bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adsorption Performance of Packed Bed Column for the Removal of Lead (II) Using Velvet Tamarind (Dialium indum) Shells
Authors: Akoji Jibrin Noah 
Published: July 2019

The removal of Pb ions by activated carbons prepared from velvet tamarind (Dialium indum) shells was studied to investigate its uptake potentials using column sorption at different operating conditions (flow rates, initial concentrations and bed height). The prepared adsorbent was characterized by determining the physicochemical properties, proximate analysis, carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen and Sulpur analysis, Fourier Transform-Infra Red, Potentiometric titration. Different dynamic models were used to describe the sorption processes. The FTIR analysis results suggested the presence of functional groups such as hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxyl and amine which could bind the metals and remove them from the solution. The values of moisture content, volatile matter, fixed carbon and ash content as obtained from % proximate analysis are 3.43, 27.07, 65.05, 4.45 for activated carbons prepared from velvet tamarind shells. Ultimate analysis revealed that activated carbons prepared from velvet tamarind shells contained 75% carbon. The surface area and Iodine number of activated carbon from velvet tamarind shell are 570 m2g-1 and 614.7 mgg-1 respectively. The column experimental data revealed that an increase in bed height and initial metal concentration or a decrease of flow rate enhances the longevity of column performance by increasing both breakthrough time and exhaustion time thereby delaying bed saturation. Low ash content and high surface areas are indication of good mechanical strength and microporosity of the activated carbons prepared from this precursor. The activated carbons are inexpensive and appeared to be effective and can be explore for future commercial application for environmental sustainability.
A Comparative Study of the Phytochemical Activities of Some Nigerian Indigenous Kola Nuts Kola acuminate (Igbo Kola Nut), Kola vera (Hausa Kola Nut), and Garcinia kola (Bitter Kola)
Authors: Egbujor M. C. , Ike S. E. , Anieze E. O. , Kanayochukwu U. L. , Nwankwo N. E. , Chidebelu I. C. , Okenwa-Ani C. G. 
Published: July 2019

Aims: Nigerian indigenous kola nuts (Garcinia kola, Kola acuminate, Kola vera) were evaluated for potential phytochemical properties.
Study Design: Phytochemical analysis.
Place and duration of Study: Renaissance University, Ugbawka, Enugu State, Nigeria, July 2016.
Methodology: The nuts were dried, ground and extracted by cold maceration with 99.5% methanol for 72 hours after which the methanol was allowed to evaporate.
Results: The phytochemical evaluation revealed the presence of saponin glycosides, glycoside, volatile oil, steroid and alkaloid in Kola vera; saponin, saponin glycoside, glycoside, tannins, pseudo tannins, volatile oil, steroid and alkaloid in Kola acuminate while flavonoid, alkaloid and steroid were found in Garcinia kola.
Conclusion: The phytochemical activities results showed that kola acuminate and Garcinia kola extracts exhibited more phytochemical than kola vera.
Clinical trial of a humanized anti‐IL‐2/IL‐15 receptor β chain in HAM/TSP
Authors: Enose‐Akahata Yoshimi , Oh Unsong , Ohayon Joan , Billioux Bridgette Jeanne , Massoud Raya , Bryant Bonita R. , Vellucci Ashley , Ngouth Nyater , Cortese Irene , Waldmann Thomas A. , Jacobson Steven 
Published: July 2019

AbstractObjectiveHuman T cell lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV‐1)‐associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) is a chronic, progressive, neurological disease. Chronic activation of CD8+ T cells, as evidenced by increased spontaneous lymphoproliferation and HTLV‐1‐specific cytotoxic T cells, has been demonstrated in HAM/TSP patients. Since IL‐2 and IL‐15 stimulate memory CD8+ T cell activity, these cytokines have been implicated in the immunopathogenesis of HAM/TSP. In this phase I trial, we evaluated the safety, pharmacokinetics, and ability of Hu‐Mikβ1, a humanized monoclonal antibody directed toward the IL‐2/IL‐15 receptor β‐chain (IL‐2/IL‐15Rβ: CD122), to saturate CD122 and regulate abnormal immune responses in patients with HAM/TSP by inhibition of IL‐15 action.MethodsHu‐Mikβ1 was administered intravenously at doses of 0.5 mg/kg, 1.0 mg/kg, or 1.5 mg/kg in a total of nine HAM/TSP patients. Five doses of Hu‐Mikβ1 were administered at 3‐week intervals. The clinical response was evaluated using standardized scales. Viral and immunologic outcome measures were examined including HTLV‐1 proviral load, T cell phenotypic analysis and spontaneous lymphoproliferation in HAM/TSP patients.ResultsThere was no significant toxicity associated with Hu‐Mikβ1 administration in HAM/TSP patients. Saturation of CD122 by Hu‐Mikβ1 was achieved in five out of nine HAM/TSP patients. Administration of Hu‐Mikβ1 was associated with inhibition of aberrant CD8+ T cell function including spontaneous lymphoproliferation and degranulation and IFN‐γ expression, especially in HAM/TSP patients that achieved CD122 saturation.InterpretationThe treatment with Hu‐Mikβ1 had a number of immunological effects on HAM/TSP patients although no clinical efficacy was observed. We also did not see any dose‐related toxicity.
Recent Progress in Lithium Niobate: Optical Damage, Defect Simulation, and On‐Chip Devices
Authors: Kong Yongfa , Bo Fang , Wang Weiwei , Zheng Dahuai , Liu Hongde , Zhang Guoquan , Rupp Romano , Xu Jingjun 
Published: July 2019

