bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Response of Different Pre-sowing Seed Treatments with Biofertilizers, Plant Growth Regulators and Botanical Extract on Growth and Yield Parameters of Field Pea (Pisum sativum L.)
Authors: K. Vasudha , Bara Bineeta M. , Pal Abhishek Kumar , Janvi Pittu
Published: June 2022

A field experiment was conducted during rabi season in the year (2021-2022) at post graduate Central Research Farm, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Naini Agriculture Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 13 treatments and 3 replications. Pea seeds were treated with (NAA, GA3, Rhizobium, Azatobacter, Neem Leaf Extract, Lantana Camera Extract ) were subjected to growth and yield parameters. The results showed that seed treatment with treatment (T2)  (NAA@100 ppm for 12hours) recorded the highest germination percentage, maximum plant height, minimum days for 50% flowering and days to pod maturity, maximum number of branches/plant, number of pods/plant, number of seeds/pod, highest pod length and pod width, maximum seed yield, biological yield, harvest index was significant in all and highest gross returns, net returns and cost benefit ratio was recorded in treatment (T2) seed treatment with NAA@100ppm for 12hours.
Effects of Dextrose versus Corticosteroid Injection Guided by Ultrasound in Treatment of Lateral Epicondylitis
Authors: Hanen Marina Adel , Elbanna Hanaa Samy , Abd-Elghany Salwa Elmorsy , Kassem Elham Mohammad
Published: June 2022

Background: One of the most common causes of elbow pain is lateral epicondylitis (LE). ultrasound (US) is diagnostic and therapeutic method.

Aim of the Work: The comparison between the effects of dextrose and corticosteroid injection guided by ultrasound in treatment of LE was the aim of this work.

Patients and Methods: This research was performed on 60 cases had chronic LE (local tenderness to palpation at lateral epicondyle and pain on resisted extension of middle finger or wrist) randomly classified into two equal groups depending on the treatment line, group A involved 30 cases subjected to2 injections of dextrose solution. Group B involved 30 cases treated by 2 injections with corticosteroid solution. Both groups were US guided. Patient evaluation at base line and after one month from last injection.

Results: In both groups, there was a significant improvement of the degree of tenderness, patient rated tennis elbow evaluation, visual analog scale and ultrasound changes, no significant improvement in group A more than group B.

Conclusion: Dextrose prolotherapy proved to be as effective as corticosteroid in chronic LE treatment.
Characterization of Monostatic Radar System for Accuracy Improvement through Parameter Estimation
Authors: Ugwu K. I. C. , Eke J. , Abonyi D. O.
Published: June 2022

This paper presents the characteristics of monostatic radar for improving accuracy of detection through determination of the factors that were responsible for power losses in radar signal transmission and interception by targets. These factors were improved upon by looking at some parameter like the antennae gain or transmitter gain, and evaluating the result through Matlab testing of some measured distance values. This was achieved by simulating mathematical radar equations by liu, 2014, of signals transmitted over selected distances say, from 5km to 100km and evaluated the result. These power losses in the transmitted signal which characterize the error in range resolution and target detection of the returned signal in a radar system, were mitigated by increasing the antennae or transmitter gain over long distances in monostatic radar to improve the range and detection capability. The transmitting material effective aperture which forms part of the radar design was also characterized to show its effect in high definition radar development. In the table below, results of matlab simulation of varied target positions were tabulated to show better definition of target ranges over long distances while increasing transmitter gain, and effective aperture of the transmitting material though it was a function of the distance of the receiver from the target. Specific radar design and implementation are basically worked upon through these factors which can aid material selection to forestall errors in radar target detection.
Groundwater Vulnerability Assessment in Osubi Metropolis, Niger Delta, Nigeria using DRASTIC and GIS Techniques
Authors: Chinemelu E. S. , Adeoye S. O.
Published: June 2022

The vulnerability to contamination of the aquifer at Osubi, Niger Delta, was assessed in order to develop a foundation strategy for safeguarding its groundwater resources using the DRASTIC model and geographic information system (GIS). Using GIS, data corresponding to the seven DRASTIC model parameters were collected and translated into seven thematic maps. The DRASTIC map was created using these maps, which describe the depth to water level (D), net recharge (R), aquifer media (A), soil media (S), topography (T), influence of the vadose zone (I), and hydraulic conductivity (C). The results obtained from this study showed that 7% of the area was classified as very-high vulnerability to pollution, 18% was classified as high vulnerability, 60% was classified as moderate vulnerability and 15% as low vulnerability. The most vulnerable areas occur around waste dumpsites, and some septic systems in residential areas. Policies should be put in place to make it easier to close possible pollution sources in high-vulnerability areas, such as open dump sites, leaking underground storage tanks at fuel stations, effluent discharge from industries, and pit latrines/sewage disposal units.
RESISTÊNCIAS E COLABORAÇÕES AFRICANAS em dois relatos de viagens em Angola no século XIX
Authors: Bem Gabriel Felipe Silva
Published: June 2022

O presente trabalho procura problematizar a ação dos nativos na região norte de Angola do século XIX frente à colonização portuguesa, principalmente em relação à “colaboração” e à “resistência”. Tomou-se como fonte para essa pesquisa dois relatos de viajantes: o de Joaquim Rodrigues da Graça (1843-1847) e o do Major Henrique Dias de Carvalho (1884-1888), que visitaram a região conhecida como Lunda. A partir de uma visão global das relações sociais que permeavam o espaço colonial, o artigo propõe que a utilização dos conceitos de colaboração e resistência, de maneira estanque, é reducionista e não reflete a complexidade das relações coloniais.
“DE PIÉ PUES LOS HOMBRES DE COLOR” : o processo de invisibilização do negro em Buenos Aires, e o discurso antissegregacionista do periódico afroportenho La Broma (1879-1882)
Authors: Justino Igor Fernandes
Published: June 2022

