bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Miniaturized superconducting single-photon detection system for airborne platform
Authors: He Guang-Long , Xue Li , Wu Cheng , Li Hui , Yin Rui , Dong Da-Xing , Wang Hao , Xu Chi , Huang Hui-Xin , Tu Xue-Cou , Kang Lin , Jia Xiao-Qing , Zhao Qing-Yuan , Chen Jian , Xia Ling-Hao , Zhang La-Bao , Wu Pei-Heng ,   Reaserch Institute of Superconductor Electronics, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China,   Beijing Institute of Tracking and Telecommunications Technology, Beijing 100094, China,   Nanjing Institute of Electronic Technology, Nanjing 210039, China,   School of Physics, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing 211106, China
Published: March 2023

Facing the demand for applications such as wide-area terrain mapping and space-based atmospheric measurements, there is an urgent need to develop miniaturized single-photon detection systems with low power consumption that can be adapted to airborne platforms. Superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs) have been applied to quantum information, bioimaging, deep space communication and long-range lidar with the advantages of high quantum efficiency, low dark count rate and fast detection rate. However, traditional SNSPD usually operates at 2.1 K or even lower, and the required cryogenic systems are large in size and weight, which are not easy to apply to airborne platforms. Up to now, there has been no report on SNSPD applied to airborne platforms. How to apply SNSPD to airborne platforms is an urgent problem to be solved.

In this work, we design and make an SNSPD with an operating temperature of 4.2 K. The superconducting detector chip is a four-channel photon-number-resolving device with a photosensitive area of 60 μm × 60 μm, which is coupled to a 200-μm-diameter fiber by a beam compression system with a quantum efficiency of 50% at 1064 nm and a temperature of 4.2 K. Finally, the time characteristics of a single channel are tested in response to different photon numbers. The timing jitter of four-photon response is smallest, and the half-height width is 110 ps. This work not only supports airborne applications, but also has positive implications for promoting the development of general-purpose miniaturized SNSPD systems and their applications.
Beta oscillations and waves in motor cortex can be accounted for by the interplay of spatially structured connectivity and fluctuating inputs
Authors: Kang Ling , Ranft Jonas , Hakim Vincent
Published: March 2023

The beta rhythm (13–30 Hz) is a prominent brain rhythm. Recordings in primates during instructed-delay reaching tasks have shown that different types of traveling waves of oscillatory activity are associated with episodes of beta oscillations in motor cortex during movement preparation. We propose here a simple model of motor cortex based on local excitatory-inhibitory neuronal populations coupled by long-range excitation, where additionally inputs to the motor cortex from other neural structures are represented by stochastic inputs on the different model populations. We show that the model accurately reproduces the statistics of recording data when these external inputs are correlated on a short time scale (25 ms) and have two different components, one that targets the motor cortex locally and another one that targets it in a global and synchronized way. The model reproduces the distribution of beta burst durations, the proportion of the different observed wave types, and wave speeds, which we show not to be linked to axonal propagation speed. When the long-range connectivity or the local input targets are anisotropic, traveling waves are found to preferentially propagate along the axis where connectivity decays the fastest. Different from previously proposed mechanistic explanations, the model suggests that traveling waves in motor cortex are the reflection of the dephasing by external inputs, putatively of thalamic origin, of an oscillatory activity that would otherwise be spatially synchronized by recurrent connectivity.
Plasmodium falciparum adapts its investment into replication versus transmission according to the host environment
Authors: Abdi Abdirahman I , Achcar Fiona , Sollelis Lauriane , Silva-Filho João Luiz , Mwikali Kioko , Muthui Michelle , Mwangi Shaban , Kimingi Hannah W , Orindi Benedict , Andisi Kivisi Cheryl , Alkema Manon , Chandrasekar Amrita , Bull Peter C , Bejon Philip , Modrzynska Katarzyna , Bousema Teun , Marti Matthias
Published: March 2023

The malaria parasite life cycle includes asexual replication in human blood, with a proportion of parasites differentiating to gametocytes required for transmission to mosquitoes. Commitment to differentiate into gametocytes, which is marked by activation of the parasite transcription factor ap2-g, is known to be influenced by host factors but a comprehensive model remains uncertain. Here, we analyze data from 828 children in Kilifi, Kenya with severe, uncomplicated, and asymptomatic malaria infection over 18 years of falling malaria transmission. We examine markers of host immunity and metabolism, and markers of parasite growth and transmission investment. We find that inflammatory responses associated with reduced plasma lysophosphatidylcholine levels are associated with markers of increased investment in parasite sexual reproduction (i.e. transmission investment) and reduced growth (i.e. asexual replication). This association becomes stronger with falling transmission and suggests that parasites can rapidly respond to the within-host environment, which in turn is subject to changing transmission.
Knowledge, attitude, and practices of front line health workers after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine: a cross-sectional study in Pakistan
Authors: Minhas Sadia , Sajjad Aneequa , Manzoor Iram , Masood Atika , Suhail Agha , Shaikh Gul Muhammad , Kashif Muhammad
Published: March 2023

Background

Globally, there is an increased risk of COVID-19 infection among front-line health workers (FHW). This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practices of FHW of Pakistan after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.

