bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physical and Chemical Properties of Soil in the Sahelian Region: Case Study in Nioro du Rip, Senegal
Authors: Biaye Landing , Diome Fary , Diop Seybatou , Mbaye Modou , Tine Djibril , Tine Dome , Diene Ndeye Penda Dione , Faye Gayane
Published: August 2020

The locality of Nioro du Rip is facing intense erosion, loss of agricultural land, soil pollution and soil degradation. Today, there is limited information about the soil physical and chemical properties in the locality. In this work, we describe the main essential factors or mechanism that control the evolution of the soil in the study area.

The physical and chemical properties of soils encountered along a NE-SW transect in are analyzed in this paper. The statistical analysis results revealed low structural stability of soils in general, due to their low organic matter content and exchangeable bases and their predominantly silty texture. A net trend towards acidification, which is more pronounced in the lower-bottom and terrace soils, provides information on the conditions that are increasingly unfavorable to agricultural development.

The multivariate principal component analysis (PCA) identified the preponderance of two factors among the four primarily involved in soil geochemical composition. These include a mineralization process (expressed through the first principal component (PC1), which causes soils to be rich in elements (Ca2+, K+,C, N, MO) controlling their structure and fertility level;  The PC2 axis expresses the spatial differentiation phenomenon of the soil granulometric composition: soils forming cluster poles according to their textural affinity in the projection of the plane formed by these two components , with on one side the sandy-dominated soils of the shallows and terraces and on the other the clay-dominated soils of the plateau and the slope. A clear reversal of textural polarity in the studied topo sequence that must be blamed on the strong water erosion in this area.
Effect of a Slow-stroke Back Massage Combination and Frangipani Essential Oils against the Comfort of Menopause Sexual Relationship
Authors: Amirudin Zaenal , Harnany Afiyah Sri , Widowati Indar
Published: August 2020

This study aims to analyze the effect of a combination of slow-stroke back massage (SSBM) and frangipani essential oils on the comfort of menopause women during sexual intercourse. The study with a quasi-equivalent non-control control group pre-test and post-test design. A sample of 42 married couples was recruited by purposive sampling. Samples were divided into intervention groups (SSBM with Frangipani essential oil) and SSBM control groups only, each group consisting of 21 pairs of respondents. Respondents were asked to fill in the F-scale sexual self efficacy questionnaire before and after sexual intercourse, repeated three times. The data collected was analyzed descriptively, presented in the form of mean, median and percentage. Bivariate analysis using ANOVA test. The analysis results sig value = 0.00 <0.05, meaning that there is a  difference between before the pre test with the first, second and post test third. In the Probability obtained Sig = 0.00 <0.05, it means that there are differences in comfort between the control groups in the pre test with the first, second and third post test. In the interaction with the Sig  value = 0.00 <0.05, it means that there is an interaction of comfort differences between the intervention group and the control group. The combination of frangipani essential oil with SSBM can be used by families as an aromatherapy massage to improve the sexual relations of menopausal women.
HEALS Act gives SAPT block grant another $1.5 billion
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: August 2020

The next COVID‐19 stimulus package has been partially released by the Senate, led by Republicans and prepared in conjunction with the White House. Called the Health, Economic Assistance, Liability Protection, and Schools (HEALS) Act, it specifically targets health care, jobs and supports for children.
HRC and DPA on where harm reduction is, where it's going
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: August 2020

As “harm reduction” increasingly becomes less grassroots and more established in governmental and organizational bureaucracies, ADAW asked representatives of two major groups — the Harm Reduction Coalition (HRC) and the Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) — about the current and ongoing role of harm reduction.
Proteomic and Metabolomic Characterization of Human Neurovascular Unit Cells in Response to Methamphetamine
Authors: Herland Anna , Maoz Ben M. , FitzGerald Edward A. , Grevesse Thomas , Vidoudez Charles , Sheehy Sean P. , Budnik Nikita , Dauth Stephanie , Mannix Robert , Budnik Bogdan , Parker Kevin Kit , Ingber Donald E.
Published: August 2020

The functional state of the neurovascular unit (NVU), composed of the blood–brain barrier and the perivasculature that forms a dynamic interface between the blood and the central nervous system (CNS), plays a central role in the control of brain homeostasis and is strongly affected by CNS drugs. Human primary brain microvascular endothelium, astrocyte, pericyte, and neural cell cultures are often used to study NVU barrier functions as well as drug transport and efficacy; however, the proteomic and metabolomic responses of these different cell types are not well characterized. Culturing each cell type separately, using deep coverage proteomic analysis and characterization of the secreted metabolome, as well as measurements of mitochondrial activity, the responses of these cells under baseline conditions and when exposed to the NVU‐impairing stimulant methamphetamine (Meth) are analyzed. These studies define the previously unknown metabolic and proteomic profiles of human brain pericytes and lead to improved characterization of the phenotype of each of the NVU cell types as well as cell‐specific metabolic and proteomic responses to Meth.
Tailoring Common Hydrogels into 3D Cell Culture Templates
Authors: Pasturel Aurélien , Strale Pierre‐Olivier , Studer Vincent
Published: August 2020

