bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Treatment with Probiotics on Cognitive Function and Regulatory Role of Cortisol and IL-1β in Adolescent Patients with Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Shi Shaoli , Zhang Shuyou , Kong Lingming
Published: August 2023

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of probiotics on cognitive function and the regulation of cortisol and IL-1β in adolescents with depression. All 180 participants were randomly assigned to a study group (treated with probiotics combined with sertraline hydrochloride) and a control group (treated with sertraline hydrochloride). The repetitive Neuropsychological State Test (RBANS) and Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) were administered to MDD patients. The levels of serum cortisol and IL-1β were detected using an ELISA kit. Except for speech function, factors including immediate memory, visual span, attention function, delayed memory, and the RBANS in the study group were significantly higher than those in the control group. The levels of cortisol and interleukin-1β in the study group were significantly downregulated compared to those in the control group. Except for speech function, the cortisol level was negatively correlated with the RBANS total score and other factors in the study group. Interleukin-1β was also negatively correlated with the RBANS total score and each factor score. Cortisol and interleukin-1β were predictors of the RBANS total score, which explained 46.80% of the variance. Cortisol had significant predictive effects on attention function and delayed memory, and interleukin-1β had significant predictive effects on visual span and speech function. It could be concluded that probiotics could improve cognitive function in adolescents with depression by regulating cortisol and IL-1β levels.
Sport Logistics: Considerations on the Nexus of Logistics and Sport Management and Its Unique Features
Authors: Pott Christoph , Breuer Christoph , ten Hompel Michael
Published: August 2023

Background: This paper is the first-ever discussion of sport logistics as an intersection of the academic disciplines of logistics and sport management. Methods: It reviews past literature and states that logistics in sport is widely overlooked in academic literature. It illustrates the importance and pervasive nature of logistics in the sport industry and questions how sport logistics can be positioned at the interface of logistics and sport management science. Both disciplines are contrasted under the common lens of Porter’s value chain. Results: Operations, organization and marketing are identified along with economics and strategy as areas of sport management (highly) involved with logistics. Sport logistics is defined as a research area dealing with storage and transportation issues in sport organizations. Conclusions: Based on a case example from practice, athlete equipment logistics, the authors elaborate on the unique characteristics of managing logistics in sport, e.g., low competition, personal relationships and high demand predictability. They call for a broader discourse on sport logistics in academia.
Features of Helium and Tritium Release from Li2TiO3 Ceramic Pebbles under Neutron Irradiation
Authors: Kulsartov Timur , Zaurbekova Zhanna , Chikhray Yevgen , Kenzhina Inesh , Askerbekov Saulet , Shaimerdenov Asset , Akhanov Assyl , Aitkulov Magzhan , Begentayev Meiram
Published: August 2023

The operation of fusion reactors is based on the reaction that occurs when two heavy hydrogen isotopes, deuterium and tritium, combine to form helium and a neutron with an energy of 14.1 MeV D + T → He + n. For this reaction to occur, it is necessary to produce tritium in the facility itself, as tritium is not common in nature. The generation of tritium in the facility is a key function of the breeder blanket. During the operation of a D–T fusion reactor, high-energy tritium is generated as a result of the 6Li(n,α)T reaction in a lithium-containing ceramic material in the breeder blanket. Lithium metatitanate Li2TiO3 is proposed as one of the promising materials for use in the solid breeder blanket of the DEMO reactor. Several concepts for test blanket modules based on lithium ceramics are being developed for testing at the ITER reactor. Lithium metatitanate Li2TiO3 has good tritium release parameters, as well as good thermal and thermomechanical characteristics. The most important property of lithium ceramics Li2TiO3 is its ability to withstand exposure to long-term high-energy radiation at high temperatures and across large temperature gradients. Its inherent thermal stability and chemical inertness are significant advantages in terms of safety concerns. This study was a continuation of research regarding tritium and helium release from lithium metatitanate Li2TiO3 with 96% 6Li during irradiation at the WWR-K research reactor using the vacuum extraction method. As a result of the analysis of experiments regarding the irradiation of lithium metatitanate in vacuum conditions, it has been established that, during irradiation, peak releases of helium from closed pores of the ceramics are observed, which open during the first 7 days of irradiation. The authors assumed that the reasons samples crack are temperature gradients over the ceramic sample, resulting from the internal heating of pebbles under the conditions of their vacuum evacuation, and contact with the bottom of the evacuated capsule. The temperature dependence of the effective diffusion coefficient of tritium in ceramics at the end of irradiation and the parameters of helium effusion were also determined.
ApOL-Application Oriented Workload Model for Digital Human Models for the Development of Human-Machine Systems
Authors: Sänger Johannes , Wirth Lukas , Yao Zhejun , Scherb David , Miehling Jörg , Wartzack Sandro , Weidner Robert , Lindenmann Andreas , Matthiesen Sven
Published: August 2023

