bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sustainable intensification of smallholder maize production in northern Ghana: The case of cowpea living mulch technology
Authors: Abdul Rahman Nurudeen , Larbi Asamoah , Kizito Fred , Kotu Bekele Hundie , Hoeschle‐Zeledon Irmgard 
Published: June 2024

AbstractSeveral agricultural technologies have been promoted to intensify smallholder farming systems in Ghana, but there is limited literature on sustainability assessment of these technologies. A 2‐year (2017–2018) on‐farm study was conducted to evaluate the sustainability of using cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] living mulch (CPLM) technology to intensify smallholder maize (Zea mays L.) production in northern Ghana. Four treatments (control, CPLM planted with maize on the same day, CPLM planted 1 week after maize, and CPLM planted 2 weeks after maize) were laid in RCBD with four replications per treatment. We used Sustainable Intensification Assessment Framework (SIAF) to assess the sustainability of the above treatments based on five domains (productivity, economic, environment, human, and social). We conducted the assessment in the following three steps: (1) measured selected indicators from the five SIAF domains, which were useful to answering research question; (2) converted measured values of the indicators into scores using a scale of 0–1; and (3) calculated sustainability index using geometric rules considering each SIAF domain as an edge of a pentagon. The sustainability indices for the CPLM increased by 143%–300% compared with the control treatment. The sustainability indices for the CPLM were >1, indicating better sustainability relative to the control treatment, which recorded sustainability index of <1. This suggests that smallholder farmers in northern Ghana and similar agroecologies can intercrop cowpea 1–2 weeks after planting maize as living mulch for better sustainability of their maize production and well‐being through its effect on yield, income, food security, nutrition, and gender equity.
Simultaneous design of fermentation and microbe
Authors: Ziegler Anita L. , Manchanda Ashutosh , Stumm Marc‐Daniel , Blank Lars M. , Mitsos Alexander 
Published: June 2024

AbstractConstraint‐based optimization of microbial strains and model‐based bioprocess design have been used extensively to enhance yields in biotechnological processes. However, strain and process optimization are usually carried out in sequential steps, causing underperformance of the biotechnological process when scaling up to industrial fermentation conditions. Herein, we propose the optimization formulation SimulKnock that combines the optimization of a fermentation process with metabolic network design in a bilevel optimization program. The upper level maximizes space‐time yield and includes mass balances of a continuous fermentation, while the lower level is based on flux balance analysis. SimulKnock predicts optimal gene deletions and finds the optimal trade‐off between growth rate and product yield. Results of a case study with a genome‐scale metabolic model of Escherichia coli indicate higher space‐time yields than a sequential approach using OptKnock for almost all target products considered. By leveraging SimulKnock, we reduce the gap between strain and process optimization.
Rational design of graphene biohydrogel as a modular platform for highly efficient starch‐to‐bioelectricity
Authors: Du Jia‐Xin , Liang Bo , Zhao Xing‐Ming , Sha Chong , Liu Aihua , Yong Yang‐Chun 
Published: June 2024

AbstractChemical‐to‐bioelectricity by using different biocatalysts was considered as a next‐generation green power source. However, bioelectricity production using macromolecular substrate usually encountered low Coulombic efficiency (CE) and power density due to inefficient electron releasing and sluggish electron collection. Here, a rationally engineered biocascade (including depolymerization module, fermentation module, and electro‐respiration module) embedded in highly conductive 3D graphene hydrogel (electron collection module) was designed and fabricated as a modular platform to simultaneously improve the substrate degradation, enhance the electron releasing and reinforce the electron collection. As a result, this modular platform enabled a ~15‐fold improvement on power density and reached the highest CE (46.3%) and power density (780 mW/m2) ever reported for bioelectricity production from starch (a model macromolecular substrate). This work demonstrated a promising approach for rationally harvesting bioelectricity with complicated substrates, which would open up a new avenue for practical applications.
