bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adolescent cannabis use and the later onset of bipolar disorder: protocol for a systematic review and meta‐analysis of prospective cohort studies
Authors: Yasuma Naonori , Imamura Kotaro , Watanabe Kazuhiro , Iida Mako , Takano Ayumi
Published: October 2022

Background

Cannabis is used by adolescents worldwide. Adolescents are more susceptible to the psychological effects of cannabis because their brains are still developing. Cannabis use in adolescents has been reportedly associated with later onset of bipolar disorder.

Aims

The purpose of this study is to systematically review and analyze longitudinal prospective cohort studies of cannabis use during adolescence and evaluate the risk of developing bipolar disorder.

Methods

We defined the participants, exposures, comparisons, and outcomes (PECO) as follows: (P) adolescents in the 10–19‐year age group at the baseline survey; (E) cannabis use at least once during lifetime; (C) never‐used cannabis over lifetime; and (O) the onset of bipolar disorder. A systematic search for published prospective cohort studies will be conducted by using the following electronic databases: PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and Japan Medical Abstracts Society. The quality assessment will be performed by using Risk Of Bias In Non‐randomized Studies – of Interventions. Meta‐analysis will be done if the included studies that exist are more than three. Heterogeneity will be assessed using Cochran's Q test and I2. Funnel plots and Egger's test will be done to assess publication bias.

Discussion

This study will clarify the association between adolescent cannabis use and the subsequent development of bipolar disorder, which could be useful for future research directions and policy making.
Zooarchaeology of Ban Chiang and the rise of early farming communities in mainland Southeast Asia
Authors: Higham Charles Franklin Wandesforde , Kijngam Amphan
Published: October 2022

Ban Chiang is a prehistoric settlement located in the northeast Khorat Plateau in Thailand. Excavations in 1974–1975 identified a cultural sequence that spanned the arrival of the first rice farmers in ca. 1500 BC until the end of the Iron Age two millennia later. The large faunal sample includes the remains of mammals, fish, birds, and shellfish that illuminate aspects of the economy and environment. Domestic cattle, water buffaloes, pigs, and dogs, all domesticated in southern China, were introduced and maintained in an economy that incorporated hunting, fishing and collecting shellfish. The jungle fowl,Gallus gallus, was probably locally domesticated. When considered in its broader context, the faunal remains from Neolithic coastal Vietnamese and Thai sites present a very different picture. In the coastal sites, pigs and dogs dominate, but domestic cattle and chickens are virtually absent. The incoming farmers placed much reliance on marine hunting and fishing. Recent multidisciplinary research has identified an agricultural revolution involving animal traction and plowing in irrigated rice fields that occurred as the monsoon rains faltered from ca. AD 200. This took place in the relatively dry Mun River Valley in the southern part of the Khorat Plateau and rapidly led to the foundation of early states. Ban Chiang, however, enjoys higher natural rainfall and evidence for the agricultural revolution there appears muted or absent.
Structure and Conformation of Novel BODIPY Ugi Adducts
Authors: Arroyo‐Córdoba Ismael Javier , Gamboa‐Velázquez Gonzalo , Avila‐Ortiz Claudia Gabriela , Leyva‐Ramírez Marco A. , Cortez‐Picasso María Teresa , García‐Revilla Marco A. , Ramírez‐Ornelas Diana E. , Peña‐Cabrera Eduardo , Juaristi Eusebio
Published: October 2022

Two novel BODIPY‐Ugi (boron dipyrromethene) adducts exhibit peculiar room temperature (T=20 °C) H‐1 NMR spectra in that several protons located at the aromatic aniline‐type ring are lost in the baseline. This observation revealed the existence of a dynamic conformational process where rotation around the C−N bond is hindered. Variable‐temperature H‐1 and C‐13 NMR spectroscopic analysis confirmed this conclusion; that is, low‐temperature spectra show distinct signals for all four aromatic protons below coalescence, whereas average signals are recorded above coalescence (T=+120 °C). Particularly interesting was the rather large difference in chemical shifts for the ortho protons below coalescence, Δδ=1.45 ppm, which was explained based on DFT computational analysis. Indeed, the calculated lowest‐energy gas‐phase conformation of the BODIPY Ugi adducts locates one half of the aniline‐type ring in the shielding anisotropic cone of the bridge phenyl ring in the BODIPY segment. This is in contrast to the solid‐state conformation established by X‐ray diffraction analysis that shows a nearly parallel arrangement of the aromatic rings, probably induced by crystal packing forces.
Impact of the built, social, and food environment on long‐term weight loss within a behavioral weight loss intervention
Authors: Tewahade Selam , Berrigan David , Slotman Beth , Stinchcomb David G. , Sayer R. Drew , Catenacci Victoria A. , Ostendorf Danielle M.
Published: October 2022

Background

Behavioral weight loss interventions can lead to an average weight loss of 5%–10% of initial body weight, however there is wide individual variability in treatment response. Although built, social, and community food environments can have potential direct and indirect influences on body weight (through their influence on physical activity and energy intake), these environmental factors are rarely considered as predictors of variation in weight loss.

Objective

Evaluate the association between built, social, and community food environments and changes in weight, moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and dietary intake among adults who completed an 18‐month behavioral weight loss intervention.

