bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Herbicides Application on Soil Physico-chemical Properties and Performance of Maize in Sudan Savanna Zone of Nigeria
Authors: Omar G. , Tasi’u B.
Published: March 2020

A multi-locational field trial was conducted at two locations (Orchard of the Bayero University Gezawa village in Gezawa Local Government area) in the Sudan savanna zone of Nigeria to investigate the effect of applications of paraquat and atrazine herbicides on soil physico-chemical properties and maize performance. Pre-planting and plot-by-plot soil samples was taken 24 hours after herbicides application, vegetative growth period, reproductive stage and at harvest were taken and subjected to routine analyses using standard laboratory methods. Crop growth and yield characters were measured using standard methods. The experiment consisted of 7 treatments laid out in a randomized complete block design replicated 3 times. Results indicated highly significant differences between the locations in the content of the sand, silt and clay separates but no significant differences were observed between the treatments. There were highly significant variations in soil reaction, electrical conductivity, organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus and all the exchangeable bases, except calcium at both locations. Soil reaction, electrical conductivity, organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium and cation exchange capacity showed no significant differences with all the treatments across the locations. Electrical conductivity, organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus and sodium were low across the locations but were higher at Bayero University Kano. The soils at both locations were generally acid. Thus, the soils at both locations were non-saline and non-sodic. Only the yield varied with the treatments. The highest yield was obtained at Bayero University Kano. Application of the highest treatment (4 kg/ha Atrazine + 4 kg/ha Paraquat was associated with high sand content and strong soil acidity). Combined application of 3 kg/ha Atrazine + 3 kg/a Paraquat was associated with low total nitrogen and exchangeable potassium and with the highest yield of maize. Application of Atrazine at 3 kg/ha corresponded with low organic carbon and low leaf area. Paraquat applied at 4 kg/ha was associated with very low concentration of exchangeable Na and moderate concentration of available P. Combined application of paraquat at 4 kg/ha was associated with low cation exchange capacity. Combined application of 3 kg/ha atrazine and 3 kg/ha paraquat is recommended for higher maize yield. Integrated soil fertility management is recommended in the study areas.
Genetic Improvement Strategy of Indigenous Cattle Breeds: Effect of Cattle Crossbreeding Program in Production Performances
Authors: Mekonnen Teweldemedhn , Tadesse Yosef , Meseret Selam
Published: March 2020

The aim of the review is to summarize the fragmented production performance information on the effects of cattle crossbreeding in different parts of the globe. Most studies indicated that cattle crossbreeding practices conducted under extensive management system for small scale dairy farms is attractive because the optimum requirement (50-62.5%) of exotic cattle blood level inheritance was maintained. However, most developing countries do not use systematic crossbreeding programme. For example, dairy cattle crossbreeding programme in Ethiopia lacks clear breeding policy regarding the breed type to be used and the level of exotic blood inheritance across different agro-ecology and production system. Heterosis is an essential advantage of crossbreeding and maximum heterosis is realized in the first cross (F1) of distinctly different breeds. The purpose of crossbreeding in beef cattle is partly to combine breed differences and partly to make use of heterosis to improve production. Heterosis is highest in F1 generation compared to F2, F3 and F4 crossbred generations. Therefore, terminal crossbreeding is very important in livestock production particularly in beef production. Holstein Friesian dairy cattle produce 40-60% lowered milk yield under tropical and subtropical conditions compared to temperate conditions, and this is due to the exposure of the animals to the different stress factors in the tropical and subtropical conditions. The review also revealed that crossbreeding programme has significant effect in birth weight because all F1 crossbred calves have highest birth weight compared to the purebred calves of Zebu, Sanga and Zenga breeds. Heterosis in a sound crossbreeding program could increase productivity in the beef cow herd by as much as 26% over a comparable straight breeding program. In general, crossbreeding in tropical countries is undertaken to combine superior hardiness, heat tolerance, disease tolerance and/or resistance and environmental adaptability of indigenous cattle with superior milk yield and faster growth rates of exotic temperate breeds. Crossbreeding is one tool to minimize the negative impacts of inbreeding depression in livestock sector. Through crossbreeding there is a chance to have highly productive and adapted breeds. Crossbreeding also affects milk fat and protein compositions of purebred cattle. However, if crossbreeding is indiscriminate and uncontrolled, it may result in poor production performance. Furthermore, a number of studies indicated that indiscriminate and uncontrolled crossbreeding is a major threat to sustainable conservation and utilization of indigenous cattle breeds. Therefore, crossbreeding must be introduced in controlled farms.
P-wave and QT Interval Dispersion Analysis in Children with End Stage Renal Disease on Regular Hemodialysis
Authors: Attia Mai , El-Nemr Shimaa , Abd-Elnabi Hend , Zoair Amr
Published: March 2020

Objectives: The consequences of hemodialysis on P-wave dispersion and QT dispersion have not been unequivocally documented and understood and may be complex. To investigate homogeneity disorders of atrial conduction and ventricular repolarization and tendency to develop various arrhythmias by demonstrating the effects of hemodialysis in children with end stage renal disease through assessment of P-wave dispersion and QT dispersion (By electrocardiograghy).

Methods: Twenty end stage renal disease patients on conventional hemodialysis for at least 12 months and twenty healthy, age and sex matched volunteers were included. Patients underwent echocardiography to exclude any abnormalities of cardiac valves or muscle. A 12-lead electrocardiogram was undertaken in order to measure minimal and maximal (P wave and QT interval) durations, P wave dispersion and QT dispersion.

Results: In patient group, males were 13, females were 7 with mean age of 11.9 ± 3.4 years, mean P wave dispersion and QT dispersion were significantly longer than control group. P wave dispersion was significantly shorter after dialysis (mean= 34 ± 13.1 ms) than before dialysis (mean=42.4 ± 14 ms), whereas QT dispersion was longer after dialysis (59 ± 19 ms) than before dialysis (55.5 ± 17 ms) but the differences in QT dispersion was not significant. Also, there was no correlation between neither P wave dispersion nor QT dispersion and the electrolytes.

