bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Review of the Swedish species of Ophion (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Ophioninae), with the description of 18 new species and an illustrated key to Swedish species
Authors: Johansson Niklas , Cederberg Björn
Published: September 2019

The Swedish species of Ophion Fabricius, 1798 are revised. More than 4800 specimens and relevant type material were studied; 234 sampled specimens produced COI sequences. The study recognises 41 species, 18 of which are described as new to science, mainly from Fennoscandian material: Ophion angularis Johansson & Cederberg sp. nov., Ophion arenarius Johansson sp. nov., Ophion autumnalis Johansson sp. nov., Ophion borealis Johansson sp. nov., Ophion broadi Johansson sp. nov., Ophion brocki Johansson sp. nov., Ophion confusus Johansson sp. nov., Ophion ellenae Johansson sp. nov., Ophion inclinans Johansson sp. nov., Ophion kallanderi Johansson sp. nov., Ophion matti Johansson sp. nov., Ophion norei Johansson sp. nov., Ophion paraparvulus Johansson sp. nov., Ophion paukkuneni Johansson sp. nov., Ophion splendens Johansson sp. nov., Ophion sylvestris Johansson sp. nov., Ophion tenuicornis Johansson sp. nov. and Ophion vardali Johansson sp. nov. Barcoding analysis also indicated the possible presence of at least three additional, partly cryptic species, but these cannot be separated morphologically with certainty at this point. Ophion costatus Ratzeburg, 1848 and Ophion artemisiae Boie, 1855 are interpreted and defined. Ophion slaviceki Kriechbaumer, 1892 is excluded from synonymy with Ophion luteus Linnaeus, 1758 stat. rev. Ophion polyguttator (Thunberg, 1824) stat. rev. and Ophion variegatus Rudow, 1883 stat. rev. are excluded from synonymy with O. obscuratus Fabricius, 1798. Ophion variegatus is redescribed and a neotype is designated. Ophion albistylus Szépligeti, 1905 (syn. nov.) is synonymized with Ophion pteridis Kriechbaumer, 1879 and Ophion frontalis Strobl, 1904 (syn. nov.) is synonymized with Ophion areolaris Brauns, 1889 syn. nov. Eleven species are reported from Sweden for the first time: Ophion artemisiae, Ophion crassicornis Brock, 1982, Ophion costatus, Ophion dispar Brauns, 1895, Ophion forticornis Morley, 1915, Ophion kevoensis Jussila, 1965, Ophion ocellaris Ulbricht, 1926, Ophion perkinsi Brock, 1982, Ophion subarcticus Hellén, 1926, Ophion variegatus Rudow, 1883 and Ophion wuestneii Kriechbaumer, 1892. The study shows that a number of species that previously have been treated as highly variable taxa, actually consist of several valid species that are separable using morphological characters. An illustrated key for the determination of the Swedish Ophion species is provided.
Ghost Guns
Authors: Emerson Traci , Bensley Sara
Published: September 2019

In May 2013, an American law student, through his company, Defense Distributed, posted instructions online for making a gun with a 3D printer. The instructions were downloaded at least 100,000 times in a matter of two days. The horrifying prospect of the rapid proliferation of untraceable weapons that could evade metal detection—“ghost guns”—unleashed an immediate government reaction that is still playing out. In the short history of 3D-printed guns, government documents present a complex and evolving picture of the interplay among the three branches of government and between the states and federal government. Initially, the U.S. State Department tapped export control regulations to force Defense Distributed to take the instructions off its webpage. A long, complex legal battle ensued. By 2018, with a new presidential administration in place, the State Department abruptly stopped opposing the online posting of 3D-printed gun instructions. With the State Department and Defense Distributed suddenly aligned, twenty state attorneys general took up the legal fight against 3D-printed guns. At the collective states’ request, a federal court issued a temporary restraining order and then a preliminary injunction to keep the 3D-printed gun instructions off the internet, but the case is ongoing. Meanwhile, bills have been introduced in Congress to criminalize the online publication of instructions for 3D-printed guns, and some states are pursuing their own legislative measures against 3D-printed guns. This article discusses the timeline of the story and the key legal and political issues at play.
2019 ALA Annual Conference Updates
Authors: Documents Round Table Government
Published: September 2019

Awards CommitteeCataloging CommitteeEducation CommitteeMembership CommitteeGODORT Federal Information Interest Group (FIIG) meetingMembership UpdatePublications CommitteeSteering CommitteeTreasurer Report
Viendo el mundo en 3D
Authors: Puertas Estivill Pedro
Published: September 2019

La asignatura de Gráficos 3D, requiere práctica y paciencia, entender los conceptos, y las diferentes formas de crear objetos que nos permitirán crear escenas increíbles. Este artículo describe la experiencia de diseñar una escena en 3 dimensiones con 3DStudio MAX. El alumno explica como ha planteado el aprendizaje de los conceptos dados en la asignatura y su experiencia una vez finalizada.
Time series event correlation with DTW and Hierarchical Clustering methods
Authors: Mishra Srishti , Shafi Zohair , Pathak Santanu
Published: September 2019

