bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimization of Florisynthesis of Silver Nano Particles Using Cordia Sebastena Linn
Authors: Ramalingam Arulmathi , Udayaprakash N.K. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles [AgNPs] using biological method is widely studied. This mostly involves the extracts of leaves of different plants which resulted in nano/microparticle formation. This was mostly due to the presence of complex phytochemicals. However flower of the plants are found to possess minimal amount of secondary metabolites as well as carotenoid pigments which may serve as a reducing agent. Thus, in this study synthesis of Silver nanoparticles using floral extract of Cordia sebastena and optimization in their synthesis using different pH [5, 7 and 9], concentration of silver nitrate [1mM, 2Mm and 3mM] and floral extract [0.5:10, 1:10 and 1.5:10] was conducted. The characterization of AgNPs was carried using UV-Visible Spectrophotometer, Fourier Transform Infra Red [FTIR] Spectrophotometer and Dynamic Light Scattering [DLS]. Further, the floral extract was screened for the presence of different phytoconstituents. The study showed varied Plasmon resonance ranging from 430 to 470nm. Fourier transform infrared spectrum reveals the presence of phytochemicals which acted as reducing and stabilizing agent. The presence of Alkaloids, flavonoids, Phenols, tannins, cardiac glycosides, terpenoids and pholobatannins were recorded in the extract of the flower of Cordia sebastena. The study confirmed the synthesis of AgNPs with the average particle size of 85.2nm. The optimized condition revealed that the flower extract added with 1: 10 concentration to 2mM silver nitrate at pH9 gives smaller AgNPs.
Experimental analysis of a solar cooker with a parabolic trough enhanced with PCM based thermal storage
Authors: Babu Sasi Kumar S. , Chinna Pandian M. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Experiments are conducted on solar cooker using solar energy. Heat collected by a fluid from the Parabolic Trough Collector (PTC) with the manual Tracking Mechanism(TM) is passed through the Storage Tank (ST). A Phase Change Materials (PCM) in the ST products absorbed the heat in the irregular sunlight and is released constantly for cooking purposes. Based on the observation of PTC and ST, a heat transfer analysis of the Solar Cooker (SC) is carried out considering 0.035, 0.045 and 0.065 kg/sec Mass Flow Rate (MFR) of the heat transfer fluid. At 1 pm, themaximum Heat Gain (HG) of PTC receiver at the Rim Angle (RA) of 82° is found to be 2095 W, 13 KW in ST with a medium of Wastage Engine Oils (WEO). The heat output of the WEO found to be 16% more than that of the water. The efficiency of the newly designed the solar cooker is tested at the MFR 0.035, 0.045 and 0.065 kg/sec along with storage medium. The results of the MFR of 0.035 kg/sec are seen as better than 0.045 and 0.065 kg/sec for the water and WEO medium. Hence the energy extracted is greater. The WEO is seen as more stable with smaller energy losses than the water. Stearic acid (SA) is used for PCM materials.
Investigation on Mode I Interlaminar Fracture Toughness of Chemically Treated / Untreated Saw Dust Powder Based Jute Fabric Reinforced Epoxy Composite Structure
Authors: Suthan R. , Jayakumar V. , Madhu S. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Nowadays polymer matrix composites are widely used in the areas of automotive, medical, aircraft and aerospace industries. Since, chemically surface modified saw dust with jute fiber reinforced composites play vital role in developing lightweight structural materials in many engineering industries. This study focuses on utilizingchemically surface modified saw dust with jute fiberas reinforcement filler loading malic acid treated and un treated (10 %,20% and 30%) and fiber loading (3-layer jute fiber) in epoxy resin. This composite was fabricated using hand lay-up process. The influence of filler volume fraction and fiber weight fraction on the fracture toughness properties of treated / untreated modified saw dust with jute fiber/filler was studied initially. Test results revealed that the composite 20-volume fraction malic acid treated saw dust with 3-layer jute fiber composite has better fracture properties as compared with other specimens.
Molecular evolution of MHC class II DRB exon 2 in Japanese and Russian raccoon dogs, Nyctereutes procyonoides (Carnivora: Canidae)
Authors: Bartocillo Aye Mee F , Nishita Yoshinori , Abramov Alexei V , Masuda Ryuichi 
Published: September 2019

