bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Double-Blind Clinical Trial to Determine the Effect of Oral Zolpidem and Midazolam on the Level of Preoperative Anxiety in Children Undergoing Eye Examination Under General Anesthesia
Authors: Derakhshan Pooya , Faiz Seyed Hamid Reza , Emami Azadeh , Mohseni Masood , Shirani Mohsen
Published: May 2020

Background: Preoperative anxiety is a very important factor in pediatric surgery; 40% - 60% of children experience a high level of anxiety in the preoperative period. Objectives: Given the need for anxiety control in children and considering that limited studies have been conducted in this regard, this research was performed to compare the effect of oral zolpidem and midazolam on level of preoperative anxiety in children. Methods: In a prospective double-blind randomized controlled trial, 56 cases were randomly divided into two groups of 28 participants. A group underwent zolpidem premedication and the other underwent midazolam premedication. The level of preoperative and postoperative anxiety was measured by MYPAS SCORE checklist and compared. Results: The study comprised 56 patients (19 girls and 37 boys) aged between 3 - 9 years. The mean score of anxiety in the group receiving midazolam was 63.80 in pre-test and 32.61 in post-test (P < 0.001). The mean score of anxiety in the group receiving zolpidem was 62.49 in pre-test and 30.94 in post-test (P < 0.001). Mean anxiety in the patients of zolpidem group was lower than that in midazolam group (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Our results show that both zolpidem and midazolam reduce preoperative anxiety, however, the preoperative anxiety was significantly decreased after taking zolpidem in comparison with midazolam. Zolpidem is a hypnotic drug with rapid onset and short duration of action, which might be an alternative premedication for midazolam in pediatric anesthesia, particularly when the reduced anxiety and child cooperation are needed.
Polymorphic Variants of BH4 Pathway Genes and Isolated Hypospadias Risk
Authors: Hozyasz Kamil Konrad , Mostowska Adrianna , Kowal Andrzej , Jagodzinski Pawel P
Published: May 2020

Background: Hypospadias (HS) is one of the most common congenital malformations. Complications of corrective surgery in HS correlate with patients’ opinions on their voiding ability and sexual life as adults. Etiology of HS involves both genetic and environmental factors. GCH1, which belongs to recently identified urothelial genes influencing voiding behavior, encodes rate-limiting enzyme catalyzing the production of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4). A requirement for BH4, a metabolite structurally related to folic acid and riboflavin, in embryonic development was reported. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to investigate the association of selected polymorphic variants of BH4 pathway genes with hypospadias. Methods: We performed an analysis of 6 SNPs of GCH1, PAH and AGMO-DGKB loci in a group of 166 boys with isolated hypospadias and a properly matched control group. Results: There was no evidence for either allelic or genotypic association with the risk of HS for the tested nucleotide variants (rs12425434, rs7485331, rs17128050, rs8004018, rs17128077, rs2191349). The lack of association with single SNPs was confirmed at the haplotype level. The exhaustive multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) analysis revealed no significant interactive effect of polymorphic variants of BH4 pathway genes on HS susceptibility. Conclusions: The presented results did not support an association between SNPs of GCH1 and PAH and the risk of HS.
Du travail associatif au militantisme : l’expérience des agricultrices urbaines et périurbaines du Nordeste au Brésil1
Authors: Martinez Andrea
Published: May 2020

S’appuyant sur des entrevues semi-dirigées auprès de 50 agricultrices urbaines et périurbaines issues de secteurs marginalisés (favelas,assentamentos,terreiroset communautés quilombolas et indigènes) des États de Ceará et de Pernambouc, l’auteure s’intéresse aux dynamiques associatives qui permettent à ces femmes de rompre avec la stigmatisation et l’invisibilité, d’une part, et de se constituer en mouvement social selon les trois principes (identité, opposition et historicité) de la théorie tourainienne de l’« acteur social », d’autre part. Son analyse révèle que les actions militantes de ces agricultrices nourrissent des réseaux de collaboration qui vont au-delà des droits fonciers, contribuant ainsi à une autonomisation (empowerment) individuelle et relationnelle articulée autour du projet inachevé – et aujourd’hui compromis par le gouvernement de Bolsonaro – de l’économie sociale et solidaire comme moyen d’en finir avec les diverses formes de domination et d’oppression croisées.
La souveraineté alimentaire dans la Marche mondiale des femmes : un projet politique féministe aux saveurs régionales distinctes
Authors: Dufour Pascale , Masson Dominique , Diaz Alba Carmen
Published: May 2020

L’appropriation et la diffusion de la souveraineté alimentaire au sein des coordinations nationales de la Marche mondiale des femmes, comme projet politique féministe, suit une logique régionale qui distingue clairement les coordinations nationales latino-américaines, africaines et européennes. Ces variations régionales s’expliquent par trois facteurs : 1) la structuration interne de la Marche et les occasions de contact à l’échelle régionale entre les militantes des coordinations nationales; 2) la pertinence de la souveraineté alimentaire par rapport au quotidien, telle qu’elle est perçue par les militantes et les groupes membres; 3) les contacts avec des organisations alliées actives sur le thème de la souveraineté alimentaire à l’extérieur de la Marche. L’analyse repose sur des entrevues semi-directives menées auprès des responsables des coordinations nationales et des observations directes dans certains pays. Elle montre que l’échelle régionale, encore peu considérée par la littérature féministe, s’avère une échelle pertinente d’analyse en vue de mieux comprendre les actions collectives transnationales féministes.
Portraits de féministes francophones du xxie siècle au Québec
Authors: Lamoureux Diane , Mayer Stéphanie
Published: May 2020