O presente artigo tem por objetivo principal interpretar os discursos dos intelectuais periodistas do semanário buenairense La Broma entre anos de 1879 e 1882, momento caracterizado pela ascensão de uma série de privações imposta à população negra na urbe argentina. Para esta reflexão, apresentaremos uma discussão acerca das representações sociais do negro na historiografia portenha, e o processo de invisibilização impingido aos afrodescendentes pelos grupos hegemônicos que construíram a identidade nacional em torno de um ideal branco-europeu. Os porta-vozes da comunidade afro-portenha, por meio de sua esfera comunicativa paralela, constituíram uma identidade na resistência à exclusão e ao segregacionismo, o que proporcionou a ampliação de seu campo simbólico e consequentemente a emergência da visibilidade, o que nos abre precedentes para analisar a dinâmica emancipatória desenvolvida.
Naphthalene as a Thermal‐Annealing‐Free Volatile Solid Additive in Non‐Fullerene Polymer Solar Cells with Improved Performance and Reproducibility
Authors: Zhong Lian , Kang So‐Huei , Oh Jiyeon , Jung Sungwoo , Cho Yongjoon , Park Geunhyung , Lee Seunglok , Yoon Seong‐Jun , Park Hyesung , Yang Changduk
Published: June 2022

Highly volatile solid additives have attracted much attention recently because they enhance molecular packing order and possibly solve the problems of poor reproducibility and instability of polymer solar cells (PSCs) with solvent additives. The shortcoming is that existing solid additives require thermal annealing (TA) to remove them from the active layer, leading to an increase in the complexity of the device fabrication process and morphology rearrangement problems. This study introduces a commercially available, low‐cost, and highly volatile material, naphthalene (NA), as a solid additive used in PSCs based on PM6: Y6. NA is well mixed with a non‐fullerene acceptor and can restrict excessive aggregation of the donor and acceptor, producing efficiencies comparable to PSCs processed by 1‐chloronaphthalene (CN) solvent additive. As a result, a maximum power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 16.52% for NA‐processed PSC is achieved, higher than that of a PCE of 16.07% for CN‐processed PSC with TA. NA‐processed PSCs exhibit comparable efficiencies (PCE of 16.10%) without TA treatment and higher reproducibility/stability than CN‐processed PSCs. This study demonstrates a low‐cost and excellent volatile solid additive to improve the device performance and the potential for exploring new solid additives that can readily be made volatile without TA.
Orbital Angular Momentum Multiplexing in Space–Time Thermoacoustic Metasurfaces
Authors: Jia Yurou , Liu Yimin , Hu Bolun , Xiong Wei , Bai Yechao , Cheng Ying , Wu Dajian , Liu Xiaojun , Christensen Johan
Published: June 2022

Multiplexing technology with increased information capacity plays a crucial role in the realm of acoustic communication. Different quantities of sound waves, including time, frequency, amplitude, phase, and orbital angular momentum (OAM), have been independently introduced as the physical multiplexing approach to allow for enhanced communication densities. An acoustic metasurface is decorated with carbon nanotube patches, which when electrically pumped and set to rotate, functions as a hybrid mode‐frequency‐division multiplexer with synthetic dimensions. Based on this spatiotemporal modulation, a superposition of vortex beams with orthogonal OAMs and symmetric harmonics are both numerically and experimentally demonstrated. Also, flexible combinations of OAM modes with diverse frequency shifts are obtained by transforming the azimuthal phase distributions, which inspires a mode‐frequency‐division multiplexing approach that significantly promotes the communication capacity.
Tunable Infrared Sensing Properties of MXenes Enabled by Intercalants
Authors: Tang Jun , Wan Hujie , Chang Libo , Hu Bihua , Cui Shuyu , Chen Yulong , Chen Wei , Hao Junjie , Tang Haodong , Wang Xingzhu , Wang Kai , Zhang Chuanfang (John) , Wen Qiye , Xiao Xu , Xu Baomin
Published: June 2022

Light interaction physical properties of MXenes are fundamentally important and promising for developing new broadband photodetection applications. In this work, the significant influence of intercalants on the photo‐electronic properties of MXenes is studied. It is found that the intercalated H2O‐induced inter‐flake resistance greatly restricts the photon excitation responsivity of Ti3C2Tx, resulting in a slow and irreversible resistance change under laser irradiation. After deintercalation of H2O by in situ laser writing, the resistance of Ti3C2Tx responds fast and reversibly to laser excitation and the variation range is proportional to laser power. By extending the findings to another MXene member, Mo2TiC2, the intercalant induced resistance is successfully developed for optoelectronic detection. By selectively deintercalating H2O in the as‐prepared Mo2TiC2 which is co‐intercalated by H2O and TMAOH, bare TMAOH intercalated Mo2TiC2 shows fast and reversible resistance changes with laser. Moreover, the resistance of bare TMAOH intercalated Mo2TiC2 shows a negative temperature coefficient behavior while the fully deintercalated Ti3C2Tx shows a positive temperature behavior. These findings elucidate the understanding of the optoelectronic properties of MXenes and provide insights into the engineering of interfacial chemistry of MXenes for performance enhancement toward various detectors/sensors beyond optoelectronic applications.
On the Response Speed of Narrowband Organic Optical Upconversion Devices
Authors: Hu Wei‐Hsu , Vael Camilla , Diethelm Matthias , Strassel Karen , Anantharaman Surendra B. , Aribia Abdessalem , Cremona Marco , Jenatsch Sandra , Nüesch Frank , Hany Roland
Published: June 2022

