bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Value-Added Crackers Enriched with Red Onion Skin Anthocyanins Entrapped in Different Combinations of Wall Materials
Authors: Stoica Florina , Condurache Nina Nicoleta , Horincar Georgiana , Constantin Oana Emilia , Turturică Mihaela , Stănciuc Nicoleta , Aprodu Iuliana , Croitoru Constantin , Râpeanu Gabriela
Published: May 2022

The objective of this study was to encapsulate anthocyanins from red onion skins into different biopolymeric matrices as a way to develop powders with multifunctional activities. Two different variants of powders were obtained using a combination of gelation and freeze-drying techniques and characterized by encapsulation efficiency, antioxidant activity, phytochemical content, and color. Stability during storage and the bioavailability of anthocyanins in the in vitro simulated digestion were also examined. Powder V2, with a higher concentration of polysaccharides than V1, allowed a better encapsulation efficiency (90.53 ± 0.29%) and good stability during storage. Both variants had a high content of phytochemicals and antioxidant activity. In vitro investigations proved that an increased polysaccharides concentration offers the best protection for anthocyanins. Thus, a controlled release of the anthocyanins in the intestinal medium was achieved. The powder with the highest encapsulation efficiency was added to crackers, followed by phytochemical characterization to assess its potential added value. The addition of the micro-particles improved the functional characteristics such as antioxidant activity, showing its suitability for the development of bakery products. The attained results may bring implicit benefits to consumers, who can benefit from improved bioactive concentrations in foodstuffs, with significant health benefits.
Special Issue on BIM and Its Integration with Emerging Technologies
Authors: Kim Inhan , Kim Jung In
Published: May 2022

Building information modeling (BIM) has quickly gained attention in the construction industry due to its promising benefits and has become a key technology affecting all phases of construction projects (i.e., design, construction, and operation)[...]
A New Look into the South America Precipitation Regimes: Observation and Forecast
Authors: Ferreira Glauber W. S. , Reboita Michelle S.
Published: May 2022

South America is a vast continent characterized by diverse atmospheric phenomena and climate regimes. In this context, seasonal climate predictions are helpful for decision-making in several relevant socioeconomic segments in this territory, such as agriculture and energy generation. Thus, the present work evaluates the performance of ECMWF-SEAS5 in simulating the South American precipitation regimes by applying a non-hierarchical clustering technique. In addition, the study describes the main atmospheric systems that cause precipitation in each cluster and updates a previous work performed in South America in 2010. As a result, ECMWF-SEAS5 simulates (with good correspondence) the eight climate regimes identified in the analysis of precipitation from the Climate Prediction Center (CPC). Moreover, ECMWF-SEAS5 has a satisfactory ability in representing the rainfall regime in low and medium climate predictability regions, such as central and southern South America. ECMWF-SEAS5 has good performance in the climate characterization of South America and it gives us confidence in using its seasonal climate predictions throughout the continent.
The Pathogenesis of Cardiac Arrhythmias in Vitamin D Deficiency
Authors: Barsan Maria , Brata Anca Monica , Ismaiel Abdulrahman , Dumitrascu Dinu Iuliu , Badulescu Andrei-Vlad , Duse Traian Adrian , Dascalescu Stefana , Popa Stefan Lucian , Grad Simona , Muresan Lucian , Maerescu Carmen Maria , Cismaru Gabriel , Brata Vlad Dumitru
Published: May 2022

The global prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is more than 20%, and the main causes include insufficient intake, reduced absorption, abnormal metabolism, or resistance to its effects. The levels of serum vitamin D appear to influence cardiovascular risk, and the mechanism involved is linked to the transient outward current and the ultrarapid delayed rectifier K+ current densities, activated through the nuclear vitamin D receptor and Akt pathway. A significant number of studies have correlated vitamin D deficiency with an increased risk of developing cardiac arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. For this reason, the purpose of this review is to analyze the relation between vitamin D deficiency and the pathogenesis of cardiac arrhythmias. Atrial fibrillation, increased QT interval, and QT dispersion were the most common findings associated with vitamin D deficiency. Due to the heterogeneity among existing studies, further research is necessary to confirm the existing data and to analyze its relationship with other types of arrhythmias.
A Soft and Skin-Interfaced Smart Patch Based on Fiber Optics for Cardiorespiratory Monitoring
Authors: Lo Presti Daniela , Bianchi Daniele , Massaroni Carlo , Gizzi Alessio , Schena Emiliano
Published: May 2022

Wearables are valuable solutions for monitoring a variety of physiological parameters. Their application in cardiorespiratory monitoring may significantly impact global health problems and the economic burden related to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Here, we describe a soft biosensor capable of monitoring heart (HR) and respiratory (RR) rates simultaneously. We show that a skin-interfaced biosensor based on fiber optics (i.e., the smart patch) is capable of estimating HR and RR by detecting local ribcage strain caused by breathing and heart beating. The system addresses some of the main technical challenges that limit the wide-scale use of wearables, such as the simultaneous monitoring of HR and RR via single sensing modalities, their limited skin compliance, and low sensitivity. We demonstrate that the smart patch estimates HR and RR with high fidelity under different respiratory conditions and common daily body positions. We highlight the system potentiality of real-time cardiorespiratory monitoring in a broad range of home settings.
An Optimized Direct Lysis Gene Expression Microplate Assay and Applications for Disease, Differentiation, and Pharmacological Cell-Based Studies
Authors: Ng Neville S. , Maksour Simon , Lum Jeremy S. , Newbery Michelle , Shephard Victoria , Ooi Lezanne
Published: May 2022

