bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Antibiotic-producing Actinomycetes Isolated from River Tana and Lake Elementaita in Kenya
Authors: Shikuku Bonface O. , Kiruki Silas , Kuria Eric , Mutembei Martin , Ogolla Fredrick O. 
Published: August 2023

The rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has become a global health concern, necessitating the search for novel sources of antibiotics. Actinomycetes, a group of microorganisms, have been known for their ability to produce bioactive compounds with antimicrobial properties. This study aimed to isolate, identify, and characterize antibiotic-producing Actinomycetes from River Tana and Lake Elementaita. Samples were collected from the study sites, and Actinomycetes were isolated using serial dilution and spread plate techniques. The isolates were characterized based on their morphological and biochemical properties. Furthermore, their antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella typhi was evaluated using the agar well diffusion method. The zones of inhibition were measured (mm), and analysis was done to compare the activity of the isolates using Kruskal Wallis test and medians compared using Wilcoxon with Bonferroni correction at alpha = 0.05 in SAS version 9.4. Analysis of DNA sequences was done using the BLAST program and a phylogenetic tree was constructed using MEGA X version 11. Biochemical tests revealed positive results for catalase, indole, oxidase, and citrate utilization, while coagulase and methyl red tests were negative. In terms of antibacterial activity, 54.5% of the isolates showed activity against E. coli, 45.5% against S. aureus, and 45.5% against S. typhi. Isolate LEL2201 had significant (p < 0.05) higher zone of inhibition against S. aureus (inhibition zone of 25.0mm), while isolate RT2201 exhibited the highest activity against E. coli and S. typhi (inhibition zone of 8.5 mm and 8.6 mm, respectively). Molecular characterization through 16S rRNA gene sequencing identified the isolates as belonging to the Actinobacterium order. Phylogenetic analysis revealed their similarity to known Actinomycetes species including Actinomycetales bacterium, Streptomyces intermedius and Streptomyces flavomacrosporus from various countries. The findings of this study demonstrate the presence of antibiotic-producing Actinomycetes in River Tana and Lake Elementaita. Thus, further investigations are warranted to identify and characterize the specific antibacterial compounds produced by these isolates.
Influence of Sources of Sulphur and Zinc on Growth and Yield of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)
Authors: Mondal Sovan , Singh Shikha , Nawhal Anu 
Published: August 2023

A field experiment was carried out during kharif 2022 at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Naini Agriculture Institute, Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, (UP). The soil had a sandy loam texture, with a pH of 7.5, organic carbon (0.625%) and EC (0.564 m.m cm-1), Nitrogen (278.48 kg ha-1), Phosphorus (38.2 kg ha-1) and Potassium (240.7 kg ha-1). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with nine treatments and control which are replicated thrice based on one year of experimentation. The treatments consisted of 3 levels of source of sulphur (Gypsum 300 kg/ha-1, Single super phosphate 20 kg/ha-1, Elementary Sulphur 40 kg/ha-1) and zinc (5, 10, 15 kg/ha-1) as a Basal application and a control. The application of Gypsum 300 kg/ha-1 + Zinc 15 kg/ha-1 recorded significantly higher Plant height (110.73 cm), Plant dry weight (15.71 g/plant), number of Capsules/plant (51.40), Seeds/capsules (55.47), Test weight (2.70 g), Seed yield (1.07 t/ha) were recorded with the treatment of Gypsum 300 kg/ha + Zinc 15 kg/ha.
Effect of Biofertilizers and Zinc on Growth and Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Nagarjuna Polam , Debbarma Victor 
Published: August 2023

