bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Efficacy of Combination Therapy with Chlorpromazine and Olanzapine with Chlorpromazine alone for Treatment of Hiccups in Traumatic Brain Injury PatientsA Randomised Control Trial
Authors: Srinivasan Meera , Yadav Ghanshyam , Singh Yashpal , Sahu Anurag , Kumari Sarita , Singh Anup
Published: September 2022

Introduction: Chlorpromazine belongs to the category of typical antipsychotics or neuroleptics, also known as FirstGeneration Antipsychotics (FGAs). It is found to be effective in hiccup management by its action as dopamine antagonist in the hypothalamus. Olanzapine act as an antagonist at postsynaptic serotonergic receptors which augment phrenic motoneuronal activity and play a role in the generation of hiccups. Aim: To compare the effectiveness of combination therapy (Olanzapine plus Chlorpromazine) with monotherapy (Chlorpromazine) in Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) patient admitted to trauma Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Material and Methods: The present study was a control trial which was conducted between November 2020 to October 2021 on patients aged 18-65 years diagnosed with intracranial injury due to trauma. A total of 100 patients (50 in each group) were randomised into Group 1 (patients receiving chlorpromazine 25 mg thrice daily for five days) and Group 2 (patients receiving chlorpromazine 25 mg thrice daily and olanzapine 5 mg once daily for five days). The primary outcome measure was to compare cessation or reduction in the frequency of hiccups. Various laboratory parameters were investigated and compared between both the groups on day zero and day five. The secondary outcome was side-effects of the drugs. Results: In the present study, the distributions of age and gender were similar in both groups with mean age of patients being 39.16±13.88 years and 43.30±12.51 years in group 1 and 2, respectively. Cessation of hiccups were found in 29 (58%) of the patients in group 2 as compared to 27 (54%) patients in group 1, which was not statistically significant. However, improvement in the status of patients was observed in 18 (36%) in group 2, as compared to 10 (20%) in group 1 (p<0.05). No serious adverse events were documented in either groups. Conclusion: A better outcome was observed with combination of chlorpromazine and olanzapine than chlorpromazine alone, in treating hiccups due to TBI. The present trial has established the role of drugs for managing hiccups caused after TBI.
Effect of Organic Manures and Spacing on Growth and Yield of Sweet Corn (Zea mays saccharata L.)
Authors: Ashritha Addepalli , Debbarma Victor
Published: September 2022

A field experiment was conducted during Rabi 2021-22 at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Niani Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with nine treatments each replicated thrice on the basis of one year experimentation. The treatments consisted of FYM 18 t/ha, Poultry manure 3 t/ha Vermicompost 3 t/ha and three levels of spacing i.e.: 40 cm×25 cm, 50 cm×25 cm, 60 cm×25 cm. The results showed that treatment-6 (Poultry manure 3 t/ha + 60 cm x 25 cm) was recorded significantly higher plant height (176.59 cm), maximum number of leaves/plant (14.37) and higher plant dry weight (144.03 g/plant). Whereas the maximum number of cobs/Plant (2.60), maximum cob length (16.57 cm), maximum girth of cob/plant (15.37), maximum cob weight with husk (323.90 g), maximum cob weight without husk (252.10 g), higher cob yield with husk (13.15 t/ha), higher cob yield without husk (8.51 t/ha).
Foliar Spray of NAA and GA3 Influences on Fruit Quality Attributor Traits in Phalsa cv. Sharbati
Authors: Kumar Pushpendra , Gangwar Vishal , Kumar Deepak , Veersain . , Marwah Akanksha , Kumar Mohit , Dwivedi A. K.
Published: September 2022

An experiment entitled & quot; Effect of plant growth regulators on Effect of NAA and GA3 on Quality, Yield and Yield Attributary Traits in phalsa at the Horticulture Garden of Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur (U.P.) during 2018-2019. Phalsa fruits are small and abundantly produced. They don't mature within a certain time, which makes them difficult to grow. They have to spend more money on labour for a considerable amount of time to select They study aimed to study the influences of NAA and GA3 plant growth regulators at four different concentrations-10, 20, 30, and 40 ppm compared to a control (water spray). Total soluble solids (oBrix), Ascorbic acid (mg/100g), Acidity (%), T.S.S. Acidity ratio were measured. The results revealed that T13 (40 ppm NAA + 40 ppm GA3) enhances the quality attributes of phalsa. Under the control treatment, the acidity (%) showed maximum however, the application of plant growth regulators produced minimum acidity (%) content.
Monitoring of Soil Properties and Crop Performance (Rice) under Different Rice-based Cropping Systems
Authors: Pathak Pravendra Kumar , Kumar Robin , Pandey Pragati , Singh Rajat , Mishra Kishan , Gangwar Nitesh Kumar , Verma Atul Kumar
Published: September 2022

