bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Puntius conchonius and Gambusia affinis for Feeding Rate of Mosquito Larvae
Authors: Shinde M. B. , Kshirsagar R. V.
Published: December 2019

Aim: Mosquito are a major problem in almost all tropical and subtropical countries, as they are responsible for the transmission of pathogens which causes different diseases.

Study Design: The present study deals with the comparison of Puntius conchonius and Gambusia affinis for feeding rate of mosquito larvae.

Place and Duration of Work: The mosquito larvae collected from Badapur, Tal. Yeola Dist. Nashik between 2010 -2011.

Methodology: Fishes introduced into experimental jar individually and acclimatized for 1 hrs. Then 200 to 500 larvae introduced into jar for each fish. Readings were taken after 10 min, 20 min, 30 min initially and then after 1 hr, 3 hr, 6 hr, 9 hr, 12 hr and 24 hours, respectively. It determines feeding rate, food consumption and larvivorous potential of fishes.

Results: The comparative account of the feeding rate of two different species which came as Puntius conchonius > Gambisia affinis. Whereas, when the food consumption pattern was different i.e. Gambisia affinis > Puntius conchonius.

Conclusion: The length and weight increases, the feeding rate also increases. It was found that the larvivorous activity of the ornamental fishes was greater than the well-known Gambusia affinis.
Histopathological Changes in the Kidney of the Freshwater Bronze Featherback Fish, Notopterus notopterus (Pallas, 1769) Exposed to Profenofos
Authors: Tazeen Safiya , Kulkarni R. S.
Published: December 2019

The impact of profenofos, an organophosphate pesticide on the kidney of Indian freshwater teleost fish Notopterus notopterus was evaluated. The experimental group was exposed to sublethal concentration of profenofos at 7, 14 and 21 days. Histopathological changes due to the toxicity of pesticide in experimental and control kidney of the fish were observed by killing the animal every 7, 14 and 21 days. The kidneys were fixed in Bouin’s solution, dehydrated in graded ethanol, infiltrated in xylene, sectioned at 4-6 µ and stained in haematoxylin and eosin. Haemorrhage, oedema, fragmented glomeruli and elongated kidney tubules in experimental fish, and no effect were however observed in control fishes. It is concluded that profenofos is significantly toxic to the fish.
Abundance and Diurnal Activity Rhythm of Stomoxys spp. in a Wildlife-human Interface in Makokou (North East-Gabon)
Authors: Lendzele Sevidzem Silas , Joseph-Marie Affiri Odzame , Roland Zinga-Koumba Christophe , Franck Mounioko , Aubin Koumba Armel , Nguema Rodrigue Mintsa , Lydie Acapovi-Yao Genevieve , Bertrand M’batchi , Mavoungou Jacques François
Published: December 2019

The aim of the study was to determine the abundance and diurnal activity rhythm of Stomoxyinae at the Ivindo National park and its environs, 14 Vavoua traps were set-up during the rainy season (25th Sept-5th Oct and 21st Oct-9th Nov 2018), in two habitats: the forest, a part of the Ivindo National Park (INP) and village-Town. In the Village-Town habitat, 62141 Stomoxys were caught and regrouped under five species notably 36502 S. omega (58.74%), 24045 S. n. niger (38.69%), 1312 S. xanthomelas (2.11%), 265 S. n. bilineatus (0.43%) and 17 S. calcitrans (0.03%). At the INP, 4645 Stomoxys were caught and regrouped under four species notably 2364 S. n. niger (50.89%), 2153 S. omega (46.35%), 114 S. xanthomelas (2.45%) and 14 S. n. bilineatus (0.30%). Stomoxys were more abundant in the village (517.84 s/t/d) as compared to the INP (44.24 s/t/d). There was a statistically significant difference (P<0.05) in apparent density of Stomoxys in the prospected biotopes. Stomoxys spp. showed a unimodal activity pattern in Village-Town environments and forest sites of the INP. The diurnal activity trend of Stomoxys spp. was sex dependent. This base line data will be used in Stomoxys spp. management in the environs of the INP.
Prevalence and Intensity of Urinary Schistosomiasis among Residence: A Case Study in River Benue, Adamawa State, North Eastern Nigeria
Authors: Naphtali R. S. , Ngwamah J. S.
Published: December 2019

Background: In Nigeria, an infection caused by Schistosoma haematobium has been known to be endemic especially among residents along Rivers, and it is responsible for considerable public health problems.

Aims: This study aimed at assessing the prevalence and intensity of infection among the vulnerable communities.

Study Design: A cross-sectional study involving 1,404 participants within age bracket 5-55 years old and above, in ten communities across five Local Government Areas along River Benue in Adamawa State, was conducted. Urine samples were collected from randomly selected study subjects and were examined using centrifugation and sedimentation techniques. The intensity of infection was ascertained as eggs/10mls of urine and values expressed as Mean ± SD. Data on demography were obtained by structured questionnaires. The simple percentage was used and Chi-square as well to ascertain the associations between prevalence and other parameters. P<0.05 was considered as significant.

