bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multipole Excitations and Nonlocality in 1d Plasmonic Nanostructures
Authors: Goncharenko Anatoliy V. , Silkin Vyacheslav M.
Published: April 2023

Efficient simulation methods for taking nonlocal effects in nanostructures into account have been developed, but they are usually computationally expensive or provide little insight into underlying physics. A multipolar expansion approach, among others, holds promise to properly describe electromagnetic interactions in complex nanosystems. Conventionally, the electric dipole dominates in plasmonic nanostructures, while higher order multipoles, especially the magnetic dipole, electric quadrupole, magnetic quadrupole, and electric octopole, can be responsible for many optical phenomena. The higher order multipoles not only result in specific optical resonances, but they are also involved in the cross-multipole coupling, thus giving rise to new effects. In this work, we introduce a simple yet accurate simulation modeling technique, based on the transfer-matrix method, to compute higher-order nonlocal corrections to the effective permittivity of 1d plasmonic periodic nanostructures. In particular, we show how to specify the material parameters and the arrangement of the nanolayers in order to maximize or minimize various nonlocal corrections. The obtained results provide a framework for guiding and interpreting experiments, as well as for designing metamaterials with desired dielectric and optical properties.
Bimetallic AgPt Nanoalloys as an Electrocatalyst for Ethanol Oxidation Reaction: Synthesis, Structural Analysis, and Electro-Catalytic Activity
Authors: Mares-Briones Fabian , Higareda América , Lopez-Miranda Jose Luis , Mendoza-Cruz Rubén , Esparza Rodrigo
Published: April 2023

In the present work, the chemical synthesis of AgPt nanoalloys is reported by the polyol method using polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a surfactant and a heterogeneous nucleation approach. Nanoparticles with different atomic compositions of the Ag and Pt elements (1:1 and 1:3) were synthesized by adjusting the molar ratios of the precursors. The physicochemical and microstructural characterization was initially performed using the UV-Vis technique to determine the presence of nanoparticles in suspension. Then, the morphology, size, and atomic structure were determined using XRD, SEM, and HAADF-STEM techniques, confirming the formation of a well-defined crystalline structure and homogeneous nanoalloy with an average particle size of less than 10 nm. Finally, the cyclic voltammetry technique evaluated the electrochemical activity of bimetallic AgPt nanoparticles supported on Vulcan XC-72 carbon for the ethanol oxidation reaction in an alkaline medium. Chronoamperometry and accelerated electrochemical degradation tests were performed to determine their stability and long-term durability. The synthesized AgPt (1:3)/C electrocatalyst presented significative catalytic activity and superior durability due to the introduction of Ag that weakens the chemisorption of the carbonaceous species. Thus, it could be an attractive candidate for cost-effective ethanol oxidation compared to commercial Pt/C.
Lead Detection in a Gig-Lox TiO2 Sponge by X-ray Reflectivity
Authors: Arena Valentina , Smecca Emanuele , Valastro Salvatore , Bongiorno Corrado , Fisicaro Giuseppe , Deretzis Ioannis , Spampinato Carlo , Mannino Giovanni , Dattilo Sandro , Scamporrino Andrea , Carroccio Sabrina , La Magna Antonino , Alberti Alessandra
Published: April 2023

The importance of lead analysis in environmental matrices becomes increasingly relevant due to the anthropogenic spread of toxic species in nature. Alongside the existing analytical methods to detect lead in a liquid environment, we propose a new dry approach for lead detection and measurement based on its capture from a liquid solution by a solid sponge and subsequent quantification based on X-ray analyses. The detection method exploits the relationship between the electronic density of the solid sponge, which depends on the captured lead, and the critical angle for total reflection of the X-rays. For this purpose, gig-lox TiO2 layers, grown by modified sputtering physical deposition, were implemented for their branched multi-porosity spongy structure that is ideal for capturing lead atoms or other metallic ionic species in a liquid environment. The gig-lox TiO2 layers grown on glass substrates were soaked into aqueous solutions containing different concentrations of Pb, dried after soaking, and finally probed through X-ray reflectivity analyses. It has been found that lead atoms are chemisorbed onto the many available surfaces within the gig-lox TiO2 sponge by establishing stable oxygen bonding. The infiltration of lead into the structure causes an increase in the overall electronic density of the layer and, thus, an increment of its critical angle. Based on the established linear relationship between the amount of lead adsorbed and the augmented critical angle, a standardized quantitative procedure to detect Pb is proposed. The method can be, in principle, applied to other capturing spongy oxides and toxic species.
Nanoemulsion in Management of Colorectal Cancer: Challenges and Future Prospects
Authors: Mohite Popat , Rajput Tanavirsing , Pandhare Ramdas , Sangale Adinath , Singh Sudarshan , Prajapati Bhupendra G.
Published: April 2023

