bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Delineation and Passivation of Grain‐Boundary Channels in Metal Halide Perovskite Thin Films for Solar Cells
Authors: Yadavalli Srinivas K. , Dai Zhenghong , Chen Min , Padture Nitin P.
Published: March 2022

A simple, generic method for delineating grain‐boundary (GB) channels in metal halide perovskite (MHP) thin films for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation is demonstrated, thereby enabling more accurate grain‐size measurements. This entails dipping the film in dichloromethane (DCM), followed by a moderate heat‐treatment, resulting in the in situ hydrocarbon functionalization of the film surface. More importantly, the hydrocarbons appear to congregate preferentially at GB‐channels, providing enhanced secondary‐electron contrast in the SEM. The hydrocarbons also provide extra protection to the vulnerable GB‐channels against environmental attack, resulting in improved environmental stability of DCM‐treated films. Also, the resulting solar cells show improved efficiency and operational stability.
Monolithic Integration of Metalens in Silicon Photomultiplier for Improved Photodetection Efficiency
Authors: Uenoyama Soh , Ota Ryosuke
Published: March 2022

Silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs), consisting of 2D single‐photon avalanche diode (SPAD) arrays, have been widely used in many applications. In a SiPM, trench structures surround every SPAD to minimize optical crosstalk; however, these structures are photo‐insensitive areas. The previous study revealed that the use of metalenses for focusing incident photons on the photosensitive area of SPADs effectively improves the SiPM performance. However, ensuring good alignment between the metalens and SiPM has been difficult owing to its separated configuration. Herein the authors report the monolithic integration of a metalens with SPAD to provide stable photon detection efficiency (PDE) improvement, while maintaining the miniaturization and flatness of the optical device. The experiments demonstrate a maximum PDE improvement of ≈80% and robustness in incident‐angle‐dependent and wavelength‐dependent characteristics. In addition, a 2D PDE map across one SPAD cycle demonstrates that the metalens focuses incident photons impinging the trench area on the photosensitive area of the SPADs. Finally, scintillation emission is used to validate the improvement in timing resolution. These significant improvements will open new avenues for future advancements in SiPM performance. Moreover, the study shows the potential versatile application of metalenses at low cost based on complementary metal‐oxide semiconductor processes.
Ectopic Lymphoid Follicle Formation and Human Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Responses Recapitulated in an Organ‐on‐a‐Chip
Authors: Goyal Girija , Prabhala Pranav , Mahajan Gautam , Bausk Bruce , Gilboa Tal , Xie Liangxia , Zhai Yunhao , Lazarovits Roey , Mansour Adam , Kim Min Sun , Patil Aditya , Curran Danielle , Long Jaclyn M. , Sharma Sanjay , Junaid Abidemi , Cohen Limor , Ferrante Thomas C. , Levy Oren , Prantil‐Baun Rachelle , Walt David R. , Ingber Donald E.
Published: March 2022

Lymphoid follicles (LFs) are responsible for generation of adaptive immune responses in secondary lymphoid organs and form ectopically during chronic inflammation. A human model of ectopic LF formation will provide a tool to understand LF development and an alternative to non‐human primates for preclinical evaluation of vaccines. Here, it is shown that primary human blood B‐ and T‐lymphocytes autonomously assemble into ectopic LFs when cultured in a 3D extracellular matrix gel within one channel of a two‐channel organ‐on‐a‐chip microfluidic device. Superfusion via a parallel channel separated by a microporous membrane is required for LF formation and prevents lymphocyte autoactivation. These germinal center‐like LFs contain B cells expressing Activation‐Induced Cytidine Deaminase and exhibit plasma cell differentiation upon activation. To explore their utility for seasonal vaccine testing, autologous monocyte‐derived dendritic cells are integrated into LF Chips. The human LF chips demonstrate improved antibody responses to split virion influenza vaccination compared to 2D cultures, which are enhanced by a squalene‐in‐water emulsion adjuvant, and this is accompanied by increases in LF size and number. When inoculated with commercial influenza vaccine, plasma cell formation and production of anti‐hemagglutinin IgG are observed, as well as secretion of cytokines similar to vaccinated humans over clinically relevant timescales.
Voluntary standards as meso‐institutions: A Bayesian investigation of their relationships with transaction governance and risks
Authors: Soregaroli Claudio , Varacca Alessandro , Ricci Elena Claire , Platoni Silvia , Tillie Pascal , Stranieri Stefanella
Published: March 2022

Meso‐institutions offer a promising theoretical approach for assessing the way in which firms govern their activities and transactions while embedded in the macro‐institutional environment. The concept of meso‐institutions also offers theoretical support when evaluating a wide variety of voluntary standards that have been introduced within value chains in recent decades. Such tools can be considered meso‐institutions because of their features, and because of their role in translating general normative rules into specific mechanisms that delineate the domain of activities of supply chain agents. While various aspects of meso‐institutions have been investigated, little is known about their relationship with micro‐level structures and the determinants of firm's voluntary participation. The present paper investigates the association between a private standard, different forms of transaction governance in the supply chain, and the role that internal and external risks play in voluntary participation in the standard. The analysis draws upon secondary data taken from a representative sample of firms that form part of the European soybean supply chain. Our findings show that firms that participate in this standard have fewer hybrid forms and higher levels of spot markets. This suggests that some of the functions of hybrid forms are fulfilled by the meso‐institution. The results also show that risks associated with firm's behavioral uncertainty are more conducive to the participation in the standard than environmental‐related risks.
Ce(III)‐Based Coordination‐Complex‐Based Efficient Radical Scavenger for Exceptional Durability Enhancement of Polymer Application in Proton‐Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells and Organic Photovoltaics
Authors: Kwon Taehyun , Park So Hyun , Min Byeong Jo , Park Sungmin , Ramadhani Safira , Lim Youngjoon , Jang Seung Soon , Jeong Hyangsoo , Son Hae Jung , Kim Jin Young
Published: March 2022

