Recently, polyacetylene (PA) is receiving a renewed scientific attention because of its unique properties potentially useful also for non-electrical applications (e.g., hydrogen storage, drug delivery, adsorbent of organic compounds in aqueous systems, gas and liquid separation, oxygen absorbent in gas analysis, etc.). Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVOH) is a very common type of polymer, widely exploited in different technological areas, and it can be used as a precursor for the PA synthesis. Here, a new scheme for a large-scale chemical synthesis of PA, based on a simple and low-cost PVOH dehydration reaction by absolute sulfuric acid, has been developed. In this process, PVOH, shaped in form of film, is dipped in absolute sulfuric acid (i.e., H₂SO₄ at 95-97%) and, after complete chemical-dehydration at room temperature, it is mechanically removed from the liquid phase by using a plastic sieve. This reaction leads to a complete PVOH film conversion to PA as it has been proved by infrared spectroscopy (ATR-mode). Indeed, the ATR spectrum of the reaction product included all characteristic absorption bands of PA. To the best of our knowledge, this very easy and effective PA synthesis method based on the PVOH chemical-dehydration reaction by absolute sulfuric acid has never been described in the literature.

Three species of subfamily Cultrinae currently live in Korea, but Erythroculter erythropterus has been introduced into the Nakdonggang River and has taken over the habitat, reducing the habitat of Culter brevicauda. Only the endangered species C. brevicauda still lives in the Yeongsangang River, and it is necessary to be careful not to introduce E. erythropterus in the future. And Hemiculter eigenmanni is also found throughout the country. In order to effectively manage and conserve the species in its various habitats and against invasions, this study was initiated. The ultrastructure of the egg envelopes of three species of Cultrinae— E. erythropterus, C. brevicauda, and H. eigenmanni, inhabiting the Geumgang and Yeongsangang Rivers were observed. It was found that the zona radiata of the egg envelopes of all three species were divided into two layers–an outer and inner layer, with the outer surface having a non-structural form. This form is characteristic of fishes with muddy, stagnant habitats or spawning grounds. The number of pore canals on the surface of the egg envelopes was 83 for E. erythropterus, 75 for C. brevicauda, and 58 for H. eigenmanni per 10 ㎛2, and the thickness was 7.89±0.34 ㎛, 12.27±0.46 ㎛, and 7.42±0.24 ㎛, respectively. The shape of the micropyle demonstrated a funnel shape narrowing toward the inner diameter in all three species, and the size of the inner diameter was 6.62±0.29 (6.09~7.10) ㎛ in E. erythropterus, 4.19±0.39 (3.39~4.58) ㎛in C. brevicauda, and 3.98±0.46 (3.47~4.93) ㎛in H. eigenmanni. The differences between species were identified in the number of pore canals, thickness, and micropyle inner diameter of egg envelopes, which were species-specific. Our study revealed a morphological mechanism in the egg envelope that prevents the formation of interspecific hybrids, and these features can be taxonomic traits that clarify species names. It also provided useful data for the production (breeding) of the second generation in aquaculture.

Conjugated polymers (CPs) offer potentials for sustainable semiconductor devices due to their low cost, and inherent molecular self-assembly. Enhanced crystallinity and molecular orientation in thin films of solution-processable CPs have significantly improved organic electronic device per-formance. In this work, three methods namely spin-coating, dip-coating, and unidirectional float-ing-film transfer method (UFTM) were utilized with their parametric optimization for fabricating RR-P3HT films. These films were then utilized for their characterization via optical and micro-structural analysis to elucidate dominant roles of molecular orientation, and crystallinity in con-trolling charge transport in organic field-effect transistors (OFETs). OFETs fabricated by RR-P3HT thin films using spin-coating and dip-coating displayed field-effect mobility (μ) of 8.0 × 10-4 cm2V-1s-1 and 1.3 × 10-3 cm2V-1s-1, respectively. This two-time enhancement in (µ for dip-coated films was attributed to its enhanced crystallinity. Interestingly, UFTM films based OFETs demon-strated μ of 7.0 × 10-2 cm2V-1s-1, >100 times increment as compared to its spin-coated counterpart This superior device performance is attributed to synergistic influence of higher crystallinity and molecular orientation. Since the crystallinity of dip-coated and UFTM-thin films are similar ~50 times improved µ of UFTM thin films suggest a dominant role of molecular orientation as com-pared to crystallinity in controlling the charge transport.

This study aims to demonstrate the possibility of incorporating a natural antioxidant biomolecule, into polymeric porous scaffolds. To this end, Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA) scaffolds were produced using the Thermally Induced Phase Separation (TIPS) technique and additivated with different amounts of Rosmarinic Acid (RA). The scaffolds, with a diameter of 4 mm and a thickness of 2 mm, were characterized with a multi-analytical approach. Specifically, Scanning Electron Mi-croscopy analyses demonstrated the presence of an interconnected porous network, character-ized by a layer of RA at the level of the pore’s surfaces. Moreover, the presence of RA biomole-cules increased the hydrophilic nature of the sample, as evidenced by the decrease in contact angle with water from 128° to 76°. This approach is cost-effective, and it could be customized with different biomolecules, offering the possibility of producing porous polymeric structures con-taining antioxidant molecules. These scaffolds meet the requirements of tissue engineering and could be offered a potential solution to reduce inflammation associated with scaffold implantation thus improving tissue regeneration.

The rehabilitation of the road embankments alongside the irrigation canal, which is constructed on a Bangkok soft clay foundation, has resulted from land use growth for several decades. As a result, the embankment is always confronted with the problem of instability. Numerous articles have demonstrated that rapid drawdown of the water level in the canal could be one of the most significant reasons, whereas vehicle cyclic loading may potentially contribute to some effect of the embankment failure. To explore and assess the effects of the influence factors, the finite element method (FEM) and conventional and dynamic triaxial approaches were employed. The study also investigated the consequences of varying thicknesses of soft clay and cyclic loading with different magnitudes and frequencies. Consequently, cyclic loading can lead to an augmentation in strain distribution and excess pore water pressure. Likewise, more significant deformation and excess pore water pressure were induced by a lower frequency and deeper thickness of soft clay compared to a higher frequency and thinner thickness. In brief, vehicle repetitive loading is one of the primary factors contributing to embankment failure, with the threshold stress being approximately three-fourths of the undrained shear strength. In contrast, threshold strain is approximately one to two-fold of the monotonic strain condition.

The aim of the work is to study the effect of the 3D printing process on the microstructural and hydrophilic properties of polylactic acid (PLA) samples with various model printing patterns obtained from the black Filament PLA by sequentially applying polymer layers using the FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) method. X-ray phase analysis revealed partial crystallization of PLA polymer chains in printed samples, which occurs under thermal and mechanical action on the original amorphous PLA filament during 3D printing to varying degrees, depending on the geometry of the pattern and the morphology of its surface. At the same time, IR spectroscopy data indicate the preservation of all intrastructural chemical bonds of polylactide. Measured at the original installation, the values of the wetting edge angles on the surface of the printed samples are in the range φ = 50-60°, which is significantly less than the right angle. This indicates the hydrophilic properties of all samples’ surface. At the same time, the influence of different geometries of model drawings in printed samples was found not only on the morphology of the samples’ surface according to SEM data, but also on its wettability.

(1) Background: BRCA mutation and homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) are used to administrate PARP inhibitors (PARPi) maintenance therapy. It is known that PARPi efficacy is related to platinum sensitivity and that the latter can be demonstrated from the CA-125 elimination rate constant (KELIM). This study aims to investigate if KELIM can be another tool in the identification of patients that could be benefit from PARPi therapy.; (2) Methods: Retrospective analysis of patients with high-grade serous advanced ovarian cancer that underwent cytoreduction and was further tested for HRD status. The HRD status was tested either by myChoice HRD CDx assay or by RediScore assay. KELIM score was measured in both neoadjuvant and adjuvant settings with the online tool biomarker-kinetics.org.; (3) Results: Thirty-nine patients had available data for estimating both HRD status and KELIM score. When assuming KELIM as a binary index test with the value 1 as the cut-off point, the sensitivity was 0.86, 95% CI (0.64-0.97), and the specificity 0.83, 95% CI (0.59-0.96). On the other hand, when assuming KELIM as a continuous index test, the AUC was 81% and the optimal threshold, using the Youden index, was identified as 1.03 with a sensitivity of 85.7% and a specificity of 83.3%; (4) Conclusions: KELIM score seems to be a new, cheaper and faster tool to identify patients that can benefit from PARPi maintenance therapy.

The Bacillus megaterium LVN01 species native to Colombia has demonstrated the ability to metabolize different co-products or industrial waste (such as fique juice, cane molasses, residual glycerol) and accumulate polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), giving it potential in the bioplastics industry. In this research, the potential of liquid digestate as a carbon source for the production of PHA in fermentation processes with this bacterial strain was evaluated. Favorably, it was found that B. megaterium utilizes the nutrients from this residual substrate to multiply appropriately and efficiently synthesize poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV). Bench scale aerobic batch fermentation, under the operational conditions of this research [Volume: 3L; Temperature: 30.8°C; Agitation: 400 rpm; pH: 7.0 ± 0.2; Disolved Oxygen: 100% saturation; Antifoam 10% (v/v)], generated maximum values of DCW (0.56 g cell L-1) at 60 h, while the maximum PHB yield (360 mg PHB L-1) occurred at 16 h, which is very favorable for sustainable degradable bioplastics production. Additionally, GC-MS and NMR analyses confirmed that the PHBV copolymer synthesized by B. megaterium is made up of the monomers 3-hydroxybutyrate (3HB) and 3-hydroxyvalerate (3HV). Furthermore, the thermal properties determined by TGA (Tonset=283.1 ºC, Tendset= 296.98 ºC. Td =290.114 °C) and DSC (Tm= ºC155.7 °C, ΔHf= 19.80 J g-1, Xcr = 18.17%), indicate that it is a thermally stable biopolymer with low percentages of crystallinity, providing flexibility that facilitates molding, adaptation, and application in various industrial sectors.

The subject of the conducted study was focused on the development of new type of technical blends reinforced with natural fillers. The study was divided into two parts, where in the firsts stage of the research unmodified POM was reinforced with different types of natural fillers: cellulose, wood flour and husk particles. In order to select the type of filler intended for further modification, the mechanical characteristics was assessed. The 20% wood flour (WF) filler system was selected as the reinforcement. The second stage of research involved the use of combination of polyoxymethylene POM and poly(lactic acid) PLA. POM/PLA blend (ratio 50/50 %) were modified with elastomeric compound (EBA) and chain extender as reactive compatibilized (CE). The microscopic analysis revealed that for POM/PLA system the filler-matrix interface is characterized by better wettability, which might suggest higher adhesion. The mechanical performance revealed that for POM/PLA-based composites the properties were very close to the results for POM-WF composites; however, there is still large difference in thermal resistance in favor of POM-based materials. The increase in thermomechanical properties for POM/PLA composites occurs after heat treatment. The increasing crystallinity of the PLA phase allows for an significant increase of the head deflection temperature (HDT), even above 125 °C.

Vertical and horizontal bone augmentation is one of the most challenging techniques in bone engineering. The use of barrier membranes and scaffolds in guided bone regeneration (GBR) procedures is a common approach for the treatment of lost bone around teeth and dental implants. The aim of this study was to estimate the barrier effects of a synthetic poly (lactic acid/caprolactone) [P(PA/CL)] bilayer membrane for GBR, compared to a porcine collagen bilayer membrane, in the vertical augmentation model on 10–12-months old rat skull without periosteum. The HAp block (diameter: 4 mm, height: 3 mm, porosity:75%, average pore size:150 μm) was placed on the rat skull without a periosteum. The P(LA/CL) membrane (solid layer: 25 μm, porous layer: 175 μm) or the collagen membrane (solid layer, porous layer) was applied onto the HAp block. At 3, 6, and 12 weeks after the surgery, the incised tissues were fixed, decalcified, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin for histological evaluation. The P(LA/CL) membrane remained until 12 weeks and could achieve barrier effects to inhibit cellular invasion from the repositioned soft tissues. Local bone formation occurred in the interconnected pores of HAp at 6 weeks. On the other hand, the collagen membrane did not inhibit cellular invasion for its expansion until 3 weeks, and was absorbed until 6 weeks. The results indicated that the P(LA/CL) membrane might be effective in GBR as occlusive absorbable membrane.

Oral bone defects occur as a result of trauma, cancer, infections, periodontal diseases, and caries. Autogenic and allogenic grafts are the gold standard used to treat and regenerate damaged or defective bone segments. However, these materials do not possess the antimicrobial properties necessary to inhibit the invasion of the numerous deleterious pathogens present in the oral microbiota. In the present study poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL), nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp), and a commercial extract of Humulus lupulus L. (hops) were electrospun into polymeric matrices to assess their po-tential for drug delivery and bone regeneration. The fabricated matrices were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), tensile analysis, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), FT-IR assay, and in vitro hydrolytic degradation. The antimi-crobial properties were evaluated against the oral pathogens Streptococcus mutans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. The cytocompatibility was proved by the MTT assay. SEM analysis proved the nanostructured matrices have suitable fiber size. The present research provides new information about the interaction of natural compounds with ceramic and polymeric biomaterials. The hop extract and other natural or synthetic medicinal agents can be effectively loaded into PCL fibers and has the potential to be used in biomedical applications.

The present study describes the preparation of a composite material consisting of thermoplastic polyurethane-poly (n-isopropylacrylamide) (TPU-PNIPAM), which was employed for the se-lective adsorption separation of alcohol/water mixed solutions for the first time. The findings revealed that TPU and PNIPAM were interconnected through interchain hydrogen bonding, resulting in exposed hydrophobic isopropyl groups while covering the hydrophilic hydrogen bond sites. Selective separation of alcohols from alcohol/water mixed solutions occurred via London dispersion forces between alkyl groups. Increasing the PNIPAM load on the TPU surface led to a decrease in available hydrogen bond sites capable of bonding with water molecules, an increase in dispersible isopropyl groups interacting with alcohol alkyl groups, and enhanced selective adsorption capacity of TPU-PNIPAM towards alcohol/water mixed solutions. Moreover, TPU-PNIPAM exhibited a characteristic fast-slow-fast-equilibrium ad-sorption curve for different initial concentrations of alcohol/water mixtures, and its selective adsorption capacity increased when temperature reached 55℃. In addition to these general trends, under identical conditions, the selective adsorption capacity of TPU-PNIPAM gradually increased by methanol < ethanol < isopropyl alcohol < propyl alcohol, thus indicating a positive correlation between selectivity performance and hydrophobicity level.

