bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biodegradation of Carbofuran and Paraquat by Indigenous Soil Microorganisms
Authors: Ataikiru T. L. , Okorhi F. B.
Published: December 2022

Aim: It aimed at the biodegradation of Carbofuran and Paraquat using the active microbial population resident in a farmyard soil in the Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE), Ugbomoro Community, Delta State.

Study Design: Microcosms were set-up in triplicates; sampling for pesticides’ loss and microbial counts were done bi-weekly.  

Place and Duration of Study: Study was done in Environmental Management and Toxicology Department, FUPRE and Chemistry Department, University of Benin between June 2019 and July 2019.

Methodology: Carbofuran and Paraquat were applied to farmyard soil containing active microbial population at recommended and four times the recommended doses. A sterile control was equally setup. Biodegradation was monitored with the High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Microbial counts were monitored using standard methods.

Results: Carbofuran decreased from 108.6 ± 0.69 μg/kg (day 0) to 39.2 ± 3.8 μg/kg (day 28) and 301.4 ± 1.29 μg/kg (day 0) to 241.4 ± 2.83 μg/kg (day 28) for recommended and four times recommended rates, respectively. Also, there were complete removal of Paraquat in treatments with the recommended rate while it decreased from 268.3 ± 5.21μg/kg (day 0) to 144.4 ± 2.38 μg/kg (day 28) at four times the recommended rate. In the abiotic control, were little losses of both pesticides. Total heterotrophic bacterial, fungal and actinomycetes counts increased (day 14 to 21) in contaminated soils. Significant differences in degradation with respect to pesticides treatment and time were observed.

Conclusion: The microorganisms grew at different concentrations reducing both Carbofuran and Paraquat in contaminated soils. Their presence and high numbers confirmed that they are ubiquitous, diverse and can adjust to any harsh environment. Increased microbial counts showed that they grew in presence of the chemicals and degraded them. Thus, these indigenous microbial population can be used for the clean-up of these pesticides pollution in farms to improve such environment.
Genetic Diversity Study of Melon Native Landraces Using ISSR Markers in Kurdistan Region of Iraq
Authors: Ahmed Aram Shahab , Barznjy Luqman Gharib Karim , Kasnazany Sidiq Aziz Sidiq , Mohammed Dara Omer
Published: December 2022

Considering the ancient cultivation of various numbers of melons, it seems that there is a valuable and rich gene pool of melon in Kifri city of Kurdistan region of Iraq. In this research, the genetic diversity of 15 indigenous melons of Kifri and 7 non-native melons was analyzed using inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers. A total of 6 primers were used to amplify parts of the genomic DNA of the samples. Genomic DNA was extracted using Salting out method, and polyacrylamide gel was used to separate DNA fragments. In this study, 65 bands were scored and 34 bands had polymorphisms. To evaluate the genetic similarity between the samples, cluster analysis was used using the Jaccard similarity coefficient with the UPGMA method. The average genetic distance between the samples using the Jaccard similarity coefficient was 0.74, and the average polymorphic information content (PIC) was 0.78. The primer (AC)8 G had the highest PIC (0.93). Cluster analysis indicated wide range of diversity across the genotypes used. These genotypes have high diversity which could be used in breeding programs.
Predictive Ability of Noncognitive Factors on Academic Performance of Undergraduate Psychology Students
Authors: Alvarado Arjay Y. , Estosos Ann Gei Sha R. , Jegan Jaybie L. , Nilles Noren T.
Published: December 2022

The ability to predict student performance creates opportunities to improve educational outcomes. Exploring the possibilities of measuring variables that could significantly influence the academic performance is fundamental to the realization of technological and scientific development, political, and socio-economic advancement, and success in life. This descriptive-relational study anchored on the Theory of Educational Productivity by Herbert Walberg utilized Multiple Regression Analyses to investigate the predictive ability of Adversity Quotient, Emotional Intelligence, and Personality on Academic Performance of Psychology students in a state college. Using convenience and quota sampling procedures, one hundred students (50 males and 50 females) were selected to participate in the study. Mean and standard deviation were used for descriptive analysis, Mann Whitney U test for comparative analysis, and Spearman Rho Correlation for relational analysis. Results revealed that collectively, the levels of Adversity Quotient, Emotional Intelligence, and Personality of the participants were “Average”, while their Academic Performance was “Superior”. No significant differences were noted among all the study variables regardless of their demographic characteristic. Emotional stability yielded a positive relationship with the academic performance of participants and predicted 51.8% of the increase in their academic performance. Moreover, empirical evidence suggests mentorship is effective in fostering the student's emotional stability.
Antimicrobial Activities of Allium sativum on Microorganisms Isolated from Spoilt Tomatoes Sold in Awka Anambra State, Nigeria
Authors: Johnson Oledibe, Odira , Frances Ejimofor, Chiamaka , Eziamaka Afam-Ezeaku, Chikaodili , Enoch Nwakoby, Nnamdi , Ann Mbaukwu, Onyinye , Chinecherem Onuzulike, Mariagoretti
Published: December 2022

