bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resistance to grain protectants and synergism in Pakistani strains of Sitophilus oryzae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Khan Tiyyabah , Haider Muhammad Saleem , Khan Hafiz Azhar Ali
Published: July 2022

The widespread use of insecticides for the management of insect pests in storage facilities and food industries have caused insecticide resistance a frequent issue worldwide. Nonetheless, this issue has been little explored in Pakistan that resulted in control failures and increased dosage of insecticides. In the present study, insecticide resistance to chlorpyrifos-methyl, pirimiphos-methyl, permethrin and spinosad was surveyed in five field strains of Sitophilus oryzae: FSD-SO, GJR-SO, DGK-SO, MTN-SO and BWP-SO, collected from five different localities of Punjab, Pakistan, and contrasted with an insecticide susceptible reference strain (Lab-SO). Dose-mortality bioassays were performed in glass vials containing insecticide-treated rice grains, and lethal doses (LD50 and LD95) were calculated and compared using the ratio tests. In comparison to the Lab-SO strain at LD50 and LD95 levels, field strains exhibited: 24.51 to 52.80 and 36.55 to 69.31 resistance ratios (RRs), respectively, for chlorpyrifos-methyl; 15.89 to 45.97 and 55.12 to 194.93 RRs, respectively, for pirimiphos-methyl; 39.76 to 108.61 and 61.33 to 130.12 RRs, respectively, for permethrin; 4.23 to 27.50 and 6.28 to 41.00 RRs, respectively, for spinosad. In the synergism experiments using the Lab-SO and the most resistant strains against each insecticide, the enzyme inhibitors (PBO and DEF) failed to synergize toxicity of insecticides in the Lab-SO strain; however, toxicity of chlorpyrifos-methyl, pirimiphos-methyl and permethrin significantly enhanced in the resistant strains of S. oryzae, suggesting possibility of metabolic mechanism of resistance. In addition, activities of detoxification enzymes (CarE, MFO and GST) were significantly higher in resistant strains compared to the Lab-SO strain. The results revealed presence of insecticide resistance in field strains of S. oryzae that necessitate the need to develop a resistance management strategy.
Adaptive locomotion during subtle environmental changes in younger and older adults
Authors: Sakurai Ryota , Kodama Kentaro , Ozawa Yu
Published: July 2022

For older adults especially, to perform everyday activities safely, adaptive locomotion that adjusts basic locomotion pattern according to the environmental features is critical. It is unknown, however, whether their locomotor patterns can be modified when there are subtle environmental changes. We examined adaptive limb movements, focusing on obstacle avoidance and age-related changes during such situations. Younger (102, with a mean age of 27.5 years) and older (101, with a mean age of 78.3 years) participants walked across one obstacle (150 mm height) four different times. The obstacles were then covertly raised or lowered by 10% of the baseline obstacle height (i.e., 165 mm for ascending and 135 mm for descending conditions), and participants were asked to repeat the activity. We measured leading and trailing foot clearances, the vertical distances between toe tips and the upper edge of the obstacle. In the ascending condition, both groups adjusted and raised their limb clearance according to the obstacle height change. Alternatively, foot clearance of the leading limb for the lowered obstacle did not change among the older adults, whereas it changed in the young adults (lowered their clearance). No changes were observed in the trailing foot clearance for the descending conditions in either age group. Our results suggest that when facing environmental changes that compromise safe mobility, individuals can adapt leading limb movement based on subtle environmental changes, irrespective of age. In case of other changes (i.e., in low-risk situations), however, the ability of adaptive locomotion may be affected by aging.
Microinvasive breast cancer and the role of sentinel lymph node biopsy
Authors: Hacking Sean M. , Leonard Kara-Lynne , Wu Dongling , Banks Mara , Graves Theresa , Wang Lijuan , Yakirevich Evgeny , Wang Yihong
Published: July 2022

Whether sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) should be performed in patients with microinvasive breast cancer (MIBC) has been a matter of debate over the last decade. MIBC has a favorable prognosis and while metastasis to the axilla is rare, it can impact treatment recommendations. In this study we evaluated clinical and histological features in both MIBC and background DCIS including ER, PR, and HER-2, number of foci of MIBC, the extent of the DCIS, nuclear grade, presence of comedo necrosis, as well as surgical procedures, adjuvant treatment and follow up to identify variables which predict disease free survival (DFS), as well as the factors which influence clinical decision making. Our study included 72 MIBC patients with a mean patient follow-up time of 55 months. Three patients with MIBC had recurrence, and two deceased, leaving five patients in total with poor long-term outcomes and a DFS rate of 93.1%. Performing mastectomy, high nuclear grade, and negativity for ER and HER-2 were found to be associated with the use of SLNB, although none of these variables were found to be associated with DFS. One positive lymph node case was discovered following SLNB in our study. This suggests the use of SLNB may provide diagnostic information to some patients, although these are the anomalies. When comparing patients who had undergone SLNB to those which had not there was no difference in DFS. Certainly, the use of SLNB in MIBC is quite the conundrum. It is important to acknowledge that surgical complications have been reported, and traditional metrics used for risk assessment in invasive breast cancer may not hold true in the setting of microinvasion.
Characteristics associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy
Authors: Borga Liyousew G. , Clark Andrew E. , D’Ambrosio Conchita , Lepinteur Anthony
Published: July 2022

