bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surface Dopants‐Induced Interfacial Bonding Greatly Enhances Active Phase‐Support Interaction of Sintering‐Resistant Catalyst for Automotive CO Oxidation
Authors: Li Mingxuan , Huang Zhiwei , Wang Lipeng , Guo Sufeng , Fang Jinxu , Liu Yuchen , Chen Junmou , Wu Xiaomin , Shen Huazhen , Zhao Huawang , Jing Guohua
Published: July 2022

Supported nanoparticle catalysts are widely used to remove CO pollution in automobile emission control. During vehicle use, catalysts need to experience high‐temperature environments, leading to sintering of active phase and loss of activity. Synthesizing cost‐effective catalysts with simultaneously high catalytic activity and sintering resistance is of great importance but remains challenging. In this study, we show that Cu phase supported on commercial antimony‐doped tin oxide (ATO) is relatively resistant to sintering and can operate at temperatures below 200 °C without any performance degradation after high temperature aging. Specifically, T50 (the temperature of 50 % conversion) of CO conversion over the Cu/ATO sample is maintained at 148 °C before and after high‐temperature aging treatment at 800 °C. The strong active phase‐support interactions could be used to stabilize Cu active phase by taking advantage of extra interfacial bonding stability between Cu islands and surface antimony dopants in ATO, and finally tune activity and stability of the catalysts. The Cu‐on‐ATO ensemble shows excellent resistance against sintering, with conversion efficiency remaining nearly unchanged upon high‐temperature aging at 800 °C for 2 to 10 h. In contrast, strong sintering resistance characteristic of catalysts cannot be attained by supporting Cu on undoped tin oxide (SnO2) or conventional Al2O3 due to absence of specific anchoring sites on the support oxide surfaces. Our findings open up the path in heterogeneous catalysis for the design of active and sintering‐resistant catalysts utilizing surface engineering strategies.
Ammonia Decomposition in the Process Chain for a Renewable Hydrogen Supply
Authors: Ristig Simon , Poschmann Michael , Folke Jan , Gómez‐Cápiro Oscar , Chen Zongkun , Sanchez‐Bastardo Nuria , Schlögl Robert , Heumann Saskia , Ruland Holger
Published: July 2022

This review article deals with the challenge to identify catalyst materials from literature studies for the ammonia decomposition reaction with potential for application in large‐scale industrial processes. On the one hand, the requirements on the catalyst are quite demanding. Of central importance are the conditions for the primary reaction that have to be met by the catalyst. Likewise, the catalytic performance, i.e., an ideally quantitative conversion, and a high lifetime are critical as well as the consideration of requirements on the product properties in terms of pressure or by‐products for potential follow‐up processes, in this case synthesis gas applications. On the other hand, the evaluation of the multitude of literature studies poses difficulties due to significant varieties in catalytic testing protocols.
Spatial expression of the FGFR2b splice isoform and its prognostic significance in endometrioid endometrial carcinoma
Authors: Sengal Asmerom T , Smith Deborah , Snell Cameron E , Leung Samuel , Talhouk Aline , Williams Elizabeth D , McAlpine Jessica N , Pollock Pamela M
Published: July 2022

Endometrial carcinoma (EC) is the most common gynecological malignancy and fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) is a frequently dysregulated receptor tyrosine kinase. FGFR2b and FGFR2c are the two main splice isoforms of FGFR2 and are normally localized in epithelial and mesenchymal cells, respectively. Previously, we demonstrated that FGFR2c mRNA expression was associated with aggressive tumor characteristics, shorter progression‐free survival (PFS), and disease‐specific survival (DSS) in endometrioid ECs (EECs). The objectives of this study were to investigate the spatial expression of FGFR2b in normal and hyperplasia with and without atypia of human endometrium and to assess the prognostic significance of FGFR2b expression in EC. FGFR2b and FGFR2c mRNA expression was evaluated in normal (proliferative [n = 10], secretory [n = 15], and atrophic [n = 10] endometrium), hyperplasia with and without atypia (n = 19) as well as two patient cohorts of EC samples (discovery [n = 78] and Vancouver [n = 460]) using isoform‐specific BaseScope RNA in situ hybridization assays. Tumors were categorized based on FGFR2 isoform expression (one, both, or neither) and categories were correlated with clinicopathologic markers, molecular subtypes, and clinical outcomes. The FGFR2b splice isoform was exclusively expressed in the epithelial compartment of normal endometrium and hyperplasia without atypia. We observed FGFR2c expression at the basalis layer of glands in 33% (3/9) of hyperplasia with atypia. In patients with EEC, FGFR2b+/FGFR2c− expression was found in 48% of the discovery cohort and 35% of the validation Vancouver cohort. In univariate analyses, tumors with FGFR2b+/FGFR2c− expression had longer PFS (hazard ratio [HR] 0.265; 95% CI 0.145–0.423; log‐rank p < 0.019) and DSS (HR 0.31; 95% CI 0.149–0.622; log‐rank p < 0.001) compared to tumors with FGFR2b−/FGFR2c+ expression in the large EEC Vancouver cohort. In multivariable Cox regression analyses, tumors with FGFR2b+/FGFR2c− expression were significantly associated with longer DSS (HR 0.37; 95% CI 0.153–0.872; log‐rank p < 0.023) compared to FGFR2b−/FGFR2c+ tumors. In conclusion, FGFR2b+/FGFR2c− expression is associated with favorable clinicopathologic markers and clinical outcomes suggesting that FGFR2b could play a role in tailoring the management of EEC patients in the clinic if these findings are confirmed in an independent cohort.
Capability of the Microalga Scenedesmus dimorphus for Biodegradation of Crude Oil Components: Biological Responses and Catabolic Intermediates
Authors: Ghodrati Minayeh , Zarrini Gholamreza , Kosari‐Nasab Morteza , Movafeghi Ali
Published: July 2022

