bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peanut Cultivation in Different Space Arrangements in the Paraibano Semi-arid
Authors: Japiassú André , Mesquita Francisco de Oliveira , Lacerda Antônio Wilson Júnior Ramalho , Custódio Patrícia Peixoto , Alves Anailson de Sousa , Souto Antônio Gustavo de Luna , Lima Alex Serafim de , Araújo Ana Beatriz Alves de
Published: July 2020

This research was proposed to evaluate the results under different spacing and densities   arrangements on growth, development and productivity of peanut plants, cultivate BR-1, in an agricultural area on the banks of the Piranhas River, located in the municipality of Pombal-PB. Therefore, the study was developed in the experimental field, of the Agri-Food Science and Technology Center, located in São João farm, distant 18 kilometers from the city Pombal. This experiment was carried out from february to may/2017 as a factorial experiment laid out in Complete Randomized Block Design (CRBD), with six repetitions. Include two factors, spaces (0.10x 0.50 m and 0.20x 0.50 m) and density (one seed per hole and two seeds per hole) totaling 24 plots. The experimental unit was composed of three lines of 4 m, the central line being considered a useful area. Regardless of the sowing season, plant density or spacing are factors that most influence agronomic characteristics and pod productivity and grains of peanuts grown in the Sertao Paraibano. The number of immature fruits per plant was the only variable that significantly differed from the cultivation arrangements in relation to the others, showing better behaviors in the highest density of plants per hectare and in the largest spacing. Regardless of the sowing season, plant density or spacing are factors that most influence agronomic characteristics and in the productivity of pods and grains of peanuts grown in the Sertao Paraibano.
Alkali-catalyzed Transesterification of Hibiscus sabdariffa (Roselle) Seed Oil for Biodiesel Production
Authors: Ahmed Eman H. , Nour Azhari H. , Ishag Omer A. Omer , Nour Abdurahman H.
Published: July 2020

The need of energy never comes to an end so; the challenge is to procure power source sufficient to offer for our energy needs. Besides, this energy source must be dependable, renewable, recurring and non-contributing to climate change.

Aims: This study was aimed to produce biodiesel from Roselle seed oil and to investigate its quality.  Methodology: The Roselle seeds were clean from dirt, milled to proper size and the oil was extracted using soxhlet with n-hexane as solvent. The extracted oil was subjected to physiochemical analysis tests and then transesterified using methanol and potassium hydroxide as catalyst; with ratio of oil to alcohol 1:8 at 65°C. The quality of produced biodiesel was investigated and compared to international standards. The fatty acid composition of the produced biodiesel was determined by GC-MS.

Results: Based on the experimental results, the yellow with characteristic odor oil was obtained from the seeds had the following physicochemical properties: yield, 12.65%; refractive index (25°C), 1.467 m ; free fatty acids, 5.5%; saponification value, 252 mg KOH/g of oil; density, 0.915 g/mL and ester value, 241 mgKOH/g. Also the biodiesel yield achieved was 96%, with density, 0.80 g/mL; API, 44.63; Kinematics viscosity @ 40˚C, 0.742; Pour point, < -51˚C; and Micro Carbon Residual (MCR), 0.65%; which conformed to the range of ASTM D6751 and EN 14214 standard specifications. However, the GC-MS analysis result revealed that the biodiesel produced was methyl ester and free other undesired products such as linoleic acid (33%), elaidic acid (29%) and palmitic acid (17%) and other biomolecules.

Conclusion: Based on the obtained results, Roselle seed oil had potential for biodiesel production due to its high contains of free fatty acids. Therefore, in the future, more investigations in alcohol: oil ratio and the concentration of catalyst may be warranted to increase the yield much more.
On A Class of Idealized Near-Rings Admitting Frobenius Derivations
Authors: Onyango Ojiema M. , Achieng Onyango B. , Motanya Abuga J.
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we use the idealization procedure for finite rings to construct a class of quasi-3 prime Near-Rings N with a Jordan ideal J(N) and admitting a Frobenius derivation. The structural characterization of N; J(N) and commutation of N via the Frobenius derivations have been explicitly determined.
Sickling Cells Inhibition and Radical Scavenging Activities of Zanthoxylum leprieurii’s (GUILL) Bark Extracts: Comparative Study
Authors: Tatiana K. M. Kplé , Akue J. Akakpo- , Yvette Fofié , Marcel Ahon Gnamien , Julien Golly Koffi , Mathieu Kra Adou Koffi , Ibrahime Sanogo , Chiayé C. A. Yapo-Crezoit
Published: July 2020

Aims: In traditional medicine, several plant species from Rutaceae’s family have been used to treat sickle cell anemia. However, more studies are needed to corroborate the antisickling activity of Zanthoxylum leprieurii species. The objective of this paper was to evaluate the sickling cell inhibition and radical scavenging activities of hydroethanolic and aqueous extracts of Zanthoxylum leprieurii’s bark, a plant species used in the management of sickle cell anemia in eastern Côte d’Ivoire.

Methods: Hydroethanolic and aqueous extracts of the stem bark of Zanthoxylum leprieurii were prepared. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical tests were carried out. In addition, diphenyl 1, 2 picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) was used to determine the antioxidant potential of these two extracts. The antisickling activity of two extracts was determined by the Emmel method.