Les auteures analysent l’engagement de militantes entrées dans le mouvement des femmes et des féministes au Québec au tournant du XXIesiècle. Leur étude porte sur des entrevues réalisées dans le contexte d’un projet de recherche intitulé « InterReconnaissance » (2013-2017). Les auteures s’intéressent particulièrement à ce qui caractérise les conditions de militance de ces femmes et marque leurs réflexions politiques ainsi que leur forme d’activisme, et ce, tant dans les espaces plus institutionnalisés du mouvement des femmes que dans ceux qui sont considérés comme plus militants et radicaux. Leurs réflexions s’organisent autour de quatre éléments qui touchent leurs répondantes : leurs formes d’engagement politiques dans et hors du féminisme; la formation universitaire dans le domaine des études féministes; l’importance accordée aux analyses intersectionnelles; et le rapport entretenu à l’État ainsi qu’aux luttes conduites au nom des droits.
La langue est-elle toujours un lieu de lutte féministe?
Authors: Abbou Julie
Published: May 2020

Dans la francophonie des années 2000, des féministes entreprennent d’attaquer la structure de la langue comme lieu de catégorisation du genre. L’hétérogénéité des formes employées leur assure une force politique detumulteet révèle dessavoirs pratiquesqui permettent de s’approprier le discours. Ce sont des technologies sémiotiques, qui produisent unecontrefaçon du genre. Aujourd’hui, ces pratiques se diffusent et se normalisent. Quelle est alors leur force politique actuelle? Demeurent-elles un geste subversif alimentant une réflexion politique en mouvement ou sont-elles devenues des technologies fossiles? Quelles sont les réinventions féministes possibles dans l’espace politique qu’est la langue pour continuer à interpeller les catégories?
Wireless recording from unrestrained monkeys reveals motor goal encoding beyond immediate reach in frontoparietal cortex
Authors: Berger Michael , Agha Naubahar Shahryar , Gail Alexander
Published: May 2020

System neuroscience of motor cognition regarding the space beyond immediate reach mandates free, yet experimentally controlled movements. We present an experimental environment (Reach Cage) and a versatile visuo-haptic interaction system (MaCaQuE) for investigating goal-directed whole-body movements of unrestrained monkeys. Two rhesus monkeys conducted instructed walk-and-reach movements towards targets flexibly positioned in the cage. We tracked 3D multi-joint arm and head movements using markerless motion capture. Movements show small trial-to-trial variability despite being unrestrained. We wirelessly recorded 192 broad-band neural signals from three cortical sensorimotor areas simultaneously. Single unit activity is selective for different reach and walk-and-reach movements. Walk-and-reach targets could be decoded from premotor and parietal but not motor cortical activity during movement planning. The Reach Cage allows systems-level sensorimotor neuroscience studies with full-body movements in a configurable 3D spatial setting with unrestrained monkeys. We conclude that the primate frontoparietal network encodes reach goals beyond immediate reach during movement planning.
Lipid accumulation controls the balance between surface connection and scission of caveolae
Authors: Hubert Madlen , Larsson Elin , Vegesna Naga Venkata Gayathri , Ahnlund Maria , Johansson Annika I , Moodie Lindon WK , Lundmark Richard
Published: May 2020

Caveolae are bulb-shaped invaginations of the plasma membrane (PM) that undergo scission and fusion at the cell surface and are enriched in specific lipids. However, the influence of lipid composition on caveolae surface stability is not well described or understood. Accordingly, we inserted specific lipids into the cell PM via membrane fusion and studied their acute effects on caveolae dynamics. We demonstrate that sphingomyelin stabilizes caveolae to the cell surface, whereas cholesterol and glycosphingolipids drive caveolae scission from the PM. Although all three lipids accumulated specifically in caveolae, cholesterol and sphingomyelin were actively sequestered, whereas glycosphingolipids diffused freely. The ATPase EHD2 restricts lipid diffusion and counteracts lipid-induced scission. We propose that specific lipid accumulation in caveolae generates an intrinsically unstable domain prone to scission if not restrained by EHD2 at the caveolae neck. This work provides a mechanistic link between caveolae and their ability to sense the PM lipid composition.
Intravascular flow stimulates PKD2 (polycystin-2) channels in endothelial cells to reduce blood pressure
Authors: MacKay Charles E , Leo M Dennis , Fernández-Peña Carlos , Hasan Raquibul , Yin Wen , Mata-Daboin Alejandro , Bulley Simon , Gammons Jesse , Mancarella Salvatore , Jaggar Jonathan H
Published: May 2020

PKD2 (polycystin-2, TRPP1), a TRP polycystin channel, is expressed in endothelial cells (ECs), but its physiological functions in this cell type are unclear. Here, we generated inducible, EC-specific Pkd2 knockout mice to examine vascular functions of PKD2. Data show that a broad range of intravascular flow rates stimulate EC PKD2 channels, producing vasodilation. Flow-mediated PKD2 channel activation leads to calcium influx that activates SK/IK channels and eNOS serine 1176 phosphorylation in ECs. These signaling mechanisms produce arterial hyperpolarization and vasodilation. In contrast, EC PKD2 channels do not contribute to acetylcholine-induced vasodilation, suggesting stimulus-specific function. EC-specific PKD2 knockout elevated blood pressure in mice without altering cardiac function or kidney anatomy. These data demonstrate that flow stimulates PKD2 channels in ECs, leading to SK/IK channel and eNOS activation, hyperpolarization, vasodilation and a reduction in systemic blood pressure. Thus, PKD2 channels are a major component of functional flow sensing in the vasculature.
Allelopathy a Tool for Sustainable Weed Management
Authors: Shirgapure K. H. , Ghosh Pritam
Published: May 2020

