bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tuberculosis Knowledge Levels Of Secondary School Students
Authors: KURTULUŞ Şerif , CAN Remziye
Published: September 2020

Objective: A reduction in tuberculosis (TB) cases is possible through knowledge and control of the risk factors. In this study, the aim was to evaluate the knowledge levels of secondary school students about TB.

Method: The study is a descriptive study conducted in 2018-2019. The sample of the study consisted of 116 students, who volunteered to participate in the study of 12th grade of the school. The data collection tool consists of 19 questions: Personal Information Form and TB Knowledge Level Questionnaire (TBKLQ). In TBDSF, every correct answer is one point. The score that can be obtained varies between 0-11.

Results: The mean age of was 17.17 ± 0.37 years. 1.7% of the study group had tuberculosis. The incidence of tuberculosis in their families was 2.6%. 86.2% of the participants knew the correct cause of the disease, 51.7% of them were aware of the symptoms and 64.7% of them understood the correct transmission path. 37.1% of the study group knew the duration of treatment correctly, 20.7% of them knew the infectious period correctly; 93.1% of the study group knew that TB was a notifiable disease and 76.7% knew that registration of TB should be undertaken at the Tuberculosis Dispensary. 50.9% of the study group were aware that TB could be seen in the lungs and extrapulmonary organs, and 37.1% of them knew correctly when the TB vaccine should be administered. The mean TB knowledge score of the study group was 5.85 ± 2.11. 59.5% of the participants reported that they had received training on TB. A significant difference was found between the TB knowledge scores of those who previously received TB education with those who did not.

Conclusion: The knowledge level of individuals with high school education about TB is at a medium level. One out of every two participants received training on TB. In order to increase the effectiveness of the fight against tuberculosis, to prevent the spread of the disease and to reach the goals of the end tuberculosis strategy, the lack of information should be overcome.
Global gene expression analyses of the alkamide-producing plant Heliopsis longipes supports a polyketide synthase-mediated biosynthesis pathway
Authors: Buitimea-Cantúa Génesis V. , Marsch-Martinez Nayelli , Ríos-Chavez Patricia , Méndez-Bravo Alfonso , Molina-Torres Jorge
Published: September 2020

Background

Alkamides are plant-specific bioactive molecules. They are low molecular weight N-substituted α-unsaturated acyl amides that display biological explicit activities in different organisms from bacteria, fungi, insects to mammals and plants. The acyl chain has been proposed to be biosynthesized from a fatty acid; however, this has not been demonstrated yet. Heliopsis longipes (Asteraceae) accumulates in root a C10 alkamide called affinin in its roots, but not in leaves. The closely related species Heliopsis annua does not produce alkamides. To elucidate the biosynthetic pathway of the alkamides acyl chain, a comparative global gene expression analysis contrasting roots and leaves of both species was performed.

Methods

Transcriptomics analysis allowed to identify genes highly expressed in H. longipes roots, but not in tissues and species that do not accumulate alkamides. The first domain searched was the Ketosynthase (KS) domain. The phylogenetic analysis using sequences of the KS domain of FAS and PKS from different organisms, revealed that KS domains of the differentially expressed transcripts in H. longipes roots and the KS domain found in transcripts of Echinacea purpurea, another alkamides producer species, were grouped together with a high bootstrap value of 100%, sharing great similarity. Among the annotated transcripts, we found some coding for the enzymatic domains KS, AT, ACP, DH, OR and TE, which presented higher expression in H. longipes roots than in leaves. The expression level of these genes was further evaluated by qRT-PCR. All unigenes tested showed higher expression in H. longipes roots than in any the other samples. Based on this and considering that the acyl chain of affinin presents unsaturated bonds at even C numbers, we propose a new putative biosynthesis pathway mediated by a four modules polyketide synthase (PKS).

Results

The global gene expression analysis led to the selection of a set of candidate genes involved in the biosynthesis of the acyl chain of affinin, suggesting that it may be performed by a non-iterative, partially reductive, four module type I PKS complex (PKS alk) previously thought to be absent from the plant kingdom.
Genotype × Environment Interaction of Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) Genotypes for Phytochemical and Agronomic Traits
Authors: Kumari Rashmi , Kumar Randhir , Akhtar Shirin , Verma R. B.
Published: September 2020

Twenty-one brinjal hybrids along with their seven parents and one hybrid check were evaluated in three seasons, viz., autumn-winter, rainy and summer for the study of genotype x environment interaction for different traits and identification of the stable genotypes. Stability analysis revealed that the variance due to genotypes was highly significant for all the characters studied when tested against pooled deviations except days to 50% flowering and days to 1st harvest. Likewise, variance due to E + (G × E) was highly significant for all characters but significant for days to 1st harvest. The genotypes × environments (linear) component for days to 50% flowering and days to 1st harvest were non-significant when tested against pooled deviation which suggested the preponderance of non-linear component as compared to linear component for both these characters. Rajendra Baigan-2 x BRBL-02, Rajendra Baigan-2 x BRBL-01, Rajendra Baigan-2 x BRBL-04, Muktakeshi x BRBL-01, Muktakeshi x BRBL-04, BRBL-02 x BRBL-04, Swarna Mani x BRBL-01, BRBR-01 x BRBL-01 and BRBR-01 x BRBL-04 were identified as stable hybrids and BRBL-01 and BRBL-04 were stable parents in terms of yield/ plant. BRBL-02 x BRBL-04 was stable in terms of total sugar content, total anthocyanin content and total phenolics content. These genotypes may be utilized for planting throughout the year with good performance and utilized in breeding programmes for developing stable genotypes.
Evaluating the Neuroprotective Effects of the Aqueous and Methanolic Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina on the Hippocampus of Adult Male Wistar Rats
Authors: Aguwa U. S. , Ogbuokiri D. K. , Eze C. S. , Obinwa B. N. , Ovie F. O. , Obi K. C. , Onwuelingo S. F. , Okonkwo D. I. , Obiesie I. J. , Agulanna A. E. , Umezulike A. J.
Published: September 2020

