bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surface Topography Measurement of Mirror-Finished Surfaces Using Fringe-Patterned Illumination
Authors: Fu Shaowei , Cheng Fang , Tjahjowidodo Tegoeh
Published: January 2020

Mirror-finished surface products have a wide range of applications in different engineering industries, such as power generation, aerospace, semiconductors and optics. The surface topography of mirror-finished products is typically measured in a metrology laboratory, which is typically time consuming and cannot be integrated into the manufacturing process. To allow for in-situ product quality assurance and automatic tool change for manufacturing processes, a more accurate and responsive surface-measurement method is needed. For highly polished surfaces, a sub-micron surface fluctuation makes it possible to use light-scattering effects and image processing for surface texture analysis. A non-contact surface inspection system using a fringe-patterned illumination method is proposed in this paper. A predesigned pattern was projected onto the target surface, and its reflected image was captured by a camera. It was found that the surface parameters Sa and Sq, which are widely used to evaluate surface quality, are significantly correlated with luminous-intensity distribution. Another parameter, Str, which quantifies the uniformity of surface-texture directions due to polishing or grinding marks, was traditionally quantified after a complete-surface topographic measurement. In this research, a new approach is proposed to determine surface isotropy through a luminance-intensity distribution analysis. By rotating the test coupon, the variation of specular reflection showed correlation with the significance of surface-texture direction. The experimental results demonstrate that mirror-finished surfaces with a large deviation in luminance intensity across the pattern possess low Str values, which indicates low uniformity in surface texture.
Precipitation during γ-ε Phase Transformation in Biomedical Co-Cr-Mo Alloys Fabricated by Electron Beam Melting
Authors: Ueki Kosuke , Kasamatsu Motoka , Ueda Kyosuke , Koizumi Yuichiro , Wei Daixiu , Chiba Akihiko , Narushima Takayuki
Published: January 2020

We studied the precipitates that were induced during γ-ε phase transformation in biomedical Co-28Cr-6Mo (mass%) alloys that were fabricated by electron beam melting with carbon contents of 0.184 and 0.018 mass%. In the high-C as-built alloy, M23X6-type, π-phase (M3T2X-type), and η-phase (M6X-M12X-type) precipitates were observed (M and T: metallic elements, X: C and/or N). σ-phase (Co(Cr,Mo)), π-phase, and Co3Mo2Si-type precipitates were observed in the low-C as-built alloy. This is the first report that shows the presence and chemical composition of this precipitate, as the Co3Mo2Si-type precipitate has not been detected in biomedical Co-Cr-Mo alloys before. After aging in the ε-phase stability region, the high-C and low-C alloys both contained a single ε-phase matrix, and the amount of π-phase precipitates increased. Conversely, the amount of π-phase precipitates in both alloys decreased when a reverse transformation treatment was applied in the γ-phase stability region after aging. In the low-C alloy, the amount of Co3Mo2Si-type precipitates increased after reverse transformation treatment. These results indicate that the dissolution of π-phase precipitates and the formation of Co3Mo2Si-type precipitates during reverse transformation promote the formation of fine γ-phase grains at the precipitate/ε-phase matrix interface, because the formation and dissolution of these precipitates affect the γ-phase stability of the matrix.
Recent Development of Superplasticity in Aluminum Alloys: A Review
Authors: Bhatta Laxman , Pesin Alexander , Zhilyaev Alexander P. , Tandon Puneet , Kong Charlie , Yu Hailiang
Published: January 2020

Aluminum alloys can be used in the fabrication of intricate geometry and curved parts for a wide range of uses in aerospace and automotive sectors, where high stiffness and low weight are necessitated. This paper outlines a review of various research investigations on the superplastic behavior of aluminum alloys that have taken place mainly over the past two decades. The influencing factors on aluminum alloys superplasticity, such as initial grain size, deformation temperature, strain rate, microstructure refinement techniques, and addition of trace elements in aluminum alloys, are analyzed here. Since grain boundary sliding is one of the dominant features of aluminum alloys superplasticity, its deformation mechanism and the corresponding value of activation energy are included as a part of discussion. Dislocation motion, diffusion in grains, and near-grain boundary regions being major features of superplasticity, are discussed as important issues. Moreover, the paper also discusses the corresponding values of grain size exponent, stress exponent, solute drag creep and power law creep. Constitutive equations, which are essential for commercial applications and play a vital role in predicting and analyzing the superplastic behavior, are also reviewed here.
Recent Achievements in Rotary, Linear and Friction Stir Welding of Metals Alloys
Authors: Casalino Giuseppe
Published: January 2020

Rotary, linear, and friction stir welding of metal alloys are solid-state joining processes in which a joint between two metals can be formed by a combination of frictional heating and applied force [...]
Phase Transformation of a Ti-15Mo-5Zr-3Al Brazed Joint Using Clad Ti-15Cu-15Ni Filler
Authors: Yue Gui-Lin , Chen Tai-Cheng , Shiue Ren-Kae , Tsay Leu-Wen
Published: January 2020

