bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inverse Thermal Analysis as a Tool for Optimizing Concentrated Solar Energy Elaboration of Wear Resistant Surface Layers
Authors: Zervaki Anna D. , Lambrakos Samuel G. , Mourlas Athanasios G. , Papantoniou Ioannis G. , Rodríguez José , Psyllaki Pandora P.
Published: May 2023

Concentrated Solar Energy (CSE) processing is considered a promising renewable energy source technique for elaborating thick, wear-resistant claddings onto metallic surfaces of large dimensions that are expected to operate in heavy duty applications, such as excavator shovels, mineral crushers, etc. However, the prediction of surface processing effects on the microstructure and the properties of the main construction base metal are of crucial importance, as they are commonly required in all surface modification techniques. Thus, the present study is focused on the inverse thermal analysis and parametric modeling of heat deposition associated with CSE surface processing of metals. In this preliminary attempt, experimental findings that concern the elaboration of TiC- and chromium carbide-reinforced clads onto common steel base metals were used to quantify the evaluation of the temperature histories within the volume of workpieces undergoing solar heating, where direct temperature measurements contain uncertainties and/or are not even possible. Results of prototype inverse thermal analyses of heat transfer in processed layer-substrate systems are presented, demonstrating the general aspects of a parametric model for thermal analysis and simulation.
A Flexible Six-in-One Microsensor Embedded in a Vanadium Redox Flow Battery for Long-Term Monitoring
Authors: Lee Chi-Yuan , Chen Chia-Hung , Chen Yu-Chun , Fan Kai-Siang
Published: May 2023

The vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB) can be used as a supporting technology for energy storage corresponding to wind and solar power generation. An aqueous vanadium compound solution can be used repeatedly. As the monomer is large, the flow uniformity of electrolytes in the battery is better, the service life is long, and the safety is better. Hence, large-scale electrical energy storage can be achieved. The instability and discontinuity of renewable energy can then be solved. If the VRFB precipitates in the channel, there will be a strong impact on the flow of vanadium electrolyte, and the channel could even be blocked as a result. The factors which influence its performance and life include electrical conductivity, voltage, current, temperature, electrolyte flow, and channel pressure. This study used micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) technology to develop a flexible six-in-one microsensor which can be embedded in the VRFB for microscopic monitoring. The microsensor can perform real-time and simultaneous long-term monitoring of the physical parameters of VRFB, such as electrical conductivity, temperature, voltage, current, flow, and pressure to keep the VRFB system in the best operating condition.
Crosstalk Analysis of Delay-Insensitive Code in High-Speed Package Interconnects
Authors: Sun Bo , Xu Zhaoxin
Published: May 2023

The development of integrated circuits has increased the size of chip interconnects, which has brought challenges to interconnect design in chip packages. The closer the spacing between interconnects, the higher the space utilization, which can cause severe crosstalk problems in high-speed circuits. In this paper, we applied delay-insensitive coding to the design of high-speed package interconnects. We also analyzed the effect of delay-insensitive coding on crosstalk improvement in package interconnects at 26 GHz for its high crosstalk immunity. Compared to the synchronous transmission circuit, the 1-of-2 and 1-of-4 encoded circuits designed in this paper can reduce crosstalk peaks by 22.9% and 17.5% on average at a wiring spacing of 1–7 μm, which can achieve closer wiring spacing.
Editorial for the Special Issue on High-Power Lasers for Materials Processing
Authors: Salzenstein Patrice
Published: May 2023

Power lasers have been around for a long time [...]
Molecular Characterization of Dengue Virus Strains from the 2019–2020 Epidemic in Hanoi, Vietnam
Authors: Phadungsombat Juthamas , Vu Huong Thi Thu , Nguyen Quynh Thi , Nguyen Ha Thi Van , Nguyen Ha Thi Nhu , Dang Bich Thi , Nakayama Emi E. , Ishizaki Azumi , Ichimura Hiroshi , Shioda Tatsuo , Pham Thach Ngoc
Published: May 2023

Dengue virus (DENV), which has circulated in Vietnam for several decades, has multiple serotypes and genotypes. A 2019 dengue outbreak resulted in a larger number of cases than any other outbreak. We conducted a molecular characterization using samples collected in 2019–2020 from dengue patients in Hanoi and nearby cities located in northern Vietnam. The circulating serotypes were DENV-1 (25%, n = 22) and DENV-2 (73%, n = 64). Phylogenetic analyses revealed that all DENV-1 (n = 13) were genotype I and clustered to local strains circulating during the previous outbreak in the 2017, whereas DENV-2 consisted of two genotypes: Asian-I (n = 5), related to local strains from 2006–2022, and cosmopolitan (n = 18), the predominant genotype in this epidemic. The current cosmopolitan virus was identified as having an Asian-Pacific lineage. The virus was closely related to strains in other recent outbreaks in Southeast Asian countries and China. Multiple introductions occurred in 2016–2017, which were possibly from maritime Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia), mainland Southeast Asia (Cambodia and Thailand), or China, rather than from an expansion of localized Vietnamese cosmopolitan strains that were previously detected in the 2000s. We also analyzed the genetic relationship between Vietnam’s cosmopolitan strain and recent global strains reported from Asia, Oceania, Africa, and South America. This analysis revealed that viruses of Asian-Pacific lineage are not restricted to Asia but have spread to Peru and Brazil in South America.
Investigating Bio-Inspired Degradation of Toxic Dyes Using Potential Multi-Enzyme Producing Extremophiles
Authors: Pham Van Hong Thi , Kim Jaisoo , Chang Soonwoong , Bang Donggyu
Published: May 2023

