bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic recombination and diversity of sapovirus in pediatric patients with acute gastroenteritis in Thailand, 2010–2018
Authors: Kumthip Kattareeya , Khamrin Pattara , Ushijima Hiroshi , Chen Limin , Li Shilin , Maneekarn Niwat
Published: February 2020

Background

Human sapovirus (SaV) is an etiologic agent of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in all age groups worldwide. Genetic recombination of SaV has been reported from many countries. So far, none of SaV recombinant strain has been reported from Thailand. This study examined the genetic recombination and genotype diversity of SaV in children hospitalized with AGE in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Methods

Stool samples were collected from children suffering from diarrhea who admitted to the hospitals in Chiang Mai, Thailand between 2010 and 2018. SaV was detected by RT-PCR and the polymerase and capsid gene sequences were analysed.

Results

From a total of 3,057 samples tested, 50 (1.6%) were positive for SaV. Among positive samples, SaV genotype GI.1 was the most predominant genotype (40%; 20/50), followed by GII.1 and GII.5 (each of 16%; 8/50), GI.2 (14%; 7/50), GIV.1 (4%; 2/50), and GI.5 (2%; 1/50). In addition, 4 SaV recombinant strains of GII.1/GII.4 were identified in this study (8%; 4/50).

Conclusions

The data revealed the genetic diversity of SaV circulating in children with AGE in Chiang Mai, Thailand during 2010 to 2018 and the intragenogroup SaV recombinant strains were reported for the first time in Thailand.
RNA-sequencing analysis of the effect of luteolin on methamphetamine-induced hepatotoxicity in rats: a preliminary study
Authors: Qu Dong , Zhang Kaikai , Chen Lijian , Wang Qi , Wang Huijun
Published: February 2020

In this study, RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) was utilized to investigate the effects of luteolin on hepatotoxicity caused by methamphetamine (METH). The rats in METH group were administrated with METH (15 mg/kg, two times per day) via intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections for four consecutive days. The rats in luteolin + METH group were firstly administrated with luteolin (100 mg/kg, once a day) by oral gavage for 3 days before METH treatment. Lueolin attenuated the hepatotoxicity induced by METH via histopathological and biochemical analysis. The results of RNA-seq showed that luteolin could regulate 497 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), and the selected DEGs were mainly enriched in eight pathways, according to KEGG analysis. Furthermore, qRT-PCR was utilized to verify the results of RNA-seq. Six genes were selected as follows: liver enriched antimicrobial peptide 2 (Leap2), fatty acid synthase (Fasn), fatty acid binding protein 5 (Fabp5), patatin like phospholipase domain containing 3 (Pnpla3), myelin basic protein (Mbp) and calmodulin 3 (Calm3). Though because of the design flaws, the luteolin group has not been included, this study demonstrated that luteolin might exert hepato-protective effects from METH via modulation of oxidative phosphorylation, cytochrome P450 and certain signaling pathways.
The Financial Impact of High-Performance Work Practices
Authors: Hull Clyde Eirikur , Rothenberg Sandra , Vogt Sebastian
Published: February 2020

High-performance work practices (HPWP) have been found to increase financial performance. Institutional theory suggests that this effect may be moderated by labor market institutions, such as labor market flexibility and labor market efficiency. We explore this relationship using a combined data set comprised of data on HPWP from ASSET4, financial and other company-level data from the Worldscope Database, and national institutional context data from the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Report. With an international sample of roughly 20,000 archival firm-year observations across a seven-year period, we use pooled OLS regression models with robust standard errors, clustered at the firm level. We find support for all predicted relationships except for a direct relationship between labor market flexibility and performance: Strong formal institutional pressure (low labor market flexibility) increases the positive financial impact of HPWP. Strong informal institutional pressure (high labor market efficiency) affects the financial performance of businesses directly and positively, and also indirectly by increasing the positive effect of HPWP on financial performance. We conclude that companies seeking the most financially-rewarding approach to human resource management (HRM) should engage in HPWP, encourage the local population to expect and value such practices (e.g., by promoting women’s rights), and, counterintuitively, encourage more government regulation of business around HRM practices.
Characterization of Pedah Patin Jambal Based on Soaking Time in Salt Solution
Authors: Kariim Ajrin , Afrianto Eddy , Intan Pratama Rusky , Rostini Iis
Published: February 2020

Pedah is one of the fermented fish products with the help of microorganisms in controlled conditions by soaking the salt solution for a certain time. The types of fish made pedah are mackerel (Rastrelliger sp.) and Scad (Decapterus sp.). So the selection of Patin Jambal (Pangasius djambal) as the ingredient for making pedah is to add to the product variant, besides that the djambal pangasius has thick flesh, the texture is thick, dense and compact, and has a savory and juicy flavor compared to other types of catfish. The purpose of this study is to get a long time to soak the right salt to produce jambal pause products with the best characteristics. The method used is an experimental method consisting of three treatments, namely the soaking time of salt solution 12 hours, 24 hours, and 36 hours tested organoleptically by 20 semi-trained panelists. The fermentation results were observed for appearance, aroma, taste, and texture parameters and then added with water content test, and salt content. Data from the test results were analyzed using the Friedman statistical test, and decision making using the Bayes test. The results showed that the saline immersion time had a significant effect on the taste of catfish. Based on Bayes' decision-making method, the 24- hour immersion treatment resulted in the product of patchy pangasius with the best characteristics of the panelists.
Economics of Moringas Marketing in Enugu Metropolis, Enugu State, Nigeria
Authors: Uke P. C. , Okechukwu G. C. E. , Mgbakor M. N.
Published: February 2020

