bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation and evaluation of zeolites for ammonium removal from municipal wastewater through ion exchange process
Authors: Guida Samuela , Potter Chris , Jefferson Bruce , Soares Ana
Published: July 2020

The application of ion exchange process for ammonium (NH4+-N) removal from wastewater is limited due to the lack of suppliers of engineered zeolites which present high ammonium exchange capacity (AEC) and mechanical strength. This study focuses on the preparation and evaluation of synthetic zeolites (Zeolite1-6) by measuring AEC and resistance to attrition and compression, against natural (clinoptilolite) and engineered zeolite (reference, Zeolite-N). At high NH4+-N concentrations, Zeolite6 and Zeolite2 showed capacities of 4.7 and 4.5 meq NH4+-N/g media, respectively. In secondary effluent wastewater (initial NH4+-N of 0.7 meq NH4+-N/L), Zeolite1, 2 and 6 showed an AEC of 0.05 meq NH4+-N/g media, similar to Zeolite-N (0.06 meq NH4+-N /g media). Among the synthetic zeolites, Zeolite3 and 6 showed higher resistance to attrition (disintegration rate = 2.7, 4.1 NTU/h, respectively) when compared with Zeolite-N (disintegration rate = 13.2 NTU/h). Zeolite4 and 6 showed higher resistance to compression (11 N and 6 N, respectively). Due its properties, Zeolite6 was further tested in an ion exchange demonstration scale plant treating secondary effluent from a municipal wastewater treatment plant. However, Zeolite6 disintegrated after 2 months of operation, whilst Zeolite-N remained stable for 1.5 year. This highlighted the importance of the zeolite’s mechanical strength for successful application. In particular, future work should focus on the optimization of the zeolite production process (temperature, time and dimension of the kiln during calcination) to obtain an engineered zeolite with a spherical shape thus reducing eventual sharp edges which can affect mechanical strength.
A high-quality reference genome for cabbage obtained with SMRT reveals novel genomic features and evolutionary characteristics
Authors: Lv Honghao , Wang Yong , Han Fengqing , Ji Jialei , Fang Zhiyuan , Zhuang Mu , Li Zhansheng , Zhang Yangyong , Yang Limei
Published: July 2020

Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) is an important vegetable crop widely grown throughout the world, providing plentiful nutrients and health-promoting substances. To facilitate further genetics and genomic studies and crop improvement, we present here a high-quality reference genome for cabbage. We report a de novo genome assembly of the cabbage double-haploid line D134. A combined strategy of single-molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing, 10× Genomics and chromosome conformation capture (Hi-C) produced a high quality cabbage draft genome. The chromosome-level D134 assembly is 529.92 Mb in size, 135 Mb longer than the current 02-12 reference genome, with scaffold N50 length being raised as high as 38 times. We annotated 44,701 high-quality protein-coding genes, and provided full-length transcripts for 45.59% of the total predicted gene models. Moreover, we identified novel genomic features like underrated TEs, as well as gene families and gene family expansions and contractions during B. oleracea evolution. The D134 draft genome is a cabbage reference genome assembled by SMRT long-read sequencing combined with the 10× Genomics and Hi-C technologies for scaffolding. This high-quality cabbage reference genome provides a valuable tool for improvement of Brassica crops.
Metallic glass coating for improving diamond dicing performance
Authors: Chu Jinn P. , Lai Bo-Zhang , Yiu Pakman , Shen Yu-Lin , Chang Chia-Wei
Published: July 2020

This is the first report on the coating of diamond dicing blades with metallic glass (MG) coating to reduce chipping when used to cut Si, SiC, sapphire, and patterned sapphire substrates (PSS). The low coefficient-of-friction (CoF) of Zr-based MG-coated dicing blades was shown to reduce the number and size of chips, regardless of the target substrate. Overall, SiC, sapphire and PSS were most affected by chipping, due to the fact that higher cutting forces were needed for the higher hardness of SiC, sapphire and PSS. Compared to the bare blade, the MG coating provided the following reductions in chipping area: Si (~ 23%), SiC (~ 36%), sapphire (~ 45%), and PSS (~ 33%). The proposed coating proved particularly effective in reducing chips of larger size (> 41 µm in chipping width), as indicated by an ~ 80% reduction when cutting sapphire. Small variations in kerf angle and depth demonstrate the durability of the coated blades, which would no doubt enhance consistency in dicing performance and extend the blade lifespan. Finite-element modeling revealed significant reductions in tensile stress and elastic–plastic deformation during dicing, thanks to a lower CoF.
Biological characteristics of Trissolcus urichi (Crawford) (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) on Euschistus heros (Fabricius) and Dichelops melacanthus (Dallas) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) Eggs
Authors: de Queiroz Ana Paula , Bueno Adeney de Freitas , Panizzi Antônio Ricardo , Favetti Bruna Magda , Grande Marcela Lais Mora , Luski Pamela Gislaine Gellert
Published: July 2020

