bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of microhabitat on rodent-mediated seed removal of endangered Kmeria septentrionalis in the karst habitat
Authors: Wang Guohai , Pan Yang , Qin Guole , Tan Weining , Lu Changhu
Published: November 2020

Seed removal behaviors of rodents are largely influenced by microhabitat. Although the karst ecosystem is composed of a broad variety of microhabitats, we have no information on how they affect such behaviors. We investigated rodents’ seed removal behaviors in four karst microhabitats (stone cavern, stone groove, stone surface, and soil surface) using three types of Kmeria septentrionalis seeds: fresh, black (intact seeds with black aril that dehydrates and darkens), and exposed (clean seeds without the aril). We show that Rattus norvegicus, Leopoldamys edwardsi and Rattus flavipectus were the predominant seed predators. Even though all seed types experienced a high removal rate in all four microhabitats, but rodents preferentially removed seeds from the three stone microhabitats (stone caves: 69.71 ± 2.74%; stone surface: 60.53 ± 2.90%; stone groove: 56.94 ± 2.91%) compared to the soil surface (53.90 ± 2.92%). Seeds that had been altered by being exposed to the environment were more attractive to rodents than fresh seeds (76.25 ± 2.20% versus 36.18 ± 2.29%). The seed removal behavior of rodents was significantly affected by the microhabitat and seed type. Finally, seeds that had fallen on the soil surface microhabitat incurred a lower predation risk than seeds fallen on other microhabitats, which increased their probability to germinate. Our results indicate that the lower predation rate of seeds from the endangered K. septentrionalis dropped on the soil surface increases trees’ likelihood of survival.
Variations of Biceps Brachii Muscle and its Clinical Importance
Authors: Agarwal Jolly , Gopal Krishna
Published: November 2020

Introduction: Biceps brachii is one of the functionally important muscles of front of the arm. As the name indicates biceps brachii is having two heads of origin and it inserts on the posterior surface of radial tuberosity. Variations may be present in the form of additional heads of origin or they may be present at its insertion. These variations may affect action of muscle and may cause compression of nearby neurovascular structures. Aim: To determine the variation in anatomy of biceps brachii with respect to its origin, insertion and its nerve supply. Materials and Methods: The present osteological study was conducted on 32 arms of embalmed cadavers (including both right and left) of Department of Anatomy, SRMS IMS, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India from 2015-2018 period. The dissection of arm was done according to standard guidelines and biceps brachii muscle was cleaned. The origin, insertion and nerve supply of biceps brachii muscle was observed and noted for any variation. Results: In the present study an additional head of origin of biceps on right and left side of two cadavers were found. In present study inferomedial origin of biceps brachii was found. The present study also showed the presence of musculotendinous slip at its insertion. This slip was going towards the muscle belly of pronator teres. Conclusion: There are numerous variations seen in biceps brachii which can put a surgeon in dilemma and it may result in iatrogenic injuries. Hence, it is important to have a knowledge about its variations so that such injuries can be prevented.
Composition of Fatty Acids, Total Sterols and Total Polyphenol Content of the Oils of Six Oilseeds in Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: Claude Yao N'guessan Jean , Augustin Adima Amissa , Florence Niamke Bobelé , Félix Adje Anoh
Published: November 2020

Aims: This study aims to determine the fatty acid, sterol and total polyphenol composition of Ricinodendron heudelotii, Terminalia catappa, Moringa oleifera, Cyperus esculentus, Sesamum indicum and Coula edulis oils.

Study Design: Plant material consisting of almonds of Ricinodendron. heudelotii, Terminalia catappa, Moringa oleifera, rhizomes of, Cyperus esculentus, seeds of Sesamum indicum and hazelnuts of Coula edulis were collected in different producing areas of Côte d'Ivoire in 2017.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted between November 2017 and June 2018 at the Laboratory of Industrial Processes, Synthesis, Environment and New Energies, National Polytechnic Institute Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Côte d'Ivoire.

Methodology: The extraction of oil from the oil-bearing organs of different plants was carried out by maceration of the crushed parts of these organs in hexane at a crushed/solvent ratio of 1:10 (grams/volume) for 6 hours at cold temperature. These oils were analyzed by gas chromatography for the determination of fatty acid profile, then by gas chromatography coupled with a mass spectrometer for the determination of sterols and Ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer for the quantification of polyphenols.

Results: The results show a fatty acid composition of the different oils dominated by four fatty acids: oleic (18.89 - 93.93%), linoleic (1.03 - 43.2%), palmitic (2.65 - 35.6%) and stearic (1.09 - 11.66%). We also note average unsaponifiable matter (0.5 - 1.71%) and sterols dominated by sitosterol, stigmasterol and campesterol. Concerning polyphenols, the values obtained range from 52.09 to 863.67 µg gallic acid equivalent/g oil.

