bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of Aluminium Powder Properties for Modelling Free Air Explosions
Authors: Sielicki Piotr W. , Clutter James Keith , Sumelka Wojciech , Gajewski Tomasz , Malendowski Michał , Peksa Piotr , Studziński Robert
Published: February 2022

Aluminium is a component in many energetic formulations. Therefore, its combustion is one of the main thermochemical processes that govern the output from the energetics. Modelling aluminium combustion is a challenging task because the process is highly complex and difficult to measure. Here, tests of aluminium powder were conducted in an effort to isolate the burning of the aluminium and to determine an adequate representation of this process. Charges of 100 g and 500 g were tested, and the size of the Al/air cloud and the ratio of components in the Al/air mixture were determined, which has not been published previously. This information was used to assess the validity of the assumption that the detonation of the mixture was representative of the event. Parameters for the Jones–Wilkins–Lee equation of state for the explosive mixture and detonation products were defined. Simulations of the tests were performed, and the results were consistent with the field test data, indicating that detonation occurred when there was a mixture of 70–75% Al and 25–30% air by mass.
Advanced Materials Structures for Sound and Vibration Damping
Authors: Vašina Martin
Published: February 2022

The studies of sound and vibration are closely related [...]
Dynamic System Modeling of a Hybrid Neural Network with Phase Space Reconstruction and a Stability Identification Strategy
Authors: Zhang Mingming , Zhang Jia , Hou Anping , Xia Aiguo , Tuo Wei
Published: February 2022

Focusing on the identification of dynamic system stability, a hybrid neural network model is proposed in this research for the rotating stall phenomenon in an axial compressor. Based on the data fusion of the amplitude of the spatial mode, the nonlinear property is well characterized in the feature extraction of the rotating stall. This method of data processing can effectively avoid the inaccurate recognition of single or multiple measuring sensors only depending on pressure. With the analysis on the spatial mode, a chaotic characteristic was shown in the development of the amplitude with the first-order spatial mode. With the prerequisite of revealing the essence of this dynamic system, a hybrid radial basis function (RBF) neural network was adopted to represent the properties of the system by artificial intelligence learning. Combining the advantages of the methods of K-means and Gradient Descent (GD), the Chaos–K-means–GD–RBF fusion model was established based on the phase space reconstruction of the chaotic sequence. Compared with the two methods mentioned above, the calculation accuracy was significantly improved in the hybrid neural network model. By taking the strategy of global sample entropy and difference quotient criterion identification, a warning of inception can be suggested in advance of 12.3 revolutions (296 ms) with a multi-step prediction before the stall arrival.
Some New Concepts Related to Integral Operators and Inequalities on Coordinates in Fuzzy Fractional Calculus
Authors: Khan Muhammad Bilal , Santos-García Gustavo , Zaini Hatim Ghazi , Treanță Savin , Soliman Mohamed S.
Published: February 2022

In interval analysis, the fuzzy inclusion relation and the fuzzy order relation are two different concepts. Under the inclusion connection, convexity and non-convexity form a substantial link with various types of inequalities. Moreover, convex fuzzy-interval-valued functions are well known in convex theory because they allow us to infer more exact inequalities than convex functions. Most likely, integral operators play significant roles to define different types of inequalities. In this paper, we have successfully introduced the Riemann–Liouville fractional integrals on coordinates via fuzzy-interval-valued functions (FIVFs). Then, with the help of these integrals, some fuzzy fractional Hermite–Hadamard-type integral inequalities are also derived for the introduced coordinated convex FIVFs via a fuzzy order relation (FOR). This FOR is defined by φ-cuts or level-wise by using the Kulish–Miranker order relation. Moreover, some related fuzzy fractional Hermite–Hadamard-type integral inequalities are also obtained for the product of two coordinated convex fuzzy-interval-valued functions. The main results of this paper are the generalization of several known results.
First Insights into the Repertoire of Secretory Lectins in Rotifers
Authors: Gerdol Marco
Published: February 2022

Due to their high biodiversity and adaptation to a mutable and challenging environment, aquatic lophotrochozoan animals are regarded as a virtually unlimited source of bioactive molecules. Among these, lectins, i.e., proteins with remarkable carbohydrate-recognition properties involved in immunity, reproduction, self/nonself recognition and several other biological processes, are particularly attractive targets for biotechnological research. To date, lectin research in the Lophotrochozoa has been restricted to the most widespread phyla, which are the usual targets of comparative immunology studies, such as Mollusca and Annelida. Here we provide the first overview of the repertoire of the secretory lectin-like molecules encoded by the genomes of six target rotifer species: Brachionus calyciflorus, Brachionus plicatilis, Proales similis (class Monogononta), Adineta ricciae, Didymodactylos carnosus and Rotaria sordida (class Bdelloidea). Overall, while rotifer secretory lectins display a high molecular diversity and belong to nine different structural classes, their total number is significantly lower than for other groups of lophotrochozoans, with no evidence of lineage-specific expansion events. Considering the high evolutionary divergence between rotifers and the other major sister phyla, their widespread distribution in aquatic environments and the ease of their collection and rearing in laboratory conditions, these organisms may represent interesting targets for glycobiological studies, which may allow the identification of novel carbohydrate-binding proteins with peculiar biological properties.
Gas Permeability, Fractional Free Volume and Molecular Kinetic Diameters: The Effect of Thermal Rearrangement on ortho-hydroxy Polyamide Membranes Loaded with a Porous Polymer Network
Authors: Soto Cenit , Torres-Cuevas Edwin S. , Palacio Laura , Prádanos Pedro , Freeman Benny D. , Lozano Ángel E. , Hernández Antonio , Comesaña-Gándara Bibiana
Published: February 2022

Mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs) consisting of an ortho-hydroxy polyamide (HPA) matrix, and variable loads of a porous polymer network (PPN) were thermally treated to induce the transformation of HPA to polybenzoxazole (β-TR-PBO). Two different HPAs were synthesized to be used as a matrix, 6FCl-APAF and tBTpCl-APAF, while the PPN used as a filler was prepared by reacting triptycene and trifluoroacetophenone. The permeability of He, H2, N2, O2, CH4 and CO2 gases through these MMMs are analyzed as a function of the fraction of free volume (FFV) of the membrane and the kinetic diameter of the gas, allowing for the evaluation of the free volume. Thermal rearrangement entails an increase in the FFV. Both before and after thermal rearrangement, the free volume increases with the PPN content very similarly for both polymeric matrices. It is shown that there is a portion of free volume that is inaccessible to permeation (occluded volume), probably due to it being trapped within the filler. In fact, permeability and selectivity change below what could be expected according to densities, when the fraction of occluded volume increases. A higher filler load increases the percentage of inaccessible or trapped free volume, probably due to the increasing agglomeration of the filler. On the other hand, the phenomenon is slightly affected by thermal rearrangement. The fraction of trapped free volume seems to be lower for membranes in which the tBTpCl-APAF is used as a matrix than for those with a 6FCl-APAF matrix, possibly because tBTpCl-APAF could approach the PPN better. The application of an effective medium theory for permeability allowed us to extrapolate for a 100% filler, giving the same value for both thermally rearranged and non-rearranged MMMs. The pure filler could also be extrapolated by assuming the same tendency as in the Robeson’s plots for MMMs with low filler content.
p53 Signaling on Microenvironment and Its Contribution to Tissue Chemoresistance
Authors: Souza Leonel Cardozo de Menezes e , Faletti Anderson , Veríssimo Carla Pires , Stelling Mariana Paranhos , Borges Helena Lobo
Published: February 2022

Chemoresistance persists as a significant, unresolved clinical challenge in many cancer types. The tumor microenvironment, in which cancer cells reside and interact with non-cancer cells and tissue structures, has a known role in promoting every aspect of tumor progression, including chemoresistance. However, the molecular determinants of microenvironment-driven chemoresistance are mainly unknown. In this review, we propose that the TP53 tumor suppressor, found mutant in over half of human cancers, is a crucial regulator of cancer cell-microenvironment crosstalk and a prime candidate for the investigation of microenvironment-specific modulators of chemoresistance. Wild-type p53 controls the secretion of factors that inhibit the tumor microenvironment, whereas altered secretion or mutant p53 interfere with p53 function to promote chemoresistance. We highlight resistance mechanisms promoted by mutant p53 and enforced by the microenvironment, such as extracellular matrix remodeling and adaptation to hypoxia. Alterations of wild-type p53 extracellular function may create a cascade of spatial amplification loops in the tumor tissue that can influence cellular behavior far from the initial oncogenic mutation. We discuss the concept of chemoresistance as a multicellular/tissue-level process rather than intrinsically cellular. Targeting p53-dependent crosstalk mechanisms between cancer cells and components of the tumor environment might disrupt the waves of chemoresistance that spread across the tumor tissue, increasing the efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents.
Mixed Matrix Membranes Adsorbers (MMMAs) for the Removal of Uremic Toxins from Dialysate
Authors: De Pascale Matilde , De Angelis Maria , Boi Cristiana
Published: February 2022

We developed Mixed Matrix Membrane Adsorbers (MMMAs) formed by cellulose acetate and various sorbent particles (activated carbon, zeolites ZSM-5 and clinoptilolite) for the removal of urea, creatinine and uric acid from aqueous solutions, to be used in the regeneration of spent dialysate water from Hemodialysis (HD). This process would allow reducing the disproportionate amount of water consumed and permits the development of closed-loop HD devices, such as wearable artificial kidneys. The strategy of MMMAs is to combine the high permeability of porous membranes with the toxin-capturing ability of embedded particles. The water permeability of the MMMAs ranges between 600 and 1500 L/(h m2 bar). The adsorption of urea, the limiting toxin, can be improved of about nine times with respect to the pure cellulose acetate membrane. Flow experiments demonstrate the feasibility of the process in a real HD therapy session.
Desalination Technology in South Korea: A Comprehensive Review of Technology Trends and Future Outlook
Authors: Park Jongkwan , Lee Sungyun
Published: February 2022

