bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ecological Study of Aspilia africana and Sida acuta and the Comparative Study of Their Phytochemical Constituents
Authors: Chibuzo Anyanele, Wisdom , Onyedikachukwu Ufondu, Gaius , Sylvalyn Anyanele, Ijeoma , Sussan Ezenwata Ifeoma , Sunday Okoye, Elochukwu Chidubem
Published: August 2023

Aspilia africana and Sida acuta are two plant species that are widely distributed across Africa and are used in traditional medicine for various ailments. In this study, we aimed to compare their ecological characteristics and phytochemical constituents. Field surveys were conducted in selected sites across Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria to assess the distribution and abundance of the two species. Data on soil type, rainfall, temperature, and altitude were also collected to determine the ecological factors that influence their growth and distribution. Our results showed that A. africana was more widely distributed and had a higher abundance than S. acuta. A. africana was found in a wide range of ecological conditions, including grasslands, savannas, and secondary forests. S. acuta, on the other hand, was found mainly in disturbed habitats such as farmlands, roadsides, and waste grounds. Both species were found to be adaptable to a wide range of soil types, but A. africana had a higher preference for sandy soils while S. acuta was more commonly found in loamy soils. Phytochemical screening was carried out on samples of the two species collected from different sites. The presence of secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and phenols was determined using standard procedures. Our results showed that both species contained varying concentrations of these secondary metabolites. A. africana had higher concentrations of alkaloids, saponins and tannins (4.20±0.05 mg/100g) of total saponins, (1.18±0.04 mg/100g) of total glycosides, (8.22±0.40 mg/100g) of total alkaloids, (0.40±0.01 mg/100g) of total steroids, and (2.23±0.03 mg/100g) of total tannins, while S. acuta had higher concentrations of flavonoids and saponins (0.28±0.05mg/100g) of total saponins, (0.55±0.02 mg/100g) of total flavonoids, (2.31±0.03 mg/100g) of total alkaloid, (1.51±0.02 mg/100g) of alkaloids, (1.85±0.04 mg/100g) of total steroids. These findings suggest that A. africana and S. acuta may have different medicinal properties and potential applications. Flavonoids and phenols have been reported to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties, while alkaloids and tannins are known for their antimicrobial and analgesic activities. Further studies are needed to explore the pharmacological activities of their phytochemical constituents and validate their traditional uses in African medicine.
Effects of Plant Growth-promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) on Morpho-Physiological Parameters of Strawberry cv. Chandler under Different Moisture Levels
Authors: Raturi Purnita , Rai Ratna , Sharma A. K. , Singh A. K. , Dimri D. C. , Bains Gurdeep
Published: August 2023

Drought stress is one of the challenges that can affect the growth and quality of strawberries. The present study aims to determine the effect of PGPR and AMF on the growth of the strawberry cultivar Chandler under different moisture levels. This study was conducted under polyhouse at the Horticulture Research Center, GBPUA&T, Pantnagar, during 2021-2022 and 2022-23. The experiment was arranged in a factorial CRD design (FCRD) with three replications. The experiment included moisture levels (100% field capacity (FC), 75% FC and 50% FC) and bioinoculants: control (without PGPR or AMF), PGPR, AMF and combination of PGPR+AMF. The results showed that water stress significantly reduced all the growth and biochemical characteristics of leaves. Plants treated with PGPR and AMF either alone or in combination showed higher survival rate of plants as compared to control. The numbers of leaves, petiole length, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll and carotenoids were found to increase in all the treatments where bioinoculants were incorporated in the potting media. The increase in chlorophyll content suggests improved photosynthetic efficiency which eventually enhanced stress tolerance of the plants. The use of PGPR and AMF provides a ray of hope for sustainable agricultural cultivation of strawberry particularly in regions affected by water scarcity.
Farmers’ Perception towards Climate and Millet Producer Organizations
Authors: Sangappa  , Rafi D. , B. Laxmi , E. Charishma , Prabhakar Itigi , Kumar P. Arun , Jha Sujeet K. , C. Tara Satyavathi
Published: August 2023

Aims: Majority of the farmers in India are small and marginal (nearly 88.6%) & facing issues in getting timely inputs (seed, fertilizer, pesticide and farm implements), credit access, market linkages, & existence of intermediaries reduced the producers share in consumer rupee. Farmers as collectives viz., FPOs/Co-operatives/FPC helps small, marginal and tenant farmers in  enhancing their production, marketing, income, bargaining power, and provides benefits through joint action by eliminating the intermediaries. FPOs boost farmers income by establishing businesses among farming communities, brings industry and agriculture together that develops rural areas.

Study Design:  Random sampling.

Place and Duration of Study: Karnataka, January 2023.

Methodology: Four millet FPOs promoted by ICAR-IIMR from Northern Karnataka were taken for the study. Data regarding perception of millet farmers towards FPOs was collected by using well framed interview schedule from 120 farmers which were selected randomly. The data                     pertaining to study was collected during 2022-23 and basic statistical tools like descriptive             statistics, percentage analysis, factor analysis were employed for analyzing the perception levels of farmers.

Results:  Majority of the millet farmers in the study area were medium aged with family size of four to six members. The average land holding capacity of farmers was 7.85 acres and are customized with organic farming of cultivation. It was noticed that majority of the millet FPO famers have medium level of perception towards general (80 %) and service activities (68.3 %) of FPOs and have higher level (73.3 %) of perception towards extension activities of FPOs. Lack of effective market linkages, Timely availability of agri-inputs and lack of coordination among FPO members were major constraints faced by millet FPO members.

