bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Insight into the In Situ SO2 Poisoning Mechanism over Cu-SSZ-13 for the Selective Catalytic Reduction of NOx with NH3
Authors: Qiu Yu , Fan Chi , Sun Changcheng , Zhu Hongchang , Yi Wentian , Chen Jiazhe , Guo Luyao , Niu Xiaoxue , Chen Jianjun , Peng Yue , Zhang Tao , Li Junhua
Published: November 2020

To reveal the nature of SO2 poisoning over Cu-SSZ-13 catalyst under actual exhaust conditions, the catalyst was pretreated at 200 and 500 °C in a flow containing NH3, NO, O2, SO2, and H2O. Brunner−Emmet−Teller (BET), X-ray diffraction(XRD), thermo gravimetric analyzer (TGA), ultraviolet Raman spectroscopy (UV Raman), temperature-programmed reduction with H2 (H2-TPR), temperature-programmed desorption of NO+O2 (NO+O2-TPD), NH3-TPD, in situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (in situ DRIFTS), and an activity test were utilized to monitor the changes of Cu-SSZ-13 before and after in situ SO2 poisoning. According to the characterization results, the types and generated amount of sulfated species were directly related to poisoning temperature. Three sulfate species, including (NH4)2SO4, CuSO4, and Al2(SO4)3, were found to form on CZ-S-200, while only the latter two sulfate species were observed over CZ-S-500. Furthermore, SO2 poisoning had a negative effect on low-temperature selective catalytic reduction (SCR) activity, which was mainly due to the sulfation of active sites, including Z2Cu, ZCuOH, and Si-O(H)-Al. In contrast, SO2 poisoning had a positive effect on high-temperature SCR activity, owing to the inhibition of the NH3 oxidation reaction. The above findings may be a useful guideline to design excellent SO2-resistant Cu-based zeolite catalysts.
Acid Properties of GO and Reduced GO as Determined by Microcalorimetry, FTIR, and Kinetics of Cellulose Hydrolysis-Hydrogenolysis
Authors: Nguyen Van Chuc , Kheireddine Sarah , Dandach Amar , Eternot Marion , Vu Thi Thu Ha , Essayem Nadine
Published: November 2020

Graphene oxide addresses increasing interests as a solid acid catalyst working in water for carbohydrate conversion. If there is a general agreement to correlate its unique catalytic performances to its ability to adsorb sugars, the origin of its acidity remains controversial. In this article, we study the acid strength of graphene oxide (GO) prepared by modified Hummers method and that of reduced GO by calorimetry of NH3 adsorption and by FTIR of pyridine adsorption. Very strong acid sites are detected on GO by calorimetry, while reduced graphene oxide (reGO) is not very acidic. The FTIR of pyridine adsorption shows the prevailing presence of Br∅nsted acid sites and a unique feature, the presence of pyridine coordinated by hydrogen bonds. This exceptionally strong Br∅nsted acidity is tentatively explained by the presence of graphene domains decorated by hydroxyl, carboxylic, or sulfonated groups within the GO sheet, resulting in a high mobility of the negative charges which makes the proton free and explains its strong acidity. Accordingly, only GO is active and selective for native cellulose hydrolysis, leading to 27% yield in glucose. Finally, we show that sugar alcohols cannot be formed directly from cellulose using GO combined with Pt/re-GO under hydrogen, explained by the reduction of oxygenated functions of GO. The instability of the functional groups of GO in a reducing atmosphere is the weak point of this peculiar solid acid.
The Denitration and Dedusting Behavior of Catalytic Filter and Its Industrial Application in Glass Kilns
Authors: Huangfu Lin , Chen Zhaohui , Li Changming , Yao Xiaolong , Yao Zhiliang , Xu Guangwen , Gao Shiqiu , Huang Xing , Yu Jian
Published: November 2020

The development of efficient materials and processes is a long-term goal for the integrated flue gas purification in industry. In this study, a large-size V-based catalytic filter (L3000 mm × Φ150 mm) was prepared by loading the catalyst emulsion into a blank filter, which demonstrated excellent performance for simultaneously removing NOx, SOx and dust. The laboratory investigation found that the small catalytic particles, high catalyst loading and low face velocity could improve the DeNOx efficiency, and above 80% NO conversion could be achieved in the temperature range of 250–400 °C on the condition of <300 nm catalytic particle size, >7.41 wt % catalyst loading and <1.00 Nm/min face velocity. The negative effect of SO2/H2O was only observed below 300 °C, and the dust had little negative effects on DeNOx efficiency except for the increase of pressure drop. Moreover, a 90-day industrial test of 2380 catalytic filters over 100,000 Nm3/h of flue gas (0.50 Nm/min) from a glass kiln demonstrated that the removal efficiency of both NOx and SOx could be maintained above 95% with great stability at 320–350 °C, and 99% dust could be removed with a pressure drop of less than 1.40 KPa. The results reported herein indicate the promising application prospect of large-size V-based catalytic filters for integrated flue gas purification in industry.
FTH1 Pseudogenes in Cancer and Cell Metabolism
Authors: Di Sanzo Maddalena , Quaresima Barbara , Biamonte Flavia , Palmieri Camillo , Faniello Maria Concetta
Published: November 2020

