bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Microplastic Degrading Potential of Fungal Isolates from an Estuary in Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Williams Janet Olufunmilayo , Osahon Nosayame Thomas 
Published: April 2021

The potential of fungi as bio degraders of micro plastic particles was assessed using standard microbiological and Fourier transformed Infra-Red (FTIR) spectroscopic analysis methods. The highest mean Total Heterotrophic fungal (THF) count of 4.24x104 cfu/ml was obtained with the least THF (2.72x104 cfu/ml) recorded during the dry season. Mean hydrocarbon Utilizing Fungal (HUF) count was highest (1.78x104 cfu/ml) during the wet period while the least HUF count (1.46x104 cfu/ml) was recorded during the dry period. Spectra of FTIR showed that the water contained microplastic particles in these proportions; polyethylene of low density (LDPE) 0.01%, 0.11% protein, 0.15% polystyrene, 0.37% polyamide, 1.14% cellulose, 1.21% polyurethane, 1.90% polyvinyl chloride, 3.11% polyester and 92% polypropylene, respectively. Species of fungi identified were Aspergillus niger, Penicillium spp., Rhizopus spp., Mucor spp., Aspergillus nidulans, Fusarium spp., Microsporum canis, and Aspergillus fumigatus. Among the fungal isolates, A. niger and A. fumigatus were most active in degrading the micro plastic (polypropylene) with mean % weight loss of 71.09% and 53.09%, respectively while the least active was Penicillium spp. with a mean % weight loss of 28.64% during the study period. The order of degradation was Aspergillus niger > A. fumigatus > A. nidulans > Fusarium spp. > Rhizopus spp. > Microsporum canis > Mucor spp. > Penicillium spp. The potential to degrade micro plastic particles by these fungi can be harnessed. The foremost active fungi degrading potentials are as follows: A. niger (71.1%) and A. fumigatus (53.1%). The study has shown that isolates of fungi from Ohiakwu River in Nigeria possess the ability to degrade micro plastic (polypropylene) particles. Therefore, this research is of tremendous importance for industrial development and additionally for future research purposes.
Dynamic Linkage between Monetary Policy and Stock Performance in Nigeria: Cointegration and ECM Techniques
Authors: Ojiako Ifeanyi A. 
Published: April 2021

Aims: To explore the dynamic relationship between stock performance and the monetary policy instruments that influence Nigeria’s stock market activities.
Study Design: It uses secondary data collected from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Statistical Bulletin. The annual time series data cover a period of 38 years, from 1981-2018.
Methodology: The Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) unit roots' test technique was used to verify the variables' time-series properties while the Johansen procedure was applied to confirm cointegration among variables. The short- and long-run relationships were analyzed after estimating the vector error correction model. Common diagnostic tests were conducted to validate the robustness of the model estimates.
Results: The results of tests of unit roots reveal all included variables as integrated of order one, I(1). The Trace-statistics showed that at least one cointegrating relationship exited among the time series, and the ECM was estimated. The emerging error correction term equation revealed the stock market performance as inversely related to both the credit to the private sector and the lending rate, but positively related to the money supply. Each variable was statistically significant (P<0.01). Also, the error correction term was well-behaved, being statistically significant (t=-3.17; P<0.01) and the desired negative sign, implying that previous periods' errors are correctable by adjustments in the subsequent periods, and to attain convergence. The error term had an adjustment speed of 44.19%. Granger-Causality analysis revealed a unidirectional causality relationship between the stock performance and the lending rate, with causality running from lending rate to stock performance, without a boomerang. The implication of the findings are threefold: the subsisting restrictive interest rate policy is unfavorable to long-term investment from the investors' perspective; the existing terms and conditions of the commercial credit packages had proven to be disadvantageous to long-term investment in Nigeria; and money supply as a monetary policy instrument in Nigeria had been used to boost investment and stock market performance. It is recommended that boosting investment and performance of the stock market in Nigeria would require the use of a more investment-friendly commercial lending rate, and relaxation of the stringent terms and conditions attached to the commercial private sector credit and loan packages. These measures would guarantee better access to fund and enhance ease-of-doing-business for investors.
High‐Resolution, Flexible, and Full‐Color Perovskite Image Photodetector via Electrohydrodynamic Printing of Ionic‐Liquid‐Based Ink
Authors: Wang Qilu , Zhang Guannan , Zhang Hanyuan , Duan Yongqing , Yin Zhouping , Huang YongAn 
Published: April 2021