The second most significant cause of cancer-related mortality and morbidity in the United States is colorectal cancer (CRC), the third most diagnosed malignancy. People over 50 have an increased risk of CRC everywhere in the world. Genetic and environmental risk factors significantly influence CRC development. Early detection is critical in the treatment and prevention of CRC. The population’s incidence rate of CRC is currently reduced by screening techniques and medicines, although recurrence of the disease may result from the cancer’s ability to spread locally. Consequently, the difficulty is in finding a different treatment for CRC. Nanotechnology is crucial for cancer treatment because it allows for the delivery of targeted chemotherapies to cancer cells directly and with greater therapeutic potency. Nanoemulsions have broad application in pharmaceutics, cosmetics, and food; their outstanding properties include enhanced dispersion of active hydrophobic components, small size, high surface area per unit volume, and improved absorption in cancer treatment. The present review highlights formulation aspects, preparation methods, and characterization techniques. We also provide a critical analysis of recent developments in nanoemulsions in colorectal cancer treatment that hold promise in delivering nanoemulsions in colorectal treatment.
Longitudinal Trajectories of Dietary Fibre Intake and Its Determinants in Early Childhood: Results from the Melbourne InFANT Program
Authors: Thorsteinsdottir Fanney , Campbell Karen J. , Heitmann Berit L. , Zheng Miaobing
Published: April 2023

Background: Optimal nutrition during early childhood, including dietary fibre intake, is important for children’s health and development. Knowledge of fibre intake and its determinants in early childhood is limited. We aimed to describe fibre intake and sources and to identify trajectories of fibre intake at age 9, 18, 42, and 60 months and its child and maternal determinants. Associations between fibre trajectory groups and BMI z-scores and child overweight status were also assessed. Methods: This is a secondary analysis of longitudinal data from the Melbourne InFANT Program, trial registration: Current Controlled Trials (ISRCTN81847050). Group-based trajectory modelling was used to identify trajectories of fibre intake from ages 9 to 60 months (n = 503). Multivariable logistic or linear regression was used to assess the determinants of fibre intake trajectories and the association between fibre intake trajectories and obesity outcomes. Results: Four fibre intake trajectory groups were identified, with three groups following stable, rising trajectories of “Low” (52.3%), “Moderate” (32.2%), and “High” (13.3%), respectively. The remaining followed an “unstable” trajectory (2.2%). Girls versus boys were more likely to follow the “Low” fibre intake trajectory, whereas children who were breastfed for ≥6 months and whose mother had a university education were less likely to follow the “Low” fibre trajectory. No association was found between fibre trajectory groups and obesity outcomes. Conclusion: Most children followed a stable, rising trajectory of low fibre intake in early childhood. Child sex, breastfeeding duration and maternal education were significant determinants of low fibre intake trajectory.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Management of Staphylococcus aureus Bloodstream Infections in a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Böing Christian W. , Froböse Neele J. , Schaumburg Frieder , Kampmeier Stefanie
Published: April 2023

Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB) is associated with a high mortality rate. The clinical outcome of SAB patients highly depends on early diagnosis, adequate antibiotic therapy and source control. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the health care system faced additional organizational challenges and the question arose whether structured screening and triaging for COVID-19 and shifting resources influence the management of SAB. Patients (n = 115) with SAB were enrolled in a retrospective comparative study with historical controls (March 2019–February 2021). The quality of SAB therapy was assessed with a point score, which included correct choice of antibiotic, adequate dosage of antibiotic, sufficient duration of therapy, early start of therapy after receipt of findings, focus search and taking control blood cultures 3–4 days after starting adequate antibiotic therapy. The quality of treatment before and after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic were compared. No significant differences in the total score points were found between the pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 cohort. All quality indicators, except the correct duration of antibiotic therapy, showed no significant differences in both cohorts. Furthermore, there were no significant differences in the outcome between both cohorts. The treatment quality of SAB therapy was comparable before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Clinical Evidence for the Use of Octenidine Dihydrochloride to Prevent Healthcare-Associated Infections and Decrease Staphylococcus aureus Carriage or Transmission—A Review
Authors: Köck Robin , Denkel Luisa , Feßler Andrea T. , Eicker Rudolf , Mellmann Alexander , Schwarz Stefan , Geffers Christine , Hübner Nils-Olaf , Leistner Rasmus
Published: April 2023

Background: The antiseptic agent octenidine dihydrochloride (OCT) is used for skin preparation, for Staphylococcus aureus decolonization, and within bundles for the prevention of catheter-related or surgical site infections (SSIs). Here, we review the evidence for the effects of OCT from clinical studies. Methods: Review of studies published in the Medline, Scopus, and Cochrane databases until August 2022, performed in clinical settings and reporting on effects of OCT on S. aureus carriage/transmission, SSI prevention, and prevention of intensive care unit (ICU)-related or catheter-related bloodstream and insertion site infections. Results: We included 31 articles. The success of S. aureus decolonization with OCT-containing therapies ranged between 6 and 87%. Single studies demonstrated that OCT application led to a reduction in S. aureus infections, acquisition, and carriage. No study compared OCT for skin preparation before surgical interventions to other antiseptics. Weak evidence for the use of OCT for pre-operative washing was found in orthopedic and cardiac surgery, if combined with other topical measures. Mostly, studies did not demonstrate that daily OCT bathing reduced ICU-/catheter-related bloodstream infections with one exception. Conclusions: There is a need to perform studies assessing the clinical use of OCT compared with other antiseptics with respect to its effectiveness to prevent nosocomial infections.
Curcumin and Its Derivatives as Potential Antimalarial and Anti-Inflammatory Agents: A Review on Structure–Activity Relationship and Mechanism of Action
Authors: Jamil Siti Nur Hidayah , Ali Amatul Hamizah , Feroz Shevin Rizal , Lam Su Datt , Agustar Hani Kartini , Mohd Abd Razak Mohd Ridzuan , Latip Jalifah
Published: April 2023