Ferritin, the principal intracellular iron-storage protein localized in the cytoplasm, nucleus, and mitochondria, plays a major role in iron metabolism. The encoding ferritin genes are members of a multigene family that includes some pseudogenes. Even though pseudogenes have been initially considered as relics of ancient genes or junk DNA devoid of function, their role in controlling gene expression in normal and transformed cells has recently been re-evaluated. Numerous studies have revealed that some pseudogenes compete with their parental gene for binding to the microRNAs (miRNAs), while others generate small interference RNAs (siRNAs) to decrease functional gene expression, and still others encode functional mutated proteins. Consequently, pseudogenes can be considered as actual master regulators of numerous biological processes. Here, we provide a detailed classification and description of the structural features of the ferritin pseudogenes known to date and review the recent evidence on their mutual interrelation within the complex regulatory network of the ferritin gene family.
A Singular and Widespread Group of Mobile Genetic Elements: RNA Circles with Autocatalytic Ribozymes
Authors: de la Peña Marcos , Ceprián Raquel , Cervera Amelia
Published: November 2020

Circular DNAs, such as most prokaryotic and phage genomes, are a frequent form of nucleic acids, whereas circular RNAs had been regarded as unusual macromolecules until very recently. The first reported RNA circles were the family of small infectious genomes of viroids and circular RNA (circRNA) satellites of plant viruses, some of which contain small self-cleaving RNA motifs, such as the hammerhead (HHR) and hairpin ribozymes. A similar infectious circRNA, the unique human hepatitis delta virus (HDV), is another viral satellite that also encodes self-cleaving motifs called HDV ribozymes. Very recently, different animals have been reported to contain HDV-like circRNAs with typical HDV ribozymes, but also conserved HHR motifs, as we describe here. On the other hand, eukaryotic and prokaryotic genomes encode sequences able to self-excise as circRNAs, like the autocatalytic Group I and II introns, which are widespread genomic mobile elements. In the 1990s, the first circRNAs encoded in a mammalian genome were anecdotally reported, but their abundance and importance have not been unveiled until recently. These gene-encoded circRNAs are produced by events of alternative splicing in a process generally known as backsplicing. However, we have found a second natural pathway of circRNA expression conserved in numerous plant and animal genomes, which efficiently promotes the accumulation of small non-coding RNA circles through the participation of HHRs. Most of these genome-encoded circRNAs with HHRs are the transposition intermediates of a novel family of non-autonomous retrotransposons called retrozymes, with intriguing potential as new forms of gene regulation.
Characterization of In Vitro 3D Cell Model Developed from Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HepG2) Cell Line
Authors: Štampar Martina , Breznik Barbara , Filipič Metka , Žegura Bojana
Published: November 2020

In genetic toxicology, there is a trend against the increased use of in vivo models as highlighted by the 3R strategy, thus encouraging the development and implementation of alternative models. Two-dimensional (2D) hepatic cell models, which are generally used for studying the adverse effects of chemicals and consumer products, are prone to giving misleading results. On the other hand, newly developed hepatic three-dimensional (3D) cell models provide an attractive alternative, which, due to improved cell interactions and a higher level of liver-specific functions, including metabolic enzymes, reflect in vivo conditions more accurately. We developed an in vitro 3D cell model from the human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cell line. The spheroids were cultured under static conditions and characterised by monitoring their growth, morphology, and cell viability during the time of cultivation. A time-dependent suppression of cell division was observed. Cell cycle analysis showed time-dependent accumulation of cells in the G0/G1 phase. Moreover, time-dependent downregulation of proliferation markers was shown at the mRNA level. Genes encoding hepatic markers, metabolic phase I/II enzymes, were time-dependently deregulated compared to monolayers. New knowledge on the characteristics of the 3D cell model is of great importance for its further development and application in the safety assessment of chemicals, food products, and complex mixtures.
Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Mesenchymal Stem Cells of the Placenta and Their Conditioned Medium in Local Radiation Injuries
Authors: Brunchukov Vitaliy , Astrelina Tatiana , Usupzhanova Daria , Rastorgueva Anna , Kobzeva Irina , Nikitina Victoria , Lishchuk Sergei , Dubova Elena , Pavlov Konstantin , Brumberg Valentin , Benderitter Marc , Samoylov Alexander
Published: November 2020

