bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Significance of Optimizing Mn-Content in Tuning the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of δ-TRIP Steels
Authors: Xu Baoyu , Chen Peng , Li Zhengxian , Wu Di , Wang Guodong , Guo Jinyu , Liu Rendong , Misra R. D. K. , Yi Hongliang
Published: March 2021

The δ-TRIP steel has attracted a lot of attention for its potential application in automotive components, owing to the low density, good combination of strength, and ductility. As the difficulty in yield strength further increasement is caused by large fraction ferrite, the work hardening ability was enhanced by optimizing the manganese (Mn)-content in this study. Three δ-TRIP steels with different manganese (Mn)-content were designed to explore the significant effect of Mn content on the work hardening behavior in order to develop high strength steel suitable for the industrial continuous annealing process. The detailed effect of Mn on microstructure evolution and deformation behavior was studied by scanning electron microscope (SEM), interrupted tensile tests, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and in-situ electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD). The study suggested that 2 Mn steel has the lowest degree of bainitic transformation, as a result of fine grain size of prior austenite. The large TRIP effect and dislocation strengthening improve the work hardening rate, resulting in 2 Mn steel exhibiting comparable mechanical properties with the QP980 steels. The retained austenite in 1.5 Mn steel progressively transformed into martensite and sustained the strain to a high strain value of 0.40, showing a good strength-ductility balance.
The Interaction of the Flavonoid Fisetin with Human Glutathione Transferase A1-1
Authors: Alqarni Mohammed Hamed , Foudah Ahmed Ibrahim , Muharram Magdy Mohamed , Labrou Nikolaos E.
Published: March 2021

Glutathione transferases (GSTs) are a family of Phase II detoxification enzymes that are involved in the development of the multidrug resistance (MDR) mechanism in cancer cells and therefore affect the clinical outcome of cancer chemotherapy. The discovery of nontoxic natural compounds as inhibitors for GSTs is a promising approach for chemosensitizing and reversing MDR. Fisetin (7,3′,4′-flavon-3-ol) is a plant flavonol present in many plants and fruits. In the present work, the interaction of fisetin with human glutathione transferase A1-1 (hGSTA1-1) was investigated. Kinetic analysis revealed that fisetin is a reversible inhibitor for hGSTA1-1 with IC50 1.2 ± 0.1 μΜ. It functions as a mixed-type inhibitor toward glutathione (GSH) and as a noncompetitive inhibitor toward the electrophile substrate 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB). In silico molecular modeling and docking predicted that fisetin binds at a distinct location, in the solvent channel of the enzyme, and occupies the entrance of the substrate-binding sites. Treatment of proliferating human epithelial colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (CaCo-2) with fisetin causes a reduction in the expression of hGSTA1-1 at the mRNA and protein levels. In addition, fisetin inhibits GST activity in CaCo-2 cell crude extract with an IC50 (2.5 ± 0.1 μΜ), comparable to that measured using purified recombinant hGSTA1-1. These actions of fisetin can provide a synergistic role toward the suppression and chemosensitization of cancer cells. The results of the present study provide insights into the development of safe and effective GST-targeted cancer chemosensitizers.
Dielectrowetting Control of Capillary Force (Cheerios Effect) between Floating Objects and Wall for Dielectric Fluid
Authors: Yuan Junqi , Feng Jian , Cho Sung Kwon
Published: March 2021

A capillary interaction between floating objects and adjacent walls, which is known as “Cheerios effect”, is a common phenomenon that generates capillary attraction or repulsion forces between them depending on their wettabilities, densities, geometries, and so on. This paper deals with controlling the capillary forces, specifically, acting on objects floating on a dielectric (non-conductive) fluid. A key control input parameter is the wettability (contact angle) of the sidewall adjacent to the floating object. By introducing dielectrowetting to the sidewall and actively changing the contact angle on the sidewall, the capillary force is controlled and easily reversed between attraction and repulsion. In this reversing process, the tilting angle of the sidewall is another critical parameter. A theoretical relation taking the titling angle into account is compared and in good agreement with experimental results obtained from the trajectory of the floating object. Finally, a continuous motion of the floating object is demonstrated using this control where an array of dielectrowetting electrode pads is sequentially activated.
Laser Spot Micro-Welding of Ultra-Thin Steel Sheet
Authors: Li Quanhong , Mu Zhongyan , Luo Manlelan , Huang Anguo , Pang Shengyong
Published: March 2021