A field experiment was conducted during Kharif 2022 at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology And Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India. The soil of the experimental field was sandy loam in texture, slightly alkaline in soil reaction (pH 8), low level of organic carbon (0.28%), available N (219 kg/ha), P (11.6 kg/ha) and K (217.2 kg/ha). The experiment was conducted in randomized block design consisting of 10 treatments with 3 different levels of biofertilizers and different levels of zinc 0.2%, 0.4% and 0.6% (foliar application) with three replications and the treatments were allocated randomly in each replication. On the topic “Effect of Biofertilizers and Zinc on Growth and Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.)”,.The results showed that treatment 9 with the application of PSB (10 g) + VAM (10 g) + Zinc 0.6% recorded significantly higher plant height (213.08 cm), higher plant dry weight (106.76 g) ,maximum number of cobs/plant (2.20), higher cob length (17.63 cm), maximum number of seed/cob (294.56), higher seed index (39.56 g), higher seed yield (2.30t/ha), higher stover yield (8.53 t/ha), higher harvest index (21.26%) compared to other treatments. The maximum gross returns (1,08772.00 INR/ha), maximum net returns (72,573.00 INR/ha) and benefit cost ratio (2.00) was recorded in treatment 9 with the application of PSB (10 g) + VAM (10 g) + Zinc 0.6% as compared to other treatments. Minimum parameters were recorded in treatment 10 control plot with RDF 120:60:40 kg/ha NPK.
A Study of the Functional, Metabolic and Microstructural Brain Changes in Patients with Migraine without Aura
Authors: Ebrahim Alaa Abd El-Karim Soliman , Rabee Mohamed Osman , Elshamy Ahmed Mohamed Basiouny , Sherif Mohamad Fouad , Abo-El-Safa Ashraf Ali Abo-Elfotoh 
Published: August 2023

Background: Migraine is a very common disease. Studying the pathological changes in the brain is important for understanding the mechanisms underlying migraine headache. Previous research work has given conflicting results. This study aimed to investigate the functional, metabolic and microstructural changes in the brain of migraine patients without aura.
Methods: This study included 42 migraine patients without aura in the interictal period and 11 age and sex matched controls. All participants were subjected to clinical assessment, assessment of the habituation to visual evoked potentials, assessment of the peak metabolic ratios by H-MRS and diffusion tensor imaging of the brain to test for regional microstructural changes.
Results: The amplitudes of VEPs showed significant reduction in control subjects (P < 0.01), but not in migraine patients after repeated stimulation and significant increase in migraine patients compared to controls (P < 0.01). H-MRS showed significant decrease of NAA/Cr (P < 0.01) and increase of Mi/NAA (P < 0.001) and Cho/Cr (P < 0.05) PMRs in the thalamus and occipital lobes in migraine patients compared to controls. DTI showed significant changes in the FA, AD, MD, RD values in the thalamus, occipital lobe and insula in migraine patients indicating microstructural changes in these areas. All changes showed significant correlation with the intensity, frequency and duration of migraine episodes, but not with the duration of migraine disease.
Conclusion: Migraine patients without aura showed increased excitability to visual stimulation and significant metabolite and microstructural brain changes that correlated with the severity, not the duration of the disease. These changes need to be confirmed in a large scale longitudinal studies.
AI and core electoral processes: Mapping the horizons
Authors: P Deepak , Simoes Stanley , MacCarthaigh Muiris 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIt is well documented that there has been significant enthusiasm across the globe in respect of using AI for all forms of social activity. However, the electoral process – the time, place, and manner of elections within democratic nations – is one of few sectors in which there has been limited penetration of AI. Electoral management bodies in many countries have recently started exploring and deliberating over the use of AI in the electoral process. In this paper, we consider five avenues within the core electoral process which have potential for AI usage, and map the challenges involved in using AI within them. These five avenues are: voter list maintenance, determining polling booth locations, polling booth protection processes, voter authentication, and video monitoring of elections. Within each avenue, we lay down the context, illustrate current or potential usage of AI, and discuss extant or potential ramifications of AI usage, as well as potential directions for mitigating risks when considering AI usage. We believe that the scant current usage of AI within electoral processes provides a very rare opportunity to deliberate on the risks and mitigation possibilities prior to actual and widespread AI deployment. This paper is an attempt to map the horizons of risks and opportunities in using AI within electoral processes and to help shape the debate around the topic.
Neural Architecture Search with In‐Memory Multiply–Accumulate and In‐Memory Rank Based on Coating Layer Optimized C‐Doped Ge2Sb2Te5 Phase Change Memory
Authors: Yan Longhao , Wu Qingyu , Li Xi , Xie Chenchen , Zhou Xilin , Li Yuqi , Shi Daijing , Yu Lianfeng , Zhang Teng , Tao Yaoyu , Yan Bonan , Zhong Min , Song Zhitang , Yang Yuchao , Huang Ru 
Published: July 2023