An experiment on rice-based cropping systems to monitor the soil properties and crop performance (Rice) was conducted at Agronomy Research Farm in Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj (Ayodhya, U.P.) during 2020-21 in Complete Randomized Block Design with seven treatments and three replications. Seven cropping patterns viz; rice-wheat-fallow, rice-wheat-green gram, rice-frenchbean-green gram, rice-berseem-sudan chari, rice-cauliflower-okra, rice-potato-cowpea, rice-mustard-green gram were compared with rice-rice cropping pattern. The cropping systems were evaluated for their productivity & to assess their effect on the soil properties like soil pH, EC, organic carbon contents, soil organic matter, and available soil NPK. The results revealed that the green manuring and leguminous cropping patterns gave higher paddy yield as compared to the commonly practiced rice-rice cropping pattern. The maximum yield of rice (43.15q/ha) was obtained from a rice-mustard-green gram cropping pattern which was comparatively higher than those of a rice-rice cropping pattern. As regards the cost-benefit ratio, the highest ratio was received in the case of the rice-mustard-green gram (1:1.77) cropping system followed by the rice-frenchbean- green gram (1:1.65) and rice-wheat-green gram (1:1.52) as against the existing cropping system rice-rice. The results further indicated that the introduction of green manuring or leguminous crops in the existing rice-wheat system increased grain yields and improved the physio-chemical properties, organic matter contents, and nutrient availability in the soil. Soil pH lowered from 8.3 to 7.97 and organic carbon increased from 0.38 % to 0.39 %.
On Some Representations of the Euler-Mascheroni Constants
Authors: Abe-I-Kpeng Gregory , Iddrisu Mohammed Muniru , Nantomah Kwara
Published: September 2022

In this study, we derive a new representation for the Euler-Mascheroni constant and present various expressions for the classical Euler-Mascheroni constant related to the Riemann zeta function. Also, we proved that \(\gamma\)  is not algebraic if the Schanuel conjecture is true.
Soil Pollution Assessment of a Gas Flare Site in the Niger Delta Region
Authors: Ehumadu Chioma Olivia , Onyedikachukwu Ndekwu, Benneth
Published: September 2022

Aim: The aim of this research was to investigate the level of pollutants deposition on soil generated from a gas flaring site.

Study Design: The Soil Samples for this study were picked from two sets of locations (a proposed gas flare site situated at Ogbogu Gas plant and two control sites sfrom a primary source of local farm lands). A total number of eighteen samples were collected from the five different sampling spots as designated using the global positioning system (GPs).

A contaminated Site and three farm lands within Ogbogu and Ebocha community were mapped at 20m, 50m, 100m, 500m & 700m from the gas flare site and mapped with GPs location at two different sampling depths (0-15 & 15-30) cm.

A Control Site and two (2) farm lands within Idu Ekpeye community were mapped outside the area of concentration from the gas flare sites. These locations were chosen to determine by comparative assessment, the impact of gas flaring on the soil properties of the contaminated sites.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State. This area was chosen for this study because of the high volume of petroleum activities. Oil and gas processing, production, transportation and utilization for power generation occur daily in the area resulting in numerous cases of environmental degradation and pollution.

Methodology: This research explores and presents a method of analysing the environmental impact of gas flaring in the Niger Delta so as to provide the data required for the complete analysis and evaluation of the various observed and noted health and environmental effects of gas flaring in Niger Delta. Different samples at various proximities at 200m, 500m, 1000m, 5000m and 7000m from the flare site using a hand aguar equipment sampled at depths of (0-15)cm and (15–30)cm were taken and measurements and experimentations were meticulously carried out.

Results: The results obtained in this research show a marked trend as all the parameters considered indicated a gradient away from the flare points in all the flow stations such as soil pH changing from acidic (4.0-4.2) to near neutral (6.4-6.6) away from the flare points and the average low soil moisture content of (17% - 23%) as against 40% for the (10m and 20m) and control distance. The quantity of carbon emitted by these flares are about 2,525,000.00 tonnes of carbon per day. These values portray a bad omen for the affected communities.

Conclusion: Contamination of agricultural soils by trace metals creates a serious risk of the introduction of these xenobiotics into human food chain. The soil fertility is being reduced as this study has revealed an increase in temperature along-side an increase in gas flaring and flare distances.

This study recommends that gas flaring should be seen as a violent action against the people and that the flared gas should be channelled to meeting the ever increasing demand for energy in the industrial sector of the economy.
Spatio-Temporal Classification and Prediction of Land Use and Land Cover Change in Finima Nature Park Bonny Island, Nigeria
Authors: Ubaekwe R. E. , Chima U. D. , Eguakun F. S.
Published: September 2022

Land Use Land Cover (LULC) is naturally dynamic, thus change is inevitable. However, its changes have greatly increased to a frightening proportion as a result of high rate of anthropogenic and natural processes. Consequently, land use and land cover classes of Finima Nature Park were classified and changes were observed within the last 33 years (1987 - 2021) and predicted for the next 33 years (2021 – 2054).

Remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) were used to achieve the goal. Coordinate points were collected from the various land use and land cover classes as a reference data for accuracy assessment of the classification. Landsat imageries of 1987, 1999, 2010 and 2021 were acquired from The United States Geological Survey (USGS). The imageries were pre-processed, processed and classified into various LULC classes using Maximum Likelihood Classification in Idrisi and ArcGis10.5. Confusion matrix and Cellular Automata (CA) Markov Chain algorithm were used for accuracy assessment and prediction of LULC respectively.

Results showed that dense vegetation, sparse vegetation, bare land, and water body were the main LULC class in 1987 and 1999, while dense vegetation, sparse vegetation, bare land, water body and built up were observed in the years 2010, 2021 and 2054. The Kappa Coefficient values were 93%, 81%, 83% and 90% for 1987, 1999, 2010 and 2021 respectively; an indication of strong accuracy of the classification. Generally, there were changes in land use and land cover within the study periods. However, changes were mostly observed in the areas of water body and bare lands closer to the sea coast. Hence, the sea was implicated as the major driver of land use and land cover change in the park. The slight decrease in dense vegetation and sparse vegetation from 1999 to 2021, and 2021 to 2054 underscores the importance and benefit of conservation.
Reassessment of the Clinical Significance of the Demarcation Line in the Corneal Stroma in Crosslinking
Authors: Kornilovskiy I. M.
Published: September 2022

Purpose: To consider the clinical significance and features of the formation of a demarcation line in the corneal stroma with various methods of corneal crosslinking.

