bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Streamlined copper defenses make Bordetella pertussis reliant on custom-made operon
Authors: Rivera-Millot Alex , Slupek Stéphanie , Chatagnon Jonathan , Roy Gauthier , Saliou Jean-Michel , Billon Gabriel , Alaimo Véronique , Hot David , Salomé-Desnoulez Sophie , Locht Camille , Antoine Rudy , Jacob-Dubuisson Françoise
Published: January 2021

Copper is both essential and toxic to living beings, which tightly controls its intracellular concentration. At the host–pathogen interface, copper is used by phagocytic cells to kill invading microorganisms. We investigated copper homeostasis in Bordetella pertussis, which lives in the human respiratory mucosa and has no environmental reservoir. B. pertussis has considerably streamlined copper homeostasis mechanisms relative to other Gram-negative bacteria. Its single remaining defense line consists of a metallochaperone diverted for copper passivation, CopZ, and two peroxide detoxification enzymes, PrxGrx and GorB, which together fight stresses encountered in phagocytic cells. Those proteins are encoded by an original, composite operon assembled in an environmental ancestor, which is under sensitive control by copper. This system appears to contribute to persistent infection in the nasal cavity of B. pertussis-infected mice. Combining responses to co-occurring stresses in a tailored operon reveals a strategy adopted by a host-restricted pathogen to optimize survival at minimal energy expenditure.
Partial inhibition of mitochondrial complex I ameliorates Alzheimer’s disease pathology and cognition in APP/PS1 female mice
Authors: Stojakovic Andrea , Trushin Sergey , Sheu Anthony , Khalili Layla , Chang Su-Youne , Li Xing , Christensen Trace , Salisbury Jeffrey L. , Geroux Rachel E. , Gateno Benjamin , Flannery Padraig J. , Dehankar Mrunal , Funk Cory C. , Wilkins Jordan , Stepanova Anna , O’Hagan Tara , Galkin Alexander , Nesbitt Jarred , Zhu Xiujuan , Tripathi Utkarsh , Macura Slobodan , Tchkonia Tamar , Pirtskhalava Tamar , Kirkland James L. , Kudgus Rachel A. , Schoon Renee A. , Reid Joel M. , Yamazaki Yu , Kanekiyo Takahisa , Zhang Song , Nemutlu Emirhan , Dzeja Petras , Jaspersen Adam , Kwon Ye In Christopher , Lee Michael K. , Trushina Eugenia
Published: January 2021

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder without a cure. Here we show that mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I is an important small molecule druggable target in AD. Partial inhibition of complex I triggers the AMP-activated protein kinase-dependent signaling network leading to neuroprotection in symptomatic APP/PS1 female mice, a translational model of AD. Treatment of symptomatic APP/PS1 mice with complex I inhibitor improved energy homeostasis, synaptic activity, long-term potentiation, dendritic spine maturation, cognitive function and proteostasis, and reduced oxidative stress and inflammation in brain and periphery, ultimately blocking the ongoing neurodegeneration. Therapeutic efficacy in vivo was monitored using translational biomarkers FDG-PET, 31P NMR, and metabolomics. Cross-validation of the mouse and the human transcriptomic data from the NIH Accelerating Medicines Partnership–AD database demonstrated that pathways improved by the treatment in APP/PS1 mice, including the immune system response and neurotransmission, represent mechanisms essential for therapeutic efficacy in AD patients.
Trade-offs between sperm viability and immune protein expression in honey bee queens (Apis mellifera)
Authors: McAfee Alison , Chapman Abigail , Pettis Jeffery S. , Foster Leonard J. , Tarpy David R.
Published: January 2021

Queens of many social hymenoptera keep sperm alive within their specialized storage organ, the spermatheca, for years, defying the typical trade-off between lifespan and reproduction. However, whether honey bee (Apis mellifera) queens experience a trade-off between reproduction and immunity is unknown, and the biochemical processes underlying sperm viability are poorly understood. Here, we survey quality metrics and viral loads of honey bee queens from nine genetic sources. Queens rated as ‘failed’ by beekeepers had lower sperm viability, fewer sperm, and higher levels of sacbrood virus and black queen cell virus. Quantitative proteomics on N = 123 spermathecal fluid samples shows, after accounting for sperm count, health status, and apiary effects, five spermathecal fluid proteins significantly correlating with sperm viability: odorant binding protein (OBP)14, lysozyme, serpin 88Ea, artichoke, and heat-shock protein (HSP)10. The significant negative correlation of lysozyme—a conserved immune effector—with sperm viability is consistent with a reproduction vs. immunity trade-off in honey bee queens.
Free energy amplification by magnetic flux for driven quantum systems
Authors: Tang Ying
Published: January 2021

Exploring the source of free energy is of practical use for thermodynamical systems. In the classical regime, the free energy change is independent of magnetism, as the Lorentz force is conservative. In contrast, here we find that the free energy change can be amplified by adding a magnetic field to driven quantum systems. Taking a recent experimental system as an example, the predicted amplification becomes 3-fold when adding a 10-tesla magnetic field under temperature 316 nanoKelvin. We further uncover the mechanism by examining the driving process. Through extending the path integral approach for quantum thermodynamics, we obtain a generalized free energy equality for both closed and open quantum systems. The equality reveals a decomposition on the source of the free energy change: one is the quantum work functional, and the other emerges from the magnetic flux passing through a closed loop of propagators. The result suggests a distinct quantum effect of magnetic flux and supports to extract additional free energy from the magnetic field.
Flexible organic thin-film transistor immunosensor printed on a one-micron-thick film
Authors: Minamiki Tsukuru , Minami Tsuyoshi , Chen Yi-Pu , Mano Taisei , Takeda Yasunori , Fukuda Kenjiro , Tokito Shizuo
Published: January 2021

