bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selected Aspects of Precision Machining on CNC Machine Tools
Authors: Peterka Jozef , Kuruc Marcel , Kolesnyk Vitalii , Dehtiarov Ivan , Moravcikova Jana , Vopat Tomas , Pokorny Peter , Jurina Frantisek , Simna Vladimir
Published: October 2023

The work is new due to the type of process used—ultrasonic precision machining—to determine the possible effect of spindle heating (long-term machining) on the precision of the flat surface. It was carried out on a precise ultrasonic machining machine, and the material of workpiece was ceramic Al2O3. A flat surface was machined. Such an experiment has not been feasible until now. The experiment was divided into two days. On the first day, the machining time was 4 h. It is a long enough time to create a temperature-steady state. On the second day, with a cold tool and cold machine tool, we continued where we left off on the first day. This is how we monitored the accuracy of the dimensions of the workpiece on the plane surface. We have achieved the following: The average interface depth achieved values of 0.007089 mm and 0.003667 mm for cold and heated spindles, respectively. It means that when the spindle is not heated, the depth of the interface is higher by 93% (almost double the depth). The average standard deviation of the interface depth is 0.001683 mm and 0.000997 mm for cold and heated spindles, respectively. It means that when the spindle is not heated, the process is not as stable, and the standard deviation is higher by 69%.
The Sufficiency of Solutions for Non-smooth Minimax Fractional Semi-Infinite Programming with (BK,ρ)−Invexity
Authors: Yang Hong , Cui Angang
Published: October 2023

Minimax fractional semi-infinite programming is an important research direction for semi-infinite programming, and has a wide range of applications, such as military allocation problems, economic theory, cooperative games, and other fields. Convexity theory plays a key role in many aspects of mathematical programming and is the foundation of mathematical programming research. The relevant theories of semi-infinite programming based on different types of convex functions have their own applicable scope and limitations. It is of great value to study semi-infinite programming on the basis of more generalized convex functions and obtain more general results. In this paper, we defined a new type of generalized convex function, based on the concept of the K−directional derivative, that is, uniform (BK,ρ)−invex, strictly uniform (BK,ρ)−invex, uniform (BK,ρ)−pseudoinvex, strictly uniform (BK,ρ)−pseudoinvex, uniform (BK,ρ)−quasiinvex and weakly uniform (BK,ρ)−quasiinvex function. Then, we studied a class of non-smooth minimax fractional semi-infinite programming problems involving this generalized convexity and obtained sufficient optimality conditions.
An Application of Rouché’s Theorem to Delimit the Zeros of a Certain Class of Robustly Stable Polynomials
Authors: Martínez Noé , Garza Luis E. , Romero Gerardo
Published: October 2023

An important problem related to the study of the robust stability of a linear system that presents variation in terms of an uncertain parameter consists of understanding the variation in the roots of a system’s characteristic polynomial in terms of the uncertain parameter. In this contribution, we propose an algorithm to provide sufficient conditions on the uncertain parameter in such a way that a robustly stable family of polynomials has all of its zeros inside a specific subset of its stability region. Our method is based on the Rouché’s theorem and uses robustly stable polynomials constructed by using basic properties of orthogonal polynomials.
Studying the Anti-Virulence Activity of Meta-Bromo-Thiolactone against Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA Phenotypes
Authors: Alfaraj Rihaf , Eltayb Esra K. , AlFayez Bashayer M. , Abohamad Amjad , Eltahir Eram , Alenazi Naifa A. , Hababah Sandra , Alkahtani Hamad , Almangour Thamer A. , Alqahtani Fulwah Y. , Aleanizy Fadilah S.
Published: October 2023

Quorum-sensing inhibitors have recently garnered great interest, as they reduce bacterial virulence, lower the probability of resistance, and inhibit infections. In this work, meta-bromo-thiolactone (mBTL), a potent quorum and virulence inhibitor of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), was formulated in chitosan nanoparticles (ChNPs) using the ionic gelation method. The mBTL-loaded-ChNPs were characterized by their particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, morphology, and drug release profile. The results show that the mBTL-loaded-CNPs comprised homogenized, spherical nanoparticles ranging from 158 ± 1.3 to 284 ± 5.6 nm with a sustainable release profile over 48 h at 37 °C. These findings confirm the successful preparation of mBTL-loaded-ChNPs. Confocal laser scanning microscopy showed a significant reduction in the number of viable cells, indicating the antibacterial efficacy of mBTL. Biofilms were observed by scanning electron microscopy, which showed that the bacterial cells in the control experiment were enclosed in thick biofilms. In the presence of mBTL, the bacterial cells remained disordered and did not form a biofilm. mBTL-loaded-ChNPs represent a potential approach to overcoming antimicrobial resistance in the treatment of MRSA infection.
A Tailored Approach in the Bentonite-like Raw Material Characterization Using Thermal and Water Sorption Techniques
Authors: Gilabert Jessica , Zumaquero Eulalia , Díaz-Canales Eva Maria , Ventura Maria Jesús , Gómez-Tena Maria Pilar
Published: October 2023

