bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distribution and Cellular Heterogeneity of Bovine Viral Diarrhea Viral Antigen Expression in the Brain of Persistently Infected Calves: A New Perspective
Authors: Montgomery D. L.
Published: September 2007

Persistent infection following in utero exposure to bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) early in gestation is a serious cause of morbidity and mortality in cattle industries worldwide. The brain is a primary target of persistent infection. In the current study, the types of cells infected and topography of viral antigen expression were examined in brain sections from 9 BVDV persistently infected crossbred calves, all less than 1 year of age, by immunohistochemical staining using the 15C5 primary monoclonal antibody. BVDV antigen was detected in the brains of all persistently infected calves. A variety of cell types was infected, including neurons, astrocytes, oligodendroglia, blood vessel-associated cells (pericytes, perivascular macrophages, smooth muscle cells), and cells in the leptomeninges (blood vessel-associated cells). Conclusive demonstration of viral antigen in vascular endothelial cells was elusive. The intensity and distribution of viral antigen staining in neurons were highly variable. Viral antigen staining was most consistent and intense in thalamic nuclei, most notably in dorsal and medial nuclear groups, followed by the hippocampus, entorhinal cortex, basal nuclei, and piriform cortex. Staining in other brain areas was often less intense and inconsistent. The variability in the intensity and topography of viral antigen in the brain may explain the heterogeneity in the clinical manifestations of BVDV-induced disease. Additionally, infection of the brain in persistently infected calves may underlie or at least contribute to endocrine disturbances and immunologic deficits that are protean manifestations of BVDV-induced disease.
Ultrastructural Examination of the Host Cellular Response in the Gills of Atlantic Salmon, Salmo salar, with Amoebic Gill Disease
Authors: Lovy J. , Becker J. A. , Speare D. J. , Wadowska D. W. , Wright G. M. , Powell M. D.
Published: September 2007

Gills from Atlantic salmon with experimentally induced amoebic gill disease ( Neoparamoeba spp.) were examined with transmission electron microscopy to assess pathology and host-cell responses. Amoebae were found either on the surface epithelium or with pseudopodia extending deeply into invaginations of epithelial cells. The amoebae had various densities along the plasma membrane and contained electron-dense deposits within their cytoplasm. Surface epithelial cells sloughed from the gills and had features consistent with apoptosis, including rounded shape, loss of surface microridges, and hypercondensation of nuclear chromatin. Affected areas of gills had fusion of secondary lamellae with interlamellar spaces occupied by mitotic epithelial cells and eosinophils. Eosinophils contained abundant fusiform-shaped granules that measured approximately 1 μm long and 360 nm wide. The granule consisted of an electron-dense matrix with a central inclusion that was less electron-dense, consisting of particulate and fibrillar material. In many instances, the central inclusion appeared empty and 90% of the eosinophils had morphology suggestive of piecemeal degranulation. Also observed within affected areas were a few neutrophils, mucous cells releasing mucus, and a small number of dendritic-like cells.
Omental Leiomyoma in a Male Adult Horse
Authors: Schaudien D. , Müller J. M. V. , Baumgärtner W.
Published: September 2007

A well-circumscribed mass 70 X 35 X 28 cm in size and 41 kg in weight was detected at necropsy in a male adult horse within the omentum major without any association to the gastrointestinal tract. The tumor consisted of multiple white-to-yellow lobules and displayed a firm consistency. In addition, multiple cysts filled with blood-like fluid, and multifocal areas of necrosis were observed. Histologically, the mass consisted of slightly pleomorphic spindloid-shaped cells arranged in interlacing bundles containing elongated nuclei with blunt ends. The majority of tumor cells revealed a positive immunoreaction for α-smooth muscle actin, vimentin, and neuron-specific enolase and were negative for S-100, factor VIII-related antigen, and glial fibrillary acidic protein. Few tumor cells showed expression of desmin and c-kit. On the basis of macroscopy, histology, and immunohistochemistry, an omental leiomyoma was diagnosed.
Phosphorus Segregation and Intergranular Embrittlement in Thermally Aged and Neutron Irradiated Reactor Pressure Vessel Steels
Authors: Nishiyama Yutaka , Onizawa Kunio , Suzuki Masahide
Published: September 2007

A study on phosphorus (P) segregation at grain boundaries and intergranular embrittlement of reactor pressure vessel steels due to thermal aging and neutron irradiation has been performed for A533B steel plates and weld metals doped with different bulk levels of P. The initial P concentration at grain boundaries of these materials determined by scanning Auger microscopy ranged from 9 to 33 %. The materials thermally aged at temperatures ranging from 450 to 550°C for up to 10000 h exhibited increases in P concentration described by the McLean’s equation. A linear correlation was obtained between P concentration and Charpy 41 J transition temperature (T41J). Fracture toughness tests in the ductile-to-brittle transition temperature region have been conducted by the Master Curve method using 1T-CT specimens. The material subject to intergranular embrittlement exhibited the dual fracture toughness distributions typically observed in inhomogeneous materials. This was probably due to two types of initiation of cleavage and intergranular fracture. The lower tail analysis based on the Master Curve method enabled conservative fracture toughness estimates by fitting the lower fracture toughness arising from intergranular fracture. The relation between median KJc values estimated from the lower tail analysis and temperature appeared to follow the Master Curve. For neutron irradiated materials up to a fluence of 6.9×1019 n/cm2 (E>1 MeV) at 290°C by the Japan Materials Testing Reactor, an increase in grain boundary P segregation associated with decrease in carbon segregation was observed with increasing fluence. Relative significant hardening was recognized for the material with high bulk P content. Shifts in the reference temperature T0 and T41J were comparable for the thermally aged and irradiated materials.
Bildbasierte 2D-Geschwindigkeitsmessung von Kraftfahrzeugen über Grund (Image-based Measurement of the 2D Speed Over Ground of Cars)
Authors: Horn Jan , Kammel Sören
Published: September 2007