Routine cell culture reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) gene expression analysis is limited in scalability due to minimum sample requirement and multistep isolation procedures. In this study, we aimed to optimize and apply a cost-effective and rapid protocol for directly sampling gene expression data from microplate cell cultures. The optimized protocol involves direct lysis of microplate well population followed by a reduced thermocycler reaction time one-step RT-qPCR assay. In applications for inflammation and stress-induced cell-based models, the direct lysis RT-qPCR microplate assay was utilized to detect IFN1 and PPP1R15A expression by poly(I:C) treated primary fibroblast cultures, IL6 expression by poly(I:C) iPSC-derived astrocytes, and differential PPP1R15A expression by ER-stressed vanishing white-matter disease patient induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived astrocytes. In application for neural differentiation medium recipe optimizations, conditions were screened for SYN1 and VGLUT1 in neuronal cultures, and S100B, GFAP and EAAT1 in astrocyte cultures. The protocol provides microplate gene expression results from cell lysate to readout within ~35 min, with comparable cost to routine RT-qPCR, and it may be utilized to support laboratory cell-based assays in basic and applied scientific and medical fields of research including stem-cell differentiation, cell physiology, and drug mechanism studies.
Recent Advances in Electrochemical Biosensors for the Detection of Salmonellosis: Current Prospective and Challenges
Authors: Mahari Subhasis , Gandhi Sonu
Published: May 2022

Salmonellosis is a major cause of foodborne infections, caused by Salmonella, posing a major health risk. It possesses the ability to infiltrate the food supply chain at any point throughout the manufacturing, distribution, processing or quality control process. Salmonella infection has increased severely and requires effective and efficient methods for early monitoring and detection. Traditional methods, such as real-time polymerase chain reaction and culture plate, consume a lot of time and are labor-intensive. Therefore, new quick detection methods for on-field applications are urgently needed. Biosensors provide consumer-friendly approaches for quick on-field diagnoses. In the last few years, there has been a surge in research into the creation of reliable and advanced electrochemical sensors for the detection of Salmonella strains in food samples. Electrochemical sensors provide extensive accuracy and reproducible results. Herein, we present a comprehensive overview of electrochemical sensors for the detection of Salmonella by focusing on various mechanisms of electrochemical transducer. Further, we explain new-generation biosensors (microfluidics, CRISPR- and IOT-based) for point-of care applications. This review also highlights the limitations of developing biosensors in Salmonella detection and future possibilities.
Impact of Extended Use of Ablation Techniques in Cirrhotic Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
Authors: Ramtohul Toulsie , Vilgrain Valérie , Soubrane Olivier , Bouattour Mohamed , Luciani Alain , Kobeiter Hicham , Mule Sébastien , Tacher Vania , Laurent Alexis , Amaddeo Giuliana , Regnault Hélène , Bulsei Julie , Nault Jean-Charles , Nahon Pierre , Durand-Zaleski Isabelle , Seror Olivier
Published: May 2022

Background: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the extended use of ablation for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with cirrhosis in an expert ablation center when compared to the non-extended use of ablation in equivalent tertiary care centers. Methods: Consecutive cirrhotic patients with non-metastatic HCC, no prior treatment, and referred to three tertiary care centers between 2012 and 2016 were retrospectively identified. The Bondy group, including all of the patients treated at Jean Verdier Hospital, where the extended use of ablation is routinely performed, was compared to the standard of care (SOC) group, including all of the patients treated at the Beaujon and Mondor Hospitals, using propensity score matching. A cost-effectiveness analysis was carried out from the perspective of French health insurance using a Markov model on a lifetime horizon. Results: 532 patients were matched. The Bondy group led to incremental discounted lifetime effects of 0.8 life-years gained (LYG) (95% confidence interval: 0.4, 1.3) and a decrease in lifetime costs of EUR 7288 (USD 8016) (95% confidence interval: EUR 5730 [USD 6303], EUR 10,620 [USD 11,682]) per patient, compared with the SOC group, resulting in a dominant mean incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). A compliance with the Barcelona Clinic Liver Classification (BCLC) guidelines for earlier stage contributed to the greater part of the ICER. Conclusion: The extended use of ablation in cirrhotic patients with HCC was more effective and less expensive than the non-extended use of the ablation strategy.
Pilot Trial of Arginine Deprivation Plus Nivolumab and Ipilimumab in Patients with Metastatic Uveal Melanoma
Authors: Kraehenbuehl Lukas , Holland Aliya , Armstrong Emma , O’Shea Sirinya , Mangarin Levi , Chekalil Sara , Johnston Amanda , Bomalaski John S. , Erinjeri Joseph P. , Barker Christopher A. , Francis Jasmine H. , Wolchok Jedd D. , Merghoub Taha , Shoushtari Alexander N.
Published: May 2022

