bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antigens of Three Medically Important Schistosoma spp
Authors: Suleiman J. , T. Isyaku N. , E. Ukatu V. , Alhaji Y. I.
Published: July 2022

The present study was carryout to review the antigens of three (3) medically important Schistosomes namely: Schistosoma mansoni, S. haematobium, and S. japonicum. The parasites-host relationship, the antigens, the species that produce the antigens, and the functions of the antigens were discussed.  Identified antigens include: Sm-24 kDa, Sm108 kDa, Polymorphic mucins, 28/30 kDa Protease, 47 kDa protease, 60 kDa protease, Cercarial Elastase (CE) also called 28/30 kDa, Cathepsin, 22.6 kDa, 23 kDa, 16 kDa/SLP/SPO-1, Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), SmEnolase, SmCalp1, 28-kD GST (rSh28GST), 29-kDa, Calpain (Sp80) and SG3PDH. The above mention antigens of the parasites were found to be much important since they enable them to compete with body immunity while carrying out their metabolic activities, reproduction, growth, defense, resistance, and so many other things within the host.  Therefore, these antigens are very important in immunological studies; hence, it was recommended that, Since some parasite antigens were found to be promising candidates for developing a vaccine to protect against Schistosoma infection, more parasite antigens should be searched for the best planning and development of numerous strategies that aid in the prevention and control of schistosomiasis.
Impact Assessment of Different Level of Mycorrhiza on the Growth Parameters and Nutrient Content of Capsicum annum
Authors: Sarita . , Chugh Rakesh Kumar , Mehta Satish , Yadav Narender Singh , Raj Kushal
Published: July 2022

Soil microbes play an important role in the biogeochemical cycling of nutrients and their availability to plants, which is important for sustaining soil health and agricultural sustainability. In light of this, vesicular arbuscular mycorrhiza (VAM) plays an important function. Hyphae of VAM can reach far beyond the plant root zone, allowing it to obtain nutrients from a considerably larger region of soil. Mycorrhiza improves plant nutrition by facilitating the uptake of minerals such as phosphorus and immobile trace elements such as zinc, cobalt, magnesium, iron, copper, molybdenum, and others. Mycorrhiza improves plant growth, productivity and yield by increasing the rate of photosynthesis. In the present study Glomus fasciculatum was tested on Capsicum annum plant with different inoculum levels (100, 150, 200 and 400 chlamydospores/kg soil) and found that Plant height, Root length, Dry weight of root and shoot, NPK content, per cent mycorrhizal colonization and sporocarp number were maximum when 400 spores were used for inoculation and minimum were found in untreated plants. SPAD chlorophyll content was highest at 90 DAT among all the observation periods.
Evaluation of Some Hepato- Renal Biochemical Parameters in Typhoid Fever Patients in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State Nigeria
Authors: Martin Wankasi, Mieebi , Simeon George, Gborienemi , Waibode Alabrah, Peter , Solomon Agoro, Eni-yimini
Published: July 2022

Introduction: Typhoid fever infection is one of the most prevalent diseases in developing countries. It is caused by Salmonella species and can affect multiple organs in the body if left untreated. The purpose of this study was to determine the biochemical patterns of renal and liver biochemical parameters in patients admitted with typhoid fever.

Methodology: A total of 100 subjects were recruited for the study, with 50 typhoid-positive patients and 50 typhoid-negative individuals serving as controls. Blood samples collected from the subjects were analyzed for Salmonella Typhi titre, sodium (Na), potassium (K), chloride (Cl), urea, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) using WHO-approved methods. The data obtained were statistically evaluated in SPSS version 22.

Results: The comparison between the positive and negative titres of Salmonella Typhi showed a significant increase in concentrations of creatinine and AST in the positive titres, whereas sodium decreased.

Conclusion: This result suggests that patients with high titers of Salmonella Typhi are more susceptible to hepatocellular injury, muscle wasting, and hyponatremia. Therefore, liver and kidney function tests should be essential clinical tests for the management of typhoid fever.
In silico and in vivo Biological Evaluation of Chenopodium quinoa on Scopolamine Induced Memory Impairment in Mice
Authors: Raju M. Ganga , Mondal Triyasha , Reddy N. V. L. V. Suvarchala , Khan Imran
Published: July 2022

Aims: The present research is focused on screening in vivo and insilico anti- amnesic activity of the ethanolic extract of seeds of Chenopodium quinoa. To establish the exact the mechanism of action, the phytochemical constituents of the extract were subjected to in silico studies using schrodinger and pass software.

Methodology: The powdered material of seeds of Chenopodium quinoa were dried and extracted with ethanol by soxhlation technique. In vivo evaluation of anti- amnesic activity of the ethanolic extract of seeds of Chenopodium quinoa was carried using Transfer latency by Elevated plus maze, Novel object recognition test and Passive avoidance time by cook’s pole climbing apparatus. The major phytoconstituents were subjected to molecular docking using PDB ID: 1EVE, 6N33, 2FV5 and 6W2X. Prediction studies for biological activities, adverse effects, direct and possible targets and using PASS (Predictions of activity spectra for substances) online software.

