bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tailoring Carbene–Metal–Amides for Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence: A Computationally Guided Study on the Effect of Cyclic (Alkyl)(amino)carbenes
Authors: Phuoc Nguyen Le , Brannan Alexander C. , Romanov Alexander S. , Linnolahti Mikko
Published: May 2023

Gold-centered carbene–metal–amides (CMAs) containing cyclic (alkyl)(amino)carbenes (CAACs) are promising emitters for thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF). Aiming at the design and optimization of new TADF emitters, we report a density functional theory study of over 60 CMAs with various CAAC ligands, systematically evaluating computed parameters in relation to photoluminescence properties. The CMA structures were primarily selected based on experimental synthesis prospects. We demonstrate that TADF efficiency of the CMA materials originates from a compromise between oscillator strength coefficients and exchange energy (ΔEST). The latter is governed by the overlap of HOMO and LUMO orbitals, where HOMO is localized on the amide and LUMO over the Au–carbene bond. The S0 ground and excited T1 states of the CMAs adopt approximately coplanar geometry of carbene and amide ligands, but rotate perpendicular in the excited S1 states, resulting in degeneracy or near-degeneracy of S1 and T1, accompanied by a decrease in the S1-S0 oscillator strength from its maximum at coplanar geometries to near zero at rotated geometries. Based on the computations, promising new TADF emitters are proposed and synthesized. Bright CMA complex (Et2CAAC)Au(carbazolide) is obtained and fully characterized in order to demonstrate that excellent stability and high radiative rates up to 106 s−1 can be obtained for the gold–CMA complexes with small CAAC–carbene ligands.
The Ethnopharmacological, Phytochemical, and Pharmacological Review of Euryale ferox Salisb.: A Chinese Medicine Food Homology
Authors: Jiang Jiahui , Ou Haiyan , Chen Ruiye , Lu Huiyun , Zhou Longjian , Yang Zhiyou
Published: May 2023

Euryale ferox Salisb. (prickly water lily) is the only extent of the genus Euryale that has been widely distributed in China, India, Korea, and Japan. The seeds of E. ferox (EFS) have been categorized as superior food for 2000 years in China, based on their abundant nutrients including polysaccharides, polyphenols, sesquineolignans, tocopherols, cyclic dipeptides, glucosylsterols, cerebrosides, and triterpenoids. These constituents exert multiple pharmacological effects, such as antioxidant, hypoglycemic, cardioprotective, antibacterial, anticancer, antidepression, and hepatoprotective properties. There are very few summarized reports on E. ferox, albeit with its high nutritional value and beneficial activities. Therefore, we collected the reported literature (since 1980), medical classics, database, and pharmacopeia of E. ferox, and summarized the botanical classification, traditional uses, phytochemicals, and pharmacological effects of E. ferox, which will provide new insights for further research and development of EFS-derived functional products.
Applications of BiOX in the Photocatalytic Reactions
Authors: Yuan Zhimin , Jiang Zaiyong
Published: May 2023

BiOX (X = Cl, Br, I) families are a kind of new type of photocatalysts, which have attracted the attention of more and more researchers. The suitable band gaps and their convenient tunability via the change of X elements enable BiOX to adapt to many photocatalytic reactions. In addition, because of their characteristics of the unique layered structure and indirect bandgap semiconductor, BiOX exhibits excellent separation efficiency of photogenerated electrons and holes. Therefore, BiOX could usually demonstrate fine activity in many photocatalytic reactions. In this review, we will present the various applications and modification strategies of BiOX in photocatalytic reactions. Finally, based on a good understanding of the above issues, we will propose the future directions and feasibilities of the reasonable design of modification strategies of BiOX to obtain better photocatalytic activity toward various photocatalytic applications.
Dracocephalum jacutense Peschkova from Yakutia: Extraction and Mass Spectrometric Characterization of 128 Chemical Compounds
Authors: Okhlopkova Zhanna M. , Razgonova Mayya P. , Rozhina Zoya G. , Egorova Polina S. , Golokhvast Kirill S.
Published: May 2023

Dracocephalum jacutense Peschkova is a rare and endangered species of the genus Dracocephalum of the Lamiaceae family. The species was first described in 1997 and listed in the Red Data Book of Yakutia. Significant differences in the multicomponent composition of extracts from D. jacutense collected in the natural environment and successfully introduced in the Botanical Garden of Yakutsk were identified by a team of authors earlier in a large study. In this work, we studied the chemical composition of the leaves, stem, and inflorescences of D. jacutense using the tandem mass spectrometry method. Only three cenopopulations of D. jacutense were found by us in the territory of the early habitat—in the vicinity of the village of Sangar, Kobyaysky district of Yakutia. The aboveground phytomass of the plant was collected, processed and dried as separate parts of the plant: inflorescences, stem and leaves. Firstly, a total of 128 compounds, 70% of which are polyphenols, were tentatively identified in extracts of D. jacutense. These polyphenol compounds were classified as 32 flavones, 12 flavonols, 6 flavan-3-ols, 7 flavanones, 17 phenolic acids, 2 lignans, 1 dihydrochalcone, 4 coumarins, and 8 anthocyanidins. Other chemical groups were presented as carotenoids, omega-3-fatty acids, omega-5-fatty acids, amino acids, purines, alkaloids, and sterols. The inflorescences are the richest in polyphenols (73 polyphenolic compounds were identified), while 33 and 22 polyphenols were found in the leaves and stems, respectively. A high level of identity for polyphenolic compounds in different parts of the plant is noted for flavanones (80%), followed by flavonols (25%), phenolic acids (15%), and flavones (13%). Furthermore, 78 compounds were identified for the first time in representatives of the genus Dracocephalum, including 50 polyphenolic compounds and 28 compounds of other chemical groups. The obtained results testify to the unique composition of polyphenolic compounds in different parts of D. jacutense.
Effect of Different Extraction Methods on the Total Phenolics of Sugar Cane Products
Authors: Azlan Azrina , Sultana Sharmin , Mahmod Ilya Iryani
Published: May 2023

