bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation between fruit weight and nutritional metabolism during development in CPPU-treated Actinidia chinensis ‘Hongyang’
Authors: Qiu Guo-liang , Zhuang Qi-guo , Li Yu-fei , Li Si-yu , Chen Cun , Li Zheng-hao , Zhao Yu-yang , Yang Yi , Liu Zhi-bin
Published: August 2020

Forchlorfenuron, N-(2-chloro-4-pyridyl)-N-phenylurea (CPPU), is often used to promote fruit growth and improve production. The role of CPPU in kiwifruit growth has been established. However, the correlation between fruit weight and nutritional metabolism during development after CPPU treatments remains largely undetermined. Here, we surveyed the variations in weight and nutrient components of the ‘Hongyang’ kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis) when CPPU was sprayed on fruit 25 days after anthesis. The CPPU application did not significantly influence the dry matter, soluble solids, starch, vitamin C or protein concentrations. However, the fresh weight, length and maximum diameter were significantly increased compared with the control. Moreover, in fruit of the same developmental stage, the fructose, glucose and soluble sugar levels increased after the CPPU treatment, compared with the control. On the contrary, citric, quinic and titratable acid concentrations decreased. However, a correlation analysis between fresh weight and the nutritional contents revealed that CPPU did not affect the concentrations of the most abundant organic acids (quinic and citric) and sugars (glucose, fructose and sucrose), compared with control fruit of the same weight. Therefore, CPPU applications enhance ‘Hongyang’ kiwifruit weight/size. However, there were no significant differences in the nutritional qualities of treated and untreated fruit having the same weights.
Standardization and Nutrient Composition of Melon and Groundnut Soups as Consumed in Cross River State, Nigeria
Authors: Bassey S. O. , Aburime L. C. , Ijokgwung G. E. , Onabe V. , Agiang M. A.
Published: August 2020

Aim: The variability in the methods of preparing indigenous foods have led to uncertainty in the nutrient composition, sensory properties and quality of many foods consumed in Nigeria. This study is aimed at standardizing the different methods of preparing melon and groundnut soups and assessing their nutrient compositions as consumed in Cross River State (CRS), Nigeria.

Methodology: Melon (Citrullus vulgaris) and Groundnut (Arachis hypogea) seeds were purchased in Calabar, CRS, Nigeria in the month of February. Twelve Local Governments Areas (LGA) were randomly selected from the Eighteen LGAs in CRS. Focus group discussions (FGD) were conducted in each of the communities to determine common methods of cooking melon and groundnut soup and variations in recipes. Recipes collected during the FGD were standardized and prepared as described. Nutrient compositions were determined using standard laboratory methods. Data generated were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The least significant difference (LSD) was accepted at P<0.05.

Results: All the soup samples were liked and accepted. For melon soup, method 1 and 2 had better rating and similar values for all the sensory parameters, although, method 1 had better general acceptability score. For groundnut soup, method 1 and 3 had better ratings and similar values for aroma, taste, colour, texture and general acceptability. The range for the proximate compositions were as follows; for melon soup, moisture 68.8- 70.9%; protein 10.1-11 %, fat 9.5-11.2%, ash 2.3-2.7%, dietary fibre 5.5-6%. For the groundnut soup, moisture ranged from 68.6-71.1%, protein 10.1-10.9%, fat 9.4-12.1%, ash 2.2-2.5%, dietary fibre 6-6.8%. 

Conclusion: The standardized methods of preparing these soups will be useful in maintaining quality and quantity for easy reproducibility.
The Inverse Lomax-G Family with application to Breaking Strength Data
Authors: Falgore Jamilu Yunusa , Doguwa Sani Ibrahim
Published: August 2020

We proposed a new class of distributions with two additional positive parameters called the Inverse Lomax-G (IL-G) class. A special case was discussed, by taking Weibull as a baseline. Different properties of the new family that hold for any type of baseline model are derived including moments, moment generating function, entropy for Renyi, entropy for Shanon, and order statistics. The performances of the maximum likelihood estimates of the parameters of the sub-model of the Inverse Lomax-G family were evaluated through a simulation study. Application of the sub-model to the Breaking strength data clearly showed its superiority overthe other competing models.
Synthesis, Characterization and Biological Activity of a Bidentate NS Schiff Base Containing S-Benzyl Dithiocarbazate and Its Zr(IV), Sn(II) Complexes
Authors: Zahan Md. Kudrat-E- , Hossen Md. Faruk , Zamir Rausan , Asraf Md. Ali
Published: August 2020

Zr (IV) and Sn (II) complexes were prepared with bidentate ligand, benzyl 2-(3-phenylallylidene) hydrazinecarbodithioate, derived from the condensation of S-benzyldithiocarbazate (SBDTC) with cinnamaldehyde and characterized by microanalysis, molar conductance and magnetic measurements, IR, electronic and ESI-MS studies. It was found that the ligand coordinated to the metal center through azomethine nitrogen and thiol sulfur atoms to form octahedral complexes with both the metal ions. The antimicrobial activities of the ligand and its complexes were investigated against the gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and the fungus strain. The metal complexes showed strong activity than the free ligand.
Effects of Different Levels of Phosphorous and Zinc Fertilizers on the Yield and Nutrient Uptake of Maize (Zea mays L.) on Luvisols in Northern Guinea Savannah Region of Nigeria
Authors: Abdullahi Maryam , Bello Abubakar
Published: August 2020

