bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying Sources of Lead Exposure for Children in the Republic of Georgia, with Lead Isotope Ratios
Authors: Leonardi Giovanni S. , Ruadze Ekaterine , Saei Ayoub , Laycock Adam , Chenery Simon , Crabbe Helen , Marchant Elizabeth , Khonelidze Irma , Sturua Lela , Imnadze Paata , Gamkrelidze Amiran , Watts Michael J. , Marczylo Tim
Published: October 2023

In the Republic of Georgia, a 2018 national survey estimated that more than 40% of children aged 2–7 years had a blood lead concentration (BLC) of more than 5 µg/dL. The objective of this study was to document the feasibility of employing lead isotope ratios (LIRs) to identify and rank the Pb (lead) exposure sources most relevant to children across Georgia. A cross-sectional survey between November 2019 and February 2020 of 36 children previously identified as having BLCs > 5 µg/dL from seven regions of Georgia involved the collection of blood and 528 environmental samples, a questionnaire on behaviours and potential exposures. The LIRs in blood and environmental samples were analysed in individual children and across the whole group to ascertain clustering. A fitted statistical mixed-effect model to LIR data first found that the blood samples clustered with spices, tea, and paint, then, further isotopically distinct from blood were sand, dust, and soil, and lastly, milk, toys, pens, flour, and water. Analysis of the LIRs provided an indication and ranking of the importance of Pb environmental sources as explanatory factors of BLCs across the group of children. The findings support the deployment of interventions aimed at managing the priority sources of exposure in this population.
Advancements in Plasma Agriculture: A Review of Recent Studies
Authors: Konchekov Evgeny M. , Gusein-zade Namik , Burmistrov Dmitriy E. , Kolik Leonid V. , Dorokhov Alexey S. , Izmailov Andrey Yu. , Shokri Babak , Gudkov Sergey V.
Published: October 2023

This review is devoted to a topic of high interest in recent times—the use of plasma technologies in agriculture. The increased attention to these studies is primarily due to the demand for the intensification of food production and, at the same time, the request to reduce the use of pesticides. We analyzed publications, focusing on research conducted in the last 3 years, to identify the main achievements of plasma agrotechnologies and key obstacles to their widespread implementation in practice. We considered the main types of plasma sources used in this area, their advantages and limitations, which determine the areas of application. We also considered the use of plasma-activated liquids and the efficiency of their production by various types of plasma sources.
Dupuytren’s Disease Is Mediated by Insufficient TGF-β1 Release and Degradation
Authors: Oezel Lisa , Wohltmann Marie , Gondorf Nele , Wille Julia , Güven Irmak , Windolf Joachim , Thelen Simon , Jaekel Carina , Grotheer Vera
Published: October 2023

Dupuytren’s disease (DD) is a fibroproliferative disorder affecting the palmar fascia, causing functional restrictions of the hand and thereby limiting patients’ daily lives. The disturbed and excessive myofibroblastogenesis, causing DD, is mainly induced by transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1. But, the extent to which impaired TGF-β1 release or TGF-β signal degradation is involved in pathologically altered myofibroblastogenesis in DD has been barely examined. Therefore, the complex in which TGF-β1 is secreted in the extracellular matrix to elicit its biological activity, and proteins such as plasmin, integrins, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which are involved in the TGF-β1 activation, were herein analyzed in DD-fibroblasts (DD-FBs). Additionally, TGF-β signal degradation via caveolin-1 was examined with 5-fluoruracil (5-FU) in detail. Gene expression analysis was performed via Western blot, PCR, and immunofluorescence analyses. As a surrogate parameter for disturbed myofibroblastogenesis, 𝛼-smooth-muscle-actin (𝛼-SMA) expression was evaluated. It was demonstrated that latency-associated peptide (LAP)-TGF-β and latent TGF-β-binding protein (LTBP)-1 involved in TGF-β-complex building were significantly upregulated in DD. Plasmin a serinprotease responsible for the TGF-β release was significantly downregulated. The application of exogenous plasmin was able to inhibit disturbed myofibroblastogenesis, as measured via 𝛼-SMA expression. Furthermore, a reduced TGF-β1 degradation was also involved in the pathological phenotype of DD, because caveolin-1 expression was significantly downregulated, and if rescued, myofibroblastogenesis was also inhibited. Therefore, our study demonstrates that a deficient release and degradation of TGF-β1 are important players in the pathological phenotype of DD and should be addressed in future research studies to improve DD therapy or other related fibrotic conditions.
Nicotine Impairs the Anti-Contractile Function of Perivascular Adipose Tissue by Inhibiting the PPARγ–Adiponectin–AdipoR1 Axis
Authors: Abd Rami Afifah Zahirah , Aminuddin Amilia , Hamid Adila A. , Mokhtar Mohd Helmy , Ugusman Azizah
Published: October 2023

