bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preservation of Squid (LOLIGO SP.) Using Yogurt in Low Temperature Storage on Organoleptic Characteristics
Authors: Yosina Shahela , Afrianto Eddy , Rochima Emma , Liviawaty Evi
Published: September 2021

This research aims to determine the shelf life of squid (Loligo sp.) using Lactic Acid Bacteria in yogurt and its organoleptic characteristics. This research was carried out at the Fishery Product Processing Laboratory, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Padjadjaran University in November 2020. This research was carried out using yogurt as a preservative for squid (Loligo sp.) in the treatment of LAB concentrations used 0%, 1, 5%, 3%, 4.5%, and 6%. Observations were made for 11 days and stored at a temperature of 5-10oC, and organoleptic testing (discoloration, brilliance, aroma, and texture) was carried out on days 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 for the treatment 1.5%, 3%, 4.5% and 6% and organoleptic testing on days 1, 3, 5, 7, 8 for control samples. The observed data were analyzed for pH and organoleptic with Friedman test and Chi-Square test. The results showed that 1,5% Lactic Acid Bacteria into yogurt as a preservative in squid has the best effect on the shelf life and organoleptic characteristics of squid during storage at low temperatures with an acceptable limit of up to 10 days.
Scheduling Algorithms Implementation for Real Time Operating Systems: A Review
Authors: Ismael Gulistan Ahmead , Salih Azar Abid , AL-Zebari Adel , Omar Naaman , Merceedi Karwan Jameel , Ahmed Abdulraheem Jamil , Salim Nareen O. M. , Hasan Sheren Sadiq , Kak Shakir Fattah , Ibrahim Ibrahim Mahmood , Yasin Hajar Maseeh
Published: September 2021

The term "Real-Time Operating System (RTOS)" refers to systems wherein the time component is critical. For example, one or more of a computer's peripheral devices send a signal, and the computer must respond appropriately within a specified period of time. Examples include: the monitoring system in a hospital care unit, the autopilot in the aircraft, and the safety control system in the nuclear reactor. Scheduling is a method that ensures that jobs are performed at certain times. In the real-time systems, accuracy does not only rely on the outcomes of calculation, and also on the time it takes to provide the results. It must be completed within the specified time frame. The scheduling strategy is crucial in any real-time system, which is required to prevent overlapping execution in the system. The paper review classifies several previews works on many characteristics. Also, strategies utilized for scheduling in real time are examined and their features compared.
Failure to Quit Smoking Extent and Determinants among Attendees of Tobacco Cessation Clinic
Authors: Abushanab Rafat Hussam , Alshehri Abdullah H. , Alqthami Abdullah Muidh Y. , Alshehri Abdulsalam
Published: September 2021

Smoking is a global health risk factor despite the efforts to control and the existance of tobacco cessation program. The objective of this study was to measure the proportion of people who failed to quit smoking at the end of six months after attending the smoking cessation clinic and to identify the factors associated with failure to quit. We used an analytical cross-sectional design which was conducted at Taif city, Saudi Arabia between January 2019 and March 2020. The attendees of smoking cessation clinic were invited to participate in the study. We used a questionnaire as the data collection too. The statistical package for the social sciences (IBM Corp. Released 2020. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 27.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp ) was used to analyze the data. The total responses was 393, out of them  201 (51.1%) failed to quit smoking after six months. Age, marital status, income, and occupation were significantly associated with the outcome variable (quit or not). Even before attending the clinic (62.3%) have indicated previous failed attempts. Among the different types of smoking, hookah showed a significant association with failure, while nicotine dependence did not showed any significance. Failure to quit was associated with advanced age, smoking hookah, while those who indicated the price of tobacco products as a reason to quit were more prone to fail in quitting smoking. In conclusion, smoking cessation can be influenced by a sociodemographic factors, willingness and family support. Smoking hookah is associated with higher rates of failure to quit smoking.
IgG Antibody Seroprevalence Post Covishield Vaccination in Western Uttar Pradesh: A Hospital Based Study
Authors: Kapoor Sangeeta , Yadav Sushil , Singh V. K. , Afifa Umme , Gupta Sudhir Kumar , Muniyal Himani , Kumar Anoop
Published: September 2021

Background: Covid-19, a zoonotic disease caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus - 2 (SARSCov-2) has emerged as a worldwide infection and has been declared pandemic since March, 2020, by WHO. This has brought about tremendous burden on the health care system of not only the developing or the third world countries but also that of prosperous counties of the world. The recent Covid-19 pandemic has pushed the worldwide scientific and medical community to find a solution with the help of vaccines to control SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. An effective vaccine is one which leads to synthesis of IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, thus aiding the control and decline of the pandemic.

Aim: This study aims to evaluate the antibody titres post 1st dose and post 2nd dose Covishield vaccination and reveals the safety and efficacy of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19(Recombinant) Covishield vaccine.

Methodology: The levels of IgG antibodies were estimated in 215 subjects (both normal subjects and Covid-19 positive subjects) using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) Technique.

