bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microbial Diversity Assessment in Milkfish Culture Ponds
Authors: M. M. Dalmacio L. , L. Ramirez B. , Estacio R. , Borlongan I. , M. Ramirez J. , V. Evangelista K. , Madlangbayan E. , Guillergan F. , A. Kron M.
Published: February 2020

Aims: To determine bacterial diversity in milkfish culture ponds that contain different life-cycle stages of the milkfish (pond A: fry, pond B: juveniles and pond C: adults) by DNA sequence analysis of organisms and compare that microbial diversity to organisms found in soil adjacent to the ponds.

Study Design: Comparative metagenomic study of aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity based on DNA sequence analysis of water and soil DNA.

Place and Duration of Study: SEADEC milkfish ponds in Tingnauan, Iloilo. Philippines. All water and soil samples were collected over a three-day period.  

Methodology: DNA sequence analysis of nucleic acids extracted from water samples collected from the three types of milkfish ponds along with soil adjacent to the ponds. DNA was extracted and PCR was performed using the 11F-1492R primer pair to amplify 16S rRNA gene. Purified 16S rDNA amplicons were cloned in using the TOPO-TA cloning kit for DNA sequencing. 16s rRNA gene sequences were analyzed with the use of software tools at the National Center for Biotechnology Information website and imported into the ARB phylogenetic analysis software. Distance matrices were exported using the neighbor-joining algorithm in ARB, in the form of PHYLIP-formatted lower triangular matrices. The distance matrices were then used to calculate Shannon-Weaver and Simpson diversity indices to evaluate the richness and evenness of the sampled populations. Rarefaction curves were determined to evaluate sampling efficiency.

Results: Rarefaction curves indicated that the sampling effort was sufficient to reveal the majority of phyla present in the sample. Shannon-Weaver and Simpson indices suggested that the diversities of all the groups were statistically different from each other. It was observed that pond A was least diverse, followed by pond C and pond B. The soil was most diverse. DNA sequence analysis identified the various species of bacteria in soil and water.

Conclusion: All three pond communities were significantly different in diversity. This study did not identify any significant human pathogens such as Vibrios, Salmonella or Shigella. Bacterial diversity of sites decreased in the following order: soil > fry pond > fingerling pond > adult pond.
Physio-chemical Parameters of Wastewater from Food Industries of Faisalabad
Authors: Naveed Muhammad , Sajjad Rafakat , Talat Nida , Habiba Umay , Idrees Muhammad , Umer Mukhtar Muhammad , Waqar Muhammad , Afzaal Akram Muhammad
Published: February 2020

Food waste or food loss is food that is unnecessary or lost uneaten. The reasons of food waste or loss are various and take place at the stages of production, processing, transaction and utilization. The main objective of this study was to access the quality of groundwater in Faisalabad city.               From different food industries of Faisalabad water samples were collected to estimate their physicochemical parameters. The physiochemical parameters such as (pH, Electrical conductivity, Total dissolved solids, Calcium, Bi-carbonates, Total Hardness and chloride) were analyzed and their values were compared with the standard values. In the majority of the industries waste, water was not up to the mark. pH, TSS, EC and Chlorides values were out of range in most of the samples. On the completion of data physiochemical parameters of groundwater, statistical analysis was applied. Descriptive statistics were carried out to evaluate the significant differences between means of samples.
D-trans-allethrins in Some Selected Mosquito Coil Repellents Causes Histological Inflammation in Trachea of Experimental Animals
Authors: Abdulaziz A. , G. Avwioro O. , O. Abdul Rasheed M. , S. Abubakar M. , Abubakar U. , D. Abubakar S. , Shagari M. B.
Published: February 2020

Background: Many reports on the toxicity of some mosquito repellents have been recorded, however, its effect on the trachea.

Aim: This study was aimed at determining the Histopathological and Morphological changes in Trachea of Wistar rats exposed to selected mosquito repellents commonly used in Sokoto, Nigeria especially after the recent outbreak of Malaria and Dengue fever.

Methods: Mosquito repellent brands of Pyrethroids-containing mosquito coil, aerosolized spray and Dichlovors aerosolized spray were studied over 21 days. Rats were exposed to the fumes in coils and aerosolized insecticidal spray for 5 minutes each day, in a well-ventilated box. Control rats were not exposed. Animals were sacrificed on days 7, 14 and 21 post-exposure.

Results: Early observable behavioural signs include irritation, scratching of the eyes and nostrils; in later stages of exposure, sneezing, ruffled fur and lethargy were observed. Gross changes were not apparent in most organs, except for frothy trachea observed in few Wistar rats exposed to the fumes. Histopathology revealed varying degrees of epithelial disruption, lymphocytic infiltration and vascular congestion; more apparent 7 days post-exposure and to a lesser degree, 21 days post-exposure. The severity of the macroscopic changes was more in the first 14 days of exposure while it was reduced in rats that were exposed for 21 days. The most obvious changes were observed in coil repellents containing Rich-d-Trans allethrin.

