bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dracunculus medinensis (Guinea Worm Disease) Elimination and Eradication and the Challenges of Emerging Non-human Animal Hosts: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Elom M. O.
Published: December 2020

The objective of the review is to update information on the recent state of the transmission of dracunculiasis. Dracunculiasis is an ancient debilitating disease that has been lingering among dwellers of rural communities in some neglected sub-tropical and tropical countries. The disease is transmitted through drinking water that has been infested with Cyclops, the intermediate host of D. medinensis. Guinea worm disease has neither medicine for cure nor vaccine for prevention but can be prevented using certain intervention strategies. Any person that lives in the affected localities and drinks from Cyclop-infested water bodies could be infected, irrespective of age, gender or social status. The disease cripples the economy of affected communities, as it reduces attendance to farm work and other occupations and renders students absent from schools, through incapacitation. Eradication of dracunculiasis has been targeted using health education, boiling of water before drinking, application of temephos (Abate) to drinking water sources, filtration of water before drinking and installation of boreholes for the endemic localities. Attempts for eradication of dracunculiasis had reached an impressive and significant level before the emergence of cases of non-human animal infections. This phenomenon has sustained transmission of the disease in a few African countries. Published articles in Pubmed, Medline, Google Scholar and DOAJ on Guinea worm elimination and eradication and those on animal infections with Guinea worm were reviewed using Google search engine between February and April 2020. Scale up of application of Abate to affected drinking water sources is recommended as the most reliable and sustainable intervention in highly neglected communities.
Women Participation in Sub-National Level Politics in Ghana's Fourth Republic
Authors: Asekere George
Published: December 2020

Debate over the factors that perpetuate male dominance in political representation all over the world continues. Several factors have been cited, including the fact that women have a weak foundation in political party leadership which forms the basis for subsequent progression in leadership. In spite of the fact that women have the capacity to compete favorably in national politics if they have a say in choosing who stands for elections at political party level, several studies tend to pay less attention on women’s leadership in political parties at the subnational level. Using qualitative methods, the paper makes a contribution to women’s participation in political leadership using the two dominant political parties, the National Democratic Congress and New Patriotic Party, that have alternated political power in Ghana since the return to constitutional rule in 1993. Findings showed that women’s representation in political party leadership at the subnational level mirrors national trends, albeit some local particularities including unfavorable meeting time where such decisions are taken. The paper concludes that the creation of the women’s wings in Ghanaian political parties and the institutionalization of financial waivers for women are necessary but not sufficient conditions to boost women activism in subnational party politics.
Performance of P2x7 and P2Y Purinergic Receptors as an Inhibiting Factor in the Progression of Pulmonary Neoplastic Cells
Authors: Bizuti Matheus Ribeiro , Nyland Jostl Laura , Scramim Emanuely , Tessaro da Silva Keroli Eloiza , Schio Luana Paula , Cavallieri Gabriela Vidotto , Rossi Renata Calciolari , Resende e Silva Débora Tavares de
Published: December 2020

Different pathological processes are considered in lung cancer, such as nicotine deposition, oxidative stress, deregulation of metal ions and chronic inflammation. Purine signaling is involved in all processes, suggesting the importance of nucleotide receptors (P2X7 and P2Y) and adenosine receptors present in lung cells. The accumulation of toxic substances promotes chronic inflammation and cellular alteration, which induces the release of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) in the extracellular space, thus stimulating P2X7 receptors. The activation of P2X7 promotes an increase in the synthesis and release of some pro-inflammatory mediators. P2Y works by promoting the increase of intracellular calcium levels and, P2X7, changing cell permeability. Thus, drugs can be developed with a specific targeting for such recipients, thus provid additional therapeutic options to those existing.
Antimicrobial Activity from Species Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng, a Review
Authors: Silva Juliane Maria dos Santos , Almeida Jackson Roberto Guedes da Silva , Alves Cristiane dos Santos Cerqueira , Nery Daniel Amando , Damasceno Livia Maria Oliveira , Araújo Camila de Souza , Rolim Larissa Araújo , Oliveira Ana Paula de
Published: December 2020

Introduction: Nowadays, several bacteria have acquired resistance to available antimicrobial agents making necessary the search for new therapeutic alternatives. Plectranthus amboinicus L. is a succulent and aromatic herb, popularly known as thick leaf mint, used in popular medicine for the treatment of colds, digestive diseases, asthma, headache and to fight pathogenic bacteria activity. In view the antimicrobial activity of P. amboinicus this study had as aim to review publications involving researches about antimicrobial activity of this species.

Materials and Methods: For this, PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct and Scielo databases were consulted in November 2020 using the keywords Plectranthus amboinicus and antimicrobial activity. In vitro and/or in vivo studies on the antimicrobial activity of the species in the last 10 years were considered.

Results: The main microorganisms evaluated were: Klebsiella pneumoniae, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and some Candida species. The essential oils had carvacrol, germacrene D, thymol and camphor as main constituents. Most studies evaluated the antimicrobial activity using broth dilution and agar diffusion methods. In most studies essential oil, extracts and/or isolated substances showed significant antimicrobial activity. Synergistic activity was also observed through association with antibiotics.

