bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Literature Review on Steel Frame-Infill Wall Structures – Research Status and Prospects
Authors: Peng Yuan
Published: December 2024

With the rapid development of China's economy, the state pays more and more attention to the development of assembled steel structures, which makes the proportion of assembled buildings in new houses higher and higher. However, there are still many problems in the current research on steel frame-infill wall structure, such as less research on steel pipe concrete columns and less research on lightweight insulated walls. This article examines the current research status of steel-concrete frame structures both domestically and internationally, ALC wall panel structure research status and frame infill wall research status. At the same time, the problems existing in the current related research are expounded, and the corresponding summary suggestions and prospects are made.
Measurement of Traffic Noise and Traffic Volume on Major Junctions along East-West Road, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Authors: Kelly Sample Otiomapu , Akpoghomeh Osi S. , Edward Membere
Published: December 2024

This study investigated noise pollution level during peak and low traffic hours in six junctions along East west road, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria with specific objectives to identify peak(rush) and low (non-rush) traffic period, measure the traffic noise level during peak and low traffic hours, to compare the noise level with international best standards and determine the variation in noise level at peak and low traffic periods across all junctions hence touch lighting the adverse effect of too much or unwanted sound on the environment and also human well-being as generated by vehicular movements. An integrated noise level meter (MEXTECH-805) was used to measure the equivalent continuous noise level (Leq) for a period of six days between 8a.m to 9a.m and 12pm to 1pm. A vehicle count was done to determine the number of vehicles per hour passing through each junction at the early hours and in the mid-day which made evident the low and peak traffic periods and that vehicle flow affects traffic noise considering results of noise measured. Results showed noise level during peak traffic period were all above the recommended exposure threshold for both WHO and FMEnv standard. The range in values of the Leq at peak traffic were, for Eleme junction (90dB- 97.1dB), Rumuodara junction (89.2dB -96.4 dB), Eliozu junction (89.9dB - 98.8dB), Nkpolu junction (92.8dB-101dB), Choba junction (92.8Db-99.3Db) and Alakahia junction (90dB-99.6dB). However, for the low traffic period from (12pm to 1pm), the result showed a drastic reduction in the level of noise generated from traffic at later hours of the day. Eleme junction recorded an equivalent (Leq) noise level range of (60dB-70.4dB), Eliozu junction (59.9dB-70dB), Nkpolu junction (61.9dB -78.8dB), (59.8dB-70.1dB) for Choba junction and (63.2dB - 69.2dB) for Alakahia junction. Mean noise generated in all junctions during low traffic period were below the threshold level for the World Health Organization and other regulations. The mean equivalent noise level for peak traffic reveals that Eleme is the least with 64.2dB then Eliozu junction with 65.8dB followed closely by Choba junction with 65db while Nkpolu, Rumuodara and Alakahia junctions had 66dB, 66.3dB and 67dB respectively. For peak traffic, Rumuodara junction proved to have the least of noise generated at 92.1dB followed by Choba with 93.9dB and Alakahia with 94.5dB while Eliozu, Eleme, and Nkpolu junctions had the highest noise generated with 95.2dB, 95.5dB, and 96.9dB respectively.
Effects of Hot Aqueous Extract of Telfairia occidentalis Leaves (Ugu) on Testosterone Levels in Adult Male Wistar Rats (Rattus novergicus)
Authors: George-Opuda Ibitoroko Maureen , Okolonkwo Benjamin Nnamdi , Amadi Chikadibia Fyneface , Miejene Portia Ajuwonyanagha
Published: December 2024

Testosterone influences various aspects of reproductive health and overall well-being. Herbal extracts are reputed for their potential effects on testosterone levels. This study investigated the testosterone-modulating potentials of hot aqueous extracts of Telfairia occidentalis (Ugu), in adult male Wistar rats. Ten adult male Wistar rats weighing between 100-150g were assigned to two groups (control and Telfairia occidentalis group) numbering 5 rats per group. Each group received daily oral administration of 100 mg/Kg of hot aqueous extracts based on their treatment assignment for two weeks. The rats were sacrificed; blood and testes were collected after the trial for testosterone and histological analyses. t-Test was used to compare the levels of testosterone in both groups (control and ugu treated) with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. The results showed that there was no significant difference (p=0.19) in testosterone levels between the control group (0.85 ng/ml) and the Ugu treated group (1.14 ng/ml). Histologically, Ugu leave extract showed sparse germinal epithelium with sparse spermatogonia and moderate spermatozoa. This study has demonstrated that at 100mg/Kg hot aqueous extract of Ugu leaves had no effect on testosterone levels but rather had declining testicular histology.
Promoting Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions: A Comprehensive Approach to Counterterrorism for Global Security
Authors: Kolade Titilayo Modupe
Published: December 2024

