bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular Dynamics Simulations on Effect of Surface Roughness of Amorphous Substrate on Nucleation in Liquid Al
Authors: Men Hua , Fan Zhongyun
Published: September 2022

In this study, we used molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to investigate the atomic ordering in the liquid aluminum (Al) adjacent to the amorphous substrate with smooth and rough surfaces. This study revealed that the liquid exhibited layering within about 5 atomic layers but no visible in-plane atomic ordering at the interface with the smooth amorphous surface, and neither layering nor in-plane atomic ordering with the rough surface of the amorphous substrate. However, the smooth amorphous surface induced some local ordered structure in the liquid at the interface by a structural templating mechanism, which promoted heterogeneous nucleation by creating a 2-dimensional (2D) nucleus in the third layer. The amorphous substrate with a rough surface had no effect on the nucleation in the liquid, leading to the occurrence of homogeneous nucleation with an undercooling 100 K larger than that of heterogeneous nucleation on the smooth amorphous substrate. This study confirmed that structural templating is a general mechanism for heterogeneous nucleation.
Evaluation of Flux Basicity Concept Geared toward Estimation for Oxygen Content in Submerged Arc Welded Metal
Authors: Shao Guoyou , Liu Zhongqiu , Fan Jun , Guo Yan , Xu Qiong , Zhang Jin
Published: September 2022

The present study has been undertaken to evaluate the basicity concept of oxygen content estimation subject to submerged arc welded metal. The investigated fluxes cover a wide range of basicity indices from 0.31 to 19.00 at full coverage with acidic, neutral, and basic fluxes. The oxygen content of the submerged arc welded metal (flux oxygen potential) is predicted by employing traditional flux basicity index models and the CALPHAD technique (gas–slag–metal equilibrium model). It is revealed that the gas–slag–metal equilibrium model in this study is capable of remedying the shortcomings of the basicity index models with respect to predicting the oxygen potentials of the fluxes with CaF2, CaO, SiO2, MnO, and FeO as major components. This study may provide a vital way to address technical difficulties in flux design. Based on the measured and thermodynamic data, thermodynamic parameters pertinent to flux oxygen potential have been systematically assessed.
Effect of Deoxidizing and Alloying Routes on the Evolution of Non-Metallic Inclusions in 55SiCr Spring Steel
Authors: Liu Jinwen , Tang Haiyan , Guo Luzhao , Zhang Jiaquan
Published: September 2022

Compared to the conventional deoxidation process with Al or Si-Mn for 55SiCr spring steel production, the possibility of using a Si-Ca-Ba compounded deoxidizer to control the behavior of non-metallic inclusions in spring steel was explored in this study. The effect of the addition sequence of deoxidizer and alloys into molten steel on the morphology, size, and composition of the inclusions was emphatically studied at 1873 K (1600 °C) using a high-temperature electric resistance furnace. The results indicate that adding alloy first can form less harmful inclusions in steel, which are roughly spherical and smaller than 3 μm in diameter, and its inclusion evolution path is MnO-SiO2-Al2O3→CaO-SiO2-Al2O3 and CaO-Al2O3-MgO. While adding deoxidizer first, the inclusions in steel are harmful due to its mostly irregular geometry and relatively large size over 5 μm. The inclusion evolution path is Fe-O→CaO-Al2O3(-SiO2) and CaO-Al2O3-MgO. The formation and evolution mechanism of inclusions under different addition sequences were discussed. In addition, the solubility limits of MgO from refractory into steel were studied to inhibit its corrosion by molten steel.
Galacto-Oligosaccharide Alleviates Alcohol-Induced Liver Injury by Inhibiting Oxidative Stress and Inflammation
Authors: Zhou Shipeng , Tan Qiuhua , Wen Bingjian , Bai Yan , Che Qishi , Cao Hua , Guo Jiao , Su Zhengquan
Published: September 2022

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a primary cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Oxidative stress and inflammation are important pathogenic factors contributing to ALD. We investigated the protective mechanism of galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS) against ALD through their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities by performing in vivo and in vitro experiments. Western blot and RT‒PCR results indicated that the expression of cytochrome P450 protein 2E1 (CYP2E1) in liver tissues and L02 cells was reduced in the GOS-treated mice compared with the model group. In addition, GOS prominently reduced the expression of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), increased the expression of the nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and haem oxygenase-1 (HO-1) proteins, and enhanced the antioxidant capacity. In addition, GOS decreased inflammation by reducing inflammatory factor levels and inhibiting the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway. Based on these results, GOS may be a prospective functional food for the prevention and treatment of ALD.
Mixed Treatments Comparison of Oral Nutrition Interventions for Blood Immune Cell Parameters in Cancer Patients: Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Fang Yufei , Xu Yining , Zhang Yuting , Ren Feng , Baker Julien S.
Published: September 2022

