bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revised methodology for the examinations of the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners: Impact on institutions, faculty, and students
Authors: Wiles Michael R. , Little Craig S. , Mrozek John P.
Published: February 2020

For over 50 years, the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) has administered pre-licensure examinations to chiropractic students and graduates. During this time, the testing process has been continually refined and improved, consistent with the evolving science and practices of standardized testing. NBCE test results are provided to chiropractic program leaders who use these data to improve their curricula as part of their own ongoing efforts to refine and improve the academic programs. Finally, the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) requires accredited chiropractic programs to report their NBCE scores to ensure that benchmarks set by the CCE are met. With this symbiotic relationship between the NBCE, CCE, and chiropractic programs (as well as state licensing authorities), it is very important that these groups collaborate and communicate with transparency and diplomacy. In particular, the chiropractic program leaders—and their students as the end users—are vitally interested in monitoring changes at the NBCE and CCE levels that may impact their programs. Recent changes in testing methodology for the NBCE examinations need to be understood and monitored to ensure that they result in their intended outcome, which is greater validity of the testing process. This commentary reflects the views and concerns of 3 chiropractic educational leaders and is intended to facilitate further discussion among chiropractic program leaders toward strengthening the aforementioned symbiotic relationship.
Effect of Faulty Design on Construction and Maintenance of Buildings in Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria
Authors: C. Ikedionu J. , C. Okolie K. , O. Ezeokoli F.
Published: February 2020

Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate how faulty design affects construction and maintenance of building projects in Asaba, Delta state with a view to establishing their level of occurrence and providing ways of mitigating them.

Study Design: It was a survey research, the study was effected via literature review and a well-structured questionnaire. Likewise, interviews were carried out to substantiate the findings of the questionnaire survey.

Place and Duration of the Study: The study was conducted in Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria for a period of 2 years.

Methodology: Being a survey research, 80 questionnaires were administered to the respondents and only 67 were returned which represents 84% response rate. The data collected was presented and analysed using tables, frequency, mean score and relative importance index. The analysis was aided by a computer-based software, named Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.

Results: The study found out that; inadequate structural design, lack of details, lack of inspection, inaccurate measurement, not complying with specification, use of expired materials, wrong use of equipment, inadequate performance of equipment, unclear specification were rated as the most severe defects in each of the groups. Also, the findings showed that defects found in the study are categorized as design deficiencies, material deficiencies, construction deficiencies and subsurface deficiencies.

Conclusion: The study concluded recommending that the designers must take into account maintenance issues during design and construction stages. Also, proper sensitization of building contractors with respect to durable materials which are suitable to the immediate environmental condition should be purse as well as the construction techniques and competence of workforce. Likewise, strict quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) program should be encouraged during project design and construction.
A Comparative Analysis on Marketing Efficiency of Raphia and Oil Palm Wine in South East, Nigeria
Authors: Nwankwo Temple , Okeke Uche
Published: February 2020

The study compared the marketing efficiency of oil palm wine (OPW) and raphia palm wine (RPW) in South East, Nigeria. The study specifically described the marketing channels of OPW and RPW, determined the market structure, and ascertained the profitability and efficiency of OPW and RPW marketing by the intermediaries. It also estimated the determinants of profit realized by OPW and RPW marketers; and identified the problems of palm wine marketing in the area. Multi-stage sampling method was used to select 240 respondents. Primary and time series data were collected using structured questionnaire administered to the respondents by personal interview. Descriptive and parametric statistics involving enterprise budgeting and multiple regression techniques were used for data analyses. Results identified five marketing channels for palm wine in the area. Gini coefficient analysis gave concentration ratios of 0.19 and 0.44 for OPW and RPW wholesalers; 0.48 and 0.08 for OPW and RPW retailers respectively, implying a fairly competitive market. Palm wine marketing was profitable in the area given the positive values of gross margin, net marketing income, mean net marketing income, and net return on investment of N5,025,872, N4,980,976.03, N41,508 and 0.37 for OPW; N3,640,020, N3,614,966.88, N30,124.72 and 0.96 for RPW. RPW was more profitable than OPW because it returned 96 kobo against the 37 kobo returned by OPW for every N1.00 investment. Purchase and selling prices, transportation cost, and marketing cost statistically and significantly influenced pooled OPW and RPW marketers' profit; marketing cost, purchase and selling prices were common significant determinants of profit realized by the wholesalers of OPW and RPW while selling price was the only common significant determinant of profit realized by the retailers of OPW and RPW. The constraints to palm wine marketing arranged in descending order of seriousness were high cost of transportation, scarcity of modern storage facilities, low shelf life of the product, seasonality of supply, poor patronage, high cost of palm wine, adulteration, and price instability. The establishment of small scale palm wine bottling industries through private initiatives would extend the products' shelf-life, and make it available all year round. Government in collaboration with private initiatives should provide modern transportation, and market infrastructural facilities as well as soft loans, to enable the marketers operate at minimal cost, earn more profit in conducive environment and good health.
Farmers and Pastoralists Participation in the Elaboration and Implementation of Sustainable Agro-pastoral Resources Management Plans in Northern Benin
Authors: Idrissou Latifou , Sacca Léonce , Imorou Hakimou , Gouthon Morrisson
Published: February 2020

