bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chromite-PGM Mineralization in the Lherzolite Mantle Tectonite of the Kraka Ophiolite Complex (Southern Urals, Russia)
Authors: Garuti Giorgio , Pushkarev Evgenii V. , Gottman Irina A. , Zaccarini Federica
Published: November 2021

The mantle tectonite of the Kraka ophiolite contains several chromite deposits. Two of them consisting of high-Cr podiform chromitite—the Bolshoi Bashart located within harzburgite of the upper mantle transition zone and Prospect 33 located in the deep lherzolitic mantle—have been investigated. Both deposits are enveloped in dunite, and were formed by reaction between the mantle protolith and high-Mg, anhydrous magma, enriched in Al2O3, TiO2, and Na2O compared with boninite. The PGE mineralization is very poor (<100 ppb) in both deposits. Laurite (RuS2) is the most common PGM inclusion in chromite, although it is accompanied by erlichmanite (OsS2) and (Ir,Ni) sulfides in Prospect 33. Precipitation of PGM occurred at sulfur fugacity and temperatures of logƒS2 = (−3.0), 1300–1100 °C in Bolshoi Bashart, and logƒS2 = (−3.0/+1.0), 1100–800 °C in Prospect 33, respectively. The paucity of chromite-PGM mineralization compared with giant chromite deposits in the mantle tectonite in supra-subduction zones (SSZ) of the Urals (Ray-Iz, Kempirsai) is ascribed to the peculiar petrologic nature (low depleted lherzolite) and geodynamic setting (rifted continental margin?) of the Kraka ophiolite, which did not enable drainage of the upper mantle with a large volume of mafic magma.
Albite ± Actinolite-Altered Porphyry Dykes in Archean Gold Deposits of the Boulder Lefroy-Golden Mile Fault System, Yilgarn Craton, Western Australia: Petrography, Chronology, and Comparison to Canadian Albitites
Authors: Mueller Andreas G. , McNaughton Neal J. , Muhling Janet R.
Published: November 2021

The Boulder Lefroy-Golden Mile fault system in the Archean Yigarn Craton is the most productive gold-mineralized structure in Australia (>2300 t Au). The New Celebration deposit (51 t Au) is part of a group of hematite- and anhydrite-bearing mesothermal deposits and Fe-Cu-Au skarns associated with monzodiorite-tonalite intrusions in the strike-slip fault system. Ore-grade biotite-carbonate and late sericite-carbonate-alkali feldspar replacement is bound to the contacts of a felsic (low Cr, Ni, V) quartz-plagioclase porphyry dyke dated at 2676 ± 7 Ma. The sodic-potassic alteration of the felsic boudinaged dyke contrasts with the albite-actinolite alteration in the adjacent mafic (high Cr, Ni, V) plagioclase porphyry dated at 2662 ± 4 Ma, although both share the same sulfide-oxide assemblage: pyrite ± chalcopyrite, magnetite ± hematite. The younger porphyry locally crosscuts foliation and is bordered by post-kinematic actinolite-pyrite selvages overprinting talc-chlorite-phlogopite-dolomite schist. It contains auriferous pyrite (70 ppb Au; 610 ppb Ag) where sampled for zircon U-Pb chronology at +224 m elevation. Above the sample site, the dyke was mined as gold ore (1–6 g/t Au) at +300–350 m. Temperature estimates based on actinolite-albite pairs (300–350 °C) agree with the fluid inclusion trapping temperature of main-stage auriferous veins (330 ± 20 °C). These relationships are interpreted to indicate syn-mineralization emplacement. Gold-related albite-altered porphyry dykes (albitites) also occur in the world-class Hollinger-McIntyre (986 t Au) and Kerr Addison-Chesterville deposits (336 t Au), Abitibi greenstone belt, Canada.
Study on Localized Surface Plasmon Coupling with Many Radiators
Authors: Chen Zhizhong , Deng Chuhan , Xi Xin , Chen Yifan , Feng Yulong , Jiang Shuang , Chen Weihua , Kang Xiangning , Wang Qi , Zhang Guoyi , Shen Bo
Published: November 2021

Localized surface plasmon (LSP) coupling with many radiators are investigated. The LSP is generated by excitation of laser or electron beam on the random Ag nano particles (NPs) and arrayed ones embedded in the p-GaN of green LEDs. They couple with the excitons or radiative recombination in the quantum well (QW) and electron beam, which enhance or suppress the luminescence of the radiators. The photoluminescence (PL) intensity of periodic Ag NPs can get as much as 4.5 times higher than that of bare LED. In addition to the periodic structure, the morphology of Ag NPs also affects the localized SP (LSP) resonance intensity and light scattering efficiency. In the finite difference time domain (FDTD) simulation, five x-polarized dipoles are approximated to five quantum wells. Considering the interaction between the five dipoles and their feedback effect on LSP, the enhancement effect of SP dipole coupling with Ag NPs is amplified and the energy dissipation is reduced. The enhancement of cathodoluminescence (CL) was also found in green LEDs with Ag NPs. The three-body model composed of two orthogonal dipoles and an Ag NP is used for 3D FDTD simulation. The LSP-QWs coupling effect is separated from the electron beam (e-beam)-LSP-QW system by linear approximation. Under the excitation of electron beam, the introduction of z-dipole greatly reduces the energy dissipation. In the cross-sectional sample, z-polarized dipoles in QWs show more coupling strength to the dipole and quadrupole modes of LSP. The perturbation theory is used to separate the LSP coupling effects to x-dipole and z-dipole. At last, the resonator and the antenna effects are discussed for LSP coupling at different positions to the Ag NP.
New Strategy for Inducing Surface Anisotropy in Polyimide Films for Nematics Orientation in Display Applications
Authors: Epure Elena-Luiza , Stoica Iuliana , Albu Raluca Marinica , Hulubei Camelia , Barzic Andreea Irina
Published: November 2021