Conclusion: P wave dispersion and QT dispersion was found to be higher in end stage renal disease children on regular hemodialysis than healthy control subjects, indicating heterogeneity disorders of atrial conduction and ventricular repolarization in these patients and tendency to develop various arrhythmias.
T
hermoanaerobaculia
Authors: Dedysh Svetlana N. , Lawson Paul
Published: March 2020

Ther.mo.an.a.e.ro.ba.cu'li.a. N.L. fem. pl. n.
Thermoanaerobaculales
type order of the class; ‐
ia
ending to denote a class; N.L. neut. pl. n.
Thermoanaerobaculia
the class of the order
Thermoanaerobaculales
.

Acidobacteria / Thermoanaerobaculia

The class
Thermoanaerobaculia
was circumscribed on the basis of phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences obtained from one cultured representative and several environmental clone sequences retrieved from terrestrial hot springs and thermal marine habitats. The class is equivalent to the former subdivision 23 of the phylum
Acidobacteria
and comprises the single order
Thermoanaerobaculales
, which consists of one family of anaerobic, thermophilic, chemoheterotrophic bacteria,
Thermoanaerobaculaceae
.
D
esulfarculaceae
Authors: Galushko Alexander , Kuever Jan
Published: March 2020

De.sulf.ar.cu.la.ce'ae. N.L. masc. n.
Desulfarculus,
type genus of the family; suff.
‐aceae,
ending to denote family; N.L. fem. pl. n.
Desulfarculaceae,
the family of
Desulfarculus
.

Desulfobacterota / Desulfarcalia / Desulfarculales / Desulfarculaceae

Cells are vibrio‐shaped which occur singly or in pairs. Gram‐stain‐negative. Endospores are not observed. Motile. Strict anaerobe with a respiratory or fermentative type of metabolism. Chemoorganoheterotroph or chemolithoautotroph. Substrate oxidation can be complete or incomplete. For complete oxidation, the anaerobic C
1
‐pathway (carbon monoxide dehydrogenase [CODH] pathway, Wood–Ljungdahl pathway) is used. In
Dethiosulfatarculus
, the same pathway is used for autotrophic growth on H
2
and CO
2
. Thiosulfate (all genera), sulfate (
Desulfarculus
and
Desulfocarbo
) and sulfite (Desulfarculus) are used as terminal electron acceptors and are reduced to H
2
S. Mesophilic and neutrophilic. The family currently comprises three genera
Desulfarculus
,
Desulfocarbo
, and
Dethiosulfatarculus
. The type genus of the family is
Desulfarculus
. Members of the family are found in various habitats including marine and freshwater systems.

DNA G + C content (mol%):
52–65.7 (genome).

Type genus:
Desulfarculus
Kuever et al. 2005c, VL107.
S
yntrophaceae
Authors: Galushko Alexander , Kuever Jan
Published: March 2020

Syn.tro.pha.ce'ae. N.L. masc. n.
Syntrophus,
type genus of the family; suff. ‐
aceae
, ending to denote a family; N.L. fem. pl. n.
Syntrophaceae
, the family of
Syntrophus
.

Desulfobacterota / Syntrophia / Syntrophales / Syntrophaceae

Cells are rod‐shaped which occur singly or in pairs. Gram‐stain‐negative. Endospores are not observed. Motility might occur. Strict anaerobes with a fermentative type of metabolism. Chemoorganoheterotrophic. Crotonate is fermented by all species, whereas aromatic compounds such as gentisate, hydroquinone, benzoate, and cinnamate are only fermented by some species. Some aromatic and nonaromatic substrates are only oxidized in the presence of H
2
/formate‐utilizing methanogenic or sulfate‐reducing prokaryotic partners. Substrate oxidation is incomplete and leads to acetate production. Mesophilic and neutrophilic. The family currently accommodates a single genus
Syntrophus
. Occur in anoxic freshwater sediment or sludge from anaerobic wastewater treatment facilities.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 51.5–54.6 (genome,
T
m
).

Type genus
:
Syntrophus
Mountfort et al. 1984
VP
.
D
esulfotomaculaceae

fam. nov.
Authors: Watanabe Miho , Fukui Manabu , Kuever Jan
Published: March 2020

De.sul.fo.to.mac.u.la.ce'ae. N.L. neut. n.
Desulfotomaculum
type genus of the family; suff.
‐aceae
ending to denote a family; N.L. fem. pl. n.
Desulfotomaculaceae
the family of
Desulfotomaculum
.

Desulfotomaculota (Firmicutes_B) / Desulfotomaculia / Desulfotomaculales /
Desulfotomaculaceae
fam. nov.

Cells are straight or slightly curved rods. Gram‐staining reaction varies within the genus
Desulforamulus
.
Desulfotomaculum
species stain Gram‐positive. Oval spores occur terminal or subterminal of cells. Motile by means of flagella. Strictly anaerobic, having a respiratory and fermentative type of metabolism. Thermophilic or mesophilic. Neutrophilic. NaCl is not essential for growth. Chemoorganoheterotrophic growth occurs using organic acids, alcohols, amino acids, and sugars.
Desulfotomaculum
species can utilize CO. Substrate oxidation is incomplete. For growth on H
2
and CO
2
(chemolithoheterotrophic growth) and formate, acetate is required. One member of
Desulforamulus
grows chemolithoautotrophically without acetate. Sulfate, sulfite, and thiosulfate are electron acceptors and are reduced to H
2
S. Grows fermentatively on organic acids or sugars. CO fermentation is observed with one strain of the genus
Desulfotomaculum
. Desulfoviridin is absent. The major cellular fatty acid composition varies with species, mainly including C
16:0
, iso‐C
15:0
, iso‐C
17:0
. Major menaquinone is MK‐7. The family currently accommodates two genera,
Desulfotomaculum
and
Desulforamulus
. The type strain of the genus
Desulfotomaculum
was isolated from freshwater in the Netherlands (Table 1).

