bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the Nutritional Value of Selected Wild Leafy Vegetables Growing in the Roma Valley, Lesotho
Authors: Tanor Emmanuel B. , Ntlatlapa T’sooana , Magama Sibusisiwe 
Published: October 2020

Objective: The study aimed at determining the nutrient content of nine selected wild leafy vegetables growing in Roma Valley of Lesotho as a means to achieve food security, improve nutritional and dietary diversity and address malnutrition in rural communities.
Methodology: The vegetables were analysed for proximate composition, and Ca, Mg, Na, P, K, Fe, Mn, Se, Cu and Zn and vitamin C. Analyses were carried out using standard methods.
Results: The proximate analysis revealed a high in moisture (81.15 - 92.23%) statistically similar (p<0.05), some were rich in protein, vitamin C, Cu, Mn, K and Fe. Chenopodium album has the highest protein (31.53±8.65 mg/100 g) fresh weight (FW); and Rorripa nudiscula (51.4% of RDA). Chenopodium album and Rorripa nudiscula were rich in Ca, 1598.21±15.25 mg/100 g FW and 1508.50±25.40 mg/100 g FW and in Mg, 505.14±35.55 mg/100 g FW and 525.18 mg/100 g FW respectively. The vegetables were rich in K, but low in Na, with Na-to-K ratio < 1.0, indicating that the vegetables could be ideal source of balanced sodium and potassium intake in diet. The vegetables were rich in Cu with ranging from 114.4% of RDA in Hypochaeris radicata to 342.2% of RDA in Chenopodium album. Fe was abundant in Rorripa nudiscula 251.7% of RDA and Chenopodium album 187.8% of the RDA. Mn was abundant in Amaranthus cruentus 557.8% of the RDA, in Chenopodium album or 245.7% of the RDA, in Rorripa nudiuscula, 205.5% of RDA, Amaranthus thunbergii (130.9% of RDA), moderate amounts in Amaranthus caudatus (1.94±0.36 mg/100 g FW or 84.4%) and Amaranthus spinosus (83.5% of RDA). The content of Se was moderate: Rorripa nudiscula (38.3% of RDA). Amaranthus thunbergii (20.50±0.27 µg/100 g FW, 37.3% of RDA), Amaranthus spinosus (34.0% of RDA) and Lactuta serriola (20.7% of RDA). Zn was high in Chenopodium album (117.3% of RDA) moderate in Rorripa nudiscula (35.6% of RDA) Lactuta serriola (23.9% of RDA), Amaranthus spinosus (19.6% of RDA), Amaranthus caudatus (15.9% of RDA). Most of the nutrient were statistically similar at p<0.5.
Conclusion: The nutrient composition indicated that the vegetables could be good source of minerals and vitamin C and could be incorporated in rural household diets to improve nutrition, address malnutrition and food insecurity.
Effect of Different Manure Sources on Soil Chemical Properties, Performance and Yield of Maize on a Degraded Land
Authors: Denton O. A. , Fademi I. O. , Are K. S. , Ojo A. O. , Adeoyolanu O. D. 
Published: October 2020

Application of manure for soil amendment plays important roles in reclaiming and improving soil properties of degraded soils. This study assessed the effects of composted and non-composted manures on a degraded soil under continuous maize production. The treatments applied consisted of composted manures in form of cassava based compost (CBM) and verticompost (VC) at the rate of 0, 30, 60 and 120 tons/ha, non-composted manure (NC) applied as poultry manure (PM), and an un-amended control plot. These treatments were laid out in a randomized complete block design replicated three times. Soil physical and chemical properties were determined for two consecutive seasons, with maize (SUWAN 1-SYR) planted as test crop. The CBM, VC and PM treatments increased the soil organic carbon content by 18.2, 24.1, and 22.3 % respectively. Corresponding increases observed in cation exchange capacity (CEC) were 13.6, 15.7, and 15.2 %. The comparison of the soil chemical properties measured indicated positive effects from the amendments on the soil properties in the order: CBM < PM < VC. The maize grain yield of cassava based fertilized plot consistently and significantly was higher than the other treatments in both cropping seasons. However, both the composted and non-composted manures favored improved maize growth and resulted in higher grain yields (4.62 – 6.03 t ha-1) than the un-amended control treatment (3.69 t ha-1). The study therefore showed that the incorporation of manures, whether composted or non-composted, is beneﬁcial to soils, improving one or more essential soil attributes thus reducing soil degradation.
Towards Sustainable Energy: The Requisite Role of Microorganisms in the Production of Biogas and Bioethanol
Authors: Ekwebelem Osmond C. , Ofielu Ekenedirichukwu S. , Dike Obinna V. Nnorom- , Aleke Job C. , Nwachukwu Glory A. 
Published: October 2020