Results: The extract was administered at doses (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg) showed significant anti- amnesic activity. The prolongation of the transfer latency time (secs) in the elevated plus-maze test is as an indicator for impairment of learning and memory. In Novel objective recognition test the time of memorizing the familiar object with that of the novel object and time taken for each animal to recognize the novel object compare to familiar object is noted. The results revealed that Quercetin, Beta sitosterol, Kaempferol, Dimethyl sulphide, Myristic acid, Palmitic acid, Stigmasterol, Lenolenic acid, Pentadecanoic acid, Tocopherols, Arachidonic acid and standard Donepezil have got highest glide scores against PDB ID: 1EVE, 6N33, 2FV5 and 6W2X. The ADME results revealed the higher oral bioavailability. The major phytoconstituents were subjected to prediction studies for biological activities, adverse effects, direct and possible targets and using PASS (Predictions of activity spectra for substances) online software.

Conclusion: From in vivo and in silico results it is evident that ethanolic extract seeds of Chenopodium quinoa possessed significant anti- amnesic activity.
The Rise and Potential of Physician Unions
Authors: Bowling Daniel , Richman Barak D. , Schulman Kevin A.
Published: July 2022

This Viewpoint discusses the potential increase in physician unions as a way to deal with conflicts between large hospital systems and physicians, as well as how such unions may be able to provide individual employment benefits but have limited impact on higher governance concerns.
Aspirin and the USPSTF—What About Cancer?
Authors: Chan Andrew T.
Published: July 2022

This Viewpoint discusses the potential misinterpretations in the 2022 US Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement on the use of aspirin for the prevention of colorectal cancer.
Association Between Myopic Refractive Error and Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma
Authors: Choquet Hélène , Khawaja Anthony P. , Jiang Chen , Yin Jie , Melles Ronald B. , Glymour M. Maria , Hysi Pirro G. , Jorgenson Eric
Published: July 2022

Importance

Refractive error (RE) is the most common form of visual impairment, and myopic RE is associated with an increased risk of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Whether this association represents a causal role of RE in the etiology of POAG remains unknown.

Objective

To evaluate shared genetic influences and investigate the association of myopic RE with the risk for POAG.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Observational analyses were used to evaluate the association between mean spherical equivalent (MSE) RE (continuous trait) or myopia (binary trait) and POAG risk in individuals from the Genetic Epidemiology Research on Adult Health and Aging (GERA) cohort. To quantify genetic overlap, genome-wide genetic correlation analyses were performed using genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of MSE RE or myopia and POAG from GERA. Potential causal effects were assessed between MSE RE and POAG using 2-sample Mendelian randomization. Genetic variants associated with MSE RE were derived using GWAS summary statistics from a GWAS of RE conducted in 102 117 UK Biobank participants. For POAG, we used GWAS summary statistics from our previous GWAS (3836 POAG cases and 48 065 controls from GERA). Data analyses occurred between July 2020 and October 2021.

Main Outcomes and Measure

Our main outcome was POAG risk as odds ratio (OR) caused by per-unit difference in MSE RE (in diopters).

Results

Our observational analyses included data for 54 755 non-Hispanic White individuals (31 926 [58%] females and 22 829 [42%] males). Among 4047 individuals with POAG, mean (SD) age was 73.64 (9.20) years; mean (SD) age of the 50 708 controls was 65.38 (12.24) years. Individuals with POAG had a lower refractive MSE and were more likely to have myopia or high myopia compared with the control participants (40.2% vs 34.1%, P = 1.31 × 10−11 for myopia; 8.5% vs 6.8%, P = .004 for high myopia). Our genetic correlation analyses demonstrated that POAG was genetically correlated with MSE RE (rg, −0.24; SE, 0.06; P = 3.90 × 10−5), myopia (rg, 0.21; SE, 0.07; P = .004), and high myopia (rg, 0.23; SE, 0.09; P = .01). Genetically assessed refractive MSE was negatively associated with POAG risk (inverse-variance weighted model: OR per diopter more hyperopic MSE = 0.94; 95% CI, 0.89-0.99; P = .01).

Conclusions and Relevance

These findings demonstrate a shared genetic basis and an association between myopic RE and POAG risk. This may support population POAG risk stratification and screening strategies, based on RE information.
Do Patients With Intersectional Disadvantage Have Poorer Outcomes From Osteoarthritis Management Programs? A Tapered Balancing Study of Patient Outcomes From the Good Life With Osteoarthritis in Denmark Program
Authors: Peat George , Yu Dahai , Grønne Dorte T. , Marshall Michelle , Skou Soren T. , Roos Ewa M.
Published: July 2022

Objective

To investigate whether adults with potential multiple social disadvantage have poorer outcomes following attendance in an osteoarthritis (OA) management program (OAMP), and if so, what might determine this result.

Methods

Among consecutive knee OA attendees of the Good Life With Osteoarthritis in Denmark (GLA:D) OAMP in Denmark we defined a group with potential “intersectional disadvantage” based on self‐reported educational attainment, country of birth, and citizenship. Outcomes of this group were compared with GLA:D participants who were native Danish citizens with higher educational attainment. Outcomes were pain intensity, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) quality of life subscale score, and the EuroQol 5‐domain instrument in 5 levels (EQ‐5D‐5L) score at 3 and 12 months. After data preprocessing, we used entropy balancing to sequentially control for differences between the groups in baseline covariates. Mean between‐group differences in outcomes were estimated by weighted linear regression.

Results

Of 18,448 eligible participants, 250 (1.4%) were nonnative/foreign citizens with lower education. After balancing for differences in baseline score and in administrative and demographic characteristics, they had poorer outcomes than higher‐educated native Danish citizens on pain intensity and EQ‐5D‐5L score at both follow‐up points (e.g., between‐group mean differences in pain visual analog scale [0–100] at 3 and 12 months: 3.4 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) –0.5, 7.3] and 6.2 [95% CI 1.7, 10.7], respectively). Differences in KOOS quality of life subscale score, were smaller or absent. Balancing for differences on baseline score, comorbidity, self‐efficacy, and depression had the greatest effect on reducing observed outcome inequalities.

