bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biochemical Study of Gender Effect on Thyroid Cancer in the Egyptian Population
Authors: Zahran Faten , Hamed Sahar , Yosry Mohamed , Gareeb Mohamed El
Published: July 2019

Background and Objective: Thyroid is one of the largest glands; its hormones affect almost every cell in the body, the incidence of thyroid cancer has raised in recent years, About 52,070 new cases of thyroid cancer in the United States in 2018 only. This study was undertaken to determine if gender was associated with susceptibility of thyroid cancer.

Materials and Methods: This study was carried out on 174 cases divided into 108 thyroid patients and 66 healthy as controls. The mean age of cases was (40.58±1.46) they include 48 female and 18 males. All participants were subjected to an estimation of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), in addition to malondialdehyde (MDA).

Results: For TSH results that was an obvious effect of gender on TC, while for FT4 there was an effect of gender on thyroiditis and TC, for TAC there was a biting effect on thyroiditis and TC, for MDA there was an effect also on thyroiditis and TC, for tissue TAC (TTAC) that was a clear effect of gender on both thyroiditis and TC, and for TMDA there was a little effect.

Conclusion: Gender of TC patients effects on biochemical investigations of the thyroid.
Synthesis, Characterization and Cytotoxic Activity of N-(5-indanyl(methylene)anthranilic acid(5-indanyl methylene)-hydrazide and Its Pt(II) Complex
Authors: Hosny Nasser Mohammed , Barakat Lamiaa A. A.
Published: July 2019

Since the discovery of the platinum based complex, cisplatin, medicinal inorganic chemistry has attracted much more attention and a large number of platinum complexes with promising pharmacological properties have been synthesized. In this work a new platinum complex of N-(5-indanyl(methylene)anthranilic acid(5-indanyl methylene)-hydrazide (HL) has been synthesized and characterized by physical and spectral techniques, as elemental analysis, IR, EI-MS, 1H-NMR, thermal analysis, transmittance electron microscope (TEM) and magnetic moment. The results indicated that the ligand binds to Pt(II) in the enol form. Square-planar stereochemistry was suggested for the Pt(II) complex. The morphological characterization showed nano-sized spherical particles with average size 92 nm of the isolated complex. The synthesized Pt(II) complex exhibited a significant cytotoxic activity against HCT116 and HEPG2. Also in vivo study of the Pt(II) complex showed cytotoxic activity towards Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC).
Effects of ‘ZPC’ Polyherbal Formulation on Diabetic-Dyslipidemic Wistar Rats
Authors: Mark- Maria Agatemor Uzuazokaro , Ngozi Ozioko Eucharia , Boniface Momoh Theophilus , Adejoh Idakwoji Precious , Chukwuemeka Nweje- Anyalowu Paul
Published: July 2019

In this study the antidiabetic effect of a polyherbal formulation- ZPC was investigated in Wistar rats. Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin at a dose of 50 mg/kg. Rats having Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) level above 250 mg/dl after 72 hrs were considered diabetic and used for the studies. Five rats served as non- diabetic control (Group 1) while twenty diabetic rats were randomized into 4 groups of 5 rats each. The four groups (Groups 2,3,4 and 5) received 1ml (diabetic control), 250 mg/kg chlorpropamide and ZPC at doses of 250 and 500mg/kg respectively for 28 days. During the treatment period, the FBS and bodyweight of rats were monitored weekly and on day 28, the rats were euthanized and blood samples collected for serum lipid profile analysis. Results obtained indicated that following administration of streptozotocin, there was a significant (p<0.05) increase in the FBS, total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL concentration with a corresponding significant (p<0.05) decrease in HDL concentration compared to non- diabetic control. However, following the treatment with the polyherbal formulation, there was a significant (p<0.05) reduction in the FBS level and a significant (p<0.05) increase in the body weight of rats compared to the diabetic control. The polyherbal formulation also produced a significant (p<0.05) reduction in total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL concentration with a corresponding significant (p<0.05) increase in HDL concentration compared to diabetic control. It was concluded that, ZPC might serve as a good alternative or as an adjunct to the oral hypoglycaemic agents in the management of diabetes.
Effect of Oral Intake of African Locust Bean on Fasting Blood Sugar and Lipid Profile of Albino Rats
Authors: Airaodion Augustine I. , Airaodion Edith O. , Ogbuagu Emmanuel O. , Ogbuagu Uloaku , Osemwowa Etinosa U.
Published: July 2019

Background: African locust bean is a condiment believed to be for the people of low class. Its health importance has not been fully known especially to the so-called high class.

Aim: This study is aimed at investigating the effect of African locust bean on fasting blood sugar and lipid profile of albino rats.

Methods: African locust bean (ALB) was purchased from a local market at Orita-Challenge area of Ibadan, Nigeria. They were sun dried and milled into powder using an electronic blender. The powder was extracted with n-hexane (40–60°C) in a soxlet extractor for 18 hours. The defatted, dried marc was repacked and then extracted with methanol. The dried marc was extracted with methanol in the soxlet apparatus for 10 hours. The methanol solution was subsequently concentrated in a rotatory evaporator at 40°C. Ten adult male albino rats with body weight between 100 and 120 g were purchased from the Animal Holding Unit of the Department of Physiology, University of Ibadan, Nigeria. They were allowed 7 days acclimatization period and were divided randomly into 2 groups of five rats each. Animals in group 1 were administered normal saline solution while those in group 2 were administered extract of African locust bean. The animals were exposed to the African Locust Bean and saline solution at a dose of 3 ml per 100 g body weight 12 hourly via oral route of administration. After fourteen days of administration, the animals were fasted overnight and anaesthetized using diethyl ether. Blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture.