Phytochemicals released by plant species into the environment inhibit the emergence and growth of surrounding plants by changing their metabolic activity or impacting on their soil community mutualists referred as allelopathy. Allelochemicals are the compounds produced from the secondary metabolism of higher plants and microorganisms such as fungi, bacteria and viruses and affect on many processes in ecosystems and agro-ecosystems.  In complex agro-ecosystem both crop and weed shows allelophathic effect. Allelochemicals from crop plant affect on other crop and weed while allelochemicals from weed effect on other weed and crop, beside this both weed and crop also shows autoallelopathy. Hence scientific and proper estimation of allelopathic plant, their allelochemical and susceptible weed species is necessary through advance research. This is helps to increase agricultural production, reduction in cost of pesticides, environment hazard, and way for the sustainable weed management and sustainable development of agricultural production as well as ecological systems.
Prevalence of Carpel Tunnel Syndrome among Pregnant Women in Lahore City
Authors: Nisa Zaib un , Asim Hafiz Muhammad , Ramzan Rehan , Faraz Mariam , Nazeer Sidra , Tahir Rabia
Published: May 2020

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is one of the most common neuropathies and pregnancy is a risk factor of CTS. The frequency of CTS during pregnancy, especially that according to the gestational age, is not well determined, and here we attempted to determine it in three hospitals in Lahore, Pakistan. By the use of non-probability purposive sampling method, 286 samples of pregnant females were collected. The diagnosis of CTS was made using Phalens test and others. Phalen test was positive in 20.8, 29.6, and 45.3% during 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimester, respectively. The questionnaire data indicated that CTS was present in 11.2, 37.0 and 49.5% in 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimester, respectively. Swelling of the joint was observed in 31.6, 51.9 and 77.8% in 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimester, respectively. The same tendency of the occurrence of CTS according to the three trimesters was observed when using nerve compression test or Tinels test.
Discrepancy Score of Job Competency on SAFE Programme Beneficiaries in North-Western Nigeria
Authors: Hamisu S. , Umar S. , Oladosu Isma’il O. , Gona Ayuba,
Published: May 2020

The study examines the discrepancy of job competency on SAFE programme beneficiaries in North-Western Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was adopted in selecting 285 sample sizes. Two categories of respondents were considered namely: SAFE beneficiaries (212) and employer’s (73). Primary data was collected using structured questionnaires and all the questionnaires were returned and found useful for the study. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as percentage counts, means; standard deviation and discrepancy scores. The study revealed that majority (96%) of the SAFE beneficiaries were male, married (86%) with a mean age of about 44 years, and about 18 years of working experiences in extension services. SAFE beneficiaries had a mean of 6 persons per household with a current mean salary grade level of 12. The study revealed that job competencies identified in SAFE programme were rated ‘high important’ to extension service delivery. The study further reveals that SAFE beneficiaries were rated high in job competencies possessed as result of SAFE programme. More so, the study established a positive (0.00) discrepancy score on professionalism among the SAFE beneficiaries in the study area. The study concludes that SAFE programme had positively influenced job competencies of the agricultural extension workers. The study further recommends that there is need for more female incorporated in agricultural extension services, inclusiveness of other extension workers to key into the SAFE programme as well as the need to strengthened professionalism in the SAFE programme curricula across the participating Universities in Nigeria.
An Analytical Study of Jordanian Consumers’ Attitudes towards Purchasing Organic Food
Authors: Altarawneh Mohammad , Altarawneh Radi
Published: May 2020

The study aimed to determine the level of consumer attitudes towards purchasing organic food, by conducting a statistical analysis of the data collected from the questionnaires collected from a sample of consumers in Amman Governorate in 2018 distributed to a sample of 384. The analytical descriptive approach was used in this research to study the relationship Between the variables, the results of the study showed that the average degree of consumers to purchase organic foods was 3.69 degrees, which is a high level according to the scale used. The independent variables of consumers were also distinguished by its clear impact on their attitudes towards the purchase and consumption of organic foods. Through the study, it was found that there is a positive and important relationship between consumers attitudes towards organic foods and some factors that affect their attitudes. Considering this, importance the researcher recommends the importance of conducting awareness programs on the importance of organic foods and to do other relevant studies in different regions of Jordan.
Impact of Community Biogas Plant Implemented by Rural Development Academy in Rural Areas of Bogura, Bangladesh
Authors: Muhammad Noor , Bosak Liza , Sarkar Samir Kumar
Published: May 2020

