bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
INTERCEPT Pathogen Reduction in Platelet Concentrates, in Contrast to Gamma Irradiation, Induces the Formation of trans-Arachidonic Acids and Affects Eicosanoid Release during Storage
Authors: Leitner Gerda C. , Hagn Gerhard , Niederstaetter Laura , Bileck Andrea , Plessl-Walder Kerstin , Horvath Michaela , Kolovratova Vera , Tanzmann Andreas , Tolios Alexander , Rabitsch Werner , Wohlfarth Philipp , Gerner Christopher
Published: September 2022

Pathogen inactivation techniques for blood products have been implemented to optimize clinically safe blood components supply. The INTERCEPT system uses amotosalen together with ultraviolet light wavelength A (UVA) irradiation. Irradiation-induced inactivation of nucleic acids may actually be accompanied by modifications of chemically reactive polyunsaturated fatty acids known to be important mediators of platelet functions. Thus, here, we investigated eicosanoids and the related fatty acids released upon treatment and during storage of platelet concentrates for 7 days, complemented by the analysis of functional and metabolic consequences of these treatments. Metabolic and functional issues like glucose consumption, lactate formation, platelet aggregation, and clot firmness hardly differed between the two treatment groups. In contrast to gamma irradiation, here, we demonstrated that INTERCEPT treatment immediately caused new formation of trans-arachidonic acid isoforms, while 11-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (11-HETE) and 15-HETE were increased and two hydroperoxyoctadecadienoic acid (HpODE) isoforms decreased. During further storage, these alterations remained stable, while the release of 12-lipoxygenase (12-LOX) products such as 12-HETE and 12-hydroxyeicosapentaenoic acid (12-HEPE) was further attenuated. In vitro synthesis of trans-arachidonic acid isoforms suggested that thiol radicals formed by UVA treatment may be responsible for the INTERCEPT-specific effects observed in platelet concentrates. It is reasonable to assume that UVA-induced molecules may have specific biological effects which need to be further investigated.
Expression and Function of ABC Transporters in Human Alveolar Epithelial Cells
Authors: Visigalli Rossana , Rotoli Bianca Maria , Ferrari Francesca , Di Lascia Maria , Riccardi Benedetta , Puccini Paola , Dall’Asta Valeria , Barilli Amelia
Published: September 2022

ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters are a large superfamily of membrane transporters that facilitate the translocation of different substrates. While ABC transporters are clearly expressed in various tumor cells where they can play a role in drug extrusion, the presence of these transporters in normal lung tissues is still controversial. Here, we performed an analysis of ABC transporters in EpiAlveolarTM, a recently developed model of human alveoli, by defining the expression and activity of MDR1, BCRP, and MRPs. Immortalized primary epithelial cells hAELVi (human alveolar epithelial lentivirus-immortalized cells) were employed for comparison. Our data underline a close homology between these two models, where none of the ABC transporters here studied are expressed on the apical membrane and only MRP1 is clearly detectable and functional at the basolateral side. According to these findings, we can conclude that other thus-far-unidentified transporter/s involved in drug efflux from alveolar epithelium deserve investigations.
Mucus-Penetrating Silk Fibroin-Based Nanotherapeutics for Efficient Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Xie Dengchao , Zhou Xin , Xiao Bo , Duan Lian , Zhu Zhenhua
Published: September 2022

Oral nanoparticles have been considered a prospective drug delivery carrier against ulcerative colitis (UC). To enhance the mucus-penetrating capacity and aqueous solubility, and strengthen the anti-inflammatory effect of resveratrol (RSV), we fabricated RSV-loaded silk fibroin-based nanoparticles with the functionalization of Pluronic F127 (PF-127). The obtained PF-127-functionalized RSV-loaded NPs had an average particle size around 170 nm, a narrow size distribution (polydispersity index < 0.2), and negative zeta potential (−20.5 mV). Our results indicated that the introduction of PF-127 strengthened the mucus-penetrating property of NPs. In vitro studies suggested that NPs with PF-127 enhanced the suppression of the secretion of proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α and reactive oxygen species (ROS) from RAW 264.7 macrophages under lipopolysaccharide stimulation in comparison with other counterparts. According to the evaluation of macro symptoms and main inflammatory cytokines, we further report preferable therapeutic outcomes achieved by PF-127 functionalized-NP-treated dextran sulphate sodium (DSS) groups in the colitis model compared with blank silk fibroin NPs and RSV-loaded NPs without the functionalization of PF-127. Taken together, this work suggests that the fabricated PF-127 NPs via the oral route are promising and useful RSV-loaded nanocarriers for UC treatment.
Nanomaterials as Redox Mediators in Laccase-Based Amperometric Biosensors for Catechol Assay
Authors: Demkiv Olha , Gayda Galina , Stasyuk Nataliya , Brahinetz Olena , Gonchar Mykhailo , Nisnevitch Marina
Published: September 2022