The study aimed to determine the effects of different levels of phosphorous and zinc fertilizers on the yield and nutrient uptake of maize (Zea mays L.) The experiments were  conducted in a factorial experiment under Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) to determine the effect of P and Zn applications on TZL white composite improved variety            of maize. Four levels of phosphorus (0, 10, 20 and 30 kg P ha-1) and three levels of zinc (0, 5 and 10kg Zn ha-1) were applied on experimental plots of 4.5m x 5m replicated thrice.  The results shows no significant differences in both the  years however, highest mean values of 2327.5 kg ha-1  and 2191.5 kg ha-1 was recorded at 20 kg P ha-1 and 10 kg Zn ha-1 Application of P and Zn at different rates increases their uptake in the stover with highest values of 22.57 mg -1 kg  and 7.8 mg -1 kg  in 2018  at 30 kg Pha-1 and 18.40 mg -1 kg  and 5.21 mg -1 kg  at 20 kg Pha-1  in 2019. While 26.54 mg -1 kg and 21.85 mg -1 kg in 2018 at 10 kg Znha-1 and 6.76 mg -1 kg and 5.27 mg -1 kg in 2019 with 0 kg Znha-1 respectively. It is therefore recommended the best results of the application of 30kg P ha-1 and 10 kg Zn ha -1 should be adopted for optimum yield of maize.
A Modified Ant Colony Optimization Algorithm for Solving a Transportation Problem
Authors: Ekanayake E. M. U. S. B. , Perera S. P. C. , Daundasekara W. B. , Juman Z. A. M. S.
Published: August 2020

Transportation of products from sources to destinations with minimal total cost plays a key role in logistics and supply chain management. The transportation problem (TP) is an extraordinary sort of Linear Programming problem where the objective is to minimize the total cost of disseminating resources from several various sources to several destinations. Initial feasible solution (IFS) acts as a foundation of an optimal cost solution technique to any TP. Better is the IFS lesser is the number of iterations to reach the final optimal solution. This paper presents a meta-heuristic algorithm, modified ant colony optimization algorithm (MACOA) to attain an IFS to a Transportation Problem. The proposed algorithm is straightforward, simple to execute, and gives us closeness optimal solutions in a finite number of iterations. The efficiency of this algorithm is likewise been advocated by solving validity and applicability examples An extensive numerical study is carried out to see the potential significance of our modified ant colony optimization algorithm (MACOA). The comparative assessment shows that both the MACOA and the existing JHM are efficient as compared to the studied approaches of this paper in terms of the quality of the solution. However, in practice, when researchers and practitioners deal with large-sized transportation problems, we urge them to use our proposed MACOA due to the time-consuming computation of JHM. Therefore this finding is important in saving time and resources for minimization of transportation costs and optimizing transportation processes which could help significantly to improve the organization’s position in the market.
Investigation of the Corona Discharge Problem Based on Different Computational Approaches of Dimensional Analysis
Authors: Oladigbolu Jamiu Omotayo , Rushdi Ali Muhammad Ali
Published: August 2020

Although corona discharge is notorious for its detrimental effects, it is also used in many beneficial practical applications. Despite the existence of a variety of sophisticated theoretical and experimental methods for investigating corona discharge, we explore yet a much simpler method that relies on the use of Dimensional Analysis (DA). The DA method does not demand profound knowledge of the underlying phenomenon or its governing equations, as it only needs the correct identification of the variables influencing the phenomenon, and the specification of their physical dimensions. The classical and well-known Gauss-Jordan elimination method is compared with other matrix-oriented computational approaches in analyzing the pertinent dimensional system. This method relies upon solution-preserving elementary row operations, i.e., operations that one can use on a matrix without spoiling the solution set for an associated matrix equation. A distinct advantage of this method is that it does not pre-suppose a particular value of the matrix rank but tackles the task of determining this rank while proceeding towards its ultimate result. Moreover, this method can also be used to find the inverse of a regular (invertible) matrix or to determine the solution (if any) of a system of linear equations. As a bonus, novel results of numerical investigations of bases, regimes, and dimensionless products are extensively presented in this paper. A remarkable observation made herein is that the set of variables pertinent for a particular phenomenon cannot be arbitrarily partitioned into basis (input) variables and regime (output or isolated) variables. The paper running example deals with expressing a specific variable, viz. ozone generation rate per unit length of wire (r0) through dimensionless products in terms of a set of determining or influencing variables.
Knowledge of Dietary Supplements among Women in the Aseer Region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Rasheedi Mabrouk Al- , ALrajhi Maha , Alqahtani Saad S. , Ali Alreshidi Mateq , Alharbi Mohammad , Alharbi Nayef Samah , Alsuhaibani Somayah , Kardam Abdulaziz , Alhazmi Yasir
Published: August 2020

Background: A significant growth in dietary supplement usage has occurred and this trend is particularly evident among females. This underlines the need to establish current knowledge levels among a female participant cohort based in the Aseer Region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), along with determining the types of products being used and the typical reasons cited for their consumption.

Methods: A total of 173 participants drawn from various age groups took part in this descriptive cross-sectional survey design. The survey was conducted over a three-month period from September to November 2019, using a structured online questionnaire.

Results: The results of this research show that dietary supplement usage was highly prevalent among study participants. Young females (18–24 years) demonstrated significantly higher knowledge levels as compared to all other age groups (p<0.001 vs. other participants).

