Effect of garbage collection in iterative algorithms on Spark: an experimental analysis

The Journal of Supercomputing - Spark is one of the most widely used systems for the distributed processing of big data. Its performance bottlenecks are mainly due to the network I/O, disk I/O, and...     

Structural and optical properties of encapsulated ZnO in porous host matrix

ZnO nanoparticles were encapsulated in the porous activated carbon matrix by incipient-wetness impregnation. The use of the small host matrix allowed the size confinement of ZnO by utilizing the porous nature of the host matrix. Partial fixation of ZnO in the porous matrix determines the size and the dispersion of the particles. Experiments at different calcination temperatures were carried out to investigate structural and optical properties of ZnO nanoparticles in the porous activated carbon matrix using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and photoluminescence. The optimal calcination temperature was found to be ～450 °C in order to confine ZnO nanoparticles in the porous ACP matrix. Near-band-edge UV emission and green emission were both associated with the deep-level defect state. A decrease in full width at half maximum of E₂ mode in Raman spectrum confirmed an increase in crystallite size due to higher calcination temperature, causing an increase in phonon lifetime.     

基于简易微波方法制备高性能MoS2/石墨烯纳米复合材料用于高效析氢反应（英文）

用于析氢反应(HER)的低成本、高效能催化剂对于推进基于清洁氢气的能源工业非常重要.二维二硫化钼(MoS2)具有显著的催化性能,因而已被人们广泛深入研究.然而,大多数现有的合成方法耗时、复杂且效率较低.本文通过超快(60秒)微波引发的方法生产MoS2/石墨烯催化剂.石墨烯的高比表面积和导电性为MoS2纳米片的生长提供了有利的导电网络和快速电荷转移动力.文中制备的MoS2/石墨烯纳米复合材料在酸性介质中对HER表现出优异的电催化活性,具有62 mV的低起始电位,高阴极电流和43.3mV/dec的Tafel斜率.除了优异的催化活性外, MoS2/石墨烯还具有较长的循环稳定性,在250 mV的过电位下阴极电流密度高达1000 mA cm^-2.此外, MoS2/石墨烯催化剂在30–120°C范围内具有出色的HER活性和36.51 kJ mol^-1的低活化能,提供了潜在的大批量生产和制备的机会.     

Der f 38 Is a Novel TLR4-Binding Allergen Related to Allergy Pathogenesis from Dermatophagoides farinae

It is difficult to treat allergic diseases including asthma completely because its pathogenesis remains unclear. House dust mite (HDM) is a critical allergen and Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 is a member of the toll-like receptor family, which plays an important role in allergic diseases. The purpose of this study was to characterize a novel allergen, Der f 38 binding to TLR4, and unveil its role as an inducer of allergy. Der f 38 expression was detected in the body and feces of Dermatophagoides farinae (DF). Electron microscopy revealed that it was located in the granule layer, the epithelium layer, and microvilli of the posterior midgut. The skin prick test showed that 60% of allergic subjects were Der f 38-positive. Der f 38 enhanced surface 203c expression in basophils of Der f 38-positive allergic subjects. By analysis of the model structure of Der p 38, the expected epitope sites are exposed on the exterior side. In animal experiments, Der f 38 triggered an infiltration of inflammatory cells. Intranasal (IN) administration of Der f 38 increased neutrophils in the lung. Intraperitoneal (IP) and IN injections of Der f 38 induced both eosinophils and neutrophils. Increased total IgE level and histopathological features were found in BALB/c mice treated with Der f 38 by IP and IN injections. TLR4 knockout (KO) BALB/c mice exhibited less inflammation and IgE level in the sera compared to wild type (WT) mice. Der f 38 directly binds to TLR4 using biolayer interferometry. Der f 38 suppressed the apoptosis of neutrophils and eosinophils by downregulating proteins in the proapoptotic pathway including caspase 9, caspase 3, and BAX and upregulating proteins in the anti-apoptotic pathway including BCL-2 and MCL-1. These findings might shed light on the pathogenic mechanisms of allergy to HDM.     

Fabrication of diamond micro-structures by ink-jet printed diamond seeding and microwave plasma assisted chemical vapor deposition

Ink-jet printing has the advantage of easy formation of micro-patterns on rigid as well as flexible surfaces without needing conventional lithographic processes. By means of printing in selected areas, diamond seeding in designed patterns and areas is achieved. Properly designed ink with a desirable composition helps the formation of patterned structures with tailored functions. Ink containing nano-diamond particles was designed and used to print micro-structures, which were applied for further CVD growth of diamond by means of microwave plasma CVD. Promising applications of this technique are discussed.     

Chemically vapor deposited diamond-tipped one-dimensional nanostructures and nanodiamond–silica–nanotube composites

Composite thin films of nanodiamond and silica nanotubes were synthesized by means of microwave plasma assisted chemical vapor deposition (MPCVD) on silica nanotube matrix that was seeded with nanodiamond particles. SEM, Raman spectroscopy, and EDX were used to analyze the composite. Wet chemical etching was applied to selectively remove exposed silica from the composites for further revealing the nanostructure of the composites. Nanodiamond grew around silica nanotubes and filled the space left between silica nanotubes to form a continuous film. When appropriately selected sizes of nanodiamond particles were used as diamond seeds, silica nanotubes capped with CVD-grown diamond crystals were also obtained. Potential applications and implication of composites of nanodiamond and 1-D nanostructures will be discussed.     

Ultrathin DLC and SiOx layer deposition on poly(ethylene terephthalate) and restriction of surface dynamics

The hydrophilicity of oxygen plasma‐reated polymer surfaces decays with storing time in air environments. Because they are dense, highly crosslinked, and chemically stable, diamond‐like carbon (DLC) films and silicon oxide films (SiO_x) were deposited on poly(ethylene terephthalate) by plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition to restrict polymer surface dynamics. In this study, the effects of ultrathin films on surface dynamics of these polymers were investigated. The layers were deposited on substrates with thickness below 100 Å. The thickness of films was measured with a scanning analyzer ellipsometer, while ATR‐IR spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy were performed to observe the chemical structure of the films. Films below 50 Å were also shown to be effective in stabilizing the plasma treated polymer surfaces. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 75: 1158–1164, 2000