bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Different Processing Conditions on Bioactive Compounds of Selected Grape Varieties
Authors: Aponso M .M. W. , Marapana R. A. U. J. , Abeysundara A. T. , Silva G. O. De , Manawaduge R.
Published: September 2021

Bioactive compounds in grapes vary in terms of cultivar and processing conditions. Raw juice and treated grape juices from locally grown Israel blue and locally available, imported, Red Globe and Michele Palieri varieties in Sri Lanka were used for the analysis. Grape juices were subjected to different processing conditions such as pasteurization and pectinase enzyme treatment. Total Monomeric Anthocyanin content (TAC), Total Phenolic Content (TPC), and antioxidant activity were analyzed. Compared to the imported grape varieties, the locally grown, pectinase enzyme-treated Israel blue grape juice with 2% pectinase enzyme concentration, 40 0C incubation temperature, and 2 hours incubation time, under dark condition had the significantly highest values (p < 0.05) for TAC at 177.03±4.15 mg/L of malvidin-3-O-glucoside (M3G), TPC at 527.07 ± 3.55 mg/L of Gallic acid equivalents and antioxidant activity in terms of DPPH radical scavenging assay with IC50 value at 7.05±0.35 mg/mL Gallic acid equivalents and ABTS radical scavenging assay with IC50 value at 0.31±0.01 mg/mL of Trolox equivalents. TAC, TPC, and antioxidant activity of three grape varieties showed the highest values in pectinase enzyme-treated grape juice which was followed by raw juice and the pasteurized juice respectively. This research has taken an approach to enhance the bioactivity of grape juices via pectinase enzyme treatment and evaluate the suitability of locally grown Israel blue grape variety in Sri Lanka to form as a functional beverage to meet nutritional and health requirements.
Lifecycle Assessment of Tomato Production in Open Field and Greenhouse in Dharmapuri District of Tamilnadu
Authors: Shokila C. , Indumathi V. M. , Palanichamy N. Venkatesa , Hemaprabha K.
Published: September 2021

Aim: Tomatoes are commercially cultivated in open- field (OF) and greenhouse (GH) in Dharmapuri district of Tamilnadu. The main aim of this study is to assess the environmental impact of selected categories in open-field and greenhouse tomato cultivation using the lifecycle assessment (LCA) methodology.

Methodology: The primary data was gathered from 30 open field and 30 greenhouse farmers in Dharmapuri district. The system boundary selected for the study is ‘cradle to farm gate’ approach and the functional unit based on mass is one ton of tomato production. The Openlca software was used for the impact assessment in which the CML- IA baseline method was used to calculate the impact categories.

Findings: The results indicated that the environmental impact of greenhouse is lower than the open-field due to high yield and less energy inputs. Field emissions of ammonia, methane, nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide due to the incorporation of large amount of manure and the usage of fertilizers were the main contributor of the impact categories.
Measuring the Technical and Scale Efficiency of Smallholder Maize (Zea mays) Farmers in Cameroon: The Case of the Centre Region
Authors: Christian Eloundou Etoundi , Engwali Fon Dorothy , René Minkoua Nzie Jules
Published: September 2021

Urbanisation has led to the development of new markets, including that for cereals for human consumption, where maize cultivation has taken on an important role among smallholder producers in some countries, such as Cameroon. However, the cultivation of maize in the centre region of Cameroon raises several questions, including the efficiency of these farmers. This article presents the level and determinants of technical performance of smallholder maize farmers. The research method was based on field surveys. The study was carried out between September 2019 and December 2020 in the Centre Region of Cameroon. The research methods used included field work, field surveys through semi-structured interviews on 1060 (545 women and 515 men) maize farm managers who were selected in a reasoned method based on the file of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Cameroon. Data from the study was analysed using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) method and the Tobit model allowed us to identify the determinants of the performance of these maize farms. The results show that the efficiency scores of the production and income outputs are 0.7773 and 0.6707, respectively, and provide evidence for the inefficiency of smallholder maize farmers in the Centre Region. Gender, cropping system, maize variety and number of treatments have a significant and positive influence on the productive efficiency of the farms while the only determinant that influences the income efficiency of the farmers is the maize variety used. Ultimately, smallholder maize farmers are not performing well in terms of both production and income. Value chain actors need to act on three main pillars around family farms: socio-economic characteristics (the place of women and education policy), the production system (access to quality seeds, and production techniques) and institutional factors (access to extension, financing and membership to a producer organization).
Cooling and Qualitative Study of Evaporative Cool Hydroponically Grown Maize Crop
Authors: Singh Sanjay Kumar , Patil Amit Kumar , Kautkar Sheshrao , Dwivedi P. N. , Singh A. K.
Published: September 2021

A study of evaporative cool hydroponic chamber was made with respect to its cooling and qualitative evaluation for growth of maize. The daily average temperature and RH range of 35.5 to 36.1 0C and 37–77% respectively were observed under Evaporative Cool Hydroponic Chamber (ECHC). The cooling efficiency of ECHC varied from 57.61% to 83.33% with an average value of 74.06%. Fresh biomass yield of fodder maize was observed as 1.2kg/ft2 of tray area. Crude protein and crude fibre on dry matter basis of hydroponic maize fodder ranged from 13.1-13.08% and 15.30-15.31% respectively. The ECHC can be used as an alternative of high cost hydroponic fodder machines which can be locally fabricated and operated by semi-skilled manpower.
Parasitic Contamination of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Sold in Port Harcourt Metropolis Markets, Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Gboeloh Le Bari Barine , Sounyo Itoro Imaobong
Published: September 2021

