bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
« Pourquoi vous être mariée si vous ne
voulez pas d’enfants ? » Le travail contraceptif au Gujarat,
Inde
Authors: Gentile Lucia
Published: March 2022

Cadre de la recherche : La Constitution
indienne garantit le droit à l’autonomie en matière de reproduction, y compris
le droit d’accéder à la contraception. Cependant, les femmes continuent à
rencontrer des obstacles importants qui limitent leur autonomie procréative et
la stérilisation féminine reste la méthode la plus utilisée.

Objectifs : Cet article s’intéresse à la
configuration du travail contraceptif des femmes à Bhuj (Gujarat, Inde), en
soulignant les contraintes matérielles, financières et temporelles qui
restreignent encore leur autonomie procréative. Ce texte souhaite mettre en
évidence la manière dont les usagères des services de planification familiale
respectent, critiquent ou contournent les injonctions sociales et légales en
matière de contraception.

Méthodologie : Il s’appuie sur une
recherche ethnographique réalisée entre 2015 et 2018 dans un hôpital public de
la ville de Bhuj et des entretiens menés auprès de 40 femmes.

Résultats : En raison de la pudeur qui
entoure la sexualité et de la désapprobation sociale de la manifestation du
désir sexuel, les femmes cachent le travail contraceptif qu’elles produisent. La
contraception n’est pas seulement un travail invisibilisé, mais il se doit
d’être aussi dissimulé par les usagères, afin d’avoir une autonomie procréative.
C’est l’une des raisons qui participent au recours croissant à la stérilisation,
méthode de contrôle des naissances aujourd’hui privilégiée à Bhuj.

Conclusions : La division du travail
contraceptif contribue et renforce des inégalités sociales et de genre. La
contraception se confirme comme une responsabilité que les femmes doivent gérer,
même si plusieurs formes d’autorité influencent cette gestion. À travers un
arbitrage entre les avantages et inconvénients des différentes méthodes, les
femmes font preuve d’une agency pragmatique qui leur
permet de régir leur parcours procréatif et d’affirmer leur identité sexuelle en
tant que femmes fertiles.

Contribution : L’article veut actualiser
les recherches existantes sur la planification familiale en Inde, en mobilisant
la notion de travail contraceptif.
La triple journée des femmes enceintes : l’encadrement des grossesses en France, entre droits des femmes et devoirs des mères
Authors: Boulet Elsa
Published: March 2022

Cadre de la recherche :Dans le contexte français, les grossesses sont encadrées par un ensemble de dispositions légales (droits de la santé, de la sécurité sociale, du travail) et de pratiques médicales (parcours de soins type). Cet article interroge l’encadrement du temps de la grossesse et les tensions entre différentes temporalités. Les femmes enceintes sont assignées à des responsabilités supplémentaires au nom de la « protection » du fœtus qui viennent s’ajouter au travail domestique et, pour nombre d’entre elles, au travail rémunéré.

Objectifs :L’article analyse le rôle ambivalent et les effets différenciés de l’encadrement légal et médical des grossesses.

Méthodologie :Il s’appuie pour cela sur une enquête par entretiens et observations réalisée en Île-de-France entre 2014 et 2017. Trente femmes enceintes ont été interrogées, dont onze à plusieurs reprises. Les observations concernent différentes étapes du suivi de grossesse à l’hôpital, principalement les inscriptions, les consultations, et les cours de préparation à la naissance.

Résultats :L’encadrement des grossesses assigne aux femmes la responsabilité individualisée de garantir la santé du fœtus. Le parcours de soin est intensif et repose sur une disponibilité permanente des femmes, rendue possible par la subordination du temps professionnel aux impératifs médicaux. Les salariées cherchent à minimiser l’impact de leur grossesse sur leur lieu de travail en mettant en œuvre des stratégies de séparation du temps médical et du temps professionnel.

Conclusions :L’accès aux soins est largement effectif en France et le droit garantit une couverture médicale pour les femmes enceintes, mais celle-ci ressort en même temps de l’obligation de soins. Cette obligation est inégalement contraignante selon les ressources des femmes. Du côté de droit du travail, les mesures dites protectrices sont peu effectives, car peu appliquées par les employeurs et mobilisées partiellement par les salariées ; celles qui sont le mieux situées dans les rapports de classe et dans la hiérarchie professionnelle ont davantage de marge de manœuvre.

Contribution :Cet article contribue à la sociologie de l’articulation des temps sociaux, à la sociologie de la santé, et à la sociologie des inégalités sociales.
Être (re)connue dans la pharmacie : délivrance d’une contraception « en crise » en France et contournement de l’autorité (para)médicale
Authors: Fonquerne Leslie
Published: March 2022

Cadre de la recherche :Cet article est basé sur une recherche de doctorat en sociologie portant sur les prescriptions et les usages de contraception orale, dans un contexte marqué par « la crise de la pilule  ». Il interroge les modalités de délivrance et d’achat de contraception orale, en particulier en cas d’ordonnances défaillantes.

Objectifs :En se centrant sur le moment particulier du « travail contraceptif  » qu’est l’achat de contraception orale, l’objectif est de mettre au jour les stratégies développées par les usagères pour accéder à leur contraception orale, face aux logiques non médicales parfois discriminantes du personnel de pharmacie.