Laccase is a copper-containing enzyme that does not require hydrogen peroxide as a co-substrate or additional cofactors for an enzymatic reaction. Nanomaterials of various chemical structures are usually applied to the construction of enzyme-based biosensors. Metals, metal oxides, semiconductors, and composite NPs perform various functions in electrochemical transformation schemes as a platform for the enzyme immobilization, a mediator of an electron transfer, and a signal amplifier. We describe here the development of amperometric biosensors (ABSs) based on laccase and redox-active micro/nanoparticles (hereafter—NPs), which were immobilized on a graphite electrode (GE). For this purpose, we isolated a highly purified enzyme from the fungus Trametes zonatus, and then synthesized bi- and trimetallic NPs of noble and transition metals, as well as hexacyanoferrates (HCF) of noble metals; these were layered onto the surfaces of GEs. The electroactivity of many of the NPs immobilized on the GEs was characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV) experiments. The most effective mediators of electron transfer were selected as the platform for the development of laccase-based ABSs. As a result, a number of catechol-sensitive ABSs were constructed and characterized. The laccase/CuCo/GE was demonstrated to possess the highest sensitivity to catechol (4523 A·M−1·m−2) among the tested ABSs. The proposed ABSs may be promising for the analysis of phenolic derivatives in real samples of drinking water, wastewater, and food products.
The Effect of Dual-Task Motor-Cognitive Training in Adults with Neurological Diseases Who Are at Risk of Falling
Authors: Spanò Barbara , De Tollis Massimo , Taglieri Sara , Manzo Alice , Ricci Claudia , Lombardi Maria G. , Polidori Lorenzo , Griffini Ivo A. , Aloisi Marta , Vinicola Vincenzo , Formisano Rita , Caltagirone Carlo , Annicchiarico Roberta
Published: September 2022

Falls are common in patients with neurological diseases and can be very problematic. Recently, there has been an increase in fall prevention research in people with neurological diseases; however, these studies are usually condition-specific (e.g., only MS, PD or stroke). Here, our aim was to evaluate and compare the efficacy of an advanced and innovative dual-task, motor-cognitive rehabilitation program in individuals with different neurological diseases who are at risk of falling. We recruited 95 consecutive adults with neurological diseases who are at risk of falling and divided them into four groups: 31 with cerebrovascular disease (CVD), 20 with Parkinson’s disease (PD), 23 with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and 21 with other neurological diseases (OND). Each patient completed a dual-task, motor-cognitive training program and underwent two test evaluations to assess balance, gait, fear of falling and walking performance at the pre-and post-intervention. We found that our experimental motor-cognitive, dual-task rehabilitation program was an effective method for improving walking balance, gait, walking endurance and speed, and fear of falling, and that it reduced the risk of falls in patients with different neurological diseases. This study presents an alternative approach for people with chronic neurological diseases and provides innovative data for managing this population.
Recycling of Flash-Calcined Dredged Sediment for Concrete 3D Printing
Authors: Daher Jana , Kleib Joelle , Benzerzour Mahfoud , Abriak Nor-Edine , Aouad Georges
Published: September 2022

Due to the large volumes of sediments dredged each year and their classification as waste materials, proper management is needed to efficiently dispose of or recycle them. This study aimed to recycle flash-calcined dredged sediment in the development of an eco-friendly 3D-printable mortar. Mortars with 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 30% of flash-calcined sediment were studied. Two tests were carried out to determine the printability of the mixtures. First, a manual gun device was used to examine the extrudability, then a modified minislump test was conducted to assess the buildability and shape-retention ability of the mixtures. Furthermore, the flow table test and the fall cone test were used to evaluate the workability and structural buildup, respectively. The compressive strength was also evaluated at 1, 7, and 28 days for printed and nonprinted mortar specimens. In addition, isothermal calorimetry measurements were conducted on corresponding cement pastes. The results showed that it was possible to print mortars with up to 10% of flash-calcined sediment with the preservation of extrudability and buildability. The results showed that flash-calcined sediment shortened the setting time, decreased the flowability, and enhanced the shape-retention ability. Nonprinted samples with 5% and 10% of flash-calcined sediment showed a similar to higher compressive strength compared to that of the reference mortar. However, printed samples recorded an equal to lower compressive strength than that of nonprinted samples. In addition, no significant change in the hydration process was detected for blended cement pastes compared to the reference cement paste.
Procedure for Safety Assessment and BIM Modelling of an Historical Complex Structure through a Macroelement Approach: The Building “Molino-Pastificio Soresi” of Partinico (Italy)
Authors: Minafò Giovanni , Rusticano Giuseppe , La Mendola Lidia , Pennisi Silvia
Published: September 2022

The structural assessment of existing historical structures is a complex task due to the inner main difficulty in making up reliable models for structural analysis, able to include mechanical and geometrical nonlinearities, existing damage, complex configurations and arrangements of materials. This task becomes more difficult in mixed RC-masonry structures, which structural modelling can be particularly tough due to the different connections and interactions between structural members and materials. This paper presents the case study of a multi-storey mixed Reinforced Concrete (RC)-masonry historical structure, namely the former mill “Molino-Pastificio Soresi” building, located in Partinico (Sicily—Italy). It is shown as it is possible to obtain an accurate and detailed representation of the building, as well as a reliable structural model. The assessment of the seismic vulnerability from the global point of view of the considered case study is carried out through a multidisciplinary approach based on four stages: (1) historic analysis and study of the relevance of the building; (2) geometrical survey and photographic documentation; (3) structural identification and materials; (4) BIM implementation and structural modelling.
Fractal Analysis of Tunnel Structural Damage Caused by High-Temperature and Explosion Impact
Authors: Yang Zhaopeng , Wang Linbing
Published: September 2022