Furnace brazing of Ti-15Mo-5Zr-3Al (Ti-15-5-3, β-Ti) alloy using clad Ti-15Cu-15Ni foil as the filler in a high vacuum has been carried out. In the brazed joints, the chemical compositions of distinct phases were quantified by electron probe micro-analyzer (EPMA), and the phase structures were identified by electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). The as-brazed joint composed of α-Ti, retained β-Ti, Ti2Ni, and Ti2Cu. The embrittlement of the brazed joint was correlated mainly with the formation of intermetallics, especially cellular Ti2Ni dendrites in the brazed zone. It was noticed that the molten filler liquated the β-Ti grain boundaries and assisted the eutectic reaction therein, resulting in forming grain boundary Ti2Ni surrounded by the retained β-Ti. The results indicated that proper brazing conditions were able to eliminate all the harmful phases effectively, and increased the shear strength of the Ti-15Mo-5Zr-3Al brazed joint.
Research of Tribological Properties of 34CrNiMo6 Steel in the Production of a Newly Designed Self-Equalizing Thrust Bearing
Authors: Urban Marek , Monkova Katarina
Published: January 2020

There are many cases when in large power equipment (such as a turbine or compressor) asymmetrically loading on bearings due to thermal deformations, production inaccuracies, or simple deflection of the shaft occurs. This asymmetrically loading means misalignment of rotor against stator in angle more than several tenths of a degree and it has an influence on a journal and thrust bearings. Over the last few years, thanks to increasingly precise manufacturing, solutions that can eliminate this phenomenon have been revealed. In the case of the thrust bearing, it is a system of very precise manufactured levers, which are in close contact each to other, so they have to be not only properly designed from the geometrical point of view but the important role plays a quality of the functional surfaces of these levers. The article deals with the surface treatment effect on tribological properties of 34CrNiMo6 steel used for the production of bearing levers, which are the critical parts of a newly developing self-equalizing thrust bearing. The samples with cylindrical and plate shapes were produced from 34CrNiMo6 steel as representatives of the most suitable geometries for contact surfaces. All samples were heat-treated. The surfaces of some samples were treated by electroless nickel plating or nitriding, some of the samples were treated by tumbling. Gradually, the surface roughness, microhardness, metallographic analysis and the influence of selected types of surface treatments on the wear for individual samples were evaluated within the research presented in the article. As the testing methods for evaluation of tribological properties were selected Pin-on-disc test and frequency tribological test. The results showed that the best tribological properties achieved samples treated by electroless nickel plating compared with the nitrided or only heat-treated samples.
3D Sugar Printing of Networks Mimicking the Vasculature
Authors: Pollet Andreas M. A. O. , Homburg Erik F. G. A. , Cardinaels Ruth , den Toonder Jaap M. J.
Published: January 2020

The vasculature plays a central role as the highway of the body, through which nutrients and oxygen as well as biochemical factors and signals are distributed by blood flow. Therefore, understanding the flow and distribution of particles inside the vasculature is valuable both in healthy and disease-associated networks. By creating models that mimic the microvasculature fundamental knowledge can be obtained about these parameters. However, microfabrication of such models remains a challenging goal. In this paper we demonstrate a promising 3D sugar printing method that is capable of recapitulating the vascular network geometry with a vessel diameter range of 1 mm down to 150 µm. For this work a dedicated 3D printing setup was built that is capable of accurately printing the sugar glass material with control over fibre diameter and shape. By casting of printed sugar glass networks in PDMS and dissolving the sugar glass, perfusable networks with circular cross-sectional channels are obtained. Using particle image velocimetry, analysis of the flow behaviour was conducted showing a Poisseuille flow profile inside the network and validating the quality of the printing process.
Robust Fabrication of Polymeric Nanowire with Anodic Aluminum Oxide Templates
Authors: Brock Larry , Sheng Jian
Published: January 2020

Functionalization of a surface with biomimetic nano-/micro-scale roughness (wires) has attracted significant interests in surface science and engineering as well as has inspired many real-world applications including anti-fouling and superhydrophobic surfaces. Although methods relying on lithography include soft-lithography greatly increase our abilities in structuring hard surfaces with engineered nano-/micro-topologies mimicking real-world counterparts, such as lotus leaves, rose petals, and gecko toe pads, scalable tools enabling us to pattern polymeric substrates with the same structures are largely absent in literature. Here we present a robust and simple technique combining anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) templating and vacuum-assisted molding to fabricate nanowires over polymeric substrates. We have demonstrated the efficacy and robustness of the technique by successfully fabricating nanowires with large aspect ratios (>25) using several common soft materials including both cross-linking polymers and thermal plastics. Furthermore, a model is also developed to determine the length and molding time based on nanowires material properties (e.g., viscosity and interfacial tension) and operational parameters (e.g., pressure, vacuum, and AAO template dimension). Applying the technique, we have further demonstrated the confinement effects on polymeric crosslinking processes and shown substantial lengthening of the curing time.
Sequential Cell-Processing System by Integrating Hydrodynamic Purification and Dielectrophoretic Trapping for Analyses of Suspended Cancer Cells
Authors: Park Jongho , Komori Takayuki , Uda Toru , Miyajima Keiichi , Fujii Teruo , Kim Soo Hyeon
Published: January 2020