Results and Discussion: Zanthoxylum leprieurii’s barkextracts have demonstrated antioxidant property. The IC50 value of the hydroethanolic extract (0.308±0.06) was lower than that of the decocted (0.434 ±0.06). At 10 mg/mL, the sickling cell inhibition of DZL was 81% ±2.66 while EZL was 89% ±0.44. The presence of alkaloids, sterols, Polyterpenes and phenolic compounds in both extracts could explain the sickling inhibition activity of these extracts. All the extracts revealed an antioxidant and antisickling activities higher than the standard.

Conclusion: The hydroethanolic extract (EZL) demonstrated a higher antisickling activity and exhibited a better free radical scavenging activity. The use of Zanthoxylum leprieurii’s bark in the traditional management of sickle cell anemia is justified.
Comparison between OrbscanIIz, Pentacam, Ultrasound Pachymetry (Tomey SP-100) at Different Stages of Keratoconus
Authors: Pateras E. , Koufala Ch.
Published: July 2020

Aims: To compare results of OrbscanIIz and Pentacam and Ultrasound pachymetry at different stages of keratoconus on corneal thickness.

Sample and Study Design: 94 keratoconic patients participated in the study, of which 52 were men and 42 women. Keratoconus patients were measured with OrbscanIIz, Pentacam and Ultrasound pachymetry in pre-operation examinations for corneal collagen cross-linking. The patients belong to different keratoconus stages.

Place and Duration of Study: University of West Attica Dept Biomedical Sciensce Course Optics & Optometry in collaboration with Athens “Ophthalmologico” Clinic during the period between October 2017 to January 2019.

Methodology: Corneal Pachymetry maps correlation of three types of corneal pachymeters OrbscanIIz, Pentacam and Ultrasound pachymetry (Tomey SP-100 Pachymeter). The measurements of the thinnest point of the cornea from each patient were collected at different stages of keratoconus and compared.

Results: A sample of 188 eyes were measured at different stages of keratoconus and compared for the thinnest corneal thickness with three different measurement systems, OrbscanIIz ,Pentacam and Ultrasound pachymetry. At sublinical stage Orbscan-Pentacam had Correlation coefficient r=0,7971, Orbscan-Ultrasound r=0,7483 and Pentacam-Ultrasound r=0,9442. At 1st stage Orbscan-Pentacam had Correlation coefficient r=0,8913, Orbscan-Ultrasound r=0,8151 and Pentacam-Ultrasound r=0,8151. At 2nd stage Orbscan-Pentacam had Correlation coefficient r=0,9339, Orbscan-Ultrasound r=0,8819 and Pentacam-Ultrasound r=0,9633. For 3rd stage Orbscan-Pentacam had Correlation coefficient r=0,8317, Orbscan-Ultrasound r=0,8457 and Pentacam-Ultrasound r=0,9633. For 4th stage Orbscan-Pentacam had Correlation coefficient r=-0,4655, Orbscan-Ultrasound r=0,3089 and Pentacam-Ultrasound r=0,9633. In Iatrogenic keratoectasiaafter refractive surgery Orbscan-Pentacam had Correlation coefficient r=0,9327, Orbscan-Ultrasound r=0,3089 and Pentacam-Ultrasound r=0,9859.

Conclusion: Statistical differences between OrbscanIIz, Pentacam and Ultrasound pachymetry were found for corneal thickness in all stages of keratoconus for the thinnest point measured. Orbscan-Pentacam have statistical significant differences but weak to moderate correlation. Orbscan-Ultasound have also statistical significant differences their correlation is very weak, while Pentacam-Ultrasound have statistical significant differences smaller as the previous but their correlation is very strong at all stages of keratoconus.
Light‐Responsive Inorganic Biomaterials for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Lee Hung Pang , Gaharwar Akhilesh K.
Published: July 2020

Light‐responsive inorganic biomaterials are an emerging class of materials used for developing noninvasive, noncontact, precise, and controllable medical devices in a wide range of biomedical applications, including photothermal therapy, photodynamic therapy, drug delivery, and regenerative medicine. Herein, a range of biomaterials is discussed, including carbon‐based nanomaterials, gold nanoparticles, graphite carbon nitride, transition metal dichalcogenides, and up‐conversion nanoparticles that are used in the design of light‐responsive medical devices. The importance of these light‐responsive biomaterials is explored to design light‐guided nanovehicle, modulate cellular behavior, as well as regulate extracellular microenvironments. Additionally, future perspectives on the clinical use of light‐responsive biomaterials are highlighted.
Accelerated Amyloid Beta Pathogenesis by Bacterial Amyloid FapC
Authors: Javed Ibrahim , Zhang Zhenzhen , Adamcik Jozef , Andrikopoulos Nicholas , Li Yuhuan , Otzen Daniel E. , Lin Sijie , Mezzenga Raffaele , Davis Thomas P. , Ding Feng , Ke Pu Chun
Published: July 2020