The capability of Scenedesmus dimorphus for biodegradation of crude oil components is evaluated using biological and biochemical techniques. After exposure of the algal cells to different concentrations of crude oil for 21 day, growth parameters such as cell number as well as fresh and dry weights have increased at low concentrations of crude oil (up to 0.04%) in comparison with control samples. However, growth criteria have decreased in response to the increase in crude oil concentration (0.08%–1%). Similar trends are observed in the content of chlorophylls, carotenoids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and phenols. Crude oil treatment induces the production of H2O2 and thiobarbituric acid reacting substances. Moreover, enhancing crude oil concentration results in increasing activities of superoxide dismutase, polyphenol oxidase, peroxidase, and lipoxygenase. In comparison, the activities of catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, and phenylalanine ammonia lyase increase at low concentrations (up to 0.02%) and then decrease. Using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis several biodegradation intermediate compounds are recognized in the culture media over treatment time. Altogether, S. dimorphus shows considerable potential for biodegradation of crude oil components particularly at concentrations lower than 0.08%. Thus, this microalga can be used as a competent phytoplankton in removal of crude oil from contaminated water supplies.
Breast cancer: Three‐class masses classification in mammograms using Apriori dynamic selection
Authors: Soulami Khaoula Belhaj , Kaabouch Naima , Saidi Mohamed Nabil
Published: July 2022

Mammography is a commonly used screening technique for early diagnosis of breast cancer. However, the early detection of abnormalities remains challenging, particularly for dense breast categories. In this context, the automated classification of breast masses assists radiologists in their diagnosis and give them a second opinion. In this paper, we propose a machine learning‐based method for the classification of breast masses. First, the shape and texture features are extracted from the suspicious mammogram patches. These features are then fed to the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to keep the relevant features only and are classified using the Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Random Forest (RF). Lastly, the Apriori dynamic selection method is applied for the final test predictions using the appropriate classifier for each test sample. The classification of breast masses patches into normal and abnormal attains accuracy of 96.43%, F1‐score of 95.76%, precision of 96.29%, recall of 95.27%, specificity of 96.43%, and AUC of 0.963. Whereas the one‐stage multi‐classification of breast masses into normal, benign, and malignant achieves accuracy of 75.81%, F1‐score of 76.47%, precision of 76.85%, recall of 78.77%, specificity of 87.91%, and AUC of 0.829.
Inheritance of resistance to Fusarium verticillioides ear rot in maize inbred lines of southern, West and Central Africa origin
Authors: Tembo Elliot , Minnaar‐Ontong Adré , Menkir Abebe , Marais Gert , Magorokosho Cosmos , Labuschagne Maryke T.
Published: July 2022

Maize (Zea mays L.) is an important crop in sub‐Sahara Africa for both human consumption and livestock feed. Maize use is often limited by ear‐rotting fungi, some of which produce deleterious secondary metabolites. The aim of this study was to determine the inheritance of resistance to Fusarium verticillioides as an indirect way of selecting for resistance to secondary metabolites such as the mycotoxin fumonisin that is produced by this fungus, under artificial inoculation and natural infection. Twelve inbred lines from Seed Co that were used as the females, were mated to 12 tester lines from the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) that were used as males, using the North Carolina Design II. The resulting 144 F1 hybrids and six check hybrids were evaluated in Zimbabwe. Artificial inoculation with F. verticillioides was done at Rattray Arnold Research Station in the first season. The general (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) effects for F. verticillioides incidence were variable across sites for the lines and the testers. Six southern African inbred lines had desirable GCA for F. verticillioides ear rot and can be used as resistance sources. Outstanding testers from IITA that had negative GCA for F. verticillioides ear rot and fumonisins were identified. Both additive and nonadditive effects were implicated in resistance to ear rot caused by F. verticillioides and potential lines were identified that can be used in regional breeding programs.
Intravenous iron therapy improves the hypercapnic ventilatory response and sleep disordered breathing in chronic heart failure
Authors: Caravita Sergio , Faini Andrea , Vignati Carlo , Pelucchi Sara , Salvioni Elisabetta , Cattadori Gaia , Baratto Claudia , Torlasco Camilla , Contini Mauro , Villani Alessandra , Malfatto Gabriella , Perger Elisa , Lombardi Carolina , Piperno Alberto , Agostoni Piergiuseppe , Parati Gianfranco
Published: July 2022

Aims

Intravenous iron therapy can improve symptoms in patients with heart failure, anaemia and iron deficiency. The mechanisms underlying such an improvement might involve chemoreflex sensing and nocturnal breathing patterns.