Microfluidic devices employing dielectrophoresis (DEP) have been widely studied and applied in the manipulation and analysis of single cells. However, several pre-processing steps, such as the preparation of purified target samples and buffer exchanges, are necessary to utilize DEP forces for suspended cell samples. In this paper, a sequential cell-processing device, which is composed of pre-processing modules that employ deterministic lateral displacement (DLD) and a single-cell trapping device employing an electroactive microwell array (EMA), is proposed to perform the medium exchange followed by arraying single cells sequentially using DEP. Two original microfluidic devices were efficiently integrated by using the interconnecting substrate containing rubber gaskets that tightly connect the inlet and outlet of each device. Prostate cancer cells (PC3) suspended in phosphate-buffered saline buffer mixed with microbeads were separated and then resuspended into the DEP buffer in the integrated system. Thereafter, purified PC3 cells were trapped in a microwell array by using the positive DEP force. The achieved separation and trapping efficiencies exceeded 94% and 93%, respectively, when using the integrated processing system. This study demonstrates an integrated microfluidic device by processing suspended cell samples, without the requirement of complex preparation steps.
Good-Quality and High-Efficiency Dicing for Thick LiNbO3 Wafers Using Picosecond Laser Pulses
Authors: Lei Mingwei , Gao Wenyan , Li Guang , Wu Xinping , Li Benhai , Wang Xuefeng , Wang Junlong
Published: January 2020

Lithium niobate (LiNbO3) has become popular with applications in electronics and communication industries due to its excellent electro-optical and nonlinear properties. This paper presents the influence of laser power, repetition frequency, number of subpulses, depth of each pass, and scanning velocity in picosecond laser dicing on multiple characteristics of LiNbO3 using the Taguchi method. By means of analysis of variance and analysis of relations between the characteristics, the optimal ps-laser-dicing parameter is obtained with good quality and high efficiency, which is applied to LiNbO3 products. The result indicates that picosecond laser dicing provides an alternative to machine thick LiNbO3 wafers with narrow kerf width, micro chipping, smooth surface, and high productivity.
Single Cell Analysis of Neutrophils NETs by Microscopic LSPR Imaging System
Authors: Ahmad Mohamed Ali Riyaz , Mita Daiki , Espulgar Wilfred , Saito Masato , Nishide Masayuki , Takamatsu Hyota , Yoshikawa Hiroyuki , Tamiya Eiichi
Published: January 2020

A simple microengraving cell monitoring method for neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) released from single neutrophils has been realized using a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microwell array (MWA) sheet on a plasmon chip platform. An imbalance between NETs formation and the succeeding degradation (NETosis) are considered associated with autoimmune disease and its pathogenesis. Thus, an alternative platform that can conduct monitoring of this activity on single cell level at minimum cost but with great sensitivity is greatly desired. The developed MWA plasmon chips allow single cell isolation of neutrophils from 150 µL suspension (6.0 × 105 cells/mL) with an efficiency of 36.3%; 105 microwells with single cell condition. To demonstrate the utility of the chip, trapped cells were incubated between 2 to 4 h after introducing with 100 nM phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) before measurement. Under observation using a hyperspectral imaging system that allows high-throughput screening, the neutrophils stimulated by PMA solution show a significant release of fibrils and NETs after 4 h, with observed maximum areas between 314–758 µm2. An average absorption peak wavelength shows a redshift of Δλ = 1.5 nm as neutrophils release NETs.
Thermal Analysis and Operational Characteristics of an AlGaN/GaN High Electron Mobility Transistor with Copper-Filled Structures: A Simulation Study
Authors: Jang Kyu-Won , Hwang In-Tae , Kim Hyun-Jung , Lee Sang-Heung , Lim Jong-Won , Kim Hyun-Seok
Published: January 2020

In this study, we investigated the operational characteristics of AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) by applying the copper-filled trench and via structures for improved heat dissipation. Therefore, we used a basic T-gate HEMT device to construct the thermal structures. To identify the heat flow across the device structure, a thermal conductivity model and the heat transfer properties corresponding to the GaN, SiC, and Cu materials were applied. Initially, we simulated the direct current (DC) characteristics of a basic GaN on SiC HEMT to confirm the self-heating effect on AlGaN/GaN HEMT. Then, to verify the heat sink effect of the copper-filled thermal structures, we compared the DC characteristics such as the threshold voltage, transconductance, saturation current, and breakdown voltage. Finally, we estimated and compared the lattice temperature of a two-dimensional electron gas channel, the vertical lattice temperature near the drain-side gate head edge, and the transient thermal analysis for the copper-filled thermal trench and via structures. Through this study, we could optimize the operational characteristics of the device by applying an effective heat dissipation structure to the AlGaN/GaN HEMT.
Study on the Discharge Characteristics of Single-Pulse Discharge in Micro-EDM
Authors: Liu Qingyu , Zhang Qinhe , Zhang Min , Yang Fazhan
Published: January 2020

To further study the discharge characteristics and machining mechanism of micro-electrical discharge machining (micro-EDM), the variation trends of the discharge energy and discharge crater size with actual discharge duration are discussed based on single-pulse experiments. The polarity effect of micro-EDM was analyzed according to the motion characteristics of electrons and ions in the discharge plasma channel. The results show that the discharge current and voltage of micro-EDM were independent of the discharge width and open-circuit voltage. The energy utilization rate of the short-pulse discharge was relatively high, and the energy utilization rate decreased gradually as the discharge duration increased. Even if the mass of the positive ion was much larger than that of the electron, the kinetic energy of the positive ion was still less than that of the electron when bombarding the surface of the electrode. The acceleration and speed of electrons were very high, and the number of times that electrons bombarded the surface of positive electrode was more than 600 times that of positive ions bombarding the surface of the negative electrode during the same time.
A Low Contact Impedance Medical Flexible Electrode Based on a Pyramid Array Micro-Structure
Authors: Wang Song , Yan Jin , Zhu Canlin , Yao Jialin , Liu Qiusheng , Yang Xing
Published: January 2020

