bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overlapping Pellet Size Detection Method Based on Marker Watershed and GMM Image Segmentation
Authors: Ma Weining , Wang Lijing , Jiang Tianyu , Yang Aimin , Zhang Yuzhu
Published: February 2023

The particle size of pellets is an important parameter in steel big data, and the high density and high overlap rate of pellets bring a great challenge to particle size detection. To address this problem, a particle size intelligent detection algorithm with an improved watershed and a Gaussian mixture model (GMM) is proposed. First, the initial segmentation of the pellets and background is achieved by using adaptive binary segmentation, and then the secondary fine segmentation of the pellets and background is achieved by combining morphological operations such as skeleton extraction and marked watershed segmentation; then, the contour of the connected domain of pellets is calculated, and the non-overlapping pellets in the foreground and the overlapping pellets are filtered according to the roundness of their contours. Finally, the number of overlapping pellets is predicted by Gaussian reconstruction of the grayscale image of the overlapping pellets, and the number and granularity of the overlapping pellets are predicted by the Gaussian reconstruction of the overlapping pellets. The experimental results showed that the algorithm achieved a 91.98% segmentation accuracy in the experimental images. Compared with other algorithms, the algorithm can also effectively suppress the over-segmentation and under-segmentation problems, and it can effectively realize the pellet size detection of dense, overlapping pellets such as those on a pelletizing disk, which provides an effective technical means for the metallurgical performance analysis of pellet ore and intelligent pellet-making driven by big data.
Salivary Metabolomics in the Diagnosis and Monitoring of Neurodegenerative Dementia
Authors: Hyvärinen Eelis , Solje Eino , Vepsäläinen Jouko , Kullaa Arja , Tynkkynen Tuulia
Published: February 2023

Millions of people suffer with dementia worldwide. However, early diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases/dementia (NDD) is difficult, and no specific biomarkers have been found. This study aims to review the applications of salivary metabolomics in diagnostics and the treatment monitoring of NDD A literature search of suitable studies was executed so that a total of 29 original research articles were included in the present review. Spectroscopic methods, mainly nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and mass spectrometry, give us a broad view of changes in salivary metabolites in neurodegenerative diseases. The role of different salivary metabolites in brain function is discussed. Further studies with larger patient cohorts should be carried out to investigate the association between salivary metabolites and brain function and thus learn more about the complicated pathways in the human body.
Placental Metabolomics of Fetal Growth Restriction
Authors: Troisi Jacopo , Symes Steven J. K. , Lombardi Martina , Cavallo Pierpaolo , Colucci Angelo , Scala Giovanni , Adair David C. , Guida Maurizio , Richards Sean M.
Published: February 2023

Fetal growth restriction is an obstetrical pathological condition that causes high neonatal mortality and morbidity. The mechanisms of its onset are not completely understood. Metabolites were extracted from 493 placentas from non-complicated pregnancies in Hamilton Country, TN (USA), and analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Newborns were classified according to raw fetal weight (low birth weight (LBW; <2500 g) and non-low birth weight (Non-LBW; >2500 g)), and according to the calculated birth weight centile as it relates to gestational age (small for gestational age (SGA), large for gestational age (LGA), and adequate for gestational age (AGA)). Mothers of LBW infants had a lower pre-pregnancy weight (66.2 ± 17.9 kg vs. 73.4 ± 21.3 kg, p < 0.0001), a lower body mass index (BMI) (25.27 ± 6.58 vs. 27.73 ± 7.83, p < 0.001), and a shorter gestation age (246.4 ± 24.0 days vs. 267.2 ± 19.4 days p < 0.001) compared with non-LBW. Marital status, tobacco use, and fetus sex affected birth weight centile classification according to gestational age. Multivariate statistical comparisons of the extracted metabolomes revealed that asparagine, aspartic acid, deoxyribose, erythritol, glycerophosphocholine, tyrosine, isoleucine, serine, and lactic acid were higher in both SGA and LBW placentas, while taurine, ethanolamine, β-hydroxybutyrate, and glycine were lower in both SGA and LBW. Several metabolic pathways are implicated in fetal growth restriction, including those related to the hypoxia response and amino-acid uptake and metabolism. Inflammatory pathways are also involved, suggesting that fetal growth restriction might share some mechanisms with preeclampsia.
Highly Concurrent TCP Session Connection Management System on FPGA Chip
Authors: Wang Ke , Guo Yunfei , Guo Zhichuan
Published: February 2023

Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) is a connection-oriented data transmission protocol, and it is also the main communication protocol used for end-to-end data transmission in the current Internet. At present, the mainstream TCP protocol processing service is implemented by software running on the Central Processing Unit (CPU). However, with the rapid growth of transmission bandwidth and the number of connections, the software-based processing method is not ideal in terms of delay and throughput, and also affects the processing performance of the CPU in other applications such as virtualization services. Moreover, other hardware solutions can only support a limited number of TCP session connections. In order to improve the processing efficiency of the TCP protocol and achieve highly concurrent network services, this paper proposes a TCP offload engine (TOE) prototype system based on field programmable gate array (FPGA) chips. It not only provides hardware-based data path processing, but also realizes hardware management of large-scale TCP session connection status through a multi-level cache management mechanism. Studies have shown that this solution can support 100 Gbps high-performance throughput characteristics, and allow concurrent processing of hundreds to 250,000 TCP connection state hardware maintenance on a single network node, improving the overall performance of the network system.
MOSFET Physics-Based Compact Model Mass-Produced: An Artificial Neural Network Approach
Authors: Huang Shijie , Wang Lingfei
Published: February 2023

