bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nosocomial Outbreak of Port-site Infection due to Atypical Mycobacteria following Laparoscopy: Suggested Infection Control Strategies
Authors: Sharma Mukesh , Gautam Divya , Devi Leimapokpam Sumitra , Sardar Moumita
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Atypical mycobacteria can survive in conditions that make them hard to eradicate, despite using the standard decontamination procedures and protocols. Thus, errors in sterilisation techniques for laparoscopic instruments can be responsible for outbreaks caused by such bacteria and make it a problem mainly affecting developing countries including India. Aim: To investigate the outbreak of postlaparoscopic wound infection caused by atypical mycobacteria. Materials and Methods: An institution based cross-sectional study was conducted over a two-month period from January 2020 to February 2020. A total of 14 patients presented with postlaparoscopic surgical site wound infections were evaluated with Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) staining and pus culture on Lowenstein Jensen (LJ) medium and subsequently treated with appropriate antibiotics. For further investigation of the outbreak, environmental samples were collected and isolation rates (percentage) of atypical mycobacteria from these samples were analysed. Results: All the patients included in the study were diagnosed with postlaparoscopic surgical site wound infections caused by atypical mycobacteria. Infection control investigation of the Operation Theatres (OTs) revealed multiple sources of atypical mycobacterial contamination viz., laparoscopic surgical instruments, used disinfectant (gluteraldehyde disinfectant solution) and tap aerators. Conclusion: Negative routine bacterial culture report of samples collected from port-sites should be further investigated for other aetiology e.g., atypical mycobacteria which do not grow on routine bacterial culture. Since high indices of suspicion followed by timely and efficient management of patients with postlaparoscopic surgical site infection are of critical importance.
Facial Expression Recognition Using Python Using CNN Model
Authors: Kumar Akash , Nair Athira B. , Jena Swarnaprabha , Rana Debaraj , Pradhan Subrat Kumar
Published: August 2021

Facial expressions are a vital part of human life. Each day has a number of instances and all instances include numerous amounts of communication. Every communication expressed with emotion tells us about the state of the person. The interpersonal as well as security purposes are solved through facial expressions. The mischievous intention of a person can be caught by his expressions.

The human mind can capture visual information faster. So, a machine recognizing it will be a challenge. As the saying goes- “A picture is worth a thousand words”- only when it is represented well. A machine being able to detect the atmosphere by the means of expression is less of a manual work.

This paper detects the faces, extract the features as well classify them into different categories which ultimately lead to expression recognition. We evaluate our proposed method with the dataset which we used and the recall of angry, fear, happy, neutral, sad, and surprise is 60%, 31%, 84%, 22%, 57% and 58% respectively and the f1-score is 51% 35%, 82%, 25%, 51% and 64% respectively. Experimental results demonstrate the competitive classification of our proposed system.
A Hybrid Prediction Model of Kernel Principal Component Analysis, Support Vector Regression and Teaching Learning Based Optimization Techniques
Authors: Siddique Mohammed , Samantara Tumbanath , Mishra Siba Prasad
Published: August 2021

Forecasting of stock market is considered as one of the most decisive and critical tasks for the data scientists in financial domain. Stock market is one of exciting and demanding monetary activities for individual investors, and financial analysts. The stock market is an inter-connected important economic international business. Prediction of stock price has become a crucial issue for stock investors and brokers. The stock market is able to influence the day to day life of the common people. The stock price is based on the state of market stability. As the dormant high noises in the data impair the performance, reducing the noise would be competent while constructing the forecasting model. To achieve this task, integration of kernel principal component analysis, support vector machine with teaching learning based optimization algorithm is proposed in this research work. Kernel principal component analysis is able to remove the unnecessary and unrelated factors, and reduces the dimension of input variables and time complexity. The feasibility and efficiency of this proposed hybrid model has been applied to forecast the daily open prices of stock index of a leading Company. The performance of the proposed approach is evaluated with 3543 daily transactional (13th December 2001 to 4th December 2020) stocks price data from Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). Empirical results show that the proposed model enhances the performance of the prediction model and can be used for taking better decision and more accurate predictions for financial investors.
In vitro and in vivo Activities of Psidium guajava and Azadirachta indica Leaf Extracts and solvent Fractions against Salmonella Typhi
Authors: Adewale Adetutu , Temitope Olaniyi Deborah , Tamilore Awodugba , Olusoji Owoade Abiodun , B. Olaniyan, Lamidi Waheed , Olubunmi Oyekunle Simeon
Published: August 2021

Typhoidal salmonella infections remain a challenge in the health care system in sub-Saharan Africa. Carrier status and advent of multi-drug resistant S. Typhi strains have necessitated the search for new drug leads. Hence, this study aims at investigating P. guajava and A. indica leaves for anti-salmonella activities. Guava and neem leaves were extracted by maceration in methanol and fractionated by solvent partitioning. In vitro activities were assessed by agar well diffusion and broth micro-dilution methods. Sixty male rats were randomized to 10 groups of 6 animals each for the in vivo experiments. Groups of rats except, normal control, were induced with 0.5McFarland of S. Typhi suspension orally. Treatment groups received 200 mg/kg body weight of extracts and fractions, and the control groups were treated with 14.29mg/kg body weight of ciprofloxacin and 1%v/v DMSO for 7 days post-infection. Biochemical parameters were determined spectrophotometrically. Hematological parameters were analyzed with automated hematology diagnostic machine. All fractions of P. guajava and three of A. indica inhibited S. Typhi growth with Zone of Inhibition (ZI) ranging from 11-15 mm. Active fractions inhibited 48.60-62.45% of S. Typhi biofilm formation at 25 mg/mL with Minimum Bactericidal Inhibitory Concentration (MBIC) of 0.39-12.5 mg/mL. All fractions improved body weight of treated rats and inhibited bacteremia at 44.75 and 95.94%. Hematological parameters improved in all fractions-treated rats. MDA was not significantly (p<0.05) altered in all groups. One fraction of P. guajava (ePg) lowered the elevated level in concentration of Nitric oxide (NO) while all fractions enhanced the lowered activity of SOD. Elevated (lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and bilirubin (BIL) were lowered by all fractions to various extents in treated rats. Fractions of P. guajava, and A. indica could be further considered for identification of active anti-salmonella principle(s).
The Negative Role of Corruption for the Attractiveness of Foreign Direct Investment
Authors: Mashrabjonovich Ikboljon Odashev
Published: August 2021