Benin like many other West African countries has its economy mainly based on agriculture and livestock. These activities development depend heavily on natural resources in these countries. In the extreme northern part of Benin in Karimama district, farmers and pastoralists are constrained by the presence of the W park and the Niger river that occupy most of the grazing and arable lands. In order to sustainably manage these resources, the district and the W park management authorities decided to set up these resources’ management plans. This study investigated the involvement of farmers and pastoralists in the elaboration and implementation of the agro-pastoral resources management plans for their sustainable use. Therefore, 40 farmers and 40 pastoralists randomly selected in two villages of the Karimama district and several authorities were surveyed. Results show that both farmers and pastoralists recognized that Karimama district still has agro-pastoral resources for farming and livestock. However, they mostly stressed that they were not sufficiently involved neither in the elaboration nor in the implementation of their management plans. They also perceived negatively the plans set up because according to them beside their low implication, the facilities necessary for a good management of the buffer zones of the park and the Birds Island are not put in place, they are still unfairly arrested and fined and the areas delimitated for their activities is insufficient for them. The study concludes that the main challenge in the elaboration and implementation of agro-pastoral resources management plans is the genuine involvement of the different stakeholder categories in the process.
Forecasting of the Nigeria Stock Returns Volatility Using GARCH Models with Structural Breaks
Authors: Musa Yakubu , Adamu Ibrahim , Sani Dauran Nasiru
Published: February 2020

This study examines the stock returns series using Symmetric and Asymmetric GARCH models with structural breaks in the presence of some varying distribution assumptions. Volatility models of Symmetric GARCH (1,1), Asymmetric Power GARCH (1,1) and GJR-GARCH(1,1) models were considered in estimating and measuring shock persistence,  leverage effects and mean reversion rate with structural breaks considering dummy variable  for these structural changes and varying distributions . The skewed student-t distribution is considered best distribution for the models; moreover findings showed the high persistence of shock in returns series for the estimated models. However, when structural breaks were incorporated in the estimated models by including dummy variable in the conditional variance equations of all the models, there was significant reduction of shock persistence parameter and mean reversion rate.  The study found the GJR-GARCH (1,1) with skewed student-t distribution best fit the series. The volatility was forecasted for 12 months period using GJR-GARCH (1,1) model and the values are compared with the actual values and the results indicates a continuous increase in unconditional variance.
Optimization of Cellulose Production by Curvularia pallescens Isolated from Textile Effluent
Authors: Mehla Suman , Datta Soumana
Published: February 2020

Introduction: Celluloses are important industrial enzymes and find application in several industrial processes. Effects of pH, temperature, incubation time, source of carbon and nitrogen were tested in submerged fermentation process in the production of cellulose by Curvularia pallescens isolated from textile effluent.

Aims: The present study was attempted in a fungus; Curvularia pallescens isolated from textile effluent for maximizing its production under optimal conditions in submerged fermentation by using inexpensive substrate wheat bran.

Study Design: The production medium was prepared in distilled water, supplemented with 4.5% wheat bran, 0.05% KCl, 0.2% KH2PO4, (carbon source), yeast extract (nitrogen source), maintained with pH of  5.5  and incubated at 28ºC for 120 h was found optimal for the production of cellulose.

Results: The test fungus achieved maximum FPA activity followed by cellobiohydrolase, endoglucanase and β-glucosidase activity at  46.76, 42.06, 26.94 and 3.56 U/ml respectively at pH 5.5  (Fig. 4). The temperature of 280C produced maximum cellulase activity. Highest activity recorded was of FPA (38.94 U/ml), followed by cellobiohydrolase (30.29 U/ml), endoglucanase (22.41 U/ml), and β-glucosidase (3.98 U/ml). The effect of process parameters such as the effect of temperature, pH and inoculum size was investigated. Maximum cellulase and xylanase having an enzyme activity of 694.45 and 931.25 IU, respectively, were produced at 30ºC incubation temperature.

Conclusion: The effect of process parameters such as effect of temperature, pH and inoculum size was also investigated. The production of primary metabolites by microorganisms is highly influenced by their growth, which is determined by the availability of the nutrients in the substrates.
A Mathematical Model of Rabies Transmission Dynamics in Dogs Incorporating Public Health Education as a Control Strategy -A Case Study of Makueni County
Authors: S. Musaili Jane , Chepkwony Isaac
Published: February 2020

Rabies is a zoonotic viral disease that aects all mammals including human beings. Dogs are responsible for 99% of human rabies cases and the disease is always fatal once the symptoms appear. In Kenya the disease is still endemic despite the fact that there are ecient vaccines for controlling the disease. In this project, we developed SIRS mathematical model using a system of ordinary dierential equations from the model to study the transmission dynamics of rabies virusin dogs using public health education as a control strategy. The reproduction number R0 was calculated using the Next Generation Matrix. Both disease free and endemics equilibrium points were determined and their stability analysis performed. From the stability analysis results it was found out that the disease free equilibrium point is both locally and globally asymptotically stable when R0 < 1 and the endemic equilibrium point is both locally and globally asymptotically stable when R0 > 1. Numerical simulations done using Matlab indicated that education of the public on administration of both pre and post exposure vaccines to dogs and responsible dog ownership leads to a decrease in the numbers of rabies virus infected dogs which shows that public health education is an ecient means for controlling rabies.
Grain Boundary and Interface Passivation with Core–Shell Au@CdS Nanospheres for High‐Efficiency Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Qin Pingli , Wu Tong , Wang Zhengchun , Xiao Lan , Ma Liang , Ye Feihong , Xiong Lun , Chen Xiangbai , Li Haixia , Yu Xueli , Fang Guojia
Published: February 2020