Conclusion: The presence of sterols, phenolic compounds and unsaturated fatty acids in interesting proportions show that these oils are important sources of edible oils beneficial to human health.
Effect of Weed Management Practices on Weed Growth and Yield of Greengram (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) in Southern Rajasthan
Authors: Verma Arvind , Choudhary Roshan
Published: November 2020

A Field experiment was conducted at Agronomy instructional Farm, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, MPUAT, Udaipur (Rajasthan) during 2016-17 to find out the impact of new generation herbicides in green gram.  The results revealed that all growth and yield characters of blackgram were significantly affected by distinct weed control practices. A similar trend was also observed in weed parameters. Higher seed yield (13.8 qha-1) and higher weed control efficiency (88.97%) were recorded under application of acifluorfen sodium + clodinafop propargyl (370 g a.i. ha-1) at 3-4 leaf stage and which comparable with pre-emergence application of pyroxasulfone +pendimethalin (TM) 127.5+1000 g a.i/ha, imazethapyr+ quizalofop (TM) use at 70 + 60 g a.i/ha at 3-4 leaf stage, imazethapyr 70 g a.i/ha 3-4 leaf stage, imazethapyr + imazamox (RM) use at 70 g a.i/ha at 3-4 leaf stage, pendimethalin fb quizalofop 1000 + 60 at pre-emergence & 3- 4 leaf stage, imazethapyr + pendimethalin (RM) 1000 g a.i/ha as pre-emergence, propaquizfop 75 g a.i/ha at 3-4 leaf stage, weedy check and two hand weeding twice at 20 & 40 DAS. They also recorded improvement in yields and net returns by 65.22% over weedy check. These herbicide ready-mixes may be a promising weed management strategy for the green gram grown in the Southern Rajasthan.
Angiographic Study of the Anatomical Variations of the Anterior Communicating Artery Complex
Authors: Eissa Mohamed Ali , Ganna Ahmed , Amer Mohamed , Shakal Ahmed
Published: November 2020

Introduction: The anterior communicating artery complex consists of two anterior cerebral arteries (ACA), the anterior communicating artery (AComA) and the recurrent arteries of Heubner. ACA is divided into the three segments; A1 originating from the internal carotid artery, A2 extending from AComA and A3 also known as the pericallosal artery. The anatomical variations of the ACoA complex are not adequately discussed. The aim of this study is to detect the anatomical variations in the ACoA complex in patients that don’t have any intracranial vascular pathology.

Aims: The present study determines the anatomical Variations of the anterior communicating artery complex.

Patients and Methods: The study group consists of 70 subjects, using Digital Subtraction Angiography and Computed Tomography Angiography to visualize the vascular anatomy.

Results: About 14.29% (10 patients) Aplastic ACoA, 7.14% (5 patients) have unilateral A1 ACA segment hypoplasia, 2.86% (2 patients) have unilateral A1 ACA segment aplasia.

Conclusion: The most common anatomical variant is Aplastic ACoA.
Antioxidant Traits and Protective Impact of Vorinostat against Cisplatin Induced Hepatoxicity in Rats
Authors: Eweis Hala Salah Abdel Kawy , Bashraf Omnyah Mohammad Omar , Ali Ahmed Shaker , Ali Soad Shaker
Published: November 2020

Background and Aim: Cisplatin "cis diamminedichloroplatinum [II] (CDDP) is the most widely used drug in cancer chemotherapy and hepatotoxicity is one of its major side effects. Vorinostat (VST) has been recognized to have an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect in low doses. The present study aimed to explore the potential protective effects of low dose VST against CDDP induced-liver toxicity in male Wistar rats.

Methods: The rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (10 rats each); I-control group, II-CDDP group (7.5 mg/kg I.P. single dose 5 days before the end of the experiment) III-, VST group (15 mg/kg/day by gastric gavage for 28 days) and IV-CDDP + VST group (as in group II & III). Blood and livers samples were collected at the day 28th for biochemical and histopathological examinations.

Results: Administration of CDDP significantly decrease hepatic GSH levels and increase serum alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase and hepatic MDA, p53, TNF-α, and NF-κB levels compared to control. Pretreatment with VST significantly attenuated all unfavorable changes in these parameters. Histopathological analysis showed that VST significantly decreased liver inflammatory and degenerative changes induced by CDDP. VST also significantly increased Bcl-2 and decreased Caspas-3 immunoexpression in hepatic tissues.

Conclusion: VST alleviates CDDP induced hepatic toxicity in rats by modulating MDA, p53, TNF-α, and NF-κB. It also significantly increased Bcl-2 and decreased Caspase-3.
Comparison of Submucosal Injection of Dexamethasone and Triamcinolone Acetonide for Control of Postoperative Pain after Impacted Mandibular Third Molar Surgery- A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Srinivasulu Yandeti , Wahab Abdul , Murugan P. Senthil
Published: November 2020

The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of submucosal injection of dexamethasone and triamcinolone acetonide on postoperative pain, swelling, occurring after impacted mandibular third molar surgery. A total of 150 patients with asymptomatic, unilateral, impacted mandibular third molar, and without any systemic disease were included in this study. Patients were divided into three groups randomly, one group dexamethasone, and the second group triamcinolone acetonide third group placebo. Dexamethasone and triamcinolone acetonide were injected into submucosa at about 0.5 cm to 1 cm above the surgical area submucosally. Pain evaluation was performed by visual analog scale (VAS).There were statistically significant differences between the three groups on the different days of the postoperative period. The effect of triamcinolone acetonide works postoperatively and the effect of triamcinolone acetonide on trismus and pain was better than other groups. There was no significant difference between the effects of dexamethasone and triamcinolone acetonide regarding postoperative complications. The submucosal injection of dexamethasone and triamcinolone acetonide might be an effective treatment following impacted mandibular third molar surgery, and triamcinolone acetonide could be applied as an alternative to dexamethasone for reducing pain post operatively for impacted mandibular third molar surgery.
Remotely Ameliorating Blood Glucose Levels in Type 2 Diabetes Via a Near‐Infrared Laser
Authors: Yan Jun , Li Chenxi , Liu Jian
Published: November 2020