Since musculoskeletal disorders are one of the most common work-related diseases for assemblers and machine operators, it is crucial to find new ways to alleviate the physical load on workers. Support systems such as exoskeletons or handheld power tools are promising technology to reduce the physical load on the humans. The development of such systems requires consideration of the interactions between human and technical systems. The physical relief effect of the exoskeleton can be demonstrated in experimental studies or by simulation with the digital human model (DHM). For the digital development of these support systems, an application-oriented representation of the workload is necessary. To facilitate digital development, an application-oriented workload model (ApOL model) of an overhead working task is presented. The ApOL model determines the load (forces, torques) onto the DHM during an overhead screw-in task using a cordless screwdriver, based on experimental data. The ApOL model is verified by comparing the simulated results to the calculated values from a mathematical model, using experimental data from three participants. The comparison demonstrates successful verification, with a maximum relative mean-absolute-error (rMAE) of the relevant load components at 11.4%. The presented ApOL model can be utilized to assess the impact of cordless screwdriver design on the human workload and facilitate a strain-based design approach for support systems e.g., exoskeletons.
Robust Nonlinear Trajectory Controllers for a Single-Rotor UAV with Particle Swarm Optimization Tuning
Authors: Portillo Patricia , Garza-Castañón Luis E. , Minchala-Avila Luis I. , Vargas-Martínez Adriana , Puig Cayuela Vicenç , Payeur Pierre
Published: August 2023

This paper presents the utilization of robust nonlinear control schemes for a single-rotor unmanned aerial vehicle (SR-UAV) mathematical model. The nonlinear dynamics of the vehicle are modeled according to the translational and rotational motions. The general structure is based on a translation controller connected in cascade with a P-PI attitude controller. Three different control approaches (classical PID, Super Twisting, and Adaptive Sliding Mode) are compared for the translation control. The parameters of such controllers are hard to tune by using a trial-and-error procedure, so we use an automated tuning procedure based on the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) method. The controllers were simulated in scenarios with wind gust disturbances, and a performance comparison was made between the different controllers with and without optimized gains. The results show a significant improvement in the performance of the PSO-tuned controllers.
Equilibrium Position of a Particle in a Microchannel Flow of Newtonian and Power-Law Fluids with an Obstacle
Authors: Chen Dongmei , Lin Jianzhong
Published: August 2023

The equilibrium position yep/H of a particle in a microchannel flow of Newtonian and power-law fluids with an obstacle is numerically studied using the lattice Boltzmann method in the range of the ratio of an obstacle to particle diameter 0.5 ≤ β ≤ 2, fluid power-law index 0.4 ≤ n ≤ 1, Reynolds number 20 ≤ Re ≤ 60, and blockage ratio 0.15 ≤ k ≤ 0.3. Some results are validated by comparing them with the available results. The results showed that, when a particle migrates around an obstacle in the flow behind and near the obstacle, the particle with a different initial, y/H, migrates downstream in a different lateral position, yep/H, and the larger the value of β, the closer the value of yep/H is to the centerline. Therefore, the value of yep/H can be controlled by changing β in the wake zone of the obstacle. However, in the flow far downstream from the obstacle, the particle with a different initial y/H tends to have the same yep/H when n, Re and k are fixed, but the values of yep/H are different for different n, Re and k; i.e., the larger the values of n, Re and k, the closer the value of yep/H is to the centerline. The value of β has no effect on the value of yep/H. In the flow far downstream from the obstacle, the flow distance required for the particle to reach yep/H increases with increasing β and n but decreases with decreasing Re and k.
Econometric Modeling of Creative Industries Concentration Process in the Siberian and the Urals Single-Industry Towns
Authors: Antonova Irina S. , Pchelintsev Evgeny A.
Published: August 2023

Creative industry is considered the driver of modern urban development. It raises the new wave of issues of re-industrialization policy in single-industry towns. Nevertheless, the algorithms of current mathematical modeling in regional economies are not complex enough, leaving out spatial errors and variety in models used. We present eight steps of econometric analysis, considering local-level data. For the research, a balanced data panel was formed for 38 single-industry towns in Siberia and the Urals in Russia, for the period of 2013–2017. For mathematical modeling of the process of concentration of creative industries in single-industry towns, first, we present the specific indices of concentration, variety, and spatial disparities. Then, we test the full list of possible models for the variables. Then, we evaluate the regional offset. We describe the sufficient F-test, Hausman test and Breusch–Pagan Lagrange multiplier tests, choosing the most appropriate model. Finally, we evaluate the spatial autorepression of residuals. This algorithm allows us prove the data period and identify the tendency of spatial heterogeneity growth. We assume it to be the growing spillover effect in creative industries. At the same time, despite the positive trend of decreasing concentration of creative industries in single-industry towns, mono-industry continues to have a meaningful impact on their development, which forms the basis of path dependence. In this regard, the main actor of development in towns is city-forming enterprise, through the tools of corporate social responsibility. In view of the latter, it is proposed to develop tools for corporate creative responsibility in single-industry organizations within cities and regions. Finally, the general concern about the growth of spatial differentiation at the level of cities and regions is not yet significant.
A Survey of Information Dissemination Model, Datasets, and Insight
Authors: Liu Yanchao , Zhang Pengzhou , Shi Lei , Gong Junpeng
Published: August 2023

