bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of α-Adrenoceptors in the Regulation of the Hypotonicity-Induced Increase in Duodenal Mucosal Permeability In Vivo
Authors: Sedin John , Dahlgren David , Sjöblom Markus , Nylander Olof
Published: December 2021

The duodenal mucosa is regularly exposed to a low osmolality, and recent experiments suggest that hypotonicity increases mucosal permeability in an osmolality-dependent manner. The aim was to examine whether the sympathetic nervous system, via action on α-adrenoceptors, affects the hypotonicity-induced increase in duodenal mucosal permeability. The duodenum of anaesthetised rats was perfused in vivo with a 50 mM NaCl solution in the presence of adrenergic α-adrenoceptor drugs. Studied were the effects on mucosal permeability (blood-to-lumen clearance of 51Cr-EDTA), arterial blood pressure, luminal alkalinisation, transepithelial fluid flux, and motility. Hypotonicity induced a six-fold increase in mucosal permeability, a response that was reversible and repeatable. The α2-adrenoceptor agonist clonidine abolished the hypotonicity-induced increase in mucosal permeability, reduced arterial blood pressure, inhibited duodenal motility, and decreased luminal alkalinisation. The α2-adrenoceptor antagonists, yohimbine and idazoxan, prevented the inhibitory effect of clonidine on the hypotonicity-induced increase in mucosal permeability. The α1-agonist phenylephrine or the α1-antagonist prazosin elicited their predicted effect on blood pressure but did not affect the hypotonicity-induced increase in mucosal permeability. None of the α1- or α2-adrenoceptor drugs changed the hypotonicity-induced net fluid absorption. In conclusion, stimulation of the adrenergic α2-adrenoceptor prevents the hypotonicity-induced increase in mucosal permeability, suggesting that the sympathetic nervous system has the capability to regulate duodenal mucosal permeability.
Improvement of mRNA Delivery Efficiency to a T Cell Line by Modulating PEG-Lipid Content and Phospholipid Components of Lipid Nanoparticles
Authors: Tanaka Hiroki , Miyama Ryo , Sakurai Yu , Tamagawa Shinya , Nakai Yuta , Tange Kota , Yoshioka Hiroki , Akita Hidetaka
Published: December 2021

(1) Background: T cells are important target cells, since they exert direct cytotoxic effects on infected/malignant cells, and affect the regulatory functions of other immune cells in a target antigen-specific manner. One of the current approaches for modifying the function of T cells is gene transfection by viral vectors. However, the insertion of the exogenous DNA molecules into the genome is attended by the risk of mutagenesis, especially when a transposon-based gene cassette is used. Based on this scenario, the transient expression of proteins by an in vitro-transcribed messenger RNA (IVT-mRNA) has become a subject of interest. The use of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for the transfection of IVT-mRNA is one of the more promising strategies for introducing exogenous genes. In this study, we report on the development of LNPs with transfection efficiencies that are comparable to that for electroporation in a T cell line (Jurkat cells). (2) Methods: Transfection efficiency was improved by optimizing the phospholipids and polyethylene glycol (PEG)-conjugated lipid components. (3) Results: Modification of the lipid composition resulted in the 221-fold increase in luciferase activity compared to a previously optimized formulation. Such a high transfection activity was due to the efficient uptake by clathrin/dynamin-dependent endocytosis and the relatively efficient escape into the cytoplasm at an early stage of endocytosis.
Improving Transungual Permeation Study Design by Increased Bovine Hoof Membrane Thickness and Subsequent Infection
Authors: Kappes Sebastian , Faber Thilo , Nelleßen Lotta , Yesilkaya Tanju , Bock Udo , Lamprecht Alf
Published: December 2021

Ungual formulations are regularly tested using human nails or animal surrogates in Franz diffusion cell experiments. Membranes sometimes less than 100 µm thick are used, disregarding the higher physiological thickness of human nails and possible fungal infection. In this study, bovine hoof membranes, healthy or infected with Trichophyton rubrum, underwent different imaging techniques highlighting that continuous pores traversed the entire membrane and infection resulted in fungal growth, both superficial, as well as in the membrane’s matrix. These membrane characteristics resulted in substantial differences in the permeation of the antifungal model substance bifonazole, depending on the dosage forms. Increasing the thickness of healthy membranes from 100 µm to 400 µm disproportionally reduced the permeated amount of bifonazole from the liquid and semisolid forms and allowed for a more pronounced assessment of the effects by excipients, such as urea as the permeation enhancer. Similarly, an infection of 400-µm membranes drastically increased the permeated amount. Therefore, the thickness and infection statuses of the membranes in the permeation experiments were essential for a differential readout, and standardized formulation-dependent experimental setups would be highly beneficial.
Population Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamic Target Attainment of Isavuconazole against Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus flavus in Adult Patients with Invasive Fungal Diseases: Should Therapeutic Drug Monitoring for Isavuconazole Be Considered as Mandatory as for the Other Mold-Active Azoles?
Authors: Cojutti Pier Giorgio , Carnelutti Alessia , Lazzarotto Davide , Sozio Emanuela , Candoni Anna , Fanin Renato , Tascini Carlo , Pea Federico
Published: December 2021

