bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of novel adsorbent based on tetrasulfide-functionalized fibrous silica KCC-1 for removal of Hg(II) cations
Authors: Marjani Azam , Mohammadi Reza Khan
Published: May 2021

Hg(II) has been identified to be one of the extremely toxic heavy metals because of its hazardous effects and this fact that it is even more hazardous to animals than other pollutants such as Ag, Au, Cd, Ni, Pb, Co, Cu, and Zn. Accordingly, for the first time, tetrasulfide-functionalized fibrous silica KCC-1 (TS-KCC-1) spheres were synthesized by a facile, conventional ultrasonic-assisted, sol–gel-hydrothermal preparation approach to adsorb Hg(II) from aqueous solution. Tetrasulfide groups (–S–S–S–S–) were chosen as binding sites due to the strong and effective interaction of mercury ions (Hg(II)) with sulfur atoms. Hg(II) uptake onto TS-KCC-1 in a batch system has been carried out. Isotherm and kinetic results showed a very agreed agreement with Langmuir and pseudo-first-order models, respectively, with a Langmuir maximum uptake capacity of 132.55 mg g–1 (volume of the solution = 20.0 mL; adsorbent dose = 5.0 mg; pH = 5.0; temperature: 198 K; contact time = 40 min; shaking speed = 180 rpm). TS-KCC-1was shown to be a promising functional nanoporous material for the uptake of Hg(II) cations from aqueous media. To the best of our knowledge, there has been no report on the uptake of toxic Hg(II) cations by tetrasulfide-functionalized KCC-1 prepared by a conventional ultrasonic-assisted sol–gel-hydrothermal synthesis method.
Understanding anatomical plasticity of Argan wood features at local geographical scale in ecological and archaeobotanical perspectives
Authors: Ros Jérôme , Terral Jean-Frédéric , Ruas Marie-Pierre , Ivorra Sarah , Limier Bertrand , Ater Mohammed , Paradis Laure , Ettahiri Ahmed S. , Fili Abdallah , Van Staëvel Jean-Pierre
Published: May 2021

The emergence of the Argan tree as an agricultural, pastoral, cultural, economic and ecological keystone species in Southern Morocco is considered to be linked to the settlement of agropastoral communities that favored its expansion. Nevertheless, the use and exploitation of Argan tree is documented by both few medieval written sources and archaeobotanical studies, from a single location, Îgîlîz (Toughmart, Morocco), a famous medieval site of the Anti-Atlas Mountains. Therefore, data remain scarce regarding the type of Argan communities exploited at this period. In order to document this question, a quantitative eco-anatomical approach aiming to understand variations of wood characters involved in sap conduction and reserve storage, is developed from modern samples collected in the area of Îgîlîz. Results show that diameter of branches and environmental factors are the major parameters explaining plasticity of wood anatomical characters. Quantitative eco-anatomical features of Argan archaeological charcoal confronted to two statistical models, allow assessing both the diameter of the branches from which it derives and the agro-ecological conditions of tree growth and development. This preliminary study may be considered as a relevant and pioneering work for the understanding of the eco-history of the Argan tree, and of its use and exploitation during the past.
Ultra-low dose immunization and multi-component vaccination strategies enhance protection against malaria in mice
Authors: Collins Katharine A. , Brod Florian , Snaith Rebecca , Ulaszewska Marta , Longley Rhea J. , Salman Ahmed M. , Gilbert Sarah C. , Spencer Alexandra J. , Franco David , Ballou W. Ripley , Hill Adrian V. S.
Published: May 2021

An effective vaccine would be a valuable tool for malaria control and elimination; however, the leading malaria vaccine in development, RTS,S/AS01, provided only partial protection in a Phase 3 trial. R21 is a next-generation RTS,S-like vaccine. We have previously shown in mice that R21 administered in Matrix-M is highly immunogenic, able to elicit complete protection against sporozoite challenge, and can be successfully administered with TRAP based viral-vectors resulting in enhanced protection. In this study, we developed a novel, GMP-compatible purification process for R21, and evaluated the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of ultra-low doses of both R21 and RTS,S when formulated in AS01. We demonstrated that both vaccines are highly immunogenic and also elicit comparable high levels of protection against transgenic parasites in BALB/c mice. By lowering the vaccine dose there was a trend for increased immunogenicity and sterile protection, with the highest dose vaccine groups achieving the lowest efficacy (50% sterile protection). We also evaluated the ability to combine RTS,S/AS01 with TRAP based viral-vectors and observed concurrent induction of immune responses to both antigens with minimal interference when mixing the vaccines prior to administration. These studies suggest that R21 or RTS,S could be combined with viral-vectors for a multi-component vaccination approach and indicate that low dose vaccination should be fully explored in humans to maximize potential efficacy.
Association between visual field damage and corneal structural parameters
Authors: Lavric Alexandru , Popa Valentin , Takahashi Hidenori , Hazarbassanov Rossen M. , Yousefi Siamak
Published: May 2021

