Solitary self-gravitational potential in magnetized astrophysical degenerate quantum plasmas

A rigorous theoretical investigation has been conducted on solitary self-gravitational potential structures in a magnetized degenerate quantum plasma system (containing heavy nuclei and degenerate electrons). The reductive perturbation method has been used to derive the Korteweg-de Vries (K-dV) equation, which admits a solitary wave solution for small but finite amplitude limit. It has been shown, for the first time, that the periodic U-shaped structures represented by secant square function [Asaduzzaman et al, Physics of Plasmas, 24 , 052102 (2017)] are converted into solitary self-gravitational potential structures represented by hyperbolic secant square function due to the presence of a static external magnetic field. It is also observed that the effects of the static external magnetic field and obliqueness significantly modify the basic properties (viz. amplitude, width, speed, etc.) of the solitary self-gravitational potential structures.     

Insights into the Protective Effects of Thymoquinone against Toxicities Induced by Chemotherapeutic Agents

The drugs used to treat cancer not only kill fast-growing cancer cells, but also kill or slow the growth of healthy cells, causing systemic toxicities that lead to altered functioning of normal cells. Most chemotherapeutic agents have serious toxicities associated with their use, necessitating extreme caution and attention. There is a growing interest in herbal remedies because of their pharmacological activities, minimal side effects, and low cost. Thymoquinone, a major component of the volatile oil of Nigella sativa Linn, also known as black cumin or black seeds, is commonly used in Middle Eastern countries as a condiment. It is also utilized for medicinal purposes and possesses antidiabetic, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, anti-microbial, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant properties. This review attempts to compile the published literature demonstrating thymoquinone’s protective effect against chemotherapeutic drug-induced toxicities.     

用焦点法测量圆柱形熔融石英柱的材料色散

本文基于共轴球面光学系统的成像原理,介绍了一种精确测量圆柱形固体物质材料色散的方法。用此方法在436、500、560、620和680nm可见光波长上测量熔融石英柱的材料色散。通过对两种不同外径的石英柱进行测量,观察在相同的可见光波段内,外径较大的石英柱有较高的折射率灵敏度,能够插入多块单色滤光片,进行石英柱折射率的精确测量。     

Modulated Dust-Acoustic Wave Packets in an Opposite Polarity Dusty Plasma System

The nonlinear propagation of the dust-acoustic bright and dark envelope solitons in an opposite polarity dusty plasma(OPDP) system(composed of non-extensive q-distributed electrons, iso-thermal ions, and positively as well as negatively charged warm dust) has been theoretically investigated. The reductive perturbation method(which is valid for a small, but finite amplitude limit) is employed to derive the nonlinear Schr¨odinger equation. Two types of modes, namely, fast and slow dust-acoustic(DA) modes, have been observed. The conditions for the modulational instability(MI) and its growth rate in the unstable regime of the DA waves are significantly modified by the effects of non-extensive electrons, dust mass, and temperatures of different plasma species, etc. The implications of the obtained results from our current investigation in space and laboratory OPDP medium are briefly discussed.     

Nonplanar double layers in plasmas with opposite polarity dust

Nonplanar (cylindrical and spherical) double layers (DLs) in a four-component dusty plasma (composed of inertial positively and negatively charged dust, Boltzmann electrons and ions) are studied by employing the reductive perturbation method. The modified Gardner equation describing the nonlinear propagation of the dust-acoustic (DA) waves is derived, and its nonplanar double layer solutions are numerically analyzed. The parametric regimes for the existence of the DLs, which are found to be associated with positive potential only, are obtained. The basic features of nonplanar DA DLs, which are found to be different from planar ones, are also identified. The implications of our results to different space and laboratory dusty plasma situations, where opposite polarity dust are observed, are discussed.     

