bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inclusions and Gemological Characteristics of Emeralds from Kamakanga, Zambia
Authors: Zhang Yi , Yu Xiao-Yan
Published: February 2023

Currently, Zambia is one of the world’s major emerald-producing countries. In this study, emerald samples from Kamakanga, Zambia, were systematically analyzed by standard gemological tests, microscopic observation, Raman spectroscopy test of mineral inclusions, and fluid inclusions. The study found Kamakanga emeralds have higher RI (refractive index) and SG (specific gravity) than average. The common inclusions in Kamakanga emeralds are pseudo-hexagonal, dark green, brownish, or oval platelet phlogopite; red spot or skeletal hematite; black spot, platelet, or dendritic oxide inclusions (pyrolusite, magnetite, ilmenite); or schorl. The common paragenetic mineral is schorl. Other mineral inclusions are fluorapatite, tremolite, and calcite. All Kamakanga emeralds contain at least two kinds of common mineral inclusions that are described above, and the characteristic mineral inclusions are pseudo-hexagonal dark green platelet phlogopite and a large quantity of fluorapatite. The fluorapatite inclusions with colorless transparent rims and greyish hazy interiors are reported for the first time. Most fluid inclusions in Kamakanga emeralds are rectangular two- or three-phase inclusions, containing gas phase (CO2 + CH4 + H2O or CO2), aqueous fluid, and sometimes solid phase (carbonate). A small number of hexagonal three-phase fluid inclusions can be seen in Kamakanga emeralds, containing gas phase (CO2 + CH4), aqueous fluid, and daughter crystals (siderite).
High Degree of Differentiation and Enrichment of Li, Rb and Cs in Potassic-Ultrapotassic Volcanic Rocks: An Example from the Lhasa Block, Tibet
Authors: Che Dong , Zheng Mianping , Zhao Yuanyi , Zhang Zhaozhi , Ye Chuanyong , Xing Enyuan , Zhang Xuefei , Li Mingming
Published: February 2023

Post-collisional potassic-ultrapotassic volcanic rocks are widely developed in the Lhasa block, Qinghai-Tibet region. In this paper, it was observed for the first time that dilute alkali elements–Li, Rb, and Cs–exhibit supernormal enrichment in the research data of numerous potassic-ultrapotassic volcanic rocks in the Lhasa block. At the same time, there are few studies on the genesis of enrichment. Currently, 568 sets of published volcanic rock data and 8 sets of measured data in the Lhasa block are sorted in detail, and the genesis of dilute alkali element enrichment is explained by means of geochemical research methods. It is believed that the high degree of magmatic fractionation of potassic-ultrapotassic volcanic rocks in the Lhasa block is the main reason for the abnormal enrichment of dilute alkali elements such as Li, Rb, and Cs. The abnormal enrichment area is mainly located in the central and western parts of the Lhasa block with an age range of 25–13 Ma. The discrimination range of Zr/Hf and Nb/Ta with a high degree of differentiation of potassic-ultrapotassic volcanic rocks in the Lhasa block is divided by analogy with the research results of highly fractionated granites, which provides a reference for the study of the supernormal enrichment of dilute alkali elements in potassic-ultrapotassic volcanic rocks in this area.
Process Mineralogy of Li-Enriched Pegmatite Combining Laboratory Mineral Separations and SEM-Based Automated Image Analysis
Authors: Timich Marco , Contessotto Renato , Ulsen Carina
Published: February 2023

Brazil has 95 million tons of Li reserves in the form of pegmatites but produces less than 1% of the global output. Historically Li production in Brazil has been low due to governmental restrictions aimed at controlling the exploitation and trade of Li in Brazil. However, as of 2022, these restrictions were revoked. The abundance of untapped pegmatite ores in Brazil complements the soaring demand for Li in energy-storage applications. This study performs process mineralogy studies on 10 samples collected from a Li pegmatite deposit in the southeastern region of Minas Gerais in Brazil. The samples were characterized by combining density separation and SEM-based automated mineralogy processing system allied with XRF, ICP OES, XRD, and LA–ICPMS. The latter was used to determine Li content in micas which allowed determining the Li deportment between Li-bearing minerals. The results show that the samples contain such Li-bearing minerals as muscovite (0.5 wt% Li2O) and lepidolite (3.1 wt% Li2O), in addition to spodumene (8.0 wt% Li2O). According to the characterization of the spodumene concentrate (d = 3.11) by density separation (at d = 2.95), two main trends were observed: (a) low Li deportment in the sink product (approximately 44% wt%) and higher Li2O grade (approximately 6.5 wt%), and (b) higher Li deportment in the sink product (58%) and lower Li2O content (approximately 4.9 wt%). The first trend is associated with higher modal content of mica since it carries Li to the light product. Lower Li grade is related to the presence of Fe-bearing minerals (e.g., epidote and amphibole) as they report to the dense product and do not contain Li. Spodumene has a high degree of liberation in all samples; therefore, it did not influence the deportment results. The findings highlight the benefit of combining scanning electron microscopy-based automated mineralogy with LA–ICPMS and other techniques from process mineralogy studies in mineral processing. In addition to the mineralogy and liberation characteristics, identifying Li-bearing minerals and determining Li deportment is crucial.
Photoantibacterial Poly(vinyl)chloride Films Applying Curcumin Derivatives as Bio-Based Plasticizers and Photosensitizers
Authors: Rodrigues Fábio M. S. , Tavares Iúri , Aroso Rafael T. , Dias Lucas D. , Domingos Carolina V. , de Faria Clara M. G. , Piccirillo Giusi , Maria Teresa M. R. , Carrilho Rui M. B. , Bagnato Vanderlei S. , Calvete Mário J. F. , Pereira Mariette M.
Published: February 2023