The phytochemical yield of a plant material is related directly to the method as well as solvent of extraction. Lots of African herbs have proven over time to be highly medicinal both for the prevention, management and cure of various ailments. The aim of this research is to compare the neuroprotective potency of the aqueous and methanolic extracts of Vernonia amygdalina on the hippocampus of mercury chloride intoxicated Wistar rats. Thirty male Wistar rats weighing between 180 to 200 g were divided into 6 groups of 5 rats each. Group A was the negative control and had food and water only. Groups B was the positive control and groups C1, C2, D1 and D2 were the test groups. Rats in group B to D2 were exposed to 0.5 mg/kg/b.w of mercury chloride two times a week for 2 weeks. Groups C1 and C2 were treated with 200 mg/kg/bw of aqueous and methanolic extracts respectively while groups D1 and D2 received 400 mg/kg/bw of aqueous and methanolic extracts of Vernonia amygdalina respectively. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis shows that water extracted more flavonoids while methanol extracted more phenols from the plant. The results of antioxidant studies show that the methanolic extract conferred more protection against oxidative stress than the aqueous extract. Neurobehavioural and histological results show that aqueous extract conferred more protection on the cells and tissue structure of the hippocampus than the methanolic extract. We therefore conclude that both the aqueous and methanolic extracts of Vernonia amygdalina confer some form of neuroprotection on the hippocampus of Wistar rats but the aqueous extract gave better results.
Soil Temperature and Moisture Stress: Response of Some Selected Physico-chemical Properties of Soil Along with Practice of Plant and Microbes-derived Organic Fertilizers
Authors: Islam Md. Shiful , Khan Md. Harunor Rashid , Farzana Fariha
Published: September 2020

In favor of assessing the influences of soil temperature elevation and moisture stress on physico-chemical properties of soil including soil reaction (pH), organic carbon (OC) content, availability of Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), Calcium (Ca) and Magnesium (Mg), field experiments were carried out over two seasons incorporated with organic materials of tricho-compost (TC), rice straw compost (RSC) and mustard meal (MM). Temperature elevation of 3°C from daily field temperature (23-25°C), and two different moisture levels - moist (70% moisture) and saturated (>100% moisture) - were considered simultaneously along with the application of TC at the dosages of 0, 2.5, 5; RSC at 0, 4, 8 and MM at 0, 3, 6 t ha-1. Elevated temperature markedly augmented OC (0.41 to 0.98%), N (1.07 to 4.98 m mol kg-1), P (0.39 to 0.86 m mol kg-1), K (0.12 to 0.34 c mol kg-1), Ca (2.13 to 5.97 c mol kg-1) and Mg (1.09 to 2.93 c mol kg-1) contents in soil during first season with RSC followed by MM and TC. The moist condition of soil, accompanied by the selected amendments had almost collateral effects on the aforesaid analyzed properties of soil in contrast to saturated condition. The carry-over effects of these treatments were most striking on selected properties in subsequent soil with TC succeeded by MM and RSC. Among the used amendments, TC exerted the most striking effect on nutrient availability because of the abundance of Trichoderma spp. even under stress conditions. The elevated temperature significantly (P ≤ .05) reduced the C/N ratios during both seasons which accelerated the organic matter decomposition and markedly influenced availability of N (45.39%), P (49.23%) and K (21.83%) revealed from regression analysis, irrespective of seasons. Moreover, the practice of tricho-compost over its sustainability – under climatic stress conditions - can therefore be good determinative over recovery of soil health via ameliorating soil organic matter and nutrient status.
Classifying prokaryotic genomes using the Microbial Genomes Atlas (MiGA) webserver
Authors: Rodriguez‐R Luis M. , Harvey William T. , Rosselló‐Mora Ramon , Tiedje James M. , Cole James R. , Konstantinidis Konstantinos T.
Published: September 2020

The 16S rRNA gene has served effectively as the backbone of prokaryotic taxonomy and phylogeny but offers limited resolution at the species level and is often not assembled as part of metagenome‐assembled genomes (MAGs) recovered from environmental DNA or single‐cell amplified genomes (SAGs). The genome‐aggregate average nucleotide identity (ANI) and amino acid identity (AAI) have been shown to provide robust resolution at the species and subspecies levels and can be reliably calculated based on as little as ∼200 kb of a genome subsample. To identify genomes of already described taxa as well as assess the degree of novelty of genomes representing novel taxa and aid their taxonomic descriptions based on the ANI/AAI concept, we have developed the Microbial Genomes Atlas (MiGA) webserver (
www.microbial‐genomes.org
). Therefore, MiGA represents the genome equivalent of ribosomal webservers. MiGA is regularly updated to include all available genomes of cultured and uncultured (
Candidatus
) type material in its reference database and offers additional bioinformatics services such as genome assembly from unassembled reads, quality assessment, and detection of probable horizontal gene transfer events from close relatives. In this article, we provide practical examples of how to use MiGA and interpret its results. The advantages of MiGA over alternative whole‐genome‐based approaches are also summarized.
Developmental relations between ADHD symptoms and bullying perpetration and victimization in adolescence
Authors: Murray Aja L. , Zych Izabela , Ribeaud Denis , Eisner Manuel
Published: September 2020

