bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Dexmedetomidine vs Midazolam for Sedation during Awake Fiberoptic Intubation in Oral Cancer Surgeries- A Randomised Clinical Study
Authors: Meena Reema , Joshi Adhokshaj , Sherbina KM , Roy Purbali Singha
Published: December 2021

Introduction: Fiberoptic nasotracheal intubation is a prime method for managing difficult airway in patients. Besides local blocks, some sedation is required during the procedure to make it more tolerable to the patients. Dexmedetomidine (DEX) and Midazolam (MDZ) can be used for this purpose. Aim: To compare dexmedetomidine versus midazolam for sedation and intubating condition during Awake Fiberoptic Intubation (AFOI) in patients undergoing oral cancer surgeries. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective randomised double blind study on total of 60 patients randomly allocated into group 1(MDZ) and group 2(DEX). Group 1 received intravenous (i.v.) Midazolam 0.05 mg/kg bolus in 10 mL normal saline over 10 minutes followed by 0.1 mg/kg/hr infusion titrated upto 0.2 mg/ kg/hr to achieve a Ramsay Sedation Score (RSS) ≥2. Group 2 (DEX) received i.v. Dexmedetomidine 1 μg/kg bolus in 10 mL normal saline over 10 minutes followed by infusion at the rate of 0.2 μg/kg/ hr titrated upto 0.7 μg/kg/hr to achieve a RSS ≥2. Comfort Scale values, haemodynamic parameters, patient’s tolerance score and patient’s satisfaction score (24 hours after the surgery) were assessed. Significance was calculated using Student t-test. The number of patients with adverse effects was compared using Chi- square test. Results: In the total sample of 60 patients (30 subjects in MDZ group and 30 subjects in DEX group). The demographic data, blood pressure and Oxygen(O2) saturation were comparable. Significant change in Heart Rate (HR) was observed in group MDZ while HR was stable in DEX group (p<0.001). Group DEX patients were more comfortable and had greater endurance with tolerance score <2.5 compared to MDZ group >2.5 (p<0.001) and had an acceptable level of RSS. After 24 hours, DEX group patients judged their sedation more positively than MDZ group with a score of 6.16 vs. 3.6 (p<0.001). Conclusion: Both Midazolam and Dexmedetomidine are effective for AFOI. But Dexmedetomidine provided better patient comfort and satisfaction along with stable haemodynamics.
Impact of Human Capital Development on Small and Medium Scale Enterprise in Some Selected Firms in Ananmbra State
Authors: Chika Anugwu Clara , Chike Nwosu Kanayo
Published: December 2021

This study examine the effects of human capital development in Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurship performance and improvement in some selected SME firms in Anambra State. Descriptive survey design was used in the study. The total population of the study was 270. Findings revealed that human capital development helps in improving the performance of firms through training of employees fro greater performance of SMEs; developing efficiency of the SMEs; influencing the proactiveness of the employees; enhancing the flexibility of the employees; and improving service delivery of the employees. This study recommended that firms should develop human capital development so as to avoid stagnation of the skills of the employee. The study further recommended that firms should utilize human capital development so that it would not affect the quality of service delivery of SMEs.
The Impact of Firm Size on the Effect of Industry Specialization, Audit Opinion and the Size of a Public Accounting Firm (KAP) on Audit Delay in Mining Companies
Authors: Amin Aminul , Mauludin Hanif , Suwitawayansari Esty
Published: December 2021

Many previous researchers have studied the factors causing audit delays such as company size, nature of company, audit firm size, industry specialization and etc, and the results are still inconsistent. Even researchers found that this phenomenon is still happening as many public companies did that listed on the Indonesian stock exchange. This study aims to determine the effect of industry specialization, audit opinion and size of Public Accounting Firm (KAP) on Audit Delay with firm size as a moderating variable. The sampling technique used purposive sampling and involved 33 mining companies listed on the Indonesian stock exchange. The data analysis method used moderated regression analysis (MRA). The results showed that Industrial Specialization had a positive effect on audit delay. Audit opinion does not affect audit delay. The size of the Public Accounting Firm (KAP) has a positive effect on audit delay. Firm size has no effect on audit delay. Our assumption that firm size is a moderating variable is not proven.
An Opinion on Mosquitoes’ Role in HIV Transmission
Authors: He Jiman
Published: December 2021

The concept that mosquitos do not transmit HIV was established in the 1980s. The present paper examined the early studies used in formulating the concept, and showed there were significant problems with the studies. The present paper demonstrates a consistent correlation between mosquitoes and HIV over a broad range of data worldwide, and suggested that, mosquitoes are a significant risk factor in HIV transmission.
Assessment of Vitamin D Status in Patients Suffering from Uncomplicated Malaria in a Health Center in the District of Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire)
Authors: Bla Brice Kouakou , Bahi Alexis Gnogbo , Mensah-Akaki Juliana , Méité Souleymane , Yapo Françis Adou , Djaman Joseph Allico
Published: December 2021

Aims: The pathophysiology of Plasmodium falciparum infection is most often associated with anemia and immune deficiency. Given the important role of vitamin D in the synthesis of hemoglobin and in the stimulation of the immune system, it would be essential to assess the vitamin D status of patients with malaria in order to improve the quality of treatment management.

Methodology: A thick drop and a blood smear were used to determine parasite density and parasite species respectively. The complete blood count was performed using an automated analyzer labelled Sysmex XN 1000i. Biochemical parameters such as calcium and phosphorus were determined using the Cobas C311 Hitachi. The Vidas was used to determine the concentrations of 25 (OH) -vitamin D.