Type 2 diabetes, lowly responsive to insulin injection, is a difficult chronic disease which requires therapeutic breakthroughs. Herein, a new concept is proposed to remotely control the glucose metabolism by a near‐infrared (NIR) laser for the treatment of type 2 diabetes for the first time. This method integrates fluorescent upconversion nanoparticles with the optogenetic technique to selectively activate the phosphoinositide 3‐kinase/AKT signaling pathways, in an insulin‐independent manner for type 2 diabetic treatments. It features fast responsiveness (in seconds) to NIR, deep tissue penetration (up to centimeters), and tunable dosage by adjusting laser irradiation. Successful glucose metabolic regulation has been demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo, thus offering the possibility of developing new alternative strategies to meet the clinical challenges in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Shelf‐Stable Quantum‐Dot Light‐Emitting Diodes with High Operational Performance
Authors: Chen Desui , Chen Dong , Dai Xingliang , Zhang Zhenxing , Lin Jian , Deng Yunzhou , Hao Yanlei , Zhang Ci , Zhu Haiming , Gao Feng , Jin Yizheng
Published: November 2020

Quantum‐dot light‐emitting diodes (QLEDs) promise a new generation of high‐performance, large‐area, and cost‐effective electroluminescent devices for both display and solid‐state lighting technologies. However, a positive ageing process is generally required to improve device performance for state‐of‐the‐art QLEDs. Here, it is revealed that the in situ reactions induced by organic acids in the commonly used encapsulation acrylic resin lead to positive ageing and, most importantly, the progression of in situ reactions inevitably results in negative ageing, i.e., deterioration of device performance after long‐term shelf storage. In‐depth mechanism studies focusing on the correlations between the in situ chemical reactions and the shelf‐ageing behaviors of QLEDs inspire the design of an electron‐transporting bilayer, which delivers both improved electrical conductivity and suppressed interfacial exciton quenching. This material innovation enables red QLEDs exhibiting neglectable changes of external quantum efficiency (>20.0%) and ultralong operational lifetime (T95: 5500 h at 1000 nits) after storage for 180 days. This work provides design principles for oxide electron‐transporting layers to realize shelf‐stable and high‐operational‐performance QLEDs, representing a new starting point for both fundamental studies and practical applications.
How Tribo‐Oxidation Alters the Tribological Properties of Copper and Its Oxides
Authors: Lehmann Julia S. , Schwaiger Ruth , Rinke Monika , Greiner Christian
Published: November 2020

Tribochemical reactions in many applications determine the performance and lifetime of individual parts or entire engineering systems. The underlying processes are however not yet fully understood. Here, the tribological properties of copper and its oxides are investigated under mild tribological loading and for dry sliding. The oxides represent the late stages of a copper–sapphire tribo‐contact, once the whole copper surface is covered with an oxide. For this purpose, high‐purity copper, thermally‐oxidized and sintered Cu2O and CuO samples are tribologically loaded and eventually formed wear particles analyzed. The tribological behavior of the oxides is found to be beneficial for a reduction of the coefficient of friction (COF), mainly due to an increase in hardness. The results reveal tribochemical reactions when copper oxides are present, irrespective of whether they form during sliding or are existent from the beginning. Most strikingly, a reduction of copper oxide to metallic copper is observed in X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements. A more accurate understanding of tribo‐oxidation will allow for manufacturing well‐defined surfaces with enhanced tribological properties. This paves the way for extending the lifetime of contacts evincing tribo‐oxidation.
Electron Delocalization and Dissolution‐Restraint in Vanadium Oxide Superlattices to Boost Electrochemical Performance of Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Li Weijie , Han Chao , Gu Qinfen , Chou Shu‐Lei , Wang Jia‐Zhao , Liu Hua‐Kun , Dou Shi‐Xue
Published: November 2020

Aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs) have triggered a great deal of scientific research and become a promising alternative for large‐scale energy storage applications, owing to the unique merits of high volumetric energy density, abundance of zinc resources, eco‐friendliness, and safety. The pace of progress of ZIB development, however, is hindered by their poor reversibility and sluggish kinetics, derived from the dissolution of active materials in aqueous electrolytes and the strong electrostatic interactions between Zn2+ and the cathode lattice. Herein, a vanadium oxide (V2O5‐x)/polyaniline (PANI‐V) superlattice structure is demonstrated as a model of superlattice structural engineering to overcome these weaknesses. In this superlattice, the PANI layer not only plays the role of a spacer to expand the V2O5‐x interlayer spacing but also serves as a conductive capacity contributor. Moreover, the PANI layer servers as structural stabilizer to restrain the dissolution of V2O5‐x active materials in aqueous electrolytes. In addition, it introduces an interface effect to modulate the charge distribution of the V2O5‐x monolayer, promoting Zn‐ion diffusion into the structure. Correspondingly, weakening the electrostatic interactions and supressing the active materials dissolution synergistically boosts the electrochemical performance for Zn‐ion storage. This work paves the way for the development/improvement of cathodes for aqueous zinc‐ion batteries.
Defining an Ultrasound‐guided Regional Anesthesia Curriculum for Emergency Medicine
Authors: Tucker Ryan V. , Peterson William J. , Mink Jennifer T. , Taylor Lindsay A. , Leech Stephen J. , Nagdev Arun D. , Leo Megan , Liu Rachel , Stolz Lori A. , Kessler Ross , Boulger Creagh T. , Situ‐LaCasse Elaine H. , Avila Jacob O. , Huang Robert
Published: November 2020

Objectives

Ultrasound‐guided regional anesthesia (UGRA) can be a powerful tool in the treatment of painful conditions commonly encountered in emergency medicine (EM) practice. UGRA can benefit patients while avoiding the risks of procedural sedation and opioid‐based systemic analgesia. Despite these advantages, many EM trainees do not receive focused education in UGRA and there is no published curriculum specifically for EM physicians. The objective of this study was to identify the components of a UGRA curriculum for EM physicians.