Oral nutrition interventions are commonly applied as an assistant therapeutic approach, which could affect the balance of the immunological response but with mixed evidence. The objective of this study is to identify the potential of different oral nutrition interventions for blood immune cell parameters in cancer patients. Randomized controlled trials, which were published in peer-reviewed journals in the language of English, and which identified the effects of different oral nutrition interventions on cancer patients, were screened and included in the databases of PubMed, Medline, Embase, and Web of Science. White blood cell count (WBC), lymphocyte count, CD4/CD8, and neutrophil count were selected as outcome measures. For the result, 11 trials were included. The agreement between authors reached a kappa value of 0.78. Beta-carotene supplementation has a high potential in inducing a positive effect on blood immune cell parameters for cancer patients (first positive for WBC and CD4/CD8, second positive for lymphocyte count), as well as a combination of physical exercise and hypocaloric healthy eating intervention (first positive for lymphocyte and neutrophil count, second positive for WBC). Oral nutrition supplementations with a single substance have less potential to provide a positive effect on blood immune cell parameters for cancer patients (glutamine: 0.30 and 0.28 to be the last selection for WBCs and lymphocytes; Omega 3: 0.37 to be the last selection for WBCs; Protein: 0.44 to be the last selection for lymphocytes; Zinc: 0.60 to be the last selection for neutrophils). In conclusion, the programs of immunonutrition therapy for different cancer patients might be different. The past perception that mixed oral nutritional supplementations are superior to oral nutritional supplements with a single substance might be wrong and the selection of oral nutritional supplementation need cautiousness. A combination of physical exercise might have a positive effect but also needs a higher level of evidence. Registration Number: CRD42021286396.
Sleep Disorder and Cocaine Abuse Impact Purine and Pyrimidine Nucleotide Metabolic Signatures
Authors: Doke Mayur , McLaughlin Jay P. , Baniasadi Hamid , Samikkannu Thangavel
Published: September 2022

Disturbances in the circadian rhythm alter the normal sleep-wake cycle, which increases vulnerability to drug abuse. Drug abuse can disrupt several homeostatic processes regulated by the circadian rhythm and influence addiction paradigms, including cravings for cocaine. The relationship between circadian rhythm and cocaine abuse is complex and bidirectional, and disruption impacts both brain function and metabolic profiles. Therefore, elucidating the impact of circadian rhythm changes and cocaine abuse on the human metabolome may provide new insights into identifying potential biomarkers. We examine the effect of cocaine administration with and without circadian rhythm sleep disruption (CRSD) on metabolite levels and compare these to healthy controls in an in vivo study. A metabolomics analysis is performed on the control, CRSD, cocaine, and CRSD with cocaine groups. Plasma metabolite concentrations are analyzed using a liquid chromatography electrochemical array platform. We identify 242 known metabolites compared to the control; 26 in the CRSD with cocaine group, 4 in the CRSD group, and 22 in the cocaine group are significantly differentially expressed. Intriguingly, in the CRSD with cocaine treatment group, the expression levels of uridine monophosphate (p < 0.008), adenosine 5′-diphosphate (p < 0.044), and inosine (p < 0.019) are significantly altered compared with those in the cocaine group. In summary, alterations in purine and pyrimidine metabolism provide clues regarding changes in the energy profile and metabolic pathways associated with chronic exposure to cocaine and CRSD.
Regulation Mechanism of Plant Pigments Biosynthesis: Anthocyanins, Carotenoids, and Betalains
Authors: Zhao Xuecheng , Zhang Yueran , Long Tuan , Wang Shouchuang , Yang Jun
Published: September 2022

Anthocyanins, carotenoids, and betalains are known as the three major pigments in the plant kingdom. Anthocyanins are flavonoids derived from the phenylpropanoid pathway. They undergo acylation and glycosylation in the cytoplasm to produce anthocyanin derivatives and deposits in the cytoplasm. Anthocyanin biosynthesis is regulated by the MBW (comprised by R2R3-MYB, basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) and WD40) complex. Carotenoids are fat-soluble terpenoids whose synthetic genes also are regulated by the MBW complex. As precursors for the synthesis of hormones and nutrients, carotenoids are not only synthesized in plants, but also synthesized in some fungi and bacteria, and play an important role in photosynthesis. Betalains are special water-soluble pigments that exist only in Caryophyllaceae plants. Compared to anthocyanins and carotenoids, the synthesis and regulation mechanism of betalains is simpler, starting from tyrosine, and is only regulated by MYB (myeloblastosis). Recently, a considerable amount of novel information has been gathered on the regulation of plant pigment biosynthesis, specifically with respect to aspects. In this review, we summarize the knowledge and current gaps in our understanding with a view of highlighting opportunities for the development of pigment-rich plants.
Non-Invasive Metabolic and Structural Retinal Markers in Patients with Giant Cell Arteritis and Polymyalgia Rheumatica: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Lowater Simon J. , Ellingsen Torkell J. , Pedersen Jens K. , Wied Jimmi , Grauslund Jakob , Byg Keld-Erik
Published: September 2022

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a potential sight-threatening disease. Although it is associated with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), visual loss is not common in PMR. A retinal oximeter can be used to conduct a direct, non-invasive, in vivo assessment of the vascular system. In a cross-sectional study, we measured the retinal oxygen saturation and retinal vessel calibers in GCA patients, PMR patients, and control participants. Twenty GCA patients (38 eyes), 19 PMR patients (33 eyes), and 12 controls (20 eyes) were investigated. Images were analyzed using Oxymap Analyzer software 2.5.0 (Oxymap ehf., Reykjavik, Iceland). Groups were compared using an age- and sex-adjusted linear mixed model regression. The median (IQR) age for GCA patients was 69.0 (66.5–76.5) years, for PMR 69.0 (67.0–72.0) years, and for the controls 75.5 (71.5–81.0) years, respectively. As compared to the controls (115.3 µm), the retinal arterioles were significantly wider in patients with GCA (124.4 µm; p = 0.023) and PMR (124.8 µm; p = 0.049). No difference was found in the retinal venular caliber or vascular oxygen saturation. These results indicate that GCA and PMR patients differ similarly in the retinal arteriolar diameter compared to controls. Further studies are needed in order to clarify the underlying inflammatory mechanisms in retinal arteriolar vessels and if these parameters can be used to predict clinical outcomes.
Magnetron Sputtering of Transition Metals as an Alternative Production Means for Antibacterial Surfaces
Authors: Kaltschmidt Bernhard Peter , Asghari Ehsan , Kiel Annika , Cremer Julian , Anselmetti Dario , Kaltschmidt Christian , Kaltschmidt Barbara , Hütten Andreas
Published: September 2022