Background: The search for an effective therapy for local radiation injuries (LRI) is urgent; one option is mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) derived from the placenta and their conditioned medium for the regenerative processes of the skin. Methods: We used 80 animals, randomly assigned to four groups: control (C) animals that did not receive therapy; control with the introduction of culture medium concentrate (CM); introduction of MSCs (PL); introduction of CMPL. LRI modeling was performed on an X-ray machine at a dose of 110 Gy. Histological and immunohistochemical tests were performed. Results: On the 112th day, the area of the open wound surface in the CMPL group was 6.7 times less than in the control group. Complete healing of the open wound surface of the skin in the CM group was observed in 40%, in CMPL 60%, in the PL group 20%, and in the C group there were no animals with a prolonged wound defect. A decrease in inflammatory processes was observed in the CMPL group. Conclusions: the use of a concentrate of conditioned MSCs (CMPL group) in severe LRI in laboratory animals accelerates the transition of the wound process to the stage of regeneration and epithelization.
Meeting the Physical Activity Recommendations and Its Relationship with Obesity-Related Parameters, Physical Fitness, Screen Time, and Mediterranean Diet in Schoolchildren
Authors: López-Gil José Francisco , Brazo-Sayavera Javier , de Campos Wagner , Yuste Lucas Juan Luis
Published: November 2020

The up-to-date scientific evidence suggests that adequate levels of physical activity provide essential health benefits for children and adolescents and help to maintain a healthy body weight. In this sense, children and adolescents should at least accumulate 60 min of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in a daily basis to achieve these benefits and be considered active. Likewise, some lifestyle-related elements may interact with each other in an antagonistic or synergistic way to modify physical activity status. Thus, a better understanding of how meeting physical activity recommendations influences these potentially modifiable lifestyle factors (obesity-related parameters, physical fitness, dietary habits, or sedentary behaviour) would significantly reinforce the importance of complying with those recommendations from a health perspective and support the establishment of strategies for the promotion of diminishing the lower trends of physical activity among the young population. This study seeks to verify the association of meeting physical activity international recommendations with obesity-related parameters, global physical fitness, screen time, and Mediterranean diet in Spanish schoolchildren aged 8 to 13. A cross-sectional study was performed including 250 schoolchildren (41.2% girls) aged 8–13 (9.7 ± 1.2) from six primary schools in the Region of Murcia (Spain). Results: A higher proportion of children who complying with physical activity recommendations shows normal weight, no abdominal obesity, and low adiposity in comparison to other with different obesity-related parameters categories. Higher values in global physical fitness score were found in those who meet the physical activity international recommendations in both sexes. These higher values were also shown for adherence to the Mediterranean diet in both sexes; not being so in the case of screen time. Notwithstanding, none of these mean differences were statistically significant. To conclude, the proportion of schoolchildren meeting the physical activity recommendations in our study is low. A higher proportion of children who meet with physical activity recommendations present normal weight, no abdominal obesity and low adiposity in comparison to other obesity-related parameters categories in both sexes. Likewise, those considered as active children seem to have higher global physical fitness score and adherence to the Mediterranean diet than children who do not meet the recommendations.
Modified Graphene-FEVE Composite Coatings: Application in the Repair of Ancient Architectural Color Paintings
Authors: Fu Peng , Teri Ge-Le , Chao Xiao-Lian , Li Jing , Li Yu-Hu , Yang Hong
Published: November 2020

In recent years, based on the urgent need in the field of cultural heritage conservation, the research and development of coatings have attracted much attention. FEVE (trifluorovinyl chloride and vinyl ether copolymer) is one of the reinforcing materials in the protective coatings of color paint. However, it has problems such as compactness, low tensile strength, and poor resistance to aging. Therefore, modified graphene was introduced and combined with FEVE coatings (FEVE/m-GO) to optimize their adhesion, compactness, resistance to corrosion, and performance at shielding the paintings from ultraviolet light. The structural features of the hybrid films were characterized by UV–Vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, etc. In addition, the water absorption, mechanical properties, color difference test, and aging resistance of the FEVE/m-GO and simulated samples were investigated. The results showed that the hybrid film with 0.04% m-GO incorporation as an effective consolidant exhibited outstanding comprehensive performance. This composite material was used in the protection and consolidation of the Sanyou Xuan ancient architectural color painting in the Palace Museum, which opened up a new way of thinking about the long-term conservation of color paintings.
Bio-Inspired Facile Synthesis of Graphene-Based Nanocomposites: Elucidation of Antimicrobial and Biofilm Inhibitory Potential against Foodborne Pathogenic Bacteria
Authors: Aljaafari Abdullah , Ahmed Faheem , Husain Fohad
Published: November 2020

Herein, a new and simple biogenic method for the preparation of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and their reduced graphene oxide based nanocomposites (Au-RGO) by using microwave irradiation method for antimicrobial and biofilm inhibition against foodborne pathogenic bacteria was reported. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses confirmed that the AuNPs with face centered cubic (FCC) structure were indeed anchored onto the RGO sheets. Ultraviolet-Vis (UV-VIS) spectrum showed a shifting and broadening of absorption peaks of AuNPs when attached on the surface of RGO sheets. The effect of sub-inhibitory concentrations of Au-RGO nanocomposites on biofilm formation in five foodborne pathogens was assessed. Au-RGO nanocomposites reduced the formation of biofilm by 75%, 78%, 68%, 80% and 79% in L. monocytogenes, MRSA, E. coli, S. marcescens and P. aeruginosa, respectively. Exopolysaccharides (EPS), a vital component of the biofilm was also inhibited significantly and pre-formed mature biofilms were also reduced considerably. Further, this study demonstrated that the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation induced in bacterial cells as a result of Au-RGO treatment could be the plausible mechanism for biofilm inhibitory action. The tested concentrations were found non-toxic to human embryonic kidney cell lines (HEK-293). The investigation highlights the broad-spectrum biofilm inhibitory properties of Au-RGO nanocomposites that could be exploited in the food industry to prevent biofilm-based food contamination.
Review of γ’ Rafting Behavior in Nickel-Based Superalloys: Crystal Plasticity and Phase-Field Simulation
Authors: Yu Zhiyuan , Wang Xinmei , Yang Fuqian , Yue Zhufeng , Li James C. M.
Published: November 2020

