bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fever Cases Associated with Plasmodium falciparum Malaria Infection among Children Attending a Tertiary Health Facility in Imo State, Nigeria
Authors: Okoro C. I. , Ihenetu F. C. , Dunga K. E. , Achigbu K. , Obasi C. C. , Odinaka K. K. , Anikwo E. S. 
Published: May 2020

Background: Malaria is a major cause of fever in endemic countries, although the prevalence of malaria has been declining across Sub-Saharan Africa, the proportion of clinical presentation attributable to febrile illness due to malaria to febrile illnesses have remained high. It is therefore important to determine the proportion of fever cases attributable to malaria.
Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted among children aged 1-72 months presenting at a tertiary facility in Imo state Nigeria from 1st March, 2014 to 31st October, 2015.
Children between 1-72 months of age with documented fever at presentation or history of fever in the last 24 hours without signs of severe malaria and those without any history of anti-malarial drugs administration were considered eligible. Fever was regarded as axillary temperature of ≥37.5°C. For all subjects (febrile and afebrile), the presence of Plasmodium falciparum was assessed microscopically by a WHO Certified malaria microscopist. Malaria parasite density was grouped as 1-1000, 1001–10000, and >10,000 parasites/µl respectively according to World Health Organization guidelines for grouping malaria parasitamae while data was analysed using SPSS 20.1v.
Results: Overall malaria prevalence of both febrile and afebrile at point of assessment but with history of fever in the last 24 hours was 24.3%. Prevalence by microscopy was 26% among the 289 children who were febrile as at point of examination. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) between malaria prevalence in males as against females.
Age group 49-72 months had the highest prevalence (42.6%), while age groups 25-48 and 1-24 months recorded prevalence of 35.7% and 25%, respectively (P<0.05). About 22.5% of afebrile patients had positive Plasmodium parasitaemia. The Geo-mean (range) of parasitaemia was 1427(8-180,000) parasite/µl while mean body temperature ± SD was 37.0±0.9°C. About 8% of the children had high parasite density.
Conclusion: Plasmodium falciparum although linked with majority of fever is not the cause of fever in all instances. Healthcare providers should make more effort to correctly diagnose non-malaria febrile cases so as to optimize clinical outcomes for the patients and minimize possible over diagnosis and overtreatment of malaria.
The Anxiety and Stress of the Public during the Spread of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Authors: Ahmed Nehad J. , Alrawili Abdulrahman S. , Alkhawaja Faisal Z. 
Published: May 2020

Aim: This study aims to assess the public anxiety and stress during the spread of novel Coronavirus (COVID‐19).
Methodology: The survey was prepared using CDC “Daily Life & Coping with Coronavirus Disease 2019” section. The data were collected and analyzed using Excel software. The descriptive data were represented by frequencies and percentages.
Results: About 91% of the 304 respondents fear and worry about their own health and the health of their families and about 82.24% of them are worried about the effect of the disease spreading on work and study. The majority of the respondents think that people infected with the Coronavirus will experience social rejection and avoidance from others (61.51%) but only 12.5% think that people with the disease may be deprived of health care, education, housing and work.
Conclusion: COVID-19 spreading increase the stress and worry of the public regarding their health, their family health and negative economic effect of the disease. It is important to increase the awareness regarding COVID-19 and to improve the communication of health care professionals and the public with infected patients.
Construction and Improvement of Civil Code from the Perspective of Ecology
Authors: Chungang Miao 
Published: May 2020

