bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tilbakemeldingspraksiser i yrkesfaglærerutdanningen
Authors: Hårberg Jon Sverre , Leonardsen Julie
Published: December 2024

Skriving og tekstarbeid kan være nyttig for lærerstudenters profesjonelle utvikling. Likevel kan skriving som inngang til profesjonsutøvelse oppleves som et «ukjent landskap» for yrkesfaglærerstudenter fra praktisk orienterte yrker med liten tradisjon for å bruke tekst som verktøy for læring. Tilbakemeldinger fra yrkesfaglærerutdannere kan derfor ha stor betydning for yrkesfaglærerstudentenes utvikling som skrivere. I denne studien undersøker vi hvordan studenter i yrkesfaglærerutdanningen (BYRK) opplever bruk av responsmatrise som verktøy for tilbakemeldinger på tekst og skriving, basert på deres eget ønske om en mer enhetlig praksis blant sine lærerutdannere. Vi spør: Hvordan opplever yrkesfaglærerstudenter bruk av responsmatrise som verktøy for utvikling av egen tekst- og skrivekompetanse? Datamaterialet består av 53 refleksjonstekster der studentene skriver om hvordan de opplever tilbakemeldinger fra lærerutdannere på studiet BYRK, arbeid med medstudentrespons og muligheter og utfordringer med bruk av responsmatrise. Gjennom en kvalitativ innholdsanalyse avdekker vi at studentene opplever responsarbeid som en nyttig, men følelsesladet aktivitet. Analysen viser også at studentene, og kanskje yrkesfaglærerutdannerne, er mer opptatte av at teksten skal bli et ferdig produkt, enn at skriving og tekstarbeid skal være læringsprosesser. Videre diskuterer vi muligheter og utfordringer med bruk av responsmatrise basert på funnene og teori om veiledning og feedback samt drøfter hvordan vi kan videreutvikle gode tilbakemeldingspraksiser i BYRK. Studien peker på at det er behov for mer kunnskap om både studentenes og lærerutdannernes skrivekompetanse og tekstforståelse.
Quality Characteristics of Cake Produced with Blends of Flour from Bambara Nut Seeds (Vigna subterranea) and Cassava (Manihot esculenta)
Authors: Alimi John Praise , Otitodun Olufunke Grace , Akanni Abubakar Adegboyega , Jimoh Medinat Oyiza , Adegbola Rukayat Queen , Haruna Patience Bahago , Akande Esther Jesutomilayo , Ishola David Taiwo , Ajayi Olufunmilayo Adeola , Yissa Aaron Isaac , Odutola Bamidele Samuel
Published: December 2024

Developing food products with functional and high nutritional potentials to engender promising solutions to malnutrition is a practical step in addressing SDG-3. This investigation was done to assess the quality of cakes produced with blends of flour from cassava and Bambara nuts seeds. High quality cassava flour (HQCF) and Bambara flour were prepared from cassava (IITA-TMS-IBA011368) and Bambara nut seeds (SAMNUT 21) as depicted by Design Expert Version 12 and subsequently used for baking. Analyses carried out on the cakes were sensory, physical, nutritional, microbiological and crumb cell properties. Statistical tools of Statistical Package for Social Scientist (SPSS version 25) were employed in analyzing data generated, separation of significant means was done with the application of Duncan Multiple Range Tests. The cakes were not different in terms of color parameters (L*, a*) with values 8.88 to 9.82 and 0.70 to 8.88, respectively. The range of value for appearance, color, texture, taste, aroma and overall acceptability of the cake was 6.84-7.52, 7.04-7.52, 6.56-7.32, 6.72-7.56, 6.76-7.52 and 6.96-7.64; moisture, ash, fibre, fat, protein, carbohydrate and energy with range of value 15.56 to 19.69 %, 1.08 to 1.47 %, 1.29 to 3.04 %, 20.03 to 24.96 %, 5.89 to 8.61 %, 43.44 to 51.90 % and 414.09 to 451.66 Kcal/kg, respectively. Microbiological qualities of cakes are within the limits set by the ICMSF (1996) and the Standard Organization of Nigeria. Cakes of acceptable qualities were produced with composite flours prepared; the optimized ingredient blend formulation obtained was high quality cassava flour of 50% and Bambara nut flour 50% while the calculated desirability was 0.56.
Structural Investigations of Some Metal Complexes of Malon-Di-(α-Naphthyl) Amide-Oxime
Authors: Shrivastava Mukesh , Swarnabala G. , Khatavkar S. B. , Sadana G. S. , Bharadwaj Anahita
Published: December 2024

The study investigates the structural properties of Cu(II), Ni(II), Fe(II), Co(III), Zn(II), Cd(II), and Hg(II) complexes with malon-di-(α-naphthyl)amide-oxime (isonitroso malon-di-(α-naphthyl)amine oxime). It summarizes chemicals, equipment, experimental methods, metal-ligand bonding, stereochemistry, oxidation states, and coordination modes using spectral and magnetic data. Solution studies done with reagent and metal salts assisted in predicting geometry for these complexes, to finalize the M:L ratios and have allowed the pH to be established to separate the complex formed in solid state. The green Cu(II) complex is dimeric, confirmed by its electronic and reflectance spectra, with a likely square planar structure, Bleaney-Bower’s equation helped to finalize the dimeric complex formation. Yellow Ni(II) and dark-blue Fe(II) complexes are paramagnetic, suggesting high-spin octahedral geometries. The dark-red Co(III) complex exhibits weak paramagnetism, explained by the Van Vleck term, spectral data, and its diamagnetic nature, indicative of an octahedral structure. Zn(II), Cd(II), and Hg(II) complexes are assigned tetrahedral structures based on magnetic and infrared spectral data.  From the dark colours of the complexes obtained, they may be utilized as complexing agents like the well-known oxime containing ligands.
One-sided Cusum Chart with V-mask for Weighted Weibull Distribution Parameter Shifts
Authors: Sayibu Shei Baba , Muntaka Sualihu Mohammed , Mubarika Alhassan
Published: December 2024

