bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Learning to cooperate for low-Reynolds-number swimming: a model problem for gait coordination
Authors: Liu Yangzhe , Zou Zonghao , Pak On Shun , Tsang Alan C. H.
Published: June 2023

Biological microswimmers can coordinate their motions to exploit their fluid environment—and each other—to achieve global advantages in their locomotory performance. These cooperative locomotion require delicate adjustments of both individual swimming gaits and spatial arrangements of the swimmers. Here we probe the emergence of such cooperative behaviors among artificial microswimmers endowed with artificial intelligence. We present the first use of a deep reinforcement learning approach to empower the cooperative locomotion of a pair of reconfigurable microswimmers. The AI-advised cooperative policy comprises two stages: an approach stage where the swimmers get in close proximity to fully exploit hydrodynamic interactions, followed a synchronization stage where the swimmers synchronize their locomotory gaits to maximize their overall net propulsion. The synchronized motions allow the swimmer pair to move together coherently with an enhanced locomotion performance unattainable by a single swimmer alone. Our work constitutes a first step toward uncovering intriguing cooperative behaviors of smart artificial microswimmers, demonstrating the vast potential of reinforcement learning towards intelligent autonomous manipulations of multiple microswimmers for their future biomedical and environmental applications.
Topical timolol maleate 0.5% after fractional carbon dioxide laser versus fractional carbon dioxide laser alone in treatment of acne scars: split face comparative study
Authors: Hawwas Aya Reda Mohamed , Mohamed Hassan Abou Khodair , Sayedahmed Osama Magdy Elshahat , Elsaie Mohamed L.
Published: June 2023

Acne is a common inflammatory condition that mostly involves the face, chest and back. A number of different modalities had been employed for treating scars of which laser remains to be a pivotal choice. We aimed to compare the efficacy of topical timolol maleate 0.5% after fractional CO2 (AFCO2) laser versus fractional CO2 Laser alone for treatment of atrophic acne scars. A split-face comparative clinical experiment on 30 cases of atrophic post-acne scars that were treated on one side with ablative fractional CO2 laser followed by timolol application while with only ablative fractional CO2 laser on the other side. Following treatment, both sides demonstrated significant improvement with the laser + timolol treated side showing better improvement; yet not significantly higher than the laser only treated side. In conclusion, both topical timolol maleate 0.5% after fractional CO2 laser and fractional CO2 laser may achieve comparable significant improvement. The good safety profile, easy accessibility, low cost, and non-invasive nature merits the use of timolol in acne scars pending verification by larger sample reproduced and controlled trials.
Smoothing method for unit quaternion time series in a classification problem: an application to motion data
Authors: Ballante Elena , Bellanger Lise , Drouin Pierre , Figini Silvia , Stamm Aymeric
Published: June 2023

Smoothing orientation data is a fundamental task in different fields of research. Different methods of smoothing time series in quaternion algebras have been described in the literature, but their application is still an open point. This paper develops a smoothing approach for smoothing quaternion time series to obtain good performance in classification problems. Starting from an existing method which involves an angular velocity transformation of unit quaternion time series, a new method which employ the logarithm function to transform the quaternion time series to a real three-dimensional time series is proposed. Empirical evidences achieved on real data set and artificially noisy data sets confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method compared with the classical approach based on angular velocity transformation. The R functions developed for this paper will be provided in a Github repository.
Induced pluripotent and CD34+ stem cell derived myeloid cells display differential responses to particle and dust mite exposure
Authors: Fransen Leonie F. H. , Leonard Martin O.
Published: June 2023

Myeloid cells form an essential component of initial responses to environmental hazards and toxic exposures. The ability to model these responses in vitro is central to efforts tasked with identifying hazardous materials and understanding mechanisms of injury and disease. Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) derived cells have been suggested as alternatives to more established primary cell testing systems for these purposes. iPSC derived macrophage and dendritic like cells were compared to CD34+ haematopoietic stem cell derived populations using transcriptomic analysis. Using single cell sequencing-based characterisation of iPSC derived myeloid cells, we identified transitional, mature and M2 like macrophages as well as dendritic like antigen presenting cells and fibrocytes. Direct transcriptomic comparisons between iPSC and CD34+ cell derived populations revealed higher expression of myeloid differentiation genes such as MNDA, CSF1R and CSF2RB in CD34+ cells, while iPSC populations had higher fibroblastic and proliferative markers. Exposure of differentiated macrophage populations to nanoparticle alone or in combination with dust mite, resulted in differential gene expression on combination only, with responses markedly absent in iPSC compared to CD34+ derived cells. The lack of responsiveness in iPSC derived cells may be attributable to lower levels of dust mite component receptors CD14, TLR4, CLEC7A and CD36. In summary, iPSC derived myeloid cells display typical characteristics of immune cells but may lack a fully mature phenotype to adequately respond to environmental exposures.
A novel HCP (heparin-binding protein-C reactive protein-procalcitonin) inflammatory composite model can predict severe acute pancreatitis
Authors: Kong Deshuai , Lei Zhang , Wang Zhenyong , Yu Meng , Li Jinchao , Chai Wei , Zhao Xiulei
Published: June 2023

Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) presents with an aggressive clinical presentation and high lethality rate. Early prediction of the severity of acute pancreatitis will help physicians to further precise treatment and improve intervention. This study aims to construct a composite model that can predict SAP using inflammatory markers. 212 patients with acute pancreatitis enrolled from January 2018 to June 2020 were included in this study, basic parameters at admission and 24 h after hospitalization, and laboratory results such as inflammatory markers were collected. Pearson's test was used to analyze the correlation between heparin-binding protein (HBP), procalcitonin (PCT), and C-reactive protein (CRP). Risk factors affecting SAP were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression, inflammatory marker models were constructed, and subject operating curves were used to verify the discrimination of individual as well as inflammatory marker models and to find the optimal cut-off value based on the maximum Youden index. In the SAP group, the plasma levels of HBP, CRP, and PCT were 139.1 ± 74.8 ng/mL, 190.7 ± 106.3 mg/L and 46.3 ± 22.3 ng/mL, and 25.3 ± 16.0 ng/mL, 145.4 ± 67.9 mg/L and 27.9 ± 22.4 ng/mL in non-SAP patients, with a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.001), The Pearson correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between the three values of HBP, CRP, and PCT. The results of the multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that HBP (OR = 1.070 [1.044–1.098], P < 0.001), CRP (OR = 1.010 [1.004–1.016], P = 0.001), and PCT (OR = 1.030[1.007–1.053], P < 0.001) were risk factors for SAP, and the area under the curve of the HBP-CRP-PCT model was 0.963 (0.936–0.990). The HCP model, consisting of HBP, CRP, and PCT; is well differentiated and easy to use and can predict the risk of SAP in advance.
Surface modification of polycaprolactone nanofibers through hydrolysis and aminolysis: a comparative study on structural characteristics, mechanical properties, and cellular performance
Authors: Yaseri Raziye , Fadaie Milad , Mirzaei Esmaeil , Samadian Hadi , Ebrahiminezhad Alireza
Published: June 2023

Hydrolysis and aminolysis are two main commonly used chemical methods for surface modification of hydrophobic tissue engineering scaffolds. The type of chemical reagents along with the concentration and treatment time are main factors that determine the effects of these methods on biomaterials. In the present study, electrospun poly (ℇ-caprolactone) (PCL) nanofibers were modified through hydrolysis and aminolysis. The applied chemical solutions for hydrolysis and aminolysis were NaOH (0.5–2 M) and hexamethylenediamine/isopropanol (HMD/IPA, 0.5–2 M) correspondingly. Three distinct incubation time points were predetermined for the hydrolysis and aminolysis treatments. According to the scanning electron microscopy results, morphological changes emerged only in the higher concentrations of hydrolysis solution (1 M and 2 M) and prolonged treatment duration (6 and 12 h). In contrast, aminolysis treatments induced slight changes in the morphological features of the electrospun PCL nanofibers. Even though surface hydrophilicity of PCL nanofibers was noticeably improved through the both methods, the resultant influence of hydrolysis was comparatively more considerable. As a general trend, both hydrolysis and aminolysis resulted in a moderate decline in the mechanical performance of PCL samples. Energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis indicated elemental changes after the hydrolysis and aminolysis treatments. However, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and infrared spectroscopy results did not show noticeable alterations subsequent to the treatments. The fibroblast cells were well spread and exhibited a spindle-like shape on the both treated groups. Furthermore, according to the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, the surface treatment procedures ameliorated proliferative properties of PCL nanofibers. These findings represented that the modified PCL nanofibrous samples by hydrolysis and aminolysis treatments can be considered as the potentially favorable candidates for tissue engineering applications.
Loss of SFXN1 mitigates lipotoxicity and predicts poor outcome in non-viral hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Yagi Kohei , Shimada Shu , Akiyama Yoshimitsu , Hatano Megumi , Asano Daisuke , Ishikawa Yoshiya , Ueda Hiroki , Watanabe Shuichi , Akahoshi Keiichi , Ono Hiroaki , Tanabe Minoru , Tanaka Shinji
Published: June 2023

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) imposes a huge global burden, arising from various etiological factors such as hepatitis virus infection and metabolic syndrome. While prophylactic vaccination and antiviral treatment have decreased the incidence of viral HCC, the growing prevalence of metabolic syndrome has led to an increase in non-viral HCC. To identify genes downregulated and specifically associated with unfavorable outcome in non-viral HCC cases, screening analysis was conducted using publically available transcriptome data. Among top 500 genes meeting the criteria, which were involved in lipid metabolism and mitochondrial function, a serine transporter located on inner mitochondrial membrane SFXN1 was highlighted. SFXN1 protein expression was significantly reduced in 33 of 105 HCC tissue samples, and correlated to recurrence-free and overall survival only in non-viral HCC. Human HCC cells with SFXN1 knockout (KO) displayed higher cell viability, lower fat intake and diminished reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in response to palmitate administration. In a subcutaneous transplantation mouse model, high-fat diet feeding attenuated tumorigenic potential in the control cells, but not in the SFXN1-KO cells. In summary, loss of SFXN1 expression suppresses lipid accumulation and ROS generation, preventing toxic effects from fat overload in non-viral HCC, and predicts clinical outcome of non-viral HCC patients.
Regional source apportionment of trace metals in fine particulate matter using an observation-constrained hybrid model
Authors: Liao Kezheng , Zhang Jie , Chen Yiang , Lu Xingcheng , Fung Jimmy C. H. , Ying Qi , Yu Jian Zhen
Published: June 2023

