bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On Dynamic Node Cooperation Strategy Design for Energy Efficiency in Hierarchical Federated Learning
Authors: Li Zhuo , Zou Sailan , Chen Xin
Published: May 2023

In Hierarchical Federated Learning (HFL), opportunistic communication provides opportunities for node cooperation. In this work, we optimize the node cooperation strategy using opportunistic communization with the objective to minimize energy cost under the delay constraint. We design an online node cooperation strategy (OSRN) based on the optimal stopping theory. Through theoretical analysis, we prove the NP-hardness of the problem investigated and the competition ratio that can be achieved by OSRN. We conduct thorough simulation experiments and find that the proposed algorithm outperforms the random selection algorithm SNNR with 22.04% reduction in energy cost. It is also observed that the energy cost can be reduced by 20.20% and 13.54%, respectively, compared with the existing methods CFL and THF.
Denoising and Reducing Inner Disorder in Point Clouds for Improved 3D Object Detection in Autonomous Driving
Authors: Xu Weifan , Jin Jin , Xu Fenglei , Li Ze , Tao Chongben
Published: May 2023

In the field of autonomous driving, precise spatial positioning and 3D object detection have become increasingly critical due to advancements in LiDAR technology and its extensive applications. Traditional detection models for RGB images face challenges in handling the intrinsic disorder present in LiDAR point clouds. Although point clouds are typically perceived as irregular and disordered, an implicit order actually exists, owing to laser arrangement and sequential scanning. Therefore, we propose Frustumformer, a novel framework that leverages the inherent order of LiDAR point clouds, reducing disorder and enhancing representation. Our approach consists of a frustum-based method that relies on the results of a 2D image detector, a frustum patch embedding that exploits the new data representation format, and a single-stride transformer network for original resolution feature fusion. By incorporating these components, Frustumformer effectively exploits the intrinsic order of point clouds and models long-range dependencies to further improve performance. Ablation studies verify the efficacy of the single-stride transformer component and the overall model architecture. We conduct experiments on the KITTI dataset, and Frustumformer outperforms existing methods.
Effect of Leading/Trailing Edge Swept Impeller on Flow Characteristics of Low Specific Speed Centrifugal Compressor
Authors: Tian Hongyan , Hou Kang , Tong Ding , Lin Sen , Ma Chicheng
Published: May 2023

A low specific speed centrifugal compressor with leading/trailing edge combined sweep blades is proposed. The performance and internal flow field characteristics are analyzed in detail by numerical simulations, and a bench test is carried out. It is shown that by using the combined leading/trailing edge swept blade, the stage pressure ratio of the centrifugal compressor is improved under all operating conditions, and the maximum increase can reach 6.5%. The efficiency can be markedly improved at high flow rates. Additionally, the leading edge tip leakage is reduced with the combined swept blade, the flow separation on the blade surface is inhibited, and the flow loss of low-energy flow masses downstream of the flow passage is improved. Meanwhile, the combined swept blade can increase the work area of the blade and enhance the work capacity at the blade tip position.
Analysis of the Glycoside Hydrolase Family 1 from Wild Jujube Reveals Genes Involved in the Degradation of Jujuboside A
Authors: Yang Mingjun , Ma Yimian , Si Xupeng , Liu Xiaofeng , Geng Xin , Wen Xin , Li Guoqiong , Zhang Liping , Yang Chengmin , Zhang Zheng
Published: May 2023

Jujubosides are the major medicinal ingredients of Ziziphi Spinosae Semen (the seed of wild jujube). To date, a complete understanding of jujuboside’s metabolic pathways has not been attained. This study has systematically identified 35 β-glucosidase genes belonging to the glycoside hydrolase family 1 (GH1) using bioinformatic methods based on the wild jujube genome. The conserved domains and motifs of the 35 putative β-glucosidases, along with the genome locations and exon–intron structures of 35 β-glucosidase genes were revealed. The potential functions of the putative proteins encoded by the 35 β-glucosidase genes are suggested based on their phylogenetic relationships with Arabidopsis homologs. Two wild jujube β-glucosidase genes were heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli, and the recombinant proteins were able to convert jujuboside A (JuA) into jujuboside B (JuB). Since it has been previously reported that JuA catabolites, including JuB and other rare jujubosides, may play crucial roles in the jujuboside’s pharmacological activity, it is suggested that these two proteins can be used to enhance the utilization potential of jujubosides. This study provides new insight into the metabolism of jujubosides in wild jujube. Furthermore, the characterization of β-glucosidase genes is expected to facilitate investigations involving the cultivation and breeding of wild jujube.
DNA Methyltransferase Genes Are Associated with Oral Mucositis and Creatinine Levels in Oncopediatric Patients
Authors: de Souza Beatriz Fernandes , Viana Filho José Maria Chagas , de Queiroz Neto José Nunes , de Castro Coêlho Marina , Valença Ana Maria Gondim , Persuhn Darlene Camati , de Oliveira Naila Francis Paulo
Published: May 2023