Tomato is a universally consumed vegetable crop. Its spoilage involves changes in which they become less palatable, less attractive to the eyes or even toxic to consumers. These changes may be accompanied by alterations in taste, smell, appearance or texture. The aim of this study is to identify the spoilage pathogens of tomatoes and to ascertain the antimicrobial potential of garlic ethanol extract on the isolates. Spoilt tomato samples were purchased from three markets (Eke Awka, Nnamdi Azikiwe temporary site (Temp. site) and Amenyi) in Awka, Anambra State. They were transported Alpha Laboratory, Awka in a sterile polythene bags for microbial isolation and analysis. The media used for the isolation were Nutrient Agar and Sabouraud Dextrose Agar, both were placed into a conical flask autoclaved at 121ºC at 15psi for 20 minutes and the plates were incubated at room temperature. The bacteria isolated from the tomato fruits were: Pseudomonas sp, Bacillus sp, Staphylococcus sp and Escherichia coli while the fungi isolates were Aspergillus sp, Penicillium sp and Mucor sp. The antimicrobial activity of ethanol garlic extract against these microorganisms isolated from spoilt tomatoes were determined using disc method. Three different concentrations (25%, 50%, 100%) of ethanol garlic extract were used to test for the antimicrobial activity. The result showed that at different concentrations the ethanol garlic extract possess antimicrobial properties on the selected organisms apart from Pseudomonas sp and Penicillium sp where there was no zone of inhibition. The presence of these microorganisms is hazardous to health. Therefore, garlic extract could be used as a beneficial substitute of synthetic chemicals.
Predicting child aggression: The role of parent and child endorsement of reactive aggression across 13 cultural groups in 9 nations
Authors: Rothenberg William A. , Sorbring Emma , Lansford Jennifer E. , Peña Alampay Liane , Al‐Hassan Suha M. , Bacchini Dario , Bornstein Marc H. , Chang Lei , Deater‐Deckard Kirby , Giunta Laura Di , Dodge Kenneth A. , Gurdal Sevtap , Liu Qin , Long Qian , Oburu Paul , Pastorelli Concetta , Skinner Ann T. , Tapanya Sombat , Steinberg Laurence , Maria Uribe Tirado Liliana , Yotanyamaneewong Saengduean
Published: December 2022

Parent and child endorsement of reactive aggression both predict the emergence of child aggression, but they are rarely studied together and in longitudinal contexts. The present study does so by examining the unique predictive effects of parent and child endorsement of reactive aggression at age 8 on child aggression at age 9 in 1456 children from 13 cultural groups in 9 nations. Multiple group structural equation models explored whether age 8 child and parent endorsement of reactive aggression predicted subsequent age 9 child endorsement of reactive aggression and child aggression, after accounting for prior child aggression and parent education. Results revealed that greater parent endorsement of reactive aggression at age 8 predicted greater child endorsement of aggression at age 9, that greater parent endorsement of reactive aggression at age 8 uniquely predicted greater aggression at age 9 in girls, and that greater child endorsement of reactive aggression at age 8 uniquely predicted greater aggression at age 9 in boys. All three of these associations emerged across cultures. Implications of, and explanations for, study findings are discussed.
Thinking through situations: The mediating role of rumination in the relationship between need for cognition and aggression
Authors: Barlett Christopher P.
Published: December 2022

Need for cognition (NFC)—a stable personality trait associated with the enjoyment of thinking—has been shown to influence myriad social situations; however, no research has tested the direct and indirect effects of NFC on aggression. We predicted that NFC would negatively correlate with aggression, which would be mediated by rumination. Participants (N = 216 US adults) completed measures assessing NFC, aggression, and rumination. In line with our hypotheses, results showed that NFC was negatively correlated with aggression, and both anger rumination and more general rumination mediated this relationship. Future research and conclusions are discussed.
Quantifying intrafractional gastric motion using auto‐segmentation on MRI: Deformation and respiratory‐induced displacement compared
Authors: Driever Theo , Hulshof Maarten C.C.M. , Bel Arjan , Sonke Jan‐Jakob , van der Horst Astrid
Published: December 2022

Background and purpose

For accurate pre‐operative gastric radiotherapy, intrafractional changes must be taken into account. The aim of this study is to quantify local gastric deformations and compare these deformations with respiratory‐induced displacement.

Materials and methods

Coronal 2D MRI scans (15–16 min; 120 repetitions of 25–27 interleaved slices) were obtained for 18 healthy volunteers. A deep‐learning network was used to auto‐segment the stomach. To separate out respiratory‐induced displacements, auto‐segmentations were rigidly shifted in superior‐inferior (SI) direction to align the centre of mass (CoM) within every slice. From these shifted auto‐segmentations, 3D iso‐probability surfaces (isosurfaces) were established: a reference surface for POcc = 0.50 and 50 other isosurfaces (from POcc = 0.01 to 0.99), with POcc indicating the probability of occupation by the stomach. For each point on the reference surface, distances to all isosurfaces were determined and a cumulative Gaussian was fitted to this probability‐distance dataset to obtain a standard deviation (SDdeform) expressing local deformation. For each volunteer, we determined median and 98th percentile of SDdeform over the reference surface and compared these with the respiratory‐induced displacement SDresp, that is, the SD of all CoM shifts (paired Wilcoxon signed‐rank, α = 0.05).

Results

Larger deformations were mostly seen in the antrum and pyloric region. Median SDdeform (range, 2.0–2.9 mm) was smaller than SDresp (2.7–8.8 mm) for each volunteer (p < 0.00001); 98th percentile of SDdeform (3.2–7.3 mm) did not significantly differ from SDresp (p = 0.13).