Isavuconazole is a newer broad-spectrum triazole approved for the treatment of invasive fungal disease. The objective of this study was to conduct a population pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic analysis of isavuconazole in a retrospective cohort of hospitalized patients. A nonlinear mixed-effect approach with Monte Carlo simulations was conducted to assess the probability of target attainment (PTA) of an area under the concentration–time curve (AUC24 h)/minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ratio of 33.4 (defined as efficacy threshold against A. fumigatus and A. flavus) associated with a maintenance dose (MD) of 100, 200 and 300 mg daily after loading. The cumulative fraction of response (CFR) against the EUCAST MIC distributions of A. fumigatus and A. flavus was calculated as well. The proportion of trough concentrations (Ctrough) exceeding a defined threshold of toxicity (>5.13 mg/L) was estimated. A total of 50 patients, with a median age of 61.5 years, provided 199 plasma isavuconazole concentrations. Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis was the prevalent type of infection and accounted for 80% (40/50) of cases. No clinical covariates were retained by the model. With the standard MD of 200 mg daily, CFRs were always ≥90% during the first two months of treatment. The risk of Ctrough < 1.0 mg/L was around 1%, and that of Ctrough > 5.13 mg/L was 27.7 and 39.2% at 28 and 60 days, respectively, due to isavuconazole accumulation over time. Our findings suggest that TDM for isavuconazole should not be considered as mandatory as for the other mold-active azoles voriconazole and posaconazole.
Biomedical Applications and Bioavailability of Curcumin—An Updated Overview
Authors: Sohn Soo-In , Priya Arumugam , Balasubramaniam Boopathi , Muthuramalingam Pandiyan , Sivasankar Chandran , Selvaraj Anthonymuthu , Valliammai Alaguvel , Jothi Ravi , Pandian Subramani
Published: December 2021

Curcumin, a yellow-colored molecule derived from the rhizome of Curcuma longa, has been identified as the bioactive compound responsible for numerous pharmacological activities of turmeric, including anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, etc. Nevertheless, the clinical application of curcumin is inadequate due to its low solubility, poor absorption, rapid metabolism and elimination. Advancements in recent research have shown several components and techniques to increase the bioavailability of curcumin. Combining with adjuvants, encapsulating in carriers and formulating in nanoforms, in combination with other bioactive agents, synthetic derivatives and structural analogs of curcumin, have shown increased efficiency and bioavailability, thereby augmenting the range of applications of curcumin. The scope for incorporating biotechnology and nanotechnology in amending the current drawbacks would help in expanding the biomedical applications and clinical efficacy of curcumin. Therefore, in this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the plethora of therapeutic potentials of curcumin, their drawbacks in efficient clinical applications and the recent advancements in improving curcumin’s bioavailability for effective use in various biomedical applications.
Evaluation of Ruthenium-Based Assemblies as Carriers of Photosensitizers to Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis by Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Gallardo-Villagrán Manuel , Paulus Lucie , Charissoux Jean-Louis , Sutour Sylvain , Vergne-Salle Pascale , Leger David Yannick , Liagre Bertrand , Therrien Bruno
Published: December 2021

For the first time, ruthenium-based assemblies have been used as carriers for photosensitizers in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis by photodynamic therapy (PDT). These metallacages are totally soluble in physiological media and can transport photosensitizers (PS) in their cavity. After an incubation period, the PS is released in the cytoplasm and irradiation can take place. This strategy allows photosensitizers with low or null solubility in biological media to be evaluated as PDT agents in rheumatoid arthritis. The systems in which 21H,23H-porphine and 29H,31H-phthalocyanine are encapsulated show excellent photocytotoxicity and no toxicity in the dark. On the other hand, systems in which metalated derivatives such as Mg(II)-porphine and Zn(II)-phthalocyanine are used show good photocytotoxicity, but to a lesser extent than the previous two. Furthermore, the presence of Zn(II)-phthalocyanine significantly increases the toxicity of the system. Overall, fifteen different host–guest systems have been evaluated, and based on the results obtained, they show high potential for treating rheumatoid arthritis by PDT.
Comparison of Synthetic Membranes to Heat-Separated Human Epidermis in Skin Permeation Studies In Vitro
Authors: Kovács Anita , Zsikó Stella , Falusi Fanni , Csányi Erzsébet , Budai-Szűcs Mária , Csóka Ildikó , Berkó Szilvia
Published: December 2021

In recent years, the study of dermal preparations has received increased attention. There are more and more modern approaches to evaluate transdermal formulations, which are crucial in proving the efficacy of a formulation. The aim of this study was to compare permeation across innovative synthetic membranes (Strat-M and Skin PAMPA membranes) and heat-separated human epidermis (HSE, gold standard membrane) using four different dermal formulations. The Strat-M and Skin PAMPA membranes were designed to mimic the stratum corneum layer of the human epidermis. There have also been some publications on their use in dermal formulation development, but further information is needed. Drug permeation was measured using formulations containing diclofenac sodium (two hydrogels and two creams). The HSE, Strat-M, and Skin PAMPA membranes proved to be significantly different, but based on the results, the Strat-M membrane showed the greatest similarity to HSE. The permeation data of the different formulations across different membranes showed good correlations with formulations similar to these four, which allows the prediction of permeation across HSE using these synthetic membranes. In addition, Strat-M and Skin PAMPA membranes have the potential to select and differentiate a dermal formulation containing diclofenac sodium as an early screening model.
Posiphen Reduces the Levels of Huntingtin Protein through Translation Suppression
Authors: Chen Xu-Qiao , Barrero Carlos A. , Vasquez-Del Carpio Rodrigo , Reddy E. Premkumar , Fecchio Chiara , Merali Salim , Deglincerti Alessia , Fang Cheng , Rogers Jack , Maccecchini Maria L.
Published: December 2021

