bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Tillage Methods, Farmyard Manure and Potassium Rates on Cassava Yield and Root Quality in Kagera Region, Tanzania
Authors: Merumba Mgeta Steven , Semoka Johnson Mashambo , Semu Ernest , Msanya Balthazar Michael , Kibura Jojianas Kokulamka
Published: April 2022

A study was conducted in Bukoba, Missenyi and Biharamulo districts in the Kagera region Tanzania during the 2018/19 and 2019/20 cropping seasons to determine the effect of tillage methods, farmyard manure (FYM) and potassium (K) rates on cassava yield and root quality. Three tillage methods (flat tillage, tied ridging and open ridging), eleven fertilizer rates (FYM at 4 or 8 MT ha-1, N40P30 + K at 40, 80 or 120 kg ha-1, FYM at 4 or 8 MT ha-1 + K at 40, 80 or 120 kg ha-1) and the control, were arranged in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications, using a split-plot design. Tillage methods were the main plots and fertilizer rates were the subplots. The plot size was 6 m x 5 m with a spacing of 1 m x 1 m. Root yield ha-1 was collected during harvesting and about 500 g of cassava roots from each treatment were oven-dried at 105 oC to constant weight for determining dry matter content using the equation by [31]. Root starch content in each treatment was determined using the method by [32]. The results indicate that cassava planted on ridges gave significantly (P <.001) higher cassava root yields (18.98 - 34.84 MT ha-1) than flat tillage (16.86 - 29.74 MT ha-1). The combined use of FYM at 4 MT ha-1 or FYM at 8 MT ha-1 and potassium fertilizer at 40, 80 or 120 kg K ha-1 significantly (P <.001) increased cassava root yield (14.56 - 39.94 MT ha-1) as compared to other fertilizer rates (8.90 – 29.63 MT ha-1). In addition, the combined use of inorganic N40P30K120 or the combined use of FYM at 8 MT ha-1 and potassium fertilizer at 80 or 120 kg K ha-1 gave significantly (P <.001) higher starch (28. 04 - 34.06 %) and dry matter (39.57 - 44.93 %) content in cassava roots than other fertilizer rates. Therefore, planting cassava on ridges and the combined use of FYM at 4 MT ha-1 and potassium fertilizer at 40, 80 or 120 kg K ha-1 is desirable for increasing cassava root yield. Moreover, the combined use of inorganic N40P30K120 fertilizers or the combined use of FYM at 8 MT ha-1 and potassium fertilizer at 80 or 120 kg K ha-1 is desirable for increasing the content of starch and dry matter in cassava roots.
Impact of Organic and Inorganic Nutrient Sources on Yield Attributes and Yield of Maize-Mustard Cropping System
Authors: Yadav Abhimanyu , Kumar Singh Awadhesh , Singh Pankaj , Singh Nishant , Anshuman Kumar , Kumar Adesh
Published: April 2022

Soil quality deterioration, especially in intensive cropping system has become a serious problem for crop productivity. Consequently, strategies for sustainable crop production and soil health are urgently required. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted to study the impact of organic and inorganic nutrient sources on yield attributes and yield of maize-mustard cropping system during two consecutive kharif and rabi seasons of 2019-20 and 2020-21, respectively. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design assigning eight treatments of organic and inorganic nutrient sources comprising of (T1) RDF (120:60:40 kg N:P2O5:K2O ha-1), (T2) RDF + Zn, (T3) RDF + S, (T4) RDF + Zn + S, (T5) RDF + VC (5 t ha-1), (T6) RDF + VC (10 t ha-1), (T7) RDF + FYM (5 t ha-1) and (T8) RDF + FYM (10 t ha-1) and were replicated thrice. The results reported that the higher yield attributes and yield of maize viz., number of cobs plant-1, number of seeds cob-1, cob length, seed yield, stover yield and biological yield and for mustard viz., siliquae plant-1, number of seeds siliquae-1, length of siliquae, seed yield, stover yield and biological yield were recorded with application of RDF + VC (10 t ha-1) which was statistically at par with RDF + FYM (10 t ha-1). However, seed index/test weight and harvest index of maize-mustard cropping was failed to show any significant effect due to above treatments.
Effect of Different Habitats Conditions on Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad. Growing Naturally in Egypt and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Authors: El-Absy Karima Mohamed
Published: April 2022

Harsh environmental conditions are major factors limiting plants production and development, including Citrullus colocynthis L. (C. colocynthis). The present investigation provides an analysis of soil properties and plant compounds of C. colocynthis in Wadi Hebran, Saint Katherine, South Sinai, Egypt and Wadi Al-Akhder, Tabuk Province, KSA at dry and wet seasons, and focuses on the relationship between the environmental factors and phytochemical compounds using principal component analysis (PCA). According to ANOVA, the experimental factors (locations, depths, seasons and their interactions significantly influenced the physico-chemical properties of soil and chemicals present in C. colocynthis (P < 0.05 or 0.01). Wadi Hebran at both seasons significantly promoted most mechanical and chemical properties in soil and most chemical compositions in C. colocynthis compared with Wadi Al-Akhder. While the significantly positive highest impact on photosynthetic pigments contents was found in Wadi Al-Akhder at both seasons. The dry season in the two locations significantly increased the total carotenoids, Chl.a/b, total pigment, P %, total carbohydrate, proline, catalase enzyme, peroxidase enzyme, ascorbic acid and malondiadehyde compared to the wet season. Based on PCA analysis, the first two PCs explain more than 84% of the total variance in the original variables and mainly distinguished the soil and plant variables in different groups during each location or between the two locations at both seasons. The first PC showed the highest positive correlation with some soil variables (EC, K+, and Cl-) and plant variables (P, total carbohydrate, proline, catalase enzyme, peroxidase enzyme and malondiadehyde). While the second PC exhibited a highly positively correlated with Ca2+, S- and water content in soil and with Chl.b, K+, Ca2+, N, water content, crude protein, crude fiber, total ash and superoxide enzyme in C. colocynthis plants. Positive correlations among most soil and plant variables were found, but they differed in their degree and consistency in quantity. PCA application indicated that the above soil variables are related closely to the above plant variables of C. colocynthis in the two locations. The results of PCA could be useful and used as a suitable method for studying the stresses tolerance mechanisms of plants under hard environmental conditions.
Tuberculosis Diagnosis in the Era of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Bandara W. R. U. A. , N. Magana-Arachchi Dhammika
Published: April 2022

Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be a global public health emergency responsible for approximately 1.3 million deaths annually. Enduring the existing TB challenges, the emergence of “severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2” (SARS-CoV-2), a similar respiratory infection threatened the success of TB control over the past few years. Contemplating the irreversible damage of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), one of the leading immune-suppressive conditions, a similar or worst expected with this synergism: TB-HIV-SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, an integrated approach is much demanded before the impending revolution, "Next Global Pandemic". The advancement of molecular diagnostic techniques, blood transcriptomics uncovered the importance of studying the cross-talk between host and pathogens. RNA-sequencing is a high-throughput sequencing technique allowing detailed characterization of gene expression profiles. With the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on host immunity, pathogen-derived biomarker identification is more disease-specific and constrains individual variations faced during host biomarker identification. However, several technical hurdles are encountered during the study of intracellular pathogens like Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The development of advanced RNA-sequencing techniques to tackle the issues targeting the host and pathogen interactions is in their infancy and restricted to in-vitro studies. Few studies on serum exosomal RNA-sequencing of active and latent TB patients enlightened the path of TB biomarker discovery urging the necessity of more studies. Thus, this review will explicitly discuss the existing TB diagnostic tools to understand where we stand in TB diagnosis and the recent advancements in blood transcriptomics emphasizing the importance of targeting the pathogen-derived biomarkers as a potential source for future diagnostics.
In Situ X‐Ray Tomography of Sintered Metal Fiber Felts Exhibiting Auxetic Effect under Tension and Compression
Authors: Ma Jun , Wu Shengchuan , Wang Jianzhong , Tang Huiping , Jin Feng
Published: April 2022

Sintered metal fiber felts (SMFFs) are kinds of the strongest auxetic materials to date, but there are significant differences in the reported auxeticities, due to the lack of investigation on the fabrication process. This study is performed to analyze the influence of fabrication process and structural features on the auxetic effect exhibited by SMFFs. The sequence of compression and sintering processes determines the volume density of the interfiber‐sintered joints and the resulting Poisson's ratio behavior under tension and compression. The SMFFs with a low volume density exhibit strong auxetic effect under tension and achiev a positive Poisson's ratio under compression because of the weak interfiber layer bonding. In contrast, the felts with a high density of interfiber joints reveal a relatively weak auxetic effect under both tension and compression. Moreover, an increase in the thickness and a decrease in the porosity reduce the auxetic effect. In addition, in situ X‐Ray tomography of the tensile testing is performed to elucidate the mechanism of the auxetic effect. To explain the observed Poisson's ratio behavior under tension and compression, periodical finite‐element modeling with real mesostructures is performed. Herein, a new insight into the relationship between the structure features and the Poisson's ratio behaviors is given.
A Comparative Study on Corrosion Behaviors of Fe35Mn10Cr20Ni35 High‐Entropy Alloy and 304 Stainless Steel in Sulfuric Acid Aqueous Solution
Authors: Zhou Jun , Jiang Tinghui , Liao Hengcheng , Chen Hao , Zhang Yabo , Zhu Weijun
Published: April 2022

Herein, the corrosion behaviors of Fe35Mn10Cr20Ni35 high‐entropy alloy (HEA) and commercial 304 stainless steel (304 SS) in 0.5 M H2SO4 aqueous solutions are evaluated. Potentiodynamic polarization test results indicate that both the prepared HEA and 304 SS possess a large passive interval, illustrating that they have a strong capability to form passive films. The prepared HEA possesses higher corrosion potentials and lower corrosion current densities than that of 304 SS, thus it has more superior corrosion resistance. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and electrical equivalent circuits results indicate that the charge‐transfer resistance of HEA is higher than that of 304 SS and the passive films of the prepared HEA is thicker than that of 304 SS. These indicate that the passive film on the prepared HEA has an excellent protective ability to prevent further corrosion. X‐Ray photoelectron spectroscopy results indicate that the passive film of the prepared HEA samples is mainly composed of compacted metal oxides, especially Cr2O3‐dense oxides, while the passive film of 304 SS is mainly composed of loose hydroxides and compacted metal oxides. That is the key reason why the prepared HEA has better corrosion resistance than 304 SS.
Multi‐Material, Multi‐Process, Planar, and Nonplanar Additive Manufacturing of Piezoelectric Devices
Authors: Rafiee Mohammad , Granier Floriane , Tao Rui , Bhérer-Constant Abraham , Chenier Gabriel , Therriault Daniel
Published: April 2022