Conclusion: This study has clearly shown that the participants in fact have a very varied range of knowledge, very often according to age, about the use of dietary supplements. 18–24-year-olds demonstrated higher levels of dietary supplement knowledge compared to the other age groups.
Long‐term experience of MPC across multiple TrueBeam linacs: MPC concordance with conventional QC and sensitivity to real‐world faults
Authors: Pearson Michael , Eaton David , Greener Tony
Published: August 2020

Machine Performance Check (MPC) is an automated Quality Control (QC) tool that is integrated into the TrueBeam and Halcyon linear accelerators (Linacs), utilizing the imaging systems to verify the Linac beam and geometry. This work compares the concordance of daily MPC results with conventional QC tests over a 3‐year period for eight Linacs in order to assess the sensitivity of MPC in detecting faults.

The MPC output measurements were compared with the monthly ionization chamber measurements for 6 and 10 MV photon beams and 6, 9, 12, 16, and 18 MeV electron beams. All 6 MV Beam and Geometry (6MVBG) MPC test failures were analyzed to determine the failure rate and the number of true and false negative results, using the conventional QC record as the reference. The concordance between conventional QC test failures and MPC test failures was investigated.

The mean agreement across 1933 MPC output and monthly comparison chamber measurements for all beam energies was 0.2%, with 97.8% within 1.5%, and a maximum difference of 2.9%. Of the 5000–6000 MPC individual test parameter results for the 6MVBG test, the highest failure rate was BeamOutputChange (0.5%), then BeamCenterShift (0.3%), and was ≤ 0.1% for the remaining parameters. There were 50 true negative and 27 false negative out of tolerance MPC results, with false negatives resolved by repeating MPC or by independent measurement. The analysis of conventional QC failures demonstrated that MPC detected all failures, except occasions when MPC reported output within tolerance, a result of the MPC–chamber response variation.

The variation in MPC output versus chamber measurement indicates MPC is appropriate for daily output constancy but not for the measurement of absolute output. The comparison of the 6MVBG results and conventional records provides evidence that MPC is a sensitive method of performing beam and mechanical checks in a clinical setting.
Imaging of dopamine transporters in Parkinson disease: a meta‐analysis of 18F/123I‐FP‐CIT studies
Authors: Kong Yanyan , Zhang Chencheng , Liu Kawai , Wagle Shukla Aparna , Sun Bomin , Guan Yihui
Published: August 2020

Objective

18F‐FP‐CIT and 123I‐FP‐CIT are widely used radiotracers in molecular imaging for Parkinson’s disease (PD) diagnosis. Compared with 123I‐FP‐CIT, 18F‐FP‐CIT has superior tracer kinetics. We aimed to conduct a meta‐analysis to assess the efficacy of using 18F‐FP‐CIT positron emission tomography (PET) and 123I‐FP‐CIT single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) of dopamine transporters in patients with PD in order to provide evidence for clinical decision‐making.

Methods

We searched the PubMed, Embase, Wanfang Data, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases to identify the relevant studies from the time of inception of the databases to 30 April 2020. We identified six PET studies, including 779 patients with PD and 124 healthy controls, which met the inclusion criteria. Twenty‐seven SPECT studies with 1244 PD patients and 859 controls were also included in this meta‐analysis.

Results

Overall effect‐size analysis indicated that patients with PD showed significantly reduced 18F‐FP‐CIT uptake in three brain regions [caudate nucleus: standardized mean difference (SMD) = −1.71, Z = −3.31, P = 0.0009; anterior putamen: SMD = −3.71, Z = −6.26, P < 0.0001; and posterior putamen: SMD = −5.49, Z = −5.97, P < 0.0001]. Significant decreases of 123I‐FP‐CIT uptake were also observed in the caudate (SMD = −2.31, Z = −11.49, P < 0.0001) and putamen (SMD = −3.25, Z = −14.79, P < 0.0001).

Interpretation

In conclusion, our findings indicate that both 18F‐FP‐CIT PET and 123I‐FP‐CIT SPECT imaging of dopamine transporters can provide viable biomarkers for early PD diagnosis.
Liquid Bandage Harvests Robust Adhesive, Hemostatic, and Antibacterial Performances as a First‐Aid Tissue Adhesive
Authors: Ma Yufei , Yao Jingxuan , Liu Qian , Han Ting , Zhao Jiping , Ma Xiaohua , Tong Yingmu , Jin Guorui , Qu Kai , Li Baoqiang , Xu Feng
Published: August 2020

Massive bleeding and wound infection after tissue trauma are the major dangerous factors of casualties in disasters; hence, first‐aid supplies that can greatly achieve wound closure and effectively control the hemorrhage and infection are urgently needed. Although existing tissue adhesives can adhere to the tissue surfaces and achieve rapid wound closure, most of them have limited hemostatic and antibacterial capacities, making them unsuitable as the first‐aid tissue adhesives. In this study, inspired by the inherent hemostatic and antibacterial capacities of chitosan and the excellent tissue integration capacity originating from a Schiff base reaction, liquid bandage (LBA), an in situ imine crosslinking‐based photoresponsive chitosan hydrogel (NB‐CMC/CMC hydrogel), is developed for emergency wound management. Upon UV irradiation, o‐nitrobenzene in modified carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC) converts to o‐nitrosobenzaldehyde that subsequently crosslinks with amino groups on tissue surface, which endows the LBA with superior tissue adhesive performance. LBA's hemostatic and antibacterial properties can be tuned by the mass ratio of NB‐CMC/CMC. Moreover, it exhibits satisfactory biocompatibility, biodegradability, and the capability to enhance wound healing process. This study sheds new light on the development of a multifunctional hydrogel‐based first‐aid tissue adhesive that can achieve robust tissue adhesion, effectively control bleeding, prevent bacterial infection, and promote wound healing.
Synthesis of Leaf‐Vein‐Like g‐C3N4 with Tunable Band Structures and Charge Transfer Properties for Selective Photocatalytic H2O2 Evolution
Authors: Feng Chengyang , Tang Lin , Deng Yaocheng , Wang Jiajia , Luo Jun , Liu Yani , Ouyang Xilian , Yang Haoran , Yu Jiangfang , Wang Jingjing
Published: August 2020