Methods

A population web-based survey on COVID-19 vaccine was conducted on 635 FHW in Pakistan between April 15, 2021, and July 15, 2021. The survey focused on four main sections consisting of socio-demographic data, knowledge, attitude, and practices after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. The data was analyzed on SPSS. p < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

Overall, 60% of FHW were nervous before getting vaccinated, with the leading reason to get vaccinated being their concern to protect themselves and their community (53.4%). A majority of FHW had fear about the unseen side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine (59.7%) used in Pakistan, with the most common side effect reported as soreness at the injection site (39%). It has been noted that almost all of the FHW observed preventive practices after getting vaccinated. The results showed that married respondents had favorable practices towards COVID-19 vaccines (B = 0.53, p < 0.01) (B, unstandardized regression coefficient). It was also found that more informational sources (B = 0.19, p < 0.01), higher knowledge of vaccination (B = 0.15, p < 0.001), and favorable attitude toward vaccine (B = 0.12, p < 0.001) significantly predicted favorable practices toward COVID-19 vaccination.

Conclusion

The findings reflect that FHW, though they were worried about its side effects, have good knowledge and a positive attitude after getting the COVID-19 vaccine. This study is significant as the FHWs are a symbol for guidance, a reliable source of information, and an encouraging means of receiving COVID-19 vaccine for the general public. This study also reported that post-vaccination side effects were mild which will aid in reducing the vaccine hesitancy among the general Pakistani population.
Response of dung beetle diversity to remediation of soil ecosystems in the Ecuadorian Amazon
Authors: Pozo-Rivera Wilmer E. , Quiloango-Chimarro Carlos , Paredes Xavier , Landívar Mario , Chiriboga Carlos , Hidalgo Daniel , García Karina , Villacís Jaime
Published: March 2023

Background

Efforts to alleviate the negative effects of oil spills in the Ecuadorian Amazon include remediation activities such as cleaning, reshaping, and revegetation of polluted areas. However, studies of the diversity of biological communities in these hydrocarbon-degraded ecosystems have never been carried out. Here, we evaluated the diversity of dung beetles on remediated soil ecosystems (Agricultural Soils and Sensitive Ecosystems) and on non-contaminated soils (Natural Forests and Palm Plantations).

Methodology

The study was conducted in Sucumbíos and Orellana provinces, in the Ecuadorian Amazon at four sampling sites per ecosystem type (a total of 16 sites). At each sampling site, six pitfall traps remained active for 120 consecutive h per month for 1 year.

Results

We collected 37 species and 7,506 individuals of dung beetles. We observed significant differences in mean species abundance, richness, and diversity between non-contaminated soil ecosystems and remediated soil ecosystems, with Natural Forests presenting the highest values, and Agricultural Soils the lowest values. Regarding sampling month, we also found significant differences among ecosystems, which were also higher in Natural Forests.

Discussion

The results suggest that hydrocarbon-degraded ecosystems tend to conserve lower beetle diversity one year after remediation highlighting the importance of Natural Forests for the conservation of tropical biodiversity. Therefore, dung beetle diversity could be used for future landscape management of these hydrocarbon-degraded ecosystems.
Cloning, characterization, and expression analysis of the CHITINASE gene family in Helice tientsinensis
Authors: Chen Lulu , Hua Yuyan , Ji Wenxuan , Wang Jiayu , Zhao Hua , Wang Zhengfei
Published: March 2023

Chitinase is a kind of glycoside hydrolase which is widely distributed in nature and encoded by multiple genes to catalyze the decomposition of chitin, which plays an important role in the molting and pathogen defense of crustaceans. However, the research on chitinase in crustaceans is mainly focused on a few species with economic value. In this study, full-length cDNA sequences of the HtCHT1, HtCHT3 and HtCHT4 genes were cloned from the mudflat crab Helice tientsinensis by RACE, and the sequences were analyzed. The results showed that the full-length 2,229 bp of HtCHT1 gene encoded 627 amino acids, while the full-length 2,191 bp of HtCHT3 gene produced 489 amino acids, and the full-length 3,312 bp of HtCHT4 gene encoded 664 amino acids. Bioinformatics analysis showed that all the obtained chitinase proteins had the glycosyl hydrolase family 18 (GH18) catalytic domain and chitin-binding domain (ChtBD2), furthermore, HtCHT1 and HtCHT4 proteins had signal peptide domains at N-terminal. Phylogenetic analysis showed that different types of chitinase were clustered, and HtCHTs were closely related to chitinases in the Eriocheir sinensis. Expression profile analysis showed that the HtCHT1, HtCHT3 and HtCHT4 were significantly expressed in hepatopancreas. Furthermore, the expression of three genes was significantly up-regulated in hepatopancreas after the Vibrio parahaemolyticus challenge. These results suggested that HtCHT1, HtCHT3 and HtCHT4 were belonged to the CHITINASE gene family in H. tientsinensis and were potentially involved in the antibacterial immune response. This study provides essential information for further research of chitinase in H. tientsinensis and even crustaceans.
Preliminary study on Bioassay of Capparis spinosa L. seed extract and seed germination
Authors: Wang Min , Yuan Xiaolu , Xu Liping
Published: March 2023

