bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Severe Macular Ischemia Is Associated with a Poor Visual Prognosis and Serious Complications in Eyes with Central Retinal Vein Occlusion
Authors: Kurobe Ryo , Hirano Yoshio , Yuguchi Takaaki , Suzuki Norihiro , Yasukawa Tsutomu
Published: October 2023

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the factors influencing post-treatment visual acuity (VA) in patients with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) with macular edema (ME). Methods: The subjects of this study were patients who visited our clinic from May 2013 to July 2019 and who could be followed up with for at least 12 months. Cases with hemi CRVO were excluded from this study. Factors considered in the evaluation of visual prognosis at the 12 months included initial best-corrected VA, central subfoveal thickness, CRVO subtype (nonischemic, ischemic, or converted from nonischemic to ischemic), time taken for the first treatment, number of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agent injections, structural changes in the inner and outer retinal layers, and the presence of macular ischemia in a multiple regression analysis. Results: There were 41 patients with 41 eyes, 27 males and 14 females. The mean age of the patients was 70.5 ± 12.2 (mean ± standard deviation) years. The mean VA was 0.544 ± 0.576, 0.456 ± 0.568, and 0.586 ± 0.665 at the initial visit, 12 months later, and time of last observation, respectively. There were no significant differences in VAs observed between the baseline, month 12, and final visit. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the external limiting membrane score at month 12 (p = 0.030), the VA at initial visit (p < 0.001), and the presence of severe macular ischemia (p < 0.001) were the key factors associated with VA at month 12. Moreover, severe macular ischemia was identified as the only factor affecting decimal VA less than 20/200 at the last observation (p = 0.0092). Conclusions: Severe macular ischemia is strongly linked to a poor visual prognosis in patients with ME associated with CRVO.
Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement Using Transcatheter Aortic Valve or Dedicated Devices: Current Evidence and Future Prospects
Authors: Quentin Victor , Mesnier Jules , Delhomme Clémence , Sayah Neila , Guedeney Paul , Barthélémy Olivier , Suc Gaspard , Collet Jean-Philippe
Published: October 2023

Transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) is a novel and evolving field dedicated to addressing the therapeutic challenges posed by patients at high surgical risk with mitral valve disease. TMVR can be categorized into two distinct fields based on the type of device and its specific indications: TMVR with transcatheter aortic valves (TAV) and TMVR with dedicated devices. Similar to aortic stenosis, TMVR with TAV requires a rigid support structure to secure the valve in place. As a result, it is indicated for patients with failing bioprothesis or surgical rings or mitral valve disease associated with severe mitral annular calcification (MAC), which furnishes the necessary foundation for valve anchoring. While TMVR with TAV has shown promising outcomes in valve-in-valve procedures, its effectiveness remains more contentious in valve-in-ring or valve-in-MAC procedures. Conversely, TMVR with dedicated devices seeks to address native mitral regurgitation, whether accompanied by MAC or not, providing an alternative to Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair (TEER) when TEER is not feasible or expected to yield unsatisfactory results. This emerging field is gradually surmounting technical challenges, including anchoring a valve in a non-calcified annulus and transitioning from the transapical route to the transeptal approach. Numerous devices are presently undergoing clinical trials. This review aims to furnish an overview of the supporting evidence for TMVR using TAV in each specific indication (valve-in-valve, valve-in-ring, valve-in-MAC). Subsequently, we will discuss the anticipated benefits of TMVR with dedicated devices over TEER, summarize the characteristics and clinical results of TMVR systems currently under investigation, and outline future prospects in this field.
Cardio-Ankle Vascular Index and Aging: Differences between CAVI and CAVI0
Authors: Giani Anna , Micciolo Rocco , Zoico Elena , Mazzali Gloria , Zamboni Mauro , Fantin Francesco
Published: October 2023

Background: Cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) and CAVI0 (a mathematical expression derived from CAVI, supposed to be less dependent on blood pressure), can describe arterial stiffness, considering a wide proportion of the arterial tree. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between CAVI, CAVI0 and aging, looking at the differences between the two arterial stiffness indexes. Methods: A total of 191 patients (68 male, mean age 68.3 ± 14.4 years) referred to the Geriatric Ward and Outpatient Clinic at Verona University Hospital were included and underwent a comprehensive clinical evaluation. CAVI and CAVI0 were obtained for each. Results: CAVI0 steeply rises in the elderly age strata, widening the gap between CAVI and CAVI0. An inverse relationship is evident between CAVI0 and DBP in older patients, and CAVI0 is shown to be dependent on age, DBP and age-DBP interaction (R2 = 0.508). Age modifies the effect of DBP on CAVI0, but not on CAVI. Conclusions: The real new findings of our study are that the association between CAVI0 and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) is modified by age, whereas the association between CAVI and DBP is not modified by age. From a clinical point of view, these are very important findings, as DBP decreases with aging, affecting in elderly populations the reliability of CAVI0, which strictly depends on DBP in the formula to calculate it. To monitor the effect of CV therapies, progression of CV diseases and to evaluate clinical outcomes in elderly populations, we suggest using CAVI and not CAVI0.
Printing Cu on a Cold-Sprayed Cu Plate via Selective Laser Melting—Hybrid Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Chai Qing , Jiang Chaoxin , Huang Chunjie , Xie Yingchun , Yan Xingchen , Lupoi Rocco , Zhang Chao , Rusinov Peter , Yin Shuo
Published: October 2023

