bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nanofibrous Vildagliptin/PLGA Membranes Accelerate Diabetic Wound Healing by Angiogenesis
Authors: Lee Chen-Hung , Huang Chien-Hao , Hung Kuo-Chun , Huang Shu-Chun , Kuo Chi-Ching , Liu Shih-Jung
Published: November 2022

The inhibition of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) significantly enhances the wound closure rate in diabetic patients with chronic foot ulcers. DPP4 inhibitors are only prescribed for enteral, but topical administration, if feasible, to a wound would have more encouraging outcomes. Nanofibrous drug-eluting poly-D-L-lactide-glycolide (PLGA) membranes that sustainably release a high concentration of vildagliptin were prepared to accelerate wound healing in diabetes. Solutions of vildagliptin and PLGA in hexafluoroisopropanol were electrospun into nanofibrous biodegradable membranes. The concentration of the drug released in vitro from the vildagliptin-eluting PLGA membranes was evaluated, and it was found that effective bioactivity of vildagliptin can be discharged from the nanofibrous vildagliptin-eluting membranes for 30 days. Additionally, the electrospun nanofibrous PLGA membranes modified by blending with vildagliptin had smaller fiber diameters (336.0 ± 69.1 nm vs. 743.6 ± 334.3 nm, p < 0.001) and pore areas (3405 ± 1437 nm2 vs. 8826 ± 4906 nm2, p < 0.001), as well as a higher hydrophilicity value (95.2 ± 2.2° vs. 113.9 ± 4.9°, p = 0.004), and showed a better water-retention ability within 24 h compared with PLGA membranes. The vildagliptin-eluting PLGA membrane also enhanced the diabetic wound closure rate for two weeks (11.4 ± 3.0 vs. 18.7 ± 2.6 %, p < 0.001) and the level of the angiogenesis using CD31 expression (1.73 ± 0.39 vs. 0.45 ± 0.17 p = 0.006 for Western blot; 2.2 ± 0.5 vs. 0.7 ± 0.1, p < 0.001 for immunofluorescence). These results demonstrate that nanofibrous drug-eluting PLGA membranes loaded with vildagliptin are an effective agent for sustained drug release and, therefore, for accelerating cutaneous wound healing in the management of diabetic wounds.
Exploring the Relationship between G-Quadruplex Nucleic Acids and Plants: From Plant G-Quadruplex Function to Phytochemical G4 Ligands with Pharmaceutic Potential
Authors: Falanga Andrea P. , Terracciano Monica , Oliviero Giorgia , Roviello Giovanni N. , Borbone Nicola
Published: November 2022

G-quadruplex (G4) oligonucleotides are higher-order DNA and RNA secondary structures of enormous relevance due to their implication in several biological processes and pathological states in different organisms. Strategies aiming at modulating human G4 structures and their interrelated functions are first-line approaches in modern research aiming at finding new potential anticancer treatments or G4-based aptamers for various biomedical and biotechnological applications. Plants offer a cornucopia of phytocompounds that, in many cases, are effective in binding and modulating the thermal stability of G4s and, on the other hand, contain almost unexplored G4 motifs in their genome that could inspire new biotechnological strategies. Herein, we describe some G4 structures found in plants, summarizing the existing knowledge of their functions and biological role. Moreover, we review some of the most promising G4 ligands isolated from vegetal sources and report on the known relationships between such phytochemicals and G4-mediated biological processes that make them potential leads in the pharmaceutical sector.
Evaluation of Pharmacokinetic and Toxicological Parameters of Arnica Tincture after Dermal Application In Vivo
Authors: Jürgens Franziska M. , Robledo Sara M. , Schmidt Thomas J.
Published: November 2022

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is classified as a neglected tropical disease by the World Health Organization. As the standard drugs for the treatment of this disease suffer from severe unwanted effects, new effective and safe therapeutic options are required. In our previous work, Arnica tincture showed promising antileishmanial effects in vitro and in vivo. For the potential treatment of human CL patients with Arnica tincture, data on the pharmacokinetic properties of the bioactive, antileishmanial compounds (the sesquiterpene lactone (STL) helenalin and its derivatives) are needed. Therefore, we studied the in vivo absorption of the bioactive compounds after the dermal application of Arnica tincture in rats. Moreover, we analyzed the blood plasma, urine, and feces of the animals by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS). Although the majority (84%) of the applied STLs (1.0 mg) were absorbed, the concentrations in the plasma, urine, and feces were below the limit of detection (0.3 ng/mL) in the samples for UHPLC-HRMS analysis. This result may be explained by extensive metabolism and slow permeation accompanied by the accumulation of STLs in the skin, as described in our previous work. Accordingly, the plasma concentration of STLs after the topical application of Arnica tincture was very far from a dose where toxicity could be expected. Additionally, tests for corrosive or irritant activity as well as acute and repeated-dose dermal toxicity did not show any positive results after the administration of the amounts of Arnica tincture that would be needed for the treatment of CL. Consequently, in the treatment of CL patients with Arnica tincture, no toxic effects are expected, other than the known sensitization potential of the STLs.
Could a Legume–Switchgrass Sod-Seeding System Increase Forage Productivity?
Authors: Giannoulis Kyriakos D. , Bartzialis Dimitrios , Skoufogianni Elpiniki , Gintsioudis Ippolitos , Danalatos Nicholaos G.
Published: November 2022