Results: Two hundred & fifteen subjects from Teerthanker Mahaveer Hospital of Moradabad (western Uttar Pradesh) were enrolled for the study. The participants were divided into two different groups. Group I comprised of 215 subjects who received 1st dose of the Covishield vaccine. Group II comprised of 101 subjects who received both the doses of the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19(Recombinant) Covishield vaccine. Levels of IgG were analysed 28 days post 1st dose of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19(Recombinant) Covishield vaccine and post 2nd dose of  ChAdOx1 nCoV-19(Recombinant) Covishield vaccination. After testing serologically for neutralising IgG antibodies, the titre was found to be below the threshold level of 1.1 in 67.40% of the subjects in the study group 1, whereas 32.60% (n=70) were found to be in the seroprotective range (i.e IgG titre > 1.1). Out of the total 101 participants who took both the doses, 39 participants (38.6%) were found to be in the seroprotective range (i.e IgG titre > 1.1).

Conclusion: The two doses of Covishield vaccination (4 weeks interval) given to subjects resulted in increase in IgG antibody titre (Neutralising Antibodies) against both spike protein and nucleocapsid protein after 1st dose and 2nd dose and that single dose may suffice for seroprotection in subjects with previous history of COVID-19 who had recovered from the disease.
Role of Herbal Medicines on Male Infertility - A Review
Authors: Ashwinidevi B. , Kavitha S. , Yasodai R.
Published: September 2021

Infertility is one of the most serious social problems are caused by many Factors such as genetic, environmental factors about 70% of cases remain unknown, Protective Mechanisms of the Sperm is called Spermatogenesis. The formation of the sperm from a germ cell precursor, its maturation, transport, viability, and the final steps, any changes happens in this series which causes infertility condition. The clinical detection of infertility is identified by analysis of semen. The main parameters are sperm concentration, morphology and viability of sperm .the origin of infertility in men happened by a lot of factors are hormonal disorders, mental stress, physical abnormalities, lifestyle problems, obesity , sexual issues, genetic abnormalities and deficiency of single-genes. This article aimed on the histological study testicular tissue samples, the structure of male reproductive, causes for male infertility, procedures available to find the genes engaged in infertility, the current remedial measures for male infertility. Whereas, the herbal therapies, are better positioned to offer more holistic approaches to improve male reproductive health. In traditional medicine which helps to nourishes and stimulates the sexual tissues and ameliorate male reproductive health issues.
Spectral irradiance simulation for evaluating light environments for indoor plants
Authors: Sugano Soma , Nitta Ryo , Shindo Kan , Nomoto Akihisa , Yoda Shu , Shigemura Tamaho , Ishii Masahisa , Tanabe Shin‐ichi
Published: September 2021

In recent years, interest in biophilic design and indoor greenery has increased. However, the growth of indoor plants may become stunted under unfavorable light conditions. Therefore, we must evaluate the light environments required for indoor plants to thrive. We propose a new method to assess indoor light environments for indoor plants by using spectral irradiance simulation. We verify the accuracy of the spectral irradiance simulation via actual measurements in a university classroom. Additionally, we confirm the calculation accuracy of the photosynthetic photon flux density, which is strongly correlated with photosynthesis in plants. We evaluate indoor light environments for indoor plants in 3D models by applying a few concepts from plant physiology.
Hip Range of Motion and Strength Predict 12‐Month Physical Function Outcomes in Older Adults With Chronic Low Back Pain: The Delaware Spine Studies
Authors: Coyle Peter C. , Knox Patrick J. , Pohlig Ryan T. , Pugliese Jenifer M. , Sions J. Megan , Hicks Gregory E.
Published: September 2021

Objective

The objective of this study was to investigate whether poor hip range of motion (ROM) and strength predict 12‐month physical function decline among older adults with chronic low back pain (LBP) and whether hip osteoarthritis modifies those relationships.

Methods

At baseline, passive ROM and strength measurements were taken for hip flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, internal rotation, and external rotation; ultrasound images and self‐reported symptoms were used to evaluate hip osteoarthritis presence (eg, osteophytes and hip pain). At baseline and 12 months, performance‐based (repeated chair rise, self‐selected gait speed, 6‐minute walk test [6MWT]) and self‐reported (Quebec LBP Disability Questionnaire, Late‐Life Function & Disability Instrument [LLFDI] basic and advanced lower extremity scales) physical function outcomes were assessed. Regression models were constructed for each outcome predicted by baseline hip ROM and strength measures, with adjustment for potential covariates. To avoid collinearity, hip ROM and strength measures with the strongest unadjusted correlations were included in final models. The hip osteoarthritis presence by hip ROM/strength interaction was also explored.

Results

Hip abduction strength predicted repeated chair rise (β = −0.297, P < 0.001), gait speed (β = 0.160, P = 0.003), 6MWT (β = 0.159, P ≤ 0.001), Quebec LBP Disability Questionnaire (β = −0.152, P = 0.003), and LLFDI basic lower extremity scale (β = 0.171, P = 0.005) outcomes. Regarding hip ROM, extension predicted repeated chair rise (β = −0.110, P = 0.043) and LLFDI advanced lower extremity scale (β = 0.090, P = 0.007) outcomes, external rotation predicted gait speed (β = 0.122, P = 0.004) outcomes, and abduction predicted LLFDI basic lower extremity scale (β = 0.114, P = 0.026) outcomes. The hip osteoarthritis interaction was not significant for any model.