Methods and results

Patients with heart failure, reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, anaemia (haemoglobin <13 g/dl in men; <12 g/dl in women) and iron deficiency (ferritin <100 or 100–299 μg/L with transferrin saturation <20%) were 2:1 randomized to patient‐tailored intravenous ferric carboxymaltose dose or placebo. Chemoreflex sensitivity cardiorespiratory sleep study, symptom assessment and cardiopulmonary exercise test were performed before and 2 weeks after the last treatment dose. Fifty‐eight patients (38 active arm/20 placebo arm) completed the study. Intravenous iron was associated with less severe symptoms, higher haemoglobin (12.5 ± 1.4 vs. 11.7 ± 1.0 mg/dl, p < 0.05) and improved haematinic parameters. Ferric carboxymaltose improved the central hypercapnic ventilatory response (−25.8%, p < 0.05 vs. placebo), without changes in peripheral chemosensitivity. In particular, the central hypercapnic ventilatory responses passed from 4.6 ± 6.5 to 2.9 ± 2.9 L/min/mmHg after ferric carboxymaltose and from 4.4 ± 4.6 to 4.6 ± 3.9 L/min/mmHg after placebo (ptreatment*condition = 0.046). In patients presenting with sleep‐related breathing disorder, apnoea–hypopnoea index was reduced with active treatment as compared to placebo (12 ± 11 vs. 19 ± 13 events/h, p < 0.05). After ferric carboxymaltose, but not after placebo, both peak oxygen uptake (VO2) increased (Δ1.1 ± 2.0 ml/kg/min, p < 0.05) and VO2/workload slope was steeper (Δ0.67 ± 1.7 L/min/W, p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Intravenous ferric carboxymaltose improves the hypercapnic ventilatory response and sleep‐related breathing disorders in patients with heart failure, anaemia and iron deficiency. These newly described findings, along with improved oxygen delivery to exercising muscles, likely contribute to the favourable effects of ferric carboxymaltose in anaemic patients with heart failure.
Predicted Dermal and Dietary Exposure of Bats to Pesticides
Authors: Brooks Amy C. , Nopper Joachim H. , Blakey Alex , Ebeling Markus , Foudoulakis Manousos , Weyers Arnd
Published: July 2022

Wild birds and mammals that feed in agricultural habitats are potentially exposed to pesticides through various routes. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recently published a statement which concluded that the current EFSA risk assessment scheme for birds and mammals does not adequately cover bats (Chiroptera). In the present study, we take a more detailed look at the EFSA statement and assumptions made regarding direct (dermal) and indirect (dietary) exposure of bats to pesticides in terms of their realism and the potential implications for risk assessment outcomes. Regarding dietary exposure, errors in the residue per unit dose (RUD) values for flying insects (bat food), proposed in the EFSA bat statement, were identified and corrected. Lower RUD values based on a much broader data base are proposed. Using these more realistic RUD values, together with current assumptions regarding toxicity and exposure, the acute and long-term risk to bats appears to be within the range of those calculated for birds and ground-dwelling mammals under the current risk assessment scheme. Depending on the assumptions made, some uncertainties may remain and should be investigated further. According to the EFSA bat statement, dermal exposure of bats is the most significant route of exposure, resulting in the highest predicted daily doses. We demonstrated that the dermal exposure models in the EFSA bat statement predict much higher residues for bats than those measured for other flying organisms that have larger surface area to volume ratios, and thus would be expected to have the reverse relationship. We also illustrated that the amounts of spray liquid required to achieve the predicted dermal exposures of bats are implausibly high, with bats carrying an amount of spray liquid that exceeds their body weight many fold. It is recommended that a bat risk assessment framework should be based on realistic, sound science, allowing resources to be focused on those scenarios that are not already covered by the existing bird and mammal framework. Therefore, a quantitative risk assessment scheme should not be implemented until the many scientific uncertainties within the EFSA bat statement are addressed. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:2595–2602. © 2022 Cambridge Environmental Assessments. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Bioaccumulation of Mercury and Radiocesium in Waterfowl Introduced to a Site with Legacy Contamination
Authors: Leaphart James C. , Abercrombie Sarah A. , Borchert Ernest J. , Bryan Albert L. , Beasley James C.
Published: July 2022

Despite the propensity of waterfowl species to readily accumulate anthropogenic contaminants within polluted environments, few studies have examined bioaccumulation rates over time when entering such a contaminated site. We examined mercury (Hg) and radiocesium (137Cs) bioaccumulation over time in two waterfowl species released into a wetland system containing legacy contamination on the US Department of Energy's Savannah River Site in South Carolina. Released birds were collected at select time intervals over an exposure period of 94 days. We quantified total Hg concentrations in blood, muscle, and liver tissues, and 137Cs activity in whole-body and muscle tissues. The relationship between the contaminant burdens of different body tissue types was examined over time. Likely a result of microhabitat selection, mallards in our study readily accumulated both Hg and 137Cs at consistent rates over time within our study system, while ring-neck ducks did not. The findings demonstrated that whole blood can be used as a robust, nondestructive sampling alternative to estimate Hg burdens within muscle and liver, and whole-body 137Cs activity is a good predictor of muscle burdens. Understanding such bioaccumulation information in waterfowl is useful for the assessment of the potential health risk in wildlife, as well as being important for human risk assessment toward the consumption of popular game species. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:2479–2487. © 2022 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Amygdala abnormalities across disease stages in patients with sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Liu Shuangwu , Zhao Yuying , Ren Qingguo , Zhang Dong , Shao Kai , Lin Pengfei , Yuan Ying , Dai Tingjun , Zhang Yongqing , Li Ling , Li Wei , Shan Peiyan , Meng Xiangshui , Wang Qian , Yan Chuanzhu
Published: July 2022

