bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Penetrating Keratoplasty in Congenital Glaucoma
Authors: Batu Oto Bilge , Tamçelik Nevbahar , Bozkurt Ercüment , Arici Ceyhun , Kılıçarslan Oğuzhan , Gönen Busenur , Çelik Hacı Uğur
Published: September 2023

Background: Childhood glaucoma is one of the most common causes of corneal opacity in childhood and is associated with various pathological corneal changes, including corneal enlargement, corneal clouding, and edema. Congenital glaucoma (CG) may cause a decrease in vision outcomes due to corneal opacity or clouding, which is often associated with stimulus deprivation amblyopia. Therefore, to create a balance between preventing amblyopia and sustaining corneal clearance, patients with CG can be managed with early penetrating corneal transplantation surgery along with advanced glaucoma management. Aim: To investigate the graft survival rate and factors affecting graft survival in patients with congenital glaucoma who underwent penetrating keratoplasty (PKP). Study Design: Cross-sectional. Materials and Methods: Patients with congenital glaucoma who underwent PKP were retrospectively evaluated. The associations between age, corneal diameter, presence of ocular comorbidities, concurrent ocular surgeries with corneal graft, and visual outcomes were assessed. Results: Among the 30 eyes enrolled in the study, 6 (20%) had aniridia, 6 (20%) had Axenfeld–Rieger syndrome, and 18 (60%) were diagnosed with primary congenital glaucoma. Graft survival rates were 66.6% and 63.33% at 12 and 24 months, respectively. At the end of the follow-up, the overall graft survival rate was 60%. Statistical significance was observed between patient age at the time of surgery and graft failure (p = 0.02). Graft failure was associated with a younger patient age. Functional vision was achieved in 53.3% of patients. Conclusions: The management of congenital glaucoma and its corneal complications is a delicate issue that requires great effort. PKP in congenital glaucoma was moderately successful in the present study. To provide functional vision, PKP could be the treatment of choice.
Resilience and Psychological Well-Being of Polish Women in the Perinatal Period during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Sójta Klaudia , Margulska Aleksandra , Plewka Maksymilian , Płeska Kacper , Strzelecki Dominik , Gawlik-Kotelnicka Oliwia
Published: September 2023

Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic, with its multidimensional consequences, is the most serious threat of the 21st century affecting the mental health of women in the perinatal period around the world. Resilience, which assumes the flexible use of an individual’s resources in facing adversity, is an important, protective factor influencing mental well-being. The presented study aimed to determine to what extent psychological resilience, mitigates the relationship between adverse consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic and symptoms of depression and anxiety in women in the perinatal period. Methods: We recruited pregnant women from 17 February to 13 October 2021, using social media, the parenting portal, and the snowball method. To assess mental well-being, we used: The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-2), Self-report Labour Anxiety Questionnaire—LAQ and the self-developed COVID-19 Pandemic Anxiety Questionnaire (CRAQ). Resilience was measured usingthe Resilience Measure Questionnaire (KOP26). Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA), an independent t-test, and a Pearson correlation analysis were performed. Results: Low resilience was significantly associated with depressive symptoms (r = −0.46; p < 0.05) and anxiety related to childbirth (r = −0.21; p < 0.05). No associations were found for resilience and pandemic-related stress. Very high and high perinatal anxiety along with the lowest level of resilience clustered with EPDS and BDI-2 scores indicating depression. Conclusions: Our study provides evidence that lower levels of resilience during pregnancy may be a significant predictor of increased severity of depressive symptoms and higher levels of anxiety related to childbirth among the perinatal population.
Progression of Non-Significant Mitral and Tricuspid Regurgitation after Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement for Aortic Regurgitation
Authors: Kazum Shirit , Vaturi Mordehay , Yedidya Idit , Schwartzenberg Shmuel , Morelli Olga , Skalsky Keren , Ofek Hadas , Sharony Ram , Kornowski Ran , Shapira Yaron , Shechter Alon
Published: September 2023

Little is known about the natural history of non-significant mitral and tricuspid regurgitation (MR and TR) following surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) for aortic regurgitation (AR). We retrospectively analyzed 184 patients (median age 64 (IQR, 55–74) years, 76.6% males) who underwent SAVR for AR. Subjects with significant non-aortic valvulopathies, prior/concomitant valvular interventions, or congenital heart disease were excluded. The cohort was evaluated for MR/TR progression and, based on the latter’s occurrence, for echocardiographic and clinical indices of heart failure and mortality. By 5.8 (IQR, 2.8–11.0) years post-intervention, moderate or severe MR occurred in 20 (10.9%) patients, moderate or severe TR in 25 (13.5%), and either of the two in 36 (19.6%). Patients who developed moderate or severe MR/TR displayed greater biventricular disfunction and functional limitation and were less likely to be alive at 7.0 (IQR, 3.4–12.1) years compared to those who did not (47.2 vs. 79.7%, p < 0.001). The emergence of significant MR/TR was associated with preoperative atrial fibrillation/flutter, symptomatic heart failure, and above-mild MR/TR as well as concomitant composite graft use, but not with baseline echocardiographic measures of biventricular function and dimensions, aortic valve morphology, or procedural aspects. In conclusion, among patients undergoing SAVR for AR, significant MR/TR developed in one fifth by six years, correlated with more adverse course, and was anticipated by baseline clinical and echocardiographic variables.
Conduction System Pacing versus Conventional Biventricular Pacing for Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy: Where Are We Heading?
Authors: Domenichini Giulia , Le Bloa Mathieu , Teres Castillo Cheryl , Graf Denis , Carroz Patrice , Ascione Ciro , Porretta Alessandra Pia , Pascale Patrizio , Pruvot Etienne
Published: September 2023

