bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of Carvedilol-Loaded Albumin-Based Nanoparticles with Factorial Design to Optimize In Vitro and In Vivo Performance
Authors: Attia Mohamed S. , Radwan Mohamed F. , Ibrahim Tarek S. , Ibrahim Tarek M.
Published: May 2023

Carvedilol, an anti-hypertensive medication commonly prescribed by healthcare providers, falls under the BCS class II category due to its low-solubility and high-permeability characteristics, resulting in limited dissolution and low absorption when taken orally. Herein, carvedilol was entrapped into bovine serum albumin (BSA)-based nanoparticles using the desolvation method to obtain a controlled release profile. Carvedilol-BSA nanoparticles were prepared and optimized using 32 factorial design. The nanoparticles were characterized for their particle size (Y1), entrapment efficiency (Y2), and time to release 50% of carvedilol (Y3). The optimized formulation was assessed for its in vitro and in vivo performance by solid-state, microscopical, and pharmacokinetic evaluations. The factorial design showed that an increment of BSA concentration demonstrated a significant positive effect on Y1 and Y2 responses with a negative effect on Y3 response. Meanwhile, the carvedilol percentage in BSA nanoparticles represented its obvious positive impact on both Y1 and Y3 responses, along with a negative impact on Y2 response. The optimized nanoformulation entailed BSA at a concentration of 0.5%, whereas the carvedilol percentage was 6%. The DSC thermograms indicated the amorphization of carvedilol inside the nanoparticles, which confirmed its entrapment into the BSA structure. The plasma concentrations of carvedilol released were observable from optimized nanoparticles up to 72 h subsequent to their injection into rats, revealing their longer in vivo circulation time compared to pure carvedilol suspension. This study offers new insight into the significance of BSA-based nanoparticles in sustaining the release of carvedilol and presents a potential value-added in the remediation of hypertension.
Smart Design of Nanostructures for Boosting Tumor Immunogenicity in Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Yin Bohan , Wong Wai-Ki , Ng Yip-Ming , Yang Mo , Leung Franco King-Chi , Wong Dexter Siu-Hong
Published: May 2023

Although tumor immunotherapy has emerged as a promising therapeutic method for oncology, it encounters several limitations, especially concerning low response rates and potential off-targets that elicit side effects. Furthermore, tumor immunogenicity is the critical factor that predicts the success rate of immunotherapy, which can be boosted by the application of nanotechnology. Herein, we introduce the current approach of cancer immunotherapy and its challenges and the general methods to enhance tumor immunogenicity. Importantly, this review highlights the integration of anticancer chemo/immuno-based drugs with multifunctional nanomedicines that possess imaging modality to determine tumor location and can respond to stimuli, such as light, pH, magnetic field, or metabolic changes, to trigger chemotherapy, phototherapy, radiotherapy, or catalytic therapy to upregulate tumor immunogenicity. This promotion rouses immunological memory, such as enhanced immunogenic cell death, promoted maturation of dendritic cells, and activation of tumor-specific T cells against cancer. Finally, we express the related challenges and personal perspectives of bioengineered nanomaterials for future cancer immunotherapy.
Alternative Analysis Approaches for the Assessment of Pilot Bioavailability/Bioequivalence Studies
Authors: Henriques Sara Carolina , Albuquerque João , Paixão Paulo , Almeida Luís , Silva Nuno Elvas
Published: May 2023

Pilot bioavailability/bioequivalence (BA/BE) studies are usually conducted and analysed similarly to pivotal studies. Their analysis and interpretation of results usually rely on the application of the average bioequivalence approach. However, due to the small study size, pilot studies are inarguably more sensitive to variability. The aim of this work is to propose alternative approaches to the average bioequivalence methodology, in a way to overcome and reduce the uncertainty on the conclusions of these studies and on the potential of test formulations. Several scenarios of pilot BA/BE crossover studies were simulated through population pharmacokinetic modelling. Each simulated BA/BE trial was analysed using the average bioequivalence approach. As alternative analyses, the centrality of the test-to-reference geometric least square means ratio (GMR), bootstrap bioequivalence analysis, and arithmetic (Amean) and geometric (Gmean) mean ƒ2 factor approaches were investigated. Methods performance was measured with a confusion matrix. The Gmean ƒ2 factor using a cut-off of 35 was the most appropriate method in the simulation conditions frame, enabling to more accurately conclude the potential of test formulations, with a reduced sample size. For simplification, a decision tree is also proposed for appropriate planning of the sample size and subsequent analysis approach to be followed in pilot BA/BE trials.
Hybrid Positioning Algorithm for Tilted Receiver Using RSS and TDOA with Gaussian Process
Authors: Zuo Xunhe , Wang Zixiong , Yu Jinlong , Jiang Yang
Published: May 2023