To examine selective atrophy patterns and resting‐state functional connectivity (FC) alterations in the amygdala at different stages of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and to explore any correlations between amygdala abnormalities and neuropsychiatric symptoms. We used the King's clinical staging system for ALS to divide 83 consecutive patients with ALS into comparable subgroups at different disease stages. We explored the pattern of selective amygdala subnucleus atrophy and amygdala‐based whole‐brain FC alteration in these patients and 94 healthy controls (HCs). Cognitive and emotional functions were also evaluated using a neuropsychological test battery. There were no significant differences between ALS patients at King's stage 1 and HCs for any amygdala subnucleus volumes. Compared with HCs, ALS patients at King's stage 2 had significantly lower left accessory basal nucleus and cortico‐amygdaloid transition volumes. Furthermore, ALS patients at King's stage 3 demonstrated significant reductions in most amygdala subnucleus volumes and global amygdala volumes compared with HCs. Notably, amygdala‐cuneus FC was increased in ALS patients at King's stage 3. Specific subnucleus volumes were significantly associated with Mini‐Mental State Examination scores and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale scores in ALS patients. In conclusions, our study provides a comprehensive profile of amygdala abnormalities in ALS patients. The pattern of amygdala abnormalities in ALS patients differed greatly across King's clinical disease stages, and amygdala abnormalities are an important feature of patients with ALS at relatively advanced stages. Moreover, our findings suggest that amygdala volume may play an important role in anxiety and cognitive dysfunction in ALS patients.
Understanding burnout. Part 2: risk factors, prevention and addressing the condition
Authors: Sorrell Stephanie
Published: July 2022

This is the second article of a two‐part series on burnout. It discusses how to assess burnout, the risk factors involved, how to prevent burnout and how to address the condition in your team, both from a personal and a work/organisational level.
Ramsey numbers of trails and circuits
Authors: Conlon David , Tyomkyn Mykhaylo
Published: July 2022

We show that every two‐colouring of the edges of the complete graph contains a monochromatic trail or circuit of length at least , which is asymptotically best possible.
Design, synthesis, antimicrobial evaluation, and in‐silico studies of some 4‐thiazolidinone hybrids bearing coumarin and pyridine moieties
Authors: Desai Nisheeth C. , Mehta Harsh K. , Jethawa Aratiba M. , Monapara Jahnvi D. , Khedkar Vijay M. , Dave Bharti P.
Published: July 2022

Antimicrobial resistance is a major threat to mankind. Many frontline medications are ineffective against antimicrobial‐resistant strains which are also responsible for the high mortality rate worldwide. The urgency to create new sets of antimicrobial agents is a priority in present circumstances. In continuation to this, we have strategically designed and synthesized some novel hybrids of 4‐thiazolidinone bearing coumarin and pyridine cores for the evaluation of antimicrobial efficacy. A three‐step multicomponent reaction was performed via imine formation, cyclization, and Knoevenagel condensation for the synthesis of titled compounds (5a‐o). The synthesized entities were characterized through different analytical techniques, that is, IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and mass spectra. On evaluating the potency of our synthesized hybrids, we received some promising results. Compound 5m was identified as the most potent component possessing 50 μg/ml (minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] value) against S. aureus and 250 μg/ml (MIC value) against C. albicans strains. Further, a molecular docking study against microbial DNA gyrase was carried out to understand the binding profile of synthesized molecules, which supported their in‐vitro antimicrobial activity. These data helped to gain an insight into their plausible mechanism of action. Their binding affinity scores correlated well with the in‐vitro antimicrobial activities while their binding modes proposed the involvement of steric, electrostatic, and hydrogen‐bonding interactions with the active site.
Achieving intracellular cytokine staining assay concordance on two continents to assess HIV vaccine-induced T-cell responses
Authors: Dintwe One B , De Rosa Stephen C , Huang Yunda , Flach Britta S , Manso Bryce , Carter Don , Omar Faatima Laher , Schwedhelm Katharine V , Yu Chenchen , Lu Huiyin , Morris Daryl , Kee Jia Jin , Voillet Valentin , Stirewalt Michael , Hural John , Moodie Zoe , Frahm Nicole , Cohen Kristen W , McElrath M Juliana , Andersen-Nissen Erica
Published: July 2022