The gut–brain axis has attracted increasing attention in recent years, fueled by accumulating symptomatic, physiological, and pathological findings. In this study, the aggregation and toxicity of amyloid beta (Aβ), the pathogenic peptide associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD), seeded by FapC amyloid fragments (FapCS) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa that colonizes the gut microbiome through infections are examined. FapCS display favorable binding with Aβ and a catalytic capacity in seeding the peptide amyloidosis. Upon seeding, twisted Aβ fibrils assume a much‐shortened periodicity approximating that of FapC fibrils, accompanied by a 37% sharp rise in the fibrillar diameter, compared with the control. The robust seeding capacity for Aβ by FapCS and the biofilm fragments derived from P. aeruginosa entail abnormal behavior pathology and immunohistology, as well as impaired cognitive function of zebrafish. Together, the data offer the first concrete evidence of structural integration and inheritance in peptide cross‐seeding, a crucial knowledge gap in understanding the pathological correlations between different amyloid diseases. The catalytic role of infectious bacteria in promoting Aβ amyloidosis may be exploited as a potential therapeutic target, while the altered mesoscopic signatures of Aβ fibrils may serve as a prototype for molecular assembly and a biomarker for screening bacterial infections in AD.
CsZn2BO3X2 (X2=F2, Cl2, and FCl): A Series of Beryllium‐Free Deep‐Ultraviolet Nonlinear‐Optical Crystals with Excellent Properties
Authors: Zhou Jinjie , Liu Youquan , Wu Hongping , Yu Hongwei , Lin Zheshuai , Hu Zhanggui , Wang Jiyang , Wu Yicheng
Published: July 2020

Designing deep‐ultraviolet (DUV) nonlinear‐optical (NLO) crystals is one of the major current research interests, but it faces a great challenge. In order to overcome the problem of crystal growth and the toxicity of BeO raw materials in KBe2BO3F2 (KBBF), the only applicable DUV NLO crystal so far, we substitute Be2+ cations with Zn2+ in the KBBF structure and modify the halogen anions, by which three new Zn‐containing KBBF‐like compounds, CsZn2BO3X2 (X2=F2, Cl2, and FCl), have been successfully synthesized. They all exhibit excellent NLO properties, including improved SHG responses (2.8–3.5×KDP) and short UV cut‐off edges (<190 nm). In comparison with KBBF, CsZn2BO3X2 (X2=F2, Cl2, and FCl) are all chemically benign and have better growth habits, so they are all promising as DUV NLO crystals. Further study on structure–property relationships indicates that the mixing of halogen anions is a feasible strategy to enhance the SHG responses of the KBBF family.
Unlocking Access to Enantiopure Fused Uracils by Chemodivergent [4+2] Cross‐Cycloadditions: DFT‐Supported Homo‐Synergistic Organocatalytic Approach
Authors: Curti Claudio , Rassu Gloria , Lombardo Marco , Zambrano Vincenzo , Pinna Luigi , Battistini Lucia , Sartori Andrea , Pelosi Giorgio , Zanardi Franca
Published: July 2020

The discovery of chemical methods enabling the construction of carbocycle‐fused uracils which embody a three‐dimensional and functional‐group‐rich architecture is a useful tool in medicinal chemistry oriented synthesis. In this work, an unprecedented amine‐catalyzed [4+2] cross‐cycloaddition is documented; it involves remotely enolizable 6‐methyluracil‐5‐carbaldehydes and β‐aryl enals, and chemoselectively produces two novel bicyclic and tricyclic fused uracil chemotypes in good yields with a maximum level of enantiocontrol. In‐depth mechanistic investigations and control experiments support an intriguing homo‐synergistic organocatalytic approach, where the same amine organocatalyst concomitantly engages both aldehyde partners in a stepwise eliminative [4+2] cycloaddition, whose vinylogous iminium ion intermediate product may diverge—depending upon conditions—to either bicyclic targets by hydrolysis or tricyclic products by a second homo‐synergistic trienamine‐mediated stepwise [4+2] cycloaddition.
A common grade table inspiring meaningful feedback
Authors: Harrison Frank
Published: July 2020

The use of the 1–4 grading scale is gaining popularity as schools transition to competency‐based education. However, independent interpretations and percentage conversions have led to general confusion and sometimes outright rejection of competency‐based assessment. The first step to establish clear communication is to anchor the existing four‐point GPA scale in cognitive performance, which provides a strong framework for improved student engagement. Applied research into the learning brain is shifting classroom expectations to actively engage learners with stimulating cognitive challenges, such as synthesis and creative transfer. When the cognitive performance curve is consistently applied in the development of assessment rubrics, educators will provide stronger analytical feedback through meaningful common grades.
Chalcogen‐Transfer Rearrangement: Exploring Inter‐ versus Intramolecular P−P Bond Activation
Authors: Franz Roman , Nasemann Sina , Bruhn Clemens , Kelemen Zsolt , Pietschnig Rudolf
Published: July 2020

tert‐Butyl‐substituted diphospha[2]ferrocenophane has been used as a stereochemically confined diphosphane to explore the addition of O, S, Se and Te. Although the diphosphanylchalcogane has been obtained for tellurium, all other chalcogens give diphosphane monochalcogenides. The latter transform via chalcogen‐transfer rearrangement to the corresponding diphosphanylchalcoganes upon heating. The kinetics of this rearrangement has been followed with NMR spectroscopy supported by DFT calculations. Intermediates during rearrangement point to a disproportionation/synproportionation mechanism for the S and Se derivatives. Cyclic voltammetry together with DFT studies indicate ferrocene‐centred oxidation for most of the compounds presented.
Turning Photons into Drugs: Phthalocyanine‐Based Photosensitizers as Efficient Photoantimicrobials
Authors: Galstyan Anzhela
Published: July 2020

