bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fungal Pathogens Associated with Damping-off Disease of Cashew Seedlings in Nigeria
Authors: Kolawole O. O. , Iloyanomon C. I. , Ogunlade M. O. 
Published: December 2021

Aim: This study was designed to isolate fungal pathogens associated with damping-off of cashew seedlings.
Study Design: The cashew seedlings for this study were selected randomly from a number of infected cashew seedlings in the screen house.
Methodology: Associated fungal pathogens were grown on potato dextrose agar (PDA) and identified using their characteristics and morphological features observed under the microscope with reference to published identification manuals.
Results: The result showed that damping-off of cashew seedling is mostly associated with fungal pathogens such as such as Fusarium spp, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Pythium spp., Alternaria sp., Curvularia sp., Aspergillus niger, and Lasiodiplodia theobromae. However, Fusarium spp, and Pythium spp. were predominant and frequently isolated than other pathogens.
Conclusion: The knowledge of these pathogens is important for designing strategies to safeguard cashew plant health against diseases in order to ensure sustainable cashew production in Nigeria.
Optimization of the Extraction of Total Flavonoids and Antioxidant Activity from Lippia multiflora Moldenke (Verbenaceae) Leaves using Experimental Design
Authors: N’Dri Koffi Emmanuel , François Kouakou Yeboue Koffi , Yves Nyamien Bleouh , Deli Roland Kouadoueu , Anin Louise Atchibri 
Published: December 2021

The leaves of Lippia multiflora contain secondary metabolites including flavonoids which have an important antioxidant activity. This study aims to optimize the extraction conditions of total flavonoids and the antioxidant activity of these leaves. To achieve this, the Plackett-Burman design was used for the screening of the factors influencing the extraction, then the central composite design was implemented for the optimization itself. The effects of five factors, such as the plant-to-solvent ratio, the nature of the extraction solvent, the extraction time, the extraction method and the size of the L. multiflora leaves, on the extraction of total flavonoids and the antioxidant activity were studied. Results of Plackett-Burman design indicated that factors influencing both flavonoids extraction and antioxidant activity were the solid-liquid ratio and extraction time. The predicted optimal conditions for the highest flavonoids content from L. multiflora leaf with better antioxidant activity were found with aqueous decoction for 30 min with 3.5 g of cut leaves in 100 mL of distilled water. Using the predicted conditions, experimental responses were 87.18 ± 1.03 mg/g QE and 372.34 ± 4.04 µmol/g TE for total flavonoids and antioxidant capacity, respectively. Under the above-mentioned conditions, the experimental results are very close to predicted one. Thus, L. multiflora leaf can be considered as a natural source of flavonoids content with good antioxidant activity.
Comparison of the Psychological Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Saudi Nationals Arriving from Abroad During Institutional Quarantine and a Year Later: An Analytical Cross-Sectional and Follow-Up Study
Authors: Alaujan Fahad Yousef , Ghamdi Amal Hassan A. l. 
Published: December 2021

Aim: To assess the psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic and estimate the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress on individuals during institutional quarantined in 2020 and reassess a year later to compare outcomes and investigates different associated factors.
Study Design: An analytical cross-sectional and a follow-up study
Place and Duration of Study: An institutional COVID-19 quarantine center, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, between May 2020 and July 2021
Methodology: A sample of 138 participants were recruited. After obtaining the participants demographics date and consent, an electronic questionnaire was distributed to assess participants psychological well-being using the 42-item depression, anxiety, and stress scales (DASS) twice, at the end of quarantine period and one year later, to compare outcomes and associated factors.
Results: Out of all the sample (n=138), male represented 64.5% while female accounted for 35.5%. Half the participants (50.7%) were married comparing to 40.6% single and bachelor’s or higher degrees holders accounted for 61.6% while 26.8% had high school degree. The psychological health was assessed for all participants twice, resulting with prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress during quarantine period of 34%, 33%, and 22% respectively and a decreased prevalence a year late (20%, 13%, and 9, respectively). The differences between the two psychological assessments were significant (depression: P = .02, anxiety: P< .001, stress: P = .005). Educational level was associated with stress at time of quarantine (P = .03). Marital status and employment status were significantly associated with participants depression levels a year after quarantine (P = .03, P = .04, respectively).
Conclusion and Recommendations: The psychological well-being of quarantined participants was negatively impacted during this unlikable experience. Numerous demographic factors were significantly associated with the undesirable effects. We propose implementing a psychological assessment program in future quarantine centers to prevent further mental health impacts.
Fabrication and evaluation of bilateral Helmholtz radiofrequency coil for thermo‐stable breast image with reduced artifacts
Authors: Lee Young Han , Song Kyu‐Ho , Yang Jaemoon , Kang Won Jun , Lee Keum Sil , Kim Min Jung , Kim Eun‐Kyung , Heo Dan , Choe Bo‐Young , Suh Jin‐Suck 
Published: December 2021

