bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of Bisphenol A in Regulation of Arrival of Sexual Maturity and Fertility in Male Albino Rats
Authors: Sharma Manish Kumar , Sharma Raksha , Srivastava Seema
Published: February 2022

Reproductive toxicity during prepubertal and pubertal period causes significant alterations in sexual maturation and fertility. Bisphenol A has been associated with decreased sperm production, damaged testicular cells, perturbed hormone levels and reduced fertility. Its role in sexual maturity and duration before first successful mating is still elusive. The present study aimed to investigate BPA induced alteration in testicular development and fertility at critical period of peri-adolescence, adolescence and adulthood. Male albino rats were administered with 5, 25, and 50 mg/kg body weight/day (Group II, III and IV) for three separate time intervals 42-63, 42-91, and 42-105 postnatal days (PND). Body and testicular weight were measured and polynomial regression was applied to predict associations between variables. Fertility test was observed at every 7 days interval for each dose at investigated time intervals. Histological observations were carried out to examine parallels between results of fertility test. Results of each parameter was compared with respective sham control (Group I). A consistent decline in testicular weight gain was observed in BPA treated groups (p<0.05). Strong relatedness between body and testicular weight variables was evident (R2³0.9). Initial successful mating was delayed significantly in BPA administered rats. Group IV showed maximum delay in first successful mating. Histological observations indicated interferences at various stages during spermatogenesis along with presence of tubular vacuolization, indicative of cellular toxicity. Higher doses of BPA inflicted more damage, likewise, longer duration amplified severity of adverse activity. BPA administration at critical period of reproductive development in male rats can adversely affect testicular functions leading to delayed and reduced fertility.
A Short Note on Netarsudil
Authors: Padmaja S. , Srivignesh R.
Published: February 2022

Glaucoma currently affects over 60 million people worldwide and also one of the leading cause of irreversible blindness. Early Medical intervention is the preliminary therapy to prevent the progression of optic nerve damage and vision loss by reducing the Intra Ocular Pressure (IOP). IOP is the regulated balance between production of aqueous humour and the rate of aqueous flow via uveoscleral outflow pathway and trabecular meshwork pathway (TM).  There are many groups of drugs like beta blockers, carbonic anhydrous inhibitors, prostaglandin analogues etc., are available. Netasurdil which is the Rho – associated protein kinase (ROCK) inhibitor is the novel group of drugs which has been in research for the Glaucoma.
Comparative Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity of Irreversible Hydrocolloid Impression Material Incorporated with Various Disinfectants – An In-vitro Study
Authors: Shinde Rakhi P. , Borle Anjali Bhoyar , Dahane Trupti M. , Kambala Seema Sathe
Published: February 2022

Background: Blood and saliva can easily contaminate the dental impressions. It contains variety of bacteria, fungi, and viruses which causes cross infection to health personnel & environment. Therefore, sterilizing the impression material is the best way to avoid disease transmission. Spraying and Immersion technique are conventional methods of disinfection of irreversible hydrocolloid impression material but in both of these techniques impression is disinfected only on the surface. Self-disinfecting impression are disinfected throughout the impression material. This study categorized various disinfectants into Chemical, Herbal & Physical. Nanoparticles and herbal disinfectants are mixed with irreversible hydrocolloid impression material, which will suggest its antimicrobial activity.

Aim & Objectives: To evaluate and compare antimicrobial-activity of irreversible hydrocolloid impression materials incorporated with various disinfectants.

Methodology: Commercially existing irreversible hydrocolloid impression materials will be used in the study. The disinfectants used will be chlorhexidine, silver nanoparticles and cinnamon. The selected disinfectants will be added into the irreversible hydrocolloid at the manipulation stage and their antimicrobial activity will be evaluated using the “Kirby Bauer Disk Diffusion Method” against the selected microorganisms.

Expected Outcome: Differential Antimicrobial activity of Chlorhexidine, Silver Nanoparticle and Cinnamon when added to irreversible hydrocolloid for disinfection of impressions.

Conclusion: Addition of various disinfectants in irreversible hydrocolloid may imbibe the antimicrobial activity within the impression materialand with the comparative investigations, more potent disinfectant can be applicable for clinical use as per findings of the present study.
Psychological Effects on COVID-19
Authors: Pande Apurva Rajendra , Choudhary Divasha
Published: February 2022

The COVID-19 epidemic has had a significant influence on social and professional settings. Citizen’s and employee’s intellectual health is supported by the employment of social distancing measures, mandatory lockdowns, isolation intervals, and fear of being ill, comparable to the suspension of green activity, loss of money, and fear of the future. Anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and sleep issues are more likely to affect healthcare professionals, particularly those on the front lines, migrant workers, and those in touch with the general public. Job insecurity, extended periods of quarantine, and future uncertainty enhance intellectual discomfort, particularly among the extra-young and those with a higher academic background. The pregnant women who were even though pregnant at the time of the outbreak were covered inside the cutting-edge examination. The initial examination emerge as achieved to determine the factors associated with pregnant women's high-level health in advance of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Inventory of Depression and Anxiety Symptoms II and the Beck Anxiety Inventory were used to assess anxiety and depression symptoms and symptoms in pregnant women instances in advance than and within the path of the epidemic. To avoid emotional trauma deep down the path of infectious illness epidemics, healthcare agencies ought to develop thorough treatment strategies for pregnant women, who are a specifically inclined demographic.
Case Report on Management Hydrocephalus as a Complication of Meningitis in Infant; Nurse Prospective
Authors: Ingle Manjari , Pohekar Savita
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Hydrocephalus is one of the commonest complications of meningitis in children with the disease. It is more severe in children than in adults. Fewer cases cause chronic Meningitis. Finding and treating the culprit organism is quite tough. In patients with chronic meningitis, complications such as hyponatremia, hydrocephalus, and neurological impairment should always be identified early and treated with a multidisciplinary team approach. We came across a case of severe brain damage due to Escherichia coli that progressed to meningitis which further also cause hydrocephalus, which she was treated for numerous times before being returned home with some neurological disability.