This study assessed the economics of Moringa marketing in Enugu metropolis. It is an obvious truth that agricultural production and other agricultural business are never completed without getting to the final consumers (the primary target) thus, the importance of marketing is to make these products available to the final consumers and improve access to food consumption. This study was carried out in Enugu Metropolis. Eighty (80) respondents were purposively selected from two local government areas of the study using descriptive sampling techniques. A questionnaire was used as an instrument for data collection. The result showed that the majority (75%) of marketers of Moringa products in the areas were females. About 47.5% were within the age of 31-40 years, 50% attended secondary Schools, 81.25% were married, 90% were Christians and 62.5% had 1-5 years of experience. The two intermediaries in the marketing system are the wholesaler and retailer. The major forms in which moringa products are marketed are the Moringa powder, seeds, oil and herbal tea. The monthly costs and returns from moringa marketing showed gross margin to be N 43,400, net profit to be N 22,800 and benefits cost ration BCR) to be 1:16 indicating that moringa is profitable in the study area. Despite the profitability of Moringa, marketers identified their major constraint to be low demand as a result of difficulties in convincing people to buy. It is therefore recommended that extension agent and processors should help in enlightening people on the multifarious benefits of Moringa by organizing programs on Moringa.
Medical History of Meat Handlers and the Occurrence of Zoonotic Mycobacterium bovis Infection in Imo State, Nigeria
Authors: Stan-Ekezie I. D. , C. Abanobi O. , C. Ebirim C. I. , Ibe Sally , U. Onyeugo G.
Published: February 2020

A study on the medical history of meat handlers and the occurrence of zoonotic Mycobacterium bovis infection in Imo State, Nigeria was carried out using one thousand two hundred respondents. A cross sectional survey was carried out in the three (3) senatorial zones Imo state Nigerian and a multistage sampling technique was used to choose the abattoirs under study. A well structured questionnaire was distributed and the data analyzed. Results showed lack of BCG awareness (OR=0.174; P=0.017) to be statistically significant to the occurrence of bovine TB, on the other hand the range of the various times respondents go for medical checkups was considered; those who often attend medical checkup against those who always go for medical checkup (OR=16.187; P=<0.0001), also those who never go for medical checkup against those that had medical checkup three months ago (OR=1.910; P=<0.001). It was observed in this study that lack of BCG awareness and the care free attitude to medical checkup pose as a risk factor to Mycobacterium bovis T.B among meat handlers. Therefore, there is need to initiate an awareness program on the importance of BCG intake in the fight against Mycobacterium bovis T.B and improve existing diagnostic test to specifically deter early phase of the infection.
Genotoxicity Assessment of Potassium Bromate by Means of DNA Image Analysis on the Root Tip Nuclei of Allium sativum L.
Authors: A. Khatab Hoda, , S. Elhaddad Nagat, , Eissa Samia
Published: February 2020

Allium sativum assay was widely used to assess the compound's cytotoxicity and genotoxicity on plants and animals. Only few studies analyzed the genotoxic effect of potassium bromated (KBrO3) on the DNA content of plant cells. DNA content assay is an efficient test for the measure of chromosomal DNA damages. Based on this approach the effect of KBrO3 on DNA content change was investigated in root tip nuclei of A. sativum. Different concentrations of food additives KBrO3. 3 g/l, 5 g/l 7 g/l and 9 g/l % were prepared and treatments were given. A. sativum root were incubated for 2, 6 and 24 hours and DNA image analysis of root tip nuclei was performed. The analysis was based on the measurement of the Mean Optical Density (MOD) which represents the cellular DNA content. The results showed that the KBrO3 significantly decreased of DNA content compared to the control at all concentrations and treatment periods in dose-dependent manner. The present study suggests that extensive use of food additives should be banned due to genotoxic effect on living cells. Therefore, there is an urgent need to evaluate potential mutagenic effects of KBrO3 on human.
Application of Human-biometeorological Comfort Conditions in Köppen-geiger Climate type for Different Cities of Gangetic West Bengal
Authors: Biswas Jit
Published: February 2020

Gangetic West Bengal (GWB) belongs to Aw climate type after Köppen-Geiger climate classification (KGC). Human thermal comfort (HTC) and vapour pressure (VP) conditions together can represent human-biometeorological comfort conditions. Physiological equivalent temperature (PET) is used for indexing HTC. 3-hr PET and VP values are calculated based on hourly meteorological data of six selected cities for 18 years (2000-2017) time period. RayMan model has been applied to calculate hourly PETs and VPs. PET and VP data are grouped by frequencies and time period into several classes. Spatial distribution and dispersion characters of biometeorological comfort conditions are measured by statistical techniques. Thermally heat stress is very high in Apr and May. Months of winter indicate the presence of different thermal conditions. Annual comfort is maximum in the coastal city when stressful condition mostly prevails over Krishnanagar (KNG). Puruliya (PRA) shows the driest condition. The obtained information can be applied in planning, healthcare, and tourism sector.
Status and Distribution of Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus) in the South Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India
Authors: Yogeshwari M. , Varunprasath K.
Published: February 2020

