bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tracking Biliteracy Skills in Students Attending Gaelic Medium Education: Effects of Learning Experience on Overall Reading Skills
Authors: Dickson Euan , Manderson Laura , Obregon Mateo , Garraffa Maria
Published: March 2021

This study describes the validation of a reading assessment developed for speakers of Scottish Gaelic, an endangered language spoken in Scotland. The test is designed to investigate the areas of reading for understanding, reading errors and reading speed. This study will present the data on a group of Gaelic/English speakers on both the Gaelic and the English version of the test and of a group of English speakers on the English version of the reading test, aiming at comparing reading abilities in children attending a Gaelic medium education (GME) and children in English medium education (EME) living in the same urban area. The paper reports two studies. The first study presents data on 77 children bilingual in Gaelic/English recruited across four levels of primary school on reading in Gaelic. The second study looks at the performance on a version of the test adapted for English, comparing the performance of two groups of children (bilinguals Gaelic/English and monolinguals English) on several linguistic skills, including sentence comprehension and reading. About 40 monolingual English subjects in EME, living in the same urban area, were administered the English version. The reading abilities of the children attending EME and GME schools were comparable, supporting the idea of no disadvantage on reading from attending a school with the medium of a minority language. If differences were found, these were in favour of the bilingual Gaelic/English children, who attained better results in all linguistic tasks in English in the older groups.
Development Status and Future Trends for Eurasian Container Land Bridge Transport
Authors: Hilmola Olli-Pekka , Li Weidong , Panova Yulia
Published: March 2021

For decades, trade between Europe and China has grown consistently, which has resulted in increased container transportation volumes. Such transportation has been dominated by sea-based options. However, over the years, an air-based mode of transport was developed, while it has lately become increasingly popular to use railways utilizing the Trans-Siberian land bridge. This latter approach boomed amid the COVID-19 crisis in 2020. However, the railway container boom in Eurasia has deeper roots than just the COVID-19 era. As is illustrated in this research work, international trade containers (trade between Russia and other countries, mostly China) and transit containers (e.g., serving the Chinese–EU route) were already showing some significance as early as 2003–2004. In 2020, their volume was already measured in the millions, regardless of the railway data source being used. This is well above the starting period in the 1980s and 1990s, when total annual volumes were around 0.1 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU). Container capacity has developed over the years, first being used for international trade and only lately for transit. As a preliminary comparison to air freight, the growth rate was roughly double that in the two-decade observation period.
Global Hypothesis Test to Compare the Predictive Values of Diagnostic Tests Subject to a Case-Control Design
Authors: Regad Saad Bouh , Roldán-Nofuentes José Antonio
Published: March 2021

Use of a case-control design to compare the accuracy of two binary diagnostic tests is frequent in clinical practice. This design consists of applying the two diagnostic tests to all of the individuals in a sample of those who have the disease and in another sample of those who do not have the disease. This manuscript studies the comparison of the predictive values of two diagnostic tests subject to a case-control design. A global hypothesis test, based on the chi-square distribution, is proposed to compare the predictive values simultaneously, as well as other alternative methods. The hypothesis tests studied require knowing the prevalence of the disease. Simulation experiments were carried out to study the type I errors and the powers of the hypothesis tests proposed, as well as to study the effect of a misspecification of the prevalence on the asymptotic behavior of the hypothesis tests and on the estimators of the predictive values. The proposed global hypothesis test was extended to the situation in which there are more than two diagnostic tests. The results have been applied to the diagnosis of coronary disease.
On the Local Convergence of Two-Step Newton Type Method in Banach Spaces under Generalized Lipschitz Conditions
Authors: Saxena Akanksha , Argyros Ioannis K. , Jaiswal Jai P. , Argyros Christopher , Pardasani Kamal R.
Published: March 2021

The motive of this paper is to discuss the local convergence of a two-step Newton-type method of convergence rate three for solving nonlinear equations in Banach spaces. It is assumed that the first order derivative of nonlinear operator satisfies the generalized Lipschitz i.e., L-average condition. Also, some results on convergence of the same method in Banach spaces are established under the assumption that the derivative of the operators satisfies the radius or center Lipschitz condition with a weak L-average particularly it is assumed that L is positive integrable function but not necessarily non-decreasing. Our new idea gives a tighter convergence analysis without new conditions. The proposed technique is useful in expanding the applicability of iterative methods. Useful examples justify the theoretical conclusions.
Fractional System of Korteweg-De Vries Equations via Elzaki Transform
Authors: He Wenfeng , Chen Nana , Dassios Ioannis , Shah Nehad Ali , Chung Jae Dong
Published: March 2021

In this article, a hybrid technique, called the Iteration transform method, has been implemented to solve the fractional-order coupled Korteweg-de Vries (KdV) equation. In this method, the Elzaki transform and New Iteration method are combined. The iteration transform method solutions are obtained in series form to analyze the analytical results of fractional-order coupled Korteweg-de Vries equations. To understand the analytical procedure of Iteration transform method, some numerical problems are presented for the analytical result of fractional-order coupled Korteweg-de Vries equations. It is also demonstrated that the current technique’s solutions are in good agreement with the exact results. The numerical solutions show that only a few terms are sufficient for obtaining an approximate result, which is efficient, accurate, and reliable.
Mathematical Analysis of Oxygen Uptake Rate in Continuous Process under Caputo Derivative
Authors: Alqahtani Rubayyi T. , Yusuf Abdullahi , Agarwal Ravi P.
Published: March 2021