Materials and Methods: Literature data on the evaluation of the effectiveness of various methods of crosslinking by the demarcation line in the corneal stroma were analyzed. The formation of a demarcation line during prophylactic and therapeutic excimer laser crosslinking was studied after various photorefractive operations, keratoconus and other pathologies of the cornea (168 operations).

Results: With various methods of crosslinking, including prophylactic and therapeutic excimer laser corneal crosslinking, the depth of the demarcation line in the stroma varied from 1/3 to 2/3 of the corneal thickness. It was noted that the saturation of the corneal stroma with a 0.25% solution of riboflavin is accompanied by a large increasing effect of the optical density in the stroma above the demarcation line at a shallower depth of its occurrence. The severity of the aseptic inflammatory reaction after corneal crosslinking affected the optical density, shape, intensity, and depth of the demarcation line in the stroma. In some cases, the formation of a demarcation line in the stroma was noted when the stroma was saturated with riboflavin immediately after refractive keratoablation without additional UV irradiation. The demarcation line in the stroma was revealed during inflammatory processes in the corneal stroma without the participation of riboflavin and its activation by UV radiation.  The study showed that the assessment of corneal crosslinking by the depth of the demarcation line is not an indicator of the photochemical process and the number of crosslinks formed in the corneal stroma.

Conclusion: Based on the severity, shape and depth of the demarcation line, it is not possible to judge the density of crosslinks in the corneal stroma, which predetermine its strength properties after one or another method of corneal crosslinking.
Energy Performances Analysis of a Solar Electric Car in Togo
Authors: Semekonawo Kokou Prosper , Kam Sié
Published: September 2022

In sub-Saharan Africa the cost of transport is very expensive for the populations. As the car fleet is mainly made up of thermal cars, the high cost of transport is largely linked to the oil’s import. Faced with such a situation, it is important to find other means of transport in order to reduce the transport’s cost for the populations. One of the means of transport which seems to be an alternative solution is the solar electric car. But the difficulty for the solar electric car is its range. To improve car's range, it is necessary to analyze the performance of the car in driving conditions in order to understand the parameters that influence the range. Understanding and mastering these parameters will make it possible to make the best decisions to improve the car's range. In this article, we are interested in analyzing the energy performances of a solar electric car in Togo in order to understand the parameters that influence the car’s range. The simulation results show a considerable reduction in the car's range for high driving speeds, for excessive consumption of the auxiliary electrical circuits of the car, for driving the vehicle on a large slope, and when the car is transporting a large weight. The solar panel on the roof of the car is of great importance because it makes a significant contribution to the car’s range in sunny periods.
CMS Coverage With Evidence Development—Challenges and Opportunities for Improvement
Authors: Phillips Kathryn A.
Published: September 2022

This Viewpoint describes the recent Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services requirement of coverage with evidence development for aducanumab and other Alzheimer disease drugs and considers how this policy tool could be improved.
Bioinspired Hydrophilic and Oleophilic Absorption Media from Biotemplated Fungi
Authors: Porter Debora Lyn , Malik Hammad , Elliott Casey , Carlson Krista , Naleway Steven E.
Published: September 2022

Fungi are an incredibly diverse biological kingdom with organisms that have a wide range of morphologies, properties, and structures. Previous research has investigated the use of filamentous fungi, which have naturally porous structures created by hyphal filaments, as a means of phytoremediation. This study uses these natural fungal structures to create bioinspired materials that capture both the structure and functional absorption properties of fungi. Three types of filamentous fungi with different hyphal structures (monomitic, dimitic, and trimitic) are used as organic templates to create inorganic media using two different biotemplating methods to create silica and hybrid samples. Characterization of these samples is completed using scanning electron microscope imaging, chemical characterization, nanoindentation, and hydrophilic and oleophilic absorption tests. Biotemplated samples have similar structures as their organic templates, but contained silica, which is not present in natural, dehydrated fungal samples. Fourier transform infrared analysis shows better cross‐linking in the hybrid samples, which also have higher mechanical resistance than the silica samples. Absorption testing demonstrates that silica samples are closest to mimicking the absorption properties of natural, dehydrated samples. Of the three hyphal structures, the monomitic samples show the greatest increase in mechanical properties and maintenance of absorption properties when biotemplated.
Modification of Iron with Degradable Silver Phases Processed via Laser Beam Melting for Implants with Adapted Degradation Rate
Authors: Krüger Jan Tobias , Hoyer Kay-Peter , Andreiev Anatolii , Schaper Mirko , Zinn Carolin
Published: September 2022