The HIV Vaccine Trials Network (HVTN) conducts clinical trials on 4 continents in pursuit of a safe and effective HIV vaccine. Cellular immune responses to vaccination that define vaccine immunogenicity and/or immune correlates of protection can be measured using multiparameter intracellular cytokine staining (ICS) assays. The HVTN cellular immunology laboratory, located in Seattle, WA, conducts ICS assays for vaccine trials according to Good Clinical Laboratory Practices (GCLP). In 2013, the HVTN established a second GCLP compliant cellular immunology laboratory in Cape Town, South Africa to assess vaccine immunogenicity for HVTN trials conducted on the African continent. To ensure ICS readouts in the 2 laboratories were directly comparable, we conducted concordance testing using PBMC from healthy controls and vaccine trial participants. Despite standardized procedures and instrumentation, shared quality control measures and quality assurance oversight, several factors impacted our ability to obtain close agreement in T-cell responses measured in the 2 laboratories. One of these was the type of fetal bovine serum (FBS) used in the assay, which impacted lymphocyte cell viability and background responses. In addition, the differences in supernatant removal technique also significantly affected our ability to detect positive responses to vaccine antigens. Standardization of these factors allowed us to achieve and maintain ICS assay concordance across the 2 laboratories over multiple years, accelerating our efforts to evaluate HIV vaccines. The insights gained in this process are valuable for assay transfer efforts by groups of investigators that need to directly compare data generated in different laboratories around the globe.
Soy proteins as vehicles for enhanced bioaccessibility and cholesterol‐lowering activity of phytosterols
Authors: Liu Lingling , Xu Yanteng , Chen Fangyuan , Zhang Shuang , Li Li , Ban Zhaojun
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND

The formulation of phytosterol (PS)‐enriched functional foods has attracted increasing interest in the recent years, owing to its potential health effects. However, the poor solubility and bioavailability greatly limit PS application in this regard. This study investigated whether soy protein isolate (SPI) could effectively perform as a nanocarrier for improving the water solubility, bioaccessibility, and cholesterol‐lowering activity of PSs.

RESULTS

In this work, we fabricated SPI–PS nanocomplexes, which not only can enhance the stability and bioaccessibility of PS, but also improve the cholesterol‐lowering ability of SPI. This improvement was mainly due to the formation of protein‐active substance complexes, through hydrophobic interactions. The complexation with PSs resulted in formation of nanosized particles with greater sizes, lower ζ‐potential, and higher surface hydrophobicity. The encapsulation efficiency, loading amount, and solubility of PS were closely related to the applied PS concentration in the mixed dispersions, and the maximal PS solubility in the aqueous phase reached about 1.63 mg mL−1 at the highest PS concentration (2.0 mg mL−1). The PS molecules in the nanocomplexes were mainly present in the amorphous form. The enhanced in vitro cholesterol‐lowering activity of PS nanocomplexes relative to free PS seemed to be closely related to its higher bioaccessibility.

CONCLUSION

The findings are of relevance for the development of food‐grade PS ingredients suitable for the formulations of PS‐enriched functional foods. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Effect of the type of acetic fermentation process on the chemical composition of prickly pear vinegar (Opuntia ficus‐indica)
Authors: Es‐sbata Ikram , Castro Remedios , Zouhair Rachid , Durán‐Guerrero Enrique
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND

In several countries, the cactus plant (Opuntia ficus‐indica (L). Mill.) has received renewed attention because of its ecological, socio‐economic and environmental role. In this study, prickly pear vinegar was produced employing two types of acetification processes: surface and submerged culture. Both acetification processes were performed at different temperatures (30, 37, 40 °C) by using two different species of thermotolerant acetic acid bacteria (Acetobacter malorum and Gluconobacter oxydans). Polyphenols and volatile compounds analyzed by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection and stir bar sorptive extraction–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, respectively, were considered as the main variables to determine the effect of the acetification process on the quality of the vinegar.

RESULTS

As a result, 15 polyphenols and 70 volatile compounds were identified and quantified in the vinegar samples produced by both acetification processes. The results showed that the surface acetification method led to an increase in the concentration of phenolic components, which was higher than that in the submerged process. However, a significant increase in volatile compounds predominated by esters and acids was observed when submerged culture acetification was employed, whereas alcohols were predominant in surface culture vinegars. Moreover, multivariate statistical analysis showed that the components that mostly contributed to the differentiation between all vinegar samples were the volatile compounds.

CONCLUSION

It has been proved that prickly pear vinegar could be successfully produced at higher temperatures than usual, by employing thermotolerant bacteria, and that the type of acetification method significantly affects the final quality of the vinegar produced. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Natural compounds derived from Brassicaceae plants as an alternative to synthetic fungicides and their influence on soil fungus diversity
Authors: Maria Swiontek Brzezinska , Krystyna Pałubicka , Monika Latos , Aleksandra Janik , Patrycja Tarnawska , Kornelia Krajnik , Aleksandra Burkowska‐But , Joanna Świątczak , Piotr Jedziniak , Katarzyna Pietruszka , Agnieszka Kalwasińska
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND

The study aimed to develop a new formulation based on active substances of natural origin to protect plant seedlings against fungal pathogens, and to evaluate the effect of this formulation on fungal communities in arable soil.

RESULTS

Coating seeds of common crop plants with a p‐coumaric acid (p‐CA)‐based preparation resulted in a significant reduction in the growth of most of the tested pathogens. When applied to soil, both the p‐CA‐based formulation and Porter 250 EC had a similar overall effect on soil fungal communities and significantly altered the structure of fungal communities at all of the times examined. Shifts in the fungal community composition concerned less than 2% of the total number of amplicon sequence variants (ASVs). The strongest impact of the formulations on soil microbiota was recorded at the fourth week of treatment. Two ASVs assigned to Botrytis and Chromelosporium, known as plant pathogens, and an unidentified ASV from Diversisporales encompassing the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), were significantly depleted in soil samples treated with p‐CA in comparison with Porter 250 EC.