To realize the practical application of energy conversion and storage devices for a sustainable future, improving their durability is critically important. The main problem with their durability is the chemical degradation of the active polymers used as material transport layers, photoactive layers, membranes, etc., for the device functions, mainly caused by detrimental radical species from unwanted side reactions. Introducing additives that scavenge radicals before their attack of the device‐configuring polymers is one of the promising strategies to significantly improve their life. In particular, Ce‐based radical scavengers including free Ce3+ are considered to be highly efficient radical scavengers, with a rapid and regenerative redox reaction. However, those radical scavengers possess detrimental interaction with the active materials in the devices, which hinders charge carrier and material transport for the device function, thereby reducing the device efficiency. Herein, an organometallic complex of Ce3+ is applied, and is coordinated by dipicolinate ligands as a radical scavenger for the chemical stability of polymers employed and durability enhancement in fuel cell and organic photovoltaic (OPV) device applications. Owing to the stabilizing effect of dipicolinate ligands toward Ce3+, disadvantageous interaction between radical scavenger and polymer material is suppressed, which results in the improved device stability without reducing the initial performance.
Cognitive decline and brainstem hypometabolism in long COVID: A case series
Authors: Hugon Jacques , Queneau Mathieu , Sanchez Ortiz Marta , Msika Eva Flore , Farid Karim , Paquet Claire
Published: March 2022

Objective

To assess FDG cerebral PET in patients suffering from cognitive impairment linked to Long COVID. The COVID pandemic has affected dozens of millions of people around the world and has resulted in the deaths of more than 3 million people. Following the acute forms, it has been reported sometimes long forms of COVID, with involvements of several organs including the brain. Neurological complications can include cognitive disturbances (brain fog) that are very common and can seriously disturb the life of patients.

Methods

Fluorodeoxyglucose PETs were performed in 3 patients with cognitive decline following COVID infection.

Results

We report here 3 cases of brain fog with major hypometabolic areas of the pons revealed by the cerebral FDG PET.

Conclusion

The dysfunction of the locus coeruleus in these patients could partly explain the cognitive disorders observed. Further studies involving larger cohorts of patients suffering from cognitive dysfunction will be needed to determine if the brainstem is frequently affected in these patients.
Urothelial carcinoembryonic antigen 1 score for early detection of prostate cancer and risk prediction
Authors: Lin Youdong , Liu Guihua , Liu Chun , Xie Hui , Wang Xiaoxian , Huang Yudian , Jin Long , Chen Huidan
Published: March 2022

Purpose

To improve early detection and risk prediction of prostate cancer, we incorporated the urine urothelial carcinoembryonic antigen 1 (UCA1) gene expression levels and the serum PSA level.

Patients and Methods

In 897 patients the urine UCA1 gene expression was normalized and the performance of UCA1 score was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, the Mann–Whitney U test, or decision curve analysis (DCA).

Results

In the Shengli training cohort (n = 517), the area under ROC curve (AUC) was 0.880, 0.728, and 0.705 for detecting prostate cancer, D'Amico, and cancer of the prostate risk assessment (CAPRA), respectively. The UCA1 scores of benign patients were significantly lower than those of nonhigh‐risk prostate cancer patients (−2.63 vs. 0.16, p < 0.001; AUC 0.834). DCA yielded a better result with the UCA1 score compared to PSA. Combining PSA <4 with UCA1 score ≥−0.475, all nine of 62 patients were successfully diagnosed with prostate cancer and 70.97% of prostate biopsies were excluded. Using PSA ≥4 and UCA1 score ≥−3.47, 122 cancer patients were accurately diagnosed with a sensitivity of 0.992, while 102 prostate biopsies (22.42%) were excluded. Similar results were validated in the Fuzhou validation cohort (n = 380). In all patients of two cohort (n = 897), the UCA1 score was superior to PSA only for detection of clinically significant cancer (28% VS. 22%, p = 0.007) and detection of high‐risk cancer (25% VS. 19%, p = 0.009).

