bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of the Physical Mechanism of Acoustic Attenuation in Viscous Isotropic Solids
Authors: Fa Lin , Li Lili , Gong Hong , Chen Wenhui , Jiang Jing , You Guoqiang , Liang Jifeng , Zhang Yandong , Zhao Meishan
Published: September 2022

The traditional acoustic attenuation coefficient is derived from an analogy of the attenuation of an electromagnetic wave propagating inside a non-ideal medium, featuring only the attenuation of wave propagation. Nonetheless, the particles inside viscous solids have mass, vibrating energy, viscosity, and inertia of motion, and they go through transient and damping attenuation processes. Based on the long-wavelength approximation, in this paper, we use the energy conservation law to analyze the effect of the viscosity of the medium on acoustic attenuation. We derive the acoustic attenuation coefficient by combinations of the dynamical equation of a solid in an acoustic field with conventional longitudinal wave propagation under a spring oscillator model. Considering the attenuation of propagating waves and the damping attenuation of particle vibration, we develop a frequency dispersion relation of phase velocity for the longitudinal wave propagating inside viscous solid media. We find that the acoustic impulse response and vibrational system function depends on the physical properties of the viscous solid media and their internal structure. Combined with system function, the impulse response can be an excellent tool to invert the physical properties of solids and their internal structures. We select a well-known rock sample for analysis, calculate the impulse response and vibrational system function, and reveal new physical insight into creating acoustic attenuation and frequency dispersion of phase velocity. The results showed that the newly developed acoustic attenuation coefficients enjoy a substantial improvement over the conventional acoustic attenuation coefficients reported in the literature, which is essential for industrial applications; so are the dispersion characteristics.
Real-Time CGH Generation by CUDA-OpenGL Interoperability for Adaptive Beam Steering with a MEMS Phase SLM
Authors: Tang Chin-I , Deng Xianyue , Takashima Yuzuru
Published: September 2022

Real-time, simultaneous, and adaptive beam steering into multiple regions of interest replaces conventional raster scanning with a less time-consuming and flexible beam steering framework, where only regions of interest are scanned by a laser beam. CUDA-OpenGL interoperability with a computationally time-efficient computer-generated hologram (CGH) calculation algorithm enables such beam steering by employing a MEMS-based phase light modulator (PLM) and a Texas Instruments Phase Light Modulator (TI-PLM). The real-time CGH generation and display algorithm is incorporated into the beam steering system with variable power and scan resolution, which are adaptively controlled by camera-based object recognition. With a mid-range laptop GPU and the current version of the MEMS-PLM, the demonstrated scanning speed can exceed 1000 points/s (number of beams > 5) and potentially exceeds 4000 points/s with state-of-the-art GPUs.
Poly(1-Napthylamine) Nanoparticles as Potential Scaffold for Supercapacitor and Photocatalytic Applications
Authors: Umar Ahmad , Kumar Sundararajan Ashok , Rosaline Daniel Rani , Algadi Hassan , Ibrahim Ahmed A. , Ahmed Faheem , Foletto Edson Luiz , Inbanathan Savariroyan Stephen Rajkumar
Published: September 2022

Herein, we explore the supercapacitor and photocatalytic applications of poly(1-naphthylamine) (PNA) nanoparticles. The PNA nanoparticles were synthesized by using polymerization of 1-naphthylamine and characterized with several techniques in order to understand the morphological, structural, optical and compositional properties. The structural and morphological properties confirmed the formation of crystalline nanoparticles of PNA. The Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum revealed the successful polymerization of 1-naphthylamine monomer to PNA. The absorption peaks that appeared at 236 and 309 nm in the UV–Vis spectrum for PNA nanoparticles represented the π–π* transition. The supercapacitor properties of the prepared PNA nanoparticles were evaluated with cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic charge–discharge (GCD) methods at different scan rates and current densities, respectively. The effective series resistance was calculated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), resulting in a minimum resistance value of 1.5 Ω. The highest specific capacitance value of PNA was found to be 255 Fg−1. This electrode also exhibited excellent stability with >93% capacitance retention for 1000 cycles, as measured at 1A g−1. Further, the prepared PNA nanoparticles were used as an effective photocatalyst for the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye, which exhibited ~61% degradation under UV light irradiation. The observed results revealed that PNA nanoparticles are not only a potential electrode material for supercapacitor applications but also an efficient photocatalyst for the photocatalytic degradation of hazardous and toxic organic dyes.
Epidendrumradicans Fungal Community during Ex Situ Germination and Isolation of Germination-Enhancing Fungi
Authors: Yao Na , Wang Tao , Cao Xiaolu
Published: September 2022