The aim of this study was to investigate the association of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the DNA methylation profiles of the DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) gene family with oral mucositis in children and adolescents with hematologic malignancies treated with methotrexate (MTX®). The population was comprised of healthy and oncopediatric patients aged between 4 and 19 years. An evaluation of oral conditions was performed using the Oral Assessment Guide. Demographic, clinical, hematological, and biochemical data were obtained from medical records. Genomic DNA extracted from oral mucosal cells was used for the analysis of polymorphisms in DNMT1 (rs2228611), DNMT3A (rs7590760), and DNMT3B (rs6087990) using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique (n = 102) and for DNA methylation using the methylation-specific PCR (MSP) technique (n = 85). The allele and genotypic frequencies of SNPs did not reveal any differences between patients with or without oral mucositis. An increase in the methylation frequency for DNMT1 in patients recovered from mucositis was detected. The DNMT3A methylated profile associated with the CC genotype (SNP rs7590760) appeared to be connected to higher values of creatinine. In addition, the DNMT3B unmethylated profile associated with the CC genotype (SNP rs6087990) appeared to be connected with higher values of creatinine. We conclude that the DNMT1 methylation profile is associated with the post-mucositis period and that the genetic and epigenetic profiles of DNMT3A and DNMT3B are associated with creatinine levels.
Association between Physical Fitness and Cardiovascular Health in Firefighters
Authors: Ras Jaron , Smith Denise L. , Soteriades Elpidoforos S. , Kengne Andre P. , Leach Lloyd
Published: May 2023

Firefighters perform strenuous work in dangerous and unpredictable environments requiring optimal physical conditioning. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between physical fitness and cardiovascular health (CVH) in firefighters. This cross-sectional study systematically recruited 309 full-time male and female firefighters between the ages of 20 to 65 years in Cape Town, South Africa. Physical fitness was assessed using absolute (abV̇O2max) and relative oxygen consumption (relVO2max), grip and leg strength, push-ups and sit-ups, sit-and-reach for flexibility and lean body mass (LBM). CVH encompassed age, smoking, blood pressure (BP), blood glucose, lipid profile, body mass index, body fat percentage (BF%), and waist circumference. Linear regressions and logistic regressions were applied. Multivariable analysis indicated that relVO2max was associated with systolic BP (p < 0.001), diastolic BP (p < 0.001), non-fasting blood glucose (p < 0.001), and total cholesterol (p = 0.037). Poor CVH index was negatively associated with relV̇O2max (p < 0.001), leg strength (p = 0.019), and push-ups (p = 0.012). Furthermore, age was inversely associated with V̇O2max (p < 0.001), push-up and sit-up capacity (p < 0.001), and sit-and-reach (p < 0.001). BF% was negatively associated with abV̇O2max (p < 0.001), grip and leg strength (p < 0.001), push-ups (p = 0.008), sit-ups (p < 0.001), and LBM (p < 0.001). Cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, and muscular endurance were significantly associated with a better overall CVH profile.
RNA-Seq Reveals Sex Differences in Gene Expression during Peripheral Neuropathic Inflammation and in Pain Relief from a COX-2 Inhibiting Theranostic Nanoemulsion
Authors: Deal Brooke , Phillips Katherine , Crelli Caitlin , Janjic Jelena M. , Pollock John A.
Published: May 2023

Given decades of neuroinflammatory pain research focused only on males, there is an urgent need to better understand neuroinflammatory pain in females. This, paired with the fact that currently there is no long-term effective treatment for neuropathic pain furthers the need to evaluate how neuropathic pain develops in both sexes and how it can be relieved. Here we show that chronic constriction injury of the sciatic nerve caused comparable levels of mechanical allodynia in both sexes. Using a COX-2 inhibiting theranostic nanoemulsion with increased drug loading, both sexes achieved similar reduction in mechanical hypersensitivity. Given that both sexes have improved pain behavior, we specifically explored differential gene expression between sexes in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) during pain and relief. Total RNA from the DRG revealed a sexually dimorphic expression for injury and relief caused by COX-2 inhibition. Of note, both males and females experience increased expression of activating transcription factor 3 (Atf3), however, only the female DRG shows decreased expression following drug treatment. Alternatively, S100A8 and S100A9 expression appear to play a sex specific role in relief in males. The sex differences in RNA expression reveal that comparable behavior does not necessitate the same gene expression.
Target Therapy in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: Hope or Mirage?
Authors: Borea Federica , Franczak Marika A. , Garcia Maria , Perrino Matteo , Cordua Nadia , Smolenski Ryszard T. , Peters Godefridus J. , Dziadziuszko Rafal , Santoro Armando , Zucali Paolo A. , Giovannetti Elisa
Published: May 2023

Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare neoplasm that is typically diagnosed in a locally advanced stage, making it not eligible for radical surgery and requiring systemic treatment. Chemotherapy with platinum compounds and pemetrexed has been the only approved standard of care for approximately 20 years, without any relevant therapeutic advance until the introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors. Nevertheless, the prognosis remains poor, with an average survival of only 18 months. Thanks to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying tumor biology, targeted therapy has become an essential therapeutic option in several solid malignancies. Unfortunately, most of the clinical trials evaluating potentially targeted drugs for MPM have failed. This review aims to present the main findings of the most promising targeted therapies in MPM, and to explore possible reasons leading to treatments failures. The ultimate goal is to determine whether there is still a place for continued preclinical/clinical research in this area.
Sustainable Cellulose Nanofibers-Mediated Synthesis of Uniform Spinel Zn-Ferrites Nanocorals for High Performances in Supercapacitors
Authors: Teixeira Lucas T. , de Lima Scarllet L. S. , Rosado Taissa F. , Liu Liying , Vitorino Hector A. , dos Santos Clenilton C. , Mendonça Jhonatam P. , Garcia Marco A. S. , Siqueira Rogério N. C. , da Silva Anderson G. M.
Published: May 2023

