bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the Seasonal Water Quality Changes in Semi-Urban Surface Tanks of Noyyal River Basin
Authors: Aravind P. , Selvakumar S. , Thiyagarajan G. , Boomiraj K. , Kannan Balaji
Published: November 2021

Aims: The history of Noyyal river in Coimbatore is known for water quality and taste since the colonial period. The river water is used mainly for drinking, irrigation and industrial purposes to districts of Coimbatore, Tiruppur and Karur with many anaicuts and tanks. In the recent past due to urbanization and industrialization the river water has been polluted in the greater extend.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted to investigate the water quality status of five important upper reach semi-urban tanks of Noyyal river basin in the year 2020 -2021.

Methodology: We have collected the sample season wise in the five tanks and analyzed for pH, EC, TDS, TSS, total hardness, alkalinity, chlorides and sulphates as well as heavy metals such as zinc, copper, cadmium and lead.

Results: The results of our water quality analysis showed that most of the parameters are above the maximum permissible limits of CPCB standards for drinking water in India. The heavy metals concentrations were many folds higher than the CPCB permissible limits. The correlation analysis, Anova and PCA showed that the EC and TDS, alkalinity and sulphates, chlorides and sulphates and alkalinity and chlorides had higher correlation in the water quality analysis and they are interrelated to one another. In the monsoon season the pollution status is less and during summer season the pollution load is higher in the all tanks. During the monsoon season because of intensive water flow dilute the pollution load as well high rate of degradation due to high dissolved oxygen content of river water. Since, he Noyyal river is seasonal river, during summer, there would be very less or no flow of water into the tank increase the pollution load. The Narasampathy tank had comparatively less pollution than other tanks, since, it is the first tank in the upper reach of the Noyyal basin and has less inhabitants and industry.

Conclusion: We concluded that the tanks are polluted due to urbanization and industrialization in and around the Noyyal basin and there is an urgent need to tackle this problem by making eco-friendly and economically viable treatment system to sustain the water quality.
Effect of Drip Fertigation under Different Fertilizer Levels on Nutrient Status in Coconut (Cocos nucifera L) Leaf
Authors: Saxena Avinash Sarin , Paul Sankar Chandra , Juhi .
Published: November 2021

A study was conducted during 2017-18 under the All India Co-ordinated Research Project initiated in 2009 at research farm of Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur. The aim of this study was compare the nutrient concentration of coconut leaves at different nutrient levels through drip fertigation in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with four (4) replications. Result was observed that leaf Nitrogen, Phosphorous, Sulphur, Iron, Manganese, Copper and Boron content under different fertigation treatments were not significantly different from each other. The content of micronutrients in leaf were found to increase with increasing levels of fertilizer in the treatments. Cation Exchange Capacity was positively correlated with all the leaf nutrients. Organic carbon did not show remarkable relation with plant nutrient parameters. Soil K content of all three depths was positively correlated with all the leaf nutrient elements. Soil pH value was positively correlated with leaf P content in coconut which explains that leaf P content is directly proportional to the soil pH value. Electrical conductivity (EC) of soil was also positively correlated with P, K and B concentration in coconut leaf. Correlation coefficient value between CEC and leaf nutrient contents explains that 2nd depth of soil is more important for mineral nutrition of coconut palm. Correlation coefficient values between soil P content and leaf nutrient content. Higher correlation coefficient value was found at lower soil depth between available sulphur content in soil and sulphur content in leaf of coconut. This result suggests that inherent supplying capacity of micronutrient of experimental soil is not so influential for higher plant growth, but application of N, P and K fertilizers trigger the absorption capacity for micronutrient from soil. Under different NPK levels, the applied NPK does not have significant effect on leaf N, P, S, Zn content after five (5) years of experimentation while the effect was found to be significant for few elements like K, Fe, Mn, Cu, and B. An increasing trend was observed for leaf nutrient content with increasing levels of fertilizer application.
Phytochemical Screening and Antimicrobial Activity of Ziziphus mauritiana Lam. And Ziziphus mucronate Lam. Extracts
Authors: Mohamadou Salamatou , James Bayoï , Roger Djoulde Darman , Francky Steve Nodem Sohanang , Leopold Tatsadjieu Ngoune
Published: November 2021

The objective of this study was to determine the phytochemical profile and antimicrobial activity of leaf and bark extracts of Ziziphus mauritiana and Ziziphus mucronata. For this purpose, an extraction by maceration using ethanol was carried out and the extracts were subjected to antibacterial activity assessment through qualitative and quantitative approaches. The qualitative tests were performed using agar well diffusion method while for quantitative tests minimal inhibitory, bactericidal and fungicidal concentration (MIC, MBC or MFC) were used determined through microdilution in microplates method. The antimicrobial mechanisms such as cell lysis and action on the proton pump of the extracts were also studied. The highest extraction yield was obtained with the Z. mauritiana leaf extract (28.8%). In addition, the highest contents of polyphenols (256.6 mg GEA/g DM) and flavonoids (165.2 mg CE/g DM) were obtained with the bark of Z. mucronata. The bark extracts of Z. mauritiana exhibited highest antibacterial activity (36.7 mm on Staphylococcus aureus) while, Z. mucronata extracts are more active on fungi, with the highest activity on Candida albicans (26.7 mm). The antimicrobial activity of the extract increases with the concentration and, regarding the MBC/MIC and MFC/MIC ratio, the extracts showed bacteriostatic activity on the different bacteria and fungi and the possible mechanism included an activity on the proton pump. The bark and leaf extracts of Z. mauritiana and Z. mucronata could be used in traditional medicine to treat infections due to these multiple pathogens.
Methanol Extract of Azanza garckeana Fruit Pulps Protects against Formalin-Induced Reproductive Toxicity in Adult Albino Male Mice
Authors: B. Bukar Bukata , Ezeh Faith , Y. Sabo Sunday
Published: November 2021

Introduction: The aqueous extract of Azanza garckeana was recently reported of exhibiting ameliorative and pro-fertility properties however the protective effects on formalin testicular toxicity have not been studied.