Results: ALB was observed to significantly lower fasting blood sugar, total cholesterol and triglyceride but increased HDL-cholesterol significantly when compared to those of the control group at p<0.05. LDL-cholesterol was not significantly different when animals treated with ALB were compared with those of the control group.

Conclusion: Increased blood sugar and hyperlipidemia has been implicated in diabetes. Cholesterolgenesis is a major onset of atherosclerosis and subsequent cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, ALB can serve as prophylaxis and remedies for several diseases caused by hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia such as diabetes and coronary heart disease.
Antifungal Action of Garlic (Allium sativum) and Ginger (Zingiber officinale) on Some Pathogenic Fungi
Authors: Agi V. N. , Azike C. A.
Published: July 2019

Background: The antifungal activities of fresh garlic (Allium sativum) and ginger (Zingiber officinale) on the growth of three known pathogenic fungi were investigated. The test organisms were Aspergillus spp Penicillium spp and Candida albicans.

Methodology: Two different concentrations of extracts were used. Concentration I which had crude extract of 100 g/ 100 ml of sterile distilled water and concentration II with extract of 100 g/50 m1 of distilled water. Ten mls of each extract was added to each 125 m1 of SAB (saboraud dextrose agar) media before and after sterilization.

Results: The extracts added to the media after its sterilization inhibited the growth of the pathogenic fungi samples more than the extracts added to the media before sterilization. This indicates that the active ingredients present in the extracts which have the antifungal effect observed is negatively affected and inactivated at 121ºC for 15 minutes. It can be inferred that garlic and ginger have different levels of therapeutic values on fungi.
Qualitative and Quantitative Phytochemical Screening, Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Activities of Acetone Extract of Brassica juncea L. Leaf
Authors: Khandayataray Pratima , Murthy Meesala Krishna
Published: July 2019

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the phytochemical screening; antioxidant and antiinflammatory activity of acetone extract of Brassica juncea (L.) Czern leaf.

Methods: Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening was conducted by following standard protocols. To assess the antioxidant properties, Nitric oxide (NO) assay, 1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'- Azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid, ABTS), Protease inhibitor assay, anti-inflammatory and reducing power (%) activities were performed by using the standard methodology.

Results: Qualitative investigation showed the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, phenols, flavonoids, proteins, saponins and tannins respectively. Quantitative analysis showed protein content was more followed by phenolic content, glucose concentration, total antioxidant activity and flavonoid content respectively. The inhibitory concentration (IC50) and EC50 values along with standards were estimated by using NO, DPPH and ABTS respectively. Protease inhibitor (%) and reducing power (%) activities were increased dose dependent manner, at higher dose 1000µg/mL the Protease inhibitor (%) and reducing power (%) activities 537.95 ± 26.58 (%) and 41.28 ± 7.28 were observed respectively.

Conclusion: Based on our results, we concluded that acetone extracts of B.juncea leaf showed potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Examination of Conditions for Optimized Decellularized Liver Preparation
Authors: Cho Jaeyong , Fukuda Yukako , Shirakigawa Nana , Ijima Hiroyuki
Published: July 2019

Aims: The main aim of our study was to examine the concentration of surfactant that can cause significant disruption of the resulting decellularized liver structure. Furthermore, it is our goal to determine the suitable solvent that can boost the potential of each surfactant.

Methodology: The porcine liver discs of 8-mm diameter and 2-mm thickness were prepared. These were soaked in aqueous solution of either sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) or Triton X-100 (TX), and placed on a rotational shaking machine (100 rpm).

Results: TX was unable to completely remove the cellular components under any of our experimental conditions. The salt concentration did not affect the decellularization in TX. The pH buffer, however, was found to affect the decellularization. Also, in the solvent study, the conditions under which SDS effectively exerted power were not the salt concentration and pH, but the condition that was close to water. We also confirmed that the shrinkage of tissue occurred when decellularization with 0.1% SDS in CMF-PBS. However, 0.1% SDS in distilled water didn't cause the deformation of tissue. This is considered to be due to the low salt concentration of solvent.

Conclusion: This work establishes the concentration range of the surfactant that causes the collapse of the cellular structure during decellularization. In addition, the solvent suitable for each surfactant has also been established.
Parametric Investigation and Optimization of the Newly Developed Pant Loading Ramp Machine
Authors: Pandey Kumkum , Vinay Deepa
Published: July 2019