Flexible and printed biosensor devices can be used in wearable and disposable sensing systems for the daily management of health conditions. Organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs) are promising candidates for constructing such systems. Moreover, the integration of organic electronic materials and biosensors is of extreme interest owing to their mechanical and chemical features. To this end, the molecular recognition chemistry-based design for the interface between sensor devices and analyte solution is crucial to obtain accurate and reproducible sensing signals of targets, though little consideration has been given to this standpoint in the field of device engineering. Here, we report a printed OTFT on a 1 μm-thick film functionalized with a sensing material. Importantly, the fabricated device quantitatively responds to the addition of a protein immunological marker. These results provide guidelines for the development of effective healthcare tools.
Design and application of inorganic nanoparticles for sonodynamic cancer therapy
Authors: Sun Lihong , Wang Ping , Zhang Jinxia , Sun Yang , Sun Suhui , Xu Menghong , Zhang Lulu , Wang Shumin , Liang Xiaolong , Cui Ligang
Published: January 2021

This review focus on the recent developments in inorganic nanomaterials for tumor SDT.
Moderating cellular inflammation using 2-dimensional titanium carbide MXene and graphene variants
Authors: Ozulumba Tochukwu , Ingavle Ganesh , Gogotsi Yury , Sandeman Susan
Published: January 2021

Graphene and titanium carbide MXene variants significantly reduced bacterial endotoxin induced THP-1 monocyte IL-8, IL-6 and TNF-α cytokine production.
Increasing the activity of the Cu/CuAl2O4/Al2O3 catalyst for the RWGS through preserving the Cu2+ ions
Authors: Bahmanpour Ali M. , Le Monnier Benjamin P. , Du Yuan-Peng , Héroguel Florent , Luterbacher Jeremy S. , Kröcher Oliver
Published: January 2021

Isolated Cu2+ ions actively participate in CO2 hydrogenation. The reduced Cu2+ ions form dispersed Cu sites which adsorb H2 where CuAl2O4 sites actively adsorb CO2.
Highly regenerative and efficient adsorption of phosphate by restructuring natural palygorskite clay via alkaline activation and co-calcination
Authors: Wei Yanfu , Guo Kexin , Wu Honghai , Yuan Peng , Liu Dong , Du Peixin , Chen Pengcheng , Wei Longmeng , Chen Wei
Published: January 2021

Regeneration via alkaline activation and synthesis via co-calcination restructured natural palygorskite clay, demonstrating excellent regeneration performance with high adsorption capacity.
Mechanism of the hydrocarbon resistance of selective catalytic reduction catalysts supported on different zeolites
Authors: Lin Beilong , Zhang Jiawei , Shi Haifeng , Chen Ziying , Jiang Boqiong
Published: January 2021

Cu–Mn/SAPO-34 demonstrated excellent HC resistance, NOx complexes and NH3 species could be formed and SCR reaction proceed. While on Cu–Mn/ZSM-5, the active site was occupied by acrylate leading to SCR reaction blocked.
Enabling storage and utilization of low-carbon electricity: power to formic acid
Authors: Chatterjee Sudipta , Dutta Indranil , Lum Yanwei , Lai Zhiping , Huang Kuo-Wei
Published: January 2021

Power to formic acidviaCO2hydrogenation or electrochemical CO2reduction has great potential to enable a complete cycle with formic acid to power for the storage and utilization of low-carbon electricity at a scale of multi-gigatonnes per year.
A comparison study of the influence of milk protein versus whey protein in high-protein diets on adiposity in rats
Authors: Ren Haoyi , Liu Tristan C. , Lu Yipin , Zhang Kai , Xu Ying , Zhou Peng , Tang Xue
Published: January 2021

40% MPC reduced the increase in body weight, fat ratio and plasma lipid levels induced by high-fat diet in rats. It also increased the transsulfuration pathway, increasing levels of H2S, promoting the body's lipid metabolism.
A comparative volatilomic characterization of Florence fennel from different locations: antiviral prospects
Authors: Ibrahim Nehal , Moussa Ashaimaa Y.
Published: January 2021

Volatilomic profiling of Florence fennel with anti-HAV protease and anti-HCV polymerase activities and best fitting phytomarkers.
Synthesis of small Ni-core–Au-shell catalytic nanoparticles on TiO2by galvanic replacement reaction
Authors: Reboul Julien , Li Z. Y. , Yuan Jun , Nakatsuka Kazuki , Saito Masakazu , Mori Kohsuke , Yamashita Hiromi , Xia Yu , Louis Catherine
Published: January 2021

Galvanic replacement reaction to synthesize small catalytic bimetallic Au–Ni nanoparticles with Ni core–Au shell structure directly on an oxide support.
Optical simulation of ultimate performance enhancement in ultrathin Si solar cells by semiconductor nanocrystal energy transfer sensitization
Authors: Yalin Brandon , Liapis Andreas C. , Eisaman Matthew D. , Nykypanchuk Dmytro , Nam Chang-Yong
Published: January 2021

A theoretical framework combining transfer matrix method simulation and energy transfer (ET) calculation reveals critical device design guidelines for developing efficient ultrathin Si solar cells sensitized by semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs).
Au101–rGO nanocomposite: immobilization of phosphine-protected gold nanoclusters on reduced graphene oxide without aggregation
Authors: Mousavi Hanieh , Yin Yanting , Howard-Fabretto Liam , Sharma Shailendra Kumar , Golovko Vladimir , Andersson Gunther G. , Shearer Cameron J. , Metha Gregory F.
Published: January 2021