Conclusion

The performance of the UCA1 score is superior to that of the existing PSA only in the detection and risk prediction of prostate cancer. Combination of the PSA level and the UCA1 score may significantly reduce the burden of prostate biopsy.
Phytochemical and Antibacterial Constituents of Edible Globe Amaranth Flower against Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Xu Xiang‐Juan , Wang Zhao‐Jie , Qin Xu‐Jie , Zeng Qi , Chen Song , Qin Yan , Luo Xiao‐Dong
Published: March 2022

Globe amaranth flower, the edible inflorescence of Gomphrena globose L., was used to treat dysentery and ulcer as well as other infectious diseases caused by microbes in Southwest China, but its function and bioactive components need experimental support. In this study, phytochemical constituents and antibacterial bioactivity of globe amaranth flower against P. aeruginosa were carried out. As a result, two new (1 and 2) and eleven known (3–11) compounds were isolated, in which compounds 4–7 displayed anti P. aeruginosa bioactivity with the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) from 0.008 to 0.256 mg/mL. Furthermore, with aid of the scanning electron microscope (SEM) and a superficial skin infection model in mice, the most potent compound 4 can significantly destroy the structure of bacteria in vitro and restore bacterial infection damage in vivo.
Regeneration of the lateral discoid meniscus after arthroscopic saucerization in an adult patient undergoing high tibial osteotomy: A case report
Authors: Baek Ji‐Hoon , Lee Su Chan , Nam Chang Hyun , Ahn Hye Sun , Kim Jin‐Hong
Published: March 2022

Arthroscopic saucerization of the lateral discoid meniscus is considered due to an increase in the load of the lateral compartment after high tibial osteotomy (HTO). We report a case of lateral discoid meniscus regeneration after arthroscopic saucerization in a middle‐aged female patient who underwent HTO.
Interseeding legumes into established semiarid smooth bromegrass pasture
Authors: Harmoney Keith , Adams Calvin , Rice Dwayne
Published: March 2022

Seeding legumes into established cool‐season grass pasture helps to lower the long‐term costs of production and may improve total forage yield and quality, but seeding these legumes in the semiarid Central Great Plains region is often ignored. Eight legumes commonly seeded in the Midwest and eastern USA were no‐till seeded in late winter into upland and lowland west‐central Kansas smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.) pastures. Purple‐flowered alfalfa (Medicago sativa L. ssp. sativa) and yellow‐flowered alfalfa [Medicago sativa L. ssp. falcata (L.) Arcang.] established well at the lowland and upland sites and helped improve forage yield compared with nitrogen‐fertilized smooth bromegrass. Korean lespedeza [Kummerowia stipulacea (Maxim.) Makino] and yellow sweetclover [Melilotus officinalis (L.) Lam.] established well on both landscape sites, but these legumes declined significantly over time and did not increase forage yield compared with smooth bromegrass alone. Legume establishment was greater in unfertilized smooth bromegrass at each landscape, indicating that early competition from the grass limited legume establishment. Purple‐flowered and yellow‐flowered alfalfa increased the crude protein concentration compared with smooth bromegrass alone on the lowland site, and increased crude protein and total digestible nutrient concentration on the upland site. Birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.), cicer milkvetch (Astragalus cicer L.), and hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth) failed to establish with competition from smooth bromegrass at the upland and lowland sites. Purple‐flowered and yellow‐flowered alfalfa may establish and persist when seeded into existing smooth bromegrass pastures in the drier regions of central Kansas while increasing forage yield and nutritive value.
Central femoral tunnel placement can reduce stress and strain around bone tunnels and graft more than anteromedial femoral tunnel in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
Authors: Cheng Rongshan , Wang Huizhi , Dimitriou Dimitris , Jiang Ziang , Cheng Cheng‐Kung , Tsai Tsung‐Yuan
Published: March 2022

The present study investigated the effects of anteromedial (AM) and central femoral footprint placement on stress and strain distribution around the femoral and tibial tunnel and graft following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). A three‐dimensional (3D) reconstructed knee model was validated and used for simulating ACLR by finite element analysis. A combined loading during normal human walking was applied to the knee models using different anatomic femoral tunnel placement at 20° knee flexion. The results of von Mises stress and principal strain at the entrances of the femoral and tibial tunnel and ACL graft was determined. The peak von Mises stress and the maximum principal strain in the AM footprint group were 8.78 MPa and 8850.89 μ‐strain at the entrance of femoral tunnel, and 5.29 MPa and 5553.27 μ‐strain at the entrance of tibial tunnel. The results in the AM footprint group were higher than that in the central footprint group. The peak von Mises stress around the ACL graft following AM footprint ACLR was 28.63 MPa, higher than that following the central footprint ACLR. The AM footprint ACLR generated more significant peak von Mises stress and maximum principal strain around the entrances of femoral and tibial tunnel and the graft than the central footprint. The present results are of clinical relevance as they can provide a better understanding of tunnel enlargement and graft failure.
Pharmacokinetics and Bioequivalence Evaluation of 2 Olmesartan Medoxomil and Amlodipine Besylate Fixed‐Dose Combination Tablets in Healthy Chinese Volunteers Under Fasting and Fed Conditions
Authors: Li Xinjing , Mo Enpan , Chen Lin
Published: March 2022