Conclusion: Acute exposure to fumes of mosquito repellents containing rich-d-trans allethrin is irritating to the trachea and could lead to possible respiratory problems.
Technical Terms and Processes: A Case for Transliteration
Authors: Mohammad A. Grami Grami , Alshenqeeti Hamza
Published: February 2020

This literature review article looks into the practice of finding literal translations in the target language for each and every technical term and process in the source language, even if the equivalents are not intelligible to the readers. This practice is evident in many translated textbooks in highly technical majors including IT, engineering and medicine. The paper suggests a hybrid model of translation by employing transliteration (Arabicisation) as well as traditional translation. In other words, known terms and processes should be treated as proper nouns rather than lexical items and subsequently referring to the entities as sounds rather than meanings. This process makes a translated text easier to comprehend, keeps the intended meaning as accurate as possible and saves translators time finding awkward and pointless equivalents in the target language.
Precipitation of Secondary Phase and Phase Transformation Behavior of a Solution‐Treated Ti–6Al–4V Alloy during High‐Temperature Aging
Authors: Lin Y. C. , Tang Yi , Jiang Yu-Qiang , Chen Jian , Wang Dan , He Dao-Guang
Published: February 2020

The precipitation of secondary phase and phase transformation behavior of a solution‐treated Ti–6Al–4V alloy during aging heat treatment are investigated. The content, size of the equiaxed α phase, and the thickness of secondary phase are greatly influenced by the aging temperature. With the increased aging temperature, the mean grain size of the equiaxed α phase significantly decreases, whereas the precipitation process of the secondary phase is accelerated. Furthermore, during aging heat treatment, the precipitation and growth of the secondary phase not only destroy the initial lamellar α phase, but also connect with the equiaxed α phase to form a new curved lamellar α phase. In addition, it is found that the α′ phase is precipitated, and the α′→α + β phase transition occurs with the increased aging temperature.
Feeling Things Out: Bidirectional Signaling of the Cell–ECM Interface, Implications in the Mechanobiology of Cell Spreading, Migration, Proliferation, and Differentiation
Authors: Miller Andrew E. , Hu Ping , Barker Thomas H.
Published: February 2020

Biophysical cues stemming from the extracellular environment are rapidly transduced into discernible chemical messages (mechanotransduction) that direct cellular activities–placing the extracellular matrix (ECM) as a potent regulator of cell behavior. Dynamic reciprocity between the cell and its associated matrix is essential to the maintenance of tissue homeostasis and dysregulation of both ECM mechanical signaling, via pathological ECM turnover, and internal mechanotransduction pathways contribute to disease progression. This review covers the current understandings of the key modes of signaling used by both the cell and ECM to coregulate one another. By taking an outside‐in approach, the inherent complexities and regulatory processes at each level of signaling (ECM, plasma membrane, focal adhesion, and cytoplasm) are captured to give a comprehensive picture of the internal and external mechanoregulatory environment. Specific emphasis is placed on the focal adhesion complex which acts as a central hub of mechanical signaling, regulating cell spreading, migration, proliferation, and differentiation. In addition, a wealth of available knowledge on mechanotransduction is curated to generate an integrated signaling network encompassing the central components of the focal adhesion, cytoplasm and nucleus that act in concert to promote durotaxis, proliferation, and differentiation in a stiffness‐dependent manner.
Color Determination from a Single Broadband Organic Photodiode
Authors: Dyson Matthew J. , Verhage Michael , Ma Xiao , Simone Giulio , Tordera Daniel , Janssen René A. J. , Gelinck Gerwin H.
Published: February 2020

Establishing the color of incident light is essential for many applications, such as machine vision, but generally requires either a dispersive component or multiple spectrally selective photodetectors. In contrast, here an incident spectrum is parametrized using a single broadband organic photodiode (OPD). This is achieved by exploiting the incident wavelength dependence of charge extraction caused by optically induced trap states in a metal oxide electron extraction layer, which results in an atypical spectral dependence of the reverse bias photocurrent density vs voltage (J–V) characteristics. Such dependence is augmented by confining the active layer within an optical microcavity to influence the light absorption profile and thus metal oxide trap state density. The average wavelength of an (approximately normally distributed) incident spectrum is then calculated to within ≈5 nm by algorithmically minimizing the difference between a measured J–V curve and one determined from the overlap integral of a trial spectrum with previously acquired voltage bias dependent external quantum efficiency (EQE) spectra.
Quantifying Losses and Assessing the Photovoltage Limits in Metal–Insulator–Semiconductor Water Splitting Systems
Authors: Hemmerling John , Quinn Joseph , Linic Suljo
Published: February 2020

Metal–insulator–semiconductor (MIS) photo‐electrocatalysts offer a pathway to stable and efficient solar water splitting. Initially motivated as a strategy to protect the underlying semiconductor photoabsorber from harsh operating conditions, the thickness of the insulator layer in MIS systems has recently been shown to be a critical design parameter which can be tuned to optimize the photovoltage. This study analyzes the underlying mechanism by which the thickness of the insulator layer impacts the performance of MIS photo‐electrocatalysts. A concrete example of an Ir/HfO2/n‐Si MIS system is investigated for the oxygen evolution reaction. The results of combined experiments and modeling suggest that the insulator thickness affects the photovoltage i) favorably by controlling the flux of charge carriers from the semiconductor to the metal electrocatalyst and ii) adversely by introducing nonidealities such as surface defect states which limit the generated photovoltage. It is important to quantify these different mechanisms and suggest avenues for addressing these nonidealities to enable the rational design of MIS systems that can approach the fundamental photovoltage limits. The analysis described in this contribution as well as the strategy toward optimizing the photovoltage are generalizable to other MIS systems.
Response of oat grain yield and quality to nitrogen fertilizer and fungicides
Authors: May William Earl , Brandt Stewart , Hutt‐Taylor Kayleigh
Published: February 2020

