bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Evolution and Future Development of Attention Networks
Authors: Posner Michael I
Published: May 2023

The goal of this paper is to examine how the development of attention networks has left many important issues unsolved and to propose possible directions for solving them by combining human and animal studies. The paper starts with evidence from citation mapping that indicates attention has played a central role in integrating cognitive and neural studies into Cognitive Neuroscience. The integration of the fields depends in part upon similarities and differences in performance over a wide variety of animals. In the case of exogenous orienting of attention primates, rodents and humans are quite similar, but this is not so with executive control. In humans, attention networks continue to develop at different rates during infancy and childhood and into adulthood. From age four on, the Attention Network Test (ANT) allows measurement of individual differences in the alerting, orienting and executive networks. Overt and covert orienting do overlap in their anatomy, but there is evidence of some degree of functional independence at the cellular level. The attention networks frequently work together with sensory, memory and other networks. Integration of animal and human studies may be advanced by examining common genes involved in individual attention networks or their integration with other brain networks. Attention networks involve widely scattered computation nodes in different brain areas, both cortical and subcortical. Future studies need to attend to the white matter that connects them and the direction of information flow during task performance.
Time-Optimal Trajectory Design for Heading Motion of the Underwater Vehicle
Authors: Nguyen Ngoc-Duc , Vu Mai The , Nguyen Phi , Huang Jiafeng , Jung Dong-Wook , Cho Hyunjoon , Anh Phan Huy Nam , Choi Hyeung-Sik
Published: May 2023

Underwater vehicles are a powerful tool that can assist oceanologists with measuring the state of oceans on a large scale. The heading control is essential for the underwater vehicle to follow a specific path. This study describes the general decoupled dynamics of underwater vehicles, which is a nonlinear second-order differential equation considering linear and quadratic damping hydrodynamics. A novel aspect of this study is the development of a new analytical solution for the second-order nonlinear differential equation, which involves the heading motion of the underwater vehicle. In this study, the time-optimal trajectory is formulated as the closed-form solution for the heading dynamics of the underwater vehicle. The concept of this trajectory is based on the shortest arrival time when the maximum force from the thrusters is applied to the underwater vehicle. Finally, a simulation of the time-optimal trajectory and evaluation of the robustness of the controller were demonstrated in order to verify the effectiveness of the proposed trajectory for controlling underwater vehicles.
A Novel Algorithm for Ship Route Planning Considering Motion Characteristics and ENC Vector Maps
Authors: He Qinghua , Hou Zhenyu , Zhu Xiaoxiao
Published: May 2023

Global route planning is a pivotal function of unmanned surface vehicles (USVs). For ships, the safety of navigation is the priority. This paper presents the VK-RRT* algorithm as a way of designing the planned route automatically. Different from other algorithms or studies, this study employs electronic navigation chart (ENC) vector data instead of grid maps as the basis of the search, which reduces data error when converting the vector map into the grid map. In addition, Delaunay triangulation is employed to organize vector data, in which the depth value is taken as a factor to ensure the safety of the planning route. Furthermore, the initial planned route is not suitable for ship tracking as it does not consider the ship motion characteristics. Therefore, the planned route needs to be further optimized. In the final part, we also conducted experiments to verify the effectiveness and advantages of the proposed algorithm. The results show that the proposed algorithm could reduce the lengths of paths by about 23% on average and save planning time; these are largely dependent on the environment.
A Diachronic Investigation on the Lexical Formation and Evolution of the Chinese Adverb “Yijing (已经)”
Authors: Shen Jiangtao , Liu Yu
Published: May 2023

This paper describes the lexicalization processes of the expositive adverb yijing in Chinese, taking the view that the lexicalization of yijing has been achieved by both syntactic and semantic–pragmatic contexts. There are two key processes: the grammaticalization of jing is the key factor for reanalysis of the structure yijing. Originally, jing could only be combined with NP. In the structure “yi + jing + NP experiences”, jing acquired the context in which it was possible to combine with VP. When the VP was an active situation, jing was grammaticalized into a manner adverb, while when VP was a semelfactive situation, jing, the same with yi, became a state adverb for the past tense and perfect aspect. The lexicalization of yijing contains two processes, namely reanalysis and cohesion. In the structure “yi[relative time] + jing +VP”, when there were complex elements, it was reanalyzed as “[yi + jing] + VP”, where yijing functioned as a coordinate structure. If the structure “[yi + jing] + VP” was in a sufficient conditional clause and the VP was an accomplishment situation, “yi + jing” in this context acquired the pragmatic function to confirm that an event has happened, but it was still expressing the tense–aspect meanings of the sentence. In the 7th century, when VP was an achievement situation and had a perfective verb in it, yijing no longer bore the tense–aspect function and was specialized into a confirmative expositive adverb for pragmatic function, and the lexicalization processes finished.
Microstructural Changes Caused by the Creep Test in ZK60 Alloy Reinforced by SiCp at Intermediate Temperature after KOBO Extrusion and Aging
Authors: Wang Yang-Yang , Jia Chen , Xu Min , Kaseem Mosab , Tayebi Morteza
Published: May 2023