Combined antihypertensive drugs have become the basic method of treating hypertension. Olmesartan and amlodipine, as representative drugs of angiotensin receptor blockers and calcium channel blockers, were developed as a compound formulation for antihypertensive treatment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the bioequivalence of olmesartan medoxomil/amlodipine besylate tablet (20 mg/5 mg) under fasting and fed conditions in healthy Chinese volunteers. A phase 1 randomized, open‐label, 2‐period, single‐dose crossover study (n = 56) was designed, with subjects under fasting (n = 28) or fed (n = 28) conditions. Of the 56 enrolled participants, 55 healthy volunteers completed the study. Blood samples for pharmacokinetic analysis were collected from 1.5 hours before dosing to 168 hours after dosing. The 90%CIs for the geometric mean ratios of maximum plasma drug concentration, area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC) from time 0 to the last measurable concentration and AUC from time 0 to infinity of the test/reference were all within the acceptance range for bioequivalence (80%‐125%). The data showed that the absorption of amlodipine is not affected by food, but the exposure of olmesartan (both AUC from time 0 to the last measurable concentration and AUC from time 0 to infinity were P < .05) reduced significantly after consuming a high‐fat meal, which indicates that the effects of food on olmesartan exposure in healthy Chinese were clinically relevant. During the study, there were no suspected serious adverse reactions or serious adverse events. All adverse events were determined to be mild after Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events 5.0 evaluation. These results indicated that both the test and reference formulations were bioequivalent with similar safety profiles.
Computational investment in generation of elliptic curves randomly over large prime fields
Authors: Abhishek Kunal , E George Dharma Prakash Raj
Published: March 2022

Randomly computed elliptic curves over prime fields are desirable for implementation in strategic or military grade cryptosystems. A randomly computed elliptic curve eliminates the possibility of exhibiting any pre‐studied value or special structure of the curve parameters which may be doubted to have intentionally non‐disclosed vulnerability. However, computing elliptic curves randomly over large prime fields for cryptography is an intricate task which requires reasonably high computational resources and time. These computational resources are considered in terms of the number of CPU clock cycles and the number of attempts or searches made in the security parameter space of elliptic curve. The estimate of the number of CPU clock cycles helps in determining processor requirements whereas the number of attempts or searches help to decide the number of CPU cores for speeding up the curve generation process. We present efficient statistical estimates of computational resources to randomly compute cryptographically safe elliptic curve over desired prime field size using a standard procedure.
Pollinator guilds respond contrastingly at different scales to landscape parameters of land‐use intensity
Authors: Bergholz Kolja , Sittel Lara‐Pauline , Ristow Michael , Jeltsch Florian , Weiss Lina
Published: March 2022

Land‐use intensification is the main factor for the catastrophic decline of insect pollinators. However, land‐use intensification includes multiple processes that act across various scales and should affect pollinator guilds differently depending on their ecology. We aimed to reveal how two main pollinator guilds, wild bees and hoverflies, respond to different land‐use intensification measures, that is, arable field cover (AFC), landscape heterogeneity (LH), and functional flower composition of local plant communities as a measure of habitat quality. We sampled wild bees and hoverflies on 22 dry grassland sites within a highly intensified landscape (NE Germany) within three campaigns using pan traps. We estimated AFC and LH on consecutive radii (60–3000 m) around the dry grassland sites and estimated the local functional flower composition. Wild bee species richness and abundance was positively affected by LH and negatively by AFC at small scales (140–400 m). In contrast, hoverflies were positively affected by AFC and negatively by LH at larger scales (500–3000 m), where both landscape parameters were negatively correlated to each other. At small spatial scales, though, LH had a positive effect on hoverfly abundance. Functional flower diversity had no positive effect on pollinators, but conspicuous flowers seem to attract abundance of hoverflies. In conclusion, landscape parameters contrarily affect two pollinator guilds at different scales. The correlation of landscape parameters may influence the observed relationships between landscape parameters and pollinators. Hence, effects of land‐use intensification seem to be highly landscape‐specific.
Herbivory on the pedunculate oak along an urbanization gradient in Europe: Effects of impervious surface, local tree cover, and insect feeding guild
Authors: Valdés‐Correcher Elena , Popova Anna , Galmán Andrea , Prinzing Andreas , Selikhovkin Andrey V. , Howe Andy G. , Mrazova Anna , Dulaurent Anne‐Maïmiti , Hampe Arndt , Tack Ayco Jerome Michel , Bouget Christophe , Lupaștean Daniela , Harvey Deborah , Musolin Dmitry L. , Lövei Gábor L. , Centenaro Giada , Halder Inge Van , Hagge Jonas , Dobrosavljević Jovan , Pitkänen Juha‐Matti , Koricheva Julia , Sam Katerina , Barbaro Luc , Branco Manuela , Ferrante Marco , Faticov Maria , Tahadlová Markéta , Gossner Martin , Cauchoix Maxime , Bogdziewicz Michał , Duduman Mihai‐Leonard , Kozlov Mikhail V. , Bjoern Mona C. , Mamaev Nikita A. , Fernandez‐Conradi Pilar , Thomas Rebecca L. , Wetherbee Ross , Green Samantha , Milanović Slobodan , Moreira Xoaquín , Mellerin Yannick , Kadiri Yasmine , Castagneyrol Bastien
Published: March 2022