Rafting is an important phenomenon of the microstructure evolution in nickel-based single crystal superalloys at elevated temperature. Understanding the rafting mechanism and its effect on the microstructure evolution is of great importance in determining the structural stability and applications of the single crystal superalloys. Phase-field method, which is an excellent tool to analyze the microstructure evolution at mesoscale, has been gradually used to investigate the rafting behavior. In this work, we review the crystal plasticity theory and phase-field method and discuss the application of the crystal plasticity theory and phase-field method in the analysis of the creep deformation and microstructure evolution of the single crystal superalloys.
Comparative Analysis of Hg2Br2 and Hg2BrxCl2-x Crystals Grown via PVT
Authors: Kwon Ojun , Kim Kyoungah , Woo Shi-Gwan , Jang Gun-Eik , Cho Byungjin
Published: November 2020

In this study, we comparatively analyzed the physical properties of Hg2Br2 and Hg2BrxCl2−x crystals synthesized via physical vapor transport (PVT). Prior to crystal growth, the elemental mapping images obtained through scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive spectroscopy clearly showed the presence of Cl atoms (2.62%) in Hg2BrxCl2−x powder; however, Cl atoms were not detected in Hg2Br2 powder. After crystal growth by PVT, each single crystal was characterized using various analysis techniques, such as X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. It was observed that the introduction of Cl elements into Hg2Br2 crystals strongly affected the crystallinity and Raman vibration modes. Hence, this in-depth material characterization study proposed a feasible method to screen impurities in mercury halide crystals.
Hidden Solvates and Transient Forms of Trimesic Acid
Authors: Ward Martin R. , Oswald Iain D. H.
Published: November 2020

This article discusses the formation of trimesic acid (TMA) solvates with ethanol, isopropyl alcohol and dimethylformamide via liquid-assisted grinding and slurry experiments. Through the use of X-ray diffraction methods, we highlight the formation of a new ethanol solvate of TMA that completes the series of alcohol solvates observed, a temperature-induced phase transition in the isopropyl alcohol solvate between 233 K and 243 K, and a transient 1:3 solvate with dimethylformamide that mimics a previously identified dimethylsulfoxide solvate. The alcohol structures possess a TMA framework that is geometrically similar where the intermolecular energies between TMA molecules are equivalent. We have observed that increasing the length of the alcohol induces an increase in the distortion of the TMA framework to accommodate the longer alkyl tails.
Energy Evolution Analysis and Brittleness Evaluation of High-Strength Concrete Considering the Whole Failure Process
Authors: Zhou Ruihe , Cheng Hua , Li Mingjing , Zhang Liangliang , Hong Rongbao
Published: November 2020

In this work, we aimed to solve the problems that exist in the brittleness evaluation method of high-strength concrete through a triaxial compression test of C60 and C70 high-strength concrete. Then, the relationship between the energy evolution of its elastic energy, dissipative energy, pre-peak total energy and additional energy and its axial strain, confining pressure, and concrete strength grade was analyzed. Taking the accumulation rate of pre-peak elastic strain energy and the dissipation rate of dissipative energy, and the release rate of post-peak elastic energy, as the evaluation indicators to characterize the brittleness of high-strength concrete. A brittleness evaluation method that reflects the whole failure process of high-strength concrete is proposed and verified by experiments. The results show that with the increase of the confining pressure, the proportion of elastic energy in the whole process of high-strength concrete failure gradually decreases. The storage rate of pre-peak elastic energy and the release rate of post-peak elastic energy are gradually reducing, the brittleness index gradually decreases, and the confining pressure inhibits the brittleness of high-strength concrete. Under the same confining pressure, the brittleness index of C70 concrete is greater than that of C60 concrete, which indicates that, with the increase of the strength grade, the brittleness level of concrete gradually increases and the ductility decreases. These findings have a certain theoretical significance for the scientific design of high-strength concrete structures and the improvement of their safety in the future.
In-Situ Preparation of GaN Sacrificial Layers on Sapphire Substrate in MOVPE Reactor for Self-Separation of the Overgrown GaN Crystal
Authors: Faraji Sepideh , Meissner Elke , Weingärtner Roland , Besendörfer Sven , Friedrich Jochen
Published: November 2020