The operability of liquid crystal displays is strongly impacted by the orientation aspects of nematics, which in turn are affected by the alignment layer surface features. In this work, two polyimide (PI) structures are obtained based on a cycloaliphatic dianhydride and aromatic or aliphatic diamines with distinct flexibility. The attained PI films have high transmittance (T) for visible radiations, i.e., at 550 nm T > 80%. Here, a novel strategy for creating surface anisotropy in the samples that combines rubbing with a cloth and stretching via pressing is reported. Birefringence and atomic force microscopy (AFM) scans reveal that the generated orientation of the chains is affected by the chemical structure of the polymer and order of the steps involved in the surface treatment. Molecular modeling computations and wettability tests show that the PI structure and produced surface topography are competitive factors, which are impacting the intensity of the interactions with the nematic liquid crystals. The achieved results are of great relevance for designing of reliable display devices with improved uniform orientation of liquid crystals.
Toxicology and Biocompatibility of Nanomaterials
Authors: Weiss Carsten , Diabaté Silvia
Published: November 2021

It is our great pleasure to introduce this Special Issue entitled “Toxicology and Biocompatibility of Nanomaterials” [...]
Controlled Epitaxial Growth and Atomically Sharp Interface of Graphene/Ferromagnetic Heterostructure via Ambient Pressure Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Wu Ruinan , Hu Yueguo , Li Peisen , Peng Junping , Hu Jiafei , Yang Ming , Chen Dixiang , Guo Yanrui , Zhang Qi , Xie Xiangnan , Dai Jiayu , Qiu Weicheng , Wang Guang , Pan Mengchun
Published: November 2021

The strong spin filtering effect can be produced by C-Ni atomic orbital hybridization in lattice-matched graphene/Ni (111) heterostructures, which provides an ideal platform to improve the tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) of magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs). However, large-area, high-quality graphene/ferromagnetic epitaxial interfaces are mainly limited by the single-crystal size of the Ni (111) substrate and well-oriented graphene domains. In this work, based on the preparation of a 2-inch single-crystal Ni (111) film on an Al2O3 (0001) wafer, we successfully achieve the production of a full-coverage, high-quality graphene monolayer on a Ni (111) substrate with an atomically sharp interface via ambient pressure chemical vapor deposition (APCVD). The high crystallinity and strong coupling of the well-oriented epitaxial graphene/Ni (111) interface are systematically investigated and carefully demonstrated. Through the analysis of the growth model, it is shown that the oriented growth induced by the Ni (111) crystal, the optimized graphene nucleation and the subsurface carbon density jointly contribute to the resulting high-quality graphene/Ni (111) heterostructure. Our work provides a convenient approach for the controllable fabrication of a large-area homogeneous graphene/ferromagnetic interface, which would benefit interface engineering of graphene-based MTJs and future chip-level 2D spintronic applications.
Dye Sensitization for Ultraviolet Upconversion Enhancement
Authors: Wang Mingkai , Wei Hanlin , Wang Shuai , Hu Chuanyu , Su Qianqian
Published: November 2021

Upconversion nanocrystals that converted near-infrared radiation into emission in the ultraviolet spectral region offer many exciting opportunities for drug release, photocatalysis, photodynamic therapy, and solid-state lasing. However, a key challenge is the development of lanthanide-doped nanocrystals with efficient ultraviolet emission, due to low conversion efficiency. Here, we develop a dye-sensitized, heterogeneous core–multishelled lanthanide nanoparticle for ultraviolet upconversion enhancement. We systematically study the main influencing factors on ultraviolet upconversion emission, including dye concentration, excitation wavelength, and dye-sensitizer distance. Interestingly, our experimental results demonstrate a largely promoted multiphoton upconversion. The underlying mechanism and detailed energy transfer pathway are illustrated. These findings offer insights into future developments of highly ultraviolet-emissive nanohybrids and provide more opportunities for applications in photo-catalysis, biomedicine, and environmental science.
Fully Vacuum-Sealed Diode-Structure Addressable ZnO Nanowire Cold Cathode Flat-Panel X-ray Source: Fabrication and Imaging Application
Authors: Wang Chengyun , Zhang Guofu , Xu Yuan , Chen Yicong , Deng Shaozhi , Chen Jun
Published: November 2021

A fully vacuum-sealed addressable flat-panel X-ray source based on ZnO nanowire field emitter arrays (FEAs) was fabricated. The device has a diode structure composed of cathode panel and anode panel. ZnO nanowire cold cathodes were prepared on strip electrodes on a cathode panel and Mo thin film strips were prepared on an anode panel acting as the target. Localized X-ray emission was realized by cross-addressing of cathode and anode electrodes. A radiation dose rate of 10.8 μGy/s was recorded at the anode voltage of 32 kV. The X-ray imaging of objects using different addressing scheme was obtained and the imaging results were analyzed. The results demonstrated the feasibility of achieving addressable flat-panel X-ray source using diode-structure for advanced X-ray imaging.
Metal Nanoparticles against Viruses: Possibilities to Fight SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Chue-Gonçalves Marcelly , Pereira Giovana N. , Faccin-Galhardi Lígia C. , Kobayashi Renata K. T. , Nakazato Gerson
Published: November 2021