Conclusion: Establishment of Millet farm gate processing units at FPOs, CHCs, linking small holders to market through FPOs, value addition of millets, e-marketing, organizing trainings on aspects of second agriculture programs will make FPOs sustain in long run and thereby strengthen millet value chain. Collective efforts of Millet FPOs can contribute in building climate-resilient agricultural systems and support sustainable livelihoods for millet farmers.
Comparative Analysis of Traditional Scented Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Varieties under Organic Cultivation Based on DUS Testing and Yield Assessment
Authors: Supriya  , Singh D. K. , Ram Net , Surender  , Kumar R. K. M. Harish , Sharma Uma , Kumar Birendra , Verma Parkash
Published: August 2023

An agricultural field study was conducted during the kharif season of 2020 at the G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology in Uttarakhand, India, to investigate the qualitative and quantitative attributes of traditionally scented rice cultivated through organic methods. The experiment, a randomized block design with three replications, evaluated ten rice varieties, labeled as V1 to V10 (Kubir Mamhani, Kudrat-5, etc). The morphological variations among the varieties (registered under PPV&FR Act 2001) are based on DUS (Distinctness, Uniformity, and Stability) is required for protecting the uniqueness of traditional scented varieties of rice. It can also be the indicative of the yield. The grain, straw and harvest index were found the highest with variety Kudrat-5 followed by Kudrat-1.
Stability Analyses of pearl Millet Genotypes (Pennisetum glaucum) and its Related Traits Using the Freeman and Perkins Model
Authors: Aditi  , Rani Sarita , Chetna  , Khandelwal Vikas , Devvart
Published: August 2023

In the present study, twenty-nine genotypes were carried out to determine the stability of morphological characters viz., dry fodder yield, Days to 50% flowering, and Days to maturity of pearl millet in eight different environments viz., ARS Mandor, Bikaner, RARI Jaipur, Jamnagar, Hisar, Gwalior, Ranchi and Jammu Kashmir using Freeman and Perkins model. Data was collected from ICAR- All India Coordinated Research Projects (AICRP) of pearl millet, Agricultural University, Mandor, Rajasthan, India for one year (2019). The combined analysis of variance showed significant differences among genotypes, environments and Genotype by Environment (G x E) interaction for all morphological characters under study. Mean, regression coefficient and deviation from regression were used as stability measures. Genotype G23 exhibited stability across all studied traits, while G10 and G29 demonstrated stability specifically for dry fodder yield and days to 50% flowering. Furthermore, genotype G22 displayed stability for dry fodder yield and days to maturity in all environments.
Integrated Nutrient Management on Semi Rabi Green Gram
Authors: Lakshman  , Raval C. H. , Patel H. K. , Yadav Suwa Lal , Birla Devilal , Choudhary Priyanka , Choudhary Manju
Published: August 2023

An experiment was conducted to study the response of organic sources on the growth, yield, and quality of semi-rabi green gram. The experiment was conducted during semi rabi season 2021, at Agronomy Farm, B.A. College of Agriculture, Anand Agricultural University, Anand, Gujarat, comprising one chemical treatment with nine integrated nutrient management and biofertilizer treatments i.e. total 10 integrated organic manures treatments impose in semi rabi green gram. The layout of experiment was done according to Randomized complete block design with three replications. Growth attributes like plant height, number of branches, dry matter accumulation  plant-1 and dry weight of nodules plant-1 of green gram as influenced by an application of 75% N through vermicompost + ST (5 ml kg seed-1) of Rhizobium + Bio NPK consortium 1 L ha-1. Significantly higher green gram yield attributing character and biological yield was observed significantly higher where application done by 75% N through vermicompost + ST (5 mL kg seed-1) of Rhizobium + Bio NPK consortium 1 L ha-1. Quality parameter and content is most important factors for green gram, an application of 75% N through vermicompost + ST (5 ml kg seed-1) of Rhizobium + Bio NPK consortium 1 L ha-1 treatment reported significantly higher seed and straw NPK content and uptake.
Outcomes of Treatment With Neoadjuvant Cemiplimab for Patients With Advanced, Resectable Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck
Authors: Ferrarotto Renata , Nagarajan Priyadharsini , Maronge Jacob M. , Johnson Jason M. , Rosenthal David I. , Myers Jeffrey N. , Gross Neil D.
Published: August 2023

This secondary analysis of a phase 2 clinical trial examines long-term survival for resectable cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck according to pathologic response.
Key determinants for signaling in the sensory rhodopsin II/transducer complex are different between Halobacterium salinarum and Natronomonas pharaonis
Authors: Matsunami‐Nakamura Risa , Tamogami Jun , Takeguchi Miki , Ishikawa Junya , Kikukawa Takashi , Kamo Naoki , Nara Toshifumi
Published: August 2023

The cell membrane of Halobacterium salinarum contains a retinal‐binding photoreceptor, sensory rhodopsin II (HsSRII), coupled with its cognate transducer (HsHtrII), allowing repellent phototaxis behavior for shorter wavelength light. Previous studies on SRII from Natronomonas pharaonis (NpSRII) pointed out the importance of the hydrogen bonding interaction between Thr204NpSRII and Tyr174NpSRII in signal transfer from SRII to HtrII. Here, we investigated the effect on phototactic function by replacing residues in HsSRII corresponding to Thr204NpSRII and Tyr174NpSRII. Whereas replacement of either residue altered the photocycle kinetics, introduction of any mutations at Ser201HsSRII and Tyr171HsSRII did not eliminate negative phototaxis function. These observations imply the possibility of the presence of an unidentified molecular mechanism for photophobic signal transduction differing from NpSRII–NpHtrII.
Capillary‐Driven Self‐Assembled Microclusters for Highly Performing UV Photodetectors
Authors: Chen Xiaohu , Bagnall Darren , Nasiri Noushin
Published: August 2023