Results and Discussion: The overall prevalence and intensity of infection were 23.2% and 513±0.05 eggs/10 ml of urine respectively. Kabawa had the highest infection rate and intensity with 12.4% and 80±0.02 respectively. The lowest was recorded in Kangle (12.3% and 24±0.82 eggs/10 ml), with a significant association between parasite intensity and community (p<0.05). Gender-related prevalence and intensity revealed that males (25.5% and 289±4.66 eggs/10 ml) were more affected than the females (20.8% and 206±4.49 eggs/10 ml). Participants within age bracket 5-14 years old had the highest prevalence (36.6%) and intensity (142±0.005 eggs/10 ml), while the lowest was recorded among age group 45-54 years old with 9.0% and 42±0.040 eggs/10 ml. Prevalence and intensity of infection was highest among Subjects fetching water from River/Streams (31.8%, 46±0.080 egg/10 ml of urine), whereas the least were observed among borehole fetchers (13.8% and 241±0.302 egg/10 ml of urine). Occupational related prevalence and intensity were highest among Fishers with 35.0% and 188±0.012 egg/10 ml of urine. Chemotherapy and Health Education should be advocated across the study area.

Conclusion: This study has established that Schistosoma haematobium infection is prevalent among the residents living along the River Benue in Adamawa State, Nigeria. Although infection was more among the males than the females, there was no significant difference, but there were significant differences in prevalence and intensity with age, the source of drinking water, and occupation.
Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Helminths from the Fingernails of Primary School Pupils in Makurdi Benue State
Authors: Hosea Zakki Yula , Kator Liamngee , Philomena Oga Ohekpe
Published: December 2019

Intestinal helminth infections are widely distributed throughout the world and children are the most affected population. The present study was carried out to assess the prevalence of intestinal helminths in children of primary schools in Makurdi, Benue State. Sterile cotton balls soaked in 10% formol saline were used to swab the underneath of the fingernails to collect 200 nail dirt samples from the school pupils of different ages and gender. The parasites were isolated from the dirt of both gender and prevalence was recorded. The direct mount method was used in the identification of parasites. The prevalence of parasites was presented as descriptive statistics, while the relationship between several variables (such as age and gender) and the presence of parasites were determined by Chi-square test. The level of significance used was P<0.05. The highest prevalence was observed for Ascaris lumbricoides (35%) whereas the lowest prevalence was found for Strongyloides stercoralis (15%). The other parasite found was Ancylostoma duodenale (30%). Overall prevalence was found to be 10%. The prevalence of intestinal parasitic helminths was found to be higher in males with 13.19% than in females with 7.34%. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of the infection among gender. The distribution of intestinal parasitic helminths among the selected primary schools indicated that there was no significant difference in the occurrence of the helminths between the schools. The occurrence of fingernail parasites among children in primary schools can cause chronic infections which can negatively affect all aspects of children’s health.
Root Bark of Cordia millenii Essential Oil: Anti-inflammatory and Anti-nociceptive Activities
Authors: Avoseh Opeyemi N. , Ogunwande Isiaka A. , Yakubu Yahaya , Afolabi Peter O.
Published: December 2019

Aims: Considering the lack of scientific studies focused on the pharmacological activity of Cordia millenii essential oil, this work was designed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive activities of essential oil from the root bark.

Study Design: The design of the study include collection of root bark of Cordia millenii, hydrodistillation of essential oil from the plant and evaluation of its anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive potentials.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Chemistry, Lagos State University, Nigeria between May 2017 and April 2018.

Methodology: The root bark of C. millenii were collected from Ayetoro, Ilesha (7°37¢0N 4°43¢0E), Osun State, Nigeria in June 2017. Essential oils were obtained from the air-dry sample by hydrodistillation procedure in an all glass Clevenger-apparatus. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by carrageenan-induced rat paw edema. The anti-nociceptive action was established from the hot-plate analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism (version 7.02).

Results: The anti-inflammatory activity of the essential oil was statistically significant (p < 0.001) at 1st and 3rd h for the 100 mg/kg p.o., at 1st-3rd h for the 200/kg mg p.o. and at 3rd and 4th h for the 400 mg/kg p.o. In addition, the 100 mg/kg p.o. showed significant activity (p < 0.01) at 2nd h. Also, the anti-inflammatory activity was significant (p < 0.05) for 100 mg/kg p.o. (4th h), 200 mg/kg p.o. (4th h) and 400 mg/kg p.o (1st h). The essential oil of C. millenii displayed high activity (p <0.001) for all doses in the hot plate anti-nociceptive assay which was time and dose independent.

Conclusion: Results demonstrate that the essential oil of C. millenii was effective in the treatment of inflammatory conditions, thereby supporting the traditional use of this herb.
Contradições, limites e possibilidades: a experiência da Lei Municipal de Incentivo à Cultura de Belo Horizonte no fomento à produção audiovisual da periferia.
Authors: Freitas Marcelo Braga de
Published: December 2019

Este artigo analisa características dos proponentes e dos projetos do setor audiovisual contemplados nos editais 2013, 2014 e 2015 da Lei Municipal de Incentivo à Cultura de Belo Horizonte. O objetivo é refletir sobre o papel desempenhado por essa lei no fomento local da produção audiovisual da periferia, como parte de um processo democrático que busca diminuir a desigualdade de oportunidades e de acesso a recursos públicos entre diferentes grupos sociais e regiões de Belo Horizonte. Paradoxalmente, o resultado setorial pesquisado apresenta indícios que podem dificultar que políticas culturais do município cheguem até os segmentos populares.
Participação social nas políticas culturais: O Conselho Nacional de Políticas Culturais e o contexto de crise democrática
Authors: Aguiar Mariana De Araujo , Riscado Julia Erminia
Published: December 2019