Physiologically relevant cell‐based models require engineered microenvironments which recapitulate the topographical, biochemical, and mechanical properties encountered in vivo. In this context, hydrogels are the materials of choice. Here a light‐based toolbox is able to craft such microniches out of common place materials. Extensive use of benzophenone photoinitiators and their interaction with oxygen achieves this. First, the oxygen inhibition of radicals is harnessed to photoprint hydrogel topographies. Then the chemical properties of benzophenone are exploited to crosslink and functionalize native hydrogels lacking photosensitive moieties. At last, photoscission is introduced: an oxygen‐driven, benzophenone‐enabled reaction that photoliquefies Matrigel and other common gels. Using these tools, soft hydrogel templates are tailored for cells to grow or self‐organize into standardized structures. The described workflow emerges as an effective microniche manufacturing toolset for 3D cell culture.
Magnetic Skyrmions in a Hall Balance with Interfacial Canted Magnetizations
Authors: Zhang Jingyan , Zhang Ying , Gao Yang , Zhao Guoping , Qiu Lei , Wang Kaiyou , Dou Pengwei , Peng Wenlin , Zhuang Yuan , Wu Yanfei , Yu Guoqiang , Zhu Zhaozhao , Zhao Yunchi , Guo Yaqin , Zhu Tao , Cai Jianwang , Shen Baogen , Wang Shouguo
Published: August 2020

Magnetic skyrmions are attracting interest as efficient information‐storage devices with low energy consumption, and have been experimentally and theoretically investigated in multilayers including ferromagnets, ferrimagnets, and antiferromagnets. The 3D spin texture of skyrmions demonstrated in ferromagnetic multilayers provides a powerful pathway for understanding the stabilization of ferromagnetic skyrmions. However, the manipulation mechanism of skyrmions in antiferromagnets is still lacking. A Hall balance with a ferromagnet/insulating spacer/ferromagnet structure is considered to be a promising candidate to study skyrmions in synthetic antiferromagnets. Here, high‐density Néel‐type skyrmions are experimentally observed at zero field and room temperature by Lorentz transmission electron microscopy in a Hall balance (core structure [Co/Pt]n/NiO/[Co/Pt]n) with interfacial canted magnetizations because of interlayer ferromagnetic/antiferromagnetic coupling between top and bottom [Co/Pt]n multilayers, where the Co layers in [Co/Pt]n are always ferromagnetically coupled. Micromagnetic simulations show that the generation and density of skyrmions are strongly dependent on interlayer exchange coupling (IEC) and easy‐axis orientation. Direct experimental evidence of skyrmions in synthetic antiferromagnets is provided, suggesting that the proposed approach offers a promising alternative mechanism for room‐temperature spintronics.
Use of the Indirect Photoluminescence Peak as an Optical Probe of Interface Defectivity in MoS2
Authors: Leonhardt Alessandra , de la Rosa César Javier Lockhart , Nuytten Thomas , Banszerus Luca , Sergeant Stefanie , Mootheri Vivek K. , Taniguchi Takashi , Watanabe Kenji , Stampfer Christoph , Huyghebaert Cedric , De Gendt Stefan
Published: August 2020

Defect characterization of 2D materials is a critical aspect for their successful integration in future electronic devices. Here, a simple characterization technique is proposed that opens a path for fast, non‐invasive, quality assessment of transition metal dichalcogenide layers, such as MoS2, and their interfaces. It relates to the correlation between substrate‐induced traps and the indirect‐to‐direct photoluminescence peak ratio. It is shown that the indirect peak is quenched when interfacial trap sites are present. A physical mechanism is proposed to explain the observations based on different recombination mechanisms.
Direct N‐Alkylation/Fluoroalkylation of Amines Using Carboxylic Acids via Transition‐Metal‐Free Catalysis
Authors: Lu Chunlei , Qiu Zetian , Xuan Maojie , Huang Yan , Lou Yongjia , Zhu Yiling , Shen Hao , Lin Bo‐Lin
Published: August 2020

A scalable protocol of direct N‐mono/di‐alkyl/fluoroalkylation of primary/secondary amines has been constructed with various carboxylic acids as coupling agents under the catalysis of a simple air‐tolerant inorganic salt, K3PO4. Advantageous features include 100 examples, 10 drugs and drug‐like amines, fluorinated complex tertiary amines, gram‐scale synthesis and isotope‐labelling amine, thus demonstrating the potential applicability in industry of this methodology. The involvement of relatively less reactive silicon‐hydride compared with the traditional reactive metal‐hydride or boron‐hydride species required to reduce the amide intermediates presumably contributes to the remarkable functional group compatibility.

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Dry and Wet CO2 Capture from Milk‐Derived Microporous Carbons with Tuned Hydrophobicity
Authors: Pokrzywinski Jesse , Aulakh Darpandeep , Verdegaal Wolfgang , Pham Viet Hung , Bilan Hubert , Marble Sam , Mitlin David , Wriedt Mario
Published: August 2020

