bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of Enzymes in Food Processing
Authors: Thakur Harshita , Mankotia Siya , Rajput Reshu
Published: November 2024

Enzymes are very important in the food industry because they naturally speed up and improve various processes. They are used in many areas, including baking, dairy, brewing, and the processing of fruits and vegetables. Enzymes help make food products better in quality, longer-lasting, more stable, and tastier. In baking, enzymes like amylases, proteases, and lipases are essential. Amylases turn starches into sugars, which feed the yeast and help the dough rise more effectively. Proteases change gluten, making the dough easier to work with. Lipases improve the texture and softness of the bread, helping it stay fresh for a longer time. In dairy processing, enzymes such as rennet and lactase are crucial. Rennet is a mix of enzymes used in cheese-making to coagulate milk, which leads to the creation of curds and whey. Lactase breaks down lactose into glucose and galactose, making dairy products suitable for people who are lactose intolerant. These enzymatic actions not only improve the nutritional value of dairy products but also enhance their digestibility and flavouring, in the brewing industry, enzymes like amylases, proteases, and glucanases are used to convert starches into fermented sugars, break down proteins for better clarity, and lower viscosity. These enzymes help with efficient fermentation, resulting in higher alcohol yields and better beer quality. Additionally, β-glucanase helps break down β-glucans, which can cause problems during filtration, thus improving the overall brewing process. When it comes to processing fruits and vegetables, enzymes such as pectinases, cellulases, and hemicelluloses play important roles. Pectinases break down pectin, a key component of plant cell walls, leading to clearer juices and more efficient juice extraction. Cellulases and hemicelluloses further assist by breaking down cell walls, which helps release valuable nutrients and improves the texture of the processed products. Enzymes are essential in the food processing industry, providing numerous benefits such as better product quality, longer shelf life, increased nutritional value, and greater efficiency in production. Their ability to work under mild conditions, along with their specificity and biodegradability, makes them ideal for sustainable food production. Continuous research and the development of new enzymes and their applications will keep transforming the industry, leading to healthier, safer, and more sustainable food products.
Nanotechnology Interventions in Fruit Production: Enhancing Production and Quality
Authors: Verma Ruchi , Chettri Nitisha , Kumar Rahul , Roshan R. K. , Kumari Preeti , Sonkar Satyarath , Kumari Suman , Rongpi Abhijit
Published: November 2024

Nanotechnology has gained significant importance in enhancing fruit production and quality, offering novel solutions to challenges faced by traditional horticultural practices. The various applications of nanotechnology in fruit cultivation, focusing on Nano fertilizers, nanopesticides, nano-based fungicides, and post-harvest management technologies. Nanofertilizers have shown promise in improving nutrient uptake efficiency, stimulating vegetative and reproductive growth, enhancing yield, and reducing environmental impacts compared to conventional fertilizers. Similarly, nanopesticides and nanofungicides provide targeted pest and disease management, reducing the overuse of chemical inputs and minimizing their harmful effects on soil health. Post-harvest nanotechnologies, such as silver and zinc oxide nanoparticles, have been effective in extending the shelf life of fruits by preventing microbial decay and maintaining fruit firmness. Innovations in smart packaging, such as nanocomposite films and nano coatings, help slow down ripening and spoilage, significantly reducing post-harvest losses. Precision fruit cultivation techniques utilizing nanosensors and nano-based biosensors offer enhanced monitoring of soil conditions, nutrient levels, and early pathogen detection, improving overall fruit quality and sustainability. Despite these advancements, the widespread adoption of nanotechnology in fruit production is still limited by concerns related to public acceptance, potential environmental impacts, and regulatory challenges. Continued research is needed to address these issues and to explore the full potential of nanotechnology in fruit production.
Bio-efficacy of Kresoxim Methyl 44.3 % SC Against Late Blight of Tomato under In vitro Condition
Authors: Singh Rohit Kumar , Jaiswal Deepak Kumar , Chongloi Lhingneivah , Singh J.P , Choudhary Suresh
Published: November 2024

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) is one of the most important vegetable crops grown throughout the globe for its nutritional and antioxidant properties. In recent years, the production of this crop is hindered by various pests and diseases. Late blight is one of the most common and devastating disease of tomato crop which is caused by the fungus Phytophthora infestans. In order to manage this disease, an experiment was conducted in the laboratory of IPFT, Gurgaon. For this, different concentration of Kresoxim methyl 44.3 % SC at 80 ppm, 40 ppm, 20 ppm, 10 ppm, 5 ppm and 2.5 ppm were evaluated against late blight of tomato under in vitro using food poison technique. Observations on radial growth of the pathogen recorded after 3, 7 and 10 days of transferring culture in media showed that the Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) plates with 80 ppm Kresoxim methyl 44.3 % SC recorded minimum radial growth of pathogen (1.53, 3.13 and 2.73 cm) followed by 40 ppm (1.69, 3.50 and 3.10 cm) after 3, 7 and 10 days of treatment application. Moreover, Kresoxim methyl 44.3 % SC at 80, 40, 20 and 10 ppm were effective over control as they exhibit more than 50 % reduction in radial growth over control. The percent inhibition of mycelial growth over control was highest (67.82 %) in PDA plates consisting of 80 ppm Kresoxim methyl 44.3 % SC followed by 40 ppm (62.96 %) after 10 days of transferring culture in media. The treatment with 5 ppm and 2 ppm recorded less than 50 % reduction of pathogen growth.
Effect of Integrated Nitrogen Management Practices on Growth and Yield of Kharif Maize
Authors: Birla Devilal , Patel R. A. , Makwana S. N. , Yadav Suwa Lal
Published: December 2024