AbstractNeural architecture search (NAS), as a subfield of automated machine learning, can design neural network models with better performance than manual design. However, the energy and time consumptions of conventional software‐based NAS are huge, hindering its development and applications. Herein, 4 Mb phase change memory (PCM) chips are first fabricated that enable two key in‐memory computing operations—in‐memory multiply‐accumulate (MAC) and in‐memory rank for efficient NAS. The impacts of the coating layer material are systematically analyzed for the blade‐type heating electrode on the device uniformity and in turn NAS performance. The random weights in the searched network architecture can be fine‐tuned in the last stage. With 512 × 512 arrays based on 40 nm CMOS process, the PCM‐based NAS has achieved 25–53× smaller model size and better performance than manually designed networks and improved the energy and time efficiency by 4779× and 123×, respectively, compared with NAS running on graphic processing unit (GPU). This work can expand the hardware accelerated in‐memory operators, and significantly extend the applications of in‐memory computing enabled by nonvolatile memory in advanced machine learning tasks.
Integration of Alloy Segregation and Surface CoO Hybridization in Carbon‐Encapsulated CoNiPt Alloy Catalyst for Superior Alkaline Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Pan Yangdan , Gao Junkuo , Lv Enjun , Li Tongtong , Xu Hui , Sun Lu , Nairan Adeela , Zhang Qichun 
Published: July 2023

AbstractConstructing an efficient alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalyst with low platinum (Pt) consumption is crucial for the cost reduction of energy devices, such as electrolyzers. Herein, nanoflower‐like carbon‐encapsulated CoNiPt alloy catalysts with composition segregation are designed by pyrolyzing morphology‐controlled and Pt‐proportion‐tuned metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). The optimized catalyst containing 15% CoNiPt NFs (15%: Pt mass percentage, NFs: nanoflowers) exhibits outstanding alkaline HER performance with a low overpotential of 25 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2, far outperforming those of commercial Pt/C (47 mV) and the most advanced catalysts. Such superior activity originates from an integration of segregation alloy and Co‐O hybridization. The nanoflower‐like hierarchical structure guarantees the full exposure of segregation alloy sites. Density functional theory calculations suggest that the segregation alloy components not only promote water dissociation but also facilitate the hydrogen adsorption process, synergistically accelerating the kinetics of alkaline HER. In addition, the activity of alkaline HER is volcanically distributed with the surface oxygen content, mainly in the form of Co3dO2p hybridization, which is another reason for enhanced activity. This work provides feasible insights into the design of cost‐effective alkaline HER catalysts by coordinating kinetic reaction sites at segregation alloy and adjusting the appropriate oxygen content.
Broadband Optoelectronic Synapse Enables Compact Monolithic Neuromorphic Machine Vision for Information Processing
Authors: Guo Tao , Zhang Baizhou , Wang Xiyang , Xiao Yi , Sun Bai , Zhou Y. Norman , Wu Yimin A. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractTraditional machine vision is suffering from redundant sensing data, bulky structures, and high energy consumption. Biological‐inspired neuromorphic systems are promising for compact and energy‐efficient machine vision. Multifunctional optoelectronics enabling multispectrum sensitivity for broadband image sensing, feature extraction, and neuromorphic computing are vital for machine visions. Here, an optoelectronic synapse is designed that enables image sensing, convolutional processing, and computing. Multiple synaptic plasticity triggered by photons can implement photonic computing and information transmission. Convolutional processing is realized by ultralow energy kernel generators fully controlled by photons. Meanwhile, the device shows the ability of conductance modulations under electronic stimulations that implement neuromorphic computing. For the first time, this two‐terminal broadband optoelectronic synapse enables front‐end retinomorphic image sensing, convolutional processing, and back‐end neuromorphic computing. The integrated photonic information encryption, convolutional image preprocessing, and neuromorphic computing capabilities are promising for compact monolithic neuromorphic machine vision systems.
Polymeric Giant Unilamellar Vesicles with Integrated DNA‐Origami Nanopores: An Efficient Platform for Tuning Bioreaction Dynamics Through Controlled Molecular Diffusion
Authors: Cochereau Rémy , Maffeis Viviana , dos Santos Elena C. , Lörtscher Emanuel , Palivan Cornelia G. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractGiant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) are microcompartments serving to confine reactions, allow signaling pathways, or design synthetic cells. Polymer GUVs are composed of copolymer membranes mimicking cell membranes, and present advantages over lipid‐based GUVs, such as higher mechanical stability and chemical versatility. Such microcompartments are essential for understanding reactions/signaling occurring in cells, which are difficult to study by in vivo approaches due to the cell's complexity. However, the lack of control over their production, stability, and membrane diffusion properties is still limiting their use for bio‐related applications. Here, polymer GUVs produced by microfluidics and permeabilized with DNA‐origami nanopores (DoNs) that present a high level of control over these essential properties are introduced. After systematic optimization of conditions, DoN‐GUVs reveal a narrow size distribution, allow for high encapsulation efficiencies, and are stable for weeks, protecting encapsulated biomolecules. The kinetics of diffusion of molecules through the GUV's membrane is tuned by insertion of DoNs with a controlled 3D‐ structure. DNA polymerase I, encapsulated as model for bioreactions, successfully produced DNA duplex strands with spatiotemporal control. DoN‐GUVs loaded with active molecules open new avenues in bioreactions, from the detection of biomolecules, over the tuning of molecular transport rates, to the investigation of cellular processes/signaling.
Recycling Lead (II) Management in Metal Organic Framework‐Perovskite Luminescent Composites
Authors: Qiu Lei , Ju Haonan , Guan Mengyu , Wang Wei , Mao Wenxin , Dai Zhigao , Li Guogang 
Published: July 2023

