bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correlation Studies in Ashwagandha [Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal]
Authors: Dhaka Babulal , Dadheech Amit , Padiwal N. K. , Choudhary Raju Ram 
Published: September 2021

In the present study entitled “Variability and Correlation Studies in Ashwagandha [Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal]”, 74 genotypes along with three standard checks viz., JA-20 (Jawahar Asgandh-20), JA-134 (Jawahar Asgandh-134) and RVA-100 were evaluated in augmented RBD design during late kharif 2019-20 at the Instructional Farm, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur (Rajasthan).
The observations were recorded on ten randomly selected competitive plants for fifteen characters, viz. days to 50% flowering, days to 75 per cent maturity, plant height, number of primary branches per plant, number of secondary branches per plant, leaf area index, root length, root diameter in collar region, fresh root yield per plant, dry root yield per plant, fresh plant weight per plant, dry plant weight per plant, 100 seed weight, harvest index and total alkaloid. Analysis of variance, correlation coefficient and path analysis were performed for the mean data.
The dry root yield per plant exhibited significant and positive correlation with dry plant weight, fresh root yield and harvest index at both genotypic and phenotypic level. While with, root diameter in collar region at genotypic level and fresh plant weight at phenotypic level. Positive and significant correlation among dry root yield per plant and contributing characters would help in indirect selection for dry root yield per plant in the crop like ashwagandha where economic part (dry root yield per plant) remain underground up till uprooting.
Current Trends of Gram-negative Bacteremia in a State of North India, the Forthcoming Challenges IGMC Shimla
Authors: Katoch Pankaj , Kanga Anil 
Published: September 2021

Background: Vascular endothelial dysfunction plays a critical role in the evolution of sepsis there is an increase in vascular permeability leading to coagulation abnormalities and subsequent dysfunction of major organs.1 Bloodstream infections are a cause of life-threatening complications in all age groups of the population especially the extreme age groups who are very much prone to the risk. Antibiotic usage is associated with bacteremia, septicemia, and mortality through many factors. We are aware that Gram-negative bacteria due to many causes are becoming increasingly resistant to the currently used antimicrobial therapy. Here, in this study, we report the incidence and etiology and of the Gram-Negative bacterial isolates and their clinical significance from our tertiary care institute located in the Northern part of India.
Materials and Methods: Prospective Observational Study conducted in the Department of Microbiology IGMC Shimla for a tenure of one year to determine the incidence and etiology of Gram-negative bacterial isolates and their antimicrobial resistance profile. All the blood culture samples received in the Department of Microbiology IGMC Shimla for culture by Bactec Bd fx from July 2015 to June 2016 were included in the study except for falling in the exclusion criteria. The blood culture was observed in the Bactec bd fx system for at least 5 days before they are reported as sterile.
Results: Among the total 1275 cultures which were positive for bacteria, 931(73.02%) were positive for Gram-negative bacteria. Among the total of 931culture that were positive for Gram-negative bacteria, The Non-fermenter group of organisms was isolated in 292(31.36%) cultures, followed by E. coli 266(28.57%). Among the total of 931 cultures positive for GNB, a maximum of 335 (35.98%) belonged to 0-1 year. Among them, 574 (61.65%) were males while 357 (38.35%) were females.
Conclusion: Nonfermenter group was the commonest organism among Gram-negative isolates. Infants were more commonly positive as compared to another age group. Males were more commonly culture positive as compared to females among gram-negative isolates.
