bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Dynamic Analysis Methods into Assessment of Geometric Properties of Chalcedonite Aggregates Obtained by Means of Gravitational Upgrading Operations
Authors: Gawenda Tomasz , Krawczykowski Damian , Krawczykowska Aldona , Saramak Agnieszka , Nad Alona
Published: February 2020

The aim of the paper is an assessment of geometrical properties of regular and irregular particles of chalcedonite enrichment products carried out in a laboratory ring jig. The investigative program included experiments of aggregate enrichment, along with visual analyses made for the obtained products, separately for regular and irregular particles. Several shape coefficients were calculated, and the most effective ones in terms of assessment of particle regularity were selected from among them. Particle size distributions for feed and enrichment products were also determined using the idea of minimum Feret’s diameter, and the intensity of dust emission by individual products was measured as well. The results obtained by the visual system were discussed in the context of their application in the assessment of enrichment operations carried out in a water jig.
E. S. Fedorov Promoting the Russian-German Scientific Interrelationship
Authors: Paufler Peter , Filatov Stanislav K.
Published: February 2020

At the dawn of crystal structure analysis, the close personal contact between researchers in Russia and Germany, well documented in the “Zeitschrift für Krystallographie und Mineralogie”, contributed significantly to the evolution of our present knowledge of the crystalline state. The impact of the Russian crystallographer E. S. Fedorov upon German scientists such as A. Schoenflies and P. Groth and the effect of these contacts for Fedorov are highlighted hundred years after the death of the latter. A creative exchange of ideas paved the way for the analysis of crystal structures with the aid of X-ray diffraction.
Mineralogical Constraints on the Potassic and Sodic-Calcic Hydrothermal Alteration and Vein-Type Mineralization of the Maronia Porphyry Cu-Mo ± Re ± Au Deposit in NE Greece
Authors: Melfos Vasilios , Voudouris Panagiotis , Melfou Margarita , Sánchez Matías G. , Papadopoulou Lambrini , Filippidis Anestis , Spry Paul G. , Schaarschmidt Anna , Klemd Reiner , Haase Karsten M. , Tarantola Alexandre , Mavrogonatos Constantinos
Published: February 2020

The Maronia Cu-Mo ± Re ± Au deposit is spatially related to a microgranite porphyry that intruded an Oligocene monzonite along the Mesozoic Circum-Rhodope belt in Thrace, NE Greece. The magmatic rocks and associated metallic mineralization show plastic and cataclastic features at the south-eastern margin of the deposit that implies emplacement at the ductile-brittle transition, adjacent to a shear zone at the footwall of the Maronia detachment fault. The conversion from ductile to brittle deformation caused a rapid upward magmatic fluid flow and increased the volume of water that interacted with the host rocks through high permeable zones, which produced extensive zones of potassic and sodic-calcic alteration. Potassic alteration is characterized by secondary biotite + K-feldspar (orthoclase) + magnetite + rutile + quartz ± apatite and commonly contains sulfides (pyrite, chalcopyrite, pyrrhotite). Sodic-calcic alteration consists of actinolite + sodic-calcic plagioclase (albite/oligoclase/andesine) + titanite + magnetite + chlorite + quartz ± calcite ± epidote-allanite. The high-oxidation state of the magmas and the hydrothermal fluid circulation were responsible for the metal and sulfur enrichments of the aqueous fluid phase, an increase in O2 gas content, the breakdown of the magmatic silicates and the production of the extensive potassic and sodic-calcic alterations. Brittle deformation also promoted the rapid upward fluid flow and caused interactions with the surrounding host rocks along the high temperature M-, EB-, A- and B-type veins.
Influence of Adaptive Human–Machine Interface on Electric-Vehicle Range-Anxiety Mitigation
Authors: Musabini Antonyo , Nguyen Kevin , Rouyer Romain , Lilis Yannis
Published: February 2020

The electrification of vehicles is without a doubt one of the milestones of today’s automotive technology. Even though industry actors perceive it as a future standard, acceptance, and adoption of this kind of vehicles by the end user remain a huge challenge. One of the main issues is the range anxiety related to the electric vehicle’s remaining battery level. In the scope of the H2020 ADAS&ME project, we designed and developed an intelligent Human Machine Interface (HMI) to ease acceptance of Electric Vehicle (EV) technology. This HMI is mounted on a fake autonomous vehicle piloted by a hidden joystick (called Wizard of Oz (WoZ) driving). We examined 22 inexperienced EV drivers during a one-hour driving task tailored to generate range anxiety. According to our protocol, once the remaining battery level started to become critical after manual driving, the HMI proposed accurate coping techniques to inform the drivers how to reduce the power consumption of the vehicle. In the following steps of the protocol, the vehicle was totally out of battery, and the drivers had to experience an emergency stop. The first result of this paper was that an intelligent HMI could reduce the range anxiety of the driver by proposing adapted coping strategies (i.e., transmitting how to save energy when the vehicle approaches a traffic light). The second result was that such an HMI and automated driving to a safe spot could reduce the stress of the driver when an emergency stop is necessary.
Nano-Sized Fe(III) Oxide Particles Starting from an Innovative and Eco-Friendly Synthesis Method
Authors: Macera Ludovico , Taglieri Giuliana , Daniele Valeria , Passacantando Maurizio , D’Orazio Franco
Published: February 2020