Nanodelivery of Dietary Polyphenols for Therapeutic Applications

Advancement in nanotechnology has unleashed the therapeutic potentials of dietary polyphenols by enhancing bioavailability, improving biological half-life, and allowing site-specific drug delivery. In this review, through citation of relevant literature reports, we discuss the application of nano-pharmaceutical formulations, such as solid lipid nanoparticles, nano-emulsions, nano-crystals, nano-polymersomes, liposomes, ethosomes, phytosomes, and invasomes for dietary polyphenols. Following this, we highlight important studies concerning different combinations of nano formulations with dietary polyphenols (also known as nanophytopolyphenols). We also provide nano-formulation paradigms for enhancing the physicochemical properties of dietary polyphenols. Finally, we highlight the latest patents that were granted on nano-formulations of dietary polyphenols. Based on our review, we observe that nanosized delivery of herbal constituents, spices, and dietary supplements have the ability to improve biological processes and address issues connected with herbal treatments.     

Modulational instability of dust-ion-acoustic waves in pair-ion plasma having non-thermal non-extensive electrons

The modulational instability (MI) criteria of dust-ion-acoustic (DIA) waves (DIAWs) have been investigated in a four-component pair-ion plasma having inertial pair ions, inertialess non-thermal non-extensive electrons, and immobile negatively charged massive dust grains. A nonlinear Schrödinger equation (NLSE) is derived by using reductive perturbation method. The nonlinear and dispersive coefficients of the NLSE can predict the modulationally stable and unstable parametric regimes of DIAWs and associated first and second-order DIA rogue waves (DIARWs). The MI growth rate and the configuration of the DIARWs are examined, and it is found that the MI growth rate increases (decreases) with increasing the number density of the negatively charged dust grains in the presence (absence) of the negative ions. It is also observed that the amplitude and width of the DIARWs increase (decrease) with the negative (positive) ion mass. The implications of the results to laboratory and space plasmas are briefly discussed.     

Fire reaction properties of polystyrene-based nanocomposites using nanosilica and nanoclay as additives in cone calorimeter test

Using nanofiller additives in the polymer matrix to form nanocomposites is a potential way of reducing the flame spread and enhancing flame retardancy of polymeric materials during fire. To understand the fire reaction properties and the relative performance of flame-retardant additives in polymer during well-developed fire, neat polystyrene, polystyrene–silica and polystyrene–nanoclay (MMT) have been tested in a cone calorimeter. The neat polystyrene and the polystyrene nanocomposites have been prepared via an in situ polymerization method. An external heat flux of 50 kW m^?2 was applied in the test, and parameters such as heat release rate, peak heat release rate, time to ignition, smoke toxicity, CO and CO₂ yield have been investigated. Both neat polystyrene and polystyrene nanocomposites have shown the trend of a thermally thick charring polymer in the heat release rate over time data. The nanocomposites had an overall better flame retardancy than the neat polystyrene in terms of lower peak heat release rate, lower average mass loss rate and enhanced char formation. The nanocomposites had also reduced smoke emission with lower CO and CO₂ yield compared to the neat polystyrene. The overall flame retardancy was enhanced as the nanofiller loading was increased for both the nanosilica and MMT nanocomposites.

     

Quesnoin, a novel pentacyclic ent-diterpene from 55 million years Old Oise Amber

Amber, fossilized tree resin, found at the Oise River area of the Paris basin (France) was dated as being 55 million years old. Quesnoin, a novel unique pure organic compound, was isolated from Oise amber. 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopic analysis indicated an unknown diterpene skeleton, quesnane. The absolute configurations of the eight chiral centers of quesnoin were determined to be 4S, 5S, 8R, 9S, 10S, 13S, 14R, and 16S by chiral auxiliary (R)- and (S)-phenylglycine methyl ester derivatization. Quesnoin allowed us to disclose the tree producer, corresponding to modern Hymenaea oblongifolia, Fabaceae, a subfamily of Caesalpiniaceae, one of the oldest angiosperm. The presence of the Amazon rainforest tree, H. oblongifolia, indicated that the climate of the Paris basin might have been tropical in the early Eocene period, 55 million years ago.