Methods

A list of potential curriculum elements was developed through an extensive literature review. An expert panel was convened that included 13 ultrasound faculty members from 12 institutions and from a variety of practice environments and diverse geographical regions. The panel voted on curriculum elements through two rounds of a modified Delphi process.

Results

The panelists voted on 178 total elements, 110 background knowledge elements, and 68 individual UGRA techniques. A high level of agreement was achieved for 65 background knowledge elements from the categories: benefits to providers and patients, indications, contraindications, risks, ultrasound skills, procedural skills, sterile technique, local anesthetics, and educational resources. Ten UGRA techniques achieved consensus: interscalene brachial plexus, supraclavicular brachial plexus, radial nerve, median nerve, ulnar nerve, serratus anterior plane, fascia iliaca, femoral nerve, popliteal sciatic nerve, and posterior tibial nerve blocks.

Conclusions

The defined curriculum represents ultrasound expert opinion on a curriculum for training practicing EM physicians. This curriculum can be used to guide the development and implementation of more robust UGRA education for both residents and independent providers.
Smart Stretchable Electronics for Advanced Human–Machine Interface
Authors: Kim Kyun Kyu , Suh Youngsang , Ko Seung Hwan
Published: November 2020

The recent development of human–machine interface (HMI) involves advances in wearable devices that safely interact with the human body while providing high mechanical compliance. Various cutting‐edge technologies such as highly stretchable electronics, multiple sensor fusion, and wearable exoskeletons have enabled a higher level of interactivity. Notably, recent developments using machine intelligence have achieved unprecedented performance and solved various challenges. Herein, the recent progresses in stretchable HMI including stretchable sensors, stretchable actuating systems, and machine intelligence‐aided stretchable devices are presented, and their principles and working mechanisms are discussed.
Intelligent Generation of Evolutionary Series in a Time‐Variant Physical System via Series Pattern Recognition
Authors: Liang Chao , Jiang Hailin , Lin Shaopeng , Li Huashan , Wang Biao
Published: November 2020

Intelligent generation of time‐variant control series remains the critical challenge for acquiring the desired system evolution, due to the difficulties in perceiving temporal correlation and conducting appropriate feedback propagation. A machine learning (ML) algorithm named time‐series generative adversarial network (TSGAN) is developed to overcome the difficulties, by incorporating a long short‐term memory (LSTM) kernel for recognizing multirange temporal patterns beyond the Markovian approximation and an adversarial training mechanism for efficient optimization. A variety of time series are examined by temperature‐control experiments, and the results demonstrate an exceptional accuracy (>95%, 35% higher than prevalent ML methods) as well as strong transferability and stability of the TSGAN algorithm. The dependence of generation performance on underlying statistical mechanisms associated with different ML algorithms, including the deep neural network (DNN), hidden Markov model (HMM), LSTM, and TSGAN, is elucidated by analyzing the generation quality of characteristic temporal patterns. The capability of generating arbitrarily complex response series opens an opportunity for inverse design of time‐variant functionals as strenuously pursued in material science and modern technology.
Self‐Propulsion and Shear Flow Align Active Particles in Nozzles and Channels
Authors: Rubio Leonardo Dominguez , Potomkin Mykhailo , Baker Remmi Danae , Sen Ayusman , Berlyand Leonid , Aranson Igor S.
Published: November 2020

Active particles consume energy stored in the environment and convert it into mechanical motion. Many potential applications of these systems involve their flowing, extrusion, and deposition through channels and nozzles, such as targeted drug delivery and out‐of‐equilibrium self‐assembly. However, understanding their fundamental interactions with flow and boundaries remain incomplete. Herein, experimental and theoretical studies of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) powered self‐propelled gold–platinum nanorods in parallel channels and nozzles are conducted. The behaviors of active (self‐propelled) and passive rods are systematically compared. It is found that most active rods self‐align with the flow streamlines in areas with high shear and exhibit rheotaxis (swimming against the flow). In contrast, passive rods continue moving unaffected until the flow rate is very high, at which point they also start showing some alignment. The experimental results are rationalized by computational modeling delineating activity and rod‐flow interactions. The obtained results provide insight into the manipulation and control of active particle flow and extrusion in complex geometries.
Analog Sensing and Computing Systems with Low Power Consumption for Gesture Recognition
Authors: Fan Tianyi , Liu Zheyu , Luo Zewei , Li Junda , Tian Xiyue , Chen Yeshen , Feng Yuan , Wang Chaolun , Bi Hengchang , Li Xinming , Qiao Fei , Wu Xing
Published: November 2020

