics of COVID-19 Pathogenesis and Spread
Authors: Dong Ang , Zhao Jinshuai , Griffin Christopher , Wu Rongling
Published: December 2021

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) spreads mainly through close contact of infected persons, but the molecular mechanisms underlying its pathogenesis and transmission remain unknown. Here, we propose a statistical physics model to coalesce all molecular entities into a cohesive network in which the roadmap of how each entity mediates the disease can be characterized. We argue that the process of how a transmitter transforms the virus into a recipient constitutes a triad unit that propagates COVID-19 along reticulate paths. Intrinsically, person-to-person transmissibility may be mediated by how genes interact transversely across transmitter, recipient, and viral genomes. We integrate quantitative genetic theory into hypergraph theory to code the main effects of the three genomes as nodes, pairwise cross-genome epistasis as edges, and high-order cross-genome epistasis as hyperedges in a series of mobile hypergraphs. Charting a genome-wide atlas of horizontally epistatic hypergraphs can facilitate the systematic characterization of the community genetic mechanisms underlying COVID-19 spread. This atlas can typically help design effective containment and mitigation strategies and screen and triage those more susceptible persons and those asymptomatic carriers who are incubation virus transmitters.
Adsorption Kinetics of NO2 Gas on Pt/Cr-TiO2/Pt-Based Sensors
Authors: Haidry Azhar Ali , Fatima Qawareer , Mehmood Ahmar , Shahzad Asim , Ji Yinwen , Saruhan Bilge
Published: December 2021

Metal oxides are excellent candidates for the detection of various gases; however, the issues such as the limited operating temperature and selectivity are the most important ones requiring the comprehensive understanding of gas adsorption kinetics on the sensing layer surfaces. To this context, the present study focuses mainly on the fabrication of a Pt/Cr-TiO2/Pt type sensor structure that is highly suitable in reducing the operating temperature (from 400 to 200 °C), extending the lower limit NO2 gas concentration (below 10 ppm) with fast response (37 s) and recovery (24 s) times. This illustrates that the sensor performance is not only solely dependent on the nature of sensing material, but also, it is significantly enhanced by using such a new kind of electrode geometry. Moreover, Cr doping into TiO2 culminates in altering the sensor response from n- to p-type and thus contributes to sensor performance enhancement by detecting low NO2 concentrations selectively at reduced operating temperatures. In addition, the NO2 surface adsorption kinetics are studied by fitting the obtained sensor response curves with Elovich, inter-particle diffusion, and pseudo first-order and pseudo second-order adsorption models. It is found that a pseudo first-order reaction model describes the best NO2 adsorption kinetics toward 7–170 ppm NO2 gas at 200 °C. Finally, the sensing mechanism is discussed on the basis of the obtained results.
Temperature Sensors Based on Organic Field-Effect Transistors
Authors: Polena John , Afzal Daniel , Ngai Jenner H. L. , Li Yuning
Published: December 2021

The rapid growth of wearable electronics, Internet of Things, smart packaging, and advanced healthcare technologies demand a large number of flexible, thin, lightweight, and ultralow-cost sensors. The accurate and precise determination of temperature in a narrow range (~0–50 °C) around ambient temperatures and near-body temperatures is critical for most of these applications. Temperature sensors based on organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) have the advantages of low manufacturing cost, excellent mechanical flexibility, easy integration with other devices, low cross-sensitivity, and multi-stimuli detectability and, therefore, are very suitable for the above applications. This article provides a timely overview of research progress in the development of OFET-based temperature sensors. First, the working mechanism of OFETs, the fundamental theories of charge transport in organic semiconductors, and common types of OFET temperature sensors based on the sensing element are briefly introduced. Next, notable advances in the development of OFET temperature sensors using small-molecule and polymer semiconductors are discussed separately. Finally, the progress of OFET temperature sensors is summarized, and the challenges associated with OFET temperature sensors and the perspectives of research directions in this field are presented.
Visually Evoked Postural Responses (VEPRs) in Children with Vestibular Migraine
Authors: Nocini Riccardo , Baraldi Carlo , Apa Enrico , Ciorba Andrea , Monzani Daniele , Palma Silvia
Published: December 2021