The continued scaling-down of nanoscale semiconductor devices has made it very challenging to obtain analytic surface potential solutions from complex equations in physics, which is the fundamental purpose of the MOSFET compact model. In this work, we proposed a general framework to automatically derive analytical solutions for surface potential in MOSFET, by leveraging the universal approximation power of deep neural networks. Our framework incorporated a physical-relation-neural-network (PRNN) to learn side-by-side from a general-purpose numerical simulator in handling complex equations of mathematical physics, and then instilled the “knowledge’’ from the simulation data into the neural network, so as to generate an accurate closed-form mapping between device parameters and surface potential. Inherently, the surface potential was able to reflect the numerical solution of a two-dimensional (2D) Poisson equation, surpassing the limits of traditional 1D Poisson equation solutions, thus better illustrating the physical characteristics of scaling devices. We obtained promising results in inferring the analytic surface potential of MOSFET, and in applying the derived potential function to the building of 130 nm MOSFET compact models and circuit simulation. Such an efficient framework with accurate prediction of device performances demonstrates its potential in device optimization and circuit design.
Crustal Structures of the Qimantagh Metallogenic Belt in the Northern Tibetan Plateau from Magnetotelluric Data and Their Correlation to the Distribution of Mineral Deposits
Authors: He Lanfang , Di Qinyun , Wang Zhongxing , Lai Jianqing , Xue Guoqiang , Guo Wenbo
Published: February 2023

Crustal structure and fluid or melt originating in the deep crust and mantle are critical in regional magmatic mineral systems. However, the crustal structure and the processes that entrain and focus fluids from a deep-source region to a metallogenic belt remain relatively undisclosed. We present a magnetotelluric (MT) study of the eastern Qimantagh Metallogenic Belt (QMB) in the northern Tibetan Plateau. Data from 33 MT stations in two sections and 7 dispersed stations are acquired using a surface electromagnetic prospecting (SEP) system in frequency band ranges from 320 Hz to 0.00034 Hz. Data are converted by Bostick conversion and two-dimensional (2D) nonlinear conjugate gradient inversion. Our MT results reveal the geoelectrical crustal structure of the QMB, which consists of a southern low-resistivity domain that reflects the Kumukuri rift, a high-resistivity middle domain that represents the southern QMB in the central Kunlun belt, and a northern low-resistivity domain that covers the northern QMB and southwestern Qaidam block. We present a comprehensive tectonic and geophysical model of QMB based on the MT interpretation and geological analysis. We infer the high-resistivity domain as a reflection of a rigid crust and detached lithospheric mantle, this belt separate the QMB into northern and southern QMB. Most of the mineral deposits are found in the northern low-resistivity domain of QMB. Our study and findings provide an understanding of the tectonic evolution of the northern Tibetan Plateau, the crustal structure that controls the temporal and spatial distribution of magmatic rocks, and the geological signature associated with mineral deposits.
Three-Dimensional Inversion of Multi-Component Semi-Airborne Electromagnetic Data in an Undulating Terrain for Mineral Exploration
Authors: Ke Zhiyuan , Liu Yunhe , Su Yang , Wang Luyuan , Zhang Bo , Ren Xiuyan , Rong Zhihao , Ma Xinpeng
Published: February 2023

For the mineral exploration in complex terrain areas, the semi-airborne transient electromagnetic (SATEM) technology is one of the most powerful methods due to its high efficiency and low cost. However, since the mainstream SATEM systems only observe the component dBz/dt and the data are usually processed by simple interpretation or one-dimensional (1D) inversion, their resolutions are too low to accurately decipher the fine underground structures. To overcome these problems, we proposed a novel 3D forward and inversion method for the multi-component SATEM system. We applied unstructured tetrahedron grids to finely discretize the model with complex terrain, subsequently we used the vector finite element method to calculate the SATEM responses and sensitivity information, and finally we used the quasi-Newton method to achieve high-resolution underground structures. Numerical experiments showed that the 3D inversion could accurately recover the location and resistivities of the underground anomalous bodies under the complex terrain. Compared to a single component data, the inversion of the multi-component data was more accurate in describing the vertical boundary of the electrical structures, and preferable for high-resolution imaging of underground minerals.
Photocatalytic Activity of MoS2 Nanoflower-Modified CaTiO3 Composites for Degradation of RhB under Visible Light
Authors: Luo Minghan , Xu Jiaxing , Xu Wenjie , Zheng Yu , Wu Gongde , Jeong Taeseop
Published: February 2023

Nanoflower-like MoS2 deposited on the surface of rectangular CaTiO3(CTO) was designed and synthesized via a simple template-free strategy. Through SEM, TEM, and other characterization methods, the MoS2 nanoflowers were confirmed to be well deposited on the surface of CTO. LED was used as the visible light source, and rhodamine B (RhB) in an aqueous solution was used as the model pollutant to assess the photodegradation activity of the samples. The results showed that the MoS2/CaTiO3(MCTO) composite significantly improved the photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) in water, compared with a single CTO, and with the MCTO-2 composite photocatalysts, 97% degradation of RhB was achieved in 180 min, and its photocatalytic activity was about 5.17 times higher than that of the bare CTO. The main reasons for enhancing photocatalytic performance are the strong interaction between the nanoflower-like MoS2 and rectangular CTO, which can lead to the effective separation of electron transfer and photoexcited electron–hole pairs in MCTO composites. This work provides a new notion for researching an effective method of recycling catalytic materials.
Degradation of Organic Methyl Orange (MO) Dye Using a Photocatalyzed Non-Ferrous Fenton Reaction
Authors: Zavahir Sifani , Elmakki Tasneem , Ismail Nourhan , Gulied Mona , Park Hyunwoong , Han Dong Suk
Published: February 2023

