Showing papers in "Science of Advanced Materials in 2022"

Comprehensive Assessment of the Effect of Various Anthropogenic Activities on the Groundwater Quality

Abstract: Water pollution had become a major problem due to its’ negative impact on the human health. Effects of humaninduced actions on groundwater quality were examined in this study. The physicochemical, heavy metals and microbial parameters of groundwater, sampled during the two major climatic periods in Nigeria, were measured according to APHA approved procedures. Results obtained from laboratory tests revealed that anthropogenic activities had substantial effect on the groundwater quality. The groundwater TDS, nitrate, BOD, chloride and phosphate concentrations varied from 23.93 to 42.32 mg/L, 0.54 to 2.16 mg/L, 2.23 to 4.72 mg/L, 10.78 to 19.15 mg/L, and 0.22 to 0.36 mg/L respectively. Likewise, Cd concentration fluctuated between 0 and 0.001 mg/L, Cu varied between 0 and 0.149 mg/L, Fe varied between 0 and 0.293 mg/L, Pb varied between 0 to 0.105 mg/mL, Zn varied between from 0 and 0.768 mg/L, while Ni fluctuated between 0 and 0.001 mg/L. The findings revealed that areas with poor sanitary situations had poor groundwater quality, compared to the areas with improved sanitary situations. Regarding the microbial population, the highest Total Bacteria and Fungi Counts recorded in the groundwater were 1.11×102 cfu/mL and 1.23×102 cfu/mL respectively. Similarly, the highest recorded Enterobacterial spp., Staphylococus arurius, E. coli, Proteus spp. and Shegeela spp. populations were 26.22×102 cfu/mL, 1.23×102 cfu/mL, 0.41 MPN/100 mL, 0.12 cfu/ml and 0.30×102 cfu/mL respectively. Although, the groundwater physicochemical parameters and heavy metals concentrations were within safe drinking water limits; the groundwater was largely contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms, mostly during the rainy season.

Process Optimization for Preparation of Hydrochar with Abundant Surface Functional Groups and Promising Adsorption Capacity

Abstract: The study attempted to optimize the synthesis process of hydrochar from bamboo utilizing hydrothermal carbonization (HTC). The process conditions were optimized to maximize the amount of Acid Oxygen Functional Groups (AOFG) for better adsorption capacity, and the yield of hydrochar for better economic feasibility. The hydrochar obtained was subjected to Methylene Blue (MB) adsorption capacity, to assess its potential as lowcost adsorbent for wastewater treatment. Among the process parameters, temperature was found to significantly influence the AOFG amount and the yield, the optimum conditions were found to be a temperature of 180 °C, duration of 24 h and pH of 5, with AOFG amount of 1108 μmol/g and carbon yield of 52.45%. Although with low surface area, the hydrochar had a maximum MB adsorption capacity of 91.74 mg/g. The adsorption kinetic followed the pseudo second-order kinetic model, while the adsorption isotherm resembled Langmuir isotherm model. The experimental results established quantitative relationship between the process conditions and the AOFG amount and yield of bamboo based hydrochar, which also suggested a pragmatic way to enhance the adsorption capacity of hydrochar as low-cost adsorbent by maximizing the surface functional groups under mild hydrothermal carbonization conditions.

In-Silico Evaluation of 10 Structurally Different Glucosinolates on the Key Enzyme of SARS-CoV-2

Abstract: The novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) triggered a worldwide rise in the prevalence of the coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19) and surfaced as a universal wellbeing matter. Analogous with SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, the main 3-chymotrypsin-alike cysteine protease (3CLPro) virus enzyme that manages the replications of 2019-nCoV and regulates its existence span, possibly will be considered like a medication break through focus. In this study, the binding potential of 10 glucosinolates (Glu) having a variety of structures was studied with the catalytic dyad remains of 2019-nCoV-3CLPro by molecular cutting developing. The outcomes have shown that Glu containing sinigrin (SN) have been shown to be realistically bound to the 2019-nCoV-3CLPro receptor and catalytic dyad binding sites (Cys145 and His41). Our simulation results have shown that sinigrin have a potential activity against 2019-nCoV and could be further used for drug production and optimization in the battle against COVID-19. In details, SN-SARS-CoV-2-3CLPro-facilityacted without exhibit whichever observable variations, with reference to the constancy of Glu-enzyme complexes by means of average RMSD of 1.5±0.02 Å. Meanwhile, the ordinary behavior of a SN-SARS-CoV-2-3CLPro complex continued as compact and steady during (50 ns) MD simulations. Current investigation has revealed that Glu with a specific structure could be successful against COVID-19 as natural components.