Biological treatment methods overcome many of the drawbacks of physicochemical strategies and play a significant role in removing dye contamination for environmental sustainability. Numerous microorganisms have been investigated as promising dye-degrading candidates because of their high metabolic potential. However, few can be applied on a large scale because of the extremely harsh conditions in effluents polluted with multiple dyes, such as alkaline pH, high salinity/heavy metals/dye concentration, high temperature, and oxidative stress. Therefore, extremophilic microorganisms offer enormous opportunities for practical biodegradation processes as they are naturally adapted to multi-stress conditions due to the special structure of their cell wall, capsule, S-layer proteins, extracellular polymer substances (EPS), and siderophores structural and functional properties such as poly-enzymes produced. This review provides scientific information for a broader understanding of general dyes, their toxicity, and their harmful effects. The advantages and disadvantages of physicochemical methods are also highlighted and compared to those of microbial strategies. New techniques and methodologies used in recent studies are briefly summarized and discussed. In particular, this study addresses the key adaptation mechanisms, whole-cell, enzymatic degradation, and non-enzymatic pathways in aerobic, anaerobic, and combination conditions of extremophiles in dye degradation and decolorization. Furthermore, they have special metabolic pathways and protein frameworks that contribute significantly to the complete mineralization and decolorization of the dye when all functions are turned on. The high potential efficiency of microbial degradation by unculturable and multi-enzyme-producing extremophiles remains a question that needs to be answered in practical research.
Microplastic Pollution in Sea Turtle Nests on the Beaches of Nautla and Vega de Alatorre, Veracruz
Authors: Estrella-Jordan Belem Anahy , Lango-Reynoso Fabiola , Castañeda-Chávez María del Refugio , Montoya-Mendoza Jesús , Reynier-Valdes David
Published: May 2023

Microplastic contamination has become a topic of interest and concern worldwide due to its persistence and the possible effects it may cause to the environment. When microplastics are present, they can alter their physical properties, negatively affecting the surrounding fauna, such as sea turtles that use the beaches to nest in the sand. In this study, the exposure of sea turtle nests to microplastics on the beaches of Nautla and Vega de Alatorre, Veracruz, one of the main nesting areas for the green turtle Chelonia mydas, as well as Kemp’s ridley turtle Lepidochelis kempii from the Gulf of Mexico, was determined. Sand samples were obtained directly from the nests in situ on four beaches in the area and from two nesting pens, revealing the presence of microplastics in 100% of the nests in situ, with an average abundance of 2.43 ± 2.66 #MP/kg SS and a concentration of 0.00672 ± 0.02286 mgMP/kg SS, predominantly the form of foam, white in color, and from 1 to 2 mm in size.
Investigating Effects of Structural Deformation Regimes on Mineralization Distributions in Fluid-Saturated Rocks: Computational Simulation Approach through Generic Models
Authors: Zhao Chongbin , Liu Qibo
Published: May 2023

Structural deformation regimes in the upper crust of the Earth can have significant effects on the distributions of pore-fluid flow in existing fissured and fractured zones, which are surrounded by fluid-saturated porous rocks. Based on the modern mineralization theory, mineralization distributions in ore-forming systems depend strongly on the distributions of pore-fluid flow velocity. Therefore, different structural deformation regimes associated with mineralization systems can remarkably affect mineralization distributions in existing fissured and fractured zones. This article utilizes a computational simulation approach, which is rigorously developed on the basis of fundamental scientific laws and principles, to solve coupled rock deformation, porosity–permeability evolution and pore-fluid flow problems, which are deeply involved in rock deformation driven mineralization systems. In particular, the porosity and permeability variations, which are caused by rock deformation, and often neglected in the previous studies of solving mineralization problems, are explicitly considered in the computational simulation approach of this study. The proposed approach is verified through a benchmark problem and, moreover, it was employed to examine how different structural deformation regimes can affect the mineralization distributions in existing fissured and fractured zones within the surrounding fluid-saturated porous rocks through using a generic model, which can be viewed as a representation of a generalized and simplified geological model. Main results obtained from this study have demonstrated the following conclusions: (1) consideration of porosity–permeability variations can have significant impacts on the computational simulation solutions of coupled rock deformation, porosity–permeability evolution and pore-fluid flow problems in fluid-saturated porous rocks; (2) different structural deformation regimes can have a significant effect on the mineralization enrichment distributions in ore-forming systems consisting of fluid-saturated porous rocks; (3) there are two favorable mineralization enrichment environments associated with compressional and extensional deformation regimes in ore-forming systems involving permeable fractured zones or faults.
Alkali Halide and MIBC Interaction at Typical Flotation Interfaces in Saline Water as Determined by Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Alvarado Omar , Quezada Gonzalo R. , Saavedra Jorge H. , Rozas Roberto E. , Gutiérrez Leopoldo , Toledo Pedro G.
Published: May 2023