Parasitic contamination of fresh fruits and vegetables sold in selected markets in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria. was investigated. Oil mill and Creek Road were the two major markets in Port Harcourt metropolis area selected for this study. A total of 216 samples of different types of fruits and vegetables were randomly sampled for parasitological examination using normal saline and zinc sulphate floatation techniques. The results showed that out of the 216 samples of vegetables and fruits examined, 87 (40.3%) were infected. The results were statistically significant (P< 0.05). The parasites identified included Entamoeba coli; Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, Balantidium coli, Ascaris lumbricoides, Ancyclostoma spp and Fasciola spp. Entamoeba coli was the most prevalent parasite (83.15%) while Ascaris lumbricodes (1.12%), Ancyclostoma spp (1.12%) and Fasciola spp (1.12%) had least prevalence. There was statistical no difference (P>0.05) in prevalence of parasites genus in the two markets. Tomatoes had the highest contamination rate of (10.6%) followed by waterleaf, bitter leaf, green leaf, pumpkin leaf, pear, orange, and scent leaf with the prevalence rate of 9.3%, 8.8%, 4.6%, 3.2%, 1.9%, 1.4% and 0.5% respectively. Produce contaminated with intestinal parasites poses a serious health challenge to the consumers if they are not properly washed before consumption. Personal hygiene and proper washing of fresh fruit and vegetable before consumption will reduce the prevalence of food-borne parasitic infections.
Evaluation of the Microbial Load and pH of Pap Produced from Selected Cereals
Authors: Ude Ifeoma Uche , Aisha Mohammed , Ibe Uche Okechukwu , Ekeleme U. G.
Published: September 2021

The aim of this work was to evaluate the microbial load of pap samples made from three commonly utilized cereal grains namely: maize (Zea mays), millet (Pennisetum typhoideum) and guinea corn (Sorghum bicolor). Exactly 2 kg each of the aforementioned grains was steeped in 1000 ml of clean water for 3 days at 30±20C temperature. The water was disposed and the cereal grain separately washed thoroughly using clean water. The grains were then wet milled and the resulting paste mixed with1000 ml of clean water. The slurry was filtered with the aid of the muslin cloth. The filtrate was then allowed to stand for a period of 24 hours and the supernatant disposed. Microbiological analysis to determine microbial load on the various samples were carried using standard procedures. Guinea corn based pap had the highest lactic acid bacteria count of 9×103 CFU/g at 0 hr of fermentation which decreased to 6.6×105 CFU/g at the 72nd hr.  On the other hand, the composite of the three cereals had the lactic acid bacteria count of 4.2×104 CFU/g at 0 hr of fermentation which increased to 8.6×105 CFU/g at the 72nd hr, the highest value recorded for all samples studied. Total coliform count on all samples maintained a uniform trend of increase at the 24th and 48th hr and a decrease at the 72nd hr. Millet based pap had the highest fungi count of 2.3×101CFU/g at 0hr of fermentation which increased progressively to 4.9×101 at the 72nd hr. However, pap derived from the composite of the cereals presented the lowest fungi count of 0.52×102   at 0hr which however increased progressively to record the highest count of 1.4×101at the 72nd hr. In conclusion, there is need to optimize the growth of lactic acid bacteria in the production of pap, this may enhance its acid production potential and consequent inhibition and/destruction of potential harmful microorganisms in fermented foods.
Construction and analysis of a novel ferroptosis‐related gene signature predicting prognosis in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhou Jing , Wang Xinyue , Li Zhaona , Jiang Richeng
Published: September 2021

Ferroptosis is a newly discovered, iron‐dependent, nonapoptotic form of programmed cell death that plays an important role in the development of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). In this study, ferroptosis‐related genes (FRGs) were identified from the FerrDb dataset, and the mRNA expression profiles and corresponding clinical data of LUAD patients were downloaded from the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) databases. Data from LUAD patients from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) dataset were used as the verification set. Cox and Lasso regression analyses were used to screen the FRGs with prognostic value, and six prognostic‐related FRGs were selected to construct prognostic risk score signatures. Immunohistochemistry was utilized to manifest the differential expression of six FRGs in tumor and normal tissues at the protein level. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that FRGs were mainly enriched in ferroptosis‐related pathways. Patients were divided into high‐ and low‐risk groups based on the median risk score. The Kaplan–Meier survival curves confirmed that patients with a high score had significantly worse overall survival. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves proved that the prognostic signature has good sensitivity and specificity for predicting the prognosis of LUAD patients. Nomogram analysis showed that the prognostic signature has potential independent prognostic value. Moreover, the prognostic signature has been shown to be significantly associated with some clinical features (T stage, N stage, tumor stage, and survival status) as well as many immune‐activity‐related genes and immune‐checkpoint‐related genes. In conclusion, we constructed a prognostic signature consisting of six FGRs, which can provide a reference for predicting the prognosis of LUAD patients.
Viscoelasticity and Adhesion Signaling in Biomaterials Control Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Morphogenesis in 3D Culture
Authors: Indana Dhiraj , Agarwal Pranay , Bhutani Nidhi , Chaudhuri Ovijit
Published: September 2021