In medical technology, implants are used to improve the quality of patients’ lives. The development of materials with adapted properties can further increase the benefit of implants. If implants are only needed temporarily, biodegradable materials are beneficial. In this context, iron‐based materials are promising due to their biocompatibility and mechanical properties, but the degradation rate needs to be accelerated. Apart from alloying, the creation of noble phases to cause anodic dissolution of the iron‐based matrix is promising. Due to its high electrochemical potential, immiscibility with iron, biocompatibility, and antibacterial properties, silver is suited for the creation of such phases. A suitable technology for processing immiscible material combinations is powder‐bed‐based procedure like laser beam melting. This procedure offers short exposure times to high temperatures and therefore a limited time for diffusion of alloying elements. As the silver phases remain after the dissolution of the iron matrix, a modification is needed to ensure their degradability. Following this strategy, pure iron with 5 wt% of a degradable silver–calcium–lanthanum alloy is processed via laser beam melting. Investigation of the microstructure yields achievement of the intended microstructure and long‐term degradation tests indicates an impact on the degradation, but no increased degradation rate.
Novel (Pt‐Ox)‐(Co‐Oy) Nonbonding Active Structures on Defective Carbon from Oxygen‐Rich Coal Tar Pitch for Efficient HER and ORR
Authors: Zhang Jintao , Wang Mingyong , Wan Tingting , Shi Haotian , Lv Aijing , Xiao Wei , Jiao Shuqiang
Published: September 2022

Atomic‐scale utilization and coordination structure of Pt electrocatalyst is extremely crucial to decrease loading mass and maximize activity for hydrogen evolution reactions (HERs) and oxygen reduction reactions (ORRs). A novel atomic‐scale (Pt‐Ox)‐(Co‐Oy) nonbonding active structure is designed and constructed by anchoring Pt single atoms and Co atomic clusters on the defective carbon derived from oxygen‐rich coal tar pitch (CTP). The Pt loading mass is extremely low and only 0.56 wt%. A new nonbonding interaction phenomenon between Pt‐Ox and Co‐Oy is found and confirmed based on X‐ray absorption spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations. Based on the (Pt‐Ox)‐(Co‐Oy) nonbonding active structure, surface chemical field coupling with electrocatalysis for the HER and ORR is confirmed. It is found that the (Pt‐Ox)‐(Co‐Oy) nonbonding active structure exhibits high mass activities of 64.4 A cm−2 mgPt−1 (at an overpotential of 100 mV) and 7.2 A cm−2 mgPt−1 (at 0.8 V vs reversible hydrogen electrode) for the HER and ORR, respectively. The values are 6.5 and 11.6 times as much as those of commercial 20% Pt/C. The work provides innovative insight to design and understand efficient active sites of atomic‐scale Pt on oxygen‐rich CTP‐derived carbon supports for electrocatalysis.
Polarization‐Induced Exciton–Polaron Quenching in Organic Light‐Emitting Devices and Its Control by Dipolar Doping
Authors: Pakhomenko Evgeny , He Siliang , Holmes Russell J.
Published: September 2022

Many electron transport layer (ETL) materials employed in organic light‐emitting devices (OLEDs) show a preferred orientation of the molecular permanent dipole moments. This phenomenon is known as spontaneous orientation polarization (SOP) and results in the formation of bound polarization charge. In an OLED, this leads to the accumulation of polarons (typically holes) at the ETL/emissive layer interface to balance this charge. Previous work on phosphorescent OLEDs has found that exciton–polaron quenching due to SOP‐induced hole accumulation can reduce peak efficiency by ≈20%. In this work, the generality of this phenomenon is systematically established by probing polaron accumulation and quenching in phosphorescent OLEDs with varying degrees of SOP. Exciton quenching is quantified by optically probing the photoluminescence of the device emissive layer during operation. It is found that the degree of SOP‐induced luminescence quenching and reduction in device efficiency scale directly with ETL SOP. It is further demonstrated that the degree of polarization and amount of quenching can be tuned by mixing the polar ETL with a nonpolar host (dipolar doping). This work establishes a ubiquitous role for SOP in determining OLED efficiency and demonstrates dipolar doping as a means to tune the underlying exciton–polaron quenching.
Recent Advances and Reliable Assessment of Solid‐State Materials for Hydrogen Storage: A Step Forward toward a Sustainable H2 Economy
Authors: Nazir Ghazanfar , Rehman Adeela , Hussain Sajjad , Aftab Sikandar , Heo Kwang , Ikram Muhammad , Patil Supriya A. , Aizaz Ud Din Muhammad
Published: September 2022

The hydrogen economy is an envisaged system proposed for a sustainable energy future that comprises hydrogen production, storage, transportation, and stationary/mobile applications. Recently, research efforts are devoted to build a H2 economy; however, the reduced hydrogen volumetric density hinders the effective hydrogen storage. To combat this, material‐based hydrogen storage is an emerging trend that has the potential to meet the ongoing goals of the United States Department of Energy. Herein, a critical review is presented on the state‐of‐the‐art material‐based hydrogen storage where nanostructured engineering and nanotechnology have driven a rapid growth in material design from physical sorbents (carbons, metal‐organic frameworks, and organic polymer frameworks) to chemical sorbents (complex and metal nanohydrides). The research trends in physical sorption include tailoring the textural features of porous materials and enhancing the binding energy strength by inducing hydrogen spill‐over effect and functionalization of surfaces. For chemical hydrogen storage, strategies are presented to ameliorate the sorption kinetics and thermodynamics using reactive hydrides, lightweight composites, and nanoconfinement of hydrides. Considering the long‐term hydrogen storage, the concept of para hydrogen storage is also highlighted. Finally, the challenges and their plausible solutions are discussed to attain a sustainable hydrogen economy, in the near future.
Perivascular Stromal Cells Instruct Glioblastoma Invasion, Proliferation, and Therapeutic Response within an Engineered Brain Perivascular Niche Model
Authors: Ngo Mai T. , Sarkaria Jann N. , Harley Brendan A.C.
Published: September 2022