This paper introduces an original, eco-friendly and scalable method to synthesize ferrihydrite nanoparticles in aqueous suspensions, which can also be used as a precursor to produce α-hematite nanoparticles. The method, never used before to synthesize iron oxides, is based on an ion exchange process allowing to operate in one-step, with reduced times, at room temperature and ambient pressure, and using cheap or renewable reagents. The influence of reagent concentrations and time of the process on the ferrihydrite features is considered. The transformation to hematite is then analyzed and discussed in relation to different procedures: (1) A natural aging in the water at room temperature; and (2) heat treatments at different temperatures and times. Structural and morphological features of the obtained nanoparticles are investigated by means of several techniques, such as X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission and scanning electron microscopy, thermal analysis, nitrogen adsorption and magnetic measurements. Ferrihydrite shows the typical spherical morphology and a very high specific surface area of 420 m2/g. Rhombohedral or plate-like hexagonal hematite nanoparticles are obtained by the two procedures, characterized by dimensions of 50 nm and 30 nm, respectively, and a specific surface area up to 57 m2/g, which is among the highest values reported in the literature for hematite NPs.
Porphin-Based Carbon Dots for “Turn Off–On” Phosphate Sensing and Cell Imaging
Authors: Wu Jing , Wang Wenjing , Wang Zonghua
Published: February 2020

Porphin-based carbon dots (denoted as PCDs) are prepared through a one-step hydrothermal method by using meso-tetra (4-carboxyphenyl) porphin (TCPP), citric acid, and ethanediamine as precursor. PCDs give rise to the optimal photoluminescence at λex/λem = 375/645 nm, exhibit an excitation-independent property, excellent water solubility, and good biocompatibility, which provide red emission and avoid the autofluorescence as an efficient fluorescent imaging probe. On the other hand, when Eu3+ is added into PCDs, the carboxylate groups located on the surface of PCDs exhibit high affinity to Eu3+, resulting in the fluorescence of PCDs turning off via static quenching. In the presence of phosphate, owing to the strong coordination with Eu3+, the fluorescence of PCDs turns on. Based on this performance, a novel “turn off–on” phosphate sensing system is developed. The detection limit of this sensing system can attain 3.59 × 10−3 μmol L−1. This system has been utilized for the detection of phosphate in real samples successfully, which further demonstrates potential applications in biological diagnostic and environmental analysis.
Improving the Performance of Feather Keratin/Polyvinyl Alcohol/Tris(hydroxymethyl)Aminomethane Nanocomposite Films by Incorporating Graphene Oxide or Graphene
Authors: Wu Shufang , Chen Xunjun , Li Tiehu , Cui Yingde , Yi Minghao , Ge Jianfang , Yin Guoqiang , Li Xinming , He Ming
Published: February 2020

In this study, feather keratin/polyvinyl alcohol/tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (FK/PVA/Tris) bionanocomposite films containing graphene oxide (GO) (0.5, 1, 2, and 3 wt%) or graphene (0.5, 1, 2, and 3 wt%) were prepared using a solvent casting method. The scanning electron microscopy results indicated that the dispersion of GO throughout the film matrix was better than that of graphene. The successful formation of new hydrogen bonds between the film matrix and GO was confirmed through the use of Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The tensile strength, elastic modulus, and initial degradation temperature of the films increased, whereas the total soluble mass, water vapor permeability, oxygen permeability, and light transmittance decreased following GO or graphene incorporation. In summary, nanoblending is an effective method to promote the application of FK/PVA/Tris-based blend films in the packaging field.
Facile Synthesis of Cobalt-Doped Porous Composites with Amorphous Carbon/Zn Shell for High-Performance Microwave Absorption
Authors: Wu Qilei , Jin Huihui , Zhang Bin , Huo Siqi , Yang Shuang , Su Xiaogang , Wang Jun
Published: February 2020

A facile method for the preparation of microwave absorbers with low density, high microwave absorptivity, and broad band is of paramount importance to the progress in practical application. Herein, commonly-used metal organic frameworks (MOFs) prepared just by mechanical stirring in methanol at room temperature were chosen as sacrificial templates to synthesize porous carbon composites with tunable dielectric and magnetic properties. With the replacement of Co atoms on the surface of zeolitic imidazolate framework-67 (ZIF-67) by Zn atoms, a Co-doped porous carbon composite with a low-dielectric amorphous carbon/Zn shell was constructed after annealing, leading to excellent impedance matching condition. Consequently, the as-obtained composite (Co/C@C-800) shows marvelous microwave absorption properties with an absorption capacity of −43.97 dB and a corresponding effective absorption bandwidth of 4.1 GHz, far exceeding that of the traditional porous carbon and composites directly derived from ZIF-67. The results provide a convenient way to modify MOFs for enhanced microwave absorption materials from the synergy of dielectric and magnetic losses.
Enhanced Magnetic Behavior of Cobalt Nano-Rods Elaborated by the Polyol Process Assisted with an External Magnetic Field
Authors: Bousnina Mohamed Ali , Dakhlaoui-Omrani Amel , Schoenstein Frédéric , Soumare Yaghoub , Barry Aliou Hamady , Piquemal Jean-Yves , Viau Guillaume , Mercone Silvana , Jouini Noureddine
Published: February 2020