Results: The results showed a decrease in 25 (OH) -vitamin D concentrations in relation to the parasite density and anemia observed in patients with uncomplicated malaria.

Conclusion: Vitamin D status in patients with uncomplicated malaria could represent an essential biomarker in the monitoring of antimalarial treatment.
Validation of Maize (Zea mays L.) Hybrids for the Study on Variability, Trait Association, and Path Analysis
Authors: Kanna M. Ramesh , Barman Hiramani , Sivasankarreddy Kasireddy , Gogoi Dikshita , Rao T. V. , Barua N. Sarma
Published: December 2021

The present investigation was conducted with nine genotypes in randomized block design during Rabi, 2019-20 at the instructional-cum-research farm, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat. All the characters exhibited significant genotypic mean squares in analysis of variance except anthesis silking interval, kernel rows per ear and 100 kernel weights. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was observed for the traits plant height, ear height, ears per plant, ear length, kernels per row, chlorophyll content, leaf area index 60 days after sowing (LAI 60 DAS), LAI 90 DAS, harvest index, grain yield per plant and grain yield per hectare. Significant genetic association of grain yield per plant and grain yield per hectare with days to 50% pollen shed, days to 50% silk, days to 100% dry husk, ear height, kernels per row, LAI 60DAS and LAI 90 DAS. Genotypic path analysis revealed that the characters, days to 50% silk, days to 100% dry husk, plant height, ears per plant, ear diameter and harvest index had the highest positive direct effects on grain yield per hectare while days to 50% pollen shed and ear height had the highest negative direct effect on grain yield per hectare. The hybrids namely, PAC 751, CP 333 and PAC 751 ELITE, were found to be the three best hybrids to possess a high estimate of desirable traits such as days to 50% pollen shed, days to 50% silk, days to 100% dry husk, plant height, ear height, ear diameter, leaf area index at 60 days after sowing, lea area index at 90 days after sowing, grain yield per plant and grain yield per hectare.
Effect of Seaweed Extracts on Growth, Yield Parameters in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L)
Authors: Kurakula Raja Sekhar Reddy , Rai Prashant Kumar
Published: December 2021

This field experiment entitled “Effect of seaweed extracts on growth, yield parameters in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum. L)” was conducted during rabi at Field Experimentation Centre of the Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology & Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India during 2019 & 2020. The experiment was consisted of 2 varieties and 14 treatments comprising of seaweed extracts (i.e., Ascophyllum nodosum, red and brown algae) which was laid in RBD (Randomized Block Design) with kabuli & desi chick pea, 14 treatments, 03 replications. The result shows that among all the treatments, the genotypes kabuli & desi chickpea treated with 2.0% A.  nodosum for 6 hours recorded the maximum value in growth parameters such as percent field germination after four (10.74 & 10.74), seven (49.26 & 47.41), and ten (77.41 & 70.74) DAS, Days to 50% flowering (88.67 & 86.00), days to maturity (154.00 & 156.33), number of branches 25 (17.93 & 16.60) and 50 DAS (36.70 & 33.57) and height at 25 (4.47 & 3.93) and 50 (7.27 & 7.00) DAS.  Similar results were also recorded in different yield parameters in both kabuli & desi chickpea genotypes such as number of pods plant (61.52 & 60.24), number of pods per plot (1025.67 & 922.00), number of seeds per plant (102.5 & 100.4), number of pods per plant (14.25 & 1525), seed yield per plant (28.30 & 25.35), seed yield per plot (358.44 & 328.86), biological yield (3187.42 & 3061.24), economical yield (1341.67 & 1231.33), and harvest index showing most superior values when treated with treatment 2.0% Ascophyllum nodosum for 6 hours. Remaining treatments i.e, treatment with 0.5% Ascophyllum nodosum solution, 1.0% Ascophyllum nodosum solution, 0.5% red and brown algae solution, 1.0% red and brown algae solution, 2.0% red and brown algae solution for 6 hours recorded the second most effective treatments observed significantly superior than untreated checks.
Culture-Dependent and Metagenomic Profiling of Eukaryal Diversity in Petroleum Hydrocarbon-Polluted Soil from B-Dere, Gokana, Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Ogbonna D. N. , Udotong I. R. , Basi N. , Nrior R. R.
Published: December 2021

