bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corollary of Migration of Tribes in Tamil Nadu, India: Boon or Bane?
Authors: Raj J. Ana
Published: May 2020

Migration is a global issue that is rightly attracting more and more global attention. In the context of migration in India, internal migration is far greater than international migration. India’s total population, as recorded in Census 2011, stands at 1.21 billion. Internal migrants in India constitute a large population. Of these, the tribes occupy a significant proportion. The consequences of migration of tribes are innumerable when compared to others. Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu was sampled for the study owing to its enormous migration rate. Four forest ranges, inhabited by the Kanikaran tribes were considered for the study. From each forest range, the tribal settlement with maximum tribal population was sampled and the respondents were selected by adopting proportionate random sampling technique. The sample for the study consisted of 100 respondents. The data were collected with a well-structured and pre-tested interview schedule and examined using factor analysis. It was evident from the results that though moving out from their locality is positively influencing the development of tribes, it is also severely affecting the forest resources. The tribal migrants were recorded higher in socio-economic indicators than the non-migrants. The policy implications drawn out of the findings of the research study such as fencing of tribal settlements, encouragement of self-employment among tribes, introduction of successful agricultural technologies, implementation of forest act, 2006 and formation of migrant labour unions can be considered for limiting the distress migration of tribes and hence retain them for the betterment of traditional agriculture.
Physicochemical and Trace Metals Characterization of Edible Vegetable Oils
Authors: Akpambang V. O. E.
Published: May 2020

Edible vegetable oil samples purchased in Akure, Nigeria, were subjected to physicochemical properties and trace metals analysis. The physiochemical parameters such as acid value, iodine value and saponification value were carried out by standard methods and the levels of the trace metals (copper, zinc, iron, manganese, cadmium, nickel, lead and chromium) were determined by the atomic absorption spectrophotometric method after wet digestion. The range of mean values obtained for the physicochemical parameters of the oils:  acid value (3.59 - 9.65 mg KOH/g); iodine value (32.99 - 75.04 g I2/100g); and saponification value (187 – 207 mg/KOH/g), were within acceptable values for edible oils. The trace metals in the samples were in the range of values (mg/kg):0.10 - 0.60 (Cu); 0.07 - 2.49 (Zn); 0.13 - 0.55 (Fe); 0.01 - 0.48 (Mn); 0.01 - 0.09 (Cd); 0.01 - 0.08 (Ni); 0.07 - 0.26 (Pb); and 0.01 - 0.07(Cr). The concentration of trace metals such as Pb and Cd in the edible oils were beyond established permissible levels.
Biochemical Analysis for Rice Germplasm Lines for Combat against Yellow Stem Borer, Scirpophaga incertulas: Implication for Varietal Selection of Rice in India
Authors: Rani D. Sudha , Chiranjeevi Ch. , Madhumathi T. , Raju S. Krishnam , Umar Sk. Nafeez
Published: May 2020

Seven germplasm lines (IC No. 381538, 450535, 463380, 464140, 464186, 574807 and 578388) were categorised as best entries with resistance/ moderately resistant reaction at both vegetative (dead hearts)  and reproductive (white ears) stages of the rice crop through field screening trials for two successive seasons i.e., kharif, 2016 and kharif, 2017. Complex factors like behavioural, metabolic processes of the insects and biochemical constituents of the host plants are involved in resistance to rice stem borers. Exploiting the mechanism of induced resistance in rice through abiotic elicitors is the need of the hour. Keeping in view the damage of yellow stem borer and its influence on rice yield the promising seven entries were selected for biochemical analysis. The analysis revealed that entries with low sugars and low free amino acids and high total phenols, proteins, proline and silica content may confer resistance to rice yellow stem borer and can be subjugated in the breeding programme to develop resistant varieties.
Prophylactic and Therapeutic Effect of Aqueous Stem Extract of Costus afer on Lipids and Atherogenic Profile of Albino Rats in Acetaminophen Induced Liver Toxicity
Authors: Nwisah L. L. , Davies T - E. G. , Bartimaeus E. S.
Published: May 2020

Background: Medicinal plants are widely used in Nigeria because they are believed to be effective in the treatment of various medical conditions and are also easily accessable with minimal side effect.

Aim: This study evaluates the prophylactic and therapeutic effects of different doses (200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg body weight) of Costus afer on lipid profile of 50 male albino rats.

Methodology: The research study was divided into 2 phases with 25 rats used for each phases. The 25 rats used for each phase were randomly selected into 5 groups with each group containing 5 rats. The rats used for the prophylactic phase were induced with 800 mg/kg body weight paracetamol for liver toxicity after administration of the various concentrations of aqueous stem extract of C. afer for 28 days while those used during the therapeutic phase were administered with the various concentrations of aqueous stem extract of C. afer following confirmation of liver toxicity using 800 mg/kg body weight acetaminophen. The effect of the aqueous extract was assessed by measuring the serum concentration of total cholesterol, triglycerides and high density lipoprotein using Randox reagent, while low density lipoprotein was calculated from the other parameters. Atherogenic ratios were also computed. The result obtained from the experiment was subjected to statistical analysis using Graph pad prism version 5.3 and values were considered significant at p<0.05.