Information dissemination refers to how information spreads among users on social networks. With the widespread application of mobile communication and internet technologies, people increasingly rely on information on the internet, and the mode of information dissemination is constantly changing. Researchers have performed various studies from mathematical modeling and cascade prediction perspectives to explore the previous problem. However, lacking a comprehensive review of the latest information dissemination models hinders scientific development. As a result, it is essential to review the latest models or methods. In this paper, we review information dissemination models from the past three years and conduct a detailed analysis, such as explanatory and predictive models. Moreover, we provide public datasets, evaluation metrics, and interface tools for researchers focusing more on algorithm design and modeling. Finally, we discuss the model application and future research directions. This paper aims to understand better the research progress and development trends for beginners and guide future research endeavors. We believe this article will attract more researchers’ interest and attention to the information dissemination field on social networks.
Enhancing Sensor-Based Mobile User Authentication in a Complex Environment by Deep Learning
Authors: Weng Zhengqiu , Wu Shuying , Wang Qiang , Zhu Tiantian
Published: August 2023

With the advent of smart mobile devices, end users get used to transmitting and storing their individual privacy in them, which, however, has aroused prominent security concerns inevitably. In recent years, numerous researchers have primarily proposed to utilize motion sensors to explore implicit authentication techniques. Nonetheless, for them, there are some significant challenges in real-world scenarios. For example, depending on the expert knowledge, the authentication accuracy is relatively low due to some difficulties in extracting user micro features, and noisy labels in the training phrase. To this end, this paper presents a real-time sensor-based mobile user authentication approach, ST-SVD, a semi-supervised Teacher–Student (TS) tri-training algorithm, and a system with client–server (C-S) architecture. (1) With S-transform and singular value decomposition (ST-SVD), we enhance user micro features by transforming time-series signals into 2D time-frequency images. (2) We employ a Teacher–Student Tri-Training algorithm to reduce label noise within the training sets. (3) To obtain a set of robust parameters for user authentication, we input the well-labeled samples into a CNN (convolutional neural network) model, which validates our proposed system. Experimental results on large-scale datasets show that our approach achieves authentication accuracy of 96.32%, higher than the existing state-of-the-art methods.
Unmasking Deception: Empowering Deepfake Detection with Vision Transformer Network
Authors: Arshed Muhammad Asad , Alwadain Ayed , Faizan Ali Rao , Mumtaz Shahzad , Ibrahim Muhammad , Muneer Amgad
Published: August 2023

With the development of image-generating technologies, significant progress has been made in the field of facial manipulation techniques. These techniques allow people to easily modify media information, such as videos and images, by substituting the identity or facial expression of one person with the face of another. This has significantly increased the availability and accessibility of such tools and manipulated content termed ‘deepfakes’. Developing an accurate method for detecting fake images needs time to prevent their misuse and manipulation. This paper examines the capabilities of the Vision Transformer (ViT), i.e., extracting global features to detect deepfake images effectively. After conducting comprehensive experiments, our method demonstrates a high level of effectiveness, achieving a detection accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 rate of 99.5 to 100% for both the original and mixture data set. According to our existing understanding, this study is a research endeavor incorporating real-world applications, specifically examining Snapchat-filtered images.
Analyzing Three-Dimensional Laplace Equations Using the Dimension Coupling Method
Authors: Liu Fengbin , Zuo Mingmei , Cheng Heng , Ma Ji
Published: August 2023

Due to the low computational efficiency of the Improved Element-Free Galerkin (IEFG) method, efficiently solving three-dimensional (3D) Laplace problems using meshless methods has been a longstanding research direction. In this study, we propose the Dimension Coupling Method (DCM) as a promising alternative approach to address this challenge. Based on the Dimensional Splitting Method (DSM), the DCM divides the 3D problem domain into a coupling of multiple two-dimensional (2D) problems which are handled via the IEFG method. We use the Finite Element Method (FEM) in the third direction to combine the 2D discretized equations, which has advantages over the Finite Difference Method (FDM) used in traditional methods. Our numerical verification demonstrates the DCM’s convergence and enhancement of computational speed without losing computational accuracy compared to the IEFG method. Therefore, this proposed method significantly reduces computational time and costs when solving 3D Laplace equations with natural or mixed boundary conditions in a dimensional splitting direction, and expands the applicability of the dimension splitting EFG method.
An Investigation of Structure–Activity Relationships and Cell Death Mechanisms of the Marine Alkaloids Discorhabdins in Merkel Cell Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Orfanoudaki Maria , Smith Emily A. , Hill Natasha T. , Garman Khalid A. , Brownell Isaac , Copp Brent R. , Grkovic Tanja , Henrich Curtis J.
Published: August 2023

A library of naturally occurring and semi-synthetic discorhabdins was assessed for their effects on Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) cell viability. The set included five new natural products and semi-synthetic compounds whose structures were elucidated with NMR, HRMS, and ECD techniques. Several discorhabdins averaged sub-micromolar potency against the MCC cell lines tested and most of the active compounds showed selectivity towards virus-positive MCC cell lines. An investigation of structure–activity relationships resulted in an expanded understanding of the crucial structural features of the discorhabdin scaffold. Mechanistic cell death assays suggested that discorhabdins, unlike many other MCC-active small molecules, do not induce apoptosis, as shown by the lack of caspase activation, annexin V staining, and response to caspase inhibition. Similarly, discorhabdin treatment failed to increase MCC intracellular calcium and ROS levels. In contrast, the rapid loss of cellular reducing potential and mitochondrial membrane potential suggested that discorhabdins induce mitochondrial dysfunction leading to non-apoptotic cell death.
Anesthetic Management of Patients with Dilated Cardiomyopathy Undergoing Noncardiac Surgery
Authors: Li Mengxin , Huang Han
Published: August 2023

