bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biological control of Polymyxa betae, fungal vector of rhizomania disease of sugar beets in greenhouse conditions
Authors: Naraghi Laleh , Heydari Asghar , Askari Hassan , Pourrahim Reza , Marzban Rasoul 
Published: July 2014

Abstract:
Rhizomania is one of the most important diseases of sugar beet around the world – including in Iran. The disease causes a severe decrease in sugar yield and is a limiting factor in sugar beet cultivation. Control of the disease is very difficult due to the long-term survival of its fungal vector (Polymyxa betae) in the soil. In this study, we investigated the effects of antagonistic fungal isolates on the population of the resting structure (cystosorus) of P. betae, under greenhouse conditions. Antagonistic fungi, including Trichoderma harzianum and Talaromyces flavus, were isolated from soil samples collected from sugar beet infested fields in the Semnan Province of Iran. In the next step, their inocula were prepared through reproduction on rice bran. For evaluation of the efficacy of antagonists in greenhouse conditions, a split plot trial was conducted and performed. The main factor was three different methods of application of T. flavus as the soil treatment, seed treatment, and a combination of both methods. The sub-factor was the use of different fungal isolates. To determine the cystosorus population of the fungal vector, seedling roots in all treatments were stained with lactic acid and fuchsine (lactofushine), 60 days after sowing. The number of cystosorus in one gram of root was counted using a light microscope and hemocytometer. At the end of the study, average root weight in different treatments was also measured to select and introduce the best treatments in regard to their effects on root weight. According to the results, the number of cystosorus in 1 g of root was different in various treatments and those treatments containing TF-Su-M-1, TF-Su-M-2, TH-Su-M-1, and TH-Su-M-2 used as a soil application method were more effective in the reduction of the cystosorus population and root weight increase. Among the above-mentioned treatments, maximum reduction of cystosori population and the increase in root weight were observed in TH-Su-M-1 and TF-Su-M-2 through the soil application method.
Beyond the Marilisse and the Chestnut: Shattering Slavery’s Sexual Stereotypes in the Drama of Ina Césaire and Maryse Condé
Authors: Sahakian Emily 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACT: In the French Caribbean, sexualized stereotypes have been imposed upon women’s bodies since the time of slavery. While the “Marilisse” stereotype figures Caribbean women as treacherous seductresses, the “Chestnut” makes them passive sufferers, who must accept infidelity and abuse from men. In this article, I argue that two plays by French Caribbean women writers juxtapose their main characters’ speech with their bodies to expose the contradictory ways in which the system of sexualized subjection inherited from the time of slavery continues to impact French Caribbean culture and literary production. Dramatizing four women’s everyday experiences during a major anticolonial revolt in 1870 in Martinique, Ina Césaire’s Fire’s Daughters [Rosanie Soleil] subverts the stereotype of the Chestnut by carving out new roles for revolutionary women. With the use of irony, Maryse Condé’s The Tropical Breeze Hotel [Pension les Alizés] exposes how the stereotype of the Marilisse ensnares a Guadeloupean woman living in Paris in the 1980s. In their final scenes, Césaire and Condé deploy vodou ritual and ironic alienation, respectively, to recast the female body of slavery’s legacy, refiguring Caribbean female experience through performance.
Synthesis of Phenols from Benzoic Acids
Authors: Xiong Wenzhang , Wang Rui , Liu Zhengqiang , Peng Feng , Zhao Ralph , Liu* Wenbo H. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

This chapter presents the procedure for synthesis of phenols from benzoic acids. Phenols are the critical structure unit in many natural products and pharmaceutical molecules. Moreover, they are the essential intermediates to produce a series of complicated skeletons in organic synthesis. Among many conversions based on carboxylic acids, the decarboxylative reaction of benzoic acid with the extrusion of CO
2
has aroused continuous interest from organic chemists, but in most circumstances, high temperatures and transition metals are required to satisfy the reactivity. Herein, a simple and practical method to turn benzoic acid into phenol is demonstrated. This method does not require light sources and transition metal assistance, which can be performed at room temperature. In addition, this method shows good tolerance to various functional groups, which can effectively convert various substituted benzoic acids into the corresponding phenols.