Unpaid overtime and mental health in the Canadian working population
Authors: Shahidi Faraz Vahid , Tracey Matthew , Gignac Monique A. M. , Oudyk John , Smith Peter M. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundUnpaid overtime—describing a situation where extra hours are worked but not paid for—is a common feature of the labor market that, together with other forms of wage theft, costs workers billions of dollars annually. In this study, we examine the association between unpaid overtime and mental health in the Canadian working population. We also assess the relative strength of that association by comparing it against those of other broadly recognized work stressors.MethodsData were drawn from a survey administered to a heterogeneous sample of workers in Canada (n = 3691). Generalized linear models quantified associations between unpaid overtime, stress, and burnout, distinguishing between moderate (1−5) and excessive (6 or more) hours of unpaid overtime.ResultsUnpaid overtime was associated with higher levels of stress and burnout. Relative to those working no unpaid overtime, men working excessive unpaid overtime were 85% more likely to report stress (prevalence ratios [PR]: 1.85, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.26−2.72) and 84% more likely to report burnout (PR: 1.84, 95% CI: 1.34−2.54), while women working excessive unpaid overtime were 90% more likely to report stress (PR: 1.90, 95% CI: 1.32−2.75) and 52% more likely to report burnout (PR: 1.52; 95% CI: 1.12−2.06). The association of excessive unpaid overtime with mental health was comparable in magnitude to that of shift work and low job control.ConclusionsUnpaid overtime may present a significant challenge to the mental health of working people, highlighting the potential role of wage theft as a neglected occupational health hazard.
Poly(Dibenzothiophene‐Terphenyl Piperidinium) for High‐Performance Anion Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis
Authors: Zheng Wentao , He Lanlan , Tang Tang , Ren Rong , Lee Husileng , Ding Guoheng , Wang Linqin , Sun Licheng 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe anion exchange membrane water electrolysis is widely regarded as the next‐generation technology for producing green hydrogen. The OH− conductivity of the anion exchange membrane plays a key role in the practical implementation of this device. Here, we present a series of Z−S‐x membranes with dibenzothiophene groups. These membranes contain sulfur‐enhanced hydrogen bond networks that link surrounding surface site hopping regions, forming continuous OH− conducting highways. Z−S‐20 has a high through‐plane OH− conductivity of 182±28 mS cm−1 and ultralong stability of 2650 h in KOH solution at 80 °C. Based on rational design, we achieved a high PGM‐free alkaline water electrolysis performance of 7.12 A cm−2 at 2.0 V in a flow cell and demonstrated durability of 650 h at 2 A cm−2 at 40 °C with a cell voltage increase of 0.65 mV/h.
Spin Symmetry Breaking‐Induced Hubbard Gap Near‐Closure in N‐Coordinated MnO2 for Enhanced Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Battery Performance
Authors: Wang Shiyu , Yao Shuyun , Dai Ningning , Fu Weijie , Liu Yuanming , Ji Kang , Ji Yingjie , Yang Jinghua , Liu Ruilong , Li Xiaoke , Xie Jiangzhou , Yang Zhiyu , Yan Yi‐Ming 
Published: June 2024

AbstractTransition metal oxides (TMOs) are promising cathode materials for aqueous zinc ion batteries (ZIBs), however, their performance is hindered by a substantial Hubbard gap, which limits electron transfer and battery cyclability. Addressing this, we introduce a heteroatom coordination approach, using triethanolamine to induce axial N coordination on Mn centers in MnO2, yielding N‐coordinated MnO2 (TEAMO). This approach leverages the change of electronegativity disparity between Mn and ligands (O and N) to disrupt spin symmetry and augment spin polarization. This enhancement leads to the closure of the Hubbard gap, primarily driven by the intensified occupancy of the Mn eg orbitals. The resultant TEAMO exhibit a significant increase in storage capacity, reaching 351 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1. Our findings suggest a viable strategy for optimizing the electronic structure of TMO cathodes, enhancing the potential of ZIBs in energy storage technology.
Stochastic Sensing of Chloride Anions Using an α‐Hemolysin Pore with a semiaza‐Bambusuril Adapter
Authors: Reany Ofer , Romero‐Ruiz Mercedes , Khurana Raman , Mondal Pravat , Keinan Ehud , Bayley Hagan 
Published: June 2024

AbstractPores containing molecular adapters provide internal selective binding sites, thereby allowing the stochastic sensing of analytes. Herein, we demonstrate that semiaza‐bambusuril (BU) acts as a non‐covalent molecular adapter when lodged within the lumen of the wild‐type α‐hemolysin (WT‐αHL) protein pore. Because the bambusurils are recognized as anion receptors, the anion binding site within the adapter‐nanopore complex allows the detection of chloride anions, thus converting a non‐selective pore into an anion sensor.