One of the most promising alternatives for treating bacterial infections is antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT), making the synthesis and application of new photoactive compounds called photosensitizers (PS) a dynamic research field. In this regard, phthalocyanine (Pc) derivatives offer great opportunities due to their extraordinary light‐harvesting and tunable electronic properties, structural versatility, and stability. This Review, rather than focusing on synthetic strategies, intends to overview current progress in the structural design strategies for Pcs that could achieve effective photoinactivation of microorganisms. In addition, the Review provides a concise look into the recent developments and applications of nanocarrier‐based Pc delivery systems.
Isolated Cobalt Ions Embedded in Magnesium Oxide Nanostructures: Spectroscopic Properties and Redox Activity
Authors: Schwab Thomas , Niedermaier Matthias , Zickler Gregor A. , Ončák Milan , Diwald Oliver
Published: July 2020

Atomic dispersion of dopants and control over their defect chemistry are central goals in the development of oxide nanoparticles for functional materials with dedicated electronic, optical or magnetic properties. We produced highly dispersed oxide nanocubes with atomic distribution of cobalt ions in substitutional sites of the MgO host lattice via metal organic chemical vapor synthesis. Vacuum annealing of the nanoparticle powders up to 1173 K has no effect on the shape of the individual particles and only leads to moderate particle coarsening. Such materials processing, however, gives rise to the electronic reduction of particle surfaces, which—upon O2 admission—stabilize anionic oxygen radicals that are accessible to UV/Vis diffuse reflectance and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Multi‐reference quantum chemical calculations show that the optical bands observed mainly originate from transitions into 4A2g (4F), 4T1g (4P) states with a contribution of transitions into 2T1g, 2T2g (2G) states through spin‐orbit coupling and gain intensity through vibrational motion of the MgO lattice or the asymmetric ion field. Related nanostructures are a promising material system for single atomic site catalysis. At the same time, it represents an extremely valuable model system for the study of interfacial electron transfer processes that are key to nanoparticle chemistry and photochemistry at room temperature, and in heterogeneous catalysis.
Terminal Alkyne Coupling Reactions Through a Ring: Effect of Ring Size on Rate and Regioselectivity
Authors: Storey Caroline M. , Gyton Matthew R. , Andrew Rhiann E. , Chaplin Adrian B.
Published: July 2020

Terminal alkyne coupling reactions promoted by rhodium(I) complexes of macrocyclic NHC‐based pincer ligands—which feature dodecamethylene, tetradecamethylene or hexadecamethylene wingtip linkers viz. [Rh(CNC‐n)(C2H4)][BArF4] (n=12, 14, 16; ArF=3,5‐(CF3)2C6H3)—have been investigated, using the bulky alkynes HC≡CtBu and HC≡CAr’ (Ar’=3,5‐tBu2C6H3) as substrates. These stoichiometric reactions proceed with formation of rhodium(III) alkynyl alkenyl derivatives and produce rhodium(I) complexes of conjugated 1,3‐enynes by C−C bond reductive elimination through the annulus of the ancillary ligand. The intermediates are formed with orthogonal regioselectivity, with E‐alkenyl complexes derived from HC≡CtBu and gem‐alkenyl complexes derived from HC≡CAr’, and the reductive elimination step is appreciably affected by the ring size of the macrocycle. For the homocoupling of HC≡CtBu, E‐tBuC≡CCH=CHtBu is produced via direct reductive elimination from the corresponding rhodium(III) alkynyl E‐alkenyl derivatives with increasing efficacy as the ring is expanded. In contrast, direct reductive elimination of Ar'C≡CC(=CH2)Ar’ is encumbered relative to head‐to‐head coupling of HC≡CAr’ and it is only with the largest macrocyclic ligand studied that the two processes are competitive. These results showcase how macrocyclic ligands can be used to interrogate the mechanism and tune the outcome of terminal alkyne coupling reactions, and are discussed with reference to catalytic reactions mediated by the acyclic homologue [Rh(CNC‐Me)(C2H4)][BArF4] and solvent effects.
Photoregulation of Gene Expression with Amantadine‐Modified Caged siRNAs through Host–Guest Interactions
Authors: Zhang Jinhao , Jing Nannan , Fan Xinli , Tang Xinjing
Published: July 2020

RNA interference is an essential and powerful tool for targeting and verifying specific gene functions. Conditional control of small interfering RNA (siRNA) activity, especially using light activation, is a potential method for regulating target gene expression and functions. In this study, a series of photolabile siRNAs with amantadine modification have been rationally designed and developed through host–guest interactions between amantadine and β‐cyclodextrin derivatives to enhance the blocking effect of siRNA binding and/or RNA‐induced silencing complex processing. These caged siRNAs with amantadine modification at the 5′ end of antisense‐strand RNA were efficiently inactivated through the host–guest interactions between amantadine and β‐cyclodextrin. Photomodulation of the gene silencing activity of these amantadine‐modified caged siRNAs targeting both exogenous and endogenous genes was successfully achieved, which indicates that host–guest interactions could be a new strategy for developing new caged siRNAs for gene photoregulation with low leaking activity.
Colorectal cancer risk based on extended family history and body mass index
Authors: Ochs‐Balcom Heather M. , Kanth Priyanka , Farnham James M. , Abdelrahman Samir , Cannon‐Albright Lisa A.
Published: July 2020