The main goal of this study is to identify the association between corneal shape, elevation, and thickness parameters and visual field damage using machine learning. A total of 676 eyes from 568 patients from the Jichi Medical University in Japan were included in this study. Corneal topography, pachymetry, and elevation images were obtained using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (OCT) and visual field tests were collected using standard automated perimetry with 24-2 Swedish Interactive Threshold Algorithm. The association between corneal structural parameters and visual field damage was investigated using machine learning and evaluated through tenfold cross-validation of the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC). The average mean deviation was − 8.0 dB and the average central corneal thickness (CCT) was 513.1 µm. Using ensemble machine learning bagged trees classifiers, we detected visual field abnormality from corneal parameters with an AUC of 0.83. Using a tree-based machine learning classifier, we detected four visual field severity levels from corneal parameters with an AUC of 0.74. Although CCT and corneal hysteresis have long been accepted as predictors of glaucoma development and future visual field loss, corneal shape and elevation parameters may also predict glaucoma-induced visual functional loss.
Laparoscopic approach to refractory extraspinal sciatica and pudendal pain caused by intrapelvic nerve entrapment
Authors: Lemos Nucelio , Sermer Corey , Fernandes Gustavo , Morgado-Ribeiro Augusta , Rossos Andrea , Zhao Zi Ying , Girão Manuel J. B. C. , Peng Philip
Published: May 2021

Entrapments of the intrapelvic portions of the lumbosacral plexus are an important extraspinal cause of sciatica and pudendal neuralgia. They can be treated using Laparoscopic Neuronavigation (LANN), a minimally invasive technique that has set the foundations of an emerging field in Medicine—Neuropelveology. This retrospective-prospective study analyzes the outcomes of 63 patients treated with the LANN technique over a 10 year time period. One year after surgery, 78.3% of patients reported clinically relevant pain reduction, defined as ≥ 50% reduction in Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) score; these results were maintained for a mean follow up of 3.2 years. Preoperative chronic opioid use (≥ 4 months of ≥ 10 mg morphine equivalents/day) was a predictor of poor surgical outcome—clinically relevant pain reduction was observed in only 30.8% in this group of patients, compared to 91.5% in patients not regularly taking opioids preoperatively (p < 0.01). Perioperative complication rate was 20%. Our results indicate that the LANN technique is an effective and reproducible approach to relieve pain secondary to intrapelvic nerve entrapments and that preoperative chronic opioid therapy significantly reduces the likelihood of a successful surgical outcome. This study provides detailed information on perioperative complication and postoperative course, which is essential for patient consenting.
Unequal on-site interaction effects in the one-dimensional electron system at quarter filling
Authors: Ding Hanqin , Xu Yan , Chen Weiting
Published: May 2021

The one-dimensional antiferromagnetic correlated electron system described by the unusual t–U–J model with alternating on-site interactions at odd ($$U_o$$

U
o

) and even ($$U_e$$

U
e

) sites is studied analytically. At weak coupling, the use of bosonization and renormalization-group techniques helps to obtain ground-state phase diagram. At quarter filling, the unequal on-site repulsion ($$U_e\ne U_o$$

U
e

≠

U
o

) causes the occurrence of umklapp processes and the generation of a charge excitation gap. Contrary to the usual case ($$U_e=U_o$$

U
e

=

U
o

), the system is not metallic but insulating. For $$U_e+U_o<2J$$

U
e

+

U
o

<
2
J

, the system is in a spin-gapped phase with charge-density-wave (CDW) instability; for $$U_e+U_o\ge 2J$$

U
e

+

U
o

≥
2
J

, the system is in a spin-gapless phase characterized by the coexistence of both CDW and spin-density-wave (SDW) instabilities, where the SDW correlation dominates over the CDW one.
Distinguishing anthropogenic and natural contributions to coproduction of national crop yields globally
Authors: Schröter Matthias , Egli Lukas , Brüning Lilith , Seppelt Ralf
Published: May 2021

Crop production is a crucial ecosystem service that requires a combination of natural and anthropogenic contributions to high and stable yields, which is a coproduction process. We analysed this coproduction based on nationally aggregated data for 15 major crops for 67 countries and the European Union with data for four time steps (2000, 2006, 2010, 2014). We found strong increases in fertilizer use, net capital stock and manure use intensity for lower-middle-income countries and stagnation or decrease of these for high-income countries. We used a multiple linear regression model predicting yield to distinguish the effect of anthropogenic contributions (crop-specific fertilizer use intensity, net capital stock intensity, manure use intensity) and natural contributions (crop-specific agricultural suitability, including soil characteristics, topography and climate). We found that in particular fertilizer use intensity, manure use intensity and agricultural suitability explained variation in yields to a considerable degree (R2 = 0.62).
Conjugated equine estrogen used in postmenopausal women associated with a higher risk of stroke than estradiol
Authors: Chang Wei-Chuan , Wang Jen-Hung , Ding Dah-Ching
Published: May 2021

This study aimed to evaluate the risk of ischemic stroke (IS) in hormone therapy (HT) with oral conjugated equine estrogen (CEE) and estradiol (E2) in postmenopausal women in Taiwan. A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database, a population-based healthcare claims dataset. Eligible women, aged 40–65 years, who received HT with E2 and CEE orally were enrolled. The primary outcome was IS. Propensity score matching with menopausal age and comorbidities was used. Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to calculate the incidence and hazard ratios (HRs) for IS. The mean menopausal ages of the E2 and CEE groups were 50.31 ± 4.99 and 50.45 ± 5.31 years, respectively. After adjusting for age and comorbidities, the incidence of IS was 1.17-fold higher in the women treated with CEE than in those treated with E2 (4.24 vs. 3.61/1000 person-years), with an adjusted HR (aHR) of 1.23 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05–1.44). Moreover, HT with CEE initiated within 5 years of menopause had a higher HR than E2 (aHR = 1.20; 95% CI 1.02–1.42). In conclusion, HT with oral CEE might be associated with a higher risk of IS than E2 in postmenopausal Taiwanese women. The use of HT with CEE should be cautioned with the risk of IS.
Discontinuation rates of different contraceptive methods in Thai women up to 1-year after method initiation
Authors: Jaisamrarn Unnop , Santipap Monchai , Santibenchakul Somsook
Published: May 2021

