bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Different Drying Techniques on Quality Traits of Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) Rhizomes
Authors: Kumari Annu , Babu Yeluru Mohan , Ramesh Eggadi , Ongchu Lepcha Tshering , Tamang Suman , Das Shrilekha
Published: December 2021

Under the present investigation, ginger was produced at the instruction cum research plots of the Department of Plantation Crops and Processing, Faculty of Horticulture, Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Pundibari, Cooch Behar, West Bengal. The experiment was laid out in a factorial CRD. The study was undertaken with four ginger varieties namely Gorubathan, Suprabha, Suruchi and Suravi to evaluate the effect of different drying methods (sun drying, hot air drying at 50OC, 60oC and 70oC and microwave drying on time required for drying to a moisture content of 8 – 10% and to chemical composition (essential oil, oleoresin content and crude fiber content) of the end product. Results shown that Gorubathan variety has the highest essential oil (2.243%) and oleoresin content (14.840%) among the four varieties in this study, highest crude fiber content (5.253%) was observed in Suprabha and highest dry recovery (25.77%) was obtained from Suravi variety. In hot air drying, with increase in temperature essential oil, oleoresin and crude fiber content in dry ginger as well as dry recovery reduced.

With high dry recovery (25.77%), essential oil (2.037%) and oleoresin content (13.510%) and moderately low crude fiber content (4.637%), it can be concluded that Suravi variety is best suitable for producing dry ginger. Apart from microwave drying, sun drying can be recommended as better practice, when hygienically conducted, based on essential oil and oleoresin content.
Comparative Study of Heavy Metals in Breast Milk of Breast Feeding Mothers in Urban and Sub-Urban Subjects in Rivers State
Authors: Faith Diorgu , Biambo Kalaotaji Glory , Nyebuchi Jonathan , Amadi Chikadibia Fyneface , Konne Felix Eedee
Published: December 2021

Breast milk is one fluid that could contain heavy metals and this can be dangerous to the health of breastfeeding baby. The increase in urbanization and industrialization often comes with the increased level of heavy metals in the environment especially in developing countries where environmental protection is poorly managed. The study aimed to compare the heavy metal composition in breast milk in postpartum women in urban and sub-urban areas in Rivers State. The study was conducted among 59 postpartum subjects between 0 and 10days of child delivery in each group. Sampling was done through a simple randomized system. Human breast milk was collected using a manual breast pump. Heavy metals; Lead (Pb), Mercury (Hg) and Mercury (Hg) were assayed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer with their corresponding cathode lambs. Results revealed that the mean differences of the heavy metals assayed between both groups were not significant (p>0.05). This work has shown that heavy metal composition in the breast milk of postpartum women may not vary based on urban and sub-urban settlements.
Potentials of Medicinal Plants with Antiviral Properties: The Need for a Paradigm Shift in Developing Novel Antivirals Against COVID-19
Authors: Oladosu Peters Oluwale , Moses Njoku , Adigwe Obi Peter , Egharevba Henry Omoregie
Published: December 2021

The menace of COVID-19 continues to ravage the world despite deployment of vaccines, and the development of oral antiviral pills whose effectiveness are still being evaluated. As the problems persist, Scientists are continuously searching for new resources and re-evaluating old ones that be used to effectively contain the pandemic. A search through literature has shown a huge amount of scientific resources in medicinal plant research which could be leverage.  Many medicinal plants have been demonstrated to possess various antiviral activities against influenza virus, SARS-CoV, herpes simplex virus, vesicular stomatitis virus, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, human immunodeficiency virus, simian immunodeficiency virus, echovirus, adenovirus, Newcastle disease virus, duck plague virus, measles virus, polio viruses, yellow fever viruses, Sindbis virus, human cytomegalovirus, Rift valley fever virus, feline herpesvirus, lumpy skin disease virus, and canine distemper virus. Medicinal plants are known to be a reservoir of bioactive compounds with useful pharmacological actives. This revision has identified one hundred and twelve (112) plants found with various antiviral activities. These plants cut across different families. An intriguing observation is the reported presence of antiviral in different classes of phytochemicals like alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, anthraquinones, glucosides, polyphenols, saponins, essential oils, peptides and polysaccharides. There is the need for concerted paradigm shift to natural products of plant origin towards developing novel antiviral agents against COVID-19 especially with the reported safety challenge of adverse events and serious adverse events associated with already developed vaccines and pills.
Ginsenoside Re, Produces Multi-targeted Potent Antidiabetic Effects Via Estrogen Receptor Signaling Pathway in Rat, an Alternative Multi-Targeted Therapeutic for Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Gao Jingxian , Meng Xianli , Zabu Bayin , Zhang Yi , Wu Siqinbilig , Muren Huhe , Ha Ni , Sun Qinnuan , Jisi Tang , Bai Changxi
Published: December 2021

Aims: To identify more effective ginsenoside for type 2 diabetes (T2D) and clarify whether the ginsenoside characterizing estrogenic multi-targeted antidiabetic effects.

Study Design: Identifying more effective ginsenoside through preclinical evaluation of antidiabetic effects of representative ginsenosides with T2D rat model, and further test pharmacological mechanism underlying the potent antidiabetic effects of the ginsenoside in the same model.

Place and Duration of Study: Key laboratory for Pharmacy, Inner Mongolia Medical University, March 2018 to November 2020.