Metastatic uveal melanoma (UM) remains challenging to treat, with objective response rates to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) being much lower than in primary cutaneous melanoma (CM). Besides a lower mutational burden, the overall immune-excluded tumor microenvironment of UM might contribute to the poor response rate. We therefore aimed at targeting deficiency in argininosuccinate synthase 1, which is a key metabolic feature of UM. This study aims at investigating the safety and tolerability of a triple combination consisting of ipilimumab and nivolumab immunotherapy and the metabolic therapy, ADI-PEG 20. Nine patients were enrolled in this pilot study. The combination therapy was safe and tolerable with an absence of immune-related adverse events (irAE) of special interest, but with four of nine patients experiencing a CTCAE grade 3 AE. No objective responses were observed. All except one patient developed anti-drug antibodies (ADA) within a month of the treatment initiation and therefore did not maintain arginine depletion. Further, an IFNg-dependent inflammatory signature was observed in metastatic lesions in patients pre-treated with ICB compared with patients with no pretreatment. Multiplex immunohistochemistry demonstrated variable presence of tumor infiltrating CD8 lymphocytes and PD-L1 expression at the baseline in metastases.
A Multicenter Randomized Phase II Study of Single Agent Efficacy and Optimal Combination Sequence of Everolimus and Pasireotide LAR in Advanced Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Bauman Julie E. , Chen Zhengjia , Zhang Chao , Ohr James P. , Ferris Robert L. , McGorisk Gerald M. , Brandt Stephen , Srivatsa Sumathi , Chen Amy Y. , Steuer Conor E. , Shin Dong M. , Saba Nabil F. , Khuri Fadlo R. , Owonikoko Taofeek K.
Published: May 2022

Purpose: Aberrant mTOR pathway and somatostatin receptor signaling are implicated in thyroid cancer and offer potential therapeutic targets. We assessed the clinical efficacy of everolimus and Pasireotide long-acting release (LAR) in radioiodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) and medullary thyroid cancer (MTC). Patients and methods: Adults with progressive MTC and DTC untreated or treated with no more than one systemic agent were eligible. The trial was designed to establish the most promising regimen and the optimal combination sequence. Patients were randomized to start treatment with single agent everolimus (10 mg QD; Arm A), pasireotide-LAR (60 mg intramuscular injection, Q4 weeks; Arm B), or the combination (Arm C). At initial progression (PFS1), patients on Arm A or B switched to the combination and continued until progression (PFS2). Efficacy was measured by RECIST criteria. Results: Study enrolled 42 patients: median age 65 years; female 17 (40.5%); White 31 (73.8%), African American 6 (14.3%), others 5 (11.9); DTC 32 (76.2%); MTC 10 (23.8%). There was no objective response by RECIST criteria across the three arms. Median and 1-year PFS1 rates were 8.3, 1.8, 8.1 months and 49.9%, 36.4%, 25.0% for Arms A, B, C, respectively. Median and 1-year PFS2 rates were 26.3, 17.5, 8.1 months and 78.4%, 70.0%, 25% for Arms A, B, C, respectively. The most frequent adverse events were anemia, stomatitis, fatigue, hyperglycemia, and hypercholesterolemia. Conclusions: The combination of everolimus and pasireotide-LAR showed promising efficacy over single agent. The delayed combination of everolimus and pasireotide-LAR following progression on single agent everolimus appeared intriguing as a combination strategy.
Reactive Oxygen Species in Regulating Lymphangiogenesis and Lymphatic Function
Authors: Singla Bhupesh , Aithabathula Ravi Varma , Kiran Sonia , Kapil Shweta , Kumar Santosh , Singh Udai P.
Published: May 2022

The lymphatic system is pivotal for immunosurveillance and the maintenance of tissue homeostasis. Lymphangiogenesis, the formation of new lymphatic vessels from pre-existing vessels, has both physiological and pathological roles. Recent advances in the molecular mechanisms regulating lymphangiogenesis have opened a new area of research on reparative lymphangiogenesis for the treatment of various pathological disorders comprising neurological disorders, cardiac repair, autoimmune disease, obesity, atherosclerosis, etc. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by the various cell types serve as signaling molecules in several cellular mechanisms and regulate various aspects of growth-factor-mediated responses, including lymphangiogenesis. The ROS, including superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide, and nitric oxide, play both beneficial and detrimental roles depending upon their levels and cellular microenvironment. Low ROS levels are essential for lymphangiogenesis. On the contrary, oxidative stress due to enhanced ROS generation and/or reduced levels of antioxidants suppresses lymphangiogenesis via promoting lymphatic endothelial cell apoptosis and death. In this review article, we provide an overview of types and sources of ROS, discuss the role of ROS in governing lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic function, and summarize the role of lymphatics in various diseases.
LFA1 Activation: Insights from a Single-Molecule Approach
Authors: Kondo Naoyuki , Ueda Yoshihiro , Kinashi Tatsuo
Published: May 2022