Cobalt nano-rods with the hexagonal close-packed (hcp) structure were prepared by reduction of the long-chain carboxylate Co (II) precursor in polyol. The application of an external magnetic field (µ0H = 1.25 T) during the nucleation and growth steps resulted in a noticeable modification of the mean aspect ratio (length/diameter) of the particles. The particle morphology was also modified as the nano-rods did not exhibit conical heads at their extremities anymore, which are observed for particles prepared without application of an external magnetic field. Besides, the stacking faults density along the c axis of the hcp structure in the cobalt nano-rods has been found to decrease with the increase in the applied magnetic field. The coercive field of randomly oriented nano-rods increased with the aspect ratio, showing the highest value (i.e., 5.8 kOe at 300 K) for the cobalt nano-rods obtained under the highest applied magnetic field. For partially oriented Co nano-rods in toluene solution, the magnetic properties were significantly enhanced with a coercive field of 7.2 kOe at 140 K, while the magnetization saturation reached 92% of the bulk. The MR/MS value was about 0.8, indicating a good orientation of the anisotropic particles relative to each other, making them suitable for the preparation of permanent magnets via a bottom-up approach.
Comparative Adsorptive Removal of Phosphate and Nitrate from Wastewater Using Biochar-MgAl LDH Nanocomposites: Coexisting Anions Effect and Mechanistic Studies
Authors: Alagha Omar , Manzar Mohammad Saood , Zubair Mukarram , Anil Ismail , Mu’azu Nuhu Dalhat , Qureshi Aleem
Published: February 2020

In this study, date-palm biochar MgAl-augmented double-layered hydroxide (biochar–MgAl–LDH) nanocomposite was synthesized, characterized, and used for enhancing the removal of phosphate and nitrate pollutants from wastewater. The biochar–MgAl–LDH had higher selectivity and adsorption affinity towards phosphate compared to nitrate. The adsorption kinetics of both anions were better explained by the pseudo-first-order model with a faster removal rate to attain equilibrium in a shorter time, especially at lower initial phosphate-nitrate concentration. The maximum monolayer adsorption capacities of phosphate and nitrate by the non-linear Langmuir model were 177.97 mg/g and 28.06 mg/g, respectively. The coexistence of anions (Cl−, SO42−, NO3−, CO32− and HCO3−) negligibly affected the removal of phosphate due to its stronger bond on the nano-composites, while the presence of Cl− and PO43− reduced the nitrate removal attributed to the ions’ participation in the active adsorption sites on the surface of biochar–MgAl–LDH. The excellent adsorptive performance is the main synergetic influence of the MgAl–LDH incorporation into the biochar. The regeneration tests confirmed that the biochar–MgAl composite can be restored effortlessly and has the prospective to be reused after several subsequent adsorption-desorption cycles. The biochar-LDH further demonstrated capabilities for higher removal of phosphate and nitrate from real wastewater.
MOS Capacitance Measurements for PEALD TiO2 Dielectric Films Grown under Different Conditions and the Impact of Al2O3 Partial-Monolayer Insertion
Authors: Chiappim William , Watanabe Marcos , Dias Vanessa , Testoni Giorgio , Rangel Ricardo , Fraga Mariana , Maciel Homero , dos Santos Filho Sebastião , Pessoa Rodrigo
Published: February 2020

In this paper, we report the plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD) of TiO2 and TiO2/Al2O3 nanolaminate films on p-Si(100) to fabricate metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) capacitors. In the PEALD process, we used titanium tetraisopropoxide (TTIP) as a titanium precursor, trimethyl aluminum (TMA) as an aluminum precursor and O2 plasma as an oxidant, keeping the process temperature at 250 °C. The effects of PEALD process parameters, such as RF power, substrate exposure mode (direct or remote plasma exposure) and Al2O3 partial-monolayer insertion (generating a nanolaminate structure) on the physical and chemical properties of the TiO2 films were investigated by Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy (RBS), Raman spectroscopy, grazing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXRD), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) techniques. The MOS capacitor structures were fabricated by evaporation of Al gates through mechanical mask on PEALD TiO2 thin film, followed by evaporation of an Al layer on the back side of the Si substrate. The capacitors were characterized by current density-voltage (J-V), capacitance-voltage (C-V) and conductance-voltage (G-V) measurements. Our results indicate that RF power and exposure mode promoted significant modifications on the characteristics of the PEALD TiO2 films, while the insertion of Al2O3 partial monolayers allows the synthesis of TiO2/Al2O3 nanolaminate with well-spaced crystalline TiO2 grains in an amorphous structure. The electrical characterization of the MOS structures evidenced a significant leakage current in the accumulation region in the PEALD TiO2 films, which could be reduced by the addition of partial-monolayers of Al2O3 in the bulk of TiO2 films or by reducing RF power.
Hierarchically Porous Carbon Derived from Biomass Reed Flowers as Highly Stable Li-Ion Battery Anode
Authors: Zhao Weimin , Wen Jingjing , Zhao Yanming , Wang Zhifeng , Shi Yaru , Zhao Yan
Published: February 2020

As lithium-ion battery (LIB) anode materials, porous carbons with high specific surface area are highly required because they can well accommodate huge volume expansion/contraction during cycling. In this work, hierarchically porous carbon (HPC) with high specific surface area (~1714.83 m2 g−1) is synthesized from biomass reed flowers. The material presents good cycling stability as an LIB anode, delivering an excellent reversible capacity of 581.2 mAh g−1 after cycling for 100 cycles at a current density of 100 mA g−1, and still remains a reversible capacity of 298.5 mAh g−1 after cycling for 1000 cycles even at 1000 mA g−1. The good electrochemical performance can be ascribed to the high specific surface area of the HPC network, which provides rich and fast paths for electron and ion transfer and provides large contact area and mutual interactions between the electrolyte and active materials. The work proposes a new route for the preparation of low cost carbon-based anodes and may promote the development of other porous carbon materials derived from various biomass carbon sources.
Exposure of Smaller and Oxidized Graphene on Polyurethane Surface Improves its Antimicrobial Performance
Authors: Borges Inês , Henriques Patrícia C. , Gomes Rita N. , Pinto Artur M. , Pestana Manuel , Magalhães Fernão D. , Gonçalves Inês C.
Published: February 2020

