bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic diversity and structure of the critically endangeredArtocarpus annulatus,a crop wild relative of jackfruit (A. heterophyllus)
Authors: Dickinson Leta , Noble Hilary , Gardner Elliot , Puad Aida Shafreena Ahmad , Zakaria Wan Nuur Fatiha Wan , Zerega Nyree J.C.
Published: September 2020

Limestone karsts of Southeast Asia can harbor high levels of endemism, but are highly fragmented, increasingly threatened, and their biodiversity is often poorly studied. This is true of the Padawan Limestone Area of Sarawak, Malaysia, home to the endemicArtocarpus annulatus,the closest known wild relative of two important and underutilized fruit tree crops, jackfruit (A. heterophyllus) and cempedak (A. integer). Identifying and conserving crop wild relatives is critical for the conservation of crop genetic diversity and breeding. In 2016 and 2017, fiveA. annulatuspopulations were located, and leaf material, locality information, and demographic data were collected. Microsatellite markers were used to assess genetic diversity and structure among populations, and to compare levels of genetic diversity to closely related congeneric species. Results indicate no evidence of inbreeding inA. annulatus, and there is no genetic structure among the five populations. However, diversity measures trended lower in seedlings compared to mature trees, suggesting allelic diversity may be under threat in the youngest generation of plants. Also, genetic diversity is lower inA. annulatuscompared to closely related congeners. The present study provides a baseline estimate ofA. annulatusgenetic diversity that can be used for comparison in future studies and to other species in the unique limestone karst ecosystems. Considerations for in situ and ex situ conservation approaches are discussed.
Effects of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius on Some Hematological Parameters of Male Wistar Rats
Authors: Ezebuiro Ijeoma , Obiandu Chibuike , Saronee Friday , Weleh Ikechukwu I. , Obiandu Adesua C.
Published: September 2020

Introduction: Medicinal plants have become increasingly useful as a form of alternative therapy. Cnidoscolus aconitifolius is a medicinal plant applied in folklore remedies in the treatment and prevention of various diseases.

Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the effects of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius on some hematological parameters of male Wistar rats.

Methodology: A total of 15 male Wistar rats weighing between 100-250 g were randomly placed in groups. Group 1 served as control and received distilled water only; group 2 received 200 mg/kg and group 3 received 400 mg/kg of the hydromethanolic leaf extract of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius. Extract was administered once daily using oro-gastric cannula for 30 days. Blood samples were collected by direct cardiac puncture into appropriate sample tubes for estimation of hematological parameters including red blood cell count (RBC), packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb) concentration, white blood cell count (WBC) and platelet count.

Results: Results showed a significant (P<0.05) increase in RBC, PCV, Hb and platelet count with the higher dose of 400 mg/kg body weight of the extract compared to control group. However, the WBC count was not significantly (P>0.05) altered.

Conclusion: Oral administration of the leaf extract of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius increases red blood cell count, packed cell volume, hemoglobin level and platelet count at 400 mg/kg body weight.
CoVid-19 Pandemic: An Update Clinical Features, Diagnostic Methods, Drugs and Vaccine Race
Authors: Uwiringiyeyezu Théophile , Khalfi Bouchra El , Saile Rachid , Belhachmi Jamal , Soukri Abdelaziz
Published: September 2020

CoViD-19 pandemic is a viral disease caused by SARS-COV-2virus and since December 2019, has spread rapidly in all the world countries; At the end of June 2020, over 10 million peoples were infected in the world and more than 500,000 deaths have been identified. Due to its fast transmission, the unavailability of drugs and vaccines and the asymptomatic patients who still spread the virus various measures were implemented to stop this virus. The studies were carried out to identify the molecular characteristics, transmission methods, origins, and all other clinical parameters necessary to eradicate it. The results have shown that CoViD-19 can be transmitted either animal-to-person or person-to-person by airborne. On March 11, 2020, world health organization (WHO) declared the CoViD-19 a pandemic, there, every concerned country has made the different health measures to stop the virus spread; the confirmed CoViD-19 patient undergoes the validation medicals diagnostics tests to follow specific treatments as time goes staying in quarantine room of the hospital to keep away from contact with others. To treat this pandemic, the world of medicine has tried with previous treatments of other viruses with encouraging results but of course, with doubts about the success of the therapeutic effectiveness and the scientific researches continue until the development of the therapeutic medicine and the Covid-19 specific vaccine. Today, the use of anti-inflammatory drugs was reported like chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine, the antiviral drugs like ritonavir, Lopinavir, ribavirin, and remdesivir and also the glycocorticoids hormones like dexaméthasone to the patients with severe CoViD-19. Different strains of this coronavirus infect humans, bats, and other mammals. Two strains of VOC-SARS have caused outbreaks of severe respiratory disease in humans: VOC-SARS, which caused an outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) between 2002 and 2003, and VOC-SARS-2, which since late 2019 has caused a coronavirus disease pandemic 2019 (COVID-19). Even if today, there are not validated CoViD-19 drugs or vaccines. In This paper, we will talk about what we know until today on SARS-COV-2 and CoViD-19 pandemic particularly the clinical symptoms, transmissions ways, biological samples concerned by SARS-COV-2 infection, medicals laboratories parameters in CoViD-19 cases, medication and medicine and molecular diagnostics methods.
Structural Characterization of Novel Luciferase from Bioluminescence Fungi Verticillium longisporum
Authors: Yarima A. A. , Sambo S. M. , Kwairanga M. D. , Sharbat K. N. , Arifullah Z. , Fardami A. Y.
Published: September 2020

