bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Screening for High-Yielding Barley Genotypes with Adequate Foliar Disease Resistance in North Delta of Egypt
Authors: EL-Shawy E. E.  , El-Azeem Ashgan M. Abd , El-Wakeel Sally E. , Shahin Atef A. , Gad Mohamed A.
Published: November 2023

In addressing the global impact of fungal foliar diseases on barley yield; namely powdery mildew, net blotch and leaf rust, this study undertakes a robust phenotypic and genotypic evaluation. A set of 132 barley genotypes, were evaluated under conditions of elevated pathogenic stress. Multivariate analyses revealed statistically significant inter-genotypic variances for all measured agronomic and pathological traits, concomitant with noticeable seasonal effects. In a nuanced observation, the genotype-by-season interaction elicited significant impacts across a plethora of traits, with the exception of spike length and thousand grain weight. From a quantitative genetics perspective, broad-sense heritability estimates were remarkably high: 97.2% for powdery mildew, 89.3% for net blotch, and 97.5% for leaf rust. Concurrently, genetic advance estimates for biological yield, grain yield, powdery mildew, net blotch, and leaf rust registered in the high to very high categories. Correlational analyses substantiated a positive linear relationship between grain yield and maturity date, plant height and biological yield. Using biplot analysis, 12 genotypes were identified that showed high yield and resistance to powdery mildew, net blotch, and leaf rust. Thus, investigation illuminates the possibility of deploying high-yielding, disease-resistant barley cultivars as an effective strategy for mitigating the deleterious effects of fungal foliar pathogens on barley production in Egypt.
Chemical Properties and Moisture Sorption Isotherm of Smoke- Dried Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) and Mackerel (Trachurus trachurus) Produced with a Modified Smoking Kiln: Application of Four Models to Sorption on Data
Authors: Ochimana Titus Onucheojo , Emojorho Ernest Eguono , Chiedu Udeh Charles
Published: November 2023

The effectiveness of a modified smoking kiln, the smoking quality, and the moisture sorption characteristics of smoked dried catfish and mackerel were all investigated in this study. Smoked dried catfish protein, ash, fat and moisture ranged between 73.37 and 73.80 %, 5.00 and 5.40% 10.30 and 11.05% and 8.05 and 8.12% respectively and for smoked dried mackerel 70.58 and 70.67%, 5.00 and 5.94%, 12.99 and13.15%, and 6.14 and 6.37% respectively, while the moisture sorption isotherm confirmed type III BET isotherm with marked hysteresis.  Smoke dried catfish and mackerel's type III isotherm is as expected given that food items high in protein have been observed to display type III forms. For the Henderson, BET, GAB, and Oswin models, the values of the root means square ranged from 2.6 to 8.7, 4.6 to 9.1, 5.9 to 12.1, and 4.1 to 13.16, respectively. The coefficients of determination for these models ranged from 0.95 to 0.99, 0.93 to 0.96, 0.83 to 0.94, and 0.91 to 0.94. For catfish and mackerel, the isosteric heats of sorption for the adsorption and desorption pathways, respectively, were 4.55 and 1.22 kJ/mol and 4.07 and 1.10 kJ/mol, respectively. With an increase in temperature from 20 to 40 oC, the apparent sorbate surface area fell for catfish from 99.38 to 85.02 m2/g solid and for mackerel from 76.01 to 66.25 m2/g solid. The smoking kiln performed the basic tasks of smoking and drying the fishes very well, with high-quality nutrients.
Efficacy of Fungicides and Commercially Available Organic Products against Blight of Cotton Caused by Alternaria macrospora
Authors: Veeresh  , Amaresh Y. S.  , Aswathanarayana D. S.  , Gowdar S. B.  , Nidagundi J. M.
Published: November 2023

An attempt was made to test available formulation of fungicides and commercially available organic products for their efficacy under laboratory condition, an experiment was carried out at Department of Plant pathology, Raichur, Karnataka, India by using poison food technique. Among the commercially available organic products tested, fatty alcohol and diluents has recorded significantly higher mycelial inhibition of 100 per cent at the concentration of 5 and 10 per cent. In case of contact fungicides propineb 70% WP, metiram 70% WP and mancozeb 75 % WP recorded 100 per cent mycelial inhibition, with respect to systemic fungicides hexaconazole 5% EC, propiconazole 25% EC and difenoconazole 25% WP and among the combi fungicides azoxystrobin 8.3% + mancozeb 66.7% WG were most effective in 100 per cent inhibition of mycelial growth of Alternaria macrospora over the control. The commercially available organic product fatty alcohol and diluents, propineb 70% WP, hexaconazole 5% EC, propiconazole 25% EC and azoxystrobin 8.3% + mancozeb 66.7 % WG were found to be effective against inhibition of mycelial growth of Alternaria macrospora.
Seed Quality Enhancement through Different Priming Treatments in Onion (Allium cepa L.)
Authors: Awasthi Lallu Ram , Nair Reena , Pandey S. K. , Ramakrishnan R. Shiv , Verma Himanshu , Biswal Manoranjan
Published: November 2023