Data driven decision making is becoming increasingly an important aspect for successful business execution. More and more organizations are moving towards taking informed decisions based on the data that they are generating. Most of this data are in temporal format - time series data. Effective analysis across time series data sets, in an efficient and quick manner is a challenge. The most interesting and valuable part of such analysis is to generate insights on correlation and causation across multiple time series data sets. This paper looks at methods that can be used to analyze such data sets and gain useful insights from it, primarily in the form of correlation and causation analysis. This paper focuses on two methods for doing so, Two Sample Test with Dynamic Time Warping and Hierarchical Clustering and looks at how the results returned from both can be used to gain a better understanding of the data. Moreover, the methods used are meant to work with any data set, regardless of the subject domain and idiosyncrasies of the data set, primarily, a data agnostic approach.
Neural stem cell temporal patterning and brain tumour growth rely on oxidative phosphorylation
Authors: van den Ameele Jelle , Brand Andrea H
Published: September 2019

Translating advances in cancer research to clinical applications requires better insight into the metabolism of normal cells and tumour cells in vivo. Much effort has focused on understanding how glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos) support proliferation, while their impact on other aspects of development and tumourigenesis remain largely unexplored. We found that inhibition of OxPhos in neural stem cells (NSCs) or tumours in the Drosophila brain not only decreases proliferation, but also affects many different aspects of stem cell behaviour. In NSCs, OxPhos dysfunction leads to a protracted G1/S-phase and results in delayed temporal patterning and reduced neuronal diversity. As a consequence, NSCs fail to undergo terminal differentiation, leading to prolonged neurogenesis into adulthood. Similarly, in brain tumours inhibition of OxPhos slows proliferation and prevents differentiation, resulting in reduced tumour heterogeneity. Thus, in vivo, highly proliferative stem cells and tumour cells require OxPhos for efficient growth and generation of diversity.
Small-angle scattering tomography of precipitation-hardened multilayer Al/Al-Zn/Al model alloys
Authors: Okuda Hiroshi , Lin Shan , Nishikawa Yukihiro
Published: September 2019

Tomographic images constructed from small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) intensities utilizing microbeams have been examined for a model multilayered aluminum alloy sample heat-treated to form spatially modulated composition and microstructures. Spatial distributions of composition and precipitation microstructure have been examined by one-dimensional scanning SAXS measurements and two-dimensional tomographic images of attenuation parameters and integrated intensity of SAXS intensity. Reconstructed images using the integrated intensity reflected the distribution of precipitates in terms of their volume fraction over the sample inside the sample, and agreed with more detailed analysis made in the one-dimensional case.
Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli using malachite green encapsulated mesoporous silica nanoparticles: an in vitro study
Authors: Paramanantham Parasuraman , Siddhardha Busi , Lal SB Sruthil , Sharan Alok , Alyousef Abdullah A. , Al Dosary Mohammed Saeed , Arshad Mohammed , Syed Asad
Published: September 2019

Background

Rise in the number of healthcare associated or hospital acquired infections is a major problem affecting the global healthcare sector. We evaluated superior antibacterial and antibiofilm photodynamic therapy (aPDT) using malachite green encapsulated mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MG-MSN) against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, which are known to be major causative agents of nosocomial infections.

Methods

Malachite green (MG) was encapsulated on mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, Transmission electron microscopy, and spectroscopic analysis were performed to characterize the MG-MSN. The antimicrobial efficacies of MSN, MG, and MG-MSN were investigated and the results were recorded.

Results

MG-MSN was effective against both the tested bacteria. S. aureus was more phototoxic to MG-MSN compared to E. coli. The antibiofilm efficacy of MG-MSN on E. coli and S. aureus was also studied. Biofilm inhibition was 65.68 ± 2.62% in E. coli and 79.66 ± 3.82% in S. aureus. Cell viability assay, exopolysaccharides quantification, and confocal laser scanning microscopy studies also revealed the enhanced antibiofilm activity of MG-MSN when used as a potential photosensitizer for aPDT. This study can be extended to eradicate these strains from localized superficial infections and medical appliances, preventing nosocomial infections.
A stepping stone to compositionality in chimpanzee communication
Authors: Oña Linda S. , Sandler Wendy , Liebal Katja
Published: September 2019

Compositionality refers to a structural property of human language, according to which the meaning of a complex expression is a function of the meaning of its parts and the way they are combined. Compositionality is a defining characteristic of all human language, spoken and signed. Comparative research into the emergence of human language aims at identifying precursors to such key features of human language in the communication of other primates. While it is known that chimpanzees, our closest relatives, produce a variety of gestures, facial expressions and vocalizations in interactions with their group members, little is known about how these signals combine simultaneously. Therefore, the aim of the current study is to investigate whether there is evidence for compositional structures in the communication of chimpanzees. We investigated two semi-wild groups of chimpanzees, with focus on their manual gestures and their combinations with facial expressions across different social contexts. If there are compositional structures in chimpanzee communication, adding a facial expression to a gesture should convey a different message than the gesture alone, a difference that we expect to be measurable by the recipient’s response. Furthermore, we expect context-dependent usage of these combinations. Based on a form-based coding procedure of the collected video footage, we identified two frequently used manual gestures (stretched arm gesture and bent arm gesture) and two facial expression (bared teeth face and funneled lip face). We analyzed whether the recipients’ response varied depending on the signaler’s usage of a given gesture + face combination and the context in which these were used. Overall, our results suggest that, in positive contexts, such as play or grooming, specific combinations had an impact on the likelihood of the occurrence of particular responses. Specifically, adding a bared teeth face to a gesture either increased the likelihood of affiliative behavior (for stretched arm gesture) or eliminated the bias toward an affiliative response (for bent arm gesture). We show for the first time that the components under study are recombinable, and that different combinations elicit different responses, a property that we refer to as componentiality. Yet our data do not suggest that the components have consistent meanings in each combination—a defining property of compositionality. We propose that the componentiality exhibited in this study represents a necessary stepping stone toward a fully evolved compositional system.
Genome-wide characterization and expression analysis of aquaporins in salt cress (Eutrema salsugineum)
Authors: Qian Weiguo , Yang Xiaomin , Li Jiawen , Luo Rui , Yan Xiufeng , Pang Qiuying
Published: September 2019