Méthodologie :Cet article s’appuie sur des matériaux de terrain de type qualitatif recueillis entre janvier 2014 et août 2018. D’une part, soixante-seize entretiens ont été menés auprès de dix-sept usagères de pilules, de leurs mères et de trente-cinq professionnel·le·s de santé habilité·e·s à prescrire ou délivrer une contraception. D’autre part, près de cent consultations médicales et gynécologiques ont été observées en structures médicales publiques et privées.

Résultats :La fonction de l’ordonnance varie selon la génération des pilules : garantissant le remboursement de celles de deuxième génération et opérant davantage comme un outil de contrôle médical pour les pilules de troisième et quatrième générations. Pourtant, en cas de défaillance d’ordonnance (dépassée ou absente), ces dernières pilules semblent plus accessibles que les premières. En outre, la variable à cet accès relève moins de logique médicale que du degré de familiarité entre l’usagère et le personnel de pharmacie, qui recourt à l’âgisme au détriment des plus jeunes. Par conséquent, les usagères mobilisent leurs mères pour contourner l’autorité (para)médicale.

Conclusions :Le « travail contraceptif  » inhérent à un usage de contraception orale nécessite un contrôle de soi et des compétences qui vont bien au-delà de l’ingestion quotidienne de pilules. Parallèlement, les logiques non médicales opèrent comme outils de contrôle social d’accès à la contraception.

Contribution :Le moment particulier du « travail contraceptif  » qu’est l’achat de la pilule est peu étudié. Cet article envisage l’ordonnance de pilules comme un outil facultatif.
Propagation characteristics of (2 + 1) dimensional dust acoustic solitary waves in hot dusty plasma
Authors: Lin Mai-Mai , Fu Ying-Jie , Song Qiu-Ying , Yu Teng-Xuan , Wen Hui-Shan , Jiang Lei ,   College of Physics and Electronic Engineering, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China
Published: March 2022

The propagation characteristics of (2 + 1) dimensional nonlinear dust acoustic solitary wave in an unmagnetized hot dusty plasma composed of dust particles, electrons and nonthermal ions are studied in the paper. Firstly, the Kadomtsev-Petviashvili (KP) equation, which is used to describe the (2 + 1) dimensional nonlinear dust acoustic solitary wave, is derived by the reduced perturbation method, and the phase diagram and the Sagdeev potential equation of the system are obtained by using the traveling wave solution method. Then, the effects of different parameters in the hot dusty plasma system on the nonlinear coefficient, dispersion coefficient of the KP equation, system phase diagrams, Sagdeev potential function and the solitary wave solution in isothermal and adiabatic states are discussed by using numerical simulation and analysis method of mathematical software. Finally, the results show that the mass of dust particles, temperature, number density and distribution state of electrons and nonthermal ions have important effects on the amplitude, width and waveform of the nonlinear dust acoustic solitary wave under isothermal and adiabatic conditions.
Regulation strategies based on quantum interference in electrical transport of single-molecule devices
Authors: Li Rui-Hao , Liu Jun-Yang , Hong Wen-Jing ,   State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
Published: March 2022

The quantum interference effect in single-molecule devices is a phenomenon in which electrons are coherently transported through different frontier molecular orbitals with multiple energy levels, and the interference will occur between different energy levels. This phenomenon results in the increase or decrease of the probability of electron transmission in the electrical transport of the single-molecule device, and it is manifested in the experiment when the conductance value of the single-molecule device increases or decreases. In recent years, the use of quantum interference effects to control the electron transport in single-molecule device has proved to be an effective method, such as single-molecule switches, single-molecule thermoelectric devices, and single-molecule spintronic devices. In this work, we introduce the related theories of quantum interference effects, early experimental observations, and their regulatory role in single-molecule devices.
Development and application of OpenFOAM based magnetohydrodynamic solver
Authors: Li Shang-Qing , Wang Wei-Min , Li Yu-Tong ,   Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China,   School of Physical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China,   Department of Physics, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872, China,   Songshan Lake Materials Laboratory, Dongguan 523808, China
Published: March 2022

We develop a compressible magnetohydrodynamic solver to simulate the transonic flows based on an open-source computational fluid dynamics platform OpenFOAM. The solver is achieved by modifying the density-based Riemann solver rhoCentralFoam which adopts a central scheme and is available in OpenFOAM. To improve simulation accuracy and avoid non-physical oscillations, a specialized pressure-implicit algorithm with the splitting of operators is implemented to guarantee the incompressibility of magnetic field. The solver is benchmarked and the convergence rate is between the first and the second order. After benchmark, we apply this solver to magnetohydrodynamic simulations of intense-laser-produced plasma. The influences of uniform axial magnetic field and nonuniform coil-current-induced magnetic field on laser-produced plasma jets are investigated. With the uniform axial magnetic field, the positions of nozzle and the distance between knots are linearly related to square root of thermal over magnetic pressure. With the nonuniform magnetic field generated in the coil, knots are nonlinearly distributed in space and the nozzle position is modulated according to preliminary simulations. In the two kinds of magnetic fields, when the B-field strength is the same at coil center, the magnetic field of relatively small coils can shorten the times of forming nozzles and knots, suggesting that the coil magnetic field is equivalent to a higher uniform one. The simulations can be used as a reference for our future experiment on magnetized laser-produced plasma jet. Meanwhile, our simulation investigation shows that this magnetohydrodynamic solver is suitable for engineering calculation for laser plasma experiments and can deal with the situation with relatively complex configurations.
Corticofugal regulation of predictive coding
Authors: Lesicko Alexandria MH , Angeloni Christopher F , Blackwell Jennifer M , De Biasi Mariella , Geffen Maria N
Published: March 2022

