Potential For Use In Applications Research Articles

Multi-wavelength Er–Yb-doped fibre ring laser using a double-pass Mach–Zehnder interferometer with a Sagnac interferometer

In this paper, the performance of a switchable multi-wavelength Er–Yb-doped fibre ring laser incorporating a comb filter is described. The comb filter was developed by using the double-pass Mach–Zehnder interferometer with a Sagnac interferometer (DMZI–SI) arranged in series, a 10-m-long PANDA-type polarisation-maintaining optical fibre, and polarisation controllers (PCs). The laser output can be switched from 1536 to 1548 nm (C-band) via careful adjustment of the PCs. A side-mode separation ratio, greater than 28 dB, was obtained to facilitate stable single-, double-, quadruple-, and quintuple-wavelength emissions, with spectral power and wavelength fluctuations of 0.47–1.06 dB and 0.01–0.06 nm, respectively. The measurements were performed for 60 min at 25 °C. The proposed comb-filter configuration facilitates the double-clad fibre ring laser to realise switchable multi-wavelength emission. Experimental results reveal that the proposed laser demonstrates high stability and significantly improved performance compared to the existing DMZI–SI filter-based systems. This indicates their potential for use in applications involving optical sensing, communication systems, and microwave generation.

Facile in situ growth of ZIF-8 films onto aluminum for applications requiring fast thermal response

In this work, we report a simple approach for the synthesis of highly crystalline films of ZIF-8 directly grown onto non-functionalized common aluminum substrates through an easy, short in situ solvothermal methodology. Through several techniques such as XRD, SEM, EDS, AFM and XPS, it is shown that a simple, short pretreatment of the substrate with a dilute hydrochloric acid solution promotes the subsequent solvothermal nucleation and growth of continuous, homogeneous micrometer thickness and very adherent ZIF-8 films. The robustness and usefulness of ZIF-8/aluminum are shown by testing it in the highly exothermic catalytic reaction of carbon monoxide oxidation, in which it presented a high performance and durability, preserving the metal–organic framework integrity during reaction time. This behavior demonstrates that the novel ZIF-8/aluminum systems have a high potential for use in applications at moderate temperatures demanding a fast heat exchange rate between the metal–organic framework (MOF) film and the substrate.

Heat Storage of Paraffin-Based Composite Phase Change Materials and Their Temperature Regulation of Underground Power Cable Systems.

Excessive heat accumulation in backfill materials causes thermal fatigue damage in underground power cable systems that significantly affects the cable carrying capacity. To improve the thermal conditions of the system, two types of composite phase change materials (CPCMs) were prepared by incorporating paraffin into porous ceramsite (CS)/expanded graphite (EG) in this study. EG and CS can carry 90 and 40 wt.% paraffin, respectively. The phase change temperature of paraffin/CS and paraffin/EG CPCMs was approximately 65 °C, and the corresponding latent heats were 63.38 J/g and 156.4 J/g, respectively. Furthermore, the temperature regulation by CPCMs was evaluated experimentally by designing a setup to simulate the underground power cable system. The reduction in the maximum temperature of the backfill materials with paraffin/CS CPCM and paraffin/EG CPCM was approximately 7.1 °C and 17.1 °C, respectively, compared to reference samples. A similar conclusion was drawn from the heat flux curves. Therefore, the prepared CPCMs could significantly alleviate temperature fluctuations, where the paraffin/EG CPCM provided better temperature regulation than paraffin/CS CPCM. Both materials have potential applications for use in backfill materials for underground power cable systems.

First-principles computations of elastic, electronic, and optical properties of zero-dimensional perovskite Cs3BiX6 (X = Br, Cl)

Halogenated perovskite materials AmBnXq have attracted significant attention owing to their special photoelectric properties. The photoelectric properties of AmBnXq are strongly related to the geometric connectivity of their [BX] group constituents, which can be defined as their “dimensionality.” As a newly synthesized compound, Cs3BiX6 (X = Br, Cl) has a crystal structure composed of cation Cs+ and [BiX6]3- groups through ionic bonds. There are no links among [BiX6]3-, and thus Cs3BiX6 is considered to have a zero-dimensional structure. In this study, the elastic, electronic, and optical properties of Cs3BiX6 are studied in detail using first principles computations. The results show that Cs3BiX6 is a broadband direct semiconductor. The band structure of Cs3BiX6 without a spin orbit coupling effect is compared with that when considering the spin orbit coupling effect. It was found that the band gap of Cs3BiX6 decreases significantly owing to its spin orbit coupling effect. Five absorption peaks of Cs3BiBr6 are located at 4.88, 8.06, 10.34, 14.7, and 25.7 eV, which correspond closely to the wavelengths of 254, 154, 120, 84, and 48.4 nm within the ultraviolet region, respectively. Therefore, Cs3BiX6 has potential applications for use in ultraviolet photoelectric detectors.

