bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structure improvements and numerical simulation of supersonic separators with diversion cone for separation and purification
Authors: Wang Yingguang , Hu Dapeng
Published: March 2018

The supersonic separator is improved on structure of reflow and drainage and outlet angle of swirler is optimized.
Optimization of simultaneous production of volatile fatty acids and bio-hydrogen from food waste using response surface methodology
Authors: Liu Nuo , Jiang Jianguo , Yan Feng , Xu Yiwen , Yang Meng , Gao Yuchen , Aihemaiti Aikelaimu , Zou Quan
Published: March 2018

Response surface methodology was applied to optimal VFA production from food waste, which could evaluate the interactive effect of each parameter as compared to the traditional approach about just one variable a time on VFA production.
A density functional study on the reactivity enhancement induced by gold in IrAu nanoalloys
Authors: Cappellari Paula S. , Soldano Germán J. , Mariscal Marcelo M.
Published: March 2018

The effects of chemical ordering on the stability and chemical reactivity on IrAu NAs of different sizes (8, 27, 48 and 64 total atoms) and compositions are studied using DFT calculations.
GSH-doped GQDs using citric acid rich-lime oil extract for highly selective and sensitive determination and discrimination of Fe3+ and Fe2+ in the presence of H2O2 by a fluorescence “turn-off” sensor
Authors: Saenwong Khanitta , Nuengmatcha Prawit , Sricharoen Phitchan , Limchoowong Nunticha , Chanthai Saksit
Published: March 2018

Synthesis and characterization of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) simultaneously doped with 1% glutathione (GSH-GQDs) by pyrolysis using citric acid rich-lime oil extract as a starting material.
Investigation of spontaneous emulsification and its relevance in biodiesel synthesis
Authors: Bhoi Rohidas , Mahajani Sanjay
Published: March 2018

Schematic representation of progress of reaction.
Boosting hydrogen evolution via optimized hydrogen adsorption at the interface of CoP3 and Ni2P
Authors: Wang Kewei , She Xilin , Chen Shuai , Liu Hongli , Li Daohao , Wang Yu , Zhang Huawei , Yang Dongjiang , Yao Xiangdong
Published: March 2018

Phase interface between CoP3 and Ni2P was constructed along (336̄2̄) Ni2P/(1̄11)CoP3 to boost HER.
High-performance red electrophosphorescent devices based on all-solution-processed hydrogen-bonded supramolecular material
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Zeng Hui , Huang Qingyu , Wang Yi , Chai Yongshuai , Huang Yan , Zhao Suling , Lu Zhiyun
Published: March 2018

All-solution-processed, high-performance red phosphorescent OLED developed from hydrogen-bonded supramolecular material.
Intra-articular TSG-6 delivery from heparin-based microparticles reduces cartilage damage in a rat model of osteoarthritis
Authors: Tellier Liane E. , Treviño Elda A. , Brimeyer Alexandra L. , Reece David S. , Willett Nick J. , Guldberg Robert E. , Temenoff Johnna S.
Published: March 2018

As a potential treatment for osteoarthritis (OA), we have developed hydrolytically degradable heparin-based biomaterials for the intra-articular delivery of tumor necrosis factor-alpha stimulated gene-6 (TSG-6).
Achieving high capacity hybrid-cathode FeF3@Li2C6O6/rGO based on morphology control synthesis and interface engineering
Authors: Lu Chengyi , Dong Chen , Wu Haitao , Ni Dan , Sun Wang , Wang Zhenhua , Sun Kening
Published: March 2018

The common high-capacity cathode Li2C6O6shows poor cycling performance because of its dissolution in electrolytes.
Geminal cross-coupling synthesis, ion-induced emission and lysosome imaging of cationic tetraarylethene oligoelectrolytes
Authors: Zhou Qi-Yuan , Xin Bo , Wang Ya-Long , Li Chong , Chen Ze-Qiang , Yu Qi , Huang Zhen-Li , Zhu Ming-Qiang
Published: March 2018

Novel ratiometric AIE-active tetraarylethene oligoelectrolytes synthesized by geminal cross-coupling show ion-induced emission and are applied as bioprobes for lysosome tracing.
A chiral Brønsted acid-catalyzed highly enantioselective Mannich-type reaction of α-diazo esters with in situ generated N-acyl ketimines
Authors: Unhale Rajshekhar A. , Sadhu Milon M. , Ray Sumit K. , Biswas Rayhan G. , Singh Vinod K.
Published: March 2018

A chiral phosphoric acid-catalyzed asymmetric Mannich-type reaction of α-diazo esters with in situ generated N-acyl ketimines, derived from 3-aryl-3-hydroxyisoindolinones has been demonstrated. The reaction proceeds smoothly under mild reaction conditions.
Strong negative thermal expansion in the hexagonal polymorph of ScF3
Authors: Kasatkin Igor A. , Gulina Larisa B. , Platonova Natalia V. , Tolstoy Valeri P. , Murin Igor V.
Published: March 2018

A new hexagonal polymorph of scandium fluoride (ScF3) displays strong negative thermal expansion in a wide temperature range at normal pressure.
Metathesis of Mg2FeH6 and LiNH2 leading to hydrogen production at low temperatures
Authors: Zhang Weijin , Zhang Zhao , Jia Xianchao , Guo Jianping , Wang Junhu , Chen Ping
Published: March 2018

The metathesis reaction between Mg2FeH6 and LiNH2 produces Li4FeH6, which provides an alternative route for synthesizing Li4FeH6 under mild conditions.
Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry with on-line leaching to assess the maximum bio-accessibility of toxic and essential elements in wheat from Saudi Arabia
Authors: Althobiti Randa A. , Beauchemin Diane
Published: March 2018

