bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Computation for Gyrotactic Microorganisms in MHD Radiative Eyring–Powell Nanomaterial Flow by a Static/Moving Wedge with Darcy–Forchheimer Relation
Authors: Ahmed Muhammad Faizan , Zaib A. , Ali Farhan , Bafakeeh Omar T. , Tag-ElDin El Sayed Mohamed , Guedri Kamel , Elattar Samia , Khan Muhammad Ijaz
Published: October 2022

The intention of this study is to carry out a numerical investigation of time-dependent magneto-hydro-dynamics (MHD) Eyring–Powell liquid by taking a moving/static wedge with Darcy-Forchheimer relation. Thermal radiation was taken into account for upcoming solar radiation, and the idea of bioconvection is also considered for regulating the unsystematic exertion of floating nanoparticles. The novel idea of this work was to stabilized nanoparticles through the bioconvection phenomena. Brownian motion and thermophoresis effects are combined in the most current revision of the nanofluid model. Fluid viscosity and thermal conductivity that depend on temperature are predominant. The extremely nonlinear system of equations comprising partial differential equations (PDEs) with the boundary conditions are converted into ordinary differential equations (ODEs) through an appropriate suitable approach. The reformed equations are then operated numerically with the use of the well-known Lobatto IIIa formula. The variations of different variables on velocity, concentration, temperature and motile microorganism graphs are discussed as well as force friction, the Nusselt, Sherwood, and the motile density organism numbers. It is observed that Forchheimer number Fr decline the velocity field in the case of static and moving wedge. Furthermore, the motile density profiles are deprecated by higher values of the bio convective Lewis number and Peclet number. Current results have been related to the literature indicated aforementioned and are found to be great achievement.
Fabrication of Chiral 3D Microstructure Using Tightly Focused Multiramp Helico-Conical Optical Beams
Authors: Wen Jisen , Sun Qiuyuan , Luo Mengdi , Ma Chengpeng , Yang Zhenyao , Su Chenyi , Cao Chun , Zhu Dazhao , Ding Chenliang , Xu Liang , Kuang Cuifang , Liu Xu
Published: October 2022

Beams with optical vortices are widely used in various fields, including optical communication, optical manipulation and trapping, and, especially in recent years, in the processing of nanoscale structures. However, circular vortex beams are difficult to use for the processing of chiral micro and nanostructures. This paper introduces a multiramp helical–conical beam that can produce a three-dimensional spiral light field in a tightly focused system. Using this spiral light beam and the two-photon direct writing technique, micro–nano structures with chiral characteristics in space can be directly written under a single exposure. The fabrication efficiency is more than 20 times higher than the conventional point-by-point writing strategy. The tightly focused properties of the light field were utilized to analyze the field-dependent properties of the micro–nano structure, such as the number of multiramp mixed screw-edge dislocations. Our results enrich the means of two-photon polymerization technology and provide a simple and stable way for the micromachining of chiral microstructures, which may have a wide range of applications in optical tweezers, optical communications, and metasurfaces.
A Novel Capacitorless 1T DRAM with Embedded Oxide Layer
Authors: Zhao Dongxue , Xia Zhiliang , Yang Tao , Yang Yuancheng , Zhou Wenxi , Huo Zongliang
Published: October 2022

A novel vertical dual surrounding gate transistor with embedded oxide layer is proposed for capacitorless single transistor DRAM (1T DRAM). The embedded oxide layer is innovatively used to improve the retention time by reducing the recombination rate of stored holes and sensing electrons. Based on TCAD simulations, the new structure is predicted to not only have the characteristics of fast access, random read and integration of 4F2 cell, but also to realize good retention and deep scaling. At the same time, the new structure has the potential of scaling compared with the conventional capacitorless 1T DRAM.
A Promising Use of Trimethyl Chitosan for Removing Microcystis aeruginosa in Water Treatment Processes
Authors: Giannuzzi Leda , Bacciadone Julián , Salerno Graciela L.
Published: October 2022

The increase in cyanobacterial blooms linked to climate change and the eutrophication of water bodies is a global concern. The harmful cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa is one of the most common bloom-forming species whose removal from fresh water and, in particular, from that used for water treatment processes, remains a crucial goal. Different biodegradable and environmentally friendly coagulants/flocculants have been assayed, with chitosan showing a very good performance. However, chitosan in its original form is of limited applicability since it is only soluble in acid solution. The objective of this work was therefore to test the coagulant/flocculant capacity of trimethylchitosan (TMC), a chitosan derivative produced from residues of the fishing industry. TMC has a constitutively net positive charge enabling it to remain in solution regardless of the pH. Results show that even at alkaline pHs, common during cyanobacterial blooms, TMC is effective in removing buoyant cyanobacteria from the water column, both in test tube and Jar-Test experiments. Cell integrity was confirmed by fluorescent stain and electron microscopy. Our findings lead us to conclude that the use of TMC to remove bloom cells early in the treatment of drinking water is both feasible and promising.
Mineralogical Factors Affecting the Dense Medium Separation of Nickel Sulfide Ores
Authors: Pillay Keshree , Mainza Aubrey , Chetty Deshenthree , Becker Megan
Published: October 2022