Nowadays, the lack of cattle feed, particularly green fodder, has become a key limiting factor in the agricultural economy. Switchgrass appears to offer a viable solution to the feed shortage. An improved cultivation practice might be needed to boost switchgrass forage production all season long. This study was conducted to quantify the positive effects of introducing different legume crops (vetch and pea), optimally fertilized, on the production and quality of mixed harvested switchgrass–legumes hay in late spring (May) and switchgrass hay harvested once more in early fall (September). The studied intercropping systems, independently of the legume species used, increased forage productivity (almost threefold), reaching 7.5 t ha−1 and quality characteristics, with protein content almost rising threefold, reaching 12.5%. The aforementioned practice can assist the perennial crop (switchgrass) in providing a high hay production during the early fall harvest, even without fertilization. The overall annual economic benefit for the farmers may be increased by 90–720 € per ha, depending on the prevailing weather conditions. Overall, it may be concluded that the suggested cropping system produces a significantly higher yield of cattle feed compared to traditional monocultures, improving the agricultural economy while reducing the negative effects of modern agriculture on the environment.
Climate Controls on the Spatial Variability of Vegetation Greenup Rate across Ecosystems in Northern Hemisphere
Authors: Zheng Zhoutao
Published: November 2022

Variations in individual phenological events in response to global change have received considerable attentions. However, the development of phenological stages is relatively neglected, especially based on in situ observation data. In this study, the rate of vegetation greenup (Vgreenup) across the Northern Hemisphere was examined for different plant functional types (PFTs) by using eddy covariance flux data from 40 sites (417 site-years). Then, the controls of climatic variables on the spatial distribution of Vgreenup across PFTs were further investigated. The mean Vgreenup was 0.22 ± 0.11 g C m−2 day−2 across all sites, with the largest and lowest values observed in cropland and evergreen needle-leaf forest, respectively. A strong latitude dependence by Vgreenup was observed in both Europe and North America. The spatial variations of Vgreenup were jointly regulated by the duration of greenup (Dgreenup) and the amplitude of greenup (Agreenup). However, the predominant factor was Dgreenup in Europe, which changed to Agreenup in North America. Spring climatic factors exerted significant influences on the spatial distribution of Vgreenup across PFTs. Specifically, increasing temperature tended to shorten Dgreenup and promote Agreenup simultaneously, resulting in an acceleration of Vgreenup. Dryness had a depression effect on Vgreenup for the whole study area, as exhibited by a lower Vgreenup with increasing vapor pressure deficit or decreasing soil moisture. However, Vgreenup in North America was only significantly and positively correlated with temperature. Without the limitation of other climatic factors, the temperature sensitivity of Vgreenup was higher in North America (0.021 g C m−2 day−2 °C−1) than in Europe (0.015 g C m−2 day−2 °C−1). This study provides new cognitions for Vgreenup dynamics from in situ observations in complement to satellite observations, which can improve our understanding of terrestrial carbon cycles.
Essential Oil and Non-Volatile Metabolites from Kaunia longipetiolata (Sch.Bip. ex Rusby) R. M. King and H. Rob., an Andean Plant Native to Southern Ecuador
Authors: Malagón Omar , Bravo Cinthia , Vidari Giovanni , Cumbicus Nixon , Gilardoni Gianluca
Published: November 2022

Kaunia longipetiolata (Sch.Bip. ex Rusby) R. M. King and H. Rob. (Asteraceae) is a plant native to southern Ecuador. The dry leaves afforded, by steam distillation, an essential oil that was qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed by GC-MS and GC-FID, respectively, on two orthogonal columns of different polarity. Sesquiterpenes predominated in the volatile fraction, among which α-zingiberene (19.7–19.1%), ar-curcumene (17.3–18.1%), caryophyllene oxide (5.1–5.3%), (Z)-β-caryophyllene (3.0–3.1%), (2Z,6Z)-farnesal (2.6–3.6%), and spathulenol (2.0–2.1%) were the major components. In addition to the identified compounds, two main unidentified constituents (possibly oxygenated sesquiterpenes) with probable molecular masses of 292 and 230, respectively, were detected. They constituted about 5% and 8% (w/w), respectively, of the whole essential oil. The oil chemical composition was complemented with the enantioselective analysis of ten chiral components. Four scalemic mixtures and six enantiomerically pure terpenes were identified. An enantiomeric excess (ee) was determined for (1R,5R)-(+)-β-pinene (65.0%), (R)-(−)-α-phellandrene (94.6%), (S)-(+)-linalool (15.0%), and (R)-(−)-terpinen-4-ol (33.8%). On the other hand, (1R,5R)-(+)-α-pinene, (1R,5R)-(+)-sabinene, (S)-(−)-limonene, (S)-(+)-β-phellandrene, (1R,2S,6S,7S,8S)-(−)-α-copaene, and (R)-(+)-germacrene D were enantiomerically pure. Finally, the non-volatile fraction obtained by extraction of the leaves with MeOH was investigated. Eight known compounds were isolated by liquid column chromatographic separations. Their structures were determined by NMR spectroscopy as dehydroleucodine, kauniolide, (3S,3aR,4aR,6aS,9aS,9bR)-3-hydroxy-1,4a-dimethyl-7-methylene-5,6,6a,7,9a,9b-hexahydro-3H-oxireno[2′,3′:8,8a]azuleno[4,5-b]furan-8(4aH)-one, novanin, bisabola-1,10-diene-3,4-trans-diol, (R)-2-(2-(acetoxymethyl)oxiran-2-yl)-5-methylphenyl isobutyrate, eupalitin-3-O-glucoside, and 3,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid. Literature data about the identified metabolites indicate that K. longipetiolata is a rich source of biologically active natural products.
Utilization of Novel Perilla SSR Markers to Assess the Genetic Diversity of Native Perilla Germplasm Accessions Collected from South Korea
Authors: Fu Zhen Yu , Sa Kyu Jin , Park Hyeon , Jang So Jung , Kim Yeon Joon , Lee Ju Kyong
Published: November 2022