Self‐assembled nanoparticle networks have emerged as multifunctional building blocks for a new generation of highly sensitive sensing technologies that offer large surface‐to‐volume ratios and a range of associated benefits. Unfortunately, with nanoparticle networks often being held together by weak van der Waals forces, the development of useful commercial devices is slowed by the relatively low robustness and poor carrier transport characteristics. This study shows how the application of a single droplet of ethanol can induce capillary forces capability of delivering significant changes to the morphological, structural, optical, and electronic properties of ZnO nanoclusters. It demonstrates how ZnO nanocluster “dendrites” and nanoparticles are forced together to form micro‐scale islands and larger nanoparticles, and thereby improve the robustness of the layers and the quality of the junctions between the nanoparticles without significantly reducing the overall porosity of the layer or degrading the structural or optical properties in any way. The commensurate improvement in the electronic transport within the layers is found to greatly improve the photoresponse of UV detectors. It seems likely that the application of ethanol and the exploitation of capillary force can provide a technique that can greatly benefit any nanostructured, ultra‐porous device where poor charge transport currently limits performance.
Illumination Enhanced Crystallization and Defect Passivation for High Performance CsPbI3 Perovskite Solar Cells by Sacrificing Dye
Authors: Zhang Na , Wang Jungang , Duan Yuwei , Yang Shaomin , Xu Dongfang , Lei Xuruo , Wu Meizi , Yuan Ningyi , Ding Jianning , Cui Jian , Liu Zhike
Published: August 2023

All‐inorganic perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have been the research focus due to their high thermal stability and proper band gap for tandem solar cells. However, their power conversion efficiency (PCE) is still lower than that of organic‐inorganic hybrid PSCs. Herein, a sacrificing dye (Rhodamine B isothiocyanate, RBITC) is developed to regulate the growth of perovskite film by in situ release of ethylammonium cations, isothiocyanate anions and benzoic acid molecules upon annealing and illumination. The ethylammonium cations can efficiently passivate surface defects. The isothiocyanate anions incorporate with uncoordinated Pb to regulate the crystallization process. The benzoic acid molecules facilitate the nucleation of the perovskite crystals. Especially, the illumination can accelerate the release of these beneficial ions/molecules to improve the quality of perovskite films further. After optimization with RBITC, a high open circuit voltage (VOC) of 1.24 V and a champion PCE of 20.95% are obtained, which are among the highest Voc and PCE values of CsPbI3 PSCs. Accordingly, the operational stability of the PSC devices is significantly improved. The results provide an efficient chemical strategy to regulate the formation of perovskite films in whole crystallization process for high performance all‐inorganic PSCs.
Liquid Nitrogen Temperature Mechanoluminescence and Persistent Luminescence
Authors: Liu Xueqing , Zhang Liangliang , Wang Dandan , Wang Dengkui , Shen He , Wu Hao , Wu Huajun , Pan Guohui , Hao Zhendong , Liu Feng , Zhang Jiahua
Published: August 2023

As novel stress‐sensing materials, the reported mechanoluminescence (ML) phosphors work only at or above room temperature. Herein, the ML response to low temperatures (77 K) is extended by employing ultra‐shallow traps. Strong ML stimulated by handwriting force followed by persistent luminescence is observed in BaSi2O2N2:Eu2+ (BSON) at 77 K. The UV pre‐irradiated BSON can still keep the characteristics of ML with 45% intensity after 300 min. Abundant ultra‐shallow traps with depth of ≈0.19 eV are found and revealed to be responsible for the low‐temperature ML and persistent luminescence. Manipulation of the ultra‐shallow traps is realized by doping Ge, Er, and Ce ions in BSON, leading to significant ML enhancement at 77 K. Together with ML, the ultra‐shallow traps also exhibit force memory ability to replicate the pre‐applied force pattern simply by afterglow. The finding advances the state‐of‐the‐art in force sensing under low temperature conditions.
Contact Electrification at Adhesive Interface: Boosting Charge Transfer for High‐Performance Triboelectric Nanogenerators
Authors: Shi Kunming , Chai Bin , Zou Haiyang , Wen Zhen , He Meng , Chen Jie , Jiang Pingkai , Huang Xingyi
Published: August 2023

Charge transfer, a decisive feature for surface charge density in triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), differs in quantity and species at different contact interfaces. Regarded as the main electrification mechanism, electron transfer has been extensively investigated in constructing high‐performance tribo‐materials and TENGs, in which material transfer has been always neglected. Here, it is demonstrated that material transfer is a crucial electrification mechanism for adhesive polymers in contact electrification, and plays a dominant role in boosting charge transfer and TENG performance. Specifically, as a new strategy for utilizing the adhesion capability, this study introduces the stabilized poly(thioctic acid) adhesives as tribo‐materials to maximize contact electrification. With material transfer  at the adhesive interface, abundant mechanoions are generated through covalent bond cleavage and higher charge density is obtained from the triboelectric pairs with larger interfacial adhesion force. Under a gentle triggering condition (5 N, 1 Hz), the TENG can achieve a high charge density of 14.65 nC∙cm−2, with a maximum output power density of 10 W∙m−2. Furthermore, the TENG exhibits unique frequency‐insensitive, pressure‐ and temperature‐enhanced output characteristics. This study provides new insight into constructing high‐performance TENGs using adhesives and highlights the indispensable role of material transfer in polymer contact electrification.
Engineering Single‐Layer Hollow Structure of Transition Metal Dichalcogenides with High 1T‐Phase Purity for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Li Binjie , Nie Kunkun , Zhang Yujia , Yi Lixin , Yuan Yanling , Chong Shaokun , Liu Zhengqing , Huang Wei
Published: August 2023