Clinical Findings: A 1.5 month old female child was brought to A.V.B.R. Hospital Sawangi (meghe) wardha on date 18th November 2021 by her parents with High fever, refusal of feed, seizures like activity, bulging fontanel.

Diagnostic Evaluation: Hb: 10.7, TLC : 21,500 . platelet: 5.1 eql CBC , elevated WBC count of 23,511/ul KFT and LFT are normal ,  Brain MRI showed restricted diffusion, Lumbar Puncture was also performed same day E.coli gram negative bacteria are present in CSF collection

Therapeutic intervention: Injection Ceftriaxone 650 mg 6 hourly intravenous, Injection Pan 15 mg 24 hourly intravenous, Injection Emeset 2 ml 4 hourly intravenous  DNS with injection KCL 3.8 ml 8 hourly intravenous.

Outcome: After treatment of 6 days the child show improvement like fever and seizers decreased.

Conclusion: After proper treatment like medication, monitoring vitals and also by continous observation her condition was improved.
A Paper on Finger Print Recognition
Authors: Bhalla Vijay , Gupta Manish K.
Published: February 2022

Fingerprint recognition is one of the most well-known biometrics and the most widely utilized biometric option for computerized system authentication. The traditional secret key and token-based verification methods are gradually being phased out in favor of biometric solutions. The two most important aspects to consider when designing a biometric system are security and accuracy of recognition. In this work, a comprehensive assessment is presented to throw light on the most recent advances in the study of unique fingerprint-based biometrics from these two perspectives, with the objective of enhancing system security and recognition accuracy. Also, researchers suggest utilizing a normalized fingerprint model to combine fingerprints from various layouts. Constrictions of previous exploration work are highlighted, and ideas for future work are made, based on an in-depth investigation and discussion. According to the report, scientists continue to have issues dealing with the two most fundamental attacks on biometric systems, namely, attacks on the User Interface (UI) and attacks on format databases. Building genuine remedies to thwart these attacks, while ensuring strong security while maintaining high recognition precision, is a hot research topic right now, and will be in the near future. Furthermore, recognition accuracy in less-than-ideal circumstances is sure to be unsatisfactory, necessitating special attention in the design of a biometric system. This research also depicts related obstacles and patterns of momentum exploration.
Analyses on Aerodynamic and Inertial Loads of an Airborne Pod of High Performance Fighter Jet
Authors: Lee Jaein , Shin Jinyoung , Cho Donghyun , Jung Hyeongsuk , Choi Taekyu , Lee Jonghoon , Kim Youngho , Kim Sitae
Published: February 2022

A fighter performing a reconnaissance mission is equipped with a pod that drives optical/infrared sensors for acquiring and identifying target information on the lower part of the fuselage. Due to the nature of the reconnaissance mission, the fighter performs high speed evasive maneuvers, and the resulting load should be considered importantly for the development of the pod. This paper concerns a numerical investigation into the inertial and aerodynamic loads of the airborne pod of high performance aircrafts. For the aerodynamic load analysis, the pylon and pod shapes are added to the fighter 3D model, and the commercial software was used for static and dynamic analysis. Considering the practical mission conditions, the common/extreme conditions were established respectively in the static and dynamic situations of pods and the driving torque could be tripled under dynamic conditions. In the analysis of inertia load, a 3-DOF model considering roll and turning maneuvers was derived by the Lagrangian method, and then the numerical integration method was applied to the analysis. As a results, it was conformed that the inertia load was generally induced at a low level compared to the aerodynamic load, but depending on the unbalance mass condition of the pod, the inertia load cannot be negligible.
Interference Analysis Among Waveforms and Modulation Methods of Concurrently Operated Pulse Doppler Radars
Authors: Kim Eun Hee , Ryu Seong Hyun , Kim Han Saeng , Lee Ki Won
Published: February 2022

As the application field of radar is expanded and the bandwidth increases, the number of radar sensors operating at the same frequency is continuously increasing. In this paper, we propose a method of analyzing interference when two pulse doppler radars are operated at the same frequency with different waveform which are designed independently. In addition, we show that even for a previously designed LFM waveforms, the interference can be suppressed without affecting the performance by changing the sign of the frequency slope by increasing/decreasing, or by modulating the pulses by the different codes. The interference suppression by different slopes is more effective for similar waveform and the suppression by the codes increases as the number of pulses increases. We expect this result can be extended to the cases where multiple radars are operated at the same frequency.
Accuracy Improvement of Low Fidelity Solver by Augmentation of Fin Aerodynamic Database
Authors: Kang Eunji , Kim Younghwa , Yim Kyungjin , Lee Jae Eun , Kang Kyoung-Tai
Published: February 2022