Spinel ferrites are versatile, low-cost, and abundant metal oxides with remarkable electronic and magnetic properties, which find several applications. Among them, they have been considered part of the next generation of electrochemical energy storage materials due to their variable oxidation states, low environmental toxicity, and possible synthesis through simple green chemical processing. However, most traditional procedures lead to the formation of poorly controlled materials (in terms of size, shape, composition, and/or crystalline structure). Thus, we report herein a cellulose nanofibers-mediated green procedure to prepare controlled highly porous nanocorals comprised of spinel Zn-ferrites. Then, they presented remarkable applications as electrodes in supercapacitors, which were thoroughly and critically discussed. The spinel Zn-ferrites nanocorals supercapacitor showed a much higher maximum specific capacitance (2031.81 F g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1) than Fe2O3 and ZnO counterparts prepared by a similar approach (189.74 and 24.39 F g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1). Its cyclic stability was also scrutinized via galvanostatic charging/discharging and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, indicating excellent long-term stability. In addition, we manufactured an asymmetric supercapacitor device, which offered a high energy density value of 18.1 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 2609.2 W kg−1 (at 1 A g−1 in 2.0 mol L−1 KOH electrolyte). Based on our findings, we believe that higher performances observed for spinel Zn-ferrites nanocorals could be explained by their unique crystal structure and electronic configuration based on crystal field stabilization energy, which provides an electrostatic repulsion between the d electrons and the p orbitals of the surrounding oxygen anions, creating a level of energy that determines their final supercapacitance then evidenced, which is a very interesting property that could be explored for the production of clean energy storage devices.
Genetic Ablation of LAT1 Inhibits Growth of Liver Cancer Cells and Downregulates mTORC1 Signaling
Authors: Kim Sun-Yee , Ong Qunxiang , Liao Yilie , Ding Zhaobing , Tan Alicia Qian Ler , Lim Ler Ting Rachel , Tan Hui Min , Lim Siew Lan , Lee Qian Yi , Han Weiping
Published: May 2023

Through a comprehensive analysis of the gene expression and dependency in HCC patients and cell lines, LAT1 was identified as the top amino acid transporter candidate supporting HCC tumorigenesis. To assess the suitability of LAT1 as a HCC therapeutic target, we used CRISPR/Cas9 to knockout (KO) LAT1 in the epithelial HCC cell line, Huh7. Knockout of LAT1 diminished its branched chain amino acid (BCAA) transport activity and significantly reduced cell proliferation in Huh7. Consistent with in vitro studies, LAT1 ablation led to suppression of tumor growth in a xenograft model. To elucidate the mechanism underlying the observed inhibition of cell proliferation upon LAT1 KO, we performed RNA-sequencing analysis and investigated the changes in the mTORC1 signaling pathway. LAT1 ablation resulted in a notable reduction in phosphorylation of p70S6K, a downstream target of mTORC1, as well as its substrate S6RP. This reduced cell proliferation and mTORC1 activity were rescued when LAT1 was overexpressed. These findings imply an essential role of LAT1 for maintenance of tumor cell growth and additional therapeutic angles against liver cancer.
Characterization of Macroglia Response during Tissue Repair in a Laser-Induced Model of Retinal Degeneration
Authors: Jahnke Laura , Zandi Souska , Elhelbawi Ahmed , Conedera Federica Maria , Enzmann Volker
Published: May 2023

Reactive gliosis is a hallmark of chronic degenerative diseases of the retina. As gliosis involves macroglia, we investigated their gliotic response to determine the role of S100β and intermediate filaments (IFs) GFAP, vimentin, and nestin during tissue repair in a laser-induced model of retinal degeneration. We validated the results with human retinal donor samples. Experiments were performed in zebrafish and mice using an argon laser (532 nm) to induce focal lesions in the outer retina. At different time points following injury induction, the kinetics of retinal degeneration and regeneration were assessed using hematoxylin and eosin staining (H&E). Immunofluorescence was performed to evaluate Müller cell (GS) and astrocyte (GFAP) injury response and to distinguish between both cell types. Additionally, staining was performed in human retinal sections containing drusen. Focal laser treatment elevated the expression of gliotic markers in the area of the damage, which was associated with increased expression of S100β, GFAP, vimentin, and nestin in mice and humans. In zebrafish, we detected S100β at the first time point, but not GFAP or nestin. Double-positive cells with the selected glia markers were detected in all models. However, in zebrafish, no double-positive GFAP/GS cells were found on days 10 and 17, nor were S100β/GS double-positive cells found on day 12. Macroglia cells showed a different pattern in the expression of IFs in degenerative and regenerative models. In particular, S100β may prove to be a target for suppressing chronic gliosis in retinal degeneration.
Plasma Bioscience and Medicine Molecular Research
Authors: Kaushik Nagendra Kumar , Choi Eun Ha
Published: May 2023