Size‐Distribution Control of Exfoliated Nanosheets Assisted by Machine Learning: Small‐Data‐Driven Materials Science Using Sparse Modeling
Authors: Haraguchi Yuri , Igarashi Yasuhiko , Imai Hiroaki , Oaki Yuya 
Published: September 2021

Abstract2D materials exhibit emergent properties originating from their characteristic nanostructures. In general, monolayered and few‐layered nanosheets are obtained by exfoliation of the precursor layered materials. However, lateral‐size distribution of the nanosheets is not easily controlled through the exfoliation because of the unpredictable down‐sizing processes. The present work shows selective syntheses of transition‐metal‐oxide nanosheets with the monodisperse and polydisperse lateral sizes by the assistance of machine learning on small experimental data. The precursor layered composites of host transition‐metal oxides and interlayer organic guests are exfoliated into the surface‐modified nanosheets in organic dispersion media. A prediction model of the size distribution is constructed by sparse modeling, a method of machine learning, on the experimental data. The host‐guest‐medium combinations achieving the monodisperse and polydisperse lateral sizes are recommended by the prediction model. Therefore, the nanosheets with the controlled lateral‐size distribution are selectively obtained in a limited number of the experiments. Moreover, self‐assembly of the polydispersed nanosheets forms the homogeneous thin film exhibiting interference color. The prediction model and its construction method can be applied to the other 2D materials. Moreover, the present work implies that sparse modeling is an effective approach for small‐data‐driven materials science.
Design Optimization of Soft‐Contact Freestanding Rotary Triboelectric Nanogenerator for High‐Output Performance
Authors: Chen Junhuan , Wei Xuelian , Wang Baocheng , Li Ruonan , Sun Yanggui , Peng Yating , Wu Zhiyi , Wang Peng , Wang Zhong Lin 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe soft‐contact freestanding rotary triboelectric nanogenerator (FR‐TENG), with the capabilities of high output performance and excellent efficiency, presents interesting applications in driven nonequilibrium plasma jets, mass spectrometry, electrospinning, and so on. For enhancing the output performance of FR‐TENG, detailed and in‐depth research focusing on the design method is discussed in this paper, mainly consisting of the following four parts: 1) design reasonable geometric structure, 2) select triboelectric layers, 3) choose a reasonable signal acquisition, and 4) investigate influencing factors. Benefiting from this four‐step systematic research, a modified FR‐TENG with better output performance is successfully constructed. A corresponding open‐circuit voltage density of 1.27 × 105 V m−2 is achieved, which is over twofold higher compared to the largest one among the previous similar articles. Therefore, the four‐step systematic research is demonstrated to remarkably enhance the output performance of the soft‐contact FR‐TENG. This work not only presents a modified FR‐TENG with ultrahigh voltage density that inhibits bacterial corrosion, enables high‐voltage electrostatic dust removal, and enables impressive current cathodic protection of marine pipelines and urban buried pipelines, but also can be regarded as guidance for the design of soft‐contact FR‐TENG.
Directly measured aerobic fitness in male Maasai of Tanzania
Authors: Christensen Dirk L. , Jørgensen Sine W. , Koch Lars S. , Nordsborg Nikolai B. , Sironga Joseph , Ramaiya Kaushik L. , Larsen Steen , Brage Søren , Bygbjerg Ib C. , Maro Venance P. , Helge Jørn W. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractObjectivesThe agro‐pastoralist Maasai of East Africa are highly physically active, but their aerobic fitness has so far only been estimated using heart rate (HR) response to submaximal exercise and not directly measured. Thus, we aimed to measure aerobic fitness directly using respiratory gas analysis in a group of Maasai, and habitual physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE) as explanatory variable.MethodsIn total, 21 (10 rural, 11 semi‐urban) of 30 volunteering Tanzanian Maasai men were eligible to participate. Respiratory gas exchange was measured during a graded exercise test until exhaustion on a stationary bicycle to determine aerobic fitness. Maximal effort criteria were at least two of the following (1) leveling off, (2) respiratory exchange ratio (RER) >1.10, and (3) maximum HR within 10 bpm of age‐estimated maximum HR. Habitual PAEE was estimated using combined accelerometry and HR monitoring. Anthropometry, biochemistry, blood pressure, resting HR, and dietary intake information were collected for background information.ResultsMean age was 43.2 (range 26–60) years, and hemoglobin was higher in the rural versus semi‐urban Maasai (16.9 vs. 15.4 g/dl, p = .02). Mean aerobic fitness (34.4 vs. 33.3 mlO2/min/kg, p = .79), and mean PAEE (58.5 vs. 52.9 kJ/day/kg, p = .64) were similar in rural and semi‐urban Maasai, respectively.ConclusionsAerobic fitness was low to moderate in male rural and semi‐urban Maasai. This may be explained by relatively low PAEE in comparison to previous objectively measured activity levels in Maasai, which indicates recent lifestyle changes.