Catheter-related infections are a common worldwide health problem, highlighting the need for antimicrobial catheters. Here, antibacterial potential of graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) incorporated in the commonly used polymer for catheter manufacture—polyurethane (PU)—is investigated. Two strategies are explored: melt-blending, producing a composite, and dip coating, where a composite layer is deposited on top of PU. GNP with different lateral sizes and oxidation degrees—GNP-M5, GNP-M15, GNP-M5ox, GNP-M15ox—are applied in both strategies, and the antimicrobial potential towards Staphylococcus epidermidis of GNP dispersions and GNP-containing PU evaluated. As dispersions, oxidized and smaller GNP powders (GNP-M5ox) inhibit 74% bacteria growth at 128 µg/mL. As surfaces, GNP exposure strongly impacts their antimicrobial profile: GNP absence at the surface of composites yields no significant effects on bacteria, while by varying GNP: PU ratio and GNP concentration, coatings enhance GNP exposure, depicting an antimicrobial profile. Oxidized GNP-containing coatings induce higher antibacterial effect than non-oxidized forms, particularly with smaller GNPox, where a homogeneous layer of fused platelets is formed on PU, leading to 70% reduction in bacterial adhesion and 70% bacterial death. This pioneering work unravels how to turn a polymer clinically used to produce catheters into an antimicrobial surface, crucial to reducing risk of infection associated with catheterization.
Effective Photoluminescence Imaging of Bubbles in hBN-Encapsulated WSe2 Monolayer
Authors: Lee Seong-Yeon , Jeong Tae-Young , Ahn Seonghun , Jung Suyong , Cho Yong-Hoon , Yee Ki-Ju
Published: February 2020

Interfacial bubbles are unintentionally created during the transfer of atomically thin 2D layers, a required process in the fabrication of van der Waals heterostructures. By encapsulating a WSe2 monolayer in hBN, we study the differing photoluminescence (PL) properties of the structure resulting from bubble formation. Based on the differentiated absorption probabilities at the bubbles compared to the pristine areas, we demonstrate that the visibility of the bubbles in PL mapping is enhanced when the photoexcitation wavelength lies between the n = 1 and n = 2 resonances of the A-exciton. An appropriate choice of detection window, which includes localized exciton emission but excludes free exciton emission, further improves bubble imaging capability. The interfacial position dependence of the bubbles, whether they are located above or below the WSe2 monolayer, gives rise to measurable consequences in the PL shape.
Performance of a Low Energy Ion Source with Carbon Nanotube Electron Emitters under the Influence of Various Operating Gases
Authors: Zhang Huzhong , Li Detian , Wurz Peter , Etter Adrian , Cheng Yongjun , Dong Changkun , Huang Weijun
Published: February 2020

Low energy ion measurements in the vicinity of a comet have provided us with important information about the planet’s evolution. The calibration of instruments for thermal ions in the laboratory plays a crucial role when analysing data from in-situ measurements in space. A new low energy ion source based on carbon nanotube electron emitters was developed for calibrating the ion-mode of mass spectrometers or other ion detectors. The electron field emission (FE) properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) for H2, He, Ar, O2, and CO2 gases were tested in the experiments. H2, He, Ar, and CO2 adsorbates could change the FE temporarily at pressures from10−6 Pa to10−4 Pa. The FE of CNT remains stable in Ar and increases in H2, but degrades in He, O2, and CO2. All gas adsorbates lead to temporary degradation after working for prolonged periods. The ion current of the ion source is measured by using a Faraday cup and the sensitivity is derived from this measurement. The ion currents for the different gases were around 10 pA (corresponding to 200 ions/cm3 s) and an energy of ~28 eV could be observed.
Flexible Free-Standing CuxO/Ag2O (x = 1, 2) Nanowires Integrated with Nanoporous Cu-Ag Network Composite for Glucose Sensing
Authors: Zhang Qian , Li Man , Qin Chunling , Wang Zhifeng , Zhao Weimin , Li Yongyan
Published: February 2020

To improve glucose electrocatalytic performance, one efficient manner is to develop a novel Cu-Ag bimetallic composite with fertile porosity and unique architecture. Herein, the self-supported electrode with CuxO/Ag2O (x = 1, 2) nanowires grown in-situ on a nanoporous Cu-Ag network (CuxO/Ag2O@NP-CuAg) has been successfully designed by a facile two-step approach. The integrated hierarchical porous structure, the tip-converged CuxO/Ag2O nanowires combined with the interconnected porous conductive substrate, are favorable to provide more reactive sites and improve ions or electrons transportation. Compared with monometallic Cu2O nanowires integrated with nanoporous Cu matrix (Cu2O@NP-Cu), the bimetallic CuxO/Ag2O@NP-CuAg composites exhibit the enhanced electrocatalytic performance for glucose. Moreover, the higher sensitivity of ~1.49 mA mM−1 cm−2 in conjunction with a wider linear range of 17 mM for the CuxO/Ag2O@NP-CuAg electrode anodized for 10 min are attributed to the synergistic effect of porous structure and bimetallic CuxO/Ag2O nanowires. Particularly, the integrated CuxO/Ag2O@NP-CuAg composites possess good flexibility, which has been reported for the first time. Accordingly, the CuxO/Ag2O@NP-CuAg with excellent glucose electrocatalytic performance and good flexibility is promising to further develop as a candidate electrode material of glucose sensors.
Narrative Review: Nutrient Deficiencies in Adults and Children with Treated and Untreated Celiac Disease
Authors: Kreutz Johanna M. , Adriaanse Marlou P. M. , van der Ploeg Elisabeth M. C. , Vreugdenhil Anita C. E.
Published: February 2020

