bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anti-Inflammatory and Physicochemical Characterization of the Croton rhamnifolioides Essential Oil Inclusion Complex in β-Cyclodextrin
Authors: Oliveira Brito Pereira Bezerra Martins Anita , Wanderley Almir Gonçalves , Alcântara Isabel Sousa , Rodrigues Lindaiane Bezerra , Cesário Francisco Rafael Alves Santana , Correia de Oliveira Maria Rayane , Castro Fyama Ferreira e , Albuquerque Thaís Rodrigues de , da Silva Maria Sanadia Alexandre , Ribeiro-Filho Jaime , Coutinho Henrique Douglas Melo , Menezes Paula Passos , Quintans-Júnior Lucindo José , Araújo Adriano Antunes de Souza , Iriti Marcello , Almeida Jackson Roberto Guedes da Silva , Menezes Irwin Rose Alencar de
Published: June 2020

Croton rhamnifolioides is used in popular medicine for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. The objective of this study was to characterize and evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of C. rhamnifolioides essential oil complexed in β-cyclodextrin (COEFC). The physicochemical characterization of the complexes was performed using different physical methods. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated in vivo by ear edema, paw edema, cotton pellet-induced granuloma, and vascular permeability by Evans blue extravasation. The mechanism of action was validated by molecular docking of the major constituent into the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2 enzyme). All doses of the COEFC reduced acute paw edema induced by carrageenan and dextran, as well as vascular permeability. Our results suggest the lowest effective dose of all samples inhibited the response induced by histamine or arachidonic acid as well as the granuloma formation. The complexation process showed that the pharmacological effects were maintained, however, showing similar results using much lower doses. The results demonstrated an involvement of the inhibition of pathways dependent on eicosanoids and histamine. Complexation of β-cyclodextrin/Essential oil (β-CD/EO) may present an important tool in the study of new compounds for the development of anti-inflammatory drugs.
Teachers’ Constructivist and Ethical Beliefs
Authors: Sharkey Marie , Gash Hugh
Published: June 2020

Teachers’ approaches and beliefs are key determinants of teachers’ practice. This study was designed to examine whether two aspects of Irish primary teacher beliefs are associated, their views on constructivist practices and their views on two ethical dimensions (idealism and relativism). The views of a sample of 35 teachers were assessed using the Constructivist Learning Environment Survey (CLES) and the Ethical Position Questionnaire (EPQ). Significant relationships were found between ethical position and scores on dimensions on the CLES. For example, idealistic teachers valued uncertainty and student negotiation more than teachers with high relativist scores. The results are discussed in the context of continuing professional development and future research.
Experimental and Numerical Study of Behaviour of Reinforced Masonry Walls with NSM CFRP Strips Subjected to Combined Loads
Authors: Hernoune Houria , Benabed Benchaa , Kanellopoulos Antonios , Al-Zuhairi Alaa Hussein , Guettala Abdelhamid
Published: June 2020

Near surface mounted (NSM) carbon fibers reinforced polymer (CFRP) reinforcement is one of the techniques for reinforcing masonry structures and is considered to provide significant advantages. This paper is composed of two parts. The first part presents the experimental study of brick masonry walls reinforced with NSM CFRP strips under combined shear-compression loads. Masonry walls have been tested under vertical compression, with different bed joint orientations 90° and 45° relative to the loading direction. Different reinforcement orientations were used including vertical, horizontal, and a combination of both sides of the wall. The second part of this paper comprises a numerical analysis of unreinforced brick masonry (URM) walls using the detailed micro-modelling approach (DMM) by means of ABAQUS software. In this analysis, the non-linearity behavior of brick and mortar was simulated using the concrete damaged plasticity (CDP) constitutive laws. The results proved that the application of the NSM-CFRP strips on the masonry wall influences significantly strength, ductility, and post-peak behavior, as well as changing the failure modes. The adopted DMM model provides a good interface to predict the post peak behavior and failure mode of unreinforced brick masonry walls.
Catalytic Pyrolysis of Tetra Pak over Acidic Catalysts
Authors: Siddiqui Muhammad Zain , Han Tae Uk , Park Young-Kwon , Kim Young-Min , Kim Seungdo
Published: June 2020

The thermal and catalytic pyrolysis of two kinds of Tetra Pak waste (TP-1 and TP-2) over three different acidic catalysts—HZSM-5(SiO2/Al2O3, 30), HBeta (38), and Al-MCM-41(20)—were investigated in this study. Tetra Pak (TP) wastes consist of composite material comprising kraft paper, polyethylene (PE) film, and aluminum foil. Thermal decomposition behaviors during the pyrolysis of TPs were monitored using a thermogravimetric (TG) analyzer and tandem micro reactor-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (TMR-GC/MS). Neither the interaction between the non-catalytic pyrolysis intermediates of kraft paper and PE, nor the effect of aluminum foil have been monitored during the non-catalytic TG analysis of TPs. The maximum decomposition temperatures of PE in TP-1 shifted from 465 °C to 432 °C by HBeta(38), 439 °C by HZSM-5(30), and 449 °C by Al-MCM-41(20), respectively. The results of the TMR-GC/MS analysis indicate that the non-catalytic pyrolysis of TPs results in the formation of large amounts of furans and heavy hydrocarbons and they are converted efficiently to aromatic hydrocarbons over the acidic catalysts. Among the three catalysts, HZSM-5(30) produced the largest amount of aromatic hydrocarbons, followed by HBeta(38) and Al-MCM-41(20) owing to their different acidity and pore size. Compared to TP-1, TP-2 produced a larger amount of aromatic hydrocarbons via catalytic pyrolysis because of its relatively larger PE content. The synergistic formation of aromatic hydrocarbons was also enhanced during the catalytic pyrolysis of TPs due to the effective role of PE as hydrogen donor to kraft paper. In terms of their catalytic effectiveness, HZSM-5(30) had a longer lifetime than HBeta(38).
Development of Durable Antibacterial Textile Fabrics for Potential Application in Healthcare Environment
Authors: Wang Wen-Yi , Chiou Jia-Chi , Yip Joanne , Yung Ka-Fu , Kan Chi-Wai
Published: June 2020