Results: Total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL levels were significantly (p<0.05) reduced and HDL significantly increased in the treatment groups (prophylactic and therapeutic phases) compared to the positive control. When both phases were compared, total cholesterol and triglycerides showed significant (p<0.05) difference in concentration in groups fed with 400 mg/kg, 200 mgkg while LDL-C showed significant (p<0.05) variation between the two phases only at 400 mg/kg body weight. The extracts were also found to significantly (p<0.05) reduce the atherogenic status of the albino rats in both phases of treatment and between each treatment phase.

Conclusion: Findings from this study suggest that Costus afer possesses the ability to regulate paracetamol induced dyslipidaemia and improve the anti-atherogenic status of treated albino rats.
Motor Output from the Brain and Spinal Cord
Authors: Berkowitz Ari
Published: May 2020

All skeletal muscles are controlled by activation and inhibition of motor neurons in the spinal cord and brainstem. Motor neurons integrate information from a wide variety of sources in the brain and spinal cord. Simple limb reflexes and basic patterns of limb movements, including locomotion, are coordinated by spinal cord interneurons and sensory neurons. Descending inputs from the reticular formation, the vestibular nuclei and the superior colliculus in the brainstem are important in the control of automatic, axial, postural and locomotor movements. Descending inputs from several areas of the cerebral cortex and from the red nucleus are important in the control of voluntary, distal limb and fine movements. The basal ganglia in the basal forebrain and the cerebellum in the hindbrain are involved in the modification and learning of movements. These structures act indirectly on motor output, via outputs through the thalamus to widespread areas of the cerebral cortex.

Key Concepts

All voluntary movements involve motor neurons in the spinal cord and brainstem that cause contraction of skeletal muscles.

Neurons in many areas of the brain and spinal cord are active at overlapping times to control voluntary movements.

The spinal cord can produce coordinated movements of the limbs, such as locomotion, as well as simple reflexes.

The superior colliculus can trigger orienting movements, especially of the eyes and head.

Voluntary limb movements involve neurons in several parts of the cerebral cortex, including especially the frontal lobe, which project axons to the spinal cord.

Cortical movement control signals are modified by loops to and from the basal ganglia and the cerebellum, going through the thalamus.

The basal ganglia modify the speed and amplitude of movements and contribute to learning new movement sequences.

The cerebellum adapts movements to altered sensory feedback and may also contribute to a wide variety of other functions, including memory, language and emotion.

Patients with movement disorders may in the future be able to control a limb or prosthetic device with ‘their thoughts’, via a brain–machine interface that monitors the activity of some of their cortical neurons.
Streptomycete Spores
Authors: Elliot Marie A , Flärdh Klas
Published: May 2020

The Gram‐positiveStreptomycesbacteria are major inhabitants of soil, and, unusually for bacteria, they have a complex, multicellular life cycle that looks remarkably fungal‐like. Vegetative growth involves the extension of multicellular, branching hyphae, while reproductive growth involves the emergence of nonbranching hyphae into the air, away from the branching vegetative hyphal mass. These aerial hyphae are converted into chains of prespore compartments by coordinated cell division and chromosome segregation. Prespores then mature into thick‐walled spores that have condensed nucleoids, low metabolic activity and are primed for dispersal and survival. Aerial hyphae and spore surfaces are coated with a hydrophobic, proteinaceous fibrous sheath that aids in aerial growth and may help to promote subsequent spore dispersal and interaction with various interfaces. When exposed to appropriate environmental conditions, spores re‐establish metabolic activity, initiate germination and begin the vegetative phase of their life cycle anew.

Key Concepts

Streptomycesspores are distinctly different from bacterial endospores and may be regarded as a type of exospore.

Spores develop from dedicated reproductive structures called aerial hyphae.

Streptomycesspores are formed by partitioning long, multigenomic hyphal cells into unigenomic prespore compartments, through developmentally regulated cell division and chromosome segregation events.

An outer fibrous sheath, containing the lanthionine peptide SapB, the chaplins and the rodlins, confers surface hydrophobicity to aerial hyphae and spores.

A dedicated ‘Streptomycesspore wall synthesis complex’ directs the development of a thick spore wall that contributes to mature spore quiescence and resilience.

Spores have reduced metabolic activity, accumulate trehalose and have condensed nucleoids.

Germination involves rehydration, symmetrical swelling and establishment of polar growth, leading to germ tube emergence and vegetative hyphal outgrowth.
Flavonoids as Cytokine Immunomodulators to Reduce Airway Inflammation via Inhibition of the NF‐κB Signalling Pathway: A Systematic Overview
Authors: Gandhi Gopalsamy R , Karthik Dhanabalan , Vasconcelos Alan BS , de Sousa Leão Gabriel C , Almeida Maria LD , Sridharan Gurunagarajan , Jothi Gnanasekaran , Mohana Thiruchenduran , Narain Narendra , Gurgel Ricardo Q
Published: May 2020

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory respiratory disease with increasing prevalence which has been linked to the interaction of genetic and environmental factors. Specific types of infections and environmental exposure, alongside a predisposed set of genes, can lead to a systemic propensity for allergic T‐helper (Th) type 2 cells to induce cytokine responses, resulting in allergic airway inflammation. The key event in the pathogenesis of asthma is infiltration of inflammatory cells into the airways and lungs, resulting in mucus hypersecretion and intermittent obstructive events. Cytokines play a vital role in the pathogenesis of immune responses and also have a complex mode of action in inflammatory processes.