Integrin LFA1 is a cell adhesion receptor expressed exclusively in leukocytes, and plays crucial roles in lymphocyte trafficking, antigen recognition, and effector functions. Since the discovery that the adhesiveness of LFA1 can be dynamically changed upon stimulation, one challenge has been understanding how integrins are regulated by inside-out signaling coupled with macromolecular conformational changes, as well as ligand bindings that transduce signals from the extracellular domain to the cytoplasm in outside-in signaling. The small GTPase Rap1 and integrin adaptor proteins talin1 and kindlin-3 have been recognized as critical molecules for integrin activation. However, their cooperative regulation of integrin adhesiveness in lymphocytes requires further research. Recent advances in single-molecule imaging techniques have revealed dynamic molecular processes in real-time and provided insight into integrin activation in cellular environments. This review summarizes integrin regulation and discusses new findings regarding the bidirectionality of LFA1 activation and signaling processes in lymphocytes.
Genetic Structure and Molecular Mechanisms Underlying the Formation of Tassel, Anther, and Pollen in the Male Inflorescence of Maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Wang Yanbo , Bao Jianxi , Wei Xun , Wu Suowei , Fang Chaowei , Li Ziwen , Qi Yuchen , Gao Yuexin , Dong Zhenying , Wan Xiangyuan
Published: May 2022

Maize tassel is the male reproductive organ which is located at the plant’s apex; both its morphological structure and fertility have a profound impact on maize grain yield. More than 40 functional genes regulating the complex tassel traits have been cloned up to now. However, the detailed molecular mechanisms underlying the whole process, from male inflorescence meristem initiation to tassel morphogenesis, are seldom discussed. Here, we summarize the male inflorescence developmental genes and construct a molecular regulatory network to further reveal the molecular mechanisms underlying tassel-trait formation in maize. Meanwhile, as one of the most frequently studied quantitative traits, hundreds of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and thousands of quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs) related to tassel morphology have been identified so far. To reveal the genetic structure of tassel traits, we constructed a consensus physical map for tassel traits by summarizing the genetic studies conducted over the past 20 years, and identified 97 hotspot intervals (HSIs) that can be repeatedly mapped in different labs, which will be helpful for marker-assisted selection (MAS) in improving maize yield as well as for providing theoretical guidance in the subsequent identification of the functional genes modulating tassel morphology. In addition, maize is one of the most successful crops in utilizing heterosis; mining of the genic male sterility (GMS) genes is crucial in developing biotechnology-based male-sterility (BMS) systems for seed production and hybrid breeding. In maize, more than 30 GMS genes have been isolated and characterized, and at least 15 GMS genes have been promptly validated by CRISPR/Cas9 mutagenesis within the past two years. We thus summarize the maize GMS genes and further update the molecular regulatory networks underlying male fertility in maize. Taken together, the identified HSIs, genes and molecular mechanisms underlying tassel morphological structure and male fertility are useful for guiding the subsequent cloning of functional genes and for molecular design breeding in maize. Finally, the strategies concerning efficient and rapid isolation of genes controlling tassel morphological structure and male fertility and their application in maize molecular breeding are also discussed.
Tuberculosis in Adolescents in Bulgaria for a Three-Year Period: 2018–2020
Authors: Gabrovska Natalia , Spasova Albena , Galacheva Anabela , Kostadinov Dimitar , Yanev Nikolay , Milanov Vladimir , Gabrovski Kaloyan , Velizarova Svetlana
Published: May 2022

Background: Each year, approximately two million adolescents and young adults in the world become infected with tuberculosis (TB). The problem is that the classification of the disease includes children in the age group 0–14 years and young adults aged 15 and over. The present study aims to analyze and compare the epidemiology and clinical presentation of TB in Bulgaria in the different age subgroups of childhood. Methods: A retrospective study was undertaken of the newly diagnosed children (n = 80) with TB treated onsite from January 2018 to December 2020 at the Multiprofile Hospital for Active Treatment of Pulmonary Diseases (“St. Sofia”). They were distributed into three age groups: aged 8–11 (prepuberty), aged 12–14 (younger adolescents), and aged above 15 (older adolescents). Results: A clear finding of the research indicated that adolescent children develop TB both as primary and secondary infections. In a large number of cases with the children under our care, we found enlarged intrathoracic lymph nodes as well as infiltrative changes in the lungs, i.e., we observed transitional forms. There were statistically significant differences between the age group >15 years old and each of the other two younger groups for diagnosis, the severity of intoxication, and BK spreading status. Conclusion: The course of tuberculosis in adolescence has its own specifics and differences between the three age groups in the current study.
Synthesis and Application of a Low Dye Absorption Waterborne Polyurethane for Microfiber Synthetic Leather
Authors: Cai Wenyu , Xin Wei , Zhang Haonan , Luo Yunjun
Published: May 2022