The Indian Peafowls (Pavo crisatus) is Least Concern (LC) category on Red list and Schedule I species as per Wildlife Protection Act (1972) in India.  Indian Peafowl (Pavo crisatus) population status and distribution was studied in South Coimbatore district especially in Polllachi area from August 2017 to January 2018.  The study carried out in 13 villages in South Coimbatore including Nchavelampalayam, Chandrapuram, Kollupalayam, Chellampalayam, Marampudungigoundanur, Athanaripalayam, Kotturmalayandipattinam, Vallakundapuram, Vedasanthur, Kanchampalayam, Sangampalayam, Angalankuruchi, Paramadaiyur Village etc. From the present study, 405 direct sighting consists of 1283 Peafowls in 13 villages were recorded. Based on the Group wise of Peafowls showed that Mixed group(MIG) contain 50.37% followed by Male female group(MFG) stand for 40.74%, Female chick group(FCG) contains 4.19%, Female group(FG) with the percentage of 3.95%, and Male group(MG) which constitute of 0.74% were recorded. Based on Peafowls classification, Females Peafowls consist of 59.85% followed by 17.77% of Peacock, 13.09% Peafowls chicks, 9.27% sub adults Peafowls were observed. According to the Peafowls habitat, the study area categorized into mixed forest (MFL) habitat, Agricultural Land (AL) and Coconut farmland (CFL). Maximum of Peafowls observed in Coconut farmland (CFL) comprised of 44.33% followed by the mixed forest land (MFL) habitat consists of 36.20% and very low in Agricultural Land (AL) 19.45% of Peafowls were occupied. As a result of habitat thrashing, absence of predation and easy accessibility of food, climate change influence of Peafowls interested in countryside villages.
The Kinetics of the Adsorption Process of Cr (VI) in Aqueous Solution Using Neem Seed Husk (Azadirachta indica) Activated Carbon
Authors: Danmallam A. A. , Dabature W. L. , Pindiga N. Y. , Magaji B. , A. Aboki M. , Ibrahim D. , S. Zanna U. A. , Muktar M. S.
Published: February 2020

The aim of this research is the study of physico-chemical properties activated carbon prepared from agricultural by product such as Neem Seed Husk (NSH) which is abundantly available in our environment The Activated Carbon (AC) was prepared using H3PO4 as activating agent and carbonized at 300°C for two hours. The results shows that the activated process was successful and can compete favorably with commercial activated carbon. The prepared activated carbon was characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometer (FT-IR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersion X-ray (EDX) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). The percentage removal of Cr(VI) increased with increase in process parameters such as adsorbent dose, time and temperature while there was a decrease with increase in pH and Initial concentration. It was established from the results that activated carbon produced from Neem seed husk has adsorption capacity which could remove 99.75% Cr (VI) at optimum process conditions (pH-2.0, Cr(VI) concentration-10 mg/L, adsorbent dose 0.5 g/L, Temperature 70 c and contact time 30 mins.). Thus, the adsorption method using activated carbon produced from biomass was used effectively for removing Cr(VI) in a stock solution, seems to be an economical and worthwhile alternative over other conventional methods, because of it availability, low price and multi-purposes. The adsorption data fitted well into Freundlich and Langmuir with correlation coefficient (R2) 0.9522 and 0.9403 respectively. The kinetics of the adsorption process was tested through pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order models. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model provided the best correlation for with (R2) 0.993, while the pseudo-first-order was found to be 0.928. The study provided an effective use of low-cost activated carbon as a valuable source of adsorbents for the removal of Cr(VI) ions from aqueous solution.
The feasibility of using exoskeletal‐assisted walking with epidural stimulation: a case report study
Authors: Gorgey Ashraf S. , Gill Satinder , Holman Matthew E. , Davis John C. , Atri Roozbeh , Bai Ou , Goetz Lance , Lester Denise L. , Trainer Robert , Lavis Timothy D.
Published: February 2020

Spinal cord epidural stimulation (SCES) exhibits a rehabilitation potential of restoring locomotion in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). However, this is linked to an intensive rehabilitation locomotion approach, which is impractical to apply among a large clinical SCI population. We, hereby, propose a rehabilitation approach of using SCES to enhance motor control during exoskeletal‐assisted walking (EAW). After 24 sessions (12 weeks) of EAW swing assistance decreased from 100% to 35% in a person with C7 complete SCI. This was accompanied by 573 unassisted steps (50% of the total number of steps). Electromyographic pattern improved during EAW, reflecting the subject’s ability to rhythmically activate paralyzed muscles. Rate perceived exertion increased during EAW with SCES compared to stepping without SCES. These preliminary findings suggest that using SCES with EAW may be a feasible rehabilitation approach for persons with SCI.
New phenotype of DCTN1‐related spectrum: early‐onset dHMN plus congenital foot deformity
Authors: Tian Wo‐Tu , Liu Li‐Hua , Zhou Hai‐Yan , Zhang Chao , Zhan Fei‐Xia , Zhu Ze‐Yu , Chen Sheng‐Di , Luan Xing‐Hua , Cao Li
Published: February 2020

Objective

To describe the clinical and genetic features of two patients with different phenotypes due to various Dynactin 1 (DCTN1) gene mutations and further explore the phenotype–genotype relationship.

