bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of Biopesticides in the Management of the Cotton Bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Noctuidae), under Field Conditions
Authors: Malinga Lawrence N. , Laing Mark D.
Published: July 2022

Cotton is one of the most valuable materials in the world, popularly used in the clothing industry and other products. However, its production is limited by the high infestation of insect pests. A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different biopesticides on the control of the African bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera) under cotton field conditions. Four biopesticides—namely, Eco-Bb® (Beauveria bassiana), Bb endophyte (Beauveria bassiana), Bolldex® (Nucleopolyhedrovirus), and Delfin® (Bacillus thuringiensis)—were evaluated and compared with the pyrethroid Karate® (lambda-cyhalothrin) and an untreated control against H. armigera. Field trials were conducted at the Agriculture Research Council, Rustenburg, in the North West Province of South Africa during the 2017 and 2018 cotton seasons. The results revealed that in plots sprayed with Karate® and Bolldex®, the numbers of H. armigera were significantly reduced compared to the untreated controls. Plots treated with Bolldex® had the lowest number of damaged bolls in 2017, while those treated with Karate® had the lowest number of damaged bolls in 2018. All treated plots had significantly fewer damaged bolls when compared to the controls. A seed cotton yield of 5987 kg/ha was recorded in the plots that were treated with Bolldex®—significantly higher than the yields from plots treated with Eco-Bb®, Delfin®, and Bb endophyte—in 2017. However, the yield in treatments with Eco-Bb®, Delfin®, and Bb endophyte was lower than that from the untreated controls during this season. In 2018, plots treated with Bolldex® had the highest yield, at 6818 kg/ha, which was not different from the other treatments. The highest average seed cotton yield of 6400 kg/ha was recorded in the plots treated with Bolldex®, followed by Karate®. In summary, the efficacy of different biopesticides against H. armigera varied significantly, while the synthetic pesticide (Karate®) and Bolldex® resulted in more consistent control of this pest. The results suggest that biopesticides may, however, have the potential for use in the sustainable control of cotton bollworms as part of integrated pest management programmes, although further work is required to support this hypothesis.
Spotted Fever Group Rickettsioses in Central America: The Research and Public Health Disparity among Socioeconomic Lines
Authors: Dye-Braumuller Kyndall C. , Rodríguez Aquino Marvin S. , Self Stella C. W. , Kanyangarara Mufaro , Nolan Melissa S.
Published: July 2022

Tick-borne diseases including rickettsial diseases are increasing in incidence worldwide. Many rickettsial pathogens can cause disease which is commonly underdiagnosed and underreported; Rickettsia pathogens in the spotted fever group (SFGR) are thus classified as neglected bacterial pathogens. The Central American region shoulders a large proportion of the global neglected disease burden; however, little is known regarding SFGR disease here. Although development varies, four of the seven countries in this region have both the highest poverty rates and SFGR disease burdens (El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, and Nicaragua), compared to Belize, Panama, and Costa Rica. Utilizing the Human Development Index (HDI), we compared published articles related to SFGR Rickettsia prevalence in the lowest-HDI-scoring countries to the highest-HDI-scoring countries. Our analysis identified a distinct dichotomy in publication, and by proxy, potentially awareness and knowledge of SFGR tick-borne disease in Central America, where the least-developed countries are at the highest risk for, yet the most vulnerable to, SFGR disease.
SfDicer2 RNA Interference Inhibits Molting and Wing Expansion in Sogatella furcifera
Authors: Zeng Qing-Hui , Long Gui-Yun , Yang Xi-Bin , Jia Ze-Yan , Jin Dao-Chao , Yang Hong
Published: July 2022

Endoribonuclease 2 (Dicer2) is a key nicking endonuclease involved in the small interfering RNA biosynthesis, and it plays important roles in gene regulation and antiviral immunity. The Dicer2 sequence was obtained using the transcriptomic and genomic information of Sogatella furcifera (Horváth), and the spatiotemporal characteristics and functions of molting and wing expansion regulation were studied using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and RNA interference (RNAi) technology. The expression of SfDicer2 fluctuated during the nymphal stage of S. furcifera. Its expression decreased significantly over the course of molting. SfDicer2 exhibited the highest transcript level in the nymphal stage and adult fat body. After SfDicer2 was silenced, the total mortality rate was 42.69%; 18.32% of the insects died because of their inability to molt. Compared with the effects of dsGFP or water, 44.38% of the insects subjected to the silencing of SfDicer2 exhibited wing deformities after successful eclosion. After SfDicer2 RNAi, the expression of chitinase, chitin deacetylase, trehalase, chitin synthase 1, and wing expansion-related genes was significantly inhibited. These findings indicate that SfDicer2 controls molting by affecting genes associated with chitin synthesis and degradation and regulates wing expansion by altering the expression of wing expansion-related genes in S. furcifera.
Bacteriota and Antibiotic Resistance in Spiders
Authors: Kačániová Miroslava , Terentjeva Margarita , Kowalczewski Przemysław Łukasz , Babošová Mária , Porhajašová Jana Ivanič , Hikal Wafaa M. , Fedoriak Mariia
Published: July 2022

