bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of gut microbiota between adults with autism spectrum disorder and obese adults
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Zou Rong , Guo Min , Duan Mengmeng , Li Quan , Zheng Huajun
Published: March 2021

Background

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and obesity are serious global public health problems. Studies have shown that ASD children are at a higher risk of obesity than the general population. To investigate the gut microbe characteristics of adults ASD and obese adults, we compared the gut microbiota of adults with ASD to obese adults.

Methods

The fecal samples were collected from 21 adult patients with ASD and 21 obese adults, and V3–V4 regions of 16S rRNA genes were sequenced by high-throughput DNA sequencing. The gut microbiota of adults with ASD and obese adults was compared.

Results

We observed the proportion of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes in ASD was significantly increased, with families Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae significantly enriched in adult ASD. Eighteen genera, including Lachnospiracea incertae sedis, Ruminococcus, Blautia, and Holdemanella were significantly increased in adult ASD, whereas Megamonas and Fusobacterium were significantly increased in obesity. At the species level, we found six species enriched in ASD and three species enriched in obesity, including Phascolarctobacterium succinatuten producing propionate. Dialister succinatiphilus may be as a biomarker for predicting obesity, as well as Prevotella copri may be a common-owned pathogens of ASD and obesity.

Conclusions

Some conflicting results have been reported in microbiota studies of ASD, which may be related to age and obesity. Thus, the body mass index should be evaluated before analyzing the gut microbiota of patients with ASD, as obesity is prevalent in these individuals and gut microbiota is severally affected by obesity.
Antimicrobial Effect of Additive Silver Nanoparticles to Paints for Reducing the Risk of Cross-Contamination
Authors: Mansour Rawia , Elshafei Ali Mohamed
Published: March 2021

Paints are mainly used to protect metal structures from rusting and object from adverse effects of weather and sun, in addition to decoration. Most paints are either oil-based or water-based and both have distinct advantages. It can be applied as a solid, a gaseous suspension (aerosol) or a liquid. The increasing demand for new antimicrobial paints is rising recently due to the important need to avoid the spreading of infections mainly caused by harmful microorganisms. The antimicrobial additive can be defined as the additive compound that can resist or prevents the growth of harmful microbes. In this connection, a number of critical factors should be considered in selecting the additive antimicrobials to paints. These factors include safe from adverse impacts on human health and environment, antimicrobial efficiency, achieve a broad spectrum of microbial control, low percentage of the antimicrobial additive, ease of handling, fast and long-acting, migration capability, chemical stability, cost-effective and maintaining the properties of the product and its components. In the case of edible coatings which provide a unique opportunity to control microbial and oxidative changes in human ready-to-use food products, suitable safe materials and active agents for different cases should be applied. To make the traditional paints resistant to pathogenic microorganisms, it is of importance to include several antimicrobial additives, such as silver and zinc ions during the manufacturing process. Silver is a widely used technology in the world, especially in its nano-particle form due to its suitability for deployment in a broad range of materials and applications and its broad spectrum performance. This durable treatment will provide to a large extent effective protection against harmful fungi, bacteria, viruses and consequently helping to minimize staining and material degradation on any surface it is applied to. These antimicrobial paints (APs) can be used in places that harbor pathogenic microorganisms such as hospitals, schools, care homes, kitchen areas, dental and veterinary practices and food production factories. In these places, APs can be applied to contact surfaces within these environments, such as door handles, light switches, flooring, elevator buttons, and bathroom in order to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
Immature Platelet Fraction as a Non-Invasive Marker for Esophageal Varices
Authors: Soliman Alyaa Marzouk , Abd-Elsalam Sherief Mohamed , ALBendary Amal Saeid , Sayed Negm Osama El.
Published: March 2021

Background: All cirrhotic patients should be screened for oesophageal varices (OV) at the time of diagnosis. The development of a non-invasive method for the detection of OV is a vital issue in subjects with cirrhosis to decrease the need for invasive endoscopic procedures that can be costly. This work aimed to evaluate immature platelet fraction (IPF) as a non-invasive marker and predictor of OV.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 80 cirrhotic patients with esophageal varices diagnosed by upper endoscopy. They were divided into Group (1): 40 patients with cirrhosis with esophageal varices and Group (2): 40 patients with cirrhosis and without esophageal varices. All patients were subjected to the complete history taking, physical examination, routine laboratory investigations (Complete blood count, IPF, C-reactive protein, Liver and kidney function tests, Bone marrow aspiration for some cases, Ascetic sample analysis when applicable), Pelvic-Abdominal ultrasonography, Child Pugh score assessment, Upper GIT endoscopy.

Results: There was a significant difference between the studied groups regarding IPF (p<0.001). At cutoff >12 IPF had (AUC= 0.993) with sensitivity of 97.5% and specificity of 97.5% for detection of esophageal varices. There was a significant negative correlation between IPF and platelets count (p- value < 0.001). There was a significant positive correlation between IPF and Child Pugh score (p- value <0.001). There was a highly significant positive correlation between IPF and CRP (p value <0.001). There was significant difference between the two groups as regards splenic longitudinal diameter (p<0.001). As regards platelet count, there was a significant difference between the two groups (p<0.001). It was significantly lower in Group 1.