AbstractRaccoon dogs, Nyctereutes procyonoides, are native to East Asia, but have been introduced into western Russia and eastern Europe. To determine allelic diversity and elucidate the evolution of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II genes in the raccoon dog, we analysed a 237-bp region of DRB exon 2 from 36 individuals of native and introduced populations from Japan and Russia. We detected 23 DRB alleles (Nypr-DRBs), 22 of which were novel. Some alleles were found across the species’ range, while others were geographically restricted. For both native and introduced populations, the ratio of non-synonymous to synonymous substitution rates for codons at predicted antigen-binding sites was significantly greater than 2, indicating that Nypr-DRBs have evolved under positive selection. Mixed effect model evolution analysis and an algorithm to detect recombination showed five positively selected codons and one recombination breakpoint, respectively. Overall, our results suggest that the diversity of MHC class II DRB in N. procyonoides was influenced and maintained by recombination, pathogen-driven positive selection, geographical barriers and the founder effect. A Bayesian phylogenetic tree revealed no evidence of trans-species polymorphism (TSP), but instead showed monophyly for the Nypr-DRB alleles within a larger clade of canid sequences. The lack of TSP may have been due to long-term divergence of raccoon dogs from other canids, or to their having encountered different sets of pathogens due to occupying a different ecological niche.
Treatment Outcome of a Shorter Regimen Containing Clofazimine for Multidrug-resistant Tuberculosis: A Randomized Control Trial in China
Authors: Du Yadong , Qiu Chao , Chen Xiaohong , Wang Jing , Jing Wei , Pan Hongqiu , Chen Wei , Liu Yufeng , Li Chunxiang , Xi Xiu’e , Yin Hongyun , Zeng Jianfeng , Zhang Xia , Xu Tao , Wang Qingfeng , Guo Ru , Wang Jun , Pang Yu , Chu Naihui 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
The emergence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) poses a serious obstacle to global TB control programs.

Methods
We carried out a prospective, randomized, multicenter study in China that was focused on the potential of a shorter regimen containing clofazimine (CFZ) for the treatment of MDR-TB. There were 135 MDR-TB cases that met eligibility requirements and were randomly stratified into either the control group or experimental group. Patients in the control group received an 18-month treatment regimen, whereas patients in the experimental group received a 12-month treatment regimen containing CFZ.

Results
At the completion of the treatment period, the difference in sputum-culture conversion rates between the experimental group and the control group was not significant. Notably, by the end of 3 months of treatment, 68.7% patients receiving the experimental regimen had sputum-culture conversion, as compared with 55.9% of those receiving the control regimen; this was a significant difference, suggesting an early sputum conversion (P = .04). There were 67 adverse events reported in 56 patients in this study, including 32 in the control group and 35 in the experimental group. No significant difference in the overall incidences of adverse events was observed between the 2 groups.

Conclusions
The MDR-TB patients treated with the shorter regimen containing CFZ had a comparable successful outcome rate when compared to those with the standard regimen. The patients assigned to the experimental group achieved more rapid sputum-culture conversion, reflecting superior antimicrobial activity against MDR-TB.