In the light of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and growing numbers of bacteria with resistance to antibiotics, the development of antimicrobial coatings is rising worldwide. Inorganic coatings are attractive because of low environmental leakage and wear resistance. Examples for coatings are hot metal dipping or physical vapor deposition of nanometer coatings. Here, magnetron sputtering of various transition metals, such as gold, ruthenium and tantalum, was investigated. Metal films were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). We investigated the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from household appliances on different sputter-coated metal surfaces. The fine-grained nanometric structure of these metal coatings was between 14 nm (tantalum) and 26 nm (gold) and the roughness was in a range of 164 pm (ruthenium) to 246 pm (gold). Antibacterial efficacy of metal surfaces followed the order: gold > tantalum > ruthenium. Interestingly, gold had the strongest inhibitory effect on bacterial growth, as analyzed by LIVE/DEAD and CFU assay. High-magnification SEM images showed dead bacteria characterized by shrinkage induced by metal coatings. We conclude that sputtering might be a new application for the development of antimicrobial surfaces on household appliances and or surgical instruments.
Genome-Based Exploration of Rhodococcus Species for Plastic-Degrading Genetic Determinants Using Bioinformatic Analysis
Authors: Zampolli Jessica , Orro Alessandro , Vezzini Daniele , Di Gennaro Patrizia
Published: September 2022

Plastic polymer waste management is an increasingly prevalent issue. In this paper, Rhodococcus genomes were explored to predict new plastic-degrading enzymes based on recently discovered biodegrading enzymes for diverse plastic polymers. Bioinformatics prediction analyses were conducted using 124 gene products deriving from diverse microorganisms retrieved from databases, literature data, omic-approaches, and functional analyses. The whole results showed the plastic-degrading potential of Rhodococcus genus. Among the species with high plastic-degrading potential, R. erythropolis, R. equi, R. opacus, R. qingshengii, R. fascians, and R. rhodochrous appeared to be the most promising for possible plastic removal. A high number of genetic determinants related to polyester biodegradation were obtained from different Rhodococcus species. However, score calculation demonstrated that Rhodococcus species (especially R. pyridinivorans, R. qingshengii, and R. hoagii) likely possess PE-degrading enzymes. The results identified diverse oxidative systems, including multicopper oxidases, alkane monooxygenases, cytochrome P450 hydroxylases, para-nitrobenzylesterase, and carboxylesterase, and they could be promising reference sequences for the biodegradation of plastics with C−C backbone, plastics with heteroatoms in the main chain, and polyesters, respectively. Notably, the results of this study could be further exploited for biotechnological applications in biodegradative processes using diverse Rhodococcus strains and through catalytic reactions.
Maize Apoplastic Fluid Bacteria Alter Feeding Characteristics of Herbivore (Spodoptera frugiperda) in Maize
Authors: Ranjith Sellappan , Kalaiselvi Thangavel , Muthusami Muruganagounder , Sivakumar Uthandi
Published: September 2022

Maize is an important cereal crop which is severely affected by Spodoptera frugiperda. The study aims to identify endophytic bacteria of maize root and leaf apoplastic fluid with bioprotective traits against S. frugiperda and plant growth promoting properties. Among 15 bacterial endophytic isolates, two strains—namely, RAF5 and LAF5—were selected and identified as Alcaligenes sp. MZ895490 and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens MZ895491, respectively. The bioprotective potential of B. amyloliquefaciens was evaluated through bioassays. In a no-choice bioassay, second instar larvae of S. frugiperda fed on B. amyloliquefaciens treated leaves (B+) recorded comparatively lesser growth (1.10 ± 0.19 mg mg−1 day−1) and consumptive (7.16 ± 3.48 mg mg−1 day−1) rates. In larval dip and choice bioassay, the same trend was observed. In detached leaf experiment, leaf feeding deterrence of S. frugiperda was found to be greater due to inoculation with B. amyloliquefaciens than Alcaligenes sp. The phenolics content of B. amyloliquefaciens inoculated plant was also found to be greater (3.06 ± 0.09 mg gallic acid g−1). However, plant biomass production was more in Alcaligenes sp inoculated treatment. The study thus demonstrates the potential utility of Alcaligenes sp. and B. amyloliquefaciens for improving growth and biotic (S. frugiperda) stress tolerance in maize.
Distribution of Trace Elements (Ag, Pd, Cd, and Mn) between Pyrite and Pyrrhotite and Selectivity of Surficial Nonautonomous Phases in a Hydrothermal System
Authors: Lipko Sergey , Tauson Vladimir , Smagunov Nikolay , Babkin Dmitriy , Parkhomenko Irina
Published: September 2022

