bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rainfall Variability and Trend Analysis Over Nguru Yobe State, Nigeria
Authors: Sidi Yusuf Dawa
Published: April 2022

Aims: This study aimed to analyze rainfall variation in a semi-arid environment by examining the annual precipitation over Nguru in Yobe, Nigeria for a period of 31 years (1975-2005).

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Nguru town, an arid environment in Yobe State of Nigeria using rainfall data from Nguru meteorological station from 1975-2005.

Methods: Coefficient of variability (CV) was used to evaluate rainfall variability over time in the area, and non-parametric Mann-Kendall and Sen’s slope estimator were used to determine rainfall trend and its magnitude in the study area. The investigation was based on data collected over a 31-year period at a single site.

Results: The result indicates that the coefficient of variation CV for the annual rainfall in Nguru revealed a moderate inter annual variability (25%), whereas the CV for seasonal rainfall demonstrates that rainfall in the May June July monsoon period is highly variable between seasons (more than 40%). The CV for the August September October monsoon period, on the other hand, was 31.6%, indicating a considerable and high variability in total rainfall received.

Conclusion: The main conclusion of this study is that rainfall is highly variable over the years, posing a threat to climate change-induced drought and, as a result, affecting the socio-economic well-being of the people in the area, who are mostly peasant farmers who rely solely on agricultural activities for their livelihood.
Assessing Impact of Projected Climate Change on Sali Rice in a Representative District of Upper Brahmaputra Valley Zone of Assam
Authors: Paschapur Nikhil S. , Medhi Kuldip , Sarmah Kushal , Goswami Bondita , Bal Santanu K. , Subbarao Abburi V. M. , Sarmah Anjan K.
Published: April 2022

Three years of field trial along with DSSAT v4.6 CERES-Rice model-based simulation experiment was carried out to study the impact of climate change on Sali rice yield under various Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) in the agro-climatic conditions of Jorhat, Assam. Field experiments were conducted during kharif, 2017, 2018 and 2019 at the Instructional-Cum-Research (ICR) farm of Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat with three varieties viz., Mahsuri (150 days), Swarna Sub-1 (140-145 days) and TTB-404 (140-145 days); transplanted under three different micro-climatic regimes created by manipulating date of transplanting i.e., 26th June (early), 11th July (mid) and 26th July (late) under split plot experimental design with four replications. The validated model showed a good agreement for estimation of days required to attain different phenological stages with RMSE value 3.5, 2.9 and 2.9 days for Swarna sub-1; 2.4, 3.3 and 4.1 days for Mahsuri and 3.7, 2.6 and 2.4 days for TTB-404, respectively for panicle initiation, anthesis and physiological maturity. The overall d-stat value varied within 0.53 to 0.85 for phenology and 0.68 to 0.79 for grain yield. The ensemble weather data under four RCPs revealed an increase in mean maximum (0.3 to 3.0°C) and minimum (0.8 to 3.5°C) temperatures along with rainfall (11.8 to 43.4%) during the crop growing period compared to experimentation period (i.e. 2017-19) in three projected years. The grain yield of Sali rice showed positive deviation in all four RCPs and projected years under successive transplanting dates. The overall results reveal an increase in mean temperature up to 3°C during the crop growing period has no substantial adverse impact on grain yield of Sali rice under the agro-climatic condition of Jorhat, Assam.
Enhancement of Seed Germination and Seedling Vigour in Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) by Native Microbial Consortia
Authors: Lalhruaitluangi C. , Ao N. Tiameren , Daiho L. , Banik Susanta , Ao M. Aleminla , Kanaujia S. P.
Published: April 2022

Several biocontrol agents are being employed as one of the alternative methods to chemical measures in agricultural system to manage plant diseases as well as promoting, plant growth and development.Various studies have shown that combination of two or more beneficial microorganisms can have synergistic effect. The present The present study was conducted in 2019 at Department of Plant Pathology, SASRD, Nagaland University to check out the efficacy of indigenous compatible microbial consortia on plant growth promoting activities like seed germination, seedling vigour index, shoot length, root length, fresh and dry weight of shoot and roots by standard filter paper method Three microbial consortia were prepared using native isolates of Trichoderma and Pseudomonas fluorescens.T1[ (P. fluorescens P-7 + Trichoderma sp. T-5 + Trichoderma sp. T-11), T2 (P.fluorescens P-12 + Trichoderma sp. T-5 + Trichoderma sp. T-11), T3 (P. fluorescens P-7 + P.fluorescens P-12+Trichoderma sp. T-5 + Trichoderma sp. T-11. The experiment was conducted in completely randomized design (CRD) and five replications were maintained for each treatment.The result showed that, T3 significantly increased vigour index of tomato seedlings (93.24 %), including germination per cent (20.84 %), shoot length (61%) and root length (59.36 %) over control at 10 DAS. On the basis of findings, all the tested microbial consortia had significantly promoted the plant growth over control where T3was the best among the tested microbial consortia exhibiting plant growth promoting potential for commercial exploitation.
Effect of Boron and Bio-fertilizers on Growth and Yield of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)
Authors: Bhavana Kanakapudi , Singh Vikram , George Shruti Grace , Singh Shrish Kumar
Published: April 2022

