bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Manipulation of the human tRNA pool reveals distinct tRNA sets that act in cellular proliferation or cell cycle arrest
Authors: Aharon-Hefetz Noa , Frumkin Idan , Mayshar Yoav , Dahan Orna , Pilpel Yitzhak , Rak Roni
Published: December 2020

Different subsets of the tRNA pool in human cells are expressed in different cellular conditions. The ‘proliferation-tRNAs’ are induced upon normal and cancerous cell division, while the ‘differentiation-tRNAs’ are active in non-dividing, differentiated cells. Here we examine the essentiality of the various tRNAs upon cellular growth and arrest. We established a CRISPR-based editing procedure with sgRNAs that each target a tRNA family. We measured tRNA essentiality for cellular growth and found that most proliferation-tRNAs are essential compared to differentiation- tRNAs in rapidly growing cell lines. Yet in more slowly dividing lines, the differentiation-tRNAs were more essential. In addition, we measured the essentiality of each tRNA family upon response to cell cycle arresting signals. Here we detected a more complex behavior with both proliferation-tRNAs and differentiation tRNAs showing various levels of essentiality. These results provide the so-far most comprehensive functional characterization of human tRNAs with intricate roles in various cellular states.
Proofreading through spatial gradients
Authors: Galstyan Vahe , Husain Kabir , Xiao Fangzhou , Murugan Arvind , Phillips Rob
Published: December 2020

Key enzymatic processes use the nonequilibrium error correction mechanism called kinetic proofreading to enhance their specificity. The applicability of traditional proofreading schemes, however, is limited because they typically require dedicated structural features in the enzyme, such as a nucleotide hydrolysis site or multiple intermediate conformations. Here, we explore an alternative conceptual mechanism that achieves error correction by having substrate binding and subsequent product formation occur at distinct physical locations. The time taken by the enzyme–substrate complex to diffuse from one location to another is leveraged to discard wrong substrates. This mechanism does not have the typical structural requirements, making it easier to overlook in experiments. We discuss how the length scales of molecular gradients dictate proofreading performance, and quantify the limitations imposed by realistic diffusion and reaction rates. Our work broadens the applicability of kinetic proofreading and sets the stage for studying spatial gradients as a possible route to specificity.
Studies on the Quality and Safety Aspects of Giant Tiger Prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) and Bombay Duck (Harpodon nehereus) of the Bay of Bengal along the Cox’s Bazar Coast of Bangladesh
Authors: Haque Md. Amdadul , Chowdhury Parvez , Islam Anas Al
Published: December 2020

The quality and safety aspects of two commercially important species Macrobrachium rosenbergii and Harpodon nehereus were evaluated on this study by examining organoleptic properties, proximate composition, total volatile base-nitrogen (TVB-N) and tri methyl amine-nitrogen (TMA-N) contents of the samples. Both the species showed excellent sensory quality with the defect point 1.57 and 1.4 for M. rosenbergii and H. nehereus, respectively. The moisture content of M. rosenbergii and H. nehereus were 80.89±0.23% and 78.56±0.39%; the protein content were 11.76±0.3% and 13.74±0.04%; the lipid content were 2.15±0.007% and 1.89±0.34% and the ash content were 1.24±0.35% and 1.97±0.31% respectively. The TVB-N and TMA-N was found 19.3±0.45 mg/100 g and 3.19±0 mg/100g for M. rosenbergii and 22.37±0.15 mg/100g and 2.09±0.04 mg/100 g for H. nehereus respectively. The result showed the nutritional composition and quality attributes of these two species.
Nutritional Values and Medicinal Health Aspects of Brown, Brown-Black and White Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) Grown in Okene, Kogi State, Nigeria
Authors: Alfa Abdullahi Attah , Tijani Kokori Bajeh , Omotoso O. D. , Junaidu Yahaya , Sezor Abullahi Aminu
Published: December 2020

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is an annual legume thought to have originated in Nigeria. Cowpea has high protein and carbohydrate content with a relatively low fat content and a complementary amino acid pattern to that of cereal grains make it an important nutritional staple food in the human diet. This study aims to determine the phytochemical, nutritional values and medicinal health aspects of brown, brown-black and white cowpea grown in Okene, Kogi State, Nigeria. Three colours of cowpea seeds are dried and ground in powder form. The crude powder was tested for alkaloids, anthraquinone, carbohydrates, cardiac glycosides, fat and oils, flavonoid, Saponins, steroidal ring, terpenoids and tannins. The proximate analysis of the samples was carried out for protein content, ash content, fat content, moisture content, crude fiber and carbohydrate after drying each sample at room temperature. Vitamins and mineral elements were determined by the dry ash extraction. The phytochemical components of secondary metabolites of the extracts from the obtained result, anthraquinone were absent in each of the three colour of the samples and tannins were not present in the white seed. The proximate composition of a nutritive value of each samples. The brown and brown-black seeds has higher value of percentages (%) crude protein, % ash content, % fat content, moisture content, % crude fibre, % carbohydrate of amounting to (57.84, 4.53, 11.60, 7.24, 3.40, 55.98) and (58.59, 4.45, 10.9, 7.06, 3.90, 54.60) while the white seed has (50.20, 3.52, 9.30, 8.56, 4.11, 59.50) has low % crude protein, % ash content and % fat content value compared to brown and brown-black seeds of cowpea. The vitamins components of brown, brown-black seeds and white seed of Cowpea where vitamin A, B, C, E (131, 232, 9, 7) in brown seed, (142, 221, 7, 9) in brown-black seed and (113, 209, 6, 5) in white seed. The Mineral element of brown, brown-black and white seeds of Cowpea where Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, P and Mn (49, 981, 651, 123, 54, 35, 620, 1.0) brown, (58, 789, 668, 98, 43, 38, 590, 2.0) brown-black and (63, 684, 723, 299, 10.11, 23, 843, 0.5) white seeds were detected but Cu and N non-detected in each. The brown and brown-black seeds of cowpea is richer in proximate, vitamins and mineral nutrients compared to white seed of cowpea. Therefore, adoption, utilization and consumption of cowpea grains as source of food will be a step forward towards combating the protein-calorie malnutrition and iron deficiency in this part of the world.
Socio-Demography, Pesticides Use, and Health Status of Rice Farmers in Region XII, Mindanao, Philippines
Authors: Delco Mitos D.
Published: December 2020