Nicotine is an addictive compound found in cigarette smoke that leads to vascular dysfunction and cardiovascular diseases. Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) exerts an anti-contractile effect on the underlying vasculature through the production of adipokines, such as adiponectin, which acts on adiponectin receptors 1 (adipoR1) to cause vasorelaxation. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) is a transcription factor that regulates adiponectin gene expression and PVAT development. This study aimed to determine the effect of nicotine on the anti-contractile function of PVAT via the PPARγ–adiponectin–adipoR1 axis. Male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into a control group (given normal saline), a nicotine group (given 0.8 mg/kg of nicotine), and a nicotine + PPARγ agonist group (given nicotine and 5 mg/kg of telmisartan). Thoracic aorta PVAT was harvested after 21 days of treatment. The results showed that nicotine reduced the anti-contractile effect of PVAT on the underlying thoracic aorta. Nicotine also decreased the gene and protein expression of PPARγ, adiponectin, and adipoR1 in PVAT. Treatment with telmisartan restored the anti-contractile effect of PVAT and increased the gene and protein expression of PPARγ, adiponectin, and adipoR1 in PVAT. In conclusion, nicotine attenuates the anti-contractile function of PVAT through inhibition of the PPARγ–adiponectin–adipoR1 axis.
Revealing Further Insights into Astringent Seeds of Chinese Fir by Integrated Metabolomic and Lipidomic Analyses
Authors: Zheng Ping , Shen Mengqian , Liu Ruoyu , Cai Xinkai , Lin Jinting , Wang Lulu , Chen Yu , Chen Guangwei , Cao Shijiang , Qin Yuan
Published: October 2023

Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook.) stands as one of the pivotal afforestation tree species and timber resources in southern China. Nevertheless, the occurrence of seed abortion and a notably high proportion of astringent seeds significantly curtail the yield and quality of elite seeds, resulting in substantial economic losses. The development of astringent seeds is accompanied by significant physiological and biochemical alterations. Here, the first combined lipidomic and metabolomic analysis was performed to gain a comprehensive understanding of astringent seed traits. A total of 744 metabolites and 616 lipids were detected, of which 489 differential metabolites and 101 differential lipids were identified. In astringent seeds, most flavonoids and tannins, as well as proline and γ-aminobutyric acid, were more accumulated, along with a notable decrease in lipid unsaturation, indicating oxidative stress in the cells of astringent seeds. Conversely, numerous elemental metabolites were less accumulated, including amino acids and their derivatives, saccharides and alcohols, organic acids and nucleotides and their derivatives. Meanwhile, most lipid subclasses, mainly associated with energy storage (triglyceride and diglyceride) and cell membrane composition (phosphatidic acid, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine), also exhibited significant reductions. These results reflected a disruption in the cellular system or the occurrence of cell death, causing a reduction in viable cells within astringent seeds. Furthermore, only one lipid subclass, sphingosine phosphate (SoP), was more accumulated in astringent seeds. Additionally, lower accumulation of indole-3-acetic acid and more accumulation of salicylic acid (SA) were also identified in astringent seeds. Both SA and SoP were closely associated with the promotion of programmed cell death in astringent seeds. Collectively, our study revealed significant abnormal changes in phytohormones, lipids and various metabolites in astringent seeds, allowing us to propose a model for the development of astringent seeds in Chinese fir based on existing research and our findings. This work enriches our comprehension of astringent seeds and presents valuable bioindicators for the identification of astringent seeds.
A Methodological Approach to Identify Natural Compounds with Antifibrotic Activity and the Potential to Treat Pulmonary Fibrosis Using Single-Cell Sequencing and Primary Human Lung Macrophages
Authors: Apte Simon H. , Groves Penny L. , Tan Maxine E. , Lutzky Viviana P. , de Silva Tharushi , Monteith Joshua N. , Yerkovich Stephanie T. , O’Sullivan Brendan J. , Davis Rohan A. , Chambers Daniel C.
Published: October 2023

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is the most common and lethal form of the interstitial pneumonias. The cause of the disease is unknown, and new therapies that stop or reverse disease progression are desperately needed. Recent advances in next-generation sequencing have led to an abundance of freely available, clinically relevant, organ-and-disease-specific, single-cell transcriptomic data, including studies from patients with IPF. We mined data from published IPF data sets and identified gene signatures delineating pro-fibrotic or antifibrotic macrophages and then used the Enrichr platform to identify compounds with the potential to drive the macrophages toward the antifibrotic transcriptotype. We then began testing these compounds in a novel in vitro phenotypic drug screening assay utilising human lung macrophages recovered from whole-lung lavage of patients with silicosis. As predicted by the Enrichr tool, glitazones potently modulated macrophage gene expression towards the antifibrotic phenotype. Next, we assayed a subset of the NatureBank pure compound library and identified the cyclobutane lignan, endiandrin A, which was isolated from the roots of the endemic Australian rainforest plant, Endiandra anthropophagorum, with a similar antifibrotic potential to the glitazones. These methods open new avenues of exploration to find treatments for lung fibrosis.
Anticancer and Antiphytopathogenic Activity of Fluorinated Isatins and Their Water-Soluble Hydrazone Derivatives
Authors: Bogdanov Andrei V. , Neganova Margarita , Voloshina Alexandra , Lyubina Anna , Amerhanova Syumbelya , Litvinov Igor A. , Tsivileva Olga , Akylbekov Nurgali , Zhapparbergenov Rakhmetulla , Valiullina Zulfiia , Samorodov Alexandr V. , Alabugin Igor
Published: October 2023

