bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polyoxometalates‐Based Ionic Liquids (POMs‐ILs) for Electrochemical Applications
Authors: Cruz Hugo , Gomes Neide , Mirante Fatima , Balula Salete S. , Branco Luís C. , Gago Sandra 
Published: October 2020

AbstractFour Polyoxometalates based Ionic Liquids (POMs‐ILs) have been developed and applied in electrochemical studies. In a conventional 3‐electrode configuration cell the POM‐ILs possess three quasi reversible electron transfers (ET) when compared to the commercially available POM under the same experimental conditions. It is also important to note that they presented bleaching and coloration processes faster than the commercially ones. In this configuration cell, the bleaching times are much higher than the coloration times. In this approach, POMs and POM‐ILs as electrochromic materials and Deep Eutectic Solvents (DES) as electrolytes were tested in order to prepare efficient electrochromic devices (ECDs). The coloration of the ECD can be tuned by changing the counter cation of the POM‐ILs as well as the amount of selected POM corresponding to the metals.
Enhanced Decolorization and Treatment of Textile Dye Wastewater Through Adsorption on Acid Modified Corncob Derived Biochar
Authors: Sonu Kumar , Sogani Monika , Syed Zainab , Dongre Aman , Sharma Gopesh 
Published: October 2020

AbstractEco‐friendly biochar derived from the cost‐effective and easily accessible agricultural waste corncob has been utilized as an adsorbent for decolorization of real textile dye wastewater (RTDW). Slow pyrolysis of the corncob was done in a temperature range of 450–550 °C with a consistent heating rate to produce biochar. The biochar yield reduced with increasing temperature of pyrolysis. Chemical treatment of biochar (BC) with sulfuric acid was done to improve the adsorption efficiency. Batch studies were carried out for decolorization of RTDW by varying key reaction parameters in order to further optimize these ones. Significantly high decolorization efficiency of up to 98 % was obtained using acid modified biochar (MBC). The maximum adsorption of dyes with MBC was found to be 6.02 mg g−1 in 45 minutes at ambient temperature. Advance analytics including Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy and Zeta Potential etc. were carried out to characterize the adsorbents and to see the changes during the pyrolysis and adsorption processes. The kinetic studies demonstrated that Lagergren's pseudo‐II order model was the best fit for both BC and MBC. Also, MBC showed good recyclability as adsorbent when used two more times after degeneration. The germination % of Vigna radiata L. was studied to evaluate the toxicity of the effluents which depicted that dye wastewater after the adsorption by MBC was safe for agricultural use.
Fluorescent Noble Metal Nanoclusters Loaded Protein Hydrogel Exhibiting Anti‐Biofouling and Self‐Healing Properties for Electrochemiluminescence Biosensing Applications
Authors: Han Cuiyan , Guo Weiwei 
Published: October 2020

AbstractElectrochemiluminescence (ECL) showed great potential in various analytical applications, especially in the sensing of biotargets, taking advantage of its high sensitivity, selectivity, ease of spatial and temporal control, and simplified optical setup. However, during the sensing of complex biological samples, ECL sensors often suffered severe interferences from unavoidable nonspecific‐binding of biomacromolecules and physical damages of ECL sensing interfaces. Herein, a hydrogel based ECL biosensing system exhibiting excellent anti‐biofouling and self‐healing properties is developed. A protein hydrogel composed of bovine serum albumin (BSA) directed fluorescent Au/Ag alloy nanoclusters (Au/Ag NCs) is applied in building ECL sensing systems. The hydrogel matrix facilitates the immobilization of fluorescent Au/Ag NCs as excellent ECL probes, and the porous hydrophilic structure allows the free diffusion of small molecular biotargets while rejecting macromolecular interferences. Moreover, the hydrogel exhibits excellent self‐healing property, with the ECL intensity recovered rapidly in 10 min after cutting. The hydrogel ECL system is successfully applied in sensing glutathione (GSH) in serum, confirming the applicability of the hydrogel based anti‐biofouling ECL sensing system in sensing complex biological samples. This research may inspire the development of novel anti‐biofouling and self‐healing ECL biosensors for biosensing applications.
Graphene Oxide “Surfactant”‐Directed Tunable Concentration of Graphene Dispersion
Authors: Luo Jiajun , Yang Liangwei , Sun Danping , Gao Zhenfei , Jiao Kun , Zhang Jin 
Published: October 2020