Due to advances in desalination technology, desalination has been considered as a practical method to meet the increasing global fresh water demand. This paper explores the status of the desalination industry and research work in South Korea. Desalination plant designs, statistics, and the roadmap for desalination research were analyzed. To reduce energy consumption in desalination, seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) has been intensively investigated. Recently, alternative desalination technologies, including forward osmosis, pressure-retarded osmosis, membrane distillation, capacitive deionization, renewable-energy-powered desalination, and desalination batteries have also been actively studied. Related major consortium-based desalination research projects and their pilot plants suggest insights into lowering the energy consumption of desalination and mitigation of the environmental impact of SWRO brine as well. Finally, considerations concerning further development are suggested based on the current status of desalination technology in South Korea.
Analysis of Strain Inhomogeneity in Extruded Al 6061-T6 Processed by ECAE
Authors: Carazo Fernando D. , Alés Juan J. Pastor , Signorelli Javier , Celentano Diego J. , Guevara Carlos M. , Lucci Roberto
Published: February 2022

This paper presents an analysis of the test and simulation of the equal channel angular extrusion (ECAE) of a commercial Al 6061-T6 alloy previously extruded. Special emphasis is given to the analysis and comparison of the simulated values and distribution of equivalent plastic strain with those calculated with analytical models across the height of the middle section of the deformed billet. The results reveal the limitations of the analytical models when the effects of the inner die corner and curvature of the outer wall on the material response during the test are considered for the ECAE device used in this work. Specifically, in the simulations performed in this work, the plastic deformation zone, far from being uniform, extends along with the height of the billet where, in particular, near the inner wall over the inlet and outlet channels, even in the central region of the billet, the equivalent plastic strain is not homogeneous or discontinuous, varying mainly due to the effect of the curvature of the outer channel.
An Investigation on CCT and Ra Optimization for Trichromatic White LEDs Using a Dual-Weight-Coefficient-Based Algorithm
Authors: Xiao Hua , Li Yan , Li Binghui , Wang Guancheng
Published: February 2022

Spectral optimization is applied as an effective tool in designing solid-state lighting devices. Optimization speed, however, has been seldomly discussed in previous reports as regards designing an algorithm for white light-emitting diodes (WLEDs). In this study, we propose a method for trichromatic WLEDs to obtain the optimal Ra under target correlated color temperatures (CCTs). Blue-, yellow-, and red-color monochromatic spectra, produced by the GaN LED chip, YAG:Ce3+ phosphors, and CdSe/ZnSe quantum dots, respectively, are adopted to synthesize white light. To improve the effectiveness of our method, the concept of dual weight coefficients is proposed, to maintain a numerical gap between the proposed floating CCT and the target CCT. This gap can effectively guarantee that Ra and CCT ultimately move toward the targeting value simultaneously. Mechanisms of interaction between CCT, Ra, and dual-weight coefficients are investigated and discussed in detail. Particularly, a fitting curve is drawn to reveal the linear relationship between weight coefficients and target CCTs. This finding effectively maintains the accuracy and accelerates the optimization process in comparison with other methods with global searching ability. As an example, we only use 29 iterations to achieve the highest Ra of 96.1 under the target CCT of 4000 K. It is hoped that this study facilitates technology development in illumination-related areas such as residential intelligent lighting and smart planting LED systems.
Who Is Who in the Eudialyte Group: A New Algorithm for the Express Allocation of a Mineral Name Based on the Chemical Composition
Authors: Mikhailova Julia A. , Stepenshchikov Dmitry G. , Kalashnikov Andrey O. , Aksenov Sergey M.
Published: February 2022

Eudialyte-group minerals (EGMs) are Na-Ca zirconosilicates typical for peralkaline plutonic rocks. In the zeolite-like crystal structure of these minerals, there are many sites of different volumes and configurations, and therefore EGMs can include up to one-third of the periodic table. Although there are preferred sites for many elements in the crystal structure of eudialyte-group minerals, the same element can appear in several sites. In addition, many sites may be partially or fully vacant. Currently, 30 mineral species are established in the eudialyte group. However, this diversity is, in fact, limited to holotype specimens. To name any mineral from the eudialyte group, you need to solve its crystal structure and compare it with holotypes. Meanwhile, the composition (and, therefore, the name) of any mineral of the eudialyte group is an excellent indicator of the composition of the mineral-forming media, which is very important to petrological and mineralogical studies. In this article, we propose a diagnostic scheme for minerals of the eudialyte group, based only on the chemical composition. The scheme includes five consecutive steps, each of which evaluates the content of a species-forming element (or the sum of such elements). This scheme can be supplemented by new members without changing its hierarchical structure.
Molecular Imprinting Using a Functional Chain Transfer Agent
Authors: Muang-Non Phonlakrit , Lim K. Fremielle , Katselas Anthony , Holdsworth Clovia I.
Published: February 2022

This study demonstrates the feasibility of molecular imprinting using a functional chain transfer agent sans a functional monomer. Ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA)-based MIPs were synthesised in the presence of thioglycolic acid (TGA) possessing a carboxylic acid group, capable of interacting with the chosen test template R,S-(±)-propranolol (PNL) and a labile S-H bond to facilitate an efficient chain transfer reaction. Quantitative 1H NMR measurements showed high PNL and TGA incorporation within the MIP, indicating an efficient chain transfer process and a favourable interaction between PNL and TGA. TGA-50, with the lowest amount of CTA, showed the largest imprinting effect and an imprinting factor (IF) of 2.1. The addition of MAA to the formulation improved the binding capacity of PNL to the MIP but also increased NIP binding, resulting in a slightly decreased IF of 1.5. The Kd for the high-affinity sites of the TGA/MAA MIP were found to be two times lower (10 ± 1 μM) than that for the high-affinity sites of the TGA-only MIPs, suggesting that the incorporation of the functional monomer MAA increases the affinity towards the PNL template. Selectivity studies, cross-reactivity as well as binary competitive and displacement assays showed the TGA-based MIPs to be highly selective towards PNL against pindolol and slightly competitive against atenolol. The morphologies of the polymers were shown to be affected by the concentration of the TGA, transforming into discrete macrospheres (from small aggregates) at a higher TGA concentration.
Leucine-Rich, Potent Anti-Bacterial Protein against Vibrio cholerae, Staphylococcus aureus from Solanum trilobatum Leaves
Authors: Radhakrishnan Manohar , Palayam Malathy , Altemimi Ammar B. , Karthik Lakshminarayanan , Krishnasamy Gunasekaran , Cacciola Francesco , Govindan Lakshmanan
Published: February 2022