We assessed the discontinuation rate and the reason for discontinuation of common contraceptives used by reproductive-aged Thai women. We recruited 1880 women aged 18–45 years from the Family Planning Clinic of the Chulalongkorn Hospital in Bangkok. The participants were followed at three, six and twelve months. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to determine personal risks of discontinuing contraceptives. The incidence rate for discontinuation of combined oral contraceptive pills (COCs), depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), copper intrauterine device (IUD), and contraceptive implant(s) were 21.3, 9.2, 4.4, and 2.3/100 person-years, respectively. Most of the women who discontinued (185/222) discontinued contraceptives due to side effects. Compared to contraceptive implant users, the adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) [95% confidence intervals (CIs)] of discontinuing COCs, DMPA, and the copper IUD were 9.6 (4.3–21.8), 4.2 (1.8–10.0), and 2.2 (0.8–5.9), respectively. Lower income, higher parity, history of miscarriage, and history of abortion were independent predictors of contraceptive discontinuation in a multivariable model.
Fast in-situ X-ray scattering reveals stress sensitivity of gypsum dehydration kinetics
Authors: Schrank Christoph Eckart , Gaede Oliver , Blach Tomasz , Gioseffi Katherine Carmen Michelle , Mudie Stephen , Kirby Nigel , Regenauer-Lieb Klaus , Radliński Andrzej P.
Published: May 2021

The dehydration of gypsum to hemihydrate has been studied for decades because it is an important model reaction for understanding fluid-triggered earthquakes, and due to the global use of plaster of Paris in the construction industry. The dehydration kinetics of gypsum strongly depend on temperature and water vapour pressure. Here, we perform fast, time-resolved synchrotron X-ray scattering on natural alabaster samples, finding that a small elastic load accelerates the dehydration reaction significantly. The mechanical acceleration of the reaction consumes about 10,000 times less energy than that due to heating. We propose that this thermodynamically surprising finding is caused by geometry-energy interactions in the microstructure, which facilitate nucleation and growth of the new crystalline phase. Our results open research avenues on the fundamental thermo-mechanics of crystal hydrates and the interaction of stress and chemical reactions in crystalline solids with a wide range of implications, from understanding dehydration-triggered earthquakes to the energy-efficient design of calcination processes.
Large-scale synthesis of colloidal bowl-shaped particles
Authors: Edmond Kazem V. , Jacobson Tess W. P. , Oh Joon Suk , Yi Gi-Ra , Hollingsworth Andrew D. , Sacanna Stefano , Pine David J.
Published: May 2021

We describe a general procedure for the large-scale fabrication of bowl-shaped colloidal particles using an emulsion templating technique.
Iron oxide and gold bimetallic radiosensitizers for synchronous tumor chemoradiation therapy in 4T1 breast cancer murine model
Authors: Nosrati Hamed , Baghdadchi Yasamin , Abbasi Reza , Barsbay Murat , Ghaffarlou Mohammadreza , Abhari Fatemeh , Mohammadi Ali , Kavetskyy Taras , Bochani Shayesteh , Rezaeejam Hamed , Davaran Soodabeh , Danafar Hossein
Published: May 2021

The development of highly integrated multifunctional nanomaterials with a superadditive therapeutic effect and good safety is an urgent but challenging task in cancer therapy research.
Inhibition of hydrogen evolution without debilitating electrochemical CO2 reduction via the local suppression of proton concentration and blocking of step-edges by pyridine functionalization on Cu electrocatalysts
Authors: Ummireddi Ashok Kumar , Sharma Shilendra Kumar , Pala Raj Ganesh S.
Published: May 2021

HER suppression without debilitating CO2RR by blocking step-edges and decreasing local H+ concentration on copper via pyridine functionalization.
Role of π-conjugation on the coordination behaviour, substitution kinetics, DNA/BSA interactions, and in vitro cytotoxicity of carboxamide palladium(ii) complexes
Authors: Omondi Reinner O. , Sibuyi Nicole R. S. , Fadaka Adewale O. , Meyer Mervin , Jaganyi Deogratius , Ojwach Stephen O.
Published: May 2021

The coordination chemistry of four carboxamide palladium(ii) complexes, their substitution kinetics, interactions with DNA/BSA and cytotoxicity against a series of cancer cells has been investigated.
B–H and O–H bonds activation via a single electron transfer of frustrated radical pairs
Authors: Pan Yanlin , Cui Jie , Wei Yongliang , Xu Zhaochao , Wang Tongdao
Published: May 2021

The combination of TEMPO radicals with Lewis acidic boranes enables the cleavage of B–H and O–H bonds via a one-electron process.
MnO2 nanosheets anchored with polypyrrole nanoparticles as a multifunctional platform for combined photothermal/photodynamic therapy of tumors
Authors: Li Bei , Wang Xiaodong , Hong Shasha , Wang Qi , Li Lin , Eltayeb Omer , Dong Chuan , Shuang Shaomin
Published: May 2021

MnO2 nanosheets were formed on the surface of PPy nanoparticles via an in situ redox reaction, which provided a facile approach for integrating photothermal reduction materials with MnO2 for applications in synergistic PTT and PDT.
Tetrahydrocurcumin alleviates allergic airway inflammation in asthmatic mice by modulating the gut microbiota
Authors: Wu Yinfan , Chen Yanqiu , Li Qin , Ye Xiaoyan , Guo Xingyue , Sun Lin , Zou Jinchao , Shen Yunqin , Mao Yuheng , Li Chunwei , Yang Yan
Published: May 2021

