bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Immobilised Stress on Neuronal Plasticity of Pyramidal Neurons in Prefrontal Cortex of Female Wistar RatsAn Experimental Study
Authors: Thakur Sujit Kumar , Motagi Manjunath V , Vaidya Yuganti , Adhikari, Shailesh , Adhikari Shalik Ram
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Stress is a normal response of an organism to any threat which can be physical, emotional or psychological. Positive stress is called eustress whereas negative stress is distress. Neuronal plasticity is a term which indicates the changes in brain. There can be structural and functional neuroplasticity. Aim: To study the neuronal plasticity (dendritic branching pattern and their lengths) of pyramidal neurons in Prefrontal Cortex (PFC) of female wistar rats after immobilised stress. Materials and Methods: It was an experimental study conducted in Nepalese Army Institute of Health Sciences, Kathmandu, Nepal from May 2021 to July 2022. Based on the age, 24 female rats were divided into three groups, group A>12 weeks, group B 8 to 12 weeks and group C 3 to 7 weeks. Each group contained eight rats, of which four were control and four were experimental. Experimental rats underwent immobilised stress. After stress protocol, rats were sacrificed and PFC was taken out and stained. The images of neurons were taken by confocal microscope. The neuronal reconstruction was done using IMARIS software for dendritic lengths. The parameters in apical dendrite category-length of principal dendrite, branch points and lengths of different branches were compared between control and stressed groups. In basal dendrite category-number of basal dendrites, lengths of different basal dendrites and branch points were compared between control and stressed groups using unpaired t-test. The data was analysed with Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0. Results: It was observed that there was a statistically significant increase in all basal dendrite parameters in experimental category as compared with controls in group A with p-value<0.001, and in group B, significant increase in branch points with a p-value<0.001 in experimental category, and significant increase in branch length of basal dendrites in group C of experimental rats with p-value<0.001. The parameters related to apical dendrites of pyramidal neurons also showed significant shrinkage in experimental rats as compared to control groups. Especially in group C all the apical dendrite parameters were significantly decreased compared with control group (p-values 0.013, 0.001 and 0.006 for principal dendrite’s length, branch points and branch lengths, respectively). Conclusion: Stress induces neuronal plasticity in pyramidal neurons of PFC of rats. Findings of this study suggest stress induces significant increase in the basal dendrite parameters of pyramidal neurons of PFC of all age group of rats, especially in the rats of more than 12 weeks age and significant shrinkage of apical dendrites was seen in all age group of rats and more so in the rats between 3 to 7 weeks of age.
An Analysis of Marketing Cost, Producer’s Share in Consumer’s Rupee and Market Efficiency of Marketing Channel of Prawn Fish in District Rohtak, Haryana
Authors: Sonu  , Kumar Sanjay , Rai Ajay Kumar
Published: July 2023

Sent study was conducted in district Rohtak of Haryana state. In the investigation, 60 fish farmers, 5 traders, 5 wholesalers, 5 retailers and 10 consumers were taken. The most of produce of prawn was marketed to Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat other states. The market chain from fishermen to consumers passes through a number of intermediaries: local traders, retailers and consumers. The presence of intermediaries or market functionaries leads to reduce the producer’s share in consumer’s rupee. There were three different marketing channel existed in the study area. For the marketing aspects analyzed by tabular and percentile analysis and the constraints faced by the sample farmers in prawn marketing were ranked using Garrett’s ranking technique were used in the study. The present study revealed that the average of market cost, market margin and price spread of channel’s was Rs,38, Rs.37 and Rs.75 per kg. The average producer’s share in consumer’s rupee is 85.68%. The average of market efficiency of existing channels was 8.67.
Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown on Income of Apple Growers in Kashmir: An Empirical Analysis
Authors: Khursheed Syed Owais , Islam Sheikh Basharul , Darzi Mushtaq Ahmad
Published: July 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic caused serious disruptions to all economic activities across the globe. Besides other sectors that were significantly affected, production and marketing of agricultural products particularly horticulture remained among the seriously hit. The purpose of this study is to assess the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic and the measures implemented by the government to prevent its spread on the farm income of apple growers in Kashmir. The study is based on primary data collected from farmers of the Southern districts of Kashmir Valley by adopting convenience sampling. Partial least square- structural equation modelling was employed to analyze the data using SmartPLS. The study found that fear of Covid-19 and the lockdown strongly affected workforce availability, market prices, and distribution channel management. However, the impact of the lockdown on apple production was found to be insignificant. The study also found that production, workforce availability, market prices, and distribution channel management significantly influenced the income of apple growers. The reason is self-inhibition towards buying, unless extremely necessary. Moreover, the produce lying in the cold chains was sold at cheaper prices due to the unavailability of potential buyers and disturbance in the distribution system. The results of the study can help policymakers in taking preventive measures without sacrificing the livelihood of families associated with horticulture.
Effects of Seasonal Variation on some Soil Chemical Properties under Different Land Use in Santa Barbara, Bayelsa State-Nigeria
Authors: Okoro Duke , Tordue Ikyaahemba Philip
Published: July 2023

