bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biostimulants: Concept, Types and Way to Enhance Soil Health
Authors: Papnai Neeraj , Chaurasiya Dilip Kumar , Sahni Sangita
Published: June 2022

Soil has immense capacity to function as a vital living ecosystem that not only support plants and animals but also acknowledges survival of people, as a result there has been renewed interest in soil health but due to the environmental repercussions of poor management, such as soil erosion and nutrient contamination, the health of soil is deteriorating with an increasing rate. Application of biostimulants can prove to be a prominent tool for enhancing soil health. Biostimulants are compounds, microorganisms or other materials that are capable of stimulating nutrition processes in plants or in their growth environments. Regardless of their nutritional content they increase the plant's nutrient use efficiency, partial factor productivity, tolerance to abiotic stress and quality of the crop. Many types of biostimulants have been differentiated by their administration technique either soil or foliar, or may be plant or animal derivatives, or by the distinctive procedure involved for their derivation that may be hydrolysis, fermentation or acid/alkali extraction. Stimulants of biological origin that are soil applied can promote the establishment, proliferation of beneficial soil organisms that furnish substrates for plant growth. Biostimulants enhance soil health (physical, chemical, biological properties) by targeting certain major prospects such as enhanced buffering capacity of soil, enhanced stability of aggregates and specific surface area. The use of environmentally friendly natural preparations is especially significant in light of the ongoing processes of soil degradation and air pollution. Enzymes, Protein hydrolysates, and Sea Weed Extracts, Humic substances, Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria and Phosphorus Solubilising Bacteria, Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria briefly comes under the umbrella of biostimulants. These biostimulants can be extracted from various methods such as alkali hydrolysis, partial hydrolysis, pressurised liquid extraction,etc. Even while a biostimulants may not have a short-term effect, it has the potential to improve soil health with progression, ensuing higher yields in the succeeding years.
Bovine natural antibody IgM inhibits the binding of human norovirus protruding domain to its HBGA receptors
Authors: Han Qi , Xue Zhaolei , Tan Ming , Wang Likai , Chen Huiling , Zhang Ran
Published: June 2022

Human norovirus (HuNoV) is the primary viral pathogen that causes acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in humans. The protruding (P) domain of HuNoV interacts with cell surface histo‐blood group antigens (HBGAs) to initiate infection. Owing to the lack of an effective in vitro culture method and a robust animal model, our understanding of HuNoVs is limited, and as a result, there are no commercial vaccines or antivirals available at present against the virus. In an attempt to develop a preventative measure, we previously identified that bovine colostrum (bCM) contains functional factors that inhibit the binding of HuNoV P domain to its HBGA receptors. In this study, a candidate functional factor in bCM was identified as immunoglobulin M (IgM) using mass spectrometry, followed by database comparison. The natural antibody IgM was further verified to be a functional protein that inhibited HuNoV P protein binding to HBGA receptors through receptor‐binding inhibition experiments using bCM, commercial IgM, and fetal bovine serum. Our findings provide a foundation for future development of natural IgM into an antiviral drug, which may help to prevent and/or treat HuNoV infection.
Uneven Stripping Behavior, an Unheeded Killer of Mg Anodes
Authors: Liu Xin , Du Aobing , Guo Ziyang , Wang Chen , Zhou Xinhong , Zhao Jingwen , Sun Fu , Dong Shanmu , Cui Guanglei
Published: June 2022

Uniform magnesium (Mg) plating/stripping under high areal capacity utilization is critical for the practical application of Mg‐metal anodes in rechargeable Mg batteries. However, the failure of the Mg‐metal anode when cycling under a practical areal capacity (>4 mA h cm−2), is of rising concern. The mechanism behind these failures remains controversial. In this work, it is illustrated that the initial plating Mg can be undoubtedly uniform in a wide range of current densities (≤5 mA cm−2) and under a practical areal capacity (6 mA h cm−2). However, an unusual self‐accelerating pit growth is observed in the Mg stripping side under moderate current densities (0.1–1 mA cm−2), which severely deteriorates the anode integrity and subsequent Mg plating uniformity, causing failure of the Mg‐metal anode or short circuit of the battery. The stripping morphology depends on the applied current density, as non‐uniformity versus the current density displays a volcano plot during the stripping process. Through in situ spectroscopy, it is illustrated that this current‐dependent behavior is determined by the evolution of chlorine‐containing complex ions near the interface. This research reminds that the plating/stripping process of the Mg‐metal anode must be considered comprehensively for practical Mg‐metal batteries.
Hollow glass microspheres modified polyurethane sponge with enhanced flame retardancy
Authors: Niu Ye , Wang Shuo , Zhu Zhaoqi , Su Min , Wang Yunjia , Yan Lijuan , Ma Yingjiao , Sun Hanxue , Liang Weidong , Li An
Published: June 2022

