bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efeito da estação de nascimento sobre o período gestacional de ovelhas
Authors: Silva Anna Carolina , Bergstein-Galan Tácia Gomes
Published: February 2021

Foram avaliados 421 partos de ovelhas Dorper, durante oito anos, com o objetivo de relacionar as estações climáticas com o período gestacional. Os nascimentos foram divididos de acordo com a estações do ano e o período gestacional foi calculado desde o dia da cobertura (monta natural ou inseminação artificial) até o dia do parto. Para a análise estatística, adotou-se nível de significância de 5%. Ao final do estudo, verificou-se que houve diferença no tempo gestacional das ovelhas que pariram na primavera e no outono, sendo estes mais longo e mais curto, respectivamente. Provavelmente este resultado é devido ao desenvolvimento fetal durante o último terço da gestação, correlacionado com a disponibilidade de alimentos, em especial forragens nativas. Entre as estações do inverno e verão não houve diferença estatística. Diante disso, é possível que o produtor tenha um ganho colateral na diminuição do período gestacional ao programar as estações de nascimento para o outono, inverno e verão, evitando nascimentos na primavera quando as condições de criação forem similares às relatadas neste estudo.
¿La química reflejándose en la física? La primavera de los repositorios en abierto
Authors: López-Borrull Alexandre
Published: February 2021

Este verano Tomás Baiget, atento como siempre, nos enviaba un correo que, desde mi punto de vista, se puede considerar una muy buena noticia. Pues sí, la American Chemical Society (ACS) ha anunciado su intención de crear ChemRxiv, un servidor de preprints de química. Vamos por partes, utilizando las preguntas periodísticas clásicas de Kipling.
MetaHiC phage-bacteria infection network reveals active cycling phages of the healthy human gut
Authors: Marbouty Martial , Thierry Agnès , Millot Gaël A , Koszul Romain
Published: February 2021

Bacteriophages play important roles in regulating the intestinal human microbiota composition, dynamics, and homeostasis, and characterizing their bacterial hosts is needed to understand their impact. We applied a metagenomic Hi-C approach on 10 healthy human gut samples to unveil a large infection network encompassing more than 6000 interactions bridging a metagenomic assembled genomes (MAGs) and a phage sequence, allowing to study in situ phage-host ratio. Whereas three-quarters of these sequences likely correspond to dormant prophages, 5% exhibit a much higher coverage than their associated MAG, representing potentially actively replicating phages. We detected 17 sequences of members of the crAss-like phage family, whose hosts diversity remained until recently relatively elusive. For each of them, a unique bacterial host was identified, all belonging to different genus of Bacteroidetes. Therefore, metaHiC deciphers infection network of microbial population with a high specificity paving the way to dynamic analysis of mobile genetic elements in complex ecosystems.
Soil properties and root traits jointly shape fine-scale spatial patterns of bacterial community and metabolic functions within a Korean pine forest
Authors: Teng Jialing , Tian Jing , Yu Guirui , Kuzyakov Yakov
Published: February 2021

Spatial heterogeneity of soil bacterial community depends on scales. The fine-scale spatial heterogeneity of bacterial community composition and functions remains unknown. We analyzed the main driving factors of fine-scale spatial patterns of soil bacterial community composition and carbon metabolic functions across a 30 m × 40 m plot within a Korean pine forest by combining Illumina 16S rRNA sequencing with Biolog Ecoplates based on 53 soil samples. Clear spatial patterns in bacterial community composition and metabolic functions were observed in the forest soil. The bacterial community composition and metabolic functions both showed distance-decay of similarity within a distance of meters. Structural equation model analysis revealed that environmental variables and geographic distance together explained 37.9% and 63.1% of community and metabolic functions, respectively. Among all environmental factors, soil organic carbon (SOC) and root biomass emerged as the most important drivers of the bacterial community structure. In contrast, soil pH explained the largest variance in metabolic functions. Root biomass explained the second-largest variance in soil bacterial community composition, but root traits made no difference in metabolic functions variance. These results allow us to better understand the mechanisms controlling belowground diversity and plant-microbe interactions in forest ecosystems.
A BIRD’S EYE VIEW ON RAKTAMOKSHANA IN LIGHT OF SAMHITA
Authors: Rathore Lovekrishna Pal Singh , S Anand , Mothaliya Khyati
Published: February 2021

Ayurveda delineates dosha dushya sammurchana as cause of vyadhi and samyata of dosha provides arogya. Panchakarma is a pentagonal cleansing process of Ayurveda where, it eliminates vitiated dosha. There are different types of shodhana therapies have been described in samhita like vamana, virechana, raktamokshana etc. out of which raktamokshana is considered as best therapy for pitta and rakta pradoshaja vyadhi. So raktamokshana by different modalities is much more effective in resolving pathogenesis in these diseases. The process of raktamokshana can be traced back to the vedic period. Acharya Susruta has mentioned regarding bloodletting in detail in his treatise. To expel out the vitiated blood, seven procedures are advocated; Sira Vedhana (Venesection) Sringa avacharana (Horn application), Alabu aavacharana (Gourd application), Jalouka avacharana (Leech application), Pracchana karma (Scrapping), Ghati Yantra avacharana (Cupping glass application) and Suchi avacharana (Needle application). Raktamokshana can attenuate several conditions foremost related to rakta dushti vikaras. Here an attempt has been made to recollect details regarding raktamokshana prescribed in treatises.
Physical and Mechanical Properties of a Porous Material Obtained by Low Replacement of Volcanic Ash by Aluminum Beverage Cans
Authors: Dickson Bernard Missota Priso , Noussi Claudine Mawe , Ebongue Louise Ndongo , Manga Joseph Dika
Published: February 2021