Organoids are lumen‐containing multicellular structures that recapitulate key features of the organs, and are increasingly used in models of disease, drug testing, and regenerative medicine. Recent work has used 3D culture models to form organoids from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) in reconstituted basement membrane (rBM) matrices. However, rBM matrices offer little control over the microenvironment. More generally, the role of matrix viscoelasticity in directing lumen formation remains unknown. Here, viscoelastic alginate hydrogels with independently tunable stress relaxation (viscoelasticity), stiffness, and arginine–glycine–aspartate (RGD) ligand density are used to study hiPSC morphogenesis in 3D culture. A phase diagram that shows how these properties control hiPSC morphogenesis is reported. Higher RGD density and fast stress relaxation promote hiPSC viability, proliferation, apicobasal polarization, and lumen formation, while slow stress relaxation at low RGD densities triggers hiPSC apoptosis. Notably, hiPSCs maintain pluripotency in alginate hydrogels for much longer times than is reported in rBM matrices. Lumen formation is regulated by actomyosin contractility and is accompanied by translocation of Yes‐associated protein (YAP) from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. The results reveal matrix viscoelasticity as a potent factor regulating stem cell morphogenesis and provide new insights into how engineered biomaterials may be leveraged to build organoids.
Fabrication of GaN/Diamond Heterointerface and Interfacial Chemical Bonding State for Highly Efficient Device Design
Authors: Liang Jianbo , Kobayashi Ayaka , Shimizu Yasuo , Ohno Yutaka , Kim Seong‐Woo , Koyama Koji , Kasu Makoto , Nagai Yasuyoshi , Shigekawa Naoteru
Published: September 2021

The direct integration of gallium nitride (GaN) and diamond holds much promise for high‐power devices. However, it is a big challenge to grow GaN on diamond due to the large lattice and thermal‐expansion coefficient mismatch between GaN and diamond. In this work, the fabrication of a GaN/diamond heterointerface is successfully achieved by a surface activated bonding (SAB) method at room temperature. A small compressive stress exists in the GaN/diamond heterointerface, which is significantly smaller than that of the GaN‐on‐diamond structure with a transition layer formed by crystal growth. A 5.3 nm‐thick intermediate layer composed of amorphous carbon and diamond is formed at the as‐bonded heterointerface. Ga and N atoms are distributed in the intermediate layer by diffusion during the bonding process. Both the thickness and the sp2‐bonded carbon ratio of the intermediate layer decrease as the annealing temperature increases, which indicates that the amorphous carbon is directly converted into diamond after annealing. The diamond of the intermediate layer acts as a seed crystal. After annealing at 1000 °C, the thickness of the intermediate layer is decreased to approximately 1.5 nm, where lattice fringes of the diamond (220) plane are observed.
Ligands Anchoring Stabilizes Metal Halide Perovskite Nanocrystals
Authors: Gong Maogang , Timalsina Bikash , Sakidja Ridwan , Douglas Justin T. , Wu Judy Z.
Published: September 2021

Instability of colloidal iodine‐based inorganic perovskite CsPbX3 (X = Cl, Br, I) nanocrystals (IPNCs) represents a major obstacle in lead‐halide IPNC research and application. Herein, a ligand‐anchoring process is reported that enables significantly improved colloidal stability of the iodine‐based IPNCs for over 10 months in ambient. Apart from the previous efforts in searching for strong binding ligands to cap the IPNCs to incrementally reduce the exposure of the IPNC surface to the harsh colloidal environment, the ligand‐anchoring method demonstrates that such an exposure can be reduced substantially by suppressing the dynamic ligand exchange around the colloidal IPNCs. In the IPNC synthesis solution with common oleic acid (OA) and oleylamine (OLA) ligands with relative weak binding to IPNCs, a systematic reduction of the ligand concentration using hexane by an order of magnitude has shown to be effective in achieving OA/OLA ligand‐anchored iodine‐based IPNCs with superior stability as confirmed in optical absorption, photoluminescence, 1H solution nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and photoresponse. This result has revealed that the intermittent exposure of the IPNC surface during the dynamic ligand exchange is a primary mechanism underlying the colloidal IPNC instability, which can be resolved in the ligand‐anchoring process by suppressing such dynamic activities.
Biomimetic Photonic Multiform Composite for High‐Performance Radiative Cooling
Authors: Liu Xianghui , Xiao Chengyu , Wang Pan , Yan Max , Wang Huifen , Xie Peiwen , Liu Gang , Zhou Han , Zhang Di , Fan Tongxiang
Published: September 2021

Nanostructures on bodies of biological inhabitants in severe environments can exhibit excellent thermoregulation, which provide inspirations for artificial radiative cooling materials. However, achieving both large‐scale manufacturing and flexible form‐compatibility to various applications needs remains as a formidable challenge. Here a biomimetic strategy is adopted to design a thermal photonic composite inspired by the previously unexplored golden cicada's evolutionarily optimized thermoregulatory ability. A microimprint combined with phase separation method is developed for fabricating a biomimetic photonic material made of porous polymer–ceramic composite profiled in microhumps. The composite demonstrates high solar reflectance (97.6%) and infrared emissivity (95.5%) in atmospheric window, which results in a cooling power of 78 W m−2 and a maximum subambient temperature drop of 6.6 °C at noon. Moreover, the technique facilitates multiform manufacturing of the composites beyond films, as demonstrated by additive printing into general 3D structures. This work offers biomimetic approach for developing high‐performance thermal regulation materials and devices.
Dynamic Anti‐Icing Surfaces (DAIS)
Authors: Wang Feng , Zhuo Yizhi , He Zhiwei , Xiao Senbo , He Jianying , Zhang Zhiliang
Published: September 2021

