bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Different Nitrogen Levels to the Grain Yield and Yield Components of Some Corn (Zea mays L.) Hybrids
Authors: Sabri Wisam Khald , Oktem Abdullah
Published: December 2021

Aims: The study was designed to elucidate the effect of different nitrogen (N) fertilizer levels on five different maize cultivars.

Study Design:  A split plot experimental design in randomized complete blocks (RCBD) with three replicates. Arrangement of seven nitrogen levels and five single cross hybrids were compared. Main plots were nitrogen levels and subplots were varieties.

Place and Duration of Study: College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences at the University of Duhok, Iraq. The study was undertaken fromMarch– August 2021.

Methodology: At the present research, five single cross-hybrid corn varieties were used, which were: CADZ, DKC6050, DRACHMA, MYIMY and ZP6468D. Arrangement of seven nitrogen fertilizer levels were 0, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250 and 300 kg N ha−1. The following features were studied: plant height, leaf area index, thousand kernel weight, total grain yield, total chlorophyll, protein% and oil %.The collected data were projected to SAS software program for analysis. The significant differences between treatment means were calculated using Duncan’s multiple ranges.

Results: It was reveal that there were significant effect of different nitrogen fertilizer levels, maize genotypes as well as the interaction of nitrogen and genotype of maize (P<.01) for plant height, leaf area index, 1000 kernel weight, total grain yield, total chlorophyll and protein %. However, There were no significant differences between different maize genotypes as well as different nitrogen fertilizer levels (P>.05) with oil %, but the interaction of nitrogen and genotype of maize was significant (P<.01).

Conclusion: Increasing the amount of nitrogen had better effect on studied characteristics of different maize varieties, in which adding 300 kg nitrogen had optimum results. In considering the response of maize varieties to nitrogen, the best variety was DRACHMA genotype while the worst variety was CADZ genotype, however this hybrids was superior in some traits.
Influence of Teacher Professional Development on Teaching and Learning in Public Technical Institutes in the Upper West Region, Ghana
Authors: Akpem Benedict , Tetteh Nicholas , Adom Dickson
Published: December 2021

Teacher Professional Development (TPD) has received global recognition as one of the most essential elements required for increasing teachers’ knowledge and skills and improving students’ learning. However, not much account has been given on the influence or otherwise of TPD since some appears ineffective in supporting changes in teacher practices and student learning. This study examined the influence of teacher professional development on teaching and learning in public Technical Institutes in the Upper West Region, Ghana.The study adopted the concurrent mixed method design, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative datasets.The study was conducted between September 2019 to September 2020 in two technical institutes, namely, St. Basilide’s Technical Institute and the Wa Technical Institute in the Nadowli-Kaleo district and Wa Municipality respectively. The study sought to find out the type of TPD that teachers in public Technical Institutes in the Upper West Region participate in; evaluate the relationship between TPD and teaching and learning; as well as assess the challenges confronting teachers relative to access to professional development programmes. Evidence was obtained through the use of interview as well as questionnaires including both open and closed ended questions and a 5-point Likert scale. A sample size of 220 was obtained from a total target population of 1,072 at 95% confidence level and 5% margin of error.

Results: The findings showed that teachers in public Technical Institutes have considerable access to teacher professional development provided by the Ghana Education Service (GES), Ghana National Association of Teachers, Non-Governmental Organizations, Subject Associations, among others. Like the teachers, majority of the students have a very positive account about how well their teachers teach and how well they themselves are learning. It was found that a highly significant positive relationship (r (44) =.745, p˂.01 given ɑ =.01 and p-value=.000) exists between teachers’ participation in teacher professional development and teaching and learning. Furthermore, the study also showed a Kendall’s Coefficient of Concordance (W) of 0.212 in the ranking of challenges or barriers affecting teacher professional development. The study contends that GES should put in place policies to encourage teachers to participate in professional development programs; the GES should also encourage and partly fund individual schools particularly technical institutes to conduct subject-based in-service training for teachers among others.
Maternal Serum 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D Concentrations and Calcium Levels in Preeclamptic Women, Sindh, Pakistan
Authors: Memon Khalil Ahmed , Shaikh Hazoora , Soomoro Rukhsana , Joyo Yasmeen , Parveen Saira , Shaikh Farheen , Ahmer Arslan
Published: December 2021

Objectives: To analyse the levels of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D 25(OH) Dand calcium concentrations in patients with pre-eclampsia, Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan.

Methodology: Cross sectional study was conducted at the Gynaecology and Obstetrics Department, LUHS, Hyderabad during the period of January 2020 to June 2020. Total 150 pregnant women were selected according to predesign Proforma and divided into two groups. 50 females were normal normotensive pregnant women as a control group, 100 were pre-eclamptic patients as case group. Obstetric history, clinical data was gathered and then 5ml of blood sample was collected from each patient. The blood samples were taken for the analysis of 25-hydroxyvitamin D or 25(OH)D and calcium levels. 25(OH)D were performed on chemiluminescence, While calcium concentration of Microlab 300. Data was analysed by using SPSS version 23. Student t-test was used for analysed of continuous variables.

Results: The maternal serum vitamin D and calcium levels were significantly decreased as compared to patient with preeclampsia and normotensive healthy pregnant ladies. The blood pressure also declined in case group with P<0.001.Multinomial logistic regression showed significant odd ratio of Vitamin-D and Calcium deficiency in preeclampsia.