Clayey raw materials present a wide variety of uses depending on their specific composition. Bentonite-like clays are considered suitable candidates to be used in some industrial applications, such as pharmaceutics, catalysis, antibacterial agents or food additives because of their highly desired adsorption properties, concretely regarding water vapor behavior. In the present study, a specific methodology for the characterization of some clayey raw materials used in the ceramic industry and its correlation with water vapor sorption properties is presented. Six different clayey raw materials have been wholly characterized until their specific chemical formula are obtained, and their water vapor adsorption behavior was correlated to their specific composition. The whole protocol has been validated with certified standard reference materials. The obtained results show a relationship between montmorillonite content in clay with water vapor adsorption behavior and certain thermal events of clayey particles, which can help the industry to understand product behavior and characterization during ceramic manufacturing process.
Alumina Hosts in Fe- and Al-Rich Metapelites from Transangaria (Yenisey Ridge, East Siberia): Distribution, Composition, and Mining Potential
Authors: Sokol Ella V. , Kokh Svetlana N. , Nekipelova Anna V. , Likhanov Igor I. , Deviatiiarova Anna S. , Khvorov Pavel V.
Published: October 2023

Fe- and Al-rich metapelite from the Transangarian segment of the Yenisey Ridge (East Siberia, Russia) is a potential new source of high-alumina refractories. The rocks have relatively high average contents of Al2O3 (20 wt%) and Fe2O3 (7.91 wt%), moderate K2O (3.44 wt%), and low CaO (0.74 wt%). Their dominant mineral assemblages are andalusite + muscovite + margarite + chlorite + biotite + quartz or staurolite + kyanite or/and andalusite + chlorite + muscovite + biotite + quartz with ±garnet and ±plagioclase. Al2SiO5 polymorphs occur as up to 1.5 cm andalusite porphyroblasts and partial or complete pseudomorphs after andalusite (kyanite and staurolite). Accessories include abundant Fe–Ti oxides and sporadic REE-, Y-, Ca-phosphates; sulfides are negligible. The composition of Al2SiO5 concentrates obtained in laboratory by heavy-media and magnetic separation from ≥0.06 mm fractions meet all requirements for raw material of this type: >56 wt% Al2O3, <42 wt% SiO2, <1 wt% Fe2O3, <1.2 wt% TiO2, and <0.2 wt% (CaO + MgO). The andalusite, kyanite, and mixed ores yield 0.7–4.1 wt%, 0.7–2.2 wt%, and 1.9–6.0 wt% of concentrate, respectively. The best-quality ores rich in Al2SiO5 polymorphs reside in zones of contact and/or dynamic metamorphism superimposed over regional metamorphism of Al-rich rocks.
Synthesis of Titanium Oxide Nanotubes Loaded with Hydroxyapatite
Authors: Nahum Elinor Zadkani , Lugovskoy Alex , Lugovskoy Svetlana , Sobolev Alexander
Published: October 2023

A simple method of synthesis of TiO2 nanotubes (TiNT) loaded with hydroxyapatite (HAP) is described. Such nanotubes find wide applications in various fields, including biomedicine, solar cells, and drug delivery, due to their bioactivity and potential for osseointegration. The Cp-Ti substrate was anodized at a constant voltage of 40 V, with the subsequent heat treatment at 450 °C. The resulting TiNT had a diameter of 100.3 ± 2.8 nm and a length of 3.5 ± 0.04 μm. The best result of the growth rate of HAP in Hanks’ balanced salt solution (Hanks’ BSS) was obtained in calcium glycerophosphate (CG = 0.1 g/L) when precipitates formed on the bottom and walls of the nanotubes. Structural properties, surface wettability, corrosion resistance, and growth rate of HAP as an indicator of the bioactivity of the coating have been studied. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), potentiodynamic polarization test (PPC), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and contact angle (CA) measurements were used to characterize HAP-loaded nanotubes (HAP-TiNT). The CA, also serving as an indirect indicator of bioactivity, was 30.4 ± 1.1° for the TiNT not containing HAP. The contact angle value for HAP-TiNT produced in 0.1 g/L CG was 18.2 ± 1.2°, and for HAP-TiNT exposed to Hanks’ BSS for 7 days, the CA was 7.2 ± 0.5°. The corrosion studies and measurement of HAP growth rates after a 7-day exposure to Hanks’ BSS confirmed the result that TiNT processed in 0.1 g/L of CG exhibited the most significant capacity for HAP formation compared to the other tested samples.
Brightness of AlGaInAs/InP Multimode Diode Lasers with Different Aperture Widths
Authors: Kirichenko (Bobretsova) Yulia , Veselov Dmitriy , Klimov Alexander , Slipchenko Sergey , Shuvalova Natalia , Lyutetsky Andrey , Pikhtin Nikita , Marmalyuk Alexander , Svetogorov Vladimir , Ryaboshtan Yuriy , Ladugin Maksim
Published: October 2023

A set of semiconductor lasers with different stripe widths is fabricated based on the AlGaInAs/InP heterostructure with an ultra-narrow waveguide. The key characteristics of the lasers (light-current curves (L-I), current-voltage curves (I-V), and spectral and spatial characteristics) are measured, and their dependence on the stripe width is shown. The operating optical power increases from 1.4 W to 4.3 W; however, the lateral brightness decreases from 1.09 W/(mm*mrad) to 0.65 W/(mm*mrad) as the stripe width increases from 20 to 150 μm.
Photoluminescence of Cesium-Doped Sodium Iodide Films Irradiated by UV LED
Authors: Wu Hsing-Yu , Kuan Yu-Hung , Yu Guoyu , Sun Yung-Shin , Hsu Jin-Cherng
Published: October 2023