This study investigates the socio-economic, political, and cultural dimensions influencing insurgencies and evaluates the effectiveness of counterterrorism strategies and governance reforms in mitigating these threats. Focusing on regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), and Southeast Asia, the study employs factor analysis on World Bank Governance Indicators to identify three key drivers of insurgencies: socio-economic factors (explaining 43.5% of variance), political and governance factors (32.1%), and cultural and corruption-related factors (24.4%). Interrupted Time Series (ITS) analysis using Global Terrorism Database data quantifies the immediate and long-term effects of counterterrorism interventions, revealing an initial spike of 22.06 incidents post-intervention, followed by a sustained decline (slope coefficient: -0.47). Event study analysis further demonstrates a significant reduction in terrorist activity by 20 incidents post-governance reforms. The findings underscore the interconnected nature of socio-economic deprivation, institutional weaknesses, and cultural grievances in driving insurgencies. Practical implications include the need for integrated policy approaches that prioritize poverty alleviation, governance transparency, and institutional resilience. Targeted interventions, such as job creation programs, anti-corruption reforms, and enhanced regional collaboration frameworks, are essential to achieving sustainable peace and stability. The study emphasizes that long-term solutions require global intelligence-sharing initiatives and adaptive strategies that address regional complexities. By offering an evidence-based framework, this research contributes to policymaking and academic discourse, providing actionable insights for mitigating insurgent threats and promoting global security.
Phytochemical Analysis and Antiradical Activity of Fruit Extracts of Tetrapleura tetraptera (Schumach. and Thonn.)Taub., a Medicinal Plant Used in the North of Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: Ouattara GBOKO Abiba , Tidiane KAMAGATE , Pascal BONI Ahoussi , Abdoulaye TOURE , Claude KABLAN Ahmont Landry , Adama COULIBALY
Published: December 2024

Aims: Tetrapleura tetraptera is a medicinal plant with multiple virtues, used in traditional medicine to treat various pathologies. The aim of this study was to determine the phytochemical profile and antiradical activity of aqueous and 70% hydroethanolic extracts of the fruits of Tetrapleura tetraptera, used in northern Côte d'Ivoire.
Methodology: Phytochemical sorting of the extracts was carried out using the tube staining and precipitation technique, while the phenolic compound content was determined by UV spectrophotometry. The antioxidant capacity of the extracts was then determined using the 2,2-azino-bis 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6 sulphonic acid (ABTS) reduction method, with Trolox as the reference molecule.
Results: The main chemical groups revealed were alkaloids, total polyphenols, anthocyanins, leucoanthocyanins, saponins and tannins. Determination of the phenolic compounds in the extracts showed that the hydroethanol extract had the highest levels of total polyphenols (18.66 ± 0.00 mg EAG/g dry extract); total flavonoids (22.33 ± 0.00 mg EQ/g dry extract); total tannins (36633 ± 1.69 mg EAT/g dry extract). This extract also showed the best anti-free radical activity, with an antioxidant capacity of 1.38 ± 0.001 µmolTE/L compared with 1.19 ± 0.001 µmolTE/L for the aqueous extract.
Conclusion: The fruits of T. tetraptera could be a source of bioactive molecules that could be used in the treatment of various infectious and metabolic pathologies.
Assessing the Status of Banded Leaf and Sheath Blight Disease of Maize (Zea mays L.) Caused by Rhizoctonia solani f. sp. sasakii in West Bengal, India
Authors: Parveen Rukshar , Chethan D. , Durga Yerakam , Biswas Madhurima , Debnath Srabani
Published: December 2024

Maize is one of the most important cereal crops grown under diverse environments due to its range of plasticity. It is called the “Queen of Cereals” because of its highest yield potential.  Various diseases significantly affect maize crops, with banded leaf and sheath blight being particularly impactful, leading to substantial reductions in crop yield. This study examined the prevalence of banded leaf and sheath blight (BLSB) in maize across various districts of West Bengal during 2020 and 2021. The findings revealed significant spatial and temporal variations in the incidence of BLSB. Districts such as North 24 Parganas and Paschim Medinipur demonstrated consistently high levels of disease severity, whereas Darjeeling recorded the lowest incidence. However, localized disease persistence was observed in regions like Uttar Dinajpur and Paschim Medinipur. The research underscored the considerable variability in susceptibility to BLSB across various maize cultivars. Notably, the Syngenta Babycorn variety exhibited a consistently elevated vulnerability to this pathogen, indicating a potential area for targeted mitigation strategies. The findings emphasize the need for integrated disease management strategies, including resistant varieties and cultural practices to mitigate BLSB.
Thickness Estimation of a Compressed Earth Brick (CEB) Wall Using a Numerical Model of Coupled Heat and Mass Transfer
Authors: Sayouba Kabré , Landry Ouédraogo Siguibnoma Kévin , N’Djédanoum Timbe , Naon Bétaboalé , François Zougmoré
Published: December 2024

Numerical modelling of coupled heat and mass transfer within a CEB wall is presented. Drawing on the work of Luikov, a mathematical model governing coupled heat and mass transfer has been established, taking into account the BTC application environment. Temperature and moisture content were chosen as potential transfer drivers. The problem was tackled using a numerical approach (finite element method). Implementing the mathematical model in COMSOL enabled us to obtain results that are specific to BTC.  The results show that below a thickness of 40 cm, a wall made of BTC is no longer a thermal or mass insulator. Moisture content and temperature have no effect when thickness exceeds 40 cm.
Evaluation of the Cost-effectiveness of Drug Treatment for Alzheimer Disease in a Simulation Model That Includes Caregiver and Societal Factors
Authors: Ito Kouta , Chapman Rick , Pearson Steven D. , Tafazzoli Ali , Yaffe Kristine , Gurwitz Jerry H.
Published: October 2021

Importance

The possibility of widespread use of a novel effective therapy for Alzheimer disease (AD) will present important clinical, policy, and financial challenges.