A field experiment was conducted during kharif 2021 at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, SHUATS, Prayagraj (U.P). The experimental soil used in this experiment was sandy loam in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH 7.1), low in organic carbon (0.36 %), available N (171.48 kg/ha), available P (15.2 kg/ha) and available K (232.5 kg/ha). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with ten treatments each replicated three times on the basis of one year experimentation. The treatments which were Control (RDF), 2.5 kg B/ha + PSB, 2.5 kg B/ha + Azotobacter, 2.5 kg B/ha + PSB + Azotobacter, 5.0 kg B/ha + PSB, 5.0 kg B/ha + Azotobacter, 5.0 kg B/ha + PSB + Azotobacter, 7.5 kg B/ha + PSB, 7.5 kg B/ha + Azotobacter and 7.5 kg B/ha + PSB + Azotobacter are used. The results showed that application of 7.5 kg B/ha + PSB + Azotobacter showed significantly higher plant height (85.36 cm), No. of Branches/plant (6.57), Plant dry weight (19.53 g/plant), Crop growth rate (20.89 g/m2/day), capsules/plant (52.57), Seeds/capsule (62.60), Test weight (3.38 g), Seed yield (1.1635 t/ha), Stover yield (3.3819 t/ha), Biological yield (4.5556 t/ha), gross returns (Rs.79723.65/ha), net return (Rs.52849.25/ha) and benefit cost ratio (1.96) as compared to other treatments. Therefore, treatment with application of 7.5 B/ha along with  PSB 10 g/kg seeds and Azotobacter 10 g/kg seeds was more productive and can be recommended to farmers after further trials.
Effect of Slag Based Gypsum on Nutrient Uptake and Yield of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) in an Alkaline Soil
Authors: Goiba Pema Khandu , Prakash Nagabovanalli B. , Dhumgond Prabhudev , Shruthi . , Basavaraja P. K. , Chikkaramappa T. , Geetha K. N. , Basha C. R. Jahir
Published: April 2022

A pot culture study was undertaken to study the effect of slag based gypsum as a source of nutrient to the rice crop in an alkaline soil. The treatments included recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) as control, 450, 600, 750 and 900 kg ha-1 of slag based gypsum (SBG) along with RDF. The treatments were replicated thrice and complete randomized design (CRD) was followed for statistical analysis. The results revealed that application of 750 kg SBG ha-1 recorded significantly higher rice grain (8.85 g pot-1) and straw (9.00 g pot-1) yield when compared with other treatments. Further, application of 750 kg SBG ha-1 recorded higher nitrogen (N) (137.68 mg pot-1), phosphorus (P) (48.37 mg pot-1) and potassium (K) (45.38 mg pot-1) uptake by rice grain and also a significantly higher exchangeable calcium (Ca) (12.19 c mol (p+) kg-1) and magnesium (Mg) (12.93 c mol (p+)  kg-1) in post-harvest soil. Whereas, application of 900 kg SBG ha-1 recorded higher N (75.64 mg pot-1), P (17.95 mg pot-1) and K (49.78 mg pot-1) uptake by rice straw and also higher pH (8.95), electrical conductivity (EC) (1.28 dS m-1), available N (160.53 kg ha-1) and available sulphur (S) (182.50 kg ha-1) in post-harvest soil. Moreover, application of 900 kg SBG ha-1 was also reported to give higher micronutrient uptake and availability in post-harvest soil of our studies.
Microbiological Spectrum, Antibiogram and Bacteraemia in Biliary Tract Infections- A Study from Tertiary Centre of North India
Authors: Mehta Vibha , Grebriyal Versha , Loomba Poonam Sood , Mishra Bibhabati , Sharma Abha
Published: April 2022

Objectives: The present study was undertaken to understand the microbiological profile, clinical presentation, associated bacteraemia and present antibiogram pattern of various isolates from patients with biliary tract infection admitted in a tertiary care centre in India.

Methods: In this retrospective study, Bile samples were collected from adult patients admitted in our hospital and were processed as per standard protocol. The results were interpreted as per Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) 2020 guidelines. Bacterial isolates were categorised as MDR and PDR as per CDC.

Results: 326 bile samples were sent for aerobic culture and susceptibly testing. 197 (60.42%) of these samples were culture-positive, and the remaining 129 (39.57%) were sterile in nature. A total of 289 pathogens were isolated; Escherichia coli (37.37 % n=108) was predominant, followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (25.60%, n=74). 170 (60.49%) isolates were resis­tant and the remaining 111 (39.50%) were susceptible to various drugs tested. 27 ESBL producing strains of E.coli( n= 20) and Klebsiella spp (n= 7) and 21 CRE producing strains of E coli ( n= 12) and Klebsiella spp( n=9) were reported . 5 isolates of Klebsie­lla spp. and a single E.coli were PDR and susceptible to colis­tin (MIC =0.5 mcg/ml) by microbroth dilution test.

Conclusion: The soaring rates of infection mainly by gram-negative bacteria are a red flag with the emergence of multidrug resistant organisms and change in the anti-microbiological spectrum and pattern of biliary tract infections, there is an urgent need for the empirical and prophylactic an­timicrobial therapy in every clinical setting.
Modulation Mechanism of Proanthocyanidins from Leaves of Bayberry (Myrica rubra Sieb. Et Zucc.) on Hyperlipemic Rats Induced by High-fat-diet
Authors: Ye Lu-ting , Dong Zong-hua , Liu Jun , Guan Feng , Ge Jian
Published: April 2022

Aim: To investigate the lipid-lowering effect of proanthocyanidins from Bayberry leaf (BLP) in rat model of hyperlipidemia and to clarify the underlying molecular mechanism.

Study Design: The study includes in-vitro and in-vivo experiments in rat model.

Place and Duration of Study: College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Zhejiang Province, China, between March 2021 to December 2021.