AbstractHomogeneous graphene dispersions with tunable concentrations are fundamental prerequisites for the preparation of graphene‐based materials. Here, a strategy for effectively dispersing graphene using graphene oxide (GO) to produce homogeneous, tunable, and ultrahigh concentration graphene dispersions (>150 mg mL−1) is proposed. The structure of GO with abundant edge‐bound hydrophilic carboxyl groups and in‐plane hydrophobic π‐conjugated domains allows it to function as a special “surfactant” that enables graphene dispersion. In acidic solutions, GO sheets tend to form edge‐to‐edge hydrogen bonds and expose the π‐conjugated regions which interact with graphene, thereby promoting graphene dispersion. While in alkaline solutions, GO sheets tend to stack in a surface‐to‐surface manner, thereby blocking the π‐conjugated regions and impeding graphene dispersion. As the concentration of GO‐dispersed graphene dispersion (GO/G) increases, a continuous transition between four states is obtained, including a dilute dispersion, a thick paste, a free‐standing gel, and a kneadable, playdough‐like material. Furthermore, GO/G can be applied to create desirable structures including highly conductive graphene films with excellent flexibility, thereby demonstrating an immense potential in flexible composite materials.
From Octahedron Crystals to 2D Silicon Nanosheets: Facet‐Selective Cleavage and Biophotonic Applications
Authors: Cheng Ziqiang , Cui Haodong , Xiao Quanlan , Huang Hao , Kang Yihong , Liu Qian , Wang Jiahong , Chu Paul K. , Yu Xue‐Feng 
Published: October 2020

Abstract2D silicon nanosheets (SiNSs) are promising materials for biomedicine but facile synthesis of SiNSs remains a challenge. Herein, by means of a sulfur‐iodine co‐assisted chemical vapor transport method, octahedron silicon (oct‐Si) crystals with fully exposed {111} planes are prepared as precursors for efficient synthesis of SiNSs by facet‐selective exfoliation. The 13 nm thick SiNSs have good biocompatibility and the sharp Raman scattering signal facilitates intracellular Raman imaging upon exposure to a near‐infrared (NIR) laser. Furthermore, the SiNSs have excellent NIR photothermal characteristics such as a large extinction coefficient of 11.3 L g−1 cm−1 and high photothermal conversion efficiency of 21.4% at 1064 nm. In vitro experiments demonstrate superior NIR‐II photothermal therapeutic effects in killing cancer cells. Comparing to conventional methods, the novel facet‐selective cleavage strategy is more controllable and environmentally friendly boding well for the fabrication of non‐van der Waals 2D materials. The multimodal photonic behavior also suggests large potential of the SiNSs pertaining to integrated multi‐NIR biophotonic techniques using single nanomaterials.
Spontaneous Relaxation of Heteroepitaxial Thin Films by van der Waals‐Like Bonding on Te‐Terminated Sapphire Substrates
Authors: Jovanovic Stephen M. , El‐Sherif Hesham M. , Bassim Nabil D. , Preston John S. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractHere the novel direct heteroepitaxial growth method of a 3D heteroepitaxial system is demonstrated on a 3D substrate, CdTe (111)/Al2O3 (0001), which forms a spontaneous vdW‐like bond at the interface, instead of the two 3D crystals being strongly bound. Despite a large lattice mismatch, the thin films are single crystals and maintain high quality due the compliance of the interface which accommodates strain. This weak bonding interface is accomplished by the self‐assembly of a pseudomorphic chalcogenide layer on the sapphire surface during growth. Since the vdW‐like interface forms spontaneously in situ during growth, it is easily scalable to large wafer sizes, without the need to layer transfer 2D materials onto the growth substrate for remote epitaxy. Further, the weak adhesion of the films on the substrates allow for epitaxial film transfer to a variety of other substrates, leaving the original growth substrate for future reuse. This type of 3D/3D vdW‐like interface is exploitable as a compliant interlayer for additional epitaxy, and may even be observable directly in other material systems grown on complex oxides, allowing for the production of large area high quality freestanding and layer transferred epitaxial devices for material systems not currently possible by conventional processing techniques.
Effect of saltwater intrusion on activated sludge flocculation
Authors: Berde Manisha , Jolis Domènec 
Published: October 2020