Objective of the current study was to optimize newly developed pant loading ramp to perform manual handling task. Pant loading ramp was 19 feet in length, having width of 2 feet, anti-slippery, easy to move due to provision of rotating wheels, adjustable at varying heights of the loading vehicle (between 2.5-5 feet) and reduces the loading time up to 30 minutes.  For this purpose experiments were conducted on a group of 20 experienced manual handlers in rice mills of Udham Singh Nagar district, Uttarakhand, India. The reliability and validity of the developed, loading ramp was assessed by using response surface methodology in terms of change in energy expenditure (EE), rate of perceived exertion (RPE), total cardiac cost of work (TCCW) and grip strength (GS). Therefore Response Surface Methodology (statistical tools to determine the significance of a factor over a response or collection of mathematical and statistical techniques for empirical model building) was applied to optimize the operating parameters of ramp such as load weight, height of ramp and time. As per Box Behenken design total 17 experiments were carried out each of which varied over three levels as load weight (40, 50 and 60 kg.), height of ramp (3, 4 and 5 feet), and time (3, 4 and 5 min.). ANOVA and coefficient of determination (R2) test were applied. In result it was observed that use of pant loading ramp was able to reduce Energy Expenditure (EE) of respondents’ from 14.55 kJ/min. to 11.41 kJ/min., Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) from 85.45 to 20%, Total Cardiac Cost of Work (TCCW) from 996.3 to 564.36 beats and Grip Strength (GS) from 47.45 to 3.30% with overall desirability of 0.84%. In comparison with traditional method it was also found to reduce Average Working heart Rate (AWHR) (14.55-11.41), Peak Energy Expenditure (PEE) (16-12), Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) (85.45-20), Grip Strength (GS) (47.45-3.30) and Total Cardiac Cost of Work (TCCW) (996.3-564.35). Relative advantages showed that more than 95% users were highly satisfied and found it advantageous.
Implication of Multivariate Analysis in Breeding to Obtain Desired Plant Type of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench
Authors: Kumari Meenakshi , Solankey S. S. , Kumar Kuldeep , Kumar Manoj , Singh Ashish K.
Published: July 2019

Twenty diverse okra genotypes were evaluated to assess the genetic diversity based on quantitative morphological and qualitative biochemical traits in a randomized block design during 2015-16. On the basis of D2 analysis, the 20 genotypes were clustered into five groups. Cluster I constituted the largest group (10 genotypes) followed by cluster II (7 genotypes). The cluster III, IV and V contains only 1 genotype in each cluster. Among phytochemical characters, carotenoids alone contribute highest percentage (39%) toward divergence, followed by chlorophyll a (31%) and anthocyanin (17%). The five principal components have accounted 81.19% of total variation and percent variation expected were 36.27% (PC1), 18.21% (PC2), 16.42% (PC3), 5.91% (PC4) and 4.38% (PC5), respectively. The PC1 has positive association with days to first flowering, followed by yield/plant, primary branches/plant, carotenoid and phenol contents. However, PC1 has negative association for fruits length, fruit diameter and ascorbic acid content. Therefore, the traits viz., days to first flowering, first flowering node and yield per plant should be given top priority in diverse parent selection for attempting high yielding along with important phytochemical properties in okra. Allocations of germplasm into different clusters were because of cumulative effect of number of characters.
Physical and Sensory Properties of Ice Cream as Influenced by Pulse Protein Concentrates
Authors: Sivasankari R. , Hemalatha G. , Amutha S. , Murugan M. , Vanniarajan C. , Umamaheswari T.
Published: July 2019

Pulses are one of the cheapest sources for the extraction of protein concentrates which can be gainfully utilized for meeting protein needs of specific groups. Techniques for maximum extraction of Pulse protein concentrates were developed for red gram and Bengal gram by standardisation of process parameters involving alkaline extraction followed by isoelectric precipitation. Extraction conditions viz., flour: water ratio – 1:10, pH 9 and stirring time- 4 hours were employed for isolation of the pulse protein concentrates. The protein concentrates extracted from red gram and chickpea were incorporated in ice cream formulations at concentrations of 5 and 10%. The pulse protein concentrate incorporated ice cream at 5% level had a higher sensory score of 8.7 and 8.8 on the nine-point hedonic scale compared to ice cream enriched with 10% pulse protein concentrate (8.4 and 8.5/9.0). The pulse protein enriched ice cream had a high protein content of 11.76 g/100 g compared to 4.90 g/100 g in control. Pulse protein concentrates have a wide food application in designing speciality foods for different age groups and disease conditions. The PPC incorporated protein enriched ice cream would provide for nutritious ice cream having desirable sensory properties with commercialisation prospects.
Contribution of Eggs and Other Cholesterol-containing Foods to Total Dietary Cholesterol Intake, and Their Influence on Serum Lipid Profile of Adults in Calabar, Nigeria
Authors: Onyenweaku Eridiong O. , Ene-Obong Henrietta N. , Oko Gregory E. , Williams Ima O.
Published: July 2019

Aim: Eggs have sometimes been regarded as unhealthy foods due to their relatively high cholesterol content. The aim of this study is to determine contribution of eggs and other    cholesterol containing food to total dietary cholesterol and their influence on serum lipid profile of adults.

Study Design: Cross sectional and experimental.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biochemistry, University of Calabar, Calabar. February to July 2017.