Removal of recalcitrant organic pollutants by degradation or mineralization from industrial waste streams is continuously being explored to find viable options to apply on the commercial scale. Herein, we propose a titanium nanotube array (based on a non-ferrous Fenton system) for the successful degradation of a model contaminant azo dye, methyl orange, under simulated solar illumination. Titanium nanotube arrays were synthesized by anodizing a titanium film in an electrolyte medium containing water and ethylene glycol. Characterization by SEM, XRD, and profilometry confirmed uniformly distributed tubular arrays with 100 nm width and 400 nm length. The non-ferrous Fenton performance of the titanium nanotube array in a minimal concentration of H2O2 showed remarkable degradation kinetics, with a 99.7% reduction in methyl orange dye concentration after a 60 min reaction time when illuminated with simulated solar light (100 mW cm−2, AM 1.5G). The pseudo-first-order rate constant was 0.407 µmol−1 min−1, adhering to the Langmuir–Hinshelwood model. Reaction product analyses by TOC and LC/MS/MS confirmed that the methyl orange was partially fragmented, while the rest was mineralized. The facile withdrawal and regeneration observed in the film-based titanium nanotube array photocatalyst highlight its potential to treat real industrial wastewater streams with a <5% performance drop over 20 reaction cycles.
Electrochemistry of Carbon Materials: Progress in Raman Spectroscopy, Optical Absorption Spectroscopy, and Applications
Authors: Kharlamova Marianna V. , Kramberger Christian
Published: February 2023

This paper is dedicated to the discussion of applications of carbon material in electrochemistry. The paper starts with a general discussion on electrochemical doping. Then, investigations by spectroelectrochemistry are discussed. The Raman spectroscopy experiments in different electrolyte solutions are considered. This includes aqueous solutions and acetonitrile and ionic fluids. The investigation of carbon nanotubes on different substrates is considered. The optical absorption experiments in different electrolyte solutions and substrate materials are discussed. The chemical functionalization of carbon nanotubes is considered. Finally, the application of carbon materials and chemically functionalized carbon nanotubes in batteries, supercapacitors, sensors, and nanoelectronic devices is presented.
Psychosocial Experiences Related to Dietary Behavior of Japanese Lactating Women: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Matsuda Kaori , Shiraishi Mie , Hori Natsuki , Horiguchi Hanna , Matsuzaki Masayo
Published: February 2023

Adequate dietary intake during the lactation period is important for breast milk components, postpartum recovery, and physical and mental health. This study aimed to clarify the psychosocial experiences related to dietary behavior around one month postpartum among Japanese lactating women. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 women between February and June 2022 in Osaka, Japan. The data were analyzed using qualitative descriptive approaches. Four core categories were identified. All participants had a [desire to have healthy meals for themselves or their families] to improve their postpartum health, regain their pre-pregnancy body shape, produce sufficient and good-quality breast milk, and keep their families healthy. Some participants, who had [subjective difficulties in getting information on diet and preparing meals] due to insufficient or complicated information and viewing meal preparation as a burden, used [services and support regarding their postpartum diet] to alleviate these difficulties. They had [postpartum-specific appetite and dietary views], including an increased appetite triggered by breastfeeding and postpartum stress and the effects of the dietary changes during pregnancy. Some of these psychosocial experiences were influenced by Japanese traditional customs in the postpartum period and familiar food preferences in the Japanese. Healthcare professionals should consider these experiences when providing tailored dietary guidance.
Enabling Informed Decision Making in the Absence of Detailed Nutrition Labels: A Model to Estimate the Added Sugar Content of Foods
Authors: Daniel-Weiner Reka , Cardel Michelle I. , Skarlinski Michael , Goscilo Angela , Anderson Carl , Foster Gary D.
Published: February 2023

Obesity and diabetes have emerged as an increasing threat to public health, and the consumption of added sugar can contribute to their development. Though nutritional content information can positively influence consumption behavior, added sugar is not currently required to be disclosed in all countries. However, a growing proportion of the world’s population has access to mobile devices, which allow for the development of digital solutions to support health-related decisions and behaviors. To test whether advances in computational science can be leveraged to develop an accurate and scalable model to estimate the added sugar content of foods based on their nutrient profile, we collected comprehensive nutritional information, including information on added sugar content, for 69,769 foods. Eighty percent of this data was used to train a gradient boosted tree model to estimate added sugar content, while 20% of it was held out to assess the predictive accuracy of the model. The performance of the resulting model showed 93.25% explained variance per default portion size (84.32% per 100 kcal). The mean absolute error of the estimate was 0.84 g per default portion size (0.81 g per 100 kcal). This model can therefore be used to deliver accurate estimates of added sugar through digital devices in countries where the information is not disclosed on packaged foods, thus enabling consumers to be aware of the added sugar content of a wide variety of foods.
Association between Different Types of Exercise and Intake of Nutrients including Carbohydrate, Fat, Protein, and B Vitamins in Young Adults
Authors: Zhang Jing , Chen Jiangang , Sui Xuemei , Drenowatz Clemens , Wang Qirong
Published: February 2023