Objective: This study investigated the protective effect of methanol extract of Azanza garckeana on formalin-induced testicular toxicity.

Methods: Forty male albino mice were randomly divided into 8 groups of 5. Animals in the first group (1) served as control and administered normal saline (1 ml/kg) by the oral route daily for 40 days. In similar manner, animal in groups 2 received formalin (10 mg/kg) by the IP route, while animals in groups 3; 4 and 5 concurrently received formalin (10 mg/kg IP) and extract at doses of 125; 250 and 500 mg/kg respectively by the oral route. Mice in groups 6; 7 and 8 received the extract at doses of 125; 250 and 500 mg/kg respectively. Phytochemical analysis was conducted for each constituent using specific methods. Gonadotropin and sperm analysis were carried out using standard methods.

Result: Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of various constituents, but notably flavonoids. Induced-toxicity with formalin and concurrent treatment with extract at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg from day 20 to 40 caused significant body weight increase compared to baseline (p < 0.05).  Similarly, treatment with the extract alone at all doses caused significant increase in body weight from day 20 to 40 (p < 0.05). Treatment with the extract at 250 and 500 mg/kg, caused a significant increase in weight of testes and epididymis compared to control and untreated group (p < 0.05).The extract induced significant increase in gonadotropin levels of animals compared to control and the untreated group (p < 0.05).The extract at 125 mg/kg demonstrated the highest fecundity potential, but there was no any consistent relationship between GSI and fecundity.

Conclusion: This investigation was able to establish the protective and pro-fertility potentials of methanol extract of Azanza garckeana.
Tailoring Electromagnetic Interference Shielding Performance of Conductive Nanocomposite Coating Using Textile Substrates
Authors: Duan Minghan , Hou Yijie , Guo Min , Li Xiangpeng , Li Xian , Wang Jilong , Ma Ying
Published: November 2021

Textile‐substrate electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials show great promise for next‐generation electronic communication technology challenges. A new strategy based on structure optimization is highly desired for wearable electronic devices to improve EMI shielding performance. Here, the enhancement effect of fabric structure on the shielding effectiveness (SE) of conductive nanocomposite coating is demonstrated. Plain fabrics with different fabric densities are weaved and used as the substrate to be layer‐by‐layer assembled by graphite oxide and polypyrrole. The resulting conductive nanocomposite coating endows common cotton fabrics with electrical conductivity and EMI shielding ability. In comparison, the EMI SE of the conductive coated fabrics is depended on the fabric density, that is, the pore size. Specifically, the EMI SE of the coated fabric can be increased by ≈71% through the control of fabric structure. Interestingly, the EMI SE is always the maximum at the fabric density of 100 × 100 picks/ 10 cm, different from the electrical conductivity. Moreover, the sueding treatment was proven to be useful to further improve the EMI SE of the conductive coated fabrics. This work presents the significance of substrate structures in EMI shielding, offering new opportunities for the development of high efficiency EMI shielding fabrics.
Luminescence and Structural Characteristics of Lead Halide Perovskite Films Deposited In Situ by a Versatile Multisource Aerosol Assisted Chemical Vapor Deposition (AACVD) Method
Authors: Balderas‐Aguilar Jesús U. , Falcony‐Guajardo Ciro , Velázquez‐Nevárez Gonzalo A. , González‐Pérez Valeria , Martínez‐Guerra Eduardo , Aguirre‐Tostado Francisco S.
Published: November 2021

Most solution‐based synthetic routes for perovskite film deposition take place under highly controlled atmospheres and cannot be easily escalated for mass production. Here, the control in situ over luminescent, morphological, and structural characteristics of hybrid and inorganic perovskite films deposited on top of hot glass substrates by multisource AACVD is reported. By simply adjusting the methylammonium chloride (MACl) to lead bromide (PbBr2) molar ratio in the N‐N dimethylformamide (DMF) precursor solution, a gradual transformation from orthorhombic PbBr2 to cubic MAPbBr2Cl hybrid perovskite films is observed, and the generation of highly luminescent MAPbBr3−xClx nanoparticulate domains in a PbBr2 matrix is easily achieved when a specific ratio is used. Additionally, the crystallization of the films is performed in situ modified by the implementation of an antisolvent stream source during deposition which in turn yields films with superior luminescence properties. Finally, an NIR emitting CsPbBr2Cl:Yb inorganic perovskite film is deposited to probe the versatility of the multisource AACVD system, by the simultaneous deposition of separated PbBr2/YbCl3·6H2O/DMF and CsCl/methanol solutions. The high degree of control on the final properties of the films indicates that AACVD could be a breakthrough for low‐cost, scalable, high‐throughput metal‐halide perovskite film deposition.
Increasing grain yield, nitrogen use efficiency of summer maize and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by applying urea ammonium nitrate solution
Authors: Ma Zhentao , Ren Baizhao , Zhao Bin , Liu Peng , Zhang Jiwang
Published: November 2021