This study focuses on the evaluation of the physical and mechanical properties of a porous material based on a mixture of powder (Volcanic ash /Aluminum Beverage Cans) and a solution of phosphoric acid. Volcanic ash (VA) use was collected in one of the quarries of Mandjo (Cameroon coastal region), crushed, then characterized by XRF, DRX, FTIR and named MaJ. The various polymers obtained are called MaJ0, MaJ2.5, MaJ5, MaJ7.5 and MaJ10 according to the mass content of the additions of the powder from the aluminum beverage cans (ABCs). The physical and mechanical properties of the synthetic products were evaluated by determining the apparent porosity, bulk density, water absorption and compressive strength. The results of this study show that the partial replacement of the powder of VA by that of ABC leads to a reduction in the compressive strength (5.9 - 0.8 MPa) and bulk density (2.56 – 1.32 g/cm3) of the polymers obtained. On the other hand, apparent porosity, water absorption and pore formation within the polymers increases with addition of the powder from the beverage cans. All of these results allow us to agree that the ABCs powder can be used as a blowing agent during the synthesis of phosphate inorganic polymers.
Indoor Air Quality in Benghazi’s Hospitals and Its Impact among Patients
Authors: Gawili Hadir , Bodabos Hawa A. , Al-Awami Wafa A. , Al-Gargouri Ahmed O. , Alhegazi Yahia F.
Published: February 2021

Background: Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a very important topic; it contains a variety of factors: temperature, humidity, the presence of chemicals and the quality of outdoor air brought inside are typical metrics used to define IAQ. However, with poor quality usually lead to Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) and other serious symptoms.

Aims: This study aimed to investigate Indoor air diseases and their symptoms of SBS among patients in ten hospitals in Benghazi, Libya and focusing on awareness/knowledge of patients and their education level regarding some pollutants and noise pollution.

Study Design: This paper is a cross sectional descriptive study.

Place and Duration of the Study: The study was conducted in December 2019 to September 2020 in Benghazi, Libya.

Methodology: Performed sub analysis statistics have chosen 150 patients randomly in 10 hospitals (polyclinics/health centers) to fill out questionnaire about the most common symptoms are related to indoor air value in hospitals by also using the observational checklist.

Results: Mostly females 54% were of age above 46 years, 31.3% of the participants were university education level, 69.3% have suffered from different type of diseases, which are hypertension, diabetes, and asthma, and most pollutants were inducted from vehicle traffic 63.3%.

Conclusion: the study indicated the highest contaminates impact and the health criteria in all ten hospitals were under the study, which are; temperature and humidity, PM, other chemical pollutants and noise effect.
Evolution of Urban forms in Port Harcourt Metropolis
Authors: Bisco G. P. , Obafemi A. A. , Chukwudi O. D. , Ogoro M.
Published: February 2021

The nature of urban development in Port Harcourt Metropolis makes for the study of urban evolution dynamics across the metropolis. Land-Sat Tm of 30m x 30m of 1986, 2000 and 2015 were employed to examine the changes in urban development across the study area. The direction of urban growth as revealed by the image analysis was digitized in the Arc GIS 10.4 environment. Findings revealed that, the morphology of the city is in the form of a non-regular polygon. The analysis also reveals that, there is an increase in the growth of the city from 1986 through 2000 and, then 2015. The growth direction of the city grew more north-ward rather than south-ward. The growth in the city population and the expansion of networks of roads, resulted in the transformation of the city form, and as development evolved, industrial locations were now focused in the Northern fringe of the city occupying extensive land areas which gave rise to other micro industrial and residential buildings extending northward hence, the visible level of anthropogenic activities or alterations. The study therefore recommends that, geographical boundaries should be given great emphasis by planning authorities in plan preparation in other to accommodate developmental growth and expansions.
On Frink's Type Metrization of Weighted Graphs
Authors: Acosta Mara Florencia , Aimar Hugo , Gomez Ivana
Published: February 2021

Using the technique of the metrization theorem of uniformities with countable bases, in this note we provide, test and compare an explicit algorithm to produce a metric d(x, y) between the vertices x and y of an anity weighted undirected graph.
Tracer Study of Bs in Mathematics Graduates (2001 – 2015) of the College of Science, University of Eastern Philippines
Authors: Calpa Mary Jane B. , Esquierdo Ida E. , Unay Olga D.
Published: February 2021

A descriptive research was conducted to trace the whereabouts of the graduates of Bachelor of Science in Mathematics of the College of Science, University of Eastern Philippines. The study determined the employability of the graduates from the first batch of 2001 up to 2015. It determined the graduates who are employed whether related or not to their course; what type of jobs they have; what kind of skills they learned; and how much they earned from their jobs. Majority of the respondents are gainfully employed. Most of them are on contractual basis and are working in the Philippines. From the 110 graduates, 91 are employed while no data were gathered for the 19 graduates. Majority are professionals working as teachers in the secondary and tertiary level. Problem solving skills is most useful in their personal and professional growth. The teacher-student relationship is most rated that contributes to the degree they finished at the College of Science.
Growth and Yield of a Chickpea (Cicer arietinum) and Mustard (Brassica juncea) as Influenced by Row Ratio and Liquid Manures
Authors: Tiwari Dhananjay , Singh Vikram , Verma Alok Kumar
Published: February 2021

