bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nucleo-cytoplasmic shuttling of splicing factor SRSF1 is required for development and cilia function
Authors: Haward Fiona , Maslon Magdalena M , Yeyati Patricia L , Bellora Nicolas , Hansen Jan N , Aitken Stuart , Lawson Jennifer , von Kriegsheim Alex , Wachten Dagmar , Mill Pleasantine , Adams Ian R , Caceres Javier F
Published: August 2021

Shuttling RNA-binding proteins coordinate nuclear and cytoplasmic steps of gene expression. The SR family proteins regulate RNA splicing in the nucleus and a subset of them, including SRSF1, shuttles between the nucleus and cytoplasm affecting post-splicing processes. However, the physiological significance of this remains unclear. Here, we used genome editing to knock-in a nuclear retention signal (NRS) in Srsf1 to create a mouse model harboring an SRSF1 protein that is retained exclusively in the nucleus. Srsf1NRS/NRS mutants displayed small body size, hydrocephalus, and immotile sperm, all traits associated with ciliary defects. We observed reduced translation of a subset of mRNAs and decreased abundance of proteins involved in multiciliogenesis, with disruption of ciliary ultrastructure and motility in cells and tissues derived from this mouse model. These results demonstrate that SRSF1 shuttling is used to reprogram gene expression networks in the context of high cellular demands, as observed here, during motile ciliogenesis.
Contrasting effects of Western vs Mediterranean diets on monocyte inflammatory gene expression and social behavior in a primate model
Authors: Johnson Corbin SC , Shively Carol A , Michalson Kristofer T , Lea Amanda J , DeBo Ryne J , Howard Timothy D , Hawkins Gregory A , Appt Susan E , Liu Yongmei , McCall Charles E , Herrington David M , Ip Edward H , Register Thomas C , Snyder-Mackler Noah
Published: August 2021

Dietary changes associated with industrialization increase the prevalence of chronic diseases, such as obesity, type II diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. This relationship is often attributed to an ‘evolutionary mismatch’ between human physiology and modern nutritional environments. Western diets enriched with foods that were scarce throughout human evolutionary history (e.g. simple sugars and saturated fats) promote inflammation and disease relative to diets more akin to ancestral human hunter-gatherer diets, such as a Mediterranean diet. Peripheral blood monocytes, precursors to macrophages and important mediators of innate immunity and inflammation, are sensitive to the environment and may represent a critical intermediate in the pathway linking diet to disease. We evaluated the effects of 15 months of whole diet manipulations mimicking Western or Mediterranean diet patterns on monocyte polarization in a well-established model of human health, the cynomolgus macaque (Macaca fascicularis). Monocyte transcriptional profiles differed markedly between diets, with 40% of transcripts showing differential expression (FDR < 0.05). Monocytes from Western diet consumers were polarized toward a more proinflammatory phenotype. The Western diet shifted the co-expression of 445 gene pairs, including small RNAs and transcription factors associated with metabolism and adiposity in humans, and dramatically altered behavior. For example, Western-fed individuals were more anxious and less socially integrated. These behavioral changes were also associated with some of the effects of diet on gene expression, suggesting an interaction between diet, central nervous system activity, and monocyte gene expression. This study provides new molecular insights into an evolutionary mismatch and uncovers new pathways through which Western diets alter monocyte polarization toward a proinflammatory phenotype.
Identification and expression profile of the soil moisture and Ralstonia solanacearum response CYPome in ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Authors: Huang Mengjun , Xing Haitao , Li Zhexin , Li Honglei , Wu Lin , Jiang Yusong
Published: August 2021

Background

Cytochrome P450s play crucial roles in various biosynthetic reactions. Ginger (Zingiber officinale), which is often threatened by Ralstonia solanacearum, is the most economically important crop in the family Zingiberaceae. Whether the cytochrome P450 complement (CYPome) significantly responds to this pathogen has remained unclear.

Methods

Transcriptomic responses to R. solanacearum and soil moisture were analyzed in ginger, and expression profiles of the CYPome were determined based on transcriptome data.

Results

A total of 821 P450 unigenes with ORFs ≥ 300 bp were identified. Forty percent soil moisture suppressed several key P450 unigenes involved in the biosynthesis of flavonoids, gingerols, and jasmonates, including unigenes encoding flavonoid 3′-hydroxylase, flavonoid 3′,5′-hydroxylase, steroid 22-alpha-hydroxylase, cytochrome P450 family 724 subfamily B polypeptide 1, and allene oxide synthase. Conversely, the expression of P450 unigenes involved in gibberellin biosynthesis and abscisic acid catabolism, encoding ent-kaurene oxidase and abscisic acid 8′-hydroxylase, respectively, were promoted by 40% soil moisture. Under R. solanacearum infection, the expression of P450 unigenes involved in the biosynthesis of the above secondary metabolites were changed, but divergent expression patterns were observed under different soil moisture treatments. High moisture repressed expression of genes involved in flavonoid, brassinosteroid, gingerol, and jasmonate biosynthesis, but promoted expression of genes involved in GA anabolism and ABA catabolism. These results suggest possible mechanisms for how high moisture causes elevated susceptibility to R. solanacearum infection.
Nectar secretion in a dry habitat: structure of the nectary in two endangered Mexican species of Barkeria (Orchidaceae)
Authors: Stpiczyńska Małgorzata , Kamińska Magdalena , Davies Kevin L.
Published: August 2021