B-Dere is one of the communities in Ogoniland and a major oil producing area in Rivers State where oil exploration and production activities commenced 50 years ago and is now characterized by oil fields and installations that have remained dormant for several decades. Past spills, lack of maintenance, oil trapping and damage to oil infrastructures have been common sight in this region and the environment has been without remediation over the years. B-Dere community has suffered surface water pollution throughout its creeks with massive hydrocarbons for years without remediation. The aim of this study was to determine the Culture- dependent and Metagenomic studies of fungal diversity in petroleum polluted soils in B-Dere community in Gokana LGA of Rivers State, Nigeria. This is to profile fungal communities through next-generation techniques by shotgun sequencing of total DNA isolates directly from the oil polluted environment. Soil samples were collected aseptically with hand auger at a depths of 0-15 and 15-30 cm and made up to a composite sample and transported to the laboratory for analysis using standard microbiological methods for culture- dependent analysis while the Metagenomic studies was carried out at the Microbial Insights, Incorporated; United State of America. In this study next-generation sequencing techniques by shotgun sequencing of total DNA methods were used for identification of fungal isolates from the crude oil polluted soils in B-Dere. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) extraction from crude oil polluted soil samples was performed using ZymoBiomics DNA extraction kits (Zymo Research, Inc; USA). DNA sequencing was performed by the next generation sequencing technique to determine the nucleotide sequence of all eukaryal community structure present in the polluted soil sample using ITS region. Results of the culture-dependent technique showed that only two fungal genera namely Penicillium sp and Aspergillus sp were isolated and identified while the soil was mainly dominated by the genera Penicillium (73.33%), followed by the Rhodotorula (6.54%), Dactylellina(5.09%), Kalmanozyma(2.56%), Fereydounia(1.89%), Xerochrysium(1.36%), Arthrobotrys (1.14%) and Diutina (0.77%) by the metagenomic analysis. However the three major groups were classified as Ascomycota, Basidiomycota and Mucoromycota with Ascomycota having the highest taxonomic reads of 86.76%. However, a total of 60 eukaryal species were identified, in the metagenomic study. In conclusion, these fungal strains can be used in bioremediation process and oil pollution reduction in soil ecosystems because of their high activity in aliphatic hydrocarbon degradation and cell surface hydrophobicity. The next-generation techniques by shotgun sequencing assays appear to be suitable alternatives for rapid identification of the above mentioned fungal isolates.
Antibacterial, Antifungal and Antihelminthic Properties of Ethanolic, Methanolic and Water Extracts of Pollen
Authors: Rana Anita
Published: December 2021

Microorganisms and helminthes can cause serious diseases in humans as well as in animals. The use of antimicrobial and antihelminthic drugs have created selective pressure and caused resistance to antibiotics used against them, thus it necessitates the use of honey bee’s derived natural products. One such bee derived product is pollen, collected by worker honey bees from the flowering plants and modify it by adding its salivary secretions. The present study embodies use of pollen as antimicrobial and antihelminthic substance. Among microorganisms 4 Gram (+ve) bacteria; (Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae) and 3 Gram (-ve) bacteria; (Escherichia Coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enteric) and 2 yeasts (Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae) were used and the methodology used disc diffusion assay and broth dilution method. The antihelminthic effect was observed among amphistomes via bioassay method under in vitro conditions. For observations three types of pollen extracts (ethanolic, methanolic and water extract) were prepared and positive controls used were; Ampicillin for antibacterial, Amphotericin B for antifungal and Albendazole for anti-helminthes. The antimicrobial activities were determined by measuring the zones of inhibition diameters in millimeters after 24 hours of incubation at optimum temperature for each microbe and also by broth dilution method. Results obtained showed that the water extract of pollen was found to be most effective against bacteria used in the present study where; Gram (+ve) bacteria were more susceptible as compared to the Gram (-ve) bacteria. It was also observed that among yeasts; Saccharomyces cerevisiae was more susceptible towards ethanolic extract of pollen while Candida albicans showed more inhibitions towards water extract of pollen. Results also demonstrated that none of the extracts of pollen was found to be effective against Helminthes (amphistomes) used in the present study.
Exploration of Phytochemistry and Ethnobotanical Uses of Cedrus deodara: A Review
Authors: Nishtha . , Thakur Parikshit
Published: December 2021

Cedrus deodara is one of the most useful tree species. Almost every part of the plant has good properties. Cedrus deodara has been an important tree due to its Ethnobotanical uses, Traditional uses, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology. From last decade, there has been a great progress in the medicinal perspectives of Deodara. Deodara has its utility in folklore medicines. Phytochemistry studies showed the presence of various useful compounds in the Deodara tree. Also, the oil of Cedrus deodara has a characteristic fragrance. C. deodara is also having traditional and ethnobotanical uses. Since Vedic period, various parts of this plant are being used for medicinal purposes.It is also believed that various respiratory diseases can be just cured by just sitting under this tree. In present, Deodara is seen as an important tree in point of view of research. It has its applications in Timber too [1]. This paper is focussed on the traditional and medicinal aspects of Cedrus deodara.
Bacteriological Quality Assessment of Well and Stream Water Sources from Ikwerre, Emohua and Etche Local Government Areas of Rivers State
Authors: Okwelle A. A. , Asikong B. E. , Lennox J. A.
Published: December 2021

Background: Majority of the human population in semi-urban and urban areas in Nigeria are heavily reliant on well and stream water as the main source of water supply for drinking and domestic use due to the inadequate provision of potable pipe borne water. These groundwater sources can easily be fecally contaminated and thus, increase the incidence and outbreaks of preventable waterborne diseases. This study was carried out to determine the bacteriological quality of some well and stream waters sources in Ikwerre, Emohua and Etche Local Government Areas of Rivers State.

Methodology: Twenty-four sampling sites with 8 from each Local Government Area were randomly selected for this study. A total of 48 samples, 2 from each of the sites were collected aseptically for 12 months. Samples were analysed using membrane filtration technique for total heterotrophic bacterial count and total coliform count. The well and stream water samples were also cultured for E. coli, Salmonella, and Vibrio sp.

Results: The results show that Emohua Local Government Area had the highest total heterotrophic bacterial count of 5.2 x 103 cfu/ml. This was followed by Ikwerre LGA with total bacterial count of 4.3 x 102 cfu/ml, while Etche LGA had 3.1 x 102 cfu/ml. The total coliform count ranged from 25 cfu/100ml to 50 cfu/100ml for the three LGA’s, whereas the faecal coliform count was between 12 cfu/100ml and 20 cfu/100ml. The total coliform, E. coli, Salmonella and Vibrio counts from the three local government areas occurred above the WHO stipulated zero count in 100ml of water.

