bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Degradation Pattern and Residues of Atrazine in Maize under Long Term Conservation Agriculture
Authors: Bharathi C. , Arthanari P. Murali , Radhamani S. , Kumar G, Senthil
Published: December 2024

Field experiment was conducted at Eastern block farm, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University 11°29”N latitude and 77° 08”E longitude with an altitude of 426.7M above MSL with maize to study the degradation, persistence and residues of atrazine under long term conservation agriculture system. The treatments constituted atrazine 1.0 kg ha-1 on 3 DAS and atrazine 1.0 kg ha-1 on 3DAS +Hand weeding on 45th day under different conservation tillage practices.  Degradation, persistence and residue analysis were carried out for atrazine using HPLC. Residues of atrazine was analyzed at different periods viz., 0,15,30,45,60,75 and 90 days after herbicide application and at harvest and the results revealed that degradation of atrazine was found to follow first order reaction kinetics (R2> 0.94) with the half life of 13.7–16.2 days irrespective of tillage practices and weed management methods. The recommended rate of atrazine @1.0 kgha-1 recorded terminal residues below detectable limit of <0.01 mg kg-1 in soil and plant parts of maize.
Effectiveness and Safety of Cimicifuga Racemosa and Blackberry Compared to Soy Isoflavone for the Treatment of Climacteric Symptoms: An Overview of Systematic Reviews
Authors: Madureira Me. Magali de Fátima Pereira , Louzano Yasmin dos Santos , Reis Tiago Marques dos , Paula Dra. Fernanda Borges de Araújo
Published: December 2024

The female reproductive phase ends with climacteric syndrome, marked by hormonal variations (progesterone/estrogen). Cimicifuga racemosa (CR), Morus nigra (MN), and soy isoflavones (SI) have emerged as complementary treatments, potentially reducing symptoms. However, evidence gaps persist regarding the effectiveness and safety of CR and MN, necessitating a systematic review.
Objectives: To compare the effectiveness and safety of CR or MN with SI in managing climacteric syndrome.
Study design: A review of systematic reviews was conducted, structured using the PICO acronym. Searches were performed in March 2024 across Medline via PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, Embase, Lilacs, and grey literature. The study was registered in PROSPERO, adhering to PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Titles and abstracts were screened, followed by full-text reviews by two independent reviewers. Methodological quality was assessed with AMSTAR-2.
Results: Of 1,291 records, 27 studies underwent full-text review, but none were included. Variability in dosages, SI formulations, and the frequent use of placebo comparators precluded synthesis of safety and effectiveness for CR or MN versus SI.
Conclusion: Despite substantial scientific interest in herbal treatments for climacteric syndrome, comparative evidence on CR, MN, and SI remains unavailable. This gap limits evidence-based decision-making for managing climacteric symptoms.
Short Term Impact of Andropogon gayanus Kunth. on Soil Fertility and Legume Crop Rotation in West Central Region of Koudougou, Burkina Faso
Authors: Mare Boussa Tockville Josue , Lankoande Yiénibirma Josias , Senou Issaka , Traore Salifou , Spychalski Waldemar
Published: December 2024

The low productivity of land in Burkina Faso is one of the major threats of the agricultural sector. This study aims to evaluate the short-term legume crop impact in a sequence with a short term Andropogon gayanus fallow rotation in order to propose means of degraded lands recovery and their sustainable management. To achieve this goal, a test was set up in Péyiri village in West-Central region of Burkina Faso. The test which is made up of a completely randomized block of three plots, was installed on two area of a transect taking into account the microtopography (1.35%) effects. The first area which is called geomorphological unit I (UGI) consisted of a block of three replications plots and this area was used for legume crop (MC) during five (05) years. The legume crop was followed in rotation with a short-term Andropogon gayanus fallow (MA) for three (03) years. Following the micro-slope (1.35%), the same test was repeated on the second area of the transect called geomorphological unit II (UGII). On each plot of each UG, three (03) replications soil samples were collected on 0-20 cm soil layer at the end of legume crop and at the end of Andropogon gayanus short-term fallow for the soil physico-chemical properties assessment. The results obtained revealed that the MA treatment increased the contents of N, C, Sech, CEC, V, pH, NH4+, P, K, Mg, Ca respectively by 33%, 51.72%, 20.55%, 16.43%, 3%, 7%, 192.71%, 18.61%, 98.68%, 1095.8% and 353% on UGI except NO3- compared to the MC treatment results which increased the content of NO3- by 5% compared to MA. The slope of 1.35% observed between UGI and UGII caused a deterioration of the organic status, physicochemical properties and major nutrients on the UGII. These results suggest that even for small slopes, soil conservation measures are still necessary. In conclusion, the study showed that on small family farms systems in Burkina Faso, legume crop rotation with Andropogon gayanus short-term fallow constitutes a means of agricultural lands sustainable management.
Withdrawal Effects on Antioxidative and Histochemical Deficits in Acetaminophen Induced Neurotoxicity in Cerebellar Cortex of Adult Wistar Rats
Authors: O.O Odubela , P. B Fakunle , S. E Ehiremen , S.O Adeleke , S.U Nuhu , A.S Adeleye , A. J Dawodu , R.B Bamidele , S.O Adejinmi , V.T Adesegun
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Neurotoxicity refers to the harmful effects of chemical, biological, or physical agents on the nervous system. Acetaminophen, a common pain reliever whose abuse has been linked to neurotoxicity at high doses, causing oxidative stress and neuronal damage.
Aim: The present study aimed to assess the withdrawal effects of Acetaminophen use on the Cerebellar cortex of adult wistar rats.
Methodology: Thirty (30) Adult wistar rats weighing 200±50g were assigned into three groups (n=10) of Control (C), Treatment 1(T1) and Treatment 2 (T2). The control group C received distilled water, while Treatment groups T1 and T2 received 200mg/kg of acetaminophen for 4 weeks. However, treatment group T2 were allowed a 2-week acetaminophen withdrawal period. At the end of exposure, all animals were sacrificed via cervical dislocation and eventual removal of cerebellar specimens which were processed for some Neurohistochemical staining reactions as well as Biochemical Quantifications of LDH enzyme and Antioxidative stress markers (SOD & CAT). Quantitative analyses of all data obtained including Body weight, brain weight and Cerebellum weight were analysed using GraphPad® (version 8) and plotted using ANOVA followed by Tukey's multiple comparisons test. Significance was set at p<0.05* (95% confidence interval).
Result: Results showed a significant increase in body weight (P=.05) and a decrease in cerebellum weight (P=.01) in both acetaminophen groups. SOD and CAT activity decreased significantly (P=.01) in the T1 groups while T2 groups shows a significant increase, LDH activities decreased significantly (P=.01) in both groups. The Neurohistochemical findings showed severe degeneration, loss of the Purkinje neurons and poorly differentiated DNA on the T1 group compared to control group C while the withdrawal group showed onset of regenerative changes in neurons improved differentiation in DNA stained.
Conclusion: The study's findings suggest that long-term acetaminophen use can lead to neurotoxic effects on the cerebellum, but partial recovery is possible upon withdrawal.
Kernel Regression
Authors: Fokoué Ernest
Published: September 2021