The Perilla crop is highly regarded in South Korea, both as a health food and traditional food. However, there is still a lack of Perilla SSR primer sets (PSPSs) for studying genetic variation among accessions of cultivated and weedy types of Perilla crop (CWTPC) from South Korea. In this study, 30 PSPSs were newly developed based on transcriptome contigs in P. frutescens, and 17 of these PSPSs were used to study the genetic diversity, phylogenetic relationships and structure population among 90 accessions of the CWTPC collected from South Korea. A total of 100 alleles were detected from selected 17 PSPSs, with an average of 5.9 alleles per locus. The gene diversity (GD) ranged from 0.164 to 0.831, with an average of 0.549. The average GD values from the cultivated var. frutescens, weedy var. frutescens, and weedy var. crispa, were 0.331, 0.588, and 0.389 respectively. In addition, most variance shown by Perilla SSR markers was within a population (73%). An analysis of the population structure and phylogenetic relationships showed that the genetic relationship among accessions of the weedy var. frutescens and weedy var. crispa is closer than that for the accessions of the cultivated var. frutescens. Based on association analysis between 17 PSPSs and three seed traits in 90 Perilla accessions, we detected 11 PSPSs that together were associated with the seed size and seed hardness traits. Therefore, the newly developed PSPSs will be useful for analyzing genetic variation among accessions of the CWTPC, association mapping, and selection of important morphological traits in Perilla crop breeding programs.
S-Methylmethionine Effectively Alleviates Stress in Szarvasi-1 Energy Grass by Reducing Root-to-Shoot Cadmium Translocation
Authors: Rana Deepali , Arcoverde Cerveira Sterner Vitor , Potluri Aravinda Kumar , May Zoltán , Müller Brigitta , Solti Ádám , Rudnóy Szabolcs , Sipos Gyula , Gyuricza Csaba , Fodor Ferenc
Published: November 2022

S-methylmethionine (SMM) is a universal metabolite of higher plants derived from L-methionine that has an approved priming effect under different types of abiotic and biotic stresses. Szarvasi-1 energy grass (Elymus elongatus subsp. ponticus cv. Szarvasi-1) is a biomass plant increasingly applied in phytoremediation to stabilize or extract heavy metals. In this study, Szarvasi-1 was grown in a nutrient solution. As a priming agent, SMM was applied in 0.02, 0.05 and 0.1 mM concentrations prior to 0.01 mM Cd addition. The growth and physiological parameters, as well as the accumulation pattern of Cd and essential mineral nutrients, were investigated. Cd exposure decreased the root and shoot growth, chlorophyll concentration, stomatal conductance, photosystem II function and increased the carotenoid content. Except for stomatal conductance, SMM priming had a positive effect on these parameters compared to Cd treatment without priming. In addition, it decreased the translocation and accumulation of Cd. Cd treatment decreased K, Mg, Mn, Zn and P in the roots, and K, S, Cu and Zn in the shoots compared to the untreated control. SMM priming changed the pattern of nutrient uptake, of which Fe showed characteristic accumulation in the roots in response to increasing SMM concentrations. We have concluded that SMM priming exerts a positive effect on Cd-stressed Szarvasi-1 plants, which retained their physiological performance and growth. This ameliorative effect is suggested to be based on, at least partly, the lower root-to-shoot Cd translocation by the upregulated Fe uptake and transport.
l-Arginine as Bio-Based Curing Agent for Epoxy Resins: Temperature-Dependence of Mechanical Properties
Authors: Rothenhäusler Florian , Ruckdaeschel Holger
Published: November 2022

The precise characterization of new bio-based thermosets is imperative for the correct assessment of their potential as matrix material in fiber-reinforced polymer composites. Therefore, the mechanical properties of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol a (DGEBA) cured with l-arginine were investigated to determine whether the bio-based thermoset possesses the required mechanical properties for application as a matrix material. The cured thermoset is called Argopox. The mixture of amino acid and epoxy resin was prepared via three-roll milling and cured in the presence of an urea-based accelerator. The tensile, compression, flexural and toughness properties of Argopox were characterized at T=−40 ∘C, 22 ∘C and 80 ∘C to determine the temperature-dependence of the thermoset’s mechanical properties in its service temperature range. The glass transition temperature Tg was analyzed via dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and is approximately 119 ∘C. The tensile, compression and flexural strength at 22 ∘C are about 56 MPa, 98 MPa and 85 MPa, respectively. The critical stress intensity factor KIC and fracture energy GIC at 22 ∘C are roughly 1.1 MPam0.5 and 510 Jm−, respectively. Consequently, Argopox possesses mechanical properties that reach performance levels similar to that of materials which are already used as matrix for fiber reinforced composites.
Feasibility of Using Biochar as an Eco-Friendly Microfiller in Polymer Concretes
Authors: Kępniak Maja , Załęgowski Kamil , Woyciechowski Piotr , Pawłowski Jędrzej , Nurczyński Jakub
Published: November 2022