Organic upconversion devices (OUCs) consist of an organic infrared photodetector and an organic visible light‐emitting diode (OLED), connected in series. OUCs convert photons from the infrared to the visible and are of use in applications such as process control or imaging. Many applications require a fast OUC response speed, namely the ability to accurately detect in the visible a rapidly changing infrared signal. Here, high image‐contrast, narrowband OUCs are reported that convert near‐infrared (NIR) light at 980 and 976 nm with a full‐width at half maximum of 130 nm into visible light. Transient photocurrent measurements show that the response speed decreases when lowering the NIR light intensity. This is contrary to conventional organic photodetectors that show the opposite speed‐versus‐light trend. It is further found that the response speed increases (when using a phosphorescent OLED) or decreases (for a fluorescent OLED) when increasing the driving voltage. To understand these surprising results, an analysis by numerical simulation is conducted. Results show that the response speed behavior is primarily determined by the electron mobility in the OLED. It is proposed that the low electron drift velocity in the emitter layer sets a fundamental limit to the response speed of OUCs.
Discovery of Dual‐Functional Amorphous Titanium Suboxide to Promote Polysulfide Adsorption and Regulate Sulfide Growth in Li–S Batteries
Authors: Gueon Donghee , Yoon Jisu , Cho Jinhan , Moon Jun Hyuk
Published: June 2022

Lithium‐sulfur (Li–S) batteries are promising as next‐generation energy storage systems. Adsorbents for sulfide species are favorably applied to the cathode, but this substrate often results in a surface‐passivating lithium sulfide(Li2S) film with a strong adsorption of Li2S. Here, an amorphous titanium suboxide (a‐TiOx) is presented that strongly adsorbs lithium polysulfides (Li2Sx, x < 6) but relatively weakly adsorbs to Li2S. With these characteristics, the a‐TiOx achieves high conversion of Li2Sx and high sulfur utilization accompanying the growth of particulate Li2S. The DFT calculations present a mechanism for particulate growth driven by the promoted diffusion and favorable clustering of Li2S. The a‐TiOx‐coated carbon nanotube‐assembled film (CNTF) cathode substrate cell achieves a high discharge capacity equivalent to 90% sulfur utilization at 0.2 C. The cell also delivers a high capacity of 850 mAh g–1 even at the ultra‐high‐speed of 10 C and also exhibits high stability of capacity loss of 0.0226% per cycle up to 500 cycles. The a‐TiOx/CNTF is stacked to achieve a high loading of 7.5 mg S cm–2, achieving a practical areal capacity of 10.1 mAh cm–2.
A Dynamic Thermal Camouflage Metadevice with Microwave Scattering Reduction
Authors: Yuan Liming , Huang Cheng , Liao Jianming , Ji Chen , Huang Jingkai , Wang Yuetang , Luo Xiangang
Published: June 2022

With rapid development of radar and infrared (IR) surveillance technologies, the need for microwave‐IR compatible camouflage is now more than ever. Here, a novel multispectral metadevice is proposed to simultaneously achieve microwave scattering reduction, dynamic IR camouflage, and low IR reflection. This metadevice is constructed by the coding thermoelectric elements with the properly designed phase arrangement, and the incident microwave energy can be redirected to the nonthreatening directions for specular reflection reduction. The dynamic IR camouflage with low IR reflection is realized by using the thermoelectric cooling and heating effect and high‐IR‐absorptivity surface. The above three functionalities are demonstrated by experimental measurement. The 10 dB scattering reduction can be realized at the microwave band of 10–16.1 GHz. In the IR region, the designed metadevice can not only dynamically modulate the surface temperature for matching different background temperatures, but also realize the pixel temperature control for adapting to a spatially varying thermal background. In addition, it reflects almost no surrounding thermal signals compared with the traditional low‐emissivity IR stealth material. This study paves an effective way to achieve microwave‐IR compatible camouflage, which may inspire the future researches and applications in multispectral camouflage and stealth fields.
Separation of Branched Alkanes Feeds by a Synergistic Action of Zeolite and Metal‐Organic Framework
Authors: Brântuas Pedro F. , Henrique Adriano , Wahiduzzaman Mohammad , von Wedelstedt Alexander , Maity Tanmoy , Rodrigues Alírio E. , Nouar Farid , Lee U‐Hwang , Cho Kyung‐Ho , Maurin Guillaume , Silva José A. C. , Serre Christian
Published: June 2022