The socio-demographic characteristics, pesticides use and health status of 300 rice farmers from Region 12 in the Philippines in 2015 were assessed. Likewise, the influence of the socio-demographic characteristics on the farmers’ pesticides use and health status was determined. This was done to describe the current well-being of farmers as basis for recommending strategies to improve their farming practices and health condition. Farmers were middle adults (60.6%), married (83.7%), had secondary education (50.7%), with household size of 1-4 members (62.7%), mostly non-owners (63.3%) of less than 3 hectares of land (91.7%), with total annual income of less than P101,000.00 (69.3%), nearly one third had more than 11 years farming and pesticides application experience and had availed at least one training on rice production for the last five years. Nearly 75% had health insurance. The socio-demographic characteristics did not influence significantly the pesticides use as to frequency and quantity of application and health status of the farmers. Age, however, is found a significant predictor of pesticides use as to frequency of application while civil status and farm ownership are the significant predictors of gaining normal health status as to Body Mass Index (BMI). Based on the findings, farmers still need more trainings on proper pesticides use and other farm technology options to keep their health protected and earn better profits from farming.
Prevalence, Risk Factors, Burden and Prevention of Low Back Pain among Nurses at University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Gbadamosi Iyabode Adetoro , Ike Elizabeth Urenna
Published: December 2020

Background: Low Back Pain (LBP) and its negative effects on the nurses’ quality-of-life are worrisome. Studies on LBP among nurses are scanty in Nigeria. Study assessed prevalence, risk-factors, burdens and prevention of LBP among clinical nurses at University College Hospital, Nigeria.

Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study that utilized quota and convenience sampling techniques in selecting 406 nurses. Self-administered structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-Square test. Level of Significance, p≤0.05. 

Results: Mean age of respondents was 39.51±8.525. Prevalence of LBP was very high (83.7%) among clinical nurses in the study setting. Risk-factors identified by respondents include some nursing activities, perceived stress and lack of job satisfaction. Analgesic use, movement restriction, low productivity, and psychological concern were among the burdens of LBP identified by the respondents. Preventive measures suggested include training of nurses on relaxation techniques, proper use of body mechanism/proper posture, and provision of mechanical assistive turning/lifting devices. Chi-square analysis showed that gender (χ2 =6.450, p=0.022) and nursing procedures were significantly associated with prevalence of LBP among clinical nurses in the facility.

Conclusions: High prevalence of LBP among clinical nurses of the facility has negative consequences on the general well-being of the victims, the profession, the clients/patients, the facility and the entire society. There is urgent need to put policies and strategies in place to curb high prevalence of LBP and its consequences on the clinical nurses in the facility as identified in the study.
Non-invasive Neurologic Assessment in Recovery and Treatment Phase Acrylamide Exposure in Ageing Wistar Rats
Authors: Ilochi O. N. , Chuemere A. N.
Published: December 2020

Acrylamide is a chemical that naturally forms in starchy food products during every day high temperature cooking. The ingredients, storage and processing conditions greatly influence acrylamide formation in food.  Home-cooking choices can have a substantial impact on the level of acrylamide humans are exposed to through the diet. This study scientifically determined the neurologic impact of acrylamide treatment and recovery in male wistar rats of different ages. A total of 20 male wistar rats were randomly sampled into 4 groups aged 45, 60, 75 and 90 days. The treatment dose was 50 mg/kg of acrylamide for 7 days. The study duration was 15 days with 2 phases; day 1 to 7 for exposure phase and day 8 to 14 as recovery phase after acrylamide exposure. Neurologic tests performed include open field test (OFT), buried reward test (BRT) and hand grip test (HGT). The study data was statistically significant at a confidence interval less or equal to 95%. Acrylamide adversely affected the tested physiologic responses in all ages during the phase of exposure. The distance covered and escape attempts were significantly reduced        in all ages during acrylamide exposure phase with significant recovery in 45 and 60 days old animals. Group 45 and 60 days old animals had a wider field area during recovery phase but no observed improvement in exploratory behavior in ages 75 and 90 days. Olfactory and neuromuscular function was significantly improved in all age groups during recovery, however, the response of ages 45, 60 and 75 were similar during recovery. In this study, Acrylamide caused manifestations typical of a neurotoxic agent. The neurologic effect of acrylamide may be reversed if exposure period with the studied dose is within 7 days. Recovery in cognitive, exploratory, emotional, olfactory and neuromuscular function may be dependent on age during exposure.
Economic Evaluation of Organic and Inorganic Sources of Nitrogen under Striga Infestation in Western Kenya
Authors: Nyambati Robert O. , Odhiambo Duncan G. , Serrem Cornelius C. , Othieno Caleb O.
Published: December 2020