Conclusion

Reduced hip strength and ROM predict physical function decline; hip osteoarthritis presence may not modify these relationships.
A simplified adaptive tracking control for nonlinear pure‐feedback systems with input delay and full‐state constraints
Authors: Wang Nan , Fu Zhumu , Tao Fazhan , Song Shuzhong , Wang Tong
Published: September 2021

This article investigated the adaptive backstepping tracking control for a class of pure‐feedback systems with input delay and full‐state constraints. With the help of mean value theorem, the system is transformed into strict‐feedback one. By introducing the Pade approximation method, the effect of input delay was compensated. Radial basis function neural networks are utilized to approximate the unknown nonlinear functions. Furthermore, in order to reduce the computational burden by introducing backstepping design technique, dynamic surface control technique was employed. In addition, the number of the adaptive parameters that should be updated online was also reduced. By utilizing the barrier Lyapunov function, the closed‐loop nonlinear system is guaranteed to be semi‐globally ultimately uniformly bounded. Finally, a numerical simulation example is given to show the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy.
Large Eddy Simulation of Turbulent Flow and Inclusion Transport during Filtration of Liquid Steel inside Open‐Cell Ceramic Foams
Authors: Demuth Cornelius , Werzner Eric , Dudczig Steffen , Aneziris Christos G. , Ray Subhashis
Published: September 2021

The present numerical investigation is conducted to improve the understanding of the physical processes, encountered during the filtration of steel melt. For this purpose, the process conditions in a pouring experiment are considered. The effects of increasing either the superficial melt velocity or the pore count of the filter are studied. The turbulent flow is modeled using the large eddy simulation in the context of the lattice Boltzmann method and the motion of nonmetallic inclusions is predicted using discrete Lagrangian particle tracking. The simulations show that turbulent flow develops as the melt advances through the filter, with the length scale of the smallest flow structures lying in the same order as the particle size. The pressure drop and the filtration coefficient are found to agree with the previous studies.
The Effect of Metal Contact Doping on the Scaled Graphene Field Effect Transistor
Authors: Peng Songang , Jin Zhi , Zhang Dayong , Shi Jingyuan , Niu Jiebin , Zhu Chaoyi , Zhang Yanhui , Yu Guanghui
Published: September 2021

Herein, the effect of metal contact doping on the scaled graphene field effect transistor (GFET) is investigated. Different from the traditional semiconductors device, the drain current of GFET is not inversely proportional to the channel length (LCH). The abnormal scaling behavior for drain current in GFETs can be attributed to the modification of channel resistance induced by the penetration of contact metal doping. In addition, the field‐effect mobility (μEF) of long channel GFET trend to saturate with decreasing LCH, which is consistent with the diffusive transport model. As the channel length is further scaled down, the μEF at first increases drastically and then decreases due to the enhanced effect of electrical property of graphene under the metal electrode as well as the contact resistance on the carrier transport of GFET. This study indicates that there will be a trade‐off between scaled channel length and the best performance of GFET. Further efforts should be made to modulate the properties of graphene both in channel and contact region to improve the scaling behavior of GFET.
Polymyxin B‐Triggered Assembly of Peptide Hydrogels for Localized and Sustained Release of Combined Antimicrobial Therapy
Authors: Shi Yejiao , Wareham David W. , Yuan Yichen , Deng Xinru , Mata Alvaro , Azevedo Helena S.
Published: September 2021

Repurposing old antibiotics into more effective and safer formulations is an emergent approach to tackle the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance. Herein, a peptide hydrogel is reported for the localized and sustained release of polymyxin B (PMB), a decade‐old antibiotic with increasing clinical utility for treating multidrug‐resistant Gram‐negative bacterial infections. The hydrogel is assembled by additing PMB solution into a rationally designed peptide amphiphile (PA) solution and its mechanical properties can be adjusted through the addition of counterions, envisioning its application in diverse infection scenarios. Sustained release of PMB from the hydrogel over a 5‐day period and prolonged antimicrobial activities against Gram‐negative bacteria are observed. The localized release of active PMB from the hydrogel is shown to be effective in vivo for treating Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in the Galleria mellonella burn wound infection model, dramatically reducing the mortality from 93% to 13%. Complementary antimicrobial activity against Gram‐positive Staphylococcus aureus and enhanced antimicrobial effect against the Gram‐negative Acinetobacter baumannii are observed when an additional antibiotic fusidic acid is incorporated into the hydrogen network. These results demonstrate the potential of the PMB‐triggered PA hydrogel as a versatile platform for the localized and sustained delivery of combined antimicrobial therapies.
Black Germanium Photodetector Exceeds External Quantum Efficiency of 160%
Authors: An Shu , Liao Yikai , Shin Sangho , Kim Munho
Published: September 2021

In this work, a viable method is demonstrated to realize high‐performance germanium (Ge) photodetectors (PDs) on the nanostructured Ge surface, namely black Ge, formed by chlorine (Cl2) gas‐based reactive ion etching at room temperature. Black Ge surface has spike‐like pyramidal structures with a width and height up to 150 and 570 nm, respectively. Average reflection of black Ge is reduced to 2% at a wavelength range from 1 to 2 µm, while that of planar Ge is ≈37%. Light absorption is strongly enhanced by the significantly reduced reflection, thereby leading to an increase in responsivity of black Ge PDs. Moreover, external quantum efficiency (EQE) exceeds 160% at 1550 nm, indicating the existence of internal gain resulted from multiple carrier generation in Ge nanostructures. Therefore, this work provides an effective and reliable approach to significantly enhance photodetection performance of Ge‐based optoelectronic devices.
Enhancement of Catalytic Activity and Selectivity for the Gaseous Electroreduction of CO2 to CO: Guidelines for the Selection of Carbon Supports
Authors: Lim Chulwan , Lee Woong Hee , Won Jong Ho , Ko Young‐Jin , Kim Sangkuk , Min Byoung Koun , Lee Kwan‐Young , Jung Won Suk , Oh Hyung‐Suk
Published: September 2021