The plasmonic characteristic of core–shell nanomaterials can effectively improve exciton‐generation/dissociation and carrier‐transfer/collection. In this work, a new strategy based on core–shell Au@CdS nanospheres is introduced to passivate perovskite grain boundaries (GBs) and the perovskite/hole transport layer interface via an antisolvent process. These core–shell Au@CdS nanoparticles can trigger heterogeneous nucleation of the perovskite precursor for high‐quality perovskite films through the formation of the intermediate Au@CdS–PbI2 adduct, which can lower the valence band maximum of the 2,2,7,7‐tetrakis(N,N‐di‐p‐methoxyphenyl‐amine)9,9‐spirobifluorene (Spiro‐OMeTAD) for a more favorable energy alignment with the perovskite material. With the help of the localized surface plasmon resonance effect of Au@CdS, holes can easily overcome the barrier at the perovskite/Spiro‐OMeTAD interface (or GBs) through the bridge of the intermediate Au@CdS–PbI2, avoiding the carrier accumulation, and suppress the carrier trap recombination at the Spiro‐OMeTAD/perovskite interface. Consequently, the Au@CdS‐based perovskite solar cell device achieves a high efficiency of over 21%, with excellent stability of ≈90% retention of initial power conversion efficiencies after 45 days storage in dry air.
Assembling Living Building Blocks to Engineer Complex Tissues
Authors: Ouyang Liliang , Armstrong James P. K. , Salmeron‐Sanchez Manuel , Stevens Molly M.
Published: February 2020

The great demand for tissue and organ grafts, compounded by an aging demographic and a shortage of available donors, has driven the development of bioengineering approaches that can generate biomimetic tissues in vitro. Despite the considerable progress in conventional scaffold‐based tissue engineering, the recreation of physiological complexity has remained a challenge. Bottom‐up tissue engineering strategies have opened up a new avenue for the modular assembly of living building blocks into customized tissue architectures. This Progress Report overviews the recent progress and trends in the fabrication and assembly of living building blocks, with a key highlight on emerging bioprinting technologies that can be used for modular assembly and complexity in tissue engineering. By summarizing the work to date, providing new classifications of different living building blocks, highlighting state‐of‐the‐art research and trends, and offering personal perspectives on future opportunities, this Progress Report aims to aid and inspire other researchers working in the field of modular tissue engineering.
Jahn–Teller Driven Electronic Instability in Thermoelectric Tetrahedrite
Authors: Long Sebastian O. , Powell Anthony V. , Hull Stephen , Orlandi Fabio , Tang Chiu C. , Supka Andrew R. , Fornari Marco , Vaqueiro Paz
Published: February 2020

Tetrahedrite, Cu12Sb4S13, is an abundant mineral with excellent thermoelectric properties owing to its low thermal conductivity. The electronic and structural origin of the intriguing physical properties of tetrahedrite, including its metal‐to‐semiconductor transition (MST), remains largely unknown. This work presents the first determination of the low‐temperature structure of tetrahedrite that accounts for its unique properties. Contrary to prior conjectures, the results show that the trigonal–planar copper cations remain in planar coordination below the MST. The atomic displacement parameters of the trigonal–planar copper cations, which have been linked to low thermal conductivity, increase by 200% above the MST. The phase transition is a consequence of the orbital degeneracy of the highest occupied 3d cluster orbitals of the copper clusters found in the cubic phase. This study reveals that a Jahn–Teller electronic instability leads to the formation of “molecular‐like” Cu57+ clusters and suppresses copper rattling vibrations due to the strengthening of direct copper–copper interactions. First principles calculations demonstrate that the structural phase transition opens a small band gap in the electronic density of states and eliminates the unstable phonon modes. These results provide insights on the interplay between phonon transport, electronic properties, and crystal structure in mixed‐valence compounds.
High‐Speed Organic Single‐Crystal Transistor Responding to Very High Frequency Band
Authors: Yamamura Akifumi , Sakon Takaaki , Takahira Kayo , Wakimoto Takahiro , Sasaki Mari , Okamoto Toshihiro , Watanabe Shun , Takeya Jun
Published: February 2020

Although high carrier mobility organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs) are required for high‐speed device applications, improving the carrier mobility alone does not lead to high‐speed operation. Because the cut‐off frequency is determined predominantly by the total resistance and parasitic capacitance of a transistor, it is necessary to miniaturize OFETs while reducing these factors. Depositing a dopant layer only at the metal/semiconductor interface is an effective technique to reduce the contact resistance. However, fine‐patterning techniques for a dopant layer are still challenging especially for a top‐contact solution‐processed OFET geometry because organic semiconductors are vulnerable to chemical damage by solvents. In this work, high‐resolution, damage‐free patterning of a dopant layer is developed to fabricate short‐channel OFETs with a dopant interlayer inserted at the contacts. The fabricated OFETs exhibit high mobility exceeding 10 cm2 V−1 s−1 together with a reasonably low contact resistance, allowing for high frequency operation at 38 MHz. In addition, a diode‐connected OFET shows a rectifying capability of up to 78 MHz at an applied voltage of 5 V. This shows that an OFET can respond to the very high frequency band, which is beneficial for long‐distance wireless communication.
Semitransparent Energy‐Storing Functional Photovoltaics Monolithically Integrated with Electrochromic Supercapacitors
Authors: Cho Junhee , Yun Tae Yong , Noh Hye Yeon , Baek Seung Hun , Nam Minwoo , Kim Byunghoon , Moon Hong Chul , Ko Doo‐Hyun
Published: February 2020