With the continuous introduction of policy documents, China's ecological civilization construction is gradually advancing. Ecological civilization needs legal response. China's General Principles of Civil Law established "green principle" as the basic principle of civil law for the first time, and carried out through various systems in the specific provisions of civil code. This paper adopts the sociological analysis method to sort out the interaction between legislation and society, and then puts forward some Suggestions to improve the legislation of civil code. In the published draft of civil code, the Ecologization of Torts Law is the highlight, and the compensation system for ecological environment damage is detailed and specific. However, there is still much room for improvements in property rights, contract and personality rights. In order to meet the needs of ecological civilization construction, the real right system should be adjusted in the concept of real right and the attitude of animals; the contract system should make a breakthrough in the named contract types and regulate carbon trading; in the specific personality right system, the environmental right should be protected by the expansion of the protection of rights and interests in the tort liability law.
Nanoscale Organization of a Platinum(II) Acetylide Cholesteric Liquid Crystal Molecular Glass for Photonics Applications
Authors: Cooper Thomas M. , Haley Joy E. , Stewart David J. , Long Stephanie , Krein Douglas M. , Burke Aaron R. , Arias Eduardo , Moggio Ivana , Turlakov Gleb , Ziolo Ronald F. , Biler Michal , Linares Mathieu , Norman Patrick 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe fabrication, molecular structure, and spectroscopy of a stable cholesteric liquid crystal platinum acetylide glass obtained from trans‐Pt(PEt3)2(CC−C6H5−CN)(CC−C6H5−COO−Cholesterol), are described and designated as PE1‐CN‐Chol. Polarized optical microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and wide‐angle X‐ray scattering experiments show room temperature glassy/crystalline texture with crystal formation upon heating to 165 °C. Further heating results in conversion to cholesteric phase. Cooling to room temperature leads to the formation of a cholesteric liquid crystal glass. Scanning tunneling microscopy of a PE1‐CN‐Chol monolayer reveals self‐assembly at the solid−liquid interface with an array of two molecules arranged in pairs, oriented head‐to‐head through the CN groups, giving rise to a lamella arrangement. The lamella structure obtained from molecular dynamics calculations shows a clear phase separation between the conjugated platinum acetylide and the hydrophobic cholesterol moiety with the lamellae separation distance being 4.0 nm. Ultrafast transient absorption and flash photolysis spectra of the glass show intersystem crossing to the triplet state occurring within 100 ps following excitation. The triplet decay time of the film compared to aerated and deoxygenated solutions is consistent with oxygen quenching at the film surface but not within the film. The high chromophore concentration, high glass thermal stability, and long triplet lifetime in air show that these materials have potential as nonlinear absorbing materials.
Advances in Organic Transistor‐Based Biosensors
Authors: Wang Juan , Ye Dekai , Meng Qing , Di Chong‐an , Zhu Daoben 
Published: May 2020

AbstractOrganic transistors are promising candidates for various biosensing applications owing to their flexibility, biocompatibility, and large‐scale processability. Until now, the construction of state‐of‐the‐art biosensors based on organic transistors, which relies on the fine‐tuned interaction between active layers and target analytes, is highly desired but remains challenging. Herein, the key strategies for constructing sensitive and selective biosensors based on organic transistors via device engineering are summarized. Recent achievements, including the molecular design of organic semiconductors, bio‐receptors assembly through the molecular immobilization, and strategies for overcoming the Debye screening effect, are discussed in a focused manner.
Hydrogel‐Based Janus Micromotors Capped with Functional Nanoparticles for Environmental Applications
Authors: Lin Xinyi , Zhu Hong , Zhao Zhe , You Chunyu , Kong Ye , Zhao Yuting , Liu Jinrun , Chen Hong , Shi Xiaojie , Makarov Denys , Mei Yongfeng 
Published: May 2020