Methods

Patient 1 is a 23‐year‐old man with congenital foot deformity and life‐long distal muscle weakness and atrophy. Patient 2 is a 48‐year‐old woman with adult‐onset progressive weakness, lower limbs atrophy, and pyramid bundle signs. Electrophysiology test showed normal nerve conduction velocity of both patients and neurogenic changes in needle electromyography. Open sural nerve biopsy for Patient 1 showed slight loss of myelinated nerve fibers. Both patients were performed with whole‐exome sequencing followed by functional study of identified variants.

Results

Two mutations in DCTN1 gene were identified in Patient 1 (c.626dupC) and Patient 2 (c.3823C>T), respectively. In vitro, the wild type mostly located in cytoplasm and colocalized with α‐tubulin. However, c.626dupC tended to be trapped into nuclear and the c.3823C>T formed cytoplasmic aggregates, both losing colocalization with α‐tubulin. Western blotting showed a truncated mutant with less molecular weight of c.626dupC was expressed.

Interpretation

We identify two novel DCTN1 mutations causing different phenotypes: (1) early‐onset distal hereditary motor neuropathy plus congenital foot malformation and (2) amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, respectively. We provide the initial evidence that foot developmental deficiency probably arises from subcellular localizing abnormality of Dynactin 1, revealing DCTN1‐related spectrum is still expanding.
Recent Advances in Host–Guest Self‐Assembled Cyclodextrin Carriers: Implications for Responsive Drug Delivery and Biomedical Engineering
Authors: Wankar Jitendra , Kotla Niranjan G. , Gera Sonia , Rasala Swetha , Pandit Abhay , Rochev Yury A.
Published: February 2020

This Review is an overview of the unique characteristics of cyclodextrin in forming an inclusion complex via host–guest noncovalent interactions. The modification of cyclodextrin advances its application as a pharmaceutical solubilizer, fabrication of functional molecular machines such as polyrotaxane, polypseudorotaxane, and polycatenanes and grafting of cyclodextrin with different linear, branched chain polymers. The different stimuli‐based supramolecular assemblies involving cyclodextrin as a key mediator with linked triggering responses on payload release is highlighted. In addition, the applications of cyclodextrin in diagnostic imaging and medical devices is briefly demonstrated. Cyclodextrin is a relatively low cost, biocompatible, biodegradable, and highly explored material with low toxicity for drug formulation, drug delivery, and wide varieties of other biomedical applications such as those in medical devices fabrication, biosensor, tissue engineering, and bio‐imaging. The toxicological profile of cyclodextrin is well established and safe for human consumption in food and medicine.
Dual Passivation of Perovskite Defects for Light‐Emitting Diodes with External Quantum Efficiency Exceeding 20%
Authors: Fang Zhibin , Chen Wenjing , Shi Yongliang , Zhao Jin , Chu Shenglong , Zhang Ji , Xiao Zhengguo
Published: February 2020

Solution‐processed metal halide perovskites (MHPs) have attracted much attention for applications in light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) due to their wide color gamut, high color purity, tunable emission wavelength, balanced electron/hole transportation, etc. Although MHPs are very tolerant to defects, the defects in solution‐processed perovskite LEDs (PeLEDs) still cause severe nonradiative recombination and device instability. Here, molecular design of additives for dual passivation of both lead and halide defects in perovskites is reported. A bi‐functional additive, 4‐fluorophenylmethylammonium‐trifluoroacetate (FPMATFA), is synthesized by using a simple solution process. The TFA anions and FPMA cations can bond with undercoordinated lead and halide ions, respectively, resulting in dual passivation of both lead and halide defects. In addition, the bulky FPMA group can constrain the grain growth of 3D perovskite, enhancing electron–hole capture rates and radiative recombination rates. As a result, high‐performance PeLEDs with a peak external quantum efficiency reaching 20.9% and emission wavelength at 694 nm are achieved using formamidinium‐cesium lead iodide‐bromide (FA0.33Cs0.67Pb(I0.7Br0.3)3). Furthermore, the operational lifetime of PeLEDs is also greatly improved due to the low trap density in the perovskite film.
Chiral Reaction Field with Thermally Invertible Helical Sense that Controls the Helicities of Conjugated Polymers
Authors: Akagi Kazuo , Yamashita Tomohiro , Horie Keita , Goh Munju , Yamamoto Masaharu
Published: February 2020

A chiral reaction field with thermally invertible helical sense enables control of the helicity of the reaction product, which is a central challenge in asymmetric synthesis that has yet to be overcome. A novel chiral compound comprising two types of chiral moieties with opposite helicities and temperature dependences is synthesized; this compound is added as a chiral dopant to a mixture of nematic liquid crystals to prepare a chiral nematic liquid crystal (N*‐LC). The N*‐LC containing the chiral dopant exhibits thermally invertible helicity to yield left‐ and right‐handed helical senses at low and high temperatures, respectively. Interfacial polymerization of acetylene is achieved in the N*‐LC by modulating the temperature. Helical polyacetylenes (H‐PAs) that are synthesized at low (−12 °C) and high (28 °C) temperature show right‐ and left‐handedness, respectively, in terms of the fibrils, fibril bundles, and spiral morphology. In addition, the helical sense of H‐PA is opposite that of the N*‐LC because of the peculiar polymerization mechanism for acetylene in the N*‐LC. The current N*‐LC is the first chiral reaction field that has not only the thermally invertible helical sense but also the chemical functions and stability needed to serve as the medium for polymer reactions.
Maximizing Friction by Passive Jamming
Authors: Tramsen Halvor T. , Filippov Alexander E. , Gorb Stanislav N. , Heepe Lars
Published: February 2020