Este artigo tem como objetivo refletir sobre o conceito de governança e participação a partir de uma análise histórica a respeito dos conselhos gestores, tendo por foco principal a trajetória do Conselho Nacional de Políticas Culturais. A partir dessa análise, buscamos compreender as crises e perspectivas para o campo das políticas de cultura em um contexto de transformações institucionais e ameaça aos mecanismos institucionais de participação.
Making Decisions About Stopping Medicines for Well‐Controlled Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: A Mixed‐Methods Study of Patients and Caregivers
Authors: Horton Daniel B. , Salas Jomaira , Wec Aleksandra , Kohlheim Melanie , Kapadia Pooja , Beukelman Timothy , Boneparth Alexis , Haverkamp Ky , Mannion Melissa L. , Moorthy L. Nandini , Ringold Sarah , Rosenthal Marsha
Published: December 2019

Objective

Improved treatments for juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) have increased remission rates. We conducted this study to investigate how patients and caregivers make decisions about stopping medications when JIA is inactive.

Methods

We performed a mixed‐methods study of caregivers and patients affected by JIA, recruited through social media and flyers, and selected by purposive sampling. Participants discussed their experiences with JIA, medications, and decision‐making through recorded telephone interviews. Of 44 interviewees, 20 were patients (50% ages <18 years), and 24 were caregivers (50% caring for children ages ≤10 years). We evaluated characteristics associated with high levels of reported concerns about JIA or medicines using Fisher’s exact testing.

Results

Decisions about stopping medicines were informed by competing risks between disease activity and treatment. Participants who expressed more concerns about JIA were more likely to report disease‐related complications (P = 0.002) and more motivated to continue treatment. However, participants expressing more concern about medicines were more likely to report treatment‐related complications (P = 0.04) and felt more compelled to stop treatment. Additionally, participants considered how JIA or treatments facilitated or interfered with their sense of normalcy and safety, expressed feelings of guilt and regret about previous or potential adverse events, and reflected on uncertainty and unpredictability of future harms. Decision‐making was also informed by trust in rheumatologists and other information sources (e.g., family and online support groups).

Conclusion

When deciding whether to stop medicines whenever JIA is inactive, patients and caregivers weigh competing risks between disease activity and treatment. Based on our results, we suggest specific approaches for clinicians to perform shared decision‐making regarding stopping medicines for JIA.
Detecting the Origin of Cancer‐Mobile Quantum Probe for Single Cancer Stem Cell Detection
Authors: Ganesh Swarna , Venkatakrishnan Krishnan , Tan Bo
Published: December 2019

Cancer stem cells (CSC) are believed to be the driving force of cancer metastases and are a rare population of self‐renewing cells that contribute majorly to the poor outcomes of cancer therapy. The detection of CSC is of utmost importance to shed light on the indestructible nature of certain solid tumors and their metastatic ability. However, tumors tend to harbor CSCs in a specialized niche, making the detection process difficult. Currently, there is no method available to detect CSCs. The significance of this work is twofold. First, to the best of the knowledge, it is the first time that the detection of CSC is demonstrated. This approach simultaneously detects both the phenotypic and the metabolic state of the cell, thus enabling universal detection of CSC with high accuracy. Second, to the best of the knowledge, for the first time, light is shed on cell chemistry of CSC in their dedicated niche to facilitate a better understanding of the key players involved in the metabolic rewiring of CSC. This work will enable a better understanding of the fundamentals of CSCs, which are critical for the early diagnosis of cancer and the development of therapies for the cure of cancer.
Nanodrug Carrier Based on Poly(Ursolic Acid) with Self‐Anticancer Activity against Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Ou Kunyong , Xu Xiaojun , Guan Shuyu , Zhang Ruhe , Zhang Xinyu , Kang Yang , Wu Jun
Published: December 2019

As the second most common cause of cancer‐related death worldwide, colorectal cancer (CRC) requires novel therapy strategies. Biodegradable polymers are used as drug carriers for treating CRC and other cancers. However, one of the limitations for the polymeric drug carriers is that they do not directly involve the treating procedure. Herein, to develop a polymeric drug delivery system with additional therapeutic effect from that of the polymer itself, poly(ursolic acid) (PUA) is, for the first time, simply synthesized via polycondensation of ursolic acid (UA), a bioactive ingredient widely distributed in herbal medicine. PUA can self‐assemble into nanoparticles (PUA‐NPs) with a diameter of ≈122 nm and an effective load of ≈10.1%, and deliver drugs, such as paclitaxel (PUA‐NPs@PTX). In vitro studies show that PUA‐NPs@PTX have strong cytotoxicity against colorectal cancer CT26 cells, while in vivo results indicate that these NPs have a prolonged blood circulation time, enhanced tumor accumulation, and significantly improved antitumor efficacy in CT26 tumor‐bearing mice. Furthermore, both in vitro and in vivo results confirm that the PUA‐NPs themselves have therapeutic effects on CT26 cells, without causing obvious toxicity to main organs, such as bledding or necrosis. In summary, such a therapeutic polymer platform provides a new therapeutic strategy for treating cancer.
Extraordinarily Large Electrocaloric Strength of Metal‐Free Perovskites
Authors: Wang Jian‐Jun , Fortino Daniel , Wang Bo , Zhao Xinye , Chen Long‐Qing
Published: December 2019