Trace metals in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) are of significant concern in environmental chemistry due to their toxicity and catalytic capability. An observation-constrained hybrid model is developed to resolve regional source contributions to trace metals and other primary species in PM2.5. In this method, source contributions to primary PM2.5 (PPM2.5) from the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) Model at each monitoring location are improved to align better with the observation data by applying source-specific scaling factors estimated from a unique regression model. The adjusted PPM2.5 predictions and chemical speciation data are then used to generate observation-constrained source profiles of primary species. Finally, spatial distributions of their source contributions are produced by multiplying the improved CMAQ PPM2.5 contributions with the deduced source profiles. The model is applied to the Pearl River Delta (PRD) region, China using daily observation data collected at multiple stations in 2015 to resolve source contributions to 8 trace metals, elemental carbon, primary organic carbon, and 10 other primary species. Compared to three previous methods, the new model predicts 13 species with smaller model errors and 16 species with less model biases in 10-fold cross validation analysis. The source profiles determined in this study also show good agreement with those collected from the literature. The new model shows that during 2015 in the PRD region, Cu is mainly from the area sources (31%), industry sector (27%), and power generation (20%), with an annual average concentration as high as 50 ng m−3 in some districts. Meanwhile, major contributors to Mn are area sources (40%), emission from outside PRD (23%) and power generation (17%), leading to a mean level of around 10 ng m−3. Such information is essential in assessing the epidemiological impacts of trace metals as well as formulating effective control measures to protect public health.
Dietary Supplements with Antioxidant Activity – Understanding Mechanisms and Potential Health Benefits: An Overview
Authors: Alasalvar Cesarettin , Chang Sui Kiat , Ho Chi-Tang , Shahidi Fereidoon
Published: June 2023

Compounds from food/supplements with antioxidant activity exert their effects by directly scavenging free radicals, chelating metal ions, activating endogenous antioxidant enzymes, regulating mitochondrial function, and reducing cellular inflammation. Consumption of natural foods rich in antioxidants such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains, and medicinal plants may provide a better option for health promotion and disease risk reduction compared to taking high doses of dietary antioxidant supplements. Many diet-derived substances can act as antioxidants. In addition to diet-derived antioxidants, there are also endogenously-synthesized primary and secondary antioxidant enzymes. The overall antioxidant defence in the human body depends on endogenously-synthesized antioxidant enzymes, which serve as the primary defence, whereas diet-derived antioxidants (food and supplements) are categorized as secondary defence. In this connection, the potential mechanisms of action of antioxidants from dietary supplements and natural sources in preventing numerous chronic diseases are highlighted. These include reducing lipid peroxidation, detoxifying free radicals, activation of endogenous antioxidant enzymes, and signaling pathways related to oxidative stress, as well as reducing levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This overview provides some important highlights about antioxidants from dietary supplements and natural sources by discussing their potential action mechanisms and health benefits.
Gut Microbiota and Health
Authors: Gervasi Teresa , Grassby Terri , Barreca Davide , Mandalari Giuseppina
Published: June 2023

The composition of human gut microbiota is crucial to the healthy functioning of the host. In this chapter, the effects of dietary antioxidants, particularly polyphenols, on the gut microbiota are discussed. The role played by the food matrix in the bioaccessibility of antioxidants in the upper gastrointestinal tract, their oral hydrolysis, and absorption in the small intestine are also reviewed. The bi-directional relationship between polyphenols and the gut microbiota, including microbial metabolism of different classes of bioactive compounds, and modulation of the composition of the microbiota by polyphenols are covered. The data presented support the need for future studies on the diverse interactions between antioxidants and the gut microbiota under healthy and pathological conditions.
Efficacy of pectins with different degrees of methyl-esterification and of blockiness in preventing gut epithelial cell barrier disruption and the impact on sodium–glucose co-transporter expression under low and high glucose conditions
Authors: Tang Xin , Beukema Martin , Ferrari Michela , Walvoort Marthe T. C. , de Haan Bart J. , de Vos Paul
Published: June 2023

Pectins with specific chemical structures prevent barrier dysfunction and impact the glucose transporter SGLT-1, thereby contributing to the antidiabetogenic effects of pectin.
PPARα is involved in high-fat diet-induced risk avoidance impairment via the regulation of hippocampal BDNF
Authors: Zhu Xin-Yi , Luo Jia , Wei Xiao-Jie , Pan Lu-Hui , Xu Xiao-Fan , Hu Lin-Bo , Dong Yi-Bei , Jiang Ying-Ke , Dong Fei-Yuan , Xu Le , Xu Li-Min , Liu Ai-Ming , Zhang Xiao-Qin
Published: June 2023

A high-fat diet can lead to impaired risk avoidance, which is associated with the regulation of BDNF in the hippocampus through PPARα.
The unusual effect of paraffin wax on the thermal decomposition of cyclotetramethylenetetranitramine
Authors: Hu Zunjian , Peng Wei , Li Gang , Yu Qian , Yang Fang , Suo Zhirong , Xu Ruijuan , Zhao Chuande
Published: June 2023