Photocatalytic H2O2 evolution through two‐electron oxygen reduction has attracted wide attention as an environmentally friendly strategy compared with the traditional anthraquinone or electrocatalytic method. Herein, a biomimetic leaf‐vein‐like g‐C3N4 as an efficient photocatalyst for H2O2 evolution is reported, which owns tenable band structure, optimized charge transfer, and selective two‐electron O2 reduction. The mechanism for the regulation of band structure and charge transfer is well studied by combining experiments and theoretical calculations. The H2O2 yield of CN4 (287 µmol h−1) is about 3.3 times higher than that of pristine CN (87 µmol h−1), and the apparent quantum yield for H2O2 evolution over CN4 reaches 27.8% at 420 nm, which is much higher than that for many other current photocatalysts. This work not only provides a novel strategy for the design of photocatalyst with excellent H2O2 evolution efficiency, but also promotes deep understanding for the role of defect and doping sites on photocatalytic activity.
Scalable All‐Evaporation Fabrication of Efficient Light‐Emitting Diodes with Hybrid 2D–3D Perovskite Nanostructures
Authors: Fu Yu , Zhang Qianpeng , Zhang Daquan , Tang Yunqi , Shu Lei , Zhu Yiyi , Fan Zhiyong
Published: August 2020

Quasi‐2D (Q2D) lead halide perovskites have emerged as promising materials for light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) due to their tunable emission, slowed‐down carrier diffusion, and improved stability. However, they are primarily fabricated through solution methods, which hinders its large‐scale manufacture and practical applications. Physical‐vapor‐deposition (PVD) methods have well demonstrated the capability for reproducible, scalable, and layer‐by‐layer fabrication of high quality organic/inorganic thin films. Herein, for the first time, the full‐evaporation fabrication of organic–inorganic hybrid ((BA)2Csn−1PbnBr3n+1) Q2D–3D PeLEDs is demonstrated. The morphology and crystal phase of the perovskite are controlled from 3D to 2D by modulating material composition, annealing temperature, and film thicknesses. The confinement of carriers in 3D layers and the energy funnel effect are discovered and discussed. Importantly, a record high external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 5.3% based on evaporation method is achieved. Moreover, a centimeter‐scale PeLED (1.5 cm × 2 cm) is obtained. Furthermore, the T50 lifetime of the device with an initial brightness of 100 cd m−2 is found to be 90 min with a thin layer PMMA passivation, which is among the longest for all PVD processed PeLEDs. Overall, this work casts a solid stepping stone towards the fabrication of high‐performance PeLEDs on a large‐scale.
Mechanochromism of Structural‐Colored Materials
Authors: Chen Guojian , Hong Wei
Published: August 2020

Structural colors widespread in nature have been theoretically in‐depth studied and manufactured through the artificial approaches such as self‐assembly and nanolithography thanks to the rapidly developing nanotechnology. Structural colors based on elastomers and hydrogels can be readily modulated upon mechanical stimuli, via adjusting the structural parameters such as interplanar spacing and diffractive angle. Recent breakthroughs in mechanochromic structural‐colored materials has not only enriched their varieties but also strengthened their competences remarkably. The emerging mechanoresponsive materials have been applied in various fields such as sensors, displays, anti‐counterfeiting, and healthcare. This review focuses on the recent progresses in mechanochromic structural‐colored materials with different architectures including photonic crystals, liquid crystals, and photonic glasses. A discussion on their structures and fabrications are presented, along with their merits and demerits by comparison. Special attention is given to the application potentials of these mechanochromic materials in diverse domains, followed by detailed discussion of their mechanism. Last but not least, the current challenges as well as the trends of structural‐colored mechanochromic materials are proposed.
Noble‐Metal‐Free Memristive Devices Based on IGZO for Neuromorphic Applications
Authors: Pereira Maria , Deuermeier Jonas , Nogueira Ricardo , Carvalho Patrícia Almeida , Martins Rodrigo , Fortunato Elvira , Kiazadeh Asal
Published: August 2020

Amorphous indium‐gallium‐zinc‐oxide (a‐IGZO) based memristive devices with molybdenum contacts as both top and bottom electrodes are presented aiming to be used in neuromorphic applications. Devices down to 4 µm2 are fabricated using conventional photolithography processes, with an extraordinary yield of 100%. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy performed on the developed structures confirm the presence of a thin intermixed oxide layer (4–5 nm) containing Mo6+ oxidation state at the interface with the bottom contact. This results in Schottky diode‐like characteristics at the pristine state with a rectification ratio of 3 orders of magnitude. The devices have electroforming‐free and area‐dependent analog resistive switching properties. Temperature analysis of resistive switching I–V data reveals barrier height variations of the junction. Several synaptic functions, such as synaptic potentiation and depression as response to programmed pulses, short‐ to long‐term plasticity transition (STP to LTP) and “learning experience” properties are presented. The Mo/IGZO/Mo memristive device shows potential application of an electronic synapse for brain‐inspired computing application. Integration in System‐on‐Panel architectures is possible at negligible cost, because all materials are used in commercial IGZO thin‐film transistor fabrication.
Multifunctional Protein Nanowire Humidity Sensors for Green Wearable Electronics
Authors: Liu Xiaomeng , Fu Tianda , Ward Joy , Gao Hongyan , Yin Bing , Woodard Trevor , Lovley Derek R. , Yao Jun
Published: August 2020