Conclusions: IPF is elevated in cirrhotic patients with naive esophageal varices than in cirrhotic patients without varices. IPF could be used as a noninvasive, easy to measure method for detection of the presence of esophageal varices at a cutoff level of >12.
Die Crack Resolution through Pick-up Process Optimization for BGA Package
Authors: Rodriguez R. , Jr. E. Graycochea , Gomez F. R. , Manalo E.
Published: March 2021

With the new devices and new technologies in the semiconductor industry are getting more challenging to process because issues are unavoidable especially on thin dies. The paper is focused on the improvement done on a ball grid array (BGA) substrate package assembly to address the quantity of rejection of die crack during die picking at the die attach process station. High pick force and high needle top height found out during the pick-up process is the main root cause of die crack. Parameter optimization particularly for die picking with the combination of pick force and needle top height parameter was done to eliminate this type of issue after the die attaches process. With the die attach process improvement, a reduction of 100 percent of die crack occurrence was successfully achieved. For future works, the improvement and learnings could be used for devices with similar constraints.
Strategies for Management of Certificates of Analysis of Corona virus Disease 2019 for Travellers in Times of Pandemic: Case of the Pasteur Institute of Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: Bernadette Diplo Tchepé Flore , Claude Anné Blessa P. A. Jean , Armand Achy Brou , Serge Aoussi , Alain Yéo , Julien Golly Koffi , Belinda Blavo-Kouamé , Serge-Stéphane Yao , Tatiana Kangah-N'goran Asseh , Mireille Dosso
Published: March 2021

The Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) health crisis has not spared any country in the world, from the most advanced to the poorest. COVID-19 pandemic has exposed much vulnerability in systems and societies. In all resource-constrained countries, the response has been very complicated. The pandemic had to be dealt with very quickly with limited health and economic resources to avoid the hecatomb already predicted for these countries. In Côte d'Ivoire in particular, health and government authorities worked with state or private structures with infrastructure and human resource capacities to develop a rapid and effective response plan. Several measures have been adopted to reduce the spread of COVID-19. As a result of all these strategies, the number of cases of infected persons has been gradually decreasing. This new situation has favored the revision of certain restrictive measures, in this case the closure of air borders, which have of course been eased under certain conditions. Travelers are required to have a paper attesting to their negativity in COVID-19 test. Thus, Pasteur Institute of Côte d'Ivoire (IPCI), the reference laboratory for carrying out COVID-19 tests, was responsible for supplying a certificate of analysis to travellers. The purpose of this article is to show the internal process developed and different strategies implemented by IPCI to establish and deliver this document in order to meet the demand in the context of a pandemic.
Impact of complement activation on clinical outcomes in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Keller Christian W. , Oechtering Johanna , Wiendl Heinz , Kappos Ludwig , Kuhle Jens , Lünemann Jan D.
Published: March 2021

We determined activation profiles of the classical and alternative complement pathway in 39 treatment‐naïve patients with early relapse‐onset MS. Plasma concentrations of complement fragments were unchanged in MS compared to 32 patients with non‐inflammatory neurological diseases. Profiles in patients experiencing clinical exacerbations did not differ from patients with stable disease and did not correlate with baseline EDSS, numbers of T2 lesions and time to second relapse. Long‐term EDSS outcomes 4 years after diagnosis did not significantly correlate with baseline complement levels. These data do not support the use of complement activation products as biomarkers for disease activity in early MS.
Improving Ideality of P‐Type Organic Field‐Effect Transistors via Preventing Undesired Minority Carrier Injection
Authors: Wu Xiaofeng , Jia Ruofei , Pan Jing , Wang Jinwen , Deng Wei , Xiao Peng , Zhang Xiaohong , Jie Jiansheng
Published: March 2021

Electron injection plays a crucial role in arousing the double‐slope characteristics for p‐type organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs) with narrow‐bandgap organic semiconductors (OSCs). This issue will not only result in the misrepresentation of OFET performance but also may cause device instability, hence impeding their further development in real‐world applications. A facile and highly efficient approach is developed to circumvent this issue by implementing modification on the electrode/organic semiconductor interface. An ultrathin layer of wide‐bandgap OSC with suitable energy levels is introduced to block the undesirable electron injection. By this means, typical double‐slope behaviors and bias stress stability in the p‐type OFETs can be significantly improved. Using 2,8‐difluoro‐5,11‐bis(triethylsilylethynyl) anthradithiophene‐based OFETs the double‐slope behaviors of as‐fabricated devices are effectively converted to near‐ideal behaviors after modification, leading to a dramatic improvement of average reliability from 65.11% to 91.76%. Furthermore, the positive drift of transfer curves under prolonged bias stress is also successfully suppressed. This strategy demonstrates good universality and can provide a new guideline for the fabrication of OFETs with ideal behaviors.
Recent Progress on Biomaterials Fighting against Viruses
Authors: Li Si , Guo Xiao , Gao Rui , Sun Maozhong , Xu Liguang , Xu Chuanlai , Kuang Hua
Published: March 2021