The practical application of paraffin wax (PW) in cyclotetramethylenetetranitramine (HMX)-based polymer-bonded explosive (PBX) requires an understanding of its effect on the thermal decomposition of HMX.
A systematic assessment of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) application for rapid identification of pathogenic microbes that affect food crops: delivered and future deliverables
Authors: Sivanesan Iyyakkannu , Gopal Judy , Hasan Nazim , Muthu Manikandan
Published: June 2023

MALDI-TOF-MS based rapid identification of pathogenic microbes affecting food crops.
Red emission of copper aluminate synthesized via chemical and bio-mediated routes
Authors: Srinath N. R. , Manjunatha H. C. , Vidya Y. S. , Munirathnam R. , Sridhar K. N. , Manjunatha S. , Krishnakanth E.
Published: June 2023

Copper aluminate nanoparticles synthesized by solution combustion method using urea as a fuel and tulsi extract as a reducing agent for display applications.
Bismuth tungstate Bi2WO6: a review on structural, photophysical and photocatalytic properties
Authors: Elaouni Aicha , El Ouardi M. , BaQais A. , Arab M. , Saadi M. , Ait Ahsaine H.
Published: June 2023

This review paper provides a comprehensive overview of the recent trends in bismuth tungstate (Bi2WO6) research, covering its structural, electrical, photoluminescent, and photocatalytic properties.
A comparative study on polyaluminum chloride (PACl) and Moringa oleifera (MO) chemically enhanced primary treatment (CEPT) in enhanced biogas production: anaerobic digestion performance and the Gompertz model
Authors: Amoohadi Vida , Pasalari Hasan , Esrafili Ali , Gholami Mitra , Farzadkia Mahdi
Published: June 2023

A comparative study was performed to estimate biogas production from sludge produced by organic and inorganic chemically enhanced primary treatments (CEPTs).
Comparison of bovine serum albumin and chitosan effects on calcium phosphate formation in the presence of silver nanoparticles
Authors: Inkret Suzana , Erceg Ina , Ćurlin Marija , Kalčec Nikolina , Peranić Nikolina , Vinković Vrček Ivana , Domazet Jurašin Darija , Dutour Sikirić Maja
Published: June 2023

The effect of BSA and Chi on CaPs precipitation depends on a specific combination of biomacromolecule and differently stabilized AgNPs.
3D-bioimplants mimicking the structure and function of spine units for the treatment of spinal tuberculosis
Authors: Yahia Sarah , Khalil Islam A. , Ghoniem Monira G. , El-Sherbiny Ibrahim M.
Published: June 2023

An illustration of the fabrication steps for developing of functional spine unit (FSU) replacement implant using a triple strategy to mimic vertebral body (VB) and intervertebral disc (IVD) structure for the treatment of spinal tuberculosis (TB).
CdO decorated CdS nanorod for enhanced photocatalytic reduction of CO2 to CO
Authors: Zhang Zhe , Kong Fanhao , Yuan Bizhen , Liao Yinnian , Ren Xiue , Hou Yu
Published: June 2023

A CdO decorated CdS nanorod facilitates photoinduced charge carrier separation and transfer and acts as an active site for the adsorption and activation of CO2 molecules, and as a result enhances the visible light driven CO2 reduction.
Comparative transcriptomic analysis reveals the underlying molecular mechanism in high-fat diet-induced islet dysfunction
Authors: Wan Shengrong , An Ying , Fan Wei , Teng Fangyuan , Jiang Zongzhe
Published: June 2023

Obesity, characterized by accumulation of adipose, is usually accompanied by hyperlipidemia and abnormal glucose metabolism, which destroys the function and structure of islet β cells. However, the exact mechanism of islet deterioration caused by obesity has not yet been fully elucidated. Here, we fed C57BL/6 mice with a high-fat diet (HFD) for 2 (2M group) and 6 months (6M group) to construct obesity mouse models. Then, RNA-based sequencing was used to identify the molecular mechanisms in HFD-induced islet dysfunction. Compared with the control diet, a total of 262 and 428 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified from islets of the 2M and 6M groups, respectively. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that the DEGs up-regulated in both the 2M and 6M groups are mainly enriched in response to endoplasmic reticulum stress and the pancreatic secretion pathway. DEGs down-regulated in both the 2M and 6M groups are mainly enriched in the neuronal cell body and protein digestion and absorption pathway. Notably, along with the HFD feeding, mRNA expression of islet cell markers was significantly down-regulated, such as Ins1, Pdx1, MafA (β cell), Gcg, Arx (α cell), Sst (δcell), and Ppy (PP cell). In contrast, mRNA expression of acinar cell markers was remarkably up-regulated, such as Amy1, Prss2, and Pnlip. Besides, a large number of collagen genes were down-regulated, such as Col1a1, Col6a6, and Col9a2. Overall, our study provides a full-scale DEG map regarding HFD-induced islet dysfunction, which was helpful to understand the underlying molecular mechanism of islet deterioration further.
MAD‐DDS: Memory‐efficient automatic discovery data distribution service for large‐scale distributed control network
Authors: Nwadiugwu Williams‐Paul , Kim Dong‐Seong , Ejaz Waleed , Anpalagan Alagan
Published: June 2023