It has previously been hypothesized that individuals with elevated attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms are at greater risk of bullying perpetration and victimization. Using autoregressive latent trajectory models with structured residuals (ALT‐SR) and four waves (ages 11, 13, 15, and 17) of longitudinal data from the normative z‐proso study (n = 1526, 52% male), we evaluated the developmental relations between ADHD and bullying using both self‐ and teacher‐reported ADHD symptom data. Analyses suggested that ADHD symptoms primarily increase the risk of bullying perpetration, with a within‐person effect of ADHD symptoms on bullying perpetration symptoms identified across ages 13–15 (β = .13) and ages 15–17 (β = .19) based on self‐reported ADHD symptoms and a similar effect identified across ages 11–13 (β = .24) and 13–15 (β = .29) based on teacher‐reported inattention symptoms. There were also some indications of reciprocal effects and effects involving victimization that merit further exploration in future research. Results imply that the content of bullying intervention and prevention programs should take account of ADHD symptoms to ensure that those with elevated symptoms can benefit as much as their typically developing peers. This will involve addressing bullying perpetration that may reflect impulsive/reactive aggression and impaired social skills rather than instrumental aggression. Further, programs should go beyond classical curriculum/classroom‐based delivery to ensure that individuals with elevated ADHD symptoms can be successfully engaged.
Qualitative Exploration of Dyadic Influence on Physical Activity Between Latina Patients With Osteoarthritis and a Supporter of Their Physical Activity
Authors: Soto Sandra H. , Berry Diane C. , Callahan Leigh F.
Published: September 2020

Objective

Research indicates that social support may promote physical activity; however, most Latina individuals with osteoarthritis (OA) are not sufficiently active. The purpose of this qualitative dyadic study was to explore how Latina patients with OA and a self‐selected physical activity “supporter” motivate each other to be more active. Furthermore, perceptions of how OA symptoms impact support and physical activity were examined.

Methods

Semistructured dyadic interviews were conducted with Latina patients with OA and a member of their social network age ≥16 years who supports their physical activity (n = 14 dyads). We used framework analysis to reduce qualitative data to themes and subthemes.

Results

Daughters (n = 5), spouses (n = 4), sons (n = 2), a granddaughter (n = 1), a nephew (n = 1), and a friend (n = 1) provided support for the target behavior. In many cases, members of dyads said the motivation to engage in physical activity was reciprocated rather than focused solely on Latina patients with OA. Support was often reciprocated by engaging in physical activity together, using pressure, talking about being active, modeling physical activity, and helping with household responsibilities. Although participants agreed that physical activity was beneficial and Latina patients desired additional support when experiencing OA symptoms, there was concern about the safety of activity in the presence of symptoms. Several adult daughters indicated that their mothers' OA symptoms motivated their own physical activity.

Conclusion

Dyadic strategies for promoting physical activity among Latina patients with OA and how support may be reciprocated were identified.
Modeling and distributed adaptive fault‐tolerant vibration control for bridge beam with single‐parameter adaptive neural network
Authors: Gao Shiqi , Yang Hongjun , Liu Jinkun
Published: September 2020

Modeling and vibration control of a bridge beam system are considered in this article. The beam bridge with both ends fixed can be regarded as an Euler‐Bernoulli beam, which is a typical distributed parameter system. First, the partial differential equations (PDE) model of the bridge was established according to the Hamilton principle. Then, a reasonable distributed control law was designed on the PDE model to eliminate the elastic deformation and suppress the vibration of the bridge. At the same time, uncertainties related to system status were considered during the design of the closed‐loop system. In addition, the possible actuator and sensor faults in the control system were analyzed. Single‐parameter adaptive neural networks were used to estimate the effects of coupling terms for uncertainties and faults. The parameter estimation adaptive law was designed to replace the adjustment of neural network weights, which simplifies the algorithm and facilitates practical engineering applications. Finally, the feasibility of the control system was verified by simulation.
A Janus Hydrogel Wet Adhesive for Internal Tissue Repair and Anti‐Postoperative Adhesion
Authors: Cui Chunyan , Wu Tengling , Chen Xinyu , Liu Yang , Li Yuan , Xu Ziyang , Fan Chuanchuan , Liu Wenguang
Published: September 2020