In this study, we investigated the creep properties of ZK60 alloy and a ZK60/SiCp composite at 200 °C and 250 °C in the 10–80 MPa stress range after the KOBO extrusion and precipitation hardening process. The true stress exponent was obtained in the range of 1.6–2.3 for both the unreinforced alloy and the composite. The apparent activation energy of the unreinforced alloy was found to be in the range of 80.91–88.09 kJ/mol, and that of the composite was found to be in the range of 47.15–81.60 kJ/mol, and this indicated the grain boundary sliding (GBS) mechanism. An investigation of crept microstructures using an optical microscope and scanning electron microscope (SEM) showed that at 200 °C, the predominant strengthening mechanisms at low stresses were the formation of twin, double twin, and shear bands, and that by increasing the stress, kink bands were activated. At 250 °C, it was found that a slip band was created in the microstructure, and this effectively delayed GBS. The failure surfaces and adjacent regions were examined using SEM, and it was discovered that the primary cause of failure was cavity nucleation around precipitations and reinforcement particles.
Maximizing the Recycling of Iron Ore Pellets Fines Using Innovative Organic Binders
Authors: Manu Karthik , Mousa Elsayed , Ahmed Hesham , Elsadek Mohamed , Yang Weihong
Published: May 2023

This research work focuses on the practicality of using organic binders for the briquetting of pellet fines. The developed briquettes were evaluated in terms of mechanical strength and reduction behavior with hydrogen. A hydraulic compression testing machine and thermogravimetric analysis were incorporated into this work to investigate the mechanical strength and reduction behavior of the produced briquettes. Six organic binders, namely Kempel, lignin, starch, lignosulfonate, Alcotac CB6, and Alcotac FE14, in addition to sodium silicate, were tested for the briquetting of pellet fines. The highest mechanical strength was achieved using sodium silicate, Kempel, CB6, and lignosulfonate. The best combination of binder to attain the required mechanical strength even after 100% reduction was found to be a combination of 1.5 wt.% of organic binder (either CB6 or Kempel) with 0.5 wt.% of inorganic binder (sodium silicate). Upscaling using an extruder gave propitious results in the reduction behavior, as the produced briquettes were highly porous and attained pre-requisite mechanical strength.
First-Principles Study on Structure and Stability of GP Zones in Al-Mg-Si(-Cu) Alloy
Authors: Su Yue , He Shaozhi , Wang Jiong , Zhang Donglan , Wu Qing
Published: May 2023

Nanostructured Guinier–Preston (GP) zones are critical for the strength of Al-Mg-Si(-Cu) aluminum alloys. However, there are controversial reports about the structure and growth mechanism of GP zones. In this study, we construct several atomic configurations of GP zones according to the previous research. Then first-principles calculations based on density functional theory were used to investigate the relatively stable atomic structure and GP-zones growth mechanism. The results show that on the (100) plane, GP zones consist of {MgSi} atomic layers without Al atoms, and the size tends to grow up to 2 nm. Along the (100) growth direction, even numbers of {MgSi} atomic layers are more energetically favorable and there exist Al atomic layers to relieve the lattice strain. {MgSi}2Al4 is the most energetically favorable GP-zones configuration, and the substitution sequence of Cu atoms in {MgSi}2Al4 during the aging process is Al → Si → Mg. The growth of GP zones is accompanied by the increase in Mg and Si solute atoms and the decrease in Al atoms. Point defects, such as Cu atoms and vacancies, exhibit different occupation tendencies in GP zones: Cu atoms tend to segregate in the Al layer near the GP zones, while vacancies tend to be captured by the GP zones.
Recent Advances in the Analytical Stress Field Solutions for Radiused Notches in Orthotropic Solids
Authors: Pontefisso Alessandro , Pastrello Matteo , Zappalorto Michele
Published: May 2023

The main aim of this work is to provide a brief overview of the analytical solutions available to describe the in-plane and out-of-plane stress fields in orthotropic solids with radiused notches. To this end, initially, a brief summary on the bases of complex potentials for orthotropic elasticity is presented, with reference to plane stress or strain and antiplane shear problems. Subsequently, the attention is moved to the relevant expressions for the notch stress fields, considering elliptical holes, symmetric hyperbolic notches, parabolic notches (blunt cracks), and radiused V-notches. Eventually, examples of applications are presented, comparing the presented analytical solutions with the results from numerical analyses carried out on relevant cases.
Equivalent Consumption Minimization Strategy of Hybrid Electric Vehicle Integrated with Driving Cycle Prediction Method
Authors: Ni Dacheng , Yao Chao , Zheng Xin , Huang Qing , Luo Derong , Sun Farong
Published: May 2023

Hybrid electric vehicles that can combine the advantages of traditional and new energy vehicles have become the optimal choice at present in the face of increasingly stringent fuel consumption restrictions and emission regulations. Range-extended hybrid electric vehicles have become an important research topic because of their high energy mixing degree and simple transmission system. A compact traditional fuel vehicle is the research object of this study and the range-extended hybrid system is developed. The design and optimization of the condition prediction energy management strategy are investigated. Vehicle joint simulation analysis and bench test platforms were built to verify the proposed control strategy. The vehicle tracking method was selected to collect real vehicle driving data. The number of vehicles in the field of view and the estimation of the distances between the front and following vehicles are calculated by means of the mature algorithm of the monocular camera and by computer vision. Real vehicle cycle conditions with driving environment and slope information were constructed and compared with all driving data, typical working conditions under NEDC, and typical working conditions under UDDS. The BP neural network and fuzzy logic control were used to identify the road conditions and the driver’s intention. The results showed that the equivalent fuel consumption of the control strategy was lower than that of the fixed-point power following control strategy and vehicle economy improved.
An Improved Automation System for Destructive and Visual Measurements of Cross-Sectional Geometric Parameters of Microdrills
Authors: Chang Wen-Tung , Lu Yu-Yun
Published: May 2023