Family history and body mass index (BMI) are well‐known risk factors for colorectal cancer (CRC), however, their joint effects are not well described. Using linked data for genealogy, self‐reported height and weight from driver's licenses, and the Utah Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End‐Results cancer registry, we found that an increasing number of first‐degree relatives (FDR) with CRC is associated with higher standardized incidence ratio (SIR) for overweight/obese probands but not for under/normal weight probands. For probands with two CRC‐affected FDRs, the SIR = 1.91 (95% CI [0.52, 4.89]) for under/normal weight probands and SIR = 4.31 (95% CI [2.46, 7.00]) for overweight/obese probands. In the absence of CRC‐affected FDRs, any number of CRC‐affected SDRs did not significantly increase CRC risk for under/normal weight probands, but for overweight/obese probands with at least three CRC‐affected SDRs the SIR = 2.68 (95% CI [1.29, 4.93]). In the absence of CRC‐affected FDRs and SDRs, any number of CRC‐affected third‐degree relatives (TDRs) did not increase risk in under/normal weight probands, but significantly elevated risk for overweight/obese probands with at least two CRC‐affected TDRs was observed; SIR = 1.32 (95% CI [1.04, 1.65]). For nonsyndromic CRC, maximum midlife BMI affects risk based on family history and should be taken into account for CRC risk communication when possible.
Turning rural villages into the home front for social stability—Examination of coronavirus disease 2019 control experiences in rural areas in China
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyan , Xiang Chen
Published: July 2020

Since the outbreak of COVID‐19, the disease has continued to spread and countries around the world have been plagued by its causal agent, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). In the comprehensive fight against the SARS‐CoV‐2, China has taken a series of important measures, achieved major victories in safeguarding people's lives and health, and accumulated important experience. Rural epidemic prevention and control is a basic part of the entire prevention and control system, with certain particularities. This study summarizes China's experience in preventing and controlling COVID‐19 and the local measures taken to effectively prevent the spread of the disease in rural areas. All countries worldwide can learn from China's experience and take measures according to their own national and local conditions to effectively achieve the rural prevention and control of COVID‐19. Meanwhile, the crisis itself can be viewed as a new opportunity for rural development.
The impact of COVID‐19 on services for people affected by sexual and gender‐based violence
Authors: Johnson Katy , Green Lindsey , Volpellier Muriel , Kidenda Suzanne , McHale Thomas , Naimer Karen , Mishori Ranit
Published: July 2020

Sexual and gender‐based violence (SGBV), and particularly intimate partner violence (IPV), has spiked dramatically during the COVID‐19 pandemic. At the same time, the pandemic is impacting and interrupting SGBV and IPV services of all kinds. This paper focuses on the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on clinical care and forensic medical documentation for SGBV survivors, including an analysis of the response in the UK and Kenya, and provides recommendations for safe implementation of these services during the pandemic.
Benefits and tradeoffs of reduced tillage and manure application methods in a Zea mays silage system
Authors: Dittmer Kyle M. , Darby Heather M. , Goeschel Tyler R. , Adair E. Carol
Published: July 2020

A critical question is whether there are agricultural management practices that can attain the multiple management goals of increasing yields, preventing nutrient losses, and suppressing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. No‐till and manure application methods, such as manure injection, can enhance nutrient retention, but both may also enhance emissions of nitrous oxide (N2O), a powerful GHG. We assessed differences in soil N2O and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, nitrate and ammonium retention, and crop yield and protein content under combinations of vertical‐till, no‐till, manure injection, and manure broadcast without incorporation in a corn (Zea mays L.) silage system. During the growing seasons of 2015–2017, GHG emissions and soil mineral nitrogen (N) were measured every other week or more frequently after management events. Crop yield and protein content were measured annually at harvest. No‐till reduced CO2 emissions but had no impact on N2O emissions relative to vertical‐till. Manure injection increased N2O and CO2 emissions, with the magnitude of this effect being greatest for 1 mo post‐application. Manure injection also increased soil ammonium and nitrate but did not increase yield or crop quality relative to broadcast application. Similarly, tillage did not affect crop yield or protein content. Despite the tradeoffs between mineral N retention and elevated GHG emissions, manure injection in no‐till systems benefits farmers by reducing soil carbon losses as CO2, retaining mineral N, and maintaining crop yields and quality.
The purinergic P2X7 receptor as a potential drug target to combat neuroinflammation in neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Calzaferri Francesco , Ruiz‐Ruiz Cristina , de Diego Antonio M. G. , de Pascual Ricardo , Méndez‐López Iago , Cano‐Abad María F. , Maneu Victoria , de los Ríos Cristóbal , Gandía Luis , García Antonio G.
Published: July 2020

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) represent a huge social burden, particularly in Alzheimer's disease (AD) in which all proposed treatments investigated in murine models have failed during clinical trials (CTs). Thus, novel therapeutic strategies remain crucial. Neuroinflammation is a common pathogenic feature of NDDs. As purinergic P2X7 receptors (P2X7Rs) are gatekeepers of inflammation, they could be developed as drug targets for NDDs. Herein, we review this challenging hypothesis and comment on the numerous studies that have investigated P2X7Rs, emphasizing their molecular structure and functions, as well as their role in inflammation. Then, we elaborate on research undertaken in the field of medicinal chemistry to determine potential P2X7R antagonists. Subsequently, we review the state of neuroinflammation and P2X7R expression in the brain, in animal models and patients suffering from AD, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease, multiple sclerosis, and retinal degeneration. Next, we summarize the in vivo studies testing the hypothesis that by mitigating neuroinflammation, P2X7R blockers afford neuroprotection, increasing neuroplasticity and neuronal repair in animal models of NDDs. Finally, we reviewed previous and ongoing CTs investigating compounds directed toward targets associated with NDDs; we propose that CTs with P2X7R antagonists should be initiated. Despite the high expectations for putative P2X7Rs antagonists in various central nervous system diseases, the field is moving forward at a relatively slow pace, presumably due to the complexity of P2X7Rs. A better pharmacological approach to combat NDDs would be a dual strategy, combining P2X7R antagonism with drugs targeting a selective pathway in a given NDD.
Optimizing parameters of graphene derivatives synthesis by modified improved Hummers
Authors: Esencan Turkaslan Banu , Filiz Aydin Mihrace
Published: July 2020