Luciferase is an enzyme that catalyses a reaction to produce a visible light using an oxidative process, a chemical reaction that is typically referred to as bioluminescent. Insects, bacterial origin or microorganism of marine nature were considered as the mainly sources of discovered luciferase. The protein was commercialized for biomedical and biotechnological use as reporter gene. The first discovered wild form of luciferase originally from Photinu spyralis (firefly). Hence, there is need for both exploration and examination of novel luciferase to be expanded to new sources such as fungal which may likely be exploited to serve commercial purposes and applications. In this study, a novel uncharacterized luciferase protein from a fungal species Verticillium longisporum, was modelled and analysed using bioinformatic tools. The modelled 3D structure is of high quality with a PROCHECK score of 99.5%, ERRAT2 value of 91.01%, and Verify3D score of91.01%, showing that the conformational structure is acceptable. The result showed that the fungal luciferase enzyme share major characteristics with luciferase representative from various fungal and bacterial species. There is only a slight difference in the two nucleotide bindings in V. longisporum with a D/E substitution of D with E and S/T substitution. The difference of the two nucleotides binding from the two proteins may be related to the evolutionary trends. Other differences include increased number of hydrophobic and polar amino acid groups than aromatic and aliphatic ones, as well as more coils and loops with less strands. The distance between the ligand and the binding site that houses Asp 64 and Thr 110 from template proteins (Riboflavin lyaseRcaE) and Asp 543 and Thr 589 from model luciferase is similar. The only difference occurred in the V. longisporum; protein oxidoreductase activities acts on paired donors, incorporate or reduce molecular oxygen, while in the template protein oxidoreductase activities act on single donors with incorporation of molecular oxygen. This study on fungal sourced luciferase present a unique opportunity away from the more well established bacterial and insect based luciferase.
Entrepreneurial Behavior of Sericulture Farmers in Tamil Nadu
Authors: Nandhini S. , Rohini A. , Murugananthi D. , Anandhi V.
Published: September 2020

Sericulture is an important agro based cottage industry and labor intensive sector which combines activity of both sericulture and industry. Farmers engage in sericulture enterprise to gain income with less risk. Mulberry, silk worm and cocoon production are the series of activities which needs entrepreneurial skills to achieve profits. This study attempted to analyze the entrepreneurial behavior of the sericulture farmers of Tamil Nadu and the major factors influencing their behavior. Sericulture has been widely practiced in Dharmapuri district and 80 sample farmers were selected based on proportionate random sampling method from three blocks. The Entrepreneurial behavior components like self-effectiveness, opportunity detector, planning ability, leadership ability, risk bearing ability, social involvement and creativity of farmers were measured using seven point likert scale and reliability of data tested by Cronbach's alpha. The findings suggested that the sample farmers had higher social involvement followed by risk bearing ability, self-effectiveness, opportunity detector and planning ability. Leadership ability and creativity has lowest mean scores indicating that sample farmers are less confident in these dimensions. Based on the overall scores majority of the sample farmers were categorized under medium entrepreneurship behavior. Age and experience in sericulture farming are the major factors significantly influenced the entrepreneurial behavior followed by education, participation in associations and source of information in that order. Hence training programmes on technology up gradation, awareness regarding new technologies and latest rearing methods need to be given to the sericulture entrepreneurs to improve their entrepreneurship behavior.
Performance of Pre Released Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Genotypes under Different Sowing Windows in Rabi Season
Authors: Anil D. , Siddi Sreedhar
Published: September 2020

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different sowing dates on growth and yield potential of pre released rice genotypes under irrigated conditions of Northern Telangana zone. The field experiments were carried out during two consecutive rabi seasons of 2018-19 and 2019-20, on clay soils of agricultural research station, Kunaram, Telangana state, India. The experiment was laid out in strip plot design with three replications. The treatments comprised of three sowing dates i.e. 20th November, 5th December and 20th December in horizontal factor and four genotypes i.e. KNM 733, RNR 15048, KNM 1638 and KNM 118 in vertical factor. Pooled data analysis results revealed that the different sowing dates and genotypes significant effect on all the studied growth and yield characters. The rice crop sown on 20th December recorded significantly  higher grain yield ( 8138 kg ha-1) and Among the genotypes, the short slender, short duration genotype KNM 733 recorded the recorded the maximum grain yield ( 8024 kg ha-1), which was on par with the other genotypes. The treatment combinations data results concluded that the, among the genotypes the genotype KNM 118 was recorded highest grain yield (8438 kg ha-1) when sowing was taken up on 20th December and followed by  the genotype KNM 733 with sown on 20th  November. In respect of economics of treatment combinations, the highest net returns (Rs.91,165 ha-1) and B:C (2.47)  ratio were obtained when rice crop was sown during 20th December with the  genotype KNM 118 and followed by sown on 20th November with the  genotype KNM 733.
Overcoming Strategies for Non-responders in HBV Vaccination
Authors: Balamurali V. , Sujith R. , Leela K. V. , Jayaprakash T.
Published: September 2020