The health benefits of sugar cane products are attributed to certain antioxidant compounds in plant materials. The presence of antioxidants in plant materials depends on the extraction method in terms of yield and the number of phenolic compounds identified. This study was carried out to evaluate the performance of the three extraction methods, which were selected from previous studies to show the effect of the extraction method on the content of antioxidant compounds in different types of sugar. This study also evaluates the potential of different sugar extracts in anti-diabetic activity based on in vitro assays (α-glucosidase and α-amylase). The results showed that sugar cane extracted with acidified ethanol (1.6 M HCl in 60% ethanol) was the best condition to extract a high yield of phenolic acids compared to other methods. Among the three types of sugar, less refined sugar (LRS) showed the highest yield of phenolic compounds, 57.72 µg/g, compared to brown sugar (BS) and refined sugar (RS) sugar, which were at 42.19 µg/g and 22.06 µg/g, respectively. Whereas, among the sugar cane derivatives, LRS showed minor and BS moderate inhibition towards α-amylase and α-glucosidase activity compared to white sugar (RS). Thus, it is suggested that sugar cane extracted with acidified ethanol (1.6 M HCl in 60% ethanol) is the optimum experimental condition for antioxidant content determination and provides a basis for further exploitation of the health-beneficial resources of the sugarcane products.
Dextran-Cholesterol Carrier Encapsulated Efficient Photosensitizer for the Photodynamic Killing of Cancer Cells
Authors: Wu Biru , Gan Zhuoheng , Tao Shengchang , Wang Qiang , Song Yuchen , Zhong Hua , Hu Fang
Published: May 2023

Selective photodynamic therapy (PDT) for cancer cells is more efficient and much safer. Most selective PDTs are realized by antigene-biomarker or peptide-biomarker interactions. Here, we modified dextran with hydrophobic cholesterol as a photosensitizer carrier to selectively target cancer cells, including colon cancer cells, and fulfilled selective PDT. The photosensitizer was designed with regular Aggregation-Induced Emission (AIE) units, including triphenylamine and 2-(3-cyano-4,5,5-trimethylfuran-2-ylidene)propanedinitrile. The AIE units can help to decrease the quenching effect in the aggregate state. The efficiency of the photosensitizer is further improved via the heavy atom effect after bromination modification. We found that the obtained photosensitizer nanoparticles could selectively target and ablate cancer cells after encapsulation into the dextran-cholesterol carrier. This study indicates that the polysaccharide-based carrier may have potential for cancer-targeting therapy beyond expectations.
Rice Bran: From Waste to Nutritious Food Ingredients
Authors: Tan Bee , Norhaizan Mohd , Chan Lee
Published: May 2023

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a principal food for more than half of the world’s people. Rice is predominantly consumed as white rice, a refined grain that is produced during the rice milling process which removes the bran and germ and leaves the starchy endosperm. Rice bran is a by-product produced from the rice milling process, which contains many bioactive compounds, for instance, phenolic compounds, tocotrienols, tocopherols, and γ-oryzanol. These bioactive compounds are thought to protect against cancer, vascular disease, and type 2 diabetes. Extraction of rice bran oil also generates various by-products including rice bran wax, defatted rice bran, filtered cake, and rice acid oil, and some of them exert bioactive substances that could be utilized as functional food ingredients. However, rice bran is often utilized as animal feed or discarded as waste. Therefore, this review aimed to discuss the role of rice bran in metabolic ailments. The bioactive constituents and food product application of rice bran were also highlighted in this study. Collectively, a better understanding of the underlying molecular mechanism and the role of these bioactive compounds exerted in the rice bran would provide a useful approach for the food industry and prevent metabolic ailments.
Analysis of Determinants of Food Preferences in a Polish Population-Based Sample of Primary School Adolescents: Diet and Activity of Youth during COVID-19 (DAY-19) Study
Authors: Kołota Aleksandra , Głąbska Dominika
Published: May 2023