Pore size distribution and surface chemistry of bio‐derived (milk) microporous dominated carbon “MDC” is synergistically tuned, allowing for promising carbon capture in a dry CO2 atmosphere and in mixed H2O–CO2. The capture capacity is attributed to the synergy of a large total surface area with an ultramicroporous and microporous texture (e.g., Stot 1889 m2 g−1, Smic 1755 m2 g−1, Sultra 1393 m2 g−1), and a high content of nitrogen and oxygen heteroatom moieties (e.g., 5 at% N, 10.5 at% O). Tailored two‐step low‐temperature pyrolysis‐chemical activation is employed to take advantage of the intrinsic properties of the precursor, allowing for this unusual textural properties‐heteroatoms combination. For example, tested at 1 bar and 295 or 273 K, MDCs adsorb up to 22.0 and 29.4 wt% CO2, respectively. MDCs are also tailored to be hydrophobic, with CO2/H2O adsorption selectivity even after prolonged cycling. Maximum working capacities of 10.8 wt% for pure CO2 and 3.5 wt% for a flue gas simulant (15% CO2, 85% N2) are measured using temperature swing adsorption with dynamic purge gases, while being minimally affected by humid conditions. This work is directly aligned with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal 13, take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
Stimuli‐Responsive Biomaterials for Vaccines and Immunotherapeutic Applications
Authors: Pacifici Noah , Bolandparvaz Amir , Lewis Jamal S.
Published: August 2020

The immune system is the key target for vaccines and immunotherapeutic approaches aimed at blunting infectious diseases, cancer, autoimmunity, and implant rejection. However, systemwide immunomodulation is undesirable due to the severe side effects that typically accompany such strategies. In order to circumvent these undesired, harmful effects, scientists have turned to tailorable biomaterials that can achieve localized, potent release of immune‐modulating agents. Specifically, “stimuli‐responsive” biomaterials hold a strong promise for delivery of immunotherapeutic agents to the disease site or disease‐relevant tissues with high spatial and temporal accuracy. This review provides an overview of stimuli‐responsive biomaterials used for targeted immunomodulation. Stimuli‐responsive or “environmentally responsive” materials are customized to specifically react to changes in pH, temperature, enzymes, redox environment, photo‐stimulation, molecule‐binding, magnetic fields, ultrasound‐stimulation, and electric fields. Moreover, the latest generation of this class of materials incorporates elements that allow for response to multiple stimuli. These developments, and other stimuli‐responsive materials that are on the horizon, are discussed in the context of controlling immune responses.
Metal‐Specific Biomaterial Accumulation in Human Peri‐Implant Bone and Bone Marrow
Authors: Schoon Janosch , Hesse Bernhard , Rakow Anastasia , Ort Melanie J. , Lagrange Adrien , Jacobi Dorit , Winter Annika , Huesker Katrin , Reinke Simon , Cotte Marine , Tucoulou Remi , Marx Uwe , Perka Carsten , Duda Georg N. , Geissler Sven
Published: August 2020

Metallic implants are frequently used in medicine to support and replace degenerated tissues. Implant loosening due to particle exposure remains a major cause for revision arthroplasty. The exact role of metal debris in sterile peri‐implant inflammation is controversial, as it remains unclear whether and how metals chemically alter and potentially accumulate behind an insulating peri‐implant membrane, in the adjacent bone and bone marrow (BM). An intensively focused and bright synchrotron X‐ray beam allows for spatially resolving the multi‐elemental composition of peri‐implant tissues from patients undergoing revision surgery. In peri‐implant BM, particulate cobalt (Co) is exclusively co‐localized with chromium (Cr), non‐particulate Cr accumulates in the BM matrix. Particles consisting of Co and Cr contain less Co than bulk alloy, which indicates a pronounced dissolution capacity. Particulate titanium (Ti) is abundant in the BM and analyzed Ti nanoparticles predominantly consist of titanium dioxide in the anatase crystal phase. Co and Cr but not Ti integrate into peri‐implant bone trabeculae. The characteristic of Cr to accumulate in the intertrabecular matrix and trabecular bone is reproducible in a human 3D in vitro model. This study illustrates the importance of updating the view on long‐term consequences of biomaterial usage and reveals toxicokinetics within highly sensitive organs.
Soybean growth and incidence of soil‐borne fungi as influenced by metribuzin
Authors: Priess Grant L. , Norsworthy Jason K. , Roberts Trenton L. , Spurlock Terry N. , Gbur Edward E.
Published: August 2020

Soybean injury following an application of metribuzin soon after planting can occur under cool, wet conditions, especially for varieties that lack a high level of tolerance to the herbicide. Field experiments were conducted in 2017 and 2018 in Fayetteville, AR, to evaluate the impacts of metribuzin at 0, 280, 560, 840, and 1,120 g ai ha−1 on soybean growth and incidence of soil‐borne fungi. Three classes of metribuzin tolerance (sensitive, moderately tolerant, and tolerant) were evaluated based on a previous screen. In both years, visible injury to soybean was impacted by varietal tolerance and metribuzin rate. As metribuzin rate and soybean sensitivity increased, more injury was observed. Metribuzin applied at 280, 840, and 1,120 g ha−1 in 2017 and only 1,120 g ha−1 in 2018 reduced soybean plant population, averaged across varieties, by 12, 23, 23, and 11%, respectively. Averaged over site years, metribuzin at 1,120 g ha−1 delayed the sensitive soybean cultivars from reaching 20, 40, 60, and 80% groundcover by 11, 12, 9, and 5 days, respectively, compared to the nontreated. Metribuzin‐moderately tolerant and metribuzin‐tolerant varieties did not suffer any delays in canopy formation. In both site years, the sensitive variety had a yield loss up to 21% following metribuzin at 1,120 g ha−1 when compared to the nontreated. Metribuzin did not impact colonization of soybean in either site year by microorganisms in the genus Acrophilaphora, Collectotrichum, Didymella, Fusarium, Pythium, Macrophomina, Phomopsis, Rhizoctonia, Rhizopus, and Trichoderma. Delays in canopy formation can be mitigated through appropriate variety selection.
Effects of cutting frequency of tall fescue on cadmium form in soil and cadmium enrichment in the plant
Authors: Yang Zhehan , Xue Bohan , Li Na , Song Guilong
Published: August 2020