Non-responder refers to an individual did not develop their anti HBs, even after administration of a 2 complete series of the HBV vaccine. Due to mutant variants, vaccine failure occurred in numerous reports but the incidence of these mutants were unknown. Primary HBV vaccine series failed for nearly 5% of immunocompetent people. There is no clear vision on nonresponse but certain individuals are at major risk, those with persistent diseases, immunosuppressant medication and genetic predisposition. CD-4 T-helper cells that was obtained from viral peptides played an important role in Human Leukocyte antigen (HLA) along with Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) and individuals who failed to respond had defect in T helper cells stimulation or antigen presentation. After administration of a course of vaccine, antibody will be produced against major hydrophilic domain of HBsAg in determinant epitope cluster. As upcoming approaches, antigen dose were increased, alternative vaccination, new adjuvants such as immunostimulatory DNA sequences and accelerating vaccination schedules are followed in practice. Increased dosage vaccines, upgraded immunogenicity, adjuvants, surrogate mechanism, combined vaccines and administration of intradermal vaccines are the relevant approaches for a non-responder. Further studies has to be conducted on HLA alleles that can overcome the obstacles in HBV therapeutics.
A Novel Method to Decrease Shoulder Tip Pain during Cesarean Section
Authors: Mohamed Magdy A. , Darweesh Eman I. , Mahmoud Wael A.
Published: September 2020

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of the placement of two towels around uterus before delivery of fetes upon the incidence of intraoperative shoulder tip pain (STP) during cesarean section.

Methods: Two hundred and sixty parturient were scheduled to undergo elective cesarean section under spinal anesthesia were randomized to do packing around the uterus before uterine incision or placebo (control group). The primary outcome was the incidence of intraoperative shoulder pain. Secondary outcomes were operative time, amount of intraoperative blood loss, incidence of hypotension, and the Need of post-opertive morphine.

Results: Shoulder tip pain was recorded only in 7 cases (5.4%) in towel placement group compared to 25 cases (19.2%) in placebo group (P value, 0.001). The need of post-operative morphine was statistically significant lower in Towel placement group (33.8%) compared to (47.7%) in control group (P value, 0.023).

Conclusion: Packing around the uterus just before uterine incision decreases the incidence and severity of intraoperative shoulder pain in patients undergoing cesarean section.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein (COMP), for Cartilage Damage in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Qabulio Shabana , Shaikh Fouzia , Mirza Ahmad Iqbal , Shahid Moazzam Ali , Kumar Santosh
Published: September 2020

Background: Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), is an extracellular matrix (ECM) non-collagenous glycoprotein that is mainly localized within the cartilage, and also be found in tendon and synovium.Recent studies in west and Asia Pacific region has shown that COMP, is a prognostic marker in Rheumatoid arthritis(RA).

Objective: To correlate serum COMP levels with disease severity and cartilage destruction in rheumatoid arthritis.

Methods: The study was conducted in Department of Pathology and Rheumatology, Ziauddin University Hospital, Karachi from June 2018 to May 2019. Patients were recruited as per American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 2010 classification criteria. The study population consists of 88 healthy subjects and 88 RA patients. Sandwich ELISA technique was used to assess serum COMP level. Other inflammatory markers such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP) antibodies like rheumatoid factor, and anti-cyclic citrullinated protein (anti-CCP) were also assessed. Results were analyzed using SPSS-20 and P-value ≤0.05 was considered as significant.

Results: Serum COMP levels were significantly higher in RA patients 51.35 ng/ml than controls 21.454 ng/ml with significant p value=<0.0001. There was strong positive correlation between COMP level and disease severity in RA patients with moderate as well as high disease activity score (DAS) with significant p value. Serum COMP showed 96% sensitivity and 83% specificity at level of 27.01 ng/ml for diagnosis of RA.

Conclusions: COMP has significant positive correlation with severity of RA. Serum COMP can be utilized as a biomarker to quantify cartilage destruction in RA patients.
Ball Misplace Mitigation through Process Optimization of Advanced Leadframe Package
Authors: Bacquian Bryan Christian S. , Gomez Frederick Ray I. , Graycochea Jr. Edwin M.
Published: September 2020

One of the challenging assembly processes in semiconductor manufacturing industry is stencil printing using solder paste as direct material. With this technology, some issues were encountered during the development phase of an advanced leadframe device and one of which is the solder ball misplace or off-centered ball. This paper, hence, focused on addressing the ball misplace issue at stencil printing process. Comprehensive parameter optimization particularly on the print speed and print force was employed to eliminate or significantly reduce the ball misplace defect at stencil printing process. With this process optimization and improvement, a reduction of around 96 percent ball misplace occurrence was achieved.
Development of a Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) Based Energy Efficient Cattle Monitoring System
Authors: Ijah A. A. , Bolaji O. W. , Adedire O. O. , Emmanuel J. Z. , Onwuegbunam N. E. , Awobona T. A. , Ogunsanwo J. A. , Likita M. S.
Published: September 2020