Dense medium separation (DMS) is often used to reject a large portion of gangue material upfront to create cost and energy savings during processing. As lower-grade ores with complex mineralogy are being increasingly exploited, the properties of the gangue minerals begin to play a more important role in the upgrading of the ore. It is therefore important to understand these mineralogical factors to be able to select suitable processing routes for specific ore types. Two nickel sulfide deposits in southern Africa were chosen as case studies to understand differences in DMS efficiency when applied to different ores: Ore A and Ore B. Both ores showed nickel upgrades using DMS and the products were then characterized using QEMSCAN, with the aid of X-ray diffraction and electron probe microanalysis. Overall, particle density remains the main control on the separation, followed by sulfide texture, with massive and net-textured sulfides having larger grain sizes and therefore better liberation than disseminated sulfides. In addition to the concentration of sulfides, primary and secondary silicate minerals are separated by their density differences, which can affect the recovery of finely disseminated sulfides associated with them. Particle size is also important in DMS, with material near the cut-point density separating on size rather than density. The understanding of the mineralogical properties affecting DMS can aid in the prediction of the suitability of DMS for different ore types.
Review of Filters for Air Sampling and Chemical Analysis in Mining Workplaces
Authors: Chow Judith C. , Watson John G. , Wang Xiaoliang , Abbasi Behrooz , Reed Wm. Randolph , Parks David
Published: October 2022

This review considers the use of filters to sample air in mining workplace environments for dust concentration measurement and subsequent analysis of hazardous contaminants, especially respirable crystalline silica (RCS) on filters compatible with wearable personal dust monitors (PDM). The review summarizes filter vendors, sizes, costs, chemical and physical properties, and information available on filter modeling, laboratory testing, and field performance. Filter media testing and selection should consider the characteristics required for mass by gravimetry in addition to RCS quantification by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) or Raman spectroscopic analysis. For mass determination, the filters need to have high filtration efficiency (≥99% for the most penetrable particle sizes) and a reasonable pressure drop (up to 16.7 kPa) to accommodate high dust loading. Additional requirements include: negligible uptake of water vapor and gaseous volatile compounds; adequate particle adhesion as a function of particle loading; sufficient particle loading capacity to form a stable particle deposit layer during sampling in wet and dusty environments; mechanical strength to withstand vibrations and pressure drops across the filter; and appropriate filter mass compatible with the tapered element oscillating microbalance. FTIR and Raman measurements require filters to be free of spectral interference. Furthermore, because the irradiated area does not completely cover the sample deposit, particles should be uniformly deposited on the filter.
Phosphatic Biomineralization in Scyphozoa (Cnidaria): A Review
Authors: Vinn Olev
Published: October 2022

Phosphatic biomineralization is unknown in modern species of Scyphozoa (Cnidaria). However, some extinct groups of Scyphozoa, such as conulariids and Sphenothallus, were capable of secreting phosphatic exoskeletons. Both conulariids and Sphenothallus used apatite to improve the mechanical properties of their skeletons, which offered better protection than the non-biomineralized periderms. The skeletons of conulariids and Sphenothallus have a lamellar microstructure. The shell lamellae of conulariids are often pierced by tiny pores. Several apatitic mineral structures have been described in conulariids and Sphenothallus, including plywood-like structures. Different lattice parameters of the apatite indicate that the biomineralization mechanisms of the phosphatic cnidarians Sphenothallus and conulariids differed from each other.
Valorisation Potential of Invasive Acacia dealbata, A. longifolia and A. melanoxylon from Land Clearings
Authors: da Costa Ricardo M. F. , Bosch Maurice , Simister Rachael , Gomez Leonardo D. , Canhoto Jorge M. , Batista de Carvalho Luís A. E.
Published: October 2022

Acacia spp. are invasive in Southern Europe, and their high propagation rates produce excessive biomass, exacerbating wildfire risk. However, lignocellulosic biomass from Acacia spp. may be utilised for diverse biorefinery applications. In this study, attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR), high-performance anion-exchange chromatography pulsed amperometric detection (HPAEC-PAD) and lignin content determinations were used for a comparative compositional characterisation of A. dealbata, A. longifolia and A. melanoxylon. Additionally, biomass was treated with three white-rot fungi species (Ganoderma lucidum, Pleurotus ostreatus and Trametes versicolor), which preferentially degrade lignin. Our results showed that the pre-treatments do not significantly alter neutral sugar composition while reducing lignin content. Sugar release from enzymatic saccharification was enhanced, in some cases possibly due to a synergy between white-rot fungi and mild alkali pretreatments. For example, in A. dealbata stems treated with alkali and P. ostreatus, saccharification yield was 702.3 nmol mg−1, which is higher than the samples treated only with alkali (608.1 nmol mg−1), and 2.9-fold higher than the non-pretreated controls (243.9 nmol mg−1). By characterising biomass and pretreatments, generated data creates value for unused biomass resources, contributing to the implementation of sustainable biorefining systems. In due course, the generated value will lead to economic incentives for landowners to cut back invasive Acacia spp. more frequently, thus reducing excess biomass, which exacerbates wildfire risk.
DDX3 Upregulates Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Melanogenesis in Sk-Mel-2 Human Melanoma Cells
Authors: Eom Sanung , Lee Shinhui , Lee Jiwon , Yeom Hye Duck , Lee Seong-Gene , Lee Junho
Published: October 2022