With their power to represent arbitrarily complex functions, similarity measures known askernelshave enriched the statistical machine learning and data science arsenal with theoretical powerful and widely applicable methods for optimal prediction in both regression and classification. Tools such as kernel ridge regression, kernel logistic regression, Gaussian process regressors and classifiers, support vector regression and classification machines, and the relevance vector machine, just to name a few, are all members of this rich class of methods for classification and regression that have yielded state‐of‐the‐art predictive performances on some of the most formidable datasets to date. In this article, we provide a detailed coverage of what is common to these methods and how they differ, but we also highlight their key strengths along with their drawbacks. We strive throughout this article to provide both theoretically rigorous accounts and practical examples to aid the reader's comprehension. Finally, we use both synthetic simulated data and real‐life data to demonstrate and clearly highlight as many of the characteristics of all the learning machines explored as possible.
The MADS‐Box Gene Family Involved in the Regulatory Mechanism of Dormancy and Flowering in Rosaceae Fruit Trees
Authors: Hsiang Tzu‐Fan , Chen Wenxing , Yamane Hisayo
Published: September 2021

Temperate perennial fruit tree species enter dormancy in autumn. A prolonged exposure to chilling followed by warm conditions induce dormancy release and bud break. In Rosaceae species, flowering proceeds during dormancy when bud growth is repressed. TheSHORT VEGETATIVE PHASE(SVP)‐clade MADS‐box genes such asDORMANCY‐ASSOCIATED MADS‐boxes(DAM/SVPs) encode tree bud dormancy regulators. The major effects of DAM/SVPs include growth inhibition and bud break repression through the regulation of plant hormone metabolism in vegetative and floral buds. In addition, theFLOWERING LOCUS C(FLC)‐clade MADS‐box genes were recently also proposed to encode flowering and dormancy regulators. Apple (Malus domestica) FLC may have multifaceted roles in the juvenile–adult phase transition and in the annual development‐dormancy cycle in floral buds. Specifically, in apple, we hypothesize FLC3‐like may facilitate flowering in autumn, whereas an FLC‐like (FLC2) may inhibit bud break, thereby helping floral buds to remain in a quiescent state in winter and preventing an unexpected bud break before the spring. We developed a working model in which abscisic acid,C‐repeat Binding Factor(CBF),TEOSINTE BRANCHED/CYCLOIDEA/PROLIFERATING CELL FACTOR(TCP), micro ribonucleic acid (microRNAs), and epigenetic regulation mediate processes that convert environmental signals into the transcriptional regulation ofDAMs andFLCs, thereby ensuring dormancy phase transitions and progression. Finally, possible relationships between MADS‐box genes and dormancy‐associated cellular metabolism are discussed.
From Gene Mapping to Gene Editing, A Guide from the
Arabidopsis
Research
Authors: El‐Soda Mohamed , Sarhan Mohamed S.
Published: September 2021

Gene mapping aims to identify the causal genetic factors underlying any trait of interest. To map those genetic factors, three main pre‐requisites are required, i.e. traits measured on quantitative scales, segregating populations, and linkage maps. Quantitative traits are controlled by many genes and can be collected by screening segregating populations, which either can be immortal populations or large collections of natural homozygous inbred accessions. Genetic polymorphisms within each of those population types can be investigated using advanced sequencing technologies or polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based molecular markers that can be grouped and presented as linkage maps, which represent chromosomes. The mapping process itself can be achieved by traditional quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping or association mapping, which accelerate mutant and gene discovery. Traditionally, the identified mutants or genes can be used to generate new plants with improved or desirable features through crossing or selection that are laborious and time‐consuming. An effective, precise, and rapid alternative to target and modify the identified mutants or genes is through gene‐editing technologies. The three most common genome‐editing technologies are Zinc finger nucleases (ZFN), transcription activator‐like effector nucleases (TALEN), and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/CRISPR‐associated protein 9 (Cas9) nuclease. Experience gained with the model plant
Arabidopsis thaliana
will be the focus of this article.
Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Calcium Pyrophosphate Deposition Disease: A Nationwide Study of Veterans
Authors: Bashir Maaman , Sherman Katherine A. , Solomon Daniel H. , Rosenthal Ann , Tedeschi Sara K.
Published: September 2021

Objective

Calcium pyrophosphate deposition (CPPD) disease represents a common crystalline arthritis with a range of manifestations. Our goal was to investigate risks for cardiovascular events in patients with CPPD.