In our research, we have developed a cumulative sum control chart to identify changes in the parameter of the weighted Weibull distribution. This chart incorporates the V-mask technique and a sequential ratio test. Our analysis of the V-mask revealed that even minor shifts in the weighted Weibull distribution's parameters led to significant variations in the mask's angle, lead distance, and average run length. A change in the V-mask parameters has the following importance: it can lead to an increase in false alarms, decreased detection of true signals, change in process capability, indicates the need for process adjustments, increased security from regulatory bodies, impact on supply chain and customer relationships, and the need for re-training or re-certification. Finally, we applied the cumulative sum chart to real data from the Kabsad Scientific Hospital to illustrate the sensitivity of the proposed cumulative sum control chart. The V-mask plot showed a shift in the process mean of the dataset.
Impact of STCR Based Fertilizer Application on Soil Chemical Properties of Rabi Onion in Inceptisols
Authors: P. B. Margal , S. Thakare Ritu , B.M. Kamble , V.S. Patil , B.D. Bhakare , B. Patil Kranti , A.S. Gaikwad , N.S. Titirmare,
Published: December 2024

A field experiment for fertilizer equation validation was conducted during the Rabi season of 2022–23 under the AICRP on STCR farm, PGI farm, and AICRP on IWM farm, MPKV, Rahuri, to evaluate the effect of STCR-based fertilizer application on the soil chemical properties of Rabi onion. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with ten treatment combinations: Absolute Control, GRDF, As per Soil Test, STCRC target for 250 q ha⁻¹ without vermicompost, STCRC target for 300 q ha⁻¹ without vermicompost, STCRC target for 350 q ha⁻¹ without vermicompost + Biofertilizer, STCRC target for 250 q ha⁻¹ with vermicompost, STCRC target for 300 q ha⁻¹ with vermicompost, STCRC target for 300 q ha⁻¹ with vermicompost + Biofertilizer, and only 5 t ha⁻¹ vermicompost. The research findings indicated that treatment T9 significantly increased electrical conductivity (0.24 dS m⁻¹) and soil organic carbon content (0.59%). Similarly, treatment T9 resulted in the highest residual soil available nitrogen and phosphorus levels, measuring 199.21 kg ha⁻¹ and 16.12 kg ha⁻¹, respectively. On the other hand, the highest soil available potassium level (475.29 kg ha⁻¹) was recorded in treatment T6, which was comparable to treatment T9 (471.76 kg ha⁻¹). Combining vermicompost with biofertilizers (Azospirillum and PSB) boosts nutrient use efficiency, reduces losses, and improves residual nutrient content compared to treatments without them.
Evaluating MWEDO and TEMBO Intervention Projects to Mitigate Girls' Dropout in Secondary Schools within Pastoralist Communities: A Case Study of Arusha Region, Tanzania
Authors: Francis Nyakeko
Published: December 2024

This study evaluated the MWEDO and TEMBO intervention projects aimed at reducing girls’ dropout rates in pastoralist communities within Arusha and Longido District Councils, Tanzania. Using a cross-sectional research design with a qualitative focus and some quantitative elements, the study sampled 56 respondents through purposive and random techniques. Data collection involved questionnaires, teacher interviews, and reviews of student enrolment records, analysed qualitatively through descriptive patterns and quantitatively using SPSS version 20.0. Findings revealed that marriage and pregnancies are significant barriers to girls' secondary education worsened by harmful traditions and customs. The study recommended strict government actions to protect the rights of female students, eradicate harmful practices, prioritize pastoralist communities in poverty alleviation and education strategies, and take legal measures against individuals continuing early marriages and sexual exploitation. These interventions are critical for ensuring equitable access to education for girls in pastoralist areas.
Influence of Soil Series and Potassium Levels on Quality Parameters of Sweet Corn in Soils of Konkan, Maharashtra, India
Authors: Bankar R.T. , Pawar S.S. , Kasture M.C.
Published: December 2024

A pot culture experiment was conducted to study the potassium behavior in Konkan soils under exhaustive crop like sweet corn by application of potassium. This experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design, the factor A were different soil series and factor B were different potassium levels. The pots filled with air dried, ground, sieved and well mixed soil @ 30 kg pot-1. Recommended dose of nitrogen, phosphorus (200:60 kg N:P ha-1) and FYM (10 t ha-1) were applied for each pot. The objective of the experiment was to study the effect of different soil series and potassium levels on quality of sweat corn in soils of Konkan region of Maharashtra.
The experimental results revealed that, the maximum values of quality parameters of sweet corn recorded by Palghar series (S2) viz., reducing sugar 1.71 and 1.70 %, non-reducing sugar 6.02 and 5.94 %, total sugar 7.72 and 7.64 %, protein content 13.04 and 12.77 % and starch content 78.51 and 78.01 %, respectively during the year 2014-15 and 2015-16. The application of potassium @ 90 kg K2O ha-1 (K3) recorded maximum values of quality parameters (viz., reducing, non-reducing, total sugar, protein and starch content) in sweet corn.
Synthesis, Spectroscopic Studies and Crystal Structure of a New Co (III) Complex Derived from ONO Donor Tridentate Schiff Base Ligand
Authors: Gueye Mbossé Ndiaye , Diome Bineta , Seck Thierno Moussa , Diouf Ousmane , Thiam Ibrahima Elhadji , Gaye Mohamed
Published: December 2024