The contradiction between the high grain yield of summer maize (Zea mays L.) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the field can be resolved by selecting effective nitrogen (N) sources and fertilization methods. In this study, two fertilization methods were used: (a) urea ammonium nitrate solution (UAN) and urea (210 kg ha–1 nitrogen applied) were applied by farmers' traditional fertilization method; and (b) fertigation of four UAN application rates: CK (no N applied), AF1 (126 kg N ha–1), AF2 (168 kg N ha–1), AF3 (210 kg N ha–1). The results showed that both hybrids (DH518 and DH605) applied UAN under the traditional fertilization method increased grain yield by 2.4 and 1.8% and enhanced nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) by 25.1 and 9.9%, respectively, compared with urea. While under fertigation treatment, the grain yield increased by 7.6 and 6.6%, and the NUE increased by 23.2 and 12.4%. Grain yield increased with the increase of UAN application, and the NUE showed a trend of rising first and then falling under fertigation treatment. Both the cumulative N2O emissions and N2O emission factor showed an increasing trend as well. An application rate of UAN at 168 kg N ha–1 (AF2) resulted in a NUE that was 49% higher than urea. Compared with urea, the global warming potential (GWP) and greenhouse gas intensity (GHGI) of AF2 were reduced by 29.5% and 31.2%, respectively. These indicated that optimizing the application rate of UAN through fertigation would achieve better summer maize yield and environmental benefits.
Heat transfer enhancement in fin channels using aeroelastically fluttering reeds
Authors: Jha Sourabh , Glezer Ari , Realff Matthew J. , Blaine Miriam E. , Mai Jiaqi , Pearlstein Arne J.
Published: November 2021

Forced convection heat transfer in rectangular channels is enhanced by aeroelastically fluttering thin reeds extending over the channel span. The resulting small‐scale vortical motions substantially increase local heat transfer at the channel walls and mixing between the wall thermal boundary layers and the channel's core flow. Mechanisms associated with evolution of these small‐scale motions and their thermal effects are experimentally studied in a channel of width W, span , and length . Reed effects on heat transfer are characterized at Reynolds numbers (Re) of 2000, 7000, and 12,000 using embedded thermocouple arrays, and related to small‐scale motions by particle image velocimetry and hot‐wire anemometry. Reed‐induced small‐scale motions increase turbulent kinetic energy, increasing the global Nusselt number (by up to 145% at Re = 7000), with enhancement being sustained even when the base flow becomes fully turbulent (Re = 12,000). Enhancement is also demonstrated for fin arrays. Single‐reed computations show the effect of reed length on enhancement. Computations with two reeds, one downstream of the trailing edge of the other, predict heat transfer enhancement significantly greater than twice the single‐reed result, and point the way to use of a streamwise array of reeds in long channels. A techno‐economic analysis for an air‐cooled condenser suggests that fluttering reeds can be economically justified for a range of operating conditions.
C−C Coupling Is Unlikely to Be the Rate‐Determining Step in the Formation of C2+ Products in the Copper‐Catalyzed Electrochemical Reduction of CO
Authors: Chang Xiaoxia , Li Jing , Xiong Haocheng , Zhang Haochen , Xu Yifei , Xiao Hai , Lu Qi , Xu Bingjun
Published: November 2021

The identity of the rate‐determining step (RDS) in the electrochemical CO reduction reaction (CORR) on Cu catalysts remains unresolved because: 1) the presence of mass transport limitation of CO; and 2) the absence of quantitative correlation between CO partial pressure (pCO) and surface CO coverage. In this work, we determined CO adsorption isotherms on Cu in a broad pH range of 7.2–12.9. Together with electrokinetic data, we demonstrate that the reaction orders of adsorbed CO at pCO <0.4 and >0.6 atm are 1st and 0th, respectively, for multi‐carbon (C2+) products on three Cu catalysts. These results indicate that the C−C coupling is unlikely to be the RDS in the formation of C2+ products in the CORR. We propose that the hydrogenation of CO with adsorbed water is the RDS, and the site competition between CO and water leads to the observed transition of the CO reaction order.
Bulky Cyclometalated Ruthenium Nitrates for Challenging Z‐Selective Metathesis: Efficient One‐Step Access to α‐Oxygenated Z‐Olefins from Acrylates and Allyl Alcohols
Authors: Xu Yan , Gan Quan , Samkian Adrian E. , Ko Jeong Hoon , Grubbs Robert H.
Published: November 2021

α‐Oxygenated Z‐olefins are ubiquitous in biologically active molecules and serve as versatile handles for organic synthesis, but their syntheses are often tedious and less selective. Here we report the efficient Z‐selective metathesis of various terminal acrylates and allyl alcohols, which enables facile and selective construction of high value‐added α‐oxygenated Z‐olefins from readily available feedstock chemicals. These challenging metathesis transformations are enabled by novel cyclometalated Ru‐carbene‐nitrate complexes bearing bulky‐yet‐flexible side arms, whose assembly was unlocked by new organometallic syntheses.
Pneumorrhachis following cervical spine surgery
Authors: Bautista M. , Wright J. , Pippalapalli J. , Schramm M. W. J. , Anderson I. A. , Pandit M. H.
Published: November 2021