Development of a novel reinforced film based on gellan gum/cellulose nanofiber/soy protein for skin tissue engineering application

Recently, the importance of using biocompatible nanocomposite film with suitable properties has attracted interest for use in potential applications in the biomedical area.

Adsorption of Se on Cu(1 0 0) and formation of two-dimensional copper selenide layer

In order to understand the adsorption process of selenium (Se) and Se-based molecules on noble metal surfaces, we report here on the properties of a thin film of Se on Cu(1 0 0) substrate. The deposition was carried out by incubating of a clean Cu(1 0 0) surface into Na 2 Se solution under controlled conditions. The film properties were analysed as a function of the annealing temperature of the sample, using Low Energy Electron Diffraction (LEED) and photoemission techniques. A progressive structural transition from disordered thick layer to a two-dimensional Copper Selenide CuSe thin layer is obtained upon the thermal treatment. Our study proves that a large scale, well-ordered, and highly-stabilized metal chalcogenide layer can be produced for promising use in potential applications.

Flexible hybrid solid electrolyte incorporating ligament-shaped Li6.25Al0.25La3Zr2O12 filler for all-solid-state lithium-metal batteries

In this study we used a solution-casting method to fabricate a hybrid solid electrolyte (HSE) membrane based on a poly(vinylidene fluoride–co–hexafluoropropylene)/polyacrylonitrile (PVDF-HFP/PAN) polymer blend loaded with an interconnected ligament–shaped Li6.25Al0.25La3Zr2O12 (Al-doped LLZO) filler and applied it in all-solid-state lithium-metal batteries (ASSLMBs). The as-prepared HSE containing the optimized quantity of Al-doped LLZO@PVDF-HFP/PAN/LiClO4/succinonitrile filler displayed high ionic conductivity (1.12 × 10–4 S m–1 at 25 °C), a wide electrochemical stability window [up to 4.2 V (Li/Li+)], and a high transference number (0.42). A full cell based on the composite cathode NCM811 (LNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2, c-NCM811)/HSE/Li had a highest discharge specific capacity of 160.92 mA h g–1 at 0.1 C and a capacity retention of 92.52% after 100 cycles; at 0.2 C, these values were 144.70 mA h g–1 and 85.72% (after 100 cycles), respectively. The Li+ diffusion coefficient of the c-NCM811/HSE/Li cell was one order of magnitude higher than that of the corresponding cell having a bare cathode (b-NCM811/HSE/Li) as well as c-NCM811/SPE+10%SN/Li. We used a multiple-mode calorimetry device to investigate the in situ heat flow profiles of c-NCM811/HSE/Li, c-NCM811/SPE/Li, and b-NCM811/HSE/Li cells; the c-NCM811/HSE/Li cell exhibited the lowest heat profile. Thus, ASSLMBs featuring the NCM811 composite cathode and this as-prepared HSE have great potential for use in applications requiring batteries of high energy density.

Highly Stable and Fine-Textured Hybrid Microspheres for Entrapment of Cosmetic Active Ingredients.

This study details the preparation and application of supramolecular host–guest inclusion complexes entrapping biomineralized microspheres for long-term storage and their pH-responsive behavior. The microspheres were assembled using a CaCO3 synthesis process coupled with cyclodextrin–tetrahydrocurcumin (CD–THC) inclusion complexes, forming fine-textured and mechanically stable hybrid materials. The products were successfully characterized using field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and particle size analysis (PSA). Various parameters such as the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area, single point total pore volume, and pore size via adsorption/desorption analysis were also determined. The obtained THC-entrapped hybrid microspheres contained as high as 20 wt % THC loading and were very stable, preserving 90% of the initial concentration over four weeks of storage at different temperatures, largely limiting THC leaching and indicating high stability in a physiological environment. In addition, the pH-responsive release of THC from the hybrid microspheres was observed, showing potential use for application to weakly acidic skin surfaces. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of antiaging cosmetic formulation technology using biomineralization based on the co-synthesis of CaCO3 and CD–THC complexes.

Functional Principles of Morphological and Anatomical Structures in Pinecones.