Conclusion

Locally, gastric deformations can be large. Overall, however, these deformations are limited compared to respiratory‐induced displacement. Therefore, unless respiratory motion is considerably reduced, the need to separately include these deformation uncertainties in the treatment margins may be limited.
Regulating Na‐ion Solvation in Quasi‐Solid Electrolyte to Stabilize Na Metal Anode
Authors: Zhou Xiaoyan , Li Zhuo , Li Wanming , Li Xiaogang , Fu Jialong , Wei Lu , Yang Hui , Guo Xin
Published: December 2022

Sodium metal batteries are promising for cost‐effective energy storage, however, the sluggish ion transport in electrolytes and detrimental sodium‐dendrite growth stall their practical applications. Herein, a cross‐linking quasi‐solid electrolyte with a high ionic conductivity of 1.4 mS cm−1 at 25 °C is developed by in‐situ polymerizing poly (ethylene glycol) diacrylate‐based monomer. Benefiting from the refined solvation structure of Na+ with a much lower desolvation barrier, random Na+ diffusion on the Na surface is restrained, so that the Na dendrite formation is suppressed. Consequently, symmetrical Na||Na cells employing the electrolyte can be cycled >2000 h at 0.1 mA cm−2. Na3V2(PO4)3||Na batteries reveal a high discharge specific capacity of 66.1 mAh g−1 at 15 C and demonstrate stable cycling over 1000 cycles with a capacity retention of 83% at a fast rate of 5 C.
A Polymer Canvas with the Stiffness of the Bone Matrix to Study and Control Mesenchymal Stem Cell Response
Authors: Zanut Alessandra , Li Rui , Deng Ru , Liu Xiangyu , Rejhon Martin , Chen Weiqiang , Weck Marcus , de Peppo Giuseppe Maria , Riedo Elisa
Published: December 2022

Reproducing in vitro the complex multiscale physical features of human tissues creates novel biomedical opportunities and fundamental understanding of cell−environment interfaces and interactions. While stiffness has been recognized as a key driver of cell behavior, systematic studies on the role of stiffness have been limited to values in the KPa−MPa range, significantly below the stiffness of bone. Here, a platform enabling the tuning of the stiffness of a biocompatible polymeric interface up to values characteristic of human bone is reported, which are in the GPa range, by using extremely thin polymer films on glass and cross‐linking the films using ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation. It is shown that a higher stiffness is related to better adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation, and that it is possible to switch on/off cell attachment and growth by solely tuning the stiffness of the interface, without any surface chemistry or topography modification. Since the stiffness is tuned directly by UV irradiation, this platform is ideal for rapid and simple fabrication of stiffness patterns and gradients, thus representing an innovative tool for combinatorial studies of the synergistic effect of tissue environmental cues on cell behavior, and creates new opportunities for next‐generation biosensors, single‐cell patterning, and lab‐on‐a‐chip devices.
Dressing Bacteria With a Hybrid Immunoactive Nanosurface to Elicit Dual Anticancer and Antiviral Immunity
Authors: Liu Ying , Zhang Mengmeng , Wang Xinyue , Yang Fengmin , Cao Zhenping , Wang Lu , Liu Jinyao
Published: December 2022

Approaches capable of simultaneously treating cancer and protecting susceptible patients from lethal infections such as coronavirus disease 2019, are highly desirable but prove to be difficult. Here, dressing bacteria with a hybrid immunoactive nanosurface is reported to elicit dual anticancer and antiviral immunity. A combination of a checkpoint blocking antibody and a virus‐specific antigen is covalently conjugated to polydopamine nanoparticles, which can be anchored onto bacterial surface, by a one‐step in situ polymerization of dopamine under a cell‐friendly condition. By virtue of the ability to colonize and penetrate deep tumor tissue, dressed bacteria enable sustained release and expanded exposure of carried immunoactivators to stimulate immune cells. In addition to a carrier role, bacteria are able to further provoke innate immunity due to the native immunogenicity of the pathogen‐associated molecular patterns. Immunization with dressed bacteria promotes the maturation, and activation of antigen‐presenting cells, which induces robust humoral and cellular immune responses in tumor‐bearing mice. As evidenced by efficient production of viral‐antigen‐specific immunoglobulin G antibody in serum and significantly suppressed tumor growth in different models, dressing bacteria with a hybrid immunoactive nanosurface paves an avenue to prepare next‐generation therapeutics for synergistic treatment and prevention.
PbWO4 Synergistically Modified with Styrene Maleic Anhydride and Bis(dioctyl pyrophosphate) Ethylene Titanate in Highly Filled Polymer Fibers for Enhanced γ‐Ray Shielding Safety and Wear Comfort of Articles
Authors: Mai Fu‐Han , Zhang Quan‐Ping , Wang Rui , Meng Ling‐Cheng , Liu Peng‐Qing , Zhang Yuan , Li Jia‐Le , Jiang Yong , Liang Qian‐Qian , Guo Lei , Liu Ji‐Zhen , Li Yin‐Tao , Zhou Yuan‐Lin
Published: December 2022

Radiation protection safety and wear comfort of personal protective equipment (PPE) are of vital importance to nuclear personnel involved. Unfortunately, it is difficult for current PEE to meet the increasing requirements, which causes tremendous threats to health and reduced working efficiency. Here, a highly filled polymer fiber for textile‐based PPE to deal with the dilemma is put forward. PbWO4 (PWO) particles are superficially modified with styrene maleic anhydride (SMA) and then titanate coupling agent (bis(dioctyl pyrophosphate) ethylene titanate (BPET)) to form PWO@SMA‐BPET. After that, as high as 70 wt% PWO@SMA‐BPET/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers are obtained by solution blending and wet spinning in succession. Synergistic effects of surface modification with SMA and BPET lead to uniform dispersion PWO particles and good compatibility of interfaces in highly filled fibers. Importantly 36.6% γ‐ray (105 keV) shielding has been detected at three‐layer fabrics with 70 wt% PWO@SMA‐BPET/PVA fiber. Besides, the fabrics also display 116 mm s−1 of air permeability and 5388 g m−2 24 h of water vapor permeability, respectively. This work discloses synergistic effects on surface modification of high loading inorganic particles in polymer fibers, which give a further boost to γ‐ray shielding safety and wear comfort of PPE.
Highly Efficient Narrow‐Band Green Emission in LaZn1‐xMnxAl11O19 Magnetoplumbite Phosphors toward White LED Application and Optical Thermometer
Authors: Dang Peipei , Lian Hongzhou , Lin Jun
Published: December 2022