The circular economy includes, among other things, the use of waste materials. One such material is biochar, which should not be used as a fuel because its combustion generates large amounts of air pollution. This study evaluates the feasibility of using biochar as a partial filler in a polymer concrete. The components of the polymer concretes used in this study were vinyl-ester resin, traditional microfiller—quartz powder, waste microfiller—biochar and quartz aggregate with grain sizes up to 2 mm. The quartz aggregate was dosed at a constant rate of 1458 kg/m3 of concrete, whereas the dosage of resin and microfiller was formulated according to the experimental plan for mixtures and executed based on the volume of the remaining space: resin (65–85%), quartz powder (5–35%) and biochar (0–10%). The effects on the setting process, the consistency of the fresh composite mix and the flexural and compressive strengths were investigated. The study revealed significant deterioration of technological parameters (over 15% of biochar content makes a mixture unworkable) and slight deterioration of mechanical ones (flexural strength did not change significantly, and the compressive strength decreased by up to 15%). These results indicate that, despite some limitations, the use of biochar as an alternative pro-ecological filler is possible.
Metallic Nanoparticles Adsorbed at the Pore Surface of Polymers with Various Porous Morphologies: Toward Hybrid Materials Meant for Heterogeneous Supported Catalysis
Authors: Le Droumaguet Benjamin , Poupart Romain , Guerrouache Mohamed , Carbonnier Benjamin , Grande Daniel
Published: November 2022

Hybrid materials consisting of metallic nanoparticles (NPs) adsorbed on porous polymeric supports have been the subject of intense research for many years. Such materials indeed gain from intrinsic properties, e.g., high specific surface area, catalytic properties, porous features, etc., of both components. Rational design of such materials is fundamental regarding the functionalization of the support surface and thus the interactions required for the metallic NPs to be strongly immobilized at the pore surface. Herein are presented some significant scientific contributions to this rapidly expanding research field. This contribution will notably focus on various examples of such hybrid systems prepared from porous polymers, whatever the morphology and size of the pores. Such porous polymeric supports can display pores with sizes ranging from a few nanometers to hundreds of microns while pore morphologies, such as spherical, tubular, etc., and/or open or closed, can be obtained. These systems have allowed some catalytic molecular reactions to be successfully undertaken, such as the reduction of nitroaromatic compounds or dyes, e.g., methylene blue and Eosin Y, boronic acid-based C–C homocoupling reactions, but also cascade reactions consisting of two catalytic reactions achieved in a row.
Photocurable Thiol–yne Alginate Hydrogels for Regenerative Medicine Purposes
Authors: Zanon Michael , Montalvillo-Jiménez Laura , Bosch Paula , Cue-López Raquel , Martínez-Campos Enrique , Sangermano Marco , Chiappone Annalisa
Published: November 2022

Every year millions of people worldwide undergo surgical interventions, with the occurrence of mild or severe post-treatment consequences meaning that rehabilitation plays a key role in modern medicine. Considering the cases of burns and plastic surgery, the pressing need for new materials that can be used for wound patches or body fillers and are able to sustain tissue regeneration and promote cell adhesion and proliferation is clear. The challenges facing next-generation implant materials also include the need for improved structural properties for cellular organization and morphogenic guidance together with optimal mechanical, rheological, and topographical behavior. Herein, we propose for the first time a sodium alginate hydrogel obtained by a thiol–yne reaction, easily synthesized using carbodiimide chemistry in a two-step reaction. The hydrogels were formed in all cases within a few minutes of light irradiation, showing good self-standing properties under solicitation. The mechanical, rheological, topographical, and swelling properties of the gels were also tested and reported. Lastly, no cytotoxicity was detected among the hydrogels. Soluble extracts in culture media allowed cell proliferation, and no differences between samples were detected in terms of metabolic activity and DNA content. These results suggest the potential use of these cytocompatible hydrogels in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Progressive Trends on the Biomedical Applications of Metal Organic Frameworks
Authors: Awasthi Gaurav , Shivgotra Sahil , Nikhar Shibyendu , Sundarrajan Subramanian , Ramakrishna Seeram , Kumar Pawan
Published: November 2022

Novel materials have been developed because of technological advancements combined with material research. Metal-organic frameworks (MOF) technology has been investigated for biomedical applications in this line. Nonetheless, as our team has learned from current literature, selecting metal ions/organic linkers, synthesis techniques, water stability/solubility, toxicity, and the possibility of biomolecules/drugs (enzyme, protein, DNA/RNA, and antibodies, among others) tagging/conjugation are the major challenges/factors. These issues/factors have an impact on MOFs’ performance in biomedical applications, and they also raise a lot of doubts about its real-time biological utility in the near future. We targeted a comprehensive review on the MOFs for biomedical applications to keep these considerations in mind. The evolution of MOF technology is based on their interesting features such as biological or pharmacological activity, biocompatibility, limited toxicity, and particular host–guest interactions, as well as environmental friendliness. In this paper, we have summarized the state-of-the-art progress pertaining to MOFs’ biomedical applications such as biosensing, biomedical, and drug delivery applications in this field that is still very new.
Sponges from Plasma Treated Cellulose Nanofibers Grafted with Poly(ethylene glycol)methyl Ether Methacrylate
Authors: Chiulan Ioana , Panaitescu Denis Mihaela , Serafim Andrada , Radu Elena Ruxandra , Ioniţă Gabriela , Rădiţoiu Valentin , Gabor Augusta Raluca , Nicolae Cristian-Andi , Ghiurea Marius , Baciu Dora Domnica
Published: November 2022