Owing to their remarkable chemical, electrical, and mechanical properties graphene and its derivatives, reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and graphene oxide (GO) have been attracting increasing interest in nanoscience and nanotechnology. In order to be successful in the scientific, commercial, and clinical fields for graphene and its derivatives, it is very important to control the content of this material in the production, aggregation state (single or multi layers) and to optimize the parameters of synthesis. The major factor that determines the properties of rGO is the content of GO and the agents used in reduction processes. Different Hummers methods are used for the synthesis of GO nanoparticles. The most important difference that distinguishes the improved Hummers method from others is sodium nitrate (NaNO3). The common features of all the studies, in which the synthesis of GO is accomplished with the green chemistry approach, are lack of elemental analysis results and aggregation states (single vs. few layers) in the characterization part. In this work, it is aimed to obtain graphene derivatives by using modified improved Hummers methods without using NaNO3, excess potassium manganate(VII) (KMnO4), extra acid and reduced by D(+) glucose and L‐ascorbic acid (L‐AA) which is a green reductant.
COVID‐19–associated Guillain‐Barré syndrome: The early pandemic experience
Authors: Caress James B. , Castoro Ryan J. , Simmons Zachary , Scelsa Stephen N. , Lewis Richard A. , Ahlawat Aditi , Narayanaswami Pushpa
Published: July 2020

Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS) is an inflammatory polyradiculoneuropathy associated with numerous viral infections. Recently, there have been many case reports describing the association between coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) and GBS, but much remains unknown about the strength of the association and the features of GBS in this setting. We reviewed 37 published cases of GBS associated with COVID‐19 to summarize this information for clinicians and to determine whether a specific clinical or electrodiagnostic (EDx) pattern is emerging. The mean age (59 years), gender (65% male), and COVID‐19 features appeared to reflect those of hospitalized COVID‐19 patients early in the pandemic. The mean time from COVID‐19 symptoms to GBS symptoms was 11 days. The clinical presentation and severity of these GBS cases was similar to those with non–COVID‐19 GBS. The EDx pattern was considered demyelinating in approximately half of the cases. Cerebrospinal fluid, when assessed, demonstrated albuminocytologic dissociation in 76% of patients and was negative for severe acute respiratory distress syndrome–coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) in all cases. Serum antiganglioside antibodies were absent in 15 of 17 patients tested. Most patients were treated with a single course of intravenous immunoglobulin, and improvement was noted within 8 weeks in most cases. GBS‐associated COVID‐19 appears to be an uncommon condition with similar clinical and EDx patterns to GBS before the pandemic. Future studies should compare patients with COVID‐19–associated GBS to those with contemporaneous non–COVID‐19 GBS and determine whether the incidence of GBS is elevated in those with COVID‐19.
Visual Perception Adaptive Image Processing for HD Microdisplay
Authors: Chen Yuansheng , Song Yuansheng , Chen Wendong , Mu Tingzhou , Ji Yuan
Published: July 2020

With the development of 5G networks, a new wave of development is ushered in the field of virtual reality (VR). The small physical size, lightweight, low power consumption, and high brightness make microdisplays the core components of VR. In order to improve the user's immersive experience and reduce the screen window effect, microdisplays are required to have higher pixel density and faster refresh speeds. However, this demand results in a large amount of data transmission and poor real‐time rendering of image information. When the human eye observes an image, the gaze point changes due to the interest of the viewer. To solve this problem, we propose an image compression algorithm based on visual perception adaptation to reduce data transmission bandwidth. The experimental results show that when sight distance is 2, the maximum comprehensive compression ratio is 42.834, the minimum comprehensive compression ratio is 11.415, the minimum clock frequency is 17.033MHz, and the maximum clock frequency is 63.916MHz. The algorithm effectively reduces the data transmission bandwidth and meets the real‐time rendering of VR application, and the rendering effect is good.
3 μm a‐Si TFT Technology for High‐Performance and Cost‐Effective Liquid Crystal Displays
Authors: Chen Yani , Zhuang Jiaqing , Xu Hongyuan , Jiang Zhixiong , Ou Tian , Hu Daobin , Wang Jinjie , Zhang Shengdong
Published: July 2020

Herein, we successfully demonstrate the implement of 3µm channel length of a‐Si TFT process on 55” LCD panels, which facilitates to remarkably reduce the thickness of gate insulator and metal and the manufacture time without sacrificing the display quality, leading to the well balance between “low‐cost” and “high image quality”.
Study on Influential Factors of Image Quality for Laser Projection Television
Authors: Wang Feixia , Li Xiaohua , Wang Junyi , Tu Yan , Liu Xianrong , Gao Yuling , Tian Youliang , Wang Yedong , Liu Weidong , Dong Yuzhen
Published: July 2020