In this paper, the wastewater treatment model is investigated by means of one of the most robust fractional derivatives, namely, the Caputo fractional derivative. The growth rate is assumed to obey the Contois model, which is often used to model the growth of biomass in wastewaters. The characteristics of the model under consideration are derived and evaluated, such as equilibrium, stability analysis, and steady-state solutions. Further, important characteristics of the fractional wastewater model allow us to understand the dynamics of the model in detail. To this end, we discuss several important analyses of the fractional variant of the model under consideration. To observe the efficiency of the non-local fractional differential operator of Caputo over its counter-classical version, we perform numerical simulations.
Prospects of Marine Sterols against Pathobiology of Alzheimer’s Disease: Pharmacological Insights and Technological Advances
Authors: Rahman Md. Ataur , Dash Raju , Sohag Abdullah Al Mamun , Alam Mahboob , Rhim Hyewhon , Ha Hunjoo , Moon Il Soo , Uddin Md Jamal , Hannan Md. Abdul
Published: March 2021

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a degenerative brain disorder characterized by a progressive decline in memory and cognition, mostly affecting the elderly. Numerous functional bioactives have been reported in marine organisms, and anti-Alzheimer’s agents derived from marine resources have gained attention as a promising approach to treat AD pathogenesis. Marine sterols have been investigated for several health benefits, including anti-cancer, anti-obesity, anti-diabetes, anti-aging, and anti-Alzheimer’s activities, owing to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Marine sterols interact with various proteins and enzymes participating via diverse cellular systems such as apoptosis, the antioxidant defense system, immune response, and cholesterol homeostasis. Here, we briefly overview the potential of marine sterols against the pathology of AD and provide an insight into their pharmacological mechanisms. We also highlight technological advances that may lead to the potential application of marine sterols in the prevention and therapy of AD.
Enhancing the Efficiency of Membrane Processes for Water Treatment
Authors: ElSherbiny Ibrahim M.A. , Panglisch Stefan
Published: March 2021

Pressure-driven membrane processes, i [...]
Influence of Duty Ratio and Current Mode on Robot 316L Stainless Steel Arc Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Yao Ping , Lin Hongyan , Wu Wei , Tang Heqing
Published: March 2021

Wire and arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) is usually for fabricating components due to its low equipment cost, high material utilization rate and cladding efficiency. However, its applications are limited by the large heat input decided by process parameters. Here, four 50-layer stainless steel parts with double-pulse and single-pulse metal inert gas (MIG) welding modes were deposited, and the effect of different duty ratios and current modes on morphology, microstructure, and performance was analyzed. The results demonstrate that the low frequency of the double-pulse had the effect of stirring the molten pool; therefore, the double-pulse mode parts presented a bigger width and smaller height, finer microstructure and better properties than the single-pulse mode. Furthermore, increasing the duty ratio from 35% to 65% enlarged the heat input, which then decreased the specimen height, increased the width, and decreased the hardness and the tensile strength.
Advances and Perspectives in Prostate Cancer Biomarker Discovery in the Last 5 Years through Tissue and Urine Metabolomics
Authors: Lima Ana Rita , Pinto Joana , Amaro Filipa , Bastos Maria de Lourdes , Carvalho Márcia , Guedes de Pinho Paula
Published: March 2021

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most diagnosed cancer in men worldwide. For its screening, serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) test has been largely performed over the past decade, despite its lack of accuracy and inability to distinguish indolent from aggressive disease. Metabolomics has been widely applied in cancer biomarker discovery due to the well-known metabolic reprogramming characteristic of cancer cells. Most of the metabolomic studies have reported alterations in urine of PCa patients due its noninvasive collection, but the analysis of prostate tissue metabolome is an ideal approach to disclose specific modifications in PCa development. This review aims to summarize and discuss the most recent findings from tissue and urine metabolomic studies applied to PCa biomarker discovery. Eighteen metabolites were found consistently altered in PCa tissue among different studies, including alanine, arginine, uracil, glutamate, fumarate, and citrate. Urine metabolomic studies also showed consistency in the dysregulation of 15 metabolites and, interestingly, alterations in the levels of valine, taurine, leucine and citrate were found in common between urine and tissue studies. These findings unveil that the impact of PCa development in human metabolome may offer a promising strategy to find novel biomarkers for PCa diagnosis.
Approaches to Integrating Metabolomics and Multi-Omics Data: A Primer
Authors: Jendoubi Takoua
Published: March 2021

Metabolomics deals with multiple and complex chemical reactions within living organisms and how these are influenced by external or internal perturbations. It lies at the heart of omics profiling technologies not only as the underlying biochemical layer that reflects information expressed by the genome, the transcriptome and the proteome, but also as the closest layer to the phenome. The combination of metabolomics data with the information available from genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics offers unprecedented possibilities to enhance current understanding of biological functions, elucidate their underlying mechanisms and uncover hidden associations between omics variables. As a result, a vast array of computational tools have been developed to assist with integrative analysis of metabolomics data with different omics. Here, we review and propose five criteria—hypothesis, data types, strategies, study design and study focus— to classify statistical multi-omics data integration approaches into state-of-the-art classes under which all existing statistical methods fall. The purpose of this review is to look at various aspects that lead the choice of the statistical integrative analysis pipeline in terms of the different classes. We will draw particular attention to metabolomics and genomics data to assist those new to this field in the choice of the integrative analysis pipeline.
Retention Enhancement in Low Power NOR Flash Array with High-κ–Based Charge-Trapping Memory by Utilizing High Permittivity and High Bandgap of Aluminum Oxide
Authors: Song Young Suh , Park Byung-Gook
Published: March 2021