Over the last few years, pacing of the conduction system (CSP) has emerged as the new standard pacing modality for bradycardia indications, allowing a more physiological ventricular activation compared to conventional right ventricular pacing. CSP has also emerged as an alternative modality to conventional biventricular pacing for the delivery of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in heart failure patients. However, if the initial clinical data seem to support this new physiological-based approach to CRT, the lack of large randomized studies confirming these preliminary results prevents CSP from being used routinely in clinical practice. Furthermore, concerns are still present regarding the long-term performance of pacing leads when employed for CSP, as well as their extractability. In this review article, we provide the state-of-the-art of CSP as an alternative to biventricular pacing for CRT delivery in heart failure patients. In particular, we describe the physiological concepts supporting this approach and we discuss the future perspectives of CSP in this context according to the implant techniques (His bundle pacing and left bundle branch area pacing) and the clinical data published so far.
Stakeholder Perceptions of a Web-Based Physical Activity Intervention for COPD: A Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Robinson Stephanie A. , Shimada Stephanie L. , Sliwinski Samantha K. , Wiener Renda S. , Moy Marilyn L.
Published: September 2023

Technology-based physical activity interventions have been shown to be efficacious in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), though their potential impact has not been fully realized due to ineffective implementation. We used a convergent, parallel mixed-methods design to identify patient- and provider-facing barriers and facilitators to implementing a rigorously studied web-based physical activity intervention for COPD. Quantitative surveys (based on the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology; range 1 (poor usability)—5 (high usability)) and semi-structured interviews (guided by the practical robust implementation and sustainability model) assessed the perspectives of 15 patients and 15 health care providers. The patients and providers rated the usability of the intervention as high (median = 5.0, IQR = 1.0). For both patients and providers, the main facilitators included: the potential high impact of the intervention on patient health, the usefulness of the intervention for unmet clinical needs, and the perceived ease of use of the intervention. The main barriers identified were digital literacy and its fit with current clinical workflows. Implementation efforts may benefit from supporting patients’ use of the website and developing strategies to integrate referrals to the intervention and the monitoring of patients into current clinical infrastructures.
Relationship between COMT Gene Polymorphism, Anxiety, and Pain Perception during Labour
Authors: Šanjug Jadranka , Kuna Krunoslav , Goldštajn Marina Šprem , Dunkić Lidija Fumić , Carek Andreja , Negovetić Vranić Dubravka
Published: September 2023

Background: The COMT gene polymorphism is associated with neurological and psychiatric disorders and pain perception. The present study investigates the existence of anxiety and pain perception in relation to the COMT (catechol-O-methyltransferase) gene polymorphism in labouring women (during “natural” childbirth) with or without inhaled analgesia. Methods: A total of 181 women who chose vaginal birth were enrolled in this study. To present the difference in pain perception, the parturients were divided into one group (n = 90) that chose labour analgesia with inhaled nitrous oxide (50% nitrous oxide and 50% oxygen) and one group (n = 91) without analgesia. The blood samples were taken during the pregnancy as a part of routine pregnancy controls in the hospital. The COMT gene polymorphism was detected with the PCR technique. The pain perception of parturients was self-evaluated two times according to the VAS (Visual Analogue Scale), and anxiety as a personality trait was determined with the STAI-T (State Trait Anxiety Inventory). Pain perception as well as anxiety were compared according to COMT genotypes. Results: In the 181 pregnant women, there were 40 women (22%) of wild homozygotes (GG) of COMT, 95 women (53%) of mutant heterozygotes (GA), and 46 women (25%) of mutant homozygotes (AA). A negative association of pain perception with the GA (mutant heterozygote) polymorphism of the COMT gene versus the wild-type (GG polymorphism) was observed. The GA polymorphism of the COMT gene was associated with 0.46 units lower pain perception compared to the wild type (GG). The anxiety trait score in group AA was lower than in groups GA and GG. The difference reached statistical significance only when comparing AA versus GA (p > 0.042). Analgesic efficacy of nitrous oxide was noticed in 22% of labouring women who reported moderate pain (VAS score 4–7). Conclusions: The COMT gene polymorphism was associated with pain perception and anxiety among parturients. The COMT gene polymorphism GA was associated with negative pain perception among labouring women. Nitrous oxide showed statistical significance in anxiolytic efficacy during labour in women with mild anxiety as a personality trait. Anxiolytic efficacy of nitrous oxide has shown better efficacy in parturients with the COMT gene polymorphism AA.
Risk Factors for Postoperative Morbidity, Suture Insufficiency, Re-Surgery and Mortality in Patients with Gastroduodenal Perforation
Authors: Treuheit Julia , Krautz Christian , Weber Georg F. , Grützmann Robert , Brunner Maximilian
Published: September 2023