GaN layers on sapphire substrates were prepared by using metal organic vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE) combined with an in-situ H2 etching process for the purpose of later self-separation of thick GaN crystals produced by hydride vapor phase epitaxy (HVPE) on such substrates. The etching process results in deep pits and long voids that formed on the surface and along the lower interface between GaN and sapphire, respectively. The pits, which were investigated by SEM analysis, can be modified in their aspect ratio and density by controlling the etching parameters. Using a proper set of in-situ etching parameters, a seed layer with internal voids can be prepared, which is suitable for HVPE overgrowth and the self-separation process. The quality of the in-situ-etched seed GaN layer and overgrown GaN crystal were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and defect selective etching (DSE). With the aid of atomic force microscopy (AFM) in tapping mode, the interface morphology of the separated GaN crystal was analyzed. The crystal quality of the separated HVPE-GaN crystal is comparable to the crystal grown on untreated GaN MOVPE-seed, which did not separate from the sapphire substrate. The introduced technique to promote the crystal separation during the HVPE process has no obvious drawback on the quality of the grown GaN crystals. Using this technique, the self-separation occurs more gently due to a weakened interface between GaN/sapphire. The conventional separation from an untreated seed by pure thermomechanical action results in higher mechanical forces on the crystal and consequently much higher risk of crystal breakage.
First Draft Genome Assembly of the Malaysian Stingless Bee, Heterotrigona itama (Apidae, Meliponinae)
Authors: Wee Chien-Yeong , Tamizi Amin-Asyraf , Nazaruddin Nazrul-Hisham , Ng Siuk-Mun , Khoo Jia-Shiun , Jajuli Rosliza
Published: November 2020

The Malaysian stingless bee industry is hugely dependent on wild colonies. Nevertheless, the availability of new queens to establish new colonies is insufficient to meet the growing demand for hives in the industry. Heterotrigona itama is primarily utilized for honey production in the region and the major source of stingless bee colonies comes from the wild. To propagate new colonies domestically, a fundamental understanding of the biology of queen development, especially from the genomics aspect, is necessary. The whole genome was sequenced using a paired-end 150 strategy on the Illumina HiSeq X platform. The shotgun sequencing generated approximately 89 million raw pair-end reads with a total output of 13.37 Gb and a GC content of 37.31%. The genome size of the species was estimated to be approximately 272 Mb. Phylogenetic analysis showed H. itama are much more closely related to the bumble bee (Bombus spp.) than they are to the modern honey bee (Apis spp.). The genome data provided here are expected to contribute to a better understanding of the genetic aspect of queen differentiation as well as of important molecular pathways which are crucial for stingless bee biology, management and conservation.
Higher Interrater Agreement of FDG-PET/CT than Bone Scintigraphy in Diagnosing Bone Recurrent Breast Cancer
Authors: Holm Jorun , Ahangarani Farahani Ziba , Gerke Oke , Baun Christina , Falch Kirsten , Grubbe Hildebrandt Malene
Published: November 2020

The purpose was to investigate the interrater agreement of FDG-PET/CT and bone scintigraphy for diagnosing bone recurrence in breast cancer patients. A total of 100 women with suspected recurrence of breast cancer underwent planar whole-body bone scintigraphy with [99mTc]DPD and FDG-PET/CT. Scans were evaluated independently by experienced nuclear medicine physicians and the results for one modality were blinded to the other. Images were visually interpreted using a 4-point assessment scale (0 = no metastases, 1 = probably no metastases, 2 = probably metastases, 3 = definite metastases). Out of 100 women, 22 (22%) were verified with distant recurrence, 18 of these had bone involvement. The proportions of agreement between readers were 93% (86.3–96.6) for bone recurrence with FDG-PET/CT and 47% (37.5–56.7) for bone recurrence with planar bone scintigraphy. The strengths of agreement between readers for diagnosing bone recurrence was ‘almost perfect’ with FDG-PET/CT and was ‘fair’ with planar bone scintigraphy according to Cohen’s kappa value of 0.82 (0.70–0.95) and 0.28 (0.18–0.39), respectively. Interrater agreement yielded improved reproducibility with FDG-PET/CT versus with bone scintigraphy when diagnosing recurrence with bone metastasis in this patient cohort.
A Systematic Review of Pharmacologic and Rehabilitative Treatment of Small Fiber Neuropathies
Authors: Vecchio Michele , Chiaramonte Rita , Romano Marcello , Pavone Piero , Musumeci Giuseppe , Mauro Giulia Letizia
Published: November 2020

The aim of this systematic review is to guide the physician in defining the pharmacologic and rehabilitative therapeutic approaches for adopting the best strategies described in the current literature. The search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and Web of Science to identify the treatment of small fiber neuropathies. Two reviewers independently reviewed and came to a consensus on which articles met inclusion/exclusion criteria. The authors excluded the duplicates, animal studies and included the English articles in which the treatment of patients with small fiber neuropathies was described. The search identified a total of 975 articles with the keywords “small fiber neuropathy” AND “rehabilitation” OR “therapy” OR “treatment”. Seventy-eight selected full-text were analyzed by the reviewers. Forty-two publications met the inclusion criteria and were included in the systematic review to describe the rehabilitative and pharmacologic treatment of small fiber neuropathies. Despite the range of different protocols of treatment for small fiber neuropathy, other robust trials are needed. In addition, always different therapeutic approaches are used; a unique protocol could be important for the clinicians. More research is needed to build evidence for the best strategy and to delineate a definitive therapeutic protocol.
Prevalence of COVID-19 Diagnostic Output with Chest Computed Tomography: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Komolafe Temitope Emmanuel , Agbo John , Olaniyi Ebenezer Obaloluwa , Komolafe Kayode , Yang Xiaodong
Published: November 2020

