bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kombination eines neuartigen Doppelpuls-RGB-Interferometers mit einem Hartmann-Shack-Wellenfrontsensor zur dynamischen flächenhaften Topographieerfassung
Authors: Gollor Pascal , Schake Markus , Tereschenko Stanislav , Roetmann Karsten , Mann Klaus , Schäfer Bernd , Uhlrich Günter , Haberland Matthias , Lehmann Peter
Published: July 2020

In diesem Beitrag wird ein Messsystem vorgestellt, das aus der Kombination eines phasenmessenden Interferometers mit einem Hartmann-Shack-Wellenfrontsensor besteht. Die beiden Sensoren nutzen einen gemeinsamen optischen Strahlengang einschließlich eines Mikroskobjektivs, das auf die zu messende Oberfläche gerichtet ist. Sie unterscheiden sich jedoch grundlegend in ihrer physikalischen Funktionsweise und ihren messtechnischen Eigenschaften. Der Wellenfrontsensor erfasst niederfrequente Ortsfrequenzanteile einer dreidimensionalen Oberflächentopographie mit einer vergleichsweise geringen Anzahl an Stützstellen anhand eines einzelnen monochromen Kamerabildes. Das Interferometer benötigt zwei RGB-Aufnahmen zur Rekonstruktion der Phasenkarte derselben Oberflächentopographie und erfasst dabei deutlich höhere Ortsfrequenzanteile, welche für die Rauheitsmessung erforderlich sind. Eine spezielle Doppelpuls-Beleuchtung in Verbindung mit einer periodischen Phasenmodulation ermöglicht die Akquisition der erforderlichen Interferogramme in ca. 50 µs. Die Kombination der Messergebnisse von Wellenfrontsensor und Interferometer ermöglicht den Verzicht auf störanfällige Unwrapping-Algorithmen und erhöht die Flexibilität und das Einsatzspektrum der Sensorkombination im Vergleich zu einem Einzelsensor. Die geringe Zeitdauer zur Erfassung der Topographie eines mikroskopischen Messfeldes erlaubt Messungen an bewegten Messobjekten und bildet damit eine wichtige Voraussetzung für den Einsatz des Sensorsystems in Produktionsanlagen. Die Funktionsweise und die praktische Realisierung des Sensors werden vorgestellt. Messergebnisse von verschiedenen Messobjekten zeigen das Potential dieser Sensorkombination und die jeweiligen Einschränkungen der beiden Sensoren auf.
Synthesis, X-ray characterization and catalytic homogenous alcohol oxidation activity of Co(II)–carboxamide complex with green oxidant (H2O2) under mild conditions
Authors: Ünver Hakan
Published: July 2020

In this study, a new air and moisture stable mononuclear cobalt(II)–carboxamide complex, [Co(TCrbx)2(CH3OH)2](ClO4)2, was synthesized and characterized (TCrbx = N-(4-methylpyridin-2-yl)thiophene-2-carboxamide). Complex characterization mainly was done with single crystal X-ray analysis. Ligand characterization was done with several spectroscopic techniques (Elemental Analysis, FT-IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR). Cobalt(II) complex possesses distorted octahedral geometry coordinated with two carboxamide ligands at equatorial and two methanol ligands at axial positions and two perchlorate anions as counter ions. Synthesized complex was successfully tested as homogenous catalyst for the oxidation of benzyl alcohol with environmental friendly oxidant hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) under mild conditions. Benzaldehyde was selectively obtained with the conversion value of 99.5% in dimethyl formamide after 3-h reaction time at 50 °C with 133 TON value. Solvent and temperature effects were also investigated.
The reaction of imidazo[1,5-a]pyridines with ninhydrin revisited
Authors: El-Abadelah Mustafa M. , Awwadi Firas F. , Abdullah Ahmad H. , Voelter Wolfgang
Published: July 2020

The synthesis of 2,2′-(Imidazo[1,5-a]pyridine-1,3-diyl)bis(2-hydroxy-1H-indene-1,3(2H)-dione) (11) is achieved by reaction of imidazo[1,5-a]pyridine (7) with two equivalents of ninhydrin (1) at room temperature. The structure of this new 1,3-bis-adduct 11 is evidenced from HRMS and NMR spectral data and confirmed by single-crystal X-ray crystallography. Employment of equimolar amounts of 1 and 7 gave a separable mixture of the respective 1- and 3-monomeric adducts (9, 10).
A cobalt(II) coordination polymer constructed with the 2-carboxy-phenoxyacetate linker showing a corrugated layer structure: synthesis, structure analysis and magnetic properties
Authors: Du Zhong-Xiang , Li Jun-Xia
Published: July 2020

A new binary CoII coordination polymer, [Co(2-cpa)2(H2O)]
n
(1) has been synthesized by a hydrothermal reaction of cobalt(II) acetate tetrahydrate and 2-carboxy-phenoxyacetic acid (2-H2cpa) in the presence of potassium hydroxide. Structural analysis revealed that the central CoII ion is in an octahedral geometry coordinated with one aqua and five oxygen atoms of three 2-carboxy-phenoxyacetate (2-cpa) ligands. The 2-cpa anions function as pentadentate double bridging chelate-μ
3 linkers binding neighboring CoII ions together, to form an unusual corrugated (4,4)-connected layer. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility data in the 2–300 K temperature range indicates a weak antiferromagnetic coupling between adjacent cobalt(II) ions.
Bergamot essential oil nanoemulsions: antimicrobial and cytotoxic activity
Authors: Marchese Enrico , D’onofrio Nunzia , Balestrieri Maria Luisa , Castaldo Domenico , Ferrari Giovanna , Donsì Francesco
Published: July 2020

