bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A comprehensive calibration of integrated magnetron sputtering and plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition for rare-earth doped thin films
Authors: Khatami Zahra , Wolz Lukas , Wojcik Jacek , Mascher Peter 
Published: November 2023

AbstractA new integrated deposition system taking advantage of magnetron sputtering and electron cyclotron-plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition (IMS ECR-PECVD) is presented that mitigates the drawbacks of each fabrication system. This tailor-made system provides users with highly homogeneous and pure thin films with less undesired hydrogen and well-controlled rare-earth concentration compared to existing methods of rare-earth doping, such as metalorganic powders, sputtering, and ion implantation. We established the first comprehensive report on the deposition parameters of argon flow and sputtering power to achieve desired rare-earth concentrations in a wide composition range of terbium (Tb) doped-silicon oxide (Tb:SiOx) matrices including silicon-rich (x < 2), oxygen-rich (x > 2), and stoichiometric silicon oxide (x = 2). The deposition parameters to fabricate crystalline structure (Tb2Si2O7) in oxygen-rich samples are reported where Tb ions are optically active. IMS ECR-PECVD pushes the solubility limit of the rare-earth dopant in silicon films to 17 at.% for the desired future nanophotonic devices.
Graphical Abstract
Results of Combined Pathogenetic Therapy in Netherton Syndrome: Clinical Case
Authors: Murashkin Nikolay N. , Opryatin Leonid A. , Bridan-Rostovskaya Anna S. , Pavlova Ekaterina S. , Ivanov Roman A. , Avetisyan Karine O. , Kulikov Kirill A. 
Published: November 2023

Background. Netherton syndrome is a severe autosomal recessive disease based not only on genetically determined keratinization disorders, but also on immune system dysregulation.Clinical case description. Boy K., 9 years old, diagnosed with severe atopic dermatitis and revealed Netherton syndrome during examinations. The dupilumab was administered due to the presence of severe polysensitization and clinical signs of allergic process. Wave-like course of the disease was observed during this therapy. Patient had acute exacerbation — generalized pustular rash — at the 7th month of treatment. The therapy with secukinumab was initiated according to the foreign literature on pathogenetic treatment of Netherton syndrome with interleukin (IL) 17 inhibitor. It has shown positive dynamics. Currently patient is administered with the combined therapy of IL-17 and IL-4/13 inhibitors with significant positive effect.Conclusion. Genetically engineered biologic drugs targeting both the Th17 and Th2 have shown their efficacy in Netherton syndrome management.
Features of Staphylococcus Aureus Antibiotic Sensitivity in Children with Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Murashkin Nikolay N. , Materikin Alexander I. , Epishev Roman V. , Leonova Maria A. , Opryatin Leonid A. , Ivanov Roman A. , Savelova Alena A. 
Published: November 2023

Background. Excessive colonization of the skin by various bacteria and fungi can be noted in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD), and the prevalence of secondary infection complications 30–48%. Several studies have shown that Staphylococcus aureus colonization is 60–100% in patients with AD compared to 5–30% in healthy persons from the control group. Moreover, the incidence of methicillinresistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates is up to 10–30% in skin cultures at AD, according to experts. Therapy of AD complicated by secondary infection is one of the crucial challenges of modern dermatology. Mupirocin can be considered as one of the most effective topical antibiotic among others used for etiotropic therapy of infectious complications in AD patients, and it has been confirmed by numerous clinical studies.Conclusion. Staphylococcus aureus is the most common trigger of AD aggravation. MRSA in AD complicated by secondary infection is difficult to manage as it becomes resistant to many types of antibiotics; however, it shows persistent sensitivity to mupirocin. Mupirocin-based (2%) external agent is the most effective, safe, and preferred therapy variant for AD complicated by secondary infection in pediatrics.
