bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Feeding Albino Rats with Acha-Orange Fleshed Sweet Potato Blends on the Blood Glucose Level and Hematological Parameters
Authors: Ayo Adekunle Jerome , Ibrahim Ajibola Nihmot , Luka Jerry Kyankun
Published: June 2022

Aims: To investigate the health and the physiological status of farm animals.

Study Design: We formulated seven (7) samples from ACHA and orange-fleshed sweet potato mixture with two (2) samples serving as control.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Federal University Wukari between February 2022 and May 2022.

Methodology: The orange fleshed sweet potato flour was mixed with ACHA flour separately at different proportions (100:0, 95:5, 90:10, 85:15, 80:20, 75:25 and 0:100) while one hundred percent (100%) acha flour and orange-fleshed sweet potato was used as the control. Bone meal (10%), blood meal (10%) and salt (5%) were added to each sample. The albino rats were kept in a cage in five (5) segments, and the blends were fed to the rats for 21 days and 100g of the formulated feed were weighed into plates in each segment. The daily weight of the albino rats was measured. Evaluated bioassay parameters including feed and water intake, and body weight. Hematological properties including hemoglobin, red blood cell, white blood cell, mean cellular volume, mean cellular hemoglobin, and mean cellular hemoglobin concentration of the albino rats were also measured.

Results: The result of feed intake/weight gain revealed that the rats fed with 0% OFSP showed the highest values for 21 days. The kidney, liver and heart weight of the albino rats decreased from1.23 to 1.05, 5.65 to 2.65 and 1.28 to 0.23g, respectively, while the carcass increased from 104.55 to 111.55g upon OFSP substitution.

Conclusion: The result of this study revealed that locally available food commodities such as ACHA and orange fleshed sweet potato can be utilized to produce a protein-rich complementary food capable of combating malnutrition among children. A protein and carbohydrate-rich weaning food comparable to commercial weaning food (cerelac) can be strategically formulated from the blends of ACHA and orange-fleshed sweet potato (75:25).
Land Use and Land Cover Change Detection in East Godavari District, India (2002-2020)
Authors: Lakshmi Y. Naga , Paul Ekta , Deekshithulu N. V. Gowtham
Published: June 2022

Land Use Land Cover (LULC) dynamics must be monitored and mapped because changes in land cover reflect the state of the ecosystem and provide a clear picture of optimal natural resource utilization. The goal of this study was to use Remote Sensing and Geographical Information System techniques to classify and map LULC in the study area. This research is divided into two sections: (1) LULC classification and (2) Accuracy assessment. Between the years 2002 and 2020, satellite remote sensing data was acquired from the United States Geological Survey and analyzed using Arc GIS 10.1 software. The study region was divided into six major LULC types: agricultural land, built up area, barren land, forest and sediment using the likelihood classified approach and quantifying the changes throughout the time period indicated. According to the findings, Settlement area increased from 1.22 % in 2002 to 10.8 % in 2020, barren land increased from 7.58 % to 12.96 % in the same period, agricultural area decreased from 21.83 % in 2002 to 18.53 % in 2020, and forest cover decreased from 8.9 % to 2% in the same period, according to the findings. In the years 2002 and 2020, overall efficiency was 77.61 % and 73 %, respectively. In the years 2002 and 2020, the kappa coefficient was 0.67 and 0.66, respectively. Significant land cover change occurred throughout the research period as a result of increased settlement area and aquaculture land, and these changes in land cover led to forest and agricultural land degradation.
Evaluation of Agricultural Projects and Extension Services of the Bayelsa State Agricultural Development Programme (ADP)
Authors: Wauton E. O. , Odinwa A. B. , Ekeogu C. O.
Published: June 2022

The study evaluated the agricultural projects and extension services of the Bayelsa State Agricultural Development Programme. Three specific objectives and hypotheses were developed to guide the study. A descriptive survey design was employed to observe a cross-section of the population of the farmers in the three ADP zones, in Bayelsa State. Both purposive and proportionate sampling techniques were used to select two hundred and fifty – four (254) registered farmers for the study. Descriptive statistics such as percentage, arithmetic, and weighted mean scores were used, while inferential statistics - Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to test the hypotheses at a 0.05% level of probability. The findings showed that agricultural projects carried out in Bayelsa State within the past five years were: Fish farming (GM = 3.18), cropping practices of most crops (GM = 2.97), poultry production (GM = 2.71), seed multiplication/Yam minisette technology (GM = 2.70) and snail farming (GM = 2.59), among others. The findings also cataloged the agro projects that have not been carried out in the area including Yam bag technology (GM = 1.83), Goat/sheep farming (GM = 1.94), Grasscutter/Rabbit farming (GM = 1.80), processing of tubers/grains/plantains into flour and farmers' cooperative formation with an equal grand mean (GM = 2.32), among others. The result indicated that only: Fish farming (GM = 2.89), organic farming (GM = 2.76), poultry production (GM = 2.70), cropping practices of few crops, and snail farming with a marching grand mean (GM = 2.66) had high adoption rate in the study area. Finally, the findings showed that: Lack of insurance practices by farmers (GM = 3.68), when the farmers are not involved in the planning of the project (GM = 3.50), weak government policies/leap services in agriculture (GM = 3.30), when the projects are not guided by the needs of farmers (GM = 3.23), inadequate agricultural credits (GM = 3.14), lack of incentives for farmers (GM = 3.13) and when projects are gender-specific (GM = 3.10), among many other factors add up to the most serious challenges in adopting agricultural projects in Bayelsa State. All the ANOVA results in this study showed that the views of the registered farmers on the agricultural projects carried out by ADP in the past five years did not differ significantly among the three ADP zones in Bayelsa State at a P > 0.05 significant level. The study, therefore, recommended among others that: Agricultural Development Project (ADP) should beef up its extension package and extend worthwhile services to the farmers in their zones; Engagement of qualified Extension Agents in the Ministry of Agriculture with a clear mandate to assist the farm families to grow should be emphasized in Bayelsa State, and Registered farmers should be formed into cooperative groups and be involved in planning agricultural programs that concern them.
Effect of Seed Priming as Pre-Treatment Factors on Germination and Seedling Vigour of Tomato
Authors: Ray Jui , Bordolui Sanjoy Kumar
Published: June 2022

