bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Insecticide-treated Bed Nets on Parity and Malaria Sporozoite Infectivity of Anopheles Species in Kamuli District, Uganda
Authors: Kabbale Fredrick G. , Akol Anne M. , Baptist Kaddu J. , Onapa Ambrose W.
Published: March 2020

Background: The main objective of treating bed nets with insecticides is to affect the mean longevity of the main vector population, and consequently the vector density and sporozoite rates.

Objective: This study aimed at establishing the impact of insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) on the longevity and ability to transmit malaria sporozoites by the vector species as an assessment of effectiveness of the ITN intervention in Kamuli district, Uganda.

Methods: Indoor human-biting mosquitoes were trapped in three randomly selected houses in two separate nights using battery-operated CDC light traps in both intervention (with ITNs) and non-intervention villages (without ITNs). The female anophelines were dissected and their parity rates and Plasmodium falciparum sporozoite positivity compared between the two zones. A sporozoite Enzyme-Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay, ELISA, was used to detect the presence of P. falciparum sporozoites in the parous vectors in both zones.

The parity and P. falciparum sporozoite infectivity were compared between the two zones using the Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test of the R-Statistics software.

Results: Out of the 166 Anopheles mosquitoes dissected, 37.3% (19 out of 51) and 53.9% (62 out of 115) were parous in the intervention and non-intervention zones, respectively, indicating that parity of the mosquitoes was higher in the non-intervention (p = 0.005). Infectivity of the vectors in the non-intervention exceeded that in the intervention zone (p = 0.032), with active sporozoite transmission observed before and after bed time in the non-intervention zone.

Conclusion: Results showed that ITNs had impacted on the survival and consequently the density of the older malaria vectors, and on their ability to transmit Plasmodium sporozoites. This calls for intensification of use of this effective malaria control strategy, coupled with behavioural change communications strategy to promote correct use, as well as use of other interventions like repellents to provide additional protection especially before and after bed time.
Perceptions of Risk of Contracting HIV among Married Men and Women in Zambia
Authors: Thankian Kusanthan , Mwaba Sidney O. C. , Menon Anitha J.
Published: March 2020

This study explored the perceived risk of contracting HIV among the currently married men and women in Zambia. The analysis was carried out on data from the latest Zambia Demographic Health Survey (2014). Results indicated that 48% of the currently married women, and 61% of the currently married men reported low perceived risk for contracting HIV. The results also indicate that age, place of residence, wealth status, having had sex with three or more partners for the last 12 months, drinking alcohol and condom use were associated with high risk perception of contracting HIV for men. Women who had three or more sexual partners during the last 12 months were 1.5 times more likely to perceive high risk for contracting HIV than those who had less than three partners. Among the males, those who had sex with three or more sexual partners were 1.7 times more likely to perceive being at high risk for contracting HIV than those who had sex with less than three partners. Respondents from the higher socio-economic group were 1.3 times more likely to report low risk of contracting HIV as compared to those from middle and lower socio-economic group. These findings suggest that behaviour change campaigns encouraging married men and women to accurately assess their personal risk of contracting HIV should be complemented with targeted awareness messages emphasizing the positive attributes of using condom.
Assessments of Quality Index of River Getsi Irrigation Water in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria
Authors: Jamila T. S. , Sule S. Y.
Published: March 2020

The growing problem of water scarcity and absolute constraint in availability of fresh water for irrigation has made the use of waste water necessary for irrigation of agricultural fields. This practice represents an important route for transmission of heavy metals toxicity and pathogens that are of public health and environmental concern. The aim of this study was to assess the water quality index of river Getsi irrigation water in Kano metropolis and substantiate the suitability of the water for a safer irrigation. Results of this experiment have shown a mean biological oxygen demand of 80.43 mg/l, total dissolved solid of 20.63 mg, higher concentration of chromium (8.23 mg/l), and a statistically significant moderate relationship between electrical conductivity and total dissolved solid in the water (r = 0.556, p = 0.037 at 95% CI) using a Kendall's tau correlation statistics. It is concluded that, river Getsi is not unsafe for irrigational practices as the water indices were within recommended ranges, while the heavy metals were above and possible contamination may occur at a point in time. It is therefore recommended that, farmers should be educated on the need and importance of assessing the water quality before embarking on irrigational practices.
Direct Detection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococci: Comparison of Phenotypic Methods with Multiplex PCR and Direct Susceptibility Testing
Authors: Bashir Lenah , Nissar Yawar , Wani Nayeem U Din , Fomda Bashir A.
Published: March 2020

