Barrier Resistance Research Articles

Pengujian Aktivitas Antibakteri Gel Hand Sanitizer Kitosan Dengan Penambahan Ekstrak Daun Sirsak (Annona muricata L)

The objective of this study was to analyze a chitosan hand sanitizer gel formulated with an 8 mL, 10 mL, 12 mL and 14 mL leaf extract (Annona muricata L) against the bacterial inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus and Eschericia coli. The research consists of several stages, namely the test of chemicals against bacterial barrier resistance of the test, the manufacture of leaf extract, the testing of characteristics of hand sanitizer gels with test parameters including homogenity, barrier and bacteria barrier. The research design uses a non-factorial complete randomized design (RAL) method. Data analysis using ANOVA, when there is influence then further testing Duncan. The results showed an average barrier inhibition of 10.17 mm for E. coli and 11.47 mm for S. aureus. The result of the extraction of 280 grams of sardine leaves yielded 238.08 grams extract, a randement of 117.6%, the handsanitzer has been mixed perfectly, the strength ranging from 5 to 7 cm. Hand sanitizer gel gives a real effect on the bacterial resistance of E. coli and S. aureus. The resulting inhibition for S.aureus bacteria is 7.3 mm to 17.5 mm and for E.coli bacteria is 7.2 mm to 9 mm. Base on these results, the average diameter of the inhibition formed is classified as moderate to strong.

Beyond waste: Transforming wheat straw into oxygen and UV‐resistant cellulose films

AbstractRegenerated cellulose membrane is a biomaterial obtained by activating, dissolving, solidifying, and regenerating cellulose powder using solvents of different polarities. It has the characteristics of high oxygen resistance and high strength. However, its low water vapor barrier and single function limit its application. In order to improve the water resistance of regenerated cellulose membranes and endow them with UV resistance, lignin was extracted from waste wheat straw using formic acid method. The extracted formic acid lignin (FAL) was added to the cellulose solution to prepare a series of regenerated lignocellulosic membranes (RC‐FAL) with different lignin contents. The results indicate that lignin can not only improve the water vapor barrier, tensile strength, and water resistance of the film, but also enhance the oxygen barrier and UV absorption of the film. Compared with pure cellulose film, the contact angle of lignocellulose film can be increased by 66.2%, the UV absorption rate can reach 100%, and the oxygen transmission coefficient has no significant effect. In this paper, a new kind of biological packaging material with high oxygen resistance, strong ultraviolet absorption, and water resistance was prepared by recycling waste wheat straw, it has a broad application prospect in the industrial production of packaging materials.

Superior toughness of thermal barrier coating caused by co-doping of trivalent and pentavalent oxides

The zirconia-based thermal barrier coating co-doped with trivalent and pentavalent oxides was deposited on DD 90 single crystal superalloy using air plasma spraying. The coating is composed of cubic and tetragonal phases denoted by bi-phase solid solution (BPS) ceramic coating. The microstructure, cross-sectional morphology, and cracks evolution of BPS coatings, before and after 1200 °C thermal cycling, were investigated compared with 8YSZ coating. The BPS coating is intact after 250 thermal cycles, and the phase constitution is consistent with as-sprayed state. On the contrary, the brittle monoclinic phase can be observed in the thermal cycled 8YSZ coating, and severe exfoliation occurred. The propagation and splitting of the cracks are inhibited by the randomly distributed nanocrystalline clusters, and the cracks are inclined to grow longitudinally, which are beneficial to improve the toughness and thermal shock resistance of thermal barrier coating.

Microneedle Patch Delivery of PLCG1-siRNA Efficient Enhanced Temozolomide Therapy for Glioblastoma.

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) and drug resistance present challenges for chemotherapy of glioblastoma (GBM). A microneedle (MN) patch with excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability was designed to bypass the BBB and release temozolomide (TMZ) and PLCG1-siRNA directly into the tumor site for synergistic treatment of GBM. The codelivery of TMZ and PLCG1-siRNA enhanced DNA damage and apoptosis. The potential mechanism behind this enhancement is to knockdown of PLCG1 expression, which positively regulates the expression of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 genes, thereby preventing DNA repair and enhancing the sensitivity of GBM to TMZ. The MN patch enables long-term sustainable drug release through in situ implantation and increases local drug concentrations in diseased areas, significantly extending mouse survival time compared to other drug treatment groups. MN drug delivery provides a platform for the combination treatment of GBM and other central nervous system diseases.