AbstractDirect full‐color image photodetectors without dichroic prisms or sophisticated color filters have considerable advantages in target recognition and information acquisition for electronic eyes and wearable sensors. However, the ability to combine various multispectral semiconductors in a high‐resolution and cost‐effective manner is still challenging. Here, high‐resolution electrohydrodynamic (EHD) printing, together with ionic liquid methylammonium acetate (MAAc) as the solvent, is first introduced to directly integrate various spectral‐response perovskite films into a pixelized full‐color photodetector. EHD printing enables micro/nanopatterning by using high electrical force to induce jetting, and MAAc improves film quality with scant pinholes and large‐size grains by decreasing the perovskite growth rate. By optimizing the printing process and crystallization condition, 1 µm perovskite dot arrays are EHD printed; this is, to the best of knowledge, the smallest printed feature size of perovskite application. And the photodetector still achieves high R and D* values of 14.97 A W‐1 and 1.41 × 1012 Jones, respectively. Finally, an integrated flexible full‐color image photodetector is constructed, which successfully realizes light signal detection and color recognition, paving a versatile and competitive approach for future full‐color image sensors and artificial vision systems.
Liquid‐Metal‐Based Dynamic Thermoregulating and Self‐Powered Electronic Skin
Authors: Xiang Shengxin , Liu Dongjuan , Jiang Chenchao , Zhou Wenmin , Ling Dan , Zheng Wentao , Sun Xiupeng , Li Xing , Mao Yanchao , Shan Chongxin 
Published: April 2021

AbstractElectronic skin (E‐skin) is an emerging and promising human‐machine interface. Besides skin‐like functions of tactile perception and stretchability, skin‐like comfortabilities, including breathability, moisture permeability, softness, and thermoregulating ability are, also crucial factors for E‐skins. Thermoregulation is one of the most important roles of human skin. People can feel comfortable when their skins are regulated at a certain range of temperature. Moreover, it is a dynamic process according to the surrounding temperature. Current E‐skins do not have the function of dynamically regulating their temperature. Here, a thermoregulating E‐skin (TE‐skin) based on liquid metal as a phase change material with its melting point in the comfortable temperature range of human skin is reported. Compared with conventional E‐skins, the TE‐skin can dynamically termoregulate according to the surrounding temperature through a phase change. Combining with the principle of triboelectric nanogenerator, the TE‐skin is also able to act as a self‐powered sensor. Based on the self‐powered TE‐skin, an intelligent dialing communications system is further developed, which can be used to call a cellphone on human skin. For the first time, this study introduces the dynamic thermoregulating concept to E‐skins and could open up new opportunities for E‐skin developments.
Hybrid Perovskite Quantum Dot/Non‐Fullerene Molecule Solar Cells with Efficiency Over 15%
Authors: Yuan Jiabei , Zhang Xuliang , Sun Jianguo , Patterson Robert , Yao Huifeng , Xue Di , Wang Yao , Ji Kang , Hu Long , Huang Shujuan , Chu Dewei , Wu Tom , Hou Jianhui , Yuan Jianyu 
Published: April 2021

AbstractOrganic‐inorganic hybrid film using conjugated materials and quantum dots (QDs) are of great interest for solution‐processed optoelectronic devices, including photovoltaics (PVs). However, it is still challenging to fabricate conductive hybrid films to maximize their PV performance. Herein, for the first time, superior PV performance of hybrid solar cells consisting of CsPbI3 perovskite QDs and Y6 series non‐fullerene molecules is demonstrated and further highlights their importance on hybrid device design. In specific, a hybrid active layer is developed using CsPbI3 QDs and non‐fullerene molecules, enabling a type‐II energy alignment for efficient charge transfer and extraction. Additionally, the non‐fullerene molecules can well passivate the QDs, reducing surface defects and energetic disorder. The champion CsPbI3 QD/Y6‐F hybrid device has a record‐high efficiency of 15.05% for QD/organic hybrid PV devices, paving a new way to construct solution‐processable hybrid film for efficient optoelectronic devices.
Conformational Transition‐Triggered Disassembly of Therapeutic Peptide Nanomedicine for Tumor Therapy
Authors: Wang Guo‐Qiao , Yang Jia , Hou Da‐Yong , Zheng Rui , Mamuti Muhetaerjiang , Guo Min‐Jie , Fan Zhi , An Hong‐Wei , Wang Hao 
Published: April 2021