Sensory systems must account for both contextual factors and prior experience to adaptively engage with the dynamic external environment. In the central auditory system, neurons modulate their responses to sounds based on statistical context. These response modulations can be understood through a hierarchical predictive coding lens: responses to repeated stimuli are progressively decreased, in a process known as repetition suppression, whereas unexpected stimuli produce a prediction error signal. Prediction error incrementally increases along the auditory hierarchy from the inferior colliculus (IC) to the auditory cortex (AC), suggesting that these regions may engage in hierarchical predictive coding. A potential substrate for top-down predictive cues is the massive set of descending projections from the AC to subcortical structures, although the role of this system in predictive processing has never been directly assessed. We tested the effect of optogenetic inactivation of the auditory cortico-collicular feedback in awake mice on responses of IC neurons to stimuli designed to test prediction error and repetition suppression. Inactivation of the cortico-collicular pathway led to a decrease in prediction error in IC. Repetition suppression was unaffected by cortico-collicular inactivation, suggesting that this metric may reflect fatigue of bottom-up sensory inputs rather than predictive processing. We also discovered populations of IC units that exhibit repetition enhancement, a sequential increase in firing with stimulus repetition. Cortico-collicular inactivation led to a decrease in repetition enhancement in the central nucleus of IC, suggesting that it is a top-down phenomenon. Negative prediction error, a stronger response to a tone in a predictable rather than unpredictable sequence, was suppressed in shell IC units during cortico-collicular inactivation. These changes in predictive coding metrics arose from bidirectional modulations in the response to the standard and deviant contexts, such that the units in IC responded more similarly to each context in the absence of cortical input. We also investigated how these metrics compare between the anesthetized and awake states by recording from the same units under both conditions. We found that metrics of predictive coding and deviance detection differ depending on the anesthetic state of the animal, with negative prediction error emerging in the central IC and repetition enhancement and prediction error being more prevalent in the absence of anesthesia. Overall, our results demonstrate that the AC provides cues about the statistical context of sound to subcortical brain regions via direct feedback, regulating processing of both prediction and repetition.
A Rare Differential Diagnosis for Acute Abdominal Pain- Torsion Lipoma of Greater Omentum
Authors: Amburu Munikumar , Rezak Mohammed Zakariya Abdul , Achari Loganathan Mannu , Ramalingam Natarajan , Ramaiah Karunanithi
Published: March 2022

Lipoma is a benign neoplasm arising from yellow fat. Often it can be hyperplasia or combination of neoplasm and hyperplasia. It is composed of mature adipocytes and uniform nuclei that are identical to those seen in normal adult fat. It is called as universal tumour/ubiquitous tumour as it can occur anywhere in the body outside of brain. It can be localised (encapsulated) or diffuse (non- encapsulated). It can occur in sites like subcutaneous, subfascial, intramuscular, intermuscular in anterior abdominal wall, paraosteal, submucosal, subserosal sites. Here, a case of torsion of the lipoma in the greater omentum is reported presenting as acute abdomen. This eight-year-old girl presented with symptoms of right iliac fossa pain, signs of localised peritonitis and right psoas irritation. Appendicular mass/abscess was considered on clinical examination. The radiological evaluation ruled out appendicular pathology and an ovarian pathology possibly a torted ovary was suspected. During surgical exploration, a tumour of greater omentum was identified and resected. This rarity of the differential diagnosis for a right Iliac fossa mass is highlighted herewith.
A Rare Case of an Osteoid Osteoma in the Medial Cuneiform
Authors: Kak Abdelsalam , Cotchett Matthew , Lafferty Damien
Published: March 2022

Osteoid osteoma is a benign osteoblastic tumour constituting 10-20% of all benign tumours. It is rarely seen in the foot and accounts for approximately 4% of all cases. The present case was of a 23-years old male with an osteoid osteoma in the lateral cortex of his medial cuneiform at the articulating surface. He was misdiagnosed for nine-months with initial radiographs and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) failing to diagnosis the tumour. Extensive conservative treatment failed to resolve his symptoms, although Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) provided relief. Treatment involved excising the osteoid osteoma and filling the void left from the tumour with a synthetic bone graft.
Post Injection Sciatic Neuritis: A Case Report
Authors: Manchikanti Venkatesh , Prasad Niharika , Sindhuj KLN , Botchu Rajesh
Published: March 2022

For administration of certain drugs, intramuscular injections are used in children. The dorsogluteal area between the iliac crest and the greater trochanter is the most suitable site for intramuscular injection. Due to the poor co-operation of children/wrong technique/lack of trained personnel, there may be a risk of damage to sciatic nerve. A four-year-old boy presented with four day history of left foot drop. He had history of fever for which he consulted a local untrained medical practitioner and received an intramuscular injection at left gluteal region. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of pelvis and proximal thigh was performed and showed thickened and increased T2W signal of left sciatic nerve with perineural T2W hyperintensities suggestive of Sciatic Neuritis. Sciatic nerve injury can be potentially devastating, resulting in foot drop due to loss of dorsiflexion of the foot. The most common presentation is a paralytic foot drop that is caused due to involvement of the peroneal division of the sciatic nerve. Imaging of the sciatic nerve by MRI helps in early diagnosis and can assess the extent of involvement.
A Case Report on Cyanotic Spell: Suspected Foreign Body
Authors: Wadhawan Pallavi , Najmuddin Fehmida , Lahiri Keya , Nair Shweta , Yewale Sushil
Published: March 2022