Conclusion: P. amboinicus has therapeutic potential for antimicrobial treatments and can be an alternative to the treatment of resistant microorganisms and that further in vivo and clinical studies with the species are still needed.
Risk Factors for Asymptomatic Peripheral Artery Disease in Type II Diabetes Mellitus Patients, a Cross-Sectional Study at Tertiary care Hospital
Authors: Shaikh Samiullah , Ali Memon Mohammad , Saifullah Shaikh
Published: December 2020

Aims: The study was conducted to check the association of risk factors with asymptomatic peripheral artery disease (PAD) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in local population.

Study Design: Cross sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Medicine in public sector university from 14th June 2013 to 13th December 2014.

Methodology: Male & female patients with ≥ 35 years of age, having type II diabetes mellitus for ≥ 5 years duration were included in the study. Enrolled patients were evaluated for peripheral artery disease by doing color Doppler study and their Ankle-brachial index was calculated. Ankle-brachial index < 0.9 was criteria for Peripheral arterial disease. Data was analyzed using statistical software SPSS version 21.

Results: Of 385 consecutive patients, 212 (55%) were male and 173 (45%) were female. 134 (34.8%) patients had peripheral artery disease. Mean age of PAD patients was 46.52 ± 8.67 years. The Proportion of males was 64.2% for PAD and 50.2% for Non-PAD patients. Association was found between peripheral artery disease and gender (male); OR 1.77 (1.15- 2.73), Age; OR 0.96 (0.93 - 0.99), smoking; OR 6.96 (3.45- 14.03) Hba1C; OR 2.74 (1.83 - 4.13), with significant P-value of 0.01, 0.04, < 0.001 and < 0.001 respectively.

Conclusion: Asymptomatic peripheral artery disease is common in type 2 Diabetic patients particularly those who are aged male, have uncontrolled diabetes, has longer duration and are smokers as well.
Boot Stage Forage Yield and Quality of Pearl Millet as Influenced by Organo-mineral Fertilizer Rates in Humid Rainforest Zone of Nigeria
Authors: Ajayi A. J. , Ajayi G. O. , Nwagbara S. I.
Published: December 2020

An experiment was conducted at the experimental site of Federal College of Agriculture, Akure to investigate the effects of different levels of organo-mineral fertilizer (OMF) on forage yield and quality of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L) R.Br). The experiment was arranged in randomized complete block design with three replications. Five levels of OMF at 0 (control), 1, 2, 3, 4t/ha and 100 kg/ha N.P.K. 15:15:15 were used. Pearl millet seeds were sown at the rate of 10 kg/ha. Statistical analysis showed significant differences in the plant height, fresh and dry forage yield obtained at boot stage. The following ranges were obtained in the investigated traits among the fertilizer applications; plant height 1.08-2.54 m, fresh forage yield 24.37-59.10t/ha and dry matter yield of 4.25-10.67 t/ha. Quality parameters (CP, CF, EE, NFE and Ash) showed significant increase with higher levels of OMF applied. The ranges obtained were: CP 8.56-13.32%, EE 15.82-16.1%, EE 7.14-8.69%, Ash 11.46-16.07%, NFE 33.38-44.48 and moisture content 9.49-11.58%. The study concludes that organo-mineral fertilizer application at 4t/ha is particularly effective in improving the forage yield and quality of pearl millet.
Experimental Evaluation of Double Air Pass Solar Collector in Humid Tropical Environment
Authors: Vermeil Kwamegni Seunou Kreis , Abraham Tetang Fokone , Marcel Edoun , Alexis Kuitche , Gabriel Ghiaus Adrian-
Published: December 2020

The present work was focused on the experimental investigation of a double air pass solar collector which was designed and constructed at the Laboratory of Energetic and Thermal Applied of the National School of Agro-Industrial Sciences of the University of Ngaoundere. It consists of a double glazed cover with a surface of 0.47 m², an absorbent plate and a layer of thermal insulation. It allows simultaneous circulation and the same flow direction of the working fluid (air) on both side of the absorber. The experimental tests were conducted outdoor, in natural environment of Ngaoundéré city, during one month period, from 4 to 30 of April, between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm, local time. The research aim was to characterize, on one hand, the local weather conditions (solar radiation, ambient temperature, relative humidity and wind velocity), and on the other hand the collector performance. The solar collector was permanently oriented towards the South and tilted by 45° with respect to the horizontal plane. The analysis of the temperature profiles of different components  of the collector showed that the maximum temperature was reached at 2:30 pm, when solar radiation was 1217 W/m² and they were 73.9°C, 61.7°C and 44.7°C for absorber, inner glass  and outer glass, respectively. As concerning the outlet temperature of the heat transfer fluid, the analysis of the results shows that it goes up to 58.4°C and 52.2°C, while thermal efficiency was as high as 47.81% and 65.57% when the air flow velocities were setup at 0.5 m/s and 1.5 m/s, respectively.
Possibility of Usage of Seawater for Mixing and Curing of Concrete in Salty Water Localities
Authors: Ogunjiofor E. I.
Published: December 2020

Aims: This study examines the possibility of using seawater as an alternative to freshwater in concrete mixing and curing in areas prone to saltwater. The study was as a result of shortage and scarcity of Freshwater in some parts of the world; mostly in the coastal areas, where seawater is the only source of water.