AbstractPurposeThe positron emission tomography (PET)‐magnetic resonance (MR) system is a newly emerging technique that yields hybrid images with high‐resolution anatomical and metabolic information. With PET‐MR imaging, a definitive diagnosis of breast abnormalities will be possible with high spatial accuracy and images will be acquired for the optimal fusion of anatomic locations. Therefore, we propose a PET‐compatible two‐channel breast MR coil with minimal disturbance to image acquisition which can be used for simultaneous PET‐MR imaging in patients with breast cancer.Materials and MethodsFor coil design and construction, the conductor loops of the Helmholtz coil were tuned, matched, and subdivided with nonmagnetic components. Element values were optimized with an electromagnetic field simulation. Images were acquired on a GE 600 PET‐computed tomography (CT) and GE 3.0 T MR system. For this study, we used the T1‐weighted image (volunteer; repetition time (TR), 694 ms; echo time (TE), 9.6 ms) and T2‐weighted image (phantom; TR, 8742 ms; TE, 104 ms) with the fast spin‐echo sequence.ResultsThe results of measuring image factors with the proposed radiofrequency (RF) coil and standard conventional RF coil were as follows: signal‐to‐noise ratio (breast; 207.7 vs. 175.2), percent image uniformity (phantom; 89.22%–91.27% vs. 94.63%–94.77%), and Hounsfield units (phantom; ‐4.51 vs. 2.38).ConclusionsOur study focused on the feasibility of proposed two‐channel Helmholtz loops (by minimizing metallic components and soldering) for PET‐MR imaging and found the comparable image quality to the standard conventional coil. We believe our work will help significantly to improve image quality with the development of a less metallic breast MR coil.
I‐containing Polymer/Alloy Layer‐Based Li Anode Mediating High‐Performance Lithium–Air Batteries
Authors: Guo Ziyang , Zhang Qingwei , Wang Chen , Zhang Yaojian , Dong Shanmu , Cui Guanglei 
Published: December 2021

AbstractLithium (Li)–air batteries with super‐high energy density have attracted wide attention, but they usually exhibit poor performance due to dendrite/passivation on anode and insoluble discharge products on cathode. Many recent works have just designed highly efficient catalysts or only prepared stable anodes to solve one aspect of the above issues. Herein, an iodine (I)‐containing polymer/alloy layer‐based Li (IPA‐Li) via the replacement reaction of zinc iodide (ZnI2) and Li and subsequent polymerization of ethyl α‐cyanoacrylate (ECA) is designed to tackle both the anode and cathode problems. The homogeneous polymer layer and LiZn alloy in IPA‐Li not only suppress the passivation caused by attack of O2/H2O, but also guide uniform Li plating/stripping behavior to inhibit dendrite formation. Moreover, soluble I‐containing species in IPA‐Li obviously promote decomposition of discharge products at low voltages. Compared with bare Li, IPA‐Li shows a longer lifespan (1200 h at 1 mA cm−2) in the symmetric cell. Hence, the electrochemical performance of IPA‐Li‐based Li–O2 batteries is also much better than Li‐based cells. Moreover, IPA‐Li‐based Li–air battery operates stably >120 cycles with low‐overpotential of <1.6 V in ambient air, while the Li–air battery fast decays only after 25 cycles. This strategy provides a new way to construct high‐performance Li–air batteries.
Study on the Interfacial Mechanism of Bisalt Polyether Electrolyte for Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Wen Ziyue , Zhao Zhikun , Li Li , Sun Zhaoyang , Chen Nan , Li Yuejiao , Wu Feng , Chen Renjie 
Published: December 2021

