bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Consistency and Variability in Children’s Word Learning Across Languages
Authors: Braginsky Mika , Yurovsky Daniel , Marchman Virginia A. , Frank Michael C.
Published: May 2019

Why do children learn some words earlier than others? The order in which words are acquired can provide clues about the mechanisms of word learning. In a large-scale corpus analysis, we use parent-report data from over 32,000 children to estimate the acquisition trajectories of around 400 words in each of 10 languages, predicting them on the basis of independently derived properties of the words’ linguistic environment (from corpora) and meaning (from adult judgments). We examine the consistency and variability of these predictors across languages, by lexical category, and over development. The patterning of predictors across languages is quite similar, suggesting similar processes in operation. In contrast, the patterning of predictors across different lexical categories is distinct, in line with theories that posit different factors at play in the acquisition of content words and function words. By leveraging data at a significantly larger scale than previous work, our analyses identify candidate generalizations about the processes underlying word learning across languages.
MUSCARI SAVRANII (ASPARAGACEAE), A NEW SPECIES FROM CENTRAL ANATOLIA, TURKEY
Authors: DOĞU SÜLEYMAN , UYSAL TUNA
Published: May 2019

An attractive and interesting new species, Muscari savranii Uysal & Doğu (Asparagaceae) is described and illustrated from central Anatolia, Turkey. A complete morphological description, detailed photographs, and a distribution map are reported for the new species, including an identification key for related species. Muscari savranii grows on the inclined limestone slopes in the province of Kayseri, Turkey. The closest species appears to be Muscari tenuiflorum Tausch, a member of the subgenus Leopoldia (Parl.) Rouy. In this study, diagnostic micro-macro morphological characters are discussed and compared with related taxa. Moreover, M. savranii is characterized in terms of its chromosomal features and a comparison with its relatives is given.
Reappraisal of the taxonomic status of Amphisbaena prunicolor (Cope 1885) and Amphisbaena albocingulata Boettger 1885 (Amphisbaenia: Amphisbaenidae)
Authors: PEREZ RENATA , RIBEIRO SÍRIA , BORGES-MARTINS MÁRCIO
Published: May 2019

We revised the taxonomic status of Amphisbaena prunicolor and A. albocingulata, two taxa traditionally recognized assubspecies of A. prunicolor in the A. darwini complex. Despite some authors elevated both taxa to the specific rank, itstaxonomic decisions were made without specific commentaries and/or proper diagnostic characters. The comparison ofmorphological characters between the two taxa with other similar species, associated with A. darwini (A. darwini, A.heterozonata, A. munoai and A. trachura), revealed a unique combination of diagnostic characters. Amphisbaena pruni-color and A. albocingulata were considered distinct species, diagnosable by the presence of the postmalar row in A. pru-nicolor, absent in A. albocingulata and by the ventral colour pattern uniform (pale brown) in A. albocingulata andcheckerboard (brown-purplish and white) in A. prunicolor. We also provided a redescription of the two species, information on intraspecific variation in A. munoai and suggested the extension of the distribution of A. darwini to southern Brazil.
A new deep-water goatfish of the genus Upeneus (Mullidae) from northern Australia and the Philippines, with a taxonomic account of U. subvittatus and remarks on U. mascareinsis
Authors: UIBLEIN FRANZ , MCGROUTHER MARK
Published: May 2019

Upeneus stenopsis n. sp. is described based on four specimens collected off northern Australia and Quezon Island,Philippines, at depths between 165 to 275 m and compared with four closely related species: the deep-water dwellingUpeneus davidaromi (Red Sea) and U. mascareinsis (Western Indian Ocean) and the shallow Indo-West Pacific species,U. subvittatus and U. vittatus. The new species can be distinguished from all other Upeneus species by a narrow caudalpeduncle and a combination of morphometric and meristic characters. This is the first record of a deep-water goatfish ofthe genus Upeneus from the Pacific. A juvenile Upeneus collected off Quezon at 127–142 m depth was also assigned tothe new species and compared to four similar-sized (69–79 mm SL) specimens of U. mascareinsis. A diagnosis is providedfor U. subvittatus, along with evidence of its occurrence in the Eastern Indian Ocean and interspecific comparisons. Thecontinued need to screen scientific fish collections for the occurrence of undescribed species that have successfully colonized and adapted to the depth zone surrounding the ocean margin is outlined.
The ghost crab Ocypode mortoni George, 1982 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Ocypodidae): redescription, distribution at its type locality, and the phylogeny of East Asian Ocypode species
Authors: WONG KINGSLEY J. H. , SHIH HSI-TE , CHAN BENNY K. K.
Published: May 2019

The ghost crab Ocypode mortoni George, 1982 was first described from the sandy shores of Sai Wan, Hong Kong, andalthough also identified from South China and Japan, has not been subsequently recorded in Hong Kong. The taxonomicstatus of O. mortoni is not clear as its original morphological description was not detailed, and there remains no informa-tion on its vertical and horizontal ecological distribution in Hong Kong. In the present study, O. mortoni was found to belocally rare in Hong Kong, only present at three of seven surveyed sites. It was always sympatric with the common O.ceratophthalmus (Pallas, 1772) at the same tidal level, and there appeared to be no clear habitat/niche distinction. Relativeabundance of O. mortoni vs. O. ceratophthalmus was at most 31%: 69% based on quantitative transect survey data fromSai Wan. Molecular phylogenetic analyses on 24 haplotypes (from 28 individuals) of 636-basepair (bp) mitochondrial cy-tochrome oxidase I (COI) gene of Ocypode spp. in East Asia show O. mortoni is a valid species most closely related to O.stimpsoni Ortmann, 1897, with an average difference of 37.64 bp, and nucleotide divergence of 6.25%. The two species are very similar morphologically, but adults of O. mortoni develop ocular stylets.
Erratum: CATARINA DE L. ARAÚJO-SILVA & KIM LARSEN (2012) Tanaidacea (Tanaidacea: Crustacea) from Brazil. IV. A new genus and two new species from the family Leptocheliidae. Zootaxa, 3523, 1–19.
Authors: DE L. ARAÚJO-SILVA CATARINA , LARSEN KIM
Published: May 2019