This study investigated the germination and seedling vigour of tomato seeds cultivar BCT-25 under different priming treatments with the objective of enhancing the crop establishment under field conditions. We primed seeds with Moringa leaf extract for 18 hours; 1% NaCl for 36 hours; 10% Polyethylene glycol (PEG) for 12 hours; 100 ppm GA3, 5% KNO3 (under dark condition) and 1000 ppm Thiourea for 24 hours; distilled water for 12 hours; 2% KH2PO4 and 93 ppm NAA (at 4°C) for 6 hours and the control (T0). All the treatments improved the seed germination and seedling vigour; however, we found the highest vigour from hydro priming followed by KH2PO4 in both years in contrast with the minimum vigour index from T0. The highest mean germination percentage was found with hydro priming (T7) followed by T8, T1, T2, T3 during both years, while the lowest average germination percentage was recorded for T0. The highest magnitude of seedling emergence under field conditions was recorded with hydro priming, i.e., 89.67% in first and 86.67% in second year followed by T8, T1, T2 while it was lowest for T0 under laboratory condition. Hydro priming had the highest field vigour indexes than all other treatments. Hydro-priming and KH2PO4 had the best performance than other priming treatments. But, in some cases the hydro-priming and KH2PO4 were similar in both laboratory and field condition. We concluded that during the initial stage of plant growth hydro-priming and KH2PO4 had the best responses than other priming treatments.
Influence of Substrate on Germination and Fruiting of Tomatoes
Authors: Salkić Ensar , Salkić Besim , Pašalić Almedina , Salkić Azra
Published: June 2022

The production of tomatoes from seedlings is safer, fruiting and harvesting occur earlier, and due to the more uniform distribution of plants in the field, the fruits formed are larger and more uniform. Various substrates from own production and substrates from industrial production are used for cultivation.

The research was conducted in a greenhouse, at the location of Gornji Lukavac, Gradačac.

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of different substrates on germination, vegetative growth and yield of tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum).

For the purposes of this research, four nutrient substrates were used: Potgrond H, own compost, sand-soil mixture in a ratio of 1: 1, and lumbri humus.

The research was conducted during 2021.

The seeds first germinated in the soil substrate: sand (1: 1), the best marketable fruits were on lumbra humus.
Cooking Pots: A Source of Heavy Metal Contamination of Food and Water
Authors: Ollor O. A. , Awa J. O. , Aleru C. P. , Agi V. N. , Wachukwu C. K.
Published: June 2022

Introduction: Certain kitchen utensils used for food preparation can present significant risk because they are manufactured with materials such as aluminum, stainless steel and enamel that can be hazardous or contaminate food when heated.

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the microbial and heavy metals found in leachates from some cooking utensils subjected to heating.

Methodology: A total of four aluminum and stainless steel cooking pots were used and seven hundred and fifty (750) millilitres of tap water was boiled for 15 minutes to 30 minutes in each of the pots at boiling point of 100°C. The analyses of the water samples for bacteria were carried out using the conventional standard procedures of isolating and identifying bacteria. The physicochemical parameters were quantified with the APHA method whereas the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) was used for the determination of heavy metals.

Results: The results showed that Pseudomonas spp and Staphylococcus spp were isolated from some of the water samples that were not boiled while the boiled water showed no bacteria growth. The physicochemical parameters of the water samples before boiling were pH 5.36 to 7.41, temperature 30.7°C to 31.0°C, turbidity 0.04 to 1.41NTU, total dissolve solids 50.0 to 114.9 mg/l and others, while the presence of heavy metals such as Lead (Pb), Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe), Cadmium (Cd) and Chromium (Cr) were detected in leachates from the pots subjected to heating. The values obtained were higher in leachates from pots that were heated for longer period. The oldest pot of thirty (30) years had a value of 0.0175±0.0007 mg/l to 0.0275±0.0021 mg/l for Zn while the value for Cd was 0.1110±0.0014 to 0.1245±0.0007 mg/l and the values for the newest pot was 0.0505±0.0021 to 0.0775±0.0035 mg/l for Pb and 0.0455±0.0248 mg/l to 0.0515±0.0191 mg/l for Cr.