Flexible electrodes are extensively used to detect signals in electrocardiography, electroencephalography, electro-ophthalmography, and electromyography, among others. These electrodes can also be used in wearable and implantable medical systems. The collected signals directly affect doctors’ diagnoses of patient etiology and are closely associated with patients’ life safety. Electrodes with low contact impedance can acquire good quality signals. Herein, we established a method of arraying pyramidal microstructures on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrates to increase the contact area of electrodes, and a parylene transitional layer is coated between PDMS substrates and metal membranes to enhance the bonding force, finally reducing the impedance of flexible electrodes. Experimental results demonstrated that the proposed methods were effective. The contact area of the fabricated electrode increased by 18.15% per unit area, and the contact impedance at 20 Hz to 1 kHz scanning frequency ranged from 23 to 8 kΩ, which was always smaller than that of a commercial electrode. Overall, these results indicated the excellent performance of the fabricated electrode given its low contact impedance and good biocompatibility. This study can also serve as a reference for further electrode research and application in wearable and implantable medical systems.
A Narrow Dual-Band Monolayer Unpatterned Graphene-Based Perfect Absorber with Critical Coupling in the Near Infrared
Authors: Wu Pinghui , Chen Zeqiang , Xu Danyang , Zhang Congfen , Jian Ronghua
Published: January 2020

The combination of critical coupling and coupled mode theory in this study elevated the absorption performance of a graphene-based absorber in the near-infrared band, achieving perfect absorption in the double bands (98.96% and 98.22%), owing to the guided mode resonance (the coupling of the leak mode and guided mode under the condition of phase matching, which revealed 100% transmission or reflection efficiency in the wavelet band), and a third high-efficiency absorption (91.34%) emerged. During the evaluation of the single-structure, cross-circle-shaped absorber via simulation and theoretical analysis, the cross-circle shaped absorber assumed a conspicuous preponderance through exploring the correlation between absorption and tunable parameters (period, geometric measure, and incident angle of the cross-circle absorber), and by briefly analyzing the quality factors and universal applicability. Hence, the cross-circle resonance structure provides novel potential for the design of a dual-band unpatterned graphene perfect absorber in the near-infrared band, and possesses practical application significance in photoelectric detectors, modulators, optical switching, and numerous other photoelectric devices.
Enzyme Activity Profiles Produced on Wood and Straw by Four Fungi of Different Decay Strategies
Authors: Veloz Villavicencio Eliana , Mali Tuulia , Mattila Hans K. , Lundell Taina
Published: January 2020

Four well-studied saprotrophic Basidiomycota Agaricomycetes species with different decay strategies were cultivated on solid lignocellulose substrates to compare their extracellular decomposing carbohydrate-active and lignin-attacking enzyme production profiles. Two Polyporales species, the white rot fungus Phlebia radiata and brown rot fungus Fomitopsis pinicola, as well as one Agaricales species, the intermediate “grey” rot fungus Schizophyllum commune, were cultivated on birch wood pieces for 12 weeks, whereas the second Agaricales species, the litter-decomposing fungus Coprinopsis cinerea was cultivated on barley straw for 6 weeks under laboratory conditions. During 3 months of growth on birch wood, only the white rot fungus P. radiata produced high laccase and MnP activities. The brown rot fungus F. pinicola demonstrated notable production of xylanase activity up to 43 nkat/mL on birch wood, together with moderate β-glucosidase and endoglucanase cellulolytic activities. The intermediate rot fungus S. commune was the strongest producer of β-glucosidase with activities up to 54 nkat/mL, and a notable producer of xylanase activity, even up to 620 nkat/mL, on birch wood. Low lignin-attacking but moderate activities against cellulose and hemicellulose were observed with the litter-decomposer C. cinerea on barley straw. Overall, our results imply that plant cell wall decomposition ability of taxonomically and ecologically divergent fungi is in line with their enzymatic decay strategy, which is fundamental in understanding their physiology and potential for biotechnological applications.
Sandstone-Hosted Uranium Deposits as a Possible Source for Critical Elements: The Eureka Mine Case, Castell-Estaó, Catalonia
Authors: Castillo-Oliver Montgarri , Melgarejo Joan Carles , Torró Lisard , Villanova-de-Benavent Cristina , Campeny Marc , Díaz-Acha Yael , Amores-Casals Sandra , Xu Jingyao , Proenza Joaquin , Tauler Esperança
Published: January 2020