Microdrills are specific cutting tools widely used to drill microholes and microvias. For certain microdrill manufacturers, a conventional sampling inspection procedure is still manually operated for carrying out the destructive and visual measurements of two essential cross-sectional geometric parameters (CSGPs), called the cross-sectional web thickness (CSWT) and the cross-sectional outer diameter (CSOD), of their straight (ST) and undercut (UC) type microdrill products. In order to comprehensively automate the conventional sampling inspection procedure, a destructive and visual measuring system improved from an existing vision-aided automation system, for both the hardware and the automated measuring process (AMP), is presented in this paper. The major improvement of the hardware is characterized by a machine vision module consisting of several conventional machine vision components in combination with an innovative and lower cost optical subset formed by a set of plano-concave achromatic (PCA) lenses and a reflection mirror, so that the essential functions of visually positioning the drilltip and visually measuring the CSGPs can both be achieved via the use of merely one machine vision module. The major improvement of the AMP is characterized by the establishment of specific image processing operations for an auto-focusing (AF) sub-process based on two-dimensional discrete Fourier transform (2D-DFT), for a web thickness measuring (WTM) sub-process based on an iterative least-square (LS) circle-fitting approach, and for an outer diameter measuring (ODM) sub-process based on integrated applications of an iterative LS circle-fitting approach and an LS line-fitting-based group-dividing approach, respectively. Experiments for measuring the CSGPs of microdrill samples were conducted to evaluate the actual effectiveness of the developed system. It showed that the developed system could achieve good repeatability and accuracy for the measurements of the CSWTs and CSODs of both ST and UC type microdrills. Therefore, the developed system could effectively and comprehensively automate the conventional sampling inspection procedure.
Some Properties of Certain Multivalent Harmonic Functions
Authors: Oros Georgia Irina , Yalçın Sibel , Bayram Hasan
Published: May 2023

In this paper, various features of a new class of normalized multivalent harmonic functions in the open unit disk are analyzed, including bounds on coefficients, growth estimations, starlikeness and convexity radii. It is further demonstrated that this class is closed when its members are convoluted. It can also be seen that various previously introduced and investigated classes of multivalent harmonic functions appear as special cases for this class.
Synthesis and Antimalarial Evaluation of Halogenated Analogues of Thiaplakortone A
Authors: Egbewande Folake A. , Schwartz Brett D. , Duffy Sandra , Avery Vicky M. , Davis Rohan A.
Published: May 2023

The incorporation of bromine, iodine or fluorine into the tricyclic core structure of thiaplakortone A (1), a potent antimalarial marine natural product, is reported. Although yields were low, it was possible to synthesise a small nine-membered library using the previously synthesised Boc-protected thiaplakortone A (2) as a scaffold for late-stage functionalisation. The new thiaplakortone A analogues (3–11) were generated using N-bromosuccinimide, N-iodosuccinimide or a Diversinate™ reagent. The chemical structures of all new analogues were fully characterised by 1D/2D NMR, UV, IR and MS data analyses. All compounds were evaluated for their antimalarial activity against Plasmodium falciparum 3D7 (drug-sensitive) and Dd2 (drug-resistant) strains. Incorporation of halogens at positions 2 and 7 of the thiaplakortone A scaffold was shown to reduce antimalarial activity compared to the natural product. Of the new compounds, the mono-brominated analogue (compound 5) displayed the best antimalarial activity with IC50 values of 0.559 and 0.058 μM against P. falciparum 3D7 and Dd2, respectively, with minimal toxicity against a human cell line (HEK293) observed at 80 μM. Of note, the majority of the halogenated compounds showed greater efficacy against the P. falciparum drug-resistant strain.
Advances in Photocatalytic Membrane Reactor
Authors: Mendret Julie , Brosillon Stephan
Published: May 2023

Photocatalytic membrane reactors (PMRs) are a promising technology that combines the benefits of photocatalysis and membrane separation [...]
Chitosan-Based Membranes as Gentamicin Carriers for Biomedical Applications—Influence of Chitosan Molecular Weight
Authors: Supernak Milena , Makurat-Kasprolewicz Balbina , Kaczmarek-Szczepańska Beata , Pałubicka Anna , Sakowicz-Burkiewicz Monika , Ronowska Anna , Wekwejt Marcin
Published: May 2023