Enhanced UV Nonlinear Optical Properties in Layered Germanous Phosphites through Functional Group Sequential Construction
Authors: Tian Yao , Zeng Wei , Dong Xuehua , Huang Ling , Zhou Yuqiao , Zeng Hongmei , Lin Zhien , Zou Guohong 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis study pioneers a novel strategy for synthesizing solar‐blind ultraviolet (UV) nonlinear optical (NLO) crystals through functional groups sequential construction, effectively addressing the inherent trade‐offs among broad transmittance, enhanced second‐harmonic generation (SHG), and optimal birefringence. We have developed two innovative van der Waals layered germanous phosphites: GeHPO3, the first Ge(II)‐based oxide NLO crystal which exhibits a black phosphorus‐like structure, and K(GeHPO3)2Br, distinguished by its exceptional birefringence and graphene‐like structure. Significantly, GeHPO3 exhibits a remarkable array of NLO properties, including the highest SHG coefficient recorded among all NLO crystals for phase‐matching and generating 266 nm coherent light via quadruple frequency conversion. It delivers a potent SHG intensity, surpassing KH2PO4 (KDP) by 10.3 times at 1064 nm and β‐BaB2O4 by 1.3 times at 532 nm, complemented by a distinct UV absorption edge at 211 nm and moderate birefringence of 0.062 at 546 nm. Comprehensive theoretical analysis links these exceptional characteristics to the unique NLO‐active GeO34− units and the distinctive, highly ordered layered structures. Our findings deliver essential experimental insights into the development of Ge(II)‐based optoelectronic materials and present a strategic blueprint for engineering structure‐driven functional materials with customized properties.
Characterization of self‐reinforced polyethylene recyclates according to different valorization strategies
Authors: Roiron Coline , Lainé Eric , Grandidier Jean‐Claude , Garois Nicolas , Voillequin Baptiste , Vix‐Guterl Cathie 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIn the context of the energy transition, especially in the automotive and aerospace fields, specific attention must be paid to energy consumption and carbon footprint reduction throughout the life cycle of parts. Composites such as self‐reinforced polymers (SRPs) appear as an interesting alternative by combining the components' lightness, mechanical strength, and similar chemical nature. This last point makes recycling possible without any costly separation step of the constituents. The literature has widely reported the easy recyclability of SRP as a development driver. However, few studies analyze it in detail. The feasibility of reprocessing by mechanical grinding a self‐reinforced polyethylene (SRPE) is then examined to view two valorization routes. The impact of the thermomechanical history undergone before recycling, the grinding, the nature of the shreds, and the reprocessing conditions, on the behavior of the recyclates is studied, in parallel with physical considerations, for one reprocessing cycle. The results obtained show that SRPE can be mechanically recycled and keep interesting mechanical properties whatever its reuse.
Poly(ionic liquid) composite oxygenated graphite carbon nitride for enhanced photocatalytic and synergistic bacteriostasis
Authors: Song Tingting , Luan Jingmin , Sun Haifeng , Tan Zhiyong , Dai Yuhua , Yu Jianxiang 
Published: June 2024

AbstractWith the increase of drug‐resistant bacteria and the limitations of traditional antibacterial methods, photocatalytic inhibition has received widespread attention as a novel antibacterial method. In this paper, poly(1‐vinyl‐3‐ethylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate) composite oxygenated carbon nitride (PBF‐OCN) were prepared by in situ free radical polymerization using 1‐vinyl‐3‐ethylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate and OCN. The results showed that the light absorption ability and electron hole separation rate of PBF‐OCN were greatly improved compared with that of OCN, and the rate constant for photocatalytic removal MB of PBF‐OCN‐1 was about 1.39 times of that OCN. The growth of Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) could be significantly inhibited by PBF‐OCN under visible light, among which, the inhibition of PBF‐OCN‐3 was the most excellent, with the diameter of the circle of inhibition reaching 20.69 mm for E. coli, and 21.30 mm for S. aureus, and the inhibition rate against E. coli calculated by plate counting method reached 97.0%. The minimum inhibitory concentration for E. coli and S. aureus was 0.0625 mg/mL, respectively, and the possible inhibition mechanism of the samples was explored. The good synergistic antibacterial effect of PBF‐OCN is expected to be applied in water treatment, antibacterial devices, packaging materials, and other fields.