Methodology: A cross-sectional survey to determine consumption pattern was carried out on 400 respondents using food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and 24 hour dietary recall. The respondents were further grouped into four based on their reported weekly egg consumption. A detailed follow-up study was conducted on 50 participants selected from across the 4 groups, using a 3-day repeated 24 hour dietary recall to determine their consumption of egg and other cholesterol-containing foods. Serum blood lipid profile of these 50 participants was also determined using Randox cholesterol test kits. Food composition tables were used to calculate dietary cholesterol intake (DCI). The mean DCI of the 4 groups were cross-tabulated with mean serum cholesterol levels. Percentage contribution of eggs and other frequently consumed cholesterol-containing foods (such as milk and fish) to total DCI was calculated. Statistical significance was accepted at p = .05.

Results: For the follow-up participants, it was observed that results of correlations between DCI and the lipid profile parameters showed negative correlation (at p = .01) in both males and females, except slight positive correlations between cholesterol intake and HDL-c (r=0.191) among the males, and cholesterol with TC (r=0.265) among the females. Apart from this, no association was observed between DCI and the lipid profile parameters. Furthermore, the > 5eggs/week group had the lowest TC and LDL-c (4.23±0.19 mmol/L and 2.38±0.10 mmol/L). Based on the respondents’ consumption patterns, eggs (boiled and fried) contributed the highest- 34.8% to total DCI, followed by milk (15.9%); salad cream contributed lowest (0.3%) to total DCI.

Conclusion: Increased DCI from cholesterol-containing foods (such as eggs), did not cause an adverse increase in serum cholesterol levels of normocholesterolemic people.
Studies on Alzheimer Disease - Metformin Connection - A Brief Review
Authors: Prasad A. S. V.
Published: July 2019

Metformin is the widely prescribed first line oral antidiabetic drug used in diabetes mellatus, type 2 . The global sales turnover of metformin runs into millions of dollars. The Increased risk of  metformin (Met) users for developing  Alzheimer disease (AD)is reported first in a study conducted in 2011.  Since then, the subject has attracted the attention   of the researchers as well as the pharmaceutical industry, resulting in a number of studies, both clinical as well as experiments on animals. Confusing results poured in , ranging from confirmation of the risk of AD to protection  against developing AD , making the scenario, all the more intriguing . Added to the confusion, is the diversity of various studies as well as the parameters interpreting their results. Of the many clinical trials, some are retrospective cohort studies (Tseng Chin-Hsiao 2019) , case control  studies (Imfeld P, et al.) Randomised studies (Hsu CC, et al.),  double blind , cross over pilot studies. (Aaron Koenig et al.)  and some longitudinal studies (Ng TP, et al.) , besides studies doing  meta analysis . Of these studies most of the trials estimate the risk of development of dementia with metformin alone (Tseng Chin-Hsiao 2019) or in comparison with other OHAs (Hsu et al, Cheng et al.) .The other studies studied the effect of metformin on the cognition. (Moore EM, et al.). These trials have different out come measures, (like Hazard ratio, (HR) Odds(OR) ratio, relative risk (RR) etc.) which don’t mean one and the same. So the multiplicity of the types of studies and different out- comes with different conclusions will be surely baffling to an average reader who tries to take cognisance of the involved issues. The article attempts to take stock of the overall developments in this regard. The author adopted a reader friendly approach which is discussed in the article, at the outset. Finally, it is  reiterated that future prospective studies only can resolve the conflict of opinion on the nexus between metformin and Alzheimer’s disease.
Boundary Layer Stability Regime at DACCIWA Site Using Gradient Richardson Number
Authors: Ajileye O. O. , Ayoola M. A.
Published: July 2019

Meteorological data including air temperature and wind speed which were collected from DACCIWA measurement site at a tropical agricultural field site in Ile-Ife (7.55oE, 4.56oE), south-western Nigeria have been used to classify boundary layer stability regimes using gradient Richardson number. Three categories were considered to deduce the pattern of stability conditions namely stable, unstable and neutral conditions for 3-hourly intervals at 0.00, 03.00, 06.00, 09.00, 12.00, 15.00, 18.00 and 21.00 hours from 15th June to 31st July 2016. The data were sampled every 1sec and stored subsequently as 10 minutes averages for all the measured parameters. The data was further reduced to 30 minutes averages for easy analysis and manipulation in the calculation of gradient Richardson number used for boundary layer stability regime characterization. The results showed that the month of June 2016 had prevalence of stable regime from 0:00 – 6:00 am and 6:00 pm; 9:00 am was predominantly neutral and shared similar pattern with 9:00 pm. Unstable regime was slightly observed at 12:00 pm and majorly observed at 3:00 pm. The month of July had a little shift from what was observed in the month of June. Predominance of neutral conditions was observed from 9:00 pm to 9:00 am; Hours of 12:00 – 3:00 pm were dominated by unstable regime while 6:00 pm was dominated by stable regime.
Synthesis, Physico-chemical and Antimicrobial Studies on Metal (II) Complexes with Schiff Base Derived from Salicylaldehyde and 2,4-Dinitrophenylhydrazine
Authors: Mukhtar H. , Sani U. , Shettima U. A.
Published: July 2019