(Erratum)
A new dwarf species of Proceratophrys Miranda-Ribeiro, 1920 (Anura, Cycloramphidae) from the highlands of Chapada Diamantina, Bahia, Brazil
Authors: JUNIOR MAURO TEIXEIRA , AMARO RENATA CECÍLIA , RECODER RENATO SOUSA , DAL VECHIO FRANCISCO , RODRIGUES MIGUEL TREFAUT
Published: May 2019

A new species of Proceratophrys is described from the highlands of northeastern Brazil. Molecular and morphologicaldata suggests that Proceratophrys redacta sp. nov. is sister to P. minuta, and related to P. schirchi and P. cristiceps. Thenew species is diagnosed by its small size, absence of rostral and palpebral appendages, sagittal ridges interrupted, absenceof postocular swellings, snout vertical in profile and dorsal coloration lacking distinct ocelli. The new species representsanother example of endemism for the genus Proceratophrys in Chapada Diamantina region, and of another appendagelesssmall-sized species associated with highlands. The phylogenetic results indicate that current morphological groupings in Proceratophrys may not represent natural groups.
Taxonomic status of two enigmatic Mexican anoles: Anolis cumingii Peters 1863 and Anolis guentherii Bocourt 1873 (Reptilia, Squamata, Dactyloidae)
Authors: KÖHLER GUNTHER
Published: May 2019

The examination of the holotype of Anolis cumingii Peters 1863 revealed that it is a representative of A. sericeus Hallowell1856 and, therefore, this name is synonymized with the latter epithet. The examination of the holotype of Anolis guentheriiBocourt 1873 revealed that it is a representative of the Caribbean species A. grahami Gray 1845 and, therefore, this name is synonymized with the latter epithet.
On the taxonomic placement of Geodromicus pusillus Coiffait, 1983 (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Omaliinae)
Authors: SHAVRIN ALEXEY V.
Published: May 2019

Luze (1903:116) described the subgenus Trichodromeus Luze, 1903 for two species of Geodromicus L. Redtenbacher, 1857. Bordoni (1984:57) identified this taxon as a separate genus. Zerche (1992:126) redescribed Trichodromeus, synonymized Neogeodromicus Bordoni, 1985 with it and proposed phylogenetic relationships of this taxon. However, many Central Asian species previously described by various authors within Geodromicus also belong to the genus Trichodromeus.
The complete mitochondrial genome of the plant bug Nesidiocoris tenuis (Reuter) (Hemiptera: Miridae: Bryocorinae: Dicyphini)
Authors: DAI XUN , XUN HUAIZHU , CHANG JIAN , ZHANG JIANGUO , HU BAOWEN , LI HU , YUAN XIANGQUN , CAI WANZHI
Published: May 2019

Nesidiocoris tenuis (Reuter) is a zoophytophagous mirid which is considered both as a significant natural enemy and an important pest of crops. The complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of N. tenuis was determined using long PCR and a primer walking sequencing strategy. The genome is 17, 544 bp in length and contains 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, two ribosomal RNA genes (lrRNA and srRNA), and a duplicate control region. The gene order of this newly sequenced genome is identical with the ground plan of insects. The nucleotide composition is biased toward adenine and thymine with a high AT content (75.0%). The most frequent codons are ATA, TTA, TTT, and ATT. All the PCGs initiate with the standard start codon ATN. All tRNAs have the classic cloverleaf structures, with the exception of tRNASer(UCG), which lacks the dihydrouridine (DHU) arm. Secondary structures of the two ribosomal RNAs were shown referring to previous models. Variable numbers of tandem repeats were detected in the control region. The phylogenetic analyses shows that N. tenuis is the sister group to Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois).
Erratum: HARBACH, RALPH E. & GREENWALT, DALE (2012) Two Eocene species of Culiseta (Diptera: Culicidae) from the Kishenehn Formation in Montana. Zootaxa, 3530, 25–34.
Authors: HARBACH RALPH E. , GREENWALT DALE
Published: May 2019

(Erratum)
Australocorinae, a new subfamily of Geocoridae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Lygaeoidea) from Australia, with descriptions of a new genus and two new species
Authors: MALIPATIL M. B.
Published: May 2019

Australocorinae subfam. nov., a new subfamily of family Geocoridae, is erected for Australocoris gen. nov. containing three species, A. kurandae Kirkaldy, 1908, A. fuscomaculatus sp. nov., and A. monticolus sp. nov., all from Queensland, Australia. Australocoris monticolus has been collected only from northern Queensland, near Julatten north of Cairns to Bellenden Ker Range area, and mostly at higher altitudes 800  to 1560 m; A. kurandae from usually lower altitudes of northern Queensland; and A. fuscomaculatus is known from southern Queensland. The affinities of the subfamily are discussed in relation to other subfamilies of Geocoridae as well as other related families of Lygaeoidea. Geocoridae is redefined to contain this new subfamily. A key to species is provided.
Description of a new subgenus Neophylidorea (Diptera: Tipulidae) and a new species
Authors: PETERSEN JESSICA D. , PETERSEN MATTHEW J. , COURTNEY GREGORY W.
Published: May 2019