Recently, efforts at development of functional textiles with antibacterial effect have accelerated, the purpose being to provide protection against airborne bio-particles and micro-organisms. Growth of microbes on surface of textile materials can be inhibited by biocidal approach and biostatic approach. This paper describes the development of a healthcare textile with durable antibacterial properties by optimizing the conventional and commercialized antimicrobial agent polybiguanide derivative—poly(hexamethylenebiguanide) (PHMB). Pad-dry-cure method was used to coat PHMB on cotton fabrics. The durability to simulated healthcare laundering of the fabric samples was evaluated in detail. Specifically, effects of detergent and washing cycles were examined. It was found that the optimum finishing condition can impart to the fabrics excellent durability for simulated healthcare washing. The fabric samples showed 100% bactericidal effect after 52 washing cycles, and 104 washings slightly reduced the bactericidal activity. Nevertheless, both simulated healthcare washing and coating treatment were found to have slightly negative influence on the hand feel and tearing strength properties of cotton fabrics.
Fabrication of Zinc Oxide and Nanostructured Porous Silicon Composite Micropatterns on Silicon
Authors: Ramadan Rehab , Torres-Costa Vicente , Martín-Palma Raúl J.
Published: June 2020

The luminescent properties of zinc oxide (ZnO) and nanostructured porous silicon (PSi) make these materials very appealing for photoemission applications. The current study reports on the fabrication of a composite of ZnO and nanostructured porous silicon micropatterns (ZnO + PSi micropatterns) onto heavily-doped silicon surfaces. The proposed composite micropattern is devoted to the future development of light-emitting diodes. The fabrication of the ZnO + PSi micropatterns was carried out in a two–step process. (1) A regular hexagonal micropattern of a photoresist/ZnO stack was fabricated by UV lithography on crystalline silicon substrates. (2) Before being lifted off the photoresist, nanostructured PSi micropatterns were fabricated by electrochemically etching the exposed areas of the silicon substrate. Subsequently, wet etching of the photoresist was carried out for the final development of the composite ZnO and PSi micropatterns. Further, thin films of ZnO and nanostructured PSi layers were characterized. In particular, their photoluminescent properties were analyzed, as well as their morphology and composition. The experimental PL results show that the ZnO layers have emission broadbands centered at (2.63 eV, blue), while the PSi layers show a band centered at (1.71 eV, red). Further, the emission peaks from the PSi layers can be tuned by changing their fabrication conditions. It was observed that the properties of the ZnO thin films are not influenced by either the surface morphology of PSi or by its PL emissions. Therefore, the PL properties of the composite ZnO + PSi micropatterns are equivalent to those featuring the addition of PSi layers and ZnO thin films. Accordingly, broadband optical emissions are expected to arise from a combination between the ZnO layer (blue band) and PSi (red band). Furthermore, the electrical losses associated with the PSi areas can be greatly reduced since ZnO is in contact with the Si surface. As a result, the proposed composite micropatterns might be attractive for many solid-state lighting applications, such as light-emitting diodes.
Tribological Characteristics of Single-Layer h-BN Measured by Colloidal Probe Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: Tran Tien Van , Chung Koo-Hyun
Published: June 2020

The tribological characteristics of single-layer (1L) hexagonal-boron nitride (h-BN) were systematically investigated using colloidal probe atomic force microscopy, with an aim to elucidate the feasibility as a protective coating layer and solid lubricant for micro- and nanodevices. The experiments were performed to detect the occurrence of failure of 1L h-BN for up to 10,000 cycles under various normal forces. The failure of 1L h-BN did not occur for 10,000 cycles under a 10 μN normal force, corresponding to a contact pressure of about 0.34 GPa. However, the complete failure of 1L h-BN occurred faster with an increasing normal force from 20 to 42 μN. It was observed that the SiO2/Si substrate was locally exposed due to defect formation on the 1L h-BN. The Raman spectroscopy measurement results further suggest that the failure was associated with the compressive strain on 1L h-BN. The friction of 1L h-BN before failure was orders of magnitude smaller than that of a SiO2/Si substrate. The overall results indicate the feasibility of atomically thin h-BN as a protective coating layer and solid lubricant. In particular, the results of this work provide fundamental tribological characteristics of pristine h-BN as a guide, which may be helpful in other practical deposition methods for atomically thin h-BN with enhanced tribological characteristics.
Assessment of Potential of the High-Voltage Anodic Plasma Source to Deposit Multilayer Structures Relevant to X-ray Mirror Applications
Authors: Vlaicu Aurel-Mihai , Anghel Alexandru , Badulescu Marius , Surdu-Bob Cristina
Published: June 2020