Conclusion: Cadmium values in all the pots exceeded the control and World Health Organization (WHO) recommended values. It may be concluded that heavy metals leached out into water and food from some pots when heated for longer periods and this may become one source of exposure of heavy metals into the human body that may bioaccumulate to create health problems.
Evaluation of Coronary Stent Expansion during Percutaneous Coronary Interventions Using Stent Boost Visualization in Comparison with Intravascular Ultrasound
Authors: Omran Omran Mohamed , Sherif Mohammed Hamed , Saied Ekram Sadek , El-Ashmawy Medhat Mohamed , El-guindy Amr Dawood , El-den Samia Mahmoud Sharaf
Published: June 2022

Background: Even in the era of drug-eluting stents, underexpansion of coronary stents remains a prominent cause of in-stent thrombosis and restenosis in patients having percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). The aim of this work was to evaluate the value of using stent boost (SB) to detect stent under expansion (UE) by comparing this method to the gold-standard method of measurement by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS).

Methods: This prospective observational cross-sectional research enrolled 21 cases with chronic coronary artery disease who had elective PCI with IVUS and SB. Every patient was exposed to full history taking, full clinical examination and echocardiography. Pre-stenting IVUS was done to assess lesion characteristics, vessel measurements specifically distal reference lumen diameter and area (distal RLD, RLA) and to assess the size of the needed stent. SB image was obtained helped by the deflated balloon of the immediately deployed stent. IVUS was introduced post-stenting to obviate any hidden complication as well as to assess stent measurements of minimal stent diameter and area (MSD, MSA), hence, identify the group of patients with stent UE for which subsequent high pressure balloon dilatation was done. Post-procedure off-line processing of SB and QCA images to evaluate the presence of UE by both modalities.

Results: SB showed good agreement to IVUS regarding MSD which became optimal agreement when done for Xience Xpedition stent (as the commonly used stent in our study).  SB was able to detect optimal expansion compared to IVUS with 100% sensitivity and 33.33% specificity (p =0.005, AUC=0.808) at cut-off value criteria of MSD/distal RLD of 70%. The specificity increased to 66.67% when the cut-off value criteria of MSD/distal RLD was 76%. There was less agreement between QCA and IVUS.

Conclusions: Stent boost showed good agreement to IVUS regarding MSD which became optimal agreement when done for Xience Xpedition stent (as the commonly used stent in our study). SB was able to detect optimal expansion compared to IVUS with 100% sensitivity and Expedition 66.67% specificity (p =0.005, AUC=0.808) at MSD/distal RLD of 76% as a cut-off value criteria.
Challenges of a School in Teaching and Learning: A Grounded Theory
Authors: Nebrida Jimmy Adora , Amor Ghilson B. , Mazorca Robin G. , Nacional Ritchell B. , Villas Jonas P.
Published: June 2022

Education amidst COVID 19 was a big challenge faced by the government as It challenges the educational system in terms of financial, technological, and emotional constraints faced by the administrators, teachers, and students. This study was able to identify the challenges of teachers and students in teaching and learning, as well as how these challenges are addressed with solutions in the context of the new normal. The study made use of a qualitative research design to gather in-depth insights about the problem and generate new ideas for research. Theoretical sampling is used as prescribed for grounded theory. It identifies the participants which allow a theory to emerge and supports the conducting of interviews with an initial interview from the school principal until saturation is achieved. The results of the study showed that the school recognizes the challenges like teachers’ complaints, insufficiency of the number of employees in school, accountability of school’s properties, current principal’s role, the new normal situation, constraints of school activities, transportation issues, limitation of transaction in school, issues of onsite monitoring, choice of modality, the safety of parents and teachers, and coordination with the barangay officials. In addition, challenges for teachers are teaching delivery and strategies, assurance of students’ learning, poor internet connectivity, the authenticity of assessment, and the safety of teachers and parents. The teachers also observed the issues faced by the students such as parental support, inability to meet the resources needed for learning, modality issues, adjustment to the new normal way of education, and failure of producing outputs on target dates. The school responded with solutions like collaboration among staff, good and strong relationships with different stakeholders, and transformational leadership of the principal. The mechanism utilized in addressing the challenges faced is a learning continuity plan, an agreed choice of modality, and capacity building program.
Credibility of Expert Witnesses
Authors: Langham David , Eskay-Auerbach Marjorie
Published: June 2022

Credibility of expert witnesses is essential. It is important that medical experts do not incorrectly assume that administrative law judges are their audience. Instead, it should be noted that most disputes will be resolved between the parties and their representatives. When providing opinions, experts are well-served by understanding the audience as much as practical. The best advice for experts rendering opinions is to remain true to the questions posed and follow the scientific method.
4D Metamaterials with Zero Poisson's Ratio, Shape Recovery, and Energy Absorption Features
Authors: Hamzehei Ramin , Serjouei Ahmad , Wu Nan , Zolfagharian Ali , Bodaghi Mahdi
Published: June 2022

This article introduces novel 3D zero Poisson's ratio (ZPR) metamaterials for reversible energy absorption applications fabricated by 4D printing technology. The designs are introduced based on piecemeal energy absorption (PEA) and conventional energy absorption (CEA) approaches. Topologically, the design of the 3D metamaterials is founded on star‐shaped unit cells herein. To achieve the PEA behavior, horizontal bars are merged into the parent star‐shaped unit cell. This leads to introducing multistiffness unit cells (controllable unit‐cell densifications) to provide stability and different peak force levels during compression. For further evaluation, finite element analysis (FEA) is employed. To illustrate the design functions during physical operation and validate the FEA, lattice‐based metamaterials are fabricated from resin with a shape recovery property by an SLA 3D printer and tested mechanically. Close coincidence is observed between the FEA and the experiments, showing the accuracy of the modeling. A thermal test, via a heating–cooling process, is also carried out to display the shape recovery capability of metamaterials where plastic deformations are fully released, and samples get back to their original shapes. Finally, the newly proposed ZPRs are compared with conventional 3D reentrant metamaterials in terms of energy absorption capacity, demonstrating their considerable mechanical performances.
Unprecedented Multifunctionality in 1D Nb1‐xTaxS3 Transition Metal Trichalcogenide Alloy
Authors: Hemmat Zahra , Ahmadiparidari Alireza , Wang Shuxi , Kumar Khagesh , Zepeda Michael , Zhang Chengji , Dandu Naveen , Rastegar Sina , Majidi Leily , Jaradat Ahmad , Ngo Anh , Thornton Katsuyo , Curtiss Larry A. , Cabana Jordi , Huang Zhehao , Salehi‐Khojin Amin
Published: June 2022