In order to better understand the functions of plants, it is important to analyze the internal structure of plants with a complex structure, as well as to efficiently monitor the morphology of plants altered by their external environment. This anatomical study investigated structural characteristics of pinecones to provide detailed descriptions of morphological specifications of complex cone scales. We analyzed cross-sectional image data and internal movement patterns in the opening and closing motions of pinecones, which change according to the moisture content of its external environment. It is possible to propose a scientific system for the deformation of complex pinecone for the variable structures due to changes in relative humidity, as well as the application of technology. This study provided a functional principle for a multidisciplinary approach by exploring the morphological properties and anatomical structures of pinecones. Therefore, the results suggest a potential application for use in energy-efficient materials by incorporating hygroscopic principles into engineering technology and also providing basic data for biomimicry research.

Calmodulin-Like (CML) Gene Family in Medicago truncatula: Genome-Wide Identification, Characterization and Expression Analysis.

Calcium is an important second messenger in mediating adaptation responses of plants to abiotic and biotic stresses. Calmodulin-like (CML) protein is an important calcium-signaling protein that can sense and decode Ca2+ signal in plants. Medicago truncatula is a model legume plant; however, investigations of MtCML proteins are limited. Using genome analysis and BLAST database searches, fifty MtCML proteins that possess EF-hand motifs were identified. Phylogenetic analysis showed that CML homologs between M. truncatula, Arabidopsis thaliana and Oryza sativa shared close relationships. Gene structure analysis revealed that these MtCML genes contained one to four conserved EF-hand motifs. All MtCMLs are localized to eight chromosomes and underwent gene duplication. In addition, MtCML genes were differentially expressed in different tissues of M. truncatula. Cis-acting elements in promoter region and expression analysis revealed the potential response of MtCML protein to abiotic stress and hormones. The results provide a basis of further functional research on the MtCML gene family and facilitate their potential use for applications in the genetic improvement on M. truncatula in drought, cold and salt stress environments.

Selection criteria of lactic acid bacteria to be used as starter for sweet and salty leavened baked products

One hundred lactic acid bacteria from Italian sourdoughs were characterized for technological features and selected for their tolerance to stress conditions commonly encountered within the production of leavened fermented bakery products. Specifically, lactic acid bacteria belonging to the family Lactobacillaceae were evaluated for the capability to withstand acidic conditions (pH 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.5, 6.5) and to cope with different concentrations of NaCl (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8%), ethanol (2, 4, and 6%) and sucrose (20 and 30%) during 48 h fermentation. Strains were also tested for urease, amylase, proteolytic activities and for the capability to produce exopolysaccharides.The strains had a wide diversity in stress response pattern. Fructilactobacillus sanfranciscensis PE4, Furfurilactobacillus rossiae PS48, Levilactobacillus brevis PA6 and two strains of Leuconostoc pseudomesentereoides (PW2 and PD4) showed the highest survival to stress treatments and interesting technological properties (i.e. amino acid and exopolysaccharides production). Several strains exhibited high robustness also to strongest stress conditions, suggesting their potential use for applications in bakery industry.This study confirms the diversity of lactic acid bacteria to stress treatments and proposes suitable criteria for selection of competitive strains to be used in versatile way for production of different salty and sweetened leavened bakery products.

Creation of regular arrays of faceted AlN nanostructures via a combined top-down, bottom-up approach

The realisation of spatially-determined, uniform arrays of faceted aluminium nitride (AlN) nanostructures has had limited exploration, largely due to the fact that selective area growth of AlN via MOVPE (Metal Organic Vapour Phase Epitaxy) has not been realised. Instead, this paper reports the use of a combined top-down, bottom-up approach to realise well-faceted, highly-uniform, periodic nanotextured AlN surfaces. MOVPE regrowth is performed upon dry-etched AlN nanorods and nanoholes, and we present a study into the effect of the growth conditions on the resulting faceting and morphology. Specifically, growth temperature, V/III ratio and growth time are investigated and analysed via scanning-electron and atomic-force microscopy. The V/III ratio was found to influence the nanostructure morphology most whilst the growth temperature was found to have much less of an impact within the temperature range studied. Experiments with a longer growth time are performed to create nanostructures for potential use in applications, such as for AlGaN-based quantum-well or quantum-dot emitters.