Methods

We performed a retrospective matched cohort analysis in the Veterans Health Administration Corporate Data Warehouse, 2010–2014. CPPD was defined by ≥1 International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes for chondrocalcinosis or calcium metabolism disorder. CPPD patients were age‐ and sex‐matched to approximately 4 patients without codes for CPPD; we excluded patients with a cardiovascular event during the 365 days prior to the index date. Demographic information, traditional cardiovascular risk factors, medications, and health care utilization were assessed at baseline. The primary outcome was a major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE: myocardial infarction, acute coronary syndrome, coronary revascularization, stroke, or death). Secondary outcomes included individual components of MACE. Cox proportional hazards models estimated fully adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs).

Results

We identified 23,124 CPPD patients matched to 86,629 non‐CPPD patients with >250,000 person‐years of follow‐up. The study population was 96% male, mean age was 78 years, and 75% were White. The frequency of traditional cardiovascular risk factors was similar between the 2 cohorts. CPPD was not significantly associated with risk for MACE (HR 0.98 [95% CI 0.94–1.02]) in fully adjusted models, though risks of myocardial infarction, acute coronary syndrome, and stroke were significantly higher in the CPPD cohort compared to the non‐CPPD cohort.

Conclusion

CPPD did not confer an increased risk for MACE, a composite end point including all‐cause mortality. Our results propose CPPD as a novel risk factor for MACE components, including myocardial infarction, acute coronary syndrome, and stroke.
Patient Empowerment and Associations with Disease Activity and Pain‐Related and Lifestyle Factors in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Larsson Ingrid , Bremander Ann , Andersson Maria
Published: September 2021

Background

Empowerment is important to patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) because most care is in the form of self‐management. The aim was to study levels of empowerment and associated variables in patients with RA and to investigate longitudinal clinical data in patients with low and high empowerment.

Methods

A postal survey was sent in 2017 to patients with RA from the BARFOT (Better Anti‐Rheumatic Pharmacotherapy) cohort that included questions about disease activity, pain‐related factors, lifestyle habits, and contained the Swedish Rheumatic Disease Empowerment Scale (SWE‐RES‐23). The 844 patients who answered the SWE‐RES‐23 made up the cohort of the present study. Differences in level of empowerment between groups (low, moderate, and high empowerment) were analyzed with ANOVA. Logistic regression analysis was used to study variables associated with low empowerment. Thirdly, we performed comparisons in longitudinal data (15 years) of disease activity, pain, and physical function between the three empowerment groups (low, moderate, and high empowerment).

Results

Patients with low empowerment (n = 282) were significantly older, more often women, and reported worse pain‐related factors and physical function and lower moderate and vigorous physical activity compared with those with high empowerment (n = 270). An analysis of longitudinal data found that patients with low empowerment had worse pain and physical function at all time points.

Conclusion

Patients with low empowerment have more pain‐related symptoms, poorer physical function, and are less physically active. To promote patient empowerment in rehabilitation interventions it is important to identify and support self‐management.
High‐Performance Solution‐Processed Nondoped Circularly Polarized OLEDs with Chiral Triptycene Scaffold‐Based TADF Emitters Realizing Over 20% External Quantum Efficiency
Authors: Wang Yin‐Feng , Li Meng , Teng Jin‐Ming , Zhou He‐Ye , Chen Chuan‐Feng
Published: September 2021

Recently, circularly polarized organic light‐emitting diodes (CP‐OLEDs) fabricated with thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitters are developed rapidly. However, most devices are fabricated by vacuum deposition technology, and developing efficient solution‐processed CP‐OLEDs, especially nondoped devices, is still a challenge. Herein, a pair of triptycene‐based enantiomers, (S,S)‐/(R,R)‐TpAc‐TRZ, are synthesized. The novel chiral triptycene scaffold of enantiomers avoids their intermolecular π–π stacking, which is conducive to their aggregation‐induced emission characteristics and high photoluminescence quantum yield of 85% in the solid state. Moreover, the triptycene‐based enantiomers exhibit efficient TADF activities with a small singlet‐triplet energy gap (ΔEST) of 0.03 eV and delayed fluorescence lifetime of 1.1 µs, as well as intense circularly polarized luminescence with dissymmetry factors (|gPL|) of about 1.9 × 10−3. The solution‐processed nondoped CP‐OLEDs based on (S,S)‐/(R,R)‐TpAc‐TRZ not only display obvious circularly polarized electroluminescence signals with gEL values of +1.5 × 10−3 and −2.0 × 10−3, respectively, but also achieve high efficiencies with external quantum, current, and power efficiency up to 25.5%, 88.6 cd A−1, and 95.9 lm W−1, respectively.
Low‐Cost and Large‐Area Hybrid X‐Ray Detectors Combining Direct Perovskite Semiconductor and Indirect Scintillator
Authors: Li Weijun , Liu Lulu , Tan Mingrui , He Yuhong , Guo Chunjie , Zhang Huimao , Wei Haotong , Yang Bai
Published: September 2021