1D materials, such as nanofibers or nanoribbons are considered as the future ultimate limit of downscaling for modern electrical and electrochemical devices. Here, for the first time, nanofibers of a solid solution transition metal trichalcogenide (TMTC), Nb1‐xTaxS3, are successfully synthesized with outstanding electrical, thermal, and electrochemical characteristics rivaling the performance of the‐state‐of‐the art materials for each application. This material shows nearly unchanged sheet resistance (≈740 Ω sq−1) versus bending cycles tested up to 90 cycles, stable sheet resistance in ambient conditions tested up to 60 days, remarkably high electrical breakdown current density of ≈30 MA cm−2, strong evidence of successive charge density wave transitions, and outstanding thermal stability up to ≈800 K. Additionally, this material demonstrates excellent activity and selectivity for CO2 conversion to CO reaching ≈350 mA cm−2 at −0.8 V versus RHE with a turnover frequency number of 25. It also exhibits an excellent performance in a high‐rate Li–air battery with the specific capacity of 3000 mAh g−1 at a current density of 0.3 mA cm−2. This study uncovers the multifunctionality in 1D TMTC alloys for a wide range of applications and opens a new direction for the design of the next generation low‐dimensional materials.
A Graph‐Based Lithium‐Ion Battery Parameter Estimation Approach to Produce Diverse Synthetic Data
Authors: Channegowda Janamejaya , Lachappa Yugendra Gowda , Jagwani Shefali
Published: June 2022

Energy dense lithium‐ion batteries are extensively used in all portable electronic devices and in electric vehicles as well. State‐of‐charge estimation of these batteries has been of considerable commercial interest as this key metric can be construed as the available range in electric vehicles. State‐of‐charge is also important to ascertain the remaining usage time in battery powered devices. In this paper a graph neural network‐based approach is employed to estimate key battery parameters such as, voltage, battery capacity, etc. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first paper to employ a graph‐based approach to improve battery estimates. The pairwise interdependencies within the battery dataset are exploited to provide better battery estimates. The graph‐based approach is compared with related statistical methods to highlight the effectiveness of this approach.
Interlayer‐Incorporation of MoS2 (TM‐MoS2) to Achieve Unique Magnetic and Electronic Properties for Spintronics
Authors: Bai Haoyun , Wu Qingyun , Ai Haoqiang , Liu Di , Feng Jinxian , Ang Lay Kee , Lu Yunhao , Yang Ming , Pan Hui
Published: June 2022

The multi‐layer 2D materials have attracted increasing interest because the intriguing properties can be achieved by various strategies, such as incorporating ions into the interlayer, turning angles between two layers, and applying strain, which may lead to wide applications in catalysis, ion‐batteries, superconductors, and nanodevices. In this work, there is a proposal to tune the electronic and magnetic properties of MoS2 bilayer for spintronics by incorporating transition‐metal elements into its interlayer (denoted as TM‐MoS2) based on the density‐functional theory (DFT) calculations. It is shown that TM‐MoS2 is thermodynamically stable and can be achieved due to low incorporation energy. It is found that n‐type doping or intrinsic semiconducting can be realized in MoS2 bilayer by controlling the incorporated transition‐metal atoms, accompanied with a rich variety of magnetic orderings. It is further shown that the electronic and magnetic properties of TM‐MoS2 can be substantially tuned by applying compression. Finally, it is demonstrated that the systems can be used as a spin filter, as supported by the spin‐polarized transport calculation. The findings illustrate that the physical properties of layered materials can be controlled by simple interlayer incorporation and shed light on the application of TM‐MoS2 as a fundamental building block for nanoelectronics and spintronics.
Flexure Variable Stiffness Actuators
Authors: Giraud Frederic H. , Mete Mustafa , Paik Jamie
Published: June 2022

Series elastic actuators (SEAs) and variable elastic actuators (VSAs) provide shock resistance, energy storage, and stable force control. However, they usually require extra springs, mechanical parts, and transmissions, increasing size, weight, number of moving parts, and reducing the mechanical efficiency. In particular, this mechanical complexity is one of the significant challenges in the design of wearable and scalable force feedback devices. In this article, flexure variable stiffness actuators (F‐VSAs), which combine kinematic transmission, elasticity, and stiffness modulation via a network of folding patterns using flexure hinges, are presented. Thus, F‐VSAs allow the creation of robots benefiting from the advantages of SEAs and VSAs without hindering form factor or mechanical efficiency. To illustrate the design strategy of F‐VSAs, a 4‐design‐of‐freedom (DoF) robot that provides stiffness and force output is presented. An analytical model that estimates the inherent stiffness and the end‐effector force output for any given configuration of the folding pattern is proposed. Finally, stiffness modulation and force control of the robot are implemented and good agreement with the predictions from the model is observed. Thus, this novel design strategy allows the creation of compact and scalable robots with stiffness and force output for wearable, rehabilitation, and haptic applications.
Monolithically Assembled 3D Soft Transformable Robot
Authors: Hwang Jae Hyuk , Shin Jeehae , Han Jiseok , Choi Yong-Seok , Park Sungmin , Kim Yun Ho , Kim Yong Seok , Kang Hong Suk , Kim Dong-Gyun , Lee Jong-Chan
Published: June 2022