A study was carried out to examine the effect of seasonal variation on some soil chemical properties under different land-use in Nembe, Bayelsa State-Nigeria. The objective was to evaluate changes in soil nutrient contents in both wet and dry seasons. A total of eighteen soil samples were collected at 0-30 cm depths in August, 2017 (Wet Season) and March, 2018 (dry season) in natural forest, oil palm plantation and arable land-use and analyzed for pH, soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (N), available phosphorus (P), exchangeable cations (Ca, Na, K and Mg), and cation exchange capacity (CEC) using standard analytical methods. Results showed that soil pH was highest (4.2) under oil palm plantation in the wet season, while high content of N 0.52 mg/kg was recorded during the wet season in all the thee-land use. Organic carbon was highest 1.69 mg/kg in natural forest, followed by 1.39 and 1.04 mg/kg for oil palm plantation and arable land use. Maximum value of P 0.22 mg/kg was observed under natural forest during the dry season, and the minimum was recorded under arable land use during the wet season. The concentration of exchangeable Ca was highest 0.3 mg/kg in the oil palm plantation, while Na was highest 2.19 mg/kg for natural forest, 1.26 and 1.06 mg/kg for oil palm plantation and arable land use. The CEC values of the soils in the natural forest were moderately high, followed by oil palm plantation and arable land use in the wet season; whereas low CEC values were observed across the three-land use in the dry season. The study concluded that soil nutrients were more available during the wet season than in the dry season in the various land use, probably due to adequate soil moisture availability in the wet season that facilitates soil nutrient release, this implies that chemical properties of soils were influenced by seasonal changes which could in turn affect agricultural production. It is recommended that crop production is encouraged in the wet season than in the dry season so as to utilize more availability of soil nutrients.
Influence of Molybdenum and Foliar Application of Boron on Growth, Yield and Economics of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata): Experimental Investigation
Authors: Kumar A. B. Yeswanth , Umesha C.
Published: July 2023

The field experiment was carried out at Crop Research Farm (CRF) during the Zaid season (march to June – 2022) in the Department of Agronomy at SHUATS in Prayagraj (UP) on soil with sandy loam in texture to investigate the effect Molybdenum and Foliar application of Boron on Growth and Yield of Cowpea. The treatments consist of three doses of Molybdenum viz., 0.5kg ha-1, 0.75kg ha-1 and 1kgha-1 and Boron 0.5% at 3 intervals viz., 30DAS, 45DAS and 30DAS & 45DAS whose effect is observed on Cowpea (var. Gomati). The experiment used a Randomized Block Design with ten treatments replicated three times.  The treatment with application of Molybdenum 1kg ha-1 + Boron 0.5% at 30DAS & 45 DAS recorded significantly higher number of pods per plant (16.73), number of seeds per pod (11.67), seed index (18.38g), seed yield (1.59 t ha-1) and Haulm yield (4.16 t ha-1) and BC ratio (1.97) compared to other treatment combinations.
Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Binding Properties and Impact on Human Health: Physiochemical Properties, Impact of Multiple PFAS Compounds, Variation among Species, and Fluoride Interaction
Authors: Mink F. L. , Combs L.
Published: July 2023

PFAS are chemical compounds that are found in consumer goods and are known contaminates found in both the environment and within the body. Research has begun to help better understand these compounds and how they impact human health and the environment. PFAS have many different characteristics that make it difficult to understand their full impact and it is suggested that their unique properties have a significant impact on their ability to act in the body. PFAS are even more complex because they can bio transform and interact with each other exhibiting competitive behavior. Studies also suggest that there are differences among species when exposed to PFAS and the physiological pathways impacted. Another interaction that can have human and environmental implications is that there is evidence of interactions between fluoride in the water with the PFAS contaminates. The purpose of this review paper is to provide public health professionals the risk assessment tools to understand the properties of these compounds, not addressed to date and to better understand how PFAS react in the body, interact with one another, and interact with other inorganic substances.
Management of Phosphorus on Performance of Rice - Zero till Maize (Zea mays L.) Cropping System
Authors: Ramesh Ch. , Ramana M. Venkata , Sree G. Jaya
Published: July 2023

Aims: To study the phosphorus levels in Rice - zero till maize (Zea mays L.) cropping system on yield, nutrient uptake and post-harvest soil nutrient status.

Study Design: Two factors Randomized block design.

Methodology: Field investigation was organized during two consecutive years at College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad. Levels of P2O5 (kg ha-1) applied to rice (5) and maize (3) respectively were (P0-30, P0-45, P0-60, P10-30, P10-45, P10-60, P20-30, P20-45, P20-60, P30-30, P30-45, P30-60,            P40-30, P40-45 and P40-60).

Results: Direct effect of 20 kg P2O5 ha-1 to rice, being on par with 30 and 40 kg P2O5 ha-1, produced significantly higher grain and straw yield of rice, uptake of nutrients over rest of the treatments. The residual effect of Phosphorus applied to maize 60 kg P2O5 ha-1 resulted in significantly higher above said parameters of rice. The cumulative effect of P20-60 produced significantly higher grain and straw yield, nutrient uptake of rice over P10-30, P10-45, P0-30, P0-45 and  P0-60 treatments.

