bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of a molecular basis for the juvenile sleep state
Authors: Chakravarti Dilley Leela , Szuperak Milan , Gong Naihua N , Williams Charlette E , Saldana Ricardo Linares , Garbe David S , Syed Mubarak Hussain , Jain Rajan , Kayser Matthew S
Published: March 2020

Across species, sleep in young animals is critical for normal brain maturation. The molecular determinants of early life sleep remain unknown. Through an RNAi-based screen, we identified a gene, pdm3, required for sleep maturation in Drosophila. Pdm3, a transcription factor, coordinates an early developmental program that prepares the brain to later execute high levels of juvenile adult sleep. PDM3 controls the wiring of wake-promoting dopaminergic (DA) neurites to a sleep-promoting region, and loss of PDM3 prematurely increases DA inhibition of the sleep center, abolishing the juvenile sleep state. RNA-Seq/ChIP-Seq and a subsequent modifier screen reveal that pdm3 represses expression of the synaptogenesis gene Msp300 to establish the appropriate window for DA innervation. These studies define the molecular cues governing sleep behavioral and circuit development, and suggest sleep disorders may be of neurodevelopmental origin.
Cross-species cortical alignment identifies different types of anatomical reorganization in the primate temporal lobe
Authors: Eichert Nicole , Robinson Emma C , Bryant Katherine L , Jbabdi Saad , Jenkinson Mark , Li Longchuan , Krug Kristine , Watkins Kate E , Mars Rogier B
Published: March 2020

Evolutionary adaptations of temporo-parietal cortex are considered to be a critical specialization of the human brain. Cortical adaptations, however, can affect different aspects of brain architecture, including local expansion of the cortical sheet or changes in connectivity between cortical areas. We distinguish different types of changes in brain architecture using a computational neuroanatomy approach. We investigate the extent to which between-species alignment, based on cortical myelin, can predict changes in connectivity patterns across macaque, chimpanzee, and human. We show that expansion and relocation of brain areas can predict terminations of several white matter tracts in temporo-parietal cortex, including the middle and superior longitudinal fasciculus, but not the arcuate fasciculus. This demonstrates that the arcuate fasciculus underwent additional evolutionary modifications affecting the temporal lobe connectivity pattern. This approach can flexibly be extended to include other features of cortical organization and other species, allowing direct tests of comparative hypotheses of brain organization.
Mitochondrial genomes ofColumbicolafeather lice are highly fragmented, indicating repeated evolution of minicircle-type genomes in parasitic lice
Authors: Sweet Andrew D. , Johnson Kevin P. , Cameron Stephen L.
Published: March 2020

Most animals have a conserved mitochondrial genome structure composed of a single chromosome. However, some organisms have their mitochondrial genes separated on several smaller circular or linear chromosomes. Highly fragmented circular chromosomes (“minicircles”) are especially prevalent in parasitic lice (Insecta: Phthiraptera), with 16 species known to have between nine and 20 mitochondrial minicircles per genome. All of these species belong to the same clade (mammalian lice), suggesting a single origin of drastic fragmentation. Nevertheless, other work indicates a lesser degree of fragmentation (2–3 chromosomes/genome) is present in some avian feather lice (Ischnocera: Philopteridae). In this study, we tested for minicircles in four species of the feather louse genusColumbicola(Philopteridae). Using whole genome shotgun sequence data, we applied three different bioinformatic approaches for assembling theColumbicolamitochondrial genome. We further confirmed these approaches by assembling the mitochondrial genome ofPediculus humanusfrom shotgun sequencing reads, a species known to have minicircles.Columbicolaspp. genomes are highly fragmented into 15–17 minicircles between ∼1,100 and ∼3,100 bp in length, with 1–4 genes per minicircle. Subsequent annotation of the minicircles indicated that tRNA arrangements of minicircles varied substantially between species. These mitochondrial minicircles for species ofColumbicolarepresent the first feather lice (Philopteridae) for which minicircles have been found in a full mitochondrial genome assembly. Combined with recent phylogenetic studies of parasitic lice, our results provide strong evidence that highly fragmented mitochondrial genomes, which are otherwise rare across the Tree of Life, evolved multiple times within parasitic lice.
Tetanus in School Age Children Seen at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital: A Need for Booster Doses of Tetanus Vaccine
Authors: Alex-Hart B. A. , LongJohn D.
Published: March 2020

Background: Tetanus still causes significant morbidity and mortality amongst children in Nigeria despite decades of immunisation with tetanus vaccine.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence, case fatality rate and predictors of fatality amongst school age children treated for tetanus at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital.

Materials and Methods:  This was a retrospective study of all children aged 4 to 17 years treated for tetanus at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2019. Data was obtained from the case notes and ward registers. Socio-demographic characteristics, presenting complaints, incubation period, onset interval, number of Diphtheria, Pertussis and Tetanus (DPT) vaccine received at infancy, treatment outcome, duration and cost of hospital stay were obtained, entered into a spread sheet and analysed with SPSS version 20. Results are presented in tables and percentages. The level of significance was set at P value <0.05.