Herein we describe the design of natural curcumin ester and ether derivatives and their application as potential bioplasticizers, to prepare photosensitive phthalate-free PVC-based materials. The preparation of PVC-based films incorporating several loadings of newly synthesized curcumin derivatives along with their standard solid-state characterization is also described. Remarkably, the plasticizing effect of the curcumin derivatives in the PVC material was found to be similar to that observed in previous PVC–phthalate materials. Finally, studies applying these new materials in the photoinactivation of S. aureus planktonic cultures revealed a strong structure/activity correlation, with the photosensitive materials reaching up to 6 log CFU reduction at low irradiation intensities.
Comparative Study for Spectrofluorimetric Determination of Ambroxol Hydrochloride Using Aluminum Metal Transfer Chelation Complex and Biogenic Synthesis of Aluminum Oxide Nanoparticles Using Lavandula spica Flowers Extract
Authors: Al-Humud Najla S. , Al-Tamimi Salma A. , Al-Mohaimeed Amal M. , El-Tohamy Maha F.
Published: February 2023

The existing study pronounces two newly developed spectrofluorimetric probes for the assay of ambroxol hydrochloride in its authentic and commercial formulations using an aluminum chelating complex and a biogenically mediated and synthesized aluminum oxide nanoparticles (Al2O3NPs) from Lavandula spica flower extract. The first probe is based on the formation of an aluminum charge transfer complex. However, the second probe is based on the effect of the unique optical characteristics of Al2O3NPs in the enhancement of fluorescence detection. The biogenically synthesized Al2O3NPs were confirmed using various spectroscopic and microscopic investigations. The fluorescence detections in the two probes were measured at a λex of 260 and 244 and a λem of 460 and 369 nm for the two suggested probes, respectively. The findings showed that the fluorescence intensity (FI) covered linear concentration ranges of 0.1–200 ng mL−1 and 1.0–100 ng mL−1 with a regression of ˃0.999 for AMH-Al2O3NPs-SDS and AMH-Al(NO3)3-SDS, respectively. The lower detection and quantification limits were evaluated and found to be 0.04 and 0.1 ng mL−1 and 0.7 and 0.1 ng/mL−1 for the abovementioned fluorescence probes, respectively. The two suggested probes were successfully applied for the assay of ambroxol hydrochloride (AMH) with excellent percentage recoveries of 99.65% and 99.85%, respectively. Excipients such as glycerol and benzoic acid used as additives in pharmaceutical preparations, several common cations, and amino acids, as well as sugars, were all found to have no interference with the approach.
Supersaturation and Precipitation Applicated in Drug Delivery Systems: Development Strategies and Evaluation Approaches
Authors: Gan Yanxiong , Baak Jan P. A. , Chen Taijun , Ye Hua , Liao Wan , Lv Huixia , Wen Chuanbiao , Zheng Shichao
Published: February 2023

Supersaturation is a promising strategy to improve gastrointestinal absorption of poorly water-soluble drugs. Supersaturation is a metastable state and therefore dissolved drugs often quickly precipitate again. Precipitation inhibitors can prolong the metastable state. Supersaturating drug delivery systems (SDDS) are commonly formulated with precipitation inhibitors, hence the supersaturation is effectively prolonged for absorption, leading to improved bioavailability. This review summarizes the theory of and systemic insight into supersaturation, with the emphasis on biopharmaceutical aspects. Supersaturation research has developed from the generation of supersaturation (pH-shift, prodrug and SDDS) and the inhibition of precipitation (the mechanism of precipitation, the character of precipitation inhibitors and screening precipitation inhibitors). Then, the evaluation approaches to SDDS are discussed, including in vitro, in vivo and in silico studies and in vitro–in vivo correlations. In vitro aspects involve biorelevant medium, biomimetic apparatus and characterization instruments; in vivo aspects involve oral absorption, intestinal perfusion and intestinal content aspiration and in silico aspects involve molecular dynamics simulation and pharmacokinetic simulation. More physiological data of in vitro studies should be taken into account to simulate the in vivo environment. The supersaturation theory should be further completed, especially with regard to physiological conditions.
Biomolecular Screening of Pimpinella anisum L. for Antioxidant and Anticholinesterase Activity in Mice Brain
Authors: Mushtaq Aamir , Habib Fatima , Manea Rosana , Anwar Rukhsana , Gohar Umar Farooq , Zia-Ul-Haq Muhammad , Ahmad Mobasher , Gavris Claudia Mihaela , Chicea Liana
Published: February 2023