Vestibular migraine (VM) is the most common cause of episodic vertigo in children. Vertigo, nausea, dizziness and unsteadiness are often complained of by children with migraine, which can precede, follow or be present simultaneously with headache. The aim of this study was to use posturography to investigate the visually evoked postural responses (VEPRs) of children with VM and compare them to data obtained from children with primary headache (M) and controls (C). Twenty children diagnosed as affected by VM, nineteen children with M without aura and twenty healthy subjects were recruited in this cross-sectional study. Posturography was performed by a standardized stabilometric force-platform (Svep-Politecnica) in the following conditions: open eyes (OE), closed eyes (CE) and during full-field horizontal optokinetic stimulation (OKN-S). Electronystagmography was performed simultaneously to analyze optokinetic reflex parameters. In the OE condition, no difference was found between groups with respect to body sway area. In contrast, this parameter increased in the two pathological groups with respect to controls in the CE condition. The optokinetic stimulations also induced a similar increase of body sway area in the M group relative to controls, but a further increase was elicited in the VM group. Electronystagmographic recording also revealed different optokinetic reflex parameters in the latter groups. This study disclosed an abnormal sensitivity of children with M and VM to full-field moving scenes and a consequent destabilization of posture, as documented by the abnormal VEPRs. Children with VM were particularly exposed to this risk. Possible clinical implications of these findings are discussed.
Supporting Premature Infants’ Oral Feeding in the NICU—A Qualitative Study of Nurses’ Perspectives
Authors: Mörelius Evalotte , Sahlén Helmer Charlotte , Hellgren Maria , Alehagen Siw
Published: December 2021

One major task in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) involves ensuring adequate nutrition and supporting the provision of human milk. The aim of this study was to explore nurses’ experiences of the oral feeding process in the NICU when the infant is born extremely or very preterm. We used a qualitative inductive approach. Nine nurses from three family-centered NICUs were interviewed face-to-face. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using content analysis. Five sub-categories and two generic categories formed the main category: ‘A complex and long-lasting collaboration.’ The nurses wished to contribute to the parents’ understanding of the feeding process and their own role as parents in this process. The nurses’ intention was to guide and support parents to be autonomous in this process. They saw the family as a team in which the preterm infant was the leader whose needs and development directed the feeding and the parents’ actions in this process. Written and verbal communication, seeing all family members as important members of a team and early identification of the most vulnerable families to direct the emotional and practical feeding support accordingly can strengthen the feeding process in the NICU.
Impact of the Haptic Virtual Reality Simulator on Dental Students’ Psychomotor Skills in Preclinical Operative Dentistry
Authors: Farag Abeer , Hashem Danya
Published: December 2021

One of the current trends in dental education is to empower dental students on a global platform using advanced technology. Haptic virtual reality simulation (HVRS) is a relatively new technology in the field of teaching and learning operative dentistry. This study aims to assess the impact of haptic virtual reality simulation (HVRS) on dental students’ psychomotor skills acquisition in preclinical operative dentistry. Class I cavity preparations (CP) were performed at baseline by 21 novice dental students on plastic teeth. Duration of CP was recorded and cavity features were evaluated and scored. Then, students were exposed to HVRS training on CP. Another Class I CP was performed by each student on plastic teeth after HVRS training, then evaluated, and the duration was recorded. There was a statistically significant decrease in CP performance time after HVRS training (p < 0.001) and an increase in the mean total marks of CP after HVRS training (p < 0.001). The change in the students’ performance in the CP displayed a statistically significant improvement after HVRS training in smoothness of the pulpal floor (p = 0.047), pulpal floor direction (p = 0.029), buccal, lingual, and mesial wall direction (p = 0.004, p = 0.025, p = 0.002), mesial and distal wall smoothness (p = 0.01, p = 0.001), internal line angle (p = 0.024), and internal point angle (p = 0.029). Overall improved performance in psychomotor skills was found after HVRS training. It could be beneficial to incorporate HVRS training early in pre-clinical operative dentistry courses as an adjunct to conventional phantom head training.
Study of 3-D Prandtl Nanofluid Flow over a Convectively Heated Sheet: A Stochastic Intelligent Technique
Authors: Shoaib Muhammad , Zubair Ghania , Raja Muhammad Asif Zahoor , Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy , Abdel-Aty Abdel-Haleem , Yahia I. S.
Published: December 2021