In der Fahrzeugtechnik ist die Richtungsinformation der Fahrzeugbewegung zusätzlich zum Geschwindigkeitsbetrag von äußerster Wichtigkeit. Zum Beispiel stellen die Geschwindigkeitswinkel und -beträge an den Rädern eine fundamentale Messgröße bei der Weiterentwicklung und Abstimmung von Fahrwerken dar. Daher wird in diesem Artikel ein optisches und damit gleichzeitig schlupffreies und berührungsloses Messverfahren für die zweidimensionale Fahrzeuggeschwindigkeit über Grund vorgestellt. Anhand von Teilsummenbildern einer Bildsequenz der bewegten Fahrbahn wird der Geschwindigkeitsvektor mit Methoden der digitalen Bildverarbeitung gemessen. Neben dem Messverfahren selbst wird auch eine Möglichkeit zur Selbstüberwachung der Sensorik aufgezeigt. Weiterhin werden erste Messergebnisse von repräsentativen Fahrmanövern dargestellt und diskutiert.
Influence of Stress and Dietary Natural-Source Vitamin E on Nonspecific Immunocompetence, Tissue Tocopherol Composition, and Postslaughter Fillet Oxidative Stability in Sunshine Bass
Authors: Trushenski Jesse T , Kohler Christopher C
Published: September 2007

We evaluated the effects of stressor exposure and super-requirement levels of RRR-α-tocopheryl acetate (natural-source vitamin E [NSVE]) on production performance and nonspecific immunocompetency of juvenile sunshine bass (female white bass Morone chrysops × male striped bass M. saxatilis). Stressor exposure elicited physiological changes consistent with the generalized stress response, and the magnitude of responses generally mirrored stressor severity. Stressor exposure resulted in lower fillet peroxides and greater aldehydes after short-term frozen storage, whereas increasing dietary NSVE was associated with a nonsignificant reduction in aldehydes after long-term storage. Fillet α-tocopherol content increased linearly with dietary NSVE, exceeding reported tissue levels achieved with synthetic vitamin E (SYNE). Although we observed no significant immunological effects of stress or dietary NSVE content, sampling time and high individual-to-individual variation probably restricted our ability to resolve statistical significance. Similar results of vitamin E supplementation have previously been reported; however, the effective dietary concentrations we observed for NSVE are low in comparison with values reported for SYNE. The potential of RRR-α-tocopheryl acetate as a highly active vitamin E source for aquaculture feeds warrants further evaluation of the relative suitability of NSVE in meeting the demands of optimal aquaculture nutrition.
Living in a Dynamic Environment: Variability in Life History Traits of Age‐0 Splittail in Tributaries of San Francisco Bay
Authors: Feyrer Frederick , Sommer Ted , Hobbs James
Published: September 2007

Splittail Pogonichthys macrolepidotus is a relatively large cyprinid endemic to the San Francisco Estuary watershed. During late winter and early spring, splittails migrate from the estuary to upstream rivers and floodplains for spawning. During 2002 and 2003, we examined the diet composition, muscle stable isotope signatures (δ13C and δ15N), and growth rates of age‐0 splittails in the four primary rivers used for spawning. Overall, we found substantial variability in all three traits in spatial and temporal comparisons. Age‐0 splittails consumed a variety of prey taxa, consisting almost exclusively of aquatic invertebrates, larval stages of chironomids or copepods generally being the most common. We found that the δ15N and δ13C signatures of age‐0 splittails significantly varied spatially and temporally (δ15N range = 6.1‐19.6‰; δ13C range = −36.3 to −17.5‰). Environmental conditions, namely flow and how it manipulates habitat connectivity, appeared to affect δ13C. Age‐0 splittails exhibited substantial variability in growth rate both spatially and temporally. However, this variability was not associated with diet composition or stable isotope signatures, suggesting that food availability and physical habitat conditions were important factors affecting growth rates during our study.
Two- and three-dimensional bearing capacity of footings in sand
Authors: Lyamin A. V. , Salgado R. , Sloan S. W. , Prezzi M.
Published: September 2007