Recent Progress in Sr2Fe1.5Mo0.5O6‐δ‐Based Multifunctional Materials for Energy Conversion and Storage
Authors: Sun Hainan , Xu Xiaomin , Song Yufei , Shao Zongping 
Published: August 2024

AbstractPerovskite oxides, particularly double perovskite oxides, have drawn significant research interest within the fields of solid‐state chemistry and materials science. As a quintessential double perovskite oxide, Sr2Fe1.5Mo0.5O6‐δ (SFM) has unique electronic, magnetic, and catalytic properties. These attributes make it a promising candidate for energy conversion and storage applications. This review offers a comprehensive overview of advancements using SFM across various applications, including solid oxide cells, protonic ceramic cells, and electrocatalysis. Notably, the review highlights emerging optimization strategies that enhance functionality based on a fundamental understanding of the reaction mechanisms. The review concludes by discussing the persistent challenges facing SFM‐based functional materials, as well as their prospects, considering both fundamental research and industrial applications.
Hydrogel‐Based Artificial Synapses for Sustainable Neuromorphic Electronics
Authors: Yan Jiongyi , Armstrong James P. K. , Scarpa Fabrizio , Perriman Adam W. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractHydrogels find widespread applications in biomedicine because of their outstanding biocompatibility, biodegradability, and tunable material properties. Hydrogels can be chemically functionalized or reinforced to respond to physical or chemical stimulation, which opens up new possibilities in the emerging field of intelligent bioelectronics. Here, the state‐of‐the‐art in functional hydrogel‐based transistors and memristors is reviewed as potential artificial synapses. Within these systems, hydrogels can serve as semisolid dielectric electrolytes in transistors and as switching layers in memristors. These synaptic devices with volatile and non‐volatile resistive switching show good adaptability to external stimuli for short‐term and long‐term synaptic memory effects, some of which are integrated into synaptic arrays as artificial neurons; although, there are discrepancies in switching performance and efficacy. By comparing different hydrogels and their respective properties, an outlook is provided on a new range of biocompatible, environment‐friendly, and sustainable neuromorphic hardware. How potential energy‐efficient information storage and processing can be achieved using artificial neural networks with brain‐inspired architecture for neuromorphic computing is described. The development of hydrogel‐based artificial synapses can significantly impact the fields of neuromorphic bionics, biometrics, and biosensing.
Fabrication of Multi‐Material Functional Circuits Using Microfluidic Directed Materials Patterning
Authors: Wagner Jessica R. , Jamison Matthew R. , Morin Stephen A. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractTraditional circuit board fabrication schemes are not directly applicable to the production of flexible, multi‐material circuits. This article reports a technique, microfluidic directed material patterning, which combines soft microfluidic stamps and low‐temperature solution‐phase deposition to generate multi‐material circuits on flexible, non‐planar polymeric supports. Specifically, metallic and semiconductive traces are combined on commodity plastic films to yield functional photosensitive circuits that can be used in the spectrophotometric detection and concentration measurement of microdroplets on 3D “e‐plates.” The photoresistive material cadmium sulfide is used in these circuits because it is suitable for visible light detection and it can be deposited directly from aqueous solutions following established bath deposition procedures. This method can produce colorimetric devices capable of quantifying micromolar concentrations of Allura Red in microdroplets of Kool‐Aid. This technique presents the opportunity for producing single‐use or low‐use disposable/recyclable devices for flexible 3D sensors and detectors following a convenient, low‐waste fabrication scheme. The general capabilities of this approach, in terms of substrate geometry and device layout (e.g., the number, area, and pattern of photoresistive elements), can be applied to the design and manufacture of more intricate, multiplexed devices supportive of advanced and/or specialized functions that go beyond those reported in this initial demonstration.