AbstractSaltwater addition negatively impacted the settling properties of the activated sludge in a sequencing batch reactor, which in turn caused the effluent quality and the dewatering properties to deteriorate. Experiments showed that increasing sodium ion concentrations above 1 meq/L interfered with bio‐flocculation by ion exchange of calcium ions displaced by sodium in mixed liquor flocs, causing increases in the sludge volume index, total suspended solids, and chemical oxygen demand concentrations of the final effluent and in the times of the time to filter test of the mixed liquor. Experiments were also conducted to reverse mixed liquor de‐flocculation by adding calcium ions in wastewater with different sodium chloride concentrations and a positive relationship was found between calcium ion added and improved effluent quality. Calcium ion concentrations above 1.6 meq/L proved to be beneficial for adhesion of microbial aggregates leading to the formation of stable flocs and improved sludge dewatering by reversing the ion exchange phenomenon observed with sodium concentrations above 1 meq/L. Monovalent‐to‐divalent ratios did not provide predictive information on de‐flocculation. Hence, individual ion concentrations in addition to monovalent‐to‐divalent cation ratios are important in the onset of de‐flocculation effects while a system‐specific concentration threshold was measured under which no adverse effects were observed.Practitioner points

The adverse effects of varying concentrations of sodium chloride on the biological process affecting bioflocculation and effluent quality.

Impact of sodium on the health of the mixed liquor as well as on dewatering processes.

Prediction of sea level rise due to climate change will impact utilities situated along the coast with saltwater intrusion problems.