Remarkable progress has been made in surface icephobicity in the recent years. The mainstream standpoint of the reported antiicing surfaces yet only considers the ice–substrate interface and its adjacent regions being of static nature. In reality, the local structures and the overall properties of ice–substrate interfaces evolve with time, temperature and various external stimuli. Understanding the dynamic properties of the icing interface is crucial for shedding new light on the design of new anti‐icing surfaces to meet challenges of harsh conditions including extremely low temperature and/or long working time. This article surveys the state‐of‐the‐art anti‐icing surfaces and dissects their dynamic changes of the chemical/physical states at icing interface. According to the focused critical ice–substrate contacting locations, namely the most important ice–substrate interface and the adjacent regions in the substrate and in the ice, the available anti‐icing surfaces are for the first time re‐assessed by taking the dynamic evolution into account. Subsequently, the recent works in the preparation of dynamic anti‐icing surfaces (DAIS) that consider time‐evolving properties, with their potentials in practical applications, and the challenges confronted are summarized and discussed, aiming for providing a thorough review of the promising concept of DAIS for guiding the future icephobic materials designs.
Tailoring the Interfacial Band Offset by the Molecular Dipole Orientation for a Molecular Heterojunction Selector
Authors: Eo Jung Sun , Shin Jaeho , Yang Seunghoon , Jeon Takgyeong , Lee Jaeho , Choi Sanghyeon , Lee Chul‐Ho , Wang Gunuk
Published: September 2021

Understanding and designing interfacial band alignment in a molecular heterojunction provides a foundation for realizing its desirable electronic functionality. In this study, a tailored molecular heterojunction selector is implemented by controlling its interfacial band offset between the molecular self‐assembled monolayer with opposite dipole orientations and the 2D semiconductor (1L‐MoS2 or 1L‐WSe2). The molecular dipole moment direction determines the direction of the band bending of the 2D semiconductors, affecting the dominant transport pathways upon voltage application. Notably, in the molecular heterostructure with 1L‐WSe2, the opposite rectification direction is observed depending on the molecular dipole moment direction, which does not hold for the case with 1L‐MoS2. In addition, the nonlinearity of the molecular heterojunction selector can be significantly affected by the molecular dipole moment direction, type of 2D semiconductor, and metal work function. According to the choice of these heterojunction constituents, the nonlinearity is widely tuned from 1.0 × 101 to 3.6 × 104 for the read voltage scheme and from 0.4 × 101 to 2.0 × 105 for the half‐read voltage scheme, which can be scaled up to an ≈482 Gbit crossbar array.
Body adiposity measures and risk of adolescent hypertension among the postpubescents Northeast India
Authors: Meitei Sanjenbam Yaiphaba , Pao P. S. Vaveine , Devi Th. Chitralekha , Sharma B. Surajkumar , Konjengbam Henry
Published: September 2021

Objectives

The present study attempts to associate and predict adolescent hypertension in Northeast India through body adiposity measures.

Method

A total of 728 adolescents aged 15 years and above were included in the present study after consent. Blood pressure and related anthropometric data were collected. The prevalence rate was calculated. Significant tests and correlation analyses were conducted between the blood pressure parameters and anthropometric body adiposity measures. The odds ratio (OR) was also calculated to assess the likelihood of risks. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to find the measured parameters' predictive cut‐off values.

Results

The prevalence of adolescent hypertension is 29.12%, and elevated blood pressure is 20.47%. Boys are more hypertensive than girls. Obese adolescents are more prone to hypertension. Overweight, obese, and abdominal volume index (AVI) has 2.31, 5.15, and 3.41 OR to develop hypertension significantly, irrespective of gender. Among the boys, waist circumference (WC), AVI, and waist to height ratio (WHtR) significantly correlate with hypertension at adjusted for age; they are better predictors with area under curve (AUC) value reach 0.7. Among the females, the BMI reaches AUC 0.7, making it a better assessment for hypertension.

Conclusion

The study highlights the concerns of adolescent hypertension among Northeast Indian adolescents, which needs attention. More studies in different regions must be conducted to understand the problem's crux to enable health policymakers to promote adolescent health.
The relationship between the digit ratio (2D:4D) and vertical jump performance in young athletes
Authors: Disterhaupt Jacob W. , Fitzgerald John S. , Rhoades Jesse L. , Tomkinson Grant R.
Published: September 2021

Background

Digit ratio (2D:4D), a putative marker of prenatal testosterone, is a negative correlate of sports, athletic, and fitness performance.

Objectives

To describe the relationship between 2D:4D and vertical jump performance in athletes.

Methods

Sixty‐one Division I American Football players from a Midwestern U.S. university had their 2D:4D measured digitally and their vertical jump performance measured using jump mechanography. The primary outcome was jump height, with secondary outcomes depicting jump execution also recorded. Linear relationships between 2D:4D and vertical jump performance were quantified using partial correlations adjusted for age, height, mass, and ethnicity.

Results

2D:4D was a statistically significant weak negative correlate of jump height (partial r [95% confidence interval]: −0.26 [−0.48, −0.01]), indicating that athletes with lower 2D:4Ds (i.e., relatively longer 4th digits) jumped higher. Relationships with jump execution variables were negligible to weak and negative, but not statistically significant.