In the visible light positioning (VLP) system, the received signal strength (RSS) algorithm has a better signal noise ratio performance than the time difference of arrival (TDOA) algorithm, while the RSS algorithm needs to work under the condition that the transmitter and receiver are strictly parallel. However, the receiver is prone to tilt due to environmental disturbances, which reduces the accuracy of the RSS algorithm. For the tilted receiver, the TDOA algorithm has a higher positioning accuracy than the RSS algorithm. In order to take full advantage of the two algorithms, we propose a hybrid positioning algorithm to locate the tilted receiver by using a Gaussian process (GP). The scheme separately uses RSS and the distance difference as the inputs of the GP model to estimate the position of the receiver. Then, according to the proposed positioning selection strategy, the more credible estimated position in our opinion is selected as the final estimated position. In addition, RSS information in the hybrid algorithm is extracted from the TDOA signal, which allows the hybrid algorithm to prevent an increase in the complexity of the VLP system. During the training and testing, RSS is normalized to meet the order-of-magnitude requirements of the GP model on the input data. Simulation results validate the hybrid algorithm based on a two-dimensional positioning system for the tilted receiver. When the standard deviations of the azimuth angle and elevation angle are 1°, the positioning accuracy of the hybrid algorithm is 53.7% higher than that of the RSS algorithm using an artificial neural network, and 49.9% higher than that of the RSS algorithm using a GP. The localization error under 1° standard deviations of azimuth and elevation angles is 20.2% lower than that under 20° standard deviations of the two angles.
Nonlinear Optical Materials: Predicting the First-Order Molecular Hyperpolarizability of Organic Molecular Structures
Authors: Santos Francisco A. , Cardoso Carlos E. R. , Rodrigues José J. , De Boni Leonardo , Abegão Luis M. G.
Published: May 2023

Experimental nonlinear optics (NLO) is usually expensive due to the high-end photonics and electronic devices needed to perform experiments such as incoherent second harmonic generation in liquid phase, multi-photon absorption, and excitation. Nevertheless, exploring NLO responses of organic and inorganic compounds has already opened a world of new possibilities. For example, NLO switches, NLO frequency converters, and a new way to obtain biological images through the incoherent second harmonic generation (SHG) originate from first-order molecular hyperpolarizability (β). The microscopic effect of the coherent or incoherent SHG is, in fact, the β. Therefore, estimating β without using expensive photonic facilities will optimize time- and cost-efficiency to predict if a specific molecular structure can generate light with double its incident frequency. In this work, we have simulated the β values of 27 organic compounds applying density functional theory (PBE0, TPSSh, wB97XD, B3LYP, CAM-B3LYP, and M06-2X) and Hartree–Fock methods using the Gaussian software package. The predicted β was compared with the experimental analogs obtained by the well-known Hyper–Rayleigh Scattering (HRS) technique. The most reliable functionals were CAM-B3LYP and M06-2X, with an unsigned average error of around 25%. Moreover, we have developed post-processing software—Hyper-QCC, providing an effortless, fast, and reliable way to analyze the Gaussian output files.
Pea Aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum) Host Races Reduce Heat-Induced Forisome Dispersion in Vicia faba and Trifolium pratense
Authors: Paulmann Maria K. , Wegner Linus , Gershenzon Jonathan , Furch Alexandra C. U. , Kunert Grit
Published: May 2023

Although phloem-feeding insects such as aphids can cause significant damage to plants, relatively little is known about early plant defenses against these insects. As a first line of defense, legumes can stop the phloem mass flow through a conformational change in phloem proteins known as forisomes in response to Ca2+ influx. However, specialized phloem-feeding insects might be able to suppress the conformational change of forisomes and thereby prevent sieve element occlusion. To investigate this possibility, we triggered forisome dispersion through application of a local heat stimulus to the leaf tips of pea (Pisum sativum), clover (Trifolium pratense) and broad bean (Vicia faba) plants infested with different pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum) host races and monitored forisome responses. Pea aphids were able to suppress forisome dispersion, but this depended on the infesting aphid host race, the plant species, and the age of the plant. Differences in the ability of aphids to suppress forisome dispersion may be explained by differences in the composition and quantity of the aphid saliva injected into the plant. Various mechanisms of how pea aphids might suppress forisome dispersion are discussed.
The Potential of CRISPR/Cas Technology to Enhance Crop Performance on Adverse Soil Conditions
Authors: Gajardo Humberto A. , Gómez-Espinoza Olman , Boscariol Ferreira Pedro , Carrer Helaine , Bravo León A.
Published: May 2023

Worldwide food security is under threat in the actual scenery of global climate change because the major staple food crops are not adapted to hostile climatic and soil conditions. Significant efforts have been performed to maintain the actual yield of crops, using traditional breeding and innovative molecular techniques to assist them. However, additional strategies are necessary to achieve the future food demand. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat/CRISPR-associated protein (CRISPR/Cas) technology, as well as its variants, have emerged as alternatives to transgenic plant breeding. This novelty has helped to accelerate the necessary modifications in major crops to confront the impact of abiotic stress on agriculture systems. This review summarizes the current advances in CRISPR/Cas applications in crops to deal with the main hostile soil conditions, such as drought, flooding and waterlogging, salinity, heavy metals, and nutrient deficiencies. In addition, the potential of extremophytes as a reservoir of new molecular mechanisms for abiotic stress tolerance, as well as their orthologue identification and edition in crops, is shown. Moreover, the future challenges and prospects related to CRISPR/Cas technology issues, legal regulations, and customer acceptance will be discussed.
Genetic Analysis of Potato Breeding Collection Using Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) Markers
Authors: Xiao Xi-ou , Zhang Ning , Jin Hui , Si Huaijun
Published: May 2023