DDX3 is a DEAD-box RNA helicase with diverse biological functions through multicellular pathways. The objective of this study was to investigate the role of DDX3 in regulating melanogenesis by the exploring signaling pathways involved. Various concentrations of hydrogen peroxide were used to induce melanogenesis in SK-Mel-2 human melanoma cells. Melanin content assays, tyrosinase activity analysis, and Western blot analysis were performed to determine how DDX3 was involved in melanogenesis. Transient transfection was performed to overexpress or silence DDX3 genes. Immunoprecipitation was performed using an antityrosinase antibody. Based on the results of the cell viability test, melanin content, and activity of tyrosinase, a key melanogenesis enzyme, in SK-Mel-2 human melanoma cells, hydrogen peroxide at 0.1 mM was chosen to induce melanogenesis. Treatment with H2O2 notably increased the promoter activity of DDX3. After treatment with hydroperoxide for 4 h, melanin content and tyrosinase activity peaked in DDX3-transfected cells. Overexpression of DDX3 increased melanin content and tyrosinase expression under oxidative stress induced by H2O2. DDX3 co-immunoprecipitated with tyrosinase, a melanogenesis enzyme. The interaction between DDX3 and tyrosinase was strongly increased under oxidative stress. DDX3 could increase melanogenesis under the H2O2-treated condition. Thus, targeting DDX3 could be a novel strategy to develop molecular therapy for skin diseases.
Psidium guajava L. An Incalculable but Underexplored Food Crop: Its Phytochemistry, Ethnopharmacology, and Industrial Applications
Authors: Tousif Muhammad Imran , Nazir Mamona , Saleem Muhammad , Tauseef Saba , Shafiq Nusrat , Hassan Laiba , Hussian Hidayat , Montesano Domenico , Naviglio Daniele , Zengin Gokhan , Ahmad Ishtiaq
Published: October 2022

Psidium guajava L. (guava) is a small tree known for its fruit flavor that is cultivated almost around the globe in tropical areas. Its fruit is amazingly rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber. In different parts of the world, this plant holds a special place with respect to fruit and nutritional items. Pharmacological research has shown that this plant has more potential than just a fruit source; it also has beneficial effects against a variety of chronic diseases due to its rich nutritional and phytochemical profile. The primary goal of this document is to provide an updated overview of Psidium guajava L. and its bioactive secondary metabolites, as well as their availability for further study, with a focus on the health benefits and potential industrial applications. There have been several studies conducted on Psidium guajava L. in relation to its use in the pharmaceutical industry. However, its clinical efficacy and applications are still debatable. Therefore, in this review a detailed study with respect to phytochemistry of the plant through modern instruments such as GC and LC-MS has been discussed. The biological activities of secondary metabolites isolated from this plant have been extensively discussed. In order to perform long-term clinical trials to learn more about their effectiveness as drugs and applications for various health benefits, a structure activity relationship has been established. Based on the literature, it is concluded that this plant has a wide variety of biopharmaceutical applications. As a whole, this article calls for long-term clinical trials to obtain a greater understanding of how it can be used to treat different diseases.
Biowaste-Derived, Highly Efficient, Reusable Carbon Nanospheres for Speedy Removal of Organic Dyes from Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Krishnappa Bhavya , Bhat Vinay S. , Ancy Vimala , Joshi Jyotsna Clemi , S Jyothi M. , Naik Maya , Hegde Gurumurthy
Published: October 2022

The current work explores the adsorptive efficiency of carbon nanospheres (CNSs) derived from oil palm leaves (OPL) that are a source of biowaste. CNSs were synthesized at 400, 600, 800 and 1000 °C, and those obtained at 1000 °C demonstrated maximum removal efficiency of ~91% for malachite green (MG). Physicochemical and microscopic characteristics were analysed by FESEM, TEM, FTIR, Raman, TGA and XPS studies. The presence of surface oxygen sites and the porosity of CNSs synergistically influenced the speed of removal of MG, brilliant green (BG) and Congo red (CR) dyes. With a minimal adsorbent dosage (1 mg) and minimum contact time (10 min), and under different pH conditions, adsorption was efficient and cost-effective (nearly 99, 91 and 88% for BG, MG and CR, respectively). The maximum adsorption capacities of OPL-based CNSs for BG were 500 and 104.16 mg/g for MG and 25.77 mg/g for CR. Adsorption isotherms (Freundlich, Langmuir and Temkin) and kinetics models (pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order and Elovich) for the adsorption processes of all three dyes on the CNSs were explored in detail. BG and CR adsorption the Freundlich isotherm best, while MG showed a best fit to the Temkin model. Adsorption kinetics of all three dyes followed a pseudo-second-order model. A reusability study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of CNSs in removing the MG dye and showed ~92% efficiency even after several cycles. Highly efficient CNSs with surface oxygen groups and speedy removal of organic dyes within 10 min by CNSs are highlighted in this paper.
Ultrasound, Acetic Acid, and Peracetic Acid as Alternatives Sanitizers to Chlorine Compounds for Fresh-Cut Kale Decontamination
Authors: de Moraes Motta Machado Maria Clara , Lepaus Bárbara Morandi , Bernardes Patrícia Campos , de São José Jackline Freitas Brilhante
Published: October 2022