Species of the genus Trissolcus are effective as egg parasitoids of Euschistus heros and can potentially be used in a multispecies pest management approach. However, in order to successfully use those biocontrol agents in the field, previous detailed knowledge about their life history are necessary. Therefore, we evaluate some biological characteristics of Trissolcus urichi on Euschistus heros and Dichelops melacanthus eggs. Three independent experiments were performed: (1) T. urichi host preference between E. heros and D. melacanthus eggs. (2) T. urichi eggs-adult period (days), number of parasitized eggs in 24 h, emergence rate (%) and sex ratio of the parasitoid in E. heros and D. melacanthus eggs. (3) Morphometric characteristics of T. urichi grown on E. heros and D. melacanthus eggs. Trissolcus urichi preferred to parasitize E. heros eggs, exhibiting a higher number of parasitized eggs, higher rate of emergence (%) and faster development, as well as producing progeny of larger size than the parasitoids emerged from eggs of D. melacanthus in relation to body length, wing length and width. Thus, it can be concluded that T. urichi had better performance on E. heros eggs, although the parasitoid had also acceptable parasitism capacity and development in D. melacanthus eggs.
AutoRELACS: automated generation and analysis of ultra-parallel ChIP-seq
Authors: Arrigoni L. , Ferrari F. , Weller J. , Bella C. , Bönisch U. , Manke T.
Published: July 2020

Chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing (ChIP-seq) is a method used to profile protein-DNA interactions genome-wide. Restriction Enzyme-based Labeling of Chromatin in Situ (RELACS) is a recently developed ChIP-seq protocol that deploys a chromatin barcoding strategy to enable standardized and high-throughput generation of ChIP-seq data. The manual implementation of RELACS is constrained by human processivity in both data generation and data analysis. To overcome these limitations, we have developed AutoRELACS, an automated implementation of the RELACS protocol using the liquid handler Biomek i7 workstation. We match the unprecedented processivity in data generation allowed by AutoRELACS with the automated computation pipelines offered by snakePipes. In doing so, we build a continuous workflow that streamlines epigenetic profiling, from sample collection to biological interpretation. Here, we show that AutoRELACS successfully automates chromatin barcode integration, and is able to generate high-quality ChIP-seq data comparable with the standards of the manual protocol, also for limited amounts of biological samples.
Infrared spectroscopy refines chronological assessment, depositional environment and pyrolysis conditions of archeological charcoals
Authors: Smidt E. , Tintner J. , Nelle O. , Oliveira R. R. , Patzlaff R. , Novotny E. H. , Klemm S.
Published: July 2020

Based on infrared spectral characteristics, six archeological sample sets of charcoals from German (5) and Brazilian (1) sites, covering the time span from the nineteenth century CE to 3950 BCE, were compared to a chronological (present to the fifteenth century BCE) series of Austrian charcoals. A typical chronological trend of several bands (stretch vibrations: O–C–O of carboxylates at 1,585–1,565 and 1,385–1,375 cm−1, C–O carboxylic acids at 1,260–1,250 cm−1) that indicate oxidation and subsequently increasing hydrophilicity (O–H stretch vibration at about 3,400 cm−1) was also contained in the archive samples. Three sample sets fit in the typical band development according to their age. For three sample sets this conformity was not observed. Despite the age of two sample sets (3950–2820 BCE), most charcoals were assigned to the Modern Period. Apart from the high degree of carbonization, anaerobic depositional conditions over a longer period of time seem to contribute to the surprising conservation. Non-removable mineral components in charcoals, as observed in a third sample set, strongly influence infrared band intensities and positions of organic compounds. The role of inorganic components in terms of charcoal aging, and the information we can obtain from spectral characteristics in an archeological context, are discussed.
EEG dynamics and neural generators of psychological flow during one tightrope performance
Authors: Leroy A. , Cheron G.
Published: July 2020

Psychological “flow” emerges from a goal requiring action, and a match between skills and challenge. Using high-density electroencephalographic (EEG) recording, we quantified the neural generators characterizing psychological “flow” compared to a mindful “stress” state during a professional tightrope performance. Applying swLORETA based on self-reported mental states revealed the right superior temporal gyrus (BA38), right globus pallidus, and putamen as generators of delta, alpha, and beta oscillations, respectively, when comparing “flow” versus “stress”. Comparison of “stress” versus “flow” identified the middle temporal gyrus (BA39) as the delta generator, and the medial frontal gyrus (BA10) as the alpha and beta generator. These results support that “flow” emergence required transient hypo-frontality. Applying swLORETA on the motor command represented by the tibialis anterior EMG burst identified the ipsilateral cerebellum and contralateral sensorimotor cortex in association with on-line control exerted during both “flow” and “stress”, while the basal ganglia was identified only during “flow”.
Boosting the photoreduction activity of Cr(vi) in metal–organic frameworks by photosensitiser incorporation and framework ionization
Authors: Zheng He-Qi , He Xing-Hao , Zeng Yong-Nian , Qiu Wei-Hua , Chen Jin , Cao Gao-Juan , Lin Rong-Guang , Lin Zu-Jin , Chen Banglin
Published: July 2020

The Cr(VI) photoreduction efficiency in a Zr-based MOF is largely boosted by photosensitizer introduction and framework ionization, resulting from the great improvement of both the visible light harvesting ability and Cr(vi) adsorption performance.
Application of cup-shaped trilactams for selective extraction of volatile compounds by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry
Authors: Sartyoungkul Sitanan , Thaveesangsakulthai Isaya , Cabello Mark Kristan Espejo , Kulsing Chadin , Sakurai Hidehiro
Published: July 2020

Chiral cup-shaped trilactams were used as liquid phase extraction material of volatile organic compounds in perfume analyzed by SPME GC-MS. (+)-material showed higher selective chiral recognition with oxygenated and cyclic volatile compounds.
Substituting HF by HBF4 – an optimized digestion method for multi-elemental sediment analysis via ICP-MS/MS
Authors: Zimmermann Tristan , von der Au Marcus , Reese Anna , Klein Ole , Hildebrandt Lars , Pröfrock Daniel
Published: July 2020