Nowadays, with the continuous improvement of domestic fire safety requirements, the development of materials with better thermal insulation and flame retardant performance is of great significance to modern building energy conservation. Herein, hollow glass microspheres (HGM) modified polyurethane sponge (PU‐HGM) with enhanced flame retardancy is prepared by dipping HGM onto PU sponge through polydimethylsiloxane. The PU‐HGM sponge exhibits porous network structure with rich micron sized pores, as well as the HGM with closed hollow spherical structure endow the prepared PU‐HGM better thermal insulation performance, and the thermal conductivity is 0.050 W m−1 K−1. Besides, the PU‐HGM maintains excellent elasticity of PU sponge, and shows strong mechanical strength, the stress of PU‐HGM sponge was as high as 882 kPa at 70% strain after 3 cycles. More importantly, compared with pure PU sponge, the PU‐HGM shows excellent flame retardancy. It keeps its original shape after combustion, and no obvious flame was observed on the surface of PU‐HGM sponge. Thus, combined with its high mechanical strength, low material cost, simple and scalable preparation method, the as‐prepared PU‐HGM sponge shows great potential for application in the field of heat insulation and flame retardant.
Thin‐film nanocomposite forward osmosis membrane with polydopamine @UiO‐66‐NH2‐modified polypropylene support and its antifouling property
Authors: Du Chunhui , Hu Jintai , Chen Fen
Published: June 2022

Polypropylene (PP) porous flat membrane is ultrathin and has high porosity, which is suitable for the support of forward osmosis (FO) membrane. However, its high hydrophobicity is its Achilles heel. In this study, dopamine and UiO‐66‐NH2 were co‐deposited onto the surface of PP support, and then interfacial polymerization was performed to fabricate a thin‐film nanocomposite (TFN) FO membrane. The reaction‐generated polydopamine improved the hydrophilicity of PP membrane, and at the same time enhanced the adhering of UiO‐66‐NH2 to the support. The experimental results indicated that the UiO‐66‐NH2 nanoparticles were anchored evenly on the surface of the support, which improved the water flux of FO membrane from 11.1 LMH (TFC, TFN‐0 without UiO‐66‐NH2) to 20.7 LMH (TFN‐0.1, with 0.1 wt% UiO‐66‐NH2) using 1 mol/L NaCl as the draw solution in FO mode. Compared with TFC membrane, TFN‐0.1 membrane also exhibited relative lower specific salt flux (~0.252) and structural parameter (~379 μm). When separating sodium alginate foulant, the normalized water flux recovery ratio of TFN‐0.1 was remained 0.89, and most of the fouling was reversible, as for TFC membrane the data decreased to 0.76 after 2 cycles of operation. These results suggested that UiO‐66‐NH2 modified FO membrane exhibited good permeation and antifouling property.
Characteristics of newly formed mesoscale convective systems during the abnormal precipitation over the Yangtze River basin from June to July, 2020
Authors: Yao Xiuping , Zhang Honghua , Ma Jiali , Shi Dawei , Wang Weijian , Wang Guichen
Published: June 2022

A 62‐day “extremely violent Meiyu” occurred in the Yangtze River basin from June to July in 2020, and its abnormal precipitation caused serious losses to the social economy. In this paper, the characteristics of newly formed mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) and the environmental conditions affecting the MCS formation during this abnormal precipitation event are investigated based on hourly datasets, including the temperature of brightness blackbody (TBB) data derived from the FY‐2F geostationary meteorological satellite, and the three‐source merged precipitation products from China Meteorological Administration. The results show that there were 31,778 times of short‐duration heavy precipitation (hourly precipitation exceeding 20 mm) occurred in the Yangtze River basin from June to July in 2020. The 69.3% of short‐duration heavy precipitation (hourly precipitation exceeding 20 mm) are closely related to the MCSs. The increase of newly formed MCSs leaded to more short‐duration heavy precipitation. The abnormal precipitation in the Yangtze River basin from June to July is mainly caused by elongated MCSs with an average lifetime of 6 h. The number of the newly formed MCSs presents obvious diurnal variations, with the most frequent at 20:00 (Beijing Time, the same below). The newly formed MCSs are prone to appear near the Yangtze–Huaihe shear line, and the magnitude of southerly wind at 500 hPa determines the distance between the MCSs and the shear line. The enhancement of vorticity advection at 500 hPa and water vapor convergence are conducive to the MCS formation. The weakening of low‐level jet corresponds to the increase of newborn MCS.
Ingenieurbauwerke als intelligente Systeme – Erhaltungsmanagement mit Structural Health Information Patterns (SHIPs)
Authors: Varabei Yauhen , Wimmer Johannes , Braml Thomas
Published: June 2022

Intelligente Systeme (IS) erreichen derzeit die Industrie 4.0 [1, 2] in einem vielfältigem Einsatzspektrum. Mit dem Erhalt von Big Data können IS‐Anwendungen von neuen Techniken des maschinellen Lernens (ML) erweitert werden, um auf Basis der IS erzeugte Digitale Zwillinge direkt umzusetzen. Auf Ingenieurbauwerke können diese Techniken durch ein Bauwerksmonitoring übertragen werden. Durch Onlineüberwachung des Betriebsverhaltens kann ein intelligentes Erhaltungsmanagement über den gesamten Lebenszyklus mit einer proaktiven Schadenserkennung betrieben werden. Mittlerweile ist die Entwicklung wirtschaftlicher intelligenter smarter Verfahren für die Wissensextraktion in der künstlichen Intelligenz (KI) von ausschlaggebender Bedeutung. Der Beitrag stellt die Structural Health Information Patterns (SHIPs) vor, die aus einem Monitoring gewonnen und mit einer ML‐Technik erzeugt werden. Es wird die Erstellung von SHIPs gezeigt. Zudem wird dargestellt, welches Bauwerksmonitoring für die Zustandsüberwachung erforderlich ist, sodass die ML‐Techniken für ein intelligentes Erhaltungsmanagement angewandt werden können. Es werden neuartige Ansätze der intelligenten Analyse mit unüberwachtem und überwachtem ML in Hinblick auf SHIPs für die technische Strukturüberwachung des Ingenieurbauwerks betrachtet. Die neue SHIP‐Methodik wird abschließend an einem Praxisbeispiel, der Heinrichsbrücke Bamberg, demonstriert.
Three months of combination therapy with nano‐curcumin reduces the inflammation and lipoprotein (a) in type 2 diabetic patients with mild to moderate coronary artery disease: Evidence of a randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled clinical trial
Authors: Dastani Mostafa , Rahimi Hamid Reza , Askari Vahid Reza , Jaafari Mahmoud Reza , Jarahi Lida , Yadollahi Asal , Rahimi Vafa Baradaran
Published: June 2022

Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases worldwide. Systemic inflammation (high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP)) and lipid metabolism disruption (lipoprotein A, LipoPr (a)) play a critical role in developing and progressing atherosclerosis and acute coronary syndrome in diabetic patients. The anti‐oxidant and anti‐inflammatory effects of curcumin have been emphasized previously. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the impact of nano‐curcumin on cardiovascular risk factors in type 2 diabetic patients with mild to moderate coronary artery disease (CAD). We performed a randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled clinical trial with type 2 diabetic patients (n = 64), and mild to moderate CAD (<70% stenosis in angiography). The patients received nano‐curcumin (80 mg/day) or placebo along with optimal medications for 90 days. The biofactors, including hs‐CRP and LipoPr (a), and lipid profile, were measured at the admission of patients and end of the study. Nano‐curcumin significantly mitigated the hs‐CRP and LipoPr (a) levels following 90 days of treatment (P < 0.001 and P = 0.043, respectively). In addition, the mean percentage of change (%Δ) in the hs‐CRP and LipoPr (a) levels were meaningfully reduced in the nano‐curcumin group compared to the placebo group (P < 0.001 and P = 0.007, respectively). Surprisingly, nano‐curcumin notably propagated the number of patients with mild (34.35%) and moderate (62.5%) hs‐CRP level category and strikingly diminished the number of patients with severe hs‐CRP level category (3.125%) compared to the placebo group (P = 0.016). Nano‐curcumin (80 mg/day) might prevent atherosclerosis progression and, in terms of attenuating hs‐CRP levels as an inflammation index, succedent cardiovascular events in diabetic heart patients.
Reduction of psychological cravings and anxiety in women compulsorily isolated for detoxification using autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR)
Authors: Hu Mei Qi , Li Hui Ling , Huang Si Qi , Jin Yu Tong , Wang Song Song , Ying Liang , Qi Yuan Yuan , Yu Xin , Zhou Qiang
Published: June 2022

Objective

To explore the effects of the autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) on the psychological cravings and anxiety of women compulsorily isolated for detoxification.

Method

Around 122 women were recruited in a female drug detoxification center. Except for the 12‐week training of ASMR, the experimental conditions of the experimental group (n = 60) were the same as those of the control group (n = 62). The addiction Stroop task was used to assess the level of psychological cravings and the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory was used to assess the level of anxiety.

Results

After the training, the decrease in state anxiety of the experimental group was larger than that of the control group, and the reaction time of the experimental group in the Stroop was also significantly lower than before the training.

Conclusions

ASMR could thus reduce to a certain extent the state anxiety and attentional bias for drug‐related clues under signaling psychological cravings among women compulsorily isolated for detoxification.

HIGHLIGHTS

Intervention effects on psychological cravings and anxiety of women isolated for detoxification

Basis for role of ASMR in regulating psychological cravings and anxiety in forced abstainers

ASMR intervention reduced forced abstainers’ attentional bias to drug‐related clues
Integration of recent developments in transient heat conduction and mass transfer for solid sphere into teaching
Authors: Wang Shugang , Jiang Shuang , Ma Zhenjun , Wang Jihong , Zhao Jinling , Zhang Tengfei , Wu Xiaozhou , Duanmu Lin
Published: June 2022

To bring research and teaching together in engineering education, the term scholarship can be categorized into four types: research scholarship, applied research scholarship, integrative research scholarship, and teaching scholarship. Linking traditional research and classroom‐oriented teaching scholarship is a common and recurring challenge for many academics and active involvement in the latest research developments would directly improve the quality of teaching. In the case of research‐teaching of a heat transfer course, the teaching methodologies integrating academic research offer a great experience for students to learn various heat transfer concepts in a limited time frame. From the view of the research‐teaching nexus, analytical solving methods introduced in textbooks are reasonable ways to apply the integrated teaching strategies, which is highlighted by their fast results and versatility. Furthermore, a complete analytical solution to the subject matter could provide the fundamental knowledge necessary to comprehend the behavior of the associated thermal systems. This article demonstrates an analytical solution to the problem of heat and mass transfer for spherical particles in an airflow field. This investigation elucidates the basic principles in combination with advanced mathematical knowledge learned and its application to frontier research to improve the teaching of heat conduction and enhance the understanding of students at an undergraduate or graduate level. It greatly improves the engagement of students, promoting the theoretical concepts in engineering applications. The introduction of the latest developments in analytical solutions to teaching activities in the classroom will undoubtedly enhance the motivation and the horizon of students.
Negotiating social belonging: A case study of second‐generation Kurds in London
Authors: Moftizadeh Nali , Zagefka Hanna , Barn Ravinder
Published: June 2022