Understanding what lies behind actual COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is fundamental to help policy makers increase vaccination rates and reach herd immunity. We use June 2021 data from the COME-HERE survey to explore the predictors of actual vaccine hesitancy in France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain and Sweden. We estimate a linear-probability model with a rich set of covariates and address issues of common-method variance. 13% of our sample say they do not plan to be vaccinated. Post-Secondary education, home-ownership, having an underlying health condition, and one standard-deviation higher age or income are all associated with lower vaccine hesitancy of 2–4.5% points. Conservative-leaning political attitudes and a one standard-deviation lower degree of confidence in the government increase this probability by 3 and 6% points respectively. Vaccine hesitancy in Spain and Sweden is significantly lower than in the other countries.
Experimental study on axial compression for composite hollow column of steel fiber, high-strength lightweight aggregate concrete and angle steel
Authors: Xiang Zehui , Qiao Dan , Niu Jiangang , Liu Weiheng
Published: July 2022

In order to study the axial compression performance for composite hollow column of steel fiber, high-strength lightweight aggregate concrete and angle steel, the axial compression tests were carried out on five composite hollow columns of steel fiber, high-strength lightweight aggregate concrete and angle steel with the variation parameters of hollow ratio (0%, 15%, 16%, 32% and 36%) and the form of opening (round hole and square hole). The failure phenomena and failure forms of the specimens were observed, and their stress–strain curves were measured, and the axial bearing capacity formula suitable for composite hollow column of steel fiber, high-strength lightweight aggregate concrete and angle steel was established. The following conclusions may be obtained from the test results: the axial compression performance for the composite hollow columns of angle steel is influenced by the hollow ratio and opening form greatly. The axial compression performance for composite hollow columns of steel fiber, high-strength lightweight aggregate concrete and angle steel is almost close to that of composite solid columns when the hollow ratio is low; The higher the void ratio, the more the cracks at the surface of the concrete, some transverse cracks appear, the peak load decreases by about 5–38%, and the deformation ductility coefficient increases gradually; The deformation ductility coefficient of round-hole hollow column is lower than that of square-hole hollow column. Based on the test, the finite element software ABAQUS is used to simulate the SCAH column. The correctness of the model is verified via the comparison between the numerical simulation results and the test results. At the same time, the stress nephogram of concrete and steel at different stages and the stress nephogram at concrete restraint state are simulated. According to the finite element simulation results, Mander model is used to calculate the axial compression bearing capacity of composite hollow column of angle steel. The high calculation accuracy and suitable for popularization can be obtained.
Active thermal-fuse for stopping blue light leakage of white light-emitting diodes driven by constant current
Authors: Sun Ching-Cherng , Nguyen Quang-Khoi , Lee Tsung-Xian , Lin Shih-Kang , Wu Chi-Shou , Yang Tsung-Hsun , Yu Yeh-Wei
Published: July 2022

In this study, we proposed and demonstrated a circuit design for solving problems related to blue light leakage (e.g., eye damage) when phosphor-converted white light-emitting diodes (pcW-LEDs) overheat. This circuit only needs a positive thermal coefficient thermistor, resistor, and diodes in series and parallel; thus, it can easily be integrated into components. Simulations and corresponding experimental results show that this method can accurately suppress the overheating component’s injection current and allow for LEDs to work normally after returning to the operating temperature. It thus allows the user's eyes to be actively protected, e.g., to avoid exposure to the bluish light when overheating occurs. In addition, the quenching of luminous flux is a signal to remind the user to replace the LED. The proposed method is low-cost, effective, simple, and useful for increasing the quality of LED lighting and biological safety.
Comparing the clinical utility of single-shot, readout-segmented and zoomit echo-planar imaging in diffusion-weighted imaging of the kidney at 3 T
Authors: Liu Wenguang , Liu Hui , xie Simin , Masokano Ismail Bilal , Bai Yu , Wang Xiao , Zhong Linhui , Wu Yi , Nie Jilin , Zhou Gaofeng , Pei Yigang , Li Wenzheng
Published: July 2022

We compared the clinical utility of single-shot echo-planar imaging (SS-EPI) using different breathing schemes, readout-segmented EPI and zoomit EPI in the repeatability of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measurements, cortico-medullary contrast to noise ratio (c-mCNR) and image quality. In this institutional review board-approved prospective study, some common clinically applicable diffusion-weighted imaging (b = 50, 400, 800 s/mm2) of kidney on 3.0 T MRI were performed on 22 volunteers using SS-EPI with breath-hold diffusion-weighted imaging (BH-DWI), free-breathing (FB-DWI), navigator-triggered (NT-DWI) and respiratory-triggered (RT-DWI), readout-segmented DWI (RS-DWI), and Zoomit DWI (Z-DWI). ADC and c-mCNR were measured in 12 anatomic locations (the upper, middle, and lower pole of the renal cortex and medulla), and image quality was assessed on these DWI sequences. A DWI with the optimal clinical utility was decided by systematically assessing the ADC repeatability, c-mCNR and image quality among the DWIs. For ADC measurements, Z-DWI had an excellent intra-observer agreement (intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs): 0.876–0.944) and good inter-observer agreement (inter-class ICCs: 0.798–0.856) in six DWI sequences. Z-DWI had the highest ADC repeatability in most of the 12 anatomic locations of the kidneys (mean ADC absolute difference: 0.070–0.111 × 10−3 mm2/s, limit of agreement: 0.031–0.056 × 10−3 mm2/s). In all DWIs, Z-DWI yielded a slightly higher c-mCNR than other DWIs in most representative locations (P > 0.05), which was significantly higher than BH-DWI and FB-DWI in the middle pole of both kidneys and the upper pole of the left kidney (P < 0.05). In addition, Z-DWI yielded image quality that was similar to RT-DWI and NT-DWI (P > 0.05) and superior to BH-DWI, FB-DWI and RS-DWI (P < 0.05). Our results suggest that Z-DWI provides the highest ADC reproducibility, better c-mCNR and good image quality on 3.0 T MRI, making it the recommended sequence for clinical DWI of the kidney.
An investigation into the effects of soil and fastener-freezing on ground vibrations induced by high-speed train in frozen regions
Authors: Peng Yuhao , Li Qionglin , Chen Zongping , Zhang Haodi , Sheng Xiaozhen
Published: July 2022