Traditional general architecture chips have shown excessive power consumption and insufficient functional redundancy in some customized applications. Flexible electronics also call for customized chips in smart wearable devices. Common chips in intelligent systems process digital signals, and continuous operation of the system clock brings great power consumption. Herein, an intelligent gesture recognition system is developed by combining the flexible 2D materials and an analog computing chip. The pressure‐sensitive sponge with graphene fillings is proposed as a piezoresistive sensor. A nine‐sensor array is used to detect the pressure field distribution caused by hand movement. To get rid of the power consumption caused by the system clock, a novel analog‐computing customized chip which adopts a near‐sensor processing architecture is proposed. It implements the binary neural network algorithm with an analog circuit and completes the recognition of the transmission signal at the hardware level. The chip possesses a low power consumption which is less than 1.8 mW. Moreover, a glove assembled by highly pressure‐sensitive material recognizes mute gestures including Arabic numerals 0–9, with a recognition rate as high as 98.5%. Herein, the prospects for the application of customized smart chips in the field of smart wearable electronics are illuminated.
Genetic analysis for carrier diagnosis in hemophilia A and B in the Mexican population: 25 years of experience
Authors: González‐Ramos Isaura‐Araceli , Mantilla‐Capacho Johanna‐Milena , Luna‐Záizar Hilda , Mundo‐Ayala Jessica‐Noemi , Lara‐Navarro Irving‐Jair , Ornelas‐Ricardo Diana , González Alcázar José‐Ángel , Evangelista‐Castro Natalia , Jaloma‐Cruz Ana Rebeca
Published: November 2020

Our 25 years of experience in carrier diagnosis of hemophilia A (HA) and B (HB) in Mexican population comprises linkage analysis of intragenic F8/F9 neutral variants along with, in severe HA (SHA), detection of F8 int22h and int1h inversions. In symptomatic carriers (SCs) we explored Lyonization to explain their symtomatology. From a DNA‐Bank of 3,000 samples, intragenic restriction fragment length (RFLPs) and short tandem repeats (STRs) of F8/F9 genes were assessed by PCR‐PAGE and GeneScan. In SHA patients, F8 inversions were detected by inverse shifting‐PCR/diagnostic and complementary tests. In SCs, we evaluated hemorrhagic symptoms, clotting FVIII/FIX and X‐chromosome inactivation (XCI) patterns were assessed by HUMARA assay and the search of XIST promoter pathogenic variants. Informativeness of linkage analysis for HA carrier diagnosis with RFLP's/STR's increased to 74% and reached 80% with five RFLPs for HB. Combined Inv22/Inv1 diagnosed 113 possible carriers, three de novo Inv22‐1, and confirmed 45 mothers as obligate or sporadic carriers. Among 21 SCs, four showed extreme skewed XCI pattern (~80:20) but had normal karyotype and no C43G pathogenic variant in XIST promoter. Clotting FVIII/FIX correlated with the active X in leukocytes. Our data integrate the largest comprehensive research worldwide on the molecular diagnosis of HA and HB carriers in terms of the number of studied and diagnosed cases, in addition to the genetic analysis in SCs. Intragenic RFLPs and STRs of F8/F9 genes along with F8 int22h/int1h inversions in SHA emerge as optimal variants for molecular diagnosis in Mexican population. In counseling SCs, inheritance of skewed X‐inactivation should be considered.
Dexterity and technique in termite fishing by chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes troglodytes) in the Goualougo Triangle, Republic of Congo
Authors: Osuna‐Mascaró Antonio J. , Ortiz Camila , Stolz Caroline , Musgrave Stephanie , Sanz Crickette M. , Morgan David B. , Fragaszy Dorothy M.
Published: November 2020

Although the phenomenon of termite fishing by chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) has historical and theoretical importance for primatology, we still have a limited understanding of how chimpanzees accomplish this activity, and in particular, about details of skilled actions and the nature of individual variation in fishing techniques. We examined movements, hand positions, grips, and other details from remote video footage of seven adult and subadult female chimpanzees using plant probes to extractMacrotermes muelleritermites from epigeal nests. Six chimpanzees used exclusively one hand (left or right) to grip the probe during termite fishing. All chimpanzees used the same repertoire of actions to insert, adjust, and withdraw the probe but differed in the frequency of use of particular actions. Chimpanzees have been described as eating termites in two ways—directly from the probe or by sweeping them from the probe with one hand. We describe a third technique: sliding the probe between the digits of one stationary hand as the probe is extracted from the nest. The sliding technique requires complementary bimanual coordination (extracting with one hand and grasping lightly with the other, at the same time). We highlight the importance of actions with two hands—one gripping, one assisting—in termite fishing and discuss how probing techniques are correlated with performance. Additional research on digital function and on environmental, organismic, and task constraints will further reveal manual dexterity in termite fishing.
Biphasic cortical macro‐ and microstructural changes in autosomal dominant Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Montal Victor , Vilaplana Eduard , Pegueroles Jordi , Bejanin Alexandre , Alcolea Daniel , Carmona‐Iragui María , Clarimón Jordi , Levin Johannes , Cruchaga Carlos , Graff‐Radford Neill R. , Noble James M. , Lee Jae‐Hong , Allegri Ricardo , Karch Celeste M. , Laske Christoph , Schofield Peter R. , Salloway Stephen , Ances Beau , Benzinger Tammie , McDale Eric , Bateman Randall , Blesa Rafael , Sánchez‐Valle Raquel , Lleó Alberto , Fortea Juan ,   for the Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer Network (DIAN)
Published: November 2020

INTRODUCTION

A biphasic model for brain structural changes in preclinical Alzheimer's disease (AD) could reconcile some conflicting and paradoxical findings in observational studies and anti‐amyloid clinical trials.

METHODS

In this study we tested this model fitting linear versus quadratic trajectories and computed the timing of the inflection points vertexwise of cortical thickness and cortical diffusivity—a novel marker of cortical microstructure—changes in 389 participants from the Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer Network.

RESULTS

In early preclinical AD, between 20 and 15 years before estimated symptom onset, we found increases in cortical thickness and decreases in cortical diffusivity followed by cortical thinning and cortical diffusivity increases in later preclinical and symptomatic stages. The inflection points 16 to 19 years before estimated symptom onset are in agreement with the start of tau biomarker alterations.