This study shows how to monitor the movement of cattle using wireless sensor nodes powered by a renewable energy source capable of detecting location. Performance analysis was carried out on the energy consumption pattern of the nodes which indicated that throughout the monitoring period, the average energy consumed by the nodes was thus; master node 6450 joules, node one 1680 joules, node two 1656 joules, node three 1676 joules, node four 1656 joules. The rate of energy consumption was sustained by the renewable energy source. It was equally observed that energy consumption increased depending on how often query was sent and how often the conditions of monitoring was violated. This is to guarantee that information about cattle location gets to the base without delay due to battery failure which has been a major challenge faced with the current existing systems in tackling cattle rustling.
Therapeutic Interventions of Cardamom in Cancer and Other Human Diseases
Authors: Qiblawi Samir , Kausar Mohd Adnan , Shahid S. M. A. , Saeed Mohd. , Alazzeh Awfa Y.
Published: September 2020

Cardamom, a dietary phytoproduct, is the most popular spice in the world, and its beneficial health properties are gaining more and more attention. Small cardamom [Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton. (Family: Zingiberaceae) ] has been used for traditional therapeutic applications, including the management of asthma, teeth and gum infections, cataracts, nausea, diarrhea and heart, digestive and kidney disorders. Numerous studies have demonstrated the biological activity of cardamom and its polyphenols, including antioxidant, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic control.1,8-cineole, and its esters, Limonene, α-terpinyl acetates are the most abundant bioactive constituents in cardamom. They are known to be multifunctional compounds that can be efficient in the prevention or treatment of various types of cancers, cardiovascular diseases, chronic inflammatory conditions, digestive disorders, as well as infectious bacterial and fungal diseases. In this review, we summarized the up-to-date research and underlying molecular mechanisms of cardamom and its active components.
Psychological assistance for end-of-life patients under palliative care in the hospital environment: an integrative review
Authors: Lucena Líllian Lisboa de , Zaccara Ana Aline Lacet , Batista Jaqueline Brito Vidal , Rodrigues Mariana de Sousa Dantas , Freire Mayara Limeira , Araújo Cleide Rejane Damaso de
Published: September 2020

Objetivo: Analisar artigos publicados acerca da atuação do psicólogo voltada ao paciente terminal em cuidados paliativos. Métodos: Revisão integrativa com coleta de dados, feita entre junho e agosto de 2019, em bibliotecas digitais e bases de dados. Foram utilizados os descritores (DeCS): Psicologia, Doente Terminal, Cuidados Paliativos, Assistência Terminal e Revisão, associados pelo operador “AND” com a finalidade de refinar os artigos para responder ao objetivo do estudo. Resultados: Mediante análise de 15 publicações criaram-se duas categorias: formas de intervenção psicológica, direcionada ao paciente e à família, frente à terminalidade, e benefícios da atuação do psicólogo para o paciente em fim de vida no contexto dos cuidados paliativos. Conclusão: Foi verificada a escassez de estudos sobre a temática, o que justifica a necessidade de novas pesquisas, que ampliem os conhecimentos acerca do atendimento psicológico aos pacientes em cuidados paliativos na terminalidade.
Behavior of square concrete‐filled steel tubular beam‐columns subjected to lateral loads with constant cyclic displacement
Authors: Kido Masae , Tsuda Keigo , Fukumoto Toshiyuki , Ichinohe Yasuo , Morita Koji
Published: September 2020

The objective of this study was to clarify the cyclic behavior of square concrete‐filled steel tube (CFT) beam‐columns subjected to lateral loads with constant cyclic displacement under constant axial load. The test parameters included the effective length‐section depth ratio, axial compression ratio, and rotation angle amplitude. The relationship between the lateral load and the rotation angle are indicated along with the axial strain and load deterioration behavior in this paper. Furthermore, the relationship between the axial strain and load deterioration behaviors is discussed. Moreover, the experimental load is compared with the cross‐section strength, ultimate strength, and allowable strength, as presented in the Architectural Institute of Japan's recommendations for the design and construction of CFT structures; and the relationship between the experimental load and load deterioration behavior is examined.
The disposition of building evacuation sites and war‐damage reconstruction in Sendai The projects and the relationships among public entities for the conversion of evacuation sites into urban planning sites
Authors: Saito Shunsuke
Published: September 2020

The purpose of this paper is to clarify the state of the disposition of building evacuation sites in Sendai, including the processes and background, whilst considering the project environment surrounding the disposition in central ministries and Sendai. The Home Ministry, which had been responsible for building evacuation during the wartime period, consistently promoted the conversion of evacuation sites into urban planning sites immediately following the end of World War II. The Ministry of Transport and the War‐Damage Reconstruction Institute also planned to convert evacuation sites into urban planning sites and railway land. Therefore, in Sendai, there were plans to convert two evacuation sites into streets. However, due to differences in the project environment surrounding the disposition of evacuation sites; such as the number of evacuated houses, required expenses, regional characteristics, and differences in project characteristics; only one street was completed. Considering the influence of pre‐war urban planning on building evacuation, and thus war‐damage reconstruction: three streets coincided with preceding pre‐war plans, and the pre‐war urban planning street was taken over in a manner consistent with war‐damage reconstruction through building evacuation.
The benefits evaluation of abdominal deep inspiration breath hold based on knowledge‐based radiotherapy treatment planning for left‐sided breast cancer
Authors: Xu Jiaqi , Wang Jiazhou , Zhao Feng , Hu Weigang , Yao Guorong , Lu Zhongjie , Yan Senxiang
Published: September 2020

Purpose

To study the impact of abdominal deep inspiration breath hold (DIBH) technique on knowledge‐based radiotherapy treatment planning for left‐sided breast cancer to guide the application of DIBH technology.

