bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular genetic diversity of seaweeds morphologically related to Ulva rigida at three sites along the French Atlantic coast
Authors: Dartois Manon , Pante Eric , Viricel Amélia , Becquet Vanessa , Sauriau Pierre-Guy 
Published: December 2021

Foliose species of the genus Ulva are notoriously difficult to identify due to their variable morphological characteristics and high phenotypic plasticity. We reassessed the taxonomic status of several distromatic foliose Ulva spp., morphologically related to Ulva rigida, using DNA barcoding with the chloroplastic tufA and rbcL (for a subset of taxa) genes for 339 selected attached Ulva specimens collected from three intertidal rocky sites. Two of the collection sites were in Brittany and one site was in Vendée, along the Atlantic coast of France. Molecular analyses included several museum specimens and the holotype of Ulva armoricana Dion, Reviers & Coat. We identified five different tufA haplotypes using a combination of phylogenetic analysis, with the support of several recently sequenced holotypes and lectotypes, and a species delimitation method based on hierarchical clustering. Four haplotypes were supported by validly named species: Ulva australis Areschoug, Ulva fenestrata Postels & Ruprecht, Ulva lacinulata (Kützing) Wittrock and U. rigida C. Agardh. The later was additionally investigated using rbcL. The fifth haplotype represented exact sequence matches to an unnamed species from European Atlantic coasts. Our results support: (1) the synonymy of both U. rigida sensu Bliding non C. Agardh and U. armoricana with U. lacinulata. This finding is based on current genetic analysis of tufA from the U. armoricana holotype and recent molecular characterization of the lectotype of U. laetevirens, which is synonymous to U. australis, (2) the presence of U. australis as a misidentified introduced species in Brittany, and (3) the presence of U. fenestrata and U. rigida in southern Brittany. The taxonomic history of each species is discussed, highlighting issues within distromatic foliose taxa of the genus Ulva and the need to genetically characterize all its available type specimens.
Integrated analysis and the identification of a circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network in the progression of abdominal aortic aneurysm
Authors: Si Ke , Lu Da , Tian Jianbo 
Published: December 2021

Background
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a disease commonly seen in the elderly. The aneurysm diameter increases yearly, and the larger the AAA the higher the risk of rupture, increasing the risk of death. However, there are no current effective interventions in the early stages of AAA.

Methods
Four gene expression profiling datasets, including 23 normal artery (NOR) tissue samples and 97 AAA tissue samples, were integrated in order to explore potential molecular biological targets for early intervention. After preprocessing, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between AAA and NOR were identified using LIMMA package. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis were conducted using the DAVID database. The protein-protein interaction network was constructed and hub genes were identified using the STRING database and plugins in Cytoscape. A circular RNA (circRNA) profile of four NOR tissues versus four AAA tissues was then reanalyzed. A circRNA-miRNA-mRNA interaction network was constructed after predictions were made using the Targetscan and Circinteractome databases.

Results
A total of 440 DEGs (263 up-regulated and 177 down-regulated) were identified in the AAA group, compared with the NOR group. The majority were associated with the extracellular matrix, tumor necrosis factor-α, and transforming growth factor-β. Ten hub gene-encoded proteins (namely IL6, RPS27A, JUN, UBC, UBA52, FOS, IL1B, MMP9, SPP1 and CCL2) coupled with a higher degree of connectivity hub were identified after protein‐protein interaction network analysis. Our results, in combination with the results of previous studies revealed that miR-635, miR-527, miR-520h, miR-938 and miR-518a-5p may be affected by circ_0005073 and impact the expression of hub genes such as CCL2, SPP1 and UBA52. The miR-1206 may also be affected by circ_0090069 and impact RPS27A expression.