Bearing capacity calculations are an important part of the design of foundations. Many of the terms in the bearing capacity equation, as it is used today in practice, are empirical. Shape factors could not be derived in the past because three-dimensional bearing capacity computations could not be performed with any degree of accuracy. Likewise, depth factors could not be determined because rigorous analyses of foundations embedded in the ground were not possible. In this paper, the bearing capacity of strip, square, circular and rectangular foundations in sand are determined for frictional soils following an associated flow rule using finite-element limit analysis. The results of the analyses are used to propose values of the shape and depth factors for calculation of the bearing capacity of foundations in sands using the traditional bearing capacity equation. The traditional bearing capacity equation is based on the assumption that effects of shape and depth can be considered separately for soil self-weight and surcharge (embedment) terms. This assumption is not realistic, so a different form of the bearing capacity equation is also proposed that does not rely on it.
Preconcentration of Trace Arsenite and Arsenate with Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles and Subsequent Determination by Silver Diethyldithiocarbamate Spectrophotometric Method
Authors: Xiao Yabing , Ling Jie , Qian Shahua , Lin Anqing , Zheng Wenjie , Xu Weiya , Luo Yuxuan , Zhang Man
Published: September 2007

A novel method of preconcentration of trace arsenite and arsenate by using titanium dioxide nanoparticles as adsorbent was described. The concentrations of preconcentrated arsenite and arsenate were determined by a silver diethyldithiocarbamate spectrophotometric method without desorption. Batch adsorption experiments were carried out as a function of the pH, contact time, amount of titanium dioxide nanoparticles, and solution volume. In the pH range 5 to 6, adsorption rates of arsenite and arsenate were higher than 98%. The calibration coefficient was 0.9991, and the linear range was 0 to 100 μg/L. The developed method was precise, with the relative standard deviation <5% at concentration level of 10 μg/L, with a detection limit (3σ, n = 6) of 0.44 μg/L. The accuracy of the method for total arsenic was validated by standard reference materials (SRM 3103a) (National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland). The method was also applied to the analysis of arsenite and arsenate in natural water samples to verify the accuracy. The recovery values remained in a narrow range, from 95 to 103%.
Smart Patient, Smart Community: Improving Client Participation in Family Planning Consultations through a Community Education and Mass-Media Program in Indonesia
Authors: Kim Young Mi , Bazant Eva , Storey J. Douglas
Published: September 2007

In health care consultations, patients often receive insufficient information from providers and communicate little with providers about their needs or concerns. This study evaluated a combined community education and mass media intervention to improve clients' participation in family planning consultations. A household survey was conducted with 1,200 women in three sub-districts (two intervention and one control) of West Java province in Indonesia. A comparison of post-campaign findings among family planning clients suggests that the intervention as a whole had a positive effect on client participation, specifically the number of clients who prepared questions to ask the service provider prior to a family planning visit in the past year. Multivariate analyses showed that the “Smart Card” intervention and elements of the “Sahabat” (Friend) mass media campaign were positively associated with clients' preparation of questions and question asking behavior during family planning consultations, indicating that a combined community education and mass-media approach can improve client communication with providers and improve the quality of family planning counseling.
Knowledge of HIV and AIDS among Tertiary Students in Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain Mohammad Bellal , Kabir Md. Alamgir , Ferdous Hasina
Published: September 2007

To examine the levels and predictors of knowledge on HIV and AIDS, a survey was conducted among 392 tertiary level students in the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. Students demonstrated a high knowledge of transmission and prevention of HIV and AIDS yet with considerable misconception. All students said that unprotected sex with an HIV-positive man or woman can transmit the HIV virus to a negative man or woman but at the same time 43.6% of students believed that there is a preventive vaccine for HIV and 39.8% understood that HIV can be cured if it is diagnosed early. Multivariate regression analysis indicated that the students who had more knowledge on HIV and AIDS were: older boys, fathers having more income, business or service as father's occupation, having more mass media exposure, being senior students, living in a university dormitory, and being students of faculty of arts, social sciences, and science. The findings of this study suggest that a special course on health education, including risk perceptions of HIV and AIDS and issues related to sexual and other high risk behavior, should be included in the course curricula irrespective of disciplines at tertiary levels.
The Effects of Religion, Superstition, and Perceived Gender Inequality on the Degree of Suicide Intent: A Study of Serious Attempters in China
Authors: Zhang Jie , Xu Huilan
Published: September 2007

Previous studies have tried to account for the uniqueness of gender ratios in Chinese suicide through physiological and psychological differences between men and women, and the means employed in the fatal act. From the point of view of the socio-psychological traits, this study examines the effects of religion (religiosity), superstition, and perceived gender inequality among Chinese women on the degree of their suicide intent. A four-page structured interviews were performed to the consecutively sampled serious attempters of suicide hospitalized to emergency rooms immediately after the suicidal act in Dalian areas, China. Both univariate analyses and the multiple regression model have found that the higher the degree the religiosity and superstition on metempsychosis, the stronger the suicide intent Chinese women had. The perceived gender inequality is positively correlated with suicide intent, and it is especially true for Chinese women. The socio-psychological traits and traditional culture values and norms have important impacts on suicide patterns in Chinese societies.
Early Childhood Activism, Minor Politics and Resuscitating Vision: A Tentative Foray into the Use of ‘Intersections' to Influence Early Childhood Policy
Authors: Press Frances , Skattebol Jen
Published: September 2007