Both semiconductors and scintillators have their own advantages in direct and indirect X‐ray detection, respectively. However, they are also limited by their intrinsic properties and detection mechanisms. Here, a low‐cost and large‐area flat X‐ray detector is reported by combining a cesium silver bismuth bromide (Cs2AgBiBr6) perovskite semiconductor with a ethylenebis‐triphenylphosphonium manganese (II) bromide ((C38H34P2)MnBr4) scintillator through fast tableting processes. Cs2AgBiBr6 and (C38H34P2)MnBr4 can attenuate the X‐ray photons to induce charge carriers that are collected through the continuous Cs2AgBiBr6 grains. (C38H34P2)MnBr4 blocks the Cs2AgBiBr6 ions migration paths at the grain boundaries to reduce the device dark current/noise and improves the working stability. Most charges generated by (C38H34P2)MnBr4 are transferred to the adjacent Cs2AgBiBr6, and recombined charges radiate light through scintillation, which will be further absorbed by the surrounding Cs2AgBiBr6 perovskite, and further induce collectable charges for indirect X‐ray detection, avoiding the unwanted light scattering, self‐absorption, or afterglow effects of scintillators. The hybrid X‐ray detector displays a high sensitivity of 114 µC Gyair−1 cm−2 to 120 keVp hard X‐rays with a lowest detectable dose rate of 0.2 μGyair s−1, showing 75 times lower detection limit compared to (C38H34P2)MnBr4 scintillator, which provides a new path for X‐ray flat‐panel design.
3D Printing of Black Bioceramic Scaffolds with Micro/Nanostructure for Bone Tumor‐Induced Tissue Therapy
Authors: Wang Xin , Liu Yin , Zhang Meng , Zhai Dong , Wang Yufeng , Zhuang Hui , Ma Bing , Qu Yu , Yu Xiaopeng , Ma Jingge , Ma Hongshi , Yao Qingqiang , Wu Chengtie
Published: September 2021

It is common to improve the relevant performance in the field of energy storage materials or catalytic materials by regulating the number of defects. However, there are few studies on the biomaterials containing defects for tissue engineering. Herein, a new type of defect‐rich scaffolds, black akermanite (B‐AKT) bioceramic scaffolds with micro/nanostructure, the thickness of which is from 0.14 to 1.94 µm, is fabricated through introducing defects on the surface of bioceramic scaffolds. The B‐AKT scaffolds have advantages on the degradation rate and the osteogenic capacity over the AKT (Ca2MgSi2O7) scaffolds due to the surface defects which stimulate the osteogenic differentiation of rabbit bone mesenchymal stem cells via activating bone morphogenetic protein 2 （BMP2） signaling pathway and further promote bone formation in vivo. In addition, the prepared B‐AKT scaffolds, the temperature of which can be over 100 °C under the near infrared （NIR） irradiation (0.66 W cm−2), possess excellent performance on photothermal and antitumor effects. The work develops an introducing‐defect strategy for regulating the biological performance of bioceramic scaffolds, which is expected to be applied in the next generation of bioceramic scaffolds for regenerative medicine.
High‐Temperature Nitridation Induced Carbon Nanotubes@NiFe‐Layered‐Double‐Hydroxide Nanosheets Taking as an Oxygen Evolution Reaction Electrocatalyst for CO2 Electroreduction
Authors: Chen Hao , Zhang Ping , Xie Ruishi , Xiong Ying , Jia Chunhui , Fu Yingke , Song Pingan , Chen Lin , Zhang Yaping , Liao Ting
Published: September 2021

The development of high‐efficiency catalysts for carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR) and oxygen evolution reactions (OER) is an important strategy to solve the current energy crisis. In this paper, solid‐phase exfoliation and electrostatic self‐assembly strategies are developed to couple ultrathin NiFe‐layered‐double‐hydroxide nanosheets and carbon nanotubes (CNT@NiFe‐LDH NS) as an OER catalyst. Then, NiFe nanoparticles anchored on the N‐doped CNT (CNT‐N‐NiFe) for electrocatalyst of CO2RR is synthesized via pyrolysis of a mixture of CNT@NiFe‐LDH NS and melamine in a nitrogen atmosphere at 750 °C, utilizing the ultrathin NiFe‐LDH NS as a metal source and CNT as the framework. CNT@NiFe‐LDH NS nanohybrid exhibits a better catalytic activity for OER (with an overpotential of 270 mV at the current density of 20 mA cm–2 and remarkably stable durability) than Bulk NiFe‐LDH in 1 m KOH. Moreover, the CNT‐N‐NiFe catalyst exhibits a Faradaic efficiency of ≈82.6% for the reduction of CO2 to CO at −0.7 V (vs reversible hydrogen electrode) with a current density of CO 10.2 mA cm–2. The method of preparing CO2RR catalysts provides a new idea of the preparation of bimetallic CO2RR electrocatalysts.
Highly Sensitive and Fast Responsive Humidity Sensor based on 2D PtSe2with Gamma Radiation Tolerance
Authors: Mondal Shuvra , Min Bok Ki , Yi Yoonsik , Choi Choon‐Gi
Published: September 2021