Nonplanar multi‐material additive manufacturing (AM) of piezoelectric devices is an important step for innovation in digital manufacturing. Herein this work, the development of a manufacturing platform based on multi‐material multi‐process AM that enables fabrication of piezoelectric and conductive electrode materials with complex planar and nonplanar (conformal) structures is reported. Also, the development of conductive and piezoelectric paste‐like printing materials, herein called inks, for extrusion‐based direct‐writing AM processes is presented. The developed inks are highly stretchable (e.g., up to 100% before breaking), easy to process, and less toxic compared to existing solvent evaporation‐based inks in the literature. Several piezoelectric energy‐harvesting (PEH) devices are fabricated. The innovative inks within a multi‐material multi‐process 3D printing platform can substantially broaden the design space of multi‐material AM and open up new opportunities for the production of application‐oriented parts that are more integrable, conformable, scalable, and versatile.
Bioinspired 3D Printing of Functional Materials by Harnessing Enzyme‐Induced Biomineralization
Authors: Chen Guangda , Liang Xiangyu , Zhang Pei , Lin Shaoting , Cai Chengcheng , Yu Ziyi , Liu Ji
Published: April 2022

Nature builds structurally ordered and environmentally adaptive composite materials by harnessing biologically catalyzed mineralization under mild conditions. Despite recent advancements in engineering conventional materials with microorganisms through biomimetic mineralization, it remains difficult to produce mineralized composites that integrate the hierarchical structure and living attributes of their natural counterparts. Here, a kind of functional material is developed by integrating 3D printed hydrogel architectures with enzyme‐induced biomineralization. It is shown that the enzyme‐induced mineralization intensely transforms flexible and soft hydrogels (modulus of 125 kPa) to rigid (150 MPa) and highly mineralized hydrogel composites. Coupling with embedded 3D printing, sophisticated and mineralized free‐form architectures are fabricated in the absence of sacrificial inks, which were previously unattainable through conventional manufacturing strategies. Moreover, by exploiting multi‐material 3D printing to tailor the construct composition, exquisite control over the mineral distribution within the hydrogel constructs can be achieved, thus composite materials with tessellated architectures and unconventional mechanics could be obtained. The study provides a viable means to fabricate composite materials with high‐fidelity architectures and tailored mechanical properties, unlocking paths to the next generation of functional materials and structures by integrating 3D printing with biomineralization.
Environmental‐Friendly Polymer for Efficient and Stable Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells with Mitigating Lead Leakage
Authors: Cao Qi , Wang Tong , Yang Jiabao , Zhang Yixin , Li Yuke , Pu Xingyu , Zhao Junsong , Chen Hui , Li Xiaoqiang , Tojiboyev Ilhom , Chen Jiangzhao , Etgar Lioz , Li Xuanhua
Published: April 2022

Although perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are on the road to industrialization, the operational stability under high efficiency still needs to be improved, and the water solubility of lead ions (Pb2+) will cause environmental pollution problems. Herein, it is successfully implanted an environment‐friendly (biodegradability) poly(butylene adipate‐coterephthalate) polymer (PBAT) into the perovskite film, which can passivate the uncoordinated Pb2+ and neutral iodine defects of the perovskite material because of the adequate carbonyl groups and benzene rings in PBAT polymer, thereby regulating the crystallization of perovskite film with lower trap density, inhibiting the nonradiative recombination and improving charge carrier transport. As a result, the polymer‐incorporated inverted PSCs achieve optimal conversion efficiencies of 22.07% (0.1 cm2) and 20.31% (1 cm2). Meanwhile, the incorporated device, after being encapsulated, exhibits a prominent improvement in operational stability of high‐efficiency device under maximum power point tracking and continuous one sunlight illumination, maintaining the initial efficiency of 80% for 3249 h. More importantly, the polymer network can protect Pb2+ from being dissolved by water and prevent nearly 98% of Pb2+ from leaking by directly immersing the polymer‐coated perovskite film in water. Environmental‐friendly molecules provide new hope for solving lead poisoning and improving device operational stability under high efficiency.
Programmable Living Units for Emulating Pancreatic Tumor‐Stroma Interplay
Authors: Monteiro Maria V. , Rocha Marta , Gaspar Vítor M. , Mano João F.
Published: April 2022

Bioengineering close‐to‐native in vitro models that emulate tumors bioarchitecture and microenvironment is highly appreciable for improving disease modeling toolboxes. Herein, pancreatic cancer living units—so termed cancer‐on‐a‐bead models—are generated. Such user‐programmable in vitro platforms exhibit biomimetic multicompartmentalization and tunable integration of cancer associated stromal elements. These stratified units can be rapidly assembled in‐air, exhibit reproducible morphological features, tunable size, and recapitulate spatially resolved tumor‐stroma extracellular matrix (ECM) niches. Compartmentalization of pancreatic cancer and stromal cells in well‐defined ECM microenvironments stimulates the secretion of key biomolecular effectors including transforming growth factor β and Interleukin 1‐β, closely emulating the signatures of human pancreatic tumors. Cancer‐on‐a‐bead models also display increased drug resistance to chemotherapeutics when compared to their reductionistic counterparts, reinforcing the importance to differentially model ECM components inclusion and their spatial stratification as observed in vivo. Beyond providing a universal technology that enables spatial modularity in tumor‐stroma elements bioengineering, a scalable, in‐air fabrication of ECM‐tunable 3D platforms that can be leveraged for recapitulating differential matrix composition occurring in other human neoplasias is provided here.
An On‐Chip Liquid Metal Plug Generator
Authors: Bhagwat Sagar , O'Brien Ciarán , Hamza Ahmed , Sharma Shatakshi , Rein Christof , Sanjaya Mario , Helmer Dorothea , Kotz‐Helmer Frederik , Pezeshkpour Pegah , Rapp Bastian E.
Published: April 2022

