bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Multilevel Structure of Sulfonated Syndiotactic-Polystyrene Model Polyelectrolyte Membranes Resolved by Extended Q-Range Contrast Variation SANS
Authors: Schiavone Maria-Maddalena , Iwase Hiroki , Takata Shin-ichi , Radulescu Aurel
Published: October 2019

Membranes based on sulfonated synditoactic polystyrene (s-sPS) were thoroughly characterized by contrast variation small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) over a wide Q-range in dry and hydrated states. Following special sulfonation and treatment procedures, s-sPS is an attractive material for fuel cells and energy storage applications. The film samples were prepared by solid-state sulfonation, resulting in uniform sulfonation of only the amorphous phase while preserving the crystallinity of the membrane. Fullerenes, which improve the resistance to oxidation decomposition, were incorporated in the membranes. The fullerenes seem to be chiefly located in the amorphous regions of the samples, and do not influence the formation and evolution of the morphologies in the polymer films, as no significant differences were observed in the SANS patterns compared to the fullerenes-free s-sPS membranes, which were investigated in a previous study. The use of uniaxially deformed film samples, and neutron contrast variation allowed for the identification and characterization of different structural levels with sizes between nm and μm, which form and evolve in both the dry and hydrated states. The scattering length density of the crystalline regions was varied using the guest exchange procedure between different toluene isotopologues incorporated into the sPS lattice, while the variation of the scattering properties of the hydrated amorphous regions was achieved using different H2O/D2O mixtures. Due to the deformation of the films, the scattering characteristics of different structures can be distinguished on specific detection sectors and at different detection distances after the sample, depending on their size and orientation.
Physical and Numerical Modelling on the Mixing Condition in a 50 t Ladle
Authors: Liu Yu , Bai Haitong , Liu Heping , Ersson Mikael , Jönsson Pär G. , Gan Yong
Published: October 2019

The bubbly flow and mixing conditions for gas stirring in a 50t ladle were investigated by using physical modelling and mathematical modelling. In the physical modelling, the effect of the porous plugs’ configurations on the tracer homogenization was studied by using a saturated NaCl solution to predict the mixing time and a color dye to show the mixing pattern. In the mathematical modelling, the Euler–Lagrange model and species transport model were used to predict the flow pattern and tracer homogenization, respectively. The results show that, for a ±5% homogenization degree, the mixing time with dual plugs using a radial angle of 180° is shortest. In addition, the mixing time using a radial angle of 135° decreases the most with an increased flow rate. The flow pattern and mixing conditions predicted by mathematical modelling agree well with the result of the physical modelling. For a ±1% homogenization degree, the influence of the tracer’s natural convection on its homogenization pattern cannot be neglected. This is especially true for a ‘soft bubbling’ case using a low gas flow rate. Overall, it is recommended that large radial angles in the range of 135°~180° are chosen for gas stirring in the present study when using dual porous plugs.
Image Processing-Based Analysis of Temperature Dependent Interlayer in Brazed Fe-Cr-Al Alloy (Fecralloy®) with Ni-Based Filler Metal
Authors: Shin Jeong-Heon , Kim Young , Choi Hyun Woo , Choi Jun Seok , Yoon Seok Ho
Published: October 2019

This paper presents the result of the brazed Iron-chromium-aluminum alloy (Fecralloy) with nickel filler metal (MBF20). The heat plates with the machined 2 mm diameter channels were brazed using 60 μm thick MBF20. In the experiment, the brazing bonding was performed at three different temperatures, and the SEM-EDS images of the cross sections were acquired to analyze. By performing image processing, the change of the filler metal thickness was estimated, and the thickness increased from 53.8 μm, 64.1 μm, and 115.8 μm at 900 °C, 950 °C and 1000 °C, respectively. In addition, the image-processed distributions of CrxBy and NixAly phases with the change of bonding temperatures were quantified. The image processing methods in this work are proposed to be used for quantitative analysis.
Amorphous Al-Ti Powders Prepared by Mechanical Alloying and Consolidated by Electrical Resistance Sintering
Authors: Urban Petr , Ternero Fátima , Caballero Eduardo S. , Nandyala Sooraj , Montes Juan Manuel , Cuevas Francisco G.
Published: October 2019

A novel processing method for amorphous Al50Ti50 alloy, obtained by mechanical alloying and subsequently consolidated by electrical resistance sintering, has been investigated. The characterisation of the powders and the confirmation of the presence of amorphous phase have been carried out by laser diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry and transmission electron microscopy. The amorphous Al50Ti50 powders, milled for 75 h, have a high hardness and small plastic deformation capacity, not being possible to achieve green compacts for conventional sintering. Moreover, conventional sintering takes a long time, being not possible to avoid crystallisation. Amorphous powders have been consolidated by electrical resistance sintering. Electrically sintered compacts with different current intensities (7–8 kA) and processing times (0.8–1.6 s) show a porosity between 16.5 and 20%. The highest Vickers hardness of 662 HV is reached in the centre of an electrically sintered compact with 8 kA and 1.2 s from amorphous Al50Ti50 powder. The hardness results are compared with the values found in the literature.
Experimental Optimization of Nimonic 263 Laser Cutting Using a Particle Swarm Approach
Authors: Sibalija Tatjana , Petronic Sanja , Milovanovic Dubravka
Published: October 2019