Barkeria scandens and B. whartoniana are endangered, endemic taxa from Mexico. They are epiphytes adapted to dry habitats. Since these plants are xerophytic, their flowers were investigated for structural adaptations to nectar secretion. The flowers of both species are structurally similar, and contrary to most claims for the genus, have functional floral nectaries comprising a nectary chamber and a narrow tubular cuniculus. Nectar is present in both these structures, and contains sugars and lipid-like compounds. The nectary tissue is composed of a single-layered epidermis overlying 1–2 layers of subepidermal secretory parenchyma. The outer tangential wall of the epidermal cells is thick and multi-layered, whereas the cuticle, which often shows blistering, is lamellate and possesses micro-channels. Lipid-like material occurs both between the microfibrils of the cell wall and in the micro-channels. Robust secretory tissue, thick cell walls, and lipid-like nectar components limit nectar evaporation. Moreover, the rigidity of the nectary potentially makes it possible for red-flowered B. scandens to switch from entomophily to ornithophily.
Relaciones espaciales como morfogénesis del territorio de la Avenida Brasil, en Río de Janeiro
Authors: de Moraes Pedro
Published: August 2021

Este artículo apunta a un vocabulario conceptual orientado a la morfología de los espacios establecidos entre infraestructuras viales y territorio, basado en un análisis de la Avenida Brasil, en Río de Janeiro. En primer lugar, se describen el impacto y el escenario configurados por la vía en la metrópoli de la que forma parte. Luego, se realiza una revisión de los parámetros que condujeron a su formación y consolidación espaciales, seguida de una descripción de su encaje y situación territoriales, informada por registros cartográficos históricos y contemporáneos. Finalmente, se proponen algunas articulaciones entre las diferentes capas que componen este sistema, señalando un conjunto de cuestiones, a partir de las relaciones planteadas.
Tianguis. Emergencia de ciudades temporales dentro de la ciudad. Ocupación espontánea del espacio público: el caso de Tlacolula
Authors: Seve Bruno , Lázaro-Villaverde Fabricio , Gastéllum-Alvarado Juan-Manuel , Redondo Ernest
Published: August 2021

Son cada vez más los proyectos urbanos que evolucionan hacia un modelo más inclusivo y participativo, sinónimo de planificación urbana democrática. No obstante, la participación real de la población, en su esencia, es una práctica milenaria en algunas comunidades. Existen de hecho, todavía, en el mundo, arquetipos de participación urbana, como en México los mercados ambulantes o “tianguis”. Este artículo analiza varias facetas (geográfica, histórica, social, espacial y arquitectónica) del tianguis de Tlacolula de Matamoros, invitando a estudiantes y profesores a explorar e interactuar con la comunidad, utilizando varios medios para la recolección de datos, como el dibujo urbano, apuntes, fotografías y las entrevistas. Los resultados muestran una organización minuciosa y colectiva del espacio con una larga tradición, a pesar de una precarización creciente, con usuarios y usuarias que acuden desde hace años al lugar, con puestos autoconstruidos en los que destaca una variedad de microarquitectura.
Uso indebido de concesiones mineras y desarrollo de proyectos de infraestructura y energía en Chile
Authors:   Barros & Errázuriz Abogados, Vial Correa Martín
Published: August 2021

En la actualidad, cualquier persona que pretenda desarrollar un proyecto de inversión (inmobiliario, industrial o de energía, entre otros) debe tener a la vista y considerar dentro de su planificación si sobre el predio en el que pretende llevarlo a cabo existen o no concesiones mineras constituidas o en trámite. Esto puede llegar a ser un gran dolor de cabeza para el desarrollador al momento de buscar financiamiento o de ejecutar las obras de su construcción, sobre todo en aquellos casos en que el concesionario minero es un mero especulador que busca únicamente, por medio del chantaje y la amenaza de usar acciones legales, obtener una contraprestación económica. El presente artículo analiza las consecuencias y riesgos que conlleva la presencia de una concesión minera sobre el área en que se pretende desarrollar un proyecto, y presenta las diversas mitigantes que la legislación, la jurisprudencia y la doctrina han reconocido en los últimos años.
Algunas ideas sobre la participación ciudadana en el proyecto de ley marco de cambio climático
Authors:   Barros Silva Varela & Vigil, Riesco Eyzaguirre Felipe
Published: August 2021

El presente artículo analiza la participación ambiental ciudadana a nivel constitucional y su desarrollo en la legislación ambiental chilena, a fin de determinar si el proyecto de ley marco de cambio climático establece mecanismos participativos con el nivel de regulación, detalle y densidad normativa que resultan exigibles en nuestro régimen constitucional.
Bifurcaciones biográficas en los escenarios laborales del Chile contemporáneo: una comparación entre trabajadores del retail y emprendedores sociales
Authors: Martinic Lenta Rodolfo , Tabilo Prieto Ismael
Published: August 2021

El presente artículo analiza y compara las bifurcaciones de trabajadores asalariados e independientes vinculados a escenarios laborales con amplios contrastes entre ellos, considerados como formas de empleo prototípicas del Chile contemporáneo. Por un lado, el de una tradicional tienda por departamento del país, que en las últimas décadas experimentó un proceso de reestructuración que la transformó en una de las empresas más importantes del retail chileno. Por otro lado, el de los emprendimientos de innovación social, una forma de autoempresa que añade al espíritu emprendedor la preocupación por problemáticas sociales. A través de las herramientas teóricas de la sociología del curso de vida y de las bifurcaciones biográficas, se analizaron 32 entrevistas en profundidad con el fin de comprender la experiencia de los trabajadores al momento de entrar en una categoría laboral improbable o inesperada en relación a la situación laboral anterior. Los resultados muestran que las experiencias de bifurcación en cada escenario varían significativamente en función del vínculo al trabajo y el vínculo al empleo. Mientras que en el retail, el ingreso está marcado por una decisión adaptada a la escasez de alternativas disponibles que con el tiempo da lugar a una valorización del empleo que con- 251 Martinic y Tabilo Bifurcaciones biográficas en los escenarios laborales del Chile contemporáneo: una comparación entre trabajadores del retail y emprendedores sociales trasta con una insatisfacción con el trabajo, en el emprendimiento se evidencia un esfuerzo por reorientar la propia experiencia profesional en busca de una mayor realización en el trabajo, sacrificando la estabilidad del empleo. En las conclusiones, se interpretan las diferencias y similitudes de las bifurcaciones biográficas a la luz de las transformaciones del Chile actual.
Migración y trabajo, una revisión del contexto chileno actual
Authors: Rival Diego , Valenzuela-Valenzuela Amanda , Cartes-Velásquez Ricardo
Published: August 2021