Due to escalating cost of imported fertilizers, there is renewed interest in the use of local nutrient resources in managing soil fertility in Kenya. The effect of integrated use of urea and Calliandra or maize stover on maize yields, financial benefits was assessed in a field experiment carried at Nyabeda in western Kenya. Urea and Calliandra or maize stover were combined in a way to supply N at 75 kg ha-1 from both sources in 100:0, 80:20, 60:40, 40:60, 20:80, 0:100, 0:0 ratios arranged in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 12 treatments replicated four times in five consecutive seasons. Gross margins and benefit cost ratios were used for the analysis.

Overall, maize stover (30 kg N ha-1) combined with urea (45 kg N ha-1) and Calliandra ( 45 kg N ha-1) combined with urea (30 kg N ha-1) gave the highest mean total biomass yields of 8.3 and 7.9 t ha-1 respectively. The two treatments out yielded the control by 89 and 80% respectively. The control and sole maize stover (75 kg N ha-1) had the lowest yields across all the seasons.

The highest net benefits (71 USD) were recorded under maize stover (45 kg N ha-1) combined with urea (30 kg N ha-1) followed by Calliandra (30 kg N ha-1) combined with urea (45 kg N ha-1) at (68 USD). Sole application of maize stover gave the lowest benefit (-553 USD). Calliandra (30 kg N ha-1) combined with urea (45 kg N ha-1) was the only treatment that had a benefit: cost ratio approaching 2, and therefore, the most likely of the tested technologies to be adopted by farmers. These results suggest that the use of both Calliandra and maize stover with modest amount of inorganic fertilizers (urea) is more profitable than sole use of either of the two N sources.
Performance of Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] under Organic and Inorganic Nutrient Management in Semi- Arid Tropical Conditions in Central India
Authors: Bangre Jyoti , Singh Bharat
Published: December 2020

Soybean is an important leguminous and oilseed crop of India and extensively grown all over Madhya Pradesh due to its wide adaptability to agro-climatic conditions. However a continuous decline in soybean productivity has been observed and nutrient imbalance is one of the important identified factors. The present study was conducted to explore the nutrient management option for sustained productivity of soybean. The performance of soybean crop under various nutrient management practices was studied with 9 different combinations of five levels of nitrogen (0, 20, 30, 40 and 60 kg ha-1), five levels of phosphorous (0, 13, 20, 26 and 35 kg ha-1), two levels of farm yard manure (0 and 6t ha-1) and two levels of crop residue (0 and 5t ha-1) replicated thrice. These combinations were T1-N0P0 (unfertilized control); T2-N20P13; T3-N30P20; T4-N40P26; T5-N60P35; T6-FYM6t+T2; T7-Residues 5t+T2; T8-FYM @ 6t ha-1 and T9-Crop residues 5t ha-1. The performance of soybean and change in soil properties were studied. The results revealed that, the combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizer application positively influenced the plant height, number of branches, number of pods plant-1, number of seeds pod-1, yield and test weight of soybean. Further, the combined application of FYM and inorganic fertilizers improved the soil organic carbon and nutrient availability.
University Students’ Perception of Ebola Virus Disease
Authors: Iqbal Muhammad Shahid , Khan Salah-Ud-Din , Iqbal Muhammad Zahid
Published: December 2020

Objective: The present study was conducted to appraise future healthcare providers' perceptions in medical, dental, and pharmacy students on Ebola virus disease (EVD) in university in Malaysia.

Methodology: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted between healthcare students from the medical pharmacy and dental faculties using a self-developed and pre-validated research tool. A stratified convenient sampling technique was used to calculate the sample size. SPSS version 24 was used for data analysis.

Results: A total of 273 future healthcare providers from the medical pharmacy and dental faculty participated in the current study.  The medical and pharmacy student shows move appropriate perception as compared to the dental students. Gender does not have any significant impact on future health care providers on Ebola virus disease.

Conclusion: The present study concluded varied reactions from the future health care providers regarding the perception of EVD in a university in Malaysia.
Japanese Encephalitis Knowledge among University Students
Authors: Iqbal Muhammad Shahid , Khan Salah-Ud-Din , Iqbal Muhammad Zahid
Published: December 2020

Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate the knowledge of future healthcare providers about Japanese Encephalitis in a university in Malaysia.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the students of three different healthcare provider faculties in a university in Malaysia with the help of pre-validated research questionnaire. The Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) Version 24.0 was utilized to analyze and present the data.

Results: Overall, 252 respondents from three different health care faculties participated in the current study. The medical faculty students had better knowledge as compared   to the other two faculties. The students living in their houses with their families had  better knowledge about Japanese Encephalitis as compared to the students who were living in hostels.