Conclusions
This circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network may perform critical roles in AAA and may be a novel target for early intervention.
Recent Rainfall Trend and Abrupt Changes Over Cavally Basin (West Africa)
Authors: Fhorest Yao Blé Anouma , Soro Emile Gneneyougo 
Published: December 2021

Aims: Analyze the recent variations in annual and monthly precipitation at 18 pluviometry stations in the Cavally river basin.
Place and Duration of Study: Data of month and annual rainfall data of 37 years (1980-2016) collected from the National direction of Meteorology for Ivory Coast and Guinea and from https://app.climateengine.org/climateEngine for Liberia.
Methodology: Statistical methods are used to highlight the evolution of cumulative annual rainfall and the distribution of the different seasons over the period 1980-2016. Hanning’s low pass, Mann-Kendall classic test, modified Mann-Kendall test, Mann-Kendall seasonal test and Standard Normal Homogeneity Test were applied to identify the existing trend direction and significance of change over time.
Results: The periods 1980-1996 and 1997-2016 could be considered as wet and dry periods respectively (with a rainfall deficit of 18% after the break in 1996). In addition, we observe a decrease in rainy days of strong accumulation that lead to a significant drop in total annual rainfall. Finally, an abnormal increase in rainfall during the dry season months and a decrease in rainfall during the rainy season months. This indicates an intra-seasonal irregularity (shortening of the rainy season and prolongation of the dry season) of precipitation.
Conclusion: The Hanning filter, M-K test and SNHT are non-parametric tests widely used in the study of climate trends. However, the additional consideration of serial autocorrelation (MM-K test) and seasonal trends (M-K-S test) allows to extend and refine the information on climate variability.
Waardenburg Syndrome Type II, Associated with Atrial Septal Defect and Rocker Bottom Foot in a New Born – A Rare Case Presentation
Authors: J. K. Jeffy , Satyendra . , Narayan Jaiprakash 
Published: December 2021

Background: There are a number of syndromes with a combination of pigmentary abnormalities, hearing abnormalities and other defects. One among these pigmentary syndromes is waardenburg syndrome, which is further classified into four types. All these types show marked variability even within pedigrees.
Case-Report: We are reporting a case of Waardenburg syndrome type 2, with an unusual presentation of atrial septal defect and rocker bottom foot.
Conclusion: All clinicians on noticing, any child with white forelock of hair or heterochromia iris should get the child’s hearing tested and further systemic evaluation, at the first instance, because an early intervention for hearing impairment and other defects can improve the outcome of child. Family counselling is at-most important for these children with syndromes.
We describe a unique case of Waardenburg syndrome type 2 with an unusual presentation of atrial septal defect and rocker bottom foot.
Pressure-Velocity Coupling Schemes for Bouyancy Driven Flow in a Differentially Heated Cavity Using F.V.M and Matlab
Authors: Mberia Purity , Karanja Stephen , Kimathi Mark 
Published: December 2021

Numerical analysis of fluid flow is anchored on the laws of conservation. A challenge in solving the momentum equation arises due to the unavailability of an explicit pressure equation. To avoid solving the pressure term most researchers have eliminated it by cross differentiating the x and the y two dimensional momentum equations and subtracting them. This method introduces more variables to be solved in comparison to the primitive variables and is restricted to two-dimensional flows as streamlines do not exist in three-dimension. This method thus presents a serious limitation in analysis of fluid flow. In this study an equation for computing pressure has been developed using pressure - velocity coupling and used in solving the governing equations. The performance of three pressure velocity schemes namely; the Semi Implicit Method for Pressure linked Equation (SIMPLE), SIMPLE Revised (SIMPLER) and SIMPLE Consistent (SIMPLEC) for laminar buoyancy driven flow has been tested in order to establish the scheme that gives results consistent with bench mark data. The equations governing the flow are solved iteratively using finite volume method together with the central difference interpolating scheme. The solutions are presented for Rayleigh numbers of 103, 104, and 105. This resulted in the velocity profiles for the SIMPLE, SIMPLER, and SIMPLEC algorithm for a Rayleigh number of 104 and 105 converging to the same path. At a Rayleigh number of 103 however, SIMPLER algorithm undergoes a degradation in convergence with grid refinement at the baffle region. Results predicted by using the SIMPLEC algorithm are thus able to effectively compute the velocity of fluid flow in a differentially heated square enclosure with baffles for both low and higher Rayleigh numbers irrespective of the grid size.
GC-MS Analysis and Antimicrobial Assessment of Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels Seed Ethanol Extract
Authors: Parimala S. Mabel , Salomi A. Antilin 
Published: December 2021