2D transition‐metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) with their unique properties have accelerated the study of emerging sensors and nanoelectronics to embed in various industries including severe environments such as nuclear power plant, low Earth orbit, and space. Therefore, a systematic investigation of the sensing properties and ionizing radiation effect on 2D TMDs is required. This study reveals a facile humidity sensor based on 2D platinum diselenide (PtSe2), and the effect of a high dose of gamma (γ‐ray) radiation on their physical and electrical properties. The proposed humidity sensor exhibits notable variation of current signal up to 105orders under the relative humidity (RH) range of 20–85% and a fast response time of 60 ms. The real‐time electrical output of the PtSe2during irradiation by 10 kGy of γ‐rays (60Co), followed by material characterization confirms their unique stability under gamma radiation. Furthermore, precise and fast detection of moisture by the proposed PtSe2‐based humidity sensor is demonstrated as a potential leak locator application.
Magnetic Levitation Type Double Helix Self‐Powered Acceleration Sensor Based on ZnO‐RTV Film
Authors: Mu Jiliang , Han Xiaotao , Yu Junbin , Song Jinsha , He Jian , Geng Wenping , Zou Jie , Xian Shuai , Chou Xiujian
Published: September 2021

Traditional accelerometers rely on batteries to provide energy, and the massive use of batteries caused great pressure on the natural environment. In this paper, a self‐powered acceleration sensor is designed. To more easily harvest weak vibration signals and effectively improve the sensitivity, this sensor is built on a magnetic levitation type double helix structure and ZnO‐doped triboelectric film. Experiments indicated that the open‐circuit voltage and short circuit current of the triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) doped with ZnO are increased by 2.51 times and 2.07 times, respectively. Under shaking table test for simulating machine vibration environment, the sensor's sensitivity reaches 16.31 V (m s−2)−1 and its linearity is 0.993. The sensor power generation is 110 μW and its test range is ≈1–7 m s−2. Also, the sensor can be applied for monitoring human's movement state by installing in a sole. This design provides a new idea for the development of TENG‐based sensors.
Sonoporation: Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Rich Joseph , Tian Zhenhua , Huang Tony Jun
Published: September 2021

A surge of research in intracellular delivery technologies is underway with the increased innovations in cell‐based therapies and cell reprogramming. Particularly, physical cell membrane permeabilization techniques are highlighted as the leading technologies because of their unique features, including versatility, independence of cargo properties, and high‐throughput delivery that is critical for providing the desired cell quantity for cell‐based therapies. Amongst the physical permeabilization methods, sonoporation holds great promise and demonstrates to deliver a variety of functional cargos, such as biomolecular drugs, proteins, and plasmids, to various cells including cancer, immune, and stem cells. However, traditional bubble‐based sonoporation methods usually require special contrast agents. Bubble‐based sonoporation methods also have high chances of inducing irreversible damage to critical cell components, lowering the cell viability, and reducing the effectiveness of delivered cargos. To overcome these limitations, several novel non‐bubble‐based sonoporation mechanisms are under development. This review will cover both the bubble‐based and non‐bubble‐based sonoporation mechanisms being employed for intracellular delivery, the technologies being investigated to overcome the limitations of traditional platforms, as well as perspectives on the future sonoporation mechanisms, technologies, and applications.
Carbonitridation Pyrolysis Synthesis of Prussian Blue Analog‐Derived Carbon Hybrids for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Yisha , Chen Ruixuan , Ang Edison Huixiang , Yan Yan , Ding Ying , Ke Longwei , Luo Yan , Rui Kun , Lin Huijuan , Zhu Jixin
Published: September 2021

Cost‐effective nanostructured carbon hybrids have received global attention in sustainable energy research due to their stable structure and high conductivity. Herein, the nickel‐cobalt nanoparticles embedded carbon nanotube hybrid (NCCH) derived from Prussian blue analogs (PBAs) has been prepared by a carbonitridation pyrolysis process. Simultaneously, the uniform NCCHs interweave to form a conductive structure. The fascinating architecture offers abundant active sites and enhanced electronic conductivity when served as an anode material in lithium‐ion batteries. As a consequence, the resulting NCCH exhibits excellent cell behaviors with a high reversible capacity and remarkable rate capability. Equally important, the study provides a unique insight into the development of high‐performance carbon hybrids electrodes derived from PBAs.
Synergistic Texturing and Bi/Sb‐Te Antisite Doping Secure High Thermoelectric Performance in Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3‐Based Thin Films
Authors: Tan Ming , Shi Xiao‐Lei , Liu Wei‐Di , Li Meng , Wang Yaling , Li Hui , Deng Yuan , Chen Zhi‐Gang
Published: September 2021

Bi2Te3‐based thin films are attracting increasing attention due to their considerable wearability and flexibility feature. However, the relatively low performance compared to their bulk counterparts limits their development and wider application. In this work, synergistic texturing and Bi/Sb‐Te antisite doping are used to achieve a high room‐temperature ZT of ≈1.5 in p‐type Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 thin films by a magnetron sputtering method. Structural characterization confirms that carefully tuning the deposition temperature can strengthen the texture of as‐prepared polycrystalline Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 thin films, leading to significantly enhanced carrier mobility and electrical conductivity. Simultaneously, rational engineering of the deposition temperature can induce antisite doping between Bi/Sb and Te, which can reduce the carrier concentration and make it closer to the optimized level. In turn, a high power factor of 45.3 µW cm−1 K−2 and a maximized ZT of ≈1.5 at room temperature are obtained. This high power factor and ZT are highly competitive to other state‐of‐the‐art p‐type thin‐film‐based thermoelectric materials, showing great potentials for practical applications.
Genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity in KIAA0753‐related ciliopathies
Authors: Inskeep Katherine A. , Zarate Yuri A. , Monteil Danielle , Spranger Jurgen , Doherty Dan , Stottmann Rolf W. , Weaver K. Nicole
Published: September 2021