This paper presents an experimental study carried out on Nimonic 263 alloy sheets to determine the optimal combination of laser cutting control factors (assisted gas pressure, beam focus position, laser power, and cutting speed), with respect to multiple characteristics of the cut area. With the aim of designing laser cutting parameters that satisfy the specifications of multiple responses, an advanced multiresponse optimization methodology was used. After the processing of experimental data to develop the process measure using statistical methods, the functional relationship between cutting parameters and the process measure was determined by artificial neural networks (ANNs). Using the trained ANN model, particle swarm optimization (PSO) was employed to find the optimal values of laser cutting parameters. Since the effectiveness of PSO could be affected by its parameter tuning, the settings of PSO algorithm-specific parameters were analyzed in detail. The optimal laser cutting parameters proposed by PSO were implemented in the validation run, showing the superior cut characteristics produced by the optimized parameters and proving the efficacy of the suggested approach in practice. In particular, it is demonstrated that the quality of the Nimonic 263 cut area and the microstructure were significantly improved, as well as the mechanical characteristics.
Troubleshooting in Large-Scale LC-ToF-MS Metabolomics Analysis: Solving Complex Issues in Big Cohorts
Authors: Rodríguez-Coira Juan , Delgado-Dolset María , Obeso David , Dolores-Hernández Mariana , Quintás Guillermo , Angulo Santiago , Barber Domingo , Carrillo Teresa , Escribese María , Villaseñor Alma
Published: October 2019

Metabolomics, understood as the science that manages the study of compounds from the metabolism, is an essential tool for deciphering metabolic changes in disease. The experiments rely on the use of high-throughput analytical techniques such as liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-ToF MS). This hyphenation has brought positive aspects such as higher sensitivity, specificity and the extension of the metabolome coverage in a single run. The analysis of a high number of samples in a single batch is currently not always feasible due to technical and practical issues (i.e., a drop of the MS signal) which result in the MS stopping during the experiment obtaining more than a single sample batch. In this situation, careful data treatment is required to enable an accurate joint analysis of multi-batch data sets. This paper summarizes the analytical strategies in large-scale metabolomic experiments; special attention has been given to QC preparation troubleshooting and data treatment. Moreover, labeled internal standards analysis and their aim in data treatment, and data normalization procedures (intra- and inter-batch) are described. These concepts are exemplified using a cohort of 165 patients from a study in asthma.
One-Step Coating Processed Phototransistors Enabled by Phase Separation of Semiconductor and Dielectric Blend Film
Authors: Gao Lin , Hou Sihui , Wang Zijun , Gao Zhan , Yu Xinge , Yu Junsheng
Published: October 2019

Fabrication of organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs) via high throughput solution process routes have attracted extensive attention. Herein, we report a simple one-step coating method for vertical phase separation of the poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3HT) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) blends as semiconducting and dielectric layers in OTFTs. These OTFTs can be used as phototransistors for ultraviolet (UV) light detection, where the phototransistors exhibited great photosensitivity of 597.6 mA/W and detectivity of 4.25 × 1010 Jones under 1 mW/cm2 UV light intensity. Studies of the electrical properties in these phototransistors suggested that optimized P3HT contents in the blend film can facilitate the improvement of film morphology, and therefore form optimized vertical phase separation of the PMMA and P3HT. These results indicate that the simple one-step fabrication method creates possibilities for realizing high throughput phototransistors with great photosensitivity.
Facile Method for Fabricating Microfluidic Chip Integrated with Microwell Arrays for Cell Trapping
Authors: Wu Hongyue , Ge Zhixing , Yang Wenguang , Wang Xiaoduo , Wang Xiaodong , Yu Haibo
Published: October 2019

With the development of biomedical technology, personalized diagnosis and treatment at the single-cell level are becoming more important in the medical field. As one of the most powerful tools, microfluidic chips have shown significant potential for various applications related to cell separation, cell proliferation, and cell behavior analysis. However, fabricating microfluidic devices requires complicated procedures and high-cost equipment. In this study, an optofluidic maskless lithography method was proposed for rapid fabrication of microfluidic devices integrated with microwells. Through the use of this approach, microwells can be on-line designed and the exposure patterns can be modulated. Single or multi polystyrene microspheres were successfully trapped by using the designed microwells. The capture of MCF-7 cells and cell arrays indicated that the microfluidic devices fabricated in the present study can be applied for cell research.
Requirements for Durability Improvement of Conductive Patterns Permeated in Textiles under Cyclic Tensile Deformation
Authors: Koshi Tomoya , Nomura Ken-ichi , Yoshida Manabu
Published: October 2019

Conductive patterns on textiles are one of the key components for electronic textiles (E-textiles). The patterns with deeper permeation of inks into the textiles show better durability against cyclic tensile deformation. However, other requirements for improving the durability and the behavior of resistance under deformation are still unclear. In this study, the resistance during cyclic tensile deformation was measured with changing conditions, and the resistance variation was analyzed while considering the stress variation. Silver inks were printed on a plain weave, and the pattern width and tensile direction against weft yarns were changed. Measurements confirmed that the resistance increased less with wider pattern widths and when the tensile direction was horizontal to the axis of the weft yarns. Through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation, we also confirmed that the growth rate of cracks, at the crossing point of yarns, was changed by the tensile direction. These results indicate that the durability is improved when the electricity path redundancy within the pattern is robust, and the crack growth rate at the yarn crossing points is low. The analysis also confirmed both increasing and decreasing behavior of resistance during stretching in the cyclic tensile deformation, indicating the behavior results from the stress variation of a plain weave.
A Smart Floating Gate Transistor with Two Control Gates for Active Noise Control
Authors: Mao Cheng , Yang Cheng , Ma Haowen , Yan Feng , Zhang Limin
Published: October 2019