In a meticulously executed experiment at the Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, during the Rabi season of 2022-23, In the experiment, treatments were arranged in a Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRBD) with two factors concepts. The first factor was mobilized with twelve distinct seed priming treatments i.e.; KNO3 (2%), TiO2 (500ppm), PEG (1MPa), Salicylic acid (50ppm), Pseudomonas (1%), along with water as a control treatment. The second factor assigned to onion varieties i.e., Phule Samarth and B780) Among the findings, the combination of B2A1 (TiO2@ 500 ppm + Phule Samarth) significantly influenced radicle emergence time, while B2A2 (TiO2 @500 ppm + B780) exhibited a noteworthy impact on initial germination counts and final germination counts. Moreover (TiO2 @ 500ppm + B780) recorded distinct effects on plumule length and radicle length. In terms of vigour, variety A2 (B780) demonstrated the highest vigour I with TiO2 @ 500ppm. The results highlighted TiO2 @ 500ppm as the most effective priming agent, with PEG -1Mpa showing less efficacy in promoting seed Vigour II. Additionally, KNO3 @ 2% emerged as a promising agent, and the Phule Samarth variety exhibited a slightly higher mean dry weight compared to B780. Notably, the combination B6A1 (Water + Phule Samarth) resulted in the highest mortality %, while B1A1 (KNO3 @ 2% + Phule Samarth) was particularly associated with intensified pyruvic acid synthesis. Furthermore, the maximum TSS content was observed for B1A1 (KNO3 @ 2% + Phule Samarth), underscoring the intricate interplay between priming and genetic factors.
Optimizing Drying Conditions for Lotus Flowers and Characterization of the Chemical and Functional Properties of Lotus Flower Powder for Food Applications
Authors: Ashoka S.  , Revanna M. L. , Shamshad Begum S.  , Vijayalaxmi K. G. , Ray Babu Rajaram Mohan , Kumari R. Vasantha
Published: November 2023

The lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) is an aquatic plant that holds religious and cultural significance. Additionally, it provides an important source of vital nutrients and antioxidants. The present study aimed at examining the physical characteristics, drying temperatures, and chemical and functional aspects of lotus flower powder. The findings revealed a wide range of the weight, length, and width of lotus flowers, which may be linked to several factors like age, conditions in the environment, and genetic diversity. The flowers subjected to drying methods like tray drying and shade drying. In tray drying the samples were subjected to different temperatures viz., 40°C, 50°C, 60°C and 70°C. Drying was continued till the flowers became completely dry and crisp and also until constant weight attained. The colour of the lotus flower powder was shown to be significantly influenced by the drying temperature. The lowest lightness value (L*) was observed at 40 °C and the highest lightness value (L*) was observed at 50°C. Whereas, lotus subjected to a drying temperature of 60 °C exhibited a similar resemblance to the colour values of fresh lotus petals, suggesting a high degree of retention of the red colour. The lotus flower powder was found to possess a slightly acidic pH, a high water holding capacity (WHC), and a moderate oil holding capacity (OHC), as determined through chemical and functional analysis. Emulsifying and foaming properties of lotus powder indicated its potential for use in food products. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the physical, drying, and chemical properties of lotus flowers, shedding light on their potential applications in various functional foods.
Economic and Operational Evaluation of the Use of Two Manual Rotary and Cono Weeders in an Intensive Rice Cultivation System (SRI) in the Central Zone of Burkina Faso
Authors: Ousmane Zongo , Georges Yé Siédouba , Hounsouho Lingani Abdel Kader
Published: November 2023

Rice, the Burkina Faso's fourth most important cereal in terms of surface area, production and annual per capita consumption, is a staple food. The high demand for rice is far from being met by national production. Several constraints, including weeds, are causing huge yield losses. The aim of this study is to assess the economic impact of innovative mechanical weed management technologies, with a view to increasing the productivity of irrigated rice in Burkina Faso. The Boulbi irrigated paddy field was used for experimentation. The evaluation was carried out on the farm using a completely randomized Fisher block design in a 4-repeat SRI. The performance of three weeders, two designed (rotary (T2) and cono (T3)), was evaluated with the Africa Rice model (T1), compared with weeding with a hand hoe (T0). Data were collected on performance and yield parameters. They were recorded with XLSTAT Version 2016.02.27444 and subjected to descriptive analyses. Results showed that weeding with weeders reduced labor time for the three weeding operations by 55% with T1, 65% with T2 and 70% with T3 compared with T0. The yield increase was 37.20% with T3, 32% with T2 and 22% with T1 compared with T0. The operating account results show additional gains of 386,250 FCFA with T3, 319,417.8 FCFA with T2 and 223,583.9 FCFA with T1 compared to T0.
Evaluation and Prediction of Production Yields in Plastic Manufacturing Industry Using Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Akaolisa Chukwuebuka C.  , Sunday Iweriolor , Uzochukwukanma M. C.  , Ezeliora C. D.  , Umeh Maryrose N.
Published: November 2023

The study focused on the evaluation and prediction of a production yield in Finoplastika plastic manufacturing industry. The study investigates the need of prediction and continuous improvement of production plastic yield in manufacturing industries. The literature reveals the related research works in manufacturing industries and found a gap in application of predictive tools to appraise the plastic production yield in the case company. The use of artificial neural network serves as the method of data analysis applied to achieve the aim of this study. The application of artificial neural network for the predicted solutions of the response variables of 110mm waste plastic pipe, 20mm pressure plastic pipe, 50mm waste plastic pipe and 32mm pressure plastic pipe are 31149, 45171, 13412, and 12891 respectively. The results for predicted solutions are recommended to the case company and other plastic companies for their wider use and applicability in other to achieve their optimal results and to support decision making during, inventory system, production process, production planning and control.
“MINHA FEMINILIDADE NÃO É VIVIDA NOS PADRÕES”: (DES)CONSTRUÇÕES ESTUDANTIS ACERCA DE FEMINISMOS E FEMINILIDADES
Authors: Souza Elaine de Jesus , Paula da Rocha Eugerbia
Published: November 2023