A method is presented for the deposition of gold clusters onto reduced graphene oxide, without aggregation of the gold clusters.
Mesoporous nanosensors for sensitive monitoring and removal of copper ions in wastewater samples
Authors: El-Sewify Islam M. , Khalil Mostafa M. H.
Published: January 2021

FHNS nanosensors allow for the ultra-sensitive monitoring and capture of Cu2+ ions with a low detection limit and high adsorption capacity.
Facile synthesis of 3D Ni@C nanocomposites derived from two kinds of petal-like Ni-based MOFs towards lightweight and efficient microwave absorbers
Authors: Yi Pengshu , Yao Zhengjun , Zhou Jintang , Wei Bo , Lei Lei , Tan Ruiyang , Fan Huiyuan
Published: January 2021

3D conductive networks constructed by decorating petal-like Ni-based MOFs on the surface of graphene nanosheets exhibit superior microwave absorption properties.
Calcium-catalyzed formal [3 + 2] annulation of C,N-diacyliminium ions with nucleophilic phenols: a diversity oriented synthesis of 3-aminofurans
Authors: P. Rajesh , Almansour Abdulrahman I. , Arumugam Natarajan , Yaragorla Srinivasarao
Published: January 2021

We report a one-pot, three-component, solvent-free, cascade reaction for the synthesis of 3-aminofurans using a calcium catalyst, in which, the in situ formed C,N-diacyliminium ion, is the key intermediate.
Silicon phthalocyanines: synthesis and resurgent applications
Authors: Mitra Koushambi , Hartman Matthew C. T.
Published: January 2021

Their unique axial bonds and NIR optical properties have made silicon phthalocyanines (SiPcs) valuable compounds. Herein, we present key synthetic strategies and emerging applications of SiPcs over the past decade.
Enantioselective [3 + 2] annulation of 4-isothiocyanato pyrazolones and alkynyl ketones under organocatalysis
Authors: Wang Wenyao , Wei Shiqiang , Bao Xiaoze , Nawaz Shah , Qu Jingping , Wang Baomin
Published: January 2021

An asymmetric [3 + 2] annulation reaction of 4-isothiocyanato pyrazolones with alkynyl ketones is developed, providing expeditious access to spiro[pyrroline–pyrazolones].
Design and characterization of oil-in-water nanoemulsion for enhanced oil recovery stabilized by amphiphilic copolymer, nonionic surfactant, and LAPONITE® RD
Authors: Zhao Yi , Peng Fangfang , Ke Yangchuan
Published: January 2021

Emulsion with small particle size and good stability stabilized by emulsifiers was successfully prepared for EOR application.
Conjugate between hydrolyzed collagen from defatted seabass skin and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG): characteristics, antioxidant activity and in vitro cellular bioactivity
Authors: Chotphruethipong Lalita , Sukketsiri Wanida , Battino Maurizio , Benjakul Soottawat
Published: January 2021

Bioactivites of hydrolyzed collagen from defatted Seabass skin were enhanced via conjugation with epigallocatechin-gallate (EGCG) using free radical grafting method.
Comparison of fractal dimensions from nitrogen adsorption data in shale via different models
Authors: Liu Kouqi , Ostadhassan Mehdi , Jang Ho Won , Zakharova Natalia V. , Shokouhimehr Mohammadreza
Published: January 2021

Comparison of the fractal dimensions from different fractal theories by using the same sample gas adsorption isotherm.
Preparation of ZnO/two-layer self-doped black TiO2 nanotube arrays and their enhanced photochemical properties
Authors: Yu Dengji , Zhang Yunfang , Wang Fang , Dai Jun
Published: January 2021

Highly efficient TiO2 photoanodes can be achieved by enhancing electrical conductivity and improving charge separation and transfer.
Arenesulfonyl indole: new precursor for diversification of C-3 functionalized indoles
Authors: Kaur Banni Preet , Kaur Jasneet , Chimni Swapandeep Singh
Published: January 2021

Arenesulfonyl indole has emerged as an efficient scaffold to provide direct access to C-3 substituted indole derivativesviavinylogous imine intermediate generated by elimination of arenesulfinic group under basic conditions.
Performance optimization and fast rate capabilities of novel polymer cathode materials through balanced electronic and ionic transport
Authors: Gannett Cara N. , Peterson Brian M. , Melecio-Zambrano Luis , Trainor Colleen Q. , Fors Brett P. , Abruña Héctor D.
Published: January 2021

Balancing electronic and ionic transport is crucial to developing next-generation high-power organic electrode materials.
N-doped porous carbon spheres as metal-free electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Ren Guangyuan , Chen Shaoqing , Zhang Junxian , Zhang Nianji , Jiao Chuanlai , Qiu Haifa , Liu Chongxuan , Wang Hsing-Lin
Published: January 2021

We demonstrate a template-free strategy to synthesize N-doped carbon spheres by pyrolysis of self-assembled UF resin. The NPCS-900 exhibits excellent ORR electrocatalytic performance both in alkaline and acid solution compared to that of Pt/C.
An innovative approach to design highly stabilized thermistor materials: dual-phase five-component CoMnFeZnYO7 ceramics
Authors: Wang Bing , Wang Junhua , Yao Jincheng , Chang Aimin
Published: January 2021