A field experiment was conducted during 2018 and 2019 at the crop research farm, Department of Agronomy, Shuats, Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) to study the effect of intercrop row ratio and liquid manures on chickpea and mustard intercropping system. The treatments consisted of five intercropping systems viz. Sole chickpea, sole mustard, chickpea + mustard (1:1), chickpea + mustard (2:1), chickpea + mustard (3:1) row ratios in replacement series and four liquid organic manures viz. control (no spray), panchagavya 3%, cow urine 10% and vermiwash 10% were tested in split plot design with planting ratio as the main plots and liquid manures as the sub plot with 3 replications. Results revealed that maximum growth attributes in both crop were recorded under chickpea + mustard (3:1). However maximum, yield attributes and yield were recorded under sole stand of both crop. Among liquid manures maximum growth, yield attributes and yield were recorded under foliar application of panchagavya 3% at branching and flowering stage in both crop and vermiwash10% found at par.
Role of Drones in Modern Agricultural Applications
Authors: Doddamani Abdulgaffar , Kouser Sabia , Ramya V.
Published: February 2021

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) represent the technological advance used for precision farming. It provides high-resolution crop images and precise indices are implemented, valuable outputs are generated for farm management decision-making. The current paper review and addresses the different applications of UAVs in agricultural field. This paper provides the brief overview of the current drone technologies for agricultural applications, including crop health monitoring and farm operations. The new regulatory system is also deliberated, and its implications for use in agricultural. Also outlined the potential future directions for technology in agriculture and several instances are provided which are made possible through the use of UAVs in agriculture.
Capacity Improvement for Transfer Molding Trough Reduction of Mold Curing Time
Authors: Belalo Lester Joseph T. , Maming Maiden Grace R.
Published: February 2021

This paper will discuss the improvement made to increase machine capacity in order to be prepare for incoming demand ramp-up and to free up machine allocation to back-up automotive machine. Using DMAIC methodology (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control) approach, mold curing time identified as the top contributor during time study of the process with 120 secs consumed time per shot. A Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Curability Curve study for molding compound was conducted from both internal and external expertise to get the optimum lower range of cure time. Considering all the quality risk using Risk assessment, the success of reducing Mold curing time from 120secs to 80secs increases 25% machine capacity of transfer Molding for Quad Flat No leads(QFN) / Quad Flat No leads multi-Row(QFN-mR) with significant cost savings. The project was able also to free up 3 molding system to support upcoming products.
Barriers to Antidiabetic Medication Adherence among Patients with Diabetes Mellitus in Saudi Arabia: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ansari Mukhtar
Published: February 2021

This systematic review was conducted with aim of determining different types of barriers that interfere with the adherence to antidiabetic medications among diabetes mellitus patients in Saudi Arabia. A comprehensive systematic literature exploration was performed via databases and search engines as Science Direct, PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and EBSCO. The review includes 20 original research studies on adherence to antidiabetic medications and their associated factors. The review of the studies reveals that the most prominent barriers to antidiabetic medication adherence were forgetfulness, polypharmacy and complexity of regimen, side effects, low perceived self-efficacy of the medications, and feeling better. Likewise, frequent dosing, long history of diabetes, comorbidities, cost of medication or financial issue, disruption of normal routine, carelessness, busy schedule, God centered locus of control, and food habits were among the others. The identified multifaceted barriers can serve as a potential target for interventions to improve adherence to antidiabetic medications and health related quality of life.
Statistical Optimization of Temperature, Concentration, RPM and pH for the Surface Tension of Biosurfactant by Achromobacter Xylos GSR21
Authors: Upadhyaya Balaji Somesam , Reddy Golamari Siva , Reddy Mallu Maheshwara , Adhikari Sohom , Rajkumar S. D. , Babu Akula Niranjan , Goud Vanga Manav , Sidhartha Chelikani , Reddy Varakala Nikhil , Dhakate Divyanshu , Reddy N. Konda
Published: February 2021

Achromobacter xylos strain GSR21 plays a crucial role in bioremediation of fossil fuel contamination, biopharmaceutical, cosmetics, chemical, petroleum refining, petrochemical, food industries and tertiary oil recovery (Microbial enhanced oil recovery). Response surface quadratic models (RSQM) was applied to reinforce the censorious operating conditions for the assembly of Achromobacter xylos strain GSR21. The Response surface method (RSM) was application to determine the best degrees of cycle factors (Temperature, Concentration, RPM, pH). Central composite design (CCD) of RSM was used to contemplate the four factors at five levels, and strain GSR21 Achromobacter xylos fixation was approximate as a reaction. Relapse coefficients predicted by examination and therefore the model was settled. R2 value regard for bio-surfactant (mN/m) attempted to be 0.81, showing that the model fitted well with the explorative results. The mathematical model predicted by simulation of the foreseen updated values, and bio-surfactant surface tension was found 50 mN/m. The foreseen model was matched at 98.8% with the test outcomes coordinated under the perfect conditions. Based on the finding research, temperature-40°C, concentration-1.8 g/l, RPM-180 rev/mint and pH-4 was perceived as compelling fragments for Achromobacter xylos GSR21.
The Study of the Ground State Properties of Heavy Famion System Using an Extended Kondo-Anderson Model in One Dimension
Authors: Samuel Okunzuwa I. , Augustine C. Okaro
Published: February 2021

