bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Review of Artificial Intelligence Technologies in Mineral Identification: Classification and Visualization
Authors: Long Teng , Zhou Zhangbing , Hancke Gerhard , Bai Yang , Gao Qi
Published: August 2022

Artificial intelligence is a branch of computer science that attempts to understand the essence of intelligence and produce a new intelligent machine capable of responding in a manner similar to human intelligence. Research in this area includes robotics, language recognition, image identification, natural language processing, and expert systems. In recent years, the availability of large datasets, the development of effective algorithms, and access to powerful computers have led to unprecedented success in artificial intelligence. This powerful tool has been used in numerous scientific and engineering fields including mineral identification. This paper summarizes the methods and techniques of artificial intelligence applied to intelligent mineral identification based on research, classifying the methods and techniques as artificial neural networks, machine learning, and deep learning. On this basis, visualization analysis is conducted for mineral identification of artificial intelligence from field development paths, research hot spots, and keywords detection, respectively. In the end, based on trend analysis and keyword analysis, we propose possible future research directions for intelligent mineral identification.
Smallholders’ Livelihood Resilience in the Dryland Area of the Yellow River Basin in China from the Perspective of the Family Life Cycle: Based on GeoDetector and LMG Metric Model
Authors: Li Xueping , Shi Xingmin
Published: August 2022

Farm households’ sustainable livelihoods in the dryland area of the Yellow River basin is an important guarantee of ecological protection and high-quality development for the Yellow River basin. However, farm households in this region have been facing frequent droughts, water resource shortages, severe soil erosion and other problems; their livelihood security has been seriously threatened. This study used a livelihood resilience framework to evaluate farm households’ livelihood resilience in dryland areas through the field survey data and identified the influencing factors of livelihood resilience using the GeoDetector and the Lindeman, Merenda and Gold method (LMG) from the family life cycle perspective. The results revealed the following points: (1) there were significant differences in livelihood resilience, adaptive capacity and anticipatory capacity at each stage of the family life cycle at a 5% significant level. (2) The top two variables of livelihood resilience were preparedness and planning, and substitutable assets, followed by household characteristics. With the evolution of the family life cycle, the impacts of family assets and basic service access on livelihood resilience showed a “U” trend. On the contrary, savings and safety nets showed an inverted “U” shape. (3) Both the GeoDetector and LMG metric models could identify the key influencing factors, but the variable importance rankings of the two models were different to some degree. Finally, based on the results of the analysis, this study proposed targeted policy recommendations for building livelihood resilience of farm households.
Photothermal-Controlled Release of IL-4 in IL-4/PDA-Immobilized Black Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) Nanotubes Surface to Enhance Osseointegration: An In Vivo Study
Authors: Chen Bo , Liang Yu , Song Yunjia , Liang Yunkai , Jiao Jian , Bai Hong , Li Ying
Published: August 2022

Host immune response has gradually been accepted as a critical factor in achieving successful implant osseointegration. The aim of this study is to create a favorable immune microenvironment by the dominant release of IL-4 during the initial few days after implant insertion to mitigate early inflammatory reactions and facilitate osseointegration. Herein, the B-TNT/PDA/IL-4 substrate was established by immobilizing an interleukin-4 (IL-4)/polydopamine (PDA) coating on a black TiO2 nanotube (B-TNT) surface, achieving on-demand IL-4 release under near infrared (NIR) irradiation. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analyses based on high-throughput DNA microarray data revealed that IL-4 addition inhibited osteoclast differentiation and function. Animal experiment results suggested that the B-TNT/PDA/IL-4+Laser substrate induced the least inflammatory, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase, inducible nitric oxide synthase and the most CD163 positive cells, compared to the Ti group at 7 days post-implantation. In addition, 28 days post-implantation, micro-computed tomography results showed the highest bone volume/total volume, trabecular thickness, trabecular number and the lowest trabecular separation, while Hematoxylin-eosin and Masson-trichrome staining revealed the largest amount of new bone formation for the B-TNT/PDA/IL-4+Laser group. This study revealed the osteoimmunoregulatory function of the novel B-TNT/PDA/IL-4 surface by photothermal release of IL-4 at an early period post-implantation, thus paving a new way for dental implant surface modification.
The Influence of Biofilm on Selected Properties of Thin-Coat Mineral-Based Plasters on EPS Substrate
Authors: Dybowska-Józefiak Monika , Wesołowska Maria
Published: August 2022

This paper discusses changes in the microstructure and water absorption of thin-coat mineral-based plasters after prolonged exposure to the external environment and infected with biological corrosion. The results of laboratory and field tests for external thermal insulation composite system Styrofoam-based plasters are presented. The test samples were taken after 6 years of exposure to the external environment. The microstructure parameters such as porosity distribution and water absorption of the plasters were evaluated. The pore size ranges that were sensitive to frost corrosion and capillary flow were separated in the porosity distribution. Based on the porosity and absorption changes, it was found that biological corrosion interferes with the microstructure of the thin-coat mineral-based plasters on the expanded polystyrene substrate.
Effect of V on the Precipitation Behavior of Ti−Mo Microalloyed High-Strength Steel
Authors: Han Ruyang , Yang Gengwei , Xu Deming , Jiang Lu , Fu Zhixiang , Zhao Gang
Published: August 2022