Direct effect of 60 kg P2O5 ha-1 to maize recorded significantly higher grain and stover yield, nutrient uptake and available soil phosphorus over lower Phosphorus levels; but the soil nitrogen and potassium followed reverse trend. The residual effect of 40 and /or 30 kg P2O5 ha-1 applied to rice had a greater positive influence on the above said parameters except soil nitrogen and potassium over lower phosphorus levels. The cumulative effect of P40-60 and P30-60 had produced significantly higher grain and stover yield and nutrient uptake of maize and showed significantly higher available soil phosphorus at the end as compared to the rest of the treatments; emphasizing application of 30 kg P2O5 ha-1 to rice and 60 kg P2O5 ha-1 to maize through P30-60 treatment in rice-zero till maize cropping system to maintain phosphorus sustainability.
Study of Monocot Ornamental Plants under Prayagraj Agro-climatic Conditions
Authors: Asritha Nallabothula , Singh Devi , Fatmi Urfi
Published: July 2023

An experiment was carried out during July 2022 to December 2022 in Shade net, Department of Horticulture, SHUATS, Prayagraj, in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with different           Monocot Ornamental plants replicated three times. This houseplants that are also known to remove harmful chemicals from the air, formaldehyde being its chemical of choice to remove the air. Different plants used in this experment were Philodendron ceylon, Philodendron wendlandi, Philodendron oxycardium, Thaumatophyllum xanadu, Philodendron erubescens, Alocasia reginula, Syngonium podophyllum and Monstera deliciosa. It is concluded the present investigation that the Monocot Ornamental plants under study showed significant variation in all the Characters observed. The Variety Philodendron ceylon Reported significantly better  performance in sustainable percentage, Sapling height, plant height, leaves length, Canopy radius, root spread and the another Variety Thaumatophyllum xanadu Reported significantly better performance in No, of leaves ,leaves length and plant spread Hence the varieties Philodendron ceylon & Thaumatophyllum xanadu could be recommended for the Prayagraj Agro  climatic condition.
Effect of Organic and Inorganic Nitrogen Management and Planting Technique on Nutrient Uptake by Maize Crop
Authors: Mathur Anisha , Kumar Rakesh
Published: July 2023

Maize production is affected by many factors including climate and soil parameters. Soil parameters may include nutrient availability and management. Maize crop production may also be highly affected by the planting techniques involved in its cultivation. These may in the long run have an impact on the yield realised from a particular enterprise. The research was conducted in 2019-20, at Chhapang Experimental Farm, Dr. KSG Akal Faculty of Agriculture, Eternal University, Baru Sahib, to analyze the effects of organic and inorganic nitrogen management and planting strategies on the nutrition of crops. Experiments were conducted in a split-plot design for 3 replications with 2 main applications (i.e. flatbed and raised bed) and 5 minor treatments (i.e. 100% IO, 100% FYM, 50% IO + 50% FYM, 75% IO + 25% FYM, 100% IO + 25% FYM) and observed at 25, 50 and 75 days after sowing. The results showed that T3 treatment (50% IO + 50% FYM) showed the highest yield from corn and straw. Therefore, the integration of T3 (50% IO + 50% FYM) with organic and inorganic in the raised bed resulted in the best maize. A litter mix of 50% IO + 50% FYM is recommended for maize growth and quality management.
Standardization of Recipe for Value Added Herbal Kinnow and Guava Jelly for its Better Quality and Shelf Life
Authors: Gaurav  , Prasad V. M. , Bahadur Vijay
Published: July 2023

During the years 2022-2023, a field experiment was carried out at the Post Harvest Laboratory of Horticulture Department, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology & Sciences, Prayagraj to investigate "Standardization of recipe for value-added Herbal Kinnow and Guava jelly for better quality and shelf life." The experiment was carried out using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD), with ten treatments replicated thrice.  Total number of treatments were ten viz. (T0 Control + 50% Sugar), (T1 50% Sugar + 2.0 g Ginger Extract), (T2 50% Sugar + 4.0 g Ginger Extract), (T3 50% Sugar + 6.0 g Ginger Extract), (T4 50% Sugar + 2.0 g Cardamom), (T5 50% Sugar + 4.0 g Cardamom), (T6 50% Sugar + 6.0 g Cardamom), (T7 50% Sugar + 2.0 g Mint Extract), (T8 50% Sugar + 4.0 g Mint Extract), (T9 50% Sugar + 6.0 g Mint Extract). The treatment (T6 50% Sugar + 6.0 g Cardamom) was found superior in respect of parameters like TSS(0Brix), pH, acidity(%), ascorbic acid (mg/100g), reducing sugar(%), non-reducing sugar(%), Colour score, texture, flavour, taste, overall acceptability.The benefit-cost ratio was found to be the highest (1:2.20) in the treatment (T6 50% Sugar + 6.0 g Cardamom). Maximum Mean shelf life of 41.66 days was found in (T6 50% Sugar + 6.0 g Cardamom).
Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Mandible with Management of Wide Excision, Right Hemimandibulectomy, Mandibular Reconstruction, and Pectoralis Major Myocutaneus Flap: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Sentoso Joko Wibowo , Soewoto Widyanti
Published: July 2023

Aims: To report the case of a man diagnosed with mandibular mucogingival SCC and present its case details, histopathological findings, and management.