The molecular structure of the liquid–vapor interfaces of aqueous solutions of alkali metal halides and methyl isobutyl carbinol (MIBC, (CH3)2CHCH2COCH3) is determined by using molecular dynamics simulations with polarizable force fields for the first time. The salts are chlorides, and iodides, some of which are found in raw and partially desalinated seawater increasingly used in flotation operations in regions affected by severe and prolonged drought. The density profiles at the interfaces show that all ions prefer the interface; however, with MIBC, non-polarizable ions, generally small ones, are increasingly pushed into the liquid bulk. A few ions of comparatively less ionic NaCl than KCl and CsCl, persist at the interface, consistent with spectroscopy observations. On the other hand, strongly polarizable ions such as I− always share the interface with MIBC. In the presence of chlorides, the frother chains at the interface stretch slightly more toward vapor than in freshwater; however, in the presence of iodides, the chains stretch so much that they become orthogonal to the interface, giving rise to a well-packed monolayer, which is the most effective configuration. The dominant water configurations at the interface are double donor and single donor, with hydrogen atoms pointing toward the liquid, consistent with studies with sum-frequency generation experiments and extensive ab initio simulations. This picture changes radically in the presence of MIBC and salts. Depending on the halide and MIBC concentration, the different molecular configurations at the interface lead to very different surface tensions. The structure and properties of these new salt-rich interfaces and their impact on the location and arrangement of frother molecules should serve the flotation practitioner, especially in the search for the best frother and dosing in poor-quality water.
Multi-Analytical Techniques to Define the Mineralogical and Petrophysical Characteristics and Provenance of Siliceous Lithic Findings: The Case Study of La Calvera Rock Shelter (Cantabria, Spain)
Authors: Columbu Stefano , Fancello Dario , Gallello Gianni , Ramacciotti Mirco , Diez-Castillo Agustin
Published: May 2023

This archaeometric study aims at characterizing the archaeological finds belonging to the lithic industry from La Calvera rock shelter (Camaleño, Cantabria) and at hypothesizing the possible provenance of each material. The site, located in the mountainous area of Picos de Europa National Park (more than 1000 m a.s.l.) close to the megalithic complex of Peña Oviedo, is characterized by the presence of hearths and charcoal remains, ancient pottery, and a rich lithic assemblage composed of siliceous rocks dating back to >8000 BP and linked to the first Holocene occupations of the Cantabrian Mountains. For the study of the rock shelter’s lithic assemblage, a multi-analytical approach was used: SEM-EDS and XRD analyses were performed to define the microtextural characteristics of samples and to identify the amorphous/crystalline phases; physical and mechanical tests were conducted to define the petrophysical properties (density, porosity, imbibition and saturation indexes, mechanical strength) of the samples. Preliminary data of chemical compositions, obtained by portable XRF, are also presented. The results show that the different siliceous materials (quartzite, cherts, hyaline quartz) can be distinguished through the basic analytical techniques used here. In addition, most of the archaeological samples have mineralogical and petrographic features similar to the natural samples coming from nearby outcrops, corroborating the hypothesis of a local material supply. The presence of local sources of useful raw materials could have favoured the site’s occupation. Finally, the diverse compositional and textural feature of the analysed materials result in different mechanical properties (porosity, density, hardness, workability), so they likely had different uses and technical functions.
The Evolution of the REE-Bearing Özvatan Nepheline Syenite-Carbonatite Complex, Central Turkey: Mineralogical, Geochemical, and Stable Isotopic Approaches
Authors: Unluer Ali Tugcan , Budakoglu Murat , Doner Zeynep , Abdelnasser Amr
Published: May 2023

Carbonatite complexes and associated fenite zones are famous for their high-grade rare metal ores. The carbonatite–fenite complexes generally contain high concentrations of light rare earth elements (LREE), thorium (Th), and uranium (U). While most carbonatites are closely related to continental rift zones, some complexes can be observed in post-collisional tectonic environments. The Özvatan nepheline syenite–carbonatite complex is an example of post-collisional carbonatitic magmatism in Central Anatolia, Turkey. The magmatic suite is generally composed of silica-undersaturated ultra-alkaline rocks and carbonatite dikes accompanied by high-intensity fenite zones. The carbonatites of the complex are generally dominated by coarse-grained calcite minerals accompanied by fluorite phenocrysts and may also contain minor amounts of rock-forming silicate minerals. The metasomatic aureole zones (fenites) are mainly composed of euhedral nephelines, K-feldspars, aegirines, augites, and garnets. Carbonatites of the Özvatan complex show enrichments in Ca and F with depletion of alkaline (K and Na) elements. Carbonatites and fenite zones of the Özvatan complex host a variety of incompatible elements, including La, Ce, Nd, Th, U, and Nb. The isotopic composition and general geochemical properties of carbonatites in the study area represent mantle-derived carbonatites rather than crustal limestones/skarns.
Ca3SiO4Cl2—An Anthropogenic Phase from Burnt Mine Dumps of the Chelyabinsk Coal Basin: Crystal Structure Refinement, Spectroscopic Study and Thermal Evolution
Authors: Brazhnikova Anastasia S. , Avdontceva Margarita S. , Zolotarev Andrey A. , Krzhizhanovskaya Maria G. , Bocharov Vladimir N. , Shilovskikh Vladimir V. , Rassomakhin Mikhail A. , Gurzhiy Vladislav V. , Krivovichev Sergey V.
Published: May 2023