Schiff base derived from salicylaldehyde and 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine was synthesized. Its Mn(II) and Fe(II) complexes (MnL2 and FeL2) were synthesized by refluxing the metal (II) chlorides with the Schiff base. All the compounds were characterized by melting point/decomposition temperature, solubility, molar conductance, magnetic susceptibility infrared analysis and UV - visible spectrophotometry. The composition of the complexes has been found to be 1:2 (Metal-Ligand) ratio. The complexes have low molar conductance values 6.39 -6.59 ohm-1 cm2 mol-1 indicating non-electrolytes. The Schiff base and its metal (II) complexes were screened for antibacterial          activity against five bacterial isolates Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella           pneumonia, Pseudomonas aureginosa and Staphylococcus aureus and three fungal isolates Fusarium solani, Aspergillus fumigates and Candida Albicans using good method. The results revealed that the complexes showed higher activity against the microorganisms compared to the Schiff base.
Application of Response Surface Methodology for Optimizing the Production of Bioethanol from Calabash (Crescentia cujete) Substrate Using Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Nwogwugwu N. U. , Abu G. O. , Akaranta O. , Chinakwe E. C.
Published: July 2019

Aim: The study employed the Response surface methodology (RSM) model to optimize ethanol production from Calabash (Crescentia cujete) pulp juice using Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Study Design: The Calabash pulp was squeezed with muslin cloth, and vacuum filtered to clear solution before use. The clear juice was tested for reducing sugars using the Dinitrosalicylic acid (DNS) method. Twenty three (23) runs, including 3 controls, of the fermentation was conducted at varying temperatures, pH, and volumes of inoculum.The process parameters (input variables): volumes of inoculum, temperature,and pH were subjected to response surface model, using the Central Composite Design (CCD).

Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out in the Environmental Microbiology Laboratory, University of Port Harcourt for six months.

Methodology: Fermentation was done in conical flasks covered with cotton wool and foil in a stationary incubator for four days (96 hours). Active stock culture of Saccharomyces cerevisiae was used, with inoculum developed using Marcfaland’s method. Samples were collected every 24 hours, centrifuged, filtered and analyzed for measurement of the output variables: Reducing sugar, cell density and ethanol concentration.

Results: The concentration of reducing sugars from Calabash pulp was 3.2 mg/ml. Results obtained also revealed that the fermentation can take place on a wide range of temperature 25-40°C. The optimal pH range for performance of S. cerevisiae for the fermentation process was pH 5.0-6.5. The optimum volume of inoculum was 5.5%v/v (ie 5.5 ml in 94.5ml juice). The optimized process using the RSM model gave 6.19% v/v bioethanol.

Control: The bioethanol yield from Calabash substrate is reasonable considering the concentration of reducing sugars obtained from the juice and the duration of the fermentation.
Decision-making Management of Consumer Behavior Based on Component Regression Model
Authors: Zhuang Mei-Er , Pan Wen-Tsao , Zhou Jia-Yan
Published: July 2019

In this study component regression model is used as a research method to explore the influencing factors of compromise effect in decision-making management of consumers, and new hypotheses are proposed by referring to three important concepts of personality psychology. The conclusion can be drawn that professional level, cognitive needs, and trust tendencies have significant impacts on the compromise effect, which is the focus and innovation of this paper. The study found that the compromise effect is more likely to occur in those who have a lower level of expertise, cognitive need or higher level of trust tendency. The study also found that some result will be partially overestimated while some will be underestimated if standard linear regression is applied in analyzing the decision-making management of consumers. Based on the component regression model, the influencing factors of the consumer decision-making process are analyzed from a more accurate and detailed perspective, and relevant suggestions for marketing practice have been provided according to the research results.
Random Organic Nanolaser Arrays for Cryptographic Primitives
Authors: Feng Jiangang , Wen Wen , Wei Xiao , Jiang Xiangyu , Cao Moyuan , Wang Xuedong , Zhang Xiqi , Jiang Lei , Wu Yuchen
Published: July 2019

Next‐generation high‐security cryptography and communication call for nondeterministic generation and efficient authentication of unclonable bit sequences. Physical unclonable functions using inherent randomness in material and device fabrication process have emerged as promising candidates for realizing one‐way cryptographic systems that avoid duplication and attacks. However, previous approaches suffer from the tradeoffs between low‐efficiency fabrication and complicated authentication. Here, all‐photonic cryptographic primitives by solution printing of organic nanolaser arrays with size‐dependent dual lasing emission are reported. The stochastic distribution of organic solution into discrete capillary bridges, triggered by high‐rate solvent evaporation, on a periodic topographical template yields organic single crystals with regulated position, alignment, and random size, which ensures high entropy. Stimulated emission from different vibrational sublevels and the intrinsic self‐absorption effect permit size‐dependent dual‐wavelength lasing emission at wavelengths of 660 and/or 720 nm, which can be efficiently encoded into quaternary cryptographic keys with high reliability. High entropy, solution‐processed programming and all‐photonic authentication of random organic nanolaser arrays facilitate their cryptographic implementation in secure communication with high throughput, efficiency, and low cost.
Shape Dependent Colloidal Deposition and Detachment
Authors: Torres‐Díaz Isaac , Jerri Huda A. , Benczédi Daniel , Bevan Michael A.
Published: July 2019