DISCUSSION

These findings confirm a biphasic trajectory for brain structural changes and have direct implications when interpreting magnetic resonance imaging measures in preventive AD clinical trials.
Gel‐Derived Amorphous Bismuth–Nickel Alloy Promotes Electrocatalytic Nitrogen Fixation via Optimizing Nitrogen Adsorption and Activation
Authors: Fang Zhiwei , Wu Ping , Qian Yumin , Yu Guihua
Published: November 2020

To achieve the electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) for efficient and sustainable NH3 production, catalysts should exhibit high selectivity and activity with optimal adsorption energy. Herein we developed a three‐dimensional (3D) amorphous BiNi alloy toward a significantly enhanced NRR compared with its crystalline and metal counterparts. Ni alloying enables the chemisorption of nitrogen and the lower free‐energy change for the *NNH formation, and the 3D alloy electrocatalyst exhibits high catalytic activity for NH3 production with a yield rate of 17.5 μg h−1 mgcat−1 and Faradaic efficiency of 13.8 %. The enhanced electron transfer and increased electrochemical surface area were revealed in the interconnected porous scaffold, affording it sufficiently efficient and stable activity for potential practical applications. This work offers new insights into optimizing the adsorption energy of reactants and intermediates combined with tuning the crystallinity of NRR electrocatalysts.
Radical Fluorosulfonylation: Accessing Alkenyl Sulfonyl Fluorides from Alkenes
Authors: Nie Xingliang , Xu Tianxiao , Song Jinshuai , Devaraj Anandkumar , Zhang Bolun , Chen Yong , Liao Saihu
Published: November 2020

Sulfonyl fluorides have widespread applications in many fields. In particular, their unique biological activity has drawn considerable research interest in the context of chemical biology and drug discovery in the past years. Therefore, new and efficient methods for the synthesis of sulfonyl fluorides are highly in demand. In contrast to extensive studies on FSO2+‐type reagents, a radical fluorosulfonylation reaction with a fluorosulfonyl radical (FSO2.) remains elusive so far, probably owing to its instability and difficulty in generation. Herein, the development of the first radical fluorosulfonylation of alkenes based on FSO2 radicals generated under photoredox conditions is reported. This radical approach provides a new and general access to alkenyl sulfonyl fluorides, including structures that would otherwise be challenging to synthesize with previously established cross‐coupling methods. Moreover, extension to the late‐stage fluorosulfonylation of natural products is also demonstrated.
NHC‐stabilized Parent Arsanylalanes and ‐gallanes
Authors: Weinhart Michael A. K. , Seidl Michael , Timoshkin Alexey Y. , Scheer Manfred
Published: November 2020

The synthesis and characterization of the unprecedented compounds IDipp⋅E′H2AsH2 (E′=Al, Ga; IDipp=1,3‐bis(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)imidazolin‐2‐ylidene) are reported, the first monomeric, parent representatives of an arsanylalane and arsanylgallane, respectively, stabilized only by a LB (LB=Lewis Base). They are prepared by a salt metathesis reaction of KAsH2 with IDipp⋅E′H2Cl (E′=Al, Ga). The H2‐elimination pathway through the reaction of AsH3 with IDipp⋅E′H3 (E′=Al, Ga) was found to be a possible synthetic route with some disadvantages compared to the salt metathesis reaction. The corresponding organo‐substituted compounds IDipp⋅GaH2AsPh2 (1) and IDipp⋅AlH2AsPh2 (2) were obtained by the reaction of KAsPh2 with IDipp⋅E′H2Cl (E′=Al, Ga). The novel branched parent compounds IDipp⋅E′H(EH2)2 (E′=Al, Ga; E=P, As) were synthesized by salt metathesis reactions starting from IDipp⋅E′HCl2 (E′=Al, Ga). Supporting DFT computations give insight into the different synthetic pathways and the stability of the products.
Selective 1,2‐Aminoisothiocyanation of 1,3‐Dienes Under Visible‐Light Photoredox Catalysis
Authors: Guo Weisi , Wang Qian , Zhu Jieping
Published: November 2020

Selective three‐component 1,2‐diamination of 1,3‐dienes with concurrent introduction of two orthogonally protected amino groups remains unknown despite its significant synthetic potential. We report herein that reaction of conjugated dienes with N‐aminopyridinium salts and TMSNCS affords 1,2‐aminoisothiocyanation products in a highly chemo‐ and regio‐selective manner under mild photoredox catalytic conditions. Mechanistic studies indicate that the facile isomerization of allyl thiocyanates to allyl isothiocyanates under photocatalytic conditions is responsible for the selective formation of the observed products. The mild isomerization protocol is expected to find applications in the synthesis of allyl isothiocyanates in a broad sense.
Silver‐Enabled General Radical Difluoromethylation Reaction with TMSCF2H
Authors: Yang Jun , Zhu Shengqing , Wang Fang , Qing Feng‐Ling , Chu Lingling
Published: November 2020

A silver‐mediated oxidative difluoromethylation of styrenes and vinyl trifluoroborates with TMSCF2H is reported for the first time. This method enables direct and facile access to CF2H‐alkenes from abundant alkenes with excellent functional‐group compatibility. Moreover, this Ag/TMSCF2H protocol could further enable a series of radical difluoromethylation reactions of a wide array of substrates, offering a generic and complementary platform for the construction of diversified C−CF2H bonds.
Boosting flame retardancy of epoxy resin composites through incorporating ultrathin nickel phenylphosphate nanosheets
Authors: Kong Qinghong , Zhu Haojie , Fan Jinsong , Zheng Guolin , Zhang Caijiao , Wang Yuan , Zhang Junhao
Published: November 2020