Nutrient deficiencies are well recognized as secondary consequences of celiac disease (CD) and closely related to the clinical presentation of affected patients. Despite their clinical significance, consensus is lacking on the pattern and frequency of nutrient deficiencies in CD, the usefulness of their assessment at the time of diagnosis and during follow-up. This review aims to provide an overview of nutrient deficiencies among pediatric and adult CD patients at diagnosis and on a gluten-free diet (GFD), and their potential causes in CD. Secondly, we review their impact on CD management strategies including the potential of nutrient supplementation. A search of Medline, Pubmed and Embase until January 2019 was performed. Despite a high variability between the reported deficiencies, we noted that nutrient deficiencies occur frequently in children and adults with CD at diagnosis and during treatment with a GFD. Both inadequate dietary intake and/or diminished uptake due to intestinal dysfunction contribute to nutrient deficiencies. Most deficiencies can be restored with (long-term) treatment with a GFD and/or supplementation. However, some of them persist while others may become even more prominent during GFD. Our results indicate a lack of comprehensive evidence on the clinical efficacy of nutrient supplementation in CD management highlighting the need for further studies.
Nutrition in Necrotizing Enterocolitis and Following Intestinal Resection
Authors: Ou Jocelyn , Courtney Cathleen M. , Steinberger Allie E. , Tecos Maria E. , Warner Brad W.
Published: February 2020

This review aims to discuss the role of nutrition and feeding practices in necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), NEC prevention, and its complications, including surgical treatment. A thorough PubMed search was performed with a focus on meta-analyses and randomized controlled trials when available. There are several variables in nutrition and the feeding of preterm infants with the intention of preventing necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Starting feeds later rather than earlier, advancing feeds slowly and continuous feeds have not been shown to prevent NEC and breast milk remains the only effective prevention strategy. The lack of medical treatment options for NEC often leads to disease progression requiring surgical resection. Following resection, intestinal adaptation occurs, during which villi lengthen and crypts deepen to increase the functional capacity of remaining bowel. The effect of macronutrients on intestinal adaptation has been extensively studied in animal models. Clinically, the length and portion of intestine that is resected may lead to patients requiring parenteral nutrition, which is also reviewed here. There remain significant gaps in knowledge surrounding many of the nutritional aspects of NEC and more research is needed to determine optimal feeding approaches to prevent NEC, particularly in infants younger than 28 weeks and <1000 grams. Additional research is also needed to identify biomarkers reflecting intestinal recovery following NEC diagnosis individualize when feedings should be safely resumed for each patient.
Ecology and Infection Dynamics of Multi-Host Amdoparvoviral and Protoparvoviral Carnivore Pathogens
Authors: Canuti Marta , Todd Melissa , Monteiro Paige , Van Osch Kalia , Weir Richard , Schwantje Helen , Britton Ann P. , Lang Andrew S.
Published: February 2020

Amdoparvovirus and Protoparvovirus are monophyletic viral genera that infect carnivores. We performed surveillance for and sequence analyses of parvoviruses in mustelids in insular British Columbia to investigate parvoviral maintenance and cross-species transmission among wildlife. Overall, 19.1% (49/256) of the tested animals were parvovirus-positive. Aleutian mink disease virus (AMDV) was more prevalent in mink (41.6%, 32/77) than martens (3.1%, 4/130), feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) was more prevalent in otters (27.3%, 6/22) than mink (5.2%, 4/77) or martens (2.3%, 3/130), and canine parvovirus 2 (CPV-2) was found in one mink, one otter, and zero ermines (N = 27). Viruses were endemic and bottleneck events, founder effects, and genetic drift generated regional lineages. We identified two local closely related AMDV lineages, one CPV-2 lineage, and five FPV lineages. Highly similar viruses were identified in different hosts, demonstrating cross-species transmission. The likelihood for cross-species transmission differed among viruses and some species likely represented dead-end spillover hosts. We suggest that there are principal maintenance hosts (otters for FPV, raccoons for CPV-2/FPV, mink for AMDV) that enable viral persistence and serve as sources for other susceptible species. In this multi-host system, viral and host factors affect viral persistence and distribution, shaping parvoviral ecology and evolution, with implications for insular carnivore conservation.
Identification of a Neisseria gonorrhoeae Histone Deacetylase: Epigenetic Impact on Host Gene Expression
Authors: Zughaier Susu M. , Rouquette-Loughlin Corinne E. , Shafer William M.
Published: February 2020

Epigenetic reprogramming in macrophages is termed trained innate immunity, which regulates immune tolerance and limits tissue damage during infection. Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a strict human pathogen that causes the sexually transmitted infection termed gonorrhea. Here, we report that this pathogen harbors a gene that encodes a histone deacetylase-like enzyme (Gc-HDAC) that shares high 3D-homology to human HDAC1, HDAC2 and HDAC8. A Gc-HDAC null mutant was constructed to determine the biologic significance of this gene. The results showed that WT gonococci reduced the expression of host defense peptides LL-37, HBD-1 and SLPI in macrophages when compared to its Gc-HDAC-deficient isogenic strain. The enrichment of epigenetic marks in histone tails control gene expression and are known to change during bacterial infections. To investigate whether gonococci exert epigenetic modifications on host chromatin, the enrichment of acetylated lysine 9 in histone 3 (H3K9ac) was investigated using the TLR-focused ChIP array system. The data showed that infection with WT gonococci led to higher H3K9ac enrichment at the promoters of pro-inflammatory mediators’ genes, many TLRs, adaptor proteins and transcription factors, suggesting gene activation when compared to infection with the Gc-HDAC-deficient mutant. Taken together, the data suggest that gonococci can exert epigenetic modifications on host cells to modulate certain macrophage defense genes, leading to a maladaptive state of trained immunity.
To What Extent Should We Rely on Antibiotics to Reduce High Gonococcal Prevalence? Historical Insights from Mass-Meningococcal Campaigns
Authors: Kenyon Chris
Published: February 2020