This qualitative study aims to contribute to our understanding of how second‐generation immigrants negotiate their multiple identities, and construct their feelings of belonging. We focus on second‐generation ethnic Kurds, a stateless ethnic group with a complex political and social history, who have seldom been investigated in a UK context. Drawing on data from interviews with 14 Kurds living in the UK, this paper outlines the tensions in Kurds' lived experiences of Kurdish and British identity; in particular, experiences of feeling “othered” and how this manifests in relation to their identities. We found that Kurds most commonly dealt with some of the tensions they experienced from not belonging or feeling like an “other” by constructing new identities with more permeable boundaries of belonging; in this study, this was achieved through a “place‐based” identity. In sum, this paper offers a novel contribution to discourses of belonging, by demonstrating how the nuances of belonging and its lived complexities manifest in the experiences of UK‐based second‐generation Kurds, and the resultant strategies that they adopt to navigate tensions.
Novel oral anticoagulants versus vitamin K antagonists in transcatheter aortic valve replacement treated patients—Patients' vulnerability still matters
Authors: Tarantini Giuseppe , Fraccaro Chiara
Published: June 2022

Key Points

Current meta‐analysis suggests that outcomes with novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) do not significantly differ compared to vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), in particular, NOACs failed to demonstrate a better safety profile than VKAs in this clinical setting.

Accordingly, the choice between NOACs and VKAs in AF patients after TAVR is left to clinical judgment.

Future large‐scale clinical trials are warranted to establish a clinically superior anticoagulant regime in this clinical setting, based on risk profile and need for concomitant antiplatelet therapy.
Radical Complexes of Nickel(II)/Copper(II) and Redox Non‐innocent MB‐DIPY Ligands: Unusual Stability and Strong Near‐Infrared Absorption at λmax ∼1300 nm
Authors: Zatsikha Yuriy V. , Shamova Liliya I. , Shepit Michael , Berry Steven M. , Thomas Fabrice , Herbert David E. , van Lierop Johan , Nemykin Victor N.
Published: June 2022

The preparation of radicals with intense and redox‐switchable absorption beyond 1000 nm is a long‐standing challenge in the chemistry of functional dyes. Here we report the preparation of a series of unprecedented stable neutral nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes of “Manitoba dipyrromethenes” (MB‐DIPYs) in which the organic chromophore is present in the radical‐anion state. The new stable radicals have an intense absorption at λmax∼1300 nm and can be either oxidized to regular [MII(MB‐DIPY)]+ (M=Cu or Ni) or reduced to [MII(MB‐DIPY)]− compounds. The radical nature of the stable [MII(MB‐DIPY)] complexes was confirmed by EPR spectroscopy with additional insight into their electronic structure obtained by UV‐Vis spectroscopy, electro‐ and spectroelectrochemistry, magnetic measurements, and X‐ray crystallography. The electronic structures and spectroscopic properties of the radical‐based chromophores were also probed by density functional theory (DFT) and time‐dependent DFT (TDDFT) calculations. These nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes represent the first stable radical compounds with a MB‐DIPY ligand.
Diastereoselectivity is in the Details: Minor Changes Yield Major Improvements to the Synthesis of Bedaquiline**
Authors: Mear Sarah Jane , Lucas Tobias , Ahlqvist Grace P. , Robey Juliana M. S. , Dietz Jule‐Philipp , Khairnar Pankaj V. , Maity Sanjay , Williams Corshai L. , Snead David R. , Nelson Ryan C. , Opatz Till , Jamison Timothy F.
Published: June 2022

Bedaquiline is a crucial medicine in the global fight against tuberculosis, yet its high price places it out of reach for many patients. Herein, we describe improvements to the key industrial lithiation‐addition sequence that enable a higher yielding and therefore more economical synthesis of bedaquiline. Prioritization of mechanistic understanding and multi‐lab reproducibility led to optimized reaction conditions that feature an unusual base‐salt pairing and afford a doubling of the yield of racemic bedaquiline. We anticipate that implementation of these improvements on manufacturing scale will be facile, thereby substantially increasing the accessibility of this essential medication.
A Rapid and Universal Workflow for Label‐Free‐Quantitation‐Based Proteomic and Phosphoproteomic Studies in Cereals
Authors: He Mingjie , Wang Jiahui , Herold Sandra , Xi Lin , Schulze Waltraud X.
Published: June 2022

Proteomics and phosphoproteomics are robust tools to analyze dynamics of post‐transcriptional processes during growth and development. A variety of experimental methods and workflows have been published, but most of them were developed for model plants and have not been adapted to high‐throughput platforms. Here, we describe an experimental workflow for proteome and phosphoproteome studies tailored to cereal crop tissues. The workflow consists of two parallel parts that are suitable for analyzing protein/phosphoprotein from total proteins and the microsomal membrane fraction. We present phosphoproteomic data regarding quantification coverage and analytical reproducibility for example preparations from maize root and shoot, wheat leaf, and a microsomal protein preparation from maize leaf. To enable users to adjust for tissue specific requirements, we provide two different methods of protein clean‐up: traditional ethanol precipitation (PC) and a recently developed technology termed single‐pot, solid‐phase‐enhanced sample preparation (SP3). Both the PC and SP3 methods are effective in the removal of unwanted substances in total protein crude extracts. In addition, two different methods of phosphopeptide enrichment are presented: a TiO2‐based method and Fe(III)‐NTA cartridges on a robotized platform. Although the overall number of phosphopeptides is stable across protein clean‐up and phosphopeptide enrichment methods, there are differences in the preferred phosphopeptides in each enrichment method. The preferred protocol depends on laboratory capabilities and research objective. © 2022 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Total protein crude extraction