Gallium‐based liquid metal nonspherical droplets (plugs) have seen increasing demand recently mainly because their high aspect ratios make them beneficial for a wide range of applications, including microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), microfluidics, sensor technology, radio‐frequency devices, actuators, and switches. However, reproducibility of the generation of such plugs, as well as precise control over their size, is yet challenging. In this work, a simple on‐chip liquid metal plug generator using a commercially available 3D microprinter is presented and the plug generator in poly(dimethylsiloxane) is replicated via soft lithography. Liquid metal plugs are generated via a combination of electrochemical oxidation, design of well‐defined constrictions based on Laplace pressure, and the application of modulated voltage control signals. It is shown that plugs of various aspect ratios can be generated reproducibly for channel widths of 0.5, 0.8, and 1.5 mm with constriction widths of 0.1 mm at 6 V. Laplace‐pressure‐controlled plugs in constricted channels are compared to modulated‐voltage‐generated plugs in straight channels showing that this technique provides significantly enhanced reproducibility and control over the size and spacing between the plugs. This work paves the way to sub‐millimeter liquid metal plugs generated directly on‐chip for on‐demand MEMS and microfluidic applications.
Solution‐Processed TiO2 Nanoparticles Functionalized with Catechol Derivatives as Electron Transporting Layer Materials for Organic Photovoltaics
Authors: Shin Solbi , Shafian Shafidah , Ryu Ka Yeon , Jeon Young‐Kyo , Kim Won‐Suk , Kim Kyungkon
Published: April 2022

For organic photovoltaics (OPVs), the electron transport layer (ETL) material is crucial for collecting and transporting the electrons from the active material toward the electrode. In this study, TiO2 nanoparticles (TNPs) are functionalized with a series of catechol (CA) derivatives possessing different electrophilicities, i.e., CA; CA attached to an electron‐withdrawing cyano group, 3,4‐Dihydroxy benzonitrile (CA‐CN); and CA attached to an electron‐donating methoxy group, 4‐Methoxybenzene‐1,2‐diol (CA‐OMe), and the resulting solution‐processed films are applied as ETLs. The calculated energy level shows that the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) is lowered by the cyano group and raised by the methoxy group, and it forms different cascade energy levels in between photoactive layer and electrode. As a result, the VOC of each device utilizes TNP CA, TNP CA‐CN, and TNP CA‐OMe as ETLs is increased to 0.82, 0.73, and 0.65 V as compared to without ETL (0.63 V), respectively. Under the optimized conditions, a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 10.80 % is achieved for OPVs containing TNP CA as ETLs. The PCE improvement could be mainly attributed to the low recombination rate in between active layer and electrode interface. The findings of this study lead a valuable guide for designing a ligand used for the functionalized TNPs.
Fine Tuning the Optical Properties of Single Au Nanoparticles by Plasmon‐Driven Growth in Closed‐Loop Control
Authors: Martinez Luciana Paula , Gargiulo Julian , Barella Mariano , Violi Ianina Lucila , Stefani Fernando Daniel
Published: April 2022

The morphology and composition of metallic nanoparticles (NPs) determine their optical response, so finely controlling them at the single particle level is the key to achieve tailored functionalities. Here, the control of plasmon‐driven growth of Au NPs is studied by live monitoring their photoluminescence emission in a closed‐loop. It is found that the final emission maximum of single NPs can be tuned between 550 and 580 nm with a precision of 2–3 nm, and that the tuning is also reflected in their scattering maximum. In comparison to controlling the growth by irradiation time and/or reaction conditions, the closed‐loop control delivers superior reproducibility and a three to fourfold higher precision in the final properties of the NPs.
Pd‐Catalyzed Decarboxylative Coupling Between Allyl Carbonates and Vinyl Benzoxazinanones
Authors: Cai Lu‐Yu , Zhang Heng , Wang Kuo , Zhao Hong‐Wu
Published: April 2022

In the presence of Pd(OAc)2/biphenyl‐based phosphoramidite ligand(±)‐L4,the decarboxylative coupling of allyl carbonates with vinyl benzoxazinanonesoccurred readily, and deliveredthe desired productsin the acceptable chemical yields. The chemical structure of the obtained compounds was clearly identified by a single crystal X‐ray analysis.

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Iterative Dynamic Programming Strategy for Electric Vehicle Battery Thermal Management Optimization
Authors: Ma Yan , Li Jiayi
Published: April 2022

Lithium‐ion batteries are extensively used in electric vehicles because of their superior performance in the general environment of global energy shortage. However, lithium‐ion batteries generate large amounts of heat as the battery packs are charged and discharged. If this accumulated heat is not dissipated timely, then the power supply system will fail, resulting in safety accidents. Therefore, a high‐efficiency and energy‐saving optimization strategy is required for both ensuring operating temperature of the battery and saving energy. Herein, a lumped thermal model is established on the basis of the heat generation characteristics of batteries and Newton's law of cooling, and its exactitude is proven by comparison with a liquid cooling system established using AMESim. In addition, to reduce computation time and enhance the real‐time capability, an iterative dynamic programming (IDP) method is proposed to determine the optimal values iteratively in a multidimensional search space, in view of the high nonlinearity and time‐variability of a battery thermal management system as well as the complexity of dynamic programming (DP). Thus, the results from co‐simulations performed in Matlab and AMESim verify that the proposed strategy has high cooling efficiency and can save considerable energy for cooling system compared with PID and DP.
Hourly Work of 3D Microstructural Visualization of Dual Phase Steels by SliceGAN
Authors: Sugiura Keiya , Ogawa Toshio , Adachi Yoshitaka
Published: April 2022