With the expansion of high-speed railway network in the world, it is inevitable for railways to pass through seasonal frozen regions. Since in a seasonal frozen region the ground can have significantly different mechanical properties between the freezing season and the warm season, train-induced ground vibration is also season-dependent but it has not received enough attention up to now. This paper gives an investigation into the effects of soil and fastener-freezing on ground vibrations induced by high-speed train in frozen regions. Based on the well-established relationships between soil mechanical properties and freezing temperature, a frozen ground is shown to be still represented by a layered ground and therefore, previously developed models for predicting ground vibration generated by a train running along a track resting on a layered ground can be readily applied. The effects of low temperature on the dynamical properties of fasteners are also considered. Results show that, due to the increased Young’s modulus at freezing condition, the vibration level of a frozen ground near the track is lower than that of the non-frozen counterpart. However, well away from the track, the vibration level of the frozen ground is much stronger than that of the non-frozen one, mainly due to the much-reduced loss factor of the frozen ground, which results in slower attenuation of vibration with propagating distance. Results also show that, the difference in ground vibration between a frozen ground and its non-frozen counterpart is mainly caused by freezing of the ground. The emphasis of this study lies in making clear the characteristics of train-induced ground vibration in frozen regions and the differences between frozen and non-frozen regions, providing some new fundamental insights about this practical problem, which have significant engineering guidance and application value.
Comparing two different automatic methods to measure femoral neck-shaft angle based on PointNet++ network
Authors: Li Zhe , Yang Jiayu , Li Xinghua , Wang Kunzheng , Han Jungang , Yang Pei
Published: July 2022

Accurate measurement of the femoral neck-shaft angle (NSA) is of great significance for diagnosing hip joint diseases and preoperative planning of total hip arthroplasty. However, the repeatability of manual measurements is not as satisfactory, and the difference between 2D and 3D measurements is not clear. The computer-aided method provides a platform for automatic and accurate measurement of the NSA. The femoral point cloud datasets from 310 subjects were segmented into three regions, including the femoral head, femoral neck, and femoral shaft using PointNet++. We created a projection plane to simulate the hip anteroposterior radiograph and fitted the femoral neck axis and femoral shaft axis to complete the 2D measurement, while we directly fitted the two axes in space to complete the 3D measurement. Also, we conducted the manual measurement of the NSA. We verified the accuracy of the segmentation and compared the results of the two automatic and manual methods. The Dice coefficient of femoral segmentation reached 0.9746, and MIoU of that was 0.9165. No significant difference was found between any two of the three methods. While comparing the 2D and 3D methods, the average accuracy was 98.00%, and the average error was 2.58°. This paper proposed two accurate and automatic methods to measure the NSA based on a 2D plane and a 3D model respectively. Although the femoral neck and femoral shaft axes did not intersect in 3D space, the NSAs obtained by 2D and 3D methods were basically consistent.
Acrylamide inhibits long-term potentiation and learning involving microglia and pro-inflammatory signaling
Authors: Izumi Yukitoshi , Fujii Chika , O’Dell Kazuko A. , Zorumski Charles F.
Published: July 2022

Acrylamide is a chemical used in various industries and a product following high-temperature cooking of vegetables containing asparagine. Environmental or dietary exposure to acrylamide could impair cognitive function because of its neurotoxicity. Using rat hippocampal slices, we tested whether acrylamide alters induction of long-term potentiation (LTP), a cellular model of learning and memory. We hypothesized that acrylamide impairs cognitive function via activation of pro-inflammatory cytokines because robust upregulation of NLRP3 inflammasome has been reported. Although acrylamide up to 3 mM did not alter basal synaptic transmission, incubation with 10 μM or acute administration of 100 μM acrylamide inhibited induction of LTP. Inhibitors of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), and minocycline, an inhibitor of microglial activation, overcame the effects of acrylamide on LTP induction. Furthermore, we observed that acrylamide failed to inhibit LTP after administration of MCC950, an inhibitor of NLRP3, or in the presence of Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra). We also found that in vivo acrylamide injection transiently impaired body weight gain and impaired one-trial inhibitory avoidance learning. This learning deficit was overcome by MCC950. These results indicate that cognitive impairment by acrylamide is mediated by mechanisms involving microglia and release of cytokines via NLRP3 activation.
Establishment of Yan-Zhang's staging of digestive tract magnetic compression anastomosis in a rat model
Authors: Zhang Miaomiao , Lyu Xin , Zhao Guangbin , An Yingfeng , Lyu Yi , Yan Xiaopeng
Published: July 2022