There are some important attributes influencing image quality of the laser projection television, such as white level, black level, color saturation, and contour rendering. In this paper, just noticeable differences of these four attributes are measured by the method of the two alternative forced choice with the staircase method of 1 up 2 down. The similarities and differences of just noticeable differences of the four attributes between laser projection television and liquid crystal display are compared and analyzed. Based on experimental results, a subjective image quality evaluation model can be established, which is helpful for the optimization of image quality.
Stability of Polymer‐based Electrochromic Devices
Authors: Sun TianHao , Qiu ChengFeng , Wang Guangming , Wang Jian
Published: July 2020

In this paper, the influence of some external conditions (such as temperature and light intensity) on the stability of electrochromic devices is studied, and the calculation method of device transparency Y is given. By building a test platform and simulating the external conditions, the relationship between transparency Y and time in different initial states of the device is drawn. Finally, with the increasing of temperature and light intensity, the decay speed of the device is accelerated.
The Theoretical Prediction to the Lens Mura in Displays with High Resolution
Authors: Yi Ningbo
Published: July 2020

In this paper, the theoretical prediction to the lens mura was put up according to charge conservation. This theoretical mechanism could understand lens mura totally and give a guide to solving the lens mura from electrical characteristics.
A New LC Integrated Supply System for LC Inkjet
Authors: Ma Guanghe , Shen Xianghe , Wang Biao , Feng Xiaoyu , Ding Yong , Tian Zhenxu , Yuan Chao , Chen Duan , Li Juan , Han Haibin
Published: July 2020

In TFT‐LCD industry the LC (liquid crystal) dropping equipment of ODF process uses 500ml / 1000ml glass bottle to supply LC coating head separately to realize LC supply. This supply mode can realize the flexible replacement of liquid crystal in the display production line below G6. Nowadays with the development of G10.5 lines, this supply mode is gradually limited: the increase of liquid crystal consumption leads to frequent replacement of liquid crystal bottle and longer equipment maintenance time, resulting the decrease of equipment's run time and increase the risk of bringing in external particles. In high generation lines more head number in one equipment needs more liquid crystal bottles, which causes more waste of liquid crystal and higher cost. In this paper a new LC Integrated supply system for LC Inkjet is introduced, which reduces the loss and increases the equipment's run rate.
Redox Responsive Metal Organic Framework Nanoparticles Induces Ferroptosis for Cancer Therapy
Authors: He Haozhe , Du Lihua , Guo Huanling , An Yongcheng , Lu Liejing , Chen Yali , Wang Yong , Zhong Huihai , Shen Jun , Wu Jun , Shuai Xintao
Published: July 2020

Ferroptosis is attracting significant attention due to its effectiveness in tumor treatment. The efficiency to produce toxic lipid peroxides (LPOs) at the tumor site plays a key role in ferroptosis. A hybrid PFP@Fe/Cu‐SS metal organic framework (MOF) is synthesized and shown to increase intratumoral LPO content through redox reactions generating ·OH. In addition, glutathione (GSH) depletion through disulfide‐thiol exchange leads to the inactivation of glutathione peroxide 4 (GPX4), which results in a further increase in LPO content. This MOF exhibits high inhibitory effect on the growth of xenografted Huh‐7 tumors in mice. The coadministration of a ferroptosis inhibitor reduces the antitumor effect of the MOF, leading to a restoration of GPX4 activity and an increase in tumor growth. Moreover, the construction of Cu into mesoporous PFP@Fe/Cu‐SS not only allows the MOF to be used as a contrast agent for T1‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging, but also renders its photothermal conversion capacity. Thus, near‐infrared irradiation is able to induce photothermal therapy and transform the encapsulated liquid perfluoropentane into microbubbles for ultrasound imaging.
Evaluating shortfalls and spatial accuracy of biodiversity documentation in the Atlantic Forest, the most diverse and threatened Brazilian phytogeographic domain
Authors: Colli‐Silva Matheus , Reginato Marcelo , Cabral Andressa , Forzza Rafaela Campostrini , Pirani José Rubens , Vasconcelos Thais N. da C.
Published: July 2020

Digital accessible knowledge of biodiversity data is an increasingly important source of information in studies of biogeography and conservation. These databases can also reveal temporal, spatial and taxonomical gaps in biodiversity documentation, even in areas that have been intensively studied and from where accurate species lists are available. Therefore, revealing these gaps may help allocating collecting efforts, conservation priorities and strategies for improving database curation. Here, we evaluate potential shortfalls for flowering plants in a tropical hotspot, the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, by cross‐referencing two online repositories of biodiversity data (the Global Biodiversity Information Facility – GBIF – and the Brazilian Flora 2020 floristic database – BFG). We aimed to evaluate the congruence between those repositories, highlighting tendencies in current documentation for this area. We found that from the 7220 reported flowering plant species endemics to the Atlantic Forest, 1573 (22%) have no valid spatial data in GBIF, and 75% of all of the 605,951 records do not present valid spatial information. Most of the missing information is related to species known only from few and old collections with absent or inaccurately georeferenced data. This lack of information may cause a large impact in spatial studies, especially for rare and threatened species. Nevertheless, our analysis also shows that spatial information for the filtered data is highly congruent between GBIF and BFG data, indicating relatively high availability of quality data in large repositories after standard and automatized cleaning procedures. Still, good practices to decrease the impact of losing data are recommended, including more investment in field collections, targeting poorly known species and returning cleaned spatial datasets to online repositories after taxonomic revisions.
Inactivation of Bacteria in Water by Pulsed Power Injection
Authors: Sato Shouta , Takesono Satoshi , Imada Go
Published: July 2020