(1) Background: The aim of the present study was to identify risk factors associated with postoperative morbidity, suture/anastomotic insufficiency, re-surgery, and mortality in patients undergoing surgery for gastroduodenal perforation. (2) Methods: A retrospective analysis of 273 adult patients who received surgical treatment for gastroduodenal perforation from January 2006 to June 2021 at the University Hospital Erlangen was performed. The patient demographics and preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative parameters were collected and compared among the different outcome groups (in-hospital morbidity, suture/anastomotic insufficiency, re-surgery, and 90-day mortality). (3) Results: In-hospital morbidity, suture/anastomotic insufficiency, need for re-surgery, and 90-day mortality occurred in 71%, 10%, 26%, and 25% of patients, respectively. The independent risk factors for morbidity were a significantly reduced general condition, a lower preoperative hemoglobin level, and a higher preoperative creatinine level. The independent risk factors for suture/anastomotic insufficiency could be identified as an intake of preoperative steroids and a perforation localization in the proximal stomach or duodenum. The four parameters were independent risk factors for the need for re-surgery: a significantly reduced general condition, a perforation localization in the proximal stomach, a higher preoperative creatinine level, and a higher preoperative CRP level. An age over 66 years and a higher preoperative CRP level were independent risk factors for 90-day mortality. (4) Conclusions: Our study could identify relevant risk factors for the postoperative outcome of patients undergoing surgical treatment for gastroduodenal perforation. Patients exhibiting the identified risk factors should receive heightened attention in the postoperative period and may potentially benefit from personalized and tailored therapy.
A Power-Gated 8-Transistor Physically Unclonable Function Accelerates Evaluation Speeds
Authors: Zheng Yujin , Yakovlev Alex , Bystrov Alex
Published: September 2023

The proposed 8-Transistor (8T) Physically Unclonable Function (PUF), in conjunction with the power gating technique, can significantly accelerate a single evaluation cycle more than 100,000 times faster than a 6-Transistor (6T) Static Random-Access Memory (SRAM) PUF. The 8T PUF is built to swiftly eliminate data remanence and maximise physical mismatch. Moreover, a two-phase power gating module is devised to provide controllable power on/off cycles for the chosen PUF clusters in order to facilitate fast statistical measurements and curb the in-rush current. The architecture and hardware implementation of the power-gated PUF are developed to accommodate fast multiple evaluations of PUF Responses. The fast speed enables a new data processing method, which coordinates Dark-bit masking and Multiple Temporal Majority Voting (TMV) in different Process, Voltage and Temperature (PVT) corners or during field usage, hence greatly reducing the Bit Error Rate (BER) and the hardware penalty for error correction. The designs are based on the UMC 65 nm technology and aim to tape out an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) chip. Post-layout Monte Carlo (MC) simulations are performed with Cadence, and the extracted PUF Responses are processed with Matlab to evaluate the 8T PUF performance and statistical metrics for subsequent inclusion in PUF Responses, which comprise the novelty of this approach.
Using Trichoderma asperellum to Antagonize Lasiodiplodia theobromae Causing Stem-End Rot Disease on Pomelo (Citrus maxima)
Authors: Khuong Nguyen Quoc , Nhien Dinh Bich , Thu Le Thi My , Trong Nguyen Duc , Hiep Phan Chan , Thuan Vo Minh , Quang Le Thanh , Thuc Le Vinh , Xuan Do Thi
Published: September 2023

Stem-end rot disease has been causing damage to the production of pomelos in Vietnam. The cur-rent study aimed to (i) isolate fungal pathogens causing pomelo stem-end rot disease (PSERD) and (ii) discover Trichoderma spp. that had an antagonistic ability against pathogens under in vitro conditions. Fungi causing PSERD were isolated from pomelo fruits with symptoms of stem-end rot disease and collected from pomelo farms in Ben Tre province, Vietnam. Moreover, 50 fungal strains of Trichoderma spp. also originated from soils of these pomelo farms in Ben Tre province and were dual-tested with the fungal pathogen on the PDA medium. The results demonstrated that 11 pathogenic fungi causing PSERD were isolated from the fruit and showed mycelial growth of roughly 5.33–8.77 cm diameter at 72 h after inoculation. The two fungi that exhibited the fast-est growth, namely, S-P06 and S-P07, were selected. ITS sequencing of the S-P06 and S-P07 fungi resulted in Lasiodiplodia theobromae. All the 50 Trichoderma spp. strains were allowed to antago-nize against the S-P06 and S-P07 strains under in vitro conditions. The greatest antagonistic effi-ciency was found in Trichoderma spp. T-SP19 at 85.4–86.2% and T-SP32 at 84.7–85.4%. The two antagonists were identified as Trichoderma asperellum T-SP19 and T-SP32. The selected strains of Trichoderma asperellum were potent as a biological control for fruit plants.
New Insights into the Morphological Diversity of Saprolegnia parasitica (Oomycota) Strains under In Vitro Culture Conditions
Authors: Erdei Noémi , Hardy Tímea , Verebélyi Viktória , Weiperth András , Baska Ferenc , Eszterbauer Edit
Published: September 2023