Place and Duration of Study: Seawater was obtained from Port Harcourt Tourist beach, River State, Nigeria was used to mix and cure a set of concrete cubes (CSW). And freshwater obtained from our Civil Engineering laboratory was used to mix and cure another set of concrete cubes (CFW) that serves as a control. The maximum days of curing were 28days.

Methodology: Concrete cubes of 150x150x150mm3 were produced and cured with sea and freshwater respectively. The compressive strength of those cubes were determined using Compression Testing Machine. The studied variable was only water used for mixing and curing of the concrete cubes. Other constituents of the concrete: cement, fine aggregate, and coarse aggregate were kept constant.

Results: It was found that the compressive strengths of concrete cubes mixed and cured with seawater at 7, 14, 21 and 28days were within the acceptable limits and a bit higher than those of cubes mixed and cured with fresh water. The variation in compressive strength of CSW and CFW at the 28th day of curing was just 1.45%. Hence, the seawater didn’t affect the compressive strength.

Conclusion: With the little variation in compressive strength between the CSW and CFW at the 28th day of curing; it is recommended that seawater can possibly be used for concrete mixing and curing in areas where freshwater is not available; provided that the concrete is kept inherently dry to prevent corrosion. In addition, higher concrete covers can be provided when designing the concrete structures. Meanwhile, careful and adequate design, well-supervised construction, and curing should be ensured to improve the ingress resistance of the concrete structures. However, the long-term effect of the seawater on the properties of concrete and reinforcements were not investigated.
Molecular Modeling of Some Benzodiazole Derivatives with EGFR Protein 1M17
Authors: Sony A. S. , Suresh Xavier
Published: December 2020

Aims: To study the anticancer potential of benzodiazole derivatives using molecular modeling studies.

Study Design: Molecular Dynamics simulation study.

Place and Duration of Study: Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology (SIST), Chennai, between June 2020 and August 2020.

Methodology: We studied the anticancer potential of benzodiazole derivatives using molecular modeling. Docking studies of the ligands with EGFR protein 1M17 was carried out using AutoDock.Molecular Dynamics simulation study was carried out using Playmolecule was used to verify the stability of the protein-ligand complex.

Results: Molecular docking studies showed a good binding affinity of the ligands with the protein 1m17. Benzodiazole derivative 4,6-dichloro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-1,3-benzodiazole exhibited the lowest binding energy of (-6.42 kcal/mol) at the active site of EGFR (PDB code:1M17) consistent with its least inhibition coefficient (Ki =32.54 uM). Molecular dynamics simulation showed better stability of the ligand and protein complex.

Conclusion: Molecular modeling study of selected benzodiazole derivatives showed a very good binding affinity to EGFR protein 1m17. MD simulation of the best-docked ligand showed that the complex was stable. Our study demonstrated that benzodiazole derivatives can be potential anticancer drug candidates
Experimental Evaluation of Vitamin - D Supplementation on Memory and Learning Using Different Animal Models in Albino Rat
Authors: Pawar Namrata Rajendra , Karandikar Yogita Surendra , Bhosale Uma Anand , Doiphode Prachi
Published: December 2020

Aim: We conducted this study with the aim to investigate the effect of vitamin D3 on spatial learning and memory in healthy young albino rat.

Study Design: Experimental evaluation.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pharmacology, Smt. Kashibai Navale Medical College and General Hospital (SKNMCGH), Pune, between October 2019 to February 2020.

Methodology: All the pharmacological experiments were conducted using Wistar albino rats (n=6), weighing between 100 g – 150 g. Total 18 animals (9 male and 9 female) were screened and marked into 3 different groups (6 in each group) Control (Normal saline 10 ml/kg), Vitamin D (Cholecalciferol 1000 IU/kg) and standard (Piracetam 200 mg/kg). Drugs were administered per os for 21 days. Elevated Plus Maze (Transfer Latency), Open Field Test (Rearing, Locomotion), Radial Arm Maze (Working and Reference memory) were used as amnesic models and their parameters for evaluation of this study.

Results: After 21 days of treatment among all the three groups, Transfer Latency (p=9.55) in elevated plus maze, Working memory (p=0.454) and Reference memory (p=0.929) observed in radial 8 arm maze were non significant. In open field apparatus pellets count was significant (0.010), rest all parameters were non significant.

Conclusion: The result of study suggests that no significant beneficial effect of Vitamin D was seen on various learning models as assessed by Elevated Plus Maze, Radial Arm Maze, Open Field Test.
Palladium‐Catalyzed 5‐exo‐dig Cyclization Cascade, Sequential Amination/Etherification for Stereoselective Construction of 3‐Methyleneindolinones
Authors: Zuo Youpeng , He Xinwei , Tang Qiang , Hu Wangcheng , Zhou Tongtong , Hu Wenbo , Shang Yongjia
Published: December 2020

An cascade intramolecular 5‐exo‐dig cyclization of N‐(2‐iodophenyl)propiolamides and sequential amination/etherification (with N‐hydroxybenzamides, phenyl hydroxycarbamate) protocol for the synthesis of amino‐ and phenoxy‐substituted 3‐methyleneindolinones using unexpensive Pd(PPh3)4 as catalyst has been developed. The protocol enables the assembly of structurally important oxindole cores featuring moderate functional group tolerance (particularly the halo group), affording a broad spectrum of products with diverse substituents in good to excellent yields.