Conclusion: Overall appropriate knowledge was observed among the three health care provider faculty students. The present study concluded that medical students had more adequate knowledge of Japanese Encephalitis than the other two faculty students.
Micropatterned Surfaces Expose the Coupling between Actin Cytoskeleton‐Lamin/Nesprin and Nuclear Deformability of Breast Cancer Cells with Different Malignancies
Authors: Antmen Ezgi , Demirci Utkan , Hasirci Vasif
Published: December 2020

Mechanotransduction proteins transfer mechanical stimuli through nucleo‐cytoskeletal coupling and affect the nuclear morphology of cancer cells. However, the contribution of actin filament integrity has never been studied directly. It is hypothesized that differences in nuclear deformability of cancer cells are influenced by the integrity of actin filaments. In this study, transparent micropatterned surfaces as simple tools to screen cytoskeletal and nuclear distortions are presented. Surfaces decorated with micropillars are used to culture and image breast cancer cells and quantify their deformation using shape descriptors (circularity, area, perimeter). Using two drugs (cytochalasin D and jasplakinolide), actin filaments are disrupted. Deformation of cells on micropillars is decreased upon drug treatment as shown by increased circularity. However, the effect is much smaller on benign MCF10A than on malignant MCF7 and MDAMB231 cells. On micropatterned surfaces, molecular analysis shows that Lamin A/C and Nesprin‐2 expressions decreased but, after drug treatment, increased in malignant cells but not in benign cells. These findings suggest that Lamin A/C, Nesprin‐2 and actin filaments are critical in mechanotransduction of cancer cells. Consequently, transparent micropatterned surfaces can be used as image analysis platforms to provide robust, high throughput measurements of nuclear deformability of cancer cells, including the effect of cytoskeletal elements.
Insights of Heteroatoms Doping‐Enhanced Bifunctionalities on Carbon Based Energy Storage and Conversion
Authors: Wang Xiaowei , Yang Chao , Li Jun , Chen Xi'an , Yang Keqin , Yu Xiaochun , Lin Dajie , Zhang Qingcheng , Wang Shun , Wang Jichang , Xia Zhenhai , Jin Huile
Published: December 2020

Ever‐developing energy storage technologies demand the pursuit of advanced materials with multiple functionalities. Recent studies revealed that multiple heteroatom‐doped carbon has been wildly used for bi‐functional or even tri‐functional energy storage and conversion. However, few efforts have been made to uncover the origin of multi‐functionalities. Herein, a nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur tri‐doped carbon is designed in this work with large porosity, rich heteroatoms doping and high mass density, exhibiting excellent bifunctionalities on supercapacitors and oxygen reduction reaction. Importantly, the density functional theory calculations demonstrate the relevant co‐doping and tri‐doping generate more active sites on neighboring carbon atoms than single doping, and the same type of active sites may enhance bifunctionalities simultaneously. The present investigations provide a promising guidance on the design of multi‐functional materials for future energy storage and conversion applications.
Nanoassemblies with Effective Serum Tolerance Capability Achieving Robust Gene Silencing Efficacy for Breast Cancer Gene Therapy
Authors: Liu Hongmei , Liu Chongyi , Ye Li , Ma Ding , He Xiaozhen , Tang Qianyun , Zhao Xue , Zou Hanbing , Chen Xiaojing , Liu Peifeng
Published: December 2020

The transfection efficiency of siRNA mediated by cationic polymers is limited due to the instability of polymers/siRNA complexes in the presence of serum. Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) is usually applied to modify cationic polymers, so as to reduce protein and cell adsorption and then to improve siRNA transfection efficiency. However, the polymers’ modification with PEG mostly consumes the free amino of the polymers, which can, in turn, reduce the charge density and limit their siRNA transfection efficacy. Here, a new PEG modification strategy that need not consume the surface aminos of polymers is proposed. Catechol–PEG polymers are coated on the surface of phenylboronic acid (PBA)‐modified Generation 5 (G5) poly(amidoamine) dendrimers (G5PBA) via reversible boronate esters to establish PEG‐modified dendrimer/siRNA nanoassemblies for efficient siRNA delivery. The PEG/G5PBA/siRNA nanoassemblies have positive charge and show excellent gene silencing efficacy in the absence of serum in vitro. More importantly, the PEG/G5PBA/siRNA nanoassemblies also exhibit excellent serum resistance and gene silencing efficacy in serum‐containing medium. Furthermore, the effective antiserum and gene silencing efficacy elicited by these nanoassemblies lead to excellent antitumor effects in vivo. This proposed strategy constitutes an important approach to reach an excellent gene silencing efficacy in the presence of serum.
Interfacially Polymerized Thin‐Film Composite Membranes for Organic Solvent Nanofiltration
Authors: Li Yi , Guo Zhong , Li Sha , Van der Bruggen Bart
Published: December 2020