Zeolites and metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) are considered as “competitors” for new separation processes. The production of high‐quality gasoline is currently achieved through the total isomerization process that separates pentane and hexane isomers while not reaching the ultimate goal of a research octane number (RON) higher than 92. This work demonstrates how a synergistic action of the zeolite 5A and the MIL‐160(Al) MOF leads to a novel adsorptive process for octane upgrading of gasoline through an efficient separation of isomers. This innovative mixed‐bed adsorbent strategy encompasses a thermodynamically driven separation of hexane isomers according to the degree of branching by MIL‐160(Al) coupled to a steric rejection of linear isomers by the molecular sieve zeolite 5A. Their adsorptive separation ability is further evaluated under real conditions by sorption breakthrough and continuous cyclic experiments with a mixed bed of shaped adsorbents. Remarkably, at the industrially relevant temperature of 423 K, an ideal sorption hierarchy of low RON over high RON alkanes is achieved, i.e., n‐hexane ≫ n‐pentane ≫ 2‐methylpentane > 3‐methylpentane ⋙ 2,3‐dimethylbutane > isopentane ≈ 2,2‐dimethylbutane, together with a productivity of 1.14 mol dm−3 and a high RON of 92, which is a leap‐forward compared with existing processes.
Flexible Artificial Optoelectronic Synapse based on Lead‐Free Metal Halide Nanocrystals for Neuromorphic Computing and Color Recognition
Authors: Li Ying , Wang Jiahui , Yang Qing , Shen Guozhen
Published: June 2022

Optoelectronic synapses combining optical‐sensing and synaptic functions are playing an increasingly vital role in the neuromorphic computing systems development, which can efficiently process visual information and complex recognition, memory, and learning. Metal halides are considered promising candidates for synaptic devices due to their excellent optoelectronic properties. However, the toxicity of lead and the further development of device functions are the recognized problems at present. Herein, a flexible optoelectronic synapses system based on high‐quality lead‐free Cs3Bi2I9 nanocrystals is demonstrated, in which the carrier confinement caused by the band mismatching between the Cs3Bi2I9 and the organic semiconductor layer provides the possibility to simulate synaptic behaviors. The synaptic functions including long/short‐term memory and learning‐forgetting‐relearning are demonstrated in this device and visual perception, visual memory, and color recognition functions are successfully implemented. Additionally, the flexible device exhibits excellent robustness and can realize imaging of light distribution under curved hemispheres similar to the human eye. Finally, through the simulation based on an artificial neural network algorithm, the device successfully realizes the high‐precision recognition of handwritten digital images and possesses a strong fault tolerant capability even in bending states. These results are expected to drive the practical progress of metal halide for neuromorphic computing.
Diet diversity and seasonality of robust capuchins (Sapajus sp.) in a tiny urban forest
Authors: Gonçalves Bárbara de Araújo , Lima Laura Cristina Pires , Aguiar Lucas M.
Published: June 2022

Capuchins are omnivorous neotropical primates that can survive in urban forests by supplementing their diet with human foods. However, few studies have analyzed the impact of these resources on their diet diversity and feeding seasonality. We aimed to assess the patterns of foraging, feeding, and diet diversity of urban capuchins (Sapajus sp.) that live in a tiny urban forest in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil, where humans frequently feed them. We predicted that forest degradation and human foods could decrease diet diversity, though capuchins may, conversely, reduce their selectivity and expand their food repertoire. We followed the animals from dawn to dusk between May 2018 and April 2019 to list and quantify the species and items consumed. We used diversity indexes and cluster analysis to understand similarities and differences in the diet composition over the study period. We recorded 58 plant species (being 14 exotics) consumed by the monkeys, and nonconventional items, with low diet diversity overall. The diet consisted mainly of plants (69.8%), animal matter (20.6%), and processed foods (9.5%). Capuchins consumed more food from the anthropic environment (57.5%) than from the forest (42.4%), while their food from the forest included more invertebrates (47.8%) than fruits (40%). The cluster analysis showed two main groups of feeding months, in accordance with the seasons of high and low food production in local forests. Monkeys did not vary the frequencies of foraging or feeding between seasons, probably due to the omnipresent availability of human foods. Despite the high consumption of human foods, capuchins responded to the seasonality of the forest, expanding their feeding diversity in the drier period. Future studies should analyze the correspondence between food consumption and local phenology, as well as the potential role of capuchins as seed dispersers in this depauperate community.
Patterns of sensory modulation by age and sex in young people on the autism spectrum
Authors: Lane Alison E. , Simpson Kate , Masi Anne , Grove Rachel , Moni Mohammad Ali , Montgomery Alicia , Roberts Jacqui , Silove Natalie , Whalen Olivia , Whitehouse Andrew J. O. , Eapen Valsamma
Published: June 2022

Sensory modulation symptoms form a diagnostic criterion for autism spectrum disorder and are associated with significant daily functional limitations. Utilizing caregiver report on Short Sensory Profile‐2 (SSP‐2) for 919 autistic children (3–14.11 years), we examined the expression of sensory modulation symptoms by age and sex and investigated the existence of specific sensory modulation subtypes. Sensory modulation symptoms appeared to peak in frequency during middle childhood, particularly in sensory sensitivity and avoidance. Symptoms associated with sensory hypo‐reactivity and seeking tended not differ between age cohorts. Males and females demonstrated similar overall sensory modulation profiles, however, females showed elevated symptoms relating to sensory sensitivity. Model‐based cluster analysis revealed five interpretable sensory modulation subtypes which related to symptom severity (low, mid‐range, high). Subtypes demonstrating mid‐range symptom severity differed in focus on sensory hyper‐reactivity or seeking symptoms. The findings of this study report for the first time that age‐related differences in sensory modulation symptoms may be associated with sensory hyper‐reactivity only. The subtyping results also suggest that sensory modulation symptom severity is a reliable means of classifying variance within autistic children, however, consideration of differences in the behavioral strategies employed by individuals to manage sensory modulation symptoms may inform tailored supportive strategies.