Purpose: This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the association between different types of exercise and nutrient intake to provide a basis for promoting the overall health of young adults. Methods: A total of 427 young adults (217 women) aged 21 to 35 were recruited. Participants self-reported time spent (min/week) in endurance exercise, resistance exercise, sports, walking, and other structured physical activity (PA). Nutrient intake was determined via telephone-administered 24 h recalls. Results: Resistance exercise was positively associated with intake of protein, vitamins B2, B3, B5, B6, and B12 and the percentage of total calories from protein (PCT-PRO), and negatively associated with the percentage of total calories from carbohydrate (PCT-CHO) (p < 0.05). Time spent in aerobic exercise was positively associated with fiber, pectin, and vitamin B6 intake, and negatively associated with PCT-PRO (p < 0.05). Time spent exercising was negatively associated with fiber and pectin intake (p < 0.05). Time spent performing other structured PA was positively associated with pectin intake (p < 0.05). Participants’ total exercise time was positively associated with intake of vitamins B2, B5, B12, and PCT-Fat, PCT-PRO, and negatively associated with PCT-CHO (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The results showed an association between various exercise types and specific nutrients. It may be worthwhile to point out the negative association of exercise with CHO intake, which may need to be examined more closely in active young adults. In addition, the supplementation of B vitamins and pectin may be beneficial for their exercise performance and post-exercise recovery.
Epigenetics in Obesity and Diabetes Mellitus: New Insights
Authors: Suárez Rosario , Chapela Sebastián P. , Álvarez-Córdova Ludwig , Bautista-Valarezo Estefanía , Sarmiento-Andrade Yoredy , Verde Ludovica , Frias-Toral Evelyn , Sarno Gerardo
Published: February 2023

A long-term complication of obesity is the development of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Patients with T2D have been described as having epigenetic modifications. Epigenetics is the post-transcriptional modification of DNA or associated factors containing genetic information. These environmentally-influenced modifications, maintained during cell division, cause stable changes in gene expression. Epigenetic modifications of T2D are DNA methylation, acetylation, ubiquitylation, SUMOylation, and phosphorylation at the lysine residue at the amino terminus of histones, affecting DNA, histones, and non-coding RNA. DNA methylation has been shown in pancreatic islets, adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, and the liver. Furthermore, epigenetic changes have been observed in chronic complications of T2D, such as diabetic nephropathy, diabetic retinopathy, and diabetic neuropathy. Recently, a new drug has been developed which acts on bromodomains and extraterminal (BET) domain proteins, which operate like epigenetic readers and communicate with chromatin to make DNA accessible for transcription by inhibiting them. This drug (apabetalone) is being studied to prevent major adverse cardiovascular events in people with T2D, low HDL cholesterol, chronic kidney failure, and recent coronary events. This review aims to describe the relationship between obesity, long-term complications such as T2D, and epigenetic modifications and their possible treatments.
Feasibility of a Food Delivery Intervention during Pregnancy in a Rural US Population: The PEAPOD Pilot Study
Authors: Kerver Jean M. , Khiraya Yash , Gryc Janel M. , Gardiner Joseph C. , Comstock Sarah S.
Published: February 2023

Pregnancy nutrition is important for maternal and child health and may affect the development of the infant gut microbiome. Our objective was to assess the feasibility of implementing a food-based intervention designed to increase fiber intake among pregnant women in a rural setting. Participants were enrolled (N = 27) mid-pregnancy from a prenatal care clinic in rural Michigan, randomized to intervention (N = 13) or usual care (N = 14), and followed to 6 weeks postpartum. The intervention was designed to be easily replicable and scalable by partnering with hospital foodservices and included non-perishable high fiber foods and recipes, as well as weekly delivery of salads, soup, and fresh fruit. Surveys, maternal blood, urine, and stool were collected at 24- and 36-weeks gestation and at 6 weeks postpartum. Infant stool was collected at 6 weeks. Participants were 100% White (7% Hispanic White, 7% Native American and White); 55% with education < 4-year college degree. Data on dietary intake and urinary trace elements are presented as evidence of feasibility of outcome measurement. Retention was high at 93%; 85% reported high satisfaction. The intervention described here can be replicated and used in larger, longer studies designed to assess the effects of pregnancy diet on the establishment of the infant gut microbiome and related health outcomes.
Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Their Immunomodulatory Actions in Periodontal Disease
Authors: Panezai Jeneen , van Dyke Thomas
Published: February 2023

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are a diverse set of molecules with remarkable contributions to human physiology. They not only serve as sources of fuel but also cellular structural components as well as substrates that provide bioactive metabolites. A growing body of evidence demonstrates their role in inflammation. Inflammation in the presence of a polymicrobial biofilm contributes to the pathology of periodontitis. The role PUFAs in modulating immuno-inflammatory reactions in periodontitis is only beginning to be uncovered as research continues to unravel their far-reaching immunologic implications.
Prognostic Value of Magnesium in COVID-19: Findings from the COMEPA Study
Authors: La Carrubba Anna , Veronese Nicola , Di Bella Giovanna , Cusumano Claudia , Di Prazza Agnese , Ciriminna Stefano , Ganci Antonina , Naro Liliana , Dominguez Ligia J. , Barbagallo Mario ,   on behalf of the COMEPA Group
Published: February 2023