Separation and purification on molecular level from organic solvent mixtures are of paramount importance in industries. Organic solvent nanofiltration (OSN) is a pressure‐driven membrane separation process providing an attractive alternative to conventional energy‐intensive technologies. However, devising a solvent stable, scalable membrane with high permeability and excellent selectivity is still a challenge. Interfacially polymerized thin‐film composite (TFC) OSN membranes integrating an ultrathin selective layer and a porous substrate layer are expected to revolutionize advanced membrane separations. New materials and new strategies to achieve a solvent resistant, highly permeable, and highly selective membrane have been developed in recent years. This review analyses the development of the state‐of‐the‐art interfacially polymerized TFC OSN membranes from the view of structures, materials, and methodologies. First, the emerging structures of current TFC OSN membranes are discussed. The exploitation of new materials (polymers, (nano)fibers, inorganic materials) for the preparation of substrate layer is updated. The advances of new aqueous/organic monomers for synthesis of the selective layer are summarized. Furthermore, the proposed strategies for designing permselective TFC membranes are highlighted. Finally, the challenges together with the future prospects of interfacially polymerized TFC membranes for OSN are proposed.
Anisotropic Motion of Aqueous Drops on Lubricated Chemically Heterogenous Slippery Surfaces
Authors: Sharma Meenaxi , Gupta Shivam , Bhatt Bidisha , Bhatt Geeta , Bhattacharya Shantanu , Khare Krishnacharya
Published: December 2020

Conventional slippery surfaces show isotropic drop mobility in all directions, whereas anisotropic drop motion may often be required to guide drops in a particular direction. In most cases, topographically structured substrates are employed to provide anisotropic drop motion, but this technique is neither efficient nor cost‐effective. Current findings elucidate a novel approach to control the drop motion by virtue of designing lubricated chemically heterogenous (LCHet) surfaces. Upon depositing aqueous drops on such surfaces, the underneath lubricating film dewets only from the hydrophilic regions but remains intact on the hydrophobic ones. This results in the formation of lubricated microchannels, which subsequently provides sticky and slippery regions for the drops. Fabricated surfaces show remarkable anisotropic drop sliding behavior, from uniform motion along parallel to stripes to stick–slip motion along perpendicular to them. Drop motion on such LCHet surfaces can be easily controlled and tuned in the desired direction by tuning the area fraction of hydrophobic region. Furthermore, a phase diagram is presented to summarize different dynamic situations exhibited by drops; sticking or moving in one or both directions. This approach can be easily adapted to different systems to produce multiranging applications from liquid micropatterning to anisotropic drop mobility.
Determination of fitness and therapeutic options in older patients with acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Cortes Jorge E. , Mehta Priyanka
Published: December 2020

Treatment of older patients with AML remains challenging. Although age, performance status, and comorbidities are commonly employed to determine fitness for intensive treatment, several studies have demonstrated improved outcomes with treatment in older and classically unfit patients, highlighting the importance of other disease‐related and patient‐related factors that have prognostic value for treatment outcome in AML. However, consistent and objective assessments for fitness are lacking. Multi‐parameter geriatric assessment tools offer more comprehensive evaluation, but are limited by the required resources and lack of standardization and consensus regarding prognostic value. These assessments are particularly important considering the emerging new AML therapies that represent a spectrum of intensities. Patients should therefore be evaluated holistically for fitness to receive a specific treatment, with the aim of providing individualized care, and such definitions of fitness should also consistently be applied to clinical trials. This review will examine evolving criteria for the determination of fitness among AML patients and discuss treatment options for older and/or unfit patients with AML.
Two loss‐of‐function ANKRD11 variants in Chinese patients with short stature and a possible molecular pathway
Authors: Zhang Tingting , Yang Yun , Yin Xueling , Wang Xueqing , Ni Jihong , Dong Zhiya , Li Chuanyin , Lu Wenli
Published: December 2020

KBG syndrome is a rare genetic disease characterized mainly by skeletal abnormalities, distinctive facial features, and intellectual disability. Heterozygous mutations in ANKRD11 gene, or deletion of 16q24.3 that includes ANKRD11 gene are the cause of KBG syndrome. We describe two patients presenting with short stature and partial facial features, whereas no intellectual disability or hearing loss was observed in them. Two ANKRD11 variants, c.4039_4041del (p. Lys1347del) and c.6427C > G (p. Leu2143Val), were identified in this study. Both of them were classified as variants of uncertain significance (VOUS) by ACMG/AMP guidelines and were inherited from their mothers. ANKRD11 could enhance the transactivation of p21 gene, which was identified to participate in chondrogenic differentiation. In this study, we demonstrated that the knockdown of ANKRD11 could reduce the p21‐promoter luciferase activities while re‐introduction of wild type ANKRD11, but not ANKRD11 variants (p. Lys1347del or p. Leu2143Val), could restore the p21 levels. Thus, our study report two loss‐of‐function ANKRD11 variants which might provide new insight on pathogenic mechanism that correlates ANKRD11 variants with the short stature phenotype of KBG syndrome.
An integrative systems‐based analysis of substance use: eQTL‐informed gene‐based tests, gene networks, and biological mechanisms
Authors: Gerring Zachary F. , Vargas Angela Mina , Gamazon Eric R. , Derks Eske M.
Published: December 2020