The present study explored the germination inhibitors present in the seeds of Capparis spinosa L., a plant species that is known for its ecological significance in preventing wind erosion and fixing sand in desertified areas. Additionally, its roots, leaves, and fruits possess medicinal properties, and are used to treat a range of ailments such as rheumatism, tumors, and diabetes. However, the plant’s low germination rate under natural conditions is a major limitation. We aimed to improve the germination of C. spinosa seeds by investigating the effects of various infusions of caper seeds on the germination and seedling growth of Chinese cabbage seeds. A range of chemical reagents, hormonal immersions, and sand storage treatments were used to determine the differences in the germination rate of C. spinosa seeds. Our results revealed that among the various water extract concentrations tested, 100% water extract exhibited the strongest inhibitory effect on the germination and growth of the cabbage seeds, with a germination rate of (70.00 ± 0.09)%. Furthermore, the inhibitory effects on the germination and growth of cabbage seeds were found to be strongest when treated with the extract solution 1, yielding a germination rate of (83.33 ± 0.02)%. Notably, the leaves of Chinese cabbage seedlings turned yellow-green and yellow after treatment with the extract solution. These findings highlight the potential inhibitory effects of C. spinosa seed extracts on seed germination and growth and suggest that further research is needed to better understand the underlying mechanisms. The results of the germination experiment with methanol extract showed a sharp decline in the germination rate of Chinese cabbage seeds treated with 50% methanol extract, to (4.67 ± 0.02)%. These findings indicate the presence of germination-inhibiting substances in caper seeds. The highest germination potential was observed when the caper seeds were soaked in 30% PEG, reaching 35.00%. The highest germination rate, 19.33%, was observed when the seeds were soaked in 250 mg/L GA3 and 25 mmol/L NaCl. These results suggest that the germination inhibitor present in caper seeds affects the germination of cabbage seeds as well. The highest germination rate was achieved when the seeds were soaked with gibberellin. It is hoped that the research on the germination-inhibiting substances in caper seeds will provide a scientific foundation for improving and refining the artificial propagation and cultivation methods of this species.
Intelligent Platform Research System for the Highly Integrated Development of My Country's Electronics Manufacturing Industry and Service Industry
Authors: Hua OU-YANG
Published: March 2023

With the help of normative analysis, empirical analysis and comparative analysis, this article combines the characteristic facts and empirical data of the development of China's producer service industry and electronic manufacturing industry to deeply analyze the internal and dynamic factors of the development of the producer service industry and the factors affecting the development of China's producer service industry. On the basis of theoretical and empirical analysis, to explore the underlying reasons for the low level of development and development quality of China’s producer service industry and the low level of interaction and integration with the electronics manufacturing industry, an intelligent platform for integrated development based on deep learning has been established, enabling both parties fusion efficiency increased by 7.3%.
The Development, Dilemma and Countermeasures of the Thoughts and Politics Teaching of Universities under the Influence of the Internet+
Authors: Ruiping Chen
Published: March 2023