Arthropods are reported to serve as vectors of transmission of pathogenic microorganisms to humans, animals, and the environment. The aims of our study were (i) to identify the external bacteriota of spiders inhabiting a chicken farm and slaughterhouse and (ii) to detect antimicrobial resistance of the isolates. In total, 102 spiders of 14 species were collected from a chicken farm, slaughterhouse, and buildings located in west Slovakia in 2017. Samples were diluted in peptone buffered water, and Tryptone Soya Agar (TSA), Triple Sugar Agar (TSI), Blood Agar (BA), and Anaerobic Agar (AA) were used for inoculation. A total of 28 genera and 56 microbial species were isolated from the samples. The most abundant species were Bacillus pumilus (28 isolates) and B. thuringensis (28 isolates). The least isolated species were Rhodotorula mucilaginosa (one isolate), Kocuria rhizophila (two isolates), Paenibacillus polymyxa (two isolates), and Staphylococcus equorum (two isolates). There were differences in microbial composition between the samples originating from the slaughterhouse, chicken farm, and buildings. The majority of the bacterial isolates resistant to antibiotics were isolated from the chicken farm. The isolation of potentially pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella, Escherichia, and Salmonella spp., which possess multiple drug resistance, is of public health concern.
Exploratory Survey of Lixus algirus L. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and Its Natural Enemies in Morocco
Authors: Ait Taadaouit Nezha , El Fakhouri Karim , Sabraoui Abdelhadi , Rohi Latifa , El Bouhssini Mustapha
Published: July 2022

The stem borer weevil, Lixus algirus L. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), causes severe damage to faba beans (Vicia faba L.) in Morocco. A survey was conducted to determine the distribution of L. algirus, its natural enemies, and the severity of damage it causes to faba beans in Morocco. A total of 16 and 27 stops were randomly selected and surveyed in the major faba bean-growing regions during the years 2017 and 2018, respectively. The Gharb region recorded the highest level of L. algirus infestation at 80% and 71.42% in 2017 and 2018, respectively, followed by the Saïs region at 58.75% and 36% in 2017 and 2018, respectively. Two egg parasitoids (Chlorocytuslixi and Anaphes longicornis), one egg predator (Orius sp.), and a larval parasitoid (Cyanopterobracon) were identified. The ectoparasitoid C. lixi was observed to be the most dominant species, with percentages of parasitism in the regions ranging between 35.75% and 70.49%. The larval parasitoid Cyanopterobracon was the second most abundant species, with percentages of parasitism ranging between 3.03% to 15.96%. Understanding the parasitoid complex of L. algirus in Morocco is necessary for the subsequent development of a biological control program.
Supraglottic Localization of IgG4-Related Disease—Rare and Challenging Equity
Authors: Barańska Magda , Makowska Joanna , Wągrowska-Danilewicz Małgorzata , Pietruszewska Wioletta
Published: July 2022

Supraglottic stenosis is a rare symptom, particularly in fibroinflammatory multifocal diseases, such as IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD). There is still an inconsistency in the diagnosis of less-common locations of IgG4-RD, which causes a delay in the diagnosis and treatment. Our paper aims to analyze different aspects of IgG4-RD presenting as supraglottic stenosis, including the possible overlap with ANCA-associated vasculitis. We compare the usefulness of the recently revised ACR/EULAR and Comprehensive criteria and discuss treatment options. The review was performed according to PRISMA guidelines using the MEDLINE Pubmed and Scopus databases. The analysis includes nine papers describing supraglottic laryngeal stenosis in 13 patients. Furthermore, we present a case of a woman with ongoing supraglottic stenosis presenting with cough, temporary dyspnea and stridor as the symptoms of localized IgG4-RD. At the time of writing, the patient remains in remission while receiving treatment with cyclophosphamide and methylprednisolone. The symptoms of supraglottic localization of IgG4-RD may be severe; however, at that point, clinicians should suspect autoimmune etiology and attempt to modulate the autoimmune response instead of performing dilatation surgery—the effects of which may not result in extended intervals between interventions. The ACR/EULAR criteria show great specificity; however, when IgG4-RD is presumed, the specific treatment should be implemented.
Quantitative Three-Dimensional Computed Tomography Measurements Provide a Precise Diagnosis of Fractures of the Mandibular Condylar Process
Authors: Batbayar Enkh-Orchlon , Assink Nick , Kraeima Joep , Meesters Anne M. L. , Bos Ruud R. M. , Vissink Arjan , Witjes Max J. H. , van Minnen Baucke
Published: July 2022

As 2D quantitative measurements are often insufficient, a standardized 3D quantitative measurement method was developed to analyze mandibular condylar fractures, and correlate the results with the mandibular condylar fracture classifications of Loukota and Spiessl and Schroll and clinical parameters. Thirty-two patients with a unilateral mandibular condylar fracture were evaluated using OPT, 2D (CB)CT images, and 3D imaging to measure the extent of the fractures. The maximum mouth opening (MMO) was measured. Ramus height loss could be measured only in OPT, but not in 2D CT images. The Intraclass Correlation Coefficient was excellent in the 3D measurements. In the Loukota classification, condylar neck fractures had the largest median 3D displacement and the highest rotations of the fracture fragments. The largest fracture volume was observed in base fractures. According to the Spiessl and Schroll classification, type V fractures had the largest median 3D displacement and the highest rotation in the X-axis and Z-axis. Type I fractures had the largest fracture volume. We found a moderate negative correlation between MMO and 3D displacement and rotation on Z-axis. The 2D quantitative analysis of condylar fractures is limited, imprecise, and not reproducible, while quantitative 3D measurements provide extensive, precise, objective, and reproducible information.
Peri-Implant Marginal Bone Changes around Dental Implants with Platform-Switched and Platform-Matched Abutments: A Retrospective 5-Year Radiographic Evaluation
Authors: Lin Hsi-Kuei , Lin Jerry Chin-Yi , Pan Yu-Hwa , Salamanca Eisner , Chang Yi-Ting , Hsu Yung-Szu , Wu Yi-Fan , Lin Chin-Kai , Dorj Odontuya , Chang Wei-Jen
Published: July 2022