The multi-component design strategy achieves ultra-high stability in thermistor applications.
M2As2Q5 (M = Ba, Pb; Q = S, Se): a source of infrared nonlinear optical materials with excellent overall performance activated by multiple discrete arsenate anions
Authors: Chen Man-Man , Ma Zuju , Li Bing-Xuan , Wei Wen-Bo , Wu Xin-Tao , Lin Hua , Zhu Qi-Long
Published: January 2021

M2As2Q5 (M = Ba, Pb; Q = S, Se) have been screened out by combined experiments and theoretical calculations as a new source of IR NLO materials. Interestingly, they exhibit excellent overall performance activated by multiple discrete arsenate anions.
Approximate boundary synchronization by groups for a coupled system of wave equations with coupled Robin boundary conditions
Authors: Li Tatsien , Rao Bopeng
Published: January 2021

In this paper, we first give an algebraic characterization of uniqueness of continuation for a coupled system of wave equations with coupled Robin boundary conditions. Then, the approximate boundary controllability and the approximate boundary synchronization by groups for a coupled system of wave equations with coupled Robin boundary controls are developed around this fundamental characterization.
Mixing Performance of Inner Baffle in Shear Thinning Fluid
Authors: Furukawa Haruki , Mizuno Yoshito , Kato Yoshihito
Published: January 2021

A mixing performance of an inner baffle was investigated in shear thinning fluid. The inner baffle was placed with a clearance between baffle and vessel wall. A traditional two-bladed paddle impeller was used. Four planar baffles were vertically placed in two ways: 1) standard baffle condition 2) inner baffle condition. The standard baffle condition was that the baffle was placed on the mixing vessel wall. A mixing pattern was visualized by decolorization method based on an oxidation-reduction reaction with sodium thiosulfate and iodine. Flow field for shear thinning fluid in mixing vessel was measured by particle image velocimetry and was shown as stream line. A pair of isolated mixing regions (IMR) like doughnut-ring formed above and below the impeller under standard baffle condition. However, IMR dissipated under inner baffle condition. As a result, a mixing time under the inner baffle condition was drastically decreased. This study suggested that inner baffle promoted mixing in shear thinning fluid.
Effect of Marangoni Convection in a Droplet Containing Surfactant on Thin Film Shape
Authors: Matsuda Kazuki , Oyama Tenshin , Ishizuka Hirotaka , Hironaka Shuji , Fukai Jun
Published: January 2021

In printed electronics, uniform and solute film formation by the inkjet method is very important. This study aims to clarify the relationship between Marangoni convection generated by adding surfactant and thinning of solute film. First, four types of surfactants were added one by one to the anisole-polystyrene solution with varying concentrations, and then a little amount of fluorescent polymer was added as tracer to each solution. Next, each solution was dropped on a hydrophilic substrate with a droplet diameter of 80 micrometers using an inkjet method, and the flow in the evaporation process and the shape of the solute film after drying were observed. As a result, Marangoni convection occurred when any surfactant was added at a certain concentration or more, and the solute film after drying of the droplets to which two kinds of surfactants were added became thin and approached a uniform shape. In addition, the measurement of surface tension showed that the visualized flow is the Marangoni convection.
Stable Operation of Rotary Stoker Furnace for Industrial Waste
Authors: Shinohara Koichi , Kono Daisuke , Minakami Masayoshi , Kawajiri Tatsuya , Hironaka Shuji , Fukai Jun
Published: January 2021

Incineration is one of the most common methods for the treatment of industrial waste. Large amounts of bottom ash are buried without being reused. By reducing components such as toxic metals contained in bottom ash under suitable incineration conditions, landfill waste can be reduced, and re-use of bottom ash can be increased. In this study, effects of the air supplied to the bottom of a commercialy used rotary stoker furnace was investigated as the first step to improve incineration conditions. Bottom ash content must be controlled against various types of industrial waste whose content changes from day to day. The characteristics of industrial waste containing typical components were numerically investigated using a combustion simulation program. It was found that if the primary air used for combustion is not preheated, auxiliary fuel is required to burn waste. Preheated primary air increases the drying rate of the input material, and allows burning of waste without auxiliary fuel. At the furnace, components and calorific values of input raw material are controlled by mixing different types of waste together. Preheated primary air enables reduction of bottom ash, reduction of auxiliary fuel consumption, and stabilization of furnace operation.
Investigation of Temperature Fluctuation of Diode-Rectified Multiphase AC Arc by High-Speed Visualization
Authors: Tanaka Manabu , Kugimiya Yuta , Maruyama Hiroki , Watanabe Takayuki , Matsuura Tsugio
Published: January 2021

An innovative multiphase AC arc was drastically improved by diode-rectification technique with bipolar electrode. Temperature fields and arc behaviour of the diode-rectified multiphase AC was successfully visualized on the basis of the high-speed camera technique with appropriate band-pass filter optics. Arc temperature was measured by Boltzmann plot method with two line emissions from atomic argon at 675.2834 nm and 794.8176 nm. Arc temperature fluctuates in the range from 7,000 to 13,000 K. The arc temperature near the cathode was higher than 13,000 K, while that near the anode was about 10,000 K. Arc temperature in the centre region in the furnace was about 7,000–9,000 K, which is sufficiently high to melt and evaporate the refractory metals or ceramics. Obtained results suggested the diode-rectified multiphase AC arc is a promising thermal plasma source for material processing at high productivity.
Formation Mechanism of Amorphous Silicon Nanoparticles Synthesized by Induction Thermal Plasma
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyu , Yamano Kentaro , Hayashida Ririko , Sone Hirotaka , Tanaka Manabu , Watanabe Takayuki
Published: January 2021