Energy‐storing functional photovoltaics, which can simultaneously harvest and store solar energy, are proposed as promising next‐generation multifunction energy systems. For the extension of conventional organic photovoltaics (OPVs), electrochromic supercapacitors (ECSs) are monolithically integrated with semitransparent (ST) quaternary blend‐based OPVs (ST Q‐OPVs) to achieve compact, energy‐efficient storage with great aesthetic appeal. In particular, ST Q‐OPVs with low‐power‐consumption ECSs allow full operation, even under low‐intensity irradiance, including artificial indoor light circumstances, and thereby exhibit potential for all‐day operating energy suppliers. The prepared ST energy‐storing functional photovoltaics also serve as a backup power source for external electronic equipment (e.g., light‐emitting diodes, and sensor nodes for Internet of Things) by consuming charged power. In addition to features that include unrestricted operation under any circumstances, color tunability, feasibility of designs with various shapes, rapid charging/discharging, and real‐time indication of stored energy levels, ST energy‐storing functional photovoltaics could potentially be applied in electronic devices such as advanced smart windows or portable smart electronics.
Bioinspired Simultaneous Changes in Fluorescence Color, Brightness, and Shape of Hydrogels Enabled by AIEgens
Authors: Li Zhao , Liu Pengchao , Ji Xiaofan , Gong Junyi , Hu Yubing , Wu Wenjie , Wang Xinnan , Peng Hui‐Qing , Kwok Ryan T. K. , Lam Jacky W. Y. , Lu Jian , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: February 2020

Development of stimuli‐responsive materials with complex practical functions is significant for achieving bioinspired artificial intelligence. It is challenging to fabricate stimuli‐responsive hydrogels showing simultaneous changes in fluorescence color, brightness, and shape in response to a single stimulus. Herein, a bilayer hydrogel strategy is designed by utilizing an aggregation‐induced emission luminogen, tetra‐(4‐pyridylphenyl)ethylene (TPE‐4Py), to fabricate hydrogels with the above capabilities. Bilayer hydrogel actuators with the ionomer of poly(acrylamide‐r‐sodium 4‐styrenesulfonate) (PAS) as a matrix of both active and passive layers and TPE‐4Py as the core function element in the active layer are prepared. At acidic pH, the protonation of TPE‐4Py leads to fluorescence color and brightness changes of the actuators and the electrostatic interactions between the protonated TPE‐4Py and benzenesulfonate groups of the PAS chains in the active layer cause the actuators to deform. The proposed TPE‐4Py/PAS‐based bilayer hydrogel actuators with such responsiveness to stimulus provide insights in the design of intelligent systems and are highly attractive material candidates in the fields of 3D/4D printing, soft robots, and smart wearable devices.
NIR Light‐Driving Barrier‐Free Group Rotation in Nanoparticles with an 88.3% Photothermal Conversion Efficiency for Photothermal Therapy
Authors: Xi Dongmei , Xiao Ming , Cao Jianfang , Zhao Luyang , Xu Ning , Long Saran , Fan Jiangli , Shao Kun , Sun Wen , Yan Xuehai , Peng Xiaojun
Published: February 2020

Traditional photothermal therapy requires high‐intensity laser excitation for cancer treatments due to the low photothermal conversion efficiency (PCE) of photothermal agents (PTAs). PTAs with ultra‐high PCEs can decrease the required excited light intensity, which allows safe and efficient therapy in deep tissues. In this work, a PTA is synthesized with high PCE of 88.3% based on a BODIPY scaffold, by introducing a CF3 “barrier‐free” rotor on the meso‐position (tfm‐BDP). In both the ground and excited state, the CF3 moiety in tfm‐BDP has no energy barrier to rotation, allowing it to efficiently dissipate absorbed (NIR) photons as heat. Importantly, the barrier‐free rotation of CF3 can be maintained after encapsulating tfm‐BDP into polymeric nanoparticles (NPs). Thus, laser irradiation with safe intensity (0.3 W cm−2, 808 nm) can lead to complete tumor ablation in tumor‐bearing mice after intravenous injection of tfm‐BDP NPs. This strategy of “barrier‐free rotation” provides a new platform for future design of PTT agents for clinical cancer treatment.
Photoinduced Trap Passivation for Enhanced Photoluminescence in 2D Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Perovskites
Authors: Song Yiling , Liu Weiwei , Qin Yan , Han Xiaobo , Li Wancai , Li Xiaohong , Long Hua , Li Dehui , Wang Kai , Wang Bing , Lu Peixiang
Published: February 2020

2D organic–inorganic hybrid perovskites are promising materials for next‐generation optoelectronic devices. Nevertheless, 2D perovskites still suffer from performance‐limiting trap states and possess fundamental photophysical effects that remain poorly understood. Herein, a photoinduced trap passivation for enhanced photoluminescence (PL) in 2D hybrid perovskites is reported. Under two‐photon excitation, the PL emission of the 2D hybrid perovskites exhibits a gradual increase in intensity and lifetime, due to the photoinduced trap passivation by interacting with oxygen in ambient environment. Interestingly, the PL increase shows distinct features at the surface and in the bulk of the 2D perovskites, which can be well revealed by a photoinduced oxygen‐diffused trap‐passivation model. Moreover, the PL increase and relaxation can recycle for several times, which suggests an excellent repeatability of the photoinduced trap passivation. The photoinduced trap passivation is critical for fundamental study of light–matter interaction in 2D perovskites, and shows great promise for improving the optoelectronic responses for functional devices.
Grain Boundary Enhanced Photoluminescence Anisotropy in Two‐Dimensional Hybrid Perovskite Films
Authors: Wang Min , Tang Ji , Wang Hong , Zhang Chuang , Zhao Yong Sheng , Yao Jiannian
Published: February 2020