In this article, we examine the three-dimensional Prandtl nanofluid flow model (TD-PNFM) by utilizing the technique of Levenberg Marquardt with backpropagated artificial neural network (TLM-BANN). The flow is generated by stretched sheet. The electro conductive Prandtl nanofluid is taken through magnetic field. The PDEs representing the TD-PNFM are converted to system of ordinary differential equations, then the obtained ODEs are solved through Adam numerical solver to compute the reference dataset with the variations of Prandtl fluid number, flexible number, ratio parameter, Prandtl number, Biot number and thermophoresis number. The correctness and the validation of the proposed TD-PNFM are examined by training, testing and validation process of TLM-BANN. Regression analysis, error histogram and results of mean square error (MSE), validates the performance analysis of designed TLM-BANN. The performance is ranges 10−10, 10−10, 10−10, 10−11, 10−10 and 10−10 with epochs 204, 192, 143, 20, 183 and 176, as depicted through mean square error. Temperature profile decreases whenever there is an increase in Prandtl fluid number, flexible number, ratio parameter and Prandtl number, but temperature profile shows an increasing behavior with the increase in Biot number and thermophoresis number. The absolute error values by varying the parameters for temperature profile are 10−8 to 10−3, 10−8 to 10−3, 10−7 to 10−3, 10−7 to 10−3, 10−7 to 10−4 and 10−8 to 10−3. Similarly, the increase in Prandtl fluid number, flexible number and ratio parameter leads to a decrease in the concentration profile, whereas the increase in thermophoresis parameter increases the concentration distribution. The absolute error values by varying the parameters for concentration profile are 10−8 to 10−3, 10−7 to 10−3, 10−7 to 10−3 and 10−8 to 10−3. Velocity distribution shows an increasing trend for the upsurge in the values of Prandtl fluid parameter and flexible parameter. Skin friction coefficient declines for the increase in Hartmann number and ratio parameter Nusselt number falls for the rising values of thermophoresis parameter against Nb.
Preparation of Double-Layer Crossed Silver Nanowire Film and Its Application to OLED
Authors: Xu Hengrui , Liu Ping , Huang Bing , Jiang Xingwang , Gao Qingguo , Liu Liming
Published: December 2021

Ordered silver nanowire (AgNW) film can effectively reduce the density of nodes, reduce the roughness of the film, and increase its conductivity and transmittance. In this paper, a double-layer crossed AgNW grid film was prepared by the auxiliary stirring method. The average transmittance of the double-layer crossed AgNW grid film was found to be 80% in the 400–1000 nm band, with a square resistance of 35 Ω/sq. As a transparent conductive anode material, the ordered AgNW film was applied to fabricate a flexible green organic light-emitting diode (OLED). The experimental results showed that the threshold voltage of the OLED was only 5 V and the maximum luminance was 1500 cd/m2.
A Review of Urdu Sentiment Analysis with Multilingual Perspective: A Case of Urdu and Roman Urdu Language
Authors: Khan Ihsan Ullah , Khan Aurangzeb , Khan Wahab , Su’ud Mazliham Mohd , Alam Muhammad Mansoor , Subhan Fazli , Asghar Muhammad Zubair
Published: December 2021