People use plants to treat infections, and this has led to search of antimicrobials from medicinal plants. In this work, we evaluated the ethanol extract of Syzygium cumini seeds for their antibacterial and antifungal activities. Extraction was performed by maceration method using ethanol. The antimicrobial efficacy of the extract was assessed by agar well diffusion method against ten bacterial species, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi, Serratia marcescens, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus mutans, and five fungal species, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans and Mucor sp. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the extract were determined by resazurin microtiter plate assay. Phytochemicals in the extract was identified by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) information. In agar well diffusion method, Gram-negative bacteria such as P. aeruginosa and S. marcescens, Gram-positive bacteria such as B. subtilis and E. faecalis and fungi A. fumigatus were more susceptible showing larger zones of inhibition. In resazurin method, low MICs were recorded for bacteria, B. cereus (<7.8 µg) and P. aeruginosa (15.6 µg) and fungi, A. fumigatus (31.2 µg). Fifteen compounds were identified by GC-MS profiling of the extract. The antimicrobial activity of the extract can be rightly related to the secondary metabolites in the ethanol extract of Syzygium cumini seeds.
Electronegativity‐Induced Charge Balancing to Boost Stability and Activity of Amorphous Electrocatalysts
Authors: Zhou Yao , Hao Wei , Zhao Xiaoxu , Zhou Jiadong , Yu Huimei , Lin Bo , Liu Zheng , Pennycook Stephen J. , Li Shuzhou , Fan Hong Jin 
Published: December 2021

AbstractAmorphization is an efficient strategy to activate intrinsically inert catalysts. However, the low crystallinity of amorphous catalysts often causes high solubility and poor electrochemical stability in aqueous solution. Here, a different mechanism is developed to simultaneously stabilize and activate the water‐soluble amorphous MoSxOy via a charge‐balancing strategy, which is induced by different electronegativity between the co‐dopants Rh (2.28) and Sn (1.96). The electron‐rich Sn prefers to stabilize the unstable apical O sites in MoSxOy through charge transfer, which can prevent the H from attacking. Meanwhile, the Rh, as the charge regulator, shifts the main active sites on the basal plane from inert Sn to active apical Rh sites. As a result, the amorphous RhSn‐MoSxOy exhibits drastic enhancement in electrochemical stability (η10 increases only by 12 mV) after 1000 cycles and a distinct activity (η10: 26 mV and Tafel: 30.8 mV dec−1) for the hydrogen evolution reaction in acidic solution. This work paves a route for turning impracticably water‐soluble catalysts into treasure and inspires new ideas to design high‐performance amorphous electrocatalysts.
Emerging 4D Printing Strategies for Next‐Generation Tissue Regeneration and Medical Devices
Authors: Wang Yue , Cui Haitao , Esworthy Timothy , Mei Deqing , Wang Yancheng , Zhang Lijie Grace 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe rapid development of 3D printing has led to considerable progress in the field of biomedical engineering. Notably, 4D printing provides a potential strategy to achieve a time‐dependent physical change within tissue scaffolds or replicate the dynamic biological behaviors of native tissues for smart tissue regeneration and the fabrication of medical devices. The fabricated stimulus‐responsive structures can offer dynamic, reprogrammable deformation or actuation to mimic complex physical, biochemical, and mechanical processes of native tissues. Although there is notable progress made in the development of the 4D printing approach for various biomedical applications, its more broad‐scale adoption for clinical use and tissue engineering purposes is complicated by a notable limitation of printable smart materials and the simplistic nature of achievable responses possible with current sources of stimulation. In this review, the recent progress made in the field of 4D printing by discussing the various printing mechanisms that are achieved with great emphasis on smart ink mechanisms of 4D actuation, construct structural design, and printing technologies, is highlighted. Recent 4D printing studies which focus on the applications of tissue/organ regeneration and medical devices are then summarized. Finally, the current challenges and future perspectives of 4D printing are also discussed.
Room Temperature Phosphorescent (RTP) Thermoplastic Elastomers with Dual and Variable RTP Emission, Photo‐Patterning Memory Effect, and Dynamic Deformation RTP Response
Authors: Zhang Yuefa , Sun Qikun , Yue Lingtai , Wang Yaguang , Cui Shuaiwei , Zhang Haichang , Xue Shanfeng , Yang Wenjun 
Published: December 2021