Magnetic compression anastomosis, also known as magnamosis, is a safe and feasible method for digestive tract anastomosis. However, the pathological process involved in magnamosis of the digestive tract has not been investigated. This study aimed to establish the stages of digestive tract magnamosis in a rat model. Eighty-four Sprague–Dawley albino rats (200–250 g) were randomly divided into 14 groups (n = 6 per group). All rats underwent colonic magnamosis. Starting from postoperative day (POD) 1, one group of rats was sacrificed every other day to obtain the specimens. Burst pressure at the anastomotic site of each specimen was examined. Gross and histological examination of the anastomotic site was performed to establish the stages of the digestive tract magnamosis. Colonic magnamosis was successfully performed in all rats and the mean anastomosis time was 5.62 ± 0.91 min. The postoperative survival rate was 100%. The lowest anastomotic burst pressure was 78.33 ± 3.44 mmHg on POD3. The anastomotic burst pressure gradually increased and stabilized on POD21. Macroscopic and histological examination showed that the anastomotic mucosal and serosal layer did not heal on POD1. The serosal layer of the anastomosis healed by adhesion on POD3, and the mucosal layer began to heal on POD3-11 and was established by POD21. According to the anastomotic bursting pressure, digestive tract magnamosis can be staged into the magnetic maintenance, fragile, strengthening, and stable phases, which on histology correspond to the serosal adhesion formation, serosal healing, mucosal healing, and stereotyping, respectively.
The value of social interactions and incentives on the use of a digital contact tracing tool post COVID-19 lockdown in Singapore
Authors: Huang Zhilian , Guo Huiling , Lim Hannah Yee-Fen , Ho Kia Nam , Tay Evonne , Chow Angela
Published: July 2022

We assessed the preferences and trade-offs for social interactions, incentives, and being traced by a digital contact tracing (DCT) tool post lockdown in Singapore by a discrete choice experiment (DCE) among 3839 visitors of a large public hospital in Singapore between July 2020 – February 2021. Respondents were sampled proportionately by gender and four age categories (21 – 80 years). The DCE questionnaire had three attributes (1. Social interactions, 2. Being traced by a DCT tool, 3. Incentives to use a DCT tool) and two levels each. Panel fixed conditional logit model was used to analyse the data. Respondents were more willing to trade being traced by a DCT tool for social interactions than incentives and unwilling to trade social interactions for incentives. The proportion of respondents preferring no incentives and could only be influenced by their family members increases with age. Among proponents of monetary incentives, the preferred median value for a month’s usage of DCT tools amounted to S$10 (USD7.25) and S$50 (USD36.20) for subsidies and lucky draw. In conclusion, DCE can be used to elicit profile-specific preferences to optimize the uptake of DCT tools during a pandemic. Social interactions are highly valued by the population, who are willing to trade them for being traced by a DCT tool during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although a small amount of incentive is sufficient to increase the satisfaction of using a DCT tool, incentives alone may not increase DCT tool uptake.
Uses and Applications of Extracts from Natural Sources
Authors: Cavalcanti R. N. , Koshima C. C. , Forster-Carneiro T. , Gomes M. T. M. S. , Rostagno M. A. , Prado J. M. , Meireles M. A. A.
Published: July 2022

Scientific knowledge about the use of natural products with functional properties, consumer demand for high-quality products, and legislative actions to reduce the use of synthetic food additives has led to an increase in the use of products from natural sources. This chapter aims to provide context information about the potential commercial uses of extracts from natural sources obtained by various extraction techniques, illustrating their importance in industry and identifying the scope of the techniques and aspects discussed in the following chapters. The main commercial applications of extracts from natural sources discussed here comprise their use as colorants, functional food products, nutraceuticals, flavors and fragrances, preserving agents, and edible/non-edible oils and fats applied in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and food industries. Due to their nature, natural products are complex. Therefore, several aspects must be considered for each application, including importance, chemical characteristics of the main compounds present, and possible mechanisms of action.
Extraction of Natural Products: Principles and Fundamental Aspects
Authors: Barbero G. F. , Ferreiro-González M. , Freitas V. C. M. , Carrera C. , Espada-Bellido E. , Ruiz-Rodríguez A. , Liazid A. , Rostagno M. A. , Prado J. M. , Palma M.
Published: July 2022

Chapter 2 will address the principles and fundamentals of extraction, focusing mainly on the conventional extraction techniques used to obtain natural compounds from plant matrices. The main characteristics of conventional extraction techniques will be described, such as soaking or maceration, infusion, decoction, percolation, reflux extraction, digestion, soxhlet, distillation with water and/or steam, sublimation, and pressing or cold-press extraction. The main extraction variables that affect these techniques will also be described, such as the previous preparation of the sample, the composition of the extraction solvent, temperature, time, and the solvent to feed ratio. To end the chapter, a real case study will be presented.
Ultrasound-assisted Extraction
Authors: Jambrak Anet Režek , Nutrizio Marinela , Pingret Daniella , Fabiano-Tixier Anne-Sylvie , Chemat Farid
Published: July 2022

Ultrasounds have been increasingly used in the natural products domain in processing, preservation, and extraction processes. The effects of ultrasounds arise from the cavitation phenomena caused by the irradiation of ultrasonic waves through the medium. The advantages of ultrasound are extensive, overcoming the shortcomings of conventional techniques on solvent and energy consumption, allowing a shorter time of treatment with a low cost of implementation. In this chapter, the mechanism(s) of ultrasounds on solid matrices will be discussed, as well as the influencing parameters for natural products applications. In the second part, the uses of ultrasound in natural product extraction techniques will be presented, followed by an example of carotenoid extraction assisted by ultrasounds.
Superheated Liquid Extraction
Authors: Priego-Capote Feliciano
Published: July 2022