Bergamot essential oil (BEO) is well-known for its food preservation activity, as well as anticancer efficacy. However, the poor BEO water solubility and deriving low bioaccessibility have limited its wider applications. The incorporation in nanoemulsions of BEO and its refined fractions was investigated to enhance its dispersibility in water to promote its antimicrobial activity, tested against Escherichia coli, Lactobacillus delbrueckii, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and its cytotoxicity already at low concentrations. Different nanoemulsion formulations were tested based on food-grade ingredients, which were characterized in terms of hydrodynamic diameter and polydispersity index, and physical stability. The antimicrobial activity against all the tested micro-organisms was observed to be higher for BEO in its initial composition, than the light fraction, richer in d-limonene, ß-pinene, and γ-terpinene, or the heavy fraction, richer in linalyl acetate and linalool. Remarkably, the use of BEO nanoemulsions notably enhanced the antimicrobial activity for all the tested oils. BEO exhibited also a measurable cytotoxic activity against Caco-2 cells, which was also enhanced by the use of the different nanoemulsions tested, in comparison with free oil, which discourages the direct use of BEO nanoemulsions as a food preservative. Conversely, BEO nanoemulsions might find use in therapeutic applications as anticarcinogenic agents.
Green synthesis and application of heterogeneous iron oxide based nanoparticles for dairy wastewater treatment by Photo-Fenton processes
Authors: Malakootian Mohammad , Heidari Mohammad Reza
Published: July 2020

The aim of this study is to investigate the efficiency of heterogeneous Photo-bio-Fenton-like process and adsorption process for phosphorus removal from wastewater. The results showed that both of these processes can reach 98 and 92% removal efficiencies phosphate (P) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), respectively. The findings of kinetic and isotherm studies revealed that data of P removal highly correlated with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Langmuir isotherm. The quenching experiments determined that both hydroxyl radicals and sulfate radicals are key factors for the removal of contamination and the sulfate radicals were also the dominant radicals.
Axiology of Financial Law
Authors: Zaremba Joanna
Published: July 2020

Financial law is a separate, autonomous and interdisciplinary field of law that has evolved from administrative law. The subject of this area of law are primarily public finances based on a number of principles and institutions that have the right to perform public financial operations. The catalogue of public values under financial law is, however, open because the law is constructed in terms of certain values and their protection. It should be emphasized that the law indicates the proper system of values, in which human dignity and freedom are the most important. These values are the source of all rights, including financial law. The subject of axiology is the relationship between these values and the legal normative system. The purpose of this article is to apply broadly understood general and academic financial law, in the theoretical aspect and terms of functions and details. In the case of financial law, axiology focuses mainly on the essence and public values contained in financial law, while it can be considered that the catalogue of public values under financial law is open.
Televizijos režisieriaus darbo kaitos ypatumai
Authors: Pauliukaitis Vytenis
Published: July 2020

Yra du reikšmingi principai, kuriais pagrįstas televizijos (TV) režisie­riaus darbas. Pirma, televizija labai priklausoma nuo technikos: kuo techni­ka įmantresnė, tuo televizijos režisierius turi daugiau galimybių savo darbą atlikti įdomiau ir šiuolaikiškiau. Kitaip tariant, TV režisieriaus specialybė tiesiogiai susieta su technikos plėtra; šios aplinkybės neįvardytume kaip es­minės teatre, nors šiuolaikiniame teatre ir taikomos įvairios judesio, vaizdo bei garso technologijos, vis dažniau panaudojama būtent televizijai sukurtų raiškos priemonių.O kitas principas – bendresnis: režisūra apskritai – televizijos, reginio ar teatro – remiasi tuo, kad režisierius yra vadovas, kuris valdo šį reiškinį nuo pradžios, lemdamas kūrinio ir jo dalyvių likimą. Dažniausiai ne scenaris­tas ir net ne prodiuseris, bet TV režisierius suformuoja galutinį rezultatą, tad žiūrovas žiūri režisieriaus akimis, pamatydamas tai, ką profesionalas „įdėjo“ į kadrą. Todėl, skirtingai nuo teatro veikalo (kai pjesę ar kitą idėją stengiamasi sutalpinti scenos erdvėse), televizijoje, siekiant „sudėti“ kūrinį į TV ekraną, atsiranda esminė problema: kaip įgyvendinti sugalvotus daly­kus ir kaip paversti idėjas tokiomis vizijomis, kurios taip „tilptų“ palyginti mažame ekrane, kad rezultatas žiūrovui būtų paveikus.Teatre, stebėdami spektaklį, mes galime pamatyti „pašalinių“ dalykų, juolab kad jie kurį kitą vakarą bus „kitaip“ pastebėti, nes scenoje veiksmas vyksta labai aktyviai – ypač, kai ten sukurta įvairių personažų. O, žiūrė­ dami į TV ekraną, mes matome tai, ką mato ir nori pabrėžti režisierius. Šis ypatumas skiria TV režisierių nuo kitų – teatro arba masinių, meninių renginių režisierių tuo, kad jis aktyviausiai veikia žiūrovą ir perduoda savo požiūrį griežtai „įrėmintu“ darbu.Šiame straipsnyje noriu aptarti šiuolaikinės TV režisūros problemas, pa­brėžti jos ypatumus ir skirtumus, o ne tik palyginti su kinu arba teatru, kur žmogus tiesiogiai bendrauja aptemdytoje erdvėje. Mat TV ekranas yra atvi­ras – tarsi aikštė, kurioje stebint pateikiamus dalykus (kūrinius) dar ir val­goma, kalbamasi, vaikščiojama (žiūrovas nueina ir grįžta). Kokį vaidmenį šiandien įgyja TV režisierius televizijoje? Ir kokį – praranda. Labiau noriu kalbėti apie TV režisierių, vadinamą „režisieriumi-statytoju“ (kurių yra daug mažiau, negu „režisierių – transliuotojų“). Straipsnyje, aptardamas pokyčius, atkreipsiu dėmesį, kaip pakito režisieriaus vaidmuo palyginti su tuo sovietiniu laikotarpiu, kai televizija Lietuvoje atsirado ir brendo.
Giunterio Valrafo tiriamosios žurnalistikos galimybės Lietuvoje
Authors: Tubys Lukrecijus
Published: July 2020

