Rapid Inactivation of E. coli by Water Droplet-Tuned Surface Micro-Discharges

Plasma Chemistry and Plasma Processing - In this study, rapid inactivation of Escherichia coli (E. coli) by surface micro-discharge (SMD) plasma is studied by comparing the inactivation effects in...     

Porous Media Characterization Using Minkowski Functionals: Theories,Applications and Future Directions

An elementary question in porous media research is in regard to the relationship between structure and function. In most fields, the porosity and permeability of porous media are properties of key interest. There is, however, no universal relationship between porosity and permeability since not only does the fraction of void space matter for permeability but also the connectivity of the void fraction. With the evolution of modern day X-ray microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) and advanced computing, it is now possible to visualize porous media at an unprecedented level of detail. Approaches in analyzing micro-CT data of porous structures vary in the literature from phenomenological characterization to network analysis to geometrical and/or topological measurements. This leads to a question about how to consistently characterize porous media in a way that facilitates theoretical developments. In this effort, the Minkowski functionals (MF) emerge from the field of statistical physics where it is evident that many physical processes depend on the geometry and topology of bodies or multiple bodies in 3D space. Herein we review the theoretical basis of the MF, mathematical theorems and methods necessary for porous media characterization, common measurement errors when using micro-CT data and recent findings relating the MF to macroscale porous media properties. This paper is written to provide the basics necessary for porous media characterization and theoretical developments. With the wealth of information generated from 3D imaging of porous media, it is necessary to develop an understanding of the limitations and opportunities in this exciting area of research.

     

The Decomposition and Uniqueness of $n$-Lie Superalgebras

In this paper, the definitions and some properties of $n$-Lie superalgebras are presented. Our main aim is to study the decomposition and uniqueness of finite dimensional $n$-Lie superalgebras with trivial center. According to the decomposition of $n$-Lie superalgebras, we obtain the decomposition of inner derivation superalgebras and derivation superalgebras respectively. Furthermore, we discuss some properties about the centroid of $n$-Lie superalgebras, so we can see its application in the decomposition of $n$-Lie superalgebras.     

Endoperoxides Compounds for Highly Efficient Cancer Treatment under Hypoxia

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) for cancer treatment has garnered tremendous attention with its promising non-invasiveness, low side effects, and spatiotemporal selectivity. However, the hypoxic microenvironment in solid tumours remains a serious resistant factor to reducing the effects of PDT. Endoperoxides are successfully utilized as the chemical storage or supplier of singlet oxygen (¹O₂), the active substance for PDT in materials and other domains. Recent reports indicated that this type of compound could remarkably enhance the therapeutic effects of PDT under hypoxia. This concept mainly introduces a few representative endoperoxides and the outlook of their potent application for treating hypoxic cancer cells.     

Effects of Co Doping on the Growth and Photocatalytic Properties of ZnO Particles

The present work reports on the synthesis of ZnO photocatalysts with different Co-doping levels via a facile one-step solution route. The structural and optical properties were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectra. The morphology of Co-doped ZnO depends on the reaction temperature and the amount of Co and counter-ions in the solution. Changes with the c-axis lattice constant and room temperature redshift show the replacement of Zn with Co ions without changing the wurtzite structure. Photocatalytic activities of Co-doped ZnO on the evolution of H₂ and the degradation of methylene blue (MB) reduce with the doping of Co ions. As the close ionic radii of Co and Zn, the reducing photocatalytic activity is not due to the physical defects but the formation of deep bandgap energy levels. Photocurrent response experiments further prove the formation of the recombination centers. Mechanistic insights into Co-ZnO formation and performance regulation are essential for their structural adaptation for application in catalysis, energy storage, etc.     

On the Gracefulness of Graph $(jC_{4n}) ∪ P_m$

The present paper deals with the gracefulness of unconnected graph $(jC_{4n}) ∪ P_m$, and proves the following result: for positive integers $n$, $j$ and $m$ with $n ≥ 1$, $j ≥ 2$, the unconnected graph $(jC_{4n}) ∪ P_m$ is a graceful graph for $m = j − 1$ or $m ≥ n + j$, where $C_{4n}$ is a cycle with $4n$ vertexes, $P_m$ is a path with $m + 1$ vertexes, and $(jC_{4n}) ∪ P_m$ denotes the disjoint union of $j − C_{4n}$ and $P_m$.