Viruses not only pose severe threats to public health, but also influence the development of society. Over the past decade, rapid advances have been seen in the application of nanomaterials to virus research. As an interdisciplinary field, nanotechnology offers powerful functions because the structures of nanomaterials are unique, with remarkable physicochemical properties and excellent biocompatibility. Nanomaterials have been developed for virus detection and tracking and for antiviral strategies, to better understand viruses and reduce viral infections, implying a bright future for this field. Herein, the recent advances are systematically summarized regarding the nanomaterials used in viral studies. Representative applications of nanomaterials to viral detection and tracking are described. The antiviral effects achieved with nanomaterials based on different mechanisms are also described, including entry inhibition, inhibition of viral replication, and immunological enhancement. The current challenges and future opportunities in this promising field are also discussed.
Novel Process to Conductive Silver Nanowires Film via Simple Evaporative Crystallization of Silver Acetate/Polymer Solution on Substrates
Authors: Wang Wen‐Li , Jin Ren‐Hua
Published: March 2021

Evaporative crystallization is a simple and widely used technique to obtain crystals. However, this is not well matching with preparation of nano scale crystals. In this study, a new method is established of self‐controlled evaporative crystallization of silver acetate in aqueous solution into crystalline silver acetate nanowire, which can conduct to the fabrication of conductive AgNWs films without presynthesis of metallic silver and printing equipment. In this method, the most important concept is to self‐control the anisotropic crystallization of metal ion by designed amphiphilic polyethyleneimine‐block‐polyphenyloxazoline (PEI‐b‐PPOZ) copolymers. Only casting an aqueous solution of silver acetate (AgOAc) containing PEI‐b‐PPOZ copolymers on substrate made silver acetate to grow spontaneously up towards networked crystalline nanowires (with high aspect ratio over 3000) film. This is completely directed by PEI‐b‐PPOZ block copolymers with water evaporation at ambient conditions. Heating of the crystalline AgOAc nanowires film at 200 °C yields metallic silver nanowires films which exhibit low sheet resistance of 20 Ω per sq indicating that the crystalline AgOAc nanowires can self‐template the thermal decomposition of AgOAc to give metallic nanowires.
Gamma‐Ray Detection Using Bi‐Poor Cs2AgBiBr6 Double Perovskite Single Crystals
Authors: Zhang Zheng , Cao Da , Huang Zhengjie , Danilov Evgeny O. , Chung Ching‐Chang , Sun Dali , Yang Ge
Published: March 2021

Lead halide perovskites have recently attracted intensive attention as competitive alternative candidates of legacy compound materials CdTe, CdZnTe, and TlBr for high sensitivity energy‐resolving gamma‐ray detection at room temperature. However, the use of lead in these lead halide perovskites, which is necessary for increasing the stopping power of gamma radiation, poses a serious environmental concern due to the high toxicity of lead. In this regard, environmental‐friendly perovskite‐based gamma‐ray detector materials with key energy‐resolving capabilities are highly desired. Here, the gamma energy‐resolving performance of a new class of all‐inorganic and lead‐free Cs2AgBiBr6 double perovskite single crystals (SCs) is reported. Two types of Cs2AgBiBr6 SCs, prepared by Bi‐normal and Bi‐poor precursor solutions, respectively, have been grown. Their mobilities and response to gamma radiation are presented. Density of trap states in Bi‐poor Cs2AgBiBr6 SCs (2.65 × 109 cm−3) is one order of magnitude lower than that in Bi‐normal Cs2AgBiBr6 SCs (3.85 × 1010 cm−3). Using laser‐induced photocurrent measurements, the obtained mobility–lifetime (μ–τ) product in Bi‐poor Cs2AgBiBr6 SCs is 1.47 × 10−3 cm2 V−1, indicating their great potentials for gamma‐ray detection. Further, the fabricated detector based on Bi‐poor Cs2AgBiBr6 SC shows response to 59.5 keV gamma‐ray with an energy resolution of 13.91%.
Supramolecular Chirality Transfer toward Chiral Aggregation: Asymmetric Hierarchical Self‐Assembly
Authors: Huang Shuai , Yu Haifeng , Li Quan
Published: March 2021

Self‐assembly, as a typical bottom‐up strategy for the fabrication of functional materials, has been applied to fabricate chiral materials with subtle chiral nanostructures. The chiral nanostructures exhibit great potential in asymmetric catalysis, chiral sensing, chiral electronics, photonics, and even the realization of several biological functions. According to existing studies, the supramolecular chirality transfer process combined with hierarchical self‐assembly plays a vital role in the fabrication of multiscale chiral structures. This progress report focuses on the hierarchical self‐assembly of chiral or achiral molecules that aggregate with asymmetric spatial structures such as twisted bands, helices, and superhelices in different environments. Herein, recent studies on the chirality transfer induced self‐assembly based on a variety of supramolecular interactions are summarized. In addition, the influence of different environments and the states of systems including solutions, condensed states, gel systems, interfaces on the asymmetric hierarchical self‐assembly, and the expression of chirality are explored. Moreover, both the driving forces that facilitate chiral bias and the supramolecular interactions that play an important role in the expression, transfer, and amplification of the chiral sense are correspondingly discussed.
History and Perspectives on Ultrafast Supercapacitors for AC Line Filtering
Authors: Park Jinwoo , Kim Woong
Published: March 2021