Over the past decade, much attention has been paid to chitosan as a potential drug carrier because of its non-toxicity, biocompatibility, biodegradability and antibacterial properties. The effect of various chitosan characteristics on its ability to carry different antibiotics is discussed in the literature. In this work, we evaluated the influence of the different molecular weights of this polymer on its potential as an antibacterial membrane after adding gentamicin (1% w/w). Three types of chitosan membranes without and with antibiotic were prepared using a solvent casting process. Their microstructures were analyzed with a 4K digital microscope, and their chemical bonds were studied using FTIR spectroscopy. Furthermore, cytocompatibility on human osteoblasts and fibroblasts as well as antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus.) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) were assessed. We observed that the membrane prepared from medium-molecular-weight chitosan exhibited the highest contact angle (≈85°) and roughness (10.96 ± 0.21 µm) values, and its antibacterial activity was unfavorable. The maximum tensile strength and Young’s modulus of membranes improved and elongation decreased with an increase in the molecular weight of chitosan. Membranes prepared with high-molecular-weight chitosan possessed the best antibacterial activity, but mainly against S. aureus. For E. coli, is not advisable to add gentamicin to the chitosan membrane, or it is suggested to deplete its content. None of the fabricated membranes exhibited a full cytotoxic effect on osteoblastic and fibroblast cells. Based on our results, the most favorable membrane as a gentamicin carrier was obtained from high-molecular-weight chitosan.
Stability of Porous Polymeric Membranes in Amine Solvents for Membrane Contactor Applications
Authors: Kalmykov Denis , Shirokikh Sergey , Grushevenko Evgenia A. , Legkov Sergey A. , Bondarenko Galina N. , Anokhina Tatyana S. , Molchanov Sergey , Bazhenov Stepan D.
Published: May 2023

Membrane gas–liquid contactors have great potential to meet the challenges of amine CO2 capture. In this case, the most effective approach is the use of composite membranes. However, to obtain these, it is necessary to take into account the chemical and morphological resistance of membrane supports to long-term exposure to amine absorbents and their oxidative degradation products. In this work, we studied the chemical and morphological stability of a number of commercial porous polymeric membranes exposed to various types of alkanolamines with the addition of heat-stable salt anions as a model of real industrial CO2 amine solvents. The results of the physicochemical analysis of the chemical and morphological stability of porous polymer membranes after exposure to alkanolamines, their oxidative degradation products, and oxygen scavengers were presented. According to the results of studies by FTIR spectroscopy and AFM, a significant destruction of porous membranes based on polypropylene (PP), polyvinylidenefluoride (PVDF), polyethersulfone (PES) and polyamide (nylon, PA) was revealed. At the same time, the polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membranes had relatively high stability. On the basis of these results, composite membranes with porous supports that are stable in amine solvents can be successfully obtained to create liquid–liquid and gas–liquid membrane contactors for membrane deoxygenation.
A High-Reliability RF MEMS Metal-Contact Switch Based on Al-Sc Alloy
Authors: Hou Zhongxuan , Zhang Yongkang , Si Chaowei , Han Guowei , Zhao Yongmei , Lu Xiaorui , Liu Jiahui , Ning Jin , Wei Tongbo
Published: May 2023

This paper presents a new metal-contact RF MEMS switch based on an Al-Sc alloy. The use of an Al-Sc alloy is intended to replace the traditional Au-Au contact, which can greatly improve the hardness of the contact, and thus improve the reliability of the switch. The multi-layer stack structure is adopted to achieve the low switch line resistance and hard contact surface. The polyimide sacrificial layer process is developed and optimized, and the RF switches are fabricated and tested for pull-in voltage, S-parameters, and switching time. The switch shows high isolation of more than 24 dB and a low insertion loss of less than 0.9 dB in the frequency range of 0.1–6 GHz.
3D-Printed Microrobots: Translational Challenges
Authors: Sarabi Misagh Rezapour , Karagoz Ahmet Agah , Yetisen Ali K. , Tasoglu Savas
Published: May 2023

The science of microrobots is accelerating towards the creation of new functionalities for biomedical applications such as targeted delivery of agents, surgical procedures, tracking and imaging, and sensing. Using magnetic properties to control the motion of microrobots for these applications is emerging. Here, 3D printing methods are introduced for the fabrication of microrobots and their future perspectives are discussed to elucidate the path for enabling their clinical translation.
Synergistic Toughening of Epoxy Composite with Cellulose Nanofiber and Continuous Pineapple Leaf Fiber as Sustainable Reinforcements
Authors: Klinthoopthamrong Nichapa , Thanawan Sombat , Schrodj Gautier , Mougin Karine , Goh Kheng-Lim , Amornsakchai Taweechai
Published: May 2023

In this work, the effect of cellulose nanofiber (CNF) on the mechanical properties of long pineapple leaf fiber (PALF)-reinforced epoxy composites was investigated. The content of PALF was fixed at 20 wt.% and the CNF content was varied at 1, 3, and 5 wt.% of the epoxy matrix. The composites were prepared by hand lay-up method. Comparison was conducted between CNF-, PALF- and CNF–PALF-reinforced composites. It was found that the introduction of these small amounts of CNF into epoxy resin caused very small effects on flexural modulus and strength of neat epoxy. However, impact strength of epoxy with 1 wt.% CNF increased to about 115% that of neat epoxy, and, as the content of CNF increased to 3 and 5 wt.%, the impact strength decreased to that of neat epoxy. Observation of the fractured surface under electron microscope revealed the change in failure mechanism from a smooth surface to a much rougher surface. For epoxy containing 20 wt.% PALF, both flexural modulus and strength increased significantly to about 300% and 240% that of neat epoxy. The composite impact strength increased to about 700% that of the neat epoxy. For hybrid systems containing both CNF and PALF, there were few changes observed in both flexural modulus and strength compared to the PALF epoxy system. However, much improvement in impact strength was obtained. By using epoxy containing 1 wt.% CNF as the matrix, the impact strength increased to about 220% that of 20 wt.% PALF epoxy or 1520% that of neat epoxy. It thus could be deduced that the spectacular improvement in impact strength was due to the synergistic effect of CNF and PALF. The failure mechanism leading to the improvement in impact strength will be discussed.
Advancements in Perovskite Nanocrystal Stability Enhancement: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Liu Xuewen , Lee Eun-Cheol
Published: May 2023

