bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ecology of the Critically Endangered Singidia Tilapia (Teleostei: Cichlidae: Oreochromis esculentus) of lake Kayanja, Uganda and its conservation implications
Authors: Olwa Richard , Nakiyende Herbert , Muhumuza Elias , Bassa Samuel , Taabu-Munyaho Anthony , Nkalubo Winnie
Published: July 2020

Singidia Tilapia Oreochromis esculentus is a Critically Endangered native tilapia fish species endemic to lakes Victoria and Kyoga basins of East Africa, however, it disappeared from these main lakes due to overfishing, environmental degradation and predation by the introduced Nile Perch Lates niloticus.  Remnant populations of this fish species is now restricted to satellite lakes including Lake Kayanja of the Victoria basin.  This study provides updated information about the population abundance, critical habitat, threats and diet of Singidia Tilapia to inform conservation decisions to revive its populations in the wild.  Fish data collection and mapping of nursery and breeding habitats of Singidia Tilapia on Lake Kayanja was conducted between February 2016 and October 2017.  In all the areas mapped and sampled, Singidia Tilapia (with a size range of 11–27 cm TL) was the most abundant (43%) relative to exotic Nile Tilapia Oreochromis niloticus (21%) and Redbelly Tilapia Coptodon zillii (36%).  The emergence of introduced (exotic) tilapias like Nile Tilapia recorded in this study could be attributed to cage fish farming being carried out in this Lake.  The diet of Oreochromis esculentus consisted mainly of detritus (60.8 %), plant materials (27.7%) and blue-green algae (5.5%).  Destruction of critical habitats and presence of introduced fish species were noted as the major threats to this fish and its habitats.  The generated information could contribute to guiding stakeholders to undertake appropriate actions to conserve this threatened fish species and its habitats.
Negative human-wildlife interactions in traditional agroforestry systems in Assam, India
Authors: Yashmita-Ulman  , Singh Manoj , Kumar Awadhesh , Sharma Madhubala
Published: July 2020

Traditional agroforestry systems are designed to provide maximum and diverse yield (ranging from agricultural crops, forest trees, livestock and fish) to people.  They also act as sources of food and shelter to wild animals leading to crop destruction, livestock depredation and injuries to people giving rise to negative human-wildlife interactions.  The present study was carried out in three different agroforestry systems namely tea gardens, homegardens, and agrisilvicultural systems in Assam to document the attitude of people towards wild animals which damage the crops and livestock, through questionnaire surveys.  In agroforestry systems, 13 animals were reported as destructive; rodents at 13% followed by Indian Hare at 12%.  The least destructive were birds and bats with 4% each.  In tea gardens majority of the people killed animals for meat (95%) and the most common method for killing was the use of catapults (77%).  In homegardens and agrisilvicultural systems, owners chased the animals away (82%) by using catapults (68%).  Hunting of animals and intolerance of people towards crop destruction and livestock depredation done by wild animals were the two main reasons causing negative human-wildlife interactions in agroforestry systems.  The present study concludes that wildlife species found in the agroforestry system in Assam were threatened by local inhabitants and thus, a suitable conservation awareness and policy action plan should be developed in consultation with the owners of agroforestry systems by considering the ecological significance of the wildlife species found therein.
Observations of the damselfly Platylestes cf. platystylus Rambur, 1842 (Insecta: Odonata: Zygoptera: Lestidae) from peninsular India
Authors: K.J. Rison  , A. Vivek Chandran
Published: July 2020

The only published record of Platylestes platystylus in India is from the state of West Bengal. We report this species from Kole wetlands and associated habitats in Thrissur District, Kerala.
First photographic record of the Dhole Cuon alpinus (Mammalia: Carnivora: Canidae) from the Sirumalai Hills in Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Mothilal B.M. , M. Eric Ramanujam
Published: July 2020

The Asiatic Wild Dog has a wide global range covering Central, South and South-East Asia. It has been recorded over most of the Indian subcontinent except for the deserts of western India and Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu. We hereby provide photographic evidence of the Asiatic Wild Dog Cuon alpinus from Khandige Estate in Sirumalai.
First report of the assassin bug Epidaus wangi (Heteroptera: Reduviidae: Harpactorinae) from India
Authors: Boyane Swapnil S. , Ghate Hemant V.
Published: July 2020

The assassin bug, Epidaus wangi Chen, Zhu, Wang & Cai, 2016 was originally described from Tibet, China.  It is being reported from India for the first time.
Analytical bias of automated immunoassays for six serum steroid hormones
assessed by LC-MS/MS
Authors: Debeljak Željko , Marković Ivana , Šerić Vatroslav , Horvat Vesna , Mandić Sanja , Mandić Dario , Lukić Iva , Pavela Jasna
Published: July 2020