A new Co (III) complex prepared by the reaction of 2-((2 hydroxyethylimino)methyl)phenol (H2L) with Co(III) ion is reported in this paper. The H2L ligand is structurally characterized by elemental analysis, NMR and infrared spectroscopies. The mononuclear complex [Co(HL)2]·Cl·H2O, is characterized by infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis, conductance and magnetic room temperature measurements and single crystal X-ray diffraction. The compound crystallizes in the monoclinic system in the space group P21/c with the unit cell parameters a = 16.4258 (6) Å, b = 10.1398 (4) Å, c = 11.7705(4) Å, β = 94.885(3)°, Z = 4, R1 = 0.0374 and wR2 = 0.075. The asymmetric unit of the compound contains a discrete [Co(HL)2]+ cation, one free chloride anion and one uncoordinated water molecule. The coordination polyhedron around the Co (III) center is best described as a distorted octahedral with CoN2O4 chromophore. The crystal structure of the complex is stabilized by intramolecular and intermolecular hydrogen bonds.
Hermaphroditism in a Goat: A Case Report
Authors: M D Mithun , Deka Raju , Bhuyan Manjyoti , Das Arup , Parbin Aziza Sabira , Das Dipti , Tasa Humakhi , Farid Khan Iqbal , Ray Kushal , Ahmed Sajid , Sanghi Vartika
Published: December 2024

A Six-month old prepubertal female goat was presented to Gynaecology division of Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, College of Veterinary Science, Khanapara, Guwahati-22, with the history of an abnormal mass at urinary orifice disturbing the urine flow. On clinical examination the mass was found as prominent clitoris, red in colour and felt pain upon palpation of the mass. The case was diagnosed as hermaphrodism.
To Enhance Customer Satisfaction, Measuring and Monitoring the Lead-Time Management in Microfinance Institutions in Cameroon
Authors: Felix Nkiendem , Innocent Essome
Published: December 2024

The microfinance industry (MFI) emerging from the banking sector is highly dependent on recent technology and customer service efficiency, which can drastically reduce lead times. Customers are also highly informed, and their demand expectations are high. Customers want instant solutions when it comes to financial or banking services. It is, therefore, essential for microfinance companies to effectively manage their lead times to achieve higher customer satisfaction. This study adopts the methodology of a hybrid approach consisting of a quantitative approach in examining the impact of lead time on customer satisfaction in microfinance industries in Cameroon. A sample size of 70 customers, primarily petty traders from about 25 microfinance institutions in Cameroon: The random sampling method was used to select the petty traders' sample size for the survey. The model specification was descriptive multiple linear regression, used to analyze the data, and the estimation technique was ordinary least square. The findings show a direct impact of lead time management on customer satisfaction in the MFI case of Cameroon, and recommendations were made.
Correlation of Physical Properties with Yield & Uptake of N, P and K by the Effect of Inorganic Fertilizers and Organic Manures under Wheat-Maize Cropping Sequence Grown on Normal and Saline-Sodic Inceptisol
Authors: N. S. Titirmare , N. J. Ranshur , B. M. Kamble , S. R. Patil , A. G. Durgude , M. R. Patil , P. B. Margal , A. S. Gaikwad
Published: December 2024

The present study was conducted at PGI Research farm, Department of Soil Science and Agriculture Chemistry, Post Graduate Institute, MPKV., Rahuri during Rabi-2021 and Summer-2022. The experiment consists of eight treatments in the wheat crop viz., T1: RDN (50% N) + 50% N through FYM, T2: RDN (50% N) + 50% N through vermicompost, T3: RDN (50% N) + 50% N through poultry manure, T4: (50% N) + 50% N through press mud compost, T5: (50% N) + 50% N through goat manure, T6: (50% N) + 50% N through urban compost T7: GRDF (120:60:40 N:P2O5:K2O kg ha-1) + 10 t FYM ha-1 and T8: absolute control. In the maize crop, treatments T1 to T6 received 50% of the recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) through inorganic fertilizer, with residual nitrogen applied to wheat through farmyard manure (FYM), vermicompost, poultry manure, press mud compost, goat manure, and urban compost, respectively and T7: GRDF (120:60:40 N: P2O5:K2O kg ha-1) + 5 t FYM ha-1 and T8: Absolute control were also included. These treatments replicated thrice in Randomized Block Design. The soil samples were examined for the physical properties viz. soil temperature, soil moisture content, hydraulic conductivity, aggregate stability, soil moisture tension and soil available water content for both normal and saline-sodic Inceptisol. Along with this, the chemical properties and biological properties were examined for initial samples only and wheat and maize plant growth parameters, yield and uptake of N, P and K from both normal and saline-sodic Inceptisol were measured. The results showed soil temperature and soil moisture tension exhibit a negative correlation, whereas soil moisture content, aggregate stability, hydraulic conductivity and soil available water content demonstrate a positive correlation with grain yield, straw yield and uptake of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) at the 5% and 1% levels of significance in both wheat and maize under normal and saline-sodic Inceptisol.
Feed Resources and their Development for Raising Buffaloes in Arid Regions of India
Authors: Singh Gitam , Singh Supriya , Sharma Khushboo , Sharma L.K. , Kumar Alok
Published: December 2024