Chlorinated compounds are usually applied in vegetable sanitization, but there are concerns about their application. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate ultrasound (50 kHz), acetic acid (1000; 2000 mg/L), and peracetic acid (20 mg/L) and their combination as alternative treatments to 200 mg/L sodium dichloroisocyanurate. The overall microbial, physicochemical, and nutritional quality of kale stored at 7 °C were assessed. The impact on Salmonella enterica Typhimurium was verified by plate-counting and scanning electron microscopy. Ultrasound combined with peracetic acid exhibited higher reductions in aerobic mesophiles, molds and yeasts, and coliforms at 35 °C (2.6; 2.4; 2.6 log CFU/g, respectively). Microbial counts remained stable during storage. The highest reduction in Salmonella occurred with the combination of ultrasound and acetic acid at 1000 mg/L and acetic acid at 2000 mg/L (2.8; 3.8 log CFU/g, respectively). No synergistic effect was observed with the combination of treatments. The cellular morphology of the pathogen altered after combinations of ultrasound and acetic acid at 2000 mg/L and peracetic acid. No changes in titratable total acidity, mass loss, vitamin C, or total phenolic compounds occurred. Alternative treatments presented equal to or greater efficacies than chlorinated compounds, so they could potentially be used for the decontamination of kale.
Griseofulvin: An Updated Overview of Old and Current Knowledge
Authors: Aris Parisa , Wei Yulong , Mohamadzadeh Masoud , Xia Xuhua
Published: October 2022

Griseofulvin is an antifungal polyketide metabolite produced mainly by ascomycetes. Since it was commercially introduced in 1959, griseofulvin has been used in treating dermatophyte infections. This fungistatic has gained increasing interest for multifunctional applications in the last decades due to its potential to disrupt mitosis and cell division in human cancer cells and arrest hepatitis C virus replication. In addition to these inhibitory effects, we and others found griseofulvin may enhance ACE2 function, contribute to vascular vasodilation, and improve capillary blood flow. Furthermore, molecular docking analysis revealed that griseofulvin and its derivatives have good binding potential with SARS-CoV-2 main protease, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), and spike protein receptor-binding domain (RBD), suggesting its inhibitory effects on SARS-CoV-2 entry and viral replication. These findings imply the repurposing potentials of the FDA-approved drug griseofulvin in designing and developing novel therapeutic interventions. In this review, we have summarized the available information from its discovery to recent progress in this growing field. Additionally, explored is the possible mechanism leading to rare hepatitis induced by griseofulvin. We found that griseofulvin and its metabolites, including 6-desmethylgriseofulvin (6-DMG) and 4- desmethylgriseofulvin (4-DMG), have favorable interactions with cytokeratin intermediate filament proteins (K8 and K18), ranging from −3.34 to −5.61 kcal mol−1. Therefore, they could be responsible for liver injury and Mallory body (MB) formation in hepatocytes of human, mouse, and rat treated with griseofulvin. Moreover, the stronger binding of griseofulvin to K18 in rodents than in human may explain the observed difference in the severity of hepatitis between rodents and human.
Original Synthesis of a Nucleolipid for Preparation of Vesicular Spherical Nucleic Acids
Authors: Dimitrov Erik , Toncheva-Moncheva Natalia , Bakardzhiev Pavel , Forys Aleksander , Doumanov Jordan , Mladenova Kirilka , Petrova Svetla , Trzebicka Barbara , Rangelov Stanislav
Published: October 2022

Spherical nucleic acids (SNAs)—nanostructures, consisting of a nanoparticle core densely functionalized with a shell of short oligonucleotide strands—are a rapidly emerging class of nanoparticle-based therapeutics with unique properties and specific applications as drug and nucleic acid delivery and gene regulation materials. In this contribution, we report on the preparation of hollow SNA nanoconstructs by co-assembly of an originally synthesized nucleolipid—a hybrid biomacromolecule, composed of a lipidic residue, covalently linked to a DNA oligonucleotide strand—with other lipids. The nucleolipid was synthesized via a click chemistry approach employing initiator-free, UV light-induced thiol-ene coupling of appropriately functionalized intermediates, performed in mild conditions using a custom-made UV light-emitting device. The SNA nanoconstructs were of a vesicular structure consisting of a self-closed bilayer membrane in which the nucleolipid was intercalated via its lipid–mimetic residue. They were in the lower nanometer size range, moderately negatively charged, and were found to carry thousands of oligonucleotide strands per particle, corresponding to a grafting density comparable to that of other SNA structures. The surface density of the strands on the bilayer implied that they adopted an unextended conformation. We demonstrated that preformed vesicular structures could be successfully loaded with either hydrophilic or hydrophobic dyes.
Nanostructured Hybrids Based on Tantalum Bromide Octahedral Clusters and Graphene Oxide for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Hernández Jhon Sebastián , Shamshurin Maxim , Puche Marta , Sokolov Maxim N. , Feliz Marta
Published: October 2022

The generation of hydrogen (H2) using sunlight has become an essential energy alternative for decarbonization. The need for functional nanohybrid materials based on photo- and electroactive materials and accessible raw materials is high in the field of solar fuels. To reach this goal, single-step synthesis of {Ta6Bri12}@GO (GO = graphene oxide) nanohybrids was developed by immobilization of [{Ta6Bri12}Bra2(H2O)a4]·4H2O (i = inner and a = apical positions of the Ta6 octahedron) on GO nanosheets by taking the advantage of the easy ligand exchange of the apical cluster ligands with the oxygen functionalities of GO. The nanohybrids were characterized by spectroscopic, analytical, and morphological techniques. The hybrid formation enhances the yield of photocatalytic H2 from water with respect to their precursors and this is without the presence of precious metals. This enhancement is attributed to the optimal cluster loading onto the GO support and the crucial role of GO in the electron transfer from Ta6 clusters into GO sheets, thus suppressing the charge recombination. In view of the simplicity and versatility of the designed photocatalytic system, octahedral tantalum clusters are promising candidates to develop new and environmentally friendly photocatalysts for H2 evolution.
Ofloxacin Removal from Aqueous Media by Means of Magnetoactive Electrospun Fibrous Adsorbents
Authors: Papaphilippou Petri Ch. , Marinica Oana Maria , Tanasă Eugenia , Mpekris Fotios , Stylianopoulos Triantafyllos , Socoliuc Vlad , Krasia-Christoforou Theodora
Published: October 2022