Maternal feeding benefits of allomaternal care in black‐and‐white colobus (Colobus guereza)
Authors: Raboin Dominique L. , Baden Andrea L. , Rothman Jessica M. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractCaring for infants involves lactation, protection, provisioning, and carrying—all energetically taxing states for primate mothers. Holding and carrying clinging infants often constrains mothers from moving and traveling, potentially reducing their food and energy intake; however, when separated from its mother an infant is at risk of predation. This separation therefore requires that mothers be vigilant, further deterring them from feeding. Allomaternal care (AMC) is hypothesized to allow mothers to safely detach from their infants to feed, permitting them to increase energy intake, which is particularly needed for lactation. We examined the nutritional benefits of AMC in black‐and‐white colobus monkeys (Colobus guereza) by estimating energy intake by lactating mothers during AMC versus non‐AMC. We studied seven mother‐infant dyads in three groups of C. guereza during six months in Kibale National Park, Uganda. Immature group members handled infants more often than adults, and females handled infants more often than males. An infant's distance to its mother and its nearest neighbor's age and sex best predicted the occurrence of AMC. Lactating mothers fed more often, fed and rested for longer durations, and consumed more metabolizable energy during AMC compared to when they were caring for their infants. These results demonstrate that AMC in C. guereza provides mothers with feeding opportunities that increase their energy intake.
Tunable and Cooperative Catalysis for Enantioselective Pictet‐Spengler Reaction with Varied Nitrogen‐Containing Heterocyclic Carboxaldehydes
Authors: Chan Yuk‐Cheung , Sak Marcus H. , Frank Scott A. , Miller Scott J. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractHerein we report an organocatalytic enantioselective functionalization of heterocyclic carboxaldehydes via the Pictet–Spengler reaction. Through careful pairing of novel squaramide and Brønsted acid catalysts, our method tolerates a breadth of heterocycles, enabling preparation of a series of heterocycle conjugated β‐(tetrahydro)carbolines in good yield and enantioselectivity. Careful selection of carboxylic acid co‐catalyst is essential for toleration of a variety of regioisomeric heterocycles. Utility is demonstrated via the three‐step stereoselective preparation of pyridine‐containing analogues of potent selective estrogen receptor downregulator and U.S. FDA approved drug Tadalafil.
Nanocarriers for Skin Applications: Where Do We Stand?
Authors: Tiwari Neha , Osorio‐Blanco Ernesto Rafael , Sonzogni Ana , Esporrín‐Ubieto David , Wang Huiyi , Calderón Marcelo 
Published: September 2021

AbstractSkin penetration of active molecules for treatment of diverse diseases is a major field of research owing to the advantages associated with the skin like easy accessibility, reduced systemic‐derived side effects, and increased therapeutic efficacy. Despite these advantages, dermal drug delivery is generally challenging due to the low skin permeability of therapeutics. Although various methods have been developed to improve skin penetration and permeation of therapeutics, they are usually aggressive and could lead to irreversible damage to the stratum corneum. Nanosized carrier systems represent an alternative approach for current technologies, with minimal damage to the natural barrier function of skin. In this Review, the use of nanoparticles to deliver drug molecules, genetic material, and vaccines into the skin is discussed. In addition, nanotoxicology studies and the recent clinical development of nanoparticles are highlighted to shed light on their potential to undergo market translation.
Influence of foam density on burning behavior of polymer bead foams
Authors: Weinbrenner Marius , Weber Regino , Neumeyer Thomas , Altstädt Volker 
Published: September 2021

AbstractFoamed plastics are increasingly employed due to the high demand in functional materials with reduced weight. Bead foams in general offer low weight and excellent thermal insulation properties combined with extremely high freedom in design. Though foams show increased risk of ignition and heightened heat release, literature on burning behavior is rather limited. Therefore, this study investigates density‐dependent burning behavior of commercial bead foams like expanded polypropylene (EPP) and expanded modified polyphenyleneether (E‐mPPE) by cone calorimetry. The results are compared to existing studies on the density‐dependent burning behavior of different foams, mainly expanded polystyrene and foamed polyurethane. The importance of density as a characteristic is highlighted by the linear dependence of total heat emission on density for all investigated polymers, making a prediction of thermal loads possible. The peak heat release rate of flame‐retarded EPP and E‐mPPE was found not to be dependent on density, indicating an increased homogeneity by addition of flame retardant.