A 66‐year‐old man experienced symptomatic pneumorrhachis (air within the spinal canal) following a cervical laminoplasty for the excision of meningioma. Following an uneventful intraoperative course, he suffered a fluctuating hemiparesis of varying severity. Urgent imaging demonstrated extradural and intradural air in the spinal canal. Treatment with supplemental oxygen and dexamethasone was commenced, and the patient’s symptoms improved over a period of three days with full resolution at six weeks. Pneumorrhachis can be avoided by allowing air to escape from the spinal canal through positioning, and displacement with irrigation fluid at the time of wound closure. However, if pneumorrhachis does occur, oxygen therapy, positioning of the patient to mitigate the gravitational effect of the air bubbles and supportive treatment are the central elements of management. Other possible causes of neurological deficit should be ruled out. This is particularly important as treatment options for some differential diagnoses can potentially cause harm if started based on clinical impression alone, for example, re‐exploration for suspected haematoma. Only a small number of previous reports have described symptomatic pneumorrhachis as a complication of spinal surgery. This patient was successfully managed with conservative measures following the exclusion of other spinal cord pathologies.
Synthesis and application of hybrid waterborne polyurethane/acrylate dispersion with diol grafting agent containing carbon–carbon double bond
Authors: Jiang Yang , Wang Shaofei , Xu Changhai , Du Jinmei
Published: November 2021

In this work, polyurethane/acrylate waterborne hybrid polymer (WPUA) colloids were synthesized by grafting with a new diol agent containing carbon–carbon double bond to create chemical bonds between polyurethane and polyacrylate chains. WPUAs were obtained by a solvent‐free and surfactant‐free method with isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), poly(tetrahydrofuran) (PTMG), 2,2‐bis(hydroxymethyl)butyric acid, and diol grafting agent in the polyurethane part, and methyl methacrylate, n‐butyl acrylate, and octadecyl acrylate in the polyacrylate portion. When the R value was 1.5 and WPU/PA was 5:5, hybrid WPUA dispersion was obtained with the satisfied particle size and colloidal stability. WPUA dispersion was applied on textile substrates for water repellent. Scanning electron microscope results showed that WPUA covered the fabric surface and formed a thin film. Contact angle measurements of water have revealed that the addition of WPUA to the textile improved the water repellency and increased the contact angle to 152°. Moreover, WPUA coated fabrics had good durability against washing. After 50 laundering cycles, the static water contact angle of the fabric coated with the WPUA could maintain at 143°.
The effect of temperature on the electrical and thermal conductivity of graphene‐based polymer composite films
Authors: Tarhini Ali , Alchamaa M. Walid , Khraiche Massoud , Kazan Michel , Tehrani‐Bagha Ali
Published: November 2021

In this work, we studied the effect of temperature on the electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties of graphene‐based poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐hexafluoropropylene) composites. Graphene‐based polymer composites (PC‐Gn) with various graphene content were prepared using solution mixing and molding process. The physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of the PC‐Gn composites were investigated using different characterization techniques including differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy, potentiostatic electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). DMA results showed that the strength of obtained PC‐Gn composites increased with higher graphene wt%. The in‐plane electrical and thermal conductivity values were measured over a temperature range from 25 to 125°C using a four‐point probe electrical conductivity system and optothermal Raman technique, respectively. Our results showed that temperature had a noticeable effect on the in‐plane electrical and thermal conductivity values for PC‐Gn where both values gradually decreased by the increment of temperature. We believe that by increasing temperature, the vibration of composite particles became more severe, which increased the system's anharmonicity and strongly reduced the lifetimes of electrons and phonons in the composite. Further analysis, including electrochemical analysis, was also done on all composite films showing that our process produced highly conductive films that potentially can be used in many electrochemical applications in the future.
Imidazole derivative with an intramolecular hydrogen bond as thermal latent curing accelerator for epoxy/phenolic resins
Authors: Wei Wei , Gou Haolan , Sun Xin , Fei Xiaoma , Li Xiaojie , Liu Xiaoya
Published: November 2021

One‐component epoxy systems with long shelf life during storage or transportation, while high curing reactivity during molding as well as satisfactory mechanical and thermal performances after curing, are extremely essential for industrial application. Herein, we used salicylaldehyde and o‐phenylenediamine to synthesize 2‐(2′‐hydroxyphenyl)‐1H‐benzimidazole (HPBI), an imidazole derivative with an intramolecular hydrogen bond between the phenolic hydroxyl group and the pyridine‐type nitrogen atom of imidazole ring, and further employed HPBI as a thermal latent curing accelerator for epoxy/phenolic resins. The intramolecular hydrogen bond endowed HPBI with inert activity toward resins at room temperature, making the one‐component resin system a long‐term storage stability (21 days of shelf life at 30°C). Once rising the temperature to a high degree, a rather high activity of HPBI to accelerate the curing process of epoxy/phenolic resins. It was attributed to the effective release of high activity of the pyridine‐type nitrogen by breaking the intramolecular hydrogen bond at high temperature. In addition, the resulted thermosets from HPBI also possessed the comparable Tg (>130°C, determined by DMA) and thermostability (Td‐5% > 380°C) with that from common curing accelerators. Therefore, HPBI was proved to be a promising thermal latent curing accelerator applied in electronic packaging field.
Scalable, methanol‐free manufacturing of the SARS‐CoV‐2 receptor‐binding domain in engineered Komagataella phaffii
Authors: Dalvie Neil C. , Biedermann Andrew M. , Rodriguez‐Aponte Sergio A. , Naranjo Christopher A. , Rao Harish D. , Rajurkar Meghraj P. , Lothe Rakesh R. , Shaligram Umesh S. , Johnston Ryan S. , Crowell Laura E. , Castelino Seraphin , Tracey Mary K. , Whittaker Charles A. , Love J. Christopher
Published: November 2021