Aims: This field experiment was conducted to find out the effect of integrated nitrogen management on growth and yield of kharif maize.
Study Design:  In the experiment, five nitrogen management treatments were taken in Randomized Block Design (RBD).
Place and Duration of Study: This field experiment was conducted for consecutive two kharif seasons in 2022 and 2023 at Agronomy Farm of B. A. College of Agriculture, Anand Agricultural University, Anand.
Methodology: In the experiment, five nitrogen management treatments were taken in Randomised Block Design (RBD) viz T1:100% Recommended Dose of Nitrogen (RDN) through chemical fertilizer, T2:100% RDN through farm yard manure (FYM), T3:75% RDN through FYM + 25% through chemical fertilizer, T4:50% RDN through FYM + 50% through chemical fertilizer and T5:50% RDN through FYM + 25% through chemical fertilizer + Bio NPK consortium with four replications.
Results: The various nitrogen management treatments significantly affected growth plant height at 30, 60 DAS and at harvest, grain yield and straw yield. Application 100% RDN through inorganic fertilizer (T1) to recorded significantly higher grain yield and straw yield, it was remained statistically at par with T4 (50% RDN through FYM + 50% RDN through chemical fertilizer) and T5 (50% RDN through FYM + 25% RDN through chemical fertilizer + Bio NPK consortium) in both the years and in pooled analysis.
Conclusion: Application 100% RDN through inorganic fertilizer (T1) gave the highest plant height, grain yield and straw yield, closely followed by a 50% RDN from FYM + 50% from chemical fertilizer.
Empowering Futures: STEM Aspirations among Bangladeshi Girls in Secondary Education
Authors: Rabbe K. M. Abdullah Al-Amin , Alam Md. Mahmud
Published: November 2024

This research examines the desire of the class nine and ten girls towards STEM education in Khulna and Rajshahi, Bangladesh. Despite growing awareness of gender parity, girls’ STEM participation is little. This study surveys various socio-cultural, economic, and educational aspects to determine whether female students choose STEM streams in secondary school. This study has explored the unexplored aspirations of high school girls in these two areas of Bangladesh.
A mixed-methods approach was used to meet the objectives of this study. For this, researchers used a wide range of quantitative and qualitative data. Eight girls’ high schools in Khulna and Rajshahi, Bangladesh, were studied using questionnaires in which 410 girls participated. The students were selected from ninth and tenth grades. In addition, 44 respondents shared their ideas, experiences, and observations in four focus group discussions (FGD) conducted at various schools. The data was collected from July 2021 to June 2023. STEM female students have been studied using descriptive statistics and qualitative methods. Some critical issues have been explored through this study. These include motivations for studying STEM, completion, desired degree, and chosen STEM higher education institutions. The present global STEM education scenario and STEM occupations largely influence female STEM students.
The results reveal that every respondent has well-defined STEM aspirations; nonetheless, the majority target the biological sciences. It also found that they have less interest in engineering, technology, and applied sciences. The earth, space, and physical science occupy a smaller subset in their chosen row. The girls also know local and global STEM education trends and actively seek knowledge to guide their academic and career paths. It is important to note that the students are ambitious and aware of STEM career opportunities despite their knowledge deficits.
The research suggested the need to provide additional assistance in a few areas, like providing high-quality teaching methods and materials for STEM girls, mentorship, organizing workshops for guardians, and offering scholarships and financial aid. If these suggestions are implemented, the girls' desires may be fulfilled.
Does Microfinance Impact Sectoral Growth?: A Case Study of Bangladesh
Authors: Rifat Md. Arifur Rahman , Qasim Rizwan , Arafat Md. Abdur Rahman , Alam Dastgir
Published: November 2024

Purpose: This research examined the impact of microfinance loans on sector-specific outputs—agriculture, services, and industry—and their contribution to Bangladesh's economic growth from 2008 to 2022.
Methodology: The unit root test result gave mixed-order of stationarity—three variables followed I(0), and three followed I(1). Therefore the study employed the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model to analyze the effects of microfinance loans on the selected sectors. Data had been taken from the Bangladesh National Portal, the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, the Bangladesh Economic Review, and the World Bank database.
Findings: The results showed that microfinance loans positively affected the agriculture and service sectors, promoting growth and productivity. However, a negative impact was found in the industrial sector, suggesting inefficiencies in utilizing financial support. Regarding sector contributions to overall economic growth, the service and industrial sectors showed positive and statistically significant impacts, aligning with Bangladesh's economic objectives. Surprisingly, the agricultural sector did not significantly contribute to economic growth, indicating potential structural challenges.
Originality: This study provided a comprehensive sector-wise analysis of microfinance's influence on Bangladesh's economic growth, offering new insights into how different sectors responded to microfinance interventions. The findings contributed to understanding the disparities in the utilization and effectiveness of microfinance across sectors.
Análise do perfil lipídico de indivíduos adultos na cidade de Aracaju, Sergipe
Authors: Bruinsma Ariane Laís , Batista Pereira Rafaell , Nascimento Cristian Rodrigues do , Correia Leão Sydney , Rodrigues Tãnia Maria de Andrade , Tenório Pedro Pereira
Published: November 2024