Over the past decade, perovskite technology has been increasingly applied in solar cells, nanocrystals, and light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Perovskite nanocrystals (PNCs) have attracted significant interest in the field of optoelectronics owing to their exceptional optoelectronic properties. Compared with other common nanocrystal materials, perovskite nanomaterials have many advantages, such as high absorption coefficients and tunable bandgaps. Owing to their rapid development in efficiency and huge potential, perovskite materials are considered the future of photovoltaics. Among different types of PNCs, CsPbBr3 perovskites exhibit several advantages. CsPbBr3 nanocrystals offer a combination of enhanced stability, high photoluminescence quantum yield, narrow emission bandwidth, tunable bandgap, and ease of synthesis, which distinguish them from other PNCs, and make them suitable for various applications in optoelectronics and photonics. However, PNCs also have some shortcomings: they are highly susceptible to degradation caused by environmental factors, such as moisture, oxygen, and light, which limits their long-term performance and hinders their practical applications. Recently, researchers have focused on improving the stability of PNCs, starting with the synthesis of nanocrystals and optimizing (i) the external encapsulation of crystals, (ii) ligands used for the separation and purification of nanocrystals, and (iii) initial synthesis methods or material doping. In this review, we discuss in detail the factors leading to instability in PNCs, introduce stability enhancement methods for mainly inorganic PNCs mentioned above, and provide a summary of these approaches.
Tantalum Nitride-Based Theranostic Agent for Photoacoustic Imaging-Guided Photothermal Therapy in the Second NIR Window
Authors: Yi Huixi , Yan Gaoyang , He Jinzhen , Zhuang Jiani , Jin Chengzhi , Zhang Dong-Yang
Published: May 2023

Metal nitrides show excellent photothermal stability and conversion properties, which have the potential for photothermal therapy (PTT) for cancer. Photoacoustic imaging (PAI) is a new non-invasive and non-ionizing biomedical imaging method that can provide real-time guidance for precise cancer treatment. In this work, we develop polyvinylpyrrolidone-functionalized tantalum nitride nanoparticles (defined as TaN-PVP NPs) for PAI-guided PTT of cancer in the second near-infrared (NIR-II) window. The TaN-PVP NPs are obtained by ultrasonic crushing of massive tantalum nitride and further modification by PVP to obtain good dispersion in water. Due to their good absorbance in the NIR-II window, TaN-PVP NPs with good biocompatibility have obvious photothermal conversion performance, realizing efficient tumor elimination by PTT in the NIR-II window. Meanwhile, the excellent PAI and photothermal imaging (PTI) capabilities of TaN-PVP NPs are able to provide monitoring and guidance for the treatment process. These results indicate that TaN-PVP NPs are qualified for cancer photothermal theranostics.
Acute Cognitive Performance and Mood Effects of Coffeeberry Extract: A Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Study in Healthy Humans
Authors: Jackson Philippa A. , Kenney Charlotte , Forster Joanne , Smith Ellen F. , Elcoate Rian , Spittlehouse Bethany , Johnson Jodee , Kennedy David O.
Published: May 2023

Background: Coffeeberry extract, rich in chlorogenic acids, shows promise in improving mood and cognition, particularly when co-supplemented with phenolic compounds. However, limited work has considered the effects of coffeeberry in isolation, especially at low doses. Objective: The current study investigated the effect of low and moderate doses of coffeeberry extract on cognition and mood. Design: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design investigated three active beverages on a sample of 72 healthy adults aged 18–49 years. The investigational beverages contained 100 mg or 300 mg coffeeberry extract (standardized to 40% chlorogenic acid), or 75 mg caffeine (positive control). Cognition, mood, and subjective energy were measured at baseline and then again at 60 and 120 min post-treatment. Results: Analysis revealed no effect of 300 mg coffeeberry extract, while 100 mg resulted in increased mental fatigue during the performance of cognitively demanding tasks (p = 0.025) and decreased accuracy on a task of sustained attention (p = 0.003), compared to placebo, at 60 min post dose. Conclusions: Administration of 100 mg and 300 mg coffeeberry extracts revealed limited, transient negative effects following 100 mg coffeeberry. Given the large number of outcome measures analysed and the absence of findings following the 300 mg dose, these negative findings should be interpreted with caution. Overall, the findings of the current study suggest that coffeeberry extract at a low or moderate dose does not have a beneficial effect on mood, mental and physical energy levels, or cognition; higher doses, as have been administered previously, may be more effective.
Benefits of Vitamin D in Health and Diseases
Authors: Passeri Giovanni , Giannini Sandro
Published: May 2023

This Special Issue of Nutrients, titled “Benefits of Vitamin D in health and diseases”, includes a total of twenty-five publications that consider different aspects of vitamin D, both at the cellular/preclinical and clinical levels, in neonates or children, in pregnant women, in adults and in elderly subjects [...]
Colitis-Mediated Dysbiosis of the Intestinal Flora and Impaired Vitamin A Absorption Reduce Ovarian Function in Mice
Authors: Li Ze , Chen Chengzhen , Yu Wenjie , Xu Lingxia , Jia Haitao , Wang Chen , Pei Na , Liu Zibin , Luo Dan , Wang Jun , Lv Wenfa , Yuan Bao , Zhang Jiabao , Jiang Hao
Published: May 2023

