bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Duchenne Smile is Associated with Quality of Life and Survival in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Aoun Mabel , Sleilaty Ghassan , Antoun Leony , Dib Racha , Chelala Dania
Published: April 2020

Objectives: Hemodialysis is the most used renal replacement modality for end-stage renal disease patients. Dialysis patients are usually assessed for quality of life (QoL) but smiling was never studied. Duchenne smile is a genuine expression of joy, associated with better survival
in some groups of the general population. In this study, we aimed to evaluate whether the smile of dialysis patients can predict their QoL and mortality. Methods: All hemodialysis patients in Saint-George Hospital were included in this prospective study. Patients were interviewed using
the Health-Related QoL questionnaire and followed for 10 days for smile screening. Those who smiled more than 34% of time were considered as smiling, then followed for death over 2 years. Results: Overall, 71 patients were studied. Duchenne smile was associated with death at 1 and 2
years (HR = 0.194 [95% CI 0.039-0.958], p = .044) but not with sex or diabetes. Smiling showed a statistically significant correlation with older age, fewer hospitalizations, vitality, physical component score, several QoL scores and general health. Conclusions: A simple observation
of patients' Duchenne smile by nephrologists in hemodialysis units can give an idea about their QoL and 2-year survival.
Multiple Health Behaviors across Age: Physical Activity and Internet Use
Authors: Gao Lingling , Gan Yiqun , Lippke Sonia
Published: April 2020

Objectives: We investigated whether social-cognitive variables predicted physical activity behavior and whether Internet use interrelated with the mediator, across age groups. Methods: Participants (N = 466) were recruited for an online survey and path analyses were run
to generate a proposed model examining late adolescents (Group 1, aged 17-20 years), young adults (Group 2, aged 21-40 years), and middle-aged adults (Group 3, aged 41-60 years). Results: Positive associations between physical activity variables were as expected: the relationships between
self-efficacy and intention, self-efficacy and behavior, planning and behavior were statistically significant in Groups 1 and 2. The relationships between intention and planning were statistically significant in Groups 2 and 3. All groups showed statistically significant relationships between
self-efficacy and planning. Positive associations between Internet use and physical activity emerged only in Group 1. Internet use was negatively correlated with physical activity planning only in Group 3. Conclusions: Late adolescents should be supported to enhance physical activity
planning, and middle-aged adults may benefit from support in reducing the possible conflicts between physical activity planning and time spent online. Furthermore, increasing self-efficacy for all groups is key to adopting and maintaining physical activity.
Latent Growth Model of Predictors of Health Status in Korean Older Adults
Authors: Ko Ki Sook , Lee Hee Yun , Won Cho Rong
Published: April 2020

Objectives: In this study, we investigated the health status trajectory of Korean older adults with chronic diseases and its relationship with relevant ecological level factors. Methods: We analyzed data from the 2013 to 2015 Korea Health Panel Survey using the latent
growth model. Results: Results showed that Korean older adults' health status decreased over time. Relevant ecological level factors affecting older adults' health status directly or indirectly included alcohol problems, caregiver burden, and healthcare cost burdens. The higher the
initial health status was found to be, the higher the initial alcohol problem and initial caregiver burden. The higher the initial caregiver burden was found to be, the higher the initial alcohol problem and initial healthcare cost burden. Conclusions: To improve the health status of
older adults with chronic diseases, interventions and health policies to reduce alcohol problem, caregiver burden, and healthcare cost burden should be developed and implemented.
Experiences of African American Women with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Stuifbergen Alexa , Becker Heather , Phillips Carolyn , Horton Shalonda , Morrison Janet , Perez Francisco
Published: April 2020

Background:

Despite growing understanding that African American patients may have a more aggressive course of multiple sclerosis (MS) and experience disparities in diagnosis and treatment, fewer studies have examined how African Americans experience MS and its effect on their lives. This study explored the experiences of African American women with MS to inform future research and practice.

Methods:

Face-to-face semistructured interviews were conducted with 19 African American women. Inductive content analysis was used to identify major categories and subcategories.

Results:

The analyses yielded three major categories: no one could believe I had MS, it is tough living with MS, and you have to keep going. Many women reported that the MS diagnosis was a surprise to them and their doctors because of the common belief that MS is a “Caucasian disease.” For this reason, many women felt their diagnosis had been delayed while their physicians initially focused on other diseases considered more typical in African American individuals. Living with losses related to social and family activities, independence, and employment was especially challenging for them. Faith in God, coming to grips with the diagnosis, and health promotion behaviors were key strategies for dealing with their MS. Women also spoke of pushing forward, working through MS challenges, and taking care of themselves, thus preserving their identity as strong Black women, a culturally important construct in the African American community.