This paper reports a mechanism understanding how to reduce the solder joint failure phenomenon in the laser spot micro-welding process of ultra-thin steel sheets. An optimization method to improve solder joint service life is proposed. In this study, the time-dependent dynamic behaviors of the keyhole and the weld pool are simulated, and the temperatures in the keyhole of two different laser pulse waveforms are compared. The results show that laser energy attenuation mode (LEAM) can only obtain shallow weld depth because of the premature decay of the laser power of waveform, resulting in the laser beam that cannot be concentrated in the keyhole. The temperature inside the keyhole of LEAM fluctuates significantly, which shows a downward trend. Due to the existence of the peak power of waveform in laser energy continuous mode (LECM), the large angle of inclination of the wall of the keyhole inside the melt pool is more conducive to the multiple reflections of the laser beam in the keyhole and increases the absorption rate of the laser energy by the base material, resulting in the “keyhole effect”. But the temperature in the keyhole gradually rises, close to the evaporation temperature. A method combining LEAM and LECM to improve the solder joint service life by optimizing the temperature in the keyhole indirectly by adjusting the peak power of the laser pulse waveform is proposed in this study. The experimental results show that the weld depth can be optimized from 0.135 mm to 0.291 mm, and the tensile strength can be optimized from 88 MPa to 288 MPa. The bonding performance between the upper and lower plates is effectively improved. It can reach the required weld depth in a short time and improve the welding efficiency of the laser spot micro-welding process. The simulation results show that the temperature inside the keyhole is well optimized below the evaporation temperature of the material, which can avoid the violent evaporation of the welding process and keep the whole welding process in a stable state. By optimizing the laser pulse waveform, the temperature inside the keyhole can reach 3300 K, and it is always in a stable state than before optimization. The stable temperature inside the keyhole can help to reduce violent oscillation and spattering of the molten pool and improve welding efficiency and joint life. The research can help provide effective process guidance for the optimization of different laser pulse waveforms in the micro-welding process.
Optical Detection Methods for High-Throughput Fluorescent Droplet Microflow Cytometry
Authors: Pärnamets Kaiser , Pardy Tamas , Koel Ants , Rang Toomas , Scheler Ott , Le Moullec Yannick , Afrin Fariha
Published: March 2021

High-throughput microflow cytometry has become a focal point of research in recent years. In particular, droplet microflow cytometry (DMFC) enables the analysis of cells reacting to different stimuli in chemical isolation due to each droplet acting as an isolated microreactor. Furthermore, at high flow rates, the droplets allow massive parallelization, further increasing the throughput of droplets. However, this novel methodology poses unique challenges related to commonly used fluorometry and fluorescent microscopy techniques. We review the optical sensor technology and light sources applicable to DMFC, as well as analyze the challenges and advantages of each option, primarily focusing on electronics. An analysis of low-cost and/or sufficiently compact systems that can be incorporated into portable devices is also presented.
Rapid Fabrication of Microfluidic Devices for Biological Mimicking: A Survey of Materials and Biocompatibility
Authors: Ma Hui Ling , Urbaczek Ana Carolina , Zeferino Ribeiro de Souza Fayene , Augusto Gomes Garrido Carneiro Leão Paulo , Rodrigues Perussi Janice , Carrilho Emanuel
Published: March 2021

Microfluidics is an essential technique used in the development of in vitro models for mimicking complex biological systems. The microchip with microfluidic flows offers the precise control of the microenvironment where the cells can grow and structure inside channels to resemble in vivo conditions allowing a proper cellular response investigation. Hence, this study aimed to develop low-cost, simple microchips to simulate the shear stress effect on the human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). Differentially from other biological microfluidic devices described in the literature, we used readily available tools like heat-lamination, toner printer, laser cutter and biocompatible double-sided adhesive tapes to bind different layers of materials together, forming a designed composite with a microchannel. In addition, we screened alternative substrates, including polyester-toner, polyester-vinyl, glass, Permanox® and polystyrene to compose the microchips for optimizing cell adhesion, then enabling these microdevices when coupled to a syringe pump, the cells can withstand the fluid shear stress range from 1 to 4 dyne cm2. The cell viability was monitored by acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) staining to detect live and dead cells. As a result, our fabrication processes were cost-effective and straightforward. The materials investigated in the assembling of the microchips exhibited good cell viability and biocompatibility, providing a dynamic microenvironment for cell proliferation. Therefore, we suggest that these microchips could be available everywhere, allowing in vitro assays for daily laboratory experiments and further developing the organ-on-a-chip concept.
Bacterial Dimethylsulfoniopropionate Biosynthesis in the East China Sea
Authors: Liu Ji , Zhang Yunhui , Liu Jingli , Zhong Haohui , Williams Beth T. , Zheng Yanfen , Curson Andrew R. J. , Sun Chuang , Sun Hao , Song Delei , Wagner Mackenzie Brett , Bermejo Martínez Ana , Todd Jonathan D. , Zhang Xiao-Hua
Published: March 2021

Dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) is one of Earth’s most abundant organosulfur molecules. Recently, many marine heterotrophic bacteria were shown to produce DMSP, but few studies have combined culture-dependent and independent techniques to study their abundance, distribution, diversity and activity in seawater or sediment environments. Here we investigate bacterial DMSP production potential in East China Sea (ECS) samples. Total DMSP (DMSPt) concentration in ECS seawater was highest in surface waters (SW) where phytoplankton were most abundant, and it decreased with depth to near bottom waters. However, the percentage of DMSPt mainly apportioned to bacteria increased from the surface to the near bottom water. The highest DMSP concentration was detected in ECS oxic surface sediment (OSS) where phytoplankton were not abundant. Bacteria with the genetic potential to produce DMSP and relevant biosynthesis gene transcripts were prominent in all ECS seawater and sediment samples. Their abundance also increased with depth and was highest in the OSS samples. Microbial enrichments for DMSP-producing bacteria from sediment and seawater identified many novel taxonomic groups of DMSP-producing bacteria. Different profiles of DMSP-producing bacteria existed between seawater and sediment samples and there are still novel DMSP-producing bacterial groups to be discovered in these environments. This study shows that heterotrophic bacteria significantly contribute to the marine DMSP pool and that their contribution increases with water depth and is highest in seabed surface sediment where DMSP catabolic potential is lowest. Furthermore, distinct bacterial groups likely produce DMSP in seawater and sediment samples, and many novel producing taxa exist, especially in the sediment.
First Detection of Bartonella spp. in Small Mammals from Rice Storage and Processing Facilities in Myanmar and Sri Lanka
Authors: Böge Inga , Pfeffer Martin , Htwe Nyo M. , Maw Pyai P. , Sarathchandra Siriwardana Rampalage , Sluydts Vincent , Piscitelli Anna P. , Jacob Jens , Obiegala Anna
Published: March 2021