Changes in the composition and ratio of the flora during colitis have been found to potentially affect ovarian function through nutrient absorption. However, the mechanisms have not been fully explored. To investigate whether colitis-induced dysbacteriosis of the intestinal flora affects ovarian function, mice were given dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) through drinking water. High-throughput sequencing technology was used to clarify the composition and proportion of bacterial flora as well as gene expression changes in the colon. Changes in follicle type, number, and hormone secretion in the ovary were detected. The results showed that 2.5% DSS could induce severe colitis symptoms, including increased inflammatory cell infiltration, severe damage to the crypt, and high expression of inflammatory factors. Moreover, vitamin A synthesis metabolism-related genes Rdh10, Aldh1a1, Cyp26a1, Cyp26b1, and Rarβ were significantly decreased, as well as the levels of the steroid hormone synthase-related proteins STAR and CYP11A1. The levels of estradiol, progesterone, and Anti-Mullerian hormone as well as the quality of oocytes decreased significantly. The significantly changed abundances of Alistipes, Helicobacter, Bacteroides, and some other flora had potentially important roles. DSS-induced colitis and impaired vitamin A absorption reduced ovarian function.
Association between Gestational Weight Gain and Risk of Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy among Women with Obesity: A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study in Japan
Authors: Ito Momoka , Kyozuka Hyo , Yamaguchi Tomoko , Sugeno Misa , Murata Tsuyoshi , Hiraiwa Tsuyoshi , Ito Fumihiro , Suzuki Daisuke , Fukuda Toma , Yasuda Shun , Fujimori Keiya , Nomura Yasuhisa
Published: May 2023

The relationship between weight gain during pregnancy and the onset of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in women with pre-pregnancy obesity remains unclear. We examined the effects of weight gain during pregnancy on hypertensive disorders of pregnancy among women with pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25.0 kg/m2. This multicenter retrospective cohort study included nullipara women who delivered at two units in Japan between 1 January 2013, and 31 December 2020. Singleton primipara (n = 3040) were categorized into two pre-pregnancy BMI groups: 25.0–<30.0, and ≥30.0 kg/m2. Using multiple logistic regression analyses (reported as adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence interval), gestational weight gain effects on overall hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, gestational hypertension, and pre-eclampsia were determined. Gestational weight gain increased hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (1.09, 1.03–1.16, p < 0.05) and pre-eclampsia risk (1.10, 1.01–1.20, p < 0.05) among the BMI 25.0–<30.0 kg/m2 group and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy risk among the ≥30.0 kg/m2 group (1.07, 1.00–1.05, p < 0.05). Using receiver operating characteristic curve analyses, among the BMI 25.0–<30.0 kg/m2 group, for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (area under the curve [AUC], 0.63, p < 0.05) and pre-eclampsia (AUC, 0.62; p < 0.05), the weight gain cut-off was 10.5 and 10.6 kg, with sensitivity/specificity of 0.47/0.73 and 0.50/0.73, respectively. For the BMI ≥30.0 kg/m2 group (AUC, 0.63, p < 0.05), the cut-off was 3.5 kg (sensitivity/specificity, 0.75/0.49). The optimal gestational weight gain for reducing hypertensive disorders of pregnancy among women with a pre-pregnancy BMI > 25 kg/m2 may facilitate personalized pre-conception counseling among women with obesity.
Rutin Gel with Bone Graft Accelerates Bone Formation in a Rabbit Model by Inhibiting MMPs and Enhancing Collagen Activities
Authors: Albaqami Fahad F. , Althurwi Hassan N. , Alharthy Khalid M. , Hamad Abubaker M. , Awartani Fatin A.
Published: May 2023

Bone graft techniques are used to compensate for bone loss in areas with deficient regeneration. However, matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) can limit bone formation by degrading extracellular matrices, which are required for bone regrowth. Noteworthily, rutin is a natural flavonoid compound that inhibits the genetic expression of various MMPs. Therefore, rutin may serve as an inexpensive and stable alternative to the growth factors used to accelerate dental bone graft healing. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of mixing rutin gel with allograft bone to accelerate the healing of bone defects in an in vivo rabbit model. Bone defects were surgically induced in New Zealand rabbits (n = 3 per group) and subsequently treated with bone grafts along with rutin or control gel. Overall, treatment with rutin significantly prevented the expression of several MMPs and increased type III collagen in the gingiva around the surgical site. Additionally, rutin-treated animals showed enhanced bone formation with higher bone marrow content in the jawbone defect area compared with the control group. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that rutin gel, when added to bone grafts, quickly enhances bone formation and may serve as a suitable alternative to expensive growth factors for the same purpose.
Carboxymethylated Gums and Derivatization: Strategies and Significance in Drug Delivery and Tissue Engineering
Authors: Baghel Madhuri , Sakure Kalyani , Giri Tapan Kumar , Maiti Sabyasachi , Nakhate Kartik T. , Ojha Shreesh , Sharma Charu , Agrawal Yogeeta , Goyal Sameer , Badwaik Hemant
Published: May 2023