Posiphen tartrate (Posiphen) is an orally available small molecule that targets a conserved regulatory element in the mRNAs of amyloid precursor protein (APP) and α-synuclein (αSYN) and inhibits their translation. APP and αSYN can cause neurodegeneration when their aggregates induce neurotoxicity. Therefore, Posiphen is a promising drug candidate for neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Posiphen’s safety has been demonstrated in three independent phase I clinical trials. Moreover, in a proof of concept study, Posiphen lowered neurotoxic proteins and inflammatory markers in cerebrospinal fluid of mild cognitive impaired patients. Herein we investigated whether Posiphen reduced the expression of other proteins, as assessed by stable isotope labeling with amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) followed by mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics. Neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells, an in vitro model of neuronal function, were used for the SILAC protein profiling response. Proteins whose expression was altered by Posiphen treatment were characterized for biological functions, pathways and networks analysis. The most significantly affected pathway was the Huntington’s disease signaling pathway, which, along with huntingtin (HTT) protein, was down-regulated by Posiphen in the SH-SY5Y cells. The downregulation of HTT protein by Posiphen was confirmed by quantitative Western blotting and immunofluorescence. Unchanged mRNA levels of HTT and a comparable decay rate of HTT proteins after Posiphen treatment supported the coclusion that Posiphen reduced HTT via downregulation of the translation of HTT mRNA. Meanwhile, the downregulation of APP and αSYN proteins by Posiphen was also confirmed. The mRNAs encoding HTT, APP and αSYN contain an atypical iron response element (IRE) in their 5′-untranslated regions (5′-UTRs) that bind iron regulatory protein 1 (IRP1), and Posiphen specifically bound this complex. Conversely, Posiphen did not bind the IRP1/IRE complex of mRNAs with canonical IREs, and the translation of these mRNAs was not affected by Posiphen. Taken together, Posiphen shows high affinity binding to the IRE/IRP1 complex of mRNAs with an atypical IRE stem loop, inducing their translation suppression, including the mRNAs of neurotoxic proteins APP, αSYN and HTT.
The Effects of Bariatric Surgery and Gastrectomy on the Absorption of Drugs, Vitamins, and Mineral Elements
Authors: Miedziaszczyk Miłosz , Ciabach Patrycja , Szałek Edyta
Published: December 2021

Bariatric surgery, which is an effective treatment for obesity, and gastrectomy, which is the primary treatment method for gastric cancer, alter the anatomy and physiology of the digestive system. Weight loss and changes in the gastrointestinal tract may affect the pharmacokinetic parameters of oral medications. Both bariatric and cancer patients use drugs chronically or temporarily. It is important to know how surgery affects their pharmacokinetics to ensure an effective and safe therapy. The Cochrane, PubMed, and Scopus databases were searched independently by two authors. The search strategy included controlled vocabulary and keywords. Studies show that bariatric surgery and gastrectomy most often reduce the time to maximum plasma concentration (tmax) and decrease the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) in comparison with the values of these parameters measured in healthy volunteers. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies are also observed. The effect depends on the type of surgery and the properties of the drug. It is recommended to use the drugs that have been tested on these groups of patients as it is possible to monitor them.
Body, Self and Others: Harding, Sartre and Merleau-Ponty on Intersubjectivity
Authors: Ramm Brentyn J.
Published: December 2021

Douglas Harding developed a unique first-person experimental approach for investigating consciousness that is still relatively unknown in academia. In this paper, I present a critical dialogue between Harding, Sartre and Merleau-Ponty on the phenomenology of the body and intersubjectivity. Like Sartre and Merleau-Ponty, Harding observes that from the first-person perspective, I cannot see my own head. He points out that visually speaking nothing gets in the way of others. I am radically open to others and the world. Neither does my somatic experience establish a boundary between me and the world. Rather to experience these sensations as part of a bounded, shaped thing (a body), already involves bringing in the perspectives of others. The reader is guided through a series of Harding’s first-person experiments to test these phenomenological claims for themselves. For Sartre, the other’s subjectivity is known through The Look, which makes me into a mere object for them. Merleau-Ponty criticised Sartre for making intersubjective relations primarily ones of conflict. Rather he held that the intentionality of my body is primordially interconnected with that of others’ bodies. We are already situated in a shared social world. For Harding, like Sartre, my consciousness is a form of nothingness; however, in contrast to Sartre, it does not negate the world, but is absolutely united with it. Confrontation is a delusion that comes from imagining that I am behind a face. Rather in lived personal relationships, I become the other. I conclude by arguing that for Harding all self-awareness is a form of other-awareness, and vice versa.
Changes in Spectral Fluorescence Properties of a Near-Infrared Photosensitizer in a Nanoform as a Coating of an Optical Fiber Neuroport
Authors: Maklygina Yuliya , Romanishkin Igor , Skobeltsin Aleksej , Farrakhova Dina , Kharnas Sergej , Bezdetnaya Lina , Loschenov Victor
Published: December 2021