Methodology: BLP were preliminarily characterized. The adsorption rate of BLP was determined based on in-vitro binding to bile acids. The effect of BLP on membrane transport of bile acids was examined through Caco-2 mono-layer in trans-well. The effect of BLP on serum enzyme activity and lipid metabolism genes expression were also investigated in a high-fat diet rat model.

Results: Total poly-phenol and proanthocyanidins contents were 97.93% and 82.25% respectively, using gallic acid and Epigallocatechin-3-O-Gallate (EGCG) as equivalent. The total flavonoid content was 12.05% (quercetin as equivalent) and the average polymerization degree of BLP was determined as 4.51. And the in-vitro average binding rates of BLP to bile acids were all higher than 80%. Meanwhile, the membrane transport of bile acids in Caco-2 monolayer cells were significantly obstructed by BLP. Furthermore, the total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations in rat serum were markedly decreased after 28-day of BLP treatment. And the hepatic steatosis was significantly ameliorated in high-dose BLP treatment group compared with high fat group. High-dose administration of BLP significantly reduced the levels of 3-hydroxy-3-3methylglutary-CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase, while the levels of ATP binding cassette transporters (ABCG-5), liver X receptor-α (LXR-α) and cholesterol-7α-hydroxylase (CYP7A1) were significantly increased.

Conclusion: BLP can mediate the serum lipid metabolism via preventing bile acids re-absorption, reducing oxidative stress and regulating the expression of lipid metabolism-related genes.
Instrumentos de Dilemas Morais Utilizados para Avaliar Julgamento Moral: Revisão Sistemática
Authors: Ponzoni Aline , Souza Giovana G. , Sampaio Lucas R. , Argimon Irani Iracema L.
Published: April 2022

orality is an essential element of the human being, who, on many occasions, needs to face complex and stressful decisions. Techniques with moral dilemmas are considered a standard methodology in moral judgment studies. One of the traditional dilemmas is the “Trolley Problem”; using it as a model, sets of moral dilemmas were developed and adapted to diff erent research objectives, but there is no consensus regarding its psychometric properties. Similarly, assessment instruments with moral dilemmas have been developed: the Moral Judgment Interview and the Moral Competence Test are some of the best known. The aim of this study was to investigate the assessment instruments with moral dilemmas, used to assess moral judgment, in surveys conducted between 2010 and 2020, period with a signifi cant increase in publications on this topic. For this, a systematic review of literature was carried out using the PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and PsycInfo databases, following the PRISMA protocol. 354 studies were found, of which 8 were selected, containing the following instruments: Moral Competence Test (MCT), Moral Judgment Test (MJT), Moral Sense Test (MST), Moral Thinking and Communication (MTC) and Moral Judgments of Sport Managers Instrument (MJSMI). It is also important to consider that 90 of the excluded studies contained varied sets of dilemmas. In conclusion, in this analysis, few studies using assessment instruments were found and the predominant use was of sets adapted to the objectives of each research.
Estrutura Interna e Fidedignidade das Escalas de Locusde Controle: Uma Scoping Review
Authors: Couto Leila Maria F. , Baptista Makilim  N.
Published: April 2022

Locus of control refers to how individuals perceive control in their lives and based on this perception, guides the motivation for their action, which can be internal or external. The locus of control, throughout more than 50 years of research, proved to be useful as a predictor attribute of individual diff erences and –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––* Correspondência: Leila Maria Ferreira Couto. Rua das Quaresmeiras, 162, Residencial Jardim das Palmeiras, Bosque, 13283-504, Vinhedo – SP, Brasil. Fones: (19) 3030-0721; (19) 99897-1977. leilamfc@terra.com.br. Este trabalho contou com o apoio fi nanceiro da Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior – CAPES. Couto, L. M. F., Baptista, M. N.2Cadernos de Psicologia, Ribeirão Preto, vol. 2, nº 1, p. 1-27 - Abril/2022has motivated the construction of diff erent scales for both, generalized and specifi c control expectations. However, these scales were constructed in the 1960s and 1970s using less advanced statistical methods than today, which may have generated inconsistent replication results of validity evidence regarding the internal structure of these instruments. The aim of this study was, from a scoping review, to investigate these psychometric properties of scales with generalized control expectations for adults. Forty-seven studies were selected that included analyzes of three scales: Rotter’s I-E Scale (1966), Levenson’s I-P-C Scale (1973, 1974), and Oviedo Locus of Control Scale from Suárez-Álvarez et al. (2016). The results pointed out gaps in the I-E and I-P-C scales, as well as recommendation of new studies with Oviedo Locus of Control Scale. Study limitations and suggestions for further investigations are discussed.
How to estimate R50% for cranial SRS/SRT cases with overlapping 50% isodose volumes: A proposed system
Authors: Desai Dharmin D. , Cordrey Ivan L.
Published: May 2022