AbstractColloidal lead halide perovskites face challenges in practical optoelectronic applications due to the toxicity of lead (II). To overcome this issue, a novel approach using metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) for recycling lead (II) management in perovskite materials, is developed. Through surface‐functionalization of MOF‐808 and pH tuning, the MOF achieves recyclable adsorption‐desorption of lead (II), confining the lead source within the MOF‐808 template or the perovskites. This controllable transformation between lead (II) chelation and perovskites prevents lead (II) leakage. Additionally, separated lead (II) ions from decomposed perovskite can be adsorbed by MOF‐808, facilitating recycling. The resulting MOF‐808‐EDTA@CsPbBr3 composite exhibits comparable optical performance to pure CsPbBr3 powder, but with improved stabilities, effectively preventing lead (II) leakage. Hierarchical desorption of lead (II) in the MOF‐808‐EDTA@Pb2+ complex enables reversible on/off fluorescence signal switching. Detached lead (II) from decomposed MOF‐808‐EDTA@CsPbBr3 composite can be re‐adsorbed by MOF‐808‐EDTA, enabling the construction of CsPbBr3 nanocrystals in a new cycle. This approach is economically attractive and environmentally friendly. This study addresses the challenge of lead (II) leakage and offers the potential for optical anti‐counterfeiting in perovskite materials with a sustainable approach.
Targeted Delivery of the Pan‐Inflammasome Inhibitor MM01 as an Alternative Approach to Acute Lung Injury Therapy
Authors: García‐Fernández Alba , Sancho Mónica , Garrido Eva , Bisbal Viviana , Sancenón Félix , Martínez‐Máñez Ramón , Orzáez Mar 
Published: July 2023