Introdução: A prevalência das dislipidemias tem aumentado progressivamente nas últimas décadas, tornando-se uma das principais causas de morbimortalidade em todo o mundo. Diversos fatores, além dos genéticos, podem contribuir para o seu desenvolvimento, incluindo idade, sexo, dieta, sedentarismo, tabagismo, diabetes mellitus, hipertensão arterial sistêmica e obesidade. Estudos epidemiológicos têm mostrado diferenças significativas na prevalência das dislipidemias entre diferentes regiões geográficas, tornando-se premente analisar o perfil epidemiológico para compreensão da distribuição e impacto na saúde pública, bem como o desenvolvimento de políticas de prevenção e tratamento. Objetivo: Traçar o perfil lipídico da população da cidade de Aracaju/SE no período de 2006 e 2015. Métodos: Tratou-se de um estudo retrospectivo baseado em lipidogramas de 378 indivíduos de ambos os sexos e com idade entre 20-80 anos. O perfil lipídico foi determinado utilizando as seguintes frações: colesterol total (CT); lipoproteína de alta densidade (HDL-c); lipoproteína de baixa densidade (LDL-c) e triglicéride (TG). A análise inferencial foi realizada através do teste t de Student considerando como significativo um valor p <0,05. Resultados: A prevalência de dislipidemia foi de 23%, sendo 19% no sexo feminino e 28% no masculino (p <0,05). O sexo masculino obteve um CT de 39 mg/dL acima da média (p = 0,01), além de 5,1 mg/dL a menos na fração de HDL (p = 0,001) em relação ao sexo feminino. Conclusão: A população analisada apresentou alta prevalência de dislipidemia. Ademais, a dislipidemia foi mais prevalente nos homens, o que demonstra uma maior necessidade de programas de prevenção voltados para esse grupo.
Influência do estado nutricional materno sobre a prematuridade e o conteúdo energético do leite humano de mulheres adultas
Authors: Fantuci Karoline Montanhere Baratella de Oliveira , Mendes Rita de Cássia Dorácio , Duarte Cristiane Nava , Balthazar Emilia Alonso , Marin Flávia Andréia
Published: November 2024

Introdução: O leite materno é um alimento único que oferece características nutricionais e fatores imunológicos que não podem ser igualmente substituídos por nenhum outro tipo de leite. Objetivo: Avaliar a relação do estado nutricional com a idade gestacional e o valor energético do leite humano de nutrizes adultas. Metodologia: Trata-se de um estudo transversal, com  amostra composta por 40 nutrizes. A coleta dos dados ocorreu entre os meses de setembro e dezembro de 2020, por meio de entrevista, avaliação antropométrica e inquérito alimentar. O conteúdo energético das amostras de leite humano foi determinado por meio do crematócrito. Resultados: Observou-se percentual elevado de mulheres com sobrepeso e obesidade, bem como um ganho de peso excessivo na gestação. As nutrizes cujo leite produzido apresentou maior valor energético tiveram uma mediana de ganho de peso maior. Além disso, verificou-se associação entre o IMC no final da gestação e a gordura corporal materna com a prematuridade. O IMC pré-gestacional foi maior nas mães de prematuros. Conclusão: O ganho de peso excessivo durante a gestação foi associado a um maior valor energético do leite produzido. A obesidade pré-gestacional e o IMC no final da gestação mostraram-se associados com a prematuridade.
Thermographic and histopathological study of the effects of plasma jet therapy upon tissue repair in rats
Authors: Cerqueira Carla Barreto Silva de , De Souza Paulo Badaró , Marchionni Antônio Márcio Teixeira , Almeida Mylana , Medrado Alena Peixoto , Matos Josilene Borges Torres Lima
Published: November 2024

Background: Biomodulatory therapies have been used to improve the healing pattern and assist in tissue repair. The plasma jet is a therapy that has been currently indicated for dermatological use and aesthetic purposes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of plasma jet on repair of skin wounds in rats through thermographic imaging and histopathological analysis. Methods: 20 Wistar rats were divided into Control Group (CG) and Plasma Jet Group (PJG). A cutaneous surgical wound was performed on the back of the animals and thermographic recording was performed at different periods. Only the PJG was submitted to plasma jet therapy, immediately after the surgery and in the following two days. Half of the animals in each group were sacrificed on the 5th day, after the surgical procedure, and another half on the 10th day. A sample of tissue from the animals was removed and processed for histological analysis. Results: Thermograms showed greater variation in the thermal coefficient in the PJG especially on the 5th day (p>0.05). These results confirm the histological findings in this period that exhibited greater collagen biosynthesis in the dermis (p<0.05). Conclusion: Plasma jet treatment was able to promote an improvement in the collagen fibers pattern and the use of Infrared Thermography was useful to monitor tissue repair.
Regional Characteristics And Anomaly Detection Of KODIT Default Rates Using Prophet
Authors: Paik Juryon
Published: December 2024