Orchids exhibit varying specificities to fungi in different microbial environments. This pilot study investigated the preference of fungal recruitment during symbiotic germination of Epidendrum radicans Pav. ex Lindl. Two different orchid substrates were used for ex situ seed baiting: pine bark and rotten oak leaf, with Basidiomycota and Ascomycota as the respective dominant groups. Both substrates promoted seed germination, with a higher protocorm formation rate on pine bark (65.75%). High-throughput sequencing characterized the fungal communities of germinated protocorms. Basidiomycota was the dominant group in protocorms that symbiotically germinated on both substrates. The family-level community structures of endophytic fungi in protocorms that symbiotically germinated on both substrates were close to those of protocorms that germinated in vitro on MS1 medium. For protocorms, the dominant fungal groups recruited from substrates differed at the genus level; from pine bark, they were genera belonging to unclassified Sebacinales (41.34%), Thanatephorus (14.48%) and Fusarium (7.35%), while, from rotten oak leaf, they were Rhizoctonia (49.46%), Clitopilus (34.61%), and Oliveonia (7.96%). Four fungal isolates were successfully obtained and identified as belonging to the family Tulasnellaceae, genera Ceratobasidium and Peniophora, which could promote seed germination to the seedling stage. The data indicate that endophytic fungi for E. radicans germination on two different substrates are affected at the genus level by the substrate, with a degree of specificity at the family level.
Selection of Non-Saccharomyces Wine Yeasts for the Production of Leavened Doughs
Authors: Zotta Teresa , Di Renzo Tiziana , Sorrentino Alida , Reale Anna , Boscaino Floriana
Published: September 2022

Background: Non-conventional yeasts (NCY) (i.e., non-Saccharomyces) may be used as alternative starters to promote biodiversity and quality of fermented foods and beverages (e.g., wine, beer, bakery products). Methods: A total of 32 wine-associated yeasts (Campania region, Italy) were genetically identified and screened for decarboxylase activity and leavening ability. The best selected strains were used to study the leavening kinetics in model doughs (MDs). A commercial strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae was used as the control. The volatile organic profiles of the inoculated MDs were analyzed by solid phase microextraction/gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (SPME/GC-MS). Results: Most of strains belonged to the NCY species Hanseniaspora uvarum, Metschnikowia pulcherrima, Pichia kudriavzevii, Torulaspora delbruekii, and Zygotorulaspora florentina, while a few strains were S. cerevisiae. Most strains of H. uvarum lacked decarboxylase activity and showed a high leaving activity after 24 h of incubation that was comparable to the S. cerevisiae strains. The selected H. uvarum strains generated a different flavor profile of the doughs compared to the S. cerevisiae strains. In particular, NCY reduced the fraction of aldehydes that were potentially involved in oxidative phenomena. Conclusions: The use of NCY could be advantageous in the bakery industry, as they can provide greater diversity than S. cerevisiae-based products, and may be useful in reducing and avoiding yeast intolerance.
The Effects of Hydrochloric Acid Pretreatment on Different Types of Clay Minerals
Authors: Hu Bin , Zhang Chunxia , Zhang Xiaoyan
Published: September 2022

Clay minerals are common in geological samples and are useful paleoclimate and sediment provenance proxies. Acid pretreatment is the most common method for the separation and purification of clay minerals. Given that hydrochloric acid (HCl) can dissolve chlorite and distinguish it from kaolinite, the HCl digestion method is used to simplify the routine method of clay mineral analysis. However, there have been few studies of the effects of acid digestion on different clay minerals in the context of extracting paleoclimate indicators. In this study, we used illite, chlorite, kaolinite, and two types of smectite to assess the effects of pretreatment with different HCl concentrations at variable temperatures. Our results show that chlorite is the most soluble clay mineral in HCl and can be effectively dissolved in HCl with concentrations of >1 N. The variable crystal structure of smectite affects its solubility in HCl. Ca-rich smectite, which has more cation substitution of octahedral Al, can be dissolved with HCl. However, Na-rich smectite, which has less cation substitution for octahedral Al, is hardly dissolved in HCl of any concentration or at any temperature. Illite can be partly dissolved in HCl, and the threshold beyond which dissolution occurs is 5 N HCl at 70 °C. Kaolinite is relatively difficult to dissolve in HCl. Given that the HCl digestion method uses the peak intensity of the bulk sample X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, whereas the routine method uses the peak area of clay particles, we compared the results of clay mineral quantification and the paleoclimate proxy obtained using the two methods for synthetically prepared mixed and natural clay samples. The results obtained with the HCl digestion method are less accurate than those obtained with the routine method because of the dissolution of illite and smectite in HCl. Therefore, the HCl pretreatment method is not suitable for clay mineral analysis in paleoclimate studies. The present results provide reference data for future studies that employ the acid dissolution pretreatment of clay mineral samples to acquire and quantify paleoclimate proxies.
Macro-Microscopic Deterioration Behavior of Gypsum Rock after Wetting and Its Constitutive Model Based on Acoustic Emission
Authors: Xu Xiaoding , Zhou Yuejin , Chen Weiqiang , Gao Yubing , Fu Qiang , Liu Xue , Feng Chundi
Published: September 2022

Gypsum rock is highly sensitive to a water environment due to its unique physical and chemical properties, such as high solubility. After wetting, the internal microstructure of gypsum rock is damaged, and the mechanical properties deteriorate accordingly, leading to serious engineering problems for gypsum-bearing geotechnical structures. Therefore, it is particularly necessary to investigate the mechanical deterioration behavior of gypsum rock after wetting. In this paper, the mechanical behavior of gypsum rocks with different water contents were studied. The relationship between the rock water content and the water immersion time was established through the water content test. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of the gypsum rock after the water immersion showed that the internal microstructure of the gypsum rock became looser and more complex as the immersion time increased. The fractal dimensions of the SEM images were calculated to quantify the degree of damage to the gypsum rocks after wetting. These images showed that the degree of damage increased with the increasing immersion time, but the increase rate tended to be slow. The relationship between the rock water content and the mechanical responses of gypsum rock were established by triaxial compression tests, and the concomitant acoustic emission (AE) characteristics in the loading processes showed that the immersion time had a positive correlation with the AE frequency and a negative correlation with the AE cumulative count. Based on the AE characteristics, a damage constitutive model of gypsum rock as a function of immersion time was developed and this can reproduce the mechanical responses of gypsum rock after wetting.
The Evolution of Permian Source-to-Sink Systems and Tectonics Implications in the NW Junggar Basin, China: Evidence from Detrital Zircon Geochronology
Authors: Chen Xingyu , Zhang Zhijie , Yuan Xuanjun , Wan Li , Zhou Chuanmin , Liu Yinhe , Cheng Dawei
Published: September 2022