Rational design and controllable synthesis of hollow structures based on transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have gained tremendous attention in the field of clean energy. However, the general synthetic strategies to fabricate single‐layer hollow structures of TMDs, especially with unconventional phases (e.g., 1T or 1T′), still pose significant challenges. Herein, a scalable method is reported for the synthesis of single‐layer hollow spheres (SLHS) of TMDs with high 1T‐phase purity by etching bismuth (Bi) cores from pre‐synthesized Bi@TMDs core–shell heterostructures including SLHS‐1T‐MoS2, SLHS‐1T‐MoSe2, SLHS‐1T‐WS2, and SLHS‐1T‐WSe2. Additionally, the etched Bi ions can be adsorbed on the single‐layer TMDs shells in the form of single atoms (SAs) via the Bi─S bond. Due to the benefits of the single‐layer hollow structure, high conductivity of 1T phase, and synergistic effect of Bi SAs and TMDs supports, the fabricated SLHS‐1T‐MoS2 exhibits superior electrocatalytic performance for hydrogen production. This work provides a way to manufacture advanced functional materials based on the single‐layer hollow structures of 1T‐TMDs and to expand their applications.
Flexible Carbon Nanotube‐Epitaxially Grown Nanocrystals for Micro‐Thermoelectric Modules
Authors: Jin Qun , Zhao Yang , Long Xuehao , Jiang Song , Qian Cheng , Ding Feng , Wang Ziqiang , Li Xiaoqi , Yu Zhi , He Juan , Song Yujie , Yu Hailong , Wan Ye , Tai Kaiping , Gao Ning , Tan Jun , Liu Chang , Cheng Hui‐Ming
Published: August 2023

Flexible thermoelectric materials have attracted increasing interest because of their potential use in thermal energy harvesting and high‐spatial‐resolution thermal management. However, a high‐performance flexible micro‐thermoelectric device (TED) compatible with the microelectronics fabrication process has not yet been developed. Here a universal epitaxial growth strategy is reported guided by 1D van der Waals‐coupling, to fabricate freestanding and flexible hybrids comprised of single‐wall carbon nanotubes and ordered (Bi,Sb)2Te3 nanocrystals. High power factors ranging from ≈1680 to ≈1020 µW m−1 K−2 in the temperature range of 300–480 K, combined with a low thermal conductivity yield a high average figure of merit of ≈0.81. The fabricated flexible micro‐TED module consisting of two p–n couples of freestanding thermoelectric hybrids has an unprecedented open circuit voltage of ≈22.7 mV and a power density of ≈0.36 W cm−2 under ≈30 K temperature difference, and a net cooling temperature of ≈22.4 K and a heat absorption density of ≈92.5 W cm−2.
An Ultra‐Thin MXene Film for Multimodal Sensing of Neuroelectrical Signals with Artifacts Removal
Authors: Song Dekui , Li Xueli , Jang Myeongjin , Lee Yangjin , Zhai Yu , Hu Wenya , Yan Hongping , Zhang Song , Chen Luyao , Lu Chunming , Kim Kwanpyo , Liu Nan
Published: August 2023

Neuroelectrical signals transmitted onto the skin tend to decay to an extremely weak level, making them highly susceptible to interference from the environment and body movement. Meanwhile, for comprehensively understanding cognitive nerve conduction, multimodal sensing of neural signals, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and functional near‐infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), is highly required. Previous metal or polymer conductors cannot either provide a seamless on‐skin feature for accurate sensing of neuroelectrical signals or be compatible with multimodal imaging techniques without opto‐ and magnet‐ artifacts. Herein, a ≈20 nm thick MXene film that is able to simultaneously detect electrophysiological signals and perform imaging by MRI and fNIRS with high fidelity is reported. The ultrathin film is made of crosslinked Ti3C2Tx film via poly (3,4‐ethylene dioxythiophene): polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT: PSS), showing a record high electroconductivity and transparency combination (11 000 S cm−1@89%). Among them, PEDOT: PSS not only plays a cross‐linking role to stabilize MXene film but also shortens the interlayer distance for effective charge transfer and high transparency. Thus, it can achieve a low interfacial impedance with skin or neural surfaces for accurate recording of electrophysiological signals with low motion artifacts. Besides, the high transparency originating from the ultrathin feature leads to good compatibility with fNIRS and MRI without optical and magnetic artifacts, enabling multimodal cognitive neural monitoring during prolonged use.
Skin Thermal Management for Subcutaneous Photoelectric Conversion Reaching 500 mW
Authors: Lyu Shanzhi , He Yonglin , Li Xinlei , Wang HaoYi , Yao Yuge , Peng Zhimin , Ding Yanjun , Wang Yapei
Published: August 2023