The boundaries between crystalline grains in hybrid perovskite films are beneficial for carrier dissociation, and may also serve as recombination centers to alter the photoluminescence property. Herein, it is shown that the grain boundaries can significantly enhance the anisotropy of photoluminescence from two‐dimensional (2D) hybrid perovskite films. The measurement of carrier densities shows that the grain boundaries generate an in‐gap state, which results in an additional red‐shifted photoluminescence band due to its emissive nature. Interestingly, the light emission of the in‐gap state appears only in the direction parallel to the film, corresponding to the in‐plane dipole transition as reveled by the measurement on photoluminescence polarization. These results demonstrate the tunable anisotropic photoluminescence from 2D perovskite materials toward the construction of directionally dependent light sources for advanced display application.
Achieving Highly Efficient Pure Organic Single‐Molecule White‐Light Emitter: The Coenhanced Fluorescence and Phosphorescence Dual Emission by Tailoring Alkoxy Substituents
Authors: Wen Yating , Liu Haichao , Zhang Shitong , Cao Jungang , De Jianbo , Yang Bing
Published: February 2020

Developing the single‐molecule white‐light emitters (SMWLEs) at room temperature is very challenging for pure organic metal‐free system, and it is even more challenging to achieve the high efficiency of pure organic SMWLE. Here, alkoxy substituents are tailored at 2‐positioned thioxanthone (TX) to finely tune the molecular packing mode and the intermolecular interaction between TX units, and the photoluminescence (PL) efficiency (ΦPL) of SMWLE is improved successfully from 1.5% (TX) to 45.0% (TX‐OCH(CH3)2). This simultaneous enhancement of dual emission between fluorescence and phosphorescence can be ascribed to i) a moderate intersystem crossing (ISC) rate for the equilibrium distribution between singlet and triplet excitons, ii) simultaneously accelerated radiative rates of singlet and triplet excitons due to J‐aggregation of TX units, and iii) effective suppression of nonradiation through strong hydrogen bond interactions by alkoxy chains. As a result, this work provides a novel molecular design strategy to harvest high‐efficiency pure organic SMWLE using a precise manipulation of π–π stacking mode and intermolecular interaction by tailoring alkoxy substituents.
Gut Microbial Signatures Can Discriminate Unipolar from Bipolar Depression
Authors: Zheng Peng , Yang Jian , Li Yifan , Wu Jing , Liang Weiwei , Yin Bangmin , Tan Xunmin , Huang Yu , Chai Tingjia , Zhang Hanping , Duan Jiajia , Zhou Jingjing , Sun Zuoli , Chen Xu , Marwari Subhi , Lai Jianbo , Huang Tingting , Du Yanli , Zhang Peifen , Perry Seth W. , Wong Ma‐Li , Licinio Julio , Hu Shaohua , Xie Peng , Wang Gang
Published: February 2020

Discriminating depressive episodes of bipolar disorder (BD) from major depressive disorder (MDD) is a major clinical challenge. Recently, gut microbiome alterations are implicated in these two mood disorders; however, little is known about the shared and distinct microbial characteristics in MDD versus BD. Here, using 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing, the microbial compositions of 165 subjects with MDD are compared with 217 BD, and 217 healthy controls (HCs). It is found that the microbial compositions are different between the three groups. Compared to HCs, MDD is characterized by altered covarying operational taxonomic units (OTUs) assigned to the Bacteroidaceae family, and BD shows disturbed covarying OTUs belonging to Lachnospiraceae, Prevotellaceae, and Ruminococcaceae families. Furthermore, a signature of 26 OTUs is identified that can distinguish patients with MDD from those with BD or HCs, with area under the curve (AUC) values ranging from 0.961 to 0.986 in discovery sets, and 0.702 to 0.741 in validation sets. Moreover, 4 of 26 microbial markers correlate with disease severity in MDD or BD. Together, distinct gut microbial compositions are identified in MDD compared to BD and HCs, and a novel marker panel is provided for distinguishing MDD from BD based on gut microbiome signatures.
Solvent‐Free Synthesis of Thin, Flexible, Nonflammable Garnet‐Based Composite Solid Electrolyte for All‐Solid‐State Lithium Batteries
Authors: Jiang Taoli , He Pingge , Wang Guoxu , Shen Yang , Nan Ce‐Wen , Fan Li‐Zhen
Published: February 2020