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a primary myocardial disease, is characterized by dilation of the left or both ventricles and systolic dysfunction with or without congestive heart failure. DCM per se is a well-recognized risk factor for sudden cardiac death and poor surgical outcomes following noncardiac surgery. Surgical trauma/stress represents unique challenges for DCM patient management. Unfortunately, there is a big knowledge gap in managing DCM patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery. Therefore, the aim of our review is to provide basic facts and current advances in DCM, as well as a practical guideline to perioperative care providers, for the management of surgical patients with DCM, who are quite rare compared with the general surgical population. This review summarizes recent advances in the medical management of DCM as well as perioperative assessment and management strategies for DCM patients undergoing noncardiac surgery. Optimal surgical outcomes depend on multiple-disciplinary care to minimize perioperative cardiovascular disturbances.
Melatonin Use in Pediatric Intensive Care Units: A Single-Center Experience
Authors: Jacobson Jessica L. , Tylka Joanna , Glazer Savannah , Zhang Yanyu , Cosme Rosario , Silvestri Jean M. , Patwari Pallavi P.
Published: August 2023

Growing evidence indicates that altered melatonin secretion during critical illness may influence the quality and quantity of sleep, delirium, and overall recovery. However, limited data exist regarding the use of melatonin in pediatric critical illness. Data were reviewed over a 5-year period at a tertiary pediatric intensive care unit for pediatric patients (ages 0–18 years) who were prescribed melatonin with the aim of identifying the frequency of and indications for use. Data collection included the hospital day of initiation, the dose, the frequency, the duration of use, and the length of stay. The results demonstrate that melatonin was infrequently prescribed (6.0% of patients admitted; n = 182) and that the majority of patients received melatonin as continuation of home medication (46%; n = 83 of 182). This group had significantly earlier melatonin use (0.9 ± 2.3 day of hospitalization; p < 0.0001) and significantly reduced lengths of stay compared to the other groups (mean LOS 7.2 ± 9.3 days; p < 0.0001). Frequently, clear documentation of indication for melatonin use was absent (20%; n = 37). In conclusion, given that melatonin is infrequently used within a tertiary PICU with the most common indication as the continuation of home medication, and often without clear documentation for indication, this presents an opportunity to emphasize a more attentive and strategic approach regarding melatonin use in the PICU population.
Microstructure and Performance Research on Ceramic-Enhanced Inconel 718 Matrix Composite Using Laser Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Yang Qingtao , Xu Zewei , Li Liangliang , Li Pengfei
Published: August 2023

This article presents a 95% IN718 + 5% (75% Cr2O3 + TiO2) ceramic coating on the SS316L substrate surface with laser additives. The macro shape, phase, microstructure, interface, wear resistance and tensile resistance of metal base composite materials are analyzed. The results show that metal matrix composite (MMC) laminated composite materials have good microscopic hardness and wear resistance compared to single materials. Comparative analyses with single IN718 materials indicate that the laminated composite materials exhibit superior microscopic hardness and wear resistance. Additionally, the study reveals a positive correlation between material hardness and wear resistance, characterized by reduced wear coefficient and average abrasion with increased material hardness. The findings of this research offer a cost-effective and practical method for producing high-resistance coating layer composite materials.
Corrosion Performance of Welded Joints for E40 Marine Steel
Authors: Li Ming , Wu Huajie , Sun Yanhui
Published: August 2023

Marine steel requires excellent toughness and corrosion resistance in a low-temperature seawater environment. In this study, corrosion tests on E40 steel were performed, including electrochemical testing of the weld metal and heat-affected zone, dynamic corrosion testing in a simulated seawater environment, and the analysis and comparison of results obtained using different methods. The corrosion resistance of E40 was determined by measuring the saturation current density of the anodic dissolution of the steel in a corrosive medium by an electrochemical method. Under laboratory conditions, the corrosion resistance was investigated under simulated seawater. The results showed that regions with uneven microhardness corresponded to the inhomogeneity of the corrosion potential, with measured fluctuations of up to 40 mV. Nanoscale corrosive–aggressive non-metallic inclusions served as a substrate for the deposition of titanium and niobium carbonitrides, thereby weakening the corrosion resistance. The corrosion rate of the base metal was 1.16–1.64 mm/year, which was slightly higher than that of the heat-affected zone. The influence of deposition on the corrosion performance of welded joints under different deoxygenation processes was studied, and the deposition composition was controlled by a deoxygenation process to improve the corrosion resistance of the steel plate.
Insight into the Role of Mo Content on the Microstructure and Impact Toughness of X80 Thick-Walled Low-Temperature Pipeline Steel
Authors: Jiang Jinxing , Zhang Zhongde , Zhao Liyang , Guan Yingping , Yuan Liangzeng , Wang Qingfeng
Published: August 2023