The dual distribution coefficients (D) that are related to structurally and superficially bound trace element (TE) in pyrite (Py) and pyrrhotite (Po) associations, crystallized hydrothermally at 400 °C and 1 kbar pressure, were determined. Three independent methods were used to estimate the structural and surficial TE contents (Cstr and Csur) and the corresponding D Py/Po values (Dstr and Dsur), which were found, on average, to be 12.4, 0.8, 0.9, and 0.06 (Dstr) and 2.6, 0.7, 2.0, and 0.07 (Dsur) for Ag, Pd, Cd, and Mn, respectively. The coincidence of a dual D for several elements was a result of coupled changes in Csur and Cstr. The selectivity (S) of the surficial nonautonomous phases (NAPs) that were responsible for TE accumulation (which is the ratio of TE concentrations in surficial and structural modes) was determined. It was shown that the interpretation of TE uptake by surficial phases was adequate and that this phenomenon is common in nature, independently of the system where it occurs—i.e., in experimental autoclaves or in hydrothermal ore deposits. Studies of NAPs selectivity can help in evaluating the total element compatibility in minerals and the maximum possible contents of structurally bound admixtures of the element (solubility) in minerals under given conditions. A significant surficial impurity accumulation effect is most important and well-pronounced for incompatible micro-elements with concentrations of less than ~0.1 wt%. The surficial mode may be a source of Pd and other platinum group elements and more abundant and easily refined than the structurally bound mode.
Spatio-Temporal Evolution of the Crustal Uplift in Eastern NE China: Constraint from Detrital Zircon Ages of Late Mesozoic Clastic Rocks in the Boli Basin
Authors: He Song , Cheng Hong , Li Shuangqing , Cao Cong , He Jun , Chen Fukun
Published: September 2022

Detrital zircon of clastic rocks has been widely recognized as a powerful tool for the study of crustal uplift, which is of great significance for understanding multi-sphere interaction. However, young detrital zircons can only roughly constrain the depositional time of the strata, and commonly used zircon age probability density and kernel density estimations cannot provide sufficient evidence to reveal spatio-temporal differences in tectonic uplift. The basins developed in active continental margins usually contain abundant magmatic rocks, which can provide insights into basin evolution and crustal deformation when combined with sedimentary characteristics. In this study, we report detrital zircon ages of Late Mesozoic clastic rocks from the Boli Basin, being part of the Great Sanjiang Basin Group in eastern NE China, which is strongly affected by the Paleo-Pacific subduction. In conjunction with the age data of coeval magmatic rocks and potential sedimentary sources of basement rocks adjacent to the basin, the geochronologic results of this study provide solid evidence for the formation of the Boli Basin and the spatio-temporal evolution of the crustal uplift in northeastern China. The Boli Basin went through multi-phase tectonic evolution of syn-rift and post-rift stages, based on the zircon age data of clastic and igneous rocks. When the geographical distribution characteristics of potential sedimentary sources and their percentages of contribution are taken into account, two stages of eastward migration of the crustal uplift and two episodes of basin destruction caused by the tectonic extension and subsequent compression can be proposed for the Boli Basin. These processes were caused successively by the rolling back of the subducted Paleo-Pacific slab, the docking of the Okhotomorsk block along the eastern continental margin of East Asia, and the transition of the subduction zone by the collision of the Okhotomorsk block.
Brassica Genus Seeds: A Review on Phytochemical Screening and Pharmacological Properties
Authors: Ayadi Jawaher , Debouba Mohamed , Rahmani Rami , Bouajila Jalloul
Published: September 2022

Traditionally, Brassica species are widely used in traditional medicine, human food, and animal feed. Recently, special attention has been dedicated to Brassica seeds as source of health-promoting phytochemicals. This review provides a summary of recent research on the Brassica seed phytochemistry, bioactivity, dietary importance, and toxicity by screening the major online scientific database sources and papers published in recent decades by Elsevier, Springer, and John Wiley. The search was conducted covering the period from January 1964 to July 2022. Phytochemically, polyphenols, glucosinolates, and their degradation products were the predominant secondary metabolites in seeds. Different extracts and their purified constituents from seeds of Brassica species have been found to possess a wide range of biological properties including antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and neuroprotective activities. These valuable functional properties of Brassica seeds are related to their richness in active compounds responsible for the prevention and treatment of various chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cancer, and COVID-19. Currently, the potential properties of Brassica seeds and their components are the main focus of research, but their toxicity and health risks must also be accounted for.
Flavanones from Erythrina crista-galli Twigs and Their Antioxidant Properties Determined through In Silico and In Vitro Studies
Authors: Deviani Vanny , Hardianto Ari , Farabi Kindi , Herlina Tati
Published: September 2022

Flavonoids are a secondary metabolite group with various bioactivities, such as antioxidants. They are rich in the genus Erythrina, such as Erythrina crista-galli. This research aims to isolate and characterize flavonoids from the twigs of E. crista-galli and determine their antioxidant properties through in silico and in vitro assays. The ethyl acetate extract of E. crista-galli twigs were separated by column chromatography and characterized using spectroscopic methods. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed on the isolated flavonoids and the reference compounds (ascorbic acid and quercetin) to obtain global descriptive parameters and a donor–acceptor map (DAM). We successfully isolated lupinifolin (1) and citflavanone (2) for the first time from E. crista-galli, along with lonchocarpol A (3), which has been discovered previously. The DAM suggests that these flavanones are good antiradicals with effective electron donors. However, they tend to be electron acceptors in methanol. The frontier molecular orbital analysis implies that lupinifolin (1) is a better antiradical than the other flavanones. The DPPH assays show that lupinifolin (1) has the highest antioxidant (antiradical) activity, with an IC50 value of 128.64 ppm. The in silico studies showed similar trends to the in vitro assays using the DPPH method.
Lanthanide Complexes in Recent Molecules
Authors: Akitsu Takashiro
Published: September 2022

