bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mg-Doped ZnO Nanoparticles with Tunable Band Gaps for Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS)-Based Sensing
Authors: Adesoye Samuel , Al Abdullah Saqer , Nowlin Kyle , Dellinger Kristen
Published: October 2022

Semiconductors have great potential as surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates due to their excellent physiochemical properties. However, they provide low signal enhancements relative to their plasmonic counterparts, which necessitates innovation in their synthesis and application. Substitutional atomic doping is proposed to improve SERS enhancement by controlling electronic properties, such as the band gap. In this work, zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles were synthesized by co-precipitation and doped with magnesium (Mg) at concentrations ranging from 2–10%. Nanoparticle morphology and size were obtained by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Elemental composition and chemical states were determined using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Optical properties were obtained with a UV-vis spectrophotometer, while a Raman spectrometer was used to acquire Raman signal enhancements. Stability was assessed by UV-vis spectroscopy, while cytotoxicity was evaluated by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The results showed that the absorption edge of Mg-doped ZnO nanoparticles was red-shifted compared to pure ZnO nanoparticles. The band gap decreased (3.3–3.01 eV) with increasing Mg doping, while the highest Raman enhancement was observed at 2% doping. No significant cytotoxic effects were observed at low concentrations (3–12 μg/mL). Overall, this study provides evidence for the tunability of ZnO substrates and may serve as a platform for applications in molecular biosensing.
Editorial for the Special Issue: “Advanced Nanomaterials for Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Storage”
Authors: Zhang Zhihong , Wang Rongming
Published: October 2022

Developing efficient and low-cost energy conversion and storage devices and technologies is all-important issue in order to achieve a low-carbon society, whose performance essentially depends on the properties of materials [...]
Metformin Treatment Modulates Long Non-Coding RNA Isoforms Expression in Human Cells
Authors: Conceição Izabela Mamede C. A. da , Luscher-Dias Thomaz , Queiroz Lúcio R. , de Melo Ana Gabrielle B. , Machado Carlos Renato , Gomes Karina B. , Souza Renan P. , Luizon Marcelo R. , Franco Glória R.
Published: October 2022

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) undergo splicing and have multiple transcribed isoforms. Nevertheless, for lncRNAs, as well as for mRNA, measurements of expression are routinely performed only at the gene level. Metformin is the first-line oral therapy for type 2 diabetes mellitus and other metabolic diseases. However, its mechanism of action remains not thoroughly explained. Transcriptomic analyses using metformin in different cell types reveal that only protein-coding genes are considered. We aimed to characterize lncRNA isoforms that were differentially affected by metformin treatment on multiple human cell types (three cancer, two non-cancer) and to provide insights into the lncRNA regulation by this drug. We selected six series to perform a differential expression (DE) isoform analysis. We also inferred the biological roles for lncRNA DE isoforms using in silico tools. We found the same isoform of an lncRNA (AC016831.6-205) highly expressed in all six metformin series, which has a second exon putatively coding for a peptide with relevance to the drug action. Moreover, the other two lncRNA isoforms (ZBED5-AS1-207 and AC125807.2-201) may also behave as cis-regulatory elements to the expression of transcripts in their vicinity. Our results strongly reinforce the importance of considering DE isoforms of lncRNA for understanding metformin mechanisms at the molecular level.
Uric Acid Levels Are Associated with Bone Mineral Density in Mexican Populations: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Robles-Rivera Karina , Argoty-Pantoja Anna D. , Hidalgo-Bravo Alberto , Quezada-Sánchez Amado D. , León-Reyes Guadalupe , Flores Yvonne N. , Salmerón Jorge , Velázquez-Cruz Rafael , Rivera-Paredez Berenice
Published: October 2022

Background: Inconsistent epidemiological evidence between uric acid (UA) and bone mineral density (BMD) has been observed. Therefore, we evaluated the association between UA and BMD in Mexican adults. Methods: This analysis was conducted on 1423 participants from the Health Workers Cohort Study. We explored cross-sectional associations using linear regression and longitudinal associations using fixed-effects linear regression by sex and age groups (<45 and ≥45 years). Results: In females <45 years old, the cross-sectional analysis showed that UA levels were positively associated with total hip BMD. However, in the longitudinal analysis, we observed a negative association with the femoral neck and lumbar spine BMD. In contrast, in males <45 years old, we found an increase in total hip and femoral neck BMD in the groups with high levels of UA in the longitudinal association. On the other hand, in females ≥45 years old, we observed a longitudinal association between UA and loss of BMD at different sites. We did not observe an association between UA levels and BMD in males ≥45 years old. Conclusions: Our results suggest higher serum UA levels are associated with low BMD at different skeletal sites in Mexican females. Further studies are needed to delineate the underlying mechanisms behind this observation.
Body Composition in Multiple Sclerosis Patients and Its Relationship to the Disability Level, Disease Duration and Glucocorticoid Therapy
Authors: Matusik Edyta , Durmala Jacek , Ksciuk Barbara , Matusik Pawel
Published: October 2022