In this work, the precipitates in Ti−Mo−V steel were systematically characterized by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The thermodynamics and kinetics of precipitates in Ti−Mo and Ti−Mo−V steels were theoretically analyzed, and the effect of vanadium on the precipitation behavior was clarified. The results showed that the precipitation volume fraction of the Ti−Mo−V steel was significantly higher than that of Ti−Mo steel. The randomly dispersed precipitation and interphase precipitation (Ti, Mo, V)C particles coexisted in the Ti−Mo−V steel. When the temperature was higher than 872 °C, the addition of vanadium could increase the driving force for (Ti, Mo, V)C precipitation in austenite, resulting in an increased nucleation rate and shortened incubation period, promoting the (Ti, Mo, V)C precipitation. When the temperature was lower than 872 °C, the driving force for (Ti, Mo, V)C precipitation in austenite was lower than that for (Ti, Mo)C precipitation, and the incubation period of (Ti, Mo, V)C precipitation was increased. Moreover, it was also found that the precipitated-time-temperature curve of (Ti, Mo, V)C precipitated in the ferrite region was “C” shaped, but that of (Ti, Mo)C was “ε” shaped, and the incubation period of (Ti, Mo, V)C was significantly shorter than that of (Ti, Mo)C.
Numerical Modeling of Chloride Transport in Concrete under Cyclic Exposure to Chloride
Authors: Lee Jae-Min , Hong Sung In , Yang Hee Jun , Jung Dong-Hyuk
Published: August 2022

Concrete structures under cyclic exposure to chlorides entail a higher risk of embedded steel corrosion along with accelerated ionic ingress from the environment. This study proposes a coupled transport model considering moisture and chloride distribution in concrete to investigate the influence of a cyclic exposure condition on chloride penetration. In this model, pore size distribution to quantify the effective pore space for moisture and chloride mobilizations was determined to establish the governing equation for chloride transport through non-saturated concrete. From the simulation results, the rate of chloride penetration increases with decreasing ambient humidity levels due to the enhanced chloride convection. Finally, the coupled transport model was verified by comparing in-situ data, showing reasonable correlations with 0.83 and 0.93 of determinant coefficients for 22 and 44 years of exposure, respectively, while those obtained from LIFE 365 were much lower.
Research on Filling Strategy of Pipeline Multi-Layer Welding for Compound Narrow Gap Groove
Authors: Yin Tie , Wang Jinpeng , Zhao Hong , Zhou Lun , Xue Zenghuan , Wang Hehe
Published: August 2022

With the increase in transmission pressure and pipe diameter of long-distance oil and gas pipelines, automatic welding of the pipeline has become the mainstream welding method. The multi-layer and multi-pass welding path planning of large-diameter pipelines with typical narrow gap grooves are studied, and a welding strategy for pipeline external welding robot is proposed. By analyzing the shape of the weld bead section of the narrow gap groove and comparing the advantages and disadvantages of the equal-height method and the equal-area method, the mathematical model of the filling layer is established. Through the test and analysis in the workshop, the predicted lifting value meets the actual welding requirements. The microstructure of the weld was analyzed by SEM. The main structure of the weld was fine acicular ferrite, which could improve the mechanical properties of the welded joint. After multi-layer filling, the filling layer is flush with the edge of the groove. The establishment of this model lays a foundation for the formulation of welding process parameters for large-diameter pipes and the off-line programming of welding procedures.
The Thermo-Mechanical Response of GeTe under Compression
Authors: Guttmann Gilad Mordechai , Samuha Shmuel , Gertner Reuven , Ostraich Barak , Haroush Shlomo , Gelbstein Yaniv
Published: August 2022

Thermoelectric generators (TEGs) are devices capable of transforming heat energy into electricity and vice versa. Although TEGs are known and have been in use for around five decades, they are implemented in only a limited range of applications, mainly extraterrestrial applications. This is due to their low technical readiness level (TRL) for widespread use, which is only at levels of 3–5 approaching laboratory prototypes. One of the most setbacks in reaching higher TRL is the lack of understanding of the mechanical and thermo-mechanical properties of TE materials. Out of ~105,000 entries about TE materials only ~100 entries deal with mechanical properties, while only 3 deal with thermo-mechanical properties. GeTe-based alloys with varying other elements, forming efficient p-type thermoelectric materials in the 200 ÷ 500 °C temperature range, have been intensively researched since the 1960s and have been successfully applied in practical TEGs. Yet, their temperature-dependent mechanical properties were never reported, preventing the fulfillment of their potential in a wide variety of practical applications. The combined effects of temperature and mechanical compression of GeTe were explored in the current research by implementing novel quantitative crystallographic methods to statistically describe dislocation activity and modification of the micro-texture as inflecting by the testing conditions. It is suggested, through utilizing these methods, that the combined effect of compression and temperature leads to the dissolving of twin boundaries, which increases dislocation mobility and results in a brittle-to-ductile transition at ~0.45 of the homologous temperature.
Rough Surface Characterization Parameter Set and Redundant Parameter Set for Surface Modeling and Performance Research
Authors: Yang Duo , Tang Jinyuan , Xia Fujia , Zhou Wei
Published: August 2022