The MDPI journal Molecules publishes excellent papers on molecules in every issue, but I found that there are surprisingly only a few papers (3) and reviews (1) on rare-earth elements (lanthanide) in the category of inorganic chemistry these days [...]
Elicitor-Induced VOC Emission by Grapevine Leaves: Characterisation in the Vineyard
Authors: Lemaitre-Guillier Christelle , Chartier Agnès , Dufresne Christelle , Douillet Antonin , Cluzet Stéphanie , Valls Josep , Aveline Nicolas , Daire Xavier , Adrian Marielle
Published: September 2022

The present study is aimed at determining whether leaf volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are good markers of the grapevine response to defence elicitors in the field. It was carried out in two distinct French vineyards (Burgundy and Bordeaux) over 3 years. The commercial elicitor Bastid® (Syngenta, Saint-Sauveur, France) (COS-OGA) was first used to optimise the VOCs’ capture in the field; by bagging stems together with a stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE) sensor. Three elicitors (Bastid®, copper sulphate and methyl jasmonate) were assessed at three phenological stages of the grapevines by monitoring stilbene phytoalexins and VOCs. Stilbene production was low and variable between treatments and phenological stages. VOCs—particularly terpenes—were induced by all elicitors. However, the response profiles depended on the type of elicitor, the phenological stage and the vineyard, and no sole common VOC was found. The levels of VOC emissions discriminated between weak (Bastid® and copper sulphate) and strong (methyl jasmonate) inducers. Ocimene isomers were constitutively present in the overall blends of the vineyards and increased by the elicitors’ treatments, whilst other VOCs were newly released throughout the growing seasons. Nonetheless, the plant development and climate factors undoubtedly influenced the release and profiles of the leaf VOCs.
Seaweeds in the Oncology Arena: Anti-Cancer Potential of Fucoidan as a Drug—A Review
Authors: Jin Jun-O , Yadav Dhananjay , Madhwani Kajal , Puranik Nidhi , Chavda Vishal , Song Minseok
Published: September 2022

Marine natural products are a discerning arena to search for the future generation of medications to treat a spectrum of ailments. Meanwhile, cancer is becoming more ubiquitous over the world, and the likelihood of dying from it is rising. Surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy are the mainstays of cancer treatment worldwide, but their extensive side effects limit their curative effect. The quest for low-toxicity marine drugs to prevent and treat cancer is one of the current research priorities of researchers. Fucoidan, an algal sulfated polysaccharide, is a potent therapeutic lead candidate against cancer, signifying that far more research is needed. Fucoidan is a versatile, nontoxic marine-origin heteropolysaccharide that has received much attention due to its beneficial biological properties and safety. Fucoidan has been demonstrated to exhibit a variety of conventional bioactivities, such as antiviral, antioxidant, and immune-modulatory characteristics, and anticancer activity against a wide range of malignancies has also recently been discovered. Fucoidan inhibits tumorigenesis by prompting cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, blocking metastasis and angiogenesis, and modulating physiological signaling molecules. This review compiles the molecular and cellular aspects, immunomodulatory and anticancer actions of fucoidan as a natural marine anticancer agent. Specific fucoidan and membranaceous polysaccharides from Ecklonia cava, Laminaria japonica, Fucus vesiculosus, Astragalus, Ascophyllum nodosum, Codium fragile serving as potential anticancer marine drugs are discussed in this review.
Building a Three-Level User Experience (UX) Measurement Framework for Mobile Banking Applications in a Chinese Context: An Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) Analysis
Authors: Zhu Di , Xu Yuanhong , Ma Hongjie , Liao Jingxiao , Sun Wen , Chen Yuting , Liu Wei
Published: September 2022

User experience (UX) has drawn the attention of the banking industry in the past few decades. Although banking systems have a complete service process to ensure financial safety for customers, the mobile banking UX has much potential to be improved. Most research in this field of study relies on existing criteria to describe a user’s experience. However, these criteria are focused more on usability measurement, which neglects to identify the requirements of end-users. Users are asked to give feedback on the provided application, limiting the scope of the user study. Therefore, this study uses mixed methods research and in-depth semi-structured interviews to collect end-user UX requirements to build a UX measurement framework of five main services transfers, including financial management, loans, account openings, and credit cards. This study uses an online survey to validate and revise the framework by applying analytic hierarchy process (AHP) analysis to quantify criteria. We interviewed 17 customers and collected 857 online validation surveys, and 400 customers attended the AHP analysis. As a result, this study proposes a three-level measurement framework for mobile banking applications in a Chinese context. The first-level criteria are scenario requirements (24.03%), data requirements (20.98%), and function requirements (54.99%). We hope that the framework will guide designers and researchers to design better user-friendly user interfaces and improve customer satisfaction rates in the future.
An Internal-Electrostatic-Field-Boosted Self-Powered Ultraviolet Photodetector
Authors: Yuan Dingcheng , Wan Lingyu , Zhang Haiming , Jiang Jiang , Liu Boxun , Li Yongsheng , Su Zihan , Zhai Junyi
Published: September 2022