This study focus on the synthesis of amorphous silicon nanoparticles and understanding the formation mechanism. Counter-flow quenching gases with different flow rates were injected from downstream of the torch to understand the effect of quenching gas on the formation of silicon nanoparticles. Transmission electron microscopy show that nanoparticles with spherical shape and agglomerates consist of smaller particles were synthesized. X-ray diffraction analysis is used to calculate the amorphization degree, which is defined as fraction of amorphous silicon in the silicon nanoparticles including both crystal and amorphous. The obtained results show that higher quenching gas flow rate leads to smaller diameter with higher amorphization degree. Electron diffraction patterns reveal that nanoparticles with diameter less than 10 nm are amorphous and agglomerated together, while for the nanoparticles with diameter larger than 10 nm are crystal. The formation mechanism of amorphous silicon nanoparticles is explained by estimated nucleation temperature and experimental results. Consequently, silicon nucleates at about 2400 K and then silicon vapor condenses on the nucleus. Finally, smaller nanoparticles will keep amorphous phase, while nanoparticles with a larger diameter grow to form crystalline.
Reductive Adsorption of Chromium(VI) with Activated Carbon
Authors: Hoang Anh Viet , Chen Ya Wen , Wang Ya-Fen , Nishihama Syouhei , Yoshizuka Kazuharu
Published: January 2021

Reductive adsorption of chromium (Cr) has been investigated, employing coal-based activated carbon with batchwise study. The adsorption was carried out by varying parameters such as pH of the aqueous solution and contact time. Cr(III) was hardly adsorbed on activated carbon, and it was precipitated at high pH region. High adsorption amounts of Cr(VI) was obtained at pH range 4.5 – 5.5. In the adsorption process, reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) was occurred at especially acidic pH region, and thus most of Cr remained in the aqueous solution in this pH region was Cr(III).
Adsorption Properties of Au(III) and Cu(II) from Aqueous Solution Using Chemically Treated Sheep Wool
Authors: Enkhzaya Solongo , Shiomori Koichiro , Oyuntsetseg Bolormaa
Published: January 2021

Au(III) and Cu(II) adsorption from aqueous solution were carried out using sheep wools with chemical treatments, by NaOH, Na2S, NaHSO3, and NaBH4 aqueous solution. The fibrous wool was transformed into a film like structures after the chemical treatment using Na2S. The sheep wool and the chemically treated sheep wool adsorbed selectively Au(III) from Au-Cu binary aqueous solution and the presence of copper ion had no effect on the Au(III) adsorption. Au(III) adsorbed substantially at low pH range. The kinetic experimental data fitted well with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the adsorption amount of Au(III) increased with time and reached a plateau after 12 h. The kinetic analysis suggests that rate determining step of Au adsorption would be chemisorption due to the formation of a monolayer on the wool surface. Sheep wool is a low cost, eco-friendly material, and has a high capacity of adsorption, and could be used as a biosorbent for precious and heavy metals by modification of appropriate chemical treatment.
Removal of Chromium from Water Environment by Forward Osmosis System
Authors: Pham Minh Tuan , Nishihama Syouhei , Yoshizuka Kazuharu
Published: January 2021

Forward osmosis (FO) technology has been applied for removal of chromium (Cr) from water environment. Comparison of the removal efficiency of Cr(VI) and Cr(III) was investigated by changing several operational conditions. The pH of feed solution plays an important role in rejection of Cr. The Cr(VI) rejection was increased with increasing pH, while Cr(III) rejection was stable. It also demonstrated that the rejection of Cr was higher when the membrane active layer faces the feed solution compared to the rejection when the membrane active layer faces the draw solution.
Nano-porous Zeolite and MOF Filled Mixed Matrix Membranes for Gas Separation
Authors: Liu Yongsheng , Takata Kyosuke , Mukai Yu , Kita Hidetoshi , Tanaka Kazuhiro
Published: January 2021

The commercial SAPO-34 zeolite with 0.38 nm pore size and ZIF-8 particles with 0.34 nm aperture size were separately dispersed into different polymer matrix, to prepare the mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) for gas separation. The dispersed situation of the SAPO-34 and ZIF-8 particles in matrix and the influence of the fillers on the separation performance of the membrane had been investigated in this study. The as-synthesized MMMs showed a better trade-off between permeability and selectivity than the pure polymer membrane and the performance could exceed or close to the upper bound line of polymer membrane for CO2 and CH4 separation. The CO2 permeability and CO2/CH4 ideal selectivity of the 6FDA-mDAT MMM containing 40 wt% SAPO-34 zeolite was 190 barrer and ca. 60, respectively. The 6FDA-TrMPD based MMMs containing 20 wt% ZIF-8 provided a permeability of C3H6 and an ideal selectivity of C3H6/C3H8 at 24 barrer and ca. 17, respectively. These separation performances were in a suitable agreement of the theoretical value from Maxwell model.
Development of Flow Type Cesium Removing Device Using Fluorinated Solvent
Authors: Suzuki Motoshi , Tajima Hideo , Kikuchi Aoi , Taguchi Youji , Nanba Shou-ichi
Published: January 2021