Recently agronomists and producers have expressed interest in combining higher nitrogen (N) rates with a fungicide application even when disease intensity is low. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of fungicide application and N rates on grain yield and oat quality (Avena sativa L.). The experimental design was a split plot with fungicide (none, pyraclostrobin, propiconazole + trifloxystrobin) as the main plot, and eight N rates as sub‐plots (5, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, 120, and 140 kg ha−1). This study was conducted in 2012 and 2013 at two locations in Saskatchewan, Melfort and Indian Head. Disease intensity was very low for crown rust (Puccinia coronata) and low‐to‐moderate for all other foliar diseases, and with no large effect on grain yield and quality. No interaction between fungicide and N was observed. A curvilinear increase in grain yield occurred as the N rate increased from 5 to 140 kg ha−1. Increasing the N rate caused a small linear decrease in test weight. At a low oat price, $130 t−1, the N rate that maximized economic return was sensitive to N fertilizer price. As the crop price increased the optimum N rate was100 kg ha−1. In conclusion, our results indicate that using an N rate of 100 kg ha−1 provided the most consistent economic returns when the crop price is between $162 and $194 t−1. There is no beneficial interaction between fungicide and N for growers using higher N rates at low disease intensity and resistant genotypes.
α‐Iminophosphonates: Useful Intermediates for Enantioselective Synthesis of α‐Aminophosphonates
Authors: Maestro Aitor , de Marigorta Edorta Martinez , Palacios Francisco , Vicario Javier
Published: February 2020

A wide range of methods for the enantioselective synthesis of α‐aminophosphonic acid derivatives have been developed over the years. Although the most used methodology is the Pudovik reaction, the use of α‐iminophosphonates for the synthesis of optically active α‐aminophosphonates has emerged during the last years. The existing methods for the synthesis of α‐phosphorylated imines and their enantioselective reactions for the synthesis of enantio‐enriched α‐aminophosphonates are summarized in this review.
A novel Ag/Ag3PO4‐IRMOF‐1 nanocomposite for antibacterial application in the dark and under visible light irradiation
Authors: Naimi Joubani M. , Zanjanchi M.A. , Sohrabnezhad Sh.
Published: February 2020

MOF‐5 that sometimes called IRMOF‐1 has been intensively studied in recent years to develop efficient photocatalyst to degrade refractory organics and inactivate bacteria for wastewater treatment. In the present work, Ag/Ag3PO4 nanoparticles incorporated in IRMOF‐1 was successfully prepared via hydrothermal approach. The antibacterial activity of synthesized materials (IRMOF‐1, Ag/Ag3PO4 nanoparticles and Ag/Ag3PO4‐IRMOF‐1 nanocomposite was compared against two types of bacteria (Escherichia coli (E. coil) as Gram negative and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) as Gram‐positive bacteria). The deactivation of the bacteria by the prepared material was measured in the dark and under visible light irradiation. The antibacterial activity of synthesized samples was investigated by determining the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC), growth inhibition assay and inhibition zone. The Ag/Ag3PO4‐IRMOF‐1 nanocomposite exhibited stronger antibacterial activities than the Ag/Ag3PO4 nanoparticles and IRMOF‐1 at all tested bacteria types. Based on inhibition zone, without any light irradiation, Ag/Ag3PO4‐IRMOF‐1 nanocomposite showed activity toward E. coil, but in presence of light nanocomposite depicted activity toward S. aureus. The results demonstrated that antibacterial activity of all synthesized samples in the dark and light against S. aureus bacteria was more than E. coil bacteria. The antibacterial activity mechanism was due to sustained‐release of silver ions in the dark and reactive oxygen species (ROS) under visible light. The bioactivity of IRMOF‐1 was related to the degradation of the its structure and the release of Zn2+ ions into the culture medium that bind to the cell wall and deactivation bacteria.
An iterative design method for regeneration reuse water network with internal water mains
Authors: Wang Honghai , Wang Zhao , Wei Xiaoxiao , Zhou Qi , Su Weiyi
Published: February 2020

Compared with the conventional water network, the water network with internal water mains has the advantages of simple structure, easy design and control. Regeneration reuse can avoid accumulation of contaminants compared with regeneration recycling. There are few studies on regeneration reuse water network with internal water mains. This paper analyzes the water‐using relationship between the water‐using unit and the internal water main and then provides an iterative design method for the regeneration reuse water network with internal water mains. Reasonably determining the flowrate of the internal water mains is the key to the design. The presented method is applicable to two types of regeneration units. Two cases are studied to demonstrate the applicability of the presented method.
6‐Phosphogluconate dehydrogenase fuels multiple aspects of cancer cells: From cancer initiation to metastasis and chemoresistance
Authors: Sarfraz Iqra , Rasul Azhar , Hussain Ghulam , Shah Muhammad Ajmal , Zahoor Ameer Fawad , Asrar Muhammad , Selamoglu Zeliha , Ji Xin‐Ying , Adem Şevki , Sarker Satyajit D.
Published: February 2020

