Cell Volume Research Articles

First-principles calculations of the effect of vacancy defects on the optoelectronic and mechanical properties of the double perovskite Cs2NaInCl6

Abstract Cs2NaInCl6 have become a hot research topic in perovskite optoelectronic materials. However, there is no research on the vacancy properties of Cs2NaInCl6 at present. Herein，using density functional theory-based first-principles calculations, the impact of Cs, Na, In, and Cl single vacancies on the microstructure, electronic, optical, and mechanical properties of the double perovskite Cs2NaInCl6 were investigated. The research shows that the presence of vacancy defects leads to distortion of the Cs2NaInCl6 double perovskite structure and an increase in the unit cell volume. Cs vacancy (VCs) and Na vacancy (VNa) cause an increased band gap for Cs2NaInCl6, by 2.92eV and 3.1eV respectively, without changing the characteristics of the initial direct band gap; VIn and VCl cause the intrinsic semiconductor Cs2NaInCl6 to transform into p-type and n-type semiconductors, respectively, altering the conductivity of Cs2NaInCl6. In terms of optical properties, different vacancy defect systems exhibit different absorption abilities in the visible and ultraviolet light ranges. The defect system overall improves light absorption in the low energy region, and as the incident photon energy increases, the material exhibits the best optical performance at around 15eV. In addition, it is found that VCs, VNa, and VIn caused blue shift in the absorption edge of Cs2NaInCl6, while VCl caused red shift in the absorption edge. In terms of mechanical properties, defects cause varying degrees of reduction in Young's modulus (E), shear modulus (G), and bulk modulus (B) of Cs2NaInCl6, which to some extent alters the mechanical properties of Cs2NaInCl6. These research results provide theoretical guidance for understanding the influence of vacancies on the properties of Cs2NaInCl6 double perovskite and optimizing the performance of perovskite optoelectronic devices, and they also enhance its applications in photovoltaic cells, optoelectronic sensors, and other optoelectronic coupling devices.

Effect of temperature, nutrients and growth rate on picophytoplankton cell size across the Atlantic Ocean.

The cell size of picophytoplankton populations affects their ecology and biogeochemical role, but how different environmental drivers control its variability is still not well understood. To gain insight into the role of temperature and nutrient availability as determinants of picophytoplankton population mean cell size, we carried out five microcosm experiments across the Atlantic Ocean (45°N-27°S) in which surface plankton assemblages were incubated under all combinations of three temperatures (in situ, 3°C cooling and 3°C warming) and two nutrient levels (unamended and addition of nitrogen and phosphorus). The overall range of variability in cell volume was 5-fold for Prochlorococcus, 8-fold for Synechococcus and 6-fold for the picoeukaryotes. We observed, in all the treatments and in the control, a consistent trend toward larger mean cell sizes over time for both Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus, which was likely the result of sample confinement. Changes in temperature and nutrient status alone did not cause clear changes in cell size, relative to the control, but the combination of warming and nutrient addition resulted in an increase in Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus cell size. The largest increases in cell volume were associated with slow or negative population net growth rates. Our results emphasize the importance of considering changes in biovolume to obtain accurate estimates of picophytoplankton biomass and suggest that the inverse relationship between growth rate and population mean cell size may be a general pattern in marine phytoplankton.

Measurement of rRNA Synthesis and Degradation Rates by 3H-Uracil Labeling in Yeast.

In order to measure the actual synthesis and degradation rates (SR, DR) for rRNA in yeast, we developed a method based on the pulse labeling and quantification of newly synthesized large rRNA molecules by a known mass of cells. The SR is calculated as the ratio of new rRNA molecules (synthesized after a short [5,6-3H]-uracil pulse) to total rRNA (a proxy of cell mass), calculated by northern blotting after hybridization with a 32P-labeled rRNA probe. Then to measure the DR we perform a chase of the existing 3H-labeled rRNA for several hours during yeast culture growth. We have used this method in control experiments where the yeast cell volume varies as a way to check if the SR and DR are constant with the cell volume.