The article examines the relevance of the correlation between the index of corruption perception and the index of the attractiveness of foreign direct investment in the formation and implementation of state investment policy and the impact of development projects of countries that implement analytical formulas of multiple regressions. And we recognize some important drivers and factors of modelling the problems of foreign direct investment, which are associated with attracting into the economy, increasing the attractiveness of its development. The real examples are given related to corruption and foreign direct investment studied by different scientists of the world. The task is set how it will determine how much corruption in the world will affect the attractiveness of foreign investors by means of selected countries.
Effect of Warm Foot Bath on Heart Rate Variability in Hypertension
Authors: Kumar Abhay , J. Sujatha K. , Shetty Prashanth
Published: August 2021

Aims: Warm foot bath is a simple, cost-effective, efficient treatment modality used in Naturopathy in the management of hypertension, a preventable and treatable global public health issue. This study was done to assess the effect of warm foot bath on heart rate variability and blood pressure and thereby to substantiate the clinical understanding of its effect in hypertensive individuals.

Methodology: From the inpatient department of Shri Dharmasthala Yoga and Nature cure hospital Shantivana, hundred subjects diagnosed with hypertension belonging to the age group of 30 to 60 years were recruited for the study and warm foot bath was given to all the patients. Subjects were assessed for Blood Pressure (BP) and Heart Rate Variability (HRV) before and after the intervention of 15 minutes.

Results: The data analysis shows a significant reduction in SBP (p<0.001) and DBP (P<0.001). Result showed there is significant reduction seen in MEAN RR, RMSSD, NN50, PN50, VLF and significant increase in LF, HR, LF/HF ratio p value of (p<0.001). There is no significant change in MEAN HF (p>0.005).

Conclusion: The result of the study shows that warm foot bath reduces the sympathetic tone and shifts the Sympatho-vagal balance in favour of parasympathetic dominance and hence, it can be concluded that warm foot bath can be effectively used in the management of hypertension.

Trial Registration: Clinical Trial Registry - India (CTRI), CTRI Reg. No.- CTRI/2020/01/022640.
Intrathecal 0.5% Isobaric Bupiv Acaine Versus 0.5% Isobaric Ropiv Acaine for HIP Surgeries
Authors: Raj M.
Published: August 2021

The sensory motor block for ropivacaine starts at 6.4 minutes and similarly for bupivacaine is 3.32 minutes. The sensory block for ropivacaine is from ranges from T8-T12 and for bupivacaine its T4 - T8 level. The time taken for motor block is 203.8 and for group R its 142.9min. In group B, the mean value of time taken for two segment regression is 97.9 minutes. The time taken for group R to regress is 63.7. In Group its 4. 70 minutes. In Group R the    mean onset of motor block is 9.40 minutes.
Plant Phyto-constituents as Antibiotic Adjuvants: A Systematic Review and Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Dongre Prerana , Bhambar R. S. , Tambe Vrushali , Karnik Archana
Published: August 2021

The advent of antibiotics in the 19th century has significantly reduced the morbidity and mortality of infectious diseases. However, irrational use of antibiotics in humans as well as in animals has driven the 21st century to the rapid emergence of MultiDrug Resistance Bacteria (MRB). Moreover, the dissemination of COVID-19 pandemic has paved the way for MRB, typically due to increased use of antibiotics to avoid secondary infections.

The fast pace progression of bacterial resistance for the antibiotics and their combinations is making the management of MRB infections tough and increasing the cost of the treatment as well. However, use of Efflux Pump Inhibitors (EPI) as adjuvant for antibiotics has shown a ray of hope by retaining the susceptibility of the antibiotics and thereby reducing the burden of immediate requirement of new antibiotics for MRB. Accordingly, the present paper is aimed to scrutinize the predominant literature depicting the plant Phyto-constituents as an EPI and adjuvant for antibiotics in the management of MRB infections.

The systematic review of the present paper indicates that the plant phyto-constituents belonging to the class of alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids can effectively be used as EPIs for antibiotics such as Ciprofloxacin, Norfloxacin, Tetracyclines and Chloramphenicol. Bibliometric analysis indicates that the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy and BMC Complementary & Alternative Medicine have published impactful articles on EPI potential of plant phyto-constituents. Further, authors Kuete V, Dzotam JK, Falcao-silva VD, Gibbons S, Kuiate JR, Mbaveng AT, Tankeo SB and  Voukeng IK are the major contributors and productive authors.
Bacteriological Quality of Local Streams and Antibacterial Effect of Ocimum gratissimum and Psidium guajava
Authors: Bassey Etim Lawrence , Okon Ekong Mercy
Published: August 2021

Background: Streams are known sources of drinking water for most communities in the rural areas. It importance to human and other forms of life cannot be overemphasize, hence the need to evaluate it portability

Methodology: Microbiological quality of different streams in Inua Akpa of Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State was determined using standard bacteriological technique. The two (Psidium guajava and Ocimum gratissimum) plant materials were extracted using 70% ethanol and distilled water. Susceptibility testing was carried out using agar diffusion methods. SPSS version 20 was used for descriptive statistics, student Unpaired T-test compared the means of bacterial isolates and their distribution in different streams.