(1) Background: The high-voltage anodic-plasma (HVAP) coating technique has a series of specificities that are not simultaneously met in other deposition methods. This paper aimed at assessing the potential of HVAP to synthesize quality multilayers for X-ray optics. (2) Methods: Nanolayers of W, Ta, B, and Si were deposited as mono-, bi-, and multilayers onto very smooth glass substrates by HVAP, and their thickness and density were analyzed by X-ray reflectometry. The minimal film thickness needed to obtain continuous nanolayers was also investigated. (3) Results: Nanolayer roughness did not increase with layer thickness, and could be lowered via deposition rate, with values as low as 0.6 for the W nanolayer. Minimal film thickness for continuous films for the studied metals was 4 nm (W), 6 nm (Ta), 2.5 nm (B), and 6 nm (Si). (4) Conclusions: The investigation revealed the range of parameters to be used for obtaining quality nanolayers and multilayers by HVAP. Advantages and possible improvements are discussed. This deposition technique can be tailored for demanding applications such as X-ray mirrors.
Atomic Layer-Deposited Al-Doped ZnO Thin Films for Display Applications
Authors: Dimitrov Dimitre , Tsai Che-Liang , Petrov Stefan , Marinova Vera , Petrova Dimitrina , Napoleonov Blagovest , Blagoev Blagoy , Strijkova Velichka , Hsu Ken Yuh , Lin Shiuan Huei
Published: June 2020

The integration of high uniformity, conformal and compact transparent conductive layers into next generation indium tin oxide (ITO)-free optoelectronics, including wearable and bendable structures, is a huge challenge. In this study, we demonstrate the transparent and conductive functionality of aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO) thin films deposited on glass as well as on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) flexible substrates by using an atomic layer deposition (ALD) technique. AZO thin films possess high optical transmittance at visible and near-infrared spectral range and electrical properties competitive to commercial ITO layers. AZO layers deposited on flexible PET substrates demonstrate stable sheet resistance over 1000 bending cycles. Based on the performed optical and electrical characterizations, several applications of ALD AZO as transparent conductive layers are shown—AZO/glass-supported liquid crystal (LC) display and AZO/PET-based flexible polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) devices.
Virtual and Augmented Reality Environments to Learn the Fundamentals of Crystallography
Authors: Extremera Jamil , Vergara Diego , Dávila Lilian P. , Rubio Manuel P.
Published: June 2020

Nowadays, there are many situations in which information and communications technology (ICT) is used as a vehicle to transmit knowledge. The fast evolution of technology in recent decades has favored the development of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) and with them the emergence of virtual laboratories (VLs) using VR or AR. Since such technologies can help students understand the atomic spatial distribution, crystallography is a discipline that has taken advantage of the use of VL in the teaching of crystal lattices, thus solving the usual educational problem of visualization in two- and three-dimensions. This paper presents a literature review that helps to identify the main features of VLs (based on VR or AR) that have been developed in the academic field to support the learning of crystallography concepts. Furthermore, this paper describes a VL developed by the authors where students can learn the main contents related to the 14 Bravais lattices (unit cells, directions, crystallographic planes, interstitial sites, etc.) by exploring the stands of a virtual museum. Such a VL uses non-immersive VR and has been designed based on the authors’ long-term research to achieve a high learning effectiveness educative platform.
Imaging-Based Prediction of Molecular Therapy Targets in NSCLC by Radiogenomics and AI Approaches: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ninatti Gaia , Kirienko Margarita , Neri Emanuele , Sollini Martina , Chiti Arturo
Published: June 2020

The objective of this systematic review was to analyze the current state of the art of imaging-derived biomarkers predictive of genetic alterations and immunotherapy targets in lung cancer. We included original research studies reporting the development and validation of imaging feature-based models. The overall quality, the standard of reporting and the advancements towards clinical practice were assessed. Eighteen out of the 24 selected articles were classified as “high-quality” studies according to the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 (QUADAS-2). The 18 “high-quality papers” adhered to Transparent Reporting of a multivariable prediction model for Individual Prognosis or Diagnosis (TRIPOD) with a mean of 62.9%. The majority of “high-quality” studies (16/18) were classified as phase II. The most commonly used imaging predictors were radiomic features, followed by visual qualitative computed tomography (CT) features, convolutional neural network-based approaches and positron emission tomography (PET) parameters, all used alone or combined with clinicopathologic features. The majority (14/18) were focused on the prediction of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation. Thirty-five imaging-based models were built to predict the EGFR status. The model’s performances ranged from weak (n = 5) to acceptable (n = 11), to excellent (n = 18) and outstanding (n = 1) in the validation set. Positive outcomes were also reported for the prediction of ALK rearrangement, ALK/ROS1/RET fusions and programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression. Despite the promising results in terms of predictive performance, image-based models, suffering from methodological bias, require further validation before replacing traditional molecular pathology testing.
A Review of Methods for Estimating Algorithmic Complexity: Options, Challenges, and New Directions
Authors: Zenil Hector
Published: June 2020