With the growing demand for soft robots capable of various degrees of locomotion based on reversibly actuating liquid crystalline networks (LCNs), the fabrication of complex 3D architectures from 2D LCN films via shape reconfiguration and/or assembly techniques are studied recently. However, once a system is formed and fixed into a specific 3D structure, only certain movements can be implemented using the fixed structure, and disassembly into the original 2D films is challenging. Therefore, studies to overcome this irreversible fabrication process become increasingly important. Herein, an effective and simple preparation of static and dynamic covalent dual‐cross‐linked, photo‐controllable LCN (pc‐LCN) films as building blocks for lego‐like, monolithically assembled 3D soft transformable robots is presented. By tailoring the static and dynamic covalent linkages in the networks, pc‐LCN films can be readily reconfigured and assembled into complex 3D structures under ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. Such monoliths can also be disassembled into their constituent building block films and reassembled into different architectures under the same UV stimulation. Moreover, by adopting selective visible‐light‐responsive dopant dyes to actuate pc‐LCN building blocks, 3D soft transformable robots with versatile motion capabilities, including rolling, gripping, and cargo transport in multiple directions, are demonstrated.
Evolutionary Learning of Binary Neural Network Using a TaOxMemristor via Stochastic Stateful Logic
Authors: Kim Do Hoon , Kim Young Seok , Cheong Woon Hyung , Song Hanchan , Rhee Hakseung , Kay Sooyeon Narie , Han Jin-Woo , Kim Kyung Min
Published: June 2022

Memristive stateful logic for Boolean computers and memristive neural networks for neuromorphic computers are two distinct emerging applications enabled by memristors in future computing. Interestingly, they both utilize an identical crossbar array platform, suggesting their simultaneous implementation is possible. Herein, a new methodology combining the two technologies to create synergy in neuromorphic computing is proposed. A genetic algorithm in the memristive neural network is introduced, where the stochastic stateful logic realizes the required mutation and crossover operators. Under optimized genetic evolution conditions with the fittest selection algorithm, without any backpropagation circuits, the modified national institute of standards and technology dataset recognition accuracy of 90.1% for a 784 × 100 size network is anticipated, which is comparable to 93.9% accuracy using a conventional deep neural network.
Exploring biocultural determinants of intestinal health: Do resource access and parasite exposure contribute to intestinal inflammation among a preliminary sample of children in rural Mississippi?
Authors: Cepon‐Robins Tara J. , Mallott Elizabeth K. , Recca Isabella C. , Gildner Theresa E.
Published: June 2022

Objectives

Biocultural perspectives combining methods and theories from biological and cultural anthropology are needed to better understand socioeconomic and race‐based health inequities in the United States. For example, the developmental trajectories of gastrointestinal health disparities based on embodied (i.e., internalized) inequities in resource access and environmental pathogen exposure are poorly understood. Here, we present a preliminary exploration of these relationships among 20 children (aged 3–14 years) from 12 families living in a low‐resource, predominantly Black, rural Mississippi community.

Methods

Relationships between fecal calprotectin levels (FC; biomarker of intestinal inflammation measured from stool samples), BMI‐for‐age/Height‐for‐age z‐scores (calculated from standard anthropometric measures), household income/size (from parent interviews), and parasitic worm (helminth) infection status (detected in stool samples by 18 s rRNA gene amplification/sequencing) were tested using bootstrap linear regression and ANOVA/ANCOVA tests.

Results

About 80% of sampled children had clinically elevated FC (> 50 μg/g). BMI z‐scores (95%CI = −154.63; −7.34) and household income (95%CI = −135.90; −16.44) were negatively associated with FC levels. Household size was positively associated with FC levels (95%CI = 4.65, 101.61). Helminth infections were detected (n = 6), with positive associations between infection and the FC level (p < 0.05) that were likely driven by two infected children with very high FC levels.

Conclusion

The high levels of intestinal inflammation in this small sample of children suggest that gastrointestinal health disparities may appear in childhood. We explore how these disparities may be related to inequities in environmental exposures, nutritional and socioeconomic status, and barriers to medical care and resource access.
Tiny Titans: Nanobodies as Powerful Tools for TR‐FRET Assay Development
Authors: Connor Payne N. , Mazitschek Ralph
Published: June 2022

Owing to their exceptional sensitivity and specificity, assays based on time‐resolved Förster resonance energy transfer (TR‐FRET) have become increasingly popular in biomedical research. TR‐FRET assays are highly versatile and compatible with complex biological environments. However, the paucity of straightforward strategies for the selective installation of TR‐FRET donor fluorophores on target proteins, which is a critical requirement for most assay designs, has limited the potential and adaptation of this powerful technology. To address this issue, we have developed a versatile toolbox strategy based on CoraFluor‐1‐functionalized nanobodies. The target‐agnostic modular design simplifies the TR‐FRET donor‐labeling of epitope tags, fluorescent proteins and primary antibodies, including their use with endogenous proteins in lysates. Our strategy, which we extend to enable the seamless adaptation of split‐luciferase systems for TR‐FRET approaches, greatly facilitates the development and design of TR‐FRET assays for both target engagement studies and the quantification of proteins of interest with sub‐nanomolar sensitivity.
Thermal safety and thermal management of batteries
Authors: Rao Zhonghao , Lyu Peizhao , Du Peixing , He Deqing , Huo Yutao , Liu Chenzhen
Published: June 2022