This special issue delivers an applied and basic platform for exchanging advanced approaches or research performance that link the plasma physics research in cell biology, cancer treatments, immunomodulation, stem cell differentiation, nanomaterial synthesis, and their applications, agriculture and food processing, microbial inactivation, water decontamination, and sterilization applications, including in vitro and in vivo research [...]
Effects of Deep Neuromuscular Block during Robot-Assisted Transaxillary Thyroidectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Bae Myung Il , Kang Sang-Wook , Lee Jong Seok , Kim Na Young , Lee Bahn , Moon Gilseong , Yoo Young Chul , Nam Kee-Hyun
Published: May 2023

The occurrence of significant pain and paresthesia after robot-assisted transaxillary thyroidectomy has been reported, and some patients experience chronic symptoms even three months after surgery. This study scrutinized the effects of deep neuromuscular block during robot-assisted transaxillary thyroidectomy on postoperative pain and sensory changes. In this single-blinded, prospective, randomized, controlled trial, 88 patients who underwent robot-assisted transaxillary thyroidectomy were enrolled and randomly allocated to either the moderate or deep neuromuscular block groups. Study endpoints included postoperative pain, paresthesia, and sensory change after surgery. The linear mixed models for numeric rating scale pain scores in the chest, neck, and axilla all showed significant intergroup differences over time (p = 0.003 in chest; p = 0.001 in neck; p = 0.002 in axilla). In the post hoc analysis with Bonferroni correction, the pain scores of the chest, neck, and axilla were significantly lower in the deep neuromuscular block group on postoperative day one compared to the moderate neuromuscular block group (adjusted p < 0.001 in chest, neck, and axilla). This study demonstrated that deep neuromuscular block could reduce postoperative pain after robot-assisted transaxillary thyroidectomy. However, it could not demonstrate that deep neuromuscular block reduces paresthesia or hypoesthesia after the surgery.
A Retrospective Multicenter Study of the Clinicopathological Characteristics and Prognosis of Young Adult Patients with Colorectal Cancer: Effects of Chemotherapy on Prognosis
Authors: Son Il Tae , Kang Jae Hyun , Kim Byung Chun , Park Jun Ho , Kim Jong Wan
Published: May 2023

Background: The objective of this study was to evaluate clinicopathologic features of young patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) and to compare their prognosis with those of older patients Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent surgery for stage 0–III CRC at four university-affiliated hospitals between January 2011 and December 2020. The patients were divided into two groups, the young adult group (≤45 years) and the older group (>45 years). Results: Of 1992 patients, 93 (4.6%) were young adults and 1899 (95.3%) were older patients. Young patients showed more symptoms (p = 0.014) and more poorly or undifferentiated adenocarcinoma (p = 0.047) than older patients. The young adult patients were more likely to receive adjuvant chemotherapy (p < 0.001) and multidrug agents (p = 0.029), and less likely to cease chemotherapy (p = 0.037). The five-year RFS (recurrence-free survival) rate was better in the young adults than in the older patients (p = 0.009). In the multivariable analysis, young age was a significant prognostic factor for better RFS (p = 0.015). Conclusions: Young patients with CRC had more symptoms, aggressive histological features than older patients. They received more multidrug agents and discontinued chemotherapy less often, resulting in better prognosis.
Effect of pH Hydrolysis on the Recovery of Antimony from Spent Electrolytes from Copper Production
Authors: Díaz Gutiérrez Eduardo , Maldonado Calvo José Antonio , Gallardo Fuentes José María , Paúl Escolano Antonio
Published: May 2023

This study examined how pH hydrolysis affects the recovery process for antimony extracted from spent electrolytes. Various OH− reagents were used to adjust the pH levels. The findings reveal that pH plays a crucial role in determining the optimal conditions for extracting antimony. The results show that NH4OH and NaOH are more effective compared to water, with optimal conditions at pH 0.5 for water and pH 1 for NH4OH and NaOH, resulting in average antimony extraction yields of 90.4%, 96.1%, and 96.7%, respectively. Furthermore, this approach helps to improve both crystallography and purity related to recovered antimony samples obtained through recycling processes. The solid precipitates obtained lack a crystalline structure, making it difficult to identify the compounds formed, but element concentrations suggest the presence of oxychloride or oxide compounds. Arsenic is incorporated into all solids, affecting the purity of the product, and water showing higher antimony content (68.38%) and lower arsenic values (8%) compared to NaOH and NH4OH. Bismuth integration into solids is less than arsenic (less than 2%) and remains unaffected by pH levels except in tests with water, where a bismuth hydrolysis product is identified at pH 1, accounting for the observed reduction in antimony extraction yields.
Chemical Compatibility and Electrochemical Performance of Ba7Ta3.7Mo1.3O20.15 Electrolytes for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Xu Dong , Zhou Xingkai , Li Yu , Yu Xiaole , Yu Zhexiang , Shi Bochang , Mi Yaowei , Wu Bangze , Ge Lin
Published: May 2023