Conclusion: The results from this study showed contamination of all the wells studied with faecal coliforms thus, indicating the presence of other enteric pathogens and a potential source for waterborne disease outbreaks. Well water in Ikwerre, Emohua and Etche Local Government Areas of Rivers State are not safe for drinking without additional treatment like disinfection or boiling. Periodic testing and constant monitoring of these water sources should also be done to meet up with the World Health Organization Standards in the provision of safe, clean drinking water.
Deformation Behavior and Mechanical Properties of Suspended Double‐Layer Graphene Ribbons Induced by Large Atomic Force Microscopy Indentation Forces
Authors: Fan Xuge , Niklaus Frank
Published: December 2021

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) indentation experiments are commonly used to study the mechanical properties of graphene, such as Young's modulus and strength. However, applied AFM indentation forces on suspended graphene beams or ribbons are typically limited to several tens of nanonewtons due to the extreme thinness of graphene and their sensitivity to damage caused by the AFM tip indentation. Herein, graphene ribbons with a Si mass attached to their center position are employed, allowing us to introduce an unprecedented, wide range of AFM indentation forces (0–6800 nN) to graphene ribbons before the graphene ribbons are ruptured. It is found that the Young's modulus of double‐layer graphene ribbons decreases as the applied AFM indentation force is larger than ≈3000 nN, which indicates that the stiffness of double‐layer graphene ribbons remains constant before exposing them to AFM indentation forces larger than ≈3000 nN.
Research on Acoustic Absorption Properties of Aramid Honeycomb Composite Material Reinforced by Polyimide Foam
Authors: Sun Gaohui , Zhang Junhe , Zhang Hao , Yang Zailin , Fu Xin , Wang Jun , Han Shihui
Published: December 2021

To endue sound absorption behavior for aramid honeycomb core (ARHC), isocyanate‐based polyimide foam (IBPIF) with excellent thermal insulation and acoustic properties produced by a new formulation of foaming slurry is filled into ARHC by the free foaming route. As a core factor to adjust the cellular structure of IBPIF, the effect of water dosage on the acoustic behavior of IBPIF and IBPIF filled ARHC (IBPIF/ARHC) is studied, and the optimal formula to produce IBPIF/ARHC is filtered out. Results suggest that water dosage effectively regulates the cellular structure of IBPIF. When water dosage is 7.2 g, IBPIF has a large windows opening rate, which plays a positive role in sound absorption performance. IBPIF/ARHC‐3 has the best sound absorption property, which possesses a maximum sound absorption coefficient (α) of 0.9 at 1500 Hz. Its average α increases to 0.78 and shows an increase of 680% compared to ARHC. Meanwhile, the density of IBPIF/ARHC is only about 59 kg m−3. In 300–600 Hz range, IBPIF‐3 and ARHC show obvious synergy effects in sound absorption behavior. The average α of IBPIF‐3 and ARHC is only 0.3 and 0.06, respectively, and that of IBPIF/ARHC‐3 reaches up to 0.42. The thermal insulation performance of ARHC is also improved, and thermal conductivity decreases from 0.067 to 0.047–0.049 W (m K)−1.
Dependence of Creep Properties on Aging Treatment in Al–Cu–Mg Alloy
Authors: Zhang Bingyi , Zhang Shasha , Du Haiquan , Yao Zhengjun , Kong Xiang-shan , Tao Xuewei
Published: December 2021

The mechanical properties are strongly associated with the heat treatment applied in the Al–Cu–Mg alloys. The peak aging treatment is normally employed following solution treatment to achieve a peak aging hardening effect. However, herein, it is shown that the creep resistance is improved at under‐aged (UA) conditions, where the material is transiently weaker than that at peak condition. Under the creep condition of 185 °C and 150 MPa, the creep fracture time of the UA (4 h) alloy is the longest at 146.5 h, followed by 128 h of the peak‐aged alloy and 72 h of the over‐aged alloy. The stress exponents are about 4, which indicates that the creep deformation mechanism of the alloy is mainly due to fracture caused by dislocation slip and grain boundary (GB) migration. Combined with the first‐principles calculation, the reason for the longer creep fracture time of the UA alloy is that the solutes Cu and Mg retained in the UA alloy interact with GBs and dislocations during creep.
Extending Absorption of Cs2AgBiBr6 to Near‐Infrared Region (≈1350 nm) with Intermediate Band
Authors: Liu Ganghong , Zhang Zehao , Wu Cuncun , Zhang Yuqing , Li Xiangdong , Yu Wenjin , Yao Guangjie , Liu Shiming , Shi Jun‐jie , Liu Kaihui , Chen Zhijian , Xiao Lixin , Qu Bo
Published: December 2021

The toxicity of lead‐based halide perovskites hampers broad application in optoelectronics. Lead‐free perovskite Cs2AgBiBr6 is considered a promising candidate, owing to the long carrier lifetime and great stability. However, the relatively large bandgap of 1.98 eV limits its absorption in the visible region. Herein, Fe2+ is chosen as the dopant to alloy into Cs2AgBiBr6 single crystals, and results in an absorption range broadening to ≈1350 nm, which is the longest near‐infrared (NIR) response recorded among lead‐free perovskites. About 1% of Fe ions are alloyed into the Cs2AgBiBr6 lattice to cause lattice shrink age. Instead of narrowing the bandgap, Fe doping would introduce a new intermediate band inside the pristine bandgap of Cs2AgBiBr6 to strongly absorb NIR light, as confirmed by third harmonic generation results. Moreover, considerable photogenerated carriers are produced in Fe doped Cs2AgBiBr6 crystals with NIR irradiation. This work has provided a new way to extend the optical response of lead‐free perovskites for NIR photodetectors and intermediate band photovoltaics.
Advanced Materials for SARS‐CoV‐2 Vaccines
Authors: Mabrouk Moustafa T. , Huang Wei‐Chiao , Martinez‐Sobrido Luis , Lovell Jonathan F.
Published: December 2021

