bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biocrust diversity enhances dryland saline soil multifunctionality
Authors: Kakeh Jalil , Sanaei Anvar , Sayer Emma J. , Hazhir Shadi , Gorji Manouchehr , Mohammadi Mohammad Hossein 
Published: September 2022

AbstractBiocrusts are multifaceted communities including mosses, lichens, and cyanobacteria that are crucial for sustaining soil functions in drylands. Most studies on biocrust functions to date have focused on biocrust cover and development, largely in non‐saline soils, and we know very little about the importance of biocrust diversity for maintaining multifunctionality in saline dryland soils. We assessed the direct and indirect linkages between biocrust richness, soil texture and salinity and soil multifunctionality by measuring 13 variables characterizing soil biological, nutrient and hydrological functions across 32 plots in a salinized dryland in northeastern Iran. We assessed the species richness of biocrust patches and characterized soil functions in bare soils. Overall, biocrust species richness declined with soil clay content and soil salinity, whereas soil salinity increased with soil clay content. Structural equation modeling showed a strong positive association between biocrust species richness and all measured dryland soil functions (soil biological, nutrient, and hydrological functions), but soil hydrological function declined with soil salinity. Overall, dryland soil multifunctionality was positively associated with biocrust species richness but negatively associated with soil clay content. Biocrust species richness likely enhances soil multifunctionality via the distinct roles of species and biocrust functional groups in providing carbon and nutrient inputs, creating favourable microsites, enhancing infiltration, and facilitating soil microbial colonization in saline dryland soils. Overall, our findings highlight a key role for biocrust diversity in facilitating and maintaining soil multifunctionality in drylands affected by soil salinity.
Influence of Sharklet‐Inspired Micropatterned Polymers on Spatio‐Temporal Variations of Marine Biofouling
Authors: Védie Elora , Barry‐Martinet Raphaëlle , Senez Vincent , Berglin Mattias , Stenlund Patrik , Brisset Hugues , Bressy Christine , Briand Jean‐François 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThis article aims to show the influence of surface characteristics (microtopography, chemistry, mechanical properties) and seawater parameters on the settlement of marine micro‐ and macroorganisms. Polymers with nine microtopographies, three distinct mechanical properties, and wetting characteristics are immersed for one month into two contrasting coastal sites (Toulon and Kristineberg Center) and seasons (Winter and Summer). Influence of microtopography and chemistry on wetting is assessed through static contact angle and captive air bubble measurements over 3‐weeks immersion in artificial seawater. Microscopic analysis, quantitative flow cytometry, metabarcoding based on the ribulose biphosphate carboxylase (rbcL) gene amplification, and sequencing are performed to characterize the settled microorganisms. Quantification of macrofoulers is done by evaluating the surface coverage and the type of organism. It is found that for long static in situ immersion, mechanical properties and non‐evolutive wettability have no major influence on both abundance and diversity of biofouling assemblages, regardless of the type of organisms. The apparent contradiction with previous results, based on model organisms, may be due to the huge diversity of marine environments, both in terms of taxa and their size. Evolutive wetting properties with wetting switching back and forth over time have shown to strongly reduce the colonization by macrofoulers.
3D‐Printing of Poly(arylene ether sulfone)s: Functional High‐Performance Polymers for Vat Photopolymerization
Authors: Weyhrich Cody W. , Will John W. , Heifferon Katherine V. , Brown James R. , Arrington Clay B. , Meenakshisundaram Viswanath , Williams Christopher B. , Long Timothy E. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractVat photopolymerization (VP) is an advanced additive manufacturing (AM) platform that enables production of intricate 3D monoliths that are unattainable with conventional manufacturing methods. In this work, modification of amorphous poly(arylene ether sulfone)s (PSU) allows for VP printing. Post‐polymerization telechelic functionalization with acrylate functionality yielded photocrosslinkable PSUs across a molecular weight range. 1H NMR spectroscopy confirms chemical composition and quantitative acrylate functionalization. Addition of diphenyl‐(2,4,6‐trimethylbenzoyl)phosphine oxide (TPO) photoinitiator to 30 wt% PSU solutions in NMP provides a photocurable composition. However, subsequent photorheological studies elucidate rapid photodegradation of the polysulfone main chain, which is especially apparent in high Mn (15 kg mol−1) PSU formulations. UV‐light intensity and wavelength range are altered to reduce degradation while allowing for efficient crosslinking. The addition of 0.5 wt% of avobenzone photoblocker produces an ill‐defined structure with 6 kg mol−1 PSU. For higher molecular weights (>12 kg mol−1), solutions with a low molar mass reactive diluent, i.e., trimethylolpropane triacrylate, enable the printing of an organogel with a storage modulus (>105 Pa) sufficient for vat photopolymerization. Employing multicomponent solutions provide well‐defined parts with complex geometries through vat photopolymerization.
Glucose Scavenging with Pectin Hydrazide: A Step toward Designing Innovative, Functional, All‐Sugar‐Based Polymers
Authors: Würfel Hendryk , Geitel Katja , Günther Wolfgang , Anufriev Ilya , Schubert Ulrich S. , Nischang Ivo , Heinze Thomas 
Published: September 2022