India possesses about 2.27 % of the World’s 13062 million hectares of total land area. About 10 % of the total land area of the country is arid and 30 % semi-arid. The arid zone is mostly confined to the States of Rajasthan and Gujarat while the semi-arid zone is spread over the States of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamilnadu, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh. Rajasthan has the maximum (73.60%) of the total arid and semi-arid area followed by Gujarat (29.50 %) and Andhra Pradesh (21.50 %). The annual rainfall in the arid region varies from 10 to 40 cm, quite often erratic, so much so that the entire rainfall of the year may fall on a single day and rest of the year may go dry. The summer temperatures may be as high as 490 C during day and fall to less than 200 C during night. In winters, the day temperatures are higher but the night temperatures may be near freezing point. The buffalo population that had been 22 % in 1951 is now more than 30 % of the total bovine population. Rajasthan state with 53.17 million has about 11.50 % of the country’s total livestock population. This includes about 12.16 million cattle, 9.76 million buffaloes, 14.31 million sheep and 16.94 million goats.  The total land area of the country is around 304 million hectares. Of the total area, about 22.5 % is under forest cover, 3.6 % is under permanent pasture, 1.2 % is under tree crops and groves, 6.2 5 % is barren and uncultivable land, 4.5 % is under waste lands and 8.0 % is under fallow lands. Buffaloes in arid and semi-arid areas are reared under three main feeding management systems, extensive, semi-intensive and intensive. The advance pregnant buffaloes are supplemented with green fodder of Lucerne, Barseem, and/or Oats during winter season, while green Sorghum or Pearl millet during summer. In rainy season, the advance pregnant buffaloes are fed with ad libitum green fodder. The areas in arid and semi‑arid regions that cannot support crop production may be identified, developed through reseeding with perennial grasses and legumes and plantation of fodder trees and utilized for buffalo production with low investment.
Applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Field of Agriculture: A Review
Authors: Singh Nand Lal , Vishwas Bahiram Rani , Singh Saurabh , Bhati Jitender , Tripathi Sanjay Kumar , Kumar Dheerendra , Saini Pradip Kumar
Published: December 2024

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a crucial instrument in the agriculture industry, with the opportunity to transform conventional farming methods and tackle issues such as climate change and population increase. Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are used throughout the entire agricultural industry, starting with planning which crops to grow to the last stages of harvesting and distributing the produce. Machine learning algorithms process extensive agricultural data, empowering farmers to make decisions based on data and optimise the allocation of resources. The implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) in robotics and automation has significantly transformed operations that need a lot of manual labour, resulting in lower operational expenses and increased efficiency. Artificial intelligence (AI) powered predictive analytics technologies empower farmers to forecast market trends, enhance supply chain management, and manage risks related to price volatility and demand changes. Nevertheless, it is crucial to give considerable thought to challenges such as data privacy, interoperability, and algorithmic bias. The disparity in access to digital resources between rural and urban communities also creates obstacles to the adoption of technology, underscoring the importance of focused investment in infrastructure and skill development. AI technology can transform agriculture by promoting sustainable practices, improving productivity, and guaranteeing food security for future generations.
Cabazitaxel suppresses colorectal cancer cell growth via enhancing the p53 antitumor pathway
Authors: Zhang Wen , Sun Ruiqian , Zhang Yongjun , Hu Rong , Li Qian , Wu Weili , Cao Xinyu , Zhou Jiajian , Pei Jianfeng , Yuan Ping
Published: September 2021

There were approximately 1.93 million new cases and 940 000 deaths from colorectal cancer in 2020. The first‐line chemotherapeutic drugs for colorectal cancer are mainly based on 5‐fluorouracil, although the use of these drugs is limited by the development of drug resistance. Consequently, there is a need for novel chemotherapeutic drugs for the efficient treatment of colorectal cancer patients. In the present study, we screened 160 drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration and identified that cabazitaxel (CBT), a microtube inhibitor, can suppress colony formation and cell migration of colorectal cancer cells in vitro. CBT also induces G2/M phase arrest and apoptosis of colorectal cancer cells. Most importantly, it inhibits the growth of colorectal cancer cell xenograft tumors in vivo. Transcriptome analysis by RNA‐sequencing revealed that Tub family genes are abnormally expressed in CBT‐treated colorectal cancer cells. The expression of several p53 downstream genes that are associated with cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and inhibition of angiogenesis and metastasis is induced by CBT in colorectal cancer cells. Overall, our results suggests that CBT suppresses colorectal cancer by upregulating the p53 pathway, and thus CBT may have potential as an alternative chemotherapeutic drug for colorectal cancer.
Enzyme Mimics for Engineered Biomimetic Cascade Nanoreactors: Mechanism, Applications, and Prospects
Authors: Zhang Xianlong , Li Guoliang , Chen Guang , Wu Di , Wu Yongning , James Tony D.
Published: September 2021

Multiple enzyme‐driven biological catalytic cascades occur in living organisms, guiding highly efficient and selective transformations of substrates. Inspired by the merits of these biological catalytic cascade systems, enormous efforts have been devoted to developing novel cascade catalytic systems to mimic biological cascade catalytic reactions over the past few years. Nanozymes, a class of enzyme mimics, are nanomaterials with enzyme‐like catalytic activity. The emergence and development of nanozymes has significantly advanced the development of biomimetic cascade nanoreactors. Currently, biomimetic cascade nanoreactors driven by advanced nanozymes have been widely used and exhibit many advantages such as superior cascade catalytic efficiency and high stability, resulting in significant advancements in biosensing and biomedical applications. The latest advances in understanding the cascade catalytic mechanism of nanozyme‐engineered biomimetic cascade catalytic nanoreactors and their progressive applications for biosensing and biomedical applications are comprehensively covered here. First, nanozyme and enzyme/nanozyme‐engineered biomimetic cascade catalytic nanoreactors are categorized according to their catalytic mechanism and properties. Then, the biosensing and biomedical applications, including cancer therapy, antibacterial activity, antioxidation, and hyperuricemia therapy of the cascade catalytic systems are covered. The conclusion describes the most important challenges and opportunities remaining in this exciting area of research.
Fabrication of Smart Tantalum Carbide MXene Quantum Dots with Intrinsic Immunomodulatory Properties for Treatment of Allograft Vasculopathy
Authors: Rafieerad Alireza , Yan Weiang , Alagarsamy Keshav Narayan , Srivastava Abhay , Sareen Niketa , Arora Rakesh C. , Dhingra Sanjiv
Published: September 2021