The tunnel is one of the most important components in modern underground engineering. Due to long and narrow shape constraints, it very easily results in large-scale fire and explosion when deflagration is caused by the accidents of vehicles that transport dangerous goods in the tunnel. Previously, the studies on the damage to tunnel lining caused by high-temperature impacts in these kinds of disasters were often limited to a discussion of only one influencing factor, either fire or explosion, but they rarely considered the two factors simultaneously. In this work, the damage properties of full-size tunnel lining induced by high temperature and impact were evaluated, and the concrete samples from the whole lining arch were selected for CT scanning. The improved differential box-counting method was used for the fractal analysis of the CT images to obtain the damage-distribution properties of the tunnel lining structure under the two coupled influencing factors: the high temperature caused by fire, and the impact caused by deflagration.
Catalytic Behavior of Au Confined in Ionic Liquid Film: A Kinetics Study for the Hydrochlorination of Acetylene
Authors: Wang Bolin , Zhang Haifeng , Yue Yuxue , Li Changlin , Zhao Jia
Published: September 2022

A systematic study of the kinetics of supported-ionic-liquid-phase (SILP) Au catalysis (Au-IL/AC) has been established in the continuous gas-phase hydrochlorination of acetylene. We reveal that the effect of ionic liquid (IL) film on substrate diffusion can be eliminated. The reaction order of the catalyst indicates that Au is confirmed to exist as a monomer in the IL film of the Au-IL/AC system, which is different from the fast equilibrium of the “Au dimer and monomer” for the classical Au/AC catalyst. The homogeneous reaction micro-environment is confirmed for Au-IL/AC since the activation energy was little changed under both heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysis, further verifying the monatomic characteristics of Au in Au-IL/AC. Due to the supported IL film, the reaction order of hydrogen chloride was decreased from 1 to 0.5 while creating a hydrogen chloride enrichment system around Au, which provides the possibility of producing vinyl chloride with an equal substrates feed ratio. This kinetic-perspective-based revelation of the catalytic behavior of the metal active sites confined in IL film enriches and expands the SILP catalytic system for acetylene hydrochlorination.
Co-Production of Methanol and Methyl Formate via Catalytic Hydrogenation of CO2 over Promoted Cu/ZnO Catalyst Supported on Al2O3 and SBA-15
Authors: Berahim Nor Hafizah , Mohd Zabidi Noor Asmawati , Suhaimi Nur Amirah
Published: September 2022

Cu/ZnO catalysts promoted with Mn, Nb and Zr, in a 1:1:1 ration, and supported on Al2O3 (CZMNZA) and SBA-15 (CZMNZS) were synthesized using an impregnation method. The catalytic performance of methanol synthesis from CO2 hydrogenation was investigated in a fixed-bed reactor at 250 °C, 22.5 bar, GHSV 10,800 mL/g·h and H2/CO2 ratio of 3. The CZMNZA catalyst resulted in higher CO2 conversion and MeOH selectivity of 7.22% and 32.10%, respectively, despite having a lower BET surface area and pore volume compared to CZMNZS. Methyl formate is the major product obtained over both types of catalysts. The CZMNZA is a promising catalyst for co-producing methanol and methyl formate via the CO2 hydrogenation reaction.
Effect of Platinum Precursor on the Properties of Pt/N-Graphene Catalysts in Formic Acid Decomposition
Authors: Chesnokov Vladimir V. , Kriventsov Vladimir V. , Prosvirin Igor P. , Gerasimov Evgeny Yu.
Published: September 2022

Properties of a novel catalytic material, Pt/N-graphene, in gas-phase decomposition of formic acid to obtain pure hydrogen were studied. The graphene powder doped with nitrogen atoms was used as the carbon support. The following methods were used to characterize the synthesized catalysts: X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), EXAFS and CO chemisorption. It was determined that the platinum precursor substantially affects the state of the metal in the Pt/N-graphene catalysts. When Pt(NO3)4 was used as the precursor, platinum on the catalyst surface was in the form of nanocrystals. Meanwhile, the use of H2PtCl6 led to the formation of atomically dispersed platinum stabilized on the surface of N-graphene. Carbon structures containing defects in the graphene layer surrounded by four nitrogen atoms had strong interactions with platinum atoms and acted as the sites where atomic platinum was stabilized.
Discriminative Value of Serum Irisin in Prediction of Heart Failure with Different Phenotypes among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Berezin Alexander A. , Lichtenauer Michael , Boxhammer Elke , Stöhr Eric , Berezin Alexander E.
Published: September 2022

Recent studies have shown that circulating levels of irisin are prognostic factors in heart failure (HF), but no data are available on the predictive role of irisin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and different phenotypes of HF. The aim of the study was to investigate whether serum levels of irisin predict HF in T2DM patients. We prospectively included 183 participants with T2DM aged 41 to 62 years (30 non-HF patients and 153 HF patients) and 25 healthy volunteers in the study and evaluated clinical data, hemodynamics and biomarkers (N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and irisin). Serum levels of irisin < 8.30 ng/mL were found to be a better indicator of HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) than irisin ≥ 8.30 ng/mL, but the predictive cut-off point for NT-proBNP remained the same as for HF with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF). Serum levels of irisin < 10.4 ng/mL significantly improved the predictive ability of NT-proBNP for HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). In conclusion, we found that decreased serum levels of irisin significantly predicted HFpEF, rather than HFmrEF and HFrEF, in T2DM patients. This finding may open a new approach to HF risk stratification in T2DM patients.
Regulation of Conidiogenesis in Aspergillus flavus
Authors: Cho He-Jin , Son Sung-Hun , Chen Wanping , Son Ye-Eun , Lee Inhyung , Yu Jae-Hyuk , Park Hee-Soo
Published: September 2022