Introduction: There is a growing amount of evidence showing the significant analytical bias of steroid hormone immunoassays, but large number
of available immunoassays makes conduction of a single comprehensive study of this issue hardly feasible. Aim of this study was to assess
the analytical bias of six heterogeneous immunoassays for serum aldosterone, cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS), testosterone,
17-hydroxyprogesterone (OHP) and progesterone using the liquid chromatography coupled to the tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).
Materials and methods: This method comparison study included 49 serum samples. Testosterone, DHEAS, progesterone and cortisol immunoassays
were performed on the Abbott Architect i2000SR or Alinity i analysers (Abbott Diagnostics, Chicago, USA). DiaSorin’s Liaison (DiaSorin, Saluggia,
Italy) and DIAsource’s ETI-Max 3000 analysers (DIAsource ImmunoAssays, Louvain-La-Neuve, Belgium) were chosen for aldosterone and OHP
immunoassay testing, respectively. All immunoassays were evaluated against the LC-MS/MS assay relying on the commercial kit (Chromsystems,
Gräfelfing, Germany) and LCMS-8050 analyser (Shimadzu, Kyoto, Japan). Analytical biases were calculated and method comparison was conducted
using weighted Deming regression analysis.
Results: Depending on the analyte and specific immunoassay, mean relative biases ranged from -31 to + 137%. Except for the cortisol, immunoassays
were positively biased. For none of the selected steroids slope and intercept 95% confidence intervals simultaneously contained 0 and 1,
respectively.
Conclusions: Evaluated immunoassays failed to satisfy requirements for methods’ comparability and produced significant analytical biases in respect
to the LC-MS/MS assay, especially at low concentrations.
The Archive of Paul E. Kahle in Turin
Authors: Bellino Francesca
Published: July 2020

This paper was written to commemorate the scholar of the Hebrew Bible and the philologist Bruno Chiesa (1949–2015) at the conference on “The Arabic Literary Genizot beyond Denominational Borders” (held at IAS, Princeton, NJ April 20–21, 2017). During his career, Chiesa edited various Judeo-Arabic documentary sources, especially some missing works by al-Qirqisānī (active 1oth century), and investigated the Geniza works as part of his studies on the historical philology of the Hebrew Bible. In the last years of his life, Chiesa has been involved in the cataloguing of the Hebrew and Arabic manuscripts held at the National Library of Turin and in the studying of the documents preserved in the archive of Paul E. Kahle of the University of Turin.
Adverbial Subordination in Egyptian Judaeo-Arabic and Muslim Middle Arabic Versions of Qiṣṣat al-ğumğuma from the Ottoman Period
Authors: Connolly Magdalen M.
Published: July 2020

In examining two Judaeo-Arabic adaptations of Qiṣṣat al-ğumğuma ‘The Story of the Skull’ (Cairo JC 104 and CUL T-S 37.39) alongside two Muslim Middle Arabic versions (CUL Qq. 173 and BnF Arabe 3655) from the Ottoman period, this paper explores the extent of linguistic similarities and divergences on the level of adverbial subordination, and the means through which these are expressed. It questions the long-established methodological boundaries imposed on the study of Middle Arabic, in which linguistic features of confessional varieties are generally examined in relation to Classical Arabic grammatical rules and modern spoken dialects, rather than other contemporaneous denominational varieties of written Arabic.
Learning Syriac and Garshuni in Early Modern Egypt
Authors: Kiraz George A.
Published: July 2020

The fragments published here consist of a pupil’s exercise sheets. The contents are alphabet exercises as well as repetitive phrases from hymnals. As such, the material sheds light on the pedagogical environment of the Syriac settlement in Early Modern Egypt and helps us connect the received liturgical tradition of the Syriac Orthodox Church with the middle of the second millennium.
Linda Ware and Roger Slee, eds., Ellen A. Brantlinger: When Meaning Falters and Words Fail, Ideology Matters
Authors: Whitburn Ben
Published: July 2020

Presented in this article is a review of the 2020 publication of a book edited by Linda Ware and Roger Slee commemorating the contribution of Ellen Brantlinger to the field of disability studies in education (dse) in a new Brill series entitled Critical Leaders and the Foundation of Disability Studies in Education. Brantlinger the person, researcher, activist and scholar is explored across the 168 pages, in which authors from the US and UK explain the impact her work has had on their own scholarship. The review explores the contributions individually and collectively, along with the significance of the series as a recording of the field’s history.
Tailoring Au Films at the Atomic Scale with an Electron Beam Tweezer
Authors: Chen Yan-Hui , Li Xue-Qiao , Deng Qing-Song , Li Ang
Published: July 2020

A thin, clean pristine Au film created in a transmission electron microscope chamber was tailored by an electron beam. Various kinds of nanopatterns, including hexagonal holes and dumbbell-like patterns, were fabricated by different doses of the electron beam. A high-quality series
of in situ images were recorded to explore the irradiation mechanism. The electron-matter collision enabled the electron beam to act as a tweezer to arrange atoms into a specified pattern.
Clinical Study of Correlation Between Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis of Knee Joint Using Gold Nanomaterial Contrast Agent
Authors: Li Dan , Wan Yunpeng , Sun Yongjin , Wu Xing
Published: July 2020

The relationship between osteoporosis (OP) and knee osteoarthritis (OA) was studied using gold nanomaterial (GNP) contrast agent from the imaging and clinical perspectives. Patients were divided into the OA and OP comorbidity group (experimental), OA group (positive control), and OP
group (negative control) and evaluated using the Lysholm knee joint score and traditional Chinese medicine syndrome score. Bone density was measured by parallel X-ray examination, magnetic resonance imaging examination, Recht classification, and arthroscopic Outerbridge classification. GNP
contrast agents were used in the medical imaging tests. There were significant differences between the various factors compared between the experimental and positive control groups (P < 0.05). The correlation analysis of the variables and bone mineral density in all patients showed
a positive linear relationship (P < 0.05). There was a positive correlation between OP and knee OA. GNP has good clinical value in medical imaging.
Fabrication and Characterization of SnO–Cu2O Mixed Metal Oxide Thin Films for Photoelectrochemical Applications
Authors: Ahmed Sohail , Shahid M. M. , Bakar Shahzad Abu , Arshed Numan , Basirun Wan Jefrey , Fouad H.
Published: July 2020