Models of deposition and detachment dynamics of different shaped anisotropic colloids are reported to understand how equilibrium deposited amounts compare to spherical colloids. For different shaped colloids including spheres, ellipsoids, toroids, and buckled particles with varying aspect ratios, interaction potentials with substrates are computed using the Derjaguin approximation. Using these potentials, the Smoluchowski equation is used to model the dynamics of deposition and detachment versus particle–substrate attraction and aspect ratio for each particle shape. Average times for deposition and detachment and their ratio show steady‐state deposited amounts can be enhanced by several orders of magnitude for different particle shapes compared to spherical colloids of the same volume. From a mechanistic standpoint, the present findings indicate how local Gaussian curvature of different particle shapes can lead to stronger adhesive interactions, longer detachment times, and higher deposited amounts compared to spherical colloids, which provides general design rules for controlling and optimizing colloidal deposition.
Harnessing Solar‐Driven Photothermal Effect toward the Water–Energy Nexus
Authors: Zhang Chao , Liang Hong‐Qing , Xu Zhi‐Kang , Wang Zuankai
Published: July 2019

Producing affordable freshwater has been considered as a great societal challenge, and most conventional desalination technologies are usually accompanied with large energy consumption and thus struggle with the trade‐off between water and energy, i.e., the water–energy nexus. In recent decades, the fast development of state‐of‐the‐art photothermal materials has injected new vitality into the field of freshwater production, which can effectively harness abundant and clean solar energy via the photothermal effect to fulfill the blue dream of low‐energy water purification/harvesting, so as to reconcile the water–energy nexus. Driven by the opportunities offered by photothermal materials, tremendous effort has been made to exploit diverse photothermal‐assisted water purification/harvesting technologies. At this stage, it is imperative and important to review the recent progress and shed light on the future trend in this multidisciplinary field. Here, a brief introduction of the fundamental mechanism and design principle of photothermal materials is presented, and the emerging photothermal applications such as photothermal‐assisted water evaporation, photothermal‐assisted membrane distillation, photothermal‐assisted crude oil cleanup, photothermal‐enhanced photocatalysis, and photothermal‐assisted water harvesting from air are summarized. Finally, the unsolved challenges and future perspectives in this field are emphasized. It is envisioned that this work will help arouse future research efforts to boost the development of solar‐driven low‐energy water purification/harvesting.
Concurrent Subthermionic and Strong Thermionic Transport in Inkjet‐Printed Indium Zinc Oxide/Silver Hybrid‐Channel Field‐Effect Transistors
Authors: Behera Sunil Kumar , Devabharathi Nehru , Pradhan Jyoti Ranjan , Mondal Sandeep Kumar , Dasgupta Subho
Published: July 2019

Subthreshold slope of field‐effect transistors (FETs) less than the fundamental Boltzmann limit (60 mV dec−1 at 300 K) is demonstrated either using band‐to‐band tunneling or negative capacitance (NC) ferroelectric‐gate transistors. However, it is difficult to replicate both of these strategies in solution‐processed/printed FETs. Nonetheless, it is shown that the use of a metal–insulator–metal–semiconductor architecture alongside electrolyte gating can simultaneously create highly reproducible static negative capacitance behavior in printed FETs, resulting in subthermionic transport for over four decades of drain currents with a subthreshold slope as low as 16 mV dec−1, and thereafter a strong thermionic transport regime, characterized by an unprecedented On‐current of 195 µA µm−1, a transconductance of 215 µS µm, and a metal‐like On‐state resistance of only 96 Ω. The present device architecture is analogous to typical metal oxide semiconductor field‐effect transistor (MOSFET) geometry with printed amorphous indium zinc oxide (a‐IZO) as the semiconductor material, besides an additional metal layer on top of the a‐IZO channel that reduces the actual semiconducting channel dimension to the thickness of the printed a‐IZO layer. While the steep slope subthermionic transport regime can be utilized at wearable sensor interfaces, the high On‐currents/channel conductance can be used in optoelectronic applications, high‐current switches, and amplifiers.
A Social Network Analysis of Friendship and Spiritual Support in a Religious Congregation
Authors: Todd Nathan R. , Blevins Emily J. , Yi Jacqueline
Published: July 2019

Religious congregations are social settings where people gather together in community to pursue the sacred (Pargament, 2008). Such settings are important to understand as they provide a context for individuals to develop relationships, share ideas and resources, and connect individuals to larger society (Todd, 2017a). Yet, research to date has not deeply examined the inherently relational nature of religious congregations. Thus, in this study, we used social settings theory (Seidman, 2012; Tseng & Seidman, 2007) to develop and test hypotheses about relationships within one Christian religious congregation. In particular, we used social network analysis to test hypotheses about relational activity, popularity, and homophily for friendship and spiritual support types of relational links. Our findings demonstrate how relational patterns may be linked to participation in congregational activities, occupying a leadership role, a sense of community and spiritual satisfaction, stratification, socialization, and spiritual support. Overall, this advances theory and research on the relational aspects of religious congregations, and more broadly to the literature on social settings. Limitations, directions for future research, and implications for theory and religious congregations also are discussed.
A guide to solution‐based additive manufacturing of polymeric structures: Ink design, porosity manipulation, and printing strategy
Authors: Zhang Fengyi , Ma Yao , Kondo Yuzuki , Breedveld Victor , Lively Ryan P.
Published: July 2019