Inactivation of bacteria in water is demonstrated by using the pulsed‐power method. A large number of micro bubbles are successfully produced by injecting the pulsed power into the water, and then, shock waves are generated with collapse of the bubbles and the instantaneous heating of the water. The synergistic effect of the shock waves, electric shock, and radicals produced by electrical discharge may enhance the inactivation of bacteria. Bacillus subtilis as bacteria are released into the water in a water vessel. We found that 97% of the bacteria are inactivated by firing 100 shots of the pulsed‐power injection. The gross energy efficiency for inactivation reaches (0.6–8.8) × 1012 CFU/kWh. © 2020 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Electric and magnetic poling effects on two equal collinear semi‐permeable cracks in magneto‐electro‐elastic materials
Authors: Jangid Kamlesh
Published: July 2020

In this paper, the problem of two equal collinear semi‐permeable cracks is analytically studied for two‐dimensional arbitrarily polarized magneto‐electro‐elastic materials. The electric and magnetic poling directions make arbitrary angles with the crack line. Stroh's formalism and complex variable methodology are utilized to reduce the problem into non‐homogeneous Riemann–Hilbert problem. This numerical problem is then comprehended with the Riemann–Hilbert way to obtain the stress, electric displacement, and magnetic induction components at any point in the domain. The explicit expressions for the crack opening displacement, crack opening potential drop, crack opening induction drop, and the intensity factors are derived. A numerical contextual analysis is displayed for the composite. The numerical examination demonstrates that the change in electric/magnetic poling directions influences the different crack parameters.
Custom total knee arthroplasty facilitates restoration of constitutional coronal alignment
Authors: Bonnin Michel P. , Beckers Lucas , Leon Augustin , Chauveau Jules , Müller Jacobus H. , Tibesku Carsten O. , Aït-Si-Selmi Tarik
Published: July 2020

Purpose

To describe a strategy for coronal alignment using a computed tomography (CT) based custom total knee arthroplasty (TKA) system, and to evaluate the agreement between the planned and postoperative Hip–Knee–Ankle (HKA) angle, Femoral Mechanical Angle (FMA) and Tibial Mechanical Angle (TMA).

Methods

From a consecutive series of 918 primary TKAs, 266 (29%) knees received CT-based posterior-stabilized cemented custom TKA. In addition to a preoperative CT-scan, pre- and post-operative radiographs of weight-bearing long leg, anterior–posterior and lateral views of the knee were obtained, on which the FMA, TMA and HKA angles were measured. CT-based three-dimensional (3D) models enabled to correct for cases with bony wear by referring to the non-worn areas and to estimate the native pre-arthritic angles. The alignment technique aimed to preserve or restore constitutional alignment (CA) within predetermined limits, by defining a ‘target zone’ based on three criteria: 1) a ± 3° (range 87°–93°) primary tolerance for the femoral and tibial resections; 2) a ± 2° secondary tolerance for component obliquity, extending the bounds for FMA and TMA (range 85°–95°); 3) a planned HKA angle range of 175°–183°. Agreement between preoperative, planned and postoperative measurements of FMA, TMA and HKA angle were calculated using intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC).

Results

Preoperative radiograph and CT-scan measurements revealed that, respectively, 73 (28%) and 103 (40%) knees were in the ‘target zone’, whereas postoperative radiographs revealed that 217 (84%) TKAs were in the ‘target zone’. Deviation from the planned angles were − 0.5° ± 1.8° for FMA, − 0.5° ± 1.8° for TMA, and − 1.1° ± 2.1° for HKA angle. Finally, the agreement between the planned and achieved targets, indicated by ICC, were good for FMA (0.701), fair for TMA (0.462) and fair for HKA angle (0.472).

Conclusion

Using this strategy for coronal alignment, 84% of custom TKAs were within the ‘target zone’ for FMA, TMA and HKA angles. These findings support the concepts of emerging personalized medicine technologies, and emphasise the importance of accurate strategies for preoperative planning, which are key to achieving satisfactory ‘personalised alignment’ that can further be improved by customisation of implant components.

Level of evidence

IV.
Long-term fate of etoposide-induced micronuclei and micronucleated cells in Hela-H2B-GFP cells
Authors: Reimann Hauke , Stopper Helga , Hintzsche Henning
Published: July 2020

Micronuclei are small nuclear cellular structures containing whole chromosomes or chromosomal fragments. While there is a lot of information available about the origin and formation of micronuclei, less is known about the fate of micronuclei and micronucleated cells. Possible fates include extrusion, degradation, reincorporation and persistence. Live cell imaging was performed to quantitatively analyse the fates of micronuclei and micronucleated cells occurring in vitro. Imaging was conducted for up to 96 h in HeLa-H2B-GFP cells treated with 0.5, 1 and 2 µg/ml etoposide. While a minority of micronuclei was reincorporated into the main nucleus during mitosis, the majority of micronuclei persisted without any alterations. Degradation and extrusion were observed rarely or never. The presence of micronuclei affected the proliferation of the daughter cells and also had an influence on cell death rates. Mitotic errors were found to be clearly increased in micronucleus-containing cells. The results show that micronuclei and micronucleated cells can, although delayed in cell cycle, sustain for multiple divisions.