Este estudo teve como principal objetivo analisar discursos sobre feminismos e feminilidades juvenis no contexto escolar do cariri cearense a partir da problematização de artefatos culturais. A pesquisa contou com 13 estudantes jovens mulheres de escolas públicas estaduais, por meio de uma entrevista coletiva. Empregamos a análise foucaultiana do discurso para examinar o material empírico. Os resultados obtidos evidenciaram que as feminilidades juvenis são marcadas por diversas questões, tais como; padrões estereotipados, assimetrias nas relações de gênero, assédios, violências e o não reconhecimento das múltiplas feminilidades. Assim, concluímos enfatizando a importância de incorporar os feminismos e feminilidades nos currículos escolares, visando reconhecer, sua importância e contribuição para a equidade de gênero.
DIÁLOGOS, PERSPECTIVAS E POSSIBILIDADES SOBRE FEMINISMOS
Authors: De Oliveira Lorena
Published: November 2023

Resenha de : DINIZ, Debora; GEBARA, Ivone. Esperança Feminista. 1ª ed. Rio de Janeiro: Rosa dos Tempos, 2022.
O livro “Esperança Feminista” foi publicado em 2022 como resultado de uma parceria entre as autoras Debora Diniz e Ivone Gerbara. A obra está dividida em doze capítulos, cada um representando um verbo considerado essencial para se pensar em feminismos na atualidade. Indicado pelas próprias autoras como “verbos feministas”, cada capítulo indica uma ação necessária “para a construção de uma desobediência criativa ao patriarcado e suas tramas” (DINIZ; GEBARA, 2022, p. 09). Cada capítulo traz a escrita de cada autora de forma separada e individual, apesar de relacionadas, sempre começando por Debora e, na sequência, Ivone.
Analysis of BRCA1- and BRCA2-Related Pancreatic Cancer and Survival
Authors: Boursi Ben , Wileyto E. Paul , Mamtani Ronac , Domchek Susan M. , Golan Talia , Hood Ryan , Reiss Kim A.
Published: November 2023

This cohort study compares the outcomes of patients with BRCA1 and BRCA-related pancreatic cancers using 2 large data sets.
Potential Medicare and Medicaid Savings on Anti-CD20 Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Kim John , Kesselheim Aaron S. , Bove Riley , Avorn Jerry , Rome Benjamin N.
Published: November 2023

This cross-sectional study compares price data for ocrelizumab and rituximab to estimate the savings to Medicare and Medicaid if rituximab were used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis instead of the higher-priced ocrelizumab.
Characteristics and Obtainment Methods of Firearms Used in Adolescent School Shootings
Authors: Klein Brent R. , Trowbridge Jeff , Schnell Cory , Lewis Kirstin
Published: November 2023

Importance

Within gun violence research, the types of firearms involved in US school shootings and the origins of these weapons have not been well explored.

Objective

To examine the type, make, and power of firearms involved in school-related gun violence as well as the sources and methods through which adolescents obtained these weapons.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study used descriptive statistics and logistic regression to analyze 253 school shootings executed by 262 adolescents (aged ≤19 years) in the US from January 1, 1990, to December 31, 2016, and to calculate adjusted estimates for missing cases. The data were sourced from The American School Shooting Study (TASSS), which compiles information about these shooting events from open-source materials. Data analysis was performed from June 23, 2023, to July 20, 2023.

Exposures

Firearm type, make, and power.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The firearm type refers to whether a weapon was a handgun, rifle, or shotgun. The firearm’s make differentiates semiautomatic or fully automatic guns from other action mechanisms. The firearm’s power refers to the caliber and velocity, distinguished as small, moderate, or higher power. The acquisition source captures from whom the firearm was received. The obtainment method refers to how the shooter obtained the firearm. Estimates were adjusted by total number of documents and TASSS reliability score as well as neighborhood demographic, socioeconomic, and land use variables measured at the census tract level, and were weighted to account for item nonresponse.

Results

A total of 262 adolescents (mean [SD] age, 16.2 [1.9] years; 256 [97.8%] male) were studied. In the adjusted analyses, handguns were the most used weapon in school shootings (85.5%; 95% CI, 80.6%-89.4%). Firearms were predominantly lower (37.0%; 95% CI, 29.9%-44.7%) or moderate (39.7%; 95% CI, 32.0%-47.8%) in power. Adolescents mainly obtained their guns from relatives (41.8%; 95% CI, 31.7%-52.6%), friends or acquaintances (22.0%; 95% CI, 13.2%-34.5%), the illegal market (29.6%; 95% CI, 19.3%-42.5%), strangers or persons who were shot (4.7%; 95% CI, 1.8%-11.6%), or licensed dealers (1.9%; 95% CI, 0.7%-5.2%). Most firearms were procured via theft from relatives (82.1%; 95% CI, 69.4%-90.3%).

Conclusions and Relevance

Despite the more frequent use of lower to moderately powered firearms in school shootings, this study’s results indicated stability in the use of high-powered weapons in adolescent school shootings throughout the research timeframe. A majority of the firearms were procured from the perpetrator’s family or relatives or from friends or acquaintances. These findings may significantly influence discussions around gun control policy, particularly in advocating for secure firearm storage to reduce adolescents’ access to weapons.
Vaccine Hesitancy
Authors: Breakwell Glynis M. , Jaspal Rusi
Published: November 2023

Vaccine hesitancy entails being conflicted about, or opposed to, getting vaccinated. It is ranked as a major global health threat. Relationships between vaccine hesitancy and sociodemographic characteristics (such as age, gender, and ethnicity) vary over time and by disease type. Identity resilience, fear, risk, and mistrust also shape vaccine hesitancy.
HIV/AIDS, Sociology of
Authors: Kippax Susan , Race Kane
Published: November 2023