For improving retention characteristics in the NOR flash array, aluminum oxide (Al2O3, alumina) is utilized and incorporated as a tunneling layer. The proposed tunneling layers consist of SiO2/Al2O3/SiO2, which take advantage of higher permittivity and higher bandgap of Al2O3 compared to SiO2 and silicon nitride (Si3N4). By adopting the proposed tunneling layers in the NOR flash array, the threshold voltage window after 10 years from programming and erasing (P/E) was improved from 0.57 V to 4.57 V. In order to validate our proposed device structure, it is compared to another stacked-engineered structure with SiO2/Si3N4/SiO2 tunneling layers through technology computer-aided design (TCAD) simulation. In addition, to verify that our proposed structure is suitable for NOR flash array, disturbance issues are also carefully investigated. As a result, it has been demonstrated that the proposed structure can be successfully applied in NOR flash memory with significant retention improvement. Consequently, the possibility of utilizing HfO2 as a charge-trapping layer in NOR flash application is opened.
Biofabrication in Congenital Cardiac Surgery: A Plea from the Operating Theatre, Promise from Science
Authors: Kiraly Laszlo , Vijayavenkataraman Sanjairaj
Published: March 2021

Despite significant advances in numerous fields of biofabrication, clinical application of biomaterials combined with bioactive molecules and/or cells largely remains a promise in an individualized patient settings. Three-dimensional (3D) printing and bioprinting evolved as promising techniques used for tissue-engineering, so that several kinds of tissue can now be printed in layers or as defined structures for replacement and/or reconstruction in regenerative medicine and surgery. Besides technological, practical, ethical and legal challenges to solve, there is also a gap between the research labs and the patients’ bedside. Congenital and pediatric cardiac surgery mostly deal with reconstructive patient-scenarios when defects are closed, various segments of the heart are connected, valves are implanted. Currently available biomaterials lack the potential of growth and conduits, valves derange over time surrendering patients to reoperations. Availability of viable, growing biomaterials could cancel reoperations that could entail significant public health benefit and improved quality-of-life. Congenital cardiac surgery is uniquely suited for closing the gap in translational research, rapid application of new techniques, and collaboration between interdisciplinary teams. This article provides a succinct review of the state-of-the art clinical practice and biofabrication strategies used in congenital and pediatric cardiac surgery, and highlights the need and avenues for translational research and collaboration.
Improved Performance of Electron Blocking Layer Free AlGaN Deep Ultraviolet Light-Emitting Diodes Using Graded Staircase Barriers
Authors: Jain Barsha , Velpula Ravi Teja , Patel Moulik , Sadaf Sharif Md. , Nguyen Hieu Pham Trung
Published: March 2021

To prevent electron leakage in deep ultraviolet (UV) AlGaN light-emitting diodes (LEDs), Al-rich p-type AlxGa(1−x)N electron blocking layer (EBL) has been utilized. However, the conventional EBL can mitigate the electron overflow only up to some extent and adversely, holes are depleted in the EBL due to the formation of positive sheet polarization charges at the heterointerface of the last quantum barrier (QB)/EBL. Subsequently, the hole injection efficiency of the LED is severely limited. In this regard, we propose an EBL-free AlGaN deep UV LED structure using graded staircase quantum barriers (GSQBs) instead of conventional QBs without affecting the hole injection efficiency. The reported structure exhibits significantly reduced thermal velocity and mean free path of electrons in the active region, thus greatly confines the electrons over there and tremendously decreases the electron leakage into the p-region. Moreover, such specially designed QBs reduce the quantum-confined Stark effect in the active region, thereby improves the electron and hole wavefunctions overlap. As a result, both the internal quantum efficiency and output power of the GSQB structure are ~2.13 times higher than the conventional structure at 60 mA. Importantly, our proposed structure exhibits only ~20.68% efficiency droop during 0–60 mA injection current, which is significantly lower compared to the regular structure.
Triboelectric Effect Enabled Self-Powered, Point-of-Care Diagnostics: Opportunities for Developing ASSURED and REASSURED Devices
Authors: Soin Navneet , Fishlock Sam J. , Kelsey Colin , Smith Suzanne
Published: March 2021

The use of rapid point-of-care (PoC) diagnostics in conjunction with physiological signal monitoring has seen tremendous progress in their availability and uptake, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). However, to truly overcome infrastructural and resource constraints, there is an urgent need for self-powered devices which can enable on-demand and/or continuous monitoring of patients. The past decade has seen the rapid rise of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) as the choice for high-efficiency energy harvesting for developing self-powered systems as well as for use as sensors. This review provides an overview of the current state of the art of such wearable sensors and end-to-end solutions for physiological and biomarker monitoring. We further discuss the current constraints and bottlenecks of these devices and systems and provide an outlook on the development of TENG-enabled PoC/monitoring devices that could eventually meet criteria formulated specifically for use in LMICs.
Can 3D Printing Bring Droplet Microfluidics to Every Lab?—A Systematic Review
Authors: Gyimah Nafisat , Scheler Ott , Rang Toomas , Pardy Tamas
Published: March 2021