Background: Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) have many potential factors (spasticity, immobilization, glucocorticoids use) for the deterioration of body composition. Aim: To assess the nutritional status (by classical anthropometry and by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA)) in MS patients and to correlate it with clinical state, MS duration time and the presence of glucocorticoid therapy in anamnesis (ever used). Methods: Anthropometrical (BMI and waist and hip circumferences, waist-to-height ratio (W/HtR), and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR)) and body composition (BIA) data were evaluated in 176 patients with MS. Fat mass (FM), and fat-free mass (FFM) were expressed as kilograms (kg), percentage (%) and indexes (FMI: fat mass index, FFMI: fat-free mass index) expressed in kg/m2. The median Expanded Disability Status Scale score was 4.5. Patients were then divided according to EDSS score as mild (EDSS 1.0–4.0) or moderate (EDSS 4.5–6.5) disability subgroup. Results: Waist c., WHtR, WHR, and FM% were significantly higher in the moderate MS group (p < 0.01; p < 0.001; p < 0.001; and p < 0.05, respectively). Whilst, FFM% was significantly lower (p < 0.05). BMI did not correlate significantly with any disability status score and MS time. Significant correlations were observed between EDSS, ΔEDSS and MS time and Waist c., WHtR, WHR, FM% and FFM%. WHtR had the strongest significance (p < 0.0001 vs. EDSS; p < 0.0001 vs. ΔEDSS; and p < 0.01 vs. MS time, respectively). After the adjustment to the MS time, only FM% was no longer significantly related to both EDSS and ΔEDSS. MS duration time, EDSS, ΔEDSS, WHtR, FM(kg), FM%, and FMI were significantly higher in the patients with a positive history of glucocorticoid therapy (all p < 0.05). Whilst, FFM% was significantly lower in MS patients treated with glucocorticoids (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Greater disability in MS patients is strongly related to lower fat-free mass and higher fat mass, especially with the abdominal distribution, irrespective of the duration time of the disease. Oral glucocorticoid therapy seems to have a negative impact on the body composition of MS patients. However, further prospective multifactorial studies in this field have to be done. For the proper assessment of nutritional status in MS patients, Waist c., WHtR, WHR, or body composition parameters seem to be of greater use than BMI.
Association of Exclusive Breastfeeding with Asthma Risk among Preschool Children: An Analysis of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Data, 1999 to 2014
Authors: Chen Chi-Nien , Lin Yu-Chen , Ho Shau-Ru , Fu Chun-Min , Chou An-Kuo , Yang Yao-Hsu
Published: October 2022

Breastmilk contains many important nutrients, anti-inflammatory agents, and immunomodulators. It is the preferred nutrition source for infants. However, the association of the duration of exclusive breastmilk feeding (BMF) with asthma development is unclear. Data on children from the United States who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 1999 to 2014 were obtained. We examined the association between the duration of exclusive BMF and asthma in 6000 children (3 to 6 years old). After calculating the duration of exclusive breastfeeding according to answers to NHANES questionnaires, the estimated duration of exclusive BMF was divided into five categories: never breastfed or BMF for 0 to 2 months after birth; BMF for 2 to 4 months after birth; BMF for 4 to 6 months after birth; and BMF for ≥6 months after birth. The overall prevalence of asthma in children aged 3 to 6 years was approximately 13.9%. The risk of asthma was lower in children with an exclusive BMF duration of 4 to 6 months (aOR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.48–0.98), after adjustment for potentially confounding factors. Subgroup analysis revealed that children of younger ages (3 to 4 years old) benefited most from the protective effects of exclusive BMF for 4 to 6 months (aOR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.27, 0.8). We found that exclusive BMF, especially BMF for 4 to 6 months, is associated with a decreased risk of asthma in preschool-age children. The protective effect appeared to be diminished in older children. The potential mechanism needs further investigation.
Affordable Nutrient Density in Brazil: Nutrient Profiling in Relation to Food Cost and NOVA Category Assignments
Authors: Mendoza-Velázquez Alfonso , Lara-Arévalo Jonathan , Siqueira Kennya Beatriz , Guzmán-Rodríguez Mariano , Drewnowski Adam
Published: October 2022

Affordable nutrient density is provided by low-cost and nutrient-rich foods. We explored nutrient density, cost, and NOVA category assignments within and across food groups in Brazil. The nutrient density of the foods (n = 591) was assessed using the Nutrient Rich Food Index (NRF9.3) based on protein, fiber, vitamin A (RAE), vitamin C, vitamin E (mg), Ca, Fe, K and Mg; and NRF6.3 score for priority nutrients: Ca, Fe, Zn, vitamin A, vitamin B12, and folate. Nutrients to limit (LIM) were saturated fat, added sugar, and sodium. Affordability was defined as the ratio of energy and/or nutrient density of foods and retail price per 100 kcal. Foods were classified as minimally processed (n = 106), processed (n = 188), ultra-processed (n = 286), and culinary ingredients (n = 11). Nutrient density was positively linked to per 100 kcal food cost. Ultra-processed foods (UPF) contained more energy, fat, sugar, and salt and had lower NRF scores compared to minimally processed (MPF) foods. UPF was also less expensive than MPF foods. Nutrient-rich foods below the median per 100 kcal costs included MPF foods, but also processed foods (PF) and UPF. Affordable nutrient-rich foods can be found in the different categories of the NOVA classification.
Culture Supernatant of Enterococcus faecalis Promotes the Hyphal Morphogenesis and Biofilm Formation of Candida albicans
Authors: Jiang Qingsong , Jing Qi , Ren Biao , Cheng Lei , Zhou Xuedong , Lai Wenli , He Jinzhi , Li Mingyun
Published: October 2022