Objective

To describe how including different patient, caregiver, and societal treatment-related factors affects estimates of the cost-effectiveness of a hypothetical disease-modifying AD treatment.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In this economic evaluation, the Alzheimer Disease Archimedes Condition Event Simulator was used to simulate the prognosis of a hypothetical cohort of patients selected from the Alzheimer Disease Neuroimaging Initiative database who received the diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Scenario analyses that varied costs and quality of life inputs relevant to patients and caregivers were conducted. The analysis was designed and conducted from June 15, 2019, to September 30, 2020.

Exposures

A hypothetical drug that would delay progression to dementia in individuals with MCI compared with usual care.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER), measured by cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained.

Results

The model included a simulated cohort of patients who scored between 24 and 30 on the Mini-Mental State Examination and had a global Clinical Dementia Rating scale of 0.5, with a required memory box score of 0.5 or higher, at baseline. Using a health care sector perspective, which included only individual patient health care costs, the ICER for the hypothetical treatment was $183 000 per QALY gained. The result decreased to $173 000 per QALY gained in a traditional societal perspective analysis with the inclusion of patient non–health care costs. The inclusion of estimated caregiver health care costs reduced the ICER somewhat, but the inclusion of QALYs gained by caregivers led to a substantial reduction in the ICER for the hypothetical treatment, to $162 000 per QALY gained in the health sector perspective. In the societal perspective scenario, with the broadest inclusion of patient and caregiver factors, the ICER decreased to $103 000 per added QALY.

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings of this economic evaluation suggest that policy makers should be aware that efforts to estimate and include the effects of AD treatments outside those on patients themselves can affect the results of the cost-effectiveness analyses that often underpin assessments of the value of new treatments. Further research and debate on including these factors in assessments that will inform discussions on fair pricing for new treatments are needed.
An Axially Continuous Graphene–Copper Wire for High‐Power Transmission: Thermoelectrical Characterization and Mechanisms
Authors: Kashani Hamzeh , Kim Chunghwan , Rudolf Christopher , Perkins F. Keith , Cleveland Erin R. , Kang Wonmo
Published: October 2021

The demand for high‐power electrical transmission continues to increase with technical advances in electric vehicles, unmanned drones, portable devices, and deployable military applications. In this study, significantly enhanced electrical properties (i.e., a 450% increase in the current density breakdown limit) are demonstrated by synthesizing axially continuous graphene layers on microscale‐diameter wires. To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of the observed enhancements, the electrical properties of pure copper wires and axially continuous graphene–copper (ACGC) wires with three different diameters are characterized while controlling the experimental conditions, including ambient temperature, gases, and pressure. The study reveals that the main mechanism that allows the application of extremely large current densities (>400 000 A cm−2) through the ACGC wires is threefold: the continuous graphene layers considerably improve: 1) surface heat dissipation (224% higher), 2) electrical conductivity (41% higher), and 3) thermal stability (41.2% lower resistivity after thermal cycles up to 450 °C), compared with pure copper wires. In addition, it is observed, through the use of high‐speed camera images, that the ACGC wires exhibit very different failure behavior near the current density limit, compared with the pure copper wires.
Textured Electrodes: Manipulating Built‐In Crystallographic Heterogeneity of Metal Electrodes via Severe Plastic Deformation
Authors: Zheng Jingxu , Deng Yue , Yin Jiefu , Tang Tian , Garcia‐Mendez Regina , Zhao Qing , Archer Lynden A.
Published: October 2021

Control of crystallography of metal electrodeposit films has recently emerged as a key to achieving long operating lifetimes in next‐generation batteries. It is reported that the large crystallographic heterogeneity, e.g., broad orientational distribution, that appears characteristic of commercial metal foils, results in rough morphology upon plating/stripping. On this basis, an accumulative roll bonding (ARB) methodology—a severe plastic deformation process—is developed. Zn metal is used as a first example to interrogate the concept. It is demonstrated that the ARB process is highly effective in achieving uniform crystallographic control on macroscopic materials. After the ARB process, the Zn grains exhibit a strong (002) texture (i.e., [002]Zn//ND). The texture transitions from a classical bipolar pattern to a nonclassical unipolar pattern under large nominal strain eliminate the orientational heterogeneity of the foil. The strongly (002)‐textured Zn remarkably improves the plating/stripping performance by nearly two orders of magnitude under practical conditions. The performance improvements are readily scaled to achieve pouch‐type full batteries that deliver exceptional reversibility. The ARB process can, in principle, be applied to any metal chemistry to achieve similar crystallographic uniformity, provided the appropriate temperature and accumulated strains are employed. This concept is evaluated using commercial Li and Na foils, which, unlike Zn (HCP), are BCC crystals. The simple process for creating strong textures in both hexagonal and cubic metals and illustrating the critical role such built‐in crystallography plays underscores opportunities for developing highly reversible thin metal anodes (e.g., hexagonal Zn, Mg, and cubic Li, Na, Ca, Al).
Simultaneous Realization of Superoleophobicity and Strong Substrate Adhesion in Water via a Unique Segment Orientation Mechanism
Authors: Yu Danfeng , Huang Jianjia , Zhang Zhenqiang , Weng Jiahao , Xu Xiubin , Zhang Guojie , Zhang Jianguo , Wu Xu , Johnson Melissa , Lyu Jing , Yang Hui , Wang Wenxin
Published: October 2021