Peer‐reviewed articles investigating flavonoids with therapeutic evidence for the management of asthma were acquired from Pubmed, Embase, Scopus and Web of Science. We provide an extensive overview of the modulation of cytokines by flavonoids to assess how these natural products trigger immune responses, modulate immunity and lower airway inflammation.

Seventeen flavonoids were reported as cytokine modulators of nuclear transcription factor kappa B (NF‐κB) signalling in the identified articles. These flavonoids predominantly modulated the release of the production and expressions of the pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐8, Th17 (IL‐17), Th1 (IFN‐γ, IL‐2 and IL‐12) and Th2 (IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐6 and IL‐13), inhibited eosinophil infiltration and decreased the activity and expression of NF‐κB.

Key Concepts

Bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway syndrome which endangers human health.

Corticosteroids and β2‐agonists are effective drugs for asthma; however, their prolonged use is associated with side effects such as drug tolerance, osteoporosis and immune suppression.

Asthma increases the number of inflammatory cells such as eosinophils and lymphocytes in peripheral blood, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissue and immunoglobulin E (IgE).

Flavonoids are plant‐derived active compounds reputed to have therapeutic potential.

The use of flavonoids in experimentally induced asthma models is associated with lower levels of Th2 cytokines such as IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐6 and IL‐13 and modulation of pro‐inflammatory cytokines such as TNF‐α, IL‐1β and IL‐8.

Flavonoids generally inhibit pulmonary nuclear transcription factor kappa‐B (NF‐κB) or mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling pathways and reduce airway inflammation in experimental models.

Flavonoids reduce airway hyperresponsiveness, mucus cell hyperplasia and fixed airway flow obstruction.

Flavonoids demonstrated significantin vitroandin vivoproperties in animal models on homeostasis within the immune system and on the inflammatory response.
Ageism
Authors: Jecker Nancy S.
Published: May 2020

This article explores ageism and age‐based discrimination in the context of global population ageing. It accomplishes this by (1) situating ageism in historical, psychological, global, epidemiological and health systems contexts; (2) distinguishing implicit and explicit forms of ageism and ethical arguments supporting age discrimination; (3) considering how ageism intersects with ableism, sex‐based discrimination, heterosexism, racism and midlife bias and (4) exploring evidence‐based strategies for combatting ageism.

Key Concepts

Ageism is negative stereotyping based on age.

In wealthier nations, ageism is more frequently directed against older adults.

In poorer nations, ageism is more often directed toward younger people.

Ageism intersects with other forms of bias, such as ableism, gender-based bias, heterosexism, racism, and midlife bias.

Age discrimination or favoring an individual or group based on age is sometimes defended on ethical grounds, such as utilitarian arguments designed to show that older people produce less return on investment or non-utilitarian arguments that after a certain age an individual has lived a fair number of innings.
Genome Evolution in Amphibians
Authors: Herrick John , Sclavi Bianca
Published: May 2020

Genome size variation in vertebrates reflects an amazing amount of genetic and genomic diversity. C‐value (genome size) ranges from 0.4 picograms (pg) in pufferfish to 133 pg in the marbled lungfish. Most vertebrate lineages have characteristic average C‐values with restricted ranges. Amphibia, in contrast, represent an extreme: C‐values in salamanders range from around 13 to over 122 pg; in frogs, they range from under 1 to over 13 pg. Why would closely related lineages and species have such dramatic differences in C‐value? A number of theories have been proposed to account for the extreme range in genome size found in all eukaryote taxa. The amphibia not only have a wide range of C‐values, but they also have a correspondingly wide range of life history traits and other phenotypes such as neoteny and limb regeneration. This remarkable class of vertebrate thus provides a unique model system for addressing evolutionary and physiological hypotheses.

Key Concepts

Junk DNA (retroviruses and DNA transposons) infected the ancestral eukaryote cell and established, together with mitochondria, a symbiotic relationship from which all other eukaryotic life forms emerged.

The host response to the original infection was adaptive rather than purifyingly selective: junk DNA provided the conditions for the emergence of a checkpoint guardian of the genome and correspondingly enhanced genome stability.

As genome size expanded, DNA repair systems increased in efficiency, allowing for the acquisition of new genes and new adaptations.

DNA replication programs and gene transcription programs reorganised as genome size either increased or decreased over evolutionary time.

Species richness negatively correlates with genome stability and positively correlates with karyotype diversity within specific lineages.

DNA damage response and repair (DDR) programs have evolved differentially in r and K‐strategists: large body organisms have enhanced DDRs compared to small body, short‐lived organisms, and hence they tend to have more deterministic and organised replication programs.

Junk DNA serves as a substrate for the DDR to protect the cell against ‘mitotic catastrophe’.

Junk DNA serves as a scaffold for the formation of facultative heterochromatin during development and speciation,and hence participates in the global tissue‐specific and species‐dependent transcription programs.
A Review on Recent Advances in Electrochromic Devices: A Material Approach
Authors: Rai Varun , Singh Ram Sevak , Blackwood Daniel John , Zhili Dong
Published: May 2020