The rampant deployment of data distribution service (DDS) as middle‐ware service providers for industrial network platforms has been widely investigated. All DDS‐based node discovery protocols establish communication with its intended target systems by accessing matched endpoints/nodes information. These matched endpoints/nodes information is usually embedded with the system’s programmable control plane network which acts as the conveyor vehicle. The introduction of software defined networking (SDN) is to characterize the control plane from embedded data plane. The DDS implements the simple discovery protocol (SDP) as its inherent node discovery protocol. Deploying DDS for data packet exchange in server‐based collaborative distributed networked control (DNC) systems has gained traction. The current automatic discovery protocol (ADP) based on SDP is fraught with real‐time limitations such as high memory consumption and poor packet transmission. This work presents novel memory‐efficient automatic discovery data distribution service (MAD‐DDS) with enhanced threshold bloom filters (ETBF) where ETBF stores transmission packets at simulation end‐nodes. The packet is further adjusted using optimized binarization and decision thresholds inside ADP, hence guaranteeing memory reduction. The testbed computation recorded significantly improved quality of service (QoS) whereas numerical results depict significant decline in memory consumption with consistent packet transmission rates that produces increased computational capacity.
Transition von langzeitbeatmeten Kindern in die Erwachsenenmedizin
Authors: Wollinsky Kurt , Fuchs Hans , Schönhofer Bernd
Published: June 2023

Durch die Fortschritte in der Langzeitbeatmung erreichen heutzutage viele Kinder mit chronisch respiratorischer Insuffizienz das Erwachsenenalter. Die medizinische Betreuung dieser Kinder muss deshalb von den Kinderärzten:innen zu den Erwachsenenärzten:innen übergehen. Dieser Prozess heißt „Transition“. Die Transition in die Erwachsenenmedizin dient v.a. der Förderung der Autonomie der heranwachsenden Jugendlichen und trägt den mit zunehmendem Alter eintretenden Änderung der Krankheitsbilder und der auftretenden Koerkrankungen Rechnung. Transition schafft aber auch Verunsicherung bei den Patienten und deren Eltern. Sie birgt die Gefahr des Verlustes des „Medical Home“ und sogar den Verlust der vollständigen medizinischen Versorgung. Gute strukturelle Voraussetzungen zur Bewältigung sind notwendig, genauso wie professionelle Vorbereitung der Patienten auf die Transition, durch Coaching der Patienten während der Umsetzung der Transition sowie eine formalisierte strukturierte Übergabe zwischen den Behandler:innen. Dieser Artikel zeigt auf, wie gute Transition funktionieren kann mit dem Fokus auf langzeitbeatmete Kinder.
Study on the Regulation of Trophoblast Activity by Abnormally Expressed lncRNA CCDC144NL-AS1 in Patients with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Cao Dan , Wang Yu
Published: June 2023

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common complication in pregnant women. The growth and differentiation of trophoblast cells determine the function of the placenta, and therefore further affect the transport of nutrients to the fetus. lncRNA Coiled-Coil Domain Containing 144 N-Terminal-Like antisense1 (CCDC144NL-AS1) was reported to be abnormally expressed in GDM, but its function and mechanism remain undefined. This study aimed to reveal the expression of CCDC144NL-AS1 in GDM and evaluate its significance in disease development. The expression of CCDC144NL-AS1 in serum and placenta tissues of GDM patients and healthy pregnant women was evaluated using PCR. The effect of CCDC144NL-AS1 on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of trophoblast cells was evaluated with CCK8 and Transwell assay. The mechanism of the interaction between CCDC144NL-AS1 and miR-143–3p was assessed by luciferase reporter assay and cell transfection. CCDC144NL-AS1 was upregulated in GDM patients, which discriminated GDM patients from healthy pregnant women with high sensitivity and specificity and was positively correlated with the insulin resistance indexes. In trophoblast cells, high glucose exposure induced increased CCDC144NL-AS1 and suppressed cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Silencing CCDC144NL-AS1 could alleviate the inhibitory effect of high glucose, while the knockdown of miR-143–3p reversed the effect of CCDC144NL-AS1. In conclusion, upregulated CCDC144NL-AS1 served as a diagnostic biomarker of GDM and regulated the development of trophoblast cells via negatively modulating miR-143–3p.
Delays in Lung Cancer Diagnosis: Observations from a Tertiary Care Centre in Kerala, India
Authors: Yohannan Merin , Narayan Kiran Vishnu , Venugopal Kummannoor Parameswaran Pillai , Musthafa Sajitha
Published: June 2023

Introduction Timely diagnosis of lung cancer is critical because treatment outcomes correspond to the stage of disease. This study identified patient and physician determined reasons for diagnostic delays.

Materials and Methods This was an observational cross-sectional study, conducted at a tertiary care institution in South India, for 12 months. From 207 consecutively selected patients, with a presumptive lung cancer diagnosis, 150 were enrolled utilizing a prefixed questionnaire. The time intervals from appreciation of initial respiratory symptoms to a final tissue diagnosis were defined sequentially as approach interval, referral interval, and diagnostic interval and factors causing delay in each interval were identified.