Los flujos migratorios son parte de la historia de Chile, y han tenido cambios a través del tiempo. Actualmente, existen múltiples vulneraciones a los derechos de las personas migrantes, que conllevan a que tengan dificultades para acceder a la esfera laboral. Esto dificulta cumplir el objetivo principal de la migración, correspondiente a mejorar las condiciones de vida. Se exploran en esta revisión bibliográfica los principales motivos para abandonar las naciones de origen; la etnicidad, diversidad cultural y procesos de aculturación; la vulneración de derechos de personas migrantes, destacándose las vulneraciones legales; y el trabajo como fenómeno social, donde se incluye la relevancia de los cursos y talleres de formación laboral para la población migrante. Se concluye que a través de múltiples intervenciones pueden disminuirse las vulneraciones de derechos a las personas migrantes y mejorar sus condiciones de vida, facilitando su acceso a la esfera laboral.
Las juventudes trabajadoras en el comercio minorista tradicional: gestión, control y resistencias
Authors: Favieri Francisco Nicolás
Published: August 2021

La flexibilización de las condiciones de trabajo y contratación junto con la aparición de nuevas formas de control y gestión del proceso de trabajo han contribuido a la aparición de nuevas formas de empleo, siendo el sector de servicios y en particular el comercio minorista uno de los que más diversificaciones han presentado en los últimos años. En San Juan, Argentina gran parte de la juventud trabajadora consigue empleos en el comercio, donde además de constituirse como el grupo poblacional que más dificultades tiene para ingresar y permanecer en el mercado de laboral se vinculan a la actividad en condiciones precarias de trabajo. Las estrategias y acciones por parte de los trabajadores y las trabajadoras para revertir esas situaciones parecen ser insuficientes, atribuyendo especialmente a las juventudes una posición de pasividad, inactividad y sumisión. A partir de un estudio de caso, este artículo se propone analizar la dinámica del trabajo en el comercio minorista tradicional, caracterizando las formas de gestión y control del trabajo, las expresiones de conflicto laboral y las resistencias emprendidas por jóvenes trabajadores y trabajadoras del Gran San Juan (Argentina) sobre el supuesto de que sostienen una lucha permanente para mejorar sus condiciones de trabajo y que en sus expresiones se configuran nuevas formas de resistencia. Entre los hallazgos se destaca que las juventudes trabajadoras despliegan diversas estrategias y acciones de resistencia reconfigurando la expresión del conflicto en el trabajo aunque no logran mejorar sus condiciones de empleo.
Desempleo y flexibilización: Alemania Federal y Chile frente a las transformaciones del capitalismo (Décadas de 1970 y 1980)
Authors: Llanos Claudio , González José Antonio , Stillerman Joel
Published: August 2021

Este artículo analiza las respuestas a la crisis de los 1970s y la de 1982, de Chile y Alemania Federal. Crisis que impactaron en contextos diferentes, tanto a nivel de posiciones en la economía capitalista, como en lo referente a los regímenes políticos. En ambos países se plantearon el desempleo y los cambios en los ámbitos del trabajo. En este contexto, en Chile, las turbulencias económicas mundiales, se ligaron a la reacción violenta de los militares a la “vía chilena al socialismo” que, en alianza con las grandes empresas y economistas neoliberales, permitieron el desarrollo de las políticas neoliberales. Alemania Federal respondió al final del “milagro económico” de la posguerra con políticas gradualistas que preservaron el Estado del bienestar. La economía coordinada de Alemania Federal y la influencia de los sindicatos dentro de los dos grandes partidos políticos postergaron la aplicación de estas políticas hasta los 2000. La comparación demuestra la importancia de las configuraciones políticas de cada país para explicar sus políticas económicas y sociales frente a cambios de la economía global. De esta forma, se evidencia que la política es el campo de construcción de las diversas alternativas frente a las dinámicas del capitalismo.
Relaciones de reconocimiento en un trabajo feminizado. Ejes analíticos a partir del caso de mujeres operarias de la industria chilena del retail
Authors: Guerra Arau Rodrigo , Calquín Donoso Claudia Alejandra
Published: August 2021

En este artículo se discute sobre las dinámicas de reconocimiento en empleos feminizados, en particular en el sector de los servicios. En base a la teoría del reconocimiento de Honneth y otros autores, se presentan tres ejes de análisis de las dinámicas de reconocimiento conformadas tanto a partir de particulares configuraciones sociotécnicas del trabajo, como en función de estructuras sociales de género y clase. Se toma como caso los colectivos de cajeras de grandes cadenas de supermercado y vendedoras de tiendas por departamentos en Santiago de Chile.
Aspects of Stock Assessment of Klunzinger's Mullet, Planiliza klunzengeri (Day, 1888) from Northwest Arabian Gulf, Iraq
Authors: Al-Hassani Ali H. , Mohamed Abdul-Razak M.
Published: August 2021