A smart floating gate transistor with two control gates was proposed for active noise control in bioelectrical signal measurement. The device, which is low cost and capable of large-scale integration, was implemented in a standard single-poly complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) process. A model of the device was developed to demonstrate the working principle. Theoretical analysis and simulation results proved the superposition of the two control gates. A series of test experiments were carried out and the results showed that the device was in accordance with the basic electrical characteristics of a floating gate transistor, including the current–voltage (I–V) characteristics and the threshold characteristics observed on the two control gates. Based on the source follower circuit, the experimental results proved that the device can reduce interference by more than 29 dB, which demonstrates the feasibility of the proposed device for active noise control.
Consolidated Bioprocess for Bioethanol Production from Raw Flour of Brosimum alicastrum Seeds Using the Native Strain of Trametes hirsuta Bm-2
Authors: Olguin-Maciel Edgar , Larqué-Saavedra Alfonso , Lappe-Oliveras Patricia E. , Barahona-Pérez Luis F. , Alzate-Gaviria Liliana , Chablé-Villacis Rubí , Domínguez-Maldonado Jorge , Pacheco-Catalán Daniella , Ruíz Hector A. , Tapia-Tussell Raúl
Published: October 2019

Consolidated bioprocessing (CBP), which integrates biological pretreatment, enzyme production, saccharification, and fermentation, is a promising operational strategy for cost-effective ethanol production from biomass. In this study, the use of a native strain of Trametes hirsuta (Bm-2) was evaluated for bioethanol production from Brosimum alicastrum in a CBP. The raw seed flour obtained from the ramon tree contained 61% of starch, indicating its potential as a raw material for bioethanol production. Quantitative assays revealed that the Bm-2 strain produced the amylase enzyme with activity of 193.85 U/mL. The Bm-2 strain showed high tolerance to ethanol stress and was capable of directly producing ethanol from raw flour at a concentration of 13 g/L, with a production yield of 123.4 mL/kg flour. This study demonstrates the potential of T. hirsuta Bm-2 for starch-based ethanol production in a consolidated bioprocess to be implemented in the biofuel industry. The residual biomass after fermentation showed an average protein content of 22.5%, suggesting that it could also be considered as a valuable biorefinery co-product for animal feeding.
Impact of Heavy Metals on Community Farming Activities in the Central Peruvian Andes
Authors: Quispe-Zuniga Melissa R. , Santos Fabián , Callo-Concha Daniel , Greve Klaus
Published: October 2019

The high mining potential of the Peruvian Andes has promoted booming foreign investments. The mining activity takes place on campesino community lands and headwaters. Once the government awards a mining concession, mining companies must regularly negotiate land rent with communities over the whole duration of the mining operation, often leading to disagreements. Our research objective is to identify the mining impacts on the farming activities of campesino communities in the Junin region, central Peruvian Andes. Using a mixed-methods approach involving in-depth interviews, water and soil analysis, land-cover classification and participatory mapping, we analyzed the mining-community agreements and the mining impacts on the farming lands. We arrived at two primary conclusions. First, mining activities in terms of heavy metal concentrations impact on farming lands, although the contribution of previous and concurrent activities cannot be distinguished. Second, the diverging and short-termed interests of the involved parties which circumscribe the agreements may potentially lead to conflicts.
Origin and Age Determination of the Neotethys Meliata Basin Ophiolite Fragments in the Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous Accretionary Wedge Mélange (Inner Western Carpathians, Slovakia)
Authors: Putiš Marián , Soták Ján , Li Qiu-Li , Ondrejka Martin , Li Xian-Hua , Hu Zhaochu , Ling Xiaoxiao , Nemec Ondrej , Németh Zoltán , Ružička Peter
Published: October 2019