(1) Background: Bartonella spp. are zoonotic bacteria with small mammals as main reservoirs. Bartonella spp. prevalence in small mammals from Myanmar and Sri Lanka are yet unknown. (2) Methods: Small mammals were snap trapped in Sri Lanka and Myanmar in urban surroundings. Spleens-derived DNA was screened for Bartonella spp. using conventional PCR based on three target genes. Positive samples were sequenced. (3) Results: 994 small mammals were collected comprising 6 species: Bandicota bengalensis, Bandicota indica, Rattus exulans, Rattus rattus, Mus booduga, and Suncus murinus. In Myanmar, the Bartonella prevalence in Bandicoot rats (68.47%) was higher than in Rattus rattus (41.67%), Rattus exulans (21.33%), and Suncus murinus (3.64%). Furthermore the prevalence in Myanmar (34%, n = 495) was twice as high as in Sri Lanka (16%, n = 499). In Sri Lanka, Bartonella spp. occurred almost exclusively in R. rattus. In Myanmar, Bartonella kosoyi was mainly detected (56%), followed by Bartonella sp. KM2529 (15%), Bartonella sp. SE-Bart D (12%) and Bartonella henselae (1%). In Sri Lanka, B. phoceensis (60%) and Bartonella sp. KM2581 (33%) were predominant. (4) Conclusions: Bartonella spp. were detected in all investigated small mammal species from Myanmar and Sri Lanka for the first time. Bartonella kosoyi and B. henselae are zoonotic. As these small mammals originated from urban settlements, human bartonellosis seems likely to occur.
New Insights on the Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Coquillett) Bacteriome
Authors: Asimakis Elias , Stathopoulou Panagiota , Sapounas Apostolis , Khaeso Kanjana , Batargias Costas , Khan Mahfuza , Tsiamis George
Published: March 2021

Various factors, including the insect host, diet, and surrounding ecosystem can shape the structure of the bacterial communities of insects. We have employed next generation, high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA to characterize the bacteriome of wild Zeugodacus (Bactrocera) cucurbitae (Coquillett) flies from three regions of Bangladesh. The tested populations developed distinct bacterial communities with differences in bacterial composition, suggesting that geography has an impact on the fly bacteriome. The dominant bacteria belonged to the families Enterobacteriaceae, Dysgomonadaceae and Orbaceae, with the genera Dysgonomonas, Orbus and Citrobacter showing the highest relative abundance across populations. Network analysis indicated variable interactions between operational taxonomic units (OTUs), with cases of mutual exclusion and copresence. Certain bacterial genera with high relative abundance were also characterized by a high degree of interactions. Interestingly, genera with a low relative abundance like Shimwellia, Gilliamella, and Chishuiella were among those that showed abundant interactions, suggesting that they are also important components of the bacterial community. Such knowledge could help us identify ideal wild populations for domestication in the context of the sterile insect technique or similar biotechnological methods. Further characterization of this bacterial diversity with transcriptomic and metabolic approaches, could also reveal their specific role in Z. cucurbitae physiology.
Molecular Physiological Characterization of a High Heat Resistant Spore Forming Bacillus subtilis Food Isolate
Authors: Tu Zhiwei , Setlow Peter , Brul Stanley , Kramer Gertjan
Published: March 2021

Bacterial endospores (spores) are among the most resistant living forms on earth. Spores of Bacillus subtilis A163 show extremely high resistance to wet heat compared to spores of laboratory strains. In this study, we found that spores of B. subtilis A163 were indeed very wet heat resistant and released dipicolinic acid (DPA) very slowly during heat treatment. We also determined the proteome of vegetative cells and spores of B. subtilis A163 and the differences in these proteomes from those of the laboratory strain PY79, spores of which are much less heat resistant. This proteomic characterization identified 2011 proteins in spores and 1901 proteins in vegetative cells of B. subtilis A163. Surprisingly, spore morphogenic protein SpoVM had no homologs in B. subtilis A163. Comparing protein expression between these two strains uncovered 108 proteins that were differentially present in spores and 93 proteins differentially present in cells. In addition, five of the seven proteins on an operon in strain A163, which is thought to be primarily responsible for this strain’s spores high heat resistance, were also identified. These findings reveal proteomic differences of the two strains exhibiting different resistance to heat and form a basis for further mechanistic analysis of the high heat resistance of B. subtilis A163 spores.
Pollution Characteristics, Distribution and Ecological Risk of Potentially Toxic Elements in Soils from an Abandoned Coal Mine Area in Southwestern China
Authors: Pan Libo , Guan Xiao , Liu Bo , Chen Yanjun , Pei Ying , Pan Jun , Zhang Yi , Hao Zhenzhen
Published: March 2021