Many solutions for getting grip on varying substrates exist in nature and in technical applications, but they fail on substrate geometries they are not specifically designed for. A novel passive load‐dependent system is developed that creates high friction forces on a large variety of substrates: the granular media friction pad. With an elastic membrane encasing granular media, it reversibly undergoes the jamming transition only by varying the normal load. Here, the friction performance on different substrates is shown and the underlying physical mechanisms in a numerical simulation are investigated.
Bioinspired Helical Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Energy Conversion of Motion
Authors: Li Xiucheng , Mu Jiliang , He Jian , Fan Xueming , Zhang Qiyuan , Hou Xiaojuan , Geng Wenping , Zhang Wendong , Chou Xiujian
Published: February 2020

Collecting energy from body movements to supply power for equipment is an important method to rapidly develop wearable intelligent equipment. This method places high requirements, such as being lightweight and stable, on a nanogenerator. Herein, a bioinspired helical triboelectric nanogenerator (BH‐TENG) that realizes energy acquisition through the intensity and frequency of body movement is designed based on the helical structure of DNA. The helical structure facilitates more contact areas and provides increased stability to complete the power generation process than the simple structure with planar electrodes and functional layers in the same volume. It is found that when the frequency is 4 Hz and the impact load is 50 N, the output current reaches 17 µA and the voltage reaches 300 V with a charge transfer capacity of 371 nC. When the BH‐TENG is fitted in the sole of a shoe, it can light 120 LEDs when a subject is walking. After simple rectification output and capacitance matching, the BH‐TENG is verified to work independently and stably for 20 min to provide power for small digital thermometer. The above experiments show the advantages of the BH‐TENG in acquiring body motion energy.
Dual‐Tunable Structural Colors from Liquid‐Infused Aerogels
Authors: Wang Zhen , Zou Weizhi , Zhao Han , Guo Jing , Qian Zhenchao , Li Rui , Ouyang Liangqi , Li Xiaofeng , Dong Haixia , Zhao Ning , Xu Jian
Published: February 2020

Herein, dual‐tunable structural colors generated from liquid‐infused, robust silsesquioxane aerogels due to the specific light scattering by the aerogel skeleton in liquids with matching refractive indices, are reported. The colors are tunable by changing the temperature and the composition of the liquid that roots from the coherence between the colors and the refractive index of the infused liquid. The finding provides new insights and tools for constructing structural colors and light management. It also opens applications of stimuli‐responsive smart windows, displays, and sensors. Taking advantage of the penetrable light of selected wavelength, the 3D structures of aerogel skeletons are reconstructed by an optical method, which provides a facile alternative approach to characterizing aerogel structure and will be instrumental to the understanding of the relationship between skeleton structure and mechanical property of porous 3D structures.
Scalable Synthesis of Green Fluorescent Carbon Dot Powders with Unprecedented Efficiency
Authors: Wei Jian‐Yong , Lou Qing , Zang Jin‐Hao , Liu Zhi‐Yu , Ye Yang‐Li , Shen Cheng‐Long , Zhao Wen‐Bo , Dong Lin , Shan Chong‐Xin
Published: February 2020

It still remains a challenge to synthesize solid‐state carbon dots (CDs) with high emission efficiency; a hurdle that has hindered the application of CDs in many fields. In this work, efficient fluorescent CDs have been prepared through a one‐step microwave‐assisted heating method. Experimental data show strong green emissions produced from the CD powders (CDPs), carrying an unprecedented 75.9% quantum yield due to both spatial confinement and defect reduction with the introduction of NaOH. Likewise, CDPs prepared in tens of grams at 3 min time intervals also achieve high production yields at ≈69.8%. Specifically, for white light‐emitting devices (WLEDs) with color coordinates of 0.366 and 0.366, when fabricated by coating CDPs with commercial red‐emitting phosphors on blue‐emitting LED chips, it is found that the luminous efficiency reached 52.3 lm W−1. Besides, the WLEDs exhibit a high color rendering index of 93.5 and show great color chromatic stability even at a driving current of 200 mA.
Improving Gender Participation in Agricultural Technology Adoption in Asia: From Rhetoric to Practical Action
Authors: Rola‐Rubzen Maria Fay , Paris Thelma , Hawkins Jacob , Sapkota Bibek
Published: February 2020

New and improved agricultural technologies can transform lives, particularly the lives of smallholder farm households in Asia who are highly dependent on agriculture. However, there are large gender disparities in the adoption of such technologies. Many barriers exist in achieving gender equity in access to and adoption of agricultural technologies, from sociocultural norms and deeply rooted beliefs about gender roles to lack of agency and lack of resources to implement policies. Notwithstanding these barriers, the case for promoting gender‐inclusive adoption of technology is strong. In this paper, we outline the rationale for improving women's adoption of agricultural technology and discuss the pitfalls of failing to include women in the technology‐adoption agenda. We then explore the policy implications and suggest various strategies that promote gender‐equitable outcomes and that can be used to mainstream gender in agricultural technology adoption efforts to convert policy statements to practical and effective actions.
Autonomous Drug Release Systems with Disease Symptom‐Associated Triggers
Authors: Xiong Ya , Qi Lin , Niu Ye , Lin Yueqiang , Xue Qingzhong , Zhao Yi
Published: February 2020