The Kondo interaction coupling, Heisenberg exchange coupling, and Coulomb interactions within d-sites, were introduced in a one dimensional Periodic Anderson Model Hamiltonian (PAMH) to further investigate the effects of interaction parameters on the ground state energy of systems with heavy fermions (HF) behavior. Periodic Anderson model PAM being one of the most successful model for studying the heavy fermions System (HFS) was used in an extended version (mixed Kondo-Anderson representation) on a system of three-electrons interacting on three-sites cluster. Exact Diagonalization technique (EDT) normally used to solve conventional PAM calculation was considered in this work for a very small cluster. Hamiltonian used to describe this model contains the usual term describing the kinetic energy of the system, on-site coulomb repulsion and a hopping integral. The Hamiltonian is acted on the different Hilbert states of the lattice system and results of the interactions were obtained in terms of hopping integral, coulomb repulsions, exchange couplings and the hybridization term. Graphs of ground state energy Eo plotted agains tthese interaction parameters were presented in a clear format. As these parameters were varied numerically through a finite range of values, the individual effects of these parameters on the system’s ground state energy were observed and discussed. Hence, the results obtained from this work shows theoretically how the tuning of the Columbic interaction within the conduction band  provides information that sheds light on the underlying physics of the heavy fermions systems models. Results obtained from this work further demonstrate the reliability of the model Hamiltonians that we have harnessed and the importance of considering electron-lattice interactions as well as interactions that account for magnetic impurities for the proper description of heavy fermions material.
Reverse diel vertical movements of oceanic manta rays off the northern coast of Peru and implications for conservation
Authors: Andrzejaczek Samantha , Schallert Robert J. , Forsberg Kerstin , Arnoldi Natalie S. , Cabanillas‐Torpoco Mariano , Purizaca Wilmer , Block Barbara A.
Published: February 2021

1. An understanding of the vertical movements of elasmobranchs across their range is crucial to defining critical habitat use, its overlap with anthropogenic activities and subsequently managing such interactions.

2. In this study, satellite telemetry was used to investigate the vertical habitat use of three oceanic manta rays (Mobula birostris) tagged on the northern coast of Peru.

3. All three oceanic mantas exhibited patterns of reverse diel vertical migration, where vertical movements were significantly deeper at night than the day, as well as an overall preference for surface habitats (< 2 m). High‐resolution archival data (3–5 s) from two recovered tags revealed fine‐scale behaviours, where individuals predominately remained in coastal surface waters throughout the day, and oscillated up and down through a highly stratified water column at night.

4. Our results suggest that coastal vertical movements were motivated by a combined foraging and thermal recovery strategy, whereby oceanic mantas dived to forage on vertically migrating zooplankton at night and returned to surface waters to rewarm between dives, indicating that the coast of northern Peru may be a foraging habitat for these animals.

5. High use of surface waters here, however, may put oceanic mantas at high risk from several anthropogenic impacts such as entanglement with fishing gear and vessel strikes.

6. Increased sample size and the use of other techniques, such as animal‐borne cameras and tri‐axial sensors, are required to validate our foraging and thermal recovery hypothesis and confirm this region as a foraging habitat for oceanic mantas.
Radiation treatment planning study to investigate feasibility of delivering Immunotherapy in Combination with Ablative Radiosurgery to Ultra‐High DoSes (ICARUS)
Authors: Rokni Michelle B. , Pointer Kelli B. , George Jonathan , Luke Jason J. , Chmura Steven J. , Redler Gage
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Immune checkpoint inhibitors improve survival in metastatic diseases for some cancers. Multisite SBRT with pembrolizumab (SBRT + Pembro) was shown to be safe with promising local control using biologically effective doses (BEDs) = 95–120 Gy. Increased BED may improve response rate; however, SBRT doses are limited by surrounding organs at risk (OARs). The purpose of this work was to develop and validate methods for safe delivery of ultra‐high doses of radiation (BED10 > 300) to be used in future clinical trials.

Methods and Materials

The radiation plans from 15 patients enrolled on a phase I trial of SBRT + pembro were reanalyzed. Metastatic disease sites included liver (8/15), inguinal region (1/15), pelvis (2/15), lung (1/15), abdomen (1/15), spleen (1/15), and groin (1/15). Gross tumor volumes (GTVs) ranged from 80 to 708 cc. Following the same methodology used in the Phase I trial on which these patients were treated, GTVs > 65 cc were contracted to a 65 cc subvolume (SubGTV) resulting in only a portion of the GTV receiving prescription dose. Volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) was used to plan treatments BED10 = 360 Gy. Plans utilizing both 6FFF and 10FFF beams were compared to clinical plans delivering BED10 = 112.50 Gy. The target primary goal was V100% > 95% with a secondary goal of V70% > 99% and OAR objectives per the trial. To demonstrate feasibility, plans were delivered to a diode array phantom and evaluated for fidelity using gamma analysis.

Results

All 30 plans met the secondary coverage goal and satisfied all OAR constraints. The primary goal was achieved in 12/15 of the 6FFF plans and 13/15 of the 10FFF plans. Average gamma analysis passing rate using criteria of 3% dose difference and 3, 2, and 1 mm were 99.1  1.0%, 98.5  1.6%, and 95.1  3.8%, respectively.