Some established and also novel techniques in the field of applications of algorithmic (Kolmogorov) complexity currently co-exist for the first time and are here reviewed, ranging from dominant ones such as statistical lossless compression to newer approaches that advance, complement and also pose new challenges and may exhibit their own limitations. Evidence suggesting that these different methods complement each other for different regimes is presented and despite their many challenges, some of these methods can be better motivated by and better grounded in the principles of algorithmic information theory. It will be explained how different approaches to algorithmic complexity can explore the relaxation of different necessary and sufficient conditions in their pursuit of numerical applicability, with some of these approaches entailing greater risks than others in exchange for greater relevance. We conclude with a discussion of possible directions that may or should be taken into consideration to advance the field and encourage methodological innovation, but more importantly, to contribute to scientific discovery. This paper also serves as a rebuttal of claims made in a previously published minireview by another author, and offers an alternative account.
Characterization of Novel Structures Consisting of Micron-Sized Conductive Particles That Respond to Static Magnetic Field Lines for 4G/5G (Sub-6 GHz) Reconfigurable Antennas
Authors: Iftikhar Adnan , Parrow Jacob , Asif Sajid , Fida Adnan , Allen Jeffery , Allen Monica , Braaten Benjamin , Anagnostou Dimitris
Published: June 2020

Controlling Radio Frequency (RF) signals through switching technology is of interest to designers of modern wireless platforms such as Advanced Wireless services (AWS) from 2.18 GHz–2.2 GHz, mid-bands of sub-6 GHz 5G (2.5 GHz and 3.5 GHz), and 4G bands around 600 MHz/700 MHz, 1.7 GHz/2.1 GHz/2.3 GHz/2.5 GHz. This is because certain layout efficiencies can be achieved if suitable components are chosen to control these signals. The objective of this paper is to present a new model of an RF switch denoted as a Magnetostatic Responsive Structure (MRS) for achieving reconfigurable operation in 4G/5G antennas. In particular, the ABCD matrices of the MRS are derived from the S-parameter values and shown to be a good model from 100 kHz to 3.5 GHz. Furthermore, an overall agreement between simulations, analytical results, and circuit model values are shown.
A 12-Bit 2.4 GS/s Four-Channel Pipelined ADC with a Novel On-Chip Timing Mismatch Calibration
Authors: Jia Hanbo , Guo Xuan , Wu Danyu , Zhou Lei , Luan Jian , Wu Nanxun , Huang Yinkun , Zheng Xuqiang , Wu Jin , Liu Xinyu
Published: June 2020

This paper presents a 12-bit 2.4 GS/s analog-to-digital converter (ADC) employing four time-interleaved (TI) pipelined channels with a novel on-chip timing mismatch calibration in 40 nm CMOS process. TI architecture can increase the effective sampling rate of ADC but the dynamic performance of TI-ADC system is seriously degraded by offset, gain, and timing mismatches among the channels. Timing mismatch is the most challenging barrier among these mismatches due to the difficulty and complexity of its detection and correction. An automatic wideband timing mismatch detection algorithm is proposed for achieving a wide frequency range of timing mismatch detection without complex calculations. By adopting the proposed mismatch-free variable delay line (VDL), the full-scale traversal timing mismatch correction accomplishes an accurate result without missing codes. Measurement results show that the spurious free dynamic range (SFDR) of the prototype ADC is improved from 55.2 dB to 72.8 dB after calibration at 2.4 GS/s with a 141 MHz input signal. It can achieve an SFDR above 60 dB across the entire first Nyquist band based on the timing mismatch calibration and retiming technology. The prototype ADC chip occupies an area of 3 mm × 3 mm and it consumes 420 mW from a 1.8 V supply.
Asymptotic Study of the Radiation Operator for the Strip Current in Near Zone
Authors: Pierri Rocco , Moretta Raffaele
Published: June 2020

In this paper, we address the problem of how to efficiently sample the radiated field in the framework of near-field measurement techniques. In particular, the aim of the article is to find a sampling strategy for which the discretized model exhibits the same singular values of the continuous problem. The study is done with reference to a strip current whose radiated electric field is observed in the near zone over a bounded line parallel to the source. Differently from far zone configurations, the kernel of the related eigenvalue problem is not of convolution type, and not band-limited. Hence, the sampling-theory approach cannot be directly applied to establish how to efficiently collect the data. In order to surmount this drawback, we first use an asymptotic approach to explicit the kernel of the eigenvalue problem. After, by exploiting a warping technique, we recast the original eigenvalue problem in a new one. The latter, if the observation domain is not too large, involves a convolution operator with a band-limited kernel. Hence, in this case the sampling-theory approach can be applied, and the optimal locations of the sampling points can be found. Differently, if the observation domain is very extended, the kernel of the new eigenvalue problem is still not convolution. In this last case, in order to establish how to discretize the continuous model, we perform a numerical analysis.
Numerical Modeling of the Hydro-Morphodynamics of a Distributary Channel of the Po River Delta (Italy) during the Spring 2009 Flood Event
Authors: Nones Michael , Maselli Vittorio , Varrani Arianna
Published: June 2020