Supercapacitors (SCs) are considered to be a promising energy storage device owing to their high‐power characteristics and long‐term cycling stabilities. Recently, ultrafast SCs have been extensively studied in the context of replacing the aluminum electrolytic capacitors (AECs) that are currently used for alternating current (AC) line filtering applications. Since the ultrafast SCs are generally more compact owing to their higher energy density, as compared to the AECs, replacement of the AECs with the SCs can lead to miniaturization of electronic devices. Here the progress in the development of electrodes, electrolytes, and cell configurations of ultrafast SCs is reviewed and the challenging issues that need to be considered to extend their applications are discussed. In addition, this review provides integrated perspectives on further development of electrodes and electrolytes.
Machine learning and bioinformatic analysis of brain and blood mRNA profiles in major depressive disorder: A case–control study
Authors: Qi Bill , Ramamurthy Janani , Bennani Imane , Trakadis Yannis J.
Published: March 2021

This study analyzed gene expression messenger RNA data, from cases with major depressive disorder (MDD) and controls, using supervised machine learning (ML). We built on the methodology of prior studies to obtain more generalizable/reproducible results. First, we obtained a classifier trained on gene expression data from the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex of post‐mortem MDD cases (n = 126) and controls (n = 103). An average area‐under‐the‐receiver‐operating‐characteristics‐curve (AUC) from 10‐fold cross‐validation of 0.72 was noted, compared to an average AUC of 0.55 for a baseline classifier (p = .0048). The classifier achieved an AUC of 0.76 on a previously unused testing‐set. We also performed external validation using DLPFC gene expression values from an independent cohort of matched MDD cases (n = 29) and controls (n = 29), obtained from Affymetrix microarray (vs. Illumina microarray for the original cohort) (AUC: 0.62). We highlighted gene sets differentially expressed in MDD that were enriched for genes identified by the ML algorithm. Next, we assessed the ML classification performance in blood‐based microarray gene expression data from MDD cases (n = 1,581) and controls (n = 369). We observed a mean AUC of 0.64 on 10‐fold cross‐validation, which was significantly above baseline (p = .0020). Similar performance was observed on the testing‐set (AUC: 0.61). Finally, we analyzed the classification performance in covariates subgroups. We identified an interesting interaction between smoking and recall performance in MDD case prediction (58% accurate predictions in cases who are smokers vs. 43% accurate predictions in cases who are non‐smokers). Overall, our results suggest that ML in combination with gene expression data and covariates could further our understanding of the pathophysiology in MDD.
Neanderthal cranial remains from Baume Moula‐Guercy (Soyons, Ardèche, France)
Authors: Richards Gary D. , Guipert Gaspard , Jabbour Rebecca S. , Defleur Alban R.
Published: March 2021

Objectives

We provide the first comparative description of the Guercy 1 cranium and isolated cranial fragments from Baume Moula‐Guercy and examine their affinities to European Preneanderthals, Neanderthals, and Homo sapiens.

Materials and Methods

The Moula‐Guercy hominins derive from deposits chronostratigraphically and biostratigraphically dated to the Eemian Interglacial (MIS 5e). For comparisons we compiled a sample of European and Southwest Asian subadult‐adult Middle‐to‐Late Pleistocene hominins (≈MIS 14–MIS 2; N = 184). This sample represents a Preneanderthal–Neanderthal group and a H. sapiens group, both of which were further divided into three time‐successive subgroups defined by associated marine isotope stages (MIS). Metric and morphological observations were made on the original fossils and a virtual reconstruction of Guercy 1. Developmental age and sex and the minimum–maximum number of individuals were assessed.

Results

Guercy 1 represents the remains of a late stage adolescent (≈15–16.0 years) female. Morphological and metric data combine to associate the total morphological pattern expressed in Guercy 1 with our MIS 7–MIS 5e (“Early Neanderthal”) subgroup. Some features, especially those related to the frontal, suggest linkage to a paleodeme comprising the Moula‐Guercy, Artenac, La Chaise Abri Suard and, possibly, the Biache‐Saint‐Vaast samples.

Discussion

Remains of MIS 7–MIS 5e Neanderthals are rare and fragmentary, especially those dated to the Last Interglacial. The Baume Moula‐Guercy sample provides new insights into the total morphological pattern expressed in MIS 5e Neanderthals. Further, our results support earlier suggestions that MIS 7–MIS 5e European hominins represent a morphotype that is distinct from both earlier and later members of the Preneanderthal–Neanderthal group.
The Effect of RN Circulator–Scrub Person Dyad Consistency on Total OR Time and Turnover Time
Authors: Bathish Melissa A. , McLaughlin Margaret , Kleiner Catherine , Talsma AkkeNeel
Published: March 2021

Operating room efficiency is an important consideration for perioperative nurse leaders because it can affect their facilities’ revenue and provider and patient satisfaction. Using consistent perioperative teams, including the same RN circulator and scrub person, for consecutive procedures may improve OR efficiency. This retrospective cross‐sectional cohort study assessed the effects of a consistent team in the form of RN circulator–scrub person dyads on the total OR and turnover times for 310 surgical procedures using electronic OR records data from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program that was collected in 2008. Controlling for relevant variables (eg, procedure type consistency, number of staff members present, procedure complexity), the association between RN circulator–scrub person dyads and total OR time and turnover time was not significant.
Effects of mica modification with ethylene‐vinyl acetate wax on the water vapor barrier and mechanical properties of poly‐(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) nanocomposite films
Authors: Wang Yue , Liu Qi , Zhen Zhi‐Chao , Liu Jia‐Lei , Qiao Run‐Meng , He Wen‐Qing
Published: March 2021