Despite rapid development of adhesive hydrogels, the typical double‐sided adhesives fail to adhere to wet tissues and concurrently prevent postoperative tissue adhesion, thus severely limiting their applications in repair of internal tissues. Herein, a negatively charged carboxyl‐containing hydrogel is gradiently, electrostatically complexed with a cationic oligosaccharide by a one‐sided dipping method to form a novel Janus hydrogel wet adhesive whose two‐side faces demonstrate strikingly distinct adhesive and nonadhesive properties. The lightly complexed surface demonstrates instant robust adhesion to various wet biological tissues even under water since the phase separation induced by electrostatic complexation increases the hydrophobicity and water drainage capacity. Intriguingly, the highly complexed surface is non‐adhesive due to complete neutralization of carboxyls in the hydrogels. The Janus hydrogel can be used to replace traditional sutures to treat gastric perforation of rabbits. Animal experiment outcomes reveal that one side of the Janus hydrogel is firmly glued to the stomach tissue, and other side facing outward can efficiently prevent the postoperative adhesion. Molecular simulation elucidates the importance for selecting cationic polymer species. It is believed that gradient polyelectrolyte complexation establish a new direction to create Janus adhesives for internal tissue/organ repair and simultaneous prevention of post‐operative adhesion.
Tailoring Wetting Properties at Extremes States to Obtain Antifogging Functionality
Authors: Tzianou Maria , Thomopoulos Giannis , Vourdas Nikolaos , Ellinas Kosmas , Gogolides Evangelos
Published: September 2020

Fog formation decreases light transmission of optically clear materials. A promising approach to address this problem is to control the wetting properties of the material at extremes states, which requires imparting micro and nano morphology features on the surface. However, such features may affect the optical properties of the surface. In this work, superhydrophobic and superhydrophilic surfaces, with different morphology characteristics ranging from nanoscale to hierarchical micro‐nanoscale are fabricated and evaluated in order to investigate which wetting extreme and surface morphology is more suitable to preserve the light‐transmitting properties and exhibit antifogging functionalities. The performance of the aforementioned surfaces is compared for the first time in two different testing modes: under intense fog flow and no surface cooling, and under no‐flow and surface cooling, which enhances dew condensation on the surfaces. It is demonstrated that superhydrophilic surfaces with nanoscale morphology maintain their optical transmittance under fog flow for more than 20 min. This duration is one of the longest reported in the literature revealing the long‐term antifogging functionality of the proposed surfaces. Finally, by tailoring the morphology and the surface wetting properties, an optically switching surface (initially “milky” which becomes “clear”) when exposed to humidity is demonstrated.
Measurement of Electrophysiological Signals In Vitro Using High‐Performance Organic Electrochemical Transistors
Authors: Tyrrell James E. , Boutelle Martyn G. , Campbell Alasdair J.
Published: September 2020

Biological environments use ions in charge transport for information transmission. The properties of mixed electronic and ionic conductivity in organic materials make them ideal candidates to transduce physiological information into electronically processable signals. A device proven to be highly successful in measuring such information is the organic electrochemical transistor (OECT). Previous electrophysiological measurements performed using OECTs show superior signal‐to‐noise ratios than electrodes at low frequencies. Subsequent development has significantly improved critical performance parameters such as transconductance and response time. Here, interdigitated‐electrode OECTs are fabricated on flexible substrates, with one such state‐of‐the‐art device achieving a peak transconductance of 139 mS with a 138 µs response time. The devices are implemented into an array with interconnects suitable for micro‐electrocorticographic application and eight architecture variations are compared. The two best‐performing arrays are subject to the full electrophysiological spectrum using prerecorded signals. With frequency filtering, kHz‐scale frequencies with 10 µV‐scale voltages are resolved. This is supported by a novel quantification of the noise, which compares the gate voltage input and drain current output. These results demonstrate that high‐performance OECTs can resolve the full electrophysiological spectrum and suggest that superior signal‐to‐noise ratios could be achieved in high frequency measurements of multiunit activity.
Self‐Propelled Micro/Nanomotors for Tumor Targeting Delivery and Therapy
Authors: Lin Ruyi , Yu Wenqi , Chen Xianchun , Gao Huile
Published: September 2020

Cancer is still one of the most serious diseases with threats to health and life. Although some advances have been made in targeting delivery of antitumor drugs over the past number of years, there are still many problems needing to be solved, such as poor efficacy and high systemic toxicity. Micro/nanomotors capable of self‐propulsion in fluid provide promising platforms for improving the efficiency of tumor delivery. Herein, the recent progress in micro/nanomotors for tumor targeting delivery and therapy is reviewed, with special focus on the contributions of micro/nanomotors to the different stages of tumor targeting delivery as well as the combination therapy by micro/nanomotors. The present limitations and future directions are also put forward for further development.
Fingerprint Acquisition Based on Photo‐Thermal Coloration of MoO3 Ceramic upon the Irradiation of Multiband Light outside the Bandgap
Authors: Li Mingjun , Yang Zhengwen , Wen Yugeng , Ruan Jiufeng , Ren Youtao , Qiu Jianbei , Song Zhiguo , Wang Yuehui , Liu Bitao
Published: September 2020

Fingerprints acquisition for identity recognition is extensively studied as a high requirement of the development of fingerprint acquisition technology. The photochromism of MoO3 is widely reported upon ultraviolet light irradiation inside the bandgap, and if the photochromism can be achieved outside the bandgap, then the discoloration adjustment can be more diversified and the application range will be wider. However, there are no report of the photochromism of MoO3 upon the irradiation of multiband light outside bandgap. Herein, the MoO3 ceramic is prepared by the solid‐state reaction, and its photochromism is investigated upon the irradiation of multiband light outside the bandgap. The colors of MoO3 ceramic change from grey to dark blue upon the 473, 532, 808, or 980 nm laser irradiation, and the dark blue of MoO3 ceramic is bleached upon thermal stimulation. The photochromic mechanism of MoO3 ceramic is attributed to the laser‐induced heat effect. For the first time, fingerprint acquisition is obtained by means of the photo‐thermal‐chromism of MoO3 ceramic. The cycle experiment demonstrates that the fingerprint acquisition based on the photo‐thermal‐chromism of MoO3 has excellent repeatability and stability. These results suggest that this technology is nondestructive and repeatable, opening up a new approach for fingerprint acquisition.
Miscellaneous and Perspicacious: Hybrid Halide Perovskite Materials Based Photodetectors and Sensors
Authors: Yu Xiaoyan , Tsao Hoi Nok , Zhang Zilong , Gao Peng
Published: September 2020