Presentation of Case: A 35-year-old man with complaints of lumps and a wound on the right side of the face that has been getting bigger since 9 months ago. The lump initially appeared the size of a marble on a loose tooth mark, then quickly grew to the size of tennis ball within a month. Physical examination revealed mass in the facial and colli region, ulcerated, solid, fixed, multiple masses of varying size. The first biopsy examination showed epulis pyogenic, an interval of one month and the biopsy examination showed well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. The patient was treated with Mandibular Reconstruction surgery, Pectoralis Major Myocutaneus Flap, Wide Excision, and Hemimandibulectomy Dextra.

Discussion: Clinically, the possibility of misdiagnosing can occur due to various manifestations. SCC of the gingiva is often asymptomatic and the initial symptoms are usually an intraoral mass or swelling, ulceration, pain, ill-fitting dentures, tooth mobility, or an extraction wound that does not heal. These tumors often resemble inflammatory lesions affecting the periodontium. Treatment of squamous cell carcinoma is mainly surgical excision followed by radiation therapy and chemotherapy as additional postoperative treatment modalities.

Conclusion: Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common malignant neoplasm of the oral cavity with various oral presentations. Correct and timely diagnosis is of utmost importance and there is more possibility of misdiagnosis because the clinical presentation of oral squamous cell carcinoma can mimic gingival inflammatory lesions.
Farmers’ Knowledge towards the Propagation of Off Season Cucumber in Mokokchung District of Nagaland, India
Authors: Walenpong  , Mazhar Syed H.
Published: July 2023

The present study was carried out in Mokokchung district of Nagaland to analyze the knowledge level of the farmers towards the propagation of off season cucumber. Purposive and random sampling techniques were used for the selection of the respondents and a total of 120 respondents were selected from 3 village.  A pre-structured interview schedule was used for the collection of data. The study revealed that majority of the respondents were middle-aged, literate individuals with nuclear families and small family sizes. Majority of them had farming experiences of between 10-20 years. It was revealed that most the farmers were small farmers based on the size of their lands and a large number of the respondents had medium level of income, had medium level of extension contact and mass media exposure. The level of knowledge regarding the propagation of off season cucumber practices was medium level. Majority of the respondents had proper knowledge about the recommended varieties of off season cucumber, sowing time, seed treatment, field preparation, method of sowing, spacing, harvesting, and weed management. However, the respondents were found to have partial knowledge in areas such as seed rate, recommended quantity of FYM, methods of irrigation, disease control, and pest control.
Stabilization of Lateritic Soil for Road Application Using Lime and Cow Bone Ash
Authors: Ayoola Akinwunmi, , Philip Agbude,
Published: July 2023

Roads should possess sufficient strength to support wheel loads imposed upon them either during construction or the service life of the pavement. It is sometimes necessary to treat soils to provide a stable subgrade or a working platform for the construction of the road surface. Cow bones scattered in Nigerian meat markets and abattoirs have become an environmental concern, hence the need to seek alternative uses for them. This study is concentrated on the stabilizing potential of cow bone ash (CBA) as an eco-friendly bio-waste material and lime on the stabilization of lateritic soil for road application. It is aimed at achieving the effective utilization of lateritic soil as a practicable construction material by attempting to identify the best percentages of soil stabilizers (binders) needed to improve the soil. Based on this, the study identified the methods that were used on lateritic soil samples obtained from Ado-Ikere road, Ado Ekiti in Ekiti state, Nigeria and the method of stabilization using cow bone ash and lime on the soil sample. The following laboratory tests and experiments were carried out: sieve analysis, atterberg limits, compaction, california bearing ratio (CBR) and thermo-scientific X-ray fluorescence (XRF). They were used to investigate the influence of cow bone ash and lime on lateritic soil. Different percentages of lime and cow bone ash (2%, 4%, 6%, 8% and 10%) respectively were used for the stabilization of the lateritic soil samples. Also, different proportions of addition of lime and cow bone ash were explored to stabilize the soil. The CBR test results showed that the addition of 8%, being the optimum amount or addition of binder of lime and CBA increased the CBR of lateritic soil. It also revealed that cow bone ash and lime can be used for stabilization of lateritic soil.
Examination of reorganization plan of public housing in large city based on data of households moving in each building—Considering the ease of moving to a neighborhood and reconstruction costs
Authors: Inada Kouya , Miura Ken
Published: July 2023

A method for formulating a rational reorganizing plan was examined. The first approach involved statistically determining the reorganization priority, which was applied to all public housing residential buildings in Kobe city to confirm its effectiveness. The second approach entailed creating a program that automatically ranks all combinations of housing units under consideration for reorganization, based on the required reconstruction costs and the potential for reducing the number of dwelling units and buildings. When this program was applied in the area, it yielded combinations of housing units that could reorganize more dwelling units at a lower cost.
Exploring the impact of opening ratio on indoor thermal environment: A study on natural ventilation design
Authors: Shimonosono Kei , Sasaki Yuji , Kohri Kimiko
Published: July 2023