Investigation into the Intermetallic Layers in Ti/Al Multi-Layer Composites Produced via Accumulative Rolling and Sintering

Abstract: For anti-penetration applications, multilayer composites combining hard brittle elements confronting penetrators and ductile materials at the back are attractive. Because of the weak connection between the ductile and hard brittle layers, these composites usually lose their anti-penetration capability when the hard, brittle layer falls apart. In the present work, attempts to produce in-situ hard, brittle layers were carried out through accumulative roll bonding (ARB) and post-sintering. It is found that an intermetallic interlayer of TiAl3 can be produced between Ti and Al plates with full integrity under a proper sintering condition. The diffusion mechanism between Ti and Al layers was analyzed via microstructural characterization. It implies that Al serves as the primary diffusion phase between Ti and Al plates. This work may shed light on the development of high-performance anti-penetration multi-layer composites.

AlGaN/AlN/GaN Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor High-Electron Mobility Transistor with Annealed Al2O3 Gate Dielectric

Abstract: An AlGaN/AlN/GaN metal-oxide-semiconductor high-electron mobility transistors (MOS-HEMT) with an Al2O3 insulator is studied. The post-deposition annealing (PDA) of Al2O3 is conducted. The effects of PDA in an N2 atmosphere on the performance of the MOS-HEMTs are studied. Experimental results demonstrate that the trap density in the Al2O3 MOS diode is significantly decreased by annealing. Adding annealed Al2O3 as a surface passivation and a gate oxide layer on HEMTs reduces gate leakage currents, increases the two-terminal reverse breakdown voltage, and improves the high-frequency performance of the HEMTs.

In-Silico Analysis of VP4 Protein Causing Pathogenesis in Rotavirus and Its Interaction Studies

Abstract: This study focuses on proving the importance of In-Silico drug discovery in treating diseases that do not have a dependable and viable treatment. A disease of concern is Rotavirus; this spherical virus is responsible for causing diarrhoea like infection in infants. But it is not limited to infants and can occur in adults too. An intensive literature review provided evidence of how the currently available vaccines fail to protect a whole section of the population against this death-causing disease. The current study explores a protein targeted by a ligand that could be potentially developed as a drug. The protein considered is VP4 which is involved in the pathogenesis of the rotavirus. The ligand considered is 2-{[2-(4-phenyl-3,6-dihydro-1(2H)-pyridinyl) ethyl] amino}-4(3H)-quinazolinone with a chemical formula C21H22N4O and molecular weight 346.3 Da. The protein’s physiochemical and stereochemical analysis was conducted, followed by the ligand-protein interaction studies, molecular docking, ADMET studies and MD simulation. The docking results show that the above-mentioned molecule has the least binding affinity value. ADMET studies showed the possibility of the ligand being utilized as an oral drug. On the other hand, MD simulation showed the RMSD value, which reflected the stability of ligand-protein interaction. To conclude, this ligand can be employed to create an anti-rotavirus medication and, in the future, a treatment.

Design and Infrared Spectral Modulation Properties of Cu/CuO One-Dimensional Photonic Crystals

Abstract: Photonic crystals can effectively modulate infrared spectral properties. In this paper, a one-dimensional photonic crystal of multilayer Cu/CuO is proposed to achieve selective infrared radiation within atmospheric windows. A multilayer Cu/CuO with a periodic structure was designed via the transfer matrix method and prepared via reactive sputtering. The results of emissivity measurement showed that the Cu/CuO one-dimensional photonic crystals with 2–4 periods and a certain thickness exhibited good infrared-selective properties, with average emissivities of <0.1 and >0.9 at wavelengths of 3–5 and 8–14 μm, respectively; thus, the Cu/CuO onedimensional photonic crystals have potential applications as infrared spectral modulation materials.

Influencing Factors on the Longitudinal Compression Properties of Pultruded Unidirectional Fiber Composites

Abstract: Unidirectional fiber composites produced by pultrusion have good mechanical properties. We conducted compression experiments to investigate the factors that influenced the compression of pultruded unidirectional carbon fiber-reinforced plastics (CFRPs) under static axial loads. The CFRPS were composed of carbon fiber or carbon fiber cloth as reinforcement material, resin, ceramic, metal, cement, carbon or rubber as matrix. The modulus and compressive strength were measured. The experimental data were compared with the theoretical values obtained from the rule of mixtures. Moreover, the effects of the components, dispersion, interface states, and other factors on the compressive mechanical behaviors of the composites were studied. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the microstructure and fracture of the material. The results showed that the modulus and compressive strength of the CFRPs with a higher carbon fiber modulus decreased with the modulus and resin strength. The compressive modulus and compressive strength of CFRPs with the same resin increased with the modulus and strength of the carbon fibers. Upon increasing the modulus and strength of the carbon fibers, the compressive modulus and compressive strength of the CFRPs decreased with the modulus and strength of the resin. Moreover, glass fiber-reinforced plastics (GFRPs) were used to compare the difference between CFRPs, C/GFRP, and GFRP. The relationship between the the microstructure and promperties of these composites was systematically revealed. These research results are valuable for the design and synthesis of low-cost pultruded unidirectional fiber composites with excellent mechanical properties.