Among the 26 roughness parameters described in ISO 25178 standard, the parameters used to characterize surface performance in characterization parameter set (CPS) lack scientificity and unity, resulting in application confusion. The current CPS comes from empirical selection or small sample experiments, thus featuring low generality. A new method for constructing CPS in rough surfaces is proposed to solve the above issues. Based on a data mining method, statistical theory, and roughness parameters definitions, the 26 roughness parameters are divided into CPS and redundant parameter sets (RPS) with the help of reconstructed surfaces and machining experiments, and the mapping relationships between CPS and RPS are established. The research shows that RPS accounts for 50%, and CPS, of great significance for surface performance, and has the ability to fully cover surface topography information. The birth of CPS provides an accurate parameter set for the subsequent study of different surface performance, and it provides more effective parameters for evaluating the workpiece surface performance from the same batch.
Development in Sustainable Concrete with the Replacement of Fume Dust and Slag from the Steel Industry
Authors: Parron-Rubio Maria Eugenia , Kissi Benaissa , Perez-García Francisca , Rubio-Cintas Maria Dolores
Published: August 2022

Nowadays, the reuse of waste is a challenge that every country in the world is facing in order to preserve the planet and introduce a circular economy. The chemical composition of some steel waste suggests that there are potentially appropriate substances for reuse, since this type of slag undergoes a process similar to that of cement in its manufacture. The advantages for the environment are obvious, as it valorises waste that is deposited in landfills. This paper studies the field of stainless steel, because its composition is different from that of carbon steel, and the replacement of cement with material or waste produced in the manufacture of stainless steel in a concrete matrix. This paper presents the results of replacing 25% of cement with material or waste produced in the manufacture of stainless steel in a concrete matrix whose values in the substitutions carried out were around 21% and 25% in terms of increased resistance capacity. These results have been obtained by carrying out tests, in terms of both strength and environmental capacity, allowing us to determine viable applications for the use of steel waste to improve the performance of cement or at least match it.
Fracture Behavior and Digital Image Analysis of GFRP Reinforced Concrete Notched Beams
Authors: Rahman Mohammod Minhajur , Zhao Xudong , D’Antino Tommaso , Focacci Francesco , Carloni Christian
Published: August 2022

This study presents three-point bending fracture tests on glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) reinforced concrete notched beams. Few studies have been conducted to date to understand the fracture behavior of this type of specimens. The specimens have nominal depth, width, and length equal to 150 mm, 150 mm, and 550 mm. Plain concrete notched beams with the same dimensions are cast from the same batch of concrete to compare the responses with GFRP reinforced concrete notched beams. The notch of the plain concrete specimens is either saw cut or cast. These two notch fabrication methods are compared based on the load responses. The peak load, crack mouth opening displacement (CMOD), GFRP bar slip at two ends, and load point displacement are used to discuss the results of the fracture tests. In addition, digital image analysis is performed to identify the fracture process zone (FPZ) and the location of the neutral axis, which are used to determine the force in the GFRP bar via cross-sectional analysis. Finally, the GFRP bar force versus slip responses are compared with those from the pull-out tests performed on the same bar to show that the bond of the bar in the pull-out tests represents an upper bound limit compared to the behavior in bending.
Bioactive Monoterpenes and Polyketides from the Ascidian-Derived Fungus Diaporthe sp. SYSU-MS4722
Authors: Zhai Guifa , Chen Senhua , Shen Hongjie , Guo Heng , Jiang Minghua , Liu Lan
Published: August 2022

There has been a tremendous increase in the rate of new terpenoids from marine-derived fungi being discovered, while new monoterpenes were rarely isolated from marine-derived fungi in the past two decades. Three new monoterpenes, diaporterpenes A–C (1–3), and one new α-pyrones, diaporpyrone A (6), along with nine known polyketides 4, 5, and 7–13 were isolated from the ascidian-derived fungus Diaporthe sp. SYSU-MS4722. Their planar structures were elucidated based on extensive spectroscopic analyses (1D and 2D NMR and HR-ESIMS). The absolute configurations of 1 and 3 were identified by an X-ray crystallographic diffraction experiment using Cu-Ka radiation, and those of compound 2 were assigned by calculating NMR chemical shifts and ECD spectra. It afforded an example of natural epimers with different physical properties, especially crystallization, due to the difference in intermolecular hydrogen bonding. Compounds 9, 10, and 13 showed moderate total antioxidant capacity (0.82 of 9; 0.70 of 10; 0.48 of 13) with Trolox (total antioxidant capacity: 1.0) as a positive control, and compounds 5 and 7 showed anti-inflammatory activity with IC50 values of 35.4 and 40.8 µM, respectively (positive control indomethacin: IC50 = 35.8 µM).
High-Temperature Tensile Properties of Hastelloy X Produced by Laser Powder Bed Fusion with Different Heat Treatments
Authors: Liu Minghao , Zeng Qi , Hua Yuting , Zheng Wenpeng , Wu Yuxia , Jin Yan , Li Yuanyuan , Wang Jiangwei , Zhang Kai
Published: August 2022