Results: E. coli, Salmonella, Klebsiella and Enterococcus Spp were isolated with percentage occurrence based on streams as: 43.0, 27.0, and 30.0%, 71.0, 27.0, 00, 83.0, 00, 18.0 and 63.0%, 38.0, 00 in Ndom Nyam, Usung Esuk and Usung Odot streams respectively. Klebsiella was the most frequent isolate (83.0%) followed by Salmonella Spp in Ndom Nyam.  Salmonella and Enterococcus spp were absent in Usung Odot while Klebsiella Spp was undetected in Usung Esuk. E.coli was isolated in all the experimented streams with total occurrence of 93.0%. There was a significant difference at P = 0.005 in the occurrence of E. coli in all the streams compared to other isolates.

 The isolated organisms were susceptible to P. guajava at all concentrations (50, 30, 20, 10, 5mg/mL) with highest inhibition of (24mm) observed at 50mg/mL against Klebsiella Spp. Ocimum gratissimum was effective against E.coli at all concentrations, Enterococcus was only inhibited at 50 and 30mg/mL, Klebsiella showed resistant at the lowest concentration (5mg/mL) while Salmonella resisted the extract at all concentrations. The aqueous extract of both plants showed no antimicrobial activity against any isolated organisms as well as negative controls.

Conclusion: This study suggest a regular monitoring of local streams to stop human activities that encourages the introduction of microorganisms into sources of drinking water. The expressed inhibitory zones of diameter by these two plants justify their used as alternative treatment for water related illnesses in rural communities.
PROGRAM PEMBERDAYAAN EKONOMI MANDIRI MELALUI BUDIDAYA PERIKANAN DAN PERKEBUNAN DALAM EMBER DI PANTI ASUHAN BUDI MULYA 2
Authors: Syahputri Rahmalia , Nurfiana Nurfiana , Darmawan Jaka , Widiantoko Ari
Published: August 2021

Budi Mulya 2 (BM2) orphanage is a social institution located in Bandar Lampung. To meet the operational needs of development, the day-to-day operations of the orphanage, as well as their development, BM 2 rely on donations provided by permanent and non-permanent donors, thus the cost of developing the homes and foster children is unpredictable, very small, and insufficient. For an institution to have sufficient funds for both physical and non-physical development to allow foster children can be maximized for their guidance process, it is necessary to plan and develop a focused and sustainable business. As one of the efforts is conducting a long-term three-year program to empower the economy independently through aquaculture and plantations in buckets.  By doing this action, it is hoped we can build a community service and education institution that is dynamic and capable of accommodating and fostering many neglected children through an independent economic enterprise improvement program. This paper describes the results of the service during the first  year of service activities; which are the construction and cultivation training, the first harvest, and several activities during the COVID-19 pandemic had been held. In addition, the skills of the caregiver and foster children improve in cultivating fish and plants in buckets.
 
Abstrak: Panti asuhan Budi Mulya 2 (BM 2) adalah satu satu lembaga sosial yang berlokasi di Bandar Lampung. Dalam memenuhi kebutuhan operasional pembangunan, operasional sehari-hari panti dan anak asuh, serta pengembangannya, BM 2 mengandalkan donasi yang diberikan oleh Donatur tetap dan tidak tetap, sehingga biaya pengembangan panti dan anak asuh tidak stabil, sangat kecil, dan tidak mencukupi. Agar lembaga dapat memiliki dana yang cukup untuk pengembangan baik fisik dan non fisik, sehingga anak asuh dapat termaksimalkan proses pem­binaan­nya, maka Perlu direncanakan dan dikembangkannya usaha yang terarah dan berkesi­nam­­bungan. Sebagai salah satu upaya, untuk itu, telah dicanangkan program jangka panjang tiga tahun pemberdayaan ekonomi mandiri melalui budidaya perikanan dan perkebun­an dalam ember. Melalui kegiatan ini diharapkan terbentuknya sebuah lembaga pengabdian dan pendidikan masyarakat yang dinamis dan mampu menampung dan membina banyak anak-anak terlantar melalui program peningkatan usaha ekonomi mandiri. Tulisan ini memaparkan hasil pengabdian selama tahun pertama kegiatan pengabdian; antara lain telah diselenggarakannya pembangunan dan pelatihan budidaya, panen pertama, dan beberapa kegiatan pada masa pandemic COVID-19. Selain itu, bertambahnya keterampilan Pengasuh dan Anak asuh dalam membudidayakan ikan dan tanaman dalam ember.
Cordycepin inhibits cell senescence by ameliorating lysosomal dysfunction and inducing autophagy through the AMPK and mTOR–p70S6K pathway
Authors: Zuo Shi Qi , Li Can , Liu Yi Lun , Tan Yue Hao , Wan Xing , Xu Tian , Li Qiang , Wang Li , Wu Yong Li , Deng Feng Mei , Tang Bin
Published: August 2021