Thin solid‐state electrolytes with nonflammability, high ionic conductivity, low interfacial resistance, and good processability are urgently required for next‐generation safe, high energy density lithium metal batteries. Here, a 3D Li6.75La3Zr1.75Ta0.25O12 (LLZTO) self‐supporting framework interconnected by polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) binder is prepared through a simple grinding method without any solvent. Subsequently, a garnet‐based composite electrolyte is achieved through filling the flexible 3D LLZTO framework with a succinonitrile solid electrolyte. Due to the high content of garnet ceramic (80.4 wt%) and high heat‐resistance of the PTFE binder, such a composite electrolyte film with nonflammability and high processability exhibits a wide electrochemical window of 4.8 V versus Li/Li+ and high ionic transference number of 0.53. The continuous Li+ transfer channels between interconnected LLZTO particles and succinonitrile, and the soft electrolyte/electrode interface jointly contribute to a high ambient‐temperature ionic conductivity of 1.2 × 10−4 S cm−1 and excellent long‐term stability of the Li symmetric battery (stable at a current density of 0.1 mA cm−2 for over 500 h). Furthermore, as‐prepared LiFePO4|Li and LiNi0.5Mn0.3Co0.2O2|Li batteries based on the thin composite electrolyte exhibit high discharge specific capacities of 153 and 158 mAh g−1 respectively, and desirable cyclic stabilities at room temperature.
How imidazolium‐based ionic liquids solubilize the poorly soluble ibuprofen? A theoretical study
Authors: Huang Yiping , Ji Yuanhui , Zhang Mao , Ouyang Defang
Published: February 2020

Molecular dynamics simulations were performed to study combinations of [AcO]−, [TfO]−, [BF4]−, and [PF6]− anions paired with imidazolium cations of increasing alkyl chain length to elucidate the roles of anions and cations in solvating ibuprofen. Our simulation results revealed that ionic liquids (ILs) with strong ibuprofen solvation capacity should possess strong van der Waals force from cations and strong hydrogen bond (HB) from anions. Accordingly, it was found that ILs containing anions with strong HB acceptability, such as [AcO]− anion, were the best effective solvent for ibuprofen solvation, while the longer alkyl chain in the imidazolium cations decrease the polarity, thus increasing the affinity with ibuprofen. Therefore, it was suggested that the heterocyclic structure of imidazolium cation with moderate polarity and longer alkyl chain is a promising cation candidate, whereas the anions which have a strong HB acceptability and substituents without electron withdrawing groups are beneficial. The obtained results can provide useful information for rational design and selection of new ILs to dissolve insoluble drugs.
Relevant and/or Elegant Economics
Authors: Coble Keith H.
Published: February 2020

In this paper, I focus on the contrast between doing elegant, or peer impressing applied economics, and relevant applied economics that develops solutions to real‐world problems. I emphatically applaud elegant economics but in this paper focus on how our profession can achieve relevance to those outside our profession. In particular, I examine several key areas of professional relevance. First, I examine how technological change can disrupt not only the industries we normally examine but also our profession. Second, I examine our dependence on available, quality data. From that perspective, I advocate for greater efforts and leadership with respect to data for our profession. Next, I examine our engagement with industry and our non‐Ph.D. graduates. This leads me to pose the question of whether we would gain from great efforts to engage non‐academic alumni of our departments? Finally, I draw upon my experiences with the policy makers to suggest we should walk a fine line between advocacy for our discipline, and science in general, while vigorously maintaining objectivity and nonpartisanship in our work.
Association of saliva 25(OH)D concentration with body composition and proportion among pre‐pubertal and pubertal Polish children
Authors: Pruszkowska‐Przybylska Paulina , Sitek Aneta , Rosset Iwona , Sobalska‐Kwapis Marta , Słomka Marcin , Strapagiel Dominik , Żądzińska Elżbieta , Morling Niels
Published: February 2020

Objectives

Due to increasing problems with obesity and vitamin D deficiency among children, studies that tackle both problems together are needed.

Methods

Data were collected from 182 randomly selected children aged 6‐13 years in primary schools in central Poland. Measures included anthropometric dimensions, body composition, questionnaires completed by participants' parents, and saliva samples. The level of 25(OH)D was assessed from the saliva samples using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kit. The children were divided into two groups: pre‐pubertal (girls below 10 years and boys below 11 years) and pubertal individuals (girls above 10 years and boys above 11 years).

Results

The 25(OH)D concentrations were higher in late spring (June) among pre‐pubertal children than in the autumn (November‐December) among pubertal children. The level of 25(OH)D was positively correlated with body cell mass (BCM,%) among all children (pubertal: R = 0.20, P = .044; pre‐pubertal: R = 0.23, P = .041) and inversely associated with waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR) among pubertal children of both sexes (R = ‑0.25; P = .031). The stepwise regression analysis revealed that investigation in spring (June) and breastfeeding was associated with increased muscle mass (MM, %) (beta = 0.253, P = .003 and beta = 0.225, P = .005, respectively) and total body water (TBW, %) (beta = 0.276, P = .004 and beta = 0.246, P = .011, respectively) and was associated with decreased body mass index (BMI; beta = −0.222, P = .024 and beta = −0.269, P = .009, respectively) and fat mass (%) (beta = −0.288, P = .003 and beta = −0.266, P = .005, respectively).

Conclusions

Season of salivary sampling and breastfeeding status were more strongly associated with body components, BMI and WHR, than 25(OH)D concentrations.
Why is low body fat rarely seen in large‐sized male athletes?
Authors: Abe Takashi , Bell Zachary W. , Wong Vickie , Spitz Robert W. , Loenneke Jeremy P.
Published: February 2020

Objectives

It is unknown why low body fat is rarely seen in large‐sized athletes (>100 kg body mass). The aim of this review was to examine the relationship between body mass and body composition (fat mass and fat‐free mass) in elite male athletes, and to discuss the possible reasons why low body fat is rarely seen in large‐sized male athletes.

Methods

A search using two electronic databases was conducted. Eighteen studies estimated body composition in elite athletes by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry, totaling 2249 elite male athletes and 72 data points.