Despite possessing higher tissue transmittance and maximum permissible exposure power density for skin relative to other electromagnetic waves, second near‐infrared light (1000–1350 nm) is scarcely applicable to subcutaneous photoelectric conversion, owing to the companion photothermal effect. Here, skin thermal management is conceived to utmostly utilize the photothermal effect of a photovoltaic cell, which not only improves the photoelectric conversion efficiency but also eliminates skin hyperthermia. In vivo, the output power can be higher than 500 mW with a photoelectric conversion efficiency of 9.4%. This output power is promising to recharge all the clinically applied implantable devices via wireless power transmission, that is, clinical pacemakers (6–200 µW), drug pumps (0.5–2 mW), cochlear (5–40 mW), and wireless endo‐photo cameras (≈100 mW).
Divergent Mechanistic Scenarios for the C−sp2 and C−sp3 C−H Insertion of Aurated Aryl Cations
Authors: Bucher Janina , Wurm Thomas , Farshadfar Kaveh , Schukin Michael , Uzunidis Georgios , Rudolph Matthias , Rominger Frank , Ariafard Alireza , Hashmi A. Stephen K.
Published: August 2023

By employing the sterically highly demanding steering ligand IPr* at a gold(I) center, it is possible to induce a 6‐endo‐dig cyclization pathway in 1,5‐diynes bearing terminal alkyne moieties. The resulting aurated naphthyl cations are utilized for the intermolecular formation of C−C bonds via C−H insertion of aromatic and aliphatic C−H bonds. The mechanisms of these transformations were studied by quantum chemical calculations.
3D Printing Hierarchically Nano‐Ordered Structures
Authors: Weidinger Britta , Yang Guohui , von Coelln Nadine , Nirschl Hermann , Wacker Irene , Tegeder Petra , Schröder Rasmus R. , Blasco Eva
Published: August 2023

Natural materials are composed of a limited number of molecular building blocks and their exceptional properties are governed by their hierarchical structure. However, this level of precision is unattainable with current state‐of‐the‐art materials for 3D printing. Herein, new self‐assembled printable materials based on block copolymers (BCPs) enabling precise control of the nanostructure in 3D are presented. In particular, well‐defined BCPs consisting of poly(styrene) (PS) and a polymethacrylate‐based copolymer decorated with printable units are selected as suitable self‐assembled materials and synthesized using controlled radical polymerization. The synthesized library of BCPs are utilized as printable formulations for the fabrication of complex 3D microstructures using two‐photon laser printing. By fine‐tuning the BCP composition and solvent in the formulations, the fabrication of precise 3D nano‐ordered structures is demonstrated for the first time. A key point of this work is the achievement of controlled nano‐order within the entire 3D structures. Thus, imaging of the cross‐sections of the 3D printed samples is performed, enabling the visualization also from the inside. The presented versatile approach is expected to create new avenues for the precise design of functional polymer materials suitable for high‐resolution 3D printing exhibiting tailor‐made nanostructures.
Synthesis and Functionalization of Spirocyclic Compounds Derived from Tetrahydrobenzoxazol‐2‐ones
Authors: Ramírez‐Candelero Tania I. , González‐González Carlos A. , Fuentes‐Benítes Aydeé , Díaz‐Torres Eduardo , Tamariz Joaquín , Toscano Rubén A. , Mastachi‐Loza Salvador
Published: August 2023

Spirocyclic compounds have been extensively studied in recent years. Due to their wide variety of properties, they have a broad range of industrial and pharmacological applications. This has stimulated interest in the synthesis of new derivatives. The aim of the current contribution was to synthesize new multifunctional spirocyclic compounds from tetrahydrobenzoxazolones, which served as versatile starting products for the elaboration of more complex molecules. The spirocyclic compounds were then functionalized in different ways.
Dynamic Kinetic Stereoselective Glycosylation via RhII and Chiral Phosphoric Acid‐Cocatalyzed Carbenoid Insertion to the Anomeric OH Bond for the Synthesis of Glycoconjugates
Authors: Wu Jicheng , Jia Peijing , Kuniyil Rositha , Liu Peng , Tang Weiping
Published: August 2023

Chemical synthesis of glycoconjugates is essential for studying the biological functions of carbohydrates. We herein report an efficient approach for the stereoselective synthesis of challenging α‐linked glycoconjugates via a RhII/chiral phosphoric acid (CPA)‐cocatalyzed dynamic kinetic anomeric O‐alkylation of sugar‐derived lactols via carbenoid insertion to the anomeric OH bond. Notably, we observed excellent anomeric selectivity, excellent diastereoselectivity, broad substrate scope, and high efficiency for this glycosylation reaction by exploring various parameters of the cocatalytic system. DFT calculations suggested that the anomeric selectivity was mainly determined by steric interactions between the C2‐carbon of the carbohydrate and the phenyl group of the metal carbenoid, while π/π interactions with the C2−OBn substituent on the carbohydrate substrate play a significant role for diastereoselectivity at the newly generated stereogenic center.
De novo unified robust antidiabetic pharmacophores based on biopotent hybrid material: DFT‐assisted design, optimized molecular structure, and understanding mechanism of antidiabetic bioassay
Authors: Kumawat Anita , Soni Komal , Saxena Sanjiv , Jain Asha
Published: August 2023

