bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phytochemical Screening, GC-MS Analysis and Antioxidant Activity of Three Medicinal Plants From Nigeria
Authors: Ahamefula S. Ezekwe , Kenneth S. Ordu , Ralphael S. Oruamabo 
Published: August 2020

Phytochemical screening, GC-MS analysis and antioxidant activity of some medicinal plants were investigated using standard methods. Leaves of Gongronema latifolium, Petrocarpus mildbraedii, and Piper guineense plants were prepared properly and used in the entire study. Results of phytochemical screening for the plants revealed the presence of tannins, saponins, alkaloids, phenolic compounds, reducing sugars amongst others at different concentrations. Results of GC-MS analysis for G.latifolium showed a total of thirty-three compounds of which Cyclohexano, 2-l(methlaminomethyl)-trans had the highest retention time, squalene had the highest molecular weight and phytol had the highest peak area. GC-MS result for P.mildbraedii revealed a total of twenty-three of which Acatamide,2,2,2-trichloro- had the highest retention time, Erucic acid had the highest molecular weight whereas n-Hexadecanoic acid the highest peak area. Only ten compound were observed in P.guineense of which Ethyl (3-hydroxyphenyl) carbamate had the highest retention time, Benzaminde, N-(4,5-dichloro-1,3-benzothiazol-2yl)-3,5-dimethoxy- had the highest molecular weight and Benzene, 1,2,3-trimethoxy-5-(2-propenyl)- has the highest peak area in P. guineense. The antioxidant activity of the plant extracts as assessed, followed the order P.guineense > G.latifolium> P. mildbraedii in comparative with ascorbic acid used as the control. The observed compounds become very important when the usefulness of these plants as medicinal plants are considered. They could as well be behind the antioxidant property of the plants in this study. This study has revealed the phytochemical screening, GC-MS analysis and antioxidant activity of some medicinal plants.
Evaluation of Phytochemicals of Cassia occidentalis L. for their Binding Affinities to SARS-CoV-2 3C-Like Protease: An in Silico Approach
Authors: Bondhon Tohmina Afroze , Rana Md. Aynal Haque , Hasan Anamul , Jahan Rownak , Jannat Khoshnur , Rahmatullah Mohammed 
Published: August 2020

Aims: Corona virus SARS-CoV-2, otherwise known as COVID-19 has created a pandemic resulting in social and financial crisis throughout the world. The virus has no known drugs or vaccines for preventive or therapeutic purposes. The objective of the present study was to screen phytochemicals from Cassia occidentalis L. in virtual screening (in silico) studies to evaluate their potential of binding to the main 3C-like protease of the virus and so stop its replication.
Study Design: Molecular docking approach was used for virtual screening studies.
Place and Duration of Study: University of Development Alternative between April and July 2020.
Methodology: Molecular docking (blind) were done with the help of Autodock Vina. We have used the pdb file (6LU7) of the main protease of SARS-CoV-2 3C-like protease or SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro (monomeric form) to study binding of the phytochemicals.
Results: Of the nine phytochemicals studied, the C-glycosidic flavonoids, cassiaoccidentalins A-C demonstrated excellent binding affinities to the protease. The compounds bound to the active site of the protease with binding energy values of -8.2 to-8.4 kcal/mol.
Conclusion: The in silico studies suggest that the compounds merit actual COVID-19 inhibitory tests and have potential for anti-COVID-19 use.
Amelioration of Salt Affected Soils and Improvement of Rice and Wheat Yields by Adding Compost and Foliar Spray of Zinc, Potassium and Compost Tea
Authors: Amer M. M. , ELSaka M. S. , Zoghdan M. G. , Khalifa T. H. 
Published: August 2020