In this work, we tested a new approach to assess the presence of inflammatory process in the implant area using spectral methods and the technique of fiber fluorescence analysis of photosensitizers in nanoform. First of all, the spectral characteristics of the photosensitizer when interacting with the porous surface of the implant, based on hydroxyapatite under in vitro and in vivo conditions, were determined. Thus, it was shown that spectral characteristics of photosensitizers can be used for judgement on the process of inflammation in the implant area and thus on the local presence of the immunocompetent cells. The analysis was performed at a sufficient depth in the biotissue by using the near-infrared spectral region, as well as two different methods: fiber-based laser spectroscopy and fiber-optic neuroscopy, which served to monitor the process and regular fluorescence diagnosis of the studied area. Fluorescence spectroscopic analysis was performed on experimental animals in vivo, i.e., under conditions of active immune system intervention, as well as on cell cultures in vitro in order to judge the role of the immune system in the interaction with the implant in comparison. Thus, the aim of the study was to determine the relationship between the fluorescence signal of nanophotosensitizers in the near infrared spectral region and its parameters with the level of inflammation and the type of surface with which the photosensitizer interacts in the implant area. Thus, fiber-optic control opens up new approaches for further diagnosis and therapy in the implant area, making immune cells a prime target for advanced therapies.
Self-Similarity Properties of Complex Quasi-Periodic Fibonacci and Cantor Photonic Crystals
Authors: Augustyniak Aleksander , Zdanowicz Mariusz , Osuch Tomasz
Published: December 2021

In this paper, the influence of structural modifications on basic quasi-periodic (QP) photonic crystals (PhC’s) on self-similarity feature in their spectral responses is examined. Investigated crystals are chosen based on a present knowledge on the QP crystals, and are classified according to their structure. One of the QP crystals considered for the calculations is a concatenation, Fibonacci structure. It characterizes with a self-similar spectra for its different orders, which means, that the spectral shape repeats itself and can be partially identical for a different orders of the Fibonacci QP crystal. The calculations were also performed for the fractal structure, based on a Cantor QP crystal. Just as for the case of the Fibonacci structure, it characterizes with a self-similar spectra for different orders of the structure. Considered photonic devices are next put through simple modification operations by multiplication, conjugation or mirror reflection. Resulting, modified structures are used for the calculations of their spectral response. Results show, that the self-similarity of the spectra is not affected by performed modifications, and thus spectral response of QP PhC can be designed without losing this feature. Moreover the regular expansion of the repeated central part of the spectrum that appears in higher-order Fibonacci QP PhC spectra (due to the self-similarity) with the increase Fibonacci crystal order is presented here for the first time.
Mechanical Behaviour of Completely Decomposed Granite Soil with Tire Rubber Granules and Fibres
Authors: Fu Ru , Li Wei
Published: December 2021

Mixing soil with waste tire rubber granules or fibres is a practical and promising solution to the problem of global scrap tire pollution. Before successful applications, the mechanical behaviour of the soil–rubber mixture must be thoroughly investigated. Comprehensive laboratory studies (compaction, permeability, oedometer and triaxial tests) were conducted on the completely decomposed granite (CDG)–rubber mixtures, considering the effects of rubber type (rubber granules GR1 and rubber fibre FR2) and rubber content (0–30%). Results show that, for the CDG–rubber mixture, as the rubber content increases, the compaction curves become more rubber-like with less obvious optimum moisture content. The effect on permeability becomes clearer only when the rubber content is greater than 30%. The shape effect of rubber particles in compression is minimal. In triaxial shearing, the inclusion of rubber particles tends to reduce the stiffness of the mixtures. After adding GR1, the peak stress decreases with the increasing rubber content due to the participation of soft rubber particles in the force transmission, while the FR2 results in higher peak stress especially at higher rubber contents because of the reinforcement effect. For the CDG–GR1 mixture, the friction angle at the critical state (φ’cs) decreases with the increasing rubber content, mainly due to the lower inter-particle friction of the CDG–rubber interface compared to the pure CDG interface, while for the CDG–FR2 mixture, the φ’cs increases with the increasing rubber content, again mainly due to the reinforcement effect.
Evaluation of the Biocompatibility and Endothelial Differentiation Capacity of Mesenchymal Stem Cells by Polyethylene Glycol Nanogold Composites
Authors: Hung Huey-Shan , Yang Yi-Chin , Kao Wei-Chien , Yeh Chun-An , Chang Kai-Bo , Tang Cheng-Ming , Hsieh Hsien-Hsu , Lee Hsu-Tung
Published: December 2021

Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) such as atherosclerosis, where inflammation occurs in the blood vessel wall, are one of the major causes of death worldwide. Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs)-based treatment coupled with nanoparticles is considered to be a potential and promising therapeutic strategy for vascular regeneration. Thus, angiogenesis enhanced by nanoparticles is of critical concern. In this study, Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) incorporated with 43.5 ppm of gold (Au) nanoparticles was prepared for the evaluation of biological effects through in vitro and in vivo assessments. The physicochemical properties of PEG and PEG–Au nanocomposites were first characterized by UV-Vis spectrophotometry (UV-Vis), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFMs). Furthermore, the reactive oxygen species scavenger ability as well as the hydrophilic property of the nanocomposites were also investigated. Afterwards, the biocompatibility and biological functions of the PEG–Au nanocomposites were evaluated through in vitro assays. The thin coating of PEG containing 43.5 ppm of Au nanoparticles induced the least platelet and monocyte activation. Additionally, the cell behavior of MSCs on PEG–Au 43.5 ppm coating demonstrated better cell proliferation, low ROS generation, and enhancement of cell migration, as well as protein expression of the endothelialization marker CD31, which is associated with angiogenesis capacity. Furthermore, anti-inflammatory and endothelial differentiation ability were both evaluated through in vivo assessments. The evidence demonstrated that PEG–Au 43.5 ppm implantation inhibited capsule formation and facilitated the expression of CD31 in rat models. TUNEL assay also indicated that PEG–Au nanocomposites would not induce significant cell apoptosis. The above results elucidate that the surface modification of PEG–Au nanomaterials may enable them to serve as efficient tools for vascular regeneration grafts.
Effects of He and Ar Heat-Assisted Plasma Treatments on the Adhesion Properties of Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)
Authors: Ohkubo Yuji , Okazaki Yuki , Shibahara Masafumi , Nishino Misa , Seto Yosuke , Endo Katsuyoshi , Yamamura Kazuya
Published: December 2021

Heat-assisted plasma (HAP) treatment using He gas is known to improve the adhesive-bonding and adhesive-free adhesion properties of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). In this study, we investigated the effects of He and Ar gaseous species on the HAP-treated PTFE surface. Epoxy (EP) adhesive-coated stainless steel (SUS304) and isobutylene–isoprene rubber (IIR) were used as adherents for the evaluation of the adhesive-bonding and adhesive-free adhesion properties of PTFE. In the case of adhesive bonding, the PTFE/EP-adhesive/SUS304 adhesion strength of the Ar-HAP-treated PTFE was the same as that of the He-HAP-treated PTFE. In the case of adhesive-free adhesion, the PTFE/IIR adhesion strength of the Ar-HAP-treated PTFE was seven times lower than that of the He-HAP-treated PTFE. The relation among gaseous species used in HAP treatment, adhesion properties, peroxy radical density ratio, surface chemical composition, surface modification depth, surface morphology, surface hardness, and the effect of irradiation with vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) and UV photons were investigated. The different adhesive-free adhesion properties obtained by the two treatments resulted from the changes in surface chemical composition, especially the ratios of oxygen-containing functional groups and C–C crosslinks.
Microencapsulation of a Pseudomonas Strain (VUPF506) in Alginate–Whey Protein–Carbon Nanotubes and Next-Generation Sequencing Identification of This Strain
Authors: Fathi Fariba , Saberi Riseh Roohallah , Khodaygan Pejman , Hosseini Samin , Skorik Yury A.
Published: December 2021

Alginate is a common agent used for microencapsulation; however, the formed capsule is easily damaged. Therefore, alginate requires blending with other biopolymers to reduce capsule vulnerability. Whey protein is one polymer that can be incorporated with alginate to improve microcapsule structure. In this study, three different encapsulation methods (extrusion, emulsification, and spray drying) were tested for their ability to stabilize microencapsulated Pseudomonas strain VUPF506. Extrusion and emulsification methods enhanced encapsulation efficiency by up to 80% and gave the best release patterns over two months. A greenhouse experiment using potato plants treated with alginate–whey protein microcapsules showed a decrease in Rhizoctonia disease intensity of up to 70%. This is because whey protein is rich in amino acids and can serve as a resistance induction agent for the plant. In this study, the use of CNT in the ALG–WP system increased the rooting and proliferation and reduced physiological complication. The results of this study showed that the technique used in encapsulation could have a significant effect on the efficiency and persistence of probiotic bacteria. Whole genome sequence analysis of strain VUPF506 identified it as Pseudomonas chlororaphis and revealed some genes that control pathogens.
A Novel Polyvinylpyrrolidone-Stabilized Illite Microparticle with Enhanced Antioxidant and Antibacterial Effect
Authors: Oh Hyeryeon , Lee Jin Sil , Lee Hye Sun , Sung Daekyung , Choi Won Il
Published: December 2021