Conclusions:

Future research should explore the interactions of culture with coping strategies and the development of useful and valued resources and supports for African American people with MS.
Telomere dysfunction cooperates with epigenetic alterations to impair murine embryonic stem cell fate commitment
Authors: Criqui Mélanie , Qamra Aditi , Chu Tsz Wai , Sharma Monika , Tsao Julissa , Henry Danielle A , Barsyte-Lovejoy Dalia , Arrowsmith Cheryl H , Winegarden Neil , Lupien Mathieu , Harrington Lea
Published: April 2020

The precise relationship between epigenetic alterations and telomere dysfunction is still an extant question. Previously, we showed that eroded telomeres lead to differentiation instability in murine embryonic stem cells (mESCs) via DNA hypomethylation at pluripotency-factor promoters. Here, we uncovered that telomerase reverse transcriptase null (Tert-/-) mESCs exhibit genome-wide alterations in chromatin accessibility and gene expression during differentiation. These changes were accompanied by an increase of H3K27me3 globally, an altered chromatin landscape at the Pou5f1/Oct4 promoter, and a refractory response to differentiation cues. Inhibition of the Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2), an H3K27 tri-methyltransferase, exacerbated the impairment in differentiation and pluripotency gene repression in Tert-/- mESCs but not wild-type mESCs, whereas inhibition of H3K27me3 demethylation led to a partial rescue of the Tert-/- phenotype. These data reveal a new interdependent relationship between H3K27me3 and telomere integrity in stem cell lineage commitment that may have implications in aging and cancer.
Charting the native architecture of Chlamydomonas thylakoid membranes with single-molecule precision
Authors: Wietrzynski Wojciech , Schaffer Miroslava , Tegunov Dimitry , Albert Sahradha , Kanazawa Atsuko , Plitzko Jürgen M , Baumeister Wolfgang , Engel Benjamin D
Published: April 2020

Thylakoid membranes scaffold an assortment of large protein complexes that work together to harness the energy of light. It has been a longstanding challenge to visualize how the intricate thylakoid network organizes these protein complexes to finely tune the photosynthetic reactions. Previously, we used in situ cryo-electron tomography to reveal the native architecture of thylakoid membranes (Engel et al., 2015). Here, we leverage technical advances to resolve the individual protein complexes within these membranes. Combined with a new method to visualize membrane surface topology, we map the molecular landscapes of thylakoid membranes inside green algae cells. Our tomograms provide insights into the molecular forces that drive thylakoid stacking and reveal that photosystems I and II are strictly segregated at the borders between appressed and non-appressed membrane domains. This new approach to charting thylakoid topology lays the foundation for dissecting photosynthetic regulation at the level of single protein complexes within the cell.
Limited dishevelled/Axin oligomerization determines efficiency of Wnt/β-catenin signal transduction
Authors: Kan Wei , Enos Michael D , Korkmazhan Elgin , Muennich Stefan , Chen Dong-Hua , Gammons Melissa V , Vasishtha Mansi , Bienz Mariann , Dunn Alexander R , Skiniotis Georgios , Weis William I
Published: April 2020

In Wnt/β-catenin signaling, the transcriptional coactivator β-catenin is regulated by its phosphorylation in a complex that includes the scaffold protein Axin and associated kinases. Wnt binding to its coreceptors activates the cytosolic effector Dishevelled (Dvl), leading to the recruitment of Axin and the inhibition of β-catenin phosphorylation. This process requires interaction of homologous DIX domains present in Dvl and Axin, but is mechanistically undefined. We show that Dvl DIX forms antiparallel, double-stranded oligomers in vitro, and that Dvl in cells forms oligomers typically <10 molecules at endogenous expression levels. Axin DIX (DAX) forms small single-stranded oligomers, but its self-association is stronger than that of DIX. DAX caps the ends of DIX oligomers, such that a DIX oligomer has at most four DAX binding sites. The relative affinities and stoichiometry of the DIX-DAX interaction provide a mechanism for efficient inhibition of β-catenin phosphorylation upon Axin recruitment to the Wnt receptor complex.
Knowledge towards Prevention and Management of Dengue: A Cross-sectional Study among Dental, Medical and Pharmacy Students in a Private University, Malaysia
Authors: Ali Abdul Nazer , Asokan Pushpaa , Hui Chew Jia , Ying Chuah Hui , Ahmed Nazer Zulfikar
Published: April 2020

Aim: The aim and objectives of the study were: 1) To assess the knowledge regarding dengue viral infection among undergraduate healthcare professional (HCP) students. 2) To investigate the association of socio-demographic factors towards dengue knowledge among the study participants. 3) To compare the dengue knowledge among the three HCP (Dental, Medical and Pharmacy) students.

Study Design: A cross sectional study design was used in the study.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in AIMST University campus, Kedah state, Malaysia between January, 2017 and June, 2017.

Methods: The study was conducted among HCP students using pre-validated questionnaire with knowledge as a single dependent variable. The questionnaire was distributed in class room setting after obtaining informed consent forms signed by participants. The summary statistics for categorical variables was used with chi-square test to see if there was any association between the variables. Inferential statistics was done using Spearmans correlation.

Results: Among the 636 participants, an overall good knowledge (≈90%) was observed regarding the cause, breeding sites and common clinical symptoms of dengue fever. However, poor knowledge was observed regarding the time of dengue mosquitoes bite (51%, P = .58) and transmission through blood transfusion (59%, P <.001). Very poor knowledge was observed regarding transmission through person to person contact (25%, P <.001). The median knowledge score was 12(3) ranging from 0 to 15. There was a statistically significant differences (P < .001) in response to 14/15 knowledge based items. Further, a statistically significant association between dengue knowledge score was observed among field of study (P < .05) and year of study (P < .006) variables. The Spearman's correlation test showed a weak positive correlation [rs(2) = 8.6, P < .01] and [rs(10) = 108, P < .001] between year of study and age categories for dengue knowledge scores.

