bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patrones del procesamiento de la información en la edad escolar: implicaciones para profesorado y orientadores.
Authors: Alutu Azuka N.G , Ifedili Chika J
Published: July 2020

RESUMENEn este artículo se exploran los patrones de procesamiento de la información en niños y niñas en edad escolar. Se rastrean los procesos psicológicos que tienen lugar en el cerebro cuando el individuo percibe datos para ser analizados. El artículo se centra en el procesamiento cognitivo de la información entre otros modelos. Se resalta la necesidad de que los orientadores y los profesores conozcan y se familiaricen con los procesos fundamentales de adquisición, retención y recuperación de la informacióncomo esenciales en el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje. Se concluyó que puesto que el periodo de atención de la mayoría de los niños y niñas en edad escolar suele ser breve necesitan ayuda para la ad-quisición y procesamiento de la información útil.ABSTRACTThis paper explores the pattern of information processing by the school child. The psychological processes that go in the brain when data to be analyzed is perceived by the individual are traced in this paper. The paper focused on cognitive information processing among other models. The paper addresses the need for the counselors and teachers to be acquainted with the crucial processes of acquisition,retention and recall of information which is central to the teaching and learning process. It was concluded that since the attention span of the average school child is brief, he/she needs assistance in acquiring and processing useful information.
Aproximación al perfil del orientador en la ESO de Aragón
Authors: García Nieto Narciso , Cano Escoriaza Jacobo
Published: July 2020

RESUMENEl objetivo del artículo es analizar el perfil del orientador que trabaja en la Comunidad Autónoma de Aragón en el ámbito educativo en la ESO. Se recogen datos de más del 80% de estos profesionales a través de un Cuestionario realizado específicamente para esta investigación sobre el Análisis sobre las Funciones de los Orientadores (CAFO) y se hace una aproximación a sus características más relevantes. Se incluyen variables personales ‑edad, sexo, provincia, formación inicial, de grado y postgrado‑, variables profesionales ‑años de experiencia como orientadores, como docentes, situación laboral, dedicación y horario‑ y variables relacionadas con su Centro ‑titularidad, programas que imparte, miembros del Departamento de Orientación y alumnado que atiende‑.ABSTRACTThis paper aims at analyzing the professional profile of the school counsellors working in Aragon Secondary Schools. We collected data from over 80% of Aragon School counsellors by means of a questionnaire specially constructed for this research to analyze their tasks and to know their main characteristics. We include personal variables such as age, gender, region, or training. We also analyze professional skills, such as experience as counsellors and teachers, full/part time basis, or timetable. Finally, we analyze variables related to the work place: public/private status, variety of programmes, number of people in the counselling department, and type of students.
Influence of Socio-economic Characteristics of Cocoa Farmers on the Use of E-agriculture in Ghana
Authors: Nyarko Daniel Ayisi , Kozári József
Published: July 2020

The emergence of modern communication technology has influenced lives of many people and businesses around the world. It has revolutionized agribusiness activities, improved communication and information access among farmers. Amid of this technophilia, many cocoa farmers are still challenged with agricultural and extension information access in Ghana. The main objective of this study was to ascertain the socio-economic factors that influerence cocoa farmers use of         e-agriculture services. A multistage cluster sampling method was used to select 113 cocoa farmers’ household from the Akyease cocoa district. The data obtained was analysed using SPSS software version 22. The study revealed that farmer education, household income, gender, among other factors were the main determinants of farmers' e-agriculture information access. It was therefore recommended that a comprehensive educational programme should be introduced to cocoa farmers to enhance their education and the use of e-agriculture services.
Optimizing the Sustainability of Renewable Energy: A Review on the Impart of Internet of Things
Authors: Chukwuemeka C. Mazi , Uchechi M. Ihedioha , Obinna C. Onyedeke , Modesta Ezema , Chimezie Uzo Blessing , Nnamdi A. Idoko
Published: July 2020

The problems of energy usage wastage, conservation and optimization has always been there. Most significantly in third world countries with a high level of improper energy resource management. The world has become a global village and tending toward the transformational use of technology assets and materials to optimize the usage of renewable energy; in this case the Internet of things. Renewable Energy are actually energy source that are continually replenished naturally by nature. The internet of things are interconnected system through which hardware system device are given instruction for instance to reduce energy wastage; the potential for further reduction of fossil fuel usage and wasted energy is become cosmic. Optimization here is the appropriate management of the energy generated by energy sources through use of internet of things. The modern technology such as the internet of things is to help harness and improve in management by switching between renewable energy sources alongside the enhancement in making effective energy source at given time and energy consuming device.
Simulations of Infectious Disease Propagation
Authors: Jr. William J. B. Oldham
Published: July 2020

Introduction and Objectives: The results of two simulations of the propagation of an infectious disease are presented. The objective of this research is to track the propagation of an infectious disease as a function of particle density and time. The results are given as a percentage of the population that is infected as a function of time.

Methods: The method here is to use computer simulation on a particle basis to track the progress of the infection. An uninfected particle becomes infected if it is closer than the critical distance to an infected particle. The movement of the particles is force driven in the first simulation while in the second each particle executes a random walk. In the second simulation the infection rates are given for different amounts of protection in the population.