Superheated liquid extraction (SHLE) is a widely used analytical technique for sample preparation of solids by using a liquid solution at high pressure and/or temperature, but below its critical point. Under these conditions, the mechanisms regulating solid − liquid extraction (the extractant penetration in the solid matrix, the diffusivity of analytes to the outer space, and the solubility of the analytes in the extractant) are enhanced. The main aims of SHLE are to increase automation, to improve extraction efficiency, and to reduce the amount of solvent required for sample preparation. For this purpose, two different operational modes (static and dynamic) can be implemented in analytical protocols. According to the principles of SHLE, this sample preparation technique is especially suited for isolation of natural products with different chemical profile (lipids, polar, and volatile compounds), as a competitive alternative to other solid − liquid extraction techniques.
Enzyme-assisted Extraction of Bioactive Ingredients
Authors: Das Srija , Nadar Shamraja S. , Rathod Virendra K.
Published: July 2022

Natural bioactive compounds find applications in various industrial domains, including the pharmaceutical industry, food industry, chemical industry, and specialty chemicals industry. Conventionally, these bioactive ingredients are extracted via solvent extraction or by physical means such as maceration. However, these methods suffer from various drawbacks such as low selectivity, poor yield, toxicity, and in some cases, diminishing the bioactivity after extraction. As the demand for a superior extraction process increases, the use of enzymes to achieve the goal has been garnering attention steadily. The most significant advantage it incurs is that the products extracted using enzymes are efficient, benign, sustainable, and eco-friendly. The enzyme-based extraction process can be conducted under mild conditions with the retention of the biological potencies of bioactive compounds. In this chapter, the source of the enzyme, its mode of action, factors affecting extraction, along with its potential applications, will be covered. Furthermore, process intensification techniques by coupling conventional methods have been highlighted with examples. In the end, the challenges associated with enzyme-assisted extraction and technique in overcoming hurdles to improve the efficacy of enzymes for extraction have been discussed.
On-line and In-line Analysis of Natural Extracts
Authors: Contieri Letícia S. , Sanches Vitor L. , da Silva Laise C. , de Souza Mesquita Leonardo M. , Rostagno Mauricio A.
Published: July 2022

Bioactive compounds extracted and purified from natural resources are used in several industrial processes. Their quantification and isolation are specific, thus the extraction process depends on the source type, method, and operational conditions. In analytical chemistry, the extraction processes make the target extracts suitable for introduction into analytical instruments. Therefore, this chapter aims to discuss the main techniques used to recover and analyze bioactive compounds highlighting the recent advances. A complete panorama of extraction techniques and their respective sample preparation, and appropriate analysis techniques will be discussed. Specifically, the discussion involves conventional techniques used to prepare extracts (Liquid–Liquid and Solid-Phase), modern extraction techniques (Liquid-Phase Micro Extraction, Solid-Phase Microextraction, Supercritical Fluid, Pressurized Liquid, and Restricted Access Material), and analysis techniques (chromatography, electrochemistry, and spectroscopy). In detail, this chapter discusses the integrated processes of extraction and analysis: on-line and in-line techniques, which are faster and more efficient for obtaining natural compounds, to achieve exhaustive (and selective) extraction of the target compounds.
Recent Trends and Perspectives for the Extraction of Natural Products
Authors: Braga M. E. M. , Seabra I. J. , Dias A. M. A. , de Sousa H. C.
Published: July 2022

In this chapter, we discuss the most recent trends and perspectives on the extraction of natural products, considering: (i) the natural-origin extracts/target compounds that are currently being more studied and extracted (as well as their potential applications); (ii) the most recently extracted vegetable raw materials that can be explored as sources for the envisaged target compounds; (iii) the current and most promising strategies regarding the extraction methodologies that are expected to be further developed and utilized in the extraction of natural products; and (iv) the novel/alternative solvents, solvent mixtures, and extraction additives that could be beneficially used in the above-referred extraction methodologies. The most used natural-origin raw materials to obtain the foreseen natural products were terrestrial plant-origin raw materials. In addition, there was a greater interest in the extraction from plant residues/wastes, from marine organisms, and micro-organisms. In terms of the most used natural product extraction methods, supercritical fluid extraction methods seem to keep the interest of researchers. In contrast, other methods, such as ultrasound, microwave, pressurized-liquid, sorptive, and combined/hyphenated extraction techniques, have gained more attention in recent decades. Finally, there has also been observed a recent interest in using novel extraction solvents and bio-solvents (or their mixtures) that may improve process safety and sustainability and/or improve extraction yields, selectivity, and stability of the target compounds. Moreover, it is expected that the observed trends will be maintained in the near future as they were motivated mainly by current consumer demands and by safety, environmental, and regulatory issues.
Economic Evaluation of Natural Product Extraction
Authors: Pereira Camila G. , Prado Juliana M. , Ferreira Wilson S. , Veggi Priscilla C. , Viganó Juliane , Meireles M. Angela A.
Published: July 2022

One of the main questions regarding a new processing technology concerns its economic feasibility. In the field of natural products this is often a difficult question to answer since little information about industrial cost is disclosed. In the last few decades there have been growing efforts in academia to evaluate the economic feasibility of new extraction processes. The methods that have been used to do so are described in this chapter, along with two case studies applied to supercritical fluid extraction and pressurized liquid extraction, which demonstrate the feasibility of these processes at an industrial scale.
Uptake and bioaccumulation of nanoparticles by five higher plants using single-particle-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry
Authors: Wang Jing , Yue Le , Zhao Jian , Cao Xuesong , Wang Chuanxi , Chen Feiran , Xiao Zhenggao , Feng Yan , Wang Zhenyu
Published: July 2022

The exposure risk of nano-enabled products towards plants and related food safety.
Achieving a near-unity quantum yield from yellow emitting metal halide double perovskites toward human-centric warm white LED lighting
Authors: Xiong Guangting , Jin Yahong , Deng Kaiyuan , Yuan Lifang , Wu Haoyi , Ju Guifang , Chen Li , Hu Yihua
Published: July 2022