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COVID‐19 and cotton import demand in China
Authors: Muhammad Andrew , Smith S. Aaron , Yu Tun‐Hsiang Edward
Published: December 2020

As the leading import market for cotton, and leading export market for manufactured products like clothing and apparel, China provides the ideal case for examining how the COVID‐19 pandemic is affecting international cotton trade. The COVID‐19 outbreak has resulted in decreased global demand for products like clothing, directly affecting China's demand for cotton from exporting countries. In this study, we examined Chinese demand for imported cotton by product form (raw cotton and yarn) and by source (e.g., United States, India), as well as the dynamic price relationships across countries. Using year‐to‐date trade, demand estimates, and price forecasts, we assessed the impact of COVID‐19 on Chinese imports and the countries supplying this market. Depending on the projections, the most severe impacts of COVID‐19 on Chinese cotton imports are either behind us, or the latter half of 2020 could potentially be just as bad as the early part of the year. The outcome depends on the impact of manufactured‐product prices on imports; the effects of which are large but insignificant. As a consequence, even when imports from certain countries are projected to significantly decline, projection intervals suggest the possibility of a negligible decline or even a positive outcome.
Adaptive associations among life history, reproductive traits, environment, and origin in the Wisconsin angiosperm flora
Authors: Givnish Thomas J. , Kriebel Ricardo , Zaborsky John G. , Rose Jeffrey P. , Spalink Daniel , Waller Donald M. , Cameron Kenneth M. , Sytsma Kenneth J.
Published: December 2020

Premise

We tested 25 classic and novel hypotheses regarding trait–origin, trait–trait, and trait–environment relationships to account for flora‐wide variation in life history, habit, and especially reproductive traits using a plastid DNA phylogeny of most native (96.6%, or 1494/1547 species) and introduced (87.5%, or 690/789 species) angiosperms in Wisconsin, USA.

Methods

We assembled data on life history, habit, flowering, dispersal, mating system, and occurrence across open/closed/mixed habitats across species in the state phylogeny. We used phylogenetically structured analyses to assess the strength and statistical significance of associations predicted by our models.

Results

Introduced species are more likely to be annual herbs, occupy open habitats, have large, visually conspicuous, hermaphroditic flowers, and bear passively dispersed seeds. Among native species, hermaphroditism is associated with larger, more conspicuous flowers; monoecy is associated with small, inconspicuous flowers and passive seed dispersal; and dioecy is associated with small, inconspicuous flowers and fleshy fruits. Larger flowers with more conspicuous colors are more common in open habitats, and in understory species flowering under open (spring) canopies; fleshy fruits are more common in closed habitats. Wind pollination may help favor dioecy in open habitats.

Conclusions

These findings support predictions regarding how breeding systems depend on flower size, flower color, and fruit type, and how those traits depend on habitat. This study is the first to combine flora‐wide phylogenies with complete trait databases and phylogenetically structured analyses to provide powerful tests of evolutionary hypotheses about reproductive traits and their variation with geographic source, each other, and environmental conditions.
Novel Series of Mononuclear Aluminum Complexes for High‐Performance Solution‐Processed Organic Light‐Emitting Devices
Authors: Nakao Kohei , Sasabe Hisahiro , Shibuya Yusuke , Matsunaga Amane , Katagiri Hiroshi , Kido Junji
Published: December 2020

Light metal complexes, such as lithium (Li), sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), and aluminum (Al) complexes, are attractive candidates for the fabrication of thermally activated delayed fluorescent (TADF) materials. Nevertheless, mononuclear Al complexes with delayed fluorescence have not been developed so far. In this study, we successfully developed a novel series of highly luminescent Al complexes with two phenylacridine‐modified asymmetric acetylacetonate‐type ligands. These complexes exhibit high photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs) of up to 79 % in the solid state with a short delayed fluorescence lifetime of approximately 4 μs. Solution‐processed organic light‐emitting devices (OLEDs) using these Al complexes exhibit excellent performance with an external quantum efficiency of 17.5 % at 100 cd m−2. This is the best performance in light metal‐based TADF OLEDs reported so far. The results are expected to guide the advancement of the next‐generation solid‐state lighting technology.
Some notes concerning open clusters and GAIA DR2 data
Authors: Loktin Alexander Vasilievich , Popova Maria Erikovna
Published: December 2020

Issues in applying the Gaia DR2 data to determine the main parameters of open star clusters and the use of a formal, two‐color diagram for the initial selection of cluster members are discussed. The possibility of using the catalog estimates of interstellar absorption is considered. It has been shown that these estimates correlate with the E(B − V) values; therefore, E(B − V) values known for many clusters can be used to obtain the interstellar absorption and color excesses in the Gaia system. Distance estimates obtained from the averaged trigonometric parallaxes of probable members are reliable up to distance of 1.5 − 2 kpc from the Sun.
Burnout, depersonalization, and anxiety contribute to post‐traumatic stress in frontline health workers at COVID‐19 patient care, a follow‐up study
Authors: Miguel‐Puga José Adán , Cooper‐Bribiesca Davis , Avelar‐Garnica Francisco José , Sanchez‐Hurtado Luis Alejandro , Colin‐Martínez Tania , Espinosa‐Poblano Eliseo , Anda‐Garay Juan Carlos , González‐Díaz Jorge Iván , Segura‐Santos Oscar Bernardo , Vital‐Arriaga Luz Cristina , Jáuregui‐Renaud Kathrine
Published: December 2020

Introduction

We designed a follow‐up study of frontline health workers at COVID‐19 patient care, within the same working conditions, to assess the influence of their general characteristics and pre‐existing anxiety/depression/dissociative symptoms and resilience on the development of symptoms of post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), while monitoring their quality of sleep, depersonalization/derealization symptoms, acute stress, state anxiety, and burnout.