Magnesium (Mg) plays a key role in infections. However, its role in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is still underexplored, particularly in long-term sequelae. The aim of the present study was to examine the prognostic value of serum Mg levels in older people affected by COVID-19. Patients were divided into those with serum Mg levels ≤1.96 vs. >1.96 mg/dL, according to the Youden index. A total of 260 participants (mean age 65 years, 53.8% males) had valid Mg measurements. Serum Mg had a good accuracy in predicting in-hospital mortality (area under the curve = 0.83; 95% CI: 0.74–0.91). Low serum Mg at admission significantly predicted in-hospital death (HR = 1.29; 95% CI: 1.03–2.68) after adjusting for several confounders. A value of Mg ≤ 1.96 mg/dL was associated with a longer mean length of stay compared to those with a serum Mg > 1.96 (15.2 vs. 12.7 days). Low serum Mg was associated with a higher incidence of long COVID symptomatology (OR = 2.14; 95% CI: 1.30–4.31), particularly post-traumatic stress disorder (OR = 2.00; 95% CI: 1.24–16.40). In conclusion, low serum Mg levels were significant predictors of mortality, length of stay, and onset of long COVID symptoms, indicating that measuring serum Mg in COVID-19 may be helpful in the prediction of complications related to the disease.
Top Sodium Food Sources in the American Diet—Using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Ahmed Mavra , Ng Alena (Praneet) , Christoforou Anthea , Mulligan Christine , L’Abbé Mary R.
Published: February 2023

Reducing population-level sodium intake can reduce hypertension, an important preventative strategy to lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases, the leading cause of death in the United States. Considering that most dietary sodium is derived from prepackaged foods, this study quantitatively estimates the proportion contribution and mean sodium intake from key food category contributors to total sodium intake in the US population. Data from the 2017–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, which collected interviewer-administered 24 h dietary recalls from Americans (n = 7081), were analyzed. Based on the average proportion contributed, the top 15 sources of sodium were identified overall and by age/sex, poverty–income and race/ethnicity. More than 50% of US population-level dietary sodium intake was contributed by: pizza (5.3%); breads, rolls and buns (4.7%); cold cuts and cured meats (4.6%); soups (4.4%); burritos and tacos (4.3%); savoury snacks (4.1%); poultry (4.0%); cheese (3.1%); pasta mixed dishes (2.9%); burgers (2.5%); meat mixed dishes (2.5%); cookies, brownies and cakes (2.4%); bacon, frankfurters and sausages (2.4%); vegetables (2.2%); and chicken nuggets (1.5%), with the results remaining consistent among population subgroups. The results identified the top sources of sodium in the American population overall, as well as in key population subgroups, which can inform policies and programs aimed at reducing sodium intake.
Untargeted Metabolomics Analysis Using UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS Reveals Metabolic Changes Associated with Hypertension in Children
Authors: Zhang Kexin , Liu Yanyan , Liu Lingyun , Bai Baoling , Shi Lin , Zhang Qin
Published: February 2023

The mechanism of hypertension in children remains elusive. The objective of this study was to analyze plasma metabolomics characteristics to explore the potential mechanism of hypertension in children. Serum samples from 29 control children, 38 children with normal body mass index and simple hypertension (NBp), 8 children overweight with simple hypertension (OBp), 37 children with normal body mass index and H-type hypertension (NH) and 19 children overweight with H-type hypertension (OH) were analyzed by non-targeted metabolomics. A total of 1235 differential metabolites were identified between children with hypertension and normal controls, of which 193 metabolites including various lipids were significantly expressed. Compared with the control group, 3-dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, oleic acid and linoleic acid were up-regulated, and gamma-muricholic acid was down-regulated in the NBp group; 3-dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, 4-acetamidobutanoate and 1-hexadecanoyl-2-octadecadienoyl-sn-glyero-3-phosphocholine were up-regulated in the OBp group, whereas adenosine and 1-myristoyl-sn-glyero-3-phosphocholine were down-regulated; in the NH group, 1-palmitoyl-2-linoleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, phenol and 3-methoxytyramine were up-regulated, while pentadecanoic acid was down-regulated; in the OH group, NG,NG-dimethyl-L-arginine, 1-palmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine and monoethyl phthalate were up-regulated, while phloretin and glycine were down-regulated. The results showed that the children with hypertension had obvious disorders of lipid metabolism (especially in the overweight hypertension group), which led to the occurrence of hypertension. Additionally, the concentration of NO production-related NG, NG-dimethyl-L-arginine, was significantly increased, which may play an important role in H-type hypertension in children.
The Invariance of Inelastic Overlap Function
Authors: Troshin Sergey Mikhailovich , Tyurin Nikolai Evgenjevich
Published: February 2023