The basin type of the Junggar Basin changed during the Permian, but the time constraint of the tectonic evolution remains unclear. Besides, the fan deltas developed in the Permian in the Mahu Sag in the northwestern of the oil-rich basin. However, the provenances of the sedimentary systems remain unclear. Based on petrology and detrital zircon U-Pb ages, this study investigates the source-to-sink systems evolution and tectonics implications. Abundant lithic clasts in sandstones with low compositional and textural maturity imply proximal sources. The dating results showed a dominant peak (310–330 Ma) and a secondary peak (400–440 Ma) in the northern Mahu Sag, only one peak at 295–325 Ma in the central Mahu Sag, several peaks at 270–350 Ma in the southern Mahu Sag, and multiple peaks at 370–450 Ma in the Zhongguai Uplift. Thus, the north-western Junggar Basin was divided into four major source-to-sink systems, with adjacent central West Junggar as the main provenance and northern and southern West Junggar as the secondary provenance. The proportion of sediment supply from the southern and northern West Junggar is higher during the Middle-Late Permian. It suggests that the source-to-sink systems show inheritance and evolve from a single provenance into a complex provenance, indicating the uplift of West Junggar. The tectonic inversion may occur early in the Middle Permian and the response to tectonic activity is stronger in the southern West Junggar than in the northern West Junggar.
Photolyase Production and Current Applications: A Review
Authors: Ramírez-Gamboa Diana , Díaz-Zamorano Ana Laura , Meléndez-Sánchez Edgar Ricardo , Reyes-Pardo Humberto , Villaseñor-Zepeda Karen Rocio , López-Arellanes Miguel E. , Sosa-Hernández Juan Eduardo , Coronado-Apodaca Karina G. , Gámez-Méndez Ana , Afewerki Samson , Iqbal Hafiz M. N. , Parra-Saldivar Roberto , Martínez-Ruiz Manuel
Published: September 2022

The photolyase family consists of flavoproteins with enzyme activity able to repair ultraviolet light radiation damage by photoreactivation. DNA damage by the formation of a cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer (CPD) and a pyrimidine-pyrimidone (6-4) photoproduct can lead to multiple affections such as cellular apoptosis and mutagenesis that can evolve into skin cancer. The development of integrated applications to prevent the negative effects of prolonged sunlight exposure, usually during outdoor activities, is imperative. This study presents the functions, characteristics, and types of photolyases, their therapeutic and cosmetic applications, and additionally explores some photolyase-producing microorganisms and drug delivery systems.
Synthesis of a Rare Water-Soluble Silver(II)/Porphyrin and Its Multifunctional Therapeutic Effect on Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: He Jiaqi , Yin Yu , Shao Yingjie , Zhang Wenkai , Lin Yanling , Qian Xiuping , Ren Qizhi
Published: September 2022

Porphyrin derivatives are popular photodynamic therapy (PDT) agents; however, their typical insolubility in water has made it challenging to separate cells of organisms in a liquid water environment. Herein, a novel water-soluble 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-methoxyphenyl-3-sulfonatophenyl) porphyrin (TMPPS) was synthesized with 95% yield by modifying the traditional sulfonation route. The reaction of TMPPS with AgNO3 afforded AgTMPPS an unusual Ag(II) oxidation state (97% yield). The free base and Ag(II) complex were characterized by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-mass spectroscopy, and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier-transform infrared, UV-vis, fluorescence, and X-ray photolectron spectroscopies. Upon 460 nm laser irradiation, AgTMPPS generated a large amount of 1O2, whereas no ⦁OH was detected. Antibacterial experiments on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) revealed that the combined action of AgⅡ ions and PDT could endow AgTMPPS with a 100% bactericidal ratio for highly concentrated MRSA (108 CFU/mL) at a very low dosage (4 μM) under laser irradiation at 360 J/cm2. Another PDT response was demonstrated by photocatalytically oxidizing 1,4-dihydronicotinamide adenine dinucleotide to NAD+ with AgTMPPS. The structural features of the TMPPS and AgTMPPS molecules were investigated by density functional theory quantum chemical calculations to demonstrate the efficient chemical and photodynamical effects of AgTMPPS for non-invasive antibacterial therapy.
The Potential of Curcumin-Capped Nanoparticle Synthesis in Cancer Therapy: A Green Synthesis Approach
Authors: Venkatas Jeaneen , Daniels Aliscia , Singh Moganavelli
Published: September 2022