Self-powered photodetectors are of significance for the development of low-energy-consumption and environment-friendly Internet of Things. The performance of semiconductor-based self-powered photodetectors is limited by the low quality of junctions. Here, a novel strategy was proposed for developing high-performance self-powered photodetectors with boosted electrostatic potential. The proposed self-powered ultraviolet (UV) photodetector consisted of an indium tin oxide and titanium dioxide (ITO/TiO2) heterojunction and an electret film (poly tetra fluoroethylene, PTFE). The PTFE layer introduces a built-in electrostatic field to highly enhance the photovoltaic effect, and its high internal resistance greatly reduces the dark current, and thus remarkable performances were achieved. The self-powered UV photodetector with PTFE demonstrated an extremely high on–off ratio of 2.49 × 105, a responsivity of 76.87 mA/W, a response rise time of 7.44 ms, and a decay time of 3.75 ms. Furthermore, the device exhibited exceptional stability from room temperature to 70 °C. Compared with the conventional ITO/TiO2 heterojunction without the PTFE layer, the photoresponse of the detector improved by 442-fold, and the light–dark ratio was increased by 8.40 × 105 times. In addition, the detector is simple, easy to fabricate, and low cost. Therefore, it can be used on a large scale. The electrostatic modulation effect is universal for various types of semiconductor junctions and is expected to inspire more innovative applications in optoelectronic and microelectronic devices.
Micro- and Nanoscale Imaging of Fluids in Water Using Refractive-Index-Matched Materials
Authors: Satake Shin-ichi
Published: September 2022

Three-dimensional (3D) visualization in water is a technique that, in addition to macroscale visualization, enables micro- and nanoscale visualization via a microfabrication technique, which is particularly important in the study of biological systems. This review paper introduces micro- and nanoscale 3D fluid visualization methods. First, we introduce a specific holographic fluid measurement method that can visualize three-dimensional fluid phenomena; we introduce the basic principles and survey both the initial and latest related research. We also present a method of combining this technique with refractive-index-matched materials. Second, we outline the TIRF method, which is a method for nanoscale fluid measurements, and introduce measurement examples in combination with imprinted materials. In particular, refractive-index-matched materials are unaffected by diffraction at the nanoscale, but the key is to create nanoscale shapes. The two visualization methods reviewed here can also be used for other fluid measurements; however, because these methods can used in combination with refractive-index-matched materials in water, they are expected to be applied to experimental measurements of biological systems.
Interfacial Photothermal Heat Accumulation for Simultaneous Salt Rejection and Freshwater Generation; an Efficient Solar Energy Harvester
Authors: Wei Zhou , Arshad Naila , Hui Chen , Irshad Muhammad Sultan , Mushtaq Naveed , Hussain Shahid , Shah Matiullah , Naqvi Syed Zohaib Hassan , Rizwan Muhammad , Shahzad Naeem , Li Hongrong , Lu Yuzheng , Wang Xianbao
Published: September 2022

Water scarcity has emerged as an intense global threat to humanity and needs prompt attention from the scientific community. Solar-driven interfacial evaporation and seawater desalination are promising strategies to resolve the primitive water shortage issue using renewable resources. However, the fragile solar thermal devices, complex fabricating techniques, and high cost greatly hinder extensive solar energy utilization in remote locations. Herein, we report the facile fabrication of a cost-effective solar-driven interfacial evaporator and seawater desalination system composed of carbon cloth (CC)-wrapped polyurethane foam (CC@PU). The developed solar evaporator had outstanding photo-thermal conversion efficiency (90%) with a high evaporation rate (1.71 kg m−2 h−1). The interfacial layer of black CC induced multiple incident rays on the surface allowing the excellent solar absorption (92%) and intensifying heat localization (67.37 °C) under 1 kW m−2 with spatially defined hydrophilicity to facilitate the easy vapor escape and validate the efficacious evaporation structure using extensive solar energy exploitation for practical application. More importantly, the long-term evaporation experiments with minimum discrepancy under seawater conditions endowed excellent mass change (15.24 kg m−2 in consecutive 8 h under 1 kW m−2 solar irradiations) and promoted its operational sustainability for multi-media rejection and self-dissolving potential (3.5 g NaCl rejected from CC@PU surface in 210 min). Hence, the low-cost and facile fabrication of CC@PU-based interfacial evaporation structure showcases the potential for enhanced solar-driven interfacial heat accumulation for freshwater production with simultaneous salt rejection.
Light-Trapping Electrode for the Efficiency Enhancement of Bifacial Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Obraztsova Anna A. , Barettin Daniele , Furasova Aleksandra D. , Voroshilov Pavel M. , Auf der Maur Matthias , Orsini Andrea , Makarov Sergey V.
Published: September 2022