Ultrathin nickel phenylphosphate (NiPP) nanosheets with layered structure are successfully synthesized through a mixed solvothermal method. The results indicate that NiPP is Ni(O3PC6H5)·H2O and has good thermal stability. To ameliorate the thermal stability and flame ratardancy of epoxy resin (EP), EP/NiPP nanocomposites are prepared by incorporating NiPP into EP matrix. The results show that adding NiPP can availably enhance thermal stability at high temperature due to the remarkable catalytic char performance of NiPP, and the residues yield of EP/NiPP nanocomposites with 6 wt% NiPP is 24.1% while the pure EP had only 14.2% at 700°C. In contrast with pure EP, the peak heat release rate, total heat release, smoke production rate, CO production, and CO2 production of EP/6wt%NiPP nanocomposites reduced by 35.2%, 20.2%, 27.1%, 45.8%, and 35.5%. The synergistic effect of catalytic char performance and fire retardancy of NiPP make the EP/NiPP nanocomposites possess prominent flame retardancy, smoke suppression, and thermal stability.
N‐Substituted‐4‐phenylphthalazin‐1‐amine‐derived VEGFR‐2 inhibitors: Design, synthesis, molecular docking, and anticancer evaluation studies
Authors: El‐Adl Khaled , Ibrahim Mohamed‐Kamal , Khedr Fathalla , Abulkhair Hamada S. , Eissa Ibrahim H.
Published: November 2020

In accordance with the significant impetus of the discovery of potent vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR‐2) inhibitors, herein, we report the design, synthesis, and anticancer evaluation of 12 new N‐substituted‐4‐phenylphthalazin‐1‐amine derivatives against HepG2, HCT‐116, and MCF‐7 cells as VEGFR‐2 inhibitors. The results of the cytotoxicity investigation indicated that HCT‐116 and MCF‐7 were the most sensitive cell lines to the influence of the newly synthesized derivatives. In particular, compound 7a was found to be the most potent derivative among all the tested compounds against the three cancer cell lines, HepG2, HCT116, and MCF‐7, with IC50 = 13.67 ± 1.2, 5.48 ± 0.4, and 7.34 ± 0.6 µM, respectively, which is nearly equipotent to that of sorafenib (IC50 = 9.18 ± 0.6, 5.47 ± 0.3, and 7.26 ± 0.3 µM, respectively). All synthesized derivatives, 4a,b−8a−c, were evaluated for their inhibitory activities against VEGFR‐2. The tested compounds displayed high to low inhibitory activity, with IC50 values ranging from 0.14 ± 0.02 to 9.54 ± 0.85 µM. Among them, compound 7a was found to be the most potent derivative that inhibited VEGFR‐2 at an IC50 value of 0.14 ± 0.02 µM, which is nearly 72% of that of the sorafenib IC50 value (0.10 ± 0.02 µM). Compounds 7b, 8c, 8b, and 8a exhibited very good activity with IC50 values of 0.18 ± 0.02, 0.21 ± 0.03, 0.24 ± 0.02, and 0.35 ± 0.04 µM, respectively. Molecular modeling studies were carried out for all compounds against the VEGFR‐2 active site. The data obtained from biological testing highly correlated with that obtained from molecular modeling studies. However, these modifications led to new phthalazine derivatives with higher VEGFR‐2 inhibitory activities than vatalanib and which are nearly equipotent to sorafenib.
Enhanced Oxygen Evolution via Electrochemical Water Oxidation using Conducting Polymer and Nanoparticle Composites
Authors: Mahfoz Wael , Abdul Aziz Md. , Shaheen Shah Syed , Al‐Betar Abdul‐Rahman
Published: November 2020

Nano‐Co3O4 was used for electrocatalytic water oxidation due to its promising features of better performance and low cost. An enhanced electrochemical water oxidation performance of the nanoparticles can be achieved by mixing them with other types of highly conductive nano/micro‐structured materials. Conductive polymers would be one of the candidates to achieve this goal. Here, we report our recently developed nano‐Co3O4 and polypyrrole composites for enhanced electrochemical water oxidation. We chose polypyrrole as a support of nano‐Co3O4 to obtain highly active sites of nano‐Co3O4 with high conductivity. Morphological and chemical characterization of the prepared materials were performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy‐dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). After immobilizing them individually on fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) substrate, their electrocatalytic properties toward water oxidation were investigated. The optimum composite materials showed significantly higher electrocatalytic properties compared to that of pure nano‐Co3O4 and polypyrrole. Electrochemical impedance studies indicated that the composite materials possess significantly less electron transfer resistance toward water oxidation reaction compared to that of only polypyrrole or nano‐Co3O4, while the higher double‐layer capacitance and polarization resistance values obtained from fitting of the impedance data represent the faster electrode kinetics in the composite electrocatalyst. Due to the synergetic effect, the optimum nano‐Co3O4 and polypyrrole composites could be represent a novel and promising material for water oxidation.
Attitudes toward risk and uncertainty: The role of subjective knowledge and affect
Authors: Shou Yiyun , Olney Joel
Published: November 2020