SliceGAN is used to generate a 3D microstructure image from one or three 2D images in ferrite‐martensite dual phase steels. This method accelerates 3D visualization of microstructure to be hourly task. The 2D images sliced from the SliceGAN‐3D image seem to be quite similar with the original 2D images. The volume fraction of martensite in SliceGAN‐3D image is in good agreement with that in experimentally reconstructed 3D image.
High‐Performance Flexible Pressure Sensor with a Self‐Healing Function for Tactile Feedback
Authors: Yang Mei , Cheng Yongfa , Yue Yang , Chen Yu , Gao Han , Li Lei , Cai Bin , Liu Weijie , Wang Ziyu , Guo Haizhong , Liu Nishuang , Gao Yihua
Published: April 2022

High‐performance flexible pressure sensors have attracted a great deal of attention, owing to its potential applications such as human activity monitoring, man–machine interaction, and robotics. However, most high‐performance flexible pressure sensors are complex and costly to manufacture. These sensors cannot be repaired after external mechanical damage and lack of tactile feedback applications. Herein, a high‐performance flexible pressure sensor based on MXene/polyurethane (PU)/interdigital electrodes is fabricated by using a low‐cost and universal spray method. The sprayed MXene on the spinosum structure PU and other arbitrary flexible substrates (represented by polyimide and membrane filter) act as the sensitive layer and the interdigital electrodes, respectively. The sensor shows an ultrahigh sensitivity (up to 509.8 kPa–1), extremely fast response speed (67.3 ms), recovery speed (44.8 ms), and good stability (10 000 cycles) due to the interaction between the sensitive layer and the interdigital electrodes. In addition, the hydrogen bond of PU endows the device with the self‐healing function. The sensor can also be integrated with a circuit, which can realize tactile feedback function. This MXene‐based high‐performance pressure sensor, along with its designing/fabrication, is expected to be widely used in human activity detection, electronic skin, intelligent robots, and many other aspects.
Nitrogen services provided by interseeded cover crops in organic corn systems
Authors: Isbell Sarah Abigail , Alonso‐Ayuso María , Bell Terrence H. , Bradley Brosi , Rowles Taran , Kaye Jason P.
Published: April 2022

Cover crops (CC) can be used to reduce soil inorganic N (SIN) losses from agricultural soils. However, challenges exist in establishing CCs after corn (Zea mays L.) harvest in regions with a limited window for fall CC growth. One solution to this constraint is to establish a CC by interseeding into a standing corn crop. This experiment aims to assess the effect of interseeding CCs on the N cycle. Within organically managed corn grain and silage systems, we implemented three CC treatments: interseeded annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.), postharvest seeded cereal rye (Secale cereale L.), and a no‐CC fallow. We applied fertilizer at a standard level (336 kg N ha−1) and at a high level (420 kg N ha−1). Silage was harvested in October and grain in November. Corn yields were not affected by CC treatments. In the fall in the silage system, the interseeded treatment had reduced SIN compared with the postharvest seeded treatment. In the spring, both interseeded and postharvest seeded treatments had less deep SIN than fallow in grain and silage. Under high N conditions in the spring, interseeded treatments had greater microbial biomass than all other treatment combinations. Both CC treatments and applied N levels affected microbial taxonomic groups. In terms of N retention services, interseeded CCs do have potential to outperform a postharvest seeded CC with a longer window for unshaded fall growth (as in a silage system) and may perform just as well as a postharvest seeded CC in the spring.
Synthesis of Expanded Crowned Macrocycles Containing Two Pyrrolo[1,2‐a]indole Units
Authors: Ojha Belarani , Laxman Kandala , Rawat Nisha , Ravikanth Mangalampalli
Published: April 2022

Expanded crowned macrocycles containing two pyrrolo[1,2‐a]indole moieties in their macrocyclic framework have been synthesized by condensing a 1,4‐bis(2‐thienyl) benzene‐based diol with three different crown based tripyrranes under acid‐catalyzed conditions. HRMS and NMR studies were used to deduce the molecular structures of fused expanded crowned macrocycles. The studies indicated the occurrence of two intramolecular fusions between two core pyrrolic nitrogens with carbon atoms of two phenylene groups to generate two pyrrolo[1,2‐a]indole moieties as a part of expanded porphyrin framework. DFT studies indicated that the macrocycles are highly nonplanar and adopt a trapezoidal structure. The absorption spectral studies showed that the macrocycles exhibit three bands in 350–520 nm region and electrochemical studies indicated the electron‐rich nature of the macrocycles. Furthermore, the expanded crowned macrocycles form stable cation radicals upon treatment with trifluoroacetic acid as judged from absorption, electron spin resonance studies, and the cation radicals that formed absorb strongly in the NIR region. TD‐DFT studies corroborate with the experimental observations.
The Collaborative Approach for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Research and Education (CARE): A recruitment registry for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, aging, and caregiver‐related research
Authors: Ta Park Van M. , Meyer Oanh L. , Tsoh Janice Y. , Kanaya Alka M. , Tzuang Marian , Nam Bora , Vuong Quyen , Bang Joon , Hinton Ladson , Gallagher‐Thompson Dolores , Grill Joshua D.
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Clinical research focused on aging, Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD), and caregiving often does not recruit Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs).

Methods

With funding from the National Institute on Aging, we designed and launched the Collaborative Approach for AAPIs Research and Education (CARE), a research recruitment registry to increase AAPIs’ participation in ADRD, aging, and caregiving research. We present the design of this novel recruitment program.