Herein, we report the synthesis of SnO, Cu2O and SnO–Cu2O mixed oxide thin films on fluorinedoped tin oxide (FTO) substrate by Aerosol-Assisted Chemical Vapour Deposition (AACVD) process using [Cu (dmae)2(H2O)] and [Sn (dmae) (OAc)]2
as molecular precursors for SnO and Cu2O, respectively at 400 °C. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern can be ascribed to the tetragonal phase of SnO crystals with space group P4 and cubic phase of Cu2O crystals with space group Pn- 3m/nmm, respectively. The surface
morphology characteristics of SnO, Cu2O and SnO–Cu2Omixed oxide have been investigated using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) which revealed that the SnO was grown homogeneously in cubical shape while Cu2O possess nano balls shaped
morphologies. The UV band gap values of SnO–Cu2O mixed oxide thin film was found to be 2.6 eV appropriate for photoelectrochemical (PEC) applications. The synthesized material was proposed for PEC applications and has shown enhanced catalytic performance in the presence of
light.
Increased Capacitance of Metal Oxide-Based Supercapacitor Electrodes Caused by Surfactant Addition to the Electrolyte Solution
Authors: Ge Yuru , Roscher Jessica , Holze Rudolf
Published: July 2020

Suggested beneficial effects of surfactants added to the electrolyte solution of supercapacitors have been studied with the aim of improving wetting of the metal oxide electrode surface possibly enhancing material utilization and overall performance. Using representative non-ionic and
anionic surfactants such improvements in terms of increased specific capacitance, capacitance retention with current density and improved stability were found. Further examination of type of surfactant and optimum surfactant concentration are recommended.
Effect of Activated Protein Kinase C Beta Type Mediated Phosphorylation of Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 4 on Proliferation and Phenotypic Transformation of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells After Vascular Injury Induced by Nano-SiO2
Authors: Huang Ping , Zhang Xiaoye , Pan Minhua , Deng Jianneng , Chen Zhihong , Zhou Xiaomei , Liang Meiling , Liang Dongwei
Published: July 2020

The excessive proliferation, endothelial migration, and phenotype transformation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) lead to increased extracellular matrix secretion, which induces vascular intimal hyperplasia, which is an important restenosis mechanism after vascular injury. In
our study, we verified the cytotoxicity of SiO2 nanoparticles to VSMC. To explore the role of endothelial repairs and molecular mechanisms after vascular injuries, we sequenced the transcriptome of injured vessels in the carotid artery of mice. The results showed the differentially
expressed genes in normal vascular tissues, and that vascular tissues were mainly enriched with NF-κB signaling pathways, chemokine signaling pathways and other biological functions, by the leukocyte activation and adhesion of the KEGG pathway in the immune response, and by DNA
binding, DNA transcription regulatory region binding, and other molecular functions. Core proteins included PRKCB, STAT4, CCL5, and BCL-2. To verify the roles of these core proteins, RT-qPCR andWestern blot techniques were used to detect their transcription and translation levels, and HE staining
was used to detect morphological changes in blood vessels. To further clarify the role of core proteins in VSMC, PRKCB over expression plasmids were constructed, and the RT-qPCR and Western blot techniques were again used to detect the expression of core proteins. The results showed that the
levels of transcription and translation, and of PRKCB and STAT4 phosphorylation, increased significantly after vascular injury, and then noticeably decreased three days later- and that CCL5 and Bcl-2 expression trends were consistent with this. HE staining showed that when the vascular endothelium
was damaged, smooth muscle cells proliferated significantly, and that the intima thickened three days after vascular injury. After over expression of PRKCB, the expression and activation of STAT4, CCL5, and Bcl-2 significantly increased, α-SMA and Vimentin were down-regulated,
OPN was up-regulated, and VSMC activity was enhanced. From these results, it could be concluded that PRKCB is activated by vascular injury, and that over-activation of PRKCB promotes activation of STAT4 and the expression of CCL5 and BCL-2—which in turn leads to enhanced VSMC activity
and transformation of its contraction phenotype to the secretion phenotype. We were also able to establish that the cytotoxicity of SiO2 nanoparticles to VSMC was positively correlated with dose and time.
In Vitro Anti-Coagulant Effects of Fucoidan Sulfate Grafted on TiO2 Nano-Film
Authors: Guan Zijiao , Xu Tao , Xu Yingjie , Shi Lei , Wang Tingting
Published: July 2020

The objective of this study was to examine anticoagulant effects of fucoidan sulfate grafted on a TiO2 nano-film. Using silica sol as a film-forming binding agent and high-molecular-weight polyvinyl alcohol as a film-forming aid, a nano-TiO2 film was produced by
applying a bonding film-forming method. Photocatalytic performance and resistance to heat, corrosion, and aging were investigated. Using glutaraldehyde as a cross-linking agent, brown algal polysaccharide sulfate was grafted onto the surface of NH3 plasma-treated nano-film. The
effects of pH, reaction temperature, and reaction time on grafting effects of nano-film are discussed. XPS was used to analyze chemical elements on the surface of nano-film, and partial thromboplastin time (APTT), thromboplastin time (PT), and thrombin time (TT) were used to evaluate anticoagulant
activity of the graft nano-film In Vitro. The TiO2 nano-film showed excellent resistance to heat, water, corrosion, and aging, and produced good interfacial adhesion performance. The grafting process optimum occurred at pH 2, 40 °C, and a reaction time of 6 h. Under these
conditions, the optimal value of grafted silk fibroin membrane APTT was 72 s, and coagulation time of APTT and TT was increased by 37 s and 6 s, respectively, compared with the control, suggesting anticoagulant effects. Regarding stability, grafted fucoidan sulfate did not dissolve easily
from the matrix; therefore, this product appears to be a promising novel biomaterial with effective anticoagulant properties.
Efficacy and Mechanism of Butylphthalide Combined with Atorvastatin Calcium Tablets in the Diagnosis of Cerebral Infarction Using Iodol/Fe3O4 Nanometric Contrast Agent
Authors: Xie Kai , Zhao Shuzhi , Li Xiaoning
Published: July 2020