Curcumin, one of the major ingredients of turmeric (Curcuma longa), has been widely reported for its diverse bioactivities, including against malaria and inflammatory-related diseases. However, curcumin’s low bioavailability limits its potential as an antimalarial and anti-inflammatory agent. Therefore, research on the design and synthesis of novel curcumin derivatives is being actively pursued to improve the pharmacokinetic profile and efficacy of curcumin. This review discusses the antimalarial and anti-inflammatory activities and the structure–activity relationship (SAR), as well as the mechanisms of action of curcumin and its derivatives in malarial treatment. This review provides information on the identification of the methoxy phenyl group responsible for the antimalarial activity and the potential sites and functional groups of curcumin for structural modification to improve its antimalarial and anti-inflammatory actions, as well as potential molecular targets of curcumin derivatives in the context of malaria and inflammation.
Development of Mucoadhesive Electrospun Scaffolds for Intravaginal Delivery of Lactobacilli spp., a Tenside, and Metronidazole for the Management of Bacterial Vaginosis
Authors: Ilomuanya Margaret O. , Bassey Peace O. , Ogundemuren Deborah A. , Ubani-Ukoma Uloma N. , Tsamis Alkiviadis , Fan Yuwei , Michalakis Konstantinos , Angsantikul Pavimol , Usman Abdulrahman , Amenaghawon Andrew N.
Published: April 2023

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is an infection of the vagina associated with thriving anaerobes, such as Gardnerella vaginitis and other associated pathogens. These pathogens form a biofilm responsible for the recurrence of infection after antibiotic therapy. The aim of this study was to develop a novel mucoadhesive polyvinyl alcohol and polycaprolactone electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds for vaginal delivery, incorporating metronidazole, a tenside, and Lactobacilli. This approach to drug delivery sought to combine an antibiotic for bacterial clearance, a tenside biofilm disruptor, and a lactic acid producer to restore healthy vaginal flora and prevent the recurrence of bacterial vaginosis. F7 and F8 had the least ductility at 29.25% and 28.39%, respectively, and this could be attributed to the clustering of particles that prevented the mobility of the crazes. F2 had the highest at 93.83% due to the addition of a surfactant that increased the affinity of the components. The scaffolds exhibited mucoadhesion between 31.54 ± 0.83% and 57.86 ± 0.95%, where an increased sodium cocoamphoacetate concentration led to increased mucoadhesion. F6 showed the highest mucoadhesion at 57.86 ± 0.95%, as compared to 42.67 ± 1.22% and 50.89 ± 1.01% for the F8 and F7 scaffolds, respectively. The release of metronidazole via a non-Fickian diffusion-release mechanism indicated both swelling and diffusion. The anomalous transport within the drug-release profile pointed to a drug-discharge mechanism that combined both diffusion and erosion. The viability studies showed a growth of Lactobacilli fermentum in both the polymer blend and the nanofiber formulation that was retained post-storage at 25 °C for 30 days. The developed electrospun scaffolds for the intravaginal delivery of Lactobacilli spp., along with a tenside and metronidazole for the management of bacterial vaginosis, provide a novel tool for the treatment and management of recurrent vaginal infection.
Introgression of Heterotic Genomic Segments from Brassica carinata into Brassica juncea for Enhancing Productivity
Authors: Vasisth Prashant , Singh Naveen , Limbalkar Omkar Maharudra , Sharma Mohit , Dhanasekaran Gokulan , Meena Mohan Lal , Jain Priyanka , Jaiswal Sarika , Iquebal Mir Asif , Watts Anshul , Gaikwad Kiran B. , Singh Rajendra
Published: April 2023

Interspecific hybridization resulted in the creation of B. juncea introgression lines (ILs) generated from B. carinata with increased productivity and adaptability. Forty ILs were crossed with their respective B. juncea recipient parents to generate introgression line hybrids (ILHs) and the common tester (SEJ 8) was used to generate test hybrids (THs). Mid-parent heterosis in ILHs and standard heterosis in THs were calculated for eight yield and yield-related traits. Heterotic genomic regions were dissected using ten ILs with significant mid-parent heterosis in ILHs and standard heterosis in THs for seed yield. A high level of heterosis for seed yield was contributed by 1000 seed weight (13.48%) in D31_ILHs and by total siliquae/plant (14.01%) and siliqua length (10.56%) in PM30_ILHs. The heterotic ILs of DRMRIJ 31 and Pusa Mustard 30 were examined using polymorphic SNPs between the parents, and a total of 254 and 335 introgressed heterotic segments were identified, respectively. This investigation discovered potential genes, viz., PUB10, glutathione S transferase, TT4, SGT, FLA3, AP2/ERF, SANT4, MYB, and UDP-glucosyl transferase 73B3 that were previously reported to regulate yield-related traits. The heterozygosity of the FLA3 gene significantly improved siliqua length and seeds per siliqua in ILHs of Pusa Mustard 30. This research proved that interspecific hybridization is an effective means of increasing the diversity of cultivated species by introducing new genetic variants and improving the level of heterosis.
Colletotrichum Species Associated with Anthracnose in Salix babylonica in China
Authors: Zhang Mengyu , Li Dewei , Si Yuanzhi , Ju Yue , Zhu Lihua
Published: April 2023