The underwater superoleophobicity of a coating is often caused by its preferential water affinity, which, however, normally weakens the substrate adhesion property. In this work, a new strategy is reported for achieving strong underwater adhesion between a well‐designed amphiphilic polyurethane coating and a diverse range of substrates while also rendering the coating surface's superoleophobicity. When the coating, which is a mixture of an amphiphilic polyurethane and a water miscible solvent, is immersed in water, the hydrophobic segments aggregate to orientate and pile along the surface of substrates via a segment orientation mechanism triggered by solvent exchange with water penetration to exert strong adhesion. At the same time, the hydrophilic segments will physically crosslink to form a hydrogel coating, endowing the substrate with underwater superoleophobicity. This work provides a facile, versatile, and scalable approach for the future design of superoleophobic coatings in a water environment.
Elaborate Size‐Tuning of Silica Aerogel Building Blocks Enables Laser‐Driven Lighting
Authors: Ji Xiaofei , Du Yu , Zhang Xuetong
Published: October 2021

Silica aerogels with accurate building‐block control are realized by adjusting the surfactant concentration during the synthesis process. The resulting silica‐aerogel monolith with spherical building blocks of ≈24–40 nm, together with a deliberately created hole along the incident light direction, shows an incredibly promising application in monochromatic laser‐driven lighting. The resulting coefficient of illuminance variation is as low as 8.1%, significantly outperforming commercially available ground‐glass diffusers (139.0%) and polymer diffusers (249.1%); the speckle contrast is lower, as well as better, than that can be recognized by the human eye (4%), and the illuminance uniformity in the range of 0.770–0.862 is much better (higher) than that indoor workplace lighting required by the International Organization for Standardization. Lighting with any color in the visible spectrum, including white, can be obtained by using three primary color lasers (450, 532, and 638 nm) with different powers simultaneously as the light source. The resulting silica aerogel, which has excellent thermal stability, high laser‐damage threshold, outstanding mechanical performance, and superhydrophobicity, can be further applied to long‐distance and noncontact laser‐driven lighting in rain or underwater without any additional encapsulation components.
Effect of methanol on surfactants and surfactant–PEO mixtures
Authors: Bibi Iram , Shah Syed Waqar Hussain , Bibi Madeeha , Rehman Wajid , Shah Luqman Ali , Abid Obaid ur Rahman , Khan Wajhia
Published: October 2021

Methanol–water system possesses unusual interactions, which may affect surfactant self‐assembly. The main objective of this study was to investigate the interactions and aggregation behavior of ionic surfactants sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and their equimolar catanionic binary mixtures (CAM) and their ternary mixtures with poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) in aqueous solutions containing different volume percentages of methanol. Conductometry, surface tensiometry, and dynamic light scattering were employed for this purpose. The aggregation in all the systems showed methanol‐dependent patterns. The maximum shifts observed in the critical aggregation concentrations were 5.5, 2.7, 6.3, 4.1, and 4.4 mM, respectively, for SDS, CTAB, CAM, SDS/PEO, and CTAB/PEO systems for variation in MeOH from 5% to 30% v/v. The change in dielectric of the media and chaotropic nature of methanol was responsible for alteration in self‐assembly. The nature of surfactant especially and head group hydrophobicity also played a significant role in the process. The maximum change in area per molecule (i.e., ~4 nm2) occurred for CTAB/PEO system. The aggregation was delayed in surfactant solutions; however, the presence of polymer induced aggregation due to favorable polymer–surfactant interactions involving the surfactant adsorption onto polymer chains and formation of mixed aggregates. The hydrodynamic radii for CTAB/PEO systems, which were nearly 10 times greater than those recorded for SDS/PEO, showed the transition of system to nonspherical aggregated states. In short, the presence of methanol retarded the aggregation in surfactant and surfactant–polymer systems.
High density polyethylene and metal oxides based nanocomposites for high voltage cable application
Authors: Islam Mobasserul , Rahaman Mostafizur , Aldalbahi Ali , Paikaray Bibhudatta , Moharana Jayakrushna , Mondal Subhadip , Das Narayan Ch. , Gupta Prashant , Giri Radhashyam
Published: October 2021