MXene nanomaterials have sparked significant interest among interdisciplinary researchers to tackle today's medical challenges. In particular, colloidal MXene quantum dots (MQDs) offer the high specific surface area and compositional flexibility of MXene while providing improvements to aqueous stability and material–cell interactions. The current study for the first time reports the development and application of immunoengineered tantalum‐carbide (Ta4C3Tx) MQDs for in vivo treatment of transplant vasculopathy. This report comes at a critical juncture in the field as poor long‐term safety of other MXene compositions challenge the eventual clinical translatability of these materials. Using rational design and synthesis strategies, the Ta4C3Tx MQDs leverage the intrinsic anti‐inflammatory and antiapoptotic properties of tantalum to provide a novel nanoplatform for biomedical engineering. In particular, these MQDs are synthesized with high efficiency and purity using a facile hydrofluoric acid‐free protocol and are enriched with different bioactive functional groups and stable surface TaO2 and Ta2O5. Furthermore, MQDs are spontaneously uptaken into antigen‐presenting endothelial cells and alter surface receptor expression to reduce their activation of allogeneic T‐lymphocytes. Finally, when applied in vivo, Ta4C3Tx MQDs ameliorate the cellular and structural changes of early allograft vasculopathy. These findings highlight the robust potential of tailored Ta4C3Tx MQDs for future applications in medicine.
Charge‐Guided Micro/Nano‐Hydrogel Microsphere for Penetrating Cartilage Matrix
Authors: Lin Feng , Wang Zhen , Xiang Lei , Deng Lianfu , Cui Wenguo
Published: September 2021

The dense structure and the high‐density negative charge of the cartilage matrix impede drug penetration into the cartilage. Effectively breaking through these barriers and transporting target drugs to the cartilage is currently difficult. Herein, an adhesive hydrogel microsphere characterized by its positively charged nanosized secondary structure that allows it to penetrate deep into the cartilage through charge guidance is introduced as an efficient drug delivery system for cartilage adhesion, cartilage matrix penetration, and chondrocytes targeting and solves the problem of drug‐penetration impedance due to cartilage. The dopamine‐modified structure on the surface of the microspheres can attach the microspheres onto the cartilage surface, while the charge‐guided secondary structure can carry drugs to penetrate the cartilage matrix, release drugs under reactive oxygen species stimulation, act on chondrocytes. The experiments show that the injectable microspheres successfully deliver antioxidants to chondrocytes in osteoarthritis environments. The apoptosis rate of chondrocytes under oxidative stress decreases from 38.36 ± 5.48% to 12.86 ± 4.27%, which is significantly better than that in the direct drug treatment group (28.43 ± 5.87%). The micro/nano‐hydrogel microsphere effectively penetrates the cartilage matrix and releases the drug in ROS response, realizing the improvement of drug utilization and efficacy and thereby demonstrating the efficient delivery of cartilage drugs.
Extrinsic Macrophages Protect While Tendon Progenitors Degrade: Insights from a Tissue Engineered Model of Tendon Compartmental Crosstalk
Authors: Stauber Tino , Wolleb Maja , Duss Anja , Jaeger Patrick K. , Heggli Irina , Hussien Amro A. , Blache Ulrich , Snedeker Jess G.
Published: September 2021

Tendons are among the most mechanically stressed tissues of the body, with a functional core of type‐I collagen fibers maintained by embedded stromal fibroblasts known as tenocytes. The intrinsic load‐bearing core compartment of tendon is surrounded, nourished, and repaired by the extrinsic peritendon, a synovial‐like tissue compartment with access to tendon stem/progenitor cells as well as blood monocytes. In vitro tendon model systems generally lack this important feature of tissue compartmentalization, while in vivo models are cumbersome when isolating multicellular mechanisms. To bridge this gap, an improved in vitro model of explanted tendon core stromal tissue (mouse tail tendon fascicles) surrounded by cell‐laden collagen hydrogels that mimic extrinsic tissue compartments is suggested. Using this model, CD146+ tendon stem/progenitor cell and CD45+F4/80+ bone‐marrow derived macrophage activity within a tendon injury‐like niche are recapitulated. It is found that extrinsic stromal progenitors recruit to the damaged core, contribute to an overall increase in catabolic ECM gene expression, and accelerate the decrease in mechanical properties. Conversely, it is found that extrinsic bone‐marrow derived macrophages in these conditions adopt a proresolution phenotype that mitigates rapid tissue breakdown by outwardly migrated tenocytes and F4/80+ “tenophages” from the intrinsic tissue core.
Photosensitizer with High Efficiency Generated in Cells via Light‐Induced Self‐Oligomerization of 4,6‐Dibromothieno[3,4‐b]thiophene Compound Entailing a Triphenyl Phosphonium Group
Authors: Wang Lingna , Huang Yanyan , Yu Yingjie , Zhong Huifei , Xiao Haihua , Zhang Guanxin , Zhang Deqing
Published: September 2021

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has emerged as an attractive alternative in cancer therapy, but therapeutic effects suffer from low photosensitizing efficiency and poor retention of photosensitizes in cancer cells. This paper reports the photosensitizers which show absorption and emission in the long‐wavelength region and high photosensitizing efficiency can be formed in situ in cells from 4,6‐dibromothieno[3,4‐b]thiophene derivative (TT‐5‐P) after white light irradiation. The self‐oligomerization of TT‐5‐P is uptaken in cells upon light irradiation‐induced cell apoptosis simultaneously and efficiently. In addition, the formation of oligomers (TT‐5‐Ps) enhances the retention time in cells remarkably, which is advantageous for boosting the photodynamic therapy efficiency. Moreover, the selectivity toward tumor cells of TT‐5‐P can be improved obviously via the formation of complex of TT‐5‐P with albumin. This in situ photoinduced self‐oligomerization strategy can be utilized to design effective biomaterials for long‐term imaging and improved therapy.
A Redox‐Responsive Nanovaccine Combined with A2A Receptor Antagonist for Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Yan Peng , Luo Yang , Li Xinyang , Li Yingmin , Wang Yi , Wu Jian , Zhou Shaobing
Published: September 2021