To determine serum proteolytic activity, NO (nitric oxide) levels, TAC (total antioxidant capacity), and TOS (total oxidant status) in acute hemorrhagic stroke, the in vivo oxidative stress response mechanism of atorvastatin was studied in a rat model with cerebral infarction.
All patient contrast agents are Iodol/Fe3O4 nanometric contrast agents. Serum prolinease activity, catalase activity, NO levels, TAC, and TOS were spectrophotometrically determined and the OSI (oxidative stress index) calculated. In this study, the serum TAC level and
catalase activity with acute hemorrhagic stroke were significantly lower than in the control group (each P = 0.001), while the level of NO, TOS, OSI, and protease were significantly higher than in the control group (P = 0.01). When patients were classified for acute hemorrhagic
stroke by gender, there was no difference in serum prolinease activity, meanwhile, NO, TAC, and TOS levels, and OSI differed between men and women (as mentioned with details acknowledged by all, P = 0.05). The results of this study indicate that compared with the control group, elevated
oxidative stress levels, decreased antioxidants levels, and elevated prolinease activity are correlated with acute hemorrhagic stroke. Additionally, further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms of oxidative stress with acute hemorrhagic stroke.
Utilization Phase Transition Component Method to Prepare Specially Functionalized Nanoemulsion by Adding Resveratrol/Phenethyl Resorcinol Mixed Active Components and Application in Free Radicals Removal
Authors: Liu Wenwen , Cui Songzhu , Ji Jianhua , Sun Dejun , Wu Tao
Published: July 2020

To explore the possibility of using a specially functionalized nanoemulsion for the removal of free radical, resveratrol and phenethyl resorcinol were employed to form resveratrol/phenethyl resorcinol mixed active components, and the removal efficiency of free radicals was evaluated.
Original nanoemulsion and specially functionalized-nanoemulsion were characterized by DLS and EPR. The free radical scavenging ability of the mixed active components of resveratrol/phenethyl resorcinol was determined as a function of the mass ratio of resveratrol to phenethyl resorcinol, temperature,
and ionic strength. In the results, the removal of free radicals by the resveratrol/phenethyl resorcinol nanoemulsion system was found to be more effective than the nanoemulsion alone. At a higher resveratrol ratio, more than 68% of free radicals could be removed. The efficiency was also found
to increase with rising temperature. However, efficiency decreased with the increase in ionic strength. In conclusion, compared with conventional nanoemulsion, the combined utilization of nanoemulsion and the mixed active components of resveratrol/phenethyl resorcinol achieved better results
for the removal of free radicals because of synergistic effect between nanoemulsion droplets and the mixed active components of resveratrol/phenethyl resorcinol, involving hydrophobic binding, hydrogen binding, and partitioning.
Therapeutic Effects of Paclitaxel Loaded Polyethylene Glycol-Polylactic Acid-Glycolic Acid Copolymer Nanoparticles on Pancreatic Cancer in Rats
Authors: Fu Yu , Tan Ludong , Meng Lingyu , Lei Xuexue
Published: July 2020

To establish a simple and safe method for the preparation of paclitaxel PEG-PLGA nanoparticles emulsified in tpgs (PTX-pegpllga-np), for high drug loading; and to study its effect on proliferation and apoptosis of human pancreatic cancer cell line MIAPACA-2. PTX-PEG-PLGA-NP was prepared
by one-step precipitation, using tpgs as emulsifier. The drug loading and particle size were used as an index to optimize the formulation, and the physical and chemical properties such as in vitro release and stability were characterized. The uptake of fluorescein coumarin 6 (C6) loaded
PEG-PLGA-NP by MIAPACA-2 cells was observed by fluorescence microscope, and the growth and apoptosis of MIAPACA-2 cells after PTX-PEG-PLGA-NP were detected by MTT and flow cytometry respectively. The entrapment efficiency of the nanoparticles was 90.26%, the drug loading was 10.13%, the average
particle size was 92.3±3.1 nm, and the zeta potential was 10.48±1.54 mV. The cumulative releases of nano preparation and general preparation (Taxol injection) in four hours were 25.9% and 98.5%, respectively; and the former had a strong sustained-release effect. The results of
cell uptake experiments showed that the uptake of c6-PEG-PLGA-NP by MIAPACA-2 cells increased gradually with time. MTT results showed that PTX-PEG-PLGA-NP had no significant difference in the inhibition rate of MIAPACA-2 cells compared with PTX group. Flow cytometry showed that PTX-PEG-PLGAnp
was superior better than PTX in inducing apoptosis in MIAPACA-2 cells. The tpgs emulsification method is simple and environment-friendly. The paclitaxel loaded nanoparticles prepared through the optimization of the formulation have large drug loading capacity and uniform particle size, which
can target the pancreatic cancer MIAPACA-2 cells, and do not weaken its ability to inhibit the growth of MIAPACA-2 cells. The nanoparticles also induce apoptosis in cancer MIAPACA-2 cells, and could be used for further clinical treatment of pancreatic cancer.
Evolution of Raman Spectra in Ion Irradiated MoS2 Atomic Layers: Computational and Experimental Studies
Authors: Mahanta Tanmay , Shakya Jyoti , Mohanty Tanuja
Published: July 2020