Acid mine drainage (AMD) from abandoned coal mines can lead to serious environmental problems due to its low pH and high concentrations of potentially toxic elements. In this study, soil pH, sulfur (S) content, and arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and mercury (Hg) concentrations were measured in 27 surface soil samples from areas in which coal-mining activities ceased nine years previously in Youyu Catchment, Guizhou Province, China. The soil was acidic, with a mean pH of 5.28. Cadmium was the only element with a mean concentration higher than the national soil quality standard. As, Cd, Cu, Ni, Zn, Mn, Cr, and Fe concentrations were all higher than the background values in Guizhou Province. This was especially true for the Cd, Cu, and Fe concentrations, which were 1.69, 1.95, and 12.18 times their respective background values. The geoaccumulation index of Cd and Fe was present at unpolluted to moderately polluted and heavily polluted levels, respectively, indicating higher pollution levels than for the other elements in the study area. Spatially, significantly high Fe and S concentrations, as well as extremely low pH values, were found in the soils of the AMD sites; however, sites where tributaries merged with the Youyu River (TM) had the highest Cd pollution level. Iron originated mainly from non-point sources (e.g., AMD and coal gangues), while AMD and agricultural activity were the predominant sources of Cd. The results of an eco-risk assessment indicated that Cd levels presented a moderate potential ecological risk, while the other elements all posed a low risk. For the TM sites, the highest eco-risk was for Cd, with levels that could be harmful for aquatic organisms in the wet season, and may endanger human health via the food chain.
Identification and Geological Significance of Early Jurassic Adakitic Volcanic Rocks in Xintaimen Area, Western Liaoning
Authors: Song Zhi-Wei , Zheng Chang-Qing , Liang Chen-Yue , Lin Bo , Xu Xue-Chun , Wen Quan-Bo , Zhao Ying-Li , Cao Cheng-Gang , Wang Zhi-Xin
Published: March 2021

The Western Liaoning area, where a large number of Jurassic-Cretaceous volcanic rocks are exposed, is one of the typical areas for studying the Mesozoic Paleo-Pacific and Mongolia-Okhotsk subduction process, and lithospheric destruction of North China Craton. The identification and investigation of Early Jurassic adakitic volcanic rocks in the Xintaimen area of Western Liaoning is of particular significance for exploring the volcanic magma source and its composition evolution, tracking the crust-mantle interaction, and revealing the craton destruction and the subduction of oceanic plates. Detailed petrography, zircon U–Pb dating, geochemistry, and zircon Hf isotope studies indicate that the Early Jurassic intermediate-acidic volcanic rocks are mainly composed of trachydacites and a few rhyolites with the formation ages of 178.6–181.9 Ma. Geochemical characteristics show that they have a high content of SiO2, MgO, Al2O3, and total-alkali, typical of the high-K calc-alkaline series. They also show enrichment of light rare earth elements (LREEs) and large ion lithophile elements (LILEs), depletion of heavy rare earth elements (HREEs) and high field strength elements (HFSEs), and have a high content of Sr and low content of Y and Yb, suggesting that they were derived from the partial melting of the lower crust. The εHf(t) values of dated zircons and two-stage model ages (TDM2) vary from −11.6 to −7.4 and from 1692 to 1958 Ma, respectively. During the Early Jurassic, the study area was under long-range tectonic effects with the closure of the Mongolia-Okhotsk Ocean and the subduction of the Paleo-Pacific plate, which caused the basaltic magma to invade the lower crust of the North China Craton. The mantle-derived magma was separated and crystallized while heating the Proterozoic lower crust, and part of the thickened crust melted to form these intermediate-acidic adakitic volcanic rocks.
Mullite-Based Ceramics from Mining Waste: A Review
Authors: Romero Maximina , Padilla Isabel , Contreras Manuel , López-Delgado Aurora
Published: March 2021

Mullite (3Al2O3·2SiO2) is an aluminosilicate characterized by excellent physical properties, which makes it an important ceramic material. In this way, ceramics based on mullite find applications in different technological fields as refractory material (metallurgy, glass, ceramics, etc.), matrix in composite materials for high temperature applications, substrate in multilayer packaging, protective coatings, components of turbine engines, windows transparent to infrared radiation, etc. However, mullite is scarce in nature so it has to be manufactured through different synthesis methods, such as sintering, melting-crystallization or through a sol-gel route. Commonly, mullite is fabricated from pure technical grade raw materials, making the manufacturing process expensive. An alternative to lowering the cost is the use of mining waste as silica (SiO2) and alumina (Al2O3) feedstock, which are the necessary chemical compounds required to manufacture mullite ceramics. In addition to the economic benefits, the use of mining waste brings out environmental benefits as it prevents the over-exploitation of natural resources and reduces the volume of mining waste that needs to be managed. This article reviews the scientific studies carried out in order to use waste (steriles and tailings) generated in mining activities for the manufacture of clay-based ceramic materials containing mullite as a main crystalline phase.
The Rare Trachyandesitic Lavas at Mount Etna: A Case Study to Investigate Eruptive Process and Propose a New Interpretation for Magma Genesis
Authors: Lanzafame Gabriele , Casetta Federico , Giacomoni Pier Paolo , Coltorti Massimo , Ferlito Carmelo
Published: March 2021