Methodology: Used a total of 240 female adult rats. Rat model of T2D induced by high-fat diet fed and streptozotocin. Five tapes of representative ginsenosides (Rb1, Rd, Rg3, Re, Rg1) administrated at low (20 mg/kg daily) and high (40 mg/ kg daily) doses to T2D rats with orally for 4 weeks. Detect testing indexes with biochemical, histological, Quantitative Real-Time PCR, and western blots analysis.

Results: Ginsenoside Re (Re), very significantly lowered blood glucose (P<0.01), lipids (P<0.001), free fatty acid (P<0.001), and glucagon (P<0.01) levels, markedly improved impaired insulin sensitivity (P<0.01), ameliorated oxidative stress (P<0.01) and inflammation (P<0.01) in T2D rats, exhibited potent antidiabetic effects. Moreover, Re, phosphorylate serine/threonine kinase (Akt) (P<0.01) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) (P<0.01), up regulates B-cell lymphoma-2 (P<0.01) and insulin gene expression (P<0.01), down regulates glucagon gene expression(P<0.01), reverse impaired glucagon-like peptide 1 (P<0.01); exhibits multi-targeted effects; these effects of Re were inhibited by estrogen receptor (ER) inhibitor (ICI-182,780) (P<0.01). Functionally, the antidiabetic effects of Re were sequentially inhibited by inhibitor of ER, Akt, and eNOS, respectively (P<0.01).

Conclusion: These findings, revealed a novel pharmacological property of Re that characterized in multi-targeted potent antidiabetic effects mediated by ER/Akt/eNOS/NO signaling pathway, provide the first evidence for the potential use of Re, as a multi-targeted therapeutic for T2D, particularly, a novel candidate for replacement of estrogen therapy and NO therapy in diabetes.
'Silymarin' a Potential Treatment Targeting Hepatic Fibrosis of Schistosomiasis
Authors: Alghanmi Maimonah , Alrafiah Aziza
Published: December 2021

Background: Despite all treatment and control efforts, schistosomiasis still thrives in humanity. It is endemic in 78 countries that are anchored by poverty and diseases. Until now, the broad-spectrum praziquantel (PZQ) drug is the only effective treatment of choice. However, reports documented some side effects for PZQ like haemorrhage in lung tissues, resistance, and inefficacy to treat fibrotic tissues. Therefore, alternative drugs that help in reducing the undesired effects of schistosomiasis are required. This study examined the efficacy of Silymarin in interfering with the fibrogenesis process using a mouse model. Silymarin is a herbal extract known to have flavonoids and polyphenols that help in reducing the inflammatory reaction, stimulating hepatocyte regeneration, and inhibiting the fibrogenesis process.

Methods: A total of thirty adult tBALB/c male mice were divided into negative, chronically infected control and treated groups. All were killed after 18 weeks from the initial infection. Different histopathological investigations and liver function tests were carried out to detect the difference between the groups.

Results: Administration of Silymarin exhibited a significant improvement in all associated histopathology with a considerable decline in the area percentage of collagen fibers. It restored the elevated level of serum ALT as well.

Conclusion: Silymarin as a treatment for chronic hepatopathies will only be successful if started during the acute phase of the disease.
Child Birth and its Effect on Functional Status of Women: A Review
Authors: Rejisha T. R. , Malleshappa Madhu , Irani Ali , Johny Sruthy , Grace Jessy
Published: December 2021

Though highly satisfying motherhood comes with its own challenges. Often underestimated, the effect of child birth on maternal function is a huge and can invariably effect not only the individual but the society in general. Yet there seems to be an attitude of “its all part and parcel of motherhood” when it comes to the functional status of mothers. To improve the functional status of women one needs to quantify it and a scale for Indian mothers are not in existence yet. No matter the mode of delivery , the maternal function is compromised, its said that the physiological healing is complete at 6 weeks post delivery but the researchers are not able to come to terms regarding time needed to achieve the pre pregnancy functional status or in many cases if it ever returns. Hence the gravity of situation is dare and needs acknowledgment not only from the health care professionals but from the society in general. In this article, we are examining the different modes of delivery and its subsequent effect on physical functions of women.
Advanced Physiotherapy of Supracondylar Femur Fracture with Implant In situ: A Case Report
Authors: Kochar Shraddha , Deshmukh Mitushi , Chitale Neha
Published: December 2021

Patient main concerns were restriction of movements of right knee and pus discharge from wound over right knee. In this case, the main clinical findings were a substantial loss in range of motion at right knee joints. There was also fixed flexion deformity seen over right knee. Diagnosis of the case was non united operated infected case of supracondylar femur fracture right side with implant in situ. In these types of circumstances, therapeutic approaches have been demonstrated to be useful. A 35-year-old male visited the orthopaedics who referred department of physiotherapy with complaints of restriction of movement of right knee and pus discharge from wound over right knee. Patient was examine in standing and supine position .On inspection, patient keeps right hip in flexion, knee in flexion patella pointing upwards and foot in equinus. According to the research, starting weight-bearing too soon can lead to failure of implant and mal-union. Supracondylar femoral fracture is a challenging condition to deal with and is associated with many secondary complications. An important role is played by physiotherapist in rehabilitation and supracondylar femur fracture management.
Cross Sectional Study on Hyponatremia
Authors: Rashmi S. , Silamban Santhi
Published: December 2021

Introduction: Sodium is the major extracellular cation, playing important role in maintaining homeostasis. Normal level of serum sodium is between 136-145 mmol/L. Hyponatremia (<136mmol/L) can present with nausea, vomiting, confusion, lethargy, disorientation.Severe hyponatremia (<125mmol/L) can present with seizures, coma or death.

Methods: Our study was a cross sectional, retrospective study including 100 subjects of hyponatremia.