In recent years, additive manufacturing has steadily gained attention in both research and industry. Applications range from prototyping to small-scale production, with 3D printing offering reduced logistics overheads, better design flexibility and ease of use compared with traditional fabrication methods. In addition, printer and material costs have also decreased rapidly. These advantages make 3D printing attractive for application in microfluidic chip fabrication. However, 3D printing microfluidics is still a new area. Is the technology mature enough to print complex microchannel geometries, such as droplet microfluidics? Can 3D-printed droplet microfluidic chips be used in biological or chemical applications? Is 3D printing mature enough to be used in every research lab? These are the questions we will seek answers to in our systematic review. We will analyze (1) the key performance metrics of 3D-printed droplet microfluidics and (2) existing biological or chemical application areas. In addition, we evaluate (3) the potential of large-scale application of 3D printing microfluidics. Finally, (4) we discuss how 3D printing and digital design automation could trivialize microfluidic chip fabrication in the long term. Based on our analysis, we can conclude that today, 3D printers could already be used in every research lab. Printing droplet microfluidics is also a possibility, albeit with some challenges discussed in this review.
Exogenous Probiotics Improve Fermentation Quality, Microflora Phenotypes, and Trophic Modes of Fermented Vegetable Waste for Animal Feed
Authors: Du Guilin , Shi Jiping , Zhang Jingxian , Ma Zhiguo , Liu Xiangcen , Yuan Chenyang , Zhang Baoguo , Zhang Zhanying , Harrison Mark D.
Published: March 2021

The fermentation of leaf vegetable waste to produce animal feed reduces the environmental impact of vegetable production and transforms leaf vegetable waste into a commodity. We investigated the effect of exogenous probiotics and lignocellulose enzymes on the quality and microbial community of fermented feed (FF) produced from cabbage waste. The addition of exogenous probiotics resulted in increased crude protein (CP) content (p < 0.05), better odor (moderate organic acid and ethanol, with low ammonia-N, p < 0.05), and a lower relative abundance (RA) of pathogens (below 0.4%, p < 0.05) in FF, compared to without. With the addition of exogenous probiotics, only Pediococcus and Saccharomyces were enriched and symbiotic in FF; these were the keystone taxa to reduce the abundance of aerobic, form-biofilms, and pathogenic microorganisms, resulting in an efficient anaerobic fermentation system characterized by facultative anaerobic and Gram-positive bacterial communities, and undefined saprotroph fungal communities. Thus, inoculation of vegetable waste fermentation with exogenous probiotics is a promising strategy to enhance the biotransformation of vegetable waste into animal feed.
Genome Sequencing of five Lacticaseibacillus Strains and Analysis of Type I and II Toxin-Antitoxin System Distribution
Authors: Levante Alessia , Lazzi Camilla , Vatsellas Giannis , Chatzopoulos Dimitris , Dionellis Vasilis S. , Makrythanasis Periklis , Neviani Erasmo , Folli Claudia
Published: March 2021

The analysis of bacterial genomes is a potent tool to investigate the distribution of specific traits related to the ability of surviving in particular environments. Among the traits associated with the adaptation to hostile conditions, toxin–antitoxin (TA) systems have recently gained attention in lactic acid bacteria. In this work, genome sequences of Lacticaseibacillus strains of dairy origin were compared, focusing on the distribution of type I TA systems homologous to Lpt/RNAII and of the most common type II TA systems. A high number of TA systems have been identified spread in all the analyzed strains, with type I TA systems mainly located on plasmid DNA. The type II TA systems identified in these strains highlight the diversity of encoded toxins and antitoxins and their organization. This study opens future perspectives on the use of genomic data as a resource for the study of TA systems distribution and prevalence in microorganisms of industrial relevance.
Genetic but No Phenotypic Associations between Biocide Tolerance and Antibiotic Resistance in Escherichia coli from German Broiler Fattening Farms
Authors: Roedel Alice , Vincze Szilvia , Projahn Michaela , Roesler Uwe , Robé Caroline , Hammerl Jens Andre , Noll Matthias , Al Dahouk Sascha , Dieckmann Ralf
Published: March 2021

Biocides are frequently applied as disinfectants in animal husbandry to prevent the transmission of drug-resistant bacteria and to control zoonotic diseases. Concerns have been raised, that their use may contribute to the selection and persistence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. Especially, extended-spectrum β-lactamase- and AmpC β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli have become a global health threat. In our study, 29 ESBL-/AmpC-producing and 64 NON-ESBL-/AmpC-producing E.coli isolates from three German broiler fattening farms collected in 2016 following regular cleaning and disinfection were phylogenetically characterized by whole genome sequencing, analyzed for phylogenetic distribution of virulence-associated genes, and screened for determinants of and associations between biocide tolerance and antibiotic resistance. Of the 30 known and two unknown sequence types detected, ST117 and ST297 were the most common genotypes. These STs are recognized worldwide as pandemic lineages causing disease in humans and poultry. Virulence determinants associated with extraintestinal pathogenic E.coli showed variable phylogenetic distribution patterns. Isolates with reduced biocide susceptibility were rarely found on the tested farms. Nine isolates displayed elevated MICs and/or MBCs of formaldehyde, chlorocresol, peroxyacetic acid, or benzalkonium chloride. Antibiotic resistance to ampicillin, trimethoprim, and sulfamethoxazole was most prevalent. The majority of ESBL-/AmpC-producing isolates carried blaCTX-M (55%) or blaCMY-2 (24%) genes. Phenotypic biocide tolerance and antibiotic resistance were not interlinked. However, biocide and metal resistance determinants were found on mobile genetic elements together with antibiotic resistance genes raising concerns that biocides used in the food industry may lead to selection pressure for strains carrying acquired resistance determinants to different antimicrobials.
Cranberry Proanthocyanidins and Dietary Oligosaccharides Synergistically Modulate Lactobacillus plantarum Physiology
Authors: Özcan Ezgi , Rozycki Michelle R. , Sela David A.
Published: March 2021