Many postmodern and post-structural analyses of government policies affecting early childhood education stress the hegemonic nature of neo-liberalism and subsequently primarily focus upon identifying the manifestation of neo-liberal values in such interventions. An unintended and stultifying consequence of such analyses is, at times, to close off the possibilities of envisioning a positive engagement with, and role for, government policy. In addition, the primacy offered to localised knowledges can engender the development of policy responses which are not cognisant of more broadly based social impacts. In response, the authors proffer the use of intersections as key points for the development of analyses and action. This necessitates an active awareness of the ways in which local knowledges and experiences cross, or overlay, information generated from other sites, including disciplinary knowledges and analyses that may be classified as modernist. By utilising points of convergence, as well as understanding points of divergence, intersections can be used to open up spaces for political action that recognise and generate localised responses, whilst at the same time engendering policy that enables more broadly based social justice.
‘Smarten up the Parents’: Whose Agendas are We Serving? Governing Parents and Children through the Smart Population Foundation Initiative in Australia
Authors: Millei Zsuzsa , Lee Libby
Published: September 2007

This article critiques the Smart Population Foundation Initiative (SPFI), which was established to ‘bring parenting information and the science of child development to Australian parents and carers' (Smart Population Foundation, 2006) and to satisfy the need for a credible and easily accessible source of information for parents. The article draws on the notion of modern governance developed by Rose and analyses the Initiative as a deeply political project. It looks at the Initiative from a critical distance created by the context of governmentality. The authors argue that the discourses produced by the Initiative constitute a particular notion of parent as ‘smart’ (lifelong learner, responsible and informed). These discourses govern parents through ‘ethopolitics’ to take up a certain art of parenting as their supposed free choice. Through standardising and sanctioning a particular way of acting as a parent, the SPFI translates governmental objectives into parents' own values and practices. As a result, the discourse the SPFI constitutes about parenting effectively ‘shuts down’ multiple understandings of being a ‘good’ parent. Hence, parents' conscious formation of their parenting practices are inhibited and with that, the ethical debates around this contentious issue are silenced.
Envisioning the Impact of Decisions Made about Early Childhood Professional Development Systems by Different Constituent Groups
Authors: Apple Peggy , McMullen Mary Benson
Published: September 2007

In this article the authors explore the need for early childhood practitioners and scholars to engage in joint problem solving to create and support early childhood education and care (ECEC) professional development systems in which all constituents benefit. Primary constituent groups and principal decision-making bodies are defined and analyzed, and the interrelated influences within professional development systems are considered. At the heart of the discussion is how decisions made by all constituent groups are interrelated and affect all parts of the system. For instance, decisions made about professional qualifications have an impact upon pre- and in-service ECEC professionals, current ECEC professionals, children and their families, and individuals within ECEC businesses and communities. Although the discussion in this article is about these issues as they are played out within the USA, the authors believe that the implications raised may be usefully considered by ECEC professionals and those engaged in professional development in other cultures and contexts.
What Can We Learn from ‘Innovative’ Child Care Services? Children's Services Purposes and Practices in Australia's Northern Territory
Authors: Fasoli Lyn , Moss Bonita
Published: September 2007

This article explores the diversity of services designed for young children currently operating in Australia in remote Northern Territory (NT) Indigenous communities as a provocation for the renewal and revitalisation of mainstream (typical Australian conventional, Western values oriented and urban-based) child care services. Australian society has accepted a standardised model of child care and conceptualised it as a service designed primarily for parents who work. It has become remarkably uniform in look, nature and purpose, regardless of where it is located. The article refers specifically to ‘Innovative’ Indigenous Children's Services (the term ‘Innovative’ refers to a federally funded government initiative called the ‘Innovative Child Care Scheme’, an initiative stemming from the 1992–96 National Child Care Strategy) as a new kind of children's space in the child care landscape. The authors reflect on the findings of recent research which explored what could be learned from remotely located Indigenous children's services staff, particularly in relation to the important questions the research raised for the social agendas and public policies that underpin development and theory currently shaping mainstream centre-based long day care programs.
Frequency of the G/G Genotype of Resistin Single Nucleotide Polymorphism at −420 Appears to Be Increased in Younger-Onset Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Ochi Masaaki , Osawa Haruhiko , Hirota Yushi , Hara Kazuo , Tabara Yasuharu , Tokuyama Yoshiharu , Shimizu Ikki , Kanatsuka Azuma , Fujii Yasuhisa , Ohashi Jun , Miki Tetsuro , Nakamura Naoto , Kadowaki Takashi , Itakura Mitsuo , Kasuga Masato , Makino Hideichi
Published: September 2007

OBJECTIVE—Resistin is an adipocyte-secreted cytokine associated with insulin resistance in mice. We previously reported that the G/G genotype of a resistin single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) at −420 increases type 2 diabetes susceptibility by enhancing its promoter activity. The aim of the present study was to determine the relevance of SNP −120 in a large number of subjects.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS— We examined 2,610 type 2 diabetic case and 2,502 control subjects. The relation between SNP −420 and the age of type 2 diabetes onset was further analyzed by adding 237 type 2 diabetic subjects with age of onset ≤40 years.