Hundreds of the plants have been explored and evaluated for antioxidant and anti-amnesic activities, so far. This study was designed to report the biomolecules of Pimpinella anisum L. for the said activities. The aqueous extract of dried P. anisum seeds was fractionated via column chromatography and the fractions so obtained were assessed for the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) via in vitro analysis. The fraction which best inhibited AChE was so named as the P. anisum active fraction (P.aAF). The P.aAF was then chemically analyzed via GCMS, which indicated that oxadiazole compounds were present in it. The P.aAF was then administered to albino mice to conduct the in vivo (behavioral and biochemical) studies. The results of the behavioral studies indicated the significant (p < 0.001) increase in inflexion ratio, by the number of hole-pokings through holes and time spent in a dark area by P.aAF treated mice. Biochemical studies demonstrated that the oxadiazole present in P.aAF on one hand presented a noteworthy reduction in MDA and the AChE level and on the other hand promoted the levels of CAT, SOD and GSH in mice brain. The LD50 for P.aAF was calculated as 95 mg/Kg/p.o. The findings thus supported that the antioxidant and anticholinesterase activities of P. anisum are due to its oxadiazole compounds.
A Near-Infrared Fluorescent and Photoacoustic Probe for Visualizing Biothiols Dynamics in Tumor and Liver
Authors: Ding Weizhong , Yao Shankun , Chen Yuncong , Wu Yanping , Li Yaheng , He Weijiang , Guo Zijian
Published: February 2023

Biothiols, including glutathione (GSH), homocysteine (Hcy) and cysteine (Cys), play crucial roles in various physiological processes. Though an array of fluorescent probes have been designed to visualize biothiols in living organisms, few one-for-all imaging agents for sensing biothiols with fluorescence and photoacoustic imaging capabilities have been reported, since instructions for synchronously enabling and balancing every optical imaging efficacy are deficient. Herein, a new near-infrared thioxanthene-hemicyanine dye (Cy-DNBS) has been constructed for fluorescence and photoacoustic imaging of biothiols in vitro and in vivo. Upon treatment with biothiols, the absorption peak of Cy-DNBS shifted from 592 nm to 726 nm, resulting in a strong NIR absorption as well as a subsequent turn-on PA signal. Meanwhile, the fluorescence intensity increased instantaneously at 762 nm. Then, Cy-DNBS was successfully utilized for imaging endogenous and exogenous biothiols in HepG2 cells and mice. In particular, Cy-DNBS was employed for tracking biothiols upregulation in the liver of mice triggered by S-adenosyl methionine by means of fluorescent and photoacoustic imaging methods. We expect that Cy-DNBS serves as an appealing candidate for deciphering biothiols-related physiological and pathological processes.
Recent Advances in Asymmetric Synthesis of Pyrrolidine-Based Organocatalysts and Their Application: A 15-Year Update
Authors: Quintavalla Arianna , Carboni Davide , Lombardo Marco
Published: February 2023

In 1971, chemists from Hoffmann-La Roche and Schering AG independently discovered a new asymmetric intramolecular aldol reaction catalyzed by the natural amino acid proline, a transformation now known as the Hajos–Parrish–Eder–Sauer–Wiechert reaction. These remarkable results remained forgotten until List and Barbas reported in 2000 that L-proline was also able to catalyze intermolecular aldol reactions with non-negligible enantioselectivities. In the same year, MacMillan reported on asymmetric Diels–Alder cycloadditions which were efficiently catalyzed by imidazolidinones deriving from natural amino acids. These two seminal reports marked the birth of modern asymmetric organocatalysis. A further important breakthrough in this field happened in 2005, when Jørgensen and Hayashi independently proposed the use of diarylprolinol silyl ethers for the asymmetric functionalization of aldehydes. During the last 20 years, asymmetric organocatalysis has emerged as a very powerful tool for the facile construction of complex molecular architectures. Along the way, a deeper knowledge of organocatalytic reaction mechanisms has been acquired, allowing for the fine-tuning of the structures of privileged catalysts or proposing completely new molecular entities that are able to efficiently catalyze these transformations. This review highlights the most recent advances in the asymmetric synthesis of organocatalysts deriving from or related to proline, starting from 2008.
The Metabolites and Mechanism Analysis of Genistin against Hyperlipidemia via the UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap Mass Spectrometer and Metabolomics
Authors: Li Zhe , Dong Weichao , Li Yanan , Liu Xin , Wang Hong , Dai Long , Zhang Jiayu , Wang Shaoping
Published: February 2023

Genistin, an isoflavone, has been reported to have multiple activities. However, its improvement of hyperlipidemia is still unclear, and the same is true with regard to its mechanism. In this study, a high-fat diet (HFD) was used to induce a hyperlipidemic rat model. The metabolites of genistin in normal and hyperlipidemic rats were first identified to cause metabolic differences with Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Quadrupole Exactive Orbitrap Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS). The relevant factors were determined via ELISA, and the pathological changes of liver tissue were examined via H&E staining and Oil red O staining, which evaluated the functions of genistin. The related mechanism was elucidated through metabolomics and Spearman correlation analysis. The results showed that 13 metabolites of genistin were identified in plasma from normal and hyperlipidemic rats. Of those metabolites, seven were found in normal rat, and three existed in two models, with those metabolites being involved in the reactions of decarbonylation, arabinosylation, hydroxylation, and methylation. Three metabolites, including the product of dehydroxymethylation, decarbonylation, and carbonyl hydrogenation, were identified in hyperlipidemic rats for the first time. Accordingly, the pharmacodynamic results first revealed that genistin could significantly reduce the level of lipid factors (p < 0.05), inhibited lipid accumulation in the liver, and reversed the liver function abnormalities caused by lipid peroxidation. For metabolomics results, HFD could significantly alter the levels of 15 endogenous metabolites, and genistin could reverse them. Creatine might be a beneficial biomarker for the activity of genistin against hyperlipidemia, as revealed via multivariate correlation analysis. These results, which have not been reported in the previous literature, may provide the foundation for genistin as a new lipid-lowering agent.
Multiepitope Subunit Peptide-Based Nanovaccine against Porcine Circovirus Type 2 (PCV2) Elicited High Antibody Titers in Vaccinated Mice
Authors: Duong Viet Tram , Koirala Prashamsa , Chen Sung-Po R. , Monteiro Michael J. , Skwarczynski Mariusz , Toth Istvan
Published: February 2023

Porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) infection is one of the most serious threats to the swine industry. While the disease can be prevented, to some extent, by commercial PCV2a vaccines, the evolving nature of PCV2 necessitates the development of a novel vaccine that can compete with the mutations of the virus. Thus, we have developed novel multiepitope vaccines based on the PCV2b variant. Three PCV2b capsid protein epitopes, together with a universal T helper epitope, were synthesized and formulated with five delivery systems/adjuvants: complete Freund’s adjuvant, poly(methyl acrylate) (PMA), poly(hydrophobic amino acid), liposomes and rod-shaped polymeric nanoparticles built from polystyrene-poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-poly(N-dimethylacrylamide). Mice were subcutaneously immunized with the vaccine candidates three times at three-week intervals. All vaccinated mice produced high antibody titters after three immunizations as analyzed by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while mice vaccinated with PMA-adjuvanted vaccine elicited high antibody titers even after a single immunization. Thus, the multiepitope PCV2 vaccine candidates designed and examined here show strong potential for further development.
Essential Oil Composition and Enantioselective Profile of Agastache urticifolia (Lamiaceae) and Monardella odoratissima (Lamiaceae) from Utah
Authors: Wilson Tyler M. , Davis Audra , Sonstrom Reilly E. , Neill Justin L. , Ziebarth Emma A. , Poulson Ariel , Carlson Richard E.
Published: February 2023

Two species within the Lamiaceae (mint) family, Agastache urticifolia and Monardella odoratissima, are aromatic plants that are native to the Intermountain Region (USA). Essential oil produced through steam distillation was examined to establish the essential oil yield and both the achiral and chiral aromatic profiles of both plant species. The resulting essential oils were analyzed by GC/MS, GC/FID, and MRR (molecular rotational resonance). For A. urticifolia and M. odoratissima, achiral essential oil profiles were largely composed of limonene (71.0%, 27.7%), trans-β-ocimene (3.6%, 6.9%), and pulegone (15.9%, 4.3%), respectively. Between the two species, eight chiral pairs were analyzed and, interestingly, the dominant enantiomer (calculated as ee%) of limonene and pulegone switched between the two species. Where enantiopure standards were not commercially available, MRR was used as a reliable analytical technique for chiral analysis. This study verifies the achiral profile for A. urticifolia and, for the first time to the authors’ knowledge, establishes the achiral profile for M. odoratissima and chiral profile for both species. Additionally, this study confirms the utility and practicality of using MRR for determining chiral profiles in essential oils.
Developing Usability Guidelines for mHealth Applications (UGmHA)
Authors: Nasr Eman , Alsaggaf Wafaa , Sinnari Doaa
Published: February 2023

Mobile health (mHealth) is a branch of electronic health (eHealth) technology that provides healthcare services using smartphones and wearable devices. However, most mHealth applications were developed without applying mHealth specialized usability guidelines. Although many researchers have used various guidelines to design and evaluate mHealth applications, these guidelines have certain limitations. First, some of them are general guidelines. Second, others are specified for mHealth applications; however, they only cover a few features of mHealth applications. Third, some of them did not consider accessibility needs for the elderly and people with special needs. Therefore, this paper proposes a new set of usability guidelines for mHealth applications (UGmHA) based on Quinones et al.’s formal methodology, which consists of seven stages starting from the Exploratory stage and ending with the Refining stage. What distinguishes these proposed guidelines is that they are easy to follow, consider the feature of accessibility for the elderly and people with special needs and cover different features of mHealth applications. In order to validate UGmHA, an experiment was conducted on two applications in Saudi Arabia using UGmHA versus other well-known usability guidelines to discover usability issues. The experimental results show that the UGmHA discovered more usability issues than did the other guidelines.
High-Efficiency Achromatic Metalens Topologically Optimized in the Visible
Authors: Zhang Lijuan , Wang Chengmiao , Wei Yupei , Lin Yu , Han Yeming , Deng Yongbo
Published: February 2023