Background: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of the national economy,
necessitating a stable financial environment. This study focuses on analyzing default rates from Korea Credit
Guarantee Fund (KODIT) data across 18 regions in South Korea and detecting anomalies using the Prophet
model. Prophet is recognized as a powerful tool for time series analysis, capable of effectively separating trends,
seasonality, and external factors while identifying anomalies.
Materials and Methods: This study utilized KODIT default rate data spanning from 2012 to 2023. The data were
preprocessed to fit the Prophet model's requirements, and information on national holidays and weekends was
incorporated to enhance anomaly detection performance. The preprocessing ensured the model accurately
captured temporal patterns and external influences within the data.
Results: The analysis revealed a common pattern of increasing default rates across most regions after 2022, likely
reflecting the impact of external factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Notably, Sejong and Jeju exhibited
higher frequencies and intensities of anomalies compared to other regions, highlighting the need for further
exploration of the relationship between regional economic characteristics and external factors. Furthermore, the
Prophet model demonstrated high predictive accuracy in economically stable regions like Seoul and Gyeonggi,
but its anomaly detection performance was relatively limited in regions like Gyeongnam and Ulsan, dominated
by manufacturing, and Jeonbuk and Jeonnam, centered around agriculture.
Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the Prophet model is a valuable tool for detecting anomalies and
devising credit risk management strategies. While it underscores the importance of exploring quantitative correlations between anomalies and external factors, it also suggests that Prophet-based analyses can extend beyond credit risk management to broader economic decision-making processes
Análise De Sintomas Ansiosos Em Alunos Concluintes Do Curso De Enfermagem
Authors: Silva Luana Dias Da , Silva Thaís Pereira Da
Published: December 2024

A ansiedade acadêmica é um fenômeno frequente entre os estudantes universitários, podendo impactar
significativamente o desempenho e a continuidade dos estudos. Este artigo tem como objetivo compreender as
razões que levam estudantes do curso de Enfermagem da Faculdade UNAMA a desistirem da formação
acadêmica, com ênfase nos sintomas ansiosos como um dos fatores prejudiciais no rendimento acadêmico. A
pergunta de pesquisa norteadora investiga como esses sintomas podem afetar os alunos na fase final do curso.
Por meio de levantamento bibliográfico e análise qualitativa dos relatos de discentes, buscou-se identificar padrões de ansiedade e suas interferências no progresso acadêmico, oferecendo subsídios para intervenções preventivas eficazes e promoção de suporte psicossocial adequado
Non-Ionizing Electromagnetic Radiation (5G) And Its Effects On Female Reproductive Health
Authors: Khan Shifana Shafi
Published: December 2024

The purpose of this study is to investigate the presence of non-ionizing radiation and its effect on female
reproductive health, particularly in India. The issue of non-ionizing radiation is especially relevant in India, a
rapidly modernizing nation, as its society adapts to advancements in technology and infrastructure development.
Of particular interest to us are the biological effects of non-ionizing radiation on women of reproductive age.
Consequently, we aim to determine whether women perceive non-ionizing radiation in their environment or living
spaces, and ascertain whether any complaints related to the reproductive system are more frequent when the
respondents believe non-ionizing radiation is present, in addition to discussing possible mechanisms and
outcomes from previously conducted research. Despite a general lack of awareness about non-ionizing radiation
in India and its potential impact, it is anticipated that women are exposed to this type of radiation, either through
close contact with emitting devices or relay towers installed near residential areas. We also expect that some symptoms related to the reproductive system, as reported by women, will become more prevalent when nonionizing radiation is present
Length-Weight Relationship And Condition Factor Of West African Fiddler Crab Uca Tangeri From Elechi Creek, Niger Delta, Nigeria
Authors: N Umesi, , I. K. E Ekweozor, , C L Eze, . , D. I Essi, , W Iyama,
Published: December 2024

This study assessed the length-weight relationship and condition factor (K) of the fiddler crab Uca tangeri at the
Elechi Creek in the upper Bonny Estuary of the Niger Delta, Nigeria. Crab samples were collected from 5
sampling stations were located on a littoral transect spanning approximately 4.56 km stretch from the exposed
mudflats at low tide on a bi-monthly basis from January – December, 2023. The mean carapace width, carapace
length and weight of the crab ranged from 3.25 – 3.70 cm, 2.70 – 3.05 cm and 18.85 – 25.70 g respectively. The
slope weight for the regression equation indicated that longer carapace length predicted larger weight of U.
tangeri. The 95% confidence interval for the slope (0.594 - 0.781) was positive throughout the range of the
interval. Based on the magnitude of the correlation coefficient (r = 0.767), the study showed that carapace length
is moderately related to weight of U. tangeri at the Elechi creek, with 59% (r
2 = 0.588) of the variance of crab
body weight accounted for by carapace length. The calculated b value for U. tangeri was < 3 and showed negative
allometric growth in crabs, t(147) = 14.476, p < 0.05. The condition factor (Kn) value of 1.0031 was > 1 and indicated that crab in the study area had good level of feeding and proper environmental condition
Essai De Contrôle De La Chenille Mineuse De L’épi Du Mil Par Des Lâchers Simple Et Combinés De Trichogrammatoïdea Armigera Et Dehabrobracon Hebetor Dans La Région De Ségou
Authors: Traore Astan
Published: December 2024