The utilization of natural ventilation to reduce thermal load and enhance thermal comfort in buildings is on the rise. Furthermore, in light of the COVID‐19 impact, natural ventilation is gaining prominence as an increasingly vital technology. However, it is crucial to address potential challenges associated with natural ventilation, particularly its impact on the indoor thermal environment. This study aimed to examine and offer insights into natural ventilation design and operational strategies for office buildings. We initially summarized the criteria and effective opening area of natural ventilation openings (αAi) in Japanese naturally ventilated buildings. Among the 37 investigated office buildings, we found a positive correlation between the natural ventilation room area and the αAi. Approximately, 25 buildings maintained a ratio of αAi to the natural ventilation room area ranging from 0.1%–0.5%. Additionally, we conducted measurements of the indoor thermal environment, focusing on the opening ratio of natural ventilation openings. The difference of indoor and outdoor temperature showed a strong negative correlation with the opening ratio, while wind direction and global solar radiation exhibited significant correlations as well. These research findings provide valuable insights for future natural ventilation designs and the incorporation of opening ratio concepts into operational methods.
Research on each actor's awareness of procurement methods involving contractors and consultants in the design phase: Based on interviews with persons in charge
Authors: Abe Riho , Saito Yuki , Shide Kazuya
Published: July 2023

This paper analyzes the benefits and problems of the early involvement contractor into projects and the use of project managers from the perspective of each stakeholder. Interviews were conducted with clients, architects, general contractors, and outsourced owner's representative firm as a PM/CM consultants to compare each stakeholder's responses regarding the early involvement of general contractors into projects and the use of outsourced owner's representatives to identify the benefits and problems. The possibility that these two trends can coexist and complement each other's issues was indicated and the characteristics of the expected role of outsourced owner's representatives in Japan were also pointed out.
Electrical and Mechanical Behavior of Aerosol Jet–Printed Gold on Alumina Substrate for High‐Temperature Applications
Authors: Alshatnawi Firas , Alhendi Mohammed , Abbara El Mehdi , Sivasubramony Rajesh , Garakani Behnam , Enakerakpo Emuobosan , Shaddock David , Stoffel Nancy , Hoel Cathleen , Poliks Mark D. , Borgesen Peter
Published: July 2023

There is a growing interest in the development of microelectronics that can perform reliably and robustly at temperatures above 300 °C. Such devices require stable thermal properties, low thermal drift, and thermal cycling resistance. Conventional hybrid circuit technology demonstrates high‐temperature packages, but the high costs and lead time are significant drawbacks. In contrast, additive manufacturing processes, including aerosol jet printing (AJP), offer cost and time benefits, as well as 3D structures and embedded features. However, the properties and reliability of additive packaging materials at extreme temperatures are not well known. Herein, the reliability at temperatures up to 750 °C in terms of electrical performance and mechanical strength of aerosol jet printed gold thick films onto ceramic substrates are assessed. Thermal coefficient of resistance of printed gold films is measured. The electrical resistance stability and leakage current of printed gold structures are also characterized during over 100 h of aging at temperatures up to 750 °C. Finally, the mechanical adhesion strength of the printed gold films is evaluated after aging for 100 h at temperatures up to 750 °C. The adhesion of the printed gold to the ceramic substrates remains high after aging, very stable resistances and minimal leakage currents have been observed.
Melt‐Extruded Thermoplastic Liquid Crystal Elastomer Rotating Fiber Actuators
Authors: Lugger Sean J. D. , Engels Tom A. P. , Cardinaels Ruth , Bus Tom , Mulder Dirk J. , Schenning Albert P. H. J.
Published: July 2023

Untethered soft fiber actuators are advancing toward next‐generation artificial muscles, with rotating polymer fibers allowing controlled rotational deformations and contractions accompanied by torque and longitudinal forces. Current approaches, however, are based either on non‐recyclable and non‐reprogrammable thermosets, exhibit rotational deformations and torques with inadequate actuation performance, or involve intricate multistep processing and photopolymerization impeding scalable fabrication and manufacturing of millimeter‐thick fibers. Here, the melt‐extrusion and drawing of a 50 m long thermoplastic liquid crystal elastomer fiber with a ≈1.3 mm diameter on a large scale is reported. With the responsive thermoplastic material, rotating actuators are fabricated via easily exploited programming freedom resulting in large, reversible rotational deformations and torques. The actuation performance of the twisted fibers may be controlled by the programmed twisting density without complicated preparation steps or photocuring being required. The thermoplastic behavior enables fabrication of plied fibers, demonstrated as a triple helical twisted rope constructed from individual rotating fibers delivering up to three times as great rotational and longitudinal forces capable of reversibly opening and lifting a screw cap vial. Besides the programmability, the thermoplastic material employed lends itself to be completely reprocessed into other configurations with self‐healing properties in contrast to thermosets.
Spotlight on Luminescence Thermometry: Basics, Challenges, and Cutting‐Edge Applications
Authors: Brites Carlos D. S. , Marin Riccardo , Suta Markus , Carneiro Neto Albano N. , Ximendes Erving , Jaque Daniel , Carlos Luís D.
Published: July 2023