Structural, Optical, Magnetic, and Dielectric Investigations of Pure and Co-Doped La0.67Sr0.33Mn1-x-yZnxCoyO3 Manganites with (0.00 < x + y < 0.20)

Here, we report the structural, optical, magnetic, and dielectric properties of La0.67Sr0.33Mn1-x-yZnxCoyO3 manganite with various x and y values (0.025 < x + y < 0.20). The pure and co-doped samples are called S1, S2, S3, S4, and S5, with (x + y) = 0.00, 0.025, 0.05, 0.10, and 0.20, respectively. The XRD confirmed a monoclinic structure for all the samples, such that the unit cell volume and the size of the crystallite and grain were generally decreased by increasing the co-doping content (x + y). The opposite was true for the behaviors of the porosity, the Debye temperature, and the elastic modulus. The energy gap Eg was 3.85 eV for S1, but it decreased to 3.82, 3.75, and 3.65 eV for S2, S5, and S3. Meanwhile, it increased and went to its maximum value of 3.95 eV for S4. The values of the single and dispersion energies (Eo, Ed) were 9.55 and 41.88 eV for S1, but they were decreased by co-doping. The samples exhibited paramagnetic behaviors at 300 K, but they showed ferromagnetic behaviors at 10 K. For both temperatures, the saturated magnetizations (Ms) were increased by increasing the co-doping content and they reached their maximum values of 1.27 and 15.08 (emu/g) for S4. At 300 K, the co-doping changed the magnetic material from hard to soft, but it changed from soft to hard at 10 K. In field cooling (FC), the samples showed diamagnetic regime behavior (M < 0) below 80 K, but this behavior was completely absent for zero field cooling (ZFC). In parallel, co-doping of up to 0.10 (S4) decreased the dielectric constant, AC conductivity, and effective capacitance, whereas the electric modulus, impedance, and bulk resistance were increased. The analysis of the electric modulus showed the presence of relaxation peaks for all the samples. These outcomes show a good correlation between the different properties and indicate that co-doping of up to 0.10 of Zn and Co in place of Mn in La:113 compounds is beneficial for elastic deformation, optoelectronics, Li-batteries, and spintronic devices.

Extending the G1 phase improves the production of lipophilic compounds in yeast by boosting enzyme expression and increasing cell size

Cell phase engineering can significantly impact protein synthesis and cell size, potentially enhancing the production of lipophilic products. This study investigated the impact of G1 phase extension on resource allocation, metabolic functions, and the unfolded protein response (UPR) in yeast, along with the potential for enhancing the production of lipophilic compounds. In brief, the regulation of the G1 phase was achieved by deleting CLN3 (G1 cyclin) in various yeast strains. This modification resulted in a 83% increase in cell volume, a 76.9% increase in dry cell weight, a 82% increase in total protein content, a 41% increase in carotenoid production, and a 159% increase in fatty alcohol production. Transcriptomic analysis revealed significant upregulation of multiple metabolic pathways involved in acetyl-CoA (acetyl coenzyme A) synthesis, ensuring an ample supply of precursors for the synthesis of lipophilic products. Furthermore, we observed improved protein synthesis, attributed to UPR activation during the prolonged G1 phase. These findings not only enhanced our understanding and application of yeast's capacity to synthesize lipophilic compounds in applied biotechnology but also offered unique insights into cellular behavior during the modified G1 phase, particularly regarding the UPR response, for basic research. This study demonstrates the potential of G1 phase intervention to increase the yield of hydrophobic compounds in yeast, providing a promising direction for further research.