For the choices of food products, food preferences are crucial, as they influence the intake of nutrients and the resultant quality of diet, but in Poland, no studies of food preferences were conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic on a population of young adolescents. The aim of this study was to analyze the determinants of food preferences in a Polish population-based sample of primary school adolescents as part of the Diet and Activity of Youth during COVID-19 (DAY-19) Study. The DAY-19 Study focused on a national sample of a population of primary school adolescents who were recruited based on cluster sampling of participants from counties and schools, yielding a sample of 5039 individuals. Their food preferences were assessed using the Food Preference Questionnaire (FPQ), and they were compared in subgroups stratified by (1) gender: male and female; (2) age: younger (10–13 years) and older (14–16 years); (3) place of residence: urban and rural; (4) Body Mass Index (BMI): underweight, normal body weight, and overweight/obese (assessed based on Polish growth reference values); and (5) physical activity level: low and moderate (assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire for children aged 10–13 (IPAQ-C) and adolescents aged 14–16 (IPAQ-A)). In the population of adolescents, no statistically significant differences in food preferences between subgroups stratified by gender were observed (p > 0.05). For boys, none of the studied factors (age, place of residence, BMI, physical activity level) was statistically significant determinant of food preferences (p < 0.05), while for girls, all of them were statistically significant determinants (p > 0.05). All the assessed factors (age, place of residence, BMI, physical activity level) in girls were associated with preferences for snacks, and older girls, those from a rural environment, those who were underweight and overweight/obese, as well as those having a low physical activity level declared a higher preference for snacks than younger ones (p = 0.0429), those from an urban environment (p = 0.0484), those of a normal body weight (p = 0.0091), and those having a moderate physical activity level (p = 0.0083). Similarly, girls from rural environments declared a higher preference for starches than those from urban environments (p = 0.0103), and girls having a low physical activity level declared a higher preference for fruit than those having a moderate physical activity level (p = 0.0376). Taking this into account, the population of girls, in particular, needs dedicated educational actions to support proper nutritional habits. Additionally, older age, living in a rural environment, being underweight and overweight/obese, and having a low physical activity level may be indicated as factors predisposing one to food preferences potentially promoting unhealthy dietary habits.
Perspectives on Neuronutrition in Prevention and Treatment of Neurological Disorders
Authors: Badaeva Anastasiia V. , Danilov Alexey B. , Clayton Paul , Moskalev Alexey A. , Karasev Alexander V. , Tarasevich Andrey F. , Vorobyeva Yulia D. , Novikov Viacheslav N.
Published: May 2023

The term neuronutrition has been proposed as part of nutritional neuroscience, studying the effects of various dietary components on behavior and cognition. Other researchers underline that neuronutrition includes the use of various nutrients and diets to prevent and treat neurological disorders. The aim of this narrative review was to explore the current understanding of the term neuronutrition as the key concept for brain health, its potential molecular targets, and perspectives of its nutritional approach to the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, multiple sclerosis, anxiety, depressive disorders, migraine, and chronic pain. Neuronutrition can be defined as a part of neuroscience that studies the influence of various aspects of nutrition (nutrients, diet, eating behavior, food environment, etc.) on the development of nervous disorders and includes nutrition, clinical dietetics, and neurology. There is evidence that the neuronutritional approach can influence neuroepigenetic modifications, immunological regulation, metabolic control, and behavioral patterns. The main molecular targets in neuronutrition include neuroinflammation, oxidative/nitrosative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, gut–brain axis disturbance, and neurotransmitter imbalance. To effectively apply neuronutrition for maintaining brain health, a personalized approach is needed, which includes the adaptation of the scientific findings to the genetic, biochemical, psycho-physiological, and environmental features of each individual.
Determinants of Nutritional Risk among Community-Dwelling Older Adults with Social Support
Authors: Ganhão-Arranhado Susana , Poínhos Rui , Pinhão Sílvia
Published: May 2023

Background: It is well established that older adults are at risk for malnutrition due to several social and non-social determinants, namely physiological, psychosocial, dietary and environmental determinants. The progression to malnutrition is often insidious and undetected. Thus, nutritional assessment should consider a complex web of factors that can impact nutritional status (NS). The primary objective of this study was to assess the NS of older adults attending senior centres (SCs) and to identify its predictors. Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled a sample of community-dwelling older adults in Lisbon. NS was assessed using Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA®). Malnutrition or malnutrition risk (recategorised into a single group) was predicted using binary logistic regression models, considering those participants classified as having a normal NS as the reference group. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews and anthropometric indices were measured according to Isak procedures. Results: A sample of 337 older adults, with an average age of 78.4 years old (range 66–99), mostly women (n = 210; 62.3%), were enrolled. Older adults at risk of malnutrition accounted for 40.7% of the sample. Being older (OR = 1.045, CI 95% [1.003–1.089], p = 0.037), having a worse perception of health status (OR = 3.395, CI 95% [1.182–9.746], p = 0.023), having or having had depression (OR = 5.138, CI 95% [2.869–9.201], p < 0.001), and not having or having had respiratory tract problems (OR = 0.477, CI 95% [0.246–0.925], p = 0.028) were independent predictors of malnutrition or malnutrition risk. An intermediate time of SC attendance was associated with a lower probability of malnutrition or risk (OR = 0.367, CI 95% [0.191–0.705], p = 0.003). Conclusions: NS among older adults has a multifactorial aetiology, with a strongly social component and is related to health circumstances. Further research is needed to timely identify and understand nutritional risk among this population.
The Impact and Effectiveness of Weight Loss on Kidney Transplant Outcomes: A Narrative Review
Authors: Sarno Gerardo , Frias-Toral Evelyn , Ceriani Florencia , Montalván Martha , Quintero Beatriz , Suárez Rosario , García Velasquèz Eloísa , Muscogiuri Giovanna , Iannelli Antonio , Pilone Vincenzo , Schiavo Luigi
Published: May 2023