Saprolegnia parasitica Coker, 1923 is a primary fish pathogen and one of the most common water molds in freshwater ecosystems. In our study, nineteen strains of S. parasitica were isolated, identified, and characterized using morphological and genetic markers. On the basis of the abundance of zoosporangia, gemmae, the formation of gemma chains, and the induction of zoospore release, three morphotypes were differentiated. A species-level molecular identification of isolates was performed using the ITS 1 and 2 regions. A total of six genotypes were distinguished based on partial DNA sequences of the genes RNA polymerase II subunit B (RPB2) and serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT). In five settings of in vitro culture conditions differing in the mineral content and the temperature of water and in the presence of a host or bait, we found that the addition of fish skin extract boosted the formation of asexual reproductive and persistent vegetative structures in cultures, whereas an unfavorable environment did not support the formation of these structures in vitro.
Pulmonary Hypertension: Unveiling Molecular Mechanisms, Diagnosis, and Therapeutic Targets
Authors: Gredic Marija , Hadzic Stefan
Published: September 2023

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a progressive and life-threatening disease characterized by increased pulmonary arterial pressure, which leads to right heart hypertrophy and eventually right heart failure [...]
Precision Medicine for Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Oncology
Authors: Srikanthan Amirrtha
Published: September 2023

Precision medicine, also referred to as “personalized medicine” is an approach in customizing disease prevention and treatment by integrating the unique differences found in individuals, typically identified through molecular or genomic characterization [...]
Associations of Muscle Strength with Central Aspects of Pain: Data from the Knee Pain and Related Health in the Community (KPIC) Cohort
Authors: McWilliams Daniel F. , Yue Bin , Smith Stephanie L. , Stocks Joanne , Doherty Michael , Valdes Ana M. , Zhang Weiya , Sarmanova Aliya , Fernandes Gwen S. , Akin-Akinyosoye Kehinde , Hall Michelle , Walsh David A.
Published: September 2023

Knee pain is associated with lower muscle strength, and both contribute to disability. Peripheral and central neurological mechanisms contribute to OA pain. Understanding the relative contributions of pain mechanisms to muscle strength might help future treatments. The Knee Pain and related health In the Community (KPIC) cohort provided baseline and year 1 data from people with early knee pain (n = 219) for longitudinal analyses. A cross-sectional analysis was performed with baseline data from people with established knee pain (n = 103) and comparative data from people without knee pain (n = 98). Quadriceps and handgrip strength indicated local and general muscle weakness, respectively. The indices of peripheral nociceptive drive were knee radiographic and ultrasound scores. The indices associated with central pain mechanisms were Pressure Pain detection Threshold (PPT) distal to the knee, and a validated self-report Central Aspects of Pain Factor (CAPF). The associations were explored using correlation and multivariable regression. Weaker quadriceps strength was associated with both high CAPF and low PPT at baseline. Year 1 quadriceps weakness was predicted by higher baseline CAPF (β = −0.28 (95% CI: −0.55, −0.01), p = 0.040). Weaker baseline and year 1 handgrip strength was also associated with higher baseline CAPF. Weaker baseline quadriceps strength was associated with radiographic scores in bivariate but not adjusted analyses. Quadriceps strength was not significantly associated with total ultrasound scores. Central pain mechanisms might contribute to muscle weakness, both locally and remote from the knee.
Sex Differences in the Atherogenic Risk Index in Healthy Mexican Population and Its Relationship with Anthropometric and Psychological Factors
Authors: Brambila-Tapia Aniel Jessica Leticia , Dávalos-Rodríguez Ingrid Patricia , Méndez-García Carlos Adán , Bárcenas-Robles Frida Isadora , Gutiérrez-Hurtado Itzae Adonai
Published: September 2023

Dyslipidemia is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and mortality; however, the association of this variable with a wide range of personal and psychological variables has not been researched. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare lipid levels and anthropometric measures between sexes and to determine the association between personal and psychological variables with the atherogenic risk index (ARI). An adult population which auto-reported as healthy was invited to participate via social media and in person. They filled out a questionnaire with personal and psychological variables; in addition, the body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) were measured, and a blood sample was obtained to determine serum lipids. A total of 172 participants were included, from which 92 (53.49%) were women; both sexes were comparable in age and most sociodemographic values. Men showed significantly higher levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, ARI, and lower levels of HDL cholesterol. The men also showed higher values of WHR than the women. In the bivariate analysis, ARI showed the highest correlation with WHR (r = 0.664) in the men and with BMI (r = 0.619) in the women. In the multivariate analysis, the quality of food intake was negatively correlated with ARI in the global and women’s samples, and the psychological variables of assertiveness and positive relations with others were negatively correlated with ARI in women, while purpose in life was negatively correlated with ARI in men. In conclusion, the higher levels of serum lipids and ARI in men can be explained by the higher values of WHR in this sex. Behavioral and psychological variables could be protective factors for high ARI.
Research on the Spatial Quality of Urban Village Main Streets in Shenzhen from the Perspective of Nighttime Pedestrian Demands
Authors: Cui Chunxiao , Ma Hang , Li Jinqi , Wang Mohan
Published: September 2023