Amelioration of salt-affected soils requires an integrated management approach, by eco-friendly environmental methods which help improve soil properties, increases crop yield and quality. Hence, a study was done to evaluate the performances of combined use of compost and foliar application of Zn, K and compost tea. In salt affected soil in the rice-wheat system. A field experiment at El Hamool district, Kafr El Sheikh governorate, Egypt was carried out during 2019 summer for rice and 2020 winter season for wheat. A split plot design with three replicates was performed. The main plots were occupied by levels of compost: C1 (2MgFed.-1), C2 (4MgFed.-1) and C3 (6MgFed.-1), (Fed= 0.41ha). Whereas, sub-plots were foliar application: control (T1), Zinc sulphate (T2), Mono potassium phosphate (T3), compost tea (T4), Zinc + potassium (T5), zinc + compost tea (T6), potassium + CT (T7) and Zn + PK + CT (T8). ECe and SAR) were significant decreased due to application of compost up to C3 (6MgFed.-1) while CEC and organic carbon were significantly increased by compost application, C3(6MgFed.-1). The highest results were recorded due to use of Zn+PK+CT and compost. The grain and straw yields of both rice and wheat were markedly increased due to application of compost and foliar nutrients. The highest values were noted with the interaction of C3 am and T8.Nitrogen uptake, N use efficiency and N-recovery for both rice and wheat were considerably increased due to application of compost and foliar treatments, the highest performance being observed in C3 coupled with T8.
Heliospheric Modulation of GCR at Mid and High Latitudes
Authors: Okpala Kingsley Chukwudi , Kalu Darlene Florence , Achu Nnaemeka Onyekachi Njoku- 
Published: August 2020

The variations of Galactic Cosmic Ray (GCR) as compared with the behaviour of various solar activity indices, heliospheric parameters and the geomagnetic index Ap during 1999-2015, which covers part of cycles 23 and cycle 24 have been studied. Two sets of data were considered, consisting respectively of all days of the month and the five quietest days. Neutron Monitor Stations of Moscow and Rome (mid latitude stations) and Inuvik and Oulu (High latitude stations) were employed. Cosmic Ray (CR) wave characteristics were obtained by the harmonics method. The mean, diurnal amplitude of the first, second, and third harmonics were calculated and profiled. Furthermore, correlation analysis was carried out to determine the association between parameters. Results showed that the total magnetic field BT and the sunspot number (SSN) showed the strongest association with CR in both quiet conditions and all day conditions considered. The higher harmonics showed a slightly stronger association with CR than lower harmonics. A time-lag of about 12-15 months was observed for SSN suggesting a potential for predicting CR flux, while the total magnetic field had a zero lag for all the heliospheric parameters considered.
A TRIBUTAÇÃO SOBRE O PATRIMÔNIO E A RENDA: MAIS UM CASO DE INJUSTIÇA FISCAL
Authors: Grassano de Gouvêa Mélo Luciana , Christian Nunes Campos Giovanni 
Published: August 2020

Este artigo discute a tributação sobre o patrimônio e a renda, em especial a diminuição da progressividade das alíquotas do século XX para o século XXI, na medida que, nos países anglo-saxônicos que desenvolveram a tributação confiscatória sobre altos patrimônios e rendas após a segunda guerra, é onde existem as maiores forças ideológicas para reduzir a imposição sobre vultosas rendas e patrimônios, o que implica na perpetuação do patrimônio entre classes mais abastadas. E como reflexo dessa diminuição da tributação do patrimônio, agrava-se a tributação indireta sobre o consumo, esta que onera mais fortemente as classes mais desfavorecidas. Trata-se de um processo histórico em curso, agravado pela concorrência fiscal entre países e pela existência de inumeráveis paraísos fiscais. Indo além, mostra-se o raquitismo da tributação do patrimônio no Brasil, que representa uma pequena parcela das receitas tributárias nacionais, estas centradas majoritariamente na tributação indireta sobre o consumo. No caso brasileiro, além da falta de interesse do legislador em produzir uma legislação tributária sobre patrimônio mais moderna, vê-se certa inapetência das Administrações Tributárias em aplicar com maior rigor a legislação que já existe. Tudo isso implica em uma tributação sobre o patrimônio esmaecida, geradora de injustiça fiscal, pois o ônus tributário termina gravando maiormente os contribuintes menos favorecidos. Reconhece-se que a tributação sobre a renda está em melhor forma, mas, de <em>lege ferenda</em>, pode avançar, em termos da diminuição da evasão e aumento de progressividade das alíquotas. E nunca se deve esquecer que a tributação não é uma mera questão de técnica jurídica, mas essencialmente de escolha política, com largo cunho filosófico, a implicar que o ônus tributário ao cidadão não é um fato da natureza, mas algo construído nos parlamentos (e tribunais).
Zinc‐Catalyzed N‐Alkylation of Aromatic Amines with Alcohols: A Ligand‐Free Approach
Authors: Sankar Velayudham , Kathiresan Murugavel , Sivakumar Bitragunta , Mannathan Subramaniyan 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAn efficient zinc‐catalyzed N‐alkylation reaction of aromatic amines was achieved using aliphatic, aromatic, and heteroaromatic alcohols as the alkylating reagent. A variety of aniline derivatives, including heteroaromatic amines, underwent the N‐alkylation reaction and furnished the corresponding monoalkylated products in good to excellent yields. The application of the reaction is also further demonstrated by the synthesis of a 2‐phenylquinoline derivative from acetophenone and 2‐aminobenzyl alcohol. Deuterium labeling experiments show that the reaction proceeds via a borrowing hydrogen process.magnified image
Predicting the Real‐Valued Inter‐Residue Distances for Proteins
Authors: Ding Wenze , Gong Haipeng 
Published: August 2020