Prevention of COVID‐19 on a global scale will require the continued development of high‐volume, low‐cost platforms for the manufacturing of vaccines to supply ongoing demand. Vaccine candidates based on recombinant protein subunits remain important because they can be manufactured at low costs in existing large‐scale production facilities that use microbial hosts like Komagataella phaffii (Pichia pastoris). Here, we report an improved and scalable manufacturing approach for the SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein receptor‐binding domain (RBD); this protein is a key antigen for several reported vaccine candidates. We genetically engineered a manufacturing strain of K. phaffii to obviate the requirement for methanol induction of the recombinant gene. Methanol‐free production improved the secreted titer of the RBD protein by >5X by alleviating protein folding stress. Removal of methanol from the production process enabled to scale up to a 1200 L pre‐existing production facility. This engineered strain is now used to produce an RBD‐based vaccine antigen that is currently in clinical trials and could be used to produce other variants of RBD as needed for future vaccines.
Characteristics and outcomes of elderly patients undergoing carotid stenting: Experience of a high‐volume interventional cardiology center
Authors: Varbella Ferdinando , Cerrato Enrico , Rolfo Cristina , Quadri Giorgio , Franzè Alfonso , Ferrari Fabio , Mariani Fabio , Giacobbe Federico , Lo Savio Luca , Giay Pron Paolo , Amarù Salvatore , Tomassini Francesco
Published: November 2021

Background

Carotid artery stenting (CAS) is an attractive option in order to treat carotid artery stenosis. However, its safety in elderly patients is questioned. Aim of this single‐center retrospective study was to assess data of elderly patients undergoing CAS, and to compare them with those of the younger (< 75 years).

Methods

We collected data of 580 consecutive patients undergoing CAS between December 2007 and June 2020 and compared clinical and procedural characteristics as well as in‐hospital major adverse events (MACCE) and long‐term mortality between patients < 75 years and patients ≥ 75 years old.

Results

There were 272 patients (46.9%) with age ≥ 75 years and 308 patients (53.1%) with age < 75 years. The median follow‐up was 48 months (range 2–144). There was no significant difference about in‐hospital MACCE between the two groups (4.7% in the older vs. 3.5% in the younger group, p = 0.9), but a higher rate of cerebral hemorrhage occurred in the older group (1.8% vs. = 0.3%, p = 0.07), even if not significant. Long‐term mortality was significantly higher in the older group (27.9 vs. 20.1%, p = 0.027). Multivariate predictors of 12‐months mortality were neurologic symptoms within 6 months (OR: 4.83; 95% CI: 2.04–11.42; p ≤ 0.001), smoking status (OR: 2.84; 95% CI: 1.17–6.86; p = 0.02) and age ≥ 75 years (OR: 2.78; 95% CI: 1.14–6.76; p = 0.024).

Conclusions

In elderly patients, CAS can be carried out efficaciously with acceptable procedural risks, if performed by expert operators and after a correct selection by a multidisciplinary team.
Acetylation Rather than H50Q Mutation Impacts the Kinetics of Cu(II) Binding to α‐Synuclein
Authors: Teng Xiangyu , Sheveleva Alena , Tuna Floriana , Willison Keith R. , Ying Liming
Published: November 2021

The front cover artwork is provided by the group of Liming Ying at Imperial College London. The image shows that N‐terminal acetylation of α‐synuclein shifts the binding from the N‐terminus to His50 and significantly slows down the binding reaction. Read the full text of the Article at 10.1002/cphc.202100651.
Efficient One‐Pot Preparation of Thermoresponsive Polyurethanes with Lower Critical Solution Temperatures
Authors: Maiti Binoy , Nandi Mridula , Bonardd Sebastián , Franco Lourdes , Puiggalí Jordi , Enshaei Hamidreza , Alemán Carlos , Díaz Díaz David
Published: November 2021

This work reports a simple and scalable strategy to prepare a series of thermoresponsive polyurethanes synthesized via copolymerization of dicyclohexyl diisocyanate with glycerol ethoxylate in a single one‐pot system. These polyurethanes exhibit lower critical solution temperatures (LCST) at 57 °C. The LCST of synthesized polyurethane was determined from Dynamic Scanning Calorimetry and UV‐vis measurements. Both the LCST and Tg of synthesized polyurethane was tuned by varying the ratio between hard segment (dicyclohexyl diisocyanate) and soft segment (glycerol ethoxylate). Thus, Tg values could be tuned from −54.6 °C to −19.9 °C for samples with different flexibility. The swelling and deswelling studies were done at room temperature and above the LCST respectively. The results showed that the swelling ratio increases with the increase of soft segment (glycerol ethoxylate) in synthesized polyurethanes. Furthermore, the mechanical properties of the membrane were studied by universal tensile testing measurements. Specifically, stress at break values varied from 0.35±0.07 MPa to 0.91±0.15 MPa for the tested membranes, whereas elongation at break data ranged from 101.9±20.9 % to 192.4±24.4 %, and Young's modulus varied from 0.35±0.03 MPa to 1.85±0.19 MPa. Tensile strength of the films increased with the increase of the hard segment and elongation at break decreased.
Isolable Stannenolates Enable the Synthesis of Visible‐Light Photoinitiators
Authors: Maier Janine , Müller Stefanie M. , Torvisco Ana , Glotz Gabriel , Fischer Roland C. , Griesser Thomas , Kelterer Anne‐Marie , Haas Michael
Published: November 2021