In order to simultaneously achieve separation and volume reduction of radioactive cesium in the aqueous solution, we proposed a solvent extraction using a fluorinated solvent which is a nonflammable liquid having a low boiling point and is easy to distill for regeneration. Firstly optimum conditions for single extraction were determined in a batch operation. The extraction experiment was carried out by changing the pH of 5 mg/L non-radioactive cesium aqueous solution using bis(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid (D2EHPA) as an extractant. The higher the pH of the aqueous phase and the D2EHPA concentration, the better the removal rate. The highest removal rate was about 60% under the pH=13. From the experimental results, the optimum extraction condition was determined as pH=13 and [D2EHPA]=0.15 mol/L. Next multiple extraction test was carried out under this condition, and 90% cesium removal could be achieved in 3 times extraction. Finally, the flow type device using a static mixer for mixing and extracting parts was proposed and then the cesium removal test was performed. The cesium removal performance of this device was equivalent to the batch system.
Changes in Polyphenol Content in Raspberry by Cultivation Environment
Authors: Kobori Ryo , Hashimoto Seiya , Koshimizu Hayato , Kawasaki Takashi , Saito Akiko
Published: January 2021

It is known that red raspberry (Rubus idaeus) contains various polyphenol compounds at high concentration and its functionality is expected to have health maintenance and disease prevention effect. Not only the fruits, but also the leaves of raspberry plants, are highly esteemed for tea making around the world and are largely used for food. Cultivation of raspberry in a plant factory unit and analysis of leaf extract under different cultivation conditions such as light intensity, wavelength and temperature showed that flavan-3-ol derivatives increase under blue light confirmed.
Micronization of Curcuma xanthorrhiza Extract with Addition of PVP Using Supercritical CO2 as Anti-solvent
Authors: Ramadhana Rucita , Lestari Sarah Duta , Almadilla Syahna , Prasetya Rizky , Machmudah Siti , Winardi Sugeng , Wahyudiono  , Goto Motonobu
Published: January 2021

Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb, known as Temulawak or Javanese ginger, is a plant species. Its rhizomes are used as a medicinal herb. It contains curcumin as an active compound and ethereal oils mainly consisted of sesquiterpenes. In this work, Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb ethanolic extract was micronized with an addition of PVP using supercritical antisolvent (SAS) method. The ethanolic extract was obtained from dried Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb using soxhletation. For the micronization, the extracted compound solvent was a mixture of acetone and ethanol (90:10 (v/v)), while the supercritical CO2 was used as an antisolvent. The effect of operating conditions on the particle size and morphology was evaluated. Through this method, spherical Curcuma xanthorrhiza/PVP particles with mean diameter ranging from 191 ± 70 nm to 178 ± 57 nm were successfully formed. The particle size not significantly decreased as the pressure increased from 8 12 MPa. The addition of PVP is very effective to reduce the particle size, increase the solubility, and enhance the bioavailability of Curcuma xanthorrhiza extract. This work has the potential to improve the use of Curcuma xanthorrhiza in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications.
Removal of Saturated Monoglyceride in Biodiesel Using Adsorption and Its Effect on Low-Temperature Properties of Biodiesel Blends
Authors: Srikwanjai Pheeraphak , Ngampuengpis Watcharin , Ngamcharussrivichai Chawalit
Published: January 2021

Saturated monoglyceride (SMG) is a main cause of precipitate formed above cloud point of biodiesel (B100), which leads to filter plugging in diesel engine. In this work, we studied the effect of SMG content (0.1–0.7 wt%) of palm biodiesel (PO-B100) on the cloud point (CP) of diesel fuels blended with PO-B100 at different concentrations (B0, B7, B10 and B20). Euro 4 and Euro 5 diesels with a high and low aromatic content were used, respectively. The effect of SMG concentration on CP of biodiesel blends was more pronounced in case of a low aromatic Euro 5 diesel. An extent of CP change was also affected by the initial SMG concentration of PO-B100 and biodiesel blending ratios since they determined the SMG content of the final biodiesel blends. An adsorptive removal of SMG in PO-B100 was investigated by using natural zeolite as much cheaper adsorbents than commercial magnesium silicate (MS) and silica gel. The crystalline structure of natural zeolite and MS was studied by X-ray diffraction. Both MS and silica gel exhibited higher performance than natural zeolite in the SMG removal at 45 °C. To improve the SMG adsorption capacity, the natural zeolite was treated with 1 M nitric acid solution at 60 °C. The resulting modified zeolite had an increased SiO2 content, as measured by X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, due to dealumination effect. Moreover, it showed an improved adsorption performance: the capacity of SMG adsorption was 31.5 mgSMG g-1, corresponding to a decrease of SMG content of PO-B100 from 0.7 wt% to 0.35 wt%, when using 10 wt% adsorbent loading at 45 oC for 50 min. As a result, an increase in the cloud point of biodiesel blends was significantly retarded.
Analysis of Safety Culture Weaknesses in Chemical Safety Board Investigation Reports
Authors: Uno Kenichi
Published: January 2021

The U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB), an independent, non-regulatory federal agency that investigates the root causes of major chemical incidents, has firstly analyzed safety culture as an important element to maintain process safety in the investigation report of “BP America Refinery Explosion” in 2007. On the same year, the Center for Chemical Process Safety (CCPS) published Risk Based Process Safety (RBPS) in which process safety culture was newly added as an element. The author found six CSB reports which analyzed the weaknesses of safety culture and related them to the essential features of process safety culture in RBPS. Discussions are made on the results of the relations.
A Novel Methodology for Health Hazard and Risk Assessment of Dermal and Inhalation Exposure
Authors: Raslan Rafeqah , Hassim Mimi H. , Chemmangattuvalappil Nishanth G. , Ng Denny K. S.
Published: January 2021