Preserving the marginal bone level (MBL) is essential for the long-term success of dental implant therapy, and bone remodeling around dental implants is considered to vary with time. Numerous studies comparing the platform-switching (PS) and platform-matching (PM) dental implants have indicated that PS dental implants showed a lesser reduction for the MBL, and the majority of them had a relatively short period. This study aimed to evaluate vertical and horizontal bone defects by using digital periapical radiographs to examine the changes in MBL around PM and PS dental implants over 5 years after functional loading. The vertical MBL (vMBL) was measured from the implant–abutment junction to the first bone-to-implant contact. The horizontal MBL (hMBL) was measured from the implant–abutment junction to the bone crest. All data were presented as means ± standard errors. Paired and independent t-tests with Welch’s correction were used to analyze the data. A total of 61 dental implants in 38 patients after 5 years of functional loading were evaluated. Over time, PS dental implants were more likely to gain bone; by contrast, PM dental implants were more likely to lose bone during the observation time. Changes in vMBL for PS dental implants were significantly less than those for PM dental implants at 1-year (p = 0.045), 3-year (p = 0.021), and 5-year (p = 0.010) loading. Likewise, changes in hMBL for PS dental implants were significantly smaller than in those for PM dental implants at 3-year (p = 0.021) and 5-year (p = 0.006) loading; however, the changes were minimal in both approaches. PS dental implants had a significant increment in the percentage of bone integration, whereas that for PM dental implants dropped over time, with no significance. In PS dental implants that occlude with natural teeth, vertical and horizontal bone gain was observed, and it was significant at 3 years (p = 0.023). A significant horizontal bone gain was observed in the opposing natural teeth at 3-year (p = 0.002) and 5-year loading (p = 0.002). The PS concept appears to preserve more MBL around dental implants by stabilizing the vMBL and hMBL over a 5-year period. A minimal marginal bone change was detected in both concepts. The opposing natural teeth at PS dental implants showed a favorable effect on marginal bone tissues.
Grip Strength Trajectories and Cognition in English and Chilean Older Adults: A Cross-Cohort Study
Authors: Angel Bárbara , Ajnakina Olesya , Albala Cecilia , Lera Lydia , Márquez Carlos , Leipold Leona , Bilovich Avri , Dobson Richard , Bendayan Rebecca
Published: July 2022

Growing evidence about the link between cognitive and physical decline suggests the early changes in physical functioning as a potential biomarker for cognitive impairment. Thus, we compared grip-strength trajectories over 12–16 years in three groups classified according to their cognitive status (two stable patterns, normal and impaired cognitive performance, and a declining pattern) in two representative UK and Chilean older adult samples. The samples consisted of 7069 UK (ELSA) and 1363 Chilean participants (ALEXANDROS). Linear Mixed models were performed. Adjustments included socio-demographics and health variables. The Declined and Impaired group had significantly lower grip-strength at baseline when compared to the Non-Impaired. In ELSA, the Declined and Impaired showed a faster decline in their grip strength compared to the Non-Impaired group but differences disappeared in the fully adjusted models. In ALEXANDROS, the differences were only found between the Declined and Non-Impaired and they were partially attenuated by covariates. Our study provides robust evidence of the association between grip strength and cognitive performance and how socio-economic factors might be key to understanding this association and their variability across countries. This has implications for future epidemiological research, as hand-grip strength measurements have the potential to be used as an indicator of cognitive performance.
Resin-Loaded Heterogeneous Polyether Sulfone Ion Exchange Membranes for Saline Groundwater Treatment
Authors: Mudau Fulufhelo , Motsa Machawe , Hassard Francis , de Kock Lueta-Ann
Published: July 2022

Arid areas often contain brackish groundwater that has a salinity exceeding 500 mg/L. This poses several challenges to the users of the water such as a salty taste and damage to household appliances. Desalination can be one of the key solutions to significantly lower the salinity and solute content of the water. However, the technology requires high energy inputs as well as managing waste products. This paper presents the fabrication of ultrafiltration heterogeneous ion exchange membranes for brackish groundwater treatment. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed a relatively uniform resin particle distribution within the polymer matrix. The mean roughness of the cation exchange membrane (CEM) and anion exchange membrane (AEM) surfaces increased from 42.12 to 317.25 and 68.56 to 295.95 nm, respectively, when resin loading was increased from 1 to 3.5 wt %. Contact angle measures suggested a more hydrophilic surface (86.13 to 76.26° and 88.10 to 74.47° for CEM and AEM, respectively) was achieved with greater resin loading rates. The ion exchange capacity (IEC) of the prepared membranes was assessed using synthetic groundwater in a dead-end filtration system and removal efficiency of K+, Mg2+, and Ca2+ were 56.0, 93.5, and 85.4%, respectively, for CEM with the highest resin loading. Additionally, the anion, NO3− and SO42− removal efficiency was 84.2% and 52.4%, respectively, for the AEM with the highest resin loading. This work demonstrates that the prepared ultrafiltration heterogeneous ion exchange membranes have potential for selective removal for of ions by ion exchange, under filtration conditions at low pressure of 0.05 MPa.
Alterations in the Milk Metabolome of Dairy Cows Supplemented with Different Levels of Calcium Propionate in Early Lactation
Authors: Zhang Fan , Zhao Yiguang , Wang Hui , Nan Xuemei , Wang Yue , Guo Yuming , Xiong Benhai
Published: July 2022