Isolable stannenolates LKSn[(CO)R]3 (R=2,4,6‐trimethylphenyl (1 a, b), L=DME for (1 a) or 18‐crown‐6 for (1 b)), a new building block for the synthesis of effective Sn‐based photoinitiators, were synthesized. The formation of these derivatives was confirmed by NMR spectroscopy, UV/Vis spectroscopy as well as X‐ray crystallographic analysis. Compound 1 a is employed as a synthon in main group chemistry through reactions with two different types of electrophiles (acid chlorides and alkyl halides). All investigated electrophiles react via the salt metathesis reaction and gave rise to novel acylstannanes in good to excellent yields. The applicability as visible light photoinitiators is demonstrated by photobleaching (UV/Vis absorption spectroscopic studies) as well as through application in photo‐DSC studies.
Cathode Active Material Recycling from Spent Lithium Batteries: A Green (Circular) Approach Based on Deep Eutectic Solvents
Authors: Morina Riccardo , Callegari Daniele , Merli Daniele , Alberti Giancarla , Mustarelli Piercarlo , Quartarone Eliana
Published: November 2021

The transition to a circular economy vision must handle the increasing request of metals required to satisfy the battery industry; this can be obtained by recycling and feeding back secondary raw materials recovered through proper waste management. Here, a novel and green proof‐of‐concept was developed, based on deep eutectic solvents (DESs) to fully and easily recover valuable metals from various cathode active materials, including LiMn2O4, LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4, and LiNi0.8Co0.2O2. DES composed of choline chloride and lactic acid could leach Li, Mn, Co, and Ni, achieving efficiency of 100 % under much milder conditions with respect to the previous literature. For the first time, to our best knowledge, a two‐step approach was reported in the case of LiNi0.8Co0.2O2 for selective recovery of Li, Co, and Ni with high yield and purity. Furthermore, other cathode components, namely aluminum current collector and binder, were found to be not dissolved by the proposed DES, thus making a simple separation from the active material possible. Finally, this strategy was designed to easily regenerate and reuse the leaching solvents for more than one extraction, thus further boosting process sustainability.
Endoscopic diagnosis and screening of Barrett's esophagus: Inconsistency of diagnostic criteria between Japan and Western countries
Authors: Ishimura Norihisa , Okimoto Eiko , Shibagaki Kotaro , Ishihara Shunji
Published: November 2021

Barrett's esophagus (BE) is an endoscopically identifiable premalignant condition for esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). To diagnose BE precisely, careful inspection of the anatomic landmarks, including the esophagogastric junction and the squamocolumnar junction is important. The distal end of the palisade vessels and the proximal end of the gastric folds are used as the landmark of the esophagogastric junction in endoscopic diagnosis, with the latter solely used internationally, except in some Asian countries, including Japan. In addition, the diagnostic criteria adopted internationally for BE are inconsistent, particularly between Japan and Western countries. Recently updated guidelines in Western countries have included length criteria, with a 1‐cm threshold of columnar epithelium by endoscopic observation and/or histologic confirmation of the presence of specialized intestinal metaplasia. Since BE is endoscopically diagnosed at any length without histologic assessment in Japan, the reported prevalence of short‐segment BE is very high in Japan compared with that in Western countries. Although guidelines on screening exist for BE, the current strategies based on the presence of chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease with multiple risk factors may miss the opportunity for early detection of EAC. Indeed, up to 40% of patients with EAC have no history of chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease. To discuss BE on the same footing worldwide, standardization of diagnostic criteria, screening indication, and establishment of effective techniques for detecting dysplastic lesions are eagerly awaited. Japanese guidelines for BE should be revised regarding the length criteria, including the minimum length and long‐segment BE, in line with the recently updated Western guidelines.
Synthesis, Structure, and Thermoelastic Properties of LiSn2Br3(CN2) and Sn4Br2(CN2)3
Authors: Löber Manuel , Ströbele Markus , Romao Carl P. , Meyer Hans‐Jürgen
Published: November 2021

Tin carbodiimides have been reported with various compositions, prepared via solid‐state metathesis reactions by heating tin halides and lithium carbodiimide at moderate temperatures. The formations of two new compounds, LiSn2Br3(CN2) and Sn4Br2(CN2)3 are monitored by differential thermal analysis (DTA), and crystal structures are reported as refined on basis of X‐ray diffraction studies. The structure of LiSn2Br3(CN2) can be described by two interpenetrating frameworks of corner‐linked coordination polyhedra, raising the possibility of negative thermal expansion (NTE) as investigated by density functional perturbation theory (DFPT). Like some previously reported tin carbodiimide compounds, LiSn2Br3(CN2) was also found to be a semiconductor with an indirect band gap of 2.5 eV, as determined by DFT calculations.
Dimensionality reduction of the 3D inverted pendulum cylindrical oscillator and applications on sustainable seismic design of bridges
Authors: Vassiliou Michalis F. , Sieber Max
Published: November 2021