A group of 15 species from the genus Euphylidorea (Alexander, 1972) is identified based on distinct morphology and described as the new subgenus Neophylidorea. Characters of the aedeagus and male genitalia in general allow for unequivocal recognition of this subgenus. Comparisons among other species-groups within Euphylidorea and Neophylidorea subgen. n. Petersen are made. A new species, Neophylidorea vannimwegeni Petersen is described based on two male specimens collected in Michigan, USA. This species can be distinguished by the unique structure of the ventral parameres in the male hypopygium.
A new genus and species of flightless, microphthalmic Corythoderini (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Aphodiinae) from Cambodia, associated with Macrotermes termites
Authors: MARUYAMA MUNETOSHI
Published: May 2019

Eocorythoderus incredibilis, a new genus and new species, of Corythoderini is described. This new species was found infungus gardens of Macrotermes gilvus (Hagen, 1858) in Angkor Wat, Cambodia. The new taxon is a flightless, mi-crophthalmic species and the first corythoderine associated with Macrotermes Holmgren, 1910. The beetles were ob-served being carried by worker termites. Eocorythoderus is probably closely related to the genera Corythoderus Klug,1845 and Paracorythoderus Wasmann, 1918 (also Corythoderini). Some character states shared with the distantly-related termitophilous scarab genus Termitotrox Reichensperger, 1915 (Termitotrogini) are noted, and proposed as convergent.
Catalogue of the type material in the entomological collection of the University of La Laguna (Canary Islands, Spain). I. Arachnida
Authors: REBOLEIRA ANA SOFIA P. S. , PÉREZ ANTONIO JOSÉ , LÓPEZ HERIBERTO , MACÍAS–HERNÁNDEZ NURIA , DE LA CRUZ SALVADOR , OROMÍ PEDRO
Published: May 2019

A catalogue of arachnid type specimens of the collection kept at the Department of Animal Biology, University of LaLaguna (Spain) is presented. It harbours type material of 104 species belonging to 23 families of arachnids, representedby 21 holotypes and 164 paratypes for 23 species of pseudoscorpions, and 49 holotypes, 218 paratypes and 3 syntypes for81 species of spiders. This collection is using the criteria and standards of the Global Biodiversity Information Facility(GBIF) for cataloguing and computerization of the specimens. Type specimens were checked with the original descriptions, and relevant additional information from original labels not included in GBIF was registered.
Octocollis, a new genus and Octocollis setosus, a new species of Cetoniinae (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) from Queensland, Australia
Authors: MOESENEDER CHRISTIAN H. , HUTCHINSON PAUL M.
Published: May 2019

The male of Octocollis new genus and Octocollis setosus new species is described from Queensland, Australia. The species displays primitive cetoniine characters. Octocollis is placed in tribe Schizorhinini (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae). The informal name “Polyholcus setosus” is discussed.
A checklist of the ants of China
Authors: GUÉNARD BENOIT , DUNN ROBERT R.
Published: May 2019

China is one of the largest countries in the world and offers an incredible diversity of ecosystems and species. Howeverthe distribution of many insect species in China is still poorly known. Here, through a bibliographical review, we synthe-size a species list of native and exotic ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) for 23 provinces of the People’s Republic of Chinaand eight surrounding regions. To date, no fewer than 939 valid named species and subspecies within 103 genera are listedfrom China. However, comparisons with other regions suggest that this list is still incomplete at both provincial and na-tional scales based on the diversity of surrounding regions and the number of undescribed species reported in the literature.Although the species list generated here is not and cannot be exhaustive, we hope that it will facilitate future discovery, revision and conservation of Chinese ants.
A new species of Pachycara Zugmayer (Teleostei: Zoarcidae) from off Monterey Bay, California, USA, with comments on two North Pacific Lycenchelys species
Authors: ANDERSON M. ERIC
Published: May 2019

A new species of the eelpout genus Pachycara Zugmayer is described from the lower bathyal zone of central California,USA on the basis of three adult males. It is distinguished from its congeners mainly by its low vertebral counts, origin ofthe mediolateral branch of the lateral line system, lack of pelvic fins, presence of scales on the nape and cheeks and re-stricted gill slit. In addition, two species of the eelpout genus Lycenchelys Gill (L. micropora and L. monstrosa), taken in the same collection as the new Pachycara, are discussed, with the latter added to the California marine fish fauna.
Marmachius, a spectacular new genus of Antarcturidae (Crustacea: Isopoda: Valvifera)
Authors: POORE GARY C. B.
Published: May 2019

A new genus and species of Antarcturidae, Marmachius fortunae, is described from the bathyal of south-eastern Australia.Antarcturus, type genus of the family, and Marmachius are diagnosed. The new genus differs from other antarcturidgenera by the combination of the possession of middorsal spines, extremely long spines generally, free pleonite 1, and thegroove on the exopod of the male pleopod 1 opening distolaterally on a lobe-like apex beset with numerous fine setae. Antarcturus princeps is transferred to the new genus.
Macrobrachium hungi, a new freshwater palaemonid prawn (Decapoda: Caridea: Palaemonidae) from the Tonle Sap Great Lake of Cambodia
Authors: VAN XUAN NGUYEN
Published: May 2019

A new species of the genus Macrobrachium, M. hungi was collected in theTonléSap Great Lake of Cambodia. The adultmales of this species show a close resemblance to Macrobrachium saigonense Xuân 2006, but they are larger, the rostrumis longer, distally directed upwards or not, with more numerous dorsal and ventral teeth; the tubercles on both sides of thecutting edge on the distal portion of the movable finger are vestigial or crescent shape and less prominent than those of M. saigonense. Notes on economic importance and its habitat which differs from M. saigonense are briefly provided.
World revision of Iteaphila macquarti group (Diptera: Empididae)
Authors: SINCLAIR BRADLEY J. , SHAMSHEV IGOR V.
Published: May 2019