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 42.9–52.4 (LC,
T
m
); 42.3–49.5 (genome).

Type genus
:
Desulfotomaculum
Campbell and Postgate 1965
AL
.
Salinicola
Authors: Plotnikova Elena G. , Anan'ina Lyudmila N. , Ariskina Elena V. , Evtushenko Lyudmila I.
Published: March 2020

Sa.li.ni'co.la. L. fem. pl. n.salinaesalterns, salt works; N.L. suff. ‐cola(from L. masc. or fem. n.incola), inhabitant; N.L. masc. n.Salinicola,inhabitant of salterns.

Proteobacteria / Gammaproteobacteria / Oceanospirillales / Halomonadaceae / Salinicola

The genusSalinicola, classified within the familyHalomonadaceae, orderOceanospirillales, and in the classGammaproteobacteria, currently includes 12 species with validly published names. Cells are Gram‐stain‐negative, nonsporulating rods, motile by means of a single lateral/subpolar/polar flagellum or by peritrichous flagella. Aerobes or facultative anaerobes, chemoorganotrophs. Moderately halophilic, grow in the salinity range of 0–30% (w/v) NaCl, with the optimum of 0.5–20%, at near‐neutral pH. Mesophilic, optimal growth at 25–37°C, growth range 4–45°C. The predominant respiratory lipoquinone is ubiquinone with nine isoprene units (Q‐9). Major fatty acids mostly include C18:1ω7c, C16:0, and cyclo‐C19:0ω8c. Major polar lipids are phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, and phosphatidylethanolamine. Members of the genus are widely distributed in saline aquatic and terrestrial habitats such as seawater, deep sea sediments, saline soil, salt mines, and solar saltern and can be associated with halophyte plants and sea animals.Salinicolaspecies or strains have never been isolated from unequivocally pathological material from humans, animals, or plants.

DNA G + C content (mol%): 60.6–65.8 (genome); 58.8–67.7 (HPLC).

Size of sequenced genomes (bp): 3,620,402–4,628,485.

Type species:Salinicola sociusAnan'ina et al. 2007, VL124.
T
hiohalorhabdus
Authors: Sorokin Dimitry Y. , Merkel Alexander Y. , Muyzer Gerard
Published: March 2020

Thi.o.ha.lo.rhab'dus. Gr. neut. n.
thion
sulfur; Gr. masc. n.
hals, halos
salt of the sea; Gr. fem. n.
rhabdos
rod, stick; N.L. fem. n.
Thiohalorhabdus
halophilic sulfur rod.

Proteobacteria / Gammaproteobacteria / Thiohalorhabdales / Thiohalorhabdaceae / Thiohalorhabdus

The genus
Thiohalorhabdus
was originally classified as a deep unaffiliated lineage within the
Gammaproteobacteria
. It is an extremely halophilic, neutrophilic chemolithoautotroph using reduced sulfur compounds as the energy source and electron donor and O
2
or nitrate as the electron acceptor. CO
2
is assimilated via the Calvin–Benson–Bassham cycle. The genus includes a single species
Thiohalorhabdus denitrificans
, which is the type species. Habitat—hypersaline lakes and solar salterns.

DNA G
+
C content (mol
%
)
: 68.9 (genome of type strain).

Type species
:
Thiohalorhabdus denitrificans
Sorokin et al. 2008a
VP
.
The impact of isocentric shifts on delivery accuracy during the irradiation of small cerebral targets—Quantification and possible corrections
Authors: Wack Linda J. , Exner Florian , Wegener Sonja , Sauer Otto A.
Published: March 2020

Purpose

To assess the impact of isocenter shifts due to linac gantry and table rotation during cranial stereotactic radiosurgery on D98, target volume coverage (TVC), conformity (CI), and gradient index (GI).

Methods

Winston‐Lutz (WL) checks were performed on two Elekta Synergy linacs. A stereotactic quality assurance (QA) plan was applied to the ArcCHECK phantom to assess the impact of isocenter shift corrections on Gamma pass rates. These corrections included gantry sag, distance of collimator and couch axes to the gantry axis, and distance between cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) isocenter and treatment beam (MV) isocenter. We applied the shifts via script to the treatment plan in Pinnacle 16.2. In a planning study, isocenter and mechanical rotation axis shifts of 0.25 to 2 mm were applied to stereotactic plans of spherical planning target volumes (PTVs) of various volumes. The shifts determined via WL measurements were applied to 16 patient plans with PTV sizes between 0.22 and 10.4 cm3.

Results

ArcCHECK measurements of a stereotactic treatment showed significant increases in Gamma pass rate for all three measurements (up to 3.8 percentage points) after correction of measured isocenter deviations. For spherical targets of 1 cm3, CI was most severely affected by increasing the distance of the CBCT isocenter (1.22 to 1.62). Gradient index increased with an isocenter‐collimator axis distance of 1.5 mm (3.84 vs 4.62). D98 (normalized to reference) dropped to 0.85 (CBCT), 0.92 (table axis), 0.95 (collimator axis), and 0.98 (gantry sag), with similar but smaller changes for larger targets. Applying measured shifts to patient plans lead to relevant drops in D98 and TVC (7%) for targets below 2 cm3 treated on linac 1.