Acclimation Strategies for the Black Sea Diatom Algae Ditylum brightwellii to High Intensity of Light

In cells of a culture of the large diatom Ditylum brightwellii (T. West) Grunow acclimated to weak light (17 μmol photons/(m2 × s)), numerous chloroplasts were evenly distributed throughout the cell cytoplasm. After 10 min of exposure of algae to extremely high illumination (1100 μmol photons/(m2 × s)), their aggregates gradually formed in the center of the cell, which continued until the end of the two-hour exposure period. At light intensities of 510–935 µmol/(photons/(m2 × s) during short-term photoacclimation, chloroplast aggregation was noted for 20–60 min, after which their reverse movement and uniform distribution in the cytoplasm were revealed by the end of the second hour. Under conditions of a longer culture stay at a light intensity of 1100 μmol photons/(m2 × s), the algae retained their viability for only six hours. Long-term photoacclimation of this species, which ended by the end of the second day, was detected when the light weakened by about 2 times. It was expressed as an increase in cell volume and C/Chl a ratio, increased aggregation of chloroplasts in the center of the cell, and a decrease in a number of fluorescent parameters reflecting the efficiency of photosystem II and culture viability.

Evaluation of anemia Haemoprotozoan diseases in goats by using FAMACHA scoring in Barishal district, Bangladesh

Anemia in goats is a prevalent and significant health issue, characterized by pale mucous membranes, tachycardia, weakness, activity intolerance, reduced body weight, and stunted growth. It is often caused by hemoprotozoan diseases, parasitism (both internal and external), and nutritional deficiencies. For small ruminant farmers, anemia poses severe economic challenges by reducing productivity, including slower growth rates and lower milk yields, and increasing mortality if left untreated. This study was conducted in Barishal Sadar Upazila, Barishal district, over a 3 month period from November 2021, to January 2022 Out of 216 goats examined, 37 cases (17.12%) were diagnosed with anemia. The data revealed that Black Bengal goats had the highest prevalence of anemia (62.16%), followed by Jamunapari (29.73%) and crossbreeds (8.11%). Female goats (62.17%) were more affected than males (37.83%). Anemia was most prevalent in goats aged 13-18 months (59.46%), compared to 7-12 months (24.33%) and 0-6 months (16.21%). The FAMACHA scoring system was used to assess anemia severity, offering an affordable, practical, and accessible tool for evaluating conjunctival color on a scale from 1 (no anemia) to 5 (severe anemia). In this study, I standardized the FAMACHA chart for goats in the Barishal district. The results showed that as FAMACHA scores increased, red blood cell (RBC) counts, hemoglobin (Hb) levels, and packed cell volume (PCV) decreased, while white blood cell (WBC) counts increased, indicating more severe anemia. Elevated WBC counts also suggested possible underlying infections. This study underscores the FAMACHA chart’s effectiveness in diagnosing anemia and highlights its potential as a valuable tool for anemia management in tropical and subtropical regions.

Archives of cyanobacterial traits: insights from resurrected Nodularia spumigena from Baltic Sea sediments reveal a shift in temperature optima

Abstract Cyanobacterial blooms in the Baltic Sea proliferated in recent decades due to rising sea surface temperatures, resulting in significant ecological impacts. To elucidate their current success, we examined ecophysiological, biochemical and morphological traits of recent and ~ 33-year-old strains of Nodularia spumigena using a resurrection approach. The ability of many cyanobacteria to form dormant stages that can persist in anoxic sediments for decades provides a unique opportunity to study adaptive traits to past environmental conditions. A short sediment core from the Eastern Gotland Basin was processed to isolate strains of N. spumigena buried in 1987 ± 2 and 2020 ± 0.5 CE (Common Era). Sequencing was used for species identification, followed by characterisation of cell morphometry, carbon, nitrogen and chlorophyll a content. Photosynthetic performance was evaluated by using pulse-amplitude modulated fluorimetry and oxygen optodes to assess light and temperature requirements. Our results revealed trait changes in N. spumigena over the past 3 decades: Temperature optimum for photosynthesis shifted from 15.3°C to 21.1°C which is consistent with the past and present local SST. Recent strains exhibited increased carbon, nitrogen, and chlorophyll a content despite decreased cell volume. The demonstrated adaptability of N. spumigena to increasing temperature suggests that this species will thrive in a warmer climate in the future. These insights will aid modelling efforts aimed at understanding and managing consequences of future cyanobacterial blooms in the Baltic Sea ecosystem.