Methods

In a Hospital reconfigured to address the surge of patients with COVID‐19, 204 frontline health workers accepted to participate. They completed validated questionnaires to assess mental health: before, during, and after the peak of inpatient admissions. After each evaluation, a psychiatrist reviewed the questionnaires, using the accepted criteria for each instrument. Correlations were assessed using multivariable and multivariate analyses, with a significance level of .05.

Results

Compared to men, women reporting pre‐existing anxiety were more prone to acute stress; and younger age was related to both pre‐existent common psychological symptoms and less resilience. Overall the evaluations, sleep quality was bad on the majority of participants, with an increase during the epidemic crisis, while persistent burnout had influence on state anxiety, acute stress, and symptoms of depersonalization/derealization. PTSD symptoms were related to pre‐existent anxiety/depression and dissociative symptoms, as well as to acute stress and acute anxiety, and negatively related to resilience.

Conclusions

Pre‐existent anxiety/depression, dissociative symptoms, and coexisting acute anxiety and acute stress contribute to PTSD symptoms. During an infectious outbreak, psychological screening could provide valuable information to prevent or mitigate against adverse psychological reactions by frontline healthcare workers caring for patients.
Did court dismiss applicant's discrimination lawsuit?
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: December 2020

The plaintiff was a Black Lebanese citizen who sued American University for discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, and national origin.
Metastability and Seeding Effects in the Mechanochemical Hybrid Lead(II) Iodide Formation
Authors: Wilke Manuel , Gawryluk Dariusz Jakub , Casati Nicola
Published: December 2020

The mechanism for the mechanochemical synthesis of (C(NH2)3)3PbI5 3 and (C(NH2)3)4PbI6 4 and their conversion into each other is presented. We investigated the synthesis of 3 at different frequencies and energies using in situ powder X‐ray diffraction. By splitting the reaction into single parts we could prove that the formation of 3 is simply dependent on the energy and mixing speed. The nucleation of 4 instead is slightly negative dependent on the energy but dependent on the mixing speed, while its growth is mostly independent of any influence. We were able to influence the reaction pathways by seeding the mixture with a small amount of powdery 4. The formation of 4 is very likely an auto‐catalytic process. 3 instead is metastable. It can be stabilized by energy, which beside mechanochemistry can also be achieved by temperature. The results showcases the complex nature of mechanochemical reactions.
Conformational Equilibria of 2‐Methoxypyridine⋅⋅⋅CO2: Cooperative and Competitive Tetrel and Weak Hydrogen Bonds
Authors: Cheng Wanying , Zheng Yang , Herbers Sven , Zheng Huaili , Gou Qian
Published: December 2020

The rotational spectrum of 2‐methoxypyridine⋅⋅⋅CO2 was recorded and analysed employing a cavity‐based Fourier transform microwave spectrometer, complemented with quantum chemical calculations which predicted three possible isomers within energies less than 1000 cm−1. The two most stable isomers were observed in the pulsed jet, which are stabilized by a network of C⋅⋅⋅N/O tetrel and C−H⋅⋅⋅O weak hydrogen bonds. The relative population ratio of the two detected isomers was estimated to be NI/NII≈2.5. The competition and cooperation of the present non‐covalent interactions in both isomers are discussed within the framework of Bader's quantum theory of atoms in molecules and Johnson's non‐covalent interaction analyses. The study shows, that when looking for CO2 adsorbents, one might prefer candidates with multiple interactions in one site over candidates with few but strong interactions.
Improving the ADA and 504 for colleges, universities, and students and employees with disabilities
Authors: Charmatz Marc
Published: December 2020

The Americans with Disabilities Act was enacted in 1990, and U.S. Department of Justice regulations went into effect in 1992. Since then, there has been one substantive amendment to the statute, the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments of 2008 and a few new DOJ regulations. The Rehabilitation Act is even older, having been enacted in 1973. Section 504 regulations were initially promulgated in 1977. Most amendments to the Rehabilitation Act date back to the 1980s. So now might be the time to look at the ADA and the Rehabilitation Act to determine what amendments, if any, would help ensure that students and employees with disabilities have meaningful access to postsecondary educational institutions. Here are my suggestions:
Redox mediator assists electron transfer in lithium–sulfur batteries with sulfurized polyacrylonitrile cathodes
Authors: Zhao Chang‐Xin , Chen Wei‐Jing , Zhao Meng , Song Yun‐Wei , Liu Jia‐Ning , Li Bo‐Quan , Yuan Tongqi , Chen Cheng‐Meng , Zhang Qiang , Huang Jia‐Qi
Published: December 2020