Comparison of propofol‐esketamine versus propofol‐sufentanil for deep sedation and analgesia in children with autism: A randomized double‐blind clinical trial
Authors: Miao Yanxiang , Zheng Minghui , Li Qing , Xiong Lixia , Feng Jinxiang , Liu Xiaoyu , Fan Guoxiang , Chaturvedi Rupesh , Zhang Faming , Yin Ning 
Published: June 2024

AbstractPropofol sedation, routinely used for endoscopic procedures, is safe and acceptable for children. Adjuvants, such as esketamine or sufentanil, are commonly added to improve the efficacy and safety of propofol sedation. This study aimed to compare the clinical efficacy and safety of propofol‐esketamine (PE) versus propofol‐sufentanil (PS) for deep sedation and analgesia in children with autism undergoing colonoscopy procedure. One hundred and twenty‐four children with autism undergoing colonoscopy procedure were included in the study. Patients were randomly assigned to receive one of the two adjuvants: esketamine (0.3 mg/kg) or sufentanil (0.2 μg/kg), subsequently administered propofol 2.0 mg/kg to induce anesthesia. Additional doses of propofol (0.5–1.0 mg/kg) were administered as needed to ensure patient tolerance for the remaining duration of the procedure. Movement during the procedure, hemodynamic variables, the total dose of propofol, recovery time, and adverse events were recorded. The PE group exhibited a significantly lower incidence of severe movement during the procedure compared with the PS group (14.52% vs. 32.26%, p = 0.020). The PE group showed significantly lower incidence of respiratory depression, hypotension, and severe injection pain of propofol than the PS group during the procedure (all p < 0.05). The mean arterial pressure (MAP) decreased significantly after anesthesia induction in the PS group and remained lower than baseline (all p < 0.05). Compared with the combination of low‐dose sufentanil (0.2 μg/mg) with propofol, the low‐dose esketamine (0.3 mg/kg) combined with propofol provided more stable hemodynamics, higher quality of sedation, and fewer adverse events in children with autism undergoing colonoscopy procedure.
The effects of MEPaL on oxidative stress and motor function in the rats affected by prenatal hypoxia
Authors: Nasri Hadis , Ghotbeddin Zohreh , Rahimi Kaveh , Tabandeh Mohammad Reza 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackground and objectivesMaternal hypoxia disrupts neural development and subsequently leads to cerebral palsy and epilepsy in newborns. Hypoxia plays a role in neurodegeneration by increasing oxidative stress. Pistacia atlantica is known as an important antioxidant, and its anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant effects have been shown in various studies. This study aims to investigate the effects of methanolic extract of P. atlantica leaves (MEPaLs) on the oxidative parameters in the serum of rats affected by maternal hypoxia.Material and methodsIn this study, eight pregnant rats were used. The newborns were divided into four groups, including the control and the hypoxia groups, which are affected by maternal hypoxia, hypoxia + MEPaL 100 mg/kg, and hypoxia + MEPaL 150 mg/kg. MEPaL was injected (i.p) for 21 days into the neonatal rats after the lactation period. Hypoxia was induced by keeping pregnant rats in a hypoxic chamber with 7% oxygen and 93% nitrogen intensity for 3 h on the 20th day of pregnancy. Behavioral changes were measured using open‐field and rotarod tests. Finally, biomarkers of oxidative stress, nitric oxide (NO), glutathione (GSH), GSSG, TAS, TOS, and oxidative stress index (OSI) were measured in the experimental groups.ResultsBehavioral results showed that the anxiety behavior in the hypoxia group increased, but the motor activity (moved distance and movement speed) decreased. Moreover, the amount of time spent maintaining balance on the rotarod rod was significantly decreased in the hypoxia group. The concentration of NO in the group of hypoxia + MEPaL 100 mg/kg showed a significant decrease, and MEPaL 100, and 150 mg/kg + hypoxia also increased the concentration of GSH and decreased GSSG. In addition, MEPaL100 and 150 mg/kg caused a significant increase in the ratio of GSH to GSSG and decreased OSI and total oxidant capacity.ConclusionsOxidative stress increased in the rats affected by maternal hypoxia and may be the main mechanism for motor activity impairment and balance disturbance, whereas MELaL improved motor performance by decreasing oxidative stress.