Straipsnyje analizuojamas profesinis tiriamosios žurnalistikos klimatas Lietuvoje ir G. Valrafo2 tiriamosios žurnalistikos metodų taikymo galimy­bės. Darbas aktualus tuo, kad tiriamoji žurnalistika, būdama labai reikš­minga žurnalistikos rūšis, Lietuvoje menkai plėtojama, o dėl to iškreipiamas ir demokratijos funkcionavimas. Manoma, kad naudojant G. Valrafo žur­nalistinius metodus, kurie Vokietijoje lėmė reikšmingus pokyčius, Lietuvoje būtų galima pagerinti ne tik tiriamosios žurnalistikos padėtį, bet ir paskatin­ti kokybinių pokyčių procesą Lietuvos visuomenėje. Publikacijos tikslas – pristatyti G. Valrafo žurnalistinio tyrimo metodus ir išsiaiškinti, ar tokie tyrimo būdai galėtų būti veiksmingi Lietuvoje. Straipsnyje apžvelgiami tiriamosios žurnalistikos raidos bruožai, G. Val­rafo karjera ir svarbiausi darbai, žiniasklaidos, žmogaus teisių ir etikos eks­pertų vertinimai apie tiriamosios žurnalistikos situaciją bei G. Valrafo me­todų aktualumą Lietuvoje.
Biotic and abiotic stress roles in drugs production through in vitro approaches in plants – a review
Authors: Bakrudeen Ali Ahmed A. , Arun Kumar R. , Musthafa Muneeb M. , Rajandram Davindran , Marikar Faiz M.M.T.
Published: July 2020

Abstract. Plant metabolic engineering is a modern discipline that promises to create opportunities in pharmaceutical industries to produce and biomedicine. Over the long period natural and synthetic plant hormones have had tremendous implications in callus/cell culture /suspension/ for secondary metabolites production (SMs). Generally, SMs plays a vital fundamental role in protecting the plant from biotic and abiotic attacks to which it may be subjected. This review article focused on the relationship between various factors related to the drug production. In medicinal plants, in vitro studies, based on biotic factors such as fungal/endo-phytic fungal elicitors/microbe-derived exogenous elicitor yeast extract (YE) were cross checked with the abiotic six factor groups, including auxins and cytokinins, gamma radiation, lights, temperature, carbon sources, photoperiods, precursor chemicals and plant metabolic enzymes. Moreover, key enzymes and gene networks can serve as a resource to selected potential targets for specific SMs production. This is the first review to describe the light factors needed for the SM production, which has favorable role for SMs. We envisage that the researcher can design how to modulate the stress factors in terms of drug improvement from medicinal plants.
Effect of diets with whey powder on growth and development of Saanen Goat kids
Authors: Özdemir A. , Yilmaz M. , Çağli A. , Aşıcı G.S.E. , Akçay H. , Çelik K.
Published: July 2020

Abstract. In this study, the effect of the diets enriched nutritionally with whey powder (WP) on the growth and development of weaned Saanen Goat kids was investigated. For the purpose, 24 kids born in March 2017 and weaned after 5 months and reared for 8 weeks in Adnan Menderes University Agricultural Faculty Research and Application Farm were used. The kids were divided into three groups according to the content of the ration. The kids whose beginning weights were recorded were distributed homogeneously to each group. These groups were labeled as the control group (CG) and the experimental groups which were formed by adding 5% (5%WP) and 10% whey powder (10%WP) to the ration by removing the same amount of feed. The following parameters of the experimental kids were controlled: live weight, body condition score (BCS), body length, chest girth, the height at the withers, and some blood serum indices (total protein, cholesterol, glucose and urea). The differences between the initial and final values of the growth performance parameters in the groups with the best improvement according to the results obtained from the experiment were found to be 2.57 kg in body weight and 6.25 cm in body length in 10%WP group and the body condition score was 0.26 points, wither height 6.06 cm, and chest girth 6.75 cm in the 5%WP group. When the groups in which the best results are observed in blood parameters are considered; in the 5% WP group, the difference between the initial and final values were found to be 4.19 mg/dL in glucose and 1.22 g/dL in total protein, while urea 41.06 mg/L and cholesterol were determined to be 58.53 mg/dL in the 10%WP group. In the light of the results obtained, it has been determined that the addition of WP in a certain amount to the ration has a positive effect on the growth and development of the kids. As a result of the study, the addition of 5%WP was recommended in the ration to be given during the kid growing period.
Conceptual aspects of the activities of the Federal Service of the National Guard of the Russian Federation during a difficult epidemiological situation in the country
Authors: Palyuh Andrey , Popov Mihail , Splender Viktor
Published: July 2020