Conclusion: The present study reveals that 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and Calcium levels declined significantly in preeclamptic women, and mighty be biomarker of this life threating disease.
Coagulase Negative Staphylococci (CoNS): A Review
Authors: Sande Suvarna
Published: December 2021

Coagulase-negative staphylococcus (CoNS) has gained more importance as pathogenic organism for infections in both human and animals. CoNS are especially prevalent in immunocompromised patients, critically ill patients, patients having invasive medical devices.

The incidence of CoNS varied across different geographic locations in humans and animals. Also, there are varying antibiotic resistance patterns observed in CoNS species, with high methicillin resistance and cross resistance against many antibiotics. Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus haemolyticus, Staphylococcus xylosus are the most commonly reported species in various studies. Various virulence factors in CoNS are responsible for enhanced pathogenicity. Because of advancement in diagnostic techniques understanding of molecular mechanisms of CoNS pathogenicity is possible.  Recent advances in identification and typing methods, virulence screening methods will help to assess true pathogenic potential of CoNS species.

This review focuses on various CoNS species, their identification and virulence factors and clinical importance.
Psoriasiform Mycosis Fungoides Involving the Face- A Rare Case Report
Authors: Vignesh N. R. , Srinivasan Shreya , Sukanya G. , Karthikeyan S. Arun
Published: December 2021

Mycosis fungoides is represented as the most common epidermotropic cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, which is mainly characterized by the proliferation of atypical cells within the epidermis. We report a rare presentation of mycosis fungoides in a 60-year-old male presenting with chronic psoriasiform plaque involving the face. Punch biopsy of the lesion from the forehead was taken for routine histological examination and immunohistochemical stains. Results of biopsy and immunohistochemical findings were consistent with mycosis fungoides and diagnosed as psoriasiform presentation of mycosis fungoides involving the face.
Preparation, Analysis and Antibacterial Evaluation of Some New 1,3,5-Trisubstituted Pyrazole Derivatives
Authors: Sharma Anupam , Jain Alok Pal , Gangwar Mayank
Published: December 2021

The goal of this study was to develop, synthesise, and characterise a novel 1,3,5-trisubstituted-2-pyrazoline derivative, as well as test its antibacterial activity. The reaction of chalcone derivatives with succinic hydrazide in the presence of pyridine yielded the 1,3,5-tri-substituted-2-pyrazolines derivatives. The IR, 1HNMR, and mass spectral analyses were used to characterise a total of 20 substances. Antibacterial activity of the compounds was tested on five Gm+Ve bacterial strains (Staphylococcus aureus, S. Faecalis, Bacillus Substilis, P. Vulgaris, and B. Pumilus) and two Gm-Ve bacterial strains (Staphylococcus aureus, S. Faecalis, Bacillus Substilis, P. Vulgaris, and B. Pumilus) and two Gm-Ve i.e. Escherichia Coli, Klebsiella Penumoniae in two different concentration i.e. 50 and 100 µg/ml by Agar-diffusion method using Cup-plate method. Standard antimicrobial drugs were Norfloxacin and Ciprofloxacin. The antibacterial activity of substances against Gm+Ve bacterial strains (Staphylococcus Aureus, Staphylococcus Faecalis, Bacillus Substilis, Pseudomonas Vulgaris, and B. Pumilus) suggested the following order of action: BR-3 >BR-2>BR-1>CL-4>BR-4>CL-3> CL-2>CL-5>CL-6>ME-3>ME-2>ME-4>ME-5>ME-6>ME-7>CL-7>CL-8>CL-1>ME-8>ME-1>ME-8>ME-1>ME-8>ME-1>ME-8>ME-1>ME-8>ME-1>ME-8>ME-1>ME-8>ME-1>ME-8>ME-1>ME-8>ME-1>ME-8>ME The chemicals of the BR-1 to BR-4 series have the most action. ME-8, CL-8, CL-7, CL-1, ME-5, ME-6, and ME-1 have light activity, whereas CL-2, CL-5, ME-4, CL-6, ME-3, ME-2, and ME-7 have moderate activity. The compounds BR-3, BR-2, BR-1, CL-4, BR-4, and CL-3 have been shown to have excellent action. The result data of antibacterial activity suggested that Cl, Br, F, and Nitro substitution at third and Fifth position may enhance the antbacterial activity of the compounds but the methyl and methoxy substitution may resulted in reduction of the activity.
Identification of Keratinophilic Fungi in Urban Waste and Cattle Field Soil of Kanpur, India for Environmental Pollution Management
Authors: Kumar Jitendra , Kushwaha R. K. S.
Published: December 2021

Kanpur is a city which has huge number of leather product units and leather processing plants. These units are one of major contributors of keratinous waste and produces keratinous material as waste in the form of hairs, hides, dermis. During the present study 83 keratinophilic fungi were isolated from 40 soil samples of urban waste and cattle field habitat of various localities. From 20 samples of urban waste, 44 keratinophilic fungi were isolated, 39 fungi recorded from Cattle field. The frequency of genera Chrysosporium was recorded in urban waste (29.54%) and cattle field soil (20.51%). Maximum (13.83%) frequency was recorded in the case of Chrysosporium indicum in urban waste.
Endodontics: Dental Undergraduate Students’ Perception of the Speciality
Authors: Rajan J. , Sadananda V. , Hegde M. N.
Published: December 2021

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the dental undergraduate students’ perception of the dental speciality Endodontics

Material and Methods: Multiple-choice questionnaire was distributed to 82 final year dental undergraduate students and 88 interns. The analysis of data was performed using methods of descriptive analysis.