Reprogrammed metabolism is key biochemical characteristic of malignant cells, which represents one of the emerging hallmarks of cancer. Currently, there is rising contemplation on oxidative pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) enzymes as potential therapeutic hits due to their affiliation with tumor metabolism. 6‐Phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6PGD), third oxidative decarboxylase of PPP, has received a great deal of attention during recent years due to its critical role in tumorigenesis and redox homeostasis. 6PGD has been reported to overexpress in number of cancer types and its hyperactivation is mediated through post‐transcriptional and post‐translational modifications by YTH domain family 2 (YTHDF2), Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2), EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) and via direct structural interactions with ME1 (malic enzyme 1). Upregulated expression of 6PGD provides metabolic as well as defensive advantage to cancer cells, thus, promoting their proliferative and metastatic potential. Moreover, enhanced 6PGD expression also performs key role in development of chemoresistance as well as radiation resistance in cancer. This review aims to discuss the historical timeline and cancer‐specific role of 6PGD, pharmacological and genetic inhibitors of 6PGD and 6PGD as prognostic biomarker in order to explore its potential for therapeutic interventions. We anticipate that targeting this imperative supplier of NADPH might serve as tempting avenue to combat the deadly disease like cancer.
From pKa to the pH of weak base solutions
Authors: McEvoy James P.
Published: February 2020

Undergraduate biochemistry students frequently find the quantitative treatment of weak acids and bases troublesome. Given the pKa of a weak acid HA, for instance, many students struggle to calculate the pH of a solution of the conjugate base A− at concentration C, pH(A−, C). The traditional method involves calculating the base dissociation constant Kb and the artificial quantity pOH before reaching pH, but these steps increase the risk of mistakes and provide little insight into acid–base equilibria. The alternative method presented here allows students to calculate the pH of a weak base solution from the pKa of its conjugate acid without calculating Kb and pOH, using a memorable relationship: pH(HA, C) + pH(A−, C) = pKa + 7.
SiGOAM: Web system for developing quality mobile learning objects
Authors: Huerta Guerrero Miguel A. , Cueto García Arturo , López Domínguez Eduardo , Hernández Velázquez Yesenia , Medina Nieto María A. , De la Calleja Jorge , Domínguez Isidro Saúl
Published: February 2020

Mobile learning (m‐learning) refers to knowledge and abilities acquisition through the use of mobile technology anywhere at any time. Mobile learning objects (MLOs) are key elements for this teaching paradigm; several software tools have been proposed to support the construction of MLOs; however, they do not take into account pedagogical and technological aspects simultaneously during the construction cycle of MLOs. This paper presents the analysis, design, and development of a web system called SiGOAM, which supports specialized services to professors to generate quality MLOs. These services follow a formal MLO's construction cycle integrated into four phases: analysis, design, development, and product‐oriented assessment. As a result of this formal approach, the proposed system generates quality MLOs that are embedded in mobile devices and accessed through web browsers. We performed a usability assessment of our system SiGOAM based on a field study. The results show that professors assigned acceptable values for effectiveness, efficiency, and satisfaction.
Neuregulin‐1 promotes mitochondrial biogenesis, attenuates mitochondrial dysfunction, and prevents hypoxia/reoxygenation injury in neonatal cardiomyocytes
Authors: Zhang Xiao‐Xia , Wu Xue‐Si , Mi Shu‐Hua , Fang Shan‐Juan , Liu Sa , Xin Yi , Zhao Quan‐Ming
Published: February 2020

Neuregulin‐1 (NRG‐1)/erythroblastic leukaemia viral oncogene homologues (ErbB) pathway activation plays a crucial role in regulating the adaptation of the adult heart to physiological and pathological stress. In the present study, we investigate the effect of recombined human NRG‐1 (rhNRG‐1) on mitochondrial biogenesis, mitochondrial function, and cell survival in neonatal rat cardiac myocytes (NRCMs) exposed to hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R). The results of this study showed that, in the H/R‐exposed NRCMs, mitochondrial biogenesis was impaired, as manifested by the decrease of the expression of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma coactivator‐1 alpha (PGC‐1α) and mitochondrial membrane proteins, the inner membrane (Tim23), mitofusin 1 (Mfn1), and mitofusin 2 (Mfn2). RhNRG‐1 pretreatment effectively restored the expression of PGC‐1α and these membrane proteins, upregulated the expression of the anti‐apoptosis proteins Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐xL, preserved the mitochondrial membrane potential, and attenuated H/R‐induced cell apoptosis. Blocking PGC‐1 expression with siRNA abolished the beneficial role of rhNRG‐1 on mitochondrial function and cell survival. The results of the present study strongly suggest that NRG‐1/ErbB activation enhances the adaption of cardiomyocytes to H/R injury via promoted mitochondrial biogenesis and improved mitochondrial homeostasis.

Significance of the Study

The results of this research revealed for the first time the relationship between neuregulin‐1 (NRG‐1)/erythroblastic leukaemia viral oncogene homologues (ErbB) activation and mitochondrial biogenesis in neonatal cardiomyocytes and verified the significance of this promoted mitochondrial biogenesis in attenuating hypoxia/reoxygenation injury. This finding may open a new field to further understand the biological role of NRG‐1/ErbB signalling pathway in cardiomyocyte.
Overexpression and one‐step renaturation‐purification of the tagged creatinine deiminase of Corynebacterium glutamicum in Escherichia coli cells
Authors: Zakalskiy Andriy E. , Stasyuk Nataliya Ye. , Zakalska Oksana M. , Boretsky Yuriy R. , Gonchar Mykhailo V.
Published: February 2020