The mineral-like phase Ca3SiO4Cl2, an anthropogenic anhydrous calcium chlorine-silicate from the Chelyabinsk coal basin has been investigated using single-crystal and high-temperature powder X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. The empirical formula of this phase was calculated as Ca2.96[(Si0.98P0.03)Σ1.01O4]Cl2, in good agreement with its ideal formula. Ca3SiO4Cl2 is monoclinic, space group P21/c, Z = 4, a = 9.8367(6) Å, b = 6.7159(4) Å, c = 10.8738(7) Å, β = 105.735(6)°, V = 691.43(8) Å3. The crystal structure is based upon the pseudo-layers formed by Ca–O and Si–O bonds separated by Cl atoms. The pseudo-layers are parallel to the (100) plane. The crystal structure of Ca3SiO4Cl2 was refined (R1 = 0.037) and stable up to 660 °C; it expands anisotropically with the direction of the strongest thermal expansion close to parallel to the [−101] direction, which can be explained by the combination of thermal expansion and shear deformations that involves the ‘gliding’ of the Ca silicate layers relative to each other. The Raman spectrum of the compound contains the following bands (cm–1): 950 (ν3), 848 (ν1), 600 (ν4), 466 (ν2), 372 (ν2). The bands near 100–200 cm−1 can be described as lattice modes. The compound had also been found under natural conditions in association with chlorellestadite.
Nanoparticle-Imprinted Silica Gel for the Size-Selective Capture of Silver Ultrafine Nanoparticles from Water
Authors: Pallavicini Piersandro , Preti Luca , Protopapa Maria L. , Carbone Daniela , Capodieci Laura , Diaz Fernandez Yuri A. , Milanese Chiara , Taglietti Angelo , Doveri Lavinia
Published: May 2023

A synthetic approach has been developed to prepare silica gel monoliths that embed well separated silver or gold spherical nanoparticles (NP), with diameters of 8, 18 and 115 nm. Fe3+, O2/cysteine and HNO3 were all successfully used to oxidize and remove silver NP from silica, while aqua regia was necessary for gold NP. In all cases, NP-imprinted silica gel materials were obtained, with spherical voids of the same dimensions of the dissolved particles. By grinding the monoliths, we prepared NP-imprinted silica powders that were able to efficiently reuptake silver ultrafine NP (Ag-ufNP, d = 8 nm) from aqueous solutions. Moreover, the NP-imprinted silica powders showed a remarkable size selectivity, based on the best match between NP radius and the curvature radius of the cavities, driven by the optimization of attractive Van der Waals forces between SiO2 and NP. Ag-ufNP are increasingly used in products, goods, medical devices, disinfectants, and their consequent diffusion in the environment is of rising concern. Although limited here to a proof-of-concept level, the materials and methods described in this paper may be an efficient solution for capturing Ag-ufNP from environmental waters and to safely dispose them.
Combining the Classification and Pharmacophore Approaches to Understand Homogeneous Olfactory Perceptions at Peripheral Level: Focus on Two Aroma Mixtures
Authors: Rugard Marylène , Audouze Karine , Tromelin Anne
Published: May 2023

The mechanisms involved in the homogeneous perception of odorant mixtures remain largely unknown. With the aim of enhancing knowledge about blending and masking mixture perceptions, we focused on structure-odor relationships by combining the classification and pharmacophore approaches. We built a dataset of about 5000 molecules and their related odors and reduced the multidimensional space defined by 1014 fingerprints representing the structures to a tridimensional 3D space using uniform manifold approximation and projection (UMAP). The self-organizing map (SOM) classification was then performed using the 3D coordinates in the UMAP space that defined specific clusters. We explored the allocating in these clusters of the components of two aroma mixtures: a blended mixture (red cordial (RC) mixture, 6 molecules) and a masking binary mixture (isoamyl acetate/whiskey-lactone [IA/WL]). Focusing on clusters containing the components of the mixtures, we looked at the odor notes carried by the molecules belonging to these clusters and also at their structural features by pharmacophore modeling (PHASE). The obtained pharmacophore models suggest that WL and IA could have a common binding site(s) at the peripheral level, but that would be excluded for the components of RC. In vitro experiments will soon be carried out to assess these hypotheses.
Extended-Synaptotagmin 1 Enhances Liver Cancer Progression Mediated by the Unconventional Secretion of Cytosolic Proteins
Authors: Yamada Kohji , Hannya Yoshito , Oikawa Tsunekazu , Yoshida Ayano , Katagiri Kuniko , Yoshida Saishu , Koizumi Rei , Tago Naoko , Shimoyama Yuya , Kawamura Akira , Mochimaru Yuta , Eto Ken , Yoshida Kiyotsugu
Published: May 2023

