bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Host-associated microbe PCR (hamPCR) enables convenient measurement of both microbial load and community composition
Authors: Lundberg Derek S , Pramoj Na Ayutthaya Pratchaya , Strauß Annett , Shirsekar Gautam , Lo Wen-Sui , Lahaye Thomas , Weigel Detlef
Published: July 2021

The ratio of microbial population size relative to the amount of host tissue, or ‘microbial load’, is a fundamental metric of colonization and infection, but it cannot be directly deduced from microbial amplicon data such as 16S rRNA gene counts. Because existing methods to determine load, such as serial dilution plating, quantitative PCR, and whole metagenome sequencing add substantial cost and/or experimental burden, they are only rarely paired with amplicon sequencing. We introduce host-associated microbe PCR (hamPCR), a robust strategy to both quantify microbial load and describe interkingdom microbial community composition in a single amplicon library. We demonstrate its accuracy across multiple study systems, including nematodes and major crops, and further present a cost-saving technique to reduce host overrepresentation in the library prior to sequencing. Because hamPCR provides an accessible experimental solution to the well-known limitations and statistical challenges of compositional data, it has far-reaching potential in culture-independent microbiology.
Expansion of CD10neg neutrophils and CD14+HLA-DRneg/low monocytes driving proinflammatory responses in patients with acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Fraccarollo Daniela , Neuser Jonas , Möller Julian , Riehle Christian , Galuppo Paolo , Bauersachs Johann
Published: July 2021

Immature neutrophils and HLA-DRneg/low monocytes expand in cancer, autoimmune diseases and viral infections, but their appearance and immunoregulatory effects on T-cells after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) remain underexplored. We found an expansion of circulating immature CD16+CD66b+CD10neg neutrophils and CD14+HLA-DRneg/low monocytes in AMI patients, correlating with cardiac damage, function and levels of immune-inflammation markers. Immature CD10neg neutrophils expressed high amounts of MMP-9 and S100A9, and displayed resistance to apoptosis. Moreover, we found that increased frequency of CD10neg neutrophils and elevated circulating IFN-γ levels were linked, mainly in patients with expanded CD4+CD28null T-cells. Notably, the expansion of circulating CD4+CD28null T-cells was associated with cytomegalovirus (CMV) seropositivity. Using bioinformatic tools, we identified a tight relationship among the peripheral expansion of immature CD10neg neutrophils, CMV IgG titers, and circulating levels of IFN-γ and IL-12 in patients with AMI. At a mechanistic level, CD10neg neutrophils enhanced IFN-γ production by CD4+ T-cells through a contact-independent mechanism involving IL-12. In vitro experiments also highlighted that HLA-DRneg/low monocytes do not suppress T-cell proliferation but secrete high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines after differentiation to macrophages and IFN-γ stimulation. Lastly, using a mouse model of AMI, we showed that immature neutrophils (CD11bposLy6GposCD101neg cells) are recruited to the injured myocardium and migrate to mediastinal lymph nodes shortly after reperfusion. In conclusion, immunoregulatory functions of CD10neg neutrophils play a dynamic role in mechanisms linking myeloid cell compartment dysregulation, Th1-type immune responses and inflammation after AMI.
Relish plays a dynamic role in the niche to modulate Drosophila blood progenitor homeostasis in development and infection
Authors: Ramesh Parvathy , Dey Nidhi Sharma , Kanwal Aditya , Mandal Sudip , Mandal Lolitika
Published: July 2021

Immune challenges demand the gearing up of basal hematopoiesis to combat infection. Little is known about how during development, this switch is achieved to take care of the insult. Here, we show that the hematopoietic niche of the larval lymph gland of Drosophila senses immune challenge and reacts to it quickly through the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), Relish, a component of the immune deficiency (Imd) pathway. During development, Relish is triggered by ecdysone signaling in the hematopoietic niche to maintain the blood progenitors. Loss of Relish causes an alteration in the cytoskeletal architecture of the niche cells in a Jun Kinase-dependent manner, resulting in the trapping of Hh implicated in progenitor maintenance. Notably, during infection, downregulation of Relish in the niche tilts the maintenance program toward precocious differentiation, thereby bolstering the cellular arm of the immune response.
Pioneer neutrophils release chromatin within in vivo swarms
Authors: Isles Hannah M , Loynes Catherine A , Alasmari Sultan , Kon Fu Chuen , Henry Katherine M , Kadochnikova Anastasia , Hales Jack , Muir Clare F , Keightley Maria-Cristina , Kadirkamanathan Visakan , Hamilton Noémie , Lieschke Graham J , Renshaw Stephen A , Elks Philip M
Published: July 2021

Neutrophils are rapidly recruited to inflammatory sites where their coordinated migration forms clusters, a process termed neutrophil swarming. The factors that modulate early stages of neutrophil swarming are not fully understood, requiring the development of new in vivo models. Using transgenic zebrafish larvae to study endogenous neutrophil migration in a tissue damage model, we demonstrate that neutrophil swarming is a conserved process in zebrafish immunity, sharing essential features with mammalian systems. We show that neutrophil swarms initially develop around an individual pioneer neutrophil. We observed the violent release of extracellular cytoplasmic and nuclear fragments by the pioneer and early swarming neutrophils. By combining in vitro and in vivo approaches to study essential components of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), we provide in-depth characterisation and high-resolution imaging of the composition and morphology of these release events. Using a photoconversion approach to track neutrophils within developing swarms, we identify that the fate of swarm-initiating pioneer neutrophils involves extracellular chromatin release and that the key NET components gasdermin, neutrophil elastase, and myeloperoxidase are required for the swarming process. Together our findings demonstrate that release of cellular components by pioneer neutrophils is an initial step in neutrophil swarming at sites of tissue injury.
Regulated delivery controls Drosophila Hedgehog, Wingless, and Decapentaplegic signaling
Authors: Hatori Ryo , Wood Brent M , Oliveira Barbosa Guilherme , Kornberg Thomas B
Published: July 2021