High temperature gradient and rapid solidification rate in the laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) process could result in the presence of columnar grains, which could cause poor high temperature tensile properties in the as-built LPBF Hastelloy X (HX) alloys. Heat treatment could effectively transform columnar grain into the equiaxed grain. However, carbides also are precipitated during heat treatment, which could lead to the reduction in ductility. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of carbide morphology and distribution on high-temperature tensile properties of LPBF HX alloys by using different heat treatment methods (the same dwell temperature, different cooling methods). The carbide morphology and distribution after furnace cooling, air cooling, and water quenching were characterized respectively, and were correlated with the high-temperature tensile properties. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images for the fracture surface and cross-sectional area analysis found that the high-temperature tensile properties, especially the ductility, were affected by the carbide morphologies along grain boundaries.
Transformation Behavior and Shape Memory Effect of Ni47Ti44Nb9 Alloy Synthesized by Laser Powder Bed Fusion and Heat Treating
Authors: Sun Mingyan , Chen Jie , Fan Qichao , Yang Chuan , Wang Guowei , Shen Xianfeng , Wang Yangyang , Zhang Yonghao , Huang Shuke
Published: August 2022

Ni47Ti44Nb9 alloys were successfully fabricated by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) technique with different laser powers. The phase transformation behavior, tensile properties and shape memory response before and after heat treating were also investigated. The Ni47Ti44Nb9 LPBF alloys have good shaping properties, though a few defects were discovered. Phase transformation peaks did not appear in the as-built samples, but were observed in the heat-treated samples. The phase transformation temperatures of the heat-treated samples increase with the increase in laser power. The tension test at room temperature indicates that the LPBF samples exhibit poor tensile ductility, which may be related to the existence of pores and Ti2Ni or Ti4Ni2Ox phase during the LPBF process. However, the LPBF samples after heat treating still possess good shape memory effect (with recovery strain about 7.82–8%) and relatively high reverse transformation temperature (about 36–52.6 °C) when deformed to 8%.
A Comparative Study of the Corrosion Behavior of 30CrMnSiNi2A in Artificial Seawater and Salt Spray Environments
Authors: Zhao Lianhong , He Weiping , Wang Yingqin , Li Han , Cui Zhongyu
Published: August 2022

In this work, the corrosion behavior of 30CrMnSiNi2A in a simulated marine environment was studied. The electrochemical behavior was studied by changing the temperature and pH of the solution environment. Detailed information about the rust layer was obtained by scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The stress corrosion cracking (SCC) behavior of the steel in artificial seawater was studied through a slow strain rate tensile test (SSRT). The experimental results showed that the corrosion products were mainly composed of α-FeOOH, γ-FeOOH, and Fe3O4, while the content of Fe3O4 in the rust layer formed in the salt spray environment was much higher. The steel in the salt spray test showed a much higher corrosion rate than that observed when it underwent a full-immersion test. The decrease in the pH value mainly accelerated the cathodic reaction, and the temperature simultaneously promoted anodic dissolution and cathodic reductions. The decrease in the elongation during SCC test was minimal, while the index for the reduction-in-area showed a slight SCC susceptibility in the seawater environment, suggesting that anodic dissolution is the dominant mechanism of SCC degradation.
Bucket Fuser: Statistical Signal Extraction for 1D 1H NMR Metabolomic Data
Authors: Altenbuchinger Michael , Berndt Henry , Kosch Robin , Lang Iris , Dönitz Jürgen , Oefner Peter J. , Gronwald Wolfram , Zacharias Helena U. ,   Investigators GCKD Study
Published: August 2022

Untargeted metabolomics is a promising tool for identifying novel disease biomarkers and unraveling underlying pathomechanisms. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is particularly suited for large-scale untargeted metabolomics studies due to its high reproducibility and cost effectiveness. Here, one-dimensional (1D) 1H NMR experiments offer good sensitivity at reasonable measurement times. Their subsequent data analysis requires sophisticated data preprocessing steps, including the extraction of NMR features corresponding to specific metabolites. We developed a novel 1D NMR feature extraction procedure, called Bucket Fuser (BF), which is based on a regularized regression framework with fused group LASSO terms. The performance of the BF procedure was demonstrated using three independent NMR datasets and was benchmarked against existing state-of-the-art NMR feature extraction methods. BF dynamically constructs NMR metabolite features, the widths of which can be adjusted via a regularization parameter. BF consistently improved metabolite signal extraction, as demonstrated by our correlation analyses with absolutely quantified metabolites. It also yielded a higher proportion of statistically significant metabolite features in our differential metabolite analyses. The BF algorithm is computationally efficient and it can deal with small sample sizes. In summary, the Bucket Fuser algorithm, which is available as a supplementary python code, facilitates the fast and dynamic extraction of 1D NMR signals for the improved detection of metabolic biomarkers.
Smart Soil Water Sensor with Soil Impedance Detected via Edge Electromagnetic Field Induction
Authors: Tian Hao , Gao Chao , Zhang Xin , Yu Chongchong , Xie Tao
Published: August 2022

To address the problems in the calibration of soil water content sensors, in this study, we designed a low-cost edge electromagnetic field induction (EEMFI) sensor for soil water content measurement and proposed a normalized calibration method to eliminate the errors caused by the measurement sensor’s characteristics and improve the probe’s consistency, replaceability, and calibration efficiency. The model calibration curve-fitting coefficients of the EEMFI sensors were above 0.98, which indicated a significant correlation. The experimental results of the static and dynamic characteristics showed that the measurement range of the sensor varied from 0% to 100% saturation, measurement accuracy was within ±2%, the maximum value of the extreme difference of the stability test was 1.09%, the resolution was 0.05%, the delay time was 3.9 s, and the effective measurement diameter of the EEMFI sensor probe was 10 cm. The linear fit coefficient of determination of the results was greater than 0.99, and the maximum absolute error of the measurement results with the drying method was less than ±2%, which meets the requirements of soil water content measurement in agriculture and forestry fields. The field experiment results further showed that the EEMFI sensor can accurately respond to changes in soil water content, indicating that the EEMFI sensor is reliable.
Origin and Heavy Metals of Plagio-Granites in Egyptian Shield Oceanic Complexes: A Case Study of Abu Dabbab Area, Central Eastern Desert, Egypt
Authors: El-Desoky Hatem M. , Abdel-Rahman Ahmed M. , Ene Antoaneta , Khalil Ahmed E. , Fahmy Wael , Zakaly Hesham M. H. , Awad Hamdy A.
Published: August 2022