The Eureka deposit in Castell-estaó in the Catalan Pyrenees is a Cu–U–V deposit, hosted by Triassic red-bed sandstones, and classified here as a low-temperature, sandstone-hosted stratabound metamorphite U deposit. The main mineralisation is stratabound, related to coal-bearing units and produced during the Alpine deformation by migration of hydrothermal fluids. In this stage, the original sedimentary and diagenetic components (quartz and calcite, micas, hematite and locally apatite) were replaced by a complex sequence of roscoelite, fine-grained REE phosphates, sulphides and Ni–Co arsenides and sulpharsenides, Ag–Pb selenides, bismuth phases, sulphosalts and uraninite. The black shales of the Silurian sediments underlying the deposit and the nearby Carboniferous volcanoclastic rocks are interpreted as the source of the redox-sensitive elements concentrated in Eureka. The sulphur source is related to leaching of the evaporitic Keuper facies. The REE transport would be facilitated by SO4-rich solutions. The reduction of these solutions by interaction with organic matter resulted in the widespread precipitation of REE and redox-sensitive elements, including many critical metals (V, Bi, Sb, Co), whereas barite precipitated in the oxidized domains. The occurrence of similar enrichments in critical elements can be expected in other similar large uranium deposits, which could be a source of these elements as by-products.
U–Pb Age and Hf Isotope Geochemistry of Detrital Zircons from Cambrian Sandstones of the Severnaya Zemlya Archipelago and Northern Taimyr (Russian High Arctic)
Authors: Ershova Victoria B. , Prokopiev Andrei V. , Khudoley Andrey K. , Andersen Tom , Kullerud Kåre , Kolchanov Daniil A.
Published: January 2020

U–Pb and Lu–Hf isotope analyses of detrital zircons collected from metasedimentary rocks from the southern part of Kara Terrane (northern Taimyr and Severnaya Zemlya archipelago) provide vital information about the paleogeographic and tectonic evolution of the Russian High Arctic. The detrital zircon signatures of the seven dated samples are very similar, suggesting a common provenance for the clastic detritus. The majority of the dated grains belong to the late Neoproterozoic to Cambrian ages, which suggests the maximum depositional age of the enclosing sedimentary units to be Cambrian. The εHf(t) values indicate that juvenile magma mixed with evolved continental crust and the zircons crystallized within a continental magmatic arc setting. Our data strongly suggest that the main provenance for the studied clastics was located within the Timanian Orogen. A review of the available detrital zircon ages from late Neoproterozoic to Cambrian strata across the wider Arctic strongly suggests that Kara Terrane, Novaya Zemlya, Seward Peninsula (Arctic Alaska), Alexander Terrane, De Long Islands, and Scandinavian Caledonides all formed a single tectonic domain during the Cambrian age, with clastics predominantly sourced from the Timanian Orogen.
Geochemical Characteristics of Mineral Assemblages from the Yamansu Iron Deposit, NW China, and Their Metallogenic Implications
Authors: Sun Zhiyuan , Wang Jingbin , Wang Yuwang , Long Lingli
Published: January 2020

The Yamansu deposit, which is hosted in the volcanic-sedimentary sequence of the Carboniferous Yamansu Formation in Eastern Tianshan, NW China, contains many skarns, and the orebodies occur in the ore district in stratoidal, banded or lenticular forms. Four alteration stages, namely, albite–tourmaline–apatite–Grt1 (Stage I), K-feldspar–Grt2 (Stage II), magnetite–chlorite–epidote (Stage III), and quartz–calcite–axinite–Grt3 (Stage IV), are distinguished in the Yamansu deposit. The mineral geochemistry associated with each different stage is presented to provide a better understanding of the corresponding metallogenic processes. The ore-forming fluid in Stage I was derived from a magmatic–hydrothermal source and formed at high temperatures with many volatiles. This ore-forming fluid, which contained considerable metallogenic materials during the early stage, likely experienced diffusive metasomatism in a closed system with low water/rock (W/R) ratios. Mineral geochemical analyses show that the Fe content gradually increases from Stage I to Stage II, indicating that accumulated ore-forming materials were available during changes in the physicochemical conditions from a reducing environment with neutral pH to oxidizing conditions with mildly acidic pH. During the main metallogenic stage (Stage III), mineral assemblages reflect moderate- to high-temperature conditions, and the ore-forming fluid was created and destroyed periodically; the magnetite ores were deposited in a fluctuating fluid system. The multilayered orebodies, multigenerational garnets, and minerals with oscillatory zoning indicate that the ore-forming fluid may have developed periodic fluctuations, and this special multistage fluctuation of the hydrothermal fluid in the Yamansu deposit was the key factor controlling the multiple extraction, enrichment and precipitation of metallogenic materials.
Synthesis of Zn-Saponite Using a Microwave Circulating Reflux Method under Atmospheric Pressure
Authors: Yu Bing-Sheng , Hung Wei-Hsiang , Fang Jiann-Neng , Yu Yu-Ting
Published: January 2020

Smectite is a common clay mineral in nature. Due to its tendency to swell and its strong cation exchange capacity (CEC), smectite is prevalently used in industrial and technological applications. Numerous scholars have explored smectite synthesis, which usually involves autoclaving under high pressure. However, this approach requires an array of expensive equipment, and the process consumes time and energy. This study adopted self-developed equipment to synthesize zinc saponite (Zn-saponite), a type of trioctahedral smectite, using a microwave circulating reflux method under atmospheric pressure. Compared with the conventional hydrothermal methods, the proposed method entails fewer constraints regarding the synthesis environment and can be more easily applied to large-scale synthesis. The phase purity of the synthetic product was examined using X-ray diffraction and the CEC of the product was tested. The results revealed that the microwave circulating reflux method could synthesize Zn-saponite in 16 h under atmospheric pressure, and the CEC of the product reached 120 cmol(+)/kg. In addition, the product exhibited larger basal spacing and a 32% increase in CEC compared with Zn-saponite synthesized using a hot-plate under atmospheric pressure.
Molecular Modeling of Ammonia Gas Adsorption onto the Kaolinite Surface with DFT Study
Authors: Cheng Qi , Li Yongbing , Qiao Xiaojuan , Guo Yang , Zhao Yang , Zhang Qiuyuan , Ju Yiwen , Shi Yaolin
Published: January 2020

