Dynamic behavior and stability analysis of nonlinear modes in the fourth-order generalized Ginzburg–Landau model with near $$\mathcal{PT}$$ PT -symmetric potentials

Nonlinear Dynamics - Parametrically excited oscillators are used in several domains, in particular to improve the dynamical behaviour of systems like in the case of the parametric amplification or...     

Live Cell Imaging With Biocompatible Fluorescent Carbon Quantum Dots Derived From Edible Mushrooms Agaricus bisporus,Pleurotus ostreatus,and Suillus luteus

In the study, fluorescent imaging of live cells was performed using fluorescent carbon quantum dots derived from edible mushrooms species; Agaricus bisporus, Pleurotus ostreatus, and Suillus luteus as a fluorophore agent. Carbon quantum dots were synthesized through a facile and low-cost method based on microwave irradiation of dried mushroom samples in hydrogen peroxide solution under optimized conditions (microwave energy, solution type, duration of microwave treatment, amount of mushroom). Upon purification with centrifugation, microfiltration, and dialysis, the lyophilized carbon quantum dots were identified through UV–visible, fluorescence and FT-IR, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and quantum yield calculation. Cell viability assessment of the carbon quantum dots was evaluated against human epithelial cell line PNT1A using the Alamar Blue Assay. In vitro fluorescence cell imaging studies demonstrated that the carbon dots could dynamically penetrate the cell membrane and nuclear membrane and localize in both the cytoplasm and the nucleus.

     

One Spot Microwave Synthesis and Characterization of Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Dots with High Oxygen Content for Fluorometric Determination of Banned Sudan II Dye in Spice Samples

Journal of Fluorescence - A simple microwave-assisted synthesis of nitrogen-doped carbon dots with high oxygen content (O-N-CDs) was carried out with citric acid as a carbon source and...     

Comparative analysis of the main active components and hypoglycemic effects after the compatibility of Scutellariae Radix and Coptidis Rhizoma

In this study, a rapid and highly sensitive ultra high performance liquid chromatography with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry method with the mobile phase of acetonitrile and 0.1% aqueous formic acid was established and successfully applied to comparatively analyze main active components after their compatibility. Besides, the effects of Scutellariae Radix, Coptidis Rhizoma and combined extracts on type 2 diabetic rats induced by high‐fat diet along with low dose of streptozocin were investigated. Under the optimized chromatographic conditions, good separation of seven target components was achieved within 12 min. All calibration curves exhibited good linearity (R² ≥ 0.999). The relative standard deviation of precision, repeatability and stability varied from 0.69 to 2.23, 0.98 to 2.56, and 0.92 to 2.57%, respectively. The recovery ranged from 91.11 to 105.35%. The contents of seven active components were notably reduced after compatibility; however, the hypoglycemic effect of combined extracts was stronger than single drug by decreasing the activities of fructose‐1,6‐bisphosphatase, glucose 6‐phosphatase, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase and increasing the activities of glucokinase, phosphofructokinase, pyruvate kinase. Accordingly, the established analytical method was accurate and sensitive enough for quantitative evaluation of seven investigated compounds. Moreover, the combined extract had definite effects on type 2 diabetes through multiple components against multiple targets.     

Crystal structure and computational studies of (E)-1-(benzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)-N-(4-ethoxyphenyl)methanimine

Crystallography Reports - The title compound, C17H15NOS, crystallizes in the orthorhombic sp. gr. Pca21. Two molecules in the asymmetric unit have similar structure. Crystal structure contains weak...     

A pH-Sensitive Zwitterionic Iron Complex Probe with High Biocompatibility for Tumor-Specific Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Accurate diagnosis of tumor characteristics, including its location and boundary, is of immense value to subsequent therapy. Activatable magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents that respond to tumor-specific microenvironments, such as the redox state, pH, and enzyme activity, enable better mapping of tumor tissue. However, the practical application of most reported activatable agents is hampered by problems including potential toxicity, inefficient elimination, and slow activation. In this study, we developed a zwitterionic iron complex (Fe-ZDS) as a positive MRI contrast agent for tumor-specific imaging. Fe-ZDS could dissociate in weakly acidic solution rapidly, accompanied by clear longitudinal relaxivity (r₁) enhancement, which enabled the complex to act as a pH-sensitive contrast agent for tumor-specific MR imaging. In vivo experiments showed that Fe-ZDS rapidly enhanced the tumor-to-normal contrast ratio by >40 %, which assisted in distinguishing the tumor boundary. Furthermore, Fe-ZDS circulated freely in the bloodstream and was excreted relatively safely via kidneys owing to its zwitterionic nature. Therefore, Fe-ZDS is an ideal candidate for a tumor-specific MRI contrast agent and holds considerable potential for clinical translation.