AbstractPredicting protein structure from the amino acid sequence has been a challenge with theoretical and practical significance in biophysics. Despite the recent progresses elicited by improved inter‐residue contact prediction, contact‐based structure prediction has gradually reached the performance ceiling. New methods have been proposed to predict the inter‐residue distance, but unanimously by simplifying the real‐valued distance prediction into a multiclass classification problem. Here, a lightweight regression‐based distance prediction method is shown, which adopts the generative adversarial network to capture the delicate geometric relationship between residue pairs and thus could predict the continuous, real‐valued inter‐residue distance rapidly and satisfactorily. The predicted residue distance map allows quick structure modeling by the CNS suite, and the constructed models approach the same level of quality as the other state‐of‐the‐art protein structure prediction methods when tested on CASP13 targets. Moreover, this method can be used directly for the structure prediction of membrane proteins without transfer learning.
Parallel detection of single nucleotide variants and copy number variants with exome analysis: Validation in a cohort of 700 undiagnosed patients
Authors: Suzuki Hisato , Yamada Mamiko , Uehara Tomoko , Takenouchi Toshiki , Kosaki Kenjiro 
Published: August 2020

AbstractCopy number variants (CNVs) are significant causes of rare and undiagnosed diseases. Parallel detection of single nucleotide variants (SNVs) and CNVs with exome analysis, if feasible, would shorten the diagnostic closure in a timely manner. We validated such “parallel” approach through a cohort study of 791 undiagnosed patients. In addition to routine exome analysis, we applied an innovative algorithm EXCAVATOR2 which enhances sensitivity by paradoxically exploiting read depth data that covers nonexonic regions where baits were not originally intended to hybridize. About 48 patients had copy number variations, 42 deletions, and 6 duplications with a resolution of 0.51–14.7 mega base pairs. Importantly from a clinical standpoint, we identified three patients with “dual diagnosis” due to concurrent pathogenic CNV and SNV. We suggest “hitting two birds with one stone” approach to exome data is an efficient strategy in deciphering undiagnosed patients and may well be considered as a first‐tier genetic test.
A functional analysis of Carabelli trait in Australian aboriginal dentition
Authors: Fung Sarah , Lee Jinyoung , Yong Robin , Ranjitkar Sarbin , Kaidonis John , Pilbrow Varsha , Panagiotopoulou Olga , Fiorenza Luca 
Published: August 2020