Conclusion: Overall, the HCP students in AIMST University showed good knowledge score towards dengue however, educational intervention programmes can further enrich their knowledge in the prevention, treatment and management of this deadly disease.
The Effect of Two Concentrations and Three Applications of Nitrobenzene on Growth and Yield of Bottle Gourd (Lagenaria siceraria L.)
Authors: Samad Md. Abdus , Mostarin Tahmina , Khatun Khaleda , Haq Md. Ehsanul , Akter Mousumi , Rima Sharmin Sultana , Fatima Kanij , Juthi Jenifar Islam
Published: April 2020

The experiment was conducted in the Horticultural Farm of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh with aim to assess the influence of two concentrations and three applications of nitrobenzene in relation to control (C0) without nitrobenzene on the growth and yield of bottle gourd. Two concentrations of nitrobenzene applied were: @ 2 ml/L referred as C1 and 3 ml/L referred as C2 in relation to a control (C0) with water instead of nitrobenzene. Further, the above treatments were applied number of times, e.g. One spray (N1), Two spray (N2) and Three spray (N3). In case of different number of concentrations of nitrobenzene the maximum number of male flower (51.06), the maximum number of female flower (40.18), the highest number of fruit harvested per plant (10.95), the highest yield (55.69 t/ha) was found from C1 treatment, whereas the lowest from C0 treatment. For the number of sprays the highest number of flowers (male 49.02 and female 38.05), the maximum number of fruit per plant (10.32), the highest yield (52.94 t/ha) was recorded from N3 treatment, while the minimum from N1 treatment. Due to combined effect, the maximum number of flower (male 57.78 and female 47.12), the maximum number of fruit harvested per plant (12.55), the highest yield (63.38 t/ha) with net income (Tk. 587384.7) and BCR (2.23) was observed from C1N3 treatment combination, while the lowest from C0N1 treatment combination. So, the economic analysis revealed that the C1N3 treatment combination appeared to be the best for achieving the maximum growth, yield and economic benefit of bottle gourd.
A Newly Emerged Pest of Tomato [Tomato Leaf Miner, Tuta absoluta Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)]: In Bangladesh – A Review on Its Problems and Management Strategies
Authors: Huda Md. Nurul , Jahan Tanzim , Taj Hasan Fuad El , Asiry Khalid A.
Published: April 2020

Worldwide, tomato leaf miner Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) is one of the most devastating invasive pests of tomato crops. It is one of the most important biotic constraints for tomato production which may lead to the production loss up to 100% if it cannot be controlled. T. absoluta comprises four developmental stages: egg, larvae, pupa, and adult with a rapid growth rate. Among these larvae is the most devastating stage which affects the fruit, leaves, and stem. Recently, T. absoluta is turned into a key pest of tomato in Bangladesh. This pest was first detected by IPM lab, Horticulture Research Centre, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Gazipur, Bangladesh from a commercial tomato grower in the village of Chaklarhat (26019’N, 88043’E) under the Tunirhat union of Panchagarh Sadar Upazila, Panchagarh district of Bangladesh in May 2016. Since its introduction in 2016, there was no sound action plan implemented. Therefore, this paper focused on relevant scientific knowledge regarding its biology, potential damage and different control measures which will open the windows for future researches for efficient and sustainable management strategies against T. absoluta in Bangladesh.
Cost Analysis of Hydrogen Production for Transport Application
Authors: Udousoro Deborah A. , Dansoh Cliff
Published: April 2020

One of the challenges faced in the United Kingdom energy market is the need to supply clean energy at affordable prices. Hydrogen can be used as an energy carrier and has been applied as fuel for automotive engines. Several technologies exist for the production of hydrogen fuel but their acceptance is dependent on the cost and impact on the environment. Steam methane reforming is an established hydrogen production process in the UK. Currently there are 8 fuel cell buses that run on hydrogen fuel but the hydrogen used is produced via steam methane reforming. Production of hydrogen through solar powered electrolysis is a cleaner option but at what economic cost? In this paper, cost analysis is conducted to compare the cost of producing the amount of hydrogen needed to run the RV1 fuel cell buses at Lea Interchange bus garage through steam methane reforming of natural gas to solar powered water electrolysis. From the analysis it was discovered that levelised energy cost of solar powered electrolysis system is 15 times the levelised energy cost of steam methane reforming of natural gas. Thus, the production of hydrogen is not economically feasible through solar powered water electrolysis system.
Ultrathin MoOx/Graphene Hybrid Field Effect Transistor Sensors Prepared Simply by a Shadow Mask Approach for Selective ppb‐Level NH3 Sensing with Simultaneous Superior Response and Fast Recovery
Authors: Falak Attia , Tian Yi , Yan Lanqin , Xu Lihua , Song Zhiwei , Hu Haifeng , Dong Fengliang , Adamu Bala Ismail , Zhao Min , Chen Peipei , Wang Hanfu , Chu Weiguo
Published: April 2020