Extended-synaptotagmin 1 (E-Syt1) is an endoplasmic reticulum membrane protein that is involved in cellular lipid transport. Our previous study identified E-Syt1 as a key factor for the unconventional protein secretion of cytoplasmic proteins in liver cancer, such as protein kinase C delta (PKCδ); however, it is unclear whether E-Syt1 is involved in tumorigenesis. Here, we showed that E-Syt1 contributes to the tumorigenic potential of liver cancer cells. E-Syt1 depletion significantly suppressed the proliferation of liver cancer cell lines. Database analysis revealed that E-Syt1 expression is a prognostic factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Immunoblot analysis and cell-based extracellular HiBiT assays showed that E-Syt1 was required for the unconventional secretion of PKCδ in liver cancer cells. Furthermore, deficiency of E-Syt1 suppressed the activation of insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) and extracellular-signal-related kinase 1/2 (Erk1/2), both of which are signaling pathways mediated by extracellular PKCδ. Three-dimensional sphere formation and xenograft model analysis revealed that E-Syt1 knockout significantly decreased tumorigenesis in liver cancer cells. These results provide evidence that E-Syt1 is critical for oncogenesis and is a therapeutic target for liver cancer.
Distribution of Bipartite and Tripartite Entanglement within a Spin-1/2 Heisenberg Star in a Magnetic Field
Authors: Karlόvá Katarína , Strečka Jozef
Published: May 2023

The spatial distribution of entanglement within a spin-1/2 Heisenberg star composed from a single central spin and three peripheral spins is examined in the presence of an external magnetic field using the Kambe projection method, which allows an exact calculation of the bipartite and tripartite negativity serving as a measure of the bipartite and tripartite entanglement. Apart from a fully separable polarized ground state emergent at high-enough magnetic fields, the spin-1/2 Heisenberg star exhibits at lower magnetic fields three outstanding nonseparable ground states. The first quantum ground state exhibits the bipartite and tripartite entanglement over all possible decompositions of the spin star into any pair or triad of spins, whereby the bipartite and tripartite entanglement between the central and peripheral spins dominates over that between the peripheral spins. The second quantum ground state has a remarkably strong tripartite entanglement between any triad of spins in spite of the lack of bipartite entanglement. The central spin of the spin star is separable from the remaining three peripheral spins within the third quantum ground state, where the peripheral spins are subject to the strongest tripartite entanglement arising from a two-fold degenerate W-state.
Electrochemistry of Thin Films and Nanostructured Materials
Authors: Sulka Grzegorz Dariusz
Published: May 2023

In the last few decades, the development and use of thin films and nanostructured materials to enhance physical and chemical properties of materials has been common practice in the field of materials science and engineering. The progress which has recently been made in tailoring the unique properties of thin films and nanostructured materials, such as a high surface area to volume ratio, surface charge, structure, anisotropic nature, and tunable functionalities, allow expanding the range of their possible applications from mechanical, structural, and protective coatings to electronics, energy storage systems, sensing, optoelectronics, catalysis, and biomedicine. Recent advances have also focused on the importance of electrochemistry in the fabrication and characterization of functional thin films and nanostructured materials, as well as various systems and devices based on these materials. Both cathodic and anodic processes are being extensively developed in order to elaborate new procedures and possibilities for the synthesis and characterization of thin films and nanostructured materials.
Repositioned Natural Compounds and Nanoformulations: A Promising Combination to Counteract Cell Damage and Inflammation in Respiratory Viral Infections
Authors: Mariano Alessia , Bigioni Irene , Marchetti Magda , Scotto d’Abusco Anna , Superti Fabiana
Published: May 2023

Respiratory viral diseases are among the most important causes of disability, morbidity, and death worldwide. Due to the limited efficacy or side effects of many current therapies and the increase in antiviral-resistant viral strains, the need to find new compounds to counteract these infections is growing. Since the development of new drugs is a time-consuming and expensive process, numerous studies have focused on the reuse of commercially available compounds, such as natural molecules with therapeutic properties. This phenomenon is generally called drug repurposing or repositioning and represents a valid emerging strategy in the drug discovery field. Unfortunately, the use of natural compounds in therapy has some limitations, due to their poor kinetic performance and consequently reduced therapeutic effect. The advent of nanotechnology in biomedicine has allowed this limitation to be overcome, showing that natural compounds in nanoform may represent a promising strategy against respiratory viral infections. In this narrative review, the beneficial effects of some promising natural molecules, curcumin, resveratrol, quercetin, and vitamin C, which have been already studied both in native form and in nanoform, against respiratory viral infections are presented and discussed. The review focuses on the ability of these natural compounds, analyzed in in vitro and in vivo studies, to counteract inflammation and cellular damage induced by viral infection and provide scientific evidence of the benefits of nanoformulations in increasing the therapeutic potential of these molecules.
Development of Green and High Throughput Microplate Reader-Assisted Universal Microwell Spectrophotometric Assay for Direct Determination of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Their Pharmaceutical Formulations Irrespective the Diversity of Their Chemical Structures
Authors: Darwish Ibrahim A. , Alzoman Nourah Z.
Published: May 2023