Transcriptome Analysis Reveals the Accumulation Mechanism of Starch in Chinese Yam (Dioscorea opposite Thunb.) Tubers Using RNA-Seq and Iso-Seq

Abstract: The starch composition of tubers affects the quality and yield of yam, and it is of great significance to deeply investigate the mechanism of starch accumulation in yam. In this study, two yam varieties with significant differences in starch content, Bikeqi (Dioscorea opposita Bikeqi) and Dahechangyv (Dioscorea opposita Dahechangyu), were used as materials. The transcriptome of tubers from seven developmental stages were sequenced using RNA-seq and Iso-seq. Differential genes closely contacted with the metabolism of starch and sucrose were screened and the functions were analysed. The results showed that, the starch content of the two yam varieties reached the maximum at 150 and 165 days respectively, and their difference was the largest at 150 days. Total 21623 unigenes were annotated, and 8378 differential genes were identified within varieties by comparing each developmental stage with the beginning of tuber expansion (90 days), respectively. A total of 5177 differential genes were identified in two varieties in the same period. GO and KEGG were used to analyze these differential genes, a variety of key genes closely related to starch and sucrose metabolism were screened. These results help us to better understand the mechanism of starch accumulation in yam.

Inhibitory Effect of Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) Nanoparticles Loaded with Resveratrol and Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog Deleted on Chromosome Ten (PTEN) siRNA on Lung Cancer Cells

Abstract: More than 50% of patients with Non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) develop metastasis after diagnosis, and only 14% of patients survive for more than 5 years. Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles are characterized by good stability and long vascular circulation time, and are particularly suitable for passive targeted treatment of tumors. Resveratrol (Res) can prevent normal cell carcinogenesis, inhibit the spread of cancer cells and cause cancer cell apoptosis. However, the use of resveratrol has been limited because of low bioavailability and short half-life. We in this study intended to find a highly specific nano-delivery system to enhance the therapeutic effect against tumors through carrying chemotherapeutic drugs and siRNA. PLGApolyethylene imine (PEI) nanoparticles co-delivered by resveratrol and PTEN siRNA were prepared. Oregon Green and Cy5 were used to label resveratrol and siRNA PTEN, respectively, and characterized by electron microscopy. Then, the nanoparticles were used to treat lung cancer cells. Western Blot analyzed the effects of nanoparticles on related proteins, and we used the CCK8 assay analyze the cytotoxicity of nanoparticles. Results showed that, the size of spherical PLGA NPs was about 80 nm, and the size of NPs increased significantly after attaching PEI to PLGA NPs or PLGA-PEI NPs carried PTEN siRNA. When PTEN expression was inhibited, resveratrol toxicity on lung cancer cells was increased. A549 and A549/T12 cells showed more sensitive to resveratrol loaded PLGA NPs than to resveratrol free NPs alone. The results also demonstrated that the nanoparticles loaded resveratrol increased the cancer cell toxicity of resveratrol. In addition, the PLGA-PEI nanoparticles co-delivered by resveratrol and PTEN siRNA can suppress tumor cells proliferation by inhibiting the expression of PTEN. In this study, PLGA-PEI-RES-PTEN nanocomplex was synthesized by solvent free evaporation and stabilizer free method. The complex can be absorbed by cancer cells, down-regulate PTEN protein, and effectively damage lung cancer cells.