The growth of Mount Etna volcano reflects the superimposition of various eruptive centers, the most voluminous of which is the Ellittico, whose stratigraphic sequence is well exposed on the steep walls of Valle del Bove. The uppermost levels of the sequence have been sampled and investigated through a new set of geochemical data on mineral phases and bulk rock. Sampled rocks display a marked bimodality with aphyric banded trachyandesites, which are some of the most evolved and rare products of the entire Etnean succession (SiO2 58–60 wt.%), intercalated in plagioclase rich porphyritic mugearites (SiO2 49–50 wt.%, P.I. 35–40). In this paper, we provide a detailed textural, mineralogical, and chemical characterization of these products, providing a new interpretative model for their genesis and significance in the context of the Etnean system. Our approach discusses, in a critical way, the “classic” fractional crystallization model of magmas, not supported by field evidence, and proposes a novel hypothesis in which the aphyric-banded trachyandesites represent be the primary products of a gas-induced partial melting of hypabyssal sills and dykes. This hypothesis represents a step towards a comprehensive description of igneous systems that takes into account not exclusively the evolution of basaltic melts, but also the role of volatile contributions in governing volcanic behavior.
Hair Growth Promoting Activity of Cedrol Nanoemulsion in C57BL/6 Mice and Its Bioavailability
Authors: Deng Yaling , Huang Feixue , Wang Jiewen , Zhang Yumeng , Zhang Yan , Su Guangyue , Zhao Yuqing
Published: March 2021

As the main component of Platycladus orientalis, cedrol has known germinal activity. A range of cedrol formulations have been developed to prevent hair-loss, but compliance remains key issues. In this study, we prepared cedrol nanoemulsion (CE-NE) and determined the particle size and PDI (polydispersion coefficient), investigated the hair growth activity and studied the bioavailability in vitro and in vivo. Results showed that the average particle size of CE-NE is 14.26 ± 0.16 nm, and the PDI value is 0.086 ± 0.019. In vitro drug release investigation and drug release kinetics analysis showed release profile of CE from nanoparticles demonstrates the preferred partition of CE in buffer pH 4.0, the release profile of CE-NE showed a first-order kinetics reaching around 36.7% after 6 h at 37 °C. We artificially depilated the back hair of C57BL/6 mice and compared the efficacy of a designed cedrol nanoemulsion to an existing ointment group. The hair follicles were imaged and quantified using a digital photomicrograph. The results showed that compared with the ointment, CE-NE had positive effects on hair growth, improved drug solubility. Compared with the ointment and 2% minoxidil groups, 50 mg/mL CE-NE led to more robust hair growth. Pharmacokinetics analysis showed that the AUC0–t of CE-NE was 4-fold higher than that of the ointment group, confirming that the bioavailability of the nanoemulsion was greater than that of the ointment. CE-NE also significantly reduced the hair growth time of model mice and significantly increased the growth rate of hair follicles. In conclusion, these data suggest that the nanoemulsion significantly improved the pharmacokinetic properties and hair growth effects cedrol, enhancing its efficacy in vitro and in vivo.
Synthesis of Air-Stable Cu Nanoparticles Using Laser Reduction in Liquid
Authors: Nag Ashish , Frias Batista Laysa Mariela , Tibbetts Katharine Moore
Published: March 2021

We report the synthesis of air-stable Cu nanoparticles (NPs) using the bottom-up laser reduction in liquid method. Precursor solutions of copper acetlyacetonate in a mixture of methanol and isopropyl alcohol were irradiated with femtosecond laser pulses to produce Cu NPs. The Cu NPs were left at ambient conditions and analyzed at different ages up to seven days. TEM analysis indicates a broad size distribution of spherical NPs surrounded by a carbon matrix, with the majority of the NPs less than 10 nm and small numbers of large particles up to ∼100 nm in diameter. XRD collected over seven days confirmed the presence of fcc-Cu NPs, with some amorphous Cu2O, indicating the stability of the zero-valent Cu phase. Raman, FTIR, and XPS data for oxygen and carbon regions put together indicated the presence of a graphite oxide-like carbon matrix with oxygen functional groups that developed within the first 24 h after synthesis. The Cu NPs were highly active towards the model catalytic reaction of para-nitrophenol reduction in the presence of NaBH4.
Nanoemulsions for Enhancement of Curcumin Bioavailability and Their Safety Evaluation: Effect of Emulsifier Type
Authors: Gonçalves Raquel F. S. , Martins Joana T. , Abrunhosa Luís , Vicente António A. , Pinheiro Ana C.
Published: March 2021

This work aimed at evaluating the effects of different emulsifiers on curcumin-loaded nanoemulsions’ behavior during digestion, its safety and absorption, to develop nanoemulsions that provide safety and improved curcumin functionality. Nanoemulsions (NEs) were produced using two bio-based (lecithin (LEC) and rhamnolipids (RHAM)) and one synthetic (Tween®80 (TWE)) emulsifier at similar concentrations. Different NEs were subjected to in vitro digestion. The cytotoxicity and permeability tests were performed in Caco-2 cells. NE_TWE were stable during all phases of in vitro digestion, whereas NE_LEC and NE_RHAM were found to be unstable from the gastric phase. NE_TWE showed 100% of free fatty acids released, followed by NE_RHAM and NE_LEC. Curcumin’s bioaccessibility and stability increased in the following order: NE_LEC > NE_RHAM > NE_TWE. NE_LEC and NE_TWE did not show cytotoxic effects in any of the concentrations tested, while NE_RHAM presented high cytotoxicity in all concentrations tested. The apparent permeability coefficients were determined for NE_LEC and NE_TWE; however, the results were not statistically different. These results showed that the emulsifier used has a high impact on nanoemulsions’ behavior under the digestion process and on their cytotoxicity. This work contributed to the state-of-the-art’s progress on the development of safer curcumin delivery systems with improved functionality, particularly regarding the proper selection of ingredients to produce said systems.
Advanced Optical Detection through the Use of a Deformably Transferred Nanofilm
Authors: Min-Dianey Kossi Aniya Amedome , Le Top Khac , Choi Jeong Ryeol , Pham Phuong V.
Published: March 2021