Results

CARE uses community‐based participatory research methods that are culturally and linguistically appropriate. Since CARE's launch, it has enrolled >7000 AAPIs in a 1‐year period. The majority enrolled in CARE via community organizations and reported never having participated in any kind of research before. CARE also engages researchers by establishing a recruitment referral request protocol.

Discussion

CARE provides a promising venue to foster meaningful inclusion of AAPIs who are under‐represented in aging and dementia‐related research.
In Situ Prodrug Activation by an Affibody‐Ruthenium Catalyst Hybrid for HER2‐Targeted Chemotherapy
Authors: Zhao Zhennan , Tao Xuan , Xie Yanxuan , Lai Qi , Lin Wenkai , Lu Kai , Wang Jinhui , Xia Wei , Mao Zong‐Wan
Published: April 2022

Transition‐metal catalysts exhibit great potential as therapeutic agents to inhibit tumor growth. However, the precise delivery and in situ catalysis are challenging in catalytic medicine. Herein, we report an anti‐HER2 affibody‐ruthenium catalyst hybrid, named Ru‐HER2 for selective and effective killing of cancer cells. Ru‐HER2 binds to the HER2 receptor on a tumor cell and in situ catalyzes the activation of gemcitabine prodrug, resulting in enhanced selectivity in suppression of tumor growth and reduction of side effects. Immunoblotting reveals that Ru‐HER2 in combination with gemcitabine prodrug can not only induce DNA damage, but also effectively block the HER2 signaling pathway in cancer cells. Therefore, the HER2‐targeted chemotherapy exhibits substantially high anticancer activity toward HER2‐positive cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. In a word, we report the first affibody‐ruthenium catalyst hybrid and reveal its potential for effective HER2‐targeted cancer chemotherapy.
Charge‐Compensation in a Displacement Mg2+ Storage Cathode through Polyselenide‐Mediated Anion Redox
Authors: Qu Xuelian , Du Aobing , Wang Tao , Kong Qingyu , Chen Guodong , Zhang Zhonghua , Zhao Jingwen , Liu Xin , Zhou Xinhong , Dong Shanmu , Cui Guanglei
Published: April 2022

Chalcogenides have been viewed as important conversion‐type Mg2+‐storage cathodes to fulfill the high volumetric energy density promise of magnesium (Mg) batteries. However, the low initial Columbic efficiency and the rapid capacity degradation remain challenges for the chalcogenide cathodes, as the clear Mg2+‐storage mechanism has yet to be clarified. Herein, we illustrate that the charge storage mechanism of the Cu2−xSe cathode is a reversible displacement reaction along with a polyselenide (PSe) mediated solution process of anion‐compensation. The unique anion redox improves charge storage, while the dissolution of PSe also leads to performance degradation. To address this issue, we introduce Mo6S8 into the Cu2−xSe cathode to immobilize PSe, which significantly improves performance, especially the reversible capacity (from 140 mAh g−1 to 220 mAh g−1). This work provides inspiration for the modification of the Mg2+‐storage cathode, which is a milestone for high‐performance Mg batteries.
Hydrogen Atom Transfer Driven Enantioselective Minisci Reaction of Alcohols
Authors: Colgan Avene C. , Proctor Rupert S. J. , Gibson David C. , Chuentragool Padon , Lahdenperä Antti S. K. , Ermanis Kristaps , Phipps Robert J.
Published: April 2022

Catalytic enantioselective Minisci reactions have recently been developed but all instances so far utilize α‐amino radical coupling partners. We report a substantial evolution of the enantioselective Minisci reaction that enables α‐hydroxy radicals to be used, providing valuable enantioenriched secondary alcohol products. This is achieved through the direct oxidative coupling of two C−H bonds on simple alcohol and pyridine partners through a hydrogen atom transfer (HAT)‐driven approach: a challenging process to achieve due to the numerous side reactions that can occur. Our approach is highly regioselective as well as highly enantioselective. Dicumyl peroxide, upon irradiation with 390 nm light, serves as both HAT reagent and oxidant whilst selectivity is controlled by use of a chiral phosphoric acid catalyst. Computational and experimental evidence provide mechanistic insight as to the origin of selectivity, revealing a stereodetermining deprotonation step distinct from the analogous reaction of amide‐containing substrates.
Enhancing Metalating Efficiency of the Sodium Amide NaTMP in Arene Borylation Applications
Authors: Bole Leonie J. , Tortajada Andreu , Hevia Eva
Published: April 2022

Though LiTMP (TMP=2,2′,6,6′‐tetramethylpiperidide) is a commonly used amide, surprisingly the heavier NaTMP has hardly been utilised. Here, by mixing NaTMP with tridentate donor PMDETA (N,N,N′,N′′,N′′‐pentamethyldiethylenetriamine), we provide structural, and mechanistic insights into the sodiation of non‐activated arenes (e.g. anisole and benzene). While these reactions are low yielding, adding B(OiPr)3 has a profound effect, not only by intercepting the CAr‐Na bond, but also by driving the metalation reaction towards quantitative formation of more stabilized sodium aryl boronates. Demonstrating its metalating power, regioselective C2‐metalation/borylation of naphthalene has been accomplished contrasting with single‐metal based protocols which are unselective and low yielding. Extension to other arenes allows for in situ generation of aryl boronates which can then directly engage in Suzuki–Miyaura couplings, furnishing a range of biaryls in a selective and efficient manner.
Catalytic Decomposition of Long‐Chain Olefins to Propylene via Isomerization‐Metathesis Using Latent Bicyclic (Alkyl)(Amino)Carbene‐Ruthenium Olefin Metathesis Catalysts
Authors: Nagyházi Márton , Lukács Ádám , Turczel Gábor , Hancsók Jenő , Valyon József , Bényei Attila , Kéki Sándor , Tuba Róbert
Published: April 2022