Contexte : Le mil (Pennisetum glaucum) est l’une des principales cultures céréalières au Mali. Plus de 60% des
pertes de son rendement sont causées par l'attaque de la chenille mineuse (Heliocheilus albipunctella). Des études
antérieures ont montré que cet insecte peut être contrôlé par des parasitoïdes larvaires ou oophages. Cette étude
avait pour objectif d’évaluer l’efficacité de Trichogram matoïdea armigera et d’Habrobracon dans le contrôle
de la chenille mineuse de mil et comparer l'impact des lâchers simples versus combinés des deux parasitoïdes.
Matériels et Méthodes : L’étude a été réalisée dans le milieu paysan à Cinzana en zone soudano-sahélienne du
Mali aucours de la campagne agricole 2023. Quatre villages, distants d’au plus de 5 km ont été choisis, dans
chacun d’eux, 5 champs situés autour. Le choix des champs était lié à l’exigence de leur infestation antérieure
par la mineuse de l’épi. Quatre traitements ont été effectués avec respectivement lâcher simple de trichogrammes
à Douna (Traitement 1), lâcher combiné de trichogrammes et de bracons à Ouendia (Traitement 2) et lâcher
simple de bracons à Kondogola (Traitement 3) et le village de Bamoussobougou (Traitemen 4), village témoin,
sans aucun lâcher. Le dispositif d’expérimentation utilisé était le même pour tous les quatre villages.
Résultats : Les résultats ont montré que le taux d’infestation des épis a varié de 16,91 à 0,66%. Pour le rendement,
le traitement 1 (lâcher de T. armigera) a enregistré le rendement moyen le plus élevé avec 2503 kg /ha contre
1761 kg /ha pour le lâcher combiné et 1347 kg/ha pour celui de H. hebetor. Conclusion: Au regard des résultats du test, armigera pourrait constituer un parasitoïde efficace des œufs de mineuse d’épis de mil dans des situations d’une forte infestation des champs par le ravageur.
Advancing U.S.-Africa Economic Ties: Leveraging Development Finance For Strategic Partnerships
Authors: . .
Published: December 2024

This paper explores the critical role of development finance in strengthening economic ties between the United
States and Africa, with a focus on ensuring strategic partnerships that address key developmental challenges. It
begins by providing a historical context of U.S.-Africa economic relations and emphasizing the importance of
trade and investment in encouraging bilateral ties. The paper examines how development finance catalyzes
funding critical infrastructure, promoting sustainable development, and creating job opportunities. By leveraging
innovative financing models such as blended finance, public-private partnerships, and impact investing,
stakeholders can address structural barriers and unlock the continent’s untapped economic potential.
Challenges, including political instability, limited infrastructure, and resistance to foreign investment, are
analyzed alongside opportunities driven by Africa’s rapid urbanization, abundant natural resources, and
strategic importance in countering global influences. Policy recommendations for U.S. policymakers, African
governments, and multilateral development banks highlight the collaborative approaches needed to maximize the
benefits of development finance. The paper concludes by emphasizing the urgency of innovative and transparent financing mechanisms, urging all stakeholders to prioritize sustainable and equitable growth
Mass Spectrometry Applications in Forensic Science
Authors: Smith Darrin L. , Kaeser Tran Cynthia J.
Published: June 2019

Mass spectrometry (MS) is a technique widely used in forensic science for the identification of molecular or elemental composition of submitted evidence. Relatively small, volatile, nonpolar molecules, such as ignitable liquids and some drugs, can be analyzed with electron and chemical ionization (CI) coupled with single‐stage mass analyzers that provide molecular weight and structural information. Nonvolatile and polar molecules such as other drugs, poisons, and/or their metabolites can be identified using electrospray or related soft ionization techniques. The use of tandem MS with these compounds allows structure elucidation and provides excellent screening and quantitative results. Ambient ionization sources allow sampling directly from a surface with minimal sample preparation required. Elemental profiles also provide reliable methods for distinguishing between forensic samples. This article aims to provide an overview of the MS instrumentation, techniques, and applications within the field of forensic science.
Ion Mobility–Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Jiang Wentao , Chung Nadjali A. , May Jody C. , McLean John A. , Robinson Renã A.S.
Published: June 2019

Ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) is a powerful analytical technique that has gained widespread use in the last few decades. The coupling of IMS with mass spectrometry (MS) greatly extends the capabilities and applications of the technique. This coupled technique, ion mobility–mass spectrometry (IM‐MS), has found utility in obtaining structural information on a variety of molecules with sizes spanning polyatomic ions to viruses. IM‐MS instruments are more routinely used as combined structurally selective and mass‐selective analytical separation devices allowing complex mixtures to be investigated. Furthermore, IM‐MS separations are conducted in the gas phase, which provides fast measurement capabilities that allow it to be compatible with other front‐end, condensed‐phase analytical separations, such as liquid chromatography and capillary electrophoresis. This article provides a general overview of IM‐MS technology, notable advances in instrumentation, and examples of several applications across a broad range of fields.
Refugees or Asylees in
E
urope, Language, and Identity
Authors: Smetanová Eva
Published: June 2019

2015 was said to be the year of the migrant as over a million refugees and asylum seekers entered Europe, leaving their homes in rush and fear. Their wish to make a better and safer life outside their country is very often associated with their desire to provide themselves and uppermost their children with quality education. To learn and acquire the language of the host community may thus be a priority as strong linguistic and communicative skills are essential for the future life of newcomers. However, the educational process may not always be easy for the migrants or for their teachers and educators. This summary attempts to introduce some difficulties migrant students may be met with as well as some of the contributions they may introduce. It also strives to guide those who teach or assist in multilingual and multiethnic classes and face challenges arising from a multicultural environment.
Identification of serum microRNAs as potential biomarkers in Pompe disease
Authors: Carrasco‐Rozas Ana , Fernández‐Simón Esther , Lleixà Maria Cinta , Belmonte Izaskun , Pedrosa-Hernandez Irene , Montiel-Morillo Elena , Nuñez‐Peralta Claudia , Llauger Rossello Jaume , Segovia Sonia , De Luna Noemí , Suarez‐Calvet Xavier , Illa Isabel ,   Pompe Spanish Study group, Díaz‐Manera Jordi , Gallardo Eduard
Published: June 2019

Objective

To analyze the microRNA profile in serum of patients with Adult Onset Pompe disease (AOPD).