Our findings shed light on existing theoretical investigations and the sustainable development of urban villages and the policy recommendations are proposed for the sustainable development of urban villages. It is widely acknowledged that public spaces in urban villages play an important role in residents’ everyday lives, and the nighttime activities of most pedestrians are confined to the main streets in urban villages. Main streets are an important public space in urban villages at night and are a focus for comprehensive renovation in China. There has not been adequate research on main streets at nighttime, and such research is necessary to improve the quality of urban spaces and achieve high-quality development. This study used methods such as literature analysis, on-site research, and semi-structured interviews to understand the spatial characteristics of the main streets of urban villages at night and summarize the demands of pedestrians. This study used the Kano model to adjust the structure of the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) model to form the AHP–Kano model and construct an evaluation system based on the evaluation dimension of pedestrian needs. We conducted a questionnaire-based survey of pedestrians on the main streets of Pingshan Village and Nantou Ancient City in Shenzhen, and obtained the dominant categories of pedestrian demands and the results of satisfaction evaluations from the main street spaces of the two urban villages at night. According to on-site research, we analyzed the problems in the main street spaces of the two urban villages at night, and propose targeted renovation suggestions, which have clear value for improving everyday public spaces in urban villages at nighttime.
Bioinformatics Analysis and Experimental Verification of Exercise for Aging Mice in Different Brain Regions Based on Transcriptome Sequencing
Authors: Jin Yu , Wei Changling , Huang Xiaohan , Zhang Deman , Zhang Li , Li Xue
Published: September 2023

Purpose: Physical exercise mitigates the effects of aging and cognitive decline. However, the precise neurobiological mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remain unclear. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of exercise on age-related memory deficits in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus using bioinformatic analysis and biochemical verification. Methods: Young and aging mice were subjected to natural feeding or treadmill exercise (12 m/min, 8 weeks). Cognitive function was accessed using the Barnes maze and novel object recognition. Bioinformatic analysis was performed to identify co-expressed genes in different groups and brain regions. The selected genes and pathways were validated using RT-qPCR. Results: Regular exercise significantly ameliorated age-related cognitive deficits. Four up-regulated targets (Ifi27l2a, Irf7, Oas1b, Ifit1) and one down-regulation (Septin2) were reversed by exercise, demonstrating the underlying mechanisms of cognitive functions induced by aging with exercise in the hippocampus and PFC. The Gene Ontology terms and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses indicated that the NOD-like receptor signaling pathway was inhibited in the neuroinflammation effects of exercise in aging mice in both brain regions. Conclusion: Exercise enhances age-related learning and memory deficits. This beneficial effect may be attributed to the changes in five up/down-regulated genes and the NOD-like receptor signaling pathway in both the hippocampus and PFC. These findings establish the modulation of neuroinflammation as a pivotal molecular mechanism supporting exercise intervention in the brain aging process.
Asymptotic Chow Semistability Implies Ding Polystability for Gorenstein Toric Fano Varieties
Authors: Yotsutani Naoto
Published: September 2023

In this paper, we prove that if a Gorenstein toric Fano variety (X,−KX) is asymptotically Chow semistable, then it is Ding polystable with respect to toric test configurations (Theorem 3). This extends the known result obtained by others (Theorem 2) to the case where X admits Gorenstein singularity. We also show the additivity of the Mabuchi constant for the product toric Fano varieties in Proposition 2 based on the author’s recent work (Ono, Sano and Yotsutani in arxiv:2305.05924). Applying this formula to certain toric Fano varieties, we construct infinitely many examples that clarify the difference between relative K-stability and relative Ding stability in a systematic way (Proposition 1). Finally, we verify the relative Chow stability for Gorenstein toric del Pezzo surfaces using the combinatorial criterion developed in (Yotsutani and Zhou in Tohoku Math. J.71 (2019), 495–524.) and specifying the symmetry of the associated polytopes as well.
Filtering of Audio Signals Using Discrete Wavelet Transforms
Authors: Nigam H. K. , Srivastava H. M.
Published: September 2023

Nonlinear diffusion has been proved to be an indispensable approach for the removal of noise in image processing. In this paper, we employ nonlinear diffusion for the purpose of denoising audio signals in order to have this approach also recognized as a powerful tool for audio signal processing. We apply nonlinear diffusion to wavelet coefficients obtained from different filters associated with orthogonal and biorthogonal wavelets. We use wavelet decomposition to keep signal components well-localized in time. We compare denoising results using nonlinear diffusion with wavelet shrinkage for different wavelet filters. Our experiments and results show that the denoising is much improved by using the nonlinear diffusion process.
Interfacial Microstructure Produced during Dissimilar AA6013/Ti-6Al-4V Friction Stir Lap Welding under Zero-Penetration Condition
Authors: Kalinenko Alexander , Dolzhenko Pavel , Malopheyev Sergey , Yuzbekova Diana , Borisova Yuliya , Shishov Ivan , Mishin Vasiliy , Mironov Sergey , Kaibyshev Rustam
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this study was to investigate the interfacial microstructure that was produced during dissimilar friction stir lap welding (FSW) of 6013 aluminum alloy and Ti-6Al-4V. FSW was conducted under a zero-penetration condition, i.e., the welding tool was plunged exclusively into the upper (aluminum) plate of the dissimilar lap joint. To facilitate the interpretation of microstructural processes, finite element modeling (FEM) was applied to evaluate the temperature field within the weld zone. The FEM simulation revealed a very sharp temperature gradient across the dissimilar interface. This effect was attributed to the generation of FSW heat exclusively within the aluminum part and a relatively low thermal conductivity of titanium. The abrupt temperature drop on the titanium side imposed a strict limitation on the diffusion penetration of aluminum and thus resulted in a relatively thin (~0.5 μm) and discontinuous intermetallic compound. Due to the complex chemical composition of the FSWed aluminum alloy, the diffusion processes also involved alloying elements. Consequently, the evolved intermetallic compound had a complicated chemical composition, with the principal elements being aluminum, titanium, silicon, manganese, and magnesium.
Optimization of Planar Interdigitated Microelectrode Array for Enhanced Sensor Responses
Authors: Islam Sakib , Wu Jie
Published: September 2023