A series of new fluorinated 1-benzylisatins was synthesized in high yields via a simple one-pot procedure in order to explore the possible effect of ortho-fluoro (3a), chloro (3b), or bis-fluoro (3d) substitution on the biological activity of this pharmacophore. Furthermore, the new isatins could be converted into water-soluble isatin-3-hydrazones using their acid-catalyzed reaction with Girard’s reagent P and its dimethyl analog. The cytotoxic action of these substances is associated with the induction of apoptosis caused by mitochondrial membrane dissipation and stimulated reactive oxygen species production in tumor cells. In addition, compounds 3a and 3b exhibit platelet antiaggregation activity at the level of acetylsalicylic acid, and the whole series of fluorine-containing isatins does not adversely affect the hemostasis system as a whole. Among the new water-soluble pyridinium isatin-3-acylhydrazones, compounds 7c and 5c,e exhibit the highest antagonistic effect against phytopathogens of bacterial and fungal origin and can be considered useful leads for combating plant diseases.
Obesity Is Associated with the Severity of Periodontal Inflammation Due to a Specific Signature of Subgingival Microbiota
Authors: Lê Sylvie , Laurencin-Dalicieux Sara , Minty Matthieu , Assoulant-Anduze Justine , Vinel Alexia , Yanat Noor , Loubieres Pascale , Azalbert Vincent , Diemer Swann , Burcelin Remy , Canceill Thibault , Thomas Charlotte , Blasco-Baque Vincent
Published: October 2023

The aim of this study was to analyze the link between periodontal microbiota and obesity in humans. We conducted a cohort study including 45 subjects with periodontitis divided into two groups: normo-weighted subjects with a body mass index (BMI) between 20 and 25 kg/m2 (n = 34) and obese subjects with a BMI > 30 kg/m2 (n = 11). Our results showed that obesity was associated with significantly more severe gingival inflammation according to Periodontal Inflamed Surface Area (PISA index). Periodontal microbiota taxonomic analysis showed that the obese (OB) subjects with periodontitis were characterized by a specific signature of subgingival microbiota with an increase in Gram-positive bacteria in periodontal pockets, associated with a decrease in microbiota diversity compared to that of normo-weighted subjects with periodontitis. Finally, periodontal treatment response was less effective in OB subjects with persisting periodontal inflammation, reflecting a still unstable periodontal condition and a risk of recurrence. To our knowledge, this study is the first exploring both salivary and subgingival microbiota of OB subjects. Considering that OB subjects are at higher periodontal risk, this could lead to more personalized preventive or therapeutic strategies for obese patients regarding periodontitis through the specific management of oral microbiota of obese patients.
Pharmacological Inhibition of Myostatin in a Mouse Model of Typical Nemaline Myopathy Increases Muscle Size and Force
Authors: Lindqvist Johan , Granzier Henk
Published: October 2023

Nemaline myopathy is one of the most common non-dystrophic congenital myopathies. Individuals affected by this condition experience muscle weakness and muscle smallness, often requiring supportive measures like wheelchairs or respiratory support. A significant proportion of patients, approximately one-third, exhibit compound heterozygous nebulin mutations, which usually give rise to the typical form of the disease. Currently, there are no approved treatments available for nemaline myopathy. Our research explored the modulation of myostatin, a negative regulator of muscle mass, in combating the muscle smallness associated with the disease. To investigate the effect of myostatin inhibition, we employed a mouse model with compound heterozygous nebulin mutations that mimic the typical form of the disease. The mice were treated with mRK35, a myostatin antibody, through weekly intraperitoneal injections of 10 mg/kg mRK35, commencing at two weeks of age and continuing until the mice reached four months of age. The treatment resulted in an increase in body weight and an approximate 20% muscle weight gain across most skeletal muscles, without affecting the heart. The minimum Feret diameter of type IIA and IIB fibers exhibited an increase in compound heterozygous mice, while only type IIB fibers demonstrated an increase in wild-type mice. In vitro mechanical experiments conducted on intact extensor digitorum longus muscle revealed that mRK35 augmented the physiological cross-sectional area of muscle fibers and enhanced absolute tetanic force in both wild-type and compound heterozygous mice. Furthermore, mRK35 administration improved grip strength in treated mice. Collectively, these findings indicate that inhibiting myostatin can mitigate the muscle deficits in nebulin-based typical nemaline myopathy, potentially serving as a much-needed therapeutic option.
Modeling Visit Potential to Predict Hotspots of a Future District
Authors: Delhoum Younes , Belaroussi Rachid
Published: October 2023

Understanding frequentation patterns allows urban planners to optimize the allocation of resources and infrastructure development. This includes determining the locations for schools, hospitals, public transportation, parks, and other amenities to efficiently meet the needs of the population. This paper proposes a study of the Visit Potential Model, an integrated model for evaluating the characteristics of public spaces. It is used to predict the potential potential presence of people in specific locations or public places. The model combines a universal law of visit frequencies in cities with a gravity measurement of accessibility. The adapted Visit Potential Model is represented as a graph by connecting public spaces to other spaces: population objects and attractor objects. Population objects represent places where people go in and out, such as houses, offices, and schools. Attractor objects include destinations that people visit, such as leisure parks and shopping malls. Originally, this static model was defined for a single time-frame by explicitly taking into the account the time component and a dynamic model was derived. A future district under construction was used as a case study: a multimodal transportation model was built to simulate and analyze the motion of people. The reported outcomes can be analyzed to provide us first insights of the potential for visiting the district’s public spaces and define its future hotspots and places of interaction.
Protein Disulfide Isomerase FgEps1 Is a Secreted Virulence Factor in Fusarium graminearum
Authors: Liu Kouhan , Wang Xintong , Li Ying , Shi Yifeng , Ren Yanyan , Wang Aolin , Zhao Bingjie , Cheng Peng , Wang Baotong
Published: October 2023

Protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) is a member of the thioredoxin (Trx) superfamily with important functions in cellular stability, ion uptake, and cellular differentiation. While PDI has been extensively studied in humans and animals, its role in fungi remains relatively unknown. In this study, the biological functions of FgEps1, a disulfide bond isomerase in the fungal pathogen Fusarium graminearum, were investigated. It was found that FgEps1 mutation affected nutritional growth, asexual and sexual reproduction, and stress tolerance. Additionally, its deletion resulted in reduced pathogenicity and impaired DON toxin biosynthesis. The involvement of FgEps1 in host infection was also confirmed, as its expression was detected during the infection period. Further investigation using a yeast signal peptide secretion system and transient expression in Nicotiana benthamiana showed that FgEps1 suppressed the immune response of plants and promoted infection. These findings suggest that virulence factor FgEps1 plays a crucial role in growth, development, virulence, secondary metabolism, and host infection in F. graminearum.
E-Waste Management: An Analysis under the Perspective of Conflicts and Shared Responsibility
Authors: Cardoso Layanne Nara Parente , Miranda Karla Danyelle de Oliveira , da Silva Ednael Francisco Vieira , Guarnieri Patricia , Leão e Silva Filho José , e Silva Lúcio Camara
Published: October 2023

Background: The Brazilian National Solid Waste Policy establishes the shared responsibility of all actors involved in e-waste generation and management; however, some conflicts of interest need interventions and approaches for preventing them. Objective: This paper proposes using a graph model for conflict resolution (GMCR) decision support system to simulate the analysis and resolution of realistic e-waste management conflicts. Method: A systematic literature review focused on e-waste management, shared responsibility and conflict management was conducted, and a graph model for conflict resolution (GMCR) decision support system was applied to generate a framework to address this context. Results: The need for commitment agreements promoted by government institutions in partnerships with companies involved in the process is essential since the principle of shared responsibility requires educational actions, favoring efficiency in the reverse logistics recovery procedures for e-waste. Understanding the interconnected causes of conflicts and their facets is crucial for effective resolution and prevention, aiding comprehension, focused interventions, and evidence-based decision-making for transformative change amidst conflicting stakeholder objectives in the case of WEEE management. These results can be helpful for academics and practitioners working in this area.
It Is Time to Curb the Dogma in Lymphedema Management
Authors: Barnhart Heather
Published: October 2023

Lymphedema is an under-recognized and underappreciated disease. Advances in imaging and a deeper understanding of the pathophysiology of lymphedema are shedding new light on this disease that affects millions of people worldwide. As new evidence continues to emerge about the microcirculation and revised Starling Principle, etiological factors, related conditions, specific genes, and surgical innovations, the traditional approach to management must also evolve. This evolution is vital to maximize outcomes and improve quality of life. This commentary is a call to action to embrace innovation to better manage lymphedema and expand educational opportunities by leveraging technology to properly train healthcare providers to manage this disease.
The Multi-Objective Optimization Design and Hydrothermal Performance Evaluation of Anhydrous Calcium Sulfate Whisker and Polyester Fiber Compound Modified Asphalt Mixture in Hot-Humid Areas
Authors: Fan Taotao , Song Qiuping , Si Chundi , Han Songkai
Published: October 2023

In hot and humid climates, asphalt pavements frequently encounter environmental factors such as elevated temperatures and rainfall, leading to rutting deformations and potholes, which can affect pavement performance. The primary objective of this study was to enhance the hydrothermal characteristics of asphalt mixtures through an investigation into the impact of anhydrous calcium sulfate whisker (ACSW) and polyester fiber (PF) on the hydrothermal properties of asphalt mixtures. In this paper, a central composite concatenation design (CCC) was employed to determine the optimal combination of ACSW and PF contents, as well as the asphalt aggregate ratio (AAR). Each influencing factor was assigned three levels for analysis. The evaluation indexes included dynamic stability, retained Marshall stability, and tensile strength ratio. Using the analysis methods of variance and gray correlation degree analysis, the hydrothermal properties of the asphalt mixture were examined in relation to the contents of ACSW, PF, and AAR based on the CCC results. Consequently, the optimal mix design parameters for composite modified asphalt mixture incorporating ACSW and PF were determined. The results indicated that the asphalt mixtures with hydrothermal qualities exhibited optimal performance in terms of 4.1% ARR, 11.84% ACSW, and 0.4% PF. The interaction between AAR and ACSW content had a greater effect on the dynamic stability and tensile strength ratio of the asphalt mixture, whereas the incorporation of ACSW and PF had a greater effect on the retained Marshall stability of the asphalt mixture. Among the three contributing factors, AAR exhibited the strongest relationship with the hydrothermal characteristics of the asphalt mixture, followed by the ACSW content; the correlation of PF content was the lowest. Therefore, to enhance the hydrothermal characteristics of the asphalt mixture, it is important to conduct a full evaluation of the constituents of ACSW and PF, along with the AAR in hot–humid regions.
Cubic Nonlinearity of Graphene-Oxide Monolayer
Authors: Neupane Tikaram , Poudyal Uma , Tabibi Bagher , Kim Wan-Joong , Seo Felix Jaetae
Published: October 2023