The codA gene of Corynebacterium glutamicum PCM 1945 coding for a creatinine deiminase (CDI) (EC 3.5.4.21) has been amplified and cloned. The recombinant strain of Escherichia coli that overproduces the (His)6‐tagged inactive CDI of C. glutamicum as inclusion bodies has been constructed. After solubilization of inclusion bodies in the presence of 0.3% N‐lauroylsarcosine, the enzyme was renaturated and purified by a single‐step procedure using metal‐affinity chromatography. The yield of the (His)6‐tagged CDI is ~30 mg from 1 L culture. The purified enzyme is sufficiently stable under the conditions designed and possesses an activity of 10–20 U/mg. The main characteristics of the tagged enzyme remained similar to that of the natural enzyme.
PrFeO3 Photocathodes Prepared Through Spray Pyrolysis
Authors: Freeman Emma , Kumar Santosh , Thomas Sophie R. , Pickering Hayley , Fermin David J. , Eslava Salvador
Published: February 2020

Perovskite oxides are receiving wide interest for photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical devices, owing to their suitable band gaps for solar light absorption and stability in aqueous applications. Herein, we assess the activity of PrFeO3 photocathodes prepared by using spray pyrolysis and calcination temperatures between 500 and 700 °C. Scanning electron microscopy shows corrugated films of high surface coverage on the conductive glass substrate. The electrochemically active surface area shows slight decreases with temperature increases from 500 to 600 and 700 °C. However, transient photocurrent responses and impedance spectroscopy data showed that films calcined at higher temperatures reduced the probabilities of recombination due to trap states, resulting in faster rates of charge extraction. In this trade‐off, a calcination temperature of 600 °C provided a maximum photocurrent of ‐130±4 μA cm−2 at +0.43 VRHE under simulated sunlight, with an incident photon‐to‐current conversion efficiency of 6.6 % at +0.61 VRHE and 350 nm and an onset potential of +1.4 VRHE for cathodic photocurrent.
Multicomponent Self‐Assembly of PdII/PtII Interlocked Molecular Cages: Cage‐to‐Cage Conversion and Self‐Sorting in Aqueous Medium
Authors: Kumar Atul , Mukherjee Partha Sarathi
Published: February 2020

Coordination‐driven self‐assembly is an efficient approach for constructing complicated molecules with the aid of reversible bond formation. However, constructing topologically complicated interlocked systems and their formation studies remain challenging tasks. The formation of two water‐soluble hexanuclear interlocked cages by multicomponent self‐assembly of a flexible triimidazole donor (L1) and a rigid tripyridyl donor (L2) based on a triazine core in combination with 90° cis‐blocked PdII and PtII acceptors is reported here. Formation of interlocked systems having a composition of M6(L1)2(L2)2 (M=Pd or Pt) becomes feasible through cavity‐induced self‐recognition of two similar units having a composition of M3(L1)(L2). Self‐sorting of two independently prepared cages of [M3(L1)2] and [M6(L2)4] in aqueous medium leads to the formation of interlocked systems, and their formation was monitored by time‐dependent 1H NMR spectroscopy. Self‐recognition of L1 by [M6(L2)4] or L2 by [M3(L1)2] leads to the formation of interlocked systems, as confirmed from 1H NMR spectroscopic titrations of L1 with cages {M6(L2)4} and L2 with {M3(L1)2}, respectively. Both the interlocked cages of Pd and Pt are highly stable, and formation of either system is equally probable as observed from the treatments of Pd3(L1)2 with Pt6(L2)4 or Pt3(L1)2 with Pd6(L2)4, which lead to the formation of two different self‐assembled homometallic interlocked cages [Pt6(L1)2(L2)2+Pd6(L1)2(L2)2] instead of forming any other heterometallic assemblies. Formation of interlocked cages is dependent on the steric bulk of the diamine ligand bound to the metal acceptors. A N‐alkyl‐substituted blocking amine prefers the non‐interlocked cage instead of the interlocked analogue.
Defluoroalkylation of sp3 C−F Bonds of Industrially Relevant Hydrofluoroolefins
Authors: Phillips Nicholas A. , Coates Gregory J. , White Andrew J. P. , Crimmin Mark R.
Published: February 2020

A simple, one‐pot procedure is reported for the selective defluoroalkylation of trifluoromethyl alkene derivatives with aldehydes and ketones. The reaction sequence allows construction of a new C−C bond in a highly selective manner from a single sp3 C−F bond of a CF3 group in the presence of sp2 C−F bonds. The scope incorporates industrially relevant fluorocarbons including HFO‐1234yf and HFO‐1234ze. No catalyst, additives or transition metals are required, rather the methodology relies on a recently developed boron reagent. Remarkably, the boron site of this reagent plays a dual role in the reaction sequence, being nucleophilic at boron in the C−F cleavage step (SN2’) but electrophilic at boron en route to the carbon–carbon bond‐forming step (SE2’). The duplicitous behaviour is underpinned by a hydrogen atom migration from boron to the carbon atom of a carbene ligand.
Residual Dipolar‐Coupling‐Based Conformational Comparison of Noncovalent Ubiquitin Homodimer with Covalently Linked Diubiquitin
Authors: Shine A. , Shenoy J. , Jayan Parvathy , Jiji A. C. , Vijayan Vinesh
Published: February 2020