CONCLUSION

The p‐CA‐based preparation has the potential to be used as an alternative to synthetic fungicides. It shows a similar effect to Porter 250 EC on the organization of soil communities, determining changes in the character of the communities of fungi in general, at any given time. Moreover, p‐CA caused a reduction in ASVs belonging to Botrytis and Chromelosporium (plant pathogens) and ASVs of Diversisporales (containing arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi) in comparison with the commercial compound that was analyzed. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Metal Halide Perovskites toward Electrically Pumped Lasers
Authors: Liu Anqi , Guan Gangyun , Chai Xiaomei , Feng Nannan , Lu Min , Bai Xue , Zhang Yu
Published: July 2022

The rapid development of lasers since their launch has given a new lease to traditional optical technology and immensely boosted the development of natural science. Benefiting from the salient light absorption and light emission traits, perovskite lasers show incalculable prospects in applications of optical storage, optical interconnects, high‐quality displays, on‐chip photonic communications, etc. For perovskite lasers, device structure and working principle rather than just material property are also profound, especially for the realization and assessment of electrically pumped lasers, which is the prerequisite for the ultimate practical application of perovskite lasers. With this in mind, the key characteristic parameters of possible future electrically pumped lasers are discussed herein, and a systematic review of perovskite lasers is presented in a sequential order of development. To begin, the components of lasers are introduced in detail, with an emphasis on optical microcavities and diverse proposed working mechanisms, followed by introductions of representative advances in pulsed optically pumped perovskite lasers with various lasing modes, as well as state‐of‐the‐art developments in lasing phenomenon under continuous‐wave optical pumping. Finally, the challenges and fruitful progress toward electrically pumped perovskite lasers are discussed emphatically. It is hoped that this review will promote the realization of perovskite electrically pumped lasers and commercialization of perovskite lasers.
Design of a Dual‐Responsive Bilayered Actuator with Alternating Active Layers
Authors: Zhou Xiaohui , Feng Chunmei , Li Yuqi , Zhang Shiping , Song Botao
Published: July 2022

Inspired by biological deformation in nature, numerous efforts have been made on the fabrication of biomimetic actuators, and the most facile way is to endow a bilayered structure with one active layer and the other inert layer. Unfortunately, such actuators can generally achieve single‐stimulus response and small deformation due to only one active layer. Here, a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/polystyrene (PS) bilayered actuator with alternating active layers for realizing dual‐responsiveness and large deformation is designed and assembled. Basically, upon stimulation by humidity, the hydrophilic PVA layer acts as an active layer due to its excellent water affinity, while the strong hydrophobic PS layer is an inert layer, and the unmatched swelling of the two layers results in bending deformation. While when exposed to an organic vapor environment, the roles of the two layers are interchanged and the PS layer is switched to be active, leading to fast organic vapor‐triggered deformation. The effects of relative humidity, types of organic vapor, sizes of the actuator, thickness ratios of the two layers, and cutting angles on shape deformation are systematically investigated. The underlying mechanisms of dual‐responsive shape deformation are further clarified. Potential applications of the bilayered actuator are finally demonstrated.
Block Copolymer Synthesis by a Sequential Addition Strategy from the Organocatalytic Group Transfer Polymerization of Methyl Methacrylate to the Ring‐Opening Polymerization of Lactide
Authors: Zaky Mohamed Samir , Guichard Gilles , Taton Daniel
Published: July 2022

Sequential block copolymerization involving comonomers belonging to different classes, e.g., a vinyl‐type monomer and a heterocycle, is a challenging task in macromolecular chemistry, as corresponding propagating species do not interconvert easily from one to the other by crossover reactions. Here, it is first evidenced that 1‐methoxy 2‐methyl 1‐trimethylsilyloxypropene (MTS), i.e., a silyl ketene acetal (SKA)‐containing initiator, can be used in presence of the P4‐t‐Bu phosphazene organic base to control the ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of racemic lactide (rac‐LA). The elementary reaction, which rapidly transforms SKA groups into propagating alkoxides, can be leveraged to directly synthesize well‐defined poly(methyl methacrylate)‐b‐polylactide block copolymers. This is achieved using P4‐t‐Bu as the single organic catalyst and MTS as the initiator for the group transfer polymerization of methyl methacrylate, followed by the ROP of rac‐LA. Both polymerization methods are implemented under selective and controlled/living conditions at room temperature in THF. This sequential addition strategy further expands the scope of organic catalysis of polymerizations for macromolecular engineering of block copolymers involving propagating species of disparate reactivity.
Mechanically and Ultraviolet Light Stable Ultrathin Organic Solar Cell via Semi‐Embedding Silver Nanowires in a Hydrogen Bonds‐Based Polyimide
Authors: Wang Yongmei , Chen Qiaomei , Wang Yupu , Zhang Guangcong , Zhang Zhou , Fang Jie , Zhao Chaowei , Li Weiwei
Published: July 2022