Salix babylonica L. is a popular ornamental tree species in China and widely cultivated in Asia, Europe, and North America. Anthracnose in S. babylonica poses a serious threat to its growth and reduces its medicinal properties. In 2021, a total of 55 Colletotrichum isolates were isolated from symptomatic leaves in three provinces in China. Phylogenetic analyses using six loci (ITS, ACT, CHS-1, TUB2, CAL, and GAPDH) and a morphological characterization of the 55 isolates showed that they belonged to four species of Colletotrichum, including C. aenigma, C. fructicola, C. gloeosporioides s.s., and C. siamense. Among them, C. siamense was the dominant species, and C. gloeosporioides s.s. was occasionally discovered from the host tissues. Pathogenicity tests revealed that all the isolates of the aforementioned species were pathogenic to the host, and there were significant differences in pathogenicity or virulence among these isolates. The information on the diversity of Colletotrichum spp. that causes S. babylonica anthracnose in China is new.
Unique Salt-Tolerance-Related QTLs, Evolved in Vigna riukiuensis (Na+ Includer) and V. nakashimae (Na+ Excluder), Shed Light on the Development of Super-Salt-Tolerant Azuki Bean (V. angularis) Cultivars
Authors: Ogiso-Tanaka Eri , Chankaew Sompong , Yoshida Yutaro , Isemura Takehisa , Marubodee Rusama , Kongjaimun Alisa , Baba-Kasai Akiko , Okuno Kazutoshi , Ehara Hiroshi , Tomooka Norihiko
Published: April 2023

Wild relatives of crops have the potential to improve food crops, especially in terms of improving abiotic stress tolerance. Two closely related wild species of the traditional East Asian legume crops, Azuki bean (Vigna angularis), V. riukiuensis “Tojinbaka” and V. nakashimae “Ukushima” were shown to have much higher levels of salt tolerance than azuki beans. To identify the genomic regions responsible for salt tolerance in “Tojinbaka” and “Ukushima”, three interspecific hybrids were developed: (A) azuki bean cultivar “Kyoto Dainagon” × “Tojinbaka”, (B) “Kyoto Dainagon” × “Ukushima” and (C) “Ukushima” × “Tojinbaka”. Linkage maps were developed using SSR or restriction-site-associated DNA markers. There were three QTLs for “percentage of wilt leaves” in populations A, B and C, while populations A and B had three QTLs and population C had two QTLs for “days to wilt”. In population C, four QTLs were detected for Na+ concentration in the primary leaf. Among the F2 individuals in population C, 24% showed higher salt tolerance than both wild parents, suggesting that the salt tolerance of azuki beans can be further improved by combining the QTL alleles of the two wild relatives. The marker information would facilitate the transfer of salt tolerance alleles from “Tojinbaka” and “Ukushima” to azuki beans.
Symbiosis of Plants with Mycorrhizal and Endophytic Fungi
Authors: Lavado Raul S. , Chiocchio Viviana M.
Published: April 2023

It has long been known that plants and microorganisms coexist [...]
Influence of a phyA Mutation on Polyamine Metabolism in Arabidopsis Depends on Light Spectral Conditions
Authors: Rahman Altafur , Tajti Judit , Majláth Imre , Janda Tibor , Prerostova Sylva , Ahres Mohamed , Pál Magda
Published: April 2023

The aim of the study was to reveal the influence of phyA mutations on polyamine metabolism in Arabidopsis under different spectral compositions. Polyamine metabolism was also provoked with exogenous spermine. The polyamine metabolism-related gene expression of the wild type and phyA plants responded similarly under white and far-red light conditions but not at blue light. Blue light influences rather the synthesis side, while far red had more pronounced effects on the catabolism and back-conversion of the polyamines. The observed changes under elevated far-red light were less dependent on PhyA than the blue light responses. The polyamine contents were similar under all light conditions in the two genotypes without spermine application, suggesting that a stable polyamine pool is important for normal plant growth conditions even under different spectral conditions. However, after spermine treatment, the blue regime had more similar effects on synthesis/catabolism and back-conversion to the white light than the far-red light conditions. The additive effects of differences observed on the synthesis, back-conversion and catabolism side of metabolism may be responsible for the similar putrescine content pattern under all light conditions, even in the presence of an excess of spermine. Our results demonstrated that both light spectrum and phyA mutation influence polyamine metabolism.
Comparative Study of Three Biological Control Agents and Two Conventional Fungicides against Coriander Damping-off and Root Rot Caused by Rhizoctonia solani
Authors: Abdelrhim Abdelrazek S. , Abdellatif Yasmin M. R. , Hossain Mohammad A. , Alamri Saud , Pessarakli Mohammad , Lessy Amna M. N. , Dawood Mona F. A.
Published: April 2023