There has been necessity to supplement the fin database to improve the accuracy of low-fidelity aerodynamic solver for missile configuration. In this study, fin database is expanded by in-house solver, utilized in the triservice data the previously established into regions beyond means of CFD. Fin alone data of CFD analysis results in the original region is matched well with triservice data originated from the wind tunnel tests. Extensive fin aerodynamic data from CFD analysis is added to the existing database of the low-fidelity solver. For confirmation, aerodynamic characteristics of body-tail and body-canard-tail missile configurations is computed using upgraded low-fidelity solver at transonic region. The result using improved solver shows good agreements with wind tunnel test and CFD analysis results, which implies that it becomes more accurate.
Application of Genetic Algorithms to Optimize the Storage Location of Products in Military Logistics
Authors: Ha Won Yong , Cho Ki-yang , Han Chung Sik
Published: February 2022

Supply in military operations has a significant impact on overall combat capability and efficiency. Therefore, modernization of military logistics is underway to ensure rapid and accurate distribution. And, effective warehouse management is paramount. This paper proposes a new product allocation model that uses a genetic algorithm. The model considers order frequency and mass of products because the military equipment is usually heavier than available products. A computer simulation shows that products are assigned to optimal locations and reduce the consumed energy for forklifts by more than 25 % with similar travel time. Also, we show the superiority of genetic algorithm by comparing them with other algorithms.
A Fast and Sustainable Route to Bassanite Nanocrystals from Gypsum
Authors: Maslyk Marcel , Dallos Zsolt , Koziol Martha , Seiffert Sebastian , Hieke Tim , Petrović Katharina , Kolb Ute , Mondeshki Mihail , Tremel Wolfgang
Published: February 2022

Calcium sulfate is an important construction material. More than 1600 million square meters of interior surfaces are covered with plasterboards in Europe each year. Plasterboard is manufactured by transforming mined or recycled gypsum (CaSO4 × 2 H2O) to bassanite (CaSO4 × ½H2O) in a time‐ and energy‐consuming heating process. A fast and sustainable way to produce bassanite by solvent‐assisted milling, thereby eliminating the need for energy‐intensive dehydration, is described. The milling reaction is complete after ≈200 min. Kinetic studies revealed that gypsum crystals transform to bassanite by shear forces during milling. 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic techniques and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) show that the resulting bassanite nanocrystals are stabilized by surface functionalization with the auxiliary solvent methanol. Bassanite particles produced over extended milling times of 990 min form long‐term stable dispersions without stabilizers and no signs of precipitation. Addition of water to bassanite leads to instant agglomeration, followed by a phase change to gypsum. The dispersibility in volatile methanol and the elucidation of the crystallization mechanism allow also for applications of the bassanite nanocrystals in hybrid materials.
Next Evolution in Organ‐Scale Biofabrication: Bioresin Design for Rapid High‐Resolution Vat Polymerization
Authors: Murphy Caroline A. , Lim Khoon S. , Woodfield Tim B. F.
Published: February 2022

The field of bioprinting has made significant advancements in recent years and allowed for the precise deposition of biomaterials and cells. However, within this field lies a major challenge, which is developing high resolution constructs, with complex architectures. In an effort to overcome these challenges a biofabrication technique known as vat polymerization is being increasingly investigated due to its high fabrication accuracy and control of resolution (µm scale). Despite the progress made in developing hydrogel precursors for bioprinting techniques, such as extrusion‐based bioprinting, there is a major lack in developing hydrogel precursor bioresins for vat polymerization. This is due to the specific unique properties and characteristics required for vat polymerization, from lithography to the latest volumetric printing. This is of major concern as the shortage of bioresins available has a significant impact on progressing this technology and exploring its full potential, including speed, resolution, and scale. Therefore, this review discusses the key requirements that need to be addressed in successfully developing a bioresin. The influence of monomer architecture and bioresin composition on printability is described, along with key fundamental parameters that can be altered to increase printing accuracy. Finally, recent advancements in bioresins are discussed together with future directions.
All‐Dielectric Metasurface‐Enabled Multiple Vortex Emissions
Authors: Zhang Hui , Sha Xinbo , Chen Qinmiao , Cheng Jiaping , Ji Ziheng , Song Qinghai , Yu Shaohua , Xiao Shumin
Published: February 2022

On‐chip integrated micro‐ and nanoscale vortex lasers are key elements for addressing the exponentially growing demand for information capacity. Although tunable vortex microlasers have been reported, each laser pulse still possesses one particular topological charge and requires additional multiplexing. In this study, the simultaneous generation of coherent laser arrays with different topological charges by combining metalenses with semiconductor microlasers is demonstrated. A TiO2 vortex metalens converts two orbital angular momentum beams into the same diffraction‐limit spot with opposite circular polarizations through spin‐to‐orbital conversion. Consequently, the microlaser emission at the focal spot, which can be decomposed into two circularly polarized beams, is collimated into vortex microlaser beams with two different topological charges through a time‐reversal process. This concept is extended to a 2 × 2 metalens array by introducing off‐axis terms, and eight topological charges are produced simultaneously. This research is a significant step toward the on‐chip integration of micro‐ and nanolasers.
Hygroscopic Chemistry Enables Fire‐Tolerant Supercapacitors with a Self‐Healable “Solute‐in‐Air” Electrolyte
Authors: Xia Huarong , Lv Zhisheng , Zhang Wei , Wei Jiaqi , Liu Lin , Cao Shengkai , Zhu Zhiqiang , Tang Yuxin , Chen Xiaodong
Published: February 2022