Results and Discussion: These simulations show the entire population is at risk if proper measures are not taken early. For 400 particles the infection rate is 100% after approximately 100,000 iterations.  We give the results from one dual simulation in which protection was afforded for a significant part of the population and carried out until all of the unprotected were infected.  In the second part the protection was lifted to see how fast the total population was infected. For the cases of 50% protected it took 400,000 iterations to infect the unprotected particles. After the restrictions were lifted it took 140,000 to infect the other half. The simulations here are particle based which has the advantage of seeing individual particle involvement.

Conclusion: The propagation of the disease can be fast and depends on particle density. Protection is vital to containing the disease. Restrictions must be lifted carefully and slowly or the total population is again at risk.
Agrometeorological Advisory Service: A Key to Enhance the Farmers’ Income in Red and Lateritic Zone of Purulia District of West Bengal
Authors: Thakur S. , Rahman F. H. , Bhattacharjya S. K. , Chakraborty A. , Mahato B. , Ghosh C. , Biswas P. , Maity L. , Dutta D. , Patra S. , Rath S. , Bhattacharjya M. K. , Pradhan V.
Published: July 2020

Weather and climate affect the production of an agricultural system as it influences growth and development of crops before and during the cropping season. The Agro-meteorological Advisory Service (AAS) rendered by India Meteorological Department implemented through establishment of District Agromet Unit (DAMU) in different Krishi Vigyan Kendras across the country mainly aims to enhance the farmers’ income by proper utilization of inputs and adopting suitable management practices according to the weather condition. The present study was undertaken to know the usefulness of AAS and assessing the economic benefit through its adoption in day to day farming operation by the farmers. The study was conducted at Jambad village of Purulia district under Red and Lateritic Zone of West Bengal for Kharif rice, groundnut and mustard crop which are predominantly grown in the region during 2019 Kharif and 2019-20 Rabi season. A group of farmers following AAS regularly provided through DAMU were selected randomly from the target village and farmers not following the same were also identified for the study. The economic impact and usefulness of block level AAS has been assessed through analysing the data collected from the selected farmers using suitable statistical technique. The result showed from the study that most of the cases forecasted data is well matched with actual data and hence those farmers who have adopted AAS timely in their farming operation realized more net income as compared to non AAS farmers having the same crop grown in the target village. Thus it can be concluded from the study that AAS is an effective tool for minimizing the crop losses caused due to aberrant weather and played a significant role in enhancing the production and farmers’ income.
Response of Cauliflower to Different Forms of Boron and Relation to Boron Availability in Red and Lateritic Soils of West Midnapore District of West Bengal
Authors: Mukherjee S. , Rahaman F. H. , Choudhuri T. K. , Das S. , Nag K.
Published: July 2020

A field experiment on Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis L.) was conducted to study the different form of Boron deficiency which in terms will increase yield of Cauliflower in red and lateritic soils during 2011-12 at Kapgari village of Seva Bharati Krishi Vigyan Kendra at West Midnapore district of West Bengal. The design adopted was Randomised Block Design (RBD) having ten replications with four treatments. The different forms of boron treated cauliflower plants attributed higher yields over control. Among different treatments evaluated, the treatment T3 i.e. FYM @ 10 t/ha + Boric acid (20% Boron) @ 0.3% as foliar spray after one month of planting showed better yield (91% fresh curd harvested) and quality in respect to curd size (24 cm) and weight (2.70 kg) followed marginally by T4 i.e. FYM @ 10 t/ha + Total B2O (liquid Boron - 20% Boron) @ 1.5 g/L of water as foliar spray after one month of planting in all aspects followed by T1 i.e. Farmyard manure @ 10 t/ha as basal dose and T2 i.e. FYM @ 10 t/ha+ Borax @ 15 kg/ha as basal dose respectively. Treatment T3 also achieved 13.41%, 51.66% and 139.47% more fresh curds as compared to T4, T2 and T1 respectively. Treatment T4 showed improved performance (82% fresh curd) after T3 which achieve economic thresh level over T2 (60% fresh curd) and T1 (38% fresh curd) respectively. Lower curd size recorded with T1 (16 cm) followed by T2 (18 cm) and T4 (20 cm). T3 recorded highest weight of the curd (2.7 kg) as compared to T1 (1.25 kg), T2 (1.5 kg) and T4 (2.0 kg). Highest available form of boron in the soil is found in T3 (37.50 ppm) followed by T4 (35.0 ppm), T2 (30.62 ppm) and T1 (27.4 ppm) respectively. It is clearly understood that Treatment T3 i.e. FYM @ 10 t/ha + Boric acid (20% B) @ 0.3% as foliar spray after one month of planting emerged out to be the best treatment in respect to yield, curd size and weight of curd.
On Generalized Opial's Integral Inequalities in q-Calculus
Authors: Abubakari B. , Iddrisu M. M. , Nantomah K.
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we establish results for q-analogues of generalized Opial integral inequalities and also present some extensions of the analogues. Using the concepts of q-differentiability and continuity of functions and the application of the Holder's integral inequality we establish the results.
Histological and Biochemical Studies of Germ Cell Toxicity in Male Rats Exposed to Sodium Benzoate
Authors: Imoni Jewo, Peter , Anuoluwapo Oyeniran, David , Babajide Ojekale, Anthony , Akanni Oguntola, Jamiu
Published: July 2020

Background: One of the consequences of increasing urbanization is that many people eat processed foods that contain various chemical substances applied as additives. Some of them may have the ability to suppress male fertility.