Enhancing the Durability and Mechanical Performance of Superhydrophilic Coatings through Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Nanoparticles
Authors: Jang Joseph , Kwon Hyuk Jun , Hwang Ki‐Seob , Lee Jun‐Young 
Published: August 2024

AbstractSuperhydrophilic coatings are prominent in various industries, including automotive, and consumer electronics. However, challenges persist in terms of mechanical performance and durability. This study focuses on the development of organic–inorganic hybrid nanoparticles for superhydrophilic coatings that exhibit exceptional thermomechanical stability and long‐term durability. Employing green chemistry, polyethylene glycols (PEGs) are grafted onto silica nanoparticles, controlling the PEG molecular weight from 200 to 1000 to systematically investigate its impact on coating characteristics. Additionally, the intriguing phenomenon of phase separation facilitated by a polyurethane binder and its effects on both morphology and hydrophilicity is investigated. All hybrid coatings consistently exhibit remarkable superhydrophilicity, with contact angles consistently below 10°, the lowest being 1.4°. Longer PEG chains played a pivotal role in enhancing the thermal stability of the grafted PEG shell within the hybrid nanoparticles, achieving a maximum enhancement in decomposition temperature of 150 °C. Furthermore, the PEG shell substantially improves strain durability, with SiO2‐PEG 1000–50% exhibiting outstanding transmittance retention of 100% without any cracks even under a 100% tensile strain. SiO2‐PEG 200 emerged as the champion in maintaining superhydrophilicity throughout a 20‐day long‐term durability assessment. Moreover, the research has unveiled the intricate degradation mechanism responsible for the decline in hydrophilicity in these hybrid coatings.
Clec7a Worsens Long‐Term Outcomes after Ischemic Stroke by Aggravating Microglia‐Mediated Synapse Elimination
Authors: Wan Hanxi , He Mengfan , Cheng Chun , Yang Kexin , Wu Huanghui , Cong Peilin , Huang Xinwei , Zhang Qian , Shi Yufei , Hu Ji , Tian Li , Xiong Lize 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIschemic stroke (IS) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally and triggers a series of reactions leading to primary and secondary brain injuries and permanent neurological deficits. Microglia in the central nervous system play dual roles in neuroprotection and responding to ischemic brain damage. Here, an IS model is employed to determine the involvement of microglia in phagocytosis at excitatory synapses. Additionally, the effects of pharmacological depletion of microglia are investigated on improving neurobehavioral outcomes and mitigating brain injury. RNA sequencing of microglia reveals an increase in phagocytosis‐associated pathway activity and gene expression, and C‐type lectin domain family 7 member A (Clec7a) is identified as a key regulator of this process. Manipulating microglial Clec7a expression can potentially regulate microglial phagocytosis of synapses, thereby preventing synaptic loss and improving neurobehavioral outcomes after IS. It is further demonstrat that microglial Clec7a interacts with neuronal myeloid differentiation protein 2 (MD2), a key molecule mediating poststroke neurological injury, and propose the novel hypothesis that MD2 is a ligand for microglial Clec7a. These findings suggest that microglial Clec7a plays a critical role in mediating synaptic phagocytosis in a mouse model of IS, suggesting that Clec7a may be a therapeutic target for IS.