Many biophysical and biochemical properties of pathogenic tissues are different from those of healthy tissues. These disease symptom‐associated properties include pH, reduction–oxidation conditions, enzyme generation and expression, blood glucose concentration, mechanical stiffness and strain, and temperature. Autonomous drug release that uses one or more of these disease symptom‐associated properties as the release trigger minimizes the delay in treatments and allows for the release of medications with precisely controlled amounts and with desired spatiotemporal patterns. Herein, a comprehensive assessment of current research progress on autonomous drug release systems (ADRS) is provided. The representative symptoms‐associated properties that can be potentially used as the endogenous stimuli are introduced. The autonomous drug systems that utilize these symptom‐associated signals as the endogenous stimulation signals are discussed, followed by the discussion of current challenges and opportunities in this field, as well as possible future directions in ADRS.
Congenital heart defects in Noonan syndrome: Diagnosis, management, and treatment
Authors: Linglart Léa , Gelb Bruce D.
Published: February 2020

Noonan syndrome is a pleomorphic genetic disorder, in which a high percentage of affected individuals have cardiovascular involvement, most prevalently various forms of congenital heart disease (i.e., pulmonary valve stenosis, septal defects, left‐sided lesions, and complex forms with multiple anomalies). Care includes attentiveness to several comorbidities, some directly impacting cardiac management (bleeding diatheses and lymphatic anomalies). More than 50% of patients with Noonan syndrome harbor PTPN11 pathogenic variation, which results in hyperactivation of RAS/mitogen‐activated protein kinase signaling. Several other disease genes with similar biological effects have been uncovered for NS and phenotypically related disorders, collectively called the RASopathies. Molecular diagnosis with gene resequencing panels is now widely available, but phenotype variability and in some cases, subtlety, continues to make identification of Noonan syndrome difficult. Until genetic testing becomes universal for patients with congenital heart disease, alertness to Noonan syndrome's broad clinical presentations remains crucial. Genotype–phenotype associations for Noonan syndrome enable better prognostication for affected patients when a molecular diagnosis is established. We still lack Noonan syndrome‐specific treatment; however, newly developed anticancer RAS pathway inhibitors could fill that gap if safety and efficacy can be established for indications such as pulmonary valve stenosis.
Inverted papilloma is associated with greater radiographic inflammatory disease than other sinonasal malignancy
Authors: Papagiannopoulos Peter , Tong Ching Lick , Kuan Edward C. , Tajudeen Bobby A. , Yver Christina M. , Kohanski Michael A. , Cohen Noam A. , Kennedy David W. , Palmer James N. , Adappa Nithin D.
Published: February 2020

Background

The pathogenesis of inverted papilloma (IP) has not been fully elucidated. However, chronic paranasal sinus inflammation has been anecdotally observed in sites distant from tumor obstruction in IP patients, suggesting an association between inflammation and IP tumorigenesis. This study assesses the association between sinonasal inflammation found in IP and compares this to the level of inflammation observed in other sinonasal tumors.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed identifying patients with unilateral IP. Pertinent clinical data was obtained and comparative analysis of preoperative computed tomography (CT) imaging and histopathology was performed. A sample of unilateral, sinonasal, non‐IP and non–squamous cell tumors was used as the control. The Lund‐Mackay scoring system was used to assess radiologic sinonasal inflammation both ipsilateral and contralateral to the tumor.

Results

Seventy‐one patients were included; 58.9% of patients with IP had evidence of contralateral sinusitis at the time of presentation. In the control group, 26.7% had evidence of contralateral inflammation. When comparing contralateral sinus inflammation between the 2 study groups, the IP patients had significantly higher Lund‐Mackay scores than the control group (1.9 vs 0.26, p < 0.001). When comparing ipsilateral sinus inflammation, no significant difference was found in Lund‐Mackay scores (5.44 vs 4.00, p < 0.184).

Conclusion

In this study, unilateral IPs were associated with a higher level of contralateral sinonasal inflammation when compared to control. This suggests that IP may be associated with inflammation that is independent of obstruction by the tumor. Further studies are needed to better understand the temporal relationship between chronic inflammation and tumorigenesis.
Stereoinvertive C–C Bond Formation at the Boron‐Bound Stereogenic Centers through Copper‐Bipyridine‐Catalyzed Intramolecular Coupling of α‐Aminobenzylboronic Esters
Authors: Yoshinaga Yukako , Yamamoto Takeshi , Suginome Michinori
Published: February 2020

Enantiospecific intramolecular Suzuki–Miyaura‐type coupling with α‐(2‐halobenzoylamino)benzylboronic esters to give 3‐substituted isoindolinones is achieved by using copper catalysts with 2,2′‐bipyridine‐based achiral ligands. Enantioenriched α‐aminobenzylboron reactants bearing a hydrogen atom at the boron‐bound stereogenic carbons undergo stereoinvertive coupling in the presence of a 6‐phenyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine ligand with high enantiospecificity. α‐Aminobenzylboronates bearing fully substituted boron‐bound stereogenic centers also gave the 3,3‐disubstituted isoindolinones with stereospecific stereochemical inversion in the presence of simple 2,2′‐bipyridine as a ligand.
Planar AIEgens with Enhanced Solid‐State Luminescence and ROS Generation for Multidrug‐Resistant Bacteria Treatment
Authors: Ni Jen‐Shyang , Min Tianliang , Li Yaxi , Zha Menglei , Zhang Pengfei , Ho Chun Loong , Li Kai
Published: February 2020