AbstractPolygalacturonic acid hydrazide (PGH) is one of only a few polysaccharide derivatives with pronounced nucleophilic characteristics known today. This water‐soluble and benign material could be reacted with the hydrophilic aldehydes D‐glucose in water, without any catalyst and at room temperature, resulting in a product that is the first example of new family of all‐sugar‐based polysaccharide derivatives. The reaction is reversible, allowing for D‐glucose loading and unloading of the PGH. The D‐glucose binds as the α−, and β anomer of the glucopyranosyl form. The reaction is orthogonal to the reactivity of the hydroxyl groups in the polysaccharide and enables the mild generation of new bio‐inspired polysaccharide derivatives. The glucose attachment could be rendered irreversibly by reducing the hydrazone with sodium cyanoborohydride, leading to the acyclic sugar derivative. A brief hydrodynamic and light scattering study of the polymers showed varying macromolecular properties at consistent molar mass values of the modified polysaccharide derivatives.
Anionic Hybrid Copolymerization of Cyclic and Vinyl Monomers without Transesterification
Authors: Yang Hongjun , Feng Kaifeng , Song Yiye , Huang Wenyan , Jiang Qimin , Xue Xiaoqiang , Jiang Li , Jiang Bibiao , Zhang Guanzghao 
Published: September 2022

AbstractAnionic hybrid copolymerization (AHcP) of cyclic and vinyl monomers provides a powerful strategy to synthesize biodegradable heteropolymers. However, transesterification between comonomeric units often happens making the mechanism complex. Here, AHcP of N,N‐dimethylacrylamide (DMA) with ε‐caprolactone (CL) is investigated at 25 °C, where DMA does not have ester group so that no transesterification between DMA and CL units happens. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry measurements reveal that DMA and CL units are randomly distributed in the resulted polymer. Differential scanning calorimetry measurements show that the copolymer has only one glass transition temperature (Tg). Thermogravimetric analysis demonstrates the copolymer has a single‐stage decomposition from 255 to 425 °C, which is between those of the corresponding homopolymers. Thes facts further indicate that the copolymer is random. This study clearly demonstrates that AHcP takes place regardless of transesterification though it may have some effects.
Formation of Robust and Adaptive Biopolymers via Non‐Covalent Supramolecular Interactions
Authors: Cohen Erez , Avram Liat , Poverenov Elena 
Published: September 2022

AbstractBiomass‐originated materials are the future's next‐tier polymers. This work suggests improving mechanical and barrier properties of nature‐sourced polymers using non‐covalent supramolecular interactions. Polysaccharide chitosan is modified with amino acids via an esterification pathway using a systematic variation of hydrogen bond and aromatic domains (Degrees of substitution 12–49%). These controlled modifications improve stability due to non‐covalent interactions, resulting in biopolymers with tailored thermal (decomposition temperature 232–275 °C), mechanical (Young's modulus 540–2667 MPa), and surface properties (roughness 4–40 nm). Chitosan and natural amino acids that are already manufactured at scale are purposely selected. The facile synthesis, controlled properties, stimuli‐responsive potential, and inexhaustible origin of the raw materials provide the presented findings with the potential to become the method for the formation of high‐performance biodegradable alternatives to petroleum‐based polymers that can be used in packaging, food, agriculture, and medicine.
An Asymmetric Cross‐Linked Ionic Copolymer Hybrid Solid Electrolyte with Super Stretchability for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhou Jia , Dong Linna , Zeng Xingfa , Chen Liya , Wei Xiangrong , Shi Liyi , Fu Jifang 
Published: September 2022