Poly‐(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) is one of the most popular raw materials for degradable plastic films because of its good biodegradability, ductility, and processability. However, the application of this material is limited by its unsatisfactory water vapor barrier property. This study aims to improve the water vapor barrier and mechanical properties of PBAT films by introducing mica modified by ethylene‐vinyl acetate copolymer waxes (EVA‐mica). The EVA‐mica nanosheets showed a more uniform dispersion in the PBAT films than the mica nanosheets. The PBAT/EVA‐mica films containing 2% EVA‐mica demonstrated outstanding crystallinity, water vapor barrier, and mechanical properties compared with the pure PBAT films. Results showed a 20.23% increase in crystallinity, an 80.09% reduction in water vapor permeability, a 26.82% increase in tensile strength, and a 9.10% increase in tear strength. The enhanced water vapor barrier and mechanical properties of the PBAT/EVA‐mica nanocomposite films are favorable for their future application as biodegradable films.
Characterization of nuclear localization signal in Ostrinia furnacalis Masculinizer protein
Authors: Hirota Kanako , Matsuda‐Imai Noriko , Kiuchi Takashi , Katsuma Susumu
Published: March 2021

Bombyx mori Masculinizer protein (BmMasc) is essential for both masculinization and dosage compensation in B. mori. We previously identified a bipartite nuclear localization signal (NLS) of BmMasc and two essential residues (lysine at 274 [K274] and arginine at 275 [R275]) implicated in its function. Sequence comparison showed the presence of putative NLSs in lepidopteran Masc proteins, but their functional properties and critical residues are unknown. Here we characterized a putative NLS of Ostrinia furnacalis Masc (OfMasc) using B. mori ovary‐derived BmN‐4 cell line. Deletion and alanine scanning mutagenesis revealed that a putative NLS is required for nuclear localization of OfMasc. However, mutations at both K227 and R228, which correspond to K274 and R275 of BmMasc, respectively, do not greatly abolish the NLS activity. Additional mutagenesis analysis revealed that triple mutations at K227, R228, and K240 almost completely inhibited OfMasc nuclear localization. These results suggest that lepidopteran Masc proteins possess a common functional NLS, but the critical residues for its activity are different. Moreover, we examined the masculinizing activity of OfMasc derivatives and found that nuclear localization is not required for the masculinizing activity of OfMasc. The results from our studies indicate that lepidopteran Masc proteins function in the cytoplasm to drive masculinizing cascade.
Enhancing disk input output performance in consolidated virtualized cloud platforms using a randomized approximation scheme
Authors: HoseinyFarahabady MohammadReza , Taheri Javid , Zomaya Albert Y. , Tari Zahir , Bao Wei
Published: March 2021

In a virtualized computer system with shared resources, consolidated virtual services (VSs) fiercely compete with each other to obtain the required capacity of resources, and this causes significant system's performance degradation. The performance of input output (I/O)‐bound applications running inside their own VS is mainly determined by the total time required to schedule every read/write request, plus the actual time needed by the device driver to complete the request. To achieve a right performance isolation of shared resources (e.g., the last level cache, memory bandwidth, and the disk buffer), it is essential to limit the performance degradation level among collocated applications, as simultaneously several I/O operations are requested by VSs, perhaps with different priorities. This article proposes a resource allocation controller that uses a fully polynomial‐time randomized approximation scheme to enable performance isolation of concurrent I/O requests in a shared system with multiple consolidated VSs. This controller uses a Monte Carlo sampling approach to measure and estimate the unknown attributes of operational requests originating from each VS. This is formalized as an optimization problem with the aim to minimize the degree of total quality of service (QoS) violation incidents in the entire platform. We associated a reward function to every working machine that represents the fulfillment degree of quality of service metric among all running VSs. The conducted comprehensive set of experiments showed that the proposed algorithm can reduce the QoS violation incidents by 32%, compared with the result which is obtained by employing the default resource allocation policy embedded in the existing Linux container layer.
Breeding heat tolerant orchardgrass germplasm for summer persistence in high temperature stress environments of the southeastern United States
Authors: Billman Eric D. , Morrison Jesse I. , Baldwin Brian S.
Published: March 2021

Orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) could serve as a cool‐season perennial in southeastern production systems, but often does not behave as a true perennial under high temperature stress conditions of the region. This work sought to develop heat‐tolerant orchardgrass germplasm through recurrent phenotypic selection (RPS) that would both reduce secondary seed dormancy caused by high soil temperatures and improve stand persistence over summer months. Selection was conducted in a growth chamber 40/30 °C (12/12 h, light/darkness), with germinated seedlings subjected to an additional 2–3 wk of 40/30 °C conditions. The base germplasm (Cycle 0) and selected individuals (Cycles 1–3) were transplanted into the field, then harvested for seed. Forty‐degree germination tests compared mean cumulative germination, velocity of germination within 8 d (VOG8), and realized heritability (). Stand persistence was assessed 1 yr after transplanting. Results from 2018 tests indicated Cycle 3 seed germination was greater (82%) than all previous cycles of selection, and VOG8 was eight times greater than that of Cycle 0. Additive gene action also increased, with final  = .45, and preliminary data from Cycle 3 10‐mo‐stand persistence (56%) was double that of Cycle 0 (27%). These results indicated a significant improvement over the base germplasm for both germination at high temperatures and stand persistence in the field. This could lead to improved stand survival and greater adoption by southeastern forage producers.
Cooperative hunting in the yellow‐throated marten (Martes flavigula): Evidence for the not‐so‐solitary marten?
Authors: Twining Joshua P. , Mills Chris
Published: March 2021