Cutting is a common practice for turfgrass culture and maintenance, and it may affect cadmium (Cd) uptake and enrichment due to the removal and regrowth of aboveground parts. The objective of this study was to determine how cutting frequency affects Cd form in the soil and its enrichment and distribution in clippings, stubble and roots. In this study, ‘K‐31’ tall fescue (Festuca elata L.) plants were grown in soils containing different amounts of Cd (0, 5, 25 and 50 mg kg−1) and cut at three different frequencies (no cutting, one cutting, two cuttings and five cuttings in two weeks). The cutting treatment caused a significant decrease in the soil pH, and it promoted Cd absorption by roots and Cd transfer to stubble. Increasing the cutting frequency increased acid‐soluble and reducible Cd content in soil, and the Cd content in the stubble and roots increased significantly and peaked at five cuttings. Cutting treatment exacerbated changes in plant ultrastructure under Cd stress as the chloroplasts of clippings swelled and the number of plastoglobuli in chloroplasts increased. Our study demonstrated that cutting frequency affects the conversion of Cd forms in the soil, promotes Cd absorption in roots, promotes Cd transport to stubble and exacerbates Cd stress on plants.
Clinical outcome of laparoscopic vs open right hemicolectomy for colon cancer: A propensity score matching analysis of the Japanese National Clinical Database
Authors: Matsuda Takeru , Endo Hideki , Inomata Masafumi , Hasegawa Hiroshi , Kumamaru Hiraku , Miyata Hiroaki , Sakai Yoshiharu , Kakeji Yoshihiro , Kitagawa Yuko , Watanabe Masahiko
Published: August 2020

Aim

The advantages of laparoscopic right hemicolectomy over open surgery for colon cancer in general clinical practice are debated, as evidenced by the continued use of open surgery in a significant proportion of patients worldwide. This study aimed to assess and compare the clinical outcome of laparoscopic and open right hemicolectomy for colon cancer using data from the Japanese National Clinical Database.

Methods

A total of 72 299 patients who underwent laparoscopic (n = 46 084) and open (n = 26 215) right hemicolectomy for colon cancer between 2014 and 2018 were enrolled in this retrospective study. Short‐term outcome was compared between groups using propensity score matching analysis.

Results

The incidence of overall postoperative morbidity ≥ Clavien‐Dindo classification grade 3 was significantly higher in the open surgery group than the laparoscopic group (4.7% vs 3.2%, P < .001). The incidence of most individual morbidities, including surgical site infection, anastomotic leakage, and ileus, was higher in the open surgery group. Short‐term outcomes, including intraoperative blood loss, postoperative hospital stay, reoperation rate, 30‐day mortality, and in‐hospital mortality, were superior in the laparoscopic group, except for operative time. Subgroup analyses showed that the incidence of postoperative morbidity was lower in the laparoscopic group for all prespecified subgroups.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic right hemicolectomy has an advantage over open surgery for colon cancer with respect to short‐term outcome.
The study of industrializable ionic liquid catalysts for long‐chain alkenes Friedel–Crafts alkylation
Authors: Ge Gaoyang , Zhou Yuming , Sheng Xiaoli , Liu Yonghui , Wang Beibei , Yang Haiyong , Sha Xiao
Published: August 2020

Catalysts based on different halo‐alkanes structures with durable catalytic performance were synthesized and applied to the Friedel–Crafts alkylation of long‐chain alkenes (mixed C16–24 olefins) with toluene. Surprisingly, compared with the usual industrial catalysts (~10 runs), the cyclic times of the ionic liquid (IL) catalysts reached up to 24 runs, which greatly promotes the industrialization process. Then, Lewis acids of catalysts with different precursor/AlCl3 molar ratios were investigated and a close relation was discovered between the Lewis acid and catalytic activity. In addition, a comparison of the different halo‐alkanes structures about those catalysts was made. The results showed that the [C6Et3N]Cl–AlCl3 had the strongest Lewis acid, corresponding to the highest catalytic performance. Also, the structures of precursors and the specific gravity and active site species of catalysts were investigated by Fourier transform infrared and Magic Angle Spinning Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (MAS NMR). Meanwhile, the various parameters (catalyst dosage, toluene/olefin molar ratio, reaction temperature and reaction time) of long‐chain alkenes alkylation with toluene were studied. Finally, under the optimized reaction conditions, the conversion and selectivity of long‐chain alkenes alkylation reached 99.92 and 32.99%, respectively.
Immobilization of copper nanoparticles on WO3 with enhanced catalytic activity for the synthesis of 1,2,3‐triazoles
Authors: Amini Mojtaba , Hajipour Elham , Akbari Ali , Hwa Chae Keun
Published: August 2020