To secure the economic feasibility of electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR), a method of using support materials to reduce the amount of catalyst loading and increase catalytic activity for CO2RR can be a solution. Herein, guidelines for selecting carbon support materials suitable for CO2RR are reported. In a gaseous CO2‐fed CO2RR electrolyzer, an Ag nanoparticle‐composited carbon nanocage (denoted as Ag/CNC) electrode exhibits an optimal performance for CO2RR with a partial current density of ≈400 mA cm−2. Ag/CNC showcases a uniformly dispersed morphology with Ag nanoparticles and sufficient hydrophobicity after the reaction to prevent flooding, which is known to inhibit the mass transfer of CO2. Furthermore, the CNCs possess small amounts of carbon defects; this suppresses the catalytic activity for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), which is a side reaction of CO2RR. Results of a three‐stack cell experiment with the Ag/CNC electrode reveal the possibility of a support‐based strategy for achieving an industrial‐level scaling of CO2RR. This study suggests that the support material for CO2RR should be considered not only on the basis of the morphology of carbon, uniform dispersion of Ag nanoparticles, and hydrophobicity of the electrode but also factors influencing the HER, such as carbon defects.
Death Pathways of Cancer Cells Modulated by Surface Molecule Density on Gold Nanorods
Authors: Zhang Fulei , Hou Yi , Zhu Minhui , Deng Bo , Zhao Mengxin , Zhu Xiandi , Sun Yun , Chen Di , Jiang Cheng , Wang Liming , Chen Chunying , Chen Huaiwen , Chen Han , Zheng Hongliang , Li Wei
Published: September 2021

Necrosis induces strong inflammation with undesirable implications in clinics compared with apoptosis. Fortunately, the switch between necrosis and apoptosis could be realized by tailoring the appropriate structural properties of gold nano rods (GNRs) that could precisely modulate cell death pathways. Herein, the intracellular interaction between GNRs and organelles is monitored and it is found that lysosomes dominates necrosis/apoptosis evoking. Then the surface molecule density of GNRs, which is first defined as ρsurf. molecule (Nsurf. molecules/(a × π × Diameter × Length)), mediates lysosome activities as the membrane permeabilization (LMP), the Cathepsin B and D release, the cross‐talk between lysosome and different organelles, which selectively evokes apoptosis or necrosis and the production of TNF‐α from macrophages. GNRs with small ρsurf. molecule mainly induce apoptosis, while with large ρsurf. molecule they greatly contribute to necrosis. Interestingly, necrosis can be suppressed by GNRs with higher ρsurf. molecule due to the overexpression of key protease caspase 8, which cleaves the RIP1‐RIP3 complex and activates caspase 3 followed by necrosis to apoptosis transition. This investigation indicates that the ρsurf. molecule greatly affects the utility of nanomaterials and different structural properties of nanomaterials have different implications in clinics.
Effect of Humidity on the Writing Speed and Domain Wall Dynamics of Ferroelectric Domains
Authors: Spasojevic Irena , Verdaguer Albert , Catalan Gustau , Domingo Neus
Published: September 2021

The switching dynamics of ferroelectric polarization under electric fields depends on the availability of screening charges in order to stabilize the switched polarization. In ferroelectrics, thin films with exposed surfaces investigated by piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM), the main source of external screening charges is the atmosphere and the water neck, and therefore relative humidity (RH) plays a major role. Here, it is shown how the dynamic writing of domains in BaTiO3 thin films changes by varying scanning speeds in the range of RH between 2.5% and 60%. The measurements reveal that the critical speed for domain writing, which is defined as the highest speed at which electrical writing of a continuous stripe domain is possible, increases non‐monotonically with RH. Additionally, the width of line domains shows a power law dependence on the writing speed, with a growth rate coefficient decreasing with RH. The size of the written domains at a constant speed as well as the creep‐factor μ describing the domain wall kinetics follow the behavior of water adsorption represented by the adsorption isotherm, indicating that the screening mechanism dominating the switching dynamics is the thickness and the structure of adsorbed water structure and its associated dielectric constant and ionic mobility.
Curated collections for educators: Six key papers on teaching procedural skills
Authors: Quinn Antonia , Falvo Lauren , Ford Tabitha , Kennedy Sarah , Kaminsky Jennifer , Messman Anne
Published: September 2021

Background

Competence in teaching procedural skills is required for faculty in all specialties. Regardless of involvement in undergraduate medical education (UME) versus graduate medical education (GME), faculty will likely be involved in teaching procedures to novice learners at some point, with the goal of having the learner achieve graduated independence and technical competence in a skill set. A large body of literature exists addressing the best practices for teaching and maintaining procedural skills. We searched for articles that describe the best practices for teaching procedural skills to all levels of learners.

Methods

We conducted a literature search for papers on procedural skills training and teaching. We also made a call for papers on social media from members of the online #MedEd and #FOAMed communities. Once a list of the articles was compiled, we conducted a three‐round modified Delphi process to identify those illustrating best practices for teaching procedural skills by both junior and senior faculty.

Results

We identified 98 relevant articles on the topic of procedural skills training. Six articles were deemed to be highly relevant after three rounds of the modified Delphi. Best practices included using an established educational framework when designing procedural skills teaching sessions, providing positive feedback to learners with opportunities for improvement, and demonstrating the procedure to the learners.