Research efforts in the field of sentiment analysis have exponentially increased in the last few years due to its applicability in areas such as online product purchasing, marketing, and reputation management. Social media and online shopping sites have become a rich source of user-generated data. Manufacturing, sales, and marketing organizations are progressively turning their eyes to this source to get worldwide feedback on their activities and products. Millions of sentences in Urdu and Roman Urdu are posted daily on social sites, such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter. Disregarding people’s opinions in Urdu and Roman Urdu and considering only resource-rich English language leads to the vital loss of this vast amount of data. Our research focused on collecting research papers related to Urdu and Roman Urdu language and analyzing them in terms of preprocessing, feature extraction, and classification techniques. This paper contains a comprehensive study of research conducted on Roman Urdu and Urdu text for a product review. This study is divided into categories, such as collection of relevant corpora, data preprocessing, feature extraction, classification platforms and approaches, limitations, and future work. The comparison was made based on evaluating different research factors, such as corpus, lexicon, and opinions. Each reviewed paper was evaluated according to some provided benchmarks and categorized accordingly. Based on results obtained and the comparisons made, we suggested some helpful steps in a future study.
Application of Unsupervised Multivariate Analysis Methods to Raman Spectroscopic Assessment of Human Dental Enamel
Authors: Otel Iulian , Silveira Joao , Vassilenko Valentina , Mata António , Carvalho Maria Luísa , Santos José Paulo , Pessanha Sofia
Published: December 2021

This work explores the suitability of data treatment methodologies for Raman spectra of teeth using multivariate analysis methods. Raman spectra were measured in our laboratory and obtained from control enamel samples and samples with a protective treatment before and after an erosive attack. Three different approaches for data treatment were undertaken in order to evaluate the aptitude of distinguishing between groups: A—Principal Component Analysis of the numerical parameters derived from deconvoluted spectra; B—PCA of average Raman spectra after baseline correction; and C—PCA of average raw Raman spectra. Additionally, Hierarchical Cluster Analysis were applied to Raman spectra of enamel measured with different laser wavelengths (638 nm or 785 nm) to evaluate the most suitable choice of illumination. According to the different approaches, PC1 scores obtained between control and treatment group were A—50.5%, B—97.1% and C—83.0% before the erosive attack and A—55.2%, B—93.2% and C—87.8% after an erosive attack. The obtained results showed that performing PCA analysis of raw or baseline corrected Raman spectra of enamel was not as efficient in the evaluation of samples with different treatments. Moreover, acquiring Raman spectra with a 785 nm laser increases precision in the data treatment methodologies.
High-Sensitivity X-ray Phase Imaging System Based on a Hartmann Wavefront Sensor
Authors: Begani Provinciali Ginevra , Piponnier Martin , Oudjedi Laura , Levecq Xavier , Harms Fabrice , Cedola Alessia , de La Rochefoucauld Ombeline , Zeitoun Philippe
Published: December 2021

The Hartman wavefront sensor can be used for X-ray phase imaging with high angular resolution. The Hartmann sensor is able to retrieve both the phase and absorption from a single acquisition. The system calculates the shift in a series of apertures imaged with a detector with respect to their reference positions. In this article, the impact of the reference image on the final image quality is investigated using a laboratory setup. Deflection and absorption images of the same sample are compared using reference images acquired in air and in water. It can be easily coupled with tomographic setups to obtain 3D images of both phase and absorption. Tomographic images of a test sample are shown, where deflection images revealed details that were invisible in absorption. The findings reported in this paper can be used for the improvement of image reconstruction and for expanding the applications of X-ray phase imaging towards materials characterization and medical imaging.
Magnetic Compton Scattering Study of Li-Rich Battery Materials
Authors: Suzuki Kosuke , Otsuka Yuji , Hoshi Kazushi , Sakurai Hiroshi , Tsuji Naruki , Yamamoto Kentaro , Yabuuchi Naoaki , Hafiz Hasnain , Orikasa Yuki , Uchimoto Yoshiharu , Sakurai Yoshiharu , Viswanathan Venkatasubramanian , Bansil Arun , Barbiellini Bernardo
Published: December 2021