Results: In our study, we analyzed the age-wise distribution, severity and various causes of hyponatremia in each grade of hyponatremia based on severity.

Conclusion: Drug-induced hyponatremia is a more prevalent and a preventable cause and can be avoided by proper monitoring of patients.
The Outpatient Prescribing Pattern of Olopatadine in Al Saih
Authors: Ahmed Nehad J. , Gabr Gamal A. , El-Sherbiny Abeer A.
Published: December 2021

Aim: This study was conducted to demonstrate the prescribing pattern of olopatadine eye drops in Al Saih.

Methodology: This is a retrospective study includes evaluating outpatient prescribing of olopatadine eye drops from 1st of January 2018 to 30th of June 2018 in a public hospital in Alkharj.

Results: More than half of the patients who used olopatadine eye drops were females (56.00%). The age of 28.00% of them was between 50 and 59 and the age of 26.67% of them was between 40 to 49 years. More than half of the patients received olopatadine eye drops for 1 month (54.67%). Most of the prescriptions were written by ophthalmology department (96.00%).

Conclusion: Olopatadine eye drops prescribing was infrequent in Al Saih due to the availability of other alternatives. Further studies are needed to investigate the prescribing of olopatadine eye drops and its alternatives by the outpatient settings.
The Impact of Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) on Indonesia Property Stock Index
Authors: Gotama Kevin Ronaldo , Anastasia Njo
Published: December 2021

A promising investment in the property sector is due to appreciation in property value. As an economic instrument, the stock market, inseparable from different environmental factors, was triggered by incident in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, an outbreak of acute respiratory tract infection 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in December 2019 and then spread across China. This study is a comparative study on the stock index of the property sector on the stock exchange of countries affected by the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) case, with a purposive sampling technique according to certain criteria for sample selection. The event analysis was performed by analyzing market reaction; with COVID-19 incident effect as one of the event tests, the stock price index. The findings of the study indicate that there is an index response to the incident of COVID-19. The reflected reaction shows in the abnormal return and trade volume activity before and after the incident. Thus, this study is expected to be taken into consideration for stock investors regarding the impact of the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on stock prices, by providing an overview of changes in stock prices during the monitoring period, so that they can make investment decisions in the period before and after incident.
Determinants of Political Stability to Support Foreign Investment in Indonesia
Authors: Tjandrasa Benny Budiawan
Published: December 2021

What investors often consider before deciding to invest in various countries is the political situation. The risks faced by investors in the event of political instability are regulatory changes, legal disputes, forced takeovers of companies, disruption to regional stability, policies against acts of terrorism, and changes in state ideology. The purpose of this study is to find a determinant of political stability in Indonesia that will be useful for investors and multinational companies, and the government in maintaining political stability. Systematic secondary data sampling from January 2015 to December 2019 was used for explanatory study purposes and to build a model. This study concludes that the rule of law, control of corruption, and oil prices have a significant effect on political stability in Indonesia, while the inflation rate does not have a significant effect on political stability in Indonesia. The novelty of this research is the formation of a political stability model for Indonesia and why an increase in control of corruption actually has a negative effect on political stability in Indonesia.
Sigma A‐bound iron–sulfur protein WhiB1 in
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Zhang LiMei
Published: December 2021

WhiB1 belongs to the WhiB‐like family that is widely distributed in the phylum of Actinobacteria. It is a monomeric transcription factor that contains a [4Fe–4S] cluster in the holo‐form. In mycobacteria, the holo‐WhiB1 interacts with the domain 4 of the σ
70
‐family primary sigma factor (σ
A
4
) in the RNA polymerase holoenzyme and plays an essential role in active cell growth. Domain 4 of the σ
70
‐family primary sigma factors recognizes the −35 hexamer of promoter DNA and is commonly utilized by transcription factors for gene activation. However, the crystal structure of the WhiB1:σ
A
4
complex reveals unexpectedly that WhiB1 binds to σ
A
4
using a hydrophobic interface that differs markedly from previously characterized σ
A
4
‐bound bacterial transcription activators. Moreover, holo‐WhiB1 represses transcription by interaction with σ
A
4
in vitro
and WhiB1's essential role in supporting mycobacterial growth requires its interaction with σ
A
in vivo
. Together, these results demonstrate that holo‐WhiB1 regulates gene expression by a noncanonical mechanism relative to well‐characterized σ
A
4
‐dependent transcription activators.
Enhanced Hydrogen Storage Properties of LiAlH4 by Excellent Catalytic Activity of XTiO3@h‐BN (X = Co, Ni)
Authors: Wei Sheng , Liu Jiaxi , Xia Yongpeng , Zhang Huanzhi , Cheng Riguang , Sun Lixian , Xu Fen , Bu Yiting , Liu Zhaoyu , Huang Pengru , Zhang Kexiang , Rosei Federico , Pimerzin Aleskey A. , Seifert Hans Jürgen
Published: December 2021