Aquaporins (AQPs) serve as water channel proteins and belong to major intrinsic proteins (MIPs) family, functioning in rapidly and selectively transporting water and other small solutes across biological membranes. Importantly, AQPs have been shown to play a critical role in abiotic stress response pathways of plants. As a species closely related to Arabidopsis thaliana, Eutrema salsugineum has been proposed as a model for studying salt resistance in plants. Here we surveyed 35 full-length AQP genes in E. salsugineum, which could be grouped into four subfamilies including 12 plasma membrane intrinsic proteins (PIPs), 11 tonoplast intrinsic proteins (TIPs), nine NOD-like intrinsic proteins (NIPs), and three small basic intrinsic proteins (SIPs) by phylogenetic analysis. EsAQPs were comprised of 237–323 amino acids, with a theoretical molecular weight (MW) of 24.31–31.80 kDa and an isoelectric point (pI) value of 4.73–10.49. Functional prediction based on the NPA motif, aromatic/arginine (ar/R) selectivity filter, Froger’s position and specificity-determining position suggested quite differences in substrate specificities of EsAQPs. EsAQPs exhibited global expressions in all organs as shown by gene expression profiles and should be play important roles in response to salt, cold and drought stresses. This study provides comprehensive bioinformation on AQPs in E. salsugineum, which would be helpful for gene function analysis for further studies.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi alter the food utilization, growth, development and reproduction of armyworm (Mythimna separata) fed on Bacillus thuringiensis maize
Authors: Wang Long , Pokharel Sabin Saurav , Chen Fajun
Published: September 2019

Background

The cultivation of Bt maize (maize genetically modified with Bacillus thuringiensis) continues to expand globally. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), an important kind of microorganism closely related to soil fertility and plant nutrition, may influence the ecological risk of target lepidopteran pests in Bt crops.

Methods

In this study, transgenic Bt maize (Line IE09S034 with Cry1Ie vs. its parental line of non-Bt maize cv. Xianyu335) was inoculated with a species of AMF, Glomus caledonium (GC). Its effects on the food utilization, reproduction and development of armyworm, Mythimna separata, were studied in a potted experiment from 2017 to 2018.

Results

GC inoculation increased the AMF colonization of both modified and non-modified maize, and also increased the grain weight per plant and 1,000-grain weight of modified and non-modified maize. However, the cultivation of Bt maize did not significantly affect the AMF colonization. The feeding of M. separata with Bt maize resulted in a notable decrease in RCR (relative consumption rate), RGR (relative growth rate), AD (approximate digestibility), ECD (efficiency of conversion of digested food) and ECI (efficiency of conversion of ingested food) parameters in comparison to those observed in larvae fed with non-Bt maize in 2017 and 2018, regardless of GC inoculation. Furthermore, remarkable prolongation of larval life span and decreases in the rate of pupation, weight of pupa, rate of eclosion, fecundity and adult longevity of M. separata were observed in the Bt treatment regardless of GC inoculation during the two-year experiment. Also, when M. separata was fed with Bt maize, a significant prolongation of larval life and significant decreases in the pupal weight, fecundity and adult longevity of M. separata were observed when inoculated with GC. However, it was just the opposite for larvae fed with non-Bt maize that was inoculated with GC. The increased percentage of larval life-span, the decreased percentages of the food utilization, and the other indexes of reproduction, growth, and development of M. separata fed on Bt maize relative to non-Bt maize were all visibly lower when under GC inoculation in contrast to the CK.

Discussion

It is presumed that Bt maize has a marked adverse impact on M. separata development, reproduction and feeding, especially when in combination with the GC inoculation. Additionally, GC inoculation favors the effectiveness of Bt maize against M. separata larvae by reducing their food utilization ability, which negatively affects the development and reproduction of the armyworm. Thus, Bt maize inoculated with AMF (here, GC) can reduce the severe threats arising of armyworms, and hence the AMF inoculation may play an important ecological functions in the field of Bt maize ecosystem, with potentially high control efficiency for the target lepidopteran pests.
Innovative Extension Approach for Sustainable Agricultural Development: WhatsApp Groups for Farming Solution
Authors: Devanand I. Isaac , Kamala I. Merlin
Published: September 2019