This is a brief critique of the functions—particularly olfactory functions—specified for the “Chemosensory Protein” (CSPs) molecule family. On the basis of these proteins’ presence in the sensory antennal lymph of locusts, odor chemosensory ligand binding functions have been hypothesized. According to this hypothesis, the entire protein molecule superfamily is referred to as “CSPs”. However, new information and developments in the field of CSP molecular research, such as the expression of CSP genes in the gut, brain, fat body, wings, epidermis, and pheromone gland, as well as gene expression profiling from most early developmental stages—that is, CSP expression well in advance of the appearance of chemical sense nerve cells—strongly suggest that the protein molecule has other roles that are unrelated to chemosensing. Moreover, CSPs are found in bacterial microbial prokaryote organisms in addition to insects and all other arthropods. Thus, we examine the molecule’s name, definition, RNA editing, protein structure, lipid binding properties, DNA interaction, and evolutionary characteristics in brief before referring to this protein family as “Chemosensory Proteins”. As a means of renaming this protein family, this review article discusses the latest findings (“CSP” is attached to the tail of bigger intracellular proteins) and attempts to compel all the data. Because of its highly conserved molecular distinctive feature (four adjacent cysteines), we propose renaming “CSPs” as “4CSPs” (4 Cysteines Soluble Proteins) and use at least for abbreviations for distinctive animal proteins the common peptide 5-letter code, such as “Bommo-4CSPs”.

A heterograft copolymer with an alginate backbone, hetero-grafted by polymer pendant chains displaying different Lower Critical Solution Temperatures (LCSTs), combined with a pH-responsive Poly(2-vinyl pyridine)-b-poly(ethylene oxide) (P2VP-b-PEO) diblock copolymer forming micellar nanoparticles, was investigated in aqueous media at various pH. Due to its thermoresponsive side chains, the copolymer forms hydrogels with thermo–induced sol–gel transition, above a critical temperature, Tgel (thermo–thickening). However, by lowering pH of the medium in acidic regime, a remarkable increase of the elasticity of the formulation was observed. This effect was more pronounced in low temperatures (below Tgel) suggesting secondary physical crosslinking, which induces significant changes in the hydrogel thermoresponsiveness, transforming the sol–gel transition to soft gel–strong gel. Moreover, the onset of thermothickening shifted to lower temperatures followed by broadening of the transition zone, implying intermolecular interactions between the uncharged alginate backbone with the PNIPAM side chains, likely through H–bonding. The shear–thinning behavior of the soft gel in low temperatures provides injectability, which allows 3D–printing potential applications. Furthermore, the heterograft copolymer/nanoparticles composite hydrogel, encapsulating a model hydrophobic drug in the hydrophobic cores of the nanoparticles, was evaluated as pH-responsive drug delivery system. The presented tunable drug delivery system might be useful for biomedical potential applications.

Beyond factors such as smoking and obesity, the risk of getting gastrointestinal cancer is passed down from parents to offspring, inherited by a gene mutation, predisposing them to develop cancer in their lifetime. Here we describe the clinical history of family members affected by gastrointestinal pathologies often leading to cancer. In the epidemiological study, the cohort of members of this family shared a high risk of developing gastrointestinal diseases. The subjects were monitored from May 2006 to December 2017 by collecting periodically clinical and endoscopic data, and determining both auto-modification of lymphocyte Poly(ADP-ribose)Polymerase as early signal of DNA damage, and erythrocyte membrane lipid composition (Fat Profile). Both biomarkers were demonstrated to be non invasive and easy tools, to monitor over time family members, first the oldest members (nine siblings), and thereafter their offspring, whose cell status evolved from physiological even to cancerous one. All subjects developed gastrointestinal pathologies of different kind and seriousness. Some diseases evolved to cancer, sometimes as a sudden and lethal event. The results of the two molecular approaches, agreed and even predicted the clinical and imaging paths. This cohort study supported the hypothesis that both noninvasive molecular analyses can predict altered cell states and support clinical and imaging tests.

With the aim to develop novel scaffolds for sustained release of drugs, we initially developed an easy approach for the synthesis of α,ω-homobifunctional mercaptoacyl poly(alkyl oxide)s. This was based on the esterification of the terminal hydroxyl groups of poly(alkyl oxide)s with suitably S-4-methoxytrityl (Mmt) protected mercapto acids, followed by removal of the acid labile S-Mmt group. This method allowed the efficient synthesis of the title compounds in high yield and purity, which were further used in the development a thioether cross-linked liposome scaffold, by thia-Michael reaction of the terminal thiol groups with preformed nano-sized liposomes bearing maleimide groups on their surface. The reaction process was followed by 1H-NMR, using a Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill (CPMG) relaxation dispersion NMR experiment (1H-NMR CPMG), which allowed real-time monitoring and optimization of the reaction process. The thioether cross-linked liposomal scaffold that was synthesized was proven to preserve the nanosized characteristics of the initial liposomes and allowed sustained release of calcein (which was used as a chromophore), providing evidence for the efficient synthesis of a novel drug release scaffold consisted of nanoliposome building blocks.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of potassium poly-γ-glutamate (PGA-K) on mice fed a high-fat diet consisting of 60% of total calories for a duration of 12 weeks. PGA-K administration reduced the increase in body weight, epididymal fat, and liver weight caused by a high-fat diet compared to the obese group. The triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, which are blood lipid indicators, were significantly increased in the obese group but were significantly decreased in the PGA-K-treated group. The administration of PGA-K resulted in a significant inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 6. Moreover, the levels of leptin and insulin, which are insulin resistance indicators, significantly increased in the obese group but were significantly decreased in the PGA-K-treated group. These results suggest that PGA-K exhibits a protective effect against obesity induced by a high-fat diet, underscoring its potential as a candidate for obesity treatment.

Baculovirus is a type of virus with a double stranded, circular, and super helical DNA structure, whose transcription, replication and assembly of offspring virus occur in the nucleus of the cell. However, due to the natural barrier of the cellular nuclear membrane, macromolecular substances larger than 40-60 kDa cannot directly penetrate the nuclear membrane. Therefore, baculovirus have evolved various strategies to achieve transmembrane transport of viral proteins. This article attempts to review the recent literature on mechanisms by which the DNA baculoviruses of insects transport proteins into the infected host cell nucleus. In this article, we summarise the studies of nuclear localisation signals(NLSs) in baculovirus, which are involved in the classical nuclear import pathways and review the non-classical nuclear transport pathways independent on NLS derived from baculovirus. Moreover, during the protein nuclear transport process, viruses will regulate the nuclear pathway through protein modifications. Host structure changes and other methods will create a favorable environment for the nuclear transport of viral proteins.

The automotive industry needs to improve energy efficiency rapidly to achieve carbon neutrality while creating a safe, secure, comfortable driving environment for customers. Porous sound-absorbing materials and porous thermal insulators are typically used to satisfy these requirements despite limitations in mass and space. While these porous materials are similar, the microstructures they offer for high performance differ in the size and connectivity of their fluid phases, which enhances the difficulty of achieving excellent sound absorption and thermal insulation in the same material. In this study, a hydrophobic cellulose nanofiber–poly(methylsiloxane) xerogel composite was developed using computational microstructure modeling. This porous material has high porosity and excellent thermal insulation and sound absorption properties.

The manufacturing method influences the properties of the produced components. This work investigates the influence of manufacturing methods such as fused filament fabrication (3D printing) and injection molding on water absorption, mechanical and thermal properties of the specimens produced from neat biobased poly(lactic acid) (PLA) polymer and poly(lactic acid)/wood composites. Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) acts as the reference material due to its low water absorption and good functional properties. The printing layer thickness is one of the factors that affects the properties of a 3D printed specimen. The investigation includes two different layer thicknesses (0.2 mm and 0.3 mm) while maintaining uniform overall thickness of the specimens across two manufacturing methods. 3D printed specimens absorb significantly higher amounts of water than the injection molded specimens, and the increase in the layer thickness of the 3D printed specimens contributes to further increased water absorption. However, the swelling due to water absorption in 3D printed specimens decreases on increased layer thickness. Tensile, flexural and impact properties of all the specimens decrease after water absorption while the properties improve on decreasing the layer thickness. Higher porosity on increasing the layer thickness is the predominant factor. The results from dynamic mechanical analysis and microscopy validate the outcomes.

This is a brief critique of the functions—particularly olfactory functions—specified for the “Chemosensory Protein” (CSPs) molecule family. On the basis of these proteins’ presence in the sensory antennal lymph of locusts, odor chemosensory ligand binding functions have been hypothesized. According to this hypothesis, the entire protein molecule superfamily is referred to as “CSPs”. However, new information and developments in the field of CSP molecular research, such as the expression of CSP genes in the gut, brain, fat body, epidermis, and pheromone gland, as well as gene expression profiling from most early developmental stages—that is, CSP expression well in advance of the appearance of chemical sense nerve cells—strongly suggest that the protein molecule has other roles that are unrelated to chemosensing. Moreover, CSPs are found in bacterial microbial prokaryote organisms in addition to insects. Thus, we examine the molecule’s name, definition, RNA editing, protein structure, lipid binding properties, DNA interaction, and evolutionary characteristics in brief before referring to this protein family as “Chemosensory Proteins”. This article tries to compel and discuss the most recent information as a way to rename this protein family. Because of its highly conserved molecular distinctive feature (four adjacent cysteines), we propose renaming “CSPs” as “4CSPs” (4 Cysteines Soluble Proteins).

A sintered wick was formed in a heat pipe through the process of sintering a mixture of copper powder with particle sizes of 100㎛ and 200㎛, mixed with a pore-forming agent. On application to the heat pipes. The thermal resistance of heat pipes containing a sintered wick was calculated for different tilting angles (0°, 45°, and 90°) according to the type of powder, thickness of the sintered wick, and the filling ratio of the working fluid. The heat transfer efficiencies were evaluated through temperature tests. The capillary force, which is closely related to heat transfer efficiency, is determined by the effective pore radius resulting from the sintering of the copper powder. Furthermore, it was observed that the heat transfer performance of the heat pipe was at its best when the working fluid filling ratio was 30%. Additionally, the width of the wick was found to have a direct correlation with the heat transfer performance.

The article presents a technology for producing nitrogen-containing nanoporous biocarbon with high degree of elemental composition homogeneity, confirmed by electron spectroscopy. The research explores the relationship among the electronic characteristics of supramolecular nanoporous carbon, its porous structure, and the capacitance at its interface with the electrolyte. The obtained biocarbon is characterized by micro and mesopores, as evidenced by the results of studies by the method of nitrogen adsorption/desorption. The specific area of the available porous surface was found to be 1247 m2/g. Comparing this result with the data of small-angle X-ray scattering, we conclude that micropores are open while mesopores remain closed. This material was found to have a saturation magnetization σs of 1.4 A∙m2∙kg-1 and a coercive force Hc of 10 kA/m. The impedance studies of electrochemical cells of supercapacitors made of the experimental biocarbon were carried out. Equivalent electrical circuits of the studied electrochemical processes were constructed and characterized.

Plant cells are omnipotent and breeding of new varieties can be achieved by protoplast fusion. Such fusions can be achieved by treatment with poly(ethylene glycol) or by applying an electric field. Microfluidic devices allow for controlled conditions and targeted manipulation of small batches of cells down to single cell analysis. To provide controlled conditions for protoplast fusions and achieve high reproducibility, we developed and characterized a microfluidic device to reliably trap few of Arabidopsis thaliana protoplasts and induced a cell fusion by controlled addition of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG, with a molecular weight of 6000). Experiments were conducted to determine the survival rate of isolated protoplasts in our microfluidic system. Afterwards, PEG induced fusion was studied. Our results indicate that the following fusion parameters had significant impact on the fusion efficiency and duration: PEG concentration, osmolarity of solution, and flow velocity. PEG concentration below 10% led to only partial fusion. Osmolarity of the PEG fusion solution was found to strongly impact the fusion process; complete fusion of two source cells sufficiently took part in slightly hyper osmotic solutions, whereas iso-osmotic solutions led to only partial fusion at 20% PEG concentration. We observed accelerated fusion for higher fluid velocities. Up to this study, it was common sense that fusion is one directional, i.e. once two cells were fused into one cell they stay fused. Here, we present for the first time reversible fusion of protoplasts. Our microfluidic device paves the way to a deeper understanding on the kinetics and processes of cell fusion.

Curcumin attracts a huge attention because of its biological properties: antiproliferative, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and so on. However, its usage has been limited by poor water solubility and low bioavailability. Herein, to solve these problems we developed curcumin-loaded nanoparticles based on end-capped amphiphilic poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone). Nanoparticles were obtained using the suspension method and were characterized by dynamic and electrophoretic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. The average particle size was 200 nm, and ζ-potential was -4 mV. Curcumin release studies showed that nanoparticles are stable in water solution. In vitro release study showed prolonged action in gastric, intestinal and colonic fluids, consistently and in PBS. In vitro studies on epidermoid carcinoma and human embryonic kidney cells showed that the cells absorbed more curcumin in nanoparticles compared to pure curcumin. Nanoparticles are safe for healthy cells and show high cytotoxicity for glioblastoma cells in cytotoxicity studies in vitro. Median lethal dose was determined in acute toxicity assay on Zebrafish and was 23 μM. Overall, the curcumin-loaded nanoparticles seem promising for cancer treatment.

Base excision repair (BER) is the predominant pathway to remove most forms of hydrolytic, oxidative and alkylative DNA damage. The precise functioning of BER is achieving by the regulation of each step by regulatory/accessory proteins, with the most important of which being poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1). The PARP1 regulatory functions extend to many cellular processes including regulation of mRNA stability and decay. PARP1 can therefore affect BER both at the level of the BER proteins and at the level of their mRNAs. Systematic data on how the PARP1 content affects the activities of key BER proteins and the levels of their mRNAs in human cells are extremely limited. In this study the CRISPR/Cas9 based technique has been used to knocked out the PARP1 gene in the human HEK 293FT line. The obtained cell clones with putative PARP1 deletion were characterized by several approaches including: PCR analysis of deletions in genomic DNA, Sanger sequencing of genomic DNA, qPCR analysis of PARP1 mRNA, western-blot analysis of whole-cell-extract proteins with anti-PARP1 antibodies, and the PAR synthesis in the whole-cell-extracts. qPCR analysis of mRNAs coding the BER related proteins: PARP2, uracil DNA glycosylase 2, AP endonuclease 1, DNA polymerase β, DNA ligase III and XRCC1 did not reveal crucial influence of PARP1 knockout. The corresponding catalytic activities in the whole-cell extracts (WCEs) evaluated in parallel did not differ significantly between mutant and parental cell lines. No considerable influence of poly(ADP-ribose) synthesis on the activity of the above WCE enzymes was revealed.