Hexagonal perovskite-related oxides Ba7Ta3.7Mo1.3O20.15 (BTM) have recently been reported as promising electrolyte materials for intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs). In this work, sintering properties, thermal expansion coefficient, and chemical stability of BTM were studied. In particular, the chemical compatibilities of (La0.75Sr0.25)0.95MnO3±δ (LSM), La0.6Sr0.4CoO3 (LSC), La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3+δ (LSCF), PrBaMn2O5+δ (PBM), Sr2Fe1.5Mo0.5O6-δ (SFM), BaCo0.4Fe0.4Zr0.1Y0.1O3-δ (BCFZY), and NiO electrode materials with the BTM electrolyte were evaluated. The results show that BTM is highly reactive with these electrodes, in particular, BTM tends to react with Ni, Co, Fe, Mn, Pr, Sr, and La elements in the electrodes to form resistive phases, thus deteriorating the electrochemical properties, which has not been reported before.
Study on the Effect of Inter-Layer Cooling Time on Porosity and Melt Pool in Inconel 718 Components Processed by Laser Powder Bed Fusion
Authors: Baldi Niccolò , Giorgetti Alessandro , Palladino Marco , Giovannetti Iacopo , Arcidiacono Gabriele , Citti Paolo
Published: May 2023

This paper investigates the effects on the material microstructure of varying the Inter-Layer Cooling Time (ILCT) during the printing process in laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) multi-laser machines. Despite these machines allowing higher productivity rates compared to single laser machines, they are affected by lower ILCT values, which could be critical for material printability and microstructure. The ILCT values depend both on the process parameter sets and design choices for the parts and play an important role in the Design for Additive Manufacturing approach in L-PBF process. In order to identify the critical range of ILCT for this working condition, an experimental campaign is presented on the nickel-based superalloy Inconel 718, which is widely used for the printing of turbomachinery components. The effect of ILCT on the microstructure of the material is evaluated in terms of porosity and melt pool analysis on printed cylinder specimens, considering ILCT decreasing and increasing in the range of 22 to 2 s. The experimental campaign shows that an ILCT of less than 6 s introduces criticality in the material microstructure. In particular, at an ILCT value of 2 s, widespread keyhole porosity (close to 1‰) and critical and deeper melt pool (about 200 microns depth) are measured. This variation in melt pool shape indicates a change in the powder melting regime and, consequently, modifications of the printability window promoting the expansion of the keyhole region. In addition, specimens with geometry obstructing the heat flow have been studied using the critical ILCT value (2 s) to evaluate the effect of the surface-to-volume ratio. The results show an enhancement of the porosity value (about 3‰), while this effect is limited for the depth of the melt pool.
Comprehensive Analysis of Metabolome and Transcriptome Reveals the Regulatory Network of Coconut Nutrients
Authors: Guo Hao , Li Chun , Lai Jun , Tong Haiyang , Cao Zhenfeng , Wang Chao , Zhao Wenyu , He Liqiang , Wang Shouchuang , Yang Jun , Long Tuan
Published: May 2023

Coconut flesh is widely consumed in the market for its good flavor. However, a comprehensive and dynamic assessment of the nutrients in coconut flesh and their molecular regulatory mechanisms is lacking. In this study, the metabolite accumulation and gene expression of three representative coconut cultivars belonging to two subspecies were investigated using ultra performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. A total of 6101 features were detected, of which 52, 8, and 158 were identified as amino acids and derivatives, polyamines, and lipids, respectively. The analysis of the metabolite pathway showed that glutathione and α-linolenate were the main differential metabolites. Transcriptome data revealed significant differences in the expression of five glutathione structural genes and thirteen polyamine-regulated genes, consistent with trends in metabolite accumulation. Weighted correlation network and co-expression analyses showed that a novel gene WRKY28 was implicated in the regulation of lipid synthesis. These results broaden our understanding of coconut nutrition metabolism and provide new insights into the molecular basis of coconut nutrition metabolism.
Recent Advances in Light-Conversion Phosphors for Plant Growth and Strategies for the Modulation of Photoluminescence Properties
Authors: Yang Chengxiang , Liu Wei , You Qi , Zhao Xiuxian , Liu Shanshan , Xue Liang , Sun Junhua , Jiang Xuchuan
Published: May 2023

The advent of greenhouses greatly promoted the development of modern agriculture, which freed plants from regional and seasonal constraints. In plant growth, light plays a key role in plant photosynthesis. The photosynthesis of plants can selectively absorb light, and different light wavelengths result in different plant growth reactions. Currently, light-conversion films and plant-growth LEDs have become two effective ways to improve the efficiency of plant photosynthesis, among which phosphors are the most critical materials. This review begins with a brief introduction of the effects of light on plant growth and the various techniques for promoting plant growth. Next, we review the up-to-date development of phosphors for plant growth and discussed the luminescence centers commonly used in blue, red and far-red phosphors, as well as their photophysical properties. Then, we summarize the advantages of red and blue composite phosphors and their designing strategies. Finally, we describe several strategies for regulating the spectral position of phosphors, broadening the emission spectrum, and improving quantum efficiency and thermal stability. This review may offer a good reference for researchers improving phosphors to become more suitable for plant growth.
A Voltage-Tuned Terahertz Absorber Based on MoS2/Graphene Nanoribbon Structure
Authors: Samy Omnia , Belmoubarik Mohamed , Otsuji Taiichi , El Moutaouakil Amine
Published: May 2023