Methods

Participants included 93 adults (mean ± SD; 41.5 ± 8.3 years, 34.4 ± 4.2 kg/m2, 82% female, 75% white). Environmental variables included urbanicity, walkability, crime, Neighborhood Deprivation Index (includes 13 social economic status factors), and density of convenience stores, grocery stores, and limited‐service restaurants at the tract level. Linear regressions examined associations between environment and changes in body weight, waist circumference (WC), MVPA (SenseWear device), and dietary intake (3‐day diet records) from baseline to 18 months.

Results

Grocery store density was inversely associated with change in weight (β = −0.95; p = 0.02; R2 = 0.062) and WC (β = −1.23; p < 0.01; R2 = 0.109). Participants living in tracts with lower walkability demonstrated lower baseline MVPA and greater increases in MVPA versus participants with higher walkability (interaction p = 0.03). Participants living in tracts with the most deprivation demonstrated greater increases in average daily steps (β = 2048.27; p = 0.02; R2 = 0.039) versus participants with the least deprivation. Limited‐service restaurant density was associated with change in % protein intake (β = 0.39; p = 0.046; R2 = 0.051).

Conclusion

Environmental factors accounted for some of the variability (<11%) in response to a behavioral weight loss intervention. Grocery store density was positively associated with weight loss at 18 months. Additional studies and/or pooled analyses, encompassing greater environmental variation, are required to further evaluate whether environment contributes to weight loss variability.
Study of three‐point bending behaviors of composite sandwich structure with re‐entrant honeycomb cores
Authors: Liu Zhikang , Liu Jingxi , Zhang Mangong , Liu Jiayi , Huang Wei
Published: October 2022

The composite re‐entrant honeycomb structures were fabricated by hot pressing and bonding processes in this article. The bending responses of composite re‐entrant honeycomb structure under three‐point bending load were studied experimentally. The bending deformation, failure process and failure load were analyzed and discussed. The influence of wall thickness gradient form which were less reported on the bending behaviors of composite re‐entrant honeycomb structures was investigated. The gradient distributions included positive gradient, negative gradient and homogeneous structures. The experimental results indicated that the wall thickness gradient design influenced the bending failure modes of composite re‐entrant honeycomb structures, and the negative gradient honeycomb structure mainly exhibited the whole bending deformation under three‐point bending loading. The influence of the relative densities on the bending behaviors of composite re‐entrant honeycomb structures was also studied. The results of three‐point bending experiment showed that the bending failure load increased significantly with the increase of relative density.
Design and optimization of enzymatic activity in a de novo β‐barrel scaffold
Authors: Kipnis Yakov , Chaib Anissa Ouald , Vorobieva Anastassia A. , Cai Guangyang , Reggiano Gabriella , Basanta Benjamin , Kumar Eshan , Mittl Peer R.E. , Hilvert Donald , Baker David
Published: October 2022

While native scaffolds offer a large diversity of shapes and topologies for enzyme engineering, their often unpredictable behavior in response to sequence modification makes de novo generated scaffolds an exciting alternative. Here we explore the customization of the backbone and sequence of a de novo designed eight stranded β‐barrel protein to create catalysts for a retro‐aldolase model reaction. We show that active and specific catalysts can be designed in this fold and use directed evolution to further optimize activity and stereoselectivity. Our results support previous suggestions that different folds have different inherent amenability to evolution and this property could account, in part, for the distribution of natural enzymes among different folds.
Chaperoning activity of the cyclophilin family prevents tau aggregation
Authors: Hill Shannon E. , Esquivel Abigail R. , Ospina Santiago Rodriguez , Rahal Lauren M. , Dickey Chad A. , Blair Laura J.
Published: October 2022

Tauopathies, such as Alzheimer's disease, are characterized by the misfolding and progressive accumulation of the microtubule associated protein tau. Chaperones, tasked with maintaining protein homeostasis, can become imbalanced with age and contribute to the progression of neurodegenerative disease. Cyclophilins are a promising pool of underinvestigated chaperones with peptidyl‐prolyl isomerase activity that may play protective roles in regulating tau aggregation. Using a Thioflavin T fluorescence‐based assay to monitor in vitro tau aggregation, all eight cyclophilins, which include PPIA to PPIH prevent tau aggregation, with PPIB, PPIC, PPID, and PPIH showing the greatest inhibition. The low thermal stability of PPID and the strong heparin binding of PPIB undermines the simplistic interpretation of reduced tau aggregation. In a cellular model of tau accumulation, all cyclophilins, except PPID and PPIH, reduce insoluble tau. PPIB, PPIC, PPIE, and PPIF also reduce soluble tau levels with PPIC exclusively protecting cells from tau seeding. Overall, this study demonstrates cyclophilins prevent tau fibril formation and many reduce cellular insoluble tau accumulation with PPIC having the greatest potential as a molecular tool to mitigate tau seeding and accumulation.
Intrinsic protein disorder uncouples affinity from binding specificity
Authors: Lazar Tamas , Tantos Agnes , Tompa Peter , Schad Eva
Published: October 2022

Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) and intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) of proteins often function by molecular recognition, in which they undergo induced folding. Based on prior generalizations, the idea prevails in the IDP field that due to the entropic penalty of induced folding, the major functional advantage associated with this binding mode is “uncoupling” specificity from binding strength. Nevertheless, both weaker binding and high specificity of IDPs/IDRs rest on limited experimental observations, making these assumptions more speculations than evidence‐supported facts. The issue is also complicated by the rather vague concept of specificity that lacks an exact measure, such as the Kd for binding strength. We addressed these issues by creating and analyzing a comprehensive dataset of well‐characterized ID/globular protein complexes, for which both the atomic structure of the complex and free energy (ΔG, Kd) of interaction is known. Through this analysis, we provide evidence that the affinity distributions of IDP/globular and globular/globular complexes show different trends, whereas specificity does not connote to weaker binding strength of IDPs/IDRs. Furthermore, protein disorder extends the spectrum in the direction of very weak interactions, which may have important regulatory consequences and suggest that, in a biological sense, strict correlation of specificity and binding strength are uncoupled by structural disorder.
Pinpointing the interaction site between semaphorin‐3A and its inhibitory peptide
Authors: Kretschmer Kevin , Stichel Jan , Bellmann‐Sickert Kathrin , Baumann Lars , Bierer Donald , Riedl Bernd , Beck‐Sickinger Annette G.
Published: October 2022

Semaphorin‐3A (Sema‐3A) is a chemorepellant protein with various biological functions, including kidney development. It interacts with a protein complex consisting of the receptors neuropilin‐1 (NRP‐1) and plexin‐A1. After acute kidney injury, Sema‐3A is overexpressed and secreted, leading to a loss of kidney function. The development of peptide inhibitors is a promising approach to modulate the interaction of Sema‐3A with its receptor NRP‐1. Few interaction points between these binding partners are known. However, an immunoglobulin‐like domain‐derived peptide of Sema‐3A has shown a positive effect on cell proliferation. To specify these interactions between the peptide inhibitor and the Sema‐3A–NRP‐1 system, the peptides were modified with the photoactivatable amino acids 4‐benzoyl‐l‐phenylalanine or photo‐l‐leucine by solid‐phase peptide synthesis. Activity was tested by an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent‐based binding assay, and crosslinking experiments were analyzed by Western blot and mass spectrometry, demonstrating a specific binding site of the peptide at Sema‐3A. The observed signals for Sema‐3A‐peptide interaction were found in a defined area of the Sema domain, which was also demonstrated to be involved in NRP‐1 binding. The presented data identified the interaction site for further development of therapeutic peptides to treat acute kidney injury by blocking the Sema‐3A–NRP‐1 interaction.
Investigating the Enhanced Photoresponse in MoS2/GaAs Heterojunction
Authors: Dam Siddhartha , Hussain Shamima
Published: October 2022

Herein, the photoresponse properties of a heterojunction of MoS2/GaAs under ambient light conditions are reported. The heterojunctions formed by the chemically deposited MoS2 film on GaAs wafers exhibit an enhancement responsivity by two orders over that of the substrate. The specific detectivity of the system is also found to increase by six orders. The response of the photodetector at varying irradiances demonstrates a trend of saturation of photocurrent. A sensitivity of the order of 3 is obtained for the photoresistor fabricated of the heterojunction. The enhancement of the photoresponse and the responsivity is explained via the absorption of light and the morphology of the MoS2 films.
Enhanced AlScN/GaN Heterostructures Grown with a Novel Precursor by Metal–Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Streicher Isabel , Leone Stefano , Kirste Lutz , Manz Christian , Straňák Patrik , Prescher Mario , Waltereit Patrick , Mikulla Michael , Quay Rüdiger , Ambacher Oliver
Published: October 2022

Growth of AlScN high‐electron‐mobility transistor (HEMT) structures by metal–organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) is challenging due to the low vapor pressure of the conventionally used precursor tris‐cyclopentadienyl‐scandium (Cp3Sc). It is shown that the electrical and structural characteristics of the AlScN/GaN heterostructure improve significantly by using bis‐methylcyclopentadienyl‐scandiumchloride ((MCp)2ScCl), which has a higher vapor pressure and allows for an increased molar flow and thus higher growth rate (GR). AlScN/GaN HEMT heterostructures with superior electrical characteristics deposited at different barrier growth temperatures are presented. The sheet resistance of 172 Ω sq−1obtained at 900 °C barrier growth temperature is among the lowest reported so far for AlScN/GaN HEMT structures. The sheet charge carrier density is and the electron mobility μ is 1124 cm2 Vs−1.
Adaptive neural network dynamic event‐triggered control for strong interconnected stochastic nonlinear systems with output constraint
Authors: Zhu Zhechen , Zhu Quanxin
Published: October 2022

This paper proposes a dynamic event‐triggered mechanism based command filtered adaptive neural network (NN) tracking control scheme for strong interconnected stochastic nonlinear systems with time‐varying output constraints. By designing a state observer, the unmeasured states of the systems can be estimated. The NNs are utilized to handle the unknown intermediate functions. In the controller design process, the asymmetric time‐varying barrier Lyapunov functions are used to guarantee that the systems outputs do not violate the constraint regions. By integrating the command filter with variable separation technique, the controller design process is more simple, and the problem of algebraic‐loop can be solved which caused by interconnected functions. According to the Lyapunov stability theory, it can be ensured that all signals of the systems are bounded in probability. Finally, the availability of the developed control scheme can be showed by the simulation example.
The synergistic effect of green trade and economic complexity on sustainable environment: A new perspective on the economic and ecological components of sustainable development
Authors: Lee Chien‐Chiang , Olasehinde‐Williams Godwin , Gyamfi Bright Akwasi
Published: October 2022