Conclusion

Novel VMAT planning approaches with clinical treatment planning software and linear accelerators prove capable of delivering radiation doses in excess of 360 Gy BED10 to tumor subvolumes, while maintaining safe OAR doses.
Highly Efficient Broadband Millimeter‐Wave–Absorbing Ultrathin Films
Authors: Kinugawa Rina , Imoto Kenta , Futakawa Yuhei , Shimizu Shoma , Fujiwara Rei , Yoshikiyo Marie , Namai Asuka , Ohkoshi Shin-ichi
Published: February 2021

Millimeter waves (30–300 GHz) hold promise as carrier waves for car radars, next‐generation wireless communications, and beyond fifth‐generation technology standards for broadband cellular networks (Beyond 5G). Millimeter‐wave absorbers suppress noise and crosstalk between devices. Herein, a high‐efficiency broadband millimeter‐wave absorber based on a composite of aggregated tetratitanium heptoxide nanocrystals covered by Ga–Ti–Co–substituted ε‐iron oxide nanomagnets (Ti4O7@GTC‐ε‐Fe2O3) is reported. This composite exhibits both high permeability (high‐μ) and high dielectric constant (high‐ε) in the millimeter‐wave range. In addition, millimeter‐wave–absorbing ultrathin films are designed and prepared. The 183‐μm absorber suppresses 99.1% (−20.3 dB) of the reflections at 78 GHz with a broadband absorption of 14.3 GHz. Because it is composed of only inorganic materials, this absorber is weather‐resistant and suitable for outdoor use. Furthermore, a 216‐μm flexible ultrathin film was prepared by mixing Ti4O7@GTC‐ε‐Fe2O3 with an acrylic acid ester polymer. The flexible film is extremely lightweight, only 41 mg cm−2, and strongly suppresses 99.8% (−27.2 dB) of the reflections at 80 GHz with an ultrawide absorption of 16.2 GHz. Such ultrathin and lightweight films exhibiting high efficiency for car radar frequencies are not reported so far and should be useful as absorbers for transportation vehicles.
Tunable Reverse Offset Printing with a Stretchable Blanket for Fabricating Flexible Printed Electronics
Authors: Shin Seunghang , Kim Seok , Cho Young Tae
Published: February 2021

Reverse offset printing (ROP) is receiving increasing attention as an emerging technology for printed electronics due to its rapid, environment‐friendly fabrication processes. A tunable ROP process is proposed by exploiting the controlled elastic deformation of a stretchable blanket. First, the flat elastomeric blanket is elastically stretched before coating with the printing ink. Next, Ag ink is coated on the surface of a supporting substrate and sequentially transferred to a prestrained elastomeric blanket. Second, the patterned cliché is rolled over the prestrained blanket surface by applying an optimized pressure for patterning. Finally, releasing the strain in the patterned elastomeric blanket leads to a pattern deformation on pitch and sizes. A decrease in the line width and pitch is demonstrated using a tunable ROP process with a stretchable blanket. This unique tunable printing process offers the capability of low‐cost fabrication of various microstructures from a single cliché using simple mechanical stretching and releasing.
Hierarchically Porous Bio‐Based Sustainable Conjugate Sponge for Highly Selective Oil/Organic Solvent Absorption
Authors: Ramakrishnan Rohith K. , Padil Vinod V. T. , Škodová Marcela , Wacławek Stanisław , Černík Miroslav , Agarwal Seema
Published: February 2021

This paper describes a novel conjugate biodegradable sponge based on the tree gum kondagogu with excellent selective oil/organic solvent absorption ability. The conjugate sponge is made hydrophobic (water contact angle 133°) by post‐process vapor phase silylation, has porosity of ≈94% with very low density (18.4 mg cm−3). The sponge can absorb selectively up to 19–43 times its weight of oils and organic solvents. Meanwhile, good reusability is also observed in up to at least 10 cycles. The biodegradation behavior is studied from BOD (biological oxygen demand) analysis, where the non‐silylated and silylated sponges degraded over 28 days by 92% and 76%, respectively, in waste‐water sludge. The novel conjugate bio‐based and biodegradable sponge used in this study is a promising sustainable material for clearing oil spills and for water treatment.
Recent Advances on Multivalued Logic Gates: A Materials Perspective
Authors: Jo Sae Byeok , Kang Joohoon , Cho Jeong Ho
Published: February 2021

The recent advancements in multivalued logic gates represent a rapid paradigm shift in semiconductor technology toward a new era of hyper Moore's law. Particularly, the significant evolution of materials is guiding multivalued logic systems toward a breakthrough gradually, whereby they are transcending the limits of conventional binary logic systems in terms of all the essential figures of merit, i.e., power dissipation, operating speed, circuit complexity, and, of course, the level of the integration. In this review, recent advances in the field of multivalued logic gates based on emerging materials to provide a comprehensive guideline for possible future research directions are reviewed. First, an overview of the design criteria and figures of merit for multivalued logic gates is presented, and then advancements in various emerging nanostructured materials—ranging from 0D quantum dots to multidimensional heterostructures—are summarized and these materials in terms of device design criteria are assessed. The current technological challenges and prospects of multivalued logic devices are also addressed and major research trends are elucidated.
The heat never bothered me anyway: Gender‐specific response of agricultural labor to climatic shocks in Tanzania
Authors: Lee Yeyoung , Haile Beliyou , Seymour Greg , Azzarri Carlo
Published: February 2021