AbstractLithium niobate (LN) is one of the most important synthetic crystals. In the past two decades, many breakthroughs have been made in material technology, theoretical understanding, and application of LN crystals. Recent progress in optical damage, defect simulation, and on‐chip devices of LN are explored. Optical damage is one of the main obstacles for the practical usage of LN crystals. Recent results reveal that doping with ZrO2 not only leads to better optical damage resistance in the visible but also improves resistance in the ultraviolet region. It is still awkward to extract defect characteristics and their relationship with the physical properties of LN crystals directly from experimental investigations. Recent simulations provide detailed descriptions of intrinsic defect models, the site occupation of dopants and the variation of energy levels due to extrinsic defects. LN is considered to be one of the most promising platforms for integrated photonics. Benefiting from advances in smart‐cut, direct wafer bonding and layer transfer techniques, great progress has been made in the past decade for LNs on insulators. Recent progress on on‐chip LN micro‐photonic devices and nonlinear optical effects, in particular photorefractive effects, are briefly reviewed.
Smart Textile‐Integrated Microelectronic Systems for Wearable Applications
Authors: Shi Jidong , Liu Su , Zhang Lisha , Yang Bao , Shu Lin , Yang Ying , Ren Ming , Wang Yang , Chen Jiewei , Chen Wei , Chai Yang , Tao Xiaoming 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe programmable nature of smart textiles makes them an indispensable part of an emerging new technology field. Smart textile‐integrated microelectronic systems (STIMES), which combine microelectronics and technology such as artificial intelligence and augmented or virtual reality, have been intensively explored. A vast range of research activities have been reported. Many promising applications in healthcare, the internet of things (IoT), smart city management, robotics, etc., have been demonstrated around the world. A timely overview and comprehensive review of progress of this field in the last five years are provided. Several main aspects are covered: functional materials, major fabrication processes of smart textile components, functional devices, system architectures and heterogeneous integration, wearable applications in human and nonhuman‐related areas, and the safety and security of STIMES. The major types of textile‐integrated nonconventional functional devices are discussed in detail: sensors, actuators, displays, antennas, energy harvesters and their hybrids, batteries and supercapacitors, circuit boards, and memory devices.
Porous Membrane‐Enabled Fast Liquid Metal Patterning in Thin Blind‐Ended Microchannels
Authors: Wang Ronghang , Gui Lin , Zhang Lunjia , He Zhizhu , Gao Meng , Chen Sen , Zhou Xuyan , Cui Yuntao , Deng Zhongshan 
Published: July 2019