In this study, we consider the symmetry property of the inelastic overlap function and its relation to the reflective scattering mode appearance. This symmetry property disfavors an exclusion of one of the scattering modes—the reflective mode—when approaching the asymptotic limit. Predominance of the particular mode correlates with the energy and impact parameters ranges.
Evidence of Insulin-Sensitizing and Mimetic Activity of the Sesquiterpene Quinone Avarone, a Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B and Aldose Reductase Dual Targeting Agent from the Marine Sponge Dysidea avara
Authors: Casertano Marcello , Genovese Massimo , Santi Alice , Pranzini Erica , Balestri Francesco , Piazza Lucia , Del Corso Antonella , Avunduk Sibel , Imperatore Concetta , Menna Marialuisa , Paoli Paolo
Published: February 2023

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a complex disease characterized by impaired glucose homeostasis and serious long-term complications. First-line therapeutic options for T2DM treatment are monodrug therapies, often replaced by multidrug therapies to ensure that non-responding patients maintain target glycemia levels. The use of multitarget drugs instead of mono- or multidrug therapies has been emerging as a main strategy to treat multifactorial diseases, including T2DM. Therefore, modern drug discovery in its early stages aims to identify potential modulators for multiple targets; for this purpose, exploration of the chemical space of natural products represents a powerful tool. Our study demonstrates that avarone, a sesquiterpene quinone obtained from the sponge Dysidea avara, is capable of inhibiting in vitro PTP1B, the main negative regulator of the insulin receptor, while it improves insulin sensitivity, and mitochondria activity in C2C12 cells. We observe that when avarone is administered alone, it acts as an insulin-mimetic agent. In addition, we show that avarone acts as a tight binding inhibitor of aldose reductase (AKR1B1), the enzyme involved in the development of diabetic complications. Overall, avarone could be proposed as a novel natural hit to be developed as a multitarget drug for diabetes and its pathological complications.
One-Step Phytofabrication Method of Silver and Gold Nanoparticles Using Haloxylon salicornicum for Anticancer, Antimicrobial, and Antioxidant Activities
Authors: Hamida Reham Samir , Ali Mohamed Abdelaal , Alfassam Haifa Essa , Momenah Maha Abdullah , Alkhateeb Mariam Abdulaziz , Bin-Meferij Mashael Mohammed
Published: February 2023

Among various routes of metallic nanoparticle (NPs) fabrication, phytosynthesis has significant advantages over other conventional approaches. Plant-mediated synthesis of NPs is a fast, one-step, ecobenign, and inexpensive method with high scalability. Herein, silver (Ag) and gold (Au)-NPs were extracellularly synthesized using aqueous Haloxylon salicornicum (H@Ag-, H@Au-NPs) leaf extracts. GC-MS was performed to analyze the chemical compositions of H. salicornicum extract. H@Ag- and H@Au-NPs were characterized via UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission and scanning electron microscopy, and Zetasizer. H@Ag- and H@Au-NPs have surface plasmon resonance at 435.5 and 530.3 nm, respectively. FTIR and GC-MS data suggest that secondary plant metabolites and hydrocarbons might be responsible for the reduction and stabilization of NPs. XRD demonstrated that both NPs have a crystalline nature. H@Ag-NPs have a uniform spherical shape, whereas H@Au-NPs are spherical with few oval and triangular shapes, and their average nanosizes were 19.1 ± 0.8 and 8.1 ± 0.3 nm, respectively. Hydrodynamic diameters of H@Ag-NPs and H@Au-NPs were 184.7 nm, 56.4, and 295.4 nm, and their potential charges were −24.0 and −24.4 mV, respectively. The inhibitory activity of 500 µg/mL H@Ag- and H@Au-NPs was tested against Sw480, Sw620, HCT-116, and Caco-2 colon cancer cell lines and two normal cell lines, including HFs and Vero. H@Ag-NPs revealed potent anticancer activity against all cancer cells at low concentrations. Sw480 was the most sensitive cell to H@Ag-NPs, whereas Sw620 was the least permeable one. These findings suggested that the antiproliferative activity of H@Ag-NPs is cell-response-dependent and may be influenced by a variety of factors, including the cellular metabolic state, which influences cellular charge and interactions with charged NPs. Although H@Au-NPs were smaller, their reactivity against cancer cells was weak, suggesting that the chemical properties, metal structure, quantity and chemistry of the functional groups on the NP surface may influence their reactivity. The biocidal activity of 1 mg/mL H@Ag- and H@Au-NPs against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae was assessed. H@Ag-NPs showed biocidal activity against Gram-positive bacteria compared to Gram-negative bacteria, whereas H@Au-NPs showed no inhibitory activity. FRAP and DPPH assays were used to determine the scavenging activity of the plant extracts and both NPs. H@Ag-NPs (1 mg/mL) had the greatest scavenging activity compared to tested drugs. These findings suggest that H@Ag-NPs are potent anticancer, antibacterial, and antioxidant agents, while H@Au-NPs may be used as a drug vehicle for pharmaceutical applications.
Investigating the Targeting Power to Brain Tissues of Intranasal Rasagiline Mesylate-Loaded Transferosomal In Situ Gel for Efficient Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: ElShagea Hala N. , Makar Rana R. , Salama Alaa H. , Elkasabgy Nermeen A. , Basalious Emad B.
Published: February 2023