The autotetraploid potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is an important crop in China, and it is widely cultivated from Northeast China to South China. Thousands of varieties are bred by breeding institutions or companies, and distinguishing the different varieties based on morphological characteristics is difficult. Using DNA fingerprints is an efficient method to identify varieties that plays an increasingly important role in germplasm identification and property rights protection. In this study, the genetic diversity and population structure of 135 autotetraploid potatoes were evaluated using specific-locus amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF-seq) methods. A total of 3,397,137 high-quality single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), which were distributed across 12 chromosomes, were obtained. Principal component analysis (PCA), neighbour-joining genetic trees, and model-based structure analysis showed that these autotetraploid potato subpopulations, classified by their SNPs, were not consistent with their geographical origins. On the basis of the obtained 3,397,137 SNPs, 160 perfect SNPs were selected, and 71 SNPs were successfully converted to penta-primer amplification refractory mutation (PARMS-SNP) markers. Additionally, 190 autotetraploid potato varieties were analysed using these 71 PARMS-SNP markers. The PCA results show that the accessions were not completely classified on the basis of their geographical origins. The SNP DNA fingerprints of the 190 autotetraploid potato varieties were also constructed. The SNP fingerprint results show that both synonyms and homonyms were present amongst the 190 autotetraploid potatoes. Above all, these novel SNP markers can lay a good foundation for the analysis of potato genetic diversity, DUS (distinctness, uniformity, and stability) testing, and plant variety protection.
Effect of Sowing Date on the Growth Characteristics and Yield of Growth-Constrained Direct-Seeding Rice
Authors: Zhang Rong-Ping , Zhou Ning-Ning , Ashen Ri-Gui , Zhou Lin , Feng Ting-Yu , Zhang Ke-Yuan , Liao Xue-Huan , Aer Li-Se , Shu Jian-Chao , He Xue-Wu , Gao Fei , Ma Peng
Published: May 2023

To investigate changes in the yield and physiological characteristics of indica hybrid rice varieties sown on different dates, we evaluated appropriate hybrid rice varieties and their optimal sowing dates in the hilly areas of Sichuan. Three popular indica rice varieties were used as experimental materials, and five sowing dates were set uniformly locally [16 May (SD1), 23 May (SD2), 30 May (SD3), 6 June (SD4), and 13 June (SD5)] to investigate differences in the yield characteristics, growth period, and dry matter accumulation. The results showed that, over the two years, the sowing-to-heading period and overall growth period of the three varieties shortened as the sowing date was delayed, and the difference in yield between the SD1 and SD2 treatments was not significant, owing to higher material accumulation after flowering and higher assimilative material transport capacity. These varieties are both photosensitive and tolerant to low temperatures. Among the three varieties tested, the Huangyouyuehesimiao (V3) cultivar had the highest yield, with 10.75 t ha−1 under the SD2 treatment. The impact of shifting the sowing date on yield components varied. Delaying the sowing date increased and then decreased the number of effective panicles, and the number of grains per panicle and the seed setting rate decreased by differing degrees. In summary, a high yield of indica hybrid rice can be maintained by sowing between 16 and 23 May each year in the study area. It indicated that indica hybrid rice in the hilly rice-producing region of Sichuan is highly adaptable to different sowing dates.
Proteomic Insights of Cowpea Response to Combined Biotic and Abiotic Stresses
Authors: Ribeiro Daiane Gonzaga , Bezerra Ana Carolina Mendes , Santos Ivonaldo Reis , Grynberg Priscila , Fontes Wagner , de Souza Castro Mariana , de Sousa Marcelo Valle , Lisei-de-Sá Maria Eugênia , Grossi-de-Sá Maria Fatima , Franco Octávio Luiz , Mehta Angela
Published: May 2023

The co-occurrence of biotic and abiotic stresses in agricultural areas severely affects crop performance and productivity. Drought is one of the most adverse environmental stresses, and its association with root-knot nematodes further limits the development of several economically important crops, such as cowpea. Plant responses to combined stresses are complex and require novel adaptive mechanisms through the induction of specific biotic and abiotic signaling pathways. Therefore, the present work aimed to identify proteins involved in the resistance of cowpea to nematode and drought stresses individually and combined. We used the genotype CE 31, which is resistant to the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne spp. And tolerant to drought. Three biological replicates of roots and shoots were submitted to protein extraction, and the peptides were evaluated by LC-MS/MS. Shotgun proteomics revealed 2345 proteins, of which 1040 were differentially abundant. Proteins involved in essential biological processes, such as transcriptional regulation, cell signaling, oxidative processes, and photosynthesis, were identified. However, the main defense strategies in cowpea against cross-stress are focused on the regulation of hormonal signaling, the intense production of pathogenesis-related proteins, and the downregulation of photosynthetic activity. These are key processes that can culminate in the adaptation of cowpea challenged by multiple stresses. Furthermore, the candidate proteins identified in this study will strongly contribute to cowpea genetic improvement programs.
Differential Effects of Senescence on the Phloem Exports of Cadmium and Zinc from Leaves to Grains in Rice during Grain Filling
Authors: Hu Chengfeng , Yan Bofang , Liu Yating , Gong Chen , Zhao Man , Qiu Rongliang , Tang Yetao
Published: May 2023