An individual's attitude toward risk is often measured by their behavioral tendency in risky situations. However, commonly used self‐report measures of risk attitudes often do not explicitly specify “risk” in all the items, which results in an unsystematic mix of both perceived uncertainty and risk (as loss). Thus, an individual's endorsement of those items can vary as a function of not only the latent construct of attitudes toward risk, but also factors including prior knowledge and affective reaction to uncertainty. Two studies were carried out to examine the extent to which participants perceive behavioral tendency items as entailing uncertainty or risk (as loss) and how behavioral tendency can be influenced by prior knowledge. Results indicate that endorsement of behavioral tendency was significantly greater when “risk” information was implicit when compared with items that had explicit information to contextualize the uncertainty or risk. Furthermore, prior knowledge had a significantly stronger influence on the endorsement of items in which risk information was implicit than on the explicit uncertainty/risk items. Finally, uncertainty and risk in the items appeared to influence behavioral tendency significantly via emotional responses to the items. This research highlights the need for researchers to more adequately control for different sources of variability when measuring the desired construct of attitude toward risk.
Advice to friends in want/should conflicts
Authors: Thorsteinson Todd J. , Sturgeon Franklin L. , Dredge Chelsa M.
Published: November 2020

One explanation for self‐other differences in decision making is that they are due to differences in the construal of the situation, with advisors adopting a more abstract construal of the decision. However, decisions for the should self (what should I do?) are also characterized by an abstract construal, suggesting that advice to friends might be similar to what decision makers think they should do (self‐should decisions). We conducted three studies comparing should self decisions with advice in situations characterized by a want/should conflict. Study 1 demonstrated that advice to a friend was different from a self‐should decision. Self‐should choices were also found to be different from what one wants to do (self‐want) and what one would do (self‐would). Study 2 found that participants in the advice conditions considered the context when making a recommendation, but participants in the self‐should conditions were unaffected. Finally, Study 3 demonstrated that advisors considered the goal of the decision maker's behavior when making recommendations, unlike participants in the self‐should and injunctive norm conditions. These results demonstrate that self‐other differences in decision making extend to self‐should decisions and that self‐should decisions are consistent with injunctive norms. Self‐should decisions were unaffected by situational factors, whereas advice to friends considered the decision maker's primary goal.
Epidural fat mesenchymal stem cells: Important microenvironmental regulators in health, disease, and regeneration
Authors: Shah Sophia , Mudigonda Sathvika , Mitha Alim P. , Salo Paul , Krawetz Roman J.
Published: November 2020

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are present in fat tissues throughout the body, yet little is known regarding their biological role within epidural fat. We hypothesize that debridement of epidural fat and/or subsequent loss of MSCs within this tissue, disrupts homeostasis in the vertebral environment resulting in increased inflammation, fibrosis, and decreased neovascularization leading to poorer functional outcomes post‐injury/operatively. Clinically, epidural fat is commonly considered a space‐filling tissue with limited functionality and therefore typically discarded during surgery. However, the presence of MSCs within epidural fat suggests that itis more biologically active than historically believed and may contribute to the regulation of homeostasis and regeneration in the dural environment. While the current literature supports our hypothesis, it will require additional experimentation to determine if epidural fat is an endogenous driver of repair and regeneration and if so, this tissue should be minimally perturbed from its original location in the spinal canal. Also see the video abstract herehttps://youtu.be/MIol_IWK1os
A review of biomarkers in the context of type 1 diabetes: Biological sensing for enhanced glucose control
Authors: Wolkowicz Kelilah L. , Aiello Eleonora M. , Vargas Eva , Teymourian Hazhir , Tehrani Farshad , Wang Joseph , Pinsker Jordan E. , Doyle Francis J. , Patti Mary‐Elizabeth , Laffel Lori M. , Dassau Eyal
Published: November 2020

As wearable healthcare monitoring systems advance, there is immense potential for biological sensing to enhance the management of type 1 diabetes (T1D). The aim of this work is to describe the ongoing development of biomarker analytes in the context of T1D. Technological advances in transdermal biosensing offer remarkable opportunities to move from research laboratories to clinical point‐of‐care applications. In this review, a range of analytes, including glucose, insulin, glucagon, cortisol, lactate, epinephrine, and alcohol, as well as ketones such as beta‐hydroxybutyrate, will be evaluated to determine the current status and research direction of those analytes specifically relevant to T1D management, using both in‐vitro and on‐body detection. Understanding state‐of‐the‐art developments in biosensing technologies will aid in bridging the gap from bench‐to‐clinic T1D analyte measurement advancement.
Structure of the O‐Antigen and the Lipid A from the Lipopolysaccharide of Fusobacterium nucleatum ATCC 51191
Authors: Garcia‐Vello Pilar , Di Lorenzo Flaviana , Lamprinaki Dimitra , Notaro Anna , Speciale Immacolata , Molinaro Antonio , Juge Nathalie , De Castro Cristina
Published: November 2020

Fusobacterium nucleatum is a common member of the oral microbiota. However, this symbiont has been found to play an active role in disease development. As a Gram‐negative bacterium, F. nucleatum has a protective outer membrane layer whose external leaflet is mainly composed of lipopolysaccharides (LPSs). LPSs play a crucial role in the interaction between bacteria and the host immune system. Here, we characterised the structure of the O‐antigen and lipid A from F. nucleatum ssp. animalis ATCC 51191 by using a combination of GC‐MS, MALDI and NMR techniques. The results revealed a novel repeat of the O‐antigen structure of the LPS, [→4)‐β‐d‐GlcpNAcA‐(1→4)‐β‐d‐GlcpNAc3NAlaA‐(1→3)‐α‐d‐FucpNAc4NR‐(1→], (R=acetylated 60 %), and a bis‐phosphorylated hexa‐acylated lipid A moiety. Taken together these data showed that F. nucleatum ATCC 51191 has a distinct LPS which might differentially influence recognition by immune cells.