Primary ciliopathies are heterogenous disorders resulting from perturbations in primary cilia form and/or function. Primary cilia are cellular organelles which mediate key signaling pathways during development, such as the sonic hedgehog (SHH) pathway which is required for neuroepithelium and central nervous system development. Joubert syndrome is a primary ciliopathy characterized by cerebellar/brain stem malformation, hypotonia, and developmental delays. At least 35 genes are associated with Joubert syndrome, including the gene KIAA0753, which is part of a complex required for primary ciliogenesis. The phenotypic spectrum associated with biallelic pathogenic variants in KIAA0753 is broad and not well‐characterized. We describe four individuals with biallelic pathogenic KIAA0753 variants, including five novel variants. We report in vitro results assessing the function of each variant indicating that mutant proteins are not fully competent to promote primary ciliogenesis. Ablation of KIAA0753 in vitro blocks primary ciliogenesis and SHH pathway activity. Correspondingly, KIAA0753 patient fibroblasts have a deficit in primary ciliation and improper SHH and WNT signaling, with a particularly blunted response to SHH pathway stimulation. Our work expands the phenotypic spectrum of KIAA0753 ciliopathies and demonstrates the utility of patient‐focused functional assays for proving causality of genetic variants.
Deciphering the Mechanisms of Electrochemiluminescence by Spatially Resolved Measurements
Authors: Wang Yafeng , Su Bin
Published: September 2021

Elucidating the mechanisms of electrochemiluminescence (ECL) generation is crucial for developing novel ECL systems, designing new luminophores and coreactants, and expanding the application of ECL in different fields. Diverse methods have been developed so far for this purpose, among which spatially resolved measurements using ECL microscopy (ECLM), scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) and ECL self‐interference spectroscopy (ECLIS), are particularly valuable in terms of their ability to measure the distribution of excited luminophores and coreactant radicals. This review aims to provide an overview of research progress on deciphering the mechanisms of ECL by spatially resolved measurements. The reaction pathways for ECL generation are briefly introduced and then the advances in understanding the mechanisms of ECL reaction in solutions and on the surface of microbeads are summarized. A personal perspective covering both mechanisms and challenges is finally presented.
Study molecular modeling and the effect of some biological metals on the efficiency of norfloxacin in presence of 3‐(bromoacetyl)coumarin
Authors: El‐Shwiniy Walaa H. , Gamil Manar A. , Sadeek Sadeek A. , Zordok Wael A.
Published: September 2021

A series of new mixed ligand metal complexes of Mn(II), Fe(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) have been synthesized by the reaction of norfloxacin (NOR) with 3‐(bromoacetyl)coumarin (BAC) in 1:1:1 (Mn+:NOR:BAC) molar ratio, which characterized by elemental analysis, spectroscopic measurements (FT‐IR, UV–Vis) molar conductance, effective magnetic moments, and thermogravimetric analysis (TG) and (DTG). All the complexes soluble in DMSO and the conductivity measurement indicate that the complexes are electrolyte with ratio 1:1 for Mn(II), Fe(II), and Zn(II) and 1:2 for Co(II), Ni(II), and Cu(II). Electronic and magnetic data elucidated the octahedral structure for all complexes. Assorted thermodynamic factors are calculated, and the results are explicated. Molecular modeling calculations (bond angles, dihedral angles, total energy, heat of formation, and dipole moment) confirm the structural geometry of the complexes and indicate the very good agreement between the computed and experimental geometrical parameters. The calculated data for the hardness (η) and absolute softness (σ) showed that all complexes are soft with respect to ligands. The two ligands and their metal complexes have also been screened for their antibacterial and antifungal activity against some selected species; the data showed that the complexes have remarkable potency as compared with the parent ligands.
Microwave‐assisted reduction of aromatic nitro compounds with novel oxo‐rhenium complexes
Authors: Grieco Gabriele , Blacque Olivier
Published: September 2021

The reduction of several aromatic nitro compounds to amines by means of the two novel catalytic systems ([IMes]2ReOBr3)/PhSiH3 and ([Py]3ReNOBr2)/PhSiH3 under microwave irradiation is here reported. These two systems were able to perform the reduction of nitro groups with higher TON and TOF when compared with previously reported systems based on oxo‐rhenium core under standard heating, although they showed a lesser broad reaction scope compared with the known systems.
Convenient Unsymmetrical Disulfane Synthesis: Basic Zeolite‐Catalyzed Thiol‐Disulfane Exchange Reaction
Authors: Yamamoto Eiji , Kawai Yasutaka , Takakura Kei , Kimura Moemi , Murayama Haruno , Matsueda Hironobu , Otsuki Shujiro , Sakata Hiroshi , Tokunaga Makoto
Published: September 2021