Obesity is a worldwide epidemic that leads to several non-communicable illnesses, including chronic kidney disease (CKD). Diet and lifestyle modifications have shown a limited impact in the treatment of obesity. Because the group of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients examined in this study had limited access to kidney transplantation (KT), patients with obesity were thought to be at an increased risk of intraoperative and postoperative KT complications. Although bariatric surgery (BS) is now recognized as the gold standard treatment for morbid obesity, its role in ESRD or kidney transplant patients remains unknown. It is critical to know the correlation between weight loss and complications before and after KT, the impact of the overall graft, and patients’ survival. Hence, this narrative review aims to present updated reports addressing when to perform surgery (before or after a KT), which surgical procedure to perform, and again, if strategies to avoid weight regain must be specific for these patients. It also analyzes the metabolic alterations produced by BS and studies its cost-effectiveness pre- and post-transplantation. Due to the better outcomes found in KT recipients, the authors consider it more convenient to perform BS before KT. However, more multicenter trials are required to provide a solid foundation for these recommendations in ERSD patients with obesity.
The Effect of Flake Production and In Vitro Digestion on Releasing Minerals and Trace Elements from Wheat Flakes: The Extended Study of Dietary Intakes for Individual Life Stage Groups
Authors: Sumczynski Daniela , Fišera Miroslav , Salek Richardos Nikolaos , Orsavová Jana
Published: May 2023

This thorough study analyses the amounts of 43 minerals and trace elements in non-traditional wheat grains, flakes, and undigested flake portions using ICP-MS and establishes declines in their respective contents after the flake production. It also identifies appropriate dietary intakes, in vitro digestibility values, retention factors, and metal pollution indexes. The element contents in wheat flakes are lower than in wheat grains after the hydrothermal treatment process, and their declines are: Na (48–72%), Ce (47–72%), Sr (43–55%), Tl (33–43%), Ti (32–41%), U (31–44%), Ho (29–69%), Cr (26–64%), Zr (26–58%), Ag (25–52%), and Ca (25–46%). The flakes significantly contributed to the recommended dietary intake or adequate intake of particular elements for men of all categories as follows: Mn (143%) > Mo > Cu > Mg ≥ Cr > Fe (16%); for women: Mn (up to 183%) > Mo > Cu > Cr ≥ Mg > Fe (7–16%); for pregnant women aged 19–30: Mn (165%) > Mo > Cu > Mg > Cr (25%); and finally, for lactating women: Mn (127%) > Mo > Cu > Mg > Cr (17%). The contributions to the provisional tolerable weekly or monthly intakes of all toxic elements were established as being within the official limits. The daily intakes for non-essential elements were also calculated. The retention factors were calculated to assess the element concentrations in the undigested part using the digestibility values (87.4–90.5%). The highest retention factors were obtained for V (63–92%), Y (57–96%), Ce (43–76%), Pb (34–58%), Tl (32–70%), Ta (31–66%), and Ge (30–49%). K, Mg, P, Zn, Ba, Bi, Ga, Sb, Cu, Ni, and As appear to be released easily from flake matrices during digestion. The metal pollution index has been confirmed as being lower for non-traditional wheat flakes when compared with grains. Importantly, 15–25% of the metal pollution index assessed for native flakes remains in the undigested flake portion after in vitro digestion.
Iron Complexes with Antarctic Krill–Derived Peptides Show Superior Effectiveness to Their Original Protein–Iron Complexes in Mice with Iron Deficiency Anemia
Authors: Hu Shengjie , Lin Songyi , Feng Qi , He Xueqing , Xu Haowei , Chen Lei , Sun Na
Published: May 2023

Antarctic krill protein–iron complex and peptide–iron complex were acquired to investigate their iron bioavailability, expression of iron-regulated genes, and in vivo antioxidant capacity. Results indicated that the Antarctic krill peptide–iron complex significantly increased the hemoglobin (Hb), serum iron (SI), and iron contents in the liver and spleen in iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) mice (p < 0.05) compared with those of the Antarctic krill protein–iron complex. Despite the gene expressions of the divalent metal transporter 1(DMT1), the transferrin (Tf), and the transferrin receptor (TfR) being better regulated by both Antarctic krill peptide–iron complex and protein–iron complex, the relative iron bioavailability of the Antarctic krill peptide–iron complex group (152.53 ± 21.05%) was significantly higher than that of the protein–iron complex group (112.75 ± 9.60%) (p < 0.05). Moreover, Antarctic krill peptide–iron complex could enhance the antioxidant enzyme activities of superoxidase dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), reduce the malondialdehyde (MDA) level in IDA mice compared with the protein–iron complex, and reduce the cell damage caused by IDA. Therefore, these results indicated that Antarctic krill peptide–iron complex could be used as a highly efficient and multifunctional iron supplement.
Onco-Pathogen Mediated Cancer Progression and Associated Signaling Pathways in Cancer Development
Authors: Kannampuzha Sandra , Gopalakrishnan Abilash Valsala , Padinharayil Hafiza , Alappat Reema Rose , Anilkumar Kavya V. , George Alex , Dey Abhijit , Vellingiri Balachandar , Madhyastha Harishkumar , Ganesan Raja , Ramesh Thiyagarajan , Jayaraj Rama , Prabakaran D. S.
Published: May 2023