Three‐dimensional (3D) printing of polymer solution is a rising research topic as it can utilize polymers without photoreactivity or melting points. Solution‐based additive manufacturing (SBAM) was recently reported to fabricate polymeric objects by depositing ternary polymeric inks (eg, solutions comprising polymer, volatile solvent, and nonvolatile nonsolvent), which undergo rapid phase inversion upon evaporation of a relatively small fraction of the volatile component, resulting in hierarchically porous filaments (eg, pores of diameters ranging from 2 nm to 10 μm). SBAM is conceptually compatible with any solution‐processable polymer, which significantly extends the 3D‐printable polymeric material spectrum. In addition to the architecture of the printed object, its internal porosity can be manipulated for different applications. Compared with typical direct ink writing of binary polymeric inks, which typically only contain the polymer and a volatile solvent, SBAM is capable of (a) eliminating evaporation‐induced shrinkage, and (b) creating nanopores without the need for templating additives or nanoscale nozzles. The development of SBAM processes involves optimization of polymer solution thermodynamics, rheological engineering and mass transfer control, which makes it challenging to develop an SBAM protocol for a new polymer. This paper provides a practical guide toward the development of ternary polymeric inks, the design of 3D printer hardware for SBAM, and the posttreatment of printed objects for desired porosity. It also discusses solutions to common challenges encountered during this new polymer processing technology. A case study of developing the optimal SBAM protocol for a commercial polyimide is provided to illustrate the process design.
Cyclopropanation of Terminal Alkenes through Sequential Atom‐Transfer Radical Addition/1,3‐Elimination
Authors: Tappin Nicholas D. C. , Michalska Weronika , Rohrbach Simon , Renaud Philippe
Published: July 2019

An operationally simple method to affect an atom‐transfer radical addition of commercially available ICH2Bpin to terminal alkenes has been developed. The intermediate iodide can be transformed in a one‐pot process into the corresponding cyclopropane upon treatment with a fluoride source. This method is highly selective for the cyclopropanation of unactivated terminal alkenes over non‐terminal alkenes and electron‐deficient alkenes. Due to the mildness of the procedure, a wide range of functional groups such as esters, amides, alcohols, ketones, and vinylic cyclopropanes are well tolerated.
Synthesis and characterization of polyvinylpyrrolidone immobilized on magnetic nanoparticles modified by ionic liquid as a novel and recyclable catalyst for the three‐component synthesis of amidoalkyl naphthols
Authors: Vaysipour Shahla , Nasr‐Esfahani Masoud , Rafiee Zahra
Published: July 2019

In this study, an efficient and green procedure is explained for the preparation of 1‐amidoalkyl‐2‐naphthols applying one‐pot condensation reaction of 2‐naphthol, amide and aromatic nanoparticles (Fe3O4@SiO2@IL‐PVP) as a novel solid acid catalyst under solvent‐free conditions. The remarkable features of this method are short reaction time, high conversions, and high yield of product, easy workup procedures and solvent‐free conditions. The Fe3O4@SiO2@IL‐PVP catalyst was characterized via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), X‐ray diffraction patterns (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS). Also, nanocatalysts could be easily recovered by a simple magnet and reused for the next reactions without significant loss of its catalytic activity.
Study on flow microstructure and scale‐up effect in circulating fluidized bed riser using solids concentration signals
Authors: Zhang Ya‐Wen , Gu Li‐Li , Zhu Jesse
Published: July 2019

The dynamic microstructure in circulating fluidized beds (CFBs) is complex due to particle aggregation and particle–wall interactions. Based on the local solids concentration time series from a twin–riser CFB system of 10 m high and 76.2 mm (3 in.) and 203 mm (8 in.) id with FCC particles (dp = 67 μm, ρp = 1,500 kg/m3), the dynamic microstructure and scale‐up effect were studied using nonlinear chaos analysis after an improved denoising signal process. The analysis shows that for the local solids concentration time series in the whole riser, the solids concentrations in the larger (8 in.) riser are higher and have higher fluctuation frequency than those in the 3‐in. riser. The pressure drops at the various axial levels of the 8‐in. riser are higher than the 3‐in. riser. Correlation dimension and Kolmogorov entropy in the 8‐in. riser are also higher than those in the 3‐in. riser under the identical condition. The microstructure of the gas–particle flow in the 8‐in. riser appears to be more complex than that in the 3‐in. riser at identical axial levels and under the same solids flux and superficial gas velocity. In the larger riser, the energy distribution in wavelet domain is also stronger than that in the 3‐in. riser. Clearly, the scale‐up effect is very notable in CFB reactors, not only on the macroscale level but also on the microscale level. Such effect should be considered during designing and operating commercial size CFB reactors.
Graft modification of methyl acrylate onto chicken feather via surface initiated Cu(0)‐mediated reversible‐deactivation radical polymerization
Authors: Chen Sikai , Hori Naruhito , Kajiyama Mikio , Takemura Akio
Published: July 2019