Electrochemical energy storage is one of the critical technologies for energy storage, which is important for high‐efficiency utilization of renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions. In addition to the higher energy density requirements, safety is also an essential factor for developing electrochemical energy storage technologies. Lithium‐ion batteries (Li‐ion batteries) are commercialized as power batteries in electric vehicles (EVs) because of their advantages (such as high energy density, long life span, etc.), while for future electrochemical energy storage markets, lithium–sulfur (Li–S) and lithium–air (Li–air) batteries can be promising candidates for high energy density requirements. Therefore, this paper summarizes the present or potential thermal hazard issues of lithium batteries (Li‐ion, Li–S, and Li–air batteries). Moreover, the corresponding solutions are proposed to further improve the thermal safety performance of electrochemical energy storage technologies.
A Nafion protective layer for stabilizing lithium metal anodes in working lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Li Zheng , Hou Li‐Peng , Zhang Xue‐Qiang , Li Bo‐Quan , Huang Jia‐Qi , Chen Cheng‐Meng , Liu Quan‐Bing , Xiang Rong , Zhang Qiang
Published: June 2022

Lithium–sulfur batteries are promising next‐generation energy storage devices due to their ultrahigh theoretical energy density. However, the parasitic reactions between lithium polysulfides and lithium metal anodes render lithium anodes extremely unstable during cycling and result in limited lifespan of working lithium–sulfur batteries. Herein, a Nafion protective layer is fabricated for stabilizing lithium metal anodes in working lithium–sulfur batteries. The Nafion protective layer eliminates the parasitic reactions between lithium polysulfides and lithium metal anodes. Accordingly, the cycling lifespan of lithium–sulfur batteries is doubled to 92 cycles with the Nafion protective layer using high‐sulfur‐loading cathodes and ultrathin lithium metal anodes. This study describes an effective Nafion protective layer for stabilizing lithium metal anodes and provides a possible avenue for further protective layer design for achieving long‐cycling practical lithium–sulfur batteries.
Thermodynamic and kinetic insights for regulating molecular orientation in nonfullerene all‐small‐molecule solar cells
Authors: Liu Jiangang , Lu Haodong , Yin Yukai , Wang Kang , Wei Puxin , Song Chunpeng , Miao Zongcheng , Liang Qiuju
Published: June 2022

The molecular orientation has a profound influence on the performance of organic solar cells. Both donor and acceptor adopt face‐on orientation guarantees efficient exciton dissociation and charge transport, which is a key to achieving high device performance. However, the molecules usually adopt edge‐on orientation in some blend systems, take small molecules based on an oligothiophene (DRCN5T): fused‐ring electron acceptor based on indacenodithieno[3,2‐b]‐thiophene core and thienyl side‐chains (ITIC‐Th) blend, for instance, the orientation of DRCN5T is edge‐on, which is detrimental to the photophysical process of the device. Herein, a solid additive strategy, that is, adding N2200 as a nucleus for DRCN5T, was proposed, which combined the nucleation process with molecular diffusivity, thus realizing the orientation transformation of DRCN5T from edge‐on to face‐on. Consequently, the device performance was significantly improved, and a clear relationship between molecular orientation and energy loss/biomolecular recombination was established. More importantly, this study revealed not only the thermodynamic factors, including the crystallinity of solid additive, the lattice matching degree, and miscibility between DRCN5T and solid additive but also the kinetic parameter, such as the diffusivity of DRCN5T are very important to efficiently regulate the molecular orientation. Overall, this study presents the in‐depth mechanism of orientation transformation via adding solid additives, which may provide a guideline for solid additive choices.
Generation of Photocaged Nanobodies for Intracellular Applications in an Animal Using Genetic Code Expansion and Computationally Guided Protein Engineering**
Authors: O'Shea Jack M. , Goutou Angeliki , Brydon Jack , Sethna Cyrus R. , Wood Christopher W. , Greiss Sebastian
Published: June 2022

Nanobodies are becoming increasingly popular as tools for manipulating and visualising proteins in vivo. The ability to control nanobody/antigen interactions using light could provide precise spatiotemporal control over protein function. We develop a general approach to engineer photo‐activatable nanobodies using photocaged amino acids that are introduced into the target binding interface by genetic code expansion. Guided by computational alanine scanning and molecular dynamics simulations, we tune nanobody/target binding affinity to eliminate binding before uncaging. Upon photo‐activation using 365 nm light, binding is restored. We use this approach to generate improved photocaged variants of two anti‐GFP nanobodies that function robustly when directly expressed in a complex intracellular environment together with their antigen. We apply them to control subcellular protein localisation in the nematode worm Caenorhabditis elegans. Our approach applies predictions derived from computational modelling directly in a living animal and demonstrates the importance of accounting for in vivo effects on protein‐protein interactions.
Carbon‐encapsulated anionic‐defective MnO/Ni open microcages: A hierarchical stress‐release engineering for superior lithium storage
Authors: Lin Jia , Peng Yingying , Reddy Reddivari Chenna Krishna , Zeb Akif , Lin Xiaoming , Sun Yan‐Hui
Published: June 2022