An investigation into RESZ (RE = Yb, Er, Gd, Sm) materials for CMAS resistance in thermal barrier coatings

The effects of rare earth dopants on the CMAS resistance of zirconia thermal barrier coating materials were systematically investigated using ceramic pellets and CMAS. Yb, Er, Gd and Sm elements were assessed as stabilising agents of zirconia at increasing concentrations for CMAS reactions at 1300 °C across timeframes of 1 to 60-minutes. Two distinct microstructures of the ceramic pellet –CMAS reaction layer were observed then characterised as a dense layer microstructure and a non-dense layer microstructure. The presence of each microstructure was dependent on the RE ionic radius and concentration. The thickness of the reaction layer and overall volume of precipitated reaction products increased with increasing RE ionic radius. Therefore, an optimal RE element would exhibit dense layer forming microstructure with the lowest overall infiltration depth. CMAS loading volume significantly impacted the rate of reaction product precipitation. The volume of apatite precipitate was inversely proportional to the CMAS loading quantity.

Designing a smart epoxy anti-corrosion coating loaded with molybdate-doped polythiophene nano-hybrid self-assembled multi-walled carbon nanotube

Novel epoxy (EP) composite coatings having high anti-corrosion durability were designed using multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) tailored with molybdate (Mo) anions doped polythiophene (Thp) nano-hybrid. The morphology, as well as structure of the oxidized MWCNT (MWC) with and without inhibitors, was characterized by various identification techniques. Using electrochemical tests, the nano-hybrid's ability to release inhibitors in the solution and its inhibition impact were investigated. The steel plate immersed in the saline solution containing MWC.Thp.Mo extract showed a high corrosion mitigation index, so its total resistance (RT) after 48 h reached 2671 Ω.cm2, while its resistance in the saline solution without extract was 930 Ω.cm2. The log |Z| (10 mHz) of the EP coating modified with MWC.Thp.Mo nano-hybrid is reported to be 10.78, which displays significant improvement in the barrier resistance of the EP coating after nano-hybrid inclusion (Log |Z| (10 mHz) = 9.46). The ability of active protection by the creation of a stable protective layer at the scratched area of the MWC.Thp.Mo.EP coating has been demonstrated with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Adsorption of inhibitors on the MWCNT surface led to a better distribution of nano-hybrid, resulting in the mechanical properties improvement of the epoxy coating. Also, the strong interaction between the coating and the metal has led to better adhesion and prevented the progress of corrosive agents at the interface, leading to lower loss of adhesion.

Designing multifunctional basalt-CeO2@C3N4/epoxy novolac composite coating with outstanding corrosion resistance and CO2 gas barrier properties

The greenhouse effect caused by CO2 emissions is becoming more and more serious, and the carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) is a feasible strategy to reduce emissions. However, the corrosion problem brought by CCUS is unprecedentedly serious. In this paper, we present a composite epoxy novolac (EN) system for resisting corrosion of metals in CCUS environments. In this system, nanorod CeO2 and nanosheet C3N4 are simultaneously grown on the surface of the micron sheet basalt (Bt), which are used as effective additives to improve the corrosion resistance and CO2 gas barrier properties of EN. Only with 3 % of nanoparticles addition, a significant reduction of the gas diffusion of composite film to dry CO2 has been observed, up to 5.88 × 10−12 m2/s. This is associated with the synergistic enhancement of the physical shielding effect by the nano and micron sheets. Additionally, we found that adsorption of oxygen vacancy of CeO2 material with CO2 enhances the stability of corrosion resistance. Therefore, the |Z|0.01 Hz of the Bt-CeO2@C3N4/EN coating is above 106 Ω cm2 higher than that of the EN coating after 25 days of immersion in a 3.0 MPa CO2 aqueous solution at 70 °C. Overall, the anti-corrosion coating system combines long-lasting water resistance and low CO2 gas transmission in harsh corrosive environments, and thus has a high potential for CCUS applications.