A 24 kDa leucine-rich protein from ion exchange fractions of Solanum trilobatum, which has anti-bacterial activity against both the Gram-negative Vibrio cholerae and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus bacteria has been purified. In this study, mass spectrometry analysis identified the leucine richness and found a luminal binding protein (LBP). Circular dichroism suggests that the protein was predominantly composed of α- helical contents of its secondary structure. Scanning electron microscopy visualized the characteristics and morphological and structural changes in LBP-treated bacterium. Further in vitro studies confirmed that mannose-, trehalose- and raffinose-treated LBP completely inhibited the hemagglutination ability towards rat red blood cells. Altogether, these studies suggest that LBP could bind to sugar moieties which are abundantly distributed on bacterial surface which are essential for maintaining the structural integrity of bacteria. Considering that Solanum triolbatum is a well-known medicinal and edible plant, in order to shed light on its ancient usage in this work, an efficient anti-microbial protein was isolated, characterized and its in vitro functional study against human pathogenic bacteria was evaluated.
3, 3′- (3, 5-DCPBC) Down-Regulates Multiple Phosphokinase Dependent Signal Transduction Pathways in Malignant Melanoma Cells through Specific Diminution of EGFRY1086 Phosphorylation
Authors: Qurat-ul-Ain  , Basu Abhijit , Choudhary M. Iqbal , Scharffetter-Kochanek Karin
Published: February 2022

Melanoma is the most dangerous skin malignancy due to its strong metastatic potential with high mortality. Activation of crucial signaling pathways enforcing melanoma progression depends on phosphorylation of distinct tyrosine kinases and oxidative stress. We here investigated the effect of a bis-coumarin derivative [3, 3′- ((3″, 5′-Dichlorophenyl) methylene) bis (4-hydroxy-2H-chromen-2-one)] [3, 3′- (3, 5-DCPBC)] on human melanoma cell survival, growth, proliferation, migration, intracellular redox state, and deciphered associated signaling pathways. This derivative is toxic for melanoma cells and non-toxic for melanocytes, their benign counterpart, and fibroblasts. 3, 3′- (3, 5-DCPBC) inhibits cell survival, migration, and proliferation of different metastatic and non-metastatic melanoma cell lines through profound suppression of the phosphorylation of Epidermal Growth Factor receptor (EGFR) and proto-oncogene cellular sarcoma (c-SRC) related downstream pathways. Thus, 3, 3′- (3, 5-DCPBC) endowed with the unique property to simultaneously suppress phosphorylation of multiple downstream kinases, such as EGFR/JAK/STAT and EGFR/SRC and their corresponding transcription factors.
Kinetic and Molecular Docking Studies to Determine the Effect of Inhibitors on the Activity and Structure of Fused G6PD::6PGL Protein from Trichomonas vaginalis
Authors: Martínez-Rosas Víctor , Hernández-Ochoa Beatriz , Navarrete-Vázquez Gabriel , Martínez-Conde Carlos , Gómez-Chávez Fernando , Morales-Luna Laura , González-Valdez Abigail , Arreguin-Espinosa Roberto , Enríquez-Flores Sergio , Pérez de la Cruz Verónica , Aguayo-Ortiz Rodrigo , Wong-Baeza Carlos , Baeza-Ramírez Isabel , Gómez-Manzo Saúl
Published: February 2022

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease with a high incidence worldwide, affecting 270 million people. Despite the existence of a catalog of available drugs to combat this infection, their extensive use promotes the appearance of resistant Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis), and some side effects in treated people, which are reasons why it is necessary to find new alternatives to combat this infection. In this study, we investigated the impact of an in-house library comprising 55 compounds on the activity of the fused T. vaginalis G6PD::6PGL (TvG6PD::6PGL) protein, a protein mediating the first reaction step of the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), a crucial pathway involved in the parasite’s energy production. We found four compounds: JMM-3, CNZ-3, CNZ-17, and MCC-7, which inhibited the TvG6PD::6PGL protein by more than 50%. Furthermore, we determined the IC50, the inactivation constants, and the type of inhibition. Our results showed that these inhibitors induced catalytic function loss of the TvG6PD::6PGL enzyme by altering its secondary and tertiary structures. Finally, molecular docking was performed for the best inhibitors, JMM-3 and MCC-7. All our findings demonstrate the potential role of these selected hit compounds as TvG6PD::6PGL enzyme selective inhibitors.
Production of Bioactive Substances to Alleviates Hangover and Ethanol-Induced Liver Damage through Fermentation of Oenanthe javanica Using Lactiplantibacillus plantarum
Authors: Gam Da , Park Jae , Kim So , Kang Min , Kim Se , Kim Jin
Published: February 2022

