bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sperm competition experiments reveal low prezygotic postmating isolation between parasitic and nonparasitic lamprey ecotypes
Authors: Decanter Nolwenn , Normand Romane , Souissi Ahmed , Labbé Catherine , Edeline Eric , Evanno Guillaume 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe role of postmating sexual selection as a potential reproductive barrier in speciation is not well understood. Here, we studied the effects of sperm competition and cryptic female choice as putative postmating barriers in two lamprey ecotypes with a partial reproductive isolation. The European river lamprey Lampetra fluviatilis is anadromous and parasitic of other fish species, whereas the brook lamprey Lampetra planeri is freshwater resident and nonparasitic. We measured sperm traits in both ecotypes and designed sperm competition experiments to test the occurrence of cryptic female choice. We also performed sperm competition experiments either at equal semen volume or equal sperm number to investigate the role of sperm velocity on fertilization success. We observed distinct sperm traits between ecotypes with a higher sperm concentration and a lower sperm velocity for L. planeri compared with L. fluviatilis. The outcomes of sperm competition reflected these differences in sperm traits, and there was no evidence for cryptic female choice irrespective of female ecotype. At equal semen volume, L. planeri males had a higher fertilization success than L. fluviatilis and vice versa at equal sperm number. Our results demonstrate that different sperm traits between ecotypes can influence the male reproductive success and thus gene flow between L. planeri and L. fluviatilis. However, postmating prezygotic barriers are absent and thus cannot explain the partial reproductive isolation between ecotypes.
Computing optimum solar tilt angles for photovoltaic applications through python code simulation
Authors: Sumair Muhammad , Pasha Riffat Asim , Aized Tauseef , Aslam Bhutta Muhammad Mahmood , Tehreem Layba , Shoaib Muhammad 
Published: April 2023

AbstractCarrying out the dual objectives of computing the optimized tilt angles for multiple locations in Pakistan along with recommending a generalized approach for the estimation of optimum tilt angle for any location in country, this study was conducted. Python code was developed for the optimization purpose of daily, monthly, seasonally, biannually and annual solar tilt angle. Detailed analysis was presented for one location (Karachi) and a comparative analysis of optimum tilt angle conditions has been conducted for all investigated sites. Daily optimum tilt angles were found to vary from −12.0° to 55.5°. Similarly, monthly optimized tilt angles were found to vary from −11.5° (in June) to 55.0° (in December). Furthermore, seasonal tilt angles were found as 46.0 °, 2.0 °, 0.5 ° and 45.0 ° in winter, spring, summer and autumn respectively. Finally, annual optimum tilt angle (fixed throughout the year) was found as 25.5° (closer to the latitude value of Karachi). It has been found that daily adjustment of tilt angle causes a gain of 6.85% in annual energy yields when compared with fixed angle throughout the year. Similarly, energy gains were found as 0.15%, 1.24% and 6.83%, when tilt angle was adjusted daily as compared to monthly, seasonal and biannual adjustment cases respectively. The optimum tilt angle for three pairs of locations having comparable latitudes were compared and it was found that the sites having comparable latitudes do not have any marked difference in their optimum tilt angle values.
Characterization of a sample of Chilean university students in terms of the bitter‐tasting phenotype and genotype and their preferences for basic flavours and associated foods
Authors: Cáceres Paola , Segovia Luna , Rivera Constanza , Juretić Nevenka 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe majority of people have a bitter taster phenotype, they perceive substances such as phenylthiocarbamide (PTC). This could be associated with a lower preference for bitter foods. The ability to detect bitter taste is due to TAS2R28 receptor. The aim of this study was to determine the preferences for basic flavours, taste combinations and bitter taste‐related foods in a sample of Chilean university students and to relate it to their PTC taster phenotype and genotype. A 5‐point Likert‐type online survey on taste and food preferences was applied to 149 Chilean university students (19.2 years; 69.8% women; 29.5% men and 0.7% prefer‐not‐to‐say). It classified students as strong taster (ST), intermediate taster (IT) or non‐taster (NT) through a PTC taste test. To assess the relationship between phenotype or genotype and students' preferences, we analysed frequency tables using Fisher's exact test. To genotype determination, it extracted DNA from buccal mucosal cells of 25 students (18.9 years; 72% female and 28% male). A fragment of TAS2R38 gene amplified (PCR) and digested (HaeIII). Our results show that 85.9% of students had a PTC taster phenotype (37.6% ST, 48.3% IT vs. 14.1% NT). Sweet taste was the most preferred, while bitter taste was the least. There was no association between taste and food preferences with student's phenotype or genotype. ST students presented homozygous taster genotype (55.6%); IT students, heterozygous taster genotype (75%); and NT students, homozygous non‐taster genotype (50%). Both the PTC taster phenotype and genotype associated are not related to a lower preference for bitter taste and foods studied. Our results will allow us to generate promotion and education strategies for healthy eating, through the inclusion of bitter foods.