Conclusions

Medical educators should employ evidence‐based practices when designing and delivering procedural skills sessions. Educational frameworks provide faculty developers and facilitators with an organized approach to teaching these sessions. Maintenance of procedural skills over time is key; faculty can utilize simulation‐based procedural training and deliberate practice to prevent decay of learned skills.
The advanced lung cancer inflammation index is a novel independent prognosticator in colorectal cancer patients after curative resection
Authors: Horino Taichi , Tokunaga Ryuma , Miyamoto Yuji , Hiyoshi Yukiharu , Akiyama Takahiko , Daitoku Nobuya , Sakamoto Yuki , Yoshida Naoya , Baba Hideo
Published: September 2021

Background

The advanced lung cancer inflammation index (ALI), which comprehensively evaluates the patient body composition and inflammation/nutritional status, is reportedly associated with the patient outcome in lung cancer. However, the clinical significance in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients after curative resection remains unclear.

Methods

A total of 813 CRC patients after curative resection between April 2005 and June 2019 in a single institution were retrospectively enrolled. The association of the preoperative ALI (calculated as follows: body mass index × albumin value/neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio) with clinicopathological factors, postoperative complications, and survival was analyzed.

Results

A low ALI was significantly associated with male gender, older age, a higher depth of tumor invasion, progressed TNM stage, and preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) positivity. Both postoperative complications and severe complications occurred more frequently in the ALI‐low group than in the ALI‐high group (P < .001 and P < .001, respectively), especially postoperative complications in stage III patients (P < .001) and severe complications in stages II and III patients (P = .024 and P = .004, respectively). In addition, a low ALI was an independent predictor of a poor overall survival (hazard ratio: 2.30, 95% confidence interval: 1.52–3.50, P < .001) and relapse‐free survival (hazard ratio: 1.73, 95% confidence interval: 1.22–2.44, P = .002), especially in older patients, and in patients without lymph node metastasis or severe postoperative complications.

Conclusion

This study suggests that preoperative ALI may serve as a novel independent predictive index for severe postoperative complications and recurrence in CRC patients after curative resection.
Shale gas field development planning under production profile uncertainty
Authors: Peng Zedong , Li Can , Grossmann Ignacio E. , Kwon Kysang , Ko Sukjoon , Shin Joohyun , Feng Yiping
Published: September 2021

In shale gas field development, the major endogenous uncertainty comes from the production profile of candidate wells and its realization is dependent on the development decision. In this work, we apply multistage stochastic programming to address the shale gas field development planning problem under production profile uncertainty. Business realities such as budget limit and uncertainty resolution delay are also considered in the proposed model. To solve the multistage stochastic model, a Lagrangean decomposition method and a heuristic method are proposed. Computational results demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed methods on examples that are otherwise intractable. The optimal development strategy from the proposed model is analyzed under different levels of uncertainties. Different cases are further tested to figure out the impact of budget and resolution delay on development decisions.
The relationship between 2D:4D ratio and postpartum adult female variables in a Ghanaian population
Authors: Banyeh Moses , Amidu Nafiu , Quaye Lawrence
Published: September 2021

Objectives

Postpartum hematological and anthropometric assessment is a requirement for optimal maternal and child health. The study aimed to determine the relationship between the 2D:4D ratio and postpartum hematological and anthropometric variables in adult females.

Methods

The study was cross‐sectional from December 2020 to April 2021 involving 272 postpartum adult females, aged between 18 and 36 years. The right (2D:4DR) and the left (2D:4DL) digit ratios were measured using computer‐assisted analysis. Fasting venous samples were collected at a median (interquartile range) of 111 (44–210) days postpartum and analyzed for total testosterone (TT), estradiol, sex hormone‐binding globulin, and complete blood count.

Results

The mean ± standard deviation 2D:4DR and 2D:4DL were 0.94 ± 0.04 and 0.93 ± 0.04, respectively. As expected, the TT (r = −0.198, p = .015) and the free androgen index (FAI: r = −0.186, p = .019) were inversely correlated with the 2D:4DL while free testosterone (FT%: r = −0.157, p = .038) was inversely correlated with the 2D:4DR. The absolute basophile count (BASO: r = −0.124, p = .040) and the Platelet‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR: r = −0.153, p = .016) were inversely correlated with the 2D:4DL and the 2D:4DR respectively. In addition, the mean cell volume was inversely correlated with the 2D:4DR (r = −0.139, p = .024) and the 2D:4DL (r = −0.122, p = .045). Moreover, the 2D:4DR was inversely correlated with height (r = −0.164, p = .007). Unexpectedly, the red blood cell count (RBC: r = 0.138, p = .025) was positively correlated with the 2D:4DR.