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with different levels of calcium propionate on the lactation performance, blood energy metabolite parameters, and milk metabolites of dairy cows in early lactation. Thirty-two multiparous Holstein cows were randomly divided into 4 groups, which were orally drenched with 0, 200, 350, and 500 g/d calcium propionate per cow supplemented to a basal diet for 5 weeks from calving. The milk and blood of the dairy cows were sampled and measured every week. The milk samples from the last week were used for the metabolomic analysis via liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The results showed that the calcium propionate supplementation quadratically increased the dry matter intake, energy-corrected milk yield, and 4% fat-corrected milk yield; linearly reduced the milk protein and milk lactose concentrations; and quadratically decreased the somatic cell count in the milk. With the increase in calcium propionate, the serum glucose content showed a linear increase, while the serum insulin content showed a quadratic increase. The diets supplemented with calcium propionate quadratically decreased the β-hydroxybutyric acid and linearly decreased the non-esterified fatty acid content in the serum. The metabolomic analysis revealed that eighteen different metabolites were identified in the milk samples of the dairy cows supplemented with calcium propionate at 350 g/d, which decreased the abundance of genistein and uridine 5-monophosphate and increased the abundance of adenosine, uracil, protoporphyrin IX, and sphingomyelin (d 18:1/18:0) compared with the control group. The milk metabolic analysis indicated that the calcium propionate effectively improved the milk synthesis and alleviated the mobilization of adipose tissue and bone calcium. In summary, the calcium propionate could improve the lactation performance and energy status and promote the milk metabolic profile of dairy cows in early lactation. Calcium propionate (350 g/d) is a well-recommended supplement for dairy cows for alleviating negative energy balance and hypocalcemia in early lactation.
Focusing Characteristics and Widefield Imaging Performance of the Silicon Metalens in the Visible Range
Authors: Zhao Miao , Yu Binbin , Du Jing , Wen Jing
Published: July 2022

Conventional optical high numerical aperture lenses are essential for high-resolution imaging, but bulky and expensive. In comparison, metalens-based optical components are the subjects of intensive investigation for their flexible manipulation of light. Methods of detecting and characterizing focal spots and scanning imaging produced by metalenses are well established. However, widefield imaging by metalenses is experimentally challenging. This study demonstrates the design and realization of silicon-based metalenses with numerical apertures of 0.447 and 0.204 in the broadband spectrum of 580–780 nm for microscopic widefield imaging. The optimized aspect ratio of the single nanorod is 5.1:1, which reduces the fabrication difficulty compared to other, more complicated designs and fabrication. Furthermore, we successfully demonstrate widefield imaging by the designed metalens and compare the simulated and the experimentally extracted modulation transfer function curves of the metalens.
Normally-off β-Ga2O3 MOSFET with an Epitaxial Drift Layer
Authors: Jang Chan-Hee , Atmaca Gökhan , Cha Ho-Young
Published: July 2022

A normally-off β-Ga2O3 metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) is proposed using a technology computer-aided design (TCAD) device simulation, which employs an epitaxial drift layer grown on an n-type low-doped body layer. The low-doped body layer under the MOS gate enabled normally-off operation, whereas the epitaxial drift layer determined the on-resistance and breakdown characteristics. The effects of the doping concentration of each layer and thickness of the drift channel layer on the device characteristics were investigated to design a device with a breakdown voltage of 1 kV. A threshold voltage of 1.5 V and a breakdown voltage of 1 kV were achieved by an n-type body layer with a doping concentration of 1 × 1015 cm−3 and an n-type drift layer with a doping concentration of 3 × 1017 cm−3, a thickness of 150 nm, and a gate-to-drain distance of 9.5 μm; resulting in an on-resistance of 25 mΩ·cm2.
Lithium Occurrence in Italy—An Overview
Authors: Dini Andrea , Lattanzi Pierfranco , Ruggieri Giovanni , Trumpy Eugenio
Published: July 2022

Italy has no record of Li production, even though it is well known for its outstanding Li mineral specimens from the Elba Island pegmatites. Because of the current geopolitical situation, the opportunity for a systematic appraisal of resources is evident. Most European Li production comes from deposits associated with Late Paleozoic magmatic rocks. In Italy, such rocks occur extensively in Sardinia and Calabria, but their potential for Li is unknown, and deserves a more systematic exploration. Also of potential interest are the Permo–Triassic spodumene pegmatites in the Austroalpine units of the Central Alps. The Tertiary pegmatites (Elba Island and Central Alps) contain Li minerals, but do not appear large enough to warrant bulk mining. However, we notice that Tertiary–Quaternary magmatic rocks of the Tuscan and Roman magmatic provinces have systematically higher Li contents than those recorded in normal arc igneous rocks worldwide. Specifically, Tuscan granites contain up to 350 μg/g Li, mostly hosted by biotite (up to 4000 μg/g Li); the Capo Bianco aplite (Elba Island) contains up to 1000 μg/g. There are other small Li occurrences associated with Mn deposits and metabauxites, and there is a hypothetical potential for sediment-hosted deposits in the post-orogenic Lower Permian Alpine basins. However, the most promising potential seems to be associated with subsurface fluids. High-enthalpy fluids in geothermal fields may contain up to 480 mg/L Li. Lower-temperature thermal waters may also contain significant Li (>10 mg/L). Moreover, a visionary, but not impossible, perspective may consider a deep injection of water to interact with, and extract Li from, magmatic rocks.
Effects of Magmatic-Hydrothermal Activities on Characteristic of Source Rocks from Beipiao Formation in the Jinyang Basin, NE China
Authors: Deng Shuo , Li Sumei , Sun Shouliang , Hao Ziyan , Qin Menghua , Li Yongfei
Published: July 2022