The continental shale layers are more complex in matrix pore-microfracture interactions and connectivity characteristics under the influence of tuff devitrification, which limits the explicit understanding of the coupling relationship between wettability and pore structure, as well as hydrocarbon flow behavior. Therefore, the influence of tuffaceous components on the reservoir formation mechanism and oil-rich effect of the continental shale formation system is a critical issue to be solved. The Upper Triassic Yanchang Formation tuffaceous shale in Ordos Basin and the Middle Permian Jingjingzigou Formation tuffaceous shale in the southern margin of Junggar Basin is taken as the research objects, using whole-rock mineral composition analysis, FE-SEM observation and digital image processing and extraction, as well as wettability angle determination and spontaneous imbibition experiments to illustrate the influence of the difference of devitrification extent on reservoir pore connectivity and interfacial wettability in two different environments of freshwater and saline lacustrine basins, and summarize the reservoir formation differential pattern under the influence of devitrification. The results show that the saline lacustrine is significantly modified by devitrification. The pore plane porosity of the devitrified tuffaceous shales in the saline lacustrine is higher than that of the tuffaceous shales in the freshwater; the oleophilic of the saline lacustrine tuffaceous shales is better than that of the tuffaceous shales in the freshwater, moreover, the pore connectivity of the saline lacustrine tuffaceous shales is better than that of the tuffaceous shales in the freshwater. Wettability and connectivity control the storage performance of shale oil in the tuffaceous shales formation system. The more oleophilic the reservoir wettability is, the better the pore connectivity is, and the better the reservoir of tuffaceous shale formation system is. According to the different extents of devitrification, two different reservoir formation models of freshwater and saline lacustrine are established, which are of great theoretical and practical significance to enrich the theory of shale oil enrichment and reservoir formation in the continental shale formation system and to guide the exploration of continental shale oil benefits.

Delivery systems of the biologically active substance such as proanthocyanidins (PCAN) produced through the electrospinning method were designed using a blend of poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide) and poly[(R,S)-3-hydroxybutyrate]. The research involved the structural and thermal characteristics of the developed electrospun three-dimensional fiber matrix, as well as hydrolytic degradation tests performed on them. Additionally, the release profile of PCAN from the electrospun nonwoven was determined using UV–VIS spectroscopy. Approximately 30% of PCAN was released from the tested electrospun nonwoven during the initial 15-20 days of incubation. The chemical structure of water-soluble oligomers that were formed after the hydrolytic degradation of the developed delivery system was identified through electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Oligomers of lactic acid and OLAGA oligocopolyester, as well as oligo-3-hydroxybutyrate terminated with hydroxyl and carboxyl end groups, were recognized as degradation products released into the water during the incubation time. It was also demonstrated that variations in the degradation rate of individual mat components influenced the degradation pattern, and the number of formed oligomers. The obtained results suggest that the incorporation of proanthocyanidins into the system slowed down the hydrolytic degradation process of the poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide)/poly[(R,S)-3-hydroxybutyrate] three-dimensional fiber matrix. In addition, in vitro cytotoxicity and antimicrobial studies advocate the use of PCAN for biomedical applications with promising antimicrobial activity.

High-performance properties of interpenetration polymer network (IPN) hydrogels, based on physically crosslinked chitosan (CS) and chemically crosslinked poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNiPAM), have been successfully developed. The IPN of CS/PNiPAM is proposed to overcome the limited mechanical properties of the single CS network. In this study, the viscoelastic behaviors of prepared materials in both solution and gel states have been extensively examined, considering the UV exposure time and crosslinker concentration as key factors. The effect of these factors on gel formation, hydrogel structures, thermal stabilities of networks, and HeLa cell adhesion were studied sequentially. The sol-gel transition was effectively demonstrated through the scaling law, which agrees well with Winter and Chambon's theory. By subjecting the CS hydrogel to the process operation in an ethanol solution, its properties can be significantly enhanced with increased crosslinker concentration, including the shear modulus, crosslinking degree, gel strength, and thermal stability in its swollen state. The IPN samples exhibit a smooth and dense surface with irregular pores, allowing for much water absorption. The HeLa cells were adhered to and killed using the CS surface cationic derivative, then released through hydrolysis by utilizing the hydrophilic/hydrophobic switchable property or thermo-reversible gelation of the PNiPAM network. The results demonstrated that IPN is a highly attractive candidate for anti-fouling materials.

Permeability is an important transport property of porous materials, and its accurate evaluation is relevant in studying applied tasks such as CO2 injection into reservoirs and investigating groundwater quality issues. This study examines the dependence of permeability on total and connected porosity, hydraulic tortuosity, specific surface area, and mean pore radius based on the data of 408 cubic sub-volumes extracted from heterogeneous and naturally fractured cylindrical carbonate samples before and after injection of HCl solutions into them. These parameters were computed using pore-scale modeling of fluid flow. It has been shown that permeability correlates well with porosity and mean pore radius with correlation coefficients of R2≈0.65-0.79 for heterogeneous samples. It was found that the presence of natural fractures significantly influenced the relationship between permeability and other parameters. The relationship between permeability k, tortuosity τ, and specific surface area S is described by power laws k~τ-α and k~S-β, with coefficients α and β substantially exceeding those in the Kozeny-Carman equation. It was also found that there is a parabolic relationship between connected and total porosities both before and after rock dissolution with R2≈0.96-0.99. This allowed for estimation of percolation threshold porosity that are in good agreement with the literature data.

The structural evolution and phase composition of multi-block thermoplastic polyurethanes, with different nature of the soft segments based on poly(butylene adipate) (PBA), were analyzed during in-situ thermal treatments. A combination of synchrotron small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and FTIR spectroscopy was used to determine the influence of macrodiol nature and crystallization conditions on the polymorphic behavior of PBA. Using a new synthesis scheme, a relatively high degree of crystallinity for urethane blocks was achieved, which depends on the diisocyanate type in the structure of the soft segment. The hard segment domains impose geometrical constraints on PBA, thereby altering its crystallization process compared to the neat oligomer. Thus, crystallization after annealing at a low temperature (80 °C) is fast, predominantly yielding a metastable β-phase. When heated to 180 °C, which is higher than the hard-segment melting temperature, a phase-separated structure is observed. Subsequent crystallization is slower, favoring the formation of the stable α-PBA modification. The phase separation can be observed even after the hard block melting. A notably slow crystallization from an isotropic melt was documented after the disruption of phase separation at 230 °C.

Nanofibers are one of the most attractive materials that can modify functionalities for developing new kinds of specific applications, mainly used as a biomedical material. Herein, we designed and prepared the antibacterial nonwoven fiber mats of PLA and PLA composited with Ag nanoparticles by electrospinning. The effects of varying filler contents on their chemical, surface morphology, thermal, water absorbency, and antibacterial properties were investigated using FTIR, SEM/EDS, DSC, swelling ratio, and qualitative and quantitative antibacterial tests. FTIR and EDS spectra indicated that Ag nanoparticles were incorporated in the PLA without chemical bonding. SEM revealed that the average diameter of the PLA nanofibers containing the Ag nanoparticles was more significant than those without those particles. Besides, fiber diameters are proportionally the amount of Ag nanoparticle contents. DSC indicated that the Ag nanoparticles can be incorporated within the PLA-matrix without strongly affecting their thermal properties. Moreover, the crystallinity of the composite nonwoven fiber mats was higher than those of fiber mats in the neat PLA. Accordingly, the antibacterial activities revealed that all the composite nanofiber mats exhibited excellent against S. aureus and E. coli bacterial strains. In addition, in the cell toxicity study, all produced hybrids nonwoven fiber mats induced a reduction in cell viability for the L929 fibroblast cells. Our results suggest that the designed and prepared nonwoven fiber mats may have good potential for use in the biomedical field, particularly in wound dressing applications

A bridged 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide (DOPO) derivative (PN-DOPO) in combination with aluminum phosphates coated sepiolite (Sep@AlPO4) was used to improve the flame retardancy, thermal stability and mechanical properties of poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO)/poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) blends. The synergistic effects of PN-DOPO and Sep@AlPO4 on the fire resistance, thermal decomposition behavior and mechanical properties of PEO/PBAT composites were investigated systematically. The results indicated that 5 wt % Sep@AlPO4 combined with 10 wt% PN-DOPO into PEO/PBAT achieved a V-1 rating in UL-94 test and the LOI value increased to 23.7%, meanwhile, the peak-heat release rate (p-HRR), av-HRR and total heat release (THR) values of PEO/PBAT/PN10%/Sep5% composites decreased by 35.6%, 11.0% and 23.0% compared with those of PEO/PBAT, respectively. The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results confirmed that PN-DOPO/Sep@AlPO4 could enhance the initial thermal stability and char yield of PEO/PBAT matrix, and TGA/Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (TGA-FTIR) results revealed that the composites exhibited the absorption peaks of phosphorous-containing groups and an increase in gas-phase volatiles during the thermal decomposition process. The digital photographs and morphological structures of char residues demonstrated that PN-DOPO and Sep@AlPO4 mixtures benefited to the formation of a more continuous and dense carbon layer on the composites surface during combustion. Rheological behavior revealed that a higher storage modulus, loss modulus and complex viscosity of PEO/PBAT/PN-DOPO/Sep@AlPO4 composites could also promote the cross-linking structure during burning. Furthermore, the PEO/PBAT/PN-DOPO/Sep@AlPO4 composites exhibited excellent mechanical properties in terms of elongation at break and flexural performance than the PEO/PBAT system. All the results demonstrated that PEO/PBAT system modified by the combination of PN-DOPO and Sep@AlPO4 not only exhibited excellent synergistic effect on the flame retardance, but also had good improvement on thermal stability and mechanical properties, indicating the potential application in areas requiring fire safety.

Biomimetic materials are substances that replicate natural structures. There are several methods for producing such materials with highly developed surfaces from a wide range of polymers, but electrospinning is of particular interest due to its simplicity of implementation and the ability to modify the produced fibrous materials resembling structures found in living organisms. This study explores new biomimetic materials based on polyhydroxyalkanoates, specifically poly-3-hydroxybutyrate, modified with chlorophyll derivatives. The research investigates the impact of chlorophyll derivatives on the morphology, supramolecular structure, and key properties of nonwoven materials. The obtained results are of interest for the development of new biomimetic environmentally friendly materials for biomedicine with special properties.

Rapid draw-down in an earthfill dam has serious implications for dam safety regarding slope stability. The evaluation of reservoir draw-down impact on slope stability was carried out considering the case study of 8 hours of rapid draw-down of the Middle Marsyangdi Hydroelectric Power Project (MMHPP) rock-fill dam using the Limit Equilibrium Method (LEM) and stress-based Finite Element Method (FEM). The time-dependent factor of safety (FOS) was evaluated and found that the 8 hours of rapid draw-down undertaken in October 2012 for reservoir flushing was unsafe with a draw-down rate of 1.91m/h. The resulting FOS of 1.28 and 1.27 using LEM and FEM was classified as unsafe as per the US Army Corps of Engineers’ guideline, the minimum required factors of safety should be greater than 1.3. The minimum safe allowable draw-down rate of 0.76m/h for 20 hours was identified. Applying three layers of horizontal filter materials and increasing the upstream dam’s permeability provided adequate FOS results for all cases by increasing seepage discharge to reduce the destabilizing excess pore water pressure. Several gradual draw-down rates were also tested and found that FOS increases with decreased draw-down rates, as it reduces the excess pore water pressure controlled with stabilizing existing water load.

Due to the growing interest in biopolymers, biosynthesizable and biodegradable polymers currently occupy a special place. Unfortunately, the properties of native biopolymers are not satisfactory, which explain that attempts are being made to modify them. The work attempts to improve the properties of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (P3HB) using linear aliphatic polyurethane (PU) based on 1,4-butanediol and hexamethylene 1,6-diisocyanate. The conducted studies on the effect of the amount of PU used (5, 10, 15 and 20 wt.%) showed an improvement in the thermal properties of the prepared polymer blends. There was an increase in the degradation temperature of the ob-tained blends in relation to the native P3HB by 12-57C, and the difference between the melting point and the degradation point was above 100°C for most of the obtained blends. As part of the tested mechanical properties of the new polymer blends, we noted the desired increase in the tensile strength, in the relative elongation at break and in the impact strength with a decrease in hardness, in particular with the presence of 5 wt.% PU. Therefore, for further improvement, hybrid nanobiocomposites with 5 wt.% PU and organically modified montmorillonite (MMT – Cloisite 30B) were produced. The nanoadditive was used in typical amount of 1-3 wt.%. The nanostructure of the biocomposites produced by extrusion was examined by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), the morphology by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and compatibility by infrared spectroscopy (FT IR). In addition, selected mechanical properties were determined and thermal properties were tested by the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and the standard differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The polyester and polyurethane chains penetrated into the interlayer spaces of organically modi-fied nanoclay – Cloisite30B and the complete delamination occurred during direct mixing in the extrusion process. FT IR spectral analysis showed the compatibility of the polymer biocomposite components by the coexistence of intermolecular interactions in the form of hydrogen bonds. The morphology studies of the produced hybrid nanobiocomposites showed an interaction of the bi-opolymer matrix with PU and Cloisite30B and the formation of easily migrating polyester-polyurethane-montmorillonite adducts, which resulted in improved mechanical properties com-pared to the properties of the native P3HB and P3HB-PU compositions. The influence of the presence of a nanofiller on the properties of the prepared nanobiocomposites was tested and it was found that, as expected, the smallest amount of nanofiller provides the best results.It was found that the obtained nanobiocomposites containing the smallest amount of nano-fillers, i.e. 1 wt.% Cloisite30B exhibited the best mechanical and thermal properties. The desired decrease in hardness by 15% and a higher value of impact strength by 15%, an increase in elonga-tion at break by 60% and an increase in thermal stability of the newly produced biocomposites compared to to the native P3HB were observed. The prepared nanobiocomposites combined the best features caused by the elasticizing effect of polyurethane and the formation of P3HB-PU-MMT adducts.

This study employs the phase-field regularized cohesion model (PF-CZM) to simulate crack propagation and damage behavior in porous granite. We investigate how pore radius (r), initial crack-pore distance (D), and pore-crack angle (θ) impact crack propagation. The simulation findings reveal that, with a fixed deflection angle and initial crack-pore distance, larger pores are more likely to induce crack extension under identical loading conditions. Moreover, with r and θ keeping constant, the crack extension can be divided into two stages: from its initiation to the lower edge of the pore and then from the lower edge to the upper boundary of the model. By varying the values of D and r, we derive multiple combinations of different D/r ratios and pore radii. These results demonstrate that with constant r, cracks tend to deflect toward the pore closer to the initial crack. Conversely, when D is maintained constant, cracks will preferentially deflect toward pores with a larger r. In summary, the numerical simulation of rock pores and initial cracks, based on the PF-CZM, exhibits remarkable predictive capabilities and holds significant potential in advancing rock fracture analysis.