This study reports the Neotethyan Meliata Basin ophiolite fragments in the Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous accretionary wedge mélange in the southern part of the Inner Western Carpathians (IWC). Here we present new lithostratigraphical, petrographical, geochemical, and geochronological data obtained from the mélange blocks used to reconstruct the Meliaticum paleotectonic zones in a tentative evolutionary model of this accretionary wedge. The Dobšiná mélange block continental margin carbonatic and siliciclastic sediments have calc-alkaline basalt intercalations. The basalt Concordia age dated to 245.5 ± 3.3 Ma by U–Pb SIMS on zircon most likely indicates the pre-oceanic advanced early Middle Triassic continental rifting stage. The evolving marginal oceanic crust is composed of Middle to Upper Triassic cherty shales to radiolarites. The detrital zircon U–Pb SIMS Concordia ages of 247 ± 4 Ma and 243 ± 4 Ma from a cherty shale, and the xenocryst zircon population Concordia age of 266 ± 3 Ma from a 0.5 m thick “normal” mid-ocean ridge (N-MOR) basalt layer in this cherty shale reveal the connection of the oceanic basin to the adjacent rifting continental margin. The chertified reddish limestone transition to radiolarite indicates syn-rift basin deepening. Upwards, regular alternating N-MOR basalts and radiolarites are often disturbed by peperite breccia horizons. The Nd isotope values of these basalts (εNd240 = 7–8) are consistent with their chondrite normalized rare earth element (REE) patterns and indicate a depleted mantle source. The Triassic ophiolitic suite also comprises rare ocean island (OI) basalts (εNd240 = 5) and serpentinized subduction unrelated peridotites. The Middle to Late Jurassic shortening and southward intra-oceanic and continental margin subduction at approximately 170–150 Ma enhanced the formation of the trench-like Jurassic flysch succession which preceded the closure of the Meliata Basin. The flysch sediments form a mélange matrix of olistolithic unsubducted, obducted, and MP–HP/LT metamorphosed exhumed blocks of the Triassic to Lower Jurassic successions. Blocks of peridotites, rodingites, blueschists, greenschists, rare amphibolites, deep-water shaly sediments and shallow- to deep-water carbonates are typical members of the mélange. The Meliatic accretionary wedge mélange nappe outliers were incorporated in the IWC orogenic wedge in the late Early Cretaceous according to metamorphic rutile U–Pb SIMS ages of 100 ± 10 Ma determined from a Jaklovce metabasalt.
The Source, Distribution, and Sedimentary Pattern of K-Rich Brines in the Qaidam Basin, Western China
Authors: Zhang Xiangru , Fan Qishun , Li Qingkuan , Du Yongsheng , Qin Zhanjie , Wei Haicheng , Shan Fashou
Published: October 2019

Potash plays an important role in agricultural production. The Qaidam Basin (QB) in western China is a typical inland evaporite basin, which contains an abundance of K-rich brines, including shallow brines (i.e., surface brines and intercrystalline brines) in salt lakes and deep brines (i.e., pore brines and oilfield brines) in the strata. Significant studies on these brines have been reported; however, the integrated studies on sources of K, its distribution, and the sedimentary pattern of the two brine types are still inadequate. In this study, the K+ concentrations of sixty-four intercrystalline brines from the Qarhan Salt Lake (QSL), the largest playa in the QB, are presented. After combining those results with the major ionic compositions of river waters and deep K-rich brines, and the K+ concentrations of shallow brines in the QB, we concluded that: (1) The K of brines in the QSL is mainly from the high–flux K input by rivers which gain K from silicate weathering, while the “ancient Qaidam Lake” contributed little K to the QSL; (2) the large K flux supplied by rivers, the appropriate concentration degree, and the mixing of river waters and spring waters, cooperatively account for the highest K concentrations of brines in the QSL in the QB. The different river K recharges in different sections and isolated depressions are responsible for uneven K+ concentrations of brines in the QSL. (3) The deep brines are mainly distributed in the western QB. The K source of pore brines is from the interaction of pore water with the overlying evaporite layer. While the K in oilfield brines may be meteoric water, salt dissolution, the mixing of hydrothermal fluids, and the conversion of clay minerals to K-feldspar may consume K in the oilfield brines.
Calcium Oxalates in Lichens on Surface of Apatite-Nepheline Ore (Kola Peninsula, Russia)
Authors: Frank-Kamenetskaya Olga V. , Ivanyuk Gregory Yu. , Zelenskaya Marina S. , Izatulina Alina R. , Kalashnikov Andrey O. , Vlasov Dmitry Yu. , Polyanskaya Evgeniya I.
Published: October 2019

The present work contributes to the essential questions on calcium oxalate formation under the influence of lithobiont community organisms. We have discovered calcium oxalates in lichen thalli on surfaces of apatite-nepheline rocks of southeastern and southwestern titanite-apatite ore fields of the Khibiny peralkaline massif (Kola Peninsula, NW Russia) for the first time; investigated biofilm calcium oxalates with different methods (X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and EDX analysis) and discussed morphogenetic patterns of its formation using results of model experiments. The influence of inorganic and organic components of the crystallization medium on the phase composition and morphology of oxalates has been analyzed. It was shown that, among the complex of factors controlling the patterns of biogenic oxalate formation, one of the main roles belongs to the metabolic activity of the lithobiont community organisms, which differs significantly from the activity of its individuals.
Synthesis of g-C3N4-Decorated ZnO Porous Hollow Microspheres for Room-Temperature Detection of CH4 under UV-Light Illumination
Authors: Xiao Min , Li Yanwei , Zhang Bo , Sun Guang , Zhang Zhanying
Published: October 2019

UV light-assisted gas sensors based on metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) have attracted much attention in detecting flammable and explosive gases at room temperature. In this paper, graphite-based carbon nitride (g-C3N4) nanosheets-decorated ZnO porous hollow microspheres (PHMSs) with the size about 3~5 μm in diameter were successfully synthesized by annealing the solvothermally-synthesized Zn5(CO3)2(OH)6 PHMSs together with g-C3N4. The synthesized samples were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, FT-IR and XPS. The results indicated that the prepared g-C3N4/ZnO PHMSs were constructed by numerous loosely stacked ZnO nanoparticles of 20~30 nm in diameter. Gas sensing tests indicated that under UV light (365~385 nm) illumination, the sensors fabricated with g-C3N4/ZnO HPMSs showed an enhanced response and faster response speed than the pure ZnO counterpart at room temperature. In addition, the g-C3N4/ZnO sensor also exhibited good repeatability and long-term stability for CH4 detection.
Improvement in Heavy Metal Removal from Wastewater Using an External Magnetic Inductor
Authors: Rivera Fernanda Lyzeth , Palomares Francisco Javier , Herrasti Pilar , Mazario Eva
Published: October 2019