The current research aims to study the influence of loading of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles on the mechanical, electrical, dielectric, thermal and dielectric breakdown strength properties of high density polyethylene (HDPE) specially used for the main insulation in power cables. The HDPE/Al2O3and HDPE/TiO2nanocomposites were prepared by melt blending technique with different ratios of nanoparticles. A modifier was used to reduce the agglomeration of TiO2and Al2O3nanoparticles inside the HDPE matrix. There are improvement in tensile strength (35% and 47.2%), tensile modulus (37.9% and 40.8%), flexural strength (18.8% and 23.1%), flexural modulus (11.2% and 12.4%), impact strength (11.8% and 13.9%), electrical conductivity (102and 104), dielectric constant (80% and 224%), dielectric breakdown strength (35% and 41%), thermal stability (43°C and 34°C), melting point (5.5°C and 5.9°C), hardness (7.3% and 9.4%), and crystallization temperature (3.3°C and 4.2°C) of HDPE/Al2O3and HDPE/TiO2nanocomposites, respectively, after certain loading of both fillers compared to neat HDPE. The elongation at break and crystallinity were reduced after the addition of both nanofillers within the HDPE matrix. Except thermal stability, the titania based nanocomposites exhibited good performance compared to alumina based nanocomposites. Overall, this substantial improvement in results showed that both composites can be used for high voltage cable application.
Sea anemones in the marine aquarium trade: Market preferences indicate opportunities for mariculture and conservation
Authors: Fraser Nicola , Mangubhai Sangeeta , Hall Karina , Scott Anna
Published: October 2021

Marine aquarium organisms represent some of the highest value products that can be harvested from coral reefs. Collection is extremely selective, and sea anemones are often targeted, leading to reduced densities and localized extinctions in some locations. Currently, there is a lack of information about species’ popularity and survival in captivity, and consumer attitudes towards sustainability.

This study surveyed aquarists and businesses (n = 445) from 39 countries between February and October 2018 to help fill these knowledge gaps.

Respondent groups indicated similar preferences. The three most desired species were Entacmaea quadricolor, Stichodactyla tapetum and Heteractis magnifica. Size preferences for anemones were typically smaller (tentacle crown diameter of 100–200 mm) than their maximum sizes. Survival time in captivity was generally 12 months or longer, and 20% lived more than 10 years.

Respondents indicated that they would prefer to buy captive‐bred rather than wild‐harvested anemones (aquarists 95%, businesses 94%) and would pay more for the former (aquarists 79%, businesses 70%).

While potential propagation methods have been established for E. quadricolor, other popular anemones within the marine aquarium trade may also be good candidates for captive breeding. Mariculture could provide alternative livelihoods, reduce collection pressure on wild populations and facilitate the recovery and conservation of depleted anemone populations, particularly in developing island nations from where the majority of anemones are currently sourced.
Recent Progress and Perspectives on Alloying Anodes for Potassium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Suo Guoquan , Cheng Yan , Zhang Jiaqi , Ahmed Syed Musab
Published: October 2021

Potassium‐ion batteries (PIBs) have been regarded as one of promising alternatives to lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) due to the wide distribution, low‐cost potassium resources and high working voltage. Anode materials play a vital role in the future development of PIBs. Among the various anode materials, alloying anodes such as tin, antimony, phosphorus, bismuth and silicon show promising future and attracted wide attention owning to their wide distributed resources, favorable working voltage, and theoretically high capacities. However, the severe volume expansion during potassiation/depotassiation leads to pulverization and exfoliation from the current collector, resulting in capacity decay of PIBs. Efficient approaches, such as micro‐/nanostructures designing, carbon coating, and optimizing the interface between electrode and electrolyte have been utilized to solve these issues. In the present review, the research progress on alloying anode materials in PIBs is summarized. Considering the synthesis strategies, battery performance, battery working mechanisms, and structure‐performance relationships of these materials, the challenges and future development directions of alloying anode materials are suggested. Herein, we will provide an outlook for the development of high‐performance alloy‐based anode materials for PIBs and also indicate the future direction of electrode materials in PIBs.
Developmental changes within the extended face processing network: A cross‐sectional functional magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Sahraei Isabell , Hildesheim Franziska E. , Thome Ina , Kessler Roman , Rusch Kristin M. , Sommer Jens , Kamp‐Becker Inge , Stark Rudolf , Jansen Andreas
Published: October 2021

In the field of face processing, the so‐called “core network” has been intensively researched. Its neural activity can be reliably detected in children and adults using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). However, the core network's counterpart, the so‐called “extended network,” has been less researched. In the present study, we compared children's and adults’ brain activity in the extended system, in particular in the amygdala, the insula, and the inferior frontal gyrus (IFG). Using fMRI, we compared the brain activation pattern between children aged 7–9 years and adults during an emotional face processing task. On the one hand, children showed increased activity in the extended face processing system in relation to adults, particularly in the left amygdala, the right insula, and the left IFG. On the other hand, lateralization indices revealed a “leftward bias” in children's IFG compared to adults. These results suggest that brain activity associated with face processing is characterized by a developmental decrease in activity. They further show that the development is associated with a rightward migration of face‐related IFG activation, possibly due to the competition for neural space between several developing brain functions (“developmental competition hypothesis”).
Do southern seed or soil microbes mitigate the effects of warming on establishing prairie plant communities?
Authors: Jochems Louis W. , Lau Jennifer A. , Brudvig Lars A. , Grman Emily
Published: October 2021