The physical properties of coal reservoirs are the main restrictions to exploration and development of CBM. The study of the physical characteristics of coal reservoirs and their controlling factors is of great significance to the safe and efficient development and utilization of CBM resources in the mining area. The Pingdingshan No. 10 coal mine was chosen for this study because of its better gas production effect at the test wells. The reservoir properties of the main coal seams of the No. 10 coal mine were tested and analyzed to comprehensively evaluate the reservoir properties. The results indicate that (1) The gas content and methane purity of the No. 4 coal seam are significantly higher than the No. 2 seam, and therefore they have better development potential than the No. 2 seam; (2) The average adsorption time of the No. 2 coal seam is less than that of the No. 4 seam, making it easier to reach the peak production capacity of CBM wells in the short term, but is not conducive to long-term stable production of CBM. The Langmuir volume of the No. 2 coal seam samples was significantly greater than for the No. 4 coal seam; however, the No. 4 coal seam contains about three times the amount of gas in the No. 2 seam; (3) All three coal seams have high porosity, which is favorable for large amounts of CBM adsorption and storage. Micropores predominate, transitional pores are less frequent, and a few mesopores occur; macropores are the least common. Samples from the No. 4 seam contained the highest proportion of micropores; (4) Organic pores were common in the all coal samples, with pore diameters not more than 30 µm, mainly concentrated between 50.5 and 1000 nm. Microfractures with aperture less than 70 nm were relatively frequent, mainly in the 50–65 nm range. A large number of the nanoscale microfractures were curved or jagged; (5) Fractures in the No. 2 and No. 4 coal seam samples with widths of 50 nm to 20 µm were more developed, and many were filled with kaolinite, quartz and other minerals; (6) The samples contained mostly layered silicate minerals (kaolinite), with hard granular minerals (quartz) next, and a very small quantity of iron-type minerals such as siderite and pyrite in dendritic form. The results of this study can provide a reference basis for the large-scale development and utilization of subsequent CBM wells.

A twin-screw extruder was used to fabricate poly(butylene succinate) (PBS)/high density polyethylene (HDPE) blends (7:3 weight ratio) and blend-based nanocomposites. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) and organoclays (15A and 30B) served as the nanofiller, while maleated HDPE (PEgMA) acted as an efficient compatibilizer for the blend. In the composites, individual nanofillers were mostly localized in HDPE domains, but some fillers were also observed at PBS-HDPE interfaces. The sea-island morphology of compatibilized blend evolved into a pseudo-co-continuous morphology in the composites. Differential scanning calorimetry results confirmed that PEgMA with HDPE evidently accelerated the crystallization of PBS in the blend. The possible nucleation effect of added fillers on PBS crystallization was obscured by the formation of quasi-connected HDPE domains, causing less PBS nucleation sites. The presence of nanofillers improved the thermal stability and burning anti-dripping behavior of the parent blend. The anti-dripping efficiency of added fillers followed the sequence: CNT>15A>30B>GNP. Rigidity of the blend was increased after formation of nanocomposites. In particular, adding GNP resulted in 31% increase in flexural modulus. Development of a pseudo-network structure in the composites was confirmed by measurement of rheological properties. Electrical resistivity of the blend was reduced by more than 6 orders of magnitude at 3 phr CNT loading, demonstrating the achievement of double percolation morphology.

Hemolysin II (HlyII) – one of the pathogenic factors of Bacillus cereus, a pore-forming β-barrel toxin – possesses a C-terminal extension of 94 amino acid residues, designated as the C-terminal domain of HlyII (HlyIICTD), which plays an important role in the functioning of the toxin. Our previous work described a monoclonal antibody (HlyIIC-20), capable of strain-specific inhibi-tion of hemolysis caused by HlyII, and demonstrated the dependence of the efficiency of hemol-ysis on the presence of proline at position 324 in HlyII outside the conformational antigenic de-terminant. In this work, we studied 16 mutant forms of HlyIICTD. Each of the mutations, ob-tained by multiple site-directed mutagenesis leading to the replacement of amino acid residues lying on the surface of the 3D structure of HlyIICTD, led to a decrease in the interaction of HlyIIC-20 with the mutant form of the protein. Changes in epitope structure confirm the high conformational mobility of HlyIICTD required for the functioning of HlyII. Comparison of the effect of the introduced mutations on the effectiveness of interaction between HlyIICTD and HlyIIC-20 and a control antibody recognizing a non-overlapping epitope enabled identifying the amino acid residues N339, K340 included in the conformational antigenic determinant rec-ognized by HlyIIC-20.

Wound infection is a common complication of chronic wounds. It can impair healing, which may not occur without external help. Antimicrobial dressings (AMDs) are a type of external help to infected chronic wounds. In this study, highly porous membranes made of only chitosan and containing the antiseptic polyhexanide (poly(hexamethylene biguanide); PHMB) were prepared by cryogelation, aiming to be used in AMDs. These membranes exhibited high water swelling capacity, fast water absorption and high water vapor transmission. The best drug loading method involved simultaneous loading by soaking in a PHMB solution and sterilization by autoclaving, resulting in sterilized, drug-loaded membranes. The drug release kinetics was comparable to that of a commercial PHMB-releasing AMD assayed under the same conditions. These membranes exhibited high antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which are bacterial species commonly found in infected wounds, and blood clotting activity. The obtained results suggest that these membranes may be suitable for use in the development of AMDs.

We present synthetic experiments of lactic acid (LA) polycondensation to produce poly(lactic acid) (PLA), as well as kinetic modeling calculations that capture the polymer molecular weight increase with time, given the initial concentrations. Tin-octoate-catalyzed polycondensation of (D,L)- or L-lactic acid, was carried out in pre-dried toluene after azeotropic dehydration for 48-120 hours at 130-137 °C. The polymerization was optimized by varying lactic acid and catalyst concentrations as well as the temperature. Gel Permeation Chromatography was used to experimentally follow the evolution of molecular weights and the products were characterized by NMR, TGA, DSC and IR. Under optimal conditions, PLLA with weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of 161 kDa could be obtained. The rate equations that describe polycondensation kinetics were recast in a condensed form that allowed very fast numerical solution and calculation of the number-average molecular weight with time. Deviations with respect to the experiment were minimized in a least-squares fashion, to determine rate constants. The optimized kinetics parameters are shown to reproduce the experimental data accurately

New advances of nano-enabled weed management: using poly(epsilon-caprolactone)-based nanoherbicides. A review

Homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) has become an important prognostic and predictive biomarker for patients with high-grade serous ovarian cancer who may benefit from poly-ADP ribose polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) and platinum-based therapies. HRD testing provides relevant information to personalize patients’ treatment options, and it has been progressively incorporated in diagnostic laboratories. In this study, we evaluated the feasibility of in-house HRD testing deployable in a diagnostic clinical setting, comparing results from two commercially available next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based tumor tests (SOPHiA DDMTM HRD Solution and AmoyDx HRD Focus Panel) with the reference assay from Myriad MyChoice CDx. A total of 85 ovarian cancer samples were subjected to HRD testing. An overall strong correlation was observed across the three assays evaluated, regardless of the different underlying methods employed to assess genomic instability, with the highest pairwise correlation between Myriad and SOPHiA (R=0.87, p-value=3.39x10-19). The comparison of the assigned HRD status to the reference Myriad’s test revealed a positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of 90.9% and 96.3% for SOPHiA’s test, while AmoyDx’s test achieved 75% PPV and 100% NPV. This is the largest HRD testing evaluation using different methodologies and provides a clear picture of the robustness of NGS-based tests currently offered in the market. Our data show that the implementation of in-house HRD testing in diagnostic laboratories is technically feasible and it can be reliably performed with commercial assays. Also, the turnaround time is compatible with clinical needs, being an ideal alternative to offer to a broader number of patients, while still maintaining high-quality standards at more accessible price tiers.

In this research the possibility of using pH change to measure proton conductivity of proton exchange membranes (PEM) or else known as polymer electrolyte membranes are tested with using an experimental setup prepared by using pH meters. PEMs are an important part of the fuel cells and proton conductivity of the PEMs are one of the most important properties of the PEMs. Also, proton conductivity is the one of the biggest limiting factors of fuel cells thus it is important to measure the proton conductivity of the PEMs while trying new polymers or new types of membranes. But as current measurement methods do not have a standard and can be separated into mainly two different measurement methods which are Electron Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) and Ion Exchange Capacity (IEC). EIS gives clearer results, but it needs an impedance analyzer machine, platinum electrodes and setup so this cannot be possible for every researcher due to its economical aspect. For IEC it is basically a titration method to see acid groups in the polymer or polymer matrix which are directly responsible for proton conductivity so this can show an indirect measurement of proton conductivity. But as for this one drawback are firstly this one is an indirect measurement and secondly needs overnight bath in solution can take long times. So, the possibility of using pH can be easier and both from time and economical aspect if it can be proven the give a direct relationship between pH change and proton conductivity.

We overview recent findings achieved in the field of model-driven development of additively manufactured porous materials for development of a new generation of bioactive implants for orthopedic applications. Porous structures produced of biocompatible titanium alloys by selective laser melting can present a promising material to design scaffolds with regulated mechanical properties and with capacity to be loaded with pharmaceutical products. Adjusting pore geometry, one could control elastic modulus and strength/fatigue properties of the engineered structures to be compatible with bone tissues, thus preventing the stress shield effect when replacing a diseased bone fragment. Adsorption of medicals by internal spaces would make it possible to emit the antibiotic and anti-tumor agents into surrounding tissues. We critically analyze the recent advances in the field featuring model design approaches, virtual testing of the designed structures, capabilities of additive printing of porous structures, biomedical issues of the engineered scaffolds and so on. A special attention is paid to highlight the current troubles in the field and the ways of their solutions.

The natural flavonoid epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) has a wide range of biological activities including binding to nucleic acids; however, mechanisms of interaction of EGCG with DNA organized in chromatin have not been systematically studied. In this work, interaction of EGCG with chromatin in cells, and with nucleosomes and chromatosomes in vitro was studied using fluorescent microscopy and single particle Förster resonance energy transfer approaches, respectively. EGCG effectively penetrates into the nuclei of living cells and binds to DNA there. Interaction of EGCG with nucleosomes in vitro induces large-scale, reversible uncoiling of nucleosomal DNA that occurs without dissociation of DNA or core histones at sub- and low-micromolar concentrations of EGCG. EGCG does not reduce the catalytic activity of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1), but causes modulation of the structure of the PARP1-nucleosome complex. EGCG significantly changes the structure of chromatosomes, but does not cause dissociation of the linker histone. Reorganization of nucleosomes and chromatosomes by EGCG might facilitate access of protein factors involved in DNA repair, replication and transcription to DNA and thus might contribute to the modulation of gene expression by EGCG that was reported earlier.

Poly-DADMAC (PD) is a common organic polymer used as an effective coagulant in water treatment. yet its residue in water raises several concerns regarding membrane fouling and the production of carcinogenic compounds. Therefore, fast and simple quantification is necessary to control and monitor the optimal poly-DADMAC concentration dose with minimal negative effects. This study introduces a new colorimetric quantification method for poly-DADMAC, based on complexation with a cationic dye (fast green- FG). The method was examined through varying conditions that included different analytical and commercial poly-DADMAC formulations and concentrations. The experiments confirm its effectiveness in quantifying poly-DADMAC with a detection limit of 3.22 µg L-1 (0.02 µM based on monomers' molecular weight), which is one order of magnitude lower than regulatory requirements (50 µg L-1). To validate the method, the effect of pH was examined, and implementation demonstrations were conducted on cyanobacteria and cowshed polluted water samples. This research presents a new, fast, easy to apply, and cost-effective method to accurately quantify poly-DADMAC, improving water treatment strategies and allowing high quality purification and water reuse.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) exerts a considerable concern in healthcare and the community. Globally MRSA strains cause numerous infections with high morbidity and mortality rates. The success of MRSA is a result of the extensive production of virulence factors. With the limited treatment options for the MRSA infection and growing resistance problem, an urgent call is needed to search for an alternative to antibiotics. One of the promising strategies is targeting the quorum sensing (QS) system, of the MRSA, by using a dendrimer loaded with kinase inhibitor peptide. This study formulates a poly-amidoamine dendrimers (PAMAM) G4 dendrimers loaded with Quorum Quencher (QQ), QQ3 peptide which is a Histidine Kinase inhibitor. The physicochemical properties of the formula were characterized using different in-vitro analysis method such as Zetasizer and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The antibacterial activity and anti-virulence effect of the formula was tested against MRSA and different mutant stains using growth assay, haemolysis assay and biofilm assay. Overall, QQ3-G4 complex showed antibacterial and anti-virulence activity and it can be a potential alternative treatment to overcome antimicrobial resistance and treat MRSA infection.

The aim of this study is to compare different methods used for determination of the DS for sulfonated membranes before and after high dose irradiation. Commercial PEEK was homogenously sulfonated up to DS of 60-90% and the membranes were prepared using solvent casting method. Part of the samples were irradiated with 10 MeV electron beam up to 500 kGy dose to assess the ionising radiation induced effects. Both non-irradiated and irradiated membranes were characterized by Fourier Transformation infrared (FT-IR) spectrometry, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR), electrochemical impedance analysis and for the first time for non-irradiated membranes by spectrophotometric analysis with Cr(III). Comparison of the above-mentioned methods for application for DS assessment was done. It was observed that irradiated membranes presented a higher value of DS. Appearance of different new signals in 1H-NMR and FT-IR spectra of irradiated membranes indicated the effects of radiation induced changes in the structure of SPEEK materials. It was determined that the novel method with Cr(III) is applicable for the determination of SPEEK DS under 80%.

Developing nanomaterials with the capacity to restrict the growth of bacteria and fungus is of current interest. In this study, nanocomposites of poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) functionalized with primary amine, hydroxyl, and carboxyl groups were prepared, and characterized. An analysis by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed that PHEMA chains were grafted to the functionalized CNTs. The morphology of the prepared nanocomposites studied by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) shows significant changes with respect to the observed for pure PHEMA. The thermal behavior of the nanocomposites studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) revels that the functionalized CNTs affects strongly the mobility of the PHEMA chains. Tests carried out by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were used to calculate the degree of grafting of the PHEMA chains. The ability of prepared nanocomposites to inhibit the growth of the fungus Candida albicans, and the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli was evaluated. A moderated antifungal and antibacterial capacity of the prepared nanocomposites was determined.