Functionalized electrospun polymer microfibrous membranes were fabricated by electrospinning and further surface-functionalized with magnetic iron oxide (FexOy) nanoparticles to yield magnetoactive nanocomposite fibrous adsorbents. The latter were characterized in respect to their morphology, mechanical properties and magnetic properties while they were further evaluated as substrates for removing Ofloxacin (OFL) from synthetic aqueous media and secondary urban wastewater (UWW) under varying physicochemical parameters, including the concentration of the pharmaceutical pollutant, the solution pH and the membranes’ magnetic content. The magnetic-functionalized fibrous adsorbents demonstrated significantly enhanced adsorption efficacy in comparison to their non-functionalized fibrous analogues while their magnetic properties enabled their magnetic recovery and regeneration.
From Structure to Function: Understanding Synthetic Conditions in Relation to Magnetic Properties of Hybrid Pd/Fe-Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Maier Alexandra , van Oossanen Rogier , van Rhoon Gerard C. , Pignol Jean-Philippe , Dugulan Iulian , Denkova Antonia G. , Djanashvili Kristina
Published: October 2022

Heterostructured magnetic nanoparticles show great potential for numerous applications in biomedicine due to their ability to express multiple functionalities in a single structure. Magnetic properties are generally determined by the morphological characteristics of nanoparticles, such as the size/shape, and composition of the nanocrystals. These in turn are highly dependent on the synthetic conditions applied. Additionally, incorporation of a non-magnetic heterometal influences the final magnetic behavior. Therefore, construction of multifunctional hybrid nanoparticles with preserved magnetic properties represents a certain nanotechnological challenge. Here, we focus on palladium/iron oxide nanoparticles designed for combined brachytherapy, the internal form of radiotherapy, and MRI-guided hyperthermia of tumors. The choice of palladium forming the nanoparticle core is envisioned for the eventual radiolabeling with 103Pd to enable the combination of hyperthermia with brachytherapy, the latter being beyond the scope of the present study. At this stage, we investigated the synthetic mechanisms and their effects on the final magnetic properties of the hybrid nanoparticles. Thermal decomposition was applied for the synthesis of Pd/Fe-oxide nanoparticles via both, one-pot and seed-mediated processes. The latter method was found to provide better control over morphology of the nanoparticles and was therefore examined closely by varying reaction conditions. This resulted in several batches of Pd/Fe-oxide nanoparticles, whose magnetic properties were evaluated, revealing the most relevant synthetic parameters leading to promising performance in hyperthermia and MRI.
Electric-Field Control in Phosphorene-Based Heterostructures
Authors: Pantis-Simut Calin-Andrei , Preda Amanda Teodora , Filipoiu Nicolae , Allosh Alaa , Nemnes George Alexandru
Published: October 2022

Phosphorene is a graphene-like material with an intermediate band gap, in contrast to zero-gap graphene and large-gap dichalcogenides or hexagonal boron nitride (hBN), which makes it more suitable for nanoelectronic devices. However, inducing band-gap modulation in freestanding phosphorene nanoribbons (PNRs) is problematic, as high in-plane electric fields are necessary to close the gap. We perform here a detailed investigation concerning the substrate influence on the electric-field control exerted by an external gate, using the density functional theory–non-equilibrium Green’s functions (DFT-NEGF) framework. It is established that the interaction with a hexagonal boron nitride supporting layer significantly enhances the gap modulation. Furthermore, we address the issue of contacting the PNRs, by using conducting graphene nanoribbons embedded in the support hBN layer. Within this setup, a measurable spin polarization is achieved owing to the anti-ferromagnetic coupling between the edges of the graphene nanoribbons.
Application of Two-Dimensional Materials towards CMOS-Integrated Gas Sensors
Authors: Filipovic Lado , Selberherr Siegfried
Published: October 2022

During the last few decades, the microelectronics industry has actively been investigating the potential for the functional integration of semiconductor-based devices beyond digital logic and memory, which includes RF and analog circuits, biochips, and sensors, on the same chip. In the case of gas sensor integration, it is necessary that future devices can be manufactured using a fabrication technology which is also compatible with the processes applied to digital logic transistors. This will likely involve adopting the mature complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) fabrication technique or a technique which is compatible with CMOS due to the inherent low costs, scalability, and potential for mass production that this technology provides. While chemiresistive semiconductor metal oxide (SMO) gas sensors have been the principal semiconductor-based gas sensor technology investigated in the past, resulting in their eventual commercialization, they need high-temperature operation to provide sufficient energies for the surface chemical reactions essential for the molecular detection of gases in the ambient. Therefore, the integration of a microheater in a MEMS structure is a requirement, which can be quite complex. This is, therefore, undesirable and room temperature, or at least near-room temperature, solutions are readily being investigated and sought after. Room-temperature SMO operation has been achieved using UV illumination, but this further complicates CMOS integration. Recent studies suggest that two-dimensional (2D) materials may offer a solution to this problem since they have a high likelihood for integration with sophisticated CMOS fabrication while also providing a high sensitivity towards a plethora of gases of interest, even at room temperature. This review discusses many types of promising 2D materials which show high potential for integration as channel materials for digital logic field effect transistors (FETs) as well as chemiresistive and FET-based sensing films, due to the presence of a sufficiently wide band gap. This excludes graphene from this review, while recent achievements in gas sensing with graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide, transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), phosphorene, and MXenes are examined.
Recycling Nanoarchitectonics of Graphene Oxide from Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer by the Electrochemical Method
Authors: Ling Li , Wu Chao , Xing Feng , Memon Shazim Ali , Sun Hongfang
Published: October 2022