AbstractSolid‐state batteries are considered a new avenue for storing high‐energy and safe electrochemical energy in both traditional and niche applications. However, the inferior tolerance under high voltage as well as poor interfacial contact has become the bottleneck for its application in high‐energy‐density Li metal batteries (LMBs). Herein, a bisalt polyether electrolyte (BSPE) is designed via in situ polymerization process for quasi‐solid LMBs. In particular, the BSPE exhibited a wide electrochemical stability window (4.4 V versus Li+/Li), and in situ Fourier transform infrared spectrocopy combined with X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy technology revealed the oxidation mechanism of BSPE at high voltage. Benefiting from this design, the Li|Li symmetric cells with BSPE are stable over 1200 h with low overpotential. Additionally, Li|LiFePO4 (LFP), Li|Li4Ti5O12 (LTO), and Li|LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM811) LMBs delivered excellent cycling performance at ambient temperature. Therefore, it is believed that the BSPE can be a promising gel polymer electrolyte candidate for high‐energy‐density LMBs.
A Plasmonic Supramolecular Nanohybrid as a Contrast Agent for Site‐Selective Computed Tomography Imaging of Tumor
Authors: Bindra Anivind Kaur , Sreejith Sivaramapanicker , Prasad Rajendra , Gorain Mahadeo , Thomas Rijil , Jana Deblin , Nai Mui Hoon , Wang Dongdong , Tharayil Abhimanyu , Kundu Gopal C. , Srivastava Rohit , Thomas Sabu , Lim Chwee Teck , Zhao Yanli 
Published: December 2021

AbstractDesign of organic–inorganic hybrids by anchoring of plasmonic materials such as gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on self‐assembled organic substrates is useful but challenging. Herein, in situ anchoring of plasmonic nanoparticles on the surface of a designed spherical assembly via AuS bond formation is presented. First, a thiol tailed pyrene derivative (2) undergoes solvent dependent self‐assembly, transforming into an organic spherical aggregate (2agg). The thiol (‐SH) rich surface of the organic assembly allows cumulative anchoring of AuNPs on the surface to form an organic–inorganic hybrid (Au@2agg). Further coating of biocompatible polyethylene glycol (PEG) leads to the construction of the final multicomponent system (PEG‐Au@2agg) exhibiting morphological and spectroscopic features. The potential of PEG‐Au@2agg as a bioprobe and a contrast agent is investigated by X‐ray computed tomography (CT) experiments in vivo. High X‐ray attenuation of directly anchored AuNP clusters on the surface of this supramolecular nanohybrids enhances the X‐ray CT contrast and allows tracing of site‐selective accumulation in mouse 4T1 breast tumor. Thus, this approach of designing organic–inorganic nanohybrids paves the way for developing future intelligent multifunctional nanosystems capable of cancer detection and imaging.
Recent Advances on Designs and Applications of Hydrogel Adhesives
Authors: Liu Xiaowei , Yu Haojie , Wang Li , Huang Zhikun , Haq Fazal , Teng Lisong , Jin Meijin , Ding Binbin 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIn virtue of extracellular features, hydrogels have been used in various areas such as tissue repair, artificial skins, and biological electronics, etc. Intact contact of tough hydrogels to targeted surfaces is usually required to avoid blood or body fluids leakage or inaccurate signals of sensors. The collaboration of high interactive energy between interfaces and high fracture toughness of the constituent hydrogels can effectively prevent relatively macroscopic motions of adhesives from substrates under deformation. Nevertheless, variations in surface microenvironment like moisture, roughness, and functional groups can lead to the scission of bonds between bulk hydrogel and surfaces. Accordingly, to prevent detachment of adhesives, specific tactics should be utilized to reach a targeted surface based on substrates’ physical and chemical properties. This review concentrates on various hydrogel adhesives in the near‐decade, from design strategies, including physical interactions, chemical bonds, and bio‐inspired ways, to eventual applications, like wound closure, sensors, soft robots, and tissue repair. Meanwhile, it is anticipated that these approaches could spur sparks for fabricating appropriate tough adhesives under different circumstances.
Effect of SiO2 Interlayer Thickness in Au/SiO2/Si Multilayer Systems on Si Sources and the Formation of Au‐Based Nanostructures
Authors: Li Feitao , Oliva‐Ramírez Manuel , Wang Dong , Schaaf Peter 
Published: December 2021