Ultrathin organic solar cells (OSCs) with both high power conversion efficiency (PCE) and operational stability are of great significance for the industrial applications but still challenging. Here, a polyimide (PI) substrate for high‐performance and stable ultrathin OSCs, which is physically crosslinked via strong hydrogen bonds (denoted as HB–PI) to enhance the mechanical, thermal, solvent‐resistant, and UV filtering properties (with a cut‐off wavelength of 376 nm), is synthesized. An ultrathin flexible transparent composite electrode (FTCE, ≈7 µm) is fabricated via semi‐embedding AgNWs in the HB–PI substrate. The FTCE possesses excellent optoelectronic property, smooth surface, and high mechanical stability simultaneously. Based on this FTCE, an ultrathin OSC is constructed with a PCE of 13.52% (average of 13.22%). Moreover, the ultrathin OSC shows outstanding mechanical stability (PCE decreased by less than 4% after 1000 bending cycles at a small bending radius of 0.5 mm) and superior UV light stability (no evident PCE degradation after irradiation under UV light for 10 h). This work will provide a new avenue for fabricating high‐performance and stable ultrathin OSCs.
Underrepresented Populations in Parkinson's Genetics Research: Current Landscape and Future Directions
Authors: Schumacher‐Schuh Artur Francisco , Bieger Andrei , Okunoye Olaitan , Mok Kin Ying , Lim Shen‐Yang , Bardien Soraya , Ahmad‐Annuar Azlina , Santos‐Lobato Bruno Lopes , Strelow Matheus Zschornack , Salama Mohamed , Rao Shilpa C. , Zewde Yared Zenebe , Dindayal Saiesha , Azar Jihan , Prashanth Lingappa Kukkle , Rajan Roopa , Noyce Alastair J. , Okubadejo Njideka , Rizig Mie , Lesage Suzanne , Mata Ignacio Fernandez ,   Global Parkinson's Genetics Program (GP2)
Published: July 2022

Background

Human genetics research lacks diversity; over 80% of genome‐wide association studies have been conducted on individuals of European ancestry. In addition to limiting insights regarding disease mechanisms, disproportionate representation can create disparities preventing equitable implementation of personalized medicine.

Objective

This systematic review provides an overview of research involving Parkinson's disease (PD) genetics in underrepresented populations (URP) and sets a baseline to measure the future impact of current efforts in those populations.

Methods

We searched PubMed and EMBASE until October 2021 using search strings for “PD,” “genetics,” the main “URP,” and and the countries in Latin America, Caribbean, Africa, Asia, and Oceania (excluding Australia and New Zealand). Inclusion criteria were original studies, written in English, reporting genetic results on PD from non‐European populations. Two levels of independent reviewers identified and extracted information.

Results

We observed imbalances in PD genetic studies among URPs. Asian participants from Greater China were described in the majority of the articles published (57%), but other populations were less well studied; for example, Blacks were represented in just 4.0% of the publications. Also, although idiopathic PD was more studied than monogenic forms of the disease, most studies analyzed a limited number of genetic variants. We identified just nine studies using a genome‐wide approach published up to 2021, including URPs.

Conclusion

This review provides insight into the significant lack of population diversity in PD research highlighting the immediate need for better representation. The Global Parkinson's Genetics Program (GP2) and similar initiatives aim to impact research in URPs, and the early metrics presented here can be used to measure progress in the field of PD genetics in the future. © 2022 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Feedback stabilization of non‐homogeneous bilinear systems with a finite time delay
Authors: Hamidi Z. , El Ayadi R. , Ouzahra M.
Published: July 2022

This paper investigates the feedback stabilization of non‐homogeneous delayed bilinear systems in Hilbert state space. More precisely, under an observability‐like assumption, we prove the exponential and strong stability of the solution by using bounded feedback control. Partial stabilization is discussed as well. The proofs of the main results are based on the decomposition method. The decay estimates of the stabilized solutions are obtained. Finally, some examples are presented.
Core/shell magnetite/copolymer composite nanoparticles enabling highly stable magnetorheological response
Authors: Han Wenjiao , Wang Shun , Rui Xiaoting , Dong Yuzhen , Choi Hyoungjin
Published: July 2022

Magnetorheological fluids (MRFs) have been successfully used in a variety of smart control systems, but are still limited due to their relatively poor settling stability. Herein, a core/shell‐structured Fe3O4/copolymer composite nanoparticle is synthesized as a new candidate material for stimulus‐responsive MRFs to tackle the limitation of the long‐term dispersion stability. Aniline‐co‐diphenylamine copolymers (PANI‐co‐PDPA) are loaded onto the surface of Fe3O4 nanoparticles, providing a lighter density and sufficient active interface for the dispersion of magnetic particles in the carrier medium. The features of the Fe3O4/copolymer composite nanoparticles, including morphology, compositional, and crystalline properties, are characterized. An MRF is prepared by suspending Fe3O4/copolymer composite nanoparticles in a nonmagnetic medium oil, and its rheological properties are assessed using a controlled shear rate test and dynamic oscillation tests using a rotational rheometer. Rheological models including the Bingham model and the Herschel–Bulkley model are fitted to the flow curves of the MRF. The obtained Fe3O4/copolymer composite shows soft‐magnetic properties, as well as greater density adaptability and higher stability, compared to Fe3O4. Moreover, the sedimentation testing provides information about the dispersion stability characteristics of MRF and shows a good correlation with high‐stability magnetorheological (MR) response. The Fe3O4/copolymer‐based MRF with a tunable and instantaneous MR response is considered a promising material for smart control applications.
Experiences of undergraduate nursing students who worked clinically during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Dempsey Laura , Gaffney Lorraine , Bracken Sinead , Tully Agnes , Corcoran Olivia , McDonnell‐Naughton Mary , Sweeney Lisa , McDonnell Denise
Published: July 2022

Aim

This study explored the experiences of undergraduate nursing students who worked clinically during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Irish healthcare settings.