Conclusion

Outcome inequalities widened following OAMP attendance, particularly at longer‐term follow‐up, but the magnitude of differences was generally modest and inconsistent across outcome measures. Tailoring content to reduce outcome inequalities may be indicated, but improving access appears the greater priority.
Engineering the NiNC Catalyst Microenvironment Enabling CO2 Electroreduction with Nearly 100% CO Selectivity in Acid
Authors: Sheng Xuedi , Ge Wangxing , Jiang Hongliang , Li Chunzhong
Published: July 2022

CO2 electrolysis in acid has emerged as a promising route to achieve high CO2 utilization due to the inhibition of undesired carbonate formation that generally occurs in alkaline or neutral conditions. However, the efficiency and stability of this system need to be further improved through tailoring of the electrocatalyst and its working environment. Here, a working microenvironment of structurally engineered NiNC catalyst for acidic CO2 electrolysis is probed and optimized by adding hydrophobic poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) nanoparticles in the catalytic layer of gas‐diffusion electrodes. The PTFE‐modified electrode delivers nearly 100% CO Faradaic efficiency at an industry‐relevant current density of 250 mA cm−2, and a high single‐pass CO2 utilization of 75.7% at a current density of 200 mA cm−2 under 20 sccm CO2 gas flow rate. Moreover, compared to a conventional electrode without added PTFE, the PTFE‐modified electrode exhibits a substantially enhanced water‐flooding‐resistant ability. Mechanistic investigations reveal that a moderate PTFE modification can optimize the local CO2/H2O ratio in the catalytic layer, favoring the reduction of the diffusion layer thickness and the formation of a highly active and stable solid–liquid–gas interfacial microenvironment.
Synergizing Hydrogen Spillover and Deprotonation by the Internal Polarization Field in a MoS2/NiPS3 Vertical Heterostructure for Boosted Water Electrolysis
Authors: Liu Yaoda , Chen Ya , Tian Yahui , Sakthivel Thangavel , Liu Hang , Guo Shengwu , Zeng Haibo , Dai Zhengfei
Published: July 2022

Hydrogen spillover (HSo) has emerged to upgrade the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity of Pt‐support electrocatalysts, but it is not applicable to the deprotonated oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Non‐precious catalysts that can perform well in both HSo and deprotonation (DeP) are extremely desirable for a sustainable hydrogen economy. Herein, an affordable MoS2/NiPS3 vertical heterostructure catalyst is presented to synergize HSo and DeP for efficient water electrolysis. The internal polarization field (IPF) is clarified as the driving force of HSo in HER electrocatalysis. The HSo from the MoS2 edge to NiPS3 can activate the NiPS3 basal plane to boost the HER activity of the MoS2/NiPS3 heterostructure (112 mV vs reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) at 10 mA cm–2), while for OER, the IPF in the heterostructure can facilitate the hydroxyl diffusion and render MoS2‐to‐NiPS3/P‐to‐S dual‐pathways for DeP. As a result, the stacking of OER‐inactive MoS2 on the NiPS3 surface still brings intriguing OER enhancements. With them serving as electrode couples, the overall water splitting is attested stably with a cell voltage of 1.64 V at 10 mA cm−2. This research puts forward the IPF as the criterion in the rational design of HSo/DeP‐unified non‐precious catalysts for efficient water electrolysis.
An Ultrahigh Rate and Stable Zinc Anode by Facet‐Matching‐Induced Dendrite Regulation
Authors: Yi Zhehan , Liu Jiaxin , Tan Shandong , Sang Zhiyuan , Mao Jing , Yin Lichang , Liu Xiaoguang , Wang Liqun , Hou Feng , Dou Shi Xue , Cheng Hui‐Ming , Liang Ji
Published: July 2022

Resource‐abundant metal (e.g., zinc) batteries feature intrinsic advantages of safety and sustainability. Their practical feasibility, however, is impeded by the poor reversibility of metal anodes, typically caused by the uncontrollable dendrite enlargement. Significant effort is exerted to completely prevent dendrites from forming, but this seems less effective at high current densities. Herein, this work presents an alternative dendrite regulation strategy of forming tiny, homogeneously distributed, and identical zinc dendrites by facet matching, which effectively avoids undesirable dendrite enlargement. Confirmed by multiscale theoretical screening and characterization, the regularly exposed Cu(111) facets at the ridges of a copper nanowire are capable of such dendrite regulation by forming a low‐mismatched Zn(002)/Cu(111) interface. Consequently, reversible zinc electroplating/stripping is achieved at an unprecedentedly high rate of 100 mA cm−2 for over 30 000 cycles, corresponding to an accumulative areal capacity up to 30 Ah cm−2. A full cell using this anode shows a high capacity of 308.3 mAh g−1 and a high capacity retention of 91.4% after 800 cycles. This strategy is also viable for magnesium and aluminum anodes, thus opening up a promising and universal avenue toward long‐life and high‐rate metal anodes.
Intrinsic Contribution of Mass Transport within Nanoscale Channels of Nanoporous Gold for CO2 Electrochemical Reduction
Authors: Yu Tianshui , Zhou Xiangji , Chen Yu , Chen Jin , Yuan Songliu , Qian Lihua , Lu Xianglong , Liu Pan , Lei Pengxiang , Li Xiuhong
Published: July 2022