Magnetite nanoparticles (Fe3O4) of 12 ± 4 nm diameter are electrochemically synthesized for the adsorption and magnetic harvesting of Cr(VI) from contaminated simulated solutions. The removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous media follows pseudo-second-order kinetics. The adsorption efficiency is evaluated in three different scenarios. In standard conditions, i.e., at room temperature; in a thermal bath working at 60 °C, where the temperature could be considered homogeneous within the solution; and finally, under magnetic induction heating, while adjusting the frequency and magnetic field used to attain the same temperature as in the bath experiments. Two benefits of using a magnetic inductor are demonstrated. First, the removal efficiency is almost doubled in comparison to that of the room temperature experiments, and it is higher by 30% compared to that of the bath setup. At the same time as the adsorption occurs, a redox reaction occurs on the surface of the nanoparticles, and Cr(VI), the predominant species in the contaminated solution, is significantly reduced to Cr(III). Through X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, it is shown that a greater reduction effect is achieved when working in induction conditions than at room temperature. This is the first time that this synergistic effect using magnetic induction heating has been demonstrated for heavy metal decontamination of wastewater.
Highly Robust and Selective System for Water Pollutants Removal: How to Transform a Traditional Photocatalyst into a Highly Robust and Selective System for Water Pollutants Removal
Authors: Sacco Olga , Vaiano Vincenzo , Daniel Christophe , Navarra Wanda , Venditto Vincenzo
Published: October 2019

Highly porous monolithic aerogels based on ZnO photocatalyst and syndiotactic polystyrene (s-PS) were obtained by supercritical CO2 treatment of ZnO/s-PS gels. The prepared aerogels were characterized and their photocatalytic activity was evaluated using phenol and toluene as water pollutant models. The s-PS nanoporous crystalline phase, able to absorb pollutant molecules, was proven to be necessary to ensure high photocatalytic efficiency as the aerogel acts not only as a support, but also as pollutant pre-concentrator. The reusability of ZnO/s-PS aerogels is also strong showing no decrease in photocatalytic activity after six consecutive degradation trials. Finally, the aerogel matrix prevents ZnO dissolution occurring under acidic conditions and promotes a selective removal of the pollutants. The synergy between the photocatalyst and the innovative polymeric support provides the composite system with robustness, chemical stability, easy recovery after treatment, high efficiency of pollutant removal with a marked selectivity which make these materials promising for large scale applications.
Study of Oxidation and Polarization-Dependent Optical Properties of Environmentally Stable Layered GaTe Using a Novel Passivation Approach
Authors: Kotha Mounika , Murray Thomas , Tuschel David , Gallis Spyros
Published: October 2019

Emerging two-dimensional gallium chalcogenides, such as gallium telluride (GaTe), are considered promising layered semiconductors that can serve as vital building blocks towards the implementation of nanodevices in the fields of nanoelectronics, optoelectronics, and quantum photonics. However, oxidation-induced electronic, structural, and optical changes observed in ambient-exposed gallium chalcogenides need to be further investigated and addressed. Herein, we report on the thickness-dependent effect of air exposure on the Raman and photoluminescence (PL) properties of GaTe flakes, with thicknesses spanning in the range of a few layers to 100 nm. We have developed a novel chemical passivation that results in complete encapsulation of the as-exfoliated GaTe flakes in ultrathin hydrogen–silsesquioxane (HSQ) film. A combination of correlation and comparison of Raman and PL studies reveal that the HSQ-capped GaTe flakes are effectively protected from oxidation in air ambient over the studied-period of one year, and thus, preserving their structural and optical characteristics. This contrasts with the behavior of uncapped GaTe, where we observe a significant reduction of the GaTe-related PL (~100×) and Raman (~4×) peak intensities for the few-layered flakes over a period of few days. The time-evolution of the Raman spectra in uncapped GaTe is accompanied by the appearance of two new prominent broad peaks at ~130 cm−1 and ~146 cm−1, which are attributed to the formation of polycrystalline tellurium, due to oxidation of ambient-exposed GaTe. Furthermore, and by leveraging this novel passivation, we were able to explore the optical anisotropy of HSQ-capped GaTe flakes. This is caused by the one-dimensional-like nature of the GaTe layer, as the layer comprises Ga–Ga chains extending along the b-axis direction. In concurrence with high-resolution transmission electron microscopy analysis, polarization-dependent PL spectroscopy was used to identify the b-axis crystal direction in HSQ-capped GaTe flakes with various thicknesses over a range of wavelengths (458 nm–633 nm). Thus, our novel surface-passivation offers a new approach to explore and reveal the physical properties of the layered GaTe, with the potential of fabricating reliable polarization-dependent nanophotonics with structural and optical stability.
Inhibitory Activity of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Lycopersicon Esculentum against Biofilm Formation in Candida Species
Authors: Choi Jeong Su , Lee Ji Woong , Shin Un Chul , Lee Min Woo , Kim Dae Jin , Kim Suhng Wook
Published: October 2019