Graphene has been extensively investigated in advanced photodetection devices for its broadband absorption, high carrier mobility, and mechanical flexibility. Due to graphene’s low optical absorptivity (2.3%), graphene-based photodetection research so far has focused on hybrid systems to increase photoabsorption. However, such hybrid systems require a complicated integration process and lead to reduced carrier mobility due to heterogeneous interfaces. Crumpled or deformed graphene has previously been reported in electronics and optoelectronics. However, a depth study on the influence of the morphology of nanofilms (e.g., graphite or graphene) related to light absorption in photodetection devices has not been demonstrated yet. Here, we present an interesting study in terms of the effect of the deformable surface and the smooth surface of a nanofilm transferred onto Si through two transfer strategies using isopropanol injection and nitrogen blowing (to form a deformable nanofilm surface) and deionized water injection and van der Waals interaction (to form a smooth nanofilm surface). As a result, optical detection in the case of the deformable nanofilm surface was enhanced significantly (~100%) compared with that of the smooth nanofilm surface in the visible laser wavelength (532 nm). In addition, evidence from the computational simulation also firmly affirms an advancement in the optical detection of deformed nanofilm-surface-based photodetection devices compatible with the experimental results.
Biochemical, Ameliorative and Cytotoxic Effects of Newly Synthesized Curcumin Microemulsions: Evidence from In Vitro and In Vivo Studies
Authors: Rahdar Abbas , Hajinezhad Mohammad Reza , Sargazi Saman , Zaboli Maryam , Barani Mahmood , Baino Francesco , Bilal Muhammad , Sanchooli Esmael
Published: March 2021

Curcumin is known to exhibit antioxidant and tissue-healing properties and has recently attracted the attention of the biomedical community for potential use in advanced therapies. This work reports the formulation and characterization of oil-in-water F127 microemulsions to enhance the bioavailability of curcumin Microemulsions showed a high encapsulation efficiency and prolonged release. To investigate the interactions of curcumin with one unit of the polymeric chain of surfactant F127, ethyl butyrate, and sodium octanoate, as well as the interaction between ethyl butyrate and one unit of the F127 polymer chain, the Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations at the M06-2X level of theory, were performed in water solution. The MTT assay was used to assess the cytotoxicity of free and encapsulated curcumin on non-malignant and malignant cell lines. Combination effects were calculated according to Chou-Talalay’s principles. Results of in vitro studies indicated that MCF7 and HepG2 cells were more sensitive to curcumin microemulsions. Moreover, a synergistic relationship was observed between curcumin microemulsions and cisplatin in all affected fractions of MCF7 and HepG2 cells (CI < 0.9). For in vivo investigation, thioacetamide-intoxicated rats received thioacetamide (100 mg/kg Sc) followed by curcumin microemulsions (30 mg/kg Ip). Thioacetamide-intoxicated rats showed elevated serum liver enzymes, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine levels, and a significant reduction in liver superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities (p < 0.05). Curcumin microemulsions reduced liver enzymes and serum creatinine and increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes in thioacetamide-treated rats in comparison to the untreated thioacetamide-intoxicated group. Histopathological investigations confirmed the biochemical findings. Overall, the current results showed the desirable hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, and anti-cancer effects of curcumin microemulsions.
Chromogenic Chemodosimeter Based on Capped Silica Particles to Detect Spermine and Spermidine
Authors: Barros Mariana , López-Carrasco Alejandro , Amorós Pedro , Gil Salvador , Gaviña Pablo , Parra Margarita , El Haskouri Jamal , Terencio Maria Carmen , Costero Ana M.
Published: March 2021

A new hybrid organic–inorganic material for sensing spermine (Spm) and spermidine (Spd) has been prepared and characterized. The material is based on MCM-41 particles functionalized with an N-hydroxysuccinimide derivative and loaded with Rhodamine 6G. The cargo is kept inside the porous material due to the formation of a double layer of organic matter. The inner layer is covalently bound to the silica particles, while the external layer is formed through hydrogen and hydrophobic interactions. The limits of detection determined by fluorimetric titration are 27 µM and 45 µM for Spm and Spd, respectively. The sensor remains silent in the presence of other biologically important amines and is able to detect Spm and Spd in both aqueous solution and cells.
Thermoelectric Characteristics of A Single-Crystalline Topological Insulator Bi2Se3 Nanowire
Authors: Dedi  , Lee Ping-Chung , Wei Pai-Chun , Chen Yang-Yuan
Published: March 2021