In this work, cellulose nanofibers (CNF) were surface treated by plasma and grafted with poly(ethylene glycol)methyl ether methacrylate (PEGMMA) for increasing mechanical strength and hydrophobicity. The surface characteristics of the sponges were studied by scanning electron microscopy, micro-computed tomography, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, which demonstrated successful surface modification. Plasma treatment applied to CNF suspension led to advanced defibrillation, and the resulting sponges (CNFpl) exhibited smaller wall thickness than CNF. The grafting of PEGMMA led to an increase in the wall thickness of the sponges and the number of larger pores when compared with the non-grafted counterparts. Sponges with increased hydrophobicity demonstrated by an almost 4 times increase in the water contact angle and better mechanical strength proved by 2.5 times increase in specific compression strength were obtained after PEGMMA grafting of plasma treated CNF. Cells cultivated on both neat and PEGMMA-grafted CNF sponges showed high viability (>99%). Remarkably, CNF grafted with PEGMMA showed better cell viability as compared with the untreated CNF sample; this difference is statistically significant (p < 0.05). In addition, the obtained sponges do not trigger an inflammatory response in macrophages, with TNF-α secretion by cells in contact with CNFpl, CNF-PEGMMA, and CNFpl-PEGMMA samples being lower than that observed for the CNF sample. All these results support the great potential of cellulose nanofibers surface treated by plasma and grafted with PEGMMA for biomedical applications.
Preparation of Nanofiber Bundles via Electrospinning Immiscible Polymer Blend for Oil/Water Separation and Air Filtration
Authors: Tang Yin , Zhu Tang , Huang Zekai , Tang Zheng , Feng Lukun , Zhang Hao , Li Dongdong , Xie Yankun , Zhu Caizhen
Published: November 2022

Nanofiber bundles with specific areas bring a new opportunity for selective adsorption and oil/water or air separation. In this work, nanofiber bundles were prepared by the electrospinning of immiscible polystyrene (PS)/N-trifluoroacetylated polyamide 6 (PA6-TFAA) blends via the introduction of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) or a copolymer of styrene and 3-isopropenyl-α, α’-dimethylbenzene isocyanate (TMI), which was denoted as PS-co-TMI. Herein, CNT was used to increase the conductivity of the precursor for enhancing the stretch of PS droplets under the same electric field, and PS-co-TMI was used as a reactive compatibilizer to improve the compatibility of a PS/PA6-TFAA blend system for promoting the deformation. Those obtained nanofiber bundle membranes showed an increase in tensile strength and high hydrophobicity with a water contact angle of about 145.0 ± 0.5°. Owing to the special structure, the membranes also possessed a high oil adsorption capacity of 31.0 to 61.3 g/g for different oils. Moreover, it exhibits a high potential for gravity-driven oil/water separation. For example, those membranes had above 99% separation efficiency for silicon oil/water and paraffin wax/water. Furthermore, the air filtration efficiency of nanofiber bundle membranes could reach above 96%, which might be two to six times higher than the filtration efficiency of neat PS membranes.
Blending PLA with Polyesters Based on 2,5-Furan Dicarboxylic Acid: Evaluation of Physicochemical and Nanomechanical Properties
Authors: Terzopoulou Zoi , Zamboulis Alexandra , Papadopoulos Lazaros , Grigora Maria-Eirini , Tsongas Konstantinos , Tzetzis Dimitrios , Bikiaris Dimitrios N. , Papageorgiou George Z.
Published: November 2022

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is a readily available, compostable biobased polyester with high strength and toughness, and it is excellent for 3D printing applications. Polymer blending is an economic and easy way to improve its properties, such as its slow degradation and crystallization rates and its small elongation, and thus, make it more versatile. In this work, the effects of different 2,5-furan dicarboxylic acid (FDCA)-based polyesters on the physicochemical and mechanical properties of PLA were studied. Poly(butylene furan 2,5-dicarboxylate) (PBF) and its copolymers with poly(butylene adipate) (PBAd) were synthesized in various comonomer ratios and were blended with 70 wt% PLA using melt compounding. The thermal, morphological and mechanical properties of the blends are investigated. All blends were immiscible, and the presence of the dispersed phases improved the crystallization ability of PLA. Mechanical testing revealed the plasticization of PLA after blending, and a small but measurable mass loss after burying in soil for 7 months. Reactive blending was evaluated as a compatibilizer-free method to improve miscibility, and it was found that when the thermal stability of the blend components allowed it, some transesterification reactions occurred between the PLA matrix and the FDCA-based dispersed phase after 20 min at 250 °C.
Examining the Effect of Polymer Extension on Protein–Polymer Interactions That Occur during Formulation of Protein-Loaded Poly(lactic acid-co-glycolic acid)-polyethylene Glycol Nanoparticles
Authors: Nyambura Chris W. , Nance Elizabeth , Pfaendtner Jim
Published: November 2022