AbstractComposite solid electrolytes are recommended to be the most promissing strategy for solid‐state batteries because they combine the advantages of inorganic ceramics and polymers. However, the huge interfacial resistance between the inorganic ceramic and polymer results in low ionic conductivity, which is still the major impediment that limits their applications. Herein, a novel highly elastic and weakly coordinated ionic copolymer hybrid electrolyte with asymmetric structure based on surface‐modified Li1.5Al0.5Ge1.5(PO4)3 by "in situ" polymerization is proposed to improve ionic conductivity and mechanical properties simultaneously. The all‐solid hybrids electrolytes exhibit room‐temperature ionic conductivity up to 2.61 × 10−4 S cm−1 and lithium‐ion transference number of 0.41. The hybrids electrolytes can be repeatedly stretching–releasing–stretching, showing a super stretchability with the elongation at break up to 496%. The Li symmetrical cells assembled with the hybrid electrolytes can continuously operate for 800 h at 0.1 mA cm−2 without discernable dendrites, indicating good interfacial compatibility between the hybrid electrolytes and lithium electrodes. The Li|LiFePO4 batteries assembled with the hybrid electrolytes deliver an initial discharge specific capacity of 165.5 mAh g−1 with an initial coulombic efficiency of 94.8% and 154 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles at 0.1 C, and maintain 95.4% capacity retention after 100 cycles at 0.5 C.
Pyrrolidinium‐Based Hyperbranched Anion Exchange Membranes with Controllable Microphase Separated Morphology for Alkaline Fuel Cells
Authors: Duan Xiaoqin , Zhu Xiang , Li Gege , Xia Ru , Qian Jiasheng , Ge Qianqian 
Published: September 2022

AbstractIt is well acknowledged that the microphase‐separated morphology of anion exchange membranes (AEMs) is of vital importance for membrane properties utilized in alkaline fuel cells. Herein, a rigid macromolecule poly(methyldiallylamine) (PMDA) is incorporated to regulate the microphase morphology of hyperbranched AEMs. As expected, the hyperbranched poly(vinylbenzyl chloride) (HB‐PVBC) is guided to distribute along PMDA chains, and longer PMDA cha leads to a more distinct microphase morphology with interconnected ionic channels. Consequently, high chloride conductivity of 10.49 mS cm−1 at 30 °C and suppressed water swelling ratio lower than 30% at 80 °C are obtained. Furthermore, the β‐H of pyrrolidinium cations in the non‐antiperiplanar position increases the energy barrier of β‐H elimination, leading to conformationally disfavored Hofmann elimination and increased alkaline stability. This strategy is anticipated to provide a feasible way for preparing hyperbranched AEMs with clear microphase morphology and good overall properties for alkaline fuel cells.
Improving the Energy Storage Performance of All‐Polymer Composites By Blending PVDF and P(VDF−CTFE)
Authors: Yi Zhihui , Wang Zhuo , Li Yanxin , Wu Dan , Xue Ying 
Published: September 2022