Results: 79.27% of the final year students and 79.55% of interns preferred to pursue Endodontics as a future speciality course. An increase in the understanding of the speciality overall was observed among the interns.

Conclusion: The undergraduate dental students were reasonably informed the speciality Endodontics.
Insights into the Structure and Self‐Assembly of Organic‐Semiconductor/Quantum‐Dot Blends
Authors: Toolan Daniel T. W. , Weir Michael P. , Allardice Jesse , Smith Joel A. , Dowland Simon A. , Winkel Jurjen , Xiao James , Zhang Zhilong , Gray Victor , Washington Adam L. , Petty Anthony J. , Anthony John E. , Greenham Neil C. , Friend Richard H. , Rao Akshay , Jones Richard A. L. , Ryan Anthony J.
Published: December 2021

Controlling the dispersibility of crystalline inorganic quantum dots (QD) within organic‐QD nanocomposite films is critical for a wide range of optoelectronic devices. A promising way to control nanoscale structure in these nanocomposites is via the use of appropriate organic ligands on the QD, which help to compatibilize them with the organic host, both electronically and structurally. Here, using combined small‐angle X‐ray and neutron scattering, the authors demonstrate and quantify the incorporation of such a compatibilizing, electronically active, organic semiconductor ligand species into the native oleic acid ligand envelope of lead sulphide, QDs, and how this ligand loading may be easily controlled. Further more, in situ grazing incidence wide/small angle X‐ray scattering demonstrate how QD ligand surface chemistry has a pronounced effect on the self‐assembly of the nanocomposite film in terms of both small‐molecule crystallization and QD dispersion versus ordering/aggregation. The approach demonstrated here shows the important role which the degree of incorporation of an active ligand, closely related in chemical structure to the host small‐molecule organic matrix, plays in both the self‐assembly of the QD and small‐molecule components and in determining the final optoelectronic properties of the system.
Recent Advances in Sustainable Wearable Energy Devices with Nanoscale Materials and Macroscale Structures
Authors: Kim Hyun , Pyun Kyung Rok , Lee Ming‐Tsang , Lee Ha Beom , Ko Seung Hwan
Published: December 2021

Quick progress in the field of smart wearable devices requires self‐sustainable power systems to help the devices execute the desired functions within a sufficient time scale. Because these devices have started to become small, light, compliant, complex, and multifunctional, it is challenging to provide them with the large amounts of energy necessary for their operation. Thus, future multifunctional wearable devices should not only incorporate mechanical flexibility for conformal contacts but also include sustainable energy units for stable operation. Hence, strategies for designing the assembly of nanoscale materials in macroscale‐structured devices have attracted intense interest, with an aim to achieve mechanically deformable and sustainable wearable devices while exploiting the recent advances in nanomaterials and device fabrication. This review highlights the recent progress in nanomaterial‐enabled and structured energy harvesting, energy storage, and hybrid devices for powering sustainable wearables. In particular, one summarizes describe biomechanical energy harvesters (piezoelectric nanogenerators and triboelectric nanogenerators), solar energy harvesters (solar cells), biothermal energy harvesters (thermoelectric nanogenerators), energy storage devices (batteries and supercapacitors), and hybrid devices and focus on the use of nanomaterials and device configurations in 1D, 2D, and 3D structures, with an aim to shape the future demand for self‐sustainable wearables.
Cancer‐Cell‐Biomimetic Nanoparticles for Targeted Therapy of Multiple Myeloma Based on Bone Marrow Homing
Authors: Qu Ying , Chu Bingyang , Wei Xue , Chen Yingying , Yang Yun , Hu Danrong , Huang Jingcao , Wang Fangfang , Chen Mengran , Zheng Yuhuan , Qian Zhiyong
Published: December 2021

Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most common hematological malignancy. It is characterized by abnormal transformation and uncontrolled clonal proliferation of malignant plasma cells in the bone marrow (BM), which can destroy bone structure and inhibit hematopoiesis. Although there are new therapeutic methods, they are not curative, mainly because it is difficult to deliver an effective amount of drug to BM, leading to a failure to eradicate MM cells inside the BM. BM homing is an important and unique characteristic of MM cells and it is mainly affected by surface molecules on the tumor cell membrane. Inspired by this mechanism, an MM‐mimicking nanocarrier is developed by coating bortezomib (BTZ)‐loaded poly(ε‐caprolactone)–poly(ethylene glycol)–poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCEC) nanoparticles with the MM cell membrane. The MM‐mimicking nanoparticles can enter the BM based on BM homing as a “Trojan horse” and target the tumor cells through homologous targeting. In this way, drug availability at the myeloma site is enhanced so as to inhibit MM growth. In addition, these MM‐mimicking nanoparticles can escape phagocytosis by the MPS and have a long circulation effect. The in vivo therapeutic results demonstrate an excellent treatment efficacy for MM. Accordingly, this strategy may be a promising platform for the treatment of MM.
Oncometabolite Fingerprinting Using Fluorescent Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Amir Dean , Hendler‐Neumark Adi , Wulf Verena , Ehrlich Roni , Bisker Gili
Published: December 2021