Results

Our results indicated that low body fat (eg, less than 10% body fat) was rarely seen in large‐sized male athletes over 100 kg body mass. The larger the body mass, the higher the fat‐free mass, with fat‐free mass leveling off when body mass exceeds approximately 120 kg.

Conclusion

Possible reasons for this are unknown but we provide some ideas for why this might occur. The two different stages to consider with respect to skeletal muscle growth: the amount of growth during development and the amount of growth as a result of long‐term resistance training. In certain sporting events, a large body mass may be favored. However, the large‐sized athletes have to balance any potential positive influence of body mass on sports performance with the potential negative factors associated with body fat accumulation. Further research is warranted, as there is currently limited evidence on this topic.
A phenotypically severe, biochemically “silent” case of HIBCH deficiency in a newborn diagnosed by rapid whole exome sequencing and enzymatic testing
Authors: D'Gama Alissa M. , Brucker William J. , Zhang Tian , Gubbels Cynthia S. , Ferdinandusse Sacha , Shi Jiahai , Grant Patricia Ellen , VanNoy Grace , Genetti Casie A. , Juusola Jane , Yu Timothy W. , Kritzer Amy , Agrawal Pankaj B.
Published: February 2020

3‐Hydroxyisobutyryl‐CoA dehydrogenase (HIBCH) deficiency is a rare error in valine catabolism associated with a Leigh syndrome‐like phenotype, mitochondrial dysfunction, and increased C4‐OH. We report the most severe case to date in a full‐term female who presented with poor feeding and nystagmus on day of life (DOL) 1. Although initial neuroimaging findings were concerning for metabolic disease, further metabolic testing was nondiagnostic and she was discharged on DOL 18. She was readmitted on DOL 22 after severe apneic episodes requiring intubation, with EEG demonstrating multifocal seizures and MRI/MRS demonstrating worsening findings. Care was withdrawn DOL 27 and she expired. Rapid whole exome sequencing (WES) demonstrated compound heterozygous variants in HIBCH with a paternal pathogenic variant (c.852delA, p.L284FfsX10) and a maternal likely pathogenic variant (c.488G>T, p.C163F). Fibroblast enzymatic testing demonstrated marked reduction in HIBCH levels. This case demonstrates the importance of rapid WES and follow‐up functional testing in establishing a diagnosis when metabolic disease is suspected but lacks an expected biochemical signature.
Unexpected effects of systemic steroids on the CRSwNP proteome: is protein upregulation more important than inhibition?
Authors: Workman Alan D. , Miyake Michelle M. , Nocera Angela L. , Mueller Sarina K. , Finn Kristen , Otu Hasan H. , Libermann Towia A. , Bleier Benjamin S.
Published: February 2020

Background

Oral steroids, traditionally thought of as immunosuppressive agents that are broad in their immunomodulatory effects, are a mainstay of treatment to reduce disease burden in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). The purpose of this study was to determine how differentially expressed proteins in CRSwNP are affected by oral steroid therapy.

Methods

Matched exosomal proteomic arrays were quantified using aptamer‐based methods in systemic steroid‐naive CRSwNP patients before and after a standardized oral prednisone course (n = 12). Previously identified differentially expressed proteins in CRSwNP patients were compared to determine the effect of steroids on expression. Fisher's exact test and t test were applied to normalized protein expression profiles to determine significance.

Results

Of 18 proteins previously identified to be highly underexpressed in CRSwNP, 16 (89%) had an average increase after systemic steroid treatment (p < 0.05). Lactoperoxidase, initially present at 9‐fold lower concentrations in CRSwNP subjects, increased by 209% after steroid treatment. A similar trend was observed with other proteins of interest, including platelet factor 4 and C‐C motif ligand 28. The converse of this steroid effect was not true; of the 53 proteins that are highly overexpressed in CRSwNP, only 22 (42%) decreased in quantity with steroid use.

Conclusion

Proteomic analysis of differentially expressed proteins in CRSwNP demonstrates that systemic steroids cause almost uniform upregulation of transcriptionally decreased proteins, whereas the effects of steroids on transcriptionally increased proteins are more heterogeneous. Thus, proteomic analysis may be an effective tool to understand specific therapeutic benefits of steroid use in polyp disease and to create more targeted treatments.
General Strategy for Synthesis of Ordered Pt3M Intermetallics with Ultrasmall Particle Size
Authors: Zhang Bentian , Fu Gengtao , Li Yutao , Liang Lecheng , Grundish Nicholas S. , Tang Yawen , Goodenough John B. , Cui Zhiming
Published: February 2020

Controllable synthesis of atomically ordered intermetallic nanoparticles (NPs) is crucial to obtain superior electrocatalytic performance for fuel cell reactions, but still remains arduous. Herein, we demonstrate a novel and general hydrogel‐freeze drying strategy for the synthesis of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) supported Pt3M (M=Mn, Cr, Fe, Co, etc.) intermetallic NPs (Pt3M/rGO‐HF) with ultrasmall particle size (about 3 nm) and dramatic monodispersity. The formation of hydrogel prevents the aggregation of graphene oxide and significantly promotes their excellent dispersion, while a freeze‐drying can retain the hydrogel derived three‐dimensionally (3D) porous structure and immobilize the metal precursors with defined atomic ratio on GO support during solvent sublimation, which is not afforded by traditional oven drying. The subsequent annealing process produces rGO supported ultrasmall ordered Pt3M intermetallic NPs (≈3 nm) due to confinement effect of 3D porous structure. Such Pt3M intermetallic NPs exhibit the smallest particle size among the reported ordered Pt‐based intermetallic catalysts. A detailed study of the synthesis of ordered intermetallic Pt3Mn/rGO catalyst is provided as an example of a generally applicable method. This study provides an economical and scalable route for the controlled synthesis of Pt‐based intermetallic catalysts, which can pave a way for the commercialization of fuel cell technologies.
Heterologous Expression and Engineering of the Nitrogenase Cofactor Biosynthesis Scaffold NifEN
Authors: Solomon Joseph B. , Lee Chi Chung , Jasniewski Andrew J. , Rasekh Mahtab F. , Ribbe Markus W. , Hu Yilin
Published: February 2020