One-dimensional (1D) numerical models generally provide reliable results when applied to simulate river hydraulics and morphodynamics upstream of the tidal influence, given the predominantly unidirectional flow conditions. Such models, however, can also be used to reproduce river hydraulics across the fluvial to marine transition zone when specific conditions occur, as during high discharge events, and the results obtained via these simple modeling tools can provide indicative trends that may guide more structured and detailed modeling of a particularly critical area. In this study, the application of a 1D model setup with hydrologic engineering centers river analysis system (HEC-RAS) for simulating the hydro-morphodynamic conditions of a distributary channel of the Po River Delta (Italy) during a flooding event that occurred in Spring 2009 is presented. The channel bathymetry and the grainsize composition was taken from field measurements, while the dimension of the plume offshore the delta was derived from a MODIS image acquired at the peak of the flood. The comparison between the numerical outcomes and the field evidence shows the reliability of the proposed 1D modeling approach in representing the delta dynamics at a large scale, as well as in showing locations where more spatially detailed studies are needed. The code was also able to adequately reproduce the channel hydro-morphodynamics and the sediment data as derived from a core sample taken a few km offshore during the flooding event of April–May 2009. Through a sensitivity analysis, it is also proven that the dimension of the river plume can influence the evolution of the prodelta, while having a rather negligible effect inland, because of the major stresses induced by the high river discharge during the flood event.
Constructing the CityGML ADE for the Multi-Source Data Integration of Urban Flooding
Authors: Shen Jie , Zhou Jingyi , Zhou Jiemin , Herman Lukas , Reznik Tomas
Published: June 2020

Urban flooding, as one of the most serious natural disasters, has caused considerable personal injury and property damage throughout the world. To better cope with the problem of waterlogging, the experts have developed many waterlogging models that can accurately simulate the process of pipe network drainage and water accumulation. The study of urban waterlogging involves many data types. These data come from the departments of hydrology, meteorology, planning, surveying, and mapping, etc. The incoordination of space–time scale and format standard has brought huge obstacles to the study of urban waterlogging. This is not conducive to interpretation, transmission, and visualization in today’s network environment. In this paper, the entities and attributes related to waterlogging are defined. Based on the five modules of urban drainage network, sub basin, dynamic water body, time series, and meteorological data, the corresponding UML (Unified Modeling Language) model is designed and constructed. On this basis, the urban waterlogging application domain extension model city waterlogging application domain extension (CTWLADE) is established. According to the characteristics of different types of data, two different methods based on FME object and citygml4j are proposed to realize the corresponding data integration, and KML (Keyhole Markup Language) /glTF data organization form and the corresponding sharing method are proposed to solve the problem that the CTWLADE model data cannot be visualized directly on the web and cannot interact in three-dimensional format. To evaluate the CTWLADE, a prototype system was implemented, which can convert waterlogging-related multi-source data in extensible markup language (XML) files conform. The current CTWLADE can map the data required and provided by the hydraulic software tool storm water management model (SWMM) and is ready to be integrated into a Web 3D Service to provide the data for 3D dynamic visualization in interactive scenes.
Spatial Variation in Bacterioplankton Communities in the Pearl River, South China: Impacts of Land Use and Physicochemical Factors
Authors: Zhou Lei , Chen Weiyuan , Sun Jijia , Liu Li , Huang Xiande
Published: June 2020

River ecosystems are critical for human and environmental health, with bacterioplankton playing a vital role in biogeochemical cycles. Unveiling the spatial patterns of bacterioplankton communities in relation to environmental factors is important for understanding the processes of microbial variation and functional maintenance. However, our understanding of the correlations among bacterioplankton communities, physicochemical factors, and land use, especially in large rivers affected by intensive anthropogenic activities, remains relatively poor. Here, we investigated the bacterioplankton communities in July 2018 in three main tributaries of the Pearl River, i.e., Beijiang, Xijiang, and Pearl River Delta, based on 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing. Results showed that the most dominant phyla, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Cyanobacteria, and Planctomycetes accounted for 33.75%, 22.15%, 11.65%, and 10.48% of the total abundance, respectively. The bacterioplankton communities showed remarkable differences among the three tributaries in terms of composition, structure, diversity, and predictive functional profiles. Mantel and partial Mantel tests revealed that the bacterioplankton communities were affected by physicochemical variables (p < 0.01) and land use (p < 0.01). Redundancy analysis identified specific conductivity, dissolved oxygen, agricultural land, ammonium, urban land, and water transparency as the dominant environmental factors influencing the bacterioplankton communities in the Pearl River. Variation partitioning analysis indicated that both physicochemical factors and land use had direct effects on the bacterioplankton community, and that land use may also shape bacterioplankton communities through indirect effects of physicochemical factors on riverine ecosystems. This study provides fundamental information on the diversity, spatial patterns, and influencing factors of bacterioplankton communities in the Pearl River, which should enhance our understanding of how such communities change in response to environmental gradients and anthropogenic activities.
Mass Spectrometry-Based Characterization of the Virion Proteome, Phosphoproteome, and Associated Kinase Activity of Human Cytomegalovirus
Authors: Couté Yohann , Kraut Alexandra , Zimmermann Christine , Büscher Nicole , Hesse Anne-Marie , Bruley Christophe , De Andrea Marco , Wangen Christina , Hahn Friedrich , Marschall Manfred , Plachter Bodo
Published: June 2020