Mn2+‐doped phosphors with narrow‐band green emission are promising for white light‐emitting diodes (WLEDs) to achieve high color rendering index and efficacy. Here, a series of narrow‐band green‐emitting LaZn1−xMnxAl11O19 (0.01 ≤ x ≤ 0.30) magnetoplumbite phosphors (λem = 515 nm) with full width at half maximum (FWHM) of ≈26 nm are designed based on highly symmetrical crystallographic structure. These green phosphors exhibit good photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) and small thermal quenching (TQ) performance (86%@423 K) under 450 nm blue light excitation. By further heavy doping Mn2+ into LaZnAl11O19, a broadband red emission peaking at ≈672–697 nm appears upon blue light excitation due to the Mn2+–Mn2+ super‐exchange interactions. A dual‐wavelength emission in LaZn1−xMnxAl11O19 (0.5 ≤ x ≤ 1.0) phosphors provides thermal‐sensitive emission for ratiometric temperature sensing with good relative sensitivity. Benefitting from the Eu2+ → Mn2+ energy transfer, the green emission from Mn2+ is increased by 26 times, and the internal QY of La0.97Zn1−xMnxAl11O19:0.03Eu2+ reaches as high as 88% upon 350 nm light excitation. The efficient blue‐to‐green phosphors are obtained and used as candidates for violet‐excited WLEDs. This study has a guiding role in the development of Mn2+‐doped phosphors in mineral structure with photoluminescence control based on high symmetry and Mn2+–Mn2+ dimers.
Natural Peach Gum as Porous Carbon Precursor and Gel Electrolyte for High‐Performance Zinc‐Ion Hybrid Supercapacitors
Authors: Shi Fangfang , Liu Qifan , Yang Chao , Qiu Jianhui , Zang Limin
Published: December 2022

Enabling green manufacturing processes for energy storage devices is a significant aspect of achieving sustainable development. Herein, peach gum (PG) which is a kind of natural, renewable, and abundant biomass, is chosen to fabricate zinc‐ion hybrid supercapacitors (ZHSCs). PG is used as the carbon source to prepare porous carbon materials by simultaneous carbonization and activation process. The effects of potassium hydroxide concentration and carbonization temperature on the as‐prepared carbon materials are investigated. The porous carbon prepared under the optimal conditions has a large specific surface area of 1587 m2 g−1, and the ZHSC constructed by this porous carbon and Zn foil exhibits a high specific capacity of 338.3 mAh g−1 at 0.2 A g−1 in 2 m ZnSO4. Furthermore, PG is used to prepare PG/ZnSO4 gel electrolyte to assemble the quasisolid‐state ZHSC, and the maximum specific capacity, energy density, and power density of the device can reach 169.2 mAh g−1, 152.3 Wh kg−1, and 9000 W kg−1, respectively. Besides, the device also exhibits good cycling stability with a capacity retention of 90.1% after 15 000 cycles. This strategy provides a simple and effective way for the application of PG to fabricate green energy storage devices with high performance.
A Calcium Alginate Hydrogel Microsphere‐Based Transcatheter Arterial Viroembolization Strategy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Lv Peng , Chen Hu , Cheng Hongwei , Liu Xuan , Liu Chao , Zeng Yun , Jiang Lai , Wang Xiaoyong , Mao Jingsong , Liu Gang
Published: December 2022

Oncolytic adenoviruses (OAs)‐based virotherapy can regulate the tumor microenvironment, providing a rational strategy for combination treatment with other tumor therapy techniques, such as transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE). Here, a novel, validated transcatheter arterial viroembolization (TAVE) strategy—a calcium alginate hydrogel microsphere with OA encapsulated (OA@Alg beads) to achieve a combination of TAE with oncolytic virotherapy to enhance and prolong antitumor efficacy of OA in hepatocellular carcinoma treatment—is described. The OA@Alg beads show excellent vascular embolization in a rabbit hepatic VX2 carcinoma model, resulting in successful occlusion of hepatic arteries. Importantly, OA@Alg beads enable sustained release of OA and maintain their bioactivity for extended periods while preventing OA shedding from the tumor site to healthy tissues. Moreover, the system preserves the OA's ability to induce an antitumor immune response, resulting in higher intratumoral infiltration by CD4+/CD8+ T cells. The OA@Alg beads have the potential as an effective embolic system for TAVE in the clinical treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.
Amorphous 2D‐Nanoplatelets of Red Phosphorus Obtained by Liquid‐Phase Exfoliation Yield High Areal Capacity Na‐Ion Battery Anodes
Authors: Kaur Harneet , Konkena Bharathi , Gabbett Cian , Smith Ross , McCrystall Mark , Tian Ruiyuan , Roy Ahin , Carey Tian , Vega‐Mayoral Victor , Nicolosi Valeria , Coleman Jonathan N.
Published: December 2022