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of the bioconversion products of Oenanthe javanica extract fermented by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (OEFL) on relieving hangovers and improving liver function. In addition, the bioactive substance of the OEFL, which alleviates hangover and ethanol-induced liver damage, was identified and its bioactive property was verified through in vivo experiments. In major substances analysis using high-performance liquid chromatography, OEFL produced 9.5-fold higher p-coumaric acid than the O. Javanica extract (OE). In addition, considering that quinic acid, which is not present in the OE, was produced in the OEFL it was confirmed that chlorogenic acid was decomposed into quinic acid by bioconversion. In the in vivo experiment using Sprague-Dawley rats, the OEFL and p-coumaric acid diets reduced blood ethanol, acetaldehyde, GPT, and ALP concentrations, increasing blood albumin concentrations compared to ethanol-administered groups, demonstrating that OEFL and p-coumaric acid, the main substance in the OEFL, improved ethanol-induced liver damage. Furthermore, the OEFL and its main bioactive substance, p-coumaric acid, alleviated liver fibrosis by downregulating TGF-β, SMAD-2, SMAD-4, α-SMA, and upregulating MMP-1. Therefore, OEFL is expected to be used as a functional food or pharmaceutical material as it has been confirmed to effectively relieve hangovers, prevent liver damage, and delay liver fibrosis in ethanol-induced liver damages.
Tethered Blatter Radical for Molecular Grafting: Synthesis of 6-Hydroxyhexyloxy, Hydroxymethyl, and Bis(hydroxymethyl) Derivatives and Their Functionalization
Authors: Kapuściński Szymon , Anand Bindushree , Bartos Paulina , Garcia Fernandez Jose M. , Kaszyński Piotr
Published: February 2022

Synthetic access to 7-CF3-1,4-dihydrobenzo[e][1,2,4]triazin-4-yl radicals containing 4-(6-hydroxyhexyloxy)phenyl, 4-hydroxymethylphenyl or 3,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)phenyl groups at the C(3) position and their conversion to tosylates and phosphates are described. The tosylates were used to obtain disulfides and an azide with good yields. The Blatter radical containing the azido group underwent a copper(I)-catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition with phenylacetylene under mild conditions, giving the [1,2,3]triazole product in 84% yield. This indicates the suitability of the azido derivative for grafting Blatter radical onto other molecular objects via the CuAAC “click” reaction. The presented derivatives are promising for accessing surfaces and macromolecules spin-labeled with the Blatter radical.
Special Issue “Investigation of Polymer Nanocomposites’ Performance”
Authors: Dorigato Andrea , Fredi Giulia
Published: February 2022

Through this editorial, we aim to present the main aspects related to the scientific contributions that can be found in the Special Issue dedicated to the topic “Investigation of Polymer Nanocomposites’ Performance” [...]
Formation of Aggregate-Free Gold Nanoparticles in the Cyclodextrin-Tetrachloroaurate System Follows Finke–Watzky Kinetics
Authors: Pestovsky Yuri , Srichana Teerapol
Published: February 2022

Cyclodextrin-capped gold nanoparticles are promising drug-delivery vehicles, but the technique of their preparation without trace amounts of aggregates is still lacking, and the size-manipulation possibility is very limited. In the present study, gold nanoparticles were synthesized by means of 0.1% (w/w) tetrachloroauric acid reduction with cyclodextrins at room temperature, at cyclodextrin concentrations of 0.001 M, 0.002 M and 0.004 M, and pH values of 11, 11.5 and 12. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by dynamic light scattering in both back-scattering and forward-scattering modes, spectrophotometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. These techniques revealed 14.9% Au1+ on their surfaces. The Finke–Watzky kinetics of the reaction was demonstrated, but the actual growth mechanism turned out to be multistage. The synthesis kinetics and the resulting particle-size distribution were pH-dependent. The reaction and centrifugation conditions for the recovery of aggregate-free nanoparticles with different size distributions were determined. The absorbances of the best preparations were 7.6 for α-cyclodextrin, 8.9 for β-cyclodextrin and 7.5 for γ-cyclodextrin. Particle-size distribution by intensity was indicative of the complete absence of aggregates. The resulting preparations were ready to use without the need for concentration, filtration, or further purification. The synthesis meets the requirements of green chemistry.
Relation between Charging Times and Storage Properties of Nanoporous Supercapacitors
Authors: Aslyamov Timur , Sinkov Konstantin , Akhatov Iskander
Published: February 2022

An optimal combination of power and energy characteristics is beneficial for the further progress of supercapacitors-based technologies. We develop a nanoscale dynamic electrolyte model, which describes both static capacitance and the time-dependent charging process, including the initial square-root dependency and two subsequent exponential trends. The observed charging time corresponds to one of the relaxation times of the exponential regimes and significantly depends on the pore size. Additionally, we find analytical expressions providing relations of the time scales to the electrode’s parameters, applied potential, and the final state of the confined electrolyte. Our numerical results for the charging regimes agree with published computer simulations, and estimations of the charging times coincide with the experimental values.
Fabrication and Optical Properties of Transparent P(VDF-TrFE) Ultrathin Films
Authors: Liu Yong , Liu Wei-Guo , Lin Da-Bin , Niu Xiao-Ling , Zhou Shun , Zhang Jin , Ge Shao-Bo , Zhu Ye-Chuan , Meng Xiao , Chen Zhi-Li
Published: February 2022