The development of the additive manufacturing (AM) technology proffers challenging requirements for forming accuracy and efficiency. In this paper, a hybrid additive manufacturing technology combining fusion-based selective laser melting (SLM) and solid-state cold spraying (CS) was proposed in order to enable the fast production of near-net-shape metal parts. The idea is to fabricate a bulk deposit with a rough contour first via the “fast” CS process and then add fine structures and complex features through “slow” SLM. The experimental results show that it is feasible to deposit an SLM part onto a CS part with good interfacial bonding. However, the CS parts must be subject to heat treatment to improve their cohesion strength before being sending for SLM processing. Otherwise, the high tensile residual stress generated during the SLM process will cause fractures and cracks in the CS part. After heat treatment, pure copper deposited by CS undergoes grain growth and recrystallization, resulting in improved cohesive strength and the release of the residual stress in the CS parts. The tensile test on the SLM/CS interfacial region indicates that the bonding strength increased by 38% from 45 ± 7 MPa to 62 ± 1 MPa after the CS part is subject to heat treatment, and the SLM/CS interfacial bonding strength is higher than the CS parts. This study demonstrates that the proposed hybrid AM process is feasible and promising for manufacturing free-standing SLM-CS components.
Research on Safety State Evaluation of Cable-Stayed Bridge Structures across the Sea
Authors: Su Huifeng , Guo Cheng , Han Tao , Li Rongzhao , Liu Zhilei , Su Fengzhao , Shang Liuhong
Published: October 2023

In response to the lack of relevant research on the health monitoring system and assessment of the structural safety status of a cable-stayed bridge across the sea, the real-time monitoring data was determined by the health monitoring system installed on the bridge structure. Strain and displacement data for the bridge structure were analyzed and processed. Based on operational research principles, a safety condition assessment of the Channel 1 Bridge was conducted using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). First, the reserve strength method is applied to determine the weight proportion of monitoring indicators such as strain and displacement. Secondly, the weight proportion of each monitoring indicator at different cross-sectional positions is determined. Then, the hierarchical division of the cable-stayed bridge structure is performed from the lowest layer, and the rating level of the Channel 1 Bridge structure is obtained using the variable weight synthesis method. This provides a basis for management decisions in the bridge maintenance department and serves as an example for future safety assessments of medium-span cable-stayed bridges over the sea.
General Solution for Laterally Loaded Monopile Foundation under Scour
Authors: Zhang Fan , Dai Guoliang , Gong Weiming , Yin Qian , Yang Xueying
Published: October 2023

Scour is a common phenomenon for laterally loaded underwater piles. The underwater piles used in different projects have different pile head conditions and pile types (flexible and rigid). On the one hand, an increasing number of rigid piles have begun to be used for underwater piles; on the other hand, flexible piles may be transformed into rigid piles after scour. This study presents a general method for laterally loaded monopile foundations (flexible and rigid), with both a free head and a fixed head, based on the curved strain wedge model under scour. The rationality and accuracy of the presented analytical solution are verified by two different case studies. The influence of scour dimension on the response of piles with different pile head conditions and pile types is studied. The results reveal that pile head condition, pile type and scour dimension all have a great influence on monopile response and should all be carefully considered. Under the same conditions as other parameters, monopile with a fixed pile head is less susceptible to scour dimension than monopile with a free head, and flexible monopile is less susceptible to scour dimension than rigid monopile.
Characterization of Colletotrichum Species Infecting Litchi in Hainan, China
Authors: Cao Xueren , Li Fang , Xu Huan , Li Huanling , Wang Shujun , Wang Guo , West Jonathan S. , Wang Jiabao
Published: October 2023

Litchi (Litchi chinensis) is an evergreen fruit tree grown in subtropical and tropical countries. China accounts for 71.5% of the total litchi cultivated area in the world. Anthracnose disease caused by Colletotrichum species is one of the most important diseases of litchi in China. In this study, the causal pathogens of litchi anthracnose in Hainan, China, were determined using phylogenetic and morphological analyses. The results identified eight Colletotrichum species from four species complexes, including a proposed new species. These were C. karsti from the C. boninense species complex; C. gigasporum and the proposed new species C. danzhouense from the C. gigasporum species complex; C. arecicola, C. fructicola species complex; C. arecicola, C. fructicola and C. siamense from the C. gloeosporioides species complex; and C. musicola and C. plurivorum from the C. orchidearum species complex. Pathogenicity tests showed that all eight species could infect litchi leaves using a wound inoculation method, although the pathogenicity was different in different species. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first report that identifies C. arecicola, C. danzhouense, C. gigasporum and C. musicola as etiological agents of litchi anthracnose.
Biophysical Effects of Land Cover Changes on Land Surface Temperature on the Sichuan Basin and Surrounding Regions
Authors: Mao Xiangming , Tang Gula , Du Jiaqiang , Tian Xiaotong
Published: October 2023