Electrochromic (EC) device reversibly changes color and optical state by applying electric potential. EC materials shows color change due to redox process and electron transfer across various states under influence of electric field. EC devices are categorized based on various classes of EC materials inorganic metal oxide and polyoxometalates (POMs), metal complexes, hybrid materials, metal plasmonics–metal/alloy and organic molecules/conjugated polymers. EC materials and its viability for device application are presented herein considering various performance parameter indices. The performance of EC devices is monitored by its switching time between transparent‐bleached state to colored state and vice versa, cycling stability, coloration efficiency, applied voltage, electro‐optical properties, electrochemical stability and breakdown potentials of EC materials and electrolytes. Recent advances in the area of EC devices and materials, its operation mechanism in various categories of EC materials along with existing challenges and recommendations to improve performances and reliability are summarized.
4D Printing of Hydrogels: A Review
Authors: Champeau Mathilde , Heinze Daniel Alves , Viana Thiago Nunes , de Souza Edcarlos Rodrigues , Chinellato Anne Cristine , Titotto Silvia
Published: May 2020

3D printing permits the construction of objects by layer‐by‐layer deposition of material, resulting in precise control of the dimensions and properties of complex printed structures. Although 3D printing fabricates inanimate objects, the emerging technology of 4D printing allows for animated structures that change their shape, function, or properties over time when exposed to specific external stimuli after fabrication. Among the materials used in 4D printing, hydrogels have attracted growing interest due to the availability of various smart hydrogels. The reversible shape‐morphing in 4D printed hydrogel structures is driven by a stress mismatch arising from the different swelling degrees in the parts of the structure upon application of a stimulus. This review provides the state‐of‐the‐art of 4D printing of hydrogels from the materials perspective. First, the main 3D printing technologies employed are briefly depicted, and, for each one, the required physico‐chemical properties of the precursor material. Then, the hydrogels that have been printed are described, including stimuli‐responsive hydrogels, non‐responsive hydrogels that are sensitive to solvent absorption/desorption, and multimaterial structures that are totally hydrogel‐based. Finally, the current and future applications of this technology are presented, and the requisites and avenues of improvement in terms of material properties are discussed.
Blading Phase‐Pure Formamidinium‐Alloyed Perovskites for High‐Efficiency Solar Cells with Low Photovoltage Deficit and Improved Stability
Authors: Wu Wu‐Qiang , Rudd Peter N. , Wang Qi , Yang Zhibin , Huang Jinsong
Published: May 2020

Currently, blade‐coated perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with high power conversion efficiencies (PCEs), that is, greater than 20%, normally employ methylammonium lead tri‐iodide with a sub‐optimal bandgap. Alloyed perovskites with formamidinium (FA) cation have narrower bandgap and thus enhance device photocurrent. However, FA‐alloyed perovskites show low phase stability and high moisture sensitivity. Here, it is reported that incorporating 0.83 molar percent organic halide salts (OHs) into perovskite inks enables phase‐pure, highly crystalline FA‐alloyed perovskites with extraordinary optoelectronic properties. The OH molecules modulate the crystal growth, enhance the phase stability, passivate ionic defects at the surface and/or grain boundaries, and enhance the moisture stability of the perovskite film. A high efficiency of 22.0% under 1 sun illumination for blade‐coated PSCs is demonstrated with an open‐circuit voltage of 1.18 V, corresponding to a very small voltage deficit of 0.33 V, and significantly improved operational stability with 96% of the initial efficiency retained under one sun illumination for 500 h.
Spatiotemporal Dielectric Metasurfaces for Unidirectional Propagation and Reconfigurable Steering of Terahertz Beams
Authors: Cong Longqing , Singh Ranjan
Published: May 2020

Next‐generation devices for low‐latency and seamless communication are envisioned to revolutionize information processing, which would directly impact human lives, technologies, and societies. The ever‐increasing demand for wireless data traffic can be fulfilled by the terahertz band, which has received tremendous attention as the final frontier of the radio spectrum. However, attenuation due to atmospheric humidity and free‐space path loss significantly limits terahertz signal propagation. High‐gain antennas with directional radiation and reconfigurable beam steering are indispensable for loss compensation and terahertz signal processing, which are associated with spatial and temporal dimensions, respectively. Here, experimental demonstration of a spatiotemporal dielectric metasurface for unidirectional propagation and ultrafast spatial beam steering of terahertz waves is shown. The spatial dimension of the metasurface provides a solution to eliminate backscattering of collimated unidirectional propagation of the terahertz wave with steerable directionality. Temporal modulation of the spatial optical properties enables ultrafast reconfigurable beam steering. Silicon‐based spatiotemporal devices amalgamate the rich physics of metasurfaces and technologies that are promising for overcoming the bottlenecks of future terahertz communication, such as high‐speed and secure wireless data transmission, beamforming and ultrafast data processing.
Ultralow Voltage Manipulation of Ferromagnetism
Authors: Prasad Bhagwati , Huang Yen‐Lin , Chopdekar Rajesh V. , Chen Zuhuang , Steffes James , Das Sujit , Li Qian , Yang Mengmeng , Lin Chia‐Ching , Gosavi Tanay , Nikonov Dmitri E. , Qiu Zi Qiang , Martin Lane W. , Huey Bryan D , Young Ian , Íñiguez Jorge , Manipatruni Sasikanth , Ramesh Ramamoorthy
Published: May 2020

Spintronic elements based on spin transfer torque have emerged with potential for on‐chip memory, but they suffer from large energy dissipation due to the large current densities required. In contrast, an electric‐field‐driven magneto‐electric storage element can operate with capacitive displacement charge and potentially reach 1–10 µJ cm−2 switching operation. Here, magneto‐electric switching of a magnetoresistive element is shown, operating at or below 200 mV, with a pathway to get down to 100 mV. A combination of phase detuning is utilized via isovalent La substitution and thickness scaling in multiferroic BiFeO3 to scale the switching energy density to ≈10 µJ cm−2. This work provides a template to achieve attojoule‐class nonvolatile memories.
Synthesis of Diketopiperazine Scaffolds with Tailored N‐ and α‐Chains by Selective Modification of Customizable Units
Authors: Saavedra Carlos J. , Cuevas Fernando , Romero‐Estudillo Ivan , Boto Alicia
Published: May 2020

The selective manipulation of Hyp customizable units in DKP substrates allows the generation of a rigid scaffold with four tailor‐made chains which are spatially‐orientated. The key step is a domino radical scission‐oxidation process which allows the generation of N‐substituted DKPs. The versatility of this methodology to produce scaffolds in high optical purity for material and drug discovery is described herein.