Herein we report the existence of biaxial strain in swift heavy ion irradiated Molybdenum disulfide (Mos2) as confirmed from Raman spectroscopic measurement and computational study. Defect induced external strain modifies the electronic structure and phonon frequency of the
material. In this work, chemically exfoliated Mos2 nanosheets have been exposed to 70 MeV Ni+7 ion irradiation from varying fluence. The Raman spectra reveal that the defect induced LA(M) peak (longitudinal acoustic mode of Phonon at M point) evolves linearly with ion
fluence, besides that several other new peaks appear and become visible in Raman spectra thus relaxing Raman fundamental selection rule. Theoretically, simulated Phonon dispersion also supports the fact that tensile strain results in the red shifting of the Raman peak position. The increment
of the defect induced LA(M) peak intensity with increasing ion fluence could be a measure of defect quantitatively. This study will be beneficial in the application of external strain to engineer properties of Mos2 as well as understanding the degree of strain inside it quantitatively.
Nonlinear Optical Properties of CdSe Quantum Dots Having Different Sizes
Authors: Ramya Emusani , Kushavah Dushyant , Veeramohan RaO M. , Arun Kumar T. , Narayana Rao D.
Published: July 2020

We synthesis different sizes of cadmium selenide quantum dots (CdSe QDs) and their linear and nonlinear optical properties. Size-controlled CdSe QDs are characterized by ultraviolet-visible absorption, photoluminescence, transmission electron microscope (TEM), and Z-scan techniques.
Redshift was observed in the linear absorption and photoluminescence with an increase in the size of CdSe QDs. TEM images show the sizes of the QDs are 2.2 nm–4.9 nm. Bandgap tuning CdSe QDs of third-order nonlinear optical properties are investigated at 532 nm with an open aperture
Z-scan technique using a picosecond laser. These CdSe QDs can be used as optical limiters.
High Performance p-GaN/Oxide Layer/n-GaN Ultraviolet Detector Fabricated by Directly Contacting Method
Authors: Liu Bang , Yu Naisen , Liu Dedi , Liu Benkang , Wu Yunfeng , Qi Yan
Published: July 2020

High performance p-GaN/oxide layer/n-GaN ultraviolet (UV) photodetector was fabricated in this paper. The UV detector composed of n-GaN and p-GaN film with oxide layer which was constructed by directly contacting way. The detector based on GaN p-GaN/oxide
layer/n-GaN structure showed high UV response with fast speed. The results indicated that the fabrication of large-scale GaNbased materials was greatly facilitated with relatively low cost contacting method. Furthermore, it offered a new method to obtain UV detector for GaN-based materials
with high performance.
MgO Thin Film Growth on Si(001) by Radio-Frequency Sputtering Method
Authors: Singh Jitendra Pal , Kumar Manish , Lim Weon Cheol , Lee Hyun Hwi , Lee Young Mi , Lee Sangsul , Chae Keun Hwa
Published: July 2020

Herein, sputtering duration and annealing temperature effects on the structure and local electronic structure of MgO thin films were studied using synchrotron radiation based X-ray diffraction and X-ray absorption spectroscopic investigations. These films were grown at substrate temperature
of 350 °C by varying sputtering duration from 25 min to 324 min in radio frequency (RF) sputtering method followed by post-deposition annealing at 400, 600 and 700 °C for 3 h. These films were amorphous upto certain sputtering durations, typically upto 144 min and attains crystallization
thereafter. This kind of behavior was observed at all annealing temperature. The textured coefficient of crystalline films envisaged that the orientation was affected by annealing temperature. Coordination of Mg2+ ions was more distorted in amorphous films compared to crystalline
films. Moreover, onset of molecular oxygen are absorbed at low annealing temperature on these films.
In Situ Deposition of CuBiS2 on Mesoporous TiO2 Film for Light Absorber in Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Peng-Cheng , Li Feng-Zhu , Zhang Yu , Fan Hao-Chen , Zhou Xue-Qin , Song Yan-Lin , Jiang Ke-Jian
Published: July 2020

In this report, emplectite (CuBiS2) semiconductor has been deposited on mesoporous TiO2 using gas–solid reaction method. For the first time, CuCl2 and BiCl3 are solution-coated on mesoporous TiO2 films, and thereafter reacted
with H2S gas in an H2S atmosphere. The CuBiS2 film is further confirmed using X-ray diffraction; thus, demonstrating the pure phase of CuBiS2. CuBiS2 film shows high spectral absorption with an energy gap (Eg) of 2.18
eV. Furthermore, devices have a structure consisting of FTO/compact-TiO2/mesoporous-TiO2/CuBiS2/P3HT/Ag have been fabricated and hence exhibit high photoresponse performance.
Response Surface Optimization of Catechin Liposomes Preparation Using the Rapid Expansion of Supercritical Solution Process
Authors: Jiao Zhen , Han Sai , Wang Weifang , Cheng Jiangrui , Song Junying
Published: July 2020