Lay Summary

We studied sensory symptoms such as over‐responding, under‐responding and sensation seeking behaviors in 919 autistic children and adolescents. We found that 6–12‐year‐olds and females displayed the most sensory over‐responding symptoms. Autistic children could be grouped into mild, moderate, and severe levels of sensory symptoms, however, children differed in the type of strategies used to cope with their sensory symptoms meaning that they may require different intervention approaches.
Risk of birth defects by pregestational type 1 or type 2 diabetes: National Birth Defects Prevention Study, 1997–2011
Authors: Marchincin Stephanie L. , Howley Meredith M. , Van Zutphen Alissa R. , Fisher Sarah C. , Nestoridi Eirini , Tinker Sarah C. , Browne Marilyn L. ,   National Birth Defects Prevention Study
Published: June 2022

Background

Previous studies found consistent associations between pregestational diabetes and birth defects. Given the different biological mechanisms for type 1 (PGD1) and type 2 (PGD2) diabetes, we used National Birth Defects Prevention Study (NBDPS) data to estimate associations by diabetes type.

Methods

The NBDPS was a study of major birth defects that included pregnancies with estimated delivery dates from October 1997 to December 2011. We compared self‐reported PGD1 and PGD2 for 29,024 birth defect cases and 10,898 live‐born controls. For case groups with ≥5 exposed cases, we estimated adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between specific defects and each diabetes type. We calculated crude ORs (cORs) and 95% CIs with Firth's penalized likelihood for case groups with 3–4 exposed cases.

Results

Overall, 252 (0.9%) cases and 24 (0.2%) control mothers reported PGD1, and 357 (1.2%) cases and 34 (0.3%) control mothers reported PGD2. PGD1 was associated with 22/26 defects examined and PGD2 was associated with 29/39 defects examined. Adjusted ORs ranged from 1.6 to 70.4 for PGD1 and from 1.6 to 59.9 for PGD2. We observed the strongest aORs for sacral agenesis (PGD1: 70.4, 32.3–147; PGD2: 59.9, 25.4–135). For both PGD1 and PGD2, we observed elevated aORs in every body system we evaluated, including central nervous system, orofacial, eye, genitourinary, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, and cardiac defects.

Conclusions

We observed positive associations between both PGD1 and PGD2 and birth defects across multiple body systems. Future studies should focus on the role of glycemic control in birth defect risk to inform prevention efforts.
Altered type I collagen networking in osteoporotic human femoral head revealed by histomorphometric and Fourier transform infrared imaging correlated analyses
Authors: Licini Caterina , Notarstefano Valentina , Marchi Saverio , Cerqueni Giorgia , Ciapetti Gabriela , Vitale‐Brovarone Chiara , Giorgini Elisabetta , Mattioli‐Belmonte Monica
Published: June 2022

Bone homeostasis is the equilibrium between organic and inorganic components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and cells. Alteration of this balance has consequences on bone mass and architecture, resulting in conditions such as osteoporosis (OP). Given ECM protein mutual regulation and their effects on bone structure and mineralization, further insight into their expression is crucial to understanding bone biology under normal and pathological conditions. This study focused on Type I Collagen, which is mainly responsible for structural properties and mineralization of bone, and selected proteins implicated in matrix composition, mineral deposition, and cell‐matrix interaction such as Decorin, Osteocalcin, Osteopontin, Bone Sialoprotein 2, Osteonectin and Transforming Growth Factor beta. We developed a novel multidisciplinary approach in order to assess bone matrix in healthy and OP conditions more comprehensively by exploiting the Fourier Transform Infrared Imaging (FTIRI) technique combined with histomorphometry, Sirius Red staining, immunohistochemistry, and Western Blotting. This innovatory procedure allowed for the analysis of superimposed tissue sections and revealed that the alterations in OP bone tissue architecture were associated with warped Type I Collagen structure and deposition but not with changes in the total protein amount. The detected changes in the expression and/or cooperative or antagonist role of Decorin, Osteocalcin, Osteopontin, and Bone Sialoprotein‐2 indicate the deep impact of these NCPs on collagen features of OP bone. Overall, our strategy may represent a starting point for designing targeted clinical strategies aimed at bone mass preservation and sustain the FTIRI translational capability as upcoming support for traditional diagnostic methods.
Tumor protein D52 (TPD52) affects cancer cell metabolism by negatively regulating AMPK
Authors: Chen Yali , Peng Changmin , Tan Wei , Yu Jia , Zayas Jacqueline , Peng Yihan , Lou Zhenkun , Pei Huadong , Wang Liewei
Published: June 2022

Background

The AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a central regulator of energy homeostasis, with deregulation leading to cancer and other diseases. However, how this pathway is dysregulated in cancer has not been well clarified.

Methods

Using a tandem affinity purification/mass‐spec technique and biochemical analyses, we identified tumor protein D52 (TPD52) as an AMPKα‐interacting molecule. To explore the biological effects of TPD52 in cancers, we conducted biochemical and metabolic assays in vitro and in vivo with cancer cells and TPD52 transgenic mice. Finally, we assessed the clinical significance of TPD52 expression in breast cancer patients using bioinformatics techniques.

Results

TPD52, initially identified to be overexpressed in many human cancers, was found to form a stable complex with AMPK in cancer cells. TPD52 directly interacts with AMPKα and inhibits AMPKα kinase activity in vitro and in vivo. In TPD52 transgenic mice, overexpression of TPD52 leads to AMPK inhibition and multiple metabolic defects. Clinically, high TPD52 expression predicts poor survival of breast cancer patients.