In this study, chicken feather was functionalized with 2‐Bromoisobutyryl bromide (BIBB) where methyl acrylate (MA) was grafted through Cu(0)‐mediated reversible‐deactivation radical polymerization (RDRP) catalyzed by copper wire. Feather‐g‐PMAs with three different target degrees of polymerization (Dp) were prepared fast. Besides, molecular mass of PMA was closely associated with the theoretical value; PMA also exhibited relatively low polydispersity (~1.17). The catalyst was removed through simple washing, and thus a colorless product was yielded. However, Cu(0)‐mediated RDRP in the presence of the unmodified chicken feather caused the loss of control. Feather‐g‐PMA with a short graft chain exhibited a uniform interface coated on the feather fiber. Because the grafted PMA and the feather substrate had a strong interaction, and the graft ratio was less, there was only one stage of decomposition, and no glass transition temperature was detected. We detected a rough surface on feather‐g‐PMA with a longer graft chain and observed the glass transition of PMA and obviously two stages of decomposition. After densely graft, the hydrophilicity of chicken feather decreased. These feather‐g‐PMAs exhibited better compatibility in organic solvents (e.g., acetone and toluene). © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 48246.
Ambient temperature‐mediated enzymic activities and intestinal microflora in Lymantria dispar larvae
Authors: Zeng JianYong , Shi ZhongBin , Shi JianHong , Guo JiaXing , Zhang GuoCai , Zhang Jie
Published: July 2019

To understand how ambient temperature affect the gypsy moth larvae, and provide a theoretical basis for pest control in different environments. Fourth instar gypsy moth larvae were incubating for 3 hr at 15℃, 20℃, 25℃, 30℃, 35℃, and 40℃, respectively. Afterward, digestive and antioxidant enzyme activities, total antioxidant capacity, and intestinal microflora community were analyzed to reveal how the caterpillars respond to ambient temperature stress. Results showed that both digestive and antioxidant enzymes were regulated by the ambient temperature. The optimum incubation temperatures of protease, amylase, trehalase, and lipase in gypsy moth larvae were 30℃, 25℃, and 20℃, respectively. When the incubation temperature was deviated optimum temperatures, digestive enzyme activities would be downregulated depending on the extent of temperature stress. In addition, glutathione S‐transferase, peroxidase, catalase, and polyphenol oxidase would be activated under a sufferable temperature stress, but superoxide dismutase and carboxylesterase (CarE) would be inhibited. In addition, results showed that the top two abundant phyla were Proteobacteria and Firmicutes. The phylum Firmicutes abundance was decreased and phylum Proteobacteria abundance was increased by ambient temperature stress. Moreover, it suggested that gypsy moth caterpillars at different ambient temperature mainly differed from each other by Escherichia‐Shigella and Bifidobacterium in control, Acinetobacter in T15, and Lactobacillus in T40, respectively.
Recent research status of Bactrocera dorsalis: Insights from resistance mechanisms and population structure
Authors: Wei Dan‐Dan , He Wang , Lang Ning , Miao Ze‐Qing , Xiao Lin‐Fan , Dou Wei , Wang Jin‐Jun
Published: July 2019

Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) is considered to be a highly invasive and destructive agricultural pest due to its strong dispersal and adaptive capacity. Rapid development of insecticide resistance poses a serious threat to the sustainable control of this pest. Here, the resistance mechanisms and invasion pathways of this fly are outlined for a better understanding of the resistance‐gene flow pattern and invasion routes. We believe this microreview will provide a glimpse of the native regions, spread and management of resistance, and guide future work on these important topics.
Susceptibility and alterations by diflubenzuron in larvae of Aedes aegypti
Authors: Montaño‐Reyes Abraham , Llanderal‐Cázares Celina , Valdez‐Carrasco Jorge , Miranda‐Perkins Kalina , Sánchez‐Arroyo Hussein
Published: July 2019

Benzoylphenyl ureas inhibit chitin synthesis and interfere with the molting process in arthropods. In this study, the effect of diflubenzuron on third‐instar larvae of Aedes aegypti was evaluated. The susceptibility to the product was determined, and the alterations generated were shown through light and electron microscopy. LC50 and LC90 were 0.23 and 0.47 ppm, respectively. The main alterations observed were the incapacity to complete the molt, a reduction of mobility, the fragmentation of the old cuticle, a division of the body segments that was not evident, and the deformation of the caudal structures. Images of the ultrastructure are included, where breaking zones in the cuticle were observed, separation of the cuticle, the epidermis and the muscles, and these latter with a disorganized arrangement. In low concentrations, from 0.15 ppm, diflubenzuron causes alterations in the behavior and morphology of Ae. aegypti.
The Fatty Acid Composition and Quality of Oils from Post‐Industrial Waste of Quince Chaenomeles japonica
Authors: Urbanavičiūtė Ieva , Rubinskiene Marina , Viškelis Pranas
Published: July 2019

In the food industry, quince seeds are discarded as waste in the production process. Their use therefore creates added value and opens up the possibility of using no‐waste processing technologies. Three types of waste were investigated: after juicing, after the manufacture of puree and syrup. The results showed that the yield of quince seeds (Chaenomeles japonica (Thunb.) Lindl. ex Spach from waste left after different production methods varies from 29.8 to 38.3 %. The cold pressed oil yield ranges from 4.9±0.03 to 7.1±0.06 %. The oil yield obtained by Soxhlet extraction varies from 14.6±0.64 to 17.3±0.9 %. Unsaturated fatty acid, especially polyunsaturated fatty acid is predominant in quince seed oil. The linoleic acid content of the quince seed oils was between 47.12 % and 58.49 % of the total fatty acids. The fatty acid composition of oils from post‐industrial waste is more appropriate in the skin care industry than in the food industry because of the high ratio of omega‐6/omega‐3 and high linoleic acid content.