bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The suspended small-particles layer in the suboxic Black Sea: a proxy for delineating the effective N2-yielding section
Authors: Rasse Rafael , Claustre Hervé , Poteau Antoine
Published: June 2020

Abstract. Upper suboxic water masses confine a majority of the microbial communities that can produce up to 90 % of oceanic N2. This effective N2-yielding section encloses a suspended small-particle layer, inferred from particle backscattering (bbp) measurements. It is thus hypothesized that this layer (hereafter, the bbp-layer) is linked to N2-yielding microbial communities such as anammox and denitrifying bacteria – a hypothesis yet to be evaluated. Here, data collected by three BGC-Argo floats deployed in the Black Sea are used to investigate the origin of this bbp-layer. To this end, we evaluate how key drivers of anammox-denitrifying bacteria dynamics impact on the vertical distribution of bbp and the thickness of the bbp-layer. In conjunction with published data on N2 excess, our results suggest that the bbp-layer is at least partially composed of anammox-denitrifying bacteria for three main reasons: (1) strong correlations are recorded between bbp and nitrate; (2) the top location of the bbp-layer is driven by the ventilation of oxygen-rich subsurface waters, while its thickness is modulated by the amount of nitrate available to produce N2; (3) the maxima of both bbp and N2 excess coincide at the same isopycnals where denitrifying-anammox bacteria coexist. We thus advance that bbp and O2 can be exploited as a combined proxy to delineate the N2-yielding section of the Black Sea. This proxy can potentially contribute to refining delineation of the effective N2-yielding section of oxygen-deficient zones via data from the growing BGC-Argo float network.
Manuel Johnson's tide record at St. Helena
Authors: Cartwright David E. , Woodworth Philip L. , Ray Richard D.
Published: June 2020

Abstract. The astronomer Manuel Johnson, a future President of the Royal Astronomical Society, recorded the ocean tides with his own instrument at St. Helena in 1826–1827, while waiting for an observatory to be built. It is an important record in the history of tidal science, as the only previous measurements at St. Helena had been those made by Nevil Maskelyne in 1761, and there were to be no other systematic measurements until the late 20th century. Johnson's tide gauge, of a curious but unique design, recorded efficiently the height of every tidal high and low water for at least 13 months, in spite of requiring frequent re-setting. These heights compare very reasonably with a modern tidal synthesis based on present-day tide gauge measurements from the same site. Johnson's method of timing is unknown, but his calculations of lunar phases suggest that his tidal measurements were recorded in Local Apparent Time. Unfortunately, the recorded times are found to be seriously and variably lagged by many minutes. Johnson's data have never been fully published, but his manuscripts have been safely archived and are available for inspection at Cambridge University. His data have been converted to computer files as part of this study for the benefit of future researchers.
Probabilistic tsunami inundation assessment of Kuroshio Town,Kochi Prefecture, Japan considering the Nankai-Tonankai megathrust rupture scenarios
Authors: Goda Katsuichiro , Yasuda Tomohiro , Mori Nobuhito , Muhammad Ario , De Risi Raffaele , De Luca Flavia
Published: June 2020

Abstract. The Nankai-Tonankai megathrust earthquake and tsunami pose significant risks to coastal communities in western and central Japan. Historically, this seismic region hosted many major earthquakes, and the current national tsunami hazard assessments in Japan consider megathrust events having moment magnitudes between 9.0 and 9.1. In responding to the lack of rigorous uncertainty analysis, this study presents an extensive tsunami hazard assessment for the Nankai-Tonankai Trough events, focusing upon the southwestern Pacific region of Japan. A set of 1,000 kinematic earthquake rupture models is generated via stochastic source modelling approaches, and Monte Carlo tsunami simulations are carried out by considering high-resolution grid data of 10-m and coastal defense structures. Significant advantages of the stochastic tsunami simulation methods include the enhanced capabilities to quantify the uncertainty associated with tsunami hazard assessments and to effectively visualize the results in an integrated manner. The results from the stochastic tsunami simulations can inform regional and local tsunami risk reduction actions in light of inevitable uncertainty associated with such probabilistic tsunami hazard assessments, and complement conventional deterministic tsunami scenarios and their hazard predictions, such as those developed by the Central Disaster Management Council of the Japanese Cabinet Office.
Field experiment for open-loop yaw-based wake steering at a commercial onshore wind farm in Italy
Authors: Doekemeijer Bart M. , Kern Stefan , Maturu Sivateja , Kanev Stoyan , Salbert Bastian , Schreiber Johannes , Campagnolo Filippo , Bottasso Carlo L. , Schuler Simone , Wilts Friedrich , Neumann Thomas , Potenza Giancarlo , Calabretta Fabio , Fioretti Federico , van Wingerden Jan-Willem
Published: June 2020

Abstract. The concept of wake steering in wind farms for power maximization has gained significant popularity over the last decade. Recent field trials described in the literature demonstrate the real potential of wake steering on commercial wind farms, but also show that wake steering does not yet consistently lead to an increase in energy production for all inflow conditions. Moreover, a recent survey among experts shows that validation of the concept remains the largest barrier for adoption currently. In response, this article presents the results of a field experiment investigating wake steering in three-turbine arrays at an onshore wind farm in Italy. This experiment was performed as part of the European CL-Windcon project. The measurements show increases in power production of up to 35 % for two-turbine interactions and up to 16 % for three-turbine interactions. However, losses in power production are seen for various regions of wind directions too. In addition to the gains achieved through wake steering at downstream turbines, more interesting to note is that a significant share in gains are from the upstream turbines, showing an increased power production of the yawed turbine itself compared to baseline operation for some wind directions. Furthermore, the surrogate model, while capturing the general trends of wake interaction, lacks the details necessary to accurately represent the measurements. This article supports the notion that further research is necessary, notably on the topics of wind farm modeling and experiment design, before wake steering will lead to consistent energy gains in commercial wind farms.
The Effect of Adopting Activity – Based Costing (ABC) on Maximizing Profitability in Jordanian Private Health Care Sector
Authors: El-Dalahmeh Suleiman
Published: June 2020