This paper investigated the antifungal and antibiofilm activity of silver nanoparticles synthesized with Lycopersicon esculentum extracts against Candida species. Lycopersicon esculentum extracts obtained by homogenization were mixed with silver nitrate to synthesize silver nanoparticles. Analysis of the particle characteristics by UV–Vis spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) confirmed that the Lycopersicon esculentum extracts effectively served as reductants and capping agents. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) tests were conducted to confirm antifungal activity against Candida species. In all the tested species, the silver nanoparticles inhibited the growth of Candida. Moreover, the SEM images of Candida species treated with silver nanoparticles synthesized using natural extracts of Lycopersicon esculentum showed that silver nanoparticles adhered to the surface of Candida, which induced pore formation in the membranes and prevented their normal growth. Ultimately, these abnormal forms of Candida were thought to be less able to form biofilms than normal Candida. The antifungal and antibiofilm activities of silver nanoparticles against Candida are expected to be utilized in various fields and contribute in particular to developments in nanomedicine.
SmS/EuS/SmS Tri-Layer Thin Films: The Role of Diffusion in the Pressure Triggered Semiconductor-Metal Transition
Authors: Sousanis Andreas , Poelman Dirk , Smet Philippe F.
Published: October 2019

While SmS thin films show an irreversible semiconductor-metal transition upon application of pressure, the switching characteristics can be modified by alloying with other elements, such as europium. This manuscript reports on the resistance response of tri-layer SmS/EuS/SmS thin films upon applying pressure and on the correlation between the resistance response and the interdiffusion between the layers. SmS thin films were deposited by e-beam sublimation of Sm in an H2S atmosphere, while EuS was directly sublimated by e-beam from EuS. Structural properties of the separate thin films were first studied before the deposition of the final nanocomposite tri-layer system. Piezoresistance measurements demonstrated two sharp resistance drops. The first drop, at lower pressure, corresponds to the switching characteristic of SmS. The second drop, at higher pressure, is attributed to EuS, partially mixed with SmS. This behavior provides either a well-defined three or two states system, depending on the degree of mixing. Depth profiling using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) revealed partial diffusion between the compounds upon deposition at a substrate temperature of 400 °C. Thinner tri-layer systems were also deposited to provide more interdiffusion. A higher EuS concentration led to a continuous transition as a function of pressure. This study shows that EuS-modified SmS thin films are possible systems for piezo-electronic devices, such as memory devices, RF (radio frequency) switches and piezoresistive sensors.
Tuning the Properties of Nanogel Surfaces by Grafting Charged Alkylamine Brushes
Authors: Posel Zbyšek , Posocco Paola
Published: October 2019

Nanogels are chemically crosslinked polymeric nanoparticles endowed with high encapsulation ability, tunable size, ease of preparation, and responsiveness to external stimuli. The presence of specific functional groups on their surfaces provides an opportunity to tune their surface properties and direct their behavior. In this work, we used mesoscale modeling to describe conformational and mechanical properties of nanogel surfaces formed by crosslinked polyethylene glycol and polyethyleneimine, and grafted by charged alkylamine brushes of different lengths. Simulations show that both number of chains per area and chain length can be used to tune the properties of the coating. Properly selecting these two parameters allows switching from a hydrated, responsive coating to a dried, highly charged layer. The results also suggest that the scaling behavior of alkylamine brushes, e.g., the transition from a mushroom to semi-dilute brush, is only weakly coupled with the shielding ability of the coating and much more with its compressibility.
A Strategy toward Realizing Ultrashort Channels and Microstructures Array by Piezoelectric Inkjet Printing
Authors: Chen Jianqiu , Gan Liao , Pan Zhipeng , Ning Honglong , Fang Zhiqiang , Liang Hongfu , Tao Ruiqiang , Cai Wei , Yao Rihui , Peng Junbiao
Published: October 2019

Inkjet printing has been proved to be a powerful tool in the cost-effective ambient deposition of functional materials for the fabrication of electronic devices in the past decades. However, restricted by equipment and inks, the feature size of printed dots or lines with conventional inkjet printing is usually limited to several tens of micrometers, which could not fit the requirements for the fabrication of large-area, high-resolution microscale, even nanoscale, structures. Therefore, various technical means were developed for breaking the equipment limits. Here, we report a strategy for realizing ultrashort channels and homogeneous microstructures arrays by a conventional piezoelectric inkjet printing technique without any additional pre-mask process on the substrate. This strategy extends application of piezoelectric inkjet printing technique to biological and technological areas.
Fabrication of Ag and Mn Co-Doped Cu2ZnSnS4 Thin Film
Authors: Qiu Lei , Xu Jiaxiong , Tian Xiao
Published: October 2019