The availability of materials with high electrocaloric (EC) strengths is critical to enabling EC refrigeration in practical applications. Although large EC entropy changes, ΔSEC, and temperature changes, ΔTEC, have been achieved in traditional thin‐film ceramics and polymer ferroelectrics, they require the application of very high electric fields and thus their EC strengths ΔSEC/ΔE and ΔTEC/ΔE are too low for practical applications. Here, a fundamental thermodynamic description is developed, and extraordinarily large EC strengths of a metal‐free perovskite ferroelectric [MDABCO](NH4)I3 (MDABCO) are predicted. The predicted EC strengths: isothermal ΔSEC/ΔE and adiabatic ΔTEC/ΔE for MDABCO are 18 J m kg−1 K−1 MV−1 and 8.06 K m MV−1, respectively, more than three times the largest reported values in BaTiO3 single crystals. These predictions strongly suggest the metal‐free ferroelectric family of materials as the best candidates among existing materials for EC applications. The present work not only presents a general approach to developing thermodynamic potential energy functions for ferroelectric materials but also suggests a family of candidate materials with potentially extremely high EC performance.
Realizing Excellent Thermoelectric Performance of Sb2Te3 Based Segmented Leg with a Wide Temperature Range Using One‐Step Sintering
Authors: Xie Liangjun , Qin Haixu , Zhu Jianbo , Yin Li , Qin Dandan , Guo Fengkai , Cai Wei , Zhang Qian , Sui Jiehe
Published: December 2019

To achieve a wide temperature range and a high figure‐of‐merit, segmented assembling is considered as the most effective method based on optimized low‐temperature and medium‐temperature thermoelectric materials. In this work, divalent magnesium (Mg) as acceptor doping in both Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 and indium (In) alloyed Sb2Te3 play an important role in improving thermoelectric performance, including enhanced power factor by balancing the electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient, reduced bipolar thermal conductivity by delaying occurrence of intrinsic excitation, and reduced lattice thermal conductivity due to point defects. Finally, both the figure‐of‐merit (ZT) value and the corresponding operating temperature range are improved. Typically, Mg0.01Bi0.5Sb1.49Te3 with a ZTave of 1.16 from 300 to 520 K and a ZTave of 0.84 for Mg0.02In0.1Sb1.88Te3 from 500 to 680 K are obtained. To further obtain wide‐temperature high ZT value, p‐type Mg0.01Bi0.5Sb1.49Te3/Mg0.02In0.1Sb1.88Te3 segmented leg with excellent interface bonding and extremely low contact resistivity is successfully fabricated by only one‐step sintering process. The corresponding average ZT value is up to 1.02 with a broad temperature range from 300 to 680 K, and a maximum theoretical conversion efficiency of 12.7% with a temperature difference of 380 K is obtained. This provides guidelines for high efficiency thermoelectric devices.
Deformation and water loss from solvent filled microcapsules under compressive loads
Authors: Finn Justin R. , Galvin Janine E. , Panday Rupen , Ashfaq Huda
Published: December 2019

Microcapsules filled with liquid solvents for CO2 absorption can be easily deformed due to their elastic polymer shells. We present a combination of experiments and model predictions to demonstrate that modest compressive forces can lead to significant capsule deformation and performance issues for this enabling technology. Contrary to expectations based on Raoult's law, capsules containing aqueous carbonate solution were found to lose water to flows of humidified nitrogen in centimeter‐scale packed beds. Water loss increased with gas velocity, suggesting compression was responsible for mass transfer, an interpretation supported by microscope images of deformed and broken capsules. A model for compression induced mass transfer under packed/fluidized bed operating conditions was developed and validated with the experimental data for a range of conditions (gas velocities, temperatures, humidities). Design criteria for future generations of microcapsules that will more effectively resist compression are evaluated.
Resilience to multiple stressors in an aquatic plant and its microbiome
Authors: O'Brien Anna M. , Yu Zhu Hao , Luo Dian‐ya , Laurich Jason , Passeport Elodie , Frederickson Megan E.
Published: December 2019

Premise

Outcomes of species interactions, especially mutualisms, are notoriously dependent on environmental context, and environments are changing rapidly. Studies have investigated how mutualisms respond to or ameliorate anthropogenic environmental changes, but most have focused on nutrient pollution or climate change and tested stressors one at a time. Relatively little is known about how mutualisms may be altered by or buffer the effects of multiple chemical contaminants, which differ fundamentally from nutrient or climate stressors and are especially widespread in aquatic habitats.

Methods

We investigated the impacts of two contaminants on interactions between the duckweed Lemna minor and its microbiome. Sodium chloride (salt) and benzotriazole (a corrosion inhibitor) often co‐occur in runoff to water bodies where duckweeds reside. We tested three L. minor genotypes with and without the culturable portion of their microbiome across field‐realistic gradients of salt (3 levels) and benzotriazole (4 levels) in a fully factorial experiment (24 treatments, tested on each genotype) and measured plant and microbial growth.