Species socio‐ecologies are a key determinant of their ecological niche, and although dynamic, linked to environmental stochasticity, availability of resources, and inter‐ and intraspecific competition, socio‐ecological theory under its prevailing framework inadequately captures the transient nature of this multi‐faceted spectrum. Cooperative foraging is an example of an advanced social behavior that functions to release species from physiological and competitive limitations and is thought to only be observed in social species. Despite the advantages of social behaviors such as cooperative foraging, some groups, for example, the mustelids, are considered to be evolutionarily constrained in terms of sociality. The martens (Martes sp.) have been used as examples of obligately solitary species, physiologically and morphologically restricted by their inability to store fat and specialization in homogeneously distributed small vertebrate prey, and therefore presumed incapable of advanced social behaviors. Here, we provide evidence of cooperative foraging in the yellow‐throated marten (Martes flavigula) in Ramnagar, India. We highlight that a tropical climate and a change in resource distribution through seasonal frugivory may release the species from typical constraints associated with martens, and other small carnivores. We argue that alongside a growing number of observations of social behaviors in solitary carnivores, our current framework for viewing socio‐ecologies may limit our understanding of these species. Advances in biologging technologies are producing new data and insights into the social complexities of wildlife that will continue to challenge the expectations our current framework and these emerging data should be used as a platform to test and refine ecological theory regarding sociality and its drivers in animal populations.
A Water/Toluene Biphasic Medium Improves Yields and Deuterium Incorporation into Alcohols in the Transfer Hydrogenation of Aldehydes
Authors: Ruiz‐Castañeda Margarita , Santos Lucía , Manzano Blanca R. , Espino Gustavo , Jalón Félix A.
Published: March 2021

Deuterium labeling is an interesting process that leads to compounds of use in different fields. We describe the transfer hydrogenation of aldehydes and the selective C1 deuteration of the obtained alcohols in D2O, as the only deuterium source. Different aromatic, alkylic and α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes were reduced in the presence of [RuCl(p‐cymene)(dmbpy)]BF4, (dmbpy=4,4′‐dimethyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine) as the pre‐catalyst and HCO2Na/HCO2H as the hydrogen source. Moreover, furfural and glucose, were selectively reduced to the valuable alcohols, furfuryl alcohol and sorbitol. The processes were carried out in neat water or in a biphasic water/toluene system. The biphasic system allowed easy recycling, higher yields, and higher selective D incorporation (using D2O/toluene). The deuteration took place due to an efficient effective M–H/D+ exchange from D2O that allows the inversion of polarity of D+ (umpolung). DFT calculations that explain the catalytic behavior in water are also included.
Investigation of hemodynamic markers for stenosis development
Authors: Stamou Aikaterini C. , Radulovic Jovana , Buick James M.
Published: March 2021

Different hemodynamic markers for stenosis development are considered, assessed and compared. A recently proposed numerical approach is employed, where stenosis development is modeled based on the local hemodynamic conditions at the artery wall, determined using the lattice Boltzmann method. A range of hemodynamic markers, commonly associated in the literature with the progression of atherosclerosis, were considered. It was observed that using the oscillatory shear index, which is related to the wall shear stress oscillating from its mean direction, did not produce a realistic stenosis development. The other markers produced stenosis growth comparable with observations from the literature.
Field loss calculation of a wind‐powered axial flux alternator by analytical equations
Authors: Otuoze Abdulrahaman Okino , Mohammed Olatunji Obalowu , Ibrahim Oladimeji , Salisu Sani , Emmanuel Abioye Abiodun , Usman Ayinde Mohammed , Dobi Abdulhakeem Mohd
Published: March 2021

Various techniques have been investigated and proposed for core loss minimization in electrical machines. Nevertheless, many of such methods are mostly complicated and not suitable for consideration at a preliminary design stage. In this work, a simplified procedure which uses an analytical approach to minimizing the field's losses of an Axial Flux Permanent Magnet Alternator (AFPMA), is presented. First, the output equation of an AFPMA is referred, and then the minimization of the losses is investigated by analytical differential equations. The result of the derived‐specific magnetic loading is investigated using three different core materials, namely 35RM300, 50JN350, and 65JN800, and is found to reduce with increased frequencies. The 35RM300 core material gives the maximum specific magnetic loading and minimum power loss at investigated frequencies of 50 to 500 Hz. Although the 35RM300 core material gives the best performance, the optimal values are only determined as suitable by the manufacturer's design criteria. This study is a key indicator for a simple and efficient core material selection in the design of a Wind‐Powered AFPMA without the need for complicated analyses at the preliminary design stage.
The Wasp as a Terrestrial Indicator of Environmental Metal Composition: Evidence from Zimbabwe
Authors: Nadat Yasfir Tarif , Kylin Henrik , Sithole Rudo , Lesch Velesia , Bouwman Hindrik
Published: March 2021