Background: The pooled prevalence of chest computed tomography (CT) abnormalities and other detailed analysis related to patients’ biodata like gender and different age groups have not been previously described for patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), thus necessitating this study. Objectives: To perform a meta-analysis to evaluate the diagnostic performance of chest CT, common CT morphological abnormalities, disease prevalence, biodata information, and gender prevalence of patients. Methods: Studies were identified by searching PubMed and Science Direct libraries from 1 January 2020 to 30 April 2020. Pooled CT positive rate of COVID-19 and RT-PCR, CT-imaging features, history of exposure, and biodata information were estimated using the quality effect (QE) model. Results: Out of 36 studies included, the sensitivity was 89% (95% CI: 80–96%) and 98% (95% CI: 90–100%) for chest CT and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), respectively. The pooled prevalence across lesion distribution were 72% (95% CI: 62–80%), 92% (95% CI: 84–97%) for lung lobe, 88% (95% CI: 81–93%) for patients with history of exposure, and 91% (95% CI: 85–96%) for patients with all categories of symptoms. Seventy-six percent (95% CI: 67–83%) had age distribution across four age groups, while the pooled prevalence was higher in the male with 54% (95% CI: 50–57%) and 46% (95% CI: 43–50%) in the female. Conclusions: The sensitivity of RT-PCR was higher than chest CT, and disease prevalence appears relatively higher in the elderly and males than children and females, respectively.
A Randomized Comparison of Non-Channeled GlidescopeTM Titanium Versus Channeled KingVisionTM Videolaryngoscope for Orotracheal Intubation in Obese Patients with BMI > 35 kg·m−2
Authors: Brozek Tomas , Bruthans Jan , Porizka Michal , Blaha Jan , Ulrichova Jitka , Michalek Pavel
Published: November 2020

Videolaryngoscopes may improve intubating conditions in obese patients. A total of 110 patients with a body mass index > 35 kg∙m−2 were prospectively randomized to tracheal intubation using non-channeled Glidescope Titanium or channeled King Vision videolaryngoscope. The primary outcome was the time to tracheal intubation. Secondary outcomes included: total success rate, number of attempts, the quality of visualization, peri-procedural and post-proceduralcomplications. Time to the first effective breath was shorter with the King Vision (median; 95% CI)—36; 34–39 s vs. 42; 40–50 in the Glidescope group (p = 0.007). The total success rate was higher in the Glidescope group—100% vs. 89.1% (p = 0.03). There was a higher incidence of moderate and difficult laryngoscopy in the King Vision group. No difference was recorded in first attempt success rates, total number of attempts, use of additional maneuvers, intraoperative trauma, or any significant decrease in SpO2 during intubation. No serious complications were noted and the incidence of postoperative complaints was without difference. Although tracheal intubation with King Vision showed shorter time to the first breath, total success was higher in the Glidescope group, and all but one patients where intubation failed with the KingVision were subsequently intubated with the Glidescope.
Analysis of Barriers to Inclusive Schools in Germany: Why Special Education Is Necessary and Not Evil
Authors: Ahrbeck Bernd , Felder Marion
Published: November 2020

Over the past decade, ever since the ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities (UN-CRPD) in Germany, a morally charged debate has taken place about inclusive and special education. Special schools are under considerable attack and even special education is deemed responsible for the difficulties in implementing full inclusion in schools. The gravest accusation is that special education and special schools are even today a close connection to the Nazi era between 1933 and 1945, when children with disabilities were sterilized and murdered. Special education is seen as a symbol and guarantor of separation and exclusion and therefore incompatible with the idea of inclusion. This article will outline and analyze this claim and present other more compelling reasons why full inclusion has been difficult to implement in Germany. Following the analysis, we will describe a possible way forward for inclusion and special education.
Advancing Professional Development for Teachers in Intercultural Education
Authors: Cortina Regina , Earl Amanda K.
Published: November 2020

In Latin America, intercultural education aims to acknowledge the cultural, ethnic, and linguistic diversity of its citizens, and to advance the efforts to dismantle the oppression of such diversity, particularly that of Indigenous and Afro-descendant peoples. While discussions of intercultural education often reference such peoples as their target beneficiaries, too few studies addressing the professional development of teachers recognize the importance of Indigenous scholarship, pedagogies and methodologies themselves as resources for the advancement of the theory and practice of intercultural education. This article engages in theoretical reflection in order to highlight well-documented Indigenous methodologies for teaching and learning, and their implications for professional development for enriched intercultural education. The authors emphasize the need for greater attention to the work and scholarship of intercultural and Indigenous university graduates to lead the way in the development of intercultural education professionals.
Supporting Academic Self-Efficacy, Academic Motivation, and Information Literacy for Students in Tertiary Institutions
Authors: Chow Susan Ka Yee , Wong Jade Lai King
Published: November 2020