Inevitably in clinical stereotactic cranial single isocenter multiple target cases treated with linac‐based multi‐leaf collimated (MLC) delivery, one encounters planning target volumes (PTVs) in close proximity with overlapping 50% isodose clouds (IDC50%). In such cases, it is very difficult to separate the IDC50% attributable to each individual target and, thus, assess the intermediate dose conformality or R50%. Such scenarios happen regardless of what metric is used to measure intermediate dose spill. Now that universal standards for intermediate dose spill have been proposed, it is important to have a consistent method for apportioning these overlapping IDC50% volumes to allow comparison with the proposed standards when multiple PTVs have overlapping IDC50%. We propose a systematic method for apportioning the IDC50% of multiple targets with overlapping IDC50% based on the relative surface area of each target volume; we call this the fair value estimate (FVE). This FVE system of apportionment is tested for reasonableness by comparing the apportionment of multiple target single isocenter stereotactic treatment with widely spaced targets where the IDC50% can be obviously assigned to demonstrate that the FVE results are very similar to the actual R50% results. We then demonstrate how the FVE system would be applied to cases with overlapping IDC50%. We propose this FVE system for consideration by the cranial stereotactic community for apportioning the intermediate dose spill when that intermediate dose spill overlaps among multiple targets.
Associative cued asynchronous BCI induces cortical plasticity in stroke patients
Authors: Niazi Imran Khan , Navid Muhammad Samran , Rashid Usman , Amjad Imran , Olsen Sharon , Haavik Heidi , Alder Gemma , Kumari Nitika , Signal Nada , Taylor Denise , Farina Dario , Jochumsen Mads
Published: April 2022

Objective

We propose a novel cue‐based asynchronous brain–computer interface(BCI) for neuromodulation via the pairing of endogenous motor cortical activity with the activation of somatosensory pathways.

Methods

The proposed BCI detects the intention to move from single‐trial EEG signals in real time, but, contrary to classic asynchronous‐BCI systems, the detection occurs only during time intervals when the patient is cued to move. This cue‐based asynchronous‐BCI was compared with two traditional BCI modes (asynchronous‐BCI and offline synchronous‐BCI) and a control intervention in chronic stroke patients. The patients performed ankle dorsiflexion movements of the paretic limb in each intervention while their brain signals were recorded. BCI interventions decoded the movement attempt and activated afferent pathways via electrical stimulation. Corticomotor excitability was assessed using motor‐evoked potentials in the tibialis‐anterior muscle induced by transcranial magnetic stimulation before, immediately after, and 30 min after the intervention.

Results

The proposed cue‐based asynchronous‐BCI had significantly fewer false positives/min and false positives/true positives (%) as compared to the previously developed asynchronous‐BCI. Linear‐mixed‐models showed that motor‐evoked potential amplitudes increased following all BCI modes immediately after the intervention compared to the control condition (p <0.05). The proposed cue‐based asynchronous‐BCI resulted in the largest relative increase in peak‐to‐peak motor‐evoked potential amplitudes(141% ± 33%) among all interventions and sustained it for 30 min(111% ± 33%).

Interpretation

These findings prove the high performance of a newly proposed cue‐based asynchronous‐BCI intervention. In this paradigm, individuals receive precise instructions (cue) to promote engagement, while the timing of brain activity is accurately detected to establish a precise association with the delivery of sensory input for plasticity induction.
Edge‐Assisted Epitaxy of 2D TaSe2‐MoSe2 Metal–Semiconductor Heterostructures and Application to Schottky Diodes
Authors: Qiao Peiyu , Xia Jing , Li Xuanze , Ru Fan , Liu Pei , Tian Lifeng , Jiang Xingxing , Lin Zheshuai , Chen Xue , Meng Xiang‐Min
Published: April 2022

Van der Waals (vdWs) heterostructures based on 2D metals and semiconductors have attracted considerable attention due to their excellent properties and great application potential in next‐generation electronic and optoelectronic devices. To obtain such vdWs heterostructures, the conventional approach with artificial exfoliation and stacking of 2D metals onto 2D semiconductors in the vertical direction is still far from satisfactory, because of the low yield and impurity‐involved transfer process. Here, two‐step vapor deposition growth of 2D TaSe2‐MoSe2 metal–semiconductor heterostructures is reported. Raman maps confirm the precise spatial modulation of the as‐grown 2D TaSe2‐MoSe2 heterostructures. Structural analysis reveals that the upper 1T‐TaSe2 is formed heteroepitaxially on/around the presynthesized 2H‐MoSe2 monolayers with an epitaxial relationship of (10‐10)TaSe2//(10‐10)MoSe2 and [0001]TaSe2//[0001]MoSe2. Based on the detailed characterizations of morphology, structure, and composition, an edge‐induced growth mechanism is proposed to illustrate the formation process of the 2D heterostructures, confirmed by first‐principle calculations. In addition, Kelvin probe force microscope characterizations and electrical transport measurements confirm that the 2D metal–semiconductor heterostructures exhibit typical rectification characteristics with a contact potential height of ≈431 mV. The direct growth of high‐quality 2D metal–semiconductor heterostructures marks an important step toward high‐performance integrated optoelectronic devices.
Atomic Threshold Switch Based on All‐2D Material Heterostructures with Excellent Control Over Filament Growth and Volatility
Authors: Nikam Revannath Dnyandeo , Hwang Hyunsang
Published: April 2022

This report demonstrates that atomic‐level controlled formation/rupture of conductive filaments using all 2D heterostructure of hBN‐graphene is a feasible way to achieve excellent switching characteristics for ideal atomic switches. At a threshold voltage, graphene with stable ion migration routes forms a few atom comprising Ag filaments in hBN, which subsequently spontaneously break as the applied voltage lowers, resulting in optimal threshold switching behavior in an hBN atomic switch. The hBN‐graphene atomic threshold switch maintains volatile threshold switching behavior in a wide range of operating currents (10 nA – 100 µA), has an extremely high on/off ratio > 108, ultralow leakage current < 1 pA and exceptionally rapid switching (≈70 ns). Ionic transport of Ag+ through graphene can avoid the migration of excessive Ag atoms into single layer hBN during operations. As a result, the growth of conductive filaments is stable and protected from atomic defects widening in hBN. The novel findings of this study show that the scaling layer thickness can reach the physical limit of vertical thickness scaling to accommodate the single‐atom volume of silver (≈0.257 nm) when using hBN, and a single‐atom‐thick ionic barrier made of graphene can be used to control switching.
Virus‐Like Iron Oxide Minerals Inspired by Magnetotactic Bacteria: Towards an Outstanding Photothermal Superhydrophobic Platform on Universal Substrates
Authors: Zhang Hongbo , Xu Xiaoyang , Wu Mingzhen , Zhao Yao , Sun Fan , Xin Qiangwei , Zhou Yuhang , Qin Meng , Zhou Yahong , Ding Chunmei , Li Jianshu
Published: April 2022