(1) Background: Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans are often isolated from infected root canals. The interaction between these two species is not clear enough. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effect of E. faecalis on the biofilm formation, hyphal morphogenesis and virulence gene expression of C. albicans. (2) Methods: We used the culture supernatant of E. faecalis (CSE) to treat the biofilms of C. albicans. Then, crystal violet staining and colony-forming unit (CFU) counting were performed to evaluate biofilm biomass. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) were applied to observe fungal morphology. Subsequently, exopolymeric substances (EPS) production, cellular surface hydrophobicity (CSH) and adhesion force of biofilms were investigated by CLSM, water–hydrocarbon two-phase assay and atomic force microscopy (AFM), respectively. Finally, the expression of C. albicans virulence genes (ALS1, ALS3, HWP1 and EFG1) were measured by RT-qPCR assay. (3) Results: The exposure of CSE promoted the biofilm formation and hyphal morphogenesis of C. albicans, increased the EPS production, CSH and adhesion force of C. albicans biofilms, and increased the expression level of EFG1. (4) Conclusions: Our data indicated that CSE promoted the hyphal morphogenesis and biofilm formation of C. albicans.
HBK-10, A Compound with α1-Adrenolytic Properties, Showed Antiarrhythmic and Hypotensive Effects in Rats
Authors: Lustyk Klaudia , Sałaciak Kinga , Siwek Agata , Filipek Barbara , Sapa Jacek , Marona Henryk , Żelaszczyk Dorota , Pytka Karolina
Published: October 2022

Arrhythmia, an irregular heartbeat, might be a life-threatening condition but also a risk factor for stroke or worsen the prognosis after myocardial infarction. The limited efficacy and proarrhythmic potential of the available drugs require searching for new, more effective, and safer pharmacotherapies. Studies indicate that the blockade of α1-adrenoceptors could be effective in treating heart rhythm abnormalities. In this study, we aimed to assess the antiarrhythmic and hypotensive potential of HBK-10, a novel 2-methoxyphenylpiperazine derivative, as well as its binding to the selected adrenergic receptors. Radioligand binding studies demonstrated that HBK-10 showed a high affinity for α1 but not for α2 or β1 receptors. Next, we evaluated the ability of HBK-10 to protect against an adrenaline-induced arrhythmia in rats. The compound showed potent prophylactic antiarrhythmic properties in this arrhythmia model. Notably, the compound did not show proarrhythmic potential in normotensive rats since it did not influence the ECG parameters at antiarrhythmic doses. Finally, the compound showed hypotensive properties in rats, which were not observed after coadministration with adrenaline, noradrenaline, or methoxamine, which suggests α1-adrenolytic properties of HBK-10. Our results confirm that compounds with a 2-methoxyphenylpiperazine group show a high affinity for α1-adrenoceptors and a significant antiarrhythmic effect. Given the promising results of our study, further evaluation of HBK-10 is necessary to unravel the mechanisms behind its pharmacological effects and evaluate the safety profile.
Antipsychotics-Loaded Nanometric Emulsions for Brain Delivery
Authors: Pires Patrícia C. , Paiva-Santos Ana Cláudia , Veiga Francisco
Published: October 2022

Antipsychotic drugs have numerous disabling side effects, and many are lipophilic, making them hard to formulate at high strength. Incorporating them into nanometric emulsions can increase their solubility, protect them from degradation, and increase their brain delivery, being a promising strategy to overcome the current treatment gap. A thorough review was performed to assess the true potential of these formulations for antipsychotic drugs brain delivery. Intranasal administration was preferred when compared to oral or intravenous administration, since it allowed for direct brain drug transport and reduced systemic drug distribution, having increased efficacy and safety. Moreover, the developed systems increased antipsychotic drug solubility up to 4796 times (when compared to water), which is quite substantial. In the in vivo experiments, nanometric emulsions performed better than drug solutions or suspensions, leading to improved brain drug targeting, mainly due to these formulation’s excipients (surfactants and cosolvents) permeation enhancing capability, added to a small droplet size, which leaves a large surface area available for drug absorption to occur. Thus, even if it is difficult to conclude on which formulation composition leads to a best performance (high number of variables), overall nanometric emulsions have proven to be promising strategies to improve brain bioavailability of antipsychotic drugs.
An Investigation of O-Demethyl Tramadol/Tramadol Ratio for Cytochrome P450 2D6 Phenotyping: The CYTRAM Study
Authors: De La Gastine Blandine , Percevault Soizic , Varin Laurent , Richard Nicolas , Fobe Fabienne , Plaud Benoît , Daccache Georges , Compere Vincent , Parienti Jean-Jacques , Coquerel Antoine , Loilier Magalie , Bleyzac Nathalie , Bourguignon Laurent , Goutelle Sylvain , Lelong-Boulouard Véronique
Published: October 2022

Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) gene polymorphisms influence the exposure to tramadol (T) and its pharmacologically active metabolite, O-demethyl tramadol (O-dT). Tramadol has been considered as a candidate probe drug for CYP2D6 phenotyping. The objective of the CYTRAM study was to investigate the value of plasma O-dT/T ratio for CYP2D6 phenotyping. European adult patients who received IV tramadol after surgery were included. CYP2D6 genotyping was performed and subjects were classified as extensive (EM), intermediate (IM), poor (PM), or ultra-rapid (UM) CYP2D6 metabolizers. Plasma concentrations of tramadol and O-dT were determined at 24 h and 48 h. The relationship between O-dT/T ratio and CYP2D6 phenotype was examined in both a learning and a validation group. Genotype data were obtained in 301 patients, including 23 PM (8%), 117 IM (39%), 154 EM (51%), and 7 UM (2%). Tramadol trough concentrations at 24 h were available in 297 patients. Mean value of O-dT/T ratio was significantly lower in PM than in non-PM individuals (0.061 ± 0.031 versus 0.178 ± 0.09, p < 0.01). However, large overlap was observed in the distributions of O-dT/T ratio between groups. Statistical models based on O-dT/T ratio failed to identify CYP2D6 phenotype with acceptable sensitivity and specificity. Those results suggest that tramadol is not an adequate probe drug for CYP2D6 phenotyping.
Suppression of Pulse Intensity Dependent Dispersion during Nonlinear Spectral Broadening with Intermediate Compression for Passive CEP Stable Pulse Generation
Authors: Wang Hushan , Cao Huabao , Wang Yishan , Zhao Wei , Fu Yuxi
Published: October 2022

The intensity fluctuation induced spectral phase-change of the laser pulse during nonlinear spectral broadening is theoretically investigated. The oscillation of the phase-change curves at the central part of the spectra is explained by the two-wave interference model, while the bending of the phase-change curves at the wings is considered to originate from the intensity dependent dispersion caused by the self-steepening (SST) effect. Both of them can degrade carrier envelop phase (CEP) stability after an intra-pulse difference frequency generation (IP-DFG) setup. We propose an effective approach to suppress the intensity dependent dispersion with intermediate compression. Verified by numerically simulations, well-phased spectral components at the wings can be obtained, which is highly beneficial for CEP stable pulse generation with noisy input.
Theoretical Development of Polymer-Based Integrated Lossy-Mode Resonance Sensor for Photonic Integrated Circuits
Authors: Letko Edvins , Bundulis Arturs , Mozolevskis Gatis
Published: October 2022

A promising phenomenon such as lossy-mode resonance (LMR) is of great interest in sensor applications. Until now, this phenomenon has been shown only in fibers or planar waveguides; however, given the rapid development of such an important technological area as photonic integrated circuits (PICs), it is important to transfer LMR technology specifically to PICs. In this article, we propose the theoretical development of an integrated polymer-based LMR sensor that will also contribute to the development of hybrid organic–inorganic PICs. This work theoretically shows that LMR can be achieved using polymer SU-8 waveguides on a glass substrate, on top of which TiO2 is deposited. In addition, the paper shows that multiple resonances can be achieved in the developed integrated sensor. The highest sensor sensitivity (about 1400 nm/RIU) was achieved with 40 nm of TiO2. The effect of the waveguide and coating geometries, as well as the polarizations of propagating modes, is studied in this paper.
Combined Effects of Scarification, Phytohormones, Stratification, and Soil Type on the Germination and/or Seedling Performance of Three Tamaulipan Thornscrub Forest Species
Authors: Luera Paula , Gabler Christopher A.
Published: October 2022

Tamaulipan thornforests in south Texas and northeast Mexico are a conservation hotspot. Shortages of native seedlings limit regional restoration and are largely driven by knowledge gaps regarding propagation of the 75+ thornforest species planted during restorations. We previously investigated three thornforest species with low or inconsistent germination or seedling survival: Ebenopsis ebano (Fabaceae), Cordia boissieri (Boraginaceae), and Zanthoxylum fagara (Rutaceae), and identified the types and dosages of chemical seed treatments that maximized germination. However, chemical treatments were performed in isolation and combinational treatments may be required to break dormancy or maximize germination. This study builds on prior work by investigating the effects of all possible combinations of sulfuric acid (SA), gibberellic acid (GA), and indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) treatments on germination of the same focal species, and further quantified the combined effects of five chemical treatments, three stratification treatments, and six soil mixture types on the germination and seedling performance of the focal species. Ebenopsis ebano germination peaked with SA and was not improved with additional chemical treatments. Cordia boissieri germination was highest with GA only in our indoor experiment but peaked with GA + IBA + SA in our outdoor experiment. Zanthoxylum fagara germination was near zero in all treatments. Stratification treatments marginally reduced E. ebano germination and reduced C. boissieri seedling height. Soil type had significant impacts on E. ebano germination and leaf abundance (residual differences up to 40% or 4 leaves, respectively) and influenced some of the effects of chemical treatments. These results enhance our understanding of thornforest seed ecology and best practices for nursery propagation of seedlings.
Preliminary Study of κ-Carrageenan Based Membranes for Anti-Inflammatory Drug Delivery
Authors: Okolišan Dorinel , Vlase Gabriela , Vlase Titus , Avram Claudiu
Published: October 2022