Increased energy consumption coupled with the ongoing climate change are urging us to develop more sustainable energy alternatives, including biofuels produced from renewable biomass. Our heavy reliance on fossil-derived fuels has not only gained intense public attention in recent years, but has also prompted us to intensively study the production of sustainable biofuels from renewable energy sources via microbial fermentation. Owing to the recent advances and availability of state-of-the-art molecular tools, our knowledge about anaerobic microorganisms and their direct and indirect contributions in the production of different biofuels have increased tremendously. Anaerobic microorganisms are mainly utilized for commercial production of biofuels such as; biogas and fuel alcohols from renewable organic matter, while photosynthetic microorganisms convert inorganic carbon and water to potential fuels (e.g. fuel alcohols) and fuel precursors (e.g. biomass, starch, lipids). Although metabolically engineered microorganisms, programmed to redirect renewable carbon sources into desired fuel products, are contemplated as best choices to obtain high volumetric productivity and yield, however, native populations of anaerobic microorganisms are still considered the primary choice for the production of biogas and bioethanol. These anaerobic microorganisms responsible for different degradation pathways and their functions in anaerobic digesters are continuously being updated. In this review, we discuss the essential role of anaerobic microbes in biogas and bioethanol production via consolidated anaerobic process. Additionally, key enzymatic reactions and microbiota involved in the degradation steps and in the production pathways are specifically highlighted. We also discussed the challenges that still exist for biofuel production from native populations of anaerobic microorganisms and their possible solutions.
Phytopharmacognostic Standardization of the Leaves of Buchholzia coriacea Engler. (Capparidaceae)
Authors: Umoh Romanus A. , Umoh Uwemedimo F. , Johnny Imoh I. , Udoh Anwanabasi E. , Anah Victor U. , Umoh Omodot T. , Elijah Akwaowoh A. , Essienutin Ndifreke S. 
Published: October 2020