One of the most exciting scientific challenges today is the catalytic degradation of non‐biodegradable polymers into value‐added chemical feedstocks. The mild pyrolysis of polyolefins, including high‐density polyethylene (HDPE), results in pyrolysis oils containing long‐chain olefins as major products. In this paper, novel bicyclic (alkyl)(amino)carbene ruthenium (BICAAC−Ru) temperature‐activated latent olefin metathesis catalysts, which can be used for catalytic decomposition of long‐chain olefins to propylene are reported. These thermally stable catalysts show significantly higher selectivity to propylene at a reaction temperature of 75 °C compared to second generation Hoveyda–Grubbs or CAAC−Ru catalysts under ethenolysis conditions. The conversion of long‐chain olefins (e.g., 1‐octadecene or methyl oleate) to propylene via isomerization‐metathesis is performed by using a (RuHCl)(CO)(PPh3)3 isomerization co‐catalyst. The reactions can be carried out at a BICAAC−Ru catalyst loading as low as 1 ppm at elevated reaction temperature (75 °C). The observed turnover number and turnover frequency are as high as 55 000 and 10 000 molpropylene molcatalyst−1 h−1, respectively.
Oil separation process of Citrus sinensis orange: simulation and techno‐economic evaluation
Authors: Santos Victor de M , Calado Veronica M. A. , Bojorge Ninoska
Published: April 2022

This work focuses on modeling, simulation and techno‐economic analysis, motivated by the great potential for transforming the residues of sweet orange peel (Citrus sinensis) from the food industry into products with higher added value. A techno‐economic analysis of the extraction process of limonene and linalool using supercritical CO2 in a continuous flow was carried out on an industrial scale. The process was simulated using the Soave–Redlich–Kwong (SRK) thermodynamic equilibrium model. In order to find the maximum separation process yield, a 33 factorial design was used to analyze the main process factors, which were temperature, pressure, and solvent feed rate. Limonene was the principal component extracted. The optimum conditions for limonene extraction using a 12‐stage differential extractor were 50°C, 1930 kg h−1 and pressure around 74 bar, representing a 99.5% extraction from orange peel oil. The analyzed process conditions showed that the solution became saturated when the CO2/oil feed ratio was >19.7 kg h−1. Under these conditions, the cost of manufacturing was US$148.04 per kg of orange peel oil. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Approaches to purification and concentration of rAAV vectors for gene therapy
Authors: Belova Lyubava , Kochergin‐Nikitsky Konstantin , Erofeeva Anastasia , Lavrov Alexander , Smirnikhina Svetlana
Published: April 2022

Recombinant adeno‐associated viruses (rAAVs) are promising vectors for the delivery of various genetic constructs into eukaryotic cells. rAAVs have a number of properties that make it possible to successfully use them both in vitro and in vivo. Purification and concentration of rAAV vectors are critical for achieving high viral titer, stability, efficiency, and purity. This review systematically analyses all available purification approaches. The purification methods described in this work differ substantially from each other in mechanisms, efficiency, labor time, and cost. Researchers have to choose a purification algorithm depending on the purpose of their work. We strive to simplify the choice of the necessary and sufficient technique based on the experimental needs and available resources of the laboratory.
Novel Hydrazone Derivatives of 3‐Bromopyruvate: Synthesis, Evaluation of the Cytotoxic Effects, Molecular Docking and ADME Studies
Authors: Beygi Farzaneh , Mostoufi Azar , Mojaddami Ayyub
Published: April 2022

A series of 3‐bromopyruvate (3‐BP) derivatives were synthesized to develop new potent anticancer agents. The chemical structures of the compounds were characterized using FT‐IR, 1H‐, 13C‐NMR spectroscopy, and elemental analysis (CHN). Their cytotoxic activities were investigated against four cancer cell lines, including colon (SW1116), breast (MDA‐MB‐231), lung (A549), and liver (HepG2) cancer cell lines. Among the synthesized compounds, 3b showed promising cytotoxic activity compared to 3‐BP, with IC50 values of 16.3 μM, 19.1 μM, 27.8 μM, and 14.5 μM against A549, MDA‐MB‐231, SW1116 and, HepG2 cell lines, respectively. Furthermore, the effect of these compounds on MCF‐10A (a normal breast cell lines) was investigated to determine their selectivity between tumorigenic and non‐tumorigenic cells. Since the 3‐BP inhibits hexokinase II (HK II), molecular docking of 3‐BP derivatives was carried out using AutoDock 4.2. The binding energies of these derivatives were greater than 3‐BP, indicating that they had a higher affinity for HK II. For validation of docking, a 40 ns MD simulation was performed. SwissADME was used to predict pharmacokinetics, drug‐likeness, and ADME parameters of the screened compounds. The results demonstrated that these derivatives are suitable candidates for developing orally potent HK II inhibitors.
Endophytic Fungi as a Source of Antiviral Compounds – A Review
Authors: Lacerda Íris Carolina dos Santos , Polonio Júlio Cesar , Golias Halison Correia
Published: April 2022