Illite is a clay mineral that shows antioxidant and antibacterial activities because of the abundance of important clay elements in its structure. However, illite has low bioactivity due to its low solubility and electron-donating ability in aqueous solutions. Therefore, we aimed to develop polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-stabilized illite microparticles (P-lite MPs) via polymer adsorption on illite surfaces. An increasing amount of PVP was used to coat a fixed amount of illite to prepare P-lite MPs of different hydrodynamic diameters in the range of 4–9 μm. These sizes were maintained for 2 weeks during storage in a biological buffer without any noticeable changes. The stabilization of illite microparticles using a hydrophilic PVP polymer improved their aqueous dispersity and free radical-scavenging activity. Since the large surface area of microparticles provides several sites for interactions, the smallest P-lite MP exhibited the highest antioxidant and antibacterial activities. More importantly, the MPs showed effective free radical-scavenging activity in vitro without any cytotoxicity. Therefore, P-lite MPs with improved bioavailability may represent a suitable bioactive material for various industrial and biomedical applications.
Natural Oil-Based Rigid Polyurethane Foam Thermal Insulation Applicable at Cryogenic Temperatures
Authors: Uram Katarzyna , Prociak Aleksander , Vevere Laima , Pomilovskis Ralfs , Cabulis Ugis , Kirpluks Mikelis
Published: December 2021

This paper presents research into the preparation of rigid polyurethane foams with bio-polyols from rapeseed and tall oil. Rigid polyurethane foams were designed with a cryogenic insulation application for aerospace in mind. The polyurethane systems containing non-renewable diethylene glycol (DEG) were modified by replacing it with rapeseed oil-based low functional polyol (LF), obtained by a two-step reaction of epoxidation and oxirane ring opening with 1-hexanol. It was observed that as the proportion of the LF polyol in the polyurethane system increased, so too did the apparent density of the foam material. An increase in the value of the thermal conductivity coefficient was associated with an increase in the value of apparent density. Mechanical tests showed that the rigid polyurethane foam had higher compressive strength at cryogenic temperatures compared with the values obtained at room temperature. The adhesion test indicated that the foams subjected to cryo-shock obtained similar values of adhesion strength to the materials that were not subjected to this test. The results obtained were higher than 0.1 MPa, which is a favourable value for foam materials in low-temperature applications.
Characterization of Microplastics Released Based on Polyester Fabric Construction during Washing and Drying
Authors: Choi Sola , Kwon Miyeon , Park Myung-Ja , Kim Juhea
Published: December 2021

With the increasing production of synthetic materials, more microplastic fibers are being generated while washing clothes. Consequently, these particles are increasingly detected in the aquatic environment. Synthetic fibers produced via washing have a relatively high contribution to microplastic pollution. Hence, recent research on reducing the release of microplastic fibers is attracting considerable attention. In this study, fabric-specific analysis was performed by strictly controlling various factors, and each washing and drying process was improved by focusing on the mechanical factors affecting microplastic release. Furthermore, the mass of the collected microplastic fibers and their length distribution were measured. Fabric construction, including chemical composition and yarn type, impacted the microplastics released during washing and drying. Differences in the mechanical factors during washing helped to identify the physical factors affecting microplastic release. These results on the release of microplastics may provide a basis for developing a filter system that can minimize the unintended environmental consequences.
Recent Progress in Conducting Polymer Composite/Nanofiber-Based Strain and Pressure Sensors
Authors: Veeramuthu Loganathan , Venkatesan Manikandan , Benas Jean-Sebastien , Cho Chia-Jung , Lee Chia-Chin , Lieu Fu-Kong , Lin Ja-Hon , Lee Rong-Ho , Kuo Chi-Ching
Published: December 2021

The Conducting of polymers belongs to the class of polymers exhibiting excellence in electrical performances because of their intrinsic delocalized π- electrons and their tunability ranges from semi-conductive to metallic conductive regime. Conducting polymers and their composites serve greater functionality in the application of strain and pressure sensors, especially in yielding a better figure of merits, such as improved sensitivity, sensing range, durability, and mechanical robustness. The electrospinning process allows the formation of micro to nano-dimensional fibers with solution-processing attributes and offers an exciting aspect ratio by forming ultra-long fibrous structures. This review comprehensively covers the fundamentals of conducting polymers, sensor fabrication, working modes, and recent trends in achieving the sensitivity, wide-sensing range, reduced hysteresis, and durability of thin film, porous, and nanofibrous sensors. Furthermore, nanofiber and textile-based sensory device importance and its growth towards futuristic wearable electronics in a technological era was systematically reviewed to overcome the existing challenges.
Preparation of Polydimethylsiloxane-Modified Waterborne Polyurethane Coatings for Marine Applications
Authors: Kim Min-Gu , Jo Kyoung-Il , Kim Eunji , Park Jae-Hyung , Ko Jae-Wang , Lee Jin Hong
Published: December 2021

A series of waterborne polyurethane dispersions (WPUs) modified with hydroxyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) were prepared by incorporating PDMS into the soft segments of polyurethane chains. The structural characteristics of the prepared samples were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and particle size analysis (PSA). The effect of PDMS content on the thermal and mechanical properties of PDMS-modified waterborne polyurethanes (PS-WPU) was investigated. In addition, the water resistance and dimensional stability of the PS-WPU were investigated by measuring its water absorption ratio and water contact angle along with universal testing machine measurements.
Nanocomposite Polymer Electrolytes for Zinc and Magnesium Batteries: From Synthetic to Biopolymers
Authors: Bósquez-Cáceres María Fernanda , Hidalgo-Bonilla Sandra , Morera Córdova Vivian , Michell Rose M. , Tafur Juan P.
Published: December 2021