THC has anti-inflammatory effects on allergic asthma via modulating the gut microbiota. THC-induced gut microbiota is beneficial to the alleviation of inflammatory symptoms in both lungs and gut, and have therapeutic potential for allergic asthma.
Pediococcus pentosaceusPP04 improves high-fat diet-induced liver injury by the modulation of gut inflammation and intestinal microbiota in C57BL/6N mice
Authors: Wang Yu , Tian Yuan , Zhang Nan , Li Xia , Wang Xiujuan , Wang Weili , Zhang Jun , Piao Chunhong , Wang Yuhua , Liu Jingsheng
Published: May 2021

PP04 ameliorates high fat diet-induced liver injury by regulating the gut inflammation and intestinal microbiota.
One-step self-assembly of curcumin-loaded zein/sophorolipid nanoparticles: physicochemical stability, redispersibility, solubility and bioaccessibility
Authors: Yuan Yongkai , Huang Jiawei , He Shuguang , Ma Mengjie , Wang Dongfeng , Xu Ying
Published: May 2021

Alcohol-free curcumin-loaded zein/sophorolipid nanoparticles were fabricated by one-step self-assembly to overcome extreme hydrophobicity, inferior stability, and poor bioaccessibility of curcumin.
Malleable and recyclable imide–imine hybrid thermosets: influence of imide structure on material property
Authors: Shen Xiran , Ma Yunlong , Luo Shichang , Tao Rao , An Dan , Wei Xinlei , Jin Yinghua , Qiu Li , Zhang Wei
Published: May 2021

Novel hybrid material poly(imide-imine) has been prepared, which exhibits self-healing behavior and recyclability enabled by the dynamic imine bonds while retaining the tunable and excellent mechanical and thermal properties of polyimide.
Magneto-sensitive photonic crystal ink for quick printing of smart devices with structural colors
Authors: Fang Yiquan , Fei Weiwei , Shen Xiuqing , Guo Jia , Wang Changchun
Published: May 2021

A facile strategy to combine magneto-responsive photonic crystal ink with 3D printing technology has been developed for printing of butterfly pattern with vivid colors as a function of the external magnetic field strength.
Application of fluorescent turn-on aptamers in RNA studies
Authors: Al Mazid Mohammad Faysal , Shkel Olha , Kharkivska Yevheniia , Lee Jun-Seok
Published: May 2021

Fluorescent turn-on aptamer strategies shed light on cellular RNA for imaging and further facilitate the determination of the dynamic regulation of transcriptomic research.
MoS2 nanoparticle/activated carbon composite as a dual-band material for absorbing microwaves
Authors: Negi Praveen , Kumar Ashavani
Published: May 2021

MoS2/activated carbon is a promising dielectric dual-band microwave absorber for practical applications.
An ultrathin memristor based on a two-dimensional WS2/MoS2 heterojunction
Authors: Zhang Wenguang , Gao Hui , Deng Chunsan , Lv Ting , Hu Sanlue , Wu Hao , Xue Songyan , Tao Yufeng , Deng Leimin , Xiong Wei
Published: May 2021

Memristors are regarded as one of the key devices to break through the traditional Von Neumann computer architecture due to their capability of simulating the function of neural synapses.
Nanoparticles as a Hedgehog signaling inhibitor for the suppression of cancer growth and metastasis
Authors: Xu Zhaojian , Li Manjing , Sun Rong , Chu Binbin , Song Bin , Wang Houyu , Su Yuanyuan , He Yao
Published: May 2021

We explore biocompatible fluorescent silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs) as a Hedgehog pathway inhibitor to suppress the growth and metastasis of tumors with abnormal activation of the pathway.
Assembly and optical properties of 1D helical bundles induced by triphenylamine, side chains and solvents in crystals
Authors: Pang Zhi , Qi Ting , Li Baolin
Published: May 2021

Helical foldamers can achieve one-dimensional extended helical assembly by the synergistic action of isobutoxy side chains, triphenylamine and methanol solvent in crystals.
First polyallene-based well-defined amphiphilic diblock copolymer via RAFT polymerization
Authors: Zhou Mingtao , Wang Shengfei , Ding Aishun , Lu Guolin , Huang Xiaoyu , Jiang Xue , Xu Binbin
Published: May 2021

We report the first well-defined amphiphilic diblock copolymer via allene and vinyl monomers.
Isoselective 4-methylpentene polymerization by pyridylamido hafnium catalysts
Authors: Wang Lingzhi , Li Donghui , Ren He , Wang Yuru , Wu Wei , Gao Yuxin , Wang Xiong , Gao Haiyang
Published: May 2021

4-Methylpentene polymerizations by pyridylamido hafnium catalysts to produce highly isotactic poly(4-methylpentene) ([mmmm] > 99%) with high melting temperatures up to 240 °C.
Royal jelly fatty acids bioprofiling using TLC-MS and digital image analysis coupled with chemometrics and non-parametric regression for discovering efficient biomarkers against melanoma
Authors: Ibrahim Reham S. , El-Banna Alaa A.
Published: May 2021

Untargeted and targeted fatty acid bioprofiling of different royal jelly commercial and pharmaceutical products based on HPTLC-MS-image analysis and melanoma cytotoxic activity with chemometric analysis was applied to discover efficient biomarkers.
A formal intermolecular [4 + 1] cycloaddition reaction of 3-chlorooxindole and o-quinone methides: a facile synthesis of spirocyclic oxindole scaffolds
Authors: Lin Chao , Xing Qi , Xie Honglei
Published: May 2021