Immunoassays play a pivotal role in detecting and quantifying specific proteins within biological samples. However, its sensitivity and turnaround time are constrained by the passive diffusion of target molecules towards the sensors. ACET (Alternating Current Electrothermal) enhanced reaction emerges as a solution to overcome this limitation. The ACET-enhanced biosensor works by inducing vortices through electrothermal force, which stirs the analyte within the microchannel and promotes a reaction process. In this study, a comprehensive two-dimensional finite element study is conducted to optimize the binding efficiency and detection time of an ACET-enhanced biosensor without external pumping. Optimal geometries for interdigitated electrodes are estimated to achieve significant improvements in terms of probe utilization and enhancement factor. The study’s findings demonstrate enhancement factors of 3.21, 2.15, and 3.09 along with 71.22%, 75.80%, and 57.52% normalized binding for C-reactive protein (CRP), immunoglobulin (IgG), and SARS-CoV-2, respectively.
The Phenomenon of Self-Induced Diastereomeric Anisochrony and Its Implications in NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Aiello Federica , Uccello Barretta Gloria , Balzano Federica , Spiaggia Fabio
Published: September 2023

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is an analytical technique largely applied in the analysis of discrimination processes involving enantiomeric substrates and chiral agents, which can interact with the analyte either via covalent bonding or via formation of diastereomeric solvates. However, enantiodiscrimination has been observed, in some cases, even in the absence of any additional chiral selector. The reasons behind this phenomenon must be found in the capability of some chiral substrates to interact with themselves by forming diastereomeric solvates in solution that can generate nonequivalences in the NMR spectra of enantiomerically enriched mixtures. As a result, differentiation of enantiomers is observed, thus allowing the quantification of the enantiomeric composition of the mixture under investigation. The tendency of certain substrates to self-aggregate and to generate diastereomeric adducts in solution can be defined as Self-Induced Diastereomeric Anisochrony (SIDA), but other acronyms have been used to refer to this phenomenon. In the present work, an overview of SIDA processes investigated via NMR spectroscopy will be provided, with a particular emphasis on the nature of the substrates involved, on the interaction mechanisms at the basis of the phenomenon, and on theoretical treatments proposed in the literature to explain them.
Single-Layer GaInSe3: Promising Water-Splitting Photocatalyst with Solar Conversion Efficiency over 30% from Theoretical Calculations
Authors: Liu Li-Li , Tang Ru-Fei , Li De-Fen , Tang Ming-Xia , Mu Bing-Zhong , Hu Zheng-Quan , Wang Shi-Fa , Wen Yu-Feng , Wu Xiao-Zhi
Published: September 2023

Hydrogen energy from solar water-splitting is known as an ideal method with which to address the energy crisis and global environmental pollution. Herein, the first-principles calculations are carried out to study the photocatalytic water-splitting performance of single-layer GaInSe3 under biaxial strains from −2% to +2%. Calculations reveal that single-layer GaInSe3 under various biaxial strains has electronic bandgaps ranging from 1.11 to 1.28 eV under biaxial strain from −2% to +2%, as well as a completely separated valence band maximum and conduction band minimum. Meanwhile, the appropriate band edges for water-splitting and visible optical absorption up to ~3 × 105 cm−1 are obtained under biaxial strains from −2% to 0%. More impressively, the solar conversion efficiency of single-layer GaInSe3 under biaxial strains from −2% to 0% reaches over 30%. The OER of unstrained single-layer GaInSe3 can proceed without co-catalysts. These demonstrate that single-layer GaInSe3 is a viable material for solar water-splitting.
Integrated Structural, Functional, and ADMET Analysis of 2-Methoxy-4,6-diphenylnicotinonitrile: The Convergence of X-ray Diffraction, Molecular Docking, Dynamic Simulations, and Advanced Computational Insights
Authors: Bakheit Ahmed H. , Alkahtani Hamad M.
Published: September 2023

This study systematically investigates the molecular structure and electronic properties of 2-methoxy-4,6-diphenylnicotinonitrile, employing X-ray diffraction (XRD) and sophisticated computational methodologies. XRD findings validate the compound’s orthorhombic crystallization in the P21212 space group, composed of a pyridine core flanked by two phenyl rings. Utilizing the three-dimensional Hirshfeld surface, the research decodes the molecule’s spatial attributes, further supported by exhaustive statistical assessments. Key interactions, such as π–π stacking and H⋯X contacts, are spotlighted, underscoring their role in the crystal’s inherent stability and characteristics. Energy framework computations and density functional theory (DFT) analyses elucidate the prevailing forces in the crystal and reveal geometric optimization facets and molecular reactivity descriptors. Emphasis is given to the exploration of frontier molecular orbitals (FMOs), aromaticity, and π–π stacking capacities. The research culminates in distinguishing electron density distributions, aromatic nuances, and potential reactivity hotspots, providing a holistic view of the compound’s structural and electronic landscape. Concurrently, molecular docking investigates its interaction with the lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 protein. Notably, the compound showcases significant interactions with the protein’s active site. Molecular dynamics simulations reveal the compound’s influence on protein stability and flexibility. Although the molecule exhibits strong inhibitory potential against Lp-PLA2, its drug development prospects face challenges related to solubility and interactions with drug transport proteins.
Fabrication of ZnO/ZnAl2O4/Au Nanoarrays through DC Electrodeposition Utilizing Nanoporous Anodic Alumina Membranes for Environmental Application
Authors: Shaban Mohamed
Published: September 2023