Lanthanum Doped Zinc Molybdate: Antibacterial and Photo-Catalysis Properties

Abstract: This study investigates unique and specific properties of the lanthanum based zinc molybdate nanocomposite material. The lanthanum zinc molybdate nanocomposite material was synthesized using a simple and low cost “co-precipitation” method. The synthesized nano materials had structural, vibrational and morphological properties, determined by X-ray diffraction, fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The synthesized nanomaterial was characterised using a range of techniques. X-ray diffraction was used to determine a particle size of 65.7 nm of the disc shaped hexagonal particle. Further characterisation was done using UV-visible spectroscopy and band gap energy analysis. The band gap value was found to be 3.58 eV. The nanocomposite also exhibited antibacterial activity against bacterial strains of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. In the presence of light and air, nanoparticles of lanthanum zinc molybdate nanocomposite were found to inhibit the growth of Escherichia coli due to generation of singlet oxygen and hydrogen oxide radical. However, the same was not observed for S. aureus. Photocatalytic property of lanthanum zinc molybdate nanocomposite was determined using an aqueous solution of methylene blue dye. lanthanum zinc molybdate nanocomposite showed photo-degradation due to the formation of singlet oxygen and hydrogen oxide radical. Complete decolourization of blue colour of the of methylene blue solution at 6 pH was attained, using 40.0 mg lanthanum zinc molybdate nanocomposite, with a constant time interval. With time, the activity of lanthanum zinc molybdate nanocomposite was also found to decrease due to the formation of a hydrogen oxide layer on the surface of the nano material. This could be washed off with ethanol and distilled water. After drying, the catalytic nano particle could be reused for another reaction.

Study on Improving the Properties of Recycled Aggregate by Microbial Mineralization

Abstract: As one of the most widely used building materials, concrete consumed a lot of raw materials, and the comprehensive utilization of waste concrete had become a research hotspot. Firstly, the basic properties of recycled aggregate were studied, including crushing index, water absorption, apparent density and bulk density. The higher the amount of microorganism, the greater the basic properties. Secondly, the porosity of recycled aggregate was analyzed by MIP. With different microbial dosage, the decrease range of porosity was also different, and the decrease ranges were 15.87%, 27.74%, 31.98%, 32.19% and 35.10% respectively. Finally, the composition and microstructure of recycled aggregate were demonstrated by XRD, SEM and EDS. The results showed that mineralized product was calcium carbonate, and the surface layer of recycled aggregate formed a dense structure.

Microstructure and Properties of FeCoNiCuSix High Entropy Alloys

Abstract: The microstructure morphology, hardness, corrosion resistance and magnetic properties of FeCoNiCuSix high entropy alloys prepared by vacuum arc melting at different Si content were studied. Found by multiple testing methods, the crystal structure of the FeCoNiCuSix high entropy alloy without Si has both FCC and BCC structures. After adding Si, all the structure of the alloy transforms to FCC, and there are differences between the alloys after adding Si, which mainly concentrates in the interdendritic areas and dendritic edges. At the same time, because of the addition of Si, the overall hardness of the alloy very significantly improves. When the content of Si < 0.2, the overall compressive property of the alloy decreases, but when the content of Si > 0.2, the alloy has a certain ductility and compressive strength. Due to the enrichment of Cu, the alloy is easy to form a primary cell at the enrichment of Cu, which reduces the corrosion resistance of the alloy. Meanwhile, a small amount of Si can form a solid solution in the Cu enrichment area, reduce the galvanic effect, and improve the corrosion resistance of the alloy. However, with the increase of Si content in the FeCoNiCuSix high entropy alloy, the corrosion resistance of the alloy will deteriorate and the corrosion rate will accelerate. At the same time, the addition of Si will also have a negative effect on the magnetic properties of the alloy.

A Review on Versatile Eco-Friendly Applications of Microbial Proteases in Biomedical and Industrial Applications

Abstract: Enzymes are the keystone for metabolism or the chemical reactions in biological systems. They help to build certain substances and break others down. Enzymes play a critical role in our bodies, industries and corporate sectors. Protease is an enzyme that helps break the peptide bonds present in the protein and separates the amino acids. Microbial proteases are the ones where the bacteria can produce the protease enzyme. Among many industrial enzymes, microbial protease has a versatile role in many fields like laundry, leather preparation, feather degradation, detergent preparation, biocontrol agents, optical lens cleaners, tannery, deproteinization of prawn shell, prevention of putrefaction of cutting oil, food preservatives, chelating agents, fodder additives, removal and degradation of polymeric substances (EPS), removal of hairs in buffalo hide, waste treatment, bioremediation process, reduction of waste-activated sludge and biofilm formation, degumming of silk, cosmetics (to remove glabellar-frown lines), cheese making, Meat tenderization, rehydration of goat skins and reduced water quantity, fibrin degradation, photographic, silver recovery from X-ray films, dairy industry, control harmful nematodes, fruit juice, and bakery, soybean paste, and sauce industry, pulp mills, alcohol production, fish processing wastes, prion degradation. Microbial protease is popularly used in the detergent industry, leather industry, textile industry, food industry, dairy industry, meat processing industry, bakery industry, pharmaceutical industry, etc.