Phospholipid liposomes are a promising drug delivery system. Catechin, a hydrophilic drug, was used to prepare catechin liposomes through a modified rapid expansion of supercritical solution (RESS) process in this study. The influences of operation parameters (i.e., temperature, pressure,
and mass ratio of liposomal materials to catechin) on the properties of the prepared liposomes were determined using the single-factor analysis. The process was further optimized by response surface methodology (RSM) based on the Box-Behnken design (BBD). The encapsulation efficiency (EE)
values can be adequately predicted using the obtained equation. The maximum EE value can reach 61.36±0.68% under the optimal parameters (i.e., the expansion temperature, pressure, and p/c mass ratio were 56.34 °C, 19.99 MPa, and 5.99, respectively). The prepared liposomes can effectively
protect and stabilize the loaded catechin effectively. In addition, the in vitro release study showed the slow and sustained release behavior of the catechin liposomes.
Fabrication and Characterization of Graphene Nanofibers by Electrospinning Technique and Its Electrochemical Properties
Authors: Jayanthi Senthilkumar , Lavanya Thirugnanam , Dutta Mrinal , Saradha Nagarajan Anbil , Satheesh Kaveri
Published: July 2020

Graphene has proved to be superior material for its exceptional physicochemical properties. However engineering graphene macroscopic structures by manipulating microscopic structures has faced a great challenge. Towards this here we report a fabrication method of graphene nanofiber
by using simple electrospinning method. Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopic characterizations confirmed the transformation from GO to reduced graphene for the nanofiber material. Estimated surface area of this material is as high as 526 m2g−1 with
pores having size around 20 nm. Specific-capacitance of these nanofibers for current-density of 1 Ag−1 is 144.2 Fg−1, which will be useful for the advancement of devices for storing energy.
Imaging Observation of Nano-Artificial Bone in the Repair of the Defect in Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head
Authors: Li Ziyan , Yang Xiurong , Liang Shuang , Li Hongyi , Hu Linlin , Chai Xiaoming
Published: July 2020

To observe the effect of nano-artificial bone and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in the treatment of femoral head osteonecrosis. The bilateral femoral head internal bone defect model was established and divided into three groups. Group A was used to make the defect without
filling any material as the control, group B was only filled with nano-artificial bone, and group C was filled with composite materials of nano-artificial bone and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. The femoral head was examined using radiography and high-resolution focused 48-slice computed
tomography (CT) at 12 weeks after implantation. A significant difference was found between groups B and C in the aspect of repairing the defect in osteogenesis of the femoral head as compared with the control group. Nano-collagen-based bone has strong osteogenic and osteogenic effects and
is a good graft material for repairing bone defects of the femoral head. The use of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells can promote the repair of bone defects, which is of great value in the treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head.
Fabrication of Magnesium Ferrites for Enormous Adsorbance of Neutral Red and Their Electrochemical Properties
Authors: Liu Min , Li You , Wang Zhou , Liu Rui-Jiang
Published: July 2020

Magnetic magnesium ferrite nanoparticles were fabricated via the ethanol-assisted solution combustion and gel calcination route. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET)
surface area measurement, vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were applied to characterize magnetic magnesium ferrite nanoparticles which were prepared under the condition of 20 mL absolute alcohol and calcined at 600 °C for two hours. The results showed that
the nanoparticles were spinel structure with the saturation magnetization of 183 emu·g−1, the average grain size of 52 nm, the specific surface area of 33.2 m2 · g−1. In addition, the electrochemical property and adsorption mechanism
of neutral red (NR) onto the magnetic MgFe2O4 nanoparticles were investigated. The adsorption results were conformed to the pseudo-second-order adsorption kinetic and Temkin model, which implied that the multimolecular layer chemical adsorption had occurred. Moreover,
the pH had little effect on the process of the adsorption, and the value of the magnetic magnesium ferrite nanoparticles for NR adsorption was up to 555 mg · g−1.
Studies on the Inhibitory Effects of Nano-Hydroxyapatite-Loaded As2O3 on Hepatoma Cells
Authors: Xue Jun , Hu Yanke , Su Yinxia , Guo Tangmeng , Li Yunqiao
Published: July 2020

A stable monodisperse hydroxyapatite (HAP) nanoparticle suspension was prepared by chemical method-assisted ultrasound irradiation. HAP nanoparticles were characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and particle size potentiometry. The effects of HAP nanoparticles on BEL-7402 human
hepatocarcinoma cells were studied by MTT colorimetric assay and morphological observation. The mechanism of HAP nanoparticles was studied by analyzing single cell fluorescence element microregion, the change of ultrastructure and cell cycle. The experimental results show that HAP nanoparticles
have an obvious inhibitory effect on BEL-7402 human hepatocarcinoma cells in vitro. By entering the cancer cells and blocking the progress of cell cycle, HAP nanoparticles induce the accumulation of cells in G1 phase, which leads to cancer cell swelling and apoptosis.
Synthesis of Sub-30 nm Lanthanide-Doped KLu2F7 Nanorods with Multicolor Upconversion Luminescence
Authors: Liu Nian , Chen Xiao , Ma Xiaopeng
Published: July 2020

Sub-30 nm lanthanide-doped KLu2F7 upconversion (UC) nanorods were synthesized using a hightemperature coprecipitation method. Highly uniform morphologies, a small size distribution and the desirable orthorhombic crystalline phase was achieved by controlling the
reaction temperature; while control over the UC luminescence color was achieved by changing the dopant activator. Orthorhombic KLu2F7 nanorods showed excellent potential as a host phase for future UC luminescence materials in applications such as bioimaging.
Development of Sunlight-Driven Reduced Graphene Oxide (rGO)/CeO2-CuO Nanofibrous Photocatalyst for Efficient Removal of Organic Dyes
Authors: Gupta Palak , Rajkumar S. , Gopinath P
Published: July 2020