It is commonly argued in what is termed the degrowth strategy that economic growth cannot occur side by side with environmental protection. In this study, it is instead argued that the spread of green products through economic complexity and international trade are possible means of solving this problem. To this end, the individual and interactive environmental impacts of economic complexity and international green trade are examined in a panel of 24 European Union nations between 2000 and 2018. Panel quantile regressions (QRs) and Driscoll‐Kraay fixed effect‐OLS regressions are employed in analysing the relationships. The findings reveal that both green trade and economic complexity have beneficial individual effects on the environment. Their interaction effect further confirms that they have a complementary synergistic impact on the environment of the 24 EU countries. It thus implies that both green trade and economic complexity act better together than separately. Countries interested in achieving sustainable environment can do so by raising local productive capabilities, such that they are able to quickly transition into the production of technology‐intensive, eco‐friendly items. Alternatively, they can also explore the unique benefits provided by international trade in green products in cases where they do not have the ability to locally produce certain green goods. Better still, they can pursue both objectives simultaneously.
Switchable Circularly Polarized Signals with High Asymmetric Factor Triggered by Dual Photonic Bandgap Structure
Authors: Duan Chengliang , Wang Bin , Li Jinpeng , Xu Jun , Zeng Jinsong , Li Jun , Zhao Zujin , Gao Wenhua , Ying Guangdong , Chen Kefu
Published: October 2022

Currently, the smart photonic materials that can switch circularly polarized signals in real‐time have attracted extensive attention due to numerous potential applications in information storage and photonics displays. However, the dynamically reversible switching of circularly polarized signals requires precise structural reconfiguration, which is rarely achieved in traditional biomaterials. Herein, a dual photonic bandgap (PBG) structure is constructed based on the optical propagation principle of cellulose‐based photonic crystals, enabling the flexible switching of the intensity, wavelength, and direction of circularly polarized luminescence (CPL). By adjusting the fluorescence intensity and the matching degree of chiral structure, the asymmetric factor value of dual PBG structure is up to −1.47, far exceeding other cellulose‐based materials. Importantly, it is demonstrated that dual CPL emission can be efficiently induced by two different PBGs, opening a new approach for on‐demand switching of single and dual CPL emission. In addition, the dual PBG structure exhibits dual circularly polarized reflected signals under the circular polarizer, which perfectly embodies the applicability of multiple encryptions in QR codes. This work provides new insights into the real‐time manipulation of circularly polarized signals by chiral photonic materials.
Morphological Transformation and In Situ Polymerization of Caspase‐3 Responsive Diacetylene‐Containing Lipidated Peptide Amphiphile for Self‐Amplified Cooperative Antitumor Therapy
Authors: Ma Teng , Chen Rong , Lv Niannian , Li Yibin , Yang Zhuo‐Ran , Qin Huimin , Li Zhong'an , Jiang Hao , Zhu Jintao
Published: October 2022

In order to artificially regulate cell behaviors, intracellular polymerization as an emerging chemical technique has attracted much attention. Yet, it is still a challenge to achieve effective intracellular polymerization to conquer tumors in the complex cellular environment. Herein, this work develops a tumor‐targeting and caspase‐3 responsive nanoparticle composed of a diacetylene‐containing lipidated peptide amphiphile and mitochondria‐targeting photosensitizer (C3), which undergoes nanoparticle‐to‐nanofiber transformation and efficient in situ polymerization triggered by photodynamic treatment and activation of caspase‐3. The locational nanofibers on the mitochondria membranes lead to mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) burst and self‐amplified circulation, offering persistent high oxidative stress to induce cell apoptosis. This study provides a strategy for greatly enhanced antitumor therapeutic efficacy through mtROS burst and self‐amplified circulation induced by intracellular transformation and in situ polymerization.
Isolating Fe Atoms in N‐Doped Carbon Hollow Nanorods through a ZIF‐Phase‐Transition Strategy for Efficient Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Ma Fei‐Xiang , Liu Zheng‐Qi , Zhang Guobin , Xiong Yu‐Xuan , Zhang Meng‐Tian , Zheng Lirong , Zhen Liang , Xu Cheng‐Yan
Published: October 2022

Transition metal–nitrogen–carbon (TM–N–C) catalysts have been intensely investigated to tackle the sluggish oxygen reduction reactions (ORRs), but insufficient accessibility of the active sites limits their performance. Here, by using solid ZIF‐L nanorods as self‐sacrifice templates, a ZIF‐phase‐transition strategy is developed to fabricate ZIF‐8 hollow nanorods with open cavities, which can be subsequently converted to atomically dispersed Fe‐N‐C hollow nanorods (denoted as Fe1–N–C HNRs) through rational carbonization and following fixation of iron atoms. The microstructure observation and X‐ray absorption fine structure analysis confirm abundant Fe–N4 active sites are evenly distributed in the carbon skeleton. Thanks to the highly accessible Fe‐N4 active sites provided by the highly porous and open carbon hollow architecture, the Fe1‐N‐C HNRs exhibit superior ORR activity and stability in alkaline and acidic electrolytes with very positive half‐wave potentials of 0.91 and 0.8 V versus RHE, respectively, both of which surpass those of commercial Pt/C. Remarkably, the dynamic current density (JK) of Fe1‐N‐C HNRs at 0.85 V versus RHE in alkaline media delivers a record value of 148 mA cm−2, 21 times higher than that of Pt/C. The assembled Zn‐air battery using Fe1–N–C HNRs as cathode catalyst exhibits a high peak power density of 208 mW cm−2.
Self‐Supporting Multicomponent Hierarchical Network Aerogel as Sulfur Anchoring‐Catalytic Medium for Highly Stable Lithium–Sulfur Battery
Authors: Tian Shuhao , Huang Juanjuan , Yang Hongcen , Liu Guo , Zeng Qi , Wang Di , Sun Xiao , Tao Kun , Liu Guohan , Peng Shanglong
Published: October 2022