AbstractA porous membrane‐enabled fast liquid metal patterning method in thin blind‐ended microchannels is reported. The principle is to introduce a thin porous membrane in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) chips, effectively releasing the air pressure of the inner microchannel during the injection process. Traditional direct injection method requires microchannels with both an inlet and an outlet, making blind‐ended microchannel filling impossible. The vacuum filling requires adequate chip thickness and stiffness for the channel to recover after filling. Additionally, high injection pressure may cause leakages and damage to the microchannels. Experiment results indicate that this novel method promotes the injection in thin blind‐ended microchannels without voids and damages. The finest channel that can be filled successfully using this mechanism is with around 12 µm width and 20 µm height. Series of tensile texts for comb capacitor demonstrate that the electrodes have marvelous flexibility. Overall, the capability of filling the mazy blind‐ended channels entirely quickly makes it promising in the fast fabrication of ultrathin stretchable electronics.
Indirect 3D and 4D Printing of Soft Robotic Microstructures
Authors: de Marco Carmela , Alcântara Carlos C. J. , Kim Sangwon , Briatico Francesco , Kadioglu Ahmet , de Bernardis Gaston , Chen Xiangzhong , Marano Claudia , Nelson Bradley J. , Pané Salvador 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe development of 3D soft‐robotic components is currently hindered by material limitations associated with conventional 3D printing techniques. To overcome this challenge, an indirect 3D printing approach based on the fabrication of 3D printed sacrificial templates is proposed. High‐resolution micromolds produced by direct laser writing are infused with polymers and then dissolved, leading to the final 3D printed soft microstructures. This method is used to indirectly print 3D and 4D soft microrobots. The versatility of this technique is shown through the fabrication and actuation of gelatin helices filled with magnetic nanoparticles. In addition, it is shown that stent‐like microstructures with shape memory properties can be manufactured with minimum features of 5 µm, which is 40 times smaller than those reported to date. In summary, the utilization of this technique can overcome obstacles associated with the fabrication of soft microrobots and surgical tools for minimally invasive surgery.
Anisotropic Nonlinear Optical Properties of a SnSe Flake and a Novel Perspective for the Application of All‐Optical Switching
Authors: Zhang Chenxi , Ouyang Hao , Miao Runlin , Sui Yizhen , Hao Hao , Tang Yuxiang , You Jie , Zheng Xin , Xu Zhongjie , Cheng Xiang'ai , Jiang Tian 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe deceptively simple tin selenide (SnSe) film has emerged as an appealing 2D material with a narrow bandgap, high charge carrier mobility, and significant thermoelectric figure of merit. In particular, compared with most commonly investigated 2D materials, SnSe with a puckered honeycomb structure possesses a lower lattice symmetry, resulting in prominent in‐plane anisotropy. Herein, with polarization‐dependent Raman spectroscopy and polarization‐dependent nonlinear absorption measurements, pronounced polarization‐dependent nonlinear optical properties of a SnSe flake are demonstrated originating from the anisotropic optical transition probability of SnSe, which is confirmed by ultrafast polarization‐dependent pump–probe experiments. Furthermore, a novel SnSe‐based all‐optical switch is proposed and experimentally explored. Specifically, due to the polarization‐dependent nonlinear optical response of SnSe, this all‐optical switch can access the “ON” and “OFF” modes of continuous‐wave signal light (633 nm, 13 µW) by altering the polarization of the switching light (800 nm, 65 fs, 1 kHz, 34 GW cm−2), rather than modifying its intensity, achieving an unexpectedly high ON/OFF ratio (the difference of the normalized transmittance of signal light between “ON” and “OFF” modes) of 44%. This work opens up real perspectives for versatile optoelectronic devices based on SnSe materials.
Terahertz Reflectarray with Enhanced Bandwidth
Authors: You Xiaolong , Ako Rajour T. , Lee Wendy S. L. , Low Mei Xian , Bhaskaran Madhu , Sriram Sharath , Fumeaux Christophe , Withayachumnankul Withawat 
Published: July 2019

AbstractReflectarrays offer unique potential for beamforming at terahertz frequencies as they combine the advantages of low‐profile of phased arrays and high‐efficiency of parabolic antennas. However, one challenge associated with reflectarrays is their bandwidth limitation resulting from the nonlinear phase response. To enhance bandwidth, a single‐layer stub‐loaded resonator is proposed for constructing reflectarrays. This resonator design shows a smooth and near‐linear phase response with a complete 360° phase coverage at and around the design frequency. To demonstrate its capability in realizing beamforming, a focusing reflectarray is then constructed using the proposed resonator as a building block. The measured results reveal that the 3 dB relative bandwidths of the reflectarray for the transverse electric (TE)‐ and transverse magnetic (TM)‐polarized excitations are 23.3% and 23.9%, respectively, while retaining an efficiency of 71.9% for the TE polarization and 71.0% for the TM polarization at the center frequency of 1.00 THz. The simulation bandwidth of this proposed focusing reflectarray is over twice that of an existing dielectric resonator reflectarray. The proposed resonator has a potential to enhance the bandwidth of terahertz reflectarrays for various beamforming functions.
Imaging and Mapping Characterization Tools for Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Hidalgo Juanita , Castro‐Méndez Andrés‐Felipe , Correa‐Baena Juan‐Pablo 
Published: July 2019