In view of the current Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic outbreak, the research community is focusing on development of diagnostics, treatment, and vaccines to halt or reverse this scenario. Although there are already various vaccines available, adaptive mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 genome can alter its pathogenic potential and, at the same time, increase the difficulty of developing drugs or immunization by vaccines. Nanotechnology carries a potential to act in all stages in fighting this viral disease, with several possibilities of strategies such as applying nanoparticles directly as antivirals in delivery systems against these viruses or incorporating them in materials, with power of achievement in therapeutics, vaccines and prevention. In this paper, we review and bring insights of recent studies using metal nanocomposites as antivirals against coronavirus and structurally similar viruses.
Review on Tailoring PEDOT:PSS Layer for Improved Device Stability of Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Xia Yijie , Yan Guowang , Lin Jian
Published: November 2021

Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) has high optical transparency in the visible light range and low-temperature processing condition, making it one of the most widely used polymer hole transport materials inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs), because of its high optical transparency in the visible light range and low-temperature processing condition. However, the stability of PSCs based on pristine PEDOT:PSS is far from satisfactory, which is ascribed to the acidic and hygroscopic nature of PEDOT:PSS, and property differences between PEDOT:PSS and perovskite materials, such as conductivity, work function and surface morphology. This review summaries recent efficient strategies to improve the stability of PEDOT:PSS in PSCs and discusses the underlying mechanisms. This review is expected to provide helpful insights for further increasing the stability of PSCs based on commercial PEDOT:PSS.
Numerical Evaluation of the Effect of Geometric Tolerances on the High-Frequency Performance of Graphene Field-Effect Transistors
Authors: La Mura Monica , Lamberti Patrizia , Tucci Vincenzo
Published: November 2021

The interest in graphene-based electronics is due to graphene’s great carrier mobility, atomic thickness, resistance to radiation, and tolerance to extreme temperatures. These characteristics enable the development of extremely miniaturized high-performing electronic devices for next-generation radiofrequency (RF) communication systems. The main building block of graphene-based electronics is the graphene-field effect transistor (GFET). An important issue hindering the diffusion of GFET-based circuits on a commercial level is the repeatability of the fabrication process, which affects the uncertainty of both the device geometry and the graphene quality. Concerning the GFET geometrical parameters, it is well known that the channel length is the main factor that determines the high-frequency limitations of a field-effect transistor, and is therefore the parameter that should be better controlled during the fabrication. Nevertheless, other parameters are affected by a fabrication-related tolerance; to understand to which extent an increase of the accuracy of the GFET layout patterning process steps can improve the performance uniformity, their impact on the GFET performance variability should be considered and compared to that of the channel length. In this work, we assess the impact of the fabrication-related tolerances of GFET-base amplifier geometrical parameters on the RF performance, in terms of the amplifier transit frequency and maximum oscillation frequency, by using a design-of-experiments approach.
Geometrical Nonlinearity for a Timoshenko Beam with Flexoelectricity
Authors: Repka Miroslav , Sladek Jan , Sladek Vladimir
Published: November 2021

The Timoshenko beam model is applied to the analysis of the flexoelectric effect for a cantilever beam under large deformations. The geometric nonlinearity with von Kármán strains is considered. The nonlinear system of ordinary differential equations (ODE) for beam deflection and rotation are derived. Moreover, this nonlinear system is linearized for each load increment, where it is solved iteratively. For the vanishing flexoelectric coefficient, the governing equations lead to the classical Timoshenko beam model. Furthermore, the influence of the flexoelectricity coefficient and the microstructural length-scale parameter on the beam deflection and the induced electric intensity is investigated.
Preparation of Quantum Dot-Embedded Photonic Crystal Hydrogel and Its Application as Fluorescence Sensor for the Detection of Nitrite
Authors: Li Rongzhen , Li Lian , Wang Bin , Yu Liping
Published: November 2021

The development of fluorescence sensing platforms with excellent photoluminescence capabilities is of great importance for their further application. In this work, a photonic crystal structure was successfully applied to enhance the luminescence performance of fluorescent hydrogel, and the application of the obtained hydrogel as a fluorescence sensor was explored. A polystyrene photonic crystal template was constructed via vertical deposition self-assembly; then, the precursor solution containing polyethylenimine-capped CdS quantum dots (PEI-CdS QDs) and monomers filled in the gap of the template. After the polymerization process, the desired hydrogel was obtained. PEI-CdS QDs endowed the hydrogel with its fluorescence property, while interestingly, the photonic crystal structure showed a significant enhancement effect on the fluorescence-emission capability. The mechanism of this phenomenon was revealed. Moreover, this hydrogel could be used as a reusable fluorescence sensor for the detection of nitrite in water with good selectivity. The limit of detection was determined to be 0.25 μmol/L, which is much lower than the maximum limit for nitrite in drinking water.
Chronic Effects of Maternal Low-Protein and Low-Quality Protein Diets on Body Composition, Glucose-Homeostasis and Metabolic Factors, Followed by Reversible Changes upon Rehabilitation in Adult Rat Offspring
Authors: Savitikadi Pandarinath , Pullakhandam Raghu , Kulkarni Bharati , Kumar Boiroju Naveen , Reddy Geereddy Bhanuprakash , Reddy Vadde Sudhakar
Published: November 2021