The Jinyang Basin is a typical volcanic-sedimentary basin, located in the southern peripheral area of the Songliao Basin. Hydrothermal activity is often closely related to the intrusion or eruption of magma. It was recently suggested that dolomite in the Jurassic Beipiao Formation was formed under the influence of magmatic-hydrothermal activity and magmatic-hydrothermal activity might have impacts on the organic matter of the source rocks. No investigation has been aimed at the effect of magmatic-hydrothermal activities on the accumulation of organic matter in the Beipiao Formation source rocks and a comprehensive study is urgent, which would be indicative in unravelling the accumulation mechanism of organic matter and useful in further petroleum exploration. To provide important insights into these issues, we carried out a detailed investigation of geological and geochemical analysis for Wolong (WL) and Dongkuntouyingzi (DK) outcrop shales from the Lower Jurassic Beipiao Formation in the Jinyang Basin. The hydrothermal indicator discrimination diagram (Zn-Ni-Co triangular plot) and rare earth element anomalies (δEu and δCe) indicate that the formation of WL samples is associated with hydrothermal activity, but DK is not. The TOC values suggest that most of the WL and DK samples are good to very good and fair to good source rocks, respectively. The Ro values suggest that both WL (Ro = 1.17%) and DK (Ro = 1.01%) samples have entered the oil-generating stage, and WL samples were influenced by the magmatic activity with higher maturity. The biomarkers such as high steranes/hopanes, high 4-methyl steranes/C29 steranes, low Pr/Ph values and high gammacerane index suggest that WL samples were deposited in an anoxic-prone saline environment with significant contributions of algal sources. Contrarily, the DK samples were deposited in oxic-prone and freshwater paleolake with significant contributions of terrigenous organic matter. The magmatic-hydrothermal activities in the Wolong area brought numerous nutrients to the lake basin, which may facilitated the reproduction of aquatic organisms. At the same time, the magmatic-hydrothermal activities increased the salinity of water and promoted the formation of a water reducing environment, which provided an excellent environment for the preservation and enrichment of organic matter. Therefore, the magmatic-hydrothermal activities in the Wolong area promoted the formation of organic-rich source rocks and the hydrocarbon generation process.
Photo-Induced Reactions between Glyoxal and Hydroxylamine in Cryogenic Matrices
Authors: Golec Barbara , Sałdyka Magdalena , Mielke Zofia
Published: July 2022

In this paper, the photochemistry of glyoxal–hydroxylamine (Gly–HA) complexes is studied using FTIR matrix isolation spectroscopy and ab initio calculations. The irradiation of the Gly–HA complexes with the filtered output of a mercury lamp (λ > 370 nm) leads to their photoconversion to hydroxyketene–hydroxylamine complexes and the formation of hydroxy(hydroxyamino)acetaldehyde with a hemiaminal structure. The first product is the result of a double hydrogen exchange reaction between the aldehyde group of Gly and the amino or hydroxyl group of HA. The second product is formed as a result of the addition of the nitrogen atom of HA to the carbon atom of one aldehyde group of Gly, followed by the migration of the hydrogen atom from the amino group of hydroxylamine to the oxygen atom of the carbonyl group of glyoxal. The identification of the products is confirmed by deuterium substitution and by MP2 calculations of the structures and vibrational spectra of the identified species.
Unusual Reactivities of ortho-Hydroxy-β-nitrostyrene
Authors: Iwai Kento , Wada Khimiya , Nishiwaki Nagatoshi
Published: July 2022

Nitrostyrene derivatives are widely used in organic syntheses as a substrate for Michael addition, photoisomerization and cycloaddition. In contrast, ortho-hydroxy derivatives exhibit unusual behaviors in these reactions. Conjugate addition proceeded upon treatment of the ortho-hydroxy-β-nitrostyrene with an amine; however, subsequent C–C bond cleavage readily occurred to afford the corresponding imine. Moreover, conversion of the trans-isomer to a cis-isomer did not occur efficiently, even when UV light was irradiated. We studied these unusual behaviors of β-nitrostyrene, focusing on the role of the ortho-hydroxy group.
Experimental Study on the Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Metakaolin-Based Geopolymer Modified Clay
Authors: Shi Xianzeng , Zha Qingkun , Li Shuqing , Cai Guojun , Wu Dun , Zhai Chaojiao
Published: July 2022