This study discusses the development and validation of a universal microwell spectrophotometric assay for TKIs, regardless of the diversity in their chemical structures. The assay depends on directly measuring the native ultraviolet light (UV) absorption of TKIs. The assay was carried out using UV-transparent 96-microwell plates and the absorbance signals were measured by a microplate reader at 230 nm, at which all TKIs had light absorption. Beer’s law correlating the absorbances of TKIs with their corresponding concentrations was obeyed in the range of 2–160 µg mL–1 with excellent correlation coefficients (0.9991–0.9997). The limits of detection and limits quantitation were in the ranges of 0.56–5.21 and 1.69–15.78 µg mL–1, respectively. The proposed assay showed high precision as the values of the relative standard deviations for the intra- and inter-assay precisions did not exceed 2.03 and 2.14%, respectively. The accuracy of the assay was proven as the recovery values were in the range of 97.8–102.9% (±0.8–2.4%). The proposed assay was successfully applied to the quantitation of all TKIs in their pharmaceutical formulations (tablets) with reliable results in terms of high accuracy and precision. The assay greenness was evaluated, and the results proved that the assay fulfils the requirements of green analytical approach. The proposed assay is the first assay that can analyse all TKIs on a single assay system without chemical derivatization or modifications in the detection wavelength. In addition, the simple and simultaneous handling of a large number of samples as a batch using micro-volumes of samples gave the assay the advantage of high throughput analysis, which is a serious demand in the pharmaceutical industry.
Chitosan Modulates Volatile Organic Compound Emission from the Biocontrol Fungus Pochonia chlamydosporia
Authors: Mestre-Tomás Jorge , Esgueva-Vilà David , Fuster-Alonso Alba , Lopez-Moya Federico , Lopez-Llorca Luis V.
Published: May 2023

Fungal volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are responsible for fungal odor and play a key role in biological processes and ecological interactions. VOCs represent a promising area of research to find natural metabolites for human exploitation. Pochonia chlamydosporia is a chitosan-resistant nematophagous fungus used in agriculture to control plant pathogens and widely studied in combination with chitosan. The effect of chitosan on the production of VOCs from P. chlamydosporia was analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Several growth stages in rice culture medium and different times of exposure to chitosan in modified Czapek–Dox broth cultures were analyzed. GC-MS analysis resulted in the tentative identification of 25 VOCs in the rice experiment and 19 VOCs in the Czapek–Dox broth cultures. The presence of chitosan in at least one of the experimental conditions resulted in the de novo production of 3-methylbutanoic acid and methyl 2,4-dimethylhexanoate, and oct-1-en-3-ol and tetradec-1-ene in the rice and Czapek–Dox experiments, respectively. Other VOCs changed their abundance because of the effect of chitosan and fungal age. Our findings suggest that chitosan can be used as a modulator of the production of VOCs in P. chlamydosporia and that there is also an effect of fungal age and exposure time.
Light Control-Induced Oxygen Vacancy Generation and In Situ Surface Heterojunction Reconstruction for Boosting CO2 Reduction
Authors: Yuan Zhimin , Zhu Xianglin , Gao Qichao , Jiang Zaiyong
Published: May 2023

The weak adsorption of CO2 and the fast recombination of photogenerated charges harshly restrain the photocatalytic CO2 reduction efficiency. The simultaneous catalyst design with strong CO2 capture ability and fast charge separation efficiency is challenging. Herein, taking advantage of the metastable characteristic of oxygen vacancy, amorphous defect Bi2O2CO3 (named BOvC) was built on the surface of defect-rich BiOBr (named BOvB) through an in situ surface reconstruction progress, in which the CO32− in solution reacted with the generated Bi(3−x)+ around the oxygen vacancies. The in situ formed BOvC is tightly in contact with the BOvB and can prevent the further destruction of the oxygen vacancy sites essential for CO2 adsorption and visible light utilization. Additionally, the superficial BOvC associated with the internal BOvB forms a typical heterojunction promoting the interface carriers’ separation. Finally, the in situ formation of BOvC boosted the BOvB and showed better activity in the photocatalytic reduction of CO2 into CO (three times compared to that of pristine BiOBr). This work provides a comprehensive solution for governing defects chemistry and heterojunction design, as well as gives an in-depth understanding of the function of vacancies in CO2 reduction.
Microbial Diversity and Bioactive Compounds in Dried Lycium barbarum Fruits (Goji): A Comparative Study
Authors: Rajkowska Katarzyna , Otlewska Anna , Broncel Natalia , Kunicka-Styczyńska Alina
Published: May 2023