With the rapid development of information technology, Internet+has profoundly affected all walks of life, including the field of education. As an important part of university ideological and political education, it plays a key role in cultivating students' political awareness, social responsibility and cultural identity. However, the application of Internet+in ideology and political teaching in universities has also brought challenges and dilemma. Therefore, this article aims to explore the impact of the Internet+on the development of university ideology and political teaching development, dilemma and countermeasures.
Evaluation of Hard Tissue, Soft Tissue and Airway Changes Post Twin Block Therapy: An In-vitro Study
Authors: Jaiswal Karishma , Saha Sonali , Dhinsa Kavita , Kapoor Sudhir , Singh Gaurav , Jaiswal Raj Kumar
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Aesthetic improvement happens to be one of the main reasons for seeking orthodontic treatment in patients with Angle’s Class II malocclusion. Prognathic maxilla, retrognathic mandible or a combination of both are the main aetiological factors for this malocclusion. Growth modification treatment with different methods can be performed in order to correct skeletal class II malocclusion. Appliance therapy to correct similar malocclusions should immaculately be directed towards addressing the dentoskeletal discord, in order to gain a favourable facial aesthetic result. Aim: To assess the effects of twin block on mandibular length, soft tissue profile and Oropharyngeal Airway (OAW) dimensions in skeletal class II malocclusion patients. Materials and Methods: An in-vitro study was carried out in the Department of Paedodontics at Sardar Patel Postgraduate Institute of Dental and Medical Sciences, Lucknow from June 2018 to March 2021. Study was done on lateral cephalograms of 15 growing children with Angle’s Class II Division 1 malocclusion in the age group of 9-12 years, who had undergone functional appliance therapy with twin block appliance. Standardised lateral cephalograms were evaluated at pretreatment (0 month) and postactive phase of twin-block therapy (9-12 months). Selected hard tissue, soft tissue and airway landmarks were marked and traced to evaluate hard tissue, soft tissue and airway changes. The data was analysed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 21. Results: There was a statistically significant increase in effective mandibular length (Condyle-Gnathion) and mandibular base length Gonion-Pogonion (Go-Pog) values (p<0.001). Significant decrease in the facial convexity Glabella- Soft tissue Nasion (G-Sn) Soft tissue Nasion- Soft tissue Pogonion (Sn-Pog) was observed and airway dimensions showed significant increase after twin block therapy. Conclusion: Correction of Class II malocclusion by twin block appliance resulted in significant cephalometric changes in the hard tissue profile (increase in mandibular length), together with clinically favourable soft tissue changes and OAW dimensions.
Derivation of Simplified Blood Pressure Percentile Chart for Children Aged 1-13 Years in Southern India: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Thiagarajan Shiva Narain , Chinnasami Balaji
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Systemic arterial hypertension is an important cause of adverse cardiovascular events with high morbidity and mortality in adults. Blood Pressure (BP) percentile chart from outside India varies significantly in comparison with Indian charts. Percentile distribution charts have already been developed for adults in various studies but its use is limited in paediatric age group. Aim: To measure blood pressure values of children aged between 1-13 years and derive percentile charts for each age group. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at SRM Medical College and Research Centre in Kattankalathur, Tamil Nadu, India. Duration of the study was six months from July to December 2021. After Registration of an Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval, 1230 children were recruited and BP was measured using oscillometric method. Blood pressure values were represented as mean with standard deviations. Univariate analyses between blood pressure, age, height, and weight were done with Pearson’s correlation method, and gender differences were tested with Student’s t-test. Results: Study group included 1,230 children with a mean (SD) age of 6.1 (3.4) years. Simplified percentile charts were created using age and gender. Height and weight was not used as it was seen to explain very little variability of BP. 95th percentile values suggested levels indicating hypertension to be 110/71.5, 125/79, 131/83.5 at ages of 1,5 and 10 years respectively for female while the same for male was 105/70, 124/79, 129/82. Conclusion: Simplified reference tables and charts, and simple convenient thresholds may be useful for rapid screening of hypertension using oscillometric method.
Predicting Difficult Laryngoscopy by Ultrasound Quantification of Anterior Neck Soft Tissue Thickness-A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Mago Vidur , Chakole Vivek , Bhardwaj Yatharth
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Difficult airway can possess a challenge to intubation and deciding role in morbidity and mortality. Hence, at these times Ultrasonography (USG) can play a vital role in the prediction of a difficult airway. Aim: To determine if USG measurement of anterior neck soft tissue thickness at the hyoid bone, and anterior commissure levels can be used to predict difficult laryngoscopy. Materials and Methods: The prospective observational study was carried out from January 2021-January 2022. There were 50 patients, aged 20-60 years, and scheduled to undergo general anaesthesia. Correlation analysis between roles of screening tests like Mallampati scoring (MMP), Cormack Lehane (CL) grade Neck Circumference (NC), Thyromental Distance (TMD) and USG measurements was done for predicting difficult laryngoscopy. Portable USG machine with a linear frequency probe, measuring tape and laryngoscope blade was required. The data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22. Results: The incidence of difficult laryngoscopy was 18% and the mean age of the study participants in the easy group was 44.26 years and in the difficult group it was 45.13 years. The USG measurements were significant (p-value=0.01) in determining difficult intubation, which shows greater validity to predict difficult laryngoscopy. Hence, USG measurement along with bedside screening test aids in better identification and assessment of difficult airway. Conclusion: Anterior neck soft tissue thickness measured by USG at the hyoid bone, and anterior commissure levels combined with the screening tests and risk factors might increase the ability to predict difficult airways.
Effect of Pressure, Concentration and Sludge Volume on Two-phase Filtrate Volumes Using Bentonite Clay Sludge
Authors: Amah Victor E. , Ademiluyi Joel, O.
Published: March 2023

The effect of pressure, solids concentration and volume of slurry on total and two-phase filtrate volumes was investigated to establish optimum conditions for routine laboratory filtration. Full factorial design with three levels was utilized to obtain 27 unique experiments. The slurry used was prepared by mixing crushed and sieved bentonite clay of 75 microns with distilled water at different concentrations as obtained from the design of experiment. A filter press was utilized and the results were used to calibrate a two-phase exponential equation for sludge filtration to extract the first and second stage filtrate volumes. The total filtrate volume improved with increasing applied pressure and decreasing solids concentration. A slurry volume of 0.22 litres was found to be ideal. Similar effects were noticed on the first and second stage filtrate volume except that an optimum was discovered at 0.18 litres of slurry. The second stage filtration produced an upward curve with a point of inflection at a range of 0.18 to 0.22 litres of slurry. The second stage filtrate volume is also discovered to be directly proportional to the total filtrate volume. This connection may be considered for use to assess the filterability of other slurries.
A Geographical Analysis of Free Bus Shuttle System in Ondo State, Nigeria
Authors: Ogunbodede E. F. , Ale A. S. , Ogundare B. A.
Published: March 2023