Blood pressure—lowering medication prescribing, its adherence to guidelines and relationship with blood pressure control at a family medicine department
Authors: Harrison Mark Amankwa , Marfo Afia F. A. , Buabeng Kwame O. , Annan Augustine , Nelson Frempomaa , Boateng Dorcas P. , Nkansah Florence A. , Owusu Aboagye Grace , Ankrah Daniel 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackgroundIn many resource‐constrained countries, control of blood pressure (BP) is low. Antihypertensive drug prescribing practices may influence BP control. However, adherence of prescribing to treatment guidelines may not be optimal in resource‐constrained settings. The aim of this study was to evaluate the pattern of blood pressure‐lowering medication prescribing, and how it adheres to treatment guidelines, and to identify the relationship between medication prescriptions and BP control.MethodsIt was a cross‐sectional study of hypertensive outpatients at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) Family Medicine department (FMD)/Polyclinic. Data was collected with a validated structured form. Adherence of “prescribing” to recommendations of the 2017 Standard Treatment Guidelines of Ghana and 2018 European Society of Cardiology guidelines was assessed using a composite measure. We analyzed data with SPSS.ResultsAbout 81% (247/304) of patients received two or more antihypertensive drugs. Most patients (41%; 267/651) received calcium channel blockers (CCB), and 21.8% (142/651), 15.7% (102/651) and 12.7% (83/651) were on diuretics, angiotensin‐receptor blockers (ARBs) and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors respectively. CCB plus RAS inhibitor (50%) was the most prescribed two‐drug combination. Number of BP drugs per patient had a statistically significant inverse relationship with BP control (beta Coefficient = –0.402; 95% Cl: 1.252–2.470; p = 0.015). The composite adherence score was 0.73 (moderate adherence) but Single‐pill combination (SPC) was poor (3.2%; n = 8).ConclusionMost patients received multiple‐pill combination treatment, and overall adherence to guidelines was suboptimal, largely owing to complex drug therapy. Number of drugs predicted BP control. Our findings suggest a need to prioritize simplified treatment, and implement other strategies to improve hypertension guideline adherence. Further research on the influence of SPC on BP control may inform future hypertension guidelines in Ghana and elsewhere in Africa.
Primary human osteoblast and mesenchymal stem cell responses to apatite/tricalcium phosphate bone cement modified with polyacrylic acid and bioactive glass
Authors: Thaitalay Paritat , Thongsri Oranich , Dangviriyakul Rawee , Srisuwan Sawitri , Carney Louise , Gough Julie Elizabeth , Rattanachan Sirirat Tubsungnoen 
Published: April 2023

AbstractIn this work, three different modified cements, control apatite/beta‐tricalcium phosphate cement (CPC), polymeric CPC (p‐CPC), and bioactive glass added polymeric cement (p‐CPC/BG) were evaluated regarding their physical properties and the responses of primary human osteoblast cells (HObs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Although polyacrylic acid (PAA) increased compressive strength and Young's modulus of the cement, it could cause poor apatite phase formation, a prolonged setting time, and a lower degradation rate. Consequently, bioactive glass (BG) was added to PAA/cement to improve its physical properties, such as compressive strength, Young's modulus, setting time, and degradation. For in vitro testing, HObs viability was assessed under two culture systems with cement‐preconditioned medium (indirect) and with cement (direct). HObs viability was examined in direct contact with cements treated by different prewashing conditions. HObs presented a more well spread morphology on cement soaked in medium overnight, as compared to other cements with no treatment and washing in PBS. In addition, the proliferation, differentiation, and total collagen production of both HObs and MSCs adhered to the cement were detected. Cells showed excellent proliferation on PAA/cement and PAA/BG/cement. Furthermore, the higher released Si ion and lower acidosis of PAA/BG/cement‐conditioned medium resulted in an increase in osteogenic differentiation (HObs and MSCs) and enhanced collagen production (HObs in osteogenic medium and MSCs in control medium). Therefore, our findings suggest that BG incorporated PAA/apatite/β‐TCP cement could be a promising formula for bone repair applications.