Conclusions

The significant relationship between 2D:4D and jump height probably reflects both the long‐term organizational and short‐term activational benefits of testosterone. Therefore, 2D:4D may be a useful indicator of explosive strength among young athletes.
A Tandem Strategy for Enhancing Electrochemical CO2 Reduction Activity of Single‐Atom Cu‐S1N3 Catalysts via Integration with Cu Nanoclusters
Authors: Chen Datong , Zhang Lu‐Hua , Du Jian , Wang Honghai , Guo Jiangyi , Zhan Jiayu , Li Fei , Yu Fengshou
Published: September 2021

We developed a tandem electrocatalyst for CO2‐to‐CO conversion comprising the single Cu site co‐coordinated with N and S anchored carbon matrix (Cu‐S1N3) and atomically dispersed Cu clusters (Cux), denoted as Cu‐S1N3/Cux. The as‐prepared Cu‐S1N3/Cux composite presents a 100 % Faradaic efficiency towards CO generation (FECO) at −0.65 V vs. RHE and high FECO over 90 % from −0.55 to −0.75 V, outperforming the analogues with Cu‐N4 (FECO only 54 % at −0.7 V) and Cu‐S1N3 (FECO 70 % at −0.7 V) configurations. The unsymmetrical Cu‐S1N3 atomic interface in the carbon basal plane possesses an optimized binding energy for the key intermediate *COOH compared with Cu‐N4 site. At the same time, the adjacent Cux effectively promotes the protonation of *CO2− by accelerating water dissociation and offering *H to the Cu‐S1N3 active sites. This work provides a tandem strategy for facilitating proton‐coupled electron transfer over the atomic‐level catalytic sites.
A Solid Transformation into Carboxyl Dimers Based on a Robust Hydrogen‐Bonded Organic Framework for Propyne/Propylene Separation
Authors: Yu Baoqiu , Geng Shubo , Wang Hailong , Zhou Wei , Zhang Zhenjie , Chen Banglin , Jiang Jianzhuang
Published: September 2021

Self‐assembly of N,N,N′,N′‐tetrakis(4‐carboxyphenyl)‐1,4‐phenylenediamine with the help of different solvents provides isostructural hydrogen‐bonded organic frameworks (HOF‐30). Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction (SCXRD) analysis reveals HOF‐30 possesses 3D ten‐fold interpenetrated dia nets connected by two kinds of hydrogen bonds, namely solvent‐bridged carboxyl dimers and carboxyl⋅⋅⋅carboxyl dimers. Degassing treatment for HOF‐30 yields HOF‐30a with 3D ten‐fold interpenetrated dia nets but linked with sole carboxyl⋅⋅⋅carboxyl dimers. Reversible hydrogen‐bond‐to‐hydrogen‐bond transformation between solvent‐bridged carboxyl dimers in HOF‐30 and carboxyl⋅⋅⋅carboxyl dimers in HOF‐30a has been unveiled by single‐crystal and powder X‐ray diffraction. In addition, HOF‐30a enables the selective adsorption of propyne over propylene according to single‐component sorption and breakthrough experiments. The preferred propyne location in HOF has also been identified by SCXRD test.
Modelling the potential distribution of two tropical freshwater fish species under climate change scenarios
Authors: Sauz‐Sánchez Jonathan de Jesús , Rodiles‐Hernández Rocío , Andrade‐Velázquez Mercedes , Mendoza‐Carranza Manuel
Published: September 2021

Climate change is causing shifts in the distribution patterns of freshwater fish at various spatio‐temporal scales. Tropical freshwater fish are vulnerable, especially in areas where a high impact of climate change is predicted; thus, there is an increasing need to predict these shifts to determine conservation and adaptation strategies.

Ecological niche models offer a reliable way to predict the effects of climate change on species distribution. Potential shifts in the distribution of tropical fish were tested under two scenarios (4.5 – moderate and 8.5 – extreme) with three general circulation models for years 2050 and 2070 using maximum entropy software using as models two predatory species – the tropical gar Atractosteus tropicus and the giant cichlid Petenia splendida.

The potential distribution of both species was associated with warm and humid–sub‐humid conditions. Future projections showed a higher availability of suitable areas for both species resulting from the expansion of warmer conditions in the middle and upper basins of the Central American mountain range and centre of the Yucatan Peninsula.

Ecological niche models of keystone or umbrella species such as A. tropicus and P. splendida could be useful to support conservation plans of protected areas. The potential distribution of both species covers areas of high suitability including six important biosphere reserves in Mexico, three protected areas in Guatemala and part of the Mesoamerican biological corridor.