Fluorophores with a tetraphenylethylene (TPE) core are attracting increasing interest because of their aggregation-induced emission (AIE) behaviour, which makes them particularly suitable when dispersed in thin-layer films. We propose the synthesis and use of a novel TPE fluorophore (hereafter called TPE-BPAN) decorated with two dimethylamino push groups and a 4-biphenylacetonitrile pull moiety. In tetrahydrofuran solutions, TPE-BPAN showed a broad absorption spectrum, and an intense emission is observed when a non-solvent as water is added in amounts of 70% and above. We selected and synthetized five different polymer matrices for TPE-BPAN with decreasing polarity: a) poly(methylmetacrylate) homopolymer (PMMA); b), c), and d) three copolymers of methyl methacrylate and cyclohexyl methacrylate at different compositions (P(MMA-co-CHMA) 75:25, 50:50, 25:75 mol%); e) poly(cyclohexyl methacrylate) homopolymer (PCHMA). The presence of a less polar comonomer as cyclohexyl methacrylate appeared to enhance the emission behaviour of TPE-BPAN, which displayed the highest quantum yield (QY) in P(MMA-co-CHMA) 75:25 in all the range of concentration studied from 0.4 wt.% to 2.0 wt.%. Further reduction in polarity lowered QY to the values of PMMA films; also, lower adhesion to the glass and a marked fragility of the films were observed. Referring to the P(MMA-co-CHMA) 75:25 films, QY values decreased from over 40% at 0.4 wt.% to about 30% at 2.0 wt.%, which is still helpful for energy harvesting applications such as luminescent solar concentrators (LSC). LSC performances were not significantly affected by the matrix's lower polarity and resulted in around one-third of the state-of-the-art due to the lower QY of TPE-BPAN. The theoretical investigation on density functional theory (DFT) clarified the origin of the observed AIE and the role played by the environment in modulating the photophysical behaviour.

: The article examines the regularities of structure formation of ultrafine fibers based on poly-3-hydroxybutyrat under the influence of technological (electrical conductivity, viscosity), molecular (molecular weight), and external factors (low-molecular and nanodispersed substances of different chemical nature). Systems with polar substances are characterized by the presence of intermolecular interactions and the formation of a more perfect crystalline fiber structure. Changes in technological and molecular characteristics affect the fiber formation process, resulting in alterations in the morphology of the non-woven fabric, fiber geometry, and supramolecular fiber structure. Polymer molecular weight, electrical conductivity, and solution viscosity influence fiber formation and fiber diameter. The fiber structure is heterogeneous, consisting of both crystalline and non-equilibrium amorphous phases. This is significant in the development of matrix-fibrillar systems for drug delivery, bioactive substances, antiseptics, tissue engineering constructs, tissue engineering scaffolds, artificial biodegradable implants, sorbents, and other applications.

Food waste disposal to landfills practice contributes to greenhouse problem due to the emission of gases such as methane to the atmosphere. Shelf-life extension of food products and further valorization of food wastes such as the conversion to activated carbon are tested nowadays as alternative techniques. The development and use of biobased active coatings against food oxidation/bacterial deterioration is an environmentally friendly technique. In this study, a novel food active coating was successfully developed based on a chitosan (CS)/poly-vinyl alcohol (PVOH) matrix activated with a nanohybrid of natural thymol (TO) adsorbed in activated carbon (AC) derived from spent coffee. The results shown that, compared to the pure CS/PVOH polymeric matrix, the coating with 15% wt. TO@AC nanohybrid concentration achieved +23.5 % Young’s modulus value, +20.1% ultimate strength value, increased barrier of +50.2% for water and +74.0 % for oxygen, +69.0% antioxidant activity, increased antibacterial activity of +5.5% against Escherichia coli, +17.8% against Salmonella enterica, +42.5% against Staphylococcus aureus, and +2.5% against Listeria monocytogenes. A visual evaluation of this coating shown a delay to fresh bananas enzymatic browning and significantly decrease their weight loss. This indicates that it could be potentially used to extend the shelf-life of fresh fruits.

Four leather substrates from different animals were treated by dispersions containing hydrophilic composite silica-hyperbranched poly(ethylene imine) xerogels. Antimicrobial activity was introduced by incorporating silver nanoparticles and /or benzalkonium chloride. The gel precursor solutions were also infused before gelation to titanium oxide powders typically employed for induction of self-cleaning properties. The dispersions from these biomimetically premade xerogels integrate environmentally friendly materials with short coating times. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) provided information on the powder distribution onto the leathers. Substrate and coating composition were estimated by infrared spectroscopy (IR) and ener-gy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Surface hydrophilicity and water permeability were assessed by water-contact angle experiments. The diffusion of the leather's initial components and xerogel additives into the water were measured by Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy. Protection against GRAM- bacteria was tested for Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella Pneumoniae against GRAM+ bacteria for Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus faecalis and against fungi for Candida albicans. Antibiofilm capacity experiments were performed against Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella Pneumoniae, Enterococcus faecalis, and Candida albicans. The application of xerogel dispersions proved an adequate and economically feasible alternative to the direct gel formation into the substrate’s pores for the preparation of leathers intended for medical uses

Why do the eyes remain comparatively large whereas the cornea is reduced in most troglobiont mysids? Are there any important organ size-dependent functions served by non-visual eye rudiments? This issue was approached by measuring eye structures in five troglobiont species of Mysida and two Stygiomysida compared with 14 troglophile and 49 trogloxene Mysida species. The Organ of Bellonci (OB) was found in all Mysida and as first records also in Stygiomysida. The length of OBs increased with individual body length and eye length in four examined species: from postnauplioid larvae to adult stage in a troglophile and a trogloxene mysid species examined; and from juveniles to adults in a troglobiont mysid and a troglobiont stygiomysid. At the interspecific level, eye length was on average 26% shorter at a given body length while the OB was 40% longer at a given body length and 54% longer at a given eye length, respectively, in adult troglobionts compared with trogloxene mysids. The OB is clearly proliferating while the cornea is reduced in troglobionts. This points to sensory functions (possibly together with other functions). The sensory pore organ was found in all 15 Mysida species whose eyes were mounted on slides, and a first record of this organ was also found in Stygiomysida.

Neuropsychiatric disorders are globally public-health concern, in which diagnosis might be based on symptoms that often vary across individuals. Schizophrenia is one of the major neuropsychiatric disorders, which may affect millions worldwide. Detection of predictive biomarkers is the most intensively developing approach for the disease. However, the biochemical alterations have not been comprehensively distinguished up to the present time. In addition, there is less confidence of finding a specific biomarker for neuropsychiatric disorders including schizophrenia, but rather a specific characteristic behavioral pattern. Maternal immune activation has been considered to be one of the important factors for the development of neuropsychiatric disorders. Here, the mouse model of neuropsychiatric disorders has been built, in which poly-I:C, sodium dextran sulfate (DSS) and κ-carrageenan (CGN) were used for the maternal immune activation during the pregnancy of individuals. Subsequently, we challenged to link some of biochemical changes of p62 and GLAST in the offspring mice brain to the alteration of several pathological behaviors. Consequently, it has been shown that autophagy might be involved in the development of neuropsychiatric disorders including schizophrenia. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the significant correlation between pathological behavior and the biochemical alterations in neuropsychiatric disorder model animals. The relative ease of conducting these evaluation-tasks would make them useful for testing novel therapeutics designed to ameliorate the symptoms of several psychiatric disorders.

The research on calcium leaching of 3D printed cement pastes (3DPC) exposed in aggressive water is limited, and the mechanism underlying its effect needs to be better understood. The performance anisotropy of degraded 3DPC due to calcium leaching is investigated in this paper. Samples with aggregate micro fines (AMF) and fly ash (FA) were prepared. A 6 mol/L NH₄Cl solution was used in the accelerated experiment. At specific leaching durations, performances were tested on the samples in different leaching directions. Results show that the performances of 3DPC in aggressive water have a significant anisotropic behavior. The evolution of pore defects and hydration products mainly governs the performance anisotropy of degraded 3DPC. The remaining hydration products of the surface of 3DPC leached in the Z direction are less than the other two directions because calcium ions leached in the Z direction are difficult to be compensated through weak interfaces between layers.

Many stable water dispersions of various chemical compositions containing bioactive chemical compounds: copper silicate, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide (and other auxiliary substances) were developed and fabricated - they were used for preparation of thin hybrid coatings having very good antimicrobial properties against gram negative bacteria (Escherichia coli), gram positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) and yeast fungus (Candida albicans). Polyester (PES) nonwovens were modified by dip-coating, and PES and cotton fabrics - by dip-coating and coating methods.

Several tumor types have been efficiently treated with PARPis, which are now approved for the treatment of ovarian, breast, prostate, and pancreatic cancer. The BRCA1/2 genes and mutations in many additional genes involved in the HR pathway may be responsible for the HRD phenomenon. In the present study, an NGS assay was used to analyze 513 genes associated with targeted and immuno-oncology therapies in 406 samples. In addition, the %gLOH values of 24 samples were also calculated using the Affymetrix technology to compare the results obtained by the two methodologies. HR variations occurred in 20.93% of the malignancies, while BRCA1/2 gene alterations in 5.17%. %LOH was highly correlated with alterations in the BRCA1/2 genes since 76.19% (16/21) of the BRCA1/2 positive tumors had a high %LOH value (p=0.007). Moreover, the LOH status was highly correlated with the TP53 and KRAS statuses, but there was no association with the TMB value. Lin's Concordance Correlation Coefficient for the 24 evaluable samples simultaneously examined by both assays was 0.87, indicating a nearly perfect agreement. In conclusion, the addition of gLOH analysis could assist the detection of additional patients eligible for PARPis

Agriculture technical development exclusively relies on the effective delivery of agrochemicals and water to the plants and reduce the harmful effects of the agrochemicals on the useful organisms in the soil. Wherefore, super absorbent hydrogels were prepared by copolymerization of gum Arabic (GA) with chitosan (CS) or poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), and cross-linked by N,’N-methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) chemically (CH) or using sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP) as physical (PH) cross-linker. The prepared hydrogels include PVA/GA-CH, PVA/GA-PH, CS/GA-CH and CS/GA-PH showed different degree of swelling (DS) in the following swelling medium, deionized water (DW), river water(RW) and buffer solution pH9. PVA/GA-CH and CS/GA-CH hydrogels have showed 84g/g and 63g/g maximum DS in RW respectively, while PVA/GA-PH and CS/GA-PH hydrogels have showed 81g/g and 69g/g maximum DS in pH9 respectively. The water- retention capability of some hydrogels were studied using a mixture of 0.5%(w/w) hydrogel in agricultural soil and the composite showed about 20 days extra retain of water with a control sample of soil alone. The hydrogels were loaded using urea the important fertilizer in agriculture field. The hydrogels of higher DS were only loaded, where PVA/GA-CH hydrogel has shown 89%(w/w) maximum loading percentage (Lmax%), and CS/GA-PH hydrogel reached 79.75%(w/w) of urea. The release behavior in different medium and degree of temperatures of loaded hydrogels were studied. Generally, PVA/GA-CH hydrogel have shown better release profile in RW medium at 10oC, while CS/GA-PH hydrogel showed more controlled release in pH9 medium at 30oC. Different analytical methods of SEM, FTIR of loaded hydrogel and after their release were achieved, whereas XRD,1H NMR and (TGA, DSC) of prepared hydrogels have been characterized.

It is widely reported that the mitochondrial membrane potential, ∆Ψm, is reduced in aging animals. It was recently suggested that the lower ∆Ψm in aged animals modulate mitochondrial bioenergetics and that this effect is a major cause of aging since artificially increased ∆Ψm in C. elegans increased lifespan. Here I review, critically, studies that reported reduction of ∆Ψm in aged animals, including worms, and conclude that many of these observations are best interpreted as evidence that the fraction of depolarized mitochondria is increased in aged cells because of the enhanced activation of the mitochondrial Permeability Transition Pore, mPTP. Activation of the voltage-gated mPTP depolarizes the mitochondria, inhibits oxidative phosphorylation, releases large amounts of calcium and mROS, and depletes cellular NAD+, thus accelerating degenerative diseases and aging. Since the inhibition of mPTP was shown to restore ∆Ψm and retard aging, the reported lifespan extension by artificially generated ∆Ψm in C. elegans is best explained by inhibition of the voltage-gated mPTP. Similarly, the reported activation of the mitochondrial Unfolded Protein Response by reduction of ∆Ψm, and the reported preservation of ∆Ψm in dietary restriction treatment in C. elegans are best explained as a resulting from activation or inhibition of the voltage-gated mPTP, respectively.

The outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria contains a variety of pore-forming structures collectively referred to as porins. Some of these are voltage-dependent, but weakly so, closing at high voltages. Triplin, a novel bacterial pore-former, is a three-pore structure, highly voltage dependent, with a complex gating process. The three pores close sequentially: pore 1 at positive potentials, 2 at negative and 3 at positive. A positive domain containing 14 positive charges (the voltage sensor) translocates through the membrane during the closing process and the translocation is proposed to take place by the domain entering the pore and thus blocking it resulting in the closed conformation. This mechanism of pore closure is supported by kinetic measurements that show that in the closing process the voltage sensor travels through most of the transmembrane voltage before reaching the energy barrier. Voltage-dependent blockage of the pores by polyarginine but not by a 500 fold higher concentrations of polylysine, is consistent with the model of pore closure, with the sensor consisting mainly of arginine residues, and with the presence, in each pore, of a complementary surface that serves as a binding site for the sensor.

To prevent CO2 leakage and ensure the safety of long-term CO2 storage, it is essential to investigate the flow mechanism of CO2 in complex pore structures at the pore scale. This study focuses on reviewing the experimental, theoretical, and numerical simulation studies on the microscopic flow of CO2 in complex pore structures during the last decade. For example, advanced imaging techniques, such as X-ray computed tomography (CT) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), are used to reconstruct the complex pore structures of rocks. Mathematical methods, such as Darcy's law, Young–Laplace’s law, and the Navier-Stokes equation, are used to describe the microscopic flow of CO2. Numerical methods, such as the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) and pore network (PN) model, are used for numerical simulation. The application of these experimental and theoretical models and numerical simulation studies is discussed, considering the effect of complex pore structures. Finally, future research is suggested to focus on: (1) Conducting real-time CT scanning experiments of CO2 displacement combined with the developed real-time CT scanning clamping device to realize real-time visualization and provide quantitative description of the flow behavior of CO2 in complex pore structures; (2) The effect of pore structures change on the CO2 flow mechanism caused by the chemical reaction between CO2 and the pore surface, the flow theory of CO2 considering wettability and damage theory in a complex pore structures; (3) The flow mechanism of multi-phase CO2 in complex pore structures; (4) The flow mechanism of CO2 in the pore structures at multiscale and the scale upgrade from microscopic to mesoscopic to macroscopic. Generally, this study focuses on reviewing the research progress of CO2 flow mechanisms in complex pore structures at the pore scale and affords an overview of potential advanced developments to enhance the current understanding of CO2 microscopic flow mechanisms.