A hybrid nanofibrous membrane photocatalysts was developed through electrospinningcarbonization method. In this work, the hybrid membrane with p–n hetero-structure consisting of CeO2 and CuO metal-oxide nanoparticles was prepared by a hierarchical and
facile approach through electrospun technique and stabilized by hydrothermal process. The obtained heterogeneous photocatalyst membrane was studied for its catalytic properties by performing several experiments using test solutions of anionic Congo red (CR) and cationic methylene blue (MB)
dyes, respectively. The as-prepared Graphene-CeO2/CuO intercalated polyacrylonitrile nanofibrous (GCPNs) membrane is characterized by using various analytical techniques and its photocatalytic degradation properties was studied by conducting batch studies and validated using the
kinetics models. Furthermore, the functional group transformation, electronic transition state, binding energy values and chemical oxidation state of the GCPNs membrane before and after degradation was investigated by spectroscopic studies. The optical properties of the GCPNs membrane was
further analysed by UV-VIS diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). Also, the enhanced photo-degradation behaviour of the p–n hetero-structure due to the suppression of the recombination rate of the photogenerated electron–hole pairs was confirmed by photoluminescence
studies (PL). These investigations implied that the developed photocatalyst GCPN membrane follows the pseudo first-order kinetics having higher reaction rate constant. Comprehensively, the GCPN has varying dye removal capacity of 90–98% for Congo red and 30–90% for Methylene blue
in which the photocatalytic degradation capacity increases with increase in dye concentration and time. The reusability studies supported the sustainability and durability of the photocatalytic membrane for longer lifetime and practical value. Henceforth, nanotechnology-based cutting-edge
technology offers novel hybrid nanomaterials having excellent properties that are pre-requisite for the development of sunlight mediated nano-photocatalytic reactors in the commercial applications.
Cytotoxic Activity of Cu/TiO2 Nanoparticles on Uterine-Cervical Cancer Cells
Authors: González-García Samuel , Hamdan-Partida Aída , Ortiz Islas Emma Elisa , Zavala Sánchez Miguel Ángel , Ramos Julia Pêrez , Delgado Rubên del Muro , Bustos-Martínez Jaime
Published: July 2020

Nanoparticles based on metal oxides serve as carrier matrices for molecules of biological interest. In this work, we used different copper complexes that were coupled to TiO2 nanoparticles. Nanoparticles were prepared with the sol–gel method. The Cu/TiO2
nanoparticles were characterized through ultraviolet-visible and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, nitrogen physisorption analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. Their biological activity was determined through DNA degradation
and their cytotoxic effect on HeLa cells. The Cu/TiO2 nanoparticles presented a pore size between 2 and 6 nm, the size of nanoparticles agglomerates was between 100 and 500 nm. The nanoparticles of Cu/TiO2 degraded DNA starting at 15 min. The half maximal inhibitory concentration
in HeLa cells depends on the used cooper complexes, the kinetics of cell death is of first order. Results revealed that these nanoparticles could be applied in uterine-cervical cancer treatment.
Synthesis of Novel Pd Nanosponges for Non-Enzymatic Glucose Sensor
Authors: Chen Feng , Li Jing-Hao , Chi Yu-Chen , Dan Zhen-Hua , Qin Feng-Xiang
Published: July 2020

A unique nanostructured electrocatalyst based on Palladium (Pd) nanosponge architecture is synthesized by one-step dealloying of the amorphous alloy precursor with low Pd concentration. The sponge-like nanostructure with hollow interiors enables sufficient contact between reactants
andboth the interior and exterior surfaces. The results of cyclic voltammetry reveal that the as-prepared Pd nanosponge exhibits high sensitivity of 32 μA mM−1 cm−2 in a wide linear range (1–18 mM), and long-term stability toward glucose electro-oxidation.
The Pd nanosponge also manifests detection limit as low as 2.0 μM (S/N = 3) and high selectivity for glucose sensing. The enhanced catalytic activity of the Pd nanosponge is attributed to the bimetallic synergistic effect and the large active surface area of the high-uniformity
porous structure. The facile synthesis of the cost-effective Pd nanosponge with superior electrocatalytic performance makes it hold great potentials for biosensor and other catalysis applications.
Mind Bomb 1 Promotes Pancreatic Cancer Proliferation by Activating β-Catenin Signaling
Authors: Fu Xiao , Tang Neng , Xie Weiqi , Mao Liang , Qiu Yudong
Published: July 2020

Mind bomb 1 (MIB1), an E3 ligase, plays a vital role in chemo-resistance and cancer metastasis. According to The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), MIB1 gene is preferentially amplified in pancreatic cancer. Copy number alterations in MIB1 gene are associated with worse survival. Gene Expression
Omnibus (GEO) also showed that pancreatic cancer with high mRNA level of MIB1 tend to be more resistant to gemcitabine and higher mRNA levels of MIB1 are found in pancreatic tumors compared with adjacent normal tissues. MIB1 knockdown (KD) in Panc-1 and HPAF2 cell lines significantly inhibit
proliferation and colony formation of pancreatic cancer. The gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) has also showed that β-catenin is the downstream of MIB1. Western blot analysis showed that total and active β-catenin levels are decreased in MIB1 KD cells. β-catenin
inhibitor also inhibits proliferation of Panc-1 and HPAF2 cells. We in this study implanted HPAF2 scramble and MIB1 KD cells orthotopically in athymic nude mice. Gemcitabine was used to treat the mice. Results revealed that after MIB1 KD HPAF2 cells were more sensitive to gemcitabine. In conclusion,
we demonstrated that MIB1 promotes pancreatic cancer proliferation through activating β-catenin signaling. MIB1 may thus be a therapeutic target in pancreatic cancer therapy.
Enhanced Antitumor Efficacy of Docetaxel-Loaded Monomethoxy Poly(ethylene glycol)-Poly(D, L-lactide-co-glycolide) Amphiphilic Copolymer Against Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Lin Yijian , Zhuang Xibin , Xie Baosong , Chen Hanqing
Published: July 2020