Conclusion

The ﬁndings revealed that TPD52 is a novel regulator of energy stress‐induced AMPK activation and cell metabolism. These results shed new light on AMPK regulation and understanding of the etiology of cancers with TPD52 overexpression.
Probing the Substrate Requirements of the In Vitro Geranylation Activity of Selenouridine Synthase (SelU)
Authors: Haruehanroengra Phensinee , Zheng Ya Ying , Ma Guolin , Lan Tien‐Hung , Hassan Abdalla E. A. , Zhou Yubin , Sheng Jia
Published: June 2022

Natural RNA modifications diversify the structures and functions of existing nucleic acid building blocks. Geranyl is one of the most hydrophobic groups recently identified in bacterial tRNAs. Selenouridine synthase (SelU, also called mnmH) is an enzyme with a dual activity which catalyzes selenation and geranylation in tRNAs containing 2‐thiouridine using selenophosphate or geranyl‐pyrophosphate as cofactors. In this study, we explored the in vitro geranylation process of tRNA anticodon stem loops (ASL) mediated by SelU and showed that the geranylation activity was abolished when U35 was mutated to A35 (ASL‐tRNALys(s2U)UU to ASL‐tRNAIle(s2U)AU). By examining the SelU cofactor geranyl‐pyrophosphate (gePP) and its analogues, we found that only the geranyl group, but not dimethylallyl‐ and farnesyl‐pyrophosphate with either shorter or longer terpene chains, could be incorporated into ASL. The degree of tRNA geranylation in the end‐point analysis for SelU follows the order of ASLLys(s2UUU)
ASLGln(s2UUG)>ASLGlu(s2UUC). These findings suggest a putative mechanism for substrate discrimination by SelU and reveal key factors that might influence its enzymatic activity. Given that SelU plays an important role in bacterial translation systems, inhibiting this enzyme and targeting its geranylation and selenation pathways could be exploited as a promising strategy to develop SelU‐based antibiotics.
Malignant glaucoma presenting with uncontrolled intraocular pressure and myopic refractive surprise after cataract surgery
Authors: Xiong Albert S. , Kim Dooho B.
Published: June 2022

We present a seemingly typical case of bilateral angle closure with elevated intraocular pressures. After cataract surgery, there was axial shallowing, escalating intraocular pressure, anterior displacement of the IOL, and myopic shift in the left eye. Irido‐zonulo‐hyaloido‐vitrectomy resolved the angle closure, normalized intraocular pressure, and corrected the myopic shift.
Biocatalytic Carboxylate Reduction – Recent Advances and New Enzymes
Authors: Winkler Margit , Ling Jonathan Guyang
Published: June 2022

Carboxylate reductases (CARs) are valuable catalysts for the selective one‐step reduction of carboxylic acids to their corresponding aldehydes. In recent years, numerous new CARs have been made available, studied and applied in the context of biocatalytic syntheses. The preparation of aldehydes as end products for the flavor and fragrance sector and the integration of CARs in cascade reactions with aldehydes as the key intermediates represent the two major fields of applications. This review gives a comprehensive overview of the current toolbox of recombinant CARs and their numerous carboxylate substrates. Non‐natural functions of CARs are highlighted and recent insight into the structure‐function relationship of CARs are summarized.
An Oxygen Insensitive Amperometric Glucose Biosensor Based on An Engineered Cellobiose Dehydrogenase: Direct versus Mediated Electron Transfer Responses
Authors: Jayakumar Kavita , Reichhart Thomas M. B. , Schulz Christopher , Ludwig Roland , Felice Alfons K. G. , Leech Dónal
Published: June 2022

Cellobiose dehydrogenase (CDH) is capable of oxidizing cellobiose and related carbohydrates and generating electrical current at carbon‐based electrodes through direct electron transfer (DET) or mediated electron transfer (MET) mechanisms. As a result, CDHs have been utilized as biocatalysts in biosensors and biofuel cell anodes. A novel engineered ascomycetous Class II CDH with enhanced glucose activity was tested as a bioelectrocatalyst for application to DET or MET‐based glucose biosensors with the electrode component amount selection optimized for maximum current in 5 mM glucose solutions. The optimised DET biosensor showed a similar sensitivity and 3‐fold lower KM,app when compared to non‐optimised DET sensor based on the same engineered CDH. The optimized MET biosensor had a similar KM,app to non‐optimized MET biosensor. However, it showed 15‐fold improvement in jmax and 17‐fold improvement in sensitivity over the DET biosensor. The sensor signals are not affected by the presence of oxygen, although operation in artificial serum results in 43 % and 28 % lower sensitivity for the DET and MET sensors, respectively. While no individually tested potential interferent breaches a mean absolute relative difference of 20 % of the current, the cumulative co‐operative effect in complex media, such as artificial serum, decreases the glucose oxidation current signal.
Sobolev Inequalities in Manifolds with Nonnegative Curvature
Authors: Brendle Simon
Published: June 2022

We prove a sharp Sobolev inequality on manifolds with nonnegative Ricci curvature. Moreover, we prove a Michael‐Simon inequality for submanifolds in manifolds with nonnegative sectional curvature. Both inequalities depend on the asymptotic volume ratio of the ambient manifold. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
A Novel Energy Efficient hybrid Meta‐heuristic Approach (NEEMA) for wireless body area network
Authors: Sharma Smita , Mishra V M , Tripathi M M
Published: June 2022