De novo unified robust antidiabetic pharmacophores based on hybrid material were rationally designed, generated, and characterized by spectroscopic evidences and DFT (B3LYP method). These hybrid pharmacophores demonstrated robust antidiabetic activity. Semicarbazones were used for the generation of these hybrid pharmacophores. Semicarbazones of heterocyclic β‐diketones were synthesized by conventional heating as well by green approach (microwave heating). The results obtained from both the approaches have been summarized and compared. Incorporation of dimethyltin(IV) moiety into some semicarbazones of heterocyclic β‐diketones resulted in the formation of biopotent dimethyltin(IV) formulations of the type Me2SnLA where LH2 = , R = −CH3, L(1)H2, Complex 1; R = −CH2CH3, L(2)H2, Complex 2; R = −C6H5, L(3)H2, Complex 3; and R = p‐ClC6H4−, L(4)H2, Complex 4. One representative semicarbazone of heterocyclic β‐diketone (L(4)H2) and its corresponding dimethyltin(IV) complex Me2SnL(4)(Complex 4) were also studied using computational method (DFT‐B3LYP). Optimized molecular structure, bond lengths, bond angles, EHOMO, ELUMO, dipole moment, polarizability, and other global reactivity parameters were calculated. Energy gap (ΔE) of the ligand L(4)H2and its corresponding complex has also been compared. Optimized molecular structure–antidiabetic activity relationship of two representative ligands and the corresponding complexes has also been studied. The unified hybrid pharmacophores exhibited robust antidiabetic activity.
Performance comparison of semi‐conductive shielding layer for high‐voltage cable based on polypropylene and low density polyethylene resin
Authors: Liu Lu , Liu Tianyao , Li Xuejing , Duan Yubing , Hu Xiaoli , Wei Yanhui , Li Guochang , Hao Chuncheng
Published: August 2023

With the concept of environmental protection is deeply popular, the power cables change from traditional thermosetting cross‐linked polyethylene (XLPE) cables to low‐carbon, environmentally friendly, recyclable polypropylene (PP) cables and the semi‐conductive shielding layer that matches the insulation layer for PP cables is highly valued. In this paper, LDPE is replaced with PP in the formulation of shielding layer of commercial XLPE cables. The physicochemical and electrical properties of PP/EVA/CB (PP‐based) and LDPE/EVA/CB (LDPE‐based) shielding layers were compared. The effect of interface matching characteristics on the electric field distortion was analyzed by finite element simulation software. The experimental results show that the volume resistivity of the shielding layers all tend to rise with the increasing temperature, but the resistivity of the PP‐based shielding layer has a smaller fluctuation. The PP‐based shielding layer has a smoother surface, while the space charge injected into the PP insulation layer is the lowest, about 0.433 × 10−7 C. Compared to the LDPE‐based shielding layer/insulation layer, the PP‐based shielding layer/insulation layer has a 50% reduction in interfacial electric field distortion rate. This work is an essential reference for the development for PP cables and their shielding layer selection.
First evidence of a horizontally‐acquired GH‐7 cellobiohydrolase from a longhorned beetle genome
Authors: Shin Na Ra , Pauchet Yannick
Published: August 2023

Xylophagous larvae of longhorned beetles (Coleoptera; Cerambycidae) efficiently break down polysaccharides of the plant cell wall, which make the bulk of their food, using a range of carbohydrate‐active enzymes (CAZymes). In this study, we investigated the function and evolutionary history of the first identified example of insect‐encoded members of glycoside hydrolase family 7 (GH7) derived from the Lamiinae Exocentrus adspersus. The genome of this beetle contained two genes encoding GH7 proteins located in tandem and flanked by transposable elements. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the GH7 sequences of E. adspersus were closely related to those of Ascomycete fungi, suggesting that they were acquired through horizontal gene transfer (HGT) from fungi. However, they were more distantly related to those encoded by genomes of Crustacea and of protist symbionts of termites and cockroaches, supporting that the same enzyme family was recruited several times independently in Metazoa during the course of their evolution. The recombinant E. adspersus GH7 was found to primarily break down cellulose polysaccharides into cellobiose, indicating that it is a cellobiohydrolase, and could also use smaller cellulose oligomers as substrates. Additionally, the cellobiohydrolase activity was boosted by the presence of calcium chloride. Our findings suggest that the combination of GH7 cellobiohydrolases with other previously characterized endo‐β−1,4‐glucanases and β‐glucosidases allows longhorned beetles like E. adspersus to efficiently break down cellulose into monomeric glucose.
Enhancement effect of l‐cysteine on lactic acid fermentation production
Authors: Li Yongda , Yan Yongli , Chen Jihong , Zhang Zhen , Hu Wei
Published: August 2023

Background

Environmental stress resistance is still a bottleneck for economical process for l‐lactic acid fermentation. Chronological lifespan (CLS) extension has represented a promising strategy for improving stress resistance of microbial cell factories.

Main methods and major results

In this study, addition of anti‐aging drug cysteine, a kind of extending CLS of microbial cell factories, was systematically evaluated on cell viability and l‐lactic acid production in Bacillus coagulans CICC 23843. The results revealed that 16 mm l‐cysteine supplement significantly improved l‐lactic acid titer in B. coagulans. The enhanced total antioxidant capacity (T‐AOC) and key enzymes activities involving in glycolytic pathway as well as differentially expressed genes involved in cysteine synthesize and cysteine precursor synthesize pathways, and fatty acid degradation pathway may help to further understand the relative mechanism of l‐cysteine effect on improving l‐lactic acid accumulation. Finally, based on 16 mm l‐cysteine supplement, a final l‐lactic acid titer of 130.5 g L−1 with l‐lactic acid productivity of 4.07 g L−1 h−1 and the conversion rate of 0.94 g g−1 total sugar was achieved in a 5 L bioreactor.