Bloodstream infections are augean diseases characterized by a high morbidity and mortality, related with the lag in administration of the first adequate anti-infectious agent. Clinical and epidemiological data guide the clinicians towards empirical anti-infectious treatments whose effectualness remains questionable especially in the present day milieu of multidrug-resistant organisms. Early microbiological evidence of the causative agent is hierophantic of antimicrobial stewardship. We evaluated three rapid methods for the direct identification of S. aureus from 720 positive blood cultures in comparison to Vitek 2 automated microbial identification system. Early distinction S. aureus from CoNS was attempted with Direct Tube Coagulase. Multiplex PCR assay was used to separate MRSA from MSSA by the presence of mecA gene. Direct antibiotic susceptibility (DST) from positive blood culture bottles was performed in an endeavour to reduce time and compared to the routine Vitek 2 compact antimicrobial susceptibility. For Direct tube coagulase at 4 hrs of incubation sensitivity was 79.6% while specificity was 100% however, on overnight incubation sensitivity increased to 97.9% with 100% specificity. The positive predictive value and negative predictive values were 100% and 96.9% respectively when compared to Vitek 2 identification of staphylococcal species. By DST Categorical agreement of 95% was seen for coagulase negative staphylococci microorganism-antibiotic combinations. Categorical agreement of 89.7% was seen for S. aureus microorganism-antibiotic combinations. Direct multiplex PCR testing did not misidentify any S. aureus isolate compared to Vitek 2. In 12 methicillin resistant CoNS isolates mecA gene was not detected by PCR. In total 13(3.5%) strains of staphylococci identified by DST as methicillin resistant were not identified by PCR analysis. Each of the tests has positive qualities and all may have a place in a Gram positive cocci algorithm for testing blood cultures depending on the laboratory setting, workload volume and staffing. However, rapid detection methods are a pressing priority.
Estimation of Phytochemical in Yam Flours and Sensory Attribute of Poundo Yam Produced from Yam and Moringa oleifera Seed Meal Blends
Authors: Kanu N. A. , Kingsley T. L.
Published: March 2020

The sensory characteristic can be quantified and defined by the use of the descriptive profile. A different cultivar of yam can be used for the production of poundo yam. The standard of a product is determined by the evaluation and its acceptability by a taste panelist. Four cultivars of yam; Dioscorea alata, Dioscorea cayenensis, Dioscorea rotundata and Dioscorea bulbifera were sourced and processed into flour. Moringa seed oleifera was defatted and the cake was blended at a different concentration of 5% and 10% with the yam flour. The qualitative phytochemical investigation of the yam flour and Moringa oleifera seed revealed the presence of, alkaloids, steroids, terpenoid oxalate, anthraquinone, phenol, saponins, tannins and flavonoids. Quantitative analysis showed that among the control samples Dioscorea alata (DAC), Dioscorea Dioscorea bulbifera (DBC), cayenensis (DCC) and Dioscorea rotundata (DRC). DRC and DAC have the highest values in the total phenol and total flavonoids. Dioscorea cayenensis recorded the highest value in steroid and saponin content. The flavonoids, steroid and terpenoid were improved by the inclusion of moringa seed meal at 5% and 10%. The result of the sensory analysis revealed that panellist preferred DRC in term of moldability, texture, taste and general acceptability. However, the samples with moringa seed meal at 5% and 10% inclusion compete favourably with the control samples. The inclusion of Moringa oleifera seed meal at 10% improved the pounded yam and was more accepted than the 5% in term of general acceptability.
C-reactive Protein is an Independent Predictor of Left Ventricular Mass in Offspring of Hypertensive Subjects in Nigeria
Authors: Akinlade O. M. , Akintunde A. A. , Akinlade F. T. , Adeyemi O. A. , Akande J. O. , Ayoola Y. A. , Opadijo O. G. , Omotoso A. B. O.
Published: March 2020

Offspring of hypertensive parents have been shown to be at increased risk of developing systemic hypertension and adverse cardiovascular events later in life. The pathological antecedents of this are thought to be alterations in the structure and function of left ventricle. However, it is currently unclear if these abnormalities are due to genetic factors or a result of higher biomarker levels such as highly sensitive C reactive protein (hsCRP). An improved understanding of the associations of hsCRP with left ventricular structure may offer additional insight. Therefore, this study aims at determining the correlation of left ventricular mass with hsCRP among offspring of hypertensive parents compared with controls.

Methodology: A cross sectional Hospital based study, with 100 subjects and 100 controls. A questionnaire was administered to obtain relevant history, physical examination, blood tests, ECG, Echocardiography were done for the two groups. The results were analysed using SPSS 20.  Results: The left ventricular mass and mass index was significantly elevated in the subjects compared with the control group. The median hsCRP was significantly higher in the subjects [1.85 (0.28-10.20) vs. 1.34 (0.17-8.49) mg/L: P < 0.010]. It progressively increases significantly as the number of parent with hypertension increases [1.34 (0.17-8.49), 2.00(0.28-9.66) and 2.54(0.91-10.20) mg/L P < 0.001] from zero, to single and both parent respectively. There was a significant correlation between hsCRP levels, blood pressure, left ventricular mass and left ventricular mass index (R = 0.165, 0.316, 0.274: P = 0.021, 0.004, 0.014) respectively.

Conclusion: The study shows that offspring of hypertensive parents had higher echocardiographic left ventricular mass, left ventricular mass index and hsCRP levels compared with controls and this hsCRP increases as the number of parents with hypertension increases. Blood pressure and left ventricular mass index increase with increasing Plasma hsCRP: This may suggest possible role of hsCRP in the development of hypertension and cardiac remodeling.
A Study of the Effect of Back Grind Wheels on Wafer Edge Chippings and Die Strength
Authors: Bacquian Bryan Christian S.
Published: March 2020