High‐temperature‐induced fire is an extremely serious safety risk in energy storage devices; which can be avoided by replacing their components with nonflammable materials. However; these devices are still destroyed by the high‐temperature decomposition; lacking reliability. Here, a fire‐tolerant supercapacitor is further demonstrated that recovers after burning with a self‐healable “solute‐in‐air” electrolyte. Using fire‐tolerant electrodes and separator with a semiopen device configuration; hygroscopic CaCl2 in the air (“CaCl2‐in‐air”) is designed as a self‐healable electrolyte; which loses its water solvent at high temperatures but spontaneously absorbs water from the air to recover by itself at low temperatures. The supercapacitor is disenabled at 500 °C; while it recovers after cooling in the air. Especially; it even recovers after burning at around 647 °C with enhanced performance. The study offers a self‐healing strategy to design high‐safety; high‐reliability; and fire‐tolerant supercapacitors; which inspires a promising way to deal with general fire‐related risks.
Anti‐Swelling, Robust, and Adhesive Extracellular Matrix‐Mimicking Hydrogel Used as Intraoral Dressing
Authors: Wu Jing , Pan Zhao , Zhao Zheng‐Yi , Wang Mo‐Han , Dong Liang , Gao Huai‐Ling , Liu Chong‐Yuan , Zhou Pu , Chen Lu , Shi Chao‐Ji , Zhang Zhi‐Yuan , Yang Chi , Yu Shu‐Hong , Zou Duo‐Hong
Published: February 2022

Due to the wet and dynamic environment of the oral cavity, the healing of intraoral wounds, such as tooth extraction wounds, requires stable and firm wound dressings. In clinical practice, cotton balls and gauzes, sponge plugs, or sutures are used to treat extraction wounds, but none of these means can continuously isolate the wound from the intraoral environment and facilitate ideal healing conditions. Herein, inspired by the natural extracellular matrix, a family of wound dressings is developed for intraoral wound repair. Infiltrating a ductile long‐chain hydrogel network into a prefabricated, sturdy macromolecular meshwork and in situ crosslinking endowed the composite hydrogel with controllable swelling behaviors and robust mechanical properties. The macromolecular meshwork functioned as the backbone to support the composite and restricts the swelling of the long‐chain hydrogel network. In vitro tests verified that this wound dressing can provide durable protection for intraoral wounds against complex irritations. Furthermore, accelerated wound healing occurred when the wound dressing is applied in vivo on a canine tooth extraction model, due to the effective reduction of acute inflammation. These results suggest that this family of bioinspired hydrogels has great potential for application as intraoral wound dressing.
Surface Antimicrobial Treatment by Biocompatible, Vertically Aligned Layered Double Hydroxide Array
Authors: Yi Guangshun , Gao Shujun , Lu Hongfang , Khoo Wei Zhi , Liu Shaoqiong , Chng Shuyun , Yang Yi Yan , Ying Jackie Y. , Zhang Yugen
Published: February 2022

Vertically aligned layered double hydroxide (V‐LDH) array has been growing on various substrates by a simple solution hydrolysis method. The surface shows good topology with LDH edges extending upward, which can potentially rupture the attached bacteria cells and kill them. V‐LDH after calcination shows remarkable enhanced antibacterial properties. Not only do the edges become thinner and sharper, the surface also becomes highly hydrophilic. It is found that surface potential of V‐LDH does not change its antibacterial property. However, the hydrophilicity significantly enhances antibacterial properties. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate that the V‐LDH surface has good biocompatibility. The V‐LDH antibacterial coating has potentially broad applications due to its good antibacterial properties and biocompatibility.
Mechanical Behavior of Blisters Spontaneously Formed by Multilayer 2D Materials
Authors: Wang Wenxiang , Ma Xiaojie , Dai Zhaohe , Zhang Shuai , Hou Yuan , Wang Guorui , Li Qunyang , Zhang Zhong , Wei Yueguang , Liu Luqi
Published: February 2022

Blisters can form spontaneously when transferring 2D materials on a substrate because of the small molecules trapped at the interface. Though extensive works have revealed a characteristic aspect ratio of these blisters by neglecting the bending effect of the layer, how the bending comes into play as the layer number increases has not been fully understood. Here, by simply measuring the profiles of blisters formed by transferred multilayer graphene and MoS2 sheets, the variable profiles of blisters and the transition of their characteristic shape from a constant aspect ratio to a constant dome curvature are observed. Taking variable profiles of blisters and different characteristics of the interface into consideration, a theoretical model is established, and the mechanism of such transition is further analytically unveiled. In addition, based on this theory, the bending stiffness of sheets and the adhesion energy between sheets and substrates can be obtained simultaneously. This method is simple but robust, providing a new experimental way to explore the mechanical behavior of 2D material structures.
Enhanced Efficiency and Stability of Carbon‐Based Perovskite Solar Cells by Eva Interface Engineering
Authors: Wang Haobin , Qiang Yue , Zheng Shenshen , Wei Peng , Xie Yahong
Published: February 2022