Sustainably produced biomaterials can greatly improve the biocompatibility of wearable sensor technologies while reducing the energy and environmental impacts of materials fabrication and disposal. An electronic sensor device in which the sensing element is a thin (≈2 µm) film of electrically conductive protein nanowires harvested from the microbe Geobacter sulfurreducens is developed. The sensor rapidly responds to changes in humidity with high selectivity and sensitivity. The sensor is integrated on a flexible substrate as a wearable device, enabling real‐time monitoring of physiological conditions such as respiration and skin hydration. Noncontact body tracking is demonstrated with an array of sensors that detect a humidity gradient at distance from the skin with high sensitivity. Humidity gradients induce directional charge transport in the protein nanowires films, enabling the production of a current signal without applying an external voltage bias for powerless sensing. These results demonstrate the considerable promise for developing protein nanowire‐based wearable sensor devices.
Designing Advanced Lithium‐Based Batteries for Low‐Temperature Conditions
Authors: Gupta Abhay , Manthiram Arumugam
Published: August 2020

Energy‐dense rechargeable batteries have enabled a multitude of applications in recent years. Moving forward, they are expected to see increasing deployment in performance‐critical areas such as electric vehicles, grid storage, space, defense, and subsea operations. While this at first glance spells great promise for conventional lithium‐ion batteries, all of these use‐cases, unfortunately, share periodic and recurring exposures to extremely low‐temperature conditions, a performance constraint where the lithium‐ion chemistry can fail to perform optimally. Next‐generation chemistries employing alternative anodes with increased solvent compatibility or altogether different operating mechanisms could present an avenue for overcoming many of the low‐temperature hurdles intrinsic to the lithium‐ion battery. In this article, a brief overview of the challenges in developing lithium‐ion batteries for low‐temperature use is provided, and then an array of nascent battery chemistries are introduced that may be intrinsically better suited for low‐temperature conditions moving forward. Specifically, the prospects of using lithium‐metal, lithium‐sulfur, and dual‐ion batteries for performance‐critical low‐temperature applications are evaluated. These three chemistries are presented as prototypical examples of how the conventional low‐temperature charge‐transfer resistances can be overcome. However, these three chemistries also present their own unique challenges at low temperatures, highlighting the balance between traditional low‐temperature electrolyte design and next‐generation approaches.
Corn and soybean response to wastewater‐recovered and other common phosphorus fertilizers
Authors: Ylagan Shane , Brye Kristofor R. , Greenlee Lauren
Published: August 2020

Recycling P from wastewaters may provide a sustainable source of P that could also protect surface water quality from P enrichment. Struvite (MgNH4PO4·6H2O) is a material that can be created from P‐containing wastewater and has been shown to have agricultural fertilizer value. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of electrochemically precipitated struvite (ECST), chemically precipitated struvite (Crystal Green, CG), diammonium phosphate (DAP), monoammonium phosphate (MAP), rock phosphate (RP), and triple superphosphate (TSP) on corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] response in a 79‐d greenhouse pot study. Soybean aboveground dry matter (DM) and yield were unaffected by fertilizer‐P treatments, but belowground, pod, and stem–plus–leaves tissue‐P concentrations differed among fertilizer treatments. Total corn DM from ECST did not differ from that from RP and TSP but was 1.2 times greater than that from CG. Belowground corn DM from ECST was 1.9 times greater than that from CG, TSP, and DAP. Corn belowground tissue P concentration from CG did not differ from that from DAP, TSP, and MAP, but was 1.4 times larger than that from ECST. Corn cob‐plus‐husk tissue P concentration from ECST was similar to that from MAP and DAP and was 1.2 times greater than that from CG. Results of this study not only provide information on the relatively new ECST material, but also substantiate the need for additional research on struvite as a potential alternative fertilizer‐P source and the potential impact on sustainable food production and water quality preservation.
Printable Transparent Microelectrodes toward Mechanically and Visually Imperceptible Electronics
Authors: Takemoto Ashuya , Araki Teppei , Uemura Takafumi , Noda Yuki , Yoshimoto Shusuke , Izumi Shintaro , Tsuruta Shuichi , Sekitani Tsuyoshi
Published: August 2020

Flexible and transparent electrodes are highly useful in wearable optoelectronic systems for healthcare and biosensing applications for conducting multimodal assessments with electrophysiological and optical measures. In such systems, the electrodes should exhibit a low sheet resistance, high visible transmittance, and small feature size, for reliable electrical sensing, optical observation of attached objects, and integration of devices for mapping local biology events, respectively. Herein, fine‐printed, flexible, and transparent microelectrodes that allow biosensing and device integration are reported. The microelectrodes containing cross‐aligned silver nanowire (AgNW) networks are patterned via a selective wetting deposition technique on a 1 μm‐thick polymer substrate. A low sheet resistance of 25 Ω sq−1 and a visible transmittance of 96%–99% are achieved with a small pattern width of 25 μm. The biosensing application is demonstrated by detecting the leaf electric potential; the leaf cells under the microelectrodes are observed because of visible transparency. Furthermore, device integration is demonstrated by electronic circuits with ultrathin and transparent organic transistors. The transistors exhibit white‐light illumination stability and mechanical stability to bending stress. These demonstrations provide a basis for developing ultraimperceptible wearable sensor systems with ultrathinness and high visible transmittance.
Ladder‐Type Heteroheptacenes with Different Heterocycles for Nonfullerene Acceptors
Authors: Ma Yunlong , Cai Dongdong , Wan Shuo , Wang Pengsong , Wang Jinyun , Zheng Qingdong
Published: August 2020