RESULTS—When analyzed without considering subject age, the SNP −420 genotype was not associated with type 2 diabetes. Since we reported that the onset of type 2 diabetes was earlier in G/G genotype, we analyzed the data using a trend test for age intervals of 10 years. The frequency of G/G genotype differed among age grades in type 2 diabetes (P = 0.037) and appeared to be higher in younger grades. In type 2 diabetes, G/G genotype was more frequent in subjects aged <40 years than in those aged ≥40 years (G/G vs. C/C, P = 0.003). In a total of 2,430 type 2 diabetic subjects with age of onset <60 years, the trend test showed that the G/G genotype had an increasing linear trend as the age grade of type 2 diabetes onset became younger (P = 0.0379). In control subjects, the frequency of C/G genotype showed an increasing linear trend with increasing age (P = 0.010).

CONCLUSIONS—The G/G genotype frequency of resistin SNP −420 appears to be increased in younger-onset type 2 diabetic subjects.
Shared Decision-Making in Cardiovascular Risk Factor Management
Authors: Elias Sabrina , Chen Yuling , Liu Xiaoyue , Slone Sarah , Turkson-Ocran Ruth-Alma , Ogungbe Bunmi , Thomas Sabena , Byiringiro Samuel , Koirala Binu , Asano Reiko , Baptiste Diana-Lyn , Mollenkopf Nicole L. , Nmezi Nwakaego , Commodore-Mensah Yvonne , Himmelfarb Cheryl R. Dennison
Published: March 2024

Importance

The effect of shared decision-making (SDM) and the extent of its use in interventions to improve cardiovascular risk remain unclear.

Objective

To assess the extent to which SDM is used in interventions aimed to enhance the management of cardiovascular risk factors and to explore the association of SDM with decisional outcomes, cardiovascular risk factors, and health behaviors.

Data Sources

For this systematic review and meta-analysis, a literature search was conducted in the Medline, CINAHL, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science, Scopus, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases for articles published from inception to June 24, 2022, without language restrictions.

Study Selection

Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing SDM-based interventions with standard of care for cardiovascular risk factor management were included.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

The systematic search resulted in 9365 references. Duplicates were removed, and 2 independent reviewers screened the trials (title, abstract, and full text) and extracted data. Data were pooled using a random-effects model. The review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) reporting guideline.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Decisional outcomes, cardiovascular risk factor outcomes, and health behavioral outcomes.

Results

This review included 57 RCTs with 88 578 patients and 1341 clinicians. A total of 59 articles were included, as 2 RCTs were reported twice. Nearly half of the studies (29 [49.2%]) tested interventions that targeted both patients and clinicians, and an equal number (29 [49.2%]) exclusively focused on patients. More than half (32 [54.2%]) focused on diabetes management, and one-quarter focused on multiple cardiovascular risk factors (14 [23.7%]). Most studies (35 [59.3%]) assessed cardiovascular risk factors and health behaviors as well as decisional outcomes. The quality of studies reviewed was low to fair. The SDM intervention was associated with a decrease of 4.21 points (95% CI, −8.21 to −0.21) in Decisional Conflict Scale scores (9 trials; I2 = 85.6%) and a decrease of 0.20% (95% CI, −0.39% to −0.01%) in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels (18 trials; I2 = 84.2%).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this systematic review and meta-analysis of the current state of research on SDM interventions for cardiovascular risk management, there was a slight reduction in decisional conflict and an improvement in HbA1c levels with substantial heterogeneity. High-quality studies are needed to inform the use of SDM to improve cardiovascular risk management.
Terphenyl Functionalized Covalent Triazine Polymer as Metal‐Free Photocatalyst for Superior Hydrogen Peroxide Production
Authors: Zhang Qinhua , Zhou Jingyuan , Zhang Haonan , Qi Chong , Zhou Qiang , Guo Runze , Yang Hao , Xing Tao , Wang Mingqing , Wu Mingbo , Wu Wenting
Published: March 2024

Artificial photosynthesis of H2O2 from H2O and O2 by visible light is a promising approach, but the efficiency is still unsatisfactory because of the inefficient O2 adsorption and proton supply. Here, terphenyl functionalized covalent triazine polymer (CTP‐TD) is prepared for efficient H2O2 production. Experimental and theoretical results show that terphenyl structure can promote O2 adsorption by regulating the oxygen evolution (O2→1O2) and improve proton supply by accelerating water oxidation. The terphenyl structure significantly promotes the singlet oxygen (1O2) production via the intersystem crossing (ISC) process. The electrophilic 1O2 is more easily adsorbed on the catalyst surface than O2. Simultaneously, the accumulated holes at the terphenyl structure lower water oxidation energy barriers and accelerate the water dehydrogenation process. This work provides a valuable reference and new inspiration for the polymer design of efficient H2O2 generation from the perspective of reactant supply.
Electric‐Field‐Induced in‐Plane Anisotropy of Superconducting Transition Temperature for FeSe0.5Te0.5 Thin Films
Authors: Mi Shu , Gao Ye , Jiang Ze , Zhang Junwei , Cao Wenhui , Li Jinjin , Wang Yutong , Liu Quan , Liu Siqian , Xu Chengchao , Yang Huaixin , Li Jianqi , Zhang Guangming , Wang Yayu , Zhao Yonggang
Published: March 2024