In the absence of a vaccine, current antibiotic-dependent efforts to reduce the prevalence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in high prevalence populations have been shown to result in extremely high levels of antibiotic consumption. No randomized controlled trials have been conducted to validate this strategy and an important concern of this approach is that it may induce antimicrobial resistance. To contribute to this debate, we assessed if mass treatment in the related species, Neisseria meningitidis, was associated with the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. To this end, we conducted a historical review of the effect of mass meningococcal treatment programmes on the prevalence of N. meningitidis and the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. We found evidence that mass treatment programmes were associated with the emergence of antimicrobial resistance.
The True Jesus Church and the Bible in Republican China
Authors: Zhao Pan
Published: February 2020

During China’s Republican Era (1912–1949), the True Jesus Church, comprising one of the largest indigenous Pentecostal/charismatic churches in China, created a whole set of exclusive salvation doctrines based on its unique biblical interpretation. This paper attempts to illustrate the role that the Bible played in the development of the True Jesus Church (TJC for short) and how its biblical interpretations functioned in the shaping of its exclusive identity based on certain aspects of its charismatic experiences and unique doctrinal system. The founding of the TJC relied upon charismatic experiences, which were regarded as the work of the Holy Spirit to prove the authority of the Church. Doctrinally, the approaches to biblical interpretation employed by TJC leaders were another source of the church’s unique identity: The exclusive status the church assigned to itself was evident in its distinct interpretive approaches, as well as in its innovative rituals, especially facedown immersion baptism. Along with various influences of the Pentecostal tradition and the Chinese social context, these hermeneutics were an important reason for the TJC’s development as an independent denomination in the Republican era.
Introduction: God out of Mind
Authors: Fehige Yiftach
Published: February 2020

This Special Issue of Religions is about the encounter between thought experiments and theology [...]
Hunting Molecules in Complex Matrices with SPME Arrows: A Review
Authors: Herrington Jason S. , Gómez-Ríos German A. , Myers Colton , Stidsen Gary , Bell David S.
Published: February 2020

Thirty years since the invention and public disclosure of solid phase microextraction (SPME), the technology continues evolving and inspiring several other green extraction technologies amenable for the collection of small molecules present in complex matrices. In this manuscript, we review the fundamental and operational aspects of a novel SPME geometry that can be used to “hunt” target molecules in complex matrices: the SPME Arrow. In addition, a series of applications in environmental, food, cannabis and forensic analysis are succinctly covered. Finally, special emphasis is placed on novel interfaces to analytical instrumentation, as well as recent developments in coating materials for the SPME Arrow.
Management Students Values Depending on Religion—Comparative Research from Poland
Authors: Mazur Barbara , Sułkowski Łukasz
Published: February 2020

Research on religion and its influence on work values is not frequent in Europe, where researchers do not usually consider this relation because of historical reasons. Nonetheless, the number of publications concerning religion’s contribution to organization management is systematically increasing. This study sheds light on the way Christian religions (Orthodox and Catholic) can shape value preferences of their believers as well as those who do not practice any religion but their families do. The study used a self-constructed value scale, which is a modification of M. Rokeach’s questionnaire survey. It differs from Rokeach’s Value Scale in respect to the quantity and quality of the proposed values and the assumption regarding the value hierarchy. A statistical analysis was carried out, enabling the indication of differences between the preference rates of 20 terminal and 20 instrumental values, depending on the denomination of the respondent and their family. Results of the study suggest that both religions influence the values preferences of their believers as well as non-believers coming from Catholic or Orthodox families. This impact was confirmed in the study both in relation to believers (through family) and non-believers (through family or social environment). Religion, therefore, proves to be an influential source of values preferences, which can be impactful also in the corporate surrounding.
Acute (-)-Epicatechin Consumption: Effects on Local Vasodilation Following Resistance Exercise and High-Intensity Exercise Performance
Authors: Schwarz Neil A. , Theodore Andrew P. , Funderburg Brandon R. , Waldhelm Andy , McKinley-Barnard Sarah K. , Hudson Geoffrey M.
Published: February 2020