Extension system has to be broadened by incorporating innovative extension approaches to manage present day challenges in agriculture viz., climate change, unpredictable and shifting weather, dwindling resources and population stress. With global competitiveness and market liberalization farmers are required to adjust their production portfolio to the emerging trends in food consumerism in domestic as well as global markets. With improving quality production and better job opportunities in rural areas the livelihood security of the farmers will definitely change the face of Indian agriculture. Sustainable agricultural development is very important for the security of rural livelihood. Farmers need information to make necessary decision to improve their production in agriculture for which a strong network of extension system is functioning, along with government initiative, extension scientists and functionaries working for agricultural development. The role of extension system is to groom farmers into the most intelligent decision maker. The use of internet, mobile and video- conferencing assists them for getting technical helps about farming. A number of research works reported that sixty per cent of the farmer households did not access any information on modern technology. Lack of better and up-to-date information that has made most farmers failed to make uninformed decisions on farming practices leading to unnecessary losses. Mobile internet in India has the strong potential to improve small farmer’s access to agricultural knowledge and information. The internet and social media infiltration are likely to increase substantially in near future. These situation presents an opportunity for each farmers to use social media for sharing agrarian information to rural mobile internet users. WhatsApp; one of the most popular social media tools offers many unique advantages, which makes it a potent agricultural extension tool. However, its use is ushers by many challenges, which need to be addressed for it to be effective. This article reviews the innovative extension approach, Whattsup as a farming solution, its advantages, applications and challenges involved.
Impact of Introducing Clinical Pharmacy Services in A Respiratory Diseases Clinic: A Report from North Cyprus
Authors: Abdi Abdikarim Mohamed , Rasmussen Finn , Demirdamar Rumeysa
Published: September 2019

Aims: The Implementation of Clinical Pharmacy Services (CPS) in hospitals is currently gaining attention in an effort to rationalize drug use in many developing countries. This study aims to introduce and evaluate ward-based CPS in a Respiratory Diseases clinic in North Cyprus and assess its efficacy and physician's perceptions toward the services.

Study Design:  A prospective interventional study.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in the respiratory clinic from 01 December 2013, to 30 January 2014 at Near East University Hospital, in Nicosia, North Cyprus.

Methodology: Clinical Pharmacy Services (CPS) were introduced and documented over the study period of 60 days in a tertiary university hospital. DTPs and Interventions were documented and classified using DTP classification tool obtained from previous studies, and later evaluated by an independent clinical committee for their feasibility. Physician’s attitudes and perceptions were evaluated before for and after introducing CPS's using a questionnaire tool.

Results: 82.35% of the targeted physician's sample have responded to baseline survey, (n=17) majority (92%) did not have any previous interaction with clinical pharmacists, they generally well perceived and had high expectations to pharmaceutical care services in general. This further enhanced the post-implementation of CPS. 118 interventions were carried during the program, 86.6% accepted and regarded as clinically relevant. Interventions mostly related to cardiovascular agents. Add/ change/stop medications were the most common type of interventions (21%). Most common resultant outcome was to avoid adverse effects or toxicities. The intervention was significantly related to the number of drugs used (r=0,487; p=0,006), the rate of acceptance significantly was higher to services compared to DRP interventions (p<0.005).

Conclusion: The introduction of CPS's lead to clinically relevant and highly accepted optimization of medicine use in different wards and clinics including respiratory diseases clinic in the case of this study, it was relatively well perceived by physicians, but also could be more valued if more optimized and practiced by talented proactive clinical pharmacists within a multidisciplinary team.
Stress‐specific aggregation of proteins in the amyloid bodies
Authors: Marijan Dane , Tse Ronnie , Elliott Keenan , Chandhok Sahil , Luo Monica , Lacroix Emma , Audas Timothy E.
Published: September 2019

Physiological amyloid aggregation occurs within the nuclei of stress‐treated cells. These structures, termed Amyloid bodies (A‐bodies), assemble through the rapid accumulation of proteins into dense membrane‐less organelles, which possess the same biophysical properties as plaques observed in many amyloid‐based diseases. Here, we demonstrate that A‐body proteomic compositions vary significantly between stimuli, as constituent proteins can be sequestered by one or more stressors. Stimulus exposure alone was insufficient to induce aggregation, demonstrating that this pathway is not regulated solely by stress‐induced conformational changes of the A‐body targets. We propose that different environmental conditions induce the formation of A‐body subtypes containing distinct protein residents. This selective immobilization of proteins may have evolved as a finely tuned mechanism for surviving divergent stressors.
Crystal structure of peptide‐bound neprilysin reveals key binding interactions
Authors: Moss Stephen , Subramanian Vasanta , Acharya K. Ravi
Published: September 2019

Neprilysin (NEP) is a promiscuous zinc metalloprotease with broad substrate specificity and cleaves a remarkable diversity of substrates through endopeptidase action. Two of these – amyloid‐β and natriuretic peptides – implicate the enzyme in both Alzheimer’s disease and cardiovascular disease, respectively. Here, we report the creation of a catalytically inactive NEP (E584D) to determine the first peptide‐bound crystal structure at 2.6 Å resolution. The structure reveals key interactions involved in substrate binding which we have identified to be conserved in other known zinc metalloproteases. In addition, the structure provides evidence for a potential exosite within the central cavity that may play a critical role in substrate positioning. Together, these results contribute to our understanding of the molecular function of NEP.
Frequent mastery testing with second‐chance exams leads to enhanced student learning in undergraduate engineering
Authors: Morphew Jason W. , Silva Mariana , Herman Geoffrey , West Matthew
Published: September 2019