Clinical Trials Registration
Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR 1800020391.
Spontaneous Loss-of-Function Dock2 Mutation Alters Murine Colitis Sensitivity and Is a Confounding Variable in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research
Authors: Peters Diane E , Norris Lauren D , Slusher Barbara S 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundDextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis is the most commonly used mouse model of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) due to its acute nature, reproducibility, and phenotypic overlap with human disease. Following an unexpected and sharp decline in DSS-induced colitis susceptibility in our commercially acquired C57Bl/6 wild-type mice, we discovered that a spontaneous loss-of-function mutation in dedicator of cytokinesis 2 (Dock2Hsd) was responsible. Presence of this mutation in research colonies has the capacity to broadly impact preclinical IBD studies.MethodsDSS-colitis was induced in weight-, age-, and gender-matched C57Bl/6NHsd mice. Daily treatment with vehicle or the glutamate carboxypeptidase II (GCPII) inhibitor, 2-PMPA (100 mg/kg IP), was performed and disease activity index was monitored. At termination, colon GCPII activity was measured.ResultsDSS-treated Dock2Hsd mice developed more severe colitis, had significantly increased colon GCPII activity and were more sensitive to pharmacologic inhibition of GCPII.ConclusionsThe Dock2Hsd mutation is a confounding variable of high relevance to the IBD research community. Dock2Hsd mice were distributed as wild-type C57Bl/6 for multiple years and thus it is unknown how prevalent this mutation is in investigator-maintained colonies of C57Bl/6-derived mice. In our research, presence of the Dock2Hsd mutation caused enhanced GCPII colon activity more closely resembling human disease, providing a useful platform for screening GCPII inhibitors for preclinical efficacy. However, unanticipated presence of Dock2Hsd in genetically modified mice used to study IBD pathobiology can confound conclusions. Thus, care must be taken when interpreting studies performed in mice of C57Bl/6 lineage where Dock2 status is unknown.
Understanding Gender Differences in Leadership
Authors: Alan Sule , Ertac Seda , Kubilay Elif , Loranth Gyongyi 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Using data from a large-scale field experiment, we show that while there is no gender difference in willingness to make risky decisions on behalf of a group in a sample of children, a large gap emerges in a sample of adolescents. The proportion of girls who exhibit leadership willingness drops by 39%, going from childhood to adolescence. We explore the possible factors behind this drop and find that it is largely associated with a dramatic decline in ‘social confidence’, measured by willingness to perform a real effort task in public.
New Non-Bilaterian Transcriptomes Provide Novel Insights into the Evolution of Coral Skeletomes
Authors: Conci Nicola , Wörheide Gert , Vargas Sergio 
Published: September 2019