At the end of January 2020, our country faced a new threat to national security, namely the infection of the population with a coronavirus infection, from which a vaccine has not yet been developed. As a result of the activity of COVID-19, there are cases of death, carriers of this virus. The main problem of the new virus is its increased level of infectivity, transmission is carried out by airborne droplets (when coughing or sneezing) and by contact (handrails in vehicles, door handles and other contaminated surfaces and objects). The epidemic, which has grown into a pandemic, does not allow maintaining the appropriate level of security of the country and the implementation of the constitutional rights and freedoms of citizens of the Russian Federation, and therefore, to restore these rights and freedoms, it is necessary to use all the state's capabilities to prevent the spread of infection and develop a medicine. The process of self-isolation of citizens of our country does not give the expected results, a huge number of people are forced to continue to carry out their work, and therefore, with the help of conscious self-isolation of citizens, it will not work to stop the spread of a new infection and it is necessary to resort to other measures that regulate the movement of citizens and social activity. To this end, legislative and executive authorities introduce new measures to prevent the spread of infection. The Federal Service of the National Guard Troops does not stand aside and directs all its efforts to preventing the spread of infection.
A critical analysis of human improvement projects from the perspective of the self-organization theory
Authors: C. Broens Mariana
Published: July 2020

Based on the theory of self-organization, the objective of this paper is tocritically discuss the theses defended by the postulators of two projects that aim toimprove human nature: eugenics and transhumanism. We will try to show that the“science of eugenics”, proposed by Francis Galton (1883), and the contemporarytranshumanist project, outlined since the second half of the 20th century, share thecontroversial belief that human beings, through science and technology, are able tosuccessfully control the evolutionary processes of human species. We will try to showthat this belief disregards the central characteristics of the complex self-organizedadaptive evolutionary processes of organisms in general. For this purpose, we willcritically analyse the central theses of the transhumanist project and the “status quo bias”argument proposed by Bolton and Ord (2006) in defence of such theses. We conclude byemphasizing that the proponents of the contemporary transhumanist project would benefitfrom a fallibilistic perspective that would allow them to face the project's social andethical possible implications with epistemic prudence.
A fenomenologia de Heidegger na crítica de Dreyfus à IA simbólica
Authors: Mendes Taddei Paulo , Barbosa da Costa Arthur , De Oliveira Furtado Junior Robson Roberto
Published: July 2020

Embora influente na recepc?a?o de Heidegger nos Estados Unidos da Ame?rica, o trabalho de Dreyfus foi repetidas vezes criticado por desenvolver uma leitura distorcida e seletiva da fenomenologia de Heidegger. Nesse artigo, mostramos que, independentemente de seus desenvolvimentos posteriores em cie?ncia cognitiva, sua cri?tica inicial a? IA simbo?lica se apoia em duas teses que podem ser localizadas em Ser e Tempo, a saber, de que nosso senso de situac?a?o e? (i) pragma?tico-holi?stico, e (ii) intrinsecamente relevante (i.e. definido por nossas interesses). Apo?s uma introduc?a?o geral, reconstrui?mos, numa primeira sec?a?o, em linhas gerais o projeto da IA simbo?lica e o tom geral da cri?tica de Dreyfus; numa segunda sec?a?o, reconstrui?mos a cri?tica de Dreyfus a SAM, de R. Schank; na terceira sec?a?o, indicamos como as duas teses podem ser localizadas em Ser e Tempo; conclui?mos apontando questo?es pendentes.
Arqueologia para uma outra história do Brasil
Authors: Silva Filipe Noe
Published: July 2020

FUNARI, Pedro Paulo Abreu. Os antigos habitantes do Brasil. 2. ed. São Paulo: Editora Unesp, 2019. 56 p.
Hegemonía cultural disputada en México. Las revistas Nexos y Vuelta enfrentadas (1990-1992)
Authors: Caballero Escorcia Boris Alexánder
Published: July 2020

Este artículo profundiza en el debate entre dos grupos de intelectuales reunidos en la revista Nexos y Vuelta por dos eventos públicos con invitados internacionales y nacionales organizados en México entre 1990 y 1992. Se pretende entender el papel de estos intelectuales como facilitadores del cambio en la relación del campo intelectual con el Estado bajo el ideario y las reformas estructurales neoliberales. Se hace una lectura del desarrollo de esta relación desde los setenta; se caracteriza cada una de las revistas y se sigue su evolución hasta la reconfiguración neoliberal de los ochenta. Las fuentes utilizadas fueron publicaciones de los intelectuales destacados de ambos grupos en torno a los debates consignados en publicaciones periódicas coincidentes con cada momento. Ambos grupos se adaptaron a los cambios que imponía el Estado en su relación con el campo intelectual y resultaron privilegiados como mediadores en esta relación, lo que culminaría con un enfrentamiento por una mayor preeminencia.
The Role of World Oil Price in the Movements of the Asian Stock Market
Authors: Minh Huong Le Thi
Published: July 2020