Urbanization is an important driver of the diversity and abundance of tree‐associated insect herbivores, but its consequences for insect herbivory are poorly understood. A likely source of variability among studies is the insufficient consideration of intra‐urban variability in forest cover. With the help of citizen scientists, we investigated the independent and interactive effects of local canopy cover and percentage of impervious surface on insect herbivory in the pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) throughout most of its geographic range in Europe. We found that the damage caused by chewing insect herbivores as well as the incidence of leaf‐mining and gall‐inducing herbivores consistently decreased with increasing impervious surface around focal oaks. Herbivory by chewing herbivores increased with increasing forest cover, regardless of impervious surface. In contrast, an increase in local canopy cover buffered the negative effect of impervious surface on leaf miners and strengthened its effect on gall inducers. These results show that—just like in non‐urban areas—plant–herbivore interactions in cities are structured by a complex set of interacting factors. This highlights that local habitat characteristics within cities have the potential to attenuate or modify the effect of impervious surfaces on biotic interactions.
Haplotype analysis of the mitochondrial DNA d‐loop region reveals the maternal origin and historical dynamics among the indigenous goat populations in east and west of the Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Baenyi Simon Patrick , Owino Junga Joseph , Tarekegn Getinet Mekuriaw , Machuka Eunice , Tiambo Christian Keambou , Kabange Dorine , Musale M. Dieudinné Katunga , Vumilia Kizungu Roger , Ochieng Joel Winyo , Pelle Roger
Published: March 2022

This study aimed at assessing haplotype diversity and population dynamics of three Congolese indigenous goat populations that included Kasai goat (KG), small goat (SG), and dwarf goat (DG) of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The 1169 bp d‐loop region of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) was sequenced for 339 Congolese indigenous goats. The total length of sequences was used to generate the haplotypes and evaluate their diversities, whereas the hypervariable region (HVI, 453 bp) was analyzed to define the maternal variation and the demographic dynamic. A total of 568 segregating sites that generated 192 haplotypes were observed from the entire d‐loop region (1169 bp d‐loop). Phylogenetic analyses using reference haplotypes from the six globally defined goat mtDNA haplogroups showed that all the three Congolese indigenous goat populations studied clustered into the dominant haplogroup A, as revealed by the neighbor‐joining (NJ) tree and median‐joining (MJ) network. Nine haplotypes were shared between the studied goats and goat populations from Pakistan (1 haplotype), Kenya, Ethiopia and Algeria (1 haplotype), Zimbabwe (1 haplotype), Cameroon (3 haplotypes), and Mozambique (3 haplotypes). The population pairwise analysis (FST) indicated a weak differentiation between the Congolese indigenous goat populations. Negative and significant (p‐value <.05) values for Fu's Fs (−20.418) and Tajima's (−2.189) tests showed the expansion in the history of the three Congolese indigenous goat populations. These results suggest a weak differentiation and a single maternal origin for the studied goats. This information will contribute to the improvement of the management strategies and long‐term conservation of indigenous goats in DRC.
Mutagenicity of the Danube River: The contribution of liquid phase and particulate suspended matter
Authors: Morales Daniel A. , Massei Riccardo , Schulze Tobias , Krauss Martin , Brack Werner , de Aragão Umbuzeiro Gisela
Published: March 2022

Bioassays have been used to complement the chemical characterization of aquatic mutagenicity, but the tests sometimes are done only with water liquid phase (LP). Particle‐bound mutagens are important because they can be ingested by filtering organisms. Our objective was to evaluate the mutagenicity of organic extracts of the LP and the water suspended particulate matter (SPM) from 13 sites along Danube River with the Salmonella/microsome microsuspension assay using TA98, YG1041, TA1538, and YG5185 strains. A high incidence of mutagenicity was detected, 84% for LP and 92% for SPM samples. The contribution of SPM to the mutagenicity was relatively small when compared with LP however, for five sites SPM was responsible for the whole mutagenicity, highlighting the importance of analyzing SPM when assessing water mutagenicity. YG1041 was the most sensitive strain and should be considered in future water mutagenicity monitoring programs, but it will depend on the main pollution sources.
Pathways to paternal care in primates
Authors: Rosenbaum Stacy , Silk Joan B.
Published: March 2022

Natural selection will favor male care when males have limited alternative mating opportunities, can invest in their own offspring, and when care enhances males' fitness. These conditions are easiest to fulfill in pair‐bonded species, but neither male care nor stable “breeding bonds” that facilitate it are limited to pair‐bonded species. We review evidence of paternal care and extended breeding bonds in owl monkeys, baboons, Assamese macaques, mountain gorillas, and chimpanzees. The data, which span social/mating systems and ecologies, suggest that there are multiple pathways by which conditions conducive to male care can arise. This diversity highlights the difficulty of making inferences about the emergence of male care in early hominins based on single traits visible in the fossil record. We discuss what types of data are most needed and the questions yet to be answered about the evolution of male care and extended breeding bonds in the primate order.
Carrier strategies boost the application of CRISPR/Cas system in gene therapy
Authors: Xu Zunkai , Wang Qingnan , Zhong Haiping , Jiang Yaoyao , Shi Xiaoguang , Yuan Bo , Yu Na , Zhang Shubiao , Yuan Xiaoyong , Guo Shutao , Yang Yang
Published: March 2022