Pyrolytic Depolymerization of Polyolefins Catalysed by Zirconium‐based UiO‐66 Metal–Organic Frameworks
Authors: Heng Jerry Zhi Xiong , Tan Tristan Tsai Yuan , Li Xin , Loh Wei Wei , Chen Yuting , Xing Zhenxiang , Lim Zhiyan , Ong Jennet Li Ying , Lin Katherine Shiyun , Nishiyama Yusuke , Yoshida Takefumi , Zhang Lili , Otake Ken‐ichi , Kitagawa Susumu , Loh Xian Jun , Ye Enyi , Lim Jason Y. C. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractPolyolefins such as polyethylenes and polypropylenes are the most‐produced plastic waste globally, yet are difficult to convert into useful products due to their unreactivity. Pyrolysis is a practical method for large‐scale treatment of mixed, contaminated plastic, allowing for their conversion into industrially‐relevant petrochemicals. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), despite their tremendous utility in heterogeneous catalysis, have been overlooked for polyolefin depolymerization due to their perceived thermal instabilities and inability of polyethylenes and polypropylenes to penetrate their pores. Herein, we demonstrate the viability of UiO‐66 MOFs containing coordinatively‐unsaturated zirconium nodes, as effective catalysts for pyrolysis that significantly enhances the yields of valuable liquid and gas hydrocarbons, whilst halving the amounts of residual solids produced. Reactions occur on the Lewis‐acidic UiO‐66 nodes, without the need for noble metals, and yield aliphatic product distributions distinctly different from the aromatic‐rich hydrocarbons that can be obtained from zeolite catalysis. We also demonstrate the first unambiguous characterization of polyolefin penetration into UiO‐66 pores at pyrolytic temperatures, allowing access to the abundant Zr‐oxo nodes within the MOF interior for efficient C−C cleavage. Our work highlights the potential of MOFs as highly‐designable heterogeneous catalysts for depolymerisation of plastics, which can complement conventional catalysts in reactivity.
A Cytochrome P450 TxtE Model System with Mechanistic and Theoretical Evidence for a Heme Peroxynitrite Active Species
Authors: Mondal Pritam , Udukalage Dhilanka , Mohamed Abubaker A. , Wong Henrik P. H. , de Visser Sam P. , Wijeratne Gayan B. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe cytochrome P450 homolog, TxtE, efficiently catalyzes the direct and regioselective aromatic nitration of the indolyl moiety of L‐tryptophan to 4‐nitro‐L‐tryptophan, using nitric oxide (NO) and dioxygen (O2) as co‐substrates. Pathways for such direct and selective nitration of heteroaromatic motifs present platforms for engineering new nitration biocatalysts for pharmacologically beneficial targets, among a medley of other pivotal industrial applications. Precise mechanistic details concerning this pathway are only weakly understood, albeit a heme iron(III)‐peroxynitrite active species has been postulated. To shed light on this unique reaction landscape, we investigated the indole nitration pathway of a series of biomimetic ferric heme superoxide mimics, [(Por)FeIII(O2−⋅)], in the presence of NO. Therein, our model systems gave rise to three distinct nitroindole products, including 4‐nitroindole, the product analogous to that obtained with TxtE. Moreover, 15N and 18O isotope labeling studies, along with meticulously designed control experiments lend credence to a heme peroxynitrite active nitrating agent, drawing close similarities to the tryptophan nitration mechanism of TxtE. All organic and inorganic reaction components have been fully characterized using spectroscopic methods. Theoretical investigation into several mechanistic possibilities deem a unique indolyl radical based reaction pathway as the most energetically favorable, products of which, are in excellent agreement with experimental findings.
The utility of virtual reality and manikin crisis scenario simulations for anaesthesia trainee education: a randomised crossover pilot study
Authors: Babus L. W. , Gurnaney H. , Doshi A. K. , Liu H. , Nishisaki A. , Singh D. , Daly Guris R. J. ,   the CHOP Virtual Reality Group
Published: August 2024

SummarySimulation education for anaesthesia trainees is essential to build clinical skills and virtual reality can provide a reproducible, high‐fidelity intra‐operative training environment. Compared to in‐situ manikin‐based simulation, this modality has yet to be thoroughly evaluated. Twenty‐six second post‐graduate year anaesthesiology residents were randomly divided into two groups and participated in both virtual reality and manikin crisis scenarios at sessions six months apart. The exposure order was group A virtual reality followed by manikin and group B manikin followed by virtual reality. Clinical assessments were performed using a standardised checklist. Knowledge assessments were conducted. National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index and System Usability Scale scores were collected immediately after participation. Clinical scores between groups A and B were not significantly different. Group A had improved post‐simulation knowledge scores after both sessions. Task load index scores were lower in mental demand for virtual reality. System usability scores showed less ease of use and more need for support in virtual reality.