This study proposes a simple and effective method to obtain ultra-thin membranes based on κ-carrageenan. Two types of membranes were obtained, one based on κ-carrageenan and the second type based on κ-carrageenan, hydroxyethyl cellulose and the plasticizer (glycerol). Three non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Dexketoprofen trometamol, Meloxicam, Diclofenac sodium) and a glucocorticoid (Dexamethasone) were introduced, looking for the best option for incorporation. The obtained membranes were characterized by FTIR, TG/DTG and UV-VIS methods and the data collected following these methods indicated success in terms of the incorporation of the active substance, as well as the high thermal stability in the temperature range 37–100 °C of both the matrices of membrane types, as well as the membranes with the drug incorporated. All the studies carried out led to the conclusion that within all the membranes the anti-inflammatory substances were intact and, thus we can say that these membranes can be used for transdermal administration of the studied anti-inflammatory substances.
Performance of Washing-Free Printing of Disperse Dye Inks: Influence of Water-Borne Polymers
Authors: Li Ling , Chu Runshan , Yang Qianxue , Li Minhua , Xing Tieling , Chen Guoqiang
Published: October 2022

Dye-containing wastewater discharge from the textile industry poses a serious pollution hazard that can be overcome by eliminating the washing step following the dyeing process. To study the washing-free printing of disperse dye ink, a number of water-borne polymers were selected and added to the ink, and the properties of the inks were discussed. By optimizing the ink formulation, printed fabrics with high color strength and color fastness were produced. The effects of the addition of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and polyethylene glycol (PEG) on the ink jetting performance and printing performance were intensively investigated. The migration–diffusion–fixation behavior of disperse dyes in inks on the polyester fiber was explored. The disperse dye ink with 0.075 wt.% PVA exhibited the strongest migration–diffusion effect. The PVA ink exhibited excellent jetting performance and printing color fastness, and the printing color strength was better than that of the PVP and PEG ink. The addition of PVA increased the difference between the solubility parameter of the disperse dyes and ink system, which improved the migration of disperse dyes from the ink system to the polyester fabric. Meanwhile, PVA could form a protective layer on printed fabrics because of its excellent film-forming properties at room temperature. The washing-free inkjet printing method developed in this study provides a theoretical basis for screening water-borne polymers and an environmentally friendly pathway for the printing of textiles.
Double-Layered Films Based on Furcellaran, Chitosan, and Gelatin Hydrolysates Enriched with AgNPs in Yerba Mate Extract, Montmorillonite, and Curcumin with Rosemary Essential Oil
Authors: Jamróz Ewelina , Janik Magdalena , Marangoni Luís , Vieira Roniérik Pioli , Tkaczewska Joanna , Kawecka Agnieszka , Szuwarzyński Michał , Mazur Tomasz , Jasińska Joanna Maria , Krzyściak Paweł , Juszczak Lesław
Published: October 2022

Double-layered active films based on furcellaran (1st layer—FUR), chitosan, and gelatin hydrolysates (2nd layer—CHIT+HGEL) were successfully prepared. Bioactive ingredients were added to the 1st film layer: AgNPs, which were synthesized in situ with yerba mate extract; montmorillonite clay (MMT); and different loads of ethanolic curcumin (CUR) extract enriched with rosemary essential oil (REO). SEM images confirmed the presence of AgNPs with a size distribution of 94.96 ± 3.33 nm throughout the films, and AFM and SEM photos indicated that the higher substance concentrations had rougher and more porous film microstructures. However, the water vapor transmission rate was reduced only at the lowest load of this ingredient. Despite the tensile strength of the films having decreased, the incorporation of the compounds showed a tendency towards reducing the modulus of elasticity, resulting in a lower stiffness of the composites. The addition of CUR and AgNPs improved the UV light barrier properties of the materials. The presented films showed quick reactions to changes in the pH value (from orange to red along with an increase in pH from 2 to 10), which indicates their potential use as indicators for monitoring the freshness of food products. Composite No. 2 showed the highest antimicrobial potential, while none of the presented films showed an antifungal effect. Finally, the antioxidant activities of the films increased dramatically at higher AgNP and CUR loads, suggesting an outstanding potential for active food packaging applications.
Prediction of Plasticizer Property Based on an Improved Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Yuyin , Deng Ningjie , Zhang Shiding , Liu Pingping , Chen Changjing , Cui Ziheng , Chen Biqiang , Tan Tianwei
Published: October 2022