Restoration in this era of climate change comes with a new challenge: anticipating how best to restore populations to persist under future climate conditions. Specifically, it remains unknown whether locally adapted or warm‐adapted seeds best promote native plant community restoration in the warmer conditions predicted in the future and whether local or warm‐adapted soil microbial communities could mitigate plant responses to warming. This may be especially relevant for biomes spanning large climatic gradients, such as the North American tallgrass prairie. Here, we used a short‐term mesocosm experiment to evaluate how seed provenances (Local Northern region, Non‐local Northern region, Non‐local Southern region) of 10 native tallgrass prairie plants (four forbs, two legumes, and four grasses) responded to warmer conditions predicted in the future and how soil microbial communities from those three regions influenced these responses. Warming and seed provenance affected plant community composition and warming decreased plant diversity for all three seed provenances. Plant species varied in their individual responses to warming, and across species, we detected no consistent differences among the three provenances in terms of biomass response to warming and few strong effects of soil provenance. Our work provides evidence that warming, in part, may reduce plant diversity and affect restored prairie composition. Because the southern provenance did not consistently outperform others under warming and we found little support for the “local is best” paradigm currently dominating restoration practice, identifying appropriate seed provenances to promote restoration success both now and in future warmer environments may be challenging. Due to the idiosyncratic responses across species, we recommend that land managers compare seeds from different regions for each species to determine which seed provenance performs best under warming and in restoration for tallgrass prairies.
Contrasting plant responses to multivariate environmental variations among species with divergent elevation shifts
Authors: Zhang Bo , Zhang Jinchi , Hastings Alan , Fu Zhiyuan , Yuan Yingdan , Zhai Lu
Published: October 2021

The general predictions of climate impacts on species shifts (e.g., upward shift) cannot directly inform local species conservation, because local‐scale studies find divergent patterns instead of a general one. For example, our previous study found three shift patterns with elevation (strong down‐, moderate down‐, and up‐slope shifts) in temperate mountain forests. The divergent shifts are hypothesized to arise from both multivariate environmental variations with elevation and corresponding species‐specific responses. To test this hypothesis, we sampled soils and leaves to measure elevation variations in soil conditions and determined plant responses using discriminations against heavier isotopes, carbon (13C) and nitrogen (15N). Functional traits of the species studied were also extracted from a public trait dataset. We found that: (1) With low soil water contents at low elevations, only the leaves of up‐shifters had lower 13C discriminations at low vs. high elevations; (2) With low soil P contents at high elevations, only the leaves of moderate down‐shifters had higher 15N discriminations at high vs. low elevations; (3) The leaves of strong down‐shifters did not show significant elevation patterns of the discriminations; (4) The contrasting responses among the three types of shifters agree with their functional dissimilarity, suggested by their separate locations in a multitrait space. Taken together, the divergent shifts are associated with the elevation variations in environmental conditions and contrasting plant responses. The contrasting responses could result from the functional dissimilarity among species. Therefore, a detailed understanding of both local environmental variations and species‐specific responses can facilitate accurate predictions of species shifts to inform local species conservation.
(Non)Parallel developmental mechanisms in vertebrate appendage reduction and loss
Authors: Swank Samantha , Sanger Thomas J. , Stuart Yoel E.
Published: October 2021

Appendages have been reduced or lost hundreds of times during vertebrate evolution. This phenotypic convergence may be underlain by shared or different molecular mechanisms in distantly related vertebrate clades. To investigate, we reviewed the developmental and evolutionary literature of appendage reduction and loss in more than a dozen vertebrate genera from fish to mammals. We found that appendage reduction and loss was nearly always driven by modified gene expression as opposed to changes in coding sequences. Moreover, expression of the same genes was repeatedly modified across vertebrate taxa. However, the specific mechanisms by which expression was modified were rarely shared. The multiple routes to appendage reduction and loss suggest that adaptive loss of function phenotypes might arise routinely through changes in expression of key developmental genes.
Seeing science: using graphics to communicate research
Authors: Perra Megan , Brinkman Todd
Published: October 2021

Proper science communication is quickly becoming a professional imperative in ecology, but many researchers are not practiced in diverse and effective communication strategies. Academic jargon and text‐heavy content are often cited as barriers for laypeople trying to access and understand research results. Here, we have presented scientific visualizations (infographics, figures, and illustrations) as a useful tool to reduce the information transfer gaps between researchers and the public. The graphics we have proposed are images with minimal text that convey ecological research concepts, methods, processes, and results. They are more captivating than text alone and more efficient at disseminating information to a broad audience because they reduce cognitive load. We applied tools and best practices from the fields of marketing and design to explain graphic construction and demonstrated how to build a visualization that is both aesthetic and effective. The basic principles of design are paramount to image composition, and we reviewed experimental literature to support the notions that the proper use of color, proximity, and balance helps to illuminate the main message or story that we wanted to communicate. We presented examples from wildlife ecology research in Alaska to highlight how researchers can use graphics for their own communication efforts, and emphasized the power of visual narratives to explain complex techniques and ecosystem processes. The best practices we outlined here are meant to help researchers understand the composition of science visualizations, build productive collaborations with artists, and ultimately create appealing and informative images that communicate research.
Selenomethionine alleviated Ochratoxin A induced pyroptosis and renal fibrotic factors expressions in MDCK cells
Authors: Mao Xinru , Li Hu , Ge Lei , Liu Shuiping , Hou Lili , Yue Dongmei , Du Heng , Pan Cuiling , Gan Fang , Liu Yunhuan , Huang Kehe , Chen Xingxiang
Published: October 2021