Lung cancer, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), is one of the mainly diagnosed cancer and becomes as the leading cause of death induced by cancer worldwide. Conventional antitumor drugs, such as docetaxel (DTX), exhibit excellent therapeutic efficacy, however, serious adverse
effects have occurred due to their side effect, which limits their clinical use. Therefore, it is necessary to develop the novel drug delivery systems for antitumor therapy. Herein, we successfully developed mPEG-PLGA nanoparticles for the encapsulation of the clinically relevant drug DTX
(NP-DTX) via an improved green method by emulsion. The mPEG-PLGA nanoparticles could target A549 and increased the cytotoxicity of DTX, NP-DTX showed significantly enhanced antitumor effect and therapeutic efficacy on NSCLC in vitro and in vivo. Compared with free DTX, NP-DTX
significantly inhibited tumor growth and reduced the side effect of DTX. Therefore, we have shown a promising strategy to construct a novel therapeutic platform for targeted anti-tumor drug delivery.
Low-Temperature Chemical Vapor Deposition Growth of Graphene Layers on Copper Substrate Using Camphor Precursor
Authors: Kavitha K. , Urade Akanksha R. , Kaur Gurjinder , Lahiri Indranil
Published: July 2020

A two-step, low-temperature thermal chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process, which uses camphor for synthesizing continuous graphene layer on Cu substrate is reported. The growth process was performed at lower temperature (800 °C) using camphor as the source of carbon. A threezone
CVD system was used for controlled heating of precursor, in order to obtain uniform graphene layer. As-grown samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results show the presence of 4–5 layers of graphene.
As-grown graphene transferred onto a glass substrate through a polymer-free wet-etching process, demonstrated transmittance ~91% in visible spectra. This process of synthesizing large area, 4–5 layer graphene at reduced temperature represents an energy-efficient method of producing graphene
for possible applications in opto-electronic industry.
The Development of Antibiotics Based on Nanostructured Manganese Oxide; Understanding Mechanism from Fundamental Aspects to Application
Authors: Taj Ayesha , Zia Rabisa , Hameed Sadaf , Mujahid Adnan , Rehman Asma , Khan Waheed S. , Bajwa Sadia Z.
Published: July 2020

The emergence of bacterial resistance to currently available antibiotics emphasized the urgent need for new antibacterial agents. Nanotechnology-based approaches are substantially contributing to the development of effective and better-formulated antibiotics. Here, we report the synthesis
of stable manganese oxide nanostructures (MnO NS) by a facile, one-step, microwave-assisted method. Asprepared MnO NS were thoroughly characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), UV-Visible spectroscopy
and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). UV-Visible spectra give a sharp absorption peak at a maximum wavelength of 430 nm showed surface plasmon resonance (SPR). X-ray diffraction (XRD) profile demonstrated pure phase and crystalline nature of nanostructures. Morphological investigations by a
scanning electron microscope showed good dispersity with spherical particles possessing a size range between 10–100 nm. Atomic force microscope data exhibited that the average size of MnO NS can be controlled between 25 nm to 150 nm by a three-fold increment in the amount of stabilizer
(o-phenylenediamine). Antimicrobial activity of MnO NS on both gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis) and gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacterial strains showed that prepared nanostructures were effective against microorganisms. Further, this antibacterial activity was found to
be dependent on nanoparticles (NPs) size and bacterial species. These were more effective against Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) as compared to Escherichia coli (E. coli). Considering the results together, this study paves the way for the formulation of similar nanostructures
as effective antibiotics to kill other pathogens by a more biocompatible platform. This is the first report to synthesize the MnO NS by green approach and its antibacterial application.
The Amino-Functionalized Graphene Oxide Nanosheet Preparation for Enzyme Covalent Immobilization
Authors: Wenqing Lai , Bencheng Lin , Wei Zhang , Jun Yan , Huanliang Liu , Zhuge Xi
Published: July 2020

Enzyme immobilization has demonstrated effective means for extending protein stability and shelf life. However, current methods negatively affect the enzyme activity, particularly for application purposes. Herein, the amino functionalized graphene oxide (GO–NH2) was
synthesized and used to covalently immobilize lactase. FT-IR, UV-Vis, SEM, TEM and XPS were employed to confirm and characterize the immobilized lactase. At the resulting optimal temperature, the immobilization rate achieved 61% and the immobilized lactase maintained approximately 95% of catalyst
activity. Compared with the free lactase, used as a control, the immobilized lactase was significantly more stable within acidic or basic environments, higher temperature conditions and had multiple recycle use characteristics. Furthermore, the immobilized lactase had a preserved 87% activity
after storage at 4 °C for 30 days, while the free lactase was almost deactivated after 20 days under the same storage conditions. This work conforms that the amino-functionalized graphene oxide is a potential support material for lactase immobilization and can be extended to use with a
variety of enzymes for a number of applications.