Design

A qualitative descriptive approach was employed.

Methods

Online focus group interviews were used to collect data from general nursing students (N = 47) between February and April 2021. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Descriptive thematic analysis of the data revealed five themes; changes in care delivery, changes in communication and relationships with the patient, an emotionally charged work atmosphere, coping strategies during the pandemic and student learning specific to COVID‐19. Challenges such as an increased workload, fear of contracting the virus and taking on novel and additional roles were revealed. Students remained undeterred, and despite the many challenges faced, they largely viewed their experiences as a source of personal and professional growth, and benefitted from the learning opportunities afforded to them.
Quantitative research on the impact of COVID‐19 on frontline nursing staff at a military hospital in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Sharif Loujain , Almutairi Khalid , Sharif Khalid , Mahsoon Alaa , Banakhar Maram , Albeladi Salwa , Alqahtani Yaser , Attar Zalikha , Abdali Farida , Wright Rebecca
Published: July 2022

Aim

The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between stress, psychological symptoms and job satisfaction among frontline nursing staff at a military hospital in Saudi Arabia during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Design

Descriptive cross‐sectional study.

Methods

Data were collected using an online survey. All Registered Nurses (N = 1,225) working at a military hospital between February to April 2021 were contacted, 625 responded (51%). Data were analysed using descriptive and multivariate analysis, Student's t‐test for independent samples and one‐way analysis of variance followed by Tukey's multiple comparison tests.

Results

Stress was experienced more significantly than depression or anxiety. Approximately 29% of the change in scores for psychological symptoms was explained by age group, being a Saudi national and working in emergency departments (F[3,620] = 19.063, p < 0.0001). A 37% change in nursing stress scores was explained by nationality and work department. (F[5,618] = 19.754, p < 0.0001). A 29% change in job satisfaction scores was explained by nationality and work department (F[3,620] = 19.063, p < 0.0001).
Experimental and multi‐scale finite element modeling for evaluating healing efficiency of electro‐sprayed microcapsule based glass fiber‐reinforced polymer composites
Authors: Dadras Hooman , Barbaz‐Isfahani Reza , Saber‐Samandari Saeed , Salehi Manouchehr
Published: July 2022

Microcapsule based glass fiber‐reinforced polymer (GFRP) composites have attracted enormous attention due to enhancement of structures' longevity, reducing expenses, and simplicity of fabrication process. In this study, a micromechanical model of a woven E‐glass/epoxy composite containing microcapsules was developed based on finite element analysis (FEA). Modified sequential adsorption algorithm was chosen to generate and disperse microcapsules in three types of representative volume elements (RVEs). Also, mechanical properties of microcapsules and composite were assigned based on nanoindentation tests and standard experimental tests, respectively. Eventually, multi‐scaling method was implemented to homogenize maximum tensile stress, and subsequent evaluation of tensile after impact (TAI) healing efficiency. Therefore, a healing efficiency of 71% was obtained based on three types of simulations encompassing low‐velocity impact (LVI) and quasi‐static tensile tests on the RVEs. In order to validate the results; first, an electrospraying set‐up was exploited to fabricate multicore microcapsules. The fabricated microcapsules contained mercaptan hardener and epoxy resin as the healing agents, and they were covered by alginate shell. Second, incorporated composite specimens with microcapsules were fabricated via the hand‐layup method. The average TAI healing efficiency of 67% was achieved by experimental tests. Furthermore, scanning electron microscope images of the fractured surfaces confirmed rupture of microcapsules in the LVI test.
Preparation of nitrile butadiene rubber/fly ash composites by designing a surficial immobile layer
Authors: Ma Chuangchi , Wu Yujun , Zheng Hansen , Liang Yangfan , He Zhixiang , Liu Jiamin , Cai Wanyi , Liu Xiaohui , Yang Shuyan
Published: July 2022

Fly ash (FA), a solid waste product from thermal power stations, can be served as a nonreinforcing filler for polymers. Due to the lack of hydroxyl groups of FA, it is infeasible to prepare polymer composites with excellent properties by coupling agents. In this work, high performance nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR)/FA composites were prepared by designing a surficial immobility layer. First, the carboxyl group of sorbic acid (SA) undergoes interfacial acid‐base neutralization reaction with metals oxide of FA to form ionic bonds. Second, the double bonds of SA can graft to NBR molecular chains with the assistance of a peroxide initiator. Consequently, 500% modulus and tensile strength of NBR/30FA/8SA composites are higher than those of NBR/30FA composite by 213.8% and 125.9%, respectively, which makes FA changing from the nonreinforcing filler to reinforcing filler and provides a new way for the large‐scale utilization of FA in the polymer industry.