Buchholzia coriacea Engl. is a medicinal plant belonging to the family Capparidaceae. It has antimicrobial, anthelmintic, antidiabetic and antihypercholesterol activities. The aim of this study was to employ the quality control parameters in the evaluation of the leaf of B. coriacea. The plant leaves were collected, air dried, pulverized and stored in a clean glass container. Standard procedures were carried out to obtain the microscopic features of the fresh and powdered samples, micromeritic, chemomicroscopy, fluorescence properties, soluble extractive values, moisture contents and ash values. The results of the microscopic study using fresh and powdered leaf samples revealed the presence of anomocytic stomata on the abaxial surface (hypostomatic) with mean length of 31.8 ± 0.6 cm. The cell shape was polygonal and straight anticlinal cell wall pattern. Results of the micromeritic properties of the powdered sample showed bulk volume of 31.00± 0.70cm, tapped volume of 25.1± 0.20 cm, bulk density of 0.32 ± 0.01g/m, tapped density of 0.39± 0.01g/ml, flow rate of 2.2 ± 0.08g/s, angle of repose of 26.1 ± 1.3 degrees, Carr’s index of 18.9± 1.35 %, Hausner’s ratio of 1.23 ± 0.02, pH of 8.0 when cold and 8.2 when hot for the powdered sample liquid extract. The results of the chemomicroscopic study revealed the presence of lignin, mucilage, calcium oxalate crystals, oil, calcium carbonate, but starch was absent. Results for the ethanol-soluble extractive value was 7 ± 0.00% , water-soluble extractive value was 14 ± 0.00% and methanol-soluble extractive value was 3 ± 0.00% for the powdered samples. Results for the moisture content was 10.3 ± 0.00% , total ash values was 6.3± 0.00% , acid-insoluble ash value was 1 ± 0.00% , water-soluble ash value was 3±0.00% and sulfated ash values was 7.5 ± 0.00% . In conclusion, the above evaluation methods and parameters there in could be used to identify and authenticate both the fresh and powdered crude drug product of Buchholzia coriacea.
Gantry angle dependent beam control optimization of a traveling wave linear accelerator to improve VMAT delivery
Authors: van Appeldoorn Adriaan A. , Kok Johannes G. M. , Wolthaus Jochem W. H. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIntroductionIncreased modulation and dynamical delivery of external beam radiotherapy (EBRT), such as volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) with dynamic gantry rotation, continuously variable dose rate (CVDR) and field shapes that change during the beam, place greater demands on the performance of linear accelerators (linac). In this study, the accuracy of the linac beam steering is improved by the application of a new method to determine the gantry‐dependent lookup table.MethodsAn improved method of lookup table creation based on service graphing information from the linac is investigated. This minimizes the impact of magnetic hysteresis due to the previous current in the steering magnets, which is dependent on the previous gantry angle. A software tool, programmed with MATLAB®, is used to calculate and export the new optimal lookup table (LUT).ResultsThis method is efficient requiring little clinical machine time or analysis time, and leads to an improved VMAT delivery with a reduction of about 60 percent in beam steering errors. If the surrounding magnetic field is changed, for example, ramping a nearby magnetic resonance imaging system (MRI), the beam steering LUT optimization can be quickly performed.ConclusionThis study shows an improved linac stability using improved lookup tables. Resulting in a lower number of interruptions, preventing down‐time, and a lower risk of intrafraction motion due to longer treatment times.
Error sensitivity of a log file analysis tool compared with a helical diode array dosimeter for VMAT delivery quality assurance
Authors: Szeverinski Philipp , Kowatsch Matthias , Künzler Thomas , Meinschad Marco , Clemens Patrick , DeVries Alexander F. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractPurposeIntegrating log file analysis with LINACWatch® (LW) into clinical routine as part of the quality assurance (QA) process could be a time‐saving strategy that does not compromise on quality. The purpose is to determine the error sensitivity of log file analysis using LINACWatch® compared with a measurement device (ArcCHECK®, AC) for VMAT delivery QA.Materials and methodsMulti‐leaf collimator (MLC) errors, collimator angle errors, MLC shift errors and dose errors were inserted to analyze error detection sensitivity. A total of 36 plans were manipulated with different magnitudes of errors. The gamma index protocols for AC were 3%/3 mm/Global and 2%/2 mm/Global, as well as 2%/2 mm/Global, and 1.5%/1.5 mm/Global for LW. Additionally, deviations of the collimator and monitor units between TPS and log file were calculated as RMS values. A 0.125 cm3 ionization chamber was used to independently examine the effect on dose.ResultsThe sensitivity for AC was 20.4% and 49.6% vs 63.0% and 86.5% for LW, depending on the analysis protocol. For MLC opening and closing errors, the detection rate was 19.0% and 47.7% for AC vs 50.5% and 75.5% for LW. For MLC shift errors, it was 29.6% and 66.7% for AC vs 66.7% and 83.3% for LW. AC could detect 25.0% and 44.4% of all collimator errors. Log file analysis detected all collimator errors using 1° detection level. 13.2% and 42.4% of all dose errors were detected by AC vs 59.0% and 92.4% for LW using gamma analysis. Using RMS value, all dose errors were detected by LW (1% detection level).ConclusionThe results of this study clearly show that log file analysis is an excellent complement to phantom‐based delivery QA of VMAT plans. We recommend a 1.5%/1.5 mm/Global criteria for log file‐based gamma calculations. Log file analysis was implemented successfully in our clinical routine for VMAT delivery QA.
Dust‐Sized High‐Power‐Density Photovoltaic Cells on Si and SOI Substrates for Wafer‐Level‐Packaged Small Edge Computers
Authors: Li Ning , Han Kevin , Spratt William , Bedell Stephen , Ren Jinhan , Gunawan Oki , Ott John , Hopstaken Marinus , Cabral Cyril , Libsch Frank , Subramanian Chitra , Shahidi Ghavam , Sadana Devendra 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAdvancement in microelectronics technology enables autonomous edge computing platforms in the size of a dust mote (<1 mm), bringing efficient and low‐cost artificial intelligence close to the end user and Internet‐of‐Things (IoT) applications. The key challenge for these compact high‐performance edge computers is the integration of a power source that satisfies the high‐power‐density requirement and does not increase the complexity and cost of the packaging. Here, it is shown that dust‐sized III–V photovoltaic (PV) cells grown on Si and silicon‐on‐insulator (SOI) substrates can be integrated using a wafer‐level‐packaging process and achieve higher power density than all prior micro‐PVs on Si and SOI substrates. The high‐throughput heterogeneous integration unlocks the potential of large‐scale manufacturing of these integrated systems with low cost for IoT applications. The negative effect of crystallographic defects in the heteroepitaxial materials on PV performance diminishes at high power density. Simultaneous power delivery and data transmission to the dust mote with heteroepitaxially grown PV are also demonstrated using hand‐held illumination sources.
Black Bioceramics: Combining Regeneration with Therapy
Authors: Wang Xiaocheng , Xue Jianmin , Ma Bing , Wu JinFu , Chang Jiang , Gelinsky Michael , Wu Chengtie 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBioceramics have been developed from bioinert to bioactive or biodegradable materials in the past few decades. However, at present, traditional bioceramics are still mainly used in bone tissue regeneration and dental restoration. In this work, a new generation of “black bioceramics,” extending the applications from tissue regeneration to disease therapy, is presented. Black bioceramics, through magnesium thermal reduction of traditional white ceramics, including silicate‐based (e.g., CaSiO3, MgSiO3) and phosphate‐based (e.g., Ca3(PO4)2, Ca5(PO4)3(OH)), are successfully synthesized. Due to the presence of oxygen vacancies and structural defects, the black bioceramics possess photothermal functionality while maintaining their initial high bioactivity and regenerative capacity. These black bioceramics show excellent photothermal antitumor effects for both skin and bone tumors. At the same time, they have significantly improved bioactivity for skin/bone tissue repair in vitro and in vivo. These fascinating properties award the black bioceramics with profound applications in both tumor therapy and tissue regeneration, which should greatly promote the scientific relevance and clinical application of bioceramics, representing a promising new direction of cell‐instructive biomaterials.
Organocatalytic Hantzsch Type Reaction Using Aryl Hydrazines, Propiolic Acid Esters and Enals: Enantioselective Synthesis of Paroxetine
Authors: Chen Lu , Zhang Zhi , Zu Liansuo 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAryl hydrazines, propiolic acid esters and enals serve as a viable substrate combination for an organocatalytic enantioselective Hantzsch type reaction. The method converts readily available starting materials into important chiral heterocycles with good to excellent yields and enantioselectivities, and has addressed the longstanding scope limitation of the classic Hantzsch reaction in the asymmetric synthesis of 2,6‐unsubstituted hydropyridines. The synthetic utility has been demonstrated by the concise enantioselective synthesis of paroxetine.magnified image
Kontrolle über die optische und katalytische Aktivität gentechnisch hergestellter Proteine mit Ultraschall
Authors: Zhou Yu , Huo Shuaidong , Loznik Mark , Göstl Robert , Boersma Arnold J. , Herrmann Andreas 
Published: October 2020