Emerging clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat/associated protein (CRISPR/Cas) genome editing technology shows great potential in gene therapy. However, proteins and nucleic acids suffer from enzymatic degradation in the physiological environment and low permeability into cells. Exploiting carriers to protect the CRISPR system from degradation, enhance its targeting of specific tissues and cells, and reduce its immunogenicity is essential to stimulate its clinical applications. Here, the authors review the state‐of‐the‐art CRISPR delivery systems and their applications, and describe strategies to improve the safety and efficacy of CRISPR mediated genome editing, categorized by three types of cargo formats, that is, Cas: single‐guide RNA ribonucleoprotein, Cas mRNA and single‐guide RNA, and Cas plasmid expressing CRISPR/Cas systems. The authors hope this review will help develop safe and efficient nanomaterial‐based carriers for CRISPR tools.
Starch morphological, structural, pasting, and thermal properties of waxy maize under different heat stress durations at grain formation stage
Authors: Gu Xiaotian , Yang Siling , Li Guanghao , Lu Weiping , Lu Dalei
Published: March 2022

Heat stress (HS) is a major environmental constraint in sustaining global waxy maize production under future climate condition. Starch physicochemical properties under 5‐day (HS5) and 10‐day (HS10) postsilking HS were investigated using two waxy maize hybrids (Suyunuo5 and Yunuo7) as materials. Ambient and high temperatures were 28°C/20℃ and 35°C/27℃, respectively. Starch granules were enlarged and exhibited additional pitting or cellular structures, increased amylopectin chain length, increased relative crystallinity, and increased 1047/1022 cm−1 ratio under HS. This finding indicated the stable and ordered structure of starch granules, especially under HS10. Pasting viscosities of Yunuo7 reduced by HS, and the change was the same under both HS5 and HS10. Peak viscosity of Suyunuo5 was unaffected and breakdown viscosity increased with HS5 although both characteristics decreased with HS10. HS increased gelatinization temperatures and retrogradation percentage. Results showed that HS enlarges starch granules with stable structure, reduces starch viscosities, and increases retrograde tendency, with severe detrimental effect under long HS durations.
Molecular investigation of ALK‐rearranged epithelioid fibrous histiocytomas identifies CLTC as a novel fusion partner and evidence of fusion‐independent transcription activation
Authors: Georgantzoglou Natalia , Green Donald , Winnick Kimberly N. , Sumegi Janos , Charville Gregory W. , Bridge Julia A. , Linos Konstantinos
Published: March 2022

Epithelioid fibrous histiocytoma (EFH) is a rare cutaneous neoplasm, which is characterized by the presence of rearrangements involving the ALK gene. Although EFH was long considered a variant of fibrous histiocytoma, the identification of its unique genetic signature confirmed that it represents a distinct entity. The aim of the present study was to examine a cohort of ALK‐immunoreactive EFH cases to further characterize gene fusion partners. Next generation sequencing detected ALK fusions in 11 EFH cases identified in the pathology archives of two different institutions. The most common fusion partner was DCTN1 (N = 4) followed by CLTC (N = 2) and VCL (N = 2), while the remaining cases harbored fusions involving SPECC1L, PPFIBP1, and PRKAR1A. In one case no fusion was detected by NGS and FISH despite suitable sample quality. Notably, IHC demonstrated positive ALK expression and the level of aligned ALK reads was comparable to the fusion‐positive cases. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of CLTC as a fusion partner in EFH. The two CLTC rearranged cases in our cohort also represent the first two EFH cases in the literature that involve exon 19 of ALK, instead of exon 20. These findings underscore the remarkable plasticity of ALK as an oncogenic driver and further expand the list of its potential fusion partners in EFH. Lastly this is also the first report of ALK‐immunoreactive EFH with no underlying fusion suggesting a fusion independent transcription mechanism as seen in other tumors.
On the intention to cycle for work and school trips in a developing country
Authors: Sam Enoch F.
Published: March 2022

Cycling, as a mode of transport has immense health benefits. However, as pertains in other developing countries, cycling is not a preferred transport mode in urban Ghana, a development that is attributable to the lack of cycling infrastructure, safety and cultural perceptions. Guided by the Theory of Planned Behaviour, this study explored the intention to cycle for work and school trips (i.e., commuter cycling) in Winneba among 260 staff and students of the University of Education, Winneba, Ghana by fitting structural equation models. The results revealed low bicycle ownership and use among the respondents occasioned by some barriers. Additionally, it was found that the extent to which the respondents feel able and confident to cycle for work and school trips (i.e., their perceived behavioural control) was the most important predictor of their intention to cycle for work and school trips. Study respondents' attitudes toward cycling and subjective norms (i.e., social pressures to cycle) did not significantly influence the intention to cycle for work and school trips. Consequently, the study proffered relevant measures to promote commuter cycling on university campuses and by extension in the wider society.
Bifunctional catalysts composed of low silicon‐content SAPO‐34 nanosheets and In2O3/ZrO2 with improved performance for CO2 hydrogenation
Authors: Liu Zichen , Xu Shuman , Hao Jing , Song Lina , Chong Mingben , Cheng Dang‐Guo , Chen Fengqiu
Published: March 2022