The stock assessment of Klunzinger's mullet, Planiliza klunzengeri was conducted, to estimate its some aspects viz. growth, mortality, recruitment, yield-per-recruit and virtual population analysis in Iraqi marine waters, northwest Arabian Gulf, Iraq, from February 2020 and January 2021. The population parameters were analyzed by the FiSAT software using monthly length-frequency data collected by the Shaheen dhow and from the artisanal fishermen at the fish landing site in Al-Fao city to derive information required for their management. A total of 3319 individuals of P. klunzingeri ranged from 11.0 to 27.0 cm have been collected. Length-weight relationship was calculated as W= 0.026L2.716. The asymptotic length (L∞), growth rate (K) and the growth performance index (Ø') were 29.8 cm, 0.34 and 2.48, respectively. The rates of annual instantaneous of total mortality (Z), fishing mortality (F), natural mortality (M) and present exploitation (Epresent) were 1.19, 0.84, 0.36 and 0.30, respectively. The recruitment pattern of P. klunzingeri was continuous throughout the year, with one peak during May. The results of virtual population analysis revealed that the majority of P. klunzingeri were harvested between 14 cm and 19 cm. The length at first capture (L50) in the current study was higher than the length at first maturity (Lm) of the species in the region. The Epresent was below the biological target reference points (E0.1= 0.770 and Emax= 0.903), referred to the stock of P. klunzingeri is underexploited. Therefore, the harvest level should increase to its maximum sustainable yield level by increasing fishing effort level with monitoring surveys and evaluate the risk associated with fishing effort increases as fishing precautionary approaches.
Nutrient Concentration, Uptake and Protein Content in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) under Various Integrated Nutrient Management Practices in Central India
Authors: Mukati Sumit , Kool Y. M. , Thakur Deepak , Singune Deepak
Published: August 2021

Present field experiment was conducted at farmer’s field in Ringondiya village, Madhya Pradesh during rabi season 2018-19 to study the effect of integrated nutrient management practices on performance of chickpea, basic soil properties and nutrient availability. The nutrient concentration, uptake and protein content of chickpea (cv. JG-322) was evaluated under seven treatments viz., T1-Control, T2-100% N:P:K (20:50:20), T3-50% N:P:K + FYM @5 t ha-1, T4-50% N:P:K + vermicompost @2 t ha-1, T5-50% N:P:K + PSB @4 kg ha-1, T6-50% N:P:K + FYM @5 t ha-1 + PSB @4 kg ha-1 and T7-50% N:P:K + vermicompost @2 t ha-1 +PSB @4 kg ha-1 replicated thrice in a randomized block design. The N, P, K and S concentration in seed and straw, nutrient removal by seed, straw and total and protein content at harvest stage were determined. The results revealed that the integrated nutrient management practice significantly improved the nutrient concentration, uptake and quality of chickpea.
Optimizing Phosphorus and Row Spacing Management for the Production of Lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus) in Vertisols of Ethiopia
Authors: Feleke Gebrekidan , Meseret Almaz , Eshetu Sisay , Tafes Bizuwork
Published: August 2021

Poor agronomic management such as nutrient management and plant density are critical challenges of lentil production in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the effects of different row spacing and phosphorus (P) applications on the seed yield of lentil at Ude and Minjar, in 2017 up to 2019. The experiment was conducted in completely randomized block design with three replications. The treatments were comprised of a factorial arrangement of three levels of row spacing (20, 30 and 40 cm) and four levels of P fertilizer (0, 30, 60 and 90 kg P2O5 ha-1). The result revealed that at Ude, the row spacing x P fertilizer interactions was a significant effect on the biomass, seed, and haulm yield of lentil. However, at Minjar; only the main effects of row spacing and P fertilizer had a significant effect on biomass, seed, and haulm yield. Phosphorus agronomic use efficiency was significantly influenced by the interaction of row spacing and P fertilizer. As a result, the highest phosphorus agronomic use efficiency was recorded at 30 kg P2O5 ha-1coupled with 20 cm row spacing at both locations. The economic analysis revealed that 20 cm row spacing and 30 kg P2O5 ha-1fertilizer managements gave the highest net benefit and acceptable marginal rate of return (MRR) as compared to other practices at both locations. Therefore, 20 cm row spacing and 30 kg P2O5 ha-1rate of fertilizer would be recommended to enhance the productivity of lentil in the study areas.
Comparative Study between Ultrasound-Guided Fascia Iliaca Block Versus Adductor Canal Block for Postoperative Analgesia in Patients undergoing Knee Surgeries
Authors: Naser Soliman Ramadan , Refaat Sameh Mohammed , Shmaa Nagat Sayed El , Amin Sabry Mohammed
Published: August 2021

Background: Peripheral nerve block may provide effective unilateral postoperative analgesia following knee and hip surgeries with a lower incidence of opioid-related and autonomic side-effects, less motor block. Fascia iliaca block (FIB) and adductor canal block (ACB) have been shown to be a successful technique for postoperative pain relief after knee surgeries. The aim of our study was to compare the effect of ultrasound guided FIB versus ultrasound guided ACB for postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing knee surgeries.

Methods: Our randomized controlled trial was conducted over 105 patients aged between 18 and 65 years, (ASA) class I and II undergoing knee surgeries. Patients divided into three groups: Group I control (C): Patients received spinal anesthesia alone. Group II (FIB): Patients received spinal anesthesia with postoperative ultrasound guided FIB. Group III (ACB): Patients received spinal anesthesia with postoperative ultrasound guided ACB.