The design, synthesis, and characterization of two novel nonfullerene acceptors (M8 and M34) based on ladder‐type heteroheptacenes with different heterocycles are reported. Replacing the furan heterocycles with the thiophene heterocycles in the heteroheptacene backbone leads to a hypsochromically shifted absorption band and greatly improved carrier transport for the resulting nonfullerene acceptor (M34) although the π–π‐stacking distances are barely affected. Bulk‐heterojunction polymer solar cells fabricated from M34 and a wide band gap polymer (PM6) as the donor showed a best power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 15.24 % with an open circuit voltage (VOC) of 0.91 V, much higher than a PCE of 4.21 % and a VOC of 0.83 V for the counterparts based on M8:PM6. These results highlight the importance of key atoms in the construction of high‐performance nonfullerene acceptors.
Single‐Crystal‐to‐Single‐Crystal Installation of Ln4(OH)4 Cubanes in an Anionic Metallosupramolecular Framework
Authors: Yoshinari Nobuto , Meundaeng Natthaya , Tabe Hiroyasu , Yamada Yusuke , Yamashita Satoshi , Nakazawa Yasuhiro , Konno Takumi
Published: August 2020

Postsynthetic installation of lanthanide cubanes into a metallosupramolecular framework via a single‐crystal‐to‐single‐crystal (SCSC) transformation is presented. Soaking single crystals of K6[Rh4Zn4O(l‐cys)12] (K6[1]; l‐H2cys=l‐cysteine) in a water/ethanol solution containing Ln(OAc)3 (Ln3+=lanthanide ion) results in the exchange of K+ by Ln3+ with retention of the single crystallinity, producing Ln2[1] (2Ln) and Ln0.33[Ln4(OH)4(OAc)3(H2O)7][1] (3Ln) for early and late lanthanides, respectively. While the Ln3+ ions in 2Ln exist as disordered aqua species, those in 3Ln form ordered hydroxide‐bridged cubane clusters that connect [1]6− anions in a 3D metal‐organic framework through coordination bonds with carboxylate groups. This study shows the utility of an anionic metallosupramolecular framework with carboxylate groups for the creation of a series of metal cubanes that have great potential for various applications, such as magnetic materials and heterogeneous catalysts.
An evaluation of prompting procedures in error correction for children with autism
Authors: Yuan Chengan , Zhu Jing
Published: August 2020

Error correction is a common instructional strategy for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). As prompts are ubiquitous in error correction, we compared the effects of error correction with two prompting procedures (i.e., echoic and picture prompts) for four children with ASD. We used an adapted alternating treatments design embedded in a multiple baseline across participants design. Two comparisons were included to assess whether the relative effects of the arrangements would correspond and replicate within each participant. The results showed that error correction with picture prompt seemed to have produced faster mastery across the two comparisons. Our findings suggest that the various prompting procedure may result in differentiated error‐correction effects. Practitioners may consider assessing the relative effects of error‐correction procedures during treatment selection.
Qualitative and quantitative analysis of phenolic acid glycosides in Ginkgo biloba L. leaf, G. biloba leaf extract and its injection
Authors: Li Yazhen , Wang Ruoliu , Lin Yugang , Han Bing , Wang Bo , Wang Shufang
Published: August 2020

Ginkgo biloba L. leaf (GBL) is one of the most commonly used medicinal plants in the world. Phenolic acids with biological activities have a relatively high content in G. biloba leaf extracts (GBE); therefore they are of great significance for the quality control of GBL, GBE and its preparations. However, there have been few studies focused on their analysis. In this work, 12 phenolic acids, including 11 phenolic acid glycosides, were identified by liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (LC–Q‐TOF/MS). Then, a method combining enzymolysis with HPLC was established for quantification of phenolic acid glycosides. It was found that the aglycones of phenolic acid glycosides mainly comprised five phenolic acids: 2,4,6‐trihydroxybenzoic acid, protocatechuic acid, p‐hydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid and p‐coumaric acid. The quantitative method was validated, and the correlation coefficient (0.9993–0.9999), recovery (≥88.4%), repeatability (≤0.8%), and inter‐day precision (≤5.5%) were satisfactory. Finally, the contents of glycosides of five phenolic acids in GBL, GBE and GBE injection from different sources were determined by the developed method. The method was accurate, repeatable and practicable, which could be helpful for the quantification of phenolic acid glycosides in other products containing GBL or GBE.
Relationship between HETP measurements and breakthrough curves in short chromatography columns
Authors: Roberts Joey A. , Carta Giorgio
Published: August 2020

An analysis of the relationship between the number of plates measured with a small molecule tracer and the breakthrough curve of a strongly bound protein in short laboratory chromatography columns (1–5 cm) considering flow nonuniformity is presented. For practical conditions, while axial dispersion has only a small impact on the breakthrough curve, radial flow nonuniformity has a profound effect. Radial parabolic velocity profiles lead to tailing tracer peaks and broader breakthrough curves. Profiles where the velocity varies radially only in a thin region near the column wall lead to fronting tracer peaks and early breakthrough when the velocity at the wall is higher than the average and to tailing peaks and tailing breakthrough curves when the velocity at the wall is lower than the average. Experiments conducted in laboratory minicolumns (0.5–1 cm diameter, 0.5–1 ml volume) show tracer peaks and protein breakthrough curves that are consistent with higher velocities at the wall. The model presented in this work provides a tool to model experimental breakthrough data and to assess the degree of flow uniformity required to obtain meaningful dynamic binding capacity measurements using minicolumns in a high‐throughput lab setting.
Empirical and Practical Implications for Documenting Early Racial Transfer Gaps
Authors: Crisp Gloria , Potter Charlie , Robertson Rebecca , Carales Vincent
Published: August 2020