This article contributed insight into the cross-border role of oil on Asia’s largest stock markets. The research conducted using VAR, GARCH_BEKK (1,1), and related tests such as stationarity, correlation, and causality tests in the analysis. The results obtained suggest that the time series of data ensure conditions for analysis. Asian stock prices are inversely related to oil prices in a correlation. At the same time, in considered stock markets, the Korean stock market and world oil prices appear to have a causal relationship with each other. Moreover, the tests of profitability and volatility in oil prices also indicate a link with the Korean stock market during the research period.
A Detection Method for Phishing Web Page Using DOM-Based Doc2Vec Model
Authors: Feng Jian , Zhang Ying , Qiao Yuqiang
Published: July 2020

Detecting phishing web pages is a challenging task. The existing detection method for phishing web page based on DOM (Document Object Model) is mainly aiming at obtaining structural characteristics but ignores the overall representation of web pages and the semantic information that HTML tags may have. This paper regards DOMs as a natural language with Doc2Vec model and learns the structural semantics automatically to detect phishing web pages. Firstly, the DOM structure of the obtained web page is parsed to construct the DOM tree, then the Doc2Vec model is used to vectorize the DOM tree, and to measure the semantic similarity in web pages by the distance between different DOM vectors. Finally, the hierarchical clustering method is used to implement clustering of web pages. Experiments show that the method proposed in the paper achieves higher recall and precision for phishing classification, compared to DOM-based structural clustering method and TF-IDF-based semantic clustering method. The result shows that using Paragraph Vector is effective on DOM in a linguistic approach.
RORγ Structural Plasticity and Druggability
Authors: Huang Mian , Bolin Shelby , Miller Hannah , Ng Ho Leung
Published: July 2020

Retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor γ (RORγ) is a transcription factor regulating the expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-17 in human T helper 17 (Th17) cells. Activating RORγ can induce multiple IL-17-mediated autoimmune diseases but may also be useful for anticancer therapy. Its deep immunological functions make RORɣ an attractive drug target. Over 100 crystal structures have been published describing atomic interactions between RORɣ and agonists and inverse agonists. In this review, we focus on the role of dynamic properties and plasticity of the RORɣ orthosteric and allosteric binding sites by examining structural information from crystal structures and simulated models. We discuss the possible influences of allosteric ligands on the orthosteric binding site. We find that high structural plasticity favors the druggability of RORɣ, especially for allosteric ligands.
Macroplastic Storage and Remobilization in Rivers
Authors: Liro Maciej , Emmerik Tim van , Wyżga Bartlomiej , Liro Justyna , Mikuś Paweł
Published: July 2020

The paper presents a conceptual model of the route of macroplastic debris (5 > mm) through a fluvial system, which can support future works on the overlooked processes of macroplastic storage and remobilization in rivers. We divided the macroplastic route into (1) input, (2) transport (3) storage, (4) remobilization and (5) output phases. Phase 1 is mainly controlled by humans, phases 2–4 by fluvial processes, and phase 5 by both types of controls. We hypothesize that natural characteristics of fluvial systems and their modification by dam reservoirs and flood embankments construction are key controls on macroplastic storage and remobilization in rivers. The zone of macroplastic storage can be defined as a river floodplain inundated since the beginning of widespread disposal of plastic waste to the environment in the 1960s and remobilization zone as a part of the storage zone influenced by floodwaters and bank erosion. The amount of macroplastic in both zones can be estimated using data on the abundance of surface- and subsurface-stored macroplastic and the lateral and vertical extent of the zones. Our model creates the framework for estimation of how much plastic has accumulated in rivers and will be present in future riverscapes.
Cracking the Secret Code of the Selectivity Ratio Between K+ and Na+ Ions in the KcsA K+ Channel
Authors: Jung Yongwoon
Published: July 2020

The KcsA is a prokaryotic potassium-oriented channel, which is sourced from the Streptomyces lividans soil bacteria. From extensive studies that have been carried over the KcsA potassium channel, it has been proved that various factors enable the gating and shuttling of the potassium ions into and out of the cells. Some of the factors include the different concentration of protons in the inside and outside membrane. The other factor is the existence of the selectivity filter equipped in the exit of channel pore, which enables the movement of the K+ ions. Not only are potassium ions present in the channel but also sodium ions. Potassium and sodium ions are the ions that are essential in the conductivity of a cell because of their charge. An intuitive idea about why K+ ions are at least 10,000 times more permeant than Na+ ions is presented in various entities. The hypothesis is that the selectivity ratio is probably related to the successive entry of Na+ ions, based on the premise that the ratio seems to be relevant to unpredictable quantities caused by Brownian corrosion of ions.
An Innovative Low-Cost Equipment for Electro-Concentration of Microalgal Biomass
Authors: Sanchez-Galvis Edwar M. , Cardenas-Gutierrez Ingri Y. , Contreras-Ropero Jefferson E. , García-Martínez Janet B. , Barajas-Solano Andrés F. , Zuorro Antonio
Published: July 2020