The development of sodium ion batteries will require high‐performance electrodes with very large areal capacity and reasonable rate performance. Although red phosphorus is a very promising electrode material, it has not yet fulfilled these requirements. Here, liquid phase exfoliation is used to convert solid red phosphorus into amorphous, quasi‐2D nanoplatelets. These nanoplatelets have lateral sizes of hundreds of nanometers, thickness of 10s of nanometers and are quite stable in ambient conditions, displaying only low levels of oxidation on the nanosheet surface. By solution mixing with carbon nanotubes, these nanoplatelets can be fabricated into nanocomposite battery anodes. After employing an extended activation process, good cycling stability over 1000 cycles and low‐rate capacitances >2000 mAh gP−1 is achieved. Because of the high conductivity and mechanical robustness provided by the nanotube network, it is possible to fabricate very thick electrodes. These electrodes display extremely high areal capacities approaching 10 mAh cm−2 at currents of ≈1 mA cm−2. Detailed analysis shows these electrodes to be limited by solid‐state diffusion such that the thickest electrodes have state‐of‐the‐art rate performance and a near‐optimized combination of capacity and rate performance.
Immobilizing Low‐Cost Metal Nitrides in Electrochemically Reconstructed Platinum Group Metal (PGM)‐Free Oxy‐(Hydroxides) Surface for Exceptional OER Kinetics in Anion Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis
Authors: Thangavel Pandiarajan , Lee Hojeong , Kong Tae‐Hoon , Kwon Seontaek , Tayyebi Ahmad , Lee Ji‐hoon , Choi Sung Mook , Kwon Youngkook
Published: December 2022

A highly efficient and platinum group metal (PGM)‐free oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrode is developed by immobilizing Ni3N particles on the electrochemically reconstructed amorphous oxy‐hydroxides surface, resulting in a twofold higher industrial relevance current density of 1 A cmgeo−2 at an ultra‐small overpotential η(O2) of 271 mV, with a high turnover frequency of 2.53 s−1, high Faradic efficiency of 99.6 % and exceptional OER stability of 1000 h in continuous electrolysis. Such a unique amorphous‐crystalline interface with enriched active sites greatly facilitates electron transport and OER kinetics at the electrode‐electrolyte interface. Further, combined with an efficient PGM‐free cathode (MoNi4/MoO2@Ni), this electrode demonstrates a current density of 685 mA cmgeo−2 at 1.85 Vcell at 70 °C in an anion exchange membrane water electrolyzer (AEMWE) operated with ultra‐pure water‐electrolyte. These findings highlight the design of highly‐efficient oxygen‐evolving catalysts and significant advancement in the practical implementation of AEMWEs for grid‐scale hydrogen production.
Robotic Avian Wing Explains Aerodynamic Advantages of Wing Folding and Stroke Tilting in Flapping Flight
Authors: Ajanic Enrico , Paolini Adrien , Coster Charles , Floreano Dario , Johansson Christoffer
Published: December 2022

Avian flapping strategies have the potential to revolutionize future drones as they may considerably improve agility, increase slow speed flight capability, and extend the aerodynamic performance. The study of live birds is time‐consuming, laborious, and, more importantly, limited to the flapping motion adopted by the animal. The latter makes systematic studies of alternative flapping strategies impossible, limiting our ability to test why birds select specific kinematics among infinite alternatives. Herein, a biohybrid robotic wing is described, partly built from real feathers, with more advanced kinematic capabilities than previous robotic wings and similar to those of a real bird. In a first case study, the robotic wing is used to systematically study the aerodynamic consequences of different upstroke kinematic strategies at different flight speeds and stroke plane angles. The results indicate that wing folding during upstroke not only favors thrust production, as expected, but also reduces force‐specific aerodynamic power, indicating a strong selection pressure on protobirds to evolve upstroke wing folding. It is also shown that thrust requirements likely dictate the wing's stroke tilting. Overall, the proposed biohybrid robotic flapper can be used to answer many open questions about avian flapping flights that are impossible to address by observing free‐flying birds.
Automatic Tracking of Surgical Instruments with a Continuum Laparoscope Using Data‐Driven Control in Robotic Surgery
Authors: Kong Xiaowen , Mo Hangjie , Dong Erbao , Liu Yunhui , Sun Dong
Published: December 2022

In existing surgery process, surgeons need to manually adjust the laparoscopes to provide a better field of view (FOV) during operation, which may distract surgeons and slow down the surgery process. Herein, a data‐driven control method that uses a continuum laparoscope to adjust the FOV by tracking the surgical instruments is presented. A Koopman‐based system identification method is first applied to linearize the nonlinear system. Shifted Chebyshev polynomials are used to construct observation functions that transfer low‐dimension observations to high‐dimension ones. The Koopman operator is approximated using a finite‐dimensional estimation method. An optimal controller is further developed according to the trained linear dynamic model. Furthermore, a learning‐based pose estimation framework is designed to detect keypoints on surgical instruments and provides visual feedback for the control system. Compared with other detection methods, the proposed scheme achieves a higher detection precision and provides more optional keypoints for tracking. Simulation and experiments validate the feasibility of the proposed control method. Experimental results show that the proposed method can automatically adjust the field of continuum laparoscope by tracking surgical instruments in real time and satisfy the clinical requirements.
BHLHA9 homozygous duplication in a consanguineous family: A challenge for genetic counseling
Authors: Chouery Eliane , Tahan Elio , Karam Rim , Pharoun Jana , Mehawej Cybel , Megarbane Andre
Published: December 2022

Split‐hand/foot malformation (SHFM) with long‐bone deficiency (SHFLD) is a rare condition characterized by SHFM associated with long‐bone malformation usually involving the tibia. It includes three different types; SHFLD1 (MIM % 119,100), SHFLD2 (MIM % 610,685) and SHFLD3 (MIM # 612576). The latter was shown to be the most commonly reported with a duplication in the 17p13.1p13.3 locus that was narrowed down to the BHLHA9 gene. Here, we report a consanguineous Lebanese family with three members presenting with limb abnormalities including tibial hemimelia. One of these patients presented with additional bowing fibula and another with bilateral split hand. CGH array analysis followed by RQ‐PCR allowed us to detect the first homozygous duplication on the short arm of chromosome 17p13.3 including the BHLHA9 gene and involved in SHFLD3. Interestingly, one patient with the homozygous duplicated region, carrying thus four BHLHA9 copies presented with long bone deficiency but no SHFM. The incomplete penetrance and the variable expressivity of the disease in this family as well as the presence of the BHLHA9 homozygous duplication rendered genetic counseling extremely challenging and preimplantation genetic diagnosis almost impossible.
ZDHHC15 as a candidate gene for autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Casellas‐Vidal Dolors , Mademont‐Soler Irene , Sánchez Joana , Plaja Alberto , Castells Neus , Camós Maria , Nieto‐Moragas Javier , del Mar García Maria , Rodriguez‐Solera Celia , Rivera Helena , Brunet Joan , Álvarez Sara , Perapoch Josep , Queralt Xavier , Obón María
Published: December 2022