Laboratory studies have routinely demonstrated that testing often leads to greater learning and retention than repeated studying. In the classroom, this effect has been replicated with memory and application tasks. However, studies of classrooms involving mathematical problem solving are sparse and have had mixed results. This paper presents the results of a quasi‐experimental study in an undergraduate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics course that investigated more frequent testing that incorporated aspects of mastery testing and second‐chance testing. Students in the frequent testing cohort scored seven percentage points higher and earned twice the number of As and half the number of failing grades. The advantage of frequent second‐chance mastery testing was found for both multiple‐choice and free‐response questions and remained after controlling for differences in student ability. Women and underrepresented minority students benefited from the altered testing environment to the same extent as the general population.
Effect of Al and W Contents on the Solidification and Solution Microstructure of Novel γ/γ′ Cobalt‐Base Superalloys
Authors: Zhou Xiaozhou , Fu Huadong , Zhang Yi , Xu Huan , Xie Jianxin
Published: September 2019

The solidification and heat treatment characteristics of superalloys are key to engineering and practical applications. The solidification and solid solution behavior of γ/γ′ cobalt‐base superalloys Co–30Ni–xAl–(15 − x)W–5Cr–1Ta–4Ti (x = 7, 9, 11 abbreviated as 7Al8W, 9Al6W, and 11Al4W, respectively) are studied using directional solidification experiments. The results indicate that there are Laves phase, (γ + γ′)e eutectics, and (β + γ′)e eutectics in the interdendritic regions for the 7Al8W alloy. The solidification sequence of the 7Al8W alloy is L → L1 + γ → L2 + γ + Laves → L3 + γ + Laves + (β + γ′)e →L4 + γ + Laves + (β + γ′)e + (γ + γ′)e → γ + Laves + (β + γ′)e + (γ + γ′)e. As the Al content increases and the W content decreases, the Laves phase fraction in the alloy decreases and the (β + γ′)e eutectics fraction increases. The Laves phase completely disappears in the 11Al4W alloy. An unremovable μ phase forms in the 7Al8W alloy during solution treatment. The 9Al6W alloy and 11Al4W alloy can exhibit a γ single‐phase microstructure after single‐stage solution treatment (1250 °C for 1 h) and two‐stage solution treatment (1210 °C for 1 h + 1275 °C for 1 h), respectively. These experimental results are helpful for composition optimization, solidification, and solution treatment parameter determination of novel γ/γ′ cobalt‐base superalloys.
An Intrinsically Stretchable High‐Performance Polymer Semiconductor with Low Crystallinity
Authors: Zheng Yu , Wang Ging‐Ji Nathan , Kang Jiheong , Nikolka Mark , Wu Hung‐Chin , Tran Helen , Zhang Song , Yan Hongping , Chen Hu , Yuen Pak Yan , Mun Jaewan , Dauskardt Reinhold H. , McCulloch Iain , Tok Jeffrey B.‐H. , Gu Xiaodan , Bao Zhenan
Published: September 2019

For wearable and implantable electronics applications, developing intrinsically stretchable polymer semiconductor is advantageous, especially in the manufacturing of large‐area and high‐density devices. A major challenge is to simultaneously achieve good electrical and mechanical properties for these semiconductor devices. While crystalline domains are generally needed to achieve high mobility, amorphous domains are necessary to impart stretchability. Recent progresses in the design of high‐performance donor–acceptor polymers that exhibit low degrees of energetic disorder, while having a high fraction of amorphous domains, appear promising for polymer semiconductors. Here, a low crystalline, i.e., near‐amorphous, indacenodithiophene‐co‐benzothiadiazole (IDTBT) polymer and a semicrystalline thieno[3,2‐b]thiophene‐diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPPTT) are compared, for mechanical properties and electrical performance under strain. It is observed that IDTBT is able to achieve both a high modulus and high fracture strain, and to preserve electrical functionality under high strain. Next, fully stretchable transistors are fabricated using the IDTBT polymer and observed mobility ≈0.6 cm2 V−1 s−1 at 100% strain along stretching direction. In addition, the morphological evolution of the stretched IDTBT films is investigated by polarized UV–vis and grazing‐incidence X‐ray diffraction to elucidate the molecular origins of high ductility. In summary, the near‐amorphous IDTBT polymer signifies a promising direction regarding molecular design principles toward intrinsically stretchable high‐performance polymer semiconductor.
Direct Growth of Carbon Nanotubes Doped with Single Atomic Fe–N4 Active Sites and Neighboring Graphitic Nitrogen for Efficient and Stable Oxygen Reduction Electrocatalysis
Authors: Xia Dongsheng , Yang Xin , Xie Lin , Wei Yinping , Jiang Wulv , Dou Miao , Li Xuning , Li Jia , Gan Lin , Kang Feiyu
Published: September 2019

Single atomic Fe–Nx moieties embedded on a high surface area carbon (Fe–N/C) represents one of the most promising nonprecious metal electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. While significant progress has been made in the preparation of Fe–N/C catalysts with high‐density Fe–Nx sites, key structural descriptors determining the intrinsic activity of the Fe center remain elusive, and effective ways to enhance the intrinsic activity are still lacking. Moreover, most Fe–N/C catalysts developed to date are built on carbons with rather low graphitization degree, which suffer from relatively severe carbon corrosion and thereby poor stability. The direct growth of carbon nanotubes doped with high‐density Fe–Nx sites neighbored with graphitic‐nitrogen‐rich environment is reported here, which are successfully applied as a both active and stable ORR electrocatalyst in fuel cells. Combining both experiments and density functional theory calculations, it is revealed that the neighboring graphitic nitrogen can effectively induce higher filling degree of d‐orbitals and simultaneously decrease on‐site magnetic moment (namely, lowered spin) of the Fe center, which can optimize the binding energies of ORR intermediates and thereby substantially enhance intrinsic ORR activity.
3D Honeycomb Architecture Enables a High‐Rate and Long‐Life Iron (III) Fluoride–Lithium Battery
Authors: Wu Feixiang , Srot Vesna , Chen Shuangqiang , Lorger Simon , van Aken Peter A. , Maier Joachim , Yu Yan
Published: September 2019