High-Throughput Measurement of Single-Fission Yeast Cell Volume Using Fluorescence Exclusion.

Cell volume is a critical parameter for the biology of living species and has an impact on virtually all cellular functions. In Schizosaccharomyces pombe, the regulation of cell size has been the focus of intense investigation, and mechanisms that couple size control with cell cycle progression have been identified. In fission yeast, cell length at division is generally used as a proxy for determining cell size. However, it only allows for an inaccurate evaluation of this critical parameter and neglects potential changes in cell morphology and diameter, which can strongly impact cell volume. Until recently, one of the major obstacles for studying the complexity of cell size regulation in fission yeast has been the lack of a robust method for high-throughput, direct measurement of single-cell volume. Here, we provide a comprehensive protocol for S. pombe cell volume determination based on the Fluorescence eXclusion method and microfluidics technologies. This approach makes it possible to reliably describe cell volume and its distribution in populations of fission yeast cells.

Structural modifications of BiOBr nanoplates by electron beam irradiation

Abstract In this study, BiOBr nanoplates are synthesized through the hydrothermal method, then samples have been irradiated by an electron beam of 10 MeV energy to deliver doses of 100 kGy and 500 kGy. XRD and Raman investigations corroborated the presence of a pure phase in all nanoplate samples. The sharp and narrow peaks in XRD indicate well crystalline in nature of the samples, which decreases with increasing the electron dose as confirmed by the decay in peak intensity. Conversely, the peak position shifts at lower angle with increasing the electron dose. Structural factors including lattice parameter, dislocation density, cell volume, microstrain, as well as stacking fault have been found to change due to electron beam irradiation. We employed the Debey-Scherrer formula (D-S), Size Strain Plot method (SSP), and Halder Wagner (H-W) methods to determine the crystal size and strain of purified and irradiated BiOBr nanoplates. It has been found that the size of the crystallites increases nonlinearly as the irradiation dose increases. All three of the aforementioned calculation methods have observed this trend. Strain and dislocation density exhibited the opposite trend of crystallite size, as they decreased as the irradiation dose increased. The dislocation density, strain, and crystallite size values are nearly identical for the SSP and H-W procedures, while the D-S method exhibits values with deviation. The tetragonal structure and the Raman active mode, which we have identified as closely resembling those in other literature of this composition, are discussed in the respective section. Because of their intriguing phase strength, the synthesized nanoplates may be suitable for the degradation of organic pollutants and the separation of water through photo-electrocatalysis.

The Immunomodulatory Effect of Intraperitoneal Injection of Licorice Extract on Giant Salamander

The effect of licorice extract on non-specific immune function of giant salamanders was studied by intraperitoneal injection. The results showed that the lysozyme activity in the drug group increased, and the lysozyme activity increased with the increase of dose. From the 7th day onwards, each sampling of the drug group showed significant differences compared to the control group (P<0.05). The phagocytic activity of macrophages in the drug group showed some fluctuations, but there was no significant difference compared to the control group. The white blood cell volume value of the high-dose group gradually increased in the first three samplings, and showed a significant difference compared to the control group at 14 days (P<0.05). It decreased slightly in the last two samplings, but was still higher than the control group at the same time. The spleen organ coefficient of the low-dose group was (0.7 ± 0.01) % at 28 days, higher than that of the control group (0.4 ± 0.05) %, and the high-dose group was (0.7 ± 0.07) % at 14 days, higher than that of the control group (0.4 ± 0.02) %. Both differences were significant (P<0.05). After the last sampling (28 days), artificial infection with <i>Aeromonas hydrophila</i> bacteria resulted in a mortality rate of 80% in the control group, 50% in the low-dose group, and 30% in the high-dose group, all lower than the control group. The drug group also had higher immune protection rates than the control group. The results indicate that intraperitoneal injection of licorice extract can improve the immune function and disease resistance of giant salamanders to a certain extent.