Preparation of a New Type of Epoxy Resin for Sports Equipment

Abstract: This study employed an oil-in-water (O/M) emulsion to create microcapsules with urea-formaldehyde resincoated modified epoxy resin core material using a one-step in-situ polymerization approach. The drawback of utilizing n-butyl glycidyl ether (501) as a modified epoxy resin diluent. The impacts of several process factors on the size distribution, average diameter, and surface morphology of microcapsules were explored in this article, including heating rate, stirring rate, reactant ratio, and concentration. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), optical microscope (OM), laser particle size analyzer, thermogravimetric analyzer (TG), and other techniques were used to investigate the chemical structure, surface morphology, and particle size of the microcapsules. The findings reveal that the microcapsules’ performance has substantially improved, providing a theoretical foundation for their widespread use.

The Color Origin and Evaluation of Natural Colored Diamonds

Abstract: Diamond is widely concerned and loved by people due to its rarity, beauty and beautiful implication in love. Color is very important in colored diamonds’ evaluation, and diamonds are extremely colorful. Scholars have done some researches on the color origin of colored diamonds, but the types of diamonds studied are not comprehensive, and the influence of these color origins on diamonds’ color evaluation has not been systematically clarified. Therefore, this paper focuses on the color of diamonds, arranges a large number of documents, and systematically summarizes and discusses the color and evaluation of colored diamonds. Firstly, the five color systems on which the description of diamond color depends, including principles, advantages and limitations, are described and compared. Then, the types and action mechanism of all color origins of colored diamonds are expounded in detail and comprehensively. In addition, the influence of factors other than the characteristics of diamond itself on diamond’s color evaluation are discussed, including cutting, fluorescence and phosphorescence. Finally, the intelligent color evaluation of colored diamonds is prospected, which will be widely used in the future. And this review will provide reference for the color evaluation of other colored gemstones.

Research on Mechanism of FePt Nanoparticles at Varied Concentrations in Regulating DNA Injury and Inactivation of Hela Cells Through Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Signal Pathway

Abstract: FePt nanoparticles were in this study prepared at varied concentrations to assess their mechanism in regulating DNA injury and inactivation of Hela cells through mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signal pathway. The cells were divided into following 5 group sets: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th, which were randomly intervened by following varied concentrations of FePt nanoparticles; 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 μg/mL. Their action on cellular toxicity, proliferation and inactivation of cells was detected with CCK-8 method, while apoptotic condition was detected with flow cytometry (FCM). The degree of DNA double chains fracture was detected with neutral single cell gel electrophoresis and immunofluorescence staining. The protein expressions of of EKR1/2, p-ERK1/2, p38 MAPK and p-p38 MAPK in every set were detected with Western Blot assay, while proliferative activity in the 4th and 5th sets was lower than in the 1st set, and inhibiting action in the 4th set was best. There was no notable difference between 4th and 5th sets, and apoptotic rate in the 1st set was lower than in the other sets. The DNA percentage in the Hela cells was reduced and Tial length was lengthened along with increased concentration of adopted FePt nanoparticles. The proliferation of Hela cells was restrained by FePt nanoparticles through restraining of the MAPK signal pathway, but growth of Hela cells was not affected, and DNA double-strand break (DSB) was increased. The FePt nanoparticles could therefore be adopted as one kind of effective anti-tumor drug through increased DNA DSB in tumor cells based on killing effect of tumor cells and good compatibility for normal cells.

Value of Flexible Nano-Sensor with Carbon Nanotube and Graphene in Ultrasound Screening of Congenital Heart Malformations in Early Pregnancy

Abstract: This study aimed to explore the application value of flexible nano-sensors with carbon nanotube (CNT) and graphene (Gr) in the ultrasound screening of congenital heart defects (CHD) in early pregnancy. The change of the sensitivity strain factor, mechanical properties, and resistance changes of the flexible nanosensor were analysed under different strains. The prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of early pregnancy 2640 pregnant women was selected as the research object. The nuchal translucency (NT) thickening value, blood flow spectrum of ductus venosus (DV), ductus venosus a (DVa) wave, and tricuspid regurgitation (TR) were measured under the ultrasound diagnosis. In addition, the sensitivity and specificity of different indicators in screening the cardiac malformations were compared. It was found that when the volume ratio of CNT:Gr was 1:5, the initial resistance of the sensor was the smallest; the resistance of the sensor was 2.75 KΩ˜4.68 KΩ when the strain was 1%; and the maximum frequency of the sensor was 0.25. NT+TR+DVa wave (DVa) combined diagnosis detected 8 cases of CHD, the sensitivity and specificity were 80% and 96.48%, respectively. The sensitivity of combined diagnosis of NT+TR+DVa was greatly higher than that of NT, DV and TR alone. It indicated that the flexible nano sensor based on CNT and Gr in this study showed good stability and durability, and high sensitivity in the diagnosis of fetal structure and cardiac malformations, which can provide reference value for the screening of fetal diseases in early pregnancy.