AbstractOrganic film capacitors have incredibly high power density and have an irreplaceable position in pulsed power systems, high‐voltage power transmission networks and other fields. At present, the energy storage density and energy storage efficiency of organic film capacitors are relatively low, resulting in excessive equipment volume. The performance of organic film capacitors is determined by polymer materials, so it is crucial to develop a polymer composite with high energy storage density and high charge–discharge efficiency. Poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐chlorotrifluoroethylene) (P(VDF−CTFE)) is incorporated into the polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) matrix by solution blending. The successful preparation of the all‐polymer composite material solves the problems of low breakdown electric field strength, low discharge energy density, and low charge–discharge efficiency of high‐dielectric ferroelectric materials. The discharge energy density of the PVDF/P(VDF−CTFE) (70/30) film is more than twice that of pure PVDF due to the increase of phases α and γ and the decrease of crystallinity. Under the breakdown electric field (380 kV mm−1), PVDF/P(VDF−CTFE) (70/30) film also has an ultrahigh energy storage efficiency of 64%. The relationship between the structure and properties of composite materials is investigated in this study, which has important implications for the development of capacitors with high energy storage density.
The effect of growth hormone treatment in children with novel BPTF gene variants: A report of two cases and literature review
Authors: Wu Wenyong , Chen Ruimin 
Published: September 2022

AbstractBackgroundNeurodevelopmental disorder with dysmorphic facies and distal limb anomalies (NEDDFL) is a rare neurodevelopmental disease caused by BPTF gene variants. To date, there are only 36 cases reported in the literature, and patients mainly presented with a developmental delay, language delay, and microcephaly. About 35% of the patients had short stature, but there had no reports published on the treatment.MethodsThe exome sequencing was performed in two probands. Sanger sequencing was used to confirm the identified variants both in probands and their parents.ResultsAs for the Chinese population, we report two novel variants in BPTF gene (NM_004459.6: c.1133G>A, c.5941delC) causing NEDDFL from two unrelated families. Both children had short stature and responded to recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) treatment – the first report of this therapy in NEDDFL patients.ConclusionOur findings broaden the genotypic spectrum of BPTF variants. The salutary effect of rhGH in the NEDDFL is documented.
Whole lifecycle observation of single‐spore germinated Streptomyces using a nanogap‐stabilized microfluidic chip
Authors: Chen Dongwei , Nie Mengyue , Tang Wei , Zhang Yuwei , Wang Jian , Lan Ying , Chen Yihua , Du Wenbin 
Published: September 2022

AbstractStreptomyces is a model bacterium to study multicellular differentiation and the major reservoir for antibiotics discovery. However, the cellular‐level lifecycle of Streptomyces has not been well studied due to its complexity and lack of research tools that can mimic their natural conditions. In this study, we developed a simple microfluidic chip for the cultivation and observation of the entire lifecycle of Streptomyces development from the single‐cell perspective. The chip consists of channels for loading samples and supplying nutrients, microwell arrays for the seeding and growth of single spores, and air chambers beside the microwells that facilitate the development of aerial hyphae and spores. A unique feature of this chip is that each microwell is surrounded by a 1.5 µm nanogap connected to an air chamber, which provides a stabilized water–air interface. We used this chip to observe the lifecycle development of Streptomyces coelicolor and Streptomyces griseus germinated from single spores, which revealed differentiation of aerial hyphae with progeny spores at micron‐scale water–air interfaces and air chambers. Finally, we demonstrated the applicability of this chip in phenotypic assays by showing that the microbial hormone A‐Factor is involved in the regulatory pathways of aerial hyphae and spore formation. The microfluidic chip could become a robust tool for studying multicellular differentiation, single‐spore heterogeneity, and secondary metabolism of single‐spore germinated Streptomyces.
Long Term Weight Cycling Affects Fecal Microbiota of Mice
Authors: Humblot Christèle , Seyoum Yohannes , Turpin Williams , Mrabt Rachida , List Edward O. , Berryman Darlene E. , Jensen Elizabeth A. , Sustarsic Elahu G. , Kopchick John J. , Ricort Jean‐Marc 
Published: September 2022