The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), has killed untold millions worldwide and has hurtled vaccines into the spotlight as a go‐to approach to mitigate it. Advances in virology, genomics, structural biology, and vaccine technologies have enabled a rapid and unprecedented rollout of COVID‐19 vaccines, although much of the developing world remains unvaccinated. Several new vaccine platforms have been developed or deployed against SARS‐CoV‐2, with most targeting the large viral Spike immunogen. Those that safely induce strong and durable antibody responses at low dosages are advantageous, as well are those that can be rapidly produced at a large scale. Virtually all COVID‐19 vaccines and adjuvants possess nanoscale or microscale dimensions and represent diverse and unique biomaterials. Viral vector vaccine platforms, lipid nanoparticle mRNA vaccines and multimeric display technologies for subunit vaccines have received much attention. Nanoscale vaccine adjuvants have also been used in combination with other vaccines. To deal with the ongoing pandemic, and to be ready for potential future ones, advanced vaccine technologies will continue to be developed in the near future. Herein, the recent use of advanced materials used for developing COVID‐19 vaccines is summarized.
Controlling the Emission Zone by Additives for Improved Light‐Emitting Electrochemical Cells
Authors: Ràfols‐Ribé Joan , Zhang Xiaoying , Larsen Christian , Lundberg Petter , Lindh E. Mattias , Mai Cuc Thu , Mindemark Jonas , Gracia‐Espino Eduardo , Edman Ludvig
Published: December 2021

The position of the emission zone (EZ) in the active material of a light‐emitting electrochemical cell (LEC) has a profound influence on its performance because of microcavity effects and doping‐ and electrode‐induced quenching. Previous attempts of EZ control have focused on the two principal constituents in the active material—the organic semiconductor (OSC) and the mobile ions—but this study demonstrates that it is possible to effectively control the EZ position through the inclusion of an appropriate additive into the active material. More specifically, it is shown that a mere modification of the end group on an added neutral compound, which also functions as an ion transporter, results in a shifted EZ from close to the anode to the center of the active material, which translates into a 60% improvement of the power efficiency. This particular finding is rationalized by a lowering of the effective electron mobility of the OSC through specific additive: OSC interactions, but the more important generic conclusion is that it is possible to control the EZ position, and thereby the LEC performance, by the straightforward inclusion of an easily tuned additive in the active material.
Tailoring Hyperbranched Poly(β‐amino ester) as a Robust and Universal Platform for Cytosolic Protein Delivery
Authors: Liu Xun , Zhao Ziyin , Wu Fan , Chen Yongbing , Yin Lichen
Published: December 2021

Cytosolic protein delivery is a prerequisite for protein‐based biotechnologies and therapeutics on intracellular targets. Polymers that can complex with proteins to form nano‐assemblies represent one of the most important categories of materials, because of the ease of nano‐fabrication, high protein loading efficiency, no need for purification, and maintenance of protein bioactivity. Stable protein encapsulation and efficient intracellular liberation are two critical yet opposite processes toward cytosolic delivery, and polymers that can resolve these two conflicting challenges are still lacking. Herein, hyperbranched poly(β‐amino ester) (HPAE) with backbone‐embedded phenylboronic acid (PBA) is developed to synchronize these two processes, wherein PBA enhanced protein encapsulation via nitrogen–boronate (N–B) coordination while triggered polymer degradation and protein release upon oxidation by H2O2 in cancer cells. Upon optimization of the branching degree, charge density, and PBA distribution, the best‐performing A2‐B3‐C2‐S2‐P2 is identified, which mediates robust delivery of various native proteins/peptides with distinct molecular weights (1.6–430 kDa) and isoelectric points (4.1–10.3) into cancer cells, including enzymes, toxins, antibodies, and CRISPR‐Cas9 ribonucleoproteins (RNPs). Moreover, A2‐B3‐C2‐S2‐P2 mediates effective cytosolic delivery of saporin both in vitro and in vivo to provoke remarkable anti‐tumor efficacy. Such a potent and universal platform holds transformative potentials for protein pharmaceuticals.
Highly Stable Graphene‐Based Flexible Hybrid Transparent Conductive Electrodes for Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Pengchang , Jian Maoliang , Zhang Chi , Wu Majiaqi , Ling Xiao , Zhang Jianhua , Wei Bin , Yang Lianqiao
Published: December 2021