Haematological parameters and biochemical indices of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) exposed to glyphosate-based herbicide (Force up®) for 96 hours

IntroductionGeometric aquaculture growth has resulted in exponentially increasing use of agrochemicals as either parasiticides or herbicides in the aquaculture environment. This study determines some of the toxicological (haematological and biochemical) effects of glyphosate-based herbicides on non-target aquatic animals using Clarias gariepinus as the animal model.MethodSeventy-five apparently healthy adult C. gariepinus (300 g) were sourced from a local farmer and acclimatised for 2 weeks; of these, sixty subjects were divided into four treatment groups (fifteen fish per group and five replicates per unit) by simple randomisation and labelled as T0 (control), T1 (first treatment), T2 (second treatment), and T3 (third treatment). The treatments were replicated thrice. Four concentrations of Force up® [0 mL, 0.15 mL (0.003 mL/L or 5.1 mg/L), 0.225 mL (0.0045 mL/L or 7.65 mg/L), and 0.3 mL (0.006 mL/L or 10.2 mg/L) were added to a 50-L tank of water for T0, T1, T2, and T3, respectively. Approximately 5 mL of blood was collected from the fish in each treatment group 96 h post-exposure for measurement of the blood parameters and biochemical indices using standard analytical methods as well as calculation of the mean values.ResultThe mean values of the packed cell volume, haemoglobin concentration, red blood cell count, and white blood cell count compared to the control group showed an initial increase at T1 but decreased as the glyphosate concentrations increased at T2 (0.0045 mL/L) and T3 (0.006 mL/L). The platelet mean values decreased at T1, increased at T2, and decreased at T3, while the mean values of the corpuscular volume, corpuscular haemoglobin, and corpuscular haemoglobin concentration increased with glyphosate concentration, with the mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration decreasing at T2. Only the platelet value was statistically significant at a p-value of <0.05 using ANOVA and post hoc Tukey test. The biochemical indices showed decreases in the mean values of aspartate transaminase, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and triglycerides at T1, increases at T2, and decreases at T3, while the total protein (g/dL), cholesterol, alanine transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase values showed increases at T1 and decreases at T2 and T3. All these values were not statistically significant based on ANOVA and had p-values >0.05.DiscussionBased on the results of this study, it is deduced that glyphosate-based herbicide (Force up®) has genotoxic, hepatotoxic, and nephrotoxic effects on C. gariepinus even at sublethal doses, with more adverse effects at increasing concentrations.

Exposure to Gas Flaring Among Residents of Oil-Producing Communities in Bayelsa State, Niger Delta Region of Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Study of Haematological Indices

Air pollution contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality globally. The Niger Delta Region of Nigeria flares the second largest amount of natural gas in the world, with residents of oil-producing communities bearing the burden of outdoor pollution that may have adverse effects on their health and well-being. Our study aimed to investigate the haematological indices of residents of a selected gas-flaring site. We conducted a cross-sectional study, wherein a total of eighty adults aged 24 to 73 years were recruited from communities located within a radius of approximately 5 to 10 km from the gas-flaring facility. Blood specimens were collected from consenting participants and analysed for various haematological parameters, including Red Blood Cell (RBC) count, Packed Cell Volume (PCV), Haemoglobin (HB), Mean Cell Haemoglobin (MCH), platelet count (PLT), White Blood Cell (WBC) count, neutrophil (NEU), lymphocytes (LYMs), and Monocyte + Basophil + Eosinophil (MXD). The analysis was performed using an automated Sysmex KX21N haematological analyser. Overall, there was a significant decrease in RBC counts (p < 0.001) and a significant elevation in WBCs (p < 0.001) among people residing within a 5 km radius compared to those residing within a 10 km radius. About 42.5% of males residing within a 5 Km radius exhibited low RBC counts in contrast to only 15% of males residing within a 10 km radius. The WBC levels were found to be significantly higher (p < 0.001) than the reference range among both males and females residing within a 5 km radius compared to those residing at a distance of 10 km. In the female population, 15% of individuals residing within a 5 km and 10 Km radius exhibited RBC levels below the reference category, while 7.5% showed RBC levels above the reference range. Exposure to gas flaring may alter haematological indices. It is, therefore, recommended that a comprehensive longitudinal study be conducted among residents of oil-producing communities and workers at gas-flaring facilities in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria to assess the potential environmental and health implications of their exposure to chemical pollutants.