Metalens, composed of arrays of nano-posts, is an ultrathin planar optical element used for constructing compact optical systems which can achieve high-performance optical imaging by wavefront modulating. However, the existing achromatic metalenses for circular polarization possess the problem of low focal efficiency, which is caused by the low polarization conversion efficiencies of the nano-posts. This problem hinders the practical application of the metalens. Topology optimization is an optimization-based design method that can effectively extend the degree of design freedom, allowing the phases and polarization conversion efficiencies of the nano-posts to be taken into account simultaneously in the optimization procedures. Therefore, it is used to find geometrical configurations of the nano-posts with suitable phase dispersions and maximized polarization conversion efficiencies. An achromatic metalens has a diameter of 40 μm. The average focal efficiency of this metalens is 53% in the spectrum of 531 nm to 780 nm by simulation, which is higher than the previously reported achromatic metalenses with average efficiencies of 20~36%. The result shows that the introduced method can effectively improve the focal efficiency of the broadband achromatic metalens.
Tuning the Liquid–Vapour Interface of VLS Epitaxy for Creating Novel Semiconductor Nanostructures
Authors: Suwito Galih R. , Dubrovskii Vladimir G. , Zhang Zixiao , Wang Weizhen , Haffouz Sofiane , Dalacu Dan , Poole Philip J. , Grutter Peter , Quitoriano Nathaniel J.
Published: February 2023

Controlling the morphology and composition of semiconductor nano- and micro-structures is crucial for fundamental studies and applications. Here, Si-Ge semiconductor nanostructures were fabricated using photolithographically defined micro-crucibles on Si substrates. Interestingly, the nanostructure morphology and composition of these structures are strongly dependent on the size of the liquid–vapour interface (i.e., the opening of the micro-crucible) in the CVD deposition step of Ge. In particular, Ge crystallites nucleate in micro-crucibles with larger opening sizes (3.74–4.73 μm2), while no such crystallites are found in micro-crucibles with smaller openings of 1.15 μm2. This interface area tuning also results in the formation of unique semiconductor nanostructures: lateral nano-trees (for smaller openings) and nano-rods (for larger openings). Further TEM imaging reveals that these nanostructures have an epitaxial relationship with the underlying Si substrate. This geometrical dependence on the micro-scale vapour–liquid–solid (VLS) nucleation and growth is explained within a dedicated model, where the incubation time for the VLS Ge nucleation is inversely proportional to the opening size. The geometric effect on the VLS nucleation can be used for the fine tuning of the morphology and composition of different lateral nano- and micro-structures by simply changing the area of the liquid–vapour interface.
Anomalous Optical Properties of KTN:Li Ferroelectric Supercrystals
Authors: Falsi Ludovica , Macis Salvatore , Gelkop Yehonatan , Tartara Luca , Bonaventura Eleonora , Di Pietro Paola , Perucchi Andrea , Garcia Yehudit , Perepelitsa Galina , DelRe Eugenio , Agranat Aharon J. , Lupi Stefano
Published: February 2023

We report a spectroscopic investigation of potassium–lithium–tantalate–niobate (KTN:Li) across its room-temperature ferroelectric phase transition, when the sample manifests a supercrystal phase. Reflection and transmission results indicate an unexpected temperature-dependent enhancement of average index of refraction from 450 nm to 1100 nm, with no appreciable accompanying increase in absorption. Second-harmonic generation and phase-contrast imaging indicate that the enhancement is correlated to ferroelectric domains and highly localized at the supercrystal lattice sites. Implementing a two-component effective medium model, the response of each lattice site is found to be compatible with giant broadband refraction.
Characteristics of Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 Thin Films Prepared by Direct and Remote Plasma Atomic Layer Deposition for Application to Ferroelectric Memory
Authors: Hong Da Hee , Yoo Jae Hoon , Park Won Ji , Kim So Won , Kim Jong Hwan , Uhm Sae Hoon , Lee Hee Chul
Published: February 2023

Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 (HZO) thin film exhibits ferroelectric properties and is presumed to be suitable for use in next-generation memory devices because of its compatibility with the complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) process. This study examined the physical and electrical properties of HZO thin films deposited by two plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD) methods— direct plasma atomic layer deposition (DPALD) and remote plasma atomic layer deposition (RPALD)—and the effects of plasma application on the properties of HZO thin films. The initial conditions for HZO thin film deposition, depending on the RPALD deposition temperature, were established based on previous research on HZO thin films deposited by the DPALD method. The results show that as the measurement temperature increases, the electric properties of DPALD HZO quickly deteriorate; however, the RPALD HZO thin film exhibited excellent fatigue endurance at a measurement temperature of 60 °C or less. HZO thin films deposited by the DPALD and RPALD methods exhibited relatively good remanent polarization and fatigue endurance, respectively. These results confirm the applicability of the HZO thin films deposited by the RPALD method as ferroelectric memory devices.
Cement-Based Composites Containing Oxidized Graphene Nanoplatelets: Effects on the Mechanical and Electrical Properties
Authors: Lavagna Luca , Santagati Andrea , Bartoli Mattia , Suarez-Riera Daniel , Pavese Matteo
Published: February 2023

Graphene nanoplatelets can improve the electrical and mechanical properties of cement matrix composites. The dispersion and interaction of graphene in the cement matrix appears to be difficult due to its hydrophobic nature. By introducing polar groups, graphene oxidation improves the level of dispersion and interaction with the cement. In this work, graphene oxidation using sulfonitric acid for 10, 20, 40, and 60 min was studied. Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Raman spectroscopy were employed to analyze the graphene before and after the oxidation. The mechanical properties of the final composites showed an improvement of 52% in the flexural strength, 4% in the fracture energy, and 8% in the compressive strength in the case of 60 min of oxidation. In addition, the samples showed a reduction of at least one order of magnitude in electrical resistivity when compared with pure cement.
Doxorubicin-Loaded Polyelectrolyte Multilayer Capsules Modified with Antitumor DR5-Specific TRAIL Variant for Targeted Drug Delivery to Tumor Cells
Authors: Gileva Anastasia , Trushina Daria , Yagolovich Anne , Gasparian Marine , Kurbanova Leyli , Smirnov Ivan , Burov Sergey , Markvicheva Elena
Published: February 2023