The films of vinylidene fluoride and trifluoroethylene (P(VDF-TrFE)) are widely used in piezoelectric tactile sensors, vibration energy harvesters, optical frequency conversion materials and organic photo-voltaic devices because of high electroactive, good optical and nonlinear optical properties, respectively. In this work, the multilayer structured ultrathin films were fabricated by the Langmuir–Blodgett technique, and the thickness per layer can be controlled accurately. It was found that as the collapse pressure of P(VDF-TrFE) (25:75) and the optimal dipping value are 60~70 mN/m and 15 mN/m, respectively, a high-density film can be obtained due to the compression of molecules. The surface topography and optical properties of the LB films were characterized by X-ray diffraction, white light interferometer and variable-angle spectrum ellipsometer. It was observed that the films are transparent in the visible region and IR-band, but show a high absorption in the UV band. Besides, the transmittance of the films ranges from 50% to 85% in the visible region, and it linearly decreases with the number of monolayers. The average thickness of per deposition layer is 2.447 nm, 2.688 nm and 2.072 nm, respectively, under three measurement methods. The calculated refractive index ranged from 1.443 to 1.598 (600~650 nm) by the Cauchy-model.
Hepatic Steatosis Assessment as a New Strategy for the Metabolic and Nutritional Management of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Tang Ya-Chun , Tsui Po-Hsiang , Wang Chiao-Yin , Chien Yin-Hsiu , Weng Hui-Ling , Yang Chung-Yi , Weng Wen-Chin
Published: February 2022

Growing evidence suggests that patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) have an increased risk of obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS). The aim of this study was to investigate the potential risk factors for MetS and hepatic steatosis in patients with different stages of DMD. A total of 48 patients with DMD were enrolled and classified into three stages according to ambulatory status. Body mass index (BMI), serum fasting glucose, insulin, and lipid profiles including triglycerides (TG) and high-density lipoprotein were measured, and the homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index was evaluated. Ultrasound examinations of the liver were performed to assess hepatic steatosis using the Nakagami parameter index (NPI). The results showed that BMI, TG, HOMA-IR, and ultrasound NPI differed significantly among DMD stages (p < 0.05). In contrast to the low rates of conventional MetS indices, including disturbed glucose metabolism (0%), dyslipidemia (14.28%), and insulin resistance (4.76%), a high proportion (40.48%) of the patients had significant hepatic steatosis. The ultrasound NPI increased with DMD progression, and two thirds of the non-ambulatory patients had moderate to severe hepatic steatosis. Steroid treatment was a risk factor for hepatic steatosis in ambulatory patients (p < 0.05). We recommend that DMD patients should undergo ultrasound evaluations for hepatic steatosis for better metabolic and nutritional management.
Early Introduction of Multi-Allergen Mixture for Prevention of Food Allergy: Pilot Study
Authors: Quake Antonia Zoe , Liu Taryn Audrey , D’Souza Rachel , Jackson Katherine G. , Woch Margaret , Tetteh Afua , Sampath Vanitha , Nadeau Kari C. , Sindher Sayantani , Chinthrajah R. Sharon , Cao Shu
Published: February 2022

The incidence and prevalence of food allergy (FA) is increasing. While several studies have established the safety and efficacy of early introduction of single allergens in infants for the prevention of FA, the exact dose, frequency, and number of allergens that can be safely introduced to infants, particularly in those at high or low risk of atopy, are still unclear. This 1-year pilot study evaluated the safety of the early introduction of single foods (milk, egg, or peanut) vs. two foods (milk/egg, egg/peanut, milk/peanut) vs. multiple foods (milk/egg/peanut/cashew/almond/shrimp/walnut/wheat/salmon/hazelnut at low, medium, or high doses) vs. no early introduction in 180 infants between 4–6 months of age. At the end of the study, they were evaluated for plasma biomarkers associated with food reactivity via standardized blood tests. Two to four years after the start of the study, participants were evaluated by standardized food challenges. The serving sizes for the single, double, and low dose mixtures were 300 mg total protein per day. The serving sizes for the medium and high dose mixtures were 900 mg and 3000 mg total protein, respectively. Equal parts of each protein were used for double or mixture foods. All infants were breastfed until at least six months of age. The results demonstrate that infants at either high or low risk for atopy were able to tolerate the early introduction of multiple allergenic foods with no increases in any safety issues, including eczema, FA, or food protein induced enterocolitis. The mixtures of foods at either low, medium, or high doses demonstrated trends for improvement in food challenge reactivity and plasma biomarkers compared to single and double food introductions. The results of this study suggest that the early introduction of foods, particularly simultaneous mixtures of many allergenic foods, may be safe and efficacious for preventing FA and can occur safely. These results need to be confirmed by larger randomized controlled studies.
Effects of Caffeine Consumption on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Treatment: A Systematic Review of Animal Studies
Authors: Vázquez Javier C. , Martin de la Torre Ona , López Palomé Júdit , Redolar-Ripoll Diego
Published: February 2022