The aim of this study is to assess the effect of adopting activity - based costing (ABC) On maximizing profitability in Jordanian private health care sector. Stating the role of (ABC) system in maximizing profitability in Jordanian private hospitals, showing the availability of infrastructure and capabilities of needed to adopt and apply the (ABC) in Jordanian private hospitals To achieve the Study objectives, the researcher distributed (110) of the employees in Jordanian private hospitals, to identifying the obstacles that facing Jordanian private hospitals in adopting and applying (ABC) system. to achieve the study objectives, a questionnaire was designed and distributed to survey sample of 110 respondents who worked in Jordanian private hospitals as accountants, financial managers and internal editors. (90) questionnaires were returned and the response rate of which was (81.8%).  After using the statistical analysis program "Statistical package for social studies" (SPSS). The study concluded that adopting and applying (ABC) system in Jordanian private hospitals play very important role in reducing cost in a way that maximizing profitability the results also, reveal that the infrastructure and capabilities needed to apply the (ABC) system are available in the Jordanian private hospitals in a medium degree. In addition, the results of the study showed there are a set of obstacles that facing the adoption and application (ABC) system in Jordanian private hospitals related to management, salaries and difficulty in allocating treatment costs to direct and indirect costs. The study recommended attracted qualified and trained persons who can apply (ABC) system   and connivance the management of Jordanian private hospitals of the visibility of apply (ABC) system.
A Critique of the Creative Economy, Creative City and Creative Class From the Global South
Authors: Jesus Diego Santos Vieira de , Kamlot Daniel , Dubeux Veranise Jacubowski Correia
Published: June 2020

The aims are to identify and examine the inconsistencies and incongruities of the definitions of “creative economy”, “creative city” and “creative class” in their application to the study and the formulation of public policies in the Global South. The central argument points out that 1) the idea of “creative economy” seemed to conceive peripheral societies would be flat tables on which pre-given economic governance strategies for creative sectors could be replicated; 2) the concept of a “creative city” by the mainstream does not deal with the specific political-economic obstacles in the Global South, so it seems more feasible to define “creative city” from a culturally specific understanding of what creativity is and recognize the motivations for creating a creative city can come from different actors according to local circumstances; 3) the mobilization of creativity in the exercise of the profession is a weak criterion for defining the “creative class”, which motivates difficulties regarding the self-identification of individuals as members of it. They reproduce hierarchical regimes that exclude differences.
Halanonchus scintillatulus sp. nov. from New Zealand and a review of the suborder Trefusiina (Nematoda: Enoplida)
Authors: Leduc Daniel , Zhao Zeng Qi , Sinniger Frederic
Published: June 2020

We provide a review of the enoplid suborder Trefusiina Siddiqi, 1983, based on morphological considerations and analyses of new and published 18S rDNA sequences. We also describe Halanonchus scintillatulus Leduc sp. nov. from the Hauraki Gulf, northern New Zealand, as well as females of Trefusialaimus idrisi Leduc, 2013 from the continental slope of New Zealand. We show for the first time that the structure of the female reproductive system of Trefusialaimus Riemann, 1974 consists of two opposed and outstretched ovaries, an unusual feature for the Enoplida. The Trefusiina did not form a monophyletic group in the 18S rDNA phylogeny due to the placement of Lauratonema Gerlach, 1953 and Trefusialaimus sequences well away from the main Trefusiina clade. However, due to generally weak Maximum Likelihood support values, we refrain from changing the classification of these taxa until more comprehensive analyses can be conducted. Our phylogenetic analysis supports the inclusion of the Trischistomatidae Andrássy, 2007 within the Trefusiina, meaning that all of the enoplid suborders now include at least some terrestrial/freshwater representatives. The Trefusiina currently comprises five families, 14 genera and 92 valid species.
Sire Evaluation Based on First Lactation Production Efficiency Traits in Murrah Buffaloes
Authors: Chakraborty D. , Dhaka S.S.
Published: June 2020

The present investigation was undertaken on data of Murrah buffaloes from Buffalo Research Centre (BRC), Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar distributed over 20 years (1987 to 2006). The sire effects and ranks of 38 sires were estimated on the basis of their daughters’ performance. The progeny group size of the sires ranged from 3 to 17. The sires were evaluated for the different first lactation production efficiency traits, viz. first lactation milk yield (FLMY), first lactation peak yield (FPY), persistency of first lactation milk yield (P), average yield per day of lactation (MY/FLL), milk yield per day of first calving interval (MCI) and milk yield per day of age at second calving (MSC). Sire's breeding values were estimated by the best linear unbiased procedure (BLUP). The estimated breeding values (EBV) for FLMY, FPY, P, MY/FLL, MCI and MSC ranged from –288.42 to 362.20 kg; -1.44 to 4.36 kg; -14.72 to 21.09; –0.44 to 0.63 kg/day; -0.40 to 0.52 kg and -0.09 to 0.16 kg, respectively. FLMY had high and significant product-moment and rank correlations with all other traits. The highest product-moment and rank correlations were obtained between FLMY and MSC to the tune of 0.863±0.043 and 0.835±0.050, respectively. The results indicated that sire coding 33 was the best and can be used for future breeding purpose.
Déterminants des volumes d’eau potable utilisés en milieu rural dans la basse vallée de l’Ouémé au Bénin
Authors: Cocker Fêmi , Vodounou Jean-Bosco Kpatindé , Yabi Jacob Afouda
Published: June 2020