Materials and methods

Two kernel density estimation (KDE) models were developed based on 40 left‐sided breast cancer patients with two CT acquisitions of free breathing (FB‐CT) and DIBH (DIBH‐CT). Each KDE model was used to predict dose volume histograms (DVHs) based on DIBH‐CT and FB‐CT for another 10 new patients similar to our training datasets. The predicted DVHs were taken as a substitute for dose constraints and objective functions in the Eclipse treatment planning system, with the same requirements for the planning target volume (PTV). The mean doses to the heart, the left anterior descending coronary artery (LADCA) and the ipsilateral lung were evaluated and compared using the T‐test among clinical plans, KDE predictions, and KDE plans.

Results

Our study demonstrated that the KDE model can generate deliverable simulations equivalent to clinically applicable plans. The T‐test was applied to test the consistency hypothesis on another ten left‐sided breast cancer patients. In cases of the same breathing status, there was no statistically significant difference between the predicted and the clinical plans for all clinically relevant DVH indices (P > 0.05), and all predicted DVHs can be transferred into deliverable plans. For DIBH‐CT images, significant differences were observed between FB model predictions and clinical plans (P < 0.05). DIBH model prediction cannot be optimized to a deliverable plan based on FB‐CT, with a counsel of perfection.

Conclusion

KDE models can predict DVHs well for the same breathing conditions but degrade with different breathing conditions. The benefits of DIBH for a given patient can be evaluated with a quick comparison of prediction results of the two models before treatment planning.
Three Subband Occupation of the Two‐Dimensional Electron Gas in Ultrathin Barrier AlN/GaN Heterostructures
Authors: Yang Liuyun , Wang Xinqiang , Wang Tao , Wang Jingyue , Zhang Wenjie , Quach Patrick , Wang Ping , Liu Fang , Li Duo , Chen Ling , Liu Shangfeng , Wei Jiaqi , Yang Xuelin , Xu Fujun , Tang Ning , Tan Wei , Zhang Jian , Ge Weikun , Wu Xiaosong , Zhang Chi , Shen Bo
Published: September 2020

Ultrathin barrier AlN/GaN heterostructure with record low sheet resistance of 82 Ω sq−1 is achieved by molecular beam epitaxy, where Shubnikov‐de Haas oscillations (SdHOs) and quantum Hall effect (QHE) of two‐dimensional electron gas (2DEG) are observed. The fast Fourier transform analysis of the SdHOs demonstrates a three‐subband occupation in the triangle quantum well for the first time, with the electron density of n1 = 2.2 × 1013 cm−2, n2 = 2.3 × 1012 cm−2, and n3 = 8.8 × 1011 cm−2, respectively, and the corresponding energy of 265, 28, and 11 meV below Fermi level. The three‐subband QHE with a superposed feature is also demonstrated for the first time in AlN/GaN heterostructure, with large filling factors at high electron densities. By analyzing the first subband as the dominant part of the superposed QHE, the transport physics of a special magneto‐intersubband scattering is revealed. These results contribute to a better understanding of the quantum physics for 2DEG, leading to a versatile functionality for AlN/GaN devices.
In Situ Interfacial Polymerization: A Technique for Rapid Formation of Highly Loaded Carbon Nanotube‐Polymer Composites
Authors: Chazot Cécile A. C. , Jons Carolyn K. , Hart A. John
Published: September 2020

Composites of polymers and organized carbon nanotube (CNT) networks have been proposed as next‐generation lightweight structural materials, yet polymer infiltration of CNT networks often results in stress‐concentrating heterogeneities, due to local CNT aggregation or incomplete infiltration. Herein, it is demonstrated that dense CNT‐polymer composites with tailored polymer distribution can be obtained by interfacial polymerization (IP), performed in situ within CNT networks. Three regimes of the in situ interfacial polymerization (ISIP) process are identified: a reaction‐limited regime where the polymer forms beads on the CNTs; a uniformly‐filled regime with polymer throughout the CNT network; and a transport‐limited regime with polymer only near the outer surface of the network. Uniform polyamide‐CNT composite sheets obtained by this method have a Young's modulus of 31 GPa and a tensile strength of 776 MPa, which is a two‐fold increase compared to the pristine CNT sheets. Premature failure of the composites is attributed to large voids in the pristine CNT sheets, suggesting that further improved mechanical properties can be achieved with a more homogeneous CNT network. Nevertheless, the rapid rate and overall controllability of ISIP suggest its viability for formation of polymers within CNT networks via roll‐to‐roll methods.
Viral Protein‐Pseudotyped and siRNA‐Electroporated Extracellular Vesicles for Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Liu Houli , Huang Lili , Mao Mingchuan , Ding Jingjing , Wu Guanghao , Fan Wenlin , Yang Tongren , Zhang Mengjie , Huang Yuanyu , Xie Hai‐Yan
Published: September 2020