In this study, a heterogeneous catalyst based on copper nanoparticles immobilized on metal oxide, WO3, was fabricated using an impregnation method as an easy and straightforward nanoparticle synthesis strategy. The successful synthesis of the nanocatalyst was confirmed using various spectroscopic techniques such as X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray analysis, and transmission electron microscopy. The catalytic performance of the well‐characterized material was evaluated through the azide–alkyne cycloaddition reaction (click reaction) in the aqueous medium. To optimize reaction conditions, different reaction parameters such as nanocatalyst amount, reaction time, temperature, and solvents were studied. Experimental results showed that as‐prepared nanocatalyst (Cu/WO3) could act as an effective and reusable heterogeneous catalyst in water for the synthesis of 1,2,3‐triazoles in good‐to‐excellent yields. In addition, Cu/WO3 has some advantages such as simple preparation procedure, easy separation, and recyclability for three runs with no remarkable loss of catalytic activity, which is essential from a catalytic application point of view.
A self‐penetrating and chemically stable zinc (ii)‐organic framework as multi‐responsive chemo‐sensor to detect pesticide and antibiotics in water
Authors: Fan Liming , Wang Feng , Zhao Dongsheng , Peng Yuxin , Deng Yuxin , Luo Yinwei , Zhang Xiutang
Published: August 2020

Guided by the self‐penetrating features can improve the stability of metal organic frameworks (MOFs), an unprecedented 3D self‐penetrated framework, {[Zn (tptc)0.5(bimb)]·H2O}n (NUC‐6, here NUC corresponding to North University of China), with 3D (4,4)‐c {86} net, was designed. Benefit from the high chemical stability and excellent luminescent property, NUC‐6 can be act as an efficient multi‐response chemo‐sensor in detecting dichloronitroaniline pesticide and nitrofuran antibiotics in water with the detection limits are 116 ppb for DCN pesticide, 16 ppb for NFT antibiotic, and 12 ppb for NTZ antibiotic. Besides, the mechanisms of luminescence quenching were revealed from the viewpoint of internal filter effect (IFE) and photo‐induced electron transfer (PET), implied by the optical spectroscopy and quantum chemical calculation. This work provides a promising strategy to design stable MOFs by improving the self‐penetrating features and to expand their practical applications in the detection of organic pollutants in aqueous medium.
Insight into water lubrication performance of polyetheretherketone
Authors: Wu Zumin , Guo Zhiwei , Yuan Chengqing
Published: August 2020

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is a kind of polymer with excellent mechanical properties combined with good wear resistance and has been widely used in the engineering field. In order to explore the possibility for PEEK using as a water‐lubricated bearing material, an in‐depth study on the water lubrication performance of PEEK was conducted by using a series of experiments. The water lubrication performances combined with the lubricating mechanism were evaluated both by the friction coefficient and by the wear behavior of PEEK. The results indicated that PEEK was suitable for water‐lubricated bearing productions. The water film could form effectively between the friction pairs under high sliding velocity, while the transfer film could form under low sliding velocity. Both the water film and the transfer film could improve the water lubrication performance for the friction pairs. Moreover, sliding velocities and contact pressures highly influence the water lubrication performance of PEEK. The increase in contact pressure or the decrease in sliding velocity would exacerbate the wear of material. The stick–slip phenomena also occurred on the specimens under low sliding velocity. The main purpose of this study is to provide an experimental basis for PEEK using as a water‐lubricated bearing material.
Origin of stress and birefringence generation at hot‐stretching of poly(methyl methacrylate) containing low‐molecular‐weight compound
Authors: Yamaguchi Masayuki , Miyashita Maho
Published: August 2020

The simultaneous measurements of stress and birefringence during hot‐stretching, and after the cessation of stretching, were performed using a miscible blend of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and 10 wt% of 4‐cyano‐4′‐pentylbiphenyl (which is commonly known as 5CB). The birefringence of the blend exhibited anomalous behavior during stretching, that is, it initially decreased, then rapidly increased to a positive value. A concave curve with a minimum birefringence was prominent at low temperatures, during which PMMA determined birefringence. After passing the yield point, which corresponded to the minimum birefringence, the birefringence increased in proportion to the applied stress. That is to say, the stress‐optical coefficient remained constant. In this region, the 5CB molecules oriented themselves with the PMMA chains, that is, there was nematic interaction. After stretching ceased, the stress initially decreased rapidly; during this period, the stress‐optical coefficient was determined mainly by the deformation of PMMA, that is, glassy component. Subsequently, the orientation relaxation of 5CB, which occurred with the orientation relaxation of PMMA chains in the stage with a long time region, determined the birefringence. These results demonstrated that nematic interaction does not occur when inelastic deformation is governed.
Not that kind of tree: Assessing the potential for decision tree–based plant identification using trait databases
Authors: Almeida Brianna K. , Garg Manish , Kubat Miroslav , Afkhami Michelle E.
Published: August 2020

Premise

Advancements in machine learning and the rise of accessible “big data” provide an important opportunity to improve trait‐based plant identification. Here, we applied decision‐tree induction to a subset of data from the TRY plant trait database to (1) assess the potential of decision trees for plant identification and (2) determine informative traits for distinguishing taxa.

Methods

Decision trees were induced using 16 vegetative and floral traits (689 species, 20 genera). We assessed how well the algorithm classified species from test data and pinpointed those traits that were important for identification across diverse taxa.

Results

The unpruned tree correctly placed 98% of the species in our data set into genera, indicating its promise for distinguishing among the species used to construct them. Furthermore, in the pruned tree, an average of 89% of the species from the test data sets were properly classified into their genera, demonstrating the flexibility of decision trees to also classify new species into genera within the tree. Closer inspection revealed that seven of the 16 traits were sufficient for the classification, and these traits yielded approximately two times more initial information gain than those not included.