An on-line leaching method is modified to improve reproducibility, and applied to risk assessment of wheat samples from Saudi Arabia.
Two-dimensional ferroelectricity and switchable spin-textures in ultra-thin elemental Te multilayers
Authors: Wang Yao , Xiao Chengcheng , Chen Miaogen , Hua Chenqiang , Zou Junding , Wu Chen , Jiang Jianzhong , Yang Shengyuan A. , Lu Yunhao , Ji Wei
Published: March 2018

Robust elemental ferroelectricity and switchable spin-textures in air-stable Te multilayers.
Ln(iii) complexes with triptycene based tripodal ligands: speciation and equilibria
Authors: Hamacek Josef , Vuillamy Alexandra , Peterhans Lisa , Homberg Alexandre , Poggiali Daniele , Schneider Markus W. , Mastalerz Michael
Published: March 2018

The speciation studies of Ln(iii) complexes with triptycene-based tripodal ligands reveal slow transformations of tetranuclear assemblies in metal excess.
Electrocatalytic oxidation of benzyl alcohol for simultaneously promoting H2 evolution by a Co0.83Ni0.17/activated carbon electrocatalyst
Authors: Liu Guoqiang , Zhang Xian , Zhao Cuijiao , Xiong Qizhong , Gong Wanbing , Wang Guozhong , Zhang Yunxia , Zhang Haimin , Zhao Huijun
Published: March 2018

Co0.83Ni0.17 alloy nanoparticles on activated carbon were successfully fabricated by a simple thermal-treatment method, as electrocatalyst exhibiting superior HER, OER and electrocatalytic oxidation activity toward benzyl alcohol.
Selective mercury ion recognition using a methyl red (MR) based silatrane sensor
Authors: Singh Gurjaspreet , Girdhar Shally , Singh Akshpreet , Saroa Amandeep , Lakhi Jaspreet Singh , Khullar Sadhika , Mandal Sanjay K.
Published: March 2018

A methyl red based silatrane (MR-APS) sensor has been synthesized and applied for Hg2+ ion recognition by UV-Visible spectrophotometery.
Laser inscription of pseudorandom structures for microphotonic diffuser applications
Authors: Alqurashi Tawfiq , Alhosani Abdulla , Dauleh Mahmoud , Yetisen Ali K. , Butt Haider
Published: March 2018

Optical diffusers provide a solution for a variety of applications requiring a Gaussian intensity distribution including imaging systems, biomedical optics, and aerospace.
Large-area perovskite solar cells – a review of recent progress and issues
Authors: Chen Yichuan , Zhang Linrui , Zhang Yongzhe , Gao Hongli , Yan Hui
Published: March 2018

In this review, we summarize the recent progress in the aspects of the fabrication methods for large-area perovskite films, improving the efficiency and stability of the large-area PSC devices.
Typical pharmaceutical molecule removal behavior from water by positively and negatively charged composite hollow fiber nanofiltration membranes
Authors: Wei Xiuzhen , Bao Xiaoyan , Wu Jiawei , Li Cuixia , Shi Yingying , Chen Jinyuan , Lv Bosheng , Zhu Baoku
Published: March 2018

The rejection behaviors of two different charged composite hollow fiber nanofiltration (NF) membranes for six pharmaceutical molecules, primidone, carbamazepine, sulfamethoxazole, atenolol, sulfadimidine and norfloxacin, were characterized in this study.
A “waiting” carbon nitride radical anion: a charge storage material and key intermediate in direct C–H thiolation of methylarenes using elemental sulfur as the “S”-source
Authors: Savateev Aleksandr , Kurpil Bogdan , Mishchenko Artem , Zhang Guigang , Antonietti Markus
Published: March 2018

Potassium poly(heptazine imide), a carbon nitride semiconductor, in the presence of hole scavengers and visible light gives stable radical anion with the specific density of unpaired electrons reaching 112 mmol g−1.
Economics & carbon dioxide avoidance cost of methanol production based on renewable hydrogen and recycled carbon dioxide – power-to-methanol
Authors: Hank Christoph , Gelpke Svenja , Schnabl Andrea , White Robin J. , Full Johannes , Wiebe Nikolai , Smolinka Tom , Schaadt Achim , Henning Hans-Martin , Hebling Christopher
Published: March 2018

The cost of producing “green” methanol (vs. fossil production) based on renewable energy, H2 and CO2 is presented.
Experimental performance investigation of a 2 kW methanation reactor
Authors: Gallandat Noris , Mutschler Robin , Vernay Vincent , Yang Heena , Züttel Andreas
Published: March 2018

A 2 kW methanation reactor was designed, built and tested. CO2 conversions of over 99% were measured experimentally.
A MoS2 nanosheet-coated mesh for pH-induced multi-pollutant water remediation with in situ electrocatalysis
Authors: Qu Ruixiang , Liu Na , Chen Yuning , Zhang Weifeng , Zhang Qingdong , Liu Yanan , Feng Lin
Published: March 2018

A brand new MoS2 nanosheet-coated copper mesh with multi-pollutant degradation properties as well as oil/water separation capabilities was fabricated.
Hollow Cu–TiO2/C nanospheres derived from a Ti precursor encapsulated MOF coating for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Chen Hao , Gu Zhi-Gang , Mirza Salma , Zhang Shu-Hua , Zhang Jian
Published: March 2018