Herein, we developed an efficient and straightforward method for the rapid synthesis of spirocyclic oxindole scaffolds via the [4 + 1] cyclization reaction of 3-chlorooxindole with o-quinone methides (o-QMs), which were generated under mild conditions.
Green synthesis of ZnO coated hybrid biochar for the synchronous removal of ciprofloxacin and tetracycline in wastewater
Authors: Egbedina Abisola O. , Adebowale Kayode O. , Olu-Owolabi Bamidele I. , Unuabonah Emmanuel I. , Adesina Morenike O.
Published: May 2021

Preparation of biochar from kaolinite and coconut husk (KCB) and further activated with HCl (KCB-A) and KOH (KCB-B) via a microwave technique for the remediation of ciprofloxacin (CIP) and tetracycline (TET) from water was carried out.
Flotation using sodium dodecyl sulphate and sodium lauroyl isethionate for rapid dewatering of Mg(OH)2 radwaste suspensions
Authors: Lockwood Alexander P. G. , Shun Philip Kok , Peakall Jeffrey , Warren Nicholas J. , Barber Thomas , Basharat Nabil , Randall Geoff , Barnes Martyn , Harbottle David , Hunter Timothy N.
Published: May 2021

Mg(OH)2 suspensions were floated utilising sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) sodium lauroyl isethionate (SLI) collectors, for rapid dewatering of radwaste suspensions.
Synergy of molecularly mobile polyrotaxane surfaces with endothelial cell co-culture for mesenchymal stem cell mineralization
Authors: Masuda Hiroki , Arisaka Yoshinori , Hakariya Masahiro , Iwata Takanori , Yoda Tetsuya , Yui Nobuhiko
Published: May 2021

Molecular mobility of polyrotaxane surfaces promoted mineralization in a co-culture system of mesenchymal stem cells and endothelial cells.
Pre-clinically evaluated visual lateral flow platform using influenza A and B nucleoprotein as a model and its potential applications
Authors: Wiriyachaiporn Natpapas , Sirikaew Siriwan , Chitchai Nawakarn , Janchompoo Pareena , Maneeprakorn Weerakanya , Bamrungsap Suwussa , Pasomsub Ekawat , Japrung Deanpen
Published: May 2021

Visual colorimetric rapid screening system based on lateral flow device for influenza A and B virus detection as a model and its pre-clinical evaluation.
Nano zero valent iron (nZVI) particles for the removal of heavy metals (Cd2+, Cu2+ and Pb2+) from aqueous solutions
Authors: Tarekegn Mekonnen Maschal , Hiruy Andualem Mekonnen , Dekebo Ahmed Hussen
Published: May 2021

Heavy metals (Cd2+, Cu2+ and Pb2+) removal mechanisms of nZVI from aqueous solution.
Synergistic effect of copolymeric resin grafted 1,2-benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one and heterocyclic groups as a marine antifouling coating
Authors: Dong Miao , Liu Zheng , Gao Yuxing , Wang Xuemei , Chen Junhua , Yang Jianxin
Published: May 2021

Grafted acrylic resins containing benzoisothiazolinone and heterocyclic monomers were prepared by copolymerization. The addition of the heterocyclic unit in copolymers led to better inhibition than the resin copolymerized with only the benzoisothiazolinone monomer.
A photosensitive metal–organic framework having a flower-like structure for effective visible light-driven photodegradation of rhodamine B
Authors: Qin Lu , Zhao Shicheng , Fan Chenran , Ye Qian
Published: May 2021

Using the method of adding morphological control agent-trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), a flower-like porphyrin-based metal organic framework can be prepared, which shows a good effect on the photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B.
Kinetic study and modeling of the Schotten–Baumann synthesis of peroxyesters using phase-transfer catalysts in a capillary microreactor
Authors: Magosso M. , van den Berg M. , van der Schaaf J.
Published: May 2021

The effect of several operating parameters on the kinetics of the synthesis of the peroxyester tert-butyl peroxy-2-ethylhexanoate was investigated in detail using a capillary microreactor and a reactor model was developed.
A Ni or Co single atom anchored conjugated microporous polymer for high-performance photocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Yang Chen , Cheng Zhonghua , Divitini Giorgio , Qian Cheng , Hou Bo , Liao Yaozu
Published: May 2021

A single nickel or cobalt atom anchored pyridyl-functionalized conjugated microporous polymer promoted the photogenerated electron transfer, offering efficient hydrogen evolution performance under visible-light irradiation.
Highly elastic and mechanically robust polymer electrolytes with high ionic conductivity and adhesiveness for high-performance lithium metal batteries
Authors: Guo Yue , Qu Xinxin , Hu Zhenyuan , Zhu Jingjing , Niu Wenwen , Liu Xiaokong
Published: May 2021

A stretchable, elastic and mechanically robust polymer electrolyte with adhesiveness is reported to possess high ionic conductivity, allowing the LiFePO4‖Li battery to be stably cycled for 450 cycles with discharge capacity of 133 mA h g−1 at 0.5C.
Unifying the clustering kinetics of lithium polysulfides with the nucleation behavior of Li2S in lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Gupta Abhay , Manthiram Arumugam
Published: May 2021

Lithium polysulfide clustering is a key kinetic limitation at low temperatures and lean-electrolyte amounts in lithium–sulfur cells. This behavior fundamentally impedes diffusional mass transfer and solvation stability of electroactive material.
Resolving electron transfer kinetics in porous electrodesviadiffusion-less cyclic voltammetry
Authors: Yang Shida , Li Yang , Chen Qing
Published: May 2021