Superconductor/ferroelectric heterostructures are very important for fundamental research and applications since superconductivity can be controlled by electric fields via ferroelectric polarization/piezostrain. Superconductivity is a macroscopic quantum phenomenon and it is commonly believed that the in‐plane superconducting transition temperature (Tc) should be isotropic for superconductors with crystal structures of stacking layers (quasi 2D). Here, the observation of piezostrain‐induced in‐plane anisotropy of Tc in FeSe0.5Te0.5 (FST) thin films grown on ferroelectric single crystals is reported. The as‐prepared FST shows a tetragonal phase with equal in‐plane lattice parameters and an absence of in‐plane anisotropy of Tc. Upon applying electric fields, piezostrain induces a difference in the in‐plane lattice parameters (a‐b) and in‐plane anisotropy of Tc. The in‐plane anisotropy of Tc correlates with a‐b and becomes more remarkable for larger values of a‐b. Some possible extrinsic effects are ruled out by experiments and analysis. A possible mechanism is proposed involving electronic nematicity and inhomogeneous superconductivity in FST to account for this unusual phenomenon. This work is significant for uncovering the exotic nature of unconventional superconductors, as well as applications.
Ultrahigh Nonlinear Responses from MXene Plasmons in the Short‐Wave Infrared Range
Authors: Park Changhoon , Park Nu‐Ri , Kwon Jisung , Kim Hyerim , Gogotsi Yury , Koo Chong Min , Kim Myung‐Ki
Published: March 2024

Surface plasmons in 2D materials such as graphene exhibit exceptional field confinement. However, the low electron density of majority of 2D materials, which are semiconductors or semimetals, has limited their plasmons to mid‐wave or long‐wave infrared regime. This study demonstrates that a 2D Ti3C2Tx MXene with high electron density can not only support strong plasmon confinement with an acoustic plasmon mode in the short‐wave infrared region, but also provide ultrahigh nonlinear responses. The acoustic MXene plasmons (AMPs) in the MXene (Ti3C2Tx)–insulator (SiO2)–metal (Au) nanostructure generate in the 1.5–6.0 µm wavelength range, exhibiting a two orders of magnitude reduction in wavelength compared to wavelength in free space. Furthermore, AMP resonators with patterned Au rods exhibit a record‐high nonlinear absorption coefficient of 1.37 × 10−2 m W−1 at wavelength of 1.56 µm, ≈3 orders of magnitude greater than the highest value recorded for other 2D materials. These results indicate that MXenes can overcome fundamental plasmon wavelength limitations of previously studied 2D materials, providing groundbreaking opportunities in nonlinear optical applications, including all‐optical processing and ultrafast optical switching.
Directed Surface Reconstruction of Fe Modified Co2VO4 Spinel Oxides for Water Oxidation Catalysts Experiencing Self‐Terminating Surface Deterioration
Authors: Li Ang , Tang Xiaoxia , Cao Runjie , Song Dongcai , Wang Fangzheng , Yan Hua , Chen Hongmei , Wei Zidong
Published: March 2024

Affordable highly efficient catalysts for electrochemical oxygen evolution reaction (OER) play pivotal roles in green hydrogen production via water electrolysis. Regarding the non‐noble metal‐based electrocatalysts, considerable efforts are made to decipher the cation leaching and surface reconstruction; yet, little attention is focused on correlating them with catalytical activity and stability. Herein, in situ reconstruction of Fe‐modified Co2VO4 precursor catalyst to form a highly active (Fe,V)‐doped CoOOH phase for OER is reported, during which partial leaching of V accelerates the surface reconstruction and the V reserved in the reconstructed CoOOH layer in the form of alkali‐resistant V2O3 serves for dynamic charge compensation and prevention of excessive loss of lattice oxygen and Co dissolution. Fe substitution facilitates Co pre‐oxidation and endows the catalysts with structural flexibility by elevating O 2p band level; hence, encouraging participation of lattice oxygen in OER. The optimized Co2Fe0.25V0.75O4 electrode can afford current densities of 10 and 500 mA cm−2 at low overpotentials of 205 and 320 mV, respectively, with satisfactory stability over 600 h. By coupling with Pt/C cathode, the assembled alkaline electrolyzer can deliver 500 mA cm−2 at a low cell voltage of 1.798 V, better than that of commercial RuO2 (+) || Pt/C (−).
The future of agricultural and applied economics departments
Authors: Dorfman Jeffrey H. , Irwin Scott H. , Gopinath Munisamy , Zilberman David
Published: March 2024

Agricultural and Applied Economics departments in the United States have evolved to serve traditional and new stakeholders under the three‐legged land grant mission: extension, research, and teaching. Substantial shifts in the focus of faculty, sometimes matching demand from stakeholders and sometimes not, raise fundamental questions about their strategic direction. We argue agricultural and applied economics has a mission to solve problems, current and future, by working with physical sciences; specifically, the study of economic problems of the food supply chain and bioeconomy. By focusing on this mission, agricultural and applied economics will provide more value‐added to society and may even improve economics while doing so.
Root traits and biomass production of drought‐resistant and drought‐sensitive arabica coffee varieties growing under contrasting watering regimes
Authors: Aman Mohammed , Worku Mohammed , Shimbir Tesfaye , Astatkie Tessema
Published: March 2024