Protein therapeutics have the potential to treat a wide range of ailments due to the high specificity in their function and their ability to replace missing or mutated genes that encode for key cellular processes. Despite these advantages, protein drugs alone can cause adverse effects, such as the development of cross-reactive neutralizing antibodies. Through the encapsulation of proteins into nanoparticles, adverse effects and protein degradation can be minimized, thus improving protein delivery to sites of interest in the body. Nanoparticles comprised of poly(lactic acid-co-glycolic acid)-polyethylene glycol (PLGA-PEG) diblock copolymer are promising protein delivery systems as they are well characterized, non-toxic, and biocompatible. Desirable nanoparticle characteristics, such as neutral surface charge and uniformity in size and dispersity, can be achieved but often require the iterative manipulation of formulation parameters. Chain conformations in the formulation process are very important, and determining whether or not an extended or semi-collapsed polymer chain in the presence of a protein results in more favorable binding has yet to be investigated experimentally. Therefore, this work used atomistic molecular dynamics to examine the role of polymer extension on protein binding and its impact on the encapsulation process within PLGA-PEG nanoparticles. Three polymers (PLGA-PEG, PLGA, and PEG) were evaluated and iduronate-2-sulphatase (ID2S) was used as a model protein. We found highly expanded PLGA-PEG conformations led to more favorable binding with ID2S. Furthermore, PEG oligomers were observed to undergo transient binding with ID2S that was generally less favorable when compared to the other polymer types. The results also suggest that the relaxation times of the PLGA homopolymer and the PLGA-PEG copolymer at different molecular weights in relevant solvent mediums should be considered.
The Planning Method of the Multi-Energy Cloud Management Platform with Key Technologies and P2P Trade of Prosumers
Authors: Li Junfang , Xing Yue , Huang Xuejin , Zhang Donghui
Published: November 2022

To build a multi-energy cloud platform with the distributed generation, energy storage, micro-grid, flexible load, electric vehicle piles for high efficiency application is of great significance. In order to manage the resources for dispatching and trading in the cloud platform, this paper solves three problems. Firstly, to present the cloud platform planning method. The modelling and linear optimization algorithm for the prosumer’s self-balanced to minimize the cost with trading quantity and random bidding price are proposed. Secondly, the key technologies to realize the information collection and interaction, and data model management are summarized on the basis of the demonstration project, faced to be urgently solved. Thirdly, P2P trade for small and medium scaled communities affected by grid’s time-of-use tariff for prosumers are discussed. The MATLAB simulation with the bidding price following uniformly distributed sampling is taken to analyze the consumers’ benefits and behaviors. The feasibility, methodology, technology and trade mode are analyzed based on the policy background, platform, optimization algorithm and simulation. The P2P trade is a new topic, that needs more work to do in the future real project.
Determination of Viscosity, Density and Interfacial Tension of the Carbon Dioxide–Isopropanol, Argon–Isopropanol, Sulphur Hexafluoride–Isopropanol Binary Systems at 313.15 K and 333.15 K and at Elevated Pressures
Authors: Borjan Dragana , Gračnar Maja , Knez Željko , Knez Marevci Maša
Published: November 2022

Viscosity, density, and interfacial tension of three binary systems (carbon dioxide–isopropanol, argon–isopropanol, and sulphur hexafluoride–isopropanol) were measured at temperatures of 313.15 K and 333.15 K and at pressures up to 100 bar for carbon dioxide, and for argon and sulphur hexafluoride up to 500 bar. A vibrating tube densimeter method has been used for density measurements and a variable-volume high-pressure optical view cell with some modifications for the other measurements. The results showed that pressure does not have a high impact on viscosity. Density is found to be a linear function of pressure and temperature and the densities of the investigated binary systems increase with pressure and decrease with temperature. Interfacial tension decreased with the elevated pressure at a constant temperature for all the investigated systems. Accurate prediction of thermodynamic and mass transfer data is fundamental in various engineering and industrial operations to design processes with a higher yield of targeted compounds.
Magnetic Iron Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Surface Enhancements, and Biological Challenges
Authors: Vargas-Ortiz Jesús Roberto , Gonzalez Carmen , Esquivel Karen
Published: November 2022

This review focuses on the role of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), their physicochemical properties, their potential applications, and their association with the consequent toxicological effects in complex biologic systems. These MNPs have generated an accelerated development and research movement in the last two decades. They are solving a large portion of problems in several industries, including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, water remediation, photoelectronics, and information storage, to name a few. As a result, more MNPs are put into contact with biological organisms, including humans, via interacting with their cellular structures. This situation will require a deeper understanding of these particles’ full impact in interacting with complex biological systems, and even though extensive studies have been carried out on different biological systems discussing toxicology aspects of MNP systems used in biomedical applications, they give mixed and inconclusive results. Chemical agencies, such as the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemical substances (REACH) legislation for registration, evaluation, and authorization of substances and materials from the European Chemical Agency (ECHA), have held meetings to discuss the issue. However, nanomaterials (NMs) are being categorized by composition alone, ignoring the physicochemical properties and possible risks that their size, stability, crystallinity, and morphology could bring to health. Although several initiatives are being discussed around the world for the correct management and disposal of these materials, thanks to the extensive work of researchers everywhere addressing the issue of related biological impacts and concerns, and a new nanoethics and nanosafety branch to help clarify and bring together information about the impact of nanoparticles, more questions than answers have arisen regarding the behavior of MNPs with a wide range of effects in the same tissue. The generation of a consolidative framework of these biological behaviors is necessary to allow future applications to be manageable.
An Analysis of Energy and Internal Flow Characteristics of Open Inlet Channel Axial Flow Pumping Devices
Authors: Xie Chuanliu , Zhang Cheng , Fu Tenglong , Feng Andong , Zhang Tao , Yang Fan
Published: November 2022