Both simultaneous achievement of high response, low limit of detection, and full recovery at room temperature (RT) for weak reducing gases like NH3 and facile and batchable fabrication approach are quite challenging for sensors. Herein, ultrathin MoOx layers are hybridized with mono layer graphene with different coverage percentages, into MoOx/GFET (graphene field effect transistor) devices for selective NH3 sensing fabricated by a facile, cost effective, and contamination‐free shadow mask approach instead of conventional lithography processes. A response of −18.10% for 12 ppm NH3 with full recovery of 356 s, superior repeatability, low detection limit of 310 ppb, and strong selectivity is simultaneously achieved for MoOx/GFET sensors at RT. The superior sensing and recovery performance of MoOx/GFET sensors is predominantly attributed to the effective tuning of Schottky barrier height and the Coulomb interaction between charged polar donor molecules and positively polarized surface enhanced by the positive bias voltage. The energy band diagrams well explain the sensing mechanism for reducing/oxidizing gases. The idea proposed in this study offers a feasible solution for highly selective sensing of different gases by oxides/graphene hybrid FET based gas sensors with superior RT performances fabricated by a facile, contamination‐free, batchable, and generalized approach.
Multiresponsive Luminescence Materials: Richer Color Than Chameleon Materials
Authors: Shi Chen , Hou Xuebin , Shen Xiuyu , Zhu Yanan , Li Xiaoqiang , Pang Zengyuan , Ge Mingqiao , Abolhasani Milad
Published: April 2020

Developing light‐harvesting materials with tunable emission colors is highly desirable in applications requiring a specific color on‐demand. The modulation in material composition, structures, and polymerization can provide a useful tool for producing a wide range of emission colors. However, controlling the color gamut in a ready‐made material remains a formidable challenge. Here, several germinate‐based phosphors are reported that provide precise dynamic emission color tuning in the visible color range through the optical multiplexing of lanthanides and other ion dopants, such as lead (Pb2+) and manganese (Mn2+). The emission gamut of the developed germinate‐based materials in the full visible color range can be tuned on demand by adjusting the excitation wavelength, thereby allowing dynamic synergistic multicolor, multitemporal, and multimodal integration with ready‐made materials. The multicolored photoluminescence property of the developed phosphors is related to the different interaction modes of dopants in the crystals. Furthermore, the applications of color‐tunable phosphors in multicolor display and anticounterfeiting are demonstrated. These findings provide valuable insights toward developing next‐generation smart luminescent materials and sensors.
Project IDentif.AI: Harnessing Artificial Intelligence to Rapidly Optimize Combination Therapy Development for Infectious Disease Intervention
Authors: Abdulla Aynur , Wang Boqian , Qian Feng , Kee Theodore , Blasiak Agata , Ong Yoong Hun , Hooi Lissa , Parekh Falgunee , Soriano Rafael , Olinger Gene G. , Keppo Jussi , Hardesty Chris L. , Chow Edward K. , Ho Dean , Ding Xianting
Published: April 2020

In 2019/2020, the emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) resulted in rapid increases in infection rates as well as patient mortality. Treatment options addressing COVID‐19 included drug repurposing, investigational therapies such as remdesivir, and vaccine development. Combination therapy based on drug repurposing is among the most widely pursued of these efforts. Multi‐drug regimens are traditionally designed by selecting drugs based on their mechanism of action. This is followed by dose‐finding to achieve drug synergy. This approach is widely‐used for drug development and repurposing. Realizing synergistic combinations, however, is a substantially different outcome compared to globally optimizing combination therapy, which realizes the best possible treatment outcome by a set of candidate therapies and doses toward a disease indication. To address this challenge, the results of Project IDentif.AI (Identifying Infectious Disease Combination Therapy with Artificial Intelligence) are reported. An AI‐based platform is used to interrogate a massive 12 drug/dose parameter space, rapidly identifying actionable combination therapies that optimally inhibit A549 lung cell infection by vesicular stomatitis virus within three days of project start. Importantly, a sevenfold difference in efficacy is observed between the top‐ranked combination being optimally and sub‐optimally dosed, demonstrating the critical importance of ideal drug and dose identification. This platform is disease indication and disease mechanism‐agnostic, and potentially applicable to the systematic N‐of‐1 and population‐wide design of highly efficacious and tolerable clinical regimens. This work also discusses key factors ranging from healthcare economics to global health policy that may serve to drive the broader deployment of this platform to address COVID‐19 and future pandemics.
Protein Quantification and Imaging by Surface‐Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy and Similarity Analysis
Authors: Shin Hyunku , Oh Seunghyun , Kang Daehyeon , Choi Yeonho
Published: April 2020