Nanocrystalline tin (IV) oxide (SnO2) as an electron‐transport layer (ETL) has unique advantages in realizing highly efficient and stable planar perovskite solar cells (PSCs), especially showing great potential in the low‐temperature preparation of large‐area flexible carbon‐based PSCs (C‐PSCs). However, the high trap density on the surface of SnO2 tends to cause serious nonradiative recombination losses, thereby reducing photoelectric performance. In this work, an inexpensive and easily obtained polymer poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate) (Eva) is used as a interfacial modifier to reduce the interfacial defects and nonradiative recombination losses at the SnO2/perovskite interface. As a result, the crystallinity and conductivity of the perovskite layer are significantly increased, and the charge lifetime and stability are effectively improved. The Eva modified SnO2‐based C‐PSCs obtain an optimal power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 12.29%, which is 25.7% higher than that of 9.78% for the unmodified C‐PSCs. Furthermore, the unencapsulated devices maintain 88.6% and 91.9% of the initial PCE over 1 month in ambient air for the unmodified and Eva‐modified C‐PSCs, respectively. The study provides valuable experience for the development of highly efficient and stable C‐PSCs using common polymers for interface modification engineering.
Self‐Induced Solutal Marangoni Flows Realize Coffee‐Ring‐Less Quantum Dot Microarrays with Extensive Geometric Tunability and Scalability
Authors: Pyeon Jeongsu , Song Kyeong Min , Jung Yeon Sik , Kim Hyoungsoo
Published: February 2022

Currently, quantum dot light‐emitting diodes (QD‐LEDs) are receiving extensive attention. To maximize their luminous performance, the uniformity of the QD‐LEDs is crucial. Although the spontaneously self‐induced solutal Marangoni flow of an evaporating binary mixture droplet has been widely investigated and used to suppress coffee‐ring patterns in ink‐jet printing technology, unfortunately, ring shapes are still present at the edges, and the Marangoni flow generated by the selective evaporation of volatile liquid components cannot be controlled due to its nonlinear instabilities. In this work, polygonal coffee‐ring‐less QD microarrays are created using two spontaneous and sequential solutal Marangoni flows. During the initial evaporation, internal circulating flows are controlled by polygonal‐shaped droplets. After that, sequential interfacial flows are generated by the captured volatile vapors. A theoretical model and scaling analysis are provided to explain the working mechanisms. It is expected that the newly designed printing system can be applied to the mass production of QD‐LEDs.
Regenerating the Injured Spinal Cord at the Chronic Phase by Engineered iPSCs‐Derived 3D Neuronal Networks
Authors: Wertheim Lior , Edri Reuven , Goldshmit Yona , Kagan Tomer , Noor Nadav , Ruban Angela , Shapira Assaf , Gat‐Viks Irit , Assaf Yaniv , Dvir Tal
Published: February 2022

Cell therapy using induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived neurons is considered a promising approach to regenerate the injured spinal cord (SC). However, the scar formed at the chronic phase is not a permissive microenvironment for cell or biomaterial engraftment or for tissue assembly. Engineering of a functional human neuronal network is now reported by mimicking the embryonic development of the SC in a 3D dynamic biomaterial‐based microenvironment. Throughout the in vitro cultivation stage, the system's components have a synergistic effect, providing appropriate cues for SC neurogenesis. While the initial biomaterial supported efficient cell differentiation in 3D, the cells remodeled it to provide an inductive microenvironment for the assembly of functional SC implants. The engineered tissues are characterized for morphology and function, and their therapeutic potential is investigated, revealing improved structural and functional outcomes after acute and chronic SC injuries. Such technology is envisioned to be translated to the clinic to rewire human injured SC.
Emerging New‐Generation Detecting and Sensing of Metal Halide Perovskites
Authors: Bu Hui , He Caili , Xu Yanqing , Xing Lu , Liu Xiaomin , Ren Shuxia , Yi Shenghui , Chen Liang , Wu Hao , Zhang Guanglei , Zhao Jinjin , Shi Jianlin
Published: February 2022

The unique energy conversion characteristics of metal halide perovskite (MHP) materials, which can be hardly observed in conventional semiconductors and metal oxides, have boosted their promising application in detecting and sensing devices, in addition to their famous optoelectronic functions. Herein, the recent progresses of the state‐of‐the‐art applications of MHPs are focused on X‐ray diagnosis, cardiac detection, bionic retina, artificial synapse, cell imaging, and others. Owing to their emerging electrical properties with multifield coupled response effect, and photoelectric, electro‐optical, and all‐optical conversion functions, MHPs demonstrate promising prospects in the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases. As functional optoelectronic materials, MHPs provide a new platform for future biomedical devices. This review article is expected to present the current status on, and further promote the application of MHP materials in detecting and sensing devices.
Highly Active and Durable Air Electrodes for Reversible Protonic Ceramic Electrochemical Cells Enabled by an Efficient Bifunctional Catalyst
Authors: Niu Yinghua , Zhou Yucun , Zhang Weilin , Zhang Yanxiang , Evans Conor , Luo Zheyu , Kane Nicholas , Ding Yong , Chen Yu , Guo Xuyun , Lv Weiqiang , Liu Meilin
Published: February 2022