Plant-based foods contain bioactive compounds such as polyphenols that resist digestion and potentially benefit the host through interactions with their resident microbiota. Based on previous observations, we hypothesized that the probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum interacts with cranberry polyphenols and dietary oligosaccharides to synergistically impact its physiology. In this study, L. plantarum ATCC BAA-793 was grown on dietary oligosaccharides, including cranberry xyloglucans, fructooligosaccharides, and human milk oligosaccharides, in conjunction with proanthocyanidins (PACs) extracted from cranberries. As a result, L. plantarum exhibits a differential physiological response to cranberry PACs dependent on the carbohydrate source and polyphenol fraction introduced. Of the two PAC extracts evaluated, the PAC1 fraction contains higher concentrations of PACs and increased growth regardless of the oligosaccharide, whereas PAC2 positively modulates its growth during xyloglucan metabolism. Interestingly, fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are efficiently utilized in the presence of PAC1, as this L. plantarum strain does not utilize this substrate typically. Relative to glucose, oligosaccharide metabolism increases the ratio of secreted acetic acid to lactic acid. The PAC2 fraction differentially increases this ratio during cranberry xyloglucan fermentation compared with PAC1. The global transcriptome links the expression of putative polyphenol degradation genes and networks and metabolic phenotypes.
Stable Abiotic Production of Ammonia from Nitrate in Komatiite-Hosted Hydrothermal Systems in the Hadean and Archean Oceans
Authors: Nishizawa Manabu , Saito Takuya , Makabe Akiko , Ueda Hisahiro , Saitoh Masafumi , Shibuya Takazo , Takai Ken
Published: March 2021

Abiotic fixation of atmospheric dinitrogen to ammonia is important in prebiotic chemistry and biological evolution in the Hadean and Archean oceans. Though it is widely accepted that nitrate (NO3−) was generated in the early atmospheres, the stable pathways of ammonia production from nitrate deposited in the early oceans remain unknown. This paper reports results of the first experiments simulating high-temperature, high-pressure reactions between nitrate and komatiite to find probable chemical pathways to deliver ammonia to the vent–ocean interface of komatiite-hosted hydrothermal systems and the global ocean on geological timescales. The fluid chemistry and mineralogy of the komatiite–H2O–NO3− system show iron-mediated production of ammonia from nitrate with yields of 10% at 250 °C and 350 °C, 500 bars. The komatiite–H2O–NO3– system also generated H2-rich and alkaline fluids, well-known prerequisites for prebiotic and primordial metabolisms, at lower temperatures than the komatiite–H2O–CO2 system. We estimate the ammonia flux from the komatiite-hosted systems to be 105–1010 mol/y in the early oceans. If the nitrate concentration in the early oceans was greater than 10 μmol/kg, the long-term production of ammonia through thermochemical nitrate reduction for the first billion years might have allowed the subsequent development of an early biosphere in the global surface ocean. Our results imply that komatiite-hosted systems might have impacted not only H2-based chemosynthetic ecosystems at the vent-ocean interface but also photosynthetic ecosystems on the early Earth.
Amp-TB2: An Updated Model for Calcic Amphibole Thermobarometry
Authors: Ridolfi Filippo
Published: March 2021

Amphibole (Amp) plays a crucial role in the study of several earth and planetary processes. One of its most common applications is in thermobarometry, especially for volcanic-magmatic systems. However, many thermobarometers require the input of melt composition, which is not always available in volcanic products (e.g., partially crystallized melts or devitrified glasses), or show rather high errors for characterizing the depth of magma chambers. In this work, a new version of amphibole thermobarometry based on the selection of recently published high-quality experimental data is reported. It is valid for Mg-rich calcic amphiboles in magmatic equilibrium with calc-alkaline or alkaline melts across a wide P-T range (up to 2200 MPa and 1130 °C) and presents the advantage of being a single-phase model with relatively low errors (P ±12%, T ±22 °C, logfO2 ±0.3, H2O in the melt ±14%). A user-friendly spreadsheet (Amp-TB2.xlsx) for calculating the physico-chemical parameters from the composition of natural amphiboles is also reported. It gives warnings whenever the input composition is incorrect or diverges from that of the calibration data and includes diagrams for an easy graphical representation of the results.
REE and Sr–Nd Isotope Characteristics of Cambrian–Ordovician Carbonate in Taebaek and Jeongseon Area, Korea
Authors: Kim Tae-Hyeon , Lee Seung-Gu , Yu Jae-Young
Published: March 2021