Here we report an effective approach for preparing hollow carbon nanospheres with Cu–TiO2 from a Ti precursor encapsulated surface mounted MOF (SURMOF) coating.
1D N-doped hierarchically porous hollow carbon tubes derived from a supramolecular template as metal-free electrocatalysts for a highly efficient oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Zhao Lei , Sui Xu-Lei , Zhou Qing-Yan , Li Jia-Zhan , Zhang Jing-Jia , Huang Guo-Sheng , Wang Zhen-Bo
Published: March 2018

1D hollow nitrogen-doped carbon tubes (h-NCTs) were fabricated through a supramolecular template-derived approach and employed as the structure-guiding template, porogen and nitrogen source for in situ N-doping.
Nanoscale 3D printing of hydrogels for cellular tissue engineering
Authors: You Shangting , Li Jiawen , Zhu Wei , Yu Claire , Mei Deqing , Chen Shaochen
Published: March 2018

Two-photon polymerization enables nanoscale 3D printing of hydrogels.
Excess axial electrostatic repulsion as a criterion for pentagonal bipyramidal DyIII single-ion magnets with high Ueff and TB
Authors: Jiang Zhijie , Sun Lin , Yang Qi , Yin Bing , Ke Hongshan , Han Jing , Wei Qing , Xie Gang , Chen Sanping
Published: March 2018

In this work, a large excess of electrostatic repulsion, arising from the axial ligands, over that from the equatorial ligands is taken as the design strategy for high performance pentagonal bipyramidal (PBP) DyIII single-ion magnets (SIMs).
Robust half-metallicities and perfect spin transport properties in 2D transition metal dichlorides
Authors: Feng Yulin , Wu Xuming , Han Jiangchao , Gao Guoying
Published: March 2018

Half-metallic band structure and spin transport characteristics of a 1T-FeCl2 monolayer.
Ab initio insights on the effect of embedding lanthanide atoms on nitrogenated holey doped graphene (g-C2N)
Authors: Ouma Cecil Naphtaly Moro , Obodo Kingsley Onyebuchi , Braun Moritz , Amolo George Odhiambo
Published: March 2018

Tuning the properties of g-C2N through embedding of lanthanide ions.
Synthesis of poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-chlorotrifluoroethylene)-g-poly(methyl methacrylate) with low dielectric loss by photo-induced metal-free ATRP
Authors: Tan Shaobo , Xiong Jie , Zhao Yifei , Liu Jingjing , Zhang Zhicheng
Published: March 2018

A facile strategy was reported for photo-mediated ATRP using organic-based photoredox catalysts to synthesize PMMA-grafted copolymer with low dielectric loss from P(VDF–CTFE).
Target identification reveals protein arginine methyltransferase 1 is a potential target of phenyl vinyl sulfone and its derivatives
Authors: Yu Cheng-Han , Chou Chi-Chi , Lee Der-Yen , Khoo Kay-Hooi , Chang Geen-Dong
Published: March 2018

Phenyl vinyl sulfone (PVS) and phenyl vinyl sulfonate (PVSN) inactivate protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) by mimicking the phosphotyrosine structure and providing a Michael addition acceptor for the active-site cysteine residue of PTPs, thus forming covalent adducts between PVS (or PVSN) and PTPs. We developed a specific antiserum against PVS. This antiserum can be used in general antibody-based assays such as immunoblotting, immunofluorescence staining, and immunoprecipitation. Target identification through immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry analysis reveals potential targets of PVS, mostly proteins with reactive cysteine residues or low-pKa cysteine residues that are prone to reversible redox modifications. Target identification of PVSN has been conducted because the anti-PVS antiserum can also recognize PVSN. Among the targets, protein arginine methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1), inosine-5′-monophosphate dehydrogenase 1, vimentin, and glutathione reductase (GR) were further confirmed by immunoprecipitation followed by immunoblotting. In addition, PVSN and Bay11-7082 inhibited GR activity, and PVS, PVSN, and Bay 11-7082 inhibited PRMT1 activity in in vitro assays. In addition, treatment of PVSN, Bay11-7082, or Bay 11-7085 in cultured HeLa cells can cause the quick decline in the levels of protein asymmetric dimethylarginine. These results indicate that the similar moiety among PVS, PVSN, Bay 11-7082, and Bay 11-7085 can be the key structure of lead compounds of PRMT1. Therefore, we expect to use this approach in the identification of potential targets of other covalent drugs.
Membrane re-modelling by BAR domain superfamily proteins via molecular and non-molecular factors
Authors: Nishimura Tamako , Morone Nobuhiro , Suetsugu Shiro
Published: March 2018

Lipid membranes are structural components of cell surfaces and intracellular organelles. Alterations in lipid membrane shape are accompanied by numerous cellular functions, including endocytosis, intracellular transport, and cell migration. Proteins containing Bin–Amphiphysin–Rvs (BAR) domains (BAR proteins) are unique, because their structures correspond to the membrane curvature, that is, the shape of the lipid membrane. BAR proteins present at high concentration determine the shape of the membrane, because BAR domain oligomers function as scaffolds that mould the membrane. BAR proteins co-operate with various molecular and non-molecular factors. The molecular factors include cytoskeletal proteins such as the regulators of actin filaments and the membrane scission protein dynamin. Lipid composition, including saturated or unsaturated fatty acid tails of phospholipids, also affects the ability of BAR proteins to mould the membrane. Non-molecular factors include the external physical forces applied to the membrane, such as tension and friction. In this mini-review, we will discuss how the BAR proteins orchestrate membrane dynamics together with various molecular and non-molecular factors.
High level of C-type natriuretic peptide induced by hyperandrogen-mediated anovulation in polycystic ovary syndrome mice
Authors: Wang Xiao , Wang Huarong , Liu Wei , Zhang Zhiyuan , Zhang Yanhao , Zhang Wenqiang , Chen Zijiang , Xia Guoliang , Wang Chao
Published: March 2018