Discussion

Our findings demonstrate the potential for tree‐based machine learning and big data in distinguishing among taxa and determining which traits are important for plant identification.
Predation on native fish eggs by invasive round goby revealed by species‐specific gut content DNA analyses
Authors: Lutz Elisabeth , Hirsch Philipp Emanuel , Bussmann Karen , Wiegleb Joschka , Jermann Hans‐Peter , Muller Roxane , Burkhardt‐Holm Patricia , Adrian‐Kalchhauser Irene
Published: August 2020

Conservation of riverine fish often aims to improve access to spawning grounds and restore longitudinal connectivity by removing migration barriers, and involves substantial investments. However, these investments also enable non‐native predators to invade upstream into spawning areas and potentially adversely affect the recruitment of threatened freshwater fish through egg or fry predation.

Detecting egg predation is often challenging. Visual inspections of fish gut contents may underestimate predation of soft materials such as eggs and fry, which limits the discovery of predators preying upon these life‐stages. DNA‐based detection assays may offer a more sensitive tool to assess predation of soft materials.

A conservation issue was confirmed by developing and applying a species‐specific DNA‐based detection assay: invasive round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) prey on the eggs or fry of the threatened common nase (Chondrostoma nasus) in Switzerland.

DNA‐based detection assays were also developed for five other valuable native fish species, including endangered salmonid and cyprinid river spawners. The applicability of the assays was confirmed in a series of laboratory and field feeding experiments involving eggs and fish tissue. In addition, this work provides a guiding framework for conservation managers regarding the use and applicability of different DNA‐based detection approaches for gut content analysis.

The results of this study could inform local conservation measures – such as temporary reductions in the density of round goby at spawning sites prior to spawning – and demonstrate how targeted application of species‐specific molecular markers may advance freshwater fish management.
Global‐scale genetic structure of a cosmopolitan cold‐water coral species
Authors: Addamo Anna Maria , Miller Karen J. , Häussermann Vreni , Taviani Marco , Machordom Annie
Published: August 2020

When considering widely distributed marine organisms with low dispersal capabilities, there is often an implication that the distribution of cosmopolitan species is an artefact of taxonomy, constrained by the absence of characters for delimiting either sibling or cryptic species. Few studies have assessed the relationship among populations across the global range of the species' distribution, and the presence of oceanographic barriers that might influence gene flow among populations are underestimated.

In this study, evolutionary and ecological drivers of connectivity patterns have been inferred among populations of the cold‐water coral Desmophyllum dianthus, a common and widespread solitary scleractinian species, whose reproduction strategy and larval dispersal are still poorly unknown.

The genetic structure of D. dianthus was explored using 30 microsatellites in 347 specimens from 13 localities distributed in the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Results clearly reveal genetically differentiated populations in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres (FST = 0.16, FSC = 0.01, FCT = 0.15, P‐values highly significant), and Chilean and New Zealand populations with independent genetic profiles.

Marine connectivity patterns at different spatial scales are discussed to characterize larval dispersal and gene flow through the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
Evaluation of hydrolytic enzyme activities from digestive fluids of Anthonomus grandis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Ben Guerrero Emiliano , Salvador Ricardo , Talia Paola
Published: August 2020

The cotton boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis, is a major pest of cotton crops in South America. In this work, partial biochemical characterizations of (hemi) cellulases and pectinases activities in the digestive system (head‐ and gut‐ extracts) of A. grandis were evaluated. Gut extract section from third instar larvae exhibited endoglucanase, xylanase, β‐glucosidase, and pectinase activities. The endoglucanase and xylanase activities were localized in the foregut, whereas β‐glucosidase activity was mainly detected in the hindgut. In addition, no difference in pectinase activity was observed across the gut sections. Thus, A. grandis digestive system is a potentially interesting reservoir for further lignocellulolytic enzymes research.
Chemoselective On‐surface Homocoupling of Terminal Alkynes Catalyzed by Exogenous Cupric Ions
Authors: Yue JieYu , Fan Wei , Chen Ting , Wang ZhaoHui , Wang Dong , Wan LiJun
Published: August 2020

The on‐surface coupling reactions of terminal alkynes catalyzed by exogenous cupric ions on chemically inert highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) surface have been investigated by scanning tunnelling microscopy. In the presence of exogenous cupric ions, diyne‐linked nanostructures generated via homocoupling of terminal alkynes are the exclusive products, whereas no coupling reaction occurs for the terminal alkynes on the surface in the absence of the cupric ions, suggesting that exogenous cupric ions are efficient to catalyze the highly chemoselective on‐surface reaction of terminal alkynes. The HOPG surface displays a template effect to the growth and alignment of the products on the surface. As a result, 2D arrays of diyne‐linked zigzag polymers and 2D diyne‐linked porous polymers are fabricated from ditopic monomer 3,6‐diethynylcarbazole and tritopic monomer 1,3,5‐tris‐(4‐ethynylphenyl) benzene, respectively. This synthetic strategy combining the high selectivity of cupric ion catalyst as well as the template effect of on‐surface synthesis approach could be a general strategy to fabricate diyne‐linked nanostructures and nanomaterials on solid surfaces.
Parametric optimization and kinetic study of l‐lactic acid production by homologous batch fermentation of Lactobacillus pentosus cells
Authors: Wang Jianfei , Huang Jiaqi , Jiang Shaoming , Zhang Jing , Zhang Quanquan , Ning Yuchen , Fang Mudannan , Liu Shijie
Published: August 2020