The high desorption temperature and slow kinetics still restrict the applications of LiAlH4 in hydrogen storage. To solve the above problems, NiTiO3@h‐BN and CoTiO3@h‐BN prepared for the first time are introduced into LiAlH4 by ball milling. LiAlH4 doped with 7 wt% NiTiO3@h‐BN, selected as an optimal doping sample, starts to release hydrogen at 68.1 °C, and the total amount of hydrogen released is 7.11 wt% below 300 °C. The activation energies (Ea) of the two‐step hydrogen release reactions are 55.93 and 59.25 kJ∙mol−1, which are 45.8% and 69.0% lower than those of as‐received LiAlH4, respectively. Under 30 bar hydrogen pressure and 300 °C constant temperature, LiAlH4 doped with 7 wt% NiTiO3@h‐BN after dehydrogenation can absorb ≈1.05 wt% hydrogen. Based on density functional theory calculations, AlNi3 and NiTi, in situ formed nanoparticles during ball milling, can decrease the desorption energy barrier of AlH bonding in LiAlH4 and accelerate the breakdown of AlH bonding due to the interfacial charge transfer and the dehybridization. Furthermore, NiTi can enhance the adsorption and splitting of H2, promoting the activation of H2 molecules during the rehydrogenation process.
Highly Efficient TADF‐Type Organic Afterglow of Long Emission Wavelengths
Authors: Pan Yingtong , Li Jiuyang , Wang Xuepu , Sun Yan , Li Junbo , Wang Biaobing , Zhang Kaka
Published: December 2021

Due to the energy gap law, the direct fabrication of efficient organic afterglow materials with long emission wavelengths at ambient conditions remains challenging. Here, luminescent dopants with moderate kRISC values of 100–101 s−1 are designed to harvest triplet energies, simultaneously improving afterglow efficiency and maintaining emission lifetimes >0.1 s. Organic matrices with large dipole moments are selected to populate the triplet excited states of the luminescent dopants and suppress their nonradiative decay and quenching. The dopant‐matrix systems exhibit TADF‐type organic afterglow with quantum efficiency of 20% to 60% and emission wavelengths exceeding 600 nm. Because of their singlet excited state nature, the TADF‐type afterglow emitters can efficiently transfer excited energy to rhodamine B or cyanine 5.5 fluorescence dyes for the construction of red and near‐infrared afterglow materials which display promising bioimaging applications.
Achieving High Efficiency and Pure Blue Color in Hyperfluorescence Organic Light Emitting Diodes using Organo‐Boron Based Emitters
Authors: Naveen Kenkera Rayappa , Lee Hyuna , Braveenth Ramanaskanda , Karthik Durai , Yang Ki Joon , Hwang Soon Jae , Kwon Jang Hyuk
Published: December 2021

In the field of organic light‐emitting diodes, organo‐boron based thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitters have witnessed outstanding achievements. However, it is still challenging to achieve pure blue color (CIE y < 0.20) along with high efficiencies. To overcome these hurdles, the hyperfluorescence (HF) system suggests a key strategy for future display applications. Here, two TADF host materials, pMDBA‐DI and mMDBA‐DI, and a pure blue multi‐resonance type tert‐butyl substituted TADF fluorescence emitter t‐Bu‐ν‐DABNA are reported, for efficient HF devices. Among the synthesized TADF sensitized host materials, the mMDBA‐DI HF device exhibits a high external quantum efficiency of 39.1% along with narrow emission with full width at half maximum of 19 nm (CIE y = 0.15). The high device efficiency is mainly attributed to the high molecular orientation factor, enhanced photoluminescence quantum yield, and a good TADF characteristic of t‐Bu‐ν‐DABNA with efficient Förster energy transfer.
Intrinsically Ionic, Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescent Materials for Efficient, Bright, and Stable Light‐Emitting Electrochemical Cells
Authors: Yu Renyou , Song Yongjun , Zhang Ke , Pang Xianchun , Tian Mingxing , He Lei
Published: December 2021

Solid‐state light‐emitting electrochemical cells (LECs) using sustainable and eco‐friendly materials and affording high brightness, efficiency, and stability are highly desired. Here, intrinsically ionic, thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) materials 1–3 for efficient, bright, and stable LECs are reported. 1–3 feature carbazole‐type donors and cationic triazine‐type acceptors, which are located ortho to each other on the phenyl linkers. Through‐space charge‐transfer (CT) dominates the CT transitions in 1–3. In doped and neat films, 1–3 show blue and green TADF emission, respectively, with reverse intersystem crossing rates at around 7.0 × 105 s−1. 1–3 possess excellent electrochemical stability (except for the oxidation of 1) and film‐forming abilities. LECs using neat films of 1–3 as the single active layers afford green electroluminescence with peak brightness/peak external quantum efficiency (EQE) of up to 572 cd m−2/6.8% under 4.0 V and peak brightness/peak EQE/half‐lifetime of up to 860 cd m−2/5.4%/48 h under 50 A m−2. A longer half‐lifetime of 218 h has further been achieved at 162 cd m−2 under 10 A m−2. The work reveals the bright prospect for the development of efficient, bright, and stable LECs with intrinsically‐ionic TADF materials.
Wafer‐Scale InN/In2S3 Core–Shell Nanorod Array for Ultrafast Self‐Powered Photodetection
Authors: Cao Ben , Liu Qianhu , Zheng Yulin , Tang Xin , Chai Jixing , Ma Shufang , Wang Wenliang , Li Guoqiang
Published: December 2021