Metal fluoride–lithium batteries with potentially high energy densities, even higher than lithium–sulfur batteries, are viewed as very promising candidates for next‐generation lightweight and low‐cost rechargeable batteries. However, so far, metal fluoride cathodes have suffered from poor electronic conductivity, sluggish reaction kinetics and side reactions causing high voltage hysteresis, poor rate capability, and rapid capacity degradation upon cycling. Herein, it is reported that an FeF3@C composite having a 3D honeycomb architecture synthesized by a simple method may overcome these issues. The FeF3 nanoparticles (10–50 nm) are uniformly embedded in the 3D honeycomb carbon framework where the honeycomb walls and hexagonal‐like channels provide sufficient pathways for the fast electron and Li‐ion diffusion, respectively. As a result, the as‐produced 3D honeycomb FeF3@C composite cathodes even with high areal FeF3 loadings of 2.2 and 5.3 mg cm−2 offer unprecedented rate capability up to 100 C and remarkable cycle stability within 1000 cycles, displaying capacity retentions of 95%–100% within 200 cycles at various C rates, and ≈85% at 2C within 1000 cycles. The reported results demonstrate that the 3D honeycomb architecture is a powerful composite design for conversion‐type metal fluorides to achieve excellent electrochemical performance in metal fluoride–lithium batteries.
Janus Nanobullets Combine Photodynamic Therapy and Magnetic Hyperthermia to Potentiate Synergetic Anti‐Metastatic Immunotherapy
Authors: Wang Zheng , Zhang Fan , Shao Dan , Chang Zhimin , Wang Lei , Hu Hanze , Zheng Xiao , Li Xuezhao , Chen Fangman , Tu Zhaoxu , Li Mingqiang , Sun Wen , Chen Li , Dong Wen‐Fei
Published: September 2019

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is clinically promising in destructing primary tumors but ineffective against distant metastases. This study reports the use of immunogenic nanoparticles mediated combination of PDT and magnetic hyperthermia to synergistically augment the anti‐metastatic efficacy of immunotherapy. Janus nanobullets integrating chlorine e6 (Ce6) loaded, disulfide‐bridged mesoporous organosilica bodies with magnetic heads (M‐MONs@Ce6) are tailored for redox/pH‐triggered photosensitizer release accompanying their matrix degradation. Cancer cell membrane cloaking enables favorable tumor‐targeted accumulation and prolonged blood circulation time of M‐MONs@Ce6. The combination of PDT and magnetic hyperthermia has a strong synergy anticancer activity and simultaneously elicits a sequence of immunogenic cell death, resulting in synergistically tumor‐specific immune responses. When combined with anti‐CTLA‐4 antibody, the biomimetic and biodegradable nanoparticle enables the notable eradication of primary and deeply metastatic tumors with low systematic toxicity, thus potentially advancing the development of combined hyperthermia, PDT, and checkpoint blockade immunotherapy to combat cancer metastasis.
Ricocheting Droplets Moving on Super‐Repellent Surfaces
Authors: Pan Shuaijun , Guo Rui , Richardson Joseph J. , Berry Joseph D. , Besford Quinn A. , Björnmalm Mattias , Yun Gyeongwon , Wu Ruoxi , Lin Zhixing , Zhong Qi‐Zhi , Zhou Jiajing , Sun Qiang , Li Jianhua , Lu Yanbing , Dong Zhichao , Banks Margaret Katherine , Xu Weijian , Jiang Jianhui , Jiang Lei , Caruso Frank
Published: September 2019

Droplet bouncing on repellent solid surfaces (e.g., the lotus leaf effect) is a common phenomenon that has aroused interest in various fields. However, the scenario of a droplet bouncing off another droplet (either identical or distinct chemical composition) while moving on a solid material (i.e., ricocheting droplets, droplet billiards) is scarcely investigated, despite it having fundamental implications in applications including self‐cleaning, fluid transport, and heat and mass transfer. Here, the dynamics of bouncing collisions between liquid droplets are investigated using a friction‐free platform that ensures ultrahigh locomotion for a wide range of probing liquids. A general prediction on bouncing droplet–droplet contact time is elucidated and bouncing droplet–droplet collision is demonstrated to be an extreme case of droplet bouncing on surfaces. Moreover, the maximum deformation and contact time are highly dependent on the position where the collision occurs (i.e., head‐on or off‐center collisions), which can now be predicted using parameters (i.e., effective velocity, effective diameter) through the concept of an effective interaction region. The results have potential applications in fields ranging from microfluidics to repellent coatings.
An Ultrahigh Energy Density Quasi‐Solid‐State Zinc Ion Microbattery with Excellent Flexibility and Thermostability
Authors: Shi Junjie , Wang Siliang , Chen Xing , Chen Zhicheng , Du Xiaoyu , Ni Tong , Wang Qiang , Ruan Limin , Zeng Wei , Huang Zhixiang
Published: September 2019