Protein quantification techniques such as immunoassays have been improved considerably, but they have several limitations, including time‐consuming procedures, low sensitivity, and extrinsic detection. Because direct surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) can detect intrinsic signals of proteins, it can be used as an effective detection method. However, owing to the complexity and reliability of SERS signals, SERS is rarely adopted for quantification without a purified target protein. This study reports an efficient and effective direct SERS‐based immunoassay (SERSIA) technique for protein quantification and imaging. SERSIA relies on the uniform coating of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) on a target‐protein‐immobilized substrate by simple centrifugation. As centrifugation induces close contact between the GNPs and target proteins, the intrinsic signals of the target protein can be detected. For quantification, the protein levels in a cell lysate are estimated using similarity analysis between antibody‐only and protein‐conjugated samples. This method reliably estimates the protein level at a sub‐picomolar detection limit. Furthermore, this method enables quantitative imaging of immobilized protein at a micrometer range. Because this technique is fast, sensitive, and requires only one type of antibody, this approach can be a useful method to detect proteins in biological samples.
Unraveling the Dual Functionality of High‐Donor‐Number Anion in Lean‐Electrolyte Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Chu Hyunwon , Jung Jinkwan , Noh Hyungjun , Yuk Seongmin , Lee Jinhong , Lee Ju‐Hyuk , Baek Jaewon , Roh Youngil , Kwon Hyeokjin , Choi DongWoong , Sohn Kwonnam , Kim YunKyoung , Kim Hee‐Tak
Published: April 2020

Minimizing electrolyte use is essential to achieve high practical energy density of lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries. However, the sulfur cathode is more readily passivated under a lean electrolyte condition, resulting in low sulfur utilization. In addition, continuous electrolyte decomposition on the Li metal anode aggravates the problem, provoking rapid capacity decay. In this work, the dual functionalities of NO3− as a high‐donor‐number (DN) salt anion is presented, which improves the sulfur utilization and cycling stability of lean‐electrolyte Li–S batteries. The NO3− anion elevates the solubility of the sulfur species based on its high electron donating ability, achieving a high sulfur utilization of above 1200 mA h g−1. Furthermore, the anion suppresses electrolyte decomposition on the Li metal by regulating the lithium ion (Li+) solvation sheath, enhancing the cycle performance of the lean electrolyte cell. By understanding the anionic effects, this work demonstrates the potential of the high‐DN electrolyte, which is beneficial for both the cathode and anode of Li–S batteries.
Extractive foraging on hard‐shelled walnuts and variation of feeding techniques in wild Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata)
Authors: Tamura Masaya
Published: April 2020

Extractive foraging is considered a key selective pressure for the evolution of primate cognitive abilities—the extractive foraging hypothesis. Although tool‐use and substrate‐use are representatives of the foraging strategy, some primates engage in extractive foraging without external objects. Manual processing skills of prickly foods have been described in some species, whereas there are few studies on other type of food defenses. Here, I describe extractive foraging of hard‐shelled walnuts by wild Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata), focusing on whether they accomplish the tasks only by their physical strength or require manual and/or oral processing skills to crack open the walnut shells. The study subjects comprised all members of troop B1and three nontroop males in Kinkazan Island, Japan. Walnut feeding was observed during the main walnut seasons (September–December) when the troop visited walnut patches for 79 days in 2 years. I categorized the walnut feeding behavior intocomplete crackingandpartial cracking. The number of times the five behavioral elements in the cracking stage occurred were counted from complete cracking. All six adult males and 11 of the 17 adult/adolescent females showed complete cracking, while the remaining females were never observed exhibiting this activity, despite their physical maturity. I observed four clearly distinguishable cracking methods during walnut feeding in the 17 subjects. The compositions of five behavioral elements were different in each method. These results suggest that walnut feeding by Japanese macaques is not only by brute force but requires the acquisition of at least one of four cracking methods for the achievement of complete cracking. In particular, females need to compensate for their physical inferiority by increasing walnut manipulations. To my knowledge, this is the first detailed description on feeding techniques in primates to overcome hard‐shelled obstacles without the use of tools and even substrates.
Individuality in the vocalizations of infant and adult coppery titi monkeys (Plecturocebus cupreus)
Authors: Lau Allison R. , Clink Dena J. , Bales Karen L.
Published: April 2020

As social animals, many primates use acoustic communication to maintain relationships. Vocal individuality has been documented in a diverse range of primate species and call types, many of which have presumably different functions. Auditory recognition of one's neighbors may confer a selective advantage if identifying conspecifics decreases the need to participate in costly territorial behaviors. Alternatively, vocal individuality may be nonadaptive and the result of a unique combination of genetics and environment. Pair‐bonded primates, in particular, often participate in coordinated vocal duets that can be heard over long distances by neighboring conspecifics. In contrast to adult calls, infant vocalizations are short‐range and used for intragroup communication. Here, we provide two separate but complementary analyses of vocal individuality in distinct call types of coppery titi monkeys (Plecturocebus cupreus) to test whether individuality occurs in call types from animals of different age classes with presumably different functions. We analyzed 600 trill vocalizations from 30 infants and 169 pulse‐chirp duet vocalizations from 30 adult titi monkeys. We predicted that duet contributions would exhibit a higher degree of individuality than infant trills, given their assumed function for long‐distance, intergroup communication. We estimated 7 features from infant trills and 16 features from spectrograms of adult pulse‐chirps, then used discriminant function analysis with leave‐one‐out cross‐validation to classify individuals. We correctly classified infants with 48% accuracy and adults with 83% accuracy. To further investigate variance in call features, we used a multivariate variance components model to estimate variance partitioning in features across two levels: within‐ and between‐individuals. Between‐individual variance was the most important source of variance for all features in adults, and three of four features in infants. We show that pulse‐chirps of adult titi monkey duets are individually distinct, and infant trills are less individually distinct, which may be due to the different functions of the vocalizations.
Copyrolysis of tire powder and engine oil: Reaction behavior and kinetics
Authors: Liu Lin , Luo Siyi , Wang Junzhi , Xiang Lan , Qin Baoyu , Zuo Zongliang , Guo Dabin
Published: April 2020