In rice, non-essential toxic cadmium (Cd) and the essential nutrient zinc (Zn) share similar transport pathways, which makes it challenging to differentially regulate the allocation of these elements to the grain. The phloem is the main pathway for the loading of these elements into rice grains. It has long been accepted that tissue senescence makes the nutrients (e.g., Zn) stored in leaves available for further phloem export toward the grain. Whether senescence could drive the phloem export of Cd remains unclear. To this end, the stable isotopes 111Cd and 67Zn were used to trace the phloem export and the subsequent allocation of Cd and Zn from the flag leaves, where senescence was accelerated by spraying abscisic acid. Furthermore, changes upon senescence in the distribution of these elements among the leaf subcellular fractions and in the expression of key transporter genes were investigated. Abscisic acid-induced senescence enhanced the phloem export of Zn but had no impact on that of Cd, which was explained by the significant release of Zn from the chloroplast and cytosol fractions (concentrations decreased by ~50%) but a strong allocation of Cd to the cell wall fraction (concentration increased by ~90%) during senescence. Nevertheless, neither Zn nor Cd concentrations in the grain were affected, since senescence strengthened the sequestration of phloem-exported Zn in the uppermost node, but did not impact that of phloem-exported Cd. This study suggests that the agronomic strategies affecting tissue senescence could be utilized to differentially regulate Cd and Zn allocation in rice during grain filling.
Photosynthesis Performance at Different Growth Stages, Growth, and Yield of Rice in Saline Fields
Authors: Santanoo Supranee , Lontom Watanachai , Dongsansuk Anoma , Vongcharoen Kochaphan , Theerakulpisut Piyada
Published: May 2023

Photosynthetic performance and biomass at different growth stages of the salt-sensitive KDML105 rice cultivar, three improved lines (RD73, CSSL8-94, and TSKC1-144), and the salt-tolerant standard genotype (Pokkali) were investigated under non-saline, semi-saline, and the heavy-saline field conditions in the northeast of Thailand. In the non-saline field, net photosynthesis rates (Pn) of all genotypes remained high from the early vegetative stage to the milky stage and then dramatically reduced at maturity. In contrast, in both saline fields, Pn was the highest at the early vegetative stage and continuously declining until maturity. Leaf chlorophyll content remained high from the early vegetative to milky stage then reduced at maturity for all three field conditions. During the reproductive phase, Pn of KDML105 and the improved lines were reduced by 4–17% in the heavy-saline field, while that of Pokkali was increased (11–19% increase over that of the non-saline). Pokkali also showed a prominent increase in water use efficiency (WUE) under salinity. Nevertheless, rice leaves under saline conditions maintained the PSII integrity, as indicated by the pre-dawn values of maximum quantum yield of PSII photochemistry (Fv/Fm) of higher than 0.8. Pokkali under the semi-saline and the heavy-saline conditions exhibited 51% and 27% increases in final biomass, and 64% and 42% increases in filled grain weight plant−1, respectively. In the semi-saline condition, RD73, TSKC1-144, CSSL8-94, and KDML105 showed moderate salt tolerance by displaying 24%, 18.6%, 15%, and 11.3% increases in final biomass, and 24%, 4%, 13%, and 6% increases in filled grain weight plant−1, respectively. In contrast, in the heavy-saline field, final biomass of RD73, KDML105, CSSL8-94, and TSKC1-144 showed 48%, 45%, 38%, and 36% reductions from that in the non-saline field, while the filled grain weight plant−1 were reduced by 45%, 58%, 35%, and 32%, respectively. This indicated that the improved lines carrying drought- and/or salt-tolerance genes achieved an increased salt tolerance level than the parental elite cultivar, KDML105.
Effect of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi on Nitrogen and Phosphorus Uptake Efficiency and Crop Productivity of Two-Rowed Barley under Different Crop Production Systems
Authors: Beslemes Dimitrios , Tigka Evangelia , Roussis Ioannis , Kakabouki Ioanna , Mavroeidis Antonios , Vlachostergios Dimitrios
Published: May 2023

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) constitute a ubiquitous group of soil microorganisms, affecting plant and soil microorganism growth. Various crop management practices can have a significant impact on the AM association. This study investigated the AMF inoculation contribution on growth and productivity of two-rowed barley crop by identifying the underlying mechanisms both in conventional and organic cropping systems. A two-year field trial was set up as a split-plot design with 2 main plots [AMF inoculation: with (AMF+) and without (AMF−)] and five sub-plots (fertilization regimes: untreated, 100% recommended dose of fertilizer in organic and inorganic form, and 60% recommended dose of fertilizer in organic and inorganic form) in three replications. According to the results, AMF+ plants presented higher plant height and leaf area index (LAI), resulting in increased biomass and, as a result, higher seed yield. With regard to the quality traits, including the nitrogen and phosphorus uptake and their utilization indices, the AMF inoculated plants showed higher values. Furthermore, the level of fertilization, particularly in an inorganic form, adversely affected AMF root colonization. Consequently, it was concluded that substitution of inorganic inputs by organic, as well as inputs reduction, when combined with AMF inoculation, can produce excellent results, thus making barley crop cultivation sustainable in Mediterranean climates.
Tolerance with High Yield Potential Is Provided by Lower Na+ Ion Accumulation and Higher Photosynthetic Activity in Tolerant YNU31-2-4 Rice Genotype under Salinity and Multiple Heat and Salinity Stress
Authors: Nahar Lutfun , Aycan Murat , Lopes Hornai Ermelinda Maria , Baslam Marouane , Mitsui Toshiaki
Published: May 2023