In this study, anodic aluminum oxide membranes (AAOMs) and Au-coated AAOMs (AAOM/Au) with pore diameters of 55 nm and inter-pore spacing of 100 nm are used to develop ZnO/AAOM and ZnO/ZnAl2O4/Au nanoarrays of different morphologies. The effects of the electrodeposition current, time, barrier layer, and Au coating on the morphology of the resultant nanostructures were investigated using field emission scanning electron microscopy. Energy dispersive X-ray and X-ray diffraction were used to analyze the structural parameters and elemental composition of the ZnO/ZnAl2O4/Au nanoarray, and the Kirkendall effect was confirmed. The developed ZnO/ZnAl2O4/Au electrode was applied to remove organic dyes from aqueous solutions, including methylene blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO). Using a 3 cm2 ZnO/ZnAl2O4/Au sample, the 100% dye removal for 20 ppm MB and MO dyes at pH 7 and 25 °C was achieved after approximately 50 and 180 min, respectively. According to the kinetics analysis, the pseudo-second-order model controls the dye adsorption onto the sample surface. AAOM/Au and ZnO/ZnAl2O4/Au nanoarrays are also used as pH sensor electrodes. The sensing capability of AAOM/Au showed Nernstian behavior with a sensitivity of 65.1 mV/pH (R2 = 0.99) in a wide pH range of 2–9 and a detection limit of pH 12.6, whereas the ZnO/ZnAl2O4/Au electrode showed a slope of 40.1 ± 1.6 mV/pH (R2 = 0.996) in a pH range of 2–6. The electrode’s behavior was more consistent with non-Nernstian behavior over the whole pH range under investigation. The sensitivity equation was given by V(mV) = 482.6 + 372.6 e−0.2095 pH at 25 °C with R2 = 1.0, which could be explained in terms of changes in the surface charge during protonation and deprotonation.
Plasmon-Enhanced Perovskite Solar Cells Based on Inkjet-Printed Au Nanoparticles Embedded into TiO2 Microdot Arrays
Authors: Rubtsov Sofia , Musin Albina , Danchuk Viktor , Shatalov Mykola , Prasad Neena , Zinigrad Michael , Yadgarov Lena
Published: September 2023

The exceptional property of plasmonic materials to localize light into sub-wavelength regimes has significant importance in various applications, especially in photovoltaics. In this study, we report the localized surface plasmon-enhanced perovskite solar cell (PSC) performance of plasmonic gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) embedded into a titanium oxide (TiO2) microdot array (MDA), which was deposited using the inkjet printing technique. The X-ray (XRD) analysis of MAPI (methyl ammonium lead iodide) perovskite films deposited on glass substrates with and without MDA revealed no destructive effect of MDA on the perovskite structure. Moreover, a 12% increase in the crystallite size of perovskite with MDA was registered. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) techniques revealed the morphology of the TiO2_MDA and TiO2-AuNPs_MDA. The finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulation was employed to evaluate the absorption cross-sections and local field enhancement of AuNPs in the TiO2 and TiO2/MAPI surrounding media. Reflectance UV-Vis spectra of the samples comprising glass/TiO2 ETL/TiO2_MDA (ETL—an electron transport layer) with and without AuNPs in TiO2_MDA were studied, and the band gap (Eg) values of MAPI have been calculated using the Kubelka–Munk equation. The MDA introduction did not influence the band gap value, which remained at ~1.6 eV for all the samples. The photovoltaic performance of the fabricated PSC with and without MDA and the corresponding key parameters of the solar cells have also been studied and discussed in detail. The findings indicated a significant power conversion efficiency improvement of over 47% in the PSCs with the introduction of the TiO2-AuNPs_MDA on the ETL/MAPI interface compared to the reference device. Our study demonstrates the significant enhancement achieved in halide PSC by utilizing AuNPs within a TiO2_MDA. This approach holds great promise for advancing the efficiency and performance of photovoltaic devices.
Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Dots Encapsulated a Polyoxomolybdate-Based Coordination Polymer as a Sensitive Platform for Trace Tetracycline Determination in Water
Authors: Zhang Yanqiu , Sun Minrui , Lu Yang , Peng Mingguo , Du Erdeng , Xu Xia
Published: September 2023