Infection with viruses, bacteria, and parasites are thought to be the underlying cause of about 8–17% of the world’s cancer burden, i.e., approximately one in every five malignancies globally is caused by an infectious pathogen. Oncogenesis is thought to be aided by eleven major pathogens. It is crucial to identify microorganisms that potentially act as human carcinogens and to understand how exposure to such pathogens occur as well as the following carcinogenic pathways they induce. Gaining knowledge in this field will give important suggestions for effective pathogen-driven cancer care, control, and, ultimately, prevention. This review will mainly focus on the major onco-pathogens and the types of cancer caused by them. It will also discuss the major pathways which, when altered, lead to the progression of these cancers.
Flexible Terahertz Metamaterials Absorber based on VO2
Authors: Jiang Zhaoxia , Leng Jin , Li Jin , Li Jianfei , Li Boyang , Yang Mao , Wang Xiaolian , Shi Qiwu
Published: May 2023

Terahertz (THz) metamaterials have attracted great attention due to their widely application potential in smart THz devices; however, most of them are fabricated on rigid substrate and thus limit the exploration of flexible THz electronics. In this paper, a flexible THz metamaterial absorber (MMA) incorporated with phase change material vanadium dioxide (VO2) is proposed. The simulation results indicate that two absorption peaks at around 0.24 THz (marked as A) and 0.46 THz (marked as B) can be observed by designing a I-shaped metamaterial combined with split ring structure. The strong absorption over 92% at 0.24 THz is bending-insensitive, but the absorption at 0.46 THz is bending-sensitive, across the bending angle in the range of 0–50 degrees. Moreover, dynamic modulation of the absorption can be achieved across the insulator-metal phase transition of VO2. Particularly, the absorption of the A-peak can be tuned from 99.4% to 46.9%, while the absorption of the B-peak can be tuned from 39.6% to 99.3%. This work would provide significance for the design of flexible THz smart devices.
A Method for Obtaining Optical Properties of Two-Layer Tissue such as Thin-Skinned Fruits by Using Spatial Frequency Domain Imaging
Authors: Zhang Jiaming , Fu Xiaping , Luo Yifeng , Xing Shengqiang , Yang Yang
Published: May 2023

As a new imaging inspection method with characteristics of a wide view field and non-contact, spatial frequency domain imaging (SFDI) is very suitable to evaluate the optical properties of agricultural products to ensure the sustainable development of agriculture. However, due to the unique forward scattering characteristics of fruit skin, only a few photons can return to the skin surface after interacting with the flesh, thus affecting the detection accuracy of the flesh layer. This study aims to propose a more accurate and wider applicable method to extract the optical properties of two-layer tissue from SFDI measurements. Firstly, a two-layer model was proposed by optimizing the reflectivity of the flesh layer through the optical properties and thickness of the skin layer. Secondly, the influence of the optical properties and thickness of different skin layers on the reflectivity optimization of the flesh layer was investigated by a Monte Carlo simulation, and then, the accuracy and effectiveness of the proposed model was evaluated for practical inspection by phantom experiments. Finally, this model was used to obtain the optical properties, layer by layer, of four thin-skinned fruits (pear, apple, peach and muskmelon) to verify its universality. The results showed that, for the skin layer, the average errors of the absorption coefficient (μa1) and the reduced scattering coefficient (μ′s1) were 10.87% and 7.91%, respectively, and for the flesh layer, the average errors of the absorption coefficient (μa2) and the reduced scattering coefficient (μ′s2) were 16.76% and 8.64%, respectively. This study provides the basis for the SFDI detection of optical properties of two-layer tissue such as thin-skinned fruits, which can be further used for nondestructive fruit quality evaluations.
A Review of Optical Tweezers with Metasurfaces
Authors: Shen Zhe , Huang Xinyu
Published: May 2023

Optical tweezers (OTs) have made significant progress in recent years, realizing the non-contact optical manipulation of target objects through the interaction between light and matter. In addition to trapping particles with the intensity gradient of the beam, a series of complex optical elements are required to properly modulate the beams to expand the operation of optical manipulation. The development of metasurfaces alleviates this problem. Due to the merits of miniaturization, planarization, multi-function, and integration of metasurfaces, these kinds of novel devices have been applied in OT systems. Metasurface devices have been used to replace traditional objective lenses, achieving device integration and even obtaining multi-function of OTs with unique optical properties in applications. OTs with metasurfaces have developed rapidly, and a great deal of work has been carried out on OTs with metasurfaces, as well as discussions on their practical applications. In this review, we regard the latest progress in the field of OTs with metasurfaces. We classify OTs with metasurface and summarize the new impetus brought by metasurfaces for the development of OTs.
Accuracy of Haigis Formula Using Total Keratometry for IOL Power Calculation in Eyes with Previous Myopic and Hyperopic LASIK and PRK
Authors: Galzignato Alice , Galvis Virgilio , Tello Alejandro , Urrea Juan F. , Hoffer Kenneth J. , Coutinho Catarina P. , Schiano-Lomoriello Domenico , Savini Giacomo
Published: May 2023