The assembly of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) virions is an orchestrated process that requires, as an essential prerequisite, the complex crosstalk between viral structural proteins. Currently, however, the mechanisms governing the successive steps in the constitution of virion protein complexes remain elusive. Protein phosphorylation is a key regulator determining the sequential changes in the conformation, binding, dynamics, and stability of proteins in the course of multiprotein assembly. In this review, we present a comprehensive map of the HCMV virion proteome, including a refined view on the virion phosphoproteome, based on previous publications supplemented by new results. Thus, a novel dataset of viral and cellular proteins contained in HCMV virions is generated, providing a basis for future analyses of individual phosphorylation steps and sites involved in the orchestrated assembly of HCMV virion-specific multiprotein complexes. Finally, we present the current knowledge on the activity of pUL97, the HCMV-encoded and virion-associated kinase, in phosphorylating viral and host proteins.
Human Metapneumovirus Establishes Persistent Infection in Lung Microvascular Endothelial Cells and Primes a Th2-Skewed Immune Response
Authors: Bugatti Antonella , Marsico Stefania , Fogli Manuela , Roversi Sara , Messali Serena , Bosisio Daniela , Giagulli Cinzia , Caruso Arnaldo , Sozzani Silvano , Fiorentini Simona , Caccuri Francesca
Published: June 2020

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a major cause of lower respiratory tract infections. HMPV infection has been hypothesized to alter dendritic cell (DC) immune response; however, many questions regarding HMPV pathogenesis within the infected lung remain unanswered. Here, we show that HMPV productively infects human lung microvascular endothelial cells (L-HMVECs). The release of infectious virus occurs for up to more than 30 days of culture without producing overt cytopathic effects and medium derived from persistently HMPV-infected L-HMVECs (secretome) induced monocyte-derived DCs to prime naïve CD4 T-cells toward a Th2 phenotype. Moreover, we demonstrated that infected secretomes trigger DCs to up-regulate OX40L expression and OX40L neutralization abolished the pro-Th2 effect that is induced by HMPV-secretome. We clarified secretome from HMPV by size exclusion and ultracentrifugation with the aim to characterize the role of viral particles in the observed pro-Th2 effect. In both cases, the percentage of IL-4-producing cells and expression of OX40L returned at basal levels. Finally, we showed that HMPV, per se, could reproduce the ability of secretome to prime pro-Th2 DCs. These results suggest that HMPV, persistently released by L-HMVECs, might take part in the development of a skewed, pro-Th2 lung microenvironment.
The Evaluation of Egg-Parasitic Fungi Paraboeremia taiwanensis and Samsoniella sp. for the Biological Control of Meloidogyne enterolobii on Chinese Cabbage
Authors: Liang Yu-Jie , Ariyawansa Hiran A. , Becker J. Ole , Yang Jiue-in
Published: June 2020

Meloidogyne enterolobii, an aggressive plant-parasitic nematode, has been causing great yield loss worldwide in recent years. With no resistant Chinese cabbage cultivar available currently, a biological control strategy is needed to offer an eco-friendly option for sustainable farming. In this study, the nematode suppression efficacy of two newly isolated fungi, Paraboeremia taiwanensis and Samsoniella sp., were evaluated against M. enterolobii and compared to the known biological control agents Hyalorbilia oviparasitica strain DoUCR50 and Purpureocillium lilacinum strain 251 (PL251). Both P. taiwanensis and Samsoniella sp. reduced 29–63% disease severity as effectively as the commercial product PL251 on Chinese cabbage in greenhouse trails. The in vitro egg infection rate was 47.83% by P. taiwanensis and 47.50% for Samsoniella sp., respectively. A special protocol for scanning electron microscope observation of the fungi-infected nematodes was established in this study, and the egg parasitism of the four fungi against M. enterolobii was further confirmed. For all fungi examined in this study, fungal hyphae were seen apparently penetrating into M. enterolobii eggs without destructive damage of the overall outer eggshell and the hyphae continued to grow within eggs after 6 days of infection. The results of this study imply a similar egg-parasitism mechanism for P. taiwanensis, Samsoniella sp., H. oviparasitica DoUCR50, and P. lilacinum PL251. It further enlightens the application potential of nematophagous fungi as biocontrol agents against plant-parasitic nematodes in vegetable crop management.
Ultrafast Plug Flow Agglomeration—Exploiting Hydrophobic Interactions Via a Concentrated Water-In-Oil Emulsion Binder
Authors: van Netten Kim , Borrow Daniel J. , Galvin Kevin P.
Published: June 2020

The selective agglomeration of a fine coal tailings stream using a high internal phase emulsion binder was investigated using a continuous steady-state plug flow through a high shear constriction. The emulsion binder effectively switches off the viscous resistance to particle–binder collision and adhesion, revealing the remarkable underlying speed of hydrophobic interactions. The emulsion binder is permeable, meaning the lubrication force between the particle and binder vanishes. The binder comprised a 95% aqueous solution dispersed within a 5% organic liquid (including the emulsifier). The agglomeration occurred within a high shear zone formed using a flow constriction within a 25 mm diameter pipe. The performance of the process was investigated at different flowrates in the range of 20–128 L/min, equating to extraordinarily high superficial flow velocities of up to 4.2 m/s and pressure drops in the range of 20–220 kPa. This rate greatly exceeds the nominal superficial feed velocity in flotation of order 0.01 m/s. Provided there was sufficient shear within the flow constriction, it was possible to process fine coal tailings with a feed ash of 50.1%, and generate a product ash of 8% at a combustible recovery of ~78%.
Coke-Based Carbon Sorbent: Results of Gold Extraction in Laboratory and Pilot Tests
Authors: Yefremova Svetlana , Terlikbayeva Alma , Zharmenov Abdurassul , Kablanbekov Askhat , Bunchuk Lara , Kushakova Larissa , Shumskiy Viktor , Sukharnikov Yurij , Yermishin Sergey
Published: June 2020