In this paper, an electrochemical method was proposed to recycle nanoarchitectonics of graphene oxide (GO) from carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP). In the recycling process, NaCl solution with varied concentrations (3% and 10%) and tap water were used as electrolyte, while the impressed current density varied from 2.67 A/m2 to 20.63 A/m2. The results indicated that in NaCl electrolyte, the obtained nanoarchitectonics of GO contained a large amount of nano-carbon onions (NCO) produced by etching CFRP, while high purity GO was produced when tap water was used as electrolyte. The higher current density improved the production efficiency and resulted in a finer GO particle size. The proposed recycling method of GO is economical and simple to operate. It also provides an alternate approach to handle discarded CFRP.
On the Evolution of Nano-Structures at the Al–Cu Interface and the Influence of Annealing Temperature on the Interfacial Strength
Authors: Wang Xiaoli , Cheng Guang , Zhang Yang , Wang Yuxin , Liao Wenjun , Venkatesh T. A.
Published: October 2022

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are invoked to simulate the diffusion process and microstructural evolution at the solid–liquid, cast-rolled Al–Cu interfaces. K-Means clustering algorithm is used to identify the formation and composition of two types of nanostructural features in the Al-rich and Cu-rich regions of the interface (i.e., the intermetallic Al2Cu near the Al-rich interface and the intermetallic Al4Cu9 near the Cu-rich interface). MD simulations are also used to assess the effects of annealing temperature on the evolution of the compositionally graded microstructural features at the Al–Cu interfaces and to characterize the mechanical strength of the Al–Cu interfaces. It is found that the failure of the Al–Cu interface takes place at the Al-rich side of the interface (Al2Cu–Al) which is mechanically weaker than the Cu-rich side of the interface (Cu–Al4Cu9), which is also verified by the nanoindentation studies of the interfaces. Centrosymmetry parameter analyses and dislocation analyses are used to understand the microstructural features that influence deformation behavior leading to the failure of the Al–Cu interfaces. Increasing the annealing temperature reduces the stacking fault density at the Al–Cu interface, suppresses the generation of nanovoids which are precursors for the initiation of fracture at the Al-rich interface, and increases the strength of the interface.
Numerical Solution of Magnetized Williamson Nanofluid Flow over an Exponentially Stretching Permeable Surface with Temperature Dependent Viscosity and Thermal Conductivity
Authors: Amjad Muhammad , Ahmed Iftikhar , Ahmed Kamran , Alqarni Marei Saeed , Akbar Tanvir , Muhammad Taseer
Published: October 2022

This research work describes and investigates Williamson nanofluid flow over an exponentially stretching permeable vertical plate with temperature-dependent thermal conductivity and viscosity. The governing non-linear partial differential equations (PDEs) are metamorphosed into coupled non-linear ordinary differential equations (ODEs) by using similarity transformation. The succeeding equations were numerically solved using MATLAB function bvp4c for various values of parameters. For velocity, temperature, concentration, the skin friction coefficient, and the local Nusselt number, data are presented in the form of graphs and tables. It is noted that for increasing values of magnetic parameter M, Williamson parameter λ, and viscosity parameter α, the boundary layer thickness of the velocity profile decreases, while it increases for the temperature profile. The findings of the present work are validated through the published results.
Hierarchical Co–Pi Clusters/Fe2O3 Nanorods/FTO Micropillars 3D Branched Photoanode for High-Performance Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting
Authors: Kim Nakhyun , Ju Sucheol , Ha Jisung , Choi Hojung , Sung Hansang , Lee Heon
Published: October 2022

In this study, an efficient hierarchical Co–Pi cluster/Fe2O3 nanorod/fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) micropillar three-dimensional (3D) branched photoanode was designed for enhanced photoelectrochemical performance. A periodic array of FTO micropillars, which acts as a highly conductive “host” framework for uniform light scattering and provides an extremely enlarged active area, was fabricated by direct printing and mist-chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Fe2O3 nanorods that act as light absorber “guest” materials and Co–Pi clusters that give rise to random light scattering were synthesized via a hydrothermal reaction and photoassisted electrodeposition, respectively. The hierarchical 3D branched photoanode exhibited enhanced light absorption efficiency because of multiple light scattering, which was a combination of uniform light scattering from the periodic FTO micropillars and random light scattering from the Fe2O3 nanorods. Additionally, the large surface area of the 3D FTO micropillar, together with the surface area provided by the one-dimensional Fe2O3 nanorods, contributed to a remarkable increase in the specific area of the photoanode. Because of these enhancements and further improvements facilitated by decoration with a Co–Pi catalyst that enhanced water oxidation, the 3D branched Fe2O3 photoanode achieved a photocurrent density of 1.51 mA cm−2 at 1.23 VRHE, which was 5.2 times higher than that generated by the non-decorated flat Fe2O3 photoanode.
MXene Based Nanocomposites for Recent Solar Energy Technologies
Authors: Alhamada T. F. , Azmah Hanim M. A. , Jung D. W. , Saidur R. , Nuraini A. , Hasan W. Z. Wan
Published: October 2022