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have shown great potential in drug delivery, disease diagnosis, and treatment owing to their versatile native features and functions. RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutics that block the programmed death‐1 (PD‐1) and programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) pathway have attracted increasing interest for the treatment of various cancers. Here, immunoregulatory EVs are developed by decorating M1‐macrophage‐derived EVs (M1 EV) with vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein (VSV‐G), a pH‐responsive viral fusion protein, and electroporating anti‐PD‐L1 siRNA (siPD‐L1) into the EVs. After administration to CT26 tumor‐bearing mice, this virus‐mimic nucleic acid engineered EVs (siRNA@V‐M1 EV) can target tumor tissues, which is attributed to the natural tumor‐homing property of M1 EV. Then, the fusion of VSV‐G with cells facilitates the direct release of siPD‐L1 into the cytoplasm and triggers robust gene silencing, leading to the efficient block of PD‐L1/PD‐1 interaction and then the elevation of CD8+ T cell population. Meanwhile, the M1 EVs and IFN‐γ secreted by the CD8+ T cells promote the repolarization of M2 tumor‐associated macrophages to M1 macrophages. The combination of PD‐L1/PD‐1 pathway blocking, T cell recognition reconstructing, and M1 macrophage repolarization via multifunctional EVs can achieve satisfactory antitumor efficacy in this tumor model, showing potential as a new modality to fight cancers.
Interface Engineering in Multiphase Systems toward Synthetic Cells and Organelles: From Soft Matter Fundamentals to Biomedical Applications
Authors: Liu Zhou , Zhou Wen , Qi Cheng , Kong Tiantian
Published: September 2020

Synthetic cells have a major role in gaining insight into the complex biological processes of living cells; they also give rise to a range of emerging applications from gene delivery to enzymatic nanoreactors. Living cells rely on compartmentalization to orchestrate reaction networks for specialized and coordinated functions. Principally, the compartmentalization has been an essential engineering theme in constructing cell‐mimicking systems. Here, efforts to engineer liquid–liquid interfaces of multiphase systems into membrane‐bounded and membraneless compartments, which include lipid vesicles, polymer vesicles, colloidosomes, hybrids, and coacervate droplets, are summarized. Examples are provided of how these compartments are designed to imitate biological behaviors or machinery, including molecule trafficking, growth, fusion, energy conversion, intercellular communication, and adaptivity. Subsequently, the state‐of‐art applications of these cell‐inspired synthetic compartments are discussed. Apart from being simplified and cell models for bridging the gap between nonliving matter and cellular life, synthetic compartments also are utilized as intracellular delivery vehicles for nuclei acids and nanoreactors for biochemical synthesis. Finally, key challenges and future directions for achieving the full potential of synthetic cells are highlighted.
Transparent Zinc‐Mesh Electrodes for Solar‐Charging Electrochromic Windows
Authors: Li Haizeng , Zhang Wu , Elezzabi Abdulhakem Y.
Published: September 2020

Newly born zinc‐anode‐based electrochromic devices (ZECDs), incorporating electrochromic and energy storage functions in a single transparent platform, represent the most promising technology for next‐generation transparent electronics. As the existing ZECDs are limited by opaque zinc anodes, the key focus should be on the development of transparent zinc anodes. Here, the first demonstration of a flexible transparent zinc‐mesh electrode is reported for a ZECD window that yields a remarkable electrochromic performance in an 80 cm2 device, including rapid switching times (3.6 and 2.5 s for the coloration and bleaching processes, respectively), a high optical contrast (67.2%), and an excellent coloration efficiency (131.5 cm2 C−1). It is also demonstrated that such ZECDs are perfectly suited for solar‐charging smart windows as they inherently address the solar intermittency issue. These windows can be colored via solar charging during the day, and they can be bleached during the night by supplying electrical energy to electronic devices. The ZECD smart window platform can be scaled to a large area while retaining its excellent electrochromic characteristics. These findings represent a new technology for solar‐charging windows and open new opportunities for the development of next‐generation transparent batteries.
Mimicking Intravasation–Extravasation with a 3D Glass Nanofluidic Model for the Chemotaxis‐Free Migration of Cancer Cells in Confined Spaces
Authors: Sima Felix , Kawano Hiroyuki , Hirano Masahiko , Miyawaki Atsushi , Obata Kotaro , Serien Daniela , Sugioka Koji
Published: September 2020

A new 3D nanofluidic biochip for the study of cancer cell migration and invasion is proposed. In this design, femtosecond laser‐assisted etching is applied to create embedded microfluidic channels, with a base thickness of less than 100 µm for high‐resolution imaging using inverted microscopes. The glass deformation is thermally controlled during fabrication to create pillar‐like formations separated by narrow constricted channels with widths of less than 1 µm spanning lengths of more than tens of microns, mimicking the 3D intravasation–extravasation configuration. Time‐lapse microscopy is used to observe the behavior of prostate cancer (PC3) cells in chemoattractant‐free media over long time intervals as the cells invade the narrow spaces. The PC3 cells are observed to be capable of breaching the fabricated submicrometric intravasation‐like barriers while retaining their viability and proliferation activity. The cells are further able to penetrate the extravasation‐like confining spaces, confirming their dynamic adaptability as they pass through constricted channels with volumes much less than that of the cell nucleus.
Inversion Boundary Annihilation in GaAs Monolithically Grown on On‐Axis Silicon (001)
Authors: Li Keshuang , Yang Junjie , Lu Ying , Tang Mingchu , Jurczak Pamela , Liu Zizhuo , Yu Xuezhe , Park Jae‐Seong , Deng Huiwen , Jia Hui , Dang Manyu , Sanchez Ana M. , Beanland Richard , Li Wei , Han Xiaodong , Zhang Jin‐Chuan , Wang Huan , Liu Fengqi , Chen Siming , Seeds Alwyn , Smowton Peter , Liu Huiyun
Published: September 2020