Different plasticizers have obvious differences in plasticizing properties. As one of the important indicators for evaluating plasticization performance, the substitution factor (SF) has great significance for product cost accounting. In this research, a genetic algorithm with “variable mutation probability” was developed to screen the key molecular descriptors of plasticizers that are highly correlated with the SF, and a SF prediction model was established based on these filtered molecular descriptors. The results show that the improved genetic algorithm greatly improved the prediction accuracy in different regression models. The coefficient of determination (R2) for the test set and the cross-validation both reached 0.92, which is at least 0.15 higher than the R2 of the unimproved genetic algorithm. From the results of the selected descriptors, most of the descriptors focused on describing the branching of the molecule, which is consistent with the view that the branching chain plays an important role in the plasticization process. As the first study to establish the relationship between plasticizer SF and plasticizer molecular structure, this work provides a basis for subsequent plasticizer performance and evaluation system modeling.
Interfacial Properties and Melt Processability of Cellulose Acetate Propionate Composites by Melt Blending of Biofillers
Authors: Lee Ji-Eun , Shim Seung-Bo , Park Jae-Hyung , Chung Ildoo
Published: October 2022

A series of eco-friendly biocomposites with improved mechanical properties and interfacial interaction were prepared by melt-mixing natural fibers using a cellulose acetate derivative as a polymer matrix and used to evaluate their mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties. The natural fiber used as a biofiller was pre-surface-treated by a refining process using alkali and natural enzymes to improve compatibility and increase interfacial bonding with biopolymer substrate. To increase the processability of the cellulose material, the raw material was plasticized and the composition prepared in the form of pellets in a twin-screw extruder by mixing with an additive before being molded through an injection process. For each composition, the interfacial bonding force between different materials was confirmed through morphology analysis and evaluation of mechanical and thermal properties. When biofillers and a viscosity modifier were used at the same time, the fabricated biocomposites had controllable crystallinity, stiffness, and elasticity and showed improved mechanical strength, such as tensile strength and flexural strength. These results indicated that interfacial properties could be increased through interfacial interactions between two different components due to appropriate surface treatment. In addition, it was confirmed that a composition having interfacial interaction, not a simple mixture, could be prepared by lowering both glass transition and melting temperature. The lowering of glass transition temperature increased the elasticity of the biocomposites, which have the potential advantage of easier melt processing when applied to various injection parts.
Production of rGO-Based Electrospinning Nanocomposites Incorporated in Recycled PET as an Alternative Dry Electrode
Authors: Barbosa Michelle Chizzolini , Razzino Claudia do Amaral , Stocco Thiago Domingues , Santana Moisés das Virgens , Ghosh Anupama , Pereira Luiz Fernando , Tierra-Criollo Carlos Julio , Lobo Anderson Oliveira
Published: October 2022

In this work, Coca-Cola® bottles were reused as a PET polymer (rPET) source to produce electrospun polymeric nanofibers. The nanofibers were electrospun from polymer solutions with different concentrations of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) incorporated for applications in somatosensory electrical stimulation. The rPET/rGO nanofiber mats were characterized by SEM, TEM, Raman, DSC, TGA, and DMA and the results showed that the incorporation of rGO in electrospun rPET fibers produced rPET/rGO composites. The rPET/rGO composites were then evaluated for possible application as dry electrodes. Moreover, with a preliminary test of numerous volunteers, the rPET/rGO dry electrode showed promising results. The rPET/rGO electrodes showed good performance and applicability to make dry electrodes, and these have applications as dry or wearable electrodes to produce electrochemical sensors.
Fe(III)-Rhamnoxylan—A Novel High Spin Fe(III) Octahedral Complex Having Versatile Physical and Biological Properties
Authors: Hayat Anum , Iqbal Mohammad Saeed , Ahmad Naveed , Alruwaili Nabil K. , Rehman Atta ur
Published: October 2022

An iron (III) complex with rhamnoxylan, a hemicellulose from Salvia plebeia seeds, was synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, spectroscopic and magnetic susceptibility measurements, thermal analysis and scanning electron microscopy. The rhamnoxylan was found to be a branched hemicellulose consisting of β-1,4-linked xylose main chain and rhamnose attached to the chain at β-1,3 positions. The complex was found to contain 18.8% w/w iron. A high-spin octahedral geometry of Fe3+ was indicated by the electronic absorption spectrum of the complex. In other experiments, the complex exhibited good electrical and magnetic properties. In vivo efficacy, as hematinic, of the complex in induced anemia was demonstrated equivalent to that of iron protein succinylate (taken as standard) as evidenced by raised red blood cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit and total iron in rabbit. The complex was found to be non-toxic with LD50 > 5000 mg kg−1 body weight in rabbit. Thus, iron(III)-rhamnoxylan hold the potential for application as hematinic for treatment of iron deficiency anemia.
Numerical Analysis of the Vertical Crown Displacements in Triple Adjacent Tunnels with Rock Bolts and Pipe Roofings
Authors: Chen Shong-Loong , Tsai Yi-Hao , Zhang Xiao-Ling , Tang Chao-Wei , Hsu Yu-Yun
Published: October 2022