The production of oncometabolites is the direct result of mutagenesis in key cellular metabolic enzymes, appearing typically in cancers such as glioma, leukemia, and glioblastoma. Once accumulated, oncometabolites promote cancerous transformations by interfering with important cellular functions. Hence, the ability to sense and quantify oncometabolites is essential for cancer research and clinical diagnosis. Here, the authors present a near‐infrared optical nanosensor for a known oncometabolite, D‐2‐hydroxyglutarate (D2HG), discovered in a screening of a library of fluorescent single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) functionalized with ssDNA. The screening reveals (ATTT)7‐SWCNT as a sensor for D2HG, exhibiting a fluorescence intensity increase upon the interaction with D2HG. The fluorescence response of the sensor does not appear to be attributed to basic chemical features of the target analytes tested, and is shown to discriminate D2HG from other related metabolites, including its enantiomer L‐2‐hydroxyglutarate. Further, the fluorescence modulation is dependent on the analyte concentration and the SWCNT chirality, showing up to 40.7% and 28.2% increase of the (6,5)‐chirality peak and the (9,5)‐ and (8,7)‐chirality joint peak, at 572 and 730 nm excitation, respectively, in the presence of 10 mm D2HG. This work opens new opportunities for molecular recognition of oncometabolites which can advance basic cancer metabolism research.
Compacted Laser‐Induced Graphene with Bamboo‐Like Carbon Nanotubes for Transformable Capacitive Energy Storage Electrodes
Authors: Hyeong Seok‐Ki , Park Mina , Kim Seung‐Il , Park Seoungwoong , Choi Kwang‐Hun , Im Min Ji , Kim Nam Dong , Kim Tae‐Wook , Lee Sang Hyun , Park Ji‐Won , Bae Sukang , Lee Jae‐Hyun , Lee Seoung‐Ki
Published: December 2021

Laser‐induced graphene (LIG) has drawn attention for energy storage devices owing to its fascinating material properties as well as for its use in the effective production of porous structures. However, the low packing density of LIG, which is caused by macroscopic voids owing to rapid degassing during the instantaneous photothermal process, limits the improvement of device performance. Herein, the fabrication of compacted LIG composite is introduced, wherein, the unused voids are filled with bamboo‐like carbon nanotubes (BCNTs). The BCNTs grown directly in the voids of LIG through chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method using Cu seeds as catalysts improve the electrical conductivity, chemical activity, and mechanical flexibility, while enhancing the spatial efficiency of the porous structure. Consequently, the fabricated composite film (denoted as BCNT:LIG/Cu) delivers an energy density of 1.87 μWh cm−2, which is ≈10 times higher than that of the LIG‐based supercapacitor (0.19 μWh cm−2). Moreover, the BCNT:LIG/Cu film with a shape engineering pattern is assembled into a solid‐state supercapacitor using a gel electrolyte (PVA‐KOH), showing excellent electrochemical and mechanical stabilities under complex deformations. The proposed LIG‐based densification strategy opens up opportunities for the development of energy devices for portable power supply in practical applications.
Rhodium‐Catalysed Asymmetric Arylation of Pyridylimines
Authors: Hu Yan , Wang Chenhong , Zhu Huilong , Xing Junhao , Dou Xiaowei
Published: December 2021

The catalytic asymmetric arylation of pyridylimines was developed. A range of pyridylimines reacted with arylboronic acids under rhodium catalysis to produce pyridine‐incorporating chiral diarylmethylamines in 46% to 99% yield with 90:10 to 99.5:0.5 er, thus providing a method for the preparation of these important chiral pharmacophores.

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Failure Mechanism of Lithiophilic Sites in Composite Lithium Metal Anode under Practical Conditions
Authors: Zhan Ying‐Xin , Shi Peng , Ma Xia‐Xia , Jin Cheng‐Bin , Zhang Qian‐Kui , Yang Shi‐Jie , Li Bo‐Quan , Zhang Xue‐Qiang , Huang Jia‐Qi
Published: December 2021

A 3D host decorated with lithiophilic sites has emerged as a promising strategy to stabilize lithium metal anode by guiding uniform Li deposition and relieving volume fluctuations. Herein, the evolution process of lithiophilic sites in a 3D host under practical conditions is disclosed in a typical system with metal‐based lithiophilic sites. Lithiophilic sites decreasing nucleation overpotential, however this effect gradually disappears during cycles under practical conditions. The significantly increased cycling capacity under practical conditions results in a rapid accumulation of dead Li compared with mild conditions. The dead Li covers the lithiophilic sites and blocks the diffusion channels of Li ions to the lithiophilic sites, failing to decrease the nucleation overpotentials. Once the dead Li has been removed after long cycles, the lithiophilic sites can still work. This work discloses the failure mechanism of lithiophilic sites and provides a guideline for designing lithiophilic hosts under practical conditions.
Self‐assembly of colloidal nanoparticles into encapsulated hollow superstructures
Authors: Wu Chaolumen , Li Zhiwei , Bai Yaocai , To Dung , Myung Nosang V. , Yin Yadong
Published: December 2021

As a distinct type of nanocapsules, hollow superstructures of inorganic nanoparticles have attracted increasing attention due to their controllable permeability, convenient functionalization, and efficient surface utilization. Conventionally, they are produced by assembling nanoparticles against expensive sacrificial templates. Herein, a general emulsion‐based method is reported to assemble colloidal nanoparticles into submicron hollow superstructures, involving first co‐assembly of colloidal nanoparticles with organic additives to form clusters, then overcoating the clusters with a polymer shell, and finally removing the organic additives and re‐dispersing nanoparticles by exposing to a good solvent. The key to the success of this process is the re‐assembly of nanoparticles against the polymer shells as driven by the capillary force during solvent evaporation, producing hollow superstructures. Such a space‐confined assembly process can be well controlled by choice of solvents and their evaporation rates. This general technique provides an open and low‐cost platform for creating hollow superstructures of various inorganic nanoparticles, offering many opportunities for exploring unique applications that can take advantage of the collective properties of the constituent nanoparticles and the permeable nanoshell structures.
An open‐source population balance modeling framework for the simulation of polydisperse multiphase flows
Authors: Lehnigk Ronald , Bainbridge William , Liao Yixiang , Lucas Dirk , Niemi Timo , Peltola Juho , Schlegel Fabian
Published: December 2021