Several outcrops of felsic melt, commonly known as oceanic plagio-granites, appear as melt pockets, irregular bosses, and dikes. Three main rock successions were exposed in the Abu Dabbab area: ophiolitic sequence, island arc assemblage, and rare metal-bearing albite granites. Plagio-granite is composed mainly of plagioclase and quartz, and chemically contains high SiO2, Al2O3, and Na2O values. The petrogenetic and geochemical studies concluded that the magmas of plagio-granites and associated felsic rocks were derived from partial melting of highly depleted mantle harzburgite and/or pre-existing oceanic crustal rocks (basalts and/or gabbros). The geochemical characteristics reveal that Abu Dabbab plagio-granites are identical to the typically low-K series of ophiolitic complexes and resemble the ocean ridge granites. Elements such as Co, Nb, Pb, and Nd in Abu Dabbab plagio-granites have high Clarke concentrations (more than 1.88). This indicates Abu Dabbab plagio-granite derived from partial melting of pre-existing oceanic crustal rocks. The average concentration values of 238 U and 232 Th are lower than those of the world’s average and the average activities in granitic rocks. The scope of estimated exercises generally contrasted as their quality in rock tests relies upon their physical, synthetic, and geo-concoction properties and the appropriate condition.
Recovery of Hematite from Banded Hematite Quartzite of Southern India by Magnetic Separation and Reverse Flotation
Authors: Swamy Aspari Kumara , Nikkam Suresh , Palthur Sharath Kumar
Published: August 2022

Recovery and grade are the two crucial performance parameters commonly used in mineral processing plant operations. These two parameters are interdependent. An increase in recovery would result in a decreased product grade and vice versa. The present study enumerates concentration efficiency (CE),which can be adopted exclusively for processing low-grade hematite ore by WHIMS—the reverse flotation route to produce a pellet grade concentrate. In this study, the ore’s amenability by wet high-intensity magnetic separation followed by the reverse flotation of a magnetic concentrate route is investigated on BHQ samples of the Sandur schist belt (Kumaraswamy hills), India, after its characterization by microscopic and XRD studies. Dodecyl amine acetate was used as a collector to float siliceous gangue while depressing hematite using the freshly synthesized caustic starch as a depressant. The separation efficiency of the flotation was evaluated by estimating the grade, recovery, and concentration efficiency. The WHIMS conducted using the feed with the particle size minus 106 µm (d80 = 82 µm) followed by reverse flotation produced a pellet grade concentrate assaying 64.60% Fe, a 0.32 alumina-to-silica ratio with 60.4% Fe recovery, and a yield of 37.4% with 79.0% concentration separation efficiency.
Spatial Patterning of Fluorescent Liquid Crystal Ink Based on Inkjet Printing
Authors: Zhang Lei , Cui Yongfeng , Wang Qi , Zhou Huimin , Wang Hao , Li Yuzhan , Yang Zhou , Cao Hui , Wang Dong , He Wanli
Published: August 2022

Fluorescent cholesteric liquid crystal materials (FCLC) with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) properties can effectively solve the contradiction between aggregation-induced quenching (ACQ) and liquid crystal self-assembly when light-emitting materials are aggregated, and they have great application value in the fields of anti-counterfeit detection and information hiding. However, generating a visually appealing design, logo, or image in the application typically requires an intricate fabrication process, such as the use of prefabricated molds and photomasks, which greatly limits the practical application of FCLC materials. Herein is reported a new method for spatially patterned liquid crystal (LC) microdroplet arrays using drop-on-demand inkjet printing technology. Through rational composition design, a spatial array composed of different liquid crystal microdroplets was established, and the array contains two entirely distinct but intact patterns at the same time, which can be reversibly switched under the irradiation of UV and natural light. This study provides a new method for the integrated preparation of different component liquid crystal materials.
In Vivo Anticancer Evaluation of 6b, a Non-Covalent Imidazo[1,2-a]quinoxaline-Based Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Inhibitor against Human Xenograft Tumor in Nude Mice
Authors: Bhat Zahid Rafiq , Kumar Manvendra , Sharma Nisha , Yadav Umesh Prasad , Singh Tashvinder , Joshi Gaurav , Pujala Brahmam , Raja Mohd , Chatterjee Joydeep , Tikoo Kulbhushan , Singh Sandeep , Kumar Raj
Published: August 2022