Morphogen signaling proteins disperse across tissues to activate signal transduction in target cells. We investigated dispersion of Hedgehog (Hh), Wnt homolog Wingless (Wg), and Bone morphogenic protein homolog Decapentaplegic (Dpp) in the Drosophila wing imaginal disc. We discovered that delivery of Hh, Wg, and Dpp to their respective targets is regulated. We found that <5% of Hh and <25% of Wg are taken up by disc cells and activate signaling. The amount of morphogen that is taken up and initiates signaling did not change when the level of morphogen expression was varied between 50 and 200% (Hh) or 50 and 350% (Wg). Similar properties were observed for Dpp. We analyzed an area of 150 μm×150 μm that includes Hh-responding cells of the disc as well as overlying tracheal cells and myoblasts that are also activated by disc-produced Hh. We found that the extent of signaling in the disc was unaffected by the presence or absence of the tracheal and myoblast cells, suggesting that the mechanism that disperses Hh specifies its destinations to particular cells, and that target cells do not take up Hh from a common pool.
FrameAxis: characterizing microframe bias and intensity with word embedding
Authors: Kwak Haewoon , An Jisun , Jing Elise , Ahn Yong-Yeol
Published: July 2021

Framing is a process of emphasizing a certain aspect of an issue over the others, nudging readers or listeners towards different positions on the issue even without making a biased argument. Here, we propose FrameAxis, a method for characterizing documents by identifying the most relevant semantic axes (“microframes”) that are overrepresented in the text using word embedding. Our unsupervised approach can be readily applied to large datasets because it does not require manual annotations. It can also provide nuanced insights by considering a rich set of semantic axes. FrameAxis is designed to quantitatively tease out two important dimensions of how microframes are used in the text.Microframe biascaptures how biased the text is on a certain microframe, andmicroframe intensityshows how prominently a certain microframe is used. Together, they offer a detailed characterization of the text. We demonstrate that microframes with the highest bias and intensity align well with sentiment, topic, and partisan spectrum by applying FrameAxis to multiple datasets from restaurant reviews to political news. The existing domain knowledge can be incorporated into FrameAxis by using custom microframes and by using FrameAxis as an iterative exploratory analysis instrument. Additionally, we propose methods for explaining the results of FrameAxis at the level of individual words and documents. Our method may accelerate scalable and sophisticated computational analyses of framing across disciplines.
LA DISYUNTIVA ENTRE CONCIENCIA Y LEY EN EL ORDENAMIENTO CHILENO
Authors:   Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Celis Brunet Ana María
Published: July 2021

Resulta comprensible que en un país en el que subsiste el Servicio Militar Obligatorio, la objeción de conciencia sea ignorada o no prosperen los esfuerzos para incorporarla explícitamente en la normativa nacional. A lo largo de este trabajo se busca poner en evidencia que se deriva de la libertad de conciencia y de religión, por lo que sea o no escrita las personas pueden invocarlas en situaciones de disyuntiva entre el cumplimiento de la ley y obedecer a su propia conciencia. Los aportes provenientes de otros ordenamientos jurídicos iluminan el camino que se emprender para lograr la consolidación del reconocimiento de un derecho fundamental en su plenitud.
ВОЗВРАЩЕНИЕ В РОДНОЙ УНИВЕРСИТЕТ ПЕРЕПИСКА И ДОКУМЕНТЫ В СВЯЗИ С ИЗБРАНИЕМ П.Г. ВИНОГРАДОВА СВЕРХШТАТНЫМ ПРОФЕССОРОМ МОСКОВСКОГО УНИВЕРСИТЕТА В 1908 г, "Средние века"
Authors: Антощенко Александр Васильевич
Published: July 2021

Публикуются архивные документы, освещающие главные моменты избрания всемирно известного историка П.Г. Виноградова сверхштатным профессором Московского университета в 1908 г. Публикатор подробно характеризует перипетии процесса, в котором проявились различия в понимании условий нормальной образовательной деятельности историком, жившим в Англии, и профессорами Московского университета, а также разногласия между последними. Публикуемые документы хранятся в фонде Московского императорского университета Центрального государственного архива г. Москвы и в фонде Министерства народного просвещения Российского государственного исторического архива в Санкт-Петербурге. Их тексты приведены в соответствие с современными нормами орфографии и дополнены необходимыми детальными комментариями, позволяющими лучше раскрыть их смысл и значение.
ПАМЯТИ МАРИИ МОИСЕЕВНЫ ЯБРОВОЙ, "Средние века"
Authors: Чернова Лариса Николаевна
Published: July 2021

Публикация посвящена памяти Марии Моисеевны Ябровой, известного специалиста по истории Англии и английского города XIV-XVI вв. Автор приводит биографические сведения о ней, характеризует ее научное творчество, раскрывает личные качества как человека и педагога.
ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТЬ РАЗЛИЧНЫХ МЕТОДОВ ВЫЯВЛЕНИЯ МИКОБАКТЕРИЙ В РЕСПУБЛИКЕ МАРИЙ ЭЛ, "Вестник Центрального научно-исследовательского института туберкулеза"
Authors: Петрова Л.В. , Севастьянова Е.В. , Андреевская С.Н. , Черноусова Л.Н.
Published: July 2021