Magnetic iron oxides, as the typical photothermal materials, possess the advantages of low cost, easy preparation, and biocompatibility, which impart great expectations in broad application prospects. However, the limited photothermal efficiency of iron oxides restricts their further use. Inspired by magnetotactic bacteria, a liquid film‐confined strategy has been developed assisted by a magnetic field for mineralization and assembly of iron oxides on the surface at room temperature. Virus‐like hierarchically micro/nanostructured iron oxides can be obtained on universal substrates which exhibit excellent photothermal performance, the highest among all iron oxide coatings and even comparable with carbon‐based materials. Theoretical simulation demonstrates the promotion of light capture by these particular structures. Moreover, by virtue of this, the surface is endowed with superhydrophobicity by a simple modification to construct a photothermal superhydrophobic platform, which is demonstrated by two challenging scenarios: high‐efficient antibacterial activity and defrosting/deicing ability controlled remotely. There is no need for harsh experimental conditions and templates, the strategy reported here is mild, environmental‐friendly and adopts trace amount of liquid (55 µL cm−2), which can provide a reference for the fabrication and application of other photothermal materials.
Reversing Multidrug‐Resistant Escherichia coli by Compromising Its BAM Biogenesis and Enzymatic Catalysis through Microwave Hyperthermia Therapy
Authors: Mao Congyang , Jin Wanyu , Xiang Yiming , Zhu Yizhou , Wu Jun , Liu Xiangmei , Wu Shuilin , Zheng Yufeng , Cheung Kenneth M.C. , Yeung Kelvin Wai Kwok
Published: April 2022

Multidrug‐resistant (MDR) bacteria are emerging and disseminating rapidly, undoubtedly posing an urgent threat to global public health. One particular concern is that MDR Gram‐negative bacteria are immunized to available antibiotics owing to a series of biogenetic effects, including the β‐barrel assembly machine (BAM complex) in the outer membrane, MDR efflux pumps, and enzymatic degradation/modification, which are known to induce antibiotic resistance (AbR). Here, this work identifies that the AbR mechanisms of MDR Escherichia coli become compromised and sensitive again to conventional antibiotics, when the temperature of infected tissues is elevated to ≈50 °C in situ. This thought is realized by the microwave‐driven poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) microparticles that may effectively convert electromagnetic radiation to thermal energy. The microwave hyperthermia (MWH) therapy not only interrupts the essential surface‐exposed BamA protein of the BAM complex, but also enhances the permeability of the outer membrane and inhibits the action of MDR efflux pumps. MWH also impairs the hydrogen bond interaction between the catalytic residues of bacterial enzymes and functional groups of antibiotic molecules. Lastly, this work demonstrates these combined inhibitors can revitalize the bactericidal effects of conventional antibiotics in MDR Escherichia coli‐associated deep tissue infections.
Boosting H2 Production from a BiVO4 Photoelectrochemical Biomass Fuel Cell by the Construction of a Bridge for Charge and Energy Transfer
Authors: Wang Zhaoqi , Guo Yuhao , Liu Mu , Liu Xiaolei , Zhang Haipeng , Jiang Weiyi , Wang Peng , Zheng Zhaoke , Liu Yuanyuan , Cheng Hefeng , Dai Ying , Wang Zeyan , Huang Baibiao
Published: April 2022

Utilizing a photoelectrochemical (PEC) fuel cell to replace difficult water oxidation with facile oxidation of organic wastes is regarded as an effective method to improve the H2 production efficiency. However, in most reported PEC fuel cells, their PEC activities are still low and the energy in organic fuels cannot be effectively utilized. Here, a unique BiVO4 PEC fuel cell is successfully developed by utilizing the low‐cost biomass, tartaric acid, as an organic fuel. Thanks to the strong complexation between BiVO4 and tartaric acid, a bridge for the charge and energy transfer is successfully constructed, which not only improves the photoelectric conversion efficiency of BiVO4, but also effectively converts the chemical energy of biomass into H2. Remarkably, under AM1.5G illumination, the optimal nanoporous BiVO4 photoanode exhibits a high current density of 13.54 mA cm−2 at 1.23 V vs reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) for H2 production, which is higher than that of previously reported PEC water splitting systems or PEC fuel cell systems. This work opens a new path for solving the low PEC H2 production efficiency and provides a new idea for improving the performances and energy conversion efficiency in traditional PEC fuel cells.
Lithography‐Free Fabrication of Periodic Metal Network for Ultra‐Sensitive Transparent and Unidirectional Strain Sensor in Health‐Monitoring Applications
Authors: Mondal Indrajit , Kulkarni Giridhar U.
Published: April 2022