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors are validated therapeutic agents against EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the associated critical side effects of these agents are inevitable, demanding more specific and efficient targeting agents. Recently, we have developed and reported a non-covalent imidazo[1,2-a]quinoxaline-based EGFR inhibitor (6b), which showed promising inhibitory activity against the gefitinib-resistant H1975(L858R/T790M) lung cancer cell line. In the present study, we further explored the 6b compound in vivo by employing the A549-induced xenograft model in nude mice. The results indicate that the administration of the 6b compound significantly abolished the growth of the tumor in the A549 xenograft nude mice. Whereas the control mice bearing tumors displayed a declining trend in the survival curve, treatment with the 6b compound improved the survival profile of mice. Moreover, the histological examination showed the cancer cell cytotoxicity of the 6b compound was characterized by cytoplasmic destruction observed in the stained section of the tumor tissues of treated mice. The immunoblotting and qPCR results further signified that 6b inhibited EGFR in tissue samples and consequently altered the downstream pathways mediated by EGFR, leading to a reduction in cancer growth. Therefore, the in vivo findings were in corroboration with the in vitro results, suggesting that 6b possessed potential anticancer activity against EGFR-dependent lung cancer. 6b also exhibited good stability in human and mouse liver microsomes.
Evaluation of a Chaotrope and Kosmotrope in the Multivariate Optimization of PHW-ATPE of Solasodine from Leaves of Solanum mauritianum
Authors: Mokgehle Tebogo Mphatlalala , Madala Ntakadzeni Edwin , Tavengwa Nikita Tawanda
Published: August 2022

A hyphenated pressurized hot water—aqueous two-phase extraction (PHW-ATPE) method was applied to extract solasodine from Solanum mauritianum (S. mauritianum). A central composite design (CCD) was applied to determine the optimal conditions for the extraction of solasodine. The parameters evaluated included the percentage concentration of salt (NaCl or Na2CO3) and temperature. The fit of the central composite design response surface model for PHW-ATPE to the data generated a model with a good quadratic fit (R2 = 0.901). The statistically significant (p < 0.05) parameters, such as the linear and quadratic effects of the concentration of salt (%) powder, had a significant impact on the extraction of solasodine. The application of multiply charged salts such as Na2CO3 (kosmotrope) was shown to be a comparably better extractant of solasodine than NaCl (chaotrope) due to the salting-out effect. The optimized conditions for extraction of solasodine with NaCl or Na2CO3 were a temperature of 80 °C at a salt concentration of 20%. The maximum extraction of solasodine was 300.79 mg kg−1 and 162.34 mg kg−1 for Na2CO3 and NaCl, respectively.
Integrating Enhanced Profiling and Chemometrics to Unveil the Potential Markers for Differentiating among the Leaves of Panax ginseng, P. quinquefolius, and P. notoginseng by Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography/Ion Mobility-Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Yang Feifei , Chen Boxue , Jiang Meiting , Wang Huimin , Hu Ying , Wang Hongda , Xu Xiaoyan , Gao Xiumei , Yang Wenzhi
Published: August 2022

The leaves of Panax species (e.g., Panax ginseng-PGL, P. quinquefolius-PQL, and P. notoginseng-PNL) can serve as a source for healthcare products. Comprehensive characterization and unveiling of the metabolomic difference among PGL, PQL, and PNL are critical to ensure their correct use. For this purpose, enhanced profiling and chemometrics were integrated to probe into the ginsenoside markers for PGL/PQL/PNL by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography/ion mobility-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC/IM-QTOF-MS). A hybrid scan approach (HDMSE-HDDDA) was established achieving the dimension-enhanced metabolic profiling, with 342 saponins identified or tentatively characterized from PGL/PQL/PNL. Multivariate statistical analysis (33 batches of leaf samples) could unveil 42 marker saponins, and the characteristic ginsenosides diagnostic for differentiating among PGL/PQL/PNL were primarily established. Compared with the single DDA or DIA, the HDMSE-HDDDA hybrid scan approach could balance between the metabolome coverage and spectral reliability, leading to high-definition MS spectra and the additional collision-cross section (CCS) useful to differentiate isomers.
Discovery of Quinacrine as a Potent Topo II and Hsp90 Dual-Target Inhibitor, Repurposing for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Pan Xin , Mao Teng-yu , Mai Yan-wen , Liang Cheng-cheng , Huang Wei-hao , Rao Yong , Huang Zhi-shu , Huang Shi-liang
Published: August 2022

Topo II and Hsp90 are promising targets. In this study, we first verified the structural similarities between Topo IIα ATPase and Hsp90α N−ATPase. Subsequently, 720 compounds from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) drug library and kinase library were screened using the malachite green phosphate combination with the Topo II-mediated DNA relaxation and MTT assays. Subsequently, the antimalarial drug quinacrine was found to be a potential dual−target inhibitor of Topo II and Hsp90. Mechanistic studies showed that quinacrine could specifically bind to the Topo IIα ATPase domain and inhibit the activity of Topo IIα ATPase without impacting DNA cleavage. Furthermore, our study revealed that quinacrine could bind Hsp90 N−ATPase and inhibit Hsp90 activity. Significantly, quinacrine has broad antiproliferation activity and remains sensitive to the multidrug−resistant cell line MCF−7/ADR and the atypical drug−resistant tumor cell line HL−60/MX2. Our study identified quinacrine as a potential dual−target inhibitor of Topo II and Hsp90, depending on the ATP−binding domain, positioning it as a hit compound for further structural modification.
Reduced Graphene Oxide/Carbon Paper for the Anode Diffusion Layer of a Micro Direct Methanol Fuel Cell
Authors: Zhang Dacheng , Li Kang , Wang Ziten , Zhao Zhengang
Published: August 2022