With high porosity and being one of the most abundant clay minerals, dried kaolinite may be an excellent adsorbent to remove ammonia gas (NH3). Here, the plane wave pseudopotential method based on density functional theory (DFT) was used to explore the mechanism of ammonia gas adsorption on the dried kaolinite, the Mulliken electric charge, and the partial density of states of atoms of the NH3/kaolinite (001) system. NH3 adsorption on kaolinite can happen in three different type adsorption positions: “top”, “bridge” and “hollow”. The “hollow” position is enclosed by two "upright" hydroxyl groups perpendicular to the (001) surface of kaolinite and a "lying" hydroxyl group parallel to the surface. At this position, the adsorption is the most stable and has the highest adsorption energy. The nitrogen atom of the NH3 molecule bonds with the hydrogen atom in the "upright" hydroxyl group on the (001) surface and its hydrogen atom forms HN…O hydrogen bond with oxygen atom in the "lying" hydroxyl group, which leads to the NH3 stably adsorbed on kaolinite (001) surface. A small part of electrons transfer between NH3 molecules and kaolinite creates weakly electrostatic adsorption between them.
Comparative Evaluation of Essential Oils from Medicinal-Aromatic Plants of Greece: Chemical Composition, Antioxidant Capacity and Antimicrobial Activity against Bacterial Fish Pathogens
Authors: Anastasiou Thekla I. , Mandalakis Manolis , Krigas Nikos , Vézignol Thomas , Lazari Diamanto , Katharios Pantelis , Dailianis Thanos , Antonopoulou Efthimia
Published: January 2020

The administration of antibiotics in aquaculture has raised concern about the impact of their overuse in marine ecosystems, seafood safety and consumers’ health. This “green consumerism” has forced researchers to find new alternatives against fish pathogens. The present study focused on 12 Mediterranean medicinal-aromatic plants as potential antimicrobials and antioxidant agents that could be used in fish aquaculture. In vitro assays showed that the essential oils (EOs) from all studied plants had anti-bacterial and antioxidant properties, with their efficacy being dependent on their chemical composition. More specifically, EOs rich in carvacrol, p-cymene and γ-terpinene exhibited not only the strongest inhibitory activity against the growth of bacterial pathogens (inhibitory concentration: 26–88 μg mL−1), but also the greatest total antioxidant capacity (ABTS: 2591–5879 μmole mL−1; CUPRAC: 931–2733 μmole mL−1). These compounds were mainly found in the EOs from Greek oregano (Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum), Spanish oregano (Thymbra capitata) and savoury (Satureja thymbra) collected from cultivations in Greece. The specific EOs stand out as promising candidates for the treatment of bacterial diseases and oxidative stress in farmed fish. Further in vivo experiments are needed to fully understand the effects of EO dietary supplementation on fish farming processes.
Integrated Analytical Tools for Accessing Acridones and Unrelated Phenylacrylamides from Swinglea glutinosa
Authors: Calheiros de Carvalho Ana , De Camillis Rodrigues Luiza , Ribeiro Alany Ingrid , Fernandes da Silva Maria Fátima das Graças , Soman de Medeiros Lívia , Moura Veiga Thiago André
Published: January 2020

In natural product studies, the purification of metabolites is an important challenge. To accelerate this step, alternatives such as integrated analytical tools should be employed. Based on this, the chemical study of Swinglea glutinosa (Rutaceae) was performed using two rapid dereplication strategies: Target Analysis (Bruker Daltonics®, Bremen, Germany) MS data analysis combined with MS/MS data obtained from the GNPS platform. Through UHPLC-HRMS data, the first approach allowed, from crude fractions, a quick and visual identification of compounds already reported in the Swinglea genus. Aside from this, by grouping compounds according to their fragmentation patterns, the second approach enabled the detection of eight molecular families, which presented matches for acridonic alkaloids, phenylacrylamides, and flavonoids. Unrelated compounds for S. glutinosa have been isolated and characterized by NMR experiments, Lansamide I, Lansiumamide B, Lansiumamide C, and N-(2-phenylethyl)cinnamamide.
The Reactivity and Stability of Polyoxometalate Water Oxidation Electrocatalysts
Authors: Gao Dandan , Trentin Ivan , Schwiedrzik Ludwig , González Leticia , Streb Carsten
Published: January 2020

This review describes major advances in the use of functionalized molecular metal oxides (polyoxometalates, POMs) as water oxidation catalysts under electrochemical conditions. The fundamentals of POM-based water oxidation are described, together with a brief overview of general approaches to designing POM water oxidation catalysts. Next, the use of POMs for homogeneous, solution-phase water oxidation is described together with a summary of theoretical studies shedding light on the POM-WOC mechanism. This is followed by a discussion of heterogenization of POMs on electrically conductive substrates for technologically more relevant application studies. The stability of POM water oxidation catalysts is discussed, using select examples where detailed data is already available. The review finishes with an outlook on future perspectives and emerging themes in electrocatalytic polyoxometalate-based water oxidation research.
Evaluation of the Possibility of Using Hydroponic Cultivations for the Removal of Pharmaceuticals and Endocrine Disrupting Compounds in Municipal Sewage Treatment Plants
Authors: Wolecki Daniel , Caban Magda , Pazda Magdalena , Stepnowski Piotr , Kumirska Jolanta
Published: January 2020