Planar luminogens have encountered difficulties in overcoming intrinsic aggregation‐caused emission quenching by intermolecular π‐π stacking interactions. Although excited‐state double‐bond reorganization (ESDBR) can guide us on designing planar aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) luminogens (AIEgens), its mechanism has yet been elucidated. Major challenges in the field include methods to efficiently restrict ESDBR and enhance AIE performance without using bulky substituents (e.g., tetraphenylethylene and triphenylamine). In this study, we rationally developed fluoro‐substituent AIEgens with stronger intermolecular H‐bonding interaction for restricted molecular motions and increased crystal density, leading to decreased nonradiative decay rate by one order of magnitude. The adjusted ESDBR properties also show a corresponding response to variation in viscosity. Furthermore, their aggregation‐induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generations have been discovered. The application of such planar AIEgen in treating multidrug‐resistant bacteria has been demonstrated in a mouse model. The relationship between ROS generation and distinct E/Z‐configurational stacking behaviors have been further understood, providing a design principle for synthesizing planar AIEgen‐based photosensitizers.
Drug Screening in Human Cells by NMR Spectroscopy Allows the Early Assessment of Drug Potency
Authors: Luchinat Enrico , Barbieri Letizia , Cremonini Matteo , Nocentini Alessio , Supuran Claudiu T. , Banci Lucia
Published: February 2020

Structure‐based drug development is often hampered by the lack of in vivo activity of promising compounds screened in vitro, due to low membrane permeability or poor intracellular binding selectivity. Herein, we show that ligand screening can be performed in living human cells by “intracellular protein‐observed” NMR spectroscopy, without requiring enzymatic activity measurements or other cellular assays. Quantitative binding information is obtained by fast, inexpensive 1H NMR experiments, providing intracellular dose‐ and time‐dependent ligand binding curves, from which kinetic and thermodynamic parameters linked to cell permeability and binding affinity and selectivity are obtained. The approach was applied to carbonic anhydrase and, in principle, can be extended to any NMR‐observable intracellular target. The results obtained are directly related to the potency of candidate drugs, that is, the required dose. The application of this approach at an early stage of the drug design pipeline could greatly increase the low success rate of modern drug development.
Enhancing Hydrogen Evolution Activity of Au(111) in Alkaline Media through Molecular Engineering of a 2D Polymer
Authors: Alexa Patrick , Lombardi Juan Manuel , Abufager Paula , Busnengo Heriberto Fabio , Grumelli Doris , Vyas Vijay S. , Haase Frederik , Lotsch Bettina V. , Gutzler Rico , Kern Klaus
Published: February 2020

The electrochemical splitting of water holds promise for the storage of energy produced intermittently by renewable energy sources. The evolution of hydrogen currently relies on the use of platinum as a catalyst—which is scarce and expensive—and ongoing research is focused towards finding cheaper alternatives. In this context, 2D polymers grown as single layers on surfaces have emerged as porous materials with tunable chemical and electronic structures that can be used for improving the catalytic activity of metal surfaces. Here, we use designed organic molecules to fabricate covalent 2D architectures by an Ullmann‐type coupling reaction on Au(111). The polymer‐patterned gold electrode exhibits a hydrogen evolution reaction activity up to three times higher than that of bare gold. Through rational design of the polymer on the molecular level we engineered hydrogen evolution activity by an approach that can be easily extended to other electrocatalytic reactions.
Viscometric Properties of Polyethylene Glycol di‐Esters of Estolides
Authors: Isbell Terry A. , Lowery Benjamin A. , Cermak Steven C.
Published: February 2020

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) diesters from estolides of oleic acid, ricinoleic acid, and 12‐hydroxy stearic acid were used up to 5 wt% additive in petroleum‐derived base oils: 100 N, 220 N, 600 N, PAO 2cSt, PAO 4cst, and PAO 8cSt. The viscosity indices of the petroleum base oils were the lowest (VI = 104–108); the polyalpholefin (PAO) synthetic petroleum‐derived base oils were better (VI = 124–136) and the vegetable‐derived oils were the best (VI = 111–205). 12‐Hydroxystearic estolide PEG 400 diester gave the largest increase in viscosity index in 5% w/w admixtures with PAO 2cSt, 4cSt, 220 N, and 600 N base oils with a 12.3–16.3% increase in viscosity index. Single fatty chain esters had the least impact on viscosity index. As the molecule bulk increased, the viscosity index also increased. This viscosity index effect was demonstrated for the series of monomer to oleic estolide to oleic estolide PEG‐200 diester, which gave viscosity indices of 110, 111–122, respectively, in 5% admixtures with 100 N base oil. The larger the size of the molecule coupled with the polar PEG moiety gave the largest impact on viscosity index improvement where a 5 wt% admixture of 12‐hydroxystearate estolide PEG‐200 diester gave a 25.8% increase in 100 °C viscosity in PAO 2cSt. Incorporation of a dihydroxyl moiety into the molecule at a central side chain location in laurate‐capped ricinoleate estolide PEG‐200 diester did not increase viscosity index of the base oil but greatly reduced its solubility to less than 0.5 wt%.
Strategies to Control Hypervalent Iodine – Primary Amine Reactions
Authors: Bal Ankita , Maiti Saikat , Mal Prasenjit
Published: February 2020