Self‐powered photodetectors have paved the way for electronic applications in fields such as civilian communication, infrared mapping, and industrial automatic control. However, most self‐powered photodetectors have faced photoresponse‐speed and device‐scale bottlenecks. Herein, a novel, self‐powered detector with an ultrafast response speed based on a core–shell InN/In2S3 nanorod array is proposed. A wafer‐scale InN/In2S3 nanorod array with good homogeneity is synthesized on Si substrates via a simple two‐step method involving molecular beam epitaxy and chemical vapor deposition. The photodetector device exhibits excellent self‐powered properties and a high current on/off ratio of 5 × 103. Further analyses determined that the device have an excellent photovoltaic responsivity and detectivity of 140 mA·W−1 and 4.0 × 1010 Jones, respectively (0 V). Impressively, the device exhibits an ultrafast photoresponse with a rise/fall time of 22/32 µs. The self‐powered InN/In2S3 photodetector with an ultrafast response speed shows superior potential for electronic applications. The core–shell nanostructure hybrid heterojunction introduces a novel idea for wafer‐scale nano‐photodetectors.
Interfacial and Ionic Modulation of Poly (Ethylene Oxide) Electrolyte Via Localized Iodization to Enable Dendrite‐Free Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Sheng Ouwei , Hu Hualiang , Liu Tiefeng , Ju Zhijin , Lu Gongxun , Liu Yujing , Nai Jianwei , Wang Yao , Zhang Wenkui , Tao Xinyong
Published: December 2021

Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) make contact with highly reductive lithium (Li) metal anodes, forming the interphase that largely determines the battery performance. In this work, trace iodine doping in a poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) electrolyte to achieve a stable interphase on Li metal surface for long battery cycling, is proposed. The triiodide ion (I3−) stemming from iodine additives can coordinate with the COC bond of PEO to enable the increased ionic conductivity of the SPE. The I‐doped interphase contains I3− and IO3−, which spontaneously react with the dead Li and Li2O at the initial interphase to smooth the Li metal surface, eventually leading to significant improvements in interfacial resistance and dendrite suppression. When matching with the LiFePO4 cathode, the full cell exhibits higher capacity (150 mAh g−1) and excellent cycling stability after 300 cycles (capacity retention of 96.5%) at 0.5 C and 50 °C. This work opens up a promising avenue for using halogen to design solid‐state Li metal batteries.
Unraveling the Mechanism of Remote Scavenging Effect at the InP/Al2O3 Interface Induced by Titanium Layer
Authors: Feng Ze , Sun Yong , Sun Yuandong , Chen Xiao , Shen Yang , Huang Rong , Li Zhiyun , Wang Hu , Ding Ding , Peng Yue , Wang Yitong , Jing Meiyi , Lu Feng , Wang Weihua , Cheng Yahui , Cui Yi , Dingsun An , Han Genquan , Liu Hui , Dong Hong
Published: December 2021

Low interface oxide concentration is desired for III‐V semiconductor/high k dielectrics stacks to get high‐performance devices. The remote scavenging effect is observed upon Ti metal deposition on the InP/Al2O3 system, characterized by in situ angle resolved X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry, as well as ex situ cross‐sectional transmission electron microscopy. The mechanism is investigated by O18 tracing. Two mechanisms are proposed for this remote scavenging effect. The impact of this remote scavenging effect is studied by metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) capacitors fabrication and characterization. This work sheds light on InP‐based MOS devices.
Photo‐Adjustable TiO2‐Paper as a Smart Substrate for Paper‐Based Analytical Devices
Authors: He Zhenzhu , Li Sen , Zeng Yi , Zhang Junning , Li Qiwei , Gao Bingbing , Du Xin , Gu Zhongze
Published: December 2021

Microfluidic paper‐based analytical devices (μPADs) are commonly used in point‐of‐care testing (POCT) due to their advantages of low cost and easy operation. However, the fabrication and potential environmental pollution of μPADs are the universal and pendent concerns. In this respect, a simple and novel method is developed for preparing photo‐adjustable μPADs using the photocatalytic properties of TiO2. A superhydrophobic TiO2‐paper substrate with unique photoactivity is fabricated. The flow channels on the superhydrophobic TiO2‐paper substrate can be quickly generated and on‐demand edited by a simple UV irradiation process, to fabricate various 2D and 3D μPADs for specific applications. After usage, the residual organics and biological specimens on μPADs can be easily bleached via TiO2‐assited degradation under UV or sunlight, avoiding the risk of potential environment pollution and disease transmission. The successful application of such novel substrate in the fabrication of smart and safe μPADs for sweat analysis and motion monitoring is shown.
Directional Sweat Transport and Breathable Sandwiched Electrodes for Electrocardiogram Monitoring System
Authors: Huang Haizhou , Wu Nan , Liu Hui , Dong Yide , Han Longxiang , Wan Shu , Dou Guangbin , Sun Litao
Published: December 2021

Device–body interface is significant for acquiring high quality bio‐signals, preventing skin‐irritation, and minimizing the motion artifacts. However, low breathability of the typical substrate used in a flexible electronic device usually deteriorates the stability of device–body interface, which is imperative for long‐term application but commonly disregarded. In paper, a directional sweat transport and breathable electrode with three‐layer sandwiched structure is reported. The top hydrophilic hydrolyzed‐polyacrylonitrile (HPAN) layer and middle hydrophobic thermoplastic‐polyurethane (TPU) layer form Janus structure; and the bottom layer is an electrode layer of Ag nanowires (AgNWs). This dedicatedly designed electrode can transport sweat from skin to the top HPAN layer, while keeping low noise electrocardiogram (ECG) signal detection. In the trial of ECG monitoring, the results show that the electrode can achieve reliable recording with high signal noise rate (SNR) both in calm state (10.5 dB) and sweaty state (10.1 dB) with sweat tolerance. No allergy or obvious SNR degeneration is observed when utilizing the electrode owing to the effective sweat transport away from the device–body interface rather than accumulation. Finally, the application of the anti‐sweat accumulating electrode in wearable electronics is demonstrated.
Band Structure Engineering of WSe2 Homo‐Junction Interfaces via Thickness Control
Authors: Shin June‐Chul , Kim Yeon Ho , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Lee Chul‐Ho , Lee Gwan‐Hyoung
Published: December 2021

Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), one of the 2D semiconductors, such as molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) and tungsten diselenide (WSe2), exhibit novel physical and electronic properties that are useful for electronic and optoelectronic applications. Recently, the van der Waals heterostructures consisting of different 2D materials have been studied actively as various combinations of 2D materials can be fabricated with exceptional performance and physical properties. Nevertheless, study on homo‐junction of the same TMDs layers is lacking. Here, it is demonstrated that a vertical homo‐junction consisting of two WSe2 flakes with different thicknesses shows anti‐ambipolar transport behavior due to a thickness‐induced band offset at the interface. Photo‐response current is generated by tunneling‐mediated interlayer recombination at the WSe2 homo‐junction. The band structures of homo‐junctions of TMDs can be engineered by the thickness, which would be beneficial for understanding transport at the interfaces of 2D materials and developing the next generation devices.
Fluid Microchannel Encapsulation to Improve the Stretchability of Flexible Electronics
Authors: Jin Peng , Wang Peng , Pang Wenbo , Wang Hanchen , Jiao Yang , Zhang Jinsong , Lu Bingwei , Liu Bin , Chen Ying , Ma Yinji , Feng Xue
Published: December 2021

Recently, stretchable inorganic electronic devices are rapidly developed, comprising emerging design strategies and fabrication techniques for assembling high‐performance electronic components in slight, soft, and flexible forms, with broad medical and industrial applications. Although reliable encapsulation plays an indispensable role in offering physical and chemical protection for flexible devices, there are relatively few studies on flexible encapsulation, and conventional encapsulation methods still suffer from low stretchability. Herein, a generic fluid microchannel encapsulation method is proposed, in which the device interconnects are wrapped by ultraminiaturized fluid microchannels, enabling free bucking during deformation to tremendously improve the device stretchability. Experimental analysis and finite element analysis demonstrate the substantial stretchability enhancement for the proposed method in contrast to the conventional method, which can increase by ≈100% for general 2D serpentine interconnects and ≈360% for fractal 2D serpentine interconnects. Additionally, a highly stretchable LED device serves as an example to demonstrate the utility of the proposed method for maintaining such an enormous stretchability improvement at the device level.
Single‐Process 3D‐Printed Triaxial Accelerometer
Authors: Arh Matic , Slavič Janko
Published: December 2021

For thermoplastic material extrusion 3D‐printing functional filaments with electrically conductive, piezoresistive, piezoelectric, capacitive or magnetic properties are developed. The functional filaments result in piezoresisitve static/quasi‐static sensors; however, these 3D‐printed sensors are manufactured in several processes, for example, the creation of highly conductive paths using embedded copper wires or by silver inking. The multi‐process 3D printing of sensors presents an obstacle to smart functional 3D‐printed structures where the sensory element is in situ printed at the location and orientation of use, including the electrical paths. This research introduces a three axial piezoresistive accelerometer where the whole sensor, including highly conductive electrical paths, is printed in the same process of thermoplastic material extrusion. The structural components of the sensor are printed with a non‐conductive polylactide material, the sensory element with a conductive material that has a relatively high resistivity, and the electrical paths with a conductive material that has a relatively low resistivity. As discussed in the manuscript with single‐process sensors, the functional tuning of sensors is as easy as changing the design. The design and manufacturing solutions researched for the triaxial accelerometer can be applied to other 3D‐printed sensors, for example, force sensors and opens up the possibility of a single‐process 3D‐printed smart structure.
Patient‐Derived Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma Organoids as a Platform for Drug Screening
Authors: Li Zhichao , Xu Haibo , Gong Yanqing , Chen Wei , Zhan Yonghao , Yu Lei , Sun Yangyang , Li Aolin , He Shiming , Guan Bao , Wu Yucai , Xiong Gengyan , Fang Dong , He Yuhui , Tang Qi , Yao Lin , Hu Zheng , Mei Hongbing , He Zhisong , Cai Zhiming , Guo Yinglu , Li Xuesong , Zhou Liqun , Huang Weiren
Published: December 2021

Upper tract urothelial carcinomas (UTUCs) are rare entities that are usually diagnosed at advanced stages. Research on UTUC pathobiology and clinical management has been hampered by the lack of models accurately reflecting disease nature and diversity. In this study, a modified organoid culture system is used to generate a library of 25 patient‐derived UTUC organoid lines retaining the histological architectures, marker gene expressions, genomic landscapes, and gene expression profiles of their parental tumors. The study demonstrates that the responses of UTUC organoids to anticancer drugs can be identified and the model supports the exploration of novel treatment strategies. This work proposes a modified protocol for generating patient‐derived UTUC organoid lines that may help elucidate UTUC pathophysiology and assess the responses of these diseases to various drug therapies in personalized medicine.
Probe the Localized Electrochemical Environment Effects and Electrode Reaction Dynamics for Metal Batteries using In Situ 3D Microscopy
Authors: Feng Guangxia , Guo Jiaming , Tian Huajun , Li Zhao , Shi Yaping , Li Xiaoliang , Yang Xu , Mayerich David , Yang Yang , Shan Xiaonan
Published: December 2021