The cubic nonlinearity of a graphene-oxide monolayer was characterized through open and closed z−scan experiments, using a nano-second laser operating at a 10 Hz repetition rate and featuring a Gaussian spatial beam profile. The open z−scan revealed a reverse saturable absorption, indicating a positive nonlinear absorption coefficient, while the closed z−scan displayed valley-peak traces, indicative of positive nonlinear refraction. This observation suggests that, under the given excitation wavelength, a two-photon or two-step excitation process occurs due to the increased absorption in both the lower visible and upper UV wavelength regions. This finding implies that graphene oxide exhibits a higher excited-state absorption cross-section compared to its ground state. The resulting nonlinear absorption and nonlinear refraction coefficients were estimated to be approximately ~2.62 × 10−8 m/W and 3.9 × 10−15 m2/W, respectively. Additionally, this study sheds light on the interplay between nonlinear absorption and nonlinear refraction traces, providing valuable insights into the material’s optical properties.
Similarity-Based Framework for Unsupervised Domain Adaptation: Peer Reviewing Policy for Pseudo-Labeling
Authors: Arweiler Joel , Ates Cihan , Cerquides Jesus , Koch Rainer , Bauer Hans-Jörg
Published: October 2023

The inherent dependency of deep learning models on labeled data is a well-known problem and one of the barriers that slows down the integration of such methods into different fields of applied sciences and engineering, in which experimental and numerical methods can easily generate a colossal amount of unlabeled data. This paper proposes an unsupervised domain adaptation methodology that mimics the peer review process to label new observations in a different domain from the training set. The approach evaluates the validity of a hypothesis using domain knowledge acquired from the training set through a similarity analysis, exploring the projected feature space to examine the class centroid shifts. The methodology is tested on a binary classification problem, where synthetic images of cubes and cylinders in different orientations are generated. The methodology improves the accuracy of the object classifier from 60% to around 90% in the case of a domain shift in physical feature space without human labeling.
Non-Traditional Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Adolescents with Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome May Predict Future Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Tragomalou Athanasia , Paltoglou George , Manou Maria , Kostopoulos Ioannis V. , Loukopoulou Sofia , Binou Maria , Tsitsilonis Ourania E. , Bacopoulou Flora , Kassari Penio , Papadopoulou Marina , Mastorakos George , Charmandari Evangelia
Published: October 2023

Obesity in adolescence is associated with significant morbidity and predisposes adolescents to the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Although a number of traditional CVD risk factors have been identified in youth, limited data exist regarding non-traditional CVD risk factors. In 89 adolescents with metabolic syndrome (MetS), with 60 age-, gender-, and BMI-matched controls, we determined the non-traditional CVD risk factors (hs-CRP, TG/HDL ratio, ApoB/ApoA1 ratio, NAFLD) in order to investigate whether they may be used as biomarkers for predicting future CVD, and we evaluated their response to the implementation of a multidisciplinary, personalized, lifestyle intervention program for 1 year. We demonstrated that the TG/HDL ratio, IL-2, IL-6, IL-17A, and INF-γ were significantly increased in subjects with MetS than in controls, and may be used as biomarkers to predict future CVD. Subjects with MetS had an increased mean carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and prevalence of NAFLD than the controls, while the prevalence of NAFLD correlated strongly with cIMT and IL-6 concentrations. Most of the non-traditional cardiovascular risk factors improved following the implementation of a lifestyle intervention program. These findings indicate that adolescents with MetS may have a greater risk for developing atherosclerosis early in life, while early lifestyle intervention is crucial for preventing the arteriosclerotic process in youth.
The Use of Fibers, Herbal Medicines and Spices in Children with Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Narrative Review
Authors: Pop Daniela , Pop Radu Samuel , Farcău Dorin
Published: October 2023

The pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome in children involves multiple factors. Thus, treatment options are variable, targeting both diet and the child’s and parents’ behavior via pharmacological and psychological interventions or neuromodulation. Parents are increasingly interested in complementary and alternative therapies for children with irritable bowel syndrome, especially when other treatments have been tried without relieving the child’s symptoms. This paper examines current evidence for the benefits and side effects of herbal remedies and spices in pediatric patients with IBS. The benefits of peppermint oil, STW5, psyllium fiber, Curcuma, ginger, and other herbal medicines are discussed based on findings in the current literature.
Development of Vinpocetine-Loaded Nasal Polymeric Micelles via Nano-Spray-Drying
Authors: Sipos Bence , Katona Gábor , Szarvas Flóra Mária , Budai-Szűcs Mária , Ambrus Rita , Csóka Ildikó
Published: October 2023