Microalgal harvesting is one of the most challenging processes in the development of algal research and development. Several methods, such as centrifugation, flocculation, and filtration, are available at the laboratory scale. However, the requirement of expensive pieces of equipment and the possibility of biomass contamination are recurring gaps that hinder the development of microalgae I+D in different parts of the world. Recently, the electroflotation has been proved as a suitable method for the harvesting of different species of microalgae and cyanobacteria. To this day, there are no companies that sell laboratory-scale electroflotation equipment; this is mainly due to the gap in the knowledge on which factors (time, mixing rate, number of electrodes, and others) will affect the efficiency of concentration without reducing the biomass quality. This paper aims to build an innovative low-cost electroflotation system under 300 USD with cheap and resistant materials. To achieve our goal, we test the interaction of three variables (time, mixing rate, and amount of electrodes) were evaluated. Results showed that an efficiency closer to 100% could be achieved under 20 minutes using >10 electrodes and 150 rpm. We hope this innovative approach can be used by different researchers to improve our knowledge of the concentration and harvesting of algae and cyanobacteria.
The Effect of High Frequency Vibration on Tooth Movement and Alveolar Bone in Non-Growing Skeletal Class II High Angle Orthodontic Patients: Case Series
Authors: El-Bialy Tarek
Published: July 2020

This study presents a novel technique utilizing high frequency vibration to shorten treatment time and preserve alveolar bone in challenging orthodontic cases treated with Invisalign® clear aligners. Four non-growing orthodontic patients (age range 14-47 years old) with Class II skeletal patterns (convex profiles with retrognathic mandibles) who sought correction of their crowded teeth and non-surgical correction of their convex profiles were included in this study. These patients were treated using Invisalign clear aligners together with high frequency vibration (HFV) devices (120 Hz) (VPro5™) that were used by all patients for five minutes per day during active orthodontic treatment. Vertical control and forward rotation of the mandible for each patient was achieved through pre-programming the Invisalign to produce posterior teeth intrusion. Successful forward rotation of the mandibles achieved in all patients led to improvement of their facial convex profiles (ANB improved 2.1 + 0.5 degrees; FMA improved 1.2 +1.1 degrees). Dental decompensation was achieved by lingual tipping of the lower incisors and palatal root torque of upper incisors. The use of HFV together with Invisalign facilitated achieving these results within a 12+6 month period. In addition, more bone labial to the lower incisors after their lingual movement was noted. In conclusion, the use of HFV concurrent with SmartTrack Invisalign aligners allowed complex tooth movement and forward projection without surgery in non-growing patients with skeletal Class II relationships. The clinical impact and implications of this case series is that the use of HFV facilitates complex orthodontic tooth movement including posterior teeth intrusion and incisor decompensation in addition to increased bone formation labial to lower incisors that may minimize future gum recession due to their labial inclination.
Emerging Role of the Integrated Stress Response upon Viral Infection
Authors: Wu Yongshu , Qin Xiaodong , Prajapati Meera , Li Yijing , Zhang Zhidong , Li Yanmin
Published: July 2020

The integrated stress response (ISR) is an adaptational signaling pathway that is induced in response to different stimuli, such as accumulation of unfolded and misfolded protein, hypoxia, amino acid deprivation, viral infection and ultraviolet light. It has been known that viral infection can activate ISR, but the role of ISR during viral infection is still unclear. In some cases, ISR is a protective mechanism of host cell against infection with virus whilst ISR may be hijacked by viruses for facilitating its replication. In this review, we highlighted recent advances on induction of ISR upon viral infection and the downstream responses involved such as autophagy, apoptosis, formation of stress granules and innate immunity response. We then discussed the molecular mechanism of ISR regulating viral replication and how viruses antagonize this cellular stress response resulting from ISR.
Shifting Approach to Environmentally Mediated Pathways for Mitigating COVID-19: A Review of Literature on Airborne Transmission of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Azimuddin Ahad , Thakurdas Shakeel , Hameed Aamir , Peel Garrett , Cheema Faisal
Published: July 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, has been confirmed in over 10,000,000 individuals worldwide and has resulted in more than 500,000 deaths in a few months since it first surfaced. With such a rapid spread it is no surprise that there has been a massive effort around the world to collectively elucidate the mechanism by which the virus is transmitted. Despite this, there is still no definitive consensus regarding droplet versus airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Public health officials around the world have introduced guidelines within the scope of droplet transmission. However, increasing evidence and comparative analysis with similar coronaviruses, such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-1) and middle eastern respiratory syndrome (MERS), suggest that airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 cannot be effectively ruled out. As the data supporting COVID-19 airborne transmission grows, there needs to be an increased effort in terms of technical and policy measures to mitigate the spread of viral aerosols. These measures can be in the form of broader social distancing and facial covering guidelines, exploration of thermal inactivation in clinical settings, low-dose UV-C light implementation, and greater attention to ventilation and airflow control systems. This review summarizes the current evidence available about airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2, available literature about airborne transmission of similar viruses, and finally the methods that are already available or can be easily adapted to deal with a virus capable of airborne transmission.
Catchment-Scale Flood Modelling in Data-Sparse Regions Using Open-Access Geospatial Technology
Authors: Ekeu-wei Iguniwari Thomas , Blackburn Alan George
Published: July 2020