Conclusion

Mechanical deviations during gantry, collimator, and table rotation may adversely affect the treatment of small stereotactic lesions. Adjustments of beam isocenters in the treatment planning system (TPS) can be used to both quantify their impact and for prospective correction of treatment plans.
Autobiographical memory after 40 years
Authors: White Richard T.
Published: March 2020

The procedure in this study of autobiographical memory after forty years had three phases: uncued recall of experiences of 1978 to 1980, recall cued by descriptions made in 1979 of selected events, and recall cued by a diary written between 1978 and 1980. The schema theory of autobiographical memory describes memory of individual experiences as embedded in longer extended events. In uncued recall in 2019 all bar one of the extended events later found in the diary were remembered, with approximate dates and extents. Few specific episodes that occurred outside an extended event were recalled. In cued recall, characteristics of episodes associated with recall were rarity, vividness, and emotional intensity, and to a lesser extent importance to self. There was no difference between recall of pleasant and unpleasant episodes.
Collocating FQHC and addiction treatment at Damian
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: March 2020

When we visited Damian Family Care Centers' Wards Island facility in New York City, collocating addiction treatment services run by Odyssey House and a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) run by Damian, all we could think was: “Why isn't this done everywhere?” Damian originated as a part of Samaritan Health Services but is now an independent not‐for‐profit corporation. It is run by people who are committed to addiction treatment and recovery. Peter Grisafi, CEO of Damian, and Henry Bartlett, vice president for government and community relations collectively have more than 75 years in the addiction treatment arena. Similarly, their colleagues at Odyssey House, Peter Provet, Ph.D., Odyssey House CEO, and John Tavolacci, Odyssey House COO, have long careers in the treatment field and embrace the Damian/Odyssey partnership as the right model for providing health care and substance use disorder treatment in an integrated setting. We visited on March 6.
Kolodny counters Wakeman, but both agree on many points
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: March 2020

It wasn't a live debate as had been planned, with most presenters, including Sarah Wakeman, M.D., and Andrew Kolodny, M.D., presenting remotely like almost all of the speakers, with their slides and microphones, at the American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT) opioids symposium March 12 in New York City.
Manufacture of Highly Porous Tubular Alumina Substrates with Anisotropic Pore Structure by Freeze‐Casting
Authors: Athayde Daniel D. , Sousa Bruno M. , Dolabella Ana Clara A. , Ribeiro Jéssica de O. N. , Vasconcelos Daniela C. L. , Diniz da Costa João C. , Vasconcelos Wander L.
Published: March 2020

This work investigates the production of freeze‐cast tubular alumina substrates with anisotropic pores. The freeze‐casting method allows accurate control of the radial pore structure by adjusting the solid loading and sintering temperature. High porosities of 91% are attained, which decrease inversely proportional to the solid loading. Water is used as the pore forming agent by the freeze‐cast process, producing lamellar pores with highly connected aligned structure. Substrates with solid loadings within 15–20% show maximum pore alignment and anisotropy, as higher solid loading creates more isotropic pores. The average pore size distribution decreases from 11 to 2 μm as a function of the solid loading. By increasing the sintering temperature from 1300 to 1500 °C, the crushing strength significantly increases for samples prepared with high solid loading, reaching values as high as 25.4 MPa. A plot of the mechanical stability versus porosity reveals that the substrates obtained in this study show a similar trend when compared with previously reported flat substrates. Water permeation reaches 510 L m−2 min−1, showing a strong influence of the pore size. Therefore, processing of freeze‐cast tubular substrates from aqueous suspensions proves to be a versatile technique for manufacturing advanced engineering materials with anisotropic pore structure.
A Mechanism for the Evolution of Hot Compression Cracking in Inconel 625 Alloy Ingot With Respect to Grain Growth
Authors: Jia Zhi , Gao Zexi , Ji Jinjin
Published: March 2020

Hot compression cracking of as‐cast Inconel 625 alloy is investigated utilizing high temperature and high strain rate compression tests. The formation mechanism of the hot crack is systematically investigated based on grain growth and crystal slipping. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) analysis are used to characterize the crack morphology and microstructure. SEM results showed that the hot cracking during hot compression of Inconel 625 alloy is determined to be quasi‐cleavage fracture. The formation of carbide (NbC) plays a key role in the formation and propagation of the hot crack. The various slip systems activation strongly contributes to the overall growth of the dynamic recrystallization (DRX) grains. In addition, subgranular boundary formation within the grown grains is attribution to various slip systems activation in different local regions. The initiation and propagation of the hot compression cracks in Inconel 625 alloy depend on the development of the subgranular boundary within the grown grain.
Fundamentals of Materials Selection for Light‐Emitting Electrochemical Cells
Authors: Youssef Kareem , Li Ying , O'Keeffe Samantha , Li Lu , Pei Qibing
Published: March 2020

The in situ formation of a light‐emitting p–n or p–i–n junction in light‐emitting electrochemical cells (LECs) necessitates mixed ionic–electronic conductors in the active layer. This unique characteristic requires electronic, luminescent, and ionic ingredients that work synergistically in the LECs. The material requirements that lead to promising electroluminescent properties are discussed and the important components reported so far are surveyed. Particular attention is paid to the working mechanisms behind junction formation and stabilization to create efficient and stable electroluminescence in conjugated‐polymer‐based LECs. Keeping these fundamentals in mind explains how LEC devices have evolved from classic conjugated polymer blends into highly stable crosslinked, hybrid composite, and stretchable device architectures. To conclude, a future development strategy is proposed based on a dual approach: develop new materials specifically for LEC devices and explore novel ways to efficiently process and stabilize the p–i–n junction, which will drive improvements in both LEC external quantum efficiency and operating lifetime toward truly low‐cost solid‐state lighting applications.
Half‐Fused Diketopyrrolopyrrole‐Based Conjugated Donor–Acceptor Polymer for Ambipolar Field‐Effect Transistors
Authors: Shi Dandan , Liu Zitong , Ma Jing , Zhao Zhiyuan , Tan Luxi , Lin Gaobo , Tian Jianwu , Zhang Xisha , Zhang Guanxin , Zhang Deqing
Published: March 2020