In situ vaccination can trigger an antitumor immune response. However, the therapeutic effect is still limited since the high expression of adenosine binding to G protein‐coupled receptor A2AR induces an immunosuppressive effect. In this work, a new formulation is presented with the combination of a nanovaccine based on redox‐responsive polymer micelles and A2AR antagonist SCH58261. The micelles simultaneously encapsulate immunogenic cell death (ICD) inducer doxorubicin (DOX) and adjuvant toll‐like receptor 7 and 8 (TLR7/8) agonist R848, acting as the potent in situ vaccines. A high concentration of glutathione in tumor cells leads to the disintegration of these micelles, releasing DOX and R848 to mediate ICD, inducing the activation of dendritic cells and initiating an immune response. Meanwhile, A2AR antagonist SCH58261, a generation immune checkpoint blocker, inhibits the immunosuppressive adenosinergic pathway in the tumor microenvironment, activating natural killer (NK) cells and CD8+ T cells, and inhibiting the proliferation of regulatory T cells. Therefore, this formulation can trigger a robust systemic antitumor immune response.
Spherical Nucleic Acid Vaccine Structure Markedly Influences Adaptive Immune Responses of Clinically Utilized Prostate Cancer Targets
Authors: Teplensky Michelle H. , Dittmar Jasper W. , Qin Lei , Wang Shuya , Evangelopoulos Michael , Zhang Bin , Mirkin Chad A.
Published: September 2021

Cancer vaccines, which activate the immune system against a target antigen, are attractive for prostate cancer, where multiple upregulated protein targets are identified. However, many clinical trials implementing peptides targeting these proteins have yielded suboptimal results. Using spherical nucleic acids (SNAs), we explore how precise architectural control of vaccine components can activate a robust antigen‐specific immune response in comparison to clinical formulations of the same targets. The SNA vaccines incorporate peptides for human prostate‐specific membrane antigen (PSMA) or T‐cell receptor γ alternate reading frame protein (TARP) into an optimized architecture, resulting in high rates of immune activation and cytolytic ability in humanized mice and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (hPBMCs). Specifically, administered SNAs elevate the production and secretion of cytokines and increase polyfunctional cytotoxic T cells and effector memory. Importantly, T cells raised from immunized mice potently kill targets, including clinically relevant cells expressing the whole PSMA protein. Treatment of hPBMCs increases costimulatory markers and cytolytically active T cells. This work demonstrates the importance of vaccine structure and its ability to reformulate and elevate clinical targets. Moreover, it encourages the field to reinvestigate ineffective peptide targets and repackage them into optimally structured vaccines to harness antigen potency and enhance clinical outcomes.
Extracellular Matrix‐Mimetic Hydrogels for Treating Neural Tissue Injury: A Focus on Fibrin, Hyaluronic Acid, and Elastin‐Like Polypeptide Hydrogels
Authors: Nelson Derek W. , Gilbert Ryan J.
Published: September 2021

Neurological and functional recovery is limited following central nervous system injury and severe injury to the peripheral nervous system. Extracellular matrix (ECM)‐mimetic hydrogels are of particular interest as regenerative scaffolds for the injured nervous system as they provide 3D bioactive interfaces that modulate cellular response to the injury environment and provide naturally degradable scaffolding for effective tissue remodeling. In this review, three unique ECM‐mimetic hydrogels used in models of neural injury are reviewed: fibrin hydrogels, which rely on a naturally occurring enzymatic gelation, hyaluronic acid hydrogels, which require chemical modification prior to chemical crosslinking, and elastin‐like polypeptide (ELP) hydrogels, which exhibit a temperature‐sensitive gelation. The hydrogels are reviewed by summarizing their unique biological properties, their use as drug depots, and their combination with other biomaterials, such as electrospun fibers and nanoparticles. This review is the first to focus on these three ECM‐mimetic hydrogels for their use in neural tissue engineering. Additionally, this is the first review to summarize the use of ELP hydrogels for nervous system applications. ECM‐mimetic hydrogels have shown great promise in preclinical models of neural injury and future advancements in their design and use can likely lead to viable treatments for patients with neural injury.
Superior Sodium Storage Properties in the Anode Material NiCr2S4 for Sodium‐Ion Batteries: An X‐ray Diffraction, Pair Distribution Function, and X‐ray Absorption Study Reveals a Conversion Mechanism via Nickel Extrusion
Authors: Hartmann Felix , Etter Martin , Cibin Giannantonio , Liers Lina , Terraschke Huayna , Bensch Wolfgang
Published: September 2021