Annealing improves the mechanical properties in poly(butylene succinate) films with oriented lamellar structure: The effect of metastable lamellae
Authors: Xie Jiayi , Xu Ruijie , Hwang JiunnJye , Zhu Haixia , Zhang Ting , Lei Caihong 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe application range of biodegradable Poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) is highly dependent on its mechanical properties, which can be improved by the annealing process. In this study, the mechanical properties and microstructure of PBS films with oriented lamellar structures annealed at different temperatures were characterized. It was found that the annealing process effectively improves the elastic modulus and yield strength of the oriented PBS film with the increase of annealing temperature, which is completely different from the previous results of other oriented semicrystalline polymers such as PP, PMP, PE, and PVDF. The long periods, lateral dimensions and orientation of the lamellae of the oriented PBS film increase with the increasing annealing temperature. Meanwhile, the low‐temperature endothermic plateau in the DSC curve and the g1,r/Q in the SAXS experiment decrease with annealing temperature, indicating that increasing annealing temperature would reduce the thin and metastable lamellae in the PBS films. Compared the annealing results of oriented PBS films and that of other‐oriented semicrystalline polymers, we suggested the annealing process for the oriented PBS films would reduce the thin lamellae and form thicker lamellae, resulting in an increase in the elastic modulus and yield strength of the annealed PBS films. This study clarifies how the annealing temperature affects the microstructure and mechanical properties of the oriented semicrystalline films.
The Significance of Enhancing the Reliability of Lithium‐Ion Batteries in Reducing Electric Vehicle Field Safety Accidents
Authors: Zhang Songtong , Zhu Xiayu , Wang Zehua , Wang Li , Zhang Zhiguo , Liu Yan , Qiu Jingyi , Zhang Hao , He Xiangming 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIn recent years, the frequency of incidents related to the safety of electric vehicles (EVs) due to lithium‐ion batteries has seen a troubling uptick, leading to a heightened focus on the safety of lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) as a critical area of research. After thorough analysis, this study contends that the root cause of the majority of safety incidents involving LIBs in the field is predominantly linked to reliability issues within the battery products themselves. This argument offers a more targeted perspective than a broad discussion on the safety concerns of LIBs. Reliability, in this context, is defined as the likelihood that a product will execute its intended function without error over a defined period and under specific conditions. The paper delineates the reasons why current safety testing standards are unable to entirely prevent LIB safety incidents, scrutinizes the multifaceted causes and testing methodologies associated with LIB unpredictive thermal runaways from reliability perspective, and aims to reduce the probability of battery field failure and electric vehicle fire incidents, with an emphasis on mtigating unpredictive fire accidents. This study advocates for a more aggressive research effort into the reliability of LIBs, parallel to the vigorous advancement of safety technologies for these batteries.
Optimization of process parameters and medium components for carbon monoxide bioconversion with Clostridium autoethanogenum
Authors: Owoade Ademola , Alshami Ali S. , Sparling Richard , Bardal Stefan , Levin David 
Published: August 2024

AbstractClostridium autoethanogenum is a model microbe capable of converting carbon monoxide (CO) into bioethanol and useful biochemicals. Successful process optimization when using CO as the primary carbon source requires an understanding of the influence of process parameters and growth medium components on cell growth and end‐product formation. We conducted a full factorial analysis of the effects of CO total pressure, pH, yeast extract (YE), and cysteine concentrations on acetic acid, ethanol, and biomass production utilizing C. autoethanogenum with CO as the primary substrate. Maximum ethanol production of 0.71 g L–1 was obtained at a pH of 4.5, yeast extract concentration of 0.5 g L–1 , CO pressure of 1.8 atm, and cysteine concentration of 1.5 g L–1. There was a tenfold enhancement when the pH was lowered from 6 to 4.5 and the YE concentration was reduced to 0.5 g L–1. Response optimization using the reduced gradient algorithm confirmed these results. The information presented in this study could prove valuable for process engineering design by assisting with the selection of parameters that yield syngas blends specifically intended for increased ethanol production.