As increasing attention is being paid to harmful residual dye pollution in the dyeing effluent from the microfiber synthetic leather industry, there is an urgent need to explore innovative ways to alleviate such pollution. Here, a low-polarity waterborne polyurethane (WPU) was synthesized using hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) and polypropylene glycol (N220) as soft segments to react with –NCO on isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI). The structure and properties of modified waterborne polyurethane were characterized by Fourier Transform Interferometric Radiometer (FTIR), and emulsion characterization was performed, including particle size and zeta potential analysis, tensile test, thermal properties test, and contact angle test. The SEM and alkali reduction rate results showed that increasing the HTPB content decreases the alkali reduction rate by blocking the penetration of corrosive ions by the double bond cross-link structure, but higher HTPB addition (>40%) leads to an enhancement in phase separation, which contributes to an increase in the alkali reduction rate. The results of the UV spectrum analysis showed that when the amount of HTPB added was 50%, the coloration rate reached 81.27% compared with 13.18%, which was 68.09% higher than that of the unmodified microfiber leather. The binding of the dry and wet rubbing color of the modified microfiber leather with the addition of 50% HTPB reached grades of 4–5 and 3–4, respectively, which meets most application requirements without subsequent washing.
Direct Inkjet Printing of Digitally Designed 2D TiN Patterns
Authors: Yus Joaquin , Escribano Juan Antonio , Sanchez-Herencia Antonio Javier , Galassi Carmen , Ferrari Begoña
Published: May 2022

TiN is a non-oxidic ceramic widely employed as a hard coating material for cutting tools due to its high thermal and chemical stability. Among all 2D coating techniques, Inkjet printing (IJP) is one of the most promising for the fabrication of layers with customized designs. However, despite its advantages, this process has not been used so far with this material. In this work, we prepared TiN suspensions for their implementation in IJP with a nozzle of 70 μm. A complete study of the ink properties was performed to formulate a suitable ink with a high level of dispersion and to evaluate the jetting during the printing process. Moreover, after a sintering process at 1100 °C under vacuum, a complete hardness analysis of the coated discs was performed, resulting in values ranging from ~4 to 7 GPa, depending on the grid design.
Modeling Technology of Bonded Particle Model for Gold Ore and Its Validation Based on Drop Weight Test
Authors: Wang Xiao , Ma Xiqiang , Zhang Mian , Huang Yuanyuan , Guan Zhiqiang , Li Jishun
Published: May 2022

In recent years, studies have focused mainly on the selection of appropriate parameters for ore crushing technology to achieve optimal distributions of particle sizes. The control of particle sizes in mineral processing plays a significant role in improving mineral separation efficiency. The discrete element method (DEM) is an effective numerical simulation method for studying the process of mineral crushing, which can deal with the problem of deformation and movement of discontinuities, that is, the problem of cracks caused by mineral crushing, which is difficult to be solved by traditional continuum mechanics simulation methods. Additionally, the transformation of a mechanical model from continuum to discontinuum mechanics can be realized simply and effectively, so the discrete element method has obvious advantages in the simulation of mineral crushing. However, the accuracy of the DEM simulation is highly dependent on the mathematical models used. In this paper, methodologies for selecting particle sizes and inter-particle bond energy are proposed based on the results of the drop weight test carried out in the laboratory. Particle sizes and inter-particle bond energy are the key parameters for bonded particle model used in discrete element simulation. The suitable parameters proposed by methodologies were applied to construct the bonded particle model for the ore, and its particle size distribution was obtained by simulating the impact crushing process using DEM. The particle size distributions obtained from both the DEM simulation and the drop weight test were in good agreement. The average errors under the three impact energies were 1.96%, 3.31%, and 1.66%, which indicated that the modeling technique proposed in this paper can represent the crushing characteristics of ore materials and improve the accuracy of the DEM simulation. It lays the foundation for guiding the reasonable selection of grinding process parameters and mill equipment.
Flux Method Growth and Structure and Properties Characterization of Rare-Earth Iron Oxides Lu1−xScxFeO3 Single Crystals
Authors: Xu Chengchao , Li Jun , Tian Huanfang , Li Zi-An , Yang Huaixin , Li Jianqi
Published: May 2022

Perovskite rare-earth ferrites (REFeO3) have attracted great attention for their high ferroelectric and magnetic transition temperatures, strong magnetoelectric coupling, and electric polarization. We report on the flux method growth of rare-earth iron oxide Lu1−xScxFeO3 single crystals through a K2CO3-B2O3-Bi2O3 mixture as a flux solution, and give a detailed characterization of the microstructure, magnetism, and ferroelectric properties. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) measurements revealed that the obtained single crystals can be designated to three different crystal structures of different chemical compositions, that is, Lu0.96Sc0.04FeO3 (perovskite phase), Lu0.67Sc0.33FeO3 (hexagonal phase), and Lu0.2Sc0.8FeO3 (bixbyite phase), respectively. Magnetic measurements indicate that the perovskite Lu0.96Sc0.04FeO3 is an anisotropic hard ferromagnetic material with a high Curie transition temperature, the bixbyite Lu0.2Sc0.8FeO3 is a low temperature soft ferromagnetic material, and the hexagonal Lu0.67Sc0.33FeO3 exhibits multiferroic properties. Lu0.67Sc0.33FeO3 possesses a weak ferromagnetic transition at about 162 K. We further investigate the ferroelectric domain structures in hexagonal sample by scanning electron microscope and the characteristic atomic structures in ferroelectric domain walls by atomically resolved scanning transmission electron microscope. Our successful growth of perovskite Lu1−xScxFeO3 single crystals with distinct crystal structures and stochiometric Lu-Sc substitutions is anticipated to provide a useful ferrites system for furthering exploitation of their multiferroic properties and functionalities.
Enhanced Li+ Ionic Conduction and Relaxation Properties of Li5+2xLa3Ta2-xGaxO12 Garnets
Authors: Ahmad Mohamad M. , Al-Ghareeb Fatimah R. , Kotb Hicham Mahfoz , Ansari Sajid Ali , Kayed Tarek S. , Khater Hassan A. , Kumar Shalendra , Yamada Koji
Published: May 2022