AbstractPerovskite solar cells (PSCs) have attracted much attention as efficiencies have gone beyond 24%. To achieve these impressive numbers, the PSC scientific community is working to improve the perovskite optoelectronic properties. Imaging and mapping characterization techniques have been widely used to understand the fundamental properties that allow lead halide perovskites to achieve high performance. In this review, these techniques are evaluated, from simple tools, such as electron microscopy, to more complex systems that include atomic force microscopy, synchrotron‐based X‐ray mapping, and ultrafast and photoluminescence mapping. These tools have helped understand lead halide perovskites and their impressive optoelectronic properties, which make them outstanding materials for solar cell applications.
Gathering Diverse Perspectives to Tackle “Wicked Problems”: Racial/Ethnic Disproportionality in Educational Placement
Authors: NeMoyer Amanda , Nakash Ora , Fukuda Marie , Rosenthal Jill , Mention Najeia , Chambers Valeria A. , Delman Deborah , Perez Gilberto , Green Jennifer G. , Trickett Edison , Alegría Margarita 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAmong students receiving behavioral health and special education services, racial/ethnic minority students are consistently overrepresented in settings separate from general classrooms. Once separated, many young people struggle to improve academically and face significant difficulty upon trying to return to a general education setting. Given the complex, ongoing, and multifaceted nature of this challenge, racial/ethnic disproportionality can be identified as a “wicked problem,” for which solutions are not easily identified. Here, we describe our community‐engaged research efforts, eliciting perspectives from relevant partners in an ongoing dialogue, to better integrate diverse stakeholders’ perspectives when attempting to address such disparities. We conducted focus groups and qualitative interviews with members of three stakeholder groups: community‐serving organizations, individuals with lived experience of behavioral health conditions, and state‐level policymakers, with a shared interest in addressing racial and ethnic disparities. Participant responses illustrated the “wickedness” of this problem and highlighted the need for additional supports for students, families, and school personnel, increased collaboration across relevant systems and agencies, and reduced barriers related to funding. Overall, this methodology bridged differing perspectives to develop, in concert with our partners, a shared language of the problem and a core set of issues to consider when seeking to effect change.
Testosterone is positively and estradiol negatively associated with mucosal immunity in Amazonian adolescents
Authors: Hodges‐Simeon Carolyn R. , Asif Soubhana , Gurven Michael , Blackwell Aaron D. , Gaulin Steven J. C. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractObjectivesA core assumption of life history theory and the immunocompetence handicap hypothesis (ICHH) is that testosterone (T) upregulates energetic investment in mating effort at the expense of immunity. This tenet, along with observed positive relationships between estrogens and immunity, may contribute to the higher observed morbidity and mortality of males. In the present study, we examine the association between sex steroid hormones and mucosal immunity as well as sex differences in immunity in a rural Amazonian population of immune‐challenged Bolivian adolescents.MethodsSalivary steroid hormones (T [males only] and estradiol [E2, females only]), Tsimane‐specific age‐standardized BMI z‐scores, and salivary mucosal immunity (sIgA, secretory IgA) were measured in 89 adolescent males and females.ResultsMales had significantly higher sIgA levels than females, which may be due to the observed immune‐endocrine associations found in the present study. Controlling for age and phenotypic condition, higher T significantly predicted higher sIgA; whereas higher E2 was associated with lower sIgA in females.ConclusionsResults stood in contrast to common interpretations of the ICHH, that is, that T should be inversely associated with immunity. Findings from the present study support the notion that the endocrine system likely affects immunity in a regulatory fashion, upregulating certain aspects of immunity while downregulating others. An important remaining question is the adaptive reason(s) for sex differences in endocrine‐mediated immuno‐redistribution.
Photoinduced Oxygen Reduction Reaction Boosts the Output Voltage of a Zinc–Air Battery
Authors: Zhu Dongdong , Zhao Qiancheng , Fan Guilan , Zhao Shuo , Wang Liubin , Li Fujun , Chen Jun 
Published: July 2019

AbstractUtilization of solar energy is of great interest for a sustainable society, and its conversion into electricity in a compact battery is challenging. Herein, a zinc–air battery with the polymer semiconductor polytrithiophene (pTTh) as the cathode is reported for direct conversion of photoenergy into electric energy. Upon irradiation, photoelectrons are generated in the conduction band (CB) of pTTh and then injected into the π2p* orbitals of O2 for its reduction to HO2−, which is disproportionated to OH− and drives the oxidation of Zn to ZnO at the anode. The discharge voltage was significantly increased to 1.78 V without decay during discharge–charge cycles over 64 h, which corresponds to an energy density increase of 29.0 % as compared to 1.38 V for a zinc–air battery with state‐of‐the‐art Pt/C. The zinc–air battery with an intrinsically different reaction scheme for simultaneous conversion of chemical and photoenergy into electric energy opens a new pathway for utilization of solar energy.
Structural variation from linear, layer to 3D framework: Syntheses, structures and luminescence
Authors: Guo Dan‐Dan , Zhu Li‐Na , Meng Xiang‐Xi , Deng Zhao‐Peng , Huo Li‐Hua , Gao Shan 
Published: July 2019