Genome‐wide association studies have identified multiple genetic risk factors underlying susceptibility to substance use, however, the functional genes and biological mechanisms remain poorly understood. The discovery and characterization of risk genes can be facilitated by the integration of genome‐wide association data and gene expression data across biologically relevant tissues and/or cell types to identify genes whose expression is altered by DNA sequence variation (expression quantitative trait loci; eQTLs). The integration of gene expression data can be extended to the study of genetic co‐expression, under the biologically valid assumption that genes form co‐expression networks to influence the manifestation of a disease or trait. Here, we integrate genome‐wide association data with gene expression data from 13 brain tissues to identify candidate risk genes for 8 substance use phenotypes. We then test for the enrichment of candidate risk genes within tissue‐specific gene co‐expression networks to identify modules (or groups) of functionally related genes whose dysregulation is associated with variation in substance use. We identified eight gene modules in brain that were enriched with gene‐based association signals for substance use phenotypes. For example, a single module of 40 co‐expressed genes was enriched with gene‐based associations for drinks per week and biological pathways involved in GABA synthesis, release, reuptake and degradation. Our study demonstrates the utility of eQTL and gene co‐expression analysis to uncover novel biological mechanisms for substance use traits.
Multimodal Three‐Dimensional Visualization Enhances Novice Learner Interpretation of Basic Cross‐Sectional Anatomy
Authors: Ben Awadh Abdullah , Clark Jill , Clowry Gavin , Keenan Iain D.
Published: December 2020

While integrated delivery of anatomy and radiology can support undergraduate anatomical education, the interpretation of complex three‐dimensional spatial relationships in cross‐sectional and radiological images is likely to be demanding for novices. Due to the value of technology‐enhanced and multimodal strategies, it was hypothesized that simultaneous digital and physical learning could enhance student understanding of cross‐sectional anatomy. A novel learning approach introduced at a United Kingdom university medical school combined visualization table‐based thoracic cross‐sections and digital models with a three‐dimensional printed heart. A mixed‐method experimental and survey approach investigated student perceptions of challenging anatomical areas and compared the multimodal intervention to a two‐dimensional cross‐section control. Analysis of seven‐point Likert‐type responses of new medical students (n = 319) found that clinical imaging (mean 5.64 SD ± 1.20) was significantly more challenging (P < 0.001) than surface anatomy (4.19 ± 1.31) and gross anatomy (4.92 ± 1.22). Pre‐post testing of students who used the intervention during their first anatomy class at medical school (n = 229), identified significant increases (P < 0.001) in thoracic cross‐sectional anatomy interpretation performance (mean 31.4% ± 15.3) when compared to the subsequent abdominal control activity (24.1% ± 17.6). Student test scores were independent of mental‐rotation ability. As depicted on a seven‐point Likert‐type scale, the intervention may have contributed to students considering cross‐sectional interpretation of thoracic images (4.2 ± 1.23) as significantly less challenging (P < 0.001) than comparable abdominal images (5.59 ± 1.14). These findings could have implications for how multimodal cross‐sectional anatomy learning approaches are implemented within medical curricula.
Large Nonlinear Optical Activity of a Near‐infrared‐absorbing Bithiophene‐based Polymer with a Head‐to‐head Linkage
Authors: Ren Can , Xiao Shuyu , Li Junzi , Ma Lin , Chen Rui , Ye Chuanxiang , Gao Yang , Su Chenliang , He Tingchao
Published: December 2020

Although the production of near‐infrared (NIR)‐absorbing organic polymers with an excellent nonlinear optical (NLO) response is vital for various optoelectronic devices and photodynamic therapy, the molecular design and relevant photophysical investigation still remain challenging. In this work, large NLO activity is observed for an NIR‐absorbing bithiophene‐based polymer with a unique head‐to‐head linkage in the NIR region. The saturable absorption coefficient and modulation depth of the polymer are determined as ∼−3.5×105 cm GW−1 and ∼32.43%, respectively. Notably, the polymer exhibits an intrinsic nonlinear refraction index up to ∼−9.36 cm2 GW−1, which is six orders of magnitude larger than that of CS2. The maximum molar‐mass normalized two‐photon absorption cross‐section (σ2/M) of this polymer can be up to ∼14 GM at 1200 nm. Femtosecond transient absorption measurements reveal significant spectral overlap between the 2PA and excited state absorption in the 1000–1400 nm wavelength range and an efficient triplet quantum yield of ∼36.7%. The results of this study imply that this NIR‐absorbing polymer is promising for relevant applications.
Fuzzy controller design for nonlinear singular systems with external noises subject to passivity constraints
Authors: Chang Wen‐Jer , Su Che‐Lun , Varadarajan Vijayakumar
Published: December 2020

This paper applies the state derivative feedback method and proportional plus derivative state feedback method to design the fuzzy controllers for the nonlinear singular systems with external noises. The Takagi‐Sugeno fuzzy modeling technology is employed in this paper to represent the nonlinear singular systems with external noise. Considering the singular Takagi‐Sugeno fuzzy model, the passivity constraint is chosen to treat the external noises for the controlled systems. By using the parallel distributed compensation method, the fuzzy controller is designed to satisfy the Lyapunov stability conditions and passivity constraints simultaneously. These sufficient conditions can be effectively solved in terms of linear matrix inequalities, which can be solved via the convex optimization technique. At last, some numerical examples are provided to verify the applicability and effectivity of the proposed fuzzy controller design methods.
The error‐related negativity as a neuromarker of risk or resilience in young children
Authors: Lawler Jamie M. , Hruschak Jessica , Aho Kristin , Liu Yanni , Ip Ka I. , Lajiness‐O’Neill Renee , Rosenblum Katherine L. , Muzik Maria , Fitzgerald Kate D.
Published: December 2020

Introduction

The error‐related negativity (ERN) is a neural response that reflects error monitoring. Contradictorily, an enlarged (more negative) ERN has been cited as both a risk factor and a protective factor, which hinders its utility as a predictive indicator. The aim of the current study was to examine the associations between ERN measured in early childhood with the development of cognitive control (CC), emotion regulation, and internalizing/externalizing symptoms over 1–2 years.