Recently, biodegradable polyelectrolyte multilayer capsules (PMC) have been proposed for anticancer drug delivery. In many cases, microencapsulation allows to concentrate the substance locally and prolong its flow to the cells. To reduce systemic toxicity when delivering highly toxic drugs, such as doxorubicin (DOX), the development of a combined delivery system is of paramount importance. Many efforts have been made to exploit the DR5-dependent apoptosis induction for cancer treatment. However, despite having a high antitumor efficacy of the targeted tumor-specific DR5-B ligand, a DR5-specific TRAIL variant, its fast elimination from a body limits its potential use in a clinic. A combination of an antitumor effect of the DR5-B protein with DOX loaded in the capsules could allow to design a novel targeted drug delivery system. The aim of the study was to fabricate PMC loaded with a subtoxic concentration of DOX and functionalized with the DR5-B ligand and to evaluate a combined antitumor effect of this targeted drug delivery system in vitro. In this study, the effects of PMC surface modification with the DR5-B ligand on cell uptake both in 2D (monolayer culture) and 3D (tumor spheroids) were studied by confocal microscopy, flow cytometry and fluorimetry. Cytotoxicity of the capsules was evaluated using an MTT test. The capsules loaded with DOX and modified with DR5-B demonstrated synergistically enhanced cytotoxicity in both in vitro models. Thus, the use of the DR5-B-modified capsules loaded with DOX at a subtoxic concentration could provide both targeted drug delivery and a synergistic antitumor effect.
In Vitro Models of Bacterial Biofilms: Innovative Tools to Improve Understanding and Treatment of Infections
Authors: Crivello G. , Fracchia L. , Ciardelli G. , Boffito M. , Mattu C.
Published: February 2023

Bacterial infections are a growing concern to the health care systems. Bacteria in the human body are often found embedded in a dense 3D structure, the biofilm, which makes their eradication even more challenging. Indeed, bacteria in biofilm are protected from external hazards and are more prone to develop antibiotic resistance. Moreover, biofilms are highly heterogeneous, with properties dependent on the bacteria species, the anatomic localization, and the nutrient/flow conditions. Therefore, antibiotic screening and testing would strongly benefit from reliable in vitro models of bacterial biofilms. This review article summarizes the main features of biofilms, with particular focus on parameters affecting biofilm composition and mechanical properties. Moreover, a thorough overview of the in vitro biofilm models recently developed is presented, focusing on both traditional and advanced approaches. Static, dynamic, and microcosm models are described, and their main features, advantages, and disadvantages are compared and discussed.
Plasma Fluorinated Nano-SiO2 Enhances the Surface Insulation Performance of Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer
Authors: Duan Qijun , Xia Guowei , Song Yanze , Yin Guohua , Zhong Yuyao , Xie Jun , Xie Qing
Published: February 2023

With the extensive application of glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) in the field of high voltage insulation, its operating environment is becoming more and more complex, and the surface insulation failure has gradually become a pivotal problem affecting the safety of equipment. In this paper, nano-SiO2 was fluorinated by Dielectric barrier discharges (DBD) plasma and doped with GFRP to enhance the insulation performance. Through Fourier Transform Ioncyclotron Resonance (FTIR) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) characterization of nano fillers before and after modification, it was found that plasma fluorination can graft a large number of fluorinated groups on the surface of SiO2. The introduction of fluorinated SiO2 (FSiO2) can significantly enhance the interfacial bonding strength of the fiber, matrix and filler in GFRP. The DC surface flashover voltage of modified GFRP was further tested. The results show that both SiO2 and FSiO2 can improve the flashover voltage of GFRP. When the concentration of FSiO2 is 3%, the flashover voltage increases most significantly to 14.71 kV, which is 38.77% higher than that of unmodified GFRP. The charge dissipation test results show that the addition of FSiO2 can inhibit the surface charge migration. By the calculation of Density functional theory (DFT) and charge trap, it is found that grafting fluorine-containing groups on SiO2 can increase its band gap and enhance its electron binding ability. Furthermore, a large number of deep trap levels are introduced into the nanointerface inside GFRP to enhance the inhibition of secondary electron collapse, thus increasing the flashover voltage.
Plasmon Driven Nanocrystal Transformation by Aluminum Nano-Islands with an Alumina Layer
Authors: Zhou Xilin , Chen Huan , Zhang Baobao , Zhang Chengyun , Zhang Min , Xi Lei , Li Jinyu , Fu Zhengkun , Zheng Hairong
Published: February 2023