Determination of elemental mass fractions in sediments plays a major role in evaluating the environmental status of aquatic ecosystems.
Shpol'skii spectroscopy of metabolites of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in primary alcohols at 77 K and 4.2 K
Authors: Chehelamirani Mohammadreza , Wang Huiyong , Santana Anthony , Campiglia Andrés D.
Published: July 2020

Line-narrowing effects of primary alcohols on the spectral features and fluorescence lifetimes of PAH metabolites is investigated for analytical purposes.
Accessing new microporous polyspirobifluorenes via a C/Si switch
Authors: Nesmelov Andrei , Lee David , Bejger Christopher , Kocherga Margaret , Lyles Zachary , Greenier Madeline K. , Vitallo Ashley Ariel , Kaouk Ghallia , Jones Daniel S. , Schmedake Thomas A.
Published: July 2020

A C/Si switch provides easy access to polybrominated spirosilabifluorenes with tailorable regioselectivities. Yamamoto coupling leads to fluorescent microporous materials that can act as a sensor for nitroaromatics.
Palladium-catalyzed ortho-halogen-induced deoxygenative approach of alkyl aryl ketones to 2-vinylbenzoic acids
Authors: Ram Shankar , Sharma Ajay Kumar , Chauhan Arvind Singh , Das Pralay
Published: July 2020

The first report on a palladium catalyzed ortho-halogen induced deoxygenative approach for 2-vinylbenzoic acid synthesis from 2-haloaryl ketones is described.
Synergizing hole accumulation and transfer on composite Ni/CoOx for photoelectrochemical water oxidation
Authors: Wang Wei , Heggen Marc , Cui Wei , Probst Benjamin , Alberto Roger , Cui Chunhua
Published: July 2020

Ni/CoOx sites were supported on an around 2 nm-TiOx modified hematite photoanode for water oxidation.
A perfectly oriented, free-standing and transparent titania nanosheet film with the band gap of a monolayer
Authors: Awaya Keisuke , Ida Shintaro
Published: July 2020

A perfectly oriented transparent, free-standing titania nanosheet film prepared using the spin-coating technique showed a wide band gap that corresponded to that of the monolayer nanosheet despite the stacking of hundreds of layers.
Metal catalyst-free photo-induced alkyl C–O bond borylation
Authors: Ma Guobin , Chen Changzhou , Talukdar Sangita , Zhao Xinluo , Lei Chuanhu , Gong Hegui
Published: July 2020

Tertiary alkyl boronates were prepared via the C–O bond borylation of the corresponding oxalates under catalyst-free/(DMF)2–B2cat2 initiated visible light-induced conditions.
Size-dependent interaction of plasma with anatase TiO2 nanoparticles
Authors: Asgharizadeh Saeid , Khorram Sirous , Lazemi Masoud , Hosseinzadeh Alireza , Malfois Marc
Published: July 2020

The plasma treatment affects the size distribution of the amorphous phase of TiO2 nanoparticles and leaves the crystalline phase unaltered.
C–H activation of light alkanes on MXenes predicted by hydrogen affinity
Authors: Niu Kaifeng , Chi Lifeng , Rosen Johanna , Björk Jonas
Published: July 2020

Hydrogen affinity is a quantitative descriptor for characterizing the termination configuration and predicting the catalytic activity of 2D metal carbides.
The partition principles for atomic-scale structures and their physical properties: application to the nonlinear optical crystal material KBe2BO3F2
Authors: Cai Zewen , Cheng Xiyue , Whangbo Myung-Hwan , Hong Maochun , Deng Shuiquan
Published: July 2020

The contribution of F ions to the SHG process must be partitioned among 4 metal-centered groups.
A coil-to-globule transition capable coarse-grained model for poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)
Authors: Pérez-Ramírez H. A. , Odriozola G.
Published: July 2020

We present a model for mesoscopic molecular dynamics simulations of poly(N-isopropyl-acrylamide) (pNIPAM).
Liquid-based porous membranes
Authors: Sheng Zhizhi , Zhang Jian , Liu Jing , Zhang Yunmao , Chen Xinyu , Hou Xu
Published: July 2020

The confluence of available membrane materials and the explorations into fluid behaviors have revolutionized liquid-based porous membranes, which deserve more attention.
Data mining of amine dehydrogenases for the synthesis of enantiopure amino alcohols
Authors: Wang Hongyue , Qu Ge , Li Jun-Kuan , Ma Jun-An , Guo Jinggong , Miao Yuchen , Sun Zhoutong
Published: July 2020

Five amine dehydrogenases (AmDHs) derived from amino acid dehydrogenases have been identified and evaluated for the stereoselective amination of α-/β-functionalized carbonyl compounds to synthesize chiral amino alcohols.
BaWO2F4: a mixed anion X-ray scintillator with excellent photoluminescence quantum efficiency
Authors: Ayer Gyanendra B. , Klepov Vladislav V. , Smith Mark D. , Hu Ming , Yang Zhonghua , Martin Corey R. , Morrison Gregory , zur Loye Hans-Conrad
Published: July 2020

Luminescence spectra of a new self-activated X-ray scintillator, BaWO2F4, and the optical image of scintillating ground crystals when exposed to X-rays.
Seamlessly conductive Co(OH)2 tailored atomically dispersed Pt electrocatalyst with a hierarchical nanostructure for an efficient hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Zhou Kai Ling , Wang Changhao , Wang Zelin , Han Chang Bao , Zhang Qianqian , Ke Xiaoxing , Liu Jingbing , Wang Hao
Published: July 2020