DIGITAL FACILITIES UTILIZATION AND COMPUTER SKILLS AMONG SCIENCE AND ARTS STUDENTS
Authors: Ravula Bharathi, N.Rajani  
Published: November 2023

The computer world expanded into each and every sector in the current digital era including the education field and rapidly targeting students to acquaint computer and digital knowledge not only for entertaining but also to enhance academic skills. The basics of digital technology are in reach of the people through different sources such as smart phones, desktop computers, laptops and tablets. Recently, the curricular and competency levels are gradually incorporating to the students to acquire digital skills by motivating to various modes of pedagogy such as seminars, assignments and project works. The present research was mainly focused on understanding the digital devices owning by the students, studying knowledge levels of computer skills and frequency of utilizing digital services. The study was carried out from the randomly selected college students of both science and arts streams from the university and colleges students located at Tirupati urban. The sample size of the present investigation comprised of 60 students from each stream of science and arts with total sample of 120 members. The findings well demonstrated that absolutely all the students owned the smart phone and surprisingly one third of them were even planned to purchase the new mobile within one year. The data indicated that around one fourth of science students had desktop and tablets and about one tenth in arts students. The computer skills and levels of confidence also noticed at higher levels in science students against their arts students’ counterparts probably the science students regular academic activities might be intricately enabled the basic computer skills. The information gathered from the students strongly highlighted the high frequency utilization of smart phone by students of both streams. Educating students, creating awareness and organizing digital training programmes by colleges will surely helpful to enhance the digital skills among the students and to excel their academic and future career opportunities.
Port Pricing. Considerations on Economic Principles and Marginal Costs
Authors: Meersman H. , Van de Voorde E. , Vanelslander T. 
Published: November 2023

Pricing by ports and operators within ports is considered quite a complex and untransparant matter, and as such it is sometimes perceived as archaic. This often results in debates about subsidies, captive markets and the dredging and deepening of maritime access routes, raising questions concerning potential distortion of competition and/or abuse of monopolistic power. This paper starts from the most important scientific literature on port pricing (and port competition), and adds new empirical results while calculating the marginal cost of a port call. A distinction is made between four elements of marginal costs in port operations, being costs for provision of infrastructure, costs associated with the use of the transport mode, costs for supplying port services, and external costs. This material may constitute the basis for a meaningful debate on the implementation of a pricing approach that is grounded on the marginal cost principle.
Unveiling Racial and Ethnic Disparities in MPOX Virus Vaccine Distribution and Demographic Patterns in the United States
Authors: Chan Alex Siu Wing 
Published: November 2023

Background: This study delves into the examination of racial and ethnic disparities in the distribution of the Monkeypox (MPOX) virus vaccine within the United States, offering a critical healthcare perspective on an emerging public health concern. It particularly focuses on the demographic patterns associated with MPOX transmission and the allocation of vaccines. Methods: A comprehensive analysis was conducted, drawing on a wide array of data sources to understand the vaccine distribution and demographic trends in the United States. The study scrutinized three main aspects: MPOX cases by race and ethnicity, vaccine administration across different racial and gender categories, and the potential disparities therein. Results: The findings reveal significant disparities in the distribution of vaccine doses, with males, particularly gay, bisexual, and other Men who have sex with men (MSM), receiving the majority of doses. Moreover, substantial variations in MPOX cases are observed among different racial and ethnic groups, emphasizing the need for culturally sensitive public health strategies. Conclusions: The study underscores the urgent need for targeted public health interventions to address disparities and safeguard the well-being of those at higher risk, particularly MSM. It highlights the importance of equity in vaccine distribution and culturally sensitive approaches, and serves as a foundation for shaping effective public health policies and strategies to mitigate the spread of MPOX. This research advances our understanding of healthcare disparities in the context of an emerging viral infection, providing valuable insights for future public health initiatives.