Aspergillus flavus is a representative fungal species in the Aspergillus section Flavi and has been used as a model system to gain insights into fungal development and toxin production. A. flavus has several adverse effects on humans, including the production of the most carcinogenic mycotoxin aflatoxins and causing aspergillosis in immune-compromised patients. In addition, A. flavus infection of crops results in economic losses due to yield loss and aflatoxin contamination. A. flavus is a saprophytic fungus that disperses in the ecosystem mainly by producing asexual spores (conidia), which also provide long-term survival in the harsh environmental conditions. Conidia are composed of the rodlet layer, cell wall, and melanin and are produced from an asexual specialized structure called the conidiophore. The production of conidiophores is tightly regulated by various regulators, including the central regulatory cascade composed of BrlA-AbaA-WetA, the fungi-specific velvet regulators, upstream regulators, and developmental repressors. In this review, we summarize the findings of a series of recent studies related to asexual development in A. flavus and provide insights for a better understanding of other fungal species in the section Flavi.
Regulation of Adipose Progenitor Cell Expansion in a Novel Micro-Physiological Model of Human Adipose Tissue Mimicking Fibrotic and Pro-Inflammatory Microenvironments
Authors: Dani Vincent , Bruni-Favier Solène , Chignon-Sicard Bérengère , Loubat Agnès , Doglio Alain , Dani Christian
Published: September 2022

The expansion of adipose progenitor cells (APCs) plays an important role in the regeneration of the adipose tissue in physiological and pathological situations. The major role of CD26-expressing APCs in the generation of adipocytes has recently been highlighted, revealing that the CD26 APC subtype displays features of multipotent stem cells, giving rise to CD54- and CD142-expressing preadipocytes. However, a relevant human in vitro model to explore the regulation of the APC subpopulation expansion in lean and obese adipose tissue microenvironments is still lacking. In this work, we describe a novel adipose tissue model, named ExAdEx, that can be obtained from cosmetic surgery wastes. ExAdEx products are adipose tissue units maintaining the characteristics and organization of adipose tissue as it presents in vivo. The model was viable and metabolically active for up to two months and could adopt a pathological-like phenotype. The results revealed that inflammatory and fibrotic microenvironments differentially regulated the expansion of the CD26 APC subpopulation and its CD54 and CD142 APC progenies. The approach used significantly improves the method of generating adipose tissue models, and ExAdEx constitutes a relevant model that could be used to identify pathways promoting the expansion of APCs in physiological and pathological microenvironments.
IgG+ Extracellular Vesicles Measure Therapeutic Response in Advanced Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Couto Nuno , Elzanowska Julia , Maia Joana , Batista Silvia , Pereira Catarina Esteves , Beck Hans Christian , Carvalho Ana Sofia , Strano Moraes Maria Carolina , Carvalho Carlos , Oliveira Manuela , Matthiesen Rune , Costa-Silva Bruno
Published: September 2022

(1) Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is expected to be the second-leading cause of cancer deaths by 2030. Imaging techniques are the standard for monitoring the therapy response in PDAC, but these techniques have considerable limits, including delayed disease progression detection and difficulty in distinguishing benign from malignant lesions. Extracellular vesicle (EV) liquid biopsy is an emerging diagnosis modality. Nonetheless, the majority of research for EV-based diagnosis relies on point analyses of EVs at specified times, while longitudinal EV population studies before and during therapeutic interventions remain largely unexplored. (2) Methods: We analyzed plasma EV protein composition at diagnosis and throughout PDAC therapy. (3) Results: We found that IgG is linked with the diagnosis of PDAC and the patient’s response to therapy, and that the IgG+ EV population increases with disease progression and reduces with treatment response. Importantly, this covers PDAC patients devoid of the standard PDAC seric marker CA19.9 expression. We also observed that IgG is bound to EVs via the tumor antigen MAGE B1, and that this is independent of the patient’s inflammatory condition and IgG seric levels. (4) Conclusions: We here propose that a population analysis of IgG+ EVs in PDAC plasma represents a novel method to supplement the monitoring of the PDAC treatment response.
Cigarette Smoke and Morphine Promote Treg Plasticity to Th17 via Enhancing Trained Immunity
Authors: Shao Ying , Saaoud Fatma , Cornwell William , Xu Keman , Kirchhoff Aaron , Lu Yifan , Jiang Xiaohua , Wang Hong , Rogers Thomas J. , Yang Xiaofeng
Published: September 2022