Parametric optimization always plays important roles in bioengineering systems to obtain a high product yield under the proper conditions. The parametric conditions of lactic acid production by homologous batch fermentation of Lactobacillus pentosus cells was optimized by the Box–Behnken design. The highest l‐lactic acid yield was obtained as 0.836 ± 0.003 g/g glucose with the productivity of 0.906 ± 0.003 g/(L × H) under the optimum conditions of 34.7 °C, pH 6.2, 148 rpm agitation speed, and 9.3 g/L nitrogen source concentration determined by quadratic response surface with high accuracy. The adequate kinetic models of cell growth rate, lactic production rate, and glucose consumption rate were also established to describe the fermentation behavior of L. pentosus cells with the correlation coefficients of 09985, 0.9990, and 0.9989, respectively.
Modeling shows high potential of folic acid‐fortified salt to accelerate global prevention of major neural tube defects
Authors: Kancherla Vijaya , Tsang Becky , Wagh Kaustubh , Dixon Meredith , Oakley Godfrey P.
Published: August 2020

Background

We estimated the global proportion of folic acid‐preventable spina bifida and anencephaly (FAP SBA) potentially prevented through mandatory double fortification of iodized salt with folic acid.

Methods

Using United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and Global Fortification Data Exchange (GFDx) data sets, we modeled country‐specific number of FAP SBA cases prevented annually using (a) current coverage of the salt in households worldwide and (b) expected daily amount of folic acid intake from folic acid‐fortified iodized salt. Our evidence‐based modeling strategy assumed mandatory folic acid fortification of salt at 20 ppm, and that at 200 μg/day intake of folic acid through fortified salt, should achieve 100% prevention of all FAP SBA in countries.

Results

One hundred countries that have data on percent of households consuming iodized salt globally were examined; 55 of them have ≥80% households consuming iodized salt. Our model estimated approximately 180,000 cases of FAP SBA could be prevented in these 100 countries through folic acid‐fortified iodized salt, and 150,000 of them would be in countries where ≥80% households consuming iodized salt that can be potentially fortified with folic acid. Salt fortification with folic acid could contribute to the prevention of about 65% global FAP SBA cases annually.

Conclusions

Our evidence‐based model shows that there is high potential to prevent FAP SBA using folic acid‐fortified iodized salt. Prevention will reach countries where there is a limited reach of centrally processed folic acid‐fortified wheat or maize flour. If this intervention is made feasible by the salt industry, it can accelerate the prevention of FAP SBA significantly.
A DFT study of structure and stability of pleated and rippled cross‐β sheets with hydrophobic sidechains
Authors: Raskatov Jevgenij A.
Published: August 2020

The rippled cross‐β sheet, a topography, in which mirror‐image peptides are arranged with alternating chirality into a periodic two‐dimensional network, is burgeoning as a new design principle for materials and biomedical applications. Experiments by the Schneider, Nilsson, and Raskatov labs have independently shown diverse racemic mixtures of aggregation‐prone peptide of different sizes to favor the rippled over the pleated topography. Yet, systematic ab initio studies are lacking, and the field is yet to develop rules that would enable the design of new rippled cross‐β frameworks from first principles. Here, DFT calculations were performed on a set of model systems, designed to begin understanding the impact that bulky, hydrophobic sidechains have upon the formation of pleated and rippled cross‐β frameworks. It is hoped that this study will help stimulate the development of a predictive, general framework to enable rational design of rippled cross‐β sheets in the future.
Quality of concept maps is affected by map building strategies
Authors: Srivastava Anveshna , Srivastava Nisheeth , Chandrasekharan Sanjay
Published: August 2020

Concept‐maps are widely used to assess students' conceptual understanding in different subject areas. Conventionally, it is mostly built maps which are assessed. In this study, we explore if “concept‐mapping” could be used as a case for constructive alignment of both the process and the outcome of learning. Specifically, we have studied how a simple measure of looking at the order in which concept map elements‐concepts (cards, C), links (arrows, A), and linking phrases (phrases, P)‐ are placed on the working space reveals information about the quality of the final generated map. We report findings from analysis of the concept‐mapping process in two separate groups of university students (N = 38 (18 + 20)) who were asked, individually, to build concept maps related to two separate concepts in biology and chemistry respectively. We found that, across both groups, students consistently followed the same order of element placement that they began with and found significant differences in the quality of eventual maps resulting from students' map building strategies. Our results suggest that the quality of students' concept maps depends considerably on the strategy used to build it, and point to the supplementary role that the physical working space of the concept‐mapping exercise offers to students' own working memory as a possible explanation for these quality differences.
Does eco‐innovation drive sales and technology investment? Focusing on eco‐label in Korea
Authors: Oh Myoungjin , Shin Jungwoo , Park Pil‐Ju , Kim Sunmee
Published: August 2020