Cortactin is in a complex with VE-cadherin and is required for endothelial adherens junction stability through Rap1/Rac1 activation

Vascular permeability is mediated by Cortactin (Cttn) and regulated by several molecules including cyclic-adenosine-monophosphate, small Rho family GTPases and the actin cytoskeleton. However, it is unclear whether Cttn directly interacts with any of the junctional components or if Cttn intervenes with signaling pathways affecting the intercellular contacts and the cytoskeleton. To address these questions, we employed immortalized microvascular myocardial endothelial cells derived from wild-type and Cttn-knock-out mice. We found that lack of Cttn compromised barrier integrity due to fragmented membrane distribution of different junctional proteins. Moreover, immunoprecipitations revealed that Cttn is within the VE-cadherin-based adherens junction complex. In addition, lack of Cttn slowed-down barrier recovery after Ca2+ repletion. The role of Cttn for cAMP-mediated endothelial barrier regulation was analyzed using Forskolin/Rolipram. In contrast to Cttn-KO, WT cells reacted with increased transendothelial electrical resistance. Absence of Cttn disturbed Rap1 and Rac1 activation in Cttn-depleted cells. Surprisingly, despite the absence of Cttn, direct activation of Rac1/Cdc42/RhoA by CN04 increased barrier resistance and induced well-defined cortical actin and intracellular actin bundles. In summary, our data show that Cttn is required for basal barrier integrity by allowing proper membrane distribution of junctional proteins and for cAMP–mediated activation of the Rap1/Rac1 signaling pathway.

Zebrafish as a model for podocyte research.

Podocytes, specialized postmitotic cells, are central players in various kidney-related diseases. Zebrafish have become a valuable model system for studying podocyte biology because they are genetically easy to manipulate, transparent, and their glomerular structure is similar to that of mammals. This review provides an overview of the knowledge of podocyte biology in zebrafish larvae, with particular focus on their essential contribution to understanding the mechanisms that underlie kidney diseases as well as supporting drug development. In addition, special attention is given to advances in live-imaging techniques allowing the observation of dynamic processes, including podocyte motility, podocyte process behavior, and glomerulus maturation. The review further addresses the functional aspects of podocytes in zebrafish larvae. This includes topics such as glomerular filtration, ultrastructural analyses, and evaluation of podocyte response to nephrotoxic insults. Studies presented in this context have provided important insights into the maintenance and resistance of the glomerular filtration barrier in zebrafish larvae and explored the potential transferability of these findings to mammals such as mice, rats, and most importantly, humans. The recent ability to identify potential therapeutic targets represents a promising new way to identify drugs that could effectively treat podocyte-associated glomerulopathies in humans. In summary, this review gives an overview about the importance of zebrafish as a model for podocyte-related disease and targeted drug development. It also highlights the key role of advanced imaging techniques in transparent zebrafish larvae, improving our understanding of glomerular diseases and the significant potential for translation of these findings to humans.

Effect of Graphene on Corrosion Resistance of Low Zinc Epoxy Coatings Applied to Low-Carbon Steel

To reduce the consumption of zinc resources, it is necessary to reduce the zinc powder content of epoxy zinc-rich coatings. However, the reduced zinc powder content tends to reduce the degree of connectivity in the layer, which leads to a reduction in the corrosion resistance of the coating. The effective zinc powder content was also reduced. Therefore, it is important to increase the connection capacity of the zinc powder in the coating while reducing the amount of zinc powder. In this paper, an epoxy coating with low zinc content is prepared by using flake zinc powder instead of spherical zinc powder. It also uses graphene to connect zinc powder in the coating to increase the electrical conductivity of the zinc powder in the coating. This results in an increase in the protection of the coating determined, although the cathodic protection of the coating was not prolonged by the results of open-circuit potential and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. In addition, when the zinc powder in the coating is cleanly consumed, the complex nature of corrosion product formed with graphene can increase the barrier resistance of the coating thereby increasing the corrosion resistance.