Rational manipulation of multicomponent materials into a sophisticated architecture is a prerequisite for developing lithium‐ion batteries. However, mechanical diffusion‐induced strain accumulation leads to sluggish diffusion kinetics and anomalous structure instability, further resulting in inferior long‐term cyclability and rate performance. Herein, the von Mises stress distribution on open microcages composed of secondary nanoparticles (OCNs) is mechanically investigated by finite element simulation, which elucidates the pronounced stress‐release effect on OCNs architecture. Afterward, a facile metal–organic framework‐derived methodology is proposed for constructing multihierarchical carbon‐encapsulated oxygen vacancy‐enriched MnO/Ni OCNs (OV‐MnO/Ni OCNs). Due to structural and compositional integration, the OV‐MnO/Ni OCNs achieve extraordinary lithium storage performance with excellent reversible capacity (1905.1 mAh g−1 at 0.2 A g−1), ultrahigh cycling stability (1653.5 mAh g−1 at 2 A g−1 up to 600 cycles), and considerable rate capability (463.3 mAh g−1 even at 10 A g−1). The primary lithium storage mechanisms are further systematically determined by experimental and theoretical investigations. The enriched oxygen vacancies, metallic Ni configuration, and N‐doped carbonaceous matrix provide more active sites, construct omnidirectional diffusion pathways, suppress volume expansion, and boost electronic conductivity, thus yielding an exceptional diffusivity coefficient and expedited electrochemical kinetics. This study offers profound insights for the elaborate design of multicompositional electrodes into a mechanical stress‐release structure toward advanced energy storage application and development.
Spectroscopic, Crystallographic, and Electrochemical Study of Different Manganese(II)‐Substituted Keggin‐Type Phosphomolybdates
Authors: Raabe Jan‐Christian , Albert Jakob , Poller Maximilian J.
Published: June 2022

Adjusting the RedOx activity of polyoxometalate catalysts is a key challenge for the catalysis of selective oxidation reactions. For this purpose, the possibility of influencing the RedOx potential by the introduction of an additional RedOx‐active element was investigated. Thereby, Keggin‐type polyoxometalates (POMs) with up to three different elements in the metal framework were created. An advanced and reproducible synthetic procedure to incorporate MnII and additionally VV into Keggin‐type heteropolyacids alongside comprehensive characterization of the new molecules is presented. The success of our syntheses was confirmed by vibrational spectroscopy (IR and Raman) and elemental analysis. Furthermore, the new compounds were analyzed by NMR spectroscopy to investigate the characteristics of the POMs in solution. The structures of successfully crystalized compounds were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Moreover, all synthesized compounds were characterized using UV/Vis spectroscopy and electrochemical analysis to get further insights into the electronic transfer processes and redox potentials.
Rank biserial stochastic feature embed bivariate kernelized regressive bootstrap aggregative classifier for school student dropout prediction
Authors: Chinnasamy Rajagopal , T Balasubramanian
Published: June 2022

Early and accurately predicting the students' dropout enables schools to recognize the students based on available educational data. The early student dropout prediction is a major concern of education administrators. The existing classification techniques were unable to handle the early stage accurate performance of student dropout prediction with maximum accuracy and minimum time. In order to resolve the issue, a novel technique called rank biserial Otsuka–Ochiai stochastic embedded feature selection based bivariate kernelized regressive bootstrap aggregative classifier (RBOOSEFS‐BKBAC) is motivated to perform student dropout prediction. The aim of the designing RBOOSEFS‐BKBAC is to improve student dropout accuracy and minimal time consumption. Initially, the data preprocessing is to perform the data normalization, data cleaning, and duplicate data removal. Next, rank biserial correlation is used for discovering the correlated features. Followed by, Otsuka–Ochiai stochastic neighbor embedded feature selection is carried out to select significant features. Finally, bivariate kernelized regressive bootstrap aggregative classification technique is to perform classification with help of weak classifier. By using Bucklin voting scheme, the classification outcomes are obtained for increasing prediction accuracy as well as minimizing error. Experimental evaluation is performed by using Student‐Drop‐India2016 dataset with different metrics such as prediction accuracy, precision, recall, F‐measure, as well as time. The result of proposed RBOOSEFS‐BKBAC technique is provided that the higher prediction accuracy by 5% and lesser the prediction time by 15%, as compared to the state‐of‐the‐art methods.
Improved Photodecarboxylation Properties in Zinc Photocages Constructed Using m‐Nitrophenylacetic Acid Variants**
Authors: Shigemoto Austin K. , Bhattacharjee Avik , Hickey Erin E. , Boyd Hallee Jade , McCormick Theresa M. , Burdette Shawn C.
Published: June 2022