Uncontrollable dendrite growth is closely related to non‐uniform reaction environments. However, there is a lack of understanding and analysis methods to probe the localized electrochemical environment (LEE). Here the effects of the LEE are investigated, including localized ion concentrations, current density, and electric potential, on metal plating/stripping dynamics and dendrite minimization. A novel in situ 3D microscopy technique is developed to image the morphology dynamics and deposition rate of Zn plating/stripping processes on 3D Zn–Mn anodes. Using the in situ 3D microscope, the electrode morphology changes during the reactions are directly imaged and Zn deposition rate maps at different time points are obtained. It is found that reaction kinetics are highly correlated to LEE and electrode morphology. To further quantify the LEE effects, the digital twin technique is employed that allows the accurate calculation of the electrochemical environments, such as localized ion concentrations, current density, and electric potential, which cannot be directly measured from experiments. It is found that the curvature of the 3D electrode surface determines the LEE and significantly influences reaction kinetics. This provides a new strategy to minimize the dendrite formation by designing and optimizing the 3D geometry of the electrode to control the LEE.
Boosting Performance of CsPbI3 Perovskite Solar Cells via the Synergy of Hydroiodic Acid and Deionized Water
Authors: Gao Yu , Xu Wenzhan , He Fang , Fan Tianjie , Cai Wanqing , Zhang Xuan , Wei Guodan
Published: December 2021

It remains challenging to fabricate high‐efficiency all‐inorganic perovskite solar cells (PSCs) at low temperature. Herein, the low‐temperature preparation of high‐efficiency CsPbI3 PSCs using hydroiodic acid (HI) and deionized water (H2O) as additives at synthetic temperature as low as 100 °C is proposed, which is beneficial for constructing even more complicated tandem or flexible solar cells. The additive of HI facilitates CsPbI3 to form a high‐quality and smooth perovskite film at low temperature. The addition of an optimal amount of H2O further induces perovskite growth with larger grains and a smoother surface by the dissolution and recrystallization process in the grain boundary, which can suppress defects‐induced nonradiative recombination. In this scenario, the corresponding device with structure of ITO/PEDOT:PSS/CsPbI3/PC61BM/Ag exhibits a high power conversion efficiency of 11.41% and the fill factor is increased from 62% to about 69%, compared with device based on CsPbI3 film without extra H2O treatment. The appropriate amount of H2O promotes the high‐quality multigrain growth of the CsPbI3 film and reduces the internal defects, contributing to a significant improved charge collection efficiency. Therefore, this research work has paved a significant way to improving the quality of the all‐inorganic perovskite film for highly efficient solar cells.
NAC062 acts as an upstream regulator of NAC103 under endoplasmic reticulum stress
Authors: Yang Zheng‐Ting , Guo Zi‐Qiang , Wang Shun‐Sha , An Yin , Fan Si‐Xian , Jian Yan , Li Kun , Yi Yin
Published: December 2021

Environmental stresses may trigger the accumulation of unfolded or misfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), thus leading to ER stress in plants. Endoplasmic reticulum stress, harmful to plant growth, can be alleviated by upregulating unfolded protein response (UPR) initiated by transcription factors. NAC062 and NAC103, as reported in previous studies, both play significant roles in upregulating UPR genes to promote cell survival under ER stress in Arabidopsis. It is still unclear, however, which one of them acts as an upstream regulator in the ER stress pathway. Results of the current study demonstrated that NAC062 acts as an upstream regulator to directly regulate the expression of NAC103 to mediate ER stress in mouse‐ear cress [Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh]. The expression of NAC103 is upregulated by the overexpression of NAC062D (the nuclear localization form of NAC062). Through subsequent dual‐luciferase reporter assay and yeast one‐hybrid (YIH) assay, NAC062D was found directly bound to the NAC103 promoter. The results of real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) showed that NAC062 and NAC103 are both upregulated in biotic stress (jasmonic acid [JA] treatment) and abiotic stress (such as salt stress, oxidation stress, and cold stress) pathways. Studying the relationship between NAC062 and NAC103 is beneficial to understand their function in biotic and abiotic stress pathways, so as to enhance plants tolerance under environmental stresses.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging‐Based Tracking and Navigation of Submillimeter‐Scale Wireless Magnetic Robots
Authors: Tiryaki Mehmet Efe , Sitti Metin
Published: December 2021

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners have recently been used for magnetic actuation of robots for minimally invasive medical operations. Due to MRI's high soft‐tissue selectivity, it is possible to obtain 3D images of hard‐to‐reach cavities in the human body, where the wireless miniature magnetic robots powered by MRI could be employed for high‐precision targeted operations, such as drug delivery, stem cell therapy, and hyperthermia. However, the state‐of‐the‐art fast magnetic robot‐tracking methods in MRI are limited above millimeter‐size scale, which restricts the potential target regions inside the human body. Herein, a fast 1D projection‐based MRI approach that can track magnetic particles down to 300 μm diameter (1.17 × 10−2 emu) is reported. The technique reduces the trackable magnetic particle size in MRI‐powered navigation fivefold compared with the previous fast‐tracking methods. A closed‐loop MRI‐powered navigation with 0.78 ± 0.03 mm trajectory‐following accuracy in millimeter‐sized in vitro 2D channels and a 3D cavity setup using the tracking method is demonstrated. Furthermore, the feasibility of submillimeter magnetic robot tracking in ex vivo pig kidneys (N = 2) with a 3.6 ± 1.1 mm accuracy is demonstrated. Such a fast submillimeter‐scale mobile robot‐tracking approach can unlock new opportunities in minimally invasive medical operations.
Optical Sorting of a Plasmonic or Dielectric or Chiral Mie Object Using a Single Metasurface
Authors: Safkat Kazi , Rahim Masudur , Mahdy M.R.C.
Published: December 2021