Alkali metal halides have long been used as scintillators for applications as sensors and detectors. Usually, a small amount of impurities are added to these inorganic materials to improve their luminescence efficiencies. We investigate the structures and luminescent properties of un-doped sodium iodide (NaI) and cesium-doped NaI (NaI:Cs) films deposited by thermal vacuum evaporation. Instead of using the toxic element thallium (Tl), we introduced cesium dopant into NaI. This is the first study for the NaI:Cs film excited by UV LED’s ultraviolet C (273 nm, 4.54 eV). The luminescence spectra show two main peaks at 3.05 and 4.32/3.955 eV (for fused silica/B270 substrate), originating from the intrinsic defects and/or activator excited states and the intrinsic self-trapped excitons (STEs), respectively. In general, both Cs-doping and post-annealing processes enhance the luminescence performance of NaI films.
Effects of Gestational and Lactational Lead Exposure and High Fat Diet Feeding on Cerebellar Development of Postnatal Rat Offspring
Authors: Seo Jin Seok , Lee Shin Hyo , Won Hyung-Sun , Yang Miyoung , Nahm Sang-Seop , Nam Sung Min
Published: October 2023

Obesity and heavy metals, such as lead (Pb), are detrimental to the adult brain because they impair cognitive function and structural plasticity. However, the effects of co-administration of Pb and a high-fat diet (HFD) on the developing cerebellum is not clearly elucidated. We investigated the effects of Pb exposure (0.3% lead acetate) on developing cerebellum in the pups of an HFD-fed obese rat model. One week before mating, we fed a chow diet (CD) or HFD to the rats for one week and additionally administered Pb to HFD-fed female SD rats. Thereafter, treatment with Pb and a HFD was continued during the gestational and lactational periods. On postnatal day 21, the pups were euthanized to sample the brain tissue and blood for further analysis. Blood Pb levels were significantly higher in HFD-fed rats than in CD-fed rats. Histologically, the prominent degeneration of Purkinje cells was induced by the co-administration of Pb and HFD. The calbindin-28Kd-, GAD67-, NMDAR1-, and PSD95-immunopositive Purkinje cells and inhibitory synapse-forming pinceau structures were significantly decreased following Pb and HFD co-administration. MBP-immunoreactive myelinated axonal fibers were also impaired by HFD but were significantly damaged by the co-administration of HFD and Pb. Oxidative stress-related Nrf2–HO1 signaling was activated by HFD feeding, and Pb exposure further aggravated oxidative stress, as demonstrated by the consumption of endogenous anti-oxidant in HFD–Pb rats. The pro-inflammatory response was also increased by the co-administration of HFD and Pb in the cerebellum of the rat offspring. The present results suggest that HFD and Pb treatment during the gestational and lactational periods are harmful to cerebellar development.
Joint Association of Dietary Protein Intake and Eating Habits with the Risk of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Gong Kexin , Xie Lanci , Cao Yidan , Yu Xiayan , Qiang Wenjing , Fan Tuyan , Zhu Tianli , Liu Jingjing , Tao Fangbiao , Zhu Beibei
Published: October 2023

Because the associations between different dietary protein sources and the risks of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are inconsistent, and those of eating habits with GDM have rarely been explored, we aimed to investigate the independent and joint association of major dietary protein sources and eating habits with GDM in a case-control study including 353 GDM cases and 718 controls in China. Dietary protein intake and eating habits prior to GDM diagnosis were collected through questionnaires at 24~28 gestational weeks. Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the independent and joint associations of dietary protein intake and eating habits with GDM. The Anderson model was used assess if there is an additive interaction between them. Animal protein, red meat protein and dairy products protein intake were significantly and positively associated with GDM. Among the eating habits, preferences for hot food, firm food and soft food were significantly associated with higher odds of GDM. Individuals with unhealthy eating habits and high dietary protein simultaneously had the highest odds of GDM, and the ORs were 2.06 (1.25, 3.41) for the total protein, 2.97 (1.78, 4.96) for animal meat, 3.98 (2.41, 6.57) for the red meat protein and 2.82 (1.81, 4.41) for the dairy protein; the p values for the trend were all significant (p < 0.001). However, no additive interaction was detected. In conclusion, our study found that dietary protein intake and eating habits prior to GDM diagnosis were both independently and jointly associated with the odds of GDM.
The Impact of Dietary Factors during Pregnancy on the Development of Islet Autoimmunity and Type 1 Diabetes: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Johansen Valdemar Brimnes Ingemann , Josefsen Knud , Antvorskov Julie Christine
Published: October 2023