Conclusions and implications

This study provided a valuable option for engineering lactic acid bacteria lifespan for enhancement of lactic acid yield.
The potential mechanism of Choulingdan mixture in improving acute lung injury based on HPLC–Q‐TOF–MS, network pharmacology and in vivo experiments
Authors: Wang Lili , Li Zhengyan , Lu Tulin , Su Lianlin , Mao Chunqin , Zhang Yiting , Zhang Xinrui , Jiang Xiaofeng , Xie Hui , Yu Xiaoling
Published: August 2023

Choulingdan mixture (CLDM) is an empirical clinical prescription for the adjuvant treatment of acute lung injury (ALI). CLDM has been used for almost 30 years in the clinic. However, its mechanism for improving ALI still needs to be investigated. In this study, high‐performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole/time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (HPLC–Q‐TOF–MS/MS) was applied to characterize the overall chemical composition of CLDM. A total of 93 ingredients were characterized, including 25 flavonoids, 20 organic acids, 11 saponins, nine terpenoids, seven tannins and 21 other compounds. Then network pharmacology was applied to predict the potential bioactive components, target genes and signaling pathways of CLDM in improving ALI. Additionally, molecular docking was performed to demonstrate the interaction between the active ingredients and the disease targets. Finally, animal experiments further confirmed that CLDM significantly inhibits pulmonary inflammation, pulmonary edema and oxidative stress in lipopolysaccharide‐induced ALI mice by inhibiting the PI3K–AKT signaling pathway. This study enhanced the amount and accuracy of compounds of CLDM and provided new insights into CLDM preventing and treating ALI.
Comparison of electrode position marking procedures on the cranial surface
Authors: Fabregat‐Sanjuan Albert , Pàmies‐Vilà Rosa , Rigo‐Vidal Agnès , Pascual‐Rubio Vicenç
Published: August 2023

Introduction

The study aimed to compare the conventional method of electrode marking with a new system, EPlacement, to improve accuracy and reduce the time burden on health care professionals.

Methods

Ten health care professionals marked mannequin heads and adult volunteers using both methods. Time, accuracy, and usability of each method were analyzed. Three neurophysiological diagnostic tests were performed on mannequin heads: reversal pattern visual evoked potential (three electrodes required); somatosensory evoked potentials from the upper and lower extremities (five electrodes required); and standard intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring for spine surgery (nine electrodes required). Precision scanning of the mannequins with structured light and a printed hull were used to determine the actual locations of the electrodes of the 10/20 system.

Results

The new method based on the EPlacement device represents an improvement on conventional tape measure (TM) marking and may be considered within the group of advanced methods such as navigation systems since it leads to improvements of 34% (1.7 mm) for electrode positions in the Nasion‐Inion and Left tragus–Right tragus lines and 77% (12.5 mm) for electrode positions using the approximate method. It reduces the time spent per test by an average of 1 min compared to the TM method. Health care staff survey results show a positive feedback regarding usability of the new method.

Conclusions

The study showed that the EPlacement device improves accuracy, reduces time, and is easy to use compared to the conventional method of electrode marking. The EPlacement method can facilitate the complex task of electrode marking and ultimately contribute to improved patient outcomes. It has the potential to be widely accepted and implemented in clinical practice.
Genomic alterations of oligodendrogliomas at distant recurrence
Authors: Liu Guanzheng , Bu Chaojie , Guo Guangzhong , Zhang Zhiyue , Sheng Zhiyuan , Deng Kaiyuan , Wu Shuang , Xu Sensen , Bu Yage , Gao Yushuai , Wang Meiyun , Liu Gang , Kong Lingfei , Li Tianxiao , Li Ming , Bu Xingyao
Published: August 2023

Background

Oligodendroglioma is known for its relatively better prognosis and responsiveness to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. However, little is known about the evolution of genetic changes as oligodendroglioma progresses.

Methods

In this study, we evaluated gene evolution invivo during tumor progression based on deep whole‐genome sequencing data (ctDNA). We analyzed longitudinal genomic data from six patients during tumor evolution, of which five patients developed distant recurrence.

Results

Whole‐exome sequencing demonstrated that the rate of shared mutations between the primary and recurrent samples was relatively low. In two cases, even well‐known major driver mutations in CIC and FUBP1 that were detected in primary tumors were not detected in the relapse samples. Among these cases, two patients had a conversion from the IDH mutation in the originating state to the IDH1 wild state during the process of gene evolution under chemotherapy treatment, indicating that the cell phenotype and genetic characteristics of oligodendroglioma may change during tumor evolution. Two patients received long‐term temozolomide (TMZ) treatment before the operation, and we found that recurrence tumors harbored mutations in the PI3K/AKT and Sonic hedgehog (SHh) signaling pathways. Hypermutation occurred with mutations in MMR genes in one patient, contributing to the rapid progression of the tumor.

Conclusion

Oligodendroglioma displayed great spatial and temporal heterogeneity during tumor evolution. The PI3K/AKT and SHh signaling pathways may play an important role in promoting treatment resistance and distant relapse during oligodendroglioma evolution. In addition, there was a tendency to increase the degree of tumor malignancy during evolution. Distant recurrence may be a later event duringoligodendroglioma progression. ClinicalTrials.gov, Identifier: NCT05512325.
When coupled with anti‐egalitarianism, colour evasion predicts protection of the status quo during a university‐wide movement for racial justice
Authors: Hoyt Crystal L. , Lundberg Kristjen B. , Lauber Mckennah , Wallace Helen , Marston Anna
Published: August 2023