In this work, thermogravimetric (TG) and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to explore changes in the cracking process when engine oil was mixed with waste tires. The results presented herein provide a theoretical basis and technical support for the development of potential applications of tire and engine oil copyrolysis. According to the TG analysis, it was found that the pyrolysis efficiency significantly increased with increasing ratios of engine oil in the blending. The Coats–Redfern method was used to determine the kinetics of the copyrolysis reaction. It was found that the addition of engine oil reduced the activation energy of natural rubber and synthetic rubber decomposition. FTIR analysis indicated that the addition of engine oil can improve the quality of cracked products by increasing the composition of combustible gas (CH4) in the cracked products. This study demonstrated that the pyrolysis of tires and engine oils display a strong interaction, and copyrolysis can significantly overcome the limitations of single tire cracking.
Lipids help double‐stranded RNA in endosomal escape and improve RNA interference in the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda
Authors: Gurusamy Dhandapani , Mogilicherla Kanakachari , Shukla Jayendra Nath , Palli Subba Reddy
Published: April 2020

RNA interference (RNAi) is a valuable method for understanding the gene function and holds great potential for insect pest management. While RNAi is efficient and systemic in coleopteran insects, RNAi is inefficient in lepidopteran insects. In this study, we explored the possibility of improving RNAi in the fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda cells by formulating dsRNA with Cellfectin II (CFII) transfection reagent. The CFII formulated dsRNA was protected from degradation by endonucleases present in Sf9 cells conditioned medium, hemolymph and midgut lumen contents collected from the FAW larvae. Lipid formulated dsRNA also showed reduced accumulation in the endosomes of Sf9 cells and FAW tissues. Exposing Sf9 cells and tissues to CFII formulated dsRNA caused a significant knockdown of endogenous genes. CFII formulated dsIAP fed to FAW larvae induced knockdown of iap gene, growth retardation and mortality. Processing of dsRNA into siRNA was detected in Sf9 cells and Spodoptera frugiperda larvae treated with CFII conjugated 32P‐UTP labeled dsGFP. Overall, the present study concluded that delivering dsRNA formulated with CFII transfection reagent helps dsRNA escapes from the endosomal accumulation and improved RNAi efficiency in the FAW cells and tissues.
Infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis in patients with esophageal atresia
Authors: ten Kate Chantal A. , Brouwer Rutger W. W. , van Bever Yolande , Martens Vera K. , Brands Tom , van Beelen Nicole W. G. , Brooks Alice S. , Huigh Daphne , van der Helm Robert M. , Eussen Bert H. F. M. M. , van IJcken Wilfred F. J. , IJsselstijn Hanneke , Tibboel Dick , Wijnen Rene M. H. , de Klein Annelies , Hofstra Robert M. W. , Brosens Erwin
Published: April 2020

Background

Patients born with esophageal atresia (EA) have a higher incidence of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS), suggestive of a relationship. A shared etiology makes sense from a developmental perspective as both affected structures are foregut derived. A genetic component has been described for both conditions as single entities and EA and IHPS are variable components in several monogenetic syndromes. We hypothesized that defects disturbing foregut morphogenesis are responsible for this combination of malformations.

Methods

We investigated the genetic variation of 15 patients with both EA and IHPS with unaffected parents using exome sequencing and SNP array‐based genotyping, and compared the results to mouse transcriptome data of the developing foregut.

Results

We did not identify putatively deleterious de novo mutations or recessive variants. However, we detected rare inherited variants in EA or IHPS disease genes or in genes important in foregut morphogenesis, expressed at the proper developmental time‐points. Two pathways were significantly enriched (p < 1 × 10−5): proliferation and differentiation of smooth muscle cells and self‐renewal of satellite cells.

Conclusions

None of our findings could fully explain the combination of abnormalities on its own, which makes complex inheritance the most plausible genetic explanation, most likely in combination with mechanical and/or environmental factors. As we did not find one defining monogenetic cause for the EA/IHPS phenotype, the impact of the corrective surgery could should be further investigated.
Development of a scale‐up strategy for Chinese hamster ovary cell culture processes using the kLa ratio as a direct indicator of gas stripping conditions
Authors: Doi Tomohiro , Kajihara Hideyuki , Chuman Yasuo , Kuwae Shinobu , Kaminagayoshi Takashi , Omasa Takeshi
Published: April 2020