Cell senescence is closely related to autophagy. In this article, we identified a natural nucleoside analogue, cordycepin, that has the ability to significantly improve lysosomal function, enhance the activity of the lysosomal representative protease cathepsin B (CTSB), and promote the expression of the functional protein lysosomal‐associated membrane protein 2 (LAMP2) on the lysosomal membrane. Cordycepin then restores the damaged autophagy level of aging cells by activating the classic AMPK and mTOR–p70S6K signaling pathways, thus inhibiting cell senescence in an H2O2‐induced stress‐induced premature senescence (SIPS) cell model. This study provides new theoretical support for the further development of cordycepin and clinical antiaging drugs to inhibit cell senescence and suggests that the regulatory mechanisms of lysosomes in senescent cells should be considered when treating age‐related diseases.
Urbanization and Knee Cartilage Growth Among Children and Adolescents in Western Kenya
Authors: Holowka Nicholas B. , Wallace Ian J. , Mathiessen Alexander , Mang’eni Ojiambo Robert , Okutoyi Paul , Worthington Steven , Lieberman Daniel E.
Published: August 2021

Objective

Previous studies have demonstrated that low physical activity levels during youth are associated with the development of thin knee cartilage, which may increase susceptibility to osteoarthritis later in life. Here, we propose and test the hypothesis that reductions in physical activity impair knee cartilage growth among people in developing countries experiencing urbanization and increased market integration.

Methods

Ultrasonography was used to measure knee cartilage thickness in 168 children and adolescents (aged 8‐17 years) from two groups in western Kenya: a rural, physically active group from a small‐scale farming community and an urban, less physically active group from the nearby city of Eldoret. We used general linear models to assess the relative effects of age on cartilage thickness in these two groups, controlling for sex and leg length.

Results

Both groups exhibited significant reductions in knee cartilage thickness with increasing age (P < 0.0001; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.15‐0.06 mm), yet the rate of reduction was significantly less in the rural than in the urban group (P = 0.012; 95% CI 0.01‐0.10 mm).

Conclusion

The results support our hypothesis by showing that individuals from the more physically active rural group exhibited less knee cartilage loss during youth than the more sedentary urban group. Our findings suggest that reduced physical activity associated with urbanization in developing nations may affect adult knee cartilage thickness and thus could be a factor that increases susceptibility to osteoarthritis.
Meeting drinking patients where they're at: A sea change for many
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: August 2021

There's nothing new about the idea of harm reduction: helping people who use drugs avoid overdose by telling them how to test for illicit fentanyl, helping them avoid HIV by encouraging them to use clean needles and syringes, and so on. But in the alcohol treatment world, for decades the mantra has been abstinence, abstinence, abstinence.
Fabrication of Polyoxometalate Anchored Zinc Cobalt Sulfide Nanowires as a Remarkable Bifunctional Electrocatalyst for Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Gautam Jagadis , Liu Yi , Gu Jie , Ma Zhiyuan , Zha Junjie , Dahal Bipeen , Zhang Lu‐Nan , Chishti Aadil Nabi , Ni Lubin , Diao Guowang , Wei Yongge
Published: August 2021

The advancement of a naturally rich and effective bifunctional substance for hydrogen and oxygen evolution reaction is crucial to enhance hydrogen fuel production efficiency via the electrolysis process. Herein, facile and scalable hydrothermal synthesis of bifunctional electrocatalyst of polyoxometalate anchored zinc cobalt sulfide nanowire on Ni‐foam (NF) for overall water splitting is reported for the first time. The electrochemical analysis of POM@ZnCoS/NF displays significantly low HER and OER overpotentials of 170/337 and 200/300 mV to attain a current density of 10/40 and 20/50 mA cm−2, respectively, demonstrating the notable performance of POM@ZnCoS/NF toward H2 and O2 evolution reaction in alkaline medium. Additionally, the electrolyzer consisting of the POM@ZnCoS/NF anode and cathode shows an appealing potential of 1.56 V to deliver 10 mA cm−2 current density for overall water splitting. The high electrocatalytic activity of the POM@ZnCoS/NF is attributed to modulation of the electronic and chemical properties, increment of the electroactive sites and electrochemically active surface area of the zinc cobalt sulfide nanowires due to the anchorage of polyoxometalate nanoparticles. These results demonstrate the advantage of the polyoxometalate incorporation strategy for the design of cost‐effective and highly competent bifunctional catalysts for complete water splitting.
Video Speed Switching of Plasmonic Structural Colors with High Contrast and Superior Lifetime
Authors: Xiong Kunli , Olsson Oliver , Svirelis Justas , Palasingh Chonnipa , Baumberg Jeremy , Dahlin Andreas
Published: August 2021

Reflective displays or “electronic paper” technologies provide a solution to the high energy consumption of emissive displays by simply utilizing ambient light. However, it has proven challenging to develop electronic paper with competitive image quality and video speed capabilities. Here, the first technology that provides video speed switching of structural colors with high contrast over the whole visible is shown. Importantly, this is achieved with a broadband‐absorbing polarization‐insensitive electrochromic polymer instead of liquid crystals, which makes it possible to maintain high reflectivity. It is shown that promoting electrophoretic ion transport (drift motion) improves the switch speed. In combination with new nanostructures that have high surface curvature, this enables video speed switching (20 ms) at high contrast (50% reflectivity change). A detailed analysis of the optical signal during switching shows that the polaron formation starts to obey first order reaction kinetics in the video speed regime. Additionally, the system still operates at ultralow power consumption during video speed switching (<1 mW cm−2) and has negligible power consumption (<1 µW cm−2) in bistability mode. Finally, the fast switching increases device lifetime to at least 107 cycles, an order of magnitude more than state‐of‐the‐art.
Intelligent Ureteral Stent for Early Detection of Hydronephrosis
Authors: Yousefi Darestani Mohammad Reza , Shalabi Nabil , Lange Dirk , Chew Ben H. , Takahata Kenichi
Published: August 2021