The biophysical effect of land cover changes (LCC) on local temperature is currently a hot topic. This work selects one of the nine agricultural divisions in China, the Sichuan Basin and surrounding regions, as the study area. By combining long-term series satellite remote sensing products with the space-and-time method, the spatial and temporal variations of the actual biophysical effects of LCC on land surface temperature (LST) are obtained. The results show that: (1) From 2001 to 2020, LCCs from Savannas to Cropland, from Cropland to Savannas, and from Savannas to Mixed Forest occurred frequently within the study area, and their area proportions of the total conversions are 21.7%, 18.5%, and 17.6%, respectively. (2) The biophysical feedback of LCC in the study area led to a LST increase of 0.01 ± 0.004 K at annual scale, which presents a seasonal pattern of “strong warming in summer and autumn yet weak cooling in winter”. It can exacerbate 14.3% or alleviate 8.3% of the background climate warming effect, illustrating the importance of biophysical effects on local climate change. The interaction between savannas and cropland or mixed forest and urbanizations formed the main driver for the above patterns. (3) Both the occurrence area of LCC and the warming effects at annual or seasonal scale show a trend of “first rising and then declining”, whereas the cooling effect in winter exhibits continuous enhancement over time. The monodirectional or mutual conversion between cropland and savannas is the dominant conversion responsible for these temporal patterns. The findings can provide realistic scientific guidance for informing rational policies on land management and targeted strategies for climate change response in the study area.
Unveiling the Spatio-Temporal Evolution and Key Drivers for Urban Green High-Quality Development: A Comparative Analysis of China’s Five Major Urban Agglomerations
Authors: Yu Tonghui , Huang Xuan , Jia Shanshan , Cui Xufeng
Published: October 2023

Faced with the dual challenges of ecological degradation and economic deceleration, promoting urban green high-quality development (UGHQD) is pivotal for achieving economic transformation, ecological restoration, and regional sustainable development. While the existing literature has delved into the theoretical dimensions of UGHQD, there remains a notable dearth of empirical studies that quantitatively assess its developmental levels, spatio-temporal evolution, and driving factors. This study examines 107 cities of China’s five major urban agglomerations from 2003 to 2020, constructing a comprehensive evaluation indicator system for UGHQD. By employing methodologies, including the Dagum Gini coefficient, Kernel density estimation, Markov chain, and geographical detector, this study extensively assesses the spatial difference, dynamic evolution, and underlying driving forces of UGHQD in these urban agglomerations. The findings indicate: (1) The UGHQD level of the five major urban agglomerations has witnessed a consistent year-over-year growth trend, with coastal agglomerations like the Pearl River Delta (PRD) and Yangtze River Delta (YRD) outperforming others. (2) Pronounced regional differences exist in UGHQD levels across the urban agglomerations, with inter-regional differences primarily contributing to these differences. (3) The dynamic evolution of UGHQD distribution generally transitions from a centralized to a decentralized pattern, with a marked “club convergence” characteristic hindering cross-type leaps. (4) While a range of factors drive UGHQD in these agglomerations, technological innovation stands out as the principal factor inducing spatial differentiation. The comprehensive analysis and findings presented in this research not only contribute to academic knowledge but also hold practical implications for policymakers and practitioners striving for environmentally conscious land use planning and urban management.
Factors Affecting Home Language Literacy Development in Japanese-English Bicultural Children in Japan
Authors: Quay Suzanne , Nakamura Janice
Published: October 2023

Simultaneous bilingual and bicultural children who are schooled in the dominant societal language can acquire literacy in their home language through home literacy practices and weekend school. Twenty-eight Japanese-English bilingual–bicultural children (ages 9 to 14) attending English weekend schools in Japan were assessed using the standardized Test of Written Language (TOWL, 4th ed.). Their overall age-adjusted writing scores showed that most were on a par with same-age US peers. The parents’ responses to parental questionnaires revealed that the children’s regular attendance and enjoyment of weekend school, coupled with parental home support and access to plenty of appropriate English reading materials, helped to establish their English literacy. Nevertheless, the children attained different writing scores. Although many performed within the Average range, some scored either in the Above Average or higher range or the Below Average or lower range. Further analysis of these three groups of children revealed a strong relationship between reading practices and writing scores. Better writers tend to read frequently in English; they enjoy reading independently and voluntarily. These findings underscore the importance of recreational reading as an accessible and affordable means for developing home language literacy in bilingual and bicultural children in Japan.
Laser-Fabricated Micro-Dimples for Improving Frictional Property of SKH51 Tool Steel Surfaces
Authors: Phun Chansovannkumpheak , Daodon Witthaya , Septham Kamthon , Kumkhuntod Peerapong , Zhu Hao , Saetang Viboon
Published: October 2023