CD4+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) respond to environmental cues to permit or suppress inflammation, and atherosclerosis weakens Treg suppression and promotes plasticity. However, the effects of smoking plus morphine (SM + M) on Treg plasticity remain unknown. To determine whether SM + M promotes Treg plasticity to T helper 17 (Th17) cells, we analyzed the RNA sequencing data from SM, M, and SM + M treated Tregs and performed knowledge-based and IPA analysis. We demonstrated that (1) SM + M, M, and SM upregulated the transcripts of cytokines, chemokines, and clusters of differentiation (CDs) and modulated the transcripts of kinases and phosphatases in Tregs; (2) SM + M, M, and SM upregulated the transcripts of immunometabolism genes, trained immunity genes, and histone modification enzymes; (3) SM + M increased the transcripts of Th17 transcription factor (TF) RORC and Tfh factor CXCR5 in Tregs; M increased the transcripts of T helper cell 1 (Th1) TF RUNX3 and Th1-Th9 receptor CXCR3; and SM inhibited Treg TGIF1 transcript; (4) six genes upregulated in SM + M Tregs were matched with the top-ranked Th17 pathogenic genes; and 57, 39 genes upregulated in SM + M Tregs were matched with groups II and group III Th17 pathogenic genes, respectively; (5) SM + M upregulated the transcripts of 70 IPA-TFs, 11 iTregs-specific TFs, and 4 iTregs-Th17 shared TFs; and (6) SM + M, M, and SM downregulated Treg suppression TF Rel (c-Rel); and 35 SM + M downregulated genes were overlapped with Rel−/− Treg downregulated genes. These results provide novel insights on the roles of SM + M in reprogramming Treg transcriptomes and Treg plasticity to Th17 cells and novel targets for future therapeutic interventions involving immunosuppression in atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases, autoimmune diseases, transplantation, and cancers.
A New Method of Disabling Face Detection by Drawing Lines between Eyes and Mouth
Authors: Zhang Chongyang , Kameda Hiroyuki
Published: September 2022

Face swapping technology is approaching maturity, and it is difficult to distinguish between real images and fake images. In order to prevent malicious face swapping and ensure the privacy and security of personal photos, we propose a new way to disable the face detector in the face detection stage, which is to add a black line structure to the face part. Using neural network visualization, we found that the black line structure can interrupt the continuity of facial features extracted by the face detector, thus making the three face detectors MTCNN, S3FD, and SSD fail simultaneously. By widening the width of the black line, MTCNN, S3FD, and SSD are able to reach probability of failure levels up to 95.7%. To reduce the amount of perturbation added and determine the effective range of perturbation addition, we firstly experimentally prove that adding perturbation to the background cannot interfere with the detector’s detection of faces.
Phase Field Simulation Research on the Microstructural Evolution of Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline Silicon
Authors: Zhang Dianxi , Yang Xiufan , Wang Huaizhi , Song Qingjiang
Published: September 2022

This work simulates the morphological evolution process of the solidification interface of silicon crystal. Based on the phase field model of single dendrite growth of pure material in a single-phase system, the control equation of the phase field is re-optimized, and an interface free energy anisotropy equation that can simulate the competitive growth of multiple crystal grains is established. The competitive growth of polysilicon is then simulated and analyzed. The results show that when the degree of undercooling exceeds a certain value, the non-facet crystals are transformed into facet crystals. The main branches in each direction are relatively thick when the anisotropy is small. With increasing anisotropy, the main branches in each direction show gradual thinning, and edges and corners appear on the interface. The dendrites are no longer smooth, and they transform from non-facet crystals to facet crystals. The main branches of different grains inhibit each other when multiple crystal grains compete for growth. The growth of the main branches is curved, which is different from existing branches. The experimental results can more realistically simulate the evolution process of single-crystal silicon and polycrystalline silicon crystal micromorphology.
Development of Solution-Processed Perovskite Semiconductors Lasers
Authors: Zhang Nan , Na Quanxin , Xie Qijie , Jia Siqi
Published: September 2022

Lead halide perovskite is a new photovoltaic material with excellent material characteristics, such as high optical absorption coefficient, long carrier transmission length, long carrier lifetime and low defect state density. At present, the steady-state photoelectric conversion efficiency of all-perovskite laminated cells is as high as 28.0%, which has surpassed the highest efficiency of monocrystalline silicon cells (26.7%). In addition to its excellent photovoltaic properties, perovskite is also a type of direct bandgap semiconductor with low cost, solubilization, high fluorescence quantum efficiency and tunable radiation wavelength, which brings hope for the realization of electrically pumped low-cost semiconductor lasers. In recent years, a variety of perovskite lasers have emerged, ranging from the type of resonator, the wavelength and pulse width of the pump source, and the preparation process. However, the current research on perovskite lasers is only about the type of resonator, the type of perovskite and the pump wavelength, but the performance of the laser itself and the practical application of perovskite lasers are still in the initial stages. In this review, we summarize the recent developments and progress of solution-processed perovskite semiconductors lasers. We discuss the merit of solution-processed perovskite semiconductors as lasing gain materials and summarized the characteristics of a variety of perovskite lasers. In addition, in view of the issues of poor stability and high current density required to achieve electrically pumped lasers in perovskite lasers, the development trend of perovskite lasers in the future is prospected.
NMR Crystallography as a Vital Tool in Assisting Crystal Structure Determination from Powder XRD Data
Authors: Harris Kenneth D. M.
Published: September 2022

Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and solid-state NMR spectroscopy are complementary techniques for investigating the structural properties of solids, and there are considerable opportunities and advantages to applying these techniques synergistically together in determining the structural properties of crystalline solids. This article provides an overview of the potential to exploit structural information derived from solid-state NMR data to assist and enhance the process of crystal structure determination from powder XRD data, focusing in particular on the structure determination of organic molecular materials.
Hidden Coronary Atherosclerosis Assessment but Not Coronary Flow Reserve Helps to Explain the Slow Coronary Flow Phenomenon in Patients with Angiographically Normal Coronary Arteries
Authors: Caiati Carlo , Iacovelli Fortunato , Mancini Giandomenico , Lepera Mario Erminio
Published: September 2022

The significance of the slow coronary flow phenomenon (SCFph), as visualized in patients (pts) with angiographically normal coronary arteries, is controversial. Absolute coronary flow reserve (CFR) in the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD), non-invasively assessed by a transthoracic color-guided pulsed-wave Doppler (E-Doppler TTE), is a reliable parameter to assess coronary microcirculatory dysfunction (CMD). Mild and angiographically hidden epicardial atherosclerosis (Hath), as visualized by intracoronary ultrasound (IVUS), which could be the clue to atherosclerotic coronary microvascular involvement, has never been investigated together with CFR in patients. This study was aimed at assessing the value of CFR and HA in explaining the SCFph. Methods. Both non-invasive assessment of CFR in the LAD and corrected TIMI frame count assessment of the coronary contrast runoff were performed in 124 pts with angiographically normal coronary arteries. Among the whole group, 32 patients also underwent intracoronary ultrasounds in the LMCA and LAD, and the maximal plaque burden was assessed (Lesion external elastic (EEM) cross sectional area (CSA)—Lesion Lumen CSA/Lesion EEM CSA * 100). We found that 24 of the 124 pts (group 1) had the SCFph and the remaining 100 had a normal runoff (group 2). CFR, evaluated in both groups, was not significantly different, being 2.79 ± 0.79 (Mean ± SD) in group 1 and 2.90 ± 0.8 in group 2 (p = ns); in the pts also examined by IVUS (32 pts), the SCFph was always associated with hidden atherosclerosis, and a plaque burden of ≥33%. On the contrary, in the normal runoff group, any grade of PB was observed (from no athero to a PB > 70%) and remarkably, 10 pts had no signs of athero or just a minimal plaque burden. This resulted in a ROC curve analysis in which PB < 33% had a high negative predictive value (100%) in ruling out the SCFph. In addition, considering a CFR value < 2.21 as an index of coronary microcirculatory dysfunction, we found CMD in 15 pts (15%) in group 1 and in 7 pts (29%) in group 2 (p = ns). In conclusion, the SCFph is strongly connected to epicardial athero to the extent that the absence of hidden coronary athero has a very high negative predictive power in ruling out SCFph. CFR that is based on an endothelium-independent mechanism remains fairly normal in this condition. An endothelium-dependent microcirculatory constriction at rest due to atherosclerotic involvement of the coronary microvascular network is a possible explanation of the SCFph.
Association of Intraocular Pressure and Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Parameters in Early Glaucoma Treatment
Authors: Chuang Lan-Hsin , Li Ju-Hsien , Huang Pei-Wei , Chen Henry S. L. , Liu Chun-Fu , Yang Ju-Wen , Lai Chi-Chun
Published: September 2022

This prospective study aimed to explore the effect of medical intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction on structural and capillary vessel density (VD) change by optical coherence tomography (OCT) angiography in early glaucoma. Patients with newly diagnosed glaucoma and a follow-up of ≥6 months were enrolled. An ocular examination that included slit-lamp bio-microscopy, pneumatic tonometry, gonioscopy, standard automated perimetry, and OCT angiography was performed. Quantitative OCT angiography parameters were assessed using a linear mixed model that was adjusted for inter-eye correlation. The correlations between IOP changes and OCT angiography parameter changes were analyzed using Spearman’s correlation test. In total, 52 eyes of 36 participants, including 33 glaucoma eyes of 17 participants and 19 healthy eyes of 19 participants served as the case and control groups, respectively. The IOP of the case group decreased from a baseline mean of 20.4 ± 0.8 mmHg to 15.7 ± 0.5 mmHg at 3 months (p < 0.001) and to 16.1 ± 0.5 mmHg at 6 months (p < 0.001). For the subgroup with an IOP reduction of >20%, the deep macula VD was negatively correlated with baseline IOP and significantly decreased at 3 months follow-up. Additionally, change in retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) was positively correlated with a change in IOP at 6 months. In conclusion, the deep-layer macula VD was correlated with baseline IOP and influenced by the reduction in IOP in the short term. The changes in VD revealed the vulnerability of the deep vascular complex. The OCTA parameters provide in vivo monitoring information during medical treatment for early glaucoma.
Teacher Perceptions about ICT Integration into Classroom Instruction
Authors: Abel Vincent Ruhogo , Tondeur Jo , Sang Guoyuan
Published: September 2022