The in vitro and in vivo efficacy of three biocontrol agents, Trichoderma viride, Pseudomonas fluorescence, and Bacillus subtilis, were tested against Rhizoctonia solani (AG-4) infection compared to two conventional fungicides (Rizolex-T 50%wettable powder and Amistar 25%). Antifungal enzyme activity was assayed in the culture filtrate of the biocontrol agents. The impact of the tested biocontrol agents on the induction of the coriander immune system was investigated against R. solani by assessing the resistance-related enzymes and compounds in biocontrol agent-treated plants compared with the control. The obtained results revealed that all tested biocontrol agents significantly reduced the linear growth of R. solani, and T. viride recorded the highest inhibition percentage. This could be linked to the ability of T. viride to produce higher activities of antimicrobial enzymes, i.e., cellulase, chitinase, and protease, compared to P. fluorescence and B. subtilis. Applying the tested biocontrol agents significantly alleviated pre- and post-emergence damping-off and root rot/wilt diseases of infected coriander compared with untreated plants. The tested biocontrol agents exhibited significantly higher germination percentage and vigor index of the coriander than the tested fungicides. The tested biocontrol agents significantly minimized the reduction of photosynthetic pigments induced by R. solani. In addition, the results showed a significant increase in enzymes/molecules (i.e., phenylalanine, catalase, peroxidase, catalase, superoxide dismutase, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, phenolics, ascorbic acids, and salicylic acid) involved directly and indirectly in coriander resistance to R. solani. The principal component analysis of the recorded data recommended the role of the high accumulation of oxidative parameters (hydrogen peroxide and lipid peroxidation) and the inhibition of phenolic compounds in the downregulation of coriander resistance against R. solani. The heatmap analysis results revealed that biocontrol agents, especially Trichoderma, enhanced the resistance against R. solani via the stimulation of salicylic acid, phenolics, and antioxidant enzymes. Overall, the data recommended the efficacy of biocontrol agents, especially T. viride, against R. solani infecting coriander plants, which could be an efficient and a safer alternative to conventional fungicides.
Does A Velamen Radicum Effectively Protect Epiphyte Roots against Excessive Infrared Radiation?
Authors: Rodríguez Quiel Calixto , Einzmann Helena J. R. , Zotz Gerhard
Published: April 2023

Velamen radicum, a dead tissue at maturity, characterizes the roots of many epiphytes. Apart from a role in water and nutrient uptake, protection against excessive radiation in the upper forest canopy has also been suggested, but this function has never been critically assessed. To test this notion, we studied the roots of 18 species of Orchidaceae and Araceae. We defined thermal insulation traits of velamina by monitoring the temperature on the velamen surface and just below the velamen while exposing it to infrared radiation. We investigated velamen’s functionality-correlating morphological and thermal insulation traits. In addition, we investigated the viability of the living root tissue after heat exposure. The maximal surface temperatures ranged from 37–51 °C, while the temperature difference between the upper and lower velamen surface (i.e., ∆Tmax) ranged from 0.6–3.2 °C. We found a relationship of velamen thickness with ∆Tmax. Tissue viability was strongly affected by temperatures >42 °C, and no significant recovery after heat exposure was found. Thus, there is only limited support for an insulating function of velamen, but the data suggest considerable species-specific differences in heat tolerance. The latter could be a crucial determinant of the vertical distribution of epiphytes.
Exploring the Interplay of Antimicrobial Properties and Cellular Response in Physically Crosslinked Hyaluronic Acid/ε-Polylysine Hydrogels
Authors: Aunina Kristine , Ramata-Stunda Anna , Kovrlija Ilijana , Tracuma Eliza , Merijs-Meri Remo , Nikolajeva Vizma , Loca Dagnija
Published: April 2023

The reduction of tissue cytotoxicity and the improvement of cell viability are of utmost significance, particularly in the realm of green chemistry. Despite substantial progress, the threat of local infections remains a concern. Therefore, hydrogel systems that provide mechanical support and a harmonious balance between antimicrobial efficacy and cell viability are greatly needed. Our study explores the preparation of physically crosslinked, injectable, and antimicrobial hydrogels using biocompatible hyaluronic acid (HA) and antimicrobial ε-polylysine (ε-PL) in different weight ratios (10 wt% to 90 wt%). The crosslinking was achieved by forming a polyelectrolyte complex between HA and ε-PL. The influence of HA content on the resulting HA/ε-PL hydrogel physicochemical, mechanical, morphological, rheological, and antimicrobial properties was evaluated, followed by an inspection of their in vitro cytotoxicity and hemocompatibility. Within the study, injectable, self-healing HA/ε-PL hydrogels were developed. All hydrogels showed antimicrobial properties against S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, E. coli, and C. albicans, where HA/ε-PL 30:70 (wt%) composition reached nearly 100% killing efficiency. The antimicrobial activity was directly proportional to ε-PL content in the HA/ε-PL hydrogels. A decrease in ε-PL content led to a reduction of antimicrobial efficacy against S. aureus and C. albicans. Conversely, this decrease in ε-PL content in HA/ε-PL hydrogels was favourable for Balb/c 3T3 cells, leading to the cell viability of 152.57% for HA/ε-PL 70:30 and 142.67% for HA/ε-PL 80:20. The obtained results provide essential insights into the composition of the appropriate hydrogel systems able to provide not only mechanical support but also the antibacterial effect, which can offer opportunities for developing new, patient-safe, and environmentally friendly biomaterials.
How Do Phosphorus Compounds with Different Valence States Affect the Flame Retardancy of PET?
Authors: Zhao Siheng , Xu Bo , Shan Hao , Zhang Qinglei , Wang Xiangdong
Published: April 2023