Optoelectronic devices based on perovskite materials have shown significant improvement due to the direct and tunable bandgaps, large absorption coefficients, broad absorption spectra, high carrier mobilities, and long carrier diffusion lengths. In addition to the excellent performance in solar cells, scientists have utilized perovskite materials for other optoelectronic applications as well. This review details the figures‐of‐merit and the development of perovskite‐based photodetectors, including UV to NIR detection and high energy particle sensing. Discussions are made based on different device structures. Furthermore, gas, compound, temperature, and pressure sensors using perovskite materials are reviewed. “Miscellaneous” functionality and “perspicacious” performance have been achieved with these devices.
Toward See‐Through Optoelectronics: Transparent Light‐Emitting Diodes and Solar Cells
Authors: Liu Lihui , Cao Kun , Chen Shufen , Huang Wei
Published: September 2020

Transparent light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) and solar cells have attracted extensive attention as the most promising optoelectronic devices surpassing conventional opaque displays and photovoltaics. These transparent devices are particularly suitable for special applications including see‐through display and building‐integrated photovoltaics, for example, head‐mounted displays, navigation displays on car windshields, smart windows, roofing, skylights, and facades. This review systematically evaluates the pros and cons of representative transparent conductive electrodes (TCEs) including transparent conductive oxides, ultrathin metal films, metal nanowires/meshes, conductive flexible polymers, carbon nanotubes, and graphene. A full‐scale overview of recent studies on transparent organic LEDs, quantum dot LEDs, perovskite LEDs, dye‐sensitized solar cells, organic solar cells, and perovskite solar cells using the above‐mentioned TCEs as top electrodes, is also provided, summarizing information on state‐of‐the‐art device performances. Finally, the key challenges in current transparent optoelectronic devices and a few potential proposals for developing highly efficient transparent devices are addressed in the last part. It is believed that, with the rapid development of novel optoelectronic materials and fabrication technologies, there will be a bright prospect for transparent optoelectronic devices and their related applications in the near future.
An Alkaline Based Method for Generating Crystalline, Strong, and Shape Memory Polyvinyl Alcohol Biomaterials
Authors: Darabi Mohammad Ali , Khosrozadeh Ali , Wang Ying , Ashammakhi Nureddin , Alem Halima , Erdem Ahmet , Chang Qiang , Xu Kaige , Liu Yuqing , Luo Gaoxing , Khademhosseini Ali , Xing Malcolm
Published: September 2020

Strong, stretchable, and durable biomaterials with shape memory properties can be useful in different biomedical devices, tissue engineering, and soft robotics. However, it is challenging to combine these features. Semi‐crystalline polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) has been used to make hydrogels by conventional methods such as freeze–thaw and chemical crosslinking, but it is formidable to produce strong materials with adjustable properties. Herein, a method to induce crystallinity and produce physically crosslinked PVA hydrogels via applying high‐concentration sodium hydroxide into dense PVA polymer is introduced. Such a strategy enables the production of physically crosslinked PVA biomaterial with high mechanical properties, low water content, resistance to injury, and shape memory properties. It is also found that the developed PVA hydrogel can recover 90% of plastic deformation due to extension upon supplying water, providing a strong contraction force sufficiently to lift objects 1100 times more than their weight. Cytocompatibility, antifouling property, hemocompatibility, and biocompatibility are also demonstrated in vitro and in vivo. The fabrication methods of PVA‐based catheters, injectable electronics, and microfluidic devices are demonstrated. This gelation approach enables both layer‐by‐layer and 3D printing fabrications.
Agronomic and economic assessment of input bundle of soybean in moderately acidic Savanna soils of Ghana
Authors: Awuni G. A , Reynolds D. B. , Goldsmith P. D. , Tamimie C. A , Denwar N. N.
Published: September 2020

Integrated input for crop productivity can increase food security among smallholder farming systems. The study evaluated agronomic and economic response of four input bundle treatments on five soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] cultivars conducted under rain‐fed conditions over a 4‐yr period in Ghana. Experiments were a randomized complete block in factorial arrangement with four replications. Input bundles were NoduMax inoculant (I), phosphorus application (P), inoculated seed followed by phosphorus application (I+P), and certified seed as control treatment. Cultivars were Afayak, Jenguma, Quarshie, Songda, and Suong‐Pungun. Soils were moderately acidic (5.7 pH) with macro‐ and micronutrient deficiencies. Grain yield, mean gross margin (MGM), and benefit–cost ratio (BCR) for input bundles were in descending order I+P bundle > P bundle > I bundle > control. Yield was greater in I+P bundle over I bundle, P bundle, and control by 27, 16, and 65%, respectively. Grain yield, MGM, and BCR in descending cultivar order were Afayak > Jenguma > Suong–Pungun > Quarshie > Songda. Grain yield was greater in Afayak over Jenguma, Suong‐Pungun, Quarshie, and Songda by 3, 11, 13, and 21%, respectively. Cultivar yield differences may be genetically driven. This study suggests smallholders can benefit from increased returns from inoculation + phosphorus synergy. The results indicate that low soybean yields in smallholder farms are not the result of high input cost or low prices but rather are due to the inability of farmers to shift from low input productivity to innovative production technologies. Integrating soybean as a commercial crop within staple crops of smallholder farmers can provide additional income and nutrition for households.
Organic manures and biostimulants fostered soil health and increased the harvest quality of the medicinal herb ashwagandha
Authors: Jat R. S. , Basak B. B. , Gajbhiye N. A.
Published: September 2020