Aims and hypothesis: The incidence of type 1 diabetes mellitus in children is considerably increasing in western countries. Thus, identification of the environmental determinants involved could ultimately lead to disease prevention. Here, we aimed to systematically review (PROSPERO ID: CRD42022362522) the current evidence of the association between maternal dietary factors during gestation and the risk of developing type 1 diabetes and/or islet autoimmunity (IA) in murine and human offspring. Methods: In accordance with PRISMA guidelines, the present systematic review searched PubMed and Scopus (n = 343) for different combinations of MeSH terms, such as type 1 diabetes, diet, islet autoimmunity, prenatal, nutrient, gluten, gliadin, vitamin, milk, and fibers. Results: We found that the most investigated dietary factors in the present literature were gluten, dietary advanced glycosylated end products (dAGEs), vitamin D, fatty acids, and iron. The results concerning prenatal exposure to a gluten-free environment showed a consistently protective effect on the development of IA. Prenatal exposures to vitamin D and certain fatty acids appeared to protect against the development of IA, whereas in utero iron and fat exposures correlated with increased risks of IA. Conclusion: We conclude that a definite association is not established for most factors investigated as the literature represents a heterogeneous pool of data, although fetal exposures to some maternal dietary components, such as gluten, show consistent associations with increased risks of IA. We suggest that human prospective dietary intervention studies in both cohort and clinical settings are crucial to better evaluate critical and protective prenatal exposures from the maternal diet during pregnancy.
Development of an Ex Vivo Assay for Identification of Infectious Hepatitis E Virus in Different Kinds of Food Samples
Authors: Hakze-van der Honing Renate W. , van Oort Sophie , Dirks René A. M. , van der Poel Wim H. M.
Published: October 2023

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus and a major cause of acute viral hepatitis. HEV is responsible for 20 million infections worldwide in humans every year. HEV-3 and HEV-4 are zoonotic and are responsible for most of the HEV cases in developed countries. Consumption of contaminated pig meat or pig products is considered to be the main transmission route of HEV HEV-3 in Europe. Prevalence studies for HEV generally use PCR methods to detect the presence or absence of genomic RNA. However, these methods do not discriminate infectious virus particles from non-infectious material. Previously developed HEV cell culture systems only worked with high efficiency after cell line adaptation of the subjected virus strains. In this manuscript, the development of a culture system for the detection of infectious HEV strains is described. For this purpose, we optimized the isolation and the growth of primary hepatocytes from young piglets. Subsequently, the isolated hepatocytes were used to culture HEV of different origins, such as liver tissue samples and sausage samples. This method can be applied to better assess the risk of infection through consumption of food products associated with HEV RNA contamination.
Functional Characterization of Eight Zinc Finger Motif-Containing Proteins in Toxoplasma gondii Type I RH Strain Using the CRISPR-Cas9 System
Authors: Gao Jin , Wu Xiao-Jing , Zheng Xiao-Nan , Li Ting-Ting , Kou Yong-Jie , Wang Xin-Cheng , Wang Meng , Zhu Xing-Quan
Published: October 2023

The Zinc finger protein (ZFP) family is widely distributed in eukaryotes and interacts with DNA, RNA, and various proteins to participate in many molecular processes. In the present study, the biological functions of eight ZFP genes in the lytic cycle and the pathogenicity of Toxoplasma gondii were examined using the CRISPR-Cas9 system. Immunofluorescence showed that four ZFPs (RH248270-HA, RH255310-HA, RH309200-HA, and RH236640-HA) were localized in the cytoplasm, and one ZFP (RH273150-HA) was located in the nucleus, while the expression level of RH285190-HA, RH260870-HA, and RH248450-HA was undetectable. No significant differences were detected between seven RHΔzfp strains (RHΔ285190, RHΔ248270, RHΔ260870, RHΔ255310, RHΔ309200, RHΔ248450, and RHΔ236640) and the wild-type (WT) strain in the T. gondii lytic cycle, including plaque formation, invasion, intracellular replication, and egress, as well as in vitro virulence (p > 0.05). However, the RHΔ273150 strain exhibited significantly lower replication efficiency compared to the other seven RHΔzfp strains and the WT strain, while in vivo virulence in mice was not significantly affected. Comparative expression analysis of the eight zfp genes indicates that certain genes may have essential functions in the sexual reproductive stage of T. gondii. Taken together, these findings expand our current understanding of the roles of ZFPs in T. gondii.
Early Outcome of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Neonates Diagnosed following Prenatal Maternal COVID-19 Infection: A Three-Case Series
Authors: Terciu Maria , Luca Ioana , Panait Emilia , Leibovitz Eugene , Mitrica Maria , Popovici Bianca , Ilea Anca , Falup-Pecurariu Oana Gabriela
Published: October 2023

Background: The aim of this case series report is to evaluate the characteristics of multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS) in neonates following prenatal maternal COVID-19 infection. Methods: We present a case series of three newborns (≤28 days of age) diagnosed with MIS due to the vertical transmission of SARS-CoV2 infection and admitted from 1 January 2021 to 1 June 2023. The inclusion criteria were negative RT-PCR-SARS-CoV-2 test in infants, initial negative IgM-SARS-CoV-2 in infants followed by the emergence of positive IgG-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in infants and maternal COVID-19 infection in the third trimester of pregnancy. Patients enrolled in this case series were admitted due to acute febrile illnesses. Results: All three cases occurred in patients born at a mean gestational age of 39 weeks and who were appropriate for gestational age. The mean age at admission was 18.3 days. Fibrinogen (>400 mg/dL) and ferritin (>120 mg/dL) were elevated above the upper normal limit. Elevated levels of myocardial biomarkers (D-dimers, N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide troponin T and creatine phosphokinase myocardial band) were recorded, with normal heart function evaluated using echocardiography. All three patients were treated with antibiotics; one received intravenous immunoglobulin. A 4-week follow-up was completed in two patients when their myocardial biomarkers and ferritin were still elevated but lower compared with previous examinations. D-dimers levels were normalized in 2/3 patients. Conclusions: Subclinical myocarditis was diagnosed as an early outcome in infants with MIS diagnosed postnatally due to the vertical transmission of SARS-CoV2 infection and may represent a new challenge for pediatricians in the pandemic era.
Methyl Canthin-6-one-2-carboxylate Restrains the Migration/Invasion Properties of Fibroblast-like Synoviocytes by Suppressing the Hippo/YAP Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zhang Zongying , Wang Yunhan , Xu Qiuyun , Zhou Xiaorong , Ling Yong , Zhang Jie , Mao Liming
Published: October 2023