На большом клиническом материале проведена сравнительная оценка эффективности использования в Республике Марий Эл различных методов выявления микобактерий (МБ). Сопоставлены результаты исследований, выполненных различными микробиологическими методами, для выявления МБ у пациентов с подозрением на туберкулез (ТБ) в учреждениях нетуберкулезного профиля и для диагностики ТБ в специализированной бактериологической лаборатории противотуберкулезного учреждения. Показано, что в настоящее время для повышения эффективности диагностики ТБ существует необходимость в параллельном использовании одновременно комплекса различных микробиологических методов.
СЛУЧАЙ ПОРАЖЕНИЯ ПЛЕВРЫ У ПАЦИЕНТКИ С ДЛИТЕЛЬНЫМ ТЕЧЕНИЕМ САРКОИДОЗА, "Вестник Центрального научно-исследовательского института туберкулеза"
Authors: Адамовская Е.Н. , Щепихин Е.И. , Зайцева А.С. , Дмитриева Л.И. , Степанян И.Э. , Шмелев Е.И.
Published: July 2021

Саркоидоз является мультисистемным заболеванием и характеризуется образованием эпителиоидно-клеточных гранулем во многих органах и тканях. Тем не менее плевра редко рассматривается как мишень саркоидного воспаления. Представлен клинический случай поражения плевры у 60-летней пациентки с длительным течением саркоидоза внутригрудных лимфатических узлов и легких.
ТЕСТЫ ЛЕКАРСТВЕННОЙ ЧУВСТВИТЕЛЬНОСТИ МИКОБАКТЕРИЙ. Часть 1. Метод абсолютных концентраций на плотной среде Левенштейна–Йенсена, "Вестник Центрального научно-исследовательского института туберкулеза"
Authors: Севастьянова Е.В. , Ларионова Е.Е. , Андреевская С.Н. , Смирнова Т.Г. , Черноусова Л.Н.
Published: July 2021

Проведен краткий обзор основных понятий, связанных с лекарственной чувствительностью микобактерий и фенотипических методов ее тестирования. Изложена методика определения чувствительности микобактерий к противотуберкулезным препаратам методом абсолютных концентраций на плотной яичной питательной среде Левенштейна–Йенсена.
Prevalence and Risk Factors for Cutaneous Mycoses among Boarding Secondary Schools Students in Coast Region, Tanzania
Authors: Deogratias Emmanuel B. , Mwambete Kennedy D.
Published: July 2021

Aims: To determines the prevalence and risk factors for cutaneous mycoses (CMs) among boarding secondary schools’ students in Coast Region, Tanzania

Study Design: It was a cross-sectional survey-based study involving boarding secondary schools’ students. Cluster sampling technique was employed for data collection using semi-structured questionnaire.

Place and Duration of Study: It involved students from both government and private boarding secondary schools in a period between January and June 2020.

Methodology: The study involved 320 students (equal number of females and males). The questionnaire inquired on these key issues: contraction of CMs and/or other skin related infections, and risk factors associated with CMs, previous exposure to antifungal agents, reasons for the use, duration of use and its outcome. Obtained information was analyzed using the SPSS version 20. Multivariate and logistic regression were employed to determine association among investigated variables. Differences among the variables were considered statistically significant when p<0.05.

Results: Prevalence of CMs among the students was 61.5% (n = 197/320). Higher proportion of students in government schools had CMs as compared to private ones (35.9% vs. 25.6%; p <0.01). The former schools were twice more likely to contract CMs (OR = 2.43, 95%CI: 1.53-3.86, p <0.01) than those in private schools. Correlations existed between students’ ages and recurrence of CMs (Pearson’s R = 0.044; p<0.01); and between students’ bodyweights and prevalence of CMs (R= 0.139; p = 0.02). Association existed between non-adherence to antifungal treatment and prevalence of CMs (p = 0.001).

Conclusion: High prevalence of CMs was revealed among students, which was relatively higher among males than females. Risk factors for CMs included poor personal hygiene and sanitary conditions, students’ ages and bodyweights. Education on risk factors for CMs among the respondents is required for earlier, prevention and control. Further studies involving larger samples size are highly recommended.
A Brief Introduction to Regression Analysis and Its Types
Authors: Sial Muhajir
Published: July 2021

This article may be used for research, teaching, and private study purposes. In this study, I focused on regression analysis and with a special focus on types of regression analysis and some types of regression. The term regression is used to indicate the estimation or prediction of the average value of one variable for a specified value of another variable. And Regression Analysis is a statistical tool used to estimate the relationship between a dependent variable and an independent variable. For example, if a Manger of a firm wants to the exact relationship between advertisement expenditure and sales for future planning then the regression technique will be most suitable for him.
Calculating Feeder Fault Current with MATLAB Software Program
Authors: Lin Ming-Jong
Published: July 2021

The aim of this article describes the program of computerized how to calculate the feeder fault current in a distribution substation. This article adopts Thevenin theory as the basis of calculation, and narrates them in two ways: the artificial and the computerized algorithm. It leaves aside the artificial and delves the computerized algorithm.  The latter is divided for two computerized algorithm - separate and all of equipment. In the computerized algorithm, all data inputting, procedure steps, and report form were carefully been designed by MATLAB application software. As for data Inputting refers to the specification parameters of equipment component. The characteristics of this article are described with both text and Fig. to achieve operation simple and understanding easy. References include a representative textbook and several journal articles. Verify with real cases and reveal the pros and cons of artificial and program algorithms. The purpose of this article is to discard waste - an artificial calculation that is time - consuming, cumbersome and prone to clerical errors. The computer programs algorithm can compensates for defects and improves accuracy and timeliness. This method has been proven to be an economical design aid tool that is of great help to maintenance or designers in the field of electrical engineering.
A Case Report on Autoimmune Thyroid Disease (ATD) Associated with Chronic Angioedema
Authors: Shivaraju K. , Saikrishna Mandhala , Srija Billakuduru , Aakunuri Akhil
Published: July 2021