This paper determined the impact of community biogas plant implemented by rural development academy in rural areas of Bogura, Bangladesh. Data were collected by structured questionnaire having open and closed form questions. Researchers collected data with the help of BCS health care foundation trainees from the selected 68 families who were the direct beneficiaries of community biogas plant. Focus group discussion and information from union parishad were also taken into consideration. The research found that biogas plant is useful to produce a renewable, high-quality fuel i.e. biogas which is using as a alternative of biomass fuels (firewood and dried dung) for meeting energy utilization demands. In the past fuel demand was fulfilled by deforestation and land degradation which results in different health and societal problems and also cause excessive emission of greenhouse gases. Biogas is used for cooking, lighting, heating and feedstock etc while slurry of biogas increases soil fertility and taste of foods. Number of cattle also increases for biogas plants. The biogas production derives from various agricultural resources, such as manure and harvest remains enormously available. Biogas technology represents a sustainable way to produce energy for household, particularly in developing countries. It can be cost-effective and environment friendly technology for the people in rural areas. So, Biogas can be a best substitute of biomass fuels for use in rural areas.
SPC25 may promote proliferation and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma via p53
Authors: Chen Fengjuan , Zhang Ka , Huang Yilin , Luo Fang , Hu Kunpeng , Cai Qingxian
Published: April 2020

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignancy with poor prognosis and high mortality. To identify key genes associated with HCC and the underlying mechanisms, we performed weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) of potential key genes of HCC. We identified 17 key genes closely related to HCC by yellow module combined with PPI analysis. Verification of the role of these genes revealed that SPC25 knockdown results in a significant decrease in proliferation and metastasis of HCC cells and increased protein levels of components of the p53 pathway in vitro. In summary, we identified that SPC25 is a potential tumor‐promoting factor in HCC and may act via the p53 pathway.
A Soft Resistive Acoustic Sensor Based on Suspended Standing Nanowire Membranes with Point Crack Design
Authors: Gong Shu , Yap Lim Wei , Zhu Yi , Zhu Bowen , Wang Yan , Ling Yunzhi , Zhao Yunmeng , An Tiance , Lu Yuerui , Cheng Wenlong
Published: April 2020

An artificial basilar membrane (ABM) is an acoustic transducer that mimics the mechanical frequency selectivity of the real basilar membrane, which has the potential to revolutionize current cochlear implant technology. While such ABMs can be potentially realized using piezoelectric, triboelectric, and capacitive transduction methods, it remains notoriously difficult to achieve resistive ABM due to the poor frequency discrimination of resistive‐type materials. Here, a point crack technology on noncracking vertically aligned gold nanowire (V‐AuNW) films is reported, which allows for designing soft acoustic sensors with electric signals in good agreement with vibrometer output—a capability not achieved with corresponding bulk cracking system. The strategy can lead to soft microphones for music recognition comparable to the conventional microphone. Moreover, a soft resistive ABM is demonstrated by integrating eight nanowire‐based sensor strips on a soft trapezoid frame. The wearable ABM exhibits high‐frequency selectivity in the range of 319–1951 Hz and high sensitivity of 0.48–4.26 Pa−1. The simple yet efficient fabrication in conjunction with programmable crack design indicates the promise of the methodology for a wide range of applications in future wearable voice recognition devices, cochlea implants, and human–machine interfaces.
Intermolecular π–π Conjugation Self‐Assembly to Stabilize Surface Passivation of Highly Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Li Hongshi , Shi Jiangjian , Deng Jun , Chen Zijing , Li Yiming , Zhao Wenyan , Wu Jionghua , Wu Huijue , Luo Yanhong , Li Dongmei , Meng Qingbo
Published: April 2020

Surface passivation is an effective approach to eliminate defects and thus to achieve efficient perovskite solar cells, while the stability of the passivation effect is a new concern for device stability engineering. Herein, tribenzylphosphine oxide (TBPO) is introduced to stably passivate the perovskite surface. A high efficiency exceeding 22%, with steady‐state efficiency of 21.6%, is achieved, which is among the highest performances for TiO2 planar cells, and the hysteresis is significantly suppressed. Further density functional theory (DFT) calculation reveals that the surface molecule superstructure induced by TBPO intermolecular π–π conjugation, such as the periodic interconnected structure, results in a high stability of TBPO–perovskite coordination and passivation. The passivated cell exhibits significantly improved stability, with sustaining 92% of initial efficiency after 250 h maximum‐power‐point tracking. Therefore, the construction of a stabilized surface passivation in this work represents great progress in the stability engineering of perovskite solar cells.
A 2D Titanium Carbide MXene Flexible Electrode for High‐Efficiency Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Ahn Soyeong , Han Tae‐Hee , Maleski Kathleen , Song Jinouk , Kim Young‐Hoon , Park Min‐Ho , Zhou Huanyu , Yoo Seunghyup , Gogotsi Yury , Lee Tae‐Woo
Published: April 2020

Although several transparent conducting materials such as carbon nanotubes, graphene, and conducting polymers have been intensively explored as flexible electrodes in optoelectronic devices, their insufficient electrical conductivity, low work function, and complicated electrode fabrication processes have limited their practical use. Herein, a 2D titanium carbide (Ti3C2) MXene film with transparent conducting electrode (TCE) properties, including high electrical conductivity (≈11 670 S cm−1) and high work function (≈5.1 eV), which are achieved by combining a simple solution processing with modulation of surface composition, is described. A chemical neutralization strategy of a conducting‐polymer hole‐injection layer is used to prevent detrimental surface oxidation and resulting degradation of the electrode film. Use of the MXene electrode in an organic light‐emitting diode leads to a current efficiency of ≈102.0 cd A−1 and an external quantum efficiency of ≈28.5% ph/el, which agree well with the theoretical maximum values from optical simulations. The results demonstrate the strong potential of MXene as a solution‐processable electrode in optoelectronic devices and provide a guideline for use of MXenes as TCEs in low‐cost flexible optoelectronic devices.
Molecular Architectonics‐Guided Fabrication of Superhydrophobic and Self‐Cleaning Materials
Authors: Konar Mouli , Roy Bappaditya , Govindaraju Thimmaiah
Published: April 2020