The development of next‐generation high‐energy‐density batteries requires advanced electrode materials. Sulfurized polyacrylonitrile (SPAN) is considered a promising sulfur cathode with the merits of high specific capacity and long cycling stability for high‐performance lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries. Nevertheless, the practical performances of SPAN cathodes are severely limited by the unfavorable electron accessibility due to the relatively low intrinsic conductivity and large particle size. Herein, a redox mediation strategy is proposed to accelerate the electron transfer processes in working Li–S batteries with SPAN cathodes. Specifically, a quinone‐based redox mediator is introduced to provide an additional redox pathway with strengthened interfacial kinetics. The redox mediator assisted SPAN cathodes exhibit higher specific capacity, improved rate performance, reduced polarization, and longer cycling lifespan with both ether‐based and carbonate‐based electrolyte. This work demonstrates the feasibility of redox mediation to promote the electron accessibility for high‐performance Li–S batteries with SPAN cathodes.

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Disentangling beliefs about emotions from emotion schemas
Authors: Veilleux Jennifer C. , Chamberlain Kaitlyn D. , Baker Danielle E. , Warner Elise A.
Published: December 2020

Objective

The current study sought to empirically evaluate a new clinical tool, the Individual Beliefs about Emotion (IBAE) which assesses nine beliefs about emotion. The goal was to examine the overlap of the IBAE with the Leahy Emotional Schema Scale (LESS), indices of psychopathology, and emotion dysregulation.

Method

Participants (n = 513) completed the IBAE, the LESS, and measures of affective distress, borderline personality features, and emotion dysregulation.

Results

Results indicated that both emotion beliefs (IBAE) and schemas (LESS) were influenced by age and gender. Both measures significantly predicted variance in affective distress, borderline symptoms, and emotion dysregulation, although the LESS was a stronger predictor.

Conclusion

We conclude that the LESS total score is a particularly useful measure of maladaptive schematic attitudes toward emotion, with additional evidence that the IBAE is a clinical tool that can be useful in psychotherapy to quickly assess a variety of emotion beliefs.
iTRAQ‐based proteomic analysis of the hippocampus of pentylenetetrazole‐kindled epileptic rats
Authors: Xu Weiye , Zhang Siyuan , Feng Yanyan , Zhang Chen , Xiao Yeqing , Tian Fafa
Published: December 2020

Epilepsy can severely affect the quality of life of patients, who are often at higher risk of mortality. However, the molecular mechanisms and pathogenesis underlying epileptogenesis are poorly understood. In this study, we performed a proteomic analysis of the hippocampus in pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)‐kindled epileptic rats to explore the molecular mechanisms of epileptogenesis. We established an epileptic model in Sprague Dawley rats by injecting PTZ intraperitoneally and applied isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) technology integrated with liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) to identify differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in the hippocampus. A total of 99 proteins, comprising 93 upregulated and 6 downregulated proteins, were identified based on a fold change >1.2 (or <0.83) and a p‐value < .05. A further bioinformatics analysis suggested that the candidate proteins were mainly involved in the ubiquitin ligase complex or metabolite homeostasis or acted as intrinsic components of the membrane. A Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis identified a series of representative pathological pathways, including the calcium signaling pathway, neuroactive ligand‐receptor interaction pathway, and the NF‐kappa B pathway. The mass spectrometry results were further confirmed by assessing five representative proteins (Akt1, Syvn1, Amfr, Lamb1, and Cox17) using western blotting and immunohistochemistry. These results may help to reveal the molecular mechanisms underlying epileptogenesis and provide new directions or targets for epilepsy research.
Microstructural changes in the brain after long‐term post‐concussion symptoms: A randomized trial
Authors: Trillingsgaard Næss‐Schmidt Erhard , Udby Blicher Jakob , Møller Thastum Mille , Ulrikka Rask Charlotte , Wulff Svendsen Susanne , Schröder Andreas , Høgh Tuborgh Astrid , Østergaard Leif , Sangill Ryan , Lund Torben , Nørhøj Jespersen Sune , Roer Pedersen Asger , Hansen Brian , Fristed Eskildsen Simon , Feldbæk Nielsen Jørgen
Published: December 2020

A recent randomized controlled trial in young patients with long‐term post‐concussion symptoms showed that a novel behavioral intervention “Get going After concussIoN” is superior to enhanced usual care in terms of symptom reduction. It is unknown whether these interventional effects are associated with microstructural brain changes. The aim of this study was to examine whether diffusion‐weighted MRI indices, which are sensitive to the interactions between cellular structures and water molecules' Brownian motion, respond differently to the interventions of the above‐mentioned trial and whether such differences correlate with the improvement of post‐concussion symptoms. Twenty‐three patients from the intervention group (mean age 22.8, 18 females) and 19 patients from the control group (enhanced usual care) (mean age 23.9, 14 females) were enrolled. The primary outcome measure was the mean kurtosis tensor, which is sensitive to the microscopic complexity of brain tissue. The mean kurtosis tensor was significantly increased in the intervention group (p = 0.003) in the corpus callosum but not in the thalamus (p = 0.78) and the hippocampus (p = 0.34). An increase in mean kurtosis tensor in the corpus callosum tended to be associated with a reduction in symptoms, but this association did not reach significance (p = 0.059). Changes in diffusion tensor imaging metrics did not differ between intervention groups and were not associated with symptoms. The current study found different diffusion‐weighted MRI responses from the microscopic cellular structures of the corpus callosum between patients receiving a novel behavioral intervention and patients receiving enhanced usual care. Correlations with improvement of post‐concussion symptoms were not evident.
Harnessing PGPR inoculation through exogenous foliar application of salicylic acid and microbial extracts for improving rice growth
Authors: Bowya Thangamuthu , Balachandar Dananjeyan
Published: December 2020