Rasagiline mesylate (RSM) is a hydrophilic drug with poor oral bioavailability (36%) because of hepatic first-pass metabolism. The present study focuses on delivering RSM directly to the brain through its inclusion within transferosomal in situ gel administered through the intranasal (IN) route. Transferosomes were formed by the thin-film hydration method with the aid of Design-Expert® software by varying the edge activator (EA) type in the absence or presence of cholesterol. By desirability calculations, the optimum formulation was composed of phosphatidylcholine and sodium deoxycholate as an EA (5:1% w/w) with no cholesterol. The optimum formulation was 198.63 ± 34.98 nm in size and displayed an entrapment efficiency of 95.73 ± 0.09%. Transmission electron microscopy revealed discrete and spherical vesicles. Optimized transferosomes were further incorporated into an in situ gel composed of 0.5% pectin, 15% Pluronic® F-127, and 5% Pluronic® F-68 and tested for the in vivo performance. The systemic as well as brain kinetics were assessed in rats by comparing the IN-administered in situ gel to the IV aqueous solution. The optimum in situ gel showed safety and biocompatibility on rats’ nasal mucosa with enhanced brain bioavailability (131.17%). Drug targeting efficiency and direct transport percentage indices (304.53% and 67.16%, respectively) supported successful brain targeting offering direct nose-to-brain drug delivery.
Cannabidiol-Loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (NLCs) for Dermal Delivery: Enhancement of Photostability, Cell Viability, and Anti-Inflammatory Activity
Authors: Morakul Boontida , Junyaprasert Varaporn Buraphacheep , Sakchaisri Krisada , Teeranachaideekul Veerawat
Published: February 2023

The aim of this study was to encapsulate cannabidiol (CBD) extract in nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) to improve the chemical stability and anti-inflammatory activity of CBD for dermal delivery. CBD-loaded NLCs (CBD-NLCs) were prepared using cetyl palmitate (CP) as a solid lipid and stabilized with Tego® Care 450 (TG450) or poloxamer 188 (P188) by high-pressure homogenization (HPH). The CBD extract was loaded at 1% w/w. Three different oils were employed to produce CBD-NLCs, including Transcutol® P, medium-chain triglycerides (MCT), and oleic acid (OA). CBD-NLCs were successfully prepared with an entrapment efficiency (E.E.) of 100%. All formulations showed particle sizes between 160 and 200 nm with PDIs less than 0.10. The type of surfactant and oil used affected the particle sizes, zeta potential, and crystallinity of the CBD-NLCs. CBD-NLCs stabilized with TG450 showed higher crystallinity after production and storage at 30 °C for 30 days as compared to those with P188. Encapsulation of the CBD extract in NLCs enhanced its chemical stability after exposure to simulated sunlight (1000 kJ/m2) compared to that of the CBD extract in ethanolic solution. The CBD-NLCs prepared from MCT and OA showed slower CBD release compared with that from Transcutol® P, and the kinetic data for release of CBD from CBD-NLCs followed Higuchi’s release model with a high coefficient of determination (>0.95). The extent of CBD permeation through Strat-M® depended on the oil type. The cytotoxicity of the CBD extract on HaCaT and HDF cells was reduced by encapsulation in the NLCs. The anti-inflammatory activity of the CBD extract in RAW264.7 cell macrophages was enhanced by encapsulation in CBD-NLCs prepared from MCT and OA.
The Progress and Trend of Heterogeneous Integration Silicon/III-V Semiconductor Optical Amplifiers
Authors: Shi Wenqi , Zou Canwen , Cao Yulian , Liu Jianguo
Published: February 2023

Silicon photonics is a revolutionary technology in the integrated photonics field which has experienced rapid development over the past several decades. High-quality III-V semiconductor components on Si platforms have shown their great potential to realize on-chip light-emitting sources for Si photonics with low-cost and high-density integration. In this review, we will focus on semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOAs), which have received considerable interest in diverse photonic applications. SOAs have demonstrated high performance in various on-chip optical applications through different integration technologies on Si substrates. Moreover, SOAs are also considered as promising candidates for future light sources in the wavelength tunable laser, which is one of the key suitable components in coherent optical devices. Understanding the development and trends of heterogeneous integration Silicon/III-V SOA will help researchers to come up with effective strategies to combat the emerging challenges in this family of devices, progressing towards next-generation applications.
Multiplane Image Restoration Using Multivariate Curve Resolution: An Alternative Approach to Deconvolution in Conventional Brightfield Microscopy
Authors: Dion Sylvere Bienvenue , Agre Don Jean François Ulrich , Agnero Akpa Marcel , Zoueu Jérémie Thouakesseh
Published: February 2023