Friction involved in metal-forming processes typically leads to the wear of tool and die surfaces, and in turn shortens the tool’s service life. A thriving need for reducing surface friction requires the tool surface to be modified. This paper presents the surface modification of SKH51 tool steel, on which the hexagonal array of micro-dimples is fabricated by a nanosecond pulse laser. Using the average laser power of 25 W can create decent dimples for trapping lubricant and enabling hydraulic pressure at the surfaces in contact. The effect of dimple density and sliding speed on the coefficient of friction was examined in this study through the pin-on-disc test, in which a stainless steel pin was applied against the tool steel disc with a constant load. The laser-textured tool steel surface with a dimple density of 35% had a friction coefficient of 0.087, which was lower than that of the untextured surface by 12.6% when using a sliding speed of 15 cm/s. In addition to friction reduction, there was no substantial wear found on the laser-textured surface compared to the untextured sample. The findings of this study can be a processing guideline and benefit the treatment of tool and die surfaces for friction and wear reduction in metal-forming and related processes.
Design Evaluation and Optimization of Population Pharmacokinetics Model Using an R Package PopED
Authors: Ryu Howon , Wong Weng Kee
Published: October 2023

The rising cost in drug development has led to continuous calls for more efficient and powerful design optimization and analysis tools for pkpd studies. More sophisticated models are increasingly used to reflect reality, and current models invariably include non-linear mixed effects models that frequently require specialized computational tools for the design and analysis of the study. Population PK analysis employs non-linear mixed effects models and evaluates designs and optimizes them via a specialized yet versatile software package called PopED (version 0.6.0) in programming language R (version 4.2.2) for pharmacometrics analyses. We demonstrate the utilities of the package when different models and statistical criteria are used in real settings to determine the optimal sampling times and optimal dose levels for the subjects. We provide two applications; the first is illustrative and the second is a new application on developing an optimal dosing scheme for a two-compartment PK model with perturbation. Our target audiences are mathematicians and statisticians who are not aware of this useful and powerful analytic tool.
Multiplex Social Network Analysis to Understand the Social Engagement of Patients in Online Health Communities
Authors: Lu Yingjie , Wang Xinwei , Su Lin , Zhao Han
Published: October 2023

Social network analysis has been widely used in various fields including online health communities. However, it is still a challenge to understand how patients’ individual characteristics and online behaviors impact the formation of online health social networks. Furthermore, patients discuss various health topics and form multiplex social networks covering different aspects of their illnesses, including symptoms, treatment experiences, resource sharing, emotional expression, and new friendships. Further research is needed to investigate whether the factors influencing the formation of these topic-based networks are different and explore potential interconnections between various types of social relationships in these networks. To address these issues, this study applied exponential random graph models to characterize multiplex health social networks and conducted empirical research in a Chinese online mental health community. An integrated social network and five separate health-related topic-specific networks were constructed, each with 773 users as network nodes. The empirical findings revealed that patients’ demographic attributes (e.g., age, gender) and online behavioral features (e.g., emotional expression, online influence, participation duration) have significant impacts on the formation of online health social networks, and these patient characteristics have significantly different effects on various types of social relationships within multiplex networks. Additionally, significant cross-network effects, including entrainment and exchange effects, were found among multiple health topic-specific networks, indicating strong interdependencies between them. This research provides theoretical contributions to social network analysis and practical insights for the development of online healthcare social networks.
Cardiovascular Diseases and Marine Oils: A Focus on Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Polar Lipids
Authors: Caffrey Cliodhna , Leamy Anna , O’Sullivan Ellen , Zabetakis Ioannis , Lordan Ronan , Nasopoulou Constantina
Published: October 2023

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remain the leading cause of death across the globe, hence, establishing strategies to counteract CVD are imperative to reduce mortality and the burden on health systems. Dietary modification is an effective primary prevention strategy against CVD. Research regarding dietary supplementation has become increasingly popular. This review focuses on the current in vivo, in vitro, and epidemiological studies associated with that of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) and polar lipids (PLs) and how they play a role against CVD. Furthermore, this review focuses on the results of several major clinical trials examining n-3 PUFAs regarding both primary and secondary prevention of CVD. Notably, we place a lens on the REDUCE-IT and STRENGTH trials. Finally, supplementation of PLs has recently been suggested as a potential alternative avenue for the reduction of CVD incidence versus neutral forms of n-3 PUFAs. However, the clinical evidence for this argument is currently rather limited. Therefore, we draw on the current literature to suggest future clinical trials for PL supplementation. We conclude that despite conflicting evidence, future human trials must be completed to confirm whether PL supplementation may be more effective than n-3 PUFA supplementation to reduce cardiovascular risk.
Novel Approach for Obtaining Variable Domain of New Antigen Receptor with Different Physicochemical Properties from Japanese Topeshark (Hemitriakis japanica)
Authors: Nakada-Masuta Tomofumi , Takeda Hiroyuki , Uchida Kazuhisa
Published: October 2023