The pseudo‐layered sulfide NiCr2S4 exhibits outstanding electrochemical performance as anode material in sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs). The Na storage mechanism is investigated by synchrotron‐based X‐ray scattering and absorption techniques as well as by electrochemical measurements. A very high reversible capacity in the 500th cycle of 489 mAh g−1 is observed at 2.0 A g−1 in the potential window 3.0–0.1 V. Full discharge includes irreversible generation of Ni0 and Cr0 nanoparticles embedded in nanocrystalline Na2S yielding shortened diffusion lengths and predominantly surface‐controlled charge storage. During charge, Ni0 and Cr0 are oxidized, Na2S is consumed, and amorphous Ni and Cr sulfides are formed. Limiting the potential window to 3.0–0.3 V an unusual nickel extrusion sodium insertion mechanism occurs: Ni2+ is reduced to nanosized Ni0 domains, expelled from the host lattice, and is replaced by Na+ cations to form O3‐type like NaCrS2. Surprisingly, the discharge and charge processes comprise Na+ shuttling between highly crystalline NiCr2S4 and NaCrS2 enabling a superior long‐term stability for 3000 cycles. The results not only provide valuable insights for the electrochemistry of conversion materials but also extend the scope of layered electrode materials considering the reversible nickel extrusion sodium insertion reaction as new concept for SIBs.
Sensing Molecules with Metal–Organic Framework Functionalized Graphene Transistors
Authors: Kumar Sandeep , Pramudya Yohanes , Müller Kai , Chandresh Abhinav , Dehm Simone , Heidrich Shahriar , Fediai Artem , Parmar Devang , Perera Delwin , Rommel Manuel , Heinke Lars , Wenzel Wolfgang , Wöll Christof , Krupke Ralph
Published: September 2021

Graphene is inherently sensitive to vicinal dielectrics and local charge distributions, a property that can be probed by the position of the Dirac point in graphene field‐effect transistors. Exploiting this as a useful sensing principle requires selectivity; however, graphene itself exhibits no molecule‐specific interaction. Complementarily, metal–organic frameworks can be tailored to selective adsorption of specific molecular species. Here, a selective ethanol sensor is demonstrated by growing a surface‐mounted metal–organic framework (SURMOF) directly onto graphene field‐effect transistors (GFETs). Unprecedented shifts of the Dirac point, as large as 15 V, are observed when the SURMOF/GFET is exposed to ethanol, while a vanishingly small response is observed for isopropanol, methanol, and other constituents of the air, including water. The synthesis and conditioning of the hybrid materials sensor with its functional characteristics are described and a model is proposed to explain the origin, magnitude, and direction of the Dirac point voltage shift. Tailoring multiple SURMOFs to adsorb specific gases on an array of such devices thus generates a versatile, selective, and highly sensitive platform for sensing applications.
Internal–External Stabilization Strategies Enable Ultrastable and Highly Luminescent CsPbBr3 Perovskite Nanocrystals for Aqueous Fe3+ Detection and Information Encryption
Authors: Guan Jie , Shen Ying‐zhuo , Shu Yun , Jin Dangqin , Xu Qin , Hu Xiao‐Ya
Published: September 2021

The high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of perovskite nanocrystals (PNCs) makes them promising candidates in optoelectronics. However, the easy loss of structural integrity and fast chemical degradation upon exposure to moisture influence their reliable applications in aqueous solutions. Here, a hierarchical surface construction strategy is rationally designed to fulfill an internal–external stabilization of PNCs. Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) and cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) have been demonstrated stabilized PNCs internally by eliminating the proton transfer‐induced ligand desorption. Meanwhile, CTAB acts as a cationic surfactant in consolidating the subsequent SiO2 coating to prevent the PNCs from external environments. Based on the resulted PNCs, a sensitive and selective fluorescence film sensor for Fe3+ detection is successfully constructed. The fluorescence of PNCs at 525 nm is quenched after the addition of Fe3+ in the concentration range from 770 pm to 411 µm. As Fe3+ ions attached to the surface of the film are removed with water, the fluorescence of the film can be easily recovered. Owing to this character, the application of the PNCs toward the confidential information encryption has been proved. This work provides an effective design strategy to improve the stability of PNCs and extends their applications in sensing and encryption areas.
BAR‐Based Multi‐Dimensional Nonequilibrium Pulling for Indirect Construction of QM/MM Free Energy Landscapes: Varying the QM Region
Authors: Sun Zhaoxi , Liu Zhirong
Published: September 2021

The indirect free energy simulation at quantum mechanics (QM)/ molecular mechanics (MM) levels provides a feasible alternative to direct QM/MM simulations. The main idea under the indirect method is constructing a thermodynamic cycle, exploring the configurational space under a cheaper but less accurate QM level, and performing an alchemical correction to obtain the thermodynamics under an accurate but computationally demanding QM level. In the authors' previous works, a multi‐dimensional nonequilibrium free energy simulation framework was developed to obtain QM/MM free energy landscapes indirectly, where the QM theory is varied but the other details of the multi‐scale treatment remain unchanged. In this work, the possibility of changing the region for electronic structure calculations in the multi‐scale treatment is explored. Numerical tests are performed for the conformational change in a biologically relevant peptide in vacuo and in solution, and the QM region and QM level are varied simultaneously. Unidirectional and bidirectional equilibrium perturbations are also performed for comparison. The indirect estimates from the nonequilibrium perturbation framework are almost identical to the direct results, while the indirect equilibrium estimates show obvious deviations from the direct references. They further derive the acceleration ratio of the indirect scheme to understand when the indirect scheme prevails.
Hydrosulfide (HS−) Recognition and Sensing in Water by Halogen Bonding Hosts
Authors: Mitchell Edward J. , Beecroft Adam J. , Martin Jonathan , Thompson Sally , Marques Igor , Félix Vítor , Beer Paul D.
Published: September 2021

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) plays a crucial signalling role in a variety of physiological systems, existing as the hydrosulfide anion (HS−) at physiological pH. Combining the potency of halogen bonding (XB) for anion recognition in water with coumarin fluorophore incorporation in acyclic host structural design, the first XB receptors to bind and, more importantly, sense the hydrosulfide anion in pure water in a reversible chemosensing fashion are demonstrated. The XB receptors exhibit characteristic selective quenching of fluorescence upon binding to HS−. Computational DFT and molecular dynamics simulations in water corroborate the experimental anion binding observations, revealing the mode and nature of HS− recognition by the XB receptors.
Hydroboration of alkynylchlorosilanes as an efficient route for the synthesis of SiNNB heterocycles
Authors: Khan Ezzat
Published: September 2021