Results:  During the period under review, there were 53 children aged 4 to 17 years treated for tetanus, accounting for 0.3% of the total admission. The mean age was 10.79±3.35 years. There were 33 (62.26%) males and 20 (37.74%) females. Majority 26 (49.06%) of the children were of low socioeconomic class. The commonest 28(52.8%) route of infection was broomstick injury. Majority 32(60.3%) of the children were not immunised in infancy. The mean incubation period was 7.34±4.21 days and the mean onset interval was 8.87±10.44 hours. The two most common symptoms were generalized spasms 49 (21.03%) and trismus 47 (20.17%). Short incubation period (≤4 days) and short onset interval (≤4 hours) were significantly associated with higher death rates (p=0.0002; p=0.012).  Patients with short incubation period of ≤4 days and short onset interval of≤ 4 hours are more likely to die (p=0.0002; p=0.012).

Conclusion: There was a high tetanus case fatality rate amongst school age children at University of Port Harcourt. Short incubation period and onset interval were associated with higher mortality. Booster doses of TT containing vaccines should be administered to primary and secondary school children in Port Harcourt to curb the menace.
An Explorative Study on Access to Print and Electronic Information Resources among Journalists in Mysore and Mandya District of Karnataka
Authors: Kumar G. Kiran , . Chikkamanju
Published: March 2020

This explorative study focuses on access to print and electronic information resources among journalists in Mysore and Mandya district of Karnataka, India. The researchers tried to analyze frequency of library visits, average time spent, use of print and electronic information resources, criteria for evaluation of information resources, usage of social networks for accessing and sharing information, rating of online resources based on its features, preferred format of information resources, factors influencing for use of e-resources and to know the importance of e-resources for journalistic tasks. For this purpose the researchers prepared a well structured questionnaire as a tool for data collection and the collected questionnaire has been analyzed and presented with useful percentage analysis, Anova, Mean, Standard Deviation and suitable tables for presentation of data. It has been found form the study that the journalists prefer both print and electronic format of information resources. Hence, the libraries should maintain both formats of information resources till the users inculcate the habit of using information resources available in electronic format.
Estimating the Number of Patents in the World Using Count Panel Data Models
Authors: Youssef Ahmed H. , Abonazel Mohamed R. , Ahmed Elsayed G.
Published: March 2020

In this paper, we review some estimators of count regression (Poisson and negative binomial) models in panel data modeling.  These estimators based on the type of the panel data model (the model with fixed or random effects). Moreover, we study and compare the performance of these estimators based on a real dataset application. In our application, we study the effect of some economic variables on the number of patents for seventeen high-income countries in the world over the period from 2005 to 2016. The results indicate that the negative binomial model with fixed effects is the better and suitable for data, and the important (statistically significant) variables that effect on the number of patents in high-income countries are research and development (R&D) expenditures and gross domestic product (GDP) per capita.
Mineral, Fatty and Amino Acids Composition of Three Species of Mollusks (Egeria radiata, Limicolaria flammea and Viviparus contectus)
Authors: Felagha I. , Monanu M. O. , Amadi B. A.
Published: March 2020

The present study investigates the mineral, fatty acid and amino acids composition of E. radiata,                 V. contectus and L. flammea. All samples analyzed in this study were obtained from Yenagoa in Bayelsa state of Nigeria. Mineral composition was determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS), fatty acids were determined by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) while amino acids composition was determined by gas chromatography (GC). Eight (8) nutritionally essential minerals were detected in all samples analyzed in this study; the concentration of minerals in order of increasing concentration was Cu>Mn>Mg>Na>Ca>Zn>K>Fe, Cu>Mn>Na>Mg>Ca>Zn>K>Fe and Cu>Mn>Mg>Ca>Na>Zn>Fe>K for E. radiata, V. contectus and L. flammea respectively. Lauric acid, myristic acid, Palmitic acid, Margaric acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, Linoleic acid, arachidic acid and arachidonic acid were detected in varying amounts in all samples. Palmitic acid concentration in E. radiata was the most abundant in all samples while oleic acid concentration in L. flammea was the least. A total of eighteen (18) amino acids were detected in all samples analyzed in this study: glycine, alanine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, serine, tryptophan, threonine, Methionine, phenylalanine, histidine, proline, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, tyrosine, arginine, lysine and Cysteine. In E. radiata, leucine had the highest concentration (21.287mg/100g) while proline was the least (2.854mg/100g); glutamic acid and methionine were the highest and least (19.389mg/100g and 2.996mg/100g respectively) in V. Contectus samples and Histidine and tryptophan were the highest and least respectively (11.639mg/100g and 1.415mg/100g).  Aspartate, lysine and histidine were not detected in both samples. From the findings of this study, the samples analyzed in this study are good sources of fatty acids, amino acids and nutritionally essential minerals hence their consumption is encouraged.
Effects of Potassium and Humic Acid on Amelioration of Soil Salinity Hazardous on Pea Plants
Authors: Basha Doaa M. Abo , Hellal Farid , El-Sayed Saied
Published: March 2020