Terahertz frequency has promising applications in communication, security scanning, medical imaging, and industry. THz absorbers are one of the required components for future THz applications. However, nowadays, obtaining a high absorption, simple structure, and ultrathin absorber is a challenge. In this work, we present a thin THz absorber that can be easily tuned through the whole THz range (0.1–10 THz) by applying a low gate voltage (<1 V). The structure is based on cheap and abundant materials (MoS2/graphene). Nanoribbons of MoS2/graphene heterostructure are laid over a SiO2 substrate with an applied vertical gate voltage. The computational model shows that we can achieve an absorptance of approximately 50% of the incident light. The absorptance frequency can be tuned through varying the structure and the substrate dimensions, where the nanoribbon width can be varied approximately from 90 nm to 300 nm, while still covering the whole THz range. The structure performance is not affected by high temperatures (500 K and above), so it is thermally stable. The proposed structure represents a low-voltage, easily tunable, low-cost, and small-size THz absorber that can be used in imaging and detection. It is an alternative to expensive THz metamaterial-based absorbers.
Importance of ABC Transporters in the Survival of Parasitic Nematodes and the Prospect for the Development of Novel Control Strategies
Authors: Raza Ali , Williams Andrew R. , Abeer Muhammad Mustafa
Published: May 2023

ABC transporters, a family of ATP-dependent transmembrane proteins, are responsible for the active transport of a wide range of molecules across cell membranes, including drugs, toxins, and nutrients. Nematodes possess a great diversity of ABC transporters; however, only P-glycoproteins have been well-characterized compared to other classes. The ABC transport proteins have been implicated in developing resistance to various classes of anthelmintic drugs in parasitic nematodes; their role in plant and human parasitic nematodes still needs further investigation. Therefore, ABC transport proteins offer a potential opportunity to develop nematode control strategies. Multidrug resistance inhibitors are becoming more attractive for controlling nematodes due to their potential to increase drug efficacy in two ways: (i) by limiting drug efflux from nematodes, thereby increasing the amount of drug that reaches its target site, and (ii) by reducing drug excretion by host animals, thereby enhancing drug bioavailability. This article reviews the role of ABC transporters in the survival of parasitic nematodes, including the genes involved, their regulation and physiological roles, as well as recent developments in their characterization. It also discusses the association of ABC transporters with anthelmintic resistance and the possibility of targeting them with next-generation inhibitors or nutraceuticals (e.g., polyphenols) to control parasitic infections.
Diversity of Solid Forms Promoted by Ball Milling: Characterization and Intrinsic Dissolution Studies of Pioglitazone Hydrochloride and Fluvastatin Sodium Drug–Drug Systems
Authors: Villeda-Villegas Marco , Páez-Franco José C. , Coyote-Dotor Guadalupe , Núñez-Pineda Alejandra , Dorazco-González Alejandro , Fuentes-Noriega Inés , Rubio-Carrasco Kenneth , Toledo Jaldín Helen P. , Morales-Morales David , Germán-Acacio Juan Manuel
Published: May 2023

Coamorphous salt in a 1:1 ratio prepared by ball milling from Fluvastatin sodium (FLV) and Pioglitazone hydrochloride (PGZ·HCl) can be selectively formed by neat grinding (NG). Furthermore, the salt–cocrystal continuum was preferably formed by employing liquid-assisted grinding (LAG) using ethanol (EtOH). Attempts to prepare the coamorphous salt starting from the salt–cocrystal continuum by NG were unsuccessful. Interestingly, through ball milling by NG or LAG, a great diversity of solid forms (PGZ·HCl-FLV 1:1) could be accessed: NG and hexane (coamorphous); ethyl acetate (physical mixture); EtOH (salt–cocrystal continuum); and water (which presents two Tg, indicating immiscibility of the components). An exploration was performed at different drug-to-drug ratios by NG. By differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), the presence of two endothermic events was observed in this screening: incongruous melting point (solidus) and excess of one of the components (liquidus), except in the 1:1 solid form. From these results, eutectic behavior was observed. Through the construction of a binary phase diagram, it was determined that the 1:1 molar ratio gives rise to the formation of the most stable coamorphous composition. Dissolution profile studies of these solid forms were carried out, specifically on pure FLV and the solid forms of PGZ⋅HCl-FLV (1:2; 1:4; and 1:6), together with the coamorphous 1:1 salt. By itself, pure FLV presented the highest Kint (13.6270 ± 0.8127 mg/cm2⋅min). On the other hand, the coamorphous 1:1 showed a very low Kint (0.0220 ± 0.0014 mg/cm2·min), indicating very fast recrystallization by the FLV, which avoids observing a sudden release of this drug in the solution. This same behavior was observed in the eutectic composition 1:2. In the other solid forms, the value of Kint increases along with the %w of FLV. From the mechanochemical point of view, ball milling by NG or LAG became an important synthetic tool since it allows obtaining a great variety of solid forms to explore the solid-state reactivity of the drug–drug solid-form PGZ HCl-FLV.
Design of Dual-Targeted pH-Sensitive Hybrid Polymer Micelles for Breast Cancer Treatment: Three Birds with One Stone
Authors: Yang Degong , Li Ziqing , Zhang Yinghui , Chen Xuejun , Liu Mingyuan , Yang Chunrong
Published: May 2023