Despite the potential expansion of the present distribution range suggested by the models, it is important to consider the biological and ecological requirements of the species and the ecological implications of these potential shifts in distribution. Both scenarios could have several implications at genetic, population, and ecosystem levels.
A role of peptidoglycan recognition protein in mediating insecticide detoxification in Glyphodes pyloalis
Authors: Jiang De‐Lei , Ding Jian‐Hao , Liu Zhi‐Xiang , Shao Zuo‐Ming , Liang Xin‐Hao , Wang Jun , Wu Fu‐An , Sheng Sheng
Published: September 2021

Glyphodes pyloalis Walker has become one of the most significant mulberry pests, and it has caused serious economic losses in major mulberry growing regions in China. Peptidoglycan recognition proteins (PGRPs) are responsible for initiating and regulating immune signalling pathways in insects. However, their roles responding to chemical pesticides is still less known. This study aimed to investigate the possible detoxication function of GpPGRP‐S2 and GpPGRP‐S3 in G. pyloalis in response to chlorfenapyr and phoxim. The chlorfenapyr and phoxim treatment significantly induced the expression level of GpPGRP‐S3 at 48 h. In addition, the expression levels of GpPGRP‐S2 and GpPGRP‐S3 in the chlorfenapyr/phoxim treatment group were significantly higher in midgut than those in the control group at 48 h. The results of the survival experiment showed that silencing either GpPGRP‐S2 or GpPGRP‐S3 would not influence the survival rate of G. pyloalis which treated with phoxim, however, silencing GpPGRP‐S2 or GpPGRP‐S3 would cause G. pyloalis to be more easily killed by chlorfenapyr. The expression of carboxylesterase GpCXE1 was significantly induced by chlorfenapyr/phoxim treatment, while it was suppressed once silenced GpPGRP‐S2 followed with chlorfenapyr treatment or silenced GpPGRP‐S3 followed with phoxim treatment. These results might suggest that under the chlorfenapyr/phoxim treatment condition, the connection between GpPGRPs and detoxification genes in insect was induced to maintain physiological homeostasis; and these results may further enrich the mechanisms of insects challenged by insecticides.
Effect of Micropores of a Porous Coordination Polymer on the Product Selectivity in RuII Complex‐catalyzed CO2 Reduction
Authors: Kajiwara Takashi , Ikeda Miyuki , Kobayashi Katsuaki , Higuchi Masakazu , Tanaka Koji , Kitagawa Susumu
Published: September 2021

To develop an efficient CO2 reduction catalyst, hybridizing a molecular catalyst and a porous coordination polymer (PCP) is a promising strategy because it can combine both advantages of the precise reactivity control of the former and the CO2 adsorption property of the latter. Although several PCP hybrid catalysts have been reported to date, the CO2 sorption behavior and the CO2 reduction reactivity have been investigated separately, and the CO2 enrichment during the catalysis is still unclear. We report CO2 photoreduction under different temperatures and pressures using a PCP‐RuII complex hybrid catalyst. The product selectivity (CO or HCOOH) varied depending on the reaction conditions. The altered selectivity could be interpreted in terms of the CO2 capture in the micropores of a PCP.
Ferrowax microvalves for fully automated serial dilution on centrifugal microfluidic platforms
Authors: Kim Soohyun , Song Jayeon , Kim RaKyeom , Lee Nae Yoon , Kim Min Hwan , Park Hyun Gyu
Published: September 2021

We herein describe a centrifugal microfluidic system to accomplish a fully automated serial dilution. The liquid flow on the disc was regulated by utilizing ferrowax microvalves systematically integrated into the channels within specially designed metering structures. By opening the differently positioned microvalves through irradiation of IR laser to allow metering, the same amount of diluent was serially eluted to the dilution chamber from the same diluent chamber. After dilution, the diluted samples were automatically delivered to the respective final product chambers by appropriately opening or closing the microvalves in the connecting channels, followed by rotating the disc. Based on this unique design principle, six consecutive two‐fold and 10‐fold dilutions were successfully achieved, yielding excellent accuracy in a wide dynamic range up to six orders of magnitude. Very importantly, the overall serial dilution process, including the diluent addition, mixing, and product transfer steps, was completed very rapidly within 5 min, due to the minimized procedures enabled by the automated actuation of the ferrowax microvalves at the rationally designed positions. We expect our centrifugal microfluidic system would serve as a powerful elemental tool to realize fully automated diagnostic microsystems involving the serial dilution process.
Optimal management of acute decompensated aortic stenosis
Authors: Alkhouli Mohamad , Jneid Hani
Published: September 2021

Key Points

The optimal management of acute decompensated aortic stenosis (AS) remains a clinical conundrum.

Urgent transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is feasible and associated with lower readmissions rates than urgent balloon aortic valvuloplasty.

In contemporary practice, TAVI may be the treatment of choice of patients admitted with acute decompensated AS.
Coronary access after valve‐in‐valve transcatheter aortic valve replacement: Time for a prospective study?
Authors: Tang Gilbert H. L. , Dangas George D.
Published: September 2021

Key Points

Although the durability of heart valves in younger patients remains unknown, those with coronary artery disease will likely progress and require intervention.

The ACURATE‐neo valve has the lowest frame profile among the various devices currently in use or under clinical investigation. A deeper implant in valve‐in‐valve transcatheter implantation did not appear to impact its hemodynamic performance but rather facilitates coronary access.

Future prospective studies should evaluate the concept of transcatheter valve frame‐to‐coronary distance in various transcatheter heart valves devices.
Percutaneous coronary intervention versus coronary artery bypass graft surgery: The battle rages on
Authors: Tarantini Giuseppe , Zuccarelli Vittorio
Published: September 2021

Key Points

In patients with LMCAD revascularized by PCI or CABG, the risk of all‐cause and CV mortality, MI and stroke was not different, but the risk of repeated revascularization was higher in PCI‐group, at long‐term follow‐up.

Since the hard individual endpoint were not different among patients revascularized by PCI or CABG, the decision of the optimal revascularization should be tailored on patient characteristics and not categorically taken.