Natural polysaccharides have been widely exploited in drug delivery and tissue engineering research. They exhibit excellent biocompatibility and fewer adverse effects; however, it is challenging to assess their bioactivities to that of manufactured synthetics because of their intrinsic physicochemical characteristics. Studies showed that the carboxymethylation of polysaccharides considerably increases the aqueous solubility and bioactivities of inherent polysaccharides and offers structural diversity, but it also has some limitations that can be resolved by derivatization or the grafting of carboxymethylated gums. The swelling ratio, flocculation capacity, viscosity, partition coefficient, metal absorption properties, and thermosensitivity of natural polysaccharides have been improved as a result of these changes. In order to create better and functionally enhanced polysaccharides, researchers have modified the structures and properties of carboxymethylated gums. This review summarizes the various ways of modifying carboxymethylated gums, explores the impact that molecular modifications have on their physicochemical characteristics and bioactivities, and sheds light on various applications for the derivatives of carboxymethylated polysaccharides.
Ginkgo Biloba and Long COVID: In Vivo and In Vitro Models for the Evaluation of Nanotherapeutic Efficacy
Authors: Akanchise Thelma , Angelova Angelina
Published: May 2023

Coronavirus infections are neuroinvasive and can provoke injury to the central nervous system (CNS) and long-term illness consequences. They may be associated with inflammatory processes due to cellular oxidative stress and an imbalanced antioxidant system. The ability of phytochemicals with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, such as Ginkgo biloba, to alleviate neurological complications and brain tissue damage has attracted strong ongoing interest in the neurotherapeutic management of long COVID. Ginkgo biloba leaf extract (EGb) contains several bioactive ingredients, e.g., bilobalide, quercetin, ginkgolides A–C, kaempferol, isorhamnetin, and luteolin. They have various pharmacological and medicinal effects, including memory and cognitive improvement. Ginkgo biloba, through its anti-apoptotic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities, impacts cognitive function and other illness conditions like those in long COVID. While preclinical research on the antioxidant therapies for neuroprotection has shown promising results, clinical translation remains slow due to several challenges (e.g., low drug bioavailability, limited half-life, instability, restricted delivery to target tissues, and poor antioxidant capacity). This review emphasizes the advantages of nanotherapies using nanoparticle drug delivery approaches to overcome these challenges. Various experimental techniques shed light on the molecular mechanisms underlying the oxidative stress response in the nervous system and help comprehend the pathophysiology of the neurological sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection. To develop novel therapeutic agents and drug delivery systems, several methods for mimicking oxidative stress conditions have been used (e.g., lipid peroxidation products, mitochondrial respiratory chain inhibitors, and models of ischemic brain damage). We hypothesize the beneficial effects of EGb in the neurotherapeutic management of long-term COVID-19 symptoms, evaluated using either in vitro cellular or in vivo animal models of oxidative stress.
Advancing Cancer Therapy with Copper/Disulfiram Nanomedicines and Drug Delivery Systems
Authors: Kang Xuejia , Jadhav Sanika , Annaji Manjusha , Huang Chung-Hui , Amin Rajesh , Shen Jianzhong , Ashby Charles R. , Tiwari Amit K. , Babu R. Jayachandra , Chen Pengyu
Published: May 2023

Disulfiram (DSF) is a thiocarbamate based drug that has been approved for treating alcoholism for over 60 years. Preclinical studies have shown that DSF has anticancer efficacy, and its supplementation with copper (CuII) significantly potentiates the efficacy of DSF. However, the results of clinical trials have not yielded promising results. The elucidation of the anticancer mechanisms of DSF/Cu (II) will be beneficial in repurposing DSF as a new treatment for certain types of cancer. DSF’s anticancer mechanism is primarily due to its generating reactive oxygen species, inhibiting aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity inhibition, and decreasing the levels of transcriptional proteins. DSF also shows inhibitory effects in cancer cell proliferation, the self-renewal of cancer stem cells (CSCs), angiogenesis, drug resistance, and suppresses cancer cell metastasis. This review also discusses current drug delivery strategies for DSF alone diethyldithocarbamate (DDC), Cu (II) and DSF/Cu (II), and the efficacious component Diethyldithiocarbamate–copper complex (CuET).
The Role of Lactoferrin in Intestinal Health
Authors: Conesa Celia , Bellés Andrea , Grasa Laura , Sánchez Lourdes
Published: May 2023

The intestine represents one of the first barriers where microorganisms and environmental antigens come into tight contact with the host immune system. A healthy intestine is essential for the well-being of humans and animals. The period after birth is a very important phase of development, as the infant moves from a protected environment in the uterus to one with many of unknown antigens and pathogens. In that period, mother’s milk plays an important role, as it contains an abundance of biologically active components. Among these components, the iron-binding glycoprotein, lactoferrin (LF), has demonstrated a variety of important benefits in infants and adults, including the promotion of intestinal health. This review article aims to provide a compilation of all the information related to LF and intestinal health, in infants and adults.
Label-Free Quantification of Nanoencapsulated Piperonyl Esters in Cosmetic Hydrogels Using Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Elderderi Suha , Bonnier Franck , Perse Xavier , Byrne Hugh J. , Yvergnaux Florent , Chourpa Igor , Elbashir Abdalla A. , Munnier Emilie
Published: May 2023