Self‐cleaning surface coatings is ubiquitous with variety of products today including glass and ceramic tiles, anti‐fogging mirrors, paints, mortars, and concrete. The phenomenon of self‐cleaning is attributed to superhydrophobic surface capable of cleaning itself without any human intervention. The development of superhydrophobic surfaces has been inspired by the desire to mimic the nature viz., water repellent property of lotus leaves and the process is termed as lotus effect. A variety of chemical and physical methods have been reported to fabricate of rough surfaces with low‐surface‐energy coating like, molecular assembly processes, chemical vapor deposition, sol–gel method, and breath‐figure technique (BFT) among others. Among them, BFT offers simple solution processability, robustness, and excellent tunability of surface architecture at different length scales. In this progress report, molecular architectonics of small functional molecules and its application in fabricating selfcleaning materials and surfaces through simple solution processing techniques is described. In these bioinspired approaches, self‐assembly properties of small functional molecules at the molecular level can be controlled by conjugating with basic biomolecules or biomimetic units as functional auxiliaries and adapting suitable experimental techniques. Overall, this progress report demonstrates the progress in molecular architectonics‐based approaches to develop superhydrophobic surfaces with self‐cleaning applications.
The Effect of Interfacial Charge Distribution on Chemical Compatibility and Stability of the High Voltage Electrodes (LiCoPO4, LiNiPO4)/Solid Electrolyte (LiPON) Interface
Authors: Cherkashinin Gennady , Yu Zhihang , Eilhardt Robert , Alff Lambert , Jaegermann Wolfram
Published: April 2020

Solid electrolytes hold the promise of improved safety and superior electrochemical stability in energy storage systems. Among those, electrolytes with phosphate anions are expected to be more stable at high operating voltages, thereby providing even higher energy density. The key challenge is to control the boundary conditions at the cathode/electrolyte interface, which impact drastically the functionality of the energy storage devices. Here, the evolution of the chemical composition and electronic properties of the interface forms upon consequent deposition of solid electrolyte (lithium phosphorous oxynitride [LiPON]) onto the 5 V LiCoPO4 and LiNiPO4 carbon‐free thin film cathode materials is in situ studied by comprehensive electron spectroscopy experiments combined with the energy band diagram approach. It is demonstrated that the driving forces for interfacial reactivity are the band bending direction and the double layer potential drop at the electrode–electrolyte interface coupled to an unfavorable electrochemical potential shift of involved electronic states upon contact formation. The probability for interfacial chemical reactions is essentially increased at small energy differences in the ionization potentials of the cathode material and electrolyte, whereas a large energy difference ensures their chemical compatibility.
Resolving Li‐Ion Battery Electrode Particles Using Rapid Lab‐Based X‐Ray Nano‐Computed Tomography for High‐Throughput Quantification
Authors: Heenan Thomas M. M. , Llewellyn Alice V. , Leach Andrew S. , Kok Matthew D. R. , Tan Chun , Jervis Rhodri , Brett Dan J. L. , Shearing Paul R.
Published: April 2020

Vast quantities of powder leave production lines each day, often with strict control measures. For quality checks to provide the most value, they must be capable of screening individual particles in 3D and at high throughput. Conceptually, X‐ray computed tomography (CT) is capable of this; however, achieving lab‐based reconstructions of individual particles has, until now, relied upon scan‐times on the order of tens of hours, or even days, and although synchrotron facilities are potentially capable of faster scanning times, availability is limited, making in‐line product analysis impractical. This work describes a preparation method and high‐throughput scanning procedure for the 3D characterization of powder samples in minutes using nano‐CT by full‐filed transmission X‐ray microscopy with zone‐plate focusing optics. This is demonstrated on various particle morphologies from two next‐generation lithium‐ion battery cathodes: LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 and LiNi0.6Mn0.2Co0.2O2; namely, NMC811 and NMC622. Internal voids are detected which limit energy density and promote degradation, potentially impacting commercial application such as the drivable range of an electric vehicle.
Supplements of an aqueous combination of Justicia adhatoda and Ocimum tenuiflorum boost antioxidative effects and impede hyperlipidemia
Authors: Iqbal Chowdhury Ifrahim , Rahman Md. Atiar , Hashem Mohammad A. , Bhuiyan M. Mosharef Hossain , Hajjar Dina , Alelwani Walla , Makki Arwa A. , Haque Md. Areeful , Tangpong Jitbanjong , Bakhtiar M. Taher Bin
Published: April 2020

Background

Justicia adhatoda and Ocimum tenuiflorum, locally known as bashok and tulsi, are two ethnomedicinally important herbs that have been using as dietary supplements for several therapeutic applications. This study evaluated the combined effect of both the herbs as an antioxidative and antihyperlipidemic agent.