The conversion of CO2 into high‐value chemicals has drawn a great deal of consideration, of which the most ideal product is lower olefins. However, the modified Fischer–Tropsch (F‐T) synthesis with CO as an intermediate shows poor selectivity for lower olefins. Here, a list of bifunctional catalysts consisting of SAPO‐34 zeolites with adjustable silicon contents and In2O3/ZrO2 were synthesized. In the reaction process, CO2 is first hydrogenated to methanol over an In2O3/ZrO2 catalyst, and then the generated methanol rapidly diffuses to the adjacent zeolite catalyst to react to lower olefins. The selectivity of lower olefins (88.3%) and conversion rate of CO2 (23.3%) was achieved over In2O3/ZrO2 and SAPO‐34‐0.05 at 633 K, a gas hourly space velocity (GHSV) of 4500 ml·gcat–1·h–1, and H2/CO2/Ar = 3:1:1. The catalytic performance remained stable after 50 h of reaction. Characterization analysis showed that Si content affected the content of Brønsted acid sites (BAS) and morphology of SAPO‐34, resulting in different distribution of reaction intermediates. Tetramethyl‐benzenes, as important intermediate species, had a slower conversion rate on the SAPO‐34 with low Si content and nanosheet morphology, which led to high lower olefins selectivity. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mutual identification promotes children's generosity
Authors: Fast Anne A. , Morelli Sylvia A. , Zaki Jamil , Olson Kristina R.
Published: March 2022

From an early age, children act generously towards one another, but the situational features that promote generous decision‐making remain under investigation. The current study tests the impact of being identifiable—as a recipient of generosity, a giver, or both—on children's generosity. Six‐year‐old children (N = 129) allocated resources to a recipient during a video chat paradigm. Children were most generous when both they and the recipient could identify one another (i.e., in the case of mutual identification). Children were less generous in an anonymous situation and in ‘one‐sided’ situations in which only the recipient or only the giver was identifiable to the other child. These results illustrate that mutual identification, an ecologically valid experience of being able to identify and be identified by a recipient of one's generous action, is an especially powerful contributor to generous decision‐making in childhood. Further, insofar as increasing generosity among children is a goal, these results indicate that increasing identifiability among givers and recipients may be an effective way to achieve this goal.
Evaluation of South African common bermudagrass germplasm for shade tolerance
Authors: Carbajal Melgar Esdras M. , Miller Grady L. , Dunne Jeffrey C. , Schwartz Brian M. , Milla‐Lewis Susana R.
Published: March 2022

Common bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon L. Pers.) is a widely grown warm‐season turfgrass species characterized by a dense, deep‐rooted canopy and high levels of traffic tolerance. However, most cultivars have poor shade tolerance, which limits the use of these grasses in partly‐shaded areas. The identification of new sources of genetic resistance to shade will expand the germplasm pool available to breeders for developing improved bermudagrass cultivars. In this study, 24 common bermudagrass accessions recently introduced from South Africa were evaluated for their ability to persist under shade. Entries were established in a randomized complete block design with three replications at the Lake Wheeler Turfgrass Field Lab (Raleigh, NC) in the spring of 2019. Following full green‐up in summer 2020, entries were evaluated for performance under full sun, and then a 63% shade cloth was installed over the plots. Traits evaluated under shade included: turfgrass quality, turfgrass density, genetic color, ground coverage, turfgrass regrowth and the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). A turfgrass performance index (TPI) was calculated to identify the top performers across all traits. Under full sun, seven accessions had comparable performance with ‘Celebration’ and ‘TifTuf’ across traits. Under shade, ‘Stil03’, ‘Q 47620’, ‘TifGrand’, ‘WIN10F’, Celebration, and TifTuf exhibited the highest TPI. Accessions with superior shade tolerance identified in this study represent novel germplasm that can be used in future breeding efforts to improve shade tolerance in bermudagrass.
On the scope and characteristics of relapse when treating severe destructive behavior
Authors: Mitteer Daniel R. , Greer Brian D. , Randall Kayla R. , Haney Sarah D.
Published: March 2022

Prior studies on treatment relapse have typically examined the prevalence of resurgence or renewal of target behavior (e.g., destructive behavior) in isolation. This study analyzed both types of relapse during 25 consecutive treatments involving functional communication training during worsening reinforcement conditions for alternative behavior (i.e., schedule thinning) or following context changes. We also examined disruption of alternative behavior (i.e., functional communication requests, compliance). Resurgence and renewal of destructive behavior occurred in 76% and 69% of treatments, respectively, and in approximately a third of changes in reinforcement or context. Relapse of destructive behavior predicted alternative‐response disruption and vice versa; the co‐occurrence of these two events always exceeded the background probabilities of either event occurring in isolation. General reductions in treatment efficacy occurred across changes in reinforcement or context, with no apparent decrease in likelihood in later transitions. We discuss implications of our findings with respect to future studies examining treatment durability.
Prediction of the crystal structure and properties of energetic LLM‐105:oxidant cocrystals: A theoretical study
Authors: Ji Jincheng , Wang Kun , Zhu Weihua
Published: March 2022