This work investigated the effect of different valence states of phosphorus-containing compounds on thermal decomposition and flame retardancy of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Three polyphosphates—PBPP with +3-valence P, PBDP with +5-valence P and PBPDP with both +3/+5-valence P—were synthesized. The combustion behaviors of flame-retardant PET were studied and the structure–property relationships between the phosphorus-based structures with different valence states and flame-retardant properties were further explored. It was found that phosphorus valence states significantly affected the flame-retardant modes of action of polyphosphate in PET. For the phosphorus structures with +3-valence, more phosphorus-containing fragments were released in the gas phase, inhibiting polymer chain decomposition reactions; by contrast, those with +5-valence phosphorus retained more P in the condensed phase, promoting the formation of more P-rich char layers. It is worth noting that the polyphosphate containing both +3/+5-valence phosphorous tended to combine the advantage of phosphorus structures with two valence states and balance the flame-retardant effect in the gas phase and condensed phase. These results contribute to guiding the design of specified phosphorus-based structures of flame-retardant compounds in polymer materials.
Designable Poly(methacrylic Acid)/Silver Cluster Ring Arrays as Reflectance Spectroscopy-Based Biosensors for Label-Free Plague Diagnosis
Authors: Chen Chih-Wei , Chen Shih-Hsun , Huang Chih-Feng , Chen Jem-Kun
Published: April 2023

A hole array was fabricated via photolithography to wet the bottoms of holes using oxygen plasma. Amide-terminated silane, a water immiscible compound before hydrolysis, was evaporated for deposition on the plasma-treated hole template surface. The silane compound was hydrolyzed along the edges of circular sides of the hole bottom to form a ring of an initiator after halogenation. Poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA) was grafted from the ring of the initiator to attract Ag clusters (AgCs) as AgC–PMAA hybrid ring (SPHR) arrays via alternate phase transition cycles. The SPHR arrays were modified with a Yersinia pestis antibody (abY) to detect the antigen of Yersinia pestis (agY) for plague diagnosis. The binding of the agY onto the abY-anchored SPHR array resulted in a geometrical change from a ring to a two-humped structure. The reflectance spectra could be used to analyze the AgC attachment and the agY binding onto the abY-anchored SPHR array. The linear range between the wavelength shift and agY concentration from 30 to 270 pg mL−1 was established to obtain the detection limit of ~12.3 pg mL−1. Our proposed method provides a novel pathway to efficiently fabricate a ring array with a scale of less than 100 nm, which demonstrates excellent performance in preclinical trials.
Wood−Derived Polymers from Olefin−Functionalized Lignin and Ethyl Cellulose via Thiol–Ene Click Chemistry
Authors: An Rongrong , Liu Chengguo , Wang Jun , Jia Puyou
Published: April 2023

Lignin and cellulose derivatives have vast potential to be applied in polymer materials. The preparation of cellulose and lignin derivatives through esterification modification is an important method to endow cellulose and lignin with good reactivity, processability and functionality. In this study, ethyl cellulose and lignin are modified via esterification to prepare olefin−functionalized ethyl cellulose and lignin, which are further used to prepare cellulose and lignin cross−linker polymers via thiol–ene click chemistry. The results show that the olefin group concentration in olefin−functionalized ethyl cellulose and lignin reached 2.8096 mmol/g and 3.7000 mmol/g. The tensile stress at break of the cellulose cross−linked polymers reached 23.59 MPa. The gradual enhancement in mechanical properties is positively correlated with the olefin group concentration. The existence of ester groups in the cross−linked polymers and degradation products makes them more thermally stable. In addition, the microstructure and pyrolysis gas composition are also investigated in this paper. This research is of vast significance to the chemical modification and practical application of lignin and cellulose.
An Enhanced Version of MDDB-GC Algorithm: Multi-Density DBSCAN Based on Grid and Contribution for Data Stream
Authors: Hu Shuo , Pang Yonglin , He Yong , Yang Yuan , Zhang Henian , Zhang Linmeng , Zheng Beiyi , Hu Caiyun , Wang Qing
Published: April 2023

With the continuous enrichment of big data technology application scenarios, the clustering analysis of a data stream has become a research hotspot. However, the existing data stream clustering algorithms usually have some defects, such as inability to cluster arbitrary shapes, difficulty determining some important parameters, and “static” clustering. In this study, a novel algorithm MDDSDB-GC is innovated. It selected MDDB-GC as the original algorithm that cannot deal with a data stream. In MDDSDB-GC, the calculation methods of contribution, grid density, and migration factor are effectively improved, and other parts are adjusted accordingly. The experiments show that MDDSDB-GC retains the advantage of MDDB-GC and obtains the ability to cluster an analysis for a data stream. At the same time, it effectively overcomes the above conventional defects, and its overall performance is better.
Circuit Breaker Fault Diagnosis Method Based on Coil Current Time Sequence Phase Trajectory Characteristics
Authors: Chen Yaqi , Li Qiong , Zou Yang , Long Guohua , Yan Nianping , Fan Ruixiang
Published: April 2023