Leveraging Ligand Desymmetrization to Enrich Structural Diversity of Zirconium Metal-Organic Frameworks for Toxic Chemical Adsorption.

The discovery of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with novel structures provides significant opportunities for developing porous solids with new properties and enriching the structural diversity of functional materials for various applications. The rational design of building units with specific geometric conformations is essential to direct the construction of MOFs with unique properties. Herein, we leverage a ligand desymmetrization approach to construct a series of new MOFs. A flexible tetratopic carboxylate ligand with a tetrahedral geometry was designed and assembled with a Zr6 cluster, generating four Zr-based MOF structures: NU-2600, NU-2700, NU-2800, and NU-1802, in which the ligand configurations and Zr6 cluster connectivities can be controlled by varying solvents and modulators during synthesis. Except for NU-1802, these represent entirely new topologies. Notably, NU-1802 exhibits structural flexibility, with up to a 74% reduction in the unit cell volume as confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. Given their microporous structures, we studied the adsorption behaviors of n-hexane and 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide to explore the structure-property relationships of these MOFs. Overall, this work highlights ligand desymmetrization as a powerful method to enrich MOF structural diversity and access complex MOFs with non-default topologies suitable for applications such as toxic gas capture.

Leveraging Ligand Desymmetrization to Enrich Structural Diversity of Zirconium Metal–Organic Frameworks for Toxic Chemical Adsorption

The discovery of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with novel structures provides significant opportunities for developing porous solids with new properties and enriching the structural diversity of functional materials for various applications. The rational design of building units with specific geometric conformations is essential to direct the construction of MOFs with unique properties. Herein, we leverage a ligand desymmetrization approach to construct a series of new MOFs. A flexible tetratopic carboxylate ligand with a tetrahedral geometry was designed and assembled with a Zr6 cluster, generating four Zr‐based MOF structures: NU‐2600, NU‐2700, NU‐2800, and NU‐1802, in which the ligand configurations and Zr6 cluster connectivities can be controlled by varying solvents and modulators during synthesis. Except for NU‐1802, these represent entirely new topologies. Notably, NU‐1802 exhibits structural flexibility, with up to a 74% reduction in the unit cell volume as confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies. Given their microporous structures, we studied the adsorption behaviors of n‐hexane and 2‐chloroethyl ethyl sulfide to explore the structure‐property relationships of these MOFs. Overall, this work highlights ligand desymmetrization as a powerful method to enrich MOF structural diversity and access complex MOFs with non‐default topologies suitable for applications such as toxic gas capture.