Nonlinear Normal Modes of Highly Flexible Beam Structures Modelled under the SE(3) Lie Group Framework
Authors: Bagheri Amir Kamyar , Sonneville Valentin , Renson Ludovic 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
This work presents a shooting algorithm to compute the periodic responses of geometrically nonlinear structures modelled under the Special Euclidean (SE) Lie group formulation. The formulation is combined with a pseudo-arclength continuation method, while special adaptations are made to ensure compatibility with the SE framework. Nonlinear normal modes (NNM) of various two-dimensional structures including a doubly-clamped beam, a shallow arch, and a cantilever beam are computed. Results are compared with a reference displacement-based FE model with von Kármán strains. Significant difference is observed in the dynamic response of the two models in test cases involving large degrees of beam displacements and rotation. Differences in the contribution of higher order modes substantially affect the frequency-energy dependence and the nonlinear modal interactions observed between the models. It is shown that the SE model, owing to its exact representation of the beam kinematics, is better suited at adequately capturing complex nonlinear dynamics compared to the von Kármán model.
Chemical Composition of Water and Sediments of Tundra Lakes as the Background Area of the North of Murmansk Region (Arctic)
Authors: Slukovskii Zakhar , Guzeva Alina , Malysheva Maria , Kudryavtseva Lyubov 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

The article presents new data on the chemical composition of water and recent sediments of six small lakes located in the Natural Park “Rybachy and Sredny Peninsulas” (the Russian Arctic). The main hydrochemistry parameters, including pH, conductivity, alkalinity, the content of main ions (Ca, Mg, Na, K, HCO3, SO4, Cl), and trace elements were measured in the water of selected lakes. Furthermore, concentrations of heavy metals (Pb, Sb, Cd, Ni, Cu, and others) were estimated in the upper layers of recent sediments of the lakes. The integral index PLI, designed for geochemicalstudies of sediments, was calculated to determine the level of chemical pollution of the lakes. The results showed that, in general, the studied parameters did not exceed the background level. There was no serious impact of the Kola Mining and Metallurgical Company, which is situated several dozen kilometers to the west from the lakes. It was revealed that the studied lakes were less contaminated with heavy metals in comparison with the previously researched lakes of urban territories of the Russian Arctic zone. However, the analysis of distribution of concentrations of Ni, Cu, Pb revealed the influence of long-range atmospheric pollution on lakes of the Natural Park “Rybachy and Sredny Peninsulas”. The fractional analysis of the metals in the sediments showed that the elements were mainly associated with stable compounds of the sediments and, thus, there was an only potential environmental risk for the biota of the studied lakes.
Multi-mode Trade Policy Retaliation1
Authors: Feinberg Robert , Nes Kjersti , Reynolds Kara M. , Schaefer Aleks 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Previous studies have found evidence that countries may choose to retaliate against countries for certain trade actions. What has not been empirically examined is the use of multi-modal retaliation in trade policy. Using an exporter-importer-sector panel of antidumping (AD), sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS), and technical barriers to trade (TBT) actions between 1995 and 2019, we find evidence of both cross-sector and cross-agreement retaliation: importers are statistically more likely to initiate an AD petition against an exporter if they have an ongoing SPS-related concern against that exporter. The World Trade Organization’s dispute settlement body (DSB) was initially seen as promoting the stability of the global trading system by limiting such unilateral retaliation, widespread throughout the 1980s. We find statistical evidence suggesting that countries may be increasingly engaging in unilateral actions, particularly through SPS and TBT, in response to trade policy disputes as confidence in the WTO DSB falls. Our findings suggest that countries may expect more unilateral retaliatory action through SPS and TBT if recent efforts to reform the WTO DSB fail.
Immune system status of healthcare professionals after high-risk exposure to SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Wojas-Krawczyk Kamila , Krawczyk Paweł , Błach Justyna , Kucharczyk Tomasz , Grenda Anna , Krzyżanowska Natalia , Szklener Katarzyna , Horaczyńska-Wojtaś Anna , Wójcik-Superczyńska Magdalena , Chmielewska Izabela , Milanowski Janusz 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background
The immunological background responsible for the severe course of COVID-19 and the immune factors that protect against SARS-CoV-2 infection are still unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate immune system status in people with high exposure to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Methods
Seventy-one people employed in the observation and infectious diseases unit were qualified for the study between November 2020 and October 2021. Symptomatic COVID-19 was diagnosed in 35 people. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were also found in 8 people. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and plasma were obtained from all participants (in symptomatic COVID-19 patients approximately one month after infection). PBMC subpopulations were analyzed by flow cytometry, and the concentrations of cytokines and anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were determined by ELISA.