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Rhodium‐Catalyzed Cascade Reactions of Indoles with 4‐Hydroxy‐2‐Alkynoates for the Synthesis of Indole‐Fused Polyheterocycles
Authors: Wu Xiaowei , Li Pinyi , Lu Yangbin , Qiao Jin , Zhao Jingwei , Jia Xiuwen , Ni Hangcheng , Kong Lichun , Zhang Xiaoning , Zhao Fei
Published: May 2020

Herein, an efficient and regioselective Rh(III)‐catalyzed [4+2] annulation/lactonization cascade of indoles with 4‐hydroxy‐2‐alkynoates at room temperature to access the furo[3′,4′:4,5]pyrimido[1,6‐a]indole‐1,5(3H,4H)‐diones is described. This method features mild reaction conditions, operational simplicity, excellent regioselectivity, broad substrate scope with good functional group tolerance, and good to excellent yields.

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SWIR Photodetection and Visualization Realized by Incorporating an Organic SWIR Sensitive Bulk Heterojunction
Authors: Li Ning , Lan Zhaojue , Lau Ying Suet , Xie Jiajun , Zhao Dahui , Zhu Furong
Published: May 2020

Short‐wavelength infrared (SWIR) photodetection and visualization has profound impacts on different applications. In this work, a large‐area organic SWIR photodetector (PD) that is sensitive to SWIR light over a wavelength range from 1000 to 1600 nm and a SWIR visualization device that is capable of upconverting SWIR to visible light are developed. The organic SWIR PD, comprising an organic SWIR sensitive blend of a near‐infrared polymer and a nonfullerene n‐type small molecule SWIR dye, demonstrates an excellent capability for real‐time heart rate monitoring, offering an attractive opportunity for portable and wearable healthcare gadgets. The SWIR‐to‐visible upconversion device is also demonstrated by monolithic integration of an organic SWIR PD and a perovskite light‐emitting diode, converting SWIR (1050 nm) to visible light (516 nm). The most important attribute of the SWIR visualizing device is its solution fabrication capability for large‐area SWIR detection and visualization at a low cost. The results are very encouraging, revealing the exciting large‐area SWIR photodetection and visualization for a plethora of applications in environmental pollution, surveillance, bioimaging, medical, automotive, food, and wellness monitoring.
“Two Birds with One Stone” Ruthenium(II) Complex Probe for Biothiols Discrimination and Detection In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Liu Chaolong , Liu Jianping , Zhang Wenzhu , Wang Yong‐Lei , Liu Qi , Song Bo , Yuan Jingli , Zhang Run
Published: May 2020

In this work, a “two birds with one stone” ruthenium(II) complex probe, Ru‐NBD, is proposed as an effective tool for biothiols detection and discrimination in vitro and in vivo. Ru‐NBD is nonluminescent due to the quenching of Ru(II) complex emission by photoinduced electron transfer (PET) from Ru(II) center to NBD and the quenching of NBD emission through 4‐substitution with “O” ether bond. Ru‐NBD is capable of reacting with Cys/Hcy to form long‐lived red‐emitting Ru‐OH and short‐lived green‐emitting NBD‐NR, while reacting with GSH to produce Ru‐OH and nonemissive NBD‐SR. The long lifetime emission of Ru(II) complex allows elimination of short lifetime background and NBD‐NR fluorescence for total biothiols detection (“bird” one) by time‐gated luminescence (TGL) analysis, and the remarkable difference in luminescence color response allows discrimination GSH and Cys/Hcy (“bird” two) through steady‐state luminescence analysis. Ru‐NBD features high sensitivity and selectivity, rapid luminescence response, and low cytotoxicity, which enables it to be used as the probe for luminescence and background‐free TGL detection and visualization of biothiols in live cells, zebrafish, and mice. The successful development of this probe is anticipated to contribute to the future biological studies of biothiols roles in various diseases.
Perovskite Solar Cells go Outdoors: Field Testing and Temperature Effects on Energy Yield
Authors: Jošt Marko , Lipovšek Benjamin , Glažar Boštjan , Al‐Ashouri Amran , Brecl Kristijan , Matič Gašper , Magomedov Artiom , Getautis Vytautas , Topič Marko , Albrecht Steve
Published: May 2020

