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Porous sandstones are important reservoirs for geofluids. Interaction therein between deformation and cementation during diagenesis is critical since both processes can strongly reduce rock porosity and permeability, deteriorating reservoir quality. Deformation bands (DBs) and structural-related diagenetic bodies, here named Structural and Diagenetic Heterogeneities (SDH), have been recognized to negatively affect fluid flow at a range of scales and potentially lead to reservoir compartmentalization, influencing flow buffering and sealing during production. The hydraulic behavior of DBs is not yet fully constrained, and it remains poorly understood also how diagenetic processes interact with DBs to steer fluid flow mechanisms and evolution. In this contribution we present two field-based studies from Loiano (Northern Apennines, Italy) and Bollène (Provence, France) that contribute to elucidating the structural control exerted by DBs on fluid flow and diagenesis recorded by calcite nodules associated with the bands. We relied on careful field observations and a variety of multiscalar mapping techniques (photography, string mapping, and drone aerial photography), integrated with optical, scanning electron and cathodoluminescence microscopy, and stable isotope (δ13C and δ18O) analysis of nodules cement. In both case studies, at least one set of DBs precedes and controls selective cement precipitation. Cement texture and cathodoluminescence patterns, and their invariably negative δ13C and δ18O value ranges, suggest a meteoric environment for nodule formation. In Loiano, DBs acted as low-permeability barriers to fluid flow and promoted selective cement precipitation. In Bollène, clusters of DBs restricted fluid flow and focused diagenesis in parallel-to-band compartments. Our work shows how low-permeability DBs in porous sandstones can actually affect fluid flow and localize diagenetic processes (in the shallow crust) that, in turn, could further enhance the sealing capacity of these structural features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Characterization of polycrystalline TiO2 bare or phyrin impregnated powders, used as photocatalysts for the degradation of 4-nitophenol (4-NP) in aqueous suspension, was performed by time-resolved microwave (TRMC) conductivity measurements and electronic paramagnetic resonance and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies. TRMC measurements indicate that the number and lifetime of the photoinduced excess charge carriers increase in the presence of the macrocycles and EPR and XPS spectroscopies support the mechanistic hypotheses based on the photoreactivity experiments.

Abstract: Effective and selective targeting of the αVβ3 integrin subtype is of high relevance in cancer research for the development of therapeutic systems with improved efficacy and of diagnostic imaging probes. We report here a new class of highly selective, αVβ3‐targeted gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), which carry cyclic 4‐aminoproline‐RGD semipeptides (cAmpRGD) as the targeting moiety immobilized at low surface density on the poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)‐based nanoparticle coating. We show that these nanoparticles are potent inhibitors of the integrin‐mediated melanoma tumor cell adhesion to vitronectin and are selectively internalized via receptor‐mediated endocytosis. Furthermore, we have developed bifunctional cAmpRGD‐functionalized AuNPs by conjugation of a fluorophore (FAM or TAMRA) to a separate set of reactive groups on the PEG‐based coating. These bifunctional AuNPs not only recapitulate the binding properties of cAmpRGD‐AuNPs but also can be visualized via confocal laser microscopy, allowing direct observation of nanoparticle internalization. The peculiar molecular design of these nanoparticles and their precisely defined architecture at the molecular level accounts for their selective integrin binding with very low nonspecific background. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This manuscript describes the preparation of green nanovesicles by using cardanol as renewable starting material with embedded minor amounts of phthalazines, a class of heterocyclic bioactive compounds. The nanovesicles were prepared by stirring induced self-assembly in aqueous medium without involvement of any organic solvent. Dynamic light scattering studies and transmission electron microscopy revealed the formation of nanostructure with an average diameter in the range of 227–375 nm and a well defined spherical morphology. Potential antioxidant activity of nanovesicles were evaluated for the first time by 2,2′-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) scavenging assay and bleomycin-dependent DNA damage. Moreover, their cytotoxic effects were also investigated by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay on different tumour cell lines. Unloaded nanovesicles showed moderate antioxidant and antitumoural activity that was further enhanced particularly by embedding the 2-[4-(4-Hydrazinophthalazin-1-yl)-phenyl]-isoindole-1,3-dione compound. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article presents a study carried out to analyze cervical cancer screening by high risk human papillomavirus (HPV) testing in routine practice. The study was carried out in North-East Italy and 25-64 aged group women underwent HPV testing and cytology triage. It concludes that higher proportions of triage cytology were read as positive and small numbers of lesions were detected among group of high risk types HPV positive cytology.

Nicotinamide (NAM), which is one of the two principal forms, together with nicotinic acid, of vitamin B3, is both a food nutrient and a drug. Controlled NAM release systems are useful to extend the duration of the drug’s pharmacological activity and to minimize administration frequency. In this paper, molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) have been used as unconventional synthetic polymeric carriers, to prepare drug delivery systems for sustained release of NAM molecules. In the present study, various MIPs micro-spheres have been synthesized by using methacrylic acid as a functional monomer and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as a cross-linker. Different stoichiometric ratios of the reagents have been used, in order to evaluate their influence on NAM recognition and release properties. Non-imprinted systems have been also been prepared as controls. MIPs binding capacity has been evaluated; NAM loading and in vitro release studies, in buffer solution (pH 7.2), that mimics blood plasma conditions, have been performed. Polymer P4 has given the best results since it enables it to rebind selectively and to prolong the release of NAM with higher performance than the non-imprinted one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development and the state of the art of surface methods based on the reflection of light are briefly reviewed. A short account is given of the main experimental and theoretical results obtained on semiconductor surfaces over about three decades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present ab initio quantum calculation of the optical properties of formamide in vapor phase and in water solution. We employ time dependent density functional theory for the isolated molecule and many-body perturbation theory methods for the system in solution. An average over several molecular dynamics snapshots is performed to take into account the disorder of the liquid. We find that the excited state properties of the gas-phase formamide are strongly modified by the presence of the water solvent: the geometry of the molecule is distorted and the electronic and optical properties are severely modified. The important interaction among the formamide and the water molecules forces us to use fully quantum methods for the calculation of the excited state properties of this system. The excitonic wave function is localized both on the solute and on part of the solvent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To address the challenges of the energy transition, reducing consumption and optimizing energy production is crucial for all industrial sectors. In the future, water issues will be as important as energy issues, making the optimization of water supply systems critical. The water sector represents large energy consumption for pumping and heating. In regards to this consumption, water systems have a great potential for energy recovery through hydroelectric production or thermal energy recovery. This article aims to quantify the energy potential of water supply systems, which has not been well understood until now. The energy potential of these systems encompasses hydropower recovery and thermal potential, including heat recovery and cold recovery. For that, a method is developed to estimate this potential, including the recoverable power, its location, and its temporal variation. The method can be used for hydroelectricity production, as well as for heat and cold recovery. For a whole year, the results indicate a hydraulic potential of 15 MWh km − 1 , and respectively 1650 MWh km − 1 for heat recovery and 766 MWh km − 1 for cold recovery. • Calculation for time and space power potential recovery for a large water network. • Identification of location in space for heating, cooling and hydropower on a yearly operation. • Recursive algorithm is developed to cope with impact of the choice of previous location. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structure of the title compound, [Zn(C60H60N4)]·C7H8, represents a typical clathrate containing a host molecule of [5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4- tert-butylphenyl)porphyrinato]zinc(II) and a toluene guest molecule. The Zn atom occupies an inversion center and exhibits ideal square-planar coordination, while the porphyrin group remains perfectly flat. The toluene molecule lies on an inversion center and is disordered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]