Carbonate formations of the Cambro-Ordovician Period occur in the Taebaek and Jeongseon areas, located in the central–eastern part of the Korean Peninsula. This study analyzed the rare earth element (REE) contents and Sr–Nd isotope ratios in these carbonates to elucidate their depositional environment and diagenetic history. The CI chondrite-normalized REE patterns of the carbonates showed negative Eu anomalies (EuN/(SmN × GdN)1/2 = 0.50 to 0.81), but no Ce anomaly (Ce/Ce* = CeN/(LaN2 × NdN)1/3 = 1.01 ± 0.06). The plot of log (Ce/Ce*) against sea water depth indicates that the carbonates were deposited in a shallow-marine environment such as a platform margin. The 87Sr/86Sr ratios in both Taebaek and Jeongseon carbonates were higher than those in the seawater at the corresponding geological time. The 87Sr/86Sr ratios and the values of (La/Yb)N and (La/Sm)N suggest that the carbonates in the areas experienced diagenetic processes several times. Their 143Nd/144Nd ratios varied from 0.511841 to 0.511980. The low εNd values and high 87Sr/86Sr ratios in the carbonates may have resulted from the interaction with the hydrothermal fluid derived from the intrusive granite during the Cretaceous Period.
Origin of Ru-Os Sulfides from the Verkh-Neivinsk Ophiolite Massif (Middle Urals, Russia): Compositional and S-Os Isotope Evidence
Authors: Malitch Kreshimir N. , Badanina Inna Yu. , Belousova Elena A. , Murzin Valery V. , Velivetskaya Tatiana A.
Published: March 2021

This study presents new compositional and S-Os isotope data for primary Ru-Os sulfides within a platinum-group mineral (PGM) assemblage from placer deposits associated with the Verkh-Neivinsk massif, which is part of the mantle ophiolite association of Middle Urals (Russia). The primary nature of Ru-Os sulfides represented by laurite (RuS2)–erlichmanite (OsS2) series is supported by occurrence of euhedral inclusions of high-Mg olivine (Fo92–94) that fall within the compositional range of mantle (primitive) olivine (Fo 88–93). The sulfur isotope signatures of Ru-Os sulfides reveal a range of δ34S values from 0.3 to 3.3‰, with a mean of 2.05‰ and a standard deviation of 0.86‰ (n = 18), implying that the sulfur derived from a subchondritic source. A range of sub-chondritic initial 187Os/188Os values defined for Ru-Os sulfides (0.1173–0.1278) are clearly indicative of derivation from a sub-chondritic source. Re-depletion (TRD) ages of the Verkh-Neivinsk Ru-Os sulfides are consistent with prolonged melt-extraction processes and likely multi-stage evolution of highly siderophile elements (HSE) within the upper mantle. A single radiogenic 187Os/188Os value of 0.13459 ± 0.00002 determined in the erlichmanite is indicative of a supra-chondritic source of HSE. This feature can be interpreted as evidence of a radiogenic crustal component associated with a subduction event or as an indication of an enriched mantle source. The mineralogical and Os-isotope data point to a high-temperature origin of the studied PGM and two contrasting sources for HSE in Ru-Os sulfides of the Verkh-Neivinsk massif.
Phytochemical Profiling of Lavandula coronopifolia Poir. Aerial Parts Extract and Its Larvicidal, Antibacterial, and Antibiofilm Activity Against Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Emam Mahmoud , Abdel-Haleem Doaa R. , Salem Maha M. , Abdel-Hafez Lina Jamil M. , Latif Rasha R. Abdel , Farag Shaimaa Mahmoud , Sobeh Mansour , El Raey Mohamed A.
Published: March 2021

Infections associated with the emergence of multidrug resistance and mosquito-borne diseases have resulted in serious crises associated with high mortality and left behind a huge socioeconomic burden. The chemical investigation of Lavandulacoronopifolia aerial parts extract using HPLC–MS/MS led to the tentative identification of 46 compounds belonging to phenolic acids, flavonoids and their glycosides, and biflavonoids. The extract displayed larvicidal activity against Culex pipiens larvae (LC50 = 29.08 µg/mL at 72 h). It significantly inhibited cytochrome P-450 monooxygenase (CYP450), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and carboxylesterase (CarE) enzymes with the comparable pattern to the control group, which could explain the mode of larvae toxification. The extract also inhibited the biofilm formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa by 17–38% at different Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) (0.5–0.125 mg/mL) while the activity was doubled when combined with ciprofloxacin (ratio = 1:1 v:v). In conclusion, the wild plant, L.coronopifolia, can be considered a promising natural source against resistant bacteria and infectious carriers.
Structural, Thermal, and Storage Stability of Rapana Thomasiana Hemocyanin in the Presence of Cholinium-Amino Acid-Based Ionic Liquids
Authors: Guncheva Maya , Idakieva Krassimira , Todinova Svetla , Yancheva Denitsa , Paunova-Krasteva Tsvetelina , Ossowicz Paula , Janus Ewa
Published: March 2021