This chapter documents racial/ethnic inequities in transfer among a national sample of first‐time beginning students included in the newest wave of the Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:12/14). Implications for transfer partnerships in promoting racial/ethnic transfer equity and improving student success are included.
Finding the Path Forward to Effective Transfer Partnerships for Racially Minoritized Students
Authors: Amey Marilyn J.
Published: August 2020

Authors in this volume presented numerous examples of pathways that provide opportunity for more successful transfer especially for racially minoritized students. They describe processes for enacting partnerships between community colleges and universities along with the opportunities and challenges encountered in advancing more equitable postsecondary systems. This final chapter revisits key lessons from the authors to return to core principles that lay the foundation of the volume.
Pasireotide‐induced hyperglycemia in a patient with Cushing's disease: Potential use of sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor and glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist for treatment
Authors: Shikata Masato , Ashida Kenji , Goto Yuka , Nagayama Ayako , Iwata Shimpei , Yano Mamiko , Hasuzawa Nao , Hara Kento , Mawatari Kazutoshi , Sakata Kiyohiko , Tsuruta Munehisa , Wada Nobuhiko , Nomura Masatoshi
Published: August 2020

Pasireotide improves hypercortisolemia and induces hyperglycemia via somatostatin receptor type‐5 stimulation. GLP‐1RA and SGLT2 inhibitor potentially help regulate hyperglycemia in patients with Cushing's disease, especially after pasireotide administration.
Spherical Mesoporous SBA‐15‐Supported CoP Nanoparticles as Robust Selective CO2Reduction and H2‐Generating Catalyst under Visible Light
Authors: Fu Zi‐Cheng , Moore Joshua T. , Yang Zi‐Xin , Hu Jia‐Jun , Fu Wen‐Fu
Published: August 2020

The highly active spherical hybrid catalysts with diameters of 3–8 μm for robust selective CO2 photoreduction and hydrogen production by switching solvent, CoP/(i)s‐SBA‐15 and CoP/(o)s‐SBA‐15, were in situ synthesized for the first time by incorporating CoP nanoparticles on the interior and outside of the spherical mesoporous Santa Barbara Amorphous (s‐SBA)‐type material s‐SBA‐15. CoP/(i)s‐SBA‐15 has a larger pore diameter of ∼9.5 nm, relative to ∼5.7 nm of CoP/(o)s‐SBA‐15, and a calculated Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller surface area of ∼214 m2 g−1 compared with ∼336 m2 g−1 for the latter. In comparison with bare CoP, the composites exhibited excellent catalytic CO‐ and H2‐generating performance with product selectivity of up to 76.3 % and 99.9 % through switching solvents containing Ru‐based photosensitizer under ambient conditions, respectively. The influences of various solvents and electron donors, as well as the amounts of H2O, and catalyst on reaction kinetics for CO2 reduction and H2 production, and intrinsic properties of both catalysts were investigated and compared.
Interactive deformation‐driven person silhouette image synthesis
Authors: Kong Di , Wan Lili , Zhang Zhizhuo , Xu Wanru , Wang Shenghui
Published: August 2020

This paper addresses the problem of synthesizing person silhouette images. Previous methods on human‐centric image synthesis deal with normal images taken under consistent lighting conditions. However, a silhouette image has an inconsistent lighting appearance, in which the dark subject and the bright background form a strong contrast. Therefore, it brings great challenges to person silhouette image synthesis. We present a staged method to synthesize realistic person silhouette photos with various poses. The purpose of our method is to give ordinary users the opportunities to interactively adjust the pose of a person in a silhouette photo. The method consists of four main steps: person detection, person analysis, interactive deformation, and image synthesis. To obtain the shape of the target person, we propose a silhouette image segmentation algorithm combined with person detection. Moreover, we also present an effective image inpainting approach to complement a silhouette image with an irregular hole. Experimental results show that the proposed method can generate a set of realistic person silhouette images with interactively changed poses.
Modulation of gut microbiota mediates berberine‐induced expansion of immuno‐suppressive cells to against alcoholic liver disease
Authors: Li Sha , Wang Ning , Tan Hor‐Yue , Chueng Fan , Zhang Zhang‐Jin , Yuen Man‐Fung , Feng Yibin
Published: August 2020

Background

Berberine is an isoquinoline alkaloid compound derived from many herbs, which has been used extensively to improve liver function. But action mechanism of its hepatoprotection in alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is far from being clear.

Aim

To investigate the underlying mechanism of berberine's therapeutic effect on ALD associated with gut microbiota‐immune system axis.

Method

An animal model fed with ethanol that mimics drinking pattern ideally in ALD patients was established. Liver function was evaluated by biochemical test and histological examination. Immune cells were detected by flow cytometry and feces samples were collected for 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing.