Polydispersity is a challenging feature of many industrial and environmental multiphase flows, influencing all related transfer and transport processes. Besides their size, the fluid or solid particles may be distributed with respect to other properties such as their velocity or shape. Here, a population balance model based on the method of classes is combined with a multifluid solver within the open source computational fluid dynamics library OpenFOAM. The model allows for tracking the evolution of one or more size‐conditioned secondary properties. It is applied to two different problems, the first being bubbly flow of air and water in a vertical pipe, where considering the velocity as a secondary property allows to resolve the size‐dependent radial segregation. The second application is the gas phase synthesis of titania powder, where non‐spherical particle aggregates appear whose shape is modeled through a collision diameter, leading to an improved prediction of the size distribution.
A Data‐Driven Review of Soft Robotics
Authors: Jumet Barclay , Bell Marquise D. , Sanchez Vanessa , Preston Daniel J.
Published: December 2021

The past decade of soft robotics has delivered impactful and promising contributions to society and has seen exponentially increasing interest from scientists and engineers. This interest has resulted in growth of the number of researchers participating in the field and the quantity of their resulting contributions, stressing the community's ability to comprehend and build upon the literature. In this work, a data‐driven review is presented that addresses the recent surge of research by providing a quantitative snapshot of the field. Relevant data are catalogued with three levels of analysis. First, publication‐level analysis explores high‐level trends in the field and bibliometric relationships across the more detailed analyses. Second, device‐level analysis examines the tethering of robots and the incorporation of component types (actuators, sensors, controllers, power sources) into each robot. Finally, component‐level analysis investigates the compliances, material compositions, and “function media” (energetic methods by which components operate) of each soft robotic component in the analyzed literature. The reported data indicate a significant reliance on elastomeric materials, electrical and fluidic media, and physical tethering; meanwhile, controllers and power sources remain underdeveloped relative to actuators and sensors. These gaps in the surveyed literature are elaborated upon, and promising future directions for the field of soft robotics are identified.
Just data representation for Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders: A critical review of systemic Indigenous erasure in census and recommendations for psychologists
Authors: Sasa Steven M. , Yellow Horse Aggie J.
Published: December 2021

The decennial Census survey marks the emergence of federal classifications of race and ethnicity by which the U.S. government has historically conflated Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders (NHPI, hereafter) as “Asian or Pacific Islander.” This conflation amplifies health injustices and inequities of NHPIs through multiple mechanisms because it masks the complex and heterogeneous experiences of NHPIs, whose positions and relations with the settler state are qualitatively and substantially distinct from Asian Americans. This critical review examines federal documents and research to examine how the panethnic categorizations are often sustained through scientific inquiry and methodologies. We found that self‐determination and self‐identification for NHPIs are impeded by settler‐colonial relations between U.S. colonization of parts of Oceania (e.g., Hawai'i, Sāmoa, Fiji, and Guam) and the forcefully imposed categorization that continues to be in use to legitimize the domination of Indigenous Peoples through race misclassification. Specifically, Census data collection fails to capture accurate and reliable data due to serious methodological limitations. These implications for psychological research compel us to make several recommendations for psychologists: (1) engagewithNHPI community partners in all research processes; (2) critically examine Census research design and consider oversampling NHPI households to ensure just data representation; (3) meaningfully engage when, whether and how to aggregate Asian Americans with NHPIs; and (4) use Indigeneity as a critical framework.
Population structure, intergroup interaction, and human contact govern infectious disease impacts in mountain gorilla populations
Authors: Whittier Christopher A. , Nutter Felicia B. , Johnson Philip L. F. , Cross Paul , Lloyd‐Smith James O. , Slenning Barrett D. , Stoskopf Michael K.
Published: December 2021