A novel building block, denoted as half‐fused diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) (9‐(3‐octadecylhenicosyl)‐8‐(thiophen‐2‐yl)‐7H‐pyrrolo[3,4‐a]thieno[3,2‐g]indolizine‐7,10(9H)‐dione), in which one of the flanking thiophene units is fused to one of the DPP rings via a carbon‐carbon double bond at the N‐position is reported. The half‐fused DPP is successfully utilized as an electron acceptor to prepare the conjugated donor–acceptor polymer PTFDFT, which exhibits ambipolar semiconducting behavior in ambient air. Theoretical calculations and absorption spectral studies show that the backbone of PTFDFT is more planar compared to the reference polymer with conventional DPP units. As a result, PTFDFT shows a narrow bandgap and low lowest unoccupied molecular orbital level. The more planar backbone with fewer side chains favors the dense packing of the polymer chains of PTFDFT with a short π–π stacking distance (3.49 Å). Grazing‐incidence wide‐angle X‐ray scattering data further confirm the predominant edge‐on packing mode of the PTFDFT polymer chains on the substrate. As expected, the PTFDFT thin film shows excellent ambipolar semiconducting properties under ambient conditions, reaching 2.23 and 1.08 cm2 V−1 s−1 for the n‐ and p‐channels, respectively. In addition, complementary‐like inverter with gain value as high as 141 is successfully constructed using the PTFDFT thin film.
A Chemically Orthogonal Hole Transport Layer for Efficient Colloidal Quantum Dot Solar Cells
Authors: Biondi Margherita , Choi Min‐Jae , Ouellette Olivier , Baek Se‐Woong , Todorović Petar , Sun Bin , Lee Seungjin , Wei Mingyang , Li Peicheng , Kirmani Ahmad R. , Sagar Laxmi K. , Richter Lee J. , Hoogland Sjoerd , Lu Zheng‐Hong , García de Arquer F. Pelayo , Sargent Edward H.
Published: March 2020

Colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) are of interest in light of their solution‐processing and bandgap tuning. Advances in the performance of CQD optoelectronic devices require fine control over the properties of each layer in the device materials stack. This is particularly challenging in the present best CQD solar cells, since these employ a p‐type hole‐transport layer (HTL) implemented using 1,2‐ethanedithiol (EDT) ligand exchange on top of the CQD active layer. It is established that the high reactivity of EDT causes a severe chemical modification to the active layer that deteriorates charge extraction. By combining elemental mapping with the spatial charge collection efficiency in CQD solar cells, the key materials interface dominating the subpar performance of prior CQD PV devices is demonstrated. This motivates to develop a chemically orthogonal HTL that consists of malonic‐acid‐crosslinked CQDs. The new crosslinking strategy preserves the surface chemistry of the active layer beneath, and at the same time provides the needed efficient charge extraction. The new HTL enables a 1.4× increase in charge carrier diffusion length in the active layer; and as a result leads to an improvement in power conversion efficiency to 13.0% compared to EDT standard cells (12.2%).
A Material Combination Concept to Realize 4D Printed Products with Newly Emerging Property/Functionality
Authors: Wu Hongzhi , Zhang Xuan , Ma Zheng , Zhang Ce , Ai Jingwei , Chen Peng , Yan Chunze , Su Bin , Shi Yusheng
Published: March 2020

4D printing is a newly emerging technique that shows the capability of additively manufacturing structures whose shape, property, or functionality can controllably vary with time under external stimuli. However, most of the existing 4D printed products only focus on the variation of physical geometries, regardless of controllable changes of their properties, as well as practical functionality. Here, a material combination concept is proposed to construct 4D printed devices whose property and functionality can controllably vary. The 4D printed devices consist of conductive and magnetic parts, enabling the integrated devices to show a piezoelectric property even neither part is piezoelectric individually. Consequently, the functionality of the devices is endowed to transfer mechanical to electrical energy based on the electromagnetic introduction principle. The working mechanism of 4D printed devices is explained by a numerical simulation method using Comsol software, facilitating further optimization of their properties by regulating diverse parameters. Due to the self‐powered, quick‐responding, and sensitive properties, the 4D printed magnetoelectric device could work as pressure sensors to warn illegal invasion. This work opens a new manufacturing method of flexible magnetoelectric devices and provides a new material combination concept for the property‐changed and functionality‐changed 4D printing.
Hepatocyte TMEM16A Deletion Retards NAFLD Progression by Ameliorating Hepatic Glucose Metabolic Disorder
Authors: Guo Jia‐Wei , Liu Xiu , Zhang Ting‐Ting , Lin Xiao‐Chun , Hong Yu , Yu Jie , Wu Qin‐Yan , Zhang Fei‐Ran , Wu Qian‐Qian , Shang Jin‐Yan , Lv Xiao‐Fei , Ou Jing‐Song , Zhou Jia‐Guo , Pang Rui‐Ping , Tang Bao‐Dong , Liang Si‐Jia
Published: March 2020