Glioblastoma (GBM) tumor cells are found in the perivascular niche microenvironment and are believed to associate closely with the brain microvasculature. However, it is largely unknown how the resident cells of the perivascular niche, such as endothelial cells, pericytes, and astrocytes, influence GBM tumor cell behavior and disease progression. A 3D in vitro model of the brain perivascular niche developed by encapsulating brain‐derived endothelial cells, pericytes, and astrocytes in a gelatin hydrogel is described. It is shown that brain perivascular stromal cells, namely pericytes and astrocytes, contribute to vascular architecture and maturation. Cocultures of patient‐derived GBM tumor cells with brain microvascular cells are used to identify a role for pericytes and astrocytes in establishing a perivascular niche environment that modulates GBM cell invasion, proliferation, and therapeutic response. Engineered models provide unique insight regarding the spatial patterning of GBM cell phenotypes in response to a multicellular model of the perivascular niche. Critically, it is shown that engineered perivascular models provide an important resource to evaluate mechanisms by which intercellular interactions modulate GBM tumor cell behavior, drug response, and provide a framework to consider patient‐specific disease phenotypes.
Multiplying the Stable Electrostatic Field of Electret Based on the Heterocharge‐Synergy and Superposition Effect
Authors: Lin Shizhe , Xu Zisheng , Wang Shuting , Cao Jianglang , Zhong Junwen , Li Guanglin , Fang Peng
Published: September 2022

Owing to magic charge storage behavior, an electret can exhibit an external electrostatic field, which is widely used in numerous domains such as electronics, energy, healthcare, and environment. However, the theory of the charge storage mechanism still needs further development to enhance the performance and stability of the electret. Herein, a stable charge storage model known as the heterocharge‐synergy model (HSM) in electrets is proposed and verified, and the electrostatic field superposition effect of electrets is also proved. Based on the HSM and superposition effect, the stable electrostatic field intensity (average of ≈22.49 kV cm−1 and maximum of ≈29.58 kV cm−1, which is close to the minimum air breakdown field intensity of ≈30 kV cm−1) of the composite electret film is multiplied by simple layer‐by‐layer stacking. Utilizing the multilayer composite electret films and designing a two‐sided electrostatic induction structure, a two‐sided bipolar single‐electrode non‐contact nanogenerator is constructed with transferred charge density up to ≈132.61 µC m−2, which is twice as large as that of the non‐contact nanogenerators with one‐sided electrostatic induction structure. Clearing and utilizing the charge behaviors of the electret can boost the performance and enhance the stability of electret‐based devices in various domains.
Highly Stable Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotube Sorting by Low Molecular Weight Conjugated Polymer with Hydrogen‐Bonded Polyisoprene
Authors: Mburu Maina Moses , Au‐Duong Ai‐Nhan , Li Wei‐Ting , Yu Wen‐Yueh , Lan Yann‐Wen , Chiang Wei‐Hung , Chiu Yu‐Cheng
Published: September 2022

The π–π interaction between the conjugated polymer and single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) is the key to dispersion and selection of semiconducting nanotubes. High molecular weight (Mw > 10 000 Da) conjugated moieties usually form the main chain of the copolymers designed for sorting to ensure strong π–π interaction. However, low Mw conjugated polymers are sorting‐ineffective because they do not interact with SWCNTs. Additionally, sorted nanotubes in solution aggregate during storage or at low temperatures, possibly due to loss of wrapping ability of the dispersant, and stability of the sorted solution is rarely reported. Here, the effectiveness of polyisoprene with hydrogen‐bonding to induce superior sorting and solution stability in a low Mw conjugated polymer is demonstrated. A vinyl‐terminated‐poly(9,9‐dioctylfluorene) (vinyl‐PFO, Mw ≈ 4500) copolymerized with polyisoprene with hydrogen‐bond containing pendant; Poly(2[[(Butylamino) carbonyl]oxy]ethyl‐acrylate, can select large‐diameter semiconducting nanotubes (1.17 nm), and the sorted solution remains stable as observed by UV spectroscopy and thin‐film transistors, for over a year and at low temperatures; 4, −20, and −80 °C. Furthermore, solution can fabricate ambipolar transistors with averaged charge carrier mobility; 48 cm2 V–1 s–1 for p‐type, and 32 cm2 V–1 s–1 for n‐type, with retention stability > 6000 s.
Soybean yield response to sulfur and nitrogen additions across diverse U.S. environments
Authors: Brooks Keren , Mourtzinis Spyridon , Conley Shawn P. , Reiter Mark S. , Gaska John , Holshouser David Lee , Irby Trent , Kleinjan Jonathan , Knott Carrie , Lee Chad , Lindsey Laura , Naeve Seth , Ross Jeremy , Singh Maninder Pal , Vann Rachel , Matcham Emma
Published: September 2022

As soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] yields reach record highs, more nutrients are required to maintain these production levels. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of S and N on soybean yield in diverse environments across the United States. Data were collected from a total of 52 sites in 10 states over 2 yr (2019 and 2020) for this study. A factorial arrangement of three S rates (11, 22, and 33 kg S ha−1) using two sources (ammonium sulfate [AMS] and calcium sulfate [CaSO4]) were broadcasted by hand at planting. Additionally, to examine the impact of N on soybean yield, urea was applied at 10, 20, and 29 kg N ha−1 to equal that supplied by AMS. A zero‐fertilizer control treatment was also included. Soil samples prior to fertilization as well as grain yield at R8 were collected and analyzed to understand what environmental conditions favor soybean response to S additions. Results indicated that soil and environmental factors are poor indicators of yield response to S and N additions. Yield responses to S and N additions were observed in yield environments averaging >3,643 kg ha−1, but S did not limit yield in most environments (n = 49). Partial profit analysis was conducted at two soybean grain prices (US$0.32 and $0.55 kg ha−1). Yield increases were only profitable at 2 site‐years at the tested soybean grain prices. Overall results suggest that use of N and S fertilizers are rarely justified across diverse growing environments.
Exploring evolutionary adaptations of leaf heteroblasty in subspecific taxa of Hawaiian Chenopodium oahuense
Authors: Bullock Madison R. , Cantley Jason T.
Published: September 2022

Premise

Chenopodium oahuense is a polymorphic Hawaiian endemic plant inhabiting several xeric habitats. Considerable variability in leaf morphology has made comprehensively describing its diversity difficult. Chenopodium oahuense subsp. ilioense is differentiated from C. oahuense subsp. oahuense by smaller, less‐lobed, succulent leaves, smaller seeds, and prostrate to scandent habit. The lacking quantification of leaf shape, succulence, and previously unknown heteroblastic leaf transition in C. oahuense subsp. ilioense complicates the morphological boundaries separating subspecies.

Methods

This study used landmark analyses, elliptical Fourier descriptors (EFDs), and traditional shape descriptors measured from 1585 greenhouse‐grown plant leaves collected over 18 weeks. Principal component analyses visualized correlations in leaf shape, and linear discriminant analyses predicted classifications, either subspecific or heteroblastic.

Results

Identity determination and heteroblastic change visualization were limited in landmark analyses. On the basis of EFDs and shape descriptors, C. oahuense subsp. ilioense was determined to be morphologically differentiated from C. oahuense subsp. oahuense with the Pu'u Ka Pele population as intermediate. The EFDs depicted heteroblastic change, predominantly in lobing. All analyses were restricted in correctly attributing a leaf to the week collected. Shape descriptors generally represented significant heteroblastic change over the growth period.

Conclusions

These analyses support significant differentiation between the subspecies, particularly from shape descriptors. Furthermore, we quantified the morphological intermediacy of the Pu'u Ka Pele population. Results suggest this population could be the result of incomplete lineage sorting or a recent hybridization of the two subspecies. Hawaiian Chenopodium is a polymorphic lineage notable for future research in adaptive radiations, phenotypic plasticity, and heteroblasty.
Mendelian segregation for parthenogenetic embryo development at the diploid level in the flowering plant Erigeron
Authors: Noyes Richard D.
Published: September 2022

Premise

Parthenogenesis is the capacity of organisms to develop embryos from unfertilized eggs. When parthenogenesis is coupled with unreduced gamete formation (apomeiosis), genetically maternal progeny result. Genetic elucidation of this form of reproduction in plants, apomixis, has important agronomic implications. However, genetic characterization of apomeiosis and parthenogenesis has been problematic in part because the traits usually co‐occur and are restricted to polyploids. In this work, the inheritance of parthenogenetic embryo development, by itself, was studied at the diploid level.

Methods

Progeny resulting from a cross between a diploid (2n = 18), heterozygous, parthenogenetic pollen donor, and a diploid, wildtype, sexual seed parent were evaluated. Paternity was tested with conserved orthologous sequence (COS) markers, reproductive development of F1s was evaluated with microscopy of cleared ovules, and an amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) marker (Eagc × Macg.615) co‐segregating with parthenogenesis was characterized at the sequence level.

Results

Of 102 diploid biparental progeny, 47 exhibited parthenogenetic embryo and endosperm development, and 55 lacked development of the egg and central cell. This result is consistent with Mendelian inheritance for a single locus (P = 0.43). Isolation and sequencing of the AFLP marker indicates that it is likely a portion of a Ty‐Gypsy retrotransposon. Attempts to develop a sequence‐characterized amplified region marker from the AFLP were unsuccessful.

Conclusions

This work shows that parthenogenesis can be transmitted simply at the diploid level. This advance is key in the development of a tractable system in Erigeron aimed at the identification of the parthenogenesis locus using genetic mapping strategies.
Dual‐Gradient Unified Chromatography: A New Paradigm for Versatility in Simultaneous Multicomponent Analysis
Authors: Losacco Gioacchino Luca , Bennett Raffeal , Ahmad Imad A. Haidar , Barrientos Rodell C. , DaSilva Jimmy O. , Dong Yuyang , Schuppe Alexander W. , Wang Zeshu , Aiken Sheenagh , Mangion Ian , Aggarwal Varinder K. , Regalado Erik L.
Published: September 2022