Ashwagandha [Withania somnifera (Linn.) Dunal] is a medicinal herb with profound therapeutic uses that is facing challenges of poor quality and safety due to lack of nutrients in the soil. Organic manures (farmyard manure, vermicompost, and castor cake) and biostimulants (Azotobacter, phosphate‐solubilizing bacteria [PSB], and Jivamrut) along with a control treatment were investigated in a 2‐yr field experiment for their effects on yield and quality of ashwagandha. Application of castor cake along with the consortia of biostimulants (biofertilizers+Jivamrut) increased (p = .05) dry root yield (+36.4%) over the untreated control. Root yield was positively correlated (p = .01) with plant height, branches per plant, plant biomass, and root length and girth. Different forms of withanolides (withaferin‐A, 12‐Deoxy withastramanolide, and withanolide‐A) and total withanolide increased root yield 29% with the combined use of vermicompost and Jivamrut over the control. Plant biomass and different forms of withanolides were positively correlated (p = .01) with total withanolides content, whereas root C was correlated (p = .05) with withaferin‐A content. Vermicompost increased (p = .05) soil chemical (soil organic C [SOC], N, P, and S) and biochemical (microbial biomass C [MBC], fluorescein diacetate hydrolytic [FDH], dehydrogenase activity [DHA], and alkaline and acid phosphatase) parameters. The consortia of biostimulants (Azotobacter+PSB+Jivamrut) markedly improved SOC, N, P, MBC, FDH, DHA, and alkaline phosphatase; however, S was greatest with Jivamrut. Thus, application of either castor cake or vermicompost along with biostimulants (Azotobacter+PSB+Jivamrut) increased root yield and quality of ashwagandha and increased soil health.
Expanding the phenotype of cerebellar‐facial‐dental syndrome: Two siblings with a novel variant in BRF1
Authors: Valenzuela Irene , Codina Marta , Fernández‐Álvarez Paula , Mur Pilar , Valle Laura , Tizzano Eduardo F. , Cuscó Ivon
Published: September 2020

Cerebellofaciodental syndrome (MIM #616202) is an autosomal recessive condition characterized by intellectual disability, microcephaly, cerebellar hypoplasia, dysmorphic features, and short stature. To date, eight patients carrying biallelic BRF1 variants have been reported. Here, we describe two siblings with congenital microcephaly and corpus callosum hypoplasia, pre and postnatal growth retardation, congenital heart defect and severe global developmental delay. We also detected additional findings not previously reported in this syndrome, including bilateral sensorineural hearing impairment and inner ear malformation. Whole exome sequencing identified a novel homozygous missense variant (c.654G>C, p.[Trp218Cys]) in BRF1, predicted to affect the protein structure. Expression assessment showed extremely low BRF1 protein expression caused by the identified variant, supporting its causal involvement. The description of new patients with cerebellofaciodental syndrome is essential to better delineate the phenotypic and genotypic spectrum of the disease.
Evaporation Induced Spontaneous Micro‐Vortexes through Engineering of the Marangoni Flow
Authors: Cai Zheren , Huang Zhandong , Li Zheng , Su Meng , Zhao Zhipeng , Qin Feifei , Zhang Zeying , Yang Jun , Song Yanlin
Published: September 2020

Vortex flow fields are widely used to manipulate objects at the microscale in microfluidics. Previous approaches to produce the vortex flow field mainly focused on inertia flows. It remains a challenge to create vortexes in Stokes flow regime. Here we reported an evaporation induced spontaneous vortex flow system in Stokes flow regime by engineering Marangoni flow in a micro‐structured microfluidic chip. The Marangoni flow is created by nonuniform evaporation of surfactant solution. Various vortexes are constructed by folding the air–water interface via microstructures. Patterns of vortexes are programmable by designing the geometry of the microstructures and are predictable using numerical simulations. Moreover, rotation of micro‐objects and enrichment of micro‐particles using vortex flow is demonstrated. This approach to create vortexes will provide a promising platform for various microfluidic applications such as biological analysis, chemical synthesis, and nanomaterial assembly.
Concentration‐Dependent Structural Transition of the HIV‐1 gp41 MPER Peptide into α‐Helical Trimers
Authors: Chiliveri Sai Chaitanya , Louis John M. , Bax Ad
Published: September 2020