Aims: To determine the effects of sodium benzoate (NaB) on the histology of the testis, and biochemical and semen parameters in rats. The potential of Vitamin E to protect the testis was also studied.

Methodology: Six groups of 8 rats each were treated with these substances: Group A (Control) had olive oil. Groups B and C had 200 mg/kg of NaB with Vitamin E added to group C. Groups D and E had 400 mg/kg of NaB with Vitamin E added to group E. Groups F and G were given NaB only at 200 mgkg and 400 mg/kg respectively but were left for an extra 4 weeks after the last treatment dose. All groups were treated daily for 8weeks. Outcome measures were testosterone assays and cell counts and morphometry in the testis. We also examined biochemical parameters such as catalase, glutathione and malondialdehyde levels.

Results: This study showed that NaB impaired reproduction. Total sperm count in some treated groups were reduced to half (50%) of the count in control animals. There was reduction in anti-oxidant levels and elevation in markers of lipid peroxidation suggesting oxidative stress. There was histologic evidence of impaired spermatogenesis and considerable testicular damage with micrographs showing widespread germ cell loss and sloughing of germinal epithelium in many places. Vitamin E offered significant protection from testicular damage in the groups given the vitamin.

Conclusion: We conclude that NaB has the potential to impair fertility in rats and more studies are needed to determine its safety level in the male reproductive system.
Effect of Organizational Transparency on Organizational Performance: A Survey of Insurance Companies in Lagos State Nigeria
Authors: Emueje Ibini, , Tochi Izims,
Published: July 2020

The main objective of the study is to examine the effect of organizational transparency on organizational performance. The type of survey research design used for the study is cross sectional survey research design technique. The sample size for the study is 200 employees from four selected insurance companies in Lagos State. The study adopted the simple random sampling technique in the selection of the insurance companies whose employees participated. Stratified random sampling technique was also used. Data was collected through the use of structured questionnaire. To establish the reliability of the instrument, a test-retest method was used. The statistical techniques of data analysis applied includes: descriptive statistics, correlation and multiple regression analysis. All analysis was done by using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) software version 23 Findings showed that information disclosure, adherence to explicit values and people-centered leadership has significant positive relationship with organizational transparency. The study concluded that organizational transparency has effect on organizational performance. The study recommended that in order to transform the insurance industry into a greater height the key players should always disclose relevant information, adhere to explicit values and practice people-centered leadership. The study established that information disclosure, adherence to explicit values and people-centered leadership are very good measures of organizational transparency. The implication of the finding is that information disclosure is considered to enable observability, accountability, certainty and better conduct. When organizations deliver clarity and insight, stakeholders can see through the organization this will create trust. Organizations become predictable, dependable and trustworthy when they adhere to explicit value. People-centered leaders care about both results and employees—they know the only way to obtain results are through the employees.
The Role of NGOs in Sustainable Socio-economic Development of Rural Poor: Evidence from Bangladesh
Authors: Jakia Umma , Hosain Md. Sajjad , Hossin Md. Altab
Published: July 2020

The present study aims to investigate the current initiative and practices of Non Government Organizations (NGOs) in sustainable socio-economic development of the rural poor people of Bangladesh. NGOs in Bangladesh have virtually grown in vast numbers since the independence. It has been observed that from the late seventies, NGOs have been playing an increasingly important role in the nation’s development process. The study used both primary data and secondary information. Primary data have been collected for this study using random sampling from 10 villages of 2 districts of Bangladesh. A number of techniques have been utilized to collected data from the respondents such as household survey, focus group discussions, in depth interviews and observations. The final valid sample (Sample 1 and Sample 2) size of respondents stood to 819 (750+69) who are the beneficiaries and officials of different NGOs located on those 10 villages of 2 districts. Mostly descriptive statistics have been used to conduct data analysis in this study. The results reveal that the members of studied NGOs have been benefited from various programs undertaken. It has been observed that the food intake of the NGO beneficiaries has increased considerably in terms of income generation, nutrition value and health consciousness. The paper is expected to be one of the basic foundations for those who want to investigate further regarding NGO operation and policy making.
Lecture summaries
Authors: Malden John , Shepherd Ian A G , Saville Alan , Bridgland David , Lynch Anne , Morrison Ian , Maxwell Gordon S , Nicholson Eirwen E C
Published: July 2020

Seven lecture summaries:The Cluniac Monastery of Paisley: a preliminary investigationThe Sculptor's Cave, Covesea, Moray: from Bronze Age ossuary to Pictish shrine?Digging for Flint: The Den of Boddam/Buchan Ridge Gravel Project, AberdeenshireThe Discovery Programme: recent developments in Irish archaeological researchScotland in the Little Ice Age: the science and the poetryMap-making in Roman Scotland: from Marinus to the Military SurveyImages and artefacts: the material culture of Jacobitism in Scotland and England, 1688-1788
Clearance of therapy‐induced senescent tumor cells by the senolytic ABT‐263 via interference with BCL‐XL–BAX interaction
Authors: Saleh Tareq , Carpenter Valerie J. , Tyutyunyk‐Massey Liliya , Murray Graeme , Leverson Joel D. , Souers Andrew J. , Alotaibi Moureq R. , Faber Anthony C. , Reed Jason , Harada Hisashi , Gewirtz David A.
Published: July 2020