Antireflection and light-trapping coatings are important parts of photovoltaic architectures, which enable the reduction of parasitic optical losses, and therefore increase the power conversion efficiency (PCE). Here, we propose a novel approach to enhance the efficiency of perovskite solar cells using a light-trapping electrode (LTE) with non-reciprocal optical transmission, consisting of a perforated metal film covered with a densely packed array of nanospheres. Our LTE combines charge collection and light trapping, and it can replace classical transparent conducting oxides (TCOs) such as ITO or FTO, providing better optical transmission and conductivity. One of the most promising applications of our original LTE is the optimization of efficient bifacial perovskite solar cells. We demonstrate that with our LTE, the short-circuit current density and fill factor are improved for both front and back illumination of the solar cells. Thus, we observe an 11% improvement in the light absorption for the monofacial PSCs, and a 15% for the bifacial PSCs. The best theoretical results of efficiency for our PSCs are 27.9% (monofacial) and 33.4% (bifacial). Our study opens new prospects for the further efficiency enhancement for perovskite solar cells.
Fast-Response Photodetector Based on Hybrid Bi2Te3/PbS Colloidal Quantum Dots
Authors: Yu Lijing , Tian Pin , Tang Libin , Hao Qun , Teng Kar Seng , Zhong Hefu , Yue Biao , Wang Haipeng , Yan Shunying
Published: September 2022

Colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) as photodetector materials have attracted much attention in recent years due to their tunable energy bands, low cost, and solution processability. However, their intrinsically low carrier mobility and three-dimensional (3D) confinement of charges are unsuitable for use in fast-response and highly sensitive photodetectors, hence greatly restricting their application in many fields. Currently, 3D topological insulators, such as bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3), have been employed in high-speed broadband photodetectors due to their narrow bulk bandgap, high carrier mobility, and strong light absorption. In this work, the advantages of topological insulators and CQDs were realized by developing a hybrid Bi2Te3/PbS CQDs photodetector that exhibited a maximum responsivity and detectivity of 18 A/W and 2.1 × 1011 Jones, respectively, with a rise time of 128 μs at 660 nm light illumination. The results indicate that such a photodetector has potential application in the field of fast-response and large-scale integrated optoelectronic devices.
Development of Bio-Nanofluids Based on the Effect of Nanoparticles’ Chemical Nature and Novel Solanum torvum Extract for Chemical Enhanced Oil Recovery (CEOR) Processes
Authors: Zapata Karol , Rodríguez Yuber , Lopera Sergio H. , Cortes Farid B. , Franco Camilo A.
Published: September 2022

This study aimed to develop novel bio-nanofluids using Solanum torvum extracts in synergy with nanoparticles of different chemical nature as a proposal sustainable for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) applications. For this, saponin-rich extracts (SRE) were obtained from Solanum torvum fruit using ultrasound-assisted and Soxhlet extraction. The results revealed that Soxhlet is more efficient for obtaining SRE from Solanum torvum and that degreasing does not generate additional yields. SRE was characterized by Fourier transformed infrared spectrophotometry, thermogravimetric analysis, hydrophilic–lipophilic balance, and critical micelle concentration analyses. Bio-nanofluids based on SiO2 (strong acid), ZrO2 (acid), Al2O3 (neutral), and MgO (basic) nanoparticles and SRE were designed to evaluate the effect of the chemical nature of the nanoparticles on the SRE performance. The results show that 100 mg L−1 MgO nanoparticles improved the interfacial tension up to 57% and the capillary number increased by two orders of magnitude using this bio-nanofluid. SRE solutions enhanced with MgO recovered about 21% more than the system in the absence of nanoparticles. The addition of MgO nanoparticles did not cause a loss of injectivity. This is the first study on the surface-active properties of Solanum torvum enhanced with nanomaterials as an environmentally friendly EOR process.
Short-Chain Fatty Acid Reference Ranges in Pregnant Women from a Mediterranean Region of Northern Spain: ECLIPSES Study
Authors: Martín-Grau Carla , Díaz-López Andrés , Aparicio Estefania , Arija Victoria
Published: September 2022

Maternal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) play a critical role in fetal development and metabolic programming. However, an important gap in the analysis of such relationships is the lack of reference values in pregnant women. Therefore, we establish serum SCFA percentile reference ranges both early and later in pregnancy in a population from a Mediterranean region of Northern Spain. A population-based follow-up study involving 455 healthy pregnant women (mean age 30.6 ± 5.0 years) from the ECLIPSES study is conducted. Sociodemographic, obstetric, anthropometric, lifestyle, dietary variables and blood samples were collected in the first and third trimesters. Serum SCFA concentrations were measured by LC-MS/MS. The 2.5/97.5 percentiles of the reference interval for serum acetic, propionic, isobutyric, and butyric acids were 16.4/103.8 µmol/L, 2.1/5.8 µmol/L, 0.16/1.01 µmol/L and 0.32/1.67 µmol/L in the first trimester of pregnancy, respectively. In the third trimester, butyrate levels increased with most of the maternal factors and categories studied, while acetic acid and isobutyric acid decreased only in some maternal categories. Propionic acid was not affected by maternal factors. Reference ranges did not vary with maternal age, body weight, social class or diet, but decreased with smoking, high physical activity, low BMI and primiparity. This study establishes for the first-time SCFAs reference ranges in serum for women in our region in both early and late pregnancy. This information can be useful to monitor pregnancy follow-up and detect risk values.
Pre-Pregnancy Excess Weight Association with Maternal Sociodemographic, Anthropometric and Lifestyle Factors and Maternal Perinatal Outcomes
Authors: Papandreou Dimitrios , Mantzorou Maria , Tyrovolas Stefanos , Pavlidou Eleni , Antasouras Georgios , Psara Evmorfia , Poulios Efthymios , Vasios Georgios K. , Giaginis Constantinos
Published: September 2022