La présente étude vise la caractérisation de la quantité d’eau potable prélevée par les ménages de la basse vallée de l’Ouémé au Bénin. Pour identifier les déterminants de cette quantité d’eau utilisée, des régressions logistiques simple et multiple ont été réalisées. Les logiciels SPSS 23 et XLSTAT ont servi à ces différentes analyses. Les données de cette étude ont été collectées dans 175 ménages. Les résultats révèlent que la quantité d’eau potable utilisée dans la basse vallée de l’Ouémé pour les besoins domestiques est de 34 ± 12 L∙d-1 par habitant. Cette quantité d’eau varie cependant en fonction du cadre géographique et des facteurs tels que la disponibilité de points d’eau potable, la distance à la source et la saison. Ainsi, la quantité d’eau prélevée dans les communes d’Adjohoun (39 ± 14 L∙d-1 par habitant) et Dangbo (36 ± 12 L∙d-1 par habitant) est supérieure à la moyenne de l’étude. Par contre, celles de Bonou (34 ± 12 L∙d-1 par habitant), Sô-Ava (32 ± 12 L∙d-1 par habitant) et Aguégués (27 ± 10 L∙d-1 par habitant) sont inférieures à la moyenne. La non-disponibilité de points d’eau potable (rapport de cote ajusté [RCA] = 0,05 [0,01-0,29], p < 0,01), la saison pluvieuse (RCA = 0,17 [0,04-0,76], p < 0,05), ainsi que des distances supérieures à 300 m (RCA = 0,13 [0,02-0,7], p < 0,05) prédisent un risque de consommation d’un volume d’eau inférieure à 20 L∙d-1 par habitant.
Étude des biofilms bactériens isolés à partir du système de distribution d’eau potable dans la région sud-est de l’Algérie
Authors: Lamache Amina , Doghri Ibtissem , Jacques Mario , Boudjenah-Haroun Saliha
Published: June 2020

Cette étude vise à déterminer l'influence des caractéristiques des sources des forages et des matériaux utilisés dans les systèmes de distribution d’eau potable sur le développement de biofilms dans les conduites de la région d’Ouargla (Algérie). Nos échantillons ont été sélectionnés en fonction de la nappe, du matériau et de l’âge des conduites alimentant la région. Pour la réalisation de nos expériences, nous avons prélevé mécaniquement 27 échantillons de biofilms dans plusieurs conduites de distribution fabriquées à base de différents types de matériaux : cuivre, polychlorure de vinyle (PVC) et polyéthylène haute densité (PEHD), et à partir de différentes nappes (albienne, sénonienne et miopliocène). Plusieurs souches bactériennes ont été identifiées grâce à l’utilisation de la technologie de spectrométrie de masse à désorption-ionisation laser assistée par matrice avec analyseur de temps de vol (MALDI-TOF). Les résultats obtenus démontrent que les conduites en cuivre semblent être défavorables à la colonisation bactérienne tandis qu’une grande variété d’espèces bactériennes a été retrouvée sur les matériaux en PVC et en PEHD. La capacité des souches isolées à former des biofilms a également été étudiée in vitro. La majorité des souches isolées, cultivées en biofilm simple et mixte, ont montré une forte capacité à former des biofilms.
Phytochemicals Screening and Antifungal Activity of Balanites aegyptiaca Seed and Callus Extract against Candida albicans
Authors: Abaka Ayuba Kalum , Ishaku Gali Adamu , Haruna Aishatu , Ardo Bello Pariya
Published: June 2020

Balanites aegyptiaca is a medicinal plant that serves as a source of phytochemicals with antimicrobial effect. This work aimed at screening for phytochemical constituents and investigating the antifungal activity of B. aegyptiaca seed and callus extract against Candida albicans. Callus induction from B. aegyptiaca seed kernel explant was done on MS basal nutrient medium supplemented with 0.5 BAP + 1.0 2, 4-D + 1.0 NAA.  Cultures were kept under a controlled temperature and light conditions for five weeks. Plant materials were extracted using solvent extraction. 50 ml of the solvents: methanol and n-hexane were mixed with five grams (5 g) each of the grounded plant materials (1:10) w/v. Determination of antimicrobial activity was done using disc diffusion assay. Diffusion discs of approximately 6 mm diameter were prepared from Whatman No. 1 filter paper, then sterilized and autoclaved before drying in an oven. 10 µl of 50 and 100 mg/ml concentration of each crude extracts was impregnated on separate sterile disc using sterile micropipette tips. The diameter of zone of inhibition at 100 and 50 mg/ml showed the methanolic extract of callus had the highest zone of inhibition with 17 ± 0.69 mm and 11 ± 0.94 mm. The lowest diameter of zone inhibition of callus extracts was recorded by n-hexane extract at 100 (15 ± 0.46 mm) and 50 mg/ml (09 ± 0.57 mm) respectively. Also, the MIC ranged between 6.25 and 12.50 mg/ml and MFC recorded value of 12.50 mg/ml. Seed methanolic extract had the highest zones of inhibition of 15 ± 0.34 mm and 10 ± 0.62 mm at 100 and 50 mg/ml respectively, while the lowest value (12 ± 0.51 mm and 09 ± 0.23) was recorded in n-hexane at 100 and 50 mg/ml. From the results, both the MIC and MFC of seed extracts ranged from 12.50 to 25.00 mg/ml. Callus extracts showed stronger antifungal activities compared to the seed extracts. Therefore, from the result, Callus extract from B. aegyptiaca can serve as a good source of therapeutic compounds for fungal related disease.
Dry Season Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Ruminants in Sokoto Metropolis
Authors: Mahmuda Aliyu , Abba Aliyu Mustapha , Sochima Aniefuna Ivy , Moriki Kamal Muhammad
Published: June 2020