Methods

Antihyperlipidemic effect was assessed in a high‐fat diet‐induced hyperlipidemic model in Wistar albino rats. The rats were treated orally with extracts of bashok (J adhatoda, 200 mg/kg bw), tulshi (O tenuiflorum, 200 mg/kg bw), and a combination of bashok and tulshi (50:50), as well as with a reference drug, atorvastatin (10 mg/kg/day), with or without high‐fat diet for 14 days. The antioxidative effect was studied using established in vitro models. The studies were supported by experimentally testing the effects of the extracts on membrane stabilization and inhibition of protein denaturation.

Results

The results showed that the serum lipid profile was significantly decreased in the different treatment groups, with bashok having the greatest effect. Body weights, total serum protein, LDH, and relative liver and adipose tissue weights were markedly restored towards baseline values, the lowest atherogenic index being achieved with the combined extract. The combination treatment significantly enhanced total phenolic content and antioxidative capacity and greatly potentiated membrane stabilization, but inhibition of protein denaturation was not significantly affected.

Conclusion

The data demonstrate that a combination of Justicia adhatoda and Ocimum tenuiflorum could be developed as a food supplement with antioxidative and antihyperlipidemic benefits.
Hybrid Palladium Catalyst Assembled from Chiral Phosphoric Acid and Thioamide for Enantioselective β‐C(sp3)−H Arylation
Authors: Jiang Hua‐Jie , Zhong Xiu‐Mei , Liu Zi‐Ye , Geng Rui‐Long , Li Yang‐Yang , Wu Yun‐Dong , Zhang Xinhao , Gong Liu‐Zhu
Published: April 2020

A hybrid palladium catalyst assembled from a chiral phosphoric acid (CPA) and thioamide enables a highly efficient and enantioselective β‐C(sp3)−H functionalization of thioamides (up to 99 % yield, 97 % ee). A kinetic resolution of unsymmetrical thioamides by intermolecular C(sp3)−H arylation can be achieved with high s‐factors. Mechanistic investigations have revealed that stereocontrol is achieved by embedding the substrate in a robust chiral cavity defined by the bulky CPA and a neutral thioamide ligand.
Active Intermediates in Copper Nitrite Reductase Reactions Probed by a Cryotrapping‐Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Approach
Authors: Hedison Tobias M. , Shanmugam Muralidharan , Heyes Derren J. , Edge Ruth , Scrutton Nigel S.
Published: April 2020

Redox active metalloenzymes catalyse a range of biochemical processes essential for life. However, due to their complex reaction mechanisms, and often, their poor optical signals, detailed mechanistic understandings of them are limited. Here, we develop a cryoreduction approach coupled to electron paramagnetic resonance measurements to study electron transfer between the copper centers in the copper nitrite reductase (CuNiR) family of enzymes. Unlike alternative methods used to study electron transfer reactions, the cryoreduction approach presented here allows observation of the redox state of both metal centers, a direct read‐out of electron transfer, determines the presence of the substrate/product in the active site and shows the importance of protein motion in inter‐copper electron transfer catalyzed by CuNiRs. Cryoreduction‐EPR is broadly applicable for the study of electron transfer in other redox enzymes and paves the way to explore transient states in multiple redox‐center containing proteins (homo and hetero metal ions).
Catalytic Disproportionation of Formic Acid to Methanol by using Recyclable Silylformates
Authors: Chauvier Clément , Imberdis Arnaud , Thuéry Pierre , Cantat Thibault
Published: April 2020

A novel strategy to prepare methanol from formic acid without an external reductant is presented. The overall process described herein consists of the disproportionation of silyl formates to methoxysilanes, catalyzed by ruthenium complexes, and the production of methanol by simple hydrolysis. Aqueous solutions of MeOH (>1 mL, >70 % yield) were prepared in this manner. The sustainability of the reaction has been established by recycling of the silicon‐containing by‐products with inexpensive, readily available, and environmentally benign reagents.
NIR‐Sensitized Activated Photoreaction between Cyanines and Oxime Esters: Free‐Radical Photopolymerization
Authors: Pang Yulian , Fan Shuheng , Wang Qunying , Oprych Dennis , Feilen Alfred , Reiner Knut , Keil Dietmar , Slominsky Yuriy L. , Popov Sergey , Zou Yingquan , Strehmel Bernd
Published: April 2020

Cyanines comprising either a benzo[e]‐ or benzo[c,d]indolium core facilitate initiation of radical photopolymerization combined with high power NIR‐LED prototypes emitting at 805 nm, 860 nm, or 870 nm, while different oxime esters function as radical coinitiators. Radical photopolymerization followed an initiation mechanism based on the participation of excited states, requiring additional thermal energy to overcome an existing intrinsic activation barrier. Heat released by nonradiative deactivation of the sensitizer favored the system, even under conditions where a thermally activated photoinduced electron transfer controls the reaction protocol. The heat generated internally by the NIR sensitizer promotes generation of the initiating reactive radicals. Sensitizers with a barbiturate group at the meso‐position preferred to bleach directly, while sensitizers carrying a cyclopentene moiety unexpectedly initiated the photosensitized mechanism.
Counterion Dependence of Dinitrogen Activation and Functionalization by a Diniobium Hydride Anion
Authors: Suzuki Shoi , Ishida Yutaka , Kameo Hajime , Sakaki Shigeyoshi , Kawaguchi Hiroyuki
Published: April 2020