The research aimed at examining the policy of the State Government in providing free shuttle buses for the students in the state. Seven towns in Ondo State, where free shuttle buses were operating were purposively selected. The selected Towns were Ikare, Owo, Akure, Ondo, Okitipupa, Irele and Igbokoda. Five public schools were randomly selected using balloting method in each of the Towns. In all, thirty-five schools were involved in the research. Furthermore, ten students from each arm of the classes (JSS I to SSS III) were selected using balloting method of sampling technique. In-depth interview were conducted on parents and Principal of the schools. Quantitative data were collected through structured questionnaire administered to students, teachers and operators of the shuttle buses. Secondary source of data include the use of maps (Ondo State map), published articles and journals. Information on school population and other information on public schools relevant to this research were collected from the State Ministry of Education. Data collected from the field were analyzed using descriptive statistical techniques. The result shows that since the commencement of the free bus shuttle, rate of lateness had been drastically reduced. Moral teaching and instructions given at the morning assembly had impact on larger number of students who come to school on time. The Result also revealed high rate of cognitive development of the students’ base on class’s attendance. The paper recommends that more buses should be provided for the schools and that all schools in the state should be included in the scheme.
The Increasing Cost of Sanitary Products and the Potential Impact on Menstrual Hygiene Management Practices in Ghana
Authors: Asumah Mubarick Nungbaso , Iddrisu Osman Abu , Yariga Faustina Yin , Atuga Albert Ajapoak , Abdulai Abdul Malik
Published: March 2023

The “Type of Article” of this paper is “Letter to the Editor”. This paper discuses about: “The Increasing Cost of Sanitary Products and the Potential Impact on Menstrual Hygiene Management Practices in Ghana”. No formal abstract is available. Readers are requested to read the full article.
The Impact of the Recipe from Zanthoxylum leprieurii Bark, Harungara madagascariensis Leaves and Xylopia aethiopica Fruits on Nociception and Inflammation in Wistar Rats
Authors: Kplé Tatiana Kangah Mireille , Akakpo-Akue Joel , Ouattara Sitapha , Konan Gbe Kouakou N’dri Ange , Yapo-Crezoit Claire Chiayé Antoinette , Kra Adou Koffi Mattieu , Djaman Allico Joseph
Published: March 2023

Inflammation has a major role in the pathophysiology of sickle cell disease, in fact when it is recurrent, it contributes more to the obstruction of blood vessels through several biochemical mechanisms by provoking vaso-occlusive crises. In order to mitigate these adverse effects in sickle cell patients, the analgesic and anti-inflammatory potentials of extracts of a combination of organs of three plants were evaluated in this study. The analgesic and anti- inflammatory activities of the aqueous (DZHm) and hydroethanolic (EZHm) extracts (200, 400 and 800 mg/kg) were evaluated in rats as models of acetic acid-induced torsion and Carrageenan-induced hind paw edema, using Diclofenac and Ibuprofen as reference molecules. Oral administration of ZHm extracts at doses of 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg produced anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. These extracts significantly reduced edema and pain. These effects are time and dose dependent. In terms of analgesic effect, the dose of 800 mg/kg bw generated a high inhibition rate of 84.51% and 73.06% for DZHm and EZHm respectively, while the inhibition percentage of Ibuprofen was 78.3 ± 2.09 at the dose of 100 mg/kg bw. The anti-inflammatory effect was 60, 55% for DZHm, 56.08% for EZHm and 62.91% for Diclofenac at 10 mg/kg Pc. Diclofenac and Ibuprofen used for these two tests generated similar activities with ZHm extracts at the dose of 800 mg/kg Pc. The tested extracts (DZHm and EZHm) have analgesic and peripheral anti-inflammatory potentials justifying the use of this recipe in the traditional environment.
Nutrient Release Characteristic of Multinutrient Pellet for Organic Farming in Rice (Oryza sativa L) for Acid Sulphate Soils
Authors: Rohith A. K. , Gladis R. , Joseph Biju , Rani B. , Jose Nimmy
Published: March 2023

Aim: To develop a multinutrient pellet for organic farming in rice and investigation on the nutrient release characteristics of pellet in acid sulphate soils of Kuttanad.

Study Design: This experiment was conducted through completely randomized design with 8 treatments and 3 replications.

Place and Duration of Study: The research was appraised at the Department of Soil Science, College of Agriculture Vellayani, between July 2022 - September 2022.

Methods: Pellets were prepared using organic nutrient sources permitted in NPOP and a 60 day laboratory incubation experiment was performed to evaluate the nutrient release pattern of pellets. Standard procedures were used to analyze the nutrient content in pellets and quantity of nutrients in soil samples drawn from incubation experiment.

Results: Nutrient availability increased from the 15th to the 60th day, and the maximum was observed on 60thday. The soil pH, EC, dehydrogenase activity, and humic acid content increased throughout the incubation period, while organic carbon and fulvic acid content declined.

Conclusion: The gross nutrient release was found to be the highest in pellet containing bloodmeal, rockphosphate and potassium sulphate.
Feeding Habits of Synodontis Species Found in Downstream of Taabo Dam of Bandama River in Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: N’Da Amalan Sylvie , Koné Naminata , Kien Kouassi Brahiman , Berté Siaka
Published: March 2023