Results In a state with 100% literacy, the mean time to approach a doctor was 8 weeks (range: 0–336 days; SD: 7.95) with a delay seen in 52% of the study group. Referring a suspect lung cancer diagnosis to a specialist, took an average of 4.98 weeks (range: 1–26 weeks; SD: 5.64) with referral delays in 47.3% of patients. The mean diagnostic interval was 9.21 days (range: 3–41 days; SD: 7.18) and 16.7% of cases had diagnostic delays in spite of a definite procedure.

Conclusion In a tuberculosis endemic location, empirical treatment with anti-tuberculosis therapy and prolonged antibiotic courses without serially monitoring the course of disease are responsible for referral delays. Also, 88.2% of the total females studied, presented late due to family and work pressures, fear of being stigmatized and being on prolonged home remedies. A wider dissemination and awareness on lung cancer are needed especially among females. A low threshold to reinvestigate and an early referral to a pulmonary or lung cancer specialist, when expected clinicoradiological improvement is lacking, in microbiologically negative tuberculosis should be highlighted.
Estimation of Serum Leptin, Adiponectin, and Malondialdehyde Levels in Tobacco-Induced Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: ELISA-Based Study
Authors: Kamboj Mala , Sharma Gitika , Narwal Anjali , Gill Paramjeet S. , Devi Anju , Yadav Jagveer
Published: June 2023

Background Tobacco, a harmful, addictive chemical is responsible for occurrence of oral cancer by triggering inflammation and lipid peroxidation. The aim of the present study is to explore if there exists any difference in serum levels of inflammatory biomarkers such as leptin, adiponectin, and lipid peroxidation marker malondialdehyde (MDA) and also its correlation with oxidative stress in cases of tobacco-induced oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) as compared with tobacco users having no lesion.

Materials and Methods Enrolled participants in this study included a total of 84 subjects (all males and 28 in each group) inclusive of healthy individuals, tobacco users with no lesion, and oral cancer cases. Serum leptin, adiponectin, and MDA levels were measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method in all subjects.

Results A significant reduction in serum leptin and adiponectin levels in patients with OSCC was observed when compared with tobacco users with no lesions and healthy persons (control). For serum MDA, findings were comparable in control and tobacco consumers with no lesions groups but significantly higher in OSCC cases. The correlation between serum adiponectin, leptin, and MDA levels with body mass index (BMI) was highly significant. In addition, comparison of BMI with serum markers and histopathological grades of OSCC showed significant difference.

Conclusion These present study observations suggest that reduced adiponectin and leptin and elevated serum MDA could serve as valuable markers for both preventive and clinical intervention, and may deserve further investigation for the early diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of OSCC.
Translating intercultural interactions in the Netflix-branded filmAmerican Factory
Authors: Hu Bei
Published: June 2023

The Netflix-branded filmAmerican Factoryglaringly illustrates China’s and the United States’s contrasting views on capitalism, propaganda, and labour rights. The film directors have argued that the entangling of clashing civilisations that permeates numerous layers of the documentary is delivered in a subtle and nuanced manner. However, the English and Chinese subtitles of the multilingual film’s bilingual dialogue are found to frequently, and usually implicitly, show varying levels of translator intervention that may alter the degree of cultural difference and opposition. By investigating the inherent translator interventions in the presentation of cultural allusions in Netflix’s English- and Chinese-translated subtitles of the bilingual dialogue in the film, this study focuses on the extent to which these interventions are discursively juxtaposed with Netflix’s media logic. Special attention is paid to how intercultural positions are perceived by heterogeneous viewers in China and the United States. This article argues that streaming media giants, such as Netflix, exert an influence on the representation of cultural nuances in multilingual films. Hence, the study calls for a reflexive view of streaming media translation research that acknowledges the complex power dynamics resulting from audio-visual intercultural communication and its corresponding implications for intercultural relations.
DFT-based investigation of electronic-structure, magnetic and thermoelectric properties of Dy2CoMnO6 double perovskite
Authors: Essaoud Saber Saad , Azar Said M , Mousa Ahmad A , Al-Reyahi Anas Y
Published: June 2023

The density functional theory as a computational approach was used to explore the ferrimagnetic semiconducting behavior of Dy2CoMnO6 double perovskite compound in both spin-up and spin-down directions. Thermodynamic stability was confirmed in a wide pressure range set to 30 GPa. Both scalar and full relativistic calculations are used to estimate the spin–orbit effect. The topological distribution of the charge density and the net effective charge of each atom are studied based on the Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules (QTAIM) as implemented in Bader code, Besides this, the different QTAIM atomic basins descriptors such as electron density