Pots experiment were carried out in green house of National Research Centre, Dokki, Egypt, to study the effect of potassium and humic acid application to minimize the adversely effects of soil salinity on pea plants. Pots were divided into three main groups of soil salinity at levels (2.84, 6.03 and 8.97 dS m-1). These main groups were applied potassium sulfate at the rates 50 and 100 kg fed-1. Foliar application of humic acid was applied at a rate of 0.2%. Data presented that the application of K2SO4 at a rate of 100 kg fed-1 with humic acid a foliar spray at a rate of 0.2%, gave the highest values of plant growth parameters such as, Branch No., Leave No., Plant height, leaf area, Shoot fresh and dry weight. In addition to produce high chlorophyll a and b and carotene content as compared to other treatments and control under the different soil salinity levels. Application of K2SO4 (100 kg fed-1) with foliar spray of humic acid under high and moderate soil salinity condition increased pod weight, seed weight, seed dry weight over application of 50 kg   fed-1 and control. The highest values of studied chemical constituents in shoots and greens were obtained due to the application of potassium sulfate at100 kg fed-1 with humic acid. The combined effects of potassium application and foliar spray of humic acid had a positive effect on increasing the ability of pea plant tolerance to soil salinity and increasing of growth and yield production under saline soil conditions.
Phytochemical Characterisation and Antibacterial Activity of Propolis on Cariogenic Microrganisms
Authors: Agbor Ashu Michael , Tsague Raissa , Kaptue Bruno , Naidoo Sudeshni , Tembe-Fokunang Estella , Fokunang Charles Ntungwen , Pilipili Charles
Published: March 2020

Background: Dental caries is also known as tooth decay is as a result of the softening of hard dental tissues from factors of multiple origins, with dental plaque bacteria being one of the most important factors. Due to the resistance of microorganisms to common antibiotics, modern medical sciences had been looking for new approaches in the treatment and prevention of oral diseases. 

Objective: This study aimed to phytochemically characterise, evaluate the antibacterial activity of propolis on bacteria responsible for dental caries.

Methodology: This was an experimental study that took place in the Laboratory of Chemistry and Microbiology (Clinque Universities des Montagne (CUM)) of Bangangté between January to April 2018.

Chemical screening of the aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts revealed the presence of  secondary metabolites namely alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, coumarins, saponins and terpenes, those being more abundant in the aqueous extract. The content of flavonoids was high. Macro-dilution was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of propolis and  Müller Hinton agar was used for obtaining the minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) and determination of inhibition diameters of the bacteria.

Results: The flavonoid content in the aqueous extract was estimated at 222.85 mg/ml and 18.77 mg/ml for the hydroalcoholic extracts. S mutans and Lactobacillus spp. were isolated from samples collected from caries affected teeth. The aqueous extract of propolis generally generates greater inhibition diameters than that of the hydroalcoholic extract on both lactobacillus and Streptococcus mutans, The MBC of the aqueous extract on S. mutans and Lactobacillus spp. was 50 mg/ml and the MIC was 25 mg/ml. The hydroalcoholic extract did not have MBC on both S. mutans and Lactobacillus spp. However, the MIC of this extract on both bacteria was 50 mg/ml. These antibacterial properties were not statically significant as that of gentamicin.

Conclusion: The evaluation of the antibacterial activity of our various extracts by determination of the MIC and MBC revealed that propolis was endowed with inhibitory properties vis-à-vis the growth of most bacterial strains tested: Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus spp. all 2 being gram-positive bacteria.
Production Mapping and Description of the Organoleptic Qualities of Local Varieties of Plantain (Musa spp. AAB) Cultivated in Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Kouassi H. , Assemand E. , Konan B. , Gnahé H.
Published: March 2020

Aims: A field survey was carried to apprehend the full diversity of Ivorian’s plantain. The aim was to produce a reliable and up-to-date production map of the local varieties. This study was also intended to determine their level of appreciation by local consumers on the basis of their physical, technological and sensory characteristics.

Place and Duration of Study: The enquiries data were collected in 87 villages distributed into 22 regions of Côte d'Ivoire, between September and December 2017.

Methodology: During the survey, data on the production, description, processing and consumption of local plantains were collected by direct individual interviews using a structured questionnaire. This information was collected in a participatory manner from 1232 (14 producers/villages).

Results: This study identified twenty-two (22) varieties of plantain, traditionally cultivated for several generations in Côte d'Ivoire. The greatest varietal diversity has been observed in the South-East and the East, notably in the regions of Sud-Comoé, Indénié-Djuablin, Mé and    Agneby-Tiassa. These varieties are variously appreciated according to their physical and organoleptic characteristics. People used them to make the usual plantain-based dishes found in Côte d’Ivoire. However, for the most questioned people, cooking specific plantain dishes requires the using of specific varieties with particular characteristics. The Agnrin, Molegna, N'gretia, Molekotoba, Ameletia, Purple banana and Banadiè varieties have been designated to be the best for “foutou”. In addition, the Banadiè variety, even in the green state, gives a nice yellow “foutou”. The above varieties are said to be perfect to prepare “Aloco”, “Docklounou” and “Clacro” at advanced ripening stages. The Afoto, Spotted banana, Kpatrè-kou, Kpatragnon, Kpatrè-n'san varieties, were recommended for “foutou”, “foufou”, roasted or chips because of their volume.

Conclusion: Further researches are underway to explain, scientifically, the sensory and technological differences usually observed between local plantains varieties.
Acute Toxicity and Erythrocyte Osmotic Fragility Studies of Methanol Leaf Extract of Asystasia vogeliana in Rats
Authors: Ugwuanyi Hillary Emeka , Aba Patrick Emeka , Udem Samuel Chukwuneke , Madubuinyi Innocent Ifeanyi
Published: March 2020

Aim: To investigate the phytoconstituents of methanol and petroleum leaf extracts of Asystasia vogeliana (MLEAV and PLEAV), the median lethal dose (LD50) and the effects of MLEAV on body weight, organosomatic indices in vital organs and erythrocyte membrane of Albino Wistar rats during sub-acute administration.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 2017.