The drive for thinner package architecture is already becoming a necessity. There were a need of thinner Integrated Circuit or IC in order to fit in to thinner applications like mobile phones. One of the major semiconductor process that enables miniaturization was wafer back grinding. The process involves wafer thinning to a required thickness with the use of back grinding wheels that serve as the abrasive material. The paper will discuss the effect of back grind input parameters like step grinding and wheel grit size to its output characteristics like total thickness variation, edge chippings and die strength. Total thickness variation will define if the new wheel will not affect the variation with the wafer. On the other hand, edge chippings and die strength will define the reliability of the die on different conditions of the package. Lastly, these 3 characteristics will establish the manufacturability of the process as it will eliminate the probability of wafer breakage.
Long noncoding RNA SLC2A1‐AS1 regulates aerobic glycolysis and progression in hepatocellular carcinoma via inhibiting the STAT3/FOXM1/GLUT1 pathway
Authors: Shang Runze , Wang Miao , Dai Bin , Du Jianbing , Wang Jianlin , Liu Zekun , Qu Shibin , Yang Xisheng , Liu Jingjing , Xia Congcong , Wang Lin , Wang Desheng , Li Yu
Published: March 2020

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most lethal malignant diseases worldwide. Despite advances in the diagnosis and treatment of HCC, its overall prognosis remains poor. Recent studies have shown that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play crucial roles in various pathophysiological processes, including liver cancer. In the current study, we report that lncRNA SLC2A1‐AS1 is frequently downregulated in HCC samples, as shown by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis. SLC2A1‐AS1 deletion is significantly associated with recurrence‐free survival in HCC. By performing glucose uptake, lactate production and ATP detection assays, we found that SLC2A1‐AS1‐mediated glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) downregulation significantly suppressed glycolysis of HCC. In vitro Cell Counting Kit‐8, colony formation, transwell assays as well as in vivo tumorigenesis and metastasis assays showed that SLC2A1‐AS1 overexpression significantly suppressed proliferation and metastasis in HCC through the transcriptional inhibition of GLUT1. Results from fluorescence in situ hybridization, ChIP and luciferase reporter assays demonstrated that SLC2A1‐AS1 exerts its regulatory role on GLUT1 by competitively binding to transketolase and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and inhibits the transactivation of Forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) via STAT3, thus resulting in inactivation of the FOXM1/GLUT1 axis in HCC cells. Our findings will be helpful for understanding the function and mechanism of lncRNA in HCC. These data also highlight the crucial role of SLC2A1‐AS1 in HCC aerobic glycolysis and progression and pave the way for further research regarding the potential of SLC2A1‐AS1 as a valuable predictive biomarker for HCC recurrence.
Long noncoding RNA LINC00115 promotes breast cancer metastasis by inhibiting miR‐7
Authors: Yuan Chunlei , Luo Xuliang , Duan Sijia , Guo Liangyun
Published: March 2020

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer‐related deaths in women. The long noncoding RNA LINC00115 has been reported to be involved in the poor outcome of patients with breast cancer, but the biological function and underlying mechanism remain unclear. Here, we report that LINC00115 expression is increased in triple‐negative breast cancer tissue compared with matched normal tissue, and LINC00115 knockdown suppresses breast cancer cell migration and invasion. Furthermore, we show that LINC00115 directly targets miR‐7 and inhibits its expression. LINC00115 also reduces the expression of KLF4, which is a direct target of miR‐7 and is involved in breast cancer metastasis. Together, our findings suggest that LINC00115 promotes breast cancer metastasis through modulating the expression of miR‐7 and KLF4.
G
eodermatophilus
Authors: Montero‐Calasanz Maria del Carmen
Published: March 2020

Ge.o.der.ma.to.phi'lus. Gr. fem. n.
ge
earth; Gr. neut. n.
derma
,
atos
skin; Gr. masc. adj.
philos
loving; N.L. masc. n.
Geodermatophilus
a group of microorganisms that live in the soil, yet that love the skin, by analogy to the genus
Dermatophilus
, the actinobacterial genus causing a skin disease, that has similar morphological features.

Actinobacteria / Actinobacteria / Geodermatophilales / Geodermatophilaceae / Geodermatophilus

Gram‐reaction‐positive, aerobic, and pleomorphic cells with a tendency to form cauliflower‐like aggregates (multilocular sporangia). Zoospores are present. Reproduction by both bipartition and budding. It is also frequent to observe color switch from light red to dark colors at maturity. Mesophiles. Neutrophiles to moderate alkaliphiles. Grow well on glucose–yeast extract–malt extract (GYM)
Streptomyces
agar. The peptidoglycan contains
meso
‐diamonopimelic acid. The predominant menaquinone is MK‐9(H
4
). The polar lipid profile always involves diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylinositol, and an unidentified glycolipid. The major cellular fatty acids are iso‐C
16:0
and iso‐C
15:0
. The whole‐cell sugar pattern frequently includes ribose, mannose, glucose, and galactose. Member of the class
Actinobacteria
, order
Geodermatophilales
, and family
Geodermatophilaceae
. Representatives are frequently found in dry soils. Well known by their high tolerance to oxidative stress.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 74.0–76.0 (genome analysis).

Type species
:
Geodermatophilus obscurus
Luedemann 1968
AL
, emend. Montero‐Calasanz et al. 2017.
Bottom‐Up Synthesis of Advanced Carbonaceous Anode Materials Containing Sulfur for Na‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Tzadikov Jonathan , Levy Natasha Ronith , Abisdris Liel , Cohen Reut , Weitman Michal , Kaminker Ilia , Goldbourt Amir , Ein‐Eli Yair , Shalom Menny
Published: March 2020