Tracheobronchial Foreign Body Aspiration (FBA) remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in children less than three years of age. High index of suspicion leads to early diagnosis and treatment thus preventing further deleterious complications. This case report is about a 15-month-old female child who presented with intermittent low-grade fever, cough, cold for 20 days and rapid breathing since one day. On examination, she had pallor, grade 3 protein energy malnutrition according to Indian Academy of Paediatrics classification, heart rate was 128/min, respiratory rate was 44/min, oxygen saturation was 88% on room air with nasal flaring, intercostal and subcostal retractions. Bilateral rhonchi with reduced air entry was present in all areas of the lung. Bilateral bronchopneumonia was seen on chest X-ray and tuberculosis work up was negative. Child was started on oxygen, antibiotics, nebulisations and intravenous fluids. On day two of admission child developed rigorous bouts of cough associated with hypoxia, bradycardia, cyanosis and listlessness which improved on bag and mask ventilation. Following a strong suspicion of obstruction in the tracheobronchial tree, a Computed Tomography (CT) neck and chest was done which was suggestive of either an intratracheal or intrabronchial foreign body. Child was urgently taken up for rigid bronchoscopy and a ground nut was found in the right main bronchus. The FBA as a differential diagnosis of chronic cough in children should always be ruled out.
Effect of Maternal Anaemia on Different Macronutrients of Breast Milk in the Rural Population of India: An Observational Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Rai Priyanka , Kumari Girija , Kumari Kalpana
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Anaemia during pregnancy is a major public health problem throughout the world, particularly the developing countries. Maternal anaemia affects the major macronutrients contents of breast milk. Aim: To analyse the major nutrients and components of transitional milk in anaemic mothers and healthy non anaemic mothers. Materials and Methods: This was an observational crosssectional study conducted from January 2018 to June 2019 for a period of 18 months, included 180 lactating mothers who were divided into two groups: Anaemic {Haemoglobin (Hb) <11 gm/dL} and Non anaemic (Hb >11 gm/dL) based on their antenatal haemoglobin status. Anaemic group patients were further subdivided according to severity as recommended by the Indian Council of Medical Research. Breast milk samples (15-20 mL) were collected from postpartum patients on day 4 to 14. The sample was collected in the morning 1 hour after the previous breastfeeding and instilled into a milk analyser and compared the following major components (fat, lactose, protein) in both the groups. The data was coded in Microsoft excel sheet and was analysed by using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24.0 software. Analysis of the component of transitional milk was done. Results: There were 90 cases in each group, with total 180 lactating mothers. The mean age of the anaemic group was 26.18Â±2.89 and non anaemic group was 26.03Â±3.43 (p-value= 0.792) were statistically similar. The mean parity of both the group (p-value=0.039) were significant. Study shows that anaemia grossly affects the protein and lactose content of the breast milk but there is no significant change in fat content. In severe anaemia, there was significant difference present in all the 3 components, fat, protein, and lactose (p-value=0.012, p-value=0.051, p-value=0.001 respectively). Conclusion: Maternal anaemia particularly of severe type adversely affects all the macronutrients of breast milk in terms of protein, fat, and lactose.
Legal Protection of Traditional Knowledge for Environmental Sustainability– A Study in India vis-à-vis International Context
Authors: Priya Vinjamuri Lakshmi , Bahuguna Rajesh
Published: March 2022

Traditional knowledge (TK) is a key component of a nation’s knowledge bank reflecting on the traditional culture, norms and customs. The protection of traditional knowledge is an important component of conservation and preservation directly contributing to the sustainable development of the environment. The protection of traditional knowledge world over is indicative of the rich civilization and heritage and is directly proportional to the national biodiversity index. The robust intellectual property regime, the laws and the regulations therein at the various national and international platforms are deliberating on a system for the protection of the traditional knowledge developed and practiced for environmental sustainability by the vibrant tribal and indigenous communities.

In this research paper, the focus is on the legal regime under the intellectual property domain to identify the aspects with commonality for administering the traditional knowledge of the world’s indigenous peoples and tribals, CBD (Conservation of Biological Diversity)[i], the aspects of ABS (Access Benefit Sharing) [ii]and thereby draft a comprehensive legislation for the protection in India or incorporate the same to the Biodiversity Act 2002. The paper is an attempt to provide suggestive amendments or rather inclusions to the WIPOs (World Intellectual Property Organization) functionality with respect to the commercialization of the traditional knowledge pertaining to environmental sustainability for the benefit of the indigenous originators. The paper identifies the need to draft a framework for the insertion of a new Article under the Constitution of India for the protection of traditional knowledge of the indigenous peoples as a Fundamental Right drawing a corollary with the protection of educational and cultural rights of the minorities as prescribed under Articles 29 and 20 of the Constitution of India, in view of the gross misuse and misappropriation of TKs locally, nationally and Internationally.
Evaluating Soft Keyboard Layouts by Using Paper Mockups
Authors: Jonathan Iliya Apuru , Zhino Aboki Philip , David Roland Andembubtob , Zevini Bako Jeremy
Published: March 2022