Infectious zoonotic diseases are a threat to wildlife conservation and global health. They are especially a concern for wild apes, which are vulnerable to many human infectious diseases. As ecotourism, deforestation, and great ape field research increase, the threat of human‐sourced infections to wild populations becomes more substantial and could result in devastating population declines. The endangered mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) of the Virunga Massif in east‐central Africa suffer periodic disease outbreaks and are exposed to infections from human‐sourced pathogens. It is important to understand the possible risks of disease introduction and spread in this population and how human contact may facilitate disease transmission. Here we present and evaluate an individual‐based, stochastic, discrete‐time disease transmission model to predict epidemic outcomes and better understand health risks to the Virunga mountain gorilla population. To model disease transmission we have derived estimates for gorilla contact, interaction, and migration rates. The model shows that the social structure of gorilla populations plays a profound role in governing disease impacts with subdivided populations experiencing less than 25% of the outbreak levels of a single homogeneous population. It predicts that gorilla group dispersal and limited group interactions are strong factors in preventing widespread population‐level outbreaks of infectious disease after such diseases have been introduced into the population. However, even a moderate amount of human contact increases disease spread and can lead to population‐level outbreaks.
Characteristics of subjective cognitive decline associated with amyloid positivity
Authors: Janssen Olin , Jansen Willemijn J. , Vos Stephanie J.B. , Boada Merce , Parnetti Lucilla , Gabryelewicz Tomasz , Fladby Tormod , Molinuevo José Luis , Villeneuve Sylvia , Hort Jakub , Epelbaum Stéphane , Lleó Alberto , Engelborghs Sebastiaan , van der Flier Wiesje M. , Landau Susan , Popp Julius , Wallin Anders , Scheltens Philip , Rikkert Marcel Olde , Snyder Peter J. , Rowe Chris , Chételat Gaël , Ruíz Agustin , Marquié Marta , Chipi Elena , Wolfsgruber Steffen , Heneka Michael , Boecker Henning , Peters Oliver , Jarholm Jonas , Rami Lorena , Tort‐Merino Adrià , Binette Alexa Pichet , Poirier Judes , Rosa‐Neto Pedro , Cerman Jiri , Dubois Bruno , Teichmann Marc , Alcolea Daniel , Fortea Juan , Sánchez‐Saudinós M. Belén , Ebenau Jarith , Pocnet Cornelia , Eckerström Marie , Thompson Louisa , Villemagne Victor , Buckley Rachel , Burnham Samantha , Delarue Marion , Freund‐Levi Yvonne , Wallin Åsa K. , Ramakers Inez , Tsolaki Magda , Soininen Hilkka , Hampel Harald , Spiru Luiza ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative,   FACEHBI study group,   PREVENT‐AD research group, Tijms Betty , Ossenkoppele Rik , Verhey Frans R. J. , Jessen Frank , Visser Pieter Jelle
Published: December 2021

Introduction

The evidence for characteristics of persons with subjective cognitive decline (SCD) associated with amyloid positivity is limited.

Methods

In 1640 persons with SCD from 20 Amyloid Biomarker Study cohort, we investigated the associations of SCD‐specific characteristics (informant confirmation, domain‐specific complaints, concerns, feelings of worse performance) demographics, setting, apolipoprotein E gene (APOE) ε4 carriership, and neuropsychiatric symptoms with amyloid positivity.

Results

Between cohorts, amyloid positivity in 70‐year‐olds varied from 10% to 76%. Only older age, clinical setting, and APOE ε4 carriership showed univariate associations with increased amyloid positivity. After adjusting for these, lower education was also associated with increased amyloid positivity. Only within a research setting, informant‐confirmed complaints, memory complaints, attention/concentration complaints, and no depressive symptoms were associated with increased amyloid positivity. Feelings of worse performance were associated with less amyloid positivity at younger ages and more at older ages.

Discussion

Next to age, setting, and APOE ε4 carriership, SCD‐specific characteristics may facilitate the identification of amyloid‐positive individuals.
Biomedical Applications of Magnetic Levitation
Authors: Dabbagh Sajjad Rahmani , Alseed M. Munzer , Saadat Milad , Sitti Metin , Tasoglu Savas
Published: December 2021

Magnetic levitation (MagLev) is a user‐friendly, electricity‐free, accurate, affordable, and label‐free platform for chemical and biological applications owing to its ability to suspend and separate a wide range of diamagnetic materials (e.g., plastics, polymers, cells, and proteins) based on their density. Various MagLev designs (e.g., standard, single and double ring, titled, and rotational MagLev setups) are presented in the literature with a trade‐off between sensitivity and detection range. Herein, various MagLev designs, the advantages and pitfalls of each method, and current challenges encountered by MagLev platforms are reviewed. Moreover, end applications of MagLev are presented in single‐cell and protein analysis, diseases diagnosis (e.g., cancer and hepatitis C), tissue engineering, 3D self‐assembly, and forensic case studies to provide an insight regarding the potentials of MagLev.
Machine‐Learning Prediction of Metal–Organic Framework Guest Accessibility from Linker and Metal Chemistry
Authors: Pétuya Rémi , Durdy Samantha , Antypov Dmytro , Gaultois Michael W. , Berry Neil G. , Darling George R. , Katsoulidis Alexandros P. , Dyer Matthew S. , Rosseinsky Matthew J.
Published: December 2021

The choice of metal and linker together define the structure and therefore the guest accessibility of a metal‐organic framework (MOF), but the large number of possible metal‐linker combinations makes the selection of components for synthesis challenging. We predict the guest accessibility of a MOF with 80.5 % certainty based solely on the identity of these two components as chosen by the experimentalist, by decomposing reported experimental three‐dimensional MOF structures in the Cambridge Structural Database into metal and linker and then learning the connection between the components’ chemistry and the MOF porosity. Pore dimensions of the guest‐accessible space are classified into four ranges with three sequential models. Both the dataset and the predictive models are available to download and offer simple guidance in prioritization of the choice of the components for exploratory MOF synthesis for separation and catalysis based on guest accessibility considerations.
Enhanced Selectivity and Stability of Finned Ferrierite Catalysts in Butene Isomerization
Authors: Dai Heng , Lee Choongsze , Liu Wen , Yang Taimin , Claret Jakob , Zou Xiaodong , Dauenhauer Paul J. , Li Xiujie , Rimer Jeffrey D.
Published: December 2021