HIV, a retrovirus that causes AIDS, is continuing to infect people across the world, albeit in declining numbers. HIV is primarily transmitted via sexual practices and injection drug use. As there is at present no cure, HIV prevention and the treatment of people with HIV are both essential. HIV treatment, which relies on a strict adherence to antiviral drugs, not only stops the progression to AIDS among people living with HIV but also renders them highly unlikely to infect others. In other words, treatment acts as a prevention (TasP). There are also several HIV prevention technologies, both behavioral (such as condom use) and biomedical (the use of prophylactic medicines, PreP and PEP), for those who are not infected by HIV. The widespread adoption of HIV prevention and treatment strategies relies on communities and networks and, more broadly, on civil society ensuring that members are well informed and so are enabled to change their sexual and drug use strategies, as well as to adopt dosing practices. Such practices are organized and patterned by social and cultural norms. The challenge for public health is to address these social and cultural dimensions of health and not position or reduce prevention and treatment as simply matters for individual behavioral changes. Biomedicine and social science must work together.
Elder Abuse
Authors: Carney Gemma M. , Montgomery Lorna
Published: November 2023

Elder abuse is defined by the World Health Organization as actions that cause distress or harm to an older person, including neglect and lack of appropriate action by individuals or organizations responsible for their welfare. Elder abuse is a complex, diverse, and socially constructed problem that has a long history. Historians found evidence of elder abuse as far back as ancient Greece.
Gender, Social Movements and
Authors: Whittier Nancy
Published: November 2023

Social movements are shaped by gender systems, and are also a source of social change in gender. Some social movements directly attempt to change gender relations or to redefine gender categories; these movements, particularly women's movements, have been the focus of considerable scholarship. Increasingly, scholars also recognize the gendered nature of other social movements and the impact of systemic inequalities of gender on the opportunities, constraints, and forms of social movements in general.
Organizational Misbehavior
Authors: Ackroyd Stephen
Published: November 2023

Organizational misbehavior is primarily behavior that does not conform to expectations and which, although disapproved and discouraged, is not prevented. The main parts of this entry consider the noncompliant behavior of ordinary employees, which has been consistently researched for decades. Here misbehavior is revealed to involve limiting working effort and/or the time spent on work and the appropriation of materials or products. The identity and allegiance of the employee is also in contention. More recently, this aspect has become more significant, and some new types of expressive misbehavior have been identified. Some of these involve giving voice to criticism and some to making demands for action from management; examples here are demands for action on bullying and gender politics in the workplace. Comparable sociological research on other groups – such as professionals and senior managers – is relatively scarce, and so the misbehavior of managers, professionals, and workers is seldom realistically compared. However, new research now becoming available that makes possible the unification of this field.
Urban–Rural Population Movements
Authors: White Michael J.
Published: November 2023

The movement of the population between rural and urban areas is both a major consequence and a major determinant of social change. From a sociological vantage point, this movement offers potential for significant transformation in sending and receiving communities alike, as various types of individuals (differentiated by age, sex, education, ethnicity, etc.) are added to and subtracted from the community. For the individual, the relocation may bring attendant challenges even as it brings new opportunities. Within the research community, the study of urban–rural population movement would be seen as a subdivision within the broader study of internal migration, urbanization, population redistribution, or migrant adjustment.
Web 2.0
Authors: Yeritsian Gary
Published: November 2023

“Web 2.0” is a term that emerged in both marketing and analytic discourse in the mid‐2000s. The entrepreneur Tim O'Reilly provided the foundational conceptualization, according to which Web 2.0 provides users with new opportunities for active engagement, thereby transforming digital business models. This entry explores the emergence of Web 2.0 as discourse and reality, and its effects on social and cultural life.
Manipulating Surface Band Bending of III‐Nitride Nanowires with Ambipolar Charge‐Transfer Characteristics: A Pathway Toward Advanced Photoswitching Logic Gates and Encrypted Optical Communication
Authors: Chen Wei , Wang Danhao , Wang Weiyi , Kang Yang , Liu Xin , Fang Shi , Li Liuan , Luo Yuanmin , Liang Kun , Liu Yuying , Luo Dongyang , Memon Muhammad Hunain , Yu Huabin , Gu Wengang , Liu Zhenghui , Hu Wei , Sun Haiding
Published: November 2023

The operational principle of semiconductor devices critically relies on the band structures that ultimately govern their charge‐transfer characteristics. Indeed, the precise orchestration of band structure within semiconductor devices, notably at the semiconductor surface and corresponding interface, continues to pose a perennial conundrum. Herein, for the first time, this work reports a novel postepitaxy method: thickness‐tunable carbon layer decoration to continuously manipulate the surface band bending of III‐nitride semiconductors. Specifically, the surface band bending of p‐type aluminum‐gallium‐nitride (p‐AlGaN) nanowires grown on n‐Si can be precisely controlled by depositing different carbon layers as guided by theoretical calculations, which eventually regulate the ambipolar charge‐transfer behavior between the p‐AlGaN/electrolyte and p‐AlGaN/n‐Si interface in an electrolyte environment. Enabled by the accurate modulation of the thickness of carbon layers, a spectrally distinctive bipolar photoresponse with a controllable polarity‐switching‐point over a wide spectrum range can be achieved, further demonstrating reprogrammable photoswitching logic gates “XOR”, “NAND”, “OR”, and “NOT” in a single device. Finally, this work constructs a secured image transmission system where the optical signals are encrypted through the “XOR” logic operations. The proposed continuous surface band tuning strategy provides an effective avenue for the development of multifunctional integrated‐photonics systems implemented with nanophotonics.
Self‐Generated Displacement Current of Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Cancer Therapy: Theory and Application
Authors: Chen Meihua , Cui Xin , Zhang Yaming , Zou Pingjin , Xiao Ling , Kang Mengzhe , Chen Junyang , Ren Junjin , Fang Zengyi , Li Lijie , Lang Jinyi , Zhang Yan , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: November 2023