Ag and Mn dopants were incorporated into Cu2ZnSnS4 thin film to reduce defects in thin film and improve thin film properties. Sol–gel and spin-coating techniques were employed to deposit Ag and Mn co-doped Cu2ZnSnS4 thin films. The structures, compositions, morphologies, and optical properties of the co-doped thin films were characterized. The experimental results indicate the formation of kesterite structure without Ag and Mn secondary phases. The amount of Ag in the thin films is close to that in the sols. The co-doped Cu2ZnSnS4 thin films have an absorption coefficient of larger than 1.3 × 104 cm−1, a direct optical band gap of 1.54–2.14 eV, and enhanced photoluminescence. The nonradiative recombination in Cu2ZnSnS4 thin film is reduced by Ag and Mn co-doping. The experimental results show that Ag and Mn incorporation can improve the properties of Cu2ZnSnS4 thin film.
Adipose Tissue Quality in Aging: How Structural and Functional Aspects of Adipose Tissue Impact Skeletal Muscle Quality
Authors: De Carvalho Flavia G. , Justice Jamie N. , Freitas Ellen C. de , Kershaw Erin E. , Sparks Lauren M.
Published: October 2019

The interplay between adipose tissue and skeletal muscle and the impact on mobility and aging remain enigmatic. The progressive decline in mobility promoted by aging has been previously attributed to the loss of skeletal mass and function and more recently linked to changes in body fat composition and quantity. Regardless of body size, visceral and intermuscular adipose depots increase with aging and are associated with adverse health outcomes. However, the quality of adipose tissue, in particular abdominal subcutaneous as it is the largest depot, likely plays a significant role in aging outcomes, such as mobility decline, though its communication with other tissues such as skeletal muscle. In this review, we discuss the age-associated development of a pro-inflammatory profile, cellular senescence, and metabolic inflexibility in abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue. Collectively, these facets of adipose tissue quality influence its secretory profile and crosstalk with skeletal muscle and likely contribute to the development of muscle atrophy and disability. Therefore, the identification of the key structural and functional components of adipose tissue quality—including necrosis, senescence, inflammation, self-renewal, metabolic flexibility—and adipose tissue-secreted proteins that influence mobility via direct effects on skeletal muscle are necessary to prevent morbidity/mortality in the aging population.
Intake of Processed Meat and Association with Sociodemographic and Lifestyle Factors in a Representative Sample of the Swiss Population
Authors: Sych Janice , Kaelin Ivo , Gerlach Fabienne , Wróbel Anna , Le Thu , FitzGerald Rex , Pestoni Giulia , Faeh David , Krieger Jean-Philippe , Rohrmann Sabine
Published: October 2019

Processed meat (PM) intake is associated with health risks, but data are lacking in Switzerland. Using national representative data from a recent menuCH Survey, we first aimed to quantify intake of PM and its subtypes, and second to investigate associations with sociodemographic and lifestyle factors by multivariable regression analysis. PM was consumed by 72% of the population, and mean daily intake was 42.7 g/day (standard error of the mean (SEM) 1.2 g/day), ranging considerably across PM subtypes: highest intake of sausages 18.1 g/day (SEM 0.7 g/day) and lowest of bacon 2.0 g/day (SEM 0.2 g/day). PM intake by women was 4.7 g/1000 kcal lower than men (95% confidence interval (CI): −6.7; −2.7) and 2.9 g/1000 kcal lower in the French- language region compared with the German region (95% CI: 2.4; 8.7). Among sociodemographic and lifestyle factors examined, BMI (obese vs. normal: 5.5 g/1000 kcal, 95% CI: 2.4; 8.7) and current smoking (vs. never smoked: 3.1 g/kcal, 95% CI: 0.6; 5.6) were independently associated with PM intake. The results are a first description of PM intake, separate from other meat types, and which identified associations with two unhealthy lifestyle factors in Switzerland. Such data will contribute to better nutritional recommendations and guidance for public health interventions.
Post-Diagnostic Diet Quality and Mortality in Females with Self-Reported History of Breast or Gynecological Cancers: Results from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III)
Authors: Karavasiloglou Nena , Pestoni Giulia , Faeh David , Rohrmann Sabine
Published: October 2019

High quality diets are associated with favorable disease and mortality outcomes in various populations; little and conflicting information is available for female cancer survivors. We investigated the association of post-diagnostic diet quality with mortality in female cancer survivors. Data from 230 women with a previous breast, or gynecological (i.e., ovarian, cervical or uterine) cancer diagnosis in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were analyzed. The Healthy Eating Index (HEI) and the Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS) were calculated based on a 24-hour dietary recall interview. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to calculate multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Higher HEI score was associated with lower mortality (HRHEI total = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.95–0.98, 1 unit increase), but the association for MDS failed to reach statistical significance (HRMDS total = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.74–1.04). In subgroup analyses, a statistically significant inverse association was observed between the HEI and mortality; for the MDS, no statistically significant association was apparent. Higher post-diagnostic HEI score was inversely associated with mortality in female cancer survivors, suggesting a protective effect when adhering to the diet captured by the HEI. Additional studies are required in order to investigate underlying mechanisms of the mortality-adherence association.
Epigenetic Activation of BRCA1 by Genistein In Vivo and Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cells Linked to Antagonism toward Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor
Authors: Donovan Micah G. , Selmin Ornella I. , Doetschman Thomas C. , Romagnolo Donato F.
Published: October 2019