The commercialization of reversible protonic ceramic electrochemical cells is hindered by the lack of highly active and durable air electrodes exposed to high concentration of steam under operating conditions. Here, findings that dramatically enhance the electrocatalytic activity and stability of a conventional (La0.6Sr0.4)0.95Co0.2Fe0.8O3−δ (LSCF) air electrode by a multiphase catalyst coating composed of a conformal Pr1−xBaxCoO3−δ thin film and exsolved BaCoO3−δ nanoparticles, are reported. At 600 °C, the catalyst coating decreases the polarization resistance of the LSCF air electrode by a factor of 25 (from 1.09 to 0.043 Ω cm2) in air and the degradation rate by two orders of magnitude (from 1.0 × 10−2 to 1.8 × 10−4 Ω cm2 h−1 in humidified air with 30 vol% H2O). Further, a single cell with the catalyst‐coated LSCF air electrode at 600 °C demonstrates a high peak power density of 1.04 W cm−2 in the fuel cell mode and a high current density of 1.82 A cm−2 at 1.3 V in the electrolysis mode. The significantly enhanced performance of the LSCF air electrode is attributed mainly to the high rate of surface oxygen exchange, fast surface proton diffusion, and the rapid H2O and O2 dissociation on the catalysts.
Diagnostic outcomes for molecular genetic testing in children with suspected Ehlers–Danlos syndrome
Authors: Damseh Nadirah , Dupuis Lucie , O'Connor Constance , Oh Rachel Youjin , Wang Yi Wen , Stavropoulos Dimitri James , Schwartz Sarah B. , Mendoza‐Londono Roberto
Published: February 2022

Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a heterogeneous group of connective tissue disorders characterized by hyperextensible skin, hypermobile joints, easy bruisability, and fragility of the connective tissues. The diagnosis is based on clinical assessment and phenotype‐guided genetic testing. Most EDS subtypes can be confirmed by genetic testing except for hypermobile EDS. This study explored the utility of applying the 2017 EDS classification criteria and molecular genetic testing in establishing an EDS diagnosis in children. In this retrospective study, we reviewed 72 patients referred to a tertiary care center for evaluation of EDS who underwent one or more forms of genetic testing. Eighteen patients (18/72, 25%) met the clinical criteria for one of the EDS subtypes and of these, 15 (15/18, 83%) were confirmed molecularly. Fifty‐four patients (54/72, 75%) had features that overlapped EDS and other syndromes associated with joint hypermobility but did not fully meet clinical criteria. Twelve of them (12/54, 22%) were later shown to have a positive molecular genetic diagnosis of EDS. Different molecular genetic tests were performed on the cohort of 72 patients (EDS panel, n = 44; microarray, n = 25; whole exome sequencing [WES], n = 9; single gene sequencing, n = 3; familial variant testing, n = 10; other genetic panels n = 3). EDS panel was completed in 44 patients (61%), and a molecular diagnosis was confirmed in nine of the patients who satisfied criteria for one of the EDS subtypes (9/12, 75%) and in nine of the patients who did not fully meet criteria (9/32, 28%). We observed a correlation between generalized joint hypermobility, poor healing, easy bruising, atrophic scars, skin hyperextensibility, and developmental dysplasia of the hip with a positive molecular result. This study provides guidance for the use of molecular genetic testing in combination with the 2017 clinical diagnostic criteria in children presenting with EDS characteristics.
Hippocampal neurogenesis and pro‐neurogenic therapies for Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Zheng Jie
Published: February 2022

Adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN) facilitates hippocampal circuits plasticity and regulates hippocampus‐dependent cognition and emotion. However, AHN malfunction has been widely reported in both human and animal models of Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common form of dementia in the elderly. Pro‐neurogenic therapies including rescuing innate AHN, cell engraftment and glia‐neuron reprogramming hold great potential for compensating the neuronal loss and rewiring the degenerated neuronal network in AD, but there are still great challenges to be overcome. This review covers recent advances in unraveling the involvement of AHN in AD and highlights the prospect of emerging pro‐neurogenic remedies.
Coloration in Supraparticles Assembled from Polyhedral Metal‐Organic Framework Particles
Authors: Wang Junwei , Liu Yang , Bleyer Gudrun , Goerlitzer Eric S. A. , Englisch Silvan , Przybilla Thomas , Mbah Chrameh Fru , Engel Michael , Spiecker Erdmann , Imaz Inhar , Maspoch Daniel , Vogel Nicolas
Published: February 2022

Supraparticles are spherical colloidal crystals prepared by confined self‐assembly processes. A particularly appealing property of these microscale structures is the structural color arising from interference of light with their building blocks. Here, we assemble supraparticles with high structural order that exhibit coloration from uniform, polyhedral metal–organic framework (MOF) particles. We analyse the structural coloration as a function of the size of these anisotropic building blocks and their internal structure. We attribute the angle‐dependent coloration of the MOF supraparticles to the presence of ordered, onion‐like layers at the outermost regions. Surprisingly, even though different shapes of the MOF particles have different propensities to form these onion layers, all supraparticle dispersions show well‐visible macroscopic coloration, indicating that local ordering is sufficient to generate interference effects.
A zinc porphyrin polymer as efficient bifunctional catalyst for conversion of CO2 to cyclic carbonates
Authors: Su Zhenping , Ma Linjing , Wei Jiaojiao , Bai Xiaolong , Wang Ning , Li Jun
Published: February 2022