Wearable and implantable triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) convert mechanical energy to electricity in the daily movements of the human body. Self‐generated dynamic electric field or displacement current of TENGs can operate from micrometers to centimeters, which offers a key technology for TENG‐based therapy systems for precision medicine on both tissues and cells. TENGs have low‐current and high‐voltage properties, which reduce damage to normal tissues, and kill rapidly dividing cancer cells. In this work, the dynamic electric field from TENG directly inhibits the cellular proliferation behavior of cancer cells. The work paves a new way for the self‐generated electric field of TENG for cancer therapy.
Phototactic Photocatalysis Enabled by Functionalizing Active Microorganisms with Photocatalyst
Authors: Li Zhiyong , Chen Guangshen , Cheng Pengfei , Zhang Zhang , Liu Junming
Published: November 2023

Positive phototropism enables plants to take advantage of sunlight more efficiently. However, positive phototropism of plant‐like photocatalyst has not been reported yet, which cause people's limited understanding on it. Therefore, developing new photocatalysts that can move toward the light source and thus speed up the photocatalytic process, is a great challenge. Herein, a biologically active photocatalyst (graphitic carbon nitride combined with algae microorganisms, g‐C3N4/alga) is reported first that can behave like green plants and move toward light source, leading to a great enhancement in photocatalysis. The photocatalytic degradation efficiency of the phototactic g‐C3N4/alga is improved up to 570% than that of pure g‐C3N4. The phototactic g‐C3N4/alga photocatalyst can effectively utilize the synergy of phototaxis of microalgae and photocatalytic activity of g‐C3N4 to promote the pollutant decomposition using sunlight. Imparting photocatalyst with positive phototropism will open a new door in photocatalysis field for clean energy production, pollutant treatment, and biomass conversion.
Sickle cell allele HBB‐rs334(T) is associated with decreased risk of childhood Burkitt lymphoma in East Africa
Authors: Hong Hyokyoung G. , Gouveia Mateus H. , Ogwang Martin D. , Kerchan Patrick , Reynolds Steven J. , Tenge Constance N. , Were Pamela A. , Kuremu Robert T. , Wekesa Walter N. , Masalu Nestory , Kawira Esther , Kinyera Tobias , Wang Xunde , Zhou Jiefu , Leal Thiago Peixoto , Otim Isaac , Legason Ismail D. , Nabalende Hadijah , Dhudha Herry , Mumia Mediatrix , Baker Francine S. , Okusolubo Temiloluwa , Ayers Leona W. , Bhatia Kishor , Goedert James J. , Woo Joshua , Manning Michelle , Cole Nathan , Luo Wen , Hicks Belynda , Chagaluka George , Johnston W. Thomas , Mutalima Nora , Borgstein Eric , Liomba George N. , Kamiza Steve , Mkandawire Nyengo , Mitambo Collins , Molyneux Elizabeth M. , Newton Robert , Hutchinson Amy , Yeager Meredith , Adeyemo Adebowale A. , Thein Swee Lay , Rotimi Charles N. , Chanock Stephen J. , Prokunina‐Olsson Ludmila , Mbulaiteye Sam M.
Published: November 2023

Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is an aggressive B‐cell lymphoma that significantly contributes to childhood cancer burden in sub‐Saharan Africa. Plasmodium falciparum, which causes malaria, is geographically associated with BL, but the evidence remains insufficient for causal inference. Inference could be strengthened by demonstrating that mendelian genes known to protect against malaria—such as the sickle cell trait variant, HBB‐rs334(T)—also protect against BL. We investigated this hypothesis among 800 BL cases and 3845 controls in four East African countries using genome‐scan data to detect polymorphisms in 22 genes known to affect malaria risk. We fit generalized linear mixed models to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI), controlling for age, sex, country, and ancestry. The ORs of the loci with BL and P. falciparum infection among controls were correlated (Spearman's ρ = 0.37, p = .039). HBB‐rs334(T) was associated with lower P. falciparum infection risk among controls (OR = 0.752, 95% CI 0.628–0.9; p = .00189) and BL risk (OR = 0.687, 95% CI 0.533–0.885; p = .0037). ABO‐rs8176703(T) was associated with decreased risk of BL (OR = 0.591, 95% CI 0.379–0.992; p = .00271), but not of P. falciparum infection. Our results increase support for the etiological correlation between P. falciparum and BL risk.
Trends in the prevalence of cognitive impairment at old age in China, 2002–2018
Authors: Chen Huashuai , Ye Kaisy Xinhong , Feng Qiushi , Cao Kai , Yu Jintai , Li Chunbo , Zhang Can , Yu Lirong , Maier Andrea Britta , Langa Kenneth M. , Qiu Chengxuan , Zeng Yi , Feng Lei
Published: November 2023

INTRODUCTION

China has the world's largest number of older adults with cognitive impairment (CI). We aimed to examine secular trends in the prevalence of CI in China from 2002 to 2018.

METHODS

Generalized estimating equations (GEE) was used to assess changes in CI trend in 44,154 individuals (72,027 observations) aged 65 to 105 years old.