AbstractRoom temperature phosphorescent (RTP) polymers have advantages of strength, toughness, and processing and application flexibility over organic small molecular crystals, but the current RTP polymers are all from rigid plastics and involve chemical linkage and hydrogen and ionic bonds, and thermoplastic RTP elastomer has not been attempted and realized. Moreover, solution‐processed films by simply mixing polymers and organic RTP materials can only show weak and single blue RTP. Here it is presented that such elastomer films, once thermomechanically plasticized, can emit bright and long‐lived dual RTP. Moreover, they exhibit photo‐activation memory effect, variable RTP colors and dynamic deformation RTP response. These results reveal that thermoplasticizing has altered the dispersion states and micro‐environment of RTP molecules in matrix, and the cohesion of elastic polymer itself can also greatly restrict non‐radiative relaxations to boost both blue mono‐molecular and yellow micro‐crystalline RTP. This work provides an effective and versatile processing strategy for tuning and enhancing the RTP properties of doped RTP polymers.
Microengineered Multi‐Organoid System from hiPSCs to Recapitulate Human Liver‐Islet Axis in Normal and Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Tao Tingting , Deng Pengwei , Wang Yaqing , Zhang Xu , Guo Yaqiong , Chen Wenwen , Qin Jianhua 
Published: December 2021

AbstractType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a systematic multi‐organ metabolic disease, which is characterized by the dynamic interplay among different organs. The increasing incidence of T2DM reflects an urgent need for the development of in vitro human‐relevant models for disease study and drug therapy. Here, a new microfluidic multi‐organoid system is developed that recapitulates the human liver‐pancreatic islet axis in normal and disease states. The system contains two compartmentalized regions connected by a microchannel network, enabling 3D co‐culture of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC)‐derived liver and islet organoids for up to 30 days under circulatory perfusion conditions. The co‐cultured liver and islet organoids exhibit favorable growth and improved tissue‐specific functions. Transcriptional analyses reveal the activation of metabolically relevant signaling pathways in the co‐cultured organoids. Notably, the co‐culture system facilitates sensitive glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion from islet organoids and increased glucose utilization in liver organoids by glucose tolerance tests. Both liver and islet organoids display mitochondrial dysfunction and decreased glucose transport capacity under high glucose conditions, which can be alleviated by metformin treatment. This novel multi‐organoid system can recapitulate human‐relevant liver‐islet axis under both physiological and pathological conditions, providing a unique platform for future T2DM research and drug development.
Light‐Induced Synaptic Effects Controlled by Incorporation of Charge‐Trapping Layer into Hybrid Perovskite Memristor
Authors: Zawal Piotr , Mazur Tomasz , Lis Maria , Chiolerio Alessandro , Szaciłowski Konrad 
Published: December 2021

AbstractOrganic‐inorganic perovskites despite being known for their extraordinary performance in solar cell research areas are also a workhorse in the field of unconventional information processing. Here, a neuromimetic behaviour is presented in a perovskite device with the potential to act as an artificial synapse. In addition, perovskite layer is combined with one of the non‐stoichiometric polymeric forms of carbon nitride (C3N4). Such a device can operate not only according to the principles of non‐von Neumann architecture but also utilizes two different stimuli as information carriers–electric current and/or light. This in turn can lead towards the development of next‐generation information processing/storage units.
2D Mg‐Cu Intermetallic Compounds with Nontrivial Band Topology and Dirac Nodal Lines
Authors: Wu Rongting , Wu Ze‐Bin , Božović Ivan 
Published: December 2021