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is characterized by hyperandrogenism, is a complex endocrinopathy that affects the fertility of 9–18% of reproductive-aged women. However, the exact mechanism of PCOS, especially hyperandrogen-induced anovulation, is largely unknown to date. Physiologically, the natriuretic peptide type C/natriuretic peptide receptor 2 (CNP/NPR2) system is essential for sustaining oocyte meiotic arrest until the preovulatory luteinizing hormone (LH) surge. We therefore hypothesized that the CNP/NPR2 system is also involved in PCOS and contributes to arresting oocyte meiosis and ovulation. Here, based on a dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)-induced PCOS-like mouse model, persistent high levels of CNP/NPR2 were detected in anovulation ovaries. Meanwhile, oocytes arrested at the germinal vesicle stage correlated with persistent high levels of androgen and estrogen. We further showed that ovulation failure in these mice could be a result of elevated Nppc/Npr2 gene transcription that was directly increased by androgen (AR) and estrogen (ER) receptor signaling. Consistent with this, anovulation was alleviated by administration of either exogenous human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) or inhibitors of AR or ER to reduce the level of CNP/NPR2. Additionally, the CNP/NPR2 expression pattern in the anovulated follicles was, to some extent, consistent with the clinical expression in PCOS patients. Therefore, our study highlights the important role an overactive CNP/NPR2 system caused by hyperandrogenism in preventing oocytes from maturation and ovulation in PCOS mice. Our findings provide insight into potential mechanisms responsible for infertility in women with PCOS.
Identification of protein phosphatase involvement in the AT2 receptor-induced activation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase
Authors: Peluso A. Augusto , Bertelsen Jesper Bork , Andersen Kenneth , Mortsensen Tenna Pavia , Hansen Pernille B. , Sumners Colin , Bader Michael , Santos Robson A. , Steckelings Ulrike Muscha
Published: March 2018

The Angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2R) promotes vasodilation by nitric oxide (NO) release from endothelial cells. However, the mechanisms underlying the AT2R-induced stimulation of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) is still not completely understood. Therefore, we investigated whether in addition to the known AT2R-mediated phosphorylation of eNOS at Ser1177, activation of phosphatases and dephosphorylation of eNOS at Tyr657 and Thr495 are also involved. Human aortic endothelial cells (HAEC) were stimulated with the AT2R-agonist Compound 21 (C21) (1 µM) in the presence or absence of either PD123319 (10 µM; AT2R antagonist), l-NG-Nitroarginine methyl ester (l-NAME) (10 µM; eNOS inhibitor), MK-2206 (100 nM; protein kinase B (Akt) inhibitor) sodium fluoride (NaF) (1 nM; serine/threonine phosphatase inhibitor) or sodium orthovanadate (Na3VO4) (10 nM; tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor). NO release was estimated by quantifying 4-amino-5-methylamino-2′,7′-difluorofluorescein diacetate (DAF-FM) fluorescence. The phosphorylation status of activating (eNOS-Ser1177) or inhibitory eNOS residues (eNOS-Tyr657, eNOS-Thr495) was determined by Western blotting. Phosphorylation of Akt at Ser473 was measured to estimate Akt activity. AT2R stimulation significantly increased NO release from HAEC, which was blocked by PD123319, l-NAME and both phosphatase inhibitors. Intracellular calcium transients were not changed by C21. AT2R stimulation resulted in phosphorylation of eNOS-Ser1177 and dephosphorylation of eNOS-Tyr657 and eNOS-Thr495. Phosphorylation at eNOS-Ser1177 was prevented by inhibition of Akt with MK-2206. From these data, we conclude that AT2R stimulation in human endothelial cells increases eNOS activity through phosphorylation of activating eNOS residues (eNOS-Ser1177) by Akt, and through dephosphorylation of inactivating eNOS residues (eNOS-Tyr657, eNOS-Thr495) by serine/threonine and tyrosine phosphatases, thus increasing NO release.
Metformin inhibits inflammatory signals in the gut by controlling AMPK and p38 MAP kinase activation
Authors: Di Fusco Davide , Dinallo Vincenzo , Monteleone Ivan , Laudisi Federica , Marafini Irene , Franzè Eleonora , Di Grazia Antonio , Dwairi Rami , Colantoni Alfredo , Ortenzi Angela , Stolfi Carmine , Monteleone Giovanni
Published: March 2018

Metformin, a hypoglycemic drug used for treatment of type 2 diabetes, regulates inflammatory pathways. By using several models of intestinal inflammation, we examined whether metformin exerts anti-inflammatory effects and investigated the basic mechanism by which metformin blocks pathologic signals. Colitic mice given metformin exhibited less colonic inflammation and increased expression of active AMP-activated protein kinase, a mediator of the metabolic effects of metformin, in both epithelial and lamina propria compartments. Pharmacological inhibition of AMP-activated protein kinase reduced but did not prevent metformin-induced therapeutic effect as well as treatment of colitic mice with a pharmacological activator of AMP-activated protein kinase attenuated but did not resolve colitis. These data suggest that the anti-inflammatory effect of metformin relies on the control of additional pathways other than AMP-activated protein kinase. Indeed, metformin down-regulated p38 MAP kinase activation in colitic mice through an AMP-activated protein kinase-independent mechanism. Expression of active form of AMP-activated protein kinase was reduced in inflammatory bowel disease patients and treatment of mucosal cells of such patients with metformin enhanced AMP-activated protein kinase activation and reduced p38 MAP kinase activation, thereby inhibiting interleukin-6 expression. Our findings indicate that metformin is a good candidate for inhibiting pathological inflammation in the gut.
Grammar in Boys With Idiopathic Autism Spectrum Disorder and Boys With Fragile X Syndrome Plus Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Sterling Audra
Published: March 2018

Purpose

Some boys with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and boys with fragile X syndrome and a codiagnosis of ASD (FXS+ASD) have impairments in expressive grammatical abilities. The current study compared grammatical performance in these 2 groups of school-age boys.