Clay is found in some countries all over the world. It usually has low compressive strength and cannot be used as a bearing material for subgrade soil. In this paper, the influence of basicity on a metakaolin-based polymer binder to improve clay was studied. The effects of the molar concentration of the alkali activator, different concentration of the metakaolin-based geopolymer and curing time on unconfined compressive strength were studied. The alkali activator-to-ash ratio was maintained at 0.7. The percentage of metakaolin added to the soil relative to metakaolin and soil mixture was 6%, 8%, 10% and 12%. The sodium hydroxide concentrations are 2M, 4M, 6M and 8M. Unconfined compressive strength (UCS) was tested on days 3, 7, 14 and 28, respectively. Compared with original clay, the results show that the unconfined compressive strength increases with the increase in metakaolin content and molar concentration of NaOH. The maximum compressive strength of the sample with NaOH concentration of 8M and percentage of 12% was 4109 kN on the 28th day, which is about 112% higher than that of the original clay. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) results showed that the cementing compound covered the clay particles due to the reaction of the geopolymer with the clay, resulting in the formation of adhesive particles. The main purpose of this study is to verify the effectiveness and stability of metakaolin-based geopolymer binder polymerization under normal temperature and a strong alkali environment. The results can provide parameters for the application and promotion of metakaolin-based geopolymers in soil improvement engineering.
Quality Evaluation of Tetrastigmae Radix from Two Different Habitats Based on Simultaneous Determination of Multiple Bioactive Constituents Combined with Multivariate Statistical Analysis
Authors: Chen Haijie , Zhou Yongyi , Xue Jia , Yuan Jiahuan , Cai Zhichen , Wu Nan , Zou Lisi , Yin Shengxin , Yang Wei , Liu Xunhong , Cheng Jianming , Tang Li
Published: July 2022

Tetrastigmae Radix, also known as Sanyeqing (SYQ) in Chinese, is an important traditional Chinese medicine with a long history. Tetrastigma hemsleyanum Diels et Gilg mainly grows in the south of the Yangtze River and is widely distributed. The content of bioactive constituents in SYQ varies greatly in different habitats, and there are obvious differences in the content of bioactive constituents between southwestern SYQ (WS) and southeastern SYQ (ES). To distinguish and evaluate the quality of ES and WS, an analytical method based on ultrafast performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole-linear ion trap mass spectrometry (UFLC-QTRAP-MS/MS) was established for the simultaneous determination of 60 constituents including 25 flavonoids, 9 phenolic acids, 15 amino acids, and 11 nucleosides in 47 samples from ES and WS. In addition, orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), t-test, and gray correlation analysis (GRA) were used to discriminate and evaluate the ES and WS samples based on the contents of 60 constituents. The results showed that there were significant differences in the bioactive constituents between ES and WS, and ES was superior to WS in terms of quality evaluation. This study not only provides basic information for differentiating ES and WS but also provides a new perspective for the comprehensive evaluation and quality control of SYQ from two different habitats.
The Effects of Grape Polysaccharides Extracted from Grape By-Products on the Chemical Composition and Sensory Characteristics of White Wines
Authors: Pérez-Magariño Silvia , Cano-Mozo Estela , Bueno-Herrera Marta , Canalejo Diego , Doco Thierry , Ayestarán Belén , Guadalupe Zenaida
Published: July 2022

There is an increasing interest in the valorization of wine waste by-products. Grape pomace/marc can be an important source of polyphenols but also of polysaccharides (PSs). Therefore, the aim of this work was to extract PSs from grape pomace and musts and incorporate them into wines to improve their quality and valorize these residues. Two white wines were elaborated and treated with four different PS extracts obtained from white grape pomace, white must, a wine purified extract rich in RG-II, and commercial inactivated yeasts. In general, the use of grape PSs extracted from grape pomace or must improve some characteristics of wine, increasing the polysaccharide and volatile concentrations. These PS extracts can be useful to modulate some taste attributes such as an excess of acidity and bitterness and can also prevent the loss of volatile compounds associated with fruity and floral notes over time. This is the first study that shows the effects of grape polysaccharides on the chemical composition and sensory characteristics of white wines. Considering the obtained results, the grape pomace and surplus of musts can be considered valuable sources to obtain polysaccharide-rich products, opening a new opportunity to take advantage of by-products from the wine industry.
A Straightforward Access to New Amides of the Melanin Precursor 5,6-Dihydroxyindole-2-carboxylic Acid and Characterization of the Properties of the Pigments Thereof
Authors: Argenziano Rita , Della Greca Marina , Panzella Lucia , Napolitano Alessandra
Published: July 2022

We report herein an optimized procedure for preparation of carboxamides of 5,6-dihydroxyindole-2-carboxylic acid (DHICA), the main biosynthetic precursor of the skin photoprotective agents melanins, to get access to pigments with more favorable solubility properties with respect to the natural ones. The developed procedure was based on the use of a coupling agent (HATU/DIPEA) and required protection of the catechol function by easily removable acetyl groups. The O-acetylated compounds could be safely stored and taken to the reactive o-diphenol form just before use. Satisfactorily high yields (>85%) were obtained for all amides. The oxidative polymerization of the synthesized amides carried out in air in aqueous buffer at pH 9 afforded melanin-like pigmented materials that showed chromophores resembling those of DHICA-derived pigments, with a good covering of the UVA and the visible region, and additionally exhibited a good solubility in alcoholic solvents, a feature of great interest for the exploitation of these materials as ingredients of dermocosmetic formulations.
Sensing the ortho Positions in C6Cl6 and C6H4Cl2 from Cl2− Formation upon Molecular Reduction
Authors: Kumar Sarvesh , Romero José , Probst Michael , Maihom Thana , García Gustavo , Limão-Vieira Paulo
Published: July 2022