Convenient catalytic synthetic methods for the preparation of unsymmetrical disulfanes are described. Na‐exchanged X type zeolite (Na‐X), commercially available as MS‐13X, effectively catalyzes thiol‐disulfane exchange reactions with 1.0 equivalent of thiols and 2.5–3.0 equivalents of disulfanes at 10 °C to room temperature under air. The reactions of sterically‐hindered disulfanes or electron‐deficient thiol substrates require high temperatures under inert atmospheres to maintain the good product yields. Various functionalized thiols and disulfanes are tolerant in the present catalytic systems, affording the corresponding unsymmetrical disulfanes in good‐to‐high yields (up to 96 %). The Na‐X catalyst was successfully recycled 10 times without loss of yield. Preliminary mechanistic studies suggest the involvement of base‐catalyzed SN2‐S displacement and/or addition‐elimination mechanisms, assisted by hydrogen‐bonding interactions.
Host‐Guest Complexation Between Cyclodextrins and Hybrid Hexavanadates: What are the Driving Forces?
Authors: Fa Bamba Ibrahima , Falaise Clément , Marrot Jérôme , Atheba Patrick , Gbassi Gildas , Landy David , Shepard William , Haouas Mohamed , Cadot Emmanuel
Published: September 2021

Host‐guest complexes between native cyclodextrins (α‐, β‐ and γ‐CD) and hybrid Lindqvist‐type polyoxovanadates (POVs) [V6O13((OCH2)3C−R)2]2– with R = CH2CH3, NO2, CH2OH and NH(BOC) (BOC = N‐tert‐butoxycarbonyl) were studied in aqueous solution. Six crystal structures determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis revealed the nature of the functional R group strongly influences the host–guest conformation and also the crystal packing. In all systems isolated in the solid‐state, the organic groups R are embedded within the cyclodextrin cavities, involving only a few weak supramolecular contacts. The interaction between hybrid POVs and the macrocyclic organic hosts have been deeply studied in solution using ITC, cyclic voltammetry and NMR methods (1D 1H NMR, and 2D DOSY, and ROESY). This set of complementary techniques provides clear insights about the strength of interactions and the binding host‐guest modes occurring in aqueous solution, highlighting a dramatic influence of the functional group R on the supramolecular properties of the hexavanadate polyoxoanions (association constant K1:1 vary from 0 to 2 000 M−1) while isolated functional organic groups exhibit only very weak intrinsic affinity with CDs. Electrochemical and calorimetric investigations suggest that the driving force of the host‐guest association involving larger CDs (β‐ and γ‐CD) is mainly related to the chaotropic effect. In contrast, the hydrophobic effect supported by weak attractive forces appears as the main contributor for the formation of α‐CD‐containing host‐guest complexes. In any cases, the origin of driving forces is clearly related to the ability of the macrocyclic host to desolvate the exposed moieties of the hybrid POVs.
Formation and Stabilization of Vaterite Aggregate Grooves with Aspartic Acid (Asp) by Bubbling CO2 into a Ca(OH)2 Suspension
Authors: Zheng Tianwen , Yi Haihe
Published: September 2021

Vaterite aggregate grooves are successfully obtained by the Ca(OH)2‐CO2 reaction system in the presence of aspartic acid (Asp). Then, the dynamic changes of pH, conductivity, the concentration of Ca2+ and OH– in the suspension during the reaction process are tested. Moreover, the morphologies and polymorphs of the precipitates at different reaction time are studied by the field emission scanning electron microscope (FE‐SEM) and X‐ray Diffraction (XRD). The results show that when Asp is not added in the Ca(OH)2 suspension, the precipitates are calcite, while the carbonization precipitates with Asp are vaterite. Furthermore, in the presence of Asp, the carbonization process in the Ca(OH)2 suspension has a coating‐fragmentation behavior, and vaterite aggregate grooves can be formed after 110 min. In particular, Asp plays an important role in the nucleation, crystallization, and growth of CaCO3, and then a novel formation mechanism of vaterite aggregate grooves is proposed in this paper.
Selenium sulfide disrupts the PLAGL2/C‐MET/STAT3‐induced resistance against mitochondrial apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Yang Tianfeng , Huo Jian , Xu Rui , Su Qi , Tang Wenjuan , Zhang Dongdong , Zhu Man , Zhan Yingzhuan , Dai Bingling , Zhang Yanmin
Published: September 2021

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer‐related deaths worldwide. Overexpression of pleomorphic adenoma gene like‐2 (PLAGL2) is associated with tumorigenesis. However, its function in HCC is unclear, and there are currently no anti‐HCC drugs that target PLAGL2. Drug repositioning may facilitate the development of PLAGL2‐targeted drug candidates.

Methods

The expression of PLAGL2 in HCC clinical tissue samples and HCC cell lines was analyzed by western blotting. The constructed HCC cell models were used to confirm the underlying function of PLAGL2 as a therapeutic target. Multiple in vitro and in vivo assays were conducted to determine the anti‐proliferative and apoptosis‐inducing effects of selenium sulfide (SeS2), which is clinically used for the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis and tinea versicolor.