Movements for racial justice on college campuses can have wide‐ranging implications for promoting justice and well‐being. In this research, we sought to better understand how the dominant ideology of colour evasion might serve to protect the inequitable status quo. Believing that ‘people should not see race anymore’ can have different implications for efforts to reduce racial inequities depending on how this belief system is construed. Although one perspective can promote efforts to reduce inequitable outcomes between groups, through another lens this colour‐evasive ideology can serve to strengthen existing inequalities. We examined whether adhering to colour evasion might be associated with protecting the status quo on a college campus for those students who endorse hierarchy among social groups. We tested these predictions during a large, university‐wide movement for racial justice. In a cross‐sectional study of students (N = 255), we found that, for relatively anti‐egalitarian, but not egalitarian, students, the more they endorsed colour evasion, the less they supported the Black Student Coalition's demands, the less social justice action they took, the less effective they deemed the demonstrations, the less satisfied they were with student leaders and the more they thought the demonstrations were promoting intergroup conflict. This work makes contributions to the social dominance theory and colour evasion literatures and student activism scholarship generally, as well as to applied work endeavouring to promote efforts to reduce racial inequities.
Tumble windmill grass (Chloris verticillata Nutt.) control with POST herbicides
Authors: Dhanda Sachin , Kumar Vipan , Sharma Akhilesh , Liu Rui
Published: August 2023

Tumble windmill grass (Chloris verticillata Nutt.) is a problematic perennial grass weed in the semiarid Central Great Plains (CGP). Greenhouse and fallow field experiments were conducted during 2021 and 2022 at Kansas State University Agricultural Research Center near Hays, KS, to determine the effectiveness of various POST herbicides for tumble windmill grass control. All selected POST herbicides were applied at field‐recommended rates at the seedling growth stage (3‐to 4‐inches tall) of tumble windmill grass in greenhouse study. Tumble windmill grass was at the heading growth stage (10‐to‐12‐inches tall) in fallow fields when POST herbicides were tested. Results from greenhouse study indicated that quizalofop‐P‐ethyl (QPE) and clethodim provided ≥ 95% control and shoot biomass reduction of tumble windmill grass at 28 days after treatment. Glyphosate provided 89% control and 93% shoot biomass reduction of tumble windmill grass. Imazamox and nicosulfuron had the least control (41 to 51%) and shoot biomass reduction (43 to 66%) of tumble windmill grass in greenhouse study. In contrast, all tested POST herbicides were comparatively less effective on tumble windmill grass (≤68% control and ≤ 50% shoot biomass reduction) except glyphosate (85% control and 54% shoot biomass reduction) in field study. These results conclude that clethodim, QPE, and glyphosate applied at early growth stages can provide effective control of tumble windmill grass in the CGP region.
An Iron Macrocyclic Complex Containing Four “Hybrid” Pyridinium Amidate/Amidate N‐Donors as a Catalyst for Oxidations with Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Pfister Tim , Söhnel Tilo , Collins Terrence J. , Wright L. James
Published: August 2023

The macrocyclic proligand [H4L][OTf]2, which contains four carboxamide functions and two conjugated pyridinium groups, is easily deprotonated by the weak base sodium acetate to give the corresponding neutral proligand [H2L]. Metallation of [H2L] with iron(II) chloride proceeds rapidly to form the macrocyclic complex, [FeIIICl(L)]. This is an effective catalyst for the oxidation of the organic dye orange II by hydrogen peroxide in aqueous solution, and the kinetic parameters for this reaction have been determined. In striking contrast to an analogous iron‐TAML complex that contains two phenyl groups in place of the two pyridinium groups, [FeIIICl(L)] is a very active oxidation catalyst at pH 7 and is also highly stable towards acid‐promoted demetallation at pH 5 or above. The results show that the two pyridinium groups bring greatly enhanced catalytic properties to [FeIIICl(L)].
Synthesis, Characterisation, and Functionalisation of Charged Two‐Dimensional MoS2
Authors: Krajewska Aleksandra M. , Paiva Aislan Esmeraldo , Morris Michael , McDonald Aidan R.
Published: August 2023

The applications of exfoliated MoS2 are limited by its inert surface and poor interface. We have activated the surface of exfoliated 2H‐MoS2 by reacting it with NaBH4, forming an n‐doped material as demonstrated by a negative zeta‐potential value ζ=−25 mV and a 20 nm (0.05 eV) red‐shift in its photoluminescence spectrum. The novel material's spectral properties were consistent with pristine 2H‐MoS2 (as determined by HR‐TEM, XPS, pXRD, DRIFT, TGA, and Raman spectroscopy). Importantly, it was readily dispersed in H2O unlike 2H‐MoS2. Its dispersibility properties were explored for a variety of solvents and could be directly correlated with the relative permittivity of the respective solvents. The charged 2H‐MoS2 reacted readily with an organo‐iodide to deliver functionalized 2H‐MoS2. Our approach delivers aqueous dispersions of semiconducting 2H‐MoS2, without additives or chemical functionalities, and allows for controlled and facile functionalization of 2H‐MoS2 opening multiple new avenues of semi‐conducting MoS2 application.
Selective and Stepwise Functionalization of the Pyridazine Scaffold by Using Thio‐Substituted Pyridazine Building Blocks
Authors: Hamze Clémence , Brossier Julie , Karaghiosoff Konstantin , Godineau Edouard , Knochel Paul
Published: August 2023

We described a regioselective tri‐ and tetra‐functionalization of the pyridazine scaffold using two readily available building blocks: 3‐alkylthio‐6‐chloropyridazine and 3,4‐bis(methylthio)‐6‐chloropyridazine by performing selective metalations with TMPMgCl ⋅ LiCl and catalyst‐tuned cross‐coupling reactions with arylzinc halides. Several of the resulting pyridazines were converted into more elaborated N‐heterocycles such as thieno[2,3‐c]pyridazines and 1H‐pyrazolo[3,4‐c]pyridazines.