As environmental problems worsen, eco‐innovation research has received increased attention. Korea is implementing an eco‐label policy to induce eco‐innovation. Eco‐labeling is a type of voluntary eco‐innovation. There are few empirical studies on the economic performance of eco‐labels in Korea and even fewer on the additional investment in the technology used for eco‐labeling. The present study quantitatively measured the effect of eco‐labels on additionally generated sales and research and development (R&D) investment through propensity score matching. The results revealed that eco‐labeling has a positive impact on sales over the following 2 years, which is the expiration date of certification; moreover, investment in R&D typically increased for 3 years before certification. Interestingly, no additional R&D investment was made after certification. This study is mainly a basis for the introduction of environmental certification to government policymakers or product strategists who have yet to implement a certification system.
A reliable septum exists between the lateral cord and medial and posterior cords in the costoclavicular region: Clinical and microanatomical considerations in brachial plexus anesthetic blockade
Authors: Monzó Enrique , Boezaart André P. , Tubbs Richard Shane , Sanromán‐Junquera Margarita , Nin Olga C. , Reina Miguel Angel
Published: August 2020

Background and Objectives

The ultrasound‐guided proximal infraclavicular costoclavicular block (PICB) appears popular but its results are inconsistent. We sought an accurate demonstration of septae formed between the brachial plexus cords.

Methods

We performed in‐plane, lateral‐to‐medial PICBs on 120 patients and recorded images. Once the most superficial lateral cord component was entered, a 0.4–0.6 mA current was applied to confirm needle placement; 5 ml of local anesthetic (LA) solution was then injected and its spread was observed and recorded. As the needle was advanced, the presence or absence of a hyperechoic linear structure was noted before the deeper compartment was reached, specifically looking for the possible displacement of such a septum.

Results

Upon initial scanning, a septum was observed in 67 of the 120 patients (46.2%). However, there was clear displacement of a linear septum between the lateral cord compartment and the medial and posterior cord compartments that prevented spread between the compartments in 94.16% of patients. Piercing the septum evoked motor responses from the medial or posterior cord. The same anatomical regions were studied microanatomically by analyzing cross‐sections obtained with the same approach angle as the ultrasound probe.

Conclusions

Intraplexus fascial septae that bundled the medial and posterior cords into one compartment and separated them from the lateral cord were demonstrated and confirmed microanatomically. This suggests the need for two separate injections (or two separate catheter placements for continuous peripheral nerve blockade) into the superficial and deep compartments to ensure LA spread around all three cords of the brachial plexus at this level.
Virome assembly and annotation in brain tissue based on next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Yuan Zihao , Ye Xiaohua , Zhu Lisha , Zhang Ningyan , An Zhiqiang , Zheng W. Jim
Published: August 2020

The glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the deadliest tumors. It has been speculated that virus plays a role in GBM but the evidences are controversy. Published researches are mainly limited to studies on the presence of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) in GBM. No comprehensive assessment of the brain virome, the collection of viral material in the brain, based on recently sequenced data has been performed. Here, we characterized the virome from 111 GBM samples and 57 normal brain samples from eight projects in the SRA database by a tested and comprehensive assembly approach. The annotation of the assembled contigs showed that most viral sequences in the brain belong to the viral family Retroviridae. In some GBM samples, we also detected full genome sequence of a novel picornavirus recently discovered in invertebrates. Unlike previous reports, our study did not detect herpes virus such as HCMV in GBM from the data we used. However, some contigs that cannot be annotated with any known genes exhibited antibody epitopes in their sequences. These findings provide several avenues for potential cancer therapy: the newly discovered picornavirus could be a starting point to engineer novel oncolytic virus; and the exhibited antibody epitopes could be a source to explore potential drug targets for immune cancer therapy. By characterizing the virosphere in GBM and normal brain at a global level, the results from this study strengthen the link between GBM and viral infection which warrants the further investigation.
Child Maltreatment Portrayed in Bangladeshi Newspapers
Authors: Atiqul Haque M. , Janson Staffan , Moniruzzaman Syed , Fazlur Rahman A. K. M. , Islam Syed Shariful , Mashreky Saidur Rahman , Eriksson Ulla‐Britt
Published: August 2020

As in most low‐income countries, there is a lack of scientific information on the incidence and pattern of child maltreatment (CM) in Bangladesh. However, the role of the media to disclose CM and to develop public awareness in society is noteworthy. The present study assessed newspaper reports about CM by type and socio‐demographics of victims and perpetrators in Bangladesh. In total, 790 news articles were collected retrospectively from four Bengali‐ and two English‐language newspapers from October to December 2014. Among all reported incidents, almost half of the CM cases concerned alleged physical abuse (26%) and sexual abuse (22%). Neglect and emotional or psychological abuse received less coverage. Female children were to a high degree (90%) victims of sexual abuse. The main perpetrators were males, and they were often known to the victims. Approximately 32 per cent of the reported abuse cases resulted in death and were related to rape, family violence, administrative negligence, abduction and ransom demand. Some of these deaths were suicides. News stories concerning CM were often reported in an unethical way by identifying the victim and not respecting child rights. Further, the stories seldom discussed the individual or social consequences of CM, or how maltreatment could be prevented.

‘The present study assessed newspaper reports about CM by type and socio‐demographics of victims and perpetrators in Bangladesh’

Key Practitioner Messages

The main types of reported cases of CM in Bangladeshi print media are physical abuse and sexual abuse, and there is a high proportion of fatal consequences.

The perpetrators are often known to the victims.

The identity of the victim is frequently reported, potentially putting the child at risk and violating child rights.

Bangladeshi print media seldom discusses individual or societal consequences of CM, or how it could be prevented.