RESULTS

The prevalence of CI increased from 2002 to 2008 and then decreased until 2018. The age‐standardized prevalence increased from 25.7% in 2002, 26.1% in 2005, to 28.2% in 2008, then decreased to 26.0% in 2011, 25.3% in 2014, and 24.9% in 2018. Females and those ≥ 80 years old had greater CI prevalence.

DISCUSSION

The prevalence of CI showed an inverted U shape from early 2000s to late 2010s with a peak in 2008. Follow‐up studies are needed to confirm the decreasing trend after 2008 and examine the contributing factors and underlying mechanisms of this trend.

Highlights

Generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used to assess trends of changes in cognitive impairment (CI).

CI prevalence in China increased from 2002 to 2008 and then decreased until 2018.

Females and those ≥ 80 years old had greater CI prevalence.

Stroke, diabetes, and cigarette smoking were risk factors for CI.
Information Storage and Retrieval in a Photon‐Spin System Via Shortcut Drivings
Authors: Yan Run‐Ying , Feng Zhi‐Bo
Published: November 2023

Quantum‐information storage and retrieval in an optimized manner are of significance to information processing with composite systems. In this paper, an effective scheme is proposed for performing rapid information storage and retrieval between microwave photons and a nitrogen‐vacancy electron spin via shortcuts to adiabaticity. A qutrit of composite photon‐spin system interacts with two classical drivings. By modifying two original Rabi drivings, instead of directly adding an auxiliary counter‐diabatic interaction, information storage and retrieval can be rapidly performed with the optimized shortcut dynamics. Benefited from the shorter duration time, the shortcut‐based operation is more insensitive to decoherence effects than that of adiabatic counterpart. This strategy provides a promising avenue toward fast and robust information processing with solid‐state hybrid systems.
Structure‐Unit‐Based Total Synthesis of (−)‐Sinulochmodin C
Authors: Zhang Yi‐Peng , Du Shufei , Ma Ying , Zhan Weixin , Chen Wen , Yang Xiaodong , Zhang Hongbin
Published: November 2023

Herein we report a structure‐unit‐based asymmetric total synthesis of sinulochmodin C, a norcembranoid diterpenoid bearing a transannular strained ether bridge β‐keto tetrahydrofuran moiety. Our synthetic route features an intramolecular double Michael addition to construct stereospecifically the [7,6,5,5] tetracyclic skeleton, a vinylogous hydroxylation/oxidation procedure or a stereospecific epoxide opening/oxidation sequence to establish the γ‐keto enone intermediate, a Lewis acid/Brønsted acid mediated transannular oxa‐Michael addition to fuse the β‐keto tetrahydrofuran moiety, a Mukaiyama hydration/Pd−C hydrogenation to reverse the C1‐configuration of the isopropenyl unit, and a bioinspired transformation of sinulochmodin C into scabrolide A.
Adenine based Bio UiO‐66 with Pd(II) as a novel catalyst for green Suzuki cross‐coupling in aqueous media
Authors: Hosseinoghli Leyla , Bezaatpour Abolfazl , Nuri Ayat , Amiri Mandana
Published: November 2023

The novel developed heterogeneous catalyst Ad/Pd‐UiO‐66 has been synthesized by hydrothermal technique. The prepared catalyst was identified by some analytical techniques such as Fourier transform‐infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR‐TEM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM). The Ad/Pd‐UiO‐66 was used as catalyst in the Suzuki C–C coupling in the green aqueous media. This catalyst showed excellent efficiency for the C–C coupling of aryl halides with phenylboronic acid and 4‐methyl phenylboronic acid. The best results was recorded for coupling of iodobenzene with phenylboronic acid (95% conversion in 30 min). Furthermore, the stability and recyclability of the catalyst under optimized conditions were investigated. The catalyst was recovered and reused up to 5 times with no significant decrease in activity.
Developing a Hydrophobic Mixed Conductive Interlayer for High‐Performance Solid‐State Lithium Batteries
Authors: Wang Jin , Chu Jiang‐Wei , Li Zi‐Wei , Liang Yu‐Long , Liu Tong , Liu Jian‐Wei , Huang Gang , Zhang Xin‐Bo
Published: November 2023

Garnet solid‐state electrolytes (SSEs) Li6.5La3Zr1.5Ta0.5O12 (LLZTO) suffer from poor air stability, producing Li2CO3 by‐products and causing poor interfacial contact against the Li metal. Obtaining hydrophobic and lithiophilic surface of LLZTO is meaningful for high‐performance solid‐state batteries. Here, a hydrophobic CFx film is firstly introduced on the LLZTO surface (CFx‐LLZTO) by magnetron sputtering the polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) target. Benefit from its outstanding hydrophobicity, this CFx film provides the LLZTO a Li2CO3‐free surface. Moreover, the LiC‐LiF mixed conductive interlayer is formed through the reaction between CFx film and Li metal, resulting in a low interfacial resistance of 73.49 Ω/cm2. In addition, the LiC‐LiF mixed conductive interlayer can also homogenize the electric‐field distribution and enable fast Li+ conduction. As a result, the construction of the hydrophobic mixed conductive interlayer makes the CFx‐LLZTO based symmetric Li/Li cell exhibit a high critical current density of 1.2 mA/cm2 and a stable cycling life for over 1200 h at 0.1 mA/cm2. Furthermore, the Li/LiFePO4 cells with the CFx‐LLZTO show improved cycling and rate performance at room temperature. This work provides a practical solution for achieving high‐performance solid‐state lithium batteries.
Converting Conventional Host to TADF Sensitizer and Hot‐Exciton Emitter in Donor‐Adamantane‐Acceptor Triads for Blue OLEDs: A Computational Study
Authors: Mahaan Ramalingam , Bosco Aruljothy John , Jothi A. Irudaya
Published: November 2023