A novel strategy in pursuit of “human-centric” lighting for adjusting excitation to match commercial NUV-LED chips by adding Te4+ ions, producing a zero-blue radiation and showing bright broadband yellow emission with a maximum PLQY of 95.26%.
Voltage-gated nanofluidic devices for protein capture, concentration, and release
Authors: Rangharajan Kaushik K. , Prakash Shaurya
Published: July 2022

A nanofluidic device with spatially, non-uniformly distributed gate electrodes is reported.
Treatment with silica–gold nanostructures decreases inflammation-related gene expression in collagen-induced arthritis
Authors: Ruvalcaba-Ontiveros Rosa Isela , González-Chávez Susana Aideé , Carrasco-Hernández Anel Rocío , López-Loeza Salma Marcela , Castellanos-Ponce Ivonne , Vázquez-Olvera Gregorio , Neri-Flores Miguel Ángel , Espino-Solís Gerardo Pavel , Duarte-Moller José Alberto , Pacheco-Tena César , Esparza-Ponce Hilda Esperanza
Published: July 2022

The anti-inflammatory effects of SGNs were evaluated by histology, DNA microarray and bioinformatic analyses, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, and tomography showing a reduction in joint damage and inflammation-related gene expression.
Efficiently increasing the radiative rate of TADF material with metal coordination
Authors: Cai Xian-Bao , Liang Dong , Yang Mingxue , Wu Xiao-Yuan , Lu Can-Zhong , Yu Rongmin
Published: July 2022

A simple and effective method to reduce the lifetime of a thermally activated delayed fluorescence material with a factor of over three orders of magnitude.
Color-tunable emissive heptagon-embedded polycyclic aromatic dicarboximides
Authors: Kantarod Kritchasorn , Soorukram Darunee , Kuhakarn Chutima , Surawatanawong Panida , Wattanathana Worawat , Reutrakul Vichai , Leowanawat Pawaret
Published: July 2022

A series of novel push–pull dyes containing heptagon-embedded polycyclic aromatic dicarboximides show interesting photophysical properties including tunable emissions leading to NIR, high fluorescence quantum yields (ΦF), and large Stokes shifts.
The role of halogen bonds in the catalytic mechanism of the iso-Nazarov cyclization reaction: a DFT study
Authors: Sun Yuanyuan , Li Ying , Li Xiaoyan , Meng Lingpeng , Zeng Yanli
Published: July 2022

The catalytic mechanism of halogen bond donor catalysts in the iso-Nazarov cyclization reaction was investigated by DFT studies. The halogen bond donor catalyst ICl3 shows the best catalytic performance in the entire reaction.
Structurally optimized intrinsic defect carbon driven polysulfide reduction reaction for quantum dot sensitized solar cells
Authors: Li Wenhua , Zhang Shule , Peng Bo , Chen Qianqiao , Zhong Qin
Published: July 2022

This work uses double reagents (H3BO3 and H3PO3) to adjust the intrinsic defects and surface groups of carbon to balance conductivity and active sites, which effectively improves the polysulfide reduction activity of the counter electrode for QDSSCs.
Preferential population of Al atoms at the T4 site of ZSM-35 for the carbonylation of dimethyl ether
Authors: Xiong Zhiping , Qi Guodong , Bai Luyi , Zhan Ensheng , Chu Yueying , Xu Jun , Ta Na , Hao Aijing , Deng Feng , Shen Wenjie
Published: July 2022

ZSM-35, synthesized using dioxane as the structure-directing agent, featured preferential population of Al atoms at the T4 site in the 8-MR pore, and the Brønsted acid site, thus generated, catalyzed DME carbonylation actively and stably.
Scandium, titanium and vanadium complexes supported by PCP-type pincer ligands: synthesis, structure, and styrene polymerization activity
Authors: Zhang Jiayu , Huang Wenshuang , Han Kailing , Song Guoyong , Hu Shaowei
Published: July 2022

Scandium, titanium and vanadium dialkyl complexes bearing PCP-type pincer ligands have been synthesized, characterized, and explored for styrene polymerization.
Addition of grapes to both a standard and a high-fat Western pattern diet modifies hepatic and urinary metabolite profiles in the mouse
Authors: Beyoğlu Diren , Park Eun-Jung , Quiñones-Lombraña Adolfo , Dave Asim , Parande Falguni , Pezzuto John M. , Idle Jeffrey R.
Published: July 2022

Addition of grape to normal and high-fat diet reprogrammed gut microbiota metabolism, attenuated hepatic oxidative stress and increased the efficiency of glucose utilization by the liver for energy production as shown by GCMS-based metabolomics.
Stereoselective migratory heteroaryltrifluoromethylation of allylic amines via electrosynthesis
Authors: Lan Jianyong , Lin Kejun , Zhang Xing , Zhu Tingshun
Published: July 2022

With key steps involving electro-oxidation-triggered Smiles-type radical rearrangement and chemical reduction with SO2, a formal redox-neutral electrosynthesis for migratory heteroaryltrifluoromethylation of allylic amines was developed.
AC magnetorheology of polymer magnetic composites
Authors: Chaudhary Richa , Chaudhary Varun , Ramanujan Raju V. , Steele Terry W. J.
Published: July 2022

One-step magnetocuring and AC-magnetorheology of AMF susceptible materials.
Revisiting the origin of green emission in Cs4PbBr6
Authors: Biswas Koushik
Published: July 2022