Plant‐growth‐promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) should effectively colonize along the plant root to enhance the plant and soil health. The present investigation aims to improve the PGPR‐mediated plant health benefits through above‐ground foliar management. A green fluorescent protein‐tagged PGPR strain, Pseudomonas chlororaphis (ZSB15‐M2) was inoculated in a nonautoclaved agricultural soil before rice culturing. Salicylic acid and cell extracts of Corynebacterium glutamicum and Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a supply of hormonal and inducer compounds were applied on the foliage of the 10‐days‐old rice plants and subsequently observed the colonizing ability of ZSB15‐M2. The cell extracts of Corynebacteria and yeast showed a 100‐fold increase in the ZSB15‐M2 population in the rhizosphere of rice, whereas salicylic acid had a 10‐fold increase in relation to mock control. The rice root exudates collected after the spraying of salicylic acid and microbial extracts showed significantly enhanced release of total carbon, total protein, total sugar, total amino nitrogen, total nitrogen, and phenol content. In vitro assays revealed that these root exudates collected after exogenous spray of these chemicals enhanced the chemotactic motility and biofilm formation of ZSB15‐M2 compared to the control plant's root exudate. Metabolomic analysis of root exudates collected from these rice plants by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry revealed that the Corynebacteria and yeast cell extracts enhanced the divergence of metabolites of rice root exudate. Further, due to these cumulative effects in the rice rhizosphere, the total chlorophyll, total protein, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus of rice were significantly improved. These observations provide insights into the rhizosphere functioning of rice plants as modulated by above‐ground treatments with improved colonization of inoculant strains as well as the plant growth.
Targeting VEGFR2 protein by marine Streptomyces globosus VITLGK011‐derived compound BECA: An in vitro and in silico analysis
Authors: Lokesh Ravi , Jeyakanthan Jeyaraman , Kannabiran Krishnan
Published: December 2020

This study investigates the anticancer cytotoxic mechanism of action of benzoyloxy‐ethyl‐carbamic acid (BECA) produced by Streptomyces globosus VITLGK011. Flow cytometry analysis confirmed that BECA (at IC50: 3.12 µg/ml) treatment for 24 h induced apoptosis in 60% of cells. Schrodinger Maestro tools such as QikProp and DFT were used to confirm that BECA is an eligible drug‐like molecule, with suitable physiochemical properties. Glide XP tool was used to perform induced‐fit docking between BECA and 30 cancer drug target proteins. The highest significance was observed for VEGFR2 protein (−6.7 kcal/mol). GROMACS tool was used to perform molecular dynamic simulation between BECA and VEGFR2 protein for 40 ns. Root mean square deviation, root mean square fluctuation, H‐bond, and trajectory analysis, confirmed that BECA is a suitable inhibitor of VEGFR2 protein. Results conclude that BECA is a valid VEGFR2 inhibitor, and it thus exerts the observed anticancer cytotoxicity against MCF‐7 cells.
Implementation of Sustainable Solvents in Green Polymerization Approaches
Authors: Conelli Daniele , Margiotta Nicola , Grisorio Roberto , Suranna Gian Paolo
Published: December 2020

In modern polymer chemistry directed toward the synthesis of conjugated materials, the synthetic routes devised to achieve the process sustainability are based on CH bond activation. This prerequisite distinguishes both the tandem Suzuki−Heck as well as the direct arylation polymerizations (DArP); however, their compatibility with environmentally benign solvents still represents a challenge. In this paper, the implementation of sustainable solvents for the synthesis of poly(9,9‐dioctylfluorenylene‐vinylene) by using the traditional Pd(AcO)2/P(o‐Tol)3/NEt3 catalytic system is described. It is assessed that selected green solvents (i.e., anisole and propylene carbonate) constitute the ideal media for the tandem Suzuki–Heck polymerization. Furthermore, by modulating medium polarity using mixtures of these green solvents and changing the reaction temperature, a suitable compromise between high molecular weights and regioregularity of the resulting polymers is reached. Conversely, the presence of propylene carbonate is deleterious for the DArP of 2‐bromo‐3‐hexylthiophene, while it is found that catalyst performances in anisole strictly depend on the palladium source used. The best conditions are obtained using PdCl2(PPh3)2 as the precatalyst, affording a highly regioregular (93%) poly(3‐hexylthiophene) in quantitative yields and high molecular weights (26.7 kg mol−1).
Dynamics of COVID‐19 via singular and non‐singular fractional operators under real statistical observations
Authors: Alghamdi Metib , Alqarni M. S. , Alshomrani Ali Saleh , Ullah Malik Zaka , Baleanu Dumitru
Published: December 2020