Herein, we described a scale‐up strategy focused on the dissolved carbon dioxide concentration (dCO2) during fed‐batch cultivation of Chinese hamster ovary cells. A fed‐batch culture process for a 2000‐L scale stainless steel (SS) bioreactor was scaled‐up from similarly shaped 200‐L scale bioreactors based on power input per unit volume (P/V). However, during the 2000‐L fed‐batch culture, the dCO2 was higher compared with the 200‐L scale bioreactor. Therefore, we developed an alternative approach by evaluating the kLa values of O2 (kLa[O2]) and CO2 [kLa(CO2)] in the SS bioreactors as a scale‐up factor for dCO2 reduction. The kLa ratios [kLa(CO2)/kLa(O2)] were different between the 200‐L and 2000‐L bioreactors under the same P/V condition. When the agitation conditions were changed, the kLa ratio of the 2000‐L scale bioreactor became similar and the P/V value become smaller compared with those of the 200‐L SS bioreactor. The dCO2 trends in fed‐batch cultures performed in 2000‐L scale bioreactors under the modified agitation conditions were similar to the control. This kLa ratio method was used for process development in single‐use bioreactors (SUBs) with shapes different from those of the SS bioreactor. The kLa ratios for the SUBs were evaluated and conditions that provided kLa ratios similar to the 200‐L scale SS bioreactors were determined. The cell culture performance and product quality at the end of the cultivation process were comparable for all tested SUBs. Therefore, we concluded that the kLa ratio is a powerful scale‐up factor useful to control dCO2 during fed‐batch cultures.
Task scheduling using artificial bee foraging optimization for load balancing in cloud data centers
Authors: Muthsamy Geetha , Ravi Chandran Suganthe
Published: April 2020

Load balancing in cloud data centers is a process of distributing the incoming service requests or the incoming tasks to the available virtual machines (VMs). This can be achieved by proper scheduling mechanisms through which the tasks will be allocated to suitable VMs. Scheduling in distributed systems, such as cloud data centers, is considered to be an NP‐complete problem. An efficient method of scheduling will result in balancing the load on the VMs, thereby achieving effective resource utilization. Hence, there is a need for a new scheduling framework to perform load balancing amid considering multiple quality of service (QoS) metrics, such as makespan, response time, execution time, and task priority. Therefore, considering the above metrics, task scheduling using artificial bee foraging (TSABF) optimization is proposed to obtain an optimal schedule of tasks to VMs. The resulting optimal schedule consists of a set of VMs to which the tasks are scheduled in a preemptive manner. Task preemption is done to reduce the response and the execution time of the tasks pertaining to different priorities. The experimental results are compared to the existing honey bee behavior‐inspired load balancing (HBB‐LB) algorithm. The results show that TSABF acts as an alternative scheduling strategy to perform load balancing and also improves the QoS metrics when compared to HBB‐LB.
Additive‐Induced Selective Crystallization of the Elusive Form‐II of γ‐Aminobutyric Acid
Authors: Wang Lingyu , Tang Weiwei , Du Shichao , Wu Songgu , Gong Junbo
Published: April 2020

The impact of two structural factors of sodium carboxylate additives on their ability to induce the selective crystallization of γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) Form‐II was investigated, namely, the number of –COO− groups and the types of R groups (chain alkyl, cyclic alkyl, or phenyl). It was found that the increase of –COO− groups caused the additives lose their inducing ability. This may be attributed to the fact that the increment of hydrophilic –COO− groups results in enhanced solvation and steric effect of additives, which makes additives unable to interact with GABA effectively. Additives with different R groups all can induce Form‐II but they exhibited varying inducing abilities. This could be due to the distinct results of competition between the attachment and detachment of different additives on the GABA growth end.
High Volumetric Energy Density of LiFePO4/KB Cathode Materials Based on Ketjen Black Additive
Authors: Li Zhenfei , Ren Xin , Tian Weichao , Zheng Yi , Sun Jiachen , An Liwei , Wen Lizhi , Wang Li , Liang Guangchuan
Published: April 2020

High tap density and superior electronic conductivity of LiFePO4/KB was synthesized by a combination of wet ball‐milling, spray drying, and carbothermal reduction with Ketjen black (KB) as a carbon additive. KB is a conductive carbon black with the special chain‐like structure. When KB is used to coat on the surface of primary particles of LiFePO4, the chain‐like structure can form a developed 3D network structure between the primary particles of LiFePO4. This special structure can not only provide conductive channels for electrons but also cause the primary particles of LiFePO4 to aggregate tightly. Comparing to the conventional carbon coating materials (only glucose as the carbon source) with a low volumetric energy density of 452.5 Wh L−1 at 1 C rate, we simultaneously increased the electrical conductivity (7.8×10−2 S cm−1) and tap density (1.6 g cm−3) by adding KB, resulting in a higher volumetric energy density of 829.9 Wh L−1 at 1 C rate. When KB is added at 5 % of glucose mass, the LiFePO4/KB composite shows an excellent discharge capacity of 161.6 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C and the 97.7 % retention rate after 500 cycles at 5 C.
Tailoring Magnetic Features in Zigzag‐Edged Nanographenes by Controlled Diels–Alder Reactions
Authors: Ajayakumar M. R. , Fu Yubin , Liu Fupin , Komber Hartmut , Tkachova Valeriya , Xu Chi , Zhou Shengqiang , Popov Alexey A. , Liu Junzhi , Feng Xinliang
Published: April 2020