Nineteen species are recognized in the Iteaphila macquarti group, including ten new species (I. bulbosa Sinclair sp.nov. (British Columbia, Canada), I. californica Sinclair sp. nov. (Baja California, Mexico), I. chvalai Shamshev sp.nov. (Kazakhstan), I. cirrata Shamshev sp. nov. (British Columbia, Canada), I. falcata Sinclair sp. nov. (BritishColumbia, Canada), I. furcata (Zetterstedt), I. macquarti Zetterstedt, I. napaea Melander, I. nepalensis Shamshev sp.nov. (Nepal), I. nitidula Zetterstedt, I. orchestris Melander, I. pumila Sinclair sp. nov. (Alaska, USA), I. rasnitsyniShamshev sp. nov. (south Primorsk Territory, Russia), I. saigusai Shamshev sp. nov. (Nagano, Japan), I. sicamousSinclair sp. nov. (British Columbia, Canada), I. taiwanensis Shamshev sp. nov. (Taiwan), I. testacea Melander, I.triangula (Coquillett), I. vetula Melander). Iteaphila maackii Loew is considered a nomen dubium due to loss ofholotype. Empis luctosa Kirby is considered also a nomen dubium and proposed as a doubtful species of Iteaphila. Thefollowing new synonyms are proposed: (Empis cormus Walker, I. cana Melander, I. fulginosa Melander) = I.macquarti; (Hilara carbonella Zetterstedt, Empis conjuncta Coquillett) = I. nitidula. Lectotypes are designated for I.furcata, I. cana, I. carbonella (Zetterstedt), I. conjuncta, I. orchestris, I. testacea and I. triangula. The male of I.testacea is described for the first time, keys to Palearctic and Nearctic faunas are provided, and species are sorted intofive monophyletic subgroups. The distributions of all species are mapped and five Holarctic species are identified (I.cirrata, I. macquarti, I. nitidula, I. orchestris, I. pumila). Iteaphila is recorded for the first time from the OrientalRegion. Feeding habits for adult Iteaphila are summarized and reviewed, and the genus appears to be exclusively anthophilous (pollen feeding) and never predaceous.
Redescription and taxonomic status of Dipturus chilensis (Guichenot, 1848), and description of Dipturus lamillai sp. nov. (Rajiformes: Rajidae), a new species of long-snout skate from the Falkland Islands
Authors: CONCHA FRANCISCO J. , CAIRA JANINE N. , EBERT DAVID A. , POMPERT JOOST H. W.
Published: May 2019

Recent molecular evidence has called into question the identity of skates collected in the waters off the Falkland Islands previously identified as Zearaja chilensis. NADH2 sequence data indicate that these specimens are not conspecific with those currently referred to as Z. chilensis from Chile and, in fact, represent a novel cryptic species. This study aimed to investigate this hypothesis based on morphological comparisons of specimens from the coasts of both western and eastern South America. In total, 50 specimens from Chile and 41 specimens from the Falkland Islands were collected and examined; morphometric data were generated for a subset of specimens from both areas. NADH2 sequence data were generated for a total of 19 specimens from both areas, as well as specimens of Z. nasuta from New Zealand, D. pullopunctatus from South Africa, D. oxyrinchus from the Azores, Okamejei hollandi, and O. cairae from Borneo, and O. kenojei from Japan. Based on morphological and molecular analyses, Zearaja is synonymized with Dipturus and species assigned to the former genus are transferred to the latter genus. A neotype is designated for D. chilensis and this species is redescribed. Dipturus lamillai sp. nov. is described based on specimens from the Falkland Islands. Comparison of our NADH2 data with data for mitochondrial genomes generated from tissue samples taken from two specimens originally identified as Z. chilensis, indicate that, while the sample from Chile came from a specimen of D. chilensis, that from the skate steak obtained from a restaurant in Korea actually came from a specimen of D. lamillai sp. nov. This emphasizes the importance of confirming both the provenance and identity of specimens from which sequence data are generated and submitted to GenBank if misidentifications are to be avoided.
Oriental macropterous leaf-mimic pygmy grasshoppers—genera Oxyphyllum and Paraphyllum (Orthoptera: Tetrigidae) and their taxonomic assignment
Authors: SKEJO JOSIP , GUPTA SUNIL KUMAR , CHANDRA KAILASH , PANHWAR WAHEED ALI , FRANJEVIĆ DAMJAN
Published: May 2019

There are numerous pygmy grasshoppers (Tetrigidae) that exhibit leaf-like appearance. Leaf-mimic species can be found mainly in the subfamily Cladonotinae (tribes Cladonotini, Xerophyllini). Two leaf-mimic pygmy grasshopper species found in India, Pakistan (Oxyphyllum pennatum Hancock, 1909) and Borneo (Paraphyllum antennatum Hancock, 1913) are the only macropterous leaf-like species of Asia and were traditionally assigned to subfamily Cladonotinae. Our study present new records of these species, as well as updated descriptions. Oxyphyllum pennatum is recorded for the first time from Chhattisgarh (Central India), and furthermore, records from Pakistan were reviewed and confirmed. Paraphyllum antennatum is reported from a few localities in the mountains of Borneo (East Malaysia). New records found in online social media (Flickr, iNaturalist) were implemented. Brachypronotal specimens of P. antennatum are reported. After comparison with Cladonotini and Xerophyllini members, we conclude that Oxyphyllum and Paraphyllum should not be regarded Cladonotinae members. Traditional assignment was based on superficial resemblance to leaf-like Cladonotinae genera (e.g. Phyllotettix, Hymenotes, Holoarcus, Xerophyllum). However, comparison of morphological characters reveals that Oxyphyllum shares morphology with Tetriginae genera, while Paraphyllum shares morphology with Asian Metrodorinae. Here, we assign the genus Oxyphyllum to Tetriginae and the genus Paraphyllum to Metrodorinae.
Two amazing new species of treehoppers (Hemiptera: Membracidae) from
Colombia: Calloconophora estellae sp. nov. and Problematode robertoi sp. nov.
Authors: FLÓREZ-V CAMILO
Published: May 2019