In this manuscript, the effects of Mo content on the microstructure and impact toughness of X80 thick-walled low-temperature pipeline steel were studied. Two test steels with different Mo content (0.25% and 0.40%) were prepared by the thermo-mechanical control process. The impact properties were measured at −45 °C, and the microstructure evolution was observed via an optical microscope (OM), a scanning electron microscope (SEM), electron back-scattered diffraction (EBSD), and a transmission electron microscope (TEM). Each steel showed the formation of a mixed microstructure consisting of polygonal ferrite (PF), granular bainite (GB), and lath bainite (LB). Increasing Mo content resulted in the rise of LB at the expense of PF and GB. At the same time, the morphology of martensite/austenite (M/A) constituents changed from blocky to slender. The dislocation density in the ferrite matrix around the M/A constituents enhanced with an increase in Mo content. This also led to an increase in the microstrains around the M/A constituents. Also, the number fraction of the high angle grain boundary (HAGB) (MTA > 15°) decreased with the addition of more Mo content. Furthermore, with an increase in Mo content from 0.25% to 0.40%, the low-temperature impact toughness decreased from 206 to 57 J. Both an increase in the slender M/A constituents and a decrease in the HAGB number fraction deteriorated the low-temperature impact toughness of the X80 thick-walled low-temperature pipeline steel.
Prediction of Pad Wear Profile and Simulation of Its Influence on Wafer Polishing
Authors: Zheng Pengjie , Zhao Dewen , Lu Xinchun
Published: August 2023

As feature sizes decrease, an investigation of pad unevenness caused by pad conditioning and its influence on chemical mechanical polishing is necessary. We set up a kinematic model to predict the pad wear profile caused by only diamond disk conditioning and verify it. This model shows the influences of different kinematic parameters. To keep the pad surface planar during polishing or only conditioning, we can change the sweep mode and range of the conditioner arm. The kinematic model is suitable for the prediction of the pad wear profile without considering the influence of mechanical parameters. Furthermore, based on the pad wear profile obtained from a real industrial process, we set up a static model to preliminarily investigate the influence of pad unevenness on the pad–wafer contact stress. The pad–wafer contact status in this static model can be approximated as an instantaneous state in a dynamic model. The model shows that the existence of a retaining ring helps to improve the wafer edge profile, and that pad unevenness can cause stress concentration and increase the difficulty in multi-zone pressure control of the polishing head.
Design of Plasmonic Photonic Crystal Fiber for Highly Sensitive Magnetic Field and Temperature Simultaneous Measurement
Authors: Zhou Wenjun , Qin Xi , Lv Ming , Qiu Lifeng , Chen Zhongjiang , Zhang Fan
Published: August 2023

A high-sensitivity plasmonic photonic crystal fiber (PCF) sensor is designed and a metal thin film is embedded for achieving surface plasmon resonance (SPR), which can detect the magnetic field and temperature simultaneously. Within the plasmonic PCF sensor, the SPR sensing is accomplished by coating both the upper sensing channel (Ch1) and the lower sensing channel (Ch2) with gold film. In addition, the temperature-sensitive medium polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is chosen to fill in Ch1, allowing the sensor to respond to the temperature. The magnetic field-sensitive medium magnetic fluid (MF) is chosen to fill in Ch2, allowing this sensor to respond to the magnetic field. During these processes, this proposed SPR-PCF sensor can achieve dual-parameter sensing. The paper also investigates the electrical field characteristics, structural parameters and sensing performance using COMSOL. Finally, under the magnetic field range of 50–130 Oe, this sensor has magnetic field sensing sensitivities of 0 pm/Oe (Ch1) and 235 pm/Oe (Ch2). In addition, this paper also investigates the response of temperature. Under the temperature range of 20–40 °C, Ch1 and Ch2 have temperature sensitivities of −2000 pm/°C and 0 pm/°C, respectively. It is noteworthy that the two sensing channels respond to only a single physical parameter; this sensing performance is not common in dual-parameter sensing. Due to this sensing performance, it can be found that the magnetic field and temperature can be detected by this designed SPR-PCF sensor simultaneously without founding and calculating a sensing matrix. This sensing performance can solve the cross-sensitivity problem of magnetic field and temperature, thus reducing the measurement error. Since it can sense without a matrix, it further can solve the ill-conditioned matrix and nonlinear change in sensitivity problems in dual-parameter sensing. These excellent sensing capabilities are very important for carrying out multiparameter sensing in complicated environments.
Ultra-Compact Low-Pass Spoof Surface Plasmon Polariton Filter Based on Interdigital Structure
Authors: Gao Zhou-Hao , Li Xin-Shuo , Mao Man , Sun Chen , Liu Feng-Xue , Zhang Le , Zhao Lei
Published: August 2023

An ultra-compact low-pass spoof surface plasmon polariton (SSPP) filter based on an interdigital structure (IS) is designed. Simulated dispersion curves show that adding the interdigital structure in an SSPP unit effectively reduces its asymptotic frequency compared with traditional and T-shaped SSPP geometries, and the unit dimensions can be conversely reduced. Based on that, three IS-based SSPP units are, respectively, designed with different maximum intrinsic frequencies and similar asymptotic frequencies to constitute the matching and waveguide sections of the proposed filter, and the unit number in the waveguide section is adjusted to improve the out-of-band suppression. Simulation results illustrate the efficient transmission in the 0~5.66 GHz passband, excellent out-of-band suppression (over 24 dB) in the 5.95~12 GHz stopband and ultra-shape roll-off at 5.74 GHz of the proposed filter. Measurement results on a fabricated prototype validate the design, with a measured cut-off frequency of 5.53 GHz and an ultra-compact geometry of 0.5 × 0.16 λ02.
Micro 4D Imaging Sensor Using Snapshot Narrowband Imaging Method
Authors: Jiang Wei , Yi Dingrong , Huang Caihong , Yu Qing , Kong Linghua
Published: August 2023