Drought is a major factor affecting coffee production, and different genotypes exhibit varying degrees of resistance to drought stress. We examined root traits and biomasses of drought‐resistant (74110, Angafa, Bultum, Chala, and Gawe) and drought‐sensitive (75227, Koti, Melko CH2, Menasibu, and Mokah) Coffea arabica varieties at seedling stage under contrasting watering regimes (water stressed and well watered) for 30 days followed by 15 days of recovery to identify the association between drought resistance and root traits and dry matter partitioning, and the impact of drought stress on growth performance of arabica coffee varieties. We used a split‐plot design with three blocks, where watering regime was the whole‐plot factor and variety was the subplot factor. During water‐stress and recovery periods, the interaction effect between watering regime and variety significantly affected root traits and dry matter partitioning, while the watering‐regime main effect affected biomass. We observed a higher (1) tap root diameter (0.34 cm), lateral root number (80.7), and root volume (4.7 cm−3) for 74110; (2) lateral root number (79.3), specific root length (24.8 cm g−1), and root‐mass ratio (0.41 g g−1) for Bultum; and (3) root length density (3.3–5.2 cm cm−3), root angle (42.6°–47.8°), root‐mass ratio (0.40–0.42 g g−1), and root‐shoot ratio (0.67–0.72 g g−1) for Angafa, Chala, and Gawe under water‐stressed condition. During both study periods, biomasses were much lower under water‐stressed than under well‐watered condition. The findings show the association between drought resistance and root traits and dry matter partitioning, and the impact of drought stress on growth performance of young arabica coffee.
Oxygen is an essential gasotransmitter directly sensed via protein gasoreceptors
Authors: Anbalagan Savani
Published: March 2024

The current restrictive criteria for gasotransmitters exclude oxygen (O2) as a gasotransmitter in vertebrates. In this manuscript, I propose a revision of gasotransmitter criteria to include O2 per se as a signaling molecule and 'essential gasotransmitter' for vertebrates. This revision would enable us to search for protein‐based O2‐binding sensors (gasoreceptors) in all cells in the brain or other tissues rather than specialized tissues such as the carotid body or gills. If microorganisms have protein‐based O2‐binding sensors or gasoreceptors such as DosP or FixL or FNR with diverse signaling domains, then eukaryotic cells must also have O2‐binding sensors or gasoreceptors. Just as there are protein‐based receptor(s) for nitric oxide (GUCY1A, GUCY1B, CLOCK, NR1D2) in cells of diverse tissues, it is reasonable to consider that there are protein‐based receptors for O2 in cells of diverse tissues as well. In mammals, O2 must be acting as a gasotransmitter or gaseous signaling molecule via protein‐based gasoreceptors such as androglobin that very likely mediate acute sensing of O2. Accepting O2 as an essential gasotransmitter will enable us to search for gasoreceptors not only for O2 but also for other nonessential gasotransmitters such as hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, methane, and ethylene. It will also allow us to investigate the role of environment‐derived metal ions in acute gas (or solute) sensing within and between organisms. Finally, accepting O2 per se as a signaling molecule acting via gasoreceptors will open up the field of gasocrinology.
Musculoskeletal and tendinous details of selected anomalies in the locomotor system of anurans
Authors: Soliz Mónica C. , Abdala Virginia
Published: March 2024

Previous studies on anuran anomalies predominantly examine isolated cases or focus on external and skeletal features. Our study analyzes a comprehensive sample collected from 1991 to 2017, examining the muscle‐tendon system in 24 anuran species across adult, juvenile, and metamorphic stages. This extensive sample size allows us to investigate consistent anomaly patterns across different developmental stages and anuran families, exploring potential common developmental or genetic factors. Our detailed anatomical examination, encompassing musculature, tendons, and skeletal structures, revealed that 21% of the specimens displayed anomalies, a noteworthy finding considering the extensive sample size and duration of the studied sample. Of these anomalies, 17% affected the locomotor system, predominantly in the upper limbs. Key anomalies included, forelimbs and hindlimbs brachydactyly, rotation in forelimbs, partial kyphotic lordosis, and scoliosis. Notably, the digit 4 in the forelimbs and digits 4 and 5 in the hindlimbs were particularly susceptible to teratogenic effects, indicating possible prolonged exposure during development. Our study also uncovered combinations of anomalies and identified a phenotype similar to Poland syndrome. The findings validate the “Logic of Monsters” (LoMo theory) by Alberch, although the name itself may not be deemed appropriate, showing that developmental disruptions in tetrapods are not random but follow distinct sequences and patterns. The name, while unfortunate, accurately reflects the unusual nature of these developmental anomalies. This contributes to the evolving “Evo‐Devo‐Path” framework, highlighting the study's importance in understanding developmental disruptions in tetrapods.
Aggregation‐Induced Emission of Naphthalene Diimides: Effect of Chain Length on Liquid and Solid‐Phase Emissive Properties
Authors: Insuasty Alberto , Carrara Serena , Xuechen Jiao , McNeill Christopher R. , Hogan Conor , Langford Steven J.
Published: March 2024

The aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) properties of a systematic series of naphthalene diimides (NDIs) varying the chain length at the imide positions have been studied. A solvophobic collapse of NDI units through the flash injection of THF NDI solutions in sonicating water triggers the formation of stable suspensions with enhanced fluorescence emissions. Shorter chains favor the π‐π stacking of NDI units through H‐aggregation producing a strong AIE effect showing remarkably high quantum yields that have not been observed for non core‐substitued NDIs previously. On the other hand, NDIs functionalized with longer chains lead to more disordered domains where π‐π stacking between NDI units is mainly given by J‐aggregation unfavoring the AIE effect.
R2D ligase: Unveiling a novel DNA ligase with surprising DNA‐to‐RNA ligation activity
Authors: Gundesø Sigurd Eidem , Rothweiler Ulli , Heimland Elise , Piotrowski Yvonne , Rødum Inger Kristine , Söderberg Jenny Johansson , Gábor Ildikó Moustaka , Solstad Terese , Williamson Adele , Lanes Olav , Striberny Bernd Ketelsen
Published: March 2024

DNA ligases catalyze bond formation in the backbone of nucleic acids via the formation of a phosphodiester bond between adjacent 5′ phosphates and 3′ hydroxyl groups on one strand of the duplex. While DNA ligases preferentially ligate single breaks in double‐stranded DNA (dsDNA), they are capable of ligating a multitude of other nucleic acid substrates like blunt‐ended dsDNA, TA overhangs, short overhangs and various DNA‐RNA hybrids. Here we report a novel DNA ligase from Cronobacter phage CR 9 (R2D Ligase) with an unexpected DNA‐to‐RNA ligation activity. The R2D ligase shows excellent efficiency when ligating DNA to either end of RNA molecules using a DNA template. Furthermore, we show that DNA can be ligated simultaneously to both the 5′ and 3′ ends of microRNA‐like molecules in a single reaction mixture. Abortive adenylated side product formation is suppressed at lower ATP concentrations and the ligase reaction reaches near completion when ligating RNA‐to‐DNA or DNA‐to‐RNA. The ligation of a DNA strand to the 5′‐PO42− end of RNA is unique among the commercially available ligases and may facilitate novel workflows in microRNA analysis, RNA sequencing and the preparation of chimeric guide DNA‐RNA for gene editing applications.
Construction and characterization of a functional variant hFGF7 with enhanced properties by circular permutation
Authors: Choi Hye‐Ji , Lee Hanui , Cheong Dae‐Eun , Yoo Su‐Kyoung , Lee Dong‐Eun , Kim Geun‐Joong
Published: March 2024

Human fibroblast growth factor 7 (hFGF7) is a member of the paracrine‐acting FGF family and mediates various reactions such as wound healing, tissue homeostasis, and liver regeneration. These activities make it a plausible candidate for pharmaceutical applications as a drug. However, the low expression level and stability of the recombinant hFGF7 were known to be major hurdles for further applications. Here, the expression level and stability of hFGF7 were attempted to improve by changing the order of amino acids through circular permutation (CP), thereby expecting an alternative fate according to the N‐end rule. CP‐hFGF7 variants were constructed systematically by using putative amino acid residues in the loop region that avoided the disruption of the structural integrity especially in the functional motif. Among them, cp‐hFGF7115‐114 revealed a relatively higher expression level in the soluble fraction than the wild‐type hFGF7 and was efficiently purified (7 mg L−1) to apparent homogeneity. The activity and stability of the purified variant cp‐hFGF7115‐114 were comparable or superior to that of the wild‐type hFGF7, thereby strongly suggesting that CP could be an alternative tool for the functional expression of hFGF7 in Escherichia coli.
Effect of extruded wheat bran on the volatility and physical–chemical properties of bread during frozen storage
Authors: Jia Xiwu , Chen Zhihan , Pan Qinmin , Wang Zhan , Guo Cheng , Jin Weiping , Shen Wangyang
Published: March 2024

Background and Objectives

At present, there are no sufficient data in the literature about the effect of extruded wheat bran on the volatility and physical–chemical properties of bread during frozen storage. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the effect of extruded wheat bran on the volatile components and physical–chemical properties of bread during frozen storage.

Findings

Frozen storage could effectively extend the shelf‐life of bread. After 20 days of storage, the specific volume and cohesion of the control breads decreased significantly (2% and 21.55%, respectively). Moreover, the hardness and amylopectin retrogradation degree increased significantly (81.56%). After 30 days of storage, the amylopectin retrogradation degree of extruded wheat bran breads significantly increased (161%). After 40 days of storage, the cohesion of extruded wheat bran breads decreased significantly (7.67%). Extruded bran was conducive for improving bread stability during frozen storage. The transverse relaxation times (T2) of extruded wheat bran bread were shorter than those of the control bread. Bran inhibited water molecule migration and reduced the rate of bread quality deterioration. Further, 27 volatile components were detected in the control bread and 32 volatile components were detected in extruded wheat bran breads. The volatile components of all breads did not change significantly within the first 30 days of storage. Thereafter, the concentration of some volatile compounds decreased.

Conclusion

The addition of extruded wheat bran significantly affected the volatility and physical–chemical properties of bread during frozen storage. The volatility and physical–chemical properties of extruded wheat bran bread changed gradually during frozen storage. The presence of bran inhibited water molecule migration and the formation and recrystallization of large ice crystals, and reduced the rate of bread quality deterioration during frozen storage.

Significance and Novelty

This study aimed to provide a reference for research on the storage and long‐term preservation of extruded wheat bran bread after production.