Consistent data is seldom available for whole-catchment flood modelling in many developing regions, thus this study demonstrates how the complementary strengths of open and readily available geospatial datasets and tools can be leverage to map flood risk within acceptable levels of uncertainty for flood risk management. Available fragmented remotely-sensed and in situ datasets (including hydrological data, altimetry, digital elevation model, bathymetry, aerial photos, optical and radar imageries) are systematically integrated using 2-dimensional CAESAR-LISFLOOD model to quantify and recreate the extent and impact of the historic 2012 flood in Nigeria. Experimental modelling, calibration and validation is undertaken for the whole Niger-South hydrological catchment area of Nigeria, then segmented into sub-domains for re-validation to understand how data variability and uncertainties impact on the accuracy of model outcomes. Furthermore, aerial photos are applied for the first time in the study area for flood model validation and to understand how different physio-environmental properties influence synthetic aperture radar flood delineation capacity in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.
Ilmu Huruf (al-‘ilm al-ẖurūf) dan Prospek Penerapannya dalam Terapi Sufistik
Authors: Susilo Benny
Published: July 2020

This article aims to analyze the letter sciences concerning form objects and their material objects as well as some axioms in letter sciences with the ‘Irfan Naari approach and evaluate the prospects for the application of this field in the field as a healing medium with a sufistic approach. The method used in this research is analytical descriptive approach to Falsafi Sufism. The results showed that the existence of supernatural acts such as magic, talisman, sha'badha, niīranjâ, miracles and sacred and also those who oppose habits (kharq al-'ādah) cannot be denied, both in akli and naqli. The Science of Letters ('ilm al-ūurūf), is one part of the Strange Sciences (al-ūulūm al-gharībah), that is knowledge that can be learned by which one can cause supernatural actions. Some Sufi orders have applied this knowledge in Sufi medicine (Sufi Healing). Empirical evidence about supernatural actions arising from the application of the Science of Letters, as reported by Ibn Khaldun in Muqaddimah, is valid. But now this science has stalled. Although it is still practiced, no new original works have been published in this field of science. Among the causes is the assumption of most Muslims that this science is occult, even labeled shirk and heresy. Moreover, in the Science of Letters itself is stored theoretical problems that require answers, namely how to prove the existence of the concrete existence of letters and letter privileges intended by the Science of Letters.
Proximal Femur Peri-Implant Fracture After Lateral Femur Locking Plate
Authors: Meshay Ian M. , Martin John R. , Auran Richard L. , Jones Clifford B.
Published: July 2020

Case:

This case report discusses 2 cases of proximal femur peri-implant fractures after the use of lateral locking plates for distal femur periprosthetic fractures.

Conclusion:

The use of locking plate technology for fixation of distal femur periprosthetic fractures is a common treatment modality. Although much has been reported regarding healing and complication rates of distal femoral periprosthetic fractures, little has been reported about peri-implant fractures subsequent to treatment using locking plates. We propose the importance of developing a method of fixation to protect the entire femur in osteoporotic patients sustaining distal femur periprosthetic fractures at the index surgery to avoid this complication.
Factors affecting postoperative survival of patients with insufficient union following osteoporotic vertebral fractures and impact of preoperative serum albumin on mortality
Authors: Ohba Tetsuro , Yokomi Hiroshi MD , Koy Kensuke MD , Tanaka Nobuki , Oda Kotaro , H Hirotaka MD
Published: July 2020

Background: Numerous comparative studies of surgical procedures have focused on clinical and radiographical outcomes, as well as the effect of bone fragility on the outcome of spinal surgery; however, insights concerning a long-term risk of mortality or morbidity have been limited. Additionally, the effect of surgical therapy on survival after vertebral compression fractures remains controversial. Our aim was to evaluate the preoperative factors that affected the long-term survival of patients who underwent spinal surgery for an insufficient union following osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVF) and to determine long-term mortality. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the cases of 105 consecutive patients who underwent spinal surgery for OVF. Mortality was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and a log-rank test. The preoperative backgrounds of patients were analyzed to determine which risk factors led to death among the OVF cases. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to estimate survival based on preoperative albumin levels of £ 3.5 g/dL (hypoalbuminemia) versus > 3.5 mg/dL. Results: The mean follow-up time for survival was 4.1 ±0.8 years. Two years after surgery, 15% of patients with OVF had died. The ratio of male-to-female was significantly higher for patients with OVF who died than for those who were still alive. No significant difference in mortality was observed among surgical procedures for OVF. Multivariate analysis revealed that only serum albumin £3.5 g/dL was a significant risk factor for long-term postoperative mortality of patients with OVF. Conclusions: Preoperative hypoalbuminemia was associated with long-term postoperative mortality following surgery for OVF.
Barriers and motivators to participation and retention in HIV/HCV cohort studies among people who inject drugs: A community consultation in Iran
Authors: mirzazadeh ali , Hooshyar Samira Hosseini , Shahesmaeili Armita , Bahramnejad Ali , Barsham Adibeh , Moosavian Ghazal , Najafi Ismail , Sharifi Hamid , Haghdoost Ali-Akbar , Briceno Alya , McFarland Willi , Page Kimberly
Published: July 2020