<i>In Silico</i> Approach in Targeting SARS-CoV-2 Virus Protein Mpro Using Fungal Metabolites

Abstract: To find a cure for Covid-19 has been a constant struggle, and one field that goes unexplored is the possibility of using fungal metabolites as a remedy. As fungal metabolites are known to showcase a wide range of biological activities, with this set insight, the present research goes on to explore fungal metabolites as a means to find a drug for treating Covid-19. With protease enzyme as the main focus, many antiviral compounds/metabolites from various fungal species were screened, then made to undergo various In Silico activities. In this study, 18 fungal metabolites with antiviral properties were extracted from the antibiotic database and then put through molecular docking with the help of software such as AutoDock Vina and PyRx. The drug-likeness properties were analyzed using pkCSM. There were five likely chemicals against the Mpro enzyme of COVID-19, which are (Chromophilone I, iso, F13459, Stachyflin, acetyl, Chromophilone II, iso and A-108836). Molecular Dynamics simulations helped achieve a hit, Chromophilone I. Naturally obtained Phyto-compounds will help establish a dependable medication or support lead identification, which was achieved by utilizing existing strategies. In Vitro and in Vivo studies can be conducted to analyze further the effectiveness of the identified hit against Covid-19.

Heating Ability of γ-Fe2O3@ZnO/Al Nanocomposite for Magnetic Hyperthermia Applications

Abstract: The development of nanocomposite for magnetic fluid hyperthermia applications is in high demand and has captivated the interest of researchers in recent years. Herein, we report the synthesis by sol–gel method, heating ability, and the characterization of γ-Fe2O3@ZnO/Al nanocomposite with several techniques, including X-ray diffraction, Fourier transformer Infrared, Transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy and vibrating sample magnetometer. X-ray diffraction and Rietveld analysis showed the formation of the nanocomposite with the presence of maghemite (γ-Fe2O3) and ZnO. The nanocomposite exhibits high crystallinity, small sizes, and superparamagnetic behavior. Langevin’s paramagnetism theory and the law of approach to saturation have been used to confirm superparamagnetism and to calculate the effective anisotropy constant, respectively. Heating ability was investigated as a function of concentration and field amplitude in an alternating magnetic field. We found that the nanocomposite rapidly reached the hyperthermia temperature (42 °C) under an alternating magnetic field in 160 s, and it could rise to 66 °C in 900 s with a specific absorption rate equal to 119 W · g−1 and intrinsic loss power equal to 1.95 nHm2 kg−1. The high crystallinity and intrinsic loss power values appear to be in the range of the reported commercial ferrofluids (0.20–3.10 nHm2 kg−1), strongly suggesting that the synthesized nanocomposite is a promising candidate for the application of photo/magnetic fluid hyperthermia.

Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Analysis of the Human Cancer Cell Lines; Breast Michigan Cancer Foundation 7, LS-174T Colon and HePG2 Liver in Response to the Methanolic and Butanolic Extracts of Prosopis juliflora

Abstract: The phreatophytic tree; Prosopis juliflora (P. juliflora), of the Fabaceae family is a widespread invasive plant. The present study aimed to examine the characteristics of the anti-cancer effects potentially induced by P. juliflora leaves extracts, and to compare the bioactivity of its chemical composition in methanolic and butanolic solvents. MCF-7/breast, LS-174T/colorectal, and HepG2/liver, cancer cell lines were cultivated and incubated with various concentrations of the methanolic and butanolic extracts of the plant leaves, and hence the impact on cell viability, proliferation, and cell cycle stages have been investigated. Both extracts of P. juliflora leave induced concentration-dependent cytotoxicity against the previously mentioned cancer cell lines. The calculated IC50 averaged 16.7, 18.04 and, 8.10 μg/ml for methanolic extract, and 12.5, 32.8 and 5.17 μg/ml for butanolic extract of P. juliflora leaves on MCF-7, LS-174T and, HePG2, respectively. Detailed cellular analyses revealed that the cytotoxic action of P. juliflora extracts was mainly via apoptosis but not necrosis for MCF7 in both extracts, either. However, apoptosis and necrosis reciprocally detected for LS-174T and HePG2 in response to the methanolic and butanolic extracts, either. The DNA-flow cytometry analysis showed cells specific antiproliferative action and cell cycle stages arrest in the tested cancer cell lines. The antiproliferative action has detected mostly at the G0/G1 rather than the S-phase of the cell cycle in both extracts. For identifying the chemical composition of the plant and evaluating the anticancer potency, both the methanolic and butanolic extracts were analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Betaine and nicotinamide were the major constituents detected for both extracts showing potential anti-cancer effects against breast, hepatic, and colorectal cancerous cells.