Self‐assembly of Zn (II) or Cd (II) nitrates, flexible bis (pyridyl)‐diamine, as well as arenesulfonic acids, leads to the formation of ten coordination polymers, namely, [Zn(L1)(H2O)3]·2(p‐TS)·2H2O (1), [Zn(L1)(H2O)2]·2(p‐TS)·2H2O (2), [Zn(L1)2(p‐TS)2] (3), [Zn(H2L1)(H2O)4]·2(1,5‐NDS)·2H2O (4), [Zn(H2L2)(H2O)4]·2(1,5‐NDS)·4MeOH (5), [Cd(L1)(p‐TS)(NO3)]·H2O (6), [Cd(L1)(1,5 ‐NDS)0.5(H2O)]·0.5(1,5‐NDS)·H2O (7), [Cd(L2)(H2O)2]·(p‐TS)·(NO3)·3H2O (8), [Cd(L2)(1,5‐NDS)] (9) and [Cd(L2)(1,5‐NDS)]·MeOH (10) (L1 = N,N′‐bis (pyridin‐4‐ylmethyl) ethane‐1,2‐diamine, L2 = N,N′‐bis (pyridin‐3‐ylmethy l)ethane‐1,2‐diamine, p‐HTS = p‐toluenesulfonic acid, 1,5‐H2NDS = 1,5‐naphthalene disulfonic acid), which have been characterized by elemental analysis, IR, TG, PL, powder and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Complexes 1, 4, 5 and 6 present linear or zigzag chain structures accomplished by the interconnection of adjacent M (II) cations through L1 ligands or protonated H2L12+/H2L22+ cations, while complexes 2, 3 and 8 show similar (4,4) layer motifs constructed from the connection of M (II) cations through L1 and L2. The same coordination modes of L1 and L2 in complexes 7 and 9 join adjacent Cd (II) cations to form double chain structures, which are further connected by bis‐monodentate 1,5‐NDS2− dianions into different (6,3) and (4,4) layer motifs. The L2 molecules in complex 10 join adjacent Cd (II) cations together with 1,5‐NDS2− dianions to form 3D network with hxl topology. Therefore, the diverse coordination modes of the bis (pyridyl) ligand with chelating spacer and the feature of different arenesulfonate anions can effectively influence the architectures of these complexes. Luminescent investigation reveals that the emission maximum of these complexes varies from 374 to 448 nm in the solid state at room temperature, in which complexes 4, 5, 7, 9 and 10 show average luminescence lifetimes from 7.20 to 14.82 ns. Moreover, photocatalytic properties of complexes 7–10 towards Methylene blue under Xe lamp irradiation are also discussed.
Amygdalin Contents of Oil and Meal from Wild Almond: Effect of Different Heat Pretreatment and Extraction Methods
Authors: Mirzaei Hamideh , Rezaei Karamatollah 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe effects of different heat treatment methods on the extraction yield of oil and the amygdalin contents of the wild almond meal and oil were investigated. When using hexane as a solvent for the extraction, oil yield and amygdalin contents of the extracted oils increased by increasing the applied temperature as the pretreatment (46.1–51.6%, w/w, for oil yield and 26–49 mg/100 mL oil for the amygdalin content). When using mechanical oil extraction, hot‐press resulted in higher oil yield (23.2%) than did the cold‐press (15.6%) but the amygdalin levels of the extracted oils were not significantly different (12.8–12.9 mg/100 mL oil). Autoclaving ground wild almond and hot‐press resulted in a significant increase in the peroxide and acid values of the oils. Investigation of fatty acid profiles of different samples showed that heat treatment and extraction method in this study did not impact the fatty acid profiles of the extracted oils.
Near room temperature dyeing of m‐aramid fabrics
Authors: Vu Nguyen , Michielsen Stephen 
Published: July 2019

ABSTRACTDue to their high crystallinity and inertness, the coloration of meta‐aramid fiber has been widely confirmed to be difficult. Though substantial improvements have been achieved, the dyeing of this fiber still requires high temperature and long duration for good color strength and shade. In this article, grafting poly(acrylic acid), a polyelectrolyte, onto meta‐aramind fibers followed by dyeing via conventional pad‐dry‐cure technique resulted in good dyeing and a decrease the dyeing time and temperature. Dyed samples that possess industrially acceptable K/S values were produced in 15 minutes at room temperature (25–27 °C) under neutral pH. Dyed samples had good dry and wet crockfastness. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 48190.