Perovskite solar cells (PSC) have shown that under laboratory conditions they can compete with established photovoltaic technologies. However, controlled laboratory measurements usually performed do not fully resemble operational conditions and field testing outdoors, with day‐night cycles, changing irradiance and temperature. In this contribution, the performance of PSCs in the rooftop field test, exposed to real weather conditions is evaluated. The 1 cm2 single‐junction devices, with an initial average power conversion efficiency of 18.5% are tracked outdoors in maximum power point over several weeks. In parallel, irradiance and air temperature are recorded, allowing us to correlate outside factors with generated power. To get more insight into outdoor device performance, a comprehensive set of laboratory measurements under different light intensities (10% to 120% of AM1.5) and temperatures is performed. From these results, a low power temperature coefficient of −0.17% K−1 is extracted in the temperature range between 25 and 85 °C. By incorporating these temperature‐ and light‐dependent PV parameters into the energy yield model, it is possible to correctly predict the generated energy of the devices, thus validating the energy yield model. In addition, degradation of the tested devices can be tracked precisely from the difference between measured and modelled power.
Minimally invasive surgery is feasible after preoperative chemotherapy for stage IV gastric cancer
Authors: Yamamoto Kazuyoshi , Omori Takeshi , Hara Hisashi , Shinno Naoki , Sugimura Keijiro , Miyata Hiroshi , Takahashi Hidenori , Fujiwara Yoshiyuki , Ohue Masayuki , Yano Masahiko
Published: May 2020

Aim

To elucidate the safety and feasibility of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) as conversion surgery after chemotherapy for stage IV gastric cancer, we compared the background characteristics and clinical courses of patients who underwent open conversion surgery (open group) versus MIS (MIS group).

Methods

We included 94 consecutive patients with stage IV gastric cancer who received chemotherapy followed by conversion surgery gastric resection from January 2011 to October 2019 at the Osaka International Cancer Institute in this analysis.

Results

The open group included more patients who had macroscopic peritoneal metastasis and required splenectomy. However, other background characteristics, including preoperative chemotherapy duration, were comparable. The MIS group had significantly longer operative time (266 vs 339 minutes, P = .0039) and less operative blood loss (520 vs 10 mL, P < .0001). The incidence of postoperative complication of Clavien‐Dindo grade II or higher was non‐significantly lower (24.5% vs 9.8%, P = .058) and length of postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter in the MIS group (12 vs 8 days, P < .0001). Even though the open group included more patients with more advanced (ypT4a or higher, or N3) disease, the MIS group had better recurrence free survival and overall survival (OS). Multivariate analysis revealed that N status (hazard ratio [HR], 4.39; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.18‐12.26; P < .0001) and T status (2.11; 1.05‐4.36; P = .036) were independent prognostic factors for OS. MIS was not a negative prognostic factor for OS (HR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.15‐1.10; P = .081).

Conclusion

MIS can be safely performed as conversion surgery following chemotherapy for stage IV gastric cancer.
Deep Learning Designs of Anisotropic Metasurfaces in Ultrawideband Based on Generative Adversarial Networks
Authors: Wang Hai Peng , Li Yun Bo , Li He , Dong Shu Yue , Liu Che , Jin Shi , Cui Tie Jun
Published: May 2020

Metasurfaces have been developed as a promising approach for manipulating electromagnetic waves. Recently, deep learning algorithms have been introduced to design metasurfaces, but the network can only output one solution for each desired input and suffers from nonunique issue. To overcome the aforementioned challenges, a deep neural network model for inverse designs of anisotropic metasurfaces with full phase properties in ultrawideband is proposed. Given the target reflection spectra as inputs, the candidate metasurface patterns are generated through a generative adversarial network (GAN), and the corresponding predictions are simply achieved by the accurate forward neural network model to match the target spectra in the whole band with high fidelity. By training the generator and discriminator in GAN in an alternating order combined with setting a threshold of discriminator loss to trigger the phase prediction, the proposed method is much more efficient and consumes less time in the training process. Numerical simulations and experimental results demonstrate that the reflection phases of the generated meta‐atoms have excellent agreements with the given targets, providing an efficient way in automatically designing metasurfaces. The most important advantage of this approach over the previous schemes is to improve the design speed significantly with very good accuracy.
Ontogenetic scaling of phloem sieve tube anatomy and hydraulic resistance with tree height in Quercus rubra
Authors: Clerx Laura E. , Rockwell Fulton E. , Savage Jessica A. , Holbrook N. Michele
Published: May 2020

Premise

The dimensions of phloem sieve elements have been shown to vary as a function of tree height, decreasing hydraulic resistance as the transport pathway lengthens. However, little is known about ontogenetic patterns of sieve element scaling. Here we examine within a single species (Quercus rubra) how decreases in hydraulic resistance with distance from the plant apex are mediated by overall plant size.

Methods

We sampled and imaged phloem tissue at multiple heights along the main stem and in the live crown of four size classes of trees using fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy. Sieve element length and radius, the number of sieve areas per compound plate, pore number, and pore radius were used to calculate total hydraulic resistance at each sampling location.

Results

Sieve element length varied with tree size, while sieve element radius, sieve pore radius, and the number of sieve areas per compound plate varied with sampling position. When data from all size classes were aggregated, all four variables followed a power‐law trend with distance from the top of the tree. The net effect of these ontogenetic scalings was to make total hydraulic sieve tube resistance independent of tree height from 0.5 to over 20 m.