Results: Both FIB and ACB provided better pain control compared to control group. The need for first dose of supplemental analgesic was earlier in the control group than FIB and ACB groups postoperatively. Additionally, the total 24-h pethidine consumption was highest in the control group compared to fascia FIB and ACB groups. FIB was shown to reduce the strength of the quadriceps muscle, which resulted in delayed early postoperative mobilization and influencing patient satisfaction. There was statistically significant increase in heart rate and mean arterial blood pressure in group I as compared to group II and group III at 6hrs and 12hrs postoperatively.

Conclusions: Both FIB and ACB provide excellent postoperative analgesia after knee surgeries, however the ACB is superior to FIB because it has no prolonged muscle weakness and FIB did.
Relationship between Sonographic Umbilical cord Diameter and Gestational Age in Third Trimester of Pregnancy
Authors: ALdabouly Sara Essam , El Namori Mohamed Mohsen , Omar Mona Khaled , AboZeid Essmat Hamdy
Published: August 2021

Background: Throughout the fourth week of embryonic development the umbilical cord (UC) is formed, which corresponds to the fifth to the twelfth weeks of gestation. Fetuses with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) have leaner UCs than fetuses of appropriate gestational age do, and the caliber of the umbilical vein decreases significantly, resulting in a worsening of the Doppler parameters of the umbilical artery in the mother. The goal of this study was to evaluate the significance of sonographic UC diameter in determining gestational age in third trimester in pregnant women.

Methods: We conducted a comparative cross-sectional research on 300 pregnant women aged range between (20-35) years, singleton gestation, gestational age (3rd) trimester estimated from antenatal mothers last menstrual period (LMP), viable fetus, presenting to obstetrics and gynecology department at Tanta university hospital.

Results: Highly statistically significant positive correlation between UC diameter and gestational age, BPD, FL, AC, AFI, and estimated fetal weight was found. The increase in UC diameter was positively and significantly correlated with the increase in gestational age and estimated fetal weight, indicating that those who have prolonged gestational age and estimated fetal weight are more likely to have wider UC diameter.

Conclusions: The UC diameter (UCD) has the potential to be a valuable indicator of fetal growth, well-being, and perinatal outcome.

Sonographic measurement of UC diameter could be an efficient method of measuring fetal growth and predicting gestational age (GA), particularly between 28-40 weeks GA. It is possible that abnormal UC diameter can be a strong indicator to identify antenatal mothers at risk for IUFD and poor fetal outcomes.
Farmers as Consumers of Quality Fertilizers: Willingness to Pay and Empirical Evidences from Bangladesh
Authors: Nasrin Mahmuda , Bauer Siegfried , Arman Md , Akhter Shamima
Published: August 2021

The study investigated farmer’s willingness to pay for getting quality fertilizers by employing probit and ordered probit models as the quality of fertilizers were often adulterated in Bangladesh. Primary data collected from 300 farm households were utilized. Results indicated that an average farmer’s willingness to pay was influenced significantly by the farm size group, annual income, off-farm income, product prices and financial constraints. All farmers except marginal farmers were more likely to be willing to pay more than market prices for urea and MoP. The findings suggested for adjusting the farm size group specific subsidy policies. More off-farm employment opportunities could be created in the farming regions to strengthen farmer’s financial capability.
Designing Shape Morphing Behavior through Local Programming of Mechanical Metamaterials
Authors: Wenz Franziska , Schmidt Ingo , Leichner Alexander , Lichti Tobias , Baumann Sascha , Andrae Heiko , Eberl Christoph
Published: August 2021

Shape morphing implicates that a specific condition leads to a morphing reaction. The material thus transforms from one shape to another in a predefined manner. In this paper, not only the target shape but rather the evolution of the material's shape as a function of the applied strain is programmed. To rationalize the design process, concepts from informatics (processing functions, for example, Poisson's ratio (PR) as function of strain: ν = f(ε) and if‐then‐else conditions) will be introduced. Three types of shape morphing behavior will be presented: (1) achieving a target shape by linearly increasing the amplitude of the shape, (2) filling up a target shape in linear steps, and (3) shifting a bulge through the material to a target position. In the first case, the shape is controlled by a geometric gradient within the material. The filling kind of behavior was implemented by logical operations. Moreover, programming moving hillocks (3) requires to implement a sinusoidal function εy = sin (εx) and an if‐then‐else statement into the unit cells combined with a global stiffness gradient. The three cases will be used to show how the combination of mechanical mechanisms as well as the related parameter distribution enable a programmable shape morphing behavior in an inverse design process.
Strain‐Induced Modulation of Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance in Ultrathin Hexagonal Gold Nanoplates
Authors: Park Gyeong‐Su , Min Kyung Suk , Kwon Hyuksang , Yoon Sangwoon , Park Sangwon , Kwon Ji‐Hwan , Lee Sangmin , Jo Jaeyeon , Kim Miyoung , Kim Seong Keun
Published: August 2021

Anisotropic gold nanoplates (NPLs) have raised the interesting possibility that their reduced geometrical symmetry allows fine tuning of their optical properties associated with the excitation of localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPRs). Recent developments have greatly improved LSPR tunability by utilizing the spatial distribution of LSPR modes. However, the nanoscale interplay between defect‐induced mechanical strain and the spatial variation of LSPR modes remains poorly understood. In this work, the combination of high spatial‐ and spectral‐resolution mapping of LSPR modes and nanoscale strain mapping using aberration‐corrected transmission electron microscopy are applied to investigate the nanoscale distribution of LSPR modes in an ultrathin single hexagonal gold NPL and the effect of defect‐induced strains on its LSPR properties. The electron energy‐loss spectral maps reveal four distinct LSPR components and intensity distributions of all LSPR modes in a hexagonal gold NPL. Furthermore, the strain maps provide experimental evidence that the tensile strain field induced by a Z‐shaped faulted dipole is responsible for the asymmetric distribution of LSPR intensity in a hexagonal gold NPL.
Liquid Crystal Structure of Supercooled Liquid Gallium and Eutectic Gallium–Indium
Authors: Yunusa Muhammad , Adaka Alex , Aghakhani Amirreza , Shahsavan Hamed , Guo Yubing , Alapan Yunus , Jákli Antal , Sitti Metin
Published: August 2021