Conclusion

There are significant relationships between the 2D:4D ratio and postpartum female variables. These findings are useful preliminary reference data for postpartum research and subsequent 2D:4D ratio studies.
Dopaminergic signaling in prefrontal cortex contributes to the antidepressant effect of electroacupuncture: An iTRAQ‐based proteomics analysis in a rat model of CUMS
Authors: Zhang Jialing , Zhang Jiping , Zhang Zhinan , Zheng Yu , Zhong Zheng , Yao Zengyu , Cai Xiaowen , Lao Lixing , Huang Yong , Qu Shanshan
Published: September 2021

Electroacupuncture (EA) is used as an adjunctive treatment for depression. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and mechanisms of EA in the depressive rat model induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) in male adult Wistar rats. The underlying mechanisms were explored by using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ)‐based proteomic analysis of the proteins in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), and observing the number of the PFC neurons stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and synaptic morphological changes under transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results showed that EA plus paroxetine (EA + Par) for 1 week significantly relieved depression‐like anhedonia symptoms and improved anxiety‐like behavior, accompanied by the improvements in synaptic morphology and a significant increase of PFC neurons. Moreover, EA or paroxetine alone significantly alleviated anhedonia symptoms after 2 weeks of intervention. Additionally, iTRAQ analysis showed that dopaminergic signaling was significantly altered in CUMS rats after 1 week of EA treatment. As the critical enzyme of this pathway, aromatic‐l‐amino‐acid decarboxylase (DDC) was significantly upregulated after the treatment with EA + Par for 1 week. These findings suggested that the dopaminergic signaling pathway in PFC may be involved in the antidepressant mechanisms of EA.
Aerobic Direct Dioxygenation of Terminal/Internal Alkynes to α‐Hydroxyketones by an Fe Porphyrin Catalyst
Authors: Kimura Kento , Kurahashi Takuya , Matsubara Seijiro
Published: September 2021

We herein report a new synthetic method for the preparation of α‐hydroxyketones by the dioxygenation of alkynes. The reaction proceeds at room temperature under the action of Fe porphyrin and pinacolborane under air as a green oxidant to produce α‐hydroxyketones. The mild reaction conditions allow chemoselective oxidation with functional group tolerance. Terminal alkynes in addition to internal alkynes are applicable, affording unsymmetrical α‐hydroxyketones that are difficult to obtain by any reported dioxygenation of unsaturated C−C bonds.
The costs of bipolar disorder in the United Kingdom
Authors: Simon Judit , Pari Anees A. Abdul , Wolstenholme Jane , Berger Michael , Goodwin Guy M. , Geddes John R.
Published: September 2021

Objectives

To estimate the individual cost and population‐level economic burden of Bipolar Disorder (BD), and explore the impact of clinical and sociodemographic factors on costs in the United Kingdom.

Methods

Annual UK health care, social care and societal cost data were collected from a prospective cohort of 91 BD patients using digital monitoring of symptoms. Costs (in £) were calculated for the year of resource use collection (2010–2011) and main results inflated to year 2018–2019. A Generalized Estimating Equation framework was used to investigate individual factors influencing costs. An economic burden estimate was derived by multiplying the mean annual cost per patient with literature‐based population prevalence.

Results

The average annual cost of BD per patient was £12,617 (SE = ±£1085) or £14,938 (SE = ±£1281) at 2018–2019 prices with 68% of the total costs attributed to lost productivity and informal care, 31% to health care costs, 1% to private out‐of‐pocket expenses, and 0.5% to social care costs. A unit increase in average levels of depressive or manic symptoms were associated with 7% and 11% higher societal costs, respectively. The estimated annual prevalence of BD in the United Kingdom was 0.8% resulting in a population‐level economic burden estimate of £5.1 billion for 2010–2011 or £6.43 billion for 2018–2019.

Conclusions

BD is a disease of substantial costs in the United Kingdom with the majority of the economic burden falling outside the health care system in the form of productivity losses and informal care. These costs highly correlate with patient outcomes highlighting further needs for improved treatment efforts into functionality.
The impact of positive psychotherapy of psychoses on the subjective well‐being of people suffering from chronic schizophrenia—Preliminary report
Authors: Kasperek‐Zimowska Beata , Bednarek Agata , Giguere Marta , Parnowska Dorota , Żochowska Agnieszka , Malewicz‐Sawicka Maryla
Published: September 2021

Purpose of the study

The aim of the study was to determine the impact of positive psychotherapy of psychosis (PPP) on well‐being in a group of patients diagnosed with chronic schizophrenia. Subjective well‐being was defined by three dimensions ‐ the sense of effectiveness, the affective balance and strengths of character.

Study groups

The sample consisted of an experimental group of patients (patients diagnosed with schizophrenia participating in PPP and other therapeutic and rehabilitation classes), a control group of patients (patients diagnosed with schizophrenia participating in all classes except PPP) and a control group of healthy people. There were 25 people in each group.

Method

The impact of PPP on subjective well‐being was measured before and after classes in both patient and control groups of healthy people using the following measures: Generalized Self‐Efficacy Scale, Positive and Negative Experience Scale and Strengths Questionnaire (IPIP‐VIA).

Results

The subjective well‐being was defined by (a) sense of effectiveness: the experimental group of patients achieved significantly higher level of agency compared with the state before the classes. (b) Affective balance: after the end of PPP classes, there was a sevenfold and 12‐fold increase in the number of positive emotions in both groups of patients. (c) Character strengths: After the end of therapeutic activities, the patient groups did not differ in terms of character strengths.