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most prevalent form of chronic liver disease, and the mechanisms underpinning its pathogenesis have not been completely established. Transmembrane member 16A (TMEM16A), a component of the Ca2+‐activated chloride channel (CaCC), has recently been implicated in metabolic events. Herein, TMEM16A is shown to be responsible for CaCC activation in hepatocytes and is increased in liver tissues of mice and patients with NAFLD. Hepatocyte‐specific ablation of TMEM16A in mice ameliorates high‐fat diet‐induced obesity, hepatic glucose metabolic disorder, steatosis, insulin resistance, and inflammation. In contrast, hepatocyte‐specific TMEM16A transgenic mice exhibit the opposite phenotype. Mechanistically, hepatocyte TMEM16A interacts with vesicle‐associated membrane protein 3 (VAMP3) to induce its degradation, suppressing the formation of the VAMP3/syntaxin 4 and VAMP3/synaptosome‐associated protein 23 complexes. This leads to the impairment of hepatic glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2) translocation and glucose uptake. Notably, VAMP3 overexpression restrains the functions of hepatocyte TMEM16A in blocking GLUT2 translocation and promoting lipid deposition, insulin resistance, and inflammation. In contrast, VAMP3 knockdown reverses the beneficial effects of TMEM16A downregulation. This study demonstrates a role for TMEM16A in NAFLD and suggests that inhibition of hepatic TMEM16A or disruption of TMEM16A/VAMP3 interaction may provide a new potential therapeutic strategy for NAFLD.
Dual‐Gated MoS2 Transistors for Synaptic and Programmable Logic Functions
Authors: Du Jian‐yu , Ge Chen , Riahi Hassen , Guo Er‐jia , He Meng , Wang Can , Yang Guo‐zhen , Jin Kui‐juan
Published: March 2020

Neuromorphic computers, which can store information and compute at the same time, have been considered to be a potential candidate for greatly improving computing efficiency. The development of high‐performance artificial synapses, which are the basic unit of brain‐like chips, is very important for realizing efficient neuromorphic computing. Here, a dual‐gated MoS2 transistor is designed to realize synaptic functions and programmable logic operations. The channel conductance is modulated via top electrolyte gating to mimic important synaptic functions, such as excitatory postsynaptic current, paired‐pulse facilitation, and spike‐timing dependent plasticity. The synaptic transistor exhibits ultra‐low energy consumption with 12.7 fJ. Furthermore, the MoS2 transistor can dynamically reconfigure the logic operations of “AND,” “OR,” and “NOT” by combining top electrolyte gating with back gating. Classical Pavlov's dog experiment can be simulated by the dual gated device. These results indicate that the proposed synaptic transistor has potential applications in realizing neuromorphic and programmable logic devices.
Comparison of two alkali trap methods for measuring the flush of CO2
Authors: Franzluebbers Alan J. , Veum Kristen S.
Published: March 2020

Soil biological activity is a key feature of healthy soil. The flush of CO2 during the first few days after rewetting of a dried soil is a rapid indicator of soil biological health, but variations in approach require testing and calibration. A 3‐d incubation method (25°C, 50% water‐filled pore space, acid titration) was compared with a 4‐d incubation method (∼20°C, capillary wetted, electrical conductivity) from two long‐term field experiments in Missouri (silt loam soils) and North Carolina (sandy loam and loamy sand soils). The two methods were related (p < .001) to each other (r2 = .93, n = 211 for Missouri soils and r2 = .68, n = 126 for North Carolina soils), but results differed in absolute value in an unexpected manner. Differences in incubation time (3 vs. 4 d), temperature (∼20 vs. 25°C), and water delivery (50% water‐filled pore space vs. capillary wetting) were major factors affecting relationships between methods. Time and temperature were predictable and scalable factors, but water delivery approach likely caused random variations specific to soil type. Both methods were able to discern depth stratification of soil biological activity, but subtle differences due to landscape position and soil texture were detected only with the 3‐d method. We suggest that greater standardization of soil biological activity protocols based on key factors of soil moisture, temperature, and time of incubation be adopted to improve reliability and value to stakeholders.
Preparation of a novel phosphorus–nitrogen flame retardant and its effects on the flame retardancy and physical properties of polyketone
Authors: Sim Min‐Ji , Shim Jaeyoon , Lee Jong‐Chan , Cha Sang‐Ho
Published: March 2020

In this study, a novel phosphorus–nitrogen flame retardant (PNFR) was synthesized, and its flame retardancy for polyketone (PK) was systematically investigated. The chemical structure of PNFR was characterized using NMR spectroscopy. The PNFR was considered to generate phosphoric acid, which catalyzed the char formation reaction of PK via condensed‐phase decomposition. When 7 wt% PNFR was incorporated into PK, the limiting oxygen index value was increased from 20.2 to 25.9%. In addition, this PK‐PNFR sample achieved the rating of VTM‐0 because it exhibited self‐extinguishable properties and did not drip when fire was removed from it. As the PNFR content increased, while the initial decomposition temperature decreased, the amount of residual char considerably increased. Thus, the PNFR was thought to impart flame‐retarding ability to PK via superior condensed‐phase mechanism. Additionally, the decrease in melting temperature and enthalpy of fusion was observed after the addition of PNFR, which implied that the PNFR could act as plasticizer for PK.
Aminoglycoside hydrogels based on dynamic covalent bonds with pH sensitivity, biocompatibility, self‐healing, and antibacterial ability
Authors: Li Ya , Cheng Cui , Gao Xiaoran , Wang Siyuan , Ye Hanhui , Han Xiao
Published: March 2020

Despite aminoglycosides (AGs) have superior antibacterial ability, all approved AGs by FDA are associated with adverse effects such as ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity. To solve these problems, AGs hydrogels based on dynamic covalent bond cross‐linking were quickly prepared within 25 s by using AGs, aldehyde hyaluronic acid (A‐HA), and adipic acid dihydrazide graft hyaluronic acid (HA‐ADH) as materials. FT‐IR, thermal analysis, and SEM results exhibited that A‐HA/HA‐ADH/AGs hydrogels were successfully synthesized with highly porous and interconnected network structure. The water absorption ratio of the hydrogels increased with the decreasing pH and temperature, indicating the hydrogels were pH‐ and temp‐responsive. The pH‐dependent degradation also demonstrated pH sensitivity of the hydrogels. Rheology and self‐healing analysis assessment displayed that AGs hydrogels had good mechanical property, self‐healing ability, and injectability. The hydrogels had no cytotoxicity to L929 cells and their hemolysis ratios were between 0.7% and 1.3%, which reached a nontoxic level. Most importantly, inhibition zones results demonstrated that the hydrogels had excellent and sustained antibacterial performance against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Therefore, A‐HA/HA‐ADH/AGs hydrogels are potential dressings for wound healing. Further plans including antibacterial and in vivo wound healing assays will be shown in the next work.
Cyclodextrins as Surfactants for Solubilization and Purification of Carbon Nanohorn Aggregates
Authors: Hanayama Hiroki , Yamada Junya , Harano Koji , Nakamura Eiichi
Published: March 2020