Millions of people around the world currently suffer from kidney stone diseases. While ureteral stenting is an unmistakably effective treatment of these patients, their long‐term adverse effects can result in the build‐up of crystals around the stent. This, in turn, can lead to new ureter blockages that can dangerously increase kidney pressure, a condition known as hydronephrosis, which, if severe and prolonged, can cause irreversible kidney damage. Toward enabling early detection of hydronephrosis, this paper investigates the first intelligent ureteral stent with an integrated radiofrequency antenna and micro pressure sensor for resonance‐based wireless tracking of kidney pressure. Prototyping is conducted using a commercial ureteral stent as the substrate for microfabrication of the device. The packaged device is experimentally assessed for electrical characterizations and wireless pressure sensing using an in vitro test model. Preliminary telemetry testing demonstrates the fundamental ability of the device with its approximately linear responses of up to 1.7 kHz mmHg−1 over a pressure range of up to 120 mmHg in air, water, and artificial urine. These findings verify the efficacy of the device design and the approach to kidney pressure monitoring through indwelling stents, paving the way for the transfer of this technology to today's ureteral stent products.
New Opportunities for High‐Performance Source‐Gated Transistors Using Unconventional Materials
Authors: Wang Gang , Zhuang Xinming , Huang Wei , Yu Junsheng , Zhang Huaiwu , Facchetti Antonio , Marks Tobin J.
Published: August 2021

Source‐gated transistors (SGTs), which are typically realized by introducing a source barrier in staggered thin‐film transistors (TFTs), exhibit many advantages over conventional TFTs, including ultrahigh gain, lower power consumption, higher bias stress stability, immunity to short‐channel effects, and greater tolerance to geometric variations. These properties make SGTs promising candidates for readily fabricated displays, biomedical sensors, and wearable electronics for the Internet of Things, where low power dissipation, high performance, and efficient, low‐cost manufacturability are essential. In this review, the general aspects of SGT structure, fabrication, and operation mechanisms are first discussed, followed by a detailed property comparison with conventional TFTs. Next, advances in high‐performance SGTs based on silicon are first discussed, followed by recent advances in emerging metal oxides, organic semiconductors, and 2D materials, which are individually discussed, followed by promising applications that can be uniquely realized by SGTs and their circuitry. Lastly, this review concludes with challenges and outlook overview.
Highly Crystallized Tin Dioxide Microwires toward Ultraviolet Photodetector and Humidity Sensor with High Performances
Authors: Liu Hui , Zuo Chaolei , Li Ziliang , Liu Xinya , Fang Xiaosheng
Published: August 2021

The rapid development of artificial intelligent and internet of things calls for high‐performance multifunctional devices for synchronous detection of a wide variety of environmental signals, such as gas, light, and humidity. Herein, highly crystallized tin dioxide (SnO2) microwires (MWs) with low density of point defects are synthesized by the chemical vapor deposition method and constructed into a multifunctional device for photo and humidity sensing. The device shows excellent photoelectric performances, for example, ultralow dark current of ≈10−13 A, ultrahigh on–off ratio of >107, UV/visible rejection ratio of R300 nm/R400 nm > 107, specific detectivity (D*) of 1.16 × 1015 Jones, linear dynamic range (LDR) of 152 dB, high responsivity of 18 A W−1, and fast photoresponse speed of trise/tdecay = 2.7 µs/2.5 ms at 5 V bias. Furthermore, the p‐CuI/n‐SnO2 heterojunction shows outstanding self‐powered properties, such as responsivity of 8.98 mA W−1, specific detectivity of 1.98 × 1012 Jones and LDR of 106 dB at 0 V bias. Additionally, the SnO2 MWs also show high sensitivity to ambient humidity changes. Therefore, the SnO2 MWs show high potential for multifunctional applications, such as UV photodetector and humidity sensor.
High‐Energy SWCNT Cathode for Aqueous Al‐Ion Battery Boosted by Multi‐Ion Intercalation Chemistry
Authors: Pan Wending , Zhao Yan , Mao Jianjun , Wang Yifei , Zhao Xiaolong , Leong Kee Wah , Luo Shijing , Liu Xinhua , Wang Huizhi , Xuan Jin , Yang Shichun , Chen Yue , Leung Dennis Y. C.
Published: August 2021

The aqueous Al‐ion battery has achieved great progress in recent years. It now shows comparable performance to that of even non‐aqueous Al‐ion batteries. However, it also shows relatively low energy output and there is limited general understanding of the mechanism behind this restriction to its practical application. Thus, the development of a high‐performance cathode material is in great demand. Herein, a high‐capacity single‐walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) is developed as a cathode for the water‐in‐salt electrolyte‐based aqueous Al‐ion battery, which provides an ultra‐high specific capacity of 790 mAh g–1 (based on the mass of SWCNT) at a high current density of 5 A g–1 even after 1000 cycles. Moreover, the SWCNT/Al battery shows a complicated multi‐ion intercalation mechanism, where AlCl4–, Cl–, Al3+, and H+ can function at the same time, improving the battery output. Beyond recently revealed H+ and metal ion co‐intercalation, the Cl‐assisted intercalation of Al3+ ions mechanism is also studied by experimental characterization and modeling for the first time, which significantly boosts the Al3+ storage capacity. This multi‐ion intercalation mechanism combines the high‐voltage anion deintercalation and the high‐capacity cation intercalation, and thus, benefits the development and application of high‐energy Al‐ion batteries in the future.
Achieving Ultrarobust and Humidity‐Resistant Triboelectric Nanogenerator by Dual‐Capacitor Enhancement System
Authors: Zhou Linglin , Gao Yikui , Liu Di , Liu Li , Zhao Zhihao , Li Shaoxin , Yuan Wei , Cui Shengnan , Wang Zhong Lin , Wang Jie
Published: August 2021