Two experiments to compare text-entry were carried out using Soft Keyboard Layouts. Paper mockups were used and we carried out manual timing in a relaxed situation, even though within a classroom environment. Volunteer students were paired and made to work in such groups, serving as participants and also helping out in the timing process. One set of students served as participants at first and the other timed them. They then switched roles halfway and exchanged the tasks of participation and timing. Participants tapped the phrase “the quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog” on each keyboard layouts five times using stylus. The time for word entry was measured and used to determine the speeds; which were found to be 24.8 to 34.3 for QWERTY Keyboard Layout and 11.9 to 14.8 for Opti Layout. We discussed the advantages and shortfalls of the methods of evaluation.
Impact of Digital Devices on Myopic Individuals
Authors: Kumari Riya , Thool Archana
Published: March 2022

Background: Today's generation has all been using a more significant deal of time on their digital devices, whatever it may be. It leads to a surge in cases of myopia in the population, especially in the Asian population. The average screen time usage has increased significantly, especially during pandemic situations. Digital devices also contain a spectrum of rays and blue light, damaging the retina and disturbing eye health. This has caused a trend of increasing myopic cases in the young generation. Risk factors and prevention of using digital devices should be known to the public for better care of their eyes.

Objective: To study various articles on the association between digital device usage and myopia in the young population. Based on the results of various studies, conclude and discuss the risk factors of myopia and how it can be minimized in the young generation.

Methodology: Various articles were reviewed during the study; recent papers published in the last five years were considered due to the pandemic effect. There is an increase in average screen time, which further needs to be studied to understand the individuals’ situation better. Various methodologies in the published articles have been studied or identified risk factors of myopia.

Conclusion: Due to various advancements and behavioral changes in the population of developed countries and developing countries, there is an increase in the sedentary lifestyle of most of the population, which is leading to the increased usage of digital gadgets, which in turn maximize the tendency to develop myopia in the population.
The toxic effects of yeast Ppz1 phosphatase are counteracted by subcellular relocalization mediated by its regulatory subunit Hal3
Authors: Albacar Marcel , Velázquez Diego , Casamayor Antonio , Ariño Joaquín
Published: March 2022

Overexpression of Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein phosphatase Ppz1 strongly impairs cell growth. Ppz1 is negatively regulated by its subunit Hal3, and Hal3 overexpression fully counteracts the toxic effects derived from high levels of the phosphatase. We show that Ppz1 localizes at the plasma membrane, and that co‐expression of Hal3 recruits Ppz1 to internal membranes (mostly vacuolar). This effect is not observed in a catalytically impaired mutant of Ppz1. Disruption of intracellular trafficking by deletion of the ESCRT‐0 component VPS27 abolishes both Hal3‐mediated relocalization of Ppz1 and normalization of cell growth, without affecting Ppz1 protein levels. We propose that Hal3 counteracts the toxic effects caused by excess of Ppz1 not only by inhibiting its enzymatic activity but also by recruiting the phosphatase to internal structures.
C‐terminal–mediated homodimerization of Expanded is critical for its ability to promote Hippo signalling in Drosophila
Authors: Wang Guiping , Zhai Chaojun , Ji Xiaohui , Wang Enlin , Zhao Shanshan , Qian Chenxi , Yu Dongyue , Wang Yunfeng , Wu Shian
Published: March 2022

Hippo signalling plays key role in tissue growth and homeostasis, and its dysregulation is implicated in various human diseases. Expanded (Ex) is an important upstream activator of Hippo signalling; however, how Ex activates Hippo signalling is still poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that Ex forms a homodimer via C‐terminal interaction, and that the ExC2 region (912–1164 aa) is sufficient and essential for Ex dimerization. Functional analysis shows that ExC2 is required for Ex to promote the phosphorylation and inactivation of Yki in Drosophila cells. Further in vivo analysis shows that ExC2 is important for Ex to control Drosophila tissue growth. Our study, thus, uncovers a novel mechanism whereby Ex homodimerization mediates its full activation to promote Hippo signalling in growth control.
SIK2 promotes ovarian cancer cell motility and metastasis by phosphorylating MYLK
Authors: Shi Xiu , Yu Xuejiao , Wang Juan , Bian Shimin , Li Qiutong , Fu Fengqing , Zou Xinwei , Zhang Lin , Bast Robert C. , Lu Zhen , Guo Lingchuan , Chen Youguo , Zhou Jinhua
Published: March 2022

Salt‐inducible kinase 2 (SIK2; also known as serine/threonine‐protein kinase SIK2) is overexpressed in several cancers and has been implicated in cancer progression. However, the mechanisms by which SIK2 regulates cancer cell motility, migration and metastasis in ovarian cancer have not been fully discovered. Here, we identify that SIK2 promotes ovarian cancer cell motility, migration and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, SIK2 regulated cancer cell motility and migration by myosin light chain kinase, smooth muscle (MYLK)‐meditated phosphorylation of myosin light chain 2 (MYL2). SIK2 directly phosphorylated MYLK at Ser343 and activated its downstream effector MYL2, promoting ovarian cancer cell motility and metastasis. In addition, we found that adipocytes induced SIK2 phosphorylation at Ser358 and MYLK phosphorylation at Ser343, enhancing ovarian cancer cell motility. Moreover, SIK2 protein expression was positively correlated with the expression of MYLK‐pS343 in ovarian cancer cell lines and tissues. The co‐expression of SIK2 and MYLK‐pS343 was associated with reduced median overall survival in human ovarian cancer samples. Taken together, SIK2 positively regulates ovarian cancer motility, migration and metastasis, suggesting that SIK2 is a potential candidate for ovarian cancer treatment.
Nicotinamide (niacin) supplement increases lipid metabolism and ROS‐induced energy disruption in triple‐negative breast cancer: potential for drug repositioning as an anti‐tumor agent
Authors: Jung Minsun , Lee Kyung‐Min , Im Yebin , Seok Seung Hyeok , Chung Hyewon , Kim Da Young , Han Dohyun , Lee Cheng Hyun , Hwang Eun Hye , Park Soo Young , Koh Jiwon , Kim Bohyun , Nikas Ilias P. , Lee Hyebin , Hwang Daehee , Ryu Han Suk
Published: March 2022