Luminescence (nano)thermometry is a remote sensing technique that relies on the temperature dependency of the luminescence features (e.g., bandshape, peak energy or intensity, and excited state lifetimes and risetimes) of a phosphor to measure temperature. This technique provides precise thermal readouts with superior spatial resolution in short acquisition times. Although luminescence thermometry is just starting to become a more mature subject, it exhibits enormous potential in several areas, e.g., optoelectronics, photonics, micro‐ and nanofluidics, and nanomedicine. This work reviews the latest trends in the field, including the establishment of a comprehensive theoretical background and standardized practices. The reliability, repeatability, and reproducibility of the technique are also discussed, along with the use of multiparametric analysis and artificial‐intelligence algorithms to enhance thermal readouts. In addition, examples are provided to underscore the challenges that luminescence thermometry faces, alongside the need for a continuous search and design of new materials, experimental techniques, and analysis procedures to improve the competitiveness, accessibility, and popularity of the technology
Growth of 2D Cr2O3–CrN Mosaic Heterostructures with Tunable Room‐Temperature Ferromagnetism
Authors: He Liqiong , Nong Huiyu , Tan Junyang , Wu Qinke , Zheng Rongxu , Zhao Shilong , Yu Qiangmin , Wang Jingwei , Liu Bilu
Published: July 2023

2D magnets have generated much attention due to their potential for spintronic devices. Heterostructures of 2D magnets are interesting platforms for exploring physical phenomena and applications. However, the controlled growth of 2D room‐temperature ferromagnetic heterostructures is challenging. Here, one‐pot chemical vapor deposition growth of stable 2D Cr2O3–CrN mosaic heterostructures (MHs) is reported with a controlled ratio of components that possess robust room‐temperature ferromagnetism. The 2D MHs consist of Cr2O3 flakes with embedded CrN subdomains and the CrN:Cr2O3 ratio can be tuned from 0% to 100% during growth. By changing the CrN:Cr2O3 ratio, the ferromagnetism of the MHs (e.g., saturation magnetization, coercive field), which originates from the interfacial coupling between Cr2O3 and CrN, can be controlled. Importantly, the obtained Cr2O3–CrN MHs are stable in air at elevated temperatures and have robust ferromagnetism with Curie temperature >400 K. This work presents a facile method for fabricating 2D MHs with tunable magnetism which will benefit high‐temperature spintronics.
Visible‐Light‐Mediated Amide Synthesis in Deep Eutectic Solvents
Authors: Procopio Debora , Marset Xavier , Guillena Gabriela , Di Gioia Maria Luisa , Ramón Diego J.
Published: July 2023

In the present study, for the first time environmentally friendly deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are used as reaction media to perform an efficient, simple and straightforward photocatalytic amide synthesis at room temperature using thioacids and amines. This method features mild conditions, a broad substrate scope, high yields (≤99%) under ambient conditions with air and moisture tolerance. Moreover, the applied operationally mild reaction conditions tolerate the presence of several different functional group substituents on the amine counterpart. Finally, the developed approach allows the recycling of the reaction medium and catalyst for at least three consecutive cycles without a significant decrease in the reaction yield.
Correlating the Hybridization of Local‐Exciton and Charge‐Transfer States with Charge Generation in Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Qian Deping , Pratik Saied Md , Liu Qi , Dong Yifan , Zhang Rui , Yu Jianwei , Gasparini Nicola , Wu Jiaying , Zhang Tiankai , Coropceanu Veaceslav , Guo Xia , Zhang Maojie , Bredas Jean‐Luc , Gao Feng , Durrant James R.
Published: July 2023

In organic solar cells with very small energetic‐offset (ΔELE − CT), the charge‐transfer (CT) and local‐exciton (LE) states strongly interact via electronic hybridization and thermal population effects, suppressing the non‐radiative recombination. Here, we investigated the impact of these effects on charge generation and recombination. In the blends of PTO2:C8IC and PTO2:Y6 with very small, ultra‐fast CT state formation was observed, and assigned to direct photoexcitation resulting from strong hybridization of the LE and CT states (i.e., LE‐CT intermixed states). These states in turn accelerate the recombination of both CT and charge separated (CS) states. Moreover, they can be significantly weakened by an external‐electric field, which enhanced the yield of CT and CS states but attenuated the emission of the device. This study highlights that excessive LE‐CT hybridization due to very low , whilst enabling direct and ultrafast charge transfer and increasing the proportion of radiative versus non‐radiative recombination rates, comes at the expense of accelerating recombination losses competing with exciton‐to‐charge conversion process, resulting in a loss of photocurrent generation.
Soil management considerations for water resiliency in a changing climate
Authors: Heitman Joshua L. , Kool Dilia , Carvalho Henrique D. R.
Published: July 2023