Tools with the ability of continuous health monitoring have received immense interest in biomedical engineering and the internet of things (IoT). Ultra‐sensitive wearable strain sensors are such tools having the potential to bring cost‐effectiveness in the therapeutic field. The present work describes the development of a transparent strain sensor comprising parallel Au micro‐wires semi‐embedded in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). A lithography‐free technique is employed for the cost‐effective fabrication, where a parallel‐crack network, formed by the gravity‐flow of a crackle precursor on an inclined silicon substrate, serves as a stencil for the parallel micro‐wire formations. The ultimate device is realized by transferring the wires into the PDMS substrate. The sensor with ≈85% transmittance shows a resistance change of ≈370% for an applied strain of 2%. The mechanism relies on the formation of nano‐break junctions in the micro‐wires due to applied strain leading to discontinuation in the electron percolation. The unidirectional sensor having such ultra‐high sensitivity and cyclic stability is exploited for the detection of resonance and dissonance oscillations of a coupled cantilever. Besides, the sensor is utilized for speech recognition, gesture detection and radial augmentation index calculation from the blood‐pulse pattern, supporting its feasibility as a potential tool in robotics and biomedical applications.
Ostwald Ripening in an Oxide‐on‐Metal System
Authors: Michalak Natalia , Ossowski Tomasz , Miłosz Zygmunt , Prieto Mauricio J. , Wang Ying , Werwiński Mirosław , Babacic Visnja , Genuzio Francesca , Vattuone Luca , Kiejna Adam , Schmidt Thomas , Lewandowski Mikołaj
Published: May 2022

Ostwald ripening is a well‐known physicochemical phenomenon in which smaller particles, characterized by high surface energy, dissolve and feed the bigger ones that are thermodynamically more stable. The effect is commonly observed in solid and liquid solutions, as well as in systems consisting of supported metal clusters or liquid droplets. Here, evidence is provided for the occurrence of Ostwald ripening in an oxide‐on‐metal system which, in this case, consists of ultrathin iron monoxide (FeO) islands grown on Ru(0001) single‐crystal support. The results reveal that the thermally‐driven sintering of islands allows altering their fine structural characteristics, including size, perimeter length, defect density and stoichiometry, which are crucial, for example, from the point of view of heterogeneous catalysis.
Underwater Fast Bubble Generating on Pitaya Thorn and Enhanced Biomimetic Gas Collection
Authors: Zhong Lieshuang , Chen Huan , Zhu Lingmei , Zhang Lei , Wang Shaomin , Hou Yongping , Zheng Yongmei
Published: April 2022

Underwater bubble is vital to various applications and many technologies are applied for realizing efficient interfacial bubble generating. Here, the unique underwater bubble generating by the thorn of pitaya is reported. Extensive bubbles are generated underwater within few seconds on the thorn surface. Microbumps and dual‐scale ribs grow on the thorn surface, constructing the unique dual‐scale groove configuration along the thorn surface. Microbumps equip groove with width gradient. The mechanism of how geometric configuration of groove and surface wettability affect the bubble generating is investigated. Bioinspired study shows that groove configuration can generate bubble within 2 ms by reassembling gas column within groove, which lowers the energy barrier of bubble generating and accelerated gas molecular diffusion toward bubble. Dual‐scale groove is beneficial for strengthening surface hydrophobicity and is favorable for reassembling. Besides, width gradient induces the discrepancy of interface curvature along the groove and further accelerates the bubble generating. Accordingly, the dual‐scale gradient groove can speed up bubble generating by ≈800%. Especially, the biomimetic combinational groove can realize enhanced underwater gas collection. This research reveals a new mechanism of fast bubble generating which is of great potential for the applications based on underwater bubbles.
Improvement of Photovoltaic Performance of Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 Solar Cells by Modification of Back Electrode Interface with Amorphous Boron Nitride
Authors: Wang Ting , Yao Bin , Li Yongfeng , Ding Zhanhui , Zhang Jiayong , Wang Chunkai , Liu Jia
Published: April 2022

An amorphous boron nitride (aBN) layer is inserted between Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CZTSSe) films and Mo back electrode of CZTSSe solar cell by magnetron sputtering to mitigate the carrier recombination at back interface by tuning energy band alignment and suppressing formation of secondary phases and Mo(S,Se)2. The effect of the aBN layer on power conversion efficiency (PCE) of CZTSSe solar cell is investigated by numerical simulation and experiment. It is found that PCE is greatly improved via the insertion of suitable thick aBN layer, which is attributed to increased open‐circuit voltage (VOC) and fill factor (FF). By quantitative analysis, it is deduced that the increased VOC originates mainly from decrease in reverse saturation current density (J0), followed by increase in shunt resistance (RSh), and the increased FF is mainly due to the decreased J0, followed by increased RSh and decreased photogenerated current density (JL). By optimizing aBN thickness through tuning sputtering time, the PCE increases from 8.68% of CZTSSe solar cell without the aBN layer to 9.51% of the CZTSSe solar cell with aBN layer. The influence mechanism of the aBN layer on the PCE is suggested by analyzing quantitatively the effect of the aBN layer on JL and electrical parameters.
Intercalation‐Driven Defect‐Engineering of MoS2for Catalytic Transfer Hydrogenation
Authors: Shi Yanghao , Zhang Wenbiao , Tan Jingwen , Yan Tianlan , Jia Yingshuai , Wang Zhiyuan , Tang Yi , Gao Qingsheng
Published: April 2022