AbstractCationic therapeutic peptides have received widespread attention due to their excellent antibacterial and antitumor properties. However, most of these peptides have undesirable delivery efficiency and high hemolytic toxicity due to the positively charged α‐helix structure containing many lysine and arginine, which may restrict its in vivo applications. Herein, a conformationally transformed therapeutic peptide Pep‐HCO3 modified with bicarbonates on guanidine groups is designed. Such a design allows Pep‐HCO3 ((nap‐RAGLQFPVGRLLRRLLRRLLR) nHCO3) to self‐assemble into nanoparticles (NP‐Pep) due to disrupting helix folding and the formation of intermolecular hydrogen bonding between bicarbonates and guanidine groups. When pH is from 7.4 to 6.5 at the tumor sites, guanidine bicarbonate can be hydrolyzed to form CO2 and guanidine groups, resulting in the disassembling of the NP‐Pep into monomers α‐Pep with a positively charged α‐helix structure. In vivo, NP‐Pep not only inhibits the tumor growth of xenografted mice with a twofold enhanced inhibition rate compared with α‐Pep treatment group, but also significantly reduces the hemolytic toxicity by responding to the pH of tumor microenvironment. Therefore, the strategy of conformational transition‐triggered disassembly of nanoparticles allows efficient delivery of cationic therapeutic peptides and lowering the hemolytic toxicity, which may provide an avenue for developing high‐performance cationic peptide in vivo applications.
Photo‐Induced Self‐Cleaning and Wettability in TiO2 Nanocolumn Arrays Obtained by Glancing‐Angle Deposition with Sputtering
Authors: Fresno Fernando , González María U. , Martínez Lidia , Fernández‐Castro Marcial , Barawi Mariam , Villar‐García Ignacio J. , Soler‐Morala Jimena , Reñones Patricia , Luna Mónica , Huttel Yves , de la Peña O'Shea Víctor A. , García‐Martín José M. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIn this work, the preparation of regular nanosized columnar structures of titanium dioxide by means of glancing angle deposition with magnetron sputtering (MS‐GLAD) followed by thermal annealing is reported. MS‐GLAD gives rise to metallic titanium columnar structures with regular width and length that after thermal treatment are fully oxidized to form TiO2 nanocolumns that maintain the morphological features of the original metallic ones. Further functionalization with gold by means of multiple ion cluster source results in well‐dispersed Au nanoparticles across the nanocolumns’ surface with a narrow size distribution centered at ca. 8.5 nm. The obtained nanostructures show photocatalytic self‐cleaning activity as shown by the elimination of an organic layer deposited on their surface and the detection of hydroxyl radicals. Photoelectrochemical measurements show a better charge separation at the Au/TiO2 interface. In addition, wettability studies show that the degree of hydrophobicity of the surface is increased by the presence of nanocolumns, both in the dark and under UV illumination. This behavior is not modified by the presence of Au nanoparticles on the surface. The obtained results open up interesting implications in the tunability of the properties of nanostructured thin films for this kind of photo‐activated application.
Irreversible Resistive State Switching in Devices with a Homoleptic Cobalt(II) Complex Active Layer
Authors: Barman Biswajit K. , Khatua Manas , Goswami Bappaditya , Samanta Subhas , Vijayaraghavan Ratheesh K. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractMolecules with bi‐stable electronic transport behaviour have been in upfront research topics of the molecular semiconductor devices in the past few decades due to the use of such materials in resistive data storage devices. Transition metal complexes (TMC) are expected to be potential candidates in regard to the tunable and manifold redox behaviour expecting multiple bulk transport states. Finding alternate mechanisms in such devices with TMC as the active layer materials would revoke the multifaceted approach to the functional gain. We have succeeded in demonstrating write once‐read many (WORM) type of resistive memory device using a homoleptic Cobalt(II) (Co(II)) complex with large on/off current ratio ensuring the easy readout process at lower voltage. The advantage of this device was the turn on voltage was found to be the low (<2.7 V) operational voltage and the success ratio of the devices were more than 83%. The durability of the stored data was found to be more than 35,000 seconds which ensures the stability of the bistable state in the fabricated devices. Such ambient stable, solution processable devices are important for the large‐scale printable devices. The manuscript describes the preparation, optical and electrochemical characterisation of the metal complex used along with a detailed mechanistic investigations and electrical characterisation of memory device obtained from a stable cobalt complex.
Sulfoquinovosylglyceryl ether, a new group of ether lipids from lake ball‐forming green alga Aegagropilopsis moravica (family Pithophoraceae)
Authors: Oku Naoya , Hasada Atsumi , Kimura Kenji , Honoki Hideharu , Katsuta Ryo , Yajima Arata , Nukada Tomoo , Ishigami Ken , Igarashi Yasuhiro 
Published: April 2021