Background: The lack of robust estimates of HIV/HCV incidence among people who inject drugs (PWID) in Iran calls for well-designed prospective cohort studies. Successful recruitment and follow-up of PWID in cohort studies may require formative assessment of barriers PWID are faced with in participation and retention in cohort studies and factors they think may facilitate their engagement in such studies. Using a focus group discussion (FGD) format, we conducted a consultation with PWID in southeast Iran to recognize those barriers and motivators. Methods: Using targeted sampling and through snowball referrals, we recruited PWID (aged≥18, injected in last 6 months) from community-based drop-in centers (DICs), homeless shelters, and through outreach efforts to participate in four FGDs (one women-only). Socio-demographic characteristics, injection behaviors and self-reported HCV/HIV testing and diagnosis history were obtained. Then, a semi-structured FGD guide was applied to explore barriers and motivators to participation and retention in cohort studies among study participants. All FGD sessions were recorded and transcribed verbatim, removing any identifying information. The content of FGDs were analyzed by thematic analysis using an inductive approach. Results: In total, 30 individuals (10 women) participated in the study. The median age of participants was 35 (IQR 31-40), with majority (73.3%) reporting injecting drug use within the last month. Only 40.0% reported ever being tested for HCV whereas a larger proportion (63.4%) reported ever being tested for HIV. While the majority were willing to participate in cohort studies, breach of confidentiality, fear of positive test results, perceived required commitment, and marginalization were reported as barriers to participation and retention in such studies. Monetary incentive, the thought of a better life, protection from police interventions and trust between health workers and PWID were addressed as motivators of engagement in cohort studies among PWID. Conclusions: Strategies to enhance data security and reduce stigma associated with injecting drug use along with involving peer workers in research, providing pre and post-test counselling and education and addressing the needs of more marginalized groups potentially through integrated healthcare programs and housing support are among few approaches that may help address barriers and strengthen the motivators for successful cohort studies among this population.
Parallel and non-parallel changes of the gut microbiota during trophic diversification in repeated young adaptive radiations of sympatric cichlid fish
Authors: Härer Andreas , Torres-Dowdall Julián , Rometsch Sina J. , Yohannes Elizabeth , Machado-Schiaffino Gonzalo , Meyer Axel
Published: July 2020

Background: Recent increases in understanding the ecological and evolutionary roles of microbial communities has underscored the importance for their hosts’ biology. Yet, little is known about gut microbiota dynamics during early stages of ecological diversification and speciation. We sequenced the V4 region of the 16s rRNA gene to study the gut microbiota of Nicaraguan Midas cichlid fish (Amphilophus cf. citrinellus). Specifically, we tested the hypothesis that parallel divergence in trophic ecology in extremely young adaptive radiations from two crater lakes is associated with parallel changes of their gut microbiota. Results: Bacterial communities of fish guts and lake water were highly distinct, indicating that the gut microbiota is shaped by host-specific factors. Among individuals of the same crater lake, differentiation in trophic ecology was weakly associated with gut microbiota differentiation, suggesting that diet, to some extent, affects the gut microbiota. However, differences in trophic ecology were much more pronounced across than within species whereas similar patterns were not observed for taxonomic and functional differences of the gut microbiota. Across the two crater lakes, we could not detect conclusive evidence for parallel changes of the gut microbiota associated with trophic ecology. Conclusions: A lack of clearly differentiated niches during early stages of ecological diversification might result in non-parallel changes of gut microbial communities, as observed in our study system as well as in other recently diverged fish species.
How do people in China think about causes of their back pain? A predominantly qualitative cross-sectional survey
Authors: Li Yijun , Coppieters Michel W , Setchell Jenny , Hodges Paul , Scholten-Peeters Gwendolyne GM
Published: July 2020

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is the second highest cause of health burden in China. Delayed recovery, poor clinical outcomes and persistence of LBP are associated with negative pain beliefs about LBP. Chinese philosophies are nested into the daily life of people in China, which is likely to influence pain beliefs. However, there is lack of knowledge about people’s discourses regarding their LBP in China. The primary aim of this study was to explore the discourses underlying the beliefs of people in China about what causes their persistent or recurrent LBP. The secondary aim was to investigate the sources of these pain beliefs. Methods: People (n=152) from South Central, East and North Mainland China with LBP completed an online survey about what they believed caused their persistent or recurrent LBP and where these understandings came from. Potential causes of persistent or recurrent LBP were explored qualitatively using discourse analysis. The sources of these discourses were assessed by descriptive statistics with conventional content analysis. Results: Five discourses were identified to underpin participants’ beliefs about what caused their persistent or recurrent LBP, namely: (1) biomedical problems (66.4%), (2) unbalanced lifestyle (48.7%), (3) menstruation and ‘kidney’ status (9.2%), (4) the ‘Five Elements’ imbalance (7.9%), and (5) energy status (5.9%). Most participants responded that their pain beliefs were based on information derived from healthcare professionals (59.2%), followed by the internet (24.3%) and family (23.0%). Conclusions: People from moderately and well-developed parts of Mainland China think predominantly in line with a Western biomedical viewpoint about their LBP. Traditional Chinese medicine related pain beliefs mainly to the concept of ‘balance’ were evident on contemporary Chinese society’s understandings of LBP. These cultural beliefs could be relevant to consider in LBP management and involve healthcare professionals, family and patient in this process.