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) that can efficiently harvest ubiquitous mechanical energy provide a promising technology for the energy supply of intelligent electronic devices. However, the issues of low durability induced by wear and moisture sensibility of TENGs greatly limit their practical applications. Here, a no‐wear dual‐capacitor enhancement system (DCES) to simultaneously improve the service lifetime and electric performance of TENGs in a high humidity environment is proposed. The combination of low charge injection from lightly touched TENG and charge transfer in no‐wear DCES can synchronously realize ultralow material wear and charge pumping up. Therefore, the dual‐capacitor‐enhanced TENG (DCE‐TENG) achieves a long service life of at least 1 000 000 cycles with 15‐fold enhancement of matched average power. Furthermore, owing to the humidity resistance of DCES, the output performance of DCE‐TENG remains 95% of the initial value in 90% humidity. This work is expected to promote the commercial applications of TENGs.
Agronomic characteristics and nutritional value of cactus pear progenies
Authors: Garcia Carlos Vela , Mello Alexandre C. L. , Cunha Márcio Vieira da , Silva Maria da Conceição , Santos Djalma Cordeiro dos , Santos Mercia V. F. , Dubeux José C. B. , Homem Bruno Grossi Costa
Published: August 2021

Cactus is an important fodder in tropical semiarid, but recent insect pressure has devastated cactus crops. Breeding programs are developing cactus varieties resistant to cochineal scale (Dactylopius opuntiae Cockerell). The cactus V‐19 (Opuntia larreyi F.A.C. Weber ex J. M. Coult.) has demonstrated resistance to cochineal scale, however, no breeding effort has been attempted with this species. This study characterized the resistance of cactus V‐19 progenies to cochineal scale. Morphological, productive, and nutritive value variables were evaluated in 11 genotypes of cactus V‐19, in which 10 (named as P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6, P7, P8, P9, and P10) were progenies resulted from open pollination. Two evaluations were carried out from 2015 to 2017, corresponding to first and second harvest years. A randomized complete design with seven replications were used. There was a harvest (year) × progeny interaction (p < .05) across the estimated parameters. In 2017, there was a stronger correlation between morphological traits and productive responses because cactus had faster growth and greater number of cladodes, while in 2015 progenies had greater nutritive value. Progeny P1 improved performance compared with the progenitor and other progenies regarding dry matter (DM) accumulation, in vitro digestible DM, and crude protein with 13.7 Mg DM ha–1 year–1, 848 g kg–1, and 47 g kg–1, respectively. The principal component analysis (PCA) and dendrogram obtained by hierarchical clustering method confirmed that progeny P1 outperformed the other progenies, including the mother plant V‐19. These progenies must be further evaluated to assess their productive responses under different management practices.
A Highly EfficientN‐Mesityl Thiazolylidene for the Aliphatic Stetter Reaction: Stereoelectronic Quantification for Comparison of N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Organocatalysts
Authors: Pearl Esperanza S. , Fellner Daniel M. J. , Söhnel Tilo , Furkert Daniel P. , Brimble Margaret A.
Published: August 2021

The NHC‐catalysed intermolecular Stetter reaction provides direct access to 1,4‐diketones, however current NHC catalysts for this specific transformation remain underdeveloped, significantly limiting the use of this reaction in target‐oriented synthesis. Here we report a novelN‐mesityl thiazolium NHC as a high‐performing catalyst for this reaction, enabling high yields and short reaction times for a range of sterically non‐trivial aliphatic aldehydes reacting with enone substrates. Quantification of the properties of novel and known NHC organocatalysts revealed that both steric and electronic properties play an important role in the success of the newN‐mesityl thiazolium NHC for this reaction. These developments will facilitate wider application of the Stetter reaction as a key carbon‐carbon bond forming reaction for coupling of complex fragments under mild conditions.
In vitro evaluation of a novel oxygen‐generating biomaterial for chronic rhinosinusitis therapy
Authors: Lim Dong‐Jin , Skinner Daniel , West John M. , Ayinala Samrath , Zhang Shaoyan , Grayson Jessica W. , Woodworth Bradford A. , Cho Do‐Yeon
Published: August 2021

Background

Hypoxia due to closure at the ostiomeatal complex is widely considered one of the major pathogenic mechanisms leading to chronic inflammation in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). The objective of this study was to develop and characterize an oxygen‐generating biomaterial (OGB) as an innovative treatment strategy for CRS.

Methods

An OGB was fabricated by coating hydrophobic beeswax
(BW, 15mg or 30mg) on the surface of calcium peroxide ‐ catalase complex (CPO‐CA,
30mg) and characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In vitro releases of both oxygen and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) were spectrophotometrically quantified, and cytotoxicity in human sinonasal epithelial cells (HSNECs) was evaluated. The influence of OGB on transepithelial Cl– secretion was also determined by pharmacologically manipulating HSNECs, cultured under hypoxic conditions, in Ussing chambers.