The impact of improvement in technology DES‐platform, ancillary supporting techniques, such as physiology and coronary imaging, medical therapy, needs to be further investigated in future studies.
Programmed cell death ligand 1 expression in a case of poorly differentiated lymphocyte‐rich hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Omori Ginji , Osuga Takahiro , Miyanishi Koji , Hamaguchi Kota , Tanaka Shingo , Ohnuma Hiroyuki , Murase Kazuyuki , Takada Kohichi , Nagayama Minoru , Kimura Yasutoshi , Takemasa Ichiro , Kikuchi Yasuhiro , Torigoe Toshihiko , Kato Junji
Published: September 2021

Our pathological study of a case of poorly differentiated lymphocyte‐rich hepatocellular carcinoma suggested that immune checkpoint inhibitor may be an effective therapy. The histological type is an important factor in determining treatment choices.
Fast Pyrolysis as a Valorization Mechanism for Banana Rachis and Low‐Density Polyethylene Waste
Authors: Streitwieser Daniela Almeida , Villamil Daniela Oña , Gutierrez Erika , Salazar Sebastián , Mora José R. , Bejarano M. Lorena
Published: September 2021

Banana rachis and low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) were selected as secondary feedstocks for the study of fast pyrolysis in a free‐fall reactor. The experiments were performed at 600 °C for banana rachis and 450 °C for LDPE, based on literature and thermogravimetric analysis. The gaseous products of both feedstocks present similar composition in the C1–C2 compounds, while C3 compounds are only found in LDPE. The liquid products from banana and LDPE correspond to functional groups and shorter hydrocarbons, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analyses of the char showed important morphological changes to spheres in LDPE and structural changes due to thermal decomposition in the biomass. The pyrolysis char has high potential as adsorbent, encapsulation, or catalyst.
A Narrow Bandgap of 2D Ruddlesden‐Popper Bilayer Perovskite with Giant Entropy Change and Photoluminescence
Authors: Zhuang Jia‐chang , Wei Wen‐juan , Song Ning , Tang Yun‐zhi , Tan Yu‐hui , Han Ding‐chong , Li Yu‐kong
Published: September 2021

The multifunctional two‐dimensional (2D) organic‐inorganic hybrid perovskites have potential applications in many fields, such as, semiconductor, energy storage and fluorescent device etc. Here, a 2D Ruddlesden‐Popper (RP) perovskite (IPA)2(FA)Pb2I7 (1, IPA+=C3H9NI+, FA+=CN2H5+) is determined for its photophysical properties. Strikingly, 1 reveals a solid reversible phase transition with Tc of 382 K accompanied by giant entropy change of 40 J mol−1 K−1. Further optical investigations indicate that 1 reveals a narrow direct bandgap (2.024 eV) attributed to the slight bending of I−Pb‐I edge and inorganic [Pb2I7]n layer and a superior photoluminescence (PL) emission with super long lifetime of 0.1607 ms. It is believed that this work will pave an avenue to further design multifunctional semiconductors that combines energy storage and photoelectric materials.
Detection and Differentiation of Liquid and Solid Particles in Ambient Air
Authors: Westphal Danny , Teumer Tobias , Schäfer Thomas , Ahlers Rolf‐Jürgen , Rädle Matthias
Published: September 2021

Aerosols contain liquid and/or solid particles, which can pose a significant risk to humans. In order to detect these potential hazards at an early stage, this paper shows the possibility of measuring aerosols with an adapted particle sensor system (ProxiCube®) and displaying the liquid and solid components separately. To demonstrate the reproducibility of the measurements, samples are monitored simultaneously with two ProxiCubes and a well‐established reference system.
Safety and efficacy of left atrial appendage occlusion with the ACP or Watchman device guided by intracardiac echocardiography from the left atrium
Authors: Pommier Thibaut , Guenancia Charles , Richard Carole , Sagnard Audrey , Fichot Marie , Salignon‐Vernay Clemence , Porot Guillaume , Laurent Gabriel , Lorgis Luc
Published: September 2021

Background

There is a paucity of randomized data regarding the safety and efficacy of the use of intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) from the left atrium (LA) to guide left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) procedures under local anesthesia using either of the available devices.

Hypothesis

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of ICE from the LA with transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) for guidance during transcatheter LAAO procedures.

Methods

Single‐center, cohort study of patients undergoing LAAO with the Amplatzer Cardiac Plug or Watchman device. Procedures were guided by ICE from the LA with local anesthesia (n = 175) or TEE under general anesthesia (n = 49). Efficacy outcomes were procedural success and peri‐device leaks 6 weeks after LAAO. The safety outcome was a composite of procedure‐related complications.

Results

Procedural success was similar between groups: 100% in the TEE‐guided group, and 98% in the ICE‐guided group. Procedure‐related complications such as death, embolism, migration, or major vascular complications occurred similarly between groups (p = 0.590). The rate and degree of peri‐device leaks or presence of a thrombus on the device did not differ between groups on follow‐up CT. Turnover time in the catheter laboratory and use of contrast agent were reduced with ICE.

