ORCID Profile
0000-0001-5612-5185
Current Organisations
The University of Queensland Press
,
Université de Strasbourg
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Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 05-02-2014
DOI: 10.1093/MNRAS/STU051
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 08-04-2019
DOI: 10.1093/MNRAS/STZ971
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2022
Publisher: EDP Sciences
Date: 2019
DOI: 10.1051/0004-6361/201833659
Abstract: Context. The 30 Dor C superbubble is unique for its synchrotron X-ray shell, as well as being the first superbubble to be detected in TeV γ -rays, though which is the dominant TeV emission mechanism, leptonic or hadronic, is still unclear. Aims. We aim to use new Chandra observations of 30 Dor C to resolve the synchrotron shell in unprecedented detail and to estimate the magnetic ( B ) field in the postshock region, a key discriminator between TeV γ -ray emission mechanisms. Methods. We extracted radial profiles in the 1.5–8 keV range from various sectors around the synchrotron shell and fitted these with a projected and point spread function convolved postshock volumetric emissivity model to determine the filament widths. We then calculated the postshock magnetic field strength from these widths. Results. We find that most of the sectors were well fitted with our postshock model and the determined B -field values were low, all with best fits ≲20 μ G. Upper limits on the confidence intervals of three sectors reached ≳30 μ G though these were poorly constrained. The generally low B -field values suggests a leptonic-dominated origin for the TeV γ -rays. Our postshock model did not provide adequate fits to two sectors. We find that one sector simply did not provide a clean enough radial profile, while the other could be fitted with a modified postshock model where the projected profile falls off abruptly below ~0.8 times the shell radius, yielding a postshock B -field of 4.8 (3.7–11.8) μ G which is again consistent with the leptonic TeV γ -ray mechanism. Alternatively, the observed profiles in these sectors could result from synchrotron enhancements around a shock–cloud interaction as suggested in previous works. Conclusions. The average postshock B -field determined around the X-ray synchrotron shell of 30 Dor C suggests the leptonic scenario as the dominant emission mechanism for the TeV γ -rays.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 23-09-2021
DOI: 10.3390/MOLECULES26195771
Abstract: Essential oils (EOs) have been used in cosmetics and food due to their antimicrobial and antiviral effects. However, the applications of EOs are compromised because of their poor aqueous solubility and high volatility. Qiai (Artemisia argyi Levl. et Van. var. argyi cv. Qiai) is a traditional Chinese herb and possesses strong antibacterial activity. Herein, we report an innovative formulation of EO as nanohydrogels, which were prepared through co-assembly of Qiai EO (QEO) and Pluronic F108 (PEG-b-PPG-b-PEG, or PF108) in aqueous solution. QEO was efficiently loaded in the PF108 micelles and formed nanohydrogels by heating the QEO/PF108 mixture solution to 37 °C, by the innate thermo-responsive property of PF108. The encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity of QEO reached 80.2% and 6.8%, respectively. QEO nanohydrogels were more stable than the free QEO with respect to volatilization. Sustained QEO release was achieved at body temperature using the QEO nanohydrogels, with the cumulative release rate reaching 95% in 35 h. In vitro antibacterial test indicated that the QEO nanohydrogels showed stronger antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and E. coli than the free QEO due to the enhanced stability and sustained-release characteristics. It has been attested that thermo-responsive QEO nanohydrogels have good potential as antibacterial cosmetics.
Publisher: American Astronomical Society
Date: 14-08-2019
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.CARBPOL.2018.04.035
Abstract: A supramolecular hydrogel system was prepared by the host-guest interaction between the α-cyclodextrin (α-CD) and poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) chains of the poly (ethylene glycol)-block-poly (lactic acid) (PEG-b-PLA) micelles. The formation of inclusion complex (IC) crystals between α-CD and the PEG chains of the micelles was verified by different techniques. Rheological studies indicated that the gelation kinetics and the mechanical strength of the hydrogels could be modulated by the α-CD concentration. Also, the shear-thinning and self-healing properties of the hydrogels were confirmed. Doxorubicin (DOX) could be encapsulated into the hydrogels via the micelles and be released from the hydrogels sustainably, with the release rate dependent on the α-CD concentration. The released DOX showed higher inhibition efficacy against HeLa cells compared with the free drug. These attractive features, together with the superior biocompatibility, make the present hydrogels an potential injectable drug delivery system for tumour treatment.