Several studies suggest that the maternal protein content and source can affect the offspring’s health. However, the chronic impact of maternal quality and quantity protein restriction, and reversible changes upon rehabilitation, if any, in the offspring, remains elusive. This study examined the effects of maternal low-quality protein (LQP) and low-protein (LP) intake from preconception to post-weaning, followed by rehabilitation from weaning, on body composition, glucose-homeostasis, and metabolic factors in rat offspring. Wistar rats were exposed to normal protein (NP; 20% casein), LQP (20% wheat gluten) or LP (8% casein) isocaloric diets for 7 weeks before pregnancy until lactation. After weaning, the offspring were exposed to five diets: NP, LQP, LQPR (LQP rehabilitated with NP), LP, and LPR (LP rehabilitated with NP) for 16 weeks. Body composition, glucose-homeostasis, lipids, and plasma hormones were investigated. The LQP and LP offspring had lower bodyweight, fat and lean mass, insulin and HOMA-IR than the NP. The LQP offspring had higher cholesterol, T3 and T4, and lower triacylglycerides and glucose, while these were unaltered in LP compared to NP. The majority of the above outcomes were reversed upon rehabilitation. These results suggest that the chronic exposure of rats to maternal LQP and LP diets induced differential adverse effects by influencing body composition and metabolism, which were reversed upon rehabilitation.
An Exploratory Approach to Deriving Nutrition Information of Restaurant Food from Crowdsourced Food Images: Case of Hartford
Authors: Chen Xiang , Johnson Evelyn , Kulkarni Aditya , Ding Caiwen , Ranelli Natalie , Chen Yanyan , Xu Ran
Published: November 2021

Deep learning models can recognize the food item in an image and derive their nutrition information, including calories, macronutrients (carbohydrates, fats, and proteins), and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals). This technology has yet to be implemented for the nutrition assessment of restaurant food. In this paper, we crowdsource 15,908 food images of 470 restaurants in the Greater Hartford region on Tripadvisor and Google Place. These food images are loaded into a proprietary deep learning model (Calorie Mama) for nutrition assessment. We employ manual coding to validate the model accuracy based on the Food and Nutrient Database for Dietary Studies. The derived nutrition information is visualized at both the restaurant level and the census tract level. The deep learning model achieves 75.1% accuracy when compared with manual coding. It has more accurate labels for ethnic foods but cannot identify portion sizes, certain food items (e.g., specialty burgers and salads), and multiple food items in an image. The restaurant nutrition (RN) index is further proposed based on the derived nutrition information. By identifying the nutrition information of restaurant food through crowdsourced food images and a deep learning model, the study provides a pilot approach for large-scale nutrition assessment of the community food environment.
Mokko Lactone Attenuates Doxorubicin-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats: Emphasis on Sirt-1/FOXO1/NF-κB Axis
Authors: Sirwi Alaa , Shaik Rasheed A. , Alamoudi Abdulmohsin J. , Eid Basma G. , Kammoun Ahmed K. , Ibrahim Sabrin R. M. , Mohamed Gamal A. , Abdallah Hossam M. , Abdel-Naim Ashraf B.
Published: November 2021

Doxorubicin (DOX), a common chemotherapeutic agent, suffers serious adverse effects including hepatotoxicity. Mokko lactone (ML) is a guainolide sesquiterpene with promising biological activities. The study aimed to evaluate the protection offered by ML against hepatotoxicity induced by DOX in rats. Our data indicated ML exhibited protective effects as evidenced by ameliorating the rise in serum activities of alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase and alkaline phosphatase. This was confirmed histologically as ML prevented DOX-induced pathological alteration in liver architecture. Further, ML administration significantly prevented malondialdehyde accumulation, glutathione depletion and superoxide dismutase and catalase exhaustion. Antioxidant action of ML was associated with enhanced expression of the nuclear translocation of NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and a lower expression of forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1). Also, ML showed potent anti-inflammatory activities highlighted by decreased expression of interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor α and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB). The anti-apoptotic effects of ML were associated with decreased Bax and enhanced Bcl-2 mRNA expression in liver tissues. ML caused a significant up-regulation in the expression of silent information regulator 1 (Sirt-1). Therefore, it can be concluded that ML prevents liver injury caused by DOX. This could partially be due to the ML regulatory activities on Sirt-1/FOXO1/NF-κB axis.
Genotoxicity and Carcinogenicity of Medicinal Herbs and Their Nanoparticles
Authors: Qari Sameer H. , Alrefaei Abdulmajeed F. , Ashoor Ahmed B. , Soliman Mona H.
Published: November 2021

Medicinal plants (MPs) account for 70–80% of use in primary care around the world, and this percentage indicates that the number of MP users is high; thus, it is necessary to focus studies on medicinal herbs to ensure their proper use. In addition, MPs have strong genotoxic effects, as some types of MPs can cause DNA damage. Any substance that raises the risk of cancer or a tumor in an organism is called a carcinogen. There are many genotoxic and carcinogenic substances in the environment that can directly or indirectly affect genetic material. There are also nanoparticles (NPs) derived from MPs. Carbon-based NPs contain many nanoscale materials, such as fullerenes and carbon nanotubes, as well as metals such as gold (Au), silver (Ag), and aluminum (Al). Unfortunately, few studies are concerned with the carcinogenicity of NPs from MPs, whereas many researchers are interested in genotoxic assessment. For this reason, there is an urgent need for more studies into the safety of MPs and NPs. Therefore, this study reviewed the genotoxicity and carcinogenicity of MPs and their derived NPs. We also emphasized the need for strict regulation and monitoring of MP usage.
The 4-Year Experience with Implementation and Routine Use of Pathogen Reduction in a Brazilian Hospital
Authors: Fachini Roberta , Fontão-Wendel Rita , Achkar Ruth , Scuracchio Patrícia , Brito Mayra , Amaral Marcelo , Wendel Silvano
Published: November 2021