Management of dewatered flows containing saltwater from onsite construction

Identify management practices to reduce the impact of saltwater on the wastewater treatment plant.
One-loop non-planar anomalous dimensions in super Yang-Mills theory
Authors: McLoughlin Tristan , Pereira Raul , Spiering Anne 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
We consider non-planar one-loop anomalous dimensions in maximally supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory and its marginally deformed analogues. Using the basis of Bethe states, we compute matrix elements of the dilatation operator and find compact expressions in terms of off-shell scalar products and hexagon-like functions. We then use non-degenerate quantum-mechanical perturbation theory to compute the leading 1/N2 corrections to operator dimensions and as an example compute the large R-charge limit for two-excitation states through subleading order in the R-charge. Finally, we numerically study the distribution of level spacings for these theories and show that they transition from the Poisson distribution for integrable systems at infinite N to the GOE Wigner-Dyson distribution for quantum chaotic systems at finite N.
A diagnostic marker kit for Fusarium wilt and sterility mosaic diseases resistance in pigeonpea
Authors: Saxena Rachit K. , Hake Anil , Bohra Abhishek , Khan Aamir W. , Hingane Anupama , Sultana Rafat , Singh Indra Prakash , Naik S. J. Satheesh , Varshney Rajeev K. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractFusarium wilt (FW) and sterility mosaic diseases (SMD) are key biotic constraints to pigeonpea production. Occurrence of these two diseases in congenial conditions is reported to cause complete yield loss in susceptible pigeonpea cultivars. Various studies to elucidate genomic architecture of the two traits have revealed significant marker–trait associations for use in breeding programs. However, these DNA markers could not be used effectively in genomics-assisted breeding for developing FW and SMD resistant varieties primarily due to pathogen variability, location or background specificity, lesser phenotypic variance explained by the reported QTL and cost-inefficiency of the genotyping assays. Therefore, in the present study, a novel approach has been used to develop a diagnostic kit for identification of suitable FW and SMD resistant lines. This kit was developed with 10 markers each for FW and SMD resistance. Investigation of the diversity of these loci has shown the role of different alleles in different resistant genotypes. Two genes (C.cajan_03691 and C.cajan_18888) for FW resistance and four genes (C.cajan_07858, C.cajan_20995, C.cajan_21801 and C.cajan_17341) for SMD resistance have been identified. More importantly, we developed a customized and cost-effective Kompetitive allele-specific PCR genotyping assay for the identified genes in order to encourage their downstream applications in pigeonpea breeding programs. The diagnostic marker kit developed here will offer great strength to pigeonpea varietal development program, since the resistance against these two diseases is essentially required for nominating an improved line in varietal release pipeline.
Left Ventricular Geometrical Changes in Severely Obese Adolescents: Prevalence, Determinants, and Clinical Implications
Authors: Talib Ali , Roebroek Yvonne G. M. , Paulus Givan F. , van Loo Kris , Winkens Bjorn , Bouvy Nicole D. , van Heurn Ernst L. W. E. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractLeft ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is independently associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in adults. Adiposity is a risk factor for LVH, independent of blood pressure. Potential causes of this nonhemodynamic pathogenesis identified in adults include adverse body fat distribution, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA). In severely obese adolescents, the determinants of obesity-induced changes in left ventricular structure are poorly characterized. Cardiac ultrasonographic, demographic, anthropometric, and comorbidity-related data were prospectively collected in adolescents with severe obesity refractory to conservative treatment who presented for surgical therapy. Differences between adolescents with LVH and without LVH were evaluated using independent samples t, chi-square, or Fisher’s exact test. Multivariable linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate associations with left ventricular structural changes, corrected for body mass index (BMI) z score. Forty-three patients entered analysis, of whom 24 (55.8%) showed LVH. The most common geometrical change was eccentric LVH (eLVH), occurring in 21 subjects (48.8%). Demographic and anthropometric variables did not differ between patients with and without LVH. Independent of BMI z score, left ventricular mass index was significantly associated with apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) (regression parameter B = 0.8; 95% CI 0.3 to 1.2). Interventricular septum thickness (IVST) was significantly associated with HOMA-IR values (B = 0.1; 95% CI 0.04 to 0.2), HDL-cholesterol (B = − 1.2; 95% CI − 2.2 to 0.1), and triglyceride levels (B = 0.5; 95% CI 0.001 to 0.9). LVH, especially eLVH, is highly prevalent amongst severely obese adolescents. Adverse changes in cardiac structure, increased IVST in particular, are independently associated with several nonhemodynamic comorbidities that are common in this population, namely OSA, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia.
Usual or unusual presentations of Dirofilaria repens in two sibling dogs: a case report
Authors: Barlozzari Giulia , Felice Tiziana , Salvato Laura , Conti Raffaella , De Liberato Claudio , Furzi Federica , Gabrielli Simona , Scarpulla Manuela 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThis study describes two different manifestations of Dirofilaria repens infection in sibling dogs with microfilaremia. Dog 1, asymptomatic, harbored a gravid female of D. repens on the parietal layer of tunica vaginalis of one testicle and showed a marked circulating eosinophilia (3.3·103/μL). Both testicles were normal in shape and size without any gross lesions. Dog 2 had a pyotraumatic dermatitis. The cases were confirmed by PCR and sequencing. The sequences obtained showed 100% identity with those of D. repens isolated from human scrotum in Croatia. The treatment with moxidectin 2.5% and imidacloprid 10%/kg was effective in eliminating microfilariae after just one application, as demonstrated by negative modified Knott’s tests and PCR analyses of blood samples. This status was maintained during the post-treatment observation period. The classical localization of D. repens in dogs is in subcutaneous tissues, within nodules or free; however, it can also occur with some frequency in testicles, as described in humans. The infection can be associated with circulating eosinophilia or pyotraumatic dermatitis, as reported in this study. Thus, in endemic areas, it is advisable to carefully inspect the removed testicles at neutering since parasite localization can take place without any macroscopic changes. Moreover, in the case of circulating eosinophilia or pyotraumatic dermatitis, investigations should include modified Knott’s test and PCR to ensure that D. repens is not the cause of these alterations. Rapid and sensitive tests for the early detection of infected animals would help to prevent or limit the spread of this zoonosis.
Characterisation of the Fe(III):H+ Defect Centre in Natural Amethyst
Authors: Di Benedetto Francesco , Zoleo Alfonso , Romanelli Maurizio 
Published: October 2020