Novel biocompatible compounds that stabilize proteins in solution are in demand for biomedical and/or biotechnological applications. Here, we evaluated the effect of six ionic liquids, containing mono- or dicholinium [Chol]1or2 cation and anions of charged amino acids such as lysine [Lys], arginine [Arg], aspartic acid [Asp], or glutamic acid [Glu], on the structure, thermal, and storage stability of the Rapana thomasiana hemocyanin (RtH). RtH is a protein with huge biomedicinal potential due to its therapeutic, drug carrier, and adjuvant properties. Overall, the ionic liquids (ILs) induce changes in the secondary structure of RtH. However, the structure near the Cu-active site seems unaltered and the oxygen-binding capacity of the protein is preserved. The ILs showed weak antibacterial activity when tested against three Gram-negative and three Gram-positive bacterial strains. On the contrary, [Chol][Arg] and [Chol][Lys] exhibited high anti-biofilm activity against E. coli 25213 and S. aureus 29213 strains. In addition, the two ILs were able to protect RtH from chemical and microbiological degradation. Maintained or enhanced thermal stability of RtH was observed in the presence of all ILs tested, except for RtH-[Chol]2[Glu].
An Improved Synthesis of N-(4-[18F]Fluorobenzoyl)-Interleukin-2 for the Preclinical PET Imaging of Tumour-Infiltrating T-cells in CT26 and MC38 Colon Cancer Models
Authors: Khanapur Shivashankar , Yong Fui Fong , Hartimath Siddesh V. , Jiang Lingfan , Ramasamy Boominathan , Cheng Peter , Narayanaswamy Pradeep , Goggi Julian L. , Robins Edward George
Published: March 2021

Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of activated T-cells with N-(4-[18F]fluorobenzoyl)-interleukin-2 ([18F]FB-IL-2) may be a promising tool for patient management to aid in the assessment of clinical responses to immune therapeutics. Unfortunately, existing radiosynthetic methods are very low yielding due to complex and time-consuming chemical processes. Herein, we report an improved method for the synthesis of [18F]FB-IL-2, which reduces synthesis time and improves radiochemical yield. With this optimized approach, [18F]FB-IL-2 was prepared with a non-decay-corrected radiochemical yield of 3.8 ± 0.7% from [18F]fluoride, 3.8 times higher than previously reported methods. In vitro experiments showed that the radiotracer was stable with good radiochemical purity (>95%), confirmed its identity and showed preferential binding to activated mouse peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Dynamic PET imaging and ex vivo biodistribution studies in naïve Balb/c mice showed organ distribution and kinetics comparable to earlier published data on [18F]FB-IL-2. Significant improvements in the radiochemical manufacture of [18F]FB-IL-2 facilitates access to this promising PET imaging radiopharmaceutical, which may, in turn, provide useful insights into different tumour phenotypes and a greater understanding of the cellular nature and differential immune microenvironments that are critical to understand and develop new treatments for cancers.
Site-Selective Artificial Ribonucleases: Renaissance of Oligonucleotide Conjugates for Irreversible Cleavage of RNA Sequences
Authors: Staroseletz Yaroslav , Gaponova Svetlana , Patutina Olga , Bichenkova Elena , Amirloo Bahareh , Heyman Thomas , Chiglintseva Daria , Zenkova Marina
Published: March 2021

RNA-targeting therapeutics require highly efficient sequence-specific devices capable of RNA irreversible degradation in vivo. The most developed methods of sequence-specific RNA cleavage, such as siRNA or antisense oligonucleotides (ASO), are currently based on recruitment of either intracellular multi-protein complexes or enzymes, leaving alternative approaches (e.g., ribozymes and DNAzymes) far behind. Recently, site-selective artificial ribonucleases combining the oligonucleotide recognition motifs (or their structural analogues) and catalytically active groups in a single molecular scaffold have been proven to be a great competitor to siRNA and ASO. Using the most efficient catalytic groups, utilising both metal ion-dependent (Cu(II)-2,9-dimethylphenanthroline) and metal ion-free (Tris(2-aminobenzimidazole)) on the one hand and PNA as an RNA recognising oligonucleotide on the other, allowed site-selective artificial RNases to be created with half-lives of 0.5–1 h. Artificial RNases based on the catalytic peptide [(ArgLeu)2Gly]2 were able to take progress a step further by demonstrating an ability to cleave miRNA-21 in tumour cells and provide a significant reduction of tumour growth in mice.
Filling Exciton Trap-States in Two-Dimensional Tungsten Disulfide (WS2) and Diselenide (WSe2) Monolayers
Authors: Ezgi Eroglu Zeynep , Contreras Dillon , Bahrami Pouya , Azam Nurul , Mahjouri-Samani Masoud , Boulesbaa Abdelaziz
Published: March 2021

Two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (2D-TMDs) hold a great potential to platform future flexible optoelectronics. The beating hearts of these materials are their excitons known as XA and XB, which arise from transitions between spin-orbit split (SOS) levels in the conduction and valence bands at the K-point. The functionality of 2D-TMD-based devices is determined by the dynamics of these excitons. One of the most consequential channels of exciton decay on the device functionality is the defect-assisted recombination (DAR). Here, we employ steady-state absorption and emission spectroscopies, and pump density-dependent femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy to report on the effect of DAR on the lifetime of excitons in monolayers of tungsten disulfide (2D-WS2) and diselenide (2D-WSe2). These pump-probe measurements suggested that while exciton decay dynamics in both monolayers are driven by DAR, in 2D-WS2, defect states near the XB exciton fill up before those near the XA exciton. However, in the 2D-WSe2 monolayer, the defect states fill up similarly. Understanding the contribution of DAR on the lifetime of excitons and the partition of this decay channel between XA and XB excitons may open new horizons for the incorporation of 2D-TMD materials in future optoelectronics.
880 nm NIR-Triggered Organic Small Molecular-Based Nanoparticles for Photothermal Therapy of Tumor
Authors: Zhao Yunying , He Zheng , Zhang Qiang , Wang Jing , Jia Wenying , Jin Long , Zhao Linlin , Lu Yan
Published: March 2021