An overview of recent debate about the origin of green emission in Cs4PbBr6 and/or CsPbBr3 is presented; several possibilities are discussed, including a defect-mediated event in Cs4PbBr6 or CsPbBr3 nano-inclusions embedded within Cs4PbBr6.
A facile bottom-up method for synthesis of peroxo-potassium titanate nanoribbons and visible light photocatalytic activity derived from a peroxo-titanium bond
Authors: Park Hyunsu , Han Do Hyung , Goto Tomoyo , Cho Sunghun , Morimoto Yukihiro , Sekino Tohru
Published: July 2022

A layered potassium titanate formed from the peroxo-titanium complex ions containing potassium ions is the basis for the formation of nanoribbon structures. This material exhibits excellent photocatalytic activity due to its reduced band gap.
Self-driven in situ facile synthesis of CuO/Cu2O for enhanced catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol by acetic acid
Authors: Zhu Ting , He Qian , Wang Ziwei , Zhang Juan , Li Hanke , Fu Hongquan , Liao Fang
Published: July 2022

A series of CuO, Cu2O and CuO/Cu2O catalyst structures with different morphologies are synthesized in situ by controlling the anionic species of the copper salts in the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) to 4-aminophenol (4-AP).
Cooperative assembly of redistributed arylgermanium-bearing alkoxysilanes in a mesostructured siloxane network
Authors: Katir Nadia , El Haskouri Jamal , Amoros Pedro , El Kadib Abdelkrim
Published: July 2022

Three redistributed arylgermanium-bearing mono-, bis- and tris-triethoxysilyl arms were designed, cocondensed with TEOS to access SBA-15-type materials and embedded in chitosan to prepare functional bioplastics.
Synthesis of multiple stimuli-responsive degradable block copolymers via facile carbonyl imidazole-induced postpolymerization modification
Authors: Jazani Arman Moini , Oh Jung Kwon
Published: July 2022

A robust approach that centers on carbonyl imidazole chemistry was used to synthesize a triple-stimuli-responsive degradable block copolymer labeled with acetal, disulfide, and o-nitrobenzyl groups exhibiting acid, reduction, and light responses.
Photocatalytic CO2reduction on Cu single atoms incorporated in ordered macroporous TiO2toward tunable products
Authors: Chen Cong , Wang Ting , Yan Ke , Liu Shoujie , Zhao Yu , Li Benxia
Published: July 2022

The Cu/3DOM-TiO2photocatalyst exhibits high performance toward CO2to CH4conversion in a gas–solid system while producing C2H4in a liquid–solid system.
Halogen regulation triggers structural transformation from centrosymmetric to noncentrosymmetric switches in tin phosphate halides Sn2PO4X (X = F, Cl)
Authors: Zheng Ting , Wang Qiang , Ren JinXuan , Cao Liling , Huang Ling , Gao Daojiang , Bi Jian , Zou Guohong
Published: July 2022

A tin phosphate halide, centrosymmetric Sn2PO4F, was successfully transformed into noncentrosymmetric Sn2PO4Cl with excellent comprehensive performance by the substitution of F−with Cl−.
Control of near-infrared dye fluorescence lifetime in all-polymer microcavities
Authors: Megahd Heba , Villarreal Brito Mariela , Lanfranchi Andrea , Stagnaro Paola , Lova Paola , Comoretto Davide
Published: July 2022

The authors demonstrate photoluminescence lifetime and intensity control in a near-infrared dye embedded in all-polymer microcavity.
Potential application of carbohydrate biomass in hydrometallurgy: one-pot reduction of metal oxides/salts under mild hydrothermal conditions
Authors: Zhou Yangyuan , Yin Guodong , Zeng Xu , Zhao Jianfu , Yao Guodong
Published: July 2022

Carbohydrate biomass can be employed as a reductant for metallic material preparation due to it possessing diverse reducing functional groups.
Nanostructured silicate catalysts for environmentally benign Strecker-type reactions:status quoandquo vadis
Authors: Kouznetsov Vladimir V. , Hernández José G.
Published: July 2022

The innovations in the development of nanostructured silicate catalysts for Strecker reactions are analyzed discussing the advantages and drawbacks of existing protocols based on the use of nanocatalytic systems for α-amino nitrile formation.
Gerberdriasins A–F, six undescribed coumarin derivatives from Gerbera anandria (Linn) Sch-Bip and their protective effects on scopolamine-induced injury in PC12 cells
Authors: Wu Zhi-li , Sun Ze-shi , Li Jia-yu , Yang Yong-xun , Zu Xian-peng , Li Hui-liang , Zhang Wei-dong
Published: July 2022

A chemical investigation on Gerbera anandria (Linn) Sch-Bip led to the isolation and identification of six coumarin derivatives, named Gerberdriasins A–F (1–6). Their structures and absolute configurations were determined by NMR, HR-ESI-MS, QM-NMR, Mosher's method and ECD.
Comparative evaluation of thermal and emission performances for improved commercial coal-fired stoves in China
Authors: Ahmad Riaz , Zhou Yuguang , Liang Chao , Li Gang , Zhao Nan , Abbas Adnan , Yu Fan , Li Lianliang , Gong Jue , Wang Duoyi , Yang Yanming , Tang Zixuan , Sultan Muhammad , Sun Chao , Dong Renjie
Published: July 2022

Compared to traditional stoves, the use of improved heating and cooking stoves will not only save fuel to the benefit of the household, but contribute to significant reductions of emissions in China.
Kinetic resolution of racemic tertiary allylic alcohols through SN2′ reaction using a chiral bisphosphoric acid/silver(i) salt co-catalyst system
Authors: Kayal Satavisha , Kikuchi Jun , Shinagawa Naoya , Umemiya Shigenobu , Terada Masahiro
Published: July 2022