Theoretical and experimental investigations about the role of MXene nanosheets covered with ZnO quantum dots on barrier resistance of epoxy coatings

In this research, MXene nanosheets were covered by ZnO quantum dots with particle sizes of less than 10 nm. Then, the synthesized nanohybrid was modified with 3-aminopropyltriethoxy silane (APTES) and designed as Silane-MXene@ZnO QDs for application as a nanofiller into an epoxy polymer matrix. The results indicate that: (1) the presence of Silane-MXene@ZnO QDs in the coating structure creates a hydrophobic coating with a water contact angle of 112.7 ± 1.1 º. (2) The bonding strength at the interface of the coating with the steel substrate increases from 3.2 ± 0.7 to 4.4 ± 0.5 MPa by adding the nanofillers. (3) The barrier resistance against the diffusion of the NaCl solution increases, and the impedance modulus of the nanocomposite coating is 1.47 × 109 and 3.60 × 107 ohm.cm2 after 1 day and 56 days of immersion, respectively. The interactions and electronic properties in the novel corrosion-resistant matrix were investigated by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. It is found that the robust chemisorption of the ZnO QDs on the MXene nanosheets improves the dispersion quality and barrier effects. Moreover, the stable interface of the nanohybrid with the APTES effectively hinders the permeation of corrosive agents. In particular, the d-states of MXene significantly contributes to the conductivity and charge transfer with the APTES and improves the matrix stability. This study provides valuable insights for designing protective coatings.

Bacterial cellulose/gelatin-based pH-responsive functional film for food freshness monitoring

Food safety is related to public health and environmental safety. Therefore, it is necessary to develop accurate and effective detection methods to assess food quality and safety. In this study, a pH-responsive functional film (BC/GA/FITC/PCA) was generated for the real-time and visual monitoring of shrimp freshness. Bacterial cellulose /Gelatin (BC/GA) was used as a film-forming matrix, and fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) and red cabbage (PCA) were used as the response signals. The addition of FITC and PCA increased the shading capacity (< 30 %) and antioxidant properties (22.8 %) of the films. WCA (82.73 ± 0.95°), WVP (1.48 × 10−11 g·cm/cm2·s·Pa) and OTR (2.42 × 10−15 cm3·cm/cm2·s·Pa) indicated that the film possessed water resistance and oxygen barrier properties. When exposed to daylight, the film underwent a color transition from purple to green as the ammonia concentration increased. In addition, the blue-green fluorescence of the films gradually increased and the detection limit was low (170 ppb). In particular, the change in film color caused by shrimp spoilage corresponded to the TVBN value. This study work provides a new strategy for controlling and monitoring food safety and has a wide range of applications in the fields of food-active packaging and smart packaging.

ServiceNow: Implications and Practice within the Business Environment

The growing economic pressures and increased competitiveness has forced companies to invest in increasing their efficiency and productivity in the provision of their services. In this sense, literature has shown that investing in ITSM platforms to perform this task helps in monitoring these services, in allocating the company’s resources and, therefore, in increasing its competitiveness. Furthermore, identical to any change, the implementation of something new, may be met with some resistance, jeopardizing the whole process of its adoption. In this study, through interviews with employees of a Portuguese company, done between November and December of 2022, it was possible to analyze impact an implementation of a service management platform can have on monitoring services, as well as in the workers’ day-to-day activities, when applied to a practical case. It was concluded that the use of an ITIL framework allowed the company to meet the proposed objective, and that the selection of the ServiceNow platform proved to be an advantage for increasing the quality of IT service management. Additionally, there was an increase in employee satisfaction and in the support that the platform can provide, facilitating the execution of their tasks, once the first barrier of resistance has been overcome.

The Role of Leadership in Agile Transformation: A Case Study

Aim: This paper investigates how leadership is essential for creating success within the organization by going through a case study of the implementation of Agile transformation. Its inquest the crucial leadership methods, complexities, and approaches that make the Agile adoption and implementation at GlobalTech Inc., an international technology organization, successful. Method: Qualitative approach has been selected for the study and 25 in-depth interviews with the staff and observational data from GlobalTech’s Agile transformation over the last two years have been utilized. Participants included senior leaders, middle managers, project managers, as well as individuals from the different units of the company. This made it possible to analyse the development of management patterns and their influence on the transformation of the system. Results: The results showed how, in the agile environment at GlobalTech, the importance of visionary leadership, effective communication, and cultivating Agile mentality. The CEO and C - level management lead by example when they communicate the desired outcomes that are linked to the digital agenda. They introduced the collaboration through developing teams across functions and providing them with authority to make decisions. Though leaders experienced obstacles like unwavering resistance from traditionalists, coping with divergent views of stakeholders, and ensuring Agile practices remain even after certain phases, they did not give up. Effective Agile leaders found ways to break down resistance barriers through training, coaching, and by being good examples. They were able to cope with various organizational challenges by means of praise for small successes and integrating sceptics into the entire process while also communicating the benefits of Agile constantly. Under the leadership of managers, agile performance management systems, continuing improvement mechanism, and knowledge sharing forums were put in place to guarantee sustainability. Conclusion: In a way, GlobalTech case underlines the principle that leadership is a key component in Agile transformations. Ultimately, the success of the Agile adoption and its sustainability depends on leadership. They create an environment that is supportive of Agile values, has the capacity to fasten everybody’s learning curve, and connects all the units in the company around Agile principles through their persistence, ability to empower others, and change management skills.