AbstractSi sources involved in the growth of Au–SiOx nanostructures are investigated through the rapid thermal annealing of gold thin films on SiO2/Si substrates with various SiO2 layer thicknesses (3, 25, 100, 500 nm) in a reducing atmosphere. This method reveals three Si sources whose involvement depends on the thickness of the SiO2 layers, i.e., Si diffusion from the substrate, and SiO from SiO2 decomposition and from Si active oxidation. Increasing thicknesses of the SiO2 layer hampers the Si diffusion and the decomposition of regions of the SiO2 layer, which decreases the concentrations of discovered regions weakening the Si active oxidation. These discovered regions appear in systems with a SiO2 layer of 25 or 100 nm, while they are absent for a 500 nm layer. Furthermore, Au–SiOx nanostructures of different shapes form in each system. Both behaviors indicate that the influence and transport mechanisms of the different Si sources are largely dependent on the thicknesses of the SiO2 layers and that they control the evolution of the Au–SiOx nanostructures. A clear understanding of the relationship between these thicknesses and the possible Si sources and their roles in the evolution of the nanostructures makes the tailored fabrication of nanostructures possible.
Unique Features of Polarization in Ferroelectric Ionic Conductors
Authors: O'Hara Andrew , Balke Nina , Pantelides Sokrates T. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractFerroelectrics that are also ionic conductors offer possibilities for novel applications with high tunability, especially if the same atomic species causes both phenomena. In particular, at temperatures just below the Curie temperature, polarized states may be sustainable as the mobile species is driven in a controlled way over the energy barrier that governs ionic conduction, resulting in unique control of the polarization. This possibility is recently demonstrated in CuInP2S6, a layered ferroelectric ionic conductor in which Cu ions cause both ferroelectricity and ionic conduction. Here, it is shown that the commonly used approach to calculate the polarization of evolving atomic configurations in ferroelectrics using the modern theory of polarization, namely concerted (synchronous) migration of the displacing ions, is not well suited to describe the polarization evolution as the Cu ions cross the van der Waals gaps. An asynchronous Cu‐migration scheme is introduced, which reflects the physical process by which Cu ions migrate, resolves the difficulties, and describes the polarization evolution both for normal ferroelectric switching and for transitions across the van der Waals gaps, providing a single framework to discuss ferroelectric ionic conductors.
Male fattening is related to increased seminal quality of squirrel monkeys (Saimiri collinsi): Implications for sperm competition
Authors: Vasconcelos Sampaio Wlaisa , Leite Leão Danuza , da Cunha Sousa Patrícia , Lima de Queiroz Helder , Farhayldes Souza Domingues Sheyla 
Published: December 2021