Angioedema may be a rare condition that manifests itself by abrupt localized edema caused by the fluid outflow from blood vessels into surrounding skin and tissue. This case report presents a 54-year old male patient with chronic angioedema (lip) for one year without urticaria. Six months ago, he approached the local clinic and used regular antihistamines by the physician advice. Still, there was no improvement in patient condition. Then he came to the outpatient department of internal medicine of our hospital. Therefore, we have done a series of investigations, in then he diagnosed with Hypothyroidism (TSH 8.05UIu/ml). Then he has prescribed levothyroxine 25mcg. After one month's review, he examined for Anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies (Anti-TPO). In that examination, those were positive or elevated (mild). According to our research, this may probably be the first autoimmune thyroid disease associated with chronic angioedema without urticaria or hives.
Challenges of Applying AI in Healthcare in India
Authors: Nizam Verda , Aslekar Avinash
Published: July 2021

With the advent of digitalization, upcoming technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) are being utilized by healthcare services to manage various healthcare services to mimic human cognitive functions. This technology is expected to bring about a massive change in healthcare. Patient management, clinical decision support, patient tracking, and health care services are the four main AI-enabled fields of the healthcare industry. The method carrying out the study was based on secondary research by the themes of the studies performed earlier using Artificial intelligence in healthcare sector, through observations, interviews and valid documentations from prominent databases, by means of challenges and its analysis and the last by the issues associated with the study and the target groups are the front line workers in healthcare sectors. The AI applications in health care have gathered much attention, but AI's adoption issues have not been significantly tended. There are several challenges of its implementation, such as resolving the unequal relationship between trained physicians and patients and increasing physicians' efficiency to be more effective in their work; providing AI-enabled healthcare equipment in rural communities; and educating physicians or doctors in handling it. AI technologies have the potential to enhance patient outcomes. Still, they may also pose significant risks in terms of inadequate patient risk assessment, medical error, and suggestions for treatment, privacy violations, and others.
Masked Pituitary Macroadenoma Presenting as Pituitary Apoplexy Triggered by Sepsis in Postpartum Period-A Rare Case Report
Authors: Dound Nicole , Pajai Sandhya , Acharya Neema , Acharya Sourya , Dound Chitra
Published: July 2021

Apoplexy of the Pituitary gland is rarely seen critical disorder marked by acute throbbing of head / altered mental status / visual disturbances /decreased consciousness, due to sudden haemorrhagic changes of the pituitary or infarction of the same. There are numerous factors which precipitate apoplexy of the pituitary, sepsis being one of the least common cause, as is elaborated in this case study.  Inspite of having a distinctive presentation, pituitary apoplexy eludes diagnosis and proper management as it is complicated by related co-morbidities.  Its occurrence in a postpartum lady is an even rarer incident.  This article shows a rare occurrence of apoplexy of macroadenoma in a postpartum woman which was managed conservatively.
Incidence of Vitamin D Deficiency in Patients with Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL)
Authors: Siddiqui Erum , Yousuf Shakila , Nisar Sumbul , Memon Faryal Hussain , Sharif Anum , Qazi Anas Ahmed
Published: July 2021

Background: Female pattern hair loss is also observed in women without increased androgen levels. Vitamin D is a factor that has recently been considered in dealing with these patients. Deficiency of Vitamin D might be correlated with diffuse hair loss.

Objective: To determine the frequency of serum levels of Vitamin D3 in patients with female pattern of hair loss (FPHL) at tertiary care hospital Karachi.

Methodology: This cross-sectional research was conducted upon a sample of 163 female patients (chosen via non-probability – consecutive sampling) presenting to the Dept. of Dermatology, Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, Karachi from 29th July 2018 to 28 th January 2019, with a clinical diagnosis of FPHL. Data was recorded onto a structured questionnaire containing inquiries pertaining to basic biodata, sociodemographic details, and inferences obtained from blood tests (CBC, serum ferritin, TSH level and vitamin D level). Serum 25 OH Vitamin D level < 20 was taken as deficient, 21-29 was insufficient and over 30 was sufficient. Data was analyzed using SPSS. v. 21.0.

Results: The mean age was 30.39±6.36 years. Mean FPHL duration was 5.85±2.89 months. Total 63.2% patients were classified as mild, 26.45% patients were classified as moderate and 10.4% patients were classified as severe. Total 73% patients were found as vitamin D deficient, 22.1% as vitamin D insufficient and 4.9% as vitamin D sufficient. Significant association of vitamin D deficiency was observed with education status, vitamin D intake since past 6 months, and socio economic status.