The membrane proximal external region (MPER) of HIV‐1 gp41 contains epitopes for at least four broadly neutralizing antibodies. Depending on solution conditions and construct design, different structures have been reported for this segment. We show that in aqueous solution the MPER fragment (gp160660–674) exists in a monomer‐trimer equilibrium with an association constant in the micromolar range. Thermodynamic analysis reveals that the association is exothermic, more favorable in D2O than H2O, and increases with ionic strength, indicating hydrophobically driven intermolecular interactions. Circular dichroism, 13Cα chemical shifts, NOE, and hydrogen exchange rates reveal that MPER undergoes a structural transition from predominately unfolded monomer at low concentrations to an α‐helical trimer at high concentrations. This result has implications for antibody recognition of MPER prior to and during the process where gp41 switches from a pre‐hairpin intermediate to its post‐fusion 6‐helical bundle state.
Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Production Trilogy
Authors: Li Yan , Wei Xinfa , Chen Lisong , Shi Jianlin
Published: September 2020

H2 production via water electrolysis is of great significance in clean energy production, which, however, suffers from the sluggish kinetics of the anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Moreover, the anode product, O2, which is of rather low value, may lead to dangerous explosions and the generation of membrane‐degrading reactive oxygen species. Herein, to address these issues of electrocatalytic H2 production, we summarize the most recent advances in three stages based on the benefit increments and various electron donation routes, which are: 1) electron donation by traditional OER: developing efficient catalysts for water oxidation to promote H2 production; 2) electron donation by the oxidation of sacrificial agents: using sacrificial agents to assist H2 production; 3) electron donation by electrosynthesis reaction: achieving electrosynthesis in parallel with cathodic H2 production. Present challenges and related prospects will also be discussed, hopefully to benefit the further progress of electrocatalytic H2 generation.
Fe‐Co Alloyed Nanoparticles Catalyzing Efficient Hydrogenation of Cinnamaldehyde to Cinnamyl Alcohol in Water
Authors: Lv Yang , Han Miaomiao , Gong Wanbing , Wang Dongdong , Chen Chun , Wang Guozhong , Zhang Haimin , Zhao Huijun
Published: September 2020

Selective hydrogenation of C=O against the conjugated C=C in cinnamaldehyde (CAL) is indispensable to produce cinnamyl alcohol (COL). Nonetheless, it is challenged by the low selectivity and the need to use organic solvents. Herein, for the first time, we report the use of Fe‐Co alloy nanoparticles (NPs) on N‐doped carbon support as a selective hydrogenation catalyst to efficiently convert CAL to COL. The resultant catalyst with the optimized Fe/Co ratio of 0.5 can achieve an exceptional COL selectivity of 91.7 % at a CAL conversion of 95.1 % in pure water medium under mild reaction conditions, ranking it the best performed catalyst reported to date. The experimental results confirm that the COL selectivity and CAL conversion efficiency are, respectively promoted by the presence of Fe and Co, while the synergism of the alloyed Fe‐Co is the key to concurrently achieve high COL selectivity and CAL conversion efficiency.
Copper‐Catalyzed Defluorinative Hydroarylation of Alkenes with Polyfluoroarenes
Authors: Li Xiaohong , Fu Bin , Zhang Qiao , Yuan Xiuping , Zhang Qian , Xiong Tao , Zhang Qian
Published: September 2020

A catalytic defluorinative hydroarylation of alkenes with polyfluoroarenes in the presence of dppbz‐ligated Cu catalyst and silanes was developed. This method provides a straightforward and alternative avenue to synthetic important polyfluorinated arenes with readily available and bench‐stable alkenes as latent nucleophiles, and therefore avoids conventional reliance on stoichiometric quantities of organometallic reagents. This reaction proceeds under very mild conditions and exhibits good functional group compatibility and high level of regioselectivity. The synthetic potential of this method was further demonstrated by a gram‐scale synthesis, and an array of experimental studies were also carried out to elaborate the probable mechanism.
Diversification of Unprotected Alicyclic Amines by C−H Bond Functionalization: Decarboxylative Alkylation of Transient Imines
Authors: Paul Anirudra , Kim Jae Hyun , Daniel Scott D. , Seidel Daniel
Published: September 2020

Despite extensive efforts by many practitioners in the field, methods for the direct α‐C−H bond functionalization of unprotected alicyclic amines remain rare. A new advance in this area utilizes N‐lithiated alicyclic amines. These readily accessible intermediates are converted to transient imines through the action of a simple ketone oxidant, followed by alkylation with a β‐ketoacid under mild conditions to provide valuable β‐amino ketones with unprecedented ease. Regioselective α′‐alkylation is achieved for substrates with existing α‐substituents. The method is further applicable to the convenient one‐pot synthesis of polycyclic dihydroquinolones through the incorporation of a SNAr step.
Coumarins by Direct Annulation: β‐Borylacrylates as Ambiphilic C3‐Synthons
Authors: Wienhold Max , Molloy John J. , Daniliuc Constantin G. , Gilmour Ryan
Published: September 2020

Modular β‐borylacrylates have been validated as programmable, ambiphilic C3‐synthons in the cascade annulation of 2‐halo‐phenol derivatives to generate structurally and electronically diverse coumarins. Key to this [3+3] disconnection is the BPin unit which serves a dual purpose as both a traceless linker for C(sp2)–C(sp2) coupling, and as a chromophore extension to enable inversion of the alkene geometry via selective energy transfer catalysis. Mild isomerisation is a pre‐condition to access 3‐substituted coumarins and provides a handle for divergence. The method is showcased in the synthesis of representative natural products that contain this venerable chemotype. Facile entry into π‐expanded estrone derivatives modified at the A‐ring is disclosed to demonstrate the potential of the method in bioassay development or in drug repurposing.
Preparation of MOF Film/Aerogel Composite Catalysts via Substrate‐Seeding Secondary‐Growth for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction and CO2 Cycloaddition
Authors: Bai Xiao‐Jue , Lu Xing‐Yu , Ju Ran , Chen Huan , Shao Lei , Zhai Xu , Li Yu‐Nong , Fan Fu‐Qiang , Fu Yu , Qi Wei
Published: September 2020