Coronavirus has paralyzed various socio‐economic sectors worldwide. Such unprecedented outbreak was proved to be lethal for about 1,069,513 individuals based upon information released by Worldometers on October 09, 2020. In order to fathom transmission dynamics of the virus, different kinds of mathematical models have recently been proposed in literature. In the continuation, we have formulated a deterministic COVID‐19 model under fractional operators using six nonlinear ordinary differential equations. Using fixed‐point theory and Arzelá Ascoli principle, the proposed model is shown to have existence of unique solution while stability analysis for differential equations involved in the model is carried out via Ulam–Hyers and generalized Ulam–Hyers conditions in a Banach space. Real COVID‐19 cases considered from July 01 to August 14, 2020, in Pakistan were used to validate the model, thereby producing best fitted values for the parameters via nonlinear least‐squares approach while minimizing sum of squared residuals. Elasticity indices for each parameter are computed. Two numerical schemes under singular and non‐singular operators are formulated for the proposed model to obtain various simulations of particularly asymptomatically infectious individuals and of control reproduction number
. It has been shown that the fractional operators with order
generated
which is smaller than the one obtained under the classical case (
). Interesting behavior of the virus is explained under fractional case for the epidemiologically relevant parameters. All results are illustrated from biological viewpoint.
Traveling waves for a cholera vaccination model with nonlocal dispersal
Authors: Liao Shu , Yang Weiming , Fang Fang
Published: December 2020

In this paper, we study the existence and nonexistence of a nonlocal dispersal cholera model with vaccination. First, we explore the existence of traveling wave solution whenR0 > 1andc ≥ c∗by using the Schauder's fixed‐point theorem associated with the upper‐lower solutions. Moreover, the Lyapunov functional is used to show the boundary asymptotic behavior of traveling wave solution. Furthermore, in the case whenR0 > 1andc < c∗, we show that the model system has nonexistence of traveling wave solution on the basis of the Laplace transform. At last, we discuss how the spatial movement and vaccination affect the minimal wave speed.
A new ride‐sharing model incorporating the passengers' efforts
Authors: Yao Danli , He Simai , Wang Zhen
Published: December 2020

We address a novel ride‐sharing model aiming to improve the quality of carpool services, by means of incorporation of passengers' efforts. In densely populated areas, locating and picking up passengers are often time costly. These phenomena, which are rarely considered in literature, will hurdle the service efficiency of ride‐sharing businesses by a significant amount, and contribute to the performance gap between theoretical estimation and practical performance. We notice that major platforms, such as DiDi, Uber, and Lyft are all starting innovative ways to encourage passengers to take efforts to walk to the assigned stations. We present a static optimization model for the planning stage of the service and establish an estimation of the carpooling rate for each station together with robustness consideration. In addition, we provide simple and efficient optimization algorithms with theoretical performance guarantee. At the same time, we conduct simulation studies based on both random generated data and open accessible data from DiDi. By applying our model and algorithm to the data of DiDi, we can achieve carpooling rates of 90% while passengers are located within an average radius of 250 m spending an extra waiting time of less than 3 min for their shared rides during rush hour.
Numerical solution of singularly perturbed 2D parabolic initial‐boundary‐value problems based on reproducing kernel theory: Error and stability analysis
Authors: Fardi Mojtaba , Ghasemi Mehdi
Published: December 2020

The main aim of this article is to propose two computational approaches on the basis of the reproducing kernel Hilbert space method for solving singularly perturbed 2D parabolic initial‐boundary‐value problems. For each approach, the solution in reproducing kernel Hilbert space is constructed with series form, and the approximate solution um is given as an m‐term summation. Furthermore, convergence of the proposed approaches is presented which provides the theoretical basis of these approaches. Finally, some numerical experiments are considered to demonstrate the efficiency and applicability of proposed approaches.
Evaluation of the role of devulcanized rubber on the thermomechanical properties of expanded ethylene‐propylene diene monomers composites
Authors: Valentini Francesco , Dorigato Andrea , Rigotti Daniele , Pegoretti Alessandro
Published: December 2020

Various amounts of both devulcanized (DR) and non‐devulcanized (NDR) recycled rubber were melt compounded with a virgin ethylene‐propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber. The resulting compounds were then expanded by using azodicarbonamide. The role played by the presence of DR or NDR on the thermomechanical properties of the obtained materials was evaluated. Electron scanning microscope micrographs highlighted that DR particles were better encapsulated within the EPDM matrix with respect to the corresponding NDR ones. Moreover, a better interfacial adhesion was observed with DR, probably due the re‐vulcanization process in which the free crosslinking sites that typically characterize DR could form linkages with the EPDM matrix. Tensile impact behavior of expanded EPDM/recycled rubber blends highlighted a strong improvement of the normalized total absorbed energy, of the normalized impact strength and of the elongation at break with respect to the neat expanded EPDM for all the investigated compositions, and especially with a DR content of 20 wt%. The preparation of expanded EPDM containing considerable amounts of devulcanized rubber was, therefore, demonstrated to be a practical route to reduce the costs and improve the properties and the environmental sustainability of rubber products.