Electrochemical reduction enables the conversion of CO2 into fuel in favor of its global circulation. Nanoporous metals with interconnected and unique skeletons contain large amounts of active sites for effective catalysis, while reaction dynamics are usually stuck by mass transport limited by nanoscale channels. In this work, nanoporous gold (NPG) with different pore sizes is utilized to evaluate the intrinsic behavior of mass transport within nanoscale channels. By defining one comprehensive parameter to exclude the effect of crystalline facets, the intrinsic contribution of mass transport within nanoscale channels to catalytic activity is experimentally identified. Identical correlations between pore size and specific current density are observed in two kinds of NPG that contain crystalline facets with obviously different fractions and comparable fractions. Therefore, the specific current density of CO production monotonously increases with pore size, with a subsequent saturation in both NPG. The critical size of 46 nm correlating with mass transport within nanoscale channels offers one fundamental principle to design hierarchically porous catalysts with high electrochemical activity in the future.
Rhodium‐Catalyzed Transannulation of N‐Sulfonyl‐1,2,3‐triazoles with Carboxylic Esters
Authors: Kaieda Yuya , Yamamoto Kosuke , Kuriyama Masami , Onomura Osamu
Published: July 2022

A rhodium‐catalyzed transannulation of N‐sulfonyl‐1,2,3‐triazoles with carboxylic esters followed by acid‐mediated aromatization has been developed, affording a variety of 2,5‐disubstituted oxazole derivatives in good to high yields under mild reaction conditions. The present transformation is proposed to involve the intermolecular carbonyl ylide formation between in situ generated α‐imino rhodium carbene species and carboxylic esters, which undergoes the nucleophilic attack of the neighboring α‐imino moiety.

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Railway Track Vibration Analysis and Intelligent Recognition of Fastener Defects
Authors: Yin Xianxian , Wei Xiukun , Zheng Haichao
Published: July 2022

The rail fastener is an indispensable component used to connect the rail and sleepers in the track structure. Real‐time recognition of the fastener defects plays a vital role in ensuring the safe and stable operation of rail transit. In this paper, an intelligent and innovative method is proposed to detect the fastener defects including the invisible defects appearing as bolt loosening and the visible defects such as the worn or completely missing fasteners by using axle‐box vibration acceleration and deep learning network. First, the dynamical relation between the fastener defects and the axle‐box vibration acceleration is investigated by using the first principle and the vehicle–track dynamical model. Then a defects recognition network is built based on the deep convolution neural network for track fasteners by using the frequency spectrum images of the axle‐box vibration. The results show that the proposed method achieves a classification accuracy of 98.27%. Finally, the track section where the fasteners are most likely to be damaged is investigated, and rail corrugation is found to be a key factor that causes fastener fatigue.
Protein Scaffold‐Based Multimerization of Soluble ACE2 Efficiently Blocks SARS‐CoV‐2 Infection In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Kayabolen Alisan , Akcan Ugur , Özturan Doğancan , Ulbegi‐Polat Hivda , Sahin Gizem Nur , Pinarbasi‐Degirmenci Nareg , Bayraktar Canan , Soyler Gizem , Sarayloo Ehsan , Nurtop Elif , Ozer Berna , Guney‐Esken Gulen , Barlas Tayfun , Yildirim Ismail Selim , Dogan Ozlem , Karahuseyinoglu Sercin , Lack Nathan A. , Kaya Mehmet , Albayrak Cem , Can Fusun , Solaroglu Ihsan , Bagci‐Onder Tugba
Published: July 2022

Soluble ACE2 (sACE2) decoys are promising agents to inhibit SARS‐CoV‐2, as their efficiency is unlikely to be affected by escape mutations. However, their success is limited by their relatively poor potency. To address this challenge, multimeric sACE2 consisting of SunTag or MoonTag systems is developed. These systems are extremely effective in neutralizing SARS‐CoV‐2 in pseudoviral systems and in clinical isolates, perform better than the dimeric or trimeric sACE2, and exhibit greater than 100‐fold neutralization efficiency, compared to monomeric sACE2. SunTag or MoonTag fused to a more potent sACE2 (v1) achieves a sub‐nanomolar IC50, comparable with clinical monoclonal antibodies. Pseudoviruses bearing mutations for variants of concern, including delta and omicron, are also neutralized efficiently with multimeric sACE2. Finally, therapeutic treatment of sACE2(v1)‐MoonTag provides protection against SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in an in vivo mouse model. Therefore, highly potent multimeric sACE2 may offer a promising treatment approach against SARS‐CoV‐2 infections.
Recent Advances in the Lithium Recovery from Water Resources: From Passive to Electrochemical Methods
Authors: Baudino Luisa , Santos Cleis , Pirri Candido F. , La Mantia Fabio , Lamberti Andrea
Published: July 2022