The diversification of current forms of energy storage and the reduction of fossil fuel consumption are issues of high importance for reducing environmental pollution. Zinc and magnesium are multivalent ions suitable for the development of environmentally friendly rechargeable batteries. Nanocomposite polymer electrolytes (NCPEs) are currently being researched as part of electrochemical devices because of the advantages of dispersed fillers. This article aims to review and compile the trends of different types of the latest NCPEs. It briefly summarizes the desirable properties the electrolytes should possess to be considered for later uses. The first section is devoted to NCPEs composed of poly(vinylidene Fluoride-co-Hexafluoropropylene). The second section centers its attention on discussing the electrolytes composed of poly(ethylene oxide). The third section reviews the studies of NCPEs based on different synthetic polymers. The fourth section discusses the results of electrolytes based on biopolymers. The addition of nanofillers improves both the mechanical performance and the ionic conductivity; key points to be explored in the production of batteries. These results set an essential path for upcoming studies in the field. These attempts need to be further developed to get practical applications for industry in large-scale polymer-based electrolyte batteries.
“Neptune Balls” Polysaccharides: Disentangling the Wiry Seagrass Detritus
Authors: Pfeifer Lukas
Published: December 2021

Each year, high amounts of dead seagrass material are washed ashore at beaches world-wide. In the Mediterranean region, the seagrass Posidonia oceanica is responsible for huge agglomerates of ball-like seagrass litter. As these are often removed due to touristic reasons, a reuse method would be a step towards a more ecologically oriented society. In this study, the main polysaccharide components were analyzed, in order to propose possible usage options. To do this, different aqueous fractions were extracted, analyzed by classical carbohydrate analysis methods (GC-FID/MS, colorimetric assay and elemental analysis), and purified by ion-exchange chromatography, as well as selective precipitation with a detecting agent for highly glycosylated glycoproteins. The obtained purified fractions were analyzed in detail and a linkage-type analysis of the most promising extract was conducted via permethylation. Only low amounts of glycoproteins, as well as medium amounts of the characteristic apiogalacturonan were likely to be present, while xylan seemed to be the most abundant polysaccharide in most fractions. A partial structural proposal showed general accordance with land plant xylans, presenting reuse options in the field of biofuel and bioplastic generation.
Back-Channel Etched In-Ga-Zn-O Thin-Film Transistor Utilizing Selective Wet-Etching of Copper Source and Drain
Authors: Khan Rauf , Misran Muhamad Affiq Bin , Ohtaki Michitaka , Song Jun Tae , Ishihara Tatsumi , Hattori Reiji
Published: December 2021

The electrical performance of the back-channel etched Indium–Gallium–Zinc–Oxide (IGZO) thin-film transistors (TFTs) with copper (Cu) source and drain (S/D) which are patterned by a selective etchant was investigated. The Cu S/D were fabricated on a molybdenum (Mo) layer to prevent the Cu diffusion to the active layer (IGZO). We deposited the Cu layer using thermal evaporation and performed the selective wet etching of Cu using a non-acidic special etchant without damaging the IGZO active layer. We fabricated the IGZO TFTs and compared the performance in terms of linear and saturation region mobility, threshold voltage and ON current (ION). The IGZO TFTs with Mo/Cu S/D exhibit good electrical properties, as the linear region mobility is 12.3 cm2/V-s, saturation region mobility is 11 cm2/V-s, threshold voltage is 1.2 V and ION is 3.16 × 10−6 A. We patterned all the layers by a photolithography process. Finally, we introduced a SiO2-ESL layer to protect the device from external influence. The results show that the prevention of Cu and the introduced ESL layer enhances the electrical properties of IGZO TFTs.
Performance and Sensitivity Properties of Solid Heterogeneous Rocket Propellant Based on a Binary System of Oxidizers (PSAN and AP)
Authors: Gańczyk-Specjalska Katarzyna , Paziewska Paulina , Bogusz Rafał , Lewczuk Rafał , Cieślak Katarzyna , Uszyński Michał
Published: December 2021

Solid heterogeneous rocket propellants (SHRP) containing ammonium perchlorate (AP) emit a lot of hydrogen chloride (HCl) during combustion, which poses various environmental issues and makes the detection of the rockets easier. Part of the AP can be replaced by ammonium nitrate (V) (AN), which does not lead to the production of HCl. AN is a commonly used environmentally friendly oxidizer, but it is not usually applied in SHRP due to its disadvantages. One of these disadvantages is a phase transition near room temperature, which causes the density change of AN. Three types of phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (V) (PSAN) with inorganic potassium salts were obtained in order to shift this transition into higher temperatures (above the temperature range of the storage and the usage of SHRP). The SHRP with the PSAN were obtained, and the measurements of the heat of combustion, density, hardness, the sensitivity to mechanical stimuli and the thermomechanical properties were performed. The obtained propellants were characterized by similar operational parameters or were slightly lower than those without the PSAN. This means that AP can be partially replaced without significantly compromising the handling, safety or functionality of the propellants, while increasing the environmental performance of the solution.
Metadiscursive Markers and Text Genre: A Metareview
Authors: Cuevas-Alonso Miguel , Míguez-Álvarez Carla
Published: December 2021