Tumor cells undergo senescence in response to both conventional and targeted cancer therapies. The induction of senescence in response to cancer therapy can contribute to unfavorable patient outcomes, potentially including disease relapse. This possibiliy is supported by our findings that tumor cells induced into senescence by doxorubicin or etoposide can give rise to viable tumors in vivo. We further demonstrate sensitivity of these senescent tumor cells to the senolytic ABT‐263 (navitoclax), therefore providing a “two‐hit” approach to eliminate senescent tumor cells that persist after exposure to chemotherapy or radiation. The sequential combination of therapy‐induced senescence and ABT‐263 could shift the response to therapy toward apoptosis by interfering with the interaction between BCL‐XL and BAX. The administration of ABT‐263 after either etoposide or doxorubicin also resulted in marked, prolonged tumor suppression in tumor‐bearing animals. These findings support the premise that senolytic therapy following conventional cancer therapy may improve therapeutic outcomes and delay disease recurrence.
Epithelial/mesenchymal heterogeneity of high‐grade serous ovarian carcinoma samples correlates with miRNA let‐7 levels and predicts tumor growth and metastasis
Authors: Chirshev Evgeny , Hojo Nozomi , Bertucci Antonella , Sanderman Linda , Nguyen Anthony , Wang Hanmin , Suzuki Tise , Brito Emmanuel , Martinez Shannalee R. , Castañón Christine , Mirshahidi Saied , Vazquez Marcelo E. , Wat Pamela , Oberg Kerby C. , Ioffe Yevgeniya J. , Unternaehrer Juli J.
Published: July 2020

Patient‐derived samples present an advantage over current cell line models of high‐grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) that are not always reliable and phenotypically faithful models of in vivo HGSOC. To improve upon cell line models of HGSOC, we set out to characterize a panel of patient‐derived cells and determine their epithelial and mesenchymal characteristics. We analyzed RNA and protein expression levels in patient‐derived xenograft (PDX) models of HGSOC, and functionally characterized these models using flow cytometry, wound healing assays, invasion assays, and spheroid cultures. Besides in vitro work, we also evaluated the growth characteristics of PDX in vivo (orthotopic PDX). We found that all samples had hybrid characteristics, covering a spectrum from an epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal state. Samples with a stronger epithelial phenotype were more active in self‐renewal assays and more tumorigenic in orthotopic xenograft models as compared to samples with a stronger mesenchymal phenotype, which were more migratory and invasive. Additionally, we observed an inverse association between microRNA let‐7 (lethal‐7) expression and stemness, consistent with the loss of let‐7 being an important component of the cancer stem cell phenotype. We observed that lower let‐7 levels were associated with the epithelial state and a lower epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) score, more efficient spheroid and tumor formation, and increased sensitivity to platinum‐based chemotherapy. Surprisingly, in these HGSOC cells, stemness could be dissociated from invasiveness: Cells with lower let‐7 levels were more tumorigenic, but less migratory, and with a lower EMT score, than those with higher let‐7 levels. We conclude that let‐7 expression and epithelial/mesenchymal state are valuable predictors of HGSOC proliferation, in vitro self‐renewal, and tumor burden in vivo.
MicroRNA‐142 regulates osteoblast differentiation and apoptosis of mouse pre‐osteoblast cells by targeting bone morphogenetic protein 2
Authors: Luo Bing , Yang Jiafu , Yuan Yi , Hao Pandeng , Cheng Xiaoyan
Published: July 2020

Osteoporosis is a common disease that can seriously impair the physical and mental health of the elderly. However, current treatment is unsatisfactory due to the lack of effective therapeutic targets. Abnormal expression and involvement of microRNA‐142 (miR‐142) have been identified in many diseases, including bone‐related diseases. Herein, we explored the effect of miR‐142 on the viability, differentiation and apoptosis of the mouse preosteoblast cell line MC3T3‐E1. We observed that the viability of MC3T3‐E1 cells was significantly inhibited or promoted after transfection of miR‐142 mimic or inhibitor, respectively. The apoptotic rate was dramatically increased by miR‐142 mimic and decreased by inhibitor compared with the negative control group. Bcl‐2 expression was down‐regulated in the miR‐142 mimic group and up‐regulated in the miR‐142 inhibitor group, whereas levels of cleaved caspase‐3 and Bax were increased in the miR‐142 mimic group and reduced in the miR‐142 inhibitor group. Expression changes of Runx2 and Osteocalcin suggest that miR‐142 inhibits the differentiation of osteoblast cells. Moreover, the luciferase reporter assay was used to verify that bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) is a target of miR‐142. Overexpression of BMP2 repressed the proapoptotic effect of miR‐142 mimic, whereas knockdown of BMP2 abolished the inhibitory effect of miR‐142 inhibitor on the apoptosis of MC3T3‐E1 cells. Furthermore, up‐regulation or down‐regulation of miR‐142 dramatically decreased or increased the ratio of p‐Smad1/5/Smad1 and p‐Smad1/5/Smad5, respectively. Collectively, our results imply that miR‐142 might influence the viability and differentiation of osteoblast cells by regulating BMP2 and BMP/Smad signaling.
Development and execution of a pandemic preparedness plan: Therapeutic medical physics and radiation dosimetry during the COVID‐19 crisis
Authors: Riegel Adam C. , Chou Henry , Baker Jameson , Antone Jeffrey , Potters Louis , Cao Yijian
Published: July 2020