For the purpose of studying the dynamic and inner flow features of an open inlet channel axial flow pump unit, in the present study, numerical calculations using the SST k-ω turbulence model are applied to an open inlet channel axial flow pumping unit based on the NS equation, and experimental validation is then performed. The experimental output indicates that the designed working conditions are Q = 350 L/s, head H = 5.065 m, efficiency η = 79.56%, and the maximum operating head is H = 9.027 m, which is about 1.78 times that of the design head; further, the pump device can operate in a wide range of working conditions. In addition, the design working conditions are within the range of high-efficiency operating conditions. The calculated values and the experimental comparison are all within a 5.0% margin of error; further, the numerical calculations are reliable. The hydraulic loss of the inlet channel under the design condition Q = 350 L/s is 0.0676 m, which satisfies the relationship of the quadratic function. The uniformity of the impeller inlet velocity is 80.675%, and the weighted average angle of the velocity is 79.223°. The hydraulic loss of the outlet channel under the design condition Q = 350 L/s is 0.3183 m, and the hydraulic loss curve is a parabola with an upward opening. The flow state of the pump device is sensitive to changes in the working conditions; additionally, the flow state is optimal under the design working conditions. In this study, the energy and inner flow features of the open inlet axial flow pumping units are revealed, and the research outcomes can be used as a reference for the design and operation of similar pumping units.
Providing Antimicrobial Properties to Cardboard Food Packaging by Coating with ZnO, TiO2, and SiO2—Water-Based Varnish Nanocomposites
Authors: Hudika Tomislav , Zdolec Nevijo , Kiš Marta , Cigula Tomislav
Published: November 2022

Packaging acts like a bond between visual communication and production technology. Packaging material is often coated to enhance visual appearance and some protective features. The COVID pandemic changed consumers’ behavior and understanding of the importance regarding the antimicrobial properties of goods that come in contact with hands. The aim of this research is to investigate and determine the antimicrobial properties of nanocomposite coatings which include nanosized zinc oxide (ZnO), titanium dioxide (TiO2), and silicon dioxide (SiO2). For the purpose of this research, a lithographic printed packaging was coated with a nanocomposite composed of flexographic water-based varnish with incorporated ZnO, TiO2, and SiO2 nanosized particles. A total of eight modulations were presented and compared to the lone water-based varnish. The results have shown that applying nanocomposites will increase the total surface free energy of the packaging surface but will decrease the polar component of the surface free energy leading to lower hydrophilic properties. Both nanocomposite types showed that the increase in the nanoparticle weight ratio leads to higher protection benefits. Nanocomposites with ZnO have better antimicrobial activity than the ones with TiO2. The Hybrid/Z (ZnO + SiO2) significantly improved the antimicrobial capacity of water-based varnish, primarily against the ubiquitous foodborne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes.
Development of Cement-Based Grouting Material for Reinforcing Narrow Coal Pillars and Engineering Applications
Authors: Huang Shunjie , Zhao Guangming , Meng Xiangrui , Cheng Xiang , Gu Qingheng , Liu Gang , Zhu Shikui
Published: November 2022

The problem needs to be solved about stability control of small coal pillars along goaf in the coal mining process. In this paper, the effects of water reducer, accelerator and expansion agent on the fluidity, setting time, expansion ratio and stone body strength of grouting materials were analyzed through orthogonal experiments, and the optimal ratio of grouting materials was obtained, and it is applied to the engineering site to obtain the reinforcement effect of the coal pillar grouting material on the coal pillar. The results of the study show that: When the dosage of the accelerating agent is 4%, the amount of water-reducer is 0.3%, and the amount of the expansive agent is 6%, the comprehensive performance of the grouting material is the best. After using the new coal pillar grouting material to strengthen the coal pillars, 30 days of monitoring were conducted to determine the deformation of the surrounding rock of the roadway. The shallow separation layer of the surrounding rock of the roadway was about 39.6~52.5 mm, and the accumulated separation layer of the deep rock was 28.5~29.5 mm, which were kept within the safe control range. The coal pillar grouting material can well fill the surrounding rock fissures and coupling and cement the broken rock mass, improve the bearing capacity of the narrow coal pillar, and enhance the overall stability of the surrounding rock of the roadway. The research results have important reference significance for similar coal pillar grouting.
Theory and Practice of Tranquil Abiding Meditation in Tibet: The Pith Instructions of Yeshe Gyaltsen (1713–1793) and His Predecessors
Authors: Gnon-na Lobsang Tshultrim
Published: November 2022

Tranquil Abiding is an advanced meditative state of mind that is attained through gradual meditative training focusing on the cultivation of mindfulness and meta-awareness. This paper will focus on the eighteenth-century Tibetan scholar Yeshe Gyaltsen’s manual on Tranquil Abiding. It involves introduction and analysis of the themes of Tranquil Abiding, such as the significance and objects of Tranquil Abiding, its relevance to Special Insight, mental hindrances, and factors which counter them. Illustrated will be how Yeshe Gyaltsen’s point of view, which he calls the Ganden tradition, is influenced by exceptional Indian Mahāyāna masters such as Nāgārjuna, Asaṅga, Śāntideva, Kamalaśīla, Atīśa Dipaṃkaraśrijñāna, and Tsongkhapa. Included will be a discussion of his understanding of amanasikāra.
Semiology of Art and Mysticism in Persian Architecture According to Rumi’s Mystical Opinions (Case Study: Sheikh Lotf-Allah Mosque, Iran)
Authors: Askarizad Reza , He Jinliao , Ardejani Roomina Soleymani
Published: November 2022