Effects of Eu3+ on the morphological, structural and optical properties of BaTiO3@ZnO:Eu nanoparticles

Discovery of novel multifunctional photoluminescence materials are of great concern to the development of disciplinary crossing and integration. In this study, BaTiO3@ZnO multifunctional heterostructures and BaTiO3@ZnO:Eu were prepared via the combined sol-gel-hydrothermal methods. The structure, nanoparticle morphology, and optical properties of the heterostructure are discussed. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), XPS, and Raman and photoluminescence spectra were used to characterize and monitor the heterostructure formation process. The results demonstrate that the Eu3+ ions were successfully incorporated into the ZnO matrix to form heterostructure BaTiO3@ZnO:Eu. Moreover, the optical and photoluminescence properties were investigated. The X-ray diffraction pattern shows that the BaTiO3@ZnO:Eu heterostructure is consistent with the relative intensities and positions of the peaks in the XRD, SAED and TEM spectra of BaTiO3 (BT) and ZnO:Eu, which are of rod-like shape. The intrinsic deep defect emission of ZnO and the transition emissions of both 5D0→7F1 at 593 nm and 5D0→7F2 at 616 nm, which are related to Eu3+, have been observed under excitation at 394 nm. The decrease in bandgap in response to increased doping and the addition of ZnO to BT can be attributed to the creation of sub-bands within the ZnO band range, thereby resulting in the continuous band effect and, consequently, band narrowing, which can provide guidance for the potential application for use in optical devices.

Effects of ultrasound-assisted enzyme hydrolysis on the microstructure and physicochemical properties of okara fibers

This work focuses on the effects of different ultrasound power densities on the microstructural changes and physicochemical properties of okara fibers, which are composed of carbohydrate-based polymers. Okara suspensions were treated with ultrasound at different power densities (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 W/mL) for 30 min, after which the ultrasound-treated okara were hydrolyzed by trypsin to obtain okara fibers. The ultrasound treatment of the okara fibers induced structural disorganization and changes, evidenced mainly in their morphological characteristics and their relative crystallinity degrees. Increasing the ultrasound power broke the okara fibers into flaky and stacked structures. When the ultrasound power density reached 4 W/mL, the parenchyma became compact and the hourglass structure fractured. The mean particle size of the okara fiber was reduced from 82.24 µm to 53.96 µm, and the homogeneity was enhanced significantly. The relative crystallinity of the okara fibers was reduced from 55.14% to 36.47%. The okara fiber surface charge decreased when the ultrasound power was increased. However, after ultrasound treatment at 4 W/mL (800 W), the okara fiber suspension exhibited the highest viscosity value and a higher swelling capacity, water-holding capacity, and oil-holding capacity. Therefore, the results indicated that the selection of processing conditions for okara fibers is critical and that okara fiber modification using a high ultrasound treatment might improve their use in potential applications.

Conjugate Polymer-clothed TiO2@V2O5 nanobelts and their enhanced visible light photocatalytic performance in water remediation

An organic/inorganic core–shell nanobelt, TiO2@V2O5-Polypyrrole (PPy) exhibiting high photocatalytic performance and water-stability was successfully prepared. The heterojunction between the TiO2 nanobelt and V2O5 nanosheets improves both the ability to absorb visible light and the separation efficiency of the photogenerated carrier. When covered with the conjugated polymer PPy, the organic/inorganic nanocomposite absorbs throughout the whole visible light region and exhibits enhanced photocatalytic performance. Due to the outstanding transfer and separation efficiency of the electrons and holes, the new catalytic system is applied to remove water-soluble organic pollutants such as tetracycline (TC), doxycycline and oxytetracycline in high efficiency under visible light irradiation. Moreover, the PPy nanolayer prevents leakage of V2O5, which is beneficial to the construction of a stable heterostructure, and thus the prepared photocatalyst can be recycled. A plausible detailed mechanism for the TiO2@V2O5-PPy photocatalytic system has also been proposed and confirmed. Our work provides a new method for the preparation of inorganic/organic hybrids and their potential application for use in water remediation.

Validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Nurse Spiritual Care Therapeutics Scale.

This study was conducted to evaluate the validity and reliability of the "Nurse Spiritual Care Therapeutics Scale" in Turkish nurses. This study was a psychometric design. A convenience sample of 249 nurses working at the Malatya Training Research Hospital completed a structured questionnaire including demographic characteristics and the Nurse Spiritual Care Therapeutics Scale (NSCTS) between August and October 2018. Principal components analysis, internal consistency reliability, and Cronbach's α were used to measure the psychometric properties of the items of the scale. In the evaluation of construct validity, identified one factor with eigenvalues greater than 1 explained 50.83% of the total variance. The Cronbach's α value of the scale is 0.86. The present study provides evidence of NSCTS's validity, reliability, and acceptability. The scale can be used by Turkish nurses. This scale should be further evaluated with a larger sample in different regions in Turkey and various populations. The scale has potential applications for use both in research and as a screening tool in clinical settings.