Given the interest in the study of metadiscourse as the communication of ideas and the way people use language in different communicative situations, this paper attempted to find the degree of confluence between metadiscourse markers from different studies and to show how patterns of metadiscourse analysis based on various written genres can be applied to a wider range. The mean values for the frequency of marker use and their respective deviations were determined by comparing a significant number of studies on metadiscourse elements. To ensure comparability, those following Hyland’s model were chosen. The units of analysis were grouped into two broad categories based on discursive characteristics: Academic genres (research articles, theses, and textbooks) and non-academic genres, which included documents ranging from newspaper editorials or opinion columns to Internet texts and other forms of digital communication. The results of our study highlight that the disparity in interactive markers between academic and non-academic texts is relatively small. This difference has been identified by previous studies, and it is confirmed herein that the difference may be related to the use of academic language, the topic, or the object of study. In contrast, the mean values of the interactive markers in non-academic texts are considerably higher than those in academic texts. At the same time, the texts seem to be organised along two axes (interactional and interactive) in distinct areas. Despite our initial assumptions that the data would be subject to individual variations, that differences would be found between different sections of the same genre within the same academic discipline, and that the results would vary if certain texts were added or excluded, we observed certain trends in the behaviour of the documents, although it prevailed that, within each category, the texts should be studied individually.
Modeling Phenols, Anthocyanins and Color Intensity of Wine Using Pre-Harvest Sentinel-2 Images
Authors: Fredes Sandra N. , Ruiz Luis Á. , Recio Jorge A.
Published: December 2021

The inclusion of technological innovation and the development of remote sensing tools in wine production are an efficient and productive factor that supports the production and improves the quality of the wine produced. In this study we explored models based on Sentinel-2 image bands and spectral indices to estimate key wine quality variables, such as phenols (TP), anthocyanins (TA) and color intensity (CI), providing different sensory characteristics of wine. Two Cabernet Sauvignon wine harvest seasons were studied, 2017 and 2018, and models with coefficients of determination (R2) higher than 60% were obtained for color intensity and total anthocyanins during the first season, both in a period very close to harvest during the first days of April, so the high periodicity of Sentinel 2 becomes strategic. In addition, homogeneous sectors can be identified in the plots for selective harvesting and thus the winery space can be programmed appropriately. These results suggest further work on the number of samples in order to transform it into a useful tool with the potential to define a differentiated harvest and estimate the accumulation of phenolic compounds and the intensity of wine color, key elements in the final quality of the wine.
An Inter-Subband Processing Algorithm for Complex Clutter Suppression in Passive Bistatic Radar
Authors: Zuo Luo , Wang Jun , Sui Jinxin , Li Nan
Published: December 2021

Clutter suppression is a challenging problem for passive bistatic radar systems, given the complexity of actual clutter scenarios (stationary, time-varying and fractional-order clutter). Such complex clutter induces intense sidelobes in the entire range-Doppler plane and thus degrades target-detection performance, especially for low-observable targets. In this paper, a novel method, denominated as the batch version of the extensive cancellation algorithm (ECA) in the frequency domain (ECA-FB), is presented for the first time, to suppress stationary clutter and its sidelobes. Specifically, in this method, the received signal is first divided into short batches in the frequency domain to coarsen the range resolution, and then the clutter is removed over each batch via ECA. Further, to suppress the time-varying clutter, a Doppler-shifted version of ECA-FB (ECA-FBD) is proposed. Compared with the popular ECA and ECA-B methods, the proposed ECA-FB and ECA-FBD obtained superior complex clutter suppression and slow-moving target detection performance with lower computational complexity. A series of simulation and experimental results are provided to demonstrate the validity of the proposed methods.
Quantifying Crown Morphology of Mixed Pine-Oak Forests Using Terrestrial Laser Scanning
Authors: Uzquiano Sara , Barbeito Ignacio , San Martín Roberto , Ehbrecht Martin , Seidel Dominik , Bravo Felipe
Published: December 2021

Mixed forests make up the majority of natural forests, and they are conducive to improving the resilience and resistance of forest ecosystems. Moreover, it is in the crown of the trees where the effect of inter- and intra-specific interaction between them is evident. However, our knowledge of changes in crown morphology caused by density, competition, and mixture of specific species is still limited. Here, we provide insight on stand structural complexity based on the study of four response crown variables (Maximum Crown Width Height, MCWH; Crown Base Height, CBH; Crown Volume, CV; and Crown Projection Area, CPA) derived from multiple terrestrial laser scans. Data were obtained from six permanent plots in Northern Spain comprising of two widespread species across Europe; Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and sessile oak (Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl.). A total of 193 pines and 256 oaks were extracted from the point cloud. Correlation test were conducted (ρ ≥ 0.9) and finally eleven independent variables for each target tree were calculated and categorized into size, density, competition and mixture, which was included as a continuous variable. Linear and non-linear multiple regressions were used to fit models to the four crown variables and the best models were selected according to the lowest AIC Index and biological sense. Our results provide evidence for species plasticity to diverse neighborhoods and show complementarity between pines and oaks in mixtures, where pines have higher MCWH and CBH than oaks but lower CV and CPA, contrary to oaks. The species complementarity in crown variables confirm that mixtures can be used to increase above ground structural diversity.