ScopeFighting obesity and associated comorbidities through dieting is not always sustained and results in a subsequent weight gain, a phenomenon referred to as weight cycling. Diet is among the most important factors in modifying the composition of gut microbiota. The objective of this work is to determine whether weight cycling affects the composition and the predicted function of mouse fecal bacteria on a long‐term basis.Methods and resultsMice fed for 40 weeks with either high fat (HF), low fat (LF), or cycled diets (starting and ending by one of the two diets, and the reverse) exhibit a bacterial profile specific to each of the four groups. A higher proportion of Firmicutes and Bacteroidota phyla are observed in mice on Hf and LF diet, respectively. The proportion of functions dedicated to amino acid metabolism is higher in mice on HF or LF/HF diets, whereas the mice on LF or HF/LF diets have a higher proportion of functions involve in carbohydrate metabolism and vitamin B biosynthesis.ConclusionCompared to continuous HF or LF diets, cyclic diet specifically alters the composition and function of the mouse fecal microbiota, suggesting that fight against weight gain should be considered on a long‐term basis.
Total pelvic floor ultrasound can reliably predict long‐term treatment outcomes for patients with pelvic floor defaecatory dysfunction
Authors: Hainsworth Alison J. , De Robles Marie Shella , Ferrari Linda , Solanki Deepa , Williams Andrew B. , Schizas Alexis 
Published: September 2022

AbstractAimIntegrated total pelvic floor ultrasound (TPFUS) may provide an alternative to defaecation proctography (DP) in decision making and treatment planning for patients with pelvic floor defaecatory dysfunction (PFDD). This study evaluates the use of TPUS as a screening tool, and its likelihood to predict long‐term treatment outcomes.MethodsTwo blinded clinicians reviewed 100 women who had historically presented to a tertiary referral colorectal unit with PFDD from October 2014 to April 2015. The clinical history of the patients together with TPFUS or DP results were used to decide on main impression, treatment plan, likelihood of surgery and certainty of plan. These were compared to the actual treatment received six months later and again after a median follow‐up of 68 months (range 48–84).ResultsA total of 82 patients were treated with biofeedback only and 18 also underwent surgery. There were no complications in any of the patients who had surgery. When compared with the actual treatment received, 99 of the 100 of the TPFUS group would have been treated appropriately. The number of false positives for surgical treatment was lower with TPFUS compared to DP. Clinician confidence in the overall decision was significantly higher after review with DP.ConclusionsTPFUS is a reliable assessment tool for PFDD. It can identify patients who can go straight to biofeedback and is just as good as DP at predicting likelihood of surgery. We might be able to rely on TPFUS more significantly in the future, even for surgical planning.
Bacillus thuringiensisCHGP12 uses a multifaceted approach for the suppression of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris and to enhance the biomass of chickpea plants
Authors: Fatima Rida , Mahmood Tahir , Moosa Anam , Aslam Muhammad Naveed , Shakeel Muhammad Taimoor , Maqsood Ambreen , Shafiq Muhammad Umar , Ahmad Tanvir , Moustafa Mahmoud , Al‐Shehri Mohammad 
Published: September 2022

AbstractBACKGROUNDBacillus species synthesize antifungal lipopeptides (LPs) making them a sustainable and eco‐friendly management option to combat Fusarium wilt of chickpea.RESULTSIn this study, 18 endophytic Bacillus strains were assessed for their antifungal activity against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris (FOC) associated with Fusarium wilt of chickpea. Among them, 13 strains produced significant inhibition zones in a direct antifungal assay while five strains failed to produce the inhibition of FOC. Bacillus thuringiensis CHGP12 exhibited the highest inhibition 3.45 cm of FOC. The LPs extracted from CHGP12 showed significant inhibition of the pathogen. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) analysis confirmed that CHGP12 possessed the ability to produce fengycin, surfactin, iturin, bacillaene, bacillibactin, plantazolicin, and bacilysin. In an in vitro qualitative assay CHGP12 exhibited the ability to produce lipase, amylase, cellulase, protease, siderophores, and indole 3‐acetic acid (IAA). IAA and gibberellic acid (GA) were quantified using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) with 370 and 770 ng mL−1 concentrations of IAA and GA respectively. Furthermore, the disease severity showed a 40% decrease over control in CHGP12 treated plants compared to the control in a glasshouse experiment. Moreover, CHGP12 also exhibited a significant increase in total biomass of the plants namely, root and shoot growth parameters, stomatal conductance, and photosynthesis rate.CONCLUSIONIn conclusion, our findings suggest that B. thuringiensis CHGP12 is a promising strain with high antagonistic and growth‐promoting potential against Fusarium wilt of chickpea. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.