The fabrication of sulfur‐containing carbonaceous anode materials (CS) that show exceptional activity as anode material in Na‐ions batteries is reported. To do so, a general and straightforward bottom‐up synthesis of CS materials with precise control over the sulfur content and functionality is introduced. The new synthetic path combined with a detailed structural analysis and electrochemical studies provide correlations between i) the sulfur content and chemical species and ii) the structural, electronic, and electrochemical performance of the associated materials. As a result, the new CS substances demonstrate excellent activity as Na‐ion battery anode materials, reaching capacity values above 500 mAh g−1 at a current density of 0.1 A g−1, as well as high reversible sodium storage capabilities and excellent cycling durability. The results reveal the underlying working principles of carbonaceous materials, alongside the storage mechanism of the Na+ ions in these advanced sodium‐ion battery anode materials and provide a new avenue for their practical realization.
TFT Channel Materials for Display Applications: From Amorphous Silicon to Transition Metal Dichalcogenides
Authors: Shim Gi Woong , Hong Woonggi , Cha Jun‐Hwe , Park Jung Hwan , Lee Keon Jae , Choi Sung‐Yool
Published: March 2020

As the need for super‐high‐resolution displays with various form factors has increased, it has become necessary to produce high‐performance thin‐film transistors (TFTs) that enable faster switching and higher current driving of each pixel in the display. Over the past few decades, hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a‐Si:H) has been widely utilized as a TFT channel material. More recently, to meet the requirement of new types of displays such as organic light‐emitting diode displays, and also to overcome the performance and reliability issues of a‐Si:H, low‐temperature polycrystalline silicon and amorphous oxide semiconductors have partly replaced a‐Si:H channel materials. Basic material properties and device structures of TFTs in commercial displays are explored, and then the potential of atomically thin layered transition metal dichalcogenides as next‐generation channel materials is discussed.
Aggregation‐Induced Circularly Polarized Luminescence: Chiral Organic Materials for Emerging Optical Technologies
Authors: Nitti Andrea , Pasini Dario
Published: March 2020

Chirality is becoming increasingly important in the design of organic materials with functional properties, when bulk anisotropy is needed. In the past decades, a plethora of chiral organic materials have been studied and developed. Nanostructures have brought substantial advancement to the realization of organic‐molecule‐based devices, and the possibilities for solid‐state light emission are very promising in view of potential applications. Scientific approaches to the realization of chiral emissive materials are indeed growing exponentially. The chiral nanostructures discussed are related both to the way in which luminescence is generated and the way in which it is detected. As to the former, the focus will be on organic chromophores with aggregation‐induced emission properties, so that emission is present, or at least largely amplified, when the molecules are in the aggregated state. As to the latter, the focus will be on the ability and a quantitative comparison of organic nanostructures capable of circularly polarized emission.
What Happens during Thermal Post‐Treatment of Powder Aerosol Deposited Functional Ceramic Films? Explanations Based on an Experiment‐Enhanced Literature Survey
Authors: Exner Jörg , Nazarenus Tobias , Hanft Dominik , Kita Jaroslaw , Moos Ralf
Published: March 2020

Powder aerosol deposition (PAD) is a unique ceramic spray coating method that produces dense and well‐adhering thick‐films directly at room temperature, without requiring any heating or sintering. After the successful film formation, mechanical film properties like hardness or plasma resistance are remarkably good. However, when it comes to electrical properties like permittivity or electrical conductivity, the nanocrystalline structure of PAD films combined with high internal strains deteriorates partly the characteristic properties. The electrical conductivity may already be present within the as‐deposited films. However, it is mostly lowered by several orders of magnitude. Therefore, a thermal post‐deposition annealing is oftentimes required. In this work, electrically conducting films produced by powder aerosol deposition are surveyed based on published data. Their microstructural and electrical behavior during the post‐deposition annealing treatment is summarized and reasons for the lowered electrical conductivity are identified. Additionally, the processes taking place during annealing, which eventually allow to regain bulk‐like functional properties, are examined. A universal annealing behavior is found that leads to a quantitative recommendation for the suitable film annealing temperatures to regain the electrical conductivities.
Laser‐Induced Graphene for Electrothermally Controlled, Mechanically Guided, 3D Assembly and Human–Soft Actuators Interaction
Authors: Ling Yun , Pang Wenbo , Li Xiaopeng , Goswami Shivam , Xu Zheng , Stroman David , Liu Yachao , Fei Qihui , Xu Yadong , Zhao Ganggang , Sun Bohan , Xie Jingwei , Huang Guoliang , Zhang Yihui , Yan Zheng
Published: March 2020

Mechanically guided, 3D assembly has attracted broad interests, owing to its compatibility with planar fabrication techniques and applicability to a diversity of geometries and length scales. Its further development requires the capability of on‐demand reversible shape reconfigurations, desirable for many emerging applications (e.g., responsive metamaterials, soft robotics). Here, the design, fabrication, and modeling of soft electrothermal actuators based on laser‐induced graphene (LIG) are reported and their applications in mechanically guided 3D assembly and human–soft actuators interaction are explored. Over 20 complex 3D architectures are fabricated, including reconfigurable structures that can reshape among three distinct geometries. Also, the structures capable of maintaining 3D shapes at room temperature without the need for any actuation are realized by fabricating LIG actuators at an elevated temperature. Finite element analysis can quantitatively capture key aspects that govern electrothermally controlled shape transformations, thereby providing a reliable tool for rapid design optimization. Furthermore, their applications are explored in human–soft actuators interaction, including elastic metamaterials with human gesture‐controlled bandgap behaviors and soft robotic fingers which can measure electrocardiogram from humans in an on‐demand fashion. Other demonstrations include artificial muscles, which can lift masses that are about 110 times of their weights and biomimetic frog tongues which can prey insects.
A Multifunctional Electronic Skin Empowered with Damage Mapping and Autonomic Acceleration of Self‐Healing in Designated Locations
Authors: Khatib Muhammad , Zohar Orr , Saliba Walaa , Haick Hossam
Published: March 2020