AbstractUltraschall (US) erzeugt mittels Kavitation mechanische Kräfte, die Polymerketten in Lösung dehnen und brechen. Diese Art der Polymer‐Mechanochemie wird für synthetische Polymere, nicht aber für Biomakromoleküle verwendet, obwohl US biokompatibel ist und gemeinhin für die medizinische Therapie sowie für die Bildgebung in vivo eingesetzt wird. Die Möglichkeit, die Aktivität von Proteinen durch US zu kontrollieren, wäre daher ein wichtiger Meilenstein für diese Disziplinen. Hier zeigen wir die ersten Beispiele für die selektive Aktivierung und Deaktivierung von Proteinen durch US. Mit der Verwendung von GFP als Modellsystem zeigen wir modellhaft, wie Proteine mit US‐Empfindlichkeit ausgestattet werden können. Der Einbau von langen und hochgeladenen Domänen ermöglicht eine effiziente Kraftübertragung auf die Proteinstruktur. Dieses Prinzip nutzen wir dann, um die katalytische Aktivität von Trypsin zu aktivieren, indem wir die Freisetzung seines Inhibitors auslösen. Wir erwarten, dass das Konzept des Ein‐ und Ausschaltens der Proteinaktivität durch US als Bauplan für die Fernsteuerung anderer bioaktiver Moleküle dienen wird.
γ‐Glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT)‐Activatable Fluorescence Probe for Durable Tumor Imaging
Authors: Obara Rui , Kamiya Mako , Tanaka Yoko , Abe Atsuki , Kojima Ryosuke , Kawaguchi Tokuichi , Sugawara Minoru , Takahashi Akiko , Noda Tetsuo , Urano Yasuteru 
Published: October 2020

