ZnO Nanoplatelets with Controlled Thickness: Atomic Insight into Facet-Specific Bimodal Ligand Binding Using DNP NMR

Colloidal nanoplatelets (NPLs) and nanosheets with controlled thickness have recently emerged as an exciting new class of quantum-sized nanomaterials with substantially distinct optical properties compared to 0D quantum dots. Zn-based NPLs are an attractive heavy-metal-free alternative to the so far most widespread cadmium chalcogenide colloidal 2D semiconductor nanostructures, but their synthesis remains challenging to achieve. The authors describe herein, to the best of their knowledge, the first synthesis of highly stable ZnO NPLs with the atomically precise thickness, which for the smallest NPLs is 3.2 nm (corresponding to 12 ZnO layers). Furthermore, by means of dynamic nuclear polarization-enhanced solid-state ¹⁵N NMR, the original role of the benzamidine ligands in stabilizing the surface of these nanomaterials is revealed, which can bind to both the polar and non-polar ZnO facets, acting either as X- or L-type ligands, respectively. This bimodal stabilization allows obtaining hexagonal NPLs for which the surface energy of the facets is modulated by the presence of the ligands. Thus, in-depth study of the interactions at the organic–inorganic interfaces provides a deeper understanding of the ligand–surface interface and should facilitate the future chemistry of stable-by-design nano-objects.     

Cytokines and MicroRNAs as Candidate Biomarkers for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease, with varied course and symptoms. Its etiology is very complex and not clearly understood. There is growing evidence of the important role of cytokines in SLE pathogenesis, as well as their utility as biomarkers and targets in new therapies. Other potential new SLE biomarkers are microRNAs. Recently, over one hundred different microRNAs have been demonstrated to have a significant impact on the immune system. Various alterations in these microRNAs, associated with disease pathogenesis, have been described. They influence the signaling pathways and functions of immune response cells. Here, we aim to review the emerging new data on SLE etiology and pathogenesis.     

Effect of different fibres on texture,rheological and sensory properties of acid casein processed cheese sauces

The objective of this study was the evaluation of different fibres (bamboo, acacia, potato or citrus) addition on texture, rheological and sensory properties of acid casein processed cheese sauces. Fibres used in production of sauces had an impact on the texture, viscosity, viscoelastic and sensory properties. The largest increase in viscosity was observed in products with addition of potato fibre, which have good water holding and adsorption capacity. Processed cheese sauce with the addition of citrus fibre was characterised by the highest values in general, and the increase of this feature in the tested samples was regular. Adhesiveness was the highest in products with 1% addition of every fibre. The lowest values of viscosity single shear, G′ and G″ moduli, among all tested, had sauces with acacia fibre. Moreover, they had the most thin liquid consistency, which was different from preferred one.     

Estimates for the local permeability of the Cobourg limestone

Argillaceous limestone formations are being proposed as sites suitable for constructing a deep geologic repository for storing low-to intermediate-level nuclear waste in southern Ontario, Canada. The Cobourg limestone is characterized by a visual appearance of heterogeneity resulting from light gray calcite nodular regions interspersed with dark gray calcite-dolomite-quartz partings containing a clay component. This paper presents the results of experiments conducted to determine the permeability of both the light gray and the dark gray species of the Cobourg limestone. The permeabilities were successfully estimated from both steady state and hydraulic pulse tests conducted using specially designed miniature water entry ports, which were epoxied to the surface of the rock sample containing cavities drilled into the rock species of interest. The results show that the dark gray species of the Cobourg limestone has a permeability that is roughly one order of magnitude greater than the light gray calcite species.     

Studies of Bainitic Steel for Rail Applications Based on Carbide-Free,Low-Alloy Steel

Metallurgical and Materials Transactions A - This paper describes the development and characterisation of bainitic steel for rail applications based on carbide-free, low-alloy steel. The results...     

Microwave vacuum drying and puffing of the meat tissue - process analysis

Tenderization based on papain and microwave vacuum drying and puffing (MVDP) as well as adequate processing conditions enabled expansion of slices of the raw meat tissue. The main aim of the study was to use the response surface method and find the conditions of puffing that could maximize the expansion of meat during MVDP. The bound was set on the expansion: the most expanded puffings should be of good quality, including a desirable porous structure. The best combination of values of the MVDP process conditions (e.g., the initial moisture content in meat slices, microwave energy, and the vacuum absolute pressure) was found during experiments using the central composite design. The volume of slices puffed under these conditions was 1.60–1.78 times greater than the volume of slices before MVDP, and the sensory quality index remained acceptable. The research showed that pretreatment reduced the hardness of sample by over 25% and increased its crispiness, which was confirmed in cryo-scanning electron microscopy images.