In this present formulation study, vinpocetine-loaded nano-spray-dried polymeric micelles were developed via nano-spray-drying. Three different mucoadhesive excipients were applied in the studies, namely chitosan, hyaluronic acid and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. In all cases, the formulations had a proper particle size and drug content after drying with spherical morphology and amorphous structure. After rapid dissolution in water, the polymeric micelles had a particle size around 100–130 nm, in monodisperse size distribution. The high encapsulation efficiency (>80%) and high solubilization (approx. 300-fold increase in thermodynamic solubility) contributed to rapid drug release (>80% in the first 15 min) and fast passive diffusion at simulated nasal conditions. The formulated prototype preparations fulfilled the demands of a low-viscosity, moderately mucoadhesive nasal drug delivery system, which may be capable of increasing the overall bioavailability of drugs administered via the auspicious nasal drug delivery route.
Efficient Trichromatic Nd:YLF Laser Emitting at 1047 nm, 1053 nm and 1314 nm
Authors: Prado Felipe Maia , Franco Tomás Junqueira , Wetter Niklaus Ursus
Published: October 2023

We report a Nd:YLF laser, side-pumped by a diode-stack at 797 nm with 1545 W peak power, resulting in triple-wavelength emission at 1314 nm, 1053 nm, and 1047 nm. The resonator is capable of emitting each wavelength separately as well as any combination of them simply by cavity alignment. When operating at 1314 nm, the laser reached record optical-to-optical efficiency of 49%, with a slope efficiency of 53%.
Atmospheric Turbulence with Kolmogorov Spectra: Software Simulation, Real-Time Reconstruction and Compensation by Means of Adaptive Optical System with Bimorph and Stacked-Actuator Deformable Mirrors
Authors: Galaktionov Ilya , Sheldakova Julia , Samarkin Vadim , Toporovsky Vladimir , Kudryashov Alexis
Published: October 2023

Atmospheric turbulence causes refractive index fluctuations, which in turn introduce extra distortions to the wavefront of the propagated radiation. It ultimately degrades telescope resolution (in imaging applications) and reduces radiation power density (in focusing applications). One of the possible ways of researching the impact of turbulence is to numerically simulate the spectrum of refractive index fluctuations, to reproduce it using a wavefront corrector and to measure the resultant wavefront using, for example, a Shack–Hartmann sensor. In this paper, we developed turbulence simulator software that generates phase screens with Kolmogorov spectra. We reconstructed the generated set of phase screens using a stacked-actuator deformable mirror and then compensated for the introduced wavefront distortions using a bimorph deformable mirror. The residual amplitude of the wavefront reconstructed by the 19-channel stacked-actuator mirror was 0.26 λ, while the residual amplitude of the wavefront compensated for by the 32-channel bimorph mirror was 0.08 λ.
Foam Systems for Enhancing Heavy Oil Recovery by Double Improving Mobility Ratio
Authors: Chen Chao , Xu Hao , Zhang Lidong , Li Xiaohui , Zhou Xiaosong , Li Qian , Wang Peng , Li Meng , Qiu Yuxing , Zhang Xiao , Liu Sisi , He Gang , Li Huabin
Published: October 2023

The recovery of heavy oil is challenging due to its high viscosity. Especially in water flooding, the high viscosity of heavy oil induces a high water/oil mobility ratio, resulting in frequent channeling and fingering. In the present work, the viscosity reduction in heavy oil caused by foaming agents is studied. Among the studied foam systems, the KX-048 foaming agent had the best oil viscosity reduction performance. It also shows excellent foaming performance, including large foam volume, long foam half-life, and high foam comprehensive index. With the reduction in oil viscosity, the KX-048 foaming agent decreases the foam/oil mobility to 0.28, which is beneficial for controlling gas channeling and fingering in foam flooding. Moreover, Foam flooding experiments in heterogeneous sand-pack models indicate that KX-048 has excellent efficiency in improving oil recovery, especially in the low-permeable tube. The chosen KX-048 foaming agent could provide a promising pathway for improving heavy oil recovery.
Target Detection Method Based on Adaptive Step-Size SAMP Combining Off-Grid Correction for Coherent Frequency-Agile Radar
Authors: Chang Jiayun , Fu Xiongjun , Zhan Kai , Zhao Xuezhou , Dong Jian , Wu Junqiang
Published: October 2023

Coherent frequency-agile radar (FAR) has a low probability of intercept (LPI) and excellent performance of electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM) and electromagnetic compatibility, which can improve radar cooperation and survivability in complex electromagnetic environments. However, due to the nonlinearity of radar carrier frequency and the limitation of the Doppler tolerance of high-resolution range cells, the undesirable blind-speed sidelobes are generated in the two-dimensional (2D) range–velocity plane after coherent integration (CI) using the traditional methods based on a matching filter, which may degrade the target detection performance. To solve this problem, an adaptive step-size sparsity adaptive matching pursuit (SAMP) algorithm combining off-grid correction (ASSAMP-OC) is proposed in this paper, which seeks to achieve a better trade-off between recovery efficiency and detection performance. Firstly, an adaptive iteration step size based on the Spearman correlation coefficients (SCCS) is devised, which solves the problem of the traditional SAMP algorithm being insensitive to the change in iteration step size when the residuals vary slightly, and improves the recovery speed. Secondly, the off-grid correction method by combining a regularized stagewise backtracking idea and gradient descent optimization (GDO) is adopted to improve the recovery accuracy and suppress the blind-speed sidelobe energy (BSSE), which helps to reduce CI gain loss and improve the target detection performance without the prior information of the sparsity lever. Finally, simulation and experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed method in terms of target detection probability, target signal energy ratio after recovery, and computational cost, compared to several existing methods.
A Downscaling Methodology for Extracting Photovoltaic Plants with Remote Sensing Data: From Feature Optimized Random Forest to Improved HRNet
Authors: Wang Yinda , Cai Danlu , Chen Luanjie , Yang Lina , Ge Xingtong , Peng Ling
Published: October 2023