Cancer nanotherapeutics is an important field of research which utilizes nanomaterials as an approach to cancer therapy. Nano-mediated therapeutic delivery systems overcome the adverse side effects of traditional cancer treatment methods. Nanoparticles (NPs) are considered excellent tumor-targeting vehicles due to their compact and variable size, large surface area, ability to load several genes and drugs, and mediation of increased therapeutic payload uptake. Despite the rapid development of nanotechnology, there is growing concern regarding the possible long-term side effects of NPs on the environment and human health. Green chemistry using plant materials, such as curcumin, is a sustainable alternative to conventional reduction methods and confers dual reducing and capping properties. Curcumin is a bioactive compound isolated from the rhizome of the Curcuma longa plant, which exhibits various medicinal properties. Curcumin-capped NPs exhibit increased solubility, bioavailability, therapeutic indices, and antitumor properties. This review highlights the potential and antitumor properties of economical, simple, and eco-friendly curcumin-synthesized and capped NPs for the localized delivery of therapeutic genes and drugs to the cancer tumor microenvironment with fewer adverse side effects.
In Situ Grown Vertically Oriented Graphene Coating on Copper by Plasma-Enhanced CVD to Form Superhydrophobic Surface and Effectively Protect Corrosion
Authors: Zheng Xiaohang , Yang Yaqian , Xian Yi , Chen Heng , Cai Wei
Published: September 2022

Graphene exhibits great potential for the corrosion protection of metals, because of its low permeability and high chemical stability. To enhance the anticorrosion ability of Cu, we use plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) to prepare a vertically oriented few-layer graphene (VFG) coating on the surface of Cu. The Cu coated with VFG shows superhydrophobic surface with a contact angle of ~150°. The VFG coating is used to significantly increase the anticorrosion ability, enhanced by the chemical stability and the unique geometric structure of vertically oriented graphene. The corrosion rate of VFG-Cu was about two orders of magnitude lower than that of bare Cu. This work highlights the special synthesized way of PECVD and superhydrophobic surface of vertical structures of graphene as coatings for various applications.
Investigation of Shear Strength and Microstructure Formation of Joined Ni Superalloys Using Ni Nanopastes
Authors: Sattler Benjamin , Hausner Susann , Wagner Guntram
Published: September 2022

By using Ni nanoparticles, the bonding of Ni base superalloys can be achieved with shear strengths well above 200 MPa in a joining process at comparatively low temperatures between 675 °C and 975 °C. This is enabled due to the high surface-to-volume ratio of nanoparticles, which leads to distinctly lower melting and sintering temperatures than those of the corresponding bulk material. The nanoparticles in this study are employed in high-metal nanopastes, whereby different chemical compositions of the pastes and different sizes of Ni nanoparticles were investigated. The results for the joining of Ni base superalloys showed that both size and composition had a significant influence on the achievable strengths. In addition, an extensive examination was conducted to reveal the influence of the process parameters joining temperature, holding time and joining pressure on the shear strengths as well as microstructure. It was shown that the temperature exerted the most influence on the strengths and the microstructure. The joining pressure also had a significant influence. The holding time, on the other hand, did not have a major influence on the strengths and in some cases even showed an unexpected behavior, as the values decreased for some combinations with longer holding time.
Effect of Ce/Zr Composition on Structure and Properties of Ce1−xZrxO2 Oxides and Related Ni/Ce1−xZrxO2 Catalysts for CO2 Methanation
Authors: Pakharukova Vera P. , Potemkin Dmitriy I. , Rogozhnikov Vladimir N. , Stonkus Olga A. , Gorlova Anna M. , Nikitina Nadezhda A. , Suprun Evgeniy A. , Brayko Andrey S. , Rogov Vladimir A. , Snytnikov Pavel V.
Published: September 2022

Ce1−xZrxO2 oxides (x = 0.1, 0.25, 0.5) prepared via the Pechini route were investigated using XRD analysis, N2 physisorption, TEM, and TPR in combination with density functional theory calculations. The Ni/Ce1−xZrxO2 catalysts were characterized via XRD analysis, SEM-EDX, TEM-EDX, and CO chemisorption and tested in carbon dioxide methanation. The obtained Ce1−xZrxO2 materials were single-phase solid solutions. The increase in Zr content intensified crystal structure strains and favored the reducibility of the Ce1−xZrxO2 oxides but strongly affected their microstructure. The catalytic activity of the Ni/Ce1−xZrxO2 catalysts was found to depend on the composition of the Ce1−xZrxO2 supports. The detected negative effect of Zr content on the catalytic activity was attributed to the decrease in the dispersion of the Ni0 nanoparticles and the length of metal–support contacts due to the worsening microstructure of Ce1−xZrxO2 oxides. The improvement of the redox properties of the Ce1−xZrxO2 oxide supports through cation modification can be negated by changes in their microstructure and textural characteristics.
Single- and Multilayered Perovskite Thin Films for Photovoltaic Applications
Authors: Jabeen Nawishta , Zaidi Anum , Hussain Ahmad , Hassan Najam Ul , Ali Jazib , Ahmed Fahim , Khan Muhammad Usman , Iqbal Nimra , Elnasr Tarek A. Seaf , Helal Mohamed H.
Published: September 2022