Methodology: The crude extracts of MLEAV and PLEAV were used in determining the qualitative and quantitative analyses. The rats were assigned into four groups and dosed orally with distilled water (0.5 ml/100 g) as Group I, 62.5 mg/kg MLEAV (Group II), 125 mg/kg MLEAV (Group III) and 250 mg/kg MLEAV (Group IV) once daily for 28 days. Blood samples were collected from all the rats via the medial canthus into EDTA bottles for erythrocyte osmotic fragility (EOF) study on day 29. Relative organ-body weight indices of vital organs (spleen, heart, liver and kidney) were also evaluated.

Results: MLEAV and PLEAV showed the presence of saponins, flavonoids, phenols, alkaloids, anthraquinones and steroids. The total phenolic contents of MLEAV (3704.30 ± 44.00) significantly increase (P = 0.000) when compared with PLEAV (1349.46 ± 35.25). The LD50 of MLEAV is above 5000 mg/kg. There were significant (P < 0.05) decreases in the body weights of rats in Groups III and IV from 3rd to 4th week when compared with their baseline weights. There were significant (P < 0.05) increases in the relative spleen-body weight in Group IV when compared with other groups. There was no significant change (P > 0.05) in the hemolysis of rats in Group II when compared with the control group at 0.9% NaCl concentration.

Conclusions: The findings reveal that MLEAV showed better antioxidant capacity than PLEAV, and that 62.5 mg/kg of MLEAV is safe during the sub-acute administration.
Gendered Analysis in Academic Career Advancement: Fifteen Years’ Trend at Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania
Authors: Massawe Fatihiya Ally , Sife Alfred Said
Published: March 2020

Aims: Despite notable success in reducing gender disparity in some sectors, the problem still persists in many higher learning institutions in Tanzania. Using fifteen years data of staff employment from Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), this study assessed gender disparity in employment and career advancement among academic staff.

Study Design: The study adopted the descriptive research design by describing the current situation using SUA as a case study.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at Sokoine University of Agriculture between March and May 2017 using data of academic staff.

Methodology: The Publish or Perish software was used to retrieve data on scholarly publications of individual academic staff between 1985 to 2017 for cohorts employed between 1985 and 2011. Descriptive analysis was employed to establish gender disparity in staffing and publication productivity.

Results: The findings show female academic staff increased from 5.3% to 20.78% only between the academic year 2000/2001 to 2015/2016. Likewise, gender gaps are observed across all academic ranks since the majority of staff are at the lower academic ranks where women were less in each aspect. Age-wise, the university is composed of aging senior academic staff where among 33.22% of all professors almost 15% (13.5% M & 1.1%F) were above 60 years old. On scientific publications, findings reveal female staff to be below the cohort/ group average for almost all years against their counterparts.

Conclusion: There is a clear disparity between male and female staff based on age, academic qualifications, ranks and publication productivity that implies the existence of some obstacles.
Chemo-typing of Three Egyptian Rosemary Oil for Their Chemical Composition and Anti-oxidant Activity
Authors: Elshorbagy Menna I. , Elsbaey Marwa , Baraka Hany N. , Lahloub Mohamed Farid
Published: March 2020

Aims: To study the chemical composition of volatile oil samples from different place in Egypt (Mansoura, Gamsa and Assuit) and study their antioxidant activity determined by DPPH assay.

Study Design: Hydro distillation of volatile oil samples and their GC/MS analysis and determination of their antioxidant activity by DPPH assay.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of pharmacy, Mansoura university, Egypt, between June 2015 and November 2017.  

Methodology: The essential oil was isolated by hydro-distillation for 5 h using a Clevenger-type all-glass apparatus according to the standard procedure of the European pharmacopeia and volatile oils analysis was performed by GC and GC-MS. GC analysis was carried out using Focus-DSQ-ӀI GC/MS instrument (Thermo Scientific, MA, USA) equipped with TR-5 fused silica column (30 m × 0.25 mm, film thickness 0.25 µm).

Results: The yield of the essential oils of three rosemary plants growing in Mansoura (RM), Gamsa (RG) and Assiut (RA) were 0.20% v/w, 0.32% v/w and 0.24% v/w, respectively. Their chemical composition was analyzed by GC/MS, RM and RG were found to be α-pinene dominated chemotypes, 32.4% and 29.6%, respectively, meanwhile RA was camphor dominated chemotype (17.2%). Furthermore, their antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH assay. Their IC50 values of essential oils of RM, RG and RA were 8.66 ± 0.7, 8.18 ± 0.5 and 9.74 ± 0.2, respectively.