Results

Three groups of OGBs: (1) CPO only; (2) CPO coated with CA and BW (1:1 ratio, CPO‐CA(1)‐BW(1)); and (3) CPO coated with CA and BW (1:0.5 ratio, CPO‐CA(1)‐BW(0.5) were analyzed for accumulated oxygen release over 7 days: highest release (mmol/mg) was observed in CPO‐CA(1)‐BW(1) = 0.11 ± 0.003, followed by CPO‐CA(1)‐BW(0.5) = 0.08 ± 0.010, and CPO = 0.05 ± 0.004 (p < 0.0001). H2O2 production (mM) was significantly higher in CPO (1.87 ± 0.50) compared to CPO‐CA (1)‐BW(1) (0.00 ± 0.00) (p < 0.001) after 24 h. CPO‐CA(1)‐BW(1) showed significantly reduced cytotoxicity and increased Cl– transport compared to the CPO group.

Conclusion

A novel OGB (CPO‐CA‐BW complex) exhibited sustained oxygen release over 7 days without significant cytotoxicity after 24 h in vitro. Preclinical studies evaluating the efficacy of OGB in CRS are warranted, especially for potential therapy in an obstruction‐based CRS model.
Unsettling Realities of Nazism and the Legacy of the German Neurological Society
Authors: Fangerau Heiner , Martin Michael , Karenberg Axel
Published: August 2021

On behalf of the German Neurological Society (DGN), a study was conducted into how far former chairmen, honorary chairmen, and honorary members could be regarded as incriminated from the National Socialist period. While an online supplement of this journal presents seven individual biographies (in six papers) by way of example, this paper offers an overview summarizing the project results and introducing the biographies. The first part and the methodological section discuss the difficulties of retrospectively identifying neurologists involved in the Nazi movement. Formal characteristics (eg, membership of the Nazi Party (NSDAP) or other Nazi organizations or participation in Nazi crimes) and content‐related clues (eg, statements reflecting Nazi ideology, personal contacts with Nazi officials or active support of the system) can be helpful. The second part summarizes the principal results of a study of 28 German and Austrian neuroscientists with regard to their involvement and their post‐war careers. Six of the seven “founding fathers” of the DGN were former NSDAP members; 10 of the 13 presidents in office until 1976 had belonged to Nazi organizations—the NSDAP, the SA (“Brownshirts”) or the SS (“Blackshirts”). Moreover, seven out of 10 honorary presidents had formal or substantive links to National Socialism. Of the German and Austrian honorary members appointed up to 1985, two‐thirds had leanings to Nazi ideology or the National Socialist system. This paper concludes by outlining how the DGN and its members are currently addressing this historical legacy in order to establish a responsible culture of remembrance. ANN NEUROL 2021;90:546–557
Double Proton Transfer Across a Table: The Formic Acid Dimer–Fluorobenzene Complex
Authors: Li Weixing , Tikhonov Denis S. , Schnell Melanie
Published: August 2021

Proton transfer via tunneling is a fundamental quantum‐mechanical phenomenon. We report rotational spectroscopy measurements of this process in the complex of the formic acid dimer with fluorobenzene. The assignment of the spectrum indicates that this complex exists in the form of a π–π stacked structure. Each rotational transition of the parent isotopologue exhibits splitting. Isotopic substitution experiments show that the spectral splitting results from double‐proton transfer tunneling in the formic acid dimer. Presence of fluorobenzene as a neighboring molecule does not quench the double proton transfer in the formic acid dimer but decreases its tunneling splitting from 341(3) MHz to 267.608(1) MHz. Calculations suggest that the presence of the weakly bounded fluorobenzene does not influence the activation energy of the proton transfer. The fluorobenzene is reoriented with respect to the formic acid dimer during the course of the reaction, slowing down the proton transfer motion.
Subsurface‐Carbon‐Induced Local Charge of Copper for an On‐Surface Displacement Reaction
Authors: Wang Shaoshan , Ding Pengcheng , Li Zhuo , Mattioli Cristina , E Wenlong , Sun Ye , Gourdon André , Kantorovich Lev N. , Besenbacher Flemming , Yang Xueming , Yu Miao
Published: August 2021

Transition‐metal carbides have sparked unprecedented enthusiasm as high‐performance catalysts in recent years. Still, the catalytic properties of copper carbide remain unexplored. By introducing subsurface carbon to Cu(111), a displacement reaction of a proton in a carboxyl acid group with a single Cu atom is demonstrated at the atomic scale and room temperature. Its occurrence is attributed to the C‐doping‐induced local charge of surface Cu atoms (up to +0.30 e/atom), which accelerates the rate of on‐surface deprotonation via reduction of the corresponding energy barrier, thus enabling the instant displacement of a proton with a Cu atom when the molecules adsorb on the surface. This well‐defined and robust Cuδ+ surface based on subsurface‐carbon doping offers a novel catalytic platform for on‐surface synthesis.
Polarity‐Dominated Stable N97 Respirators for Airborne Virus Capture Based on Nanofibrous Membranes
Authors: Wang Qifei , Wei Yingzhen , Li Wenbo , Luo Xizi , Zhang Xinyue , Di Jiancheng , Wang Guoqing , Yu Jihong
Published: August 2021