Crystal defects are pivotal to boosting catalytic performance and an in‐depth understanding of the working mechanism of transition‐metal chalcogenides (TMDs), but their facile and controllable engineering are yet challenging. Herein, a new route is introduced to engineer defects on MoS2via in situ intercalation during its hydrothermal preparation, accomplishing the efficient catalytic transfer hydrogenation (CTH) of nitroarenes. The combination of multiple structural characterizations demonstrates that the density of S defects can be tuned by the intercalation of ammonium and dimethylamine cations due to lattice strain/distortion and ligand substitution. As a proof of concept, the defect‐dependent catalytic performance is evidenced in the CTH of nitrobenzene with isopropanol, highlighting the significance of coordinatively unsaturated Mo sites in generating reactive chemisorbed H for subsequent hydrogenation. The good efficiency of defective MoS2within a broad substrate scope further verifies the promise of the intercalation‐driven defect‐engineering strategy for designing TMDs‐based catalysts.
Ti3C2Tx MXene as Electrocatalyst for Designing Robust Glucose Biosensors
Authors: Kumar Rajesh , Singh Lakhveer
Published: April 2022

2D transition metal carbides, nitrides, and carbo‐nitrides, known as MXenes, have emerged as a versatile class of nanomaterials. MXenes are hailed as remedies to a plethora of global problems. Some of the remarkable ideal properties of MXenes that can transcend the boundaries of current technology, particularly in the field of sensors, include metal‐like high electrical conductivity, quantum confinement effects, electro‐optic properties, large surface area, ease of functionalization, and surface modifications. This review highlights current breakthroughs in fundamental knowledge, synthesis, and attributes of MXene‐based materials for glucose biosensing applications. The effects of various secondary inorganic and organic compounds, such as polymers, carbonaceous materials, transition metal oxides, and metallic nanoparticles on the biosensing performance of the MXenes, analyzed through electrochemical, optical, and noninvasive techniques, toward glucose have been investigated and reviewed. The primary purpose of this review article is thus to give an up‐to‐date critical analysis of MXene composite‐based glucose biosensors, as well as recent achievements and challenges in the synthesis, fabrication of related devices, and novel biosensing approaches. Lastly, the current research challenges and future research potential for MXenes in electrochemical glucose sensing are also addressed.
Bio‐Inspired Macromolecular Ordering of Elastomers for Enhanced Contact Electrification and Triboelectric Energy Harvesting
Authors: Šutka Andris , Lapčinskis Linards , Verners Osvalds , Ģērmane Līva , Smits Krisjanis , Pludons Arturs , Gaidukovs Sergejs , Jerāne Ilze , Zubkins Martins , Pudzs Kaspars , Sherrell Peter Cameron , Blums Juris
Published: April 2022

Triboelectrification of polymers enables mechanical energy harvesting in triboelectric generators, droplet generators, and ferroelectrets. Herein, triboelectric polymers, inspired by the ordering in spider‐silk, with strongly enhanced contact electrification are presented. The ordering in polyether block amide (PEBA) is induced by the addition of inorganic goethite (α‐FeOOH) nanowires that form H‐bonds with the elastomeric matrix. The addition of as little as 0.1 vol% of α‐FeOOH into PEBA increases the surface charge by more than order of magnitude (from 0.069 to 0.93 nC cm–2). The H‐bonds between α‐FeOOH and PEBA promote the formation of inclusions with higher degree of macromolecular ordering, analogous to the structure of spider silk. The formation of these inclusions is proven via nanoindentation hardness measurements and correlated with H‐bond‐induced chemical changes by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and direct scanning calorimetry. Theoretical studies reveal that the irregularity in hardness provides stress accumulation on the polymer surface during contact‐separation. Subsequent molecular dynamic studies demonstrate that stress accumulation promotes the mass‐transfer mechanism of contact electrification. The proposed macromolecular structure design provides a new paradigm for developing materials for applications in mechanical energy harvesting.
Synergistic Structural Engineering of Tunnel‐Type Polyantimonic Acid Enables Dual‐Boosted Volumetric and Areal Lithium Energy Storage
Authors: Yong Kai , Fang Haoyu , Wang Boya , Qiu Xiaoling , Wu Kaipeng , Wang Qian , Zhang Yun , Wu Hao
Published: April 2022

Tunnel‐structured polyantimonic acid (PAA) is an intriguing high‐capacity anode candidate for alkali‐metal‐ion storage; however, the awful electroconductivity of PAA (≈10–10 S cm–1) normally requires coupling with large‐surface‐area conductive substrate (e.g., graphene), conversely leading to poor scalability, ultralow density, and execrable volumetric energy. Synergistic structural engineering of PAA via bulk‐phase ion substitution and incorporation with low‐cost flake graphite (FG) is presented here to construct composite electrodes for lithium‐storage. The full‐occupation of Mn2+ into the tunnel‐centers of PAA synchronously improves its bulk conductivity (≈10–5 S cm–1) and true density (4.58 g cm–3), whilst less than 20% volume expansion of PAA is consequently achieved by FG confinement with enhanced multielectron‐reaction kinetics, unveiled by ex/in situ techniques. Besides delivering considerable volumetric capacity (>1200 mAh cm–3 at 0.1 A g–1), thus‐fabricated high‐tap‐density composite favors the construction of conducting additive‐free, high‐loading thick electrodes (>6.0 mg cm–2), exhibiting dual‐boosted areal/volumetric capacities (4.2 mAh cm–2/743 mAh cm–3), and fast‐charging capability (75% capacity charged within ≈13 min). Moreover, 3D‐printed composite electrodes with tunable shape and mass‐loading are also implemented to showcase impressive areal/volumetric Li+‐storage performance. Paring with high‐loading and high‐compact‐density LiCoO2 cathodes (e.g., 18.0 mg cm–2/3.53 g cc–1), full‐cells achieve remarkable electrode‐level areal‐/volumetric‐energy‐densities beyond 7.0 mWh cm–2/850 Wh L–1cathode+anode.
3D bioprinted organ‐on‐chips
Authors: Rahmani Dabbagh Sajjad , Rezapour Sarabi Misagh , Birtek Mehmet Tugrul , Mustafaoglu Nur , Zhang Yu Shrike , Tasoglu Savas
Published: May 2022