A hybrid catalyst based on single-atom Pt anchored Co(OH)2 nanosheets growing on a Ag nanowire network with high intrinsic activity is developed for an efficient hydrogen evolution reaction.
The carbon footprint of the carbon feedstock CO2
Authors: Müller Leonard Jan , Kätelhön Arne , Bringezu Stefan , McCoy Sean , Suh Sangwon , Edwards Robert , Sick Volker , Kaiser Simon , Cuéllar-Franca Rosa , El Khamlichi Aïcha , Lee Jay H. , von der Assen Niklas , Bardow André
Published: July 2020

This paper reviews methodological approaches for determining the carbon footprint of captured CO2 as carbon feedstock, and shows why some approaches lead to suboptimal choices of CO2 sources and that increased consistency in life cycle assessment (LCA) studies on CCU is needed.
Universal approach toward high-efficiency two-dimensional perovskite solar cells via a vertical-rotation process
Authors: Yang Yi , Liu Cheng , Mahata Arup , Li Mo , Roldán-Carmona Cristina , Ding Yong , Arain Zulqarnain , Xu Weidong , Yang Yunhao , Schouwink Pascal Alexander , Züttel Andreas , De Angelis Filippo , Dai Songyuan , Nazeeruddin Mohammad Khaja
Published: July 2020

A universal vertically-rotated (VR) methodology is proposed to rotate the crystal orientation of 2D perovskites, which improves charge transport properties by several orders of magnitude and boosts the efficiency of 2D (n ≤ 4) PSCs to above 17%.
Exosomes transport trace amounts of (poly)phenols
Authors: Arola-Arnal Anna , López de las Hazas María-Carmen , Iglesias-Carres Lisard , Mantilla-Escalante Diana C. , Suárez Manuel , Busto Rebeca , Visioli Francesco , Bladé Cinta , Dávalos Alberto
Published: July 2020

Grape seed polyphenol extract-derived (poly)phenols are minimally, if any, transported by exosomes.
Flexible supercapacitor electrodes using metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Cherusseri Jayesh , Pandey Deepak , Sambath Kumar Kowsik , Thomas Jayan , Zhai Lei
Published: July 2020

Metal–organic frameworks are emerging players in the fabrication of flexible energy storage devices to power flexible and wearable electronics.
Boosting the energy storage performance of V2O5 nanosheets by intercalating conductive graphene quantum dots
Authors: Ganganboina Akhilesh Babu , Park Enoch Y. , Doong Ruey-An
Published: July 2020

V2O5 nanosheets have been nano-engineered with 0D graphene quantum dots via a hydrothermal method, their outstanding electrochemical properties for high-performance supercapacitors are demonstrated.
A TCBD-based AB2-type second-order nonlinear optical hyperbranched polymer prepared by a facile click-type postfunctionalization
Authors: Zang Xiaobo , Liu Hongtao , Li Qianqian , Li Zhong'an , Li Zhen
Published: July 2020

A double click-type postfunctionalization strategy was successfully designed to prepare an AB2-type hyperbranched polymer containing highly polarizable tetracyanobutadienyl (TCBD)-based nonlinear optical chromophores.
Adsorption performance of M-doped (M = Ti and Cr) gallium nitride nanosheets towards SO2 and NO2: a DFT-D calculation
Authors: Roohi Hossein , Ardehjani Nastaran Askari
Published: July 2020

The influences of transition metals (Cr and Ti) doping on the adsorption behavior of SO2 and NO2 gases on the metal doped Gallium Nitride Nanosheet (GaNNS) were explored at Grimme-corrected PBE/double numerical plus polarization (DNP) level of theory.
Visible and NIR emitting Yb(iii) and Er(iii) complexes sensitized by β-diketonates and phenanthroline derivatives
Authors: Brito-Santos Gabriela , Gil-Hernández Beatriz , Martín Inocencio R. , Guerrero-Lemus Ricardo , Sanchiz Joaquín
Published: July 2020

Long lifetimes and high quantum yields are obtained in the reported complexes.
Molecular design of antimicrobial conjugated oligoelectrolytes with enhanced selectivity toward bacterial cells
Authors: Limwongyut Jakkarin , Nie Chenyao , Moreland Alex S. , Bazan Guillermo C.
Published: July 2020

A series of cationic conjugated oligoelectrolytes (COEs) was designed to understand how variations in molecular dimensions impact the relative activity against bacteria and mammalian cells.
Detection of sub-degree angular fluctuations of the local cell membrane slope using optical tweezers
Authors: Vaippully Rahul , Ramanujan Vaibavi , Gopalakrishnan Manoj , Bajpai Saumendra , Roy Basudev
Published: July 2020

We ascertain pitch angle of a spherical birefringent particle using optical tweezers and use it to find cell membrane parameters.
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in HepG2 cancer cell line through the application of localized alternating magnetic field
Authors: Sola-Leyva Alberto , Jabalera Ylenia , Chico-Lozano María A. , Carrasco-Jiménez María P. , Iglesias Guillermo R. , Jimenez-Lopez Concepción
Published: July 2020

The production of Reactive Oxygen Species after exposure of HepG2 cells to alternating magnetic fields can explain the loss of cell viability in spite of a negligible increase in temperature.
A novel fluorescent probe for the localization of nucleoli developedviaa chain reaction of endogenous cysteine in cells
Authors: Zhao Lihe , He Xu , Li Dan , Xu Shaomei , Huang Yibing , Li Xiaolei , Wang Xinghua , Sun Ying , Ma Pinyi , Song Daqian
Published: July 2020