Nanographenes (NGs) with tunable electronic and magnetic properties have attracted enormous attention in the realm of carbon‐based nanoelectronics. In particular, NGs with biradical character at the ground state are promising building units for molecular spintronics. However, most of the biradicaloids are susceptible to oxidation under ambient conditions and photolytic degradation, which hamper their further applications. Herein, we demonstrated the feasibility of tuning the magnetic properties of zigzag‐edged NGs in order to enhance their stability via the controlled Diels–Alder reactions of peri‐tetracene (4‐PA). The unstable 4‐PA (y0=0.72; half‐life, t1/2=3 h) was transformed into the unprecedented benzo‐peri‐tetracenes (BPTs) by a one‐side Diels–Alder reaction, which featured a biradical character at the ground state (y0=0.60) and exhibited remarkable stability under ambient conditions for several months. In addition, the fully zigzag‐edged circumanthracenes (CAs) were achieved by two‐fold or stepwise Diels–Alder reactions of 4‐PA, in which the magnetic properties could be controlled by employing the corresponding dienophiles. Our work reported herein opens avenues for the synthesis of novel zigzag‐edged NGs with tailor‐made magnetic properties.
Aggregation‐Induced Circularly Polarized Luminescence from Boron Complexes with a Carbazolyl Schiff Base
Authors: Maeda Chihiro , Nomoto Shuichi , Takaishi Kazuto , Ema Tadashi
Published: April 2020

A variety of carbazolyl‐appended Schiff bases were readily synthesized from 1‐formylcarbazoles and aniline derivatives. Boron complexation of the resulting ligands allowed for facile preparation of new carbazole‐based BODIPY analogues showing solid‐state fluorescence. Furthermore, some dyes were converted into chiral compounds through the Et2AlCl‐mediated incorporation of a binaphthyl unit. The chiral dyes showed aggregation‐induced fluorescence and circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) with the ΦF and glum of up to 0.22 and −3.5×10−3, respectively, in the solid state. The solid‐state fluorescence and CPL were well characterized by the crystal packing analyses and DFT calculations.
Better Together: Functional Heterobimetallic Macrocyclic and Cage‐like Assemblies
Authors: Hardy Matthias , Lützen Arne
Published: April 2020

Metallosupramolecular chemistry has attracted the interest of generations of researches due to the versatile properties and functionalities of oligonuclear coordination complexes. Quite a number of different discrete cages were investigated, mostly consisting of only one type of ligand and one type of metal cation. Looking for ever more complex structures, heterobimetallic complexes became more and more attractive, as they give access to new structural motifs and functions. In the last years substantial success has been made in the design and synthesis of cages consisting of more than one type of metal cations, and a rapidly growing number of functional materials has appeared in the literature. This Minireview describes recent developments in the field of discrete heterometallic macrocycles and cages focusing on functional materials that have been used as host‐systems or as magnetic, photo‐active, redox‐active, and even catalytically active materials.
Chemical Bonding in Colossal Thermopower FeSb2
Authors: Grønbech Thomas Bjørn Egede , Tolborg Kasper , Svendsen Helle , Overgaard Jacob , Chen Yu‐Sheng , Brummerstedt Iversen Bo
Published: April 2020

FeSb2 exhibits a colossal Seebeck coefficient (
) and a record‐breaking high thermoelectric power factor. It also has an atypical shift from diamagnetism to paramagnetism with increasing temperature, and the fine details of its electron correlation effects have been widely discussed. The extraordinary physical properties must be rooted in the nature of the chemical bonding, and indeed, the chemical bonding in this archetypical marcasite structure has been heavily debated on a theoretical basis since the 1960s. The two prevalent models for describing the bonding interactions in FeSb2 are based on either ligand‐field stabilization of Fe or a network structure of Sb hosting Fe ions. However, neither model can account for the observed properties of FeSb2. Herein, an experimental electron density study is reported, which is based on analysis of synchrotron X‐ray diffraction data measured at 15 K on a minute single crystal to limit systematic errors. The analysis is supplemented with density functional theory calculations in the experimental geometry. The experimental data are at variance with both the additional single‐electron Sb−Sb bond implied by the covalent model, and the large formal charge and expected d‐orbital splitting advocated by the ionic model. The structure is best described as an extended covalent network in agreement with expectations based on electronegativity differences.
The Scent of Maibowle – π Electron Localization in Coumarin from Its Microwave‐Determined Structure
Authors: Nguyen Ha Vinh Lam , Grabow Jens‐Uwe
Published: April 2020

The microwave spectra of the natural substance coumarin, a planar aromatic molecule with the specific scent of maibowle, a popular fruit punch served in spring and early summer, were recorded using a molecular jet Fourier transform microwave spectrometer working in the frequency range from 4.0 to 26.5 GHz. The rotational constants and centrifugal distortion constants were determined with high precision, reproducing the spectra to experimental accuracy. The spectra of all singly‐substituted 13C and 18O isotopologues were observed in their natural abundances to determine the experimental heavy atom substitution rs and semi‐experimental equilibrium reSE structures. The experimental bond lengths and bond angles were compared to those obtained from quantum chemical calculations and those of related molecules reported in the literature with benzene as the prototype. The alternation of the C−C bond lengths to the value of 1.39 Å found for benzene reflects the localization of π electrons in coumarin, where the benzene ring and the lactone‐like chain −CH=CH−(C=O)−O− are fused. The large, negative inertial defect of coumarin is consistent with out‐of‐plane vibrations of the fused rings.