In the current work, we studied the effect of Ga+3 substitutions on the Ta+5 sites in Li5+2xLa3Ta2-xGaxO12 (LLT-Ga) lithium conducting garnets (with x = 0.1–0.5) in order to enhance the ionic conductivity of these materials. The current materials are prepared by solid state reaction and their electrical properties are studied by impedance spectroscopy measurements. XRD data showed that cubic garnet phases are obtained for LLT-Ga garnets. The ionic conductivity increased by one order of magnitude for x = 0.3 composition with a value of ~4 × 10−5 S/cm compared to that of Li5La3Ta2O12 material. Moreover, the hopping frequency and the concentration of mobile Li+ ions were estimated from analysis of the conductivity spectra, and it was found that both the concentration and mobility of Li+ ions increased with increasing Ga+3 content in the materials. The dielectric and relaxation properties were studied in the dielectric permittivity and electric modulus formalisms. The current materials exhibited giant values of the dielectric constant of ε′ ~ 6500, originating from internal effects in the materials.
Simulation of a New CZTS Solar Cell Model with ZnO/CdS Core-Shell Nanowires for High Efficiency
Authors: Wang Chonge , Drame Boubacar , Niare Lucien , Yuegang Fu
Published: May 2022

The numerical modeling of Cu2ZnSnS4 solar cells with ZnO/CdS core-shell nanowires of optimal dimensions with and without graphene is described in detail in this study. The COMSOL Simulation was used to determine the optimal values of core diameter and shell thickness by comparing their optical performance and to evaluate the optical and electrical properties of the different models. The deposition of a nanolayer of graphene on the layer of MoS2 made it possible to obtain a maximum absorption of 97.8% against 96.5% without the deposition of graphene.The difference between generation rates and between recombination rates of electron–hole pairs of models with and without graphene is explored.The electrical parameters obtained, such as the filling factor (FF), the short-circuit current density (Jsc), the open-circuit voltage (Voc), and the efficiency (EFF) are, respectively, 81.7%, 6.2 mA/cm2, 0.63 V, and 16.6% in the presence of graphene against 79.2%, 6.1 mA/cm2, 0.6 V, and 15.07% in the absence of graphene. The suggested results will be useful for future research work in the field of CZTS-based solar cells with ZnO/CdS core-shell nanowires with broadband light absorption rates.
Diversity in Zooplankton and Sympagic Biota during a Period of Rapid Sea Ice Change in Terra Nova Bay, Ross Sea, Antarctica
Authors: Granata Antonia , Weldrick Christine K. , Bergamasco Andrea , Saggiomo Maria , Grillo Marco , Bergamasco Alessandro , Swadling Kerrie M. , Guglielmo Letterio
Published: May 2022

Sea ice is a major driver of biological activity in the Southern Ocean. Its cycle of growth and decay determines life history traits; food web interactions; and populations of many small, ice-associated organisms. The regional ocean modelling system (ROMS) for sea ice in the western Ross Sea has highlighted two modes of sea ice duration: fast-melting years when water temperature warms quickly in early spring and sea ice melts out in mid-November, and slow-melting years when water temperature remains below 0 °C and sea ice persists through most of December. Ice-associated and pelagic biota in Terra Nova Bay, Ross Sea, were studied intensively over a 3-week period in November 1997 as part of the PIPEX (Pack-Ice Plankton Experiment) campaign. The sea ice environment in November 1997 exhibited features of a slow-melting year, and the ice cover measured 0.65 m in late November. Phytoplankton abundance and diversity increased in the second half of November, concomitant with warming air and water temperatures, melting sea ice and progressive deepening of a still weak pycnocline. Water column phytoplankton was dominated by planktonic species, both in abundance and diversity, although there was also some input from benthic species. Pelagic zooplankton were typical of a nearshore Antarctic system, with the cyclopoid copepod Oithona similis representing at least 90% of total abundance. There was an increase in numbers coinciding with the period of ice thinning. Conversely, ice-associated species such as the calanoid copepods Stephos longipes and Paralabidocera antarctica decreased over time and were found in low numbers once the water temperatures increased. Stratified sampling under the sea ice, to 20 m, revealed that P. antarctica was mainly found in close association with the under-ice surface, while S. longipes, O. similis, and the calanoid copepod Metridia gerlachei were dispersed more evenly.
Schwannoma of the Upper Limb: Retrospective Study of a Rare Tumor with Uncommon Locations
Authors: Pertea Mihaela , Filip Alexandru , Huzum Bogdan , Lunca Sorinel , Carp Claudiu , Mitrea Mihaela , Toader Paula , Luca Stefana , Moraru Dan Cristian , Poroch Vladimir , Veliceasa Bogdan
Published: May 2022