AbstractA general trend observed in animal skeletomes—the proteins occluded in animal skeletons—is the copresence of taxonomically widespread and lineage-specific proteins that actively regulate the biomineralization process. Among cnidarians, the skeletomes of scleractinian corals have been shown to follow this trend. However, distributions and phylogenetic analyses of biomineralization-related genes are often based on only a few species, with other anthozoan calcifiers such as octocorals (soft corals), not being fully considered. We de novo assembled the transcriptomes of four soft-coral species characterized by different calcification strategies (aragonite skeleton vs. calcitic sclerites) and data-mined published nonbilaterian transcriptome resources to construct a taxonomically comprehensive sequence database to map the distribution of scleractinian and octocoral skeletome components. Cnidaria shared no skeletome proteins with Placozoa or Ctenophora, but did share some skeletome proteins with Porifera, such as galaxin-related proteins. Within Scleractinia and Octocorallia, we expanded the distribution for several taxonomically restricted genes such as secreted acidic proteins, scleritin, and carbonic anhydrases, and propose an early, single biomineralization-recruitment event for galaxin sensu stricto. Additionally, we show that the enrichment of acidic residues within skeletogenic proteins did not occur at the Corallimorpharia–Scleractinia transition, but appears to be associated with protein secretion into the organic matrix. Finally, the distribution of octocoral calcification-related proteins appears independent of skeleton mineralogy (i.e., aragonite/calcite) with no differences in the proportion of shared skeletogenic proteins between scleractinians and aragonitic or calcitic octocorals. This points to skeletome homogeneity within but not between groups of calcifying cnidarians, although some proteins such as galaxins and SCRiP-3a could represent instances of commonality.
Maternal seafood consumption during pregnancy and child attention outcomes: a cohort study with gene effect modification by PUFA-related genes
Authors: Julvez Jordi , Fernández-Barrés Sílvia , Gignac Florence , López-Vicente Mónica , Bustamante Mariona , Garcia-Esteban Raquel , Vioque Jesús , Llop Sabrina , Ballester Ferran , Fernández-Somoano Ana , Tardón Adonina , Vrijheid Martine , Tonne Cathryn , Ibarluzea Jesus , Irazabal Amaia , Sebastian-Galles Nuria , Burgaleta Miguel , Romaguera Dora , Sunyer Jordi 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundThere is a need to test the fetal programming theoretical framework in nutritional epidemiology. We evaluated whether maternal seafood intake during pregnancy was associated with 8-year-old attention outcomes after adjusting for previous child seafood intake and cognitive function. We also explored effect modification by several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) related with polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) metabolism.MethodsOur final analyses included 1644 mother-child pairs from the prospective INMA (INfancia y Medio Ambiente) cohort study (Spain, recruitment between 2003 and 2008). We used food frequency questionnaires to assess prenatal and postnatal seafood consumption of the mother-child pairs. We evaluated attention function of the children through the computer-based Attention Network Test (ANT) and we used the number of omission errors and the hit reaction time standard error (HRT-SE). Parents reported child attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms using the Revised Conners’ Parent Rating Scale Short Form (CPRS-R: S). We measured seven candidate SNPs in a subsample of 845 children. We estimated associations using regression models, adjusting for family characteristics, child seafood intake and cognitive functions at early ages, and to explore SNP effect modifications.ResultsHigher total seafood intake during early pregnancy was associated with a reduction of child ANT omission errors, 5th quintile (median = 854 g/week) vs 1st quintile (median = 195 g/week), incidence risk ratio (IRR) 0.76; 95% CI = 0.61, 0.94. Similar results were observed after adjusting the models for child seafood intake and previous cognitive status. Lean, large and small fatty fish showed similar results, and generally similar but less robust associations were observed with the other attention outcomes. Shellfish and canned tuna showed weaker associations. The association patterns were weaker in late pregnancy and null in child seafood consumption. Child rs1260326 (glucokinase regulator, GCKR) and child/maternal rs2281591 (fatty acid elongase 2, ELOVL2) polymorphisms showed nominal P-value for interactions &lt;0.10 between total seafood intake and ANT outcomes.ConclusionsAfter adjusting for previous child cognitive functions and child seafood intake, high pregnancy consumption (total, lean, small and large fatty fish) was independently associated with improvements of some 8-year-old attention outcomes. Genetic effect modification analyses suggest PUFA intake from seafood as a potential biological mechanism of such association.
Locomotion of Ants Walking up Slippery Slopes of Granular Materials
Authors: Humeau A , Piñeirua M , Crassous J , Casas J 
Published: September 2019

AbstractMany insects encounter locomotory difficulties in walking up sand inclines. This is masterfully exploited by some species for building traps from which prey are rarely able to escape, as the antlion and its deadly pit. The aim of this work is to tear apart the relative roles of granular material properties and slope steepness on the insect leg kinematics, gait patterns, and locomotory stability. For this, we used factorial manipulative experiments with different granular media inclines and the ant Aphaenogaster subterranea. Our results show that its locomotion is similar on granular and solid media, while for granular inclined slopes we observe a loss of stability followed by a gait pattern transition from tripod to metachronal. This implies that neither the discrete nature nor the roughness properties of sand alone are sufficient to explain the struggling of ants on sandy slopes: the interaction between sand properties and slope is key. We define an abnormality index that allows us to quantify the locomotory difficulties of insects walking up a granular incline. The probability of its occurrence reveals the local slipping of the granular media as a consequence of the pressure exerted by the ant’s legs. Our findings can be extended to other models presenting locomotory difficulties for insects, such as slippery walls of urns of pitcher plants. How small arthropods walking on granular and brittle materials solve their unique stability trade-off will require a thorough understanding of the transfer of energy from leg to substrate at the particle level.
The Organismal Form and Function Lab-Course: A New CURE for a Lack of Authentic Research Experiences in Organismal Biology
Authors: Oufiero C E 
Published: September 2019