The redox process in a lithium-ion battery occurs when a conduction electron from the lithium anode is transferred to the redox orbital of the cathode. Understanding the nature of orbitals involved in anionic as well as cationic redox reactions is important for improving the capacity and energy density of Li-ion batteries. In this connection, we have obtained magnetic Compton profiles (MCPs) from the Li-rich cation-disordered rock-salt compound LixTi0.4Mn0.4O2 (LTMO). The MCPs, which involved the scattering of circularly polarized hard X-rays, are given by the momentum density of all the unpaired spins in the material. The net magnetic moment in the ground state can be extracted from the area under the MCP, along with a SQUID measurement. Our analysis gives insight into the role of Mn 3d magnetic electrons and O 2p holes in the magnetic redox properties of LTMO.
Innovative Analytical Method for X-ray Imaging and Space-Resolved Spectroscopy of ECR Plasmas
Authors: Naselli Eugenia , Rácz Richard , Biri Sandor , Mazzaglia Maria , Celona Luigi , Gammino Santo , Torrisi Giuseppe , Perduk Zoltan , Galatà Alessio , Mascali David
Published: December 2021

At the Italian National Institute for Nuclear Physics-Southern National Laboratory (INFN-LNS), and in collaboration with the ATOMKI laboratories, an innovative multi-diagnostic system with advanced analytical methods has been designed and implemented. This is based on several detectors and techniques (Optical Emission Spectroscopy, RF systems, interfero-polarimetry, X-ray detectors), and here we focus on high-resolution, spatially resolved X-ray spectroscopy, performed by means of a X-ray pin-hole camera setup operating in the 0.5–20 keV energy domain. The diagnostic system was installed at a 14 GHz Electron Cyclotron Resonance (ECR) ion source (ATOMKI, Debrecen), enabling high-precision, X-ray, spectrally resolved imaging of ECR plasmas heated by hundreds of Watts. The achieved spatial and energy resolutions were 0.5 mm and 300 eV at 8 keV, respectively. Here, we present the innovative analysis algorithm that we properly developed to obtain Single Photon-Counted (SPhC) images providing the local plasma-emitted spectrum in a High-Dynamic-Range (HDR) mode, by distinguishing fluorescence lines of the materials of the plasma chamber (Ti, Ta) from plasma (Ar). This method allows for a quantitative characterization of warm electrons population in the plasma (and its 2D distribution), which are the most important for ionization, and to estimate local plasma density and spectral temperatures. The developed post-processing analysis is also able to remove the readout noise that is often observable at very low exposure times (msec). The setup is now being updated, including fast shutters and trigger systems to allow simultaneous space and time-resolved plasma spectroscopy during transients, stable and turbulent regimes.
Boosting pH-Universal Hydrogen Evolution of FeP/CC by Anchoring Trace Platinum
Authors: Zhou Chuancang , Zhang Feipeng , Wu Hongyu
Published: December 2021