This study was conducted with the aim of determining the dry season (January-May, 2018) prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in special breeds of ruminants in Sokoto Metropolis. A total of 100, 85 and 75 faecal samples were collected from Sudanese breed of Sheep, WAD/Sahel Goats and Friesian Cattle respectively. Faecal samples were examined using standard parasitological techniques (Simple flotation and Centrifugal sedimentation). For the Sheep, a total of 51 samples were positive for presence of gastrointestinal parasites. Male animals have higher prevalence (52.9%) than their female (47.1%) counterparts. The major parasites observed were Eimeria and Strongyles with prevalence of (64.71%), while the least observed parasites were mixed infections (35.29%). From the total of 85 goat faecal samples examined, an overall prevalence of 54.7% was observed. The prevalence rates for Strongyle, Eimeria and mixed infections were 57.5%, 34.0% and 8.5% respectively. The prevalence was more in males than in the females. Strongyleeggs were more, compared to other helminthes eggs. For the Friesian Cattle, sixty (60) samples out of 75 samples analyzed were positive for either Strongyleeggs or Eimeria (oocyst) infection or both (mixed) constituting about 80% prevalence. Forty-two (70%) samples were positive for Strongyle eggs, 14 (23.3%) for Eimeria oocyst and 4 (6.7%) for mixed infection of both. From the overall prevalence, female had a high prevalence of 34(56.7%) than male cattle 26(43.3%). Based on the results of the present findings, it was concluded that gastrointestinal parasitic infections also occur during the dry season in Sokoto which may be as a result of carry-over of infection during the succeeding rainy season.
Evaluation of Apparent Microflora and Study of Antibiotic Resistance of Coliforms Isolated from the Shells of Poultry Eggs in Moscow-Russia
Authors: Arsene Mbarga Manga Joseph , Andreevna Smolyakova Larisa , Viktorovna Podoprigora Irina
Published: June 2020

Background: Antibiotic resistance is increasingly an issue in both human health and veterinary medicine. It is important to regularly assess the resistance of strains which have high potential to transmit this resistance. Numerous researches have shown so far that coli forms are part of these bacteria and coliforms from breeding environments (in particular poultry farming) are the most concerned because of their permanent exposure to antibiotics and adaptation that could result.

Aim: This work was carried out to investigate the sensitivity to antibiotics of coliforms isolated from the shell of poultry eggs.

Methods: A total of 191 egg samples (149 chicken eggs and 42 quail eggs) were collected in supermarket of the city of Moscow, coliforms bacteria were isolated the shells of these eggs and their sensitivity to antibiotics was achieved by employing modified Kirby-Bauer’s disc method. The results have been analysed and interpreted using the Guidelines of Ministry of health of Russian Federation.

Results and Discussion: It turns out that, among the 191 samples studied only 16.2% (31) of the chicken eggs contained coli forms, 7.3% (14) contained mold and 76.4% (146) were sterile while 81% (34) of quail eggs were sterile, 19% (8) contained mold and none contained coliforms. Of the 60 bacteria isolated, 39 (65%) were resistant to at least one antibiotic and the highest MAR Index observed was 0.58 while the lowest was 0.08. Of the 720 anti biograms performed, we observed 557 (77.4%) cases of sensitivity, 72 (10.0%) intermediate cases and 91 (12.6%) cases of resistance. The highest resistances were observed on tetracycline (50%), amoxycillin (40%) and ampicillin (30%) while the weakest resistances were observed on trimethoprim (11.7%), cefazolin (10%), ciprofloxacin (5%) and 1.7% for ceftriazone, fosfomycin and nitrofurantoin. A comparison between the sensitivity of the isolates to Cefazolin and their sensitivity to Cefazolin + Clavulanic acid showed that the difference between these two antibiotics was highly significant (P = 0.00).

Conclusion: Antibiotic resistance of coliform bacteria isolated was high, with the highest MAR Index observed equal to 0.58. The bio security relating to the use of antibiotics must be reinforced, better use of current known antibiotics is necessary to prolong their effectiveness over time.
A Predator-Prey Model with Logistic Growth for Constant Delayed Migration
Authors: Samuel Apima Bong'ang'a
Published: June 2020

Predator prey models predict a broad range of results depending on characteristics of predators, prey and the environment in which they interact. The environment in which these species live in and interact is usually made up of many patches, and these patches are connected via migration. The instantaneous migration of these species from one patch to another may not be realistic since there may be barriers during migration such as a busy infrastructure through the natural habitat. A predator-prey model, with logistic growth for both species and constant delayed migration, is developed and analyzed in this paper. It is shown that these species will survive if they migrate at higher rates in search of sustaining resources. Thus, for the species to coexist, we recommend that factors that slow down migration rates should be addressed, for example, reducing human activities and settlement in natural habitat.
Dexterity Testing in Dental Students
Authors: Neves Tamíris da Costa , Menegazzo Vinícius P. , Novo Juliana P. D. , Wajngarten Danielle , Garcia Patricia Petromilli Nordi Sasso
Published: June 2020