Triple negative breast cancers (TNBC) are the most aggressive and lethal breast cancers (BC). The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is often overexpressed in TNBC, and its activation results in the epigenetic silencing of BRCA1, which is a necessary factor for the transcriptional activation of estrogen receptor (ER)α. The dietary isoflavone genistein (GEN) modulates BRCA1 CpG methylation in BC cells. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of GEN on BRCA1 epigenetic regulation and AHR activity in vivo and TNBC cells. Mice were administered a control or GEN-enriched (4 and 10 ppm) diet from gestation through post-natal day 50. Mammary tissue was analyzed for changes in BRCA1 regulation and AhR activity. TNBC cells with constitutively hypermethylated BRCA1 (HCC38) and MCF7 cells were used. Protein levels and mRNA expression were measured by Western blot and real-time PCR, respectively. BRCA1 promoter occupancy and CpG methylation were analyzed by chromatin immunoprecipitation and methylation-specific PCR, respectively. Cell viability was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. GEN administered in the diet dose-dependently decreased basal Brca1 methylation and AHR activity in the mammary gland of adult mice. HCC38 cells were found to overexpress constitutively active AHR in parallel with BRCA1 hypermethylation. The treatment of HCC38 cells with GEN upregulated BRCA1 protein levels, which was attributable to decreased CpG methylation and AHR binding at BRCA1 exon 1a. In MCF7 cells, GEN prevented the 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)-dependent localization of AHR at the BRCA1 gene. These effects were consistent with those elicited by control AHR antagonists galangin (GAL), CH-223191, and α-naphthoflavone. The pre-treatment with GEN sensitized HCC38 cells to the antiproliferative effects of 4-hydroxytamoxifen. We conclude that the dietary compound GEN may be effective for the prevention and reversal of AHR-dependent BRCA1 hypermethylation, and the restoration of ERα-mediated response, thus imparting the sensitivity of TNBC to antiestrogen therapy.
Development of a Food-Based Diet Quality Score from a Short FFQ and Associations with Obesity Measures, Eating Styles and Nutrient Intakes in Finnish Twins
Authors: Masip Guiomar , Keski-Rahkonen Anna , Pietiläinen Kirsi H. , Kujala Urho M. , Rottensteiner Mirva , Väisänen Karoliina , Kaprio Jaakko , Bogl Leonie H.
Published: October 2019

We constructed a food-based diet quality score (DQS) and examined its association with obesity measures, eating styles and nutrient intakes. Participants were 3592 individuals (764 dizygotic [DZ] and 430 monozygotic [MZ] twin pairs) from the FinnTwin16 study. The DQS (0–12 points) was constructed from a short 14 item food frequency questionnaire. Anthropometric measures and eating styles were self-reported. Nutrient intakes were calculated from food diaries completed in a subsample of 249 individuals (45 same-sex DZ and 60 MZ twin pairs). Twins were analyzed both as individuals and as twin pairs. The DQS was inversely associated with body mass index (β = −0.12, per one-unit increase in DQS, p < 0.001), waist circumference (β = −0.34, p < 0.001), obesity (odds ratio [OR]: 0.95, p = 0.004) and abdominal obesity (OR: 0.88, p < 0.001), independent of sex, age, physical activity and education. A higher DQS was associated with health-conscious eating, having breakfast, less snacking, fewer evening meals, and a higher frequency and regularity of eating. The DQS was positively correlated with the intakes of protein, fiber and magnesium and negatively correlated with the intakes of total fat, saturated fat and sucrose. Within twin pairs, most of the associations between the DQS with eating styles and some nutrients remained, but the DQS was not associated with obesity measures within twin pairs. The DQS is an easy-to-use tool for ranking adults according to diet quality and shows an association with obesity measures, eating styles and key nutrients in the expected direction.
Actigraphic Sleep and Dietary Macronutrient Intake in Children Aged 6–9 Years Old: A Pilot Study
Authors: Coronado Ferrer Silvia , Peraita-Costa Isabel , Llopis-Morales Agustín , Picó Yolanda , Soriano José Miguel , Nieto F. Javier , Llopis-González Agustín , Morales-Suarez-Varela María
Published: October 2019

The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between different sleep parameters and energy and macronutrient intake in school-aged children. A total of 203 children 6 to 9 years of age participated in this cross-sectional study. Anthropometric measurements were taken first. Diet was assessed with 3-day food logs and sleep was measured with a questionnaire on sleep quality and a wrist actigraph worn for at least 7 days. A decrease of 165.45 kcal was observed per each additional hour of sleep during the week (β (95% CI) = −165.45 (−274.01, −56.88); p = 0.003). This relationship was also observed for fat (β (95% CI) = −11.14 (−18.44, −3.84); p = 0.003) and protein (β (95% CI) = −13.27 (−22.52, −4.02); p = 0.005). An increase in weekend sleep efficiencies for those under the recommended threshold of 85% also had a similar association with energy (β (95% CI) = −847.43 (−1566.77, 128.09); p = 0.021) and carbohydrate (β (95% CI) = −83.96 (−161.76, −6.15); p = 0.035)) intake. An increase in habitual sleep variability was related with a slight increase in protein intake (β (95% CI) = 0.32 (0.031, 0.62); p = 0.031). Children who slept less had a higher energy intake, especially from fat and protein and those who presented inefficient sleep had a higher carbohydrate intake. Strategies to enhance sleep quality and quantity combined with dietary recommendations could help to improve energy and macronutrient intake levels in children.