A novel probe for nucleoli localization, BEB-A, which can specifically bind to RNAviathe chain reaction of endogenous cysteine (Cys), was designed and developed.
Facile synthesis of Au@Mn3O4 magneto-plasmonic nanoflowers for T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging and photothermal therapy of cancer
Authors: Ijaz Dar Gohar , Iqbal M. Zubair , Akakuru Ozioma Udochukwu , Yao Chenyang , Awiaz Gul , Wu Aiguo
Published: July 2020

The integration of advanced diagnostic contrast agents with versatile therapeutic nanoparticles presents an effective method for cancer treatment.
A direct oriented-attachment growth of lead-chalcogenide mid-infrared nanocrystals film on amorphous substrates
Authors: Hemati Tahere , Zhang Xintong , Weng Binbin
Published: July 2020

A direct oriented-attachment (OA) growth of lead-chalcogenide nanocrystals (NCs) on amorphous substrates leads to the synthesis of (111) dominated PbSe NCs for the first time. These NCs uniformly assembled on glass slides forming mirror-like thin films of tunable quantum confining effect in the mid-infrared spectrum.
An efficient and stable fluorescent sensor based on APTES-functionalized CsPbBr3 perovskite quantum dots for ultrasensitive tetracycline detection in ethanol
Authors: Wang Tong , Wei Xiao , Zong Yuhan , Zhang Shen , Guan Weisheng
Published: July 2020

In this work, a novel fluorescent sensor based on perovskite quantum dots was simply synthesized by room temperature synthesis for the detection of tetracycline (TC) in highly polar ethanol.
LncRNA Gm14205 induces astrocytic NLRP3 inflammasome activation via inhibiting oxytocin receptor in postpartum depression
Authors: Zhu Jialei , Tang Jing
Published: July 2020

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a kind of mental disorder characterized by persistent low emotions in puerperium. The most significant physiological change in postpartum is lactation which is regulated by oxytocin receptor (OXTR). However, whether OXTR is related to pathological process of PPD and the potential mechanism still remain unclear. In the present study, we prepared hormone-simulated pregnancy (HSP)-induced PPD mouse model and found that the protein level of OXTR in hippocampus of PPD model mice was down-regulated and Nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome was activated. We identified five long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) related to PPD by transcriptome sequencing, including three up-regulated and two down-regulated. The five lncRNAs were associated with the signaling pathway of OXTR according to the bioinformatics analysis. Furthermore, we focused on one of the five lncRNAs, Gm14205, and found that it targeted OXTR which inhibited astrocytic NLRP3 inflammasome activation in hippocampal primary astrocytes. These findings illustrate that OXTR has protective effects in PPD by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation and provides a new strategy for targeting lncRNA Gm14205 in the pathogenesis of PPD.
Epidermal growth factor signaling through transient receptor potential melastatin 7 cation channel regulates vascular smooth muscle cell function
Authors: Zou Zhi-Guo , Rios Francisco J. , Neves Karla B. , Alves-Lopes Rheure , Ling Jiayue , Baillie George S. , Gao Xing , Fuller William , Camargo Livia L. , Gudermann Thomas , Chubanov Vladimir , Montezano Augusto C. , Touyz Rhian M.
Published: July 2020

Objective: Transient receptor potential (TRP) melastatin 7 (TRPM7) cation channel, a dual-function ion channel/protein kinase, regulates vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) Mg2+ homeostasis and mitogenic signaling. Mechanisms regulating vascular growth effects of TRPM7 are unclear, but epidermal growth factor (EGF) may be important because it is a magnesiotropic hormone involved in cellular Mg2+ regulation and VSMC proliferation. Here we sought to determine whether TRPM7 is a downstream target of EGF in VSMCs and if EGF receptor (EGFR) through TRPM7 influences VSMC function.

Approach and results: Studies were performed in primary culture VSMCs from rats and humans and vascular tissue from mice deficient in TRPM7 (TRPM7+/Δkinase and TRPM7R/R). EGF increased expression and phosphorylation of TRPM7 and stimulated Mg2+ influx in VSMCs, responses that were attenuated by gefitinib (EGFR inhibitor) and NS8593 (TRPM7 inhibitor). Co-immunoprecipitation (IP) studies, proximity ligation assay (PLA) and live-cell imaging demonstrated interaction of EGFR and TRPM7, which was enhanced by EGF. PP2 (c-Src inhibitor) decreased EGF-induced TRPM7 activation and prevented EGFR–TRPM7 association. EGF-stimulated migration and proliferation of VSMCs were inhibited by gefitinib, PP2, NS8593 and PD98059 (ERK1/2 inhibitor). Phosphorylation of EGFR and ERK1/2 was reduced in VSMCs from TRPM7+/Δkinase mice, which exhibited reduced aortic wall thickness and decreased expression of PCNA and Notch 3, findings recapitulated in TRPM7R/R mice.

Conclusions: We show that EGFR directly interacts with TRPM7 through c-Src-dependent processes. Functionally these phenomena regulate [Mg2+]i homeostasis, ERK1/2 signaling and VSMC function. Our findings define a novel signaling cascade linking EGF/EGFR and TRPM7, important in vascular homeostasis.
LeNet‐5 improvement based on FPGA acceleration
Authors: Hou Yong , Chen Zhang Bao
Published: July 2020

Deep learning is a branch of traditional machine learning. Thanks to the leap in computer hardware computing power in recent years, deep learning has become one of the hot topics. In view of the inefficiency of the traditional LeNet‐5, here, LeNet‐5 is improved by using the FPGA to accelerate the LeNet‐5. Finally, by training the handwritten digit recognition model experiment, it is verified that the improved LeNet‐5 model has a great improvement in terms of efficiency and accuracy.
Dynamical signatures of Rossby vortices in cavity-hosting disks
Authors: Robert C. M. T. , Méheut H. , Ménard F.
Published: July 2020

Context. Planets are formed amidst young circumstellar disks of gas and dust. The latter is traced by thermal radiation, where strong asymmetric clumps have been observed in a handful of cases. These dust traps could be key to understanding the early stages of planet formation, when solids grow from micron-size to planetesimals.