We report the synthesis of anionic diniobium hydride complexes with a series of alkali metal cations (Li+, Na+, and K+) and the counterion dependence of their reactivity with N2. Exposure of these complexes to N2 initially produces the corresponding side‐on end‐on N2 complexes, the fate of which depends on the nature of countercations. The lithium derivative undergoes stepwise migratory insertion of the hydride ligands onto the aryloxide units, yielding the end‐on bridging N2 complex. For the potassium derivative, the N−N bond cleavage takes place along with H2 elimination to form the nitride complex. Treatment of the side‐on end‐on N2 complex with Me3SiCl results in silylation of the terminal N atom and subsequent N−N bond cleavage along with H2 elimination, giving the nitride‐imide‐bridged diniobium complex.
Inhibitor of apoptosis is an effective target gene for RNAi‐mediated control of Colorado potato beetle,Leptinotarsa decemlineata
Authors: Máximo Wesley P. F. , Howell Jeffrey L. , Mogilicherla Kanakachari , Basij Moslem , Chereddy Shankar C. R. R. , Palli Subba R.
Published: April 2020

The Colorado potato beetle (CPB;Leptinotarsa decemlineata) is one of the most notorious and difficult to control pests of potato and other solanaceous crops in North America. This insect has evolved a remarkable ability to detoxify both plant and synthetic toxins, allowing it to feed on solanaceous plants containing toxic alkaloids and to develop resistance to synthetic chemicals used for its control. RNA interference (RNAi) is a natural mechanism that evolved as an immune response to double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) viruses where dsRNA triggers silencing of target gene expression. RNAi is being developed as a method to control CPB. Here, we evaluated four CPB‐specific genes to identify targets for RNAi‐mediated control of this insect. Out of the four dsRNAs evaluated in CPB larvae and adults, dsIAP (dsRNA targetinginhibitor of apoptosis, iapgene) performed better than dsActin, dsHSP70, and dsDynamin in inducing larval mortality. However, in adults, the mortality induced by dsActin is significantly higher than the mortality induced by dsIAP, dsHSP70, and dsDynamin. Interestingly, a combination of dsIAP and dsActin performed better than either dsIAP or dsActin alone by inducing feeding inhibition in 24 hr and mortality in 48 hr in larvae. When the dsIAP and dsActin were expressed in theEscherichia coliHT115 strain and applied as a heat‐killed bacterial spray on potato plants, it protected the plants from CPB damage. These studies show that the combination of dsIAP and dsActin shows promise as an insecticide to control CPB.
A Good Death – Can the Concept Be Applied to Anatomy?
Authors: Smith Claire F. , Alderton Dasha L. , Clifford Katie M. , Wells Geoffrey
Published: May 2020

The importance of patient‐centered decisions is embedded throughout clinical practice. The principle that the patient is at the center of all decisions has helped form the contemporary approach to death and dying. The concept of a “good death” will naturally mean different things to different individuals, but is based on the foundation of being pain free, comfortable, and able to make informed decisions. Potential donors are faced with many personal, ethical, and often spiritual considerations when they come to think about their wishes after death. One consideration is that of a “good death.” This article explores how the concept of a “good death” may be applied to anatomy. Where first‐person consent is in place, the motivating factors frequently include the wish for others to learn from the donation, and this notion may form part of the “good death” for the donor. Such motivations may impact positively on how students feel about dissecting and may provide comfort, assuaging feelings of discomfort, and allowing students to focus on anatomical learning. For donors where second‐person consent is in place, the concept of a “good death” must depend on whether the individual wanted to donate their body in the first instance. The notion of a “bad death” may also be considered with body donation where no consent for donation is in place. This article proposes that there is ultimately a place for the concept that a “good death” may involve an individual donating their body to medical education.
Surgery for multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1-related insulinoma: long-term outcomes in a large international cohort
Authors: Beek D J , Nell S , Verkooijen H M , Borel Rinkes I H M , Valk G D , Vriens M R , Goudet P , Vella A , Donegan D , Bartsch D K , Manoharan J , Perrier N D , Christakis I , Brandi M L , Zarnegar R , Postma E L , Kebebew E , Nockel P , Brunaud L , Pasternak J D , Kluijfhout W P , Sturgeon C , Giri S , Bonsing B A , Eijck C H , Goor H , Kleine R H J , Dijkum E J Nieveen , Dejong C H C
Published: April 2020

Background

Insulinomas are found in 10–15 per cent of patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) and lead to life-threatening hypoglycaemia. Surgical outcome and the optimal surgical strategy for MEN1-related insulinoma are unknown.

Methods

Patients with MEN1-related insulinomas were identified in 46 centres in Europe and North America between 1990 and 2016. Insulinomas were considered localized if the lesion was in the pancreatic head or body/tail. Patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours throughout the pancreas were suspected of having multifocal insulinoma. The primary outcome was postoperative hypoglycaemia, defined as persistent hypoglycaemia, or recurrent hypoglycaemia caused by a new insulinoma or insulin-producing liver metastases. Hypoglycaemia-free survival was estimated by the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results

Ninety-six patients underwent resection for MEN1-related insulinoma. Sixty-three and 33 patients had localized and multifocal insulinomas respectively. After a median follow-up of 8 (range 1–22) years, one patient (1 per cent) had persistent disease and six (6 per cent) had developed recurrent disease, of whom four had a new insulinoma. The 10-year hypoglycaemia-free survival rate was 91 (95 per cent c.i. 80 to 96) per cent. Of those with localized disease, 46 patients underwent pancreatic resection and 17 enucleation. One of these patients had persistent disease and one developed recurrent insulinoma. Among patients with multifocal disease, three developed new insulinomas and two developed insulin-producing liver metastases.