The building of hydroelectric dams has consequences on the ecological conditions of ecosystems, such as the regression or disappearance of certain species that have a benthic entomophagous diet or a proliferation of omnivorous and planktivorous species. The study of fish feeding can provide data not only on the presence of prey, but also on the abundance and availability of trophic potential. In view of the new hydroelectric development project on the Bandama River, this study proposes to examine the diets of Synodontis bastiani, S. schall and S. punctifer that are captured in the area. Stomachs were collected and contents examined from fish caught monthly between November 2019 and October 2020 using gill nets in the N'Dènou locality. A total of 417 fish belonging to S. bastiani, S. schall, S. punctifer were examined. The food spectrum of the studied species is wide and diversified. It is mainly composed of Macrophytes, Insects, Worms, Mollusks, Zooplankton, Crustaceans. These species are all omnivorous with a benthophagous tendency. No difference was observed in the diet according to the size.
Protonation states of Asp residues in the human Nudix hydrolase MTH1 contribute to its broad substrate recognition
Authors: Nakamura Teruya , Koga‐Ogawa Yukari , Fujimiya Kana , Chirifu Mami , Goto Masataka , Ikemizu Shinji , Nakabeppu Yusaku , Yamagata Yuriko
Published: March 2023

Human MutT homolog 1 (MTH1), also known as Nudix‐type motif 1 (NUDT1), hydrolyzes 8‐oxo‐dGTP and 2‐oxo‐dATP with broad substrate recognition and has attracted attention in anticancer therapeutics. Previous studies on MTH1 have proposed that the exchange of the protonation state between Asp119 and Asp120 is essential for the broad substrate recognition of MTH1. To understand the relationship between protonation states and substrate binding, we determined the crystal structures of MTH1 at pH 7.7–9.7. With increasing pH, MTH1 gradually loses its substrate‐binding ability, indicating that Asp119 is deprotonated at pH 8.0–9.1 in 8‐oxo‐dGTP recognition and Asp120 is deprotonated at pH 8.6–9.7 in 2‐oxo‐dATP recognition. These results confirm that MTH1 recognizes 8‐oxo‐dGTP and 2‐oxo‐dATP by exchanging the protonation state between Asp119 and Asp120 with higher pKa.
Plasmonic Photoresistor Based on Interconnected Metal‐Semiconductor Grating
Authors: Ghosh Anik Kumar , Sarkar Swagato , Tsuda Takuya , Chae Soosang , Knapp André , Nitschke Mirko , Das Amit , Wießner Sven , König Tobias A. F. , Fery Andreas
Published: March 2023

Metal‐semiconductor nanostructures in various configurations are extensively used in photodetection, photocatalysis, and photovoltaics. For photodetection purposes, the working principle is straightforward; on illumination, generated charge carriers in excess lead to a decrease in resistance. Notably, using an interconnected metal‐semiconductor grating, it is observed and now reported an opposite response, an increase in the resistance. Such photoresistors are fabricated through wrinkle structuring and oblique angle material deposition methods. It is found that the controlled wrinkling leads to large‐area 1D periodic structures with coexisting cracking perpendicular to the grating direction—such cracks are used as connections between the two‐point contact measurement through the associated gold layer deposition. An enhanced current reduction is further observed on photoexcitation for an additional deposition of an amorphous titania layer. Subsequently, a discussion on the mechanisms and interaction between hot electron injection, charge carrier recombination, and thermalization is presented. Supported by numerical modeling, the angle‐resolved plasmonic modes with the photoresistance can be correlated. The ease of layered deposition of the materials allows one to extend the studies on cavity‐based structures with sandwiched titania layers as hotspots. This simple, scalable, and robust fabrication method thus promises an efficient routeway toward photosensor development in which plasmon‐mediated hot electrons play a crucial role.
A Nanotherapeutic Strategy to Reverse NK Cell Exhaustion
Authors: Pan Shuojiong , Guan Jun , Xianyu Banruo , Tan Yizheng , Li Tianyu , Xu Huaping
Published: March 2023

As a specialized immune effector cell, natural killer (NK) cells play a very important role in immunotherapy, but tumor immunosuppression caused by abnormal expression of cancer cells seriously weakens its therapeutic effect and leads to exhaustion. Here, self‐assembled selenium‐containing nanoparticles (NPs) composed of cetuximab, C5SeSeC5, and inhibitor LY345899 are developed to reverse NK cell exhaustion. The obtained NPs can target epidermal growth factor receptor on the surface of cancer cells and locate it in mitochondria. The released LY345899 can inhibit the activity of methylene tetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase 2 and produce excessive reactive oxygen species, leading to the formation of seleninic acid, further reducing the expression of human leukocyte antigen E , which is responsible for the NKG2A‐related NK cell inhibition. As a result, the enhanced NK‐cell‐mediated immunotherapy in conjunction with the cetuximab‐mediated antibody‐dependent cell‐mediated cytotoxicity effect can not only effectively inhibit the growth of xenograft tumors, but also significantly suppress the growth of untreated distant tumors via the abscopal effect. This work, the combination of seleninic acid, LY345899, and cetuximab, provides a new strategy for reversing NK cell exhaustion and has great potential for use in the treatment of metastatic tumors.
Substrate Effects on Growth Dynamics of WTe2 Thin films
Authors: Hynek David J. , Onder Elifnaz , Hart James L. , Jin Gangtae , Wang Mengjing , Singhania Raivat M. , Davis Benjamin , Strandwitz Nicholas C. , Cha Judy J.
Published: March 2023