The spectral and depth (SAD) imaging method plays an important role in the field of computer vision. However, accurate depth estimation and spectral image capture from a single image without increasing the volume of the imaging sensor is still an unresolved problem. Our research finds that a snapshot narrow band imaging (SNBI) method can discern wavelength-dependent spectral aberration and simultaneously capture spectral-aberration defocused images for quantitative depth estimation. First, a micro 4D imaging (M4DI) sensor is proposed by integrating a mono-chromatic imaging sensor with a miniaturized narrow-band microarrayed spectral filter mosaic. The appearance and volume of the M4DI sensor are the same as the integrated mono-chromatic imaging sensor. A simple remapping algorithm was developed to separate the raw image into four narrow spectral band images. Then, a depth estimation algorithm is developed to generate 3D data with a dense depth map at every exposure of the M4DI sensor. Compared with existing SAD imaging method, the M4DI sensor has the advantages of simple implementation, low computational burden, and low cost. A proof-of-principle M4DI sensor was applied to sense the depth of objects and to track a tiny targets trajectory. The relative error in the three-dimensional positioning is less than 7% for objects within 1.1 to 2.8 m.
Acinetobacter baumannii Bloodstream Infections: A Nationwide Study in Israel
Authors: Nutman Amir , Temkin Elizabeth , Wullfhart Liat , Schechner Vered , Schwaber Mitchell J. , Carmeli Yehuda
Published: August 2023

Acinetobacter baumannii (Ab) bloodstream infections (BSIs) are a major public health concern and associated with high mortality. We describe the nationwide incidence, antimicrobial resistance, and mortality of Ab-BSI in Israel using laboratory-based BSI surveillance data from January 2018 to December 2019. During the study period, there were 971 Ab-BSI events (508 in 2018 and 463 in 2019), with an average annual incidence of 8.08/100,000 population. The median age of patients was 72 (IQR 62–83), and 56.4% were males. Two-thirds of Ab-BSI events were hospital-onset (HO), with median day of onset 16 (IQR 9–30). HO-BSI incidence was 0.62/10,000 patient-days (rate per 10,000 patient-days: 2.78, 1.17, and 0.2 for intensive care, medical, and surgical wards, respectively). Carbapenem susceptibility was 23.4%; 41.4% and 14.9% in community and HO events, respectively. The 14-day, 30-day, and 1-year mortality were 51.2%, 59.3%, and 81.4%, respectively. Carbapenem-resistant Ab-BSI were associated with a significantly higher 14-day, 30-day, and 1-year mortality (p < 0.001 for all). In the multivariable model, age (aHR 1.02) and carbapenem resistance (aHR 3.21) were independent predictors of 30-day mortality. In conclusion, Ab-BSIs pose a significant burden with high mortality, especially associated with antimicrobial resistance. Attention should be focused on prevention and improving treatment.
The World’s First Acne Dysbiosis-like Model of Human 3D Ex Vivo Sebaceous Gland Colonized with Cutibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis
Authors: Forraz Nico , Bize Cécile , Desroches Anne-Laure , Milet Clément , Payen Pauline , Chanut Pauline , Kern Catherine , Garcia Christine , McGuckin Colin
Published: August 2023

Acne-prone skin is associated with dysbiosis involving Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) causing increased seborrhea in sebaceous glands (SG) and inflammation. Human primary sebocytes were cultivated using 1.106 UFC/mL C. acnes Type IA (facial acne, ATCC6919) and/or 1.105 UFC/mL S. epidermidis (unknown origin, ATCC12228) for 48 h in our SEB4GLN-optimized media without antibiotics. Bacteria and sebocytes were enumerated and assessed to determine their viability. Lipid production was imaged and quantified via Nile Red staining. SG with hair follicles were microdissected from healthy skin and cultured using 1.105 UFC/mL C. acnes Type 1A and/or 1.104 UFC/mL S. epidermidis (wild-type facial skin strain) through prior fixation and immunostaining for MC5R, C. acnes and nuclei (DAPI) via Z-stack confocal microscopy bioimaging (Leica SP5X & FIJI software, Version 2.9.0). C. acnes growth was not impacted when co-cultivated with sebocytes (2D) or SG (3D) models. Phylotype IA stimulated sebocyte lipid production, which had no impact on viability. The S. epidermidis reference strain overproliferated, inducing sebocyte mortality. For 3D SG model, culture conditions were optimized using a wild-type facial skin strain at a lower concentration, 1:10 ratio to C. acnes, reduced contact time, sequential inoculation and rinsing step. Bioimaging revealed strong C. acnes labeling in the active areas of the pilosebaceous unit. S. epidermidis formed biofilm, which was distributed across the SG via non-specific fluorescence imaging. We developed an innovative model of a sebaceous gland that mimics acne-prone skin with lipid overproduction and virulent phylotype IA C. acnes inoculation.
Chemical Composition and Spectroscopic Characteristics of Alexandrite Effect Apatite from the Akzhailyau Mountains of Kazakhstan
Authors: Zhang Chuting , Chen Chaoyang , Li Zhibin , Shen Andy H.
Published: August 2023