The problem of the presence of pharmaceuticals and endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) in the environment is closely related to municipal wastewater and in consequence to municipal wastewater treatment plants (MWWTPs) because wastewater is the main way in which these compounds are transferred to the ecosystem. For this reason, the development of cheap, simple but very effective techniques for the removal of such residues from wastewater is very important. In this study, the analysis of the potential of using three new plants: Cyperus papyrus (Papyrus), Lysimachia nemorum (Yellow pimpernel), and Euonymus europaeus (European spindle) by hydroponic cultivation for the removal of 15 selected pharmaceuticals and endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) in an MWWTP is presented. In order to obtain the most reliable data, this study was performed using real WWTP conditions and with the determination of the selected analytes in untreated sewage, treated sewage, and in plant materials. For determining the target compounds in plant materials, an Accelerated Solvent Extraction (ASE)-Solid-Phase Extraction (SPE)-GC-MS(SIM) method was developed and validated. The obtained data proved that the elimination efficiency of the investigated substances from wastewater was in the range of 35.8% for diflunisal to above 99.9% for paracetamol, terbutaline, and flurbiprofen. Lysimachia nemorum was the most effective for the uptake of target compounds among the tested plant species. Thus, the application of constructed wetlands for supporting conventional MWWTPs allowed a significant increase in their removal from the wastewater stream.
Enrichment of Polyglucosylated Isoflavones from Soybean Isoflavone Aglycones Using Optimized Amylosucrase Transglycosylation
Authors: Jung Young Sung , Kim Ye-Jin , Kim Aaron Taehwan , Jang Davin , Kim Mi-Seon , Seo Dong-Ho , Nam Tae Gyu , Rha Chan-Su , Park Cheon-Seok , Kim Dae-Ok
Published: January 2020

Isoflavones in soybeans are well-known phytoestrogens. Soy isoflavones present in conjugated forms are converted to aglycone forms during processing and storage. Isoflavone aglycones (IFAs) of soybeans in human diets have poor solubility in water, resulting in low bioavailability and bioactivity. Enzyme-mediated glycosylation is an efficient and environmentally friendly way to modify the physicochemical properties of soy IFAs. In this study, we determined the optimal reaction conditions for Deinococcus geothermalis amylosucrase-mediated α-1,4 glycosylation of IFA-rich soybean extract to improve the bioaccessibility of IFAs. The conversion yields of soy IFAs were in decreasing order as follows: genistein > daidzein > glycitein. An enzyme quantity of 5 U and donor:acceptor ratios of 1000:1 (glycitein) and 400:1 (daidzein and genistein) resulted in high conversion yield (average 95.7%). These optimal reaction conditions for transglycosylation can be used to obtain transglycosylated IFA-rich functional ingredients from soybeans.
Carnitine in Human Muscle Bioenergetics: Can Carnitine Supplementation Improve Physical Exercise?
Authors: Gnoni Antonio , Longo Serena , Gnoni Gabriele V. , Giudetti Anna M.
Published: January 2020

l-Carnitine is an amino acid derivative widely known for its involvement in the transport of long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondrial matrix, where fatty acid oxidation occurs. Moreover, l-Carnitine protects the cell from acyl-CoA accretion through the generation of acylcarnitines. Circulating carnitine is mainly supplied by animal-based food products and to a lesser extent by endogenous biosynthesis in the liver and kidney. Human muscle contains high amounts of carnitine but it depends on the uptake of this compound from the bloodstream, due to muscle inability to synthesize carnitine. Mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation represents an important energy source for muscle metabolism particularly during physical exercise. However, especially during high-intensity exercise, this process seems to be limited by the mitochondrial availability of free l-carnitine. Hence, fatty acid oxidation rapidly declines, increasing exercise intensity from moderate to high. Considering the important role of fatty acids in muscle bioenergetics, and the limiting effect of free carnitine in fatty acid oxidation during endurance exercise, l-carnitine supplementation has been hypothesized to improve exercise performance. So far, the question of the role of l-carnitine supplementation on muscle performance has not definitively been clarified. Differences in exercise intensity, training or conditioning of the subjects, amount of l-carnitine administered, route and timing of administration relative to the exercise led to different experimental results. In this review, we will describe the role of l-carnitine in muscle energetics and the main causes that led to conflicting data on the use of l-carnitine as a supplement.
Polymer/Metal Organic Framework (MOF) Nanocomposites for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Giliopoulos Dimitrios , Zamboulis Alexandra , Giannakoudakis Dimitrios , Bikiaris Dimitrios , Triantafyllidis Konstantinos
Published: January 2020

The utilization of polymer/metal organic framework (MOF) nanocomposites in various biomedical applications has been widely studied due to their unique properties that arise from MOFs or hybrid composite systems. This review focuses on the types of polymer/MOF nanocomposites used in drug delivery and imaging applications. Initially, a comprehensive introduction to the synthesis and structure of MOFs and bio-MOFs is presented. Subsequently, the properties and the performance of polymer/MOF nanocomposites used in these applications are examined, in relation to the approach applied for their synthesis: (i) non-covalent attachment, (ii) covalent attachment, (iii) polymer coordination to metal ions, (iv) MOF encapsulation in polymers, and (v) other strategies. A critical comparison and discussion of the effectiveness of polymer/MOF nanocomposites regarding their synthesis methods and their structural characteristics is presented.
Bioactive Compounds in Moringa oleifera Lam. Leaves Inhibit the Pro-Inflammatory Mediators in Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Human Monocyte-Derived Macrophages
Authors: Luetragoon Thitiya , Pankla Sranujit Rungnapa , Noysang Chanai , Thongsri Yordhathai , Potup Pachuen , Suphrom Nungruthai , Nuengchamnong Nitra , Usuwanthim Kanchana
Published: January 2020