Diverse candidate antibodies are needed to successfully identify therapeutic and diagnostic applications. The variable domain of IgNAR (VNAR), a shark single-domain antibody, has attracted attention owing to its favorable physicochemical properties. The phage display method used to screen for optimal VNARs loses sequence diversity because of the bias caused by the differential ease of protein expression in Escherichia coli. Here, we investigated a VNAR selection method that combined panning with various selection pressures and next-generation sequencing (NGS) analyses to obtain additional candidates. Drawing inspiration from the physiological conditions of sharks and the physicochemical properties of VNARs, we examined the effects of NaCl and urea concentrations, low temperature, and preheating at the binding step of panning. VNAR phage libraries generated from Japanese topeshark (Hemitriakis japanica) were enriched under these conditions. We then performed NGS analysis and attempted to select clones that were specifically enriched under each panning condition. The identified VNARs exhibited higher reactivity than those obtained by panning without selection pressure. Additionally, they possess physicochemical properties that reflect their respective selection pressures. These results can greatly enhance our understanding of VNAR properties and offer guidance for the screening of high-quality VNAR clones that are present at low frequencies.
A Five-Decade Text Mining Analysis of Cochlear Implant Research: Where We Started and Where We Are Heading
Authors: Tessler Idit , Gecel Nir A. , Glicksberg Benjamin S. , Shivatzki Shaked , Shapira Yisgav , Zimlichman Eyal , Alon Eran E. , Klang Eyal , Wolfovitz Amit
Published: October 2023

Background and Objectives: Since its invention in the 1970s, the cochlear implant (CI) has been substantially developed. We aimed to assess the trends in the published literature to characterize CI. Materials and Methods: We queried PubMed for all CI-related entries published during 1970–2022. The following data were extracted: year of publication, publishing journal, title, keywords, and abstract text. Search terms belonged to the patient’s age group, etiology for hearing loss, indications for CI, and surgical methodological advancement. Annual trends of publications were plotted. The slopes of publication trends were calculated by fitting regression lines to the yearly number of publications. Results: Overall, 19,428 CIs articles were identified. Pediatric-related CI was the most dominant sub-population among the age groups, with the highest rate and slope during the years (slope 5.2 ± 0.3, p < 0.001), while elderly-related CIs had significantly fewer publications. Entries concerning hearing preservation showed the sharpest rise among the methods, from no entries in 1980 to 46 entries in 2021 (slope 1.7 ± 0.2, p < 0.001). Entries concerning robotic surgery emerged in 2000, with a sharp increase in recent years (slope 0.5 ± 0.1, p < 0.001). Drug-eluting electrodes and CI under local-anesthesia have been reported only in the past five years, with a gradual rise. Conclusions: Publications regarding CI among pediatrics outnumbered all other indications, supporting the rising, pivotal role of CI in the rehabilitation of children with sensorineural hearing loss. Hearing-preservation publications have recently rapidly risen, identified as the primary trend of the current era, followed by a sharp rise of robotic surgery that is evolving and could define the next revolution.
Emerging Infectious Diseases Are Virulent Viruses—Are We Prepared? An Overview
Authors: Han Jasmine J. , Song Hannah A. , Pierson Sarah L. , Shen-Gunther Jane , Xia Qingqing
Published: October 2023

The recent pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 affected the global population, resulting in a significant loss of lives and global economic deterioration. COVID-19 highlighted the importance of public awareness and science-based decision making, and exposed global vulnerabilities in preparedness and response systems. Emerging and re-emerging viral outbreaks are becoming more frequent due to increased international travel and global warming. These viral outbreaks impose serious public health threats and have transformed national strategies for pandemic preparedness with global economic consequences. At the molecular level, viral mutations and variations are constantly thwarting vaccine efficacy, as well as diagnostic, therapeutic, and prevention strategies. Here, we discuss viral infectious diseases that were epidemic and pandemic, currently available treatments, and surveillance measures, along with their limitations.
The Effect of Probiotics in a Milk Replacer on Leukocyte Differential Counts, Phenotype, and Function in Neonatal Dairy Calves
Authors: Eicher Susan D. , Kritchevsky Janice E. , Bryan Keith A. , Chitko-McKown Carol G.
Published: October 2023

Probiotics have been investigated for many health benefits; however, few studies have been performed to determine the effects of oral probiotics on peripheral blood and respiratory immune cells in cattle. Our objectives were to determine changes in health and growth status, differential blood cell counts and function, and blood and lung cell function using flow cytometry and PCR in dairy calves fed a milk replacer with (PRO, N = 10) or without (CON, N = 10) the addition of probiotics to the milk replacer and dry rations from birth to weaning. Performance and clinical scores were not different between the treatment groups. Treatment-by-day interactions for peripheral blood leukocyte populations differed in cell number and percentages. A greater percentage of leukocytes expressed the cell surface markers CD3, CD4, CD8, CD11b, and CD205 on d 21 in CON animals. Lung lavages were performed on five animals from each treatment group on d 52. There were no differences between treatment groups for the expression of cytokines and Toll-Like Receptors as measured using Polymerase Chain Reaction, possibly due to the small sample size. Oral probiotics appear to affect peripheral blood immune cells and function. Their effect on overall calf health remains to be determined.
Hepatoprotective Effect of Medicine Food Homology Flower Saffron against CCl4-Induced Liver Fibrosis in Mice via the Akt/HIF-1α/VEGF Signaling Pathway
Authors: Jiang Huajuan , Huang Xulong , Wang Jiaxin , Zhou Yongfeng , Ren Chaoxiang , Zhou Tao , Pei Jin
Published: October 2023