NifEN plays a crucial role in the biosynthesis of nitrogenase, catalyzing the final step of cofactor maturation prior to delivering the cofactor to NifDK, the catalytic component of nitrogenase. The difficulty in expressing NifEN, a complex, heteromultimeric metalloprotein sharing structural/functional homology with NifDK, is a major challenge in the heterologous expression of nitrogenase. Herein, we report the expression and engineering of Azotobacter vinelandii NifEN in Escherichia coli. Biochemical and spectroscopic analyses demonstrate the integrity of the heterologously expressed NifEN in composition and functionality and, additionally, the ability of an engineered NifEN variant to mimic NifDK in retaining the matured cofactor at an analogous cofactor‐binding site. This is an important step toward piecing together a viable pathway for the heterologous expression of nitrogenase and identifying variants for the mechanistic investigation of this enzyme.
Semisynthetic and Enzyme‐Mediated Conjugate Preparations Illuminate the Ubiquitination‐Dependent Aggregation of Tau Protein
Authors: Munari Francesca , Barracchia Carlo G. , Franchin Cinzia , Parolini Francesca , Capaldi Stefano , Romeo Alessandro , Bubacco Luigi , Assfalg Michael , Arrigoni Giorgio , D'Onofrio Mariapina
Published: February 2020

In the brain of individuals with Alzheimer's disease, the regulatory protein ubiquitin is found conjugated to different lysine residues of tau protein assembled into pathological paired helical filaments. To shed light on the hitherto unexplored ubiquitination‐linked conformational transitions of tau, the availability of in vitro ubiquitin conjugation methods is of primary importance. In our work, we focused on the four‐repeat domain of tau and assembled an enzymatic machinery formed by UBE1, Ubc13, and CHIP enzymes. The enzymatic reaction resulted in monoubiquitination at multiple sites, reminiscent of the ubiquitination pattern observed in vivo. We further exploited chemoselective disulfide coupling reactions to construct three tau regioisomers with site‐specific monoubiquitination. Protein aggregation experiments revealed that the multiple enzyme‐derived products were unable to convert into amyloid fibrils, while the semisynthetic conjugates exhibited diverse capability to form filaments. This study contributes novel insight into the effects of a key post‐translational modification on aberrant protein self‐assembly.
Synthesis and Characterization of Polyethylene Glycol Diesters from Estolides Containing Epoxides and Diols
Authors: Isbell Terry A. , Lowery Benjamin A. , Vermillion Karl , Cermak Steven C.
Published: February 2020

Estolides from oleic acid, 12‐hydroxystearic acid, and methyl ricinoleate were synthesized and converted to polyethylene glycol (PEG) diesters. Oleic estolide was synthesized from oleic acid as a homo‐oligomeric material using perchloric acid in 68.8% yield and an estolide number (EN) value of 1.29. Estolides from 12‐hydroxystearic acid were homo‐oligomers made by heating under vacuum at 150 °C for 24 hours to give a quantitative yield of estolide with an EN value of 2.55. Oleic acid‐based estolides and 12‐hydroxystearic acid‐based estolide were esterified with PEG‐200 diol to form PEG 200 diesters. Ricinoleate estolides was capped with lauric acid or 12‐hydroxystearic estolide by reacting methyl ricinoleate with the corresponding fatty acids at 150 °C using tin(II) octoate as a catalyst. The corresponding estolides were transesterified with PEG‐200 diol to form the diesters. The residual olefin of ricinoleate was then epoxidized and underwent ring opening hydrolysis to form the corresponding diol. NMR spectroscopy (1H,13C, distortionless enhancement by polarization transfer, heteronuclear single quantum correlation, heteronuclear multiple bond correlation, and correlated spectroscopy) was used to characterize the products.
Flexible and transparent capacitors based on gel‐type natural polymers
Authors: Avila‐Niño José A. , Vilchis Sofía , Araujo Elsie
Published: February 2020

In this work, we study the capacitive properties of gel‐type natural abundant polymers without any dopants, mainly commercial gelatin and agar in deionized water. Here, we propose a facile fabrication of flexible, transparent, and planar electrolytic capacitors using these gel‐type and indium tin oxide thin films as electrodes deposited on poly(ethylene terephthalate) substrates. Through cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge–discharge techniques, we found that the devices show a specific capacitance in the order of the millifarads per gram, a specific power of ~10 mW cm−2, which is sufficient to active low‐power devices, and a life cycle with nearly 100% efficiency after 1,000 cycles. We found that we do not need to add dopants that improve the ionic conductivity of the natural polyelectrolytes to obtain capacitances within the millifarads per gram. The flexibility of the capacitors was demonstrated by bending them, after which they exhibited the same electrochemical performance as the unbent devices. The optical transparency of the capacitors was measured by UV–V is spectroscopy showing a high transmittance in the visible region.