(1) Background: We reviewed the logistics of the implementation of pathogen reduction (PR) using the INTERCEPT Blood System™ for platelets and the experience with routine use and clinical outcomes in the patient population at the Sírio-Libanês Hospital of São Paulo, Brazil. (2) Methods: Platelet concentrate (PC), including pathogen reduced (PR-PC) production, inventory management, discard rates, blood utilization, and clinical outcomes were analyzed over the 40 months before and after PR implementation. Age distribution and wastage rates were compared over the 10 months before and after approval for PR-PC to be stored for up to seven days. (3) Results: A 100% PR-PC inventory was achieved by increasing double apheresis collections and production of double doses using pools of two single apheresis units. Discard rates decreased from 6% to 3% after PR implementation and further decreased to 1.2% after seven-day storage extension for PR-PCs. The blood utilization remained stable, with no increase in component utilization. A significant decrease in adverse transfusion events was observed after the PR implementation. (4) Conclusion: Our experience demonstrates the feasibility for Brazilian blood centers to achieve a 100% PR-PC inventory. All patients at our hospital received PR-PC and showed no increase in blood component utilization and decreased rates of adverse transfusion reactions.
Aliphatic Quaternary Ammonium Functionalized Nanogels for Gene Delivery
Authors: Zhang Huaiying , Keskin Damla , de Haan-Visser Willy H. , Zu Guangyue , van Rijn Patrick , Zuhorn Inge S.
Published: November 2021

Gene therapy is a promising treatment for hereditary diseases, as well as acquired genetic diseases, including cancer. Facing the complicated physiological and pathological environment in vivo, developing efficient non-viral gene vectors is needed for their clinical application. Here, poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (p(NIPAM)) nanogels are presented with either protonatable tertiary amine groups or permanently charged quaternized ammonium groups to achieve DNA complexation ability. In addition, a quaternary ammonium-functionalized nanogel was further provided with an aliphatic moiety using 1-bromododecane to add a membrane-interacting structure to ultimately facilitate intracellular release of the genetic material. The ability of the tertiary amine-, quaternized ammonium-, and aliphatic quaternized ammonium-functionalized p(NIPAM) nanogels (i.e., NGs, NGs-MI, and NGs-BDD, respectively) to mediate gene transfection was evaluated by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. It is observed that NGs-BDD/pDNA complexes exhibit efficient gene loading, gene protection ability, and intracellular uptake similar to that of NGs-MI/pDNA complexes. However, only the NGs-BDD/pDNA complexes show a notable gene transfer efficiency, which can be ascribed to their ability to mediate DNA escape from endosomes. We conclude that NGs-BDD displays a cationic lipid-like behavior that facilitates endosomal escape by perturbing the endosomal/lysosomal membrane. These findings demonstrate that the presence of aliphatic chains within the nanogel is instrumental in accomplishing gene delivery, which provides a rationale for the further development of nanogel-based gene delivery systems.
An Electro-Optic, Actively Q-Switched Tm:YAP/KGW External-Cavity Raman Laser at 2273 nm and 2344 nm
Authors: Nahear Rotem , Suliman Neria , Bach Yechiel , Noach Salman
Published: November 2021

This paper presents a KGW Raman laser with an external-cavity configuration in the 2 μm region. The Raman laser is pumped by unique, electro-optic, actively Q-switched Tm:Yap laser, emitting at 1935 nm. The electro-optic modulation is based on a KLTN crystal, enabling the use of a short crystal length, with a relatively low driving voltage. Due to the KGW bi-axial properties, the Raman laser is able to lase separately at two different output wavelengths, 2273 and 2344 nm. The output energies and pulse durations for these two lines are 0.42 mJ/pulse at 18.2 ns, and 0.416 mJ/pulse at 14.7 ns, respectively. This is the first implementation of a KGW crystal pumped by an electro-optic active Q-switched Tm:Yap laser in the SWIR spectral range.
Studying the Influence of External Photon Fields on Blazar Spectra Using a One-Zone Hadro-Leptonic Time-Dependent Model
Authors: Zacharias Michael
Published: November 2021

The recent associations of neutrinos with blazars require the efficient interaction of relativistic protons with ambient soft photon fields. However, along side the neutrinos, γ-ray photons are produced, which interact with the same soft photon fields producing electron-positron pairs. The strength of this cascade has significant consequences on the photon spectrum in various energy bands and puts severe constraints on the pion and neutrino production. In this study, we discuss the influence of the external thermal photon fields (accretion disk, broad-line region, and dusty torus) on the proton-photon interactions, employing a newly developed time-dependent one-zone hadro-leptonic code OneHaLe. We present steady-state cases, as well as a time-dependent case, where the emission region moves through the jet. Within the limits of this toy study, the external fields can disrupt the “usual” double-humped blazar spectrum. Similarly, a moving region would cross significant portions of the jet without reaching the previously-found steady states.
Hypolipidemic and Antioxidant Effects of Guishe Extract from Agave lechuguilla, a Mexican Plant with Biotechnological Potential, on Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Male Rats
Authors: Esquivel-Gutiérrez Edgar R. , Manzo-Avalos Salvador , Peña-Montes Donovan J. , Saavedra-Molina Alfredo , Morreeuw Zoé P. , Reyes Ana G.
Published: November 2021