Complete Genome Sequence of Lactobacillus plantarum EM, A Putative Probiotic Strain with the Cholesterol-Lowering Effect and Antimicrobial Activity.

Lactobacillus plantarum EM is a probiotic strain with antimicrobial activity, cholesterol-lowering effects, and tolerance to acid and bile. To understand the genetic basis of the probiotic characteristics of this strain, genome sequencing and probiotic-related genetic analysis were performed. The genomic characteristics of L. plantarum EM were confirmed by comparative genomic analysis with 41 probiotic lactic acid bacteria, including 10 L. plantarum strains. L. plantarum EM was shown to contain a circular chromosome of 3,184,808bp and eight plasmids with various lengths from 5,027 to 76,369bp. The L. plantarum EM genome had a total of 3560 protein-coding genes, including probiotic-related genes, such as tolerance to acid and bile, temperature stress, and oxidative stress. Comparative genomic analysis showed that L. plantarum EM contained plantaricin and bovicin gene clusters, which are related to antimicrobial activity, and five bile salt hydrolase genes related to serum cholesterol-lowering effects. The genomic analysis confirmed the probiotic properties of L. plantarum EM, and our results indicated that this strain has potential application for use as an industrially important probiotic.

Engraving the Surface of Electrospun Microfibers with Nanoscale Grooves Promotes the Outgrowth of Neurites and the Migration of Schwann Cells

AbstractWe report a simple method based upon coaxial electrospinning for the fabrication of aligned microfibers engraved with nanoscale grooves to promote neurite outgrowth and cell migration. The success of this method relies on the immiscibility between poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) (PCL) and poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) in 2,2,2‐trifluoroethanol (TFE) for the generation of PVP/TFE pockets on the surface of a PCL jet. The pockets are stretched and elongated along with the jet, eventually resulting in the formation of nanoscale grooves upon the removal of PVP. The presence of nanoscale grooves greatly enhances the outgrowth of neurites from both PC12 cells and chick embryonic dorsal root ganglia (DRG) bodies, as well as the migration of Schwann cells. The enhancements can be maximized by optimizing the dimensions of the grooves for potential use in applications involving neurite extension and wound closure.

Engraving the Surface of Electrospun Microfibers with Nanoscale Grooves Promotes the Outgrowth of Neurites and the Migration of Schwann Cells.

We report a simple method based upon coaxial electrospinning for the fabrication of aligned microfibers engraved with nanoscale grooves to promote neurite outgrowth and cell migration. The success of this method relies on the immiscibility between poly(ϵ-caprolactone) (PCL) and poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) in 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol (TFE) for the generation of PVP/TFE pockets on the surface of a PCL jet. The pockets are stretched and elongated along with the jet, eventually resulting in the formation of nanoscale grooves upon the removal of PVP. The presence of nanoscale grooves greatly enhances the outgrowth of neurites from both PC12 cells and chick embryonic dorsal root ganglia (DRG) bodies, as well as the migration of Schwann cells. The enhancements can be maximized by optimizing the dimensions of the grooves for potential use in applications involving neurite extension and wound closure.

Multilayer capsules made of weak polyelectrolytes: a review on the preparation, functionalization and applications in drug delivery.

Multilayer capsules have been of great interest for scientists and medical communities in multidisciplinary fields of research, such as drug delivery, sensing, biomedicine, theranostics and gene therapy. The most essential attributes of a drug delivery system are considered to be multi-functionality and stimuli responsiveness against a range of external and internal stimuli. Apart from the highly explored strong polyelectrolytes, weak polyelectrolytes offer great versatility with a highly controllable architecture, unique stimuli responsiveness and easy tuning of the properties for intracellular delivery of cargo. This review describes the progress in the preparation, functionalization and applications of capsules made of weak polyelectrolytes or their combination with biopolymers. The selection of a sacrificial template for capsule formation, the driving forces involved, the encapsulation of a variety of cargo and release based on different internal and external stimuli have also been addressed. We describe recent perspectives and obstacles of weak polyelectrolyte/biopolymer systems in applications such as therapeutics, biosensing, bioimaging, bioreactors, vaccination, tissue engineering and gene delivery. This review gives an emerging outlook on the advantages and unique responsiveness of weak polyelectrolyte based systems that can enable their widespread use in potential applications.