The field of hypervalent iodine chemistry has been prevalent since 1886. Its journey from obscurity to coming into the limelight has witnessed many effective transformations which have benefited the synthetic community at large. The reactivity of primary amines with hypervalent iodine reagents causes difficulty in synthetic outcome or not feasible due to high exothermicity of amine iodine which is an acid base reaction. This minireview highlights the worthwhile reactivity of hypervalent iodine reagents with aromatic and aliphatic primary amines. Some recent literature has been discussed to make a clear understanding on how such high reactivity of primary amine is controlled by introducing modulation in either substrate or reaction conditions, most of which are carried out under ambient reaction conditions.
Alkaline Earth Metal‐Mediated Highly Iso‐selective Ring‐Opening Polymerization of rac‐Lactide
Authors: Bhattacharjee Jayeeta , Harinath Adimulam , Sarkar Alok , Panda Tarun K.
Published: February 2020

Alkaline earth (Ae) metal complexes of the aminophosphine borane ligand are highly active and iso‐selective catalysts for the ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of rac‐lactide (LA). The polymerization reactions are well controlled and produce polylactides with molecular weights that are precise and narrowly distributed. Kinetic studies reveal that the ROP of rac‐LA catalyzed by all Ae metal complexes had a first‐order dependency on LA concentration as well as catalyst concentration. A plausible reaction mechanism for Ae metal complex‐mediated ROP of rac‐LA is discussed, based on controlled kinetic experiments and molecular chain mobility.
Crystal Structures of Dimethoxyanthracens: A Clue to a Rational Design of Packing Structures of π‐Conjugated Molecules
Authors: Takimiya Kazuo , Ogaki Takuya , Wang Chengyuan , Kawabata Kohsuke
Published: February 2020

We carried out a systematic investigation of packing structures of a series of dimethoxyanthracenes, i. e., 1,4‐ (1), 1,8‐ (2), 1,5‐ (3), 2,6‐ (4), and 2,7‐derivatives (5). The packing structures of the dimethoxyanthracenes are classified into two types, a rubrene‐like pitched π‐stack (1–3) and a typical herringbone packing (4 and 5), which evidently show that the position of methoxy groups is crucial to determine the packing structure of dimethoxyanthracenes. Effects of the substitution position on intermolecular interactions are analyzed by the noncovalent intermolecular interaction (NCI) method, Hirshfeld surface analysis, and symmetry‐adapted perturbation theory (SAPT) method, thus clarifying active roles of the methoxy groups in the formation of rubrene‐like pitched π‐stack. The present results shed light on a molecular design strategy to realize the rubrene‐like pitched π‐stack in the solid state, which had been regarded as a packing structure limited for rubrene and its closely related derivatives.
Interlayer Engineering of MnO2 with High Charge Density Bi3+ for High Rate and Stable Aqueous Supercapacitor
Authors: Xiong Ting , Zhu Mingke , Zhang Yaoxin , Lee Wee Siang Vincent , Yu Zhi Gen , Xue Junmin
Published: February 2020

Two‐dimensional δ‐MnO2 has attracted considerable attention as supercapacitor electrode due to its ability to incorporate foreign ions into its interlayer spacing which suggests the possibility of capacitance enhancement through interlayer engineering. Incorporating high charge density cation such as Bi3+ into the MnO2 interlayer becomes an attractive strategy that not only serves to stabilize the layer structure, it is also an important prelude towards the weakening of the chemical bonding between the O from MnO2 and the intercalating electrolyte species. This in turn leads to higher reversibility while ensuring excellent structural stability that is portrayed in enhanced cyclic stability and rate performance. Herein, the Bi3+‐modified δ‐MnO2 delivered a reversible specific capacity of 421 F g−1 at 1 A g−1, which is higher than that of the previously reported mono/divalent cation‐intercalant modified MnO2 systems. Using the N‐doped carbon nanosheets as the negative electrode, the assembled asymmetric supercapacitor achieved a high capacitance of 77 F g−1 at 1 Ag−1. Furthermore, the high energy density of 20 Wh kg−1 was recorded at a high‐power density of 39 kW kg−1, while simultaneously demonstrating excellent cycle performance of 82 % capacitance retention after 40 000 cycles. This work has shown that interlayer engineering of layered MnO2 could potentially provide new insight into the development of high‐performance supercapacitor electrode.
Joint analysis of panel count and interval‐censored data using distribution‐free frailty analysis
Authors: Wen Chi‐Chung , Chen Yi‐Hau , Tseng Chi‐Hong
Published: February 2020

We propose a joint analysis of recurrent and nonrecurrent event data subject to general types of interval censoring. The proposed analysis allows for general semiparametric models, including the Box–Cox transformation and inverse Box–Cox transformation models for the recurrent and nonrecurrent events, respectively. A frailty variable is used to account for the potential dependence between the recurrent and nonrecurrent event processes, while leaving the distribution of the frailty unspecified. We apply the pseudolikelihood for interval‐censored recurrent event data, usually termed as panel count data, and the sufficient likelihood for interval‐censored nonrecurrent event data by conditioning on the sufficient statistic for the frailty and using the working assumption of independence over examination times. Large sample theory and a computation procedure for the proposed analysis are established. We illustrate the proposed methodology by a joint analysis of the numbers of occurrences of basal cell carcinoma over time and time to the first recurrence of squamous cell carcinoma based on a skin cancer dataset, as well as a joint analysis of the numbers of adverse events and time to premature withdrawal from study medication based on a scleroderma lung disease dataset.