The rapid development of smart wearable and integrated electronic products has urgently increased the requirement for high‐performance microbatteries. Although few lithium ion microbatteries based on organic electrolytes have been reported so far, the problems, such as undesirable energy density, poor flexibility, inflammability, volatility toxicity, and high cost restrict their practical applications in the above‐mentioned electronic products. In order to overcome these problems, a low cost quasi‐solid‐state aqueous zinc ion microbattery (ZIMB) assembled by a vanadium dioxide (B)‐multiwalled carbon nanotubes (VO2 (B)‐MWCNTs) cathode, a zinc nanoflakes anode, and a zinc trifluoromethanesulfonate‐polyvinyl alcohol (Zn(CF3SO3)2‐PVA) hydrogel electrolyte is exploited. As expected, the ZIMB exhibits excellent electrochemical performance, e.g., a high capacity of 314.7 µAh cm−2, an ultrahigh energy density of 188.8 µWh cm−2, and a high power density of 0.61 mW cm−2. Furthermore, the ZIMB also shows high flexibility and excellent high temperature stability: the capacity has no obvious decay when the bending angle is up to 150° and the temperature reaches 100 °C. The ZIMB provides a way to develop next‐generation miniature energy storage devices with high performance.
An unusual cause for Coffin–Lowry syndrome: Three brothers with a novel microduplication in RPS6KA3
Authors: Castelluccio Valerie J. , Vetrini Francesco , Lynnes Ty , Jones Julie , Holloway Lynda , Belonis Alyce , Breman Amy M. , Graham Brett H. , Sapp Katherine , Wilson Theodore , Schwartz Charles E. , Pratt Victoria M. , Weaver David D.
Published: September 2019

Coffin–Lowry syndrome (CLS) is a rare X‐linked disorder characterized by moderate to severe intellectual disability, hypotonia, craniofacial features, tapering digits, short stature, and skeletal deformities. Using whole exome sequencing and high‐resolution targeted comparative genomic hybridization array analysis, we identified a novel microduplication encompassing exons five through nine of RPS6KA3 in three full brothers. Each brother presented with intellectual disability and clinical and radiographic features consistent with CLS. qRT‐PCR analyses performed on mRNA from the peripheral blood of the three siblings revealed a marked reduction of RPS6KA3 levels suggesting a loss‐of‐function mechanism. PCR analysis of the patients’ cDNA detected a band greater than expected for an exon 4–10 amplicon, suggesting this was likely a direct duplication that lies between exons 4 through 10, which was later confirmed by Sanger sequencing. This microduplication is only the third intragenic duplication of RPS6KA3, and the second and smallest reported to date thought to cause CLS. Our study further supports the clinical utility of methods such as next‐generation sequencing and high‐resolution genomic arrays to detect small intragenic duplications. These methods, coupled with expression studies and cDNA structural analysis have the capacity to confirm the diagnosis of CLS in these rare cases.
Asymmetric Aza‐Henry Reaction of Indolenines Mediated by a Cinchona‐Alkaloid‐Thiourea Organocatalyst
Authors: Shao You‐Dong , He Xiu‐Yan , Han Dan‐Dan , Yang Xin‐Ru , Yao Hai‐Bin , Cheng Dao‐Juan
Published: September 2019

An organocatalytic asymmetric aza‐Henry reaction of indolenines with nitromethane is presented. By using a Cinchona‐alkaloid‐based thiourea bifunctional organocatalyst, a series of structurally novel and optically active 2‐nitromethyl indolines were afforded in synthetically useful yields (up to 91%) and good to high enantioselectivities (up to 94% ee). The developed protocol provides a powerful approach for the transformation of unactivated five‐membered cyclic aldimines into valuable chiral N‐heterocycles.
Improvement of polyimide/polysulfone composites filled with conductive carbon black as positive temperature coefficient materials
Authors: Tiptipakorn Sunan , Kuengputpong Noppawat , Okhawilai Manunya , Rimdusit Sarawut
Published: September 2019

In this study, polyimide (PI)/polysulfone (PSF) blends filled with carbon black (CB) were developed for the use as positive temperature coefficient (PTC) materials in order to achieve the volume resistivity as lower than 104 Ω.cm at room temperature. The weight ratios of PI/PSF were various from 100/0 to 10/90 with CB varied from 0 to 20 wt%. The use of conductive filler was reduced when PSF was blended with PI; the blends clearly possessed a percolation threshold decreased by 90%. The electrical conductivity of the CB‐filled blends was higher than those of CB‐filled pure PI. The transition temperature for PTC material was reported in the range of 180 to 210 °C. The preferential location of CB filler in PI domains could be observed using the optical microscope. In addition, the composites met the standards for the obtained mechanical and thermal properties, exhibiting the potential use as PTC materials. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48482.
A Preliminary Description of the Sleep‐Related Neural Systems in the Brain of the Blue Wildebeest, Connochaetes taurinus
Authors: Malungo Illke B. , Gravett Nadine , Bhagwandin Adhil , Davimes Joshua G. , Manger Paul R.
Published: September 2019