AbstractJanus nano/micromotors have been developed into various sizes, shapes, and functions for a blaze of applications especially in biomedical and environmental fields. Here, a fabrication method of Janus micromotors is reported by capping hydrogel microspheres with functional nanoparticles (NPs). Microspheres are prepared in droplet microfluidics relying on hydrogel polymerization to obtain spheres with diameters from 20 to 500 µm. By solidifying a hydrogel layer onto microspheres, functional NPs of MnO2 (catalyst of H2O2), TiO2 (photocatalyst), and Fe3O4 (magnetic guidance) are adhered onto microspheres resulting in Janus micromotors revealing different functionalities. Dynamics of Janus micromotors (diameter around 250 µm) are explored by analyzing their trajectories in terms of mean squared displacement when immersed in H2O2 solutions of different concentrations, illuminated by light and guided in an external magnetic field. TiO2 Janus micromotors perform well for water purification tasks as is exemplarily demonstrated with a degradation of Methylene Blue dye in water. The proposed fabrication method is versatile and enables to achieve adjustable coverage of a microsphere with NPs as well as to realize multifunctional Janus micromotors by adhering different NPs (e.g., MnO2 and Fe3O4) on a sphere. This method provides an attractive way to fabricate multifunctional Janus micromotors in a cost‐effective manner for environmental applications.
Physiological processes associated with soybean genetic progress in Argentina
Authors: de Felipe Matías , Borras Lucas , Truong Sandra K. , McCormick Ryan F. , Rotundo José L. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe main physiological processes associated with soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] genetic yield progress in central temperate Argentina are largely unknown. This knowledge is critical to identify opportunities to accelerate yield gains via trait‐based hybridization. Our objectives were to: (a) evaluate the influence of biomass accumulation vs. harvest index (HI) in explaining genetic progress, and (b) assess the role of radiation and/or N capture and use efficiency (RUE and NUE, respectively) as drivers of biomass accumulation. We tested 173 cultivars released from 1980 to 2014 in two high‐yielding environments. Additionally, a crop modeling exercise was performed to demonstrate the physiological perception that any genetic increase in RUE would only translate into more yield if there is enough water for the realization of that RUE. Observed genetic progress was 42 kg ha−1 yr−1, or ∼1% yr−1, and was mostly explained by increased aboveground biomass accumulation. This higher biomass of modern cultivars was associated with increased RUE and total N uptake. This suggests that, if residual genetic variation is still present in current soybean cultivars, future genetic improvements should focus on further improving N uptake to increase RUE. Increases in RUE are associated with increased stomatal conductance and water use. Therefore, it would be expected that genetic progress is faster in environments with increased rainfall. Our modeling exercise was consistent with this hypothesis and showed that soybean genetic progress simulated in different locations within a rainfall gradient was positively associated with cumulative seasonal precipitation.
Improving CH4/N2 selectivity within isomeric Al‐based MOFs for the highly selective capture of coal‐mine methane
Authors: Lv Daofei , Wu Ying , Chen Jiayu , Tu Yuanhua , Yuan Yinuo , Wu Houxiao , Chen Yongwei , Liu Baoyu , Xi Hongxia , Li Zhong , Xia Qibin 
Published: May 2020

AbstractSelectively separating CH4 from N2 in coal‐mine methane is significantly important in the chemical industry, but challenging and energy‐intensive. Using porous materials as adsorbents can separate CH4/N2 mixtures with low energy consumption, but most adsorbents encounter the problem of poor separation selectivity. Here, we propose a strategy for improving CH4/N2 selectivity by controlling pore wall environment in two isomeric Al‐based metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with four highly symmetric polar sites for strengthened adsorption affinity toward CH4 over N2. At 298 K and 100 kPa, CAU‐21‐BPDC with four highly symmetric polar sites in the pore walls exhibits 2.4 times higher CH4/N2 selectivity than CAU‐8‐BPDC without four highly symmetric polar sites. Gas adsorption isotherms, CH4/N2 selectivity calculations, Qst of CH4, interaction energy calculations, adsorption density distributions of CH4 and N2, and breakthrough curves reveal that CAU‐21‐BPDC is a potential candidate for selective capture coal‐mine methane.
Specific learning disorders in sex chromosome aneuploidies: Neural circuits of literacy and mathematics
Authors: Karipidis Iliana I. , Hong David S. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractSex chromosome aneuploidies (SCA) are associated with an increased risk for specific learning disorders (SLD). Individuals with Klinefelter Syndrome (KS) show an increased incidence of developmental dyslexia and individuals with Turner Syndrome (TS) are often affected by developmental dyscalculia. Accordingly, KS frequently coincides with verbal deficits, and TS with visual–spatial impairments. Though neurocognitive profiles of KS and TS are well‐established, little is known about the neurobiology underling learning in SCA. This review summarizes current structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies in KS and TS related to literacy and mathematical skills. It includes studies that focus on correlates between brain anatomy and cognition in SCA and on functional brain responses during learning‐related tasks and at rest. We highlight important neural circuits that are related to domain‐specific skills of literacy and mathematics. We discuss how identifying neuroendophenotypes of learning in SCA might contribute to developing a novel framework for SLD that accounts for potential genetic effects on learning, and from the X and Y chromosomes specifically. Future research directions are considered to establish clear brain‐behavior relationships that might ultimately improve the treatment of SLD in SCA across development.
Ontogenetic changes of diploic channels in modern humans
Authors: Rangel‐de Lázaro Gizéh , Neubauer Simon , Gunz Philipp , Bruner Emiliano 
Published: May 2020