Flexible transparent conductive electrodes (TCEs) are an essential part of flexible electronic and energy devices. As a promising alternative to ITO (In2O3:Sn), silver nanowire has poor environmental stability and adhesion, which limits its development. Herein, transition metal carbides and carbonitrides called MXene are inserted between silver nanowires and graphene grown by chemical vapor deposition to improve the conductivity, adhesion, roughness, and stability of the electrode. Nanosheets fill the voids of the network and connect the nanowires with graphene to provide more conductive channels. In addition, due to the solvent evaporation effect and thermal effect in the preparation process, the nanowire junctions are welded together. Based on the unique structure, the proposed composite TCE shows low sheet resistance (18.1 Ω sq−1) and high optical transmittance (88.1% at 550 nm). Furthermore, compared to the reference samples, the composite TCEs demonstrate stable electrical performances under different environmental conditions, including thermal environment, exposures to air for 80 days, and bending for 2000 cycles. Finally, flexible organic solar cells (OSCs) are prepared using the composite TCEs, which show comparable efficiency to that of ITO‐based OSCs. Therefore, the flexible transparent electrodes are expected to be applied in solar cells, organic light‐emitting diodes, and a broader range.
Recent Advances in the Marriage of Catalyst Nanoparticles and Mesoporous Supports
Authors: Zhang Wei , Zhu Kerun , Ren Wenxuan , He Haili , Liang Haichen , Zhai Yunpu , Li Wei
Published: December 2021

The marriage of catalyst nanoparticles and mesoporous supports brings exciting new opportunities in the field of catalysis, which provides the ability to create advanced nanoporous catalysts for a wide range of catalytic processes. It has been found that not only the features of mesoporous supports, such as, surface areas, mesostructures, and pore sizes, are critical for the catalytic performances, but also the unique properties of catalyst nanoparticles, including dispersion, particle size, and loading amount, play critical roles in determining catalytic performance. Those aspects have been discussed partly in previous reviews, but a comprehensive overview on the basic design principles and synthetic methods for the marriage of catalyst nanoparticles and mesoporous supports is still lacking. In this review, the recent progresses in the fabrication of advanced catalysts by incorporation of catalyst nanoparticles into mesoporous supports are summarized. First, the synthetic strategies for the controllable synthesis are reviewed. At the same time, the corresponding chemical‐/physically properties of the resultant supported mesoporous catalysts are highlighted. After that, the catalytic performances of the resultant mesoporous catalysts in the thermal catalysis, photocatalysis, and electrocatalysis are discussed. Moreover, the research challenges and perspectives in this field are assessed.
Largely Improved Breakdown Strength and Discharge Efficiency of Layer‐Structured Nanocomposites by Filling with a Small Loading Fraction of 2D Zirconium Phosphate Nanosheets
Authors: Liang Liang , Shi Zhicheng , Tan Xueling , Sun Shengbiao , Chen Ming , Dastan Davoud , Dong Bohua , Cao Lixin
Published: December 2021

Dielectric film capacitors have aroused considerable attention on account of the fast development of pulsed power systems. However, enhanced energy density is always acquired at the cost of deteriorated charge/discharge efficiency. Herein, well balanced energy density and efficiency are achieved in a series of reasonably designed bilayer composites consisting of a ferroelectric layer and a paraelectric layer at the meantime. It is interesting to find that, when merely 1.6 wt% Zr(HPO4)2 nanosheets are introduced into the ferroelectric layer, a substantially improved energy density of 11.22 J cm−3, which is about 165% that of the bilayer composite without Zr(HPO4)2 nanosheets, is achieved at 650 kV mm−1. Meanwhile, a high charge/discharge efficiency of 89.8% and a low loss tangent of 0.024@10 kHz which is much lower than the pristine ferroelectric polymer layer (0.058@10 kHz) is maintained. Furthermore, finite element simulation reveals that the electric breakdown paths will develop along the macroscopical‐interfaces between adjoining layers and the microcosmic‐interfaces between the Zr(HPO4)2 nanosheets and polymer matrix, which can effectively increase the length of breakdown paths and contribute to improved breakdown strength. This work demonstrates that the Zr(HPO4)2 nanosheets can be promising fillers for other high‐performance dielectric composites.
Direction Controllable Nano‐Patterning of Titanium by Ultrafast Laser for Surface Coloring and Optical Encryption
Authors: Qiao Ming , Yan Jianfeng , Jiang Lan
Published: December 2021

Metasurfaces constructed from subwavelength nanostructures provide a route for surface coloring and optical encryption. Because of the high transmittance and refractive index, titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a candidate for visible metasurfaces, and its nano‐processing is essential for TiO2 metasurfaces. Herein, a direction‐controllable ultrafast laser nano‐patterning approach is reported for writing TiO2 nanostructures on titanium. The writing direction is controlled by adjusting the polarization of incident laser. Due to the localization of pulse energy inside the formed nanostructures, diverse planar patterns with feature sizes smaller than the diffraction limit are written. A strip‐shaped nanostructure with the width of 344 nm, parallel nanostructures with the center‐to‐center distance down to 370 nm, and a “THU” pattern with the height of 790 nm are achieved. Grating TiO2 nanostructures with various periods are fabricated for surface coloring and printing. Based on the anisotropic optical behaviors of grating‐type nanostructures, encrypting information by orthogonal scans is demonstrated as an optical encryption strategy. This nano‐patterning approach opens a route for the fabrication of TiO2 metasurfaces, and provides a new method for surface coloring and optical encryption.
Hierarchically Multivalent Peptide–Nanoparticle Architectures: A Systematic Approach to Engineer Surface Adhesion
Authors: Jeong Woo‐jin , Bu Jiyoon , Jafari Roya , Rehak Pavel , Kubiatowicz Luke J. , Drelich Adam J. , Owen Randall H. , Nair Ashita , Rawding Piper A. , Poellmann Michael J. , Hopkins Caroline M. , Král Petr , Hong Seungpyo
Published: December 2021