The ever‐increasing amount of batteries used in today's society has led to an increase in the demand of lithium in the last few decades. While mining resources of this element have been steadily exploited and are rapidly depleting, water resources constitute an interesting reservoir just out of reach of current technologies. Several techniques are being explored and novel materials engineered. While evaporation is very time‐consuming and has large footprints, ion sieves and supramolecular systems can be suitably tailored and even integrated into membrane and electrochemical techniques. This review gives a comprehensive overview of the available solutions to recover lithium from water resources both by passive and electrically enhanced techniques. Accordingly, this work aims to provide in a single document a rational comparison of outstanding strategies to remove lithium from aqueous sources. To this end, practical figures of merit of both main groups of techniques are provided. An absence of a common experimental protocol and the resulting variability of data and experimental methods are identified. The need for a shared methodology and a common agreement to report performance metrics are underlined.
Carbothermal Shock Synthesis of High Entropy Oxide Catalysts: Dynamic Structural and Chemical Reconstruction Boosting the Catalytic Activity and Stability toward Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Abdelhafiz Ali , Wang Baoming , Harutyunyan Avetik R. , Li Ju
Published: July 2022

Mixed transition‐metals (TM) based catalysts have shown huge promise for water splitting. Conventional synthesis of nanomaterials is strongly constrained by room‐temperature equilibria and Ostwald ripening. Ultra‐fast temperature cycling enables the synthesis of metastable metallic phases of high entropy alloy nanoparticles, which later transform to oxide/hydroxide nanoparticles upon use in aqueous electrolytes. Herein, an in situ synthesis of non‐noble metal high entropy oxide (HEO) catalysts on carbon fibers by rapid Joule heating and quenching is reported. Different compositions of ternary to senary (FeNiCoCrMnV) HEO nanoparticles show higher activity towards catalyzing the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) compared to a noble metal IrO2 catalyst. The synthesized HEO also show two orders of magnitude higher stability than IrO2, due to stronger carbide‐mediated intimacy with the substrate, activated through the OER process. Alloying elements Cr, Mn and V affect OER activity by promoting different oxidation states of the catalytically active TM (Fe, Ni and Co). Dissolution of less stable elements (Mn, V and Cr) leads to enhancements of OER activity. Dynamic structural and chemical perturbations of HEO oxide nanoparticles activate under OER conditions, leading to enlargement in ECSA by forming mixed single atom catalysts and ultra‐fine oxyhydroxide nanoparticles HEOs.
Rapid in situ nondestructive evaluation of lodging risk in dryland agronomic wheat research
Authors: Mangin Amy , Heuschele Jo , Brûlé‐Babel Anita , Flaten Don , Wiersma Jochum , Lawley Yvonne
Published: July 2022

The natural occurrence of lodging in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in small‐plot research aiming to record visual ratings is unpredictable highly dependent on environmental conditions, and does not differentiate between root and shoot lodging. Detailed plant characteristics can be used to indicate lodging risk; however, such measurements are destructive and time‐consuming for projects that are not focused solely on evaluating lodging. The Stalker, a push force meter, can be used nondestructively to rapidly indicate stem strength and elasticity, which may be useful for measuring lodging risk in small‐plot research to indicate both root and shoot lodging. The objective of this study was to evaluate the ability of the Stalker to detect agronomic management practices that are known to reduce lodging risk (reduced plant density, split nitrogen applications, and plant growth regulator applications). Stalk strength (resisting force) and elasticity (spike displacement, energy, and power) measurements were taken at anthesis and physiological maturity in a small‐plot agronomic research trial. The Stalker was able to identify practices with high and low lodging risk. Lower plant density led to increased stem strength (measured by resisting force) and stem flexibility (measured by spike displacement) compared with high plant densities, indicating a decreased risk of both stem and root lodging when low plant densities were used. Overall, the Stalker is a new tool for rapid and nondestructive measurements of lodging risk in small‐plot agronomic research trials and can indicate both stem and root lodging risk by measuring indicators of both stem strength and elasticity.
The intersection of immigration policy impacts and COVID‐19 for Latinx young adults
Authors: Valdez Carmen R. , Walsdorf Ashley A. , Wagner Kevin M. , Salgado de Snyder V. Nelly , Garcia Deliana , Villatoro Alice P.
Published: July 2022

For many Latinx young adults, COVID‐19 has exposed exclusionary policies that heighten risk for contracting the virus and that leave them and their parents unprotected. This study has a dual purpose; first, to quantitatively examine immigration policy impacts of discrimination, isolation, threats to family, and vulnerability, and their association to economic consequences experienced by Latinx young adults in Central Texas during the initial months of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Second, to qualitatively explore how policy impacts affected Latinx young adults during the pandemic, and the coping mechanisms they utilized to minimize these impacts. Quantitative results show that on average, Latinx young adults (N = 83) reported low discrimination and isolation but moderate threats to family and vulnerability, with rates of isolation and vulnerability higher for foreign‐born than U.S.‐born Latinx young adults. Perceived discrimination due to one's own or family immigration status was associated with economic hardship. Qualitative findings show that Latinx young adults (n = 21) experienced (a) precarious conditions that pose a threat of COVID‐19 infection for Latinxs, (b) parental job loss due to vulnerable employment leads to deprivation, and (c) policies that disproportionally discriminate against the Latinx community and exclude them from vital services. Despite these challenges, participants also drew on resilience and expressed hope for the future. The article concludes with implications for policymakers and practitioners to provide protections and services to Latinx young adults and their family members.
Tuning arylation of gold nanoparticles for the electrocatalyzed oxidation of ethanol
Authors: Aghajani Atieh , Santoni Marie‐Pierre , Mirzaei Peyman , Mohamed Ahmed A. , Chehimi Mohamed M. , Jouini Mohamed
Published: July 2022