Although the conformation of the polymer chain of Ubiquitin (Ub) mainly depends on the type of isopeptide linkage connecting two Ub molecules, the non‐covalent (noncovalent) interaction between two Ub molecules within the chain could also tune their conformational preference. Here, we studied the conformation of noncovalently formed Ub dimers in solution using residual dipolar couplings (RDCs). Comparing the RDC derived alignment tensor of the noncovalently formed dimer with the two most abundant (K11 and K48) covalent linked Ub dimers revealed that the conformation of K11 linked and noncovalent Ub dimers were similar. Between the various NMR and crystal structures of K11 linked Ub dimers, RDC tensor analysis showed that the structure of K11 linked dimer crystalized at neutral pH is similar to noncovalent dimer. Analogous to the experimental study, the comparison of predicted order matrix of various covalent Ub dimers with that of the experimentally determined order matrix of noncovalent Ub dimer also suggests that the conformation of K11 linked dimers crystalized at neutral pH is similar to the noncovalent dimer.
Viologen Derivatives Extended with Aromatic Rings Acting as Negative Electrode Materials for Use in Rechargeable Molecular Ion Batteries
Authors: Kato Minami , Sano Hikaru , Kiyobayashi Tetsu , Yao Masaru
Published: February 2020

Many types of batteries have been proposed as next‐generation energy‐storage systems. One candidate is a rocking‐chair‐type “molecular ion battery” in which a molecular ion, instead of Li+, works as a charge carrier. Previously, we reported a viologen‐type derivative as a negative electrode material that releases and receives PF6− anions during the charge–discharge process; however, its redox potential was not satisfactorily low. Further, the two potential plateaus of this material (difference=0.5 V) should be reduced. In this study, PF6− salts of viologen (bipyridinium) derivatives extended by aromatic rings were synthesized to obtain a negative electrode material with a lower redox potential and small potential change during the charge and discharge processes. Some of the synthesized viologen derivatives were fluorescent even in solid‐state electrodes. In the half‐cell configuration, the prepared negative electrode materials showed average voltages of approximately 2 V (vs. Li+/Li), which is lower than that of conventional viologen derivatives.
Redox‐Active Functional Electrolyte for High‐Performance Seawater Batteries
Authors: Lee Seyoung , Cho Il Young , Kim Dowan , Park Nam Kyu , Park Jaehyun , Kim Yongil , Kang Seok Ju , Kim Youngsik , Hong Sung You
Published: February 2020

Rechargeable seawater batteries have gained recognition as key sustainable electrochemical systems by employing the near‐infinite and eco‐friendly catholyte seawater. However, their practical applications have been limited owing to the low chemical and electrochemical stability of the anode component. Herein, a stability‐secured approach was developed by using sodium‐biphenyl‐dimethoxyethane solution as a redox‐active functional anolyte for high‐performance seawater batteries. This anolyte system shows high electrochemical stability, superior cycle performance, and cost‐effectiveness over conventional electrolyte systems.
A novel antenna for sub‐atmospheric radio‐frequency discharge
Authors: Hu Xinyue , Chang Lei , Yuan Xiaogang , Yang Xin , Chang Yunju , Zhang Lupeng , Zhou Haishan , Luo Guangnan , Dai Jia , Liu Jia , Hang Guanrong
Published: February 2020

A novel antenna that can generate plasma efficiently for pressure up to thousands of Pascal with 1 kW–13.56 MHz radio‐frequency power supply is reported. It consists of two isolated solenoids so that involves both capacitively coupling and inductively coupling effects, together with magnetic mirror effect which confines the formed plasma axially to a certain extent. Experiments show that the novel discharge has directional preference depending on the applied voltage, a character of dielectric barrier discharge, and can run steadily for tens of hours without severe thermal load. Simulations using COMSOL Multiphysics reveal consistent variations of electron temperature and electron density with base pressure, input power, separation distance of isolated solenoids, and the number of turns of each solenoid. This ionization method is of great interest for plasma processing and propulsion in sub‐atmospheric environment.
Spatiotemporal organization of myoclonic twitching in sleeping human infants
Authors: Sokoloff Greta , Hickerson Meredith M. , Wen Rebecca Y. , Tobias Megan E. , McMurray Bob , Blumberg Mark S.
Published: February 2020

During the perinatal period in mammals when active sleep predominates, skeletal muscles twitch throughout the body. We have hypothesized that myoclonic twitches provide unique insight into the functional status of the human infant's nervous system. However, assessments of the rate and patterning of twitching have largely been restricted to infant rodents. Thus, here we analyze twitching in human infants over the first seven postnatal months. Using videography and behavioral measures of twitching during bouts of daytime sleep, we find at all ages that twitching across the body occurs predominantly in bursts at intervals of 10 s or less. We also find that twitching is expressed differentially across the body and with age. For example, twitching of the face and head is most prevalent shortly after birth and decreases over the first several months. In addition, twitching of the hands and feet occurs at a consistently higher rate than does twitching elsewhere in the body. Finally, the patterning of twitching becomes more structured with age, with twitches of the left and right hands and feet exhibiting the strongest coupling. Altogether, these findings support the notion that twitches can provide a unique source of information about typical and atypical sensorimotor development.
Bromomethyl Silicate: A Robust Methylene Transfer Reagent for Radical‐Polar Crossover Cyclopropanation of Alkenes
Authors: Luo Wenping , Fang Yewen , Zhang Li , Xu Tianhang , Liu Yongjun , Li Yan , Jin Xiaoping , Bao Jiakan , Wu Xiaodong , Zhang Zongyong
Published: February 2020