This article discusses the design and preparation of a modified MXene-based nanocomposite for increasing the power conversion efficiency and long-term stability of perovskite solar cells. The MXene family of materials among 2D nanomaterials has shown considerable promise in enhancing solar cell performance because of their remarkable surface-enhanced characteristics. Firstly, there are a variety of approaches to making MXene-reinforced composites, from solution mixing to powder metallurgy. In addition, their outstanding features, including high electrical conductivity, Young’s modulus, and distinctive shape, make them very advantageous for composite synthesis. In contrast, its excellent chemical stability, electronic conductivity, tunable band gaps, and ion intercalation make it a promising contender for various applications. Photovoltaic devices, which turn sunlight into electricity, are an exciting new area of research for sustainable power. Based on an analysis of recent articles, the hydro-thermal method has been widely used for synthesizing MXene-based nano-composites because of the easiness of fabrication and low cost. Finally, we identify new perspectives for adjusting the performance of MXene for various nanocomposites by controlling the composition of the two-dimensional transition metal MXene phase.
Italian Ketogenic Mediterranean Diet in Overweight and Obese Patients with Prediabetes or Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Ivan Cincione Raffaele , Messina Antonietta , Cibelli Giuseppe , Messina Giovanni , Polito Rita , Losavio Francesca , Torre Ester La , Monda Vincenzo , Monda Marcellino , Quiete Stefano , Casula Elias , Napoli Nicola , Defeudis Giuseppe
Published: October 2022

Obesity is a multifactorial disease strongly associated with insulin resistance and/or type 2 diabetes mellitus. Correct nutrition represents a valid strategy to fight these dysmetabolic pathologies responsible for numerous diseases, including inflammatory and cardiovascular ones. Medical nutrition therapy, including a Mediterranean diet (MD) and a very low-calorie ketogenic diet (VLKCD), is the first-line treatment for prediabetes/diabetes and overweight/obesity. Eighty patients (forty women and forty men) affected by overweight/obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus or impaired glucose tolerance or impaired fasting glucose (51 (ys) ± 1.75; BMI (kg/m2) 33.08 ± 1.93; HA1c (%): 6.8% ± 0.25) were enrolled at the University Service of Diet Therapy, Diabetology and Metabolic Diseases, Policlinico Riuniti Hospital of Foggia, and subjected to a very-low-calorie Mediterranean diet and a very-low-calorie ketogenic Mediterranean diet for thirty days. Both diets result in a marked decrease in body weight (kg) and BMI (kg/m2). At the same time, only the very-low-calories ketogenic Mediterranean diet reduced waist and hip circumferences. Both diets helped reduce fat mass, but a major loss was achieved in a very low-calorie ketogenic Mediterranean diet. Among gluco-metabolic parameters, only the very-low-calorie ketogenic Mediterranean diet group showed a significant decrease in fasting blood glucose and HbA1c, insulin, C-peptide total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides. The results of our study seem to show that the very-low-calorie ketogenic Mediterranean diet is a good strategy to improve rapidly metabolic, anthropometric, and body composition parameters in patients with prediabetes or diabetes and overweight/obesity.
Benefits and Risks of Early Life Iron Supplementation
Authors: McMillen Shasta A. , Dean Richard , Dihardja Eileen , Ji Peng , Lönnerdal Bo
Published: October 2022

Infants are frequently supplemented with iron to prevent iron deficiency, but iron supplements may have adverse effects on infant health. Although iron supplements can be highly effective at improving iron status and preventing iron deficiency anemia, iron may adversely affect growth and development, and may increase risk for certain infections. Several reviews exist in this area; however, none has fully summarized all reported outcomes of iron supplementation during infancy. In this review, we summarize the risks and benefits of iron supplementation as they have been reported in controlled studies and in relevant animal models. Additionally, we discuss the mechanisms that may underly beneficial and adverse effects.
Synthetic Pathways to Pyrido[3,4-c]pyridazines and Their Polycyclic Derivatives
Authors: Alegbejo Price Temitayo Omowumi , Emery Flavio da Silva , Dehaen Wim
Published: October 2022

Pyrido[3,4-c]pyridazines are nitrogen-containing scaffolds that have been described as being promising in medicinal chemistry, but they are rather rare chemicals. In this review article, the literature on synthetic pathways towards pyrido[3,4-c]pyridazines is listed exhaustively, first with the bicyclic systems themselves that are obtained starting either from pyridines, pyridazines or other heterocycles. Then, the reports on the related tricyclic derivatives are discussed, again according to the source heterocycle, and finally we mention some examples on polycyclic systems.
Distribution and Current State of Molecular Genetic Characterization in Pathogenic Free-Living Amoebae
Authors: Otero-Ruiz Alejandro , Gonzalez-Zuñiga Leobardo Daniel , Rodriguez-Anaya Libia Zulema , Lares-Jiménez Luis Fernando , Gonzalez-Galaviz Jose Reyes , Lares-Villa Fernando
Published: October 2022