The SARS‐CoV‐2 coronavirus pandemic has spread around the world including the United States. New York State has been hardest hit by the virus with over 380 000 citizens with confirmed COVID‐19, the illness associated with the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus. At our institution, the medical physics and dosimetry group developed a pandemic preparedness plan to ensure continued operation of our service. Actions taken included launching remote access to clinical systems for all dosimetrists and physicists, establishing lines of communication among staff members, and altering coverage schedules to limit on‐site presence and decrease risk of infection. The preparedness plan was activated March 23, 2020, and data were collected on treatment planning and chart checking efficiency for 6 weeks. External beam patient load decreased by 25% during the COVID‐19 crisis, and special procedures were almost entirely eliminated excepting urgent stereotactic radiosurgery or brachytherapy. Efficiency of treatment planning and chart checking was slightly better than a comparable 6‐week interval in 2019. This is most likely due to decreased patient load: Fewer plans to generate and more physicists available for checking without special procedure coverage. Physicists and dosimetrists completed a survey about their experience during the crisis and responded positively about the preparedness plan and their altered work arrangements, though technical problems and connectivity issues made the transition to remote work difficult. Overall, the medical physics and dosimetry group successfully maintained high‐quality, efficient care while minimizing risk to the staff by minimizing on‐site presence. Currently, the number of COVID‐19 cases in our area is decreasing, but the preparedness plan has demonstrated efficacy, and we will be ready to activate the plan should COVID‐19 return or an unknown virus manifest in the future.
Health Disparities Research with American Indian Communities: The Importance of Trust and Transparency
Authors: Skewes Monica C. , Gonzalez Vivian M. , Gameon Julie A. , FireMoon Paula , Salois Emily , Rasmus Stacy M. , Lewis Jordan P. , Gardner Scott A. , Ricker Adriann , Reum Martel
Published: July 2020

American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities experience notable health disparities associated with substance use, including disproportionate rates of accidents/injuries, diabetes, liver disease, suicide, and substance use disorders. Effective treatments for substance use are needed to improve health equity for AI/AN communities. However, an unfortunate history of unethical and stigmatizing research has engendered distrust and reluctance to participate in research among many Native communities. In recent years, researchers have made progress toward engaging in ethical health disparities research by using a community‐based participatory research (CBPR) framework to work in close partnership with community members throughout the research process. In this methodological process paper, we discuss the collaborative development of a quantitative survey aimed at understanding risk and protective factors for substance use among a sample of tribal members residing on a rural AI reservation with numerous systems‐level barriers to recovery and limited access to treatment. By using a CBPR approach and prioritizing trust and transparency with community partners and participants, we were able to successfully recruit our target sample and collect quality data from nearly 200 tribal members who self‐identified as having a substance use problem. Strategies for enhancing buy‐in and recruiting a community sample are discussed.
Growth in individuals with Saul–Wilson syndrome
Authors: Ferreira Carlos R. , Niiler Timothy , Duker Angela L. , Jackson Andrew P. , Bober Michael B.
Published: July 2020

Saul–Wilson syndrome (SWS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by microcephalic primordial dwarfism, spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia, characteristic facial findings, clubfoot, brachydactyly, bilateral cataracts, and hearing loss. Recently, recurrent mutations in COG4, encoding a component of the Conserved Oligomeric Golgi (COG) complex, were identified. We created detailed growth curves for stature, weight, and head circumference, as well as weight‐for‐length and weight velocity charts for younger children, derived from hundreds of data points obtained by retrospective chart review from 14 individuals with molecularly‐confirmed SWS. In addition, we performed statistical comparisons of height‐for‐age model fits before and after initiation of growth hormone supplementation, and found that this therapy does not appear to influence height in individuals with SWS. We hope that these charts will represent valuable tools for clinicians, both in assessing whether SWS seems an appropriate diagnosis, as well as to monitor growth of affected individuals. In particular, we hope that our detailed growth characterization will reduce morbidity resulting from unnecessarily aggressive nutritional interventions by well‐intentioned physicians trying to promote weight gain, an unrealistic goal in this genetically‐determined cause of primordial dwarfism.
Genome‐wide admixture mapping ofDSM‐IValcohol dependence, criterion count, and the self‐rating of the effects of ethanol in African American populations
Authors: Lai Dongbing , Kapoor Manav , Wetherill Leah , Schwandt Melanie , Ramchandani Vijay A. , Goldman David , Chao Michael , Almasy Laura , Bucholz Kathleen , Hart Ronald P. , Kamarajan Chella , Meyers Jacquelyn L. , Nurnberger John I. , Tischfield Jay , Edenberg Howard J. , Schuckit Marc , Goate Alison , Scott Denise M. , Porjesz Bernice , Agrawal Arpana , Foroud Tatiana
Published: July 2020

