Restraining and unleashing chromatin remodelers - structural information guides chromatin plasticity.

Chromatin remodeling enzymes are large molecular machines that guard the genome by reorganizing chromatin structure. They can reposition, space and evict nucleosomes and thus control gene expression, DNA replication and repair. Recent cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) analyses have captured snapshots of various chromatin remodelers as they interact with nucleosomes. In this review, we summarize and discuss the advances made in our understanding of the regulation of chromatin remodelers, the mode of DNA translocation, as well as the influence of associated protein domains and remodeler subunits on the specific functions of chromatin remodeling complexes. The emerging structural information will help our understanding of disease mechanisms and guide our knowledge toward innovative therapeutic interventions. Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved

Dance Aesthetics and Cultural Implications: A Case Study of Ekombi Dance and Asian Uboikpa Dance

Dance is an active tool in the society because it not only expresses the feelings and aspirations of the people but it also showcases the cultural values that are entrenched in the people's culture. Interestingly, our traditional dances possess all these qualities thereby making these dances an instrument of communicating social values. This study attempts to appraise the Ekombi and Asian Uboikpa dances of the Efiks and Ibibios in Cross River and Akwa Ibom States. It also tries to situate that these dances have huge cultural values that define the socio-religious beliefs of these localities. This study states that the growth of our traditional dances, especially the Ekombi and Asian Uboikpa dances under review will rely on the ability of the choreographers to really understand the socio-cultural and religious standpoints of these dances. Keywords: Dance aesthetics; Traditional Dances; Ekombi; Asian Uboikpa; Dance Educatio

Accurate Judgment by Dementia Patients of Neutral Faces with Respect to Trustworthiness and Valence

The present study investigates whether dementia patients can make accurate social and affective judgments of face stimuli. We used verbal material as a control condition to see whether dementia patients are capable of using the rating scales the same way as controls. We compared the trustworthiness, valence, and arousal ratings of dementia patients with those from a healthy control group. Participants rated pictures of young and old, female and male neutral faces and two fictitious biographies. The results indicate that dementia patients make accurate judgments of unfamiliar faces with respect to trustworthiness and valence. Results concerning arousal ratings suggest that the corresponding scale might be difficult to use for dementia patients and possibly for older participants as well

Spatial Resolution with Time-and-Polarization-Resolved Acoustic Microscopy

Spatial resolution is an important factor in ultrasonic materials characterization. Scanning acoustic microscopy [1–2] has proved to be a useful tool for materials evaluation with micrometer-scale spatial resolution. Point-focus-beam (PFB) acoustic microscopy has high spatial resolution and is often used to produce images as well as to probe material inhomogeneity. However, a disadvantage of the PFB technique lies in its insensitivity to material anisotropy. In contrast, line-focus-beam (LFB) acoustic microscopy can provide a directional ultrasonic velocity measurement and is employed for characterization of anisotropic materials [3–5]. But the LFB technique, with its unidirectional spatial resolution, is generally incapable of producing images, and is therefore disadvantageous for probing inhomogeneous materials. In response to this need, a variety of lens designs [6–9] in acoustic microscopy have been proposed for measuring materials, which are both inhomogeneous and anisotropic

cis-Bis[4-amino-N-(pyrimidin-2-yl)benzene­sulfonamido-κ2 N,N′]bis­(dimethyl sulfoxide-κO)cadmium

The complete mol­ecule of the title compound, [Cd(C10H9N4O2S)2(C2H6OS)2], is completed by the application of a twofold rotation axis. The CdII atom is six coordinated by two bidentate sulfadiazinate anions and two dimethyl­sulfoxide mol­ecules. The resulting N4O2 donor set displays a distorted trigonal–prismatic coordination geometry. The S atom and methyl groups of dimethyl­sulfoxide are disordered over two sets of sites, with site occupancies of 0.715 (4) and 0.285 (4). The crystal structure features inter­molecular N—H⋯N and N—H⋯O hydrogen bonds that lead to the formation of layers in the ab plane

Technology Acceptance and Usage: A Catalyst for Better Performance of the 21st Century SMEs in Nigeria