Basic Protocol 2: Total protein clean‐up with ethanol precipitation

Alternate Protocol 1: Total protein clean‐up with SP3 method

Basic Protocol 3: Microsomal fraction protein extraction

Basic Protocol 4: Protein concentration determination by Bradford assay

Basic Protocol 5: In‐solution digestion with trypsin

Basic Protocol 6: Phosphopeptide enrichment with TiO2

Alternate Protocol 2: Phosphopeptide enrichment with Fe(III)‐NTA cartridges

Basic Protocol 7: Peptide desalting with C18 material

Basic Protocol 8: LC‐MS/MS analysis of (phospho)peptides and spectrum matching
Considering Biosolids as a Sulfur Nutrient Source
Authors: Moore Amber D.
Published: June 2022

Understanding the sulfur (S) value of biosolids produced by various processing methods is important for growers who routinely apply biosolids to crop production fields and rely on the S to support optimal plant growth and crop yields. It can be challenging to determine though since S is typically bound in organic and mineral compounds that are either mineralized or dissolved over a period of several months or longer after coming in contact with the soil. The goal of the research described in this article was to determine how processing method and biosolid properties influence S availability and fertilizer value through lab incubation. Earn 0.5 CEUs in Nutrient Management by reading this article and taking the quiz at https://web.sciencesocieties.org/Learning‐Center/Courses.
How Does Flue‐Cured Tobacco Respond to the Herbicide Glufosinate?
Authors: Boyd Vicky
Published: June 2022

Flue‐cured tobacco is the most valuable crop produced in North Carolina. It is susceptible to glufosinate, yet it is commonly grown in close proximity to crops that are tolerant to the herbicide. Although field trials found simulated glufosinate drift onto flue‐cured tobacco significantly reduced per‐acre yields, it did not affect the crop’s per‐acre value. Nevertheless, growers and applicators should strive to minimize drift, which starts with reading, understanding, and following product labels. Earn 0.5 CEUs in Integrated Pest Management by reading this article and taking the quiz at https://web.sciencesocieties.org/Learning‐Center/Courses.
In‐Situ Anchoring Pb‐Free Cs3Bi2Br9@BiOBr Quantum Dots on NHx‐Rich Silica with Enhanced Blue Emission and Satisfactory Stability for Photocatalytic Toluene Oxidation
Authors: Guo Yanmei , Chen Jinxi , Zhao Yixin , Lou Yongbing
Published: June 2022

All‐inorganic metal halide perovskite quantum dots (QDs) have attracted attention from researchers with their fascinating optoelectronic properties. However, blue‐emitting perovskite QDs typically have low photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY). For potential commercial applications, it is preferable to replace Pb with an element having low toxicity. Here, Pb‐free Cs3Bi2Br9@BiOBr perovskite QDs were anchored on the surface of NHx‐rich monodisperse silica (A−SiO2) via N−Bi chemical bonding to isolate QDs from each other, thus enhancing efficient surface passivation and suppressing optical decay. Compared to unanchored QDs, Cs3Bi2Br9@BiOBr QDs/A−SiO2 composites exhibited significantly enhanced blue emission performance, the PLQY of which increased from 16.62 % to 77.26 %, in addition to good water and environmental stability. Finally, the novel composites as photocatalysts were used to drive the oxidation of toluene, a template reaction of C(sp3)−H bond activation and demonstrated astonishing conversion rates (4317 μmol g−1 h−1) with high selectivity (around 87 %).
Optimized deep learning‐based intrusion detection for wireless sensor networks
Authors: Vembu Gowdhaman , Ramasamy Dhanapal
Published: June 2022

The technological innovations and wide use of Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) applications need to handle diverse data. These huge data possess network security issues as intrusions that cannot be neglected or ignored. An effective strategy to counteract security issues in WSN can be achieved through the Intrusion Detection System (IDS). IDS ensures network integrity, availability, and confidentiality by detecting different attacks. Regardless of efforts by various researchers, the domain is still open to obtain an IDS with improved detection accuracy with minimum false alarms to detect intrusions. Machine learning models are deployed as IDS, but their potential solutions need to be improved in terms of detection accuracy. The neural network performance depends on feature selection, and hence, it is essential to bring an efficient feature selection model for better performance. An optimized deep learning model has been presented to detect different types of attacks in WSN. Instead of the conventional parameter selection procedure for Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) architecture, a nature‐inspired whale optimization algorithm is included to optimize the CNN parameters such as kernel size, feature map count, padding, and pooling type. These optimized features greatly improved the intrusion detection accuracy compared to Deep Neural network (DNN), Random Forest (RF), and Decision Tree (DT) models.
Oxytocin but not naturally occurring variation in caregiver touch associates with infant social orienting
Authors: Brzozowska Alicja , Longo Matthew R. , Mareschal Denis , Wiesemann Frank , Gliga Teodora
Published: June 2022