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity. ADHD impairments arise from irregularities primarily in dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE) circuits within the prefrontal cortex. Due to ADHD medication’s controversial side effects and high rates of diagnosis, alternative/complementary pharmacological therapeutic approaches for ADHD are needed. Although the number of publications that study the potential effects of caffeine consumption on ADHD treatment have been accumulating over the last years, and caffeine has recently been used in ADHD research in the context of animal models, an updated evidence-based systematic review on the effects of caffeine on ADHD-like symptoms in animal studies is lacking. To provide insight and value at the preclinical level, a systematic review based on PRISMA guidelines was performed for all publications available up to 1 September 2021. Caffeine treatment increases attention and improves learning, memory, and olfactory discrimination without altering blood pressure and body weight. These results are supported at the neuronal/molecular level. Nonetheless, the role of caffeine in modulating ADHD-like symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity is contradictory, raising discrepancies that require further clarification. Our results strengthen the hypothesis that the cognitive effects of caffeine found in animal models could be translated to human ADHD, particularly during adolescence.
The Past, Present, and Future of Clinically Applied Chimeric Antigen Receptor-T-Cell Therapy
Authors: Fujiwara Yuki , Kato Toshiki , Hasegawa Futoshi , Sunahara Muha , Tsurumaki Yoshie
Published: February 2022

Immunotherapy represents the fourth pillar of cancer therapy after surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T-cell therapy is an artificial immune cell therapy applied in clinical practice and is currently indicated for hematological malignancies, with cluster of differentiation 19 (CD19) as its target molecule. In this review, we discuss the past, present, and future of CAR-T-cell therapy. First, we summarize the various clinical trials that were conducted before the clinical application of CD19-targeted CAR-T-cell therapies began. Second, we discuss the accumulated real-world evidence and the barriers associated with applying clinical trials to clinical practices from the perspective of the quality and technical aspects. After providing an overview of all the moving parts involved in the production of CAR-T-cell products, we discuss the characteristics of immune cells (given that T cells are the raw materials for CAR-T-cell therapy) and elucidate the relationship between lifestyle, including diet and exercise, and immune cells. Finally, we briefly highlight future trends in the development of immune cell therapy. These advancements may help position CAR-T-cell therapy as a standard of care.
Novel Dermal Delivery Cargos of Clobetasol Propionate: An Update
Authors: Nair Anroop B. , Kumar Sunil , Dalal Pooja , Nagpal Chahat , Dalal Sweta , Rao Rekha , Sreeharsha Nagaraja , Jacob Shery
Published: February 2022

Dermal disorders such as psoriasis and eczema are associated with modifications in the chemical and molecular composition of the skin. Clobetasol propionate (CP), a superpotent topical glucocorticoid, is widely used for the therapeutic management of various skin conditions, owing to its strong anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, vasoconstrictive, and antiproliferative activities. Safety studies demonstrated that CP is safer for a shorter period, however, with prolonged application, it shows secondary side effects such as photosensitivity, Cushing-like syndrome, allergic contact dermatitis, osteonecrosis, hypopigmentation, steroid acne, and skin atrophy. Therefore, the US FDA (United States Food and Drug Administration) has restricted the usage of CP to not more than 15 days. Research scientists addressed its several formulations and drug delivery issues, such as low water solubility, less stability, photodegradation, and poor absorption, by incorporating them into novel nanobased delivery platforms. With the utilization of these technologies, these drawbacks of CP have been resolved to a large extent to reestablish this moiety. This article explores the physicochemical properties and mechanism of action of CP. Additionally, an attempt has been made to discover and highlight the possible features of the novel nanosystems, including nanoemulsions, nanosponges, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers, and nanogels, reported for CP. The stability and safety concerns of CP, along with its commercial status, are also discussed.
Fenofibrate Nano-Eyedrops Ameliorate Retinal Blood Flow Dysregulation and Neurovascular Coupling in Type 2 Diabetic Mice
Authors: Hanaguri Junya , Nagai Noriaki , Yokota Harumasa , Kushiyama Akifumi , Watanabe Masahisa , Yamagami Satoru , Nagaoka Taiji
Published: February 2022

We investigated the effect of fenofibrate nano-eyedrops (FenoNano) on impaired retinal blood flow regulation in type 2 diabetic mice. Six-week-old db/db mice were randomly divided into an untreated group (n = 6) and treated group, which received FenoNano (n = 6). The longitudinal changes in retinal neuronal function and blood flow responses to systemic hyperoxia and flicker stimulation were evaluated every 2 weeks in diabetic db/db mice treated with FenoNano (n = 6) or the vehicle (n = 6) from ages 8–14 weeks. The retinal blood flow was assessed using laser speckle flowgraphy. We also evaluated the expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and aquaporin 4 (AQP4) and the phosphorylation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-α) by immunofluorescence. In db/db mice treated with FenoNano, both responses were restored from 8 to 14 weeks of age compared with the diabetic mice treated with the vehicle. At 14 weeks of age, the impaired regulation of retinal blood flow during systemic hyperoxia and flicker stimulation improved to about half of that in the db/db mice treated with FenoNano compared with the db/m control group (n = 5). FenoNano prevented the activation of VEGF and GFAP expression and increased the AQP4 expression and the phosphorylation of PPAR-α detected by immunofluorescence compared with the diabetic mice treated with the vehicle eyedrop. Our results suggested that the fenofibrate nano-eyedrops prevent retinal glial dysfunction via the phosphorylation of PPAR-α and improves the retinal blood flow dysregulation in type 2 diabetic mice.
The Mathematics of Desert: Merit, Fit, and Well-Being
Authors: Kershnar Stephen , Tooley Michael
Published: February 2022