Integrating self‐healing capabilities into soft electronic devices and sensors is important for increasing their reliability, longevity, and sustainability. Although some advances in self‐healing soft electronics have been made, many challenges have been hindering their integration in digital electronics and their use in real‐world conditions. Herein, an electronic skin (e‐skin) with high sensing performance toward temperature, pressure, and pH levels—both at ambient and/or in underwater conditions is reported. The e‐skin is empowered with a novel self‐repair capability that consists of an intrinsic mechanism for efficient self‐healing of small‐scale damages as well as an extrinsic mechanism for damage mapping and on‐demand self‐healing of big‐scale damages in designated locations. The overall design is based on a multilayered structure that integrates a neuron‐like nanostructured network for self‐monitoring and damage detection and an array of electrical heaters for selective self‐repair. This system has significantly enhanced self‐healing capabilities; for example, it can decrease the healing time of microscratches from 24 h to 30 s. The electronic platform lays down the foundation for the development of a new subcategory of self‐healing devices in which electronic circuit design is used for self‐monitoring, healing, and restoring proper device function.
A Flexible Ceramic/Polymer Hybrid Solid Electrolyte for Solid‐State Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Pan Kecheng , Zhang Lan , Qian Weiwei , Wu Xiangkun , Dong Kun , Zhang Haitao , Zhang Suojiang
Published: March 2020

Ceramic/polymer hybrid solid electrolytes (HSEs) have attracted worldwide attentions because they can overcome defects by combining the advantages of ceramic electrolytes (CEs) and solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs). However, the interface compatibility of CEs and SPEs in HSE limits their full function to a great extent. Herein, a flexible ceramic/polymer HSE is prepared via in situ coupling reaction. Ceramic and polymer are closely combined by strong chemical bonds, thus the problem of interface compatibility is resolved and the ions can transport rapidly by an expressway. The as‐prepared membrane demonstrates an ionic conductivity of 9.83 × 10−4 S cm−1 at room temperature and a high Li+ transference numbers of 0.68. This in situ coupling reaction method provides an effective way to resolve the problem of interface compatibility.
Blueprinting Photothermal Shape‐Morphing of Liquid Crystal Elastomers
Authors: Kuenstler Alexa S. , Chen Yuzhen , Bui Phuong , Kim Hyunki , DeSimone Antonio , Jin Lihua , Hayward Ryan C.
Published: March 2020

Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) are an attractive platform for dynamic shape‐morphing due to their ability to rapidly undergo large deformations. While recent work has focused on patterning the director orientation field to achieve desired target shapes, this strategy cannot be generalized to material systems where high‐resolution surface alignment is impractical. Instead of programming the local orientation of anisotropic deformation, an alternative strategy for prescribed shape‐morphing by programming the magnitude of stretch ratio in a thin LCE sheet with constant director orientation is developed here. By spatially patterning the concentration of gold nanoparticles, uniform illumination leads to gradients in photothermal heat generation and therefore spatially nonuniform deformation profiles that drive out‐of‐plane buckling of planar films into predictable 3D shapes. Experimentally realized shapes are shown to agree closely with both finite element simulations and geometric predictions for systems with unidirectional variation in deformation magnitude. Finally, the possibility to achieve complex oscillatory motion driven by uniform illumination of a free‐standing patterned sheet is demonstrated.
Continuous Directional Water Transport on Integrating Tapered Surfaces
Authors: Feng Shile , Wang Qianqian , Xing Yan , Hou Yongping , Zheng Yongmei
Published: March 2020

Controllable directional transport of droplets is ubiquitous in nature and essential in many practical applications, which is based on disparity of physical structures and surface energy. Despite vast innovations in liquid transport strategies to generate liquid transport at a wide spectrum and various scales, the transport distance is limited due to the drawback of unwanted pinning of contact lines. Here, a continuous, directional, and long‐range transport system of fog droplets on integrating tapered surface inspired by spider silk and butterfly wing is reported. A new phenomenon occurs at the joint of integrating tapered surface: liquid film switches periodically between convex‐continuous and concave‐intermittent, which promotes the rapid surface reconstruction and fog droplet collection. The transport dynamics of fog droplets and rapid surface reconstruction facilitate highly effective water harvesting task.
High‐Accuracy Photoplethysmography Array Using Near‐Infrared Organic Photodiodes with Ultralow Dark Current
Authors: Simone Giulio , Tordera Daniel , Delvitto Ezequiel , Peeters Bart , van Breemen Albert J. J. M. , Meskers Stefan C. J. , Janssen René A. J. , Gelinck Gerwin H.
Published: March 2020

Reflectance oximeters based on organic photodiode (OPD) arrays offer the potential to map blood pulsation and oxygenation via photoplethysmography (PPG) over a large area and beyond the traditional sensing locations. Here, an organic reflectance PPG array based on 16 × 16 OPD pixels is developed. The individual pixels exhibit near‐infrared sensitivity up to ≈950 nm and low dark current density in the order of 10−6 mA cm−2. This results in high‐quality PPG signals. Analysis of the full PPG waveform yields insight on the artery stiffness and the quality of blood circulation, demonstrating the potential of these arrays beyond pulse oximetry and heart‐rate calculation.
Flexible but Mechanically Robust Hazy Quantum Dot/Glass Fiber Reinforced Film for Efficiently Luminescent Surface Light Source
Authors: Lee Hyunhwan , Kim Yun Hyeok , Lim Young‐Woo , Jang Junho , Kang Seung‐Mo , Bae Byeong‐Soo
Published: March 2020