Coke-based carbon sorbent (CBCS) was produced using special coke fines with the following characteristics: ash, 4.5%; iodine adsorption capacity, 52%; specific surface area, 600 m2 g−1; and total pore volume, 0.4 cm3 g−1. Gold adsorption from real production cyanide solutions in batch and column laboratory experiments was studied. The optimum adsorbent/solution ratio was 0.2 g/20 cm3. Sorption equilibrium occurred after 60 min of phase-time contact. The CBCS maximum adsorption capacity for gold was found to be 1.2 mg g−1. Both the Langmiur and Freundlich isotherm models confirmed that gold adsorption by CBCS proceeds favorably, but the Freundlich isotherm best describes the adsorption equilibrium. The CBCS dynamic exchange capacity (100 g t−1) and full dynamic exchange capacity (4600 g t−1) for gold were determined in column tests. It was revealed using SEM that adsorbate was retained in sorbent pores. The possibility of completely eluting gold from CBCS was demonstrated. A CBCS pilot test to recover gold from 200 dm3 of the cyanide solution containing (mg dm−3) 2.6 Au, 0.42 Ag, and 490 Cu was carried out. The total amount of noble metals (Au + Ag) adsorbed was 99.99% and gold ions was 94%. The CBCS maximum adsorption capacity for gold reached 2900 g t−1.
Interlayer-Confined Cu(II) Complex as an Efficient and Long-Lasting Catalyst for Oxidation of H2S on Montmorillonite
Authors: Castellini Elena , Bernini Fabrizio , Sebastianelli Lorenzo , Sainz-Díaz Claro Ignacio , Serrano Aida , Castro German R. , Malferrari Daniele , Brigatti Maria Franca , Borsari Marco
Published: June 2020

Removal of highly toxic H2S for pollution control and operational safety is a pressing need. For this purpose, a montmorillonite intercalated with Cu(II)-phenanthroline complex [Cu[(Phen)(H2O)2]2+ (Mt-CuPhen) was prepared to capture gaseous H2S under mild conditions. This hybrid material was simple to obtain and demonstrated an outstanding ability to entrap H2S at room temperature, retaining high efficiency for a very long time (up to 36.8 g of S/100 g Mt-CuPhen after 3 months of exposure). Sorbent and H2S uptake were investigated by elemental analysis, X-ray powder diffraction measurements, diffuse reflectance (DR) UV–Vis and infrared spectroscopy, thermal analysis and evolved gas mass spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy. The H2S capture was studied over time and a mechanism of action was proposed. The entrapping involves a catalytic mechanism in which [Cu[(Phen)(H2O)2]2+ acts as catalyst for H2S oxidation to S0 by atmospheric oxygen. The low cost and the long-lasting performance for H2S removal render Mt-CuPhen an extremely appealing trap for H2S removal and a promising material for many technological applications.
Novel Exfoliation of High-Quality 2H-MoS2 Nanoflakes for Solution-Processed Photodetector
Authors: Kim Seulgi , Park Woojin , Kim Dohoon , Kang Jiyeon , Lee Jaesoung , Jang Hye Yeon , Song Sung Ho , Cho Byungjin , Lee Dongju
Published: June 2020

Highly dispersive molybdenum disulfide nanoflakes (MoS2 NFs), without any phase transition during the exfoliation process, are desirable for full utilization of their semiconductor properties in practical applications. Here, we demonstrate an innovate approach for fabricating MoS2 NFs by using hydrazine-assisted ball milling via the synergetic effect of chemical intercalation and mechanical exfoliation. The NFs obtained have a lateral size of 600–800 nm, a thickness less than 3 nm, and high crystallinity in the 2H semiconducting phase. They form a stable dispersion in various solvents, which will be helpful for many applications, due to the oxygen functional group. To investigate production of a two-dimensional (2D) photodetector, 2D semiconducting MoS2, MoS2–p-Si vertical devices were fabricated, and their optical properties were characterized. The photodiode exhibited consistent responses with excellent photo-switching characteristics with wavelengths of 850, 530, and 400 nm.
Comparison of the Corrosion Behavior of Brass in TiO2 and Al2O3 Nanofluids
Authors: Xie Siyu , Zhang Yi , Song Yanfang , Ge Fang , Huang Xin , Ge Honghua , Zhao Yuzeng
Published: June 2020

The corrosion behavior of brass in TiO2 and Al2O3 nanofluids using a simulated cooling water (SCW) as the base solution and sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS) as the dispersant was studied by electrochemical measurements and surface analysis in this paper. It was found that SDBS could be adsorbed on the brass surface to form a protective film and have a corrosion inhibition effect on brass in SCW. In the SCW-SDBS-TiO2 nanofluid, some negatively charged TiO2 nanoparticles were attached to the brass surface and no obvious SDBS adsorption film was found, and the SDBS in this nanofluid had almost no corrosion inhibition on brass. In the SCW-SDBS-Al2O3 nanofluid, the brass surface was covered by a uniformly distributed SDBS film containing some Al2O3 nanoparticles which were positively charged, and the corrosion inhibition of brass was significantly improved in this nanofluid. It is concluded that the adsorption of SDBS on the brass surface in nanofluids is related to the charge status of the nanoparticles, which makes brass have different corrosion resistance in various nanofluids.
Mapping Fluorescence Enhancement of Plasmonic Nanorod Coupled Dye Molecules
Authors: Tóth Emese , Ungor Ditta , Novák Tibor , Ferenc Györgyi , Bánhelyi Balázs , Csapó Edit , Erdélyi Miklós , Csete Mária
Published: June 2020