A highly efficient KR of racemic tertiary allylic alcohols was developed through the intramolecular SN2′ reaction using the chiral bisphosphoric acid/silver carbonate co-catalyst system, affordingcis-epoxides and recovered alcohols in a highs-factor.
The pretreatment of softwood chips and pellets by alkali sulfonation and thermomechanical pulping and its influence on lignin redistribution and the enzyme mediated hydrolysis of the cellulose component
Authors: Takada Masatsugu , Wu Jie , Del Rio Pablo , Kawamoto Haruo , Saddler Jack
Published: July 2022

Pretreatment of softwoods by alkali sulfonation and thermomechanical pulping and its influence on lignin redistribution and enzyme-mediated hydrolysis was discussed.
Spontaneous phase separation of ternary fluid mixtures
Authors: Shek Alvin C. M. , Kusumaatmaja Halim
Published: July 2022

We computationally study the spontaneous phase separation of ternary fluid mixtures using the lattice Boltzmann method both when all the surface tensions are equal and when they have different values.
Clustering of self-thermophilic asymmetric dimers: the relevance of hydrodynamics
Authors: Roca-Bonet Sergi , Wagner Martin , Ripoll Marisol
Published: July 2022

The presence of hydrodynamic interactions significantly influences the crystalline-like aggregates formed by thermophilic active colloids.
The order–disorder conundrum: a trade-off between crystalline and amorphous porous organic polymers for task-specific applications
Authors: Giri Arkaprabha , Khakre Yashna , Shreeraj G. , Dutta Tapas Kumar , Kundu Subhankar , Patra Abhijit
Published: July 2022

The review unravels the order–disorder conundrum in porous organic polymers in view of task-specific applications through a comparative deliberation.
An acceptor with an asymmetric and extended conjugated backbone for high-efficiency organic solar cells with low nonradiative energy loss
Authors: Wang Jing , Chen Hongbin , Xu Xiaoyun , Ma Zaifei , Zhang Zhe , Li Chenxi , Yang Yang , Wang Jian , Zhao Yue , Zhang Mingtao , Wan Xiangjian , Lu Yan , Chen Yongsheng
Published: July 2022

An asymmetric acceptor NQF is designed to minimize the nonradiative loss. Using this acceptor, a binary OSC is fabricated and offers an efficiency of 17.57% with a low nonradiative energy loss (ΔEnr) of 0.177 eV.
Reversal of cisplatin chemotherapy resistance by glutathione-resistant copper-based nanomedicineviacuproptosis
Authors: Lu Yao , Pan Qingqing , Gao Wenxia , Pu Yuji , He Bin
Published: July 2022

A copper nanomedicine shows the glutathione-resistant anticancer effect and reverses cisplatin chemotherapy resistance in non-small-cell lung cancer by cuproptosis.
Electrospun nanofibers for bone regeneration: from biomimetic composition, structure to function
Authors: Zhao Tianbao , Zhang Jianhua , Gao Xiaoyan , Yuan Dandan , Gu Zhipeng , Xu Yuanting
Published: July 2022

This review summarizes the advances in bone regeneration of electrospun nanofibers, focusing their compositions, structures, functions, and fabrication technologies, which provide guidance for design of electrospun nanofibers for bone regeneration.
Recent advances in the interfacial engineering of organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells: a materials perspective
Authors: Guo Zhaochen , Wu Zhongbin , Chen Yonghua , Wang Songcan , Huang Wei
Published: July 2022

Interfacial engineering of perovskite solar cells and its key roles are highlighted, and an overview of the recent advances in their related strategies using different materials in improving the photovoltaic performance and stability is given.
A large-gap quantum spin Hall state in exfoliated Na3Bi-like two-dimensional materials
Authors: Jiang Jingwen , Guo Xiaoqiu , Ma Zhuang , Wang Gui , Xu Yiguo , Zhang Xiuwen
Published: July 2022

A class of large-gap 2D TIs (K2NaBi and Rb2NaBi monolayers) by exfoliating Na3Bi-like three-dimensional Dirac semimetals.
Size-dependent properties of single domain Fe2CoGa nanoparticles prepared by a facile template-less chemical route
Authors: Srivastava Manisha , Sahariah Munima B. , Srinivasan Ananthakrishnan
Published: July 2022

Coercivity of Fe2CoGa nanoparticles is superposed on typical single domain nanoparticle pattern. Magnetic hysteresis loop depicts superparamagnetism. HRTEM images show lattice fringes from (111) and (200) planes of inverse Heusler alloy structure.
Engineering of enzymes using non-natural amino acids
Authors: Li Yiwen , Dalby Paul A.
Published: July 2022

In enzyme engineering, the main targets for enhancing properties are enzyme activity, stereoselective specificity, stability, substrate range, and the development of unique functions. With the advent of genetic code extension technology, non-natural amino acids (nnAAs) are able to be incorporated into proteins in a site-specific or residue-specific manner, which breaks the limit of 20 natural amino acids for protein engineering. Benefitting from this approach, numerous enzymes have been engineered with nnAAs for improved properties or extended functionality. In the present review, we focus on applications and strategies for using nnAAs in enzyme engineering. Notably, approaches to computational modelling of enzymes with nnAAs are also addressed. Finally, we discuss the bottlenecks that currently need to be addressed in order to realise the broader prospects of this genetic code extension technique.