Present approaches in PV (Photovoltaic) detection are known to be scalable to a larger area using machine learning classification and have improved accuracy on a regional scale with deep learning diagnostics. However, it may cause false detection, time, and cost-consuming when regional deep learning models are directly scaled to a larger area, particularly in large-scale, highly urbanized areas. Thus, a novel two-step downscaling methodology integrating machine learning broad spatial partitioning (step-1) and detailed deep learning diagnostics (step-2) is designed and applied in highly urbanized Jiangsu Province, China. In the first step, this methodology selects suitable feature combinations using the recursive feature elimination with distance correlation coefficient (RFEDCC) strategy for the random forest (RF), considering not only feature importance but also feature independence. The results from RF (overall accuracy = 95.52%, Kappa = 0.91) indicate clear boundaries and little noise. Furthermore, the post-processing of noise removal with a morphological opening operation for the extraction result of RF is necessary for the purpose that less high-resolution remote sensing tiles should be applied in the second step. In the second step, tiles intersecting with the results of the first step are selected from a vast collection of Google Earth tiles, reducing the computational complexity of the next step in deep learning. Then, the improved HRNet with high performance on the test data set (Intersection over Union around 94.08%) is used to extract PV plants from the selected tiles, and the results are mapped. In general, for Jiangsu province, the detection rate of the previous PV database is higher than 92%, and this methodology reduces false detection noise and time consumption (around 95%) compared with a direct deep learning methodology.
GCL-YOLO: A GhostConv-Based Lightweight YOLO Network for UAV Small Object Detection
Authors: Cao Jinshan , Bao Wenshu , Shang Haixing , Yuan Ming , Cheng Qian
Published: October 2023

Precise object detection for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) images is a prerequisite for many UAV image applications. Compared with natural scene images, UAV images often have many small objects with few image pixels. These small objects are often obscured, densely distributed, or in complex scenes, which causes great interference to object detection. Aiming to solve this problem, a GhostConv-based lightweight YOLO network (GCL-YOLO) is proposed. In the proposed network, a GhostConv-based backbone network with a few parameters was firstly built. Then, a new prediction head for UAV small objects was designed, and the original prediction head for large natural scene objects was removed. Finally, the focal-efficient intersection over union (Focal-EIOU) loss was used as the localization loss. The experimental results of the VisDrone-DET2021 dataset and the UAVDT dataset showed that, compared with the YOLOv5-S network, the mean average precision at IOU = 0.5 achieved by the proposed GCL-YOLO-S network was improved by 6.9% and 1.8%, respectively, while the parameter amount and the calculation amount were reduced by 76.7% and 32.3%, respectively. Compared with some excellent lightweight networks, the proposed network achieved the highest and second-highest detection accuracy on the two datasets with the smallest parameter amount and a medium calculation amount, respectively.
Better Inversion of Wheat Canopy SPAD Values before Heading Stage Using Spectral and Texture Indices Based on UAV Multispectral Imagery
Authors: Yin Quan , Zhang Yuting , Li Weilong , Wang Jianjun , Wang Weiling , Ahmad Irshad , Zhou Guisheng , Huo Zhongyang
Published: October 2023

In China’s second-largest wheat-producing region, the mid-lower Yangtze River area, cold stress impacts winter wheat production during the pre-heading growth stage. Previous research focused on specific growth stages, lacking a comprehensive approach. This study utilizes Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) multispectral imagery to monitor Soil-Plant Analysis Development (SPAD) values throughout the pre-heading stage, assessing crop stress resilience. Vegetation Indices (VIs) and Texture Indices (TIs) are extracted from UAV imagery. Recursive Feature Elimination (RFE) is applied to VIs, TIs, and fused variables (VIs + TIs), and six machine learning algorithms are employed for SPAD value estimation. The fused VIs and TIs model, based on Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), achieves the highest accuracy (R2 = 0.8576, RMSE = 2.9352, RRMSE = 0.0644, RPD = 2.6677), demonstrating robust generalization across wheat varieties and nitrogen management practices. This research aids in mitigating winter wheat frost risks and increasing yields.
On the Importance of Attention and Augmentations for Hypothesis Transfer in Domain Adaptation and Generalization
Authors: Sahay Rajat , Thomas Georgi , Jahan Chowdhury Sadman , Manjrekar Mihir , Popp Dan , Savakis Andreas
Published: October 2023