The diffusion layer (DL) in the structure of the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) of a micro direct methanol fuel cell (μDMFC) plays an essential role in reactant/product mass transfer and catalyst loading. The material selection and structure design of the μDMFC affects its performance. In this work, a reduced graphene oxide/carbon paper (rGO/CP) was proposed and prepared for the anode DL of a μDMFC. It was prepared using electrophoretic sedimentation combined with an in situ reduction method. The rGO/CP reduced the cell’s ohmic and charge transfer resistances. Meanwhile, it provided more significant mass transfer resistance to reduce the methanol crossover, allowing the cell to operate stably at higher concentrations for a longer duration than conventional μDMFCs. The experimental results showed that the maximum power density increased by 53% compared with the traditional anode DL of carbon paper.
Ultrathin Carbon-Coated Porous TiNb2O7 Nanosheets as Anode Materials for Enhanced Lithium Storage
Authors: Liang Dewei , Lu Yu , Zhou Ningning , Xu Zezhong
Published: August 2022

TiNb2O7 has been considered as a promising anode material for next-generation high power lithium ion batteries for its relatively high theoretical capacity, excellent safety and long cycle life. However, the unsatisfactory electrochemical kinetics resulting from the intrinsic sluggish electron transport and lithium ion diffusion of TiNb2O7 limit its wide application. Morphology controlling and carbon coating are two effective methods for improving the electrochemical performance of electrode materials. Herein, an ultrathin carbon-coated porous TiNb2O7 nanosheet (TNO@C) is successfully fabricated by a simple and effective approach. The distinctive sheet-like porous structure can shorten the transport path of ions/electrons and provide more active sites for electrochemical reaction. The introduction of nanolayer carbon can improve electronic conductivity and increase the specific surface area of the porous TiNb2O7 nanosheets. Based on the above synergistic effect, TiNb2O7@C delivers an initial discharge capacity of 250.6 mAh g−1 under current density of 5C and can be maintained at 206.9 mAh g−1 after 1000 cycles with a capacity retention of 82.6%, both of which are superior to that of pure TiNb2O7. These results well demonstrate that TiNb2O7@C is a promising anode material for lithium ion batteries.
The Growth of Extended Melem Units on g-C3N4 by Hydrothermal Treatment and Its Effect on Photocatalytic Activity of g-C3N4 for Photodegradation of Tetracycline Hydrochloride under Visible Light Irradiation
Authors: Hoang Thi Van Anh , Nguyen Phuong Anh , Choi Won Mook , Shin Eun Woo
Published: August 2022

In this work, the growth of extended tri-s-triazine units (melem units) on g-C3N4 (CN) by hydrothermal treatment and its effect on the photodegradation efficiency of tetracycline hydrochloride (TC) is investigated. The CN-180-x and CN-200-6 samples were prepared using different hydrolysis times and temperatures, and they were characterized by multiple physicochemical techniques. In addition, their photodegradation performance was evaluated under visible light irradiation. Compared to the CN, CN-180-6 possesses remarkable photocatalytic degradation efficiency at 97.17% towards TC removal in an aqueous solution. The high visible-light-induced photo-reactivity of CN-180-6 directly correlates to charge transfer efficiency, numerous structural defects with a high specific surface area (75.0 m2 g−1), and sufficient O-functional groups over g-C3N4. However, hydrothermal treatment at a higher temperature or during a longer time additionally induces the growth of extended melem units on the surface of g-C3N4, resulting in the inhibition of the charge transfer. In addition, the superoxide radical is proven to be generated from photoexcited reaction and plays a key role in the TC degradation.
Editorial for the Special Issue “Nanoscale Ferroic Materials—Ferroelectric, Piezoelectric, Magnetic, and Multiferroic Materials”
Authors: Yang Changhong , Wang Chunchang , Cheng Zhenxiang
Published: August 2022

Ferroic materials, including ferroelectric, piezoelectric, magnetic, and multiferroic materials, are receiving great scientific attentions due to their rich physical properties [...]
Mechanochemical Synthesis of Nickel Mono- and Diselenide: Characterization and Electrical and Optical Properties
Authors: Achimovičová Marcela , Hegedüs Michal , Girman Vladimír , Lisnichuk Maksym , Dutková Erika , Kurimský Juraj , Briančin Jaroslav
Published: August 2022

Nickel mono- (NiSe) and diselenide (NiSe2) were produced from stoichiometric mixtures of powdered Ni and Se precursors by the one-step, undemanding mechanochemical reactions. The process was carried out by high-energy milling for 30 and 120 min in a planetary ball mill. The kinetics of the reactions were documented, and the products were studied in terms of their crystal structure, morphology, electrical, and optical properties. X-ray powder diffraction confirmed that NiSe has hexagonal and NiSe2 cubic crystal structure with an average crystallite size of 10.5 nm for NiSe and 13.3 nm for NiSe2. Their physical properties were characterized by the specific surface area measurements and particle size distribution analysis. Transmission electron microscopy showed that the prepared materials contain nanoparticles of irregular shape, which are agglomerated into clusters of about 1–2 μm in diameter. The first original values of electrical conductivity, resistivity, and sheet resistance of nickel selenides synthesized by milling were measured. The obtained bandgap energy values determined using UV–Vis spectroscopy confirmed their potential use in photovoltaics. Photoluminescence spectroscopy revealed weak luminescence activity of the materials. Such synthesis of nickel selenides can easily be carried out on a large scale by milling in an industrial mill, as was verified earlier for copper selenide synthesis.
Generating Self-Shaped 2D Aluminum Oxide Nanopowders
Authors: Lee Meng-Ying , Yen Fu-Su , Hsiang Hsing-I
Published: August 2022