AbstractObjectivesCarabelli is a nonmetric dental trait variably expressed as a small pit to a prominent cusp in the maxillary molars of modern humans. Investigations on the occurrence and expression rates of this trait have been conducted extensively, tracing its origin to genetic sources. However, there remains a lack of understanding about its potential role in chewing. In this study, we examine molar macrowear with the aim of reconstructing Carabelli trait occlusal dynamics occurring during chewing.MethodsWe have examined 96 deciduous and permanent maxillary molars of children and young adults from Yuendumu, an Australian Aboriginal population that was at an early stage of transition from a nomadic and hunter‐gatherer way of life to a more settled existence. We apply a well‐established method, called Occlusal Fingerprint Analysis, which is a digital approach for analyzing dental macrowear allowing the reconstruction of jaw movements required to produce wear pattern specific to each tooth.ResultsCarabelli trait slightly enlarges the surface functional area, especially in those molars where this feature is expressed in its cuspal form and it is closer to the occlusal plane. Moreover, the highly steep contact planes would also indicate that Carabelli wear areas contribute to increasing the shearing abilities of the occluded teeth, which are particularly important when processing fibrous and tough foods.ConclusionsThe macrowear analysis suggests that Carabelli trait in the Aboriginal people from Yuendumu slightly enhanced occlusion and probably played some functional role during mastication. Future biomechanical and microwear analyses could provide additional information on the mechanical adaptation of Carabelli trait in modern human dentition.
A comparison between chemical and gas hypoxia as models of global ischemia in zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Marino Kaitlyn M. , Silva Emani R. , Windelborn James A. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundZebrafish models for neurovascular diseases offer new methods for elucidation of molecular pathways to tissue damage. External fertilization and high fecundity provide opportunities for transgenics and other forms of genetic manipulation that are more accessible than offered by mammalian models of disease. Furthermore, behavioral analyses of zebrafish allow for connection of molecular pathways to organismal outputs such as locomotion, learning, and memory. Unfortunately, a zebrafish model of hypoxia‐ischemia has been slow to catch on, possibly due to hypoxia exposure protocols that are challenging to reproduce and result in high mortality.MethodsIn this study, we have introduced a predictable and simple method of hypoxia induction, the addition of sodium sulfite to aquarium water. The effects of this treatment on zebrafish locomotion were compared to those of zebrafish exposed to hypoxia induced by nitrogen gas bubbling, a method used in previous reports.ResultsWe found that hypoxia induced by sodium sulfite significantly impaired locomotion in the hours following treatment, and its effects did not differ from those caused by nitrogen gas hypoxia.ConclusionThese results indicate that hypoxia by sodium sulfite represents an effective and easily reproducible method for the study of hypoxia‐ischemia in zebrafish.
High dielectric constant epoxy nanocomposites containing ZnO quantum dots decorated carbon nanotube
Authors: Liu Cong , Daneshvar Farhad , Hawkins Spencer , Kotaki Masaya , Sue Hung‐Jue 
Published: August 2020

AbstractZinc oxide (ZnO) quantum dot (QD) decorated multi‐walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) hybrid was utilized in the fabrication of high dielectric constant epoxy nanocomposites. Because of the shielding effect of ZnO QD, the well‐dispersed epoxy hybrid nanocomposites exhibit frequency insensitive high dielectric constant as well as greatly reduced dielectric loss. With only 1.5 wt% of MWCNT addition, the epoxy/MWCNT‐ZnO nanocomposite possesses dielectric constant as high as 31 and dielectric loss as low as 0.01 at 1 kHz. In addition, the epoxy nanocomposite exhibits greatly enhanced tensile properties. The role of ZnO QD decorated MWCNT in the preparation and property improvement of multi‐functional polymer nanocomposites is discussed.
Sustained‐release ibuprofen prodrug particle: Emulsifier and initiator regulate the diameter and distribution
Authors: Wang Jia , Zhang Haixin , Xu Jie , Qian Hao , Liu Rui , Xu Zengchang , Zhu Hongjun 
Published: August 2020