Here, we argue for a mathematical equation that captures desert. Our procedure consists of setting out principles that a correct equation must satisfy and then arguing that our set of equations satisfies them. We then consider two objections to the equation. First, an objector might argue that desert and well-being separately contribute to intrinsic goodness, and they do not separately contribute. The concern here is that our equations treat them as separate contributors. Second, our set of desert-equations are unlike equations in science because our equations involve multiple desert-equations with the applicable equation depending on how the variables are filled out. Neither objection succeeds.
Dose Limits and Countermeasures for Mitigating Radiation Risk in Moon and Mars Exploration
Authors: Boscolo Daria , Durante Marco
Published: February 2022

After decades of research on low-Earth orbit, national space agencies and private entrepreneurs are investing in exploration of the Solar system. The main health risk for human space exploration is late toxicity caused by exposure to cosmic rays. On Earth, the exposure of radiation workers is regulated by dose limits and mitigated by shielding and reducing exposure times. For space travel, different international space agencies adopt different limits, recently modified as reviewed in this paper. Shielding and reduced transit time are currently the only practical solutions to maintain acceptable risks in deep space missions.
Probing Different Characteristics of Shell Evolution Driven by Central, Spin-Orbit, and Tensor Forces
Authors: Utsuno Yutaka
Published: February 2022

In this paper, the validity of the shell-evolution picture is investigated on the basis of shell-model calculations for the atomic mass number 25≲A≲55 neutron-rich nuclei. For this purpose, the so-called SDPF-MU interaction is used. Its central, two-body spin–orbit, and tensor forces are taken from a simple Gaussian force, the M3Y (Michigan 3-range Yukawa) interaction, and a π+ρ meson exchange force, respectively. Carrying out almost a complete survey of the predicted effective single-particle energies, it is confirmed here that the present scheme is quite effective for describing shell evolution in exotic nuclei.
A Target-Site Mutation Confers Cross-Resistance to ALS-Inhibiting Herbicides in Erigeron sumatrensis from Brazil
Authors: Vital Silva Vanessa , Mendes Rafael , Suzukawa Andreia , Adegas Fernando , Marcelino-Guimaraes Francismar , Oliveira Rubem
Published: February 2022

Cases of weed resistant to herbicides have changed the dynamics of agricultural areas in Brazil, and in recent years, Erigeron species have caused major problems to farmers in the country, mainly in relation to the ineffectiveness of herbicide treatments used. The objective of this study was to confirm the cross-resistance to ALS inhibitors in populations of Erigeron sumatrensis as well as to investigate the existence of mutations in the site of action of ALS-inhibiting herbicides. To do this, 30 populations collected in the 2016/2017 crop season were grown in a greenhouse. Dose–response (chlorimuron-ethyl and cloransulam-methyl), inhibition of cytochrome P-450 with malathion, and ALS gene sequencing experiments were carried out in the F1 generations of two fleabane populations. The results proved the cross-resistance to chlorimuron-ethyl and cloransulam-methyl herbicides applied in the post-emergence of the resistant population of E. sumatrensis. The higher activity of P450 enzymes is unlikely responsible for the resistance of the population studied. The resistance mechanism found in R was the target site mutation Pro197Ser at the ALS gene. This is the first study in Brazil to identify a target-site change as a survival mechanism in E. sumatrensis for the resistance to ALS-inhibiting herbicides.
Cytotoxic Phenylpropanoid Derivatives and Alkaloids from the Flowers of Pancratium maritimum L.
Authors: Youssef Diaa T. A. , Shaala Lamiaa A. , Altyar Ahmed E.
Published: February 2022

Regarding our growing interest in identifying biologically active leads from Amaryllidaceous plants, the flowers of Pancratium maritimum L. (Amaryllidaceae) were investigated. Purification of the cytotoxic fractions of the alcoholic extract of the flowers gave a new glycoside, 3-[4-(β-D-glucopyranosyloxy)phenyl]-2-(Z)-propenoic acid methyl ester (1), together with the previously reported compounds 3-methoxy-4-(β-D-glucopyranosyloxy)benzoic acid methyl ester (2), 3-(4-methoxyphenyl)propan-1-ol-1-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (3), (E)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)acrylic acid methyl ester (4), caffeic acid (5), dihydrocaffeic acid methyl ester (6), and pancratistatin (7). Interestingly, compounds 1 and 2 are phenolic-O-glycosides, while the glucose moiety in 3 is attached to the propanol side chain. This is the first report about the existence of 1–6 in the genus Pancratium. Further, glycosides 1–3 from the Amaryllidaceae family are reported on here for the first time. The structures of 1–7 were determined by analyses of their 1D (1H and 13C) and 2D (COSY, HMQC, HMBC) NMR spectra, and by high-resolution mass spectral measurements. Pancratistatin displayed potent and selective growth inhibitory effects against MDA-MB-231, HeLa, and HCT 116 cells with an IC50 value down to 0.058 µM, while it possessed lower selectivity towards the normal human dermal fibroblasts with IC50 of 6.6 µM.