Exploiting triplet excitons in TADF sensitizers and hot‐exciton emitters has attracted considerable attention and interest in recent studies on the design and development of blue OLEDs. The structural and optical property relationship of adamantane (Ad) core appended with four different strengths of donor and seven acceptor units were investigated using DFT and TD‐DFT methods. The theoretical studies revealed that increased donor and acceptor strength on adamantane building block leads to: (i) a decrease in ionization potentials and an increase in electron affinities, (ii) a decrease in singlet energies (ES) and the S1‐T1 energy gaps (ΔEST); (iii) decreased SOC magnitudes between S1‐T1 states; (iv) increased RISC rate from the Tn to S1 states, demonstrating an increased tendency for upconversion of triplet excitons from the Tn to S1 state. In addition, low exchange energy causes excited state characteristics of molecules to shift from HLCT to CT nature in the S1 state. In contrast, the T1 states retain their LE character, resulting in higher triplet energies (ET). The adamantane molecular systems appended with P‐DMAC‐Donor‐Ad‐P‐DMB and Donor‐Ad‐P‐BODIPY based triads exhibit promising TADF sensitizer and hot‐exciton characteristics to find application as potential candidates for blue OLEDs when compared to experimentally reported conventional host.
Abnormal axonal development and severe epileptic phenotype in Dynamin‐1 (DNM1) encephalopathy
Authors: Matsubara Kohei , Kuki Ichiro , Ishioka Risako , Yamada Naoki , Fukuoka Masataka , Inoue Takeshi , Nukui Megumi , Okamoto Nobuhiko , Mizuguchi Takeshi , Matsumoto Naomichi , Okazaki Shin
Published: November 2023

Dynamin‐1 (DNM1) is involved in synaptic vesicle recycling, and DNM1 mutations can lead to developmental and epileptic encephalopathy. The neuroimaging of DNM1 encephalopathy has not been reported in detail. We describe a severe phenotype of DNM1 encephalopathy showing characteristic neuroradiological features. In addition, we reviewed previously reported cases who have DNM1 pathogenic variants with white matter abnormalities. Our case presented drug‐resistant seizures from 1 month of age and epileptic spasms at 2 years of age. Brain MRI showed no progression of myelination, progression of diffuse cerebral atrophy, and a thin corpus callosum. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy showed a decreased N‐acetylaspartate peak and diffusion tensor imaging presented with less pyramidal decussation. Whole‐exome sequencing revealed a recurrent de novo heterozygous variant of DNM1. So far, more than 50 cases of DNM1 encephalopathy have been reported. Among these patients, delayed myelination occurred in two cases of GTPase‐domain DNM1 encephalopathy and in six cases of middle‐domain DNM1 encephalopathy. The neuroimaging findings in this case suggest inadequate axonal development. DNM1 is involved in the release of synaptic vesicles with the inhibitory transmitter GABA, suggesting that GABAergic neuron dysfunction is the mechanism of refractory epilepsy in DNM1 encephalopathy. GABA‐mediated signaling mechanisms play important roles in axonal development and GABAergic neuron dysfunction may be cause of white matter abnormalities in DNM1 encephalopathy.
Late Holocene evolution of a coastal barrier system at Bilene, Mozambique
Authors: Miguel Lucas Lavo A. J. , Costa Pedro J. M.
Published: November 2023

This research attempts to provide a contribution to the study on coastal barrier‐lagoons in the SE Africa generated by sea‐level fluctuations, and climate change during the Late Holocene. To achieve this goal, the grain‐size analysis and morphoscopic description helped to detect cyclic facie sequences with sediments sized over 200 μm mixed with silt, bioclasts and organic matter. Moreover, the magnetic susceptibility and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analyses displayed over 90% of quartz and isolated mica, feldspar and heavy minerals. Additionally, the X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) results display the interplay between terrigenous (>Ti and Al) and marine influence (S, Cl and ~Ca) over the last ~3,500 cal. yrs. BP. The geochemical tracer fluctuations detected suggest five distinct deposits including beach, washover, lacustrine system, aeolian deflation that rest on top of the Pleistocene palaeodunes, which are tentatively associated with the sea‐level variations, extreme marine events or with local floods. Although the multiproxy data record refers to a study in Bilene‐Mozambique, it is interesting to understand the mechanisms and variables related to the evolutionary dynamics of coastal barrier lagoons generated by sea‐level fluctuations and climate change, especially in the SE Africa.
Gluten‐free Nan‐e‐Fasaee: Formulation optimization on the basis of quinoa flour and inulin
Authors: Jamali Narjes , Sayadi Mehran , Nejati Roghayeh , Mohammadi Faezeh , Nematollahi Amene , Mollakhalili‐Meybodi Neda
Published: November 2023