Methods

When children were ages 5–7, EEG was collected during a Go/No‐Go task. A subset of the original participants (n = 30) were selected based on their baseline ERN in an extreme‐case design: half with high‐amplitude ERN, matched by age and sex with another group with low‐amplitude ERN.

Results

At follow‐up, children in the High‐Amplitude group showed better executive function, less self‐reported anxiety and depression, less affect dysregulation, more parent‐rated CC, less lability/negativity, and fewer parent‐reported externalizing problems. Many results held even when accounting for baseline levels. Further, emotion dysregulation mediated the relationship between the ERN and both anxiety and externalizing problems, while CC mediated the ERN's relationship with externalizing problems only.

Conclusions

These results can inform identification and intervention efforts for children at risk for psychopathology.
Cytotoxic Diterpenoids from Euphorbia fischeriana
Authors: Meng Jia , Li Bo‐Ting , Sheng Gang , Zhang An‐Ling , Li Xing‐Cong , Tian Jun‐Mian
Published: December 2020

Five new diterpenoids, named euphorfischerins A–E, were isolated from the roots of Euphorbia fischeriana. Their chemical structures and absolute configurations were determined by interpretation of NMR, HR‐ESI‐MS, ECD and X‐ray diffraction data. Euphorfischerin A showed cytotoxicity against the human cancer cell lines HeLa, H460 and Namalwa with IC50 values of 4.6, 11.5 and 16.4 μM, respectively, while euphorfischerin B gave comparable IC50 values of 9.5, 17.4 and 13.3 μM against the three cancer cell lines, respectively.
Multi‐enzyme Cascades for the In Vitro Synthesis of Guanosine Diphosphate L‐Fucose
Authors: Mahour Reza , Marichal‐Gallardo Pavel A. , Rexer Thomas F. T. , Reichl Udo
Published: December 2020

Recombinant Leloir glycosyltransferases can be exploited to synthesize a wide range of HMOs using in vitro biocatalytic reactions. However, high costs and unavailability of bulk amounts of most nucleotide sugars, such as guanosine diphosphate L‐fucose (GDP‐Fuc), are major obstacles for the efficient large‐scale synthesis. Here, we report two novel multi‐enzyme cascades for the synthesis of GDP‐Fuc from readily available and low cost precursors. The first cascade was developed to produce GDP‐Fuc from guanosine (Guo), fucose (Fuc), polyphosphate (PolyPn) and catalytic amounts of adenine triphosphate (ATP). GDP‐Fuc was produced with a final concentration of 7 mM (4.1 g/L) and a reaction yield of 68 % from Guo and Fuc within 48 h with a biocatalyst load of 0.34 genzyme/gproduct. A second cascade, consisting of ten enzymes and eleven reactions was developed to carry out the synthesis from mannose (Man), Guo, PolyPn, L‐glutamine (L‐Glu) and catalytic amounts of ATP, and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH). Utilizing this cascade, GDP‐Fuc was produced with a final concentration of 7.6 mM (4.5 g/L) and a reaction yield of 72 % in a reaction time of 48 h with a biocatalyst load of 0.97 genzyme/gproduct. Finally, a method for chromatographic purification of GDP‐Fuc was established achieving product purities of 90.5 %.
Pt3Co@Pt Core@shell Nanoparticles as Efficient Oxygen Reduction Electrocatalysts in Direct Methanol Fuel Cell
Authors: Yang Yongchao , Tan Chunhui , Yang Yuwei , Zhang Lei , Zhang Bin‐Wei , Wu Kuang‐Hsu , Zhao Shenlong
Published: December 2020

Core‐shell structured bimetallic platinum‐metal (Pt−M) nanoparticles, as a new class of active and stable nanocatalysts, have shown many advantages in increasing the utilization of precious Pt and improving electrocatalytic performances. Here, a core‐shell Pt3Co@Pt supported on porous graphitic carbon (denoted as Pt3Co@Pt/C) is synthesized via a simple thermal method, and further used as an efficient electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in the direct methanol fuel cell. An atomic‐resolution high‐angle annular dark‐field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF‐STEM) measurement combining with line‐profile analysis reveals that the average thickness of Pt‐shell is around 0.4–0.6 nm, forming an ultrathin catalytic layer. Given its unique geometric and electronic structure, the as‐prepared Pt3Co@Pt/C displays highly enhanced electrocatalytic ORR activity and stability, boosted anti‐methanol poisoning ability with a high onset potential and an exceptional half‐wave potential in 0.1 M HClO4 solution. Impressively, its mass activity (0.71 mA mgPt−1) and specific activity (2.75 mA cmPt−2) for ORR are 3.7‐ and 8.1‐fold higher than those of commercial Pt/C catalyst, respectively. The Pt3Co@Pt/C nanocatalysts show remarkable tolerance against methanol poisoning, evidenced by the in situ Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. This work points out a path for the design of high‐performance nanocatalysts for accelerating the development of clean energy technologies involving ORR.
Comment on “Photochemical Activities of N‐Nitroso Carboxamides and Sulfoximides and Their Application to DNA Cleavage”
Authors: Korth Hans‐Gert
Published: December 2020