Monolithic integration of III–V materials and devices on CMOS compatible on‐axis Si (001) substrates enables a route of low‐cost and high‐density Si‐based photonic integrated circuits. Inversion boundaries (IBs) are defects that arise from the interface between III–V materials and Si, which makes it almost impossible to produce high‐quality III–V devices on Si. In this paper, a novel technique to achieve IB‐free GaAs monolithically grown on on‐axis Si (001) substrates by realizing the alternating straight and meandering single atomic steps on Si surface has been demonstrated without the use of double Si atomic steps, which was previously believed to be the key for IB‐free III–V growth on Si. The periodic straight and meandering single atomic steps on Si surface are results of high‐temperature annealing of Si buffer layer. Furthermore, an electronically pumped quantum‐dot laser has been demonstrated on this IB‐free GaAs/Si platform with a maximum operating temperature of 120 °C. These results can be a major step towards monolithic integration of III–V materials and devices with the mature CMOS technology.
Enhanced Cyan Emission and Optical Tuning of Ca3Ga4O9:Bi3+ for High‐Quality Full‐Spectrum White Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Liu Dongjie , Yun Xiaohan , Li Guogang , Dang Peipei , Molokeev Maxim S. , Lian Hongzhou , Shang Mengmeng , Lin Jun
Published: September 2020

Highly efficient cyan‐emitting phosphor materials are indispensable for closing the cyan gap in spectra of the traditional phosphor‐converted white light‐emitting diodes (WLEDs) to achieve high‐quality full‐spectrum white lighting. In this work, bright cyan‐emitting Ca3Ga4O9 (CGO):0.02Bi3+,0.07Zn2+ phosphor is developed to bridge the cyan gap. Such a Bi3+,Zn2+ codoping enhances the cyan emission of CGO:0.02Bi3+ by 4.1 times due to the influence of morphology and size of phosphor particles, charge compensation and lattice distortion. Interestingly, codoping La3+ ions into the current system can achieve a photoluminescence tuning of CGO:0.02Bi3+ from cyan to yellowish‐green by crystallographic site engineering. Besides, Bi3+–Eu3+ energy transfer is successfully realized in CGO:0.02Bi3+,0.07Zn2+,nEu3+ phosphors and the emission color tuning from cyan to orange is observed. The investigation of thermal quenching behaviors reveals that the incorporation of Zn2+ and La3+ improves the thermal stability of CGO:0.02Bi3+. Finally, CGO:0.02Bi3+,0.07Zn2+,0.10Eu3+ phosphor is employed to obtain a single‐phased warm WLED device. A full‐spectrum WLED device with remarkable color rendering index (Ra) of 97.4 and high luminous efficiency of 69.72 lm W−1 is generated by utilizing CGO:0.02Bi3+,0.07Zn2+ phosphor. This result suggests the important effect of CGO:0.02Bi3+,0.07Zn2+ phosphor on closing the cyan gap, providing new insights of cyan‐emitting phosphors applied in full‐spectrum white lighting.
Transmission‐Reflection Controls and Polarization Controls of Electromagnetic Holograms by a Reconfigurable Anisotropic Digital Coding Metasurface
Authors: Wu Liang Wei , Ma Hui Feng , Wu Rui Yuan , Xiao Qiang , Gou Yue , Wang Meng , Wang Zheng Xing , Bao Lei , Wang Hai Lin , Qing Ye Ming , Cui Tie Jun
Published: September 2020

Digital coding metasurface, which provides a new approach to link the physical world and information science, has been quickly developed in recent years. However, all previously reported metasurfaces cannot achieve independent controls of different polarizations in both transmission and reflection spaces at the same time. In this work, a reconfigurable anisotropic digital coding metasurface loaded with electronically controlled PIN diodes is proposed that can independently manipulate not only the near/far‐field pattern but also the transmission and reflection modes of the electromagnetic waves under different polarizations. As a validation example, a multifunctional holographic imaging metasurface is designed, fabricated, and measured. Both simulated and measured results show that orthogonally polarized waves (vertical and horizontal polarizations) can be manipulated to achieve different images, and the transmission and reflection modes of the differently‐polarized images can be independently controlled in real time by changing the state of the loaded PIN diodes.
Sandwich Structures Constructed by ZnSe⊂N‐C@MoSe2 Located in Graphene for Efficient Sodium Storage
Authors: Shi Nianxiang , Chu Yanting , Xi Baojuan , Huang Man , Chen Weihua , Duan Bin , Zhang Chenghui , Feng Jinkui , Xiong Shenglin
Published: September 2020