Conclusion: The GC/MS spectral data revealed the considerable difference between the chemical composition of essential oil constituents of RM, RG and RA which lead to different chemotypes. The present results also demonstrate that REO obtained from different areas in Egypt exhibited free radical scavenging activity determined by DPPH assay due to the synergistic effect between their constituents.
The Importance of Social Justice Courses in Teacher Preparation Programs
Authors: Critchfield Meredith
Published: March 2020

The social justice perspective is become more popular in teacher preparation programs as a response to growing diversity in schools and to the perceived inadequacies of multicultural education. This alternative to multicultural education argues that teachers should be advocates for students and their communities, helping to address inequities in schools. This project sought to explore social justice education in more depth by examining two classes of pre-service teachers at a private Christian university in the Southwest United States. Students were asked to describe their expectations and experiences with social justice curriculum in a required social justice teacher education course. The analysis of the project’s results indicates that pre-service teachers at faith institutions must be given hands-on, practical opportunities to grapple with social justice and their faith in order to begin to understand how social justice might inform their future work as teachers.
A Novel Flexible Hybrid Battery–Supercapacitor Based on a Self‐Assembled Vanadium‐Graphene Hydrogel
Authors: Khazaeli Ali , Godbille‐Cardona Gabrielle , Barz Dominik P. J.
Published: March 2020

A novel flexible hybrid battery–supercapacitor device is proposed consisting of high specific surface area electrodes paired with an electrolyte, which contains a redox species that can exist in more than two oxidation states. The two initially equal half‐cells of the device consist of a reduced graphene oxide hydrogel which encapsulates vanadium ions, synthesized with a single‐step method. During charge, the oxidation state of the vanadium ions changes, resulting in two half‐cells with different potentials which considerably increases the energy density. The achieved maximum capacity of more than 225 mAh g−1 is roughly eight times higher than that of comparable graphene hydrogel supercapacitors without vanadium content, but the potentiostatic charging time is only double. Operated as a supercapacitor, it retains 95% of the initial capacitance over 1000 cycles. As battery, the losses are more significant, retaining around 50% of the initial capacity. However, these losses during battery operation can be almost entirely restored by electric measures. The vanadium ion addition also improves the self‐discharge characteristics of the device. Moreover, the self‐discharge does not permanently damage the hybrid device since both half‐cells initially consist of the same vanadium graphene hydrogel and discharging resets it to initial conditions.
Unprecedented Surface Plasmon Modes in Monoclinic MoO2 Nanostructures
Authors: Zhu Yun‐Pei , El‐Demellawi Jehad K. , Yin Jun , Lopatin Sergei , Lei Yongjiu , Liu Zhixiong , Miao Xiaohe , Mohammed Omar F. , Alshareef Husam N.
Published: March 2020

Developing stable plasmonic materials featuring earth‐abundant compositions with continuous band structures, similar to those of typical metals, has received special research interest. Owing to their metal‐like behavior, monoclinic MoO2 nanostructures have been found to support stable and intense surface plasmon (SP) resonances. However, no progress has been made on their energy and spatial distributions over individual nanostructures, nor the origin of their possibly existing specific SP modes. Here, various MoO2 nanostructures are designed via polydopamine chemistry and managed to visualize multiple longitudinal and transversal SP modes supported by the monoclinic MoO2, along with intrinsic interband transitions, using scanning transmission electron microscopy coupled with ultrahigh‐resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy. The identified geometry‐dependent SP energies are tuned by either controlling the shape and thickness of MoO2 nanostructures through their well‐designed chemical synthesis, or by altering their length using a developed electron‐beam patterning technique. Theoretical calculations reveal that the strong plasmonic behavior of the monoclinic MoO2 is associated with the abundant delocalized electrons in the Mo d orbitals. This work not only provides a significant improvement in imaging and tailoring SPs of nonconventional metallic nanostructures, but also highlights the potential of MoO2 nanostructures for micro–nano optical and optoelectronic applications.
Recent Advances in Plasmonic Nanostructures for Enhanced Photocatalysis and Electrocatalysis
Authors: Li Siwei , Miao Peng , Zhang Yuanyuan , Wu Jie , Zhang Bin , Du Yunchen , Han Xijiang , Sun Jianmin , Xu Ping
Published: March 2020

Plasmonic nanomaterials coupled with catalytically active surfaces can provide unique opportunities for various catalysis applications, where surface plasmons produced upon proper light excitation can be adopted to drive and/or facilitate various chemical reactions. A brief introduction to the localized surface plasmon resonance and recent design and fabrication of highly efficient plasmonic nanostructures, including plasmonic metal nanostructures and metal/semiconductor heterostructures is given. Taking advantage of these plasmonic nanostructures, the following highlights summarize recent advances in plasmon‐driven photochemical reactions (coupling reactions, O2 dissociation and oxidation reactions, H2 dissociation and hydrogenation reactions, N2 fixation and NH3 decomposition, and CO2 reduction) and plasmon‐enhanced electrocatalytic reactions (hydrogen evolution reaction, oxygen reduction reaction, oxygen evolution reaction, alcohol oxidation reaction, and CO2 reduction). Theoretical and experimental approaches for understanding the underlying mechanism of surface plasmon are discussed. A proper discussion and perspective of the remaining challenges and future opportunities for plasmonic nanomaterials and plasmon‐related chemistry in the field of energy conversion and storage is given in conclusion.
New Metrics of Green Sorbents for CO2Capturing
Authors: Eftaiha Ala'a F. , Qaroush Abdussalam K. , Abu‐Daabes Malyuba A. , Alsyouri Hatem M. , Assaf Khaleel I.
Published: March 2020