Method

Thirty-seven boys similar on mean length of utterance participated in the current study (FXS:
n
= 19, ASD:
n
= 18). Participants completed an ASD assessment, nonverbal IQ testing, and conversation language samples. Convergent validity of a sentence imitation task with a norm-referenced assessment of grammar was examined in addition to divergent validity of the measures with nonverbal IQ and vocabulary comprehension and production.

Results

The boys with ASD outperformed the boys with FXS+ASD on the norm-referenced assessment of “be,” and effect sizes indicate that the boys with ASD had better performance on past tense probes on the sentence imitation task and “do” on the norm-referenced assessment. The two measures of grammar had good convergent validity except for copula and auxiliary “be” and “do.” Grammatical performance was not correlated with nonverbal IQ, and trends indicate a relationship between vocabulary and grammar.

Conclusions

Despite being similar on mean length of utterance, there were group differences on grammatical performance. The sentence imitation task had good convergent validity with a norm-referenced assessment of grammar for the third-person singular and past tense probes and therefore could be an inexpensive and valid tool to use clinically for these populations. Future research should continue to refine this task, particularly for the probes with high rates of unscorable responses (i.e., “be” and “do”).
Reconfigurable rapid prototyping platform for power electronic circuits and systems for research and educational purposes
Authors: Mahmoudi Hamid , Aleenejad Mohsen , Ahmadi Reza
Published: March 2018

This study presents a power electronics rapid prototyping platform that can be used to implement a wide range of power conversion circuits and systems quickly and inexpensively. The proposed platform features a modular structure, which is consisted of a control board and a power board. The control board includes adjustable signal conditioning circuitry, adjustable gate driving circuits, networking interfaces, and a fast processing unit that can be programmed easily using MATLAB Simulink code generation tools. The power board houses current and voltage sensors and electric sockets that could be used for implementing various power stage circuits. A case study involving the use of the proposed platform for constructing a buck converter is discussed. A cost evaluation of the proposed platform has also been provided.
Effect of stamp design on residual layer thickness and contact pressure in UV nanoimprint lithography
Authors: Yin Minqi , Sun Hongwen , Wang Haibin
Published: March 2018

Pattern density is an important factor in UV nanoimprint stamp design. Various pattern densities may affect the thickness of the residual layer and its uniformity. This work investigated the effect of pattern density as well as other stamp parameters, including stamp material, stamp thickness and cavity height, on residual layer thickness (RLT), contact pressure, and imprint quality. Two kinds of stamps were designed for simulation, one with detached uniform lines and the other with adjacent non‐uniform lines. Results show that areas near the edges of the imprint field in all stamps are the first to achieve high contact pressure. The study observed that long imprint time enables a reduction of RLT after a stable period, particularly obvious with high density. For a long‐term imprint of patterns with various densities, flowing behaviour of the residual resist was revealed. These conclusions are beneficial for making guidelines for stamp design in UV nanoimprint lithography.
Analysis of fringing capacitance effect on the performance of micro‐electromechanical‐system‐based micromachined ultrasonic air transducer
Authors: Maity Reshmi , Maity Niladri P. , Guha Koushik , Baishya Srimanta
Published: March 2018

The work analyses the significance of fringing capacitance in modelling effectively the amplitude of the ultrasonic waves generated by silicon nitride membrane‐based micromachined ultrasonic transducer (MUT). The amplitude of the ultrasonic waves is proportional to the displacement of the biased membrane under the influence of a sinusoidal signal. Fringing capacitance is significant as for operating the transducer in the medical imaging regime of frequency range 1–10 MHz, the dimension of the electrodes of the MUT capacitor becomes comparable with the separation between them. The device is modelled first without the fringing effect and then Palmer, Landau's and Younes Ataiiyan's approaches are considered for evaluating the fringing capacitance. The device is finite element method analysed by PZFLEX 3D simulator. The membrane displacement is evaluated with variation in device structural parameters of membrane radius and thickness, electrode separation and bias voltage for an extensive range of values. Fractional percentage error of the above analytical approaches is evaluated with respect to the PZFLEX which are regarded as closest to reality. Substantial decrease in the error is observed on modelling the device with the effect of the fringing capacitance.
Number density structures in the inner heliosphere
Authors: Stansby D. , Horbury T. S.
Published: March 2018

Aims. The origins and generation mechanisms of the slow solar wind are still unclear. Part of the slow solar wind is populated by number density structures, discrete patches of increased number density that are frozen in to and move with the bulk solar wind. In this paper we aimed to provide the first in-situ statistical study of number density structures in the inner heliosphere.

Methods. We reprocessed in-situ ion distribution functions measured by Helios in the inner heliosphere to provide a new reliable set of proton plasma moments for the entire mission. From this new data set we looked for number density structures measured within 0.5 AU of the Sun and studied their properties.

Results. We identified 140 discrete areas of enhanced number density. The structures occurred exclusively in the slow solar wind and spanned a wide range of length scales from 50 Mm to 2000 Mm, which includes smaller scales than have been previously observed. They were also consistently denser and hotter that the surrounding plasma, but had lower magnetic field strengths, and therefore remained in pressure balance.