Agricultural production in Africa is generally highly labor intensive with gender‐specific specialization across activities. Using panel data from Tanzania, we examine the effects of heat stress (temperature above 29°C) during the maize‐growing season on gender‐disaggregated agricultural labor use. Results show that heat stress reduces total male family labor but does not statistically affect female family labor. Households with only female adults seem to increase their labor supply under heat stress. Given these heterogeneous effects, gender‐sensitive development interventions and adaptation strategies are suggested to enhance women's adaptive capacity.
14q32.11 microdeletion including CALM1, TTC7B, PSMC1, and RPS6KA5: A new potential cause of developmental and language delay in three unrelated patients
Authors: Eno Celeste C. , Graakjaer Jesper , Svaneby Dea , Nizon Mathilde , Kianmahd Jessica , Signer Rebecca , Martinez‐Agosto Julian A. , Quintero‐Rivera Fabiola
Published: February 2021

Three unrelated patients with similar microdeletions of chromosome 14q32.11 with shared phenotypes including language and developmental delay, and four overlapping genes ‐CALM1, TTC7B, PSMC1, and RPS6KA5 have been presented. All four genes are expressed in the brain and have haploinsufficiency scores, which reflect low tolerance to loss of function variation. An insight on the genes in the overlapping region, which may influence the resulting phenotype has been provided. Given the three patients' similar phenotypes and lack of normal variation in this region, it was suggested that this microdeletion may be associated with developmental and language delay.
Copper‐Catalyzed Tandem Cross‐Coupling/Annulation of Phenols with Ketoximes through Dual C−H Functionalization: Synthesis of Substituted 2‐Aryl‐1H‐indoles
Authors: Wang Huan , Xie Ying , Li Yulong , Yang Yi , Long Jilan , Zhang Hao
Published: February 2021

A copper‐catalyzed cascade synthesis of substituted 2‐aryl‐1H‐indoles from phenols and oximes is developed. This reaction involves dual C−H bond cleavage of phenols and cyclization with oximes and proceeds smoothly under mild conditions without any additives.
Parawasserstoff‐induzierte Polarisation von Aminosäuren
Authors: Pravdivtsev Andrey N. , Buntkowsky Gerd , Duckett Simon B. , Koptyug Igor V. , Hövener Jan‐Bernd
Published: February 2021

Die Kernspinresonanz (NMR) hat sich zu einer universellen Methode für biochemische und biomedizinische Studien, einschließlich Metabolomik, Proteomik und Magnetresonanztomographie (MRT), entwickelt. Durch die Vervielfachung des NMR‐Signals ausgewählter Moleküle hat die Kernspin‐Hyperpolarisation das Anwendungsspektrum von NMR und MRT bedeutsam erweitert (z. B. hyperpolarisierte Festkörper‐NMR und metabolische Bildgebung in vivo). Parawasserstoff (pH2) erlaubt es, Moleküle schnell und kostengünstig zu hyperpolarisieren. In diesem Gebiet wurden in den letzten zehn Jahren umfangreiche Fortschritte erzielt, einschließlich der Synthese neuer Tracer, Katalysatoren und Methoden für die Polarisationsübertragung. Das Portfolio an hyperpolarisierten Molekülen umfasst nunmehr Aminosäuren, die für viele Anwendungen von großem Interesse sind. In diesem Beitrag beleuchten wir die aktuelle Literatur zur Hyperpolarisation von Aminosäuren und Peptiden.
Boosting Electrocatalytic Activity of 3d‐Block Metal (Hydro)oxides by Ligand‐Induced Conversion
Authors: Liu Wenxian , Zheng Dong , Deng Tianqi , Chen Qiaoli , Zhu Chongzhi , Pei Chengjie , Li Hai , Wu Fangfang , Shi Wenhui , Yang Shuo‐Wang , Zhu Yihan , Cao Xiehong
Published: February 2021

The 3d‐transition‐metal (hydro)oxides belong to a group of highly efficient, scalable and inexpensive electrocatalysts for widespread energy‐related applications that feature easily tailorable crystal and electronic structures. We propose a general strategy to further boost their electrocatalytic activities by introducing organic ligands into the framework, considering that most 3d‐metal (hydro)oxides usually exhibit quite strong binding with reaction intermediates and thus compromised activity due to the scaling relations. Involving weakly bonded ligands downshifts the d‐band center, which narrows the band gap, and optimizes the adsorption of these intermediates. For example, the activity of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) can be greatly promoted by ≈5.7 times over a NiCo layered double hydroxide (LDH) after a terephthalic acid (TPA)‐induced conversion process, arising from the reduced energy barrier of the deprotonation of OH* to O*. Impressively, the proposed ligand‐induced conversion strategy is applicable to a series of 3d‐block metal (hydro)oxides, including NiFe2O4, NiCo2O4, and NiZn LDH, providing a general structural upgrading scheme for existing high‐performance electrocatalytic systems.
Two‐Dimensional Design Strategy to Construct Smart Fluorescent Probes for the Precise Tracking of Senescence
Authors: Gao Ying , Hu Yulu , Liu Qimeng , Li Xiaokang , Li Xinming , Kim Chu‐Young , James Tony D. , Li Jian , Chen Xi , Guo Yuan
Published: February 2021