The objective of this study was to adapt a manual dexterity test to a pre-clinical training setting and to determine its reliability. Ninety-two students in the final year of their undergraduate program in dentistry at the School of Dentistry of São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, were evaluated. After the development of the Dental Manual Dexterity Assessment (DMDA), its reliability was evaluated in a reproducibility study. Two examiners evaluated twenty subjects’ test cubes in duplicate under the naked eye and using an X-ray view box and determined the subjects’ final scores on the DMDA. The examiners waited a week between their two scoring sessions, which were referred to as the first assessment and the second assessment. The intra- and inter-examiner reproducibility study was performed using an intra class correlation coefficient (ρ). A descriptive statistical analysis was performed, and the prevalence of the level of manual dexterity and the time required to complete the test were estimated using a point estimation and a 95% confidence interval. Both intra-examiner reproducibility (ρ1=0.892; ρ2=0.938) and inter-examiner reproducibility (ρ1st=0.914; ρ2nd=0.813) were classified as “good” or higher. A high prevalence of manual dexterity levels classified as “high” was observed among the subjects evaluated. The adaptation resulted in a valid and reliable instrument for measuring manual dexterity among dental students. The method is simple and may be implemented early on in undergraduate programs in dentistry.
Conceptualizing on Structure Functionalism and Its Applications on Patriotism Study during Covid-19 Pandemic in Malaysia
Authors: Basir Siti Norayu Mohd , Bakar Mohd Zaini Abu , Ismail Fauziah , Hassan Junainor
Published: June 2020

This paper attempts toreconcilesymbiotic concepts including the theory of functionalism and patriotism among Malaysians during Covid-19 pandemic crisis. To this end, this paper focuses on the theory of functionalism and how the connection with the patriotism perspectives in dealing with non-traditional treat of the spreading of Covid-19 pandemic among Malaysian from top to bottom structure. As we know, our world isin a greater war involving non-traditional treat after the Covid-19 virus started in Wuhan, China. This battle impacted macro to micro structures of society and institutions including political, economy, stability, health, wealth and psychology. In other words, all citizens are involve in this war against the pandemic. Functionalist offer the idea about society is a complex system thatis interconnected and each hastheir own roles to make sure the stability andsolidarity can be achieve and retained. The spirit to fight this virus war together can be describe viapatriotic values.
Eukoenenia spelaea
, Palpigradi: External Morphology
Authors: Franz‐Guess Sandra , Starck J. Matthias
Published: June 2020

The tagmatization of
Eukoenenia spelaea
follows the typical euchelicerate body plan with a prosoma and an opisthosoma. The prosoma (seven segments) carries the extremities, i.e., the chelicerae, the pedipalps and four pairs of legs. Dorsally, it carries a propeltidium and a metapeltidium as dorsal sclerites. A parapeltidium (formerly described as mesopeltidium) is a sclerotization of the cuticle but not a sclerite. The opisthosoma (11 segments) is subdivided into an anterior mesosoma (seven segments) and a posterior metasoma (four segments). The metasoma carries a terminal flagellum with 15 articles. The flagellum has approximately the length of the entire body.
Eukoenenia spelaea
, Palpigradi: Integument
Authors: Franz‐Guess Sandra , Starck J. Matthias
Published: June 2020

The epidermis of Palpigradi is a typical single‐layered squamous epithelium. The epidermal cells of the ventral plate are highly modified as an exchange epithelium. The cuticle of Palpigradi, like that of other arthropods, consists of the procuticle and the epicuticle. The procuticle is very thin in the opisthosoma and but thicker and more sclerotized in the ventral region of the prosoma, where it is two‐layered, i.e. stratified into an endo‐ and an exocuticle. Typical pore canals of different shape and size are found in the cuticle. A thin exocuticle covers the cuticle.
Eukoenenia spelaea
, Palpigradi: Reproductive Organs
Authors: Franz‐Guess Sandra , Starck J. Matthias
Published: June 2020

The female reproductive organs of
Eukoenenia spelaea
consist of the unpaired ovary, paired ovarian ducts, the uterus interna, the uterus externa, the accessory gland, and the receptaculum seminis. The male reproductive organs consist of paired testes, the unpaired vas deferens, a paired anterior accessory gland, an unpaired posterior accessory gland, and the genital atrium.
Highly‐Cyclable Room‐Temperature Phosphorene Polymer Electrolyte Composites for Li Metal Batteries
Authors: Rojaee Ramin , Cavallo Salvatore , Mogurampelly Santosh , Wheatle Bill K. , Yurkiv Vitaliy , Deivanayagam Ramasubramonian , Foroozan Tara , Rasul Md Golam , Sharifi‐Asl Soroosh , Phakatkar Abhijit H. , Cheng Meng , Son Seoung‐Bum , Pan Yayue , Mashayek Farzad , Ganesan Venkat , Shahbazian‐Yassar Reza
Published: June 2020