The methoxy‐ and fluoro‐derivatives of meta‐nitrophenylacetic acid (mNPA) chromophores undergo photodecarboxylation with comparable quantum yields (Φ) to unsubstituted mNPA, but uncage at red‐shifted excitation wavelengths. This observation prompted us to investigate DPAdeCageOMe (2‐[bis(pyridin‐2‐ylmethyl)amino]‐2‐(4‐methoxy‐3‐nitrophenyl)acetic acid) and DPAdeCageF (2‐[bis(pyridin‐2‐ylmethyl)amino]‐2‐(4‐fluoro‐3‐nitrophenyl)acetic acid) as Zn2+ photocages. DPAdeCageOMe has a high Φ and exhibits other photophysical properties comparable to XDPAdeCage ({bis[(2‐pyridyl)methyl]amino}(9‐oxo‐2‐xanthenyl) acetic acid), the best preforming Zn2+ photocage reported to date. Since the synthesis of DPAdeCageOMe is more straightforward than XDPACage, the new photocage will be a highly competitive tool for biological applications.
Three‐dimensional genome structure shapes the recombination landscape of chromatin features during female germline stem cell development
Authors: Tian Geng G. , Hou Changliang , Li Jing , Wu Ji
Published: June 2022

Background

During meiosis of mammalian cells, chromatin undergoes drastic reorganization. However, the dynamics of the three‐dimensional (3D) chromatin structure during the development of female germline stem cells (FGSCs) are poorly understood.

Methods

The high‐throughput chromosome conformation capture technique was used to probe the 3D structure of chromatin in mouse germ cells at each stage of FGSC development.

Results

The global 3D genome was dramatically reorganized during FGSC development. In topologically associating domains, the chromatin structure was weakened in germinal vesicle stage oocytes and still present in meiosis I stage oocytes but had vanished in meiosis II oocytes. This switch between topologically associating domains was related to the biological process of FGSC development. Moreover, we constructed a landscape of chromosome X organization, which showed that the X chromosome occupied a smaller proportion of the active (A) compartment than the autosome during FGSC development. By comparing the high‐order chromatin structure between female and male germline development, we found that 3D genome organization was remodelled by two different potential mechanisms during gamete development, in which interchromosomal interactions, compartments, and topologically associating domain were decreased during FGSC development but reorganized and recovered during spermatogenesis. Finally, we identified conserved chromatin structures between FGSC development and early embryonic development.

Conclusions

These results provide a valuable resource to characterize chromatin organization and for further studies of FGSC development.
Use of short‐acting vs. long‐acting loop diuretics after heart failure hospitalization
Authors: Imaeda Shohei , Shiraishi Yasuyuki , Kohsaka Shun , Niimi Nozomi , Goda Ayumi , Nagatomo Yuji , Takei Makoto , Saji Mike , Nakano Shintaro , Kohno Takashi , Fukuda Keiichi , Yoshikawa Tsutomu
Published: June 2022

Aims

Furosemide, a short‐acting loop diuretic (SD), is the dominant agent prescribed for heart failure (HF) in clinical practice. However, accumulating data suggests that long‐acting loop diuretics (LD), such as torsemide or azosemide, might have more favourable pharmacological profiles. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the type of loop diuretics and long‐term outcomes among patients hospitalized for acute HF enrolled in a contemporary multicentre registry.

Methods and results

Within the West Tokyo Heart Failure Registry from 2006 to 2017, a total of 2680 patients (60.1% men with a median age of 77 years) were analysed. The patients were characterized by the type of diuretics used at the time of discharge; 2073 (77.4%) used SD, and 607 (22.6%) used LD. The primary endpoint was composite of all‐cause death or HF re‐admission after discharge, and the secondary endpoints were all‐cause death and HF re‐admission, respectively. During the median follow‐up period of 2.1 years, 639 patients died [n = 519 (25.0%) in the SD group; n = 120 (19.8%) in the LD group], and 868 patients were readmitted for HF [n = 697 (33.6%) in the SD group; n = 171 (28.2%) in the LD group]. After multivariable adjustment, the LD group had lower risk for the composite outcome [hazard ratio (HR), 0.80; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.66–0.96; P = 0.017], including all‐cause death (HR; 0.73; 95% CI; 0.54–0.99; P = 0.044) and HF re‐admission (HR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.66–0.99; P = 0.038), than the SD group. Propensity score matching yielded estimates that were consistent with those of the multivariable analyses, with sub‐group analyses demonstrating that use of LD was associated with favourable outcomes predominantly in younger patients with reduced ejection fraction.

Conclusions

LD was associated with lower risk of long‐term outcomes in patients with HF and a recent episode of acute decompensation.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Activation of Carbon–Halogen Bonds: Electrostatics‐Controlled Reactivity
Authors: Moloto Bryan Phuti , Vermeeren Pascal , Dalla Tiezza Marco , Esterhuysen Catharine , Bickelhaupt F. Matthias , Hamlin Trevor A.
Published: June 2022

We have quantum chemically studied the palladium‐mediated activation of C(spn)−X bonds (n=1–3; X=F, Cl, Br, I) in the archetypal model substrates H3C−CH2−X, H2C=CH−X, and HC≡C−X by a model bare palladium catalyst, using relativistic density functional theory at ZORA‐BLYP/TZ2P. The bond activation reaction barrier decreases, for allsp‐hybridized carbon centers, when the substituent X of the substrate is changed from X=F to I. Activation strain and energy decomposition analyses reveal that the enhanced reactivity along this series originates from (i) a less destabilizing activation strain due to an intrinsically weaker C(spn)−X bond; and (ii) an increasingly more stabilizing electrostatic interaction between the catalyst and the substrate. The latter is a direct consequence of the more diffuse electron density and higher nuclear charge of the X atom in the C(spn)−X bond when going from X=F to I, which, in turn, engages in a more favorable electrostatic attraction with the nucleus and electrons, respectively, of the palladium catalyst.