The tracking of cellular senescence usually depends on the detection of senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase (SA‐β‐gal). Previous probes for SA‐β‐gal with this purpose only cover a single dimension: the accumulation of this enzyme in lysosomes. However, this is insufficient to determine the destiny of senescence because endogenous β‐gal enriched in lysosomes is not only related to senescence, but also to some other physiological processes. To address this issue, we introduce our fluorescent probes including a second dimension: lysosomal pH, since de‐acidification is a unique feature of the lysosomes in senescent cells. With this novel design, our probes achieved excellent discrimination of SA‐β‐gal from cancer‐associated β‐gal, which enables them to track cellular senescence as well as tissue aging more precisely. Our crystal structures of a model enzyme E. coli β‐gal mutant (E537Q) complexed with each probe further revealed the structural basis for probe recognition.
Evaluating the distribution of priority benthic habitats through a remotely operated vehicle to support conservation measures off Linosa Island (Sicily Channel, Mediterranean Sea)
Authors: Romagnoli Beatrice , Grasselli Ferrante , Costantini Federica , Abbiati Marco , Romagnoli Claudia , Innangi Sara , Di Martino Gabriella , Tonielli Renato
Published: February 2021

Explorations of the Mediterranean deep sea using remotely operated vehicles have shown that the sea bed hosts rich habitats, supporting high biodiversity. However, there have been only a few studies dealing with the southern part of the basin, leading to limited protection and conservation efforts in this area.

This study aimed to explore the sea bed off Linosa Island (Sicily Channel, southern Mediterranean Sea), which is considered a ‘sentinel area’ for alien species and global environmental changes owing to its geographic position, thus deserving special attention.

Remotely operated vehicle surveys, carried out in 2016 and 2017, were analysed to provide the first ecological characterization of benthic assemblages at depths −19 – −384 m around Linosa Island.

Communities were dominated by three priority habitats, amounting to 39% of the almost 5 km of the sea floor that was surveyed. These are represented in the euphotic zone by Posidonia oceanica meadows and, at greater depth, by newly discovered dense coral forests and extended rhodolith/maërl beds. Sixteen habitat‐forming species included in the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (e.g. gorgonians Eunicella cavolini and Paramuricea clavata, and black corals Antipathella subpinnata and Leiopathes glaberrima) were recorded, as well as individuals of Sargassum sp. at −100 m depth.

The volcanic island of Linosa represents a small, naturally preserved area, with very limited human pressure, hosting rich marine benthic biodiversity. Given the high species and habitat richness, we recommend its inclusion in the Special Protected Areas of Mediterranean Importance project (United Nations Environment Programme) and suggest a redefinition of the existing marine protected area extension.
Productivity improvement and charge variant modulation for intensified cell culture processes by adding a carboxypeptidase B (CpB) treatment step
Authors: Xu Jianlin , Zheng Shun , Dawood Zeinab , Hill Charles , Jin Weixin , Xu Xuankuo , Ding Julia , Borys Michael C. , Ghose Sanchayita , Li Zheng Jian , Pendse Girish
Published: February 2021

The goal of cell culture process intensification is to improve productivity while maintaining acceptable quality attributes. In this report, four processes, namely a conventional manufacturing Process A, and processes intensified by enriched N‐1 seed (Process B), by perfusion N‐1 seed (Process C), and by perfusion production (Process D) were developed for the production of a monoclonal antibody. The three intensified processes substantially improved productivity, however, the product either failed to meet the specification for charge variant species (main peak) for Process D or the production process required early harvest to meet the specification for charge variant species, Day 10 or Day 6 for Processes B and C, respectively. The lower main peak for the intensified processes was due to higher basic species resulting from higher C‐terminal lysine. To resolve this product quality issue, we developed an enzyme treatment method by introducing carboxypeptidase B (CpB) to clip the C‐terminal lysine, leading to significantly increased main peak and an acceptable and more homogenous product quality for all the intensified processes. Additionally, Processes B and C with CpB treatment extended bioreactor durations to Day 14 increasing titer by 38% and 108%, respectively. This simple yet effective enzyme treatment strategy could be applicable to other processes that have similar product quality issues.
Development of a platform process for the production and purification of single‐domain antibodies
Authors: Crowell Laura E. , Goodwine Chaz , Holt Carla S. , Rocha Lucia , Vega Celina , Rodriguez Sergio A. , Dalvie Neil C. , Tracey Mary K. , Puntel Mariana , Wigdorovitz Andrés , Parreño Viviana , Love Kerry R. , Cramer Steven M. , Love J. Christopher
Published: February 2021

Single‐domain antibodies (sdAbs) offer the affinity and therapeutic value of conventional antibodies, with increased stability and solubility. Unlike conventional antibodies, however, sdAbs do not benefit from a platform manufacturing process. While successful production of a variety of sdAbs has been shown in numerous hosts, purification methods are often molecule specific or require affinity tags, which generally cannot be used in clinical manufacturing due to regulatory concerns. Here, we have developed a broadly applicable production and purification process for sdAbs in Komagataella phaffii (Pichia pastoris) and demonstrated the production of eight different sdAbs at a quality appropriate for nonclinical studies. We developed a two‐step, integrated purification process without the use of affinity resins and showed that modification of a single process parameter, pH of the bridging buffer, was required for the successful purification of a variety of sdAbs. Further, we determined that this parameter can be predicted based only on the biophysical characteristics of the target molecule. Using these methods, we produced nonclinical quality sdAbs as few as 5 weeks after identifying the product sequence. Nonclinical studies of three different sdAbs showed that molecules produced using our platform process conferred protection against viral shedding of rotavirus or H1N1 influenza and were equivalent to similar molecules produced in Escherichia coli and purified using affinity tags.
Production of high‐quality SARS‐CoV‐2 antigens: Impact of bioprocess and storage on glycosylation, biophysical attributes, and ELISA serologic tests performance
Authors: Castro Rute , Nobre Lígia S. , Eleutério Rute P. , Thomaz Mónica , Pires António , Monteiro Sandra M. , Mendes Sónia , Gomes Ricardo A. , Clemente João J. , Sousa Marcos F. Q. , Pinto Filipe , Silva Ana C. , Freitas Micael C. , Lemos Ana R. , Akpogheneta Onome , Kosack Lindsay , Bergman Marie‐Louise , Duarte Nadia , Matoso Paula , Costa Júlia , Bandeiras Tiago M. , Gomes‐Alves Patricia , Gonçalves Carlos P. , Demengeot Jocelyne , Alves Paula M.
Published: February 2021