Despite significant interest toward solid‐state electrolytes owing to their superior safety in comparison to liquid‐based electrolytes, sluggish ion diffusion and high interfacial resistance limit their application in durable and high‐power density batteries. Here, a novel quasi‐solid Li+ ion conductive nanocomposite polymer electrolyte containing black phosphorous (BP) nanosheets is reported. The developed electrolyte is successfully cycled against Li metal (over 550 h cycling) at 1 mA cm−2 at room temperature. The cycling overpotential is dropped by 75% in comparison to BP‐free polymer composite electrolyte indicating lower interfacial resistance at the electrode/electrolyte interfaces. Molecular dynamics simulations reveal that the coordination number of Li+ ions around (trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (TFSI−) pairs and ethylene‐oxide chains decreases at the Li metal/electrolyte interface, which facilitates the Li+ transport through the polymer host. Density functional theory calculations confirm that the adsorption of the LiTFSI molecules at the BP surface leads to the weakening of N and Li atomic bonding and enhances the dissociation of Li+ ions. This work offers a new potential mechanism to tune the bulk and interfacial ionic conductivity of solid‐state electrolytes that may lead to a new generation of lithium polymer batteries with high ionic conduction kinetics and stable long‐life cycling.
A Chemically Defined Hydrogel for Human Liver Organoid Culture
Authors: Ye Shicheng , Boeter Jochem W.B. , Mihajlovic Marko , van Steenbeek Frank G. , van Wolferen Monique E. , Oosterhoff Loes A. , Marsee Ary , Caiazzo Massimiliano , van der Laan Luc J.W. , Penning Louis C. , Vermonden Tina , Spee Bart , Schneeberger Kerstin
Published: June 2020

End‐stage liver diseases are an increasing health burden, and liver transplantations are currently the only curative treatment option. Due to a lack of donor livers, alternative treatments are urgently needed. Human liver organoids are very promising for regenerative medicine; however, organoids are currently cultured in Matrigel, which is extracted from the extracellular matrix of the Engelbreth‐Holm‐Swarm mouse sarcoma. Matrigel is poorly defined, suffers from high batch‐to‐batch variability and is of xenogeneic origin, which limits the clinical application of organoids. Here, a novel hydrogel based on polyisocyanopeptides (PIC) and laminin‐111 is described for human liver organoid cultures. PIC is a synthetic polymer that can form a hydrogel with thermosensitive properties, making it easy to handle and very attractive for clinical applications. Organoids in an optimized PIC hydrogel proliferate at rates comparable to those observed with Matrigel; proliferation rates are stiffness‐dependent, with lower stiffnesses being optimal for organoid proliferation. Moreover, organoids can be efficiently differentiated toward a hepatocyte‐like phenotype with key liver functions. This proliferation and differentiation potential maintain over at least 14 passages. The results indicate that PIC is very promising for human liver organoid culture and has the potential to be used in a variety of clinical applications including cell therapy and tissue engineering.
Liquid‐Crystal‐Elastomer‐Based Dissipative Structures by Digital Light Processing 3D Printing
Authors: Traugutt Nicholas A. , Mistry Devesh , Luo Chaoqian , Yu Kai , Ge Qi , Yakacki Christopher M.
Published: June 2020

Digital Light Processing (DLP) 3D printing enables the creation of hierarchical complex structures with specific micro‐ and macroscopic architectures that are impossible to achieve through traditional manufacturing methods. Here, this hierarchy is extended to the mesoscopic length scale for optimized devices that dissipate mechanical energy. A photocurable, thus DLP‐printable main‐chain liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) resin is reported and used to print a variety of complex, high‐resolution energy‐dissipative devices. Using compressive mechanical testing, the stress–strain responses of 3D‐printed LCE lattice structures are shown to have 12 times greater rate‐dependence and up to 27 times greater strain–energy dissipation compared to those printed from a commercially available photocurable elastomer resin. The reported behaviors of these structures provide further insight into the much‐overlooked energy‐dissipation properties of LCEs and can inspire the development of high‐energy‐absorbing device applications.
Reliable and Reversible Contact of Eutectic Gallium Indium and Copper Electrodes
Authors: Tabor Christopher , Holcomb Sarah , Heikenfeld Jason
Published: June 2020

Physically reconfigurable electronics provide a unique method to significantly increase the range of capabilities that a single component can possess. Room temperature liquid metal gallium alloys provide this function as a fluid that can be mobilized to drastically modify electrical performance in devices, such as tunable antennas, high isolation switches, and mechanically responsive stretchable electronics. One of the most critical limitations of using gallium alloys for reconfigurable electronics is the irreversible interactions at the interface between the liquid gallium alloy and a traditional solid electrode. In this work, the effect of repeated connection/disconnection cycles on the electrical performance of eutectic gallium indium, a common liquid gallium alloy, and a copper electrode is characterized. The effects of environment, surface treatment, and method of contact between the liquid metal and the solid surface are identified. The failure mechanisms which prevent the reversibility of the electrical interface of these contacts are determined and a mitigation strategy is provided which resulted in 1000 reversible contacts with no degradation in electrical performance.
Encapsulation Effect on Performance and Stability of Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Planes Emilie , Juillard Sacha , Matheron Muriel , Charvin Nicolas , Cros Stéphane , Qian Deping , Zhang Fengling , Berson Solenn , Flandin Lionel
Published: June 2020

To increase the lifetime of organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices and pass European lifetime standards, some encapsulation systems are often used to limit the exposition to oxygen and humidity of solar cells. Despite this progress, the damages induced by the encapsulation process are scarcely studied in literature. In this article, the consequences of the common roll‐to‐roll and vacuum lamination approaches are investigated and compared. The losses of performances are first followed induced by both the encapsulation itself and in a damp heat ageing. The vacuum lamination seems harmless for the solar cells. However, a significant damage is evidenced, even with a relatively mild roll‐to‐roll encapsulation. The degradation mechanisms are further investigated by complementary imaging characterization tools: photoluminescence/electroluminescence imaging and spectroscopy, laser‐beam‐induced current mapping, and correlated to J(V) curves. The recent advancements in the optoelectronic domain may allow linking cell performance to localized flaws. It appears that, although the processing conditions are rather homogeneous, the resulting degradation ends up with a strong localization feature.
A Hierarchical 3D Graphene Nanocomposite Foam for Extremely Tough, Non‐Wettable, and Elastic Conductor
Authors: Chun Sungwoo , Bang Soa , Jang Siyeon , Kim Da Wan , Lee Sangmin , Park Wanjun , Pang Changhyun
Published: June 2020