Significant progress has been made in the past decades in the capture, storage, and utilization of greenhouse gases, particularly CO2. In general, the synthesis of most of the available CO2sorbents is not ecofriendly and can require multistep synthesis in order to prepare and/or activate, which is considered a strict violation of green chemistry principles (GCPs). Therefore, thinking of green frameworks to design chemical products and processes becomes essential to mitigate these challenges. This paper provides an in‐depth review of available green sorbents for CO2capture with an emphasis on those prepared from biorenewable materials and ionic liquids. A new metric is presented to classify these sorbents based on their degree of compliance to the GCPs, which could be a useful tool in selection of green alternatives. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of this research topic, a wide range of literature is available in multiple areas including but not limited to chemistry and engineering. Hence, this review targets a wide range of scientists including chemists, biotechnologists, material scientists, and meteorologists, as well as green industrial corporations.
Virus‐Like Particles as Theranostic Platforms
Authors: Sun Xianxun , Cui Zongqiang
Published: March 2020

In recent years, theranostics have received enormous attention for their use in individualized diagnosis and treatment. The ability of viral coat protein subunits to assemble hierarchically can be used to package various kinds of foreign compounds. Moreover, numerous chemistries and modification strategies allow the functionalization of these virus‐like particles (VLPs) with imaging reagents, targeting ligands, or therapeutic molecules. VLP nanoplatforms have great potential utility in the design of sophisticated multifunctional theranostic platforms. Numerous studies have reported the construction of multifunctional nanoparticles using VLPs for targeted diagnoses and treatment. In this paper, the latest progress in molecular imaging, drug delivery, and multifunctional theranostic nanodevices based on VLPs is reviewed.
Triboelectric Nanogenerator (TENG)—Sparking an Energy and Sensor Revolution
Authors: Wang Zhong Lin
Published: March 2020

The study presents the fundamental scientific understanding of electron transfer in contact electrification in solid–solid and liquid–solid cases and a newly revised model for the formation of electric double layer. The potential revolutionary impacts of triboelectric nanogenerators as energy sources and sensors are presented in the fields of health care, environmental science, wearable electronics, internet of things, human–machine interfacing, robotics, and artificial intelligence.
A study of scientific publications on the greater cane rat (Thryonomys swinderianus, Temminck 1827)
Authors: Mustapha Oluwaseun Ahmed , Teriba Ebunoluwa Elizabeth , Ezekiel Oluwaseun Samuel , Olude Ayokunle Matthew , Akinloye Adebayo Koyuum , Olopade James Olukayode
Published: March 2020

Background

The greater cane rat (GCR), reputed to be African's second largest rodent, is a precocial hystricomorph with an uncommon phenotype and life history. Scientific and socio‐economic interests in the GCR have led to heightened research efforts targeted towards a better understanding of its biology and exploration of its economic and translational usefulness.

Methods

Records of all online scientific publications on the GCR from Google, Google Scholar, PubMed, science.gov, Ebscohost and Worldwide science, with the exception of research theses, proceedings, unpublished projects and abstracts, were collated and analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results

A total of 146 published scholarly articles spanning about six decades were retrieved, with 98% of the GCR publications originating from African countries. Nigeria boasts the highest number of publications (58.22%) followed by Ghana (21.23%) and South Africa (5.48%) while Senegal contributed the least (0.69%). Publications were sorted into ten field categories. The field with the highest number of articles (41.78%) was animal breeding and management recording, closely followed by anatomy (37.67%). Lesser contributions were made by parasitology (5.48%), biochemistry/hematology (4.8%), pharmacology/toxicology (4.11%), pathology (2.06%), and surgery/anesthesia and physiology (1.37% apiece). The fields with fewest contributions were microbiology and developmental biology (0.69% each).

Conclusion

This study chronicles the spectrum of knowledge available on the GCR, highlighting the knowledge gap that still exists in various fields in order to provide advocacy for new frontiers in research efforts on this rodent. We suggest the need for a clearly defined and well integrated national/regional policy aimed at establishing Africa's foremost micro‐livestock rodent, the greater cane rat, on the world's scientific radar.
Powering Artificial Enzymatic Cascades with Electrical Energy
Authors: Al‐Shameri Ammar , Petrich Marie‐Christine , junge Puring Kai , Apfel Ulf‐Peter , Nestl Bettina M. , Lauterbach Lars
Published: March 2020

We have developed a scalable platform that employs electrolysis for an in vitro synthetic enzymatic cascade in a continuous flow reactor. Both H2 and O2 were produced by electrolysis and transferred through a gas‐permeable membrane into the flow system. The membrane enabled the separation of the electrolyte from the biocatalysts in the flow system, where H2 and O2 served as electron mediators for the biocatalysts. We demonstrate the production of methylated N‐heterocycles from diamines with up to 99 % product formation as well as excellent regioselective labeling with stable isotopes. Our platform can be applied for a broad panel of oxidoreductases to exploit electrical energy for the synthesis of fine chemicals.
Iridium‐Catalysed C−H Borylation of Heteroarenes: Balancing Steric and Electronic Regiocontrol
Authors: Wright Jay S. , Scott Peter J. H. , Steel Patrick G.
Published: March 2020