Alcohol oxidation is important for food industry and pharmaceuticals to name but a few. In this regard, precious metals such as gold operate in various shapes and sizes as effective catalysts for the oxidation of alcohols. In this work, 20‐nm‐sized gold nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized and modified with either 4‐carboxybenzenediazonium tetrafluoroborate (AB) (single‐salt catalyst) or a mixture of the latter with 3,5‐dimethylbenzenediazonium tetrafluoroborate (AB‐DMB, double‐salt catalyst). The relative concentrations of the diazonium salts were tuned in order to maintain the electrocatalytic property of the arylated gold NPs in the electro‐oxidation of ethanol. The physicochemical properties (size, aryl layer thickness, and composition) and electrocatalytic performances of the capped gold NPs (in single‐ and double‐salt catalyst systems) were investigated by means of TEM, XPS, UV–visible, TGA/DTA, and electrochemistry. The aryl capping layer thickness is below 1 nm when the total salt concentration was 5 × 10−5 M, without any significant loss of current compared with pure gold NPs. For 1 μl of pristine or arylated Au NPs, coated on 0.07 cm2 glassy carbon electrode disk, we achieved a low oxidation potential of 200 mV and high current ethanol oxidation peak intensity leveling off at ~80 μA for the single diazonium arylation. It is demonstrated that dilution of the carboxylic acid‐functionalized diazonium is more important than mixing this compound with 3,5‐dimethylbenzenediazonium salt at equal total concentration. The dual arylation strategy induced lower ethanol oxidation intensity likely due to hydrophic effect imparted by the 3,5‐dimethylphenyl groups, thus hindering access of ethanol to the nanocatalyst surface. This work demonstrates that arylated gold NPs are unique nanocatalysts for ethanol oxidation reaction, with remarkable performances. This electrocatalytic performance of the NPs was maintained through the use of finely tuned aryl capping layer. The strategy opens avenues for other arylated electrocatalysts and uses thereof.
Part‐per‐million catalysis of azide‐alkyne cycloaddition reaction in water using a new ferromagnetic μ1,1‐N3 bridged dinuclear Cu(II) complex
Authors: Mirdarvatan Vahid , Bahramian Bahram , Dehno Khalaji Aliakbar , Bakherad Mohammad , Charles Catherine , Gómez-García Carlos J. , Rezaeifard Amin , Triki Smail
Published: July 2022

An original copper(II) dimeric compound formulated as [Cu2(μ1,1‐N3)2L2(N3)2].2CHCl3 (1), with L = 2,6‐pyridinedicarboxaldehydebis(p‐iodophenyl‐imine), has been synthesized and characterized. Single crystal X‐ray structural characterization revealed that this complex displays a centrosymmetric dinuclear structure in which the two Cu(II) centers are connected by double symmetric μ1,1 (end‐on, EO) azido bridges, generating distorted octahedral CuN6 coordination geometry. Magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate a ferromagnetic Cu···Cu coupling with J = 26.7 cm−1 (J being the parameter of the exchange Hamiltonian H = −2JS1S2). The catalytic properties of complex 1 have been evaluated in the one‐pot azide‐alkyne cycloaddition reaction in water without any additional reducing agents or bases. As expected, the absence of any catalyst did not lead to product formation, whereas when complex 1 was introduced as catalyst, the reaction led to the desired product with different chemical yields (10–98%), for which the highest one (98%) corresponds to the reaction performed in the presence of 125 ppm of 1 in water at 90 C. These optimized parameters have been then taken into account to extend the initial reaction based on benzyl chloride and simple alkyne to different substituted benzyl chloride and alkyne molecules.
Multilayer solution‐processed phosphorescent organic light‐emitting diodes based on a crosslinkable and solvent‐resistant hole transport material
Authors: Tang Yuan‐Ju , Xie Li‐Ming , Yang Yin‐Chao , Su Wen‐Ming
Published: July 2022

Phosphorescent organic light‐emitting diodes (PhOLEDs) with multiple functional layers are favorable for high device performance. However, due to the erosion between functional layers, it is still a great challenge to prepare multilayer devices with a low‐cost solution process. In this manuscript, 4,4′‐bis (4‐vinylphenyl) triphenylamine (VBTPA) can be in‐situ polymerized as the thermally crosslinkable hole transport layer and successfully applied to solution‐processed green light PhOLEDs by spin‐coating method. It had the styryl groups as the thermally crosslinking position and can be crosslinked at 175°C with short crosslinking time (20 min). The high thermal stability (446.0°C), good photoelectric property and excellent solvent resistance and so forth, made the crosslinked VBTPA achieve a good device performance in solution‐processed PhOLEDs. The turn‐on voltage was 6.1 V, the maximum luminance was 8271 cd m−2 and the maximum current efficiency was 12.4 cd A−1. It indicated that the hole transport material with styryl groups as the thermally crosslinking position can be crosslinked under lower temperature (<200°C) for shorter time and applied to the preparation of multilayer solution‐processed stacked PhOLEDs.
Atmospheric pressureplasma‐jettreatment of polyacrylonitrile‐nonwovens—Stabilization androll‐to‐rollprocessing
Authors: Hoffmann Andreas , Rohrbach Felix , Uhl Matthias , Ceblin Maximilian , Bauer Thomas , Mallah Marcel , Jacob Timo , Heuermann Holger , Kuehne Alexander J. C.
Published: July 2022