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory condition that causes severe cartilage degradation and synovial damage in the joints with multiple systemic implications. Previous studies have revealed that fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of RA. The appropriate regulation of FLS function is an efficient approach for the treatment of this disease. In the present study, we explored the effects of methyl canthin-6-one-2-carboxylate (Cant), a novel canthin-6-one alkaloid, on the function of FLSs. Our data showed that exposure to Cant significantly suppressed RA-FLS migration and invasion properties in a dose-dependent manner. Meanwhile, pre-treatment with Cant also had an inhibitory effect on the release of several pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6 and IL-1β, as well as the production of MMP1 and MMP3, which are important mediators of FLS invasion. In further mechanistic studies, we found that Cant had an inhibitory effect on the Hippo/YAP signaling pathway. Treatment with Cant suppressed YAP expression and phosphorylation on serine 127 and serine 397 while enhancing LATS1 and MST1 levels, both being important upstream regulators of YAP. Moreover, YAP-specific siRNA or YAP inhibition significantly inhibited wound healing as well as the migration and invasion rate of FLS cells, an impact similar to Cant treatment. Meanwhile, the over-expression of YAP significantly reversed the Cant-induced decline in RA-FLS cell migration and invasion, indicating that YAP was required in the inhibitory effect of Cant on the migration and invasion of RA-FLS cells. Additionally, supplementation of MMP1, but not MMP3, in culture supernatants significantly reversed the inhibitory effect of Cant on RA-FLS cell invasion. Our data collectively demonstrated that Cant may suppress RA-FLS migration and invasion by inhibiting the production of MMP1 via inhibiting the YAP signaling pathway, suggesting a potential of Cant for the further development of anti-RA drugs.
Saquinavir-Piperine Eutectic Mixture: Preparation, Characterization, and Dissolution Profile
Authors: Fandaruff Cinira , Quirós-Fallas María Isabel , Vega-Baudrit José Roberto , Navarro-Hoyos Mirtha , Lamas Diego German , Araya-Sibaja Andrea Mariela
Published: October 2023

The dissolution rate of the anti-HIV drug saquinavir base (SQV), a poorly water-soluble and extremely low absolute bioavailability drug, was improved through a eutectic mixture formation approach. A screening based on a liquid-assisted grinding technique was performed using a 1:1 molar ratio of the drug and the coformers sodium saccharinate, theobromine, nicotinic acid, nicotinamide, vanillin, vanillic acid, and piperine (PIP), followed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Given that SQV-PIP was the only resulting eutectic system from the screening, both the binary phase and the Tammann diagrams were adapted to this system using DSC data of mixtures prepared from 0.1 to 1.0 molar ratios in order to determine the exact eutectic composition. The SQV-PIP system formed a eutectic at a composition of 0.6 and 0.40, respectively. Then, a solid-state characterization through DSC, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), including small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) measurements to explore the small-angle region in detail, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and a powder dissolution test were performed. The conventional PXRD analyses suggested that the eutectic mixture did not exhibit structural changes; however, the small-angle region explored through the SAXS instrument revealed a change in the crystal structure of one of their components. FT-IR spectra showed no molecular interaction in the solid state. Finally, the dissolution profile of SQV in the eutectic mixture was different from the dissolution of pure SQV. After 45 min, approximately 55% of the drug in the eutectic mixture was dissolved, while, for pure SQV, 42% dissolved within this time. Hence, this study concludes that the dissolution rate of SQV can be effectively improved through the approach of using PIP as a coformer.
Liposomes for Cancer Theranostics
Authors: Fernandes Donald A.
Published: October 2023

Cancer is one of the most well-studied diseases and there have been significant advancements over the last few decades in understanding its molecular and cellular mechanisms. Although the current treatments (e.g., chemotherapy, radiotherapy, gene therapy and immunotherapy) have provided complete cancer remission for many patients, cancer still remains one of the most common causes of death in the world. The main reasons for the poor response rates for different cancers include the lack of drug specificity, drug resistance and toxic side effects (i.e., in healthy tissues). For addressing the limitations of conventional cancer treatments, nanotechnology has shown to be an important field for constructing different nanoparticles for destroying cancer cells. Due to their size (i.e., less than 1 μm), nanoparticles can deliver significant amounts of cancer drugs to tumors and are able to carry moieties (e.g., folate, peptides) for targeting specific types of cancer cells (i.e., through receptor-mediated endocytosis). Liposomes, composed of phospholipids and an interior aqueous core, can be used as specialized delivery vehicles as they can load different types of cancer therapy agents (e.g., drugs, photosensitizers, genetic material). In addition, the ability to load imaging agents (e.g., fluorophores, radioisotopes, MRI contrast media) enable these nanoparticles to be used for monitoring the progress of treatment. This review examines a wide variety of different liposomes for cancer theranostics, with the different available treatments (e.g., photothermal, photodynamic) and imaging modalities discussed for different cancers.
Mask-Shifting-Based Projection Lithography for Microlens Array Fabrication
Authors: Gong Jianwen , Zhou Ji , Sun Haifeng , Hu Song , Wang Jian , Liu Junbo
Published: October 2023