The yield-reduction effect of abiotic stressors such as salinity and heat stresses with the growing world population threatens food security. Although adverse effects of salinity and heat stress on plant growth and production parameters have been documented, in nature, abiotic stresses occur sequentially or simultaneously. In this study, the stress tolerance and yield capacity of Yukinkomai, YNU31-2-4, and YNU SL rice genotypes tested under control (26 °C, 0 mM NaCl), salinity (26 °C, 75 mM NaCl), heat (31 °C, 0 mM NaCl), and heat and salinity (31 °C, 75 mM NaCl) stress combinations at vegetative and reproductive stages with six different scenarios. The results show that salinity and the heat and salinity combination stresses highly reduce plant growth performance and yield capacity. Heat stress during reproduction does not affect the yield but reduces the grain quality. The YNU31-2-4 genotype performs better under heavy salt and heat and salinity stress then the Yukinkomai and YNU SL genotypes. YNU31-2-4 genotypes accumulate less Na+ and more K+ under salt and multiple stresses. In the YNU31-2-4 genotype, low Na+ ion accumulation increases photosynthetic activity and pigment deposition, boosting the yield. Stress lowers the glucose accumulation in dry seeds, but the YNU31-2-4 genotype has a higher glucose accumulation.
The Unique Morphology of Coconut Petiole Fibers Facilitates the Fabrication of Plant Composites with High Impact Performance
Authors: Fu Shiqiang , Wu Hongwu , Zhu Kang , Zhao Zhouxiang , Liang Zhifang
Published: May 2023

The present work explored alkali–treated coconut petiole fibers (ACPFs) characterization and the effect of fiber loadings on the mechanical properties of poly (lactic acid) (PLA)/ACPF composites for the first time. The physical, mechanical, and interfacial properties, as well as the morphology of the ACPFs were reported. It was found that ACPFs with a density of 0.92 g/cm3 have average tensile strength and tensile modulus equal to 355.77 MPa and 5212.36 MPa. The interfacial strength between ACPFs and PLA was high (14.06 MPa), attributed to the micro–sized holes on the fibers, as established from SEM micrographs. Then composites with varying fiber loadings were fabricated by melt–blending and compression molding. The mechanical (tensile, flexural, and impact) performance of composites was reported. Based on the high interfacial strength between fibers and PLA and the unique “spiral” structure of fibers, the composites reached a high impact strength of 8.2 kJ/m2 and flexural modulus of 6959.70 MPa at 50 wt.%, representing 150% and 50% improvement relative to pure PLA.
An Investigation of the Influence of Viscosity and Printing Parameters on the Extrudate Geometry in the Material Extrusion Process
Authors: Bakrani Balani Shahriar , Mokhtarian Hossein , Salmi Tiina , Coatanéa Eric
Published: May 2023

The material extrusion process is one of the most popular additive manufacturing processes. The presence of porosity in the MEX printed parts, which ultimately deteriorates the mechanical properties, is one of the main drawbacks of the MEX process. The porosity in the structure is related to the shape of the adjacent beads and overlapping during the material deposition. Due to the deposition nature of the MEX process, the porosity cannot be entirely removed from the printed parts. Understanding the influence of process parameters on material deposition and the rheological properties is crucial to improving the quality of the final product. In this study, the two-phase-flow numerical approach with the level-set equations has been used for the first time to model the material deposition on the moving platform in 3D. The influence of the viscosity and printing parameters, including travel speed, inlet velocity, viscosity, nozzle diameter, and layer height, on the width of the deposited bead has been investigated. The simulation results are validated against experimental measurements with an average error of 5.92%. The width measured by the experimental study shows good agreement with the results of the numerical simulation. The comparison between the results of the 3D numerical simulation and 2D simulation reveals that the 2D simulation is not appropriate and accurate enough to predict the geometry of the deposited bead with the given set of parameter settings. The key novelty of this research paper is the application of the level-set method in a 3D context for material deposition on a moving substrate.
On Structural and Molecular Order in Cellulose Acetate Butyrate Films
Authors: Nejström Malin , Andreasson Bo , Sjölund Johanna , Eivazi Alireza , Svanedal Ida , Edlund Håkan , Norgren Magnus
Published: May 2023

Cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) is a possible candidate, being a raw material derived from renewable resources, to replace fossil-based materials. This is due to its thermoplastic properties and the relative ease with which it could be implemented within the existing industry. With a significant amount of variation in CAB on the market today, a knowledge gap has been identified regarding the understanding of the polymer structural arrangement in films. This relates to the underlying mechanisms that regulate CAB film material properties, insights that are important in product development. In this study, commercially available CAB was investigated with XRD, SEM, AFM, and TOPEM DSC in order to obtain physicochemical information related to its micro-structural features in solvent-cast films. The film-forming ability relates mostly to the number of hydroxyl groups, and the semi-crystallinity of the films depends on the type and position of the side groups along the cellulose backbone. The appearance of signs of possible cholesteric ordering in the films could be connected to higher amounts of hydroxyl groups along the backbone that disturb the helix arrangement, while the overall order was primarily related to the butyrate substitution and secondarily related to the molecular weight of the particular CAB studied. Cold crystallization was also observed in one CAB sample.
Enzymatic Crosslinking of Amino Acids Improves the Repair Effect of Keratin on Hair Fibre
Authors: Liu Yang , Liu Jingjing , Xiao Jing
Published: May 2023