The design and synthesis of efficient heterogeneous catalysts for catalytic conversion of CO2 are an important challenge. The novel zinc porphyrin polymer reported herein, [ZnPy+CPP‐BTA]I−, is synthesized from trans‐A2B2 porphyrin precursor 5,15‐(4‐carboxyphenyl)‐10,20‐(pyridyl)‐porphyrin (PyCPP) and 1,2,4,5‐benzenetetramine tetrahydrochloride (BTA), employing a sequential post‐synthetic methylation and metalation strategy. The newly synthesized zinc porphyrin polymer was well characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–vis), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). As bifunctional heterogeneous catalyst incorporated zinc porphyrin and nucleophile I−, [ZnPy+CPP‐BTA]I− shows good catalytic activity and recyclability for the cycloaddition reactions of epoxides and CO2 under lower CO2 initial pressure and cocatalyst‐free conditions.
Preparation and Photoluminescent Properties of Amino 2,1,3‐Benzoxadiazoles (Am‐BODs) with D‐A‐D and D‐A‐A Conjugation Systems
Authors: Li Hanjie , Wang Zhichao , Wang Zaibin , Wang Yanguang , Lu Ping
Published: February 2022

A series of D‐A‐D and D‐A‐A conjugated compounds composed of a benzoxadiazole core and corresponding amino moiety were synthesized. Their photoluminescent properties in different states were investigated as well. In the solution state, some compounds were observed to possess the usual anti‐Kasha's emission in toluene and the solvatofluorochromic phenomenon. Meanwhile, compound 1 a could be utilized as fluorescent chemosensor for the environmental acidity, and 2 c could be developed for detecting fluoride anion. Moreover, they were emissive in powders and films, and 2 d could be applied to the emissive layer in red OLEDs.
Strategic sustainability integration: Merging management tools to support business model decisions
Authors: Silvestre Winston Jerónimo , Fonseca Ana , Morioka Sandra Naomi
Published: February 2022

Despite the competitive advantages of sustainable business models, developing management solutions to systematically support sustainability integration into organizational strategy is still a challenging approach for most organizations. Based on a critical analysis of existing tools to support sustainable business models, the present paper describes the development of a practical management tool to guide the strategic integration of sustainability in organizational business models. The proposed management tool results from the synergistic combination of the Sustainable Value Exchange Matrix and the Integrative Sustainable Intelligence Model, in a cyclic and continuous process supported by the periodic diagnosis of the key organizational factors with relevance for successful sustainability integration processes. The management tool described in this paper is expected to guide the strategic adaptation of organizations toward results with a positive impact on sustainability, with an effective contribution to the development of more sustainable business models.
Development of an authentic concept of engineering activities based on product redesign
Authors: Akerdad Mohammed , Aboutajeddine Ahmed , Elmajdoubi Mohammed
Published: February 2022

Today's job market is seeking engineers with competencies to design innovative solutions that meet sophisticated customer needs. Engineering education is then challenged to equip future engineers with holistic engineering design skills, especially functional ones. A powerful means to strengthen these skills is the use of reverse‐engineering‐based activities, which consist of examining, extracting information, and redesigning existing products. However, most current education endeavours, based on reverse engineering, consist only of practicing simple teardowns that have circumscribed impact on the acquisition of skills. Therefore, there is a need for more elaborated authentic hands‐on activities to gain a broad set of design skills. This study addresses this gap by the development of a concept of wide‐ranging engineering activities that start with the study of an existing product and ends with an improved redesigned three‐dimensional (3D) printed product. This concept of activities was developed to strengthen a conventional course on product design. Thus, a tailored comprehensive redesign process is proposed first, and expanded as a concept of a set of experiential activities, with associated measures for skills acquisition. This concept encompasses teardown, 3D digitizing and rapid prototyping, and aims mainly at facilitating the understanding of components' functionalities, the numerical reconstruction by 3D digitizing, the mechanical modelling and engineering analysis of parts and finally the 3D printing of the redesign output. To understand, experience, and weigh up the relevance of the proposed concept of activities, a preliminary implementation, and a case study are illustrated. Particularly, the relevance of the concept is demonstrated through the assessment of the activities' measures. In short, this study provides educators with an authentic education tool that leverages on a broader reverse engineering vision to boost the job's sought‐after design skills.
Downregulation of NCL attenuates tumor formation and growth in HeLa cells by targeting the PI3K/AKT pathway
Authors: Ying Jun , Pan Ruowang , Tang Zhouhao , Zhu Jiayin , Ren Ping , Lou Yang , Zhang Enyong , Huang Dadao , Hu Penghong , Li Dong , Bao Qiyu , Li Peizhen
Published: February 2022

Background

Nucleolin (NCL, C23) is a multifunctional phosphoprotein that plays a vital role in modulating the survival, proliferationand apoptosis of cancer cells. However, the effects of NCL on cervical cancer and the underlying mechanisms behind this are poorly understood.

Methods

Lentiviral transfection technology was used to construct NCL knockdown cell lines. MTT, colony formation assays, and tumorigenic assays in vivo were performed to observe cell proliferation. HOECHST 33342 staining, flow cytometry, and caspase activity assay were used to test cell apoptosis. RNA‐Seq, Western blotting, and RT‐PCR were conducted to investigate the specific molecular mechanism.