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is universally known to induce nephrotoxicity via inducing oxidative stress and apoptosis, inhibiting protein synthesis and activating autophagy. Our previous studies have proved that OTA induces nephrotoxicity in vitro and in vivo by adjusting the NOD‐like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation and caspase‐1‐dependent pyroptosis. Based on these findings, we further investigated the protective role of selenomethionine (SeMet) on OTA‐caused nephrotoxicity using the Madin‐Darby canine kidney (MDCK) epithelial cells as an in vitro model, proposing to offer a new way for remedying OTA‐induced nephrotoxicity by nutritional manipulation. We measured the cell vitality, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity and the expression of renal fibrotic genes, NLRP3 inflammasome and pyroptosis related genes. MTT and LDH results indicated that SeMet supplementation significantly mitigated 2.0 μg/ml OTA‐induced cytotoxicity in MDCK cells (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, SeMet alleviated OTA induced increase of reactive oxygen species in MDCK cells. Then, the expressions of α‐SMA, Vimentin, and TGF‐β were detected both in mRNA and protein levels. The results indicated 8 μM SeMet supplementation could significantly downregulate the expression of OTA‐induced renal fibrosis‐related genes (p < 0.05). In addition, the upregulation of OTA‐induced NLRP3 inflammasome and pyroptosis downstream genes was also significantly inhibited by 8 μM of SeMet (p < 0.05). In summary, SeMet could alleviate OTA‐induced renal fibrotic genes expression and reduce NLRP3‐caspase‐1‐dependent pyroptosis. Therefore, SeMet supplementation may become an effective approach for preserving animals from renal injury exposed to OTA.
Therapeutic time windows of compounds against NMDA receptors signaling pathways for ischemic stroke
Authors: Huo Yuexiang , Feng Xue , Niu Menghan , Wang Le , Xie Yinghua , Wang Long , Ha Jing , Cheng Xiaokun , Gao Zibin , Sun Yongjun
Published: October 2021

Much evidence has proved that excitotoxicity induced by excessive release of glutamate contributes largely to damage caused by ischemia. In view of the key role played by NMDA receptors in mediating excitotoxicity, compounds against NMDA receptors signaling pathways have become the most promising type of anti‐stroke candidate compounds. However, the limited therapeutic time window for neuroprotection is a key factor preventing NMDA receptor‐related compounds from showing efficacy in all clinical trials for ischemic stroke. In this perspective, the determination of therapeutic time windows of these kinds of compounds is useful in ensuring a therapeutic effect and accelerating clinical application. This mini‐review discussed the therapeutic time windows of compounds against NMDA receptors signaling pathways, described related influence factors and the status of clinical studies. The purpose of this review is to look for compounds with wide therapeutic time windows and better clinical application prospect.
Donor age and sex have limited effects on the mechanical and microstructural properties of human connective tissues
Authors: Castile Ryan M. , Cannon Paul C. , Smith Matthew V. , Brophy Robert H. , Lake Spencer P.
Published: October 2021

Connective tissues, such as tendons, ligaments, and capsules, play a large role in locomotion and joint stability and are often subjected to traumatic injuries and degeneration. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if the mechanical and microstructural properties of connective tissues correlate with the age and sex of the human donor. Dissected samples were prepared for mechanical testing, consisting of 10 cycles of preconditioning, a stress‐relaxation ramp and hold, and a quasi‐static ramp to failure. During the testing protocol, the microstructural organization of tissues was analyzed using quantitative polarized light imaging. A linear mixed model was used to assess whether tissue type, donor age, or donor sex were significantly associated with mechanical and microstructural tissue properties. Tissue type had a significant effect on all parameters, while donor age and sex did not. Groupings by tissue type (i.e., tendon vs. ligament vs. capsule) were evident for microstructural data, with tendons having a tighter grouping and ligaments having a larger spread of values. The interaction of tissue type and age yielded a significant effect for linear modulus only (p = 0.007), with the palmaris tendon appearing to have the largest contribution to this effect. There were no significant interaction effects between sex and tissue type or donor age. Donor age appears to affect linear modulus in some, but not all, tissue types. Otherwise, age and sex do not have significant effects on the mechanical and microstructural properties of the range of connective tissues that were analyzed in this study.
Purification and characterization of Se‐enriched Grifola frondosa glycoprotein, and evaluating its amelioration effect on As3+‐induced immune toxicity
Authors: Zhang Zhe‐Han , Liao Tao‐Tao , Deng Chun‐Meng , Li Baorui , Okeke Emmanuel Sunday , Feng Wei‐Wei , Chen Yao , Zhao Ting , Mao Guang‐Hua , Wu Xiang‐Yang
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND

Selenium (Se)‐enriched glycoproteins have been a research highlight for the role of both Se and glycoproteins in immunoregulation. Arsenic (As) is a toxicant that is potentially toxic to the immune function and consequently to human health. Several reports suggested that Se could reduce the toxicity of heavy metals. Moreover, more and more nutrients in food had been applied to relieve As‐induced toxicity. Hence glycoproteins were isolated and purified from Se‐enriched Grifola frondosa, and their preliminary characteristics as well as amelioration effect and mechanism on As3+‐induced immune toxicity were evaluated.