(-)-Epicatechin is a polyphenol previously shown to enhance vascular health. The purposes of the current studies were to determine the effect of acute (-)-epicatechin supplementation on local vasodilation in conjunction with resistance exercise (study 1) and on high-intensity exercise performance (study 2). For study 1, 11 men participated in two resistance exercise sessions, where they performed three sets of barbell curls while consuming 200 mg of 98% pure (-)-epicatechin or placebo. Measurements of total serum nitrate/nitrite and brachial artery diameter were acquired at baseline (pre-supplement), 90 min after supplement consumption (post-supplement), immediately post-exercise (post-exercise), and 30 min post-exercise (30 min post-exercise). For serum nitric oxide metabolites, no significant interaction between supplement and time nor significant main effect of time was observed (p = 0.38 and p = 0.20; respectively). For brachial artery diameter, no significant interaction between supplement and time was observed (p = 0.24). A significant main effect of time was observed for brachial artery diameter (p < 0.01) with post-exercise brachial artery diameter significantly greater diameter than all other time points (all p < 0.01). For study 2, six women and five men completed the 15.5 CrossFit® Open Workout three times. A familiarization session was performed first where the workout was performed without the consumption of a supplement. In a randomized, balanced fashion, 100 mg of 98% pure (-)-epicatechin or cellulose (placebo) was consumed two times per day for two days before testing sessions two and three. On the day of testing sessions two and three, 60 to 90 min before completing the workout, 200 mg of the assigned supplement was ingested with water. No significant difference was observed for time to complete the workout between testing sessions (p = 0.49). In conclusion, under the conditions of the current studies, acute (-)-epicatechin supplementation did not augment vasodilation in combination with resistance exercise, nor did it increase exercise performance in humans.
Validating Physiological and Biomechanical Parameters during Intermittent Swimming at Speed Corresponding to Lactate Concentration of 4 mmol·L−1
Authors: Arsoniadis Gavriil G. , Nikitakis Ioannis S. , Botonis Petros G. , Malliaros Ioannis , Toubekis Argyris G.
Published: February 2020

Background: Physiological and biomechanical parameters obtained during testing need validation in a training setting. The purpose of this study was to compare parameters calculated by a 5 × 200-m test with those measured during an intermittent swimming training set performed at constant speed corresponding to blood lactate concentration of 4 mmol∙L−1 (V4). Methods: Twelve competitive swimmers performed a 5 × 200-m progressively increasing speed front crawl test. Blood lactate concentration (BL) was measured after each 200 m and V4 was calculated by interpolation. Heart rate (HR), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), stroke rate (SR) and stroke length (SL) were determined during each 200 m. Subsequently, BL, HR, SR and SL corresponding to V4 were calculated. A week later, swimmers performed a 5 × 400-m training set at constant speed corresponding to V4 and BL-5×400, HR-5×400, RPE-5×400, SR-5×400, SL-5×400 were measured. Results: BL-5×400 and RPE-5×400 were similar (p > 0.05), while HR-5×400 and SR-5×400 were increased and SL-5×400 was decreased compared to values calculated by the 5 × 200-m test (p < 0.05). Conclusion: An intermittent progressively increasing speed swimming test provides physiological information with large interindividual variability. It seems that swimmers adjust their biomechanical parameters to maintain constant speed in an aerobic endurance training set of 5 × 400-m at intensity corresponding to 4 mmol∙L−1.
Squeezing of Primordial Gravitational Waves as Quantum Discord
Authors: Matsumura Akira , Nambu Yasusada
Published: February 2020

We investigate the squeezing of primordial gravitational waves (PGWs) in terms of quantum discord. We construct a classical state of PGWs without quantum discord and compare it with the Bunch–Davies vacuum. Then it is shown that the oscillatory behavior of the angular-power spectrum of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) fluctuations induced by PGWs can be the signature of the quantum discord of PGWs. In addition, we discuss the effect of quantum decoherence on the entanglement and the quantum discord of PGWs for super-horizon modes. For the state of PGWs with decoherence effect, we examine the decoherence condition and the correlation condition introduced by C. Kiefer et al. (Class. Quantum Grav. 24 (2007) 1699). We show that the decoherence condition is not sufficient for the separability of PGWs and the correlation condition implies that the PGWs in the matter-dominated era have quantum discord.
Schirmer Tear Test Value and Corneal Lesions’ Incidence during General Anesthesia for Non-Ophthalmic Surgery in Non-Brachycephalic Dogs: A Pilot Study Comparing Three Different Lubricant Eye Drop Formulations
Authors: Di Palma Cristina , Micieli Fabiana , Lamagna Barbara , Nieddu Annalisa , Uccello Valeria , Fatone Gerardo , Vesce Giancarlo
Published: February 2020

Aim of this blinded, prospective, randomized clinical study was to compare three different lubricant eye drops (LED) in healthy adult dogs undergoing general anaesthesia (GA) for non-ophthalmic surgery. Tear production rate was monitored by means of Schirmer tear test-1 (STT-1), and incidence of post-operative corneal abrasions/ulcerations was detected by corneal staining. A complete ophthalmic examination was performed before premedication, at extubation time and 24 h after GA in twenty-five non-brachycephalic dogs (fifty eyes) undergoing elective orthopaedic or spinal surgery procedures. Dogs were randomly allocated to one of three groups receiving as prophylactic LED either carmellose sodium (GC), or 1% hyaluronic acid (GH), or 0.25% hyaluronic acid (GL). In each eye STT-1 was repeated every hour during GA, before instilling one drop of the assigned LED. In all groups STT-1 values drastically decreased during GA, while 24 h later nine eyes (18%) had STT-1 values lower than 15 mm/minute. All of the three formulations tested were fully effective in preventing corneal ulceration (0% in all groups), while 10% of eyes reported superficial de-epithelialization. Fluorescein staining demonstrated that hourly prophylactic LED application prevented exposure keratopathy during general anesthesia in 90% of the eyes in non-brachycephalic dogs.
SISTEM INFORMASI GEOGRAFIS PEMETAAN FASILITAS UMUM DI KABUPATEN SUMEDANG BERBASIS WEB
Authors: Bachtiar Adam Mukharil
Published: February 2020