Although keratin can effectively repair hair fibres and enhance their moisture content and flexibility, it has a relatively low affinity for hair. In this study, the effects of transglutaminase (TGase)—commonly used to catalyse crosslinking of proteins or amino acids—in crosslinking serine and hydrolysed wool keratin to repair damaged hair and protect healthy hair were studied. Treatment with a repair solution containing hydrolysed wool keratin, serine, and TGase improved the physical and chemical properties of damaged hair samples. The alkali solubility of damaged hair samples decreased by 50.53%, fracture stress increased from 1.031 to 1.806 N, and fracture strain increased from 9.51 to 19.88 mm. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray analysis showed that amide bonds increased in damaged hair samples treated with the repair solution and hair crystallinity increased. Differential scanning calorimetry showed that the repair solution improved the thermal stability of damaged hair. After five cycles of washing, the effects of the repair solution were still apparent in damaged hair samples. The enzymatic solution had stronger repair effects than general hair care products and reduced water loss rates in damaged hair samples; repaired hair samples were also softer and brighter. The repair solution was effective in protecting healthy hair samples against chemical damage. The materials used to prepare the repair solution are all bio-based, and treatment with this product is safer and longer lasting.
Promising Energetic Polymers from Nanostructured Bacterial Cellulose
Authors: Gismatulina Yulia A.
Published: May 2023

This study investigated the nitration of nanostructured bacterial cellulose (NBC). The NBC, obtained using symbiotic Medusomyces gisevii Sa-12 as the microbial producer and then freeze-dried, was nitrated herein by two methods, the first using mixed sulphuric–nitric acids (MA) and the second using concentrated nitric acid in the presence of methylene chloride (NA+MC). The synthesized samples of NBC nitrates (NBCNs) exhibited 11.77–12.27% nitrogen content, a viscosity of 1086 mPa·s or higher, 0.7–14.5% solubility in an alcohol–ester mixture, and 0.002% ash. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the nitration compacted the NBC structure, with the original reticulate pattern of the structure being preserved in full. Infrared spectroscopy for the presence of functional nitro groups at 1658–1659, 1280, 838–840, 749–751 and 693–694 cm−1 confirmed the synthesis of cellulose nitrates in particular. Thermogravimetric and differential thermal analyses showed the resultant NBCNs to have a high purity and high specific heats of decomposition of 6.94–7.08 kJ/g. The NBCN samples differ conceptually from plant-based cellulose nitrates by having a viscosity above 1086 mPa·s and a unique 3D reticulate structure that is retained during the nitration. The findings suggest that the NBCNs can be considered for use in novel high-tech materials and science-driven fields distinct from the application fields of plant-based cellulose nitrates. The NBCN sample obtained with NA+MC has the ability to generate an organogel when it is dissolved in acetone. Because of the said property, this NBCN sample can find use as a classical adhesive scaffold and an energetic gel matrix for creating promising energetic polymers.
Design and Application of Hybrid Polymer-Protein Systems in Cancer Therapy
Authors: Sun Qi , Yang Zhenzhen , Qi Xianrong
Published: May 2023

Polymer-protein systems have excellent characteristics, such as non-toxic, non-irritating, good water solubility and biocompatibility, which makes them very appealing as cancer therapeutics agents. Inspiringly, they can achieve sustained release and targeted delivery of drugs, greatly improving the effect of cancer therapy and reducing side effects. However, many challenges, such as reducing the toxicity of materials, protecting the activities of proteins and controlling the release of proteins, still need to be overcome. In this review, the design of hybrid polymer–protein systems, including the selection of polymers and the bonding forms of polymer–protein systems, is presented. Meanwhile, vital considerations, including reaction conditions and the release of proteins in the design process, are addressed. Then, hybrid polymer–protein systems developed in the past decades for cancer therapy, including targeted therapy, gene therapy, phototherapy, immunotherapy and vaccine therapy, are summarized. Furthermore, challenges for the hybrid polymer–protein systems in cancer therapy are exemplified, and the perspectives of the field are covered.
In-Process Orbiting Laser-Assisted Technique for the Surface Finish in Material Extrusion-Based 3D Printing
Authors: Han Pu , Zhang Sihan , Yang Zhong , Riyad M. Faisal , Popa Dan O. , Hsu Keng
Published: May 2023

Material extrusion-based polymer 3D printing, one of the most commonly used additive manufacturing processes for thermoplastics and composites, has drawn extensive attention due to its capability and cost effectiveness. However, the low surface finish quality of the printed parts remains a drawback due to the nature of stacking successive layers along one direction and the nature of rastering of the extruded tracks of material. In this work, an in-process thermal radiation-assisted, surface reflow method is demonstrated that significantly improves the surface finish of the sidewalls of printed parts. It is observed that the surface finish of the printed part is drastically improved for both flat and curved surfaces. The effect of surface reflow on roughness reduction was characterized using optical profilometry and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), while the local heated spot temperature was quantified using a thermal camera.
Topological Isomorphism of Liquid–Vapor, Fusibility, and Solubility Diagrams: Analogues of Gibbs–Konovalov and Gibbs–Roozeboom Laws for Solubility Diagrams
Authors: Charykov Nikolay A. , Rumyantsev Alexey V. , Semenov Konstantin N. , Shaymardanov Zhasulan , Shaymardanova Botogyz , Kulenova Natalia A. , Sadenova Marzhan A. , Shushkevich Ludmila V. , Keskinov Victor A. , Blokhin Alexander A.
Published: May 2023