Caregiver touch is crucial for infants’ healthy development, but its role in shaping infant cognition has been relatively understudied. In particular, despite strong premises to hypothesize its function in directing infant attention to social information, little empirical evidence exists on the topic. In this study, we investigated the associations between naturally occurring variation in caregiver touch and infant social attention in a group of 6‐ to 13‐month‐old infants (n = 71). Additionally, we measured infant salivary oxytocin as a possible mediator of the effects of touch on infant social attention. The hypothesized effects were investigated both short term, with respect to touch observed during parent–infant interactions in the lab, and long term, with respect to parent‐reported patterns of everyday touching behaviors. We did not find evidence that caregiver touch predicts infant social attention or salivary oxytocin levels, short term or long term. However, we found that salivary oxytocin predicted infant preferential attention to faces relative to nonsocial objects, measured in an eye‐tracking task. Our findings confirm the involvement of oxytocin in social orienting in infancy, but raise questions regarding the possible environmental factors influencing the infant oxytocin system.
Acetazolamide: Old drug, new evidence?
Authors: Shukralla Arif Ali , Dolan Emma , Delanty Norman
Published: June 2022

Acetazolamide is an old drug used as an antiepileptic agent, amongst other indications. The drug is seldom used, primarily due to perceived poor efficacy and adverse events. Acetazolamide acts as a noncompetitive inhibitor of carbonic anhydrase, of which there are several subtypes in humans. Acetazolamide causes an acidification of the intracellular and extracellular environments activating acid‐sensing ion channels, and these may account for the anti‐seizure effects of acetazolamide. Other potential mechanisms are modulation of neuroinflammation and attenuation of high‐frequency oscillations. The overall effect increases the seizure threshold in critical structures such as the hippocampus. The evidence for its clinical efficacy was from 12 observational studies of 941 patients. The 50% responder rate was 49%, 20% of patients were rendered seizure‐free, and 30% were noted to have had at least one adverse event. We conclude that the evidence from several observational studies may overestimate efficacy because they lack a comparator; hence, this drug would need further randomized placebo‐controlled trials to assess effectiveness and harm.
Performance of clay masonry prisms with light weight plaster exposed to standard fire exposure
Authors: Kiran Tattukolla , N Anand , Andrushia A. Diana , Kodur Venkatesh , Mathews Mervin Ealiyas , Arulraj G. Prince
Published: June 2022

Clay bricks are one of the most widely used materials in building construction due to their advantages, including local availability, ease of fabrication and cost‐effectiveness. Fire is one of the dangerous hazards that can cause damage the life and property. Lightweight plasters play a vital role in insulating the masonry construction during fire accident. There is only limited data and information available on the fire performance of Clay Brick Masonry (CBM) insulated with lightweight plaster. An extensive investigation was undertaken to evaluate the residual strength properties and physical characteristics of CBM prisms exposed to elevated temperatures. CBM prisms plastered with M‐sand mortar, vermiculite mortar, and perlite mortar were used for the investigation. Protected prisms were exposed to elevated temperatures following the ISO 834 standard fire curve for durations of 30 min (821°C), 60 min (925°C), 90 min (986°C), and 120 min (1029°C). Mechanical properties such as axial load carrying capacity, stress–strain behaviour, elastic modulus, and crack pattern were examined. The mechanical properties of CBM prisms were found to be highly influenced by the type of plastering, intensity, and the duration of heating. The microstructure and image analysis confirmed the effects of temperature exposure on protective plasters. Equations are proposed to determine the residual axial compressive strength and the elastic modulus of CBM. It was found that the specimens plastered with perlite mortar had better fire resistance.
Uncertainty and predictability of real housing returns in the United Kingdom: A regional analysis
Authors: Salisu Afees A. , Gupta Rangan , Ogbonna Ahamuefula E. , Wohar Mark E.
Published: June 2022

The predictability of uncertainty for real housing returns in the United Kingdom is examined using regional data covering 12 regions, namely, East Midlands, East of England, London, North East, North West, Northern Ireland, Scotland, South East, South West, Wales, West Midlands, and Yorkshire and the Humber. We utilize both housing price uncertainty (HPU) and economic policy uncertainty (EPU) data while we render analyses for three data samples—full sample and two subsamples covering the periods before and after the emergence of global financial crisis (GFC). Relying on a predictive model that accounts for the salient characteristics of the data, we find a negative relationship between HPU and real housing returns, on the average, regardless of the region analyzed. Also, the model that accounts for HPU outperforms the benchmark model that ignores it while controlling for relevant covariates further improves the forecast performance. Additional analyses involving the EPU measure depict lower predictive contents for house price movements relative to the HPU measure and therefore using sector‐specific uncertainty measure is crucial for more precise forecasts of real housing returns.
Biweekly fluctuations of neuropsychiatric symptoms according to the Neuropsychiatric Inventory: Erratic symptoms or scores?
Authors: Eikelboom Willem S. , den Teuling Amy , Pol Daphne E. , Coesmans Michiel , Franzen Sanne , Jiskoot Lize C. , van Hemmen Judy , Singleton Ellen H. , Ossenkoppele Rik , de Jong Frank Jan , van den Berg Esther , Papma Janne M.
Published: June 2022

Objectives

This study investigates the stability of neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) assessed biweekly using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) in a memory clinic population during a 6 week period.

Methods

Twenty‐three spousal caregivers (mean [SD] age = 69.7 [8.8], 82.6% female) of 23 patients (43.5% had dementia) completed all assessments. The NPI was assessed four times during 6 weeks. We examined whether NPI domains were present during all four assessments, studied within‐person variation for each NPI domain, and calculated Spearman's correlations between subsequent time‐points. Furthermore, we associated repeated NPI assessments with repeated measures of caregiver burden to examine the clinical impact of changes in NPI scores over time.