Results

Stressors had conditional effects. Salt decreased both plant and microbial growth and decreased plant survival more as benzotriazole concentrations increased. In contrast, benzotriazole did not affect microbial abundance and even benefited plants when salt and microbes were absent, perhaps due to biotransformation into growth‐promoting compounds. Microbes did not ameliorate duckweed stressors; microbial inoculation increased plant growth, but not at high salt concentrations.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that multiple stressors matter when predicting responses of mutualisms to global change and that beneficial microbes may not always buffer hosts against stress.
Copper supported on phenanthroline‐functionalized porous polymer as an active catalyst for the oxidative carbonylation of methanol
Authors: Lei Yizhu , Leng Guojun , Li Guangxing , Li Zhi , Zhu Dajian
Published: December 2019

Porous organic polymer has recently attracted tremendous interest because of its potential to combine the best features of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts. In this study, copper supported on phenanthroline‐functionalized porous polymer (Cu@PCP‐Phen) was prepared by a co‐polymerization method and used as a heterogeneous catalyst for dimethyl carbonate synthesis via the oxidative carbonylation of methanol. The catalyst was characterized by N2 adsorption, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, 13C solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, which suggested that it possessed a big surface area, hierarchical porous structure, and strong electron‐donating effect toward copper species. The Cu@PCP‐Phen catalyst showed high catalytic activity, which was significantly higher than those achieved with Cu‐based catalysts under similar reaction conditions. In addition, the catalyst can be easily separated and reused at least six times with only a slight decrease in activity. The salient features of this protocol are the simplicity in handling of the catalyst, high catalytic activity, excellent selectivity, low copper leaching, and good catalyst recyclability.
Quercetin: A promising phytochemical for the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme
Authors: Tavana Erfan , Mollazadeh Hamid , Mohtashami Elmira , Modaresi Seyed Mohamad Sadegh , Hosseini Azar , Sabri Hamed , Soltani Arash , Javid Hossein , Afshari Amir R. , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: December 2019

Quercetin, a plant‐derived flavonoid, is known for its antitumor and antiproliferative activities. Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), as a highly aggressive cerebrum tumor, has a poor prognosis that is approximately 12 months despite standard therapy. Therefore, because of the low effectiveness of the current therapeutic strategies, additional medications in combination with chemotherapy and radiotherapy are needed, which could improve the prognosis of GBM patients. Multiple lines of evidence have shown that quercetin regulates many proteins involved in the cellular signal transduction in GBM. In this review, recent findings on the targeting of particular signaling pathways by quercetin and the subsequent effect on the pathogenesis of GBM are presented and discussed.
Brand switching and consumer identification with brands in the smartphones industry
Authors: Appiah Dominic , Ozuem Wilson , Howell Kerry E. , Lancaster Geoff
Published: December 2019

Brand loyalty literature has mainly focused on how brands perform under normal market conditions. As the business environment grows more complex, globalised, and innovative, market disruptions become more prevalent. Taking a cognition‐based approach, this paper proposes that customers identify with brands to satisfy self‐definitional needs. A social constructivist perspective, using an inductive and case study strategy, was used. Data generation was based on purposeful sampling, and participants were chosen on the basis of their “lived” experience with the use of smartphones. Four major themes were identified in the purchase of smartphones: identity, satisfaction, brand loyalty, and brand switching. Participants' views suggested that this provides them with a sense of purpose and meaning, defining who they are and why they behave in specified ways in society, which increases their self‐esteem. Brand switching occurs when customers are motivated to review available alternatives in the marketplace due to a change in competitive activities. Socially, switching occurs when a customer's belief in a brand is externally influenced within the social setting. When the boundary between the “in‐group” and the “out‐group” is impermeable and changing, group membership is not realistic; social mobility is not a viable strategy to cope with identity threats.
Electron Paramagnetic Resonance and Magnetic Circular Dichroism Spectra of the Nitrogenase M Cluster Precursor Suggest Sulfur Migration upon Oxidation: A Proposal for Substrate and Inhibitor Binding
Authors: Rupnik Kresimir , Tanifuji Kazuki , Rettberg Lee , Ribbe Markus W. , Hu Yilin , Hales Brian J.
Published: December 2019

The active site of the nitrogen‐fixing enzyme Mo‐nitrogenase is the M cluster ([MoFe7S9C⋅R‐homocitrate]), also known as the FeMo cofactor or FeMoco. The biosynthesis of this highly complex metallocluster involves a series of proteins. Among them, NifB, a radical‐SAM enzyme, is instrumental in the assembly of the L cluster ([Fe8S9C]), a precursor and all‐iron core of the M cluster. In the absence of sulfite, NifB assembles a precursor form of the L cluster called the L* cluster ([Fe8S8C]), which lacks the final ninth sulfur. EPR and MCD spectroscopies are used to probe the electronic structures of the paramagnetic, oxidized forms of both the L and L* clusters, labeled LOx and [L*]Ox. This study shows that both LOx and [L*]Ox have nearly identical EPR and MCD spectra, thus suggesting that the two clusters have identical structures upon oxidation; in other words, a sulfur migrates away from LOx following oxidation, thereby rendering the cluster identical to [L*]Ox. It is proposed that a similar migration could occur to the M cluster upon oxidation, and that this is an instrumental part of both M cluster formation and nitrogenase substrate/inhibitor binding.
Esophageal candidiasis and its diagnosis
Authors: Bansal Raghav , Matos‐Casano Harold A. , Martinez‐Pitre Pedro
Published: December 2019

The concomitant use of two distinct sampling methods can enhance the diagnostic yield of esophageal candidiasis during upper endoscopy. Furthermore, when initial staining is inconclusive, the use of additional stains can help establish the diagnosis.
Prosthetic rehabilitation of the geriatric oncologic rhinectomy patient utilizing a craniofacial implant‐retained nasal prosthesis
Authors: Rosen Evan B. , Ahmed Zain Uddin , Huryn Joseph M. , Ganly Ian
Published: December 2019