Liver fibrosis refers to a complex inflammatory response caused by multiple factors, which is a known cause of liver cirrhosis and even liver cancer. As a valuable medicine food homology herb, saffron has been widely used in the world. Saffron is commonly used in liver-related diseases and has rich therapeutic and health benefits. The therapeutic effect is satisfactory, but its mechanism is still unclear. In order to clarify these problems, we planned to determine the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of saffron extract in preventing and treating liver fibrosis through network pharmacology analysis combined with in vivo validation experiments. Through UPLC-Q-Exactive-MS analysis, a total of fifty-six nutrients and active ingredients were identified, and nine of them were screened to predict their therapeutic targets for liver fibrosis. Then, network pharmacology analysis was applied to identify 321 targets for saffron extract to alleviate liver fibrosis. Functional and pathway enrichment analysis showed that the putative targets of saffron for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis are mainly involved in the calcium signaling pathway, the HIF-1 signaling pathway, endocrine resistance, the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, lipid and atherosclerosis, and the cAMP signaling pathway. Based on the CCl4-induced liver fibrosis mice model, we experimentally confirmed that saffron extract can alleviate the severity and pathological changes during the progression of liver fibrosis. RT-PCR and Western blotting analysis confirmed that saffron treatment can prevent the CCl4-induced upregulation of HIF-1α, VEGFA, AKT, and PI3K, suggesting that saffron may regulate AKT/HIF-1α/VEGF and alleviate liver fibrosis.
Recent Progress in Using Mesoporous Carbon Materials as Catalyst Support for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Wang Guanxiong , Zhao Wei , Mansoor Majid , Liu Yinan , Wang Xiuyue , Zhang Kunye , Xiao Cailin , Liu Quansheng , Mao Lingling , Wang Min , Lv Haifeng
Published: October 2023

Developing durable oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalysts is essential to step up the large-scale applications of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Traditional ORR electrocatalysts provide satisfactory activity, yet their poor durability limits the long-term applications of PEMFCs. Porous carbon used as catalyst support in Pt/C is vulnerable to oxidation under high potential conditions, leading to Pt nanoparticle dissolution and carbon corrosion. Thus, integrating Pt nanoparticles into highly graphitic mesoporous carbons could provide long-term stability. This Perspective seeks to reframe the existing approaches to employing Pt alloys and mesoporous carbon-integrated ORR electrocatalysts to improve the activity and stability of PEMFCs. The unusual porous structure of mesoporous carbons promotes oxygen transport, and graphitization provides balanced stability. Furthermore, the synergistic effect between Pt alloys and heteroatom doping in mesoporous carbons not only provides a great anchoring surface for catalyst nanoparticles but also improves the intrinsic activity. Furthermore, the addition of Pt alloys into mesoporous carbon optimizes the available surface area and creates an effective electron transfer channel, reducing the mass transport resistance. The long-term goals for fuel-cell-powered cars, especially those designed for heavy-duty use, are well aligned with the results shown when this hybrid material is used in PEMFCs to improve performance and durability.
Plant-Disease-Suppressive and Growth-Promoting Activities of Endophytic and Rhizobacterial Isolates Associated with Citrullus colocynthis
Authors: Al-Shuaibi Badriya Khalfan , Kazerooni Elham Ahmed , Hussain Shah , Velazhahan Rethinasamy , Al-Sadi Abdullah Mohammed
Published: October 2023

This study was conducted to investigate the antagonistic potential of endophytic and rhizospheric bacterial isolates obtained from Citrullus colocynthis in suppressing Fusarium solani and Pythium aphanidermatum and promoting the growth of cucumber. Molecular identification of bacterial strains associated with C. colocynthis confirmed that these strains belong to the Achromobacter, Pantoea, Pseudomonas, Rhizobium, Sphingobacterium, Bacillus, Sinorhizobium, Staphylococcus, Cupriavidus, and Exiguobacterium genera. A dual culture assay showed that nine of the bacterial strains exhibited antifungal activity, four of which were effective against both pathogens. Strains B27 (Pantoea dispersa) and B28 (Exiguobacterium indicum) caused the highest percentage of inhibition towards F. solani (48.5% and 48.1%, respectively). P. aphanidermatum growth was impeded by the B21 (Bacillus cereus, 44.7%) and B28 (Exiguobacterium indicum, 51.1%) strains. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the strains caused abnormality in phytopathogens’ mycelia. All of the selected bacterial strains showed good IAA production (>500 ppm). A paper towel experiment demonstrated that these strains improved the seed germination, root/shoot growth, and vigor index of cucumber seedlings. Our findings suggest that the bacterial strains from C. colocynthis are suppressive to F. solani and P. aphanidermatum and can promote cucumber growth. This appears to be the first study to report the efficacy of these bacterial strains from C. colocynthis against F. solani and P. aphanidermatum.
Application of Precision Medicine Concepts in Ambulatory Antibiotic Management of Acute Pyelonephritis
Authors: Pizzuti Morgan , Tsai Yuwei Vivian , Winders Hana R. , Bookstaver Paul Brandon , Al-Hasan Majdi N.
Published: October 2023