This study compares the microbial diversity and content of bioactive compounds in dried goji berries available on the Polish market to those of the most highly valued goji berries from the Ningxia region in China. The content of phenols, flavonoids, and carotenoids were determined, as well as the antioxidant capacities of the fruits. The quantitative and qualitative composition of the microbiota inhabiting the fruits was assessed using metagenomics by high-throughput sequencing on the Illumina platform. The highest quality was demonstrated by naturally dried fruits from the Ningxia region. These berries were characterized by a high content of polyphenols and high antioxidant activity, as well as high microbial quality. The lowest antioxidant capacity was shown by goji berries cultivated in Poland. However, they contained a high amount of carotenoids. The highest microbial contamination was found in the goji berries available in Poland (>106 CFU/g), which is important in terms of consumer safety. Despite the widely accepted benefits of consuming goji berries, both the country of cultivation and the preservation method may influence their composition, bioactivity, and microbial quality.
Novel Approach to the Construction of Fused Indolizine Scaffolds: Synthesis of Rosettacin and the Aromathecin Family of Compounds
Authors: Mizuno Shohta , Nishiyama Takashi , Endo Mai , Sakoguchi Koharu , Yoshiura Takaki , Bessho Hana , Motoyashiki Toshio , Hatae Noriyuki , Choshi Tominari
Published: May 2023

Camptothecin-like compounds are actively employed as anticancer drugs in clinical treatments. The aromathecin family of compounds, which contains the same indazolidine core structure as the camptothecin family of compounds, is also expected to display promising anticancer activity. Therefore, the development of a suitable and scalable synthetic method of aromathecin synthesis is of great research interest. In this study, we report the development of a new synthetic approach for constructing the pentacyclic scaffold of the aromathecin family by forming the indolizidine moiety after synthesizing the isoquinolone moiety. Thermal cyclization of 2-alkynylbenzaldehyde oxime to the isoquinoline N-oxide, followed by a Reissert–Henze-type reaction, forms the key strategy in this isoquinolone synthesis. Under the optimum reaction conditions for the Reissert–Henze-type reaction step, microwave irradiation-assisted heating of the purified N-oxide in acetic anhydride at 50 °C reduced the formation of the 4-acetoxyisoquinoline byproduct to deliver the desired isoquinolone at a 73% yield after just 3.5 h. The eight-step sequence employed afforded rosettacin (simplest member of the aromathecin family) at a 23.8% overall yield. The synthesis of rosettacin analogs was achieved by applying the developed strategy and may be generally applicable to the production of other fused indolizidine compounds.
Chemical Composition and In Vitro Antioxidant Activity of Salvia aratocensis (Lamiaceae) Essential Oils and Extracts
Authors: Henríquez Juan C. , Duarte Laura V. , Sierra Lady J. , Fernández-Alonso José L. , Martínez Jairo R. , Stashenko Elena E.
Published: May 2023

Salvia aratocensis (Lamiaceae) is an endemic shrub from the Chicamocha River Canyon in Santander (Colombia). Its essential oil (EO) was distilled from the aerial parts of the plant via steam distillation and microwave-assisted hydrodistillation and analyzed using GC/MS and GC/FID. Hydroethanolic extracts were isolated from dry plants before distillation and from the residual plant material after distillation. The extracts were characterized via UHPLC-ESI(+/−)-Orbitrap-HRMS. The S. aratocensis essential oil was rich in oxygenated sesquiterpenes (60–69%) and presented τ-cadinol (44–48%) and 1,10-di-epi-cubenol (21–24%) as its major components. The in vitro antioxidant activity of the EOs, measured via an ABTS+• assay, was 32–49 μmol Trolox® g−1 and that measured using the ORAC assay was 1520–1610 μmol Trolox® g−1. Ursolic acid (28.9–39.8 mg g−1) and luteolin-7-O-glucuronide (1.16–25.3 mg g−1) were the major S. aratocensis extract constituents. The antioxidant activity of the S. aratocensis extract, obtained from undistilled plant material, was higher (82 ± 4 μmol Trolox® g−1, ABTS+•; 1300 ± 14 μmol Trolox® g−1, ORAC) than that of the extracts obtained from the residual plant material (51–73 μmol Trolox® g−1, ABTS+•; 752–1205 μmol Trolox® g−1, ORAC). S. aratocensis EO and extract had higher ORAC antioxidant capacity than the reference substances butyl hydroxy toluene (98 μmol Trolox® g−1) and α-tocopherol (450 μmol Trolox® g−1). S. aratocensis EOs and extracts have the potential to be used as natural antioxidants for cosmetics and pharmaceutical products.
Multiple Bioimaging Applications Based on the Excellent Properties of Nanodiamond: A Review
Authors: Wang Xinyue , Sang Dandan , Zou Liangrui , Ge Shunhao , Yao Yu , Fan Jianchao , Wang Qinglin
Published: May 2023

Nanodiamonds (NDs) are emerging as a promising candidate for multimodal bioimaging on account of their optical and spectroscopic properties. NDs are extensively utilized for bioimaging probes due to their defects and admixtures in their crystal lattice. There are many optically active defects presented in NDs called color centers, which are highly photostable, extremely sensitive to bioimaging, and capable of electron leap in the forbidden band; further, they absorb or emit light when leaping, enabling the nanodiamond to fluoresce. Fluorescent imaging plays a significant role in bioscience research, but traditional fluorescent dyes have some drawbacks in physical, optical and toxicity aspects. As a novel fluorescent labeling tool, NDs have become the focus of research in the field of biomarkers in recent years because of their various irreplaceable advantages. This review primarily focuses on the recent application progress of nanodiamonds in the field of bioimaging. In this paper, we will summarize the progress of ND research from the following aspects (including fluorescence imaging, Raman imaging, X-ray imaging, magnetic modulation fluorescence imaging, magnetic resonance imaging, cathodoluminescence imaging, and optical coherence tomography imaging) and expect to supply an outlook contribution for future nanodiamond exploration in bioimaging.
Temperature-Dependent Carrier Transport in GaN Nanowire Wrap-Gate Transistor
Authors: Mallem Siva Pratap Reddy , Puneetha Peddathimula , Choi Yeojin , Baek Seung Mun , An Sung Jin , Im Ki-Sik
Published: May 2023