A general protocol for visible‐light‐induced cyclopropanation of alkenes was developed with bromomethyl silicate as a methylene transfer reagent, offering a robust tool for accessing highly valuable cyclopropanes. In addition to α‐aryl or methyl‐substituted Michael acceptors and styrene derivatives, the unactivated 1,1‐dialkyl ethylenes were also shown to be viable substrates. Apart from realizing the cyclopropanation of terminal alkenes, the methyl transfer reaction has been further demonstrated to be amenable to the internal olefins. The photocatalytic cyclopropanation of 1,3‐bis(1‐arylethenyl)benzenes was also achieved, giving polycyclopropane derivatives in excellent yields. With late‐stage cyclopropanation as the key strategy, the synthetic utility of this transformation was also demonstrated by the total synthesis of LG100268.
An intelligent linear time trajectory data compression framework for smart planning of sustainable metropolitan cities
Authors: Bashir Maryam , Ashraf Jawad , Habib Asad , Muzammil Muhammad
Published: February 2020

The urban road networks and vehicles generate exponential amount of spatio‐temporal big‐data, which invites researchers from diverse fields of interest. Global positioning system devices may transceive data every second thus producing huge amount of trajectory data. Subsequently, it requires optimized computing for various operations such as visualization and mining hidden patterns. This sporadically stored big‐data contains invaluable information, which is useful for a number of real‐time applications. Compression is a highly important, but knotty task. Optimized compression enables us achieve the desired results in efficient and effective manner by using minimum energy and computational resources without compromising on important information. We present two versions of a compression technique based on the points of intersections (PoI) of urban roads networks. Based on intelligent mining paradigm, we created a compressed lookup lexicon to store the PoIs of dynamically selected region of interests (ROI). An important feature of our lexicon is the key pattern, which is intelligently computed based on the relative geographic position of a spatial geodetic vertex with respect to Euclidean space origin in a given ROI. This compresses trajectories in linear time, making it feasible for mission critical real world applications. Our experimental dataset contained 959 547, 517 436, and 231 740 trajectories for Bikes, Cars, and Taxis, respectively. The Compr10 reduced these trajectories to 17 428, 11 084, and 6565, respectively. Results of Compr15 and Compr20 show promising results. We define the quality of the compression in context of the considered problem. The results show that the proposed technique achieved satisfactory quality of the compression.
Adaptive NOMA towards 5G green wireless network
Authors: Jain Preksha , Gupta Akhil
Published: February 2020

A nonorthogonal multiple access (NOMA) enabled downlink single‐cell communication network with cooperating relay nodes, is considered in this article. NOMA simultaneously transmits signals to a group of users. The formation of the group users, in NOMA, depends on their spatial restrictions. These spatial restrictions are defined by the transmission range of the relay equipment. Therefore, it is important to find the transmission range of the relay. This article presents a novel angle selection scheme for finding the transmission range of the relay. Ever‐increasing cellular traffic needs improvement in data rates and power saving. So, an adaptive NOMA scheme in which the system adaptively chooses its working model is proposed in this article. The adaptive NOMA scheme maximizes the sum rate and optimizes the energy efficiency of the fifth‐generation communication network. It also reduces the power consumption at the circuit of the end‐user equipment, hence, achieving power saving. Comprehensive numerical results emphasize that the proposed scheme achieves higher system energy efficient as compared to the conventional NOMA scheme. Such an adaptive framework also improves the average signal‐to‐interference noise ratio and the fairness factor, as shall be examined. The implications of proposing an adaptive NOMA network are evaluated through simulation results.
Effects of ramie at various levels on ruminal fermentation and rumen microbiota of goats
Authors: Du Encun , Guo Wanzheng , Chen Fang , Fan Qiwen , Zhao Na , Zhang Wei , Huang Shaowen , Wei Jintao
Published: February 2020

With the shortage of high‐quality forage in southern China, it is urgent to develop local unconventional forage resources, such as ramie. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary ramie levels on ruminal fermentation and rumen microbiota of Boer goats. A total of 60 Boer kids were allocated into four dietary treatments with 0, 10%, 20%, and 40% ramie, respectively. The results showed that the ruminal fermentation parameters were unaffected by the inclusion of 0%–20% ramie (p > .05). However, the ruminal concentration of total short‐chain fatty acids, acetate, and butyrate increased linearly with increasing ramie proportions (p < .05). Notably, ramie at 40% level improved the production of butyrate compared with the other dietary treatments (p < .05). Increasing the dietary ramie proportion did not affect the alpha or beta diversity of the rumen microbial community, and the relative abundances of the microorganisms at phylum level and most of the identified microorganisms at genus level remain unchanged (p > .10) even though the relative abundance of Asteroleplasma and Treponema was increased respectively when 10% and 20% ramie was included (p < .05). Overall, the result of this study demonstrated that up to 40% ramie had no impairment in the ruminal fermentation or rumen microbiota of goats.
Microglia in the hypothalamus respond to tumor‐derived factors and are protective against cachexia during pancreatic cancer
Authors: Burfeind Kevin G. , Zhu Xinxia , Norgard Mason A. , Levasseur Peter R. , Huisman Christian , Michaelis Katherine A. , Olson Brennan , Marks Daniel L.
Published: February 2020