Based on the engineering background of Daliuta mining area, the fracture distribution and water movement within the weakly cemented overlay strata are studied through liquid-solid coupling physical simulation and COMSOL numerical simulation test. 3D fracture network of overburden strata in mining is plotted based on the result of the physical simulation test. The results showed that the ‘fractured zone’ of the weakly cemented overburden strata in the western area develops more evidently than that in the eastern area ---- wide-opened fractures form at both ends of the working area and this leads to a wide distribution of fractures in the overlying strata.After the initial caving of the roof, height of the penetrating fractures increases rapidly and the separated strata space becomes the main channel for water flow. Under the action of water flow and rock strata movement, mining-induced fractures in overlying rock display cyclic change of expansion, penetration and closure. When the working face is fully mined, the penetrating fractures in the overlying strata and mining-induced fractures up in the working face become the main passages for water flow. The experimental result provides a reference for underground reservoirs layout and maintenance and water-conserved mining in western China.

A new process is reported for the incorporation of a fluoropolymer into a solid perovskite film. Poly(trifluoroethyl methacrylate) [CH2C(CH3)(CO2CH2CF3)]n was delivered to methylammonium lead iodide (CH3NH3PbI3) perovskite films by crystallizing the film in supercritical carbon dioxide/ethanol containing the dissolved fluoropolymer. The surface was characterized before and after fluoropolymer exposure using scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and contact angle measurements. The results indicate that the fluoropolymer was incorporated into the perovskite film during the supercritical fluid crystallization process.

With the development of free trade port in Hainan Island, the construction of tourist roads around the island is also in full swing. Under the weather conditions of strong typhoon and rainstorm in Hainan, the highway cutting slope built on the coastal weak sandy terraces has strong sand loss and is easy to be scour by rainfall. MICP green spray irrigation solidification technology is used to strengthen the sandy cutting, and pore water pressure monitoring is carried out on the slope model during MICP solidification and rainfall scour. Combined with the model pore water pressure and flow slip failure pattern, dynamic analysis was carried out. The results show that MICP sprinkler irrigation technology can solidified the surface of the slope model in a short time, and the cementation depth of the model reaches 4cm after three sets of rotation reinforcement. The surface reinforcement effect is good, and the sand samples are closely connected. Under the erosion effect of simulated rainfall intensity, the sand loss of the slope is weakened, and no sand binding damage occurs, and the integrity is enhanced. Due to the cementation between sand grains, most of the rainfall was converted into runoff, and the slope slid after 150s. When the slope began to slip, the leading edge of the slope model lost sand and unloaded, and the failure mode was graded creep slip failure. Finally, the slope was divided into several blocks due to the continuous expansion of cracks after the slope failure. The erosion stability of the sandy slope under heavy rains is optimized and the sand loss is prevented effectively. In this study, a new method of MICP remediation techniques is proposed, which provides a new test basis for the application of MICP technology in practical engineering.

Glycans play important roles as recognition molecules on cell surfaces in living organisms due to their remarkable structural diversity. Carbohydrates exist in numerous isomeric forms and can adopt diverse structures through various branching patterns. Despite their relatively small molecular weights, they exhibit extensive structural diversity. On the other hand, lectins, also known as carbohydrate-binding proteins, not only recognize and bind to the diverse structures of glycans but also induce various biological reactions based on structural differences. Initially discovered as hemagglutinins in plant seeds, lectins have been found to play significant roles in cell recognition processes in higher vertebrates. However, our understanding of lectins in marine animals, particularly marine invertebrates, remains limited. Recent studies have revealed that marine animals possess novel lectins with unique structures and glycan recognition mechanisms not observed in known lectins. Of particular interest is their role as pattern recognition receptors in the innate immune system, where they recognize glycan structures of pathogens. Furthermore, lectins serve as toxins for self-defense against foreign enemies. Recent discoveries have identified various pore-forming proteins containing lectin domains in fish venoms and skins. These proteins utilize lectin domains to bind target cells, triggering oligomerization and pore formation in the cell membrane. These findings have spurred research into the new functions of lectins and lectin domains. In this review, we present recent findings on the diverse structures and functions of lectins in marine animals.

The pore-throat radius of shale oil reservoir is extremely small, and it is difficult to accurately obtain the absolute permeability and oil-water two-phase relative permeability of actual oil reservoir through conventional core experiments. However, these parameters are very important for reservoir numerical simulation. In this paper, a method for characterizing flow parameters based on pore network model that considers differential pressure flow and diffusion flow is proposed. Firstly, a digital core was reconstructed using focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) from the Gulong shale reservoir in the Songliao Basin, China, and a pore network model was extracted. Secondly, quasi-static single-phase flow and two-phase flow equations considering diffusion were established in the pore network model. Finally, pore throat parameters, absolute permeability, and oil-water two-phase permeability curves were calculated, respectively. The results show that the pore throat distribution of Gulong shale reservoir is mainly concentrated in the nanometer scale, the mean pore radius is 87 nm, the mean throat radius is 41 nm, and the mean coordination number is 3.97; The calculated permeability considering diffusion is 0.000124mD, which is approximately twice the permeability calculated without considering diffusion; The irreducible water saturation of the Gulong shale reservoir is approximately 0.26, and the residual oil saturation is approximately 0.73. The method proposed in this paper can provide an important approach for characterizing the flow parameters of similar shale oil reservoirs.

Food saving and further valorization is of major interest in our days. Worldwide, scientists intensify their efforts to increase shelf life of products due to the global danger of coming food crisis. Even though many chemicals could achieve such target, the circular economy spirit and the global trend against the greenhouse effects impose the turn of research activities using environmentally friendly biomass materials, biowastes, and biodegradable materials. In this study, the promising biopolymer chitosan incorporated with the promising biodegradable polymer poly-vinyl-alcohol to produce a biopolymeric matrix. This biodegradable biopolymer was further mixed homogeneously with 15% thymol/nano-zeolite nanohybrid material and the final developed film was extremely improved compared to the relevant of chitosan/poly-vinyl-alcohol film. Mechanical properties were increased significantly i.e., 34% for Young Modulus and 46,5% for ultimate tensile strength, while the antioxidant activity increased by 53,4%. The antibacterial activity increased by 134% for Ecoli, 87,5% for Saureus, 32% for Lmonocytogenes, and 9% for Senterica. The water-vapor diffusion coefficient and the oxygen permeability coefficient decreased down to -51% and -74% respectively, and thus the water-vapor and oxygen barrier increased. In-vivo experiments on strawberries show an extension of 233% for shelf-life duration which resulted from the modified atmosphere by the control-released thymol.

Maternal infections during pregnancy may increase the risk of psychiatric disorders in offspring. We recently demonstrated that activation of peroxisome proliferator-activate receptor‐α (PPARα), with the clinically available agonist fenofibrate, attenuates the neurodevelopmental disturbances induced by maternal immune activation (MIA) in rat offspring. We hypothesized that fenofibrate might reduce MIA-induced cytokine imbalance using a MIA model based on the viral mimetic polyriboinosinic-polyribocytidilic acid [poly (I:C)]. By using the Bio-Plex Multiplex-Immunoassay-System, we measured cytokine/chemokine levels in maternal serum and in the fetal brain of rats treated with fenofibrate, at 6 and 24 hours after poly (I:C). We found that MIA induced time-dependent changes in the levels of several cytokines/chemokines/colony-stimulating factors (CSFs). Specifically, the maternal serum of the poly (I:C)/CTRL group showed increased levels of (i) proinflammatory chemokine macrophage inflammatory protein 1-alpha (MIP-1α), (ii) tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-), the monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), the macrophage (M-CSF) and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). Conversely, in the fetal brain of the poly (I:C)/CTRL group, interleukin 12p70 and MIP-1 levels were lower than in veh/CTRL group. Notably, MIP-1, TNF-, GRO/KC, GM-CSF, and M-CSF levels were lower in the poly (I:C)/FEN than in poly (I:C)/CTRL rats, indicating the protective role of the PPARα agonist. PPARα might represent a therapeutic target to attenuate the consequences of MIA.

Concrete contributes 8% of all global carbon emissions making the need to find substitute critical for environmental sustainability. Research has indicated the potential for recycled plastics to be used as concrete substitutes. This study extends existing research by investigating the use of polycarbonate (PC) in plastic sand bricks as a mechanical equivalent to concrete. PC has high compressive strength, durability, impact strength, thermal resistivity, clarity, fatigue resistance, and UV resistance. This work provides a method and mold to produce a matrix of sand-plastic sample compositions with dimensions adhering to ASTM D695 standard for compressive properties of rigid-plastic. Compositions of 0% (control), 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% sand by weight were tested. Samples were tested for compressive strength until yield and stress-strain behaviors plotted. The results for 100% PC demonstrated an average and maximum compressive strength of 71 MPa and 72 MPa, respectively. The 50% PC and 50% sand composition yielded an average and maximum compressive strength of 71 MPa and 73 MPa respectively with an increase in compressive stiffness, and transition to shear failure resembling cement. With a composite density of 1.86 g/cm3 against concrete’s average 2.4 g/cm3, and a compressive strength exceeding commercial concrete demands of 23.3 MPa to 30.2 MPa, this lightweight alternative meets the strength demands of concrete, reduces the need for new construction materials, and provides an additional recycling opportunity for nonbiodegradable waste plastic.

Novel TFN membranes were examined for the removal of heavy metals (Cu and Pb) from synthetic wastewater in forward osmosis (FO) experiments using MgCl2 as a draw solute. The TFN membranes were fabricated on top of a commercial PS35 ultrafiltration membrane by in-situ interfacial polymerization of piperazine (PIP) and 1,3,5-benzenetricarbonyl trichloride (TMC) containing different amounts of dispersed functionalized halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) nanoparticles. The HNTs nanoparticles were functionalized with the first generation of poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimers. The TFN and the control TFC membranes showed rejections of Cu2+ and Pb2+, ranging from 94.5% to 98.1%. The presence of heavy metal in the feed solution enhanced the FO performance of all membranes. In particular, the reverse flux of MgCl2 decreased at least 2.5 times compared to the experiments with pure water as a feed. Simultaneously, the water flux also increased. The improved FO performance of the membranes in the presence of heavy metal ions is attributed to their adsorption by the membranes. The adsorption of heavy metals was confirmed by a decrease in the negativity of zeta potential and the results from inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) of the membranes after the FO experiments.

Nanomaterials such as pH-responsive polymers are promising for targeted drug delivery systems, due to the difference in pH between tumor and healthy regions. However, there is a significant concern about the application of these materials in this field due to their low mechanical resistance, which can be mitigated by combining these polymers with mechanically resistant inorganic materials such as mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) and hydroxyapatite (HA). Mesoporous silica has interesting properties such as high surface area and hydroxyapatite has been widely studied to aid in bone regeneration, providing special properties adding multifunctionality to the system. Furthermore, fields of medicine involving luminescent elements such as rare earth are an interesting option in cancer treatment. The present work aims to obtain a pH-sensitive hybrid system based on silica and hydroxyapatite with photoluminescent and magnetic properties. The nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), nitrogen adsorption methods, CHN elemental analysis, Zeta Potential, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), vibrational sample magnetometry (VSM), and photoluminescence analysis. Incorporation and release studies of the antitumor drug doxorubicin were performed to evaluate the potential use of these systems in targeted drug delivery. The results showed the luminescent and magnetic properties of the materials and showed suitable characteristics for application in the release of pH-sensitive drugs.

Acute and chronic bone infections, especially those caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), remains a major complication and therapeutic challenge. It is documented that local administration of vancomycin offers better results than the usual routes of administration (e.g. intravenous) when ischemic areas are present. In this work, we evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy against S. aureus and S. epidermidis and analyzed the potential cytotoxic effect of a novel hybrid 3D-printed scaffold based on poly(caprolactone) and chitosan loaded with different vancomycin concentrations (1, 5, 10 and 20%). For this purpose, vancomycin release was measured by means of HPLC, and the biological response of ah-BM-MSCs in the presence of the scaffolds was evaluated in terms of cytotoxicity (LDH activity), proliferation (AlamarBlueⓇ) and osteogenic differentiation (ALP activity, Alizarin Red staining). In addition, two cold plasma treatments were evaluated to improve the adhesion of hydrophobic polymers to hydrogels. The hybrid PCL/CS/Van scaffolds tested were found to be biocompatible, bioactive, and bactericide, as demonstrated by no cytotoxicity or functional alteration and by bacterial inhibition. Our results suggest that the scaffolds developed would be excellent candidates to be used in a wide range of biomedical fields such as drug delivery systems or tissue engineering applications.

Weathering and erosion transport minerals and organics toward the sea or lake bottoms over geologic time. The finest solids are deposited in lower, less turbulent areas, such as lake bottoms and continental shelves. They sometimes stack up to thicknesses of kilometers, and begin compacting. These sediment sections are called shales, and as initially deposited in water, shales can have porosities up to 50-80{\%} water, As they are buried, many alteration products from oil to slate are produced due to overburden and temperature increasess, making them important to study. A preceeding paper \cite{1} showed that pressure solution is the primary mechanism for porosity reduction, with possible mechanical compaction at shallow depths. Without naming the mineral(s) involved, it postulated that the greater the product of the water and pore interfaces, the faster the reaction would proceed. This term is $ \varphi^{4m/3}(1-\varphi)^{4n/3}$ , where $\varphi$ is porosity and m and n are numbers close to unity. The large exponents, {\em 4/3}, recognize that the reaction occurs at the molecular scale at which the surfaces are rough. A second term, $\exp^{(-E/RT)}$ , indicates that the reaction is impeded by a quantum energy barrier, E, with diminished impeding power as increased available thermal energy, represented by the absolute temperature, T, becomes available at greater depths in the Earth. These two factors combine to allow porosity $\varphi$ to reduce with time, or equivalently for the fraction of solids, $(1-\varphi)$, to increase with time,$\left. \frac{\partial(ln(1-\varphi) ) }{\partial t } \right |_{\sigma} = (\varphi )^{4m/3}( 1-\varphi )^{4n/3}Ae^{-E/(RT)}$. { \em Here it is shown that this equation can cover quantitatively any actual deposition rates which may have been experienced by the six sections studied, the actual deposition rates being unknown for these cases. Hence a time-depth depositional history for any new shale section, known in detail, would allow determination of the parameters m, n, E and a lumped proportionality constant A. This was accomplished by showing that, for a wide range of depositional rates, r, the range of E for any of the studied sections is small compared to laboratory measurements of quartz solution\cite{2}, 24+-15kJ/mol. Results were obtained over this range of r's using the previously determined m and n, and porosity and temperature profiles. The presently existing porosity profiles necessarily incorporate any overpressure or underpressure conditions that may have existed in the past or currently, as the net difference between overburden and pore pressure is a primary driving force for pressure solution. $SiO_2$ usually comprises 20-50{\%} of shales. In conclusion, pressure solution of quartz can account for vertical compaction of shales quantitatively in the studied examples. Separately, a quasi-eqivalent method for discussing reduced porosities in Macron 2 versus Macron 1 as increased vertical stress, rather than additional horizontal stress, is illustrated. Experiments are suggested to clarify the pressure solution mechanism. The role of horizontal forces is discussed.