Raman spectroscopy is a well-established technique for the molecular characterisation of samples and does not require extensive pre-analytical processing for complex cosmetic products. As an illustration of its potential, this study investigates the quantitative performance of Raman spectroscopy coupled with partial least squares regression (PLSR) for the analysis of Alginate nanoencapsulated Piperonyl Esters (ANC-PE) incorporated into a hydrogel. A total of 96 ANC-PE samples covering a 0.4% w/w–8.3% w/w PE concentration range have been prepared and analysed. Despite the complex formulation of the sample, the spectral features of the PE can be detected and used to quantify the concentrations. Using a leave-K-out cross-validation approach, samples were divided into a training set (n = 64) and a test set, samples that were previously unknown to the PLSR model (n = 32). The root mean square error of cross-validation (RMSECV) and prediction (RMSEP) was evaluated to be 0.142% (w/w PE) and 0.148% (w/w PE), respectively. The accuracy of the prediction model was further evaluated by the percent relative error calculated from the predicted concentration compared to the true value, yielding values of 3.58% for the training set and 3.67% for the test set. The outcome of the analysis demonstrated the analytical power of Raman to obtain label-free, non-destructive quantification of the active cosmetic ingredient, presently PE, in complex formulations, holding promise for future analytical quality control (AQC) applications in the cosmetics industry with rapid and consumable-free analysis.
Development of Foam Fly Ash Geopolymer with Recycled High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Plastics
Authors: Atienza Emmanuel M. , De Jesus Richard M. , Ongpeng Jason Maximino C.
Published: May 2023

Adapting sustainable construction, which involves responsible consumption of natural resources and reducing carbon emissions, could be a unified action to address the intensifying effects of global warming and the increasing rate of waste pollution worldwide. Aiming to lessen the emission from the construction and waste sector and eliminate plastics in the open environment, a foam fly ash geopolymer with recycled High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) plastics was developed in this study. The effects of the increasing percentages of HDPE on the thermo-physicomechanical properties of foam geopolymer were investigated. The samples’ measured density, compressive strength, and thermal conductivity at 0.25% and 0.50% HDPE content was 1593.96 kg/m3 and 1479.06 kg/m3, 12.67 MPa and 7.89 MPa, and 0.352 W/mK and 0.373 W/mK, respectively. Obtained results are comparable to structural and insulating lightweight concretes with a density of less than 1600 kg/m3, compressive strength of greater than 3.5 MPa, and thermal conductivity of less than 0.75 W/mK. Thus, this research concluded that the developed foam geopolymers from recycled HDPE plastics could be a sustainable alternative material and be optimized in the building and construction industry.
Biocompatible Polymer-Grafted TiO2 Nanoparticle Sonosensitizers Prepared Using Phosphonic Acid-Functionalized RAFT Agent
Authors: Kitayama Yukiya , Katayama Aoi , Shao Zhicheng , Harada Atsushi
Published: May 2023

Sonodynamic therapy is widely used in clinical studies including cancer therapy. The development of sonosensitizers is important for enhancing the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) under sonication. Herein, we have developed poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) (PMPC)-modified TiO2 nanoparticles as new biocompatible sonosensitizers with high colloidal stability under physiological conditions. To fabricate biocompatible sonosensitizers, a grafting-to approach was adopted with phosphonic-acid-functionalized PMPC, which was prepared by reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization of 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) using a newly designed water-soluble RAFT agent possessing a phosphonic acid group. The phosphonic acid group can conjugate with the OH groups on the TiO2 nanoparticles. We have clarified that the phosphonic acid end group is more crucial for creating colloidally stable PMPC-modified TiO2 nanoparticles under physiological conditions than carboxylic-acid-functionalized PMPC-modified ones. Furthermore, the enhanced generation of singlet oxygen (1O2), an ROS, in the presence of PMPC-modified TiO2 nanoparticles was confirmed using a 1O2-reactive fluorescent probe. We believe that the PMPC-modified TiO2 nanoparticles prepared herein have potential utility as novel biocompatible sonosensitizers for cancer therapy.
Comparative Analysis of the Hydrodynamic Performance of Arc and Linear Flapping Hydrofoils
Authors: Hua Ertian , Zhu Wenchao , Xie Rongsheng , Su Zhongxin , Luo Haitao , Qiu Linfeng
Published: May 2023

In order to improve the hydrodynamic performance of flapping hydrofoils and solve the problem of insufficient hydrodynamic force in plain river network areas, in this study, we consider the more realistic swing of fish tails and propose an arc flapping method, the coupled motion of which has three degrees of freedom: heave, pitch, and lateral displacement. Two flapping methods, positive arcs and negative arcs, were derived on the basis of the lateral displacement direction. By using the finite volume method (FVM) and overlapping grid technology, a numerical simulation was conducted to compare and analyze the pumping performance of three types of flapping hydrofoil, namely, linear, positive arcs, and negative arcs, in order to further provide guidance for the structural optimization of bionic pumping devices. The results showed that the wake vortex structures of the three flapping modes all had anti-Kármán vortex streets, but the wake vortex of linear flapping deflected upward, and the wake vortex of positive arc flapping tended to be further away in the flow field. In one cycle, thrust was always generated by the positive arc flapping hydrofoil and the linear flapping hydrofoil, but the thrust coefficient curve of the positive arc flapping hydrofoil was more stable than that of the linear flapping hydrofoil, and the peak value was reduced by 46.5%. In addition, under the conditions of a flow rate of 750 L·s−1 and an average head of 0.006 m, the pumping efficiency of the positive arc flapping hydrofoil reached 35%, thus showing better pumping performance than the traditional linear flapping hydrofoil under conditions with ultra-low head.