Generality in analytical chemistry can be manifested in impactful platforms that can streamline modern organic synthesis and biopharmaceutical processes. We herein introduce a hybrid separation technique named Dual‐Gradient Unified Chromatography (DGUC), which is built upon an automated dynamic modulation of CO2, organic modifier, and water blends with various buffers. This concept enables simultaneous multicomponent analysis of both small and large molecules across a wide polarity range in single experimental runs. After a careful investigation of its fundamental aspects, a DGUC‐DAD‐MS screening workflow that combines multiple orthogonal column and mobile phase choices across a far‐reaching universal elution profile is also reported. The power of this framework is demonstrated with new analytical applications guiding academic and industrial laboratories in the development of new (bio)pharmaceutical targets (e.g. synthetic intermediates, nucleosides, cyclic and linear peptides, proteins, antibody drug conjugates).
Hydrogen‐Bond‐Modulated Nucleofugality of SeIII Species to Enable Photoredox‐Catalytic Semipinacol Manifolds
Authors: Park Sooyoung , Dutta Amit K. , Allacher Carina , Abramov Anton , Dullinger Philipp , Kuzmanoska Katerina , Fritsch Daniela , Hitzfeld Patrick , Horinek Dominik , Rehbein Julia , Nuernberger Patrick , Gschwind Ruth M. , Breder Alexander
Published: September 2022

Chemical bond activations mediated by H‐bond interactions involving highly electronegative elements such as nitrogen and oxygen are powerful tactics in modern catalysis research. On the contrary, kindred catalytic regimes in which heavier, less electronegative elements such as selenium engage in H‐bond interactions to co‐activate C−Se σ‐bonds under oxidative conditions are elusive. Traditional strategies to enhance the nucleofugality of selenium residues predicate on the oxidative addition of electrophiles onto SeII‐centers, which entails the elimination of the resulting SeIV moieties. Catalytic procedures in which SeIV nucleofuges are substituted rather than eliminated are very rare and, so far, not applicable to carbon‐carbon bond formations. In this study, we introduce an unprecedented combination of O−H⋅⋅⋅Se H‐bond interactions and single electron oxidation to catalytically generate SeIII nucleofuges that allow for the formation of new C−C σ‐bonds by means of a type I semipinacol process in high yields and excellent selectivity.
Palladium‐Catalyzed para‐C−H Arylation of Anilines with Aromatic Halides
Authors: Lichte Dominik , Pirkl Nico , Heinrich Gregor , Dutta Sayan , Goebel Jonas F. , Koley Debasis , Gooßen Lukas J.
Published: September 2022

Controlling regioselectivity in C−H functionalizations is a key challenge in chemical method development. In arenes, functionalizations are most difficult to direct towards the C−H group furthest away from a substituent, in its para position. We herein demonstrate how the para‐C−H arylation of anilines with non‐activated aryl halides, elusive to date, is achieved by a base‐assisted “metalla‐tautomerism” approach. A proton is abstracted from the aniline substrate and replaced by an arylpalladium species, generated from the aryl halide coupling partner. In this step, the palladium is directed away from the N‐ to the tautomeric para‐C−H position by a large phosphine ligand combined with a triphenylmethyl shielding group. The triphenylmethyl group is easily installed and removed, and can be recycled.
Steering the Ultrafast Opening and Closure Dynamics of a Photochromic Coordination Cage by Guest Molecules
Authors: Artmann Kevin , Li Ru‐Jin , Juber Selina , Benchimol Elie , Schäfer Lars V. , Clever Guido H. , Nuernberger Patrick
Published: September 2022

Photochemical studies on supramolecular hosts that can encapsulate small guest molecules commonly focus on three aspects: photoswitching the cage to release or trap the guest, the effect of the confining environment on the guest, and light‐induced exciton or charge transfer within the cage structure. Here, we exploit ultrafast spectroscopy to address how the guest alters the photoswitching characteristics of the cage. For this, the impacts of three disparate guest compounds on ring‐opening or ring‐closure of a dithienylethene (DTE) ligand in a photoswitchable DTE‐based coordination cage are juxtaposed. The guest modulates both outcome and timescale of the cage's photodynamics, by an interplay of structural strain, heavy‐atom effect, and enhancement of charge‐transfer processes exercised by the guest on the photo‐excited cage. The approach might prove beneficial for attuning the applicability of photoswitchable nanocontainers and desired guest compounds.
Simple organic dyes containing multiple anchors as effective co‐sensitizers for DSSCs loaded with Ru (II) complex N‐719
Authors: Aldusi Ameen M. , Fadda Ahmed A. , Ismail Mohamed A. , Elmorsy Mohamed R.
Published: September 2022

In this work, we report a comprehensive photovoltaic investigation of eight pure organics, structurally simple, and low‐cost 2‐cyano‐N‐thiazolyacrylamide dyes (AM‐1‐8) co‐sensitizers for dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) with the standard Ru (II) dye (N‐719). A co‐sensitization strategy has been applied for enhancing the performance of DSSCs wherein a Ru (II) metal complex is combined with a simple type of the designed organic metal‐free dyes (AM‐1‐8). The co‐sensitization by the absorption of co‐sensitizers AM‐1‐8 leads to a broader light‐harvesting ability (300–750 nm) and scored photovoltaic efficiency at a range of 6.08%–9.30%. Upon co‐sensitization, the device made of bis(2‐cyanoacetamide) co‐sensitizer AM‐7 system yielded the highest power conversion efficiency (PCE) = 9.30% with JSC = 20.96 mA/cm2, VOC = 0.73 eV, and FF = 60.78 that outperformed the standard dye (N‐719). N‐719 dye only showed PCE of 7.30% with JSC = 18.68 mA/cm2, VOC = 0.64 eV, and FF = 61%. The great enhancement of the effect of the co‐sensitizer AM‐7 on the N‐719 can be related to the enhancement of both short current density (JSC) and open circuit voltage (VOC). The greater JSC value can be attributed to the maximum dye loading value of this dye on the TiO2 surface (3.76 × 10−5/mol cm−2) as a result of the presence of bis‐anchoring function within the dye molecule. The increase in the VOC value can be attributed to its highest recombination resistance because of the multi‐anchoring groups, which was confirmed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Theoretical density functional theory (DFT) and highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO)‐ lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy were performed to study the electron density distribution between donor and acceptor moieties. All the multi‐anchoring functions presented in bis(2‐cyanoacetamide) and 2‐cyanacrylamide co‐sensitizers demonstrate promising co‐sensitizers for excellent photovoltaic performance response on the standard dye (N‐719).
Comparative genomic analysis of carboxylesterase genes in Tenebrio molitor and other four tenebrionids
Authors: Yang Yan‐Lin , Li Xun , Wang Jun , Song Qi‐Sheng , Stanley David , Wei Shu‐Jun , Zhu Jia‐Ying
Published: September 2022