Investigations on membrane performance for coconut water concentration under pressure and by osmotically driven process
Authors: Liew Zhen‐Shen , Ho Yeek‐Chia , Lau Woei Jye , Youravong Wirote , Sirinupong Tippawan , Liang Yong Yeow 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDCoconut water has grown in popularity among people as a ready‐to‐drink healthy beverage. Nevertheless, its future export expansion is restricted by high operating costs as large volumes of coconut water have to be handled during exporting and for its storage. Besides, large coconut water volumes also consume high energy during the pasteurization/sterilization process. Thus, in this work, we evaluated the potential of employing polymeric membranes for the concentration of coconut water at room temperature via either a pressure‐driven or osmotically driven process.RESULTSOur results indicated that the membrane that was tested under reverse osmosis (RO) mode at 25 bar could significantly concentrate coconut water by reducing its original volume by up to half, with negligible loss of ions/minerals. Upon completion of the RO process, Brix and conductivity of the coconut water were increased by 90% and 61.4%, respectively. As a comparison, the membrane tested under pressure‐retarded osmosis (PRO) mode was only able to reduce the volume of coconut water by ~12%. Although coconut water concentration via PRO operation does not require an external driving force, this process suffers from several significant drawbacks, including reverse draw solute flux and the requirement for draw solution generation.CONCLUSIONBased on the results obtained, it can be concluded that the RO membrane process is still the most reliable and practical method of concentrating fruit juice, and its performance could be further enhanced using a high‐flux polymeric membrane or through process optimization. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Cypermethrin insecticide detection by surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Puente Carlos , Pineda Nayely , López Israel 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe common practice worldwide to get rid of unwanted crawling and flying insects using commercially available insecticides represents a potential danger of leakage of containers, and pollution of water and soil that can harm both target and non‐target species. Cypermethrin, a synthetic pyrethroid, is one of the most widely used household broad‐spectrum insecticides.RESULTSSilver nanosphere (AgNS)‐, triangular nanoplate (AgNT)‐ and nanodecahedra (AgND)‐based substrates for surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) were tested, showing that AgND led to high detection sensitivity of cypermethrin with no previous sample treatment, even at low laser power (0.1 mW). Also, reproducibility tests were carried out with one substrate as well as with different substrates.CONCLUSIONSThis study showed that AgND substrates are sufficiently sensitive to detect cypermethrin by SERS using a 780 nm laser, in a complex matrix with no photo‐bleaching and without the need for sample treatment. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Fluidised bed gasification of biomasses and wastes to produce hydrogen‐rich syn‐gas – a review
Authors: Zaccariello Lucio , Montagnaro Fabio 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe sustainable fulfilment of world energy demand should be based on the diversification of the energetic portfolio and, at the same time, on the decrease of the use of fossil fuels in favour of renewable energy sources. This perspective review article focuses its attention on a particular source of renewable energy, i.e. biomass. As non‐fossil materials of natural origin, biomasses are formed by storing, in the noble and stable form of chemical bonds, solar energy. Gasification has been here chosen as biomass thermoconversion route: general concepts and history, chemical reactions and uses of syn‐gas, and the role of tar, are addressed. Fluidised beds are discussed as reactors to carry out biomass gasification, also considering that a new approach based on dual interconnected fluidised bed schemes can realise the concept of sorption‐enhanced gasification (to increase H2 productivity). Syn‐gas and tar characteristics are presented and, finally, an original case study concerning the fluidised bed gasification of civil and industrial sludges is presented. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Seasonal changes in blood rheology in little ground squirrels