Microlens arrays play a critical role in enhancing imaging systems due to their outstanding optical performance, compact size, and lightweight nature. However, traditional fabrication methods for microlens arrays suffer from low precision, inefficiency, high costs, and a lack of adequate surface figure control. In this paper, we present a novel approach for microlens array fabrication, using a projection lithography process with mask-shifting. The method employs a 0.2× projection objective lens to enhance linewidth resolution. By employing a projection-based mask-shift filtering technique, we achieve superior surface figure accuracy while reducing the complexity of mask preparation. The experimental results for four microlenses with different aperture sizes demonstrate surface figure accuracy in the submicron range and surface roughness at the nanometer level. In addition, 3D profilometer scanning equipment was employed to measure the surface roughness of these microlens arrays, and the measurement results of these microlens arrays processed using the proposed method for their surface roughness are 18.4 nm, 29.6 nm, 34.4 nm, and 56.1 nm. Our findings indicate that this method holds great potential in microlens array fabrication, offering the ability to achieve lower linewidths and higher surface figure accuracy compared to conventional methods.
Theoretical Study of Multicascade Raman Microlasers Based on TeO2–WO3–Bi2O3 Glass
Authors: Anashkina Elena A. , Marisova Maria P. , Andrianov Alexey V.
Published: October 2023

The development and investigation of miniature narrow-line coherent light sources based on microresonators with low-power-consumption whispering gallery modes (WGMs) is an actual trend in modern photonics. Raman WGM microlasers can operate at wavelengths inaccessible to traditional laser media and provide a huge pump frequency tuning range. Here, we propose and theoretically study multicascade Raman microlasers based on soft tellurite TeO2–WO3–Bi2O3 glass WGM microresonators (microspheres) which can operate in the near-IR and mid-IR with the pump in the telecommunication range. Thanks to a large Raman gain (120 times exceeding the maximum Raman gain of silica glass) and a huge Raman frequency shift of 27.5 THz for this glass, the Raman waves at 1.83 µm, 2.21 µm, 2.77 µm, and 3.7 µm in the first, second, third, and fourth cascades, respectively, are theoretically demonstrated with a pump at 1.57 µm. We analyze in detail the influence of different factors on the characteristics of the generated Raman waves, such as microsphere diameters, Q-factors, pump powers, and detuning of the pump frequency from exact resonance. We also solve a thermo-optical problem to show that the temperature of a soft glass microresonator heated due to partial thermalization of pump power remains below the glass transition temperature. To the best of our knowledge, mid-IR tellurite glass Raman WGM microlasers have not been studied before.
132 W 132 μJ Femtosecond Pulses from a Coherently Combined System of Two Rod-Type Photonic Crystal Fibers
Authors: Xie Gehui , Luo Daping , Tang Zhenqiang , Deng Zejiang , Zhou Lian , Pan Jiayi , Gu Chenglin , Li Can , Liu Yang , Leng Jinyong , Zhou Pu , Li Wenxue
Published: October 2023

A coherent beam combination has the potential to revolutionize high-peak-power laser systems. However, achieving a high-average-power ultrashort pulse is difficult due to the accumulation of a nonlinear phase and gain narrowing. In this article, we demonstrate a coherent beam combination system that does not require pulse shaping or a spectral modulator. By optimizing the gain of each amplifier and using highly integrated optical components, we reduce the limitations caused by the accumulation of a nonlinear phase and gain narrowing. In our study, we used a polarization beam splitter to combine the pulses from two rod-type photonic crystal fibers (PCFs) in a Mach–Zehnder-type interferometer. A piezo-mounted mirror controlled with a Hänsch–Couillaud polarization detecting system was used to stabilize active phase locking. The system produces 165 W with a 91.6% combining efficiency compared to 90 W per amplifier. Compressed pulses with an energy of 132 µJ and Gaussian fitting pulse duration of 330 fs were achieved.
Porous Poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) Hydrogel Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering: Influence of Crosslinking Systems and Silk Sericin Concentration on Scaffold Properties
Authors: Tuancharoensri Nantaprapa , Sonjan Sukhonthamat , Promkrainit Sudarat , Daengmankhong Jinjutha , Phimnuan Preeyawass , Mahasaranon Sararat , Jongjitwimol Jirapas , Charoensit Pensri , Ross Gareth M. , Viennet Céline , Viyoch Jarupa , Ross Sukunya
Published: October 2023