Recently, stretchable conductors and electrodes with hierarchically 3D foams have been highlighted for the development of simple and cost‐effective systems with enhanced performance in sensors, absorbents, energy storage devices, medical devices, and catalysts. For better versatility, additional properties such as mechanical robustness, water repellency, and thermal resistance are required for stable operation in tough, dry/wet conditions. Herein, a novel strategy is reported to fabricate highly robust and large‐area foam‐type conductor with a multiscale 3D matrix of a graphene/polymer nanocomposite (GNC) using a nickel‐based template. The 3D foam conductor with hierarchically porous GNC structures presents excellent stretchability (<160%), water repellency (contact angle > 126°), fire retardancy (>400 °C), and shock‐absorbing ability (>300 kPa), enabling potential application as versatile conductors working under extreme environments. In addition, it is demonstrated that the 3D GNC foam conductor can be used for healthcare electrode operating in wet environments under mechanical bending strain. It is believed that this work overcomes the lack of versatility of conventional bulk or 3D conductive polymer composites and can pave the way for the development of high‐performance, tough, and non‐wettable conductor that can operate under extreme environments.
Superhydrophilic Composite Structure of Copper Microcavities and Nanocones for Enhancing Boiling Heat Transfer
Authors: Ze Huajie , Wu Feifei , Chen Shihan , Gao Xuefeng
Published: June 2020

A type of high‐efficiency boiling heat transfer (BHT) interfaces based on superhydrophilic copper microcavity and nanocone (CMN) composite structure are reported. In principle, these microcavities are efficient nucleation sites, facilitating decreasing surface superheat required for onset of nucleation boiling (ONB) and enhancing heat transfer coefficient (HTC); discrete nanotips facilitate the departure of boiling bubbles at smaller scale; shallow microcavities with depth of a few micrometers can avoid excess interface thermal resistance; and the superwetting effect of structure itself helps improve critical heat flux (CHF). Through exploring morphology, wettability, boiling mass and heat transfer properties of CMN structures varied with growth time, an optimal interface is obtained with 142% enhancement in the maximum HTC, 64% enhancement in CHF, and 33% decrease in the ONB superheat as compared to the flat copper surface. Meanwhile, combined experiments and theoretical analyses also clarify why the in situ growth of CMN structures on the copper surface can effectively enhance BHT and why the BHT enhancement effects become worse as the growth time of CMN structure increases. This work not only widens the application scope of superwetting surfaces but offers new insight how to rationally design superhydrophilic micro‐ and nanostructures so as to achieve more efficient BHT.
Enhanced Molecular Oxygen Activation on (001) Facets of Zn‐Doped BiOCl Nanosheets for Ciprofloxacin Degradation
Authors: Xu Dongyu , Feng Haining , Dong Yilin , Wang Qiuwen , Zhang Guangming , Lv Longyi , Ren Zhijun , Wang Pengfei
Published: June 2020

The crucial oxidant in photocatalytic degradation of antibiotics is the photogenerated reactive oxygen species (ROS) but many photocatalytic processes suffer from low ROS generation efficiency. In this work, a Zn doping strategy is used to improve the photocatalytic oxygen activation ability of bismuth oxychloride (BiOCl) nanosheets with exposed (001) facets. Introduction of Zn into BiOCl can narrow the bandgap to extend photoresponse to visible region. Meanwhile, the separation of photoinduced charge carriers can also be promoted by increasing the valence band width of BiOCl. Furthermore, the adsorption and activation of oxygen molecules on the (001) surface are greatly enhanced by introducing more oxygen vacancies. Thus, the Zn‐BiOCl nanosheets have an excellent activity for the degradation of ciprofloxacin (CIP) under visible light by activating oxygen into superoxide radicals. The optimal ratio of Zn doping is 8% and the degradation rate is 2.6 times higher than that of BiOCl. The photocatalytic oxidation of CIP follows a pseudo‐first‐order kinetics. The removal efficiency of CIP reaches 98% in 80 min. Finally, the complete pathway of the CIP photocatalytic oxidation is unraveled by high performance liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry. This study provides an advanced solution to promote the performance of photocatalyst to degrade organic pollutants in water.
Intelligent Silk Fibroin Ionotronic Skin for Temperature Sensing
Authors: Liu Jialin , Chen Qianying , Liu Qiang , Zhao Bohua , Ling Shengjie , Yao Jinrong , Shao Zhengzhong , Chen Xin
Published: June 2020