Designing zeolite catalysts with improved mass transport properties is crucial for restrictive networks of either one‐ or two‐dimensional pore topologies. Here, we demonstrate the synthesis of finned ferrierite (FER), a commercial zeolite with two‐dimensional pores, where protrusions on crystal surfaces behave as pseudo nanoparticles. Catalytic tests of 1‐butene isomerization reveal a 3‐fold enhancement of catalyst lifetime and an increase of 12 % selectivity to isobutene for finned samples compared to corresponding seeds. Electron tomography was used to confirm the identical crystallographic registry of fins and seeds. Time‐resolved titration of Brønsted acid sites confirmed the improved mass transport properties of finned ferrierite compared to conventional analogues. These findings highlight the advantages of introducing fins through facile and tunable post‐synthesis modification to impart material properties that are otherwise unattainable by conventional synthesis methods.
Controlled composite processing based on off‐stoichiometric thiol‐epoxy dual‐curing systems with sequential heat release (SHR)
Authors: Fabregat‐Sanjuan Albert , Fernández‐Francos Xavier , Ferrando‐Piera Francesc
Published: December 2021

Control of curing rate and exothermicity during processing of thermosetting composite materials is essential in order to minimize the formation of internal stresses leading to mechanical and dimensional defects in the samples, especially in thick composite samples. It was recently proposed that sequential heat release, an approach based on the kinetic control of the curing sequence of dual‐curing thermosets, would enable a step‐wise release of the reaction heat and therefore a better control of conversion and temperature profiles during the crosslinking stage. In this article, it is shown experimental proof of this concept obtained by means of an instrumented mold that can be used for the processing of small samples with and without carbon fiber reinforcement. Safe processing scenarios have been defined by numerical simulation using a simplified two‐dimensional heat transfer model and validated experimentally.
Lignin demethylation for modifying halloysite nanotubes towards robust phenolic foams with excellent thermal insulation and flame retardancy
Authors: Li Ming , Shan Junqiang , Hu Youqin , Gao Cheng , Long Haoyu , Shen Tao , Tan Zhuotao , Zhuang Wei , Liu Dong , Zhu Chenjie , Ying Hanjie
Published: December 2021

The demethylation of lignin was conducted under HBr catalysis and microwave irradiation resulting in a demethylation rate of 21.4% as calculated from1H NMR. The demethylated lignin (DL) was applied to modify halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) forming a nano‐hybrid containing 16.5 wt% of DL according to TGA results, and showing rough surfaces dotted with DL particles as observed through TEM. HNTs‐DL was introduced into resol resin synthesis where DL molecules participate in phenol‐formaldehyde polycondensation, functioning as a binder to connect the inorganic HNTs framework and the organic resol resin molecules, giving an increase in flow activation energy as calculated from rheological results. The prepared phenolic foam containing 0.4 wt% of HNTs‐DL shows a significant increase by 37.7% in compressive strength and a decrease by 27.3% in pulverization ratio compared to the neat phenolic foam, and exhibits uniform cells with the highest cell density as observed in SEM, explaining its improved performance in thermal insulation and flame retardancy.
DNA‐assisted site‐selective protein modification
Authors: Keijzer Jordi F. , Albada Bauke
Published: December 2021

Protein modification is important for various types of biomedical research, including proteomics and therapeutics. Many methodologies for protein modification exist, but not all possess the required level of efficiency and site selectivity. This review focuses on the use of DNA to achieve the desired conversions and levels of accuracy in protein modification by using DNA (i) as a template to help concentrate dilute reactants, (ii) as a guidance system to achieve selectivity by binding specific proteins, and (iii) even as catalytic entity or construct to enhance protein modification reactions.
The combination of living Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Streptococcus improves social ranking and relieves anxiety‐like behaviors in competitive mice in a social dominance tube test
Authors: Xie Jianping , Yuan Yun , Tan Heng , Bai Yufan , Zheng Qingyue , Mao Lin , Wu Yushan , Wang Ling , Da Wenhui , Ye Qingyan , Zhang Suting , Wang Jing , Yin Wenyao , Bian Yujing , Ma Wenjie , Zhang Lanchun , Zhang Rongping , Yu Haofei , Guo Ying
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Social rank has a profound influence on the behavior and health of humans and animals.

Methods

To explore the effect of a combination of living Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus and Streptococcus (CLB) on anxiety‐ and depression‐like behaviors and social rank, mice were subjected to a social dominance tube test (SDTT). The behaviors, rank, gut microbiota, and expression of inflammatory cytokines and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus were measured.

Results

The results indicated that CLB improved the SDTT ranking score of the losers and alleviated anxiety‐like behaviors of the winners. CLB decreased the level of Desulfovibrio and augmented the level of Mollicutes in the feces, increased BDNF content, and reduced the level of tumor necrosis factor‐α in the hippocampus.

Conclusion

These findings indicated that CLB may be used for the treatment of anxiety and improvement of the rank score via regulation of gut microbiota and anti‐inflammatory effects.
Rational Design of a Cu Chelator That Mitigates Cu‐Induced ROS Production by Amyloid Beta
Authors: Mitra Suchitra , Talukdar Kallol , Prasad Pallavi , Misra Sandeep K. , Khan Shabana , Sharp Joshua S. , Jurss Jonah W. , Chakraborty Saumen
Published: December 2021