Organ‐on‐a‐chip (OOC) platforms recapitulate human in vivo‐like conditions more realistically compared to many animal models and conventional two‐dimensional cell cultures. OOC setups benefit from continuous perfusion of cell cultures through microfluidic channels, which promotes cell viability and activities. Moreover, microfluidic chips allow the integration of biosensors for real‐time monitoring and analysis of cell interactions and responses to administered drugs. Three‐dimensional (3D) bioprinting enables the fabrication of multicell OOC platforms with sophisticated 3D structures that more closely mimic human tissues. 3D‐bioprinted OOC platforms are promising tools for understanding the functions of organs, disruptive influences of diseases on organ functionality, and screening the efficacy as well as toxicity of drugs on organs. Here, common 3D bioprinting techniques, advantages, and limitations of each method are reviewed. Additionally, recent advances, applications, and potentials of 3D‐bioprinted OOC platforms for emulating various human organs are presented. Last, current challenges and future perspectives of OOC platforms are discussed.
The Achieved Capabilities Questionnaire for Community Mental Health (ACQ‐CMH): A consumer‐based measure for the evaluation of community mental health interventions
Authors: Sacchetto Beatrice , Ornelas José , Calheiros Maria M.
Published: May 2022

The capabilities approach offers a multidimensional, ecological, and agent‐centered framework that may inspire models of intervention and evaluation. A growing number of measures grounded on the capabilities approach for outcome measurement are appearing. Regarding community mental health, new consumer‐valued measures—constructed in collaboration with consumers—are here considered crucial for a transformative shift. Meanwhile, new measurements need to provide psychometric evidence to enable proper choice and application. The Achieved Capabilities Questionnaire for Community Mental Health (ACQ‐CMH) was developed in collaboration with consumers of community mental health services. It aims to assess consumers' capabilities achieved through program support. The present paper shows advancements in the measure validation through a confirmatory factor analysis within a sample of community mental health consumers (N = 225). Reliability and construct‐related validity were also observed. A structural solution composed of five factors and 43 items revealed a better model fit than that obtained in a previous exploratory study. Findings support the reliability, sensibility, and both convergent and discriminant validity of using the ACQ‐CMH in the evaluation of community mental health interventions. The ACQ‐CMH offers a consumer‐valued framework with specific dimensions and indicators of capabilities for use in a routine service evaluation setting.
CAR‐T cell therapy targeting B cell maturation antigen is effective for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma, including cases with poor performance status
Authors: Du Juan , Wei Runhong , Jiang Songfu , Jiang Hua , Li Lu , Qiang Wanting , He Haiyan , Shi Lin , Ma Qiuling , Yu Kang , Zhang Xiaoyuan , Ding Hanyi , Sun Xuedong , Xiang Fang , Zhu Lin , Cheng Zhi , Fu Weijun
Published: April 2022

In this open‐label, single‐arm, phase I/II clinical trial, we evaluated the efficacy of anti‐B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)‐T cell (HDS269B) therapy in 49 relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) patients, including 20 with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) grade 3–4. After HDS269B infusion (9 × 106 CAR+ cells/kg), 17 patients (34.69%, 11 ECOG 0–2, 6 ECOG 3–4) developed cytokine release syndrome [grade 1–2: 14 patients (28.57%); grade 3: 3 patients (6.12%)]. The objective response rate (ORR) was 77%, with a complete response (CR) achieved in 47%. Ongoing response >12 months occurred in 15 patients, and was extended beyond 38 months in one patient. The median progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 10 months (95% CI 5.3–14.7) and 29 months (95% CI 10.0–48.0), respectively. The PFS (12 months) and OS (18 months) rates were 41.64% and 62.76%, respectively. In patients with ECOG 0–2 and 3–4, ORR was 79.31% (23/29) and 75.0% (15/20) and PFS were 15 months (95% CI 5.4–24.6) and 4 months (95% CI 0–11.7), respectively. OS was not reached in ECOG 0–2 patients, but was 10.5 months (95% CI 0–22) in ECOG 3–4 patients. Single‐cell sequencing indicated that treatment efficacy might be related to mTORC1 signaling. Thus, HDS269B therapy is safe and effective for RRMM patients, even those with ECOG 3–4.
Unusual complications in the management of chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Gordon Max J. , Ferrajoli Alessandra
Published: May 2022

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a common, indolent disease that typically presents with a proliferation of mature, immunologically dysfunctional CD5+ B‐cells which preferentially occupy the bone marrow, peripheral blood and lymphoid organs. Immune dysfunction leads to an increase in autoimmune diseases which occur in approximately 10% of patients with CLL. Autoimmune cytopenias are the most common, but other organs may be affected as well. The treatment of these conditions typically depends on the extent of CLL and severity of symptoms, but generally consists of CLL‐directed therapies, immunosuppression or both. CLL may also infiltrate extranodal sites in the body. Symptomatic extranodal CLL or extranodal disease which threatens normal organ function is an indication for initiation of CLL‐directed therapy. The following review summarizes autoimmune and extranodal complications that can occur in patients with CLL and our suggested approach to their treatment.