The low utilization rate of active materials, shuttle effect of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs), and slow reaction kinetics lead to the extremely low efficiency and poor high current cycle stability of lithium sulfur batteries (Li–S batteries). In this paper, a self‐supporting multicomponent hierarchical network aerogel is proposed as the modified cathode (S/GO@MX@VS4). It consists of graphene (GO) and MXene nanosheets (MX) loaded with VS4 nanoparticles. The experimental results and first‐principles calculations show that the GO@MX@VS4 aerogel has strong adsorption and reversible conversion effects on LiPSs. It can not only inhibit the shuttle effect and improve the utilization rate of active substances by keeping the chain crystal structure of VS4, but also promote the reversibility and kinetics of the reaction by accelerating the liquid–solid transformation in the reduction process and the decomposition of insoluble Li2S in the oxidation process. The GO@MX@VS4 aerogel modified cathode with a multicomponent synergy exhibits the capacity ratios (Q1/Q2) at different discharge stages is close to the theoretical value (1:2.8), and the capacity decay per cycle is 0.019% in 1200 cycles at 5C. Also, a high areal capacity of 6.90 mAh cm−2 is provided even at high sulfur loading (7.39 mg cm−2) and low electrolyte/sulfur ratio (E/S, 8.0 µL mg−1).
Simulation‐Assisted Localized DNA Logical Circuits for Cancer Biomarkers Detection and Imaging
Authors: Kou Qiaoni , Wang Lei , Zhang Linghao , Ma Liang , Fu Shengnan , Su Xin
Published: October 2022

DNA‐based nanodevices equipped with localized modules have been promising probes for biomarker detection. Such devices heavily rely on the intramolecular hybridization reaction. However, there is a lack of mechanistic insights into this reaction that limits the sensing speed and sensitivity. A coarse‐grained model is utilized to simulate the intramolecular hybridization of localized DNA circuits (LDCs) not only optimizing the performance, but also providing mechanistic insights into the hybridization reaction. The simulation guided‐LDCs enable the detection of multiple biomarkers with high sensitivity and rapid speed showing good consistency with the simulation. Fluorescence assays demonstrate that the simulation‐guided LDC shows an enhanced sensitivity up to 9.3 times higher than that of the same probes without localization. The detection limits of ATP, miRNA, and APE1 reach 0.14 mM, 0.68 pM, and 0.0074 U mL−1, respectively. The selected LDC is operated in live cells with good success in simultaneously detecting the biomarkers and discriminating between cancer cells and normal cells. LDC is successfully applied to detect the biomarkers in cancer tissues from patients, allowing the discrimination of cancer/adjacent/normal tissues. This work herein presents a design workflow for DNA nanodevices holding great potential for expanding the applications of DNA nanotechnology in diagnostics and therapeutics.
Keeping Superprotonic Conductivity over a Wide Temperature Region via Sulfate Hopping Sites‐Decorated Zirconium‐Oxo Clusters
Authors: Xie Wei‐Lian , Li Xiao‐Min , Lin Jiao‐Min , Dong Long‐zhang , Chen Yu , Li Ning , Shi Jing‐Wen , Liu Jing‐Jing , Liu Jiang , Li Shun‐Li , Lan Ya‐Qian
Published: October 2022

Metal‐oxo clusters have emerged as advanced proton conductors with well‐defined and tunable structures. Nevertheless, the exploitation of metal‐oxo clusters with high and stable proton conductivity over a relatively wide temperature range still remains a great challenge. Herein, three sulfate groups decorated zirconium‐oxo clusters (Zr6, Zr18, and Zr70) as proton conductors are reported, which exhibit ultrahigh bulk proton conductivities of 1.71 × 10−1, 2.01 × 10−2, and 3.73 × 10−2 S cm−1 under 70 °C and 98% relative humidity (RH), respectively. Remarkably, Zr6 and Zr70 with multiple sulfate groups as proton hopping sites show ultralow activation energies of 0.22 and 0.18 eV, respectively, and stable bulk conductivities of >10−2 S cm−1 between 30 and 70 °C at 98% RH. Moreover, a time‐dependent proton conductivity test reveals that the best performing Zr6 can maintain high proton conductivity up to 15 h with negligible loss at 70 °C and 98% RH, representing one of the best crystalline cluster‐based proton conducting materials.
The Advance and Critical Functions of Energetic Carbon Dots in Carbon Dioxide Photo/Electroreduction Reactions
Authors: Bao Kaili , Shi Jie , Liao Fan , Huang Hui , Liu Yang , Kang Zhenhui
Published: October 2022