The technological progression in the area of Wireless Body Area Network (WBAN) has made it possible to design various sensing modules operating for detecting the multitudinous physical attributes of a patient's body. However, the limited battery of these sensing devices has restricted the scope for WBAN. Hence, it is imperative to design an energy efficient algorithm to combat the gigantic energy consumption of these sensor nodes. Therefore, in this paper, we propose a Novel Energy Efficient hybrid Meta‐Heuristic Approach (NEEMA) for WBAN. We adopt this hybrid approach by using Tunicate Swarm Algorithm (TSA) and Genetic Algorithm (GA); we name it as T‐GA, to deliver the high convergence and large exploitation and exploration capabilities. We follow the clustering approach by selecting the Cluster Head (CH) with the help of the fitness function of T‐GA. We consider the novel parameters for selecting the CH that helps in the overall energy preservation of sensor nodes. Our proposed work focuses on multi‐hop communication among the patients on whose body, the body sensor nodes are installed, so that the data through the multi‐hop reach to the healthcare. The Relay Head (RH) node is used for forwarding the data to next RH and hence to sink. RH selection follows the same method of selection as that of CH. The experimental outcomes of NEEMA outperform the state‐of‐the‐art algorithms and prove to be highly beneficial for various WBAN applications.
Combining medical and surgical management strategies for hidradenitis suppurativa: Need for a treat to target approach
Authors: Lowes Michelle A. , Goldberg Stephanie R. , Alavi Afsaneh , Naik Haley B.
Published: June 2022

For optimal management of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), we propose a treat‐to‐target approach that synergizes medical and surgical therapies to improve outcomes and health‐related quality of life for HS patients. Studies are required to define the optimal targets in HS, however, proposed targets include disease remission or low disease activity. The goals of medical therapy in HS are to reduce existing inflammation and to prevent disease progression. The goals of surgical therapy are removal of permanently damaged fibrotic tissue and removal of biofilm within tunnels. In a treat‐to‐target approach, medical and surgical modalities are combined to optimize HS management. Regular and close monitoring are required to assess treatment response and achieve the predetermined target. Adjustments to the treatment plan can be made until the predetermined target is achieved. Research is needed to establish and evaluate this treat‐to‐target approach to help patients improve quality of life and achieve optimal disease control, and ultimately, disease remission.
The history of melasma: Its roots and evolution
Authors: Syder Nicole C. , Elbuluk Nada
Published: June 2022

Melanosis or “black degeneration” was the first term used to describe a diseased state involving darkening of visceral structures. In 1910, melanosis localized to the skin was described and years subsequent to that the term chloasma was coined to describe dark facial pigmentation. Melasma and chloasma were used interchangeably for many years until melasma became the more widely used term to describe dark facial pigmentation in a butterfly distribution. For decades, there have been various theories regarding the etiology of melasma. In the 1930s, it was theorized to have been caused by perfume application to the upper cutaneous lip and was associated with vitamin C deficiency. It was thought to only occur in women until cases arose of in men around 1988. It was also thought to occur exclusively in white skin until studies in the early 1960s found the incidence of chloasma to be as high as 34% among Puerto Rican women taking contraceptives. It was not until 1963 that a study found an association between melasma and oral contraceptive use, tying the cause of the pigmentation to underlying hormonal exposure. To date, there has been a significant increase in the understanding of the pathogenesis of melasma as well as treatment options to keep it in remission, though no cure exists at this time. The purpose of this study is to provide a historical overview of the evolution of melasma as a clinical condition as well as an understanding of its pathogenesis and treatment options.
Floral phenology of an Andean bellflower and pollination by buff‐tailed sicklebill hummingbird
Authors: Boehm Mannfred M. A. , Guevara‐Apaza David , Jankowski Jill E. , Cronk Quentin C. B.
Published: June 2022

The Andean bellflowers comprise an explosive radiation correlated with shifts to specialized pollination. One diverse clade has evolved with extremely curved floral tubes and is predicted to be pollinated exclusively by one of two parapatric species of sicklebill hummingbirds (Eutoxeres). In this study, we focused on the floral biology of Centropogon granulosus, a bellflower thought to be specialized for pollination by Eutoxeres condamini, in a montane cloud forest site in southeastern Peru. Using camera traps and a pollination exclusion experiment, we documented E. condamini as the sole pollinator of C. granulosus. Visitation by E. condamini was necessary for fruit development. Flowering rates were unequivocally linear and conformed to the “steady‐state” phenological type. Over the course of >1800 h of monitoring, we recorded 12 E. condamini visits totaling 42 s, indicating traplining behavior. As predicted by its curved flowers, C. granulosus is exclusively pollinated by buff‐tailed sicklebill within our study area. We present evidence for the congruence of phenology and visitation as a driver of specialization in this highly diverse clade of Andean bellflowers.
Evolutionary change in metabolic rate of Daphnia pulicaria following invasion by the predator Bythotrephes longimanus
Authors: Rani Varsha , Burton Tim , Walsh Matthew , Einum Sigurd
Published: June 2022

Metabolic rate is a trait that may evolve in response to the direct and indirect effects of predator‐induced mortality. Predators may indirectly alter selection by lowering prey densities and increasing resource availability or by intensifying resource limitation through changes in prey behavior (e.g., use of less productive areas). In the current study, we quantify the evolution of metabolic rate in the zooplankton Daphnia pulicaria following an invasive event by the predator Bythotrephes longimanus in Lake Mendota, Wisconsin, US. This invasion has been shown to dramatically impact D. pulicaria, causing a ~60% decline in their biomass. Using a resurrection ecology approach, we compared the metabolic rate of D. pulicaria clones originating prior to the Bythotrephes invasion with that of clones having evolved in the presence of Bythotrephes. We observed a 7.4% reduction in metabolic rate among post‐invasive clones compared to pre‐invasive clones and discuss the potential roles of direct and indirect selection in driving this change.
Chemoenzymatic Synthesis of Enantioenriched (R)‐ and (S)‐Aryloxyalkanoic Herbicides
Authors: Colombo Danilo , Albergati Alessia , Ferrandi Erica E. , Tessaro Davide , Gatti Francesco G. , Brenna Elisabetta , Monti Daniela , Parmeggiani Fabio
Published: June 2022