Background: Although schwannoma (neurilemmoma) is the most common tumor of the peripheral nerve, its low incidence, slow growth and vague symptoms often lead to misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis. The aim of the study is to present a series with a large number of schwannomas in the upper limbs, some with very rare occurrence. Methods: We report 17 patients with a mean age of 58.5 years and upper limb schwannomas, located on the median, ulnar and radial nerves, but also on the posterior interosseous nerve and digital collateral nerves. The diagnosis was made by clinical examination and imaging tests, and in no case was a preoperative biopsy performed. Surgical treatment was established based on symptoms or aesthetic concerns. In all cases, a diagnosis of schwannoma was confirmed through histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations. Results: For all patients, a complete tumor enucleation was performed under a surgical microscope. No recurrence was recorded at 2 years after surgery. Patient satisfaction was good, with complete socio-professional integration in all cases. Conclusions: Although more frequently present on the main nerve trunks, schwannoma may be present on the collateral digital nerves in rare cases. A correct technique with complete tumor excision offers excellent postoperative outcomes and avoids recurrences.
Effects of Lower Limb Revascularization on the Microcirculation of the Foot: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Geskin Gennady , Mulock Michael D. , Tomko Nicole L. , Dasta Anna , Gopalakrishnan Sandeep
Published: May 2022

Background: Current assessment standards in chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) focus on macrovascular function while neglecting the microcirculation. Multispectral near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) provides hemodynamic characteristics of the microcirculation (i.e., capillaries) and may be a powerful tool for monitoring CLTI and preventing extremity loss. The aims of this study were to (1) investigate the effects of lower limb revascularization on the microcirculation and (2) determine if macrovascular and microvascular assessments correlate. Methods: An observational, retrospective cohort study of 38 endovascular interventions in 30 CLTI subjects was analyzed pre- and post-intervention for arterial Doppler acceleration times (AcT; macrovascular) and NIRS metrics (microvascular). Pre-intervention ankle-brachial index (ABI) was also analyzed. Results: AcT significantly decreased (p = 0.009) while oxyhemoglobin (HbO) significantly increased (p < 0.04) after endovascular intervention, indicating treatment efficacy. However, macrovascular measurements (ABI, AcT) and NIRS metrics of oxygenation and perfusion did not correlate (p > 0.06, r2 < 0.15, n = 23) indicating that macro- and microvascular assessment are not congruent. Conclusion: These findings suggest that macrovascular and microvascular assessments can determine interventional efficacy in their corresponding vasculature. Their lack of correlation, however, suggests the need for simultaneous assessment as independent use may cause diagnostic information to be missed.
Variations in Fatty Acids Affected Their Derivative Volatiles during Tieguanyin Tea Processing
Authors: Guo Li , Chen Mingjie , Guo Yaling , Lin Zhi
Published: May 2022

Fatty acids (FAs) are important precursors of oolong tea volatile substances, and their famous derivatives have been shown to be the key aroma components. However, the relationship between fatty acids and their derivatives during oolong tea production remains unclear. In this study, fresh Tieguanyin leaves were manufactured into oolong tea and green tea (control), and fatty acids and fatty acid-derived volatiles (FADV) were extracted from processed samples by the sulfuric acid–methanol method and solvent-assisted flavor evaporation (SAFE), respectively. The results showed that unsaturated fatty acids were more abundant than saturated fatty acids in fresh leaves and decreased significantly during tea making. Relative to that in green tea, fatty acids showed larger variations in oolong tea, especially at the green-making stage. Unlike fatty acids, the FADV content first increased and then decreased. During oolong tea manufacture, FADV contents were significantly and negatively correlated with total fatty acids; during the green-making stage, methyl jasmonate (MeJA) content was significantly and negatively correlated with abundant fatty acids except steric acid. Our data suggest that the aroma quality of oolong tea can be improved by manipulating fatty acid transformation.
Multi-Scenario Simulation Analysis of Grain Production and Demand in China during the Peak Population Period
Authors: Wang Xiang , Qiang Wenli , Niu Shuwen , Growe Anna , Yan Simin , Tian Nan
Published: May 2022

The transformation of dietary structure brought about by economic development in populous countries is expected to trigger an increase in grain demand, which will put enormous pressure on the grain supply in these nations and even globally. We simulated nine demand scenarios for 2020–2050 based on China’s dataset for 15 kinds of grains from 1961–2018. The results show that the maximum difference between the predicted grain demand is 323.8 Mt, equal to the total grain consumption of approximately 600 million Chinese people in one year. To capture which demand scenarios will be met when grain productivity gradually improves within reasonable ranges, we present three projections from the production side. In particular, Projection 1 (P1), which maintains productivity at the current level, only fulfills the projected demand for Scenarios 1-LL, 2-LM, 4-ML, and 7-HL and falls short of the maximum value (Scenario 9-HH) by 117 Mt, which requires an additional 250,000 ha of arable land resources to fill the gap. After raising the preset value of grain yield, the productivity of Projection 2 in turn satisfies the demand scenario 5-MM. When both set variables (grain yields and arable area) increase simultaneously, the output of Projection 3 increases by 15.3% over P1. However, it still lags behind the demand of 68 million tons in Scenario 9-HH, thus implying uncertainty in China’s vision of meeting the goal of 95% grain self-sufficiency. Rather than pursuing a single outcome, we discuss multiple possibilities for China’s future grain balance and emphasize the adjusting and compensating role of grain trade and storage in the whole system. Ultimately, this paper calls for a better understanding of the supply–demand gap therein and its future trends to support national grain security as well as global sustainable food policies.
Status and Perspectives of Continuous Gravitational Wave Searches
Authors: Piccinni Ornella Juliana
Published: May 2022