Microglia in the mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH) respond to inflammatory stimuli and metabolic perturbations to mediate body composition. This concept is well studied in the context of high fat diet induced obesity (HFDO), yet has not been investigated in the context of cachexia, a devastating metabolic syndrome characterized by anorexia, fatigue, and muscle catabolism. We show that microglia accumulate specifically in the MBH early in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC)‐associated cachexia and assume an activated morphology. Furthermore, we observe astrogliosis in the MBH and hippocampus concurrent with cachexia initiation. We next show that circulating immune cells resembling macrophages infiltrate the MBH. PDAC‐derived factors induced microglia to express a transcriptional profile in vitro that was distinct from that induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Microglia depletion through CSF1‐R antagonism resulted in accelerated cachexia onset and increased anorexia, fatigue, and muscle catabolism during PDAC. This corresponded with increased hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis activation. CSF1‐R antagonism had little effect on inflammatory response in the circulation, liver, or tumor. These findings demonstrate that microglia are protective against PDAC cachexia and provide mechanistic insight into this function.
Colibactin‐positive Escherichia coli induce a procarcinogenic immune environment leading to immunotherapy resistance in colorectal cancer
Authors: Lopès Amélie , Billard Elisabeth , Casse Al Hassan , Villéger Romain , Veziant Julie , Roche Gwenaëlle , Carrier Guillaume , Sauvanet Pierre , Briat Arnaud , Pagès Franck , Naimi Souad , Pezet Denis , Barnich Nicolas , Dumas Bruno , Bonnet Mathilde
Published: February 2020

Colibactin‐producing E. coli (CoPEC) are frequently detected in colorectal cancer (CRC) and exhibit procarcinogenic properties. Because increasing evidence show the role of immune environment and especially of antitumor T‐cells in CRC development, we investigated the impact of CoPEC on these cells in human CRC and in the APCMin/+ mice colon. T‐cell density was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in human tumors known for their CoPEC status. APCmin/+ mice were chronically infected with a CoPEC strain (11G5). Immune cells (neutrophils and T‐cell populations) were then quantified by immunofluorescent staining of the colon. The quantification of lymphoid populations was also performed in the mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs). Here, we show that the colonization of CRC patients by CoPEC is associated with a decrease of tumor‐infiltrating T lymphocytes (CD3+ T‐cells). Similarly, we demonstrated, in mice, that CoPEC chronic infection decreases CD3+ and CD8+ T‐cells and increases colonic inflammation. In addition, we noticed a significant decrease in antitumor T‐cells in the MLNs of CoPEC‐infected mice compared to that of controls. Moreover, we show that CoPEC infection decreases the antimouse PD‐1 immunotherapy efficacy in MC38 tumor model. Our findings suggest that CoPEC could promote a procarcinogenic immune environment through impairment of antitumor T‐cell response, leading to tumoral resistance to immunotherapy. CoPEC could thus be a new biomarker predicting the anti‐PD‐1 response in CRC.
A systematic review of self‐sampling for HPV testing in Africa
Authors: Nodjikouambaye Zita Aleyo , Adawaye Chatté , Mboumba Bouassa Ralph‐Sydney , Sadjoli Damthéou , Bélec Laurent
Published: February 2020

Background

Human papillomavirus (HPV) testing may be feasible for primary cervical cancer screening in low‐resource countries.

Objective

To compare self‐sampling by women with clinician‐performed sampling for HPV testing in Africa.

Search strategy

MEDLINE, Google scholar, EMBASE, and several journals were searched from 2000 until 2015 using relevant terms.

Selection criteria

Selected studies compared self‐sampled and clinician‐sampled HPV tests.

Data collection and analysis

Data extraction forms included description of the type of HPV screening, description of any additional intervention components, study design, sample size, follow‐up periods, analytic approach, reported numerical outcomes, results, and limitations.

Results

Twenty‐five studies were identified. Women of a wide age range were successful at self‐sampling in many African countries. More than 95% of self‐samples yielded HPV DNA results. The concordance in test results between self‐collected samples and clinician‐collected samples was reasonably high in most studies. In all studies, the quality of cytology from self‐sampling matched that of clinician‐sampling. Women were generally positive about self‐collection, but noted some concerns.

Conclusion

Self‐sampling for HPV DNA testing seems to represent a feasible alternative to the Pap test. Further research is needed to provide a solid evidence base to inform using of self‐sampling for HPV DNA testing for primary cervical cancer screening.
Diagnostic accuracy of self‐collected vaginal samples for HPV DNA detection in women from South India
Authors: Kuriakose Santhosh , Sabeena Sasidharanpillai , Binesh Damodaran , Abdulmajeed Jazeel , Ravishankar Nagaraja , Ramachandran Amrutha , Vijaykumar Bindu , Ameen Nurul
Published: February 2020

Objectives

To assess the efficacy of self‐collected vaginal samples compared with physician‐collected cervical samples for the detection of HPVDNA.

Methods

A hospital‐based cross‐sectional study was carried out among patients with newly diagnosed cervical cancer attending the Gynecologic Oncology Division, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Radiation Oncology Department at Government Medical College, Kozhikode, Kerala between March 2017 and April 2019. Consenting patients collected their vaginal samples, followed by cervical sample collection by the clinician. The paired samples were transported at 4–8 °C to the laboratory. Amplification of LCR/E6/E7 regions of the HPV genome was done by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The agreement level between paired samples was assessed by the Kappa index.

Results

Among the 114 cervical cancer patients enrolled in the present cross‐sectional study, the prevalence of HPV DNA was 78.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] 69.2%–85%) in cervical samples and 77.2% in vaginal samples (95% CI 68.7%–83.9%). The overall agreement between the two sampling methods was 93.9% and the kappa value was 0.82 (P<0.001). The sensitivity of HPV detection using vaginal samples was 98.9% (95% CI 93.9%–99.8%) and the specificity was 100% (95% CI 86.7%–100%) with cervical sampling as the gold standard. By Kappa index, an almost perfect agreement for HPV DNA detection between self‐collected and physician‐collected samples was observed.

Conclusion

Self‐collection of vaginal samples ensures equity of cervical cancer screening in low‐income countries such as India.