The alexandrite effect is a pivotal optical phenomenon in gemmology, evident in several notable gemstones. However, the manifestation of this effect in apatite from Kazakhstan stands out as both rare and highly sought after. This apatite displays a yellowish-green hue in daylight and transitions to a pinkish-orange shade under incandescent lighting. This research involved analyzing the apatite’s chemical composition using LA-ICP-MS, in addition to obtaining its infrared, Raman, UV-Vis, and fluorescence spectra. From the elemental assessment results, the primary trace elements in the apatite were identified as Na, Mn, and Fe, along with rare-earth elements including Gd, Dy, Ce, Nd, and Sm. The infrared and Raman spectra showcased peaks corresponding to phosphate and hydroxyl groups. The apatite’s alexandrite effect predominantly stems from absorption peaks at 748, 738, 583, 578, and 526 nm in the visible spectrum, all of which are attributed to the rare-earth element, Nd. The fluorescence peaks of the apatite are primarily influenced by elements such as Ce, Eu, Nd, and Mn. Through this research, a theoretical foundation has been laid for the non-destructive identification of apatite exhibiting the alexandrite effect.
Copper-Promoted Intramolecular Oxidative Dehydrogenation for Synthesizing Dihydroisocoumarins and Isocoumarins
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Zhang Lin-Yan , Shi Xian-Ying
Published: August 2023

Isocoumarins and dihydroisocoumarins are important skeletons with a wide range of biological activities, such as anti-bacterial, anti-allergy, anti-fungal, anti-tumor, and anti-HIV properties. Herein, we demonstrated divergent syntheses of isocoumarins and 3,4-dihydroisocoumarins by intramolecular dehydrogenative cyclization of 2-(3-oxobutyl) benzoic acids. This transformation undergoes Csp3–H bonds and O–H bonds coupling in air using copper salt. The reactions may undergo free radical process.
Improvement of Targeted Fungi Secondary Metabolite Production Using a Systematic Experimental Design and Chemometrics Analysis
Authors: Michaliski Lamonielli F. , Ióca Laura P. , Oliveira Leandro S. , Crnkovic Camila M. , Takaki Mirelle , Freire Vitor F. , Berlinck Roberto G. S.
Published: August 2023

Fungi are well-known producers of chemically diverse and biologically active secondary metabolites. However, their production yields through fermentation may hamper structural analysis and biological activity downstream investigations. Herein, a systematic experimental design that varies multiple cultivation parameters, followed by chemometrics analysis on HPLC-UV-MS or UHPLC-HRMS/MS data, is presented to enhance the production yield of fungal natural products. The overall procedure typically requires 3–4 months of work when first developed, and up to 3 months as a routine procedure.
Recent Advances in Cerium Oxide-Based Memristors for Neuromorphic Computing
Authors: Ali Sarfraz , Ullah Muhammad Abaid , Raza Ali , Iqbal Muhammad Waqas , Khan Muhammad Farooq , Rasheed Maria , Ismail Muhammad , Kim Sungjun
Published: August 2023

This review article attempts to provide a comprehensive review of the recent progress in cerium oxide (CeO2)-based resistive random-access memories (RRAMs). CeO2 is considered the most promising candidate because of its multiple oxidation states (Ce3+ and Ce4+), remarkable resistive-switching (RS) uniformity in DC mode, gradual resistance transition, cycling endurance, long data-retention period, and utilization of the RS mechanism as a dielectric layer, thereby exhibiting potential for neuromorphic computing. In this context, a detailed study of the filamentary mechanisms and their types is required. Accordingly, extensive studies on unipolar, bipolar, and threshold memristive behaviors are reviewed in this work. Furthermore, electrode-based (both symmetric and asymmetric) engineering is focused for the memristor’s structures such as single-layer, bilayer (as an oxygen barrier layer), and doped switching-layer-based memristors have been proved to be unique CeO2-based synaptic devices. Hence, neuromorphic applications comprising spike-based learning processes, potentiation and depression characteristics, potentiation motion and synaptic weight decay process, short-term plasticity, and long-term plasticity are intensively studied. More recently, because learning based on Pavlov’s dog experiment has been adopted as an advanced synoptic study, it is one of the primary topics of this review. Finally, CeO2-based memristors are considered promising compared to previously reported memristors for advanced synaptic study in the future, particularly by utilizing high-dielectric-constant oxide memristors.
Impact of Opioids on Cellular Metabolism: Implications for Metabolic Pathways Involved in Cancer
Authors: Tarazi Doorsa , Maynes Jason T.
Published: August 2023