Aims. Vortices are among the few known asymmetric dust trapping scenarios. The present work aims to predict their characteristics in a complementary observable. Namely, line-of-sight velocities are well suited to trace the presence of a vortex. Moreover, the dynamics of disks is subject to recent developments.

Methods. Two-dimensional hydro simulations were performed in which a vortex forms at the edge of a gas-depleted region. We derived idealized line-of-sight velocity maps, varying disk temperature and orientation relative to the observer. The signal of interest, as a small perturbation to the dominant axisymmetric component in velocity, may be isolated in observational data using a proxy for the dominant quasi-Keplerian velocity. We propose that the velocity curve on the observational major axis be such a proxy.

Results. Applying our method to the disk around HD 142527 as a study case, we predict that line-of-sight velocities are barely detectable by currently available facilities, depending on disk temperature. We show that corresponding spirals patterns can also be detected with similar spectral resolutions, which will help to test against alternative explanations.
Studying star-forming processes at core and clump scales: the case of the young stellar object G29.862−0.0044
Authors: Areal M. B. , Paron S. , Fariña C. , Ortega M. E. , Celis Peña M. , Rubio M.
Published: July 2020

Aims. To advance our knowledge of star formation, in addition to statistical studies and large surveys of young stellar objects (YSOs), it is important to carry out detailed studies towards particular objects. Given that massive molecular clumps fragment into cores where star formation takes place, these kinds of studies should be done on different spatial scales. The aim of this work is to investigate the star-forming processes at core and clump scales.

Methods. Using near-infrared (NIR) data obtained with NIRI at the Gemini-North telescope, data of the complex molecular species CH3OCHO and CH3CN obtained from the Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA) database, observations of HCN, HNC, HCO+, and C2H carried out with the Atacama Submillimeter Telescope Experiment (ASTE), and CO data from public surveys observed with the James Clerck Maxwell Telescope (JCMT), we perform a deep study of the YSO G29.862−0.0044 (YSO-G29) at core and clump spatial scales.

Results. The NIR emission shows that YSO-G29 is composed of two nebulosities separated by a dark lane, suggesting a scenario consistent with a typical disc plus jets system, albeit in this case highly asymmetric. The northern nebulosity is open, diffuse, and is divided into two branches, while the southern one is smaller and sharper. They are likely produced by the scattered light in cavities carved out by jets or winds on an infalling envelope of material, which also presents line emission of H2 S(1) 1–0 and 2–1, and [FeII]. The presence of the complex molecular species observed with ALMA confirms that we are mapping a hot molecular core. The CH3CN emission concentrates at the position of the dark lane and appears slightly elongated from southwest to northeast in agreement with the inclination of the system as observed in the NIR. The morphology of the CH3OCHO emission is more complex and extends along some filaments and concentrates in knots and clumps, mainly southwards of the dark lane, suggesting that the southern jet is encountering a dense region. The northern jet is able to flow more freely, generating the more extended features as seen in the NIR. This is in agreement with the redshifted molecular outflow traced by the 12CO J = 3–2 line extending towards the northwest and the lack of a blueshifted outflow. This configuration can be explained by considering that G29-YSO is located at the furthest edge of the molecular clump along the line of sight, which is consistent with the position of the source in the cloud mapped in the C18O J = 3–2 line. The detection of HCN, HNC, HCO+, and C2H allowed us to characterise the dense gas at clump scales, yielding results that are in agreement with the presence of a high-mass protostellar object.
Pipelines Designing By Using Hydraulic Criteria Equations
Authors: Popov Gencho , Klimenntov Kliment , Kostov Boris
Published: July 2020

This work intend an original methodology, newly established by the authors, to design typical pipe systems by using hydraulic criteria equations, excluding the determination of the relevant Darcy factor. Therefore, it can be eliminated the necessity for searching iterative solutions of such problems. The established equations are easy to use, in terms of mathematical processing, which guarantees their proper application in solving engineering problems. It is considered for the proposed physical relations (equations) concerning the determination of the pipe system resistance characteristics to be highly useful in engineering practice, as for example: in determining a hydraulic machine work regime, used in a system transporting fluids, as well as in performing a synthesis and analysis of such systems or in accomplishing an energy analysis of pipe systems. A comparative analysis between the results found after applying the classical methods of calculations and by using a licensed specialized software product indicates that a highly sufficient (for engineering calculations) overlapping is achieved.
The study of the spark ignition engine operation at fuelling with n-butanol-gasoline blends
Authors: Sandu Cristian , Pană Constantin , Negurescu Niculae , Cernat Alexandru , Nuţu Cristian , Georgescu Rareş
Published: July 2020