Providing adequate water for crops is a key consideration for agricultural resiliency. Climate change is expected to exert substantial pressure on crop water supplies through increased rainfall variability and increased evaporative demand. The temporal and spatial variability of these climate change impacts, in combination with many feedbacks, at times operating at different scales, makes identifying specific, yet broadly applicable “one‐size‐fits‐all” soil management solutions challenging. Adaptations that work well in one location may represent a poor management choice in another. Considering the local combinations of climate, soils, and crop production systems is fundamental for identifying appropriate strategies. Nonetheless, some broadly applicable soil management pathways for increasing soil water availability can be identified: (i) maximizing rainfall capture, (ii) maximizing soil water storage capacity (intensity × volume), and (iii) suppressing unproductive evaporative water losses, particularly during intervals when leaf area of the primary crop is low. Selecting climate, soil, and production‐system‐appropriate tillage and surface cover management practices is among the most relevant considerations for improving soil water availability. Maintaining surface cover favors evaporation suppression and increased capture of precipitation. Tillage choices affect internal soil water storage through impacts on soil properties that influence storage intensity and by altering the volume of soil available for root growth, as well as through effects on surface cover. Promoted management practices aimed at improving soil water availability for increased agricultural resiliency must be practically feasible and cost‐effective in order to support their broad adoption, and such constraints should be an important consideration in their development.
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy for locally advanced gastric cancer in Japan: Consensus meeting at the 77th general meeting of the Japanese Society of Gastroenterological Surgery
Authors: Tokunaga Masanori , Kurokawa Yukinori , Fukagawa Takeo , Muro Kei , Shitara Kohei , Kodera Yasuhiro , Terashima Masanori
Published: July 2023

Treatment strategy for locally advanced gastric cancer differs worldwide. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is considered one of the promising treatment options for locally advanced gastric cancer, even in Japan, and clinical trials have been conducted or are ongoing. A consensus meeting was organized at the 77th general meeting of the Japanese Society of Gastroenterological Surgery in 2022, in which the current status and future prospects of NAC for locally advanced gastric cancer were discussed. Participants at the meeting looked forward to the results of the JCOG1509 trial, providing solid evidence regarding NAC. The optimal indications and regimens for NAC were also debated. Patients with cStage III gastric cancer are the main targets of NAC in Japan, and a doublet regimen of S‐1 and oxaliplatin was preferred by the participants. However, the feasibility of a triplet regimen with S‐1, oxaliplatin, and docetaxel, and that with 5‐FU, leucovorin, oxaliplatin, and docetaxel has been demonstrated, and these could become treatment options in Japan. Other points of discussion include perioperative chemotherapy to avoid peritoneal recurrence and for patients with dMMR/MSI‐high tumors. The panel regarded NAC as a promising treatment option, and NAC will become the standard treatment for cStage III gastric cancer in Japan if an ongoing clinical trial successfully demonstrates its efficacy.
Ionic liquids for highly efficient methyl chloride capture and dehydration
Authors: Gui Chengmin , Zhu Ruisong , Song Minghao , Li Guoxuan , Lei Zhigang
Published: July 2023

A new methyl chloride (CH3Cl) capture and dehydration process using two ionic liquids (ILs) was designed and systematically studied. ILs [EMIM][Ac] and [EMIM][BF4] were screened out as CH3Cl capture and drying absorbents through the COSMO‐RS model. The result of solubility experiment suggests [EMIM][Ac] has an excellent solvent capacity for CH3Cl at mild operation conditions. The bench‐scale CH3Cl absorption experiments further confirmed the outstanding CH3Cl capture ability of [EMIM][Ac]. Besides, the water content of outlet gas can be decreased to 452 ppm (mass fraction) using [EMIM][BF4] in the dehydration experiment. The industrial‐scale CH3Cl capture and dehydration process was simulated and optimized. Compared to the benchmarked triethylene glycol process, IL process has higher product purity (99.99 wt%), and lower energy consumption. The quantum chemical calculations clearly revealed the relationship between hydrogen bond and separation performance. This study provides a decision‐making basis for designing green process associated with volatile organic compounds.
Systemic complement activation influences outcomes after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation: A prospective French multicenter trial
Authors: Notarantonio Anne Béatrice , D'aveni‐Piney Maud , Pagliuca Simona , Ashraf Yayha , Galimard Jacques‐Emanuel , Xhaard Aliénor , Marçais Ambroise , Suarez Felipe , Brissot Eolia , Feugier Pierre , Urien Saik , Bouazza Naim , Jacquelin Sébastien , Meatchi Tchao , Bruneval Patrick , Frémeaux‐Bacchi Véronique , Peffault De Latour Régis , Hermine Olivier , Durey‐Dragon Marie Agnès , Rubio Marie‐Thérèse
Published: July 2023