As a unique carbon‐based nano material, carbon dots (CDs) have attracted great attention because of their special structures and properties, and have been widely used in various fields, such as bio‐imaging technology, catalyst design, pollutant degradation, chemical analysis, clean energy development and so on. CDs are used as catalysts or cocatalysts for multiple energy conversion reactions due to their advantages of valid visible light utilization, fast transmission of charge carriers, excellent catalytic activity, and good electrical conductivity. This review first summarizes the basic structure and properties of CDs. The advance and critical functions of energetic CDs in carbon dioxide photo/electroreduction reactions are discussed in detail. Due to the excellent optical absorption, electron transfer properties and good conductivity of CDs, they can enhance catalytic activity and stability effectively. In the end, the existing problems and future development opportunities of CDs‐based catalysts in CO2 reduction reaction are proposed and outlined.
Vortex Flow‐controlled Circularly Polarized Luminescence of Achiral Pt(II) Complex Aggregates Assembled at the Air‐Water Interface
Authors: Maeda Takatoshi , Mori Taizo , Ikeshita Masahiro , Ma Shing Cho , Muller Gilles , Ariga Katsuhiko , Naota Takeshi
Published: October 2022

Circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) has been researched for various applications by control of characteristics such as chirality and magnitude. Supramolecular chirality has been prepared by vortex motion as a mechanical stimulus; however, CPL has yet to be controlled precisely and reproducibly. In this work, the first precise control of CPL under vortex flow conditions at an air‐water interface is reported. The supramolecular chirality of aggregates consisting of an achiral trans‐bis(salicylaldiminato)Pt(II) complex bearing hexadecyl chains is induced and controlled with vortex flow at the air‐water interface, whereas the complex naturally forms an achiral amorphous solid with non‐chiroptical properties under non‐vortex conditions. The CPL direction and magnitude (glum value) of the Pt(II) complex aggregates can be adjusted precisely according to the vortex conditions, including the rotatory direction and flow rate. Vortex‐flow‐induced emission enhancement is also observed upon an increase in the rate of the vortex flow.
Stability indicating validated high‐performance liquid chromatography method for simultaneous estimation of chlorin e6 and curcumin in bulk and drug‐loaded lipidic nanoformulation
Authors: Jain Rupesh , Dubey Sunil Kumar , Singhvi Gautam
Published: October 2022

Chlorin e6 and curcumin are often used in the treatment of various cancers, including breast, skin, colon, and lung cancer. The present objective of this study is to develop a simple, sensitive, precise, and selective reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography analytical method for the estimation of curcumin and chlorin e6. Curcumin and chlorin e6 are both estimated simultaneously in bulk and on nanocarriers based formulations. The efficient chromatographic separation of chlorine e6 and curcumin was obtained using SUPELCO C‐18 column with a mobile phase containing ACN and water (pH 2.6 adjusted with trifluoracetic acid 0.1%) in an isocratic mode at a detection wavelength of 412 nm. The flow rate and column oven temperature were kept at 1 ml/min and 30°C, respectively. The retention times for curcumin and chlorin e6 were found to be 11.7 and 13.5 min, respectively. The simultaneous technique was used to estimate the %drug entrapment efficiency, drug loading, as well as the cumulative percentage of drug release of chlorin e6 and curcumin in‐house designed nanoformulations. %Drug loading and entrapment efficiency were found to be 2.22% and 79.92% for curcumin, while 2.43% and 89.47% for chlorin e6, respectively.
Tacca Tuber Starch—A Potential Substrate for Enzymatic Production of Glucose Syrup
Authors: Kareem Sarafadeen Olateju , Makinde Modupe Taofikat , Adeleye Tolulope Modupeoluwa , Adebowale Abdulrazaq Adesola , Ibrahim Hussaini Doko , Alabi Fortune M.
Published: October 2022

Glucose syrup obtainable from enzymatic hydrolysis of cassava and corn is widely used as sweetener in food and pharmaceutical industries. This study evaluates the potential of starch from Tacca tuber in comparison with starch from cassava tuber to produce glucose syrup using amylase from fungal isolates. Spores of amylase‐producing cultures of Aspergillius niger and Rhizopus oligospora are grown on rice bran medium in solid state fermentation. Starch is obtained from Tacca (Tacca leontopetaloides) and cassava tubers using simple methods of extraction methods. Response Surface Method of the Central Composite Design version 6.0.8 is employed for optimization studies on the effect of pH, temperature, and time of hydrolysis on amylase activities of crude enzyme on the extracted starches. In comparison with cassava starch, physicochemical analysis of the glucose syrup obtained from cassava and Tacca tubers gives brix of 44 ° (cloudy appearance) and 40 ° (colourless in appearance) with a dextrose equivalent of 68.58 and 40.4 and specific gravity 1.200 and 1.169, respectively. An assessment of the microbiological quality of the glucose syrup produced shows no coliform or fungal growth. This study presents the potential of Tacca tuber as an economic and safe alternative to cassava starch for glucose syrup production.
A Targeted Review of Current Progress, Challenges and Future Perspective of g‐C3N4based Hybrid Photocatalyst Toward Multidimensional Applications
Authors: Hayat Asif , Sohail Muhammad , Anwar Usama , Taha T. A. , Qazi H. I. A. , Amina  , Ajmal Zeeshan , Al‐Sehemi Abdullah G. , Algarni Hamed , Al‐Ghamdi Ahmed A. , Amin Mohammed A. , Palamanit Arkom , Nawawi W. I. , Newair Emad F. , Orooji Yasin
Published: October 2022