Hybrid hierarchical micro/nanostructures possess great potential in engineering of advanced electrode materials for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs). Herein, a sandwich hierarchical architecture composed of ZnSe nanoparticles fastened in N‐doped carbon polyhedra anchoring onto graphene with the modification of MoSe2 nanosheets (ZnSe⊂N‐C@MoSe2/rGO) is synthesized by a self‐template and subsequent selenization strategy. Due to the distinctive architectural and multicompositional features, these hybrids deliver a high reversible capacity of 319.4 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1 for 1800 cycles, 206.5 mA h g−1 at 6 A g−1 for 2800 cycles, and 177.7 mAh g−1 at 10 A g−1 for 5000 cycles, as well as a better rate capability up to 10 A g−1 with a reversible capacity of 224.4 mAh g−1 as an anode material for SIBs. By comparing the capacity contribution, electrochemical impedance spectra and DNa+ of different materials, the advantages of ZnSe⊂N‐C@MoSe2/rGO are confirmed. The sodium storage mechanism of hybrids is further revealed by in situ X‐ray diffraction patterns and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy results. The improved sodium storage properties of hybrids manifest the significance of elaborate construction of novel multicomponent hierarchical architectures with higher complexity.
Multisource Feedback in the Trauma Context: Priorities and Perspectives
Authors: Garcia Popov Andrei , Hall Andrew K. , Chaplin Timothy
Published: September 2020

Objectives

Trauma resuscitations require competence in both clinical and nonclinical skills but these can be difficult to observe and assess. Multisource feedback (MSF) is workplace‐based, involves the direct observation of learners, and can provide feedback on nonclinical skills. We sought to compare and contrast the priorities of multidisciplinary trauma team members when assessing resident trauma team captain (TTC) performance. Additionally, we aimed to describe the nature of the assessment and perceived the utility of incorporating MSF into the trauma context.

Methods

A convenience sample of 10 trauma team activations were observed. Following each activation, the attending physician trauma team leader (TTL), TTC, and a registered nurse (RN) participated in a semistructured interview. MSF was not provided to the TTC for the purpose of this study because MSF was not part of the assessment process of TTCs at the time of this study and maintaining anonymity may have encouraged more honest interview responses. Transcripts from each assessor group (TTL, TTC, RN) were coded and assigned to one of the five crisis resource management skills: leadership, communication, situational awareness, resource utilization, and problem‐solving. Comments were also coded as positive, negative, or neutral as interpreted by the coder.

Results

All assessor groups mentioned communication skills most frequently. After communication, the RN and TTC groups commented on situational awareness most frequently, comprising 15 and 29% of their total responses, respectively, whereas 31% of the TTL comments focused on leadership skills. The RN and TTL groups provided positive assessments, with 51 and 42% of their respective comments coded as positive. Forty‐five percent of self‐assessment comments in the TTC group were negative. All (100%) of the TTC and TTL respondents felt that incorporating MSF would add to the quality of feedback, only 66% of the RN group felt that way.

Conclusions

We found that each assessor group brings a unique focus and perspective to the assessment of resident TTC performance. The future inclusion of MSF in the trauma team context has the potential to enhance the learning environment in a clinical arena that is difficult to directly observe and assess.
Endangerment of Ostrya rehderiana Chun and its relationship with rhizosphere soil microflora
Authors: Tong Xiaxiu , Wang Keyun , Chen Zhehao , Wang Lilin , Xiang Taihe
Published: September 2020

Ostrya rehderiana Chun (Or) is an endangered plant in China. The rhizosphere microbial community is one of the key factors influencing the growth and development of plants. Soil samples in the rhizosphere of wild Or (W_Or), cultivated Or (C_Or) and the predominant plant species Cryptomeria fortunei Hooibrenk ex Otto et Diet (CfH) all growing in the same habitat were investigated. We performed polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 16S rDNA region for bacteria and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) rDNA regions for fungi in the rhizosphere. At genus level the predominant bacteria in the rhizosphere of both W_Or and CfH were higher, and the species distribution profiles exhibited higher similarities. The distribution profiles of fungal species at the genus level in the rhizosphere of W_Or and C_Or also exhibited higher similarities. The similarity in bacterial diversity at the genus levels between W_Or and C_Or exhibited higher similarities, whereas that of fungal diversity at the genus levels between W_Or and CfH exhibited higher similarities. There existed Rhizophlyctis and Termitomyces species capable of degrading cellulose and lignin in the rhizosphere of both W_Or and C_Or. These species may affect the normal formation of the cell wall of Or. Bacterial species Mycena were capable of enhancing the growth of plant root system, Suillus, Geomyces, Gigaspora and Phlebia were capable of degrading many types of wastes were only present in CfH. The absence of these beneficial strains in both W_Or and C_Or may be one of the causes of the growth and development retardation of Or.
Ion‐Gated Transistor: An Enabler for Sensing and Computing Integration
Authors: Bu Xianbao , Xu Han , Shang Dashan , Li Yue , Lv Hangbing , Liu Qi
Published: September 2020

With the rapid development of the Internet of Things, the amount of data we involved in our daily life is growing exponentially, which poses significant challenges for data processing and transmission to the conventional terminal sensors that passively acquire external data. Inspired by biological sensory nervous systems, building artificial intelligent sensory systems with both sensing and computing capability is regarded as a promising way to address these challenges, by which the acquired data can be preprocessed locally and timely before transmitting them to the remote server for further processing. Ion‐gated transistors (IGTs), which have been widely used in sensors and have been recently investigated for neuromorphic computing, exhibit great potential in this domain. Herein, the essential operation principles, device structures, and electrical characteristics of IGT are introduced, and the recent developments in biosensors, neuromorphic computing, and intelligent sensors with near‐sensor computing and in‐sensor computing modes are summarized. To conclude, the current challenges and future development of IGT for intelligent sensory systems are presented.