The iridium‐catalysed borylation of aromatic C−H bonds has become the preferred method for the synthesis of aromatic organoboron compounds. The reaction is highly efficient, tolerant of a broad range of substituents and can be applied to both carbocyclic and heterocyclic substrates. The regioselectivity of C−H activation is dominated by steric considerations and there have been considerable efforts to develop more selective processes for less constrained substrates. However, most of these have focused on benzenoid‐type substrates and in contrast, heteroarenes remain much desired but more challenging substrates with the position and/or nature of the heteroatom(s) significantly affecting reactivity and regioselectivity. This review will survey the borylation of heteroarenes, focusing on the influence of steric and electronic effects on regiochemical outcome and, by linking to current mechanistic understandings, will provide insights to what is currently possible and where further developments are required.
Radical Chemistry and Reaction Mechanisms of Propane Oxidative Dehydrogenation over Hexagonal Boron Nitride Catalysts
Authors: Zhang Xuanyu , You Rui , Wei Zeyue , Jiang Xiao , Yang Jiuzhong , Pan Yang , Wu Peiwen , Jia Qingdong , Bao Zhenghong , Bai Lei , Jin Mingzhou , Sumpter Bobby , Fung Victor , Huang Weixin , Wu Zili
Published: March 2020

Although hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) has recently been identified as a highly efficient catalyst for the oxidative dehydrogenation of propane (ODHP) reaction, the reaction mechanisms, especially regarding radical chemistry of this system, remain elusive. Now, the first direct experimental evidence of gas‐phase methyl radicals (CH3.) in the ODHP reaction over boron‐based catalysts is achieved by using online synchrotron vacuum ultraviolet photoionization mass spectroscopy (SVUV‐PIMS), which uncovers the existence of gas‐phase radical pathways. Combined with density functional theory (DFT) calculations, the results demonstrate that propene is mainly generated on the catalyst surface from the C−H activation of propane, while C2 and C1 products can be formed via both surface‐mediated and gas‐phase pathways. These observations provide new insights towards understanding the ODHP reaction mechanisms over boron‐based catalysts.
Airway fire during awake tracheostomy using high‐flow nasal oxygen
Authors: Adams T. R. P. , Ricciardelli A.
Published: March 2020

High‐flow nasal oxygen is increasingly used in complex head and neck surgical procedures and difficult airway management. We describe a case where an operating room fire occurred while using high‐flow nasal oxygen during an awake tracheostomy for an obese patient in airway extremis due to supraglottitis. Shortly after the operation began, and before incision of the trachea, electrical diathermy applied to bleeding sub‐cutaneous vessels ignited a small flame. This was extinguished without harm to the patient and the procedure was completed without further complication. Fire requires three components: fuel; heat; and an oxidiser. We speculate that high‐flow oxygen channelled under the drapes and acted as the oxidiser; either tissue eschar or vapourised fat were the fuel; and the diathermy supplied a source of ignition to complete the fire triad. When using high flows of concentrated oxygen, practitioners should aim to minimise all of these factors and be alert for the risk of fire at every stage of the operation.
Synthesis, characterization, and biological screening of metal complexes of novel sulfonamide derivatives: Experimental and theoretical analysis of sulfonamide crystal
Authors: Sumrra Sajjad H. , Hassan Abrar U. , Imran Muhammad , Khalid Muhammad , Mughal Ehsan U. , Zafar Muhammad N. , Tahir Muhammad N. , Raza Muhammad A. , Braga Ataualpa A.C.
Published: March 2020

This study reports the synthesis of sulfonamide‐derived Schiff bases as ligands L1 and L2 as well as their transition metal complexes [VO(IV), Fe(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II)]. The Schiff bases (4‐{E‐[(2‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxyphenyl)methylidene]amino}benzene‐1‐sulfonamide (L1) and 4‐{[(2‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxyphenyl)methylidene]amino}‐N‐(5‐methyl‐1,2‐oxazol‐3‐yl)benzene‐1‐sulfonamide (L2) were synthesized by the condensation reaction of 4‐aminobenzene‐1‐sulfonamide and 4‐amino‐N‐(3‐methyl‐2,3‐dihydro‐1,2‐oxazol‐5‐yl)benzene‐1‐sulfonamide with 2‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxybenzaldehyde in an equimolar ratio. Sulfonamide core ligands behaved as bidentate ligands and coordinated with transition metals via nitrogen of azomethine and the oxygen of the hydroxyl group. Ligand L1 was recovered in its crystalline form and was analyzed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction technique which held monoclinic crystal system with space group (P21/c). The structures of the ligands L1and L2 and their transition metal complexes were established by their physical (melting point, color, yields, solubility, magnetic susceptibility, and conductance measurements), spectral (UV–visible [UV–Vis], Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and mass analysis), and analytical (CHN analysis) techniques. Furthermore, computational analysis (vibrational bands, frontier molecular orbitals (FMOs), and natural bonding orbitals [NBOs]) were performed for ligands through density functional theory utilizing B3LYP/6‐311+G(d,p) level and UV–Vis analysis was carried out by time‐dependent density functional theory. Theoretical spectroscopic data were in line with the experimental spectroscopic data. NBO analysis confirmed the extraordinary stability of the ligands in their conjugative interactions. Global reactivity parameters computed from the FMO energies indicated the ligands were bioactive by nature. These procedures ensured the charge transfer phenomenon for the ligands and reasonable relevance was established with experimental results. The synthesized compounds were screened for antimicrobial activities against bacterial (Streptococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Eshcheria coli, and Klebsiella pneomoniae) species and fungal (Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavous) strains. A further assay was designed for screening of their antioxidant activities (2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazine radical scavenging activity, total phenolic contents, and total iron reducing power) and enzyme inhibition properties (amylase, protease, acetylcholinesterase, and butyrylcholinesterase). The substantial results of these activities proved the ligands and their transition metal complexes to be bioactive in their nature.
Development, physical‐chemical properties, and photodegradation of pectin film reinforced with malt bagasse fibers by continuous casting
Authors: Mendes Juliana Farinassi , Norcino Laís Bruno , Manrich Anny , Pinheiro Ana Carla Marques , Oliveira Juliano Elvis , Mattoso Luiz Henrique Capparelli
Published: March 2020