Alzheimer's disease severely perturbs transition metal homeostasis in the brain leading to the accumulation of excess metals in extracellular and intraneuronal locations. The amyloid beta protein binds these transition metals, ultimately causing severe oxidative stress in the brain. Metal chelation therapy is an approach to sequester metals from amyloid beta and relieve the oxidative stress. Here we have designed a mixed N/O donor Cu chelator inspired by the proposed ligand set of Cu in amyloid beta. We demonstrate that the chelator effectively removes Cu from amyloid beta and suppresses reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by redox silencing and radical scavenging both in vitro and in cellulo. The impact of ROS on the extent of oxidation of the different aggregated forms of the peptide is studied by mass spectrometry, which, along with other ROS assays, shows that the oligomers are pro‐oxidants in nature. The aliphatic Leu34, which was previously unobserved, has been identified as a new oxidation site.
What is the Role of Individual Species within Bidirectional Electroactive Microbial Biofilms: A Case Study on Desulfarculus baarsii and Desulfurivibrio alkaliphilus
Authors: Izadi Paniz , Schröder Uwe
Published: December 2021

Desulfarculus baarsii and Desulfurivibrio alkaliphilus are strictly anaerobic bacteria existing in marine sediments. D. baarsii gains energy through reducing sulphate and D. alkaliphilus is able to reduce elemental sulphur, thiosulphate and polysulphide in seawater. Both organisms were previously identified as key organisms in sediment derived, bidirectional electroactive biofilms. Here, we investigated the electrochemical performance of these two bacteria in bio‐electrochemical systems and their possible involvement in anodic and cathodic reactions. The results show that D. baarsii was unable to donate or accept electrons to/from an electrode, while D. alkaliphilus was able to catalyse both anodic and cathodic reactions and interact with the electrode through direct or potentially indirect electron transfer. Raman spectra of D. alkaliphilus electrode biofilms showed a high similarity to Geobacter sulfurreducens biofilms, including the specific bands of cytochromes b and c, explaining the electroactivity of D. alkaliphilus in bioelectrochemical reactions.
Interfacially Super‐Assembled Benzimidazole Derivative‐Based Mesoporous Silica Nanoprobe for Sensitive Copper (II) Detection and Biosensing in Living Cells
Authors: Xing Chenchen , Deng Jianlin , Fu Wenlong , Li Jichao , Xu Lijie , Sun Ruihao , Wang Dan , Li Chengwen , Liang Kang , Gao Meng , Kong Biao
Published: December 2021

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) functionalized with benzimidazole‐derived fluorescent molecules (DHBM) are fabricated via a feasible interfacial superassembly strategy for the highly sensitive and selective detection of Cu2+. DHBM‐MSN exhibits an obvious quenching effect on Cu2+ in aqueous solutions, and the detection limit can be as low as 7.69×10−8 M. The DHBM‐MSN solid‐state sensor has good recyclability, and the silica framework can simultaneously improve the photostability of DHBM. Two mesoporous silica nanoparticles with different morphologies were specially designed to verify that nanocarriers with different morphologies do not affect the specific detectionability. The detection mechanism of the fluorescent probe was systematically elucidated by combining experimental results and density function theory calculations. Moreover, the detection system was successfully applied to detect Cu2+ in bovine serum, juice, and live cells. These results indicate that the DHBM‐MSN fluorescent sensor holds great potential in practical and biomedical applications.
Rhodium–Iodide Complex on a Catalytically Active SiO2 Surface for One‐Pot Hydrosilylation–CO2 Cycloaddition
Authors: Usui Kei , Manaka Yuichi , Chun Wang‐Jae , Motokura Ken
Published: December 2021

In this study, a novel Rh–iodide complex was synthesized through a surface reaction between an immobilized Rh cyclooctadiene complex and alkylammonium iodide (N+I−) on SiO2. In the presence of ammonium cations, the SiO2‐supported Rh–iodide complex could be effectively used for the one‐pot synthesis of various silylcarbonate derivatives starting from epoxy olefins, hydrosilanes, and CO2. The maximum turnover numbers (TONs) for the hydrosilylation reaction and the CO2 cycloaddition were 7600 (Rh) and 130 (N+I−), respectively. The catalyst exhibited much higher performance for hydrosilylation than solely the Rh complex on SiO2. The mechanism of the Rh‐catalyzed hydrosilylation reaction and the local structure of Rh, which is affected by the co‐immobilized N+I−, were investigated by using Rh and I K‐edge XAFS and XPS. Analysis of the XAFS profiles indicated the presence of a Rh−I bond. The Rh unit was in its electron‐rich state. Curve‐fitting analysis of the Rh K‐edge EXAFS profiles suggests dissociation of the cycloocta‐1,5‐diene (COD) ligand from the Rh center. Results from spectroscopic and kinetic analyses revealed that the high activity of the catalyst (during hydrosilylation) could be attributed to a decrease in steric hindrance and the electron‐rich state of the Rh. The decrease in the steric hindrance could be attributed to the absence of COD, and the electron‐rich state promoted the oxidative addition of Si−H. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first example of a one‐pot silylcarbonate synthesis as well as a determination of a novel surface Rh–iodide complex and its catalysis.
Inline Raman Spectroscopy of an Emulsion Copolymerization in an Industrial Pilot Plant Using Indirect Hard Modeling
Authors: Faust Johannes M. M. , Gerlinger Wolfgang , Naeem Omar , Mhamdi Adel , Mitsos Alexander
Published: December 2021

Raman spectroscopy is used to determine the concentrations of monomers and polymers in the second stage of a two‐stage emulsion polymerization process. The indirect hard modeling (IHM) approach is applied to monitor inline the reaction in semi‐batch operation in lab scale and pilot scale. This method requires the spectra of all pure components. While the pure spectra of water and monomers are easily measured as pure components, the spectra of two different copolymers are constructed from reaction spectral data containing mixtures. Good predictive capabilities of the developed model are demonstrated.