Causal link between oxidative stress and epilepsy: A two‐sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Xia Yilin , Lai Wanlin , Sha Leihao , Duan Yifei , Chen Lei 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundAlthough a growing body of research has indicated a strong link between oxidative stress and epilepsy, the exact nature of their interaction remains elusive. To elucidate this intricate relationship, we conducted a bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis employing two independent datasets.MethodsA two‐sample MR analysis was performed using instrumental variables derived from genome‐wide association study summary statistics of oxidative stress injury biomarkers (OSIB) and epilepsy. The OSIBs were selected from eight primary metabolic pathways associated with oxidative stress. Additionally, seven distinct epilepsy phenotypes were considered, which encompassed all epilepsy, generalized epilepsy, generalized tonic‐clonic seizures, focal epilepsy, focal epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis (focal HS), focal epilepsy with lesions other than HS (focal NHS), and lesion‐negative focal epilepsy. Causal estimates were computed using the inverse‐variance weighted method or the Wald ratio method, and the robustness of causality was assessed through sensitivity analyses.ResultsFor OSIB and epilepsy, 520 and 23 genetic variants, respectively, were selectively extracted as instrumental variants. Genetically predicted higher kynurenine level was associated with a decreased risk of focal epilepsy (odds ratio [OR] 1.950, 95% CI 1.373–2.528, p = .023) and focal NHS (OR 1.276, 95% CI 1.100–1.453, p = .006). For reverse analysis, there was a suggestive effect of focal NHS on urate (OR 1.19 × 1015, 95% CI 11.19 × 1015 to 1.19 × 1015, p = .0000746) and total bilirubin (Tb) (OR 4.98, 95% CI 3.423–6.543, p = .044). In addition, genetic predisposition to focal HS was associated with higher Tb levels (OR 9.83, 95% CI 7.77–11.888, p = .034).ConclusionThis MR study provides compelling evidence of a robust association between oxidative stress and epilepsy, with a notable emphasis on a causal relationship between oxidative stress and focal epilepsy. Additional research is warranted to confirm the connection between oxidative stress and the risk of epilepsy and to unravel the underlying mechanisms.
Depression and risk of arthritis: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Wu Min‐Yi , Liang Yu‐Ying , Han Qi‐Jia , Ai Zhu , Yan Hao‐Wen , Xiang Zhi‐Ming 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIntroductionObservational studies have found that most patients with arthritis have depression. We aimed to determine the causal relationship between various types of arthritis and depression.MethodsWe conducted a two‐sample bidirectional Mendelian randomized (MR) analysis to determine whether there was a significant causal relationship between depression and multiple types of arthritis. The data of our study were derived from the publicly released genome‐wide association studies (GWASs) and the largest GWAS meta‐analysis. MR analysis mainly used inverse‐variance weighted method; supplementary methods included weighted median, weighted mode, and MR‐Egger using MR pleiotropy residual sum and outlier to detect and correct for the presence of pleiotropy.ResultsAfter adjusting for heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy, we found that depression was associated with an increased risk of osteoarthritis (OA) (OR = 1.02, 95%CI: 1.01–1.02, p = 2.96 × E − 5). In the reverse analysis, OA was also found to increase the risk of depression (OR = 1.10, 95%CI: 1.04–1.15, p = .0002). Depression only increased the risk of knee OA (KOA) (OR = 1.25, 95%CI: 1.10–1.42, p = 6.46 × E − 4). Depression could potentially increase the risk of spondyloarthritis (OR = 1.52, 95%CI: 1.19–1.94, p ≤ 8.94 × E − 4).ConclusionThere is a bidirectional causal relationship of depression with OA. However, depression only augments the risk of developing KOA. Depression may increase the risk of spondyloarthritis and gout.