Advanced dielectric elastomer based on optimized thermoplastic polyurethane–styrene ethylene butylene styrene blend: Experiment and simulation
Authors: Zhu Jing , Zhang Lu , Zhao Yu , Yin Li‐Juan , Zha Jun‐Wei , Dang Zhi‐Min 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIncreasing the actuation characteristics of dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) under low electric field strength without compromising the elasticity and breakdown strength is still one of the great challenges in application field. Herein, we propose a simple, efficient, and controllable strategy to prepare dielectric elastomers with intrinsically good integrated properties by introducing styrene ethylene butylene styrene (SEBS) in thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Combined with experiments and molecular dynamics simulation, we find that the SEBS is uniformly dispersed in TPU matrix and a good interface structure is formed by pi–pi interaction and entanglement. The above characteristics lead to the destruction of the hydrogen bond network of TPU and the formation of single aggregation structure. Consequently, much decreased Young's modulus (Y) and enhanced breakdown field (Ebr) are achieved. Especially, when the content of SEBS is 4.76 wt%, the blend shows a desirable Y of 2.4 MPa and a much improved Ebr (118 kV mm−1), which is about 59% lower and 42% higher than those of TPU, respectively. As a result, the maximum electrical strain area of the dielectric blend elastomer reaches 4.7%, which is 250% higher than that of pure TPU under the same electric field strength.
Botulinum toxin in the masseter muscle: Lingering effects of denervation
Authors: Baldwin Michael C. , Liu Zi Jun , Rafferty Katherine L. , Keith Andrew , Tamasas Basma , Kaiyala Karl , Herring Susan W. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBotulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are paralytic agents used to treat a variety of conditions in jaw muscles. Although their effect is considered temporary, there are reports of persistent functional changes. Using rabbits that received BoNT injection in one masseter muscle, the recovery of neuromuscular connection was investigated using nerve stimulation to evoke an electromyographic (EMG) response, and the recovery of muscle fibers was investigated using histological morphometry and bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) immunohistochemistry. One month after treatment, evoked EMG was greatly reduced in both amplitude and duration, indicating that little reinnervation had taken place. Muscle fibers were atrophied and collagenous tissue was increased. Three months after treatment, evoked EMG duration was normal, indicating that at least some neuromuscular junctions were functional. Histologically, some muscle fibers were hypertrophied, some were still atrophied, and some appeared to have died. Fibrosis was still apparent amid slight increases in dividing cells and regenerating fibers. The histological effects of BoNT were evident although attenuated at a distance of about 1 cm from the injection level, but no regional differences could be discerned for the evoked EMGs. In conclusion, there were persistent muscular deficits seen 3 months after BoNT treatment that may have been caused by the failure of some affected muscle fibers to become reinnervated.
Performance analysis using economic model predictive control for hydrolysis of tallow fat
Authors: Thirunavukarasu Narayani , Panda Rames C. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractTallow is a resource for glycerine and oleochemicals produced by subsequent hydrolysis, saponification, or transesterification. Since steam hydrolysis, an industrial practice, uses continuous high pressure and temperature, is energy intensive; this has been replaced by use of pressurized hot water from top and bottom of hydrolyzing tower. The fat and water form continuous phase in the heat exchange part where hydrolysis takes place in approximately 3 h. The degree of hydrolysis depends on vapor–liquid equilibrium of water which is a function of temperature and pressure. It has been found that degree of hydrolysis is feasible at 256°C. Continuous countercurrent flow is maintained by the density difference between the two phases in the heat exchange sections. There is a need for improving degree of hydrolysis along the safe operating region in the temperature–pressure domain of energy‐utility spectrum by using model predictive control (MPC). A nonlinear mathematical model, representing glycerine concentration and temperature in fat and aqueous phases, for the fat hydrolysis system is used for system identification and synthesizing model‐based tuning rules for the said process. Auto‐tuning algorithms (multiloop with IMC‐PID–Laurent tuning) are developed for PID tuning. The conventional control algorithms (IMC‐PI and MPC) focus on error minimization and performance optimization; hence, economic model predictive control (EMPC) is adopted (incorporating reaction kinetics into objective function) to optimize the process utility via improved energy efficiency. A closed‐loop comparison (PI, MPC, and economic MPC) of performance indices reveals that economic MPC gives satisfactory results.