Nano‐ to micrometer‐scale surface roughness contributes to the hydrophobicity of materials as discussed often in terms of superhydrophobicity. We report here that as little as 1 wt% of α, β, and γ‐cyclodextrins (CDs) can disperse carbon nanohorn aggregates (CNHa) as surfactants in water by binding on their pointed tips. The binding mode was visually demonstrated using single‐molecule atomic resolution real‐time electron microscopy (SMART‐EM). The SMART‐EM data provided an estimation of the equilibrium constant of the CD binding to be close to that of adamantane ammonium chloride to β‐CD. A qualitative study on the rate of decomplexation of α, β, and γ‐CDs from CNHa suggests a substantial mechanistic difference in their binding mode to the CNH tips. A sequence of α‐CD complexation and decomplexation allows us to purify CNHa by selectively removing graphitic ball‐shaped impurity (GB). Upon treatment with NaNH2, the purified CNHa produce GB‐free amino‐CNHa where the tips are functionalized with NH2 groups.
Plasmatic lipocalin‐2 levels in chronic low‐grade inflammation syndromes: Comparison between metabolic syndrome, total and partial adult growth hormone deficiency
Authors: Currò Diego , Vergani Edoardo , Bruno Carmine , Comi Simone , D'Abate Claudia , Mancini Antonio
Published: March 2020

Lipocalin‐2 (LCN2) is a secreted glycoprotein involved in several chronic inflammatory processes. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and adult growth hormone deficiency (GHD) are known as chronic inflammatory conditions. The primary objective of this observational cross‐sectional study was to compare LCN2 plasmatic levels in these clinical settings, whereas the secondary objective was to investigate any possible correlation between LCN2 and BMI and/or indexes of insulin sensitivity/resistance. Seventy‐four patients were divided as follows: Group A, MetS (18 patients, 13 females and 5 males, mean ± SEM age 45.1 ± 4.11 years, BMI 31.22 ± 1.73 kg/m2); Group B, total GHD (18 patients, 8 females and 10 males, age 52.44 ± 2.61 years, BMI 30.49 ± 1.87 kg/m2); Group C, Partial GHD (pGHD; 19 patients, 13 females and 6 males, age 48.63 ± 2.19 years, BMI 29.11 ± 1.85 kg/m2); Group D, Controls (19 patients, 13 females and 6males, age 40.26 ± 2.87 years, BMI 23.25 ± 0.95 kg/m2). They were evaluated for glucose and insulin, HOMA‐index, QUICKI‐index, Total/low‐density lipoprotein/high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, uric acid, IGF‐1, and LCN2. LCN2 plasmatic levels were significantly increased in MetS, while no significant differences with controls were found in total and pGHD. LCN2 levels did not correlate with BMI. A significant positive correlation between LCN2 and HOMA‐index was found in controls, while a trend‐like, yet not significant, a positive correlation was observed in pGHD. Our data show an increase in LCN2 plasmatic levels in MetS. Different inflammatory patterns characterize MetS and GHD. The correlation between HOMA index and LCN2 in normal subjects and possibly in pGHD ones suggests a modulatory action of LCN2 on insulin resistance.
LncRNA DLEU2 promotes tumour growth by sponging miR‐337‐3p in human osteosarcoma
Authors: Liu Wei , Liu Peng‐cheng , Ma Ke , Wang Yuan‐yi , Chi Qing‐bao , Yan Ming
Published: March 2020

According to statistics, abnormal regulation of lncRNAs pivotally influences multiple malignant tumours. DLEU2, as one of these lncRNAs, is detected to be related to growth and development of tumours. The molecular mechanisms of DLEU2 in osteosarcoma, however, are still unknown. QRT‐PCR was adopted to analyse the correlations of clinicopathological features and prognosis of osteosarcoma cases with DLEU2. The influences of DLEU2 on cell migration and viability were evaluated independently by experiments in vitro and in vivo. Bioinformatics analysis, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay, and dual luciferase reporter gene assay confirmed the specific binding of DLEU2 to miR‐337‐3p. Moreover, rescue experiments were carried out to further evaluate the regulatory association between miR‐337‐3p expression and DLEU2. In osteosarcoma tissues and cells, DLEU2 expression level was raised remarkably in comparison with that in para‐carcinoma normal tissues, and DLEU2 high expression had associations with poor prognosis, tumour stages, and TS of osteosarcoma cases. Cell migration ability and viability were blocked by DLEU2 knockdown but enhanced by ectopic DLEU2 expression in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, DLEU2 was found to sponge miR‐337‐3p and trigger the stimulating effect in osteosarcoma cells, which would be suppressed by miR‐337‐3p mimics. Furthermore, a negative correlation existed between miR‐337‐3p expression and DLEU2 in osteosarcoma tissues. This study manifests that DLEU2 sponges miR‐337‐3p to accelerate tumour growth and is confirmed to be a factor for poor prognosis of osteosarcoma cases.