This clinical report describes the expeditious treatment of a geriatric patient with squamous cell carcinoma of the nose treated with total rhinectomy, craniofacial implant placement, and a nasal prosthesis.
High‐dimensional spectral data classification with nonparametric feature screening
Authors: Li Chuan‐Quan , Xu Qing‐Song
Published: December 2019

Two nonparametric feature screening methods, namely, the Kolmogorov filter and model free, marginally measure the relationship between categorical response and predictor variables without the parametrical assumption. And they can select important variables in the high‐dimensional classification data. Random forest, as a classical nonparametric method, can solve various classification problems. In this paper, we combine the two nonparametric feature screening methods with random forest to handle with spectral data classification. And then other conventional classification methods are compared with ours on three spectral datasets. The comparison results illustrated that our methods have more desirable ability about classification performance and variable selection than other methods.
Facile Redox‐Induced Aromatic–Antiaromatic Interconversion of a β‐Tetracyano‐21,23‐Dithiaporphyrin under Ambient Conditions
Authors: Yamashita Ken‐ichi , Nakajima Kana , Honda Yusuke , Ogawa Takuji
Published: December 2019

Facile redox‐induced aromatic–antiaromatic interconversions were accomplished by using β‐tetracyano‐21,23‐dithiaporphyrin (CN4S2Por). Introduced cyano groups not only increased the reduction potential of the porphyrin core but also stabilized the antiaromatic isophlorin (CN4S2Iph) by π conjugation. The reduction of CN4S2Por with hydrazine in polar solvents quantitatively affords CN4S2Iph, even under ambient conditions. CN4S2Iph retains a nearly planar conformation and exhibits considerable antiaromaticity. Aerobic oxidation of CN4S2Iph to CN4S2Por occurs in nonpolar solvents. This study was conducted to contribute to the understanding of the structure–antiaromaticity relationship.
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: New approaches to diagnosis and management
Authors: Upadhya Bharathi , Kitzman Dalane W.
Published: December 2019

The majority of older patients who develop heart failure (HF), particularly older women, have a preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (HFpEF). Patients with HFpEF have severe symptoms of exercise intolerance, poor quality‐of‐life, frequent hospitalizations, and increased mortality. The prevalence of HFpEF is increasing and its prognosis is worsening. However, despite its importance, our understanding of the pathophysiology of HFpEF is incomplete, and drug development has proved immensely challenging. Currently, there are no universally accepted therapies that alter the clinical course of HFpEF. Originally viewed as a disorder due solely to abnormalities in left ventricular (LV) diastolic function, our understanding has evolved such that HFpEF is now understood as a systemic syndrome, involving multiple organ systems, likely triggered by inflammation and with an important contribution of aging, lifestyle factors, genetic predisposition, and multiple‐comorbidities, features that are typical of a geriatric syndrome. HFpEF is usually progressive due to complex mechanisms of systemic and cardiac adaptation that vary over time, particularly with aging. In this review, we examine evolving data regarding HFpEF that may help explain past challenges and provide future directions to care patients with this highly prevalent, heterogeneous clinical syndrome.
Phase 2 study of LY3023414 in patients with advanced endometrial cancer harboring activating mutations in the PI3K pathway
Authors: Rubinstein Maria M. , Hyman David M. , Caird Imogen , Won Helen , Soldan Krysten , Seier Kenneth , Iasonos Alexia , Tew William P. , O’Cearbhaill Roisin E. , Grisham Rachel N. , Hensley Martee L. , Troso‐Sandoval Tiffany , Sabbatini Paul , Guillen Joyce , Selcuklu S. Duygu , Zimel Catherine , Torrisi Jean , Aghajanian Carol , Makker Vicky
Published: December 2019

Background

PI3K pathway activation is common in endometrial cancer. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of the dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor, LY3023414, in patients with advanced endometrial cancer harboring activating mutations in the PI3K pathway.

Methods

We conducted a single‐arm phase 2 study of monotherapy LY3023414. Eligible patients had advanced endometrial cancer of any grade, prior management with 1‐4 cytotoxic lines, and PI3K pathway activation prospectively defined as a loss‐of‐function PTEN alteration or activating alteration in PIK3CA, AKT1, PIK3R1, PIK3R2, or MTOR. The primary objective was best overall response rate (ORR) per RECIST 1.1.

Results

Twenty‐eight patients were treated; histologies included endometroid (39%), carcinosarcoma (25%), serous (21%), and mixed (14%). Patients were heavily pretreated, with a median of 2 prior cytotoxic lines (range, 1‐3). The most common alterations involved PIK3CA (68%), PTEN (43%), and PIK3R1 (32%). In the 25 efficacy‐evaluable patients, the ORR was 16% (90% CI, 7%‐100%), and the clinical benefit rate was 28% (90% CI, 16%‐100%). Four patients had a confirmed partial response, and 2 responses lasted for >9 months. The median progression‐free survival and overall survival were 2.5 months (95% CI, 1.2‐3.0) and 9.2 months (95% CI, 5.0‐15.9), respectively. The most common all‐grade treatment‐related adverse events were anemia (71%), hyperglycemia (71%), hypoalbuminemia (68%), and hypophosphatemia (61%). No correlation between molecular alterations and response was observed.