Carboxylesterases (COEs) have various functions in wide taxons of organisms. In insects, COEs are important enzymes involved in the hydrolysis of a variety of ester‐containing xenobiotics, neural signal transmission, pheromone degradation, and reproductive development. Understanding the diversity of COEs is basic to illustrate their functions. In this study, we identified 53, 105, 37, and 39 COEs from the genomes of Tenebrio molitor, Asbolus verucosus, Hycleus cichorii, and H. phaleratus in the superfamily of Tenebrionidea, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis showed that 234 COEs from these four species and those reported in Tribolium castaneum (63) could be divided into 12 clades and three major classes. The α‐esterases significantly expanded in T. molitor, A. verucosus, and T. castaneum compared to dipteran and hymenopteran insects. In T. molitor, most COEs showed tissue and stage‐specific but not a sex‐biased expression. Our results provide insights into the diversity and evolutionary characteristics of COEs in tenebrionids, and lay a foundation for the functional characterization of COEs in the yellow mealworm.
Fabrication Strategies Towards Hydrogels for Biomedical Application: Chemical and Mechanical Insights
Authors: Acciaretti Federico , Vesentini Simone , Cipolla Laura
Published: September 2022

This review aims at giving selected chemical and mechanical insights on design criteria that should be taken into account in hydrogel production for biomedical applications. Particular emphasis will be given to the chemical aspects involved in hydrogel design: macromer chemical composition, cross‐linking strategies and chemistry towards “conventional” and smart/stimuli responsive hydrogels. Mechanical properties of hydrogels in view of regenerative medicine applications will also be considered.
Pupillometric measures of altered stimulus‐evoked locus coeruleus‐norepinephrine activity explain attenuated social attention in preschoolers with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Polzer Leonie , Freitag Christine M. , Bast Nico
Published: September 2022

Attenuated social attention has been described as a reduced preference for social compared to geometric motion in preschoolers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The locus coeruleus‐norpinephrine (LC‐NE) system modulates sensory reactivity and is a promising underlying mechanism. LC‐NE activity is indexed by a stimulus‐evoked pupillary response (SEPR) and partially by a luminance‐adaptation pupillary response (LAPR), which were both shown to be aberrant in ASD. We examined whether SEPR and LAPR explain an attenuated social motion preference. We applied pupillometry via video‐based eye tracking in young children (18–65 months) with ASD (n = 57) and typically developing (TD) children (n = 39) during a preferential looking paradigm of competing social and geometric motion and a changing light condition paradigm. We found an attenuated social motion preference in the ASD compared to the TD group. This was accompanied by atypical pupillometry showing a smaller SEPR to social motion, a larger SEPR to geometric motion and a reduced LAPR to a dark screen. SEPR but not LAPR explained the group difference in social motion preference. An ASD diagnosis was statistically predicted by the social motion preference, while this effect was mediated by the inclusion of SEPR to geometric and social motion. Our findings suggest a decreased sensory reactivity to social and increased reactivity to non‐social motion in ASD, which may concurrently contribute to an attenuated social attention. The LC‐NE system is supported as a promising underlying mechanism of altered social attention in young children with ASD, while the specificity of findings remains to be addressed.
Progress and challenges in the biofoundry of immunosuppressants: From process to practice
Authors: Ganjoo Ananta , Sharma Nitika , Shafeeq Haseena , Bhat Nargis A. , Dubey Kashyap K. , Babu Vikash
Published: September 2022

Microorganisms are known to produce pharmaceutically important secondary metabolites that are used as drug moieties in the treatment of various disorders. Discovery of one such class of drugs called immunosuppressants led the way for new and improved treatment regimens for the cases of organ rejections as well as for autoimmune diseases. Uncovering the role of these secondary metabolites as immunomodulators had increased their demand in the global drug market. However, this was soon overshadowed by the low amount of product obtained after fermentation and tedious downstream processing for the recovery of product. Hence, continuous efforts are being made to enhance their production by unveiling the basic biosynthetic pathways involved in their synthesis. From unearthing these immunosuppressants to their rapid development towards commercialization, these drugs have gained a significant place in the world market. Hence, the present review is focused on the progress and challenges in the production and downstream processing of different immunosuppressants (tacrolimus, cyclosporine, rapamycin, and mycophenolic acid). This is the first review report on how the market demand of immunosuppressants could be fulfilled by exploring biofoundry approaches to achieve the goal.