To improve the electrocatalytic properties for hydrogen evolution reactions, strategies need to be adopted, such as increasing specific surface area and active site, as well as decreasing interface energy. Herein, we report the preparation of FeP on carbon cloth using a two-step process of hydrothermal and phosphating. Otherwise, to utilize the excellent catalytic performance of Pt and decrease consumption of Pt, the hyperdispersed Pt nanoparticles for the sake of modifying transition-metal phosphides film were designed and fabricated. Finally, 3D FeP-Pt/CC was successfully prepared by means of electro-deposition using three electrodes. The crystalline structure, surface morphology and elemental composition of the synthesized samples have been investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDS). The XRD results show that the as-prepared products are of orthorhombic FeP structure, and EDS results indicate that there exist Pt elements in 3D FeP-Pt/CC. The electrocatalytic performances were evaluated by, such as linear scan voltammetry, tafel plots and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy on electrochemical workstations. These results show that the FeP-Pt/CC exhibit a current density of 10 mA·cm−2 at an over-potential of 58 mV for HER in 0.5 M H2SO4, which is very close to the values of 20%Pt/C which was previously reported. FeP-Pt/CC has excellent durability.
Recent Trends in Fascinating Applications of Nanotechnology in Allied Health Sciences
Authors: Modi Shreya , Prajapati Rajendra , Inwati Gajendra Kumar , Deepa Nikky , Tirth Vineet , Yadav Virendra Kumar , Yadav Krishna Kumar , Islam Saiful , Gupta Parul , Kim Do-Hyeon , Jeon Byong-Hun
Published: December 2021

The increased advancement in nanosciences in recent times has led to fascinating innovations. It has potential applications for altering the structural, surface, and physicochemical properties of nano-ranged metamaterials. The adaptable optical, structural, and surface characteristics of the nanoscopic regimes enhance the quality of integrated nanodevices and sensors. These are further used in optoelectronics, biomedicines, and catalysis. The use of nanomaterials for constructing nano-biosensors and various other organic and inorganic functional nanomaterials is quite promising. They have excellent electronic and surface-to-volume reactivity. Their various applications include metal and metal-oxides-based nanoparticles, clusters, wires, and 2D nanosheets as carbon nanotubes. More recently, hybrid nanomaterials are being developed to regulate sensing functionalities in the field of nanomedicine and the pharmaceutical industry. They are used as nano-markers, templates, and targeted agents. Moreover, the mechanical strength, chemical stability, durability, and flexibility of the hybrid nanomaterials make them appropriate for developing a healthy life for humans. This consists of a variety of applications, such as drug delivery, antimicrobial impacts, nutrition, orthopedics, dentistry, and fluorescence fabrics. This review article caters to the essential importance of nanoscience for biomedical applications and information for health science and research. The fundamental characteristics and functionalities of nanomaterials for particular biomedical uses are specifically addressed here.
Simultaneous Control of Bandfilling and Bandwidth in Electric Double-Layer Transistor Based on Organic Mott Insulator κ-(BEDT-TTF)2Cu[N(CN)2]Cl
Authors: Kawasugi Yoshitaka , Yamamoto Hiroshi M.
Published: December 2021

The physics of quantum many-body systems have been studied using bulk correlated materials, and recently, moiré superlattices formed by atomic bilayers have appeared as a novel platform in which the carrier concentration and the band structures are highly tunable. In this brief review, we introduce an intermediate platform between those systems, namely, a band-filling- and bandwidth-tunable electric double-layer transistor based on a real organic Mott insulator κ-(BEDT-TTF)2Cu[N(CN)2]Cl. In the proximity of the bandwidth-control Mott transition at half filling, both electron and hole doping induced superconductivity (with almost identical transition temperatures) in the same sample. The normal state under electric double-layer doping exhibited non-Fermi liquid behaviors as in many correlated materials. The doping levels for the superconductivity and the non-Fermi liquid behaviors were highly doping-asymmetric. Model calculations based on the anisotropic triangular lattice explained many phenomena and the doping asymmetry, implying the importance of the noninteracting band structure (particularly the flat part of the band).
Reclaimed Mine Sites: Forests and Plant Diversity
Authors: Vachova Pavla , Vach Marek , Skalicky Milan , Walmsley Alena , Berka Martin , Kraus Kamil , Hnilickova Helena , Vinduskova Olga , Mudrak Ondrej
Published: December 2021