Conclusion

In patients with heavily pretreated advanced endometrial cancer prospectively selected for tumors with activating PI3K pathway mutations, LY3023414 demonstrated modest single‐agent activity and a manageable safety profile.
Cytomorphology of hepatoblastoma with histological correlation and role of SALL4 immunocytochemistry in its diagnosis, subtyping, and prognostication
Authors: Nakra Tripti , Roy Maitrayee , Yadav Rajni , Agarwala Sandeep , Jassim Mohamed , Khanna Gaurav , Das Prasenjit , Jain Deepali , Mathur Sandeep R. , Iyer Venkateswaran K.
Published: December 2019

Background

Hepatoblastoma (HB) is the most common malignant pediatric liver tumor, and cytology material is often the only tissue available for evaluation before definitive therapy. Subcategorization of HB based on cytomorphological features thus carries an important role in its prognostication. Spalt‐like transcription factor 4 (SALL4), a marker of embryonic stem cells that is also found in the fetal liver, is reactivated in certain liver tumors. Limited studies have evaluated its role in HB. This study was aimed at evaluating the cytomorphological features of HB and assessing the utility of SALL4 immunocytochemistry (ICC) in its subtyping and prognostication.

Methods

Pretherapy fine‐needle aspiration smears from patients diagnosed with HB over a period of 9 years were retrieved. Aspirates were subclassified on the basis of the cytomorphology and were correlated with the histology wherever it was available. ICC for SALL4 was performed in 33 cases, and nuclear staining was considered positive.

Results

A total of 53 HB cases were included with 30 available postchemotherapy resection specimens. All the patients were diagnosed as epithelial HB on cytology, and the cases were subclassified as pure fetal (9 of 53), pure embryonal (2 of 53), or combined epithelial HB (42 of 53). There was good concordance between cytology and histology for subtyping. SALL4 immunostaining displayed strong and diffuse nuclear positivity in the embryonal component while focal and weak to negative staining in fetal cells.

Conclusions

Fine‐needle aspiration cytology serves as a rapid and effective tool for a correct diagnosis of HB before the implementation of chemotherapy, and SALL4 may serve as a useful diagnostic and prognostic marker.
Unusual Effect of Trace Water on the Structure and Activity of NixCo1−x Electrocatalysts for the Methanol Oxidation Reaction
Authors: Que Ronghui , Li Maolin , Yao Hong , Wang Xiuhua , Liao Fan , Shao Mingwang
Published: December 2019

Highly active Ni‐based catalysts have attracted much attention but are still facing challenges owing to the immature synthetic method. Herein, polyhedral NixCo1−x alloy was prepared by a facile modified polyol method in which a trace amount of water could halve the particle size of the alloy. The Ni/Co ratios in NixCo1−x alloy strictly depended on the used amount of water owing to the different solubilities of the precursors. Among them, the Ni0.6Co0.4 nanoparticles obtained with 70 μL of deionized water exhibited the best performance in the methanol oxidation reaction with a peak current density of 116 mA cm−2 in the presence of 1 m NaOH+0.5 m CH3OH solution, which is higher than those of Ni0.7Co0.3 (80 mA cm−2) and Ni0.5Co0.5 (33 mA cm−2). The excellent performance of Ni0.6Co0.4 is attributed to the unique structure with appropriate Ni/Co ratio, which elongates the C−O bond in methanol and lowers the reaction free energy according to DFT calculations.
Unambiguous and precise correlation receiver for binary offset carrier modulated signal
Authors: Zhang Hua , Zuo Jiancun
Published: December 2019

The binary offset carrier (BOC) modulated signal can improve the positioning accuracy and increase the multipath resistance in global navigation satellite system (GNSS), and it may cause potential ambiguity in the process of signal acquisition and code tracking. In this paper, a simple but efficient unambiguous receiver is firstly proposed for multiple side‐peaks mitigation by implementing correlation of the received BOC signal with local sine wave instead of square wave used at the transmitter. Moreover, the potential degradation of sharpness of the nonlinear correlation induced by the sine wave is well compensated by optimizing the early‐to‐late spacing. The other reason leading to ambiguity is the multipath propagation, so we further propose a maximum likelihood (ML) estimator with Newton iteration method, where the received GNSS signal is modeled via the line‐of‐sight (LOS) component and the first‐arrived non‐line‐of‐sight (NLOS) component. Finally, the analytical expression of multipath propagation Cramer‐Rao bound is derived for the designed ML estimator. Simulation results indicate that compared with the conventional BOC modulation, the proposed sine wave receiver can achieve unambiguous and more precise code tracking performance and thus turns out to be more robust to multipath propagation.
Modeling and simulating the time‐varying movement in MIMO downlink by integrating ADS with Matlab
Authors: Gui Renzhou , Chen Tongjie
Published: December 2019

Communication systems and radar systems generally face problems caused by time‐varying motion, especially in the case of complex radio wave propagation in cities. Therefore, it is necessary to establish a suitable channel model to simulate the system to deal with these problems. This paper refers to the MIMO space‐time channel model in the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) technical standard and proposes a method for modeling and simulating time‐varying motion in a MIMO downlink system according to the characteristics of the wireless channel and the transmission mode. The transmission function in MIMO downlink is derived to calculate the different Doppler frequency shift in the model based on 3GPP. By integrating ADS with Matlab software, environmental parameters and correlation coefficients can be manually set to simulate the downlink. During the simulation process, different modulation model bandwidths and channel conditions are set, and the configuration of the antenna parameters changes accordingly. Finally, the differences of simulation results are analyzed.
Co‐pelletization of edible fungi cultivation residue and pine sawdust: The optimal variable combinations
Authors: Li Weizhen , Bu Wenjing , Jiang Yang , Guo Weiwei , Wang Yan , Yin Xiuli
Published: December 2019