Methods

We analyzed the expression of 185 microRNAs in serum of 15 AOPD patients and five controls using microRNA PCR Panels. The expression levels of microRNAs that were deregulated were further studied in 35 AOPD patients and 10 controls using Real‐Time PCR. Additionally, the skeletal muscle expression of microRNAs which showed significant increase levels in serum samples was also studied. Correlations between microRNA serum levels and muscle function test, spirometry, and quantitative muscle MRI were performed (these data correspond to the study NCT01914536 at ClinicalTrials.gov).

Results

We identified 14 microRNAs that showed different expression levels in serum samples of AOPD patients compared to controls. We validated these results in a larger cohort of patients and we found increased levels of three microRNAs, the so called dystromirs: miR‐1‐3p, miR‐133a‐3p, and miR‐206. These microRNAs are involved in muscle regeneration and the expression of these was increased in patients' muscle biopsies. Significant correlations between microRNA levels and muscle function test were found.

Interpretation

Serum expression levels of dystromirs may represent additional biomarkers for the follow‐up of AOPD patients.
Tunable Mechanical Anisotropy, Crack Guiding, and Toughness Enhancement in Two‐Stage Reactive Polymer Networks
Authors: Cox Lewis M. , Blevins Adrienne K. , Drisko Jasper A. , Qi Yuan , Ding Yifu , Fiedler‐Higgins Callie I. , Long Rong , Bowman Christopher N. , Killgore Jason P.
Published: June 2019

Using simple and inexpensive processing methodologies afforded by two‐stage reactive polymer networks (TSRPs) tunable mechanical anisotropy is displayed, defect‐independent guiding of cohesive fracture paths through soft material is demonstrated for the first time, and bio‐inspired microstructures are shown to enable performance enhancement beyond what is anticipated by the rule‐of‐mixtures in composites. The ability to pattern rubbery (stage I) and glassy (stage II) domains within a TSRP using photomasks and UV light is investigated through atomic force microscope (AFM) nanomechanical mapping techniques. AFM modulus mapping shows that the resulting stiffness anisotropy between stage I and stage II regions is length scale dependent. A gradient interface in elastic modulus between stage I and stage II materials is observed and, when patterned with an angled stage I pathway, the gradient interface exhibits remarkable resilience during failure, repeatedly deflecting cracks away from stage II regions, even while turning cracks at angles up to 135° When stage I and stage II domains are patterned in a nacre‐inspired microstructure, toughening beyond rule‐of‐mixtures’ prediction is observed.
3D Macroscopic Architectures from Self‐Assembled MXene Hydrogels
Authors: Shang Tongxin , Lin Zifeng , Qi Changsheng , Liu Xiaochen , Li Pei , Tao Ying , Wu Zhitan , Li Dewang , Simon Patrice , Yang Quan‐Hong
Published: June 2019

Assembly of 2D MXene sheets into a 3D macroscopic architecture is highly desirable to overcome the severe restacking problem of 2D MXene sheets and develop MXene‐based functional materials. However, unlike graphene, 3D MXene macroassembly directly from the individual 2D sheets is hard to achieve for the intrinsic property of MXene. Here a new gelation method is reported to prepare a 3D structured hydrogel from 2D MXene sheets that is assisted by graphene oxide and a suitable reductant. As a supercapacitor electrode, the hydrogel delivers a superb capacitance up to 370 F g−1 at 5 A g−1, and more promisingly, demonstrates an exceptionally high rate performance with the capacitance of 165 F g−1 even at 1000 A g−1. Moreover, using controllable drying processes, MXene hydrogels are transformed into different monoliths with structures ranging from a loosely organized porous aerogel to a dense solid. As a result, a 3D porous MXene aerogel shows excellent adsorption capacity to simultaneously remove various classes of organic liquids and heavy metal ions while the dense solid has excellent mechanical performance with a high Young's modulus and hardness.
Diffusion–Freezing‐Induced Microphase Separation for Constructing Large‐Area Multiscale Structures on Hydrogel Surfaces
Authors: Lei Wenwei , Qi Shuanhu , Rong Qinfeng , Huang Jin , Xu Yichao , Fang Ruochen , Liu Kesong , Jiang Lei , Liu Mingjie
Published: June 2019

Hydrogels with multiscale structured surface have attracted significant attention for their valuable applications in diverse areas. However, current strategies for the design and fabrication of structured hydrogel surfaces, which suffer from complicated manufacturing processes and specific material modeling, are not efficient to produce structured hydrogel surfaces in large area, and therefore restrict their practical applications. To address this problem, a general and reliable method is reported, which relies on the interplay between polymer chain diffusion and the subsequent freezing‐induced gelation and microphase separation processes. The basic idea is systematically analyzed and further exploited to manufacture gel surfaces with gradient structures and patterns through the introduction of temperature gradient and shape control of the contact area. Moreover, the formed micro/nanostructured surfaces are exemplified to work as capillary systems and thus can uplift the liquid spontaneously indicating the potential application for anti‐dehydration. It is believed that the proposed facile and large‐area fabrication method can inspire the design of materials with various functionalized surfaces.
Photoredox‐Catalyzed Oxydifluoroalkylation of Styrenes for Access to Difluorinated Ketones with DMSO as an Oxidant
Authors: Li Lixin , Ma Yan‐Na , Tang Mi , Guo Jing , Yang Zhen , Yan Yizhe , Ma Xiantao , Tang Lin
Published: June 2019