Background: this retrospective study aimed to analyze the results of the combination of the Haigis formula and total keratometry (TK) in calculating the IOL power in eyes with previous corneal refractive surgery. Methods: the TK value provided by the IOL Master 700 (Carl Zeiss Meditec) was introduced into the Haigis formula; the mean prediction error (PE), mean absolute error (MAE), median absolute error (MedAE) and percentage of eyes with a PE within ±0.25 D, ±0.5 D, ±0.75 D and ±1.00 D were calculated. Results: ninety-three eyes of 93 patients with previous laser refractive surgery were evaluated. Two groups were defined: the Myopic Group included 51 previously myopic eyes and the Hyperopic Group included 42 previously hyperopic eyes. The mean PE in the Myopic Group was +0.09 ± 0.44 D and 76.47% of eyes had a PE within ±0.50 D. In the Hyperopic Group, the mean PE was −0.15 ± 0.46 D and 66.67% of eyes had a PE within ±0.50 D. Discussion: when compared to the results previously published with other formulas or methods, the Haigis formula combined with TK provided very accurate refractive outcomes for IOL power calculation in eyes with prior myopic and hyperopic corneal refractive surgery. In such eyes the results are similar to or better than those reported in previous studies.
Sixth International Conference on Duckweed Research and Applications Presents Lemnaceae as a Model Plant System in the Genomics and Postgenomics Era
Authors: Oláh Viktor , Appenroth Klaus-Juergen , Lam Eric , Sree K. Sowjanya
Published: May 2023

The 6th International Conference on Duckweed Research and Applications (6th ICDRA) was organized at the Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) located in Gatersleben, Germany, from 29 May to 1 June 2022. The growing community of duckweed research and application specialists was noted with participants from 21 different countries including an increased share of newly integrated young researchers. The four-day conference focused on diverse aspects of basic and applied research together with practical applications of these tiny aquatic plants that could have an enormous potential for biomass production.
Interaction Mechanism of Composite Propellant Components under Heating Conditions
Authors: Liang Jiahao , Nie Jianxin , Zhang Haijun , Guo Xueyong , Yan Shi , Han Ming
Published: May 2023

To examine the interactions between two binder systems—hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) and hydroxyl-terminated block copolyether prepolymer (HTPE)—as well as between these binders and ammonium perchlorate (AP) at various temperatures for their susceptibility to varying degrees of thermal damage treatment, the thermal characteristics and combustion interactions of the HTPB and HTPE binder systems, HTPB/AP and HTPE/AP mixtures, and HTPB/AP/Al and HTPE/AP/Al propellants were studied. The results showed that the first and second weight loss decomposition peak temperatures of the HTPB binder were, respectively, 85.34 and 55.74 °C higher than the HTPE binder. The HTPE binder decomposed more easily than the HTPB binder. The microstructure showed that the HTPB binder became brittle and cracked when heated, while the HTPE binder liquefied when heated. The combustion characteristic index, S, and the difference between calculated and experimental mass damage, ΔW, indicated that the components interacted. The original S index of the HTPB/AP mixture was 3.34 × 10−8; S first decreased and then increased to 4.24 × 10−8 with the sampling temperature. Its combustion was initially mild, then intensified. The original S index of the HTPE/AP mixture was 3.78 × 10−8; S increased and then decreased to 2.78 × 10−8 with the increasing sampling temperature. Its combustion was initially rapid, then slowed. Under high-temperature conditions, the HTPB/AP/Al propellants combusted more intensely than the HTPE/AP/Al propellants, and its components interacted more strongly. A heated HTPE/AP mixture acted as a barrier, reducing the responsiveness of solid propellants.
Enhancement of Energy Storage Performance of PMMA/PVDF Composites by Changing the Crystalline Phase through Heat Treatment
Authors: Zhang Changhai , Tong Xu , Liu Zeyang , Zhang Yue , Zhang Tiandong , Tang Chao , Liu Xianli , Chi Qingguo
Published: May 2023

In today’s contemporary civilization, there is a growing need for clean energy focused on preserving the environment; thus, dielectric capacitors are crucial equipment in energy conversion. On the other hand, the energy storage performance of commercial BOPP (Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene) dielectric capacitors is relatively poor; hence, enhancing their performance has drawn the attention of an increasing number of researchers. This study used heat treatment to boost the performance of the composite made from PMAA and PVDF, combined in various ratios with good compatibility. The impacts of varying percentages of PMMA-doped PMMA/PVDF mixes and heat treatment at varying temperatures were systematically explored for their influence on the attributes of the blends. After some time, the blended composite’s breakdown strength improves from 389 kV/mm to 729.42 kV/mm at a processing temperature of 120 °C. Consequently, the energy storage density is 21.12 J/cm3, and the discharge efficiency is 64.8%. The performance has been significantly enhanced compared to PVDF in its purest state. This work offers a helpful technique for designing polymers that perform well as energy storage materials.
3D-Printed PLA Molds for Natural Composites: Mechanical Properties of Green Wax-Based Composites
Authors: Pop Mihai Alin , Cosnita Mihaela , Croitoru Cătălin , Zaharia Sebastian Marian , Matei Simona , Spîrchez Cosmin
Published: May 2023