RESULTS

Four factions, namely Se‐GPr11 (electrophoresis analysis exhibited one band: 14.32 kDa), Se‐GPr22 (two bands: 20.57 and 31.12 kDa), Se‐GPr33 (three bands: 15.08, 20.57 and 32.78 kDa) and Se‐GPr44 (three bands: 16.73, 32.78 and 42.46 kDa), were obtained from Se‐enriched G. frondosa via DEAE‐52 and Sephacryl S‐400 column. In addition, Se‐GPr11 and Se‐GPr44 are ideal proteins that contain high amounts of almost all essential amino acids. Thereafter, the RAW264.7 macrophage model was adopted to estimate the effect of Se‐GPr11 and Se‐GPr44 on As3+‐induced immune toxicity. The results showed that the pre‐intervention method was the best consequent and the potential mechanisms were, first, by improving the oxidative stress state (enhancing the activity of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, decreasing the levels of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde); secondly, through nuclear factor‐κB and mitogen‐activated protein kinase‐mediated upregulation cytokines (interleukin‐2 and interferon‐γ) secretion induced by As3+.

CONCLUSION

The results suggested Se‐enriched G. frondosa may be a feasible supplement to improve health level of the As3+ pollution population. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
An intrinsically eye safe approach to high apparent brightness augmented reality displays using computer‐generated holography
Authors: Newman Alfred J. , Widjanarko Taufiq , Spiess Alden O. , Milne Darran F. , Wilkinson Tim D. , Kaczorowski Andrzej
Published: October 2021

Achieving the luminance of real‐world scenes is a challenge for many display technologies. Computer‐generated holography offers a number of advantages, due to both the high optical efficiency and the ability to redistribute available luminous flux to individual points. This is important while displaying sparse content that needs to be clearly perceived against a bright background in augmented reality. In this work, we consider a range of optical architectures and analyze the impact of each element on the overall display luminance. We conclude that the range of holographic projector efficiencies can vary from 50% to 0.05%, with the average of 3%. An example holographic projector with 2% efficiency is built to evaluate the analysis. Using a low‐power RGB laser module, outputting 1.78 mW, a mean luminance of 30,000 cd/m2 has been attained. In the presence of sparse content, peak luminance exceeding 300,000 cd/m2 is demonstrated. Both the calculation and the measurements confirm that by using holography, it is possible to achieve a display that is sufficiently bright to be clearly viewable in daylight, in a manner that can be intrinsically eye safe. The image is projected against daytime sky and appears several times brighter, hence adding visual validation to the analysis.
Construction of Quaternized Polysulfone/Polyquaternium‐10 Anion Exchange Membrane with Semi‐Interpenetrating Network for Alkaline Fuel Cell
Authors: Yang Zhaojie , Zhang Minghua , Zhao Zhixin , Zhang Xi , Fan Minmin
Published: October 2021

The quaternized polysulfone/polyquaternium‐10 (QPSU/PQ‐10) anion exchange membranes (AEMs) with a semi‐interpenetrating network are prepared by the simple solution casting method. The effects of the mass ratio of chloromethylated polysulfone (CMPSU) to PQ‐10 and the molar ratio of quaternized chloromethyl (QCM) to cross‐linked chloromethyl (CCM) on the performance of AEM are systematically investigated. The results show that the introduction of PQ‐10 endows the QPSU/PQ‐10 AEM with excellent mechanical performance. More specifically, the QPSU/PQ‐10 AEM has moderate water uptake, swelling ratio, and ion exchange capacity (IEC) at an appropriate composition ratio and crosslinking degree. In particular, the tensile strength and elongation at break of the QP0.5‐1 membrane with the optimal composition ratio and crosslinking degree are 23.63 MPa and 20.07%, respectively; and its ion conductivity is up to 69.91 mS cm−1 at 80 °C. Furthermore, the peak power density of the single fuel cell assembled from the QP0.5‐1 membrane is 75.64 mW cm−2 at 60 °C. Herein, the QPSU/PQ‐10 AEM has good thermal oxidation stability, mechanical properties, and ion conductivity, highlighting the potential of bio‐based PQ‐10 as an ion‐conducting functional molecule in AEMs.
Highly Accurate Filters to Flag Frequent Hitters in AlphaScreen Assays by Suggesting their Mechanism
Authors: Ghosh Dipan , Koch Uwe , Hadian Kamyar , Sattler Michael , Tetko Igor V.
Published: October 2021

AlphaScreen is one of the most widely used assay technologies in drug discovery due to its versatility, dynamic range and sensitivity. However, a presence of false positives and frequent hitters contributes to difficulties with an interpretation of measured HTS data. Although filters do exist to identify frequent hitters for AlphaScreen, they are frequently based on privileged scaffolds. The development of such filters is time consuming and requires deep domain knowledge. Recently, machine learning and artificial intelligence methods are emerging as important tools to advance drug discovery and chemoinformatics, including their application to identification of frequent hitters in screening assays. However, the relative performance and complementarity of the Machine Learning and scaffold‐based techniques has not yet been comprehensively compared. In this study, we analysed filters based on the privileged scaffolds with filters built using machine learning. Our results demonstrate that machine‐learning methods provide more accurate filters for identification of frequent hitters in AlphaScreen assays than scaffold‐based methods and can be easily redeveloped once new data are measured. We present highly accurate models to identify frequent hitters in AlphaScreen assays.