Identifying an object, be it of dielectric or plasmonic or chiral nature, by only using light beam is familiarized as optical sorting. As far as is known, a single optical setup is not reported so far, where these three different kinds of Mie sized particles can exhibit completely distinct behaviors. Chemical‐based sorting of these various types of particles is still considered as a notable industrial problem due to the use of very expensive chemicals. This work presents a novel all‐optical technique to distinguish classes of nanoscale Mie objects by separately placing them over a metasurface consisting of double‐lined gold nanostructures. The proposed setup promotes an effective on‐chip material‐based optical sorting of silica (a dielectric object), gold (a plasmonic object), and chiral nanospheres by generating a dual surface plasmon polariton (SPP) energized plasmonic complex field, which induces fully different behaviors in Mie scatterers having dissimilar material properties. For instance, when simple plane wave is imposed underneath the metasurface, plasmonic object experiences the counterintuitive optical pulling force, dielectric object experiences pushing force, whereas the chiral object experiences optical lateral force. The proposed optical setup may introduce a new method of all‐optical sorting without using chemicals or costly materials.
Artificial muscle like behavior of polypyrrole polyethylene oxide independent of applied potential ranges
Authors: Kiefer Rudolf , Le Quoc Bao , Velmurugan Bharath Kumar , Otero Toribio F.
Published: December 2021

The development of artificial muscles replicating natural muscles is envisaged for the construction of soft devices and robots working at low voltages. Here we present the parallel electrosynthesis, characterization, and isometric and isotonic study of Electro‐Chemo‐Mechanical‐Deformations from polypyrrole doped with dodecylbenzenesulfonate (DBS−) with addition of 10 wt.% polyethylene oxide (PEO) forming PPy‐PEO/DBS films and PPy/DBS films. They were submitted to potential cycling or consecutive potential steps (0.0025 Hz–0.1 Hz) using different potential ranges (0.8 to −0.4 V, 0.65 to −0.6 V and ±1.0 V) in a solution of bis(trifluoromethane) sulfonimide lithium in propylene carbonate (LiTFSI‐PC). The PPy‐PEO/DBS linear films showed anion‐driven actuation while PPy/DBS revealed mixed ion (cation and anion) actuation. The PPy‐PEO/DBS film samples present the higher strain range of 20% (stress over 1 MPa) with 2 times higher strain and stress variations than the PPy/DBS films. The potential range 0.8 to −0.4 V showed best results for PPy‐PEO/DBS in long‐term cycling stability up to 1000 cycles of 4.2% strain and 0.35 MPa stress, suitable for artificial muscle like applications. Material characterization considered before and after actuation cycles was made with scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray, and Raman spectroscopy.
Highly selective synthesis of primary amines from amide over Ru‐Nb2O5 catalysts
Authors: Guo Wanjun , Xia Qineng , Jia Hongyan , Guo Yong , Liu Xiaohui , Pan Hu , Wang Yangang , Wang Yanqin
Published: December 2021

Amines are an important class of compounds in natural products and medicines. The universal availability of amides provides a potential way for the synthesis of amines. Herein, Ru/Nb2O5 catalyst is demonstrated to be highly efficient and stable for the selective hydrogenation of propionamide to propylamine (as a model reaction), with up to 91.4% yield of propylamine under relatively mild conditions. Results from XPS analyses, CO chemisorption, TEM images and DRIFTS spectra revealed that the unique properties of Nb2O5 can effectively activate the C=O group of amides, and the smaller Ru particles on Nb2O5 could further promote the activation, leading to superior catalytic performance of Ru/Nb2O5 for amide hydrogenation. Meanwhile, reducing the surface acidity of Nb2O5 can greatly inhibit the side reactions to by‐products, and further enhance the selectivity to amine. Moreover, this catalytic system is also applicable for the hydrogenation of a variety of amides and provides high potential for the industrial production of primary amines from amides.
Absorption, metabolism, and pharmacokinetic profile of xanthohumol in rats as determined via UPLC‐MS/MS
Authors: Bai Huan‐Huan , Xia Tian‐Shuang , Jiang Yi‐Ping , Xu Wu‐Mu , Xu Ping‐Cui , Wang Na‐Ni , Gou Xiao‐Jun , Xin Hai‐Liang
Published: December 2021

Xanthohumol, a natural isoflavone from Humulus lupulus L., possesses biological activities. However, the biological fate of xanthohumol in vivo remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the absorption and metabolism of xanthohumol in rats through UPLC‐MS/MS. The plasma, urine and fecal samples were collected after oral administration of xanthohumol (25, 50, 100 mg/kg) in SD rats. The contents of xanthohumol and its metabolites were determined by UPLC‐MS/MS. A total of 6 metabolites of xanthohumol were identified in rats, including methylated, glucuronidated, acid‐catalyzed cyclization and oxidation, indicating xanthohumol underwent phase I and II metabolism. Besides, isoxanthohumol was the major metabolites of xanthohumol. Xanthohumol was rapidly absorbed, metabolized, and eliminated in rats. The pharmacokinetics results showed the Tmax of xanthohumol and isoxanthohumol were 3 and 2.33 h, respectively. The AUC0−t of xanthohumol and isoxanthohumol were 138.83 ± 6.03 and 38.77 ± 4.46 ng/ml·h, respectively. Furthermore, xanthohumol was mainly excreted in the form of prototype through feces and a small amount of xanthohumol was excreted through urine. These results illustrated the absorption, metabolism, and pharmacokinetics process of xanthohumol in rats, and provided a reference for the further rational applications.