Carbon nanofiber nonwovens represent a powerful class of materials with prospective application in filtration technology or as electrodes with high surface area in batteries, fuel cells, and supercapacitors. While new precursor‐to‐carbon conversion processes have been explored to overcome productivity restrictions for carbon fiber tows, alternatives for the two‐step thermal conversion of polyacrylonitrile precursors into carbon fiber nonwovens are absent. In this work, we develop a continuous roll‐to‐roll stabilization process using an atmospheric pressure microwave plasma jet. We explore the influence of various plasma‐jet parameters on the morphology of the nonwoven and compare the stabilized nonwoven to thermally stabilized samples using scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and infrared spectroscopy. We show that stabilization with a non‐equilibrium plasma‐jet can be twice as productive as the conventional thermal stabilization in a convection furnace, while producing electrodes of comparable electrochemical performance.
One‐step synthesis of composite materials based on polytetrafluoroethylene microgranules and Co@Fe2O3‐FeF2 nanoparticles
Authors: Yurkov Gleb Yu. , Kozinkin Alexander V. , Shvachko Oleg V. , Kubrin Stanislav P. , Ovchenkov Evgeny A. , Korobov Maxim S. , Kirillov Vladislav E. , Osipkov Alexey S. , Makeev Mstislav O. , Ryzhenko Dmitry S. , Solodilov Vitaly I. , Burakova Elena A. , Bouznik Vyacheslav M.
Published: July 2022

This paper investigates the structure and magnetic characteristics of Co@Fe2O3‐FeF2 nanoparticles localized on the surface of polytetrafluoroethylene microgranules. It is the first time that nanocomposite materials of this composition were obtained. The average size of the nanoparticles was established by transmission electron microscopy and amounted to 10.9 nm. According to the data of energy dispersive analysis, Mössbauer spectroscopy, X‐ray emission spectroscopy, and EXAFS, it was found that the particles consist of a metallic cobalt core surrounded by a surface shell of Fe2O3 and FeF2, due to the oxidation of surface iron atoms and their interaction with the polymer matrix, respectively. The studies of magnetic properties showed that the material has blocking temperature of 200 K and residual magnetization in the temperature range from 4.2 to 300 K.
Changes in molecular mobility of sorbitol plasticized starch during aging
Authors: Fričová Ol'ga , Hutníková Mária
Published: July 2022

Thermoplastic corn starch with 0.4 parts by weight of sorbitol plasticizer was studied using dynamic‐mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) and hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) to assess the changes in molecular mobility during a period of 26 weeks of storage. Motional heterogeneity of this thermoplastic starch (TPS) was found even after a short aging time by means of DMTA. Besides the glass transition processes in starch‐rich and plasticizer‐rich domains, other relaxation processes appear in TPS samples aged for a longer time. Sorbitol release and/or some moisture uptake was observed in 1H NMR spectra of long‐aged samples. After the whole monitored aging period, sample surfaces were covered with white powder due to sorbitol leakage from the TPS structure.
Harnessing aquatic plant growth forms to apply European nutrient‐enrichment bioindicators to Canadian waters
Authors: Tyrrell Christopher D. , Chambers Patricia A. , Culp Joseph M.
Published: July 2022

Premise

Aquatic macrophyte species abundance and nutrient affinity are used in metrics to assess the trophic condition of lakes and rivers. The development of these indices is often regional, with inter‐regional comparisons being complicated by the lack of taxonomic overlap. Here, we use a traits‐based approach to expand the geographic scope of existing metrics.

Methods

We generalized European trophic affinity values using the response of plant growth form to the light–nutrient gradient, then applied these values to sites in Canada. We evaluated the method's performance against the measured total phosphorus concentration (TP).

Results

Free‐floating and emergent growth forms were associated with enriched waters (>0.2 mg/L TP), whereas rosette forms were associated with oligotrophic conditions (<0.05 mg/L TP). The responses were longitudinally consistent, and the site scores among indices were highly collinear. Growth form–based scores were more strongly correlated with TP than were species‐based scores (0.42–0.56 versus 0.008–0.25).

Discussion

We leveraged the ecological relationship between increased surface water nutrient enrichment and the dominance of particular aquatic plant growth forms to generalize aquatic plant trophic indices. We demonstrated an approach for adapting species‐based indices to plant traits to facilitate a broader geographic application and simpler data collection, which could be used to develop an easily applied trait‐based method of assessing water nutrient status.
Observer‐based control for high order delayed systems with an unstable pole and a pole at the origin
Authors: Barragan‐Bonilla Luis Alberto , Márquez‐Rubio Juan Francisco , Del Muro Cuéllar Basilio , Vázquez‐Guerra Rocio Jasmin , Martínez Claude
Published: July 2022

Time delays in dynamical systems are challenging when trying to control them. One of the most common techniques consists in estimating one or more signals of interest before they are delayed, in order to use them in the control stage. In this work, an observer‐based control strategy for unstable linear systems with a pole at the origin and delay is suggested. Also, the proposed observer is extended to be used in the case of a high order unstable delayed system. Likewise, the conditions to ensure the existence of the proposed observer‐predictor are presented. A methodology is introduced to obtain the observer parameters. The proposed observer scheme makes use of a Proportional‐Integral‐Derivative control that makes it possible to ensure the tracking of step‐type references and the rejection of disturbances of the same type in the closed‐loop system.
Advancing Raman model calibration for perfusion bioprocesses using spiked harvest libraries
Authors: Romann Patrick , Kolar Jakub , Tobler Daniela , Herwig Christoph , Bielser Jean‐Marc , Villiger Thomas K.
Published: July 2022

Background

Raman spectroscopy has gained popularity to monitor multiple process indicators simultaneously in biopharmaceutical processes. However, robust and specific model calibration remains a challenge due to insufficient analyte variability to train the models and high cross‐correlation of various media components and artifacts throughout the process.