Conclusions

Positive psychotherapy of psychosis may increase the subjective well‐being of patients with chronic schizophrenia. It increases the sense of agency and the number of positive emotions experienced.
Discovery, Biocatalytic Exploration and Structural Analysis of a 4‐Ethylphenol Oxidase from Gulosibacter chungangensis
Authors: Alvigini Laura , Gran‐Scheuch Alejandro , Guo Yiming , Trajkovic Milos , Saifuddin Mohammad , Fraaije Marco W. , Mattevi Andrea
Published: September 2021

The vanillyl‐alcohol oxidase (VAO) family is a rich source of biocatalysts for the oxidative bioconversion of phenolic compounds. Through genome mining and sequence comparisons, we found that several family members lack a generally conserved catalytic aspartate. This finding led us to study a VAO‐homolog featuring a glutamate residue in place of the common aspartate. This 4‐ethylphenol oxidase from Gulosibacter chungangensis (Gc4EO) shares 42 % sequence identity with VAO from Penicillium simplicissimum, contains the same 8α‐N3‐histidyl‐bound FAD and uses oxygen as electron acceptor. However, Gc4EO features a distinct substrate scope and product specificity as it is primarily effective in the dehydrogenation of para‐substituted phenols with little generation of hydroxylated products. The three‐dimensional structure shows that the characteristic glutamate side chain creates a closely packed environment that may limit water accessibility and thereby protect from hydroxylation. With its high thermal stability, well defined structural properties and high expression yields, Gc4EO may become a catalyst of choice for the specific dehydrogenation of phenolic compounds bearing small substituents.
Progress on breeding and food processing efforts to improve chemical composition and functionality of intermediate wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium) for the food industry
Authors: Bharathi Radhika , Muljadi Timothea , Tyl Catrin , Annor George Amponsah
Published: September 2021

Background and objectives

Previously used as forage crop, the perennial cereal grain Thinopyrum intermedium or intermediate wheatgrass (IWG) is currently being investigated as a novel food crop. The motivation behind these endeavors lies in its perennial growth habit, which provides numerous ecosystem services. This paper discusses how IWG breeding has affected its chemical composition and how processing strategies can leverage its potential as an ingredient.

Findings

Breeding has increased IWG seed size and starch contents, mostly at the expense of dietary fiber. While average protein contents have decreased, they still surpass those of most annual cereals such as bread wheat. Refined IWG displays better functional characteristics, presumably because it contains less insoluble fiber. However, refining may impact other nutritional properties of interest, for example, glycemic index. Tempering facilitates bran removal while maintaining protein and carotenoid contents. Steam treatment reduced enzymatic activity of whole and refined IWG flours over storage.

Conclusions

The combination of breeding and processing can modify IWG’s chemical composition and enhance its functionality to make it competitive to commonly consumed annual cereal grains.

Significance and novelty

A review on breeding effects on IWG composition and successful processing strategies can assist in product development work as the grain enters the marketplace.
Electrocatalytic Oxidation of Methanol over An Electrode with Ni‐MOF‐74 Catalyst
Authors: Ma Jieyu , Wang Xueyang , Chu Zhengkun , Zhang Jing , Du Peng , Zhang Qianli , Cao Feng , Liu Jie
Published: September 2021

Developing non‐noble metal catalysts for methanol oxidation in fuel cells is of importance. In this work, Ni‐MOF‐74 was synthesized through a simple solvothermal method and fully characterized. The as‐made Ni‐MOF‐74 modified carbon paste electrode (Ni‐MOF‐74/CPE) was applied for methanol electrooxidation reaction in 0.1 M NaOH solution. Ni‐MOF‐74 had high electrochemical stability and exhibited good electrocatalytic property for methanol oxidation, a mechanism for the reaction was proposed, the current density increases impressively on Ni‐MOF‐74/CPE compared with carbon paste electrode, and a really high catalytic rate constant (kcat) of 8.1×105 cm3 ⋅ mol−1 ⋅ s−1 was obtained in this work. The given results indicate that Ni‐MOF‐74 can be a promising candidate of electrocatalysts for direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs).
Regulating adsorption ability toward polysulfides in a porous carbon/Cu3P hybrid for an ultrastable high‐temperature lithium–sulfur battery
Authors: Guo Yichuan , Khatoon Rabia , Lu Jianguo , He Qinggang , Gao Xiang , Yang Xiaopeng , Hu Xun , Wu Yang , Lian Jiale , Li Zhoupeng , Ye Zhizhen
Published: September 2021

Lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs) can work at high temperatures, but they suffer from poor cycle life stability due to the “shuttle effect” of polysulfides. In this study, pollen‐derived porous carbon/cuprous phosphide (PC/Cu3P) hybrids were rationally synthesized using a one‐step carbonization method using pollen as the source material, acting as the sulfur host for LSBs. In the hybrid, polar Cu3P can markedly inhibit the “shuttle effect” by regulating the adsorption ability toward polysulfides, as confirmed by theoretical calculations and experimental tests. As an example, the camellia pollen porous carbon (CPC)/Cu3P/S electrode shows a high capacity of 1205.6 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C, an ultralow capacity decay rate of 0.038% per cycle after 1000 cycles at 1 C, and a rather high initial Coulombic efficiency of 98.5%. The CPC/Cu3P LSBs can work well at high temperatures, having a high capacity of 545.9 mAh g−1 at 1 C even at 150°C. The strategy of the PC/Cu3P hybrid proposed in this study is expected to be an ideal cathode for ultrastable high‐temperature LSBs. We believe that this strategy is universal and worthy of in‐depth development for the next generation energy storage devices.
Spectral Signatures of Oxidation States in a Manganese‐Oxo Cubane Water Oxidation Catalyst
Authors: Mai Sebastian , Klingler Sarah , Trentin Ivan , Kund Julian , Holzer Marcus , Andreeva Anastasia , Stach Robert , Kranz Christine , Streb Carsten , Mizaikoff Boris , González Leticia
Published: September 2021