Organic–inorganic lead halide perovskites materials have emerged as an innovative candidate in the development of optoelectronic and photovoltaic devices, due to their appealing electrical and optical properties. Herein, mix halide single-layer (~95 nm) and multilayer (average layer ~87 nm) CH3NH3PbIBr2 thinfilms were grown by a one-step spin coating method. In this study, both films maintained their perovskite structure along with the appearance of a pseudo-cubic phase of (200) at 30.16°. Single-layer and multilayer CH3NH3PbIBr2 thinfilms displayed leaky ferroelectric behavior, and multilayered thinfilm showed a leakage current of ~5.06 × 10−6 A and resistivity of ~1.60 × 106 Ω.cm for the applied electric field of 50 kV/cm. However, optical analysis revealed that the absorption peak of multilayered perovskite is sharper than a single layer in the visible region rather than infrared (IR) and near-infrared region (NIR). The band gap of the thinfilms was measured by Tauc plot, giving the values of 2.07 eV and 1.81 eV for single-layer and multilayer thinfilms, respectively. The structural analysis has also been performed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Moreover, the fabricated CH3NH3PbIBr2 as an absorber layer for photoelectric cell demonstrated a power conversion efficiency of 7.87% and fill factor of 72%. Reported electrical, optical and photoelectric efficiency-based results suggest that engineered samples are suitable candidates for utilization in optoelectronic and photovoltaic devices.
Spin-Coating and Aerosol Spray Pyrolysis Processed Zn1−xMgxO Films for UV Detector Applications
Authors: Morari Vadim , Ursaki Veaceslav V. , Rusu Emil V. , Zalamai Victor V. , Colpo Pascal , Tiginyanu Ion M.
Published: September 2022

A series of Zn1−xMgxO thin films with x ranging from 0 to 0.8 were prepared by spin coating and aerosol spray pyrolysis deposition on Si and quartz substrates. The morphology, composition, nano-crystalline structure, and optical and vibration properties of the prepared films were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and optical and Raman scattering spectroscopy. The optimum conditions of the thermal treatment of samples prepared by spin coating were determined from the point of view of film crystallinity. The content of crystalline phases in films and values of the optical band gap of these phases were determined as a function of the chemical composition. We developed heterostructure photodetectors based on the prepared films and demonstrated their operation in the injection photodiode mode at forward biases. A device design based on two Zn1−xMgxO thin films with different x values was proposed for extending the operational forward bias range and improving its responsivity, detectivity, and selectivity to UV radiation.
Simulation of the Nucleation and Crystal Growth Process in the Laser-Induced Deposition in Solution by a Lattice Boltzmann Method
Authors: He Yongsen , Liu Siyu
Published: September 2022

A Lattice Boltzmann model is proposed, combining the theories of nucleation and crystal growth for the study of the laser-induced deposition in solution (LIDS). The conjugate heat transfer and the natural convection of the liquid precursor were simulated with the evolving interface of crystal growth. In turn, the morphology of the deposited materials was affected by multiple process parameters, including conditions of chemical precursor and the laser-induced heat and mass transfer. Simulation results indicated that the morphology of deposited materials was mostly affected by the initial concentration of the precursor solution. Specifically, the nonuniformity of thin films was caused by the convection induced by the pulsed-laser, and the surface roughness was due to the competition of local structures for the precursor supply. A relationship of process-condition-material was established, providing guidance of choosing various parameters in LIDS for a desirable morphology of deposited material, facilitating the capabilities of pulsed lasers in precise control in nanomanufacturing.
Thermal-Driven Formation of Silver Clusters Inside Na/Li FAUY Zeolites for Formaldehyde Detection
Authors: Yu Jianzhong , Ye Song , Xv Xinling , Pan Ling , Lin Peixuan , Liao Huazhen , Wang Deping
Published: September 2022

In this research, the LiY zeolite was firstly synthesized by using NaY as the parent zeolite; thereafter, the LiYAg and NaYAg zeolites created for formaldehyde gas detection were prepared with further Ag+-Li+/Na+ exchange and a mild thermal treatment at 300 °C to promote the formation of luminescent Ag CLs. The spectra experimental results indicated that Ag CLs showed stronger and blue-shifted emissions in LiYAg compared with in NaYAg, and the emission intensity of Ag CLs in both zeolites monotonously decreased when exposed to increasing formaldehyde gas content. Moreover, the linear dependence of the Ag CLs’ emission intensity variation on formaldehyde content indicated a reliable method for fast and sensitive formaldehyde detection. According to the XPS, UV–vis absorption, and N2 adsorption–desorption isotherm studies, the formaldehyde-gas-induced luminescence quenching of Ag CLs is due to the formation of Ag2O and Ag NPs, in which the higher content of Ag+/Ag0 redox couples in LiYAg and larger surface area of NaYAg benefit the precise detection of formaldehyde gas in low- and high-content ranges, respectively. Furthermore, the blue-shifted peak position and widened FWHM of Ag CLs can also be used for the indication of formaldehyde gas and the detection limit of NaYAg and LiYAg, which both meet with the standards of the WHO and OSHA.
Associations of Overall Survival with Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index in Patients with Advanced Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Grinstead Christina , George Thomas , Han Bo , Yoon Saunjoo L.
Published: September 2022