Conclusion: Results showed high vitamin D3 deficiency (73.0%) among patients with female pattern of hair loss (FPHL).
Factors Affecting Outbound Tourism from Bangladesh: A Study on Young Bangladeshi Tourists
Authors: Roy Sanjoy Kumar , Halim Md. Abdul , Nafi Shohel Md. , Sazib Shohidul Islam
Published: July 2021

The aim of this study is to identify the factors for young Bangladeshi tourists to participate in outbound tourism. This study also attempted to create a young tourist profile. The target population for this study encompassed young Bangladeshi outbound travellers from 18 to 35 years old and who took at least one foreign tour. The questionnaire was formulated in the online survey development platform known as Google form and was distributed to the respondents. In total, 145 completed questionnaires were collected. To evaluate the responses of the respondents a five-point likert scale was used. This study used SPSS 26.0 to analyze the data. The results of the demographic characteristics of the respondents were analyzed by the frequency distribution and percentage. However, mean, standard deviation and ANOVA tests were employed to analyze the variables of this study. The survey results indicate that ‘for visiting and experiencing new places & its culture’ and ‘for traveling with my friends’ are the most influencing motivations to travel among young Bangladeshi tourists: in the same time ‘lack of money’, ‘family responsibilities’ and, ‘mode of transportation’ are the most concerning factors for obstructing travel decisions for them. The other concerning limiting factors which can’t be overlooked are ‘safety and security concerns’ ‘accommodation availability’ and ‘lack of time for travel’. The findings of this study will help the business operator to formulate strategy and offer a suitable travel package for the young tourist market.
Statistical Optimisation using Taguchi Method for Transesterification of Reutealis Trisperma Oil to Biodiesel on CaO-ZnO Catalysts
Authors: Rahmawati Zeni , Holilah H. , Purnami Santi Wulan , Bahruji Hasliza , Oetami Titie Prapti , Prasetyoko Didik
Published: July 2021

Optimisation of biodiesel production from non-edible Reutealis Trisperma oil (RTO) was investigated using Taguchi method. Biodiesel was produced via consecutive esterification and transesterification reactions. Esterification of RTO was carried out using acid catalyst to decrease the amount of free fatty acid from 2.24% to 0.09%. Subsequent transesterification of the treated oil with methanol over a series of CaO-ZnO catalysts was optimized based on the L9 Taguchi orthogonal approach. The optimization parameters are Ca/Zn ratio (0.25, 0.5, and 1), methanol/oil ratio (10, 20, and 30) and reaction time (0.5, 1, and 2 h). CaO-ZnO catalysts at variation of Ca/Zn ratios were prepared using co-precipitation method and characterized using XRD, SEM, TEM, and FTIR analysis. The amount of methyl ester yield was used as the response parameter in the S/N ratio analysis and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The optimum parameter for RTO transesterification to biodiesel was determined at Ca/Zn ratio of 1, methanol oil ratio of 30 and reaction time for 2 h. Transesterification under these optimized parameter generated 98% of biodiesel yield, inferring the validity of the statistical approach. Furthermore, ANOVA analysis also confirmed that all the parameters were significantly contributed at approximately equal percentage towards the amount of biodiesel. Copyright © 2021 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
A MoS2 and Graphene Alternately Stacking van der Waals Heterostructure for Li+/Mg2+ Co‐Intercalation
Authors: Yu Xianbo , Zhao Guangyu , Liu Chao , Wu Canlong , Huang Huihuang , He Junjie , Zhang Naiqing
Published: July 2021

Owing to the low‐cost, dendrite‐free formation, and high volumetric capacity, rechargeable Li+/Mg2+ hybrid‐ion batteries (LMIBs) have attracted great attention and are regarded as promising energy storage devices. However, due to the strong Coulombic interaction of Mg2+ with host materials, the traditional “Daniell Type” LMIBs with only Li+ intercalation usually cannot ensure a satisfactory energy density. Herein, graphene monolayers are arranged intercalating into MoS2 interlamination to construct van der Waals heterostructures (MoS2/G VH). This operation transforms the construction of ion channels from pristine interlamination of two MoS2 monolayers to the interlamination of MoS2 monolayer with graphene monolayer, thereby greatly reducing ion diffusion energy barriers. Compared with pristine MoS2, the MoS2/G VH can obviously reduce the migration energy barriers of Li+ (from 0.67 to 0.09 eV) and Mg2+ (from 1.01 to 0.21 eV). Moreover, it is also demonstrated that MoS2/G VHs realize Li+/Mg2+ co‐intercalation even at a rate current of 1000 mA g−1. As expected, the MoS2/G VH exhibits superior electrochemical performance with a reversible capacity of 145.8 mAh g−1 at 1000 mA g−1 after 2200 cycles, suggesting the feasibility of potential applications for high‐performance energy storage devices.
Zr‐MOF‐Enabled Controllable Ion Sieving and Proton Conductivity in Flow Battery Membrane
Authors: Xin Li , Zhang Dezhu , Qu Kai , Lu Yuqin , Wang Yixing , Huang Kang , Wang Zhaohui , Jin Wanqin , Xu Zhi
Published: July 2021

Membrane with ordered channels is the key to controlling ion sieving and proton conductivity in flow batteries. However, it remains a great challenge for finely controlling the nanochannels of polymeric membranes. Herein, two types of acid‐stable Zr‐metal organic framework (MOF‐801 and MOF‐808) with variable pore structures and channel properties are introduced as fillers into a non‐fluorinated sulfonated poly (ether ether ketone) (SPEEK). The membrane incorporated with MOF‐801 of a smaller triangular window (≈3.5 Å) successfully translates the molecular sieving property into the flow battery membrane, resulting in enhanced coulombic efficiency (98.5–99.2%) at 40–120 mA cm−2 compared with the pristine SPEEK membrane (97.1–98.5%). In contrast, more protophilic internal interconnected channels of MOF‐808 yield faster proton highway, leading to a significant increase of voltage efficiency (93.7–84.1%) at 40–120 mA cm−2 compared with the pristine SPEEK membrane (91.7–78.9%). By regulating the ion sieving and proton conductivity, MOF‐801/MOF‐808 binary composite membrane exhibits synchronously improved performance in the vanadium redox flow battery system. The revealed structure–property relationship in the Zr‐MOFs‐based membranes provides a general guideline to design new proton exchange membranes with ordered channels for flow battery application.
Iridium‐Doped N‐Rich Mesoporous Carbon Electrocatalyst with Synthetic Macrocycles as Carbon Source for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Xiao Xin , Zhang Hao , Xiong Ying , Liang Feng , Yang Ying‐Wei
Published: July 2021