Publisher: American Astronomical Society
Date: 14-05-2014
Publisher: EDP Sciences
Date: 10-2012
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.CARBPOL.2018.09.021
Abstract: Highly porous chitosan microspheres (CSM) were prepared through emulsion-based thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) without using toxic crosslinkers and chemical porogenic agents other than ice. The CSM had an average diameter of ∼150 μm with interconnected pores varying from 20∼50 μm in size. Due to their excellent biocompatibility and unique porous structure, high-performance hepatocyte culture in three-dimensional (3D) space was achieved using the CSM as microcarriers, as cell growth also took place within the internal pores of the CSM, besides their external surface, and multidirectional cell-cell interactions were observed. Enhanced cellular activity and functions were obtained with the CSM microcarriers as compared with 2D cell culture. It is believed that these CSM microcarriers provide a promising platform for 3D cell culture in vitro.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.COLSURFB.2018.08.019
Abstract: Recent advancements in hiphilic core shell (ACS) nanoparticles have resulted in the development of multifunctional nanocarriers for broad spectrum applications. The ACS nanoparticles are synthesized between organic/organic and organic/inorganic molecules or entities making them highly versatile delivery vehicles. The shape, size, and biological features such as biocompatibility and biodegradability of ACS nanoparticles depend on their synthesis method and type of polymers used in their preparation. This review describes the current status of synthesis methods of polymer-based ACS nanoparticles and their biophysical characteristics. Further, it elaborates the use of ACS nanoparticles in biomedical and non-medical fields with particular emphasis on drug and gene co-delivery which have received substantial consideration in recent times. In biomedical field, different ACS nanoparticles have been developed as drug and gener carriers and are under trials for human use. These nanoparticles have also been utilized for non-medical application such as enzyme immobilization, bioseperation, removal of heavy metals, and remediation of toxic gases. The development of novel multifunctional ACS nanoparticles based on suitable carrier design and optimum polymer chemistry will open new gateways for delivering more complex and high molecular weight therapeutic molecules to the target sites.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2020
Publisher: EDP Sciences
Date: 2014
Publisher: EDP Sciences
Date: 22-12-2014
Publisher: EDP Sciences
Date: 11-2019
DOI: 10.1051/0004-6361/201936583
Abstract: Aims. We present a comprehensive study on the supernova remnant (SNR) population of the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC). We measured multiwavelength properties of the SMC SNRs and compare them to those of the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) population. Methods. This study combines the large dataset of XMM - Newton observations of the SMC, archival and recent radio continuum observations, an optical line emission survey, and new optical spectroscopic observations. We were therefore able to build a complete and clean s le of 19 confirmed and four candidate SNRs. The homogeneous X-ray spectral analysis allowed us to search for SN ejecta and Fe K line emission, and to measure interstellar medium abundances. We estimated the ratio of core-collapse to type Ia supernova rates of the SMC based on the X-ray properties and the local stellar environment of each SNR. Results. After the removal of unconfirmed or misclassified objects, and the addition of two newly confirmed SNRs based on multi-wavelength features, we present a final list of 21 confirmed SNRs and two candidates. While no Fe K line is detected even for the brightest and youngest SNR, we find X-ray evidence of SN ejecta in 11 SNRs. We estimate a fraction of 0.62–0.92 core-collapse supernova for every supernova (90% confidence interval), higher than in the LMC. The difference can be ascribed to the absence of the enhanced star-formation episode in the SMC, which occurred in the LMC 0.5–1.5 Gyr ago. The hot-gas abundances of O, Ne, Mg, and Fe are 0.1–0.2 times solar. Their ratios, with respect to SMC stellar abundances, reflect the effects of dust depletion and partial dust destruction in SNR shocks. We find evidence that the ambient medium probed by SMC SNRs is less disturbed and less dense on average than in the LMC, consistent with the different morphologies of the two galaxies.
Publisher: EDP Sciences
Date: 29-06-2015
Publisher: EDP Sciences
Date: 20-03-2012
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 09-05-2013
DOI: 10.1093/MNRAS/STT568
Publisher: EDP Sciences
Date: 19-01-2016
Publisher: EDP Sciences
Date: 2013
Publisher: EDP Sciences
Date: 2016
Publisher: EDP Sciences
Date: 11-2015
No related grants have been discovered for Pierre Maggi.