In the present study, we used a by-product from Agave lechuguilla (guishe) to test its antidiabetic effect, hypolipidemic activity, and capacity to mitigate the oxidative stress in kidney mitochondria from streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Orally, a crude aqueous extract from lyophilized guishe was administered over 5 weeks at different doses. Blood glucose and body weight were monitored. Also, blood chemistry, bilirubin, and alanine aminotransferase were assayed. Furthermore, the activity of catalase, thiobarbituric acid reactive species, mitochondrial superoxide dismutase, glutathione and glutathione peroxidase were determined in isolated kidney mitochondria. Our results show that guishe extracts have no antidiabetic properties at any dose. Nevertheless, it was able to diminish serum triglyceride levels and regulate the oxidative stress observed in isolated kidney mitochondria. These observations indicate that the aqueous extract from guishe can be used to treat abnormalities in serum lipids, as a hypolipidemic, and mitigate the oxidative stress, as an antioxidant, occurring during diabetes.
Kosteletzkya pentacarpos: A Potential Halophyte Candidate for Phytoremediation in the Meta(loid)s Polluted Saline Soils
Authors: Zhou Mingxi , Lutts Stanley , Han Ruiming
Published: November 2021

Kosteletzkya pentacarpos (L.) Ledebour is a perennial facultative halophyte species from the Malvacea family that grows in coastal areas with high amounts of salt. The tolerance of K. pentacarpos to the high concentration of salt (0.5–1.5% salinity range of coastal saline land) has been widely studied for decades. Nowadays, with the dramatic development of the economy and urbanization, in addition to the salt, the accumulation of mate(loid)s in coastal soil is increasing, which is threatening the survival of halophyte species as well as the balance of wetland ecosystems. Recently, the capacity of K. pentacarpos to cope with either single heavy metal stress or a combination of multiple meta(loid) toxicities was studied. Hence, this review focused on summarizing the physiological and biochemical behaviors of K. pentacarpos that has been simultaneously exposed to the combination of several meta(loid) toxicities. How the salt accumulated by K. pentacarpos impacts the response to meta(loid) stress was discussed. We conclude that as a potential candidate for phytoremediation, K. pentacarpos was able to cope with various environmental constrains such as multiple meta(loid) stresses due to its relative tolerance to meta(loid) toxicity.
Novel Encapsulated Herbicide Delivery Mechanism: Its Efficacy in Mimosa Bush (Vachellia farnesiana) Control
Authors: Limbongan Amelia A. , Campbell Shane D. , Galea Victor J.
Published: November 2021

Mimosa bush (Vachellia farnesiana) is an invasive woody weed widely distributed in Australia. While it can be controlled using several mechanical and chemical techniques, this study evaluated a novel herbicide delivery mechanism that minimizes the risk of spray drift and potential non-target damage. This method, developed by Bioherbicides Australia, involves the implantation of encapsulated granular herbicides into the stem of intact plants or into the stump after cutting off plants close to ground level (cut stumps). Trials were implemented near Moree (New South Wales, Australia) on intact (two experimental runs) plants and cut stumped (two experimental runs) plants. For each trial, an untreated control plus the conventional basal bark application of a liquid formulation of triclopyr + picloram mixed with diesel was included for comparison. Encapsulated glyphosate, aminopyralid + metsulfuron-methyl, hexazinone and clopyralid were also tested in all trials. In addition, encapsulated triclopyr + picloram, and metsulfuron-methyl were included in one of the intact plant trials. Aminopyralid + metsulfuron-methyl was consistently most effective on cut stump and intact plants, whilst clopyralid provided highest mortality when applied to cut stumps and single-stemmed intact plants. Particularly for multi-stemmed intact plants, clopyralid should be applied to each stem. Overall, the highest efficacy was achieved on single stemmed plants, but with further refinement of the technique, it should be possible to achieve similar results for multi-stemmed individuals. This method resulted in a reduction in the use of herbicide and environmental contamination while significantly improving speed of treatment.
Potential Use of Hyperspectral Reflectance as a High-Throughput Nondestructive Phenotyping Tool for Assessing Salt Tolerance in Advanced Spring Wheat Lines under Field Conditions
Authors: El-Hendawy Salah , Al-Suhaibani Nasser , Mubushar Muhammad , Tahir Muhammad Usman , Refay Yahya , Tola ElKamil
Published: November 2021