Household products such as dishwasher products and multipurpose cleaners may contain specific chemical ingredients to meet the consumer needs. However, some of the ingredients may result in skin and respiratory irritation. Thus, a systematic methodology to estimate the extent of hazard and risk for consumers’ exposure to the products is needed. In this work, an index-based methodology is presented to estimate the severity of the hazards and risks of the ingredients at during the early stage of product design. Higher score was assigned to the higher potential of hazard and risk, and vice versa. The hazard potential was determined based on hazard classification by the Global Harmonised System (GHS). Risk assessment was performed by considering the Margin of Exposure (MOE) and Risk Characterization Ratio (RCR). To demonstrate the proposed methodology, the dermal and inhalation hazards as well as risks from ingredients used in formulation of liquid detergent were evaluated.
Case Study of Text Analytics Applied to Accident Reports of a University
Authors: Hayashi Rumiko , Yamada Tsubasa , Shinkawa Kouhei , Tomita Kengo , Nishikimi Tadashi , Murata Shizuaki , Kurimoto Hidekazu
Published: January 2021

Many accidents have occurred in universities and the accident reports are accumulated in most universities. The information described in the accident reports must be used effectively to prevent a recurrence of the accidents. In this study, we applied text analytics to the description written in 373 accident reports in a university as a case study. Information mining method was adopted for the contents analysis, and 9 factors based on m-SHEL and human error, that is “software”, “hardware”, “environment”, “liveware2”, “management” “slip”, “lapse”, “mistake”, and “violation” were used for morphological analysis for description in report. The factors in each category of accident situation were extracted, and it is suggested that text analytics is one of the most effective methods to analyse the accident reports in universities.
Elution Profiles of Antibody-Drug Conjugates in Preparative Chromatography
Authors: Tanaka Takuro , Ikeda Koichiro , Yamamoto Shuichi , Yoshimoto Noriko
Published: January 2021

Monoclonal antibody drug conjugate (ADCs) have received much attention as pharmaceutical agents for treating serious diseases such as cancer. However, it is difficult to separate them on the basis of the drug to antibody ratio, DAR. Hydrophobic chromatography (HIC) is commonly used for the analysis of the drug to antibody ratio, DAR. The retention of ADCs on HIC can be controlled by the hydrophobic nature of ADCs, depending on the mobile phase conditions. They are sometimes performed at the restricted conditions where the solubility is too low. Ion exchange chromatography (IEC) using electrostatic interaction is an orthogonal method to HIC. IEC is widely used because of its higher capacity than HIC. We investigated the retention behavior of the protein conjugated with surrogate drugs on IEC. The surrogate drugs employed are 7-diethylamino-3-(4’-maleimidylhenyl) 4-methylcoumarin (CPM), N-(1-pyrenyl) maleimide (NPM). Bovine serum albumin (BSA) was used as a model protein. The molar ratio (CPM and NPM to protein) was set to 3. The maleimide group of CPM and NPM reacts with the thiol group of the proteins. On the linear gradient elution experiments, the elution salt concentrations of the conjugated and non-conjugated proteins were measured to obtain chromatographic parameter of the number of binding sites, B.
Isothermal Titration Calorimetry as a Method for Analyzing Protein Adsorption in Ion Exchange Chromatography
Authors: Simoes-Cardoso Joao , Hoshino Nanako , Yoshimoto Noriko , Yamamoto Shuichi
Published: January 2021

Ion exchange chromatography is a widely used method for purification of all types of biomolecules in current biotechnological downstream processes. Knowledge on the binding behavior of proteins provides valuable insight for understanding the molecular mechanisms of protein interactions in a biological context. However, thermodynamic parameters such as enthalpy and entropy changes that characterize protein adsorption are still unknown. Isothermal titration calorimetry applications in biosciences has gained its merit to study binding of soluble molecules, protein inhibition, conformational changes, reaction kinetics, and protein adsorption. However, in the case of protein adsorption, a lot of complications arise since the usual models used to study protein interactions in solution are no longer valid. This work explains a detailed methodology for the obtention of adsorption enthalpy, entropy and Gibbs energy of protein adsorption, by using ITC together with equilibrium adsorption isotherms.
Avoiding digital marketing analytics myopia: revisiting the customer decision journey as a strategic marketing framework
Authors: Vollrath Matthew D. , Villegas Salvador G.
Published: January 2021

The use of analytics data in digital marketing has had a profound impact on the way marketers create consumer relationships and how firms make decisions. However, the marketing analytics literature offers little guidance on how digital marketing analytics tools should be selected and leveraged in service to the firm’s overall strategy. Foundational marketing theory and research concerning the origin of consumer value and the primary importance of the consumer decision journey to strategy formation offer a pathway to evaluating digital marketing tools and analysis in a strategic and theoretically sound manner. This paper builds on seminal marketing thought to propose a conceptual framework that places use of digital marketing analytics tools and channels in the context of a firm’s marketing plan. The framework has diverse applications across many industries and platforms and can help markers avoid falling victim to digital marketing analytics myopia, even as evolving technologies and broader societal forces like the response to Covid-19 accelerate the digitalization of marketing.
Surface ionization of metastable calcium atoms
Authors: Bucay I. , Helal A. , Raizen M. G.
Published: January 2021

We report on an experimental study of surface ionization of metastable calcium atoms on a hot polycrystalline tungsten surface in vacuum. We implemented a hollow-cathode discharge to excite a fraction of calcium atoms in an atomic beam to metastable states and collected the resulting calcium ions. We observed that metastable calcium atoms are ionized with a significantly greater efficiency than ground-state atoms, and the results suggest that virtually every metastable atom impacting the hot surface is ionized. These results demonstrate the potential of metastable atom surface ionization as a means of enriching calcium isotopes for applications in medicine, metrology, and fundamental science.
Near-infrared-ray computed tomography with an 808 nm laser beam and high spatial resolutions
Authors: Sato Eiichi , Oda Yasuyuki , Yoshida Sohei , Yoshioka Kunihiro , Moriyama Hodaka , Watanabe Manabu
Published: January 2021