The simplest 3D extension of Housner's planar rocking model is a rocking (wobbling) cylinder allowed to uplift and roll on its circumference, but constrained not to roll out of its initial position. The model is useful for the description of bridges that use rocking as a seismic isolation technique, in an effort to save material by reducing the design moment and the size of the foundations. This paper shows that describing wobbling motion in terms of displacements rather than rotations is more useful. It unveils that a remarkable property of planar rocking bodies extends to 3D motion: A small and a large wobbling cylinder of the same slenderness will sustain roughly equal top displacement, as long as they are not close to overturning. This allows for using the response of an infinitely large wobbling cylinder of slenderness α as a proxy to compute the response of all cylinders having the same slenderness, irrespectively of their size. Thus, the dimensionality of the problem is reduced by one. Moreover, this paper shows that the median wobbling response to sets of ground motions can be described as an approximate function of only two non‐dimensional parameters, namely or where u is the top displacement of the wobbling body.
Unbiased rank selection for automatic hysteretic response extraction of RC frame buildings using acceleration recordings for post‐earthquake safety evaluations
Authors: Yeow Trevor Zhiqing , Kusunoki Koichi
Published: November 2021

A framework to extract a building's hysteretic response based on decomposing floor acceleration recordings into different ranks (i.e., decomposition levels) using the discrete wavelet transform (DWT) and then reconstructing signals considering only ranks which corresponded to the building's predominant response mode was recently proposed. However, current rank selection approaches require subjective judgment. This study looks to develop an unbiased rank selection method to enable automation of the hysteresis extraction framework for easier adoption in practice. The selection methodology was developed using response history analysis of several multistory reinforced concrete (RC) frame buildings and validated using data from large‐scale shake‐table tests performed at the E‐Defense testing facility. It was observed that the proposed approach was able to accurately capture the response of RC frame buildings well in majority of cases. The exception to this was for significantly damaged buildings as the use of double integration of accelerations to estimate displacements and the DWT method meant that residual deformations were not well captured. However, significant strength degradation was still observed in the extracted hysteresis behavior for these cases, and thus these buildings would have been correctly classified as being heavily damaged. The step‐by‐step process to automatically select ranks is presented in the paper, and possible revenues for further improvement of the hysteretic response extraction framework are discussed.
Precisely modeling zero‐inflated count phenotype for rare variants
Authors: Fan Qiao , Sun Shuming , Li Yi‐Ju
Published: November 2021

Count data with excessive zeros are increasingly ubiquitous in genetic association studies, such as neuritic plaques in brain pathology for Alzheimer's disease. Here, we developed gene‐based association tests to model such data by a mixture of two distributions, one for the structural zeros contributed by the Binomial distribution, and the other for the counts from the Poisson distribution. We derived the score statistics of the corresponding parameter of the rare variants in the zero‐inflated Poisson regression model, and then constructed burden (ZIP‐b) and kernel (ZIP‐k) tests for the association tests. We evaluated omnibus tests that combined both ZIP‐b and ZIP‐k tests. Through simulated sequence data, we illustrated the potential power gain of our proposed method over a two‐stage method that analyzes binary and non‐zero continuous data separately for both burden and kernel tests. The ZIP burden test outperformed the kernel test as expected in all scenarios except for the scenario of variants with a mixture of directions in the genetic effects. We further demonstrated its applications to analyses of the neuritic plaque data in the ROSMAP cohort. We expect our proposed test to be useful in practice as more powerful than or complementary to the two‐stage method.
Quality measures in HCC care by the Practice Metrics Committee of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases
Authors: Asrani Sumeet K. , Ghabril Marwan S. , Kuo Alexander , Merriman Raphael B. , Morgan Timothy , Parikh Neehar D. , Ovchinsky Nadia , Kanwal Fasiha , Volk Michael L. , Ho Chanda , Serper Marina , Mehta Shivang , Agopian Vatche , Cabrera Roniel , Chernyak Victoria , El‐Serag Hashem B. , Heimbach Julie , Ioannou George N. , Kaplan David , Marrero Jorge , Mehta Neil , Singal Amit , Salem Riad , Taddei Tamar , Walling Anne M. , Tapper Elliot B.
Published: November 2021

The burden of HCC is substantial. To address gaps in HCC care, the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) Practice Metrics Committee (PMC) aimed to develop a standard set of process‐based measures and patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) along the HCC care continuum. We identified candidate process and outcomes measures for HCC care based on structured literature review. A 13‐member panel with content expertise across the HCC care continuum evaluated candidate measures on importance and performance gap using a modified Delphi approach (two rounds of rating) to define the final set of measures. Candidate PROs based on a structured scoping review were ranked by 74 patients with HCC across 7 diverse institutions. Out of 135 measures, 29 measures made the final set. These covered surveillance (6 measures), diagnosis (6 measures), staging (2 measures), treatment (10 measures), and outcomes (5 measures). Examples included the use of ultrasound (± alpha‐fetoprotein [AFP]) every 6 months, need for surveillance in high‐risk populations, diagnostic testing for patients with a new AFP elevation, multidisciplinary liver tumor board (MLTB) review of Liver Imaging‐Reporting and Data System 4 lesions, standard evaluation at diagnosis, treatment recommendations based on Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer staging, MLTB discussion of treatment options, appropriate referral for evaluation of liver transplantation candidacy, and role of palliative therapy. PROs include those related to pain, anxiety, fear of treatment, and uncertainty about the best individual treatment and the future. The AASLD PMC has developed a set of explicit quality measures in HCC care to help bridge the gap between guideline recommendations and measurable processes and outcomes. Measurement and subsequent implementation of these metrics could be a central step in the improvement of patient care and outcomes in this high‐risk population.
Underlying selection for the diversity of spike protein sequences of SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Ghosh Manisha , Basak Surajit , Dutta Shanta
Published: November 2021