AbstractObjectivesThe diploic channels are bony passages of veins, running within frontal, parietal, and occipital bones. In this study, we investigate ontogenetic changes of these channels in a sample of nonadult and adult modern humans.Materials and methodsUsing computed tomography scans of dried crania, we provide quantitative comparisons of lumen size, branch length, volume, and vascular asymmetries, and correlations with age, cranial size, and bone thickness.ResultsThe vascular system displays progressive but nonlinear changes throughout ontogeny, becoming even more complex with adulthood. Vascular variables are significantly different in frontal, parietal, and occipital bones for most of the postnatal ontogeny. Diploic channels of the left and right sides are developed similarly. Vascular variables display a nonlinear association with age and cranial size in modern humans. Cranial bone thickness is shown to be a major determinant of lumen size, branch length, and volume.ConclusionsA previous radiographic survey suggested that diploic channels are more developed in adult modern humans than in nonadults. Recent advances in digital anatomy have been used in this study to investigate this craniovascular structure. The complexity of the channels increases during development, with a noticeable boost in adults. Taking into account the potential metabolic differences and constraints associated with modern human brain size and shape, the vascular differences found might be related to endocranial thermoregulation.
Effect of dual chemical modification on the properties of biodegradable films from achira starch
Authors: Cabrera Canales Zaira Esmeralda , Rodríguez Marín María Luisa , Gómez Aldapa Carlos Alberto , Méndez Montealvo Guadalupe , Chávez Gutiérrez Miguel , Velazquez Gonzalo 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of a dual modification (acid hydrolysis and succination) on the structural, mechanical, thermomechanical, and permeability properties of films from achira starch. Micrographs of films revealed a smooth surface and some remnants of starch granules, indicating a partial gelatinization. Tensile strength and percentage of elongation increased in films from double modified starch (10.50 MPa and 42.83%, respectively). The OH groups formed in the amylose and amylopectin chains during the hydrolysis and the alkoxide groups (RO−) generated during the succination resulted in high values of water vapor permeability (3.215 × 10−10 g/s m Pa). The glass transition temperature (Tg) of films from hydrolyzed–succinated starch was decreased due to the reduction of the molecular weight of the polymeric chains and the presence of succinate groups that reduced the molecular interactions of the polymeric chains, increasing the mobility and therefore decreasing the softening temperature.
Gone with the wind: Seasonal distribution and habitat use by the reef manta ray (Mobula alfredi) in the Maldives, implications for conservation
Authors: Harris Joanna L. , McGregor Peter K. , Oates Yvonne , Stevens Guy M. W. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Reef manta rays (Mobula alfredi) are one of the ocean's largest and most charismatic species. Pressure from targeted and bycatch fisheries coupled with their conservative life‐history traits including slow growth, late maturity, and low fecundity has led to catastrophic declines of the global population. The species is now listed as Vulnerable to Extinction on IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
The global M. alfredi population is widely distributed in highly fragmented subpopulations. The Maldives supports the world's largest known subpopulation that undergoes seasonal migrations which are thought to be linked to peaks in ocean productivity induced by the South Asian Monsoon. Although the species is protected from targeted fisheries in the region, increasing pressures from habitat degradation and unsustainable tourism activities mean their effective conservation relies upon knowledge of the species' habitat use, seasonal distribution, and the environmental influences on such movements.
Photo‐ID sighting records collected between 2005 and 2017 were used to identify key aggregation sites throughout the archipelago, and multiple linear regression and prediction analysis identified the environmental variables affecting variations in the intra‐annual sighting frequency of M. alfredi.
Mobula alfredi were recorded at 273 different sites, 48 of which, with >100 sightings at each, were classified as key areas of habitat use. South‐west monsoon winds and chlorophyll‐a concentration predominantly affected the monthly percentage of M. alfredi sighted on the down‐current side of the atolls.
In a country where climate change and touristic pressure are increasingly threatening this species and its habitat, the identification of key areas of habitat use and temporal changes in the use of these sites highlight the areas that should be prioritized for protection enabling more effective conservation management.
Regenerative medicine, organ bioengineering and transplantation
Authors: Edgar L , Pu T , Porter B , Aziz J M , La Pointe C , Asthana A , Orlando G 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Background
Organ transplantation is predicted to increase as life expectancy and the incidence of chronic diseases rises. Regenerative medicine-inspired technologies challenge the efficacy of the current allograft transplantation model.