Diffusion-less cyclic voltammetry as a convenient yet accurate means towards resolving electron transfer kinetics in porous electrodes.
In vitro degradation, biocompatibility and antibacterial properties of pure zinc: assessing the potential of Zn as a guided bone regeneration membrane
Authors: Chen Kai , Zhou Gang , Li Qing , Tang Hongyan , Wang Shanyu , Li Ping , Gu Xuenan , Fan Yubo
Published: May 2021

The exposure tolerance of Zn membranes was confirmed by its appropriate degradation in saliva, favorable HGF-compatibility and antibacterial activity against Porphyromonas gingivalis.
Identification of a potent ionizable lipid for efficient macrophage transfection and systemic anti-interleukin-1β siRNA delivery against acute liver failure
Authors: Ding Feng , Zhang Hongqian , Li Qiang , Yang Chuanxu
Published: May 2021

A potent ionizable lipid nanoparticle was developed to ensure efficient delivery of anti-interleukin-1β siRNA to macrophages and utilized as anti-inflammation therapy.
Antimicrobial and degradable triazolinedione (TAD) crosslinked polypeptide hydrogels
Authors: Kimmins Scott D. , Hanay Saltuk B. , Murphy Robert , O’Dwyer Joanne , Ramalho Jessica , Ryan Emily J. , Kearney Cathal J. , O'Brien Fergal J. , Cryan Sally-Ann , Fitzgerald-Hughes Deirdre , Heise Andreas
Published: May 2021

Controlling molecular weight, crosslink density and chirality in covalent polypeptide hydrogels allows the independent tuning of rheological, water uptake, degradation and antimicrobial properties.
Unraveling the structural and bonding nature of antimony sesquichalcogenide glass for electronic and photonic applications
Authors: Xu Meng , Gu Rongchuan , Qiao Chong , Tong Hao , Cheng Xiaomin , Wang Cai-Zhuang , Ho Kai-Ming , Wang Songyou , Miao Xiangshui , Xu Ming
Published: May 2021

The unique local structure and bonding nature of antimony sesquichalcogenide glass have been modeled using ab initio molecular dynamics simulations, unraveling the underlying physics of various electronic and optical properties.
The effects of chemical and thermal exfoliation on the physico-chemical and optical properties of carbon nitrides
Authors: de Medeiros Tayline V. , Porto Arilza O. , Bicalho Hudson A. , González Juan C. , Naccache Rafik , Teixeira Ana Paula C.
Published: May 2021

Carbon-based nanomaterials, such as polymeric graphitic carbon nitrides, have garnered attention due to their metal-free structure, exceptional thermal stability and unique extended aromatic system, imparting them with semiconductor properties.
Regulating the trap distribution to achieve high-contrast mechanoluminescence with an extended saturation threshold through co-doping Nd3+ into CaZnOS:Bi3+,Li+
Authors: Yuan Jiayong , Yang Yunling , Yang Xuechun , Fan Yuting , Li Ting , Huang Meng , Zhang Fan , Li Qianli , Zhao Jingtai , Zhang Zhijun
Published: May 2021

The imaging contrast and saturation threshold are drastically improved after co-doping Nd3+ into CaZnOS:Bi3+,Li+. Using this vis-NIR dual-mode ML, a smart ML pencil is fabricated, realizing anti-counterfeiting and bio-stress imaging simultaneously.
Nanoscale synthesis of ionic analogues of bilayer silicene with high carrier mobility
Authors: Averyanov Dmitry V. , Liu Peitao , Sokolov Ivan S. , Parfenov Oleg E. , Karateev Igor A. , Di Sante Domenico , Franchini Cesare , Tokmachev Andrey M. , Storchak Vyacheslav G.
Published: May 2021

High carrier mobility of both electrons and holes is found in nanofilms of layered SrAl2Si2 integrated with silicon. The salient feature of its atomic structure is anionic bilayers [Al2Si2]2−, isostructural and isoelectronic to bilayer silicene.
3D Bioprinting for fabrication of tissue models of COVID-19 infection
Authors: Kabir Anisha , Datta Pallab , Oh Julia , Williams Adam , Ozbolat Veli , Unutmaz Derya , T. Ozbolat Ibrahim
Published: May 2021

Over the last few decades, the world has witnessed multiple viral pandemics, the current severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic being the worst and most devastating one, claiming millions of lives worldwide. Physicians, scientists, and engineers worldwide have joined hands in dealing with the current situation at an impressive speed and efficiency. One of the major reasons for the delay in response is our limited understanding of the mechanism of action and individual effects of the virus on different tissues and organs. Advances in 3D bioprinting have opened up a whole new area to explore and utilize the technology in fabricating models of these tissues and organs, recapitulating in vivo environment. These biomimetic models can not only be utilized in learning the infection pathways and drug toxicology studies but also minimize the need for animal models and shorten the time span for human clinical trials. The current review aims to integrate the existing developments in bioprinting techniques, and their implementation to develop tissue models, which has implications for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Future translation of these models has also been discussed with respect to the pandemic.
Introduction to emerging technologies in plant science
Authors: Topp Christopher N. , Jez Joseph M.
Published: May 2021

In recent years, an array of new technologies is propelling plant science in exciting directions and facilitating the integration of data across multiple scales. These tools come at a critical time. With an expanding global population and the need to provide food in sustainable ways, we as a civilization will be asking more of plants and plant biologists than ever before. This special issue on emerging technologies in plant science brings together a set of reviews that spotlight a range of approaches that are changing how we ask questions and allow scientific inquiry from macromolecular to ecosystem scales.
Interpretation of DNA data within the context of UK forensic science — evaluation
Authors: Puch-Solis Roberto , Pope Susan
Published: May 2021