Three-dimensional reconstruction in brightfield microscopy is challenging since a 2D image includes from in-focus and out-of-focus light which removes the details of the specimen’s structures. To overcome this problem, many techniques exist, but these generally require an appropriate model of Point Spread Function (PSF). Here, we propose a new images restoration method based on the application of Multivariate Curve Resolution (MCR) algorithms to a stack of brightfield microscopy images to achieve 3D reconstruction without the need for PSF. The method is based on a statistical reconstruction approach using a self-modelling mixture analysis. The MCR-ALS (ALS for Alternating Least Square) algorithm under non-negativity constraints, Wiener, Richardson–Lucy, and blind deconvolution algorithms were applied to silica microbeads and red blood cells images. The MCR analysis produces restored images that show informative structures which are not noticeable in the initial images, and this demonstrates its capability for the multiplane reconstruction of the amplitude of 3D objects. In comparison with 3D deconvolution methods based on a set of No Reference Images Quality Metrics (NR-IQMs) that are Standard Deviation, ENTROPY Average Gradient, and Auto Correlation, our method presents better values of these metrics, showing that it can be used as an alternative to 3D deconvolution methods.
Experimental Investigation on the Mode Characteristics of an Excited-State Quantum Dot Laser under Concave Mirror Optical Feedback
Authors: Zheng Yanfei , Xia Guangqiong , Lin Xiaodong , Wang Qingqing , Wang Hongpei , Jiang Cheng , Chen Hongmei , Wu Zhengmao
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we experimentally investigated the mode configuration of an excited-state quantum dot laser (ESQDL) under concave mirror optical feedback, and the influences of the feedback strength on the mode characteristics were analyzed. The results showed that after introducing concave mirror optical feedback, some longitudinal modes of the excited-state (ES) existing in a free-running ESQDL could be suppressed. When the feedback strength increased to a certain extent, the ground-state (GS) emission occurred and co-existed with the ES emission. By further increasing the feedback strength, all the longitudinal modes of the ES emission were suppressed, and only the longitudinal modes of the GS emission could be observed. As a result, the emission-state switching from the ES to GS emission was realized. When the ESQDL was biased at a larger current, the feedback strength required to achieve emission-state switching was stronger.
Distortion Detection of Lithographic Projection Lenses Based on Wavefront Measurement
Authors: Li Tian , Wang Jian , Zhou Shaolin , Quan Haiyang , Chen Lei , Liu Junbo , Du Jing , Zhu Xianchang , Hu Song
Published: February 2023

As with the decreasing feature size prompted by Moore’s law and the continuous technological advancements in the semiconductor industry, the distortion of the projection lens is an important factor that affects the overlay. In this paper, we propose a wavefront-measurement-based method to detect the projection lens distortion in the lithographic system. By normalizing the coordinates of the Shack–Hartmann system with the image displacements represented in the Z2 and Z3 terms of Zernike coefficients, the offsets between the actual image points and the ideal image points can be determined. By offset collection at an array of 7 × 7 field points to establish an overdetermined system of equations, the proposed method can simultaneously detect the distortions of translation, magnification, rotation, decentering distortion, thin prism distortion, and third-order radial distortion. This distortion measurement method is highly flexible for distortion measurement with portable and compactly integrated sensors, enabling the real-time and cost-efficient measurement of wave aberration and distortion. For proof-of-concept experiments, a projection lens with a numerical aperture (NA) of 0.58 for i-line (365 nm) is used for experimental testing. The results reveal that the repeatability accuracy of distortion detection is 51 nm and the 72 h long-term reproducibility is 143 nm.
Wiggling-Related Error Correction Method for Indirect ToF Imaging Systems
Authors: Zheng Zhaolin , Song Ping , Wang Xuanquan , Zhang Wuyang , Bai Yunjian
Published: February 2023

Indirect time-of-flight (ToF) imaging systems enable a broad array of applications owing to their high frame rate, strong durability, and low cost. However, the wiggling-related error caused by the harmonics in the emitted signal significantly affects the range accuracy of indirect ToF imaging systems. In this paper, we establish a mathematical model of the wiggling-related error and propose a wiggling-related error correction method for indirect ToF imaging systems. This method adds a delay measurement and utilizes raw intensity measurements to evaluate the system state based on an adaptive Kalman filter (AKF), which is easy to implement in most indirect ToF imaging systems. Simulation and experimental results show that the proposed method performed well in reducing the wiggling-related error and had good robustness in different integration times. Compared with the existing methods, the proposed method not only has better performance but also is easier to implement. We believe that this study provides effective guidance for researchers understanding the wiggling-related error and a potential direction for the accuracy improvement of indirect ToF imaging systems.
The Fabrication of Gelatin–Elastin–Nanocellulose Composite Bioscaffold as a Potential Acellular Skin Substitute
Authors: Ahmad Hariza Ahmad Mus’ab , Mohd Yunus Mohd Heikal , Fauzi Mh Busra , Murthy Jaya Kumar , Tabata Yasuhiko , Hiraoka Yosuke
Published: February 2023

Gelatin usage in scaffold fabrication is limited due to its lack of enzymatic and thermal resistance, as well as its mechanical weakness. Hence, gelatin requires crosslinking and reinforcement with other materials. This study aimed to fabricate and characterise composite scaffolds composed of gelatin, elastin, and cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and crosslinked with genipin. The scaffolds were fabricated using the freeze-drying method. The composite scaffolds were composed of different concentrations of CNC, whereas scaffolds made of pure gelatin and a gelatin–elastin mixture served as controls. The physicochemical and mechanical properties of the scaffolds, and their cellular biocompatibility with human dermal fibroblasts (HDF), were evaluated. The composite scaffolds demonstrated higher porosity and swelling capacity and improved enzymatic resistance compared to the controls. Although the group with 0.5% (w/v) CNC recorded the highest pore size homogeneity, the diameters of most of the pores in the composite scaffolds ranged from 100 to 200 μm, which is sufficient for cell migration. Tensile strength analysis revealed that increasing the CNC concentration reduced the scaffolds’ stiffness. Chemical analyses revealed that despite chemical and structural alterations, both elastin and CNC were integrated into the gelatin scaffold. HDF cultured on the scaffolds expressed collagen type I and α-SMA proteins, indicating the scaffolds’ biocompatibility with HDF. Overall, the addition of elastin and CNC improved the properties of gelatin-based scaffolds. The composite scaffolds are promising candidates for an acellular skin substitute.