African Americans (AA) have lower prevalence of alcohol dependence and higher subjective response to alcohol than European Americans. Genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) have identified genes/variants associated with alcohol dependence specifically in AA; however, the sample sizes are still not large enough to detect variants with small effects. Admixture mapping is an alternative way to identify alcohol dependence genes/variants that may be unique to AA. In this study, we performed the first admixture mapping of DSM‐IV alcohol dependence diagnosis, DSM‐IV alcohol dependence criterion count, and two scores from the self‐rating of effects of ethanol (SRE) as measures of response to alcohol: the first five times of using alcohol (SRE‐5) and average of SRE across three times (SRE‐T). Findings revealed a region on chromosome 4 that was genome‐wide significant for SRE‐5 (pvalue = 4.18E‐05). Fine mapping did not identify a single causal variant to be associated with SRE‐5; instead, conditional analysis concluded that multiple variants collectively explained the admixture mapping signal.PPARGC1A, a gene that has been linked to alcohol consumption in previous studies, is located in this region. Our finding suggests that admixture mapping is a useful tool to identify genes/variants that may have been missed by current GWAS approaches in admixed populations.
Huntingtin geneCAGrepeat size affects autism risk: Family‐based and case–control association study
Authors: Piras Ignazio Stefano , Picinelli Chiara , Iennaco Raffaele , Baccarin Marco , Castronovo Paola , Tomaiuolo Pasquale , Cucinotta Francesca , Ricciardello Arianna , Turriziani Laura , Nanetti Lorenzo , Mariotti Caterina , Gellera Cinzia , Lintas Carla , Sacco Roberto , Zuccato Chiara , Cattaneo Elena , Persico Antonio M.
Published: July 2020

The Huntingtin (HTT) gene contains a CAG repeat in exon 1, whose expansion beyond 39 repeats consistently leads to Huntington's disease (HD), whereas normal‐to‐intermediate alleles seemingly modulate brain structure, function and behavior. The role of the CAG repeat in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) was investigated applying both family‐based and case–control association designs, with the SCA3 repeat as a negative control. Significant overtransmission of “long” CAG alleles (≥17 repeats) to autistic children and of “short” alleles (≤16 repeats) to their unaffected siblings (allp < 10−5) was observed in 612 ASD families (548 simplex and 64 multiplex). Surprisingly, both 193 population controls and 1,188 neurological non‐HD controls have significantly lower frequencies of “short” CAG alleles compared to 185 unaffected siblings and higher rates of “long” alleles compared to 548 ASD patients from the same families (p < .05–.001). The SCA3 CAG repeat displays no association. “Short” HTT alleles seemingly exert a protective effect from clinically overt autism in families carrying a genetic predisposition for ASD, while “long” alleles may enhance autism risk. Differential penetrance of autism‐inducing genetic/epigenetic variants may imply atypical developmental trajectories linked to HTT functions, including excitation/inhibition imbalance, cortical neurogenesis and apoptosis, neuronal migration, synapse formation, connectivity and homeostasis.
Language characterization in 16p11.2 deletion and duplication syndromes
Authors: Kim So Hyun , Green‐Snyder LeeAnne , Lord Catherine , Bishop Somer , Steinman Kyle J. , Bernier Raphael , Hanson Ellen , Goin‐Kochel Robin P. , Chung Wendy K.
Published: July 2020

Expressive language impairment is one of the most frequently associated clinical features of 16p11.2 copy number variations (CNV). However, our understanding of the language profiles of individuals with 16p11.2 CNVs is still limited. This study builds upon previous work in the Simons Variation in Individuals Project (VIP, now known as Simons Searchlight), to characterize language abilities in 16p11.2 deletion and duplication carriers using comprehensive assessments. Participants included 110 clinically ascertained children and family members (i.e., siblings and cousins) with 16p11.2 BP4‐BP5 deletion and 58 with 16p11.2 BP4‐BP5 duplication between the ages of 2–23 years, most of whom were verbal. Regression analyses were performed to quantify variation in language abilities in the presence of the 16p11.2 deletion and duplication, both with and without autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and cognitive deficit. Difficulties in pragmatic skills were equally prevalent in verbal individuals in both deletion and duplication groups. NVIQ had moderate quantifiable effects on language scores in syntax and semantics/pragmatics (a decrease of less than 1 SD) for both groups. Overall, language impairments persisted even after controlling for ASD diagnosis and cognitive deficit. Language impairment is one of the core clinical features of individuals with 16p11.2 CNVs even in the absence of ASD and cognitive deficit. Results highlight the need for more comprehensive and rigorous assessment of language impairments to maximize outcomes in carriers of 16p11.2 CNVs.
Phylogenetic relationships in the genusCheracebus(Callicebinae, Pitheciidae)
Authors: Carneiro Jeferson , Sampaio Iracilda , Lima Thaynara , Silva‐Júnior José de S. , Farias Izeni , Hrbek Tomas , Valsecchi João , Boubli Jean , Schneider Horacio
Published: July 2020