Synthesis, characterization, crystal structure, and fabrication of photosensitive Schottky device of a binuclear Cu(ii)-Salen complex: a DFT investigations.

This work explores one centrosymmetric binuclear Cu(ii)-Salen complex synthesis, characterization, photosensitive Schottky barrier diode (PSBD) function, and DFT spectrum. The crystal growth involves H2LSAL and Cu(NO3)2·3H2O in CH3OH + ACN (acetonitrile) solvent medium. Herein, structural characterization employs elemental, IR/Raman, NMR, UV-VIS, DRS, SEM-EDX, PXRD, SCXRD, and XPS analyses. The complex crystal size is 0.2 × 0.2 × 0.2, showing monoclinic space group C2/c. The dimeric unit contains two Cu(ii) centres with distorted square pyramidal (SQP) geometries. The crystal packing consists of weak C-H⋯O interactions. DFT and Hirshfeld surface (HS) further substantiated the packing interactions, providing valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms. The 2-D fingerprint plots showed the presence of N⋯H (3%) and O⋯H (8.2%) contacts in the molecular arrangement. NBO, QTAIM, ELF-LOL, and energy frameworks are utilized to investigate the bonding features of the complex. We extensively studied electrical conductivity and PSBD for H2LSAL and the complex based on band gap (3.09 and 3.07 eV). Like an SBD, the complex has better electrical conductivity, evidencing potentiality in optoelectronic device applications. Optical response enhances conductivity, according to I-V characteristics. Complex Schottky diode has lower barrier height, resistance, and higher conductivity under light. The complex transports charge carriers through space and is rationalized by the 'hopping process' and 'structure-activity-relationship' (SAR). The charge transport mechanism was analysed by estimating complex mobility (μeff), lifetime (τ), and diffusion length (LD). The experimental and theoretical DOS/PDOS plots provide evidence for the Schottky diode function of the complex.

A review on potential heterocycles for the treatment of glioblastoma targeting receptor tyrosine kinases.

Glioblastoma, the most aggressive form of brain tumor, poses significant challenges in terms of treatment success and patient survival. Current treatment modalities for glioblastoma include radiation therapy, surgical intervention, and chemotherapy. Unfortunately, the median survival rate remains dishearteningly low at 12-15 months. One of the major obstacles in treating glioblastoma is the recurrence of tumors, making chemotherapy the primary approach for secondary glioma patients. However, the efficacy of drugs is hampered by the presence of the blood-brain barrier and multidrug resistance mechanisms. Consequently, considerable research efforts have been directed toward understanding the underlying signaling pathways involved in glioma and developing targeted drugs. To tackle glioma, numerous studies have examined kinase-downstream signaling pathways such as RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK-MPAK. By targeting specific signaling pathways, heterocyclic compounds have demonstrated efficacy in glioma therapeutics. Additionally, key kinases including phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), serine/threonine kinase, cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase (CTK), receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) and lipid kinase (LK) have been considered for investigation. These pathways play crucial roles in drug effectiveness in glioma treatment. Heterocyclic compounds, encompassing pyrimidine, thiazole, quinazoline, imidazole, indole, acridone, triazine, and other derivatives, have shown promising results in targeting these pathways. As part of this review, we propose exploring novel structures with low toxicity and high potency for glioma treatment. The development of these compounds should strive to overcome multidrug resistance mechanisms and efficiently penetrate the blood-brain barrier. By optimizing the chemical properties and designing compounds with enhanced drug-like characteristics, we can maximize their therapeutic value and minimize adverse effects. Considering the complex nature of glioblastoma, these novel structures should be rigorously tested and evaluated for their efficacy and safety profiles.