Conclusions. Our observations show that these structures are present in the slow solar wind at a wide range of scales, some of which are too small to be detected by remote sensing instruments. These structures are rare, accounting for only 1% of the slow solar wind measured by Helios, and are not a significant contribution to the mass flux of the solar wind.
Physiological and agronomical responses to environmental fluctuations of two Portuguese grapevine varieties during three field seasons
Authors: Carvalho Luísa C. , Coito João L. , Gonçalves Elsa F. , Lopes Carlos , Amâncio Sara
Published: March 2018

Extensive agricultural losses are attributed to heat, often combined with drought. These abiotic stresses occur in the field simultaneously, namely in areas with Mediterranean climate, where grapevine traditionally grows. The available scenarios for climate change suggest an increase in the frequency of heat waves and severe drought events in summer, also affecting the South of Portugal. In this work we monitored several production-related parameters and evaluated the state of the oxidative stress response apparatus of two grapevine varieties, Touriga Nacional (TN) and Trincadeira (TR), with and without irrigation, during three field seasons (2010 to 2012). Overall, results point to a high correlation of most yield and stress-associated parameters with the specific characteristics of each variety and to each season rather than the irrigation treatments. In the season with the driest winter, 2012, the lack of irrigation significantly affected yield in TR, while in the two other seasons the impact of the irrigation regime was much lower. In 2012, the yield of TN was affected by environmental conditions of the previous season. The irrigation treatments significantly affected berry size rather than quality.
Cellulase Enzyme Production From Rice Straw Using Solid State Fermentation and Fungi Aspergillus niger ITBCC L74
Authors: Maftukhah Siti , Abdullah Abdullah
Published: March 2018

Rice straw is one of very abundant waste of agricultural and has not utilized maximally. This waste contain cellulose and potential in the manufacture of cellulase enzymes. Research on the production of cellulase enzyme from lignocellulose has been done a lot of enzyme activity is still low. This research using cellulose is 71.95% and conducted with 6 stages. First, the preparation of raw material. Second, the decrease of lignin content with alkali pretreatment. Third, the breeding of fungiAspergillus nigerITBCC L74 . Fourth, incubation in the inoculum. Fifth, the production of cellulase enzyme by solid fermentation method. Finally, the analysis includes protein content, enzyme activity, enzyme characterization and kinetics of enzymatic reactions. The highest enzyme activity of this study is 3.12 U/ml and protein content is 0.34 mg/ml with fermentation time is 4 day and water content is 75%. In enzyme characterization obtained optimum pH and temperature are 4 and 60°C, respectively. And obtained paramatic kinetic are Vmaxand Kmfor 40, 50, 60 and 70°C temperature are Vmax: 6.42; 4.7; 5.82 and 4.46 U/ml and Km: 1.32; 0.38; 0.32; and 0.12%, respectively.
Tailoring Properties of Acidic Types of Natural Deep Eutectics Solvents (NADES): Enhanced Solubility of Curcuminoids from Curcuma zeodaria
Authors: Rachmaniah Orchidea , Jumiati Fazriyah Lailatul , Hesti Seftiyani Nurul , Rachimoellah M.
Published: March 2018

Recently Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADES) show their potential as a promising green solvents at 21th century for extraction of natural products. Rutin, a poorly water soluble flavonoid, was reported better solubilized in NADES than in water as well as a paclitaxel and ginkgolide B, a completely water-insoluble compound. In case of curcuminoids, phenolic compounds from powder of Curcuma Zeodaria shown better solubilized in acidic type of NADES such malic acid-sucrose-water (MAS-H2O = 1:1:11, mole ratio) and citric acid-sucrose-water (CAS-H2O = 1:2:15, mole ratio) compare to water and ethanol. Indicating that NADES, a water-based solvent, appropriate for extracting curcuminoids. However, the inherent high viscosity of NADES hamper the process extraction. Lowering the viscosity, water content of NADES is varied, adding a certain amount of water up to 60% of water content. All the varied water content of both CAS-H2O and MAS-H2O were successfully extracted curcuminoids. Yielded 0.06-0.16 mg curcuminoids/g dry weight. However, 60% of water content of both CAS-H2O and MAS-H2O gave more or less similar value of curcuminoids to CAS-H2O (20% of water) and MAS-H2O (30% of water). Curcuminoids is more stable in CAS-H2O compare to MAS-H2O for 96 h of time duration.
The Effect of Growth Medium Composition on X.campestris Metabolism in Producing Xanthan Gum
Authors: Djenar Nancy Siti , Mulyono Edi Wahyu Sri
Published: March 2018

In the fermentation industry, the role of medium is very important in increasing the growth rate of microbes. Nutrient Agar (NA) is one of the common medium used for growth and increase regeneration X.campestris, while Luria-Bertani medium (LB) is usually used for matters related to X.campestris productivity in producing xanthan gum. To increase the productivity of X.campestris and xanthan gum rendement, this research used medium variation of Nutrient Broth (NB) added with mineral plus inducer and Luria-Bertani Broth (LBB) with 4% substrate of liquid sugar and 2% maize, respectively. Based on FT-IR analysis, both substrates can produce xanthan gum which qualitatively has been compatible with commercial xanthan gum. The 4% liquid sugar yielded of 34.20% - 57.88%, while 2% maize was 54.93% - 73.61%. The use of NB and LBB produced xanthan gum with viscosity of 28-31 cPs and 15-30 cPs, respectively. These viscosity values indicated that xanthan gum can be used as a thickener in its application in industry. Precipitation using a combination of salt with IPA did not provide significant changes to the xanthan gum gain. This is due to the low number of bonds between the cations of the salt and the anions of the xanthan solution.
Influence of Soy Protein Isolate on Gelatin-based Edible Film Properties
Authors: Fatyasari Nata Iryanti , Irawan Chairul , Ramadhan Lazuardi , Rizky Ramadhani Muhammad
Published: March 2018