Effect of dietary Anabaena supplementation on nutrient utilization, metabolism and oxidative stress response in Catla catla fingerlings

A 60-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary Anabaena blue-green algae (ABGA) meal on the growth performance, digestibility, and physio-metabolic responses of Catla catla fingerlings (initial average weight 9.45 ± 0.15 g). Six iso-nitrogenous (30% crude protein) and iso-caloric (378.09 Kcal. digestible energy/100 g) diets were formulated: a control diet (A0, 0% ABGA) and five experimental diets with varying ABGA inclusion levels (A3: 3%, A6: 6%, A9: 9%, A12: 12%, A15: 15%). The results demonstrated that there were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in percentage weight gain (PWG), specific growth rate (SGR), protein efficiency ratio (PER), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) among the experimental groups. Additionally, dietary ABGA did not significantly affect (P > 0.05) body carcass composition among different groups. However, amylase activity significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in the A12 and A15 fed groups, whereas lipase and protease activities remained insignificant (P > 0.05) across all groups. Notably, oxidative stress responses (SOD; superoxide dismutase and CAT; catalase), carbohydrate metabolic enzymes (LDH; lactate dehydrogenase and MDH; malate dehydrogenase), and serum glucose levels increased significantly (P < 0.05) with higher ABGA inclusion. Conversely, serum albumin content significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in the ABGA-fed groups. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) observed in serum total protein, albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities among the experimental groups. Hematological parameters revealed that RBC (red blood cell) count, hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, and packed cell volume (PCV) significantly decreased (P < 0.05), while WBC (white blood cell) count significantly (P < 0.05) increased with higher dietary ABGA inclusion. In conclusion, the inclusion of dietary ABGA up to 15% did not impair nutrient utilization and supported normal growth performance in C. catla fingerlings. However, higher inclusion levels may have a detrimental effect on their growth, nutrient utilization, and physio-metabolic responses.

Preparation and Properties of Fe-Based Double Perovskite Oxide as Cathode Material for Intermediate-Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cell

Double perovskite oxides with mixed ionic and electronic conductors (MIECs) have been widely investigated as cathode materials for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). Classical Fe-based double perovskites, due to their inherent low electronic and oxygen ionic conductivity, usually exhibit poor electrocatalytic activity. The existence of various valence states of B-site ions modifies the material’s catalytic activity, indicating the possibility of the partial substitution of Fe by higher-valence ions. LaBaFe2−xMoxO5+δ (x = 0, 0.03, 0.05, 0.07, 0.1, LBFMx) is used as intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cell (IT-SOFC) cathode materials. At a doping concentration above 0.1, the Mo substitution enhanced the cell volume, and the lattice expansion caused the formation of the impurity phase, BaMoO4. Compared with the parent material, Mo doping can regulate the oxygen vacancy concentration and accelerate the oxygen reduction reaction process to improve the electrochemical performance, as well as having a suitable coefficient of thermal expansion and excellent electrode stability. LaBaFe1.9Mo0.1O5+δ is a promising cathode material for IT-SOFC, which shows an excellent electrochemical performance, with this being demonstrated by having the lowest polarization resistance value of 0.017 Ω·cm2 at 800 °C, and the peak power density (PPD) of anode-supported single-cell LBFM0.1|CGO|NiO+CGO reaching 599 mW·cm−2.

Biophysical and Morphological Cell Features Retrieved by Digital Holographic Microscopy Correlate with Drug-Induced Changes in Cell Migration Behavior.

Quantitative analysis of cancer cell migration is critical for developing effective therapies to curb cancer metastasis. However, traditional methods are time-consuming and labor-intensive and lack quantitative capabilities. Cell volume change, a key physiological indicator of cell migration, is directly linked to phase change. In this work, we have developed a model that connects phase features from digital holographic microscopy (DHM) with cell healrate values from the wound healing assay. This approach aims to provide a rapid and quantitative evaluation of the breast cancer cell migration capability. Using DHM, six phase features of 231 cells treated with varying drug concentrations were extracted. It was observed that the rate of change of these phase features, termed characteristic parameters, showed a high linear correlation with cell healrate values from wound healing assays. Based on these linear correlations, a composite coefficient was derived by linearly combining the characteristic parameters of the six phase features. This composite coefficient was then linearly correlated with the cell healrate values to create a correlation model. This model establishes a strong connection between DHM-extracted morphological/biophysical features and cell migration metrics from a complementary assay. It provides a new, rapid, and quantitative method for assessing cancer cell migration in vitro and delivering valuable insights for cancer research.