The incorporation of stress tolerance indices (STIs) with the early estimation of grain yield (GY) in an expeditious and nondestructive manner can enable breeders for ensuring the success of genotype development for a wide range of environmental conditions. In this study, the relative performance of GY for sixty-four spring wheat germplasm under the control and 15.0 dS m−1 NaCl were compared through different STIs, and the ability of a hyperspectral reflectance tool for the early estimation of GY and STIs was assessed using twenty spectral reflectance indices (SRIs; 10 vegetation SRIs and 10 water SRIs). The results showed that salinity treatments, genotypes, and their interactions had significant effects on the GY and nearly all SRIs. Significant genotypic variations were also observed for all STIs. Based on the GY under the control (GYc) and salinity (GYs) conditions and all STIs, the tested genotypes were classified into three salinity tolerance groups (salt-tolerant, salt-sensitive, and moderately salt-tolerant groups). Most vegetation and water SRIs showed strong relationships with the GYc, stress tolerance index (STI), and geometric mean productivity (GMP); moderate relationships with GYs and sometimes with the tolerance index (TOL); and weak relationships with the yield stability index (YSI) and stress susceptibility index (SSI). Obvious differences in the spectral reflectance curves were found among the three salinity tolerance groups under the control and salinity conditions. Stepwise multiple linear regressions identified three SRIs from each vegetation and water SRI as the most influential indices that contributed the most variation in the GY. These SRIs were much more effective in estimating the GYc (R2 = 0.64 − 0.79) than GYs (R2 = 0.38 − 0.47). They also provided a much accurate estimation of the GYc and GYs for the moderately salt-tolerant genotype group; YSI, SSI, and TOL for the salt-sensitive genotypes group; and STI and GMP for all the three salinity tolerance groups. Overall, the results of this study highlight the potential of using a hyperspectral reflectance tool in breeding programs for phenotyping a sufficient number of genotypes under a wide range of environmental conditions in a cost-effective, noninvasive, and expeditious manner. This will aid in accelerating the development of genotypes for salinity conditions in breeding programs.
Enough to Feed Ourselves!—Food Plants in Bulgarian Rural Home Gardens
Authors: Ivanova Teodora , Bosseva Yulia , Chervenkov Mihail , Dimitrova Dessislava
Published: November 2021

The home garden is a unique human-nature interspace that accommodates a diverse spectrum of plant species and provides multiple services to households. One of the most important roles of home gardens is to shelter the agricultural plant diversity that provides for diverse and healthy nutrition, especially in rural communities. While tropical home gardens have received wide recognition due to their provisional function for the local communities, temperate and especially European home gardens have been discussed less frequently as a source of subsistence. The main objectives of the current study were to document plant species grown in Bulgarian rural home gardens and to explore related local knowledge and cultural practices that influence food plant diversity, its selection and preservation. Field work was focused on settlements situated in eight provinces in South and North-West Bulgaria. Participants representing 65 home gardens were approached through semi-structured interviews. Home gardens were found to harbor 145 cultivated and semi-cultivated plant taxa, used as food, medicinal and aromatic plants and as animal fodder. Members of the Rosaceae family were most numerous. The largest part of the garden area was occupied by vegetable crops of Solanaceae and Cucurbitaceae. In 63.1% of the studied households, the food growing area comprised more than 2/3 of the total size of the garden. Most preferred crops reflected the social and cultural importance of food self-provisioning, especially in the rural areas. The provisional role of the home gardens in regard to preparation of traditional foods and the driving forces for seed saving are discussed.
Use of Poly(vinyl alcohol)-Malic Acid (CLHPMA) Hydrogels and Chitosan Coated Calcium Alginate (CCCA) Microparticles as Potential Sorbent Phases for the Extraction and Quantitative Determination of Pesticides from Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Valdés Cristian , Valdés Oscar , Bustos Daniel , Abril Diana , Cabrera-Barjas Gustavo , Pereira Alfredo , Villaseñor Jorge , Polo-Cuadrado Efraín , Carreño Gustavo , Durán-Lara Esteban F. , Marican Adolfo
Published: November 2021

Pesticides are used worldwide to increase crop yields in agriculture. However, their toxicity and accumulation capacity can make them toxic to the environment, animals and humans. In the case of workers chronically exposed to these substances, they must be sampled continuously, so urine is an excellent option. In this sense, this study proposes to use poly(vinyl alcohol)-malic acid hydrogels, and chitosan-coated calcium alginate as new sorbent phases to be used in pesticide determination processes in urine. To better understand the behavior of these materials in the capture and desorption process, molecular dynamics simulations (MDS) were used, and desorption experiments were performed, using mechanical agitation, ultrasound, and pH variation in the desorption process, in order to optimize the parameters to obtain better recoveries. Under the optimal experimental conditions, the maximum recoveries were of the order of 11% (CFN), 3% (KCF), 53% (DMT), 18% (MTD) and 35% (MTL). Although the recoveries were not exhaustive, they are a first approximation for the use of these new sorbent phases in the determination of this type of compound in aqueous solutions and urine.
Numerical Modelling and Analytical Comparison of Delamination during Cryogenic Drilling of CFRP
Authors: Balan Arunachalam S. S. , Kannan Chidambaram , Jain Kunj , Chakraborty Sohini , Joshi Siddharth , Rawat Krishna , Alsanie Walaa F. , Thakur Vijay Kumar
Published: November 2021

Carbon-Fibre-Reinforced Polymers (CFRPs) have seen a steady rise in modern industrial applications due to their high strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance. However, their potential is being hindered by delamination which is induced on them during machining operations. This has led to the adoption of new and innovative techniques like cryogenic-assisted machining which could potentially help reduce delamination. This study is aimed at investigating the effect of cryogenic conditions on achieving better hole quality with reduced delamination. In this paper, the numerical analysis of the drilling of CFRP composites is presented. Drilling tests were performed experimentally for validation purposes. The effects of cooling conditions and their subsequent effect on the thrust force and delamination were evaluated using ABAQUS/CAE. The numerical models and experimental results both demonstrated a significant reduction in the delamination factor in CFRP under cryogenic drilling conditions.
Viscoelastic Property of an LDPE Melt in Triangular- and Trapezoidal-Loop Shear Experiment
Authors: Huang Shuxin
Published: November 2021