Serological assays are valuable tools to study SARS‐CoV‐2 spread and, importantly, to identify individuals that were already infected and would be potentially immune to a virus reinfection. SARS‐CoV‐2 Spike protein and its receptor binding domain (RBD) are the antigens with higher potential to develop SARS‐CoV‐2 serological assays. Moreover, structural studies of these antigens are key to understand the molecular basis for Spike interaction with angiotensin converting enzyme 2 receptor, hopefully enabling the development of COVID‐19 therapeutics. Thus, it is urgent that significant amounts of this protein became available at the highest quality. In this study, we produced Spike and RBD in two human derived cell hosts: HEK293‐E6 and Expi293F™. We evaluated the impact of different and scalable bioprocessing approaches on Spike and RBD production yields and, more importantly, on these antigens' quality attributes. Using negative and positive sera collected from human donors, we show an excellent performance of the produced antigens, assessed in serologic enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests, as denoted by the high specificity and sensitivity of the test. We show robust Spike productions with final yields of approx. 2 mg/L of culture that were maintained independently of the production scale or cell culture strategy. To the best of our knowledge, the final yield of 90 mg/L of culture obtained for RBD production, was the highest reported to date. An in‐depth characterization of SARS‐CoV‐2 Spike and RBD proteins was performed, namely the antigen's oligomeric state, glycosylation profiles, and thermal stability during storage. The correlation of these quality attributes with ELISA performance show equivalent reactivity to SARS‐CoV‐2 positive serum, for all Spike and RBD produced, and for all storage conditions tested. Overall, we provide straightforward protocols to produce high‐quality SARS‐CoV‐2 Spike and RBD antigens, that can be easily adapted to both academic and industrial settings; and integrate, for the first time, studies on the impact of bioprocess with an in‐depth characterization of these proteins, correlating antigen's glycosylation and biophysical attributes to performance of COVID‐19 serologic tests.
Prostate‐specific antigen testing among young men: an opportunity to improve value
Authors: Lange Suzanne M. , Ambrose Jacob P. , Flynn Michael C. , Lowrance William T. , Hanson Heidi A. , O’Neil Brock B.
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Prostate cancer screening using prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) testing remains widespread. The prevalence of PSA testing in young men is unknown and may be an appropriate target for improving health care by decreasing low‐value testing in this age group. The purpose of this study was to determine PSA testing rates in men younger than current guidelines support.

Materials and Methods

Health Informational National Trends Surveys (HINTS) from 2011 to 2014 and 2017 were analyzed to establish the prevalence of PSA testing in young men and to evaluate the differences in testing rates based on race.

Results

The combined survey data included 5178 men, with 2393 reporting previous PSA screening. Of men ages 18–39, 7% recalled receipt of PSA testing. Twenty‐two percent of men between the ages of 40 and 44 had been tested. Among men under age 40, PSA testing was more common among black men (14%) compared to white men (7%), Hispanics (6%), and men of Asian descent (8%). Logistic regression modeling demonstrates that black men under the age of 40 were more likely to undergo PSA testing than other racial or ethnic groups (odds ratio 2.14; 95% CI 1.17, 3.93).

Conclusions

Current guidelines do not recommend routine PSA testing in average‐risk men under the age of 40. This study found that a significant number of young men are exposed to testing, with the greatest risk among black men. This suggests that there is an opportunity to improve the value of PSA testing by decreasing testing in young men.
Electronic Regulation of Bromophenyl Grafted Metal‐Free Carbon Nitride Catalysts for Enhanced Utilization of H2S
Authors: Shen Lijuan , Lei Ganchang , Zheng Yong , Liang Shijing , Liu Fujian , Wang Shuai , Cao Yanning , Xiao Yihong , Jiang Lilong
Published: February 2021

Developing metal‐free heterogeneous catalysts with high efficiency for the elimination of H2S into eco‐friendly products are very important for both fundamental catalytic science and industrial chemistry. Herein, we design a new modified carbon nitride catalyst engrafted with Br‐substituted aromatic heterocycle (CNU−Br) through a simple copolymerization and exfoliation method. CNU−Br exhibits excellent H2S conversion efficiency, high sulfur selectivity, and outstanding stability in the catalytic desulfurization reaction, which is better than most of the reported catalysts. The experiments and theoretical calculations show that the grafting of bromophenyl groups into the fundamental carbon nitride structural network leads to π‐delocalization, surface modification, as well as enhances the basicity of the structural active N sites. The regulation of the H and S affinity of CNU−Br that mediate the facile cleavage of H2S hydrogen‐sulfur bonds and the release of S atoms in thermodynamics. Furthermore, the superior surface area and mass transfer over CNU−Br accelerate the adsorption and oxidation of H2S in kinetics compared with the ordinary carbon nitride.