Results

The course of NPS was highly irregular according to the NPI, with only 35.8% of the NPI domains that were present at baseline persisted during all 6 weeks. We observed large within‐person variation in the presence of individual NPI domains (61.3%, range 37.5%–83.9%) and inconsistent correlations between NPI assessments (e.g., range rs = 0.20–0.57 for agitation, range rs = 0.29–0.59 for anxiety). Higher NPI total scores were related to higher caregiver burden (rs = 0.60, p < 0.001), but changes in NPI total scores were unrelated to changes in caregiver burden (rs = 0.16, p = 0.20).

Conclusions

We observed strong fluctuations in NPI scores within very short time windows raising the question whether this represents erratic symptoms and/or scores. Further studies are needed to investigate the origins of these fluctuations.
Biocompatibility improvement and controlled in vitro degradation of poly (lactic acid)‐b‐poly(lactide‐co‐caprolactone) by formation of highly oriented structure for orthopedic application
Authors: Wang Wuyou , Liu Yalong , Ye Lin , Coates Phil , Caton‐Rose Fin , Zhao Xiaowen
Published: June 2022

Poly (lactic acid) (PLA) has been proposed as a promising orthopedic implant material, whereas insufficient mechanical strength, unsatisfied biocompatibility and inappropriate degradation rate restrict its further application. In this work, self‐reinforced poly (lactic acid)‐b‐poly(lactide‐co‐caprolactone) (PLA‐b‐PLCL) block copolymer with long‐chain branches was fabricated through two‐stage orientation. Compared with smooth and hydrophobic PLA surface, the surface of PLA‐b‐PLCL presented micro‐phase separated structure with improved hydrophilicity, and cells seeded on it showed improved adhesion/proliferation and high alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. After the 1st stage orientation at temperature higher than Tg1 (glass transition temperature of PLA phase), the amount of CH3 and CO groups on surface of PLA‐b‐PLCL increased, while “groove‐ridge” structure formed, resulting in enhancement of surface hydrophobicity. After the 2nd stage orientation at Tg1 ~ Tg2 (glass transition temperature of PLCL phase), surface hydrophobicity/amount of CO groups further increased and “groove‐ridge” structure became more significant. Due to suitable wettability and enhanced material‐cell mechanical interlocking, cell proliferation/ALP activity were improved and a continuous cell layer formed on sample surface. During in vitro degradation in phosphate buffered saline solution, by introduction of PLCL segments, the crystallinity decreased and solution absorption increased, resulting in a rapid deterioration of mechanical properties. After the 1st stage orientation, a dense microfibrillar structure with high crystallinity formed, which hindered diffusion of solution and delay hydrolytic degradation. After the 2nd stage orientation, PLCL segments were arranged more closely, resulting in a further inhibition of degradation, which was helpful for controlling the strength decay rate of PLA as bone fixation materials.
School resource inadequacy and school social engagement: Mediating effect of principals' stress
Authors: Venugopal Prabhakar Gantasala , Gantasala Swapna Bhargavi , Madireddy Madhavi , Upadhyay Pooja
Published: June 2022

This study is intended to assess and help us understand the role of school resource inadequacy (SRI) on school social engagement (SSE). The authors also utilize this opportunity to analyze the influence of school resource inadequacies on principal stress (PS) and the influence of PS on SSE. School administrators would stand to benefit by understanding the direct influences of school resource inadequacies on SSE, the direct influence of school resource inadequacies on PS, the direct influence of PS on SSE, and the interactional effect of school resource inadequacies and PS on SSE. This study utilizes data from the “Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS) Principal Questionnaire,” 2018 available for England (United Kingdom). The respondents for this survey are principals of public and private schools in England (United Kingdom). Cronbach alpha values were calculated for the variables to confirm the reliability of variables considered for this study. Also used in this study are the Kaiser‐Meyer‐Olkin (KMO) test and the Andrew F. Hayes model 4 to test the mediating influence and interactional effects. SPSS 23.0 was used for the purpose of data analysis and the output tables are from the results of the tests done using SPSS. The results reiterate the relationship between SRI and PS. This study also establishes the relationship between PS and SSE as being negative, meaning that the lower the PS greater is the SSE. Results also show evidence of the relationship between SRI and SSE, meaning that adequate school resources have a positive influence on SSE. Further, the mediating effect of PS on SSE and SRI was also tested and established. The findings of this study are important for school administrators and regulators in understanding the relationship between school resources, SSE, and the mediating influence of PS. This study establishes the relationship between SRI and PS, SRI and SSE, PS, and SSE. The research is also unique as it establishes the mediating influence of PS.
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia-secreted miRNAs induce a proinflammatory microenvironment and promote the activation of hematopoietic progenitors
Authors: Rios de los Rios Jussara , Enciso Jennifer , Vilchis-Ordoñez Armando , Vázquez-Ramírez Ricardo , Ramirez-Ramirez Dalia , Balandrán Juan Carlos , Rodríguez-Martínez Aurora , Ruiz-Tachiquín Martha , Pompa-Mera Ericka , Mendoza Luis , Pedraza-Alva Gustavo , Mayani Hector , Fabbri Muller , Pelayo Rosana
Published: June 2022