The comprehensive topological isomorphism of liquid–vapor, fusibility, and solubility diagrams in the proper sets of variables is proven with the aid of van der Waals equations of the shift in phase equilibrium. Analogues of Gibbs–Konovalov and Gibbs–Roozeboom laws are demonstrated in solubility diagrams of ternary and quaternary systems under crystallization of different types of solid solutions. For the demonstration, the quaternary reciprocal system K+,NH4+||Cl−,Br−−H2O and its ternary subsystems with modeling of the liquid phase within the framework of the classical Pitzer formalism are mainly used. An algorithm for calculating solubility equilibria in these systems is given.
Study on Flow Characteristics of Flue Gas and Steam Co-Injection for Heavy Oil Recovery
Authors: Ji Yanmin , Li Boliang , Han Zongyuan , Wang Jian , Li Zhaomin , Li Binfei
Published: May 2023

Flue gas is composed of N2 and CO2, and is often used as an auxiliary agent for oil displacement, with good results and very promising development prospects for co-injection with steam to develop heavy oil. Although research on the oil displacement mechanism of flue gas has been carried out for many years, the flow characteristics of steam under the action of flue gas have rarely been discussed. In this paper, the flow resistance and heat transfer effect of flue gas/flue gas + steam were evaluated by using a one-dimensional sandpack, a flue gas-assisted steam flooding experiment was carried out using a specially customized microscopic visualization model, and the microscopic flow characteristics in the process of the co-injection of flue gas and steam were observed and analyzed. The results showed that flue gas could improve the heat transfer effect of steam whilst accelerating the flow of steam in porous media and reducing the flow resistance of steam. Compared with pure steam, when the volume ratio of flue gas and steam was 1:2, the mobility decreased by 2.8 and the outlet temperature of the sandpack increased by 35 °C. This trend intensified with an increase in the proportion of flue gas. In the microscopic oil displacement experiments, the oil recovery and sweep efficiency of the flue gas and steam co-injection stage increased by 4.7% and 32.9%, respectively, compared with the pure steam injection stage due to the effective utilization of blocky remaining oil and corner remaining oil caused by the expansion of fluid channels, the flow of flue gas foam, and the dissolution and release of flue gas in heavy oil.
Effects of Coal Permeability Anisotropy on Gas Extraction Performance
Authors: Nian Futian , Ju Feng , Zheng Chunshan , Wu Haifei , Cheng Xiaoyu
Published: May 2023

To investigate gas flow characteristics in coal seams with strong anisotropy, a coupled anisotropic dual-porosity model was established. Effects of permeability anisotropy on variations in gas pressure, gas extraction volume and effective extraction areas were analyzed. Furthermore, mechanisms of crustal stress, initial gas pressure, ultimate adsorption strain and Langmuir volume constant on permeability anisotropy and extraction amount were studied. Results show that permeability anisotropy could result in an elliptical pressure drop zone around production boreholes. Changes in effective gas extraction areas are divided into three stages: slow growth in an elliptical shape, rapid growth with a superposition effect and steady growth in a funnel shape. Permeability isotropy enables faster reaching of stage III than the anisotropy case. As the vertical stress increases, gas pressure distribution around boreholes gradually changes from an ellipse with horizontal direction as long axis to a circle. Larger initial gas pressure could bring consistently higher gas production in the initial and middle extraction stages, and a faster decrease in the late phase. When gas pressure is 2.5 MPa, the peak daily gas production in initial extraction stage is about three times higher than that in the late phase. Ultimate adsorption strain is positively correlated with permeability change. This relationship becomes more significant with a longer extraction time. In contrast, permeability variation is inversely proportional to the Langmuir volume constant in the initial extraction stage. However, these factors are directly proportional in the late stage. The order of significance of each factor’s effect on permeability is crustal stress > ultimate adsorption strain > initial gas pressure > Langmuir volume constant. Moreover, initial gas pressure has the most significant effect on gas extraction volume, while Langmuir volume constant has the least significant impact. Results could provide a theoretical reference for extraction borehole design and drainage parameter setting to improve extraction performance.
Real-Time Intent Sensing for Assistive Devices with Implications for Minimising Maintenance
Authors: Russell Joseph , Bergmann Jeroen H. M.
Published: May 2023