Conclusion

Surgery for MEN1-related insulinoma is more successful than previously thought.
Development of an augmented reality‐based scaffold to improve the learning experience of engineering students in embedded system course
Authors: Kumar Amit , Mantri Archana , Dutta Rubina
Published: April 2020

The Embedded system is the core unit of every digital device. The design and development of a new digital device or system require a good understanding of the embedded system embed in it. In the context of engineering education, learning embedded systems remains a challenge for the millennial. As, it involves the implementation of mathematics, programming, and working knowledge of electronic and electrical components rooted in it. Traditional teaching pedagogy has become less useful for new‐gen learners to satisfy their demand for knowledge of embedded systems. So, the teaching techniques have to be modified and equipped with the latest technological tools and practices. Augmented reality (AR) is emerging as a new technology in the field of engineering education. With the help of computer‐generated 3D data, animation, visual effects, and immersion, this technology has become more prevalent in the education domain to make complex concepts easier to understand. In this paper, an augmented reality‐based framework designed to teach embedded systems to engineering students. The proposed framework utilizes a tangible user interface comprising of AR markers, a USB camera, a display device, and the processing unit to give AR learning experience to the students. The system so developed tested for its usability with the faculty members of engineering education. Twenty faculty members, as participants, share their system usability experience and feedback using google form. The overall system usability score is 79.5%, which makes it suitable for further deployment on students for exploratory work.
Recent Progress of Nanozymes in the Detection of Pathogenic Microorganisms
Authors: Sun Huiyuan , Cai Shuangfei , Wang Chen , Chen Yongxiang , Yang Rong
Published: April 2020

Infectious diseases are among the world's principal health problems. It is crucial to develop rapid, accurate and cost‐effective methods for the detection of pathogenic microorganisms. Recently, considerable progress has been achieved in the field of inorganic enzyme mimics (nanozymes). Compared with natural enzymes, nanozymes have higher stability and lower cost. More interestingly, their properties can be designed for various demands. Herein, we introduce the latest research progress on the detection of pathogenic microorganisms by using various nanozymes. We also discuss the current challenges of nanozymes in biosensing and provide some strategies to overcome these barriers.
Nitroxide‐Derived N‐Oxide Phenazines for Noncovalent Spin‐Labeling of DNA
Authors: Juliusson Haraldur Y. , Sigurdsson Snorri Th.
Published: April 2020

Two o‐benzoquinone derivatives of isoindoline were synthesized for use as building blocks to incorporate isoindoline nitroxides into different compounds and materials. These o‐quinones were condensed with a number of o‐phenylenediamines to form isoindoline‐phenazines in high yields. Subsequent oxidation gave phenazine‐di‐N‐oxide isoindoline nitroxides that were evaluated for noncovalent and site‐directed spin‐labeling of duplex DNA and RNA that contained abasic sites. Although only minor binding was observed for RNA, the unsubstituted phenazine‐N,N‐dioxide tetramethyl isoindoline nitroxide showed high binding affinity and selectivity towards abasic sites in duplex DNA that contained cytosine as the orphan base.
Multiblend JET A‐1 in Practice: Results of an R&D Project on Synthetic Paraffinic Kerosenes
Authors: Müller‐Langer Franziska , Dögnitz Niels , Marquardt Christian , Zschocke Alexander , Schripp Tobias , Oehmichen Katja , Majer Stefan , Bullerdiek Nils , Halling Ann‐Marlen , Posselt Dietmar , Kuchling Thomas , Buse Joachim
Published: April 2020

The research and demonstration project, DEMO‐SPK, a model project under the German Mobility and Fuel Strategy (MFS), investigated the use of renewable kerosene at the Leipzig/Halle airport. Its primary goal was to examine and verify the behavior of blends consisting of several types of renewable kerosene and fossil JET A‐1, under the realistic supply conditions of a major airport. The project demonstrated that the supply chain for multiblend JET A‐1 was technically feasible and that the fuel could be used without requiring any changes in the normal operating procedures. The project also confirmed that the use of multiblend JET A‐1 resulted in a 30–60% reduction in particulate emissions for ground operations and a reduction in CO2 equivalents, compared with pure fossil JET A‐1.
Effect of an Aromatic Solvent on Hydrogen‐Bond‐Directed Supramolecular Polymerization Leading to Distinct Topologies
Authors: Isobe Atsushi , Prabhu Deepak D. , Datta Sougata , Aizawa Takumi , Yagai Shiki
Published: April 2020

Beyond phenomenon, self‐assembly of synthetic molecules, is now becoming an essential tool to design supramolecular materials not only in the thermodynamically stable state but also in kinetically trapped states. However, an approach to design complex self‐assembly processes comprising different types of self‐assembled states remains elusive. Herein, an example of such systems is demonstrated based on a unique supramolecular polymer mediated by supermacrocyclization of hydrogen‐bonding π‐conjugated molecules. By adding an aromatic solvent into nonpolar solutions of the monomer, spontaneous nucleation triggered by supermacrocyclization was suppressed so that isothermal supramolecular polymerization could be achieved from kinetically formed topological variants and amorphous agglomerates to afford helicoidal structures hitherto obtainable only with very slow cooling of a hot solution. By increasing the proportion of aromatic solvent further, another self‐assembly path was found, based on competing extended hydrogen‐bonded motifs affording crystalline nanowires.