For conventional internal combustion engines alternative fuels such alcohols (ethanol, methanol and butanol) have attracted more attention. This aspect is due to the fact that alcohols have good combustion properties and high oxygen content. Butanol is a viable fuel for blending with conventional fuels such as gasoline or diesel because of its high miscibility with these conventional fuels. The high combustion speed of butanol compared to that of gasoline ensures a shorter burning process thus the engine thermal efficiency can potentially be improved. Moreover, the additional oxygen content of the alcohol n-butanol can potentially improve the combustion process and can lead to a reduction of carbon monoxide and unburnt hydrocarbons emissions level. Utilizing butanol-gasoline blends can provide a good solution for the reduction of greenhouse gases level (CO2) and pollutants level (CO, HC, and NOx). An experimental study was carried out in a spark ignition engine which was fueled with a blend of n-butanol-gasoline at different volume percentages. The objective of this paper is to determine the effects of butanol on the engine energetic performances and on the emissions (HC, CO and NOx). At first the engine fueled with pure gasoline to set up a reference at the engine load χ=55%, engine speed of n=2500 min-1 and different excess air coefficients (λ). After setting the reference the engine was fueled with butanol-gasoline blend (10% vol. butanol 90% vol. gasoline) with the same engine adjustments. At butanol use the CO, HC and CO2 emissions level decreased, but the NOx emission level increased. The butanol can be considered a good alternative fuel for the spark ignition engines without modifications.
Finite element 3D numerical simulation study of car braking systems and brake disc/drum – pad/shoe friction couple materials
Authors: Ipate George , Ilie Filip , Cristescu Andreea Catalina
Published: July 2020

Our study uses the finite element method of modeling and analyzing the functioning of a braking system for a modern vehicle, in terms of stress ditributions, structural deformation, wear and thermal gradient of the brake disc and drum. The 3D geometric model of system brake is designed using Solidworks, and the coupled thermal and structural analysis is performed with the ANSYS Workbench R16 program. The brake was applied when the car was 85.7 km / h (ω = 125 rad · s-1), the duration of braking until the car stopped was t = 5 s. For the given example, the coefficient of average friction during braking, considering the pressure on the pad p = 7.5 MPa, is μ = 0.35. It was discovered that the relative deformations of the plate and disc are larger in the area of the outer diameter than that of the inner diameter. This is also outlined by the fact that the pressure is higher on the outer sides than on the inner sides of the plate, the highest value being in the central axis zone of the outer side. Knowing the thermophysical characteristics of the disc and the plate and the working conditions, it was possible to determine the temperature variation during braking. The results of the numerical research revealed that an increase of the contact pressure and / or the relative speed between the contact surfaces implies an increase of the amplitude of the stick-slip phenomenon.
Experimental Water Treatment Plant from Agrozootechnical Farm
Authors: Voicea Iulian Florin , Moga Ioana Corina , Marin Eugen , Dumitru Dragoş , Persu Cătălin , Cujbescu Dan
Published: July 2020

According to the existing statistical data at the country level, over 65% of the wastewater (rural from agricultural livestock farms) is discharged without purification, 61% are insufficiently purified and only 10-15% are properly purified. The pollution effect of wastewater not purified or insufficiently purified on surface waters, is mainly manifested by the content of suspended matter, of organic matter, in nutritional salts, ammonium and in pathogenic microorganisms. It is well-known that the nutritional salts of nitrogen and phosphorus cause the eutrophication of surface waters, with the effect of consuming the dissolved oxygen needed to sustain the aquatic life. Ammonia is particularly toxic to aquatic life. Unsaturated or insufficiently purified wastewater pollutes groundwater, among others with nitrates, ammonium and bacteriologically. From the presented results, the purification of waste water is an essential requirement of the development of human civilization. Being a necessity with special social and ecological implications, the unitary regulation and the general provision of the necessary infrastructure is a priority, in this sense an article will be presented in an experimental treatment station that performs the collection of waste water from an agrozootechnical farm. The purification of water within this experimental model of treatment plant will be done autonomously from an energy point of view (electricity supply is carried out through a hybrid system based on photovoltaic panels and wind turbine), and the recovery. The use of purified water is done in a greenhouse, using a mixed irrigation system (dripping / spray irrigation).
Wastewater electrooxidation using stainless steel electrodes
Authors: Ungureanu Nicoleta , Vlăduţ Valentin , Cristea Mario , Cujbescu Dan
Published: July 2020

Wastewater contains essential nutrients for crops, and after proper treatment its reuse is beneficial to farmers in arid and semi-arid areas. Electrooxidation is an environmentally friendly technology used for treatment of domestic, industrial and agrozootechnical wastewater. During electrooxidation, organic compounds are oxidized at the interface between the anode and the aqueous solution, as a result of the reduction reaction at the cathode. Tests were performed on wastewater collected from the lagoon of a cattle farm, using an electrooxidation cell with stainless steel electrodes. The removal of pH, conductivity, turbidity, color, total N, total P, COD and BOD was investigated at specific voltages of 0.025 V cm-2, 0.05 V cm-2 and 0.1 V cm-2 and various electrolysis times (15, 30, 60 and 120 minutes). Results show that electrooxidation is effective in reducing total N by 24 %, total P by 47 %, BOD by 47 % and COD by 82 %. After completion of tests, the suspended solids were decanted towards the anode area, due to the action of coagulant Fe2+/Fe3+ ions formed by anode dissolution, and the water was clarified. The effluent complies with the standards to be reused to irrigate crops tolerant to salinity grown in permeable soils.
Static and modal analysis of a deep soil loosening machine
Authors: Gheorghe Gabriel , Lates Daniel , Persu Catalin , Mateescu Marinela
Published: July 2020