Authors: Katiukhin Lev Nikolaevich , Chalabov Shamil Ismailovich , Bekshokov Kerim Sultanbekovich , Pokhmelnova Marya Sergeevna , Klichkhanov Nisred Kadirovich , Nikitina Elena Romanovna 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe annual cycle of small ground squirrels (Spermophilus pygmaeus) consists of 2 periods: wakefulness (spring−autumn) and hibernation (winter). During the active period, ground squirrels breed (spring), accumulate fat reserves (summer) and prepare for hibernation (autumn). We suppose that the rheological properties of blood and the deformability of erythrocytes can change in different seasons of the animal's wakefulness period to adequately provide tissues with oxygen. The aim of this study was to identify possible adaptive changes in erythrocyte deformability and erythrocyte indices in ground squirrels during their active period. The deformability of erythrocytes was studied by ektacytometry in an osmotic gradient. It was found that in spring, after the arousal of ground squirrels, erythrocytes have the highest deformability (El_max), hydration (O_hyper), water permeability (El_min) and osmotic stability (∆O). In summer, compared with spring, the deformability of erythrocytes decreases, and the average volume of erythrocytes (MCV) also decreases. In autumn, before hibernation, the integral deformability of erythrocytes, their hydration, as well as the range of osmotic stability of erythrocytes increases relative to the summer period. In summer and autumn, in contrast to spring, the average concentration of hemoglobin in the erythrocyte (MCHC) increases. At low shear stress (1 Pa) in summer and autumn, osmoscan becomes a pronounced polymodal form, indicating a change in the viscoelastic properties of ground squirrel erythrocyte membranes. Thus, for the first time, we discovered seasonal variability in the deformability of ground squirrel erythrocytes, which is consistent with the spring‐summer activity of animals and preparation for hibernation.
Extreme temperatures detection and attribution related to external forcing in Madagascar
Authors: Randriamarolaza Luc Yannick Andréas , Aguilar Enric , Skrynyk Oleg 
Published: April 2023

AbstractIn this article, we use standard extreme temperature indices to detect and attribute external forcing in Madagascar. These indices are calculated from observations and multi‐model ensemble mean responses on anthropogenic‐plus‐natural (ALL), greenhouse gases (GHG), natural (NAT) and anthropogenic (ANT) which are subtracted from ALL and NAT forcings over 1950–2018. Correlation analysis emphasizes that the observed changes are more influenced by ENSO events, especially in minimum temperature. The observed changes are regressed or combined with model simulations from the sixth phase of the Coupled Model Inter‐comparison Project (CMIP6) to assess human impacts in indices. CMIP6 models with ALL, GHG and ANT forcings correspond well with the observations for the frequency indices than the intensity indices. Moreover, decadal trends indicate the existence of anthropogenic warming according to observations and multi‐model ensembles with ALL, GHG and ANT forcings. Detection and attribution parties identify and justify the causes of the observed changes. We do this by performing the single‐signal and two‐signal analysis using the Regularized Optimal Fingerprinting (ROF) method with Total Least Square (TLS) regression. We estimate internal climate variability by means of control model simulations. As a result, we note an inconsistency in the warming trend with the NAT forcing. The influence of ALL, GHG and ANT forcings is detectable for standard extreme temperature indices between 1950 and 2018. Nearly, observed changes are attributed to GHG and ANT forcings except for coldest night and warm nights in Madagascar.