Forensic DNA provides a striking contribution to the provision of justice worldwide. It has proven to be crucial in the investigative phase of an unsolved crime where a suspect needs to be identified, e.g. from a DNA database search both nationally and internationally. It is also a powerful tool in the assignment of evidential weight to the comparison of a profile of a person of interest and a crime scene profile. The focus of this document is the evaluation of autosomal profiles for criminal trials in the UK. A separate review covers investigation and evaluation of Y-STR profiles, investigation using autosomal profiles, kinship analysis, body identification and Forensic Genetic Genealogy investigations. In less than 40 years, forensic DNA profiling has developed from a specialist technique to everyday use. Borrowing on advances in genome typing technology, forensic DNA profiling has experienced a substantial increase in its sensitivity and informativeness. Alongside this development, novel interpretation methodologies have also been introduced. This document describes the state of the art and future advances in the interpretation of forensic DNA data.
Line current ripple reduction of two paralleled three‐phase two‐level converter using optimized common‐mode voltage injections
Authors: Liu Shengfu , Jin Xiaoliang , Shi Wen , Yang Huan , Zhao Rongxiang
Published: May 2021

This paper proposes a common‐mode voltage injection‐based pulse width modulation strategy to optimize the AC current ripple of parallel interleaved converters. In general, modulation methods entail a trade‐off between switching times and voltage error. Given the redundancy in the available vector sequences, we sequentially minimize the switching times and the voltage error. Specifically, we propose eight candidate vector sequences with minimized switching times for each 60° sector. Then, we quantitate the current ripple introduced by the eight vector sequences, and according to the calculations, we split each 60° sector into eight subsectors, each employs the respectively optimal vector sequence with the minimized current ripple. For implementation, the candidate vector sequences are further unified by a common‐mode voltage injection scheme. The injection depends on the momentary subsector in which the reference lies. Despite the complex geometry of the subsectors, we propose a simple decision procedure that can be easily implemented in mainstream microcontrollers. Compared to the conventional methods, the proposed common‐mode voltage injection‐based pulse width modulation has a smaller AC current ripple at the same switching loss. The experimental results verify the theoretical analysis and the effectiveness of the proposed common‐mode voltage injection‐based pulse width modulation strategy.
Torque ripple minimization with modified comparator in DTC based three‐level five‐phase inverter fed five‐phase induction motor
Authors: Tatte Yogesh
Published: May 2021

The proposed technology deals with the reduction in torque ripple of five‐phase induction motor. The machine is controlled by direct torque control technique and fed by three‐level five‐phase inverter (TL‐FPI). In the fraternity of multiphase induction motor, five phase is the most researched drive, considering complexity of control mechanism and advantages which multiphase machine has offered. The selection of TL‐FPI is based on availability of more voltage vectors (243) than two‐level five‐phase inverter (32). The 41 voltage vectors are employed out of 243 based on simplicity and advantages of multiphase machine. The selected vectors are operated through modified seven‐level torque comparator. An increase in levels of the comparator restrains the ripple in a predefined boundary. Here, modification in the predefined boundary of the comparator is suggested which allows the utilization of optimal voltage vectors. According to modification, zero voltage vectors are replaced with small active vectors when actual torque is lower than its reference value. To substantiate the claim various results of simulation and experimentation are given.
Amaranth bran powder is a promising raw material for the confectionery industry
Authors: Khasanova Svetlana , Skobelskaya Zinaida
Published: May 2021

The research is devoted to the creation of a new raw material - a product of processing amaranth seeds of the species Amaranthus L. (variety “Krepysh”, selection of FNTSO). Developed amaranth bran powder, which is a waste product in the production of oil from seeds. The bran contains 19.6% proteins, including water-soluble ones; 17.9% dietary fiber; 46.9% highly dextrinated starch; 1.01% of macro- and microelements, including deficient selenium. The selenium content in the studied batches of amaranth bran is 0.053 mg% per 100 g of dry weight, which allows us to meet the average daily human need for selenium by 70%. The new technology includes infrared processing, bran cooling and fine grinding. Infrared processing allows targeted action on protein and carbohydrate complexes, increasing the biological value of amaranth bran powder, imparting increased moisture absorption properties to the product, and maintaining high quality indicators. Amaranth bran powder was stored at a temperature of 18 ± 2⁰С, relative air humidity 75 ± 1⁰С, in the presence of photocatalytic air purifiers “Tiokraft M-400”. A new product - amaranth bran powder is recommended for use in the production of sugar and flour confectionery products
Assessment of yield and quality of winter barley grain in southern Russia
Authors: Malkanduev Khamid , Shamurzaev Rustam , Malkandueva Aminat
Published: May 2021

A new high yielding winter barley of Madar variety is presented. One of the main conditions to obtain high yields is the use of new varieties adapted to the climatic conditions of a particular region. Therefore, the objective of our research, when creating the variety, was to increase productivity by improving adaptive properties and elements of productivity of plants and heads. As a result of joint work with breeders of FSBSI of the National Center of Grain named after P.P. Lukyanenko a new variety of winter barley Madar for forage direction was created, with a potential yield of more than 80 dt/ha. For the years of the comparative testing at FSBSI of the National Center of Grain named after P.P. Lukyanenko by predecessors sunflower, winter wheat and white mustard, yields of the variety were 118.7 dt/ha; 87.5 and 68.4 dt/ha respectively. In the tests on seeding time, yields in the variety ranged from 65.3 to 81.7 dt/ha. The new variety is resistant to lodging, winterhardiness and drought resistance. The variety is suitable for cultivation according to all technologies; it can be cultivated in all zones of Russia. The estimated economic effect of the new variety is an increase in yields from 3 to 8dt/ha.
The design of the working equipment for laying a drip tape based on the Grimme GF-75/4 ridge former
Authors: Martynova N.B. , Balabanov V.I.
Published: May 2021