The phenotypic repercussion of ZDHHC15 haploinsufficiency is not well‐known. This gene was initially suggested as a candidate for X‐linked mental retardation, but such an association was later questioned. We studied a multiplex family with three members with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by array CGH, karyotype, exome sequencing and X‐chromosome inactivation patterns. Medical history interviews, cognitive and physical examinations, and sensory profiling were also assessed. The three family members with ASD (with normal cognitive abilities and an abnormal sensory profile) were the only carriers of a 1.7 Mb deletion in the long arm of chromosome X, involving: ZDHHC15, MAGEE2, PBDC1, MAGEE1, MIR384 and MIR325. The normal chromosome X was preferentially inactivated in female carriers, and the whole exome sequencing of an affected family member did not reveal any additional genetic variant that could explain the phenotype. Thus, in the present family, ASD segregates with a deletion on chromosome X that includes ZDHHC15. Considering our results together with gene data (regarding function, expression, conservation and animal/cellular models), ZDHHC15 is a candidate gene for ASD. Emerging evidence also suggests that this gene could be associated with other neurodevelopmental disorders, with incomplete penetrance and variable expressivity.
Unraveling the Structure Transition and Peroxidase Mimic Activity of Copper Sites over Atomically Dispersed Copper‐Doped Carbonized Polymer Dots
Authors: Gao Fucheng , Huang Jian , Ruan Ying , Li Hui , Gong Pengyu , Wang Fenglong , Tang Qunwei , Jiang Yanyan
Published: December 2022

The lack of systematic structural resolution makes it difficult to build specific transition‐metal‐atom‐doped carbonized polymer dots (TMA‐doped CPDs). Herein, the structure‐activity relationship between Cu atoms and CPDs was evaluated by studying the peroxidase‐like properties of Glu−Cu−CPDs prepared by using copper glutamate (Glu) with a Cu−N2O2 initial structure. The results showed that the Cu atoms bound to Glu−Cu−CPDs in the form of Cu−N2C2, indicating that Cu−O bonds changed into Cu−C bonds under hydrothermal conditions. This phenomenon was also observed in other copper‐doped CPDs. Moreover, the carboxyl and amino groups content decreased after copper‐atom doping. Theoretical calculations revealed a dual‐site catalytic mechanism for catalyzing H2O2. The detection of intracellular H2O2 suggested their application prospects. Our study provides an in‐depth understanding of the formation and catalytic mechanism of TMA‐doped‐CPDs, allowing for the generation specific TMA‐doped‐CPDs.
Selective Electrochemical Hydrogenation of Phenol with Earth‐abundant Ni−MoO2 Heterostructured Catalysts: Effect of Oxygen Vacancy on Product Selectivity
Authors: Zhou Peng , Guo Si‐Xuan , Li Linbo , Ueda Tadaharu , Nishiwaki Yoshinori , Huang Liang , Zhang Zehui , Zhang Jie
Published: December 2022

Herein, we report highly efficient carbon supported Ni−MoO2 heterostructured catalysts for the electrochemical hydrogenation (ECH) of phenol in 0.10 M aqueous sulfuric acid (pH 0.7) at 60 °C. Highest yields for cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone of 95 % and 86 % with faradaic efficiencies of ∼50 % are obtained with catalysts bearing high and low densities of oxygen vacancy (Ov) sites, respectively. In situ diffuse reflectance infrared spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations reveal that the enhanced phenol adsorption strength is responsible for the superior catalytic efficiency. Furthermore, 1‐cyclohexene‐1‐ol is an important intermediate. Its hydrogenation route and hence the final product are affected by the Ov density. This work opens a promising avenue to the rational design of advanced electrocatalysts for the upgrading of phenolic compounds.
Engineering p‐Band Center of Oxygen Boosting H+ Intercalation in δ‐MnO2 for Aqueous Zinc Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Jianhua , Li Wenbin , Wang Jingjing , Pu Xiaohua , Zhang Gaini , Wang Shuai , Wang Ni , Li Xifei
Published: December 2022

In aqueous zinc ion batteries (ZIBs), the H+ intercalation possesses superior electrochemical kinetics with excellent rate capability, however, precisely modulating H+ intercalation has been still challenging. Herein, a critical modification of pre‐intercalating metal ions in the MnO2 interlayer (M−MnO2) with controllable p‐band center (ϵp) of O is reported to modulate the H+ intercalation. The modulation of metal‐O bond type and covalency degree on the average charge of O atom results in optimized ϵp and H+ adsorption energy for M−MnO2, thus promoting the balance between H+ adsorption and desorption, which plays a determinant role on H+ intercalation. The optimized Cu−MnO2 delivers superior rate capability with the capacity of 153 mAh g−1 at a high rate of 3 A g−1 after 1000 cycles. This work demonstrates that ϵp could be a significant descriptor for H+ intercalation, and tuning ϵp effectively increases H+ intercalation contribution with excellent rate capability in ZIBs.
Ligational behavior of bidentate nitrogen–oxygen donor 8‐quinolinolazodye toward Ni2+ and Zn2+ ions: Preparation, spectral, thermal, experimental, theoretical, and docking studies
Authors: Abd El‐Nasser Mohamed G. , Abdel‐Latif Samir A.
Published: December 2022