Two new species of treehoppers are described from Colombia: Calloconophora estellae sp. nov. and Problematode robertoi sp. nov. The first from the Western foothills of the Cordillera Occidental, and Eastern foothills of the North of the Cordillera Central toward the Magdalena Medio region. Problematode robertoi sp. nov. is described from highlands, nearby Los Nevados National Natural Park. Description of the nymphs, notes on their biology, and comments about the taxonomic position and distribution of each species are included. This is the first record of a Calloconophora species secreting a waxy substance on branches close to eggs and/or nymphs, and the first record of the genus Problematode in Colombia (previously only known from Venezuela). Additionally, based on characters of a late-instar nymph exuviae, the position of Problematode within the Membracidae subfamilies is discussed.
Mites of the genus Passeroptes Fain (Acariformes: Dermationidae) from passerines (Aves: Passeriformes) of North-Western Russia
Authors: BOCHKOV ANDRE V. , MIRONOV SERGEY V.
Published: May 2019

Two new species of the genus Passeroptes Fain, 1964 are recorded from passerine birds (Passeriformes) of North-WesternRussia: Passeroptes hippolais sp. nov. from Hippolais icterina (Vieillot) (Acrocephalidae) and P. sylviae sp. nov. fromSylvia communis (Latham) and S. curruca (Linnaeus) (Sylviidae). Passeroptes gaudi (Vassilev and Kolebinova, 1965)comb. nov. from Sturnus vulgaris (Linnaeus) (Sturnidae) is transferred from the genus Rivoltasia Canestrini, 1894;Passeroptes sturninus Arutunjan and Mironov, 1983 syn. nov. is synonymised with this species. The female ofPasseroptes gaudi is redescribed. Passeroptes dermicola (Trouessart, 1886) is for the first time recorded from Parus major Linnaeus (Paridae).
CuWO4 Nanoparticles: Investigation of Dielectric, Electrochemical Behaviour and Photodegradation of Pharmaceutical Waste
Authors: Thiruppathi M. , Vahini M. , Devendran P. , Arunpandian M. , Selvakumar K. , Ramalingan C. , Swaminathan M. , Nagarajan E. R.
Published: May 2019

The hydrothermally synthesized CuWO4 nanoparticles (NPs) were characterized with different analysis such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), Cyclic
Voltammetry (CV), UV-Visible and Photoluminescence (PL) analysis. The prepared CuWO4 NPs were examined with Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). SEM images show that CuWO4 NPs are highly spherical shaped morphology and porous in nature. The optical band gap of
prepared CuWO4 NPs is found to be 2.12 eV. Photodegradation of diclofenac sodium (DFS) (medical waste) in the aqueous medium with CuWO4 NPs under visible light irradiation shows 98% degradation. The CuWO4 NPs was stable up to 5th cycle it can be used as a reusable
photocatalyst for the DFS degradation. The electrical conductivity and dielectric properties of the CuWO4 NPs at room temperature is analyzed by EIS studies. The bulk conductivity value of the prepared nanoparticles is 1.477×10-5 S/cm at room temperature. The conductivity
of CuWO4 NPs is found to be due to electrons movement. The CuWO4 NPs shows higher photocatalytic and electrocatalytic activity for decomposition of DFS and methanol electro-oxidation in alkaline medium respectively.
Influence of Electrospinning Parameters on the Hydrophilicity of Electrospun Polycaprolactone Nanofibres
Authors: Tiyek Ismail , Gunduz Aysegul , Yalcinkaya Fatma , Chaloupek Jiri
Published: May 2019

In the present study, PCL (polycaprolactone) nanofibres were produced by the electrospinning method. The use of PCL electrospun biopolymer in biomedical applications has attracted considerable interest due to its chemical resistance, biodegradability, biocompatibility, and non-toxic
characteristics. However, the hydrophobic nature of PCL polymer restricts the useage of PCL nanofibres for the cell adhesion and absorption. A hydrophilic and biocompatible PCL electrospun mat with a low water contact angle is an attractive strategy for development in tissue engineering and
wound dressing. In this study, we demonstrate a feasible and simple method to produce hydrophilic PCL nanofibres for possible application in wound dressing. Chloroform/ethanol (EtOH) and chloroform/dimethylformamide (DMF) mixtures were used as two different solvent systems. The impact of the
polymeric solution concentration, applied voltage, and solvent mixtures on the fibre surface morphology and water contact angle was investigated. Consequently, bead structures were observed at low concentrations but disappeared with increases in the concentration. It was observed that the
size of beads decreased and the diameter of fibres increased with increasing voltage. The wettability of the webs changed from hydrophobic to hydrophilic with changes of the polymer concentration. The contact angle of the nanofibre mats decreased in both solvent systems as the concentration
increased. The results showed that the lowest contact angle was obtained in 24% wt. PCL+chloroform/EtOH solution and was 68°. The highest contact angle was obtained in 4% wt. PCL+chloroform/EtOH solution and was 112°. Using this method, the surface hydrophilicity of the PCL nanofibres
improved easily without any surface treatment.
Deriving a Ultraviolet-Visible-Near-Infrared-Active Photocatalyst from Calcination of an Mg/Zn/Al/Er-Hydrotalcite-Like Compound
Authors: Qin Zhuozhuo , Liu Wenxia , Chen Huabin , Chen Jun , Li Zhenzhen
Published: May 2019