Nutritional assessment is critical in cancer care to maintain quality of life and improve survival. The Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) may be a practical tool to assess nutritional status and predict survival. This study aimed to examine survival using GNRI in advanced-stage pancreatic cancer (PC). The retrospective analysis used data of patients with stage III or IV PC. Inclusion criteria: age > 18 and hospital admission for at least three days at or following diagnosis between 2014 and 2017. Data collected: demographics, albumin levels, BMI and weight. Days between the first and last admission, median survival and GNRI scores calculated. Patients categorized into groups: any nutritional risk (GNRI ≤ 98) and no nutritional risk (GNRI > 98). 102 patients had a median survival of 87.5 days and mean GNRI of 98.7. Patients surviving longer than 90 days showed higher mean weight (p = 0.0128), albumin (p = 0.0002) and BMI (p = 0.0717) at the first admission. Mean survival days for patients at any nutritional risk were 110 days compared to 310 days for no nutritional risk (p = 0.0002). GNRI score at first admission after diagnosis is associated with survival. It is vital to monitor nutritional status using weight and albumin to promote increased survival from diagnosis.
Prevalence of Female and Male Vegan and Non-Vegan Endurance Runners and the Potential Associations of Diet Type and BMI with Performance—Results from the NURMI Study (Step 1)
Authors: Wirnitzer Katharina , Tanous Derrick , Motevalli Mohamad , Wirnitzer Gerold , Leitzmann Claus , Pichler Renato , Rosemann Thomas , Knechtle Beat
Published: September 2022

This study aims to investigate vegetarian and mixed diet type prevalences among distance runners at running events around the world and associations with running-related patterns and performance. Following a cross-sectional approach, linear regression analyses were carried out to identify potential associations among body mass index (BMI), diet type, and average best performance times of half-marathon and marathon events for males and females. From a sample of 3835 runners who completed an online questionnaire, 2864 all-distance runners (age: 37 years; 57% females) were included in inferential analyses and categorized into dietary subgroups according to self-reports: 994 vegans (34.7%), 598 vegetarians (20.9%), and 1272 omnivores (44.4%). Significant associations were identified between kind of diet and best average time to finish (i) half-marathons in females where vegans (p = 0.001) took longer than omnivores, (ii) half-marathons in males where vegans (p < 0.001) and vegetarians (p = 0.002) took longer than omnivores, and (iii) marathons in males where vegans (p < 0.001) and vegetarians (p = 0.043) averaged slower than omnivores. Increased units of BMI (+1.0) in males influenced best runtimes: 2.75 (3.22–2.27) min slower for HM and 5.5 (5.69–4.31) min slower for M. The present study did not take detailed confounders into account such as runner motives or training behaviors; however, the results may provide valuable insight for running event organizers, nutrition experts, coaches, and trainers advising runners who adhere to a general diet type regarding the basic question of who participates in running events around the world.
Oxime Therapy for Brain AChE Reactivation and Neuroprotection after Organophosphate Poisoning
Authors: Kuznetsova Darya A. , Gaynanova Gulnara A. , Vasilieva Elmira A. , Pavlov Rais V. , Zueva Irina V. , Babaev Vasily M. , Kuznetsov Denis M. , Voloshina Alexandra D. , Petrov Konstantin A. , Zakharova Lucia Y. , Sinyashin Oleg G.
Published: September 2022

One of the main problems in the treatment of poisoning with organophosphorus (OPs) inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is low ability of existing reactivators of AChE that are used as antidotes to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). In this work, modified cationic liposomes were developed that can penetrate through the BBB and deliver the reactivator of AChE pralidoxime chloride (2-PAM) into the brain. Liposomes were obtained on the basis of phosphatidylcholine and imidazolium surfactants. To obtain the composition optimized in terms of charge, stability, and toxicity, the molar ratio of surfactant/lipid was varied. For the systems, physicochemical parameters, release profiles of the substrates (rhodamine B, 2-PAM), hemolytic activity and ability to cause hemagglutination were evaluated. Screening of liposome penetration through the BBB, analysis of 2-PAM pharmacokinetics, and in vivo AChE reactivation showed that modified liposomes readily pass into the brain and reactivate brain AChE in rats poisoned with paraoxon (POX) by 25%. For the first time, an assessment was made of the ability of imidazolium liposomes loaded with 2-PAM to reduce the death of neurons in the brains of mice. It was shown that intravenous administration of liposomal 2-PAM can significantly reduce POX-induced neuronal death in the hippocampus.
Scaffold Repurposing Reveals New Nanomolar Phosphodiesterase Type 5 (PDE5) Inhibitors Based on Pyridopyrazinone Scaffold: Investigation of In Vitro and In Silico Properties
Authors: Amin Kamelia M. , El-Badry Ossama M. , Abdel Rahman Doaa E. , Abdellattif Magda H. , Abourehab Mohammed A. S. , El-Maghrabey Mahmoud H. , Elsaid Fahmy G. , El Hamd Mohamed A. , Elkamhawy Ahmed , Ammar Usama M.
Published: September 2022