The combination of a biocatalytic asymmetric C=C reduction with a simple sequence of chemical transformations was implemented in a new chemoenzymatic synthesis of various substituted aryloxyalkanoic acids, used as weed‐killing agrochemicals or chiral precursors. By careful selection of the biocatalyst, either enantiomer of the product could be obtained in good yield and moderate to good ee. The method relies on the use of simple and commercially available starting materials, and requires neither purified enzymes nor chromatographic separations.
Diastereoselective Construction of CF3‐Containing Bispiro[isoquinolone‐pyrrolidine‐benzothiophenone]s through 1,3‐Dipolar Cycloaddition
Authors: Niu Cheng , Du Da‐Ming
Published: June 2022

A new protocol to access CF3‐containing bispiro[isoquinolone‐pyrrolidine‐benzothiophenone]s was described. A series of 1,3‐dipoles were synthesized from isoquinolinetrione and CF3CH2NH2. In the presence of 10 mol% DABCO, the 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition of isoquinolinedione trifluoroethyl ketimines and unsaturated benzothiophenones delivered corresponding adducts in excellent yields (up to 98 %) and diastereoselectivities (up to >20 : 1 dr).
Multimodal nocturnal seizure detection: Do we need to adapt algorithms for children?
Authors: Lazeron Richard H.C. , Thijs Roland D. , Arends Johan , Gutter Thea , Cluitmans Pierre , Van Dijk Johannes , Tan Francis I.Y. , Hofstra Wytske , Donjacour Claire E.H.M. , Leijten Frans ,   the Dutch Tele‐Epilepsy Consortium
Published: June 2022

Objective

To assess the performance of a multimodal seizure detection device, first tested in adults (sensitivity 86%, PPV 49%), in a pediatric cohort living at home or residential care.

Methods

In this multicenter, prospective, video‐controlled cohort‐study, nocturnal seizures were detected by heartrate and movement changes in children with epilepsy and intellectual disability. Participants with a history of >1 monthly major motor seizure wore Nightwatch bracelet at night for 3 months. Major seizures were defined as tonic–clonic, generalized tonic >30 s, hyperkinetic, or clusters (>30 min) of short myoclonic or tonic seizures. The video of all events (alarms and nurse diaries) and about 10% of whole nights were reviewed to classify major seizures, and minor or no seizures.

Results

Twenty‐three participants with focal or generalized epilepsy and nightly motor seizures were evaluated during 1511 nights, with 1710 major seizures. First 1014 nights, 4189 alarms occurred with average of 1.44/h, showing average sensitivity of 79.9% (median 75.4%) with mean PPV of 26.7% (median 11.1%) and false alarm rate of 0.2/hour. Over 90% of false alarms in children was due to heart rate (HR) part of the detection algorithm. To improve this rate, an adaptation was made such that the alarm was only triggered when the wearer was in horizontal position. For the remaining 497 nights, this was tested prospectively, 384 major seizures occurred. This resulted in mean PPV of 55.5% (median 58.1%) and a false alarm rate 0.08/h while maintaining a comparable mean sensitivity of 79.4% (median 93.2%).

Significance

Seizure detection devices that are used in bed which depend on heartrate and movement show similar sensitivity in children and adults. However, children do show general higher false alarm rate, mostly triggered while awake. By correcting for body position, the false alarms can be limited to a level that comes close to that in adults.
Causal effects of cingulate morphology on executive functions in healthy young adults
Authors: Razzaq Fuleah A. , Bringas Vega Maria L. , Ontiveiro‐Ortega Marlis , Riaz Usama , Valdes‐Sosa Pedro A.
Published: June 2022

In this study, we want to explore evidence for the causal relationship between the anatomical descriptors of the cingulate cortex (surface area, mean curvature‐corrected thickness, and volume) and the performance of cognitive tasks such as Card Sort, Flanker, List Sort used as instruments to measure the executive functions of flexibility, inhibitory control, and working memory. We have performed this analysis in a cross‐sectional sample of 899 healthy young subjects of the Human Connectome Project. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study using causal inference to explain the relationship between cingulate morphology and the performance of executive tasks in healthy subjects. We have tested the causal model under a counterfactual framework using stabilized inverse probability of treatment weighting and marginal structural models. The results showed that the posterior cingulate surface area has a positive causal effect on inhibition (Flanker task) and cognitive flexibility (Card Sort). A unit increase (+1 mm2) in the posterior cingulate surface area will cause a 0.008% and 0.009% increase from the National Institute of Health (NIH) normative mean in Flankers (p‐value <0.001), and Card Sort (p‐value 0.005), respectively. Furthermore, a unit increase (+1 mm2) in the anterior cingulate surface area will cause a 0.004% (p‐value <0.001) and 0.005% (p‐value 0.001) increase from the NIH normative mean in Flankers and Card Sort. In contrast, the curvature‐corrected‐mean thickness only showed an association for anterior cingulate with List Sort (p = 0.034) but no causal effect.