AbstractA natural single crystal of amethyst was investigated by means of continuous-wave and pulsed Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR), with the aim of structurally characterizing the substitutional S2 Fe(III):H+ centre. In this centre, Fe(III) replaces Si(IV) in the tetrahedral site, whereas H+ is coupled to Fe(III) to maintain the charge balance. The spectroscopic investigations, mainly the interpretation of the Electron Spin Echo Envelope Modulation, allowed a detailed localisation of the proton to be obtained. H+ occurs in the channels crossing the crystal parallel to the crystallographic c axis, in a largely eccentric position. The Fe(III)-H+ distance, evaluated in 2.70 Å, is found associated with a non-negligible isotropic hyperfine coupling, which can be linked to the relative stability of the S2 centre in natural amethyst.
General bounds for incremental maximization
Authors: Bernstein Aaron , Disser Yann , Groß Martin , Himburg Sandra 
Published: October 2020

AbstractWe propose a theoretical framework to capture incremental solutions to cardinality constrained maximization problems. The defining characteristic of our framework is that the cardinality/support of the solution is bounded by a value $$k\in {\mathbb {N}}$$

k
∈
N

that grows over time, and we allow the solution to be extended one element at a time. We investigate the best-possible competitive ratio of such an incremental solution, i.e., the worst ratio over all k between the incremental solution after k steps and an optimum solution of cardinality k. We consider a large class of problems that contains many important cardinality constrained maximization problems like maximum matching, knapsack, and packing/covering problems. We provide a general 2.618-competitive incremental algorithm for this class of problems, and we show that no algorithm can have competitive ratio below 2.18 in general. In the second part of the paper, we focus on the inherently incremental greedy algorithm that increases the objective value as much as possible in each step. This algorithm is known to be 1.58-competitive for submodular objective functions, but it has unbounded competitive ratio for the class of incremental problems mentioned above. We define a relaxed submodularity condition for the objective function, capturing problems like maximum (weighted) d-dimensional matching, maximum (weighted) (b-)matching and a variant of the maximum flow problem. We show a general bound for the competitive ratio of the greedy algorithm on the class of problems that satisfy this relaxed submodularity condition. Our bound generalizes the (tight) bound of 1.58 slightly beyond sub-modular functions and yields a tight bound of 2.313 for maximum (weighted) (b-)matching. Our bound is also tight for a more general class of functions as the relevant parameter goes to infinity. Note that our upper bounds on the competitive ratios translate to approximation ratios for the underlying cardinality constrained problems, and our bounds for the greedy algorithm carry over both.
Paraglacial rock-slope deformations: sudden or delayed response? Insights from an integrated numerical modelling approach
Authors: Spreafico Margherita Cecilia , Sternai Pietro , Agliardi Federico 
Published: October 2020

AbstractGlacial and paraglacial processes have a major influence on rock slope stability in alpine environments. Slope deglaciation causes debuttressing, stress and hydro-mechanical perturbations that promote progressive slope failure and the development of slow rock slope deformation possibly evolving until catastrophic failure. Paraglacial rock slope failures can develop soon after or thousands of years after deglaciation, and can creep slowly accelerating until catastrophic failure or nucleate sudden rockslides. The roles of topography, rock properties and deglaciation processes in promoting the different styles of paraglacial rock slope failure are still elusive. Nevertheless, their comprehensive understanding is crucial to manage future geohazards in modern paraglacial settings affected by ongoing climate change. We simulate the different modes and timing of paraglacial slope failures in an integrated numerical modelling approach that couples realistic deglaciation histories derived by modelling of ice dynamics to 2D time-dependent simulations of progressive failure processes. We performed a parametric study to assess the effects of initial ice thickness, deglaciation rate, rock-slope strength and valley shape on the mechanisms and timing of slope response to deglaciation. Our results allow constraining the range of conditions in which rapid failures or delayed slow deformations occur, which we compare to natural Alpine case studies. The melting of thicker glaciers is linked to shallower rockslides daylighting at higher elevation, with a shorter response time. More pronounced glacial morphologies influences slope lifecycle and favour the development of shallower, suspended rockslides. Weaker slopes and faster deglaciations produce to faster slope responses. In a risk-reduction perspective, we expect rockslide differentiation in valleys showing a strong glacial imprint, buried below thick ice sheets during glaciation.