Non‐conventional starches isolated from agronomic‐improved beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.): a study of their structure and physicochemical properties
Authors: Nagai Nadia Florencia , Andrés Silvina Cecilia 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDNon‐conventional starch sources are promising alternative food ingredients. Different bean varieties with agronomic improvements are constantly being developed and cultivated in the Northwestern Argentinean region (NOA) to increase yields and obtain high‐quality seeds. However, the main attributes of their starches have not been studied. In this work, starches from four agronomic‐improved bean cultivars were isolated and their structure and physicochemical properties were evaluated.RESULTSHigh‐purity starches were obtained, as shown by their low protein and ash content. Starch granules presented smooth surfaces with spherical to oval shapes, with a marked ‘Maltese cross’ and heterogeneous sizes. Their amylose content revealed a mean value of 318 g kg−1 and all presented resistant > slowly digestible > rapidly digestible starch fractions. Their Fourier transform infrared spectra were similar and X‐ray diffraction analysis showed a CA‐type pattern in all cases despite their different sources. Among thermal properties, Escarlata starch showed the lowest gelatinization peak temperature (69.5 °C) and Anahí starch the highest (71.3 °C). Starch pasting temperature varied from 74.6 to 76.9 °C, whereas peak viscosity and final viscosity showed a similar tendency, with Leales B30 < Anahí < Escarlata < Cegro 99/11‐2 and Leales B30 < Anahí = Escarlata < Cegro 99/11‐2, respectively.CONCLUSIONThis study provides the basis for a better understanding of the characteristics of agronomic‐improved NOA bean starches, enabling their use in product formulation as an alternative to starches from conventional sources. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Sociodemographic circumstances, health, and life experience shape posttraumatic distress trajectories among individuals exposed to smoke during a large‐scale coal mine fire
Authors: Smith Catherine L. , Campbell Timothy C. H. , Gao Caroline X. , Lane Tyler J. , Maybery Darryl , Berger Emily , Brown David , Ikin Jillian F. , McFarlane Alexander , Abramson Michael J. , Carroll Matthew 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe 2014 Hazelwood coal mine fire in the Latrobe Valley, Australia, distributed toxic smoke into surrounding communities over 45 days. This study investigated risk and protective factors associated with four trajectories of posttraumatic distress (resilient, recovery, delayed‐onset, chronic) among exposed adults. Participants (N = 709) completed surveys in 2016–2017 and 2019–2020 assessing mine fire–related particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure; sociodemographic, physical, and mental health variables; and exposure to other traumatic and recent stressful events. Mine fire–related posttraumatic distress was measured using the IES‐R; trajectories were determined according to established clinical significance thresholds. Relative risk ratios (RRRs) were generated from multivariate multinomial regressions. The resilient trajectory was most common (77.0%). The chronic trajectory (8.5%) was associated with loneliness, RRR = 2.59, 95% CI [1.30, 5.16], and physical health diagnoses, RRR = 2.31, 95% CI [1.32, 4.02]. The delayed‐onset trajectory (9.1%) was associated with multiple recent stressful events, RRR = 2.51, 95% CI [1.37, 4.59]; mental health diagnoses, RRR = 2.30, 95% CI [1.25, 4.24]; loneliness, RRR = 2.05, 95% CI [1.09, 3.88]; and male gender, RRR = 2.01, 95% CI [1.18, 3.44]. Socioeconomic advantage protected against chronic, RRR = 0.68, 95% CI [0.53, 0.86], and delayed‐onset trajectory membership, RRR = 0.68, 95% CI [0.50, 0.94]; social support protected against chronic trajectory membership, RRR = 0.67, 95% CI [0.49, 0.92]. PM2.5 exposure did not determine trajectory. These findings enhance understanding of longer‐term posttraumatic responses to large‐scale smoke events and can inform mental health initiatives within at‐risk communities.
Healthy and High‐Quality Single‐Source Lighting Based on Double‐Doped Tin Halide Engineering
Authors: Liu Zibin , Ji Xinzhen , Ma Zhuangzhuang , Zhang Fei , Qi Xiaofeng , Chen Xu , Wu Di , Liu Ying , Jia Mochen , Li Xinjian , Zhang Yu , Shan Chongxin , Shi Zhifeng 
Published: April 2023

AbstractSingle‐source white light‐emitting diodes (WLEDs) with smart regulation of correlated color temperature (CCT) are indispensable for the next generation of WLEDs aimed at healthy and high‐quality illumination, where a suitable CCT value is closely related to our emotions and circadian rhythm. Herein, this work constructs a single‐component emission layer WLED with high performance for controllable daily lighting through Bi3+/Te4+ dual‐doped Cs2SnCl6 engineering. The efficient energy transfers between triple self‐trapped exciton states from Bi3+/Te4+ doping allow two tunable broadband emissions that can cover the full‐color region, thereby yielding a standout color‐rendering index of 94 for the fabricated WLED. The robust stability against heat, ultraviolet light, and environmental oxygen/water induces a long half‐lifetime of WLED up to 1104 h. Moreover, the dual‐doped strategy endows the emitter with excitation‐dependent luminescent characteristics, enabling the single emissive layer device to realize switching control of cold‐, positive‐, and warm‐white light by converting the excitation chip. Meanwhile, continuous regulation of CCT for different application scenarios can be achieved by adjusting the current of different chips. This work constitutes a solid step toward building single‐source WLEDs for smart and healthy lighting based on dual‐doped lead‐free metal halides.