Moringa oleifera (MO) is an important plant for traditional medicine. The present study aimed to identify the MO active phytochemical compounds for their ability against inflamed macrophages. An ethyl acetate extract fraction of MO was fractionation by flash column chromatography. Human macrophages were stimulated by Lipopolysaccharide and then treated with fractions of MO to examine their anti-inflammatory activity and cellular mechanism. The active fractions were analyzed by liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer (LC-ESI-QTOF-MS). MO treated cells showed a decreased production of pro-inflammatory mediator in response to lipopolysaccharide. This was evident at both mRNA and protein levels. The study revealed that MO suppressed mRNA expression of IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α, PTGS2, NF-κB (P50), and RelA. Furthermore, the extract effectively inhibited the expression of inflammatory mediators, including IL-6, TNF-α, and cyclooxygenase-2. Interestingly, the effect of MO inhibited phosphorylation of IκB-α and the ability to reduce expression of the nuclear factor (NF)-κB p65, suppressing its nuclear translocation. Moreover, LC-ESI-QTOF-MS analysis of the MO active fraction revealed seven compounds, namely 3,4-Methyleneazelaic acid, (2S)-2-phenylmethoxybutane-1,4-diol, (2R)-2-phenylmethoxybutane-1, 4-diol, γ-Diosphenol, 2,2,4,4-Tetramethyl-6-(1-oxobutyl)-1,3,5-cyclohexanetrione, 3-Hydroxy-β-ionone, and Tuberonic acid. Our findings highlight the ability of MO compounds to inhibit inflammation through regulation of the NF-κB pathway.
Evaluation of Pesticide Residues in Vegetables from the Asir Region, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Ramadan Mohamed F. A. , Abdel-Hamid Mohamed M. A. , Altorgoman Montasser M. F. , AlGaramah Hamed A. , Alawi Mohammed A. , Shati Ali A. , Shweeta Hoda A. , Awwad Nasser S.
Published: January 2020

This study’s aim was to determine the pesticide residues in 10 different vegetable commodities from the Asir region, Saudi Arabia. We evaluated 211 vegetable samples, collected from supermarkets between March 2018 and September 2018, for a total of 80 different pesticides using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) and gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) after extraction with a multi-residue method (the QuEChERS method). The results were assessed according to the maximum residue limit (MRL) provided by European regulations for each pesticide in each commodity. All lettuce, cauliflower, and carrot samples were found to be free from pesticide residues. A total of 145 samples (68.7%) contained detectable pesticide residues at or lower than MRLs, and 44 samples (20.9%) contained detectable pesticide residues above MRLs. MRL values were exceeded most often in chili pepper (14 samples) and cucumber (10 samples). Methomyl, imidacloprid, metalaxyl, and cyproconazole were the most frequently detected pesticides. Based on the results of this study, we recommend that a government-supported program for the monitoring of pesticide residues in vegetables be established to promote consumers’ health and achieve sustainable farming systems.
Effect of Nanoparticles with Different Chemical Nature on the Stability and Rheology of Acrylamide Sodium Acrylate Copolymer/Chromium (III) Acetate Gel for Conformance Control Operations
Authors: Pérez-Robles Saray , Matute Cristian A. , Lara Jeison R. , Lopera Sergio H. , Cortés Farid B. , Franco Camilo A.
Published: January 2020

During enhanced oil recovery (EOR), reservoir heterogeneities and fluids distributions promote preferential flow channels formation. Therefore, different types of gels have been proposed to improve swept efficiency on chemical flooding by plugging high permeability zones. The purpose of this article is to evaluate the effect that nanotechnology has on the inhibition of syneresis and the rheological properties of the Acrylamide Sodium Acrylate Copolymer/Chromium (III) Acetate gel system for conformance applications in mature reservoirs. Thus, a methodology is proposed in four stages: First, (I) nanoparticles synthesis, and characterization, followed by (II) bottle tests to monitor gelation kinetics and syneresis degree at 70 °C, then (III) description of the rheological evaluation on static and dynamic conditions to calculate gelation time and viscoelastic modulus (G’ and G”), and finally (IV) the displacement test with the best gel system in the presence of nanoparticles. Results showed that the best nanoparticle was the chromium oxide (Cr2O3), which represented the lesser syneresis degree and increased gelation time. Syneresis of gel samples in the presence of Cr2O3 at day 30 was under 1% for gels prepared with 4000, 6000, and 8000 mg·L−1 of polymer, and polymer to crosslinker ratio (p/c) of 40:1. Regarding SiO2, MgO, and Al2O3 nanoparticles, results show an improvement of gel strength. However, their thermal stability in terms of syneresis was lower. Displacement test in a triple parallel Slim Tube was able to recover an additional 37% of oil of the total oil present in the sandpacks, confirming the effectivity of the system when 100 mg·L−1 of Cr2O3 nanoparticles are included.