The geometrical effect of chlorine atom positions in polyatomic molecules after capturing a low-energy electron is shown to be a prevalent mechanism yielding Cl2−. In this work, we investigated hexachlorobenzene reduction in electron transfer experiments to determine the role of chlorine atom positions around the aromatic ring, and compared our results with those using ortho-, meta- and para-dichlorobenzene molecules. This was achieved by combining gas-phase experiments to determine the reaction threshold by means of mass spectrometry together with quantum chemical calculations. We also observed that Cl2− formation can only occur in 1,2-C6H4Cl2, where the two closest C–Cl bonds are cleaved while the chlorine atoms are brought together within the ring framework due to excess energy dissipation. These results show that a strong coupling between electronic and C–Cl bending motion is responsible for a positional isomeric effect, where molecular recognition is a determining factor in chlorine anion formation.
A Review of Polygonatum Mill. Genus: Its Taxonomy, Chemical Constituents, and Pharmacological Effect Due to Processing Changes
Authors: Luo Lu , Qiu Yixing , Gong Limin , Wang Wei , Wen Ruiding
Published: July 2022

Ethnopharmacological relevance: The genus Polygonatum Tourn, ex Mill. contains numerous chemical components, such as steroidal saponins, polysaccharides, flavonoids, alkaloids, and others, it possesses diverse pharmacological activities, such as anti-aging, anti-tumor, immunological regulation, as well as blood glucose management and fat reducing properties. Aim of the review: This study reviews the current state of research on the systematic categorization, chemical composition, pharmacological effects, and processing changes of the plants belonging to the genus Polygonatum, to provide a theoretical foundation for their scientific development and rational application. Materials and methods: The information was obtained by searching the scientific literature published between 1977 and 2022 on online databases (including PubMed, CNKI, SciFinder, and Web of Science) and other sources (such as the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2020 edition, and Chinese herbal books). Results: The genus Polygonatum contains 79 species, and 233 bioactive chemical compounds were identified in them. The abundance of pharmacological activities, such as antioxidant activities, anti-fatigue activities, anti-inflammatory activities, etc., were revealed for the representatives of this genus. In addition, there are numerous processing methods, and many chemical constituents and pharmacological activities change after the unappropriated processing. Conclusions: This review summarizes the taxonomy classification, chemical composition, pharmacological effects, and processing of the plants belonging to the genus Polygonatum, providing references and research tendencies for plant-based drug development and further clinical applications.
Template-Free Synthesis of g-C3N4 Nanoball/BiOCl Nanotube Heterojunction with Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Wang Longfei , Fan Zheyuan , Cao Xixi , Fan Panfeng , Xie Yu , Sun Qing , Zhao Jinsheng
Published: July 2022

There are many reports on g-C3N4 nanosheet and BiOCl nanosheet, but few studies on other morphologies of g-C3N4 and BiOCl. Herein, a g-C3N4 nanoball/BiOCl nanotube heterojunction prepared by a simple one-step acetonitrile solvothermal method is reported. The XRD results prove that the g-C3N4/BiOCl composites can be prepared in one step. SEM results revealed that the g-C3N4 was spherical and the BiOCl was tubular. The HRTEM results indicate that g-C3N4 has an amorphous structure and that the (100) crystal plane of BiOCl borders the g-C3N4. Spherical g-C3N4 has a narrow band gap (approximately 1.94 eV), and the band gap of g-C3N4/BiOCl after modification was also narrow. When the BiOCl accounted for 30% of the g-C3N4/BiOCl by mass, the quasi-primary reaction rate constant of RhB degradation was 45 times that of g-C3N4. This successful preparation method for optimizing g-C3N4 involving simple one-step template-free synthesis may be adopted for the preparation of diverse-shapes and high-performance nanomaterials in the future.
Influence of Nanoparticles on Thermophysical Properties of Hybrid Nanofluids of Different Volume Fractions
Authors: Abdullah Mohd Zulkifly , Yu Kok Hwa , Loh Hao Yuan , Kamarudin Roslan , Gunnasegaran Prem , Alkhwaji Abdusalam
Published: July 2022

Nanofluids are frequently employed in numerous heat transfer applications due to their improved thermophysical properties compared to a base fluid. By selecting suitable combinations of nanoparticles, hybrid nanofluids can have better thermophysical properties than mono nanofluids. Thus, this study examines the effect of volume fractions of hybrid nanofluids on different thermophysical properties, such as density, thermal conductivity, specific heat, and dynamic viscosity. Thermophysical properties of copper–nickel (Cu–Ni) water-based hybrid nanofluids are determined using molecular dynamic (MD) simulation for different volume fractions of 0.1–0.3%. Results show that the density, thermal conductivity, and viscosity of Cu–Ni hybrid nanofluids increase with volume fraction, whereas the specific heat capacity at a constant pressure decreases with volume fraction. These properties are validated for the base fluid, mono nanofluids, and hybrid nanofluids. Results are in good agreement with previous findings. The thermophysical properties of Cu–Ni hybrid nanofluids significantly improve and have better characteristics for cooling fluids than the base fluid.
Smart Systems for Material and Process Designing in Direct Nanoimprint Lithography Using Hybrid Deep Learning
Authors: Hirai Yoshihiko , Tsukamoto Sou , Tanabe Hidekatsu , Kameyama Kai , Kawata Hiroaki , Yasuda Masaaki
Published: July 2022