The 5‐(4‐aryl azo)‐8‐hydroxyquinolines (L1–L3) and their metal complexes with Ni2+ and Zn2+ have been produced. Various spectroscopic techniques have been employed to analyze the ligand and complexes. The structures of the prepared compounds have been confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), molar conductance, magnetic measurements, thermal gravimetric and differential thermal analyses (TG and DTA), and electronic transition. The FT‐IR spectra showed that the ligands are coordinated to the metal ions in a bidentate manner with donor sites of the azomethine‐N and phenolic‐OH. The FT‐IR and UV–Visible spectra were compared with the calculated results and showed a good agreement. The mass spectra concluded that the ligands' molecular weights and the calculated estimated m/z values match well. The complexes contain coordinated and hydrated water as confirmed by the TG results. The complexes are tetrahedral, trigonal bipyramid, and octahedral geometrical structures and act as non‐electrolytes in dimethylformamide (DMF) solvent. Using density functional theory (DFT) at the B3LYP level of theory and the 6‐311G** basis set for the C, H, N, Cl, and O atoms and the LANL2DZ basis set for the Ni and Zn atoms. Natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis was used to compute and describe the natural charge population and precise electronic configuration. The small energy gap between HOMO and LUMO energies suggests that charge transfer occurs within Ni2+ and Zn2+ complexes. The first‐order hyperpolarizability (β) of the complexes and the anisotropy of polarizability (α) values show promising optical properties. The electronic transitions of the prepared complexes were computed by time‐dependent density functional theory (TD‐DFT/PCM) with the B3LYP method using a 6‐31G** basis set. The ethanol polarizable continuum model (PCM) was used to simulate the solvent effect. Utilizing a computer virtual screening technique through molecular docking, the anticipation of binding of 8‐quinolinolazodye derivatives and their complexes with human CORONA virus protein (PDB ID: 5epw) was done.
Optical and mechanical properties of PNIPAm‐MWCNTs and PNIPAm‐GO composites
Authors: Ünver Batuhan , Pekcan Önder , Akın Evingür Gülşen
Published: December 2022

The aim of this study is to investigate drying, swelling, elastic properties, and to produce optical band gap energies on the performance of Poly (N‐Isopropyl acrylamide) ‐ Multi walled carbon nanotubes (PNIPAm – MWCNTs) and Poly (N‐Isopropyl acrylamide)‐ Graphene Oxide (PNIPAm‐GO) composites, respectively. The composites were prepared by free radical crosslinking copolymerization. Drying and swelling of PNIPAm‐MWCNTs and PNIPAm‐ GO composites were performed by using steady state fluorescence technique. Firstly, the desorption coefficients of the composites were modeled by using Fick's Law. Cooperative diffusion coefficients were calculated by employing Li‐Tanaka Model. When composite doped with 10 wt% of MWCNTs has a higher desorption coefficient than composite doped with the same amount of GO, 40 wt% of GO content in the PNIPAm has a higher diffusion coefficient than the composite that has 40 wt% of MWCNTs content in the swelling process. Secondly, the composite that has 40 wt% of MWCNTs content has a higher modulus before swelling than the composite that has the same amount of GO contents. Lastly, optical band gap energies were calculated by using Tauc's approach, and Urbach's relation by using the data performed UV Spectroscopy. We found that PNIPAm ‐GO has a much narrower band gap value.
A vanillin‐containing DOPO‐based compound for improving the flame retardancy of epoxy resin simultaneously with comparable transparency and mechanical property
Authors: Lu Jiayi , Chen Liping , Luo Zhonglin , Wang Biaobing
Published: December 2022

A compound containing phosphorus/nitrogen/sulfur (named as DOVNPT) was synthesized by the reaction of p‐toluenesulfonamide, vanillin and 9,10‐dihydro‐9‐oxo‐10‐phosphophenanthrene‐10‐oxide, and was adopted to prepare flame retardant epoxy resins (FREPs) using 4,4‐diaminodiphenylmethane as the curing agent. The chemical structure of DOVNPT was verified using Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, 1H and 31P nuclear magnetic resonance. The influence of the DOVNPT content on the thermal stability, fire performance, combustion behaviors, transparency and mechanical properties of the FREPs was investigated in detail. The DOVNPT promoted the decomposition of EP on advance whilst lowered the maximum decomposition rate. With the incorporation of 4 wt% DOVNPT (0.49 wt% phosphorus content), the FREP‐4 achieved a LOI value of 34.4% and a UL‐94 V‐0 rating. The FREP‐4 also gave the lowest peak heat release rate, total heat release and total smoke release, with a reduction of 40.4%, 24.8%, and 28.6% as compared with the pure EP, respectively. The comprehensive analysis of the char residues and gaseous pyrolysis products demonstrated that the DOVPNT displayed good flame retardant effect in both gas phase and condensed phase. Simultaneously, the FREPs presented a comparable transparency and slightly improved mechanical properties as compared with the pure EP.
Flame retardancy, smoke suppression and enhancement properties of Enteromorpha based flame retardants onEPDM
Authors: Jiang Licong , Zhou Ziwen , Zhao Feng , Li Song , Liu Zhihua , Liu Xiaoyang , Xu Meiming , Xin Zhenxiang , Zhao Shuai , Li Lin
Published: December 2022