Robust approximate constraint‐following control design for typical manipulator systems
Authors: Zhen ShengChao , Peng Xin , Wang MianHao , Liu XiaoLi , Huang Kang , Shen WeiLei , Yin Jian 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIn this paper, the constraint equation is written into the second‐order form, and the additional generalized constraint binding force is added to the unconstrained system from the constraint equation to obtain the dynamic equation. Based on the dynamic equation, we model performance requirements as servo constraints by using the robust approximate constraint‐following servo control. In other words, the constraints are generated from the servo control which makes the system follow the constraints approximately. Finally, for verifying the effectiveness of the controller, we apply it into a two‐degree‐of‐freedom manipulator system.
Purification, characterization, and antifungal activity of Bacillus cereus strain NK91 chitinase from rhizospheric soil samples of Himachal Pradesh, India
Authors: Thakur Nirja , Nath Amarjit K , Chauhan Anjali , Gupta Rakesh 
Published: September 2021

AbstractNewly isolated Bacillus cereus strain NK91 was characterized for extracellular chitinase production. Partially purified chitinase showed a molecular weight of 43.7 kDa in SDS–PAGE analysis. The optimum pH and temperature for the partially purified enzyme were 7.0 and 40°C, respectively. The addition of Mn2+ resulted in a 21% increase in enzyme activity as compared to the control. The Vmax and Km of the enzyme were determined as 76.9 μmol/min and 0.07 mg/mL, respectively. This enzyme exhibited stronger antifungal activity towards Fusarium oxysporum (66.7%), Rhizoctonia solani (64.6%), and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (63%), and transmission electron microscopy and scanning transmission electron microscopy analysis showed considerable changes in cell wall structure with the treatment of purified chitinase as compared to control. Therefore, this enzyme reveals its biocontrol potential against potent phytopathogens in agriculture that can be helpful in swapping harmful as well as expensive fungicides.
Cardiovascular function during early development is suppressed by cinnamon flavored, nicotine‐free, electronic cigarette vapor
Authors: Piechowski Jennifer M. , Bagatto Brian 
Published: September 2021

AbstractObjectivesVaping products continue to remain popular among teens and young adults despite an overall lack of research regarding their potential health effects. While much research focuses on respiratory effects associated with electronic cigarette use, their effects on other systems, including embryonic cardiovascular function and development due to maternal use during pregnancy, also needs to be evaluated. Here, we assessed the impact of nicotine‐free, cinnamon and chocolate flavored, electronic cigarette vapor on cardiovascular function during early development by exposing wild‐type zebrafish embryos to electronic cigarette vapor.MethodsVapor was produced from a second‐generation style vape pen and was incorporated into dechlorinated water at 0.6, 12, and 25 puffs/L, where one puff equals 55 ml of vapor. Vapor infused water was distributed among flasks to which zebrafish embryos were added. Exposures lasted for 24 hours and cardiovascular videos were recorded. Videos were analyzed and end systolic volume, end diastolic volume, stroke volume, heart rate, cardiac output, red blood cell density, and arterial and venous blood vessel diameters were measured.ResultsHere, it was found that embryonic exposure to nicotine free, cinnamon, and not chocolate, flavored electronic cigarette vapor at 25 puffs/L significantly decreased all cardiovascular parameters measured, with the exception of blood vessel diameter. No significant effect on any measured parameter was observed at 0.6 or 12 puffs/L with either flavor.ConclusionThese results indicate that cinnamon flavored electronic cigarette vapor can affect cardiovascular function during early development, even in the absence of nicotine, particularly at elevated exposure concentrations.