Tailored porous structures of poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) and silk sericin (SS) were used to create porous hydrogel scaffolds using two distinct crosslinking systems. These structures were designed to closely mimic the porous nature of the native extracellular matrix. Conventional free radical polymerization of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) was performed in the presence of different concentrations of SS (1.25, 2.50, 5.00% w/v) with two crosslinking systems. A chemical crosslinking system with N’N-methylene bisacrylamide (MBAAm) and a physical crosslinking system with dimethylurea (DMU) were used: C-PHEMA/SS (crosslinked using MBAAm) and C-PHEMA/pC-SS (crosslinked using MBAAm and DMU). The focus of this study was on investigating the impact of these crosslinking methods on various properties of the scaffolds, including pore size, pore characteristics, polymerization time, morphology, molecular interaction, in vitro degradation, thermal properties, and in vitro cytotoxicity. The various crosslinked networks were found to appreciably influence the properties of the scaffolds, especially the pore sizes, in which smaller sizes and higher numbers of pores with high regularity were seen in C-PHEMA/1.25 pC-SS (17 ± 2 μm) than in C-PHEMA/1.25 SS (34 ± 3 μm). Semi-interpenetrating networks were created by crosslinking PHEMA-MBAAm-PHEMA while incorporating free protein molecules of SS within the networks. The additional crosslinking step involving DMU occurred through hydrogen bonding of the -C=O and -N-H groups with the SS, resulting in the simultaneous incorporation of DMU and SS within the PHEMA networks. As a consequence of this process, the scaffold C-PHEMA/pC-SS exhibited smaller pore sizes compared to scaffolds without DMU crosslinking. Moreover, the incorporation of higher loadings of SS led to even smaller pore sizes. Additionally, the gelation time of C-PHEMA/pC-SS was delayed due to the presence of DMU in the crosslinking system. Both porous hydrogel scaffolds, C-PHEMA/pC-SS and PHEMA, were found to be non-cytotoxic to the normal human skin dermal fibroblast cell line (NHDF cells). This promising result indicates that these hydrogel scaffolds have potential for use in tissue engineering applications.
Graphene-Material-Modified PMMA Coated with 1,3,5,7-Tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetraazacyclooctane
Authors: Hou Conghua , Wu Nan , Zhang Xin , Li Zerui , Du Yuxing , Wang Jingyu
Published: October 2023

Since the energetic material 1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetraazacyclooctane (HMX) has potential safety hazards during its application, it was chosen to solve this problem by coating the surface of HMX through the self-polymerization reaction of methyl methacrylate (MMA). However, its mechanical properties were poor for further application, so graphene oxide (GO), hydroxylated graphene (GO-OH), and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) were chosen to be doped into PMMA for coating modification. The properties were also investigated. The composite microspheres were regular in shape. Furthermore, it was observed that graphene materials were present on the surface of the microspheres, and no crystal transformation of HMX occurred during the process. The thermal stability of the composite microspheres was improved, and the activation energies of the HMX/PMMA/GO, HMX/PMMA/rGO and HMX/PMMA/GO-OH composite microspheres were increased compared with those of the HMX/PMMA microspheres. At the same time, the high-energy dropout characteristics of the composite microspheres were improved, and the impact sensitivity of all microspheres was reduced, compared with that of the HMX/PMMA microspheres. The compressive strength of pillars pressed with composite microspheres increased by 1.91, 0.92 and 3.13 MPa, respectively. The mechanical properties of the composite microspheres were improved. As a result, HMX/PMMA composite microspheres have better properties.
Antibacterial Potential of Activated Carbon Impregnated with Garlic Extract
Authors: Alvarino Lauro Adeilson da Silva , Manzotti Fernando , Moreira Wardleison Martins , de Araújo Thiago Peixoto , Vareschini Daniel Tait , de Barros Maria Angélica Simões Dornellas
Published: October 2023

Contamination of water resources by pathogenic microorganisms is a major concern worldwide. As an example, hospitals generate effluents with a wide range of chemical and microbiological contaminants. These effluents are generally not treated beforehand due to the high costs and are, therefore, mixed with domestic effluents in regional treatment systems. Thus, actions to maintain water quality include the development of appropriate materials for its sustainable treatment. In this context, this study aims to develop natural antibacterial materials by impregnating aqueous and alcoholic extracts of garlic in activated babassu charcoal to reduce the microbial load of effluents. This material has been tested in a standard saline solution, which simulates the composition of hospital wastewater and allows bacteria to develop. The biomaterials were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy, pHPZC assays, Boehm’s method, and microbiological assays. Significant antibacterial activities were verified for the garlic extract-impregnated biomaterials; the activated carbon functionalized with HNO3 and impregnated with aqueous garlic extract inhibited 100% of E. coli growth. This result pointed to garlic extract associated with babassu activated carbon as a green alternative for the pre-treatment of complex effluents, such as hospital effluents.
Investigation into Pigmentation Behaviors and Mechanism of Pigment Yellow 180 in Different Solvents
Authors: Ye Kairu , Yang Yan , Chen Haishuo , Wu Jiatong , Wei Hongyuan , Dang Leping
Published: October 2023