Synthesis of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) has been achieved through the direct conversion of metal and metal‐oxide films, demonstrating the ability to grow large area thin films with uniform thickness on a variety of substrates and direct control over the growth orientation (horizontal vs vertical) of the TMDC layers. However, the synthesized TMDC films often exhibit small grains and are more defective than their bulk counterparts. This is especially true for 2D telluride films due to the low reactivity between tellurium and transition metals such as W and Mo. In this work, the substrate interactions is examined for WTe2 converted from amorphous WOx thin films grown by atomic layer deposition, on c‐plane sapphire and SiO2 through tellurization at high temperatures. Similar to TMDC telluride MoTe2, the formation of monolayer WTe2 on sapphire is observed, but not on SiO2. However, due to decreased diffusion of W on sapphire compared to Mo, the formation of WTe2 flakes instead of continuous films is observed, providing insight into the role of the specific transition metal during the direct synthesis of TMDC telluride films.
Fabrication and characterization of porous deacetylated cellulose acetate casting membrane with excellent oil/water separation performance
Authors: Cui Zhixiang , Yan Mangao , Wang Qianting , Si Junhui , Liu Xiaolong
Published: March 2023

In recent years, wastewater treatment has become a global challenge due to growing environmental pollution. The porous deacetylated cellulose acetate (d‐CA) casting membrane was successfully fabricated by combining solution casting, pore‐forming agent leached out and deacetylation treatment. The prepared porous d‐CA casting membrane presented superhydrophilic and superoleophilic in air, oleophobic under water and superhydrophilic under oil. The water separation flux and oil separation flux of d‐CA casting membrane can go up to 23,000, and 11,500 L m−2 h−1 only under the gravity force, respectively, meanwhile it is still maintaining high separation efficiency more than 99.1%. In additionally, it has remarkable self‐cleaning capability due to its special surface wettability, it remains the high water separation flux about 18,000 L m−2 h−1 and separation efficiency of 99.1% after 25 cycles, suggesting excellent anti‐pollution capacity and reusability. The results indicate that the porous d‐CA casting membrane has a wide range of potential applications in oil/water separation, and the simple production process is expected to enable large‐scale fabrication of porous separation membranes.
Copolyimide asymmetric hollow fiber membranes for high‐pressure natural gas purification
Authors: Shalabi Yasser A. , Yahaya Garba O. , Choi Seung‐Hak , Alsamah Abdulkarim , Hayek Ali
Published: March 2023

The current process to purify contaminated natural gas reserves employs a highly energy‐intensive amine scrubbing technology. To satisfy the growing demand for natural gas coupled with the tight regulations on CO2 emissions, researchers worldwide are investigating the use of polymeric membranes for acid gas removal from natural gas streams, to reduce the energy consumption and carbon emission of the nowadays used technology. Placing a polymeric membrane unit at the upstream of the amine scrubbing column reduces the energy consumption during the regeneration process of saturated amines. Hence, the preparation of polymeric membranes in form of hollow fibers is a key step towards their industrial implementation for natural gas processing. The following study demonstrates the potential separation performance of 6FDA‐Durene/6FDA‐CARDO (5000:5000) in an integrally skinned defect‐free asymmetric hollow fiber geometry. The initial screening studies of the membrane shows good pure‐gas performance as it exhibits CO2/CH4 selectivity coefficients around 28 and CO2 permeance between 310 and 350 GPU. Feed pressures of up to 900 psig and stage cuts ranging from 5% to 20% were tested for a quaternary sweet mixed‐gas feed to assess the membrane performance under operating conditions that mimic those in industrial settings. Mixed‐gas permeance of all gases, and CO2/CH4 selectivity remain somewhat constant as the feed pressure increases up to 900 psig. Both mixed‐gas CO2 permeance and CO2/CH4 selectivity decline as the stage cut increases. As expected, as CO2 recovery is maximized, CO2 purity is minimized and CH4 loss increases with increasing stage cut. As a result of the trade‐off between recovery and purity, the data and analyses reported herein can provide insights into the limitations that certain operating parameters can pose on CO2 separation performance with similar polymeric hollow fiber membranes.
Power effect on the properties of copper nitride films as solar absorber deposited in pure nitrogen atmosphere
Authors: Rodríguez‐Tapiador María Isabel , Merino Jesús , Jawhari Tariq , Muñoz‐Rosas Ana Luz , Bertomeu Joan , Fernández Susana
Published: March 2023

Nowadays, copper nitride (Cu3N) is of great interest as a new solar absorber material, flexible and lightweight thin film solar cells. This material is a metastable semiconductor, nontoxic, composed of earth‐abundant elements, and its band gap energy can be easily tunable in the range 1.4–1.8 eV. For this reason, it has been proposed for many applications in the solar energy conversion field. The main aim of this work is to evaluate the properties of the Cu3N thin films fabricated by reactive radio‐frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering at different RF power values to determine its potential as light absorber. The Cu3N films were fabricated at room temperature from a Cu metallic target at the RF power ranged from 25 to 200 W onto different substrates (silicon and glass). The pure nitrogen flux was set to 20 sccm, and the working pressures were set to 3.5 Pa and 5 Pa. The X‐ray diffraction results showed a transition from (100) to (111) preferred orientations when RF power increased; the atomic force microscopy images revealed a granular morphology, while Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectra exhibited the characteristics peaks related to Cu–N bonds, which became narrower when the RF power increased. Finally, to stablish the suitability of these films as absorber, the band gap energy was calculated from transmission spectra.
Impact of land surface processes on convection over West Africa in convection‐permitting ensemble forecasts: A case study using the MOGREPS ensemble
Authors: Semeena Valiyaveetil Shamsudheen , Klein Cornelia , Taylor Christopher M. , Webster Stuart
Published: March 2023