Regulating Structures of Two Co(II)-Based Coordination Polymers: Application Value in Sepsis Therapy by Inhibiting Inflammatory Response

Abstract: Two coordination polymers (CPs) based on Co(II), [Co(L)(bipy)] ·3H2O (1), and [Co(L)(phen)(MeOH) (H2O)2] · 0.5H2O (2) were successfully generated under solvothermal reactions. These CPs were characterized via infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and X. The regulation of these CPs’ structures was compared by introducing different lengths of nitrogen-donor auxiliary ligands. The corresponding mechanism in the regulation of these structures was elucidated. The CPs’ suppression activity against the release of inflammatory cytokines was detected via ELISA. Subsequently, the relative expression of p53 and nf-κb in immune cells after treatment with the CPs was detected via real-time PCR. Finally, the application value of these novel CPs in sepsis therapy was explored.

One-Step Hydrothermal Synthesis of CuO Micro-Crystals for Non-Enzymatic Glucose Sensors

Abstract: CuO micro-crystals have been synthesized by a one-step, large-scale and environment-friendly hydrothermal route. The crystalline structure, morphology, valence state and elemental composition of the CuO micro-crystals were analyzed using different technologies. Cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry were studied to probe the electrochemical glucose oxidation properties of the CuO electrode, revealing excellent electrocatalytic performance with fast response time, low detection limit and applicable linear detection range. In addition, it shows good selectivity to glucose when there are interferences coexisting in the human blood. All these results imply the potential application of the sample as electrode materials of non-enzymatic glucose sensors.

Two-Dimensional Layered Zn(II) Metal–Organic Framework as Photocatalyst for Lupus Nephritis Therapy

Abstract: A new Zn(II) metal–organic framework formulated as [Zn3.5(SO4)2(μ3-OH)2(1,2,3-tz)(H2O)2]n (1, 1,2,3-Htz = 1,2,3-triazole) was subjected to solvothermal integration and structural modification. Semiconductive property was confirmed by UV-Vis diffuse spectrum, which showed an optical band gap of 2.68 eV. The solid specimen of 1 used as a photocatalyst exhibited outstanding photocatalytic performance with regard to MV degradation in aqueous solution during UV light illumination. The potential of the photocatalyst for lupus nephritis therapy and the underlying mechanism were investigated. ELISA revealed that FcyR II accumulated in plasma. The percentage of apoptotic renal epithelial cells was also measured with flow cytometry.

Combined Effects of the Tire Loading Velocity and the Nonlinear Cross-Anisotropic Properties of Granular Base on Critical Pavement Responses

Abstract: The primary purpose of the research is to explore the combined effects of the tire loading velocity (LV) and the nonlinear cross-anisotropic properties of granular base on critical pavement responses. An accurate finite element (FE) model of the pavement structure is constructed using ABAQUS software after verification. The FE model is applied for quantitative research by changing the nonlinear cross-anisotropic characteristic parameters under different LVs, which is done to determine the relationship between the critical strain responses and LVs under nonlinear cross-anisotropic properties. The transverse tensile strain is found to be exerted on the pavement for a longer amount of time than the longitudinal tensile strain. It also found that the critical longitudinal, transverse, and shear strains can be described as having exponential relationships. The exponent coefficients indicate that the influences of the LV on these three types of strains are analogical. In other words, with the increase of tire velocity, the critical strains decay exponentially. The LV is found to have a limited impact on the compressive strain under the same nonlinear cross-anisotropic properties. However, the effects of nonlinear cross-anisotropic properties on the compressive strain at the top of the subgrade are obvious.

Mechanical Behavior of Waste Fiber-Reinforced Recycled Aggregate Concrete Based on the Response Surface Method

Abstract: Concrete made using recycled aggregates is a practical way to reduce construction waste. The purpose of this study is to improve the mechanical qualities of recycled aggregate concrete by incorporating waste fibers. The replacement rate of recycled coarse aggregate and volume content of waste fibers were planned as the study variables. The cubic compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, axial compressive strength, and elastic modulus were used to explore the mechanical characteristics of specimens. Additionally, the test results were optimized utilizing the response surface method, focusing on the influence of study variables on performance. The axial compressive constructive equation of waste fiber-reinforced recycled aggregate concrete was created based on the stress–strain curves of the specimens, and it serves as a foundation for further in-depth theoretical investigations.