This study looked at qualitative papers that focused on teacher perceptions of how technology is integrated in the classroom. It synthesized 22 qualitative research studies using the meta-ethnography method to trace, assess, and synthesize the findings in order to gain a better understanding of the diversity of teacher perceptions concerning ICT integration in the classroom. The outcomes were determined by the positive and negative attitudes teachers had toward ICT integration in the classroom. The synthesis revealed that local settings and global educational trends both influence teacher perceptions. It is stated how crucial teacher professional development programs are, and contextual elements influencing teacher perceptions about ICT integration into classroom are highlighted. Recommendations for further study are explored by integrating the review’s findings.
Time Series Forecasting of Software Vulnerabilities Using Statistical and Deep Learning Models
Authors: Kalouptsoglou Ilias , Tsoukalas Dimitrios , Siavvas Miltiadis , Kehagias Dionysios , Chatzigeorgiou Alexander , Ampatzoglou Apostolos
Published: September 2022

Software security is a critical aspect of modern software products. The vulnerabilities that reside in their source code could become a major weakness for enterprises that build or utilize these products, as their exploitation could lead to devastating financial consequences. Therefore, the development of mechanisms capable of identifying and discovering software vulnerabilities has recently attracted the interest of the research community. Besides the studies that examine software attributes in order to predict the existence of vulnerabilities in software components, there are also studies that attempt to predict the future number of vulnerabilities based on the already reported vulnerabilities of a project. In this paper, the evolution of vulnerabilities in a horizon of up to 24 months ahead is predicted using a univariate time series forecasting approach. Both statistical and deep learning models are developed and compared based on security data coming from five popular software projects. In contrast to related literature, the results indicate that the capacity of Deep Learning and statistical models in forecasting the evolution of software vulnerabilities, as well as the selection of the best-performing model, depends on the respective software project. In some cases, statistical models provided better accuracy, whereas in other cases, Deep Learning models demonstrated better predictive power. However, the difference in their performance was not found to be statistically significant. In general, the two model categories produced similar forecasts for the number of vulnerabilities expected in the future, without significant diversities.
Importance of Solvent Evaporation Temperature in Pre-Annealing Stage for Solution-Processed Zinc Tin Oxide Thin-Film Transistors
Authors: Jeon Sang-Hwa , Wang Ziyuan , Seo Kyeong-Ho , Feng Junhao , Zhang Xue , Park Jaehoon , Bae Jin-Hyuk
Published: September 2022

We focused on the importance of solvent evaporation governed by the temperature of the pre-annealing stage (TS) in solution-processed zinc tin oxide (ZTO) thin-film transistors (TFTs). We controlled TS based on the boiling point (BP) of the solvent used. When TS reaches the BP, the field effect mobility is found to be about 1.03 cm2/V s, which is 10 times larger than the TS < Bp case (0.13 cm2/V s). The reason is presumed to be that residual organic defects are effectively removed as TS increases. In addition, when Ts is beyond Bp, the mobility is rather decreased due to structural defects such as pores and pinholes. Based on our results, it is noted that TS plays a significant role in the enhancement of electrical performance and stability of solution-processed ZTO TFTs.
Large-Signal Stabilization Method for Islanded DC Microgrids Considering Battery and Supercapacitor Hybrid Energy Storage Systems
Authors: Liu Xinbo , Suo Yongbing , Song Xiaotong , Zhou Jinghua , Qu Yaxin
Published: September 2022

Islanded DC microgrids composed of distributed generators (DGs), constant power loads (CPLs), parallel converters, batteries and supercapacitors (SCs) are typical nonlinear systems, and guaranteeing large-signal stability is a key issue. In this paper, the nonlinear model of a DC microgrid with a hybrid energy storage system (HESS) is established, and large-signal stability criteria are obtained. The HESS consists of batteries and SCs. The derived criteria reveal the influences of the filter parameters, CPL power, DG power and the proportional control parameters of the battery converter and the SC converter on the system large-signal stability. Furthermore, important large-signal stabilization methods for regulating the HESS converter’s control parameters can easily achieve the large-signal stabilization of islanded DC microgrids without extra equipment. The paper is summarized as follows: First, the topology of and control strategy for a DC microgrid with an HESS and CPLs are proposed. Then, according to the characteristics of the HESS, the DGs and the CPLs, the system is equivalently simplified. Finally, the nonlinear model and large-signal stability criteria are both derived using the mixed potential theory, and a large-signal stabilization design method for the HESS converter’s control parameters is proposed. The experimental and simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed large-signal stabilization method.
An Integrated Approach for the Determination of Young’s Modulus of a Cantilever Beam Using Finite Element Analysis and the Digital Image Correlation (DIC) Technique
Authors: Loh Tick Boon , Wu Yutong , Goh Siang Huat , Kong Kian Hau , Goh Kheng Lim , Chong Jun Jie
Published: September 2022

This paper is an extended paper from the 24th International Conference on Mechatronics Technology, ICMT 2021. The basic mechanical characteristic that gauges the stiffness of a solid material is known as the Young’s modulus. To evaluate the Young’s modulus, destructive material testing is frequently used. This paper describes how to determine a material’s dynamic Young’s modulus using Digital Image Correlation (DIC) in conjunction with numerical back-analysis. Three different materials (brass, aluminum, and steel) were examined for their static and dynamic reactions. A static transverse displacement was first applied at the free end of the beam before it was released and the beam was allowed to vibrate freely. The resulting vibrations at the free end were monitored using the DIC method, following which the natural frequencies of the beam were derived by applying the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) to the DIC measured time history. The Young’s modulus corresponding to the fundamental natural frequency of the beam was then obtained via modal back-analysis using the finite element program Ansys 2022 R1. In this way, the Young’s modulus of the material may be calculated using a combination of numerical and DIC techniques, thus allowing for the non-contact evaluation of the structural integrity without subjecting the material to destructive testing. Potential applications of this method include bridge and building assessments, and structural health monitoring (SHM).
Finite-Time Adaptive Neural Control Scheme for Uncertain High-Order Systems with Input Nonlinearities and Unmodeled Dynamics
Authors: Mei Hantong , Huang Hanqiao , Guo Yunhe , Huang Guan , Xu Feihong
Published: September 2022