Utilizing supramolecular synthetic macrocycles with distinct porous structures and abundant functional groups as a precursor for metal‐doped carbon electrocatalysts can endow the resulting materials with great potential in electrocatalysis. Herein, iridium‐doped electrocatalysts (CBC‐Ir), using a synthetic macrocycle named cucurbit[6]uril as the carbon source precursor, are designed and prepared. Interestingly, owing to the numerous N‐containing backbone and unique porous structure from cucurbit[6]uril self‐assembly, the newly designed catalysts CBC‐Ir possess abundant N‐doped and mesoporous structures without the need of additional N sources and templates. The catalysts exhibit superior catalytic performance toward the hydrogen evolution reaction with high Faradaic efficiency (91.5% and 92.7%), superior turnover frequency (2.1 and 0.69 H2 s−1) at the 50 mV overpotential, and only 17 and 33 mV overpotentials in acidic and alkaline conditions reaching the current density of 10 mA cm−2, better than the commercial Pt/C (28 and 43 mV). This work not only expands the application of supramolecular macrocycles in the water splitting field but also provides a new approach for preparing robust electrocatalysts.
Emerging Technologies for In Vitro Inhalation Toxicology
Authors: Singh Ajay Vikram , Romeo Anthony , Scott Kassandra , Wagener Sandra , Leibrock Lars , Laux Peter , Luch Andreas , Kerkar Pranali , Balakrishnan Shidin , Dakua Sarada Prasad , Park Byung‐Wook
Published: July 2021

Respiratory toxicology remains a major research area in the 21st century since current scenario of airborne viral infection transmission and pollutant inhalation is expected to raise the annual morbidity beyond 2 million. Clinical and epidemiological research connecting human exposure to air contaminants to understand adverse pulmonary health outcomes is, therefore, an immediate subject of human health assessment. Important observations in defining systemic effects of environmental contaminants on inhalation metabolic dysfunction, liver health, and gastrointestinal tract have been well explored with in vivo models. In this review, a framework is provided, a paradigm is established about inhalation toxicity testing in vitro, and a brief overview of breathing Lungs‐on‐Chip (LoC) as design concepts is given. The optimized bioengineering approaches and microfluidics with their fundamental pros, and cons are presented. There are different strategies that researchers apply to inhalation toxicity studies to assess a variety of inhalable substances and relevant LoC approaches. A case study from published literature and frame arguments about reproducibility as well as in vitro/in vivo correlations are discussed. Finally, the opportunities and challenges in soft robotics, systems inhalation toxicology approach integrating bioengineering, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to address a multitude model for future toxicology are discussed.
Facile Production of Phosphorene Nanoribbons towards Application in Lithium Metal Battery
Authors: Yu Wei , Yang Jinlin , Li Jing , Zhang Kun , Xu Haomin , Zhou Xin , Chen Wei , Loh Kian Ping
Published: July 2021

Like phosphorene, phosphorene nanoribbon (PNR) promises exotic properties but unzipping phosphorene into edge‐defined PNR is non‐trivial because of uncontrolled cutting of phosphorene along random directions. Here a facile electrochemical strategy to fabricate zigzag‐edged PNRs in high yield (>80%) is reported. The presence of chemically active zigzag edges in PNR allows it to spontaneously react with Li to form a Li+ ion conducting Li3P phase, which can be used as a protective layer on Li metal anode in lithium metal batteries (LMBs). PNR protective layer prevents the parasitic reaction between lithium metal and electrolyte and promotes Li+ ion diffusion kinetics, enabling homogenous Li+ ion flux and long‐time cycling stability up to 1100 h at a current density of 1 mA cm−2. LiFePO4|PNR‐Li full‐cell batteries with an areal capacity of 2 mAh cm−2, a lean electrolyte (20 µl mAh−1) and a negative/positive (N/P) electrodes ratio of 3.5 can be stably cycled over 100 cycles.
Ultra‐Broadband Tunable Bragg–Berry Optical Vortex Generators of a Circularly Symmetric Chiroptic Structure
Authors: Jiang Shun‐An , Lai Chia‐Chun , Zhang Yan‐Song , Lin Jia‐De , Lin Wei‐Chun , Hsieh Xiang‐Lin , Lee Chia‐Rong
Published: July 2021