Soil moisture (SM) affects weather through its impact on surface flux partitioning, influencing vertical atmospheric profiles and circulations driven by differential surface heating. In West Africa, observational studies point to a dominant negative SM‐precipitation feedback, where dry soils help to initiate and maintain convection. In this context, serious concerns exist about the ability of models with parameterised convection to simulate this observed sensitivity of daytime convection to SM. Here, we evaluate the effect of initial SM perturbations in a short‐range ensemble forecast over West Africa, comparing the UK Met Office Global and Regional Ensemble Prediction System (MOGREPS) with parameterised convection (GLOB‐ENS) to its regional convection‐permitting counterpart (CP‐ENS). Results from both models suggest SM perturbations introduce considerable spread into daytime evaporative fraction (EF) and near‐surface temperatures. This spread is still evident on Day 3 of the forecast. Both models also show a tendency to increased afternoon rainfall frequency over negative EF anomalies, reproducing the observed feedback. However, this effect is more pronounced in CP‐ENS than GLOB‐ENS, which illustrates the potential for process‐based forecast improvements at convection‐permitting scales. Finally, we identify persistent biases in rainfall caused by land cover mapping issues in the operational GLOB‐ENS setup, emphasising the need for careful evaluation of different mapping strategies for land cover.
Autistic characteristics and mental health symptoms in autistic youth during the first COVID‐19 wave in Canada
Authors: Turner Kailyn M. , Weiss Jonathan A. , Howe Stephanie J. , Sanguino Hangsel , Kerns Connor M. , Ames Megan E. , McMorris Carly A.
Published: March 2023

Autistic youth are at heightened risk for mental health issues, and pandemic‐related stressors may exacerbate this risk. This study (1) described caregiver‐reported youth mental health prior to and during the pandemic; and (2) explored individual, caregiver, and environmental factors associated with changes in autistic characteristics, social–emotional symptoms, and overall mental health. 582 caregivers of autistic children (2–18 years old) completed an online survey between June and July 2020 in which they provided demographic information, their child's pre‐COVID and current mental health, autistic characteristics, and social–emotional symptoms. Caregivers also rated their own perceived stress, and COVID‐related household and service disruption. According to caregivers, youth experienced more autistic characteristics and social–emotional concerns during the pandemic. Autistic youth were also reported to experience poorer overall mental health during the pandemic than before the pandemic. Older youth whose caregiver's indicated higher perceived stress and greater household disruption were reported to experience more autistic traits during pandemic. Caregiver‐reported increases in youth social–emotional symptoms (i.e., behavior problems, anxiety, and low mood) was associated with being older, the presence of a pre‐existing mental health condition, higher caregiver stress, and greater household and service disruption. Finally, experiencing less household financial hardship prior to COVID‐19, absence of a pre‐existing psychiatric condition, less caregiver stress, and less service disruption were associated with better youth pandemic mental health. Strategies to support the autistic community during and following the pandemic need to be developed. The developmental‐ecological factors identified in this study could help target support strategies to those autistic youth who are most vulnerable to mental health problems.
Autologous fat grafting to the paravertebral space seems to prevent the postherpetic neuralgia—A single‐arm pilot study
Authors: Li Xiujuan , Tao Ran , Meng Xiaoyan , Sun Li , Wang Han , Sun Yuanyuan , Bi Hongda , Xiong Yuanchang
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is one of the most common complications of Herpes zoster (HZ), yet the mechanism and the treatment for PHN remains elusive. We first performed this feasibility study to verify the safety and efficiency of autologous fat grafting into the paravertebral space in early HZ to prevent PHN.

Methods

Patients suffering from HZ with a rash in chest, back, or abdomen were arranged for autologous fat grafting to the paravertebral space. The primary endpoint was the incidence of PHN, which was defined as persistence pain in the affected dermal area in 12 weeks after fat grafting. Secondary endpoints including patient‐reported changes in pain intensity, assessed pain threshold and the quality of life during follow‐ups.

Results

Eight patients accept the intervention and completed all follow‐ups. Most patients report immediate pain relief after injection, one patient has a mild to moderate dizzy symptom after injection. No other short‐ or long‐term adverse events occurred. For primary outcome, all patients have a timely reduced pain intensity, with no PHN events occurred, as all patients report pain intensity ≤3 in the VAS scale in 3 months after treatment. For electrical pain threshold, we identify that fat grafting differentially increases sensation and pain threshold in HZ area and healthy skin of patients. Besides, our results indicate significant improvement in patients’ life quality decrease in analgesic consumption.

Discussion

Autologous fat transplantation to the paravertebral space is a safe and feasible technique in preventing PHN from HZ in a rash. Further randomized controlled trial to investigate the actual long‐term benefice of autologous fat grafting to the paravertebral space in preventing PHN is needed.

Trial registration

ChiCTR, (ChiCTR1900025416); registered August 26, 2019.