Co‐pelletization of edible fungi cultivation residue and pine sawdust would help reduce the problems of residue disposal and resource limitation of pellet production. The objective of this work was to obtain the optimal variable formulations for pellets production from blends of Flammulina velutipes residue and Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica Litv. sawdust. Response surface methodology was employed to design the experiments. A uniaxial piston‐cylinder compression apparatus was used to produce pellets. The effects of variables of residue adding amount, moisture content, temperature, and pressure on responses of specific energy consumption, relaxed density, and Meyer Hardness were analyzed. Variance analysis of the data demonstrates that the differences between adjusted R2 and predicted R2 values are all within 0.2. The optimal variable combinations with residue content varying 0–40% were obtained according to the set response goals. Validation experiments were carried out using the same apparatus and relative percentage errors between the response predicted values and the experimental results were analyzed to improve the models. Most final errors were reduced below 10% indicating the high accuracy of the models. Further calculation of calorific value and ash content manifests that pellet performances could be improved by co‐pelletization.
Thermal decomposition of ammonium nitrate
Authors: Babrauskas Vytenis , Leggett David
Published: December 2019

The thermal decomposition reactions of ammonium nitrate (AN) are reviewed. Both neat AN and AN containing various contaminants are examined, however quantitative kinetics results are not encompassed. Also not included is the performance of AN as the oxidizer in rocket propellants or in explosives such as ANFO. The review is intended to be the most comprehensive review of decomposition reactions of AN since Berthelot's treatise of 1892. Despite hundreds of papers on the topic that have appeared in the intervening years, understanding of decomposition mechanisms remains only modestly more complete than it was in Berthelot's day. However, some additional reaction steps and mechanisms have been identified and these are discussed. Explosions of AN most commonly involve fire as the proximate cause, yet chemical‐mechanism research on the topic is nil. A modest number of studies have explored the potentiation of AN decomposition by organic contaminants. These have, thus far, not produced guidance useful for promoting of safety from fire‐related causes. Contamination from inorganic sources, notably chlorides is better understood and some mechanisms have been studied. The UN classification of AN as an oxidizer, instead of as an explosive, should not be interpreted literally, since AN has been associated with numerous detonation disasters.
Geomorphology of the underwater caldera of the Changbaishan Tianchi volcano using 3D virtual visualization
Authors: Wang Nan , Li Sanzhong , Hu Rijun , Xu Yongchen , Wang Xiangdong
Published: December 2019

Based on high‐precision multibeam underwater terrain data, 3D virtual visualization technology is adopted to reconstruct the Changbaishan Tianchi Volcano Crater, China, because this technology can intuitively show the shape of underwater calderas. Results indicate that the current terrain of the lakebed at the Tianchi Caldera mainly formed by a combination of one volcanic explosion, eruption and collapse in the periods of the Tianwen Peak and the Millennium Eruption, and it is also associated with the orographic uplift caused by the subsequent and frequent activities of the magma chamber. Two boccas at different periods are observed at the lakebed of the Tianchi Caldera: the large bocca located in the centre of the caldera that probably formed 5,000–4,000 years ago during the eruption period and the small bocca located in the west of the large bocca that probably formed in the Millennium Eruption period. The eruption resulted in the collapse of the magma cave, thus forming a semi‐annular dike and two lava domes along the topographic slope, which extends along the lakebed with the direction of 30°–45°NE. The southern and northeastern feet of the collapsed crater slid downward and accumulated, with the southern foot of the crater touching the southern end of the ridged dike.
Prevalence of profound laryngeal sensory neuropathy in head and neck cancer survivors with feeding tube‐dependent oropharyngeal dysphagia
Authors: Mehdizadeh Omid B. , Dhar Shumon I. , Evangelista Lisa , Nativ‐Zeltzer Nogah , Bewley Arnaud F. , Belafsky Peter C.
Published: December 2019

Background

Laryngopharyngeal sensory neuropathy (LSN) has been observed to be a contributing factor to swallowing dysfunction in head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors.

Methods

Retrospective review of 43 tube‐dependent HNC survivors was conducted. LSN was assessed with direct palpation of the aryepiglottic fold and by traversing the true vocal folds without eliciting a cough reflex with a flexible laryngoscope.

Results

The primary tumor sites were oropharynx (51%), larynx (14%), nasopharynx (4.7%), oral cavity (14%), thyroid (4.7%), unknown primary (9.3%), and esophagus (2.3%). The prevalence of profound LSN was 79.1%. Objective fluoroscopic parameters contributing to swallowing dysfunction were diminished laryngohyoid elevation (100%), pharyngeal weakness (67%), and reduced lateral PES opening (37%).

Conclusions

The prevalence of LSN in HNC survivors with feeding tube‐dependent dysphagia is high (79.1%). The data suggest that LSN, in addition to fibrosis, pharyngoesophageal stenosis, and cranial nerve motor deficits contributes to swallowing dysfunction in these patients.