Metabolic dysregulation is an important hallmark of cancer. Nicotinamide (NAM), a water‐soluble amide form of niacin (vitamin B3), is currently available as a supplement for maintaining general physiologic functions. NAM is a crucial regulator of mitochondrial metabolism and redox reactions. In this study, we aimed to identify the mechanistic link between NAM‐induced metabolic regulation and the therapeutic efficacy of NAM in triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC). The combined analysis using multiomics systems biology showed that NAM decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP production, but increased the activities of reverse electron transport (RET), fatty acid β‐oxidation and glycerophospholipid/sphingolipid metabolic pathways in TNBC, collectively leading to an increase in the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The increased ROS levels triggered apoptosis and suppressed tumour growth and metastasis of TNBC in both human organoids and xenograft mouse models. Our results showed that NAM treatment leads to cancer cell death in TNBC via mitochondrial dysfunction and activation of ROS by bifurcating metabolic pathways (RET and lipid metabolism); this provides insights into the repositioning of NAM supplement as a next‐generation anti‐metabolic agent for TNBC treatment.
Neuronal SNARE complex assembly guided by Munc18‐1 and Munc13‐1
Authors: Wang Shen , Ma Cong
Published: March 2022

Neurotransmitter release by Ca2+‐triggered synaptic vesicle exocytosis is essential for information transmission in the nervous system. The soluble N‐ethylmaleimide sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs) syntaxin‐1, SNAP‐25, and synaptobrevin‐2 form the SNARE complex to bring synaptic vesicles and the plasma membranes together and to catalyze membrane fusion. Munc18‐1 and Munc13‐1 regulate synaptic vesicle priming via orchestrating neuronal SNARE complex assembly. In this review, we summarize recent advances toward the functions and molecular mechanisms of Munc18‐1 and Munc13‐1 in guiding neuronal SNARE complex assembly, and discuss the functional similarities and differences between Munc18‐1 and Munc13‐1 in neurons and their homologs in other intracellular membrane trafficking systems.
Tuning Hydrogel Adhesivity and Degradability to Model the Influence of Premetastatic Niche Matrix Properties on Breast Cancer Dormancy and Reactivation
Authors: Farino Reyes Cindy J. , Slater John H.
Published: March 2022

Dormant, disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) can persist for decades in secondary tissues before being reactivated to form tumors. The properties of the premetastatic niche can influence the DTC phenotype. To better understand how matrix properties of premetastatic niches influence DTC behavior, three hydrogel formulations are implemented to model a permissive niche and two nonpermissive niches. Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)‐based hydrogels with varying adhesivity ([RGDS]) and degradability ([N‐vinyl pyrrolidinone]) are implemented to mimic a permissive niche with high adhesivity and degradability and two nonpermissive niches, one with moderate adhesivity and degradability and one with no adhesivity and high degradability. The influence of matrix properties on estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer cells (MCF7s) is determined via a multimetric analysis. MCF7s cultured in the permissive niche adopted a growth state, while those in the nonpermissive niche with reduced adhesivity and degradability underwent tumor mass dormancy. Complete removal of adhesivity while maintaining high degradability induced single cell dormancy. The ability to mimic reactivation of dormant cells through a dynamic increase in [RGDS] is also demonstrated. This platform provides the capability of inducing growth, dormancy, and reactivation of ER+ breast cancer and can be useful in understanding how premetastatic niche properties influence cancer cell fate.
Modulating the Voltage Decay and Cationic Redox Kinetics of Li‐Rich Cathodes via Controlling the Local Electronic Structure
Authors: Yu Hung‐Ling , Ibrahim Kassa Belay , Chi Po‐Wei , Su Yu‐Hsuan , Chen Wei‐Tin , Tseng Shao‐Chin , Tang Mau‐Tsu , Chen Chi‐Liang , Tang Horng‐Yi , Pao Chih‐Wen , Chen Kuei‐Hsein , Wu Maw‐Kuen , Wu Heng‐Liang
Published: March 2022