Gelatin is a biopolymer that can be obtained from the partial hydrolysis of collagen skin tissue of chicken leg. This study aims to utilize gelatin of chicken leg skin in combination with soy protein isolate (SPI) as raw material for edible film production. The experiment was initiated by extracting gelatin and edible film was prepared by mixtures of SPI in ethanol solution and gelatin solution (containing 1% chitosan, w/v) with different weight ratio for SPI : gelatin (1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, and 1:5) then heated at 70 °C for 45 min and added 10% glycerol. Furthermore printed and dried in oven for 24 h at 60 °C. The yield of preparation of gelatin from chicken leg skin was obtained about 40.3%. Higher concentration of gelatin in solution gives a transparent color and smooth surface of edible film. Base on mechanical properties analysis, the composition of 1:3 has the best result of tensile strength and elongation at break about 4.80 MPa and 113.37%, respectively. The antibacterial activity test showed low antibacterial activity with a 0.3 cm inhibit zone.
Syngas Compositions And Kinetics Of South Kalimantan Lignite Coal Char Gasification With Steam
Authors: Rumbino Yusuf , Purwono Suryo , Hidayat Muslikhin , Sulistyo Hary
Published: March 2018

The aim of this research was to investigate the gasification of a South Kalimantan lignite coal char in the temperature range of 873-1073 ºK and steam condition to evaluate the reactions rates and the product gas compositions. Prior to the gasification experiments the raw char was pyrolysed under nitrogen atmosphere and at a temperature of 673 ºK. The gasification experiments were conducted in a fixed bed reactor, at atmospheric pressure, isothermal conditions, equipped with cooling system, gas reservoir, and temperature control. Char from coal pyrolysis weighed then gasified at variations of temperature. Gas sampling is done every 15 minutes intervals for 90 minutes. The reactivity study was conducted in the kinetically controlled by the heterogeneous reaction between solid carbon from the char and a gas phase reagent. Two theoretical models were tested to fit the experimental data and the kinetic parameters were determined. It was found that an increase in temperature enhances the reaction rate and also the formation of H2, CO, CH4, and CO2. The results show that higher temperature contributes to more hydrogen production The gasification kinetics was suitably described by the Random Pore Model. Activation energy determination of char gasification reactions by using Arrhenius graph.
Effect Carrier Agent Formulation in Drying Rate and Antioxidant Activity of Roselle Extract
Authors: Utari Febiani Dwi , Djaeni Mohammad , Pratiwi Wahyu Zuli , Syahputra Muhammad Alver , Arifin Uma Fadzilia
Published: March 2018

Roselle (Hibiscus sabdarifa L) contains anthocyanins as the natural colorant and antioxidant. Drying the roselle extract was aims to produce the dry product that easy consumption as antioxidant. The carrier agent was added in roselle extract to improve the drying rate and maintain the nutritional value. This research studied the effect of carrier agent in drying rate and antioxidant activity. The method consists of two step involving roselle extraction using ultrasonic and the drying process. The roselle extraction by ultrasonic use the water as the solvent. The carrier agent (0%,5%,10% of maltodextrin) was added in roselle extract. The mixture was then dried in tray dryer dehumidification using zeolite in drying temperature 50,60, and 70⁰C. As the response, the moisture content was observed by gravimetry every 15 minutes for 150 minutes. The result showed that Page model was fitted to determine the constant of drying rate. Higher concentration of carrier agent enhanced the moisture evaporation process. Based on the DPPH analysis, the degradation of antioxidant activity in temperature 70⁰C was 2.14 times higher than in temperature 50⁰C. As the conclusion, addition of maltodextrin can speed up the drying process and retain the antioxidant activity of.
Mathematical modeling of supercritical CO2 extraction of valuable compounds from Eucheuma Cottonii and Gracilaria Sp
Authors: Nur Rizkiyah Dwila , Nazla  , Nadhifah Farah , Machmudah Siti , Winardi Sugeng
Published: March 2018

Extraction by using supercritical CO2 has been extensively developed to extract materials that are easily decomposed at high temperatures. Therefore, in this study extraction of valuable compounds (such as: carotenoids and fatty acids) from macroalgae of Eucheuma cottonii and Gracilaria sp was carried out experimentally with supercritical CO2 and mathematical model of Broken and Intact Cells (BIC) and Chrastil model. The result with BIC model is compared with the experimental result that has been done. Extraction was conducted at various pressures of 15, 20, and 25 MPa, temperature of 40, 60, and 80 ºC, CO2 flow rate of 6 mL/min, and ethanol concentrations for cosolvent of 5 %, 7.5%, and 10% CO2 flow rate. The content of extract was analyzed by using a Spectrophotometer UV - Vis and HPLC. The total yield of extract on Eucheuma cottonii was about 0.01623-0.03752 gr extract/gr sample at operating conditions 15 MPa pressure, temperature 60 ºC, and ethanol flow rate of 10%. The total yield of the extract on Gracilaria sp was 0.1982-0.4237 gr extract/gr samples, at operating conditions 15 MPa pressure, 60 ºC temperature, and ethanol flow rate 7.5% CO2 flow rate. The solubility of Eucheuma cottonii are greater than Gracilaria Sp with constant of Chrastil k, a, and b that are: 2,52; 0,911; and-27,66 at operating conditions. Broken and Intact Cells model could also describe well for extraction yield. The best fitting parameters in BIC model depends on condition at extraction process, such as : 0.45 – 0.46 for f, 0.5 - 0.75 for Xc, and 0.15 - 0.4 for K value..
The Study of EHD Flow:Velocity and electrical power
Authors: Sumariyah  , Kusminarto  , Hermanto Arief , Nuswantoro Pekik
Published: March 2018