A glimpse of the history of Islamic art indicates that Sufism and mysticism have long been among the most important intellectual and spiritual currents influencing Persian art and architecture. Accordingly, re-reading the symbolic concepts as well as the mystical and spiritual semiotics and seeking their reflection in the body of architecture is an obligatory instruction that should be considered in the process of architectural design. In this research, the authors endeavor to investigate the semiology in the physical elements of Sheikh Lotf-Allah Mosque in Isfahan and its relationship with Rumi’s mysticism using inferential–analytical methods and based on library studies and empirical observations. This research found that the Sheikh Lotf-Allah Mosque was constructed according to the mystical opinions of Rumi in order to demonstrate the semantic values of different levels of the universe in its physical form, structure and configuration. According to the findings, the use of Rumi’s mysticism propagates a God-centered semantic spirit to the body of Persian architectural elements, which always reminds human beings of their true home, which is the heavenly world. According to Rumi, the nature of architecture is beyond the material, and it is God-centered contemplation that turns the architecture into magnificent buildings.
What Is the ‘Unitive Mystical Experience’ Triggered by Psychedelic Medicines an Experience of? An Exploration of Aldous Huxley’s Viewpoint in Light of Current Data
Authors: Sawyer Dana
Published: November 2022

A large body of research in the field of psychology currently points to a variety of therapeutic outcomes derived from psychedelically occasioned mystical experience. Moreover, additional research suggests that such benefits to mental and emotional well-being may depend directly upon the subjective mystical experience itself, rather than upon the substances that triggered it; for instance, research at Johns Hopkins indicates that higher scores on the MEQ30 or MEQ43 might be key predictors of larger therapeutic outcomes. However, the ‘elephant in the room’ often overlooked in psychological studies is this: What exactly is it about the content of the subjective experience that triggers such significant outcomes or, of deep interest philosophically speaking, what might the mystical experience be an experience of? Could it be that such experiences have a viable ontological referent instead of their being wholly subjective and if so, how might Aldous Huxley’s theory in this regard be weighed in light of current data? The essay includes close discussion of the debate regarding the nature of mystical experiences between Robin Carhart-Harris’ REBUS model (the experiences are wholly subjective, with no ontological referent) vs. Edward Kelly’s ROSTA model (contending an ontological referent need not contradict the science). The essay’s thesis is that Huxley’s viewpoint includes plausible and perhaps valuable insights that may help explain why and how that encounter has such profound therapeutic value.
The Dynamic Connectedness between Risk and Return in the Fintech Market of India: Evidence Using the GARCH-M Approach
Authors: Bhatnagar Mukul , Özen Ercan , Taneja Sanjay , Grima Simon , Rupeika-Apoga Ramona
Published: November 2022

Fintech allows investors to explore previously unavailable investment opportunities; it provides new return opportunities while also introducing new risks. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between risk and return in the fintech industry in the Indian stock market. This article is based on market-based research that focuses on demonstrating the volatility in the fintech market’s prices and demystifying the opportunities. Secondary data were collected from the Bombay Stock Exchange’s official fintech industry website from January 2017 to July 2022 to determine whether there is any dynamic link between risk and return in the Indian fintech market. The variance-based Mean-GARCH (GARCH-M) model was used to determine whether there is a dynamic link between risk and return in the Indian fintech market. The findings emphasize the importance of taking the risk of investing in India’s fintech industry. The implications for stock investors’ and fund managers’ portfolio composition and holding periods of equities or market exposure are significant. Finally, depending on their investment horizons, the Indian fintech industry may yield significant profits for risk-taking individuals.
Limb Sounders Tracking Tsunami-Induced Perturbations from the Stratosphere to the Ionosphere
Authors: Yan Xiangxiang , Yu Tao , Xia Chunliang
Published: November 2022

In this study, we employ three types of satellite data from two different limb sounders: the FORMOSAT-3/COSMIC (F3/C) radio occultation (RO) technique and the Sounding of the Atmosphere using Broadband Emission Radiometry (SABER) instrument to study the vertical coupling of the 16-09-2015 Chile tsunami-induced perturbations from the stratosphere to the ionosphere. All three types of datasets, including temperature profiles from 10 to 55 km and 16 to 107 km, and electron density profiles from 120 to 550 km, recognized perturbations of different scales at different heights after the Chile tsunami. The vertical scales identified by the wavelet analysis are from 1–2 km, 5–9 km, and 25–50 km in the stratosphere, mesosphere, and ionosphere, respectively. Meanwhile, as a comparison and validation of the reliability, we also revisited the 11-03-2011 Tohoku earthquake/tsunami-related perturbations from the stratosphere to the ionosphere using the same data. It is believed that the two tsunamis both disturbed the whole atmosphere space, and the scale of these signals gradually increases with the increase in altitude but decreases with time. In addition, the tsunami-related ionospheric gravity wavefronts are examined by the F3/C observations. Another interesting point is that the temperature perturbations recorded by the SABER from 70–100 km altitude are found to arrive earlier than the 2015 tsunami wavefront. The findings in this study suggest that the limb-sounding technique is a useful instrument for detecting the tsunami-coupling gravity wave and benefits the tsunami warning system.