ρ

b

,

Laplacian of the electron density

∇

2

ρ

b

,

potential electronic energy density

V

b

,

kinetic electronic energy density

G

b

and density of the total electronic energy

H

b

at bond critical points (BCPs) are estimated using CRITIC2 software where the ionic type for Dy-O, Co-O, and Mn-O bonds are evaluated. Holes and electrons have different effective masses, their thermoelectric properties appear high figure of merit (ZT) exceeding 0.5 for temperatures greater than 500 K in the negative chemical potential region, suggesting that doping with holes might be more favorable for thermoelectric efficiency than doping with electrons.
DFT study of structural optoelectronic and thermoelectric properties of CuNiO ferromagnetic alloys
Authors: Gandouzi Mohamed , Alshammari Abdullah S , Bouzidi M , Khan Z R , Mohamed Mansour , Ben Nasrallah Tarek
Published: June 2023

In this study, the structural, electronic, and thermoelectric properties of pure NiO and Cu-doped NiO were investigated. The structural and optoelectronic properties of nickel oxide and in the supercell containing

32

atoms CuNi15O16 were obtained by density functional theory (DFT) using the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) with the Hubbard correction potential U. The theoretical results obtained using the quantum espresso code show that the ferromagnetic character of the supercell structure is more stable than the antiferromagnetic configuration, and incorporating copper in the NiO matrix reduces the spin-up band structure. The value of the band gap channel is approximately 1.7 eV. The spin-down states cross the Fermi level and indicate the half-metal character of the CuNiO alloys. These results suggest that Cu-doped NiO is a potential candidate for infrared light and spintronic applications. The transport coefficients of the nickel oxide and copper doped NiO were calculated using the semi-classical Boltzmann theory implemented in BoltzTraP code. The thermoelectric properties, such as the Seebeck coefficient, power factor, and figure of merit, are calculated with respect to the chemical potential and carrier concentration in the temperature range of 300 K–800 K. We found an increase in the factor of merit and switching of NiO oxide from n-type to p-type after copper incorporation.
Numerical study on wrinkling of gradient shell on rigid cylindrical substrate for patterned functional fabric
Authors: Xu Zhao , Shen Hao , Fan Mingyang , Yang Lili , Ge Dengteng
Published: June 2023

Inspired by wrinkled surfaces such as Earthworms in nature, the construction of wrinkled patterns on fiber surfaces provides a novel idea for high-performance functional fibers and fabrics. Recent theoretical and experimental studies focused on wrinkling patterns on compliant substrates, however, most industrial fibers are rigid. Based on previous experiments of wrinkling on rigid PET fiber from gradient shell, herein the wrinkling formation and evolution based on a novel gradient shell-rigid core (GSRC) system is studied via the nonlinear finite element method (FEM). The results demonstrate that wrinkling is formed due to the stress-induced mutagenesis generated from the gradient shell modulus. The higher gradient factor of shell modulus leads to smaller critical mismatched strain, i.e., easier formation of surface wrinkling. Then a post-buckling phenomenon in this system is studied, involving a successive bifurcation: smooth-wrinkle-ridge transition. Meanwhile, the evolution of topological patterns is significantly influenced by shell-induced curvature. This study not only benefits the understanding of wrinkling gradient shell on rigid cylindrical substrate but also provides useful guides for the fabrication of surface patterned functional fiber or fabrics.
Can multipartite entanglement be characterized by two-point connected correlation functions?
Authors: Lepori Luca , Trombettoni Andrea , Giuliano Domenico , Kombe Johannes , Yago Malo Jorge , Daley Andrew J , Smerzi Augusto , Luisa Chiofalo Maria
Published: June 2023

We discuss under which conditions multipartite entanglement in mixed quantum states can be characterized only in terms of two-point connected correlation functions, as it is the case for pure states. In turn, the latter correlations are defined via a suitable combination of (disconnected) one- and two-point correlation functions. In contrast to the case of pure states, conditions to be satisfied turn out to be rather severe. However, we were able to identify some interesting cases, as when the point-independence is valid of the one-point correlations in each possible decomposition of the density matrix, or when the operators that enter in the correlations are (semi-)positive/negative defined.
The effect of using biodiesel B50 from palm oil on lubricant oil degradation and wear on diesel engine components
Authors: Iswantoro A , Cahyono B , Ruyan C N
Published: June 2023

Alternative fuels in diesel engines are getting attention due to the current world energy crisis. Biodiesel is a fuel where the main composition from palm oil, it is an alternative fuel may can replace fossil diesel fuels. However, the use of biodiesel has several impacts on the engine if its not maintained. The using biodiesel usually results decrease of lubricating oil viscosity and increases the metal wear rate. This research will present results effect of biodiesel B50 on lubricating oil degradation and metal wear on engine components. The method used is an experiment by testing engines for a long time with the Engine Manufacturer Association (EMA) standard. The use of B50 biodiesel causes significant degradation of lubricating oil than Pertamina Dexlite. The lubricating oil test results that with B50 biodiesel decreased viscosity by 16.17%. Lubricating oil also contains the metallic aluminium 8 ppm, 27% metallic iron, and 1 ppm metallic chromium. Using B50 biodiesel also causes journal bearing worse and significant piston ring gap. In addition, the deposit resulting from the using B50 biodiesel was 30.97% greater in the diesel engine component.
Study of Supply Chain Management of Industrial Plan Manufacturing Development of Marine Power Turbine in Indonesia
Authors: Kasharjanto Afian , Erwandi  , Jati Mintarso Cahyadi Sugeng , Suyanto Eko Marta , Rahuna Daif
Published: June 2023