Results
The percentages of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), CD28+ and T helper (Th) cells with invariant T-cell receptors were significantly higher in persons with symptomatic COVID-19 than in those who did not develop symptoms. The following percentages of PBMC populations were significantly lower in symptomatic COVID-19 patients than in asymptomatic people: CTLs in the late stage of activation (CD8+/CD95+), NK cells, regulatory-like Th cells (CD4+/CTLA-4+), and Th17-like cells (CD4+/CD161+). Additionally, persons with anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies had a significantly higher lymphocyte count and IL-6 concentration than persons without these antibodies.
Conclusion
Numerous lymphocyte populations are permanently altered by SARS-CoV-2 infection, and they contribute to the severity of COVID-19. Understanding the immune background of COVID-19 may improve the prevention of this disease by identifying people at risk of a severe course of infection.
Trial registration
This is a retrospective observational study without a trial registration number.
Evaluation of fetal cardiac morphology and function in the normal second and third trimester : application of the Fetal Heart Quantification technique
Authors: Hu Wenjing , Wang Mingyue , Bian Jinyan , Liu Wen , Ding Jin , Gu Xinxian 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Objective: Using the Fetal Heart Quantification technique to comprehend the fetal heart's changes in growth and development during the typical second and third trimesters, and provide a framework for the clinical use of the fetal heart speckle tracking technology.
Methods: This study involved 500 fetuses from mothers who had normal pregnancies between March 2021 and August 2022. The fetal heart was analyzed quantitatively after the fetal ultrasound readings and a film of a typical four-chamber heart slice was recorded. Measurements included fetal heart size, GSI, SV, CO, EF, GLS, and FAC of both ventricles, as well as EDD, SI, and FS of 24 segments. The research subjects were divided into 5 groups according to the GA: 20~23+6, 24~27+6, 28~31+6, 32~36+6, 37~40+6 weeks. Continuous variables between groups were compared by single Factor analysis of variance or Kruskal-Wallis test, P<0.05 means the difference is statistically significant.
Results: 1. The size parameters of ventricles gradually increased with increasing GA (P < 0.05). The 24 segments EDD of both ventricles increased with increasing GA (P < 0.05), while first increasing and then decreasing from the ventricle base to the apex.
2. The GSI and the 24 segments SI of the two ventricles were not significantly different among the groups (P > 0.05).
3. The left ventricular EF, GLS, FAC, and right ventricular GLS, FAC decreased with increasing GA, and SV and CO increased (P < 0.05).
4. The 24 segments FS of the left ventricle showed a downward trend with increasing GA and gradually increased from the base to the apex. The FS of most segments of the right ventricle decreased with increasing GA and first increased and then decreased from the base to the apex.
Conclusions: The whole and segmental size parameters can quantitatively evaluate the growth and development of the fetal heart; the GSI and segmental SI are reliable morphological indexes; fetal ventricular function parameters EF, FAC, GLS, and segmental FS can assess cardiac function. The Fetal HQ technique can help us to evaluate the heart growth and development of normal fetuses in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.
The first step of a realist investigation: Building an initial realist theory of on-the-day surgery cancellations.
Authors: Samarasinghe Buddhika S.W. , Millar Ross , Exworthy Mark 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
On-the-day surgery cancellations (OTDSCs) have been a longstanding global problem, bringing significant suffering to patients and carers, and substantial waste across healthcare systems. Any cancellation of a surgery that occurs for any reason on the day of the scheduled surgery is defined as an OTDSC. Despite the high prevalence of OTDSCs, little is known about why they happen and how to minimise them. This article illustrates a method for developing initial programme theories (IPTs), which is the first step in any theory-driven realist investigation, with the aim of understanding why OTDSCs happen and in what contexts, as well as the extent to which they can be minimised.