The longevity and reusability of N95‐grade filtering facepiece respirators (N95 FFRs) are limited by consecutive donning and disinfection treatments. Herein, we developed stable N97 nanofibrous respirators based on chemically modified surface to enable remarkable filtration characteristics via polarity driven interaction. This was achieved by a thin‐film coated polyacrylonitrile nanofibrous membrane (TFPNM), giving an overall long‐lasting filtration performance with high quality factor at 0.42 Pa−1 (filtration efficiency: over 97 %; pressure drop: around 10 Pa), which is higher than that of the commercial N95 FFRs (0.10–0.41 Pa−1) tested with a flow rate of 5 L min−1 and the 0.26 μm NaCl aerosol. A coxsackie B4 virus filtration test demonstrated that TFPNM also had strong virus capture capacity of 97.67 %. As compared with N95 FFRs, the TFPNM was more resistant to a wider variety of disinfection protocols, and the overall filtration characteristics remained N97 standard.
Biochemistry‐Guided Prediction of the Absolute Configuration of Fungal Reduced Polyketides
Authors: Takino Junya , Kotani Akari , Ozaki Taro , Peng Wenquan , Yu Jie , Guo Yian , Mochizuki Susumu , Akimitsu Kazuya , Hashimoto Masaru , Ye Tao , Minami Atsushi , Oikawa Hideaki
Published: August 2021

Highly reducing polyketide synthases (HR‐PKSs) produce structurally diverse polyketides (PKs). The PK diversity is constructed by a variety of factors, including the β‐keto processing, chain length, methylation pattern, and relative and absolute configurations of the substituents. We examined the stereochemical course of the PK processing for the synthesis of polyhydroxy PKs such as phialotides, phomenoic acid, and ACR‐toxin. Heterologous expression of a HR‐PKS gene, a trans‐acting enoylreductase gene, and a truncated non‐ribosomal peptide synthetase gene resulted in the formation of a linear PK with multiple stereogenic centers. The absolute configurations of the stereogenic centers were determined by chemical degradation followed by comparison of the degradation products with synthetic standards. A stereochemical rule was proposed to explain the absolute configurations of other reduced PKs and highlights an error in the absolute configurations of a reported structure. The present work demonstrates that focused functional analysis of functionally related HR‐PKSs leads to a better understanding of the stereochemical course.
Highly effective selectively removal of carcinogenic dyes and iodine adsorption and release via a metal–organic framework based on multiple helical chains
Authors: Yu Xin , Liu Mengfan , Feng Lijuan , Yao Shuo , Liu Yunling
Published: August 2021

A novel porous metal–organic framework Cu‐BCPPy based on a desymmetrized heterofunctional ligand 3,5‐di(4‐carboxyphenyl)pyridine has been successfully synthesized under solvothermal conditions. The framework possesses two sizes of 2D straight channels, which are constructed by one pair and three pairs of helixes, respectively. The distortion of the ligand leads to the structure exhibiting a new type of (3,6)‐connected topology. According to the structural characteristic, Cu‐BCPPy can effectively adsorb large carcinogenic organic dyes sudan III (SD III) and direct black 38 (DB 38) but exclude small molecular dyes. Hence, Cu‐BCPPy exhibits effective and selective adsorption performance for the carcinogenic dye DB 38 on the equal proportional mixture dyes methyl orange (MO) and DB 38, fluorescein and DB 38, and basic red 2 (BR 2) and DB 38 with different sizes. In addition, Cu‐BCPPy can be also provided with the characteristic of high iodine adsorption and release, which indicates that it is a promising candidate material for selectively adsorption and separation of many substances.
Conjugation of a phenanthrene‐imidazole fluorophore with the chondroitin sulfate generated from Escherichia coliK4 polysaccharide
Authors: Xu Shuqin , Xiang Huimin , Wang Zhuqun , Tang Xiaoli , Zhang Yan , Zhan Xiaobei , Chen Jinghua
Published: August 2021

Escherichia coli K4 expressed a fructosylated chondroitin (K4), which had a chondroitin structure after the defructosylation treatment. Polysaccharide K4 as a preferred precursor was modified to produce chondroitin sulfate A (CSA). Here, glycosaminoglycans including K4, defructosylated K4, and CSA were conjugated with fluorophore A, which were optimized under three reaction conditions to give the maximum DS of 2.9, 6.5, and 8.5%, respectively. All of conjugates displayed luminescence response linearly to concentration. And they exhibited good storage stability in luminescence and dispersion within 24 h. The conjugate CSA‐A with substituted degree of 6.4% was chosen for the bioimaging study in vitro. CSA‐A showed nontoxic to astrocytes with concentrations lower than 100 μg/ml. It was internalized effectively by astrocytes after incubation for 24 h.
Electrically conductive nanocomposites based on poly(lactic acid)/flexible copolyester blends with multiwalled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Dhakal Kedar Nath , Krause Beate , Lach Ralf , Wutzler Andre , Grellmann Wolfgang , Le Hai Hong , Das Amit , Wießner Sven , Heinrich Gert , Adhikari Rameshwar
Published: August 2021

Nanocomposites of poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) blends with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were prepared and their morphology, as well as electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties were investigated. The motivation of this work is to prepare electrically conductive and environmentally benign polymer nanocomposites using biodegradable PLA/PBAT blends. The composites were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, tensile and microindentation tests, and thermogravimetric analyses (TGA). Volume resistivity and resistance to tensile deformation were measured for electrical characterization. The nanocomposites films were integrated into an electrical circuit to confirm their electrical conductivity. The FTIR spectra revealed the physical mixing between the polymer matrix and the filler. TEM micrographs suggested selective localization of MWCNTs in the PBAT phase with partial agglomeration forming a co‐continuous morphology. TGA and derivative thermogravimetric curves suggested the overall decreasing thermal stability of composites than pure polymer blends regardless of the effects on individual blend components. A relatively low electrical percolation threshold (around 1 wt% of the fillers) compared to the literature works was achieved. Increasing electrical resistance of nanocomposites upon tensile deformation suggested their possibility of piezoresistive properties. Furthermore, the overall mechanical performance (i.e., elastic modulus, tensile strength, and hardness) of the materials was found to improve with increasing filler content.