The sustainable development of innovative eco-friendly multifunctional nanocomposites, possessing superior characteristics, is a noteworthy topic. Novel semi-interpenetrated nanocomposite films based on poly(vinyl alcohol) covalently and thermally crosslinked with oxalic acid (OA), reinforced with a novel organophosphorus flame retardant (PFR-4) derived from co-polycondensation in solution reaction of equimolar amounts of co-monomers, namely, bis((6-oxido-6H-dibenz[c,e][1,2]oxaphosphorinyl)-(4-hydroxyaniline)-methylene)-1,4-phenylene, bisphenol S, and phenylphosphonic dichloride, in a molar ratio of 1:1:2, and additionally doped with silver-loaded zeolite L nanoparticles (ze-Ag), have been prepared by casting from solution technique. The morphology of the as prepared PVA-oxalic acid films and their semi-interpenetrated nanocomposites with PFR-4 and ze-Ag was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), while the homogeneous distribution of the organophosphorus compound and nanoparticles within the nanocomposite films has been introspected by means of energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). It was established that composites with a very low phosphorus content had noticeably improved flame retardancy. The peak of the heat release rate was reduced up to 55%, depending on the content of the flame retardant additive and the doping ze-Ag nanoparticles introduced into the PVA/OA matrix. The ultimate tensile strength and elastic modulus increased significantly in the reinforced nanocomposites. Considerably increased antimicrobial activity was revealed in the case of the samples containing silver-loaded zeolite L nanoparticles.

Infectious diabetic wounds can result in severe injuries or even death. Biocompatible wound dressings offer one of the best ways to treat these wounds, but creating a dressing with suitable hydrophilicity and biodegradation rate can be challenging. To address this issue, we used the electrospinning method to create a wound dressing composed of poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS) and gelatin (Gel). We dissolved the PGS and Gel in acetic acid (75 v/v%) and added EDC/NHS solution as a crosslinking agent. Our measurements revealed that the scaffolds' fiber diameter ranged from 180.2 to 370.6 nm, and all the scaffolds had porosity percentages above 70%, making them suitable for wound healing applications. Additionally, we observed a significant decrease (p &lt; 0.05) in the contact angle from 110.8° ± 4.3° for PGS to 54.9° ± 2.1° for PGS/Gel scaffolds, indicating an improvement in hydrophilicity of the blend scaffold. Furthermore, our cell viability evaluations demonstrated a significant increase (p &lt; 0.05) in cultured cell growth and proliferation on the scaffolds during the culture time. Our findings suggest that the PGS/Gel scaffold has potential for wound healing applications.

This study employed a TSMC 0.18-µm 50 V process to establish a high-voltage n-LDMOS structure. In the reference device, the number of floating-poly (poly-2) turns was 7, and the width and spacing of each turn was 1 µm. Although increasing the number of turns reduces the peak field, directly reducing or increasing the number of poly-2 turns is a common practice. The present experiment was realized in three steps, namely fixing the number of occupied area adjustment turns, adjusting the width of each turn, and adjusting the distance between turns. The first step was fixing the number of occupied area adjustment turns. The number of turns was increased from 7 to 9, and the number of turns was reduced to 5 and 3 in the reference group. A reduction in the number of turns led to a greater decrease in the peak field and increase in the breakdown voltage despite the area remaining unchanged. A comparison of the use of three turns with that of seven turns revealed that the maximum electric field decreased by 42%, from 4.17e+3 to 2.46e+3 V/cm, and that the breakdown voltage (VBK) increased from 30.2 to 35.84 V. The second step was adjusting the width of each turn from 1 to 1.4, 1.2, 0.8, and 0.6 µm in the reference group. This increase in width reduced the maximum electric field and led to a greater increase in VBK. When the width was increased to 1.4 µm, the maximum electric field decreased by 29% from 1.95e+3 to 1.4e+3 V/cm, and the VBK increased by 183% from 30.2 to 85.6 V. The third step was adjusting the spacing of each turn from 1 to 1.4, 1.2, 0.8, and 0.6 µm in the reference group. The results revealed that a reduction in the spacing led to a greater reduction in the maximum electric field and an in-crease in the VBK. When the pitch was reduced to 0.6 µm, the maximum electric field decreased by 33%, from 1.95e+3 to 1.32e+3 V/cm, and the VBK increased by 345%, from 30.2 to 134.4 V.

Abstract: This paper outlines the methodology and results for a two species finite volume scalar computational drug transport model developed for simulating the mass transport of Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) ) from a half-embedded single strut implanted in a coronary arterial vessel wall. The mathematical drug transport model incorporates the convection-diffusion equation in scalar form (dimensionless) with a two species (free-drug and bound-drug) mass transport setup including reversible equilibrium reaction source terms for the free and bound-drug states to account for the pharmaco-kinetic reactions in the arterial wall. The relative reaction rates of the added source terms control the interconversion of drug between the free and bound-drug states. The model is solved by a 2-D finite-volume method for discretizing and solving the free and bound drug transport equations with anisotropic vascular drug diffusivities. This model is an improvement over our previously developed model using the finite-difference method. A dimensionless characteristic scaling pre-analysis was conducted a priori to evaluate the significance of implementing the reaction source terms in the transport equations. This paper reports the findings of an investigation of the interstitial flow profile into the arterial wall and the free and bound drug diffusion profiles with a parametric study of varying polymer drug concentration (low and high), tortuosity, porosity, and Peclet and DamKöhler numbers over the course of 400 hours (16.67 days). The results also reveal how a single species drug delivery model that neglects both a reversible binding reaction source term and the porosity and tortuosity of the arterial wall cannot accurately predict the distribution of both the free and bound drug.

Sulfate attack is one of the main factors affecting the durability of concrete structures. In recent years, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) have attracted the attention of scholars for their excellent mechanical properties and durability performance. In this paper, the influence of sulfate attack and dry-wet cycles on the performance of multi-walled carbon nanotube-lithium slag concrete (MWCNTs-LSC) with varied MWCNTs content (0wt%, 0.05wt%, 0.10wt% and 0.15wt%) and varied water-cement ratios (0.35, 0.40 and 0.45) were investigated. Besides, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray computed tomography (CT) tests were conducted to analyze the microstructure and pore structure of the concrete. The results show that concrete incorporated with MWCNTs could effectively mitigate sulfate attack The resistance to sulfate attack of concrete is negatively related to the water-cement ratio when the dry-wet cycle is fixed. The MWCNTs-LSC showed the best compressive strength at the water-cement ratio of 0.35 and 0.10 wt% MWCNTs. The SEM test results showed that the MWCNTs both filled the pores and cracks within the specimen and formed bridges between the cracks, enhancing the resistance to sulfate attack. The CT test results also showed that the addition of MWCNTs could reduce the porosity of concrete, refine the pore size and inhibit the generation and development of cracks, thus optimizing the internal structure of concrete and improving its resistance to sulfate attack.

Recent advances in synthetic membranes allow their use in fields as diverse as food and agriculture, biotechnology, industrial wastewater treatment, and potable water production. Among the newly developed technologies, nanofiltration for liquids and more particularly for desalination of seawater or saline aquifers are actively pursued. However, current solid-state membranes performance is limited, which calls for the development of novel formulations for membranes offering both high permeability (ion and water flux) and ion differentiation (selectivity), usually considered antagonist features. We report the development of hybrid nanoporous membranes made of solid-state polymeric carbonate track-etched (PCTE) thin films in which biological ion channels such as Gramicidin A (GA), alpha-hemolysin (α-HL), and outer-membrane protein F (OmpF) aquaporin are confined and graphene oxide (GO) conjugated cobalt ion selective binding peptide motifs (Copep) are adsorbed, referring as bioinspired and biomimetic approaches, respectively. These solid-state nanoporous membranes are attracting widespread attention since they offer scalability, mechanical robustness, selectivity, controlled pore dimension and shape, for water sustainability. The ion permeability, ion diffusion coefficient and selective ion recognition are evaluated via nanofiltration, cell diffusion kinetics, and UV-Visible absorption spectroscopy to gain insights into the role of key performance parameters including effective ion confinement in track-etched pores, rich surface chemistry, and peptide-induced channel for selective ion transport. These findings provide new avenues for artificial ion channels by synergistic combination of eco-friendly material design such as GO enabled by bio-molecular recognition chemistry.

Indirect fracturing from roof rock to coal using a horizontal well is a new and promising technology for coalbed methane surface exploitation in soft and low-permeability coal seams. In order to study the propagation law of hydraulic fracture across the coal-rock interface, a pore pressure cohesive element is used to establish a numerical model for indirect fracturing. Combined with practical engineering in 3# coal seam in Xinjing mine in China, the propagation behavior of hydraulic fracture across the coal-rock interface was researched, and the range of horizontal well position for indirect fracturing was determined. The results show that: (1) the pore pressure cohesive element can be used to simulate accurately the interaction between hydraulic fracture and natural fracture, and the propagation of hydraulic fracture across the coal-rock interface. (2) As the vertical distance between the horizontal well and coal-rock interface decreases, the breakdown pressure of perforation decreases; while the injection pressure increases when the hydraulic fracture crosses the coal-rock interface. (3) For the indirect fracturing engineering in 3# coal seam in Xinjing mine, the vertical distance between the horizontal well and coal-rock interface should not be larger than 2.0m to make the hydraulic fracture propagate into the coal seams.

This review focus on a critical analysis of nanocatalysts for Advanced Reductive Processes (ARP) and Oxidation Processes (AOP) designed for the degradation of poly/perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water. Ozone, ultraviolet and photocatalyzed ARP and/or AOP will be the basic treatment technologies. Besides the review of the nanomaterials with greater potential as catalyst for advanced processes of PFAS in water, the perspectives for its future development considering sustainability considerations will be discussed. Moreover, a brief analysis of the current state of the art of the ARP and AOP for the treatment of PFAS in water will be presented.

In recent years, new therapies have been developed based on molecules that target mo-lecular mechanisms involved in both the initiation and maintenance of the oncogenic process. Among these molecules are the poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) inhibitors. PARP1 has emerged as a target with great therapeutic potential for some tumor types, drawing attention to this enzyme and resulting in many small molecule inhibitors of its enzymatic activity. Thus, many PARP inhibitors are currently in clinical trials for the treatment of homologous recombina-tion (HR)-deficient tumors, BRCA-related cancers, taking advantage of synthetic lethality. In ad-dition, several novel cellular functions unrelated to its role in DNA repair have been described, including post-translational modification of transcription factors, or acting through pro-tein-protein interactions as a co-activator or co-repressor of transcription. Previously, we report-ed that this enzyme may play a key role as a transcriptional co-activator of an important compo-nent of cell cycle regulation, the transcription factor E2F1. Here, we show that PARP inhibitors, which interfere with its activity in cell cycle regulation, do so without affecting its enzymatic function.

Near-neutral pH and low redox potentials (EH) are considered favorable conditions for radionuclides immobilization in deep repository systems in clay geological formations. Cigeo is a future Industrial Centre for Geological Disposal for Nuclear Waste (NW) for high-level and intermediate level long-lived radioactive waste, to be built in France, at 500 m depth within the Callovo-Oxfordian clay formation. Deep knowledge of the mechanisms and kinetics of corrosion occurring at the external surface of tubings made of API 5L X65 carbon steel (CS-X65) in contact with COx pore water, is essential for a reversible NW management of the Cigeo site. By using robust handmade electrodes and electrochemical and gravimetric techniques, this work aimed to determine the corrosion phenomenology and kinetics of CS-X65 in contact with COx pore water flowing continuously through a Multi-Parameter Probe (MPP) device, placed at 500 m depth, for more than 180 days. It also aimed at demonstrating the reliability and the robustness of the measurement methodology for the corrosion evaluation of the metallic liner of the future nuclear waste disposal site. Two iron oxidants were encountered, oxygen, who was depleted, and proton, who was accompanied by hydrogen sulfide. Corrosion mechanisms and kinetics were well established for two CS-X65, electrochemically perturbed and not. The corrosion thickness loss rates stand between 0.016 and 0.032 mm/y.

The 1884 Andalusia Earthquake, with an estimated Magnitude between 6.2 and 6.7, is one of the most destructive events that shook the Iberian Peninsula, causing around 1200 casualties. Ac-cording to paleoseismology studies and intensity maps, the earthquake source relates to the nor-mal Ventas de Zafarraya Fault (Granada, Spain). Diverse studies registered and later analyzed hydrological effects, such as landslides, rockfalls, soil liquefaction, all-around surge and loss of springs, alterations in the phreatic level, discharge in springs and brooks, and well levels, along with changes in water properties. Further insight into these phenomena found an interplay be-tween hydro-geomechanical processes and crust surface deformations, conditions, and properties. This study focuses on analyzing and simulating the features involved in the major 1884 event and aims at elucidating the mechanisms concerning the mentioned effects. This ex-post analysis builds on the qualitative effects and visible alterations registered by historical studies. It encompasses conceptual geological and kinematic models, and a 2D finite element simulation to account for the processes undergone by the Zafarraya Fault. The study focuses on the variability of hy-dro-geomechanical features and the time evolution of the ground pore-pressure distribution in both the preseismic and coseismic stages, matching some of the shreds of evidence found by field studies. This methodology can be applied to other events registered in the National Catalogues of Earth-quakes to achieve a deeper insight, further knowledge, and a better understanding of past earth-quakes.

By employing a variation of the polyamidation method using in situ silylated diamines and acid chlorides, it has been possible to obtain a rod-type polyamide: poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide) (PPTA, a polymer used in the high value-added material Kevlar), with a molecular weight much higher than that obtained with the classical, and industrial, polyamidation method. The optimization of the method has consisted in using, together with the silylating agent, a mixture of pyridine and a high pKa tertiary amine. The research has been complemented by a combination of nuclear magnetic resonance and molecular simulation studies, which have determined that the improvements in molecular weight derive mainly from the formation of silylamide groups in the growing polymer.

One of the most broadly used models for membrane fouling is the Hermia model, which separates this phenomenon into four blocking mechanisms, each with an associated parameter n. These mechanisms are complete blocking (n=2), intermediate blocking (n=1), standard blocking (n=3/2), and cake formation (n=3/2). The original model, which was obtained through experimental data, is given by an Ordinary Differential Equation (ODE) dependent on n. At the time, this ODE was only solved for these four values of n, which limits the effectiveness of the model when adjusted to experimental data. This paper aims to not only mathematically prove the original Hermia model but also to broaden the scope of this model for any real number n by using the original ODE, the equations of fluid mechanics, and the properties of single and multivariable calculus. The extended Hermia model (EHM) is given by a power law for any n≠2 and is given by an exponential function at n=2. To better test the model, we have performed the model fitting of the EHM and compared its performance to the original four pore-blocking mechanisms in 6 micro- and ultrafiltration examples. In all examples, the EHM performed consistently better than the four original pore-blocking mechanisms. Changes in the blocking mechanisms concerning transmembrane pressure (TMP), crossflow rate (CFR), crossflow velocity (CFV), membrane composition, and pretreatments are also discussed.