The relationship between vegetation and selected soil characteristics in different monoculture forest types was investigated as part of a landscape restoration project after brown coal mining. Six forest types were selected: alder (Alnus sp.), spruce (Picea sp.), pine (Pinus sp.), larch (Larix sp.), long-term deciduous forest (Quercus robur, Tilia sp.), and forest created by spontaneous succession. These stands were classified into two age categories (younger and older). The soil attributes, C/N, TC, TN, pH, and A horizon depth were assessed. The observed species were categorized into functional groups by life history, life forms according to Raunkiær, and affinity to the forest environment. C/N ratio, humus thickness, and canopy cover were the main soil parameters affecting plant communities. The highest C/N values were recorded in Pinus and Larix stands, which were significantly different from deciduous and succession stands. The highest diversity index was noted in younger stands of Alnus and the lowest in younger stands of Picea. Intermediate values of the diversity index were achieved in successional stands at both age levels and in Larix and Alnus stands. The species belonging to a functional group was not an important factor in these habitat types. The species composition and vegetation change over time in the Alnus, long-life deciduous, and Larix stands show that these species are more suitable for forestry reclamation than spruce or pine. The study also emphasizes the great value of spontaneous succession areas as full-fledged alternatives to forestry reclamation.
News Monitor: A Framework for Exploring News in Real-Time
Authors: Panagiotou Nikolaos , Saravanou Antonia , Gunopulos Dimitrios
Published: December 2021

News articles generated by online media are a major source of information. In this work, we present News Monitor, a framework that automatically collects news articles from a wide variety of online news portals and performs various analysis tasks. The framework initially identifies fresh news (first stories) and clusters articles about the same incidents. For every story, at first, it extracts all of the corresponding triples and, then, it creates a knowledge base (KB) using open information extraction techniques. This knowledge base is then used to create a summary for the user. News Monitor allows for the users to use it as a search engine, ask their questions in their natural language and receive answers that have been created by the state-of-the-art framework BERT. In addition, News Monitor crawls the Twitter stream using a dynamic set of “trending” keywords in order to retrieve all messages relevant to the news. The framework is distributed, online and performs analysis in real-time. According to the evaluation results, the fake news detection techniques utilized by News Monitor allow for a F-measure of 82% in the rumor identification task and an accuracy of 92% in the stance detection tasks. The major contribution of this work can be summarized as a novel real-time and scalable architecture that combines various effective techniques under a news analysis framework.
Stimulation of Synthesis and Lysis of Extracellular Matrix Proteins in Fibrosis Associated with Lymphedema
Authors: Pereira de Godoy Jose Maria , Guerreiro Godoy Maria de Fatima , Pereira de Godoy Henrique Jose , De Santi Neto Dalisio
Published: December 2021

Background: Fibrotic diseases pose a problem for overall health due to their chronic, progressive nature; the lack of a cure; and the fact that such conditions are largely refractory to current medical and surgical treatment practices. Objective: The aim of the present study was to report the physiological stimulation of synthesis and lysis of extracellular matrix proteins during the treatment of primary lymphedema. Material and Methods: A clinical trial was conducted involving the analysis of changes in type I and III collagen fibers and elastic fibers as well as the thickness of the epidermis and dermis in 10 histological fields. Samples were taken from the skin before and after intensive treatment using the Godoy Method® and adapted to the treatment of fibrosis in a patient with a clinical diagnosis of lower limb lymphedema. Slides were stained with orcein, hematoxylin and eosin, picrosirius red, and Gomori’s reticulin stains. Weibel’s multipoint method was used for the morphometric evaluation. The data were compared using the t-test with a 95% confidence interval. Results: Significant changes were detected in all aspects of interest (thickness of the epidermis and dermis, type I and III collagen fibers, and elastic fibers). Conclusion: The present findings demonstrate the physiological stimulation of synthesis and lysis of the main components of an extracellular matrix, such as type I and III collagen fibers and elastic fibers, as well as a reduction in the thickness of the epidermis and dermis in cases of fibrosis through adequate stimulation of the lymphatic system.