Conclusions

Sieve element development responded to two pieces of information, tree size and distance from the apex, in a manner that conserved total sieve tube resistance across size classes. A further differentiated response between the phloem in the live crown and in the main stem is also suggested.
Nilotinib Effects on Safety, Tolerability, and Biomarkers in Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Turner Raymond S. , Hebron Michaeline L. , Lawler Abigail , Mundel Elizabeth E. , Yusuf Nadia , Starr J. Nathan , Anjum Muhammad , Pagan Fernando , Torres‐Yaghi Yasar , Shi Wangke , Mulki Sanjana , Ferrante Dalila , Matar Sara , Liu Xiaoguang , Esposito Giuseppe , Berkowitz Frank , Jiang Xiong , Ahn Jaeil , Moussa Charbel
Published: May 2020

Objective

Preclinical evidence with nilotinib, a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)‐approved drug for leukemia, indicates improvement in Alzheimer's disease phenotypes. We investigated whether nilotinib is safe, and detectable in cerebrospinal fluid, and alters biomarkers and clinical decline in Alzheimer's disease.

Methods

This single‐center, phase 2, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study investigated the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of nilotinib, and measured biomarkers in participants with mild to moderate dementia due to Alzheimer's disease. The diagnosis was supported by cerebrospinal fluid or amyloid positron emission tomography biomarkers. Nilotinib 150 mg versus matching placebo was taken orally once daily for 26 weeks followed by nilotinib 300 mg versus placebo for another 26 weeks.

Results

Of the 37 individuals enrolled, 27 were women and the mean (SD) age was 70.7 (6.48) years. Nilotinib was well‐tolerated, although more adverse events, particularly mood swings, were noted with the 300 mg dose. In the nilotinib group, central nervous system (CNS) amyloid burden was significantly reduced in the frontal lobe compared to the placebo group. Cerebrospinal fluid Aβ40 was reduced at 6 months and Aβ42 was reduced at 12 months in the nilotinib group compared to the placebo. Hippocampal volume loss was attenuated (−27%) at 12 months and phospho‐tau‐181 was reduced at 6 months and 12 months in the nilotinib group.

Interpretation

Nilotinib is safe and achieves pharmacologically relevant cerebrospinal fluid concentrations. Biomarkers of disease were altered in response to nilotinib treatment. These data support a larger, longer, multicenter study to determine the safety and efficacy of nilotinib in Alzheimer's disease. ANN NEUROL 2020 ANN NEUROL 2020;88:183–194
Understanding the Role of Parallel Pathways via In‐Situ Switching of Quantum Interference in Molecular Tunneling Junctions
Authors: Soni Saurabh , Ye Gang , Zheng Jueting , Zhang Yanxi , Asyuda Andika , Zharnikov Michael , Hong Wenjing , Chiechi Ryan C.
Published: May 2020

This study describes the modulation of tunneling probabilities in molecular junctions by switching one of two parallel intramolecular pathways. A linearly conjugated molecular wire provides a rigid framework that allows a second, cross‐conjugated pathway to be effectively switched on and off by protonation, affecting the total conductance of the junction. This approach works because a traversing electron interacts with the entire quantum‐mechanical circuit simultaneously; Kirchhoff's rules do not apply. We confirm this concept by comparing the conductances of a series of compounds with single or parallel pathways in large‐area junctions using EGaIn contacts and single‐molecule break junctions using gold contacts. We affect switching selectively in one of two parallel pathways by converting a cross‐conjugated carbonyl carbon into a trivalent carbocation, which replaces destructive quantum interference with a symmetrical resonance, causing an increase in transmission in the bias window.
Bacterial synthesized metal and metal salt nanoparticles in biomedical applications: An up and coming approach
Authors: Mohanta Yugal Kishore , Hashem Abeer , Abd_Allah Elsayed Fathi , Jena Santosh Kumar , Mohanta Tapan Kumar
Published: May 2020

In the present scenario, metal nanoparticles have elicited a great deal of interest in biomedical applications because of their unique properties and antimicrobial potentials. Over the past few years, the green nanotechnology has materialized as a momentous approach for the synthesis and fabrication of noble metal salt and metal nanoparticles. The green route synthesis exploits diverse reducing and stabilizing agents from bacterial resources for the successful synthesis of metal nanoparticles. This review mainly focuses on the biosynthesis of the most commonly studied metal and metal salt nanoparticles such as gold, silver, platinum, palladium, copper, cadmium, titanium oxide, zinc oxide, zinc sulphate, cadmium sulphide and many more. These noble nanoparticles can be exploited in pharmaceutical industry as antimicrobial and anti‐biofilm agents, targeted delivery of anticancer drugs, biosensors, etc.
Hollow N‐ZIFs@NiCo‐LDH as highly efficient catalysts for 4‐nitrophenol and dyes
Authors: Lin Yongcen , Dong Xue , Zhao Lang
Published: May 2020

N‐ZIF‐(1:0)@NiCo‐LDH, N‐ZIF‐(1:3.5)@NiCo‐LDH and N‐ZIF‐(0:1)@NiCo‐LDH were prepared by mixing solvents in various volume ratios (Vmethanol:Vwater = 1:0, 1:3.5 and 0:1) when synthesizing precursors. These composite materials were characterized using scanning and transmission electron microscopies, X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and nitrogen adsorption–desorption measurements, and investigated as catalysts for reduction of 4‐nitrophenol, methyl orange and methylene blue. The NaBH4 concentration as an important factor that may affect catalytic activity for reduction of 4‐nitrophenol was examined. Under optimal experimental conditions, the excellent catalytic activity of the N‐ZIF‐(0:1)@NiCo‐LDH composite, compared to that of N‐ZIF‐(1:0)@NiCo‐LDH and N‐ZIF‐(1:3.5)@NiCo‐LDH composites, could be attributed to the presence of graphitic nitrogen. In addition, compared with previously reported catalysts, all catalysts prepared show excellent catalytic activity owing to the unique structure exposing more active sites.
Relationship between structure and dynamic mechanical properties of thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer containing bi‐soft segment
Authors: Liu Yuntong , Liu Li , Liang Yongri
Published: May 2020