Understanding the origin of structural ordering in supercooled liquid gallium (Ga) has been a great scientific quest in the past decades. Here, reflective polarized optical microscopy on Ga sandwiched between glasses treated with rubbed polymers reveals the onset of an anisotropic reflection at 120 °C that increases on cooling and persists down to room temperature or below. The polymer rubbing usually aligns the director of thermotropic liquid crystals (LCs) parallel to the rubbing direction. On the other hand, when Ga is sandwiched between substrates that align conventional LC molecules normal to the surface, the reflection is isotropic, but mechanical shear force induces anisotropic reflection that relaxes in seconds. Such alignment effects and shear‐induced realignment are typical to conventional thermotropic LCs and indicate a LC structure of liquid Ga. Specifically, Ga textures obtained by atomic force and scanning electron microscopy reveal the existence of a lamellar structure corresponding to a smectic LC phase, while the nanometer‐thin lamellar structure is transparent under transmission polarized optical microscopy. Such spatial molecular arrangements may be attributed to dimer molecular entities in the supercooled liquid Ga. The LC structure observation of electrically conductive liquid Ga can provide new opportunities in materials science and LC applications.
Designing the Safe Reopening of US Towns Through High‐Resolution Agent‐Based Modeling
Authors: Truszkowska Agnieszka , Thakore Malav , Zino Lorenzo , Butail Sachit , Caroppo Emanuele , Jiang Zhong‐Ping , Rizzo Alessandro , Porfiri Maurizio
Published: August 2021

As COVID‐19 vaccine is being rolled out in the US, public health authorities are gradually reopening the economy. To date, there is no consensus on a common approach among local authorities. Here, a high‐resolution agent‐based model is proposed to examine the interplay between the increased immunity afforded by the vaccine roll‐out and the transmission risks associated with reopening efforts. The model faithfully reproduces the demographics, spatial layout, and mobility patterns of the town of New Rochelle, NY — representative of the urban fabric of the US. Model predictions warrant caution in the reopening under the current rate at which people are being vaccinated, whereby increasing access to social gatherings in leisure locations and households at a 1% daily rate can lead to a 28% increase in the fatality rate within the next three months. The vaccine roll‐out plays a crucial role on the safety of reopening: doubling the current vaccination rate is predicted to be sufficient for safe, rapid reopening.
A Multi‐Scale Structural Engineering Strategy for High‐Performance MXene Hydrogel Supercapacitor Electrode
Authors: Huang Xianwu , Huang Jiahui , Yang Dong , Wu Peiyi
Published: August 2021

MXenes as an emerging two‐dimensional (2D) material have attracted tremendous interest in electrochemical energy‐storage systems such as supercapacitors. Nevertheless, 2D MXene flakes intrinsically tend to lie flat on the substrate when self‐assembling as electrodes, leading to the highly tortuous ion pathways orthogonal to the current collector and hindering ion accessibility. Herein, a facile strategy toward multi‐scale structural engineering is proposed to fabricate high‐performance MXene hydrogel supercapacitor electrodes. By unidirectional freezing of the MXene slurry followed by a designed thawing process in the sulfuric acid electrolyte, the hydrogel electrode is endowed with a three‐dimensional (3D) open macrostructure impregnated with sufficient electrolyte and H+‐intercalated microstructure, which provide abundant active sites for ion storage. Meanwhile, the ordered channels bring through‐electrode ion and electron transportation pathways that facilitate electrolyte infiltration and mass exchange between electrolyte and electrode. Furthermore, this strategy can also be extended to the fabrication of a 3D‐printed all‐MXene micro‐supercapacitor (MSC), delivering an ultrahigh areal capacitance of 2.0 F cm–2 at 1.2 mA cm–2 and retaining 1.2 F cm–2 at 60 mA cm–2 together with record‐high energy density (0.1 mWh cm–2 at 0.38 mW cm–2).
Charge Carrier Mobility in Organic Mixed Ionic–Electronic Conductors by the Electrolyte‐Gated van der Pauw Method
Authors: Bonafè Filippo , Decataldo Francesco , Fraboni Beatrice , Cramer Tobias
Published: August 2021

Organic mixed ionic–electronic conductors (OMIECs) combine electronic semiconductor functionality with ionic conductivity, biocompatibility, and electrochemical stability in water and are currently investigated as the active material in devices for bioelectronics, neuromorphic computing, as well as energy conversion and storage. Operation speed of such devices depends on fast electronic transport in OMIECs. However, due to contact resistance problems, reliable measurements of electronic mobility are difficult to achieve in this class of materials. To address the problem, the electrolyte‐gated van der Pauw (EgVDP) method is introduced for the simple and accurate determination of the electrical characteristics of OMIEC thin films, independent of contact effects. The technique is applied to the most widespread OMIEC blend, poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) doped with poly(styrenesulfonic acid) (PEDOT:PSS). By comparing with organic electrochemical transistor (OECT) measurements, it is found that gate voltage dependent contact resistance effects lead to systematic errors in OECT based transport characterization. These observations confirm that a contact‐independent technique is crucial for the proper characterization of OMIECs, and the EgVDP method reveals to be a simple, elegant, but effective technique for this scope.
Directed Growth of Dendritic Polymer Networks for Organic Electrochemical Transistors and Artificial Synapses
Authors: Cucchi Matteo , Kleemann Hans , Tseng Hsin , Ciccone Giuseppe , Lee Alexander , Pohl Darius , Leo Karl
Published: August 2021

Organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) are an emerging class of devices which operate in electrolytic solution and show controllable memory effects. For these reasons, OECT hold great potential for applications in bioelectronics and neuromorphic computing. Among the methods proposed to fabricate OECT channels, electropolymerization stands out because it allows to produce electrical connections on the substrates on‐demand and further modify them to adjust their electrical properties to meet circuit requirements. However, the practical application of this method is hampered by the difficulty in controlling the growth direction as well as the morphology of the film, resulting in a large device‐to‐device variability and limiting the down‐scaling of the devices. In this study, AC‐electropolymerization is proposed to produce directionally controlled channels. The method allows to adjust physical properties such as resistance and capacitance by varying the polymerization parameters, such as voltage, frequency, and salt concentration. The growth mechanism, material morphology, and network topology is investigated, and the advantages of this approach by showing tunable neuromorphic features and the possibility to scale down the channels to the micrometer scale is demonstrated.
Layer‐by‐layered organic solar cells: Morphology optimizing strategies and processing techniques
Authors: Yu Runnan , Wei Xueqi , Wu Guangzheng , Tan Zhan'ao
Published: August 2021

The last decades have witnessed the rapid development and the gradually improved efficiencies of organic solar cells (OSCs), which show great potentials in the fabrication of eco‐friendly and flexible photovoltaic panels. Layer‐by‐layered (LBL) structure via sequential processing of the donor and acceptor layers becomes an advisable option to construct pseudo‐bilayer configurations in OSC active layer. Favorable vertical phase separation and sufficient exciton dissociation interfaces can be simultaneously realized in such aggregation morphology via different processing technologies and strategies. High efficiencies of over 18% in ternary LBL device and 11.9% in LBL‐processed module (11.52 cm2) have been successfully achieved in recent works. Moreover, the unique merits of LBL structure in individual layer processing enable it a promising candidate for large‐scale printing and further industrialization of OSCs. This perspective provides the recent advance of LBL OSCs with the focus on fabrication technologies and strategies for morphology control and also proposes the current thinking and perspective on LBL structures for future development.
Exome survey of individuals affected by VATER/VACTERL with renal phenotypes identifies phenocopies and novel candidate genes
Authors: Kolvenbach Caroline M. , van der Ven Amelie T. , Kause Franziska , Shril Shirlee , Scala Marcello , Connaughton Dervla M. , Mann Nina , Nakayama Makiko , Dai Rufeng , Kitzler Thomas M. , Schneider Ronen , Schierbaum Luca , Schneider Sophia , Accogli Andrea , Torella Annalaura , Piatelli Gianluca , Nigro Vincenzo , Capra Valeria , Hoppe Bernd , Märzheuser Stefanie , Schmiedeke Eberhard , Rehm Heidi L. , Mane Shrikant , Lifton Richard P. , Dworschak Gabriel C. , Hilger Alina C. , Reutter Heiko , Hildebrandt Friedhelm
Published: August 2021

The acronym VATER/VACTERL refers to the rare nonrandom association of the following component features (CFs): vertebral defects (V), anorectal malformations (ARM) (A), cardiac anomalies (C), tracheoesophageal fistula with or without esophageal atresia (TE), renal malformations (R), and limb anomalies (L). For the clinical diagnosis, the presence of at least three CFs is required, individuals presenting with only two CFs have been categorized as VATER/VACTERL‐like. The majority of VATER/VACTERL individuals displays a renal phenotype. Hitherto, variants in FGF8, FOXF1, HOXD13, LPP, TRAP1, PTEN, and ZIC3 have been associated with the VATER/VACTERL association; however, large‐scale re‐sequencing could only confirm TRAP1 and ZIC3 as VATER/VACTERL disease genes, both associated with a renal phenotype. In this study, we performed exome sequencing in 21 individuals and their families with a renal VATER/VACTERL or VATER/VACTERL‐like phenotype to identify potentially novel genetic causes. Exome analysis identified biallelic and X‐chromosomal hemizygous potentially pathogenic variants in six individuals (29%) in B9D1, FREM1, ZNF157, SP8, ACOT9, and TTLL11, respectively. The online tool GeneMatcher revealed another individual with a variant in ZNF157. Our study suggests six biallelic and X‐chromosomal hemizygous VATER/VACTERL disease genes implicating all six genes in the expression of human renal malformations.
Reshaping the Inflammatory Environment in Rheumatoid Arthritis Joints by Targeting Delivery of Berberine with Platelet‐Derived Extracellular Vesicles
Authors: Ma Qingle , Bai Jinyu , Xu Jialu , Dai Huaxing , Fan Qin , Fei Ziying , Chu Jiacheng , Yao Chenlu , Shi Haoliang , Zhou Xiaozhong , Bo Lin , Wang Chao
Published: August 2021