The requirement of simple, efficient and accurate detection of tetracycline (TC) in water environments poses new challenges for sensing platform development. Here, we report a simple method for TC sensing via fluorescence detection based on metal–organic coordination polymers (MOCPs, (4-Hap)4(Mo8O26)) coated with nitrogen-doped carbon dots (NCDs). These NCDs@(4-Hap)4(Mo8O26) composites showed excellent luminescence features of NCDs with stable bright-blue emission under UV light. The results of the sensing experiment showed that the fluorescence of NCDs@(4-Hap)4(Mo8O26) can be quenched by TC (166 µM) with 94.1% quenching efficiency via the inner filter effect (IFE) in a short time (10 s), with a detection limit (LOD) of 33.9 nM in a linear range of 8–107 µM. More significantly, NCDs@(4-Hap)4(Mo8O26) showed a high selectivity for TC sensing in the presence of anions and metal cations commonly found in water environments and can be reused in at least six cycles after washing with alcohol. The potential practicality of NCDs@(4-Hap)4(Mo8O26) was verified by sensing TC in real water samples with the standard addition method, and satisfactory recoveries from 91.95% to 104.72% were obtained.
Do Abiotic Stresses Affect the Aroma of Damask Roses?
Authors: Charoimek Nutthawut , Phusuwan Sirinun , Petcharak Chaleerak , Huanhong Kiattisak , Prasad Shashanka K. , Junmahasathien Taepin , Khemacheewakul Julaluk , Sommano Sarana Rose , Sunanta Piyachat
Published: September 2023

Roses are popular ornamental plants all over the world. Rosa damascena Mill., also known as the damask rose, is a well-known scented rose species cultivated to produce essential oil. The essential oils obtained are high in volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are in demand across the pharmaceutical, food, perfume, and cosmetic industries. Citronellol, nonadecane, heneicosane, caryophyllene, geraniol, nerol, linalool, and phenyl ethyl acetate are the most important components of the rose essential oil. Abiotic factors, including as environmental stress and stress generated by agricultural practises, frequently exert a selective impact on particular floral characteristics, hence influencing the overall quality and quantity of rose products. Additionally, it has been observed that the existence of stress exerts a notable impact on the chemical composition and abundance of aromatic compounds present in roses. Therefore, understanding the factors that affect the biosynthesis of VOCs, especially those representing the aroma and scent of rose, as a response to abiotic stress is important. This review provides comprehensive information on plant taxonomy, an overview of the volatolomics involving aromatic profiles, and describes the influence of abiotic stresses on the biosynthesis of the VOCs in damask rose.
Comparative Physiological and Transcriptome Analyses Reveal Mechanisms of Salicylic-Acid-Reduced Postharvest Ripening in ‘Hosui’ Pears (Pyrus pyrifolia Nakai)
Authors: Zhang Jing , Wen Mengmeng , Dai Rong , Liu Xiao , Wang Chunlei
Published: September 2023

Postharvest ripening of sand pear fruit leads to quality deterioration, including changes in texture, flavor, and fruit color. Salicylic acid (SA), an important defense-related hormone, delays fruit ripening and maintains fruit quality, but the underling mechanism remains unclear. Herein, we evaluated the efficacy of SA in delaying the ripening process of Pyrus pyrifolia cv. ’Hosui’ pear fruit, as evidenced by the reduction in fruit weight loss, inhibition of firmness loss, cell wall degradation and soluble sugars, and retention of total phenols. Based on comparative transcriptomic data, a total of 3837 and 1387 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified during room-temperature storage of control fruit and between SA-treated and control fruit, respectively. Further KEGG analysis revealed that the DEGs were mainly implicated in plant hormone signal transduction, starch and sugar metabolism, and cell wall modification. Moreover, exogenous SA treatment also altered the expression of many transcription factor (TF) families, including those in the ethylene-responsive factor (ERF), NAM, ATAF, CUC (NAC), basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH), basic leucine zipper (bZIP), and v-myb avian myeloblastosis viral oncogene homolog (MYB) families. Together, the results offer important insights into the role of SA-responsive genes in controlling fruit ripening in sand pears.
Metarhizium carneum Formulations: A Promising New Biological Control to Be Incorporated in the Integrated Management of Meloidogyne enterolobii on Tomato Plants
Authors: López-Lima Daniel , Alarcón-Utrera David , Ordáz-Meléndez José Ángel , Villain Luc , Carrión Gloria
Published: September 2023

The increase in the populations of root-knot nematode Meloidogyne enterolobii in various vegetables such as tomatoes grown under greenhouse conditions as well as increasing restrictions on the use of certain chemical nematicides have led to the search for new, effective management strategies, preferably ones that are sustainable biological alternatives. In this work, two formulations of the nematophagous fungus Metarhizium carneum, one concentrated suspension and one wettable powder, were evaluated under greenhouse conditions to reduce the M. enterolobii infestation in tomato plants. In addition, the effectiveness of the liquid formulation of M. carneum was compared with two biological and three chemical commercial nematicides. The results show that the two M. carneum formulations reduced the M. enterolobii population density by 78 and 66% in relation to the control treatment. In comparison, the liquid formulation of M. carneum and Purpureocillium lilacinum treatments reduced nematode population density by 72 and 43%, respectively, while for metam sodium preplanting applications followed by M. carneum applications during the tomato growth stage, the reduction was 96%. The alternate use of some chemical compounds plus the application of M. carneum as a biocontrol is a good starting strategy for managing M. enterolobii populations. These results confirm that M. carneum is a serious candidate for the short-term commercialization of an environmentally friendly biological nematicide.