Inhibition of PDE5 results in elevation of cGMP leading to vascular relaxation and reduction in the systemic blood pressure. Therefore, PDE5 inhibitors are used as antihypertensive and antianginal agents in addition to their major use as male erectile dysfunction treatments. Previously, we developed a novel series of 34 pyridopyrazinone derivatives as anticancer agents (series A–H). Herein, a multi-step in silico approach was preliminary conducted to evaluate the predicted PDE5 inhibitory activity, followed by an in vitro biological evaluation over the enzymatic level and a detailed SAR study. The designed 2D-QSAR model which was carried out to predict the IC50 of the tested compounds revealed series B, D, E and G with nanomolar range of IC50 values (6.00–81.56 nM). A further docking simulation model was performed to investigate the binding modes within the active site of PDE5. Interestingly, most of the tested compounds showed almost the same binding modes of that of reported PDE5 inhibitors. To validate the in silico results, an in vitro enzymatic assay over PDE5 enzyme was performed for a number of the promising candidates with different substitutions. Both series E and G exhibited a potent inhibitory activity (IC50 = 18.13–41.41 nM). Compound 11b (series G, oxadiazole-based derivatives with terminal 4-NO2 substituted phenyl ring and rigid linker) was the most potent analogue with IC50 value of 18.13 nM. Structure–activity relationship (SAR) data attained for various substitutions were rationalized. Furthermore, a molecular dynamic simulation gave insights into the inhibitory activity of the most active compound (11b). Accordingly, this report presents a successful scaffold repurposing approach that reveals compound 11b as a highly potent nanomolar PDE5 inhibitor worthy of further investigation.
In Vivo Skin Regeneration and Wound Healing Using Cell Micro-Transplantation
Authors: Nanić Lucia , Cedilak Andrea , Vidaček Nikolina Škrobot , Gruber Florian , Huzak Miljenko , Bader Michael , Rubelj Ivica
Published: September 2022

Background: The accumulation of senescent cells in tissues alters tissue homeostasis and affects wound healing. It is also considered to be the main contributing factor to aging. In addition to losing their ability to divide, senescent cells exert detrimental effects on surrounding tissues through their senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). They also affect stem cells and their niche, reducing their capacity to divide which increasingly reduces tissue regenerative capacity over time. The aim of our study was to restore aged skin by increasing the fraction of young cells in vivo using a young cell micro-transplantation technique on Fischer 344 rats. Employing the same technique, we also used wild-type skin fibroblasts and stem cells in order to heal Dominant Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bulosa (DDEB) wounds and skin blistering. Results: We demonstrate that implantation of young fibroblasts restores cell density, revitalizes cell proliferation in the dermis and epidermis, rejuvenates collagen I and III matrices, and boosts epidermal stem cell proliferation in rats with advancing age. We were also able to reduce blistering in DDEB rats by transplantation of skin stem cells but not skin fibroblasts. Conclusions: Our intervention proves that a local increase of young cells in the dermis changes tissue homeostasis well enough to revitalize the stem cell niche, ensuring overall skin restoration and rejuvenation as well as healing DDEB skin. Our method has great potential for clinical applications in skin aging, as well as for the treatment of various skin diseases.
Distinct Mechanisms of Endomembrane Reorganization Determine Dissimilar Transport Pathways in Plant RNA Viruses
Authors: Solovyev Andrey G. , Atabekova Anastasia K. , Lezzhov Alexander A. , Solovieva Anna D. , Chergintsev Denis A. , Morozov Sergey Y.
Published: September 2022

Plant viruses exploit the endomembrane system of infected cells for their replication and cell-to-cell transport. The replication of viral RNA genomes occurs in the cytoplasm in association with reorganized endomembrane compartments induced by virus-encoded proteins and is coupled with the virus intercellular transport via plasmodesmata that connect neighboring cells in plant tissues. The transport of virus genomes to and through plasmodesmata requires virus-encoded movement proteins (MPs). Distantly related plant viruses encode different MP sets, or virus transport systems, which vary in the number of MPs and their properties, suggesting their functional differences. Here, we discuss two distinct virus transport pathways based on either the modification of the endoplasmic reticulum tubules or the formation of motile vesicles detached from the endoplasmic reticulum and targeted to endosomes. The viruses with the movement proteins encoded by the triple gene block exemplify the first, and the potyviral system is the example of the second type. These transport systems use unrelated mechanisms of endomembrane reorganization. We emphasize that the mode of virus interaction with cell endomembranes determines the mechanism of plant virus cell-to-cell transport.
Expression Profiling of Four Mango FT/TFL1-Encoding Genes under Different Fruit Load Conditions, and Their Involvement in Flowering Regulation
Authors: Gafni Itamar , Rai Avinash Chandra , Halon Eyal , Zviran Tali , Sisai Isaac , Samach Alon , Irihimovitch Vered
Published: September 2022

Plant flowering is antagonistically modulated by similar FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) and TERMINAL FLOWER 1 (TFL1) proteins. In mango (Mangifera indica L.), flowering is induced by cold temperatures, unless the tree is juvenile or the adult tree had a high fruit load (HFL) in the summer. Here, we studied the effects of juvenility and fruit load on the expression of four MiFT/TFL1 genes cloned from the mango ‘Shelly’ cultivar. Ectopic expression of MiFT1 in Arabidopsis resulted in early flowering, whereas over-expression of MiFT2 and the two cloned MiTFL1 genes repressed flowering. Moreover, juvenility was positively correlated with higher transcript levels of MiFT2 and both MiTFL1s. In trees with a low fruit load, leaf MiFT1 expression increased in winter, whereas HFL delayed its upregulation. MiFT2 expression was upregulated in both leaves and buds under both fruit load conditions. Downregulation of both MITFL1s in buds was associated with a decrease in regional temperatures under both conditions; nevertheless, HFL delayed the decrease in their accumulation. Our results suggest that cold temperature has opposite effects on the expression of MiFT1 and the MiTFL1s, thereby inducing flowering, whereas HFL represses flowering by both suppressing MiFT1 upregulation and delaying MiTFL1s downregulation. The apparent flowering-inhibitory functions of MiFT2 are discussed.
Impact of Biochar Application at Water Shortage on Biochemical and Physiological Processes in Medicago ciliaris
Authors: Gharred Jihed , Derbali Walid , Derbali Imed , Badri Mounawer , Abdelly Chedly , Slama Inès , Koyro Hans-Werner
Published: September 2022