Opioid utilization for pain management is prevalent among cancer patients. There is significant evidence describing the many effects of opioids on cancer development. Despite the pivotal role of metabolic reprogramming in facilitating cancer growth and metastasis, the specific impact of opioids on crucial oncogenic metabolic pathways remains inadequately investigated. This review provides an understanding of the current research on opioid-mediated changes to cellular metabolic pathways crucial for oncogenesis, including glycolysis, the tricarboxylic acid cycle, glutaminolysis, and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). The existing literature suggests that opioids affect energy production pathways via increasing intracellular glucose levels, increasing the production of lactic acid, and reducing ATP levels through impediment of OXPHOS. Opioids modulate pathways involved in redox balance which may allow cancer cells to overcome ROS-mediated apoptotic signaling. The majority of studies have been conducted in healthy tissue with a predominant focus on neuronal cells. To comprehensively understand the impact of opioids on metabolic pathways critical to cancer progression, research must extend beyond healthy tissue and encompass patient-derived cancer tissue, allowing for a better understanding in the context of the metabolic reprogramming already undergone by cancer cells. The current literature is limited by a lack of direct experimentation exploring opioid-induced changes to cancer metabolism as they relate to tumor growth and patient outcome.
3D Printing of Personalised Carvedilol Tablets Using Selective Laser Sintering
Authors: Tabriz Atabak Ghanizadeh , Gonot-Munck Quentin , Baudoux Arnaud , Garg Vivek , Farnish Richard , Katsamenis Orestis L. , Hui Ho-Wah , Boersen Nathan , Roberts Sandra , Jones John , Douroumis Dennis
Published: August 2023

Selective laser sintering (SLS) has drawn attention for the fabrication of three-dimensional oral dosage forms due to the plurality of drug formulations that can be processed. The aim of this work was to employ SLS with a CO2 laser for the manufacturing of carvedilol personalised dosage forms of various strengths. Carvedilol (CVD) and vinylpyrrolidone-vinyl acetate copolymer (Kollidon VA64) blends of various ratios were sintered to produce CVD tablets of 3.125, 6.25, and 12.5 mg. The tuning of the SLS processing laser intensity parameter improved printability and impacted the tablet hardness, friability, CVD dissolution rate, and the total amount of drug released. Physicochemical characterization showed the presence of CVD in the amorphous state. X-ray micro-CT analysis demonstrated that the applied CO2 intensity affected the total tablet porosity, which was reduced with increased laser intensity. The study demonstrated that SLS is a suitable technology for the development of personalised medicines that meet the required specifications and patient needs.
Systemic Delivery of Magnetogene Nanoparticle Vector for Gene Expression in Hypoxic Tumors
Authors: Terrazas-Armendáriz Luis Daniel , Alvizo-Báez Cynthia Aracely , Luna-Cruz Itza Eloisa , Hernández-González Becky Annette , Uscanga-Palomeque Ashanti Concepción , Ruiz-Robles Mitchel Abraham , Pérez Tijerina Eduardo Gerardo , Rodríguez-Padilla Cristina , Tamez-Guerra Reyes , Alcocer-González Juan Manuel
Published: August 2023

Cancer is a disease that causes millions of deaths per year worldwide because conventional treatments have disadvantages such as unspecific tumor selectivity and unwanted toxicity. Most human solid tumors present hypoxic microenvironments and this promotes multidrug resistance. In this study, we present “Magnetogene nanoparticle vector” which takes advantage of the hypoxic microenvironment of solid tumors to increase selective gene expression in tumor cells and reduce unwanted toxicity in healthy cells; this vector was guided by a magnet to the tumor tissue. Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), chitosan (CS), and the pHRE-Luc plasmid with a hypoxia-inducible promoter were used to synthesize the vector called “Magnetogene nanoparticles” by ionic gelation. The hypoxic functionality of Magnetogene vector nanoparticles was confirmed in the B16F10 cell line by measuring the expression of the luciferase reporter gene under hypoxic and normoxic conditions. Also, the efficiency of the Magnetogene vector was confirmed in vivo. Magnetogene was administered by intravenous injection (IV) in the tail vein and directed through an external magnetic field at the site of tumor growth in C57Bl/6 mice. A Magnetogene vector with a size of 50 to 70 nm was directed and retained at the tumor area and gene expression was higher at the tumor site than in the others tissues, confirming the selectivity of this vector towards hypoxic tumor areas. This nanosystem, that we called the “Magnetogene vector” for systemic delivery and specific gene expression in hypoxic tumors controlled by an external magnetic designed to target hypoxic regions of tumors, can be used for cancer-specific gene therapies.
Kalman Filter Based Pseudo-Code Ranging and Carrier Phase Measurement for Fiber Optical Time Transfer Method
Authors: Sun Hongyan , Gong Hang , Peng Jing
Published: August 2023

In the optical fiber time transfer system, fiber optic time transfer is limited by the pulse signal time delay measurement precision, and cannot benefit from a higher precision of the carrier phase information. Its transfer precision compared to the frequency transfer exists in a larger gap transfer. This paper proposes a time delay measurement method based on carrier phase and pseudo-code ranging for optical time transfer. The time signal is modulated with pseudo-random code and carrier at the transmitter, and the time delay is measured at the receiver by the methods of pseudo-code ranging and carrier phase measurement. The time transfer is achieved by eliminating the transmission link delay through a two-way method. The first-order difference value of the carrier phase measurement and the pseudo-code ranging measurement are used as the observation quantities, and they are fused through a Kalman filtering method to finally obtain the high-precision time difference measurement. We validate the theory on the common-clock experimental platform over a 50 km fiber link, The time transfer stabilities of the systems are 5.2254×10−14/s and 2.146×10−16/104 s (modified Allan deviation), 3.0169×10−14/s and 1.2392×10−12/104 s (time deviation). The standard deviation of the time transfer system after fusion can reach 2.4255 ps.