The traditional circuit breaker fault diagnosis method suffers from insufficient feature information extraction and is easily affected by abnormal signal acquisition. To address this, this paper introduces the phase space reconstruction algorithm to reconstruct the current signal for fault diagnosis based on phase trajectory features. The proposed method uses a first-order forward differencing method and mutual information method to process abnormal data and select the parameters of the reconstruction, then extract overall and local inflection point features to construct a fault feature set. The support vector machine algorithm-based model is trained and tested using actual samples, and the results show that the proposed method can adaptively sample anomalous signals, exhibit strong robustness, and significantly improve the accuracy of fault classification.
Lady White Bone: The Making of a Monstress
Authors: Wu I-Hsien
Published: April 2023

Lady White Bone, a demon from the sixteenth-century novel Journey to the West (Xiyou ji 西遊記), has grown into one of the most celebrated femme fatales in popular imagination. This paper explores the formation of this monster as a gendered skeleton and its association with the dead body. Contextualizing this character in a broadly defined genre of skeleton fantasy, I investigate her lineage in a textual network of literature and religion, focusing on zhiguai 志怪 (accounts of anomalies) short stories and the Buddhist meditation “White Bone Contemplation” (baigu guan 白骨觀), which in turn, leads to the notion of “beauty is white bone” (meiren baigu 美人白骨), a highly gendered rendering of the Buddhist notion “form is void” (se ji shi kong 色即是空). To study the creation and development of this dazzling undead is to examine how women are posed as danger in various traditions, and to understand how this character continues to fascinate readers and viewers centuries after its creation.
Transfer Learning Approach for Indoor Localization with Small Datasets
Authors: Yoon Jeonghyeon , Oh Jisoo , Kim Seungku
Published: April 2023

Indoor pedestrian localization has been the subject of a great deal of recent research. Various studies have employed pedestrian dead reckoning, which determines pedestrian positions by transforming data collected through sensors into pedestrian gait information. Although several studies have recently applied deep learning to moving object distance estimations using naturally collected everyday life data, this data collection approach requires a long time, resulting in a lack of data for specific labels or a significant data imbalance problem for specific labels. In this study, to compensate for the problems of the existing PDR, a method based on transfer learning and data augmentation is proposed for estimating moving object distances for pedestrians. Consistent high-performance moving object distance estimation is achieved using only a small training dataset, and the problem of the concentration of training data only on labels within a certain range is solved using window warping and scaling methods. The training dataset consists of the three-axes values of the accelerometer sensor and the pedestrian’s movement speed calculated based on GPS coordinates. All data and GPS coordinates are collected through the smartphone. A performance evaluation of the proposed moving pedestrian distance estimation system shows a high distance error performance of 3.59 m with only approximately 17% training data compared to other moving object distance estimation techniques.
Improvement of GOCI-II Water Vapor Absorption Correction through Fusion with GK-2A/AMI Data
Authors: Lee Kyeong-Sang , Park Myung-Sook , Choi Jong-Kuk , Ahn Jae-Hyun
Published: April 2023

In remote sensing of the ocean color, in particular, in coarse-resolution global model simulations, atmospheric trace gases including water vapor are generally treated as auxiliary data, which create uncertainties in atmospheric correction. The second Korean geostationary satellite mission, Geo-Kompsat 2 (GK-2), is unique in combining visible and infrared observations from the second geostationary ocean color imager (GOCI-II) and the advanced meteorological imager (AMI) over Asia and the Pacific Ocean. In this study, we demonstrate that AMI total precipitable water (TPW) data to allow realistic water vapor absorption correction of GOCI-II color retrievals for the ocean. We assessed the uncertainties of two candidate TPW products for GOCI-II atmospheric correction using atmospheric sounding data, and then analyzed the sensitivity of four ocean-color products (remote sensing reflectance [Rrs], chlorophyll-a concentration [CHL], colored dissolved organic matter [CDOM], and total suspended sediment [TSS]) for GOCI-II water vapor transmittance correction using AMI and global model data. Differences between the TPW sources increased the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of Rrs from 2.97% to 6.43% in the blue to green bands, higher than the global climate observing system requirements (<5%) at 412 nm. By contrast, MAPE values of 3.53%, 6.18%, and 7.71% were increased to 6.63%, 13.53%, and 16.14% at high sun and sensor zenith angles for CHL, CDOM, and TSS, respectively. Uncertainty analysis provided similar results, indicating that AMI TPW produced approximately 3-fold lower error rates in ocean-color products than obtained using TPW values from the National Centers for Environmental Prediction. These results imply that AMI TPW can improve the accuracy and ability of GOCI-II ocean-color products to capture diurnal variability.
An Improved Multi-Source Data-Driven Landslide Prediction Method Based on Spatio-Temporal Knowledge Graph
Authors: Chen Luanjie , Ge Xingtong , Yang Lina , Li Weichao , Peng Ling
Published: April 2023