Leukemogenesis is proposed to result from the continuous interplay between inducive bone marrow (BM) microenvironments and malignant precursor cells. Recent findings point toward an abnormal production of proinflammatory mediators within the BM from acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients, although the mechanism underlying this phenomenon is uncertain. Here, we have identified 3 miRNAs, miR-146a-5p, miR-181b-5p, and miR-199b-3p, as potential candidates for TLR8 ligation, which are overexpressed in ALL and show agonist functional binding. When purified from ALL exosomes, they demonstrated their capacity of inducing cytokine production by both, hematopoietic and stromal BM cells. Of note, the exposure of BM cells from ALL patients to the proinflammatory milieu resulting from these miRNAs agonist activity revealed the proliferation of normal progenitors, while poor effects were recorded in the leukemic counterpart. The unconventional roles of the tumor-secreted miRNAs as TLR8 agonist ligands may provide a novel mechanism contributing a tumor-microenvironment feedback loop by switching on proinflammatory pathways that further activate normal hematopoietic precursors and support ALL progression.

Secreted B-ALL TLR8-agonist miRNAs are involved in the promotion of proinflammatory microenvironments that target normal hematopoietic cells. B-lineage ALL cells secrete exosomes containing miRNAs endowed with the ability of functionally binding TLR8 in hematopoietic and BM mesenchymal stromal cells. Upon TLR8 signaling, the activation of the NF-kB pathway induces secretion of proinflammatory cytokines that, in turn, promotes cell proliferation in early hematopoietic cell populations, driving a tumor–microenvironment–hematopoietic activation feedback loop that may reduce the normal hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell compartment and facilitate cancer progression.
Wing osteology, myology, and function of Rhea americana (Aves, Rheidae)
Authors: Lo Coco Gastón E. , Motta Matías J. , Agnolín Federico L. , Novas Fernando E.
Published: June 2022

The Greater Rhea (Rhea americana, Rheidae) is a flightless paleognath with a wide geographical distribution in South America. The morphology of its shoulder girdle and wings are different from those of flying birds and some characteristics are similar to basal birds and paravian theropods. We present a detailed osteological, myological, and functional study of the shoulder and the wing of the Greater Rhea. Particular features of the anatomy of the pectoral girdle and wing of Rhea include the lack of triosseal canal, reduced origin area of the mm. pectoralis p. thoracica and supracoracoideus and the lack of a propatagium. The wing muscle mass is markedly reduced, reaching only 0.89% of total body mass (BM). Forelimb muscles mass values are low compared to those of flying birds and are congruent with the non‐use of wings for active locomotion movements. R. americana does not flap the wings dorso‐ventral as typical for flying birds, but predominantly in cranio‐caudal direction, following a craniolateral to caudomedial abduction–adduction arc. When the wings are fully abducted, they are inverted L‐shaped, with the inner surface caudally faced, and when the wings are folded against the body, they do not perform the complete automatic wing folding nor the circumduction of the manus, a movement performed by extant volant birds. This study complements our knowledge of the axial musculature of the flightless paleognaths and highlights the use of the Greater Rhea as a model, which may help understand the evolution of Palaeognathae, as well as the origin of flapping flight among paravian theropods.
Foaming and defoaming properties of CO2‐switchable surfactants
Authors: Poole Hailey , Jessop Philip G. , Stubenrauch Cosima
Published: June 2022

The present study is about the foaming and defoaming properties of the CO2‐switchable surfactant N,N‐dimethyltetradecylamine (C14DMA) and its advantages compared with the non‐switchable counterpart tetradecyltrimethylammonium bromide (C14TAB). In the absence of CO2, C14DMA is a water insoluble organic molecule without any surface activity thus being unable to stabilize foams. In the presence of CO2, the head group becomes protonated which transforms the water insoluble molecule into a cationic surfactant. Comparing the surface properties and foamability of C14DMA and C14TAB one finds a very similar behavior. However, the foam stabilities differ depending on the gas. Foaming the two‐surfactant solutions with CO2 leads to very unstable foams in both cases. However, foaming the two surfactant solutions with N2 reveals the switchability of C14DMA: while the volume of foams stabilized with C14TAB hardly changes over 1600 s, the volume of foams stabilized with C14DMA decreases significantly in the same period of time. This difference is due to the fact that the surface activity, that is, the amphiphilic nature, of C14DMA is continuously switching off since CO2 is displaced by N2 thus deprotonating and deactivating the surfactant.
Organic light‐emitting fibers and fabrics for truly wearable smart displays: Recent progress and future opportunities
Authors: Hwang Yong Ha , Kong Seong Uk , Kim Chan Young , Lee Junwoo , Cho Ha‐Eun , Jeong So Yeong , Choi Kyung Cheol
Published: June 2022

Smart displays have been integrated into our daily life, providing new concepts of interconnections between humans and interactivity with close collaboration between users. As a centerpiece of this integration, textile displays that can be worn like clothes are being intensively developed and are poised to provide a more intimate and closer connection. Among various light sources that have been used in the field of textile displays, organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) have attracted considerable attention as one of the promising candidates for realizing truly wearable textile displays (i.e., wearing displays) in that they have shown the highest level of technical maturity, including high optoelectronic performance and flexibility, which can provide not only clear visual information and versatility regardless of the surrounding environment but have also been industrially proven. This review introduces the recent progress in OLED‐based textile displays and related technologies, with the discussion of challenges and limitations of the fiber‐ and fabric‐based approaches. Additionally, specific opinions are provided on research opportunities for organic light‐emitting textile displays, which can contribute to realizing truly wearable textile displays with a complete platform in the future.