Conclusions

ICE in the left atrium to guide LAAO procedures appears to be as effective and safe as TEE. There was no increase in procedure‐related complications, whatever the device used. ICE resulted in similar procedural success while decreasing procedure time and requiring only local anesthesia.
The importance of the person/patient/survivor's lived experience across the cancer control continuum
Authors: Bovbjerg Dana H. , Manculich Jessica , Shelby Rebecca A.
Published: September 2021

This editorial calls attention to the importance of renewed interdisciplinary research efforts to investigate the numerous behavioral and biological pathways linking the multifaceted lived experience of the person/patient/survivor to outcomes across the cancer control continuum and explores their potential to support innovative interventions capable of significantly reducing disparities in the public health burden of cancer.
Constitutive tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐deficiency causes a reduction in spine density in mouse dentate granule cells accompanied by homeostatic adaptations of spine head size
Authors: Smilovic Dinko , Rietsche Michael , Drakew Alexander , Vuksic Mario , Deller Thomas
Published: September 2021

The majority of excitatory synapses terminating on cortical neurons are found on dendritic spines. The geometry of spines, in particular the size of the spine head, tightly correlates with the strength of the excitatory synapse formed with the spine. Under conditions of synaptic plasticity, spine geometry may change, reflecting functional adaptations. Since the cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF) has been shown to influence synaptic transmission as well as Hebbian and homeostatic forms of synaptic plasticity, we speculated that TNF‐deficiency may cause concomitant structural changes at the level of dendritic spines. To address this question, we analyzed spine density and spine head area of Alexa568‐filled granule cells in the dentate gyrus of adult C57BL/6J and TNF‐deficient (TNF‐KO) mice. Tissue sections were double‐stained for the actin‐modulating and plasticity‐related protein synaptopodin (SP), a molecular marker for strong and stable spines. Dendritic segments of TNF‐deficient granule cells exhibited ∼20% fewer spines in the outer molecular layer of the dentate gyrus compared to controls, indicating a reduced afferent innervation. Of note, these segments also had larger spines containing larger SP‐clusters. This pattern of changes is strikingly similar to the one seen after denervation‐associated spine loss following experimental entorhinal denervation of granule cells: Denervated granule cells increase the SP‐content and strength of their remaining spines to homeostatically compensate for those that were lost. Our data suggest a similar compensatory mechanism in TNF‐deficient granule cells in response to a reduction in their afferent innervation.
Lip‐closing strength in children is enhanced by lip and facial muscle training
Authors: Nogami Yukiko , Saitoh Issei , Inada Emi , Murakami Daisuke , Iwase Yoko , Kubota Naoko , Nakamura Yuki , Nakakura‐Ohshima Kuniko , Suzuki Ayako , Yamasaki Youichi , Hayasaki Haruaki , Kaihara Yasutaka
Published: September 2021

Objectives

Weakening of lip‐closing strength (LCS) associated with an incompetent lip seal (ILS) may affect the oral balance between the lip and tongue pressures. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of lip‐closing training in children with lower LCS and/or abnormal habits across different age groups and to compare its effects on increasing LCS in children with malocclusion and/or oral habits.

Material and Methods

Lip‐closing training was performed by 154 Japanese children aged 3–12 years using a specialized training device at home for 3 months. Children with oral habits and/or exhibiting less than standard LCS were included. LCS was measured using a digital strain force gauge at a dental clinic at the beginning (T0) and after each month (after 3 months: T3).

Results

Children had higher LCS responses after lip‐closing training. The first month of lip‐closing training was more effective than the subsequent months. With lip‐closing training, the LCS increased from an average of 6.2 N (T0) to 11.4 N (T3) in Group I, 7.9 N (T0) to 12.8 N (T3) in Group II, and 6.8 N to 11.4 N in Group III. Anterior cross bite, including reverse bite, open bite, and tongue thrusting, significantly reduced training effects.

Conclusion

Our findings showed that lower LCS in children with ILS resulted in greater responses to lip‐closing training in a short period, but oral dysfunction, such as abnormal habits, inhibited the positive effects of training. Our results suggest that less detrimental effects of malocclusion and abnormal oral habits lip‐closing training enhances LCS in younger children.
Mesoporous WCx Films with NiO‐Protected Surface: Highly Active Electrocatalysts for the Alkaline Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Frisch Marvin , Ye Meng‐Yang , Hamid Raza Muhammad , Arinchtein Aleks , Bernsmeier Denis , Gomer Anna , Bredow Thomas , Pinna Nicola , Kraehnert Ralph
Published: September 2021

Metal carbides are promising materials for electrocatalytic reactions such as water electrolysis. However, for application in catalysis for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), protection against oxidative corrosion, a high surface area with facile electrolyte access, and control over the exposed active surface sites are highly desirable. This study concerns a new method for the synthesis of porous tungsten carbide films with template‐controlled porosity that are surface‐modified with thin layers of nickel oxide (NiO) to obtain active and stable OER catalysts. The method relies on the synthesis of soft‐templated mesoporous tungsten oxide (mp. WOx) films, a pseudomorphic transformation into mesoporous tungsten carbide (mp. WCx), and a subsequent shape‐conformal deposition of finely dispersed NiO species by atomic layer deposition (ALD). As theoretically predicted by density functional theory (DFT) calculations, the highly conductive carbide support promotes the conversion of Ni2+ into Ni3+, leading to remarkably improved utilization of OER‐active sites in alkaline medium. The obtained Ni mass‐specific activity is about 280 times that of mesoporous NiOx (mp. NiOx) films. The NiO‐coated WCx catalyst achieves an outstanding mass‐specific activity of 1989 A gNi−1 in a rotating‐disc electrode (RDE) setup at 25 °C using 0.1 m KOH as the electrolyte.