The article will present a static analysis of the equipment in order to calculate the vector field distribution of the relative resulting displacement in the structure, the Cauchy stress tensor and tensor fields distribution of the specific deformation in the same structure. This is done in order to improve the structure and highlight the most vulnerable points within an equipment depending on the way of working. After performing the static analysis, tensometric marks were mounted in the most vulnerable points to calculate the displacement of the material and to calculate the major forces that appeared in the structure during the field experiments. At the same time, the idea of the equipment prototype was to improve the equipment with vibrating elements on the working bodies of the body type in order to increase the degree of crushing and to reduce the advancing forces, respectively to reduce the fuel consumption. Therefore, a modal analysis was performed to calculate the vibrations that appeared in the structure in order not to resonate with the frequency of the motor mounted on the working member.
Sound power determination for centrifugal pumps used for local agricultural irrigation in Romania
Authors: Chiţoiu Mihai , Moiceanu Georgiana , Paraschiv Gigel , Ştefan Mădălina , Matache Andreea
Published: July 2020

Technological enhancements in the domain of agriculture have led to easing the burden of physical work and increased productivity. Irrigation has always been one of the most crucial elements needed for a high yielding crop, given the current uncertainty of climate change, where climate is increasing in unpredictability. Even though a wide array of methods has been developed in recent years, for the Romanian local agricultural irrigation, a popular method remains using motor-pumps. But the issue with this type of equipment is that during active functioning, it produces high sustained levels of noise pollution, and the risk of operator hearing damage is relatively unknown for long term exposures (years). In this paper, the levels of acoustic power of an irrigation motor-pump model WHT-60 were determined, taking into consideration the required standards, and directives, necessary for this activity, imposed by the European Union for all member countries.
Research of filtration and energy parameters of membrane bioreactors
Authors: Makisha Nikolay
Published: July 2020

Membrane bioreactors nowadays are intensively applied in wastewater treatment worldwide. The paper refers to a research, which goal was to evaluate the optimal parameters of membrane bioreactor performance. A focus was given to a part of the research that considered operation of side-stream membrane bioreactor under pressure of 0.2 MPa and variable amount of backwashes. There were three types of feed water investigated with mixed liquor suspended solids concentrations of 1.6, 2.5 and 7 g/L, respectively. The article provides results of permeate production and their processing to obtain specific energy consumption for each combination of operation parameters.
Mathematical modelling and numerical simulation of linear electro-hydraulic servomechanism with stepper motor
Authors: Muraru Vergil , Calinoiu Constantin , Muraru Sebastian , Dulgheru Ana , Muraru-Ionel Cornelia
Published: July 2020

The paper presents the results of research on the performance of linear electro-hydraulic servomechanisms with stepper motor, evaluated by mathematical modelling and numerical simulation with the AMESIM software package. These servomechanisms have a great potential for application, including for agricultural technical equipment. Servomechanisms of various types are used for the rapid and high precision operation of the various systems. In practice, electro-hydraulic servomechanisms have been required in the case of the systems requiring high forces or moments. These equipment are automatic hydraulic tracking systems and can be analysed with methods specific to automatic systems. The paper contains a structural description of an electro-mechanical servomechanism with stepper motor, its operation, mathematical model and its performances obtained by numerical simulation. The mathematical modelling of the electro-hydraulic servomechanism is based on the relations between the input sizes and output sizes of the equipment in its structure as well as the connection relations between these equipment. Based on the obtained results it is demonstrated that the analysis and synthesis of electro-hydraulic servomechanisms with stepper motor can be determined by numerical simulation using the AMESIM simulation software.
Determination of granulometrical composition of the clinker by grinding in a ball mill to determine the specific consumption of additional energy
Authors: Ciobanu Cristian , Tudor Paula , Constantin Gabriel-Alexandru , Musuroi Gabriel
Published: July 2020

This paper presents results regarding the grinding behaviour of two batches of material (clinker) in a ball mill with its own two-step grinding process: the first one with a ball load, the second with a load of cylindrical metal bodies. The first step was performed until the residue R009has reached aprox.35%, and the second stage until Blaine's specific surface was over 3800 cm2/g. Periodically, at 10-minute intervals, the fineness of the clinker and the specific energy consumption were determined. These consumptions are quantified from the first determination and relates to the weight of the material subjected to grinding (20 kg clinker / from a source), determining the grinding ability of the material.
The influence of the vitiated air from the treatment plants on the urban and rural development
Authors: Panaitescu Fanel-Viorel , Panaitescu Mariana , Ion Nicolaie
Published: July 2020

In order to reduce the emissions produced by the operational flow of a wastewater treatment plant, regardless of whether they are located in urban or rural areas, the quality of air must be analyzed. For this reason, the Constanta Nord treatment plant was chosen as a study location. This is near the Mamaia resort and does not fall within the recommended sanitary protection norms, according to NP-032-1999 (at least 300 m from the last house). Therefore, it was necessary to take measures to reduce the repellent gases generated in the neighborhood of wastewater treatment plants. The solution is in attention of all wastewater treatment plants from the world because this depend on operational flux management and health of population.The research consists of: description of the technological flow of the treatment plant and in particular of the deodorizing installation of the contaminated air, choosing a work scenario for a day with 2 shifts per hour, respectively 6 shifts per hour, the air flow needed to treat the vitiated air (the deodorization plant components) and the efficiency of the regulation system from the point of view of energy consumption. Also, possible leakage of dangerous gases into the atmospheric air was monitored (H2S, Cl2, CO), taking into account the fact that in the immediate vicinity there is the Mamaia resort, the student housing and rural locations Palazu and Mamaia village.