Intent sensing is a growing field within medical device control, with major potential applications for assistive devices, such as prosthetics. As many sensors as possible should be utilised to maximise accuracy. The availability of sensors may change over time due to changing surroundings or activities, sensors failing, and electrode contact being lost. The sensor network should be dynamic and modular in nature, continuing to function even when some sensors are unavailable. The management of sensor unavailability may help to reduce the need for device maintenance, particularly in developing nations with limited availability of these services. An algorithm is proposed to classify intent using networked sensors in real time. Data are gathered using human participants wearing four surface electromyography sensors and performing a pseudo-random sequence of grasps. The relationship between time offset and prediction accuracy is investigated, with the algorithm predicting future intent actions up to half a second in advance. Sensor dropout is simulated by randomly replacing sensor readings with recorded noise. The new algorithm is compared to existing algorithms and shown to be more accurate in situations of sensor dropout, with the difference increasing as more sensors become unavailable. This suggests that when reductions in sensing capabilities are likely to occur over time, the modular method is more appropriate for control.
Late Pleistocene Paramylodon harlani (Xenarthra, Mylodontidae) from Térapa, Sonora, Mexico
Authors: McDonald H. Gregory , Mead Jim I. , Swift Sandra L.
Published: May 2023

While the North American mylodont sloth, Parmylodon harlani, has been identified in multiple localities in Mexico, most of these records are from the southern part of the country. Consequently, there is a large geographic gap between its distribution in Mexico and the more northern records of the species in the United States. The recovery of the remains of multiple individuals of Paramylodon harlani, as part of a late Pleistocene fauna in San Clemente de Térapa, Sonora, Mexico, partially fills this geographic gap and provides a broader understanding of the differences in the species’ ecology over a wide latitudinal range. A comparison of the paleoecology of the Térapa site with other sites with P. harlani in the fauna to the south and north provides valuable information on how regional topography and different plant communities impact the sloth’s distribution and underlying causes for its extinction.
Evaluating the Altarpiece: Image Decorum in Post-Tridentine Apostolic Visitations
Authors: Harpster Grace
Published: May 2023

This essay seeks to shift our perspective when addressing the question of the impact of the Council of Trent on art. Rather than focusing on the artistic treatises that emerged in the wake of the council, it turns to a different type of text: the records from visitations, regular church inspections that functioned as an important tool of Catholic reform. This analysis looks at apostolic visitation records in the Vatican archives between 1564 and 1630 to show how ecclesiastical visitors chiefly judged image decorum—and the definition of images themselves—according to function instead of form, giving priority to issues related to ritual use, such as conservation, consecration, and location. The functional definition of terms such as altarpiece and icona in the visitation records also reminds us to carefully consider the art historical vocabulary used in scholarship today.
Unbelief and Inquisition in Early Modern Italy: The Case of Flaminio Fabrizi
Authors: Lavenia Vincenzo
Published: May 2023

This essay reflects on the history of the origins of atheism in the late sixteenth century through an analysis of the Inquisition proceedings against Flaminio Fabrizi, which began in Siena in 1587 and ended in Rome in 1591 with the accused being sentenced to death at the stake. This is a very intriguing case because Fabrizi, not a learned man, mixed different forms of heterodoxy and unbelief that surprised and disturbed the judges of the Holy Office. This essay aims to contribute to the history of religious nonconformism in Counter-reformation Italy and in Europe during the so-called “confessional era”.
Beheading the Hydra: Antonio Castelvetro, The Congregation of the Index, and an Imagined Future for Print Censorship
Authors: Marcus Hannah
Published: May 2023

In 1587, Antonio Castelvetro, a little-known physician from a well-known Modenese family, circulated a manuscript treatise that proposed a radical new vision for a Catholic press and a reformed system of press censorship: The Brief Treatise on the Reform of the Press (Trattato breve sopra la riforma della stampa). Historians have typically treated this text with a combination of amusement and outright ridicule, but this essay explains the ways that Castelvetro’s text captured a particular ethos of expertise and reform at the end of the sixteenth century in Italy. Although never implemented, Castelvetro’s treatise represents a moment of creative tactics in confrontation with the hydra of print. Censorship lay firmly within the project of the Counter-Reformation—a response directed at undermining and controlling the immediate and long-term effects of religious upheaval across Europe. However, systemic solutions to managing the press were part of the creative process of Catholic Reform. As Castelvetro’s treatise shows, some of these suggestions were more far-fetched and self-aggrandizing than others, but each contributed to a flourishing landscape of ideas aimed at combatting heresy and restructuring Catholic life.
Living Images and Marian Devotion: Words, Gestures, and Gazes
Authors: Murcia Nicolás Fuensanta
Published: May 2023

This article examines the living images of the Virgin through the illustration of one of the most important collections of miracles of the 13th century, Les Miracles de Nostre Dame by Gautier de Coinci. In this case, I will focus my attention on manuscript 551 of Besançon (Besançon, BM, MS 551), which, although it has many flaws in its manufacture, offers an interesting presentation of living images. The study of these miniatures reflects the importance of devotion, the set of gestures, words, and gazes, in the medieval spectator’s experience of Marian images. At a time when these images’ legitimacy as sacred objects was still being debated, the artists in this manuscript show their power without censorship, presenting them as if they were the Virgin herself.
Pascal and Blondel on Real and Notional Knowledge
Authors: Koerpel Robert C.
Published: May 2023

This article examines real and notional knowledge in the work of Blaise Pascal (1623–1662) and French Catholic philosopher Maurice Blondel (1861–1949). It explores the relationship between real and notional knowledge through the themes of disproportion, diversion, contingency, and faith in each thinker and argues that the right relationship between real and notional knowledge is the organizing principle of their thoughts.