Photothermal therapy (PTT) has received constant attention as an efficient cancer therapy method due to locally selective treatment, which is not affected by the tumor microenvironment. In this study, a novel 880 nm near-infrared (NIR) laser-triggered photothermal agent (PTA), 3TT-IC-4Cl, was used for PTT of a tumor in deep tissue. Folic acid (FA) conjugated amphiphilic block copolymer (folic acid-polyethylene glycol-poly (β-benzyl-L-aspartate)10, FA-PEG-PBLA10) was employed to encapsulate 3TT-IC-4Cl by nano-precipitation to form stable nanoparticles (TNPs), and TNPs exhibit excellent photothermal stability and photothermal conversion efficiency. Furthermore, the in vitro results showed TNPs display excellent biocompatibility and significant phototoxicity. These results suggest that 880 nm triggered TNPs have great potential as effective PTAs for photothermal therapy of tumors in deep tissue.
Fetotoxicity of Nanoparticles: Causes and Mechanisms
Authors: Teng Chuanfeng , Jiang Cuijuan , Gao Sulian , Liu Xiaojing , Zhai Shumei
Published: March 2021

The application of nanoparticles in consumer products and nanomedicines has increased dramatically in the last decade. Concerns for the nano-safety of susceptible populations are growing. Due to the small size, nanoparticles have the potential to cross the placental barrier and cause toxicity in the fetus. This review aims to identify factors associated with nanoparticle-induced fetotoxicity and the mechanisms involved, providing a better understanding of nanotoxicity at the maternal–fetal interface. The contribution of the physicochemical properties of nanoparticles (NPs), maternal physiological, and pathological conditions to the fetotoxicity is highlighted. The underlying molecular mechanisms, including oxidative stress, DNA damage, apoptosis, and autophagy are summarized. Finally, perspectives and challenges related to nanoparticle-induced fetotoxicity are also discussed.
Electronics of Anion Hot Injection-Synthesized Te-Functionalized Kesterite Nanomaterial
Authors: Nwambaekwe Kelechi C. , Masikini Milua , Mathumba Penny , Ramoroka Morongwa E. , Duoman Samantha , John-Denk Vivian Suru , Iwuoha Emmanuel I.
Published: March 2021

Metal chalcogenides such as copper zinc tin sulfide (CZTS) have been intensively studied as potential photovoltaic cell materials, but their viability have been marred by crystal defects and low open circuit potential (Voc) deficit, which affected their energy conversion efficiency. Strategies to improve on the properties of this material such as alloying with other elements have been explored and have yielded promising results. Here, we report the synthesis of CZTS and the partial substitution of S with Te via anion hot injection synthesis method to form a solid solution of a novel kesterite nanomaterial, namely, copper zinc tin sulfide telluride (CZTSTe). Particle-size analyzed via small angle X-ray scattering spectroscopy (SAXS) confirmed that CZTS and CZTSTe materials are nanostructured. Crystal planes values of 112, 200, 220 and 312 corresponding to the kesterite phase with tetragonal modification were revealed by the X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopic analysis of CZTS and CZTSTe. The Raman spectroscopy confirmed the shifts at 281 cm−1 and 347 cm−1 for CZTS, and 124 cm−1, 149 cm−1 and 318 cm−1 for CZTSTe. High degradation rate and the production of hot electrons are very detrimental to the lifespan of photovoltaic cell (PVC) devices, and thus it is important to have PVC absorber layer materials that are thermally stable. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) analysis indicated a 10% improvement in the thermal stability of CZTSTe compared to CZTS at 650 °C. With improved electrical conductivity, low charge transfer resistance (Rct) and absorption in the visible region with a low bandgap energy (Eg) of 1.54 eV, the novel CZTSTe nanomaterials displayed favorable properties for photovoltaics application.
COVID-19 Pandemic: What about the Safety of Anti-Coronavirus Nanoparticles?
Authors: Mosselhy Dina A. , Virtanen Jenni , Kant Ravi , He Wei , Elbahri Mady , Sironen Tarja
Published: March 2021

Every day, new information is presented with respect to how to best combat the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This manuscript sheds light on such recent findings, including new co-factors (i.e., neuropilin-1) and routes (i.e., olfactory transmucosal) allowing cell entry of SARS-CoV-2 and induction of neurological symptoms, as well as the new SARS-CoV-2 variants. We highlight the SARS-CoV-2 human–animal interfaces and elaborate containment strategies using the same vaccination (i.e., nanoparticle “NP” formulations of the BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 vaccines) for humans, minks, raccoon dogs, cats, and zoo animals. We investigate the toxicity issues of anti-CoV NPs (i.e., plasmonic NPs and quantum dots) on different levels. Namely, nano–bio interfaces (i.e., protein corona), in vitro (i.e., lung cells) and in vivo (i.e., zebrafish embryos) assessments, and impacts on humans are discussed in a narrative supported by original figures. Ultimately, we express our skeptical opinion on the comprehensive administration of such antiviral nanotheranostics, even when integrated into facemasks, because of their reported toxicities and the different NP parameters (e.g., size, shape, surface charge, and purity and chemical composition of NPs) that govern their end toxicity. We believe that more toxicity studies should be performed and be presented, clarifying the odds of the safe administration of nanotoxocological solutions and the relief of a worried public.