This study aimed to investigate the effects of installing pipe roofings and rock bolts before bench cuts during the excavation of a tunnel. The limited space available during excavation resulted in the formation of triple adjacent tunnels. To solve the issue of narrow spacing between the tunnels, middle posts were added for greater stiffness, and pipe roofings were installed to prevent collapse in tunnel sections with shallow overburden where the rock weathering was significant. PLAXIS 3D 2018, a finite element analysis program, was used to simulate the wall rock displacement during the bench cuts with pipe roofings and rock bolts installed. In addition, the difference between the presence and absence of bias pressure was studied. It was found that, in the absence of bias pressure, the tensile and compressive forces were symmetric from side to side. However, under bias pressure, the tensile force remained unchanged. Moreover, the compressive force under bias pressure was three times greater than without bias pressure and was concentrated at the sidewall of the eastbound tunnel and the crown of the mass rapid transit (MRT) tunnel. The results may be helpful for the design and construction of multiple adjacent tunnels in the future.
Fast Degradation of Tetracycline and Ciprofloxacin in Municipal Water under Hydrodynamic Cavitation/Plasma with CeO2 Nanocatalyst
Authors: Abramov Vladimir , Abramova Anna , Bayazitov Vadim , Kameneva Svetlana , Veselova Varvara , Kozlov Daniil , Sozarukova Madina , Baranchikov Alexander , Fedulov Igor , Nikonov Roman , Cravotto Giancarlo
Published: October 2022

Although water contamination with drug residues is a threat to public health, there are currently barely any effective methods of purifying water from pharmaceutical substances. In this study, continuous-flow sonoplasma treatment was used for the complete degradation of tetracycline and ciprofloxacin in polluted municipal water. The addition of CeO2 nanoparticles as catalysts significantly increased the degradation rate of the antibiotics, and a degradation degree of 70% was achieved. The presence of reactive oxygen species in the CeO2-nanoparticle-containing sonoplasma-treated system was experimentally proven for the first time using the chemiluminescence technique.
“And You Became Mine” (Ezek 16:8): Good and Evil in a Narcissistic God
Authors: Kugler Gili
Published: October 2022

Scholars have defended the cruel behavior of the biblical god as being justified, due to the supposition of God being perfectly omnipotent and infallible. However, one cannot be obtuse to the depictions of Yhwh himself about his feelings and actions, as expressed through biblical narratives and brought forth by his emissaries, the prophets. When observing the prophecies of Ezekiel, for example, through a modern psychological lens, God’s relationship with his subjects, and especially with his offspring—the nation of Israel—reveals clear patterns of malignant narcissistic behavior. This study proposes that evil is an immanent part of God’s nature in the Hebrew Bible. The texts make no effort to disguise God’s narcissistic nature in his behavior towards his chosen one, a behavior that resonates with patterns one would define as evil. Moreover, the texts reflect the willingness of followers to acknowledge their situation as being trapped in an abusive relationship with a vicious patron.
Spatial-Temporal Evolution and Risk Assessment of Land Finance: Evidence from China
Authors: Zhou De , Tian Ruilin , Lin Zhulu , Liu Liming , Wang Junfeng , Feng Shijia
Published: October 2022

Land finance is a special land financing mode in China under the nationalization of urban land since 1954. The policy authorizes local governments to collect fiscal revenue from land grant premiums and land taxes. As China is experiencing the social and economic transformation, heavily replying on land finance starts causing financial sustainable problems. Based on the spatial panel data of 30 provinces in China in the last two decades, we analyzed the spatial-temporal evolution of land finance. We found that the spatial variation of land finance declined during the period of study and decreased from east to west. The results revealed that land finance had significant positive spatial autocorrelation and robust spatial clustering characteristics. In addition, the spatial distribution of land finance was consistent with the population-based Hu Line. We also assessed land finance risks via a four-dimensional risk matrix through spatial panel regression (SPR). The spatial spillover effects suggested that there is inter-provincial imitation and collaboration but no competition. Our forecast indicates that most provinces will be at a relatively low risk level in the next decade except some southwest provinces. Based on the findings, we highlight the policy implications to mitigate risks and maintain sustainable land finance.
The Effect of Space Objects on Ionospheric Observations: Perspective of SYISR
Authors: Wang Junyi , Yue Xinan , Ding Feng , Ning Baiqi , Jin Lin , Ke Changhai , Zhang Ning , Luo Junhao , Wang Yonghui , Yin Hanlin , Li Mingyuan , Cai Yihui
Published: October 2022

Space objects around the Earth are a potential pollution source for ground-based radio observations. The Sanya incoherent scatter radar (SYISR) is a newly built active digital phased array, all solid-state transmitting and digital receiving incoherent scatter radar in Sanya (18.3°N, 109.6°E), with the main purpose of ionospheric monitoring and investigations. In this study, we presented the effect of the greatly increased number of space objects on ionospheric observations through SYISR. Firstly, we showed the space object pollution on the range-time-intensity (RTI), autocorrelation function (ACF)/power spectra, and ionosphere parameter of SYISR measurements. An altitude of around 600 km is the region where space objects occur most frequently. Then, we eliminated the space object pollution using the traditional smallest of constant-false-alarm-rate (SO-CFAR) algorithm. However, pollution from smaller space objects remains, whose reflected echo is comparable to or lower than the background ionosphere, which results in unrealistic retrieved ionospheric electron density. Furthermore, we quantitatively assessed the space object effect based on the current space object orbit database and simulation. The pollution should linearly increase with the increase in the number of space objects in the future. Among the space objects, whose radar cross section (RCS) and orbit information are now published, there still exist ~9000 (~37% of the total number) space objects, whose effect is difficult to eliminate. This study is beneficial to the data process of SYISR and has implications for similar types of ionospheric observations by radar.
Dynamic Monitoring of Environmental Quality in the Loess Plateau from 2000 to 2020 Using the Google Earth Engine Platform and the Remote Sensing Ecological Index
Authors: Zhang Jing , Yang Guijun , Yang Liping , Li Zhenhong , Gao Meiling , Yu Chen , Gong Enjun , Long Huiling , Hu Haitang
Published: October 2022