Acute pyelonephritis (APN) is a relatively common community-acquired infection, particularly in women. The early appropriate antibiotic treatment of this potentially life-threatening infection is associated with improved outcomes. The international management guidelines for complicated urinary tract infections and APN recommend using oral antibiotics with <10% resistance among urinary pathogens. However, increasing antibiotic resistance rates among Escherichia coli and other Enterobacterales to fluoroquinolones, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX), and beta-lactams has left patients without reliable oral antibiotic treatment options for APN. This narrative review proposes using precision medicine concepts to improve empirical antibiotic therapy for APN in ambulatory settings. Whereas resistance rates to a particular antibiotic class may exceed 10% at the population-based level, the predicted antibiotic resistance rates based on patient-specific risk factors fall under 10% in many patients with APN on the individual level. The utilization of clinical tools for the prediction of fluoroquinolones, TMP-SMX, and third-generation cephalosporin resistance improves the ambulatory antibiotic management of APN. It may also reduce the need to switch antibiotic therapy later based on the in vitro antibiotic susceptibility testing results of bacterial isolates in urinary cultures. This approach may mitigate the burden of increasing antibiotic resistance in the community by ensuring that the initial antibiotic prescribed has the highest likelihood of treating APN appropriately.
Research on Bandwidth Improvement of Fine Tracking Control System in Space Laser Communication
Authors: Lv Furui , Liu Yongkai , Gao Shijie , Wu Hao , Guo Feng
Published: October 2023

Piezoelectric fast steering mirror (PZT FSM) is the core component of the fine tracking system for space laser communication, and its actuator is a piezoelectric ceramic. Consequently, there is a hysteretic nonlinear disturbance throughout the entire range of the FSM’s steering. To enhance the fine tracking system’s performance, this paper innovatively analyzes and verifies the effect of the PZT FSM hysteresis characteristics on the error suppression bandwidth of the fine tracking system. Firstly, the rate-dependent hysteresis model is established by serially connecting the Prandtl–Ishlinskii (P-I) model with the dynamic linear mode. The inverse model is designed as a feedforward controller, followed by the conduction of open-loop feedforward compensation experiments. Subsequently, we propose a compound control method based on the rate-dependent hysteresis mode and conduct a simulation analysis. Finally, the experimental platform for the fine tracking system is set up, and the optimization effect of compensating for hysteresis nonlinearity on the fine tracking system is verified. The experimental results show that the nonlinearity of the PZT FSM is improved by 30% in the middle- and high-frequency ranges, and the error suppression bandwidth of the fine tracking system is improved by 41.7%. This effectively enhances the fine tracking system’s error suppression capability.
Joint Resource Allocation in TWDM-PON-Enabled Cell-Free mMIMO System
Authors: Xue Tianyu , Memon Kamran Ali , Li Chunguo
Published: October 2023

Cell-free massive multiple input multiple outputs (CF-mMIMO) is considered a promising technology for sixth-generation (6G) telecommunication systems. In the CF-mMIMO system, an extensive array of distributed small base stations (BSs) is deployed across the network, which enables us to facilitate seamless collaboration among BSs. To achieve this goal, the baseband signal from these BSs needs to be transmitted to a central server via fronthaul networks. Due to the large number of BSs, the data that needs to be transmitted is usually huge, which brings severe requirements on fronthaul networks. Time and wavelength division multiplexed passive optical networks (TWDM-PON) can be a potential solution for CF-mMIMO fronthaul due to their large capacity and high flexibility. However, how to efficiently allocate both optical and wireless resources in a TWDM-PON-enabled CF-mMIMO system is still a problem to be addressed. This paper proposes a joint scheduling method of wavelength, antenna, radio unit (RU), and radio resource block (RB) resources in the TWDM-PON-enabled CF-mMIMO system. Furthermore, an integer linear programming (ILP) model for joint resource allocation is proposed to minimize the fronthaul resource occupancy, thereby increasing network scalability. Considering the complexity of the ILP model, two heuristic algorithms are also presented to solve this model. We compare the ILP with heuristic algorithms under different scenarios. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can reduce the fronthaul resource occupancy to improve the network scalability of the CF-mMIMO system.
Tensor-Train Decomposition-Based Hybrid Beamforming for Millimeter-Wave Massive Multiple-Input Multiple-Output/Free-Space Optics in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles with Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface Networks
Authors: Zhou Xiaoping , Feng Pengyan , Li Jiehui , Chen Jiajia , Wang Yang
Published: October 2023