Substrate‐supported metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) films are desired to realize their potential in practical applications. Herein, a novel substrate‐seeding secondary‐growth strategy is developed to prepare composites of uniform MOFs films on aerogel walls. Briefly, the organic ligand is “pre‐seeded” onto the aerogel walls, and then a small amount of metal‐ion solution is sprayed onto the prepared aerogel. The sprayed solution diffuses along the aerogel walls to form a continuous thin layer, which confines the nucleation reaction, promoting the formation of uniform MOFs films on the aerogel walls. The whole process is simple in operation, highly efficient, and eco‐friendly. The resulting hierarchical MOFs/aerogel composites have abundant accessible active sites and enable excellent mass transfer, which endows the composite with outstanding catalytic activity and stability in both liquid‐phase CO2 cycloaddition and electrochemical oxygen evolution reaction (OER) process.
In‐Cell NMR Spectroscopy of Functional Riboswitch Aptamers in Eukaryotic Cells
Authors: Broft P. , Dzatko S. , Krafcikova M. , Wacker A. , Hänsel‐Hertsch Robert , Dötsch Volker , Trantirek L. , Schwalbe Harald
Published: September 2020

We report here the in‐cell NMR‐spectroscopic observation of the binding of the cognate ligand 2′‐deoxyguanosine to the aptamer domain of the bacterial 2′‐deoxyguanosine‐sensing riboswitch in eukaryotic cells, namely Xenopus laevis oocytes and in human HeLa cells. The riboswitch is sufficiently stable in both cell types to allow for detection of binding of the ligand to the riboswitch. Most importantly, we show that the binding mode established by in vitro characterization of this prokaryotic riboswitch is maintained in eukaryotic cellular environment. Our data also bring important methodological insights: Thus far, in‐cell NMR studies on RNA in mammalian cells have been limited to investigations of short (<15 nt) RNA fragments that were extensively modified by protecting groups to limit their degradation in the intracellular space. Here, we show that the in‐cell NMR setup can be adjusted for characterization of much larger (≈70 nt) functional and chemically non‐modified RNA.
Linear low‐density polyethylene/high‐density polyethylene blends: Effect of high‐density polyethylene content on die swell and flow instability
Authors: Freitas Daniel M. G. , Oliveira Akidauana D. B. , Alves Amanda M. , Cavalcanti Shirley N. , Agrawal Pankaj , Mélo Tomás J. A.
Published: September 2020

This work aimed to evaluate the effect of high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) content and of shear rate on the die swell and flow instability of linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE)/HDPE blends. The results showed that the die swell of the LLDPE/HDPE blends increased with the increase in the shear rate. At high shear rates, the increase in the HDPE content led to an increase in the die swell of LLDPE/HDPE blends. The surface morphology analysis of the extrudates by optical and scanning electron microscopy revealed the presence of sharkskin and stick–slip flow instabilities in LLDPE and LLDPE/HDPE blends at the shear rates investigated. These instabilities were attenuated with the addition of HDPE and almost disappeared in the LLDPE/HDPE blend containing 50 wt% of HDPE.
Join the club? Peer effects on information value perception
Authors: Rusho Yonit , Raban Daphne R.
Published: September 2020

While it is widely recognized that value perception increases when individuals engage in making physical objects, the impact of peer presence on value perception during production or consumption has not been studied. Peer production is prevalent for information products, which are the focus of the present study. Most research to date has focused on value as perceived by consumers, while consumers are increasingly involved in online processes of information production. Information, being intangible and experiential, is a unique type of good. This study places participants in the position of producing or consuming information in order to assess effects of peer group size on value perceptions. Six hundred and fifty one participants took part in 16 information consumption and production experiments. Consumers read information and producers created the same information. Consumers' willingness‐to‐pay and producers' willingness‐to‐accept payment were measured before or after peer consumption and production. Results indicate that value perception is highest when participants consume information individually, declining in small and medium‐sized groups and growing in mass consumption. Generally, post‐consumption values are higher. In production, point of measurement is cardinal. Before production, value perceived individually is lowest, however, having experienced peer production, individuals ascribe the highest value to self‐production. Value perceptions in massive groups converge.
Adaptive dynamic surface control of a class of pure feedback systems preceded by generalized P‐I hysteresis
Authors: Liu Ye , Liu Lulu , Li Yuanyuan , Cao Le
Published: September 2020

In this paper, an adaptive dynamic surface control is proposed for a class of completely non‐affine nonlinear systems preceded by the generalized Prandtl–Ishlinskii (P‐I) hysteresis, in which the hysteresis input function is also non‐affine with respect to the control input. Instead of the mean value theorem widely used in existing literature, new nonlinear functions are introduced, leading to the removal of the assumption caused by the mean value theorem. Moreover, no constraint is imposed on the bound of the P‐I hysteresis density function. Then, the filtered signals are constructed to address the algebraic loop problem and the complexity explosion inherent in backstepping method. Based on the filtered signals, the adaptive dynamic surface control is developed, which can ensure the
transient tracking performance.