Results

PLAGL2 expression was higher in HCC tumor tissues than in normal adjacent tissues. Its overexpression promoted the resistance of HCC cells of mitochondrial apoptosis through the regulation of the downstream C‐MET/STAT3 signaling axis. SeS2 exerted significant anti‐proliferative and apoptosis‐inducing effects on HCC cells in a PLAGL2‐dependent manner. Mechanistically, SeS2 suppressed C‐MET/STAT3, AKT/mTOR, and MAPK signaling and triggered Bcl‐2/Cyto C/Caspase‐mediated intrinsic mitochondrial apoptosis both in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusions

Our data reveal an important role of PLAGL2 in apoptosis resistance in HCC and highlight the potential of using SeS2 as a PLAGL2 inhibitor in patients with HCC.
Residential yard management and landscape cover affect urban bird community diversity across the continental USA
Authors: Lerman Susannah B. , Narango Desirée L. , Avolio Meghan L. , Bratt Anika R. , Engebretson Jesse M. , Groffman Peter M. , Hall Sharon J. , Heffernan James B. , Hobbie Sarah E. , Larson Kelli L. , Locke Dexter H. , Neill Christopher , Nelson Kristen C. , Padullés Cubino Josep , Trammell Tara L. E.
Published: September 2021

Urbanization has a homogenizing effect on biodiversity and leads to communities with fewer native species and lower conservation value. However, few studies have explored whether or how land management by urban residents can ameliorate the deleterious effects of this homogenization on species composition. We tested the effects of local (land management) and neighborhood‐scale (impervious surface and tree canopy cover) features on breeding bird diversity in six US metropolitan areas that differ in regional species pools and climate. We used a Bayesian multiregion community model to assess differences in species richness, functional guild richness, community turnover, population vulnerability, and public interest in each bird community in six land management types: two natural area park types (separate and adjacent to residential areas), two yard types with conservation features (wildlife‐certified and water conservation) and two lawn‐dominated yard types (high‐ and low‐fertilizer application), and surrounding neighborhood‐scale features. Species richness was higher in yards compared with parks; however, parks supported communities with high conservation scores while yards supported species of high public interest. Bird communities in all land management types were composed of primarily native species. Within yard types, species richness was strongly and positively associated with neighborhood‐scale tree canopy cover and negatively associated with impervious surface. At a continental scale, community turnover between cities was lowest in yards and highest in parks. Within cities, however, turnover was lowest in high‐fertilizer yards and highest in wildlife‐certified yards and parks. Our results demonstrate that, across regions, preserving natural areas, minimizing impervious surfaces and increasing tree canopy are essential strategies to conserve regionally important species. However, yards, especially those managed for wildlife support diverse, heterogeneous bird communities with high public interest and potential to support species of conservation concern. Management approaches that include the preservation of protected parks, encourage wildlife‐friendly yards and acknowledge how public interest in local birds can advance successful conservation in American residential landscapes.
Favoring recruitment as a conservation strategy to improve the resilience of long‐lived reptile populations: Insights from a population viability analysis
Authors: Warret Rodrigues Chloé , Angin Baptiste , Besnard Aurélien
Published: September 2021

In long‐lived species, although adult survival typically has the highest elasticity, temporal variations in less canalized demographic parameters are the main drivers of population dynamics. Targeting recruitment rates may thus be the most effective strategy to manage these species. We analyzed 1,136 capture–recapture histories collected over 9 years in an isolated population of the critically endangered Lesser Antillean iguana, using a robust design Pradel model to estimate adult survival and recruitment rates. From an adult population size estimated at 928 in 2013, we found a yearly decline of 4% over the 8‐year period. As expected under the canalization hypothesis for a long‐lived species, adult survival was high and constant, with little possibility for improvement, whereas the recruitment rate varied over time and likely drove the observed population decline. We then used a prospective perturbation analysis to explore whether managing the species’ immature cohorts would at least slow the population decline. The prospective perturbation analysis suggested that a significant and sustained conservation effort would be needed to achieve a recruitment rate high enough to slow the population decline. We posit that the high recruitment rate achieved in 2014—likely due to the maintenance in 2012 of the main nesting sites used by this population—would be sufficient to slow this population's decline if it was sustained each year. Based on the results of diverse pilot studies we conducted, we identified the most likely threats targeting the eggs and immature cohorts, stressing the need to improve reproductive success and survival of immature iguanas. The threats we identified are also involved in the decline of several reptile species, and species from other taxa such as ground‐nesting birds. These findings on a little‐studied taxon provide further evidence that focusing on the immature life stages of long‐lived species can be key to their conservation.
High genetic and epigenetic variation of transposable elements: Potential drivers to rapid adaptive evolution for the noxious invasive weed Mikania micrantha
Authors: Su Yingjuan , Huang Qiqi , Wang Zhen , Wang Ting
Published: September 2021

Why invasive species can rapidly adapt to novel environments is a puzzling question known as the genetic paradox of invasive species. This paradox is explainable in terms of transposable elements (TEs) activity, which are theorized to be powerful mutational forces to create genetic variation. Mikania micrantha, a noxious invasive weed, in this sense provides an excellent opportunity to test the explanation. The genetic and epigenetic variation of 21 invasive populations of M. micrantha in southern China have been examined by using transposon display (TD) and transposon methylation display (TMD) techniques to survey 12 TE superfamilies. Our results showed that M. micrantha populations maintained an almost equally high level of TE‐based genetic and epigenetic variation and they have been differentiated into subpopulations genetically and epigenetically. A similar positive spatial genetic and epigenetic structure pattern was observed within 300 m. Six and seven TE superfamilies presented significant genetic and epigenetic isolation by distance (IBD) pattern. In total, 59 genetic and 86 epigenetic adaptive TE loci were identified. Of them, 51 genetic and 44 epigenetic loci were found to correlate with 25 environmental variables (including precipitation, temperature, vegetation coverage, and soil metals). Twenty‐five transposon‐inserted genes were sequenced and homology‐based annotated, which are found to be involved in a variety of molecular and cellular functions. Our research consolidates the importance of TE‐associated genetic and epigenetic variation in the rapid adaptation and invasion of M. micrantha.