For the creation of next-generation nanoscale devices, it is crucial to comprehend the carrier transport mechanisms in nanowires. Here, we examine how temperature affects the properties of GaN nanowire wrap-gate transistors (WGTs), which are made via a top-down technique. The predicted conductance in this transistor remains essentially unaltered up to a temperature of 240 K and then increases after that as the temperature rises. This is true for increasing temperature at gate voltages less than threshold voltage (Vgs < Vth). Sharp fluctuations happen when the temperature rises with a gate voltage of Vth < Vgs < VFB. The conductance steadily decreases with increasing temperature after increasing the gate bias to Vgs > VFB. These phenomena are possibly attributed to phonon and impurity scattering processes occurring on the surface or core of GaN nanowires.
The Impact of Kiwifruit Consumption on the Sleep and Recovery of Elite Athletes
Authors: Doherty Rónán , Madigan Sharon , Nevill Alan , Warrington Giles , Ellis Jason Gordon
Published: May 2023

Background: Poor sleep and resultant under-recovery can negatively impact training adaptations, increase the risk of injury and reduce subsequent performance. Due to the ‘food first’ approach adopted by many athletes, there is scope for investigation of ‘functional food’ based interventions (i.e., kiwifruit contains melatonin which plays a role in circadian rhythm regulation) designed to promote athlete recovery and/or enhance sleep quality and quantity. Methods: Following the baseline assessment (Week 1) all subjects began the intervention (Weeks 2–5). During the 4-week intervention, participants were asked to consume 2 medium-sized green kiwifruit (Actinidia Deliciosa) an hour before bed. Participants completed a questionnaire battery at baseline and post-intervention, and a daily sleep dairy for the duration of the study. Results: The results demonstrated a positive impact of kiwifruit consumption on key aspects of sleep and recovery in elite athletes. From baseline to post-intervention, there were clinically significant improvements in sleep quality (i.e., improved PSQI global scores and sleep quality component scores) and improvements in recovery stress balance (reduced general stress and sports stress scales). Moreover, the intervention improved sleep as evidenced by significant increases in total sleep time and sleep efficiency % and significant reductions in number of awakenings and wake after sleep onset. Conclusion: The findings broadly suggested that kiwifruit does impact positively on sleep and recovery in elite athletes.
Intermittent Fasting and Physical Exercise for Preventing Metabolic Disorders through Interaction with Gut Microbiota: A Review
Authors: Zhang Li , Wang Yuanshang , Sun Ying , Zhang Xin
Published: May 2023

Metabolic disorders entail both health risks and economic burdens to our society. A considerable part of the cause of metabolic disorders is mediated by the gut microbiota. The gut microbial structure and function are susceptible to dietary patterns and host physiological activities. A sedentary lifestyle accompanied by unhealthy eating habits propels the release of harmful metabolites, which impair the intestinal barrier, thereby triggering a constant change in the immune system and biochemical signals. Noteworthy, healthy dietary interventions, such as intermittent fasting, coupled with regular physical exercise can improve several metabolic and inflammatory parameters, resulting in stronger beneficial actions for metabolic health. In this review, the current progress on how gut microbiota may link to the mechanistic basis of common metabolic disorders was discussed. We also highlight the independent and synergistic effects of fasting and exercise interventions on metabolic health and provide perspectives for preventing metabolic disorders.
Food Security, Nutritional Supply, and Nutrient Sources in Rural Burkina Faso
Authors: Shiratori Sakiko , Tobita Yachiyo , Sawadogo-Compaoré Eveline M. F. W.
Published: May 2023

Rural communities are more likely to encounter constraints in achieving food security and adequate nutritional supply. This study explores food security, nutritional supply, nutrient adequacy, macronutrient balance, recipes, and nutrient sources based on bi-monthly household surveys in rural villages in Northern and Southern Burkina Faso from 2019 to 2020. Food security across time and its quantity dimensions were measured using the food consumption score (FCS). Ordered logit regression showed that FCS was significantly influenced by season, region, and household characteristics such as the head’s education and women’s possession of personal plots. The regional differences were large: Households categorized as having “poor” diets were approximately 1% and 38% in the south and north, respectively. Nutrient adequacy was assessed by converting 24 h dietary recall into nutrient supply and comparing the results to the requirement. While macronutrient balance appeared adequate in the pooled sample, it became unacceptable when the two regions were considered separately. Most micronutrient supplies were insufficient. Cereals were the main nutrient sources, and leaves of crops and potash (additive containing potassium) were also non-negligible for micronutrient supplies. Overall, we found large regional differences in nutrition and food security, indicating that various local contexts must be considered for effective nutritional improvement.