Cheracebusis a new genus of New World primate of the family Pitheciidae, subfamily Callicebinae. Until recently,Cheracebuswas classified as thetorquatusspecies group of the genusCallicebus. The genusCheracebushas six species:C. lucifer, C. lugens, C. regulus, C. medemi, C. torquatus, andC. purinus, which are all endemic to the Amazon biome. Before the present study, there had been no conclusive interpretation of the phylogenetic relationships among most of theCheracebusspecies. The present study tests the monophyly of the genus and investigates the relationships among the differentCheracebusspecies, based on DNA sequencing of 16 mitochondrial and nuclear markers. The phylogenetic analyses were based on Maximum Likelihood, Bayesian Inference, and multispecies coalescent approaches. The divergence times and genetic distances between theCheracebustaxa were also estimated. The analyses confirmed the monophyly of the genus and a well‐supported topology, with the following arrangement: ((C. torquatus, C. lugens), (C. lucifer(C. purinus, C. regulus))). A well‐differentiated clade was also identified within part of the geographic range ofC. lugens, which warrants further investigation to confirm its taxonomic status.
Shift work and incidence of dementia: A Danish Nurse Cohort study
Authors: Jørgensen Jeanette Therming , Hansen Johnni , Westendorp Rudi G. J. , Nabe‐Nielsen Kirsten , Stayner Leslie Thomas , Simonsen Mette Kildevæld , Andersen Zorana Jovanovic
Published: July 2020

Introduction

A few studies suggest that working night and rotating shifts increase the risk of dementia. We examined the association between shift work and the incidence of dementia in a cohort of female Danish nurses.

Methods

We linked Danish Nurse Cohort participants, who reported work schedules (day, evening, night, rotating shifts) in 1993 and/or 1999 and their duration in 2009, to Danish registers to obtain information on dementia hospitalizations and prescription medication until November 2018.

Results

Among 6048 nurses who reported work schedules in 1993 and 1999, nurses working night shifts ≥6 years had higher dementia incidence (hazard ratio: 2.43, 95% confidence interval: 1.39 to 4.23) than those working day shifts ≥6 years. Among 8059 nurses who reported shift work duration, nurses working night shifts ≥6 years had higher dementia incidence than those working night shifts <1 year (1.47, 1.06 to 2.06).

Discussion

Persistent night shift work may increase the risk of dementia.
Dealkenylative Alkenylation: Formal σ‐Bond Metathesis of Olefins
Authors: Swain Manisha , Sadykhov Gusein , Wang Ruoxi , Kwon Ohyun
Published: July 2020

The dealkenylative alkenylation of alkene C(sp3)−C(sp2) bonds has been an unexplored area for C−C bond formation. Herein 64 examples of β‐alkylated styrene derivatives, synthesized through the reactions of readily accessible feedstock olefins with β‐nitrostyrenes by ozone/FeII‐mediated radical substitutions, are reported. These reactions proceed with good efficiencies and high stereoselectivities under mild reaction conditions and tolerate an array of functional groups. Also demonstrated is the applicability of the strategy through several synthetic transformations of the products, as well as the syntheses of the natural product iso‐moracin and the drug (E)‐metanicotine.
Synergie von elektrostatischen und π‐π‐Wechselwirkungen für die Verwirklichung von künstlichen photosynthetischen Modellsystemen auf Nano‐Ebene
Authors: Anaya‐Plaza Eduardo , Joseph Jan , Bauroth Stefan , Wagner Maximilian , Dolle Christian , Sekita Michael , Gröhn Franziska , Spiecker Erdmann , Clark Timothy , de la Escosura Andrés , Guldi Dirk M. , Torres Tomás
Published: July 2020

Im Zuge der Entwicklung von effizienteren, lichtaktiven Elektronen‐Donor‐Akzeptor‐Systemen ist wenig darüber bekannt, wie einzelne Bausteine in einem supramolekularen, Nanometer großen Gerüst miteinander wechselwirken, besonders in wässrigen Umgebungen. In dieser Arbeit beschreiben wir ein wässriges Elektronen‐Donor‐Akzeptor‐System, dessen Struktur im Nanobereich eine herausragende Stabilität und Effizienz aufweist. Unser Fokus lag auf einem tetrakationischen Zink(II)phthalocyanin (ZnPc) mit Pyren‐Gruppen, das eine beispiellose Form der Aggregation aufgrund einer subtilen Kooperation von elektrostatischen und π‐π Wechselwirkungen aufweist. Unsere Untersuchungen zeigen ein monokristallines Wachstum in Lösung und einen lichtinduzierten, symmetriebrechenden intermolekularen Elektronen‐Transfer zwischen benachbarten ZnPcs. Nach Zugabe von einem negativ geladenen Fulleren (C60) als Elektronenakzeptor konnte neben einer verbesserten Stabilität auch die energieverschwendende Ladungsrekombination unterdrückt werden, die in Abwesenheit von C60 stattfand. Im Ganzen betrachtet bietet dieses photosynthetische Modellsystem einen hohen Grad an Vororganisation, welche die effiziente Ladungstrennung und den anschließenden Ladungstransport begünstigt.
Tuning Electrical‐ and Photo‐Conductivity by Cation Exchange within a Redox‐Active Tetrathiafulvalene‐Based Metal–Organic Framework
Authors: Zhou Yan , Yu Fei , Su Jian , Kurmoo Mohamedally , Zuo Jing‐Lin
Published: July 2020