The possible molecular packing of energetic LLM‐105:oxidant cocrystals was simulated by Monte Carlo method. Then the crystal structure, electronic properties, intermolecular interactions, and detonation properties of the most stable LLM‐105:oxidant cocrystals (LLM‐105:H2O2, LLM‐105:HNO3 and LLM‐105:HClO4) were systematically studied by periodic density functional theory. The effects of the oxidant molecules on the crystal properties of LLM‐105 were discussed. The type and number of hydrogen bonds increase in the cocrystals compared with the LLM‐105 crystal. The band gaps of the LLM‐105: oxidant cocrystals are larger than that of the LLM‐105 crystal. Besides, the oxidant molecules mainly contribute to the valence band maxima. In the LLM‐105: oxidant cocrystals, the O⋯O interactions increase from H2O2 to HClO4, while the H⋯O interactions weaken. The interactions of H⋯O, N⋯O, O⋯O, and C⋯O type interactions are the main driving force for the formation of the LLM‐105: oxidant cocrystals. The LLM‐105:oxidant cocrystals have better detonation performance than the LLM‐105 crystal. Our results show that the cocrystals composed of the explosive molecule and oxidant molecules are very promising candidates for new energetic materials.
Towards the production of chlorine dioxide from electrochemically in‐situ produced solutions of chlorate
Authors: Monteiro Mayra Kerolly Sales , Moratalla Ángela , Sáez Cristina , Santos Elisama Vieira Dos , Rodrigo Manuel Andrés
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND

This work focuses on the electrochemical production of chlorate solutions for direct use and integration in the manufacture of chlorine dioxide (ClO2), from the perspective of manufacturing portable ClO2 electrochemical generators.

RESULTS

Chlorate production was evaluated from the oxidation of sodium chloride (NaCl) contained in brackish solutions (20 g L−1) and brines (200 g L−1) in single chamber flow electrochemical cells. Efficiency in chlorate ion (ClO3−) production increased with temperature and NaCl concentration, but the use of brackish solutions led to a higher quality product, as compared to the brines, with lower concentration of chlorine and hypochlorous acid. To evaluate the production of ClO2, samples corresponding to two different qualities of the electrogenerated solutions underwent stripping to exhaust chlorine, before being mixed with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and sulfuric acid. Results showed that using a chlorate solution obtained from the electrolysis of 20 g L−1 NaCl solution at 50 mA cm−2 and passing 57.35 Ah L−1, a maximum concentration of 33.3 mmol L−1 ClO2 could be attained, which corresponds to a maximum conversion of 48.75%.

CONCLUSIONS

Efficiency of the synthesis depends on both the purity of chlorate and the H2O2/ClO3− ratio. This confirms that in‐situ electrogenerated chlorate can be used to manufacture ClO2, but there are still many gaps to be overcome and further work must be carried out to optimize the production of the desired oxidant in a portable ClO2 device. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Fall cover crop nitrogen uptake drives reductions in winter‐spring leaching
Authors: Sedghi Nathan , Weil Ray
Published: March 2022

Cover crops can reduce nitrate leaching after cash crop harvest. Despite widespread cover crop implementation, there has been a limited effect on water quality in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. We hypothesize that typical timing for Maryland cover crop planting after cash crop harvest is too late to allow roots to take up substantial nitrate from the soil profile before it is leached by winter drainage water. Across four site‐years (including sandy and silty soils), we compared various planting dates for a radish (Raphanus sativus L.)–crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.)–triticale (Triticosecale) cover crop mixture. Also, across two site‐years we compared early‐planted pure rye, radish, and a three‐species mixture with no cover. We measured cover crop biomass and N content and used tension lysimeters to measure deep soil porewater nitrate concentrations. Cumulative nitrate leaching was calculated from these concentrations and weather‐based drainage estimates. Cover crops were planted on four dates over a 6‐wk period. Overall, cover crops planted first, second, third, fourth, and no cover crop (just weeds) resulted in 3,340, 3,160, 1,600, 303, and 164 kg ha−1 of biomass; biomass N accumulation of 65.5, 68.6, 44.0, 9.88, and 4.79 kg N ha−1; and mean porewater concentrations of 2.71, 2.57, 4.72, 10.0, 17.1 mg L−1 of nitrate‐N, respectively. Over two site‐years, the three‐species mix performed as well or better than pure rye or radish. Early planting altered cover crop species proportions, increased cover crop productivity, and reduced nitrate leaching from agricultural fields.
No difference in serum levels of B‐cell activating receptor and antibodies against cytolethal distending toxin B and flagellin in post‐infectious irritable bowel syndrome and chronic fatigue syndrome after Giardia infection
Authors: Hanevik Kurt , Saghaug Christina , Aaland Maren , Morch Kristine , Langeland Nina
Published: March 2022

Background and Aim

Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) frequently occur as comorbid conditions to each other. A shared etiology of these syndromes has been proposed because of their shared symptomatology and triggering by infections. Antibodies against the bacterial antigens cytolethal distending toxin B (CdtB) and flagellin have been proposed to be biomarkers of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), especially diarrhea‐predominant IBS (IBS‐D). It is unknown if they may also be associated with comorbid conditions such as CFS. On the other hand, elevated level of B‐cell activating factor (BAFF) has been associated with CFS and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and subjective food intolerance.

Methods

We evaluated serum levels of anti‐flagellin and anti‐CdtB using an in‐house enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and BAFF with a commercially available ELISA kit in a cohort of patients who developed fatigue syndromes and/or FGIDs after Giardia infection, by comparing them with healthy controls without these conditions.

Results

We did not find significant differences in circulating BAFF, anti‐CdtB, or anti‐flagellin antibody levels in these patient groups compared to healthy controls. Therefore, our results do not support a role for BAFF, anti‐CdtB, or anti‐flagellin antibodies as universal biomarkers for IBS or CFS.

Conclusion

BAFF, anti‐CdtB, or anti‐flagellin antibodies cannot be considered as universal biomarkers for IBS or CFS.