Bappeda adalah badan atau lembaga teknis yang mempunyai tugas pokok membantu bupati dalam penyelenggaraan pemerintahan daerah di bidang penelitian dan perencanaan pembangunan daerah termasuk di dalamnya pemetaan fasilitas umum. Pengelolaan data fasilitas umum di sana belum berbasis database sehingga pengelolaan data bersifat statis, kurang terpusat, dan data tersebar dalam dokumen-dokumen terpisah. Data fasilitas umum juga belum memiliki koordinat geografi sehingga lokasi-lokasinya tidak bisa diketahui dengan pasti. Akibatnya pemantauan dan perencanaan pembangunan tidak bisa dilakukan secara maksimal. Sistem informasi geografis menjadi solusi dalam permasalahan ini, karena sistem informasi geografis merupakan suatu sistem yang mengandung data atribut dan data spasial dalam basis datanya. Metode yang digunakan dalam proses pembangunan sistem informasi geografis pemetaan fasilitas umum di Kabupaten Sumedang ini mengadopsi model waterfall. Pendekatan analisis menggunakan metode analisis terstruktur. Bahasa pemrograman yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah PHP dengan database MySQL. Sedangkan untuk pemetaan fasilitas umum diimplementasikan dengan Google Maps. Berdasarkan hasil pengujian, dapat ditarik kesimpulan bahwa sistem ini dapat membantu pengelolaan data fasilitas umum dengan pengelolaan data berbasis database, mempermudah pemantauan fasilitas umum sehingga perawatannya bisa maksimal serta bisa menampilkan status dan memberikan rekomendasi pembangunan yang tepat.
ANALISA FAKTOR COMPATIBILITY TERHADAP IMPLEMENTASI E-VOTING
Authors: Abdilah Rahmad
Published: February 2020

sebuah peralihan proses pemilihan yang bersifat manual kepada bentuk yang terkomputerisasi. Berdasarkan penelitian yang dilakukan oleh rahmad, Compatibility memberikan pengaruh sebesar 80% terhadap minat seseorang dalam menggunakan e-voting (intention to use). Penelitian ini merupakan pengembangan dari penelitian rahmad, dengan melakukan analisa terhadap keterkaitan faktor compatibility dengan implementasi e-voting.Kaitan faktor compatibility terhadap implementasi e-voting dibagi menjadi tiga kelompok yaitu infrastructure & equipment, e-voting technology dan implementation.
SISTEM INFORMASI PENGOLAHAN DATA JAMINAN KESEHATAN DAERAH (JAMKESDA) BERBASIS WEB
Authors: Novita Rice , Fadila Nurul
Published: February 2020

Jaminan kesehatan daerah merupakan salah satu program pelayanan kesehatan yang dibuat oleh pemerintah daerah dalam rangka melayani kesehatan masyarakat. Adapun kendala yang dihadapi Dinas Kesehatan bagian Bidang Pelayanan Kesehatan yaitu Jamkesda yaitu proses penginputan data anggota dan proses pencarian data karna data anggota yang terlalu banyak akibatnya terjadi penggandaan data, rawannya terjadi kehilangan data dan penumpukan berkas-berkas jamkesda perkecamatan yang disimpan pada rak menyulitkan admin dalam proses pencarian data anggota menjadi lama dan hal ini tentu tidak efisien dan efektif dalam melayani masyarakat. Untuk mengurangi kendala tersebut maka diberilah sebuah solusi dengan menerapkan sistem informasi berbasis Web, yang bisa diakses melalui jarak yang jauh. Alat bantu yang digunakan dalam menganalisa dan merancang sistem ini yaitu dengan Object Oriented Analyst Design (OOAD). Dengan adanya perancangan sistem informasi pengolahan data jamkesda ini dapat memberikan gambaran terhadap sistem yang akan digunakan dalam proses penginputan data, penghapusan data, pengelolaan data, dan juga pada proses pencarian data anggota jamkesda menjadi lebih cepat dan akurat.
OPTIMASI FUNGSI KEANGGOTAAN FUZZY BERBASIS ALGORITMA MODIFIED PARTICLE SWARM OPTIMIZATION
Authors: Siringoringo Rimbun , Situmorang Zakarias
Published: February 2020

Pada penelitian ini optimasi berbasis algoritma Modified Particle Swarm Optimization (MPSO) diterapkan untuk mengoptimasi fungsi keanggotaan fuzzy. Terdapat dua metode MPSO yang diterapkan yaitu metode Linear Decreasing Inertia Weight (LDIW) dan Constriction Factor Method (FCM). Masing-masing metode tersebut diuji dengan 10 kali percobaan pada dua jenis jumlah particle yaitu 50 dan 20 particle. Dari hasil pengujian diperoleh bahwa pada jumlah particle yang sama, CFM memperoleh nilai global best fitness yang lebih optimal daripapa metode LDIW. Pengujian sebanyak 10 kali percobaan dan menerapkan 50 particle, pada percobaan pertama diperoleh nilai global best fitness yaitu 1,4; 1,4; 2,36 dan 3,28 untuk masing-masing variabel produktifitas, keterisolasian, hubungan sosial dan aksesibilitas. Pengujian sebanyak 10 kali percobaan dan menerapkan 20 particle diperoleh nilai global best fitness yaitu 2,34; 2,40; 2,37 dan 3,36 untuk masing-masing variabel. Di sisi lain metode CFM memperoleh hasil konvergensi yang lebih cepat dari pada metode LIDW. Pengujian pada 100 swarm metode LDIW menemukan global best fitness pada swarm 91, 84, 54 dan 38 untuk masing-masing variabel, sementara dengan metode CFM menemukan global best fitness pada swarm 81, 23, 34 dan 23.