The article examines statistical data on the amount of precipitation in the spring - summer period and substantiates the need for irrigation measures when growing potatoes in the Moscow region. The rationality of the use of drip irrigation as the most economical and effective method of watering has been proved. With drip irrigation, there is practically no danger of excessive watering, causing the leaching of nutrients from the root layer, an increase in the level of groundwater, and an additional load on the drainage network. The use of drip irrigation will make it possible to maintain an optimal water and air balance during the growing season. The possibility of combining technological operations for laying a drip tape and forming potato ridges is considered. It is found that the resistance of the drip tape laying will not create significant traction resistance, so the working equipment can be mounted on the ridge former. The design of a drip tape stacker based on the Grimme GF-75/4 ridge former was developed and a mechanized drip tape was laid in a potato ridge. It has been proven that the implementation of the drip tape laying and the formation of ridges with one machine will increase the productivity of the work and reduce the energy consumption.
The effectiveness of using biological preparations in the production technology for seed material of potatoes
Authors: Orzaliyeva Maya , Didanova Yelena , Zherukov Timur , Nazranov Khusen , Ishnazarov Akrom
Published: May 2021

An integrated plant protection system must focus on the biologization of this process. Used phytohormones and phytofungicides have a biostimulating and fungicidal effect on potato plants. The biological products used to one degree or another increase the adaptogenic capabilities of plants. Biological preparations have provided a high level of immunity of potato plants to major diseases. The fungicidal properties of the preparations were well appeared. No increase in infection or spread was observed in experiments using biofungicides. To a greater extent, the preparations acted as prophylactic ones, preventing the penetration of the phytopathogen into plants. At the same time, there is a long period of suppression of its development, the formation of resistance to late blight. The immunostimulating effect of Zircon and Epin extra in relation to late blight is found to a lesser extent in comparison with the Trichodermin, Rizoplan and Baktofit biofungicides. The fungicidal action of these preparations proved to be highly effective.
Modeling of feed additives for poultry, with the inclusion of probiotic strains
Authors: Zelenkova Galina , Zelenkov Alexey , Pahomova Antonina , Pakhomov Alexander
Published: May 2021

The distribution of feed containing probiotics is one of the most attractive trends in modern animal husbandry for consumers. The introduction of a live component makes the feed not only more effective, but also reduces the content of toxic components, making animal products more environmentally friendly. However, the introduction of viable cells of beneficial microorganisms into the feed significantly increases the requirements for the level of feed design, which in turn forces the development of new, unusual algorithms for such design for zootechnics. First of all, the development of feed additives with the inclusion of probiotic strains should be carried out only taking into account the specific application (type of animal of agricultural significance) and the extent to which the studied microorganisms and the substrate for microbial fermentation are suitable for this animal. The most important issue in this regard is the interaction of the living component with the inanimate one. At a minimum, substances that are part of probiotic feeds and feed additives should not inhibit the growth of target microorganisms. The ideal option is the ability to stimulate their growth or prebiotic activity.
Use of natural bentonite clays in pond fish farming to create optimal concentrations of ammonium ions
Authors: Tlupov Timur , Bambetova Karina , Magomedov Kamaludin , Kumykov Ruslan , Khalko Nikolay
Published: May 2021

The composition and some sorption properties of bentonite clays, the efficiency of natural waters treatment in pond fish farming from excess ammonium ions using the natural bentonite clay from the Gerpegezhskoye deposit have been studied. The maximum sorption capacity of bentonite clay of this material has been determined. It is found out that when a smaller amount of the sample is added to each liter of the standard solution (0.1 and 0.01 g), higher values of the sorption capacity are identified. To achieve the optimal degree of cleaning of ponds from excess ammonium ions and expediency in terms of reducing the material and labor costs to a minimum, the optimal amount of bentonite was calculated, the use of which would be sufficient to maintain the ammonium ion concentration. The conditions were chosen so that to ensure a decrease in the ammonium nitrogen concentration from 2-3 maximum allowable concentration (MAC) (5-7.5 mg/l) to 0.2-0.8 mg/l. It is shown that the sorption capacity is realized more efficiently when the bentonite weigh decreases to 0.01 g/L, provided that the ammonium ion content in the aqueous medium exceeds the MAC by 2-3 times.
Body types of Aberdeen Angus bulls and their relationship with meat production
Authors: Shakhmurzov Mukhamed , Shevkhuzhev Anatoliy , Pogodaev Vladimir , Yuldashbaev Yusupzhan , Kherremov Shamurat
Published: May 2021

The study results of Aberdeen-Angus breed bull meat production, depending on the body type, are presented. The first group consisted of bulls descended from stud bulls of large tall type, the second group consisted of bulls descended from stud bulls of the small compact type. It was determined that at the age of 18 months, bulls from large-type parents reached a weight of 442 kg, and from small-type parents - 413 kg. The first group bulls had a higher pre-slaughter weight by 31.4 kg and heavy carcasses compared to the second group bulls by 28.3 kg or 13.5% (P > 0.99). The first group bulls, being higher-legged, produced carcasses with a higher bone content (by 4.08 kg) during slaughter compared to the second group. In their carcasses, there was 4.52 kg of boneless meat per 1 kg of bones, while in the second group carcasses - 5.03 kg. However, in general, when boning semi-carcasses of the first group, more boneless meat was obtained, by 9.9 kg. or by 11.72% (P > 0.99) compared with the second group.