We explored metal concentrations in wasps from 4 sites near Harare, Zimbabwe, on a 106 km west–east transect. We found elevated concentrations at 2 presumed-polluted sites (a platinum [Pt] mine and a known polluted lake) located near a metal-enriched geological feature (the Great Dyke). A site in urban Harare and a nature reserve served as reference. Only wasps from the 2 presumed-polluted sites had quantifiable Pt. For Cr, Ni, Mg, Se, Fe, Mn, and V, we report the highest concentrations in wasps yet published. Wasps from the presumed-polluted sites had significantly higher concentrations of most metals when compared with wasps from the reference sites, suggesting pollution as a source. Geology, however, differs between the sites. It is probable, therefore, that both geology and pollution contributed to the differences in metal concentrations. Because of its long and narrow dimensions (550 km long and 4–11 km wide), the Great Dyke offers opportunities for comparative studies. Because wasps form a complex part of the food web and ecology, studies on the transfer of metals to wasps' predators are needed, especially given that some birds specialize in feeding on hymenopterans. The rich diversity of wasps (>145 000 species worldwide) occupying multiple different trophic levels is a good indicator, and wasps have a rich potential to join other invertebrates as terrestrial indicators. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:1726–1739. © 2021 SETAC

Abstract

Wasps from presumed-polluted sites in Zimbabwe had significantly higher metal concentrations than reference wasps.
The effect of accidents on labor market outcomes: Evidence from Chile
Authors: Parro Francisco , Pohl R. Vincent
Published: March 2021

We estimate the causal effect of accidents on employment and earnings among Chilean men using event study methods and monthly administrative data. An accident of any type reduces the probability of being employed by 8.4 percentage points in the first year, by 11.2 percentage points in the second year, and by 14.8 percentage points in the third year after the accident. On average, over the three years after the accident, employment declines by 14%, relative to the pre‐accident mean. In addition, accidents reduce monthly earnings by around 11% in the first year, 17% in the second year, and 22% in the third year after the accident. On average, monthly earnings fall by 16%, relative to the pre‐accident average. Thus, we estimate persistent and increasing labor market effects of accidents over time. These effects vary by individuals' age, education, and industry and by severity of the accident. Our findings imply that the economic consequences of health shocks go beyond direct medical expenses.
Reconstruction of critical‐size segmental defects in rat femurs using carbonate apatite honeycomb scaffolds
Authors: Sakemi Yuta , Hayashi Koichiro , Tsuchiya Akira , Nakashima Yasuharu , Ishikawa Kunio
Published: March 2021

Critical‐size segmental defects are formidable challenges in orthopedic surgery. Various scaffolds have been developed to facilitate bone reconstruction within such defects. Many previously studied scaffolds achieved effective outcomes with a combination of high cost, high‐risk growth factors or stem cells. Herein, we developed honeycomb scaffolds (HCSs) comprising carbonate apatite (CO3Ap) containing 8% carbonate, identical to human bone composition. The CO3Ap HCSs were white‐columned blocks harboring regularly arranged macropore channels of a size and wall thickness of 156 ± 5 μm and 102 ± 10 μm, respectively. The compressive strengths of the HCSs parallel and perpendicular to the macropore channel direction were 51.0 ± 11.8 and 15.6 ± 2.2 MPa, respectively. The HCSs were grafted into critical‐sized segmental defects in rat femurs. The HCSs bore high‐load stresses without any observed breakage. Two‐weeks post‐implantation, calluses formed around the HCSs and immature bone formed in the HCS interior. The calluses and immature bone matured until 8 weeks via endochondral ossification. At 12 weeks post‐implantation, large parts of the HCSs were gradually replaced by newly formed bone. The bone reconstruction efficacy of the CO3Ap HCSs alone was comparable to that of protein and cell scaffolds, while achieving a lower cost and increased safety.
Growth, respiration and physicochemical changes during the maturation of cacao fruits
Authors: López‐Hernández Martha del Pilar , Criollo‐Núñez Jenifer , Jaramillo‐Barrios Camilo Ignacio , Lozano‐Tovar María Denis
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

Cacao is important for the economy of many countries in the humid tropics. Its quality is affected when fruits are not collected at the optimal harvest point. The aim of this study was to obtain maturity indices for producers to facilitate the timely harvest and improve the development of fermentation and the sensorial quality of cacao. The growth and respiration processes, and the physicochemical changes during the maturation of three cacao genotypes were determined. Physiological follow‐ups measuring fruit length and diameter were performed from 30 days after anthesis to fruit deterioration in the tree.

RESULTS

Growth equations were obtained, establishing four maturity stages based on days after anthesis, and fruit length and diameter. Nineteen descriptors were used for the characterization, and through Pearson's correlation and principal component analysis (PCA), five descriptors were identified as representative of the maturity stages of the cacao fruit. PCA results and respiration measurements established that stage 3 presented the highest substrate availability for obtaining good fermentation and quality cacao. This stage showed values between 124 and 197 days after anthesis with lengths between 167.7 and 249.73 mm, and diameters between 64.4 and 95.8 mm, according to the locality.

CONCLUSION

Three growth phases of the cacao fruits were established considering days after anthesis. Both the edaphoclimatic conditions and the cacao genotype characteristics influenced this determination. Stage 3 of fruit maturation shows the best physicochemical conditions for good fermentation. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Transvaginal Shear Wave Elastography for Assessment of Endometrial and Subendometrial Pathologies
Authors: Vora Zainab , Manchanda Smita , Sharma Raju , Das Chandan Jyoti , Hari Smriti , Mathur Sandeep , Kumar Sunesh , Kachhawa Garima , Khan Maroof Ahmad
Published: March 2021

Objective

To assess the role of shear wave elastography (SWE) in characterizing different endometrial and subendometrial pathologies.