In this work, we investigated the microphase separation, mechanical, and dynamic mechanical properties of thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers (TPUs) with one‐soft segment (polypropylene glycol, PPG, or hydroxyl‐terminated polybutadiene, HTPB) or bi‐soft segment (PPG and HTPB) using FTIR, XRD, SAXS and amplitude modulated‐frequency modulated viscoelastic mode of AFM (AM‐FM mode AFM) methods. The results showed that the microphase separation process of hard and soft segments (HS and SS) in TPU containing PPG and HTPB soft segments (PPG‐HTPB‐PU) was restricted by randomly alternated bi‐soft segments, which results in formation of a low content of irregular‐shaped hard domain (HD). In addition, the microphase separation of PPG‐HTPB‐PU induced a triple‐phased structure of HD, HTPB rich phase and mesophase. The mesophase of PPG‐HTPB‐PU was formed of HS, PPG and HTPB segments which were excluded out of HD and HPTB rich domains during microphase separation process. The damping temperature range (at tan δ greater than 0.3) of PPG‐HTPB‐PU was from −14.6 to 32.1°C (46.5°C) which was more broad than that of TPU containing HTPB soft segment (HTPB‐PU). The broad damping temperature range of PPG‐HTPB‐PU is mainly attributed to the enhanced energy consumption caused by the frictional motions of mixed segments of mesophase.
Ionic liquid assisted fabrication of cellulose‐based conductive films for Li‐ion battery
Authors: Zhou Le , Pan Fengjiao , Zeng Shaojuan , Li Qiongguang , Bai Lu , Liu Yanrong , Nie Yi
Published: May 2020

An imidazolium‐based ionic liquid, 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium diethyl phosphate ([Emim]DEP) was used to dispense graphene nanoplates (GN) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as well as dissolve cellulose for fabricating composite conductive films. The effects of GN, MWCNTs, and cellulose mass ratios on the electrical conductivity and morphology of the films were investigated. The interaction between GN, MWCNTs, and cellulose was analyzed by SEM, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), TGA, and Raman spectroscopy. The results indicate that [Emim]DEP plays a vital and irreplaceable role in GN and MWCNTs dispersion, cellulose dissolution, and porous formation during the regeneration and drying processes. MWCNTs linked flaky GN and a hybrid structure was constructed elaborately to form a better conductive path and improve the conductivity as well as increase the film stability. For the XRD result, the carbonized GN‐MWCNTs‐cellulose films exhibited the graphitic peaks, showing that the films still retained the structure of carbon atoms or molecules. Besides, the maximum conductivity of carbonized GN‐MWCNTs‐cellulose (7:3:2) composite film was up to 9,009 S m−1, due to the small carbon clusters formation and the high degree of graphitization. Further, the carbonized films were applied as anodes in Li‐ion battery and showed good electrochemical performance. The best cyclic stability (i.e., discharge/charge capacity) of 438/429 mA h g−1 and coulomb efficiency of 50.2% were obtained. This novel and sustainable design is a promising approach to obtain cellulose‐based conductive films and anodes for Li‐ion battery applications.
Importance of various marine coastal habitats during the life cycle ofSpratelloides delicatulusin Con Dao, the oldest MPA in Vietnam
Authors: Pham Manh Hung , Durand Jean‐Dominique , Le Minh Phong , Vo Bich Thao T. , Hoang Duc Huy , Panfili Jacques
Published: May 2020

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are set up to conserve biodiversity, but their design is not always based on strictly scientific considerations. Ideally, an MPA should protect all key habitats necessary for a marine species to complete its life cycle. The identification of these key habitats is complex, especially during the early life of marine fishes.

A widely distributed tropical and important low trophic‐level fish species,Spratelloides delicatulus(Clupeidae), was used to evaluate the significance of various coastal habitats for its larvae and juveniles in the Con Dao Archipelago MPA in Vietnam. Early stages (larvae and juveniles) were sampled monthly over one year (June 2016 to May 2017) using light traps in three main habitats (seagrass beds, coral reefs and harbour). The species was identified using morphometry and DNA barcoding. Age and growth variables were estimated using otolith daily growth increments.

A total of 3,581 fish were caught. The species was not found in captures between January and February, directly linked to the decrease in seawater temperature and was most abundant from April to June. For a subsample of 248 fish (7–38 mm standard length), ages ranged from 7 to 108 days.

Captures and back‐calculated birthdates using otolith daily increments showed thatS. delicatulusspawns during the period of high seawater temperature, from March to October. The species colonizes all three habitats during the early stages (0–26 days old), with growth rate lowest on the seagrass beds. Nevertheless, the species occupies seagrass beds exclusively during the older stages.

The conservation of seagrass beds in the Con Dao archipelago is essential for protection of juvenile stages of this species but this habitat is presently not included in the MPA patches. Establishment of a continuum of protected areas linking habitats, rather than the existing patches is needed to conserve the complete life cycle of this species in the Con Dao MPA.