In 2018, the author identified a previously unknown/unreported association between dexrazoxane and poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR). Interestingly, PAR is a close structural analogue of the polyadenine nucleotide polymer, polyadenosine monophosphate (poly(A)). In this report, subsequent in silico modelling of the interaction between dexrazoxane and poly(A) reveals some notable differences from the previously reported interaction between dexrazoxane and PAR. Significantly, the supramolecular self-assembly of dexrazoxane and poly(A) is distinguished by vertically-orientated nonelectrostatic forces comparable to the stabilizing interactions between stacked bases within DNA. Notably, the vertical separation of 3.4 Å between each stack is consistent with solvent entropy as a dominant driving force in stabilising the interaction. Additionally, concomitant conformational analysis by the author reveals the existence of low energy planar conformers of dexrazoxane. This analysis enables an explanation for the considerable discrepancies and conflicts that exist within the reported pharmacokinetic data for dexrazoxane. Exploring the significance of the interaction between dexrazoxane and poly(A), the author illustrates that survival, translation and replication of the severe acute respiratory syndrome virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is absolutely dependent upon the mature and unhindered poly(A) tail of the SARS-CoV-2 genome. The proposition herein, that dexrazoxane, as a chameleonic agent sequesters the poly(A) tail of the SARS-CoV-2 genome by the catalysis of a supramolecular hybrid assembly establishes SARS-CoV-2 infected cells as deep compartments for the accumulation of dexrazoxane. Taken together, dexrazoxane or its demethylated analogue, represent a novel treatment to kill the SARS-CoV-2 virus by irreversible destabilization of the SARS-CoV-2 poly(A) tail.

The prevalence for chronic, non-healing skin wounds in the general population, most notably diabetic foot ulcers, venous leg ulcers and pressure ulcers, is approximately 2% and is expected to increase, driven mostly by an aging population and the steady rise in obesity and diabetes. Non-healing wounds often become infected, increasing the risk of life-threatening complications, which poses a significant socioeconomic burden. Aiming at an improved management of infected wounds, a variety of wound dressings incorporating antimicrobials (AMDs), namely polyhexanide (poly(hexamethylene biguanide); PHMB), have been introduced in the wound care market. However, many wound care professionals agree that none shows comprehensive and optimal antimicrobial activity. This manuscript summarizes and discusses studies on novel PHMB-releasing membranes (PRMs) for wound dressings, detailing their preparation, physical properties relevant in the context of AMDs, drug loading and release, antibacterial activity, biocompatibility, wound healing capacity, and clinical trials conducted. Some of these PRMs were able to improve wound healing in in vivo models, with no associated cytotoxicity, but significant differences in study design make it difficult to compare overall effi-cacies. It is hoped that this review, which includes, whenever available, international standards for testing AMDs, will provide a framework for future studies.their preparation, physical properties relevant in the context of AMDs, drug loading and release, antibacterial activity, biocompatibility, wound healing capacity, and clinical trials conducted. Some of these PRMs were able to improve wound healing in in vivo models, with no associated cytotoxicity, but significant differences in study design make it difficult to compare overall efficacies. It is hoped that this review, which includes, whenever available, international standards for testing AMDs, will provide a framework for future studies.

Some cancer cells rely heavily on non-essential biomolecules for survival, growth, and proliferation. Enzyme based therapeutics can eliminate these biomolecules, thus specifically targeting neoplastic cells; however, enzyme therapeutics are susceptible to immune clearance, exhibit short half-lives, and require frequent administration. Encapsulation of therapeutic cargo within biocompatible and biodegradable poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (PLGA NPs) is a strategy for controlled release. Unfortunately, PLGA NPs exhibit burst release of cargo shortly after delivery or upon introduction to aqueous environments where they decompose via hydrolysis. Here we show the generation of hybrid silica-coated PLGA (SiLGA) NPs as viable drug delivery vehicles exhibiting sub-200 nm diameters, a metastable Zeta potential, and high loading efficiency and content. Compared to uncoated PLGA NPs, SiLGA NPs offer greater retention of enzymatic activity and slow the burst release of cargo. Thus, SiLGA encapsulation of therapeutic enzymes, such as asparaginase, could reduce frequency of administration, increase half-life, and improve efficacy for patients with a range of diseases.

Shale gas and coalbed methane are energy sources that partly or even mainly consist of methane stored in an adsorbed state in the pores of the organic-rich rock and coal seams. In this study, the graphene nanoslit model is employed to model the nanometer slit pores in shale and coal. The Grand Canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) and Molecular Dynamics (MD) modelling methods are used to investigate the mechanisms of adsorption and displacement of methane in the slit pore. It was found that the CVFF forcefield resulted in the largest adsorption amount, while the PCFF forcefield resulted in the least. The COMPASS and COMPASS II force fields led to similar results. As the width of the slit pore increases, the adsorption amount of gas molecules increases, and the number density profile of adsorbed methane molecules alters from a single adsorption layer to multi-adsorption layers. The minimum slit pore width at which methane molecules can penetrate the slit pore was found to be 0.7 nm. Moreover, it is demonstrated that by lowering the temperature, the adsorption rate of the methane increases since the adsorption is an exothermic process. Enhancing methane recovery was investigated by the injection of gases such as CO2 and N2 to displace the adsorbed methane. The comparison of adsorption isotherms of gas molecules provided the following order in terms of the amount of adsorption: CO2&gt;CH4&gt;N2.

Artificial membrane systems can serve as models to investigate molecular mechanisms of different cellular processes, including transport, pore formation, and viral fusion. However, the current simulacrums such as SUVs, GUVs, and the supported lipid bilayers suffer from issues, namely high curvature, heterogeneity, and surface artefacts, respectively. Freestanding membranes provide a facile solution to these issues, but current systems developed by various groups use silicon or aluminium oxide wafers for fabrication that involves access to a dedicated nanolithography facility and high cost while conferring poor membrane stability. Here, we report the development, characterization and applications of an easy-to-fabricate suspended lipid bilayer (SULB) membrane platform leveraging commercial track-etched porous filters (PCTE) with defined microwell size. Our SULB system offers a platform to study the lipid composition-dependent structural and functional properties of membranes with exceptional stability in a high throughput fashion. With dye entrapped in PCTE microwells by SULB, we show that sphingomyelin significantly augments the activity of pore-forming toxin, Cytolysin A (ClyA) and the pore formation induces lipid exchange between the bilayer leaflets. Further, we demonstrate high efficiency and rapid kinetics of membrane fusion by dengue virus in our SULB platform. Our suspended bilayer membrane mimetic offers a novel platform to investigate a large class of biomembrane interactions and processes.

Hybrid organic-inorganic (dendritic polymer-silica) xerogels containing silver nanoparticles (Ag-Nps) were developed as antibacterial leather coatings. The preparation method is environmentally friendly, based on two biomimetic reactions. Silica gelation and spontaneous (Ag-Np) formation were both mediated by hyperbranched poly (ethylene imine) (PEI) scaffolds of variable Mw (2000-750000). The formation of precursor hydrogels was monitored by dynamic light scattering (DLS). The chemical composition of the xerogels was assessed by Infra-Red Spectroscopy (IR) and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) while the uniformity of the coatings was established by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Release properties of coated leather samples and overall behaviour in water in comparison to untreated analogs were investigated by UV-Vis spectroscopy. Antibacterial activity was tested towards Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus, and antibiofilm properties against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Acinetobacter baumannii, Enterococcus faecalis while SARS-Cov-2 clinical isolate was employed for the first estimation of their antiviral potential. Toxicity was evaluated using the Jurkat E6.1-cell line. Finally, water contact angle measurements were implemented to determine the enhancement of the leather surface hydrophilicity caused by these composite layers. The final advanced products are intended for use in medical applications.

This study develops into the application of a combined MFC unit with chemical coagulation for total treatment of inert contaminants in complex substrates. Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) technology converts chemical energy in the form of organic matter, into bioelectricity in an environmentally friendly and effi-cient manner, reducing carbon emissions and increasing bioenergy production. An evaluation of a la-boratory scale chemical coagulation using an aluminum and poly-based coagulant on how effective it can remove bulk impurities such as particulate COD and turbidity to obtain the purest and most cost-effectively treated wastewater using a jar test is being conducted in this current study. This study aims to find the most effective treatment technologies for wastewater recovery in breweries in order to achieve zero liquid effluent discharge (ZLED). The preliminary results showed that adding a modest amount of poly and a 50 % alum alone treatment improved COD, color, and turbidity reduction. The turbidity removal efficiency achieved after chemical coagulation treatment was 90.50 % and 59.36 % COD removal, demonstrating the benefits of adopting an alum/poly based technique. To determine ZLED, this study clearly advised a combined treatment technique, specifically the MFC-flocculator unit for efficient organics and inorganics removal.

Global use of single-use non-biodegradable plastics, like bottles made of polyethylene tereph-thalate (PET), have contributed to catastrophic levels of plastic pollution. Fortunately, microbi-al communities are adapting to assimilate plastic waste. Previously, our work showed a full consortium of five bacteria capable of synergistically degrading PET. Using omics approaches we identified key genes implicated in PET degradation within the consortium’s pangenome and transcriptome. This analysis led to the discovery of a novel PETase, EstB, discovered to hydrolyze oligomer BHET, and polymer PET. Besides genes implicated in PET degradation, many other biodegradation genes were discovered. Over 200 plastic and plasticizer degrada-tion related genes were discovered through the Plastic Microbial Biodegradation Database (PMBD). Diverse carbon source utilization was observed by a microbial community-based as-say, which paired with an abundant number of plastic and plasticizer degrading enzymes in-dicates a promising possibility for mixed plastic degradation. Using RNAseq differential analysis, several genes were predicted to be involved in PET degradation including aldehyde dehydrogenases and several classes of hydrolases. Active transcription of PET monomer me-tabolism was also observed, including the generation of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) bi-opolymers. These results present an exciting opportunity for the bio-recycling of mixed plastic waste with upcycling potential.

Background: Wolbachia sp. is an endosymbiotic bacterium that is widespread among arthropods and filarial nematodes. It affects the fertility and maturation of its arthropod hosts, which in some cases are vectors of infectious diseases of humans and animals. Acanthocheilonema reconditum is a canine filarial nematode, which can eventually infect humans through arthropods. An outbreak of A. reconditum has been reported recently in dogs in the southwest of Colombia, specifically in Cali. In addition, Wolbachia sp. is currently used for the biological control of the mosquito Aedes egypti in cities in the north and south-west of Colombia. Aedes egypti is a vector of dengue fever, a major public health disease in tropical and subtropical areas of the world. The objectives of this study were to detect Wolbachia sp. in mosquito and flea samples collected from dogs in southwestern Colombia and to determine the co-infection of Wolbachia sp. and A. reconditum in the recent outbreak of canine filariasis in Santiago de Cali. Methods: A total of 18 mosquitoes of the genera Aedes and Culex and 18 Ctenocephalides felis fleas were collected in Santiago de Cali and nearby municipalities. DNA was extracted and 16S rRNA and ftsZ gene fragments were identified using conventional and nested polymerase chain reaction. In addition, the presence of Wolbachia sp. was analyzed in 55 cases positive for A. reconditum previously detected in the city, using the same molecular techniques. Results: From the analysis of 18 mosquitoes and 18 fleas, using molecular techniques based on the 16S rRNA and ftsZ genes, Wolbachia sp. was detected in all the arthropods analyzed. Wolbachia sp. was not detected in the samples obtained from dogs infected with A. reconditum. Conclusions: Molecular analyses were shown to be effective for the identification of Wolbachia sp. in mosquitoes and fleas but not in samples positive for A. reconditum.

The design of multifunctional microcarriers has attracted significant attention because they combine various functions within a single system. In this study, we developed a set of multi-layered hydrogel microcarriers, which were first loaded with chemotherapeutic curcumin (CUR), then using the layer-by-layer (LbL) technique, coated through a polyelectrolyte shell consisting of chitosan (CHIT) or poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH). As an outer layer with antimicrobial function, newly synthesised alkylene quaternary ammonium salt functionalised polyelectrolytes (A-QAS-PEs) were applied. For this purpose, poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) was decorated with dif-ferent hydrophobic side chains (n-hexane and n-dodecane side entities) and different degrees of substitution (m) of quaternary ammonium groups (abbreviated as PAA-C(O)O-(CH2)n-N+(CH3)3(m); n=6,12; m=8-14%). The grafting approach of PAA with the al-kylene quaternary ammonium salt moiety was performed under mild reaction conditions using Steglich esterification followed by quaternisation. The structure of antimicrobial decorated PAA was confirmed by 1H NMR and FTIR, and the mean diameter of all multifunctional microparticles was characterised by SEM. The viscoelastic properties of the functional layers were studied using QCM-D. The release of CUR from the microcarriers was described using a hybrid model, i.e., a combination of first-order kinetics and the Korsmeyer-Peppas model. The antimicrobial activity of functionalised PAA and multilayered CUR-loaded hydrogel microcarriers with quaternary am-monium function was assessed against Staphylococcus aureus and Serratia marcescens by the agar diffusion assay method. Only a limited inhibition zone of PAA was observed, but in the case of both antimicrobial decorated PAA and the corresponding multilayered nanocarriers, the inhibi-tory activity increase was achieved against both strains of bacteria.

Introduction: Young adults are the second largest segment of the immigrant population in the United States (US). Given recent trends in later age of initiation of tobacco use, we examined variation in use of tobacco products by nativity status for this population group. Methods: Our study included young adults 18-30 years of age sampled in the National Health Interview Survey (2015-2019), a nationally representative sample of the US population. We calculated prevalence of use of any and 2 or more tobacco products (cigarettes, cigars, pipes, e-cigarettes, and smokeless tobacco) for foreign-born (n=3,096) and US-born (n=6,811) young adults. Logistic regression models adjusted for age, sex, race-ethnicity, education, and poverty, while accounting for the complex survey design. Results: Foreign-born young adults were significantly less likely to use any tobacco product (Cigarette = 7.3% vs 10.7%; Cigar= 1.8% vs 4.8%; E-cigarette= 2.3% vs 4.5%, respectively; p<0.01) or poly tobacco use (1.9% vs. 4.2%; p<0.01) than US-born young adults. Adjusted regression models showed lower odds of poly tobacco use among the foreign-born than their US-born counterparts (Odds Ratio = 0.41, (95% Confidence Interval: 0.26-0.63)). Conclusion: Findings highlight the importance of targeted interventions by nativity status and further tobacco prevention efforts needed for the US-born.