Plasmonically enhanced fluorescence is a widely studied and applied phenomenon, however, only a comparative theoretical and experimental analysis of coupled fluorophores and plasmonic nanoresonators makes it possible to uncover how this phenomenon can be controlled. A numerical optimization method was applied to design configurations that are capable of resulting in an enhancement of excitation and emission, moreover, of both phenomena simultaneously in coupled Cy5 dye molecule and gold nanorod systems. Parametric sensitivity studies revealed how the fluorescence enhancement depends on the molecule’s location, distance and orientation. Coupled systems designed for simultaneous improvement exhibited the highest (intermediate directional) total fluorescence enhancement, which is accompanied by intermediate sensitivity to the molecule’s parameters, except the location and orientation sensitivity at the excitation wavelength. Gold nanorods with a geometry corresponding to the predicted optimal configurations were synthesized, and DNA strands were used to control the Cy5 dye molecule distance from the nanorod surface via hybridization of the Cy5-labelled oligonucleotide. State-of-the-art dSTORM microscopy was used to accomplish a proof-of-concept experimental demonstration of the theoretically predicted (directional) total fluorescence enhancement. The measured fluorescence enhancement was in good agreement with theoretical predictions, thus providing a complete kit to design and prepare coupled nanosystems exhibiting plasmonically enhanced fluorescence.
Carbonized Lanthanum-Based Metal-Organic Framework with Parallel Arranged Channels for Azo-Dye Adsorption
Authors: Cendrowski Krzysztof , Opała Karolina , Mijowska Ewa
Published: June 2020

In this contribution, the synthesis of the metal−organic framework (MOF) based on lanthanum that exhibits trigonal prism shape is presented. The length of a single side of this structure ranges from 2 to 10 μm. The carbonized lanthanum-based organic framework (CMOF–La) maintained the original shape. However, the lanthanum oxide was reshaped in the form of rods during the carbonization. It resulted in the creation of parallel arranged channels. The unique structure of the carbonized structure motivated us to reveal its adsorption performance. Therefore, the adsorption kinetics of acid red 18 onto a carbonized metal−organic framework were conducted. Various physicochemical parameters such as initial dye concentration and pH of dye solution were investigated in an adsorption process. The adsorption was found to decrease with an increase in initial dye concentration. In addition, the increase in adsorption capacity was noticed when the solution was changed to basic. Optimal conditions were obtained at a low pH. Kinetic adsorption data were analyzed using the pseudo-first-order kinetic model, the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the intraparticle diffusion model. The adsorption kinetics were well fitted using a pseudo-second-order kinetic model. It was found that the adsorption of anionic dye onto CMOF–La occurs by hydrophobic interactions between carbonized metal-organic framework and acid red 18.
Nanostructured BaCo0.4Fe0.4Zr0.1Y0.1O3-δ Cathodes with Different Microstructural Architectures
Authors: dos Santos-Gómez Lucía , Zamudio-García Javier , Porras-Vázquez José M. , Losilla Enrique R. , Marrero-López David
Published: June 2020

Lowering the operating temperature of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) is crucial to make this technology commercially viable. In this context, the electrode efficiency at low temperatures could be greatly enhanced by microstructural design at the nanoscale. This work describes alternative microstructural approaches to improve the electrochemical efficiency of the BaCo0.4Fe0.4Zr0.1Y0.1O3-δ (BCFZY) cathode. Different electrodes architectures are prepared in a single step by a cost-effective and scalable spray-pyrolysis deposition method. The microstructure and electrochemical efficiency are compared with those fabricated from ceramic powders and screen-printing technique. A complete structural, morphological and electrochemical characterization of the electrodes is carried out. Reduced values of area specific resistance are achieved for the nanostructured cathodes, i.e., 0.067 Ω·cm2 at 600 °C, compared to 0.520 Ω·cm2 for the same cathode obtained by screen-printing. An anode supported cell with nanostructured BCFZY cathode generates a peak power density of 1 W·cm−2 at 600 °C.
Nanoporous Carbon Derived from Green Material by an Ordered Activation Method and Its High Capacitance for Energy Storage
Authors: Lu Qingjie , Zhou Shiqiang , Zhang Yumin , Chen Mingpeng , Li Bo , Wei Haitang , Zhang Dongming , Zhang Jin , Liu Qingju
Published: June 2020

Carbon materials have been widely used as electrode materials for supercapacitors, while the current carbon precursors are mainly derived from fossil fuels. Biomass-derived carbon materials have become new and effective materials for electrodes of supercapacitors due to their sustainability, low pollution potential, and abundant reserves. Herein, we present a new biomass carbon material derived from water hyacinth by a novel activation method (combination of KOH and HNO3 activation). According to the electrochemical measurements, the material presents an ultrahigh capacitance of 374 F g−1 (the current density is 1 A g−1). Furthermore, the material demonstrates excellent rate performance (105 F g−1 at a higher density of 20 A g−1) and ideal cycling stability (87.3% capacity retention after 5000 times charge–discharge at 2 A g−1). When used for a symmetrical supercapacitor device, the material also shows a relatively high capacity of 330 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 (a two-electrode system). All measurements suggest the material is an effective and noteworthy material for the electrodes of supercapacitors.