AbstractPolymers have played a vital part in the development of drug delivery systems (DDS). For DDS, having a controllable diameter and distribution are conducive to reproducibility of drug release behavior and efficacy. In this work, an ibuprofen prodrug (Ibu@PMMA) was synthesized by methyl methacrylate (MMA), ibuprofen monomer (Ibu@HEMA), and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) via emulsion polymerization. The Ibu@PMMA exhibits spherical shapes, and its structural properties were characterized by NMR, FTIR, and SEM techniques. In addition, the hydrodynamic diameter and polydispersity index (PDI) of Ibu@PMMA were reduced by increasing the proportion of emulsifier. Meanwhile, by increasing the amount of initiator, the hydrodynamic diameter and PDI of Ibu@PMMA were decreased. Moreover, Ibu@PMMA exhibits good sustained‐release ability in vitro, which could be used as a potential delivery system for anti‐inflammatory agents.
Students' habits and competencies for creating virtual learning environments
Authors: Karuović Dijana , Tasić Ivan , Hains Violeta Vidacek , Glušac Dragana , Namestovski Zolt , Szabo Csaba , Kocaleva Mirjana , Milanov Dušanka 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThis study examines the habits and competences of IT students in the use of information technology resources. The survey includes 650 students from seven different higher education institutions in various countries in the region. The paper investigates which information technology tools, online applications, and offline programs are being used. The paper also aims to highlight the amount of time that students spend online and how much they participate in communicating online. The goal is to assess what the opportunities provided by the Internet have been used for in terms of learning and development. The obtained results can help to develop and improve virtual learning environments, as well as create an improved form and content of online courses in the future.
Chemical Looping of Manganese to Synthesize Ammonia at Atmospheric Pressure: Sodium as Promoter
Authors: Aframehr Wrya Mohammadi , Huang Chaoran , Pfromm Peter H. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAffordable synthetic ammonia (NH3) enables the production of nearly half of the food we eat and is emerging as a renewable energy carrier. Sodium‐promoted chemical looping NH3 synthesis at atmospheric pressure using manganese (Mn) is here demonstrated. The looping process may be advantageous when inexpensive renewable hydrogen from electrolysis is available. Avoiding the high pressure of the Haber‐Bosch process by chemical looping using earth‐abundant materials may reduce capital cost, facilitate intermittent operation, and allow operation in geographic areas where infrastructure is less sophisticated. At this early stage, the data suggest that 0.28 m3 of a 50 % porosity solid Mn bed may suffice to produce 100 kg NH3 per day by chemical looping, with abundant opportunities for improvement.
Fabrication of reaction bonded TiB2/Si/SiC composites for thermal applications
Authors: Wang Jiwen , McDannald Austin , Karandikar Prashant , Aghajanian Mike 
Published: August 2020

AbstractTitanium diboride (TiB2) is an extremely hard ceramic which has excellent heat conductivity, oxidation stability, and resistance to mechanical erosion. Broader application of this material is inhibited by economic factors, particularly the cost of densifying a material with a high melting point. In this study, reaction bonded TiB2(RB‐TiB2) composites are fabricated by the reactive infiltration of molten Si into preforms of TiB2plus carbon. Microstructure analysis indicates uniform distribution of TiB2particles in the composites. RB‐TiB2composites with fine particles show higher flex strength and fracture toughness, while composites with larger particles have higher thermal conductivity, measured to be 120 W/(m K) at room. The coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of the composites is insensitive to the particle size and can be controlled in the range of 4.0‐5.2 ppm/K (room temperature). RB‐TiB2shows the potential to be used for electronics thermal management applications with a combination of matching CTE, good thermal conductivity, high melting point, and attractive mechanical properties.
Over‐the‐counter bite splints: A randomized controlled trial of compliance and efficacy
Authors: Gerstner Geoffrey , Yao Wei , Siripurapu Krishnapriya , Aljanabi Hadel , Decker Ann , Ludkin David , Sinacola Rachel , Frimenko Katherine , Callaghan Kathryn , Penoyer Sean , Tewksbury Claire 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundOcclusal splints are often used to curb the impacts of sleep bruxism (SB) on the dentition, and over‐the‐counter (OCT) options are becoming increasingly popular. OTC splints are usually fabricated at home by patients, but not routinely evaluated by dental professionals. It is unclear how OCT splints compare with more traditional splints that receive dental oversight.ObjectivesThe present randomized controlled study tested how an OTC splint compared with a gold standard bite splint in terms of patient compliance (primary outcome) and efficacy (secondary outcomes).MethodsSixty‐seven subjects were randomly assigned to receive either the OTC (SOVA, N = 35) splint or the gold standard “Michigan” bite splint (MI, N = 32), with 61 completing the study (SOVA, N = 30; MI, N = 31). OTC‐splint subjects were required to fabricate their splints to clinically acceptable standards. Both groups wore the splints nightly for four months. Compliance was measured via daily diary. Efficacy outcomes evaluated stability, retention, periodontal health, night‐time rhythmic masticatory muscle activity (RMMA), and material wear.ResultsOTC‐splint subjects had difficulty fabricating splints to clinically acceptable standards. The number of night‐time RMMA bursts was significantly greater for the OTC splint group. Compliance and all other efficacy measurements were not significantly different between‐groups.ConclusionsThe results support the potential use of OTC splints for curbing the impacts of SB. However, the results strongly suggest that dentists should be actively engaged in overseeing patients' use of self‐fabricated appliances. This clinical trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, Identifier number NCT02340663.