The application of biochar is mostly used to improve soil fertility, water retention capacity and nutrient uptake. The present study was conducted in order to study the impact of biochar at water deficiency conditions on the physiological and biochemical processes of Medicago ciliaris seedlings. Seedlings were cultivated under greenhouse conditions in pots filled with a mixture of soil and sand mixed in the presence or absence of 2% biochar. Plants of uniform size were subjected after a pretreatment phase (72 days) either to low (36% water holding capacity, water potential low) or high soil water potential (60% water holding capacity, water potential high). Pots were weighed every day to control and maintain a stable water holding capacity. In Medicago ciliaris, drought led to a significant reduction in plant growth and an increase in the root/shoot ratio. The growth response was accompanied by a decreased stomatal conductance and a reduction of the net CO2 assimilation rate and water use efficiency. The associated higher risk of ROS production was indicated by a high level of lipid peroxidation, high antioxidant activities and high proline accumulation. Soil amendment with biochar enhanced the growth significantly and supported the photosynthetic apparatus of Medicago ciliaris species by boosting chlorophyll content and Anet both under well and insufficient watered plants and water use efficiency in case of water shortage. This increase of water use efficiency was correlated with the biochar-mediated decrease of the MDA and proline contents in the leaves buffering the impact of drought on photosynthetic apparatus by increasing the activity of enzymatic antioxidants SOD, APX, GPOX and GR and non-enzymatic antioxidants, such as AsA and DHAsA, giving the overall picture of a moderate stress response. These results confirmed the hypothesis that biochar application significantly reduces both the degree of stress and the negative impact of oxidative stress on Medicago ciliaris plants. These results implied that this species could be suitable as a cash pasture plant in the development of agriculture on dry wasteland in a future world of water shortages.
Effect of the Coupling Agent (3-Aminopropyl) Triethoxysilane on the Structure and Fire Behavior of Solvent-Free One-Pot Synthesized Silica-Epoxy Nanocomposites
Authors: Branda Francesco , Parida Dambarudhar , Pauer Robin , Durante Massimo , Gaan Sabyasachi , Malucelli Giulio , Bifulco Aurelio
Published: September 2022

Uniformly distributed silica/epoxy nanocomposites (2 and 6 wt.% silica content) were obtained through a “solvent-free one-pot” process. The inorganic phases were obtained through “in situ” sol-gel chemistry from two precursors, tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and (3-aminopropyl)-triethoxysilane (APTES). APTES acts as a coupling agent. Surprisingly when changing TEOS/APTES molar ratio (from 2.32 to 1.25), two opposite trends of glass transformation temperature (Tg) were observed for silica loading, i.e., at lower content, a decreased Tg (for 2 wt.% silica) and at higher content an increased Tg (for 6 wt.% silica) was observed. High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM) showed the formation of multi-sheet silica-based nanoparticles with decreasing size at a lower TEOS/APTES molar ratio. Based on a recently proposed mechanism, the experimental results can be explained by the formation of a co-continuous hybrid network due to reorganization of the epoxy matrix around two different “in situ” sol-gel derived silicatic phases, i.e., micelles formed mainly by APTES and multi-sheet silica nanoparticles. Moreover, the concentration of APTES affected the size distribution of the multi-sheet silica-based nanoparticles, leading to the formation of structures that became smaller at a higher content. Flammability and forced-combustion tests proved that the nanocomposites exhibited excellent fire retardancy.
Influence of Loading Rate and Temperature on the Energy Absorption of 3D-Printed Polymeric Origami Tubes under Quasi-Static Loading
Authors: Zuo Xiubin , Guo Chengjie , Chen Weidong , Wang Yixiao , Zhao Jian , Lv Huanlin
Published: September 2022

Owing to deformation in the form of the diamond mode with high-energy absorption capacity, origami thin-walled tubes have attracted considerable attention in recent years. Stamping and welding are mainly employed to produce different types of origami thin-walled tubes. The processing defects and geometric asymmetry may be caused by the manufacturing process, which changes the collapsed mode and decreases the energy-absorbing capacity. In this study, fused filament fabrication (FFF) 3D printing is used to fabricate the origami-ending tube (OET) by integrated formation. Experiments and numerical simulations were conducted to study the influence of loading rate and temperature on the energy absorption of polymeric origami tubes under quasi-static loading. The experiments showed that different constitutive models are needed to capture the complex true stress–strain behavior of 3D printing polylactic acid (PLA) material at different temperatures. The damage model is established and then applied to the numerical simulations, which could predict the collapsed mode and the damage behavior of the OET tubes under different loading rates at 30 °C, 40 °C, and 50 °C. Based on the experiments and the validated numerical model, the influence of loading rate and temperature on the crashworthiness performance of the OET tubes is analyzed.