Nanomedicine Redefining Cancer Therapeutics: The Evolution of Precision Drug Delivery Systems

With the advent of nanomedicines including drug delivery carriers such as nanoparticles, liposomes, nanoemulsions, and micelles, there has been a paradigm shift in the sphere of cancer treatment. These nano-biosystems have been the focus of scientific research in recent years due to their biocompatibility, low toxicity, higher retention time, bioavailability and higher targeted efficiency as compared to conventional therapeutics such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy. These conventional therapies not only target cancerous cells but negatively affect neighboring health cells as well comprising the individuals’ immune health. Therefore, nanomaterials have been considered the foremost strategy to combat different types of cancer. To facilitate delivery and provide a “stealthy character” to nanomaterials, biomimetic (cell-derived) surface coatings and encapsulations have been developed. Red blood cell mimetic nanoparticles have been designed to successfully inhibit the growth and metastasis of breast carcinoma. Similarly, HeLa cell membrane-derived vesicles of GdTPP/ZnTPP porphyrin nanocomposites have been utilized for photodynamic therapy (PDT) for cervical carcinoma [1]. In addition, ferritin-based and vault-protein nanocarriers have been designed using recombinant engineering techniques to overcome the barriers of multidrug resistance and in-vivo drug delivery reducing immune response and increasing the effectiveness of anticancerous drugs. These functionalized nanocarriers have been reported against glioma, melanoma, hepatocarcinoma, adenocarcinoma and lung cancer [2]. A considerable number of nanomedicines have passed clinical trials and been approved for commercial use by various regulatory organizations. The most recent being the NanoTherm, an EMA-approved nanomedicine for glioblastoma, prostate cancer, and pancreatic cancer. It is a superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle covered with aminosilane [3]. With precision, efficacy, and promise for both patients and clinicians, nanomedicine is a sign of a new era in cancer therapies. Harnessing the potential of nanomedicine demands teamwork, innovation, and transforming ground-breaking research into game-changing clinical applications as we navigate this rapidly changing landscape. With the goal of bringing targeted, personalized cancer treatments closer to reality, this editorial seeks to highlight the unmatched potential of nanomedicine in transforming drug delivery paradigms. &#x0D;

Exploring the Role of Person-Job Misfit and Psychological Capital in Mediating and Moderating Resistance to Innovation Performance

This study investigates the resistance barriers encountered within the IT management community in Taiwan’s industry, where resistance often stems from a lack of alignment with established systems. Utilizing a job demand-resource theory and a social cognitive approach, this research explores the impact of psychological capital on the expressions of job misfit and resistance to innovation among corporate employees, mediated through psychological distress and behavior. The study involved the distribution of survey questionnaires to 290 IT managers in Taiwan’s private sector, forming the foundation of the investigation into job misfits within the IT sector and managerial resistance to innovation in the Taiwanese industry. Data synthesis was a crucial step in interpreting the results, and future studies should consider a broader range of methodologies beyond questionnaires. The study concludes with several noteworthy recommendations, questions for future research, and theoretical and practical implications.

Exposure to fluoride exacerbates the cognitive deficit of diabetic patients living in areas with endemic fluorosis, as well as of rats with type 2 diabetes induced by streptozotocin via a mechanism that may involve excessive activation of the poly(ADP ribose) polymerase-1/P53 pathway