Method
We used a multi-method approach consisting of three phases to work towards developing IPTs. Multiple methods were used: literature-related OTDSCs, findings on the feasibility of the comparative study, and feedback from expert practitioners and patients.
Results
The iterative analysis found that OTDSCs are a complex undesired outcome, influenced by many interconnected “variables”, at macro-level (e.g., NHS waiting list policy, austerity measures and workforce shortages) and meso-level (e.g., workload, high emergency admissions and interruptions), as well as healthcare professionals’ (HCPs) and patients’ perceptions and behaviours. The study identified that failures in various aspects of individualised care (such as care planning, communication and resource allocation) in preparing for surgery before admission could contribute to different types of OTDSCs.
Conclusion
As a result of the complex and interconnected nature of OTDSCs and the wide variety of causes, it can be hard to reduce their occurrence. OTDSCs can be minimised by carefully considering various aspects of individualisation of care, such as clinical care planning, communication and resource allocation and delivery when preparing patients to undergo surgery. Providing favourable working conditions and creating effective knowledge transfer between the actors initiating OTDSCs and HCPs who prepare patients for surgery can be critical to minimising most OTDSCs. The study developed a taxonomy and novel theories of understanding OTDSCs with practical implications for policymakers and practitioners.
Acylation modification enhanced encapsulation ability of baicalin by liposome, and liposome improved physicochemical properties and cytotoxicity of baicalin esters
Authors: Wang Wei , Xin Xuan , Zhang Mengmeng , Li Xiaofeng , Zhao Guanglei , Bai Weidong 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The instability of ester bonds, low water solubility, and increased cytotoxicity of flavonoid glycoside esters with fatty chain significantly limit their application in the food industry. Therefore, the present study attempted to resolve these issues through liposome encapsulation. The results showed that the encapsulation and loading efficiencies of baicalin (a representative flavonoid glycoside) butyl ester and octyl ester were much higher than that of baicalin, and the leakage rate of baicalin butyl ester and octyl ester from liposomes was lower than that of baicalin after 60 days of storage at 4°C. The FTIR results revealed the location of butyl ester and octyl ester in the hydrophobic layer of liposomes, which was different from baicalin. Additionally, liposome encapsulation significantly improved the water solubility and stability of baicalin butyl ester and octyl ester in the digestive system and PBS but significantly reduced their toxicity to the L02 cells. Furthermore, the release rate of butyl ester (64.4%) and octyl ester (60.3%) from liposomes was lower than that of baicalin (97.5%) during gastrointestinal digestion. These results indicate that liposome encapsulation could hinder the negative effects of fatty chain introduction into flavonoid glycosides, thereby resolving the deficiency of flavonoid glycoside-loading liposomes.
Annona muricata callus extracted particles (AMCEP) as a potential anticancer agent against Human Colorectal Cancer cell line HCT-116 by inducing apoptosis
Authors: Tambe Harshad , Bhosale Ashok , Borse Ramdas 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Although the advances in chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery, the mortality and morbidity rate of cancer cases is still high. The use of natural plant derived medicinal product has an emerging modern therapy in order to improve human health and reducing the risk of side effects from synthetic drugs. The aim of this study to evaluate the anticancer potential of Annona muricata callus extracted particles against human colorectal cancer cell line HCT-116. A. muricata callus extracted particles were screened for the cytotoxic activity by MTT (3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazoliumbromide) assay against HCT-116 & WI-38 cell line. Further, Annexin V apoptosis assay were done by the flow cytometry analysis. The particles from ethanolic extract of A. muricata callus showed cytotoxic effect against HCT-116 cell line with IC50 60.64 µg/ml while it showed mild toxicity only at highest concentration against normal WI-38 cell line. Further, Annexin V apoptosis assay reveals the sample treated cell population of HCT-116 followed the process of early apoptosis as compared to the control cells (untreated). It has been concluded that A. muricata callus extracted particles have potential anticancer agent against human colorectal cancer cell line HCT-116.