Endophytic fungi are a rich source of secondary metabolites. The interactions between endophytes and their hosts lead to the production of several bioactive substances grouped into different classes, each having a wide variety of effects against various pathogens. The metabolites obtained from these organisms include steroids, alkaloids, phenols, isocoumarins, xanthones, quinones, and terpenoids, among others. These substances are known to have antibiotic, antiparasitic, antifungal, and antiviral effects. This review summarizes secondary metabolites with antiviral effects produced by endophytic fungi and highlights the importance of research in developing novel antiviral substances. We demonstrate that endophytic fungi are a rich source of secondary metabolites that combat pathologies caused by viruses. Optimizing practical and biotechnological screening tools for the research of these metabolites will provide promising drugs to combat these infections.
Efficacy of larger valve sizing with underfilling in balloon‐expandable transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Authors: Kawaguchi Tomohiro , Miyoshi Toru , Hayashi Masaomi , Ishizu Kenichi , Ugawa Satoko , Nosaka Kazumasa , Isotani Akihiro , Doi Masayuki , Shirai Shinichi , Ando Kenji
Published: April 2022

Objectives

To investigate the efficacy and safety of larger valve sizing beyond the commercially recommended annular range in transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with balloon‐expandable transcatheter heart valve (THVs).

Background

The clinical implications of larger balloon‐expandable THV implantation with underfilling are poorly evaluated.

Methods

This retrospective study included 692 consecutive patients who underwent TAVR with SAPIEN3. A total of 271 patients who underwent SAPIEN 3 implantation were analyzed based on three border zones (Zone 1: 300–345 mm2, 23 vs. 20 mm; Zone 2: 400–430 mm2, 26 vs. 23 mm; Zone 3: 500–546 mm2, 29 vs. 26 mm). The primary endpoint was the effective orifice area (EOA) assessed by echocardiography at 1 year, and secondary endpoints were a 30‐day mortality rate, procedural complications during TAVR, and a composite of death from any cause and heart failure requiring rehospitalization at 1 year.

Results

At 1‐year follow‐up, the EOA in the larger valve groups was greater than that in the recommended valve group in each zone (Zone 1: 1.45 ± 0.03 vs. 1.06 ± 0.06 cm2, p < 0.001; Zone 2: 1.83 ± 0.05 vs. 1.41 ± 0.05 cm2, p < 0.001; Zone 3: 1.93 ± 0.07 vs. 1.69 ± 0.07 cm2, p = 0.02). No significant difference in the secondary endpoint was observed in any of the zones.

Conclusions

Implantation of the out‐of‐range larger SAPIEN 3 THVs with underfilling was associated with greater EOA at the 1‐year follow‐up and feasible in the selected patients.
Bedside intra‐aortic balloon pump insertion in cardiac intensive care unit: A single‐center experience
Authors: Baldetti Luca , Beneduce Alessandro , Boccellino Antonio , Pagnesi Matteo , Barone Giuseppe , Gallone Guglielmo , Napolano Antonio , Gramegna Mario , Calvo Francesco , Pazzanese Vittorio , Sacchi Stefania , Cappelletti Alberto M.
Published: April 2022

Background

In contemporary Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU), bedside intra‐aortic balloon pump (IABP) insertion under echocardiographic guidance may be an attractive option for selected patients with cardiogenic shock (CS). Currently available data on this approach are limited.

Aim

This study aimed to assess the feasibility and safety of bedside IABP insertion, as compared to fluoroscopic‐guided insertion in the Catheterization Laboratory (CathLab), and to describe the clinical features of patients receiving bedside IABP insertion using a standardized technique in real‐world CICU practice.

Methods

We prospectively evaluated all patients admitted the CICU who received transfemoral IABP between June 2020 and October 2021. The overall study cohort was divided according to implant strategy in bedside and CathLab groups. The primary outcome was correct radiographic IABP positioning at the first bedside chest X‐ray obtained after insertion. Secondary outcomes included IABP‐related complications.

Results

Among 115 patients, bedside IABP insertion was performed in 35 (30.4%) cases, mainly presenting with CS‐related to acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) (68.6 vs 33.8%; p < 0.001), with lower LVEF, higher proportion of right ventricular involvement and higher need of inotropes/vasopressors, compared to those receiving CathLab insertion. Bedside IABP insertion resulted feasible and safe, with similar rates of correct IABP positioning (82.9 vs. 82.5%; p = 0.963) and IABP‐related major vascular complications (5.7 vs. 5.0%; p = 0.874), as compared to CathLab positioning.

Conclusion

This study suggests the feasibility and safety of bedside IABP insertion, which could be of relevant interest in patients with ADHF‐related CS who may not need coronary angiography or other urgent CathLab procedures.
Right cardiac chambers echo‐bubble contrast in a patient with decompression sickness: A case report and a literature review
Authors: Harfoush Allam , Ramadan Mohammad , Hamdallah Hanady
Published: April 2022

The diagnosis of decompression sickness (DCS) is mostly based on clinical suspicion, and there is currently no available modality to fully confirm the diagnosis. However, the use of echocardiography in suspected DCS cases has become more common. In this case, transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) was used to detect microbubbles in the right cardiac chambers and monitor the patient after hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), suggesting the possible applicability of TTE in diagnosing and monitoring DCS patients. This report describes a 54‐year‐old Fisherman who was referred to the emergency department with dyspnea and mild confusion after a rapid ascent of a saturation dive at 50 m sea depth. After the initial evaluation, he was assessed using TTE to exclude the presence of structural heart disease, where it surprisingly showed spontaneous echo contrast inside the right cardiac chambers similar to agitated saline echo testing. The patient was then admitted for HBOT and follow‐up; rapid improvement was noticed after the first HBOT session and the TTE findings were fully resolved. TTE could be considered in the initial workup when DCS is suspected, and it might have a role in monitoring DCS patients if echocardiographic findings of bubble formation were documented in the pre‐hyperbaric therapy settings.