In recent times the use of technology in businesses has become very vital, especially in SMEs that are the mainstream of enterprises operating in the world. The adoption and use of Technology can be of benefit in terms of competence, usefulness, advancement, growth and competitive advantages. Various scholars and managers have examined the contribution of technology to business growth, and a positive influence has been acknowledged. However, the effective implementation and use of technology by small businesses has been below expectations, it thus becomes questionable the depth of understanding SMEs in Nigeria have of the role of technology in their performance. This study, thus seeks to determine the details affecting the acceptance and use of Technology by SMEs in Nigeria. This was done using an in depth review of literature to determine the elements that stimulate the acceptance and use of technology and its impact on organizations. From the literature reviewed, it was discovered that SME owners have intentionally failed to embrace technology and programs that can easily improve the fortunes of their enterprises. This study highlighted that for better performance of SMEs, it is important to support organizational and useful procedures with technology tools; and adequate circumstances that favor the best technology implementation. It was concluded that in the recent world of business, there is a relationship between a firm’s capacity to use technology efficiently and its ability to implement business procedures and to attain business goal

Bis[4-amino-N-(pyrimidin-2-yl)benzene­sulfonamidato]-κ2 N,N′;κN-aqua­bis­(dimethyl­formamide-κO)cadmium(II) monohydrate

In the title compound, [Cd(C10H9N4O2S)2(C3H7NO)2(H2O)]·H2O, the CdII ion displays a grossly distorted octa­hedral (or irregular) mer-CdN3O3 coodination polyhdron arising from its coordination by one N,N′-bidentate sulfadiazinate anion, one monodentate sulfadiazinate anion, two O-bonded dimethyl­formamide molecules and one water mol­ecule. A short Cd⋯N contact [2.890 (3) Å] to the monodentate sulfadiazinate ion also occurs. The dihedral angles between the planes of the aromatic rings of the anions are 86.81 (14) and 68.65 (14)°. The crystal structure features inter­molecular N—H⋯O, O—H⋯O and O—H⋯N hydrogen bonds

Formulating finger millet (Eleusine coracana L) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) food blend for enhanced micronutrients for children below 5 years

Malnutrition of children under 5 years is a public health concern because it is the most vulnerable stage of child’s growth where its impact results in long term health conditions such as stunting, wasting, obesity and poor cognitive development. This study aimed at developing a Rapoko-Cowpea porridge blend to enhance dietary micronutrients among children below the age of 5 years and assess its sensory acceptability. A mixed methods research approach was adopted consisting of a quasi- experiment and a cross sectional survey. Vendors from Mbare market were clustered based on the source of their finger millet and cowpea grains (Masvingo, Murewa, Gokwe). A Completely Randomised Design (CRD) was used with three treatments (blends) replicated three times. Proximate analysis was done using standard AOAC methods. Compared to cowpea, finger millet had the highest levels of carbohydrates (78.12g/100g), iron (8.7mg/100g), zinc (3.77mg/100g). Results also show that 75:25. Rapoko-Cowpea blend ratio had the ability to meet WHO daily nutrient requirements for children under the age of 5 years. Blend ratio of Rapoko: cowpeas (75:25) had the highest carbohydrates (69.41g/100g), protein (25.64g/100g), zinc (1.74mg/100g), iron (5.14mg/100g), energy (411.37kcal), and vitamins (0.11 mcg RAE) with RaCoB1 blend having the lowest nutrient composition. Results have showed that finger millet (Rapoko), cowpeas and RaCoB (Rapoko-Cowpea blend) blends have high macro and micronutrients (iron and zinc) to support daily nutritional requirements of children below the age of 5 years and may help in addressing malnutrition. Sensory evaluation was done with 100 panellists from the University of Zimbabwe and of the three blends, a 75:25 ratio was the most preferred (90.88%). Further studies need to analyse the effects of anti-nutritional factors, bioavailability of nutrients, shelf life of the food blend and commercialization potential of RaCoB blends. The government is therefore encouraged to provide agronomic support for increased productivity of small grains and pulses through improved research and extension. There is a need to develop a policy at national level that promotes blending of cereals and pulses as well as innovative small scale food processing initiatives through private-public partnerships.http://ajfand.netAnthropology and Archaeolog

Tetra­kis-μ-l-alanine-κ8 O:O′-bis­[tetra­aqua­terbium(III)] hexa­perchlorate

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, [Tb2(C3H7NO2)4(H2O)8](ClO4)6, contains a dinuclear cation and six perchlorate anions, one of which is disordered. In the cation, the four l-alanine mol­ecules are present in their zwitterionic form and bridge two Tb3+ ions through their carboxyl­ate O atoms. Each Tb atom is also coordinated by four water mol­ecules in a square-anti­prismatic geometry. In the crystal structure, the cations and anions are held together via inter­molecular O—H⋯O and N—H⋯O hydrogen bonds