Background: Pre-pregnancy excess weight is an important factor for adverse maternal perinatal outcomes; however, data for Greek women remain limited. Therefore, the aim of the present work was to evaluate the relation between pre-pregnant weight status and sociodemographic, anthropometric and lifestyle factors and maternal perinatal outcomes. Methods: In the present cross-sectional study, 5133 healthy women were enrolled from nine different Greek regions after applying specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Validated questionnaires were used to assess the sociodemographic characteristics and certain lifestyle factors of the study population. Anthropometric and clinical data were retrieved from medical history files of the women, including measured weight in the first weeks of pregnancy and right before delivery, and maternal perinatal outcomes. Women’s weights and heights were also measured 2–5 years postpartum by trained nutritionists. Non-adjusted and adjusted statistical analysis was performed to assess whether pre-pregnancy weight status was associated with sociodemographic, anthropometric and lifestyle factors and maternal perinatal outcomes. Results: In pre-pregnancy, 17.5% of the women were overweight, and 4.9% were classified as obese. These rates were increased 2–5 years postpartum, reaching 21.0% for overweight and 9.6% for obese women. Pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity were associated with older maternal age, higher prevalence of overweight/obesity at 2–5 years postpartum and nonexclusive breastfeeding, as well as increased rates for preterm birth and pregnancy-induced hypertension after multiple adjustments. Conclusions: Overweight and obesity rates were high among women of childbearing age in Greece. These findings highlight the urgent need for healthy lifestyle promotion and targeted obesity prevention and intervention schemes among women of reproductive age.
Grifola frondosa Extract Containing Bioactive Components Blocks Skin Fibroblastic Inflammation and Cytotoxicity Caused by Endocrine Disrupting Chemical, Bisphenol A
Authors: Kim Ju-Ha , Lim Seong-Ryeong , Jung Dae-Hwa , Kim Eun-Ju , Sung Junghee , Kim Sang Chan , Choi Chang-Hyung , Kang Ji-Woong , Lee Sei-Jung
Published: September 2022

Grifola frondosa (GF), a species of Basidiomycotina, is widely distributed across Asia and has been used as an immunomodulatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-cancer agent. In the present study, the pharmacological activity of the GF extract against an ecotoxicological industrial chemical, bisphenol A (BPA) in normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs), was investigated. GF extract containing naringin, hesperidin, chlorogenic acid, and kaempferol showed an inhibitory effect on cell death and inflammation induced by BPA in the NHDFs. For the cell death caused by BPA, GF extract inhibited the production of reactive oxygen species responsible for the unique activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase. In addition, GF extract attenuated the expression of apoptosis-related proteins (Bax, Bcl-2, and cleaved caspase-3) and the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β by the suppression of the redox-sensitive transcription factor, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) in BPA-treated NHDFs. For the inflammation triggered by BPA, GF extract blocked the inflammasome-mediated caspase-1 activation that leads to the secretion of IL-1β protein. These results indicate that the GF extract is a functional antioxidant that prevents skin fibroblastic pyroptosis induced by BPA.
Design Simulation and Data Analysis of an Optical Spectrometer
Authors: Naeem Muddasir , Imran Tayyab , Hussain Mukhtar , Bhatti Arshad Saleem
Published: September 2022

Spectrometers have a wide range of applications ranging from optical to non-optical spectroscopy. The need for compact, portable, and user-friendly spectrometers has been a focus of attention from small laboratories to the industrial scale. Here, the Czerny Turner configuration-based optical spectrometer simulation design was carried out using ZEMAX OpticStudio. A compact and low-cost optical spectrometer in the visible range was developed by using diffraction grating as a dispersive element and a USB-type webcam CCD (charge-coupled device) as a detector instead of an expensive commercial diffraction grating and detector. Using National Instruments LabVIEW, data acquisition, processing, and display techniques were made possible. We employed different virtual images in LabVIEW programs to collect the pixel-to-pixel information and wavelength-intensity information from the image captured using the webcam CCD. Finally, we demonstrated that the OpticStudio-based spectrometer and experimental measurements with the developed spectrometer were in good agreement.
Molecular Characterization of HN1304M, a Cat Que Virus Isolated from Midges in China
Authors: Xu Ziqian , Cao Lei , Cai Liang , Fu Shihong , Nie Kai , Yin Qikai , Cao Yuxi , Liu Guoping , Liu Yunzhi , Zhang Hong , Gao Lidong , He Ying , Wang Huanyu , Liang Guodong
Published: September 2022

The Cat Que orthobunyavirus has been found in mosquitoes, birds, pigs, and humans, suggesting its wide range of hosts and potential public health implications. During arbovirus surveillance in 2013, the HN1304M virus was isolated from naturally occurring Culicoides biting midges in Hunan Province, southern China. The virus was cytopathic to BHK-21 cells and showed stable passage, but was not cytopathic to C6/36 cells. Determination and analysis of the viral genome sequence revealed that HN1304M is an RNA virus with three gene segments, namely, L, M, and S. The nucleotide and amino acid sequence homologies of HN1304M to Cat Que viruses in the Manzanilla species complex were 90.3–99.4%, and 95–100%, respectively, while the homologies to other viruses in this species complex were 74–86.6% and 78.1–96.1%, respectively. A phylogenetic analysis of the viral genes revealed that HN1304M formed an evolutionary branch with other Cat Que viruses isolated from mosquitoes, pigs, birds, and humans, which was completely independent of the other viruses in this complex. The fact that the Cat Que virus was isolated from Culicoides suggests that biting midges may participate in the natural circulation of Cat Que viruses.