Indonesia had announced its target to reduce carbon emission by achieving 0% Net Zero Emission (NZE) by 2060. So starting in 2022, the Government must update the regulations governing the energy sector to encourage the implementation of renewable energy. As an archipelagic country, one of the renewable energy potentials is Ocean Renewable Energy (ORE). The contribution of the ORE to Indonesia’s National Energy Mix is almost none. Thus, it is a good chance for the government to give more incentives for implementing ORE, especially in eastern Indonesia where they are abundantly available. Since the infrastructure and supporting facilities there, including industries, are sparse and the supply chain management depends on Java Island, it needs special regulations to speed up the implementation of ORE. This paper studies the supply chain management of the implementation of marine current turbines base on secondary data and the experience of engineers from the National Research and Innovation Agency when they implemented the converter technology of the marine current turbine at Larantuka Strait, Nusa Tenggara Timur. Results In this study, the implementation of ocean current turbines must be integrated with government policies related to maritime connectivity and security because the energy produced is large enough and suitable for execution.
Effect of Positioning a Circular Flow Disturbance in Front of the Darrieus Turbine
Authors: Satrio D , Suntoyo  , Albatinusa F , Junianto S , Musabikha S , Madi  , Setyawan F O
Published: June 2023

Darrieus turbine has a vertical-axis configuration that is suitable for current from any direction. Placing a circular flow disturbance in front of the turbine can influence the performance. This study wants to investigate the positioning of the flow disturbance to find the best configuration. The study method used numerical simulation with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software. There are three variations of the cylinder position in front of the turbine with the angle of 0°, 60°, and -60°. As a result, the configuration can improve or disrupt the performance depending on the position installation. In position 0°, the performance was a decrease of 18%. The best performance is at the flow disturbance position of -60°. The maximum coefficient of power (Cp) value of the turbine was 0.19, with increasing of 27%. Therefore, it is recommended to use the position of -60° in front of the turbine.
Implementation of Metaverse for Modeling The Ship Bridge Simulator Based on Virtual Reality As Educational Purposes, Case Study: Tanjung Priok Port Area
Authors: Siswantoro N , Haryanto D , Hikmahwan M A , Pitana T
Published: June 2023

The development of virtual reality technology has increased in recent years with the characteristics and benefits of virtual reality that can help solve complex problems that exist in the real world. Virtual reality technology has been widely applied as a means of education. The ship bridge simulator is one of the supporting tools for training shipping cadets, but this tool has a relatively high cost. Therefore, this research aims to model the ship bridge simulator. The initial stage in this research is to model the ship bridge simulator belonging to the Surabaya Shipping Polytechnic (Politeknik Pelayaran Surabaya) with a case study of Tanjung Priok Port, referred to as the metaverse area. The process is to convert real objects into 3D assets using Blender software and develop them into a virtual reality application package designed using Unity software. The results obtained at the initial stage of this research are to provide a virtual forward and backward feature of the ship in the metaverse area. This virtual reality application has achieved its goals based on user ratings involving about 30 respondents. It is evidenced by its rating score of 908 out of 1050, which shows that this virtual reality application is included in the excellent category.
Porous metal implants: processing, properties, and challenges
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Amit , Mitra Indranath , Avila Jose D , Upadhyayula Mahadev , Bose Susmita
Published: June 2023

Highlights

Porous metals are extensively used in load-bearing implants to improve osseointegration.

Different processing approaches for porous metals are discussed here.

Static and dynamic mechanical properties are critically reviewed for porous metal implants.

In vitro and in vivo biological properties of porous metal implants are critically reviewed.

Current challenges and future directions for porous metal implants are discussed.
Revising the Puzzle of Negligence: Transforming the Citizen towards Civic Maturity
Authors: Rodríguez-Blanco Verónica
Published: June 2023

Corrective justice theorists tell us that to resort to features or characteristics alien to the internal structure of corrective justice and the law of negligence undermines the intelligibility of the phenomena, i.e., the interaction between the plaintiff and the defendant. Like friendship or love which can only be understood by reasons of love or friendship itself, the doctrinal aspects of negligence law can only be correctly understood and become intelligible within the normativity, internal logic and reasons of corrective justice, i.e., equality between persons, autonomy. Furthermore, law and juridical thinking are a matter of rights and duties. By contrast, ethical deliberation and practical reason are a matter of virtuous action, values and what is good. The first underlying presupposition will be called the “internal logic” thesis. The latter will be called the “the separation of rights and values” thesis.

I aim to debunk both theses and argue, first, that we need to grasp the values embedded in the law in our “doing” and in our engagement with the law. This does not mean that these values are external and therefore that we make the internal logic of negligence law unintelligible. I will show that from the forward-looking perspective of the citizen there is no stark separation of rights and values. When engaging in decisions judges attribute liability grounded on the plaintiff’s rights and defendant’s duties, they take the backward-looking standpoint. However, in negligence law, judges advance values that play the role of proleptic thoughts, i.e., descriptions and re-descriptions of values, in the practical reasoning of the citizens. We can understand both functions or roles because we can understand that there is no stark separation of rights/duties and values. Finally, the paper considers whether my position sheds light on the role of moral luck in negligence law.