SynopsisThere are many benefits to engaging students in authentic research experiences instead of traditional style lectures and “cookbook” labs. Many Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) have been developed that provide research experiences to a more inclusive and diverse student body, allow more students to obtain research experiences, and expose students to the scientific process. Most CUREs in the biological sciences focus on cellular and molecular biology, with few being developed in ecology, evolution, and organismal biology. Here, I present a one-semester CURE focused on organismal form and function. The goal of the course was to have students develop their own research questions and hypotheses in relation to invertebrate form and movement, using high-speed cinematography to collect their data. In this paper, I describe the motivation for the course, provide the details of teaching the course, including rubrics for several assignments, the outcomes of the course, caveats, and ways a similar course can be implemented at other institutions. The course was structured to use a scaffolding approach during the first half of the semester to provide the content of form–function relationships and allow students to acquire the laboratory skills to quantify animal movement. The second half of the course focused on student-driven inquiry, with class time dedicated to conducting research. As there is a push to engage more students in research, I hope this course will inspire others to implement similar classes at other universities, providing a network of collaboration on integrative organismal student-driven research.
The Interaction of Compliance and Activation on the Force-Length Operating Range and Force Generating Capacity of Skeletal Muscle: A Computational Study using a Guinea Fowl Musculoskeletal Model
Authors: Cox S M , Easton K L , Lear M Cromie , Marsh R L , Delp S L , Rubenson J 
Published: September 2019

SynopsisA muscle’s performance is influenced by where it operates on its force–length (F–L) curve. Here we explore how activation and tendon compliance interact to influence muscle operating lengths and force-generating capacity. To study this, we built a musculoskeletal model of the lower limb of the guinea fowl and simulated the F–L operating range during fixed-end fixed-posture contractions for 39 actuators under thousands of combinations of activation and posture using three different muscle models: Muscles with non-compliant tendons, muscles with compliant tendons but no activation-dependent shift in optimal fiber length (L0), and muscles with both compliant tendons and activation-dependent shifts in L0. We found that activation-dependent effects altered muscle fiber lengths up to 40% and increased or decreased force capacity by up to 50% during fixed-end contractions. Typically, activation-compliance effects reduce muscle force and are dominated by the effects of tendon compliance at high activations. At low activation, however, activation-dependent shifts in L0 are equally important and can result in relative force changes for low compliance muscles of up to 60%. There are regions of the F–L curve in which muscles are most sensitive to compliance and there are troughs of influence where these factors have little effect. These regions are hard to predict, though, because the magnitude and location of these areas of high and low sensitivity shift with compliance level. In this study we provide a map for when these effects will meaningfully influence force capacity and an example of their contributions to force production during a static task, namely standing.
Have Niche, Will Travel. New Means of Linking Diet and Ecomorphology Reveals Niche Conservatism in Freshwater Cottoid Fishes
Authors: Buser T J , Finnegan D L , Summers A P , Kolmann M A 
Published: September 2019

SynopsisEvolutionary transitions between habitats have been catalysts for some of the most stunning examples of adaptive diversification, with novel niches and new resources providing ecological opportunity for such radiations. In aquatic animals, transitions from saltwater to freshwater habitats are rare, but occur often enough that in the Neotropics for example, marine-derived fishes contribute noticeably to regional ichthyofaunal diversity. Here, we investigate how morphology has evolved in a group of temperate fishes that contain a marine to freshwater transition: the sculpins (Percomorpha; Cottoidea). We devised a novel method for classifying dietary niche and relating functional aspects of prey to their predators. Coupled with functional measurements of the jaw apparatus in cottoids, we explored whether freshwater sculpins have fundamentally changed their niche after invading freshwater (niche lability) or if they retain a niche similar to their marine cousins (niche conservatism). Freshwater sculpins exhibit both phylogeographical and ecological signals of phylogenetic niche conservatism, meaning that regardless of habitat, sculpins fill similar niche roles in either saltwater or freshwater. Rather than competition guiding niche conservatism in freshwater cottoids, we argue that strong intrinsic constraints on morphological and ecological evolution are at play, contra to other studies of diversification in marine-derived freshwater fishes. However, several intertidal and subtidal sculpins as well as several pelagic freshwater species from Lake Baikal show remarkable departures from the typical sculpin bauplan. Our method of prey categorization provides an explicit, quantitative means of classifying dietary niche for macroevolutionary studies, rather than relying on somewhat arbitrary means used in previous literature.