AbstractEther lipids are a minor group of glycerolipids but widespread in nature, playing a vital function as membrane lipids, signalling molecules, or buoyant material. We have discovered sulfoquinovosylchimyl alcohol (1), a sulfonate‐substituted glyceroglycolipid, from a lake ball‐forming green alga Aegagropilopsis moravica (family Pithophoraceae), with the guidance of antimicrobial activity. The structure of 1, including absolute configurations of all sterogenic centers, was established by extensive NMR analysis, chemical degradation studies, and finally by total synthesis. Lipid 1 is an ether variant of a lyso‐form of sulfoquinovosyldiacylglycerol, a chloroplast‐specific membrane lipid, and thus represents a new lipid class, sulfoquinovosylglyceryl ether. A high occurrence of mobile life form in the family Pithophoraceae and a unique behaviour of chloroplasts reported in closely related Aegagropila linnaei, the famous lake‐ball alga, implies a possible role of lipid 1 or its acyl derivatives in ecological adaptation to dysphotic niches.
Differential effects by sex with Kmt5b loss
Authors: Wickramasekara Rochelle N. , Robertson Brynn , Hulen Jason , Hallgren Jodi , Stessman Holly A. F. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractLysine methyl transferase 5B (KMT5B) has been recently highlighted as a risk gene in genetic studies of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), specifically, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability (ID); yet, its role in the brain is not known. The goal of this work was to neurodevelopmentally characterize the effect(s) of KMT5B haploinsufficiency using a mouse model. A Kmt5b gene‐trap mouse line was obtained from the Knockout Mouse Project. Wild type (WT) and heterozygous (HET) mice were subjected to a comprehensive neurodevelopmental test battery to assess reflexes, motor behavior, learning/memory, social behavior, repetitive movement, and common ASD comorbidities (obsessive compulsion, depression, and anxiety). Given the strong sex bias observed in the ASD patient population, we tested both a male and female cohort of animals and compared differences between genotypes and sexes. HET mice were significantly smaller than WT littermates starting at postnatal day 10 through young adulthood which was correlated with smaller brain size (i.e., microcephaly). This was more severe in males than females. HET male neonates also had delayed eye opening and significantly weaker reflexes than WT littermates. In young adults, significant differences between genotypes relative to anxiety, depression, fear, and extinction learning were observed. Interestingly, several sexually dimorphic differences were noted including increased repetitive grooming behavior in HET females and an increased latency to hot plate response in HET females versus a decreased latency in HET males.Lay SummaryLysine methyl transferase 5B (KMT5B) has been recently highlighted as a risk gene in neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), specifically, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability (ID); yet its role in the brain is not known. Our study indicates that mice lacking one genomic copy of Kmt5b show deficits in neonatal reflexes, sociability, repetitive stress‐induced grooming, changes in thermal pain sensing, decreased depression and anxiety, increased fear, slower extinction learning, and lower body weight, length, and brain size. Furthermore, several outcomes differed by sex, perhaps mirroring the sex bias in ASD.
Perfluorooctanoic acid inhibits the maturation rate of mouse oocytes cultured in vitro by triggering mitochondrial and DNA damage
Authors: Guo Conghui , Zhao Zhihong , Zhao Kun , Huang Jianhao , Ding Linshu , Huang Xiaogang , Meng Li , Li Li , Wei Hengxi , Zhang Shouquan 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundPerfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is widely used in the manufacture of household and industrial products. It has certain toxicity and leaves many residues in the environment. Numerous studies have shown that PFOA exhibits endocrine disrupting properties and immunotoxicity and induces developmental defects. However, there is very little information regarding its toxicity on oocytes.MethodsWe cultured denuded oocytes in maturation medium supplemented with 0, 300, or 500 PFOA during IVM and evaluated the maturation of oocytes from the aspects of ROS(DCFH‐DA), mitochondria(MitoOrange and JC‐1), DNA damage(P‐H2AX), and cytoskeleton(β‐tubulin).ResultsCompared with the control group, the PFOA treatment group exhibited significantly reduced proportion of oocytes matutation. Furthermore, the DCFH‐DA test showed that PFOA significantly increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. PFOA disrupted mitochondrial distribution and decreased mitochondrial function as assessed using MitoOrange and JC‐1. In addition, PFOA‐treated oocytes exhibited a significantly higher percentage of P‐H2AX, defective β‐tubulin, abnormal chromosome alignment, lower expression of the anti‐apoptotic gene Bcl‐2, and higher expression of the apoptotic genes caspase3 and Bax.ConclusionIn summary, PFOA could negatively and directly affect oocyte maturation in vitro and cause oxidative stress, mitochondrial function disruption, DNA damage, cytoskeleton damage, and apoptosis.
Modeling and computation of multistep batch testing for infectious diseases
Authors: Ahn Hongshik , Jiang Haoran , Li Xiaolin 
Published: April 2021