AbstractAcute lung injury (ALI) is a severe pulmonary disorder responsible for high percentage of mortality and morbidity in intensive care unit patients. Current treatments are ineffective, so the development of efficient and specific therapies is an unmet medical need. The activation of NLPR3 inflammasome during ALI produces the release of proinflammatory factors and pyroptosis, a proinflammatory form of cell death that contributes to lung damage spreading. Herein, it is demonstrated that modulating inflammasome activation through inhibition of ASC oligomerization by the recently described MM01 compound can be an alternative pharmacotherapy against ALI. Besides, the added efficacy of using a drug delivery nanosystem designed to target the inflamed lungs is determined. The MM01 drug is incorporated into mesoporous silica nanoparticles capped with a peptide (TNFR‐MM01‐MSNs) to target tumor necrosis factor receptor‐1 (TNFR‐1) to proinflammatory macrophages. The prepared nanoparticles can deliver the cargo in a controlled manner after the preferential uptake by proinflammatory macrophages and exhibit anti‐inflammatory activity. Finally, the therapeutic effect of MM01 free or nanoparticulated to inhibit inflammatory response and lung injury is successfully demonstrated in lipopolysaccharide‐mouse model of ALI. The results suggest the potential of pan‐inflammasome inhibitors as candidates for ALI therapy and the use of nanoparticles for targeted lung delivery.
Nitric Oxide‐Assisted Photodynamic Therapy for Enhanced Penetration and Hypoxic Bacterial Biofilm Elimination
Authors: Lv Xinyi , Jiang Jingai , Ren Jie , Li Hui , Yang Dongliang , Song Xuejiao , Hu Yanling , Wang Wenjun , Dong Xiaochen 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe presence of a biofilm matrix barrier and hypoxic microenvironment within the biofilm significantly impedes the efficacy of photodynamic therapy for bacterial biofilm infections. Herein, a phototherapeutic nanoagent with type‐I photodynamic behavior and nitric oxide (NO) release performance is reported for overcoming biofilm‐associated infectious diseases. Sodium nitroprusside (SNP), a NO donor, is loaded onto amino‐modified mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) to form MSN@SNP NPs. The resulting nanoparticles are further modified with a porphyrin‐based metal–organic framework (Ti‐TCPP MOF) to obtain MSN@MOF/SNP NPs (MMS NPs) for phototherapeutic applications. In the hypoxia biofilm microenvironment, the MMS NPs release NO to enhance the biofilm permeability and induce the generation of hydroxyl radical (•OH) and superoxide anion radical (O2•−) via Type‐I photodynamic pathway under laser irradiation. Subsequently, the biofilm‐associated infections are effectively eliminated through reactive oxygen species (ROS) and NO gas synergistic therapy. In addition, NO also stimulates collagen deposition and promotes angiogenesis in vivo. Therefore, the MMS NPs efficiently treat biofilm‐related infections, providing an alternative approach to combat biofilm‐associated infectious diseases.
Metal–Organic Frameworks and Their Composites for Chronic Wound Healing: From Bench to Bedside
Authors: Xiong Yuan , Feng Qian , Lu Li , Qiu Xingan , Knoedler Samuel , Panayi Adriana Christine , Jiang Dongsheng , Rinkevich Yuval , Lin Ze , Mi Bobin , Liu Guohui , Zhao Yanli 
Published: August 2023

AbstractChronic wounds are characterized by delayed and dysregulated healing processes. As such, they have emerged as an increasingly significant threat. The associated morbidity and socioeconomic toll are clinically and financially challenging, necessitating novel approaches in the management of chronic wounds. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are an innovative type of porous coordination polymers, with low toxicity and high eco‐friendliness. Documented anti‐bacterial effects and pro‐angiogenic activity predestine these nanomaterials as promising systems for the treatment of chronic wounds. In this context, the therapeutic applicability and efficacy of MOFs remain to be elucidated. It is, therefore, reviewed the structural–functional properties of MOFs and their composite materials and discusses how their multifunctionality and customizability can be leveraged as a clinical therapy for chronic wounds.
Introducing a Phenyl End Group in the Inner Side Chains of A‐DA'D‐A Acceptors Enables High‐Efficiency Organic Solar Cells Processed with Nonhalogenated Solvent
Authors: Wu Xiangxi , Jiang Xin , Li Xiaojun , Zhang Jinyuan , Ding Kan , Zhuo Hongmei , Guo Jing , Li Jing , Meng Lei , Ade Harald , Li Yongfang 
Published: July 2023

AbstractPower conversion efficiency (PCE) of organic solar cells (OSCs) processed by nonhalogenated solvents is unsatisfactory due to the unfavorable morphology. Herein, two new small molecule acceptors (SMAs) Y6‐Ph and L8‐Ph are synthesized by introducing a phenyl end group in the inner side chains of the SMAs of Y6 and L8‐BO, respectively, for overcoming the excessive aggregation of SMAs in the long‐time film forming processed by nonhalogenated solvents. First, the effect of the film forming time on the aggregation property and photovoltaic performance of Y6, L8‐BO, Y6‐Ph, and L8‐Ph is studied by using the commonly used solvents: chloroform (CF) (rapid film forming process) and chlorobenzene (CB) (slow film forming process). It is found that Y6‐ and L8‐BO‐based OSCs exhibit a dramatic drop in PCE from CF‐ to CB‐processed devices owing to the large phase separation, while the Y6‐Ph and L8‐Ph based OSCs show obviously increased PCEs Furthermore, L8‐Ph‐based OSCs processed by nonhalogenated solvent o‐xylene (o‐XY) achieved a high PCE of 18.40% with an FF of 80.11%. The results indicate that introducing a phenyl end group in the inner side chains is an effective strategy to modulate the morphology and improve the photovoltaic performance of the OSCs processed by nonhalogenated solvents.