By taking advantage of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as an oxidant, the photoredox‐catalyzed alkene oxydifluoroalkylation for formal C(sp3)−CF2R and C(sp2)=O formation is disclosed for the first time. This difunctionalization reaction employs readily available styrenes as the substrates and bromodifluoro compounds as the difluoroalkylating reagents, which can afford the difluorinated ketones in acceptable yields with excellent regioselectivity. Experiments indicate that fac‐Ir(ppy)3‐catalyzed oxydifluoroalkylation can proceed smoothly under base‐free conditions in the presence of AgTFA.

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Metal‐Free Carbocyclization of Homoallylic Silyl Ethers Leading to Cyclopropanes and Cyclobutanes
Authors: Zhang Jianbo , Hazra Chinmoy Kumar , Park Sehoon , Chang Sukbok
Published: June 2019

We have developed a Hosomi‐Sakurai type carbocyclization of homoallylic silyl ethers in reaction with silyl nucleophiles, catalyzed by Lewis acidic silylium salt. It offers cyclopropane and cyclobutane products with high efficiency and selectivity. A range of silyl nucleophiles could be engaged in this transformation to give small‐sized carbocycles incorporating allyl, allenyl, carbonyl, indole or thioether groups. Diastereoselectivity in the cyclobutane formation was observed to be dependent on the steric bulkiness of incoming nucleophiles.
A Condensation/Reductive Alkylation/Hydrogenation Cascade for Facile Synthesis of Chiral 2,3‐Disubstituted Indolines
Authors: Yu Chang‐Bin , Li Xiang , Zhou Yong‐Gui
Published: June 2019

A divergent and enantioselective procedure for synthesis of 2,3‐disubstituted indolines was developed through Brønsted acid/palladium‐complex promoted condensation/reductive alkylation/ hydrogenation cascade reactions from simple amino ketones and aldehydes in one operation. Five Brønsted acid‐promoted steps and two Pd‐catalyzed hydrogenation steps were involved in this process. This strategy provides facile synthesis of structurally diverse multi‐substituted chiral indolines.
Catalytic Enantioselective Synthesis of Allylic Boronates Bearing a Trisubstituted Alkenyl Fluoride and Related Derivatives
Authors: Akiyama Sota , Kubota Koji , Mikus Malte S. , Paioti Paulo H. S. , Romiti Filippo , Liu Qinghe , Zhou Yuebiao , Hoveyda Amir H. , Ito Hajime
Published: June 2019

The first catalytic method for diastereo‐ and enantioselective synthesis of allylic boronates bearing a Z‐trisubstituted alkenyl fluoride is disclosed. Boryl substitution is performed with either a Z‐ or E‐allyldifluoride and is catalyzed by bisphosphine/Cu complexes, affording products in up to 99 % yield with >98:2 Z/E selectivity and 99:1 enantiomeric ratio. A variety of subsequent modifications are feasible, and notable examples are diastereoselective additions to aldehydes/aldimines to access homoallylic alcohols/amines containing a fluorosubstituted stereogenic quaternary center.
Self‐Assembly of Wireframe DNA Nanostructures from Junction Motifs
Authors: Huang Kai , Yang Donglei , Tan Zhenyu , Chen Silian , Xiang Ye , Mi Yongli , Mao Chengde , Wei Bryan
Published: June 2019

Wireframe frameworks have been investigated for the construction of complex nanostructures from a scaffolded DNA origami approach; however, a similar framework is yet to be fully explored in a scaffold‐free “LEGO” approach. Herein, we describe a general design scheme to construct wireframe DNA nanostructures entirely from short synthetic strands. A typical edge of the resulting structures in this study is composed of two parallel duplexes with crossovers on both ends, and three, four, or five edges radiate out from a certain vertex. By using such a self‐assembly scheme, we produced planar lattices and polyhedral objects.
A customized nuclear target enrichment approach for developing a phylogenomic baseline for Dioscorea yams (Dioscoreaceae)
Authors: Soto Gomez Marybel , Pokorny Lisa , Kantar Michael B. , Forest Félix , Leitch Ilia J. , Gravendeel Barbara , Wilkin Paul , Graham Sean W. , Viruel Juan
Published: June 2019

Premise

We developed a target enrichment panel for phylogenomic studies of Dioscorea, an economically important genus with incompletely resolved relationships.

Methods

Our bait panel comprises 260 low‐ to single‐copy nuclear genes targeted to work in Dioscorea, assessed here using a preliminary taxon sampling that includes both distantly and closely related taxa, including several yam crops and potential crop wild relatives. We applied coalescent‐based and maximum likelihood phylogenomic inference approaches to the pilot taxon set, incorporating new and published transcriptome data from additional species.

Results

The custom panel retrieved ~94% of targets and >80% of full gene length from 88% and 68% of samples, respectively. It has minimal gene overlap with existing panels designed for angiosperm‐wide studies and generally recovers longer and more variable targets. Pilot phylogenomic analyses consistently resolve most deep and recent relationships with strong support across analyses and point to revised relationships between the crop species D. alata and candidate crop wild relatives.