AbstractSaimiri are neotropical primates with seasonal reproduction, males develop a seasonal fattening condition that has been suggested as a pre‐copulatory sexual selection strategy. Furthermore, females mate with multiple males in the same season. This could also favor the evolution of a postcopulatory sexual strategy by sperm competition. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that there is a relationship between the fatted condition and advantageous seminal characteristics in Saimiri collinsi and evaluated its implications for sperm competition. Adult males (N = 10), aged 5–15 years, housed in mixed or only‐male groups, were analyzed from June, 2015 to July, 2016. Measurements of weight, axilla, and arm skinfold, and testicular volume were taken monthly, and semen was collected by electroejaculation. A fattening index was developed to quantify and identify fatted males, biometrics, and seminal parameters were compared between the non‐fatted and fatted conditions. The fatted males present a larger testicular volume. This is related to the increase in spermatogenic activity necessary to sustain a high ejaculation frequency during the mating season. An increase in seminal volume and in frequency of semen coagulation were detected in fatted males, advantages related to sperm protection in the female reproductive tract. Age and social context were not significant sources of variation for both morphological and seminal traits. A decrease in response from the fatted males in obtaining semen and an increase in the frequency of azoospermic ejaculates were observed. These unexpected results may be due to intense reproductive activities in a short period. The fattening phenomenon has many implications in the sexual selection of squirrel monkeys, and they are still not entirely unveiled. Our results corroborate the idea that, in S. collinsi, the fatted male condition is related to sexual selection, and we found evidence suggesting it may be also expressed by a post‐copulatory component, sperm competition.
Investigating factors of metabolic bone disease in baboons (Papio spp.) using museum collections
Authors: Sadhir Srishti , Eller Andrea R. , Canington Stephanie L. , Sholts Sabrina B. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractObjectivesTo assess manifestations of metabolic bone disease (MBD) and their potential environmental and phenotypic factors in captive and non‐captive baboon (Papio spp.) specimens.Materials and methodsOur sample consisted of 160 baboon specimens at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History accessioned from 1890 to 1971. Combining cranial indicators of MBD and the museum's historical data, we examined factors contributing to likely instances of MBD. We used binomial‐family generalized linear models to assess differences in MBD frequency by environment (captive, non‐captive), specimen accession year, and skin color (light, medium, dark).ResultsIndicators of MBD were most frequently observed in captive baboons, with a decrease in MBD frequency over time. Fifteen non‐captive individuals showed indicators of MBD, which are the first published cases of MBD in non‐captive nonhuman primates (NHPs) to our knowledge. The most common MBD indicators were bone porosity (n = 35) and bone thickening/enlargement (n = 35). Fibrous osteodystrophy was observed frequently in our sample, likely relating to nutritional deficiencies. We found no association between exposed facial skin color variation and MBD.ConclusionsOur findings are consistent with historical accounts of MBD prevalence in captive facilities, especially earlier in the 20th century. A decrease in MBD prevalence later in the 20th century likely reflects improvements in housing, diet, and veterinary care in captive settings. Causes of MBD development in non‐captive baboons should be further explored, as understanding the potential health impacts that anthropogenic environments impose on NHPs is imperative as humans increasingly alter the natural world in the 21st century.
Preferential formation of mono‐dimethyl disulfide adducts for determining double bond positions of poly‐unsaturated fatty acids
Authors: Liao Sian , Huang Yongsong 
Published: December 2021

AbstractDetermination of double bond positions of unsaturated lipids is fundamental for understanding their biofunctions and biosynthetic pathways. Derivatizing unsaturated lipids with dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) represents a convenient method to yield characteristic ions for determining double bond positions. However, DMDS adduction of poly‐unsaturated lipids often leads to the formation of poly‐ and/or cyclized DMDS adducts, which yield complex mass spectra that are difficult to interpret in terms of double bond positions. Here, we report a room‐temperature, convenient experimental procedure to preferentially form mono‐DMDS adducts for poly‐unsaturated fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) with two to five double bonds (c9, c12‐C18:2, t9, t12‐C18:2, c5, c9, c12‐C18:3, c7, c10, c13, c16‐C22:4 and c5, c8, c11, c14, c17‐C20:5). Electron‐impact ionization mass spectra of these mono‐DMDS adducts provide highly diagnostic ions for determining positions of all double bonds. Our approach overcomes the limit of traditional DMDS derivatization methods which are generally limited to mono‐unsaturated molecules. In addition, we show gas chromatography and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analyses of mono‐DMDS adducts can also provide useful information about double bond geometry, as cis double bonds are prone to isomerize to trans isomers.
Ethical dilemmas in skeletal collection utilization: Implications of the Black Lives Matter movement on the anatomical and anthropological sciences
Authors: Williams Shanna E. , Ross Ann H. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement has brought to the public eye longstanding issues of social and racial injustice which have permeated the experiences of individuals of African ancestry in the United States and abroad for centuries. Motivated by a desire to disassemble a framework of systemic racism, the BLM movement has infiltrated numerous social and political arenas including the sciences, demanding change. The impact of the BLM movement is evident in the attention recently garnered by protests of museum skeletal collections' acquisition and handling of African/African American human remains. It is from this vantage point that we explore the ethical issues pervasive within United States skeletal collections and forensically relevant issues surrounding the unclaimed decedents of marginalized populations; colonial/imperial ideological formations, which construct and sustain power differentials in anatomization; and conceive of a path forward that prioritizes personhood.