Breast cancer has a high prevalence in the world and creates a substantial socio-economic impact. Polymer micelles used as nano-sized polymer therapeutics have shown great advantages in treating breast cancer. Here, we aim to develop a dual-targeted pH-sensitive hybrid polymer (HPPF) micelles for improving the stability, controlled-release ability and targeting ability of the breast cancer treatment options. The HPPF micelles were constructed using the hyaluronic acid modified polyhistidine (HA-PHis) and folic acid modified Plannick (PF127-FA), which were characterized via 1H NMR. The optimized mixing ratio (HA-PHis:PF127-FA) was 8:2 according to the change of particle size and zeta potential. The stability of HPPF micelles were enhanced with the higher zeta potential and lower critical micelle concentration compared with HA-PHis and PF127-FA. The drug release percents significantly increased from 45% to 90% with the decrease in pH, which illustrated that HPPF micelles were pH-sensitive owing to the protonation of PHis. The cytotoxicity, in vitro cellular uptake and in vivo fluorescence imaging experiments showed that HPPF micelles had the highest targeting ability utilizing FA and HA, compared with HA-PHis and PF127-FA. Thus, this study constructs an innovative nano-scaled drug delivery system, which provides a new strategy for the treatment of breast cancer.
Synthesis and Characterization of the Donor-Acceptor Conjugated Polymer PBDB-T Implementing Group IV Element Germanium
Authors: Abousamra Wafaa H. , Thomas Destinee , Yang Dan , Islam Shahidul M. , Winstead Cherese , Kim Young-Gi
Published: May 2023

Here, we synthesized and characterized a novel two-dimensional (2D) conjugated electron donor–acceptor (D-A) copolymer (PBDB-T-Ge), wherein the substituent of triethyl germanium was added to the electron donor unit of the polymer. The Turbo–Grignard reaction was used to implement the group IV element into the polymer, resulting in a yield of 86%. This corresponding polymer, PBDB-T-Ge, exhibited a down-shift in the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) level to −5.45 eV while the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) level was −3.64 eV. The peaks in UV-Vis absorption and the PL emission of PBDB-T-Ge were observed at 484 nm and 615 nm, respectively.
Retrieval of Atmospheric Temperature Profile from Historical Data and Ground-Based Observations by Using a Machine Learning Algorithm
Authors: Wang Hongkun , Liu Dong , Xia Yingwei , Xie Wanyi , Wang Yiren
Published: May 2023

The atmospheric temperature profile is an important parameter to describe the state of the atmosphere, and it is crucial to climate change research, weather forecasting, and atmospheric parameter retrieval. A machine learning algorithm that incorporates historical observations and ground-based measurements was developed in this study to retrieve the atmospheric temperature profile. Specifically, the deep learning network considered historical observations for the same period and temporally correlated temperature profiles. It combined multi-layer perceptron (MLP) and the convolutional neural network (CNN). MLP derived the features from the ground factors, and CNN captured the essential features associated with the temperature profiles at the current time from latent historical data. Then, the features of the two parts were concatenated to obtain the final network. The construction and parameters of the model were optimized to determine the best model configuration and retrieval performance. The results of the model were evaluated against those of other methods on the same dataset. The model showed a good retrieval precision, which was equivalent to a small retrieval bias, root-mean-square error, and mean absolute error at all altitudes. The analysis of the application of this model to the retrieval of atmospheric temperature profiles indicates that the method is feasible.
Unsupervised Anomaly Detection for Cars CAN Sensors Time Series Using Small Recurrent and Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Cherdo Yann , Miramond Benoit , Pegatoquet Alain , Vallauri Alain
Published: May 2023

Predictive maintenance in the car industry is an active field of research for machine learning and anomaly detection. The capability of cars to produce time series data from sensors is growing as the car industry is heading towards more connected and electric vehicles. Unsupervised anomaly detectors are therefore very adapted to process those complex multidimensional time series and highlight abnormal behaviors. We propose to use recurrent and convolutional neural networks based on unsupervised anomaly detectors with simple architectures on real, multidimensional time series generated by the car sensors and extracted from the Controller Area Network bus (CAN). Our method is then evaluated through known specific anomalies. As the computational costs of Machine Learning algorithms are a rising issue regarding embedded scenarios such as car anomaly detection, we also focus on creating anomaly detectors that are as small as possible. Using a state-of-the-art methodology incorporating a time series predictor and a prediction-error-based anomaly detector, we show that we can obtain roughly the same anomaly detection performance with smaller predictors, reducing parameters and calculations by up to 23% and 60%, respectively. Finally, we introduce a method to correlate variables with specific anomalies by using anomaly detector results and labels.
Strain FBG-Based Sensor for Detecting Fence Intruders Using Machine Learning and Adaptive Thresholding
Authors: Elleathy Ahmad , Alhumaidan Faris , Alqahtani Mohammed , Almaiman Ahmed S. , Ragheb Amr M. , Ibrahim Ahmed B. , Ali Jameel , Esmail Maged A. , Alshebeili Saleh A.
Published: May 2023