To achieve the target colors, pigmentation (post-processing) in solvents is a key process in making Pigment Yellow 180 (PY180), a bis azo pigment. In this work, the solvent effect on the pigmentation behavior of PY180 was studied based on the Hansen solubility parameters (HSPs) and the molecular polarity index (MPI) method. First, the samples were characterized using FTIR, XRD, and TEM, and the colorimetric analysis was performed using the CIE L*a*b* color space model. It was found that the color hues obtained in ten solvents are different, with the overall color variation from reddish–yellow to greenish–yellow. Further characterization confirmed that the crystallinity and particle size increase of PY180 during the pigmentation mainly account for the variation of the chromaticity. Then, HSPs were introduced to understand how suspension behavior affects the dissolution–reprecipitation process. It shows that high-quality pigments can be obtained from solvents generally with low HSP differences (Δδ) between the solvents and PY180. To compensate for the inaccurate prediction of the HSPs method, MPI was used to value the influence of solvent molecular polarity. The results show that among solvents with similar solubility parameters to PY180, the stronger the molecular polarity index (MPI) of the solvent, the greater the color variation of the pigments. Meanwhile, different solvents influence the crystallization behavior of the low soluble system, which was supplemented by the above study.
Visualization Network Analysis of Studies on Agricultural Drainage Water Treatment
Authors: Wang Chaoqun , Zhang Yongxiang , Deng Lirong , Zhao Mingtao , Liang Meiqi , Lee Lien-Chieh , Chicaiza-Ortiz Cristhian , Yang Long , He Tonghui
Published: October 2023

Excessive chemical substances in agricultural drainage water have serious adverse effects on the ecological environment of the watershed into which they are discharged. Therefore, it has attracted widespread attention from scholars worldwide. In this paper, 282 scientific articles related to agricultural drainage water treatment are selected from the Web of Science Core Collection database, and CiteSpace was used to visualize and analyze the knowledge map of this field. The most productive authors, institutions, and countries in agricultural drainage water research are graphically presented in this paper. Developing countries are becoming the core force in this realm of inquiry. In addition, this paper explains the changes in research topics in this field over time and reveals current research hotspots, including “desalination”, “denitrification”, and “phosphorus removal”. Future research endeavors in using bioreactors and agricultural drainage water ditches for treating agricultural drainage water are implied to become a research focus in this field. This paper also emphasizes that future environmental protection research should increase case studies in developing countries and develop corresponding solutions based on the actual situation of agriculture in rural areas of developing countries.
Mapping Two Decades of Research Productivity in the Middle Eastern and Arab Countries: A Comprehensive Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Dardas Latefa Ali , Malkawi Ahmad M. A. , Sweis Sami , Sweis Nadia , Al-Khayat Amjad , Sawair Faleh A.
Published: October 2023

Middle Eastern and Arab countries have been experiencing significant advancements in scientific research and development over the past few decades. Understanding the trends, patterns, and impact of research within this region can provide valuable insights into its scientific landscape, identify areas of strength, and uncover potential areas for improvement. This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of research productivity in the Middle Eastern and Arab region over a 20-year period. The findings revealed a consistent increase in research productivity, yet mapped significant disparities between countries in scholarly output, excellence, and impact. Adjusting for population size and GDP, Iran displayed the highest publication activity, trailed by Egypt and Turkey. Delving into the distribution of research output across different journal quartiles, the results revealed that this region has a lower percentage of scholarly output published in high-impact journals (both the top 10% and the top 25% categories). Compared to North America and the European Union, the Middle Eastern and Arab region consistently exhibited lower performance in terms of top 10% citations, average citations per publication, and field-weighted citation impact. The field of physical sciences took the lead as the most prevalent subject area in the Middle Eastern and Arab region, comprising about 60.5% of the research emphasis. Conversely, social sciences garnered comparatively less research attention, making up approximately 8.9% of the focus. The region showed strong international collaboration levels (40.5%), yet relatively low national (24.4%) and academic–corporate collaborations (1.5%). The outcomes of this study can facilitate international comparisons and benchmarking, allowing Middle Eastern and Arab countries to position themselves within the global scientific community. There remains a need to prioritize quality over quantity by emphasizing rigorous research practices and collaboration. An ongoing evaluation of research performance using a combination of indicators can help track progress and adjust strategies as needed.
Christianity, Identity, and Professional Football
Authors: Daniels Graham , Parker Andrew
Published: October 2023

Empirical research on the lives of Christian elite athletes has focused primarily on their appropriation of faith-based behaviours and practices, and the ways in which their value and belief systems impact their performance. While these accounts provide useful insight into personal experience and practical application, they are largely devoid of theological underpinnings. Drawing on the findings of a small-scale qualitative study of the faith journeys of 15 ex-professional footballers, this paper seeks to present a theologically informed understanding of identity formation within elite sport. We begin by problematising the disjuncture between theocentric and anthropocentric approaches to the ways in which the specific identities of Christian elite athletes are often formed. We then explore the key issues that shaped the contours of the respondents’ experiences as they sought to negotiate their faith amidst the harsh realities of professional footballing life. The paper concludes by highlighting the importance of appropriate support networks to identity formation in Christian elite athletes.
Prohibition against Wearing Ecclesiastical Dress by Secular Clerics as a Punishment for Crimes contra sextum cum minore
Authors: Jaszcz Adam
Published: October 2023

The article examines the canonical legitimacy of imposing the punishment of prohibition of wearing ecclesiastical dress in the case of crimes contra sextum minore committed by clergy. They were included by the universal legislator among the most serious crimes reserved for the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith. It should be considered inevitable and necessary to impose expiatory penalties in the case of committing such crimes, and among the penalties that can be applied, the legislator lists the prohibition on wearing ecclesiastical dress. Although this punishment may not seem too burdensome at first glance, it nevertheless has a deep doctrinal justification, as the author shows by invoking canonical arguments. It also draws attention to the legitimacy of this penalty in the light of the principle of giving absolute priority to those who have been harmed. This principle should always be considered when imposing penalties for offences against the dignity of minors.