A novel micro ohmic heating cell for microorganism destruction kinetic studies: Performance validation

Ohmic heating cells used for microbial destruction are typically large compared with conventional capillary tubes. Limitations of commonly used large cells include large mass, high come-up-time (CUT), lack of uniform heating, and operation at atmospheric pressure. A new 3 mL Micro Ohmic Cell (MOC) was designed and fabricated for the kinetic study of microbial spore destruction. Two tiny titanium electrodes, mounted horizontally on a T-shaped cylindrical cell with a 3 cm gap, generate a rapid heating rate up to 140 °C. Fibre optic temperature sensors were used for direct temperature monitoring during CUT and holding time. Model solutions were heated under voltage gradients up to 90 V/cm. Uniform heating was achieved under stirring conditions with less than 1 °C variation across the cell volume, and the coldest spot was identified as the liquid-air interface. CUT was evaluated as influenced by both system and product parameters, resulting in less than 50 s comparable to those obtained using capillary tubes. The newly developed MOC was validated for microbial destruction kinetic study under ohmic heating conditions using Clostridium sporogenes spores in buffer and concentrated maple sap. With its small volume, short CUT, and uniform temperature similar to capillary tubes in conventional heating, the MOC has the potential to be considered as a standard device for kinetic studies under ohmic heating.

SYNTHESIS AND RADIOGRAPHY OF NEW ZIRCON-MANGANITES OF LANTHANUM AND ALKALINE EARTH METALS AND CALCULATION OF THEIR THERMODYNAMIC PROPERTIES

Annotation. The synthesis of LaMeIIZrMnO6 compounds (MeII – Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba) was carried out using ceramic technology in the range of 800-1200оС by the interaction of lanthanum (III) oxides of the " extra clean." qualification, zirconium (IV), manganese (III) and magnesium, calcium, strontium and barium carbonates of the " clean for analysis " brand.". The weights of the starting materials were weighed with an accuracy of up to the fourth decimal place. Stoichiometric amounts of the starting materials were carefully ground in an agate mortar, then poured into alund crucibles and subjected to heat treatment for solid-phase interaction in air in the "SNOL" furnace. X-ray methods have established that all synthesized zircon-manganites crystallize in cubic symmetry with the following lattice parameters: LaMgZrMnO6 – а = 13,46 ±0,02 Å; V0 = 2437,86 ±0,05 Å3; Z = 4; V° elem cell = 609,47 ± 0,02 Å3; r x-ray = 4,42 g/сm3; r picn = 4,35 ± 0,07 g/сm3; LaCaZrMnO6 – а = 14,50 ± 0,02Å; V0 = 3048,63 ± 0,06 Å3; Z = 4; V° elem cell = 762,16 ± 0,02 Å3; r x-ray = 3,67 g/сm3; r picn = 3,62 ± 0,05 g/сm3; LaSrZrMnO6 – а = 14,56 ± 0,02 Å; V0 = 3087,52 ±0,06 Å3; Z = 4; V° elem cell = 771,88 ± 0,02 Å3; r x-ray. = 4,03 g/сm3; r picn.= 3,99 ± 0,04 g/сm3, LaBaZrMnO6 – а = 14,79 ± 0,02Å; V0 = 3233,45 ± 0,06 Å3; Z = 4; V° elem cell = 808,36 ± 0,02 Å3; r x-ray = 4,25 g/сm3; r picn= 4,19 ± 0,05 g/сm3. It was found that with an increase in the ionic radii in the Mg® Ca®Sr®Ba series, the values of the parameter "a", the volumes of lattices and elementary cells of zircono-manganites increase. The calculation of the temperature dependence of the heat capacity and the standard heat capacity by indirect methods is carried out. The equations of temperature dependences of the investigated zircon-manganites of lanthanum and alkaline earth metals are derived.