We report IR and UV/Vis spectroscopic signatures that allow discriminating between the oxidation states of the manganese‐based water oxidation catalyst [(Mn4O4)(V4O13)(OAc)3]3−. Simulated IR spectra show that V=O stretching vibrations in the 900–1000 cm−1 region shift consistently by about 20 cm−1 per oxidation equivalent. Multiple bands in the 1450–1550 cm−1 region also change systematically upon oxidation/reduction. The computed UV/Vis spectra predict that the spectral range above 350 nm is characteristic of the managanese‐oxo cubane oxidation state, whereas transitions at higher energy are due to the vanadate ligand. The presence of absorption signals above 680 nm is indicative of the presence of MnIII atoms. Spectroelectrochemical measurements of the oxidation from [Mn
Mn
] to [Mn
] showed that the change in oxidation state can indeed be tracked by both IR and UV/Vis spectroscopy.
Machine Learning Based Suggestions of Separation Units for Process Synthesis in Process Simulation
Authors: Oeing Jonas , Henke Fabian , Kockmann Norbert
Published: September 2021

As part of Industry 4.0, workflows in the process industry are becoming increasingly digitalized. In this context, artificial intelligence (AI) methods are also finding their way into the process development. In this communication, machine learning (ML) algorithms are used to suggest suitable separation units based on simulated process streams. Simulations that have been performed earlier are used as training data and the information is learned by machine learning models implemented in Python. The trained models show good, reliable results and are connected to a process simulator using a .NET framework. For further optimization, a concept for the implementation of user feedback will be assigned. The results will provide the fundamental basis for future AI‐based recommendation systems.
Grundsätzliche Ansätze zur Verbesserung der Ressourceneffizienz in der Metallindustrie
Authors: Sauter Andreas , Hochstädt Daniel , Seelig Jan Henning , Hansen Florian , Zeller Torsten
Published: September 2021

Ohne intensive Nutzung von Metallen wäre die Umsetzung von aktuellen Strategien wie die Realisierung der regenerativen Energiegewinnung oder der Elektromobilität in Deutschland undenkbar. Eine gesicherte Versorgung der Industrie mit allen Primärmetallen kann durch faktische Monopolstrukturen sowie tendenziell sinkenden Erzgehalten nicht als garantiert angesehen werden. Durch eine verbesserte Kreislaufführung kann die Ressourceneffizienz erhöht und die Importabhängigkeit reduziert werden. Damit einhergehende Herausforderungen und mögliche Lösungsansätze werden thematisiert.
Dissolution behaviour of different rank coals in L‐glutamic acid N, N‐diacetic acid chelating agent: Implications to enhance coalbed methane recovery by acid stimulation
Authors: Chen Shuya , Yang Xianyu , Shi Yanping , Wei Zhaohui , Zhang Jie , Cai Jihua
Published: September 2021

Acid stimulation is a promising method in improving coal seam permeability by demineralization in coal cleats. However, using conventional acids such as HCl and mud acid (12 wt.% HCl + 3 wt.% HF) may cause clay breakage, migration, and precipitation, leading to formation damage. In this study, we investigated the effect of L‐glutamic acid N, N‐diacetic acid (GLDA) chelating agent treatment on the dissolution behaviour of lignite (Coal L) and anthracite (Coal A), collected from Er′Lian Basin and Qinshui Basin, China. Characteristics of the raw and acid treated coal samples, including mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) results as well as metal elements distribution analysis of reacted leachates, micromorphology, mineral composition, and mass change were taken into consideration. It was found that high‐rank Coal A is more suitable for chemical stimulation. For both Coal L and Coal A, 5 wt.% GLDA solution is preferred to avoid sticking reaction products. Total porosities of Coal L and Coal A were increased by 3.9 and 1.1 times, respectively. Based on the water chemistry analysis of the reacted solutions, we found that acidic condition is beneficial for clay minerals and carbonates dissolution, while alkaline condition is favourable for the dissolution of quartz. Besides, the dissolution of minerals can trigger the release of trace elements, which is a potential environmental risk that needs to be taken into consideration before its in‐situ application in coal fields.
Moisture removal behaviour of single hard lignite particle during drying and quantitative characterization for its surface damage
Authors: Gao Mingqiang , Wan Keji , Miao Zhenyong , He Qiongqiong , Ji Pengchao , Xue Shuwen , Dong Xiuyong
Published: September 2021

It is extremely meaningful to study the damage behaviour of lignite for safe operation during the drying process. In this study, a single hard lignite particle (SHLP) was prepared for drying. The drying characteristics of an SHLP were described, and its drying kinetics were studied from the perspective of the drying model and effective diffusion coefficient (Deff). The development of surface cracks in drying were obtained, and the changes in surface damage were quantitatively described by relative crack rate (RCR). The results showed that the drying process for an SHLP was divided into three stages following the slope of the drying curve. The rapid removal of a large proportion of moisture mainly occurred in stage I. The Page model is the best model for describing the drying of an SHLP. In addition, Deff increased with increasing drying time. High temperature promoted the moisture transfer from the inside to the surface of an SHLP. Finally, surface cracks on the SHLP developed rapidly in the early drying stage; specifically, the primary cracks widened and lengthened, and the small cracks mainly attached to the primary cracks. In the later drying stage, cracks shrank and cracks in the branch structure closed. High drying temperature made the RCR of an SHLP reach the maximum value more quickly in stage I.