The current study provides a detailed qualitative description of the organization of the cholinergic, catecholaminergic, serotonergic, orexinergic, and GABAergic sleep‐related systems in the brain of the blue wildebeest (Connocheates taurinus), along with a quantitative analysis of the pontine cholinergic and noradrenergic neurons, and the hypothalamic orexinergic neurons. The aim of this study was to compare the nuclear organization of these systems to other mammalian species and specifically that reported for other Cetartiodactyla. In the brain of the blue wildebeest, from the basal forebrain to the pons, the nuclear organization of the cholinergic, catecholaminergic, serotonergic, and orexinergic systems, for the most part, showed a corresponding nuclear organization to that reported in other mammals and more specifically the Cetartiodactyla. Furthermore, the description and distribution of the GABAergic system, which was examined through immunostaining for the calcium binding proteins calbindin, calretinin, and parvalbumin, was also similar to that seen in other mammals. These findings indicate that sleep in the blue wildebeest is likely to show typically mammalian features in terms of the global brain activity of the generally recognized sleep states of mammals, but Cetartiodactyl‐specific features of the orexinergic system may act to lower overall daily total sleep time in relation to similar sized non‐Cetartiodactyl mammals. Anat Rec, 2019. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy Anat Rec, 303:1977–1997, 2020. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy
Effects of lipopolysaccharide and juvenile hormone III treatments on cell growth and gene expression in the Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae) CCE/CC128 cell line
Authors: García‐Reina Andrés , Rossi Elisabetta , Galián José
Published: September 2019

The Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata is one of the most important insect pest species in the world. It has a high colonization capacity and population variety, giving it considerable genetic diversity. Strategies for its control have included the sterile insect technique and insect growth regulators. Many studies have analyzed the medfly transcriptome, and along with the medfly genome sequence, the sequences of multiple genes related to sex determination, mating, development, pheromone detection, immunity, or stress have been identified. In this study, the medfly CCE/CC128 cell line was used to assess cell growth variation and changes in the expression of genes covering different functions, after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and juvenile hormone III (JHIII) treatments. No significant effects on cell growth and gene expression were observed in the cells treated with LPS. In the cells treated with JHIII, the results showed significant effects on cell growth, and an overexpression was found of the Shade gene, one of the Halloween gene members of the cytochrome p450 family, which is involved in development and the synthesis of 20‐hydroxyecdysone. This study shows preliminary results on the insect cell line in combination with whole‐genome sequencing, which can facilitate studies regarding growth, toxicity, immunity, and transcriptome regulations as a response to different compounds and environmental alterations.
Benefit of Anakinra in Treating Pediatric Secondary Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis
Authors: Eloseily Esraa M. , Weiser Peter , Crayne Courtney B. , Haines Hilary , Mannion Melissa L. , Stoll Matthew L. , Beukelman Timothy , Atkinson T. Prescott , Cron Randy Q.
Published: September 2019

Objective

To assess the benefit of the recombinant human interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist anakinra in treating pediatric patients with secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH)/macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) associated with rheumatic and nonrheumatic conditions.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of all anakinra‐treated patients with secondary HLH/MAS was performed at Children's of Alabama from January 2008 through December 2016. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and genetic characteristics, outcomes data, and information on concurrent treatments were collected from the records and analyzed using appropriate univariate statistical approaches to assess changes following treatment and associations between patient variables and outcomes.

Results

Forty‐four patients with secondary HLH/MAS being treated with anakinra were identified in the electronic medical records. The median duration of hospitalization was 15 days. The mean pretreatment serum ferritin level was 33,316 ng/ml and dropped to 14,435 ng/ml (57% decrease) within 15 days of the start of anakinra treatment. The overall mortality rate in the cohort was 27%. Earlier initiation of anakinra (within 5 days of hospitalization) was associated with reduced mortality (P = 0.046), whereas thrombocytopenia (platelet count <100,000/μl) and STXBP2 mutations were both associated with increased mortality (P = 0.008 and P = 0.012, respectively). In considering patients according to their underlying diagnosis, those with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) had the lowest mortality rate, with no deaths among the 13 systemic JIA patients included in the study (P = 0.006). In contrast, those with an underlying hematologic malignancy had the highest mortality rate, at 100% (n = 3).

Conclusion

These findings suggest that anakinra appears to be effective in treating pediatric patients with non–malignancy‐associated secondary HLH/MAS, especially when it is given early in the disease course and when administered to patients who have an underlying rheumatic disease.
Microscopic and spectroscopic study of the corona formation and unfolding of human haemoglobin in presence of ZnO nanoparticles
Authors: Bhunia A.K. , Saha S. , Kamilya T.
Published: September 2019

The interaction of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) with human haemoglobin (Hb) is studied for the biologically safe application of ZnO NPs in the human body. The Hb corona is formed around the ZnO nanoparticles, directly observed from high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) images. Hb formed ‘hard corona' on the surface of ZnO NPs from an exponential association mechanism over a very short duration, as well as unfolding of Hb that occurred over a long lifetime. Dynamic light scattering measurements demonstrated that the ZnO NPs were completely covered by Hb with shell thickness of c. 6 nm that formed a ‘hard corona'. Zeta potential measurements represented that the ZnO NPs were fully covered by Hb molecules using an exponential association mechanism. Tryptophans (TRY), as well as heme‐porphyrin moieties of Hb, are the major binding sites for ZnO NPs. The nature of the interaction between ZnO NPs and Hb was analysed from the fluorescence quenching of TRYs. Electrostatic interaction, along with the hydrophobic interaction between ZnO NPs and Hb, is responsible for the conformational change in Hb due to increase in the percentage of β‐sheets together with a decrease in α‐helices.