Results

NCL knockdown inhibited cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis both in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistic studies revealed that NCL knockdown inhibited the PI3K/AKT pathway by upregulating FGF, ITGA, TNXB, VEGF, Caspase 3, and Bax, as well as by downregulating AKT, GNB4, CDK6, IL6R, LAMA, PDGFD, PPP2RSA and BCL‐2. In addition, the expression levels of apoptosis‐related genes after using a PI3K inhibitor LY294002 were consistent with shRNA studies, while treatment with a 740Y‐P agonist showed the opposite effect.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that downregulation of NCL may be a novel treatment strategy forcervical cancer.
UBE2L3 promotes squamous cell carcinoma progression in the oral cavity and hypopharynx via activating the NF‐κB signaling by increasing IκBα degradation
Authors: Cui Zhi , Sun Shiqun , Li Jia , Li Jianing , Sha Tong , He Jie , Zuo Linjing
Published: February 2022

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HSCC) are representative of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and the molecular pathogenesis has not been completely clarified. Ubiquitin‐conjugating enzyme E2 L3 (UBE2L3) is the key member of the E2 family that encodes 153 amino acid residues. Previous studies demonstrate that UBE2L3 is aberrantly overexpressed in various types of human cancers, suggesting that UBE2L3 may function as an oncogene. However, its functional role and the potential mechanisms in the OSCC and HSCC remain unclear. In the present study, we found that UBE2L3 was significantly upregulated in clinical HNSCC samples and HNSCC cell lines, and patients with lower UBE2L3 expression have a higher survival rate. Two HNSCC cell lines FaDu (HSCC cells) and CAL‐27 (OSCC cells) with moderate expression of UBE2L3 were selected for in vitro experiments. We proved that UBE2L3 overexpression was positively associated with cellular malignant phenotypes in vitro, including proliferation, invasion, migration, and tumor growth in vivo. Conversely, UBE2L3 suppression diametrically yielded opposing results. Our further study demonstrated that overexpression of UBE2L3 significantly activated the nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) signaling pathway through promoting NF‐κB p65 nuclear translocation and the ubiquitination and degradation of IκBα protein. Additionally, UBE2L3 was proved to be targeted and negatively regulated by miR‐378a‐5p, and UBE2L3 overexpression reversed the effects of miR‐378a‐5p upregulation. Collectively, the present study indicates that UBE2L3 may promote OSCC and HSCC progression via activating the NF‐κB signaling by increasing IκBα degradation, indicating that UBE2L3 may be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of HNSCC.
Heart rate as an early predictor of severe cardiomyopathy and increased mortality in peripartum cardiomyopathy
Authors: Cooney Ryan , Scott John R. , Mahowald Madeline , Langen Elizabeth , Sharma Garima , Kao David P. , Davis Melinda B.
Published: February 2022

Background

Delays in diagnosis of peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) are common and are associated with worse outcomes; however, few studies have addressed methods for improving early detection.

Hypothesis

We hypothesized that easily accessible data (heart rate [HR] and electrocardiograms [ECGs]) could identify women with more severe PPCM and at increased risk of adverse outcomes.

Methods

Clinical data, including HR and ECG, from patients diagnosed with PPCM between January 1998 and July 2016 at our institution were collected and analyzed. Linear and logistic regression were used to analyze the relationship between HR at diagnosis and the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) at diagnosis. Outcomes included overall mortality, recovery status, and major adverse cardiac events.

Results

Among 82 patients meeting inclusion criteria, the overall mean LVEF at diagnosis was 26 ± 11.1%. Sinus tachycardia (HR > 100) was present in a total of 50 patients (60.9%) at the time of diagnosis. In linear regression, HR significantly predicted lower LVEF (F = 30.00, p < .0001). With age‐adjusted logistic regression, elevated HR at diagnosis was associated with a fivefold higher risk of overall mortality when initial HR was >110 beats per minute (adjusted odds ratio 5.35, confidence interval 1.23–23.28), p = .025).

Conclusion

In this study, sinus tachycardia in women with PPCM was associated with lower LVEF at the time of diagnosis. Tachycardia in the peripartum period should raise concern for cardiomyopathy and may be an early indicator of adverse prognosis.
Thermo‐Reversible Cellulose Micro Phase‐Separation in Mixtures of Methyltributylphosphonium Acetate and γ‐Valerolactone or DMSO
Authors: Holding Ashley J. , Xia Jingwen , Hummel Michael , Zwiers Harry , Leskinen Matti , Rico del Cerro Daniel , Hietala Sami , Nieger Martin , Kemell Marianna , Helminen Jussi K. J. , Aseyev Vladimir , Tenhu Heikki , Kilpeläinen Ilkka , King Alistair W. T.
Published: February 2022

We have identified cellulose solvents, comprised of binary mixtures of molecular solvents and ionic liquids that rapidly dissolve cellulose to high concentration and show upper‐critical solution temperature (UCST)‐like thermodynamic behaviour ‐ upon cooling and micro phase‐separation to roughly spherical microparticle particle‐gel mixtures. This is a result of an entropy‐dominant process, controllable by changing temperature, with an overall exothermic regeneration step. However, the initial dissolution of cellulose in this system, from the majority cellulose I allomorph upon increasing temperature, is also exothermic. The mixtures essentially act as ‘thermo‐switchable’ gels. Upon initial dissolution and cooling, micro‐scaled spherical particles are formed, the formation onset and size of which are dependent on the presence of traces of water. Wide‐angle X‐ray scattering (WAXS) and 13C cross‐polarisation magic‐angle spinning (CP‐MAS) NMR spectroscopy have identified that the cellulose micro phase‐separates with no remaining cellulose I allomorph and eventually forms a proportion of the cellulose II allomorph after water washing and drying. The rheological properties of these solutions demonstrate the possibility of a new type of cellulose processing, whereby morphology can be influenced by changing temperature.