Developing full-spectrum photocatalysts that harvests solar light from ultraviolet to near-infrared light has aroused great interest in photodegradation of organic pollutants, due to the imminent energy crisis and growing pollution issues. Herein, we report an excellent full-spectrum
photocatalyst derived from calcination of an Mg/Zn/Al/Er-hydrotalcite-like compound. The photocatalyst is a stable multi-phase oxide consisting of various syntrophic Er3+-doped metal oxides with different particle sizes and morphology. Its ultraviolet (UV) photocatalytic activity
is maximized by increasing the fraction of Zn2+ and sustaining the pure hydrotalcite-like phase with an appropriate fraction of Mg2+ in preparing the Mg/Zn/Al/Er-hydrotalcite-like precursor. The visible and NIR photocatalytic activities are triggered by an indirect excitation
involving an up-conversion process. The major active species of the photocatalyst in the photodegradation of methyl orange are superoxide anions and photogenerated holes. Nevertheless, hydroxyl radicals also play a moderate role in the photodegradation process. This work finds a new way to
prepare full-spectrum photocatalysts with tunable chemical compositions via an environmentally friendly hydrotalcite-like precursor.
Antiviral and Antibacterial Effects of Silver-Doped TiO2 Prepared by the Peroxo Sol-Gel Method
Authors: Moongraksathum Benjawan , Chien Min-Yuan , Chen Yu-Wen
Published: May 2019

A series of multifunctional silver-doped titanium dioxide (Ag/TiO2) nanocomposites with various silver contents were synthesized by the peroxo sol–gel method using TiCl4 as a precursor and H2O2 as a peptizing agent. The sol was used to coat a glass
substrate, thereby forming a thin film. The antiviral and antibacterial activities of the Ag/TiO2 films and their use in the photocatalytic degradation of an aqueous solution of methylene blue were investigated. The as-prepared materials were characterized using high-resolution
transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The antiviral and antibacterial activities of the samples were tested against Escherichia coli, the influenza A virus (H1N1), and enterovirus. It was observed that an optimum Ag:TiO2
weight ratio of 1:100 enabled the highest activity in the photocatalytic degradation of an aqueous solution of methylene blue under irradiation with either ultraviolet or visible light. Moreover, the same composition remarkably exhibited extremely high antibacterial and virucidal effectivenesses
greater than 99.99% against E. coli and infectious viruses after illumination with ultraviolet A. The presence of silver on TiO2 significantly enhanced its photocatalytic activity. Thus, the excellent photocatalytic activities and reusability of the Ag/TiO2 nanocomposite
render it applicable as a coating material for several purposes.
Hemostatic Effect of Aminated Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes/Oxidized Regenerated Cellulose Nanocomposites
Authors: Zhang Baode , Chakoli Ali Nabipour , He Jin Mei , Huang Yu Dong , Aleshin Andrey N.
Published: May 2019

We have investigated the covalent conjugation of aminated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTNH2)s with Oxidized Regenerated Cellulose (ORC) in order to enhance the hemostatic effect. The MWCNT-NH2s were prepared by functionalization of pristine MWCNTs (pMWCNTs)
using amine groups. Neat ORC gauze and MWCNT-NH2s were reacted using glutamic acid as cross linking bridge. We investigated an amination of pMWCNTs as well as the dispersion of MWCNT-NH2s in the ORC gauze as matrix and their interfacial interactions by SEM and FT-IR.
The results revealed that relatively strong interaction exists between aminated MWCNTs and the ORC macromolecules. The hydrophilicity test results in the significant increment of water uptake of MWCNT-NH2s/ORC composites with increasing the concentration of MWCNT-NH2s
in composite. The in-vitro procoagulation test shows that the MWCNT-NH2s/ORC gauzes have significant procoagulant activity. The hemostatic evaluation of MWCNT-NH2s/ORC composites on rabbits shows that the aminated MWCNTs increase the rate of blood stopping and
hence they decrease the blood loosing from injured sites. Hemostatic evaluation indicates that the MWCNT-NH2s/ORC gauze has a valuable hemostatic performance. The products of platelets release reaction, activated platelets glycoprotein and activated clotting enzymes were increased
simultaneously. The mechanism of the hemostasis for MWCNT-NH2s/ORC gauze is discussed.
Magnetic Nanoparticles in Macrophages and Cancer Cells Exhibit Different Signal Behavior on Magnetic Particle Imaging
Authors: Suzuka Hisaaki , Mimura Atsushi , Inaoka Yoshimi , Murase Kenya
Published: May 2019