Free-living amoebae (FLA) are protozoa widely distributed in the environment, found in a great diversity of terrestrial biomes. Some genera of FLA are linked to human infections. The genus Acanthamoeba is currently classified into 23 genotypes (T1-T23), and of these some (T1, T2, T4, T5, T10, T12, and T18) are known to be capable of causing granulomatous amoebic encephalitis (GAE) mainly in immunocompromised patients while other genotypes (T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T10, T11, T12, and T15) cause Acanthamoeba keratitis mainly in otherwise healthy patients. Meanwhile, Naegleria fowleri is the causative agent of an acute infection called primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), while Balamuthia mandrillaris, like some Acanthamoeba genotypes, causes GAE, differing from the latter in the description of numerous cases in patients immunocompetent. Finally, other FLA related to the pathologies mentioned above have been reported; Sappinia sp. is responsible for one case of amoebic encephalitis; Vermamoeba vermiformis has been found in cases of ocular damage, and its extraordinary capacity as endocytobiont for microorganisms of public health importance such as Legionella pneumophila, Bacillus anthracis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, among others. This review addressed issues related to epidemiology, updating their geographic distribution and cases reported in recent years for pathogenic FLA.
Bacillus simplex as the Most Probable Culprit of Penetrating Trauma Infection: A Case Report
Authors: Xaplanteri Panagiota , Serpanos Dimitrios S. , Dorva Ellie , Beqo-Rokaj Tatiana , Papadogeorgaki Eleni , Lekkou Alexandra
Published: October 2022

Bacillus simplex is an environmental microorganism found in soil. Herein, we present the case of a 69-year-old Greek male patient who attended the Emergency Department at our hospital. The patient complained of lower right extremity swelling and pain, after suffering penetrating trauma whilst doing farm work in a rural area. Swab aerobic cultures revealed Bacillus simplex as identified by MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry. The strain was susceptible to vancomycin, imipenem, clindamycin, and ciprofloxacin. Our patient refused hospitalization; therefore, both ciprofloxacin and clindamycin were registered for a total of 19 days. No complications were experienced, and he recovered fully. In our case, the thorough cleaning of the ulcer bed prior to sample collection, the fact that it was the only microorganism isolated, and the wound’s aggravating mechanism led the authors of the present study to the conclusion that B. simplex was the most probable culprit of the infection. To our knowledge, this is the second probable case of B. simplex infection described worldwide, and the first in Greece.
Alterations of HDL’s to piHDL’s Proteome in Patients with Chronic Inflammatory Diseases, and HDL-Targeted Therapies
Authors: Vyletelová Veronika , Nováková Mária , Pašková Ľudmila
Published: October 2022

Chronic inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, steatohepatitis, periodontitis, chronic kidney disease, and others are associated with an increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, which persists even after accounting for traditional cardiac risk factors. The common factor linking these diseases to accelerated atherosclerosis is chronic systemic low-grade inflammation triggering changes in lipoprotein structure and metabolism. HDL, an independent marker of cardiovascular risk, is a lipoprotein particle with numerous important anti-atherogenic properties. Besides the essential role in reverse cholesterol transport, HDL possesses antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, and antithrombotic properties. Inflammation and inflammation-associated pathologies can cause modifications in HDL’s proteome and lipidome, transforming HDL from atheroprotective into a pro-atherosclerotic lipoprotein. Therefore, a simple increase in HDL concentration in patients with inflammatory diseases has not led to the desired anti-atherogenic outcome. In this review, the functions of individual protein components of HDL, rendering them either anti-inflammatory or pro-inflammatory are described in detail. Alterations of HDL proteome (such as replacing atheroprotective proteins by pro-inflammatory proteins, or posttranslational modifications) in patients with chronic inflammatory diseases and their impact on cardiovascular health are discussed. Finally, molecular, and clinical aspects of HDL-targeted therapies, including those used in therapeutical practice, drugs in clinical trials, and experimental drugs are comprehensively summarised.
In Vitro Characterization of Aerosolized Albuterol Generated by a Jet Nebulizer and Delivered through a Heated Flow Nasal Cannula System
Authors: Berlinski Ariel , Spiva Joshua
Published: October 2022

Pediatric patients receiving respiratory support with heated flow nasal cannula (HFNC) systems frequently receive inhaled medications. Most available data have been obtained with vibrating mesh nebulizers that are expensive. Data are lacking regarding the feasibility of using less expensive devices such as continuous output jet nebulizers. The characteristics of the aerosols generated by jet nebulizers operated at different conditions (6 and 9 L/min) were studied alone and connected to a HFNC system and different size cannulas using a cascade impactor and spectrophotometry (276 nm). Aerosol characteristics changed while traveling through the HFNC system. Initial size selection occurred at the exit of the circuit (before connecting to the cannula) with all aerosol <5 µm. Nasal cannula size further selected aerosols and reduced drug delivery. The operating flow of the nebulizer did not affect the delivered mass but higher flows generated smaller particle size aerosols. The addition of supplemental flow significantly reduced the delivered mass. The measured aerosol characteristics would likely result in intrapulmonary deposition. The delivery of aerosolized albuterol generated by a continuous output nebulizer placed in the inlet of a HFNC system and connected to large or XXL cannulas is feasible.