Li‐rich layered oxide cathodes with conventional transition metal cation and unique oxygen anion redox reactions deliver high capacities in Li‐ion batteries. However, the oxygen redox process causes the oxygen release, voltage fading/hysteresis, and sluggish electrochemical kinetics, which undermine the performance of these materials. By combining operando quick‐scanning X‐ray absorption spectroscopy with online gas chromatography, the effect of the local electronic structure is elucidated on the reaction mechanism and electrochemical kinetics of Li‐rich cathodes. The local electronic structure of Li‐rich cathodes varies with the excess Li (i.e., Li2MnO3 phase) and Ni contents. Compared to the Li‐rich cathodes with higher amounts of Li2MnO3 phase (high excess lithium content (HLC) cathode), those with lower Li2MnO3 contents (low excess lithium content (LLC) cathode) exhibit reversible anion redox reactions and suppressed voltage hysteresis. The cation oxidation process of LLC cathode is kinetically slower than that of HLC cathode and the cation oxidation potential is shifted, likely due to the local coordination associated with different Li/O ratios. The obtained insights into the effect of local electronic structure on the reaction mechanism and kinetics provide a better understanding and control of Li‐rich cathodes.
Amino‐Functionalized Niobium‐Carbide MXene Serving as Electron Transport Layer and Perovskite Additive for the Preparation of High‐Performance and Stable Methylammonium‐Free Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Zhang Jiankai , Huang Chengwen , Sun Yapeng , Yu Huangzhong
Published: March 2022

Perovskite solar cells have shown great potential in commercial applications due to their high performance and easy fabrication. However, the electron transport layer (ETL) materials with good optoelectrical properties and energy levels matching that of the perovskite layer still need to be explored to meet the need of commercialization. In this work, 2D Nb2CTx MXene nanosheets are prepared and their work function (WF) is reduced from 4.65 to 4.32 eV to match the conduction band minimum of perovskite layer by replacing the surface ‐F groups with NH2 groups through hydrazine (N2H4) treatment. Besides, the N2H4 treated (T‐Nb2CTx) MXene nanosheets with abundant NH2 groups are incorporated into the perovskite precursor to retard the crystallization rate by forming hydrogen bond with iodine ions, which promotes the formation of high‐quality and oriented growth perovskite films. Consequently, the PVSCs with T‐Nb2CTx MXene ETLs and T‐Nb2CTx MXene nanosheets additive exhibit the highest power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 21.79% and the corresponding flexible and large‐area devices achieve the highest PCE of 19.15% and 18.31%. Meanwhile, the unencapsulated devices maintain 93% of the original PCEs after 1500 h of storage. This work demonstrates the considerable application prospects of 2D Nb2CTx MXene in photoelectric devices.
Organic/Inorganic Hybrid Design as a Route for Promoting the Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 for High‐Performance Thermoelectric Power Generation
Authors: Wang Xiaodong , Cheng Jinxuan , Yin Li , Zhang Zongwei , Wang Xinyu , Sui Jiehe , Liu Xingjun , Mao Jun , Cao Feng , Zhang Qian
Published: March 2022

Bismuth telluride alloys favor the applications of low‐grade waste heat recovery if their figure‐of‐merits are improved within the larger temperature range from 300 to 523 K. Herein, this work reports a synergistic optimization for Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 (BST) by incorporating the copper(II) phthalocyanine (CuPc), which is preferentially distributed at the grain boundary of BST after the spark plasma sintering process and suppresses the grain growth of BST. The lattice thermal conductivity of composites is then extensively reduced by the multiscale scattering induced by the CuPc. In addition, the Cu atoms diffuse into the lattice of BST and increase the whole concentration, thus suppressing the bipolar effect. As a result, the average zT value is effectively enhanced from 0.7 to 1.1 in the temperature range between 300 and 523 K. A high conversion efficiency of 6.8% is achieved in a single BST/CuPc5 leg, which is 41.7% higher than that of BST at temperature different ΔT = 223 K. This result proves that the composition optimization of the BST/CuPc is a promising strategy to improve the application of BST‐based TE modules.
Tailoring Self‐Polarization of Bimetallic Organic Frameworks with Multiple Polar Units Toward High‐Performance Consecutive Multi‐Band Electromagnetic Wave Absorption at Gigahertz
Authors: Cheng Junye , Zhang Huibin , Wang Honghan , Huang Zehao , Raza Hassan , Hou Chuanxu , Zheng Guangping , Zhang Deqing , Zheng Qingbin , Che Renchao
Published: March 2022

Multiple relaxation behaviors are promising for broad frequency band and strong electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption based on polarization‐controlled electromagnetic (EM) attenuation. However, rational selection of materials and structure manipulation through tunable substitution or phase control are challenging toward optimization of EMW absorption. Herein, bi‐metallic organic frameworks (B‐MOFs) with various morphologies are employed as EMW absorbers. Remarkably, the polar units can be enhanced by introducing Ni‐metal nodes into the Cu‐coordinated MOFs, rendering the B‐MOFs with self‐polarized properties and consecutive multifrequency EMW absorption behaviors. The maximum reflection loss of acetylene black (ACET) filled NiCu‐MOFs can reach –40.54 dB together with a wide bandwidth (<‐10 dB) of 5.87 GHz at a thickness of 2.5 mm. As a counterpart of the Ni/Cu/C derivatives, significantly increased broad band absorption (6.93 GHz) and multifrequency absorbing and polarization characteristics are also maintained in bimetal coexisting carbonized architectures as prepared by calcination of CuNi‐MOFs. This work demonstrates that the performance of effective absorbing frequency band can be enhanced in multi‐metallic organic frameworks‐based architectures, and paves a novel avenue for developing broadband and strong EMW absorbers.
Structure‐Tailored Surface Oxide on Cu–Ga Intermetallics Enhances CO2 Reduction Selectivity to Methanol at Ultralow Potential
Authors: Bagchi Debabrata , Raj Jithu , Singh Ashutosh Kumar , Cherevotan Arjun , Roy Soumyabrata , Manoj Kaja Sai , Vinod C. P. , Peter Sebastian C.
Published: March 2022

Electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (eCO2RR) is performed on two intermetallic compounds formed by copper and gallium metals (CuGa2 and Cu9Ga4). Among them, CuGa2 selectively converts CO2 to methanol with remarkable Faradaic efficiency of 77.26% at an extremely low potential of −0.3 V vs RHE. The high performance of CuGa2 compared to Cu9Ga4 is driven by its unique 2D structure, which retains surface and subsurface oxide species (Ga2O3) even in the reduction atmosphere. The Ga2O3 species is mapped by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X‐ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) techniques and electrochemical measurements. The eCO2RR selectivity to methanol are decreased at higher potential due to the lattice expansion caused by the reduction of the Ga2O3, which is probed by in situ XAFS, quasi in situ powder X‐ray diffraction, and ex situ XPS measurements. The mechanism of the formation of methanol is visualized by in situ infrared (IR) spectroscopy and the source of the carbon of methanol at the molecular level is confirmed from the isotope‐labeling experiments in presence of 13CO2. Finally, to minimize the mass transport limitations and improve the overall eCO2RR performance, a poly(tetrafluoroethylene)‐based gas diffusion electrode is used in the flow cell configuration.
Flexible and Wireless Normal‐Tangential Force Sensor Based on Resonant Mechanism for Robotic Gripping Applications
Authors: Wang Pengfei , Liu Ping , Feng Han , Li Yuwen , Zhang Qian , Hu Ruohai , Liu Caixia , Xing Kun , Song Aiguo , Yang Xiaoming , Huang Ying
Published: March 2022

The ability to detect both normal and tangential forces is essential for robotic tactile systems, while most available sensors implement this function at the cost of complex electrode structure and wiring. Here a fully flexible sensor for wireless detection of normal and tangential force based on resonant mechanism is reported. The components of the sensor are designed and optimized to meet the requirement, and the sensor shows good sensitivity, hysteresis characteristics, response time, and stability in the wired test. Wireless operation is carried out through inductive coupling, and the collected spectrum of reflection coefficient can reflect both normal force and tangential force information. In the case of individual input, the sensitivity is −0.19 MHz kPa−1 to normal force in the range of 0–200 kPa, and −0.031 dB kPa−1 to tangential force in the range of 0–50 kPa. As proofs of concept, maximum static friction coefficient tests and robotic gripping experiments are demonstrated for preliminary determination of surface roughness and material identification respectively. In particular, a total recognition accuracy of 92.5% is achieved by random forest‐based machine learning for balls with different materials in the gripping experiment.
Paper‐Based Wearable Ammonia Gas Sensor Using Organic–Inorganic Composite PEDOT:PSS with Iron(III) Compounds
Authors: Fujita Hajime , Hao Meiting , Takeoka Shinji , Miyahara Yuji , Goda Tatsuro , Fujie Toshinori
Published: March 2022

Paper electronics are expected to be a game‐changer in next‐generation flexible electronics that could replace conventional plastic electronics. Paper electronics are disposable and cost‐effective, two distinct advantages for the development of broadly accessible devices, but their poor performance has limited their practical implementation so far. Here, a high‐sensitivity, high‐performance, paper‐based, wearable ammonia sensor comprising composite poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) and iron(III) compounds is reported. The sensor achieves 10‐times smaller size than the conventional sensor on Kapton film and high tolerance for humidity without losing practical sensor response. The utility of the device is demonstrated for wearable ammonia sensing in a facial mask and a nasal filter; wireless monitoring of food spoilage; and wireless monitoring of the ammonia level in a diaper. The approach of this study may open the door to advanced healthcare based on ubiquitous wearable sensing.
Oriented Layered Graphene Oxide Pad Favoring High Loading Capacity and Stability for High‐Throughput Chemical Screening
Authors: Zhou Mingyue , Li Yan , Huang Chuanjin , Wang Cairen , Liu Qinghua , Deng Qibo , Zhang Huixia , Yin Tianpeng , Zhu Guoyuan , Wang Caiyun , Zhao Yunfeng , Zhang Wei
Published: March 2022

Carbon nanomaterials have huge application prospects in the fields of materials science and biomedicine. Graphene oxide (GO) can be served as an excellent carrier with good loading capacity and biocompatibility. However, lamelayers of GO are prone to aggregation and difficult to stably disperse in solution. Only relying on the mesh graphene sheets as a carrier still cannot achieve a good loading efficiency. Therefore, oriented layered graphene oxide pad (OGO) is synthesized and used as a carrier for ligand fishing. The structure of OGO exhibits good reproducibility and recyclability, and its regular open channels and low pore curvature can effectively ensure a high density of fishing sites and flow speed, improving the loading capacity and storage stability. According to the amount of immobilized cell membranes protein (CMP), OGO can reach 1.5 to 2 times loading capacity of GO. The established CMP@OGO is stable within 48 h at 4 °C, and the reuse rate of OGO is 93.04 ± 0.67%. Finally, salvianolic acid B, deoxyshikonin, and shikonin were identified as potentially active compounds in comfrey combined with a high‐performance liquid chromatography‐hybrid linear ion trap/orbitrap mass spectrometer. It can provide a promising platform for OGO to screen active compounds in high throughput.