Diversification of gluten‐free (GF) bakery products is considerably important, as those who suffer from gluten intolerance should follow a GF diet their whole life. Regarding this study, it was aimed at optimizing the formulation of a quinoa‐based GF traditional bakery product, i.e. Nan‐e‐Fasaee using inulin as a bifunctional agent (both a prebiotic compound and a structure‐forming agent). Otherwise, its potential role as a fat and sugar replacer was also assessed. For this purpose, short (S)‐ and long (L)‐chain inulin were used as sugar and fat replacers, respectively, at 0%–50% w/w in quinoa flour (QF)‐based GF Nan‐e‐Fasaee and optimization was done based on rheological, textural, and sensory analysis. Results indicated that QF diet provided the batter with the dominance of elastic modulus and increased hardness (i.e. 5170.0 ± 22.50 g in the presence of QF compared to 1477.0 ± 20.81 g in wheat‐based ones). Inulin inclusion reduced the hardness, as the lowest was observed at S‐inulin substitution levels of 40% and 50% w/w, with values equal to 2422.0 ± 20.81 and 2431.0 ± 35.57 g, respectively (the most similar ones to control sample). The interference of S‐inulin with the non‐gelatinized starch structure is supposed to decrease the hardness. The highest score in texture was also perceived at F6 and F13, with values equal to 8.00 ± 0.10 and 7.97 ± 0.05, respectively. Using S‐ and L‐inulin in combination is found to improve the textural characteristics due to preventing the competitive role of sugar in water absorption in formulations containing L‐inulin. Regarding optimization of quinoa‐based GF Nan‐e‐Fasaee with reduced sugar and fat levels using inulin, it is found to be feasible.
Intelligent classification of cardiotocography based on a support vector machine and convolutional neural network: Multiscene research
Authors: Zhang Wen , Tang Zixiang , Shao Huikai , Sun Chao , He Xin , Zhang Jiahui , Wang Tiantian , Yang Xiaowei , Wang Yiran , Bin Yadi , Zhao Lanbo , Zhang Siyi , Liang Dongxin , Wang Jianliu , Zhong Dexing , Li Qiling
Published: November 2023

Objective

To propose a computerized system utilizing multiscene analysis based on a support vector machine (SVM) and convolutional neural network (CNN) to assess cardiotocography (CTG) intelligently.

Methods

We retrospectively collected 2542 CTG records of singleton pregnancies delivered at the maternity ward of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University from October 10, 2020, to August 7, 2021. CTG records were divided into five categories (baseline, variability, acceleration, deceleration, and normality). Apart from the category of normality, the other four different categories of abnormal data correspond to four scenes. Each scene was divided into training and testing sets at 9:1 or 7:3. We used three computer algorithms (dynamic threshold, SVM, and CNN) to learn and optimize the system. Accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were performed to evaluate performance.

Results

The global accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the system were 93.88%, 93.06%, and 94.33%, respectively. In acceleration and deceleration scenes, when the convolution kernel was 3, the test data set reached the highest performance.

Conclusion

The multiscene research model using SVM and CNN is a potential effective tool to assist obstetricians in classifying CTG intelligently.
Nomograms for predicting overall survival and cancer‐specific survival of endometrioid ovarian carcinoma: A retrospective cohort study from the SEER database
Authors: Wang Dan , Ran Xin , He You , Zhu Lvewen , Deng Youlin
Published: November 2023

Objective

Endometrioid ovarian cancer (EnOC) accounts for approximately 10%–15% of epithelial ovarian cancer cases. There are no effective tools for predicting the prognosis of EnOC in clinical work. The aim of this study was to construct and validate a nomogram to predict overall survival and cancer‐specific survival (CSS) in patients with EnOC.

Methods

Data regarding patients diagnosed with primary EnOC between 2004 and 2019 were obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. LASSO Cox regression and Cox regression analyses were performed to screen for prognostic factors, which were used to construct nomograms. In addition, we performed subgroup analyses of the prognostic value of chemotherapy and lymph node surgery.

Results

In total, 3957 patients with primary EnOC were included in the analysis: 2770 in a training cohort and 1187 in a validation cohort. Age, stage, grade, lymph node surgery, and race were significantly and independently correlated with overall survival and CSS. Nomograms were constructed to predict 3‐ and 5‐year overall survival and CSS. Nomograms have good predictive ability and clinical practicability. Subgroup analysis showed that lymph node surgery improved the prognosis of patients with EnOC (P < 0.05) except for patients with grade III–IV and Stage I disease (overall survival P = 0.272, CSS P = 0.624). Chemotherapy did not improve survival time in most patients (P > 0.05) except for patients with grade I–II and Stage II–IV disease (overall survival P = 0.008, CSS P = 0.046).

Conclusion

We constructed predictive nomograms and a risk classification system to evaluate overall survival and CSS in EnOC patients. For most patients with EnOC, chemotherapy did not improve the prognosis. In contrast to chemotherapy, lymph node surgery improved prognosis in most patients with EnOC.
Extrusion puffing as a pretreatment method to change the surface structure, physicochemical properties and in vitro protein digestibility of distillers dried grains with solubles
Authors: Liu Dongyun , Xie Yueqin , Deng Jianguo , Tang Jiayong , Zhao Hua , Liu Guangmang , Chen Xiaoling , Tian Gang , Cai Jingyi , Jia Gang
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

Distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) are rich in nutrition, and they are potential protein feed raw material. However, the existence of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin hinders animals' digestion and absorption of DDGS. Making full use of unconventional feed resources such as DDGS can alleviate the shortage of feed resources to a certain extent. This research investigated the effects of twin‐screw extrusion on the macromolecular composition, physical and chemical properties, surface structure and in vitro protein digestibility (IVPD) of DDGS.

RESULTS

The findings showed that extrusion puffing significantly increased the protein solubility, bulk density, water holding capacity, and swelling capacity, while significantly decreased hemicellulose and crude protein content, particle size and zeta potential of DDGS. The structure damage of DDGS induced by the extrusion was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier‐transform infrared (FITR) spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Interestingly, no random coil was observed in the analysis of the secondary structure, and extrusion promoted the transformation of α‐helix and β‐turn to β‐sheet, which led to significant increases in protein solubility and IVPD of DDGS (P < 0.05). Additionally, correlation analysis revealed that IVPD and PS had a positive relationship.

CONCLUSION

Extrusion puffing was an ideal pretreatment method for DDGS modification to improve in vitro protein digestibility. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.