This work aims to develop composite films from renewable sources and to use a residue from the brewing industry, malt bagasse, as a reinforcing agent. The composites were prepared with 0–15 wt%/wt% of malt bagasse, using the continuous casting process. All films were characterized in terms of their microstructure, physicochemical, mechanical, and photodegradation properties. The properties of the films were influenced by the concentration variation of the malt bagasse fiber, allowing the deformation of the films to increase by approximately 57%. The incorporation of 15 wt%/wt% of malt bagasse provided a reduction in the water vapor transmission rate and in the hygroscopicity of the pectin films. However, the fibers acted as UV light blockers, making it difficult to photodegradate the films. Therefore, the composite films based on pectin and malt bagasse presented adequate properties to be used in the packaging industry.
Supernova antineutrino energy losses of 59Co, 56Co, 56Ni, and 56Fe by β−‐decay in strongly screened plasma
Authors: Liu Jing Jing , Liu Dong Mei
Published: March 2020

Based on the shell and pair effects and the decay energy, we investigate the comparative half‐lives of β−‐decay for some iron group nuclei and mainly discuss the electron energy, beta decay threshold energy, and the antineutrino energy losses by β−‐decay of several typical iron isotopes in the presence of strong electron screening (SES) and in the framework of linear response theory. Our main findings include the following: (a) antineutrino energy losses increase greatly by the SES, and the screening enhancement factor can reach 1,018 due to the Q‐value correction and shell and pairing effects in the case of SES; (b) the antineutrino energy loss rates can be suppressed at a relatively lower density and in a higher temperature environment (e.g., 0.1 < ρ7 < 900, T9 > 30); and (c) the screening enhancement factor can be decreased by about 16.62% (e.g., for 56Co).
Optimizing Calcium Electrolytes by Solvent Manipulation for Calcium Batteries
Authors: Nielson Kevin V. , Luo Jian , Liu T. Leo
Published: March 2020

Calcium is a highly attractive metal anode because of its high earth abundance and low reduction potential. However, the lack of calcium electrolytes for reversible calcium deposition significantly hampers the development of Ca rechargeable batteries. Herein, the calcium deposition/stripping behaviors of a calcium salt electrolyte, Ca[B(hfip)4]2 ([B(hfip)4]−=tetrakis(hexafluoroisopropyloxy)borate) were systematically studied using different working electrodes (GC, Pt, Cu, and Al) and different solvents including tetrahydrofuran (THF), dimethoxyethane (DME), and diglyme (DGM). It was found that the Ca[B(hfip)4]2/DGM electrolyte demonstrated the highest reversibility and stability in cyclic voltammetry and symmetric Ca/Ca half‐cell studies. The Ca[B(hfip)4]2/DGM electrolyte was further employed to demonstrate a 3.4 V Ca battery using a FePO4 cathode with a discharge capacity of 120 Ah/mg.
Activated carbon/diatomite‐based magnetic nanocomposites for magnetic solid‐phase extraction of S‐phenylmercapturic acid from human urine
Authors: Shan Xiaoyue , Tan Siwei , Shi Yanpeng , Shao Ji , Su Kewen , Zhang Ling , Feng Hui , Ye Haipeng
Published: March 2020

In this study, activated carbon/diatomite‐based magnetic nancomposites (denoted as AC/DBMNs) were synthesized and applied as an adsorbent for magnetic solid‐phase extraction of S‐phenylmercapturic acid (S‐PMA) from human urine prior to high‐performance liquid chromatography. The surface morphologies and structures of AC/DBMNs were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission and scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area, vibrating sample magnetometer and ζ‐potential measurements. The experimental parameters including sample volume, sample pH, adsorbent amount, extraction time, elution solvent and desorption time were investigated in detail. Under the optimum conditions, the method exhibited good linearity (r > 0.9993) within the concentration ranges of 0.03–1.0 mg/L. Moreover, the limits of detection and quantification were 0.01 and 0.03 mg/L, respectively. The enrichment factor was 5, and good recoveries (88.9–97.3%) with relative standard deviations in the range of 5.6–6.8% (n = 6) for inter‐day and 6.3–8.1% (n = 6) for intra‐day were achieved. The developed method was successfully applied to the analysis of S‐PMA in urine samples. In addition, this accurate and sensitive method has great potential to be applied in the early screening and clinical diagnosis of the workers exposed to benzene.