Complement activation has shown a role in murine models of graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) and in endothelial complications after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT). However, its impact on post‐transplant outcomes has not been so far fully elucidated. Here, we conducted a prospective multicentric trial (NCT01520623) performing serial measurements of complement proteins, regulators, and CH50 activity for 12 weeks after allo‐HSCT in 85 patients receiving a myeloablative conditioning (MAC) regimen for various hematological malignancies. Twenty‐six out of 85 patients showed an “activated” complement profile through the classical/lectin pathway, defined as a post‐transplant decline of C3/C4 and CH50 activity. Time‐dependent Cox regression models demonstrated that complement activation within the first weeks after allo‐HSCT was associated with increased non‐relapse mortality (hazard ratio [HR]: 3.69, 95% confident interval [CI]: 1.55–8.78, p = .003) and poorer overall survival (HR: 2.72, 95% CI: 1.37–5.39, p = .004) due to increased incidence of grade II–IV acute GVHD and in particular gastrointestinal (GI) GVHD (HR: 36.8, 95% CI: 12.4–109.1, p < .001), higher incidences of thrombotic microangiopathy (HR: 8.58, 95% CI: 2.16–34.08, p = .0022), capillary leak syndrome (HR: 7.36, 95% CI: 2.51–21.66, p = .00028), post‐engraftment bacterial infections (HR: 2.37, 95% CI: 1.22–4.63, p = .0108), and EBV reactivation (HR: 3.33, 95% CI: 1.31–8.45, p = .0112). Through specific immune staining, we showed the correlation of deposition of C1q, C3d, C4d, and of C5b9 components on endothelial cells in GI GVHD lesions with the histological grade of GVHD. Altogether these findings define the epidemiology and the clinical impact of complement classical/lectin pathway activation after MAC regimens and provide a rational for the use of complement inhibitory therapeutics in a post‐allo‐HSCT setting.
Direct impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on rhinology practice
Authors: Sutton Sarah R. , Taniguchi April N. , Nguyen Shaun A. , Soler Zachary M. , Schlosser Rodney J.
Published: July 2023

Key Points

The pandemic caused an increase in computed tomography imaging in patients with sinusitis, which persisted post‐COVID.

Nasal endoscopies significantly decreased during COVID but returned to pre‐COVID levels in 2022.

The management of cerebrospinal fluid leaks, tumors, and orbital pathology was not impacted by the pandemic.
Fluorogenic and Cell‐Permeable Rhodamine Dyes for High‐Contrast Live‐Cell Protein Labeling in Bioimaging and Biosensing
Authors: Si Dongjuan , Li Quanlin , Bao Yifan , Zhang Jingye , Wang Lu
Published: July 2023

The advancement of fluorescence microscopy techniques has opened up new opportunities for visualizing proteins and unraveling their functions in living biological systems. Small‐molecule organic dyes, which possess exceptional photophysical properties, small size, and high photostability, serve as powerful fluorescent reporters in protein imaging. However, achieving high‐contrast live‐cell labeling of target proteins with conventional organic dyes remains a considerable challenge in bioimaging and biosensing due to their inadequate cell permeability and high background signal. Over the past decade, a novel generation of fluorogenic and cell‐permeable dyes has been developed, which have substantially improved live‐cell protein labeling by fine‐tuning the reversible equilibrium between a cell‐permeable, nonfluorescent spirocyclic state (unbound) and a fluorescent zwitterion (protein‐bound) of rhodamines. In this review, we present the mechanism and design strategies of these fluorogenic and cell‐permeable rhodamines, as well as their applications in bioimaging and biosensing.
Strategies for improving product properties of thermoformed multilayer cups with contents of post‐consumer polypropylene recyclates
Authors: Traxler Ines , Laske Stephan , Fischer Jörg
Published: July 2023

Thermoformed products bear great potential for the application of recycled materials when using multilayer structures for incorporating post‐consumer recyclates. For this study, four different commercially available polypropylene recyclates are selected as possible core layers for the processing of multilayer thermoformed products with top layers of virgin polypropylene. Tests are performed on material level as well as on product level. At the material level, recyclates exhibit different mechanical property profiles with lower stiffness but higher toughness values due to polyethylene contamination. At the product level, thermoformed cups with core layers of recyclate material show lower shrinkage than cups made from polypropylene virgin material only. Most cups with recycled content achieve lower top load than the control cup. Based on these results, three strategies for improving product performance are defined and tested. Namely, (i) the use of a higher share of top layers, (ii) the blending of the recyclate core layer with a polypropylene virgin material with higher stiffness, and (iii) the increase in overall film thickness. All the strategies to adjust the film structure achieve better results in terms of shrinkage behavior and top load. However, the strategy that focuses on increasing the overall film thickness is not economically feasible.
A novel strategy to functionalize styrene butadiene rubber toward enhanced interfacial interaction with silica
Authors: Xu Yihui , Liu Yudong , Qin Xuan , Liu Jun , Zhang Liqun
Published: July 2023

Incorporation of nanofillers (such as silica) into elastomer matrix is the most common strategy to prepare high‐performance rubber products. However, the poor dispersion of nanofillers in non‐affinity rubber materials and the weak interfacial interaction significantly limit the processing and mechanical properties. To reduce the polarity difference and enhance the interfacial interaction between silica and styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), we prepared a hydroxyethyl acrylate‐grafted SBR (SBR‐g‐HEA) through the redox initiator system, and subsequently fabricated SBR‐g‐HEA/silica nanocomposites by simple mechanical blending. The effects of reaction conditions on the grafting rate were studied in detail. ATR‐FTIR and 1H‐NMR collectively confirmed the successful grafting of HEA groups on SBR molecular chains, and the grafting fraction could be regulated from 0% to 2.5%. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and rubber processing analyzer (RPA) showed that the incorporation of HEA could significantly improve the dispersion of silica nanoparticles in SBR matrix. Notably, the resulting SBR‐g‐HEA exhibited significantly enhanced attributes when compared to their unmodified counterparts, including superior mechanical properties, improved wear resistance, and reduced heat generation. The strategy proposed here provided insights toward the fabrication of non‐affinity rubber/filler nanocomposites for high‐performance rubber products and green tire.