Color conversion films with haze have aroused interest for use in surface light sources for display and lighting applications. Surface patterning or addition of light scattering particles to the color‐conversion film induces haze and consequently, improves the photoluminescence (PL) extraction. Herein, a CdSe/CdZnS quantum dots (QDs)‐embedded glass fiber reinforced siloxane hybrid (QD‐GFRH) film with high haze value is demonstrated, originating from refractive index mismatch between glass fiber and methacrylate‐phenyl functionalized siloxane matrix. The hazy QD‐GFRH film shows a twofold improvement in PL extraction, as well as robust mechanical properties, such as low thermal expansion (13 × 10−6 K−1) and high deformation resistance (E = 11.8 GPa), compared to conventional polymers. Because QDs are chemically dispersed inside the film by covalent crosslinking with siloxane matrix, the QD‐GFRH film exhibits long‐term (30 days) thermal and chemical stability against heat and moisture conditions [85 °C/5% relative humidity (RH), and 85 °C/85% RH]. Furthermore, the yellow photoemissive QD‐GFRH film, with a smooth surface and large scale (A4 size, 210 mm × 297 mm size), is applied as a color‐conversion film on a blue light‐emitting diode and it covers a large color gamut (107% relative to National Television System Committee).
Immunostimulatory TLR7 Agonist‐Nanoparticles Together with Checkpoint Blockade for Effective Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Huang Ching‐Hsin , Mendez Natalie , Echeagaray Oscar Hernandez , Weeks Joi , Wang James , Yao Shiyin , Blair Sarah L. , Gude Natalie , Trogler William C. , Carson Dennis A. , Hayashi Tomoko , Kummel Andrew C.
Published: March 2020

Mono‐ or dual‐checkpoint inhibitors for immunotherapy have changed the paradigm of cancer care; however, only a minority of patients responds to such treatment. Combining small molecule immunostimulators can improve treatment efficacy, but they are restricted by poor pharmacokinetics. In this study, conjugated TLR7 agonists onto silica nanoparticles show extended drug localization after intratumoral injection. The nanoparticle‐based TLR7 agonist increases immune stimulation by activating the TLR7 signaling pathway. When treating CT26 colon cancer, nanoparticle conjugated TLR7 agonists increase T cell infiltration into the tumors by >4× and upregulate expression of the interferon γ gene compared to its unconjugated counterpart by ≈2×. Toxicity assays establish that the conjugated TLR7 agonist is a safe agent at the effective dose. When combined with checkpoint inhibitors that target programmed cell death protein 1 (PD‐1) and cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte‐associated protein 4 (CTLA‐4), a 10–100× increase in immune cell migration is observed; furthermore, 100 mm3 tumors are treated, and a 60% remission rate is observed including remission at contralateral noninjected tumors. The data show that nanoparticle‐based TLR7 agonists are safe and can potentiate the effectiveness of checkpoint inhibitors in immunotherapy resistant tumor models and promote a long‐term specific memory immune function.
Autogenous Production and Stabilization of Highly Loaded Sub‐Nanometric Particles within Multishell Hollow Metal–Organic Frameworks and Their Utilization for High Performance in Li–O2 Batteries
Authors: Choi Won Ho , Moon Byeong Cheul , Park Dong Gyu , Choi Jae Won , Kim Keon‐Han , Shin Jae‐Sun , Kim Min Gyu , Choi Kyung Min , Kang Jeung Ku
Published: March 2020

Sub‐nanometric particles (SNPs) of atomic cluster sizes have shown great promise in many fields such as full atom‐to‐atom utilization, but their precise production and stabilization at high mass loadings remain a great challenge. As a solution to overcome this challenge, a strategy allowing synthesis and preservation of SNPs at high mass loadings within multishell hollow metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) is demonstrated. First, alternating water‐decomposable and water‐stable MOFs are stacked in succession to build multilayer MOFs. Next, using controlled hydrogen bonding affinity, isolated water molecules are selectively sieved through the hydrophobic nanocages of water‐stable MOFs and transferred one by one to water‐decomposable MOFs. The transmission of water molecules via controlled hydrogen bonding affinity through the water‐stable MOF layers is a key step to realize SNPs from various types of alternating water‐decomposable and water‐stable layers. This process transforms multilayer MOFs into SNP‐embedded multishell hollow MOFs. Additionally, the multishell stabilizes SNPs by π‐backbonding allowing high conductivity to be achieved via the hopping mechanism, and hollow interspaces minimize transport resistance. These features, as demonstrated using SNP‐embedded multishell hollow MOFs with up to five shells, lead to high electrochemical performances including high volumetric capacities and low overpotentials in Li–O2 batteries.
Spontaneously Self‐Assembly of a 2D/3D Heterostructure Enhances the Efficiency and Stability in Printed Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Hu Jinlong , Wang Chuan , Qiu Shudi , Zhao Yicheng , Gu Ening , Zeng Linxiang , Yang Yuzhao , Li Chaohui , Liu Xianhu , Forberich Karen , Brabec Christoph J. , Nazeeruddin Mohammad Khaja , Mai Yaohua , Guo Fei
Published: March 2020

As perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are highly efficient, demonstration of high‐performance printed devices becomes important. 2D/3D heterostructures have recently emerged as an attractive way to relieving the film inhomogeneity and instability in perovskite devices. In this work, a 2D/3D ensemble with 2D perovskites self‐assembled atop 3D methylammonium lead triiodide (MAPbI3) via a one‐step printing process is shown. A clean and flat interface is observed in the 2D/3D bilayer heterostructure for the first time. The 2D perovskite capping layer significantly suppresses nonradiative charge recombination, resulting in a marked increase in open‐circuit voltage (VOC) of the devices by up to 100 mV. An ultrahigh VOC of 1.20 V is achieved for MAPbI3 PSCs, corresponding to 91% of the Shockley–Queisser limit. Moreover, notable enhancement in light, thermal, and moisture stability is obtained as a result of the protective barrier of the 2D perovskites. These results suggest a viable approach for scalable fabrication of highly efficient perovskite solar cells with enhanced environmental stability.
Applications of Postresuscitation Debriefing Frameworks in Emergency Settings: A Systematic Review
Authors: Hale Stephen J. , Parker Melissa J. , Cupido Cynthia , Kam April J.
Published: March 2020

Objectives

Postresuscitation debriefing (PRD) is a valuable educational tool in emergency medicine. It is recommended by international resuscitation guidelines, has been shown to improve both patient outcomes and resuscitation team performance, and is frequently requested by medical learners. However, there is limited research comparing standardized debriefing frameworks. Not only does this hinder the ability of interested emergency departments (EDs) to adopt PRD, but it limits the quality of future debriefing research. We sought to identify and compare existing PRD frameworks to inform the implementation of effective PRD in emergency medicine.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review following PRISMA standards to identify debriefing frameworks used in the ED and other acute care settings for further analysis. Identified frameworks were analyzed and compared based on a method previously described in the literature.

Results

Our search identified six frameworks, which ranged from simple tools for immediate feedback to complex, hospital‐wide systems engineering–based approaches to quality improvement. Key findings were the importance of ensuring debriefing facilitators are properly selected and trained and of tailoring framework design to specific organizational targets. However, there is limited validation data for these frameworks, and more study is needed to identify and validate true best practices in PRD.

Conclusions

All six identified frameworks seem to be effective methods of debriefing. Given the breadth in debriefing methods and goals identified, this suggests that there may not be a one‐size‐fits‐all approach to PRD and that organizations should instead identify their own unique needs and barriers and adopt the debriefing framework that best addresses those needs. Other findings were the importance of well‐trained debriefing facilitators and the use of clear roles in organizing debriefings. Further research is needed to assess the effectiveness of postresuscitation frameworks with regard to both team performance and patient outcomes.
Malignant mesothelioma following repeated exposures to cosmetic talc: A case series of 75 patients
Authors: Emory Theresa S. , Maddox John C. , Kradin Richard L.
Published: March 2020

Background

Asbestos is the primary known cause of malignant mesothelioma. Some cosmetic talc products have been shown to contain asbestos. Recently, repeated exposures to cosmetic talc have been implicated as a cause of mesothelioma.

Methods

Seventy‐five individuals (64 females; 11 males) with malignant mesothelioma, whose only known exposure to asbestos was repeated exposures to cosmetic talcum powders, were reviewed in medical‐legal consultation. Out of the 75 cases, 11 were examined for asbestiform fibers.

Results

All subjects had pathologically confirmed malignant mesothelioma. The mean age at diagnosis was 61 ± 17 years. The mean latency from exposure to diagnosis was 50 ± 13 years. The mean exposure duration was 33 ± 16 years. Four mesotheliomas (5%) occurred in individuals working as barbers/cosmetologists, or in a family member who swept the barber shop. Twelve (16%) occurred in individuals less than 45 years old (10 females; 2 males). Forty‐eight mesotheliomas were pleural (40 females; 8 males), 23 were peritoneal (21 females; 2 males). Two presented with concomitant pleural and peritoneal disease. There was one pericardial, and one testicular mesothelioma. The majority (51) were of the epithelioid histological subtype, followed by 13 biphasic, 8 sarcomatoid, 2 lymphohistiocytoid, and 1 poorly differentiated. Of the 11 individuals whose nontumorous tissues were analyzed for the presence of asbestiform fibers, all showed the presence of anthophyllite and/or tremolite asbestos.

Conclusions

Mesotheliomas can develop following exposures to cosmetic talcum powders. These appear to be attributable to the presence of anthophyllite and tremolite contaminants in cosmetic talcum powder.
Entamoeba histolytica infections in wild and semi‐wild orangutans in Sumatra and Kalimantan
Authors: Stuart Peter , Yalcindag Erhan , Ali Ibne Karim M. , Pecková Radka , Nurcahyo Wisnu , Morrogh‐Bernard Helen , Foitová Ivona
Published: March 2020