Methods

Seventy‐three women with pathologically proven endometrial and subendometrial pathologies were enrolled in this prospective study and assessed with transvaginal SWE. The elasticity values (in kiloPascals), and the ratio of mean elasticity of the endometrial lesion to myometrial elasticity (E/M ratio) were compared in different pathologies.

Results

There was a statistically significant difference (P <.001) in the mean, minimum, and maximum elasticity of the pathologies as well as the E/M ratio (P <.00001). In the analysis of the subgroups, the mean elasticity of endometrial polyp was statistically significantly lower than other subgroups (P <.01), while submucosal leiomyoma and focal adenomyoma had significantly higher values than other subgroups (P <.01). No statistically significant difference was noted in the mean elasticity of carcinoma and hyperplasia (P‐.19).

Conclusion

SWE is a potential adjunct to ultrasound that provides an additional paradigm to characterize endometrial and subendometrial masses.
Rapid analytical methods for the microalgal and cyanobacterial biorefinery: Application on strains of industrial importance
Authors: Palmer Joseph S. , Lawton Linda A. , Kindt Rocky , Edwards Christine
Published: March 2021

To realize the potential of microalgae in the biorefinery context, exploitation of multiple products is necessary for profitability and bioproduct valorization. Appropriate analytical tools are required for growth optimization, culture monitoring, and quality control purposes, with safe, low‐tech, and low‐cost solutions favorable. Rapid, high‐throughput, and user‐friendly methodologies were devised for (a) determination of phycobiliproteins, chlorophylls, carotenoids, proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids and (b) qualitative and quantitative carotenoid profiling using UPLC‐PDA‐MSE. The complementary methods were applied on 11 commercially important microalgal strains including prasinophytes, haptophytes, and cyanobacteria, highlighting the suitability of some strains for coproduct exploitation and the method utility for research and industrial biotechnology applications. The UPLC method allowed separation of 41 different carotenoid compounds in <15 min. Simple techniques are described for further quantification and comparison of pigment profiles, allowing for easy strain selection and optimization for pigment production, with suitability for biotechnological or biomedical applications.
Für die Raffinerie der Zukunft
Authors: Niebler Sandra , Wollschläger Jürgen
Published: March 2021

Das erste Reallabor des Bundeswirtschaftsministeriums fokussiert auf Wasserstofftechniken. Die Raffinerie Heide in Hemmingstedt baut dafür eine 30‐Megawatt‐Elektrolyseanlage.
Synthetisieren auf Quantenebene
Authors: Köster Hendrik , Stadler Daniel
Published: March 2021

Quantencomputer entwickeln neue Moleküle und simulieren komplexe Vorgänge. Was Quantencomputing noch kann, wie es funktioniert und warum nicht jedes Unternehmen seine eigene Rechenmaschine braucht, um die Technik zu nutzen.
Modellexperimente zu einem bakteriellen Plagegeist
Authors: Ducci Matthias
Published: March 2021

Der Grund für Gastritis und Magengeschwüre kann die Besiedelung der Magenschleimhaut mit Helicobacter pylori sein. Wie schafft es das Bakterium, in dieser sauren Umgebung zu überleben? Neue Modellexperimente mit Alginatbällchen machen die Prozesse um das Bakterium für Schüler:innen nachvollziehbar.
Was Schwämme alles können
Authors: Groß Michael
Published: March 2021

Die am Meeresboden weitverbreiteten Schwämme (Porifera) gelten als die primitivste Klasse der mehrzelligen Tiere. Dennoch vollbringen sie erstaunliche Dinge, stellen etwa Glasfasern bei Normaltemperatur her und beherbergen bestimmte Mikroorganismen. Auch als Bioindikatoren für die Wasserqualität und als Sammler von DNA‐Proben können sie uns nützen.
Medizin, Mobilität und Meer
Authors: Bulmahn Maren
Published: March 2021

Wettbewerb zu regionalen Clustern aus Hochschulen, Forschungseinrichtungen und Unternehmen: Die Gewinner sind benannt.
Vorstandssitzung
Authors: Koch Wolfram
Published: March 2021

Bericht über die Sitzung des GDCh‐Vorstands am 1. Dezember 2020
Erstmalige Beobachtung des CNO‐Zyklus
Authors: Zuber Kai
Published: March 2021

Die Energieerzeugung in der Sonne und den Sternen wird schon seit weit über hundert Jahren diskutiert. Erst Carl Friedrich von Weizsäcker und Hans Bethe identifizierten die Kernfusion als Energiequelle. Heute wissen wir, dass die Sonne mit der Proton‐Proton‐Fusionskette den größten Teil ihrer Energie produziert, während der Bethe‐Weizsäcker‐ oder CNO‐Zyklus eine untergeordnete Rolle spielt. Er wird aber bei Sternen mit Zentraltemperaturen von mehr als 15 bis 16 Millionen Kelvin zunehmend dominant. Mit der ersten Messung von solaren Neutrinos Ende der 1960er‐Jahre gelang der Nachweis des pp‐Prozesses. Es brauchte ein weiteres halbes Jahrhundert, bis mit dem Neutrinodetektor Borexino auch der Nachweis des CNO‐Zyklus gelang.