Landslides pose a significant threat to human lives and property, making the development of accurate and reliable landslide prediction methods essential. With the rapid advancement of multi-source remote sensing techniques and machine learning, remote sensing data-driven landslide prediction methods have attracted increasing attention. However, the lack of an effective and efficient paradigm for organizing multi-source remote sensing data and a unified prediction workflow often results in the weak generalization ability of existing prediction models. In this paper, we propose an improved multi-source data-driven landslide prediction method based on a spatio-temporal knowledge graph and machine learning models. By combining a spatio-temporal knowledge graph and machine learning models, we establish a framework that can effectively organize multi-source remote sensing data and generate unified prediction workflows. Our approach considers the environmental similarity between different areas, enabling the selection of the most adaptive machine learning model for predicting landslides in areas with scarce samples. Experimental results show that our method outperforms machine learning methods, achieving an increase in F1 score by 29% and an improvement in processing efficiency by 93%. Furthermore, by comparing the susceptibility maps generated in real scenarios, we found that our workflow can alleviate the problem of poor prediction performance caused by limited data availability in county-level predictions. This method provides new insights into the development of data-driven landslide evaluation methods, particularly in addressing the challenges posed by limited data availability.
A Real-Time Incremental Video Mosaic Framework for UAV Remote Sensing
Authors: Li Ronghao , Gao Pengqi , Cai Xiangyuan , Chen Xiaotong , Wei Jiangnan , Cheng Yinqian , Zhao Hongying
Published: April 2023

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are becoming increasingly popular in various fields such as agriculture, forest protection, resource exploration, and so on, due to their ability to capture high-resolution images quickly and efficiently at low altitudes. However, real-time image mosaicking of UAV image sequences, especially during long multi-strip flights, remains challenging. In this paper, a real-time incremental UAV image mosaicking framework is proposed, which only uses the UAV image sequence, and does not rely on global positioning system (GPS), ground control points (CGPs), or other auxiliary information. Our framework aims to reduce spatial distortion, increase the speed of the operation in the mosaicking process, and output high-quality panorama. To achieve this goal, we employ several strategies. First, the framework estimates the approximate position of each newly added frame and selects keyframes to improve efficiency. Then, the matching relationship between keyframes and other frames is obtained by using the estimated position. After that, a new optimization method based on minimizing weighted reprojection errors is adopted to carry out precise position calculation of the current frame, so as to reduce the deformation caused by cumulative errors. Finally, the weighted partition fusion method based on the Laplacian pyramid is used to fuse and update the local image in real time to achieve the best mosaic result. We have carried out a series of experiments which show that our system can output high-quality panorama in real time. The proposed keyframe selection strategy and local optimization strategy can minimize cumulative errors, the image fusion strategy is highly robust, and it can effectively improve the panorama quality.
A Pilot Randomised Control Trial of an Online Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Resilience Training Program for People with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Pakenham Kenneth I. , Landi Giulia
Published: April 2023

Background: This pilot study explored the effectiveness and feasibility of an online version of a group acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) resilience training intervention for people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS), called e-READY for Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Methods: Fifty-six PwMS were randomized to intervention (n = 31) or waitlist control (WLC) (n = 25). The primary outcome, resilience, and secondary outcomes (quality of life (QoL), distress, psychological flexibility) were assessed at pre- and post-intervention and 12-week follow-up. Results: Intervention participants reported greater pre- to post-intervention improvements in anxiety (d = 0.56) and stress (d = 0.62) than WLC. Gains were maintained at follow-up. Confidence intervals revealed a trend for the intervention group to report greater improvements than WLC across all outcomes. Reliable Change Index data showed that, compared to WLC, there were trends for more intervention participants to evidence clinically significant improvements in physical health QoL. Recruitment response was weak, intervention retention was good, adherence to program progression guidelines was satisfactory, program usability satisfaction was high, and study protocol attrition at post-intervention and follow-up was low and high, respectively. Most participants viewed the intervention as enjoyable, helpful, and resilience-building, and would recommend it to other PwMS. Qualitative feedback validated the usefulness of intervention tools and digital delivery mode and bolstered resilience through improved ACT-related skills. Conclusions: Effectiveness and feasibility results from this proof-of-concept study provide preliminary support for the e-READY for MS program.
Rise of Constabulary Maritime Agencies in Southeast Asia: Vietnam’s Paragunboat Diplomacy in the North Natuna Seas
Authors: Putra Bama Andika
Published: April 2023

The rising tensions in disputed waters in Southeast Asia have caused policymakers to diverge their maritime diplomatic strategy to include maritime constabulary forces. The use of coastguards and other non-military vessels are an emerging trend in the maritime diplomatic strategy of Southeast Asian states, including in the high-profile case of the North Natuna Seas, to which scholars pay little attention. This article contends that (1) contemporary maritime diplomacy in Southeast Asia positions the utilization of maritime constabulary forces (coastguards, maritime law enforcement agencies) as its primary maritime diplomatic strategy; (2) Vietnam’s coercive turn in its maritime disputed areas was a deliberate attempt to balance a coercive-cooperative stance against Indonesia in the North Natuna Seas, following its traditional coercive maritime diplomatic stance against China, and; (3) Vietnam’s utilization of maritime constabulary forces as a measure to solidify its sovereign claims coincided with the benefits of tactical military flexibility and non-escalatory means to achieve its aims in the Natuna Seas. This empirical explanatory research delves into the development of Vietnam’s coastguards and maritime law enforcement agencies by interpreting the secondary data from the Indonesia Ocean Justice Initiative between 2021–2022 on cases relating to suspicious maneuvers conducted by the Vietnamese Fisheries Resource Surveillance vessels safeguarding the conduct of Vietnamese IUUF.