Results

We first reported the promising beneficial effect of berberine on ameliorating acute‐on‐chronic alcoholic hepatic damage and explored the underlying mechanism involving gut microbiota‐immune system axis. Notably, berberine activated a population with immune suppressive function, defined as granulocytic‐ myeloid‐derived suppressor cell (G‐MDSC)‐like population, in the liver of mice with alleviating alcohol‐induced hepatic injury. Berberine remarkably enhanced the increase of G‐MDSC‐like cells in blood and liver and decreased cytotoxic T cells correspondingly. Suppression of G‐MDSC‐like population significantly attenuated the protective effect of berberine against alcohol. Berberine activated IL6/STAT3 signaling in in vitro culture of G‐MSDCs‐like population, while inhibition of STAT3 activity attenuated the activation of this population by berberine. Moreover, berberine changed the overall gut microbial community, primarily increased the abundance ofAkkermansia muciniphila. Of note, depletion of gut microbiota abolished the inducing effect of berberine on G‐MDSC‐like population, and attenuated its hepatoprotective effect against alcohol in mice, suggesting intestinal flora might be involved in mediating the expansion of this protective population.

Conclusion

Collectively, this study delivered insight into the role of immunosuppressive response in ALD, and facilitated the understanding of the pharmacological effects and action mechanisms of berberine.
Integrative clinical and molecular analysis of advanced biliary tract cancers on immune checkpoint blockade reveals potential markers of response
Authors: Li Jingjing , Wei Qing , Wu Xiaoying , Sima Jun , Xu Qi , Wu Mengmeng , Wang Fufeng , Mou Haibo , Hu Hanguang , Zhao Jianguo , Li Da , Hu Jinlin , Zhang Lingnan , Zhu Xiu , Chen Lei , Luo Cong , Yan Junrong , He Jiachen , Ma Yutong , Shao Yang , Wu Wei , Ying Jieer
Published: August 2020

Background

While there have been encouraging preliminary clinical results for immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in BTCs, it remains a challenge to identify the subset of patients who may benefit. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of ICI treatment in patients with advanced BTCs, and explored potential biomarkers that are predictive of response.

Methods

The study enrolled 26 patients with advanced microsatellite stable BTCs (15 with gallbladder cancers [GCs] and 11 with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma [ICCs]) who received ICI treatment. Targeted next‐generation sequencing (NGS) was performed on tumor tissue samples collected from 17 patients. Clinical and genomic characteristics were assessed for the correlation with clinical outcome.

Results

Analysis of the baseline clinical characteristics showed that performance score (PS) of 0 was associated with a better prognosis than PS of 1 (HR = 1.08 × 109; 95% CI, 0∼Inf; P = .002). No significant correlations were found between clinical outcome and inflammation‐related indicators. NGS profiling of the available tumor tissues, revealed largely non‐overlapping somatic alterations between GCs and ICCs. Mutations in LRP1B (HR = 0.26; 95% CI, 0.06‐1.21; P = .067), ERBB2 (HR = 0.15; 95% CI, 0.02‐1.19; P = .04), or PKHD1 (HR < 0.01; 95% CI, 0‐Inf; P = .04) showed strong association with increased progression‐free survival (PFS) benefit. Subsequent analysis showed that alterations in the RTK‐RAS pathway were associated with improved outcomes (HR = 0.12; 95% CI, 0.02‐0.63; P = .003). Tumor mutation burden (TMB) was higher in patients with GC than those with ICC, and was associated with LRP1B mutations (P = .032). We found that patients with 19q amplification (19q Amp) and 9p deletion (9p Del) had poor PFS outcome (19q Amp, HR = 15.4; 95% CI, 2.7‐88.5; P < .001; 9p Del; HR = 4.88 × 109; 95% CI, 0‐Inf; P < .001), while those with chromosomal instability derived PFS benefit (HR = 0.24; 95% CI, 0.05‐1.17; P = .057).

Conclusion

Our study identified several potential clinical and genomic features that may serve as biomarkers of clinical response to ICIs in advanced BTCs patients. A larger sample size is required for further verification.
Varying Levels of Medium‐Chain Fatty Acids Affect Triacylglycerol Composition and Crystallization Behavior of African Elephant Milk Fat
Authors: Arita‐Merino Naomi , Yener Sine , van Valenberg Hein J. F. , Hugo Arno , Osthoff Gernot
Published: August 2020

African elephant milk fats from different stages of lactation are studied to investigate the link between high contents of medium‐chain fatty acids (MCFA), triacylglycerol (TAG) species, and crystallization in a milk fat system. The elephant milk fats contain high amounts of MCFA, specifically C8:0, C10:0, and C12:0, which mainly form medium molecular weight TAG species (C26–C34). The milk fats with the highest MCFA levels (97% and 82%) correspond to mid‐ and late‐lactation stages. These milk fats display simpler TAG compositions and crystallization behaviors. The great majority of mid‐ and late‐lactation milk fats are comprised of medium molecular weight (C28–C30) TAG. Both melting and crystallization are sharp events, and only β’ polymorph is observed. At early lactation, with 66% MCFA, a more diverse fatty acid composition is observed, and TAG species with medium molecular weight (C30–C34) and high molecular weight (C36–C44) are the dominant. Under dynamic conditions, crystallization and melting take place gradually over a wide temperature range, both α and β’ polymorph crystals are observed.

Practical Applications: Mammals of different species provide milk lipids with a wide variety of fatty acid composition yet with common stereospecific features. The study of milk lipids, other than the common bovine milk lipids, allows the investigation of crystallographic properties in relation to fatty acid composition while preserving the stereospecific arrangement. Specifically, the study of elephant milk fats from different stages of lactation provides insight in to the effect of varying contents of medium‐chain fatty acids and fatty acid diversity on triacylglycerol composition and crystallization behavior.