The multivalent binding effect has been the subject of extensive studies to modulate adhesion behaviors of various biological and engineered systems. However, precise control over the strong avidity‐based binding remains a significant challenge. Here, a set of engineering strategies are developed and tested to systematically enhance the multivalent binding of peptides in a stepwise manner. Poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimers are employed to increase local peptide densities on a substrate, resulting in hierarchically multivalent architectures (HMAs) that display multivalent dendrimer–peptide conjugates (DPCs) with various configurations. To control binding behaviors, effects of the three major components of the HMAs are investigated: i) poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) linkers as spacers between conjugated peptides; ii) multiple peptides on the DPCs; and iii) various surface arrangements of HMAs (i.e., a mixture of DPCs each containing different peptides vs DPCs cofunctionalized with multiple peptides). The optimized HMA configuration enables significantly enhanced target cell binding with high selectivity compared to the control surfaces directly conjugated with peptides. The engineering approaches presented herein can be applied individually or in combination, providing guidelines for the effective utilization of biomolecular multivalent interactions using DPC‐based HMAs.
A Survey of Chinese Pig Farms and Human Healthcare Isolates Reveals Separate Human and Animal Methicillin‐Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Populations
Authors: Zou Geng , Matuszewska Marta , Jia Ming , Zhou Jianwei , Ba Xiaoliang , Duan Juan , Zhang Caishi , Zhao Jian , Tao Meng , Fan Jingyan , Zhang Xiangming , Jin Wenping , Cui Tianpen , Zeng Xianyu , Jia Min , Qian Xiaojuan , Huang Chao , Zhuo Wenxiao , Yao Zhiming , Zhang Lijun , Li Shaowen , Li Lu , Huang Qi , Wu Bin , Chen Huanchun , Tucker Alexander W. , Grant Andrew J. , Holmes Mark A. , Zhou Rui
Published: December 2021

There has been increasing concern that the overuse of antibiotics in livestock farming is contributing to the burden of antimicrobial resistance in people. Farmed animals in Europe and North America, particularly pigs, provide a reservoir for livestock‐associated methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (LA‐MRSA ST398 lineage) found in people. This study is designed to investigate the contribution of MRSA from Chinese pig farms to human infection. A collection of 483 MRSA are isolated from 55 farms and 4 hospitals in central China, a high pig farming density area. CC9 MRSA accounts for 97.2% of all farm isolates, but is not present in hospital isolates. ST398 isolates are found on farms and hospitals, but none of them formed part of the “LA‐MRSA ST398 lineage” present in Europe and North America. The hospital ST398 MRSA isolate form a clade that is clearly separate from the farm ST398 isolates. Despite the presence of high levels of MRSA found on Chinese pig farms, the authors find no evidence of them spilling over to the human population. Nevertheless, the ST398 MRSA obtained from hospitals appear to be part of a widely distributed lineage in China. The new animal‐adapted ST398 lineage that has emerged in China is of concern.
Coupling Water‐Proof Li Anodes with LiOH‐Based Cathodes Enables Highly Rechargeable Lithium–Air Batteries Operating in Ambient Air
Authors: Lei Jiang , Gao Zongyan , Tang Linbin , Zhong Li , Li Junjian , Zhang Yue , Liu Tao
Published: December 2021

Realizing an energy‐dense, highly rechargeable nonaqueous lithium–oxygen battery in ambient air remains a big challenge because the active materials of the typical high‐capacity cathode (Li2O2) and anode (Li metal) are unstable in air. Herein, a novel lithium–oxygen full cell coupling a lithium anode protected by a composite layer of polyethylene oxide (PEO)/lithium aluminum titanium phosphate (LATP)/wax to a LiOH‐based cathode is constructed. The protected lithium is stable in air and water, and permits reversible, dendrite‐free lithium stripping/plating in a wet nonaqueous electrolyte under ambient air. The LiOH‐based full cell reaction is immune to moisture (up to 99% humidity) in air and exhibits a much better resistance to CO2 contamination than Li2O2, resulting in a more consistent electrochemistry in the long term. The current approach of coupling a protected lithium anode with a LiOH‐based cathode holds promise for developing a long‐life, high‐energy lithium–air battery capable of operating in the ambient atmosphere.
Nanorepairers Rescue Inflammation‐Induced Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Zhai Qiming , Chen Xin , Fei Dongdong , Guo Xiaoyan , He Xiaoning , Zhao Wanmin , Shi Songtao , Gooding John Justin , Jin Fang , Jin Yan , Li Bei
Published: December 2021

Mitochondrial dysfunction in tissue‐specific mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) plays a critical role in cell fate and the morbidity of chronic inflammation‐associated bone diseases, such as periodontitis and osteoarthritis. However, there is still no effective method to cure chronic inflammation‐associated bone diseases by physiologically restoring the function of mitochondria and MSCs. Herein, it is first found that chronic inflammation leads to excess Ca2+ transfer from the endoplasmic reticulum to mitochondria, which causes mitochondrial calcium overload and further damage to mitochondria. Furthermore, damaged mitochondria continuously accumulate in MSCs due to the inhibition of mitophagy by activating the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway under chronic inflammatory conditions, impairing the differentiation of MSCs. Based on the mechanistic discovery, intracellular microenvironment (esterase and low pH)‐responsive nanoparticles are fabricated to capture Ca2+ around mitochondria in MSCs to regulate MSC mitochondrial calcium flux against mitochondrial dysfunction. Furthermore, the same nanoparticles are able to deliver siRNA to MSCs to inhibit the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway and regulate mitophagy of the originally dysfunctional mitochondria. These precision‐engineered nanoparticles, referred to as “nanorepairers,” physiologically restore the function of mitochondria and MSCs, resulting in effective therapy for periodontitis and osteoarthritis. The concept can potentially be expanded to the treatment of other diseases via mitochondrial quality control intervention.
High Performance Sodium Ion Anodes Based on Sn4P3 Encapsulated within Amphiphilic Graphene Tubes
Authors: Tan Xinyi , Mo Runwei , Xu Jinhui , Li Xinru , Yin Qingyang , Shen Li , Lu Yunfeng
Published: December 2021