The plasmonic photothermal effects of metal nanostructures have recently become a new priority of studies in the field of nano-optics. Controllable plasmonic nanostructures with a wide range of responses are crucial for effective photothermal effects and their applications. In this work, self-assembled aluminum nano-islands (Al NIs) with a thin alumina layer are designed as a plasmonic photothermal structure to achieve nanocrystal transformation via multi-wavelength excitation. The plasmonic photothermal effects can be controlled by the thickness of the Al2O3 and the intensity and wavelength of the laser illumination. In addition, Al NIs with an alumina layer have good photothermal conversion efficiency even in low temperature environments, and the efficiency will not decline significantly after storage in air for 3 months. Such an inexpensive Al/Al2O3 structure with a multi-wavelength response provides an efficient platform for rapid nanocrystal transformation and a potential application for the wide-band absorption of solar energy.
Structural Properties and Energy Spectrum of Novel GaSb/AlP Self-Assembled Quantum Dots
Authors: Abramkin Demid S. , Petrushkov Mikhail O. , Bogomolov Dmitrii B. , Emelyanov Eugeny A. , Yesin Mikhail Yu. , Vasev Andrey V. , Bloshkin Alexey A. , Koptev Eugeny S. , Putyato Mikhail A. , Atuchin Victor V. , Preobrazhenskii Valery V.
Published: February 2023

In this work, the formation, structural properties, and energy spectrum of novel self-assembled GaSb/AlP quantum dots (SAQDs) were studied by experimental methods. The growth conditions for the SAQDs’ formation by molecular beam epitaxy on both matched GaP and artificial GaP/Si substrates were determined. An almost complete plastic relaxation of the elastic strain in SAQDs was reached. The strain relaxation in the SAQDs on the GaP/Si substrates does not lead to a reduction in the SAQDs luminescence efficiency, while the introduction of dislocations into SAQDs on the GaP substrates induced a strong quenching of SAQDs luminescence. Probably, this difference is caused by the introduction of Lomer 90°-dislocations without uncompensated atomic bonds in GaP/Si-based SAQDs, while threading 60°-dislocations are introduced into GaP-based SAQDs. It was shown that GaP/Si-based SAQDs have an energy spectrum of type II with an indirect bandgap and the ground electronic state belonging to the X-valley of the AlP conduction band. The hole localization energy in these SAQDs was estimated equal to 1.65–1.70 eV. This fact allows us to predict the charge storage time in the SAQDs to be as long as >>10 years, and it makes GaSb/AlP SAQDs promising objects for creating universal memory cells.
Transcranial Stimulation for the Treatment of Stimulant Use Disorder
Authors: Edinoff Amber N. , Sall Saveen , Roberts T. Dean , Tomlinson Henry H. , Soileau Lenise G. , Jackson Eric D. , Murnane Kevin S. , Wenger Danielle M. , Cornett Elyse M. , Toms Jaime , Kumbhare Deepak , Kaye Adam M. , Kaye Alan D.
Published: February 2023

The increasing prevalence of stimulant use disorder (StUD) involving methamphetamine and cocaine has been a growing healthcare concern in the United States. Cocaine usage is associated with atherosclerosis, systolic and diastolic dysfunction, and arrhythmias. Furthermore, approximately one of every four MIs is cocaine-induced among patients aged 18 to 45. Methamphetamine use has been associated with nerve terminal damage in the dopaminergic system resulting in impaired motor function, cognitive decline, and co-morbid psychiatric disorders. Current treatment options for StUD are extremely limited, and there are currently no FDA-approved pharmacotherapies. Behavioral interventions are considered first-line treatment; however, in a recent meta-analysis comparing behavioral treatment options for cocaine, contingency management programs provided the only significant reduction in use. Current evidence points to the potential of various neuromodulation techniques as the next best modality in treating StUD. The most promising evidence thus far has been transcranial magnetic stimulation which several studies have shown to reduce risk factors associated with relapse. Another more invasive neuromodulation technique being studied is deep-brain stimulation, which has shown promising results in its ability to modulate reward circuits to treat addiction. Results showing the impact of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in the treatment of StUD are limited by the lack of studies conducted and the limited understanding of the neurological involvement driving addiction-based diseases such as StUD. Future studies should seek to provide data on consumption-reducing effects rather than craving evaluations.
Protein Metabolism Changes and Alterations in Behavior of Trace Amine-Associated Receptor 1 Knockout Mice Fed a High-Fructose Diet
Authors: Apryatin Sergey A. , Zhukov Ilya S. , Zolotoverkhaya Ekaterina A. , Kuvarzin Saveliy R. , Khunagov Temirkan A. , Ushmugina Sanelya V. , Klimenko Victor M.
Published: February 2023

Trace amines and their receptors are a family of G protein-coupled receptors widely distributed in the central nervous system and periphery. The trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1) plays a significant role as a therapeutic target for schizophrenia, depression, diabetes, and obesity. In this study, TAAR1 knockout mice and WT groups were tested in conditions of a high-fructose diet. The consumption of a high-fructose diet may be due to the influence on the metabolism processes by dopamine in the brain, neuromotor function, and level of anxiety of TAAR1 knockout mice. During a comparative analysis of behavioral, biochemical, and morphological parameters, significant differences were found between liver and biochemical parameters, the regulation of protein metabolism (AST/ALT ratio, creatine kinase activity, urea), and alterations in behavior. An elevated plus maze analysis showed the influence of fructose and genetic factors on the level of anxiety. A new marker of the grooming microstructure (depression ratio) was tested, which showed high efficiency as a marker of depression-like behavioral changes and a possible association with dopamine-dependent regulation of protein metabolism. These results confirm a possible association of the TAAR1 gene knockout with an increase in catabolic reaction levels by AST/ALT-dependent and possible dopamine-mediated protein metabolism regulation and depression-like behavior.
Circulating Magnesium and Risk of Major Adverse Cardiac Events among Patients with Atrial Fibrillation in the ARIC Cohort
Authors: Li Linzi , Lutsey Pamela L. , Chen Lin Yee , Soliman Elsayed Z. , Rooney Mary R. , Alonso Alvaro
Published: February 2023