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can support low-cost, highly mobile communications while making it possible to establish dedicated terrestrial networks. To overcome the pointing error (PE) and beam misalignment of millimeter-wave large-scale multiple-input multiple-output/free-space optics (MIMO/FSO) caused by UAV jitter, a millimeter-wave massive MIMO/FSO hybrid beamforming method based on tensor train decomposition is proposed. This approach is used for reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) network-assisted UAV millimeter-wave massive MIMO/FSO to improve system spectral efficiency. Firstly, the high-dimensional channel of RIS-assisted millimeter-wave massive MIMO/FSO in UAV is represented as a low-dimensional channel by tensor training decomposition. Secondly, the two-way gated recursive unit attention neural network model can effectively solve the FSO PE caused by UAV jitter, and the fast fading channel and Doppler frequency shift are estimated by the Fast Cyclic Tensor Power Method (FCTPM) based on tensor training decomposition. Finally, the RIS phase shift matrix is optimized by singular value decomposition. The hybrid beamforming and RIS phase-shift matrices were estimated by using the low-complexity phase extraction alternating minimization method to solve the beam misalignment problem. Simulation results show that by using the proposed method, the spectrum utilization rate is improved by 23.6% compared with other methods.
Dynamics Reflects Quantum Phase Transition of Rabi Model
Authors: Li Ming , Wang Yinuo , Song Zhaoyang , Zhao Yiming , Zhao Xiaolong , Ma Hongyang
Published: October 2023

As the simplest and most fundamental model describing the interaction between light and matter, a breakdown in the rotating wave approximation of the Rabi model leads to phase transition versus coupling strength when the frequency of the qubit greatly surpasses that of the oscillator. In addition to the phase transition revealed in the ground state, we show that the dynamics of physical quantities can reflect such a phase transition for this model. In addition to the excitation of the bosonic field in the ground state, we show that the witness of inseparability (entanglement), mutual information, quantum Fisher information, and the variance of cavity quadrature can be employed to detect the phase transition in quench. We also reveal the negative impact of temperature on checking the phase transition by quench. This model can be implemented using trapped ions, superconducting artificial atoms coupled bosonic modes, and quantum simulations. By reflecting the phase transition in a fundamental quantum optics model without imposing the thermodynamic limit, this work offers an idea to explore phase transitions by nonequilibrium process for open quantums.
An Airborne Visible Light Lidar’s Methodology for Clear Air Turbulence Detection Based on Weak Optical Signal
Authors: Zhao Jing , Luo Xiujuan , Liu Hui
Published: October 2023

A clear air turbulence (CAT) detection method using a 532 nm visible light airborne laser radar (LiDAR) system is proposed to address the urgent challenge in the aviation safety field. This method is based on the indirect detection technique of atmospheric molecular density for CAT and utilizes the strong aerosol scattering absorption characteristics of the iodine molecular 1109 absorption line to eliminate the interference of aerosol scattering and extinction on the weak molecular backscattering signal caused by CAT. This enables CAT detection under conditions where traditional ultraviolet LiDAR systems fail to function properly due to aerosol presence. The influence of axial wind speed and atmospheric temperature variations on the molecular backscattering spectrum in the aircraft flight path is studied, and a formula for vertical wind speed inversion in the CAT field is derived. The 532 nm airborne LiDAR CAT detection theoretical model and system architecture are presented. Through simulation analysis, the CAT detection range of the visible light LiDAR system is evaluated under different aircraft cruising altitudes and turbulence intensities. The results indicate that, with the proposed LiDAR system, the aerosol scattering influence can be effectively suppressed, and CAT can be detected up to 7 km for light-to-moderate turbulence and 10 km for moderate turbulence ahead of the aircraft when traditional ultraviolet LiDAR systems fail as the backscattering coefficient ratio between aerosol and molecule reaches the 10−1 condition. Based on this finding, a suggestion is made to construct a dual-wavelength (ultraviolet-visible) LiDAR system for CAT detection, aiming to solve the full coverage problem of CAT detection under various aerosol conditions. This study has a reference value for promoting the early resolution of CAT detection in the aviation field.
Self-Healing Polymeric Materials and Composites for Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Jiang Yixue , Ng Evelyn Ling Ling , Han Danielle Xinyun , Yan Yinjia , Chan Siew Yin , Wang John , Chan Benjamin Qi Yu
Published: October 2023

Self-healing polymers have received widespread attention due to their ability to repair damage autonomously and increase material stability, reliability, and economy. However, the processability of self-healing materials has yet to be studied, limiting the application of rich self-healing mechanisms. Additive manufacturing effectively improves the shortcomings of conventional processing while increasing production speed, accuracy, and complexity, offering great promise for self-healing polymer applications. This article summarizes the current self-healing mechanisms of self-healing polymers and their corresponding additive manufacturing methods, and provides an outlook on future developments in the field.