AbstractWe propose a mathematical model based on probability theory to optimize COVID‐19 testing by a multistep batch testing approach with variable batch sizes. This model and simulation tool dramatically increase the efficiency and efficacy of the tests in a large population at a low cost, particularly when the infection rate is low. The proposed method combines statistical modeling with numerical methods to solve nonlinear equations and obtain optimal batch sizes at each step of tests, with the flexibility to incorporate geographic and demographic information. In theory, this method substantially improves the false positive rate and positive predictive value as well. We also conducted a Monte Carlo simulation to verify this theory. Our simulation results show that our method significantly reduces the false negative rate. More accurate assessment can be made if the dilution effect or other practical factors are taken into consideration. The proposed method will be particularly useful for the early detection of infectious diseases and prevention of future pandemics. The proposed work will have broader impacts on medical testing for contagious diseases in general.
Disorders in the Executive Performance of Children Suffering Abuse
Authors: Moreno‐Manso Juan Manuel , de la Rosa Murillo María , García‐Baamonde M.ª. Elena , Godoy‐Merino M.ª. José , Lucas‐Milán M.ª. Guadalupe , Guerrero‐Molina Mónica 
Published: April 2021

Child abuse is an adverse life experience that has important physical and psychological implications. This work studies the executive functions of children who have suffered abuse and whether there are differences in the executive functioning due to the different types of child abuse. The participants included 74 children between seven and 16 years of age suffering maltreatment. The results indicate that those suffering any type of abuse have difficulties in executive performance for activities related to cognitive flexibility, behavioural organisation, and planning and attention. There is evidence of significant differences between victims who experience physical abuse and those who experience physical neglect. The victims of physical neglect have greater difficulties in mental flexibility, inhibition of responses and alternation. This research contributes to the knowledge base needed to propose interventions that are aimed at developing functional skills in the children and which would allow them to have effective executive functioning. Intervention could be aimed at working on their capacity to take initiative, organise and plan activities, establish goals, adapt to changes, be more thoughtful and be able to analyse situations before acting, and on their rigidity of thought.‘Studies the executive functions of children who have suffered abuse and … differences … due to the different types of child abuse’Key Practitioner Messages

The research shows the presence of alterations in the executive functions of victims of child abuse.
There is evidence of difficulties in mental flexibility, establishing goals and attention control.
The study highlights that the greatest problems in executive functions are found in victims of physical neglect.