The time-dependent viscoelastic behaviors of a low-density polyethylene melt (LDPE) in a triangular- and trapezoidal-loop shear experiment reported previously are described here by an integral-type Rivlin–Sawyers (RS) constitutive equation. The linear viscoelasticity of the melt was obtained through a dynamic frequency sweep experiment at a small strain and fitted by a relaxation spectrum. The nonlinear viscoelasticity was characterized by viscosity. All the experimental viscoelastic behaviors of the melt can be divided into two types in terms of the predictions of the RS model: (1) predictable time-dependent viscoelastic behaviors at low shear rates or during short-term shear, and (2) unpredictable shear weakening behavior occurring at the high shear rate of 3–5 s−1 during long-term shear with the characteristic time interval of about 40–100 s. The influence of experimental error caused possibly by inhomogeneous samples on the viscoelasticity of the melt was analyzed, and the large relative error in the experiment is about 10–30%.
Eco–Friendly Peelable Active Nanocomposite Films Designed for Biological and Chemical Warfare Agents Decontamination
Authors: Toader Gabriela , Diacon Aurel , Rotariu Traian , Alexandru Mioara , Rusen Edina , Ginghină Raluca Elena , Alexe Florentina , Oncioiu Ramona , Zorila Florina Lucica , Podaru Alice , Moldovan Andreea Elena , Pulpea Daniela , Gavrilă Ana Mihaela , Iordache Tanta Verona , Șomoghi Raluca
Published: November 2021

In the context of imminent threats concerning biological and chemical warfare agents, the aim of this study was the development of a new method for biological and chemical decontamination, employing non-toxic, film-forming, water-based biodegradable solutions, using a nano sized reagent together with bentonite as trapping agents for the biological and chemical contaminants. Bentonite-supported nanoparticles of Cu, TiO2, and Ag were successfully synthesized and dispersed in a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/glycerol (GLY) aqueous solution. The decontamination effectiveness of the proposed solutions was evaluated by qualitative and quantitative analytical techniques on various micro-organisms, with sulfur mustard (HD) and dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP) as contaminants. The results indicate that the peelable active nanocomposite films can be successfully used on contaminated surfaces to neutralize and entrap the hazardous materials and their degradation products. Mechanical and thermal characterization of the polymeric films was also performed to validate the decontamination solution’s potential as peelable-film generating materials. The removal efficacy from the contaminated surfaces for the tested micro-organisms varied between 93% and 97%, while for the chemical agent HD, the highest decontamination factor obtained was 90.89%. DMMP was almost completely removed from the contaminated surfaces, and a decontamination factor of 99.97% was obtained.
Powders—A New Open Access Journal for Powder and Particle Studies
Authors: Luckham Paul F.
Published: November 2021

Powders and particles are ubiquitous in our daily lives and are of course present in variety of diverse products and in the majority of industries; thus, the functionality of powders is very diverse [...]
Low-Temperature Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Processes for the Deposition of Nanocomposite Coatings
Authors: Uricchio Antonella , Fanelli Fiorenza
Published: November 2021

Low-temperature atmospheric pressure (AP) plasma technologies have recently proven to offer a range of interesting opportunities for the preparation of a variety of nanocomposite (NC) coatings with different chemical compositions, structures, and morphologies. Since the late 2000s, numerous strategies have been implemented for the deposition of this intriguing class of coatings by using both direct and remote AP plasma sources. Interestingly, considerable progress has been made in the development of aerosol-assisted deposition processes in which the use of either precursor solutions or nanoparticle dispersions in aerosol form allows greatly widening the range of constituents that can be combined in the plasma-deposited NC films. This review summarizes the research published on this topic so far and, specifically, aims to present a concise survey of the developed plasma processes, with particular focus on their optimization as well as on the structural and functional properties of the NC coatings to which they provide access. Current challenges and opportunities are also briefly discussed to give an outlook on possible future research directions.
Control and Optimization of Multi-Agent Systems and Complex Networks for Systems Engineering
Authors: Herrera Manuel , Pérez-Hernández Marco , Parlikad Ajith , Izquierdo Joaquín
Published: November 2021

Systems engineering crosses multiple engineering disciplines for the design, control, and overall management of engineered systems [...]
Off-Gas-Based Soft Sensor for Real-Time Monitoring of Biomass and Metabolism in Chinese Hamster Ovary Cell Continuous Processes in Single-Use Bioreactors
Authors: Wallocha Tobias , Popp Oliver
Published: November 2021

In mammalian cell culture, especially in pharmaceutical manufacturing and research, biomass and metabolic monitoring are mandatory for various cell culture process steps to develop and, finally, control bioprocesses. As a common measure for biomass, the viable cell density (VCD) or the viable cell volume (VCV) is widely used. This study highlights, for the first time, the advantages of using VCV instead of VCD as a biomass depiction in combination with an oxygen-uptake- rate (OUR)-based soft sensor for real-time biomass estimation and process control in single-use bioreactor (SUBs) continuous processes with Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell lines. We investigated a series of 14 technically similar continuous SUB processes, where the same process conditions but different expressing CHO cell lines were used, with respect to biomass growth and oxygen demand to calibrate our model. In addition, we analyzed the key metabolism of the CHO cells in SUB perfusion processes by exometabolomic approaches, highlighting the importance of cell-specific substrate and metabolite consumption and production rate qS analysis to identify distinct metabolic phases. Cell-specific rates for classical mammalian cell culture key substrates and metabolites in CHO perfusion processes showed a good correlation to qOUR, yet, unexpectedly, not for qGluc. Here, we present the soft-sensoring methodology we developed for qPyr to allow for the real-time approximation of cellular metabolism and usage for subsequent, in-depth process monitoring, characterization and optimization.