Discussion

Our customized panel reliably retrieves targeted loci from Dioscorea, is informative for resolving relationships in denser samplings, and is suitable for refining our understanding of the independent origins of cultivated yam species; the panel likely has broader promise for phylogenomic studies across Dioscoreales.
Aqueous Phase Sensing of Fe3+ and Ascorbic Acid by a Metal–Organic Framework and Its Implication in the Construction of Multiple Logic Gates
Authors: Dalapati Rana , Biswas Shyam
Published: June 2019

A new HfIV‐based metal‐organic framework with UiO‐66 topology was synthesized via a one‐step solvothermal method by using 3‐methyl‐4‐phenylthieno[2,3‐b]thiophene‐2,5‐dicarboxylic acid (H2MPTDC) as a ligand. The MOF material showed a high stability in a broad pH range (from pH 2 to pH 12) in an aqueous medium. The presence of hydrophobic methyl and phenyl substituents in the carboxylic acid ligand and strong Hf−O bond play crucial roles in its stability. The new MOF material was systematically characterized by various techniques such as XRPD, N2 sorption, thermogravimetric analyses and FT‐IR spectroscopy. The photophysical properties of the MOF material were also examined by steady‐state and time‐resolved fluorescence studies. It was observed that the blue fluorescence of the MOF material was selectively quenched in the presence of Fe3+ ion in pure aqueous medium. A mechanistic study disclosed that quenching occurs via a strong inner filter effect (IFE) arising from Fe3+ ion in aqueous medium. Interestingly, the fluorescence of the MOF material can be recovered by elimination of the IFE of Fe3+ ion via reduction of Fe3+ ion by ascorbic acid (AA). Based on the fluorescence recovery by AA, a MOF based on‐off‐on probe was developed for the sensing of Fe3+ ion and AA in aqueous medium. Inspired by this reversible sensing event, we demonstrate basic (NOT, OR, YES, INHIBIT and IMP) and higher integrated logic operations utilizing this fluorescent MOF. This MOF‐based logic systems could be potentially used for next‐generation logic‐gate based analytical applications as well as for the detection and discrimination of targeted molecules in various complex domains.
Brücken in Lateinamerika – die Geschichte
Authors: Bühler Dirk
Published: June 2019

Diese Betrachtung der Geschichte des Brückenbaus in Lateinamerika beginnt mit der vorspanischen Zeit, als die Hochkulturen der Azteken und Mayas in Mittelamerika und der Inkas in den Andenländern erblühten. Die Baustoffe aus der Natur wurden mit geschickten Techniken zum Bauen verwendet. Aus Steinplatten wurden Kraggewölbe gefertigt; Lehmziegel wurden beim Pyramidenbau eingesetzt; Naturfasern aus Gras, Schilf, Lianen wurden zu tragfähigen Seilen geflochten oder zu Schwimmkörpern gebündelt; Holz und Bambus ermöglichten Balkenkonstruktionen.

Mit dem Eintritt der Spanier in die Geschichte des Kontinents kommen ab 1492 mit den – bis dahin mangels Rohstoffen unbekannten – Werkzeugen aus Eisen auch neue Bautechniken hinzu, die von der einheimischen Bevölkerung gerne als Verbesserung aufgenommen wurden: Jetzt werden auch Steinbögen beim Bau von Brücken und Aquädukten eingesetzt und europäische Zimmertechniken ermöglichen neue Holzkonstruktionen.

Die ab 1810 einsetzenden Unabhängigkeitsbewegungen gingen Hand in Hand mit den technischen Neuerungen der industriellen Revolution und der ersten Globalisierungswelle um 1900. Der Aufbau eines Eisenbahnnetzes ist ein entscheidendes Merkmal dieser vom Baustoff Eisen bestimmten Zeit.

Heute ist der Kontinent wie selbstverständlich Teil unserer auch im Technischen globalisierten Welt.
Integrating Fast Potential‐Fringe Battery Reactions for High‐Voltage Battery‐Supercapacitor Hybrid Energy Storage Systems
Authors: Xiao Ziwei , Wang Shengping , Yan Xiaojun , Liu Congcong , Zhao Xiaoli , Yang Xiaowei
Published: June 2019

The emerging of aqueous battery‐supercapacitor hybrid systems (BSH) promises the combination of the excellent rate performance of supercapacitors and the capacity superiority of batteries. However, the energy density of such systems is still limited by an unsatisfying electrochemical window and the absence of voltage plateaux. To address this point, we herein propose a “potential fringe” strategy, which features a kinetically widened stable potential window and a high voltage plateau. Under this strategy, we remarkably promote the energy density of BSH by utilizing two fast battery reactions at the potential nearly below the hydrogen evolution reaction in the anode and the potential nearly above the oxygen evolution reaction in the cathode: reduced graphene oxide (rGO) hydrogel films act as the cathode and TiO2@rGO hydrogel films act as the anode with LiOH/K4Fe(CN)6 as the electrolytes. Through coupling the two fast potential‐fringe reactions – a metal cation insertion/extraction in the TiO2 electrode and a reversible redox reaction of [Fe(CN)6]4−/[Fe(CN)6]3− in the cathode, the alkaline BSH reaches a high voltage of 2 V with a discharge voltage plateau of 1.55 V. Compared with the 6.2 Wh kg−1 and 20.3 Wh kg−1 for the rGO//rGO system at 1.2 V and TiO2@rGO//rGO system at 1.7 V in LiOH/KOH electrolyte, the system delivers a high energy density of 70.4 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 2.90 kW kg−1.