To increase the penetrating photons and to improve the spatial resolution in near-infrared-ray computed tomography (NIR-CT), we used an 808 nm laser module. The NIR photons are produced from the laser module, and an object is exposed to the laser beam. The laser power is controlled by the applied voltage, and the photodiode detects photons penetrating through the object. To reduce scattering photons from the object, a 1.0-mm-diameter graphite pinhole is set behind the object. The spatial resolutions were improved using a 1.0-mm-diameter 5.0-mm-length graphite collimator and were ∼1 × 1 mm2. The NIR-CT was accomplished by repeating the object-reciprocating translations and rotations of the object using the turntable, and the ray-sampling-translation and rotation steps were 0.1 mm and 0.5°, respectively. The scanning time was 19.6 min at a total rotation angle of 180°. Triple-sensitivity CT was accomplished using amplifiers, and a graphite rod in the chicken fillet was visible when increasing amplification factor.
Electrical characteristics of a low-temperature, atmospheric-pressure helium plasma jet
Authors: Sakakita Hajime , Shimizu Tetsuji , Kiyama Satoru
Published: January 2021

In this work, we precisely measure the electrical properties of a low-temperature atmospheric-pressure helium plasma jet, such as the rf current and voltage, and analyze in detail its characteristics. The results show that the instantaneous plasma current and voltage are nearly in phase, which means that the plasma is purely resistive. The instantaneous plasma power is always active, and the average output power is the same as the plasma power. Thus, almost all the active energy flows instantaneously into the plasma. The large fraction of active energy that flows into the plasma is used for heating neutral particles in collisions. The number and polarity of the charged particles at the inner surface of the dielectric tube in the plasma electrode were estimated by integrating the plasma current. When the plasma discharge is maintained between the plasma electrode and target plate, the polarity is always negative with respect to the target plate. When the plasma is exposed to the ambient air without the target plate, the polarity is bipolar. We attribute this difference to the loss mechanism of plasma.
Patterning in colloidal droplets by forced airflow
Authors: Yang Quansan , Gao Ye , He Feng , Hao Pengfei
Published: January 2021

Strategies to suppress the coffee-ring effect are critical in various applications, such as printing, surface manufacturing, and biochemical analysis. We propose a simple and contactless method based on forced airflow to obtain uniform depositions of drying colloidal droplets in this work. This method eliminates the coffee-ring effect without chemical/physical modifications of the suspensions and substrates. The tangential liquid flow in the drying droplets caused by forced airflow prevents nanoparticles from accumulating on the periphery and diminishes the three-phase contact line's pinning. The contact line retracts continuously and smoothly, resulting in a relatively uniform stain pattern. This paper experimentally explores several critical parameters in this strategy, including the droplet volume, the distance between droplets and the air inlet pipe, and forced airflow velocity. Our comprehensive study of the forced-air strategy offers potential for further diverse applications in both industrial and scientific fields.
The Sternheimer approach to all-electron real-space density-functional perturbation theory with atomic basis set
Authors: Shang Honghui
Published: January 2021

We present an efficient perturbative method to get the response density matrix using localized non-orthogonal basis sets. This scheme is based on the solution of the coupled perturbed self-consistent field equation with the Sternheimer approach, which only requires the occupied states and avoids a sum over unoccupied states. We present a complete derivation of the Sternheimer approach to perturbation theory within the framework of the linear combination of atomic orbitals. To demonstrate the capabilities of this method, we have implemented it in the all-electron Fritz Haber Institute ab initio molecular simulation package and applied it to benchmark molecules. For the response properties with respect to the atomic displacement and to the homogeneous electric field, the results are in excellent agreement with those of the previous traditional method and fully validate this Sternheimer approach.
Landscape and flux quantify the stochastic transition dynamics for p53 cell fate decision
Authors: Ye Leijun , Song Zhuoqing , Li Chunhe
Published: January 2021

The p53 transcription factor is a key mediator in cellular responses to various stress signals including DNA repair, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis. In this work, we employ landscape and flux theory to investigate underlying mechanisms of p53-regulated cell fate decisions. Based on a p53 regulatory network, we quantified the potential landscape and probabilistic flux for the p53 system. The landscape topography unifies and quantifies three cell fate states, including the limit cycle oscillations (representing cell cycle arrest), high p53 state (characterizing apoptosis), and low p53 state (characterizing the normal proliferative state). Landscape and flux results provide a quantitative explanation for the biphasic dynamics of the p53 system. In the oscillatory phase (first phase), the landscape attracts the system into the ring valley and flux drives the system cyclically moving, leading to cell cycle arrest. In the fate decision-making phase (second phase), the ring valley shape of the landscape provides an efficient way for cells to return to the normal proliferative state once DNA damage is repaired. If the damage is unrepairable with larger flux, the system may cross the barrier between two states and switch to the apoptotic state with a high p53 level. By landscape-flux decomposition, we revealed a trade-off between stability (guaranteed by landscape) and function (driven by flux) in cellular systems. Cells need to keep a balance between appropriate speed to repair DNA damage and appropriate stability to survive. This is further supported by flux landscape analysis showing that flux may provide the dynamical origin of phase transition in a non-equilibrium system by changing landscape topography.