The discovery of topological insulators (TIs) has motivated detailed studies on their physical properties, especially on their novel surface states via strong spin–orbit interactions. However, surface-state-related thermoelectric properties are rarely reported, likely because of the involvement of their bulk-dominating contribution. In this work, we report thermoelectric studies on a TI bismuth selenide (Bi2Se3) nanowire (NW) that exhibit a larger surface/volume ratio. Uniform single-crystalline TI Bi2Se3 NWs were successfully synthesized using a stress-induced growth method. To achieve the study of the thermoelectric properties of a nanowire (NW), including electrical conductivity (σ), Seebeck coefficient (S), and thermal conductivity (κ), a special platform for simultaneously performing all measurements on a single wire was designed. The properties of σ, S, and κ of a 200 nm NW that was well precharacterized using transmission electron microscope (TEM) measurements were determined using the four-probe method, the two-probe EMF across ∇T measurement, and the 3ω technique, respectively. The integrated TE properties represented by the figure of merit ZT (S2σT/κ) were found to be in good agreement with a theoretical study of Bi2Se3 NW.
UV Nanoimprint Lithography: Geometrical Impact on Filling Properties of Nanoscale Patterns
Authors: Thanner Christine , Eibelhuber Martin
Published: March 2021

Ultraviolet (UV) Nanoimprint Lithography (NIL) is a replication method that is well known for its capability to address a wide range of pattern sizes and shapes. It has proven to be an efficient production method for patterning resist layers with features ranging from a few hundred micrometers and down to the nanometer range. Best results can be achieved if the fundamental behavior of the imprint resist and the pattern filling are considered by the equipment and process parameters. In particular, the material properties and pattern size and shape play a crucial role. For capillary force-driven filling behavior it is important to understand the influencing parameters and respective failure modes in order to optimize the processes for reliable full wafer manufacturing. In this work, the nanoimprint results obtained for different pattern geometries are compared with respect to pattern quality and residual layer thickness: The comprehensive overview of the relevant process parameters is helpful for setting up NIL processes for different nanostructures with minimum layer thickness.
Relationship between Dietary Creatine and Growth Indicators in Children and Adolescents Aged 2–19 Years: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Korovljev Darinka , Stajer Valdemar , Ostojic Sergej M.
Published: March 2021

A possible role of dietary creatine for ensuring proper growth and development remains unknown. The main aim of this cross-sectional study was to quantify the amount of creatine consumed through regular diet among U.S. children and adolescents aged 2 to 19 years and investigate the relationship between creatine intake and growth indicators, using data from the 2001–2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). We included data for NHANES 2001–2002 respondents (4291 participants, 2133 boys and 2158 girls) aged 2 to 19 years at the time of screening, who provided valid dietary information and examination measures (standing height and weight). Individual values for total grams of creatine consumed per day for each participant were computed using the average amount of creatine (3.88 g/kg) across all sources of meat-based foods. All participants were categorized for height-for-age and BMI-for-age categories. The average daily intake of creatine across the whole sample was 1.07 ± 1.07 g (95% CI, from 1.04 to 1.10). Height, weight, and BMI were significantly different across creatine quartiles (p < 0.001), with all measures significantly higher in the 4th quartile of creatine intake (≥1.5 g/day) than those in other quartiles (p < 0.05). The participants from the 3rd quartile of creatine intake (0.84–1.49 g/day) were significantly different from others with respect to having lower rates of normal stature and higher rates of tall stature (p < 0.05). Each additional 0.1 g of creatine consumed per day increases height by 0.60 cm (simple model) or 0.30 cm (adjusted model). The daily intake of creatine from a regular diet in taller children and adolescents was higher than in shorter peers aged 2–19 years. Future research has to monitor temporal changes in growth and dietary creatine and validate our findings in interventional studies across pediatric populations.
Low Carb and Ketogenic Diets Increase Quality of Life, Physical Performance, Body Composition, and Metabolic Health of Women with Breast Cancer
Authors: Kämmerer Ulrike , Klement Rainer J. , Joos Fabian T. , Sütterlin Marc , Reuss-Borst Monika
Published: March 2021

Breast cancer (BC) patients often ask for a healthy diet. Here, we investigated a healthy standard diet (SD), a low carb diet (LCD), and a ketogenic diet (KD) for BC patients during the rehabilitation phase. KOLIBRI was an open-label non-randomized one-site nutritional intervention trial, combining inpatient and outpatient phases for 20 weeks. Female BC patients (n = 152; mean age 51.7 years) could select their diet. Data collected were: Quality of life (QoL), spiroergometry, body composition, and blood parameters. In total 30, 92, and 30 patients started the KD, LCD, and SD, respectively. Of those, 20, 76, and 25 completed the final examination. Patients rated all diets as feasible in daily life. All groups enhanced QoL, body composition, and physical performance. LCD participants showed the most impressive improvement in QoL aspects. KD participants finished with a very good physical performance and muscle/fat ratio. Despite increased cholesterol levels, KD patients had the best triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR). Most metabolic parameters significantly improved in the LCD group. SD participants ended with remarkably low cholesterol levels but did not improve triglyceride/HDL or HOMA-IR. In conclusion, both well-defined KDs and LCDs are safe and beneficial for BC patients and can be recommended during the rehabilitation phase.
Nanosized SnO2 Prepared by Electrospinning: Influence of the Polymer on Both Morphology and Microstructure
Authors: Rubin Pedrazzo Alberto , Cecone Claudio , Morandi Sara , Manzoli Maela , Bracco Pierangiola , Zanetti Marco
Published: March 2021