Cell labeling with magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) is a promising method of cell tracking. In particular, a novel quantitative tomography method called magnetic particle imaging (MPI) has the potential to estimate the number of successfully transplanted MNP-labeled cells, thereby helping
predict clinical outcomes. However, the biological factors that shape the MPI signals of MNPs during cell labeling are not well understood. To better understand these factors, the MPI signals of MNPs in various extracellular and intracellular conditions were assessed. Firstly, carboxydextran-coated
MNPs (Resovist®) in the presence or absence of the transfection agents heparin and/or protamine were subjected to dynamic light scattering analysis and magnetic particle spectroscopy. Secondly, RAW264 macrophages and Colon26 carcinoma cells were labeled with Resovist® by using their
intrinsic phagocytic activity or with the assistance of the transfection agents, respectively, after which the cells were visualized by our MPI scanner and transmission electron microscopy, and their absolute amounts of intracellular iron were measured by thiocyanate colorimetry. The MPI pixel
values were normalized to intracellular iron concentrations. Finally, the effect of cell lysis on the MPI signal was assessed with magnetic particle spectroscopy. The presence of protamine, but not heparin, increased the hydrodynamic diameter of the MNPs and inhibited their MPI signals. Cell
uptake drastically decreased the normalized MPI pixel values. This was particularly marked in the colon cancer cells. The transfection agents did not further alter the MPI signal of the MNP-labeled colon cancer cells. Transmission electron microscopy showed that there was much more MNP aggregation
in colon cancer cells than in macrophages. After the MNP-labeled cells were lysed, the MPI signal recovered partially. In conclusion, MPI pixel values can be influenced by the cell-labeling process and cellular uptake. The MPI signals from intracellular magnetic nanoparticles may also differ
depending on the cell type.
Methane Steam Reforming Over NiO/CexZryO2-Sil-1 Catalyst Prepared by In-Situ Self-Assembly
Authors: Wei Ning , Zhang Jia , Zhong Hexiang , Pan Liwei , Wang Zeyu , Wang Juan , Zhou Yi
Published: May 2019

NiO/CexZryO2-Sil-1 catalysts were prepared using an In-Situ self-assembly approach by coupling silicalite-1 and CexZryO2. This one-step synthesis method utilized the high surface area and hydrothermal stability
of silicalite-1 and the good oxidation-reduction ability of the CexZryO2, and hence offered high synthesis efficiency. The catalyst structure was examined by N2-physisorption, temperature-programmed reduction, transmission electron microscopy, and
X-ray diffraction. All the results showed that silicalite-1 was well-encapsulated by NiO/Ce0.5Zr0.5O2. Furthermore, the effect of the Ce/Zr molar ratio on the performance of the catalysts was investigated in detail. The catalysts were subjected to methane steam
reforming at high temperatures to evaluate their catalytic performance. The result showed that the NiO/Ce0.5Zr0.5O2-Sil-1 catalyst exhibited the best performance and its methane conversion efficiency reached up to 99.5%. Even after 16 h of continuous stability
test, this catalyst could retain a methane conversion efficiency of 97.8%.
Quantum Interference Enhanced Thermoelectricity in Ferrocene Based Molecular Junctions
Authors: Takaloo Ashkan Vakilipour , Sadeghi Hatef
Published: May 2019

Recent experimental indications of room-temperature quantum interference in the sub-nanometer single molecules suggest that such effects could be utilized to engineer thermoelectric properties of organic single molecule junctions. In this paper, we show that the thermoelectric power
factor is significantly enhanced in double path ferrocene cycles compared to the single path counterpart. Due to quantum interference in the double path structure, the Seebeck coefficient is significantly enhanced while the conductance is less affected compared to single path structure. The
power factor of the ferrocene cycles are 1–2 orders of magnitude higher than the best organic material reported today. This opens new avenues for future molecular scale organometallic thermoelectricity.
Nano-Ripple ZnO-Based Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Applications in Self-Powered Ultraviolet Detector
Authors: Lin Jintang
Published: May 2019

Ultraviolet (UV) detectors have a wide range of commercial applications. However, most UV light detectors require an external power source, which limits their applications as portable and/or wearable electronics. In this work, a self-powered UV detector based on triboelectric nanogenerator
(TENG) technology is demonstrated. Nano-ripple zinc oxide (ZnO) film acting as both UV-sensitive and triboelectric material was synthesized by a simple sol–gel method. The self-powered UV sensor detected UV irradiation without an external power source. The open-circuit voltage of the
device under UV irradiation was 130 V, which was 2.3 times higher than the output of the device in the dark. Possible operating mechanisms of the device, which is based on the contact electrification process, are described.
Antibacterial Activity of Surface-Modified Fabric with Ag/AgCl-Doped Quaternary Ammonium-Modified Silicate Hybrid
Authors: Wu Kuo-Hui , Chang Yin-Chiung , Cheng Ken-Fa , Wang Je-Chuang
Published: May 2019

An organic–inorganic hybrid antibacterial material based on Ag/AgCl and quaternary ammoniummodified silicate (Ormosil (NR+4 Cl-)) was prepared by sol–gel processes and an in situ reduction method, in which silver nitrate, tetraethoxysilane
(TEOS), N-trimethoxysilylpropyl-N,N,Ntrimethylammonium chloride (TMAPS) and N-[3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl]diethylenetriamine (ATS) acted as precursor, linker and colloidal suspension stabilizer, respectively. The physical properties of the Ormosil (NR+4 Cl-)
and Ormosil (NR+4 Cl-)/Ag hybrids were examined using XPS and TGA spectroscopy, the results of which indicated that Ag/AgCl was immobilized in channels by dipolar interactions with the Ormosil (NR+4 Cl-) matrix. Ormosil (NR+4
Cl-) and Ormosil (NR+4 Cl-)/Ag sol solutions were used to functionalize non-woven fabrics by simply immersing the textiles into the dispersions in order to obtain antimicrobial fabrics. The antibacterial effects of the Ormosil/Ag- and Ormosil (NR+4
Cl-)/Ag-modified fabrics against Gram-negative P. aeruginosa and E. coli, and Grampositive S. aureus and B. subtilis, were assessed using the zone of inhibition and the plate-counting method. The antibacterial efficacy was maintained even after 20 laundry
cycles. The results indicated that the Ormosil/Ag and Ormosil (NR+4 Cl-)/Ag hybrids are useful as non-leaching agents imparting durable antimicrobial properties to fabrics.
Effect of Deposition Potential and Bath Temperature on One-Step Electrochemical Synthesis of One and Two Dimensional Nanostructured ZnO Thin Films on Fluorine Doped Tin Oxide Substrates
Authors: Marimuthu T. , Anandhan N. , Thangamuthu R. , Surya S. , Panneerselvam R. , Ganesan K. P.
Published: May 2019