The Loess Plateau is a typical ecologically sensitive area that can easily be perturbed by the effects of human activities and global climate change. Therefore, it is necessary to develop tools to monitor the environmental quality in the LP quickly and accurately. To reveal the spatio-temporal changes in environmental quality in the LP from 2000 to 2020, we used the Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) products on the Google Earth Engine platform and constructed the remote sensing ecological index (RSEI) through principal component analysis (PCA). Then, Sen–Mann–Kendall methods were applied to determine the changing trend of the environmental quality of the LP. Finally, natural and anthropogenic factors affecting the environmental quality were probed using a geographical detector model. The results showed that: (1) the average RSEI values in 2000, 2010 and 2020 were 0.396, 0.468 and 0.511, respectively, displaying an upward trend from 2000 to 2020, with a growth rate of 0.005 year−1. The overall environment quality was moderate (0.4–0.6). (2) In terms of spatial distribution, the environmental quality was excellent in the southeast and poor in the northwest of the LP. The areas with improved environmental quality (84.51%) were located in all the counties, whereas the areas with degraded environmental quality (8.11%) occurred in the north and southeast of the study area. (3) Greenness, heat, wetness, dryness and land use types were prominent factors affecting RSEI throughout the study period; additionally, the total industrial gross domestic product showed a growing influence. The contribution of multi-factor interaction was stronger than that of single factors. The results will provide a reference and a new research perspective for local environmental protection and regional planning.
A Multitemporal Mountain Rice Identification and Extraction Method Based on the Optimal Feature Combination and Machine Learning
Authors: Zhang Kaili , Chen Yonggang , Zhang Bokun , Hu Junjie , Wang Wentao
Published: October 2022

The quick and precise assessment of rice distribution by remote sensing technology is important for agricultural development. However, mountain rice is limited by the complex terrain, and its distribution is fragmented. Therefore, it is necessary to fully use the abundant spatial, temporal, and spectral information of remote sensing imagery. This study extracted 22 classification features from Sentinel-2 imagery (spectral features, texture features, terrain features, and a custom spectral-spatial feature). A feature selection method based on the optimal extraction period of features (OPFSM) was constructed, and a multitemporal feature combination (MC) was generated based on the separability of different vegetation types in different periods. Finally, the extraction accuracy of MC for mountain rice was explored using Random Forest (RF), CatBoost, and ExtraTrees (ET) machine learning algorithms. The results show that MC improved the overall accuracy (OA) by 3–6% when compared to the feature combinations in each rice growth stage, and by 7–14% when compared to the original images. MC based on the ET classifier (MC-ET) performed the best for rice extraction, with the OA of 86%, Kappa coefficient of 0.81, and F1 score of 0.95 for rice. The study demonstrated that OPFSM could be used as a reference for selecting multitemporal features, and the MC-ET classification scheme has high application potential for mountain rice extraction.
Weakened Impacts of the East Asia-Pacific Teleconnection on the Interannual Variability of Summertime Precipitation over South China since the Mid-2000s
Authors: Lu Wei , Zhu Yimin , Zhong Zhong , Hu Yijia , Ha Yao
Published: October 2022

The current study concentrates on the interdecadal shift in the interannual variability of summertime precipitation (IVSP) over South China (SC). Possible causes for the interdecadal shift are explored. The IVSP on a decadal time scale presents a significant weakening after the mid-2000s. The results show that the variances of the interannual precipitation variability over the SC region between 1993 and 2004 (hereafter S1) and 2005 and 2020 (hereafter S2) are 1.40 mm d−1 and 0.58 mm d−1, respectively. The variance of the IVSP has decreased by 58.6% since the mid-2000s. The current study reveals that the reduction in the IVSP over SC after the mid-2000s is prominently attributed to the weakened impact of the East Asia-Pacific (EAP) teleconnection. Before the mid-2000s, the interannual variation of the east-west movement of the western Pacific subtropical high was more significant. The warming over the tropical central-eastern Pacific (CEP) and cooling over the western Pacific (WP) suppress the Walker cell in the tropical Pacific and induce anomalous Hadley cell with its descending branch over the WP in the wet years. The anomalies of SST and atmospheric circulation show opposite phases in the dry years. This SSTA pattern enhances the northward propagation of the EAP teleconnection through a Rossby-wave-type response, which triggers an ascending/descending branch with active/suppressed convection over the northwestern Pacific in the wet/dry years. Therefore, the cooling WP and El Niño in its developing phase provide an ideal condition for more precipitation over SC. However, the above ocean–atmosphere interactions changed after the mid-2000s. The significant SST changes in the tropical CEP and the WP weaken the EAP teleconnection and atmospheric circulation anomalies over SC, leading to a significant interdecadal reduction in the IVSP over SC after the mid-2000s.