This Correspondence reports on a structural and mechanistic misinterpretation of an observed EPR spectrum, a misleading presentation of DNA cleavage data, and the physicochemically unsupported assignment of nitric oxide as a major DNA cleaving agent in the article cited in the title.
Chalcogen‐Transfer Rearrangement: Exploring Inter‐ versus Intramolecular P−P Bond Activation
Authors: Franz Roman , Nasemann Sina , Bruhn Clemens , Kelemen Zsolt , Pietschnig Rudolf
Published: December 2020

Invited for the cover of this issue are Rudolf Pietschnig and co‐workers at the University of Kassel and Zsolt Kelemen at Budapest University of Technology and Economics. The image depicts Selene, the goddess of the moon in ancient Greek mythology, and the cycle of chalcogen‐transfer rearrangement in the starry sky over the hills of the mountainous region of the northern shore of Lake Balaton (Mts. Badacsony and Gulács) in Hungary. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.202002481.
Coordination Complexes to Combat Bacterial Infections: Recent Developments, Current Directions and Future Opportunities
Authors: Pandey Apurva , Boros Eszter
Published: December 2020

Drug discovery aimed at the efficient eradication of life‐threatening bacterial infections, especially in light of the emergence of multi‐drug resistance of pathogenic bacteria, has remained a challenge for medicinal chemists over the past several decades. As nutrient acquisition and metabolism at the host‐pathogen interface become better elucidated, new drug targets continue to emerge. Metal homeostasis is among these processes, and thus provides opportunities for medicinal inorganic chemists to alter or disrupt these processes selectively to impart bacteriostatic or bacteriotoxic effects. In this minireview, we showcase some of the recent work from the field of metal‐based antibacterial agents and highlight divergent strategies and mechanisms of action.
Design and Development of Axially Chiral Bis(naphthofuran) Luminogens as Fluorescent Probes for Cell Imaging
Authors: Jejurkar Valmik P. , Yashwantrao Gauravi , Kumar Pawan , Neekhra Suditi , Maliekal Parimal J. , Badani Purav , Srivastava Rohit , Saha Satyajit
Published: December 2020

Designing chiral AIEgens without aggregation‐induced emission (AIE)‐active molecules externally tagged to the chiral scaffold remains a long‐standing challenge for the scientific community. The inherent aggregation‐caused quenching phenomenon associated with the axially chiral (R)‐[1,1′‐binaphthalene]‐2,2′‐diol ((R)‐BINOL) scaffold, together with its marginal Stokes shift, limits its application as a chiral AIE‐active material. Here, in our effort to design chiral luminogens, we have developed a design strategy in which 2‐substituted furans, when appropriately fused with the BINOL scaffold, will generate solid‐state emissive materials with high thermal and photostability as well as colour‐tunable properties. The excellent biocompatibility, together with the high fluorescence quantum yield and large Stokes shift, of one of the luminogens stimulated us to investigate its cell‐imaging potential. The luminogen was observed to be well internalised and uniformly dispersed within the cytoplasm of MDA‐MB‐231 cancer cells, showing high fluorescence intensity.
The Combined Use of Gold Nanoparticles and Infrared Radiation Enables Cytosolic Protein Delivery
Authors: Garcia Josep , Fernández‐Pradas J. Marcos , Lladó Anna , Serra Pere , Zalvidea Dobryna , Kogan Marcelo J. , Giralt Ernest , Sánchez‐Navarro Macarena
Published: December 2020

Cytosolic protein delivery remains elusive. The inability of most proteins to cross the cellular membrane is a huge hurdle. Here we explore the unique photothermal properties of gold nanorods (AuNRs) to trigger cytosolic delivery of proteins. Both partners, protein and AuNRs, are modified with a protease‐resistant cell‐penetrating peptide with nuclear targeting properties to induce internalization. Once internalized, spatiotemporal control of protein release is achieved by near‐infrared laser irradiation in the safe second biological window. Importantly, catalytic amounts of AuNRs are sufficient to trigger cytosolic protein delivery. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that AuNRs with their maximum of absorption in the second biological window are used to deliver proteins into the intracellular space. This strategy represents a powerful tool for the cytosolic delivery of virtually any class of protein.
Solution and Solid‐Phase Growth of Bulk Halide Perovskite Single Crystals
Authors: Zhang Chao , Liu Xiaolin , Chen Jing , Lin Jia
Published: December 2020

Perovskite is a magic material with a structure similar to calcium titanate (CaTiO3). Among perovskite materials, halide perovskite has gained considerable attention owing to its superior semiconducting properties such as direct band gap and relatively small effective mass of electrons and holes. In recent years, the power conversion efficiency of halide perovskite solar cells has been continuously refreshed. The growth of bulk halide perovskite single crystals (PSCs) has become crucial to the investigation of their intrinsic properties. In the entire preparation process, the growth method generally plays a significant role, which determines the quality and size of the target PSCs. In this review, we summarized the existing mainstream synthetic methods for growing bulk PSCs including solution and solid‐phase methods. We discussed the characteristics of these methods and the influence of the growth parameters on the quality and size of the resulting PSCs. Moreover, we briefly introduce the applications of PSCs as semiconductors in photodetectors and gas sensors. Understanding the growth behaviors of PSCs is insightful for future research on their synthesis and applications.