New optical–photonic devices with the capability to manipulate, modify, and even tailor the light characteristics dynamically, such as wave surface, play an increasingly important role in the development of modern and future optics. Optical vortex with spiral wave surfaces is a special type of light with intrinsic orbital angular momentum (OAM). Thus, this vortex can be applied to the development of advanced optics, such as optical tweezers, ultra‐resolution microscope, optical communication, and quantum technology. This study demonstrates an optical device known as Bragg–Berry optical vortex generator (BBOVG) with a circularly symmetric chiral photonic structure using an easy‐to‐implement method by filling a ferroelectric liquid crystal‐doped cholesteric liquid crystal (FLC‐CLC) material into an indium‐tin‐oxide‐coated cell pre‐treated with photoalignment along the azimuthal direction. The BBOVG devices can be operated by dynamically tuning the photonic bandgaps of the opposite‐handed FLC‐CLCs throughout the full‐visible region (400–700 nm) in a low voltage range (≤ 3.0 V) to obtain reflective optical vortices with opposite OAM signs in a full‐visible range near room temperature. The present devices, which can transform geometric phase and have ultra‐wideband manipulability and high operability at room temperature, provide a good example in demonstrating key devices that fit the use in future optical/photonic applications.
Co‐Evaporated Formamidinium Lead Iodide Based Perovskites with 1000 h Constant Stability for Fully Textured Monolithic Perovskite/Silicon Tandem Solar Cells
Authors: Roß Marcel , Severin Stefanie , Stutz Marvin Björn , Wagner Philipp , Köbler Hans , Favin‐Lévêque Martin , Al‐Ashouri Amran , Korb Paul , Tockhorn Philipp , Abate Antonio , Stannowski Bernd , Rech Bernd , Albrecht Steve
Published: July 2021

Formamidinium iodide (FAI) based perovskite absorbers have been shown to be ideal candidates for highly efficient and operationally stable perovskite solar cells (PSC). A major challenge for formamidinium lead iodide (FAPbI3) is to suppress the phase transition from the photoactive black phase into yellow nonperovskite δ‐phase. Several approaches to stabilize the black phase have been developed for solution‐based perovskites, whereas so far, vacuum‐deposited FAPbI3 has rarely been reported. This study demonstrates the preparation of FAPbI3 by co‐evaporation and discusses the influence of the subjacent hole transporting layer (HTL) on its phase stability. By using FAI excess in the evaporation process in combination with phosphonic acids groups from the HTL, the black perovskite phase is stabilized at room temperature. Further addition of 32–59% methylammonium iodide (MAI) during the co‐evaporation process leads to good absorption properties and high PSC efficiencies of 20.4%. In addition, excellent stability is achieved for optimized MAI to FAI ratios, maintaining 100% of the initial PSC performance after 1000 h under constant operation. This highly stable perovskite composition enables the first monolithic fully textured perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells with co‐evaporated perovskite absorbers. Due to the conformally covered pyramid texture, these tandem cells show minimal reflection losses and reach an efficiency of 24.6%.
A leaf area‐based non‐destructive approach to predict rice productivity
Authors: Hirooka Yoshihiro , Homma Koki , Shiraiwa Tatsuhiko
Published: July 2021

Leaf canopy dynamicsare associated with crop productivity. Frequent, non‐destructive measurements of the leaf canopy using a plant canopy analyzer, followed by parameterization using a mathematical model, enabled the quantification of leaf area growth characteristics. However, an understanding of the rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivar effect under various field conditions is limited. Therefore, this study aimed to compare leaf area growth parameters with rice productivity and analyze the cultivar differences in these relationships. In a 3‐yr field experiment, six rice cultivars were grown under environments with different nutrient provisions. Two leaf area growth parameters (maximum leaf area index growth rate and maximum interception rate) were determined from the measurements obtained using a plant canopy analyzer. They were compared with five crop growth parameters for rice productivity (yield, total dry weight, crop growth rate, nitrogen uptake rate, and radiation use efficiency). A logarithmic relationship exists between leaf area growth and crop growth parameters, which varied among rice cultivars. In addition, the leaf nitrogen content at the heading stage was associated with the cultivar variations. After considering the cultivar differences, yield prediction accuracy was improved using leaf area growth parameters (from R2 = .428 to R2 = .752). This indicates that these parameters are considered efficient indicators of rice productivity with regard to cultivar differences and leaf nitrogen content. The evaluation method using the parameters calculated with non‐destructive measurements could be a standard for crop monitoring in field experiments and will be useful for estimating crop productivity.
Corn response to row spacing and plant population in the Mid‐South United States
Authors: Williams John J. , Dodds Darrin M. , Buehring Normie W. , Dhillon Jagmandeep S. , Henry W. Brien
Published: July 2021

Mid‐South corn (Zea mays L.) producers continuously search for ways to increase grain yield. In this region, growers typically plant on 96‐cm beds to facilitate drainage of excess rainfall and irrigation but are concerned about wide row spacing causing intra‐row stress as plant populations steadily increase. The objective of this research was to determine the effect of row spacing and plant population on morphology and grain yield. The experiment assessed two row spacing (48 and 96 cm) and subplots that contained five plant populations (61,775, 86,485, 111,195, 135,905, and 160,615 plants ha–1). This study took place across six site‐years; in 2017, Starkville and Verona, MS, 2018, two in Starkville, MS, and in 2019, Starkville and Tchula, MS. Pooled over site‐years and plant populations, narrow rows increased grain yield by 5% (p < .01), stalk diameter by 4% (p < .01), and kernels per row by 6% (p < .01), compared to wide rows. Pooled over site‐years and row spacing, plant height, soil plant analysis development (SPAD) value, stalk diameter, kernel rows, kernels per row, and hundred‐kernel weight decreased as plant population increased except for ear height and leaf area index (LAI), which increased. Agronomic optimum plant populations ranged from 104 to 119 thousand ha–1 and were dependent upon site‐year. In conclusion, decreases in inter‐row spacing and increases in intra‐row spacing increased grain yield.
Western chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus) access a nutritionally balanced, high energy, and abundant food, baobab (Adansonia digitata) fruit, with extractive foraging and reingestion
Authors: Lindshield Stacy , Rothman Jessica M. , Ortmann Sylvia , Pruetz Jill D.
Published: July 2021