Enteromorpha as a waste from marine pollution brings great pressure to environmental governance every year, especially for China. Under the premise of shortage of industrial materials, taking appropriate measures can turn waste into wealth, which will benefit us a lot. In this work, a bio‐based reinforcing type flame retardant based on Enteromorpha is designed. The designed Enteromorpha based flame retardant system mainly is focused on the reinforcing action and the flame retardant effects on ethylene‐propylene‐diene tripolymer (EPDM) systemically. Therefore, with the emergence of innovate reinforcing type Enteromorpha flame retardants in the future, the application of Enteromorpha in the polymer flame retardants field will surely usher in bright development.
The gross anatomy course:SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic‐related effects on students' learning, interest in peer‐teaching, and students' perception of its importance
Authors: Messerer David Alexander Christian , Behr Jonathan Lukas , Kraft Sophie Felice , Schön Michael , Horneffer Astrid , Kühl Susanne Julia , Benedikt Seifert Lukas , Huber‐Lang Markus , Böckers Tobias Maria , Böckers Anja
Published: December 2022

The COVID‐19 pandemic required adjustments and limitations in university teaching, thereby challenging teaching concepts in anatomy requiring in‐person contact, including the gross anatomy course. Therefore, the present study investigates the impact of COVID‐19‐associated adjustments on students' perception of the gross anatomy course's importance and quality, students' preferred learning setting and outcome, and their motivation to involve themselves in academic activities, including becoming a future peer‐teacher of the course. Using paper‐based questionnaires in Ulm, Germany, 397 (response rate: 82.3%) students of the winter term of 2020/2021 were surveyed using quantitative and qualitative items, which were compared with cohorts prior to the pandemic. Students reported a higher global rating on course quality during COVID‐19 (pre‐COVID‐19: 5.3 ± 0.9, during‐COVID‐19: 5.6 ± 0.7,p < 0.001; 1 = very bad, 6 = very good). Students' perceived importance of the gross anatomy course showed a small but significant increase (pre‐COVID‐19: 4.2 ± 0.6, during‐COVID‐19: 4.3 ± 0.6,p < 0.001; 1 = strongly disagree, 6 = strongly agree). Students' motivation to apply as a peer‐teacher remained stable, nevertheless, they reported less interest in transferring their knowledge to junior students. Finally, students reported that they spent significantly more learning time alone and their examination grades remained unchanged during the pandemic. Astonishingly, despite radical changes of the teaching environment due to COVID‐19, students appreciate the offered teaching and highly valued the gross anatomy course.
Practical anatomy classes: An alternative to improve the learning of middle school students
Authors: Guimarães Daniel Menezes , Valério‐Gomes Bruna , de Araújo Rafael Lames , de Oliveira Cudischevitch Cecilia , Uziel Daniela
Published: December 2022

Anatomy is the branch discipline focused on studying organisms' physical structures and parts. Although technological advances are broadening the anatomy study, the practices of prosection and dissection of human cadavers and animals remain a primary teaching method. Despite the large body of research supporting its benefits, in some countries, cadaveric prosection and dissection of vertebrate animals in secondary education have been banned. In the current study, to prevent a lack of access to anatomical sciences education, the use of plastinated biological specimens was proposed for teaching practical biology in middle and high schools. The study was conducted in the 2014 academic year. Eighty‐seven middle school students participated in the experiment. Groups consisted of: (i) theoretical classes only; (ii) theoretical class plus prosection with fresh specimens class; (iii) theoretical class plus expository with plastinated specimens classes. A post‐test grade method was used to assess the impact of such tasks on the learning experience of each group. An ANOVA test and multiple regression model were used to analyze the effects of the variables of interest. Our study highlighted that students who underwent the plastination practical class had higher overall performance and a higher mean post‐test grade than those in the pure theoretical group. A favorable effect of a positive self‐knowledge assessment on the students' performance was found, supporting the self‐efficacy model of human behavior. Thus, the current study provides further evidence to support the use of plastinated specimens as an effective teaching method in countries where dissection is not feasible.
Do our hands see what our eyes see? Investigating spatial and haptic abilities
Authors: Sveistrup Michelle A. , Langlois Jean , Wilson Timothy D.
Published: December 2022

Spatial abilities (SAs) are cognitive resources used to mentally manipulate representations of objects to solve problems. Haptic abilities (HAs) represent tactile interactions with real‐world objects transforming somatic information into mental representations. Both are proposed to be factors in anatomy education, yet relationships between SAs and HAs remain unknown. The objective of the current study was to explore SA–HA interactions. A haptic ability test (HAT) was developed based on the mental rotations test (MRT) with three‐dimensional (3D) objects. The HAT was undertaken in three sensory conditions: (1) sighted, (2) sighted with haptics, and (3) haptics. Participants (n = 22; 13 females, 9 males) completed the MRT and were categorized into high spatial abilities (HSAs) (n = 12, mean± standard deviation: 13.7 ± 3.0) and low spatial abilities (LSAs) (n = 10, 5.6 ± 2.0) based on score distributions about the overall mean. Each SA group's HAT scores were compared across the three sensory conditions. Spearman's correlation coefficients between MRT and HAT scores indicated a statistically significant correlation in sighted condition (r = 0.553, p = 0.015) but were not significant in the sighted with haptics (r = 0.0.078, p = 0.212) and haptics (r = 0.043, p = 0.279) conditions. These data suggest HAs appear unrelated to SAs. With haptic exploration, LSA HAT scores were compensated; comparing HSA with LSA: sighted with haptics [median (lower and upper quartiles): 12 (12,13) vs. 12 (11,13), p = 0.254], and haptics [12 (11,13) vs. 12 (10,12), p = 0.381] conditions. Migrations to online anatomy teaching may unwittingly remove important sensory modalities from the learner. Understanding learner behaviors and performance when haptic inputs are removed from the learning environment represents valuable insight informing future anatomy curriculum and resource development.