The increasing demand for searching highly efficient and robust technologies in the context of sustainable energy production totally rely onto the cost‐effective energy efficient production technologies. Solar power technology in this regard will perceived to be extensively employed in a variety of ways in the future ahead, in terms of the combustion of petroleum‐based pollutants, CO2reduction, heterogeneous photocatalysis, as well as the formation of unlimited and sustainable hydrogen gas production. Semiconductor‐based photocatalysis is regarded as potentially sustainable solution in this context. g‐C3N4is classified as non‐metallic semiconductor to overcome this energy demand and enviromental challenges, because of its superior electronic configuration, which has a median band energy of around 2.7 eV, strong photocatalytic stability, and higher light performance. The photocatalytic performance of g‐C3N4is perceived to be inadequate, owing to its small surface area along with high rate of charge recombination. However, various synthetic strategies were applied in order to incorporate g‐C3N4with different guest materials to increase photocatalytic performance. After these fabrication approaches, the photocatalytic activity was enhanced owing to generation of photoinduced electrons and holes, by improving light absorption ability, and boosting surface area, which provides more space for photocatalytic reaction. In this review, various metals, non‐metals, metals oxide, sulfides, and ferrites have been integrated with g‐C3N4to form mono, bimetallic, heterojunction, Z‐scheme, and S‐scheme‐based materials for boosting performance. Also, different varieties of g‐C3N4were utilized for different aspects of photocatalytic application i. e., water reduction, water oxidation, CO2reduction, and photodegradation of dye pollutants, etc. As a consequence, we have assembled a summary of the latest g‐C3N4based materials, their uses in solar energy adaption, and proper management of the environment. This research will further well explain the detail of the mechanism of all these photocatalytic processes for the next steps, as well as the age number of new insights in order to overcome the current challenges.
Adverse effects of chronic ammonia stress on juvenile oriental river prawn (Macrobrachium nipponense) and alteration of glucose and ammonia metabolism
Authors: Wei Shanshan , Zhang Jin , Chen Wanxin , Shen Anfu , Zhou Dongsheng , Zheng Jinxian , Thiam Habib , Ding Zhili , Limbu Samwel Mchele , Kong Youqin
Published: October 2022

Ammonia is one of the common stress factors in aquaculture. However, the effect of chronic ammonia exposure in juvenile oriental river prawn (Macrobrachium nipponense) is currently unexplored. This study explored the effects of chronic ammonia on juvenile healthy oriental river prawns. Fifty prawns (0.123 ± 0.003 g) were exposed to 0, 5, and 15 mg/L total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) in triplicates for 28 days. The effects of chronic ammonia challenge were evaluated on growth, antioxidant capacity, hepatopancreas and gill morphology, and glucose and ammonia metabolism. The results showed that, the chronic ammonia exposure reduced significantly survival rate and weight gain of prawns. The prawns exposed to 15 mg/L ammonia had induced oxidative stress. However, the prawn exposed to 15 mg/L ammonia had significantly lower aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and acid phosphatase activities in the serum. Furthermore, exposure of prawns to 15 mg/L ammonia increased the activities of hexokinase, pyruvate kinase, pyruvate and lactic acid content, and glutamine synthase activity. However, the prawns exposed to 15 mg/L ammonia, reduced succinic dehydrogenase, 6‐phosphogluconic dehydrogenase, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, glutamate synthase, and glutamate dehydrogenase activities but increased ammonia content in serum. The exposure of ammonia deformed lumen, damaged basement membrane and decreased secretory cells in the hepatopancreas, disordered gill epithelial and pillar cells, and caused gill filament base vacuolation. Our study indicates that chronic ammonia stress impairs growth performance, tissue morphology, induces oxidative stress, and alters glucose and ammonia metabolism in juvenile oriental river prawns.
Health economic modeling for Alzheimer's disease: Expert perspectives
Authors: Landeiro Filipa , Morton Jasmine , Gustavsson Anders , Potashman Michele , Lecomte Pascal , Belger Mark , Thompson Robin , Roncancio‐Diaz Emilse , Jhuti Gurleen , Butler Christopher , Jönsson Linus , Handels Ron , Gray Alastair M. ,   the ROADMAP study
Published: October 2022

The successful development of an economic model for the evaluation of future Alzheimer's disease (AD) interventions is critical to accurately inform policy makers and payers. As our understanding of AD expands, this becomes an increasingly complex and challenging goal. Advances in diagnostic techniques for AD and the prospect of disease‐modifying treatments raise an urgent need to define specifications for future economic models and to ensure that the necessary data to populate them are available. This Perspective article provides expert opinions from health economists and governmental agency representatives on how future economic models for AD might be structured, validated, and reported. We aim to stimulate much‐needed discussion about the detailed specification of future health economic models for AD.
The Research Data Alliance Interest Group on Agricultural Data: Supporting a Global Community of Practice
Authors: Bertin Patrícia Rocha Bello , Parr Cynthia , Drucker Debora Pignatari , Subirats Imma
Published: October 2022