Electrohydrodynamics (EHD) flow is the yield of the corona discharge. Corona discharge characterized by electrical phenomena that occur together in a gas medium under the influence of an electric field. In corona discharge, the electric field is not homogeneous due to the geometry of the electrode configuration. In this study, a pin-multi concentric ring electrode (P-MRE) and pin-single ring electrode (P-SRE) has been used as electrodes configuration. The objective of this research is to get the velocity of EHD flow and determining the electrical power of the EHD flow. EHD flow generated by a DC high voltage (up to 5 kV). The pin electrode was connected to a positive polarity and electrode ring/multi-concentric rings to negative polarity. Based on our result, we make a comparison of two types of corona configurations. The results were obtained that, EHD flow velocities with the P-MRE was greater than the P-SRE for the same distance and voltage. We found that u-P characteristics of EHD flow with the P-MRE and P-SRE follow relationship as u ∞ P1/3.
Carbon Capture and Storage System Using Pinch Design Method
Authors: Handogo Renanto
Published: March 2018

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) have been investigated for a long time. It was intended to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere due to fossil fuel combustion in power generation and industrial processes. CO2is captured and stored in various geological formations. The problem here is to match between source and sink such that alternative storage and unutilized storage capacities are minimum. Pinch Design Method as has been proposed by was used in this work. The concept is overwhelming that it can be used other than in the heat exchanger networks, such as in the water system design, mass exchanger networks and many other processes. Initially this concept was applied to carbon capture and storage but with no exact pairing between sources and sinks as proposed in this work using grid diagram as commonly shown in other processes. This work can point out the exact pairing between sources and sinks, and within the given time frame. A four different cases are investigated where the time difference between the starting time of CO2generated in the source and the beginning of sink availability. A value of 0, 5, 10 and 15 years are chosen to evaluate the amount of CO2that has to be stored and the amount of unutilized storage capacity. The case study has been prepared with 5 sources and 3 sinks. The result shows that the larger time difference the larger alternative storage and unutilized storage capacities. Therefore, having a shorter time difference will be more acceptable in the design CCS system.
Solvent-free microwave extraction of essential oil from Melaleuca leucadendra L.
Authors: Widya Ismanto Aviarina , Septya Kusuma Heri , Mahfud Mahfud
Published: March 2018

Cajuput (Melaleuca leucadendra L.) oil is one of potential commodity that provides an important role for the country’s foreign exchange but the extraction of these essential oil is still using conventional method such as hydrodistillation which takes a long time to produce essential oil with good quality. Therefore it is necessary to optimize the extraction process using a more effective and efficient method. So in this study the extraction is done using solvent-free microwave extraction method that are considered more effective and efficient than conventional methods. The optimum yield in the extraction of cajuput oil using solvent-free microwave extraction method is 1.0674%. The optimum yield is obtained on the feed to distiller (F/D) ratio of 0.12 g/mL with microwave power of 400 W. In the extraction of cajuput oil using solvent-free microwave extraction method is performed first-order and second-order kinetics modelling. Based on kinetics modelling that has been done, it can be said that the second-order kinetic model (R2 = 0.9901) can be better represent experimental results of extraction of cajuput oil that using solvent-free microwave extraction method when compared with the first-order kinetic model (R2 = 0.9854).
Study on color removal of Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) effluent using granular activated carbon
Authors: Nurfida Anita , Widiasa I Nyoman
Published: March 2018

Recycling of sewage treatment plant (STP) effluent is one of the attractive solutions to fulfill clean water for hotels and malls in Indonesia. STP effluent has average characteristics as follow: pH 6.8; color (true color) 107 PtCo; A254 (UV absorption) 0.36 cm-1 and COD 35.9 mg/L. Because of high color and organics contents, STP effluent needs further treatment such as activated carbon adsorption. Batch and continuous treatment of synthetic STP effluent by a commercial granular activated carbon (Filtrasorb 300) were investigated. The results show that adsorption capacity of the Filtrasorb 300 for color body of STP effluent was 184 PCU/g of carbon. Langmuir model is appropriate to describe the isotherm adsorption process in this study, with Qm: 476.2 PCU/g of carbon. The results of isotherm adsorption model evaluation, SEM photograph and FTIR analysis show that color adsorption occurred was physical adsoption.
A decision modelling approach for selection of biological nutrient removal systems for wastewater
Authors: Pausta Carla Mae , Eusebio Ramon Christian , Beltran Arnel , Huelgas-Orbecido Aileen , Promentilla Michael Angelo
Published: March 2018

This paper proposes a decision model built on a hierarchical network for optimal selection of biological nutrient removal systems (BNR) in wastewater treatment plants. BNR is an important component of a sustainable wastewater management wherein resource recovery from wastewater becomes an integral part of the municipal wastewater treatment plants (WTP). However, selection of the most appropriate technology or systems requires a multiple criteria analysis. This study focuses on the following criteria namely 1) Economic aspect; 2) Technical aspect; 3) Environmental Aspect; and 4) Space Requirement. The following alternatives were then evaluated: 1) 3 Stage Pho-redox (A2O); 2) 5 Stage Bardenpho (5BP); 3) University of Cape Town (UCT); 4) Virginia Initiative Plant; 5) Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR); 6) Membrane Bioreactor (MBR). A fuzzy ANP approach with Monte Carlo simulation was used to derive the overall priorities of these alternatives. This decision modelling approach addresses the uncertainty and complexity involved in the selection of appropriate BNR in Metro Manila’s WTP.