AbstractSynthesis of vertical heterostructures that include atomically thin layers of materials with topologically nontrivial energy bands is desirable for exploring exotic quantum states. Here, the authors report on atomic‐layer‐by‐layer deposition of magnesium on copper(111) surface by molecular beam epitaxy, monitored in situ by low‐energy electron microscopy and diffraction, and modeled by ab initio theory. It is found that a 2D MgCu2 intermetallic compound forms during initial Mg deposition and persists till a full monolayer of Mg is formed. Deposition of additional Mg triggers a phase transition from the commensurate MgCu2 to an incommensurate Mg2Cu layer and enables growth of the second layer of Mg. Ab initio calculations indicate non‐trivial topology of the electron bands in the interfacial Mg2Cu layer and the existence of Dirac nodal lines near the Fermi level. The new 2D Mg2Cu material emerges as a promising platform to study new topological states of matter.
Determining Structure‐Activity Relationships in Oxide Derived CuSn Catalysts During CO2 Electroreduction Using X‐Ray Spectroscopy
Authors: Pardo Pérez Laura C. , Arndt Alexander , Stojkovikj Sasho , Ahmet Ibbi Y. , Arens Joshua T. , Dattila Federico , Wendt Robert , Guilherme Buzanich Ana , Radtke Martin , Davies Veronica , Höflich Katja , Köhnen Eike , Tockhorn Philipp , Golnak Ronny , Xiao Jie , Schuck Götz , Wollgarten Markus , López Núria , Mayer Matthew T. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe development of earth‐abundant catalysts for selective electrochemical CO2 conversion is a central challenge. CuSn bimetallic catalysts can yield selective CO2 reduction toward either CO or formate. This study presents oxide‐derived CuSn catalysts tunable for either product and seeks to understand the synergetic effects between Cu and Sn causing these selectivity trends. The materials undergo significant transformations under CO2 reduction conditions, and their dynamic bulk and surface structures are revealed by correlating observations from multiple methods—X‐ray absorption spectroscopy for in situ study, and quasi in situ X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy for surface sensitivity. For both types of catalysts, Cu transforms to metallic Cu0 under reaction conditions. However, the Sn speciation and content differ significantly between the catalyst types: the CO‐selective catalysts exhibit a surface Sn content of 13 at. % predominantly present as oxidized Sn, while the formate‐selective catalysts display an Sn content of ≈70 at. % consisting of both metallic Sn0 and Sn oxide species. Density functional theory simulations suggest that Snδ+ sites weaken CO adsorption, thereby enhancing CO selectivity, while Sn0 sites hinder H adsorption and promote formate production. This study reveals the complex dependence of catalyst structure, composition, and speciation with electrochemical bias in bimetallic Cu catalysts.
Cross‐cultural variation in thirst perception in hot‐humid and hot‐arid environments: Evidence from two small‐scale populations
Authors: Rosinger Asher Y. , Bethancourt Hilary J. , Swanson Zane S. , Lopez Kaylee , Kenney W. Larry , Huanca Tomas , Conde Esther , Nzunza Rosemary , Ndiema Emmanuel , Braun David R. , Pontzer Herman 
Published: December 2021

AbstractObjectivesThirst is an evolved central homeostatic feedback system that helps regulate body water for survival. Little research has examined how early development and exposure to extreme environments and water availability affect thirst perception, particularly outside Western settings. Therefore, we compared two indicators of perceived thirst (current thirst and pleasantness of drinking water) using visual scales among Tsimane' forager‐horticulturalists in the hot‐humid Bolivian Amazon and Daasanach agro‐pastoralists in hot‐arid Northern Kenya.MethodsWe examined how these measures of perceived thirst were associated with hydration status (urine specific gravity), ambient temperatures, birth season, age, and population‐specific characteristics for 607 adults (n = 378 Tsimane', n = 229 Daasanach) aged 18+ using multi‐level mixed‐effect regressions.ResultsTsimane' had higher perceived thirst than Daasanach. Across populations, hydration status was unrelated to both measures of thirst. There was a significant interaction between birth season and temperature on pleasantness of drinking water, driven by Kenya data. Daasanach born in the wet season (in utero during less water availability) had blunted pleasantness of drinking water at higher temperatures compared to those born in the dry season (in utero during greater water availability).ConclusionsOur findings suggest hydration status is not a reliable predictor of thirst perceptions in extreme‐hot environments with ad libitum drinking. Rather, our findings, which require additional confirmation, point to the importance of water availability during gestation in affecting thirst sensitivity to heat and water feedback mechanisms, particularly in arid environments. Thirst regulation will be increasingly important to understand given climate change driven exposures to extreme heat and water insecurity.