An electrospinning (ES) procedure of polymeric solutions containing metal oxide precursors, followed by thermal treatments, was exploited to obtain SnO2 nanofibers. Attention was focused on the effect of different templating polymers (polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), polyethylene oxide (PEO) and polyvinyl acetate (PVAc)) on the morphologies and particle size distributions of SnO2. We demonstrated that with different polymers, the final oxide’s morphology and crystallite size change. Defined fibers, with homogeneous diameter, were obtained with each polymer, but, after calcination, the morphology of the oxide changes, leading to fibers, “flakes” or “sphere-shaped” particles when PVP, PEO or PVAc were used, respectively, as evidenced by SEM images. Data from HR-TEM and XRD measurements confirm that SnO2 samples consist of crystalline cassiterite, with small mean particle dimensions calculated by Debye–Scherrer equation, i.e., 30, 11 and 25 nm with PVP, PEO and PVAc, respectively. TEM measurements put in evidence lower average particle sizes and for SnO2 obtained with PEO average size of 8.5 nm with a standard deviation of ±4.9 nm was evidenced. By applying different calcination temperatures on fiber mat obtained by the same polymer, i.e., PEO, the influence of polymer not only on the final shape of the oxide particles but also on the crystallite size was definitively demonstrated.
Evaluation of the Adsorption Efficiency on the Removal of Lead(II) Ions from Aqueous Solutions Using Azadirachta indica Leaves as an Adsorbent
Authors: Elkhaleefa Abubakr , Ali Ismat H. , Brima Eid I. , Shigidi Ihab , Elhag Ahmed. B. , Karama Babiker
Published: March 2021

The efficiency of Azadirachta indica (neem leaves) on the removal of Pb(II) ions by adsorption from aqueous solution was investigated in this study. The efficiency of these leaves (without chemical or thermal treatment) for the adsorption of Pb(II) ions has not previously been reported. Batch experiments were performed to study the effect of the particle size, pH, adsorbent dose, contact time, initial Pb(II) ion concentration, and temperature. The maximum removal of 93.5% was achieved from an original Pb(II) ion solution concentration of 50 mg/L after 40 min, at pH 7, with 0.60 g of an adsorbent dose. The maximum adsorption capacity recorded was 39.7 mg/g. The adsorption process was also studied by examining Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin isotherm, and Dubinin–Radushkevich (D-R) isotherm models. The results revealed that the adsorption system follows the pseudo-second-order model and fitted the Freundlich model. Several thermodynamic factors, namely, the standard free energy (∆G°), enthalpy (∆H°), and entropy (∆S°) changes, were also calculated. The results demonstrated that the adsorption is a spontaneous, physical, and exothermic process. The surface area, pore size, and volume of adsorbent particles were measured and presented using a surface area analyzer (BET); the morphology was scanned and presented with the scanning electron microscope technique (SEM); and the functional groups were investigated using μ-FTIR.
Transnational Religious Tourism in Modern China and the Transformation of the Cult of Mazu
Authors: Zhang Yanchao
Published: March 2021

This article explores transformations in the worship of popular goddess Mazu as a result of (religious) tourism. In particular, it focuses on the role of transnational tourism in the invention of tradition, folklorization, and commodification of the Mazu cult. Support from the central and local governments and the impact of economic globalization have transformed a traditional pilgrimage site that initially had a local and then national scope into a transnational tourist attraction. More specifically, the ancestral temple of Mazu at Meizhou Island, which was established as the uncontested origin of Mazu’s cult during the Song dynasty (960 to 1276), has been reconfigured architecturally and liturgically to function as both a sacred site and a tourist attraction. This reconfiguration has involved the reconstruction of traditional rituals and religious performances for religious tourism to promote the temple as the unadulterated expression of an intangible cultural heritage. The strategic combination of traditional rituals such as “dividing incense” and an innovative ceremony enjoining all devotees of “Mazu all over the world [to] return to mother’s home” to worship her have not only consolidated the goddess as a symbol of common cultural identity in mainland China, but also for the preservation of Chinese identity in diaspora. Indeed, Chinese migrants and their descendants are among the increasing numbers of pilgrims/tourists who come to Mazu’s ancestral temple seeking to reconnect with their heritage by partaking in authentic traditions. This article examines the spatial and ritual transformations that have re-signified this temple, and by extension, the cult of Mazu, as well as the media through which these transformations have spread transnationally. We will see that (transnational) religious tourism is a key medium.
Internet of Vehicles Empowered Mobile Media: Research on Mobile-Generated Content (MoGC) for Intelligent Connected Vehicles
Authors: Yu Zhiyuan , Jin Doudou , Zhai Chao , Ni Wan , Wang Desheng
Published: March 2021

With the rapid growth of mobile media, large quantities of mobile content have been generated by moving entities. Some content generation patterns become popular for users and professional organizations, e.g., user-generated content, professionally-generated content, machine-generated content. However, due to the limitations of device types and functions, it is necessary to explore the new production tools and further inspire the content potential in mobile scenarios. According to the production capacity supported by Internet of Vehicles, intelligent connected vehicles (ICVs) emerge as new content generated devices in sustainable cities. In this paper, we propose the concept of Mobile-Generated Content (MoGC) as a new part of production patterns. First, we analyze the relationship between MoGC and existing patterns from the perspectives of entity and workflow. Second, the unique functionality and social property of MoGC are revealed, i.e., ICVs play the role of middle platform with data and technology offices. The current dominant discourse created by the professional institutions (e.g., media agency or governing authority) will transfer to the vehicle users. In this way, the content generation system has been further enriched in omni-media environments through efficiently integrating productivity tools and resources. Besides, MoGC not only contributes to social governance by enlarging the news source and coverage, but also strengthen the personal discourse in mobile scenarios.