Alkenylsilanes bearing chlorosilyl and boryl groups geminally attached to a carbon atom ((E)‐3‐(9‐borabicyclo[3.3.1]nonan‐9‐yl)‐N,N‐dimethyl‐3‐(trichlorosilyl)prop‐2‐en‐1‐amine, 1, (1‐(9‐borabicyclo[3.3.1]nonan‐9‐yl)‐3,3‐dimethylbut‐1‐en‐1‐yl)dichloro (phenyl)silane, 2, (1‐(9‐borabicyclo[3.3.1]nonan‐9‐yl)‐2‐phenylvinyl) chloro (methyl)(phenyl)silane, 3, (1‐(9‐borabicyclo[3.3.1]nonan‐9‐yl)hex‐1‐en‐1‐yl)trichlorosilane, 4) are accessible by hydroboration of the corresponding alkynylsilanes. Only the vinyl group of 1 adopted E configuration, which may be favored by ring closure via an intramolecular B–N bonding interaction. Compounds 2–4 reacted with N‐trimethylsilylpyrazole and N‐2‐(trimethylsilylamino)pyridine by elimination of ClSiMe3 and formation of Si–N bonds. Intramolecular donor–acceptor interactions between the N and B atoms afforded five‐ and six‐membered heterocycles, which contained Si, N, and B as heteroatoms. A bis(pyrazolyl)silane was isolated upon treatment of a dichlorosilane with two equivalents of trimethylsilylpyrazole.
Syntheses of 1H‐Indoles, Quinolines, and 6‐Membered Aromatic N‐Heterocycle‐Fused Scaffolds via Palladium(II)‐Catalyzed Aerobic Dehydrogenation under Alkoxide‐Free Conditions
Authors: Yoo Hyung‐Seok , Yang Yo‐Sep , Kim Soo Lim , Son Seung Hwan , Jang Yoon Hu , Shin Jeong‐Won , Kim Nam‐Jung
Published: September 2021

Aromatic N‐heterocycle‐fused scaffolds such as indoles and quinolines are important core structures found in various bioactive natural products and synthetic compounds. Recently, various dehydrogenation methods with the help of alkoxides, known to significantly promote dihydro‐ or tetrahydro‐heterocycles to be oxidized, were developed for the heterocycle synthesis. However, these approaches are sometimes unsuitable due to resulting undesired side reactions such as reductive dehalogenation. Herein, expedient syntheses of 1H‐indoles, quinolines, and 6‐membered N‐heterocycle‐fused scaffolds from their hydrogenated forms through palladium(II)‐catalyzed aerobic dehydrogenation under alkoxide‐free conditions are reported. A total of 48 compounds were successfully synthesized with a wide range of functional groups including halogens (up to 99% yield). These methodologies provide facile routes for various privileged structures possessing aromatic N‐heterocycles without the help of alkoxides, in highly efficient manners.
Simulating starspot activity jitter for spectral types F–M: Realistic estimates for a representative sample of known exoplanet hosts
Authors: Bellotti Stefano , Korhonen Heidi
Published: September 2021

Dark spots on the surface of active stars produce changes in the shapes of the spectral lines that mimic spurious Doppler shifts, compromising the detection of small planets by means of the radial velocity (RV) technique. Modeling the spot‐driven RV variability (known as “jitter”) and how it affects the RV data sets is therefore crucial to design efficient activity‐filtering techniques and inform observing strategies. Here, we characterize starspots and simulate the RV curves induced by them to determine typical jitter amplitudes for a representative sample of 15 known host stars spanning between F and M spectral types. We collect information on the activity index from the literature for 205 stars and, due to a lack of data in the temperature range 4,000–4,500 K, we measure it for 10 stars using archival data. Additional stellar parameters required for the simulations are collected from the literature or constrained by observational data in order to derive realistic estimates. Our results can be used as reference to determine typical peak‐to‐peak spot‐induced RV jitter in the visible domain that can be expected when targeting host stars with different properties.
Application crude multienzyme extract from Aspergillus niger as a pretreatment for the extraction of essential oil from Croton argyrophyllus leaves
Authors: Costa Matheus Andrade Rocha , Gualberto Simone Andrade , Oliveira Polyany Cabral , Tavares Iasnaia Maria de Carvalho , Santana Nívio Batista , Leão Danilo Junqueira , da Silva Débora Cardoso , Ribeiro Dhiéssica dos Santos , da Silva Neura Mendes , Santos Pedro Henrique , de Carvalho Mário Geraldo , Franco Marcelo
Published: September 2021

Leaves of Croton argyrophyllus contain essential oil with promising active components for the development of drugs and botanical insecticides. In this study, we evaluated the enzymatic pretreatment process to increase the extraction of essential oil from fresh and dried leaves of C. argyrophyllus. Pretreatment was carried out using a crude multienzymatic extract obtained via solid‐state fermentation of forage palm by Aspergillus niger, and the extraction was performed by hydrodistillation. A Doehlert matrix was used to optimize the enzymatic pretreatment variables temperature and enzymatic extract. The effect of pretreatment time was also investigated. At optimum experimental conditions, 41.34°C, 140 min, and 130.73 mL of enzyme in 369.27 mL of water, the essential oil yield from fresh leaves subjected to enzymatic pretreatment increased by 9.35% and that from dry leaves by 6.77%. Based on chromatographic analysis (GC–MS), no compound was degraded in the extraction process. Micromorphological analysis confirmed the rupture of the glandular trichomes, favoring essential oil release. Therefore, enzymatic pretreatment associated with hydrodistillation increased the essential oil yield and is a promising application to obtain essential oil for therapeutic purposes without altering its composition.