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation and joint destruction. Herein, an inflamed joint‐targeting delivery platform is developed based on platelet‐derived extracellular vesicles (PEVs) that are naturally occurring nanoparticles released by platelets, loaded with berberine (BBR) for suppressing the progress of RA. It is found that PEVs could selectively target the inflamed arthritis site in RA mice. In addition, BBR‐loaded PEVs exert anti‐inflammatory effects by reshaping the inflammatory environment in affected joints. It is shown that intravenous injection of BBR‐loaded PEVs into RA mice can effectively reduce joint swelling and bone erosion and restore mobility compared with free drug therapy. This strategy can effectively enhance the efficacy of RA treatment with limited side effects.
Strategien zur Vermeidung von Artefakten in der massenspektrometrischen Epitranskriptomanalytik
Authors: Kaiser Steffen , Byrne Shane R. , Ammann Gregor , Asadi Atoi Paria , Borland Kayla , Brecheisen Roland , DeMott Michael S. , Gehrke Tim , Hagelskamp Felix , Heiss Matthias , Yoluç Yasemin , Liu Lili , Zhang Qinghua , Dedon Peter C. , Cao Bo , Kellner Stefanie
Published: August 2021

In diesem Artikel führen wir eine Strukturvalidierung von RNA‐Phosphorothioat (PT)‐Modifikationen durch, von welchen vor Kurzem im Epitranskriptom von Bakterien und Eukaryoten, einschließlich des Menschen, berichtet wurde. Durch den Vergleich synthetischer PT‐haltiger Diribonukleotide mit nativen Spezies aus RNA‐Hydrolysaten mittels hochauflösender Massenspektrometrie (MS), metabolisch stabiler Isotopenmarkierung und PT‐spezifischer Iodoxidation, widerlegen wir die Existenz von PTs in RNA aus E. coli, S. cerevisiae, menschlichen Zelllinien und Mausgehirn. Darüber hinaus erläutern wir, wie 2′‐O‐methylierte Diribonukleotide durch ein MS‐Artefakt anfänglich als RNA‐Phosphorothioate fehlidentifiziert wurden. Um die Strukturvalidierung neuer Nukleinsäuremodifikationen zu unterstützen, präsentieren wir einen detaillierten Leitfaden für die MS‐Analyse von RNA‐Hydrolysaten und betonen, wie das gewählte RNA‐Verdauprotokoll ein entscheidender Faktor bei der Entdeckung und Quantifizierung von RNA‐Modifikationen in biologischen Proben sein kann.
Strategies to Avoid Artifacts in Mass Spectrometry‐Based Epitranscriptome Analyses
Authors: Kaiser Steffen , Byrne Shane R. , Ammann Gregor , Asadi Atoi Paria , Borland Kayla , Brecheisen Roland , DeMott Michael S. , Gehrke Tim , Hagelskamp Felix , Heiss Matthias , Yoluç Yasemin , Liu Lili , Zhang Qinghua , Dedon Peter C. , Cao Bo , Kellner Stefanie
Published: August 2021

In this report, we perform structure validation of recently reported RNA phosphorothioate (PT) modifications, a new set of epitranscriptome marks found in bacteria and eukaryotes including humans. By comparing synthetic PT‐containing diribonucleotides with native species in RNA hydrolysates by high‐resolution mass spectrometry (MS), metabolic stable isotope labeling, and PT‐specific iodine‐desulfurization, we disprove the existence of PTs in RNA from E. coli, S. cerevisiae, human cell lines, and mouse brain. Furthermore, we discuss how an MS artifact led to the initial misidentification of 2′‐O‐methylated diribonucleotides as RNA phosphorothioates. To aid structure validation of new nucleic acid modifications, we present a detailed guideline for MS analysis of RNA hydrolysates, emphasizing how the chosen RNA hydrolysis protocol can be a decisive factor in discovering and quantifying RNA modifications in biological samples.
Grafting the buffer interphase ''MOF‐5'' for acquiring carbon fiber reinforced composite with excellent mechanical and tribological properties
Authors: Ouyang Haibo , Zhou Man , Fei Jie , Duan Xiao , Liu Tian , Zhao Bei , Huang Jian Feng
Published: August 2021

The metal organic frameworks (MOF‐5) with nanoscale porosity and organic–inorganic heterocyclic structure were chemically grafted onto carbon fibers by solvothermal for forming high mechanical interlocking composite architectures and releasing the interfacial forces, so as to obtain carbon fiber reinforced composite with excellent mechanical and tribological properties. With the multi‐scale enhancement of MOF‐5, the optimized tensile and bending strength of the composite increased by about 177.9% and 81.3%, respectively. Moreover, the friction coefficient was higher and relatively stable under the continuous wet friction condition, as well as the wear rate was reduced by 44.4%. The work suggests that the application of MOFs can be extended to the field of structural composites.
Enhanced thermal conductivity and wear resistance of polytetrafluoroethylene via incorporating hexagonal boron nitride and alumina particles
Authors: Chen Hong , Li Chenxi , Yao Quanwei , Chen Feng , Fu Qiang
Published: August 2021

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) receives wide attention in electronic packaging materials due to its excellent dielectric properties, friction properties and thermal stability. However, its extremely low thermal conductivity limits its further application. In this work, hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) platelets are added into PTFE matrix to improve the thermal conductivity as the expense of largely deteriorated friction property. To make up the loss of friction property, alumina particles (AO) are also added and the effects of filler ratio between h‐BN and alumina on the thermal conductivity and tribological performance of PTFE composites are investigated. It is interesting to find that when the filler ratio of h‐BN and alumina is fixed at 2:1, the through‐plane and in‐plane thermal conductivity of PTFE composite filled with 30 vol% hybrid filler can be increased to 1.544 Wm−1 K−1 and 2.029 Wm−1 K−1 (5.5 and 5.7 times that of PTFE), respectively. Furthermore, the coefficient of friction of PTFE composites only increases by 21.32% and the wear rate decreased by 48.09%, compared with that of PTFE. Our work demonstrates a facile method to achieve much improved thermal conductivity of PTFE while maintaining its excellent dielectric properties and friction properties by using hybrid filler of h‐BN and AO.