Academic self-efficacy, academic motivation, and information literacy are considered crucial to fostering student learning in tertiary institutions. The aim of this study was to examine the information literacy self-efficacy and academic motivation of college students and to identify the predictors of information literacy self-efficacy. The participants included students in their junior and senior years studying nursing, healthcare, and non-healthcare disciplines at a self-financing institution. Data were collected through a quota sampling method using a questionnaire. In total, 504 valid questionnaires were returned. The results indicated a moderate positive correlation between the two variables. The nursing students were found to have lower information literacy self-efficacy scores than those from the other disciplines. The results from a multiple regression analysis showed that the following factors are predictors of information literacy self-efficacy: being a nursing student, total scores for academic motivation, and owning a personal computer. Nurse educators are encouraged to strengthen the information literacy skills of nursing students, as this is an essential component in the application of evidence-based practices in the nursing profession.
How to Apply Fuzzy MISO PID in the Industry? An Empirical Study Case on Simulation of Crane Relocating Containers
Authors: Sałabun Wojciech , Więckowski Jakub , Shekhovtsov Andrii , Palczewski Krzysztof , Jaszczak Sławomir , Wątróbski Jarosław
Published: November 2020

The proportional-integral-derivative (PID) algorithm automatically adjusts the control output based on the difference between a set point and a measured process variable. The classical approach is broadly used in the majority of control systems. However, in complex problems, this approach is not efficient, especially when the exact mathematical formula is difficult to specify. Besides, it was already proven that highly nonlinear situations are also significantly limiting the usage of the PID algorithm, in contrast to the fuzzy algorithms, which often work correctly under such conditions. In the case of multidimensional objects, where many independently operating PID algorithms are currently used, it is worth considering the use of one fuzzy algorithm with many-input single-output (MISO) or many-input many-output (MIMO) structure. In this work, a MISO type chip is investigated in the study case on simulation of crane relocating container with the external distribution. It is an example of control objects that due to badly conditioned dynamic features (strong non-linearities) require the operator’s intervention in manual or semi-automatic mode. The possibility of fuzzy algorithm synthesis is analyzed with two linguistic variable inputs (distance from −100 to 500 mm and angle from −45° to 45°). The output signal is the speed which is modelled as a linguistic power variable (in the domain from −100% to 100%). Based on 36 fuzzy rules, we present the main contribution, the control system with external disturbance, to show the effectiveness of the identified fuzzy PID approach with different gain values. The fuzzy control system and PID control are implemented and compared concerning the time taken for the container to reach the set point. The results show that fuzzy MISO PID is more effective than the classical one because fuzzy set theory helps to deal with the environmental uncertainty. The container’s angle deviations are taken into consideration, as mitigating them and simultaneously maintaining the fastest speed possible is an essential factor of this challenge.
Switchable DBR Filters Using Semiconductor Distributed Doped Areas (ScDDAs)
Authors: Allanic Rozenn , Le Berre Denis , Quendo Cédric , Chouteau David , Grimal Virginie , Valente Damien , Billoué Jérôme
Published: November 2020

This paper presents a novel way to switch dual-behavior resonator (DBR) filters without any additional active surface-mount components. By using a semiconductor substrate, we were able to simultaneously co-design the filters and semiconductor distributed doped areas (ScDDAs) with integrated N+PP+ junctions as active elements. These ScDDAs act as electrical vias in the substrate, which makes it possible to have an open-circuited resonator in the OFF state and a short-circuited resonator in the ON state, and, consequently, to control the transmission zeroes of the filters. This method offers degrees of freedom as the dimensions and positions of these doped areas can be chosen to obtain the best performances. In this study, four filters were simulated and fabricated to spotlight different possibilities for the dimensions and positions of the ScDDA to control the low- or high-frequency transmission zero of the filters. The simulations were in very good agreement with the measured results. All the filters present insertion losses lower than 2 dB in the OFF and ON states, a great flexibility in the frequency choice, and good agility compared with the state of the art.
Heating Performance of Solar Building Integrated Wall under Natural Circulation
Authors: Shen Xiaohang , Li Nianping , Lu Jiao , A Yongga
Published: November 2020

This paper presented a building façade combined with photothermal technology where a water circulation system, including a thermal radiation plate and a solar collector, was installed. When heated by solar radiation, the water in the system transfered part of the solar heat to the room through natural circulation by buoyancy caused by density difference. During the cold season, the solar heat efficiency of the façade under natural circulation was studied through experiments and numerical simulations. The results show that the simulated values of the model established by MATLAB were in good agreement with the experimental values. Under the action of natural circulation, good solar energy utilization efficiency could be obtained by the façade. When solar irradiance was 1100 W/m2, the heat gain of the solar collector was 1672 W, of which the heat delivered to the recycled water and supplied to indoor was 1184 W, and the solar heat efficiency could reach 71%. Both the pipeline impedance and the height difference between radiation plate center and solar collector center had a great influence on temperature change of water supply in this system, whereas had little impact on thermal supply and solar heat efficiency of this system.
Co-Management of Small-Scale Fisheries in Chile From a Network Governance Perspective
Authors: Albornoz Cristian , Glückler Johannes
Published: November 2020