Key to the success of orangutan conservation management practices is the prevention of the introduction of infectious diseases to the remaining populations. Previous reports of Entamoeba spp. positive orangutans are of concern as Entamoeba spp. infection has been linked to morbidity and mortality in primates. It remains to be determined if the Entamoeba species infecting orangutans is the pathogenic Entamoeba histolytica. Orangutan fecal samples have been collected from orangutans from sites in Sumatra (Bukit Lawang, Ketambe, and Suaq, 241 samples from 64 individuals), and two sites in Kalimantan (Sebangau and Tuanan, 129 samples from 39 individuals). All samples were from wild orangutans except for a proportion from Sumatra which were from semi‐wild (108 samples, 10 individuals). E. histolytica‐specific nested PCR assays were carried out on the fecal samples. A total of 36 samples from 17 individuals tested positive for E. histolytica. When compared with published sequences using NCBI BLAST the E. histolytica positive samples showed a 98–99% concordance. The majority (76%, n = 36) of the positive isolates came from semi‐wild orangutans in Bukit Lawang. This study supports the growing body of evidence that contact with humans is an important risk factor for infection of wild primates with E. histolytica.
To the hunter go the spoils? No evidence of nutritional benefit to being or marrying a well‐reputed Hadza hunter
Authors: Stibbard‐Hawkes Duncan N. E. , Attenborough Robert D. , Mabulla Ibrahim A. , Marlowe Frank W.
Published: March 2020

Objectives

The incentives underlying men's hunting acquisition patterns among foragers are much debated. Some argue that hunters preferentially channel foods to their households, others maintain that foods are widely redistributed. Debates have focused on the redistribution of foods brought to camp, though the proper interpretation of results is contested. Here we instead address this question using two nutritional variables, employed as proxies for longer‐term food access. We also report on broader patterns in nutritional status.

Materials and Methods

We measured male hunting success, hemoglobin concentration and body fatness among bush‐living Hadza. Hunting success was measured using an aggregated reputation score. Hemoglobin concentration, a proxy for dietary red meat, was measured from fingerprick capillary blood. Body fatness, a proxy for energy balance, was measured using BMI and bioelectrical impedance.

Results

We find no statistically significant relationship between a hunter's success and any measure of his nutritional status or that of his spouse. We further find that: women are, as elsewhere, at greater risk of iron‐deficiency anemia than men; men had slightly lower BMIs than women; men but not women had significantly lower hemoglobin levels than in the 1960s.

Discussion

The absence of an association between hunting reputation and nutritional status is consistent with generalized food sharing. Null results are difficult to interpret and findings could potentially be a consequence of insufficient signal in the study measures or some confounding effect. In any event, our results add to a substantial corpus of existing research that identifies few nutritional advantages to being or marrying a well‐reputed Hadza hunter.
Ultra‐Narrow Depletion Layers in a Hematite Mesocrystal‐Based Photoanode for Boosting Multihole Water Oxidation
Authors: Zhang Zhujun , Nagashima Hiroki , Tachikawa Takashi
Published: March 2020

Significant charge recombination that is difficult to suppress limits the practical applications of hematite (α‐Fe2O3) for photoelectrochemical water splitting. In this study, Ti‐modified hematite mesocrystal superstructures assembled from highly oriented tiny nanoparticle (NP) subunits with sizes of ca. 5 nm were developed to achieve the highest photocurrent density (4.3 mA cm−2at 1.23 V vs. RHE) ever reported for hematite‐based photoanodes under back illumination. Owing to rich interfacial oxygen vacancies yielding an exceedingly high carrier density of 4.1×1021 cm−3for super bulk conductivity in the electrode and a large proportion of ultra‐narrow depletion layers (<1 nm) inside the mesoporous film for significantly improved hole collection efficiency, a boosting of multihole water oxidation with very low activation energy (Ea=44 meV) was realized.
Prospects of Coupled Organic–Inorganic Nanostructures for Charge and Energy Transfer Applications
Authors: Steiner Anja Maria , Lissel Franziska , Fery Andreas , Lauth Jannika , Scheele Marcus
Published: March 2020

We review the field of organic–inorganic nanocomposites with a focus on materials that exhibit a significant degree of electronic coupling across the hybrid interface. These nanocomposites undergo a variety of charge and energy transfer processes, enabling optoelectronic applications in devices which exploit singlet fission, triplet energy harvesting, photon upconversion or hot charge carrier transfer. We discuss the physical chemistry of the most common organic and inorganic components. Based on those we derive synthesis and assembly strategies and design criteria on material and device level with a focus on photovoltaics, spin memories or optical upconverters. We conclude that future research in the field should be directed towards an improved understanding of the binding motif and molecular orientation at the hybrid interface.
Quantitative Detection of G‐Quadruplex DNA in Live Cells Based on Photon Counts and Complex Structure Discrimination
Authors: Liu Liu‐Yi , Liu Wenting , Wang Kang‐Nan , Zhu Bo‐Chen , Xia Xiao‐Yu , Ji Liang‐Nian , Mao Zong‐Wan
Published: March 2020

G‐quadruplex DNA show structural polymorphism, leading to challenges in the use of selective recognition probes for the accurate detection of G‐quadruplexes in vivo. Herein, we present a tripodal cationic fluorescent probe, NBTE, which showed distinguishable fluorescence lifetime responses between G‐quadruplexes and other DNA topologies, and fluorescence quantum yield (Φf) enhancement upon G‐quadruplex binding. We determined two NBTE‐G‐quadruplex complex structures with high Φf values by NMR spectroscopy. The structures indicated NBTE interacted with G‐quadruplexes using three arms through π–π stacking, differing from that with duplex DNA using two arms, which rationalized the higher Φf values and lifetime response of NBTE upon G‐quadruplex binding. Based on photon counts of FLIM, we detected the percentage of G‐quadruplex DNA in live cells with NBTE and found G‐quadruplex DNA content in cancer cells is 4‐fold that in normal cells, suggesting the potential applications of this probe in cancer cell detection.