Different zinc oxide (ZnO) morphologies such as platelets, nanowalls and nanorods were electrochemically synthesized on fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) substrates by varying the deposition potentials and bath temperatures, respectively. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) curves reveal that ZnO
deposition potentials are decreased as the bath temperatures are increased. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns and transmission electron microscope (TEM) images confirm that the synthesized ZnO nanostructures are hexagonal wurtzite structure. The XRD results reveal that the crystallinity of
the films is increased when ZnO deposition potentials and temperatures are increased. Field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) images display platelets, nanowalls and nanorods structures for films synthesized -1.1 V, -1.2 V and -1.3 V respectively. The increase in deposition potential
not only increases the growth rate of ZnO with metallic zinc deposition, but also decreases zinc hydroxide chloride hydrate. Fourier transform infrared microscope (FTIR) spectra confirm that the formation of zinc hydroxide (Zn(OH)2) is decreased as the bath temperatures are increased
from 30 to 70 °C. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra depict that the crystal quality of the ZnO films are notably improved as the bath temperatures are increased. The film thickness is increased as the deposition potentials and bath temperatures are increased. The dye absorbance is increased
with respect to the film thickness. The efficiencies of dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) fabricated with diverse morphologies such as platelets, nanowalls and nanorods are found to be 0.10, 0.49 and 0.47%, respectively. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) spectra reveal that the
charge transfer recombination resistance (Rrec) is continuously decreased as metal zinc deposition is increased in ZnO films with increase in deposition potentials.
Electrochemically Exfoliated Graphene for Nanosensor Applications
Authors: Sivasankar V. , Senthilkumar E. , Vivekananth R. , Kalaivani R. A. , Sivakumar T.
Published: May 2019

Water dispersible graphene layer are the excellent nano materials used for wide range of electronic applications. High quality graphene was synthesized by an eco-friendly, easy and cost effective electrochemical exfoliation method. In this work, graphite rod was used both as an anode
and cathode for the production of graphene. Potassium sulphate (K2SO4) was used as an intercalating agent. Electrochemically exfoliated graphene (EEG) was coated on glassy carbon electrode (GCE) and evaluated towards the electrochemical oxidation of vanillin and L-phenylalanine.
The fabricated electrode was able to detect vanillin and L-Phenylalanine as low as 0.2 μM with signal to noise ratio of 3. A significant increase in the current was observed for the graphene coated electrode for both vanillin and L-phenylalanine when compared to bare Glassy electrode.
The finding clearly demonstrated the higher detection capability, selectivity and reproducibility of EEG.
BiVO4 Nanostructures for Photoelectrochemical (PEC) Solar Water Splitting Applications
Authors: Rani B. Jansi , Praveenkumar M. , Ravichandran S. , Ravi G. , Guduru Ramesh K. , Yuvakkumar R.
Published: May 2019

We reported a simple and economical SDS (sodium dodecyl sulfate) assisted BiVO4 solvothermal synthesis of BiVO4 nanostructures. The implementation of pristine and SDS assisted BiVO4 nanostructure as photoanode in photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting
was investigated. The good crystalline nature, defects present in the material, recombination nature and vibrational properties of the synthesized BiVO4 nanostructures have been analyzed and confirmed by XRD, Raman, PL and FTIR studies. The constructed nanoflower oriented morphology
combined with nanorods for SDS assisted BiVO4 have been examined by SEM studies. The optical band gap differences were observed as 2.35 and 2.31 eV for pristine and SDS assisted BiVO4 nanostructures respectively. The higher photocurrent density of 5.8 μA/cm2
at 0.5 V versus RHE with lower flat band potential of -0.75 V revealed for SDS assisted BiVO4 nanostructured photoanodes. Good conductivity, higher charge separation efficiency and 52% photocurrent retention under illumination was reported over 7200 s for the same efficient photoanode.
These results suggested the substantial possibility of BiVO4 nanostructures synthesized by using SDS surfactant could be utilized as efficient photoanodes for PEC water splitting applications.
The Role of Hydrogen on the Growth of Graphene Nanostructure Using a Two-Step Method
Authors: Xu Yangyang , Liu Jinyang , Zuo Chuandong , Cai Hongbing , Wu Ping , Huang Zhigao , Lai Fachun , Lin Limei , Zheng Weifeng , Qu Yan
Published: May 2019

Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is widely applied in synthesizing high quality graphene, whose size, shape and structure are strongly impacted by the hydrogen concentration and, however, its role is not fully understood. In the traditional CVD, the concentration of the hydrogen keeps
the constant in whole synthesis process and subsequently the nucleation and growth process are carried out simultaneously, therefore, its roles are usually confused and indistinguishable. In this report, the role of hydrogen on the growth of graphene nanostructure was creatively studied by
introducing a two-step method which divided the nucleation and growth process for the first time. In the first step, the hexagonal graphene domain grown with the same conditions was used as precursor to eliminate the impact of the nucleation. In the second step, the role of hydrogen on the
growth of graphene nanostructure was investigated by controlling the hydrogen concentration. The evolution behavior of the graphene nanostructure with the hydrogen concentration was systematically investigated. Two roles of the hydrogen, namely growth and etching modes, are clearly disclosed
and then a possible mechanism was proposed. The results shown here may provide valuable guidance to understand the graphene growth mechanism and further advance the synthesis of unique graphene nanostructure.