To activate electronic and optical functions of the redox‐active metal–organic framework, (Me2NH2)[InIII(TTFTB)]⋅0.7 C2H5OH⋅DMF (Me2NH2@1, TTFTB=tetrathiafulvalene‐tetrabenzoate, DMF=N,N‐dimethylformamide), has been exchanged by tetrathiafulvalenium (TTF.+) and N,N′‐dimethyl‐4,4′‐bipyridinium (MV2+). These cations provide electron carriers and photosensitivity. The exchange retains the crystallinity allowing single‐crystal to single‐crystal post‐synthetic transformation to TTF@1 and MV@1. Both TTF.+ and MV2+ enhance the electrical conductivity by a factor of 102 and the visible light induced photocurrent by 4 and 28 times, respectively. EPR evidences synergetic effect involving charge transfer between the framework redox‐active TTFTB bridges and MV2+. The results demonstrate that functionalization of MOF by cation exchange without perturbing the crystallinity extends possibilities to achieve switchable materials.
Synergy of Electrostatic and π–π Interactions in the Realization of Nanoscale Artificial Photosynthetic Model Systems
Authors: Anaya‐Plaza Eduardo , Joseph Jan , Bauroth Stefan , Wagner Maximilian , Dolle Christian , Sekita Michael , Gröhn Franziska , Spiecker Erdmann , Clark Timothy , de la Escosura Andrés , Guldi Dirk M. , Torres Tomás
Published: July 2020

In the scientific race to build up photoactive electron donor‐acceptor systems with increasing efficiencies, little is known about the interplay of their building blocks when integrated into supramolecular nanoscale arrays, particularly in aqueous environments. Here, we describe an aqueous donor‐acceptor ensemble whose emergence as a nanoscale material renders it remarkably stable and efficient. We have focused on a tetracationic zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc) featuring pyrenes, which shows an unprecedented mode of aggregation, driven by subtle cooperation between electrostatic and π–π interactions. Our studies demonstrate monocrystalline growth in solution and a symmetry‐breaking intermolecular charge transfer between adjacent ZnPcs upon photoexcitation. Immobilizing a negatively charged fullerene (C60) as electron acceptor onto the monocrystalline ZnPc assemblies was found to enhance the overall stability, and to suppress the energy‐wasting charge recombination found in the absence of C60. Overall, the resulting artificial photosynthetic model system exhibits a high degree of preorganization, which facilitates efficient charge separation and subsequent charge transport.
Synthesis, Spectral, Modeling, Docking and Cytotoxicity Studies on 2‐(2‐aminobenzoyl)‐N‐ethylhydrazine‐1‐carbothioamide and its divalent metal complexes
Authors: Hosny Nasser Mohammed , Hussien Mostafa A. , Motawa Rana , Belal Arafa , Abdel‐Rhman Mohamed H.
Published: July 2020

2‐(2‐aminobenzoyl)‐N‐ethylhydrazine‐1‐carbothioamide (H3L) and its Cu (II), Co (II), Ni (II) and Zn (II) complexes have been synthesized. The structures of the isolated compounds were suggested based on elemental analyses, spectral analyses (FTIR,1H and13CNMR, MS, ESR and UV–Visible) and magnetic moments measurements. The free ligand exists in the keto‐thione form, while in the metal complexes; it exists in the enol form and coordinates as mononegative bidentateviadeprotonated enolic oxygen and N2H nitrogen. Both Co (II) and Ni (II) complexes have an octahedral, while Cu (II) complex has a square planar geometry. The compounds have direct electronic transitions with optical band gap (Eg) values in the range 3.14–3.40 eV. The ligand and its complexes were optimized using DFT/B3LYP methodology. The ligand optimization results supported the involvement of the carbonyl oxygen, thione sulfur and N2H hydrogen atoms in hydrogen bonding formation. Furthermore, the obtained structures of the ligand and its complexes were subjected to molecular docking study to predict interactions cause their cytotoxicity. Finally, thein vitrocytotoxicity activities of the ligand and its complexes were investigated against Hela and WISH cell lines where the Zn (II) complex exhibited higher activity than the other compounds against the two cell lines in accordance with molecular docking suggestion.
Enzyme Instructed Self‐assembly of Naphthalimide‐dipeptide: Spontaneous Transformation from Nanosphere to Nanotubular Structures that Induces Hydrogelation
Authors: Chakravarthy Rajan Deepan , Mohammed Mohiuddin , Lin Hsin‐Chieh
Published: July 2020

Understanding the structure‐morphology relationships of self‐assembled nanostructures is crucial for developing materials with the desired chemical and biological functions. Here, phosphate‐based naphthalimide (NI) derivatives have been developed for the first time to study the enzyme‐instructed self‐assembly process. Self‐assembly of simple amino acid derivative NI‐Yp resulted in non‐specific amorphous aggregates in the presence of alkaline phosphatase enzyme. On the other hand, NI‐FYp dipeptide forms spherical nanoparticles under aqueous conditions which slowly transformed into partially unzipped nanotubular structures during the enzymatic catalytic process through multiple stages which subsequently resulted in hydrogelation. The self‐assembly is driven by the formation of β‐sheet type structures stabilized by offset aromatic stacking of NI core and hydrogen bonding interactions which is confirmed with PXRD, Congo‐red staining and molecular mechanical calculations. We propose a mechanism for the self‐assembly process based on TEM and spectroscopic data. The nanotubular structures of NI‐FYp precursor exhibited higher cytotoxicity to human breast cancer cells and human cervical cancer cells when compared to the nanofiber structures of the similar Fmoc‐derivative. Overall this study provides a new understanding of the supramolecular self‐assembly of small‐molecular‐weight hydrogelators.