The thermal-assisted exfoliation phenomena of boehmite particles under moderate heating rates were examined. The exfoliation that generated flakes of 5–6 nm in thickness can be achieved because of the perfect cleavage on the boehmite particles that are stripped when thermal treatments bring about dehydration and γ-Al2O3 formation in sequential phase transformation of boehmite. Examinations of the exfoliation effects were carried out on calcined boehmite single crystal particles, which were about 500 nm in diameter, and obtained at three heating rates 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 °C/min with the heating schedules. The TEM techniques, BET-N2 measurements, XRD-Scherrer equation, and AFM images were employed in the examination. That the BET values increased as increasing of exfoliated flakes reflected two stages of exfoliation. In the beginning stage, during which the BET values were <40 m2/g, the exfoliation resulted from the stress produced by dehydration. In the second stage, the increased rate of surface area was due to the additional force, which originated from the γ-Al2O3 formation. Exfoliation occurred on the cleavage planes {010}, the side pinacoid of the boehmite particle. The generation of flakes resulted in the thinning of boehmite particles. Some of the flakes preserved the external form of boehmite crystals. From the surface energy evaluations of boehmite and γ-Al2O3, it can be inferred that exfoliation is a natural way of thermal treatment.
Tailoring the Scattering Response of Optical Nanocircuits Using Modular Assembly
Authors: Farooq Sajid , Shafique Shareen , Ahsan Zishan , Cardozo Olavo , Wali Faiz
Published: August 2022

Owing to the localized plasmon resonance of an ensemble of interacting plasmonic nanoparticles (NPs), there has been a tremendous drive to conceptualize complex optical nanocircuits with versatile functionalities. In comparison to modern research, there is still not a sufficient level of sophistication to treat the nanostructures as lumped circuits that can be adjusted into complex systems on the basis of a metatronic touchstone. Here, we present the design, assembly, and characterization of single relatively complex photonic nanocircuits by accurately positioning several metallic and dielectric nanoparticles acting as modular lumped elements. In this research, Au NPs along with silica NPs were used to compare the proficiency and precision of our lumped circuit model analytically. On increasing the size of an individual Au NP, the spectral peak resonance not only modifies but also causes more scattering efficiency which increases the fringe capacitance linearly and decreases the nanoinductance of lumped circuit element. The NPs-based assembly induced the required spectral resonance ascribed by simple circuit methods and are depicted to be actively reconfigurable by tuning the direction or polarization of input signals. Our work demonstrates a vital step toward developing the modern modular designing tools of complex electronic circuits into nanophotonic-related applications.
Fabrication of Biomass Derived Pt-Ni Bimetallic Catalyst and Its Selective Hydrogenation for 4-Nitrostyrene
Authors: Long Siyu , Zhang Lingyu , Liu Zhuoyue , Jiao Huibin , Lei Aiwen , Gong Wei , Pei Xianglin
Published: August 2022

The hydrogenation products of aromatic molecules with reducible groups (such as C=C, NO2, C=O, etc.) are relatively critical intermediate compounds in fine chemicals, but how to accurately reduce only specific groups is still challenging. In this work, a bimetallic Pt-Ni/Chitin catalyst was prepared for the first time by using renewable biomass resource chitin as support. As the carrier, the chitin was constructed into porous nanofibrous microspheres through the sol-gel strategy, which was favorable for the adhesion of nano-metals and the exchange of reactive substances due to its large surface area, porous structure, and rich functional groups. Then the Pt-Ni/Chitin catalyst was applied to selective hydrogenation with the model substrate of 4-nitrostyrene. As the highly dispersed Pt-Ni NPs with abundant exposed active sites and the synergistic effect of bimetals, the Pt-Ni/Chitin catalyst could efficiently and selectively hydrogenate only NO2 or C=C with yields of ~99% and TOF of 660 h−1, as well as good stability. This utilization of biomass resources to build catalyst materials would be important for the green and sustainable chemistry.
Synthesis of CdSe and CdSe/ZnS Quantum Dots with Tunable Crystal Structure and Photoluminescent Properties
Authors: Li Jingling , Zheng Haixin , Zheng Ziming , Rong Haibo , Zeng Zhidong , Zeng Hui
Published: August 2022

Mastery over the structure of nanocrystals is a powerful tool for the control of their fluorescence properties and to broaden the range of their applications. In this work, the crystalline structure of CdSe can be tuned by the precursor concentration and the dosage of tributyl phosphine, which is verified by XRD, photoluminescence and UV-vis spectra, TEM observations, and time-correlated single photon counting (TCSPC) technology. Using a TBP-assisted thermal-cycling technique coupled with the single precursor method, core–shell QDs with different shell thicknesses were then prepared. The addition of TBP improves the isotropic growth of the shell, resulting in a high QY value, up to 91.4%, and a single-channel decay characteristic of CdSe/ZnS quantum dots. This work not only provides a facile synthesis route to precisely control the core–shell structures and fluorescence properties of CdSe nanocrystals but also builds a link between ligand chemistry and crystal growth theory.