Efforts to address equity and inclusion in agricultural data infrastructures face numerous challenges. People and networks are widely distributed geographically. This means some solutions to data problems may arise regionally and independently, yet many people are not easily able to engage with their distant colleagues to learn about them or collaborate. In general, constraints on funding for such projects are often national rather than international, and travel funding is not equally distributed. Finally, the breadth of activity means interdisciplinary communication is important but difficult and hard to sustain. Addressing these challenges, the Research Data Alliance (RDA) has been a home for the Interest Group on Agricultural Data (IGAD) since 2013. In 2021, IGAD became the first example of a new type of RDA group – a Community of Practice. A future goal is to use this community of practice to put good regional or national work into practice via inclusive collaborations. This chapter reflects on the lessons learnt from the IGAD community of practice in its attempts to include new voices around the world.
Baladi Seeds in the oPt: Populations as Objects of Preservation and Units of Analysis
Authors: Fullilove Courtney , Alimari Abdallah
Published: October 2022

This essay argues that shortcomings in our approaches to global agriculture and its data infrastructures are attributable in part to a constricted application of population concepts derived from biological sciences in the context of international development. Using Palestine as a case study, this chapter examines the category ofbaladiseeds as a community-generated characterization of population, and one which arguably defies reduction to data. Drawing on quantitative research on farmer participation in informal seed production for wheat in the occupied Palestinian territories (oPt) and oral histories of farmers in the West Bank, this chapter analyzes the relation between participatory plant breeding initiatives, heritage narratives, and international agricultural research in renderingbaladiseeds legible for archiving. It considers the multiple technological practices through which these institutions characterize and manage access to cultivated seeds, and how they differently approach problems of standardization, scalability, and variability. Through case studies of national and local seed saving initiatives, it asks, in turn, whetherbaladiseeds can be reduced to data, how they might be reduced to data, and whether they should be reduced to data.
Data Management in Multi-disciplinary African RTB Crop Breeding Programs
Authors: Agbona Afolabi , Peteti Prasad , Teeken Béla , Olaosebikan Olamide , Bello Abolore , Parkes Elizabeth , Rabbi Ismail , Mueller Lukas , Egesi Chiedozie , Kulakow Peter
Published: October 2022

Quality phenotype and genotype data are important for the success of a breeding program. Like most programs, African breeding programs generate large multi-disciplinary phenotypic and genotypic datasets from several locations, that must be carefully managed through the use of an appropriate database management system (DBMS) in order to generate reliable and accurate information for breeding-decisions. A DBMS is essential in data collection, storage, retrieval, validation, curation and analysis in plant breeding programs to enhance the ultimate goal of increasing genetic gain. The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), working on the roots, tubers and banana (RTB) crops like cassava, yam, banana and plantain has deployed a FAIR-compliant (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) database; BREEDBASE. The functionalities of this database in data management and analysis have been instrumental in achieving breeding goals. Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for each breeding process have been developed to allow a cognitive walkthrough for users. This has further helped to increase the usage and enhance the acceptability of the system. The wide acceptability gained among breeders in global cassava research programs has resulted in improvements in the precision and quality of genotype and phenotype data, and subsequent improvement in achievement of breeding program goals. Several innovative gender responsive approaches and initiatives have identified users and their preferences which have informed improved customer and product profiles. A remaining bottleneck is the effective linking of data on preferences and social information of crop users with technical breeding data to make this process more effective.
Linking Legacies: Realising the Potential of the Rothamsted Long-Term Agricultural Experiments
Authors: Ostler Richard , Castells Nathalie , Glendining Margaret , Perryman Sarah
Published: October 2022

Long-term agricultural experiments are used to test the effects of different farm management practices on agricultural systems over time. The time-series data from these experiments is well suited to understanding factors affecting soil health and sustainable crop production and can play an important role for addressing the food security and environmental challenges facing society from climate change. The data from these experiments is unique and irreplaceable. We know from the Rothamsted experience that the datasets available are valued assets that can be used to address multiple scientific questions, and the reuse and impact of the data can be increased by making the data accessible to the wider community. However, to do this requires active data stewardship. Long-term experiments are also available as research infrastructures, meaning external researchers can generate new datasets, additional to the routine data collected for an experiment. The publication of the FAIR data principles has provided an opportunity for us to re-evaluate what active data stewardship means for realising the potential of the data from our long-term experiments. In this paper we discuss our approach to FAIR data adoption, and the challenges for refactoring and describing existing legacy data and defining meaningful linkages between datasets.
Virtual Internationalization as a Concept for Campus-Based and Online and Distance Higher Education
Authors: Bruhn-Zass Elisa
Published: October 2022

The concept of Virtual Internationalization systematizes the many possible uses of digital technology in the internationalization of higher education. It is rooted in a comprehensive understanding of internationalization that encompasses the entire institution. Virtual Internationalization includes, but is not limited to, curricular concepts such as virtual mobility, virtual exchange, and virtual study abroad. Beyond the curriculum, it also involves the internationalization of management and administration, academic and teaching staff, and the role of digital technology in physical student mobility, international partnerships, collaboration, and transnational education. Moreover, Virtual Internationalization systematically integrates online and distance education. Study programs that are offered fully online or at a distance are thus brought out of the blind spot of internationalization.