Intrinsic to several hypotheses explaining the evolution of foraging behavior complexity, such as proto‐tool use, is the assumption that more complex ingestive behaviors are adaptations allowing individuals to access difficult to procure but nutritionally or energetically rewarding foods. However, nutritional approaches to understanding this complexity have been underutilized. The goal of this study was to evaluate potential nutritional determinants of two unusual foraging behaviors, fruit cracking with anvils and seed reingestion, by adult male western chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus) at Fongoli, Senegal during the baobab (Adansonia digitata) fruit season. We examined these behaviors in relation to nutrient and energy intake, and compared macronutrient and energy concentrations found in baobab fruits to other plant foods. Adult males ingested at least 31 distinct foods from 23 plant species. Baobab fruit comprised the majority of daily energy intake (68 ± 34%, range: 0%–98%). The energetic concentration of baobab fruit varied by phenophase and part ingested, with ripe and semi‐ripe fruit ranking high in energy return rate. Males preferred ripe and semi‐ripe baobab fruit but unripe fruit intake was higher overall. The seed kernels were high in protein and fat relative to fruit pulp, and these kernels were easier to access during the unripe stage. During the ripe stage, seed kernels were accessible by reingestion, after the seed coat was softened during gut passage. In addition to providing macronutrients and energy, baobab fruit was a relatively abundant food source. We conclude that baobab pulp and seed are high quality foods at Fongoli during the baobab season because they are nutritionally balanced, high in energy, and relatively abundant in the environment. These nutritional and abundance characteristics may explain, in part, why these chimpanzees use anvils and reingestion to access a mechanically challenging food.
COVID‐19 presenting with spontaneous massive pneumomediastinum in a three‐month‐old child
Authors: Sinclair V. , Sharieff I. , Gaskell B. , McKechnie A.
Published: July 2021

A three‐month‐old child presented to our district general hospital with acute respiratory distress. He was found to have massive spontaneous pneumomediastinum and extensive surgical emphysema overlying the neck. Tracheal intubation using the GlideScope® was difficult, and the patient’s trachea was ultimately intubated with a direct laryngoscope. Computed tomography revealed bilateral lung consolidation and reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction swab was positive for SARS‐CoV‐2. There was no other precipitating factor to explain the presence of pneumomediastinum. The patient was treated with pleural and mediastinal drains, required five days of mechanical ventilation on a paediatric intensive care unit and subsequently made a full recovery. We outline our initial differential diagnosis, airway management plan, and propose a mechanism for the development of spontaneous pneumomediastinum in this case. We suggest that clinicians should consider pneumomediastinum as a potential cause of surgical emphysema, particularly in the context of COVID‐19, even in infants. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of COVID‐19 in this age group with spontaneous pneumomediastinum as the presenting feature.
Facile fabrication of silk fibroin/graphene oxide composite films and real‐time morphological observation in stretching
Authors: Shang Zihan , Yan Yinan , Jiang Jie , Wang Jielin , Yin Xiaoying
Published: July 2021

Layer‐structured regenerated silk fibroin (SF)/graphene oxide (GO) composite films were fabricated by a facile solution casting method. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and thermal gravity analysis confirmed the successful incorporation and uniform dispersion of graphene oxides in the SF matrix. To visualize GO's effect on the morphological evolution, atomic force microscopic images were recorded in real‐time during the composite elongation to establish a correlation between microscopic structural characters and macroscopic mechanical properties. The result showed that the incorporation of graphene oxide into the SF matrix resulted in chain conformational transition, film surface flattening, and mechanical reinforcement. Surface roughness dramatically decreased from 65 to 10 nm, while tensile modulus increased substantially from 8.61 to 22.37 MPa by adding well‐dispersed graphene oxide up to 1 wt% into the SF matrix. Through the real‐time AFM observation under the horizontal stretching mode, the surface topography of original SF films varied from tori‐spherical aggregations to rod‐like ones resulting from GO's incorporation. In the meantime, SF's hydrophobicity was also increased, as manifested by contact angle increase from 30.81° to 45.09°.
A melamine‐based covalent organic framework nanomaterial as a nanofiller in polyethersulfone mixed matrix membranes to improve separation and antifouling performance
Authors: Vatanpour Vahid , Paziresh Shadi
Published: July 2021

This research reported developing a polyethersulfone (PES) membrane using covalent organic frameworks (COFs) nanoparticle with a mean dimension of 30 nm. The SNW‐1 (Schiff‐based network) COF was synthesized using precursors of melamine and terephthalic acid and then characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, and FTIR analyses. The influence of different loadings of the COF was evaluated on the permeability, antifouling behavior and dye/salt rejection. The addition of SNW‐1 caused a reduction in surface roughness and an improvement in hydrophilicity of the nanocomposite membranes, which improved their flux and fouling resistance considerably. The improvement of water flux, 2.6 times, was observed by adding 0.5 wt% COF to the membrane matrix. The 0.5 wt% COF membrane presented the best water permeability, 38.9 L/m2 h bar BSA solution flux, dye rejection of 98.7% for Reactive Green 19 and 62.6% for Reactive yellow 39, 52.9% Na2SO4 and 24.5% NaCl salt rejections. Zeta potential and salt rejection trend indicated a negative surface charge on the nanocomposite membrane. Fouling experiments by BSA protein solution exhibited that the FRR reached 88.9% for 2 wt% COF membrane. Thus, employing SNW‐1 into PES matrix resulted in a promising nanofiltration membrane for dye separation and moderate salt separation with suitable antifouling properties.