Effect of Al–Mg–Mn Alloy on the Ignition Performance of RDX, HMX and CL-20

Abstract: Aluminized explosives are known as non-ideal explosives due to their incomplete energy release. In order to improve its energy release, Al–Mg–Mn was used to replace aluminum. In this article, Thermogravimetric (TG) and Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) techniques were used to study the ignition performance of three explosives (RDX, HMX and CL-20) with different mass fractions (0%, 10 wt.%, 20 wt.%, 30 wt.%) of Al–Mg–Mn alloy powder. The results were compared with those of the formulations with the addition of aluminum. The results suggested that the effect of the addition of Al–Mg–Mn on the extrapolated ignition temperature and exothermic peak temperature of the ignition reaction of aluminized explosives is basically similar to that of Al. However, the addition of Al–Mg–Mn increased the exothermic enthalpy. Explosives with the addition of Al–Mg–Mn alloy powder could release 1.7–17.4% more energy, depending on the mass fraction. On the other hand, unlike aluminum which reacts only during the ignition of CL-20, Al–Mg–Mn was involved in the exothermic reaction of all three explosives. During the exothermic decomposition of explosives, the more active magnesium in Al–Mg–Mn will be oxidized, and magnesium vapor will overflow along the grooves and crevices on the surface of the particles, thus destroying the surface oxidation shell and prompting the active ingredients inside to participate in the reaction.

Daptomycin Cross-Linked Chitosan Nanoparticles Serve as an Antibacterial Drug Delivery System

Abstract: This report was aimed to investigate smart chitosan-daptomycin nanoparticles (CTS-DAP NPs) prepared by a simple ionic gelation method and to document their bacteriostatic activity towards infections. The particle size of optimal CTS-DAP NPs was 146.3 ± 0.09 nm, with narrow polydispersity index and zeta potential of 24.87 ± 1.06 mV. The drug loading efficiency of CTS-DAP NPs was 60.8%, and their in vitro drug release behavior exhibited that DAP could be released sustainedly. Zone of inhibition (ZOI) test, which was used to determine the activity of CTS-DAP NPs against S. aureus, showed the inhibitory zone diameter increased from 11.7 to 15.06 mm along with increased DAP dose from 1.25 to 10 μg loaded in CTS-DAP NPs. Taken together, the CTS-DAP NPs may provide a reliable approach to inhibit bacterial infections.

Preparation and Characterization of Novel Organic–Inorganic Hydroxyapatite (PAM-HA) Composites and Its Adsorption Properties

Abstract: Hydroxyapatite/PAM was synthesized from Ca(NO3)2 · 4H2O and H3PO4 by an ultrasonic-assisted chemical precipitation method, and was used to remove Cu2+. The structure, morphology and size of the product were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and so on. The effects of pH, reaction time, temperature, initial concentration of Cu2+, and adsorbent dosage on the adsorption reaction were also investigated, the results showed that the maximum adsorption capacity was 105.05 mg/g with 2.0 g/L adsorbent under stirring at 35 °C for 60 min with an initial concentration of Cu2+ of 300 mg/L. In addition, the removal rate reached 90.39%. Desorption experiments also indicated that PAM-HA had strong adsorption capacity. Quasi-first-order and quasi-second-order kinetics models were established to explore the adsorption mechanism, founding that adsorption mechanism was ion exchange which conformed to pseudo-second-order kinetics. Therefore, the PAM-HA can be used as a high-efficiency adsorbent for Cu2+.

Gastric Cancer-Circulating Tumor Cells Isolation by Folic Acid Immunolipid Magnetic Beads and Clinical Application

Abstract: CTCs plays a significant role in tumor prognosis, treatment and metastasis diagnosis, but CTCs isolation and enrichment with low concentrations is a critical step in early diagnosis and needs to be studied urgently. In this study, the use of folic acid-modified lipid magnetic spheres was used to separate GC-CTCs, and the correlation between CTCs counts and parameters, indicators, and prognosis recorded in clinical patients with gastric cancer was investigated. In our study, it was found that there were 26 benign patients with no CTC detected in their peripheral blood. Among 40 gastric cancer patients, CTC was detected, that is, CTC positive in 35 cases (the positive rate was 87.5%). At the same time, by analyzing the parameters recorded in clinical patients, it was found that the CTC positive was related to clinical stage, but not with patient age, histopathological type, and pathological grade. In addition, we also confirmed that the folic acid lipid magnetic spheres prepared by us can effectively separate GC-CTCs, and confirmed that the CTCs level was correlated with clinical stage, and the degree of progression is related to the clinical stage of gastric cancer patients: Samples with high CTC detection had shorter PFS. This study proves that folic acid lipid magnetic spheres can effectively separate gastric cancer CTCs, which is a reliable auxiliary means for the comprehensive diagnosis.