Background: Serum magnesium (Mg) has been reported to be inversely associated with the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF), coronary artery disease (CAD), and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). The association between serum Mg and the risk of MACE, heart failure (HF), stroke, and all-cause mortality among patients with AF has not been evaluated. Objective: We aim to examine whether higher serum Mg is associated with a lower risk of MACE, heart failure (HF), stroke, and all-cause mortality among patients with AF. Methods: We evaluated prospectively 413 participants of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study with a diagnosis of AF at the time of Mg measurement participating in visit 5 (2011–2013). Serum Mg was modeled in tertiles and as a continuous variable in standard deviation units. Endpoints (HF, MI, stroke, cardiovascular (CV) death, all-cause mortality, and MACE) were identified and modeled separately using Cox proportional hazard regression adjusting for potential confounders. Results: During a mean follow-up of 5.8 years, there were 79 HFs, 34 MIs, 24 strokes, 80 CV deaths, 110 MACEs, and 198 total deaths. After adjustment for demographic and clinical variables, participants in the second and third tertiles of serum Mg had lower rates of most endpoints, with the strongest inverse association for the incidence of MI (HR 0.20, 95% CI 0.07, 0.61) comparing top to bottom tertile. Serum Mg modeled linearly as a continuous variable did not show clear associations with endpoints except MI (HR 0.50, 95% CI 0.31, 0.80). Due to the limited number of events, the precision of most estimates of association was relatively low. Conclusions: Among patients with AF, higher serum Mg was associated with a lower risk of developing incident MI and, to a lesser extent, other CV endpoints. Further studies in larger patients with AF cohorts are needed to evaluate the role of serum Mg in preventing adverse CV outcomes in these patients.
Longitudinal Analysis of the Intestinal Microbiota among a Cohort of Children in Rural and Urban Areas of Pakistan
Authors: Balaji Veeraraghavan , Dinh Duy M. , Kane Anne V. , Soofi Sajid , Ahmed Imran , Rizvi Arjumand , Chatterjee Meera , Babji Sudhir , Duara Joanne , Moy Joy , Naumova Elena N. , Wanke Christine A. , Ward Honorine D. , Bhutta Zulfiqar A.
Published: February 2023

The profile of the intestinal microbiota is known to be altered in malnourished young children in low- and middle-income countries. However, there are limited studies longitudinally evaluating the intestinal microbiota in malnourished young children in resource-limited settings over the first two years of life. In this longitudinal pilot study, we determined the effect of age, residential location, and intervention on the composition, relative abundance, and diversity of the intestinal microbiota in a representative sample of children under 24 months of age with no diarrhea in the preceding 72 h in the urban and rural areas of Sindh, Pakistan nested within a cluster-randomized trial evaluating the effect of zinc and micronutrients on growth and morbidity (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00705445). The major findings were age-related with significant changes in alpha and beta diversity with increasing age. There was a significant increase in the relative abundance of the Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes phyla and a significant decrease in that of the Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria phyla (p < 0.0001). There were significant increases in the relative abundances of the major genera Bifidobacterium, Escherichia/Shigella and Streptococcus (p < 0.0001), and no significant change in the relative abundance of Lactobacillus. Using the LEfSE algorithm, differentially abundant taxa were identified between children in the first and second years of age, between those residing in rural and urban areas, and those who received different interventions at different ages from 3 to 24 months. The numbers of malnourished (underweight, wasted, stunted) or well-nourished children at each age, in each intervention arm, and at urban or rural sites were too small to determine if there were significant differences in alpha or beta diversity or differentially abundant taxa among them. Further longitudinal studies with larger numbers of well-nourished and malnourished children are required to fully characterize the intestinal microbiota of children in this region.
Nutrients, Physical Activity, and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in the Setting of Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Lemos Gabriela de Oliveira , Torrinhas Raquel Susana , Waitzberg Dan Linetzky
Published: February 2023

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of metabolic risk factors for diabetes, coronary heart disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and some tumors. It includes insulin resistance, visceral adiposity, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. MetS is primarily linked to lipotoxicity, with ectopic fat deposition from fat storage exhaustion, more than obesity per se. Excessive intake of long-chain saturated fatty acid and sugar closely relates to lipotoxicity and MetS through several pathways, including toll-like receptor 4 activation, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma regulation (PPARγ), sphingolipids remodeling, and protein kinase C activation. These mechanisms prompt mitochondrial dysfunction, which plays a key role in disrupting the metabolism of fatty acids and proteins and in developing insulin resistance. By contrast, the intake of monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, and medium-chain saturated (low-dose) fatty acids, as well as plant-based proteins and whey protein, favors an improvement in sphingolipid composition and metabolic profile. Along with dietary modification, regular exercises including aerobic, resistance, or combined training can target sphingolipid metabolism and improve mitochondrial function and MetS components. This review aimed to summarize the main dietary and biochemical aspects related to the physiopathology of MetS and its implications for mitochondrial machinery while discussing the potential role of diet and exercise in counteracting this complex clustering of metabolic dysfunctions.