We examine decision-making, shared authority, and pluralism as key characteristics for the effective co-management of natural resources. Drawing on the concept of network governance, we complement this approach by studying localized practices of governance that support existing and compensate for missing aspects in the regulation. The regime of territorial use rights for fisheries (TURF) in Chile is a recognized example of large-scale co-management that has given rise to local organizations that manage and exploit benthic resources. Based on multi-sited qualitative fieldwork across five regions, we analyze practices with respect to two governance objects: the deterrence of illegal fishing and the periodic assessment of the fisheries’ biology fields. Our analysis shows that local fisher organizations have institutionalized informal practices of surveillance and monitoring to fill in the gaps of existing regulations. Although fisher organizations and consultants—the so-called management and exploitation areas for benthic resources (AMERB)—have managed to operate the TURF regime, they depend on the government to enforce regulations and receive public subsidies to cover the costs of delegated governance tasks. We suggest that governance effectiveness could benefit from delegating additional authority to the local level. This would enhance the supervision of productive areas and better adaptation of national co-management regulations to the specific geographical context.
Long-Term Cultivation of Fruit Plantations Decreases Mineralization and Nitrification Rates in Calcareous Soil in the Karst Region in Southwestern China
Authors: Shan Zhijie , Yin Zhe , Yang Hui , Zuo Changqing , Zhu Tongbin
Published: November 2020

Determination of rates of mineralization of organic nitrogen (N) into ammonium-N (NH4+-N) and nitrification of NH4+-N into nitrate-N (NO3−-N) could be used to evaluate inorganic N supply capacity, which, in turn, could guide N fertilizer application practices in crop cultivation systems. However, little information is available on the change of mineralization and nitrification in soils under fruit cultivation systems converted from forestlands in karst regions. In a 15N-tracing study, inorganic N supply capacity in forest soils and three typical fruit crop soils under long-term cultivation was investigated, in addition to factors influencing the supply, in calcareous soils in the karst regions in southwestern China. Long-term fruit crop cultivation decreased soil organic carbon (SOC), total N, and calcium concentrations, cation exchange capacity (CEC), water holding capacity (WHC), pH, and sand content, significantly, but increased clay content. Compared to that of forests, long-term fruit crop cultivation significantly decreased mineralization and nitrification rates to 0.61–1.34 mg N kg−1 d−1 and 1.95–5.07 mg N kg−1 d−1, respectively, from 2.85–6.49 mg N kg−1 d−1 and 8.17–15.5 mg N kg−1 d−1, respectively, but greatly increased the mean residence times of NH4+-N and NO3−-N. The results indicate that long-term fruit crop cultivation could decrease soil inorganic N supply capacity and turnover in karst regions. Both mineralization and nitrification rates were significantly and positively correlated with SOC and total N concentrations, CEC, and WHC, but negatively correlated with clay content, suggesting that decreased soil organic matter and increased clay content were responsible for the decline in mineralization and nitrification rates in soils under long-term cultivation of fruit crops. The results of the present study highlight the importance of rational organic fertilizer application in accelerating soil inorganic N supply and turnover under long-term cultivation of fruit crops in karst regions.
Spatial Structure and Genetic Variation of a Mangrove Species (Avicennia marina (Forssk.) Vierh) in the Farasan Archipelago
Authors: Al-Qthanin Rahmah N. , Alharbi Samah A.
Published: November 2020

Avicennia marina (Forssk.) Vierh is distributed in patches along the Farasan archipelago coast and is the most common mangrove species in the Red Sea. However, to date, no studies have been directed towards understanding its genetic variation in the Farasan archipelago. In this investigation, genetic variations within and among natural populations of Avicennia marina in the Farasan archipelago were studied using 15 microsatellite markers. The study found 142 alleles on 15 loci in nine populations. The observed (Ho) and expected (He) heterozygosity values were 0.351 and 0.391, respectively, which are much lower than those of earlier studies on A. marina in the Arabian Gulf. An inbreeding effect from self-pollination might explain its heterozygote deficiency. Population genetic differentiation (FST = 0.301) was similar to other mangrove species. Our findings suggest that the sea current direction and coastal geomorphology might affect genetic dispersal of A. marina. The more isolated populations with fewer connections by sea currents exhibited lower genetic variation and differentiation between populations. The genetic clustering of populations fell into three main groups—Group 1 (populations of Farasan Alkabir Island), Group 2 (populations of Sajid Island), and Group 3 (mix of one population of Farasan Alkabir Island and a population of Zifaf Island). More genetic variation and less genetic differentiation occurred when the population was not isolated and had a direct connection with sea currents. Both of these factors contributed to limited propagule dispersal and produced significant structures among the population. It is expected that the results of this research will be useful in determining policy and species-conservation strategies and in the rehabilitation of A. marina mangrove stands on the Farasan islands in an effort to save this significant natural resource.