This paper proposes a novel finite-time adaptive neural control method for a class of high-order nonlinear systems with high powers in the presence of dead zone input nonlinearities and unmodeled dynamics. By utilizing prescribed performance functions and radial basis function neural networks, the tracking error and state errors are limited within the preassigned range in a finite time, which can be specified by the designer in advance according to the chosen the parameters of the novel prescribed performance functions. Nonlinear transformed error surfaces are designed to counteract the effects of dead zone input nonlinearities in nonlinear high-order systems with unknown system nonlinearities and unmodeled dynamics. Based on the Lyapunov theorem, the tracking errors are proven to converge into a preassigned set in a finite time previously specified by the novel prescribed performance function. Finally, simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
A Systematic Review on the Energy Efficiency of Dynamic Clustering in a Heterogeneous Environment of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs)
Authors: Alomari Mohammed F. , Mahmoud Moamin A. , Ramli Ramona
Published: September 2022

There are a variety of applications for wireless sensor networks (WSNs), such as military, health monitoring systems, natural disasters, smartphones, and other surveillance systems. While the primary purpose of sensor nodes is to collect unattended data in hostile environments, many are placed in large numbers and operate independently. Due to limited capabilities, power is often limited. Therefore, these nodes are grouped into clusters to increase communication efficiency. In WSNs, two different routing protocols are possible: apartment and hierarchical or clustering protocols. Due to their significant role in minimizing energy consumption, hierarchical methods have become very popular in clustering. In cluster-based methods, nodes are organized into clusters, and the sensor node with the most resources is appointed as the cluster head (CH). In this paper, we present a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) explaining the difficulties in developing cluster-based methods, critical factors for clustering, and hierarchical clustering protocols. The most important factor of a routing protocol for WSN is the energy consumption and lifetime of a network. Focusing on energy consumption, different cluster-based methods were analyzed to determine which technology should be deployed by analyzing specific criteria to support the selection process. Additionally, the pros and cons of different protocols are listed with their relevance in specific scenarios. To identify these protocols, a systematic literature review was conducted using research studies published from 2010 to 2021, with 30 papers analyzed in the final phase. Based on the results of this SLR, several issues need to be further investigated with respect to the interaction of the potential technology with the Internet of Things (IoT) and Vehicular Ad-Hoc Networks (VANETs).
Compact Quad-Mode BPF Based on Half-Mode Short-Circuited Semicircular Patch Resonator
Authors: Gao Feng , Chen Songbo , He Miao , Sun Weiwei , Chen Xiaojian , Wei Haokun , Wang Nan , Zhang Wanyu , Xu Kaida
Published: September 2022

Wideband bandpass filter (BPF) design using a half-mode patch resonator with multiple resonant modes is proposed in this paper. The resonator is formed from a short-circuited circular patch loaded with radial slots. The metallized vias are positioned in a circle. Its radius is used to tune the resonant frequencies of the resonator. According to the surface current distributions of the eigenmodes, different numbers of the radial slots can be distributed on the patch to prolong the current paths of the relevant eigenmodes, the resonant frequencies of which can be shifted down to that of the dominant mode, the TM010 mode. As a result, a semicircular patch resonator loaded with three slots is used to design a compact quad-mode wideband BPF, which employs TM010, TM110, TM210, and TM310 modes. Furthermore, the coupling between input and output feeding lines is introduced to realize two transmission zeros at both sides of the passband. Therefore, the selectivity is improved. The experiment has verified the theoretical analysis and the design approach.
A Secure Authentication Scheme for Teleservices Using Multi-Server Architecture
Authors: Kumar Sachin , Agarwal Kadambri , Gupta Amit Kumar , Kumari Saru , Sain Mangal
Published: September 2022

The telecommunications industry covers various sectors and services such as broadband, telecom equipment, telecom infrastructure, telephone service providers, mobile virtual network operators, 5G, and the white space spectrum. Smart Cards may be chosen as one of the best mechanisms for authorized access to these services in the telecom sector. Recently, Jin Kwak proposed a scheme based on dynamic identity for authentication purposes, mentioning that the scheme does not suffer from security breaches and attacks. This paper illustrates Jin Kwak’s technique and finds that it violates the purpose contrary to his claim. Due to a design issue in his scheme, an adversary may guess the password in a polynomial time and impersonate a legal user. Furthermore, other attacks, including replay attack, are also possible, as the time stamp was not protected in this scheme. We propose an improved version of this scheme, and it is free from various attacks, including password guessing by hiding the identity of the user and replay attacks by using the time stamp securely. The results mentioned in performance and efficiency comparison show a faster scheme than many existing schemes.