Abstractγ‐Glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT) is overexpressed in several types of cancer. Existing GGT‐targeting fluorescence probes can image these cancers, but the fluorescent hydrolysis product leaks from the target cancer cells during prolonged incubation or fixation. Here, we present a functionalized fluorescence probe for GGT, 4‐CH2F‐HMDiEtR‐gGlu, which is designed to generate an azaquinone methide intermediate during activation by GGT; this intermediate reacts with intracellular nucleophiles to generate a fluorescent adduct that is trapped inside the cells, without loss of the target enzyme activity. Application of the probe to patient‐derived xenograft (PDX) mice enabled in vivo cancer imaging for a prolonged period and was also compatible with fixation and immunostaining of the cancer tissue.
Metallophthalocyanine/polyacrylonitrile nanofibers by solution blow spinning technique for enhanced photocatalytic activity by visible light
Authors: Ergün Anıl Berk , Sevim Altuğ Mert , Kılıç Ali , Gül Ahmet 
Published: October 2020

AbstractA novel photocatalyst, nano‐sized zinc and cobalt phthalocyanines (MPc), are anchored on polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers in the presence or absence of TiO2 and the process was realized with an innovative solution blow spinning (SBS) method for the first time. Novel nanofiber composites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy techniques. According to the SEM micrographs, the immobilization of nano‐Pcs on the surface of PAN nanofibers was uniform and does not involve agglomeration. The MPc/PAN composite yielded nearly complete degradation of methylene blue (MB) of a highly photocatalytic nature. It was also found that the presence of TiO2 on MPc/PAN composite have no effect on photodegradation of MB. Also, the recycling of new photocatalysts required as little change as possible owing to their macroscopic structure and their flexible nature.
Spontaneous Expressive Language Profiles in a Clinically Ascertained Sample of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Thomas Hannah R. , Rooney Tara , Cohen Morgan , Bishop Somer L. , Lord Catherine , Kim So Hyun 
Published: October 2020

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have varying degrees of language impairment across multiple domains, which may include deficits in syntactic, pragmatic, and/or semantic skills. The heterogeneity of language profiles within ASD, coupled with the limited scope of existing standardized language measures, makes a comprehensive assessment of language impairments in ASD challenging. The Observation of Spontaneous Expressive Language (OSEL) is a new measure developed to capture children's spontaneous use of language in a naturalistic setting. The current study used the OSEL to examine the patterns of spontaneous expressive language abilities of 87 clinically ascertained children with ASD from 2 to 12 years. As expected, children with ASD were significantly more impaired in their spontaneous use of language compared to typically developing peers. Syntax and narrative skills continued to increase with age from toddler to elementary school years in cross‐sectional comparisons. Pragmatic skills improved form toddler to preschool years but remained stable from preschool to elementary school years. Preliminary data also demonstrated significant improvements in OSEL syntax scores over time for a subset of children followed longitudinally (n = 8). Children with ASD consistently showed more impairments in spontaneous expressive language captured on the OSEL compared to language skills measured by other more structured standardized assessments, despite moderate convergent validity among those measures. Results suggest that impairments in the spontaneous and functional use of expressive language persist into middle childhood for many children with ASD, and a comprehensive assessment approach can lead to more precisely targeted treatment addressing specific language profiles.Lay SummaryThis study aimed to examine the variable language profiles in children with ASD. Children with ASD were shown to have impairments in the structure, meaning, and social use of language. These challenges were captured best by a measure that was created to assess the spontaneous use of language in a naturalistic environment. The results of this study emphasize the importance of a comprehensive assessment of language in ASD to inform treatment. Autism Res 2021, 14: 720–732. © 2020 International Society for Autism Research and Wiley Periodicals LLC
Wo sich Tradition und Präzision treffen
Authors: Hegner‐van Rooden Clementine 
Published: October 2020

AbstractFür den neuen Firmensitz der Schokoladenmanufaktur Max Felchlin entwickelten Meili, Peter & Partner Architekten und die Ingenieure von Pirmin Jung Schweiz einen fünfgeschossigen Hybridbau. Dabei fallen vor allem die Dachhauben auf: ihr Tragwerk knüpft an traditionelle Zimmermannsarbeiten an und besticht in Ausdruck und Ausführung.