The birth of gravitational wave astronomy was triggered by the first detection of a signal produced by the merger of two compact objects (also known as a compact binary coalescence event). The following detections made by the Earth-based network of advanced interferometers had a significant impact in many fields of science: astrophysics, cosmology, nuclear physics and fundamental physics. However, compact binary coalescence signals are not the only type of gravitational waves potentially detectable by LIGO, Virgo, and KAGRA. An interesting family of still undetected signals, and the ones that are considered in this review, are the so-called continuous waves, paradigmatically exemplified by the gravitational radiation emitted by galactic, fast-spinning isolated neutron stars with a certain degree of asymmetry in their mass distribution. In this work, I will review the status and the latest results from the analyses of advanced detector data.
Days of Future Past: Why Race Matters in Metadata
Authors: Chambliss Julian Carlos , Huff Nicole , Topham Kate , Wigard Justin
Published: May 2022

While marginalized as a juvenile medium, comics serve as an archive of our collective experience. Emerging with the modern city and deeply affected by race, class, and gender norms, comics are a means to understand the changes linked to identity and power in the United States. For further investigation, we turn to one such collective archive: the MSU Library Comics Art Collection (CAC), which contains over 300,000 comics and comic artifacts dating as far back as 1840. As noted on the MSU Special Collections’ website, “the focus of the collection is on published work in an effort to present a complete picture of what the American comics readership has seen, especially since the middle of the 20th century”. As one of the world’s largest publicly accessible comics archives, a community of scholars and practitioners created the Comics as Data North America (CaDNA) dataset, which comprises library metadata from the CAC to explore the production, content, and creative communities linked to comics in North America. This essay will draw on the Comics as Data North America (CaDNA) dataset at Michigan State University to visualize patterns of racial depiction in North American comics from 1890–2018. Our visualizations highlight how comics serve as a visual record of representation and serve as a powerful marker of marginalization central to popular cultural narratives in the United States. By utilizing data visualization to explore the ways we codify and describe identity, we seek to call attention to the constructed nature of race in North America and the continuing work needed to imagine race beyond the confines of the established cultural legacy.
Shape Shifting: Toward a Theory of Racial Change
Authors: Spickard Paul
Published: May 2022

We are accustomed to thinking of identities—racial, ethnic, often religious—as if they were permanent, unalterable features of individuals and groups. The theory enunciated here is directed to illumine individuals and groups whose lives are more complicated than that. Such people are shape shifters. At different times in their lives, or over generations in their families and communities, their identities have changed from one group to another. This article sets out an agenda for understanding the phenomenon of racial or other primary identity change. It seeks to understand what kinds of circumstances produce racial change, what sorts of people and groups are likely to change identities, what processes facilitate identity change, and what kinds of work that change is doing. It describes three major intertwined processes at work. Sometimes it is mainly a matter of changes in context and the menu of identities that are available. Sometimes changes in identity are imposed by governments, by institutions, or by society at large. And sometimes it is an individual’s, a family’s, or an entire ethnic group’s choice to make a change. The complexity and contingency of these processes may tend to diminish our commitment to the very idea of social inquiry as science.
Structural Organization of S516 Group I Introns in Myxomycetes
Authors: Furulund Betty M. N. , Karlsen Bård O. , Babiak Igor , Haugen Peik , Johansen Steinar D.
Published: May 2022

Group I introns are mobile genetic elements encoding self-splicing ribozymes. Group I introns in nuclear genes are restricted to ribosomal DNA of eukaryotic microorganisms. For example, the myxomycetes, which represent a distinct protist phylum with a unique life strategy, are rich in nucleolar group I introns. We analyzed and compared 75 group I introns at position 516 in the small subunit ribosomal DNA from diverse and distantly related myxomycete taxa. A consensus secondary structure revealed a conserved group IC1 ribozyme core, but with a surprising RNA sequence complexity in the peripheral regions. Five S516 group I introns possess a twintron organization, where a His-Cys homing endonuclease gene insertion was interrupted by a small spliceosomal intron. Eleven S516 introns contained direct repeat arrays with varying lengths of the repeated motif, a varying copy number, and different structural organizations. Phylogenetic analyses of S516 introns and the corresponding host genes revealed a complex inheritance pattern, with both vertical and horizontal transfers. Finally, we reconstructed the evolutionary history of S516 nucleolar group I introns from insertion of mobile-type introns at unoccupied cognate sites, through homing endonuclease gene degradation and loss, and finally to the complete loss of introns. We conclude that myxomycete S516 introns represent a family of genetic elements with surprisingly dynamic structures despite a common function in RNA self-splicing.