The emergence of ionotronic materials has substantially extended the applications of artificial skins by allowing intimate interfaces between electronics and biological/bionic surfaces toward achieving improved sensing and communication with surrounding stimuli. However, ionotronic skins are intrinsically temperature dependent, since water molecules play crucial roles in regulating both mechanical and ionic conductivity of the materials. Hence, most of the ionotronic skins will fail at temperatures below 0 °C. In this study, a highly sensitive ionotronic skin that can be used in the entire natural environmental temperature range (−30–80 °C) is developed by using silk fibroin and Ca(II) ions as starting materials. In such a system, silk fibroin serves as both structural supports and ion capture agent to provide structural stability, mechanical flexibility, and interfacial adhesion ability, while Ca(II) ions work as ionic conductor, hygroscopic agent, and deicing salt to offer highly stable ionic conductivity at a temperature range from −30 to 80 °C. These synergetic merits, together with favorable advances of silk fibroin ionotronic skins in biocompatibility, transparency, and self‐healing, allow them to be used in multiple emerging fields, such as regenerative medicine, implantable electronics, and human–machine interface.
Maltotriose Conjugated Metal–Organic Frameworks for Selective Targeting and Photodynamic Therapy of Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cells and Tumor Associated Macrophages
Authors: Sakamaki Yoshie , Ozdemir John , Diaz Perez Alda , Heidrick Zachary , Watson Olivia , Tsuji Miu , Salmon Christopher , Batta‐Mpouma Joseph , Azzun Anthony , Lomonte Valerie , Du Yuchun , Stenken Julie , Kim Jin‐Woo , Beyzavi M. Hassan
Published: June 2020

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are a well‐suited platform for drug delivery systems that can affect photodynamic therapy (PDT). A well‐designed PDT delivery system to treat cancer can overcome some problems of current PDT such as prolonged photosensitivity and tumor specificity. Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is difficult to treat with existing chemotherapy and often requires surgery because it quickly metastasizes throughout the body. Tumor associated macrophages (TAM) are known to be M2‐like macrophages, which are involved in processes of cancer progression, such as angiogenesis, matrix remodeling, and metastases. These roles are brought on by the expression of the CD206 (mannose receptor) on the surface of the macrophage. MOF nanoparticles around 50 nm are synthesized by a solvothermal reaction of Mn(III)‐tetrakis(4‐carboxyphenyl) porphyrin, tetrakis(4‐carboxyphenyl) porphyrin, and ZrOCl2. Through postsynthetic modification, Zn(II) is incorporated into the tetrakis(4‐carboxyphenyl) porphyrin sites and potassium maltotrionate is conjugated with the empty coordination sites on the Zr6O4(OH)4 clusters. The resultant maltotriose‐PCN‐224‐0.1Mn/0.9Zn is able to specifically target tumor cells and TAM. Upon irradiation by a light‐emitting diode (LED) source, TNBC and the TAM cells were selectively targeted by MA‐PCN‐224‐0.1Mn/0.9Zn via the glucose transporter (GLUT) and CD206 receptors. The MA‐PCN‐224‐0.1Mn/0.9Zn shows no toxicity toward normal cell lines and no dark toxicity.
Investigation of Plasmonic Detection of Human Respiratory Virus
Authors: Das Chandreyee Manas , Guo Yan , Kang Lixing , Ho Ho‐pui , Yong Ken‐Tye
Published: June 2020

The COVID‐19 virus has been recently identified as a new species of virus that can cause severe infections such as pneumonia. The sudden outbreak of this disease is being considered a pandemic. Given all this, it is essential to develop smart biosensors that can detect pathogens with minimum time delay. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensors make use of refractive index (RI) changes as the sensing parameter. In this work, based on actual data taken from previous experimental works done on plasmonic detection of viruses, a detailed simulation of the SPR scheme that can be used to detect the COVID‐19 virus is performed and the results are extrapolated from earlier schemes to predict some outcomes of this SPR model. The results indicate that the conventional Kretschmann configuration can have a limit of detection (LOD) of 2E‐05 in terms of RI change and an average sensitivity of 122.4 degRIU−1 at a wavelength of 780 nm.
Polymyxins Bind to the Cell Surface of Unculturable Acinetobacter baumannii and Cause Unique Dependent Resistance
Authors: Zhu Yan , Lu Jing , Han Mei‐Ling , Jiang Xukai , Azad Mohammad A. K. , Patil Nitin A. , Lin Yu‐Wei , Zhao Jinxin , Hu Yang , Yu Heidi H. , Chen Ke , Boyce John D. , Dunstan Rhys A. , Lithgow Trevor , Barlow Christopher K. , Li Weifeng , Schneider‐Futschik Elena K. , Wang Jiping , Gong Bin , Sommer Bjorn , Creek Darren J. , Fu Jing , Wang Lushan , Schreiber Falk , Velkov Tony , Li Jian
Published: June 2020

Multidrug‐resistant Acinetobacter baumannii is a top‐priority pathogen globally and polymyxins are a last‐line therapy. Polymyxin dependence in A. baumannii (i.e., nonculturable on agar without polymyxins) is a unique and highly‐resistant phenotype with a significant potential to cause treatment failure in patients. The present study discovers that a polymyxin‐dependent A. baumannii strain possesses mutations in both lpxC (lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis) and katG (reactive oxygen species scavenging) genes. Correlative multiomics analyses show a significantly remodeled cell envelope and remarkably abundant phosphatidylglycerol in the outer membrane (OM). Molecular dynamics simulations and quantitative membrane lipidomics reveal that polymyxin‐dependent growth emerges only when the lipopolysaccharide‐deficient OM distinctively remodels with ≥ 35% phosphatidylglycerol, and with “patch” binding on the OM by the rigid polymyxin molecules containing strong intramolecular hydrogen bonding. Rather than damaging the OM, polymyxins bind to the phosphatidylglycerol‐rich OM and strengthen the membrane integrity, thereby protecting bacteria from external reactive oxygen species. Dependent growth is observed exclusively with polymyxin analogues, indicating a critical role of the specific amino acid sequence of polymyxins in forming unique structures for patch‐binding to bacterial OM. Polymyxin dependence is a novel antibiotic resistance mechanism and the current findings highlight the risk of ‘invisible’ polymyxin‐dependent isolates in the evolution of resistance.