A hybrid smart process and material design system for nanoimprinting is proposed, which is combined with a learning system based on experimental and numerical simulation results. Instead of carrying out extensive learning experiments for various conditions, the simulation learning results are partially complimented when the results can theoretically be predicted by numerical simulation. In other words, the data that are lacking in experimental learning are complimented by simulation-based learning results. Therefore, the prediction of nanoimprint results without experimental learning could be realized under various conditions, even for unknown materials. In this study, material and process designs are demonstrated for a low-temperature nanoimprint process using glycerol-containing polyvinyl alcohol. The experimental results under limited conditions were learned to investigate the optimum glycerol concentrations and process temperatures. Simulation-based learning was used to predict the dependence on press pressure and shape parameters. The prediction results for unknown glycerol concentrations agreed well with the follow-up experiments.
A Superimposed QD-Based Optical Antenna for VLC: White LED Source
Authors: Chamani Shaghayegh , Rostami Ali , Mirtaheri Peyman
Published: July 2022

Visible light communication (VLC) is a versatile enabling technology for following high-speed wireless communication because of its broad unlicensed spectrum. In this perspective, white light-emitting diodes (LED) provide both illumination and data transmission simultaneously. To accomplish a VLC system, receiver antennas play a crucial role in receiving light signals and guiding them toward a photodetector to be converted into electrical signals. This paper demonstrates an optical receiver antenna based on luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) technology to exceed the conservation of etendue and reach a high signal-to-noise ratio. This optical antenna is compatible with all colors of LEDs and achieves an optical efficiency of 3.75%, which is considerably higher than the similar reported antenna. This antenna is fast due to the small attached photodetector—small enough that it can be adapted for electronic devices—which does not need any tracking system. Moreover, numerical simulation is performed using a Monte Carlo ray-tracing model, and results are extracted in the spectral domain. Finally, the fate of each photon and the chromaticity diagram of the collected photons’ spectra are specified.
Tuning Surface Plasmonic Resonance and Surface Wettability of Au/CrN Films Using Nitrogen-Containing Gas
Authors: Wei Da-Hua , Tong Sheng-Kai , Chen Sheng-Chiang , Hao Yong-Han , Wu Ming-Ru , Yang Cheng-Jie , Huang Rong-Tan , Chung Ren-Jei
Published: July 2022

The surface plasmonic resonance, surface wettability, and related mechanical nanohardness and of face-centered-cubic (fcc) chromium nitride (CrN) films have been successfully manipulated via the simple method of tuning nitrogen-containing gas with different nitrogen-to-argon ratios, varying from 3.5 (N35), to 4.0 (N40), to 4.5 (N45), which is directly proportional to argon. All of the obtained CrN films showed that the surface wettability was due to hydrophilicity. All of the characteristics were mainly confirmed and explained by using X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, including plan-view and cross-section SEM images, with calculations of the average grain size performed via histograms accompanied by different preferred grain orientations. In the present work, not only the surface plasmonic resonance, but also the surface wettability and the related mechanical nanohardness of CrN films were found to be tunable via a simple method of introducing adjustable nitrogen-reactive-containing gas during the deposition process, while the authors suggest that the crystal orientation transition from the (111) to the (200) crystalline plane changed significantly with the nitrogen-containing gas. So the transition of the preferred orientation of CrN’s cubic close-packed from (111) to (200) varied at this composite, caused and found by the nitrogen-containing gas, which can be tuned by the nitrogen-to-argon ratio. The surface plasmonic resonance and photoluminescence quenching effects were coupled photon and electron oscillations, which could be observed, and which existed at the interface between the CrN and Au metals in the designed heterostructures.
Environmental Safety Assessments of Lipid Nanoparticles Loaded with Lambda-Cyhalothrin
Authors: Ganilho Catarina , da Silva Márcia Bessa , Paiva Cristiana , de Menezes Thacilla Ingrid , dos Santos Mayara Roncaglia , Pereira Carlos M. , Pereira Ruth , Andreani Tatiana
Published: July 2022

Lipid nanoparticles (LN) composed of biodegradable lipids and produced by green methods are candidates for the encapsulation of pesticides, potentially contributing to decreasing their release in the environment. From a safety-by-design concept, this work proposes LN for the encapsulation of insecticide active ingredients (AI). However, given the complexity of nanoparticles, ecotoxicological studies are often controversial, and a detailed investigation of their effects on the environment is required. Accordingly, this work aimed to produce and characterize LN containing the insecticide lambda-cyhalothrin (LC) and evaluate their safety to crops (Solanum lycopersicum and Zea mays), soil invertebrates (Folsomia candida and Eisenia fetida), and soil microbial parameters. The average particle size for LN-loaded with LC (LN–LC) was 165.4 ± 2.34 nm, with narrow size distribution and negative charge (−38.7 ± 0.954 mV). LN were able to encapsulate LC with an entrapment efficacy of 98.44 ± 0.04%, maintaining the stability for at least 4 months. The LN–LC showed no risk to the growth of crops and reproduction of the invertebrates. The effect on microbial parameters showed that the activity of certain soil microbial parameters can be inhibited or stimulated by the presence of LN at highest concentrations, probably by changing the pH of soil or by the intrinsic properties of LN.