Unsupervised domain adaptation (UDA) aims to mitigate the performance drop due to the distribution shift between the training and testing datasets. UDA methods have achieved performance gains for models trained on a source domain with labeled data to a target domain with only unlabeled data. The standard feature extraction method in domain adaptation has been convolutional neural networks (CNNs). Recently, attention-based transformer models have emerged as effective alternatives for computer vision tasks. In this paper, we benchmark three attention-based architectures, specifically vision transformer (ViT), shifted window transformer (SWIN), and dual attention vision transformer (DAViT), against convolutional architectures ResNet, HRNet and attention-based ConvNext, to assess the performance of different backbones for domain generalization and adaptation. We incorporate these backbone architectures as feature extractors in the source hypothesis transfer (SHOT) framework for UDA. SHOT leverages the knowledge learned in the source domain to align the image features of unlabeled target data in the absence of source domain data, using self-supervised deep feature clustering and self-training. We analyze the generalization and adaptation performance of these models on standard UDA datasets and aerial UDA datasets. In addition, we modernize the training procedure commonly seen in UDA tasks by adding image augmentation techniques to help models generate richer features. Our results show that ConvNext and SWIN offer the best performance, indicating that the attention mechanism is very beneficial for domain generalization and adaptation with both transformer and convolutional architectures. Our ablation study shows that our modernized training recipe, within the SHOT framework, significantly boosts performance on aerial datasets.
High Detectivity of PbS Films Deposited on Quartz Substrates: The Role of Enhanced Photogenerated Carrier Separation
Authors: Lv Quanjiang , Li Rongfan , Fan Liangchao , Huang Zhi , Huan Zhenyu , Yu Mingyang , Li Haohua , Liu Guiwu , Qiao Guanjun , Liu Junlin
Published: October 2023

PbS films grown on quartz substrates by the chemical bath deposition method were annealed in an O2 atmosphere to investigate the role of oxygen in the sensitization process at different annealing temperatures. The average grain size of the PbS films gradually increased as the annealing temperature increased from 400 °C to 700 °C. At an annealing temperature of 650 °C, the photoresponsivity and detectivity reached 1.67 A W−1 and 1.22 × 1010 cm Hz1/2 W−1, respectively. The role of oxides in the sensitization process was analyzed in combination with X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy results, and a three-dimensional network model of the sensitization mechanism of PbS films was proposed. During the annealing process, O functioned as a p-type impurity, forming p+-type PbS layers with high hole concentrations on the surface and between the PbS grains. As annealing proceeds, the p+-type PbS layers at the grain boundaries interconnect to form a three-dimensional network structure of hole transport channels, while the unoxidized p-type PbS layers act as electron transport channels. Under bias, photogenerated electron–hole pairs were efficiently separated by the formed p+-p charge separation junction, thereby reducing electron–hole recombination and facilitating a higher infrared response.
Estimating the Below-Ground Leak Rate of a Natural Gas Pipeline Using Above-Ground Downwind Measurements: The ESCAPE−1 Model
Authors: Cheptonui Fancy , Riddick Stuart N. , Hodshire Anna L. , Mbua Mercy , Smits Kathleen M. , Zimmerle Daniel J.
Published: October 2023

Natural gas (NG) leaks from below-ground pipelines pose safety, economic, and environmental hazards. Despite walking surveys using handheld methane (CH4) detectors to locate leaks, accurately triaging the severity of a leak remains challenging. It is currently unclear whether CH4 detectors used in walking surveys could be used to identify large leaks that require an immediate response. To explore this, we used above-ground downwind CH4 concentration measurements made during controlled emission experiments over a range of environmental conditions. These data were then used as the input to a novel modeling framework, the ESCAPE−1 model, to estimate the below-ground leak rates. Using 10-minute averaged CH4 mixing/meteorological data and filtering out wind speed < 2 m s−1/unstable atmospheric data, the ESCAPE−1 model estimates small leaks (0.2 kg CH4 h−1) and medium leaks (0.8 kg CH4 h−1) with a bias of −85%/+100% and −50%/+64%, respectively. Longer averaging (≥3 h) results in a 55% overestimation for small leaks and a 6% underestimation for medium leaks. These results suggest that as the wind speed increases or the atmosphere becomes more stable, the accuracy and precision of the leak rate calculated by the ESCAPE−1 model decrease. With an uncertainty of ±55%, our results show that CH4 mixing ratios measured using industry-standard detectors could be used to prioritize leak repairs.
Anti-Spoofing Method for Improving GNSS Security by Jointly Monitoring Pseudo-Range Difference and Pseudo-Range Sum Sequence Linearity
Authors: Zhang Xinran , Liang Taotao , Tian Jie , Wu Junwei , Wang Chuan , Chen Maolin
Published: October 2023

Spoofing interference is one of the most emerging threats to the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS); therefore, the research on anti-spoofing technology is of great significance to improving the security of GNSS. For single spoofing source interference, all the spoofing signals are broadcast from the same antenna. When the receiver is in motion, the pseudo-range of spoofing signals changes nonlinearly, while the difference between any two pseudo-ranges changes linearly. Authentic signals do not have this characteristic. On this basis, an anti-spoofing method is proposed by jointly monitoring the linearity of the pseudo-range difference (PRD) sequence and pseudo-range sum (PRS) sequence, which transforms the spoofing detection problem into the sequence linearity detection problem. In this paper, the model of PRD and PRS is derived, the hypothesis based on the linearity of PRD sequence and PRS sequence is given, and the detection performance of the method is evaluated. This method uses the sum of squares of errors (SSE) of linear fitting of the PRD sequence and PRS sequence to construct detection statistics, and has low computational complexity. Simulation results show that this method can effectively detect spoofing interference and distinguish spoofing signals from authentic signals.