The first part of this paper is dedicated to obtaining 3D-printed molds using poly lactic acid (PLA) incorporating specific patterns, which have the potential to serve as the foundation for sound-absorbing panels for various industries and aviation. The molding production process was utilized to create all-natural environmentally friendly composites. These composites mainly comprise paper, beeswax, and fir resin, including automotive function as the matrices and binders. In addition, fillers, such as fir needles, rice flour, and Equisetum arvense (horsetail) powder, were added in varying amounts to achieve the desired properties. The mechanical properties of the resulting green composites, including impact and compressive strength, as well as maximum bending force value, were evaluated. The morphology and internal structure of the fractured samples were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and an optical microscopy. The highest impact strength was measured for the composites with beeswax, fir needles, recyclable paper, and beeswax fir resin and recyclable paper, 19.42 and 19.32 kJ/m2, respectively, while the highest compressive strength was 4 MPa for the beeswax and horsetail-based green composite. Natural-material-based composites exhibited 60% higher mechanical performance compared to similar commercial products used in the automotive industry.
The Aging Behavior and Life Prediction of CFRP Rods under a Hygrothermal Environment
Authors: Liu Xiaodong , Su Qingyong , Zhu Jing , Song Xiaopeng
Published: May 2023

Carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites have been widely used in civil engineering structures due to their excellent mechanical and durability properties. The harsh service environment of civil engineering leads to significant degradation of the thermal and mechanical performances of CFRP, which then reduces its service reliability, service safety, and life. Research on the durability of CFRP is urgently needed to understand the long-term performance degradation mechanism. In the present study, the hygrothermal aging behavior of CFRP rods was investigated experimentally through immersion in distilled water for 360 days. The water absorption and diffusion behavior, the evolution rules of short beam shear strength (SBSS), and dynamic thermal mechanical properties were obtained to investigate the hygrothermal resistance of CFRP rods. The research results show that the water absorption behavior conforms to Fick’s model. The ingression of water molecules leads to a significant decrease in SBSS and glass transition temperature (Tg). This is attributed to the plasticization effect of the resin matrix and interfacial debonding. Furthermore, the Arrhenius equation was used to predict the long-term life of SBSS in the actual service environment based on the time–temperature equivalence theory, obtaining a stable strength retention of SBSS of 72.78%, which was meaningful to provide a design guideline for the long-term durability of CFRP rods.
Resistance to Degradation of Silk Fibroin Hydrogels Exposed to Neuroinflammatory Environments
Authors: Yonesi Mahdi , Ramos Milagros , Ramirez-Castillejo Carmen , Fernández-Serra Rocío , Panetsos Fivos , Belarra Adrián , Chevalier Margarita , Rojo Francisco J. , Pérez-Rigueiro José , Guinea Gustavo V. , González-Nieto Daniel
Published: May 2023

Central nervous system (CNS) diseases represent an extreme burden with significant social and economic costs. A common link in most brain pathologies is the appearance of inflammatory components that can jeopardize the stability of the implanted biomaterials and the effectiveness of therapies. Different silk fibroin scaffolds have been used in applications related to CNS disorders. Although some studies have analyzed the degradability of silk fibroin in non-cerebral tissues (almost exclusively upon non-inflammatory conditions), the stability of silk hydrogel scaffolds in the inflammatory nervous system has not been studied in depth. In this study, the stability of silk fibroin hydrogels exposed to different neuroinflammatory contexts has been explored using an in vitro microglial cell culture and two in vivo pathological models of cerebral stroke and Alzheimer’s disease. This biomaterial was relatively stable and did not show signs of extensive degradation across time after implantation and during two weeks of in vivo analysis. This finding contrasted with the rapid degradation observed under the same in vivo conditions for other natural materials such as collagen. Our results support the suitability of silk fibroin hydrogels for intracerebral applications and highlight the potentiality of this vehicle for the release of molecules and cells for acute and chronic treatments in cerebral pathologies.
Numerical and Experimental Simulation of Hydraulic Fracture Propagation Mechanism in Conglomerate Formation Based on Hybrid Finite-Discrete Element Method
Authors: Wang Linsheng , Wang Mingxing
Published: May 2023

Hydraulic fracturing was the main technology to achieve the economic development of conglomerate reservoirs, knowing that the hydraulic fracture propagation mode was of great significance for improving the development of conglomerate reservoirs. This paper proposed a new method to understand the hydraulic fracture behavior based on a hybrid finite-discrete element method. The simulation indicated that a complex fracture network was created near the wellbore in the studied conglomerate reservoir, and hydraulic fracture propagation around the gravel layer was the main failure mode when the hydraulic fracture reached the gravel layer. From the simulations, it was shown that under small differences in horizontal stress and tensile strength, the hydraulic fracture propagated more easily around the gravel layer, while it could cross the gravel under large differences in horizontal stress and tensile strength. Greater tensile strength differences can reduce the complexity of the fracture network. In addition, higher pumping rates and viscosities of fracturing fluid contribute to the complex fracture network and also can produce more gravel crosses when the hydraulic fracture is met. The main reason was that a higher pumping rate and higher viscosity of fracturing fluid can obtain a higher net pressure, which can ensure the hydraulic fracture crosses the gravel layer.
Two Potential Ways of Vanadium Extraction from Thin Film Steelmaking Slags
Authors: Shyrokykh Tetiana , Neubert Lukas , Volkova Olena , Sridhar Seetharaman
Published: May 2023