Significance of the Study

LncRNA DLEU2 has been reported to be dysregulated in many tumours; however, the functions and underlying mechanism of DLEU2 in osteosarcoma pathogenesis are still unknown. This study is the first to demonstrate the roles of DLEU2 in osteosarcoma and revealed that DLEU2 may serve as a ceRNA to sponge miR‐337‐3p and then promote the progression of osteosarcoma, providing a potential therapeutic target for osteosarcoma.
Optical Control of Cellular ATP Levels with a Photocaged Adenylate Kinase
Authors: Zhou Wenyuan , Hankinson Chasity P. , Deiters Alexander
Published: March 2020

We have developed a new tool for the optical control of cellular ATP concentrations with a photocaged adenylate kinase (Adk). The photocaged Adk is generated by substituting a catalytically essential lysine with a hydroxycoumarin‐protected lysine through site‐specific unnatural amino acid mutagenesis in both E. coli and mammalian cells. Caging of the critical lysine residue offers complete suppression of Adk's phosphotransferase activity and rapid restoration of its function both in vitro and in vivo upon optical stimulation. Light‐activated Adk renders faster rescue of cell growth than chemically inducible expression of wild‐type Adk in E. coli as well as rapid ATP depletion in mammalian cells. Thus, caging Adk provides a new tool for direct conditional perturbation of cellular ATP concentrations thereby enabling the investigation of ATP‐coupled physiological events in temporally dynamic contexts.
FLI‐1 mediates tumor suppressor function via Klotho signaling in regulating CRC
Authors: Xie Biao , Hu Fan , Li Mei , Mo Li , Xu Chongsi , Xiao You , Wang Xiaoyan , Nie Jing , Yang Lixia , He Yongheng
Published: March 2020

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is an aggressive malignancy with a high incidence and mortality rate. Although a targeting therapy has been developed, the 5‐year survival rate is still very low in CRC patients with distant metastasis. Thus, the identification of new targets is still significant for improving CRC treatment. Klotho is a tumor suppressor, and its expression is aberrant in CRC. In this study, the roles of the FLI‐1 gene in regulating Klotho gene expression and Klotho‐associated signaling, as well as the effects of FLI‐1 on colony formation, invasion, and apoptosis were investigated in CRC cell lines. The methylation of the FLI‐1 gene was analyzed using a commercial methylation kit. Results showed that FLI‐1 messenger RNA and protein expression were downregulated in six CRC cell lines when compared with the normal colon mucosal epithelial cell line, which negatively correlated with the level of DNA methylation. Silencing of FLI‐1 gene expression decreased Klotho protein expression and phosphorylation of β‐catenin protein at Thr41/Ser45, but increased Wnt3a and β‐catenin protein expression and IGF‐1R phosphorylation in HT29 cells. In contrast to silencing FLI‐1, overexpressing FLI‐1 significantly increased Klotho protein expression and phosphorylation of β‐catenin protein at Thr41/Ser45, but decreased Wnt3a and β‐catenin protein expression and IGF‐1R phosphorylation in Caco‐2 cells. Silencing of FLI‐1 gene expression significantly increased colony formation and invasion, but decreased apoptosis in HT29 cells. In contrast, overexpressing the FLI‐1 gene significantly decreased colony formation and invasion, but increased apoptosis in Caco‐2 cells. These findings suggest that FLI‐1 functions as a tumor suppressor in CRC cells and positively regulates Klotho signaling. Hypermethylation may be one of the causes of the loss of FLI‐1 gene expression in CRC cells.
Extreme snowfall and residential care: A case report of a 2‐year‐old girl with heart failure
Authors: Miyatake Hirotomo , Yamamoto Kana , Ozaki Akihiko , Kawada Shogo , Nishikawa Yoshitaka , Beniya Hiroyuki
Published: March 2020

In residential care, the daily use of social networking services with patients (and patients’ families) helps prepare for a potential disaster. This enables health workers to continue providing essential care even during disasters, while saving human and medical resources for those who need them the most.
Establishing High Photocatalytic H2 Evolution from Multiwalled Titanate Nanotubes
Authors: Yoo Jeong Eun , Alshehri Abdulmohsen Ali , Qin Shanshan , Bawaked Salem Mohamed , Mostafa Mohamed Mokhtar M. , Katabathini Narasimharao , Fehn Dominik , Schmidt Jochen , Mazare Anca , Denisov Nikita , Cha Gihoon , Meyer Karsten , Schmuki Patrik
Published: March 2020

Black TiO2 in various forms has been investigated for numerous photochemical applications. In photocatalytic water splitting, “grey” titania forms have been reported to reach considerable H2 generation rates without using a noble metal co‐catalyst. Up to now, a variety of anatase powders or other morphologies has been investigated in grey and black forms. Here we describe that hydrothermal titanate/anatase nanotubes can show a strong noble metal free photocatalytic activity. For optimized “blackening” conditions, a drastically higher photocatalytic H2 production can be obtained than for other nanoscale morphologies. This effect can further be improved with a very mild Pt doping that again shows a clearly stronger photocatalytic H2 production than comparably loaded nanopowders.
Experiments and Correlations of the Solubility of γ‐DL‐Methionine in Binary Solvent Mixtures
Authors: Kongsamai Peetikamol , Phoumixay Channakhone , Wantha Lek
Published: March 2020

Antisolvents increase the supersaturation in the crystallization process which can enhance the product yield. The effect of an antisolvent on the solubility of γ‐DL‐methionine (γ‐DL‐met) in aqueous solution was investigated. The solubility of γ‐DL‐met was measured with various binary solvent mixtures. It improved with higher temperature but decreased with increasing the antisolvent mass fraction. Acetone showed the highest efficiency to reduce the solubility. The solubilities were correlated with the van't Hoff‐Jouyban‐Acree model and the modified Apelblat‐Jouyban‐Acree model. Both models fitted to the experimental results with high accuracy. Enthalpy, entropy, and Gibbs free energy of dissolution were determined by van't Hoff analysis. The thermodynamic properties indicated that the dissolution process is endothermic and entropy‐driven.