The global spread of SARS‐CoV‐2 is fast moving and has caused a worldwide public health crisis. In the present article, we analyzed spike protein sequences of SARS‐CoV‐2 genomes to assess the impact of mutational diversity. We observed from amino acid usage patterns that spike proteins are associated with a diversity of mutational changes and most important underlying cause of variation of amino acid usage is the changes in hydrophobicity of spike proteins. The changing patterns of hydrophobicity of spike proteins over time and its influence on the receptor binding affinity provides crucial information on the SARS‐CoV‐2 interaction with human receptor. Our results also show that spike proteins have evolved to prefer more hydrophobic residues over time. The present study provides a comprehensive analysis of molecular sequence data to consider that mutational variants might play a crucial role in modulating the virulence and spread of the virus and has immediate implications for therapeutic strategies.
Indole propionic acid induced Ca2+‐dependent apoptosis in Candida albicans
Authors: Han Giyeol , Lee Dong Gun
Published: November 2021

Indole propionic acid (IPA) which majorly influences the modulation of cellular respiration is a metabolite generated by gut microbiota. The antimicrobial effects of IPA have not been previously demonstrated. Therefore, this study focused on investigating the antimicrobial activity of IPA. Initially, antifungal activity of IPA against Candida albicans was observed, accompanied by variations in mitochondrial respiration indicating modulation of NAD+/NADH ratios. Consumption of O2 contributes to the respiratory regulation and triggered by Ca2+ overloading. After treatment with IPA, the cells were monitored, and Ca2+ increases leading to membrane depolarization and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in mitochondria were noted. Depolarization of mitochondria membrane induced release of proapoptotic proteins in mitochondria. Oxidative stress exerted by ROS contributed to glutathione depletion and oxidation of glutathione (GSH). Fragmentation of DNA is a characteristic event leading to apoptosis and accompanies major hallmarks of apoptosis including phosphatidylserine exposure and metacaspase activation. In addition, phosphatidylserine exposure and metacaspase activation were detected in the cell treated with IPA. In conclusion, IPA triggered apoptosis in C. albicans under the influence of Ca2+.
Socially distanced teaching: The mental health impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on special education teachers
Authors: Cormier Christopher J. , McGrew John , Ruble Lisa , Fischer Melanie
Published: November 2021

Little is known about the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on special education teachers. Of 468 surveyed across the United States, 38.4% met clinical criteria for generalized anxiety disorder, a rate 12.4 times greater than the U.S. population, and 37.6% for major depressive disorder, a rate 5.6 times greater than the population. Race/ethnicity, gender, or school funding was not related to mental health. The impact of the pandemic was moderate to extreme on stress (91%), depression (58%), anxiety (76%), and emotional exhaustion (83%).
Reliability and Sensitivity to Longitudinal CBF Changes in Steno‐Occlusive Diseases: ASL Versus 123I‐IMP‐SPECT
Authors: Amemiya Shiori , Takao Hidemasa , Watanabe Yusuke , Takei Naoyuki , Ueyama Tsuyoshi , Kato Seiji , Miyawaki Satoru , Koizumi Satoshi , Abe Osamu , Saito Nobuhito
Published: November 2021

Background

Noninvasive cerebral blood flow (CBF) monitoring using arterial spin labeling (ASL) magnetic resonance imaging is useful for managing large cerebral artery steno‐occlusive diseases. However, knowledge about its measurement characteristics in comparison with reference standard perfusion imaging is limited.

Purpose

To evaluate perfusion in a longitudinal manner in patients with steno‐occlusive disease using ASL and compare with single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT).

Study Type

Prospective.

Population

Moyamoya (n = 10, eight females) and atherosclerotic diseases (n = 2, two males).

Field Strength/Sequence

3.0 T; gradient‐echo three‐dimensional T1‐weighted and spin‐echo ASL.

Assessment

Multi‐delay ASL and [123I]‐iodoamphetamine SPECT CBF measurements were performed both before and within 9 days of anterior‐circulation revascularization. Reliability and sensitivity to whole‐brain voxel‐wise CBF changes (ΔCBF) and their postlabeling delay (PLD) dependency with varied PLDs (in milliseconds) of 1000, 2333, and 3666 were examined.

Statistical Tests

Reliability and sensitivity to ΔCBF were examined using within‐subject standard deviation (Sw) and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). For statistical comparisons, standard deviation of longitudinal ΔCBF within the hemisphere contralateral to surgery, and the ratio between it and average ΔCBF within the ipsilateral regions of interest were subjected to paired t tests, respectively. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

ASL test–retest time interval was 31 ± 18 days. Test–retest reliability was significantly lower for SPECT (0.16 ± 0.02) than ASL (0.13 ± 0.04). Sensitivity to postoperative changes was significantly higher for ASL (2.71 ± 2.79) than SPECT (0.27 ± 0.62). Test–retest reliability was significantly higher for a PLD of 2333 (0.13 ± 0.04) than 3666 (0.19 ± 0.05), and sensitivity to ΔCBF was significantly higher for PLDs of 1000 (2.53 ± 2.50) and 2333 than 3666 (0.79 ± 1.88). ICC maps also showed higher reliability for ASL than SPECT.

Data Conclusion

Higher test–retest reliability led to better ASL sensitivity than SPECT for postoperative ΔCBF. ASL test–retest reliability and sensitivity to ΔCBF were higher with a PLD of 2333.

Level of Evidence

1

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2