During the steelmaking process, a great amount of slag is generated as a by-product. Vanadium-bearing steelmaking slags are classified as hazardous and require special handling and storage due to the toxicity of vanadium pentoxides. At the same time, such slags are valuable sources for the recovery of vanadium. The present work reviews the investigations on vanadium recovery from CaO-SiO2-FeO-V2O5 thin film slags under the neutral and oxidizing conditions in the temperature range 1653 K to 1693 K (1380 °C to 1420 °C) using Single Hot Thermocouple Technique (SHTT). The slag samples were analyzed by SEM/EDX. The results indicated that vanadium pentoxide evaporation can be up to 17.73% under an oxidizing atmosphere, while spinel formation under an argon atmosphere was detected in the conditions of thin film slags.
The Suppression of Hump Instability inside a Pump Turbine in Pump Mode Using Water Injection Control
Authors: Yang Jun , Feng Xianhua , Liu Xiaohua , Peng Tao , Chen Zhijie , Wang Zihang
Published: May 2023

The occurrence of hump instability in pump mode within a pump turbine poses a significant challenge to the safe and stable operation of Pumped Storage Power Plants (PSPP). To achieve more precise numerical simulations, this paper establishes a weakly compressible model of water based on the Tait equation. Using this model, it is discovered that the onset of hump instability is closely linked to an increase in hydraulic losses induced by stalled rotation within the diffuser. Then, a flow control approach employing water injection into the guide vanes of a pump turbine is proposed in order to suppress flow instabilities and optimize the hump region. The findings reveal that the water injection approach can mitigate hydraulic losses, suppress unstable structures, and diminish the pulsation amplitude within the diffuser, ultimately delaying the emergence of the hump region to lower flow mass conditions. This study is helpful in widening the range of the safe and stable operation of pump turbines in pump mode.
Synergistic Ball Milling–Enzymatic Pretreatment of Brewer’s Spent Grains to Improve Volatile Fatty Acid Production through Thermophilic Anaerobic Fermentation
Authors: Liu Can , Ullah Ahamed , Gao Xin , Shi Jian
Published: May 2023

Brewer’s spent grain (BSG) as the major byproduct in the brewing industry is a promising feedstock to produce value-added products such as volatile fatty acids (VFAs). Synergistic ball mill–enzymatic hydrolysis (BM-EH) process is an environmentally friendly pretreatment method for lignocellulosic materials before bioprocessing. This study investigated the potential of raw and BM-EH pretreated BSG feedstocks to produce VFAs through a direct thermophilic anaerobic fermentation process without introducing a methanogen inhibitor. The highest VFA concentration of over 30 g/L was achieved under the high-solid loading fermentation (HS) of raw BSG. The synergistic BM-EH pretreatment helps to increase the cellulose conversion to 70%. Under conventional low TS fermentation conditions, compared to the controlled sample, prolonged pretreatment of the BSG substrate resulted in increased VFA yields from 0.25 to 0.33 g/gVS, and butyric acid became dominant instead of acetic acid.
Influence of Sputtering Pressure on the Micro-Topography of Sputtered Cu/Si Films: Integrated Multiscale Simulation
Authors: Zhu Guo , Han Mengxin , Xiao Baijun , Gan Zhiyin
Published: May 2023

In this work, an integrated multiscale simulation of magnetron sputtering epitaxy was conducted to study the effect of sputtering pressure on the surface micro-topography of sputtered Cu/Si films. Simulation results indicated that, as the sputtering pressure increased from 0.15 to 2 Pa, the peak energy of the incident energy distribution gradually decreased from 2 to 0.2 eV, which might be mainly due to the gradual decrease in the proportion of deposited Cu atoms whose energy ranged from 2 to 30 eV; the peak angle of the incident polar angle distribution increased from 25° to 35°, which might be attributed to the gradual thermalization of deposited Cu atoms; the growth mode of Cu film transformed from the two-dimensional layered mode to the Volmer-Weber mode. The transformation mechanism of growth mode was analyzed in detail. A comprehensive analysis of the simulation results indicated that incident energy ranging from 2 to 30 eV and incident angle between 10° and 35° might be conducive to the two-dimensional layered growth of sputtered Cu films. This work proposes an application-oriented modeling approach for magnetron sputtering epitaxy.
Colonial Counterfactuals, the American Separationist Mindset, and Open-Minded Discourse on the Establishment Clause
Authors: Prud'homme Joseph Gilbert
Published: May 2023

This work first develops the idea of an American Separationist Mindset—a deeply rooted and often unthinking supposition that the strict separation of church and state is the only defensible church-state arrangement under the Establishment Clause of the United States Constitution. Such a Mindset can make arguments for religious accommodationism difficult to be assessed openmindedly in contemporary constitutional discourse. The essay next surveys the potential of a counterfactual history of topics long thought settled to weaken prevailing views and treasured interpretations so to allow greater critical engagement with alternative assessments. The work in turn deploys a counterfactual reconstruction of Maryland’s colonial Anglican establishment. This account imagines the founding vision for Maryland’s establishment of Anglicanism developed by Rev. Thomas Bray as having been sustained. The cogency of this counterfactual can assist contemporary constitutional discourse by weakening the prejudicial potential of the American Separationist Mindset.