Main Methods

A systematic Raman calibration workflow for perfusion processes enabling highly specific and fast model calibration was developed. Harvest libraries consisting of frozen harvest samples from multiple CHO cell culture bioreactors collected at different process times were established. Model calibration was subsequently performed in an offline setup using a flow cell by spiking process harvest with glucose, raffinose, galactose, mannose, and fructose.

Major Results

In a screening phase, Raman spectroscopy was proven capable not only to distinguish sugars with similar chemical structures in perfusion harvest but also to quantify them independently in process‐relevant concentrations. In a second phase, a robust and highly specific calibration model for simultaneous glucose (root mean square error prediction [RMSEP] = 0.32 g L−1) and raffinose (RMSEP = 0.17 g L−1) real‐time monitoring was generated and verified in a third phase during a perfusion process.

Implication

The proposed novel offline calibration workflow allowed proper Raman peak decoupling, reduced calibration time from months down to days, and can be applied to other analytes of interest including lactate, ammonia, amino acids, or product titer.
A behavioral and molecular study; ameliorated anxiety‐like behavior and cognitive dysfunction in a rat model of chronic unpredictable stress treated with oregano extract
Authors: Mohseni‐Moghaddam Parvaneh , Dogani Manijeh , Hatami Motahare , Roohollahi Samira , Amiresmaeli Azam , Askari Nayereh
Published: July 2022

Objective

Chronic stress is considered a severe risk factor leading to various disorders, including anxiety and cognitive decline. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of Origanum vulgare (oregano) extract on improving anxiety‐like behavior and learning and memory defection caused by chronic unpredictable stress (CUS).

Method

A 10‐day CUS protocol was executed on male rats, and on day 10, their anxiety, learning, and memory status were evaluated. After that, in addition to the CUS, the rats were treated with the oregano extract for 2 weeks. Then, the expression of BDNF, TrkB, and TLR2/4 genes in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of the rats was evaluated. Also, the liver‐ and kidney‐related serum parameters, including triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, creatinine, urea, serum glucose, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase were assessed. Further, the extract's lethal effect and its impact on animals’ body weight were investigated.

Results

Behavioral tests confirmed the anxiety‐like behavior and learning–memory function impairment caused by CUS. In contrast, the administration of the extract could significantly alleviate the mental deficiencies and diminished anxiety‐like behaviors. Molecular assessments showed that CUS could markedly decrease the BDNF and TrkB genes’ expression levels while increasing that of TLR2 and TLR4. In contrast, in extract‐treated animals, mRNA levels of BDNF and TrkB considerably increased, yet TLR2 and TLR4 mRNA levels reduced. Additionally, consumption of the extract caused weight gain, while having no lethality and detrimental effect on the liver and kidneys functions.

Conclusions

These findings indicate the anxiolytic properties of the extract and its improving effect on cognitive dysfunction.
Electrochemically Accessing ROS‐Related Cytotoxicity through the Oxygen Reduction Reaction to Identify Antimicrobial Agents**
Authors: Cui Wei , Zhao Yuhua , Han Yanyang , Wang Xiumin , Guan Rengui , Liu Shanshan , Zhang Tao , He Tao
Published: July 2022

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are often believed to play a significant role in antimicrobial actions of inorganic materials. However, processes to generate ROS, in particular charge transfer routes, remain unclear and warrant further study. Building a dual‐electrochemical workstation setup, herein we interpreted ROS‐related cytotoxicity by monitoring oxygen reduction reactions on materials’ surfaces. We found that inorganic substances can gain electrons from surrounding microbes and donate them to molecular oxygen. The cytotoxicity property is thus highly associated with materials’ electrocatalytic activity and selectivity towards oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). We assessed various of inorganic substances, such as ZnO, Ag, Au, Pt, and TiO2, with results in good agreement on their apparent cytotoxicity. Our electrochemical method explored a unique route to access materials’ ROS‐related cytotoxicity. This will not only allow to fast screen antimicrobial agents among massive samples, but also enhance many ROS‐involved applications by generating ROS on purpose.
Efficient Water Cleaning by Self‐standing Carbon Nitride Films Derived from Supramolecular Hydrogels
Authors: Li Junyi , Dor Snir , Barrio Jesús , Shalom Menny
Published: July 2022

The design of efficient self‐standing hybrid systems for water purification that combines good adsorption properties with high photodegradation ability is highly challenging owing to the difficulty in simultaneously controlling the band structure and porosity of a semiconductor while maintaining its self‐standing nature. Here, we report the synthesis of carbon‐rich carbon nitride self‐standing filters from supramolecular hydrogels composed of melamine and cyanobenzoic acid. The influence of the chemical structure on the properties of the hydrogels and the final films was studied by tuning parameters such as monomer nature, molar ratio, and pyrolysis temperature. Thanks to their ability to combine the adsorption and photodegradation of organic pollutants, the prepared self‐standing films showed remarkable activity and stability in flow conditions (>95 % efficiency after 10 consecutive cycles). Additionally, the photocatalytic activity of the films was assessed in the powder form for the hydrogen evolution reaction and photocurrent generation in a photoelectrochemical cell. The reported work opens opportunities for the controlled synthesis of multifunctional filters for water purification and other energy‐related and sustainable technologies.