This paper demonstrates an intruder detection system using a strain-based optical fiber Bragg grating (FBG), machine learning (ML), and adaptive thresholding to classify the intruder as no intruder, intruder, or wind at low levels of signal-to-noise ratio. We demonstrate the intruder detection system using a portion of a real fence manufactured and installed around one of the engineering college’s gardens at King Saud University. The experimental results show that adaptive thresholding can help improve the performance of machine learning classifiers, such as linear discriminant analysis (LDA) or logistic regression algorithms in identifying an intruder’s existence at low optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR) scenarios. The proposed method can achieve an average accuracy of 99.17% when the OSNR level is <0.5 dB.
A Serious Game for the Assessment of Visuomotor Adaptation Capabilities during Locomotion Tasks Employing an Embodied Avatar in Virtual Reality
Authors: Suglia Vladimiro , Brunetti Antonio , Pasquini Guido , Caputo Mariapia , Marvulli Tommaso Maria , Sibilano Elena , Della Bella Sara , Carrozza Paola , Beni Chiara , Naso David , Monaco Vito , Cristella Giovanna , Bevilacqua Vitoantonio , Buongiorno Domenico
Published: May 2023

The study of visuomotor adaptation (VMA) capabilities has been encompassed in various experimental protocols aimed at investigating human motor control strategies and/or cognitive functions. VMA-oriented frameworks can have clinical applications, primarily in the investigation and assessment of neuromotor impairments caused by conditions such as Parkinson’s disease or post-stroke, which affect the lives of tens of thousands of people worldwide. Therefore, they can enhance the understanding of the specific mechanisms of such neuromotor disorders, thus being a potential biomarker for recovery, with the aim of being integrated with conventional rehabilitative programs. Virtual Reality (VR) can be entailed in a framework targeting VMA since it allows the development of visual perturbations in a more customizable and realistic way. Moreover, as has been demonstrated in previous works, a serious game (SG) can further increase engagement thanks to the use of full-body embodied avatars. Most studies implementing VMA frameworks have focused on upper limb tasks and have utilized a cursor as visual feedback for the user. Hence, there is a paucity in the literature about VMA-oriented frameworks targeting locomotion tasks. In this article, the authors present the design, development, and testing of an SG-based framework that addresses VMA in a locomotion activity by controlling a full-body moving avatar in a custom VR environment. This workflow includes a set of metrics to quantitatively assess the participants’ performance. Thirteen healthy children were recruited to evaluate the framework. Several quantitative comparisons and analyses were run to validate the different types of introduced visuomotor perturbations and to evaluate the ability of the proposed metrics to describe the difficulty caused by such perturbations. During the experimental sessions, it emerged that the system is safe, easy to use, and practical in a clinical setting. Despite the limited sample size, which represents the main limitation of the study and can be compensated for with future recruitment, the authors claim the potential of this framework as a useful instrument for quantitatively assessing either motor or cognitive impairments. The proposed feature-based approach gives several objective parameters as additional biomarkers that can integrate the conventional clinical scores. Future studies might investigate the relation between the proposed biomarkers and the clinical scores for specific disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and cerebral palsy.
Non-Financial Disclosure: Isomorphism Effect in the Face of New Regulation
Authors: Álvarez-Etxeberria Igor , Marco-Fondevila Miguel , Zamora-Ramírez Constancio
Published: May 2023

The purpose of this paper is to study the mimetic isomorphism process among firms in a context of expectations of further non-financial disclosure regulation. From the new institutionalism theory approach, we study the effect that the 2014/95/EU Directive transposition into the Spanish law had on 120 companies over an eight-year period and the isomorphism determined by their activity and leadership in reporting before (expectations period) and after the law enactment. Before the law, a trend to increase disclosure was observed, especially among environmentally sensible sectors and low-level reporting firms, while afterwards, the trend was reversed except for leading companies, highlighting the prevalence of the mimetic and normative isomorphism. This work deepens understanding of the adoption processes of coercive norms based on mimetic behaviors and coercive isomorphisms and helps in predicting the effect of a given norm after its announcement and approval, supporting more efficient designs for future legislation.
Exploring the Relationship between Urban Form, Mobility and Social Well-Being: Towards an Interdisciplinary Field of Sustainable Urban Planning and Transport Development
Authors: Cao Mengqiu , Papaix Claire , Yang Tianren , Büttner Benjamin
Published: May 2023

This Special Issue focuses on exploring the relationship between urban form, mobility, and social well-being across neighbourhoods, cities, and regions [...]
Geospatial-Temporal Dynamics of Land Use in the Juárez Valley: Urbanization and Displacement of Agriculture
Authors: Manjarrez-Domínguez Carlos , Uc-Campos Mario Iván , Esparza-Vela Mario Edgar , Baray-Guerrero María del Rosario , Giner-Chávez Omar , Santellano-Estrada Eduardo
Published: May 2023

Urbanization and industrial development in the Juárez Valley, Chihuahua, Mexico, have led to the abandonment and loss of productive agricultural areas. However, the extent and dynamics of this phenomenon are not precisely known due to the lack of updated information. Therefore, it is necessary to geospatially represent these changes over time and predict their probability of persistence into the future to provide decision-making tools for this border region of Mexico. Landsat images were processed, and random forest was applied as a classifier to obtain land uses from 1980 to 2020. The Land Change Modeler options in Terrset™ were executed to generate land use changes, persistence and probabilities. Results showed that urban, built-up areas gained 19,962 ha by 2020 while crops lost 1675 ha. Agricultural permanence has been consolidated over time (persistence until 2020 of 0.83), but evidence suggests that this persistence will decrease in the future due to urbanization (decreasing to 0.59 by 2100). This could jeopardize the availability of primary products and food, lead to land abandonment and exacerbate socio-demographic expansion in this vulnerable region.