Epidemiology has shown that fluoride exposure is associated with the occurrence of diabetes. However, whether fluoride affects diabetic encephalopathy is unclear. Elderly diabetic patients in areas with endemic (n = 169) or no fluorosis (108) and controls (85) underwent Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Sprague-Dawley rats receiving streptozotocin and/or different fluoride doses were examined for spatial learning and memory, brain morphology, blood-brain barrier, fasting blood glucose and insulin. Cultured SH-SY5Y cells were treated with 50 mM glucose and/or low- or high-dose fluoride, and P53-knockdown or poly-ADP-ribose polymerase-1 (PARP-1) inhibition. The levels of PARP-1, P53, poly-ADP-ribose (PAR), apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF), and phosphorylated-histone H2A.X (ser139) were measured by Western blotting. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), 8-hydroxydeguanosine (8-OHdG), PARP-1 activity, acetyl-P53, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), activities of mitochondrial hexokinase1 (HK1) and citrate synthase (CS), mitochondrial membrane potential and apoptosis were assessed biochemically. Cognition of diabetic patients in endemic fluorosis areas was poorer than in other regions. In diabetic rats, fasting blood glucose, insulin resistance and blood-brain barrier permeability were elevated, while spatial learning and memory and Nissl body numbers in neurons declined. In these animals, expression and activity of P53 and PARP-1 and levels of NAD+, PAR, ROS, 8-OHdG, p-histone H2A.X (ser139), AIF and apoptosis content increased; whereas mitochondrial HK1 and CS activities and membrane potential decreased. SH-SY5Y cells exposed to glucose exhibited changes identical to diabetic rats. The changes in diabetic rats and cells treated with glucose were aggravated by fluoride. P53-knockout or PARP-1 inhibition mitigated the effects of glucose with/without low-dose fluoride. Elevation of diabetic encephalopathy was induced by exposure to fluoride and the underlying mechanism may involve overactivation of the PARP-1/P53 pathway.

Pulse Electrodeposition of High Moment-High Resistivity Cofex (X=P, O) Alloys and Multilayers for Inductor Application

Growing application of magnetic thin films and inductor chips for analog circuits in mobile phones, MEMS and defense sector technologies rise the need for development of new allows with low energy losses to serve as core material during electromagnetic induction process. Electrodeposition is a cost effective approach to achieve this. The new alloys and their electrodeposition/synthesis process foresee an immediate and direct implementation in future product designs and development and can be easily integrated in an existing manufacturing schemes. The presented work leverages earlier results related to electrochemical synthesis of ferromagnetic alloys. In particular, the work on electrodeposition process for high magnetic moment alloys such as CoNiFe and CoFe i,ii,iii, studies of additive incorporation phenomenon in magnetic alloysi v,v,vi and studies of oxide/hydroxide incorporation in magnetic alloys through the interfacial precipitation process vii,viii,ix. Results will be presented describing synthesis process and bath chemistry for highly resistive CoFeX alloys (X=O and/or P) using electrodeposition process with simultaneous Fe(OH)3 precipitation/incorporation and/or (PO3)3- and (H2PO2)- reduction. Fe-oxide/hydroxide and P inclusions in CoFe matrix serve as resistivity controlling phase in the bulk alloy and as a highly resistive barrier layer in the CoFeX/X laminated structures. The main result is design of a a cost-effective electrodeposition process and solution chemistry yielding the CoFeX alloys in composition range where the maximum possible magnetic moment and permeability is expected (Ms ≈ 2.4 T, μ > 1000). The overall content of the “X” component is designed to yield resistivity above 100 μΩcm. These alloys are tested for high frequency applications and their Snoek limit is identified. The correlation between the CoFeX alloys and CoFeX/X laminates properties and their metallurgical structure is discussed.i) S.R. Brankovic, N. Vasiljevic, and N. Dimitrov. “Applications to magnetic recording and microelectronic technologies.” Modern Electroplating (2010): 573-615.ii) S.R. Brankovic, N. Vasiljevic, T. J. Klemmer, and E. C. Johns. Journal of the Electrochemical Society 152, (2005): C196-C202.iii) S.R. Brankovic, X.M. Yang, T. J. Klemmer, and M. Seigler. IEEE Transactions on Magnetics 42, (2006): 132-139.iv) S.R. Brankovic, R. Haislmaier, and N. Vasiljevic. Electrochemical and Solid-State Letters 10, (2007): D67-D71.v) J. George, J. Rantschler, S. Bae, D. Litvinov, and S.R. Brankovic, Journal of the Electrochemical Society 155, (2008): D589-D594.vi) S.R. Brankovic, Electrochimica Acta 84 (2012): 139-144.vii) S.R. Brankovic, S. Bae, and D. Litvinov, Electrochimica Acta 53, (2008): 5934-5940.viii) J. George, S. Elhalawaty, A. J. Mardinly, R. W. Carpenter, D. Litvinov, and S.R. Brankovic, Electrochimica Acta 110 (2013): 411-417ix) S. Elhalawaty, R. W. Carpenter, J. George, and S. R. Brankovic. Journal of the Electrochemical Society 158, (2011): D641-D646.2011): D641-D646.