Methods
A literature review was conducted using the PubMed interface of MEDLINE from the National Library of Medicine. Results were examined for relevance to innovations of organ bioengineering to inform analysis of advances in regenerative medicine affecting organ transplantation. Data reports from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipient and Organ Procurement Transplantation Network from 2008 to 2019 of kidney, pancreas, liver, heart, lung and intestine transplants performed, and patients currently on waiting lists for respective organs, were reviewed to demonstrate the shortage and need for transplantable organs.

Results
Regenerative medicine technologies aim to repair and regenerate poorly functioning organs. One goal is to achieve an immunosuppression-free state to improve quality of life, reduce complications and toxicities, and eliminate the cost of lifelong antirejection therapy. Innovative strategies include decellularization to fabricate acellular scaffolds that will be used as a template for organ manufacturing, three-dimensional printing and interspecies blastocyst complementation. Induced pluripotent stem cells are an innovation in stem cell technology which mitigate both the ethical concerns associated with embryonic stem cells and the limitation of other progenitor cells, which lack pluripotency. Regenerative medicine technologies hold promise in a wide array of fields and applications, such as promoting regeneration of native cell lines, growth of new tissue or organs, modelling of disease states, and augmenting the viability of existing ex vivo transplanted organs.

Conclusion
The future of organ bioengineering relies on furthering understanding of organogenesis, in vivo regeneration, regenerative immunology and long-term monitoring of implanted bioengineered organs.
Cadmium binding characterization and mechanism of a newly isolated strain Cystobasidium oligophagum QN‐3
Authors: Li Wen , Wang Tao 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe aim of this study was to screen a strain for the removal of Cd2+ from aqueous solution and investigate the characterization and mechanism of the Cd2+ binding process. A novel strain of yeast showed high tolerance of cadmium, namely Cystobasidium oligophagum QN‐3, was isolated from soils, which could resist 22,000 mg/L and 18,000 mg/L Cd2+ on PDA (potato dextrose agar) plate and in PDA liquid medium, respectively. Cd2+ binding experiment showed that the strain could remove Cd2+ from aqueous solution effectively, the maximum Cd2+ removal rate of 84.45% was achieved at initial Cd2+ concentration 30 mg/L. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed that sorption of Cd2+ by cells could be associated with changes in the cell surface morphology. Fourier transform‐infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis confirmed the important role of the functional groups OH, CO, NH2, COO, PO, and CH on the cell surface in the binding of Cd2+. The comparison of the binding ability of different cellular parts indicated a significant role of the cell wall played in the Cd2+ binding process. Pretreatment of the cells by boiling or ultrasonication could improve the biosorption capacity of QN‐3. In addition, QN‐3 exhibited selective and preferential property of binding capacity for other heavy metals, such as Pb2+, Cu2+, Cd2+, Zn2+, and Ni2+. These data suggested the promising use of Cystobasidium oligophagum QN‐3 as an effective and friendly biosorbent for cadmium or other heavy metals decontamination in the environment.