High‐performance sodium‐ion anode composites are synthesized through confined growth Sn4P3 nanoparticles within amphiphilic graphene tubes, which provide mechanical robustness, the ability to confine Sn4P3 particles with their highly conductive frameworks, and the capability to accommodate the volume change of the particles during cycling. This unique structure endows a sodium‐ion anode with high reversible capacity (821 mA h g−1), excellent rate capability (326 mA h g−1 at 20 A g−1), and cycling stability (>90% reversible capacity retention after 500 cycles). This strategy can be extended to other conversion‐ and alloying‐type materials that experience dramatic volume change during charging and discharging.
A Visual Feedback Supported Intelligent Assistive Technique for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Patients
Authors: Wang Zihao , Zhang Aojie , Xia Xinyue , Zhang Sizhe , Li Haitao , Wang Jiaqi , Gao Shuo
Published: December 2021

Among diverse intelligent assistive systems developed for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients, headwear eye tracking based ones trigger broad interests due to their merits such as noninvasive, cost effective, and high operation freedom. However, with headwear eye trackers, patients are easy to feel tired during human–machine interactivities (HMIs), and the operation accuracy is not satisfied compared with its counterparts. To address these two issues, herein, a visual feedback technique is developed which allows users to recognize machine's vision by positioning a laser spot to the user watched object, according to the location information interpreted from user's eye movement. Through the visual feedback technique, users not only obtain real‐time feedback, but also can fine‐tune the laser spot to the desired location before performing further operations. Experimental results demonstrate that the presented work can successfully reduce user's fatigue and boost operation accuracy by 25.1% and 27.6%, respectively, therefore, advancing the field of intelligent assistive technologies.
A Capacitive and Piezoresistive Hybrid Sensor for Long‐Distance Proximity and Wide‐Range Force Detection in Human–Robot Collaboration
Authors: Ge Chuanyang , Wang Zhenlong , Liu Zhe , Wu Tianhao , Wang Shuai , Ren Xuanyu , Chen Diansheng , Zhao Jie , Hu PingAn , Zhang Jia
Published: December 2021

Safety is a core concern in human–robot collaboration (HRC), which highly relies on multi‐information collected from its environment by various sensors. Current passive solution is to isolate the robot from human by fences or cages, which is invalid for a real collaborative robot, especially for the domestic and rehabilitation robots. Herein, a capacitive and piezoresistive hybrid sensor for long‐distance proximity and wide‐range force detection in HRC is reported. The sensor composes a pair of interdigital copper foil worked as the electrode for both coplanar capacitors and resistors, while a carbon black in polymer matrix works as the piezoresistive material. As‐prepared hybrid sensor can detect the object approaching as far as 100 mm, while a contact force covers from 0 to 450 N. The maximum sensitivity is 0.65 mm−1 for object proximity, and 17.73 N−1 for contact force. Significantly, the proposed hybrid sensor is feasible and scalable integration for the electronic‐skins (e‐skins) with superior stability, mechanical flexibility and deformability, which can withstand large compression, bending and torsion in applications. Finally, the e‐skins are used for safety control in two types of commercial robots, which exhibits the long‐distance proximity and large‐range force detection capabilities, illustrating its potential usage in complex, precise, and safe requirement conditions.
Further delineation of phenotypic spectrum of SCN2A‐related disorder
Authors: Richardson Ruth , Baralle Diana , Bennett Christopher , Briggs Tracy , Bijlsma Emilia K. , Clayton‐Smith Jill , Constantinou Panayiotis , Foulds Nicola , Jarvis Joanna , Jewell Rosalyn , Johnson Diana S. , McEntagart Meriel , Parker Michael J. , Radley Jessica A. , Robertson Lisa , Ruivenkamp Claudia , Rutten Julie W. , Tellez James , Turnpenny Peter D. , Wilson Valerie , Wright Michael , Balasubramanian Meena
Published: December 2021

SCN2A‐related disorders include intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, seizures, episodic ataxia, and schizophrenia. In this study, the phenotype–genotype association in SCN2A‐related disorders was further delineated by collecting detailed clinical and molecular characteristics. Using previously proposed genotype–phenotype hypotheses based on variant function and position, the potential of phenotype prediction from the variants found was examined. Patients were identified through the Deciphering Developmental Disorders study and gene matching strategies. Phenotypic information and variant interpretation evidence were collated. Seventeen previously unreported patients and five patients who had been previously reported (but with minimal phenotypic and segregation data) were included (10 males, 12 females; median age 10.5 years). All patients had developmental delays and the majority had intellectual disabilities. Seizures were reported in 15 of 22 (68.2%), four of 22 (18.2%) had autism spectrum disorder and no patients were reported with episodic ataxia. The majority of variants were